The New Nation - Internet Edition

CA for regional initiatives to reduce poverty

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed

UNB, Colombo

Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed proposed adopting a clear roadmap for SAARC to fight out poverty and hunger and attain accelerated economic growth to ensure socioeconomic progress for some 1.5 billion people in South Asia.

"South Asia is home to almost half of the world's poor. Global economic slowdown, soaring oil and food prices and growing threats of climate change are driving the destitute people of the region even further bellow the poverty line," he noted in his statement in the inaugural session of the 15th SAARC Summit at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in the Sri Lankan capital on Saturday morning.

Dr Ahmed said, "We must redouble our efforts to attain the SAARC Development goals within the targeted timeline. I believe national action on poverty alleviation should be complemented by effective and robust regional initiatives in order to have penetrative impact on poverty reduction in South Asia."

In his 20-minute speech from 11:45 am, the Chief Advisor touched on critical issues of food and energy security in the wake of a looming worldwide crisis, trade, climate change and terrorism.

He said the recent price hike of food globally, creating a situation close to food crisis, has led all to reflect deeply on how to ensure collective food security for the people of the region. "This requires our immediate attention to ensure constant and steady supply of food for our people."

The Chief Advisor stressed developing strategies not only to address short-term supply-side shocks but also to strengthen cooperation to increase agricultural productivity. "This is a must to prevent hunger and malnutrition- one of the key priorities of all nations and of the Millennium Development Goals."

He called for early ratification and operationalization of SAARC Food Bank to address the food shortages and meet exigencies.

Presided over by new SAARC Chairman Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the inaugural session of the summit meet of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was also addressed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmie Y. Thinley, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raja Gilani.

The outgoing SAARC Chairman, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, formally opened the summit at 11:05am and handed over the SAARC leadership to the Sri Lankan President. Under an extraordinary security blanket, the eight South Asian leaders arrived at the magnificent Bandaranaike Momorial Hall where Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa received the guests.

On the pivotal topic of trade, still held down due to procedural problems, the Chief Advisor said despite SAFTA being in place, non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, and complicated and cumbersome customs procedures stand in the way of greater intra-regional trade.

He pointed out that long sensitive list close to preferential tariffs and rigidities in other structural and policy frameworks stand in the way of people's desire to have a fully integrated South Asia.

"Clearly there is a need to remove these hurdles to enhance intra-regional trade," he told the inaugural function, also attended by representatives of SAARC observer-states, including the United States and the European Union from the western world.

Dr Ahmed noted that negotiation is about to start on a Framework Agreement on Trade in Services. This should pave the way for the trade liberalization that will be a "win-win situation" for all.

The Chief Advisor said pace of trade liberalization has been less than satisfactory. To move the process forward, it may be useful to set up a consultative mechanism which could identify the bottlenecks and suggest practical ways to move the process of trade liberalization towards Customs Union and finally to Economic Union.

Dr Ahmed said SAARC Development Fund (SDF) charter which will be signed at this summit would be an important instrument to implement regional projects that would yield concrete benefits for the member-states.

And establishment of South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) will be an important step towards trade facilitation and greater economic integration in the region.

Turning to the crunch on energy front-again a global phenomenon concomitant with food problem-Dr Ahmed said SAARC countries must explore all avenues of energy sharing, including bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation, for addressing the supply-side constraints in the region.

Bangladesh specifically suggested capacity building, technology transfer and infrastructure development in this sector.

The head of the caretaker government said in the wake of skyrocketing price of fossil fuels, the region must harness renewable sources of energy like hydropower, solar energy, biofuels and wind power to address the energy crisis.

"We should strive to develop conventional as well as alternate sources of energy to ensure its steady supply at affordable cost," he told the meet, adding "achieving energy security is a must to realize development potential of the region."

On impact of climate change, the Chief Advisor noted with concern that in South Asia, global warming is rendering natural disasters frequent and more intense, causing greater damage and devastation to life and property and livelihoods.

Referring to the SAARC Environment Ministers meeting in Dhaka last month, which adopted an action plan on climate change, he said this is the first step in the right direction.

