The New Nation - Internet Edition

Upazila polls must before JS elections: Adviser: He wonders why a section of political parties are opposing local polls

Staff Reporter

Local Government Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal yesterday said upazila election must take place before parliamentary polls even if the political parties oppose it.

"The political parties are against the holding of upazila election before parliamentary polls. But the upazila election shall be held before the national elections," he told reporters after coming out of the publication ceremony of a policy paper on 'Role of Local Government in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)' in the city.

The Adviser made the remark a day after the Election Commission declared elections for some local-government bodies.

The Election Commission on Friday announced the schedule for election to four city corporations and nine municipalities on August 4, amid protests by major political parties who are demanding that the stalled parliamentary elections be held first.

Anwarul Iqbal also said the amendment to the Upazila Parishad Ordinance has been completed and it is now awaiting approval of the President. He wondered why political parties do not want local elections before the parliamentary one.

"The people want local-body elections before the parliamentary elections. But the political parties are saying it will hamper the roadmap on the parliamentary elections," he said.

The Adviser said political parties in public are against the holding of local elections, but "whether there is any secret in their mind I don't know".

He ruled out any possibility of the parliamentary elections being hampered, as the Chief Adviser has time and again assured about it.

"Local government polls before the national elections would not hamper the roadmap announced by the Election Commission in anyway," he said.

About the city and municipal elections, he said these are completely non-party elections as here none will take part with permanent symbol.

Earlier, speaking at the publication ceremony as the chief guest, Anwarul Iqbal said the government would withdraw 30,000 children from hazardous jobs by making alternative arrangements for them.

"Parents of these children would get micro credits," he said, adding the draft policy for elimination of child labour would soon be forwarded to the council of advisers for approval.

Jointly organised by Power and Partnership Research Centre, Unnayan Samannay, and Plan Bangladesh, the function was attended by Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman as special guest, while Unnayan Sumannay President and eminent economist Dr Atiur Rahman in the chair.

Plan Bangladesh Country Director Adward Thomas Espe, and PPRC Executive Director KM Ehsanul Huq, among others, addressed the function. PPRS fellow Khandaker Sakhawat Ali presented the main observations of the research.

The LGRD Adviser said the importance and necessity of pre- primary education is increasing day by day as part of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) activities.

Stressing the need for community based initiative for spreading pre-primary education, he said the local government bodies can play an important role in this regard.

The woman vice-chairman of the proposed upazila council and women members in reserved seats can be given the responsibility of coordination to carry forward these activities, he added.

Anwarul Iqbal said it may be considered whether the country's 11,000 community clinics can provide infrastructure facilities for pre-primary education along with their own activities.

Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur said high rate of enrolment in schools, particularly of the girls, has brought international acclamation for the country.

The role of pre-primary education is immense to stop dropout of students. But, pre-primary education is yet to be integrated with the mainstream of education in the country, he added.

In his presidential address, Dr Atiur Rahman demanded more allocation for children.

Referring to the feeding programme for 5 lakh primary school students in three monga-prone districts, he said the new budget has proposed expansion of the programme in 10 more districts in six divisions of the country.

He demanded introduction of school feeding programme for all primary school students across the country.

Dr Atiur also demanded reduction of duty on drawing books for children. Besides, he demanded special allocations for food, education and health security of children in shoal, hill, haor and coastal areas.

According to the policy paper presented in the function, the rate of enrolment in pre-primary class in Bangladesh is the lowest in Asian countries. Shortage of classrooms and teachers is one of the reasons for this.

Only 14.6 per cent children aged between 3 and 5 years go to schools in the country.

Ctg customs reeling under corruption : TIB

Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission AH Manjur
Mannan speaking as the chief guest at a round-table on “CCH:
Problems and Ways to Overcome” organised by Transparency
International, Bangladesh (TIB) at CCCI conference room in
Chittagong on Saturday.

Chittagong Correspondent

Corruption and governance watchdog the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in a report released here Saturday morning said that Chittagong Customs House (CCH) is still reeling under corruption, bribery and manipulations.

Though the political changes on January 11, 2007 and subsequent reforms including close monitoring by the taskforce changed the pattern and rate of corruption and manipulation at the CCH, major hub of the state revenue, return of the mess in old fashion would be inevitable if efforts for freeing it from corruption are not taken immediately.

