The New Nation - Internet Edition

Pahela Baishakh ahead

Preparations going on by the students of the
Institute of Fine Arts to celebrate the Pahela Boishakh.
Banglar Chokh

DU Correspondent

Preparations afoot for celebrating the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, at the Fine Arts Institute of the Dhaka University.

The students of the Institute on Wednesday were found painting pictures, making masks of owl, fish and other motifs and forming structures of different symbols of Bengali folk culture.

To raise funds for the celebration, prominent artists of the country have put up their works on sale at the Zoinul Art Gallery of the Institute. The entire expenses of the celebration will come in this way, the organiser of the festival said at a press conference at the institute yesterday.

"We are not taking sponsor from any company for the celebration. We urge people to buy the works of country's prominent artists and help to organise the festival," said Abdus Shakur, director of the institute and convener of the 'Baishakh Udjapon Parishad'.

The institute has been celebrating the festival since 1989 with pomp and glory. The masked procession of the Institute students has become a tradition for welcoming the Bengali New Year.

Amended BEPZA, EPZ TU, Industrial Relations laws okayed

UNB, Dhaka

The council of advisers of the caretaker government yesterday approved in principle amendments to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act 1980 to make some new provisions in keeping with the changed context.

It also approved in principle the amended EPZ Trade Union and Industrial Relations Act 2004 with insertions of some sections in the law governing labour unions in the export-processing zones.

A meeting of the council of advisers with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair in the conference room of Cabinet Division at Bangladesh Secretariat in the afternoon also discussed elaborately the Management of Sale and Purchase of Private Plots and Flats (Real Estate Development) Ordinance 2008.

Terming the draft of real-estate development ordinance important, the meeting sent it back for further consultation with stakeholders, emphasizing wider public participation for their opinion on the law in the making.

At the meeting, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for Power Division Dr M Tamim briefed the government hierarchy about the latest state of load shedding due to repair of some power plants.

He informed that the country is now generating 3900MW electricity against the demand for 4100 megawatts.

The Chief Adviser asked for taking short-term action plan to ensure smooth power supply ahead of the summer.

He also asked for giving priority to uninterrupted electricity supply for irrigation, as it is the peak time of dry-season boro paddy farming.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen in the conference room of PID about the outcome of the council-of-advisers meeting.

Members of the Advisory Council attended the meeting. Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries concerned were also present.

Former BNP MPs demand release of Khaleda

Staff Reporter

Former BNP lawmakers yesterday demanded release of party chief Begum Khaleda Zia and other detained leaders to ensure the credibility of the upcoming national elections.

Briefing journalists at BNP Secretary General Khondoker Delwar Hossain's home in the city Selima Rahman, Joint Secretary of the party, called upon the government to start dialogue with political parties immediately.

"We are regularly and officially notifying the government of our demands," she said on behalf of 126 former lawmakers of the BNP.

The former MPs who were present on the occasion pressed for the withdrawal of what they said motivated and false graft cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission against BNP senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman, his wife and mother-in-law.

Selima Rahman said, "We will consider adopting other measures when the secretary-general returns home if the government proves unwilling to cooperate."

She alleged that the caretaker government was attempting to destroy the Zia family instead of rooting out legitimate cases of corruption.

"We want to see democracy re-established through fair elections, but the government must first free our party chairperson in a dignified way," she said.

Vitamin A Plus campaign May 10

Staff Reporter

National Vitamin A Plus Campaign will be held on May 10 throughout the country this year. The campaign will be conducted by the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) to eliminate vitamin A deficiency from the country's children aged less than five years through 140 thousand centres this year across the country.

This year the campaign will be emphasised on breastfeeding for infants to remove "vitamin A" deficiency complicated diseases like night blindness, diarrhoea and other illness.

The campaign included the supplementation of de-worming tablet 'Albendazole (400mg)' for the children aged 24 to 59 months along with high potency vitamin A capsule for the children aged between 12 to 59 months.

This year, theme of the campaign is " feed vitamin A and reduce the risk of child mortality. "

National vitamin A plus campaign will also disseminate messages to ensure breastfeeding for children aged up to 6 months and to de-worming medicine for all members of a family.

