The New Nation - Internet Edition

BELA calls to save historical pond in Barisal from encroachers

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association organized a human chain programme in front of Barisal Aswani Kumar Hall on Monday morning demanding steps against earth filling, encroachment of Rakhal Babur Pukur, a historical pond in the heart of the city.

The gathering was presided over by Advocate Suvash Chandra Bipro Bedanti, district coordinator of BELA and addressed by Advocates Talukdar Md. Yunus, Abdul Hye Mahbub, Hiron Kumar Das Mithu, Freedom Fighter Akkas Hossain, Poet S Ali Muhammad, human rights activist Dr. Syed Habibur Rahman, NGO organizer Shuvangkar Chakroborti, Kazi Enayet Hossain Shiplu, politician Mahbubul Alam Mazumdar,Comrade A K Azad, journalist Anisur Rahman Swapan and female rights activists Rabeya Begum.

The speakers expressing their solidarity with the demands and attempts of BELA condemned the role of Barisal City Corporation and administration in saving this historical pond.

It may be mentioned that a Barisal court on last Thursday issued show cause notice and statuesque order against BCC for stopping earth filling of this historical pond of the city.

Court and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association sources said that BELA lodged civil suit on May 24, 2006 against earth filling and encroaching historical Rakhal Babu's pond at Fakir Bari road of the city center by some vested corners and Barisal City Corporation.

Barisal sadar upazila senior assistant judge court issued notice against the encroachers and BCC officials. Nevertheless, the opponent side ignoring the public interest continued their mischievous activities and so BELA appealed for imposing temporary injunction against the opponents.

The court after hearing the prayer of the appellant of the case issued show cause notice against the opponent including BCC officials and ordered to maintain statuesque abstaining from any kinds of filling of that historical pond.

Primary school inaugurated in Mymensingh

Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

Newly constructed school building for Khanpara Registered Primary School at a remote shoal area under Mymensingh Sadar Upazila has been inaugurated by Tetsuya Koda of Schools for Bangladesh Committee, Japan (SBCJ), on Sunday here. Mymensingh ADP World Vision Bangladesh constructed the school building having six class-rooms, 2 toilets and a tubewell at a cost of Tk. 14 lakh with financial assistance from SBCJ. Besides, the students, a number of guardians and local elites were present at the inaugural function.

Samarendra Sangma, Mymensingh ADP Manager, World Vision Bangladesh presided over the inauguration ceremony with Mrs. Teruyo Suga of SBCJ, Local UP Chairman Fayzur Rahman Fakir, UAEO Md. Hazrat Ali, SMC Chairman Md. Tofazzal Hossain and Headmistress Shahana Akter addressed the function.

News Briefs

Road mishap kills elderly person

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, Mar 12: An elderly person was killed near the toll plaza of Mohananda Shahid Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir (Birshrestha) Bridge in Chapainawabganj town on Monday morning.

The victim was identified as Abu Taleb, 65, of Rehaichar under Chapainawabganj Pourasabha, reports BSS.

Over 3,000 chickens culled in Jamalpur

JAMALPUR, Mar 12: A total of 3,302 poultry birds of two poultry farms of Sadar Upazila were culled by the district livestock office on Sunday. Sources said the chickens were culled as bird flu virus was detected at Sultana Poultry Farm at Helencha village and Nabadiganto Poultry Farm at Hajipara village. Besides, eggs of the two farms were also destroyedm, reports BSS.

160 mosquito nets seized in B'baria

BRAHMANBARIA, Mar 12: Police seized 160 pieces of mosquito nets from Moniyander Tonki area under Akhaura upazila in the district while those were being smuggled to India on Monday. Police said, acting on a tip-off, a team of police led by ASI Nazimuddin raided the area and seized the mosquito nets. Sensing the presence of police, the smugglers fled the scene leaving behind the mosquito nets, reports BSS.

Construction of Chandpur Shilpakala

Academy on

CHANDPUR, Mar 12: The construction work of the auditorium of Chandpur Shilpakala Academy is going on in full swing.

The government has sanctioned Taka 1.02 crore for the construction of a modern auditorium with a sitting capacity of 400 people.

About 80 percent construction work of the auditorium have already been completed and the rest of the work is expected to be completed by June next.

30 hurt in Bagerhat clash

Bagerhat, Mar 9: At least 30 people were injured in a violent clash between two rival groups of people over a trifling matter at Shashan village in Mollahat upazila on Saturday. Police said an altercation ensued between Nishikanta of Shashan village and Faruq Sheikh of neighboring Babu Danga village in Naragathi upazila of Narail district on Friday night over hair cutting in hairdressing salon of Nishikanta. As a sequel to the dispute, supporters of Nishikanta and Faruq swooped on each other at about 11am on Saturday triggering chase and counter-chase and exchange of brickbats, leaving 30 people injured from the both sides, reports UNB

Int'l Women's Day observed

Rajshahi, Mar 9: Various organizations observed International Women's Day here Saturday with a call for establishing women's rights to ensure gender equality. Women's Affairs Department brought out a colorful rally from Sishu Academy in the town. A discussion was also held at Zila Parishad auditorium. Rajshahi City Corporation also brought out a rally from Alupotri crossing of the town highlighting the theme 'Investing in Women and Girls'. A street drama and a discussion were held at Nagar Bhaban where Acting City Mayor Rezaun Nabi was also present. Besides, different women organizations including Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, Foundation for Women and Child Assistance also organized various programmes marking the day, reports UNB.

Village doctor crushed under wheels of truck

in Dinajpur

Dinajpur, Mar 9: A village doctor was crushed under the wheels of a truck at Hablu Hat in Birganj upazila Saturday afternoon. Police said a speeding truck ran over Adu Mia, 40, son of Dr Yusuf Ali of the area, while he was crossing the road at about 2:30pm, injuring him critically. He later succumbed to his injuries at about 5pm on way to Rangpur. A case was filed with the local police station, reports UNB.