The New Nation - Internet Edition

City polls schedule in March: Constitution does not permit ban on religion-based political parties, says CEC, EC may sponsor electioneering to cut campaign cost

ATM Shamsul Huda

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission (EC) will announce schedule of elections to four city corporations next month and request the government to relax the state of emergency in this cities during the polls.

Disclosing this during the dialogue with three political parties, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda said the banning of pro-Islamic parties was not possible due to constitutional compulsion.

The EC held dialogue with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Rab), Jatiya Party (JP-Manju) and Ganatantri Party on electoral reforms.

The CEC termed the war criminals and religion-based politics parties very important and sensitive issues and said the EC cannot do anything that contravenes the Constitution and existing laws.

"Election Commission is not a forum to decide whether to keep out or not a political party having name of religion of the polls," he said advising leaders, who were pressuring for banning religion-based political partied to move to court of law to decide on the issue.

"Why you the like-minded persons do not file a writ in the High Court in this regard. No one will have anything to say if the court gives a reference," he said.

The CEC said the Commission is pondering over a suggestion from political parties to sponsor election campaign for them to cut campaign cost.

He said the Commission might try it experimentally on the eve of the City Corporation elections. "If it is successful, then we will think of it for the parliamentary elections as well," he said.

Elaborating the EC's position on banning political parties based on religion, Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Shakhawat Hossain said there is no democratic country in the world without a religion - based political party.

"Narendra Modi could not have become the Chief Minister of Gujrat or Lal Krishna Advani the Deputy Prime Minister of India if democracy did not allow religious political parties," he said adding, there are political parties like that of Christian Democratic Party in most of the countries in Europe.

Shakhawat Hossain said he felt hurt whenever it is being said about religion-based politics, as the matter is very sensitive.

The three political parties supported the EC-announced election roadmap. JP (Manju) and Gantantri Party made an identical demand for the EC to announce a specific date for the polls and JP asked for lifting the ban on indoor politics outside Dhaka.

Responding to the JP and Gantantri Party, the CEC said the EC will announce the date, but it will take some time.

Ganatantri Party President M Nurul Islam, however, said they did not speak against religion rather they spoke only about those who are doing business in the name of religion, committed war crimes, raped women, plundered and assisted the Pakistanis.

Later, Nurul Islam told reporters that there is practice of religion-based politics in different countries of the world and many crimes and killings are also being committed based on that.

Election Commissioner M Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, among others, were present at the dialogue.

US Trade Show-2008 begins: Implementation of poll roadmap vital to boost investment: Geeta Pasi

Geeta Pasi

Staff Reporter

US Charge D' Affaires Geeta Pasi said, the proper implementation of election roadmap is vital to boost confidence among foreign and local investors.

According to her, the future of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh largely depends upon the present Government and their commitment to return to effective democracy through a free and fair national election this year.

Moreover, a long-term decline in corruption will help to maintain that confidence, but only if the campaign is carried out in a fair and transparent manner, she added while addressing the opening ceremony of the U.S. Trade Show-2008 kicks off yesterday at a local hotel in the capital.

CA' Special Assistant for Industry Ministry Mahbub Jamil and AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.

The US envoy said while Bangladesh is in a state of emergency, it is important that fundamental human rights are not ignored, including the rights of workers.

She said the caretaker government has taken up an ambitious agenda and has faced some difficult challenges. Much of what the government is trying to achieve is critical to the long-term economic health of the economy.

Pasi also said, the government needs to continue its efforts in a variety of areas, including preparing for the elections, tackling corruption, and safeguarding basic human rights.

"These efforts are essential to boost business confidence in Bangladesh, and require the support and participation of the business community," she said, adding American companies and their Bangladeshi partners have a vested interest in the political and economic developments unfolding in this country.

Pasi said trade links are an essential part of U.S- Bangladesh bilateral relationship. The U.S. Embassy is committed to facilitating these links to foster the success of businesses in Bangladesh.

The US envoy said economic links and growth at all levels of society is the engine of change that gives people the power to improve their lives. The trade show, co-sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh and the U. S. Embassy, is an expression of the shared interest and commitment.

