The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sharif rules out safe exit for Musharraf

AP, Islamabad

President Pervez Musharraf should not receive legal immunity, a senior leader in Pakistan's new ruling coalition said Thursday, ramping up the pressure on the leader already facing possible impeachment.

Musharraf has resisted calls to quit, and his rivals say they could introduce an impeachment motion in Parliament as early as next week. Speculation persists that Musharraf may be holding out for guarantees he will not face criminal charges if he resigns. On Thursday, during a speech to celebrate Pakistan's Independence Day, the beleaguered former army chief called for reconciliation, but made no mention of the moves against him. "I appeal to all elements to adopt an approach of reconciliation so that there is political stability and we can firmly confront the real problems facing the country," Musharraf said.

But in his own Independence Day address, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose party is a member of the ruling coalition, ruled out a "safe passage" for Musharraf. Sharif, who Musharraf pushed out of power in a 1999 coup, alleged the president had violated the constitution and compromised the nation's sovereignty, a reference to Musharraf's alliance with the US in the war on terror.

"Should safe passage be given to someone who has done this to Pakistan?" Sharif asked a crowd in the eastern city of Lahore. "He wants sa !passage by breaking Pakistan's law.

He wants safe passage by breyjing Pakistan's Constitution. He is asking for safe passage by selling out Pakistan's sovereignty." After his coup, Musharraf dominated Pakistan for years, but eventually grew increasingly unpopuè%s. Many Pakistanis blamed rising violence in their country on his partnership with the United States in the fight against extremism.

His popularity hit new lows in 2007, when he ousted dozens of judges and imposed emergency rule in bids to avoid challenges to his rule.

In February, his rivals - including those in Sharif's party - defeated his allies in parliamentary elections, forming a ruling coalition that has shunted him aside and now wants to impeach and oust him.

State mourning for Bangabandhu today: President, CA, 3 services chiefs pay homage

Awami League central leaders offering munajat after
placing wreath on the mazar of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman at Tongipara on the eve of the National Mourning Day
on Thursday. Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

The nation mourns the assassination of Bangladesh's founding-father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today with state level arrangements to observe the day.

Following a High Court order, the Caretaker Government reinstated August 15 as National Mourning Day and a public holiday to commemorate the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The last BNP-led alliance government had cancelled the state observance of August 15 in 2002. The day was declared as the National Mourning Day when Hasina led his Awami League back to power after 21 years in political wilderness.

On this day in 1975 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed along with most of his family members at his Dhanmondi residence by a group of army officers. Two of his daughters, former premier Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived the putsch as they were abroad. An indemnity was awarded to the assassins barring trial of the miscreants and their masterminds.

The delayed trial in the former premier's assassination was initiated in 1996 to bring the killers, all former military officers, to justice and a Dhaka court in 1998 handed down death sentence to 15 of them. However, the sentences are yet to be executed.

The national flag will fly half-mast at all government and semi-government offices to show respects to the slain leader on the 33rd anniversary of his assassination.

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and chiefs of the three forces would place wreaths at the grave of Bangabandhu at Tungipara, in Gopalganj district this morning and offer fateha there.

A special guard of honour by the armed forces will be paid to Bangabandhu.

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed paid their deep tributes to the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the eve of his 33rd death anniversary, recalling his heroic leadership for the country's independence.

In a message, Prof Iajuddin said the nation with deep respects recall the contribution of Bangabandhu, the harbinger of Bangladesh's independence struggle and architect of independent and sovereign Bangladesh.

"Bangabandhu was uncompromising in realizing self-rights by enduring oppression and torture. His political farsightedness, valour, oratory and robust leadership had inspired the nation into the war of independence," said the President.

In another message, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said Bangabandhu, an unforgettable personality and ever-shining ideal in the nation's history, had faced torture and imprisoned for long in order to establish people's rights. "His call for independence and freedom had inspired and unified the whole nation."

The CA lauded Bangabandhu for his ceaseless struggle against subjugation, exploitation, misrule, deprivation and injustice.

"He had created an unprecedented mass awareness across the country, which is rare in world history. The Bengali nation had achieved the great independence due to his uncompromising, fearless and farsighted leadership," said the head of the caretaker government.

