The New Nation - Internet Edition

3 left parties merged

Staff Reporter

Three political parties yesterday announced to merge into one and vowed to consolidate the leftist-alternative political force into a major force.

At a press conference at the national press club the leaders of the parley blamed “the bipolar politics led by the bourgeois” for all the problems of the nation.

Seasoned politician and Journalist Nirmal Sen who is the general secretary of Sramik-Krisak Samajbadi Dal and Convenor of Sramajibi Mukti Andolon Babul Biswas replied to the questions of journalists. Convenor of the Biplobi Oikkya Front Moshrefa Mishu presented a written speech at the press conference.

They said a united congress of the parties would be held on October 23 and 24 where the names and leadership of the new party will be finalised.

Chief Adviser launches STP: It is time to make city habitable, pollution free

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Thursday launched the execution of Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for building a safe, easy and efficient communications system in the greater Dhaka area, saying that it's time to make the capital city habitable by cleansing it of environment pollution and traffic jam.

He regretted that the city-dwellers have to suffer much being deprived of facilities of many city-development schemes for not starting the projects in right time or delayed start or foot dragging on their implementation.

He blamed these unwarranted problems on a lack of coordination among city-development departments concerned and service-providing organizations.

The head of caretaker government made the observations as he formally inaugurated the implementation works of the 20-year-long STP mega-project for sustainable, safe and environment- friendly transport and communications system encompassing Dhaka and adjacent districts of Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur and Manikganj.

He gave the go by switching on the scheme at a function organized at Osmani Memorial Auditorium by Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB) of the Communications Ministry.

The project will be implemented in phases in the sprawling STP command area measuring about 17,400 square kilometers.

Its implementation has fallen behind almost three years for not activating and approving the project in right time. The scheduled implementation period of the first phase of STP was 2005 to 2009, the launching ceremony of the Strategic Transport Plan was informed during a presentation.

The present caretaker government approved the project this year, against the backdrop of commuters' abject suffering for outmoded transport system of the capital compounded with nagging traffic congestion that causes waste of valuable time in this high-speed age.

Additional executive director of DTCB Dr SM Saleuddin made a short presentation on the multimodal transport system in the burgeoning capital, which involves an expenditure of 5.2 billion US dollars, excluding the cost of land acquisition. Construction and reconstruction of about 330 kilometers of roads and highways, including 50 new roads, flyover, elevated expressways, metro (underground railway), circular waterways, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Rapid Mass Transit (RMT), bus- route rationalization, traffic-system development and safe environment are the major components of the STP.

The feasibility study of metro and elevated expressway has been started for building the underground and up-ground communications networks.

Communications Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Ghulam Quader presided over the launching ceremony of STP activities. Secretary of Roads and Railways Division M Mahbubur Rahman delivered welcome address. Advisers, special assistants and civil and military officials were among others present at the function.

The CA said his government has given an important consideration to the matter of increasing scope and facilities of city life alongside resolving people's problems and fulfilling their expectations.

"This government already has taken initiative to further expedite the DTCB and, at the same time, laid special importance on advancing the STP which had been stuck up for long," he the meet.

He noted that Dhaka city is turning into a mega- city in the context of changing times.

He said DTCB was formed aiming to improve the transport system of Dhaka city through adopting a safe and coordinated transport and communications system. This institution remained almost inactive for a long time.

Alongside increasing population, economic activities and industries have increased, so has the number of vehicles, he said. Roads have not increased in proportion to the rate at which the number of vehicles increased.

"As a result, intolerable traffic jam, air and noise pollution and so on become a matter of city life. On the one hand, civic amenities have decreased and on the other increased sufferings," he said.

The chief executive of the country for the interim period told his audience that he had no hesitation to say that transport system of Dhaka city today fell far short of fulfilling the expectation of city-dwellers for a lack of long-term and coordinated planning of city development.

Dhaka to host Asian higher education summit in October

UNB, Dhaka

A 3-day Asian Higher Education Summit will be held in Dhaka from October 6 where over 200 eminent education personalities will gather to exchange their views.

USAID Bangladesh is organizing the Summit in collaboration with Dhaka University and BUET.

Denise Rollins, USAID Bangladesh mission director, divulged the information at the monthly luncheon meeting of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh at Hotel Sheraton on Thursday.

She said in Bangladesh, USAID makes a difference by improving the lives of the people of Bangladesh, and in particular, the poor.

