The New Nation - Internet Edition

Record 76.10 pc pass HSC exams

The students of Notre Dame College (left), City
College (middle) and Viquarunnisa Noon College rejoice after
their astounding success in the HSC examinations, the
results of which were published yesterday. New Nation and
Agencies photo

Students of different colleges of seven education
boards celebrating the HSC examination results on Wednesday.
(1) Dhaka Commerce College (2) Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad
Rifles School and College, Dhaka (3) Jessore Cantonment
College (4) Rajshahi New Gove

Jamal Uddin Jami

The results of this year's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examinations under nine education boards were announced yesterday showing 76.19 per cent of success rate with 22,045 examinees achieving the highest grade point average (GPA)-5.

Last year, 65.60 per cent students passed and 11,140 students achieved GPA-5 in the second largest public examinations compared to 9,864 examinees in 2006, 5,534 in 2005 and 3,047 in 2004.

The pass percentage was 65.65 in 2006, 59.74 in 2005, 47.86 in 2004, 38.43 in 2003 and 27.09 in 2002.

As many as 6,12,381 students-3,38,650 boys and 2,73,731 girls-appeared in this year's HSC and its equivalent examinations. Of them, 4,66,570 students-2,59,702 boys and 2,06,868 girls-passed.

Pass percentages for boys and girls are 76.69 and 75.57 against 66.48 and 64.42 of last year.

This year only 41 institutions under nine boards secured least pass rates compared to 60 of last year, while 674 institutions came out successful with hundred cent percent pass rate, which was 434 last year.

Some 785 students were expelled on charges of adopting unfair means this year. The number of expulsions was 1,046 last year.

The HSC results were published at a press conference yesterday at the auditorium of Education Ministry. Education Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman briefed the journalists about the result of this year while Education Secretary Momtazul Islam and the chairmen of nine boards were present.

Among the seven education boards, Dhaka Board secured the top position with the pass rate of 82.31 per cent, while the pass rate in Madrasah Board is 82.43 per cent, Technical Education Board 81.27, Comilla Board 77.33, Jessore Board 72.24, Rajshahi Board 71.87 and Sylhet Board 71.17, Chittagong Board 67.96 and Barisal Board 65.28.

Some 22,045 examinees-13,426 male and 8,619 female-have secured the highest Grade Point Average (GPA)-5.

Of them, 10,702 are from Dhaka Board, 3,399 from Rajshahi, 957 from Comilla, 1,764 from Jessore, 1,270 from Chittagong, 425 from Sylhet, 591 from Barisal, 2,886 from Madrasah Board and only 51from Technical Education Board.

Students from Business Studies group have marked a significant progress with pass percentage of 82.99, while 76.06 per cent passed from Science group and 69.06 per cent from Humanities group.

Like the previous year, colleges in urban areas, particularly those in metropolitan cities, dominated in the GPA-5 category and institutions with hundred per cent pass rate.

Highest 1,189 students of Notre Dame College in the capital secured GPA-5, followed by the city's Dhaka City College with 987 students and Viqarunnisa Noon College with 663 students achieving the same grade point average.

In Dhaka Board, 1,23,285 of the 1,49,781 examinees passed the exams with the pass percentage of 82.31 against 70.77 of last year. As many as 40,752 students took the examinations under Chittagong Board and 27,696 among them passed making for a percentage of 67.96 against 61.36 of last year.

Among the 1,34,362 candidates under Rajshahi Board, 96,564 came out successful with a pass percentage of 71.87 against 61.89 of last year. Under Jessore Board, 69,880 students appeared in the examinations and 50,478 passed. The pass percentage is 72.24 against last year's 59.48.

Under Comilla Board, 38,819 examinees out of 50,202 passed with a success rate of per cent 77.33 against 65.75 of last year. Barisal Board had 71,796 candidates and 20,758 of them passed. The pass percentage is 65.28 against 55.63 last year.

Under Sylhet Board, 19,366 students sat for the examinations and 13,782 came out successful with the pass percentage of 71.17 against last year's 65.98.

Under Madrasah Board 61,724 Alim examinees took the exams and 50,882 came out successful with the pass percentage of 82.43 against 74.31 of last year.

A total of 54,518 students appeared at Business Management examinations under Technical Education Board and 44,306 of them passed with pass percentage of 76.69 against 66.13 of last year.

