The New Nation - Internet Edition

RAKUB disburses Tk 167.18 cr poverty alleviation loans in N districts

BSS, Rajshahi

Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) has disbursed a loan of Taka 167.18 crore for implementation of 11 poverty alleviation credit programmes in different northern districts till December last.

According to RAKUB sources, the amount of recovered loan has stood at Taka 118.69 crore during the same time. The projects were benefiting some 1,60,098 marginal, small and poor farmers and unemployed and distressed people through involving them in various income-generating activities.

Each of the 93,649 beneficiaries was extended a mortgage- free maximum loan of Taka 10,000 under the 'self-reliance (Swanirvor) credit programme' for the purposes of agro-products processing, horticulture, forestation, fish culture and animal husbandry in 110 Unions under nine districts.

Without any mortgage, the 'RAKUB self-help credit programme' is being operated in all the northern districts excepting Kurigram, through which the beneficiaries were being provided maximum credit of Taka 15,000 each for the purposes of crop production, poultry farms, small business and rural transportation. Taka 32.64 crore was disbursed among 6965 target people.

The bank is operating 'crop storage credit programme' through its 16 branches in eight districts. The creditors were enjoying loan facilities for crop storage during the harvesting season. Some 7840 beneficiaries received around Taka 4.73 crore as loan under the programme.

In order to make the disabled people self-reliant through involving them in various income-generating activities, a special credit programme is being executed throughout the northern region. Each of the beneficiaries was being provided a mortgage-free maximum loan of Taka 50,000. The programme has so far brought 751 disabled persons disbursing a total of Taka 92 lakh. 'Poverty alleviation through enhancing goat production' is being implemented in all the northern districts aimed at creating employment opportunities for the marginal, medium and small farmers and unemployed young men and women, enhancing supply of protein foods and earning foreign currencies through accelerating export. A total of 13412 goat-farmers got loans of Taka 22.40 crore.

RAKUB is implementing 'zero-poverty special credit programme' through its 64 branches in Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts. The programme disbursed total loans of Taka 6.04 crore among 12,806 distressed people. It has also been implementing another programme styled 'crop intensive through marginal and small farm system', through which Taka 34.67 crore was disbursed among 2065 beneficiaries.

Call to implement Boro cultivation programme

A view-exchange meeting on designing strategies for successful implementation of Boro paddy cultivation programme between district level officers and Newsmen was held at Netrakona Press Club here Netrakona district administration organised the meeting to discuss the methods for making the Boro paddy cultivation programme of the district a success. Deputy Commissioner Netrakona Aiyatullah Mojumder attended the meeting as chief guest while additional Deputy Commissioner Netrakona Mizanur Rahman was in the chair. The meeting was addressed, among others, by Police Super Netrakona Sakawath Hussain, chairman of Netrakona Pourshava Nazrul Islam Khan, Additional director of BADC (Seed) Netrakona Ruhul Amin and Deputy Director of Agriculture Extension Department Netrakona Anisur Rahman Siddique and Journalists of different print and electronic medias. The meeting was informed that a total of 1,66,130 hectors of lands have already been brought under the Boro paddy cultivation programme in Netrakona district.

Panchagarh Newsletter

Poultry market falls

Our correspondent, Panchargarh

Panchagarh Sadar including four upazilas Poultry markets fell due to Bird flu phobia. Poultry dealers say in spite of availability of poultry purchasers are short as well as prices half. Poultry dealer Babul Hossain of Panchagarh says Poultry market is facing crisis.

Amar Ekushey observed

Amar Ekushey Februayr was observed on Thursday with paying huge respect to the language martiers in Panchagarh as well as abroad. The central Shaheed minar of Panchagarh was be decked with flowers from different political parties, public servants--Professional groups and scores of sicio-cultural organisations placed wreaths at the foot of the monument erected in memory of the language veterans. At 12.01 AM Deputy Commissioner of Panchagarh Md. Hafizuddin first placed floral wreaths at the Shaheed minar. It was followed Additional Police Super (circle) Panchagarh Md. Emdaduf Haque, Bangladesh Awami Leage Panchagarh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party Panchagarh, Panchagarh Zilla Press Club, Panchagarh MR Govt college, Panchagarh Govt Womens College, Panchagarh BP Govt High School, Panchagarh Govt Girls High School, Puraton Panchagarh Kinder Garten, Korotoa Adarsha Shikkha Nikaton, Anirban Bidda Nikaton, Panchagarh Press Club, Jatio Gonotantrik Party, Jashad, Bikas Bangladesh.