Pasi said the wide range of industries represented by the exhibitors reflects the breadth and depth of U.S. and Bangladeshi commercial interaction. She said in areas such as energy production, industrial equipment, banking, research, medical services, education, and relief organisations, the partnership of U.S. and Bangladeshi companies is vital to the economic advancement of this country.

She expressed satisfaction at the commitment of these companies to innovation, fairness, and excellent customer service and shared their belief in the enormous, long-term economic potential of Bangladesh. A growing number of American business executives are aware of Bangladesh and the enormous potential here, she concluded.

MIG-29 scam case: Hasina not produced before court for security concern

Staff Reporter

Dhaka Divisional Special Judge Golam Mortoza yesterday postponed the charge hearing of the Mig-29 scam case against detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her co-accused till March 13 following a time petition by their lawyers.

The defence lawyers moved the petition, as the jail authorities could not produce her in the Court on security ground. However, all her co-accused were appeared before the Court.

Judge of the Dhaka Divisional Special Judge's Court, located in old town area in the capital, after hearing the petition, fixed March 13 the next date for hearing asked all the accused to appear before the Court on that day.

The defence counsels, in their time petition, argued that a writ petition seeking for quashing the case was being filed with the High Court in 2003, which was rejected on September 6, 2007.

"Against that order, we have filed leave-to-appeal petition with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, upon which the highest Court has ordered for filing regular appeal for which 20 days time is necessary," the defence counsel told the Court.

Chief Public Prosecutor Advocate Shahiduzzaman did not oppose the plea.

Public Prosecutor (PP) Nurul Islam Talkder told journalists after the Court's sitting that they have requested the government to shift the Dhaka Divisional Special Judge's Court to the vicinity of Parliament building for trial on security ground since former Prime Minister is involved in the case.

The PP expressed the hope that the Court would be shifted accordingly by the next date of hearing on March 13.

The other accused in the case are-Air Commodore (retd) Mirza Akhter Faroque, former Air Chief Air Marshal Jamal Uddin Ahmed, former Joint Secretary Mohammad Hossain Serniabat, businessman Noor Ali, Syed Yousuf Hossain and ex-Army Chief General (retd) Mustafizur Rahman.

Tension mounts in DU over quota: Rival student groups on collision course

Chhatra League activists brought out a stick
procession on Dhaka University campus yesterday in protest
against what they said conspiracy to destabilise the campus
situation in the name of movement against the quota system
in BCS examination. Banglar Cho

DU Correspondent

The striking students of Dhaka University have postponed their agitation programmes that they called to press home the demand for rationalisation of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) quota system as the Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed assured to consider the demand.

After meeting Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, DU Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz yesterday informed the agitated students about the assurance. After that the students announced the postponement of their agitation till March 15.

The students called the three-day strike in all public universities and university colleges on Feb 25 to press home the demand. However, all examinations were out of the purview of the programme.

No classes were held at the Dhaka University on the second day of the three-day strike yesterday.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) brought a stick procession to protest against the strike triggering tensions on the campus. The BCL alleged that the Islami Chhatra Shibir in the name of quota movement wants to destabilise the campus by calling strike and hampering the congenial atmosphere of the University.

Currently in the BCS examination system, total 55 percent of appointment is made under four quotas including freedom fighters quota (30 percent), women quota and district quota (10 per cent each) and indigenous quota (five percent).

Bazlur Rahman laid to rest with state honour

Bazlur Rahman

Awami League Presidium Member Matia Chowdhury paying
last respect to her husband Bazlur Rahman at the Central
Shaheed Minar in the city on Wednesday. NN photo

BSS, Dhaka

Eminent Journalist and Editor of Daily Sangbad Bazlur Rahman was laid to rest at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard here yesterday with state honour. Rahman suffered a cardiac arrest Tuesday night and succumbed at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital in the city at the age of 67.

His death sent a wave of shock across the political and social arena including the culture and the media. Admirers, friends and colleagues rushed to the hospital to have a glimpse of the down-to-earth journalist who served the media for over five decades.

