The New Nation - Internet Edition

SC validates ACC action against corrupt suspects: High Court judgement set aside, proceedings of 200 corruption cases will go ahead : Hasina loses legal battle, Stay on ACC notice

Hasina & Khaleda

Staff Reporter

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday set aside the High Court verdict, which had declared illegal the ACC notice asking detained former Prime Ministers-Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia--to submit her wealth statement upon separate appeal filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The 7-member full bench of the Appellate Division chaired by Chief Justice M Ruhul Amin passed the orders, removing all legal barriers to operate the ACC Act on issuing notice asking any corruption suspect to submit his/her wealth statement.

The full text of the judgment of the full hierarchy of the highest Court of law is expected to be available within a day or two

The Appellate Division at the same sitting, upon a separate appeal, also vacated the High Court interim orders that had stayed operation of the ACC notices asking another detained former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and three other former ruling politicians to submit their wealth statements.

The three others are--Awami League (AL) Presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, BJP leader Naziur Rahman Manjur and former BRTC Chairman Toimur Alam Khandaker of the BNP.

As a result, the ACC is now free to proceed with the stalled wealth-statement cases, numbering over 200.

Earlier, the High Court, following petitions, had passed the interim orders of stay on different occasions while issuing rule upon the ACC to explain why its action should not be declared illegal.

Reacting to the apex-court orders, Attorney General Barrister Fida M Kamal, who represented the ACC in the cases against high-profile corruption suspects, told journalists that the Supreme Court judgment that validated the ACC action removed all obstacles for future proceedings of over 200 pending high-profile corruption cases.

He said, "The Appellate Division judgment is not only the victory for the ACC but also for national aspiration against corruption."

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq, the Chief Counsel for both the former premiers-Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina-said the highest court's judgment "should be accepted by all, whatever the fallout is."

A senior lawyer, who earlier decided not to defend high profile corruption suspects, including Begum Zia nor Sheikh Hasina, in any of Court of law told this Correspondent last night that the landmark judgment would help the nation's endeavour to free the country of corruption and highhandedness.

AL President Sheikh Hasina had filed a writ petition challenging validity of the ACC action. On November 21 last year, when the High Court in its judgment on the writ declared illegal and without lawful authority the ACC notice as it did not conform to the rules prescribed under the ACC Act.

On July 17 last year, a day after her arrest in an extortion case amid a crackdown in the interim period on former ruling politicians, the ACC, through the jail authority, served notice on Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the AL, to submit her wealth statement.

The notice was issued as part of the anti-graft watchdog's initiative to find whether there is any ground for filing graft case against her.

Despite challenging in the High Court the ACC order, she had submitted her wealth statement to the Commission.

But BNP Chairperson Begum Zia, however, did not abide by the ACC notice.

EC asks govt to relax emergency: Holding polls not possible with hands and legs tied: Sakhawat

M Sakhawat Hussain

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission has asked the government to relax state of emergency since, they say, elections cannot be held with hands and feet tied.

"We've already said that elections can't be held with hands and legs tied if relaxed condition is not there. We can't hold even municipality elections if this kind of situation continues," Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain told journalists yesterday after the EC held an hour-long meeting with Bangladesh Kalyan Party (BKP).

"I can't tell it on swearing, but it's my idea that the state-of-emergency issue can be settled based on the dialogue between the political parties and the government," he added.

The EC asked the Government to ensure that proper electoral atmosphere prevails before, during and after announcement of election schedule, Sakhawat said.

Emerging from the meeting, Chairman of the newly floated party Maj General (retd) Syed Ibrahim, who led 5-member delegation, told the journalists that they asked the EC to request the government to take a decision on lifting or relaxing the state of emergency.

"The decision is necessary to take for facilitating us in fulfilling the minimum criteria set by the Commission to get registered as political party," he said.

The newly formed parties could not run their district-level activities due to the restrictions imposed under the emergency rules, said General Ibrahim.

As per the latest update on the draft electoral laws after two-time discussion with the political parties on electoral reforms, Sakhawat said, any newly formed political party having fully active offices and committees in 21 administrative districts and 100 upazilas would be eligible for getting registered.