The USAID mission in Bangladesh is one of the largest in terms of funding and staff size, she said.

She said USAID in Bangladesh focused on seven core areas including population and health, small business and agribusiness, natural resources management, energy, food security and disaster management, education, and democracy and human rights.

Since 1972 USAID provided aid worth US$ 2.95 billion and Bangladesh is one of the largest food aid recipients, she said.

AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed presided over the meeting where Vice-President Trevor Macdonald gave the vote of thanks.

National Film Award announced for 4 years

BSS, Dhaka

The government has decided to give National Film Award for four years from 2004 to 2007 to encourage proper flourishing of the film industry.

The award will be given to the best films, directors and artistes in 27 categories.

The decision was taken on the recommendations of an 11-member jury board led by an additional secretary of the information ministry, said an official handout here on Thursday.

As per the decision, 15 awards will be given in the year 2004, 13 awards in 2005, 16 awards in 2006, and 14 awards in 2007.

Nominations for National Film Award 2004 are: producer-Toukir Ahmed, film-Joyjatra; director-Toukir Ahmed, film-Joyjatra; music director-Sujeyo Shyam, film Joyjatra; main character (male)-Humayun Faridi, film Matritto; side chatacter-Fazlur Rahman Babu, film-Shankhanad; main character (female) Api Karim, film-Bachelor, side character (female) Mehbuba Mahnur Chandni, film-Joyjatra, playwright-Amzad Hossain, film- Joyjatra, script writer-Toukir Ahmed, film-Joyjatra; singer-Subir Nandi, film-Megher Pore Megh; cameraman (colour) Rafiqul Bari Chowdhury (posthumous), film-Joyjatra, editor-Junayed Halim, film-Shankhanad; art director-Uttam Guha, film-Lalon; child artiste-Amol, film-Duratta, makeupman-MM Jasim, and film-Ek Khando Jomi.

Nominations for 2005 are: Producer-Kohinoor Aktar Suchanda, film Hazar Bachhar Dhore; director-Kohinoor Aktar Suchanda, film-Hazar Bachhar Dhore; music director- Ahmed Imtij Bulbul, film-Hazar Bachhar Dhore; main character (male)-Mahfuz Ahmed, film-Lal Sabuj; side character-Ilias Kanchan; main character (female)-Shabnur, film-Dui Nayoner Alo; side character (female)-Gulshan Ara Champa, film-film-Shasti; playwright-Jahir Raihan (posthumous), film-Hazar Bachhor Dhore; singer-Manir Khan, film-Dui Nayoner Alo.

Nominations for 2006 are: producer-Kazi Morshed, film-Ghani; director-Kazi Morshed, film-Ghani; music director-Sheikh Shadi Khan, film-Ghani; main character (male)- Arman Murad, film-Ghani; side character (male) Masum Aziz and Raisul Islam Asad, film-Ghani; main character (female)-Naznin Hassan Chumki, film-Ghani; side character (female)-Dolly Zahur, film-Ghani; playwright-Kazi Morshed, film-Ghani; singer-Asif Akbar, film-Ranikuthir Baki Itihash; cameraman (colour)-Hassan Ahmed, film-Ghani; editor-Saiful Islam, film-Ghani; and child artiste-Dighee, film Kabuliwala.

Nominations for 2007 are: producer-Faridur Reza Sagar, film-Daruchini Dwip; director- Enamul Karim Nirjhar, film-Ahaa; music director-SI Tutul, film-Daruchini Dwip; dance director-Kabirul Islam Ratan, film-Daruchini Dwip; main character (male) Reaz Ahmed, film-Daru Chini Dwip; side character (male) Abul Hayat, film Daruchini Dwip; main character (female) Zakia Bari Mamo, film-Daruchini Dwip; side character (female)- Nipun, film-Sajghar; singer-Fahmida Nabi , film-Ahaa, music writer-Munshi Wadud, film Sajghar; cameraman (colour) Saiful Islam Badal, film-Ahaa; editor-Argha Kamol Mitra, and film-Ahaa.

Amassing wealth: Ex-Adviser Justice Fazlul Haque to be chargesheeted

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to press charge in the case against former Law Adviser of caretaker government Justice Fazlul Haque for amassing illegal wealth and concealing information about it.

The Commission has also decided to file a graft case against Nazim Ullah Chowdhury, former Bangladesh ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

ACC director general (admin) Col Hanif Iqbal told the Commission's regular briefing yesterday that the anti-graft watchdog has approved the submission of charge sheet against the Law Adviser of the President Iajuddin-led caretaker government and the filing of case against the former diplomat.