The report suggested total automation of the CCH operations for taking it out of age-old corruption and manipulation trap.

Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission AH Manjur Mannan released the report at a colloquium titled "Chittagong Customs House: Need Sustainable Transparency and Accountability" at the auditorium of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCC&I).

Chairman of Trustee Board of the Transparency International Bangladesh Professor Muzaffar Ahmed chaired the colloquium while Executive Director of the TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, former advisor to the caretaker government M Hafizuddin Khan addressed it among others.

Research Officer of the TIB Tanvir Mahmud made a multimedia presentation on the report titled "Chittagong Customs House: Problems and Possible way out".

The report said that the revenue earning at the CCH alone jumped more than Tk. 14000 million well before the expiry of the financial year and it was the outcome of the reforms move undertaken since January 11, 2007.

The revenue earning would even reach a new height if the loopholes are sealed and dishonest workers and officers are relieved apart from addressing the operational problems, the report added.

Pinpointing severe staff shortage, the report said that the CCH could not hire any staff since 1982 as a section of the Mujib Nagar workers filed writ demanding their confirmation and subsequent promotion.

Scarcity of assessment devices, skilled workforce, laboratory and separate shed for physical examination of freights are forcing the import and export documents to under 42 stages in four categories, according to the report.

Referring to the recently held customs officials, the TIB researchers said that bribing in the name of speed money and collaborative tax evasion had been going on even dodging the eyes of the taskforce men and other agencies.

Steps taken to develop power sector: Aziz

Staff Reporter

Finance and Planning Adviser Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday said the Government has taken initiatives for developing the power sector to enhance the country's economic growth and development.

"Four projects have undertaken to improve the power sector and initiatives are also underway for off shore gas bidding," he said adding that in the near future the long waited coal policy of the country would be finalised.

He was speaking at a post budget discussion for the fiscal 2008-09 with the country's leading industrialists at the VIP lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) organised the discussion. Nazmul Ahsan, President of ERF moderated and Sajjad Alam Khan, General Secretary of the organisation proposed vote of thanks.

Muahammad Abdul Majid, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Annisul Huq, President of FBCCI, Anwar-Ul- Alam Chowdhury Parvez, President of BGMEA, Engineer Tanvirul Huq Probal, President, REHAB, Abdul Hai Sarcar, President, Bangladesh Textile Millis Owners Association, Major General (retd) Amjad Khan Chowdhury, Chief Executive of PRAN- RFL Group, Nazmul Ahsan, President of Bangladesh Pharmaceuticals Industries, Gazi Golam Dastagir, Director of Gazi Tank and Masiur Rahman, President of Paragan Poultry, among others, took part in the discussion.

"Maintaining macro- economic stability, ensuring food security, increasing the revenue targets, accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction and protecting and widening of the social safety nets are the broad objectives of the proposed budget," said the Finance Adviser.

He said Government's borrowing from the internal resources for mitigating the budget deficit would not hamper private sector.

Dr Azizul said it is not logical to give continuous subsidy to export oriented industries for all time.

He, however, laid emphasis on rationalising the tariff duties between intermediary and finished products goods for protecting the interests of both exporters and importers.

Replying to query the Finance Adviser said the Government is considering for setting up Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the country. He said government-controlled jute mills could be denationalised on public-private partnership basis.

"Paying taxes to the Government by the citizens timely and proper utilisation of taxpayers money by the Government could ensure benefit of the budget," he said adding Government alone could not do anything without the participation of people.

He said the Government has did not take any decision for further increase of fuel prices in line with the international price hike.

The Finance Adviser hoped the next elected Government would implement the budget, which he has proposed for the fiscal 2008-09.

In their observations the trade bodies' leaders said that export-oriented industries had been facing skilled manpower. They called upon the Government to allocate more budgetary fund for the vocational training courses.

They have expressed their satisfaction to the Government for extending the tax holiday and reducing the tariff duties on industrial raw materials.

Lauding the proposed budget as industry friendly the FBCCI President said demanded of the Government for uninterrupted supply of power and gas to the industries for maintaining the smooth production, which help add more revenue of the country.

