The New Nation - Internet Edition

Khelaghar cultural festival held: 4 artistes honoured

Khelaghar Dhaka Metropolitan yesterday honours four
senior citizens at the cultural festival at Shawkat Osman
Memorial Auditorium of the Central Public Library. NN
photo

Staff Reporter

The cultural festival of Khelaghar, a children organisation, Dhaka Metropolitan held at the Shawkat Osman Memorial Auditorium of the Central Public Library in the city yesterday.

On the concluding day, yesterday, Khelaghar Dhaka Metropolitan honoured four senior citizens.

Justice Golam Rabbani was present as chief guest, while journalist Kamal Lohani, Chairman of Khelaghar Dr Ali Asgar, among others, were present at the concluding function.

President of Khelaghar Dhaka Metropolitan Dilshad Khanam chaired the event.

Noted artistes Abdul Jabbar and Sujey Shyam, folk artiste Farida Pervin and Pandit Patita Pobon Notto received the awards at the concluding session.

The festival was dedicated to the memories of the late journalist Bazlur Rahman, playwright Salim Al-Deen and dramatist, actor and filmmaker Abdullah Al Mamun.

Concluding event was divided into four parts. The programme was inaugurated by group dance performance by the child artistes of Khelaghar.

Then the four respectable persons received the honours from the invited guests.

On the third part of the programme, a discussion meeting was held. Justice Golam Rabbani, Kamal Lohani, Dr Ali Asgar, Farida Pervin, among others, took part in the discussion.

At the last part of the event, a cultural function was held.

Earlier, Swapnadut Khelaghar Asar paid homage to Safia Khatun, mother of martyred Azad, at Jurain Graveyard in the city on August 30 to mark her 23rd death anniversary.

General Secretary of Naraynganj district unit Zahirul Islam Zahir, President of Swapnadut Khelaghar Asar Kazi Jabed Iqbal Shihab, General Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shipon, among others, were present on the occasion.

Hurricane batters US coast 1.9m people evacuated

BBC Online

Cities and towns on the southern US coast are bracing themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Gustav.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of New Orleans, and an estimated 1.9 million people along the Gulf coast have been heading inland.

Some areas are already being lashed by storm winds and heavy rain, while the eye of Category Three storm is reported to be less than 20 miles from landfall.

Gustav has prompted the Republicans to scale back their national convention.

Senator John McCain is due to accept the party's nomination for president at the event in St Paul, Minnesota later this week.

Hurricane Gustav is the same strength as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city of New Orleans three years ago.

At 1100 GMT on Monday, the eye of Gustav was about 20 miles (35km) south-east of the Louisiana coast.

Forecasters at the US National Hurricane Center warned that Gustav's winds were at speeds of 115 mph (185km/h) and could bring "extremely dangerous" storm surges 14ft (4.2m) above normal. Isolated tornadoes are also possible in the area.

Meteorologist Trisha Wallace said the coast was experiencing hurricane-strength winds and New Orleans was getting tropical storm force winds. She said the winds would get stronger as the storm continued on its path and made landfall.

The storm has already claimed the lives of more than 80 people in the Caribbean, causing widespread damage in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica over the past week. In Cuba, the storm brought extensive flooding and some severe damage, but no reports of deaths.

In New Orleans, a dusk-to-dawn curfew is in force across the city, which is described as being like a ghost town. The 7,000-strong Louisiana National Guard has been mobilised and support requested from other states.

Crime was a major problem in the New Orleans area in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the city three years ago, causing disastrous floods. The New Orleans Mayor, Ray Nagin, has warned looters will be sent to jail.

The exodus of an estimated 1.9 million people from the Louisiana coast is said to be the largest evacuation in state history. Tens of thousands are also reported to have left coastal Mississippi, Alabama and south-eastern Texas.

Ramzan is not mere fasting

Welcome holy Ramzan-the month of human struggle against inherent inhuman instincts and over evil deeds. Welcome the month of self-restraint, patience, discipline, physical and mental endeavour to win over beastliness aiming to achieve self-purification of mind, body and soul.

The Muslims of Bangladesh and the Ummah will begin the month-long practice of fasting--an uplifted life-style, unique and sublime from today.

The holy Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is the best part of the year as the holy Quran, the 'Guide to mankind', was revealed by the Creator in this month on the holy 'Lailatul Qadr' through Hazrat Muhammad (Sm), the last and the universal Messenger of mercy and peace for humanity. The month thus carries infinite blessings for human beings.

