The New Nation - Internet Edition

Unitary standard edn system suitable with socio-economic pattern stressed

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Participants of a workshop on 'an alternative education system sensitive to gender and pluralism in Bangladesh" stressed on introducing unitary, standard, scientific,pro-people, serial phased education system suitable with socio-economic pattern of the country as well as compatible with the age of globalisation.

The programme presided over by renowned educationist Prof. Md. Hani at Abdul Khalek auditorium of the city on Wednesday morning jointly organized by Bangladesh Nari Pragoti Sangha (BNPS), Institute for Environment and Development (IED) and Barisal Association for Social Advancement Services (BASAS).

Among others Shahnaz Sumi of BNPS,Ovijit Roy of IED, Bandona Nath of BASAS,Jibon Krishna Dey , Akkas Hossain, Shamsuddin Khan, Nikhil Sen, Enayet Hossain Chowdhury, Enayet Hossain Shiplu,Rabeya Khatun, Begum Faizun Nahar Shelley, Bimol Chakroborty, Shamvu Sarkar,Sheuli Afroz, Prosanta Kumar Das,Habibur Rahman,Shamayal Chandra Das,Anjali Chatterji, H M Ferdousi, representing different sectors of education, cultural, children, citizen, human rights movements, elite participated in the discussion.

The discussants said that since last 37 years after liberation scientific, pro-people unitary education system compatible with the moral values, ethics and needs of the nation and facing the challenges of globalisation yet not introduced and education and examination procedures from pre-primary to post-graduate level have not developed with chronological continuity.

Practicing different types of education and examination systems packed with unnecessary burdens of books and accessories from pre-primary to post-graduation levels in both public and private sectors failed to fulfill professional needs in national and international fields.

While the private sector fulfilling more than eighty percent of education demands following the same curriculum and syllabus like public sector, then the discrimination of status and benefits between the both sectors remained with a vast distances and meritorious people day by day becoming less interested and more discouraged to work in education sectors.

They calling for imposing restrictions on private tuition of the teachers in working hours and compulsion of getting private tuition from certain teachers or subjects said that number of trained teachers are not only insufficient but training was not also applicable in class rooms and vacancies of the eligible teachers in different phases of education sectors remained for long days.

The participants of the workshop also demanded review of the humiliating systems of engaging teachers in different types of works outside of their professional sector and imposing compulsion about showdown of students in different types of government programs, receptions of the high officials of state and government.

Huge irregularities at RU workshop on 'insect preservation’ alleged

RU Correspondent

A two-day long workshop on environment assist insects preservation held with huge irregularities and mismanagement at Zoology department of Rajshahi University (RU). The workshop conducted under the project of Science, Information and Communication Ministry on conference of insects ended on Monday. Total programme financed by Science, Information and Communication Technology Ministry.

Sources alleged that Ministry allotted Tk. 5,00,000 for the total project, in which Tk. 30,000 for the workshop. But the sound system, banner, refreshment was very low quality than their allocated budget. They need not to pay for the auditorium due to using free auditorium of the Zoology department.

There have shown a total of forty farmers participated in the workshop. Though, it is matter of regret but true among these so called farmer a little of portion have any practical experience of cultivation sources also alleged. But ministry mentioned marginal farmer have to participate on the workshop.

Project Director Prof. Bidan Chandra Bissas said to the newsmen about participation of farmer "The allegation is not correct, because who have cultivated for a day in his piece of land, he can be treated as farmer." Some conscious teacher of the university said in condition of anonymity "the effectiveness of the workshop is now questionable matter".

Professor Dr. Mamnunul Keramat, acting Vice Chancellor of RU was present as Chief Guest on the workshop while Prof. Golam Kabir, Dean of Life and Earth Science Faculty was present as special guest.

President Parade of Bangladesh Navy held at Naval Academy

Summer Graduation President Parade marking the commissioning of Midshipmen 2006 'B' batch of Bangladesh Navy was held here at the Bangladesh Naval Academy Parade ground on Wednesday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam attended the ceremony as chief guest. He reviewed the smartly turned-out parade and took salute at the impressive march past. He also distributed certificates and trophy among the Midshipmen who came out with excellent performance and results during the training. 19 Midshipmen have been commissioned this time. Mentionable, 12 cadets from Palestine, 02 from Qatar and 02 from Maldives are presently undergoing training in Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) along with other Bangladeshi cadets, says an ISPR press release.

Midshipman Kazi Sakur Mahmud, BN was adjudged the best all round Midshipman of the Course and awarded the coveted 'Sword of Honour' and also received 'CNS Gold Medal' for best in professional subjects. He also got 'Osmani Gold Medal' for his outstanding performance in Academic subjects. Addressing on the occasion Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Niza Called upon all newly commissioned officers to be honest and remain vigilant to protect the sovereignty of our motherland, which was attained through the sacrifice of lacs of martyrs. He also urged to face the challenges of new millennium by using modern technology and developing professional efficiency. Morality should be given priority to build corruption-free society, he added.

Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam also advised newly Commissioned Officer to give priority to national interest than that of individual interest in fabour of presenting a clean, beautiful and ever corruption free motherland to future generation. He also added extensive survey research at sea should be continued for aiding on going extraction of sea resources in the day of Bengal and every member of Navy should remain always alert to protect the vast sea areas.

Among others PSOs' of Naval Headquarters, Commodore Com-manding Chittagong Commodore M Nasir, Comma-ndant BNA Captain M Mozammel Haque, diplomats of foreign mission in Bangladesh, high civil and military officials, parents and guardians of the Midshipmen and Cadets were present on the occasion.

Businessman dies of cardiac arrest: VAT official confined in Narail

Our Correspondent, Narail

Ranajit Nandi (45) son of Hrikesh Nandi, a petty cloth trader, died of heart failure on Tuesday afternoon and the angry businessmen of the market confined the VAT official in this connection.

A team of VAT officials, led by Mollah Wazed Ali consisting of eight members has been collecting VAT in Rupganj bazar of Narail town since Monday. On Tuesday at 5 PM as soon as the team handed over a VAT chatan of 2400 Tk to Ranajit Nandi, he felt severe heart-ache and expired within a short time. As the news of his death spread, the businessmen of the market chased the VAT officials and they somehow managed to save themselves ruining to the local press club. The angry businessmen confined them in the press club for about four hours. Being informed of the matter Narail Sadar Thana Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Later Police rescued them from the press club at about 10PM.

Blood donation camp held in Panchagarh

Our Correspondent, Panchagarh

A blood donation camp was held at Panchagarh Sugar Mills field which was organised by Utsarga socio cultural organisation on Thursday.

The programme was arranged by College Student Asaduzzaman Asad, Arifur Rahman Koel, Rasel Ahmed Raju, Rejaul Karim and Rasidur Rahman Rasid. Civil Surgeon Panchagarh Dr. Jotirmoy Aich send his pathologist Lavli Begum to check up the donors' blood group of this programme. About 200 people got there blood group tested and decided to donate blood.

Woman strangled to death in Jessore

BSS, Benapole

A middle aged woman, abandoned by her husband, was killed by miscreants after violating her at Bonpara in Bagalpur village under Sadar upazila in the district last night.

The victim was identified as Sufiya Khatun, 35, daughter of late Hossain Ali.

Police said the victim's body, tied up with her sari, was found lying at a Jackfruit garden of one Altaf Hossain of the same village.

Being tipped off, police recovered the body.

Police suspected that the victim's husband and his associates abducted her and strangled to death after violating her. Victim's brother, Abdul Hai filed a case with Kotwali police station in this connection.

Sufiya got marry Azizul Islam of Debrajpur of the same upazila and she was divorced with children few months back.

A case was pending with Jessore family court filed by her family since her divorce.

Seminar on BSAPER held at BAU

Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

The first Annual Conference of Bangladesh Society for Animal Production and Research (BSAPER) was held at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry Gallery of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on June 21.

Professor Dr Ehsanul Haque, Member, Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) was the chief guest at the inaugural function while BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Akhtar Hossain and Professor Dr SM Bulbul, Member, Vice-Chancellor Search Committee as the special guests.

The main theme of the conference is 'Animal Husbandry Education and Research in Bangladeesh'. Key-note paper was presented by Professor Dr Md Ali Akbar of the BAU Department of Animal Nutrition.

The inaugural function was presided over by Professor Dr Md Raisul Alam. Professor Dr Syed Sakhawat Hossain, convener Council of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Professor Md Abdul Jabbar, representative of International Livestock Institute, Kenya and Professor Dr MAM Yahia Khandoker spoke on the occasion highlighting the theme of the conference.

One beaten to death in Monirampur

Our Correspondent, Monirampur

One person was beaten to death at his father-in-law's house in a village of Monirampur.

Jamal Uddin (35) S/O Monir Hawlader of village Birpasa under Babugonj upazila of Barisal had been staying at his father-in-law's house located at vill-Halometic for long.

On md day of June 24 he quarrelled with his wife in an inter matter one stage his father-in-law with his mother-in-law and brother-in-law stormed an him and injured by beating.

Villagers rushed him to Monirmapur hospital in critical condition. There Jamal uddin succumbed to his injury at on the day. A case has been lodged with the Monirampur Police in this connection. Police arrested father-in-law Abdul Aziz Moral and two others.

4 inter-dist dacoits held in Kishoreganj

BSS, Kishoreganj

Two team of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested four-member of an inter-district robber gang and recovered stolen goods from their possession on Tuesday.

The arrested robbers were identified as Joshed,40, Sultan,35, Habib,35 and Kings 28. Acting on secret information, the RAB conducted separate raids in Karimganj of Kishoreganj district and Nandail upazila of Mymensingh district late last night and arrested the four. RAB sources said they recovered goods worth of about Taka 5 lakh from their possession, including Taka 1 lakh in cash, two new motor cycles, one power tiller and 8 cell phone sets. At least 50 cases, including robbery and kidnapping, are pending with different thanas of Kishoreganj and Mymensingh districts against the robbers.

BDR destroys seized drugs in C’nawabganj

BSS, Chapainawabganj

Members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) destroyed drugs worth about Taka 20 crore at the battalion headquarters at Chapainawabganj on Wednesday.

