The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tarique going abroad next week for treatment

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mojaheed
visits the BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman
at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University yesterday.
Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman, released on bail yesterday on Wednesday, might be sent either to the UK or Germany next week for his treatment.

Tarique's lawyer Barrister Nasiruddin Ashim told reporters that Tarique got his new passport yesterday and is likely to apply for visa of the UK or Germany on Sunday as the treatment he requires is better in those two countries.

"Hopefully, he (Tarique) will leave the country next week after

receiving the visa," he said.

A medical board formed on Thursday to treat Tarique Rahman at the BSMMU Hospital has advised him to take total bed rest for two days.

Dr Mazharul Islam, a member of the medical board told reporters that the four-member medical board headed by professor Sirajuddin Ahmed examined the BNP leader in the morning.

"The doctors advised two full days' rest, as Tarique complained of back pain and his blood pressure also appeared to be fluctuating," he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and some former BNP leaders including MK Anwar yesterday met him at BSMMU.

They spoke to Tarique and his doctors about his health.

Doctors later restricted visitor numbers and police security at the hospital was also scaled up.

DSE back to 2800 marks after plunging for a day

UNB, Dhaka

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) benchmark index returned back to 2,800 points mark on Thursday, after plunging down the level for a day, as heavyweight shares salvaged the market since Wednesday's fall.

The country's premiere bourse registered slight gains on Thursday, despite the losers outnumbered the gainers and poor turnover as compared to the previous day.

Brokers said heavyweight stocks registered gains during the day's trading, salvaging the market from further decline.

The DSE General Index (DGEN) crossed the 2,800 mark to stand at 2,831 on Tuesday, but fell below the mark to stand at 2,797 at close on Wednesday.

The market continued to register a steady growth since August 20 till Tuesday after a bearish trend witnessed until August 19 when the benchmark index fell as low as 2,571 points.

The DSE General Index (DGEN), the benchmark index, rose about 6 points or 0.20 percent to close at 2,803 points on Thursday from 2,797 points at close on Wednesday while the All Shares Price Index (DSI) gained 7 points or 0.30 percent to close at 2,397 points.

Of the total 225 issues traded on the day, 129 incurred loss amid sales pressure while 82 issues gained and 14 remained unchanged.

The total turnover dropped significantly to Tk 2.37 billion on Thursday from Tk 2.69 billion on Wednesday.

Titas Gas, BEXIMCO, ACI, Beximco Pharma, ICB Islamic Bank, GRAMEENS2, Lankabangla Finance, Uttara Bank, ICB 2nd NRB and Islami Bank were the day's turnover leaders in terms of value.

The day's volume leaders were AIMS 1st Mutual Fund, GRAMEENS2, BEXIMCO, Titas Gas, Beximco Pharma, BD Com, Keya Cosmetics, Agni Systems, Lankabangla Finance and ICB 2nd NRB.

Top gainers of the day were ICB Islamic Bank, Dandy Dying, Alamin Chemicals, Titas Gas, Shyampur Sugar, Padma Print, 1st BSRS, Sajib Knit, Legacy Footwear and Gemini Sea Food.

Top losers were Maq Paper, BD Thai Aluminum, Maq Enterprise, Federal Insurance, Perfume Chemicals, Modern Cement, Purabi General Insurance, Rose Heaven, Sino Bangla and Niloy Cement.

US condemns Russian bid to change Georgia map

BBC Online

US Vice-President Dick Cheney has condemned what he described as Russia's "illegitimate" attempt to change Georgia's borders.

Cheney added that Russia's actions during the recent conflict with Georgia had cast doubt on its reliability as an international partner.

He also said the US was fully committed to Georgia's efforts to join Nato.

Cheney was speaking during a visit to Tbilisi a day after the US announced a $1bn (£564m) aid package for Georgia.

He has now flown to Ukraine, where the country's largely pro-Western ruling coalition is becoming increasingly divided in its attitude toward Russia.

Russia's actions have cast grave doubt on Russia's intentions and on its reliability as an international partner

The conflict between Georgia and Russia erupted on 7 August after Georgia tried to retake the breakaway region of South Ossetia by force.

Russian forces launched a counter-attack and the conflict ended with the ejection of Georgian troops from South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia.