The Arabic world 'Ramadan' means burning the evil instincts for purification. 'Siam' denotes abstaining from misdeeds and performing virtuous deeds.

Holy Ramzan has three parts. The first ten days are called days of 'Rahmat' (mercy). The second ten days are days of 'Maghfirat' (Forgiveness), and the third part of Ramzan is called the days of 'Najat' (salvation).

The devotees begin fasting with a meal before 'Subhe Sadeq'. This is called 'Sehri.' The rozadars abstain from taking food and drinks and other forbidden things till sunset. Just after sunset, they break fasting. They take drinks and other traditional food items as 'Iftar'. And after some rest they go to the mosque for 'Taraweeh' prayer, which is special for this month. This practice and process of self-purification goes on till Eid-ul-Fitr. The rozadars perform certain specific rituals throughout the month. They recite the Holy Quran, perform 'zikr,' give alms to the poor and the needy and entertain other rozadars with Iftar. However, Ramzan is not mere fasting.

The pious people expect a positive environment in the society in the observance of their fasting and religious obligations. The society should come forward to co-operate mutually. The first day one of Ramzan is more significant because a good start signifies a better end.

Allah in His Greatness bestows special 'Rahmat' (blessings) during the month.

We pray to Allah for His mercy to allow us to keep the promises of Ramzan in attaining salvation.

-Abdul Muqit Chowdhury

Quamrul Islam Siddique dead

Quamrul Islam

Quamrul Islam Siddique, former Secretary, Government of Bangladesh, died of a massive cardiac arrest in New Jersey, USA on September 1.

He was 63. An architect of Rural Infrastructure Development and the founder of LGED Siddique held many important posts of the government. He was the Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing and Chairman, Power Development Board.

During his tenure as Chief Engineer of LGED Siddique introduced Rubber Dam Technology for dry season water conservation to meet irrigation demand. He also established nationwide GIS based rural infrastructure planning network for all the upazilas and districts.

He was instrumental in introducing hill specific technologies in Chittagong Hill Tracts Region. He was the mastermined of rural and urban infrastructure development in Bangladesh who championed the cause of implementing development projects and earned the rare goodwill for LGED as a model public sector agency.

He was the first Chairperson of the Global Water Partnership, South Asian Region in 2003 and 2004. Lately, he was holding the post of Chairman, Bangladesh Water Partnership. Quamrul Islam Siddique was also the President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

During the War of Liberation of Bangladesh Siddique took active part in the freedom fighting.

He left behind wife, one son and three daughters and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his death.

Boro procurement drive fails in Barisal

Barisal Correspondent

The Boro procurement drive in Barisal district has totally failed as only 0.75% target has been achieved till the closure of the 135 days long drive ended on August 31,2008.

Abu Nayim Mohammad Safiul Alam, District Controller of Food Officer blamed the price fixed for Boro paddy procurement less than the local market price for the failure in achievement of the target

However, he claimed that it was the highest achievement of Boro procurement drive in last five years in the district.

Barisal district Controller of Food Office sources said Boro procurement drive with a target of collecting 3979 metric tons of paddy from the farmers in the current season launched in ten Upazilas of Barisal district on April 16 and ended on August 31.

The price for paddy was fixed at Taka 18 per kilogram and Taka 18 thousand per quintal and only 29.715 (0.75%) metric tons of Borro paddy has been collected during the drive.

In Muladi upazila of the district food department failed to collect a single grain out of targeted 361 metric tons of Boro paddy in this season.

In rest nine upazilas of the district 8.19 out of targeted 371 metric tons of Boro paddy were procured from Barisal Sadar, 5.6 out of 190 metric tons were procured from Babuganj, 2.94 out of 882 metric tons procured from Uzirpur, 0.98 out of 192 metric tons were procured from Bakergnj, 3.55 out of 410 metric tons were procured from Gournadi, 4.2 out of 639 metric tons were procured from Agoiljhara, 1.875 out of 213 metric tons were procured from Hizla, 1.26 out of 434 metric tons were procured from Mehendigonj, 1.12 out of 287 metric tons of Boro paddy were procured from Banaripara .

According to the sources the previous binding of the selling maximum one metric ton of paddy (1000 kilogram) to the local food depot has been removed by the district food procurement committee since last five years and even after that the programme failed due to fixation of lower procurement price than the current market price, the sources added.