It is the collective responsibility to save the planet for the present and futurity, he added.

About the problem of terrorism, the CA unequivocally announced that Bangladesh is committed against terrorism in its all forms and manifestations.

"Terrorists have perpetrated brutal acts in every part of the world. We condemn the heinous terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan in recent times which caused unnecessary loss of life and property."

Dr Ahmed said Bangladesh as a signatory to international conventions against terrorism, both globally and regionally, is in the process of enacting and modifying relevant domestic laws for their effective implementation at the national level.

He expressed satisfaction at the finalization of SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters which will be signed at this summit.

The CA said this legal instrument would provide meaningful cooperation among SAARC countries in fighting against all serious and organized crimes and acts of terrorism.

About Dhaka's proposal on structured contacts between the armed forces in SAARC countries, Dr Ahmed mentioned that on bilateral level such links do exist. The SAARC countries provide a huge majority of the world's peacekeepers.

He said it might be worthwhile to devise such a system that can periodically bring the senior officers of the region's armed forces together to determine how best mutual interests could be advanced. Under this scheme, the training facilities could also be shared.

On another common problem as regards labour migration, the Chief Advisor said SAARC countries provide vast numbers of workers to other parts of the world. This forum should collaborate to strengthen capacity to negotiate better terms and conditions of work for them to promote the workers' welfare and protect their rights.

Regarding the South Asian University being established in New Delhi, he said Bangladesh is considering establishing Dhaka Campus of the new-generation university soon.

Dr Ahmed said in this interdependent world, SAARC region can only prosper if the member-states act in unison to reap the facilities and remove the adversities.

"I believe there is a clear political will and commitment to realize this goal. Bangladesh remains deeply committed to making this happen."

The Chief Advisor said Bangladesh, wherefrom the grouping embarked on its journey over two decades back, would continue to play its part in building the future 'South Asian home' as a harmonious abode of peace, progress and prosperity for all the people of the region.

On the pivotal topic of trade, still held down due to procedural problems, the Chief Advisor said despite SAFTA being in place, non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, and complicated and cumbersome customs procedures stand in the way of greater intra-regional trade.

He pointed out that long sensitive list close to preferential tariffs and rigidities in other structural and policy frameworks stand in the way of people's desire to have a fully integrated South Asia.

"Clearly there is a need to remove these hurdles to enhance intra-regional trade," he told the inaugural function, also attended by representatives of SAARC observer-states, including the United States and the European Union from the western world.

Dr Ahmed noted that negotiation is about to start on a Framework Agreement on Trade in Services. This should pave the way for the trade liberalization that will be a "win-win situation" for all.

The Chief Advisor said pace of trade liberalization has been less than satisfactory. To move the process forward, it may be useful to set up a consultative mechanism which could identify the bottlenecks and suggest practical ways to move the process of trade liberalization towards Customs Union and finally to Economic Union.

Dr Ahmed said SAARC Development Fund (SDF) charter which will be signed at this summit would be an important instrument to implement regional projects that would yield concrete benefits for the member-states.

And establishment of South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) will be an important step towards trade facilitation and greater economic integration in the region.

Turning to the crunch on energy front-again a global phenomenon concomitant with food problem-Dr Ahmed said SAARC countries must explore all avenues of energy sharing, including bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation, for addressing the supply-side constraints in the region.

Bangladesh specifically suggested capacity building, technology transfer and infrastructure development in this sector.

The head of the caretaker government said in the wake of skyrocketing price of fossil fuels, the region must harness renewable sources of energy like hydropower, solar energy, biofuels and wind power to address the energy crisis.

"We should strive to develop conventional as well as alternate sources of energy to ensure its steady supply at affordable cost," he told the meet, adding "achieving energy security is a must to realize development potential of the region."

On impact of climate change, the Chief Advisor noted with concern that in South Asia, global warming is rendering natural disasters frequent and more intense, causing greater damage and devastation to life and property and livelihoods.