Our correspondent from Tungipara reports that special security arrangements have been taken at Tungipara ahead of scheduled visits by the president, chief adviser and chiefs of the three forces.

Special Security Forces have been deployed around the mausoleum complex of Bangabandhu. Troops staged preparatory parades in honour of the supreme leader of Bangladesh's liberation war.

In observance of the 33rd death anniversary of Bangabandhu, different political parties including Awami League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Ganatantri Party, Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Jatiya Party have chalked out elaborate programmes.

Socio-cultural organisations, professional bodies and people from all walks of life will organise different programmes including placing wreaths on Bangabandhu's portrait at Dhanmondi and also at the Banani graveyard, holding discussion meetings, milad mahfil, feeding of destitute etc.

Senior Awami League leaders paid homage yesterday at Bangabandhu's mazar at Tungipara as part of the party's two-day programme.

National and party flags of Awami League will be hoisted half-mast and black flags also be hoisted at Bangabandhu Bhaban and all the party offices at 6 am today.

The leaders and activists will place wreath at the portrait of Mujibur Rahman at the Bhaban at about 8 am.

At Banani graveyard, wreaths will also be placed on the graves of all those who were killed with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975 at 8.30am.

Other programmes include destitute feeding and milad mehfil and prayer at all religious institutions.

Acting General Secretary of the party Syed Ashraful Islam in a statement called upon the countrymen, including leaders, activists and supporters, to observe the mourning day "in a befitting manner".

CPB President Monjurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim in a statement yesterday said an axis of local and foreign enemies of Bangladesh were mastermind of the assassination.

CPB demanded release of all the secret documents of intelligent agencies of various countries to unearth hidden story of the bloody coup.

"The motive behind the assassination was to backtrack Bangladesh from its progressive line. The patrons of the assassins, who assumed power after the August 15 bloody coup successively, led the nation towards past and brought detrimental amendments to the constitution," the party said.

CPB demanded execution of the killers and restoration of four fundamentals that were enshrined in the constitution of 1972.

CPB will organise a discussion meeting at its central office at Paltan in the caipital today as part of its countrywide programme to mark the death anniversary of Bangabandhu.

Ganatantri Party will also arrange discussion meeting at its Maya Kanan central office at Kakrail in the city.

Pay Commission this month likely: Ex-Finance Secy Mir Mostafiz to lead 12-member body

Staff Reporter

The new Pay Commission for increasing the salaries and allowances of the government employees, as announced in this year's national budget, will be constituted within the current month.

"It'll be constituted within this month," Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam told reporters yesterday, replying to a question at the Finance Ministry.

In the national budget for 2008-09, it has been mentioned that a Pay Commission will be constituted to review and recommend revised pay structure for the employees of government and autonomous bodies in July this year.

The announcement was made amid hardship being faced by the fixed income group of people due to high inflation arising from the abnormal price-spikes in both international and domestic markets.

However, the formation of the new pay commission has been delayed due to some complexities arose from the selection of the chairman and members of the proposed commission.

"The formation of the new Pay Commission is at final stage," a senior official of the Ministry of Finance told The New Nation yesterday, adding that the selection of the Commission members was under process.

Australia smash world record in women swimming

Australia winning the gold at the women's 4X200
metre freestyle relay final during the swimming competition
at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday. AP photo

AFP, Beijing

Australia smashed the world record by almost six seconds in swimming away with the women's 4x200metres freestyle relay gold medal at the Beijing Olympics yesterday. The Australians set a blistering pace to hit the wall in seven minutes 44.31 seconds and wipe 5.78secs off the record of 7:50.09 held by the United States at last year's world championships in Melbourne. China took the silver medal in 7:45.93 ahead of the United States in 7:46.33. The Australian team-Stephanie Rice (1:56.60), Bronte Barratt (1:56.58), Kylie Palmer (1:55.22) and Linda MacKenzie (1:55.91) -- had control for most of the race.

It was Rice's third gold medal in the Beijing pool following her medley double win with all her gold medals coming in world record time.

Ban on trade union activities to go soon: Govt takes decision as US puts condition for GSP facilities

Staff Reporter

Restrictions on all kinds of trade union activities in the country are going to be relaxed within the next one week.