The former Appellate Division judge will be charge-sheeted for acquiring wealth worth Tk 1.8 crore beyond known sources of income and concealment of information of wealth worth about 91 lakh.

According to sources, ACC assistant director Mohammad Ibrahim, the investigating officer, would submit the charge sheet with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court either Monday or Tuesday.

The charge sheet in the case filed on April 13 this year will be submitted under sections 26(2) and 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2004 and section 15 of the Emergency Power Rules 2007.

Justice Fazlul, who stood in as head of the caretaker government for a short while after President Iajuddin had stood down, was one of the 35 corruption suspects whose names appeared on the fourth and final list published by the ACC on October 4, 2007 under the ongoing clean-up drive.

On November 18, 2007, he was issued notice directing him to submit his wealth statement. Justice Fazlul complied with the ACC directive on November 26, 2007.

Col Hanif Iqbal told the briefing that the immediate-past ambassador to UAE would be accused of embezzlement of Tk 65 lakh by being in the service illegally for two years.

Nazim was supposed to go on retirement on February 9, 2003. But, he had continued in service for two more years, as he gave "false information and made changes to his SSC certificate".

The former ambassador will also be accused of cheating and abuse of power.

Ajam Jahangir's case: HC rejects Hasina’s petition for stay

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court yesterday rejected former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's petition seeking stay on an extortion case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Mashuque Hosain Ahmed however issued rule upon the government to explain in four weeks why the case should not be declared illegal. Awami League President Hasina filed the writ petition challenging the initiation and continuation of the Tk 3 crore extortion case, as the stipulated timeframe expired to file the case.

Hasina now in USA on parole for treatment was arrested in connection with this case on July 16 last year.

Her sister Sheikh Rehana living in London and her detained cousin and ex-Minister Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim were also made co-accused in the case.

The case is now pending with a special court that deals with high profile corruption cases.

Tele video health service opens

Staff Reporter

Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Medical Service Limited (JBFMSL) has launched its Tele Video Health Service "Tele Health 10600 and Farmer-Health Service 10601" for the general people and farmers of the country.

Agriculture Adviser to the caretaker government CS Karim inaugurated the service at a function held at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday.

Brig Gen (Retd) MA Malek, special assistant to the chief adviser, Iqbal Mahmud, secretary, telecommunication ministry, Maj Gen (Retd) Monzurul Alam, chairman of Bangladesh Tele-Communication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Shaikh Siraj, Director of Channel-I, Dr Junaid Shafik, Chairman of JBFMSL and its Managing Director Dr Sardar A Nayeem addressed the function. Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officials of different mobile operator companies were also present on the occasion.

People can receive the health service (health tips and counselling) by dialling to 10600 and any farmers can take the service by dialling to 10601 from any telephone or mobile set.

The company established a tele-health call centre in front of Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital in the city, where 75 doctors are deployed for providing the health service over telephone and cellphone.

Besides, the company plans to set up 500 video tele-health consultant booths in surrounding areas of the Dhaka city in the next three months.

Earlier, the company signed an agreement with PSTN and mobile phone operator companies of the country.

CS Karim emphasised on the health security for the farmers of the country, saying that if they don't maintain good health, food production would be declined.

Lauding the health tips and counselling service for farmers introduced by Japan-Bangladesh friendship Medical Service Limited, the adviser said government would provide financial assistance to the company for the service.

He also urged other private companies to come forward to introduce such service for the farmers and added if the good health of the farmers can be ensured, the country will be able to have food security and overcome food crisis.

MA Malek said it's a constitutional right of the farmer to get health services.

Shaikh Siraj said the government's health services to the farmers, who ensure the food security of the country, is not enough.

He said many farmers have been suffering for a long time only due to lack of counselling and health tips. The food crisis leads to political, social and economic problem, he added.

Russia faces diplomatic isolation on Georgia

Reuters, Moscow

Russia faced diplomatic isolation over its military action against Georgia on Thursday, with its Asian allies failing to offer support and France saying EU leaders were considering imposing sanctions.

Moscow accused the West of heightening tension by a naval build-up in the Black Sea, and said talk of punishing Russia for recognizing the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions was the product of a "sick" and "confused" imagination.

