The New Nation - Internet Edition

Impacts of fuel price hike, higher transportation cost: Essentials dearer

Staff Reporter

The prices of most of the essential items have jumped up further in the capital's kitchen markets in the wake of increased fuel price.

The increased price index would definitely impose further financial burden on the customers who are already reeling under high prices of daily necessities including rice.

The soaring commodity prices have hit the country's economy that fuelled inflation and affected the consumers, market experts said.

Rice prices have increased by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kg while prices of soybean oil have gone up by Tk 8 per kg yesterday and their high prices are attributed to fuel price hike.

The price index of other necessary items in ordinary markets has also shown an upward trend yesterday.

Rice traders in the city markets said high transport fare due to fuel price hike has pushed up the price of rice. They also said that the current rainfalls have also been hampering rice production in the mills and hindering smooth supply of rice to the city markets.

They, however, hoped that the prices of rice might be come down to a tolerable level once the mills resume smooth production of rice. Customers in the city markets said that they are already overburdened with the high prices of rice and other essential items.

Middle and low-income people are apprehending that they might not be able to manage two square meals a day if this high trend of prices continued unabated. They said the new budget had little impact in containing the price hike.

They demanded of the Government to monitor the volatile market situation so that businessmen can not intentionally increase the prices of essential items.

The coarse variety of rice 'lata' was sold at Tk 33 to Tk 34 yesterday which was Tk 32 to Tk 33, 'minicate' between Tk 42 and Tk 44 which was Tk 38 to Tk 40 , 'nazirshail' (depending on variety) from Tk 42 to Tk 44 which was Tk 40 to Tk 42, BR-28 at Tk 36 to Tk 37 which was Tk 35 and BR-29 at Tk 37 to Tk 38 which was Tk 36 and 'sarna' Tk 36 and Tk 38 which was Tk 34 to Tk 36 per kg in the retail markets. Per kg of soyabean oil was sold at Tk 118 to Tk 120 yesterday, which was at Tk 112 to Tk 114 per kg in the last week, and palm oil was sold from 106 to Tk 108 yesterday.

In the retail markets per kg of local variety of lentil (masur) was selling from Tk 108 to Tk 110 which which was between Tk 98 and Tk 102 per kg. Imported lentil was sold at Tk 105 per kg that was Tk 96 per kg in the last week.

The prices of most vegetable items were selling within the purchasing power of the common people.

The price of different types of fish still remain high as Ruhi was selling from Tk 150 to Tk 180 per kg, medium size Hilsha from Tk 280 to Tk 350. Prices of beef was at Tk 190 to Tk 200, while mutton from Tk 260 to Tk 280 per kg. And Per hali (4-pieces) of eggs was between Tk 28 and Tk 26 which was 22 and Tk 24.

Fuel oil price hike to put RMG sector in dire straits

BGMEA acting president Mohammad Shahidul Islam
addressing a press conference on the recent price hike of
fuel oil at its office yesterday. Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

BGMEA yesterday predicted an adverse affect of price hike of fuel oil on national economy and said the production cost of readymade garment will be increased by 15 per cent leaving the export trade in dire straits.

"The readymade garment sector has to pay additional Tk 600 crore annually due to the oil price hike," acting president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Shahidul Islam told a press conference yesterday at his office.

Urging the government to reconsider the decision of fuel oil price hike the BGMEA boss said, " We are in doubt how far we will be able to go in the global market with the increased cost of production while the competitors are decreasing their costs." Islam said price hike of fuel oil will increase transport cost resulting further price hike of essential commodities. This will push the poor garment workers towards more vulnerable situation, he said.

The BGMEA chief said out of 38 lakh MT of annual fuel oil imports, 70 per cent are diesel, 19 per cent petrol, 7 per cent octane and the rest are other fuels. "We are concerned over price of diesel, kerosene and furnace oil," he said.

Islam demanded to keep the previous price of diesel, kerosene and furnace oil and urged the Government to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the industrial units.

The BGMEA chief also demanded reinstatement of one day weekly holiday instead of present two days as the Government failed to supply uninterrupted power six days a week as per commitment.

Vice president Mahmud Hasan Khan and Harun-ur-Rashid, director Abdus Salam Murshedy and former president Tipu Munshi among others, were present, on the occasion.

Dialogue with govt today: AL to press for JS polls date, withdrawal of emergency

Staff Reporter

Awami League is keen to settle all issues of national importance including the general election through formal dialogue with the government that is going to be held today.