According to a BDR press release, the destroyed drugs included 15,990 grams of heroin, 2,600 grams of cocaine, 700 grams of morfin, 9,498 bottles of phensidyl, 245 bottles and 37 litres of wine, 13,050 grams and 138 puria of ganja and 68 litres of spirit.

The drugs were recovered by the BDR from March 1 to May 22 last.

Electronic goods worth Tk 10m seized in Chittagong

Our Correspondent, Chittagong

Customs officials here on Tuesday evening seized huge quantity of electronic goods imported under false declaration. Power circuit breaker, power tariff meter, power controller, cooling fan, automatic messaging machine and power cables were among the seized goods worth not less than Taka 10 million.

Customs sources said that that an importer - FineTex of Rupgonj in Narayangonj - imported huge electronic goods under the invoice declaration of loom-rapier for composite textile factory.

Customs officials after physical inspection at a 40-feet container detected 400 cartons of electronic goods. The other container under the same invoice had been undergoing scrutiny till the time of dispatching this report, the source confirmed.

The consignment reached to Chittagong port by a container vessel - Tobago Bay - on June 11 last. Yesterday was the last date for clearing the containers from the port. Commissioner (Import) of Chittagong Custom House M Nasir Uddin and other officials were present during the daylong inspection. Legal actions will be taken against the importer, custom sources said.

52 held on various charges in Rajshahi

BSS, Rajshahi

Police, in different anti-crime drives, arrested 60 alleged criminals including five drug- peddlers on various charges from different areas in city and nine upazilas of the district in last 24 hours till on Tuesday evening.

Of them, 23 were picked up from different areas in the metropolis while 37 others from nine upazilas of the district.

Police arrested the drug-traders identified as Minarul Islam, 30, Masum Ali, 22, Mohammad Ali, 25, Oliur Rahman, 55, and Ekram Hossain, 55, and seized 58 bottles of phensidyl, 150 grams of ganja and 220 litres of country-made liquor during separate raids at different places in the city.

Traffic police lodged 33 cases under the motor vehicles ordinance and seized two three-wheelers during drives against the non-registered motor vehicles and other document related malpractices in different parts of the city during the time.

News briefs

Two killed in Rangpur road accidents

RANGPUR, June 27: Two persons including a housewife were killed in separate road accidents at different places in Pirganj and Mithapukur upazilas of the district on Saturday, police sources said. The sources said housewife Moriam Begum, 38, wife of Lal Mian of village Kadirabad in the upazila was killed after being hit by a speedy motorcycle at Kadirabad village in Pirganj upazila. In another accident, a pedestrian youth Zakaria Alamgir, 30, of Senpara area in Rangpur town was killed when a Dhaka bound coach from Rangpur hit him at Boiragiganj point on the Rangpur-Dhaka highway in Mithapukur upazila, reports BSS.

Orientation meet on health held in Rangpur

RANGPUR, June 27: A daylong orientation meeting on health rights organised by Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) was held at Begum Rokeya auditorium of RDRS in the city on Saturday. Chaired by Director (Admin) of RDRS Dr Nurul Alam, the meeting was attended by former vice principal of Rangpur Medical College and president of Rangpur district anti-corruption committee Prof Dr Nazmul Islam as the chief guest. Director (Social Health) of RDRS Dr Selima Rahman was present as the special guest and member of the Health Rights Movement committee Dr Ashok Kumar Bhadra presented the keynote paper on the issue, reports BSS.

36 arrested in Rangpur

RANGPUR, June 27: Police arrested 36 people on various charges from different places in all eight upazilas of the district during the last 24 hours ending on Wednesday. Police said the arrested persons included absconding warrantees and accused in different cases, smugglers, drug- peddlers, wine traders, listed terrorists, muggers, dacoits, thieves, extortionists and other anti-social elements. Police also recovered good quantities of narcotics substances, including ganja, phensidyl, smuggled goods, locally- produced fermented wine, stolen goods and other illegal things, during the drives, reports BSS.

813 projects nearing completion in Narsingdi

NARSINGDI, June 27: Implementation of 813 projects are going on under Rural Infrastructures Maintenance Programme (Test Relief) in six upazilas and six pourasabhas of the district. The projects are being implemented with an allocation of a total of 1,142 tonnes of food grains. District Relief and Rehabilitation office sources said of the total, 168 projects are being implemented in Sadar upazila, 83 projects in Palash upazila, 108 in Shibpur upazila, 143 in Monohardi upazila, 58 in Belabo upazila, 156 in Raipura upazila and 40 in Narsingdi pourasabha, 11 in Madhabdi pourasabha, 25 in Ghorashal pourasabha, 8 in Monohardi Pourasabha, 9 in Raipura pourasabha and 4 projects in Shibpur poura-sabha, reports BSS.

Aman cultivation

BOGRA, June 27: A total of 1,90,000 hectares of land will be brought under Aman cultivation in the next Aman season in the district. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said in the last season 1,88,500 hectares of land was brought under Aman cultivation in the district. DAE sources said 7,312 metric tons of Aman seeds will be needed to cultivate the land, reports BSS.