Russia has since recognised the independence of both regions, and earlier this week dismissed Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili as a "political corpse" whose leadership it did not recognise.

Cheney was speaking at a news briefing in Tbilisi, standing beside President Saakashvili.

"After your nation won its freedom in the Rose Revolution, America came to the aid of this courageous young democracy," Mr Cheney said.

"We are doing so again as you work to overcome an invasion of your sovereign territory and an illegitimate unilateral attempt to change your country's borders by force that has been universally condemned by the free world.

"Russia's actions have cast grave doubt on Russia's intentions and on its reliability as an international partner - not just in Georgia but across this region and, indeed, throughout the international system."

Before leaving for Ukraine, Mr Cheney visited a military airport near Tbilisi to meet US workers and military personnel who are carrying humanitarian aid to the country.

In Kiev, the vice-president is expected to hold talks with President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

The alliance between the two leaders has faltered in recent weeks, with Mr Yushchenko being much more critical of Russia than Ms Tymoshenko.

Russian accusations

Georgia has been a significant troop contributor to US operations in Iraq, and it is a key link in the only energy export route from Central Asia westwards that does not pass through Russian territory.

However, the aid package announced on Wednesday is limited to helping resettle refugees and rebuild Georgia's infrastructure, and the BBC's diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says it remains unclear how far the US and its Nato allies are prepared to go in re-arming its military.

On Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also announced that Georgia was to receive a $750m (£422m) loan.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has accused the US of helping Tbilisi build up its military, and criticised its decision to send humanitarian aid to Georgia aboard military ships.

Faced with a chorus of international calls for Russia's isolation as a result of the war, Medvedev said Moscow did not fear being expelled from the G8 group of rich nations, nor did it fear Nato cutting ties with his country.

Early this week, EU leaders agreed to suspend talks on a new partnership agreement with Moscow until Russian troops had withdrawn from Georgia, but they did not threaten sanctions.

CA hopeful about BBF suggestion outcome

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday asked for regular monitoring to see the outcome of the already-implemented and under-implementation recommendations of Bangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF) formed to help enhance economic growth through maintaining suitable business environment through public-private partnership.

The CA, also chairperson of the BBBF formed last year, made the suggestion chairing the fifth meeting of the public-private business forum at the CA's office.

The five working groups under BBF have so far made some 250 recommendations of which 113 were endorsed by the Better Business Forum. Of the approved recommendations, 52 have already been implemented while the rest are in different stages of implementation.

Among the recommendations already implemented are Reconstruction of National ICT Task Force, setting up National Skill Development Council (NSDC), increasing amount of financing and facilities in small and medium sector, establishment of SME service center, expansion of tax holiday in industrialization, rationalizing import duty and reducing bandwidth and other charges on internet services.

It was informed at the meeting that the working groups concerned would introduce necessary monitoring system with the help of BBF secretariat. Board of Investment office provides Secretarial services to BBBF.

At the meeting, members of the committee and businessmen discussed electricity, gas, coal policy and real-estate affairs and suggested lifting coal through quick implementation of the Coal Policy to meet the growing demand for fuels.

The CA called upon the BBF working groups for becoming more active and directed implementation of the recommendations quickly. In this regard, he instructed strengthening the BOI through recruiting more manpower for the board.

Regarding electricity and gas, Dr Fakhruddin said the government has taken appropriate steps to meet the shortage of gas. It was the first time BAPEX was financed to make it an independent institution.

"It is not possible to solve easily problems of fuels without adjusting the present price of gas," he was quoted by an official handout as saying.

He informed the BBF meeting that work for formulation of a new Broadband Policy Guidelines is at the final stage, aiming to make broadband easy available and cost-effective across the country.

Soon an ICT policy will be finalized under the National Skill Development Council, the head of the caretaker government said and called for more investment in this sector.

Regarding National Housing Policy, he said this sector has immense contribution to the national economy. There is no debate in principle regarding the policy guidelines. "Even then, discipline will have to be brought back in this sector for protecting the interest of clients."

Special Assistant to CA for Power and Energy Prof M Tamim, the Cabinet Secretary, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, secretaries of different ministries concerned and presidents of FBCCI, MCCI, ICC and DCCI were among others present at the meeting.