"The formal dialogue should not be confined to mere discussion but both sides should be interested in making the dialogue fruitful for the sake of country's welfare", said a central leader.

We mean that both the parties should have positive approach to reach a consensus rather than thinking one another as rival, he noted.

Talking to the New Nation, the AL Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said, it would be good for the nation if the government accept our proposals, which we will place in the formal talks.

"The government should consider our demands regarding some important issues, which will be supportive for restoration of democracy in the country. Otherwise, a free and fair election will not be possible", he observed.

The advisory body of the caretaker government will sit with the Awami League at the chief adviser's office to discuss about the forthcoming election and other relating issues.

The AL has already completed its preparations for the dialogue. A team led by Abul Mal Abdul Muhit, a member of AL advisory committee, has drafted proposals that will be placed before the government during the dialogue.

Sources said the party has decided to discuss about the reforms and recruitment procedure of Election Commission (EC), Public Service Commission (PSC), and Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).

The leaders of the AL will urge the government to make arrangements so that the post-election democratic government cannot politicise these organisations, sources added.

The leaders will also press their demand to announc the date of the national election and complete withdrawal of emergency.

The party leaders will explain that how the state of emergency will act as barrier in the way of free, fair and credible election.

The AL delegation will raise the demand for holding national election before upazila election and will oppose the government's decision of re-fixing the areas of some parliamentary constituencies.

It will also seek dismissal of the officials who were given promotion on political consideration during the tenure of BNP-Jamaat government t and stopping countrywide crackdown.

All the vital issues including anti corruption Drive and reforms in different government bodies will also be discussed, according to sources.

Share prices continue to plunge: Enraged investors stage demos

Small investors stage demonstration in front of the
Dhaka Stock Exchange building yesterday protesting the
continuous decline of share price index.
FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

Majority of the shares on both the bourses in Dhaka and Chittagong plunged further yesterday triggering protest of general investors at Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

Amidst a low trading at DSE, the total turnover dipped to Tk 2.58 billion from Tuesday's Tk 3.30 billion. Of the traded issues, 115 declined, 90 gained and 11 remained unchanged as 20,022,180 shares changed hands

A total of 134 issues were traded at Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday. Of them, 59 gained, 75 declined and one remained unchanged. Turnover on the port city's bourse plunged to Tk 281.79 million from Tk 344.14 million the previous day-from 2,694,526 traded shares.

However, indices on the bourses ended higher yesterday, driven by blue chips as the investors were keen to trade in market majors.

Investors, especially small ones, were reluctant to trade following regulatory interventions. A group of investors staged demonstration against the Security and Exchange Commission's decision to bar mutual funds from declaring stock dividends.

The DGEN or general index of DSE rose 28.73 points or 0.95 per cent at 3029.23. The DSI or all-share price index advanced 14.80 points or 0.57 per cent to finish at 2602.82, while the DSE-20 blue-chip index gained 34.21 points or 1.34 per cent to 2579.38.

In Chittagong, the CSCX or selective categories index closed 73.59 points or 1.25 per cent higher at 5927.17,

while the CASPI or all-share price index finished at 9146.93, up 96.37 points or 1.06 per cent.

The CSE-30 surged 169.54 points or 2.10 per cent to end on 8206.56.

Square Pharmaceuticals topped the turnover board, rising 1.53 per cent to Tk 5542.75 at DSE.

AIMS 1st Mutual Fund slumped 15.60 per cent to Tk 12.93. Lanka Bangla Finance finished at Tk 215, slipping 2.84 per cent from Monday's closing.

Uttara Bank gained 6.60 per cent to Tk 3003. Apex Adelchi Footwear ended on Tk 3886.50, gaining 6.34 per cent.

Other scrips on the turnover board-Padma Oil, NBL and Prime Finance and Investment-advanced. Fareast Life Insurance and Grameen One Mutual Fund lost.

US to give extra $77.5m as Sidr relief assistance

Staff Reporter

The U.S. Mission in Dhaka is pleased to announce that President Bush signed into law a supplemental funding bill for the U.S. Government that includes $25 million in cyclone recovery and rehabilitation relief for Bangladesh for 2008, with an additional $50 million available for 2009. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense will provide $2.5 million in 2008 for assistance to support disaster relief in Bangladesh.

With the announcement of this new funding, the U.S. Mission will identify projects and partners to continue efforts to help Bangladesh respond to the aftermath of the devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr in 2007.