Director of IPHN Prof Dr Fatima Parveen Chowdhury and other officials of the institution discussed with the reporters over the campaign, while its Deputy Director Dr AAM Anisul Awal presented keynote paper at its conference room in the city yesterday.

World Autism Day observed

Procession was brought out in the city marking the
10th National Day of Disabled on Wednesday. Focus
Bangla

Staff Reporter

The World Autism Day was observed yesterday for the first time in Bangladesh as well as across the world to raise awareness about the children with disabilities.

Autism is a life long disability that prevents individuals from properly understanding what they see, hear and otherwise sense.

The number of autistic children are increasing day by day. A statistics show that in average one among 150 children are suffering from Autism in America.

On the inauguration of World Autism Day UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon sent a message to the people. The message said the United Nation reaffirms its commitment to the rights and well being of the people. Throughout its history, the UN family has promoted the rights of children with disabilities. The UN focus on building enabling environment for them to prosper as future members of their communities, citizens of their respective country as full fledged member of the global community. The UN has strong desire to pay tribute to the courage of the children and their families as they strive everyday to confront the disability with a powerful combination of determination, creativity and hope.

Autism Welfare Foundation of Bangladesh, a voluntary organisation, has launched a three-day programme to empower autistic children. This includes campaign programme, rally, awareness programme, workshop and cultural programme by the autistic children.

The foundation is working for the betterment of children with disabilities since its establishment in 2004.

A seminar on "Early Diagnoses, Early Intervention" was held at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 12pm. Dr MR Khan, Specialist in Child Diseases, was present as Chief Guest at the seminar. He discussed about different aspects of Autism and the way control this. He also urged the government as well as the individuals to work together to create awareness among the people about Autism.

Society for the Welfare of Autistic Children (SWAC) organised a discussion meeting and cultural programme at its office at Lalmatia to observe the day.

15,000 police officials punished for dishonesty, negligence in 2007

Staff Reporter

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Noor Mohammad yesterday said that disciplinary action has been taken to make the police people-friendly by ensuring accountability, responsibility and transparency.

He said more than 15,000 police personnel were subjected to punishment for dishonesty and negligence last year as part of reforms in the police administration.

"A total of 15,405 police officials including SPs and additional SPs have been punished for negative and bad performances since the State of Emergency was declared in the country in January last year," he added. The police chief opened a website named Police Internal Oversite" at its headquarters.

"Any individual or organisations within and outside the country can send complaints against dishonest police officials, on the website," said the IGP.

"We will be benefited if people send their suggestions on the website" he noted.

The unit headed by DIG Benzir Ahmed began its journey in May last year with the objective of cleansing the police force of corrupt and inefficient elements who have tarnished its image.

Businessmen taking undue advantage of time: Aziz

Staff Reporter

Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam Wednesday came down heavily on the business community and said they are taking advantage of present time.

"The image of the business community is not particularly satisfactory. Price maximisation must be tampered with social responsibility," the Adviser said yesterday at the launching ceremony of ICC-B Business Directory in the city.

At this critical juncture of the country they should improve their image, Dr Aziz said. "Please convince your colleagues so that they shun such tendencies," he urged the business leaders. He said business leaders did not play their role respectively.

ICC-B President Mahbubur Rahman presided over the programme, which was spoken by FBCCI President Annisul Huq and BoI Executive Chairman Kamaluddin Ahmed.

Dr Aziz said unavoidable situations had led the government to take actions that had affected the business community's confidence in doing business. "But everyone would agree that there were 'unholy alliances' among the business community," he said.

Given that situation, the government was fully trying to restore an atmosphere conducive doing business, he said.

"That is reflected by our initiatives in forming a Better Business Forum and the Regulatory Reforms Commission," he added. The Finance Adviser stressed that the government was aiming to establish an environment where the full potential of Bangladesh's business community could be realised.

The government was trying to revitalise the economy, he added. "We are improving provisions of infrastructure, which is being seen as the port activities of Chittagong have improved significantly during the present administration."

