The New Nation - Internet Edition

Call to keep population growth under control

BSS, Gaibandha

Speakers here at a discussion stressed the need for bringing the fertility rate under control to keep population growth under control.

The meeting on "Family Planning, information, education and communication" organised by the Department of Family Planning (DFP) at Sundarganj upazila parishad auditorium was held in the district on June 10.

Deputy Director (DD) of DFP Dr Reazul Islam spoke on the occasion as the chief guest with Upazila Nirbahi Officer M Barad Hossain Chowdhury in the chair.

It was addressed, among others, by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers Dr Wazed Ali, Nazmul Khandaker and Halima Begum. A good number of family welfare assistants, local elite, NGO activists and journalists attended the meeting.

3 killed by lightning in two districts

BSS, Chapainawabganj

One person was killed by lighting at Mohipur under Sadar upazila in the district on Saturday.

The dead was identified as Kazem Ali, 50, of village Mohipur under the same upazila. Local sources said Kazem met the tragic ends of his life while he was working in the field.

Meanwhile, two persons including a housewife and her brother in law (Debar) were killed and a minor girl was injured by lightning in village Ghonapara-Jharupara under Syedpur upazila in Nilphamari on Friday.

Quoting local people police said, newly married housewife Mamtaz Begum, 22, wife of Monwar Hossain of village Sonamukhi Munshipara, went to her father's house in village Ghonapara- Jharupara a few days back.

Her husband's younger brother Rashidul, 15, went to Mamtaz's father house to take her back to the husband's house on the day. But, suddenly a lightning struck them amid torrential rains at the veranda of the house of Mamtaz's father when they were about to start for her husband house.

Mamtaz and Rashidul were killed on the spot and younger sister of the ill-fated housewife Sheuly, 4, was seriously burnt in the incident and she was admitted to Syedpur 50- bed hospital immediately, the sources said.

Call to plant more trees in Mymensingh

Our Correspondent Mymenisngh

An Opinion Exchange meeting was held recently to take initiative for developing Mymensingh region to grow more flowers, fruits and medicinal trees at the auditorium of Department of Agricultural Extension sponsored by the Mymensing District Nursery Owners' Association

Md. Shamsul Alam, Deputy Commissioner, Mymensingh presided over the function while Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Professor Dr. Musharraf Hossain Mian was the chief guest. Scientist of international repute and Director of BAU Germ Plasm Centre Professor Dr. M. A. Rahim, Lt. Col. Muhammad Kabir Hossain, Commander, Joint Forces, Hamidur Rahman, Coordinator, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation were present as special guests at the function. Among others, Md. Rafiqul Islam Titu and Abdul Majid Master, President and General Secretary respectively of Mymensingh District Nursery Owners' Association spoke on the occasion.

A complete guideline and plan to cultivate flowers, fruits and trees in Mymensingh region to combat acute poverty-related problems of hunger, social unrest and environmental degradation was discussed since farming is a way of life for nearly half of the world's people, according to the Nursery Owners Association.

Mixed feelings over release of Sheikh Hasina in Barisal

Our Correspondent, Barisal

There had been mixed feelings among the political leaders of Barisal about the release of Awami League leader and forme4r prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Shaukat Hossain Hiran, convener Mahanagar Awami League Barisal said that be was happy at the release of the leader and expressed hope that Sheikh Hasina would not he sent to jail again. Asaduzzaman Khasru, general secretary of Mahanagar BNP Barisal thanked the government for releasing Sheikh Hasina and said that Tareque Zia and Arafat Rahman Koko also should be released soon. Mohasin-ul-Islam Habul, President Jatiya Party Barisal however said that arrest and release of top leaders are part of international game.

He however demanded release of Khaleda Zia also Moazzem Hossain Helal, Amir Mahanagar Jamaat Islam said that everyone should receive the same treatment in land and other political leaders should also be released. Professor Abdus Sattar president Workers party Barisal said that a faction of Awami League was working in aid of the present government and they would be benefited by release of Sheikh Hasina (AK Azad, general secretary of Communist Party and Mintu Bose general secretary of Nagarik Parishad however said that it was a timely action taken by the government and the people at large had welcomed it.