Women entrepreneurs' trade expo Sept 7

Staff Reporter

The 5th Women Entrepreneur Trade Expo-2008 will begin from September 7 in the city and end on September 12.

High Commission for Pakistan in Dhaka in cooperation with JOBS Bangladesh organises the trade fair at the National Shooting Federation of Bangladesh in Gulshan-1.

Women entrepreneurs from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand will participate in the fair sponsored by Bank Al Falah.

The organisers held a press conference at the National Press Club on the eve of the fair yesterday, while Zulfiqar Younus, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan High Commission, Dhaka, Rubina Faruk, Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneur Association, (WEA), Nasshom Marx of JOBS Bangladesh and Manushi Hazra of SME Foundation addressed it.

Women Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury will inaugurate the fair organised aiming at to identify and promote women local entrepreneurs, provide networking opportunities between local and regional, to available good quality products to Bangladeshi ladies.

As well as 76 stalls run by woman entrepreneurs will be place in the trade fair. Of them 33 stalls from Bangladesh, 22 from Pakistan, 15 from India and 6 from other countries.

Among the display and sale items are fabrics stitched/ unstitched, embroidered/ unembroidered, garments ladies/ gents and children, saries/ fatuas etc, shoes/ chapels/ khusas, bangles, mehndi, gems and jewellery, ladies bags, scarves, cushion and pillow covers, home décor and bed-liner products, carpet (small), aluminium utensils, handicrafts of different counties, cuisine for Iftar and spics and food items etc.

Besides, supporting organisations are SME foundation Bangladesh, BRAC, Women Entrepreneur Association (WEA) and other women associations in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

Multi-donor trust fund against climate change opposed

Staff Reporter

Forming multi donor trust fund in the name of aiding Bangladesh in facing risk of climate change is an evil strategy, speakers said at a press conference yesterday.

Rejecting "Climate Change Strategy and Action for Bangladesh" of the government, they said the strategy paper was prepared according to the advice of the local representatives of the World Bank.

Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD) organised the press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the city.

"The strategy paper is a sum of some proposals", General Secretary of EquityBD Shamsuddoha said and added, "It could not be treated by any means as an effective strategy for facing climatic change."

He said that the bureaucrats who get benefit from World Bank and IMF, made the strategy paper to preserve their self-interest.

Shamsuddoha said since the proposals are infrastructure bound and embankment and cyclone shelter have been given priority, consultants and engineers would get more benefit.

EquityBD put forward some proposals at the conference. It said that any aid regarding climatic change should be given direct to the government and for that there is no need to form separate trust fund. The aid should be given as compensation, it felt.

It suggested that the fund should be made free from any influence of Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and WB.

The only principle of the fund should be "polluter pay and exploiter pay principle", that is the developed countries that are responsible for climate change should pay compensation to the suffered country, it said.

EquityBD also urged the government to keep in mind the condition of migrated people in the planning as 2.20 crore people of the country will be environmental migrant by 2050 for climatic disaster.

Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Convener of EquityBD moderated the conference.

Among others, Mr. Shahdat Islam Chowdury , Mustofa Kamal, AHM Bazlur Rahaman of EquityBD addressed the press conference.

BNP to form next govt under Khaleda: Hopes Sircar

Staff Reporter

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar yesterday said BNP would form the next government under the leadership of Khaleda Zia if the upcoming elections were fair as people stand with the immediate-past ruling party.

"The people of the country have faith in the leadership of Khaleda Zia. BNP cannot be away from politics," Sircar said.

He was addressing a discussion on "BNP's Contribution to Building Self-Reliant National Economy" at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium marking the party's 30th founding anniversary.

He hoped that detained BNP chairperson and ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia would be released through legal process soon and the country would return to democracy.

Referring to Tarique Rahman's release on bail in 13 cases, Sircar praised the High Court for its independent dispensation of justice and also thanked the government for complying with the court's decision.

The Speaker, who has been holding the office without parliament since its dissolution in October 2006, called for ensuring general election in December as he reminded that the caretaker government made international commitment to hold the polls as per the roadmap.

"As long as President Zia's party exists, democracy will exist and as long as democracy will sustain, BNP will exist," he told.

