The New Nation - Internet Edition

BB won’t succumb to donors’ pressure: Formulation of monetary policy on card

Staff Reporter

International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday expressed concern over the soaring inflation in Bangladesh and prescribed some measures to tame it.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, however, refused to bow to the lender's 'pressure' saying, the central bank itself will formulate its monetary policy considering the overall situation of the country.

A visiting five-member IMF delegation, led by its Adviser for Asia and Pacific Thomas Rumbaugh, had a meeting with the Governor and other high officials at the latter's office in Dhaka.

The IMF team exchanged views on the country's monetary situation, when the central bank is all set to announce its half-yearly monetary policy for July-December period within a week.

After the meeting Dr Salehuddin told journalists that Bangladesh would formulate a monetary policy on its own- without paying heed to any IMF prescription.

He said the IMF delegation voiced concern over inflation in Bangladesh and prescribed some suggestions to rein in inflation.

"We told them that we would make a policy on our own to face the challenge of inflation. We hope it would yield good results," the Governor said.

He said the monetary policy for July-December would be designed to control inflation, generate employment, boost growth and cut poverty.

Whatever they say, we won't sacrifice our target of continued macroeconomic stability, poverty alleviation and job creation," the Governor told journalists.

He said the new monetary policy would provide incentives to sectors having better performances and a few emerging sectors like shipbuilding. The policy would re-examine the incentives for sectors having slow growth and poor employment, he added.

Dr Salehuddin said the meeting also discussed the price situation in the country. Bangladesh looks at it as its number one challenge and will take steps to face the situation.

The current monetary policy gave priority to investments in the agriculture and employment-generation sectors, he added.

"I've told them (IMF delegation) that the inflationary pressure will be mitigated to some extent if we can increase the purchasing power of the poor people," he said adding, "Inflation is a major global challenge."

Replying to a question, Dr Salehuddin said the country received highest-ever remittance of US$ 7.9 billion in the last fiscal year and they were considering the possibility of investing the remitted money through discussions with the bankers.

Asked whether the IMF team suggested them to pursue contractionary monetary policy, the Governor said, "They did not suggest anything on monetary policy. It will not come to effect even, if they suggested."

Lanka clinch Asia Cup beating India

Sanath Jayasuriya drives on his way to 125 against
India in Asia Cup final in Karachi on Sunday.
Internet

Sports Reporter

6 wicket-haul by Ajantha Mendis propelled Sri Lanka to clinch the Asia Cup when Sri Lanka defeated India by 100 runs in the final of the Asia Cup at the National Stadium in Karachi, the port city of Pakistan on Sunday.

Sent into bat first, Sri Lanka piled up 273 in 49.5 overs.

In reply, India were bowled out for 173 of 39.3 overs.

Ajantha Mendis scalped 6 wickets for 13 runs.

Chaminda Vaas bagged a couple of wickets for 55 runs.

Besides, Muralitharan and Kulasekara got one wicket each.

Virendar Sewag tried to salvage his team making a windy 60 off 36 balls.

He hit 12 strokes across the ropes.

Earlier, Sanath Jayasuriya guided Sri Lanka to post a fighting total.

Jayasuriya led the team from the front line cracking a sparkle 125. He struck five sixes and nine fours in his 114-ball innings.

T Dilshan also shone with the willow scoring 56 off 74 balls.

Besides, K Kulasekara hit a run-a-ball 29 (not out) amid three fours.

Ishant Sharma and RP Singh bagged three wickets each conceding 52 and 67 runs respectively.

Irfan Pathan, the medium pacer got two wickets in the space of 67 runs.

Besides, Virendar Sehwag took one wicket for 30 runs.

Quake jolts northern dists, panicked students run out of dormitories: 30 buildings develop cracks

Buildings develop crack

Staff Reporter

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale shook the country at about 11 PM on Saturday and lasted several seconds with its impact felt in northern and north-western districts, said an official.

There were no immediate reports of damage.

Mainul Islam, a meteorologist of the weather office, said that the quake was recorded at 10:55 PM Saturday with its epicentre located 290 kilometres north-northwest of Dhaka.

The impact of the quake was felt in Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Natore and Pabna, he said.

Local residents of Rajshahi town said that they had seen people to rush out of their homes to the streets.