This assistance will focus on supporting livelihoods and stimulating economic recovery, strengthening local governments in affected areas, and involving local communities in protecting vital habitats while still allowing sustainable use of the forest as an economic asset. Funds also will help provide nutrition for children and mothers in the cyclone-affected region and support the planning and construction of cyclone shelters in areas where they are most needed.

These structures will serve as schools and community centers when not needed for emergencies. In addition, the Department of Defense funds will be used to construct multi-purpose shelters and bridges.

The United States Government remains committed to assisting the Government of Bangladesh and its people. The message of the U.S. Government to the people of Bangladesh is a simple one: We were here before the cyclone; we were here during the initial emergency relief phase; and we will be here to help Bangladesh move forward. The United States Government has provided more than $5 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since independence. Immediately after Cyclone Sidr, the United States provided $ 6.5 million for non-food emergency relief activities. In 2008 the United States also is providing an additional $110 million in food aid that is being used for emergency relief, rehabilitation, and sustainable development in poor and vulnerable villages in the char, haor, and Cyclone Sidr-affected regions. This continuing assistance reflects the U.S. commitment to helping build a brighter tomorrow for Bangladesh's most vulnerable citizens.

Birth registration on payment begins

Staff Reporter

The Government has completed free of cost birth registration of nearly six crore people in as many years. The registration of birth on payment begins from today and is likely to discourage people from participating in the project.

The free birth registration project began in 2002, which got momentum during the present caretaker government. Under the project about 40 per cent people of six divisions completed the registration free of cost.

Project officials expressed fear about the success of the birth registration project in the second phase, as the people can avail the same facilities through Voter Identity Card. They opined that only a handful of people would participate in the paid birth registration project.

According to the Birth Registration Act, a person registering birth under Union Parishad and Pourashava would be charged Tk 5 annually except for the first two years, whereas, a person under City Corporations and Cantonment areas would be charged Tk 10 per annum after first two years.

Under Union Parishad and Pourashava the birth certificate in Bengali and English would cost Tk 20 and Tk 50 respectively, whereas, the cost would be Tk 50 and Tk 100 for those versions in City Corporations and Cantonment areas.

Besides the people of Union Parishad and Pourashava have to pay Tk 10 for the amendment of information, whereas, the people of City Corporations and Cantonment areas have to pay double the amount for the same reason.

According to this calculation, a 42-year old person, living under City Corporation or Cantonment area, would be charged Tk 400 and he would have to pay an additional Tk 120 for the English version of his birth certificate and for any amendment.

When the common people were asked about the on payment birth registration project they expressed total indifference.

They opined if the existing voter identity card can avail passport issuing, marriage registration, admission to educational institutions, employment in government and non-government organisations, asset registration and other facilities then why should people pay extra money for birth registration.

Project Director and Joint Secretary of Local Government, AKM Saiful Islam Chowdhury said the birth registration project was important to know the total number of people under 18 years of age and information about them.

He also informed that in order to withdraw the charge fixed for registration the law need to be changed.

When questioned about the failure to register expected number of the population Saiful Islam said due to lack of manpower they could not reach their target.

Christine Jaulmes, Chief of the Communication and Information of UNICEF suggested extension of the duration of free birth registration until December 2009.

She said Birth Registration serves not only as a legal age verification document that establishes every person's identity, but also as a tool that pave the way to realising other human rights.

Azizur Rahman, child protection officer of UNICEF opined that if the National Identity Card were considered as birth certificate there would be no need of birth registration for the National Identity Card holders.

Quality edn must for keeping pace with competition

DU Correspondent

Speakers at a seminar on yesterday laid emphasis on ensuring quality of education at the higher educational institutions to generate skilled manpower to keep pace growing competition.

They also said there were a lot of institutions for higher education at private, public, national and international levels at present but questions had been raised about their quality.

University and Industry Alliance (U & I), a centre for delivering high quality management and educational consulting services at Dhaka University (DU), organised the seminar titled 'academic governance: quality assurance and collegiality' at the university's senate building.

With U &I President Prof GM Chowdhury in the chair, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz attended the function as chief guest and Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Waliur Rahman Bhuiyan as special guest.

Deputy VC of Central Queensland University in Australia Prof Angela C Delves presented keynote paper on the occasion. She upheld various components of quality assurance in higher education and an overview of academic governance in Australian universities at the seminar.

