The New Nation - Internet Edition

JS poll schedule on finalisation of voter list: Chief Adviser Advisory Council endorses Upazila Parishad Ordinance

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed presiding at the
meeting of the Council of Advisers at Khulna Circuit House
on Tuesday. PID photo

UNB, Khulna

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the Election Commission is the legal competent body to announce the schedule for general election and observed that the schedule might not be announced before finalization of the voters' list across the country.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Council of Advisers at Khulna Circuit House in the afternoon, he said it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to conduct all elections, including the parliamentary polls, and announce the schedules in time.

"So far I know, it may not be possible for the Election Commission to announce the schedule for general election until the voters' list is finalized throughout the country," he told a correspondent.

About the timeframe of the election to the ninth parliament, stalled following the January 11, 2007 changeover amid a political crisis, the Chief Adviser said since he had already stated about the timeframe (3rd week of December), he wouldn't repeat it.

The questions cropped up as major political parties are insisting on immediate announcement of the election schedule and advancing the polls to October by jumping the timeline set in the EC-set roadmap.

About oath of the newly elected Mayors of the City Corporations, LGRD Adviser Anwarul Iqbal said usually, the elected Mayors are supposed to take oath after a month of the elections.

He said the LGRD ministry sent a summary to the Chief Adviser with a request to him to administer the oath to the city Mayors, and his response is awaited.

Besides, the Adviser said the Mayors-elect would have to submit the affidavit of their statements of wealth before taking oath of office.

In reply to a question, Iqbal said, "The government would consider applications for parole to take oath by the elected Mayors now in jail."

It was the fifth and last meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Divisional Headquarters. Yesterday's meeting, chaired by Dr Fakhruddin, approved in principle the Upazila Parishad Ordinance 2008 subject to some improvements.

The meeting also endorsed a 37-point development plan for Khulna division.

Asked about the disbursement of money for buying jute for jute mills, the Chief Adviser said the funds are being released.

Last year, Tk 150 crore was released during the winter to buy jute as he said the government wants timely purchase of jute for the jute mills. However, he said the jute associations must be accountable on this account. About the reopening of closed jute mills, Dr Fakhruddin said the government wants the jute mills to be in production under private management. "Since the public-sector jute industries incur losses, some mills in Chittagong were leased and the same policy could be adopted in Khulna."

The Chief Adviser said the government paid off the outstanding wages of the workers and it needs to be monitored whether the money was properly distributed.

About the operation of Khulna airport, he said it is difficult for the government if it is not financially viable. He noted that airports in Barisal and Rajshahi were closed down on the same grounds. He posed a counter-question whether it is possible to run an institution by giving subsidy.

The 37-point development plan to be implemented at a cost of Tk 10,131 crore includes development of roads, education, health, modernization of Mongla port, resolving problems of water-logging, electricity, rural infrastructure, forest and environment, and sports and culture.

Anwarul Iqbal, who briefed the press on the development plan, said the government decided to activate Mongla seaport, and fertilizers and reconditioned cars would be imported through this port to increase its economic activities.

He said steps would be taken to increase the navigability of the Mongla port.

The Advisor said two projects with estimated costs of Tk 628.70 crore and Tk 342.18 crore with assistance of ADB are now under implementation to supply gas to 21 southwestern districts, including Khulna.

Iqbal said production has started from 40MW rental power station in Khulna and the electricity problem here will be eased with the commissioning of the 34.5MW power station in Bhola.

The Adviser said the bridge over the Teesta River in Narail was completed. It will be named after renowned artist SM Sultan.

He said work on the Padma Bridge would start in July 2010 and its design would be submitted in 2009.

Advisers, Cabinet Secretary and Press Secretary to the CA were present at the Council-of-Advisers meeting that lasted two and a half hours since 11 am.