"The government has already decided in principle to relax restrictions on trade union activities. We are going to relax the restrictions soon," Labour and Local Government Adviser Anwarul Iqbal told journalists yesterday. The Home Ministry is examining the matter and they will issue a circular soon in this regard, he said. The Adviser said the government is going to relax restrictions on trade union activities taking the country's economic situation into consideration.

The Labour Adviser will sit with the representatives of different trade unions next week and the restrictions will be relaxed before that meeting.

Anwarul Iqbal also indicated that the trade unions would be able to hold their elections with prior permission from the local administration in their respective areas. It is learnt that the caretaker government has decided to relax restrictions following the United States asked the government to lift ban on trade union activities and improve labour rights in the garment factories before it holds a hearing on Bangladesh's GSP facilities in October. The US made the call late last month at a meeting between Bangladeshi diplomats and the US Trade Representative in Washington DC where the country's labour rights situation came under heavy flak from the world's top trading country.

During the meeting the USTR handed over a list of demands to the Bangladeshi officials, seeking progress on key labour issues before the Washington holds public hearing on GSP facilities, under which some Bangladeshi products get duty-free access to America.

"Lifting of prohibition on trade union activities throughout the country," was the top of the US demand, according to a letter sent by Bangladesh's commercial councilor to the US Kazi Md Shamsul Alam.

The caretaker government, which came to power on January 11 last year after a state of emergency was imposed, issued a notification on January 27, 2007 banning all kinds of political and trade union activities throughout the country under the Emergency Power Rules (EPR).

The government also restricted processions, demonstrations, hartals, strikes and lockouts across the country to ensure security of the state and people, and maintain discipline in public life.

VOIP scam: GrameenPhone fined Tk 250 crore again

The IP lottery draw which was scheduled to be held
at BIAM auditorium yesterday could not take place yesterday
sparking protest among the subscribers who came from
different districts. NN photo

UNB, Dhaka

GrameenPhone, country's biggest cell- phone company, incurred another big pecuniary punishment as the government fined the firm Tk 250 crore yesterday for clandestine trading in VoIP telephony.

Government watchdog body in the telecommunications sector, Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC), imposed the fine for providing E1 connectivity to third parties enabling the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Earlier in 2007, GrameenPhone paid fines worth Tk 168.40 crore for similar offence. A number of other cell-phone firms have also been punished for the same offence of making the most of the bonanza.

E1 is an all-digital communications line that allows the transmission of voice, data, video, and graphics at very high speeds over standard communications lines.

VoIP is a technology that allows someone to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.

Some VoIP services may only allow calling other people using the same service, but others may allow calling anyone who has a telephone number - including local, long distance, mobile and international ones.

BTRC in a press release signed by its Director (Legal and Licensing Division) AKM Shahiduzzaman said that they had imposed the fine as the regulatory authority found GrameenPhone's link in the illegal VoIP business.

"BTRC fined GrameenPhone for providing E1 connectivity to third parties enabling the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is illegal and unlawful and caused revenue loss to the Government," a BTRC release said.

International call termination to Bangladesh is a licensed service. BTRC, after finding GP's involvement on January 2008, carried out an investigation where involvement of GP was ascertained and the said penalty was imposed.

"During the investigation, current MD of GrameenPhone Anders Jensen and his team extended full cooperation. GP has already made partial payment of the aforesaid amount and the balance will be deposited with the exchequer shortly," the release stated.

A BTRC official, requesting not to be named, told UNB that the GrameenPhone authorities already paid Tk 50 crore today (Thursday) while the rest of the amount would be paid off by end of this month.

BTRC chairman Maj Gen (retd) Manzurul Alam, quoted in the press release, said: "We hope that no Telecommunications operator will facilitate any illegal VoIP ventures, directly or indirectly. The operators are expected to co-operate with the Government in preventing such activities in the future."

"No one will be spared if found involved, in any capacity, in the illegal call-termination business," warned the BTRC boss.

On the other hand, GrameenPhone in a press release also said that it agreed to pay an administrative fine of Tk 250 crore to the BTRC for providing E1 connectivity to third parties, enabling the use of VoIP technology, which is unlawful and illegal.

