The New Nation - Internet Edition

Grantors asked to produce bailed accused or suffer punishment

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Ministry of home affairs issued letter-asking grantors to produce absconding bailed accused or to suffer punishment considering upcoming local government polls. A lot of advocates, people representatives and influential persons may suffer the punishment as grantors of the absconding bailed accuses if this instruction followed hardly.

Khan Sayeed Hassan, Deputy Inspector General of police in charge of Barisal range and commissioner of Barisal Metropolitan Police and Advocate Shahidul Islam, secretary of Barisal district Bar Association, acknowledged the facts.

They said that the letter issued on Monday July 14 and copies distributed to concerned authorities on Thursday July 17, 2008 on the basis of the decisions approved in the meeting of the home ministry held on May 15, 2008 considering the control over law and order during up coming local government elections including city corporation, municipalities and upazilas.

Sources said grantors who were usually advocates, ward commissioners, UP chairmen and influential persons of the society, have to sign a bail-bond by giving assurance to produce the bailed accused before the law for facing trial under due process according to section 514 of penal code.

Non-bail able warrants against the absconding bailed accused would be issued as the violator of the bail-bond.

Grantor would be liable if the bailed accused became absconding and have to pay bail-bond money usually varied from Tk. 5,000 to 1,00,000.

Immovable properties of the grantors would be confiscated to realized the bail-bond money or they have to suffer imprisonment if failure to produce the bailed accused under their grantee.

Grantor would only be acquitted from charges only in case of death of him or the absconding accused, said the legal experts.

Hayatul Islam Khan, assistant commissioner of BMP and Advocate Abdur Rahim Badsha, district public prosecutor in charge, said that about six hundred bailed accused in Barisal district became absconding and attempt to take punishments against their grantors and completing trial in absentia would be done.

Call to sow date, palm seeds to maintain ecological balance

BSS, Gaibandha

Sowing of date and palm seeds has began from July 19 in the district amid much enthusiasm in order to meet the demand of sugar and to maintain the ecological balance.

An inaugural function organised by Sundarganj Upaz-ila administration was held at the Baidyanath Government Primary School at Sonaroy union under the upazila on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner (DC) addressed the function as the chief guest and UNO M. Barad Hossain Chowdhury was present as special guest.

Presided over by Alhaj Zakir Hossain, local UP chairman, the function was also addressed, among others, by upazila education officer M. Anowarul Islam and national award winning head teacher of Shibram Government Primary School M. Nurul Alam. The DC in his speech said the country has been importing a huge quantity of sugar every year by expending hard earned foreign currency.

Laying emphasis on increased production of sugar from date and palm juice side by side with sugarcane, he urged all to sow the seeds of those trees on both sides of the roads and railway tracks and on the campus of various academic institutions on large scale. Later, the DC has formally inaugurated the programme by sowing the seeds of date and palm on the side of Gaibandha-Rangpur Road at Baidyanath area of the upazila. A large number of upazila-level officials, public representatives, NGO activists and the local elite were present on the occasion.

DC office sources said the District Administration has taken a massive plan to sow 6,61,431 date and palm seeds in all the seven upazilas of the district during the current season through different government and non-gover-nment organisations.

AL observes token hunger strike protesting price hike of essentials

A Correspondent, Rupganj

AL and its allies observed 5 hours token hunger strike from 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturday at Rupganj, Narayanganj to protest price spiral of essential commodities, to distribute more VGF cards among the poor, and for permanent and unconditional release of AL president Sheikh Hasina. On this occasion a meeting was held at "Naiori Community Centre at Bhulta, Rupganj by the AL and its allies headed by Upazilla Awami League president Abdul Motalib. The former Army chief and member of the AL Advisory Council KM Shafi Ullah, Awami League leaders advocate Mofiz Uddin Ahmed, Zaheed Ali, Anwar Hossain Mollah, Shamimul Islam, Alhaj Mostafizur Rahman, Sazzat Hossain Tohin, freedom fighter Amir Hossain Awami Farmers League chairman Arafat Ali, Awami Swechchasebak League president Liakat Ali Badal freedom fighters Janata League Chairman Mohibur Rahman addressed in the meeting.

They demanded release of AL chief Sheikh Hasina along with various other demands. The Awami League leaders urged the leaders and activists of the units to strengthen party activities at the grassroots level and to make token hunger strike a success.

30 injured falling from tin-shed roof in Kishoreganj

Our Correspondent, Kishroeganj

At least 30 persons were injured falling from tin-roof of a high school building at Manikhali under Katiadi uapzila of the district on Friday afternoon.

The condition of six victims were stated to be critical. Ruhel (10), Hosenuddin (65) Kabir (22), Farook (20), Jabed (16) and Babul (45) were admitted to Kishoreganj Modern Hosptial.

The incident took place at the opening of Katiadi upazila Inter- union Katadi competition between Banagram union and Lohazari union. Zila Parishad organised the competition.

Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP) and President of Bangladesh Kabadi Federation Noor Mahammad inaugurated the two-day competition as chief guest with senior advocate Mia Md Ferdous in the chair at Miahchad Shah High ground where some 25000 spectators gathened to witness the match.

It was addressed among others by Banamala Bhomik (as special guest) CEO Zila Parishad, Police Super Mizanur Rahman, Abul Barkat Dulal, Deputy Secretary Advocate Mannan and UNO Katiadia Dr Golam Farook. The match was held where Banagram union beat Lohanzari union by 19-14 points. Some nine teams have joined the comptetion.

Sewing machines distributed among destitute in Gaibandha

BSS, Gaibandha

Sundarganj Upazila Administ-ration has distributed sewing machines among the destitute people on Thursday under annual development progra-mme to make them economically self-reliant.

A simple function was held at the auditorium of upazila parishad with UNO M Barad Hossain Chowdhury in the chair. Deputy Commissioner Abu Muhammad Yousuf was present on the occasion as the chief guest and distributed the machines among 30 destitute people.

Local LGED Engineer Abu Sufian, Upazila Education Officer Anwarul Islam, Project Implementation Officer Zahangir Alam, local elite and journalists were present.

4 suspected criminals held on various charges in Rajshahi

BSS, Rajshahi

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested four suspected criminals, including three drug peddlers and seized two firearms and phensidyl from different areas in three northern districts during the last 24 hours till this afternoon.

Acting on tip-offs, members of the elite force conducted two separate raids at Natun Bazar and Kazipara area in Shibgonj upazila of Chapainawabgonj district and seized two shutter-guns and one bullet. They arrested Jakir Hossain, 37, of Shayampur village under Shibganj upazilla.

The arrested drug-peddlers were Mahfuzur Rahman, 30, Shukan Ali, 30, and Akash, 22.

The RAB personnel seized 238 bottles of phensidyl and 175 grams of ganja during three separate raids at different places in Rajshahi and Joypurhat districts.

In another raid at Joypurhat railway station area, they seized 45 pieces of smuggled sarees worth around Taka 45,000.

The arrested persons and the seized firearms and goods were handed over to the concerned police stations.

BSCIC fair begins in Rangpur

Our Correspondent, Rangpur

One month long small hand cottage industry fair began on the premises of Senakunza community centre of the district on Tuesday Rangpur cantonment sadar Dapta Admin Azizulla Bahas (PSC) inaugurated the fair as the chief guest and Rangpur station commander Abdul Haque PSC was present as the special guest with Khandaker Aliar Rahman in the chair, among other teachers elite were present on this occasion.

A total of 55 stalls were erected in the fair.

Indian Phensidyl recovered in Gaibandha

Our Correspondent, Gaibandha

Member of DB Police in a drive recovered 114 bottles of Indian Phensidyle from Palashpara area of the town here on July, 19 last.

Sources said, under the direction of SM Monir-Uz-Zaman Police super on a secret information a team of DB Police led by SI Ashok Kumar Singh, along with SI Salauddin, ASI Sanowar Hossain and some for mces in drive at about 10.30 PM recovered 114 bottles of Indian Phesidyl woth about 57000/- from the office cum residence of Hujur of Ansaria Etem Khana and Hafezia Madrasha of Palashpara, Gaibandha.

Among the seized bottles 30 were kept in a paper made carton and 84 bottles were kept in special kind of two jackets.

Police source said, Rubel 38, S/o Late Baka Mia village Palash Para of the town was running his business in the area keeping the innocent etems under custody. Rubel is known as a terrorist and a drug trader. Nobody could protest for fear of him for his activities.

A case has been filed with sadar thana in this connection under Special Power Act.

20 injured in Mymensingh road accident

BSS, Mymensingh

At least 20 persons were injured in a road accident at Roymoni on Dhaka Myme-nsingh highway in Trishal upazila on Friday.

Police said, the accident took place at 3 pm when a Jamalpur bound passenger bus from Dhaka skidded of the road. Of them, 11 passengers were critically injured.

38 goats distributed among destitute women

BSS, Chuadanga

Some 38 goats were distributed among the 38 destitute women of sadar and Alamdanga upazilas of the district under the poverty alleviation prog-ramme of the government.

The goats were distributed at a simple ceremony on the district livestock department office premises on Thursday.

The deputy commissioner of the district Mokleshur Rahman distributed the goats among the women.

Of the total goats, 29 goats were distributed among the destitute of sadar upazila and the nine goats were distributed to women of Alamdanga.

Court fines Tk. 29,800 to unauthorised vehicles

BSS, Chandpur

A court has fined 27 motor vehicles of Taka 29,800 for fitness and other problems.

Magistrate Mohammad Mominul Haq raided the vehicles on different routes of the district on Monday.

The vehicles were found unregistered and unfit to run. Fake licenses were also found during the drive.