Referring to the SAARC Environment Ministers meeting in Dhaka last month, which adopted an action plan on climate change, he said this is the first step in the right direction.

It is the collective responsibility to save the planet for the present and futurity, he added.

About the problem of terrorism, the CA unequivocally announced that Bangladesh is committed against terrorism in its all forms and manifestations.

"Terrorists have perpetrated brutal acts in every part of the world. We condemn the heinous terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan in recent times which caused unnecessary loss of life and property."

Dr Ahmed said Bangladesh as a signatory to international conventions against terrorism, both globally and regionally, is in the process of enacting and modifying relevant domestic laws for their effective implementation at the national level.

He expressed satisfaction at the finalization of SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters which will be signed at this summit.

The CA said this legal instrument would provide meaningful cooperation among SAARC countries in fighting against all serious and organized crimes and acts of terrorism.

About Dhaka's proposal on structured contacts between the armed forces in SAARC countries, Dr Ahmed mentioned that on bilateral level such links do exist. The SAARC countries provide a huge majority of the world's peacekeepers.

He said it might be worthwhile to devise such a system that can periodically bring the senior officers of the region's armed forces together to determine how best mutual interests could be advanced. Under this scheme, the training facilities could also be shared.

On another common problem as regards labour migration, the Chief Advisor said SAARC countries provide vast numbers of workers to other parts of the world. This forum should collaborate to strengthen capacity to negotiate better terms and conditions of work for them to promote the workers' welfare and protect their rights.

Regarding the South Asian University being established in New Delhi, he said Bangladesh is considering establishing Dhaka Campus of the new-generation university soon.

Dr Ahmed said in this interdependent world, SAARC region can only prosper if the member-states act in unison to reap the facilities and remove the adversities.

"I believe there is a clear political will and commitment to realize this goal. Bangladesh remains deeply committed to making this happen."

The Chief Advisor said Bangladesh, wherefrom the grouping embarked on its journey over two decades back, would continue to play its part in building the future 'South Asian home' as a harmonious abode of peace, progress and prosperity for all the people of the region.

Chalachitra Mela held: 52 years of Bangla movies celebrated

Noted film personalities were accorded reception at
the day-long film fair at FDC premises marking the 52nd
anniversary of Bangladeshi film on Saturday.

Staff Reporter

To celebrate the 52 years of Bengali movies, Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) and Channel i jointly organised a special film fair titled 'Chalachitra Mela' at BFDC premises in the city yesterday.

The day-long programme was inaugurated by Jamil Osman, Secretary to the Ministry of Information at 11:00am. It was wrapped up at 5:30pm. Channel i aired the programme on live.

ANM Badrul Amin, Managing Director of BFDC, Faridur Reza Sagor, Managing Director of Channel i, editors of different dailies, actors, actresses, producers, directors, cinema related persons, among others, were present on the occasion.

Different types of stalls under the banner of Film Producers Association, Film Directors Association, Film Artists Association, Film Distributors Agencies, Editors Guild, Film Archive, FDC, Film Journalists Association, Media Centre, Film Club, Amar Chhabi, Films' Songs, Anupam Recording Media, Fahim Audio, Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, Bangladesh Motion Pictures Exhibitors Association and 'Ranna Ghar' of Keka Ferdousi were took place in the fair.

A whole programme included documentary presentation on the history and heritage of Bengali movies, day-long cultural function and reception to the 15 renowned persons of the country who have contribution in the country's movie arena.

Main gate of the fair was named after Abdul Jabbar Khan. Besides, two stages were named after Zahir Raihan and Khan Ataur Rahman.

A souvenir was published on the occasion of film fair where articles and features of noted personalities and photographs on the history and heritage of Bangladeshi cinema were took place.

DU student urged help resolve social crisis

Students of the Department of Mass Communication and
Journalism of Dhaka University brought out a colourful
procession on the campus celebrating the founding day of the
department yesterday. Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) Prof SMA Faiz yesterday urged students of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department to contribute in resolving the social crisis.

He made the call while addressing the department's 46th anniversary, orientation and farewell programmes at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium of the University.