Dr Syed Humayun Akhter, Professor of Department of Geology of Dhaka University, said the tremor had lasted up to five seconds. Meanwhile, our Rajshahi Correspondent said around 300 university and college students left a private hostel in the city's Sahebbazar area Sunday morning as the six-storied building tilted during Saturday night's earthquake.

Hazi Hostel, housing 300 students of Rajshahi University, Rajshahi College and other educational institutions, tilted on the night but no one was reported injured, sources said.

Around 20 to 30 old buildings in the north-western city also developed cracks, but there were no reports of anyone hurt.

Emergency to cast doubt on credibility of polls: Evans: UK will never condone torture on prisoners

Evans

UNB, Dhaka

New British High Commissioner Stephen Evans Sunday said the outcome of the coming general election in Bangladesh would always be doubtful if held with the state of emergency in place.

"General consensus is ideally you do not have the state of emergency when you have general election. It is difficult to hold general election that is free and fair with the state of emergency in place," Evans told his maiden press conference within hours of presenting his credentials to the President.

Responding to a volley of questions concerning the December parliament elections, he said, "We want to see the progress towards the lifting of the state of emergency. So, the goal is clear. It is a goal shared by all stakeholders, including the caretaker government and political parties."

Asked whether the election would be acceptable to the international community if any major party boycotted the polls, Evans said it is not the international community but the people of Bangladesh to accept the outcome of the elections.

He said Britain wants to see an inclusive election, including participation by all political parties, wide range of candidates, greater level of campaign and significant voter turnout.

Expressing his optimism about the holding of general election in December, he said it looks for the moment everything is on track and praised the massive task of preparation of photo voter list.

Welcoming constructive dialogue between the government and the parties, he said the best way to resolve all issues is through a structured dialogue.

Asked about reported torture of politicians in jail custody, the envoy said the British government would never condone torture under any circumstances and wants safety and basic rights of the prisoners.

Asked his comment about one former Prime Minister out and another in jail, Evans said he should not comment about it as the legal process is underway. However, he noted that the legal process should be taken forward in a fashion that respects the rights of individuals and allows them to defend them appropriately in the court of law when time arises.

About the curbs on free media, the envoy said he would urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that the press freedom is protected and those who work for the media are protected.

"A free, responsible and vibrant media is a vital institution in such democracies-an institution to be valued and nurtured. A free media is a vibrant media," he said.

Evans hoped that the media, in return, would rise to the challenge of encouraging constructive participation by all parties in the democratic process, offering objective, balanced and critical analysis in the run-up to the election, preserving the democratic reforms and encouraging all stakeholders to work together to secure Bangladesh the stability, political maturity and development opportunities that people deserve.

On British aid to Bangladesh, he said UK's Department for International Development intends to scale up its contribution to $ 300 million by 2010 from current $ 228 million a year.

Asked about the prospect of British assistance in case elections cannot be held as per roadmap and democracy cannot be restored, he said the aid programs function effectively under a democratic government that can ensure the delivery of the aid for targeted people.

He would not speculate about appearance of military figures in case the elections cannot be held on time. "Let's get to December, let's get to elections. Let's work together for peaceful transition to democratically elected government."

In reply to a question, he said the best antidote to terrorism is democracy and free press. Britain and Bangladesh will continue to work together to counter the threat from those who see to profit from divisions, suspicion and violence and to address the root causes of extremism, both here and around the world.

British Deputy High Commissioner Duncan Norman, British Council Director Dr June Rollinson and DFID Deputy Country Representative Sarah Sanyahumbi also made remarks at the press conference.

About the Climate Change conference in London, Sarah Sanyahumbi said the British government organizes the conference on September 10 to draw international attention to Bangladesh facing adverse impacts of the changing climate.

No UZ, JS polls under emergency: Talks with Govt not fruitful, says Zillur

Jubo Mahila League leaders presenting bouquet to the
Awami League acting President Zillur Rahman at his Gulshan
residence marking the 6th founding anniversary of the
organization on Sunday. Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

The Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman yesterday remarked that the Government-sponsored dialogue with the party on July 3 had become fruitless, as the Government showed reluctance on lifting of state of emergency before the polls.