Among the institutions securing hundred per cent pass rate, 40 are from Dhaka Board, 13 from Rajshahi, 4 from Comilla, 2 from Jessore, 5 from Chitagong, 2 from Barisal, 4 from Sylhet, 507 from Madrasah and 97 from Technical Board.

Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman said they published the result within 60 days and he also expressed satisfaction with the result.

He said the percentage of the result increased due to taking appropriate measure by education ministry and stern action against those institutions that had failed to do good result in previous years.

Tarique barred from leaving country

Tarique

Staff Reporter

Tarique Rahman, the ailing joint Secretary General of BNP, and the eldest son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was barred from leaving Dhaka last night for treatment abroad.

Lastnight at 11-45 Tarique was scheduled to fly to London on Singapore Airlines flight number SQ 435.

Talking to newsmen at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at about 9:45pm, his counsel Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan said, "Everything was ready for Tarique's trip abroad at 11:55pm Wednesday, but the quarters concerned in government did not allow it."

He further said, "Tarique could not go abroad for treatment due to obstruction."

Quoting his client, Azam said Tarique, senior joint secretary general of BNP, asked party faithful to maintain discipline when the BNP chief, Khaleda Zia, will be freed from jail today at 10:00am.

Another lawyer for Tarique, wishing anonymity, said an official from Home Ministry last night asked for not sending Tarique. And, hence, he could not go abroad.

Five lawyers--Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Advocate Masud Talukder, Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, Advocate Sanaullah Mia and Advocate Shimul Biswas--were present among others at the hospital gate to see him off.

Sources said Tarique's wife Dr Jubaida Rahman, daughter Jaima Jarnaz Rahman, wife's elder sister Shahina Khan and her husband Air Commodore (retd) Shafiuzzaman and his personal physician Dr Kazi Majharul Islam Dolan are likely to accompany Tarique on the long-haul trip for his treatment.

They were to fly for the British capital by an airplane of Singapore Airlines tonight.

Earlier, Tarique was released on bail on September 3 from the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University after nearly 18 months in detention and drama in power politics.

Tarique, 43, believed to be a political heir of the Zia family, was arrested on March 7 last year from their cantonment residence by army-led joint forces amid a purge against crime and corruption after the 11/1 changeover following a political crisis over election issues.

His mother Khaleda Zia and younger brother Arafat Rahman Koko were also arrested on graft charges. Koko was released on July 17 on health grounds. He is now undergoing treatment for his respiratory complications at Bumrungrad International Hospital.

Of the 13 pending cases against him, nine were filed by police and individuals on various charges, including extortion, three by the ACC on charges of graft, and one by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for tax evasion.

Jalil proclaims himself as AL General Secretary: No party decision taken yet, says Zillur

Jalil

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) leader Abdul Jalil yesterday obtained bail from the High Court in a graft case and announced that he had resumed the post of party's general secretary as soon as he was granted bail.

Jalil made this announcement while addresssing the reporters at a press briefing at the Supreme Court Bar Association Hall immediately after his bail order was issued.

AL Acting President Zillur Rahman when contacted said that the party had not taken any decision over this issue whether Jalil would resume as the party secretary or Ashraful Islam, Acting general Secretary of AL, would continue in the post.

Asked what would be the party's decision if any opposition came on resuming the party post by Jalil, Zillur said, " l have not heard about any opposition till now. Let the opposition come, then we will see."

Jalil said, "I was freed on parole for treatment under the condition of not engaging in politics during the provisional release period. Having completed my treatment, I returned home on August 31 and I will start fullscale politics as I have returned to my previous post."

Jalil informed that he appealed for bail to the High Court, as his parole period ended yesterday and the High Court had granted him bail until October 20.

"According to the constitution of AL, I'm supposed to continue to work in my previous capacity in the party. Being respectful to the rule of law, I was waiting for my bail orders. As a bailed person, I now announce my resumption of duties as the Awami League general secretary," said Jalil.

Talking to The New Nation AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu said, " No formal decision from the party has been taken on this issue. The Acting President of the party has the right to take any decision."

AL Presidium member Begum Matia Chowdhury said, "As per the constitution of the party Jalil may resume the post of general secretary automatically. But a formal announcement should come from party's president or Acting president."

AL Acting general Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam could not be contacted for comment, as he was in Kishoregonj to attend a relative's funeral.

