The New Nation - Internet Edition

72.62% pass in Ctg Board 4316 achieve GPA-5

Chittagong Correspondent

Nearly 40 thousand examinees have become successful in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations this year here under Chittagong education board.

The success rate is 72.62 percent what is nearly 14 percent higher than the previous year.

Some 4316 achieved Grade Point Average - 5 this year whereas the number had been 3313 and 3725 in 2007 and 2006 respectively.

Some 31 educational institutions including leading public and private schools in the city acquired cent percent success this year.

Dr. Khastagir Girls High School, Bangladesh Mohila Samity Girls High School and Saint Scholastica Girls High School secured first, second and third position based on percentage and total number of appeared examinees.

Similarly, none could come out successful from two educational institutions. The institutions are Momena Sikandar Government Girls School, Sandwip, Chittagong and Khankanabad Ideal School in Banshkhali upazila.

It is learnt that Momena Sikandar Government Girls School, Sandwip has continued its failure for the third consecutive times.

Chittagong Collegiate School had the highest academic excellence once again in terms of number of best scorers (GPA-5). Some 326 examinees of this reputed educational institution achieved GPA-5 this year while the number of GPA-5 scorer was 265 in 2007.

The success rate of the school is 99.77 which is also higher than previous year (98.99)

Dr. Khastagir Government Girls High School (230) and Bangladesh Mohila Samity Girls High School secured second and third positions in terms of GPA-5 achievers. Both schools had 100 percent success.

Government Muslim High School, Nou Bahini High School and College, Chittagong Public School and College, Chittagong Government High School, Nasirabad Government High School, Chittagong Public School and College, Ispahani Public School and College, Silver Bells Girls High School, Fauzdarhat Cadet College, Coxs Bazar Government Boys High School, Chittagong Government Girls High School, Saint Placid High School and Krishna Kumari Aparna Charan City Corporation High School acquired the credit of cent percent success.

AL has positive approach to local govt. polls: Formal announcement likely today

Staff Reporter

Awami League has a positive approach to participate in the local government election under the condition of complete withdrawal of emergency if it is held before the parliamentary election.

The formal announcement in this connection is likely to be made today after the party's central Working Committee meeting as the five -hour meeting of the committee yesterday was adjourned without any decision.

The central leaders of the party have been facing dilemma since the Election Commission announced the schedule for the elections to four city corporations and nine municipalities on June 20.

Earlier, Awami League during the dialogue with the Election Commission strongly opposed its plan to the hold local government polls before national elections. But the party remained silent in this issue soon after the release of the party chief, Sheikh Hasina, on June 11.

During the bilateral meeting with Jatiya Samajtrantik Dal (JSD) on June 18 the leaders of the Awami League firmly declared to resist the government's move for holding local government election first at any cost. But later they parried question on this issue.

Talking to the New Nation, Awami League Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said, "Our Prime demand is the complete lifting of emergency first. We want the national polls before the local government polls. But with the changing circumstances and considering the decision of party men we may re-evaluate our decision of boycotting of local government election".

A leader of the AL central committee said a major section of the party is keen to participate in the local government election, but all of them firmly demand the withdrawal of emergency instead of relaxing it.

Talukder Abdul Khalek, a member of AL Executive committee, suggested the policy makers of the party to take decision on this issue after consulting with the party chief Sheikh Hasina.

Insiders said a few leaders opposed participation in the local government polls although most of the leaders expressed themselves in favour of participation.

At the meeting, AL central leader Latif Siddique suggested the party men to boycott the local government polls as the government is trying to divert the party's move by arranging the local election first. But another AL central leader KM Jahangir opposed his contention. They exchanged angry words in presence of party's presidium members.

Police-people ties must to fight crime: IGP

BSS, Dhaka

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Noor Mohammad on Thursday called for closer relations between the people and police to combat crimes in society.

Law and order would improve, rate of crime would fall and the people would live in peace, if the police can work with the cooperation of elected people's representatives, teachers, doctors, engineers and other professionals, he said.

