The New Nation - Internet Edition

Unilateral increase in CNG-run bus fare: Commuters suffer most

Passengers protest as the fare of the CNG-run buses
was raised unilaterally. FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

Chaos between the passengers and transport staffs marked the day, yesterday, as most of the gas run busses increased fare following the doubling of price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by the government.

The CNG run auto rickshaws and taxicabs begun to charge extra fare on Thursday, the day government raised the gas price.

On Sunday, the opening day of the week, staffs of the CNG run buses started to charge new high fare creating anarchy among the commuters.

In some cases financially ailing people, stricken by price soaring of essentials, stuck into argument with the transport employees leading towards clash. Many passengers were injured in the clashes in different places in the city.

Selim Miah in Mirpur said, "People are in very bad position due to high price of food. Raising of transport fare, especially bus fare will deepen their problem."

He said rising of CNG price at the moment was not a good decision. "The government raised fare of CNG run taxi cabs and three wheeler auto rickshaws but the bus owners already raised their fare illegally. The government should take necessary steps to stop such malpractice," he said.

Shahjahan Sipon in College gate in Tongi area said, " Raising fare of buses at this moment is just injustice. People are striving due to high rice price… how they can bear the extra pressure of high bus fare."

Meanwhile, the government Saturday re-fixed fares of CNG run auto rickshaws and taxicabs following the demand of the owners of the transports.

The new decision raised fares of auto rickshaws by Tk 6 a kilometre, non-AC taxicabs by Tk 8 and AC taxicabs by Tk 10. The minimum fare of the auto rickshaws will start at Tk 18 and non-AC taxicabs at Tk 30 and AC taxicabs at Tk 40.

Fare for the first 2 kilometres or the lowest charge of auto rickshaws was fixed at Tk 18 and subsequent per kilometre charge is Tk 6. And per minute waiting charge of auto rickshaws has been re-fixed to Tk one.

Fare for first 2-kilometres of AC taxicab was fixed to Tk 40 and subsequent per kilometre charge is Tk 10. The lowest charge of economy taxicab is Tk 30 for the first two kilometres and subsequent per kilometre charge is Tk 8.

On Thursday the government raised price of CNG from Tk 8.50 to Tk 16.75 per cubic metre effective from Friday.

The CNG price was last fixed on June 13 in 2005 at Tk 8.50 from which the pump operators received Tk 6.02 and the government share was Tk 2.43.

Hasina won’t quit politics under pressure: AL won't join polls minus me, she says

Sheikh Hasina

UNB, Dhaka

Detained former premier and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina Sunday said her party wouldn't participate in the next parliamentary elections without her, hinting at her release prior to the polls.

Talking to her lawyers in the courtroom, Hasina also stuck to her guns on the question of her retiring from politics, saying that she won't quit politics "under any pressure". She noted that it is the people and she herself are to decide whether she would be in politics or not.

"I'm being told to quit politics. I will not retire from politics. The people will decide whether I will remain in politics," she said, adding, 'In the past, I never bowed to anyone except Almighty Allah and I won't do so in future."

Hasina said the way people are being "persecuted", the question of her quitting politics does not arise.

About Gano Forum president Dr Kamal Hossain's remarks that those who call for movement for the release of the political leaders detained on corruption charges should also be brought to justice as sidekicks, the Awami League president questioned how this man could speak against corruption after "whitening Tk 102 crore".

"Where are the sources of that black money?' she was quoted by her lawyers as having said in a strong rebuttal.

The former Prime Minister mentioned that during her rule, people bought rice at Tk 10 per kg and edible oil at Tk 40 per litre. Now the price of rice has been raised to Tk 40 and edible oil to Tk 120. "Now people clearly understand who are the corrupt," she said. About the judiciary, Hasina said she had challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission notice asking her to submit the wealth statement and she won the legal battle through the High Court order that observed that the ACC notice was flawed.

Later, the ACC amended the law in compliance with the High Court order. But, she said, the Chief Justice overturned the High Court order by a ruling. She questioned if the ACC notice was not flawed, why it was amended for its operation.

"If this is called independence of the judiciary, how can I get evenhanded justice?" she questioned.

Earlier, the arraignment hearing on the Mig-29 purchase-deal case was again deferred to May 4 following the absence of an accused, former army chief Gen (retd) Mustafizur Rahman, owing to his illness. General Mustafiz, now on bail, is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in the city.