Emerging from the court, Jalil, flanked by his lawyers, told reporters as the government parole on his release had been in force, he could not take the party responsibility on his return from Singapore on August 31 after treatment.

"There is a clause in the party constitution.

There is no ambiguity about taking over the charge of party leadership," he said, 'in the changed context now'.

Jalil said the parole that expired yesterday had barred him from political activities. "No parole now exists and I'm completely free to do active politics which I have been doing for long 45 years."

After his release on parole on health grounds, Jalil flew to Singapore on March 3 and underwent treatment in Mount Elizabeth Hospital for about six months.

When asked about his letter to the Chief Adviser, which was read out by his wife before media-men pleading for his release in exchange for quitting politics before going to Singapore, he denied outright having made such pleas.

"Don't try to confuse (people) over it," an apparently annoyed Jalil told the reporters, retracting all that had been stated under his name while in custody during the days of political perils caused by a clean-up drive after the January 1, 2007 changeover following a political crisis over election issues.

Jalil, in a letter to Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, had also come down heavily on his party president and ex-PM Sheikh Hasina for what he had said her dictatorial leadership.

That was at a time when the interim regime had been pressing the parties to do internal political reform, particularly banishing what was called dynastic leadership, to avert further crisis.

Earlier in the day, the High Court granted him provisional bail in the case on charges of amassing wealth through illegal means and hiding wealth-related information.

The court issued a notice to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to clarify why the accused should not be granted permanent bail in the case.

The vacation bench of Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Mamnun Rahman delivered the bail order after hearing bail appeal.

Barrister Ameer-Ul-Islam on Tuesday made the bail appeal while the home ministry on Tuesday extended Jalil's provisional bail until September 20.

'Big Bang’ experiment starts well

Big Bang

Agency

Scientists have hailed a successful switch-on for an enormous experiment which will recreate the conditions a few moments after the Big Bang.

They have fired a beam of particles called protons around the 27km-long tunnel which houses the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The £5bn machine on the Swiss-French border is designed to smash particles together with cataclysmic force. Scientists hope it will shed light on fundamental questions in physics.

The beam completed its first circuit of the underground tunnel at just before 0930 BST. "There it is," project leader Lyn Evans said when the beam completed its lap. There were cheers in the control room when engineers heard of the successful test.

He added later: "We had a very good start-up."

The LHC is arguably the most complicated and ambitious experiment ever built; the project has been hit by cost overruns, equipment trouble and construction problems. The switch-on itself is two years late.

The collider is operated by the European Organization for Nuclear Research - better known by its French acronym Cern.

The vast circular tunnel - the "ring" - which runs under the French-Swiss border contains more than 1,000 cylindrical magnets arranged end-to-end. The magnets are there to steer the beam - made up of particles called protons - around this 27km-long ring.

Eventually, two proton beams will be steered in opposite directions around the LHC at close to the speed of light, completing about 11,000 laps each second. At allotted points around the tunnel, the beams will cross paths, smashing together near four massive "detectors" that monitor the collisions for interesting events. Scientists are hoping that new sub-atomic particles will emerge, revealing fundamental insights into the nature of the cosmos. "We will be able to see deeper into matter than ever before," said Dr Tara Shears, a particle physicist at the University of Liverpool.

"We will be looking at what the Universe was made of billionths of a second after the Big Bang. That is amazing, that really is fantastic."

The LHC should answer one very simple question: What is mass?

ATLAS - one of two so-called general purpose detectors. Atlas will be used to look for signs of new physics, including the origins of mass and extra dimensions

CMS - the second general purpose detector will, like ATLAS, hunt for the Higgs boson and look for clues to the nature of dark matter

ALICE - will study a "liquid" form of matter called quark-gluon plasma that existed shortly after the Big Bang

LHCb - Equal amounts of matter and anti-matter were created in the Big Bang. LHCb will try to investigate what happened to the "missing" anti-matter

"We know the answer will be found at the LHC," said Jim Virdee, a particle physicist at Imperial College London.

The currently favoured model involves a particle called the Higgs boson - dubbed the "God Particle". According to the theory, particles acquire their mass through interactions with an all-pervading field carried by the Higgs.