Zillur said, "We were looking forward to reaching a consensus regarding some important issues relating to the national polls and state of emergency through the dialogue. But they had frustrated us by paying no heed to our demands. There were also disagreements over some other crucial issues."

The AL leader made the comments while replying to questions after a meeting with the Jubo Mohila League at his Gulshan residence.

A delegation of Jubo Mohila League met with the party's acting president to mark the day of its 6th founding anniversary.

Zillur Rahman categorically said that his party would not in any way participate in the upazila and national election under the state of emergency.

He asserted, "We decided to participate in the municipal and city corporation polls in the greater interest of establishing peace and improvement of law and order of the country. We would not participate in the upazila and national polls under the state of emergency. "

Zillur informed that the party and the Government have agreed to sit again to discuss the unresolved issues to reach an overall consensus.

Asked about the date of the next dialogue, he said, "We will finalise it soon after discussion with the Government."

Replying to a question of sharing positions for the city corporations and municipal elections among its allies, Zillur Rahman said if any party demands certain positions, the Awami League would consider it in the sprit of alliance.

AL Presidium Members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and Begum Matia Chowdhury, Jubo Mohila League President Nazma Akhter and General Secretary Apu Ukil, among others, were present at the function.

The leaders of the Jubo Mohila League celebrated the day by cutting cake at Zillur Rahman's residence in the morning.

Extended meet at Narshingdi

The leaders of the Bangladesh Awami Jubo League yesterday demanded the withdrawal of all the false and fabricated cases filed against the leaders and activists of the party including AL chief Sheikh Hasina.

Dr Mizanur Rahman, Acting President of Bangladesh Awami Jubo League reiterated the demand while addressing the leaders and activists at the Narshingdi district extended meeting of the party.

Dr Mizanur said, "The Caretaker Government has intentionally arrested the some honest AL leaders in the name of anti-corruption drive being influenced by a ill-motivated section. But it will not bring welfare for the nation."

He also demanded the immediate withdrawal of emergency.

Akramul Islam, President of Narshingdi district Jubo League, presided over the meeting while a number of local and central leaders spoke.

Bribery case: Tarique exempted from personal court appearance

Tarique Rahman

UNB, Dhaka

A special court Sunday dispensed with personal attendance of detained BNP leader Tarique Rahman during the trial proceedings in the Tk 21-crore Bashundhara bribery case, as a move on that score was made for sending him abroad for treatment.

After hearing both the defence and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecution lawyers, Judge Shahed Noor Uddin granted his exemption petition on health grounds.

ACC public prosecutor Syed Shameem Ahsan Habib did not oppose the defence plea during the hearings.

Granting the application, the court that deals with high-profile graft cases under the current purge fixed July 10 as the next date for charge hearing on the Tk 21-crore bribery case, involving underhand dealings to cover up the murder of a Bashundhara Group director.

Tarique, detained ex-PM Khaleda Zia's elder son, who faces over a dozen graft cases, filed the application on June 25 under section 540A of the CrPC.

His move came after the court, upon an application, had dispensed with personal attendance of his detained younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko during the trial proceedings in the GATCO graft case on identical grounds. Koko suffers from acute lung problem along with neurological ailments.

But on June 29, when the matter came up for hearing, his counsel, all on a sudden, prayed for holding back the hearing for a week in consultation with the ACC public prosecutors that triggered resentment among the BNP- loyalist lawyers.

The relevant section of the CrPC empowers a judge to exempt a detained accused, who is incapable of staying before the court, from attendance during case proceedings.

Henceforth, Tarique, who suffers from acute spondelo-arthritis, will be represented by his lawyer during the process of trial, according to the provision of the law.

A counsel for Tarique told UNB that the application was moved as supplementary to an earlier petition submitted to the government for his treatment abroad on advice of his medical board.

As the court resumed at 12:35 pm, a public prosecutor for the ACC stood opposed to the beginning of hearing on Tarique's application without his signature and presence in the dock. The ACC PP asked the police to bring Tarique in the dock from the ambulance waiting outside the court.

Tarique's counsel Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mian, opposing the ACC prosecutor, told the court that there is no such provision under section 540A (Provision for inquiries and trial being held in the absence of accused in certain cases) of the CrPC. "It depends on the satisfaction of the court," he said, referring to the law. But the court turned down his argument.