"It's not that the political parties beyond taking part in dialogue with the Commission can't apply for registration. The application process is open for all. That's why we relaxed the registration conditions discussing with the parties," the Election Commissioner told the journalists separately at his office.

The EC sat with political parties for discussing electoral reforms based on some specific criteria, Sakhawat said, adding that still they are taking suggestions from the parties outside the dialogue.

"We've sent the draft electoral laws to those parties and asked them to send their suggestions within March 15 to 20. We'll finalise the draft of electoral laws within this month through considering those suggestions," he said.

However, BKP chairman Ibrahim suggested the EC to hold upazila elections prior to national elections or the two simultaneously. "Certainly, not after the national elections," he underscored.

He said the elections must be held as per the EC-announced election roadmap, that is, by December. "The elections can't be delayed by any means. Delaying elections on excuses won't be right since the country' s people are now pro-election."

The BKP chairman said they called on the EC as they could not sit with them for electoral dialogue being a new political party that was unable to fulfill the criteria set by the EC for holding dialogue.

"But, we've suggestions on electoral reforms. We asked the EC if we could place the suggestions before them. They said we can, but in writing," he said.

Face challenges of Muslim Ummah unitedly: CA

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed delivering the
thanksgiving address on behalf of Asian Group at the 11th
OIC Summit in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday. PID
photo

UNB, Dakar

As the OIC countries started a summit meet here yesterday at a trying time, Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed called for addressing the challenges facing the Muslim ummah unitedly, urgently and effectively.

"We face an attempt to undermine the message of peace brought to humanity by Holy Prophet Muhammad (SM). This has to be dealt with immediately and unitedly," he said giving vote of thanks on behalf of the Asian group in the opening session of the 11th summit of the OIC at the King Fahad Complex.

Dr Ahmed said the glory of Islam needs to be restored, Muslims' contribution to the civilization underscored.

" The issues of our own times-the problems of ending occupation, expanding the welfare of our peoples, protection of environment, preservation of global peace and stability-must be resolved with unity, solidarity, and strength," he said.

The Chief Advisor, citing from Sura As-Saff of the Holy Quran, said:

"Allah loves those who fight in His cause united in one column, like the bricks in one wall."

He appreciated the preparation of a report on 'Islamophobea', enhancing intra-OIC trade, upholding the image of Islam, preserving the heritage of Ummah, and strengthening the Muslims' capacity in science and technology and in the eradication of poverty.

At the outset of the two-day conference, Senegal was elected chairman of the 11th summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and took over the leadership from outgoing chair Malaysia.

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade addressed the inaugural session of the summit as the new chairman.

Majority of the heads of state and government of the 57-member OIC are attending the summit

The Chief Advisor, on behalf of the Asian leaders, extended heartiest congratulations to Senegalese President Wade on his assumption of the role of chairmanship of the forum.

"Your prodigious capabilities are legendary. We have every confidence that with your vast wisdom, and recognized skills, you will be able to guide our work to fruition. Your stirring inaugural remarks are a testimony to your capability to lead."

Dr Ahmed expressed profound gratitude to King Abdullah, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for organizing the 3rd Extraordinary Summit in 2005. This was done at a time when the Ummah was facing new kind of challenges in a fast- changing world.

He said the historic outcome of that summit, the Ten-Year Porgramme of Action, proved to be the lifeline of OIC, assisting its forward movement.

The Chief Advisor appreciated the Prime Minister of Malaysia for sharing the work since the Putrajaya Summit, saying his forward-looking visions and proficient leadership earned admiration of all.

Dr Ahmed expressed profound gratitude for the King of Morocco for leading the Al-Quds Committee, the President of Turkey for leading the Standing Committee on Commerce and Economic Cooperation and the President of Pakistan for chairing the Standing Committee on Science and technology.

These, he said, have strengthened immeasurably and enlightened the Ummah.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Ahmad Badawi were absent from the summit due to compulsions at home.

The Chief Advisor said since the leadership of OIC passes from Asian hands to Africa, he assured Asia's unflinching support to President Wade's leadership.