Dean of the Social Science Faculty Prof Dr Harun-or-Rashid also addressed the function with chairman of the department Prof Dr Sheikh Abdus Salam in the chair.

SMA Faiz said all social crises left impact on the University, as DU was the part of the society.

The students of the department had to find out ways to overcome the crises as part of the social responsibility with a view to fulfilment of expectation of the country's people, he added.

DU VC also distributed prizes among winners of the departmental cultural and sports' competition-2007.

Later, a cultural function and musical soiree were held.

Earlier, students and teachers of the department brought out a colourful rally from the premises of Aparajeya Bangla at 9:30am.

The Mass Communication and Journalism department was established in the university on August 02, 1962 under the Arts faculty and now it is a department of the social science faculty.

Tarique may be released soon

Habibullah Mizan

BNP Senior Joint Secretary Tarique Rahman is likely to be released soon as some highly influential quarters who were against his release are now supporting his release on medical ground.

Even all post- release steps have already been completed so that no sooner the executive order for his release is promulgated, he could be sent abroad possibly to either Germany or United Sates.

A highly confidential source claimed, those who were opposing Tariques's release is reported to have recently agreed with the quarter of the government policy making body to the effect of the release of Tarique. They changed their previous hard line about Tarique to remove the increasing 'tension' inside the government. Ex- Prime Minster Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now under detention on charge of corruption, is directly denying to have a 'compromise' with the government until and unless her eldest son Tarique is released for better medical treatment abroad. She however agreed to reach a deal with caretaker government after his release.

The source also claimed that Government has finalized its decision to release both Khaleda Zia and another ex- Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina, who was also arrested on charge of corruption in mid 2007 as part of 'compromise' with major political parties. Though Hasina was released earlier, Khaleda's release was hanging due to her repeated denial to be released before her two sons are released.

At that time the larger part of the government said, if Tarique, who was very often marked as the master mind of all massive corruption during the immediate past BNP-Jammat led four party alliance government, is released, the ongoing anti-corruption drive would be totally meaningless. Along with this some pro- Awami League civil society leaders and influential media were creating immense pressure not to release Tarique

This conflicting stance hanged the possible 'compromise' between the government and BNP Chairperson like that of Sheikh Hasina, also president of Awami League, who was released for eight weeks on medical ground.

BNP is continuously refusing to participate in any formal dialogue without its chief's and Tarique's unconditional release. As December, the dead line to hold the upcoming parliamentary election is coming nearer, an effective dialogue and ensuring of the participation of BNP in election has become highly important to the caretaker government, who came to power after state of emergency on January 11, 2007, in a bid to 'rescue' declaration country from a probable civil war.

At the moment the entire government, reportedly do not want to waste any time for an, acceptable compromise with major political parties.

On Friday Commerce and Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur himself said they wanted to complete their ongoing negotion very soon to ensure BNP's participation in the much-talked about political dialogue. He also claimed that they were regularly communicating with BNP in this regard. Some ambassadors of the influential Muslim countries are mediating in the negotiation process between the government and BNP.

Commerce Adviser yesterday said the government did not want to get involved with any unnecessary debate over the release of detained BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Meanwhile, physicians are also seriously advising the government to send Tarique, now undergoing treatment at Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman Medical University, abroad as his heath condition is deteriorating day by day.

Sources said considering all these factors, the high ups of the government have agreed to release Tarique on medical ground. It may happen any day of the week, the confidential sources informed adding, and then Khaleda Zia would be released also.

Sources however informed that the two sides are still negotiating on some minor issues, which will not disrupt to reach to a win- win situation both for the government and BNP.

NCBs asked to mobilise saving from rural areas

Staff Reporter

Finance Adviser Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday asked the National Commercial Banks (NCB's) to mobilise their savings from rural areas for making the banks as a profitable one.

He was addressing a seminar on "Steps towards making Janata Bank (JB) the effective largest bank in Bangladesh" as chief guest, was held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city. The Janata Bank Limited (JBL) organised the seminar on the occasion of its mid-year business conference. Chairman of the Board of JB Suhel Ahmed Chowdhury presided over the seminar.