Local body polls: Delwar blames Govt for violating constitution

Staff Reporter

BNP General Secretary Khondokar Delwar Hossain yesterday said the Government is going to hold elections of the local government bodies in an unconstitutional way, ignoring its constitutional duties.

Pointing at the Government steps, he said they are doing these with a view to holding on to power by delaying lifting of the state of emergency.

Khondokar Delwar was addressing a view exchanging meeting with leaders of BNP and its different units of Jatrabari, Shampur and Demra thanas at his residence of NAM flat in the city.

He said the one-eleven was brought about with a view to impeding the democratic system in the country.

Khondokar Delwar said a conspiracy was underway to implement a blue print to make Bangladesh a dependent state and added that internal and external quarters were involved in the conspiracy.

BNP General Secretary said the government should immediately hand over power to the elected government as the Government had failed to ensure the security of the people's lives, belongings and food.

BNP Shampur thana unit leaders Jahangir Alam Salim, Tariqul Islam Palash, Salim Reza, Rezaul Karim and Khaleda Alam, Demra thana unit leaders Kayshar Ahmed, Abu Naser, Jatrabari unit leaders Ward Commissioners Ekramul Karim, Mamun or Rhasid, Anwar Sardar, Abdur Rashed Badsha and Mir Hossain, among others, addressed the meeting.

BNP leaders Khairul Kabir Khokan, Shahjahan Chowdhury, Prof Sohrab Uddin, Selim Reza Habib, Nurul Kabir Shahin, Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Shahjahan Mia Samrat, Munsi Wajidul Haque Sharif, Abdul Baten Shamim and Saidur Rahman were also present at the function, said a press release signed by BNP office secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Court to decide on Khoka’s fate on July 7: Mayor admitted to city hospital

Staff Reporter

A court in Dhaka will give decision on issuing warrant of arrest against Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka on July 7 in a case filed for amassing wealth worth Tk 9.76 crore illegally and giving false information to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Azizul Huq fixed the date yesterday afternoon after the charge-sheet submitted by ACC against Khoka shifted to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court.

On Tuesday, the ACC submitted charge-sheet against the Dhaka Mayor for amassing

huge wealth worth Tk 9.76 crore illegally and giving false information about his wealth to the anti-graft watchdog.

It may be mentioned that Khoka admitted to United Hospital at Gulshan in the city yesterday after he felt sickness.

The ACC detected Khoka's huge wealth including movable and immovable property worth Tk 19.41 crore during the investigation.

Khoka owns immovable assets including four buildings, six apartments, eight residential plots, 2848 decimal land and one shop at Bashundhara Shopping Complex.

The Dhaka Mayor and his family members also own movable property including shares worth Tk 25 lakh, interest of shares worth Tk 5.5 crore, FDR worth about Tk 25 lakh, defence savings bonds worth about Tk 15 lakh, 27 bank accounts, two motor vehicles, two firearms and Tk 1.57 lakh business capital.

Khoka has five buildings situated at RK Mission Road, Gulshan, Gopibagh and Munshiganj district.

His wife has also 11 bank accounts, two buildings, eight residential plots in Dhaka, gold ornaments worth Tk 2.5 lakh and 1674 decimal land in Dhaka and Gazipur.

ACC Assistant Director Shamsul Alam, also the investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet against Khoka to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court showing 43 people as prosecution witnesses.

In the charge sheet, the IO showed Sadeque Hossain Khoka as absconding and prayed for issuance of arrest warrants against him and sought an order to attach his all movable and immovable properties.

The ACC could not submit any probe report in another case as the High Court (HC) earlier stayed the proceedings of the case against Khoka's wife Ishmat Ara.

The Investigation Officer will take necessary steps against Ishmat Ara following an HC order.

Khoka remains the only mayor out of the six mayors of six city corporations in the country, who has not been detained.

Meanwhile, the detained mayors cannot contest the upcoming August 4 city corporation polls due to their conviction and detention on corruption charges, except for the Chittagong city corporation mayor whose tenure is yet to expire.

The IO prayed for discharging Khoka's son Ishrak Hossain and daughter Sarika Sadeque, as the charges brought against them were not proved.

The charge sheet has been made under sections 26 (2) and 27 (1) of the ACC Act, 2004, and section 15 of the Emergency Power Rules, 2007.