The Adviser also mentioned further initiatives to set up rental power plants to meet power demands and offshore bidding to explore mineral resources.

He said some people are opposing offshore exploration and coal extraction. What is the logic behind keeping natural resources in the mines, he questioned. FBBCI president Annisul Huq asked the Finance Adviser to take realistic steps to restore the confidence the of business community on the government.

"We are always looking to cooperate with the government, but more should be done to increase our level of confidence," he said.

ICC-B president Mahbubur Rahman said the directory is designed to serve as a handbook for anyone interested in commerce, trade and investment in Bangladesh.

"The directory analyses the latest trends in foreign direct investments (FDI) and incentives provided by the government."

"In addition to that, a brief on different government policies is expected to help investors understand the country's business environment," the ICC-B president said.

Board of Investment Chairman Kamaluddin Ahmed said investment in the country is increasing satisfactorily. He informed that some 383-investment proposals have been registered during January and February of the current year, which is 15 per cent higher than that of the previous year.

Lightning strike set electric pole on fire in city

Staff Reporter

A huge fire broke out after a lightning struck an electric pole at Khanbag residential area of Uttar Badda in the city during the rain yesterday afternoon. No one was hart.

It took two hours for the members of the Fire service to bring the fire under control by sprinkling fire-control powder.

Titas Gas Pipe Line metre, which was located under the electric pole, ignited by the fire and intensified the blaze. At first the local people and firemen failed to bring the fire under control by pouring water.

Fire gutted goods worth Tk 50,000 of the nearby Parents General Store.

Call to save plastic industry

Staff Reporter

Leaders of Bangladesh Corrugated Carton and Accessories and Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCCAMEA) yesterday demanded of the government to take a decision immediately for releasing the imported plastic raw materials being piled up in the Chittagong Customs House.

They also called upon the government to take concrete measures for saving the country's prosperous export sector from imminent disaster.

"We are not getting any decision from the concerned authority and the plastic accessories industries of the country are facing an acute raw material crisis" said Safiullah Chowdhury, president of BCCAMEA at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

It was also attended, among others, by Mir Mahmud Ali senior vice president and Nazimuddin Chowdhury, Abdul Kader Khan and Rafez Alam Chowdhury vice presidents of the organisation.

Mentioning the sector as one of the country's prosperous and flourishing sectors for earning foreign exchange by exporting plastic accessories Safiullah Chowdury said presently plastic raw material importers are facing difficulties in importing raw materials due to the condition imposed by the government to mention ' Import Under Bond Not for Sale' for importing the thermo plastic moulding compound (TPMC) of the plastic accessories industries.

They placed a charter of demand that includes releasing plastic raw materials within the next 72 hours imported by the importers and scrapping the government SRO July 1 of last year with a view to maintain the export flow of plastic goods items from the country.

It is mentioned that nearly one lakh people are engaged in the plastic industries that annually earned $1.50 billion by exporting polybags , hangers, plastic hooks and plastic clips.

Vow to ensure human rights: National Youth Festival ends

Staff Reporter

The two-day National Youth Festival, organised by International Republican Institute (IRI) in collaboration with the USAID concluded yesterday in the city.

The organisers and participants of the festival expressed their determination to ensure freedom of expression, democracy and human rights.

The youth festival began on Tuesday at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre with the objective to create awareness about democracy, human rights, social responsibilities and future plans of the local political parties.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen. Muhammad Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the youth centred festival. It was named "Tarunner Mela." Jeffery Vanness, Resident Country Director IRI Bangladesh, renowned writer Imdadul Hoque Milon, TIB Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmed, Dr Abul Barakat and many well-known social leaders participated the event.

Folk songs, valedictory song on ideal leaders, Skit on first time voting, an interactive and participatory quiz show, which highlighted issues related to first time voters and democracy in general, was held there and also the political leaders give answer to questions on youth issues.

Mohammad Ashraful the youngest century holder cricketer in the world, Prof Dr Mohit Kamal of the National Institute of Mental Health among other were present on the day. An interactive discussion, titled Projanmer Vabna, was also held on the last day.