"The NCB's should mobilise savings from the rural areas. For this reason, they should pay more attention for agriculture sector," Finance Adviser Azizul Islam said.

The banks should also give attention to reduce disparity between the regions when they were lending their resources, he also said.

He called upon the NCB's to establish the relationship between the stakeholders and directors of board of the banks for properly mobilise their resources.

He said that the Government run commercial banks have faced stiff competition with private commercial banks now.

"So, the NCB's have to look at risk assets properly. It should uphold its brand name by proper monitoring of the overall activities of banks," Aziz said.

"The Government has taken initiative to lunch a complete organ gram and service rules as early as possible for NCB's to run its activities smoothly," he informed.

"The JBL should be a profitable organisation. But, profit is not the single objectives. The bank must provide loan in the productive sectors," the Finance Adviser said.

Finance Division Secretary Dr Mohammad Tareque said that the NCB's should reduce internal expenditure for making the bank profitable one.

"For this reason, the banks should introduce new products to make ensuring its profit through dynamic leadership," he said.

He added that the banks should appoint young, dynamic and talented manpower who are educated on technology.

"If the banks can ensure to provide best service, the profit will increase gradually," he hoped.

National Board of Revenue Chairman Muhammed Abdul Mazid said that the activities of NCB's will be mass oriented and public interest related.

"The overseas banking profit of the NCB's have reduced significantly. It should need to take a realistic plan to revive the revenue from overseas banking of the banks," Mazid said.

Bangladesh Krishi Bank Chairman Khondaker Ibrahim Khaled called upon the Government to appoint the Chief Executive Officer, boards of directors who have social acceptability and efficient beyond any doubt for the national commercial banks.

"If the government should ensure proper appointment, the NCB's must be profitable," he said.

Prof Dr Mahmood Osman Imam, Chairman of Department of Finance of Dhaka University said that the authority should offload ownership of NCB's to different stakeholders to make the banks profitable.

BIBM Director and Professor Dr Taufic Ahmed Chowdhury presented the keynote paper in the seminar. He said at his keynote paper, "If the measures including formulation of a re-capitalisation plan, limiting the growth (up to 5 per cent) of outstanding loans and advances, reduction of classified loan, improving cash recovery from top 20 defaulters and other defaulters, reduction of operating expenses in 2008 by 5 per cent, maintaining cost of deposits at present level, strengthening of internal audit and control, formulation of a comprehensive HR policy, full implementation of Care Risk Management guidelines, submission of Long Term Management Plan will be implemented successfully, it will be able to turnaround JBL to a sound bank from its status of a weak bank."

Rough estimates of some informed sources indicate that on an average the banks in Bangladesh are going to face around 20 per cent increase in minimum capital requirement from the present level, because of considering market risk and operational risk, in addition to credit risk, he added.

"The JBL Board of Directors and management should be a bit aggressive in terms of raising new capital by issuing IPO (of course of premium) and non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (NCPPS). In India, many NCSs have almost 50:50 share between common stock and NCPPS," he informed.

"Decrease of banking cost is another priority area for rebuilding a weak bank. However, the reduction of operating cost should not be considered in absolute sense. If increase in revenue can outweigh substantially increase of operating cost, that would be more meaningful for the bank's viability, Prof Taufic said at his paper.

"Branches may also be segmented on the basis of corporate, commercial, retail, etc. to meet the needs of various target markets. The JBL's subsequent customer focus, product development, computerisation, reorganising the branch and mid tier network-should be all depending on main business focus of the bank. For implementing a comprehensive human resources (HR) policy dedicated and professional HR people must recrute the HR department, which again would be allowed to work independently, he pointed out.

Passage of NPDA with proposed changes: Bangladesh will get no benefit

Syful Islam

Passage of New Partnership for Development Act (NPDA), with proposed changes of exclusion of Bangladesh and Cambodia made trousers, knit and non-knit shirts from the duty free entry in the US market, will bring no benefit for Bangladesh as more than 70 per cent of readymade garment export depends on the three items, stakeholders say.