However, the other accused in the graft case appeared in the court of Dhaka Divisional Special Judge, relocated to the highly secured parliament complex.

The court resumed at 9:52 am, two minutes after Sheikh Hasina was produced today amid tight security.

As the court resumed, the Chief Special Public Prosecutor (CSPP) moved for starting the trial process, but the counsel for Gen (rtd) Mustafiz prayed for adjournment saying that his client is critically ill and undergoing treatment at hospital.

Opposing the defence counsel's submissions, the CSPP told the court it could proceed with the trial since the accused is represented by his lawyer.

This prompted the defence counsel for Hasina and others to pick up a legal debate as to whether or not charge hearing could take place in the absence of an accused.

After hearing both sides, Judge Golam Mortuza abruptly adjourned the hearing and set the date for charge framing on May 4. The five other charge-sheeted accused in the case, who are now enjoying bail, appeared in the court. They are former Air Force chief Air Marshal (retd) Jamal Uddin Ahmed, retired defence secretary Syed Yusuf Hossain, Air Commodore (retd) Mirza Akhtar Maruf, retired defence joint secretary Mohammad Hossain Serniabat and businessman Noor Ali.

Eight Russian-made Mig-29 fighter planes were procured for Bangladesh Air Force when Hasina was the Prime Minister (1996-2001). According to the case filed with Tejgaon Police Station, the purchase of the supersonic jets during the tenure of the Awami League government caused a loss of Tk 700 crore to the public exchequer. Shortly after the BNP-led four-party alliance came to power, the now-defunct Bureau of Anti-Corruption filed the Mig-scam case against Hasina and others in December 2001.

BNP reformists demand poll schedule, lifting of emergency: Coming polls to be stage-managed: Delwar

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda
shaking hands with BNP (reformist) leaders prior to dialogue
at the Election Commission office in the city on Sunday.
Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

The pro-reformist BNP faction demanded of the Election Commission (EC) to announce the election date as soon as possible after withdrawal of the state of emergency.

The demand was made when a 15-member delegation of the faction led by party standing committee member Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman held dialogue with the EC on electoral reforms. No other standing committee member of the party attended the dialogue.

During the two hour long meeting, the reformists group strongly protested the provision of no vote and demanded increasing the number of female members of the political parties in phases.

After a prolonged tug-of-war over the BNP leadership, the EC finally decided held the dialogue with the pro-reformist faction of the party leaving out the pro-Khaleda faction led by Khondoker Delwar Hossain.

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda, addressing the delegation, hoped that all members of the BNP would come with them as one unified party and contest the election.

The pro-reformist BNP faction suggested the Commission vesting the army personnel on

duty during the elections with magisterial power.

Urging the EC to authorise army with the magistracy power, Mahbubur Rahman said maintaining the law and order would become a challenge during the election and it would be under control through the active involvement of army.

Stressing the need for a fair administration to hold a free and fair election, acting secretary general of the reformist BNP Maj (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed alleged that the current administration is under the influence of a particular political party and there are people of `Janatar Manch' holding the top most positions in the administration.

"We want a neutral administration during and before elections," the BNP leader said.

The delegation suggested the Commission minimising the electoral expenditure as much as possible.

Regarding the use of transparent ballot box in the elections, they said they would welcome it, if possible.

Opposing the culture of displaying poster here and there during the election period, Mahbubur Rahman said, "All kinds of poster be banned everywhere. It'll be a new electoral culture. Instead of poster, there should be handbills that will reduce the electoral expenditure."

In his welcome speech, the CEC said the EC had been waiting to hold dialogue with BNP since November last year.

"Whatever be the reason, it has been delayed. At last you have come, which is a matter of great pleasure for us," he said.

Election Commissioners-M Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain were present at the dialogue.

Emerging from the dialogue, Mahbubur Rahman told reporters that they sought the release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

About the unity between the two factions, he said the unity is a matter of time and they are communicating with the party leaders at different level.

"BNP is a big party and a total entity, and the delegation represents the total entity. The process of our unity will continue and it will be stronger in the course of time. We will face the challenges together in future," he said.