Memories of Mamun recalled: Speakers at civic condolence meeting

Speakers at the civic condolence meeting on late
dramatist Abdullah Al Mamun at the National Theatre Hall of
Shilpakala Academy yesterday. NN photo

Staff Reporter

Dramatists, educationists, theatre personalities at a condolence meeting in the city remembered the memories, life and activities of the late actor, director and filmmaker Abdullah Al Mamun.

Speakers paid tribute to the late dramatist in their speeches and urged all to give him national respect.

The civic condolence meeting organised by Sammilita Sangskritik Jote was held at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday.

National Professor Kabir Chowdhury presided over the meeting, while noted dramatist Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, journalist Kamal Lohani, theatre personalities Ramendu Majumder, Nasir Uddin Yusuf, Aly Zaker, Ferdousi Majumder, Asaduzzaman Nur, M Hamid, Mamunur Rashid, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Mannan Hira, Keramat Mawla, Jamil Chowdhury, Director General of Shilpakala Academy Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, among others, took part in the discussion at the meeting.

The programme was inaugurated by a Tagore song rendered by Tagore artiste Mita Haque. Recitation artiste Ahkam Ullah presented the life sketch of the late dramatist. The programme was moderated by General Secretary of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote.

Eminent litterateur Syed Shamsul Haque presented the condolence paper at the meeting.

Atiqul Haque Chowdhury in his speech said, "It will take more time to evaluate the works of the late dramatist Abdullah Al Mamun. He will survive in the hearts of all for long time. The country needs the man like Abdullah Al Mamun this time."

Ferdousi Majumder, working partners of Abdullah Al Mamun for the last 47 years, burst into tears and said, "I have lost my acting partner, my mentor. He was not only my friend but also a teacher to me. I have learnt many things from him. I think in future I cannot perform in drama."

Prof Kabir Chowdhury said the loss of Mamun could not be fulfilled in the long run. The nation lost her one of the best children.

The noted playwright, actor, director and filmmaker Abdullah Al Mamun died at the age of 66 at the BIRDEM Hospital in the city on August 21 after prolonged illness. He had been suffering from diabetes, kidney complaints and heart disease since long. He was admitted to Square Hospital before being moved to the BIRDEM Hospital with his condition getting worse. He was admitted to the Square Hospital on July 10 after suffering brain haemorrhage. He underwent a brain surgery on July 13.

His acclaimed play scripts include 'Ekhono Kritodash,' 'Tomrai,' 'Kokilara' and 'Meraj Fakirer Maa.' He also directed movies like 'Ekhoni Somoy,' 'Sareng Bou' and 'Dui Jibon.' He directed a good number of popular television drama serials including 'Sangshaptak,' 'Gharoya,' 'Pathor Somoy,' 'Joyar Bhata,' 'Baba,' 'Shirshobindu,' 'Uttaradhikar,' 'Shesh Bikeler Meye,' 'Ami Tumi Se,' 'Ek Janame' and 'Ekjon Babar Ali.'

Mamun founded drama group 'Theatre (Bailey Road)' and was an adviser to quarterly magazine 'Theatre.' He wrote 27 plays for theatre. He received prestigious awards 'Ekushey Padak,' 'Bangla Academy Award,' '1st National Television Award,' 'National Film Award,' 'Munir Chowdhury Honorary Award' and 'Agrani Bank Literature Award.'

AL to resist any delay in JS polls: Ashraf

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday warned the Government that AL would resist any conspiracy to push back the parliamentary elections, which was likely to be held by December as per the roadmap of the Election Commission (EC).

He made this comments while addressing the party leaders and activists at a discussion meeting organised by the Sadhinata Chikitsshak Parishad at the council auditorium of the Engineers' Institutions in the capital to mark the 33rd death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"The Government is promise bound to the people to hold the national elections by December. The countrymen think that the Government would fail in its responsibility to the nation, if it failed to hold the elections by the deadline," Ashraful said.

He further said that the AL was supporting the Government by all means. The party did not announce any programmes such as hartal or siege but was repeatedly demanding national elections in time. But if the Government conspired to linger the election, AL would give a befitting reply to this conspiracy. So the Government has no right to put the nation in uncertainty.