The IGP was addressing as the chief guest at an exchange of opinion meeting on community policing in the Telecom Auditorium of Rajarbagh Police Lines in the city.

The Police Chief said the professional activities of police would be easier, if they can maintain regular contact with the people and remain aware of the problems of the deprived and helpless section of society.

Urging unity of all for the welfare of the country, Noor Mohammad said, "This country belongs to all of us, not to any particular individual or group."

Presided over by Dhaka Range Deputy IGP Amir Uddin, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Additional IGP ABK Tripura, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Nayeem Uddin Ahmed, Reforms Programme Project Manager Hubat Staber, Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Mahbubur Rahman, Pubail Community Police (Gazipur) President Alhaj Sultan Uddin Ahmed, freedom fighter of Narayanganj Farida Aktar, and Savar Union Council member Neela Costa.

Former secretaries, former IGPs, senior police officials, teachers, lawyers and the city elite attended the meeting.

Local-body polls: Khaleda accuses govt for creating pre 1/11 situation

UNB, Dhaka

Launching a counter offensive former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said the caretaker regime bents on creating a pre-January 11 situation by holding local body polls defying big parties' opinion.

"And by doing so, the caretaker plans to form another party by its handpicked people, get them elected and wants to sit in power," she told reporters at a special court where she attended in connection with Niko graft case.

Calling for immediate lifting of the state of emergency, Khaleda, chairperson of BNP, said parliament elections must be held within October.

"We want to participate in parliament election, but the government must create the enabling environment and prove its neutrality," she said.

Begum Zia said in the past elections to parliament were held several times under the caretaker government without the emergency. The incumbent will also have to lift the emergency and hold the elections.

She said BNP wants other elections too but those elections (local body) will be held after the parliament elections.

Khaleda said the parties who had representations in past parliaments and those who had not raised an identical demand for holding the parliament elections first. But the caretaker is insisting on local elections ignoring the major political parties.

Demanding overseas treatment of all detained ailing politicians including Awami League Mohammad Nasim who got treatment outside the country earlier, the BNP chief said "to me all men are equal, all politicians are equal."

Khaleda also deplored the present situation where she said people are not getting food and struggling for survival. She said to overcome this situation, the elections must be held in October as an elected government can only salvage this situation.

Hasina’s right ear severely damaged, says Dr Michael

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's both ears were damaged, right ear severely, and her hearing aids became dysfunctional for not doing the checkup for a long time, her doctor in Orlando said.

Her personal aide, Dr Hassan Mahmud, quoting Dr Michael Billiowick, told UNB from Toronto that she was examined for two hours at Orlando ENT Associates on Wednesday.

The doctor found both the ears of the ex-Prime Minister further damaged due to the delay in checkup.

Dr Hasan said the hearing aid to her left ear was adjusted but that of the right ear remained "dysfunctional".

"It may take one month for reinstallation of the hearing aid in the right ear," Dr Michael was quoted as saying. He advised her regular checkup.

Hasina suffered serious ear injuries following grenade blasts at her rally at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.

The Awami League chief, who was recently set free from prison for overseas treatment, had also treatment for her teeth at an Orlando dental clinic.

She may stay with her daughter Putul for a week or so and move to London. Then she may return to Orlando in the United States for further checkup of her damaged ears.

Earlier, Hasina arrived at Toronto Airport Thursday at 9:45 am (BST) where she was received by her daughter Saima Wajed Putul and sister Sheik Rehana.

Son-in-law Mashrur Hossain, Toronto Awami League leader Sarwar Hossain, Bangladesh Deputy HC Masud Mahmud and Canadian government official Liz Hethering were present.

'Terrorist’ killed in crossfire with RAB

Staff Reporter

A top-listed terror and an associate of the slain underworld kingpin Pichhi Hannan was killed in "crossfire" during an encounter between the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and some miscreants at Agargaon in the city yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Masud alias Dant-Bhanga Masud, 30, son of Maznu Bepari of Chandpur district. Masud used to live at Agargaon under Mohammadpur Police Station in the city.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-2 raided Agargaon area and chased 4/5 youth for their suspicious movement, Sensing danger, the youths started firing on the RAB personnel, forcing them to fire back.