"The legal undisclosed money should be allowed to invest", he said and called upon the Government to consider the recommendations placed by FBCCI.

BGMEA President laid emphasis on reducing dependency on World Bank and IMF.

"We need to gear up our research activities for developing our industry and more job creation," he said and called upon the Government to give 10 per cent cash incentives and increase other sfacilities to the businessmen.

He suggested Government to set up 'Garment Palli' for reducing pressure on city.

Delwar terms EC’s local govt move farcical

Staff Reporter

BNP Secretary General Khondokar Delwar Hossain yesterday alleged that the government has announced the election schedule for the local government with an ulterior motive and demanded its withdrawal immediately. Otherwise, the Election Commission (EC) will be responsible for any untoward situation in the country, he warned.

Addressing a view exchange meeting with the leaders of the Joypurhat BNP unit at his NAM-flat in the city, he said earlier the EC delimitated the constituencies unilaterally and now it is going to hold local government elections ignoring the major political parties. EC continued breaking of its oath by ignoring the rules, he maintained. Terming the local government election a "farce", he said People will not join such elections.

The schedule for the Aug 4 elections to four city corporations and nine municipalities, announced by chief election commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda on Friday, sparked protests from the two major political parties.

He expressed doubt about the holding of the national election saying the caretaker government did not hold it during the last one and a half years, as it has no intention to do it.

He demanded trial of politicians under the traditional laws for their alleged corruption and not under the emergency rules. They will not accept any verdict under the emergency rule, he added.

Only aim of the incumbent government is to make Bangladesh import based vassal state by giving up our oil and gas to the foreigners, according to him.

Delwar asked the party leaders to remain alert to what he said to a blueprint by the government to hold on to power.

He also called for the unconditional release of all political detainees including former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and her two sons Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko.

"The government is keen to send Khaleda Zia abroad, not her sons. She should not be sent abroad without them. She will receive treatment at home," Delwar said.

BNP Secretary General said that the Government is not sending Tarique and Koko abroad for better medical treatment in spite of medical board's suggestion.

He said there was no necessity of thinking about the election at the moment. Our only target is the release of our party's chairperson, he noted

President of BNP Joypurhat unit Mozahar Ali Prodhan made the welcome speech, while BNP Joyporhat unit leaders Moulana Ismail Hossain, Hamidul Haque, Adv Hena Kabir, Matiur Rahman, Adv Moksud, Jamser Alam, Adv Mizan, Ibrahim Fakir, Jubo Dal leader Sweet and Shuvra, Chhatra Dal leaders Gulzar Hossain, Alamgir Hossain and Saiful Islam Bullet, among others, addressed the meeting.

Floods may endanger upcoming crop season: Fertiliser prices still within farmers’ reach

Efforts on to mend the breach in the Faridpur Town
Protection Embankment yesterday. Forty metres long stretch
of the embankment collapsed on Friday. Banglar
Chokh

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Floods are likely to set the government a big challenge in the upcoming crop season, Agriculture Adviser CS Karim yesterday said.

Speaking on urea price adjustment, the adviser said there was no alternative to hiking the prices in the wake of a rise on the international market.

"Prices are still within the reach of farmers."

The Adviser brushed aside any impact of the price hike on rice prices and said: "The cost of urea has increased by only 40 paisa per kg of rice. But the amount of agriculture subsidy has increased at the same time to cushion farmers against shocks."

Asked to comment on the next big challenge in the crop season of aman , Karim said: "We have arranged supplementary measures for fertiliser and irrigation. But flooding will be a big challenge. We cannot stop floods." Replying to queries about the high prices of rice despite a bumper harvest of boro crop, Karim blamed "problems in marketing" such as intermediaries coming between producers and retailers.

"We really don't know where the problem lies. I ask you to find it out," the Adviser told reporters after attending an award giving ceremony for partners involved in promoting the use of pellet (guti) urea.

The government's Expansion of Urea Deep Placement (UDP) Technology project during the boro crop season 2008 led about 4 lakh farmers to use pellet urea on more than 1.5 lakh hectares.

The project implemented through the Department of Agricultural Extension with support from International Fertiliser Development Centre was financed by the US Agency for International Development.