"If the NPDA passes excluding Bangladesh made trousers, knit and non-knit shirts, there will be no benefit of us. Our 70 per cent RMG export depends on those," president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) told The New Nation yesterday.

"All these are under negotiation, we have to raise strong voice, support in favour of the bill. We will send a letter shortly to our lobbyist in Washington I this regard," he added.

He said, "African countries wanted to exclude Bangladesh and Cambodia from the beneficiary of the NPDA. But we are trying to raise support so that the bill can be passed with full benefit for Bangladesh."

Both the African countries and the US textile lobby are opposing the passage of NPDA fearing a blow from the RMG giant Bangladesh and Cambodia. The fear that duty free access of RMG from the two countries to the US market may result in shut down of many RMG units in US and AGOA countries.

Congressman Jim McDermott, who introduced the NPDA 2007 in the US Senate last October, wrote to the six African Ambassadors early this month proposing some changes in the Act, to obtain their support.

Informed sources said the Ministry of Commerce is getting preparation to formally protest such change in the bill. Preparing a paper is underway which will be send to the Congressman Jim McDermott by official channel.

Executive Director of CPD Dr Mustafizur Rahman said passage of NPDA with the proposed change will be useless for Bangladesh. He said more than 70 percent of RMG export from Bangladesh is of the three items.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Commercial Counsellor in USA Kazi Shamsul Alam in a recent letter to the Ministry of Commerce quoting McDermott's letter to the six African Ambassadors said, "It was very clear from the very outset that some compromise would be necessary to get support of the AGOA countries to the bill."

"Without their support, the bill will have no chance of passage in the congress," he said. "The proposal is a framework to negotiate with all the stakeholders of the bill," McDermott said.

McDermott introduced the NPDA bill to allow duty free access of products of least developed countries to the US market which now facing hectic opposition from in and outside of the USA as well as the African countries.

Drug users spreading HIV virus

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a workshop yesterday said drug users are spreading various diseases like HIV/AIDS across the country.

"They (drug users) do not have knowledge about the deadly virus HIV, which gradually killed human," said Additional Inspector General of Police Muhammad Aminul Islam while addressing the workshop as the chief guest at Telecom Auditorium in the city.

He said the drug users used same syringe for taking drug among the group, which was also a threat for the countrymen.

The workshop was organised by Padakhep Consortium in collaboration with project of the Health Directorate under Health Ministry, national AIDS/STD programme and save the children USA. Aminul Islam said police personnel are working hard to prevent the deadly diseases. "Police personnel will also play a key-role among vulnerable and grassroots level people in the country for prevention of the HIV/AIDS," he added.

Some 33 police officials and others attended the workshop, where speakers shared some information about HIV/AIDS and the present situation.

Dr. Kazi Belayet Ali, programme manager Save the Children USA was present at the workshop as the special guest. Subhas Chandra Halder, monitoring officer of Padakhhep Consortium presented the keynote paper.

Aminul Islam said that thousands of South Asian people are carrying HIV virus and they are spreading its virus among the vulnerable through syringe and drug.

2 killed in city road mishap

Staff Reporter

Two people were killed and four others injured when a bus rammed into a human hauler on Dhaka-Demra Road under Jatrabari Police Station yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses said the accident took place at Konapara at about 4:00pm, leaving six passengers of the human hauler-Leguna-injured. All the injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical

College Hospital in critical condition where two died at about 4:45pm.

The dead were identified as Azhar Uddin, 60, and Leguna driver Abdul Matin.

The injured are Selim, 30, Yunus, 40, Shah Alam, 50, and Selina, 35.

Only Khaleda can united BNP: Hannan supports Mannan's contention

Staff Reporter

ASM Hannan Shah, adviser to the BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, yesterday echoed Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan's comment that only the BNP chairperson can unite their party, however, he blamed Bhuiyan for the party's division adding that he was responsible for this.

He said only Begum Zia could remove the division appeared in the party demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia.