"Masud was hit in the crossfire and died on the spot at about 1:45am. He was wanted in a number of cases," according to officials source. The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

The elite force also recovered one pistol and four rounds of bullet from the spot, said the sources.

A total of 5 cases including murder and extortion were filed against Masud, source added.

Nasim out of danger says doctor

UNB, Dhaka

Director (Medical Services) of Lab Aid Hospital Maj (Retd) Dr AKM Mahabul Haque yesterday said Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim's health condition remains clinically stable.

Talking to UNB Thursday evening he said Nasim's left side remained paralyzed and it needs long time treatment.

"He is out of danger at the moment but re-bleed may take place as it is a case of stroke," Dr Mahabub said, adding Nasim is taking normal food.

Meanwhile, Inspector General (Prisons) Brig Gen Jakir Hasan and DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui visited the ailing Awami League leader at LabAid Hospital. The DIG (Prisons) quoting doctors told UNB that if the current treatment could be continued, 70 percent of paralyzed left part of his body could be cured.

On Wednesday Nasim's son Tanvir Sohel Joy requested the Chief Advisor to allow his father for better treatment at Singapore St Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

The sources said the government may consider the application. But till this evening no official order was issued in this respect.

Nasim, serving a 13-year jail term in a graft case, was admitted to LabAid hospital Tuesday as doctors after primary diagnosis said he is suffering from brain hemorrhage.

Nasim was first brought to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from Kashimpur jail as he complained of feeling weak on his left side. After primary diagnosis, doctors sent him to LabAid specialized hospital.

Tk 6221m CCC budget

Chittagong Correspondent

The Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) will not impose fresh tax on the citizens other than inserting new holdings in the records of the corporation.

Acting Mayor of the city corporation Alhajj M Monjur Alam told this while addressing the budget session at the auditorium of Chittagong Theater Institute this afternoon.

"Road communications, repair, reconstruction, excavation of drain and canals, education, health and hygiene are the areas received highest attention in the proposed budget," the acting mayor said adding that approximately 23643 non-concrete dwelling structures of the city were relieved from the holding tax.

He placed the proposed budget of approximately Taka 6221 million before the session mainly attended by the ward commissioners of the corporation, public officials and the news workers.

Of the proposed budget of Taka 6221 million, approximately Taka 4720 million will be accumulated from the corporation's own sources while Taka 1500 million is expected as development grants from the central government.

The corporation has allocated Taka 3770 million for different development projects with focus on eradicating waterlogging and nearly Taka 1370 million for operation and maintenance to be implemented over the coming financial year.

Acting Mayor said that the corporation would be focusing on repairing of damaged roads, excavation of drains, canals and other basic infrastructures.

The amended budget of the previous fiscal (2007-2008) was also discussed and approved at the budget session.

The acting mayor put emphasis on building strong internal resource base and reduces dependence on external grants. In this regard he urged the corporation officials to engage fresh efforts in realizing the Taka 3430 million pending taxes.

Terming education as the precondition of overall development, the acting mayor said more than 575 educational institutions were functioning under the direct supervision of the corporation. The institutions included university, IT institute, degree colleges, higher secondary-level colleges, senior schools, elementary schools, non-formal education centers and Madrasas.

"The corporation has taken up five new projects timely implementation of which might change overall scenario of the port city," the Mayor said.

Taka 1910 million infrastructure development, drainage and environment improvement, Taka 1000 million concrete road construction, Taka 250 million Rajakhali road & canal digging and Taka 250 million garbage treatment projects are among the projects undertaken for the coming fiscal.

CA tells Myanmar envoy: Unsettled issues should be resolved thru’ talks

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said repatriation of Rohinga refugees and maritime demarcation issues could be solved amicably through bilateral discussions with Myanmar. The Chief Adviser said while the outgoing Ambassador of Myanmar to Bangladesh U Nyan Lynn paid a farewell call on him at his office here, according to Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed hoped that it would be further strengthened in the days to come.