The Group of Seven rich nations condemned Moscow's "continued occupation of Georgia" and a group of Asian allies led by China, meeting at a regional summit, failed to follow Russia's lead on independence for two breakaway regions of Georgia.

Belarus, Russia's closest ex-Soviet ally, gave the clearest support, with President Alexander Lukashenko saying the Kremlin "had no other moral choice but to" recognize the Georgian regions. But he too stopped short of recognizing them himself.

The crisis flared early this month when Georgia tried to retake by force its separatist province of South Ossetia and Russia launched an overwhelming counter-attack.

Russian forces swept the Georgian army out of the rebel region and are still occupying some areas of Georgia proper. On Tuesday Moscow announced that it was recognizing South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, as independent states.

France, the current European Union president, has called a meeting of EU heads of government on Monday to discuss the Georgian crisis.

"Sanctions are being considered and many other means as well," French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said in response to a question at a news conference.

"We are trying to elaborate a strong text that will show our determination not to accept (what is happening in Georgia)," he said. "Of course, there are also sanctions."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed such talk, noting that Kouchner had also suggested recently that Russia might soon attack Moldova, Ukraine and the Crimea.

"But that is a sick imagination, and probably that applies to sanctions as well. I think it is a demonstration of complete confusion," Lavrov told reporters in Tajikistan.

The United States and Europe demand Russia respect a French-brokered ceasefire and withdraw all its troops from Georgia, including a disputed buffer zone imposed by Moscow.

Analysts see Moscow's actions as a bid to halt expanding Western influence in the Caucasus, a major oil and gas transit route from the Caspian Sea to the West that bypasses Russia.

As the diplomatic maneuvering gathered pace, Moscow also expressed alarm at a naval build-up in the Black Sea, an area normally dominated by its southern fleet.

Two U.S. warships are already off the coast of Georgia to show support for their ally and Washington has ordered the flagship of its Sixth Fleet, the sophisticated joint command ship Mount Whitney, to the area, saying it will deliver humanitarian supplies.

The chief spokesman for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin told reporters on Wednesday evening that deployment was "something that can hardly be explained t Let us hope that we do not see any direct confrontation."

NATO insists the only Black Sea presence under the auspices of the Western military alliance is a group of four warships -- one Spanish, one German, one Polish and one American -- which are on a long-planned routine exercise.

"There is certainly no NATO build-up in the Black Sea," Commander Kevan McHale at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) said on Thursday. Notification of transit through the Turkish Straits was given in June, NATO said later.

Russia's deputy chief of the General Staff, Colonel-General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, has spoken of up to 18 NATO vessels being in or expected in the Black Sea.

Russia responded by sending the flagship of its Black Sea fleet, the guided-missile cruiser Moskva, to the Abkhaz port of Sukhumi, less than 200 km (120 miles) to the north of where the two U.S. warships are sailing.

In Tbilisi, Georgians buried their war dead and prayed for their country on a religious holiday. The remains of 10 of the 263 soldiers killed in the conflict were lowered into a single grave on a hill overlooking the capital, after a haunting funeral march played by a military band.

"I don't know which one is my son," cried an elderly woman holding a photograph of a man in military uniform. "We've been waiting for him for two weeks."

Though it easily won the war, Russia has struggled to win diplomatic support for its actions in Georgia, which have been condemned by the United States and European powers.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev failed to secure support for his action at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a group linking Moscow with China and four ex-Soviet Central Asian states.

"The SCO states express grave concern in connection with the recent tensions around the South Ossetian issue and urge the sides to solve existing problems peacefully, through dialogue, and to make efforts facilitating reconciliation and talks," the summit's closing statement in Dushanbe said.

Even China, which often sides with Russia in diplomatic disputes, issued a veiled criticism of Moscow's actions, saying it was "concerned about the latest changes in South Ossetia and Abkhazia" and calling for dialogue to resolve the issue.

No PSI by private cos after 2009

Staff Reporter

The Advisers' Committee on Public Purchase (Cabinet Purchase Committee) yesterday approved a proposal for re-appointment of four pre-shipment inspection (PSI) companies for certifying prices, quality and quantity of imported goods.

However, the committee chairman finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam said that the government would not continue the pre-shipment inspection by the private companies after 2009, as there are many allegations of irregularities against the PSI companies.

"The customs department will be equipped with workforce and modern facilities to do the job instead," the Adviser said following the meeting.

Asked why the government has decided to extend the terms with the PSI companies' even after allegations of irregularities against them, the finance adviser said: "Actions will be taken when allegations are proven against anybody."