"We believe that all the disputes over politics, national elections, state of emergency and other related issues can be resolved through negotiation. We are eager to join the dialogue with the EC on September 4 and we hope that the EC will consider our demand for holding the national elections ahead of other elections."

Criticising the activities of the Caretaker Government he said they never took any decision by consulting with the political parties rather they took several decisions in an autocratic manner.

AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said it was not possible for the party to meet the conditions for registering by October 15, the deadline announced earlier in the day by the Election Commission.

"Meeting all the conditions for the registration requires a council of the party, which is not possible to arrange amid the state of emergency," Amu told reporters at the National Press Club.

Amu pointed out the party had recently sought a date from the EC and the Government for discussions on such matters. "We hope a solution regarding registration will be reached through discussions. If not, we will decide our next course of action, " the AL leader said.

AL presidium member Suranjit Sen Gupta also cautioned the Government not to do anything, which would compel AL to announce tough movement.

"We are not afraid to fight for the restoration of democracy in the country and we did so several times in the past," he pointed out.

Dr AF Ruhul Haque, President of the Parishad, presided over the meeting in which a number of AL leaders spoke.

Development package for Khulna

Staff Reporter

The Council of Advisers at a meeting yesterday in Khulna Circuit House has given approval to different projects for the development of southern region of the country.

Construction of Padma bridge, modernisation of Mongla Port and development of power generation for uninterrupted supply of power to Khulna city are among the key features of the development.

The meeting unanimously decided to start the construction work of Padma Bridge with a cost of Tk 10,161.75 crore from January in the next year.

Two projects for modernisation of Mongla Port with a tune of Tk 58 crore 56 lakh for purchasing cutter suction dredger and Tk 24 crore and 70 lakh for purchasing pilot boat and pilot despatch are waiting for the approval of the Planning Commission.

The power situation in Khulna would be improved after the 34.5 megawatt power plant in Bhola resumed its operation in October this year.

Projects Tk 628 crore 70 lakh and Tk 342 crore 18 lakh from Asian Development Bank are being implemented for supplying gas in 21 south and western districts.

Waste Water Treatment Plant for shrimp processing management in Khulan city would also resume its operation soon after the connection of power.

Projects worth Tk 206 crore 88 lakh 36 thousand have been implemented for various rural infrastructure development.

The project work of Support to Essential Management Capacity in the Sundarbans World Heritage with a cost of 75b lakh 52 will be implemented from January this year.

To improve the quality of education the meeting also allocated Tk 17 crore 51 lakh and 86 thousand for construction of academic and administrative building and extension of female student hall and Tk 22 crore for building mosque and medical centre, in the Khulna university.

The meeting also decided to set up a new medical college in Jessore and extend number of bed of Narail Hospital from 50 to 100 and Magura Hospital from 100 to 150 with a cost of Tk 11 crore.

Evacuation from hill pockets by two months ordered

Chittagong Correspondent

The Committee for Management of Hills asked the authorities concerned to remove the habitats from the hill-pockets by next three weeks.

The directives came from a meeting of the committee held at local circuit house late Monday night. Chittagong Water and Sewerage Authority (CWASA), Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), Bangladesh Railway (BR), police and other public agencies have been advised to comply the directives of evacuation.

Public agencies like the CDA, CWASA, BR and police are the owners of most of the hills across the city. The agencies have been asked to take necessary steps in evacuating habitats from risky hill-pockets, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) and member secretary of the Committee Jafar Alam told the reporters after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the meeting reformed the Technical Committee (TC) that formed to make outline for protecting hills from destruction.

Former Vice Chancellor of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) Dr. Mozammel Haque has been made head of the reformed TC, while Chief Engineer of the CDA Iqbal Hossain will perform duty as member secretary of the committee.

Meeting sources said that the reformed TC would provide necessary directives with recommendations to the mentioned organizations within next ten days.

Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Hossain Jamil presided over the nearly three-hour meeting that began at about 7:00 p.m.