The body of Rahman was taken to Baneshwardi under Nakala upazila of Sherpur district yesterday, where a large number of people crowded at his village home and attended his namaj-e- janaza as well.

Later, the body was brought to Dhaka at daily 'Sangbad' office. The second namaz-e-zanaza was held at Ramna Apartment Complex in the city where his neighbours paid their last respect.

As the body reached the Sangbad office, a heart-piercing situation was created among long time colleagues, journalists and other employees.

Many colleagues out of sadness started weeping. Members of the 'Sangbad Family' paid their homage to the late editor and placed floral wreath at his coffin.

In the afternoon, the body of Bazlur Rahman was brought to Jatiya Press Club (JPC). Leaders of different political, social and cultural organisations paid their tributes to him.

The third namaz-e-janaza of Rahman was held at JPC premises. Political leaders, editors, journalists, former ministers, advisers and lots of admirers attended the janaza.

They include-acting president of Awami League (AL) Zillur Rahman, BNP chairperson nominated secretary general Khandakar Delwar Hossain, AL presidium members Amir Hossain Amu, Abdur Razzak and Tofail Ahmed, former Speaker Advocate Abdul Hamid, BNP leader MK Anwar and Mushfiqur Rahman, former adviser of the caretaker government M Hafiz Uddin Khan, former UNESCAP Division Chief Dr Rezaul Karim, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Moniruzzaman Miah, Chairman of PSC Dr Sa'dat Hossain, noted lawyer Barrister Rafiqul Haque, Chief Editor of BSS Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, editor of the News Today Reazuddin Ahmed, elderly journalist ABM Musa, advisory editor of the Daily Janakantha Toab Khan, editor of the daily Jugantar Golam Sarwar, advisory Editor of the daily Amar Desh Ataus Samad and JPC President Shawkat Mahmud.

Leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) in separate messages condoled the death of Bazlur Rahman. They paid rich tributes and recalled with deep gratitude his contributions to the profession of journalism.

BFUJ Presidents Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul and Mozammel Haq, secretary generals Abdul Jalil Bhuyian and Ruhul Amin Gazi , DUJ President Altaf Mahmud and Azizul Haq Banna, General secretaries Omar Faruque and Sardar Farid Ahmed condoled the death.

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Alamgir Hossain and general secretary Elias Khan also condoled the death of Rahman.

Qulkhwani

Qulkhwani of eminent journalist and Editor of the Daily Sangbad will be held after Asr prayers on Friday at his residence at I-2 Ramna Apartment Complex at Bara Magbazar in the city.

Relatives, friends, well-wishers and colleagues of Bazlur Rahman have been requested to attend the qul.

Executive Editor of the Daily Sangbad Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said a memorial meeting will be held at Jatiya Press Club at 3PM on Saturday.

Besides, a citizen's condolence meeting will also be held at Central Shaheed Minar at 4 PM on March 3.

Hillary’s frantic bid to regain momentum

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama shaking hands prior
to debate -the 20th for Democrats- Tuesday night.

Agencies

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton confronted Senator Barack Obama on health care, Nafta, Iraq and his political tactics on Tuesday night in one of her most pugnacious debate performances of the campaign, as she fought for fresh momentum before four potentially decisive nominating contests next Tuesday.

Obama, pursuing a front-runner's strategy of nonconfrontation after winning 11 straight contests, mostly defended his positions and views, though he said he and his team had not "whined" about the Clinton camp's attacks on him. Sitting a couple of feet from Mrs. Clinton at a circular table, he appeared to listen intently to her attacks before responding in even tones.

The debate - the 20th for Democrats - was the final one before the March 4 contests in Ohio and Texas, states that the Clinton camp has labeled as must-win if she is to keep her campaign alive.

Questions about which approach Mrs. Clinton would take to sway voters were quickly answered as she immediately confronted Obama, and she was relentless throughout the meeting. She insisted on responding to virtually every point that he made - often interrupting the debate moderators, Brian Williams and Tim Russert of NBC, as they tried to move on.