The delegation also include party vice president and former minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, former minister Dr Osman Faruk, chairperson's adviser AHM Mofazzal Karim, ZA Khan, MA Hakim, former lawmaker Abdul Alim, Shah Md Abul Hossain, Nazir Hossain, Abdul Khalek Chontu, Nasirul Haque Sabu, Dr Ziaul Haque Mollah and Tasmim Rana.

With the dialogue the EC wrapped up its dialogue with major political parties on electoral reforms.

A large number of people wearing printed forehead bands inscribed with Chhatra Dal and Juba Dal, rallied outside the Election Commission during the dialogue.

Meanwhile, secretary general of pro-Khaleda BNP Khondoker Delwar Hossain termed the Election Commission's dialogue with the pro-reformist BNP faction a "blueprint dialogue".

"BNP will not go to any election or dialogue without Khaleda Zia. The two leaders have to be released for a fair election," he said while talking to reporters at his NAM flat residence yesterday.

Khondoker Delwar said the pro-reformists are isolated from the mainstream BNP and the people.

Replying to a question the BNP leader said they would join the pre-dialogue talks if they were invited.

He termed the case filed against BNP leaders and supporters with Tejgaon police on Saturday false and fabricated.

IMF prescribes fuel oil price rise: Projects GDP growth at 6 pc

Thomas Rumbaugh

Staff Reporter

The visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief Thomas Rumbaugh yesterday said recent improvements in export, increased remittance and bumper production of 'Boro' could push up the country's GDP growth to 6 percent in the next fiscal year from 5.5 percent.

"High inflation of food and oil remained around 10 percent and it could be a challenge for the government policy formulation, " he said at press briefing at the conference hall of the Bangladesh Bank (BB).

He called upon the government to increase the oil price through adjustment of the international market.

Jonathan C Dunn, Resident Representative, IMF, presented a survey reports on Asia and Pacific region's economy.

Mentioning the on going price hike of some essential commodities, the IMF chief said tackling the high prices of food and oil in the international markets is really a challenge.

He said robust private remittances coupled with foreign assistance including $ 218 million provided by IMF under Emergency Natural Disaster Assistance (ENDA) could help Bangladesh import of food from the international market.

He laid emphasis on 'food security' for the limited and marginal groups of people as 'bulwark' in current high price of it.

Lauding the efforts taken by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for collecting tax and VAT ,Rumbaugh said the NBR has notably exceeded its target for collecting tax and VAT.

He was of the opinion that the further increase in revenue was possible through reducing exemptions, expanding the coverage of income tax and VAT and also increase in the number of taxpayers.

He was of the view that in the fundamental changes to tax legislation would be needed to establish a simple and transparent tax system.

The IMF mission chief said significant improvements in the primary market for the government securities and development of secondary market is necessary for a broader bond market that is needed to finance future growth.

He further said that the monetary authorities should remain vigilant in monitoring inflation.

"If economic activity and credit demand pick up, a monetary policy response may be required to keep inflationary pressures in check," he mentioned.

Responding to a query on the government's move to privatise the state owned commercial 'Rupali' bank with the Saudi prince that had finally proved abortive, the IMF mission chief termed it ' unfortunate' and hoped that the government would device new strategies to carry forward its privatisation process.

Prior to press briefing the 4-member IMF delegation met with the Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed at the latter's office. The BB Governor informed the IMF team that the country's foreign exchange reserve remained stable and initiatives were underway for improving efficiency of the state owned commercial banks.

Lawachhara survey put off after fire: Petrobangla to investigate

Lawachhara National Park

UNB, Dhaka

International oil company Chevron Sunday suspended its 3D seismic survey at Lawachhara national forest in Moulvibazar district following an incident of fire on Saturday. Chevron officials said the survey remained suspended until a full-fledged investigation is completed to identify the reason for the fire.

The Lawachhara forest is located within the Moulvibazar gas field area where the Chevron has launched a 3D seismic survey to further delineate the gas reserve.

According to Petrobangla officials, the fire broke out from an area of the forest adjacent to a rail-track that passed through the forest.

However, the fire damaged only a small area of the forest and there was no report of any injury to people or animal from the fire. Petrobangla Director (PSC) Major (retd) Muktadir Ali told UNB that they have sent a general manager of the organisation to visit the area and investigate into the incident of fire.