He expressed sympathy for the huge loss of lives and property in Myanmar during the cyclone 'Nargis' saying as a next door neighbour Bangladesh always stands beside Myanmar for extending any assistance to face natural calamities there.

Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed also expressed gratitude to Myanmar for the country's assistance of one thousand metric tons of rice for the cyclone 'Sidr' victims in Bangladesh.

Referring to the historic cultural and business ties existing between Bangladesh and Myanmar, the Chief Adviser said Dhaka wants to take the relations at higher level.

Regarding annual consultations meeting between the two neighbours, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said this has to be done more regular basis to discuss the issues of bilateral interests.

He emphasised the need for establishing road links, direct banking arrangement and enhancing shipping links to promote bilateral trade and business and people to people contacts of the two friendly countries. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is especially interested in the early conclusion of a contract on farming agreement with Myanmar in the field of agriculture.

The Myanmar Ambassador thanked Bangladesh government and the people for extending support and assistance for the cyclone 'Nargis' affected people. He also informed the Chief Adviser that the Bangladeshi people are still providing support to the cyclone "Nargis" hit areas of his country to help bringing back the affected people to normal life.

About Bangladesh's interest to take lease of Myanmar's farm lands, Mr. U Nyan Lynn said this would immensely help promote people to people contact of the two countries.

Among others, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim was present on the occasion.

President improving gradually

BSS, Dhaka

The condition of President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, who is undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital(CMH) here, is improving gradually.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumdar separately visited the President at the CMH yesterday.

They spent some time beside the President and inquired about his treatment. Members of the medical board for the President informed the visitors about the latest physical condition of Professor Iajuddin. The visitors also prayed for early recovery of the President.

Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam, Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohammad Ruhul Amin and the President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present.

Nepal’s PM steps down, Maoists to lead new republic

AFP, Kathmandu

Nepal's veteran prime minister announced his resignation yesterday in a move that paves the way for a new Maoist-led government following the abolition of the monarchy.

The announcement by centrist politician Girija Prasad Koirala, who is 83 and in failing health, resolves a political stalemate over power-sharing that followed the declaration of a republic on May 28.

The Maoists have positioned their leader, Prachanda, to replace him as leader of the landlocked Himalayan nation and one of the world's poorest countries.

The prime minister, whose Nepali Congress party was soundly defeated by the Maoists in April polls for a 601-member constitutional assembly, called on the ultra-leftists to form the next government.

"I declare I have given up the prime minister's post through this assembly today. With me or without me, we all need to maintain the culture of consensus," Koirala told the body.

"I appeal to them (the Maoists) to garner consensus for the formation of a new government under their leadership," Koirala also said in a statement read out by Ram Chandra Poudel, Nepal's Peace Minister.

The Maoists and Congress-Nepal's two main parties-have been arguing for weeks over who should become the first president and prime minister of the world's youngest republic.

On Wednesday, they reached a deal that the president and prime minister will be elected through the assembly that will draft Nepal's new constitution.

"Now we all must focus on drafting a new constitution by giving up our petty political differences and ending confusion," Poudel said.

Prachanda and second-in-command Baburam Bhattarai joined hundreds of other assembly members showing their approval of Koirala's resignation by banging on the tables in the massive assembly hall.

Nepal's Maoists, who have 220 seats in the assembly, twice as many as Congress but just less than a majority, welcomed the veteran premier's resignation.

"We are glad he finally did it. We have been demanding his resignation as it had been a stumbling block for the leaders trying to reach consensus," Maoist spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara told AFP.

"The resignation is a step towards the formation of the government under our leadership," he said.

Koirala's party is likely to remain outside the new government that will be led by the former rebels, Congress officials have said, and he will not stand for election as president.

Girija Babu, as he is affectionately known, began his political career in 1947 as a union organiser in his home town of Biratnagar in southern Nepal.

He was imprisoned by Nepal's deposed royals in 1960, and spent seven years behind bars before going into exile in India.

In 1973 he masterminded the hijacking of a Royal Nepal Airlines plane known to be carrying hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from the state bank to fund his then-banned Nepali Congress party.