ACC’s tough image affected by bail binge, stay orders

UNB, Dhaka

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury Monday admitted that the image of toughness of ACC is getting dented due to recent bail binge and stay orders on the cases filed by the feared anti-graft watchdog under the purge against corruption in high places.

"Yes, it is (being affected). It's a matter of perception," he told a Commission's regular briefing when asked if the image of toughness of the ACC is being affected due to recent bails granted to a significant number of accused individuals and stay orders on its cases.

"People see those who have been detained being released," the ACC chairman said, adding that having seen this, people might be of the opinion that the anti-graft campaign is not going on as before.

He, however, said that the cases are not going to end due to bail and stay, but it would take time to get these cases on track after disposal of writs and stay orders.

General Mashhud said detaining someone or granting no bail in graft cases is not a big deal for the ACC. "Stay orders and bails are indispensable parts of law. Cases will have to be run after overcoming these."

About the allegations that the cases were not properly prepared, he said there had been verdicts of 70-80 cases and the same process is being followed in all the cases. "We have not changed the process."

The former army-chief-turned-crusader against corruption observed that there is scope for wasting time in the country's judiciary and ruling system. "We have to accept the real situation. There is scope for wasting time in the judiciary and ruling system," he said, adding that people would certainly take advantage if they see they could get away.

At one stage, he said, it would have to be decided whether things would remain like this or something could be done about it.

Responding to a question, he acknowledged that recently the ACC had been occupied with writs, bails and stay orders, so it could not pay enough attention to the lower courts where the high-profile corruption suspects are being tried.

About the bribe issue involving former Adviser Justice Fazlul Haque, the ACC chairman said that nobody should think that people from other organizations could help anyone on behalf of the Commission.

He said the ACC wants amendments to its law so that in the higher courts it becomes a party in relations to writs, bails and stay orders about the cases filed by the Commission under the ongoing clean-up drive launched by the interim regime following the 1/11 changeover.

Asked if the government's attitude towards the anti-graft campaign has changed, the former Adviser of the caretaker government said in the light of so many aspects, including political one, people might view the government activities differently, but "our activities are as before".

Asked about his earlier remarks that a specific number of cases would be settled before the elections to be held in December, he admitted that it could not be done.

Asked about the future of the Commission after the election in December, the former army chief said in terms of individuals there is no reason to think of any change, but in terms of process there might be changes.

Responding to a question, he described the Truth and Accountability Commission (TAC) as a temporary aspect and wished it success in its clemency mission.

Mashhud said the information provided to TAC by the clemency seekers would be verified.

About ACC's prevention tasks, he said the Commission has taken initiatives to take the prevention activities to the upazila level. These initiatives have been taken after a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report exposing corruption in service-providing sectors.

Army urges all to be aware of frauds using their names

UNB, Dhaka

Military authorities have again urged all concerned to remain alert against the acts of fraudulence using the name of the Army.

"Recently, the incidents of fraudulence have increased in an alarming rate by fake army officers even wearing uniforms," said an ISPR release Monday.

"Bangladesh Army have been cooperating with the civil administration in various activities, including operations against corruption since the emergency. This sublime sacrifice and contributions of the Bangladesh Army have been appreciated not only in the country but also internationally," the release said.

It said a group of plotters has been committing the acts of fraudulence to gain their personal interests and thus undermine the image of the Army.

These frauds have been taking bribe from the relatives of many corrupt bigwigs in the name of army officers to have the accused released.

The release said, "In the Army there was no such record of fraudulence in the past nor at present. The highest punishment is given according to the military law if such complaint is proved, specifically against any army personnel."

Reports have it that many people have been the victims of such fraudulence even after repeated warning from the Army Headquarters, the release added.

It urged all concerned not to get confused and contact directly over mobile numbers (01713333256, 01713247504 or telephone 8750011 Ex-2142) to check such acts.

RWP criticises Govt for releasing corrupt people

Staff Reporter

Revolutionary Workers Party (RWP) of Bangladesh yesterday criticized the caretaker government for releasing corrupt suspects in political front.

"The people in the government are compromising with the political mafia gangs for making an exit route for themselves," the party alleged.

"The Government is making an exit route by releasing detained corrupts, terrorists and black money holders," general secretary of RWP Saiful Huq told a press conference.