He said normally the seismic survey does not cause any fire as very small-scale explosives are used underground, not on the surface. "But after only the investigation by our official, we can reach a conclusion about the cause of the fire."

Local environmentalist groups blamed Chevron for the fire incident and demanded immediate suspension of the survey work. But Chevron refuted the allegation and said they were in no way involved in the fire incident.

In a press release, Chevron said on the afternoon of April 26 Chevron received reports of a fire in the Lawachhara Reserve Forest. There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Chevron received this report because Chevron and its contractors have been conducting three-dimensional seismic activity in the general area. To date, no evidence has been found that the fire is any way connected to Chevron's seismic activities.

According to local officials, a zone of approximately 10 by 20 meters appears to have been affected, which is less than a 10th of the size of a football field.

From initial reports, it appears that the fire had no major impact on the wildlife or the environment with superficial damage on the ground and limited impact on trees.

Chevron has initiated an investigation into the fire, and although there is no evidence that the fire was related to the seismic survey work, Chevron has suspended all of its seismic-related work in the forest pending the results of initial findings.

Chevron Bangladesh is employing the latest survey techniques, which are designed to leave no significant impact on the environment, the company release said.

'Drug addiction a silent killer’

Staff Reporter

The two World Wars did not claim so many lives, as did drug addiction, the Adviser for Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and Culture, Women and Children Affairs Rasheda K Chowdhury said.

She was speaking as Chief Guest a discussion meeting on "Misuse of Drugs and Addiction to It" at Viqarunnessa Noon School and College auditorium yesterday in the city.

'If you can help one addicted to come out from the curse that will be a great feat for you," she told the students at the discussion arranged by MANAS.

She urged film producer to make films to make the grassroots level people aware of the curse of drug addiction.

More than 70,000 women in the country are addicted to drugs Dr Arup Ratan Chowdhury, President of the Association for the Preventation of Drug Abuse (MANAS) said.

"About 100 people die from smoking related diseases worldwide every 6.5 seconds" Dr Chowdhury informed.

Presided over by the Principal of the institution, the meeting was also addressed by Shaila Ahmed, a teacher of the college and a students' representative.

Aziz Hasan, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka attended the function, among others.

Addressing the gathering Dr Chowdhury said, " Indirect smoking is one of the most significant causes of breast cancer."

"Every day about 450 people die due to cigarette smoking, whereas 300 people die of HIV," Dr Chowdhury pointed out and said about 98 per cent of the smokers are likely to become addicted to drugs.

He said lack of proper education, awareness and recreational facilities, unemployment problem, broken home, poverty and human trafficking were responsible for drug addiction.

If treatment could be continued to the addicted, he or she may recover from the curse, the MANAS chief assured.

Shaila Ahmed lamented the lack of progress in curbing drug addiction despite hundred of programmes organised by different international institutions throughout the world on the issue.

New REHAB body takes over

Staff Reporter

The arbitration tribunal of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) yesterday dismissed all the cases against taking of office by the newly elected committee of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB).

Following the decision the elected committee yesterday took office of the REHAB led by the new president Engineer Tanvirul Haque Probal and general secretary Khaled Mohammad Jewel Mollah.

Other members of the committee are: senior vice president Nosrul Hamid, vice presidents-Abdur Rahman Khan and Sayed Nazrul Biddut, organising secretary Mohammad Akhter Biswas, Joint Secretary Murad Iqbal Chowdhury, treasurer Mizanur Rahman Dewan and joint treasurer Mohsin Mia.

The executive members of the committee are: Rezaul Karim Khan, Sultana Shaheda Islam, Architect Ahmed Riyad Momen, Shahriar Kamal, Wahiduzzaman, Anisur Rahman Khan, MGR Nasir, Engr Zahid Hasan, Mokarram Hossain Khan, Syed Abubakkar Siddique and Maj (Retd) Jamshed Hasan.

The REHAB election was held on March 29 and April 3 for the year 2008-09. Tanvirul Haque Probal was elected president of the RHAB. But five members of REHAB including former president Mokarram Hossain Khan filed five cases challenging the lack of secrecy and the legality of the election.

The arbitration tribunal issued a restraining order on REHAB on April 10 not to hand over power to the newly elected board. After long hearing the trbunal chairman MM Munsef Ali, members, Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir,

Kamaluddin Ahmed and Benzir Ahmed on Sunday dismissed all the cases.