Hannan Shah said these at the grave of BNP founder and late president Ziaur Rahman in the city.

Earlier, Mannan Bhuiyan said on Friday if Khaleda Zia was released, there would be no more division within the party and BNP would go to election unitedly. The party council would take a final decision on the issue after release of the BNP chairperson, he added.

Replying to a query on reaction to Bhuiyan's comments, Hannan Shah said, "Division was created in the party because of Mannan Bhuiyan. Now he has realised his mistake. So the leader can remove any division among us. "

Replying to another question Hannan said he had no conflict with party secretary general Khandker Delwar.

BNP Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain, BNP standing committee member M Shamsul Islam and Jubo Dal General Secretary Moazzem Hussein Alal- both recently released on bail- along with hundreds of party leaders and supporters offered prayers at the grave of Ziaur Rahman and called for Khaleda's release yesterday morning.

Rahul observes BRAC banking to poor in trip

UNB, Gazipur

India's Gandhi-dynasty scion and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Dhaka Friday on a five-day tour, keenly observed BRAC banking to the poor on his Gazipur trip yesterday.

Rahul, son of the slain Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, went to remote villages in Kapasia upazila and saw the NGO kingpin's activities, including micro-finance, women's empowerment, community health, education, legal- and human-rights protection, and rural advancement programmes.

He visited Targaon Purbapara BRAC School talking to the students come from poorer sections of society. Rahul also talked to the members of BRAC Samity of Targaon union and showed his interest in knowing BRAC role in developing their socioeconomic condition.

Officials of Raziv Gandhi Foundation also accompanied Rahul Gandhi.

Executive Director of BRAC Dr Mahbub Hossain told reporters that Rahul came here to know BRAC's micro-credit, community health, education, legal-and human- rights protection, and rural programmes elaborately.

A large number of villagers scrambled to see Rahul when the rising Indian leader went on a walkabout and dropped in a local tea-stall at Targaon Bridge crossing. He paid the bills of all people who took tea there.

DU students body call countrywide students strike

DU Correspondent

'Nirjaton Protirodh Chhatra Andolan,' a platform of general students of Dhaka University, called a students` strike in all the educational institutions today (Sunday) demanding withdrawal of emergency, cancellation of local government elections and holding of national elections first and release of detained political leaders, including Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.

The organisation led by Khomeny Ihsan urged the government to accept their demand by August 20 otherwise, it would have to face a tough students` movement. After staging demonstration throughout the campus yesterday, the activists of the organisation took to the street of Shahbagh intersection in procession that created a long jam of vehicles.

Later, they returned to the campus and held a rally in front of 'Battala' near Arts Building.

The students said the present government which took power to hold a free and fair election was yet to hold national elections rather it was trying to create a group of 'Dalals' by holding the local government election first.

They accused the government of taking support of imperialists is hatching conspiracy to obliterate the patriotic political leaders and establish the blessed political leaders for perpetuating their power.

Convenor of the organisation Khomeni Ihsan said frustration was prevailing among the people across the country but they could not utter any word due to emergency.

The people are demanding to withdrawal of the state of emergency but the government is avoiding the issue, he said.

Nirjaton Protirodh Chhatra Andolan has been holding different types of programmes on the university campus since its interception to drum up support for their demands but the government so far did not pay heed.

Among others, Mahbubul Islam Milton, Al Mehedi, Hafizur Rahman, Vashkar Shaha, Mainul Islam, Shaheed Mallik and Niloy Sarkar spoke in the rally.

Concern over violation of electoral code

Staff reporter

A majority of eligible voters have confidence on the updated Voter List, but there are indications of concern about violations of the election Code of Conduct by candidates and their supporters, said a survey report of Election Working Group (EWG), a coalition of 33 civil society organizations.

In advance of the August 4, 2008, City Corporation Elections, the EWG released its second on "Pre-Election Observation Report" yesterday about the pre-election environment.

EWG observers interviewed eligible voters in Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet City Corporations from July 21-23 about their perceptions of the campaign period, security environment, and election preparations.