More than 350 people including farmers and DAE field-officials were awarded in recognition of their achievements and performance.

In his speech as the chief guest, the adviser stressed the use of bio-fertiliser as costs of fertiliser import would increase in future.

Karim urged framers to cooperate with the government in facing the challenges of food security and climate change.

USAID official Anne Williams said the use of UDP technology reduces waste of fertiliser and erosion of soil fertility.

"The use of this technology leads to savings in foreign exchange and subsidies, and reduces the use of expensive chemical fertiliser." She hoped the business community and banks would help expand this technology.

Agriculture secretary M Abdul Aziz, IFDC's senior scientist Thomas P Thompson, DAE director general Md Shamsul Alam also spoke.

Major party leaders vie for local govt polls

Shahidul Islam

A number of local level leaders of different political parties, including the three major Awami League, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami-who have rejected the polls' schedules announced on Friday, have expressed their willingness to participate in the elections in four city corporations and nine pourahsavas.

Many of them have already started mass contact programme to create public opinion in favour of their candidature so that their respective parties, formally or otherwise, supports them, according to reports received in Dhaka yesterday evening from the four city corporations-Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal and other pourashavas.

The Election Commission (EC) on Friday announced schedules of elections in these city corporations and nine pourahsavas-Dupchachia in Bogra, Naohata in Rajshahi, Sreepur in Gazipur, Fulbaria in Mymensingh, Golapganj in Sylhet, Sitakunda in Chittagong, and Chuadanga, Manikganj, Shariatpur, and Shariatpur district headquarters, fixing August 4 as the polling date.

Rejecting the EC's announcement, Awami League (AL) Acting President Zillur Rahman, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Mohammad Mojahid separately asked the Commission to withdraw the local body polls schedule.

However, a number of senior leaders of the AL and BNP yesterday said their parties have not yet decided to boycott these elections although top leaders were critical of the EC's announcement since the local polls are going to be held before the general elections.

They said both the major political parties-the AL and BNP-would take part in these elections, even if they formally boycott the polls, to keep their respective party machinery intact at the local level.

They referred to the last city corporation polls, which was held under the BNP-led alliance government and participated front ranking AL leaders under the banner of "citizens' committee", although the AL had formally boycotted the elections. The AL only effectively boycotted Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) polls but participate in all other five city corporations.

AL leaders-ABM Mahiuddin Chowdhury elected Mayor of Chittagong and Badruddin Ahmed Kamran Mayor of Sylhet City Corporations respectively under the banner of "citizens' committee" despite, the party's formal boycott. BNP leaders Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Shaikh Taiyabur Rahman and Majibar Rahman Sarwar respectively won Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barisal City Corporations under the four-party alliance banner. The AL extended support to Workers Party leader Fazle Hossain Badsha for Rajshahi City Corporation and fielded party leaders-Enayet Pir Khan in Barisal under the "citizens' committee" banner.

When contacted, influential AL Presidium member Amir Hossain Amu, who yesterday returned from Barisal, said, "The ground reality is different. Local level leaders of the party are in favour of participating in the local elections. As such the Awami League will take a final decision in consultation with the local level leaders on these local polls."

Referring to the experiences of his Barisal visit, the AL leader opined that the party would suffer from conflicts and disintegration at the local level if boycotts the polls, as the local leaders have already started pre-election campaign.

Expressing similar views, BNP Advisory Council member Brig Gen (retd) ASM Hannan Shah said, "The BNP has not yet decided to boycott these local polls and the party will take a decision in consultation with the local and mid level leaders."

Besides, sources close to the families of detained Mayors-Shaikh Taiyebur Rahman, Mizanur Rahman Minu and Majibar Rahman Sarwar, who have already been convicted in at least one graft case, told The New Nation yesterday that they move the high court to challenge the prison term and even go to the Supreme Court to create legal ways n favour of their candidature for the mayoral polls.

Arman Ahmed Kamran Shiplu son of detained Sylhet City Mayor Badruddin Ahmed Kamran, who was not yet convicted and his cases are under trial, yesterday told this Correspondent that his father has expressed his desire to contest the mayoral polls from within the jail.