Barrister Shafiqur Rahman moved for Mokarram Hossain Khan, while Adovacte Bipul Bagmar and Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury for Tanvirul Haque Probal. Advocate Mohammad Asaduzzaman stood for the Election Commission of REHAB.

Present adverse situation is temporary, Hossain Zillur

Staff Reporter

The Commerce and Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday called upon the people to strive for the prosperity of the country so that we can throw away the tag attached with Bangladesh as relief receiving country.

He termed the adverse situation now facing the country a temporary phenomenon and hoped that the people would be able to weather this temporary phase and usher in an era of prosperity.

The Adviser was inaugurating the 187th Branch of the Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) at Kalabagan in the city.

Lauding the role of IBBL, he said it has played vital role in the development of the country. It is not a trifle matter that after overcoming lot of hurdles the Islami Bank is now inaugurating three more Branches simultaneously on the same day.

He hoped that the Bank would go ahead and play effective role for the progress of the country.

The inaugural function was presided over by Prof. Abu Nasser Mohammad Abduz Zaher, Chairman, Board of Directors of the Bank.

Principal Moulana Zainul Abedin, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Engr. Mohammad Dawood Khan, former Director & Sponsor, M. Fariduddin Ahmad, Managing Director, Md. Abul Bashar, Executive Vice President & Head of Dhaka Central Zone of the Bank. Md. Lutfur Rahman, Managing Director of Laaz Pharma Limited, Md. Fakhrul Islam, Chairman, Metro Shopping Mall of Dhanmondi and Md. Hemayet Hossain, renowned Social Worker also addressed the function.

Two other Branches of this were inaugurated yesterday at Dohar of Dhaka and at Senbagh of Noakhali.

Prof. Abu Nasser Mohammad Abduz Zaher said that Islami Bank has become a reference Bank. If all of us work unitedly Bangladesh will be a donor country instead of aid receiving country, he added.

Principal Moulana Zainul Abedin expressed his firm determination to open branch of IBBL at all the upazilas in the country.

Engr. Mohamd Dowood Khan said that it is Islami Bank that has been providing online service in 100 Branches with it's own software innovated by it's own manpower.

SC Bar polls begins today

Staff Reporter

After ending all speculations, the two-day election of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) begins today.

The voting will be held from 10:00am to 5:00pm today and tomorrow, an election sub-committee official said.

The election was scheduled for March 24 and 25 but it could not be held as the Government had imposed restrictions on holding the election on March 23. Later the dates of overdue polling were deferred for April 28 and April 29 after signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the SCBA leaders.

Earlier, another effort of holding the SCBA election was also unsuccessful last year as the Government imposed such restriction in view of the state of emergency.

Election Sub-Committee Convenor Advocate Nizamul Haq Nasim told reporters: that all preparations to hold the election have already been completed.

"The election will be held. All preparations are complete," he said adding that though there is an apprehension among some people regarding the election, he has no apprehension.

The election, restoring the association's 10-year-old tradition, is being held without panel.

A total of 40 individual candidates are contesting the election for 14 posts of the executive committee of the association.

Of them six candidates are contesting for the post of the president. They are Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, Shafiq Ahmed, AK Mojibur Rahman, Humayun Hossain Khan, Md Sirajul Islam Khan Masud, and Saifur Reza.

A total of seven candidates are contesting for the post of the secretary. The candidates are: Abdullah Al Mamun, ABM Bayezid, AKM Zahirul Haque, Md Badruddoza Badal, Md Nurul Islam Sujan, Sheikh Awsafur Rahman Bulu and SM Abul Hossain.

Besides, six candidates are contesting for two vice president posts while two for the treasurer, five for assistant secretary and 14 for eight executive member posts.

Women’s body resent delay in WDP implementation

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a press conference expressed grief at the Government decision to suspend the process of implementing the Women Development Policy (WDP) 'under pressure of fundamentalist groups' and demanded equal rights for women in every sphere.

The press briefing was organised by Karmojobi Nari (KN), a working women's platform, at its central office yesterday.

The Constitution of Bangladesh preserves equal rights for the women, but the ill-motivated group were bent upon turning the country into a communal state, said Shirin Akthar, President of KN, while addressing the press conference.