He said, "The Government's move to release the detained corrupts, black money holders, terrorists and mafias are intended to politically rehabilitate them. It has compromised with them for making the exit route."

These elements will foil the congenial atmosphere for holding the election planned in December, he added.

The left leaning politician urged the government to immediately stop the process of releasing suspected corrupts and terrors. "We will resist the government move to release those elements," he added.

Saiful termed undemocratic and unconstitutional the Representation of the People Order (RPO). He said it would make the election process hostage, as in the past, to the black money holders, corrupts and terrorists.

He accused the government of directly and indirectly influencing the constitutional bodies like Election Commission, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Commission. "They can't function independently beyond the government desire."

He floated 5-point demand to overcome the undesirable situations and ensuring people's democratic rights. These are - lifting state of emergency, cancellation of the RPO-2008, disqualify identified corrupts, terrorists, black money holders, mafias from participating in the election, stopping interference in functioning of the constitutional bodies and effective steps to bring down price of essentials.

Party president Ali Abbas, central leaders Nasiruddin Ahmed, Abdus Salam and Bahnni Shikha Jamali were present at the press conference.

No lack of confidence between govt, BNP: Zillur

Staff Reporter

Education and Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday denied lack of confidence between the government and BNP although government appeals against Tarique Rahman bail orders.

He was speaking after a seminar on "Citizen Charter: What, Why and How", and said that the government is going ahead for Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman release by considering political, legal and humanitarian factors.

"We had not changed our attitude in this regard. The government appeal against the Tarique's bail orders is a part of legal procedure," Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur said.

Political parties would have shown their more responsibility to make a reasonable political environment in the country, he further said.

While addressing as chief guest at yesterday seminar, jointly organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Manusher Jonno, the Education Adviser said that there were many challenges ahead to proper implementation of citizens' charters.

He added that bureaucrats and citizens both have important roles to play in making this initiative a success.

"We can got fruit from the citizen charter if we would not have changed our mind set-up," Zillur said adding, " The government institutions as well as private sector would have improved their service quality in making the citizen charter a success."

TIB Trustee Board Member and Former Caretaker Government Adviser Sultana Kamal presided over the seminar.

Sultana Kamal said that a citizens' charter is the expression of understanding between citizens and public service providers.

The former adviser called for creating awareness among the citizen about the charter and said, "Citizen right would be ensured if the institutions worked in transparency and accountability."

She said that it would have needed publicity about the citizen charter through the mass media and other instrument to aware people.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in his welcome speech said the government would take active measures to endorse it in every public service organisation.

Shahin Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno moderated the seminar while Arif H Khan, Programme Officer of Manusher Jonno presented the keynote paper of the seminar and identifying most citizens' charters of public sector organisations as 'incomplete'.

He pointed out that the government has failed to present institution based citizen charter in public sector.

He called for take assistant from civil society organisations and community based organisations to get full fruit of citizen charter.

Establishment Secretary Md Abdus Salam Khan said a lot of government employees do not consider themselves as 'people's servants'.

Citing improvements in service quality in government agencies for passports, pensions, the land office and Chittagong port services, the secretary said other government organisations would also follow their lead in future.

Prof Salauddin Aminuzzaman of Department of Public Administration of Dhaka University said that the entire citizen don't about the charter.

"The government should take effective measure about the charter," he said.

Hasainul Hoq Inu of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Aminul Islam, Deputy Secretary of Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Sarker Abul kalam, Joint Secretary of Textiles Ministry, among other, addressed in the seminar.

BRVIDA denounce indoctrinate application VAT

Staff Reporter

Abdul Haque, President of Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BRVIDA), yesterday called for application of indiscriminately value added Tax (VAT) regulations conducive to industrial development for motor vehicles with a view to developing recondition car industry in the country.

Addressing a press conference, he urged the government to implement article 141 (2) of the Statutory Regulation Order (SRO) where the first year of the production of a car that is written in the chassis book of the car should be treated as first year in fixing depreciation.

He pleaded the government to implement the rate of depreciation for at least 5 or 6 years in case of fixing VAT according to expanded duration.

Haque also suggested fixing import duration at 10 years for commercial, industrial, special purpose vehicles, and agricultural purpose vehicles to expedite advancement of industry and commerce of the country.

He also asked the government to implement Motor Vehicle Dealers Regulation System to bring order in the sector.

Members of BRVIDA were also present in the conference.