Bomb hoax : Air Arabia flight delayed in Ctg

Air Arabia flight was delayed at Chittagong Shah
Amanat Airport yesterday following a bomb hoax.
FocusBangla

Chittagong Correspondent

A bomb threat reportedly delayed the take off of a aircraft of the Air Arabia here at Shah Amanat International Airport (SAIA) yesterday afternoon.

Officials of the SAIA said the captain of the airbus of the Air Arabia had sought immediate search inside the aircraft following a written threat of exploding the aircraft with 115 passengers on board.

Some of the on board crew of the aircraft found a chit that warned of a powerful bomb inside that would go off sometime after 12:00pm.

The claim scared the passengers and the crew. The captain refused to fly before intensive search by the security men.

No body claimed responsibility of the threat.

Later, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other security forces checked the airbus but did not find any explosive. The RAB men detained a passenger Nasiruddin suspecting his involvement in scare mongering. The airbus finally took off for UAE two hours behind schedule.

Top achievers

Staff Correspondent

Notre Dame College, Dhaka City College and Viqarunnisa Noon College again clinched the top three positions with 1,189,987 and 663 GPA-5 achievers in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination under Dhaka Board this year.

These three colleges secured first, second and third positions for the third consecutive year in terms of producing GPA-5 achievers in the board.

A total 1,189 out of 2,258 student secured GPA-5 from Notre Dame College, while 987 out of 2286 student from Dhaka City College and 663 out of 1136 student from Viqarunnisa Noon College.

The other top ten colleges in Dhaka Board with GPA-5 achievers are Dhaka Commerce College 518 GPA-5 achievers out of 1,924 students, Motijheel Ideal School and College with 420 out of 847, Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Rifles Public School and College with 393 out of 778, Holy cross College with 331 out of 764, Rajuk Uttara Model School and College with 294 out of 475, Dhaka College with 292 out of 873 and Tejgaon BAF Shaheen College with 250 out of 874.

Considering the percentage of pass, Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Rifles School and College, Gulshan Cambrian College, Savar Cantonment Public School and College, Tongi Safiuddin Sarkar Academy and College, Demra Shamsul Haque Khan Uchcha Maddhamic Bidyalaya, Gulshan Commerce College, Narsingdi Model College, Gulshan Model Uccha Maddhamik Biddalya, Mirpur SOS Hermann Gmeiner College and Savar Ashulia Uchcha Maddhamik Bidhyalaya under Dhaka Board were in the top ten, as 100 percent students from these colleges passed the HSC.

In Comilla Board, Comilla Victoria College, Adhyapak Abdul Mazid College and Comilla Ispahani Public School and College stood on the top three position with 240, 75 and 71 GPA-5 Achievers.

Other seven top ten colleges under the same category are Comilla Cadet College with 46 GPA-5 acheivers, Noakhali Govt College with 34, Comilla Ibne Taimia High School and College with 29, Brahmanbaria Govt College with 26, Chandpur Haziganj Model College with 25, Feni Govt College with 21 and Brahmanbaria Kazi Mohammad Shafiqul Islam College with 20.

Considering the percentage of the pass, Comilla Ispahani Public School and College, Noakhali Char Matua College, Comilla Cadet College were secured the prestige 100 per cent under Comilla Board.

The other seven colleges in the top ten in this category under Comilla Board are Burichong Abdul Matin Khashru College with pass percentage of 99.29, Burichong Sonar Bangla College with 99.2 per cent, Comilla Commerce College with 98.61 per cent, Barura Adda College with 98.3 per cent, Faridganj Gallak Adarsha College with 97.71 per cent, Brahmanpara Abu Taher College with 97.64 per cent and Comilla Cantonment College with 97.48 per cent.

Comilla Cadet College stood out among them all with extraordinary feat in both categories -- 97.87 of its students not only secured GPA-5, but 100 percent of them also passed the exams.

In Rajshahi Board, among the highest GPA-5 achieving colleges, Rajshahi New Government Degree College, Bogra Govt AH College and Rangpur Cantonment Public School and College came out on top with 443, 267 and 193 GPA-5 achievers.

Other colleges that made it to the top ten under the same category are Rajshahi Government City College, Bogra Cantonment Public School and College, Dinajpur Govt College, Rangpur Govt College, Saidpur Cantonment Public School and College, Pabna Shahid Bul Bul Govt College, Ullapara Science College, Sirajganj.