In the charge sheet, the IO mentioned that Khoka submitted his wealth statement showing wealth worth Tk 9.97 crore on December 6 last year, but the ACC found illegal wealth worth Tk 9.76 crore in his ownership, which is beyond his known sources of income.

The ACC also found wealth worth Tk 9,65,03,609 that was concealed in his wealth information submitted earlier to the commission.

On April 2 this year, ACC filed the case against Khoka, his wife Ishmat Ara, son Ishrak and daughter Sarika for accumulating wealth worth over Tk 17.57 crore, which does not match his actual income and concealing information about his wealth.

The complainant accused Khoka, also president of BNP's city unit, of concealing wealth worth about Tk 10 crore in the wealth statement he submitted to ACC.

Khoka's wife, son and daughter were accused of assisting him for committing the offences.

Credible polls under emergency to be difficult : Moriarty

UNB, Dhaka

US Ambassador James Moriarty again said that holding a credible election to parliament would probably be difficult with the stare of emergency fully in place.Talking to reporters after meeting with Home Affairs Advisor Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin yesterday, Moriarty hoped that the condition would allow the government to lift the emergency.The US Ambassador said he believes that the government is "making ways to make it possible to hold a credible election by the end of this year". He appreciated the caretaker government's dialogue with political parties to reach understanding

on issues ahead of the election.About the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, the American Ambassador hoped that there would be progress on that issue.About the meeting with the Home Affairs Advisor Moriarty said they discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest, including preparation for the elections.Political Officer of the US Embassy Dan Biers was present among others at the meeting.

Pakistan beat India by 8 wkts

Mahendra Singh Dhoni hits on the leg side in the
Pakistan v India match the Asia Cup Cricket in Karachi on
Wednesday. Internet

Sports Reporter

Pakistan defeated India by eight wickets in their crucial Super Four match of the Asia Cup at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Chasing India’s total of 308 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs, Pakistan reached the winning target in 45.3 overs making 309 for the loss of two wickets.

Younus Khan remained undefeated with 123 off 117 balls while Misbah-ul-Haq hit 70 (not out) off 62 balls.

Nasir Jamshed, the opener was retired hurt hitting 53 off 43 balls. He cracked nine strokes beyond the fence.

Earlier, India posted a fighting total of 308 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 50 overs.

India made a brisk start as Gautam Gambhir and Virendar Sehwag added 88 runs off 10.3 overs before Gautam Gambhir was caught by Shahid Afridi off Iftekhar Anjum.

Later, debutante Abdur Rauf picked up two wickets. He removed Virendar Sehwag for 49 and then dismissed Suresh Raina for just one.

Iftekhar Anjum got another success as Yuvraj Singh was a victim of caught behind when the team's total was 129 for the loss of four wickets.

Later, Skipper MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma salvaged their team from debacle and put up 112 runs in the fifth wicket stand.

MS Dhoni hit a captain's knock of 76 playing 96 deliveries. He struck four shots across the ropes.

Rohit Sharma knocked a fine 58 facing 71 deliveries with four fours and Rohit Sharma salvaged their team from debacle and put up 112 runs in the fifth wicket stand.

MS Dhoni hit a captain's knock of 76 playing 96 deliveries.

He struck four shots across the ropes.

Rohit Sharma knocked a fine 58 facing 71 deliveries with four fours.

Irfan Pathan guided India to post 308 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs he hit a quick-fire 38 off 25 balls including four fours.

Iftekhar Anjum was his team's most successful bowler claiming three wickets in the space of 51 runs with a good support of Abdur Rauf, who harpooned two wickets in lieu of 66 runs.

Saeed Ajmal and Sohail Tanvir took one wicket apiece.

Local govt election: EC warns action against users of party identity

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission (EC) will take stern action against the candidates who will use party identities o the upcoming city and poura elections.

Election Commissioner M Sohul Hussain said this yesterday while talking to reporters at his office. He said the Commission would not consider the involvement of political parties in the local government elections as a violation of the electoral rules before finalising the nomination papers of candidates.

The Commission is ignoring the political parties' activities relating local government body elections for the time being, he said.

Sohul Hussain farther said the candidates should not use the offices of the political parties during the local government polls since the elections are nonpolitical and nonpartisan.

Replying to a question, he said the upazila elections would be held later on. All candidates in upazila and other elections will have to follow the electoral rules strictly, he added.

He, however, declined to specify the dates of the upazila elections. The Election Commissioner termed Awami League's support to the city corporation and pourasabha polls a positive sign.