"We deeply regret that such unlawful practices were carried out and not disclosed earlier by GrameenPhone," GrameenPhone CEO Andres Jensen said in the release on a note of apology.

He said: "We have cooperated with BTRC in the investigations and the GrameenPhone Board also mandated an investigation by an external auditor to look into all aspects of our operations to ensure that we fully comply with all laws and regulations."

Norway's Telenor owns 62 percent of the company, which launched operation in 1997, with the balance 38 percent being held by local Grameen Telecom.

Earlier on January 16, the BTRC filed a case at Gulshan police station against 10 former and in-service high officials, including two former CEOs, at the country's top mobile-phone operator Grameenphone, alleging their involvement in illegal international call termination or VoIP.

Grameenphone, AccessTel, a local internet service provider, and Malaysia-based international call carrier DiGi Telecommunications are also on the accused list.

According to the FIR, the accused former Grameenphone officials are Erik Aas and Ola Ree, chief executive officers, Thor Randhaug, technical director, Yogesh Sanjeev Malik, chief technical officer, and Mehboob Chowdhury, director, sales and marketing.

The accused Grameen officials are Khalid Hasan, director (regulatory and corporate affairs), Md Shafiqul Islam, chief technical officer, Kafil HS Muyeed, director (new business), Md Arif Al Islam, director finance, and Espen Wiig Warendroph, head of revenue assurance.

The two former CEOs left the company in December 2004 and January 2007 respectively.

In the FIR, the telecoms regulatory body said these three companies and individuals were involved in providing international call-termination facility or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

The January 16 case is a follow-up to an 8-day-long Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raid starting from December 6, 2007 on the GP head office at Gulshan. The raid found huge equipment of illegal VoIP.

During the raid, the RAB officials claimed that they had evidences that GP provided VoIP equipment to AccessTel to run illegal call-termination business. The law enforcers found four circuits of E1 technology that connected the GP line with the AccessTel's.

The DiGi Telecommunications has been accused as it has a bilateral deal with the GP to terminate the latter's international call. The Norway-based Telenor, the major stakeholder of Grameenphone, is also a shareholder of Digi Telecommunications.

BTRC sources said GP terminated international calls through DiGi. The GP's earnings from international calls are deposited with Webstein Bank, Singapore. But a considerable amount of money might be siphoned off from the bank instead of its dispatch to Bangladesh, apprehends BTRC.

The law enforcers tapped GP's calls and found that AccessTel was being used in terminating calls through E1 technology. They also seized some internal emails and records that proved GP high officials' involvement in illegal VoIP.

Under the crackdown, now that the country is passing through a purge under the state of emergency, the BTRC also fined CityCell Tk150 crore, AKTEL Tk 145 crore, and Banglalink Tk 125 crore for illegal VoIP trade.

Process of Khaleda's release in progress, says Adviser Matin

UNB, Dhaka

The process of releasing detained ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia and her ailing elder son Tarique Rahman has been progressing, Home Adviser Maj Gen (rtd) MA Matin said yesterday.

"The process of her (Khaleda) release is progressing. You will come to know in proper time," he told reporters at the Secretariat, replying to a question.

In reply to another question, the Home Adviser informed that there has also been progress about releasing Tarique Rahman and sending him abroad for better treatment.

Asked whether Khaleda needs to apply for her release, he said: "I don' t know about this."

On Wednesday, Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the government was trying to expedite the process of releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia "as quickly as possible".

"The matter is under consideration of the government. We think it will be finalized at certain point of time," he had told a press briefing after the Council of Advisors meeting at Chittagong Circuit House.

The head of the caretaker government made the remarks when a correspondent wanted to know the actual position about Khaleda's release in the wake of contradictory statements by Advisers Dr Hossain Zillur and Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin.

The Chief Adviser had mentioned that when another ex-premier and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina was released on parole, the government had issued a notification stating that Khaleda Zia's case too would be considered.

"We are trying to accelerate the process as speedily as possible," he said.

4-party fresh programme to release Khaleda

Staff Reporter

BNP-led four-party alliance yesterday announced fresh programmes to press home its demands including immediate release of former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and medical treatment of her son Tarique Rahman abroad.