His latest stint in government began in 2006 after he became prime minister following an unsuccessful 14-month period of direct rule by ex-king Gyanendra.

Koirala and Prachanda, whose name means "the fierce one," are credited with ending a decade-long civil war that killed at least 13,000 people until it was ended in a 2006 peace deal.

The rebels launched their "people's war" with the aim of toppling the monarchy and establishing a communist republic, but since the 2006 peace deal, they have said they will follow democratic norms and not return to war.

Real Estate Management Ordinance to protect interest of people

BSS, Dhaka

The Housing and Public Works Ministry at an exchange of opinion meeting here on Thursday resolved that the promulgation of the Real Estate Management Ordinance-2008 will protect the interest of common people by bringing an end to corrupt practices by unscrupulous real estate developers.

Presiding over the meeting, Housing Secretary ASM Roshidul Hai said the government is going to formulate the ordnance in consultation with people for the first time to protect the interest of clients while buying plots or flats from the developers.

Real estate developers, including members of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), buyers and land owners participated in the meeting.

The secretary said the developers are not rival to the government, rather a partner of the administration. Thus, he said, the government has no intention to suppress them.

Joint secretaries KM Mozammal Haque (development) and Akhter Ahmed (Admin), members of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (RAJUK), Chittagong Unnayan Kartipakkha (CHUK), Khulna Unnayan Kartipakkha (KHUK), Rajshahi Unnayan Kartipakkha (RAUK), REHAB executives, eminent lawyer Dr M Jahir, environmentalist Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, were present in the meeting.

K M Mozammal Haque said the government is formulating the ordinance to protect the interest of the general people side by side creating a safer investment environment in the real estate sector.

Akhter Ahmed described the government's plan for promulgating the ordinance as a positive step and said this will ensure a win- win situation for both the sellers and buyers.

Dr Jahir was critical of the provision of penalty in the draft of the ordnance and suggested forming a sub-committee for creating special tribunal for ensuring equitable justice to land owners, purchasers, utility and material suppliers related to real estate management.

The purchasers welcomed the government's decision and said the Real Estate Management Ordinance-2008 is definitely a commendable step in safeguarding the interest of general public.

On the other hand, the developers demanded elaborate discussions with the government before finalizing the ordnance.

Prof Abdulla Abu Sayeed said the REHAB should have a code of conduct and underscored the need for integrating all real estate developers into an association for ensuring the interest of real estate developers and buyers.

Accepting the buyers allegations against a number of developers, the Ministry of Public Works at an inter-ministerial meeting finalized the draft of the real estate management ordinance-2008 on March 11, 2008, The ordinance will be finalized very soon, the Ministry sources said.

Chowdhury Alam jailed for 13 years

BSS, Dhaka

A Special Court here yesterday jailed ward commissioner of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Chowdhury Alam for 13 years for amassing wealth through illegal means and concealing information about assets in his wealth statement.

The Court sentenced his son Sayeed Chowdhury, brother Khorshed Alam Mintu and brother-in-law Rahmat Ali Labu to three years' imprisonment each for helping Alam acquiring the wealth.

Alam's wife Hasina Chowdhury, daughters Mahmuda Akhter Konika and Mahfuza Akhter Mukta and son-in-law Mohammad Selim Miah were acquitted as the prosecution failed to prove the allegations brought against them.

Chowdhury Alam was awarded rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 10 years for amassing wealth and three years for hiding information.The Court also fined him Taka one crore. Failing to pay the fine, he will suffer one year more in jail, the verdict said.

Besides, the Court ordered confiscation of his property of Taka five crore earned illegally, in favour of the state.

Alam's son, brother and brother-in-law were also fined Taka five lakh each, in default, to suffer six months more in prison.

Judge of the Special Court on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban complex Shahed Nooruddin handed down the verdict after examining the witnesses and relevant documents with Chowdhury Alam in the dock. Other accused were absconding since the case was lodged.

According to the case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Chowdhury Alam acquired assets of Taka five crore beyond his known sources of income.