At the same time, it was one of the most detailed and specific of all the debates, with both Mrs. Clinton and Obama giving long explanations of their records and views.

Unlike their debate last Thursday, a more cordial affair that ended with Mrs. Clinton saying she was "honored" to share the stage with Obama, this exchange had a belligerent edge. Mrs. Clinton did not nod along as Obama made standard Democratic points, as she has been known to do. She was more apt to call him "Senator Obama" than the friendlier "Barack." She did not smile at him.

At one point, after the moderators asked her a series of pointed questions, Mrs. Clinton even vented her long-simmering frustrations with news coverage of Obama, citing a "Saturday Night Live" sketch from last weekend that portrayed debate moderators as fawning fans of Obama.

"Can I just point out that in the last several debates, I seem to get the first question all the time?" Mrs. Clinton said, to a mix of boos and applause. "I do find it curious, and if anybody saw 'Saturday Night Live,' you know, maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow."

(In fact, in their two other one-on-one debates, Mrs. Clinton was asked to answer the first question and then was asked more questions over all.)

The tenor of the debate was set from the beginning, when the moderators played clips of Mrs. Clinton praising Obama at the debate last Thursday and then declaring "Shame on you, Barack Obama" on Saturday, after his campaign sent fliers to voters in Ohio suggesting that she viewed the North American Free Trade Agreement as a boon.

Nafta is hugely unpopular in Ohio, and the two candidates have records of both praising and criticizing it, though Mrs. Clinton never used the word "boon." In some of her strongest language to date, she said at the debate that she would "opt out" of the trade pact if Canada and Mexico did not renegotiate it.

Saying Obama had sent out mailings that were "very disturbing to me," Mrs. Clinton defended her newly aggressive tone - a posture that advisers have encouraged in recent days as she faces increasingly tighter races in both Ohio and Texas. (Rhode Island and Vermont also vote Tuesday.) "I think it's important that you stand up for yourself," Mrs. Clinton said about her broadsides against Obama.

Obama denied misleading voters through the Nafta flier or another one about her health care plan's mandate that would require all Americans to buy insurance.

Mrs. Clinton criticized the health care flier, taking a strong swipe at Obama.

"What I find regrettable is that in Senator Obama's mailing that he has sent out across Ohio," she said "it is almost as though the health insurance companies and the Republicans wrote it."

Obama responded energetically to the accusation, and for 16 minutes they engaged in a terse back-and-forth over the now-familiar specifics of their health plans.

Their respective plans are quite similar; they both seek to make health insurance more affordable, and both have universal coverage as their goal. But the Clinton campaign has argued that 15 million Americans would go uncovered under Obama's plan, a number that relies on estimates by health care experts but is difficult to pin down depending on how a plan is devised.

"Senator Clinton, her campaign at least, has constantly sent out negative attacks on us," Obama said. "We haven't whined about it."

As Mrs. Clinton attacked, she also sought to appeal to Democratic primary voters by placing herself in a pantheon of party leaders who fought for blue-collar and working-class Americans, two groups whose votes she is relying on next Tuesday.

Defending her support for a health insurance mandate, she said that, without one, "it would be as though Franklin Roosevelt said let's make Social Security voluntary" or "if President Johnson said let's make Medicare voluntary."

Mrs. Clinton stared steadily at Obama with pursed lips and a furrowed brow - sometimes shaking her head energetically or issuing withering looks - as he answered questions. She spoke forcefully at every turn, as she did while arguing that she was the strongest Democrat to face the presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona.

"I will have a much better case to make on a range of the issues that, really, America must confront going forward," Mrs. Clinton said, "and will be able to hold my own and make the case for a change in policy that will be better for our country."

Mr. Obama rested his chin on his hands and smiled as Mrs. Clinton criticized him on his experience in foreign policy and said their views on Iraq had been virtually identical in the Senate. When she finished speaking, Mr. Obama began a stern criticism of her record on Iraq and her own judgment calls.