Deputy Commissioner Ashraf Shamim, secretary to the Chittagong City Corporation Mohammad Shamsuddoha and other government officials joined the meeting, which ended at about 9:45 p.m.

Zia orphanage case Khaleda, Tarique granted bail

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court yesterday granted bail for six months to detained ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman in Zia Orphanage Trust fund embezzlement case.

Granting mother and son bail on special considerations of their failing health, a Division Bench comprising Justice Sharif Uddin Chaklader and Justice M Emdadul Haque Azad issued separate rules asking the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to explain in six weeks why the petitioners should not be granted regular bail.

This is the first case in which Khaleda Zia, who faces four graft cases, secured interim bail from the High Court.

The higher-court order for the immediate-past premier's interim release in this case came at a time when her party and alliance are pressing for her and her elder son's release.

Advisers of the caretaker government have long said their release matters were under process, but BNP leaders grumble that their release was caught up in tangles of conditions that boil down to their staying away from politics.

Earlier, a Dhaka Court had denied her bail in this (Zia Orphanage) case.

On July 3, Anti-Corruption Commission deputy assistant director Harunur Rashid filed the graft case with Ramna police station against Khaleda, her son Tarique and five others on charges of embezzling over Tk 2.10 crore by forming an establishment named Zia Orphanage Trust (ZOT).

They were sued amid a clampdown on the country's political arena after the January 11, 2007 changeover following a political crisis over election issues, which also landed many other political leaders and bigwigs behind bars.

Barrister Nasir Uddin Ashim, a counsel for Khaleda, told UNB that they would move to the High Court seeking interim bail for her in the remaining three cases-Gatco, Niko and Barapukuria Coalmine scam cases.

Khaleda has been incarcerated into a makeshift sub-jail at the high-security parliament complex since September 3 last year.

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq and Khandaker Mahbub Uddin Ahmed appeared for Khaleda and Tarique.

Tarique’s condition improves, CT scan likely after 48 hours

UNB, Dhaka

Condition of Tarique Rahman, who Monday suffered head injuries from a fall in bathroom in custody, has improved, doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University said.

"He is better but under complete observation. We can't say anything until 48-hour time is over," Dr Kazi Mazharul Islam Dolon told UNB on Tuesday afternoon, a day after his injury news incensed his party's student activists into triggering mayhem in and around Dhaka University area.

The physicians examined Tarique at about 12 noon. Dolon said Tarique has head pain and the right side of his injured head has swollen. He also suffers from fever.

He may undergo CT scan after 48 hours, Dr Dolon said. DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddique, who went to BSMMU to see Tarique's condition, told UNB that he was "getting well".

Tarique, detained ex-PM and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's elder son and also senior joint secretary general of the party, was arrested on March 7 last year in connection with several corruption cases amid a purge in the interim period.

News of his suffering injuries sparked violent protests in Dhaka University, BUET, Dhaka College and Shahbagh areas Monday, resulting in one person's death and dozens of vehicles having been damaged or burned.

Aussie education exhibition begins in city

DU Correspondent

A two-day long Australian Education Exhibition jointly organised by the Australian Trade Commission of the Australian High Commission and IDP Education began at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday.

A total of 12 leading Australian universities are participating in the exhibition.

Douglas Foskett, Australian High Commissioner to Dhaka, inaugurated the exhibition.

Addressing the inaugural session, Douglas said Australian universities and educational institutions were enjoying international reputation for excellence in teaching and research for having a strong commitment to quality, equity, high academic standards and programmes.

"More than 5,000 Bangladeshi students are now studying in Australia," he said and added that Australia appreciates that "Bangladeshi students and their families have recognised the merit of Australian education."

Mostafizur Rahman, Business Development Manager of Austrade and Sharif Rahman, country Director of IDP Education were also present.

US help to combat human trafficking assured

UNB, Dhaka

The United States will continue to support Bangladesh as part of its global effort to combat trafficking in persons, a senior official with USAID said yesterday, amid concerns that revisiting existing laws are important for a comprehensive legal framework.