Naogaon Newsletter

Our Correspondent, Naogaon

One cancer minor/meritorious student of Class four, has been suffering from cancer, urges medical help for saving his valuable life. He lives at Midhapur village under Badalgachi upazila in Naogaon district. His father is poor. It is urged upon caretaker government including health adviser, NGOs and others to extend huge financial help, saving his valuable life soon.

UP budget anounced

Chairman of Raogaon union parishad of Mohadevpur upazila in the district, Mansoor Alam Manzur, announced budget about 27 lakh 50 thousand Taka in the next fiscal year recently, at its hall room. Local elites including businessmen, union parishad members and others were then present.

Father, daughter commit suicide

Both father and only daughter committed suicide by taking poison at their residence at Srirampur village under Manda upazila in the district on May 11. Both succumbed to injuries on way to Manda health complex. The dead were identified as Bazlur Bashid (30), son of late Afas Uddin Sardar and daughter Bima Akhter Bislee (8). The reason for the deaths has not yet been traced out.

Nat'l ID cards distributed

The distribution ceremony of national identity cards of Raninagar upazila in Naogaon district was held on upazila parishad premises recently, chaired by Raninagar Upazila Nirbahai Officer Md. Abdul Alim Khan. Commander of Naogaon army camp Lt. Col. Md. Shamim Ahsan Zaklul, PSC, as chief guest distributed the NID cards in a simple ceremony, among 25 voters. Be noted so far there are total 1 lakh 25 thousand 784 voters upto May, 2008, in Raninagar upazila, consisting of total eight union parishads. Among the voters are male 56,725 and female 59,921.

Muktijuddah committee formed

Sapahar upazila Mukhtijo-ddha '71 Committee has bee formed recently, in the district. Freedom fighters Omar Ali and Md. Nazrul Islam were elected as convener and secretary respectively, consisting of total 25 members. Earlier, a discussion meeting was held on this occasion at Sapahar upazila parishad auditorium. Local prominent freedom fighter Dr. Taher Uddin Ahmed was in the chair.

Agri workshop held

One-day workshop about Urea fertiliser uses was held on May 25, under auspices of Naogaon District Agriculture Extension Department, at its premises, presided over by chairman of Bakhtiarpur union parishad Shaheed Hassan Siddique. Deputy Director of Naogaon district agriculture extension department Md. Mahbub Mustafa attended as chief guest.

District seeds expert officer Serajul Karim, district marketing officer Shamimul Huq, sadar upazila agriculture officer Abbas Ali, sadar upazila agriculture extension officer Md. Jahangir Alam and others spoke on the occasion.

Heroin seized

On a secret information, RAB-5 of Jaipurhat district camp, led by Major Shah Ali, in a campaign recovered 500 (five hundred) grams heroin and arrested 3 persons at Jahanpur village under Dhamoirhat upazila in the district.

The arrested persons were identified as Nazrul (slam (50), Serajul Islam (35) and Mansoor Ali (25), who were handed over to the police.

World Day against Child Labour observed

BSS, Gaibandha

World Day against Child Labour was observed in the district on Friday in a befitting manner. The theme of the year is "Education is right response to child labour".

In observance of the day, Child Labour Elimination Action Network (CLEAN), a forum of NGOs, organised programmes with the assistance of Manusher Jannyo Foundation and ILO.

The programmes included rally, discussion meeting and art competition for children.

A colourful rally led by Deputy Commissioner Abu Muhammad Yousuf was brought out and paraded the main streets in the town. Later, a discussion meeting was held at Public Library auditorium.

Anwarul Hasan Sabur, Poura chairman, attended the meeting as the chief guest.

With Abul Hossain Mandal, labour organiser, in the chair, it was addressed, among others, by panel chairman of Gaibandha Pourasabha Abdul Hai and executive director of Akota M Lutfar Rahman Mondal.

The speakers laid emphasis on protecting children from risky and hazardous jobs.