"Senator Clinton often says that she is ready on Day 1, but in fact she was ready to give in to George Bush on Day 1 on this critical issue," Mr. Obama said about the Iraq war. "So the same person that she criticizes for having terrible judgment - and we can't afford to have another one of those - in fact she facilitated and enabled this individual to make a decision that has been strategically damaging to the United States of America."

The first half-hour of the debate, which was held at Cleveland State University and broadcast by MSNBC and Ohio networks, focused heavily on tactics, with Mrs. Clinton on the defensive. For instance, she said she did not believe that her campaign was responsible for distributing a photograph of Mr. Obama wearing a robe and a white turban in a 2006 trip to Africa. The image surfaced Monday on The Drudge Report.

"I certainly know nothing about it," Mrs. Clinton said. "That's not the kind of behavior that I condone."

The two candidates prepared intensively in private for the debate. Mrs. Clinton spent time off the trail Monday prepping in Washington, and Mr. Obama held only one public event Tuesday - an endorsement event with Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, one of the original eight Democrats who sought their party's nomination this year and the first to endorse a former rival.

While Mr. Dodd did not explicitly ask Mrs. Clinton to drop out of the race, he said he did not want the campaign to become "divisive," adding, "Now is the hour to come together."

As the debate drew to a close, Obama was asked whether he would reject the support of Louis Farrakhan, the longtime leader of the Nation of Islam, who announced last weekend that he would back Obama's presidential bid.

"I obviously can't censor him," Obama said. "It is not support that I sought."

Asked why he had taken steps to back away from his pledge to accept public financing in a general election, Obama said he had yet to make up his mind and would sit down with Mr. McCain "to make sure we have a system that is fair for both sides."

Yet he left open the door to not taking public financing, a departure from a statement he made a year ago.

Asked about a $5 million loan Mrs. Clinton made to her campaign in late January to keep it afloat, she dismissed suggestions that outside groups - or foreign concerns that have paid her husband for speeches - were financing her campaign.

"The American people who support me are bankrolling my campaign - that's obvious," Mrs. Clinton said, adding that she intended to release her tax returns at some point.

Asked if she would do it before the contests on Tuesday, she demurred, "I'm a little busy right now."

The debate closed with a far less contentious air than it began with. When the 90-minute clock rang, Obama reached over and offered the first handshake, which Mrs. Clinton heartily accepted.

Jalil critically ill

Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil

Staff Reporter

Detained Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil, now undergoing treatment at LabAid Hospital in the capital, is critically ill, his doctors said yesterday.

"Abdul Jalil's bio-chemical tests suggest he is critically ill as his kidney is not functioning properly. He needed to be shifted at a hospital in a developed country for kidney transplant. Otherwise,

his kidney will totally collapse," Prof Dr Matiur Rahman told journalists last afternoon.

The doctor said Jalil could not see anything by an eye, while his other eye was affected by cataract that would eventually damage his sight totally.

"Jalil wants to go to Singapore, where he was treated earlier, for kidney transplant, which cannot be done here in Bangladesh," Prof Matiur added.

Family sources said Jalil's wife would apply to the higher authorities of the Government within a day or two to send him abroad on parole for treatment at own cost.

Govt borrowing to exceed estimation, says Aziz

Staff Reporter

The government borrowing from the banking system would rise to some extent than was estimated to finance the widening budget deficit in the current fiscal year.

"The extent of enhanced borrowing is not yet finalised," Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday told reporters emerging from a high-powered meeting at the Planning Ministry.

The budget for fiscal 2007-08 estimated bank borrowing to the tune of Tk 7,253 crore, but the government already borrowed Tk 7,950 crore as of February 19, according to Bangladesh Bank figures.

"Overall domestic borrowing will not increase too much as sale of national savings certificates has declined," said the Adviser, who chaired the meeting of the Coordination Council on Fiscal, Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies.

The budget for 2007-08 estimated total domestic borrowing of Tk 19,276 crore, including the bank borrowing, and foreign borrowing Tk 6,305 crore to finance an estimated deficit of 4.2 per cent of GDP.