He said, "right now our customs department is not equipped to operate PSI operations. So we have extended the contracts for a limited period."

"We hope the customs department will be ready by 2009 through appointing necessary workforce and by procuring necessary equipment, including scanner machines," he added.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) earlier selected four PSI agencies after scrutinising proposals submitted by seven PSI companies, as the NBR had floated an open tender for appointing new PSI agencies.

The selected PSI companies are SGS (Bangladesh) Limited, Bureau Veritas BIVAC (Bangladesh) Limited, Intertek Testing Limited (ITS) and OM Inspection Company (OMIC).

Another PSI firm, Konecta, which is now working with the NBR, failed to get its contract renewed for irregularities on its part.

During the previous BNP-led 4-party alliance government, four PSI companies were commissioned in August 2005 for three years to oversee import procedure.

In lien with regulations, the PSI companies will charge one per cent of the total import value from importers; the amount will be deposited with the government exchequer.

The companies would be officially paid Tk 375 crore for their services in the PSI business.

The Purchase Committee also approved a proposal of the Works Ministry for awarding a contract for developing land and roads of the proposed Uttara Residential Model Town project.

Another proposal placed by the Power Ministry for installing power substations in different cities under Rajshahi Division at a cost of Tk 90 crore got through the caretaker government's purchase body.

Industries Ministry's proposal for import of phosphoric acid for DAP fertiliser factory at a cost of Tk 176 crore and import of rock sulphur at Tk 184 crore also obtained the nod of the Purchase Committee.

President inaugurates Diganta TV

UNB, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed reminded the media of playing both creative and responsible role, as he inaugurated a new satellite channel "Diganta Television" yesterday.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, he said the role of the mass media is undeniable in establishing a knowledge-based society.

Professor Iajuddin said mass media plays a significant role in exchanging information, flourishing art and culture, mobilising public opinion on national issues and projecting important national and international events.

The President said since the mass media directly engages the vast majority of the people in its activities, its role should be both "creative and responsible".

He hoped Diganta TV will meet this expectation.

The President said challenges of the globalisation have put the countries in tough competition. The two-pronged challenge is in economy and in protecting indigenous culture and tradition.

Professor Iajuddin said "to face the challenge, we must attain excellence in science and technology alongside imbibing with patriotism and morality."

He said Bangladesh must move forward standing on her strong base of culture, principle and morality. "We must be very careful so our own identity and tradition do not disappear under the influence of the globalisation," he told the function.

Senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh attended the meeting while BNP leaders Selima Rahman and ASM Hannan Shah, among others, also witnessed the opening session.

Commodore (retired) MA Rahman, Chairman of Diganta Media Corporation, also spoke on the occasion.

Diganta Television is the ninth private satellite television station and a sister concern of the Naya Diganta newspaper.

Climate change adaptation: Bangladesh needs careful move to deal with donors

UNB, Dhaka

Experts on climate change said yesterday that impoverished countries like Bangladesh need a very careful move to deal with donors and developed nations who intend to finance schemes to adapt to effects of global warming.

At a dialogue on "Understanding Climate Change Adaptation" the experts said there is a wrong conception about the adaptation to the effects of the climate change by the poor countries, and the big emitters of carbon gasses want to feed their idea of adaptation.

"The developed nations and big emitters say adaptation means you will have to accept the losses first, then we will fund your schemes," said Ahsan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of Centre for Global Change CGC).

"But I am sorry, I can't accept this sort of adaptation," he told the discussion.

The Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL), a campaign spearheaded by Oxfam, organised the discussion in partnership with Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), Centre for Global Change (CGC) and the Centre for Natural Resources Studies (CNRS).

The discussion was organised ahead of 'UK-Bangladesh Climate Change Conference: Bangladesh Facing the Challenge' to be held in London on September 10, 2008.

While melting Himalayan glaciers, rising sea levels and depleting fresh water sources as a result of global climate change are triggering less food production, mass migration and slow economic development in economically weaker nations in this region, the upcoming conference is going to be crucial for Bangladesh. Experts say Bangladesh is one of the worst victims of the effects of climate change.

Ahsan Uddin Ahmed said Bangladesh needs fund to support various schemes to deal with the climate change but that should not happen at the cost of "our future".

"We want the big emitters reduce the emission, and then the question of adaptation comes," he said, calling on the government to be aware of the misconception fed by the developed nations about the adaptation.