Stan Chart Young Tiger 16 Nat'l School Cricket opens

The opening ceremony of Standard Charter Young Tiger 16 National School Cricket Championship was held at Panchagarh sugar mills field in Panchagarh on 23rd February. Deputy Commissioner on Panchagarh Md. Hafizuddin formally opened the game as the chief guest. While Md Saikhul Islam as special guest Secretary General of Panchargh district sports association. The game was also presided by ATM Hasanuzzaman Polash, convenor of this championship. Panchagarh BP Govt High School beat Jamiruddin Sarkar Collegiate Institute in the opening day.

Annual sports competition held

The four days annual Sports and cultural function of Panchgarh Technical and Business Management College ended on February 20. Deputy Commissioner of Panchgarh Md Hafizuddin was present at the closing ceremony as the chief guest. While as special guest ADC (General) Panchagarh AKS Mahabubar Rahaman, UNO of Panchagarh Sadar MD. Tahmidul Islam, ASP (Circle) of Panchagarh Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque and DEO of Panchagarh Md. Aktaruzzaman. The function was also addressed by Md. Shamsuzzaman Biplob, Principal of PTBMC. Later the chief guest distributed prizes among the winners of the sports and the cultural competition.

Anis and Pallob selected Panchagarh Press Club President, Secretary

Md Anisur Rahaman Anis Journalist of Banglabazar Patreka, Panchagarh and Ariful Islam Pallob, Journalist of Deshbangla at Panchagarh were selected again President and Secretary General of Panchagarh Zilla Press Club on January. 15 member executive committee of Panchagarh Zilla Press Club respective on 16 February, 15 member executive committee of Panchagarh Zilla Press Club was held at the press club office in the presence of journalists of different dailies and TV channels. The meeting also addressed among others by Md. Shoeb Ali Sabuj, convener of Panchagarh Zilla Press club. Others office bearers are selected Senior vice President Md. Shoeb Ali Sabuj (New Nation), Md Robiul Islam Choudury (Tista), Join Secretary Md Mojibor Rahman (Enkilab), Organing Secretary Md. Shahazalal (Bangladesh Today), Office Secretary Md. Abul Hossain (Desh Barta), Publication and Publicity Secretary Md. Asheduzzaman (Antor Konta), Cultural Secretary Firuz Momotaj Shilpi (Channel I), Sports Secretary Niaz Arefin Ujjal (AI Ihsan), Finance Secretary Md.Abdul Kayum (Financial Express), member Md.Abdur Rahim (New Age), Md. Joynul Haque (Vorer Dak), Md. Lihazuddin Manik (Juger Alo), and Md. Shazadur Rahman Shazu (Satter Alo).

Cultural function held

The five days annual sports and cultural function of Puraton Panchgarh Kindergarten ended on Wednesday Deputy Commissioner of Panchgarh Md Hafizuddin was present at the closing ceremony as the chief guest. While ADC (General) Panchagarh AKS Mahabubar Raham as the special guest Superintendent of Police Panchgarh Md. Harun or Rashid, Md. Aktaruzzaman, District Child Affairs Officer, principal of Panchagarh Technical and Business Management College Md. Shamsuzzarnan--- Biplob, Md, Abul Hossain, Commissioner of Panchagarh Pourashava, Lecturer Md. Ruhul Amin Liton, Md. Ariful Islam Pollob, Journalist of Panchagarh Zilla Press club function was also addressed by Md. Shoeb Ali Sabuj, principal of Puraton Panchagarh Kindergirten, Later the chief guest distributed prizes among the winners of the sports and the cultural Competition.

Bumper mango production expected in Meherpur

BSS, Meherpur

Production of mango in the district is expected to be better this year due to favourable climatic condition. All mango orchards and mango trees in the rural areas of the district are in full bloom now.

Sources said mango production was affected in the district in past few years due to cloudy sky and presence of mist. But this year weather is favourable for mango production, the added.

About 95 per cent mango trees in the district were naturally grown or planted without any planning. The local variety of mango trees are seen on the house premises in villages. But all the trees are now in full bloom.

Smuggled Indian clothes seized in Chuadanga

BSS, Chuadanga

Members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) seized smuggled Indian clothes and other items from a field in the bordering village Shubolpur under Damurhuda Upazila in the district on Wednesday.

Sources said, acting on a tip-off, a patrol team of BDR raided the village and seized the smuggled goods.Later, the goods were deposited to local customs authority.

BRCS distributes warm clothes among distressed in Rangpur

BSS, Rangpur

Senior executives of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) on behalf of the organisation's headquarters distributed over 2,000 blankets among distressed people at different places in Rangpur during the last five days.

As a part of the programme, Assistant Director of BRCS M Mostafizur Rahman in a simple ceremony at Rangpur Town Hall premises distributed 200 blankets among the poorer section and cold- hit distressed people on Monday.

Former Chief of Youth Unit of BRCS Shahid Hossain Sohel, Chief of the Youth Unit of BRCS Bayezid Chowdhury, members of the organisation Riyad, Nayan, Rizu, Sayem, Rafi, Enda, Sumi, Hassan, Eti and others were present.