Dr Aziz said the meeting discussed issues of budget deficit, revenue collection and revised size of Annual Development Programme (ADP) to prepare the next budget for the next fiscal year (2008-09).

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Secretary Dr Mohammed Tareq, ERD Secretary Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Planning

Secretary Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury and NBR Chairman Mohammed Abdul Mazid were present at the meeting.

Replying to a question, the Finance Adviser said the borrowing from the banking system is unlikely to affect inflation too much as the money market has surplus liquidity.

He told another questioner that foreign assistance has increased simultaneously with revenue collection to help finance the deficit against a planned ADP cut to a range between Tk 22,500 crore and Tk 23,000 crore from original allocation of Tk 26,500 crore.

"Even the bank borrowing will increase to some extent to finance the deficit," he said.

The revenue collection, he added, would increase by 24-25 per cent at the end of the current fiscal year from Tk 37,479 crore in the previous fiscal.

Meanwhile, the revenue collection has increased by 25 per cent to Tk 23,483 crore during the first half of the current fiscal year from 18,845 crore in the same period last fiscal.

"Improved collection system has helped increase the revenue," the Adviser said.

Bibiyana, Sirajganj power plant : Monopolistic cartel scares bidders

Staff Reporter

The move to set up two large power plants at Bibiyana and Sirajganj on top priority basis is likely to go awry as some pre-qualified bidders formed a monopolistic consortium for bidding, while others are showing little interest in the projects due to Power Cell's policies.

Malaysia-based Powertek Company has joined hands with Korean Kepco and Siemens Project Ventures and has already informed the Power Cell of the Energy and Power Ministry of their intention to participate in the bid as a consortium.

Sources in the industry said as a result of this new move by the Malaysian company, there would be virtually no competitiveness in the bidding for the two large power plants, up to 450 Megawatt each, being planned to meet the fast growing demand for electricity across the country.

The country has now a total capacity of producing nearly 4,000 MW, but the demand for electricity is growing fast taking into consideration its burgeoning industrial sector, electricity needs for irrigation and expanding urban construction sector.

AES, which had earlier set up two large power plants with the aggregate capacity of 450 MW at Meghnaghat and 360 MW at Haripur, appears to have lost interest on bidding for Bibiyana and Sirajganj, sources indicated citing that the AES team did not even visit the Bibiyana site before leaving the country recently.

The situation with regard to the two proposed power plants at Bibiyana and Sirajganj may further become complex and troublesome as another potential bidder, which was declared unqualified for bidding on 'flimsy grounds', is contemplating to take their case to court, energy experts added.

Such litigation, observers feared, might delay the implementation of the two projects, which usually takes two to three years to put in place a large land-based power plant.

The said potential bidder, Summit Industrial and Mercantile Corporation (SIMC) in partnership with GE Llc had applied for pre-qualification but was made unqualified citing some minor shortcomings in its application.

The Summit Power has requested the Power Cell to review its decision and make the company qualified for bidding for the proposed power plants on the basis of its latest submitted papers.

Industry observers said Summit has a proven track record, having put in place on a fast-track basis the first barge-mounted power plant and a number of other smaller generation units across the country totaling 230 MW.

Mainul condoles Bazlur Rahman’s death

Staff Reporter

Former Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday expressed deep shock at the sudden death of veteran journalist in the country's print media and editor of The Dainik Sangbad Bazlur Rahman.

In a condolence message, he said the nation has lost a politically conscious and honest journalist in his death.

I am deeply shocked at the death of a journalist who was dedicated to his profession, sympathised to common people, respectful to logic and affectionate to children and youths, Barrister Mainul Hosein said.

Barrister Mainul Hosein expressed his profound sympathy to the family members and relatives of late Bazlur Rahman and prayed for salvation of his departed soul.

People from all walks of the society also have expressed their sorrow at the death of veteran journalist and freedom fighter Bazlur Rahman. They said the nation lost a patriot following the death of Bazlur Rahman. They prayed for the eternal peace of his soul and expressed sympathy to his family.