US human rights report disappointing: Govt: Khaleda, Hasina held on graft charges, not detained

Staff Reporter

The Government yesterday rejected the US State Department's human rights practices report-2007 on Bangladesh as disappointing for its 'lack of balance' in presenting the country's ground realities and misperception.

A senior policy maker of the government said the State Department's observation about the detention of two former Prime Ministers Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, who were arrested on specific corruption charges, was devoid of fact.

The US State Department report released in Washington on Tuesday said Bangladesh's Caretaker Government's human rights record worsened partly due to the state of emergency and the postponement of elections.

The Foreign Ministry in Dhaka said Bangladesh is committed to uphold human rights of all its citizens in accordance with its constitutional obligations.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed out that that all, including the international community, know the circumstances, which led to the declaration of state of emergency early January 2007.

"It is understood that during the State of Emergency, some fundamental rights remain suspended. However, the government is extremely careful in enforcing such provisions so that the fundamental rights are not infringed," he said.

The official further said the Government is disappointed at the report's lack of balance as it failed to mention the significant reform measures taken by the interim administration for consolidating and sustaining a corruption free democracy.

Home Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin Thursday rejected the US State Department report that says the government imposed unofficial house arrests on former Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia and eventually, arrested them on corruption charges after making repeated efforts to force them into exile.

"The State Department can't say that. You have seen the reality of ours. We've kept them with due honour as we have enough respect for them. We're looking after them regularly," he told reporters after a meeting of the Law and Order committee at his ministry.

The Adviser made the remarks when reporters sought his comments on

the State Department Human Rights Practices Report-2007 that mentioned army and DGFI activities under the State of Emergency and house arrests of the two ex-Prime Ministers.

"We will have to think about our reality in our perspective," the senior government official said.

The report said approximately 200 former politicians, government officials, and business leaders were held on suspicion of corruption, extortion, or other abuses of power after the caretaker government began its anti-corruption drive in January.

Quoting Human Rights Watch (HRW), the report said the joint forces led by army held suspects illegally and interrogated, often abused, them and in some cases forced suspects to sign confessions before releasing or presenting them before a magistrate.

In some cases, it said the authorities released detainees after they agreed to file cases against other high-profile suspects.

The report said several high-profile figures, including some members of the leadership of BNP and AL, however, were held for months without any charges filed against them.

The report said the caretaker government implemented legislation developed by the previous government separating the judiciary from the executive.

It said, "The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court frequently overturned politically charged decisions by the High Court Division of the Supreme Court if those rulings went against the government."

Don’t ignore Khaleda: Hannan Shah: Standing body to plan BNP activities

Staff Reporter

Brig Gen (Retd) Hannan Shah, member of BNP Advisory Council, yesterday demanded release of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and her two sons-Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko-before the Independence Day on March 26, showing respect to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"Since Ziaur Rahman is the proclaimer of the independence and the government has failed to prove any allegation brought against Begum Zia and her sons in the last one year they should be released before March 26," he said while talking to reporters at his New DOHS residence.

Hannan Shah, the outspoken BNP leader hoped that they will get Begum Zia and her two sons released through legal means.

Criticising the government for its failure to control the soaring prices of the essentials, he said the Government talked about many things but failed in many fields, including tackling the price hike.

Hannan Shah, earlier, held a meeting with some BNP

leaders, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Selima Rahman and Mohammad Shahjahan.

They discussed the preparation of the BNP to make Independence Day programmes a success.

Hannan Shah said they would map out programmes to run BNP after holding meeting of the party's standing committee in the future.

He said BNP would run at the instruction of Khaleda Zia and those who go beyond her instructions would make mistakes.

Replying to a question, he expressed his optimism about the unity process of BNP saying that it is a continuous process and it would take time.

Asked if BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain has been

consulted about the Independence Day programmes, he replied in the negative.

He said since Delwar is now in New York he could not be contacted over phone.

ACC finds no bar to resume inquiry on Hasina's assets

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday said now there is no legal bar in resuming inquiry into Sheikh Hasina's wealth statement as the Appellate Division overturned the High Court verdict that had declared the notice seeking her wealth statement illegal.

"Legally, there is no bar (in resuming inquiry into Hasina's wealth statement)," ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal, also Commission's spokesperson, told a regular briefing replying to a query about the verdict.