The survey was part of long-term monitoring of the election process of EWG. According to EWG's most recent pre-election survey, at least 93% of eligible voters in each City Corporation believe that the people in their area are satisfied with the new Voter List. At least 89% believe the law and order situation in their area is conducive to a free and fair election.

The survey also finds that 11% of respondents in Sylhet faced harassment by the candidates and their supporters,15% of respondents in Rajshahi indicated concern about candidates attempting to influence voters through money or gifts, 18% respondents in khulna complained that the candidates are using places of worship for campaigning.

Overall, eligible voters surveyed by EWG in Barisal City Corporation seemed to perceive conditions to be favorable for the August 4 elections.

It may be mentioned that On Election Day, more than 3,075 EWG election observers will be still in different polling booths in four City Corporations and will monitor the elections in nine municipalities to observe the entire polling system.

30,000 biogas plants setup as alternative energy source

BSS, Dhaka

A total of 30,000 biogas plants have so far been installed in rural areas in the country as an alternative source of energy to reduce the use of firewood.

People are using biogas for cooking, lighting and generation of electricity while residues from the plants utilized as organic fertilizer for crop production.

"The plants use cow dung, poultry droppings, waste hyacinth and other biomass waste to produce biogas which ensure a smoke- free, odor-free, clean and healthy cooking environment for rural women," Dr M A Rouf of Institute of Fuel Research and Development (IFRD) of BCSIR told BSS on Saturday.

The Bio-gas plants are being used for cooking like natural gas, lighting rooms with mantel of hazak light, generating electricity for power appliances like light, fan, television and radio and it also can be converted into mechanical power for pumping irrigation water, he said.

The initiatives of construction of bio-gas plants was undertaken as an alternative to the energy produced from firewood, the cutting and burning of which is harmful for the environment, Dr Rouf said.

Out of total plants, 22,000 were constructed by IFRD of BCSIR (Bangladesh Council of Scientific Industrial Research) in last 10 to 12 years, he said.

Apart from BCSIR, 25 organisations including, Grameen Shakti, BRAC, DANIDA, Local Government Engineering Department, Department of Environment, Bangladesh Agriculture University, Bangladesh Small and Cottage industries corporation and Department of Livestock Service are involved in the development of biogas technology.

Among the organizations, Grameen Shakti shares more than 60 percent of biogas plants being constructed in the country.

"So far, we have installed 4,500 biogas plants and set a target to construct 5,00,000 plants across the country by 2012," head of International Cooperation and Development Department of Grameen Shakti Dr MS Islam said.

The introduction of biogas has reduced the timing the rural women spend on cooking and in turn allowed them engaging in other productive pursuits, he said.

Bibiyana Power Plant: Assessment report to ministry this week

UNB, Dhaka

The Power Cell completed the evaluation of technical bid for 450 MW Bibiyana power plant that was submitted by the lone bidder Powertek Berhad of Malaysia.

According to official sources, the Power Cell would submit the evaluation report within two or three days to the Power Ministry for approval.

When contacted, director general of Power Cell Abdul Jalil said they have almost completed the evaluation of technical bid of the Powertek.

"We're likely to submit our evaluation report on Monday or Tuesday this week," he told UNB.

If the Power Ministry approves the technical offer, we'll then open the financial offer of the bidder to commence final evaluation, Jalil said.

Power Cell, a reform implementing wing of the Power Ministry, had invited the international tender and Powertek along with German company Siemens and Korean company Kepco under a joint venture, submitted only a single bid for the project on July 24.

As this was a single bid, Power Cell took only a week to complete its assessment, said another official of the Power Cell.

But doubts surfaced after having a single bid for the Bibiyana power project whether the Power Ministry will finally approve the bid to go ahead.

Power Ministry officials said that the receipt of a single bid has put the project into a large uncertainty about its implementation within the stipulated timeframe.

The government had envisioned to implement the top priority project by 2011 as the country has been experiencing nagging power crisis.

Earlier, three companies qualified for the project in the pre-qualification (PQ) round to submit their final bids.