2 phensidyl carriers get 5-yr RI in Rajshahi

BSS, Rajshahi

Anti-smuggling Tribunal Court, in its judgment, here today sentenced two persons to suffer five years rigorous imprisonment (RI) on charge of possessing 115 bottles of contraband Phensidyl.

Additional District and Sessions Judge-2 Lutfa Begum found the convicts identified as Saidur Rahman, 23, and Fazal, 25, guilty under section 25(B) of the Special Powers Act-1974 and pronounced the verdict in a crowded courtroom.

They were also fined Taka 10,000 each, in default, to suffer one year more imprisonment.

According to the prosecution story, in brief, that a police team arrested Saidur and Fazal and seized 115 bottles of Phensidyl from their possessions during an anti-smuggling raid in Habaspur area under Bagha upazila of the district on February 24, 2005.

Police had lodged a case with Bagha police station against them. After examining the enlisted prosecution witnesses and other relevant evidence the court declared the judgment. Special Public Prosecutor Jane Alam conducted the case on behalf of the State while Advocates Tazul Islam Faruque, Mozammel Haque and Jamshed Ali defended the accused.

31 arrested on various charges in Magura

Our Correspondent, Magura

Magura police has arrested thirty-one criminals in two days drive. On 31 May one Shaiyd Mir, Ex-joint secretary of Jubo League and chairman Bus owner Association and one Kumrul Hassain alia Kala Mir were arrested by joint force. Apart from this police has arrested another 15 youths who were wanted in different Criminal Cases. It is learnt both Saiyed Mir and Kala Mir were listed criminals. Out of them Syed Mir is a convicted criminal.

On the second day ie. June-1 police and joint force have arrested 16 Criminals. One Hasanuzzaman, a Jubo- leader was caught red-handed as he is connected with crime works.

Apart from this, Magura Sadar police station has launched operation and has arrested 15 Criminals including drug businessman Zahid Hossain and his four companions. Sirpur P.S. Police has arrested 10 persons in execution of warrant of arrest (W/A).

All of them were placed before the judicial magistrate who sent them to jail.

Mobile court realizes Tk 1,32,500 as fine from Bajitpur

Our Correspondent, Kishoreganj

A mobile court has realised Tk. 1,32,500/- in fine from stationery shop. hotel restaurants, departmental store, backery, sweet shop and confectioneries on charge of selling adulterated and stale food items, shortage of weight in the Bajitpur town of the district on Saturday evening. The court led by 1st Class Magistrate Md. Habib (NDC) and 1st class magistrate Md. Ruhul Amin started the drive on information that some business establishments which have no valid approval from BSTI, were engaged in selling adulterated and date-expired food items.

World Environment Day observed in Panchagarh

Our Correspondent, Panchagarh

The programme of the World Environment Day 2008 were colourful rally, discussion and distribution of medical plants and fruit trees among the students of the different educational institutions.

A colourful rally was brought out which paraded the main road of Panchagarh town. At the end of rally a discussion meeting was held at Panchagarh. The discussion was presided over by Md. Safiul Alam ADM Panchagarh. Md. Hafiz Uddin, Deputy Commissioner Panchagarh was present as chief guest. While Md. Monzur Hassan Bhuinah ADC (Rev) Panchagarh as special guest.

The discussion was addressed, among others, by Md. Tauhidul Islam Chairman Panchagarh Municipality, Md. Akhtaruzzaman Dist. Children Affairs Officer Panchagarh.

Extended meeting of Mymensingh AL held

BSS, Mymensingh

Organising Secretary of Awami League Saber Hossain Chowdhury thanked the caretaker government for taking necessary measures for better treatment of party chief Sheikh Hasina abroad.

He was speaking at an extended meeting of District Awami League as the chief guest at district bar association here on Friday.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury urged the party leaders and workers to maintain a greater unity and gear up activities at all level. With Principal Motiur Rahman, president of district unit of Awami League, in the chair, it was addressed, among others, by local party leaders Osim Kumar Ukil, Abdul Matin Sarker, Nazimuddin Ahmed, Mahbubul Haque Shakel and Advocate Abu Roza.