ACC deputy director Shabbir Hasan, the inquiry officer of Hasina's wealth statement, told UNB that he would resume inquiry only when he gets a written order from the Commission.

About the verdict, Hanif said the Commission is always respectful of court decisions and had the verdict gone other way the ACC would have accepted it.

The Commission stopped inquiry into Sheikh Hasina's wealth statement amidst the legal wrangling over its notice.

On July 17, Hasina, along with her arch rival another former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was issued notice by the ACC directing her to submit her wealth statement. She received the notice on July 19 through jail authorities.

After some legal squabbling, the Awami League chief submitted her wealth statement on September 3, 2007 through the prison authorities stating that she owned property worth about Tk 3.5 crore.

Human Rights situation in Bangladesh: WB-US reports conflicting

Staff Reporter

The annual report on overall Human Rights situation in Bangladesh, launched yesterday by the US State Department and World Bank have surprisingly led to conflicting conclusion on vital issues.

According to the World Bank report, Bangladesh was placed above India and Pakistan in the South Asian countries for it's impressive gains in restoring women's status and gender equality. On the other hand, US State Department criticised Bangladesh for its worsening Human Rights situation, particularly due to the state of emergency and postponement of elections.

This is confusing, said human rights experts while talking to The New Nation after the WB Report launch ceremony yesterday in the capital.

"Human rights and the rights of women move parallel. It is quite impossible to move in two opposite directions, as reflected in the two reports," said the experts.

According to them when the WB reports were highly praising Bangladesh Government for their achievements in eradication of gender inequalities and women empowerment, the other report (US State Department) condemned the same authority by the name of fundamental human rights violation.

"These two reports have separated women rights from overall human rights, which is illogical," said human rights analysts.

It as also mentioned that the US State Department report portrayed a negative and gloomy picture of Bangladesh when the country was struggling hard to maintain its market share in a fiercely competitive global financial market, some WB members observed on condition of anonymity.

"This report might spoil Bangladeshi image even more, which is already starving for bad impression. Image is important for Bangladesh as Western countries determine their investment and overall business strategy considering particular country image," said the experts.

Bangladeshi RMG, textiles, manpower and other export oriented sectors would face greater hardships in coming days in reaction to this report from the Western world, analysts comments.

"Bangladesh has taken huge strides in women's progress. Now it needs to address the remaining and second-generation issues," said Xian Zhu, World Bank country director for Bangladesh.

"These include employment, extending education to all sections, strengthening the demand and supply of reproductive health services and providing for women's safety."

The report says this change has been a result of constructive policies and programmes that spurred much of the progress in gender equality.

Between 1971 and 2004, Bangladesh halved its fertility rates. In much of the country, secondary school enrolment of girls exceeded that of boys. Micro credit continued to boost women's solidarity groups and earning potential.

Vast numbers of young women were leaving their villages to work in garment factories whereas, in earlier generations, young women were rarely seen outside the home, the report went on.

It said while gender inequalities in child-health had diminished, Bangladeshi women still lacked access to reproductive health services. Almost 90 percent of Bangladeshi women gave birth at home and over 86 percent did not have a skilled birth attendant to assist.

Women's employment in South Asia was among the lowest in the world and Bangladesh was at the lower end of the South Asian spectrum. Women's role in decision-making was still small and restricted to the domestic sphere.

The report also addressed some of the issues that had dominated the popular discourse in Bangladesh. For instance, it found that there had been an increase in dowry over the last 30 years.

Australian High Commissioner Douglas Foskett, Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Children and Cultural Affairs Rokeya Sultana and Shirin Huq also spoke on the occasion.

OIC summit begins in Daka: Give right answer to those creating Islamophobia

UNB, Dakar

A two-day summit of the OIC began at King Fahad Complex in the Atlantic offshore city of Dakar with a call for giving a fit answer to those involved in creating 'Islamophobia' with ill motives and vested interest.

The opening session began at around 11:20 am local time with the theme of the 11th summit as "Islamic Ummah in the 21st Century'.

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wadi in his speech as new chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Conference stressed the need for elevating the position of Islamic Ummah.

