The New Nation - Internet Edition

President, CA greet their Egyptian counterparts

UNB, Dhaka

President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed have greeted their Egyptian counterparts on the occasion of that country's National Day.

In a message of felicitation to President Muhammad Hosny Mubarak, President Dr Iajuddin has expressed his confidence that the cordial relations between the two brotherly countries would continue to flourish in the days ahead.

In a similar message to Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Mohammed Nazif, the Chief Adviser expressed his firm conviction that the bonds of friendship and cooperation that so happily exist between the two countries would grow in depth and dimension in the days ahead.

The President and Chief Adviser also wished them good health, happiness and long life and continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Egypt.

Call to implement of quality edn project

UNB, Dhaka

Leading academicians, including vice-Chancellors of the country's private universities, on Tuesday called for implementation of the proposed "Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project" to ensure quality education and research.

They made the demand at a discussion on 'Setting up of National Research and Education Network (NREN) under Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project' proposed by University Grants Commission (UGC) held at its auditorium, said a press release.

UGC member Prof Dr Ehsanul Haque presided over the function where VC of American International University Bangladesh Prof Carmen Z Lamagna, VC of Asia Pacific University Prof Abdul Matin Patwari, VC of Asian University Bangladesh Prof Abul Hasan Sadek, VC of Southeast University Dr M Shamser Ali, VC of World University Prof Abdul Mannan Chowdhury and VC of Darul Ihsan University Prof Monirul Huq were also present among others.

At the discussion, the speakers laid emphasis on ensuring quality education, infrastructural development and conducting world-class research activities in the universities.

In his speech, Prof Ehsanul Haque expressed his optimism that the establishment of NREN under the "Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project" would elevate quality education and research activities throughout the country.

He also said that all the universities would be immensely benefited through implementation of the proposed scheme. He urged the university authorities to come forward with all sorts of cooperation and support to execute the project.

India donates books to Asiatic Society

UNB, Dhaka

Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty Tuesday presented a 55 volume work on the History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture that has been brought out by the Centre for Studies in Civilization in India as a gift to the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

The books were handed over to Professor Sirajul Islam, President of the Asiatic Society at a ceremony at the Asiatic Society. General Secretary Professor Mahfuza Khanam and other academicians, researchers, scholars and Council Members of the Asiatic Society were present.

A press release of the High Commission said the 55 volume publication is a part of an inter-disciplinary research project presently being administered by New Delhi-based NGO Centre for Studies in Civilization, under the Chairmanship of Professor D. P. Chattopadhaya, and is expected to be spread over 100 volumes.

The scope of the work includes history of Indian philosophy; various Indian art forms including Music, Art, Architecture; Mathematics;

Science; aspects of India's international relations; Medicine and life sciences in India, Indian women; etc.

Asiatic Society is one of the two leading institutions in Bangladesh who have been presented with the publication as a gift. Earlier, on June 30 one set of publication was presented to the Central Library of the University of Dhaka.

The Asiatic Society also presented some of its recent works to the High Commissioner.

Qual khwani

BSS, Dhaka

Qul khwani of journalist Farida Akhter Khan will be held at her 40 Shantibagh residence in the city after Asr prayers today.

Farida, a senior sub-editor of the daily Destiny, died of a prolonged illness on Sunday at a hospital here.

Relatives, colleagues and admirers have been requested to attend the Qul khwani.

PhD degree awarded

Tarique Ziaur Rahman Sirazi, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Persian Language and Literature, University of Dhaka has been awarded PhD degree in the Syndicate meeting of University of Dhaka. His topic of research was 'Muslim mind and humanity in Iqbal's poetry.' Dr. Umme Salma, Professor and Chairperson of the Dept. of Urdu, University of Dhaka was his Supervisor. Tarique Sirazi is the eldest son of eminent jounalist and litterateur Prof. Sirajul Haque and Momtaz Hosneara Haque. His village is Rasulpur of Charfession P.S. under the district of Bhola. He seeks good wishes of all, says a press release.

All set for 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo

BSS, Dhaka

The stage is now set to hold the two-day eight nations 15th South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit on August 2-3 in Sri Lankan capital Colombo, official sources said here yesterday.

Eight head of states or governments will participate in the Summit, the theme of which is "SAARC for Partnership for our People."

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will lead the Bangladesh delegation to the Summit.

Besides, the member countries seven observer states- Japan, USA, EU, China, South Korea, Iran and Mauritius will also attend the regional moot.

The Summit will be preceded by a two-day Council of Ministers meeting from July 31, the sources said. The meeting of the Council of Ministers will review the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the 14th SAARC Summit in India in 2007.

The Ministers meeting will also consider request for observer status of the regional grouping of Australia and Mnyanmar, the sources said. Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will represent Bangladesh at the Council of Ministers meeting.

During the two-day meeting, the sources said, the council of ministers are expected to deliberate extensively issues of urgent regional concern specially food security, energy cooperation and climate change.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers will review the progress made so far as regards the implementation of SAFTA, particularly further liberalisation of trade, tariff concessions, reduction of sensitive list and harmonization of customs rules and procedures to increase trade among the member countries of the forum.

The ministers are expected to sign the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Charter and the agreement regarding the establishment of South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) with headquarters in Bangladesh. They are also expected to initial a protocol extending the benefit from revenue compensation mechanism to Afghanistan.

The meeting is expected to follow up regional initiatives on increased connectivity and security matters.

The summit leaders will witness the signing of the agreements.