Drug traders held in Jamalpur

BSS, Jamalpur

Police in a raid arrested two drug traders along with ganja from the bus stand of Sarishabari in the district on Tuesday night.

The arrested were identified as Abul Hashem, 42, son of Shamser Ali at village Shingair Beel and Jashim, 24, son of Abdul Jabbar of village Kashinagar of Brahmanbaria district.

Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a drive at the bus stand and after searching a bus arrived from Dhaka seized six kg ganja and arrested two person in this connection.

A case was registered with Sarishabari thana police in connection.

Minor boy killed in Barguna road accident

BSS, Barguna

A minor boy was killed in a road accident on Amtali-Kalapara road in Koraibunia area under Amtali upazila in the district on Saturday. The dead was identified as Musa, 4, of Koraibunia village under the same upazila.

Police said a speedy tempo knocked him down while Musa crossing the road. He died on the spot. A case was filed with Amtali thana in this connection.

News briefs

Four of a family killed in Habiganj road mishap

HABIGANJ, June 16: A physician and three of his family members were killed when an ambulance plunged into a roadside ditch at Bezura in Madhabpur upazila on Dhaka-Sylhet highway early Saturday. The deceased were identified as Dr Mujibur Rahman, 52, of Akhiul Sub Health Complex in Sadar upazila of Moulvibazar district, his wife Nazma Begum, 40, college-going son Al-Amin, 17, and father-in-law Rashid, 70. They hailed from Bazargaon village in Hajiganj upazila of Chandpur district. Police said the accident took place when family members of Dr Mujibur, who was a diabetic patient, were bringing him to Dhaka BIRDEM Hospital by the ambulance, reports UNB.

might guard killed Tk 1.79 lakh looted

SYLHET, June 16: Robbers looted Tk 1.79 lakh in cash from a rice mill after killing its night guard at Technical road in Dakkhin Surma upazila Thursday midnight. On information, police recovered the body of Ful Miah, 50, night guard of Shah Poran Rice Mill, on Friday morning and sent it to hospital morgue for autopsy. Police said the bandits strangulated Ful Miah to death and looted the cash from the mill. Later, the assailants put the body in a sack and dumped it under the sacks of paddy. The law enforcers arrested new manager of the rice mill Abdul Awal in this connection. Four mill workers went into hiding soon after the incident, reports UNB.

One hanged to death in Benapole

BENAPOLE, June 16: A young man was hanged to death allegedly by his associates at Durgapur village here early Saturday. The dead was identified as Shahinur Rahman Sabuj, 26, son of Dr Nurul Huda of nearby Gazipur village. Police said the associates following a previous enmity hanged Sabuj from a tree after tying up his legs and hands, leaving him dead on the spot. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to the morgue for autopsy. A case was filed, reports UNB.

Mobile court realizes fine

SYLHET, June 16: A mobile court, in a daylong drive in the city on Thursday, realised Tk 1.75 lakh in fine from a clinic and 12 diagnostic centers on various charges. The RAB-led mobile court, headed by Executive Magistrate Alauddin Ali, conducted the drive at Stadium and Osmani Medical College Hospital areas and realised the fine from the clinic and diagnostic centers for unhygienic environment, using date expired medicines and running business without renewing licenses and any pathologist, reports UNB.

Arms, ammunition seized in Satkhira

SATKHIRA, June 16: Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered some arms and ammunition at Shriula village in Ashashuni upazila early Thursday. Sources said on secret information, RAB-6 men recovered three guns, one pistol, four bullets and five sharp weapons from a pond in front of the house of UP member Nazrul Islam at about 4am. None was arrested in this connection. A case was filed, reports UNB.

Schoolgirl violated in Sirajganj

SIRAJGANJ, June 16: A minor schoolgirl was violated allegedly by her neighbour at West Para village in Tarash upazila Thursday night. Police said Mailu, father of three children, tactfully took the girl, a student of class five of a local school, to a neighbour's house and violated her there at about 10pm and left the place leaving her in profusely bleeding condition. The victim was later rescued and rushed to the Sadar hospital in unconscious state. On Friday, local agitated people caught Mailu and handed over him to police. A case was filed, reports UNB.