Earlier, the BRCS executives distributed 500 blankets among the poor each in Pirganj and Mithapukur Upazilas, 300 blankets each in Badarganj and Taraganj Upazilas, more blankets and other warm clothes among the distressed people in Pirgachha and Kawnia Upazilas.

Besides, the BRCS distributed huge quantities of rice, pulse, edible oil, salt, saree, lungis and other necessary relief goods among the flood-hit and cold affected people in the char areas of Gangachara, Pirgachha and Kawnia Upazilas here since February 13, officials said.

Seminar on quality Pry edn held in Gaibandha

Our Correspondent, Gaibandha

A day-long seminar on qualitative Primary Education for the children of ultra poor families organised by Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), a local organisation, was held at the auditorium of its office at Nasharatpur under sadar upazila in the district-on February 19. District Primary Education Officer M. Golam Nabi addressed it as chief guest while M. Abdus Salam, Executive Chief of GUK, presided over the function, sources said. The key-note paper on the subject was presented by Saida Nawrin.

The seminar was also addressed among others, by Sundargonj upazila education officer M Anwarul Islam and Abdur Rouf. The speakers at the seminar stressed the need for giving and ensuring quality Primary Education teaching for the children of ultra poor families.

News briefs

Godowns gutted in Gazipur

Gazipur, Feb 27: Fire that broke out near Tongi EPZ gate on Wednesday noon gutted at least 100 godowns and slum houses. Five people also received minor burn injuries when they went to douse the fire. Local sources said the fire originated from a cotton godown at about 12.30pm and soon engulfed the adjacent godowns and slum houses. Reason behind the fire could not be known immediately. Firefighters from Tongi, Kurmitola of Dhaka and Gazipur fire services rushed to the spot and put out the blaze after two hours of frantic efforts, reports UNB.

Train derails

Thakurgaon, Feb 27: Two bogies of a local train on Thakurgaon-Panchagarh route derailed at the middle of Ruhia and Kismat rail stations Wednesday morning. Railway sources said two goods-laden bogies veered off the track at about 8am when it was going to Panchagarh from Parbatipur disrupting train communication on the route. Stationmaster of Thakurgaon station Shamsul Haq said a rescue team has already started from Parbatipur to salvage the bogies. He also hoped that the train movement on the route would resume on Thursday, reports UNB.

One sentenced to death

Dinajpur, Feb 27: A tribunal here Wednesday convicted a man and sentenced him to death for killing his wife in 1999. The convict was identified as Abdul Hannan Shah, 37, of Gouripur village in Chirirbandar upazila. According to the prosecution, advocate M Siddik Ali ofGaneshtala area in the town married off his daughter Nasrin Begum, 27, to Abdul Hannan in 1997 with a promise to give dowry. Soon after the marriage Hannan started torturing Nasrin demanding the dowry. Later, on July 18, 1999 Hannan following a quarrel over the issue beat Nasrin mercilessly, leaving her dead on the spot. A case was filed against Hannan and four others, reports UNB.

One hurt in gun attack

Savar, Feb 27: A young man was shot and wounded by a gang of terrorists in Birulia area here today (Wednesday). Sources said the gang numbering 4-5 fired shots at Abdul Halim, 32, of the area, at about 12:15pm on his way back home, leaving him critically injured. Hearing Halim's scream, local people rushed in and sent him to Enam Clinics in the area. They also rounded up one of the terrors along with a revolver while others managed to flee the scene. Later, he was beaten up indiscriminately and handed over to local RAB members. The motive behind the attack could not be known immediately, reports UNB.

Firearms seized

Bagerhat, Feb 27: Police arrested some 949 people and recovered 24 firearms, huge bullets and contraband drugs in the last 27 days in their special drive in the district till early today (Wednesday). Police Super of the District AKM Shahidur Rahman said the drive started on February 1 to nab the miscreants and recover arms, ammunition and drugs. Over 800 police took part in the drive, he added. Of the arrested, 676 were wanted in various criminal cases, 37 fugitive convicts, seven listed criminals and 170 were arrested in regular cases and 59 others under various acts. The seized arms included nine rifles, three revolvers, eight pipe guns and four LGs. They also seized 206 rounds of bullet, 180 small packets of heroin and 700 grams of hemp, reports UNB.

5 killed in Road mishap

Brahmanbaria, Feb 27: At least five people were killed and 10 others injured when a bus plunged into a roadside ditch at Puniaut in the town's bypass road on Comilla-Sylhet highway Wednesday morning. Police said the Ashuganj-bound passenger bus fell into the roadside ditch while overtaking a rickshaw at about 10:15am, killing the five passengers on the spot. Four of the injured were admitted to Sadar hospital while the rest to other local clinics, reports UNB.