Besides, four AL candidates-former pourashava chairman Babrul Hossain Babul, city general secretary Advocate Misbahuddin Siraj, Acting Mayor Azam Khan and former general secretary party's district committee Ashfaq Ahmed-are vying for Mayoral nomination in Sylhet, while three BNP leaders-former Mayoral candidate of four-party alliance M A Haque, City BNP Secretary Nasim Hossain and Ward Commissioner Abdul Quaiyum Jalalee Pakhee are vying for the post. JP (Ershad) has two candidates-district unit president Kunu Mia and city JP vice-president Abdus Samad Nazmul, LDP leader former MP Mukit Khan, IOJ (Aminee) leader Maulana Sirajul Islam, JSD (Inu) Central Organising Secretary for Sylhet Division Lokman Ahmed and PDP Convener and former pourashava chairman AKM Kamal, among others candidates, are in the field.

In Khulna, there are six BNP Mayoral candidates-Shaikh Taiyebur Rahman, Acting Mayor Moniruzzaman Monir, former MP Ali Asgar Loby, Rabiul Islam Manju, Shafiqul Islam Mona and Khairuzzaman, while AL has three candidates-former State Minister Talukder Abdul Khalek, Ward Commissioner Ajmal Ahmed Tapan and district unit general secretary Mizanur Rahman Mizan. Besides, JP (Ershad) has two candidates-both of them former MPs-Gaffar Biswas and Abul Hossain. Former MP and Jamaat-e-Islami city Ameer Mia Golam Parwar, PDP leader Sharif Shafiqul Hamid Chandan and CPB leader Advocate Firoj Ahmed are on the race for the post.

There are less number of contenders in Rajshahi city. They are-former 14-party alliance candidate and Workers Party central leader Fazle Hossain Badsha, city AL general secretary Khairuzzaman Liton and city AL President Masudul Haq Dulu, three BNP candiadates-Mizanur Rahman Minu, Juba Dal city president Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul and BNP central acting office secretary Rizvee Ahmed, JP (Ershad) leader and former MP Durul Huda, Jamaat city Ameer Matiur Rahman and PDP convenor Raihanul Haq, who are vying for Mayor post.

Our Barisal Correspondent reports that the total number of aspirants in Barisal City Corporation election has crossed 200 mark and stands at 209, including 15 mayoral and 194 ward commissioner candidates. All of them had their names registered for the EC's orientation course till yesterday.

The seven mayor candidates who registered their names on Saturday for participation in the orientation and workshop, included city AL joint convener Alamgir Hossain Alo, AL leader for district bar association secretary Advocate Golam Masud Bablu, Jubo League leader Mahmudul Huq Khan Mamun, Jatiya Party leader ward commissioner Murtaza Abedin, businessman Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Rafikul Islam, PDP leader Sharfuddin Ahmed Santu.

Besides, AL leader Eanyet Pir Khan is expected to contest for Mayoral polls, while BNP leaders-detained Mayor Mujibur Rahman Sarwar, Ebaidul Haq Chan, Abdur Rahman Tapan and Ataharul Islam Babul-and JP (Ershad) leaders Fakhruddin Ahmed Hannu and Mortaza Abedin and CPB leader Comrade Abul Kalam Azad are in the race.

AL leaders want JS election first: Withdrawal of emergency demanded

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League central leadership yesterday bashed the caretaker administration for going to hold city corporation and municipal elections, which they termed "violation" of the constitution.

Awami League presidium member Tofail Ahmed told reporters in Gazipur that they want only one election under the caretaker government and that is parliament election.

Opposing just-announced local-body elections, he asked the government to lift the state of emergency and hold election to parliament first. Asked whether AL rejects the schedules for local-body polls, he said Awami League central working committee would take a final decision.

"Since the government claims that the law-and-order situation has improved, what is the necessity of keeping the state of emergency in force?" he posed the question.

Earlier, Tofail addressed an extended meeting of Gazipur district Awami League at Trust Community Center, as the party leaders embarked on cross-country tour following the recent lifting of a ban on indoor politics countrywide by relaxing the emergency rules.

Presided over by Gazipur district AL president AKM Mozammel Huq, the meeting was also addressed by Advocate Rahmat Ali, Mukul Bose, Meher Afroz Chumki and Zahid Hassan Russel.