Saidpur Cantonment Public School and College, Pabna Al Hera Academy School and College, Pabna Cadet College, Rangpur Cadet College and Rajshahi Cadet College secured the prestige of 100 percent pass under Rajshahi Board.

Other top ten colleges under the same category are Bogra Cantonment Public School and College, Qadirabad Cantonment Public School and College, Parbatipur Cantonment Public School and College, Dinajpur, Rangpur Cantonment Public School and College and Ullapara Science College, Sirajganj.

In Jessore Board, Jessore Cantonment College, Khulna Government Girls' College and Khulna Govt MM City College attained the first, second and third positions with 253, 107 and 84 GPA-5 achievers.

The other seven colleges in the top ten GPA-5 achievers category include Khulna Public College, Kushtia Government College, Jhenidah Cadet College, Jessore BAF Shaheen College, Jhenidah Government KC College, Chuadanga Government College and Satkhira Sheikh Amanullah College.

Top ten colleges with higher pass percentage in Jessore Board are Jhenidah Cadet College with 100 percent, Khabir-Ur-Rahman College, Bagharpara, Jessore, Abaypur Jamuna Sikder College, Shailkupa, Jhenidah, Khulna Public College, Jessore Cantonment College, Kazi Alauddin College, Kaliganj, Satkhira, Noapara Model College, Avoynagar, Jessore, Budhata BBM Collegiate School, Ashasnuni, Satkhira, Khulna Govt Girls' College, Chittra Mohila Mahabiddyalaya, Terokhada, Khulna.

In Barisal Board, Barisal Amritalal Dey College took the first place with 111 GPA-5 achievers, Barisal Government Girls' College took second with 55 GPA-5 achievers and Barisal Government Syed Hatem Ali College became third with 43 GPA-5 achievers.

The other top seven GPA-5 achiever colleges are Barisal Cadet College, Perojpur Shahid Smrity College, Bhola Naziur Rahman College, Pirojpur Government Girls' College, Gournadi Government College, Barguna Amtali College, Gournadi Mahilara College, Galachipa Degree College, Patuakhali, Betagi Degree College, Barguna, Babuganj College, Barisal and Charfasson College, Bhola.

In the same board, Barisal Cadet College secured the prestige of having 100 percent pass results.

Other colleges that followed with higher pass percentage are Ujirpur Guthia Ideal College, Barisal, Nazirpur United College, Muladi, Jalla Union Ideal College, Ujirpur, Ataheruddin Howlader College, Bakerganj, Jhalkhati Shah Mahmudia College, Chandkhali Mosharraf Hossain College, Betagi, Barguna, Kalagachia SM Sakender Ali Chowdhury College, Galachipa, Patuakhali Hazi Mokter Ali Mridha College and Sayedkati Union Islamia College, Banaripara.

In Sylhet Board, Sylhet MC College, Jalalabad Cantonment Public School and College and Sylhet Govt Women's College came out first, second and third with 116, 90 and 59 GPA-5 achievers.

The rest of the seven top colleges in the same category are Sylhet Cadet College, Moulvibazar Government College, The Bud's Residential Model School & College, Sunamganj Govt College, Brindaban Government College, Sreemangal Govt College and Jalalabad University College.

In the Sylhet Board, Sylhet Cadet College secured the prestige of having 100 percent pass results.

Other top colleges with higher pass percentage include Jalalabad Cantonment Public School and College, Jalalbad University College, Sylhet Scholarshome College, Bhadeswar Girls' College, Golapgonj, Sylhet, Shahjalal Mahabidhyalaya, Jagannathpur, Sunamganj, the Bud's Residential Model School and College, Sreemangal, Sufia Motin Mahila College, Baniachong, Sylhet, MC Academy High School and College, Golapganj, Sylhet and Dhaka Daksin High School and College, Golapganj.

In Chittagong Board, Chittagong College, Government Hazi Muhammad Mohsin College and Chittagonj Govt Commerce College clinched the first, second and third positions with 261, 252 and 176 GPA-5 achievers.

Other colleges in the same board that with highest GPA-5 achievers are Ispahani Public School & College, Chittagong Government City College, Chittagong Public School & College, Fauzderhat Cadet College, Chittagong Govt Girls' College, Nou Bahini College and Cox's Bazar Govt College.