30 parties collect forms for registration

UNB, Dhaka

Thirty political parties, including Jatiya Party (Ershad) and Gono Forum, have so far collected forms for registration with the Election Commission.

The registration of political parties with the EC under the revised Representation of People Order (RPO) began on August 27 and the last date for it is October 15.

On the first day, no political party collected any form for the registration, but on Thursday eight parties collected the form while 14 on Sunday.

The parties that collected the forms are Jatiya Party (Ershad), Gono Forum, Janatar Sanghati, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh LLB, Zaker Party, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Krisak-Shramik Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Khelafat Mojlish (Nuruzzaman), Forward Party, Public Party, Pakmon People's Party (PPP), Samajik Rajnaitik Andolan, Chetonai Bangali, Bangladesh Kallyan Party, Freedom Party, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Jatiya Gonotantrik Party, Jatiya League, National Awami Party (NAP) and Bangladesh Communist Party (Maxist-Lenist).

The eight parties that collected forms on Thursday are: National People's Party, Islamic Shashantantra Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Independent Gono Andolan, Bangladesh Sachetan Nagarik Manchha, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jamaat-e-Ulama Dal and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Malek Ratan).

Traffic network redesigned to ease jam on city street

Staff Reporter

Metro Regional Transport Committee (RTC), redesigned traffic network in the city reducing traffic jam at the 138 crisscrossing city routes to 40 for running buses and minibuses under collective management.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner and chairman of the RTC, Naim Ahmed formally gave the go ahead to the updated traffic system at a function yesterday saying that the step has been taken to maintain discipline on the city streets.

The Caretaker Government had launched the programme to restore traffic network in the capital by reducing traffic jam. Earlier on August 28, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed inaugurated the long-awaited implementation of a 20-year multimodal Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the capital.

"Traffic congestion is a great problem as it wastes much time. The objective of opening 40 revised routes is to maintain discipline on the city streets," he said at the launching ceremony of 40 revised routes at the National Tennis Complex in the city.

Naim also asked the owners to set aside some seats for women or disabled persons in each passenger transport.

The city police boss noted that the transport owners have the responsibility to restrain their drivers from stopping vehicles indiscriminately on the street, which creates traffic congestions.

"Stern legal actions would be taken against vehicles or persons found creating traffic jams by stopping buses or minibuses indiscriminately on the streets," the DMP Commissioner said as a note of warning.

He said that traffic police would strictly monitor so that no

bus/minibus could ply on the streets other than their designated routes.

Under the new system, individual owners have to form transport companies or cooperatives to run their passenger vehicles.

Chaired by Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Jasimuddin, Assistant Director of BRTA Shafiqul Islam, Additional DMP Commissioner Abdus Salam and Additional Executive Director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Board Dr M Salahuddin attended.

Export to Turkey could reach $1b: Commerce Adviser

Staff Reporter

Commerce and Education Adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur said yesterday that Bangladesh has plenty of potentials to expand bilateral trade and business with Turkey.

"Our export to Turkey reached US$350 million this year from $120 million in 2007 and it could go up to $ 1 billion," he said while briefing the media about the outcome of his recent visit to Turkey and China.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and different private firms of the country have participated in two international trade fairs held in Turkey and China.

Mentioning the fair in Turkey the Adviser said, the Turkish businessmen and common people have visited the Bangladeshi stalls with huge enthusiasm and interest.

He said the Turkish were highly impressed with the Bangladeshi readymade garments, handicrafts and home appliances.

Dr Zillur said that the government of Turkey has also showed its keen interest in expanding trade relations with Bangladesh.

He said that so far about 113 Turkish businessmen visited Bangladesh in the last year and this figure has gone up to 935 of the current year.

"The Turkish Businessmen want to relocate their industries in our country," he mentioned.

He said that Turkey, a major Muslim nation bridging the Asia and Europe, is emerging as the biggest economy in Europe with an economy having a size of US$ 850 billion.

They have got tremendous improvement in machinery industry and construction sector and Turkish construction firms are working in the Central Asian Countries.

"There is tremendous scope to export our unskilled manpower to those Central Asian Countries in collaboration with Turkish firms," the Adviser said.

"We need to have a direct air link with Turkey. Turkey Airlines has taken up moves to expand their aviation business," he added.

"The Turkish authorities have opened a new social business institute in its largest university after the name of Bangladeshi Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus," he mentioned.