The contribution of women in country's socio-economic development had always been praiseworthy. But the fundamentalists group were engaged in a conspiracy to pull back the country keeping the women in the dark, she added.

The national economy would never achieve sustainable development under the pressure of Free Market Economy, as it directly interferes with the country's internal policy. So the Government should implement WDP immediately to empower the women, so that they can play their due role in the country's economic development to face the challenges of the 21st century, she said.

The leaders of the KN informed the journalists that they were going to hold a National Conference with some 3,000 councillors at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on April 30. A call for a tough movement for the implementation of the WDP was likely to be made at the conference.

Former Chief Justice and Chief Adviser Mohammad Habibur Rahman will be present as chief guest where Rasheda K Chowdhury, Adviser for the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Adviser for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yengaviorg Stofring, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh will be present as special guest at the grand Conference.

Sharmin Kabir, General Secretary, Gulshan Manju, Vice-President, Khaleda Akhtar, member of the executive committee, also spoke to the press.

BFF election today

UNB, Dhaka

The much-talked about election of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will be held today (Monday) with legendary footballer Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin and veteran sports organizer Maj Gen (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury contesting for the hot seat of President.

Both the president candidates from two separate panels are optimistic about their victory and promised to run football for most of the period in a year.

The election will be held at the BFF Bhaban in Motijheel from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm without break, where the councilors will cast their votes for the 21 posts at stake.

A total of 112 councilors from districts, divisions, metropolis clubs, public universities, education boards and other associations will exercise their voting right to elect a president, one senior vice president, four vice-presidents and 15 executive members.

This time BFF election is going to be held under a new format - without traditional post of general secretary, deputy general secretary, assistant general secretary and treasurer - as per FIFA/AFC guideline.

Taking to the newsmen at the Sonali Otit Club Sunday afternoon, Amin Ahmed Chowdhury expressed his optimism to sweep the BFF poll, claiming that most of the councilors including that of DFAs had assured him of their support.

He urged the councilors to elect competent candidates, who are capable of serving the football to regain its past glory.

Replying to a query about the possible election of a mixed panel, Amin Chowdhury said that it would not be a problem at all. "I hope, the voters will elect the capable persons to serve the football throughout the year."

Talking to a group of sports reporters at the Youngmen's Club tent Sunday afternoon, Kazi Salahuddin was also highly optimistic about winning the election, saying "most of the councilors" already extended their support to him.

"I am a footballer, I understand the problems of football. I want to keep football on the ground for nearly ten months in the year," he said.

He added: "If elected, I am sure I will be able to develop the country's football up to a certain level."

Echoing his rival, Salauddin also said he would have no problem to work with a mixed panel.

Earlier, Registrar of Trade Marks and Patents M Mesbahuddin was appointed as the chief election commissioner of BFF, while Director of Passport and Immigration Department Mahfuzur Rahman Siddiqui and NSC Law Officer Kabirul Islam named election commissioners to run the election.

Dev experts find fault with PRSP

Staff Reporter

Politicians, women leaders and development experts at a workshop said the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) needs to make recommendations on intermediate actions to be taken in improving women's political awareness and quality of participation particularly at the Parliament level.

In the PRSP, there should have been the inclusion of analysis of the issues related to the women's political participation, they said.

The inclusion of 33 per cent of women in decision-making level of political parties should be made compulsory, as proposed by the Election Commission (EC) and demanded by the women's movement, they urged the Caretaker Government (CG).

They also urged the Government to ensure 33 per cent of women at decision-making level of the government bureaucracy, judiciary, NGO's and private sector.

Within a comprehensive, value-based and sustainable social and economic development framework, gender-based discrimination has to be eliminated from the society, they said.

They urged the CG to increase the number of reserve seats in the Parliament up to at least 33 per cent and direct election to those seats and increase women's share up to 33 per cent in the Ministry.

This was urged at the workshop on 'Women Political Empowerment In the Light of PRSP' at CIRDAP Auditorium in the city yesterday organised by Prip Trust with support from Oxfam GB.

Awami League leader Matia Chowdhury, CPB leader Mujahidul Islam Selim, Prof Khaleda Khanam, JSD leader Hasanul Haq Inu, Country Director of Actionaid Farah Kabir, Editor of daily Sangbad Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Chairperson of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam, Prof Mahfuza Khanam, Executive Director of Prip Trust Aroma Dutta, among others, spoke, while Executive Director of BNPS Rokeya Kabir, presented keynote paper at the workshop.