Organisations which expressed condolences are Transparency International Bangladesh, Bangladesh Peace Council, Bangladesh Young Journalists Forum, Society for International Development, Court Reporters Association, Proshika, Bangladesh Nationalists Party, Bangladesh Polytechnic Teachers Assocoation, Karmojibi Nari, National Press Club, Greater Mymensingh Cultural Forum, Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights, Bangladesh Council of Editors and Theatre.

Lawyers forum concerned over stalled bar polls

Staff Reporter

Sammilita Ainjibi Samannoy Parisad (SASP) yesterday expressed concern, as elections to different district bars, including the one in Dhaka, were being stalled due to the Emergency Power Rules (EPR) and termed the government action as unfortunate.

Reviewing the situation at an emergency meeting, the SASP urged the government to reconsider its stand, but EC and police commissioner did not accept their prayer, said one of the members of SASP.

Presided over by SASP convenor Barrister M Amir-Ul Islam, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Advocates Shafique Ahmed, Abdul Baset Majumder, Mahbubey Alam, Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Shahara Khatun, Subrata Chowdhury, AFM Mesbahuddin, Nurul Islam Sujan, M Enayetur Rahim, AM Amin Uddin, Mahbub Ali and Ruhul Quddus Babu.

Final Hearing on Khaleda's writ begins

Staff Reporter

A High Court Division bench comprising Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Mamnoon Rahman yesterday began the final hearing on a writ petition filed by detained BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia challenging the validity of the Election Commission's letter inviting the reformist faction of her party for dialogue on electoral reforms.

Begum Zia filed the petition on November 18, 2007 seeking a stay order on the operation of the Election Commission's (EC's) letter (dated November 5, 2007) to Acting BNP (reformist) Secretary General to Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed to participate in the dialogue, instead of party Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain, who was appointed by her.

Responding to her writ, the High Court on November 18 last year had stayed the operation of the EC letter to Maj (retd) Hafiz.

The Court also issued a rule upon the EC, the Acting Secretary General and six members of the BNP Standing Committee, who were present at the October 29 meeting and the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government to explain why the impugned letter 'should not be declared illegal'.

The High Court orders eventually stalled the EC's dialogue with the BNP till the disposal of the writ petition. Since the BNP leadership depends on the decision of the High Court ruling, the EC could not complete its dialogue schedule with the political parties on electoral reforms

On the first day of the final hearing in the High Court yesterday, chief counsel of Begum Zia, also a former Prime Minister, Senior Advocate TH Khan and Chief counsel of the EC Senior Advocate Dr Kamal Hossain made submission defending their respective clients.

TH Khan submitted that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) played a "dubious" role during sending invitation to Maj Hafiz, who was appointed Acting Secretary General in the name of BNP Standing Committee on October 29 last year, when there was no valid meeting, ignoring party Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain appointed by BNP Chairperson according to its constitution.

"There was no meeting of the Standing Committee on October 29 since the detained BNP Chairperson, who is the only authority to convene such a meeting as per the party constitution, did not call a meeting. And as such, nobody could claim himself to be appointed by the Standing Committee to a post without a meeting," he argued, adding, "The Election Commission thus illegally interfered in the organisational matters by sending the invitation letter to Maj Hafiz."

Terming CEC DR ATM Shamsul Huda partisan, TH Khan questioned his reasoning about 'Doctrine of Necessity' in sending the invitation letter to the Saifur-Hafiz group of BNP.

He said this theory could only be applied in case of emergency situation of the State, but "nothing such happened in this case".

The four respondents out of six of this case have already filed their affidavit in a court that revealed that on October 29 no formal meeting of the standing committee was held. It was merely a tea party hosted by M Saifur Rahman at his Gulshan residence, he added.

TH Khan said following the affidavits of the four standing- committee members everything is clear about BNP leadership.

Dr Kamal Hossain, the chief counsel for the Chief Election Commissioner in the case, said it is not right to bring a matter of party leadership in the Court of law. The conflict should be resolved through discussions.

"Since the matter is now before the Court, the court will take a decision," he added.

The High Court Dvision bench adjourned the hearing till next Monday after hearing both the sides.