Meanwhile, attending doctors of Tarique entered and told the court that it was not possible to bring down Tarique from the ambulance because of his health conditions. At one stage, the doctors declined to pay heed to the ACC prosecutor.

In view of the hassles in the corridors of court, the judge asked both the prosecution and the defence lawyers to get the application signed by the accused from the ambulance.

"Tariqaue, lying in the ambulance stretcher, put his signature on the application in presence of both the sides," says spot account of the scene.

The court hours over, a group of supporters of BNP and its front organizations thronged the high-security parliament entrance and raised slogans demanding release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman, who are facing graft cases in the changed situation.

10 BNP activists hurt in clash with police

Staff Reporter

At least ten people, including a journalist and BNP activists, were injured in clashes between the law enforcers and BNP activists, at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital premises at Shahbagh yesterday.

Witnesses said nearly one thousand activists of BNP, Jubo Dal and Chattra Dal set up road block and held demonstration demanding the release the of BNP's senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman.

Sources said, demonstrators surrounded the microbus, which was carrying Tarique to a special court at the Sangsad Bhaban from BSMMU around 10:00am in the morning yesterday. They chanted slogans demanding the release of Tarique from incarceration. The law enforcers told the demonstrators to leave the area. As the situation went beyond the control, police started baton charging them. The area soon turned into a veritable battlefield as hundreds of angry activists were locked into a fierce clash with the law enforcers. The tussle between the law enforcers and the activists continued till 1:00 pm.

The demonstrators left the BSMMU premises only when Tareque was brought back from the special court at the Sangsad Bhaban.

Tarique was brought to the special court yesterday in connection with the case filed by the Anti-corruption Commission against eight persons including Tareque and former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar for suppressing the involvement of Safiat Sobhan Sanbir, son of the Basundhara Group chairman Shah Alam, in the murder of Sabbir.

Sabbir, one of the directors of Bashundhara Group, was killed on July 4, 2006.

New rules to regulate bus fares urged

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a view exchange meeting with the media yesterday demanded of the government to formulate new rules for regulating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and diesel run buses fares.

Stern actions should be taken against those who are charging extra fares from the passengers, they said during a meeting at Jatiya Pres Club.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Citizens Rights Movement (CRM) and Nagorik Sanghati (NS) jointly organised the programme.

Borhan Ahmed, president of CAB presided over the function and Tushar Rehman, general secretary of CRM read out a written statement.

It was also attended, among others, by Qazi Farooq, general secretary, CAB, Prof ASM Atiqur Rahman, president and Sharifuzzaman Sharif, general secretary, NS and Maj (Retd) Md Mofizul Huq Sarkar, vice president ,CRM.

They said that if the new rules were formulated then the fare of buses would come down appreciably and this could relieve the passengers much of the financial burden.

Speakers alleged that after increase of CNG and diesel prices the owners of buses deliberately charging extra fares from the passengers violating the government directives.

They called for re-fixing CNG run buses fares at Tk 1 and Tk 2 instead of Tk 5 for per kilometre, compelling CNG scooter and taxi cabs as per metre charges, introducing new double decker buses under supervision by BRTC in the city, setting up milestones after every one kilometre in the Dhaka city, forming Inter Districts Road Transport Coordination Council, banning hydraulic horn in the capital, cancellation of government land allotment of those who are yet to set up CNG filling stations and taking actions against those creating anarchy in the transport sectors.

Fresh landslide in Teknaf: 4 killed

Chitagong Correspondent

Yet another hill slide claimed four lives at a village adjacent to Teknaf town yesterday afternoon in less than 72 hours of similar tragedy that took away 10 lives.

The mishap occurred when a huge chunk of earth from a nearby hill fell on a hut at village Kalyanpara close to local upazila office.

A three-month-old child of the five-member family miraculously survived the disaster which struck at 12.30 pm. The baby was yet to be named by his parents.

Police and district administration confirmed the incident and identified the victims as Nurul Hashim Lalu (30), a day labourer, his wife Madina Khatun (22), daughter Rehana Begum (7), and son Redwan (3).

Earlier, ten people including seven kids were killed and several others suffered wounds in three landslides at Tekhnaf and Ukhia Upazilas in Cox's Bazar on July 3.