Dighinala College, Khagrachhari and Fauzderhat Cadet College obtained the prestige of 100 per cent pass results under Chittagong Board.

Considering the percentage of the pass, other top colleges are Chittagong Govt Commerce College, Ispahani Public School and College, Chittagong Public School and College, Chittagong Engineering University School and College, Manikchari College, Khagrachhari, Chittagong College, Chittagong Urea Fertiliser College and BAF Shaheen College, Chittagong.

Under Madrasah Education Board, Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, Dhaka, Darunnazat Siddikia Kamil Madrasah, Dhaka, Tongi Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, secured first, second and third positions with 138, 75 and 70 GPA-5 achievers.

Other top ten madrasah under the same category are Jameya Ahammadia Sunnia Kamil Madrasah, Chittagong, Dhap Satgara Baitul Mukarram Kamil Madrasah, Rangpur, Jameya-E-Kasemia Kamil Madrasah, Narsingdi, Sarsina Darussunnat Kamil Madrasah, Nesarabad, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi NS Kamil Madrasah, Darul Quran Siddikia Kamil Madrasah, Khulna, Khulna Kamil Madrasah and Baitus Saraf Ideal Kamil Madrasah, Chittagong.

Tongi Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, Dhap Satgara Baitul Mukarram Kamil Madrasah, Rangpur, Idrisia Alim Madrasah, Sherpur, Dhampti Islamia Kamil Madrasah, Debidwar, Comilla, Ta'mirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, Mohila Shakha, Demra, Mirzapur Kaderia Fazil Madrasah, Mithapukur, Rangpur, Senbag Fazil Madrasah, Noakhali, Domar Islamia Alim Madrasah, Nilfamari and Joara Islamia Fazil Madrasah, Chandanaish, Chittagong secured the prestige of 100 percent pass results.

Under Technical Education Board, the colleges clinched the top position and secured 100 percent pass results are Gaganpur Technical and Business Management College, Patnitala, Naogaon, Bahubhashi Satlipi Academy, Naogaon, Dadpur GR College, Rayganj, Sirajganj, Mokbul Hossain Technical and Business Management College, Syedpur, Nilfamari Tozammel Hossain Memorial Technical and Business Management College, Shibganj, Borga, Baruahat Technical and Business Management College, Kaunia, Rangpur, Monigram Technical School and College, Bagha, Rajshahi, BSCIC Nagar Technical and Business Management College, Panchagar, Chapainawabganj Technical and Business Management College and Al-Hajab Women Technical and Business Management College, Shibganj, Borga.

22,045 students obtain GPA-5

DU Correspondent

A total of 22,045 examinees obtained GPA-5 in the Higher Secondary Certificate examinations under nine education boards this year.

Of the 22,045 GPA-5 achievers, 13426 are male students and 8619 are female students.

A total of 11,140 students obtained GPA-5 in 2007, 9,864 in 2006, 5,534 in 2005 and 3,047 in 2004.

The highest number of 10,702 students secured GPA-5 from Dhaka Board followed by Rajshahi Board with 3,399, Jessore with 1,764, Chittagong with 1,270, Comilla with 957, Sylhet with 425, Barisal with 591, Madrassah Board with 2,886 and Technical Education Board with 51.

Notre Dame College under Dhaka Board topped all the institutions with 1189 GPA-5 achievers. Dhaka City College and Viqarunnisa Noon College secured the second and third position with 987 and 663 students obtaining GPA-5 respectively.

Khaleda likely to be released today

Staff Reporter

After one year in detention, the former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is going to be released today from the makeshift special jail in the city, according to the highly placed sources.

"She (Begum Zia) will not be freed today (Wednesday) as we have received the release order after evening. She will be freed tomorrow (Thursday), after completion of scrutinizing the papers," Inspector General (Prisons) Brigadier General Zakir Hasan told reporters yesterday. Earlier, Adviser for Home Affairs Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin yesterday told reporters that Begum Zia would be released as soon as her bail bonds would reach the authorities from the court.

He made it clear that the Government has not filed any appeal against the High Court bails granted to Begum Zia. "She will be freed as soon the relevant bail bonds reach the jail authorities.

"The government had not challenged the bails of Khaleda Zia in the GATCO and Niko cases," the Adviser said adding, all needed to go through due legal process.

Asked to comment on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) appeal against Khaleda's bail, the Adviser said the matter is being looked into.