50 bags fertilizer seized in Narail

Our Correspondent, Narail

50 bags urea fertiliser were seized by Lohagara thana police from Noagram union under Lohagara Upazila in Narail district on Friday night.

Abdul Haye Sarker, officer-in-charge (OC) of Lohagara police station informed, a team of Lohagara thana police seized 29 sacks of urea from Manikgonj Bazar, 12 sacks from the Chatal of Sarwar from Gondob village, 9 sacks from the house of one Muktar Ali of village Char-Shamukkhola, 6 sacks from the house of Lokman Sheikh of village Babra of the same upazila. Police arrested Muktar Ali and field a case with Lohagara Police station in this connection.

Notebooks on open sale in Chuadanga

Our Correspondent, Chuadanga

A section of dishonest people are publishing and selling sub-standard notebooks despite government ban.

According to sources a section of dishonest men are doing brisk business at Chuadanga areas where notebooks are being sold at high prices.

It may be mentioned that government prohibited public-ation of notebooks upto class seven a few years back. Teachers and guardians alleged that their notebooks with errors and distortion of facts are being sold to the students.

Local people said due to lack of proper attention of the teachers in the class-rooms and standard note books the guardians are forced to appoint private tutors for their wards while the poor students are compelled to depend on sub-standard notebooks.

Daring dacoity committed at Chandpur

BSS, Chandpur

A daring dacoity was committed at Shil Mandir under Matlab pourasabha at the dead of Saturday night.

The dacoits entered into a house by breaking locks and doors with lethal weapons, police said adding that both husband and wife were kept confined in a room.

The dacoits numbering around 12 looted valuables and goods worth Taka four lakh, family sources claimed. The housewife was injured seriously and admitted in a hospital. Police arrested six suspects from Matlab areas.

Tree fair ends in Narsingdi

BSS, Narsingdi

An eight-day agriculture technology and tree fair-2008 organised by district adminis-tration, local forest office, and Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) concluded on the premises of Sadar upazila office on Tuesday.

Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Aziz Hassan inaugur-ated the fair on July 8. On the concluding day, Deputy Commissioner Zillar Rahman distributed prizes among the best agriculture producers and the best nurseries owners.

Deputy Director DAE Mokhlesur Rahman presided over it.

News Briefs

Two killed in Sylhet incidents

SYLHET, July 22: Two people died in separate incidents in the district on Wednesday. Police said a construction worker was killed as he fell on to the ground from the rooftop of a tin-shed shop at Jangalhata Bazar in Golapganj upazila on Wednesday. The dead was identified as Layek Ahmed, 30, son of late Rakib Ali of Lakkhanaband Hajipur village of the upazila. Witnesses said Layek while working on the rooftop along with two others suddenly slipped and fell on to the ground at about 4pm. He was rushed to the Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital where the attending doctors declared him dead, reports UNB.

Indian clothes seized in Comilla

COMILLA, July 22: BDR jawans seized 45 bales of Indian cloths worth about Tk 1 crore from Anandapur in Chouddagram upazila Friday. Tipped off, a BDR team went to the area and seized the smuggled saree and three-pieces. Sensing BDR presence the smugglers fled away, reports UNB.

FF killed in C’nawabganj road mishap

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, July 22: A freedom fighter was crushed under the wheels of a bus at Rajarampur in Sadar upazila on Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi road Thursday. The dead was identified as Abdur Rashid, 55. Police said the speeding bus ran over Abdur Rashid when he was crossing the road at 4:30 pm. The body was sent to hospital morgue for autopsy. A case was filed, reports UNB.

Indian fertilizer seized in Dinajpur

DINAJPUR, July 22: BDR jawans seized over 100 sacks Indian potash fertilizer from a truck at Bijul bazar in Birampur upazila here Thursday. Acting on a tip off, a BDR team halted the Bogra bound truck and seized the smuggled fertilizer. The truck driver, however, managed to escape. A case was filed, reports UNB.

Tk 55.45 cr collected as VAT in Sylhet division

SYLHET, July 22: Divisional Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate reaslised Tk 55.45 crore as VAT in fiscal 2007-08 surpassing all previous records. Sources said the amount was collected against the target of Tk 47.26 crore. In 2006-07 fiscal Tk 38.18 crore was collected against the target of Tk 47.14 crore. District Excise and VAT circle sources said the VAT was realised in different rates from retail and wholesale traders in two phases. The sources said private clinics and hospitals paid 2.25%, construction companies 4.5%, transport contractors 4.5%, lease holders 15% and suppliers 2.5% VAT during the last fiscal year, reports UNB.

Obituary

SHERPUR, July 22: Former general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Sherpur district unit Comrade Mazharul Islam passed away at his village home on Thursday. He was 60. He was suffering from various ailments since long. He took part in the country's Liberation War and played an important role in anti-autocratic movement in 1990s. He left behind his wife, two children and a host well-wishers and relatives to mourn his death, reports UNB.