Police rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies trapped beneath the collapsed earth and also the baby alive.

Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar Sajjadul Hasan, Superintendent of Police Banaj K Majumder and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury visited the spot.

The district administration started evacuating families from the vulnerable hilly areas of Kalyanpara after July 3 tragedy. Many of the residents refused to be relocated as the local administration could not manage them safer rehabilitation. But the law enforcers are stated to be shifting them forcibly to safer places.

Nomination papers of 4 KCC mayoral candidates cancelled

UNB, Khulna

The Returning Officer here disqualified four mayoral candidates out of the 15 in race for the Khulna city corporation elections slated for August 4 as they were found to be loan defaulters during scrutiny on Sunday.

Deputy Divisional Returning Officer Mohsin Ali cancelled the nomination papers of Muslim League leader Sirajul Islam, Awami League leader Alhaj Mizanur Rahman Mizan, Jano Andolan leader Kamrul Alam Mintu and Hafizur Rahman, an independent candidate.

The Returning Officer, however, declared valid the nomination papers of 11 other mayoral candidates. They include BNP leader and acting Khulna City Corporation Mayor Moniruzzaman Moni, Awami League leader and former state minister for relief and disaster management Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Jatiya Party leader Abdul Gafur and Kalyan Party leader Sharif Shafiqul Alam Chandan.

Earlier, 15 candidates submitted nomination papers for the post of mayor, 281 for the 31 posts of councillors, and 47 women candidates for the 10 reserved seats of councillors.

The nomination papers of the candidates for the posts of councillors, including those reserved for women, will be scrutinized on Monday.

Nasim’s condition deteriorates

UNB, Dhaka

LabAid Hospital authorities Sunday said the health condition of former Home Minister Mohammad Nasim had deteriorated as fresh bleeding in his brain was diagnosed on Saturday.

"Following a MRI test conducted Saturday morning, experts confirmed that Mohammad Nasim experienced re-bleeding in brain sometime after his admission here," head of medical services of the hospital Maj (retd) AKM Mahbubul Haque told a press briefing.

Despite the bleeding, he said quoting the hospital experts that the present condition of Nasim is clinically stable as no 'external deterioration' was found. Replying to a query about the fresh bleeding, Mahbubul Haque said:

"The re-bleeding can take place for two reasons - in course of the disease process and due to huge mental stress of the patient."

Such bleeding can take place again because of these reasons, he added.

He informed the journalists that the medical board formed for Nasim has made some changes in medicine and treatment methods following the diagnosis of re-bleeding.

Asked about the need for sending the ailing AL leader abroad for treatment considering his present condition, he said all modern facilities of treatment for brain hemorrhage are available in the LabAid Hospital.

The medical board has decided to continue Nasim's intensive care and planned to sit for another board meeting to decide on future course of action for his treatment.

Mahbubul Haque said long-term medical treatment is being continued to cure the paralysed left side of Nasim's body.

He said that Nasim has no cardiac complexity.

High production cost, manpower shortage threaten RMG business

Staff Reporter

BGMEA president Anwarul Alam Chowdhury Parvez yesterday attributed a good rising trend in readymade garment export but found it difficult to run factories due to high production costs and manpower shortages.

"Price hike of fuel oil has increased production and transportation costs significantly. Besides, our factories are facing labour shortages by 25 to 30 per cent that makes the business awful," Parvez told The New Nation yesterday.

"Price of RMG product in the global market is at decreasing trend. Besides, export volume is not increasing steadily. But cost of production is rising continuously. Some of the factories are about to collapse," he added. The recession in the US has lowered our RMG export by 35 percent in recent months. But they are importing textiles from Bangladesh due to low price.

"If the cost of production continues to rise we will not be able to compete with the rivals. We will lose the market," he said.

The BGMEA recently said that price hike of fuel oil would increase production cost of readymade garment by 15 per cent.

It said the readymade garment sector would have to pay additional Tk 600 crore annually due to the oil price hike.

Up to May this year the RMG sector attained 15.85 per cent growth, with 10.68 per cent in woven and 21.17 per cent in knitwear sectors. The total RMG export till May this year stands at US$9557.66 million against last year's US$8249.83 million in same period.