The ACC yesterday filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's bail orders. Advocate Sufia Khatun filed the two appeals at the Appellate Division in the morning.

Sufia Khatun told reporters that she filed two appeals against at the directive of the ACC seeking a stay order against the High Court bail orders.

She said the chamber judge of the vacation bench of the Appellate Division is expected to be in session on September 15.

However, the hearing of the two appeals may be held any day if the judges agree," she said.

Meanwhile, the bail bonds for Begum Zia were submitted to four separate courts handling the GATCO, Niko, Zia Orphanage Trust and Barapukuria cases yesterday.

Talking to reporters Khaleda's lawyer Advocate Sanaullah Miah said the bail bonds of the four graft cases against were submitted and accepted by the courts.

He said the courts informed them that all the papers relating to the bail bonds have been sent to the jail authorities.

"We hope Begum Zia will be freed today (Thursday) if there is no other problem," he said.

The detained BNP Chairperson secured bail in the GATCO and Niko corruption cases on Tuesday for three months in each that removed the all legal barriers to her release through legal process.

FBCCI claims success in market monitoring

Staff Reporter

Terming the present market price situation 'tolerable', the wholesalers and retailers yesterday said the prices of most of the essential commodities are lower this year compared to Ramzan prices last year.

They said the prices of essentials commodities would further come down in the coming days. "There is less possibility of price hike of commodities during the month of Ramzan," they said.

Their observation came at a meeting with the leaders of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at the conference room of the apex trade body in the city. Annisul Huq, President of FBCCI presided over the meeting.

Some businessmen said they have lowered the prices of sugar and soyabean oil as their prices are declining in the international markets.

They were happy to note that the price monitoring by the FBCCI has created awareness among the businessmen not to push up the prices of essentials irrationally. However, retailers complained that most of the wholesalers did not provide them money receipt when they purchase vegetable items from them.

"The prices of commodities are now at tolerable level and the situation is not that we need to ask the law enforcing agencies for containing the price hike," said Annisul Huq.

He said that the price stability in the markets was dependent on the smooth supply of commodities, awareness of people and cooperation among all concerned.

"If we try concertedly, the prices of essentials will come down within a short time," he said adding that the businessmen also need to earn reasonable profits.

"Business community has followed our request and subsequently the prices of essentials are now coming down to a tolerable level," said Kamaluddin Ahmed, director and convenor of FBCCI Market Price Monitoring Taskforce.

He said the initiative that the country's apex trade body has taken would continue.

The FBCCI monitoring cell conducted a market survey yesterday that showed that the green chilli was sold between Tk 34 to Tk 35 per kg at Karwan Bazar and Tk 38 to Tk 40 at Sham Bazar, potato at Tk 12 to Tk 13 at Karwan Bazar and Tk 11to Tk 12 per kg at Sham Bazar and aubergine at Tk 30 to Tk 32 at Karwan Bazar and Tk 18 to Tk 30 at Sham Bazar yesterday which was gradually reducing in the last few days.

The meeting was also attended among others, by Shafkat Haider, director and also member of FBCCI Market Price Monitoring Taskforce, Major Rawshanun Feroz, of BDR, Golam Mostafa, Chairman of Desbandhu Sugar Mill, Manzoor Ahmed, Advisor of FBCCI, Md Golam Maula, General Secretary of Moulvi Bazar Businessmen Association, Abdul Latif, President of Karwan Bazar Arotdar Samity, Faisal Ahmed Majumder, General Secretary of Malibagh Kitchen Market, Md Shamsul Huq Dewan, Secretary of Mohammadpur Kitchen Market, Md Sawkat Hossain Kanon, General Secretary, Fakirapool Kitchen Markets, Md Shafiqul Islam, General Secretary of Bangladesh Lentils Businessmen Association and Alhaj Md Mohsin Uddin Bulu, secretary of Sham Bazar Businessmen Association.

BEA for homegrown development policy

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) General Secretary Prof Abul Barakat said that Bangladesh should have homegrown development policy to ensure the progress and prosperity of the country.

He made his remark at a seminar on 'Agriculture in Bangladesh and Farmers Right: Global Perspective' at National Press Club yesterday. The World Social Forum organised the seminar.

Subal Sarkar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Landless Association, presented the keynote paper while Abul Hossain, President of Textiles Garments Workers Federation chaired the seminar.