The alliance will submit memoranda to the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government from different parts of the country on August 21 and form human chains on August 27 across the country.

After a two hour-long meeting of the alliance's leaders held at the NAM flat, the residence of BNP Secretary General Khondker Delwar the secretary general announced details of the programmes at a press briefing.

He said the alliance demanded of the government to lift of the state of the emergency, hold a free and fair parliament election first, take proper steps to address the prevailing economic crisis, control the prices of essentials during upcoming Ramzan and trial of the corruption cases under the normal law instead of the emergency rule.

It also called for restoring November 07 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day and declaring May 30 as the national mourning day commemorating the death anniversary of president Ziaur Rahman.

Referring to the Chief Adviser's speech in Chittagong on the release of Khaleda Zia, Delwar hoped that the government would keep its word by releasing Begum Zia immediately.

He, however, warned the government that the people would not allow any dillydallying on the release of Khaleda Zia.

Demanding the trial of the corruption cases under the normal law of the country, he said trial of these cases would not be fair under the emergency rule.

He said his party would observe the birthday of Begum Zia today.

Replying to a question on the 72-hour ultimatum given by the alliance on August 10 on the release of Begum Zia, Delwar said, "We are trying our best to evade any clash with the caretaker government and we cannot take any obstinate decision. We are moving forward gradually. If the government does not meet our demands, the people of the country will take decision."

Delwar further said that they had been able to make people understand that the recently held city corporation and pourashava polls were stage-managed.

Delwar presided over the meeting while BNP Standing Committee members Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqi, BNP leadera Selima Rahman, Nazrul Islam Khan and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, Jamaat leaders Abdul Kader Molla, ATM Azharul Islam, Moulana Delwar Hossain Sayedee and Rafiqul Islam Khan, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Naziur) Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha and its Secretary General Shamim Al Mamun, chief of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Moulana Ishaq and Secretary General of Bangladesh Islami Okyajote Abdul Latif Nizami, among others were present.

People's participation needed to protect forests

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion meeting yesterday laid emphasis on creating awareness among the masses for protection of the country's forest and its bio-diversity.

They also called upon the government to take initiatives for eliminating mismanagement and corruption prevailing in the sector.

Strict implementation of laws and community forest development are urgently needed for saving the forests, they opined.

This observation was made at the discussion meeting on ' Transparency and Accountability in Forest Management: Problems and Way out ' organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the VIP lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Raja Devasish Roy, who is in charges of Forest, Environment and CHT Affairs Ministries was present as chief guest. Manzoor-e- Khoda of TIB presented the keynote paper.

With Advocate Sultana Kamal, former adviser and trustee of TIB in the chair, the function was also addressed, among others, by Abul Hasan Mohammad Rezaul Kabir ndc , secretary, ministry of Forest and Environment ,AKM Shamsuddin, Chief Conservator of Forest, Rezwana Hasan of BELA, Fariduddin Ahmed, Arnok Foundation, Filip Gyan, Dr Iklil Mandal, Dr Khandaker Mokaddem Hossain and Dr Ifterkharuzzaman, executive director of TIB.

TIB conducted a research from 2006 to 2008, which found illegal trading of forest timber, irregularities in implementing the projects, gross corruption in the case of appointment and transfer and encroachment of reserve forests.

Raja Devasish Roy said, the government was working to update the national forest policy. He said that the age-old forest laws would be amended for better conservation of forest.

"Only gun alone could not protect the forests and its resources", he said and suggested involvement of the local community for co management of forests protection.

"Attitude of the people living adjacent to the forests is important for protecting the forests," he mentioned and added that the government was taking measures for curbing corruption in the forest sector.

He said, the government was holding meeting for protecting wildlife sanctuary.

"We are going to hold discussion with the local people for ensuring the best protection of forests and its resources," said the special assistant.

The discussion made some recommendations that include to take action plan for protecting the forest, create alternative livelihood for the people depending on forest resources, start a forestation campaign, maintain flexibility while appointing in high posts and increasing salary and other facilities for the employees of the forest department, establishment of 'Ban Adalot' and Joint Task Force, and reintroducing the post of 'Inspector General of Forest'.