In Comilla, Awami League presidium member Begum Matia Chowdhury said any election prior to parliamentary elections would not be accepted.

Addressing an extended meeting of Comilla (South) Awami League, she said it is the job of the government to be elected through the general election to hold the local-government elections. "People will not accept any elections before the parliamentary polls going to be held in violation of the constitution," she said.

Calling for immediate lifting of the state of emergency, Matia, a firebrand student leader of the 60s, said, "A democratic election cannot be held by tying up people hand and foot under the state of emergency."

Presided over by Comilla (South) district joint convenor Mujibul Huq Mujib, the extended meeting was also addressed by Adv Abdul Matin Khasru, Capt (retd) Tajul Islam Taj, Maj Gen (retd) Subid Ali Nhuiyan, Adv Baset Majumdar and Fakhrul Islam Munshi.

The Awami League leaders demanded unconditional release of party chief and ex-PM Sheikh Hasina, now in the USA on interim release for treatment, and withdrawal of 'false' cases against AL leaders and workers.

In Jessore, Awami League central leader Abdul Latif Siddiqui said people would not allow local elections ahead of parliamentary elections.

Addressing an extended meeting of Jessore district Awami League, Latif Siddiqui criticized the government for failure to contain the soaring prices of essentials.

Presided over by acting district AL president Adv Farazi Shahadat Hossain, the meeting was also addressed by Munnujan Sufian, Khan Tipu Sultan, Shah Hadiuzzaman, SM Qamruzzaman Chunnu and Shaheen Chakladar.

Attached documents of Hasina returned

Staff reporter

The Dhanmondi thana police yesterday returned some more documents and

others materials of Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, which were seized on July 16 last year at the time of her arrest.

Advocate Kamrul Islam, a lawyer of Sheikh Hasina and also Acting General Secretary of Dhaka city Awami League said the police gave back most of her articles including documents, computer and CDs yesterday.

He told newsmen that the police has assured to return main documents of Babgabandhu Memorial Trust, chequebooks, cashbooks and other materials within a few days.

The police have also unlocked the chest of Sheikh Hasina, which was sealed when she was arrested.

The Dhanmondi police returned three passports of Hasina on June 9 her private car and mobile phone sets on June 11.

Tarique’s spinal cord broken, says doctor

Tarique Rahman

UNB, Dhaka

Spinal cord of Tarique Rahman is broken, causing acute pain in his waist and neck, a physician at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) said yesterday.

Private TV channel I quoting Prof Yunus reported that Tarique, who is undergoing treatment at BSMMU hospital prison cell, is also suffering from pains in his right hip- joint. "His condition has deteriorated," the doctor said, adding that he needs treatment abroad.

Earlier, detained ex-PM Khaleda Zia had alleged that her son was in good health before his arrest and questioned why he cannot walk now being under government custody.

About Khaleda Zia's health, DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui said she developed swelling in the wrist of her left hand and was also suffering from pains in her knees due to arthritis.

Teesta on the rise, no floods yet

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Low-lying areas of the Teesta river went under water after India opened the Gojal Doba barrage in the upstream, Water Development Board officials said yesterday.

The WDB's flood forecasting and warning centre (FFWC) said though the river waters had risen at several points there was no flood situation anywhere in the country. River waters increased at 57 of the 75 monitoring points, but remained static at one.

Duty officer Md Ariful Islam of FFWC told bdnews24.com the lower areas of the Teesta had been inundated as India suddenly opened Gojal Doba barrage. Water started swelling from Friday night and Teesta waters crossed the danger mark at Dalia point Saturday morning. He said the water would start receding by Saturday afternoon. The water in rivers of India rose due to monsoon rains for the last few days.

In the Brahmaputra basin the water of Teesta rose by 68 centimetres at Dalia point and was flowing 37 cm above danger level, according to FFWC statistics.

The Dharla waters rose by 42 cm at Kurigram. The waters of Brahmaputra and the Jamuna recorded rise at different points.

The Dhaleswari swelled by 14 cm at Rikabibazar while the Surma rose by 76 cm at Kanaighat, 38 cm at Sylhet and 39 cm at Sunamganj.