Matia Chowdhury said, "The recent activities on the city streets centring women development policy had the silent support of the government. If democracy is not established in the society, women empowerment cannot be possible."

Hasanul Haq Inu said, "We are moving between the rule of partial democracy and autocratic government. Lack of reformation of infrastructure is the main weakness of the PRSP."

Country needs to readjust foreign policy: Iftekhar

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said the country needs to adjust its foreign policy with the present circumstances as a new era begins in Asia.

He said Asia is progressing fast in an unprecedented speed. So, the policies of Bangladesh needs to be realigned with the global changes. Otherwise, the country would lag behind, a foreign office press release quoted his as saying.

The foreign adviser said the nation should come out of the clap-trap of donor-recipient relationship, which he termed a legacy of the past.

Dr Iftekhar said, "Perhaps, we do not realise that there is more reverse transfer of resources to those developed countries, who buy from us. We pay many times more in duties to them, than we receive in aid. Our efforts for the easier market access must continue, but the system is unfairly skewed against us."

On the other hand it is the booming economies of Asia that might help shape the future of Bangladesh. Power players of contemporary times are China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India and Gulf states, he added.

The foreign adviser said, "We must be vigorous in strengthening our linkages with these actors and the government has already begun the process and future governments will hopefully continue it."

The Asian countries can help build infrastructures and invest in agriculture and industrial sectors. Contractual manpower exports to these countries are continuing and Bangladesh is earning a huge amount of remittances, he said.

Dr Iftekhar said, "The problem of food shortages could be solved by procurement largely from these nations. Our cultural heritage, linguistic predilections and the great religion of Islam will assist this process."

He said the government must continue to maintain ties with the US and Western Europe. But Russia, Central, South and South East Asia, and Middle and Far East are opening up new possibilities.

The foreign adviser said, "In the spirit of democracy our governments have no option, but to follow the citizens' lead."

Dialogue with political parties early next month

Staff Reporter

The much-talked-about formal dialogue of the Caretaker Government with the major political parties is likely to begin in the first or second week of the next month after a wrap-up of the ongoing pre-dialogue informal talks on Tuesday.

Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed will lead the government representatives to the dialogue. The agenda for formal talks will be laid out after advisers submit a report to the CA on April 30 on the outcome of pre-dialogue talks.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim disclosed this while briefing journalists after weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers yesterday.

He said the advisers who are engaged with pre-dialogue talks with political parties would submit a report on the recommendations of the meetings to the Chief Adviser on April 30.

After a review of the report by the government, the formal dialogue will begin. The agenda of the formal dialogue will also come out from the analysis of the report, he said.

Meanwhile, Adviser for Education and Commerce Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman told reporters that they would submit a report on pre-dialogue talks with political parties to the Chief Adviser on April 30.

"A timetable for the formal dialogue will be announced soon," he said. after a meeting of the three advisers who are involved with the informal talks.

The Adviser said the pre-dialogue talks will wrap up on April 29 and the recommendations of the political parties will be presented before the Chief Adviser on the following day.

"The schedule for final dialogue will then be announced," he said.

Asked whether the general election would be acceptable if the two major political parties-the Awami League and the BNP-boycotted the polls, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim said the main objective of the present caretaker government is to hold a free, fair, neutral and acceptable election and both the government and the Election Commission are working to that end.

"Let us see what happens and how it can be solved. The solution will come out through the dialogue," he said.

Replying to a question the Press Secretary said whether the formal dialogue will be held separately or together would depend on what comes out from the pre-dialogue talks.

Asked if there is any option on government's table for the release of the detained chiefs of the two major political parties, Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, he said the government did not yet get the full report of the pre-dialogue talks and the government would decide what to do after going through the report.

The Council of Advisers meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair, discussed the draft of the Anti-Terrorism Ordinance 2008 elaborately and sent it back for redrafting and rewording of some terms and provisions.

The matter of anti-terrorism law is important. So the council of advisers discussed the draft for further clarification, redrafting and rearrangement of some words and avoiding duplications, Syed Fahim Munaim said.

He said the meeting sent back the ordinance to the Law Ministry in the light of the suggestions, for placing it again as soon as possible with the changes.