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain presided over the discussion addressed by senior BNP leaders DR RA Gani, Chowdhury Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui, MK Anwar, Nazrul Islam Khan, Mahmudur Rahman, Dr Mahbubullah and Prof Abu Ahmed, among others.

BNP will offer special prayers after juma prayer today across the country expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the release of Tarique Rahman and seeking release of Khaleda Zia, said Nazrul Islam Khan at the meeting.

Grenade attack cases transferred to speedy tribunal

UNB, Dhaka

The two under-trial cases in connection with the sensational grenade attack on Awami League rally on Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004 have been transferred to a speedy trial tribunal for expediting the proceedings.

To this effect, a notification, signed by Sheikh Momena Monir, senior assistant secretary of Home Ministry, was issued on Sept 2. The copies of the notification were sent to PPs of Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge court and that of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1.

Following the notification, the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 will hold the trial of the two much-talked-about cases of deadly attack on the rally of AL chief Sheikh Hasina.

The trial of the grenade-attack cases was going on at Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge and 2nd Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge courts.

A total of 22 persons, including ex-deputy minister Abdus Salam Pintu, his brother Maulana Tajuddin Ahmed, Mufti Hannan and his brother Munshi Mohibullah, have been accused in the cases.

Twenty-four people, including women affairs secretary of Awami League

Ivy Rahman, were killed in the serial blasts of grenades.

Fazlul Huq Girls’ College in a mess

Staff Reporter

A group of teachers of the Fazlul Huq Girls' College in old part of the city have demanded action against Principal Nazrul Islam and Chairman of the governing body Abdul Qayum, as allegation of rampant corruption has been proved in an investigation done by the Department of education.

The principal, it is alleged, embezzled huge amount of money in the name of providing students their school dress and books free of cost. He took the money from different people including governing body members of the college without giving money receipt and has pocketed those. The investigation committee of the department of education found the allegations as true.

The investigation committee found that the principal of the college conducted internal audit by his own people without following the rules regarding selection and changing of members of the audit committee.

The principal never follows standard process of book keeping, the investigation found. It said the principal misappropriated money with the help of the clerk cum office super.

The report said general teachers did not get salary from the college from August 2005 but the principal and other officials of the college took salary of the period in time. Teachers were appointed illegally with the help of chairman of the governing body, it is alleged.

It was also proved that the college authority charged extra money from the HSC examinees and later embezzled the same. The principal did not form project committee according to rules that is assigned to oversee the development expenses. Of late, four senior teachers of the college have been suspended for raising their voices against various irregularities, informed sources said.

Religion can play a role of peace maker, says Nizami

Staff Reporter

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami yesterday said in the troubled world plagued with war, strife, armed conflicts and terrorist attacks, the religion could play the role of a peacemaker.

"Religion and religious values are always for peace. Although sometimes we see acts of terrorism in the name of religion," he said while speaking at an Iftar party hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami at Hotel Sonargaon in honour of diplomats.

Referring to the recent interfaith dialogue organised by King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Makkah in June and in Madrid in July, the Jamaat Ameer said such dialogue is a much needed step in the right direction and deserves the appreciation of all the peace loving people of the world.

"And we believe that the example set by the King of Saudi Arabia will be taken further by other world leaders. There is no alternative to interfaith dialogue," he observed.

Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Japan, High Commissioners of Australia and Pakistan and diplomats from India, Canada and Britain and USA, Vietnam, Turkey, Denmark, Iran, Palestine and Chinese embassies and high commissions in Dhaka were present at the Iftar party.

Maulana Nizami said the Quran emphasises on justice and justice cannot be achieved without peace.

"The message of Islam has always spread far and wide in peace time. There is no coercion in matters of religion. Islam enjoins its followers to respect the religion of others so that there always exists a peaceful atmosphere," he said.

Among others, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana AKM Yusuf, Maqbul Ahmad, Secretary General Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, Maulana Abdus Subhan, Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, Abdul Quader Molla, ATM Azharul Islam, Barrister Abdur Razzaq, Prof. Mujibur Rahman and Maulana Muhammad Abu Taher were present on the occasion.