9 lakh Bangladeshis to get jobs abroad this year

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Thursday said if the present trend continues, employment of Bangladeshi workers abroad will exceed 900,000 this year.

"This will be an all-time record, even surpassing the previous year's record of 832,000," he said.

Iftekhar, also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, informed that already 590,000 applications have been cleared so far this year for getting jobs abroad.

"But this should give us no reason for complacency," he said, adding: "Our goal is to improve skills of potential migrant workers and promote the welfare of those who are already abroad."

The Advisor expressed his satisfaction over a visit to the Chittagong Technical Training Centre on Wednesday. "I was happy to see we are providing training in marine technology there in collaboration with the private sector. This comes at a time when we are also exporting marine vessels. I believe, this will add great value to the quality of our workers," he said.

As to the figures, Iftekhar said there would be ups and downs in monthly statistics of numbers going "but the bigger picture is, I repeat, improving quality and promoting welfare, one through appropriate training and the other through continuous diplomatic efforts."

He urged the recruiting agencies to procure better and more decent offers of jobs from abroad, and not to exploit the poor aspiring migrants.

The Adviser instructed the Ministry and Bangladesh missions abroad to continually search for newer markets.

He expressed satisfaction over the latest demand of 200 skilled workers from the United States.

On Kuwait, Iftekhar said he has urged the Kuwaiti ministers to help resolve any outstanding issues. A new Ambassador to Kuwait has been nominated, he added.

$ 130m IDA credit to improve edn sector

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh will receive US$130.7 million from the International Development Association (IDA) to improve the quality and performance of secondary education and ensure greater accountability at school level.

To this effect, Bangladesh government and IDA, World Bank's soft-lending window, signed a credit agreement Thursday.

Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division, and Vinaya Swaroop, Acting Country Director of the World Bank, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank at the Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance.

The Secondary Education Quality and Access Enhancement Project is built upon the success of its predecessor 'Female Secondary School Assistance Project' which is universally acknowledged as a pioneer in improving access for girls to secondary education.

Female enrollment in the secondary level increased from 1.1 million in 1991 to 4.4 million in 2006 after that project was launched in 1993.

"Despite these achievements, completion rate at the secondary level is still low and many poor children, especially boys, are still left out of the secondary school system," says a WB release to justify the fresh lending to the country's education sector.The Secondary Education Quality and Access Enhancement Project covering 121 Upazillas will provide targeted stipends to poor girls and boys to increase access and retention.

One of the main objectives of the project is to improve secondary school educational performance, with emphasis on English Language and Mathematics.

"The project will assist in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Education both at central and local levels, and establish an effective monitoring and evaluation system," says the release.

The credit from the World Bank's concessionary arm has 40 years to maturity, including a 10-year grace period, and carries a service charge of 0.75 percent.

HC grants bail to Altaf, Mosharraf, no to Sk Selim

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court yesterday denied interim bail to former Health Minister Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim who faces a Tk 3 crore extortion case along with his cousin, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A two-member Division Bench panel of Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury and Mashuque Hosain Ahmed, however, issued a rule against the government to explain in two weeks why trial proceedings should not be declared unlawful. Azam J Chowdhury, managing director of East Coast Trading (Pvt) Ltd, lodged the First Information Report (FIR) with Gulshan police station on June 10, 2007, accusing Selim of extortion.

The case is now pending with a special court set up at high-security parliament building complex that deals with high profile corruption cases.

The same bench following a writ petition granted interim bail for three months to Chittagong City Corporation Mayor ABM Mohiuddun Chowdhury in an income-tax evasion case on health ground.

Granting the interim bail, the bench issued a rule upon the government and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to explain why the case should not be declared illegal.

The bench also asked the authorities to return his Passport seized during his arrest on March 7 last year.

Meanwhile, another HC bench of Justice Sharif Uddin Chaklader and Justice M Emdadul Haque Azad on separate petitions granted interim bail for two months to ex-BNP ministers Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, and ex-BNP lawmaker Salahudin Ahmed of Demra in connection with corruption cases.

The bench, staying the case proceedings for two months, also issued separate rules asking the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to explain why the cases should not be quashed.

The same Bench also granted bail for two months to ex-state minister Obaidul Quader of Awami League in a case of amassing wealth illegally and hiding information about it.