He also attached priority to peace between Palestine and Israel by recognizing Palestine as an independent state and called upon both the countries to stop all forms of violence and start negotiations to finally achieve peace.

A large number heads of government and state from 57 member-states of the organization, which represents a total of about 2.5 billion people, are participating in the summit. It was informed in the opening session that this time it beat the previous records of participation in the forum's conference.

On behalf of the Asian group, head of the caretaker government of Bangladesh Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed made the vote of thanks in the opening session while President of Djibuti as representative of the Arab group and President of Burkina Faso on behalf of African group.

Saudi Prince Faisal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read out the message of King of Saudi Arabia King Abdullah in the opening session.

Heads of government and state, including of Iran, Indonesia, Palestine, Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Nigeria, Emir of Qatar, Emir of Kuwait, Sultan of Brunei and Emir of Dubai are attending the summit.

The UN Secretary general, observer countries and organizations, religious leaders, experts, scientists, academics and students are also present.

On behalf of the outgoing chairman of OIC and Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Bin Ahmad Badawi, who was not able to attend the summit due to preoccupation with the formation of cabinet following recent general election in his country, Head of Senate of Malaysia Md Hamid Fawenth carried out the responsibility on behalf of the outgoing chairman in the opening session.

In the opening session it was announced that Senegal was elected on consensus chairman of the 11th OIC summit and Egypt, Turkey and Palestine elected vice-chairmen.

The chairmanship of the 11th summit was handed over to Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wadi to conduct the other proceedings of the summit.

OIC secretary general Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu also spoke in the opening session.

UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon and Palestine President Mahmud Abbas also spoke in the opening Session.

The second session held panel discussion on two themes-'Which Economic Partnership for the Ummah' and 'Sharing Knowledge within the Ummah'.

Stay of order to return Hasina's passport surprises lawyers

Staff Reporter

The staying of its previous order to return the passport of detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the same CMM Court within 24 hours yesterday surprised leading lawyers, including Barrister Shafiq Ahmed, who, said this was the first such incident in the legal history of the country.

"The Wednesday's (March 12) order to return her passport, issued without hearing the prosecution, is stayed until March 31," ruled Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Golam Rabbani yesterday after hearing the prosecution lawyers, who threatened to move the High Court against the Wednesday's order.

Magistrate Rabbani on Wednesday issued orders directing the Government to return three passports of Sheikh Hasina seized with other documents from her home on July 16 last year.

Her lawyer had submitted that Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League President, has been suffering from certain critical ailments, might require medical treatment abroad.

The Public Prosecutor (PP) forcefully pleaded yesterday, saying, "The orders for the return of her passport was issued 'unilaterally' without listening to the prosecution or asking for report of the Investigation Officer of the corruption cases against Sheikh Hasina.

The PP further submitted that return of passport would impede the process of prosecution. He said he would have no alternative to move the higher court to seek proper justice if the orders for return of passport are not rescinded.

In a related development, Adviser for Home Affairs Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin has termed 'partisan doctors' the physicians, who suggested that Sheikh Hasina should be sent abroad for treatment of her damaged ear immediately "otherwise she might be permanently deaf".

Talking to journalists yesterday, he said, "Those who stated this are partisan doctors. We can't take actions on the opinion of partisan doctors. This much we can say that the government is very sympathetic. Appropriate steps will be taken at appropriate time."

The Home Adviser said Sheikh Hasina has been undergoing treatment at the Square Hospital according to her choice. He said he had talks with the owners of the Square Hospital, which formed a medical board to examine and treat her.

"If they (Square Hospital) doctors feel she should be sent abroad they would inform the Government, which is sincere for treatment, in writing," Matin said adding that the Government has to follow rules and regulations

"The doctors gave her 20-22 tests and necessary medicines. After the tests if the Square Hospital expresses regret about her proper treatment there, a medical board will be constituted.

Sheikh Hasina was admitted to the Square Hospital on Tuesday with multiple ailments, including acute complications in her ears and eyes.

Bangladesh face SA in last ODI today

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh team led by Mohammad Ashraful will face South Africa led by Graeme Smith today in the third and last ODI of the three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh Television will telecast the match live from the stadium from 9.30 AM (Bangladesh Standard Time).

