The New Nation - Internet Edition

'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 Tuesday, said a BDR market survey released here on Monday.

Flour in packet was sold between Taka 38 and 39 per kg at the ordinary markets, it said adding, the item was sold at Taka 38 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 33 per kg at different markets in the city. Rice was sold at Taka 35 at BDR- run open markets and Taka 28 at BDR-run sale 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 96 per kg which is Taka 75-85 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 24 and 28. Onion was sold at Taka 26 at BDR run open markets. 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 16 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 14 at BDR-run sale centres. In Kolkata, the price of the item is Taka 08.47.

Sugar is being sold at Taka 34 to 37 per kg at different city markets against Taka 36 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 10 per kg at BDR-run sale centers and Taka 16 at BDR run open markets. The item is available in Kolkata at Taka 10.69, the report said.

Soybean oil was sold between Taka 105 and Taka 115 per liter at ordinary markets, while it is available at Taka 112 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 95 at BDR run sale centres. In Kolkata, the price of soybean oil is Taka 128.81 per liter.

Palm oil was sold at Taka 85 to Taka 100 per liter at ordinary markets, compared to Taka 90 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 360 per kg on Monday, the release added.

Prof Zia Haider passes away

BSS, Dhaka

Professor Zia Haider, an eminent academic, poet and dramatist died at a city hospital here on Tuesday Morning at the age of 72.

He was suffering from cancer and undergoing treatment at the hospital for the last few days.

Prof Zia Haider served as teacher of Chittagong University (CU) for long time and played a very active role in establishing the Department of Drama in CU. He was also involved with many democratic and cultural movements.

A honourary fellow of Bangla Academy, Prof Zia Haider authored many books and received Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1977.

The body of Zia Haider was taken to Bangla Academy and Aparajeyo Bangla to allow the colleagues and admirers to have their last glimpse. A namaz-e-janaza of Zia Haider was held at Dhaka University campus.

His younger brother Professor Rashid Haider told BSS the body of the deceased started for Doharpara of Pabna district where he will be buried at his family graveyard.

Bangla Academy expressed deep shock at the death of Prof Zia Haider. Director General (acting) of the academy Moinul Hasan in a condolence message said the death of Zia Haider is a great loss for literature and cultural arena.

President expresses shock at death of Qamrul Islam Siddiqui

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Tuesday expressed deep shock at the death of former secretary Qamrul Islam Siddiqui.

He mentioned the chequered career of late Qamrul Islam Siddiqui and said people would remember his contribution towards infrastructure development of the rural areas of Bangladesh.

The nation has lost an efficient and creative engineer in his death, Dr Iajuddin said.

The President prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the members of bereaved family.

Brig. Gen Kamal appointed registrar of BUP

BSS, Dhaka

The government on Tuesday appointed Brigadier General Habibur Rahman Kamal psc as the registrar of the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).

A handout of the Ministry of Education said Brigadier Kamal would perform his new assignment for interim period in addition to his current duties.

TCB launches truck-loaded supply outlet

BSS, Dhaka

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has put into operation eight truck-loaded mobile sales outlets in the city from Tuesday in addition to opening two sales centres to support low income city dwellers.

"It is going to bring relief to the poor," a commerce ministry official said adding "although it is a small step, its impact would be great to keep prices down in the market."

Moreover, the two TCB sales centres will operate at Bangabandhu Avenue and TCB head office at Karwan Bazar in the city.

The source said trucks would be moving in different city areas and major traffic points where people can buy the desired merchandise easily on the way home.

The TCB outlets are selling gram, onion, sugar and soybean oil. It has joined the market intervention along with BDR shops and government-run open market sales operation (OMS) mainly targeting rice distribution at affordable cost.

The TCB has enough supplies, the source said adding truckers have been asked to take fresh supply of goods from its godowns if supplies runs out any time of the day.

The source said the TCB is working relentlessly to procure new supplies to replenish the existing stock and the process will continue throughout the month.