Tk 50 lakh loan for leather enterprises

Staff Reporter

To give impetus to the efforts of a small group of enterprises of leather sub sector the BLSC, a project of ITC-Geneva, will lend Tk 50 lakh among 25 entrepreneurs in the city.

The loan is intended to help the entrepreneurs with financial assistance as well as contribute to poverty reduction through employment generation.

The Mutual Trust Bank Ltd will provide Tk 50 lakh for the project that will be coordinated by the Society for Development Initiative (SDI).

In the loan disbursement programme yesterday, organised by the Business Promotion Council, Commerce Secretary Firoz Ahmed said the programme aimed at poverty reduction as well as new entrepreneurship.

He said, "Economic development and investment is necessary for poverty reduction. To this effect investment should go towards each component of economy."

He emphasised on newer products as well as market diversification to increase export trade of the country.

Prof Dr Atiur Rahman said conventional finance never prefers poor people. "The initiative to provide loan to the entrepreneurs from leather sub sector will never ask for collateral. There is vast opportunity to develop economy of the country through such programmes," he said.

Business Promotion Council Coordinator Ghulam Hussain, BLSC consultant Mohammad Hosen, Mutual Trust Bank Managing Director Kazi Shafiqur Rahman and representative of Abdul Monem Foundation Moinuddin Monem also spoke on the occasion.

Holy Ramzan: Lawful earnings must for roza

Acceptance of prayer or worship to Allah is subject to enjoying a 'halal' (lawful) earning and livelihood. Fasting is also dependent on this pre-condition. A person, who deprives someone or some people of their due or exploits them, goes against the socio-economic rules, and obligations to Allah; his earning is 'haram' (unlawful). So, a rozadar, who earns by dishonest means and lives with that earning, cannot please Allah by his fasting. Rather his fasting goes in vain. Halal livelihood for all the Muslims is a must, according to the holy Hadith.

The Holy Quran says: "Woe to those that deal in fraud ttt"(183: 1)

"So, establish weight with justice and fall not short in balance." (55: 9).

So, persons who earn through unfair means and also perform fasting, should evaluate their activities in the light of Islam. They should abstain from such anti-social crime. Or else their fasting is nothing but a self-deception.

-Abdul Muqit Chowdhury

Bangladesh seeks Kuwaiti help for economic zone project

UNB, Kuwait

Foreign Advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury had a meeting Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterdaywhen he sought Kuwaiti assistance for the Padma Bridge and the Special Economic Zone for expatriate investments to be set up in Sylhet."

The meeting was "most warm and friendly", Iftekhar said, adding "Bangladesh-Kuwait friendship is traditional and it flows from the common ties we share in terms of historical heritage and the great religion of Islam."

The Advisor said they discussed a large number of topics, both of international and bilateral significance. He praised the farsightedness of the Kuwaiti leadership that has placed their economy on a firm footing.

"I appreciated the assistance they have rendered Bangladesh so far, and hoped for further Kuwaiti cooperation in two key future projects, the Padma Bridge and the Special Economic Zone for expatriate investments to be set up in Sylhet," Iftekhar said. The Adviser said they also discussed the situation pertaining to the Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait and he expressed the hope that measures will soon be implemented to alleviate their problems.

"We spoke about a number of such steps," he said, adding the Kuwaiti Prime Minister lauded the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to the Kuwaiti economy.

Also present at that meeting was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Muhammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

Later, Iftekhar called on Kuwaiti Minister for Social Affairs and Labour Bader Fahed Ali Al-Duwailah and discussed at length matters pertaining to the problems of Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait.

"It was a most useful meeting and the Minister assured me that the subject would be thoroughly examined with a view to speedily resolving all outstanding issues," Iftekhar told journalists afterwards.

The Foreign Adviser urged the Social Affairs and Labour Minister to lift the ban on transfer of residency and new visas. He assured the Advisor that these will be taken up with the Interior Ministry. "Where it involves the Labour Ministry, it will raise most favourable coordination, Ali Al-Duwailah said..

The Advisor said they also discussed speedy disposal of compensation cases.

The Foreign Adviser on Wednesday held two rounds of meeting with members of the Bangladeshi Community in Kuwait at the Embassy and at a local Hotel and was also accorded a reception by them.