South Africa have already clinched the ODI series 2-0. South Africa outplayed Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first ODI on March 9 in Chittagong, the port city of the country. Then, the Proteas defeated the Tigers by seven wickets in the second ODI on March 12 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Bangladesh faced South Africa in ten ODI matches. The Proteas won nine games while the Tigers tasted the lone victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

Mohammad Ashraful, the captain of Bangladesh team said that if they could score 230 to 250 then they had a chance to win the last ODI

On the other hand, Graeme Smith, the skipper of South Africa, Said that they would try to win the last ODI. Smith added they play all the games to win those matches.

Politicians have to seek mercy for pre-1/11 mistakes: Razzak

Staff Reporter

Awami League Presidium Member Abdur Razzak yesterday said politicians would have to seek mercy from the people for the mistakes they have done before the 1/11 (January 11, 2007) changeover.

"We (politicians) will have to go to the people and seek mercy for our mistakes. If they accept us then we will be elected their representatives again," he said while addressing a seminar on Human Rights and Democratic Development at a local hotel in the city.

The Awami League leader hoped that the people would take the right decision and said the people never did any mistake in the past and they would not do mistake in future also.

The seminar, organised by South Asia Watch, an international human rights organisation, was organised with Prof Dr Shaheed Uddin Ahmed, former Dhaka University Vice Chancellor, in the chair.

The seminar was also addressed, among others, by JSD President ASM Abdur Rab, General Secretary of Sammoyabadi Dal Dilip Barua, Col (Retd) Sheikh Akram Ali, Mirza Rezaul Hossain and Ali Akhter Nadim, Monir Hossain. Shahidul Islam Talukder, Secretary General of South Asia Watch, presented the keynote paper.

Emphasising the need for making people conscious about their rights, Abdur Razzak said the politicians have failed to make people conscious about their rights after the independence as they did before the war of liberation.

"We reached the current position with politics of quarrels, killings and conspiracies. Even we have met the desires of foreign powers being depended on them," he said.

Abdur Razzak said politicians would have to restore the confidence of the people to overcome the present situation.

He, however, cautioned that no attempt would be successful to deal with the situation; other then taking proper measures following the hopes and desires of the people.

The former minister also emphasised the need for holding the elections by December this year as per the roadmap announced by the Election Commission.

Terming human rights supplementary of democracy he said democracy cannot be flourished without implementation of human rights.

ASM Abdur Rab said people want to see bringing change in the political system that were practiced during the last 36 years.

"Democracy and human rights cannot be ensured if system to run the state is not changed," he said.

In his keynote paper, Shahidul Islam Talukder said reform should be carried out in the political and Parliament systems, but it should be done by the politicians.

"The reform cannot be pressed from outside or carried out with the prescriptions of foreign agencies,' he added.

SCF convention to hold trial of war criminal tomorrow

Staff Reporter

The Sector Commanders Forum will hold a daylong convention on March 15, which will be participated by freedom fighters, professional organisations and people of different walks of life from all over the country for the demand to hold trial of war criminals.

The SCF would announce further course of action of their movement at the Bangladesh China Friendship Convention Centre.

It has urged the people to observe a one-minute blackout on 12:00 am on March 26, to observe the black day when the Pakistani Army cracked down on unarmed Bangalis in 1971 and press the demand for the trial of the war criminals and after that walk on the street with candle lights for lightening future.

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army and Chairman of the SCF Air Vice Marshal (Retd) AK Khandoker told this yesterday at a press conference at the Liberation War Museum in the city.

He said, "We urge every patriotic citizen of the country to observe a one minute black out on 12:00 am on March 26, the day when the Pakistani Hyenas cracked down on unarmed Bangalis in '71 and stand up with the demand of the trial of the war criminals who collaborated with the Pak Army and killed innocent Bangalis."

The war hero said, "We will discuss the types of crimes of the war criminals and legal way to punish them and will announce further course of action at the convention."

"We held meetings at the divisional cities of the country and we feel huge aspiration of people for the demand of the war criminals," he said.

AK Khandoker said the SCF had sent letters to the Chief Adviser, Army Chief and the Chief Election Commissioner to discuss about the trial of the war criminals but he was upset, as they were yet to respond them.