Denise Rollins, Mission Director of USAID in Dhaka, said her government is keen to strengthen partnership with various stakeholders including government and other professional bodies to deal with the menace.

She made the comment at a discussion on "Trafficking in Persons:

Emerging Need for a Comprehensive Legal Framework" at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium.

The Legal Education and Training Institute (LETI), Bangladesh Bar Council and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) organized the discussion to conclude a series of training on trafficking issues for lawyers. As part of the latest effort, more than 1300 lawyers from across the country received training on the issue.

Barrister Amir-Ul Islam presided over the discussion while additional secretary to Home Ministry Sheikh Abdur Rashid represented the government to the discussion.

Registration must for contesting general poll: CEC

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission thinks that registration of the political parties is imperative as it would be hard for the EC to manage the race of 100 to 150 political parties in the parliamentary elections.

"It's not possible to deal with some 100-150 political parties during the election," said Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday.

He asserted that registration of the political parties is a must for contesting the upcoming general election in December.

"In order to contest the general election, the registration of the political parties is a mandatory," Dr Huda told reporters in reply to a question at Saint Gregory's High School in the capital.

He was addressing as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Dhaka First Inter-School Debate competition jointly organized by Decor Ian Debate Cub and Debate for Democracy.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is going to begin the registration of political parties today, setting October 15 as the last date for submitting application for getting registered with the EC as a prerequisite for contesting the coming polls.

Russian recognition of rebel region new challenge to West

AFP

Russia on Tuesday formally recognised the Georgian rebel regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states in a startling new challenge to the West.

President Dmitry Medvedev announced the recognition after meeting top ministers and defence chiefs on the Georgia crisis, ignoring warnings from Western powers against the move, which France and Britain immediately condemned.

"I have signed decrees on the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia," Medvedev said in a national television address, standing at a podium flanked by two Russian flags.

"Russia calls on other states to follow its example," he added.

The Russian president said his decision was made "taking into account the freely expressed will of the Ossetian and Abkhaz people" and was in accordance with the United Nations charter and a 1970 declaration on international law.

"This is not an easy choice, but it is the only way to save the lives of people," Medvedev said.

He said Russia had shown "restraint and patience" with Georgia and had repeatedly sought to resolve the dispute through negotiations.

Medvedev said Russia's proposals to Georgia went unanswered. "Unfortunately, they were ignored also by NATO and the UN."

Russia also suspended cooperation with NATO and a visit by the Western military alliance's secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Russia's ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said.

Tensions have mounted since Russian forces entered Georgia on August 8 to thwart a Georgian attempt to retake South Ossetia. France brokered a ceasefire but the United States and other Western nations have accused Russia of breaching the accord by keeping tanks and troops in Georgia.

The US embassy in Tbilisi announced that a US navy destroyer carrying humanitarian aid was headed to the Georgian port of Poti, but later said it could no longer confirm the operation.

A top Russian general questioned the "extreme level" of NATO naval activity in the Black Sea, saying it could not be needed to deliver aid to Georgia or for routine naval exercises.

"We're bewildered at the extreme level of activity of NATO naval forces in the Black Sea, which continue to increase their numbers," General Anatoly Nogovitsyn told a briefing on the conflict.

"Only yesterday I said there were nine NATO ships in the sea and by evening another frigate of the US navy passed through the Bosphorus Straits.

"We have also learnt that another eight warships from NATO states are expected shortly.

"They talk about planned exercises and you can probably find some legitimacy in that butt it's very hard to believe that all the visits so far have been bringing only humanitarian aid," said Nogovitsyn.

"Nappies can be bought in any market in Georgia," he said.

Nogovitsyn insisted that Russia was complying with a French-brokered peace plan while Georgia's military was rearming.

The international community had warned Russia against recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which broke from Georgia in the early 1990s with Moscow's backing after fighting protracted separatist wars.