The two-day foreign Secretary level SAARC Standing Committee meeting will begin in Colombo on July 29, which will review recommendations and decisions of different mechanisms of the regional grouping (Technical Committee, Working Group and programming Committee) relating to different areas of regional cooperation in the field of trade, agriculture, health and disaster preparedness.

The Standing Committee is also expected to finalize SAARC Convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters. A legal expert group of member countries is negotiating to finalise the draft for the standing committee so that it can place it before the Council of ministers for necessary approval, sources said.

Besides, the meeting will review the performance of 10 SAARC regional centers.

The SAARC Standing Committee meeting will be preceded by a two-day Programming Committee meeting beginning from July 27.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Director General of SAARC will leave here for Colombo on July 25 to participate in the Programming Committee meeting.

UN desires to see democratic tradition in Bangladesh

BSS, Dhaka

Deputy Director the UN for Asia and the Pacific Division Tamrat Samuel has expressed the United Nations' strong desire to see holding of successful elections in Bangladesh that would strengthen the country's democratic tradition.

Tamrat Samuel visited Dhaka from 17 to 21 July, said a press release here on Tuesday.

The purpose of Tamrat Samuel's visit was to obtain a better understanding of developments in Bangladesh, in particular in the context of the country's efforts to restore an elected government, strengthen democratic institutions and advance good governance and accountability.

Samuel met with a variety of stakeholders, including political party representatives, government officials, electoral authorities, civil society and human rights activists, journalists and members of the business community.

He was satisfied with the extensive briefing and exchange of views he was able to have during the visit, the release added.

Iajuddin felicitates Egyptian President

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed today extended his warmest greetings to Muhammad Hosny Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt on the anniversary of the July Revolution and National Day of the country that falls today.

"I am confident that the cordial relations between our two brotherly countries will continue to flourish in the days ahead," the president said in a message.

He also conveyed his best wishes for the Egyptian President's good health and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the fraternal people of Egypt.

Dr Fakhruddin greets Egyptian PM

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Tuesday greeted Prime Minister of Egypt Ahmed Mahmoud Mohammad Nazif on the occasion of the anniversary of the July Revolution and National Day of Egypt.

In a message of felicitation, the Chief Adviser said, "I, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, would like to convey to your excellency and through you to the government and the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt our heartiest greetings and cordial felicitations on the anniversary of the glorious July Revolution and National Day of Egypt."

"It is my firm conviction that the bonds of friendship and cooperation that so happily exist between our two countries will grow in depth and dimension in the days ahead, "Fakhruddin Ahmed said.

He conveyed his best wishes for the Egyptian PM's good health and personal well being, and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the fraternal people of Egypt.

Rich tributes paid to journalist Nazir Ahmed

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a memorial meeting here on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Nazir Ahmed, retired Bureau Chief of Chittagong office of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Nazir Ahmed, a career journalist and writer, died of old age complications at a Chittagong clinic on July 19.

The journalists and employees of BSS organized the meeting at the Board Room of BSS with Managing Director and Chief Editor of the organization Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury in the chair.

The professional and office colleagues of the deceased recalled with deep gratitude the contribution of Nazir Ahmed in the field of journalism describing him as a symbol of honesty and professional excellence.

Among others, Jahangir Hossain, Ihsanul Karim Helal, SM Zahurul Alam, Golam Mohiuddin, Azizul Islam Bhuiyan, Swapan Kumar Saha, Abu Saleh, Omar Faruque, Amirul Momenin, Rasheda Amin, Yusuf Ali Mollah, Abdus Sattar and Gazi Ahmed Hossain spoke on the occasion.

In his speech, while recalling the professional excellence of Nazir Ahmed, Zaglul A Chowdhury stressed the need for intellectual exercise for development of professional richness, especially in the domain of media.

At the outset of the meeting, one minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the deceased while a special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for the salvation of departed soul.

Hotel Sheraton fined for violating anti-tobacco act

BSS, Dhaka

A mobile court of health directorate on Tuesday fined Hotel Sheraton Taka 1000 for naming it's a lounge in the name of Dunhill Cigarette violating country's anti-tobacco act.

The hotel authorities named the lounge on Dunhill as part of advertising the tobacco product.

The court led by magistrate Mohammad Quamruzzaman also fined one shop in the city Taka 200 for exhibiting advertisement of tobacco products.

Besides, six persons were fined Taka 50 each for smoking in the open place violating law at Kamalapur Rail Station, a press release said.

Tamim calls for ensuring highest power supply during Ramadan

BSS, Dhaka

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Professor M Tamim today called for ensuring highest electricity supply during sehri, iftar and tarabih prayers in the upcoming Ramadan.

He also asked the concerned authorities to monitor power situation round-the-clock and take urgent steps to start the 90- mw combined cycle power station in Sylhet before September 1.

Prof Tamim was presiding over a meeting on steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan at his secretariat office, an official handout said.

The meeting discussed overall situation of power generation, transmission and distribution and availability of fuel to ensure constant power supply in Ramadan.

Besides, matters relating to progress of starting new power plants, availability of necessary fuels to boost power production and maintenance plan of the power plants also came up for discussion.

Joint Secretaries of Power Division Mustak Hasan Mohammad Iftikhar and Wahid Hossain, PDB Chairman Mohammad Shawkat Ali, REB Chairman Mohammad Habibullah Majumder, Lt Col Moyeen of MIST and concerned high officials were present, the handout said.