"We had sent letters to them but we are a bit upset, as they did not respond us yet. I think they have some barriers for that they were not able to take steps in this regard."

Former Army Chief Lt Gen (Retd) Harun-ur-Rashid said they would form a victims' forum to give the information about the crimes of the war criminals.

He said the state should initiate the trial as the victims were victimised for the sake of the country and it was the responsibility of the state to try the criminals, who opposed the country's independence.

"The Government should form an international tribunal and try the war criminals," he said.

The former Army Chief said around 12,000 war criminals were behind the bar and punished after the general mercy given to those who were not involved in killing, looting or in other crimes. But those were also released by the cancellation of the collaborators act in December 1975.

DMP rejects permission to hold SCF convention

BSS, Dhaka

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday rejected the permission of holding national convention sought by the Sector Commanders' Forum on March 15 here.

DMP Commissioner Naim Ahmed at a press conference at his office said the authorities denied to give permission of holding the convention considering the law and order situation of the country.

He said the member-secretary of the forum Dr MA Hassan earlier applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs for holding a discussion and cultural function on March 15 at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre marking 'Independence Day' of the country.

In the invitation letter they said that the function was a part of initiation of trial process of the war criminals through uniting the country men, he added.

The DMP Commissioner also said there was inconsistency in the letters of permission sought from the government and the invitation. That is why the authority rejected the permission, he told the conference.

UK introduces toughest immigration system

UNB, Dhaka

The British government introduces the toughest immigration processes in 45 years with a point-based system to ensure only the best can work in the UK, licenses for businesses who want to employ overseas workers and on-the-spot fines for those to be found hiring illegal workers.

"We're now introducing processes based on an Australian-style Points Based System, which are clear and objective. These processes are backed up with technology such as biometrics - the taking of fingerprints and digital photographs… We now know who we want to come to Britain and who we don't," acting British High Commissioner Duncan Norman yesterday told a seminar on UK Visa at Lake Shore Hotel. Norman said the British government has also introduced a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK.

"No company will be granted a sponsor's licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency," he said, adding that employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that licence.

The British envoy said the government is also taking steps to target rogue employers through new legislation in the Employment Bill. The Bill proposes tough new penalties for businesses not paying workers the minimum wage and agencies, which exploit workers and undercut legitimate business.

He said this year would also see the establishment of a new UK Border Agency to ensure the UK has one of the toughest borders in the world.

Norman said further measures include the introduction of a new system to count people in and out of the UK and ID cards to strengthen the UK border and help keep out those who do not have the right to be here.

Head of Visa Services Jonathan Verney, Director, UK Trade and Investment Kevin Ringham, Entry Clearance Officer Hasina Rahman and other officials of the Visa Department of the High Commission spoke at the seminar and made presentation of how unscrupulous visa seekers and recruiting agents resort to fraudulent practices in getting UK visas.

Norman said the relationship with Bangladesh is very important to Britain. People travel between the two countries to do business, to visit relatives or to utilise their skills in a new country. And Migrants benefit Britain economically, contributing an estimated £6bn to UK's national output, as well as socially and culturally.

He said, "It's right that we have a system which is fair but firm, accessible but controlled."

Head of Immigration Jonathan Verney said the point-based scheme is designed to attract the most talented with the skills the UK needs to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business and technological innovation.

Quoting British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, he said the introduction of the Australian-style points system will ensure that only those with skills the country needs can come.

Vernye said some lobbyists are trying to convince the government to bring unskilled workforce from overseas, which he said would not be successful.

He said under the new rules anyone who has just used deception when applying for a visa will have any future applications to come here refused for 10 years.

The British Visa officials, speaking at the seminar, showed how unscrupulous applicants used forged passports, bank certificates and educational documents to get visas.

The officials said they are working with close cooperation with Bangladesh law enforcers, including the Special Branch, to detect the forgery and bring the frauds to the book.

They said 70 to 80 percent applicants were found using fake bank documents. In the next 11 months, 62 people who abused the immigration system will be deported.

At the seminar, the British High Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce to provide a fast-track visa processing service for the members of the Chamber.