Local and international NGOs, like the Rupantor, MRDI, Steps, Democracywatch, Election Working Group, CCD, Nielsen, e-Zone, nationpulse, Jubo Nagorik Forum participated in the event as sponsor organisers.

Iftekhar seeks protection for migrant workers from UNGA

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met the President of the UN General Assembly Serjan Kerim's at the UN Headquarters on April 1 in New York. During the meeting, he underscored the need for the UN to play a greater role in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of migrant workers, according to a message received here on Wednesday.

The foreign adviser said 'managed migration' can be an effective tool for poverty alleviation and development. Bangladesh in the last year sent 8,32,000 workers abroad which was a record and the remittance received home was US $ 7 billion which was also a new record, he said. He said if host societies are asked to be more responsive to the welfare needs of the migrant workers, it can be a 'win- win' situation for both sides. The UN could assist this process more effectively by bringing together all stakeholders, he said.

During the meeting, the subject of the millennium development goals summit scheduled to be held under UN auspices on 25 September this year was also discussed. Bangladesh would play a prominent role at that event, he assured the UNGA President, the message said.

President Kerim accepted with gratitude the invitation to visit Bangladesh and stated that he looked forward to visiting Dhaka in August this year.

He praised Bangladesh's role in facilitating UN reforms and contribution of the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Ismat Jahan as member of the Task Force on Security Council reforms.

Foreign traders urged to invest in Bangladesh

BSS, Dhaka

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman on Wednesday urged foreign investors to invest in Bangladesh to avail its huge business potentialities in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Bangladesh could be an attractive place for the foreign investors in view of the country's large domestic market for its huge population, Zillur said while speaking as the chief guest at the April Luncheon meeting of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AMCHAM) in a city hotel.

Presided over by AMCHAM President Syed Ershad Ahmed, the meeting was also addressed by chairman of Indian AMCHAM K N Memoini, AMCHAM Bangladesh Vice President Trevor MacDonald and Executive Director A Gafur.

Charge d'affaires of US embassy in Bangladesh Geeta Pasi was also present on the occasion.

The adviser said though the country faces many constraints, including natural calamities, the economic growth remains on the right track due to holistic efforts of the people of the country.

Bangladesh has already proved its enormous potentiality by maintaining its four to six digit economic growth in last several years, he said.

The country, Zillur said, has achieved tremendous successes in growth of private sector as well as in safety net programmes, school enrollment and gender parity.

Dhaka-Kolkata train service to start Apr 14

UNB, Dhaka

The much-awaited Dhaka-Kolkata passenger train service is likely to kick-start on April 14 (Pahela Baishakh) as the two sides talked on a positive note about the formal run of the Moitree Express on the first day of the Bengali New Year.

Rail officials of Bangladesh and India expressed their optimism about commissioning the cross-border train service on April 14 after first day's meeting here yesterday.

The two-day bilateral talks between Bangladesh and Indian railway delegations began at the Rail Bhaban, trying to set the stage for operating the two-way friendship train service through restoration of one of the missing links.

ATKM Ismail, Additional Secretary of the Communications Ministry, is heading a six-member host side and RN Varma, Additional Member (Traffic) of the Indian Railway Board, leading his country's seven-member delegation to the talks.

At the end of the first-day meeting, Ismail told reporters that the Dhaka-Kolkata passenger train must start rolling on Pahela Baishakh and they were trying to resolve the unsettled issues before the envisaged date.

RU students demand punishment of attackers

RU Correspondent

A group of students of the Rajshahi University (RU) took out a silent procession on RU campus on Wednesday demanding punishment of RAB members who assaulted a student of the Mmarketing Department.

The students alleged that RAB-5 unit members in civil dress wanted to know the identity of Toufique Aziz Razib, a student of 2nd semester of the Marketing Dept. while he was crossing Binodpur gate on a motorcycle along with his friends at 11 PM on Tuesday. Razib in turn, wanted to know the identity of them. When told that they are RAB members, Razib wanted to see their identity cards.

At one stage, RAB member demanded the key of the motorcycle from Razib. Without giving the key of the vehicle Razib shouted at them calling them robbers. Later RAB member held and took him to RAB-5 office and beat him badly, according to them.