"We need to secure our future, our people need better lifetand for that needs we require fund for adaptation, adaptation should come to us that way," he said.

Ahsan Uddin and other experts also stressed the need for incorporating climate change issues into total development plan of the country.

Some of the experts said 'timing' is very important when adaptation comes as a way of making things better or reducing the vulnerability.

They said building capacity of the nations should get priority so that the states can reduce the vulnerability, because when risks are curtailed, vulnerability cannot be unlimited.

Ainun Nishat, country representative of the IUCN, said the idea of adaptation should be made an inseparable part of the overall strategy, be it building flood protection embankment or improving drainage system in the capital city.

CSRL Member Secretary Ziaul Hoque Mukta, CNRS Executive Director M. Mokhlesur Rahman and represenatives from government and nongovernment organisations also took part in the discussion at the Spectra Convention Centre in the city.

Closure of SBMC hampers blood transfusion activities

Barisal Correspondent

Declaration of closing Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (SBMC) for indefinite period since last Monday following the death of a plumber by the students on last Sunday created problems in blood transfusion activities of the hospitals in the city.

The blood transfusion activities in the city were mainly operated by the voluntary organisations of the SBMC students and after closure of the institution they became bound to leave the campus closing their offices.

This has created golden opportunities for the professional blood sellers who are mainly drug addicted and infected by various diseases.

Dr. Mohaddes Hossain, director, Dr. Brindabon Biswas, Associate professor in charge of blood transfusion department of SBMCH, Dr. Abdul Khalek, Vice Principal in charge of SBMC, acknowledging the facts said that they one keeping contact with the organisers of those voluntary organisations to resume their regular activities for the sake of the patients.

SBMCH sources said average 1000 patients under treatment at 500-bed SBMCH and daily average 60 bags blood needed for transfusions to the patients. The other private hospitals and clinics of the city also have daily average demands of 20 bags of blood.

Juabair Al Hossain, President of Medicine Club, Chitta Ranjan Sinha Palash, president of Sandhani, and Md. Shohag, Secretary of Youth Red Crescent unit of SBMC said they have total 435 bags blood in their stock.

Medicine Club has 50 bags, Shandhani has 300 bags and Youth Red Crescent has 85 bags blood ready for transfusions to the patients and these blood could be preserved in their office refrigerators for 30 days under 2-4 degree Celsius temperature and for 10 days under 5 to 8 degree Celsius.

If the SBMC could not be opened within a short time then validity of using those bloods could be expired and not only that stocks would also be exhausted as collection of fresh blood could not be possible.

We could not operate our regular activities until the college would be opened and safety and security of the students would be ensured, said the voluntary blood transfusion activists. On Thursday 32 patients in 4 units of Surgery, 22 patients in gynaecology and labor ward and 6 patients in other wards were waiting for collecting blood from the transfusion center of the hospital. This number of demands may increase at any time in the case of emergency and accidents, they told.

3 left parties merged

Staff Reporter

Three political parties yesterday announced to merge into one and vowed to consolidate the leftist-alternative political force into a major force.

At a press conference at the national press club the leaders of the parley blamed "the bipolar politics led by the bourgeois" for all the problems of the nation.

Seasoned politician and Journalist Nirmal Sen who is the general secretary of Sramik-Krisak Samajbadi Dal and Convenor of Sramajibi Mukti Andolon Babul Biswas replied to the questions of journalists. Convenor of the Biplobi Oikkya Front Moshrefa Mishu presented a written speech at the press conference.

They said a united congress of the parties would be held on October 23 and 24 where the names and leadership of the new party will be finalised.

No alternative to Islamic ideology: Nizami

Staff Reporter

Jamaat-e Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami said yesterday the brilliant students would be assets of the country, only whenever they were honest along aside their merit, competence and quality.

He said there is no alternative of Islamic ideology for achieving good governance, poverty reduction and making exploitation and corruption free-society.

He was chief guest at a scholarship and prize-giving ceremony organised by Abdul Malek Foundation in the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city yesterday afternoon.

Prof Mojahidul Islam, Chairman of Banking department, University of Dhaka presided over the function, while Barrister Abdur Razzak, Chhatra Shibir President Jahidur Rahman, its leader Mirza Galib, member secretary of the foundation Jubair Ahmed Bhuiyan also addressed it.

Later, Nizami distributed scholarship prizes among 47 brilliant students of the Dhaka University.