The New Nation - Internet Edition

FRCP degree obtained

Prof Dr. Md. Shahidullah, Associate Professor of Skin and Sex Disease Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) has obtained FRCP degree from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgo, UK recently.

Dr Shahidullah is the second son of Abdul Shahid Sikdar and Late Afzalunnesa Sikdar of Kapasia thana of Gazipur district, says a press release.

He visited many countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Malaysia, Argentina, United Kingdom and Brazil.

Obituary

Abdur Rahman Khan (Ratu) a retired Director, IWTA died in New Delhi during treatment on Monday. He was 70. His body will reach Dhaka today (Wednesday) and next day (Thursday) it will be kept at 1/3, Block-D, Lalmatia, before Janaza after Johr Prayers at Lalmatia "C" Block Mosque. His Qulkhwani will be held at the same place on Friday after Asr Prayers, says a press release.

'Prices of essentials cheaper at BDR-run sale centres'

BSS, Dhaka

Prices of essentials were cheaper in BDR-run sale centres and markets compared to those in the city's ordinary markets on Monday, said a BDR market survey released here on Tuesday.

Flour in packet was sold between Taka 36 and 43 per kg at the ordinary markets, it said adding, the item was sold at Taka 39 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 35 at BDR-run sale centres. The price of one-kg flour in Kolkata is equivalent to Taka 23.72.

Coarse rice was sold between Taka 32 and 34 per kg at different markets in the city. Rice was sold at Taka 36 at BDR- run open markets and Taka 28 at BDR-run sales centres while the item is being sold at Taka 27.11 in Kolkata markets.

Lentil (imported) was sold at different city markets at Taka 82 to Taka 95 per kg which is Taka 75-90 at BDR-run sale centres and Taka 86 at BDR-run open markets while lentil is being sold at Taka 89.83 in Kolkata markets.

Onion (imported) was sold at different city markets ranged between Taka 22 and 25. Onion was sold at Taka 26 at BDR run open markets and Taka 19-20 at BDR run-sale centres. The item is available in Kolkata at Taka 16.94.

Potato was sold at different city markets at Taka 16 to Taka 18 per kg, while it was Taka 15 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 17 at BDR-run sales centres. In Kolkata, the price of the item is Taka 08.47.

Sugar is being sold at Taka 34 to 38 per kg at different city markets against Taka 35 at BDR-run open markets. In Kolkata, its price stands at Taka 27.11.

Salt was sold at Taka 12 and Taka 13 per kg at different city markets, while it was sold at Taka 9-10 per kg at BDR-run sale centers and Taka 16 at BDR run open markets. The item is available in Kolkata at Taka 10.79, the report said.

Soybean oil was sold between Taka 108 and Taka 118 per liter at ordinary markets, while it is available at Taka 112 at BDR-run open markets. In Kolkata, the price of soybean oil is Taka 128.81 per liter.

Palm oil was sold at Taka 88 to Taka 108 per liter at ordinary markets, compared to Taka 94 per liter at BDR-run open markets and Taka 88 at BDR run-sale centres. In Kolkata, the price of palm oil is Taka 114.40 per liter.

Besides, Hilsa fish was sold at different markets at Taka 300 to Taka 340 per kg on Monday, the release added.

Date extended for BSC Scholarship

BSS, Dhaka

The Bangladesh Scholarship Council (BSC) announces its 14th scholarship grant at the university level throughout the country for 2008-09 year.

A total of 250 scholarships will be distributed at a rate of Taka 12,000 each, said a press release.

The major fields of study include medicine, engineering, agriculture, science and technology, commerce and humanities. Poor and meritorious students obtaining total GPA 8 to 10 in SSC and HSC examinations will be given preference.

Candidates must complete the application form provided on the BSC's website: www.bscbd.org with two passport size photos, copies of previous and current academic reports, a recommendation letter from the head of the department and parents' yearly income statement through proper authority.

Applicants receiving other scholarship or any financial grant are not eligible to apply. A new application is required for renewal of scholarship and "Renewal" must be indicated.

Prospective applications should be sent to secretary, Bangladesh Scholarship council (BSC), 288, MM Ali Raod (2nd floor), WASA More, Chittagong-4000 on or before September 21, 2008 by postal mail.

Police yet to rescue kidnapped trader

Habibullah Mizan

Police did not yet rescue a young trader, who was reportedly kidnapped by a group of miscreants, even after seven days of the incident.

Razzak Chowdhury, 22, son of one Sadik Chowdhury hailing from Bhai Bhai Manjil under Siddirganj Upazila of Narayanganj District, was reportedly kidnapped on his way to Manikganj on August 21.

While talking to The New Nation yesterday afternoon, Nurul Amin, Narayanganj District Police Superintend assured of immediate rescue of Razzak.

He however, claimed that he was not informed about the incident despite news reports in various national dailies of the country.

Javeed Chowdhury, elder brother of the victim, suspects that miscreants might have kidnapped Razzak . He sought the emergency intervention of the Chief Adviser, Home Adviser and Inspector General of Police to rescue Razzak and bring the culprits to book.

Javeed for the last time, talked to Razzak at 1: 00pm over his mobile phone on that day. He told Javeed that he was going to Manikganj in connection with a business. At that time he was near Gulistan Bus Terminal and was missing from that moment till filling of the report at 5:00pm yesterday.

Javeed searched different places of Dhaka Metropolitan Area and Manikganj district, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital to trace Razzak but could not find him.

Later he went to file an abduction case against unidentified kidnappers but Siddirganj police refused to record the case. However, police recorded a General Diary on August 22.

Concerted efforts to improve disaster management system underscored

Participants in a consultation workshop held on Tuesday in Dhaka reviewed the implementation status of Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) in Bangladesh and suggested for better coordination and strengthening monitoring mechanism in implementation of risk reduction initiatives across the country.

Disaster Management Bureau organised this consultation titled "HFA Progress Monitoring" in collaboration of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The participants of this consultation contributed in finalising the yearly progress report of HFA which will be submitted by the Govt. of Bangladesh to the concerned desk of the United Nations. It may be mentioned here that HFA was taken in the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in 2005 in Japan. A total of 165 countries including Bangladesh are the signatory of this historic documents.

KH Masud Siddique, Director General of Disaster Management Bureau addressed the consultation as Chief Guest, while UNDP Senior Adviser Jean-Claude Rogivue spoke as Special Guest. UNDP Assistant Country Director Tarik ul Islam presented the monitoring mechanism of HFA and implementation status in Bangladesh. The inaugural session was moderated by Ian Stanford Rector, Chief Technical Adviser of Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) under Ministry of Food and Disaster Management.

In his speech KH Masud Siddiqui informed that Bangladesh has achieved standard improvement in early warning dissemination and community preparedness. He emphasised on effective coordination and required intervention for improving disaster management system by the development partners. NGOs and other stakeholders in a comprehensive way.

UNDP Senior Adviser Jean-Claude Rogivue appreciated the role of the Government of Bangladesh in Disaster Risk Reduction and its sincere role in the implementation of global commitments.