Prof Barakat said we have three most essential resources such as land, water and human resources, which can take our country on the road to development.

He accused the USA for retarding the progress of the country. In early 1990, that particular country tried to have access to our resources, but now it is trying to establish its control over them, he said.

"USA based multinational Companies are aiming to control the Bay of Bengal through the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Asian Development Bank as it has one fifth share of the world's sweet water," he noted.

He pointed that it is not possible to achieve prosperity without land reform.

Speaking on the occasion, economist Dr Pias Karim said that the rich countries have tried to control the resources of the poor countries with the help of the multinational companies.

We should jointly resist the design of the rich countries in the interest of the country's economy, he suggested.

Moinuddin Khan Badal, Executive President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, said all should be imbued with the spirit of patriotism for the progress of the country.

"If the people of the country remain united it will be possible to foil the design of imperialist countries," Badal said..

Referring to Awami league lead 14- party alliance's 23-point programme, he said, " If we are voted to power, we will strive to build a balanced society for the welfare of the people".

Anisur Rahman Mollik, President of National Krishak Samati said that the government should first bring about reform in land for solving the agrarian problems.

Zakir Hossain, Coordinator of WSF-Bangladesh and Jayed Iqbal Khan, among others, addressed the seminar.

Focus on the banking sector: BB loosening grip on scheduled banks: Personal aggrandisement of officials blamed

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Bank (BB) is gradually loosening control on the banking system dictated by the personal interest of some of its officials in various banks and financial institutions, it is alleged.

The central bank often fails to be tough on irregularities or malpractices of scheduled commercial banks as the officials involved in the oversight functioning hope to join the banks after their retirement.

Sometimes the banks and Non-banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) enjoy undue mercy or sometimes their misdeeds are overlooked, at the behest of these BB officials.

On retirement from the central bank, some high-ranking officials join private banks and finance companies as chairmen, advisers, or members of the board of directors.

A number of institutions, the Bangladesh Bank oversees, are run by or staffed by family members of central bank officials, sources said.

The training institutes, fund management and foreign exchange wings of some private commercial banks are staffed by retired central bank officials, who have allegedly been rewarded for their previous favours to the concerned banks.

Though, rules do not bar central bank officials from join private financial institutions or banks, the option for future gain may sometimes weaken their morale to take stern action against a bank, a general manager of state-run Sonali Bank told the New Nation.

These factors are weakening the central bank's regulatory authority over the banking system, an official of the central bank said on condition of anonymity.

The mechanisms of checks-and-balances are becoming weak, as these kinds of practices are creating scopes for corruption, he added.

There are several cases of top central bank officials accepting lucrative job offers from private banks, either after their retirement or by resigning from his prestigious posts.

Muhammad A Ali Rumee, former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, is now acting as Chairman of BRAC Bank Limited.

Former Executive Director of BB Asaduzzaman Khan has joined as Managing Director of Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IIDFC).

Three retired bankers, who acted as Managing Directors of Islami Bank, Pubali Bank and National Bank Ltd, were also top-level officials of Bangladesh Bank earlier.

A former General Manager of Bangladesh Bank is now working for the Anti-Money Laundering Department of Prime Bank Limited.

A former joint director of BB and two former deputy general managers of BB secured jobs with City Bank (NA), Standard Chartered Bank and Mutual Trust Bank Ltd respectively.

Many other private banks and NBFIs have staffed some of their key-posts with retired BB officials.

UK to give £75m to face peril of climate change

UNB, London

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom Wednesday made a joint partnership calling for an ambitious international deal on cutting greenhouse gas emissions as London made a fresh pledge of 75 million pounds sterling to Dhaka for combating catastrophic impacts of climate change on livelihood and food security.

The money will go on measures such as protecting houses, schools and farms against flooding, and introducing new crop strains in Bangladesh, trebly hit last year by devastating floods and cyclone.

Aid agencies have welcomed the move but say poorer countries will need much more money to adapt to climate change, escalated by excessive carbon emissions from the developed countries.

At a summit here Wednesday on Climate Change in Bangladesh, the two countries called on nations gathering to thrash out a new global warming agreement in Copenhagen next year to achieve a comprehensive deal on prevention of dangerous climate change.

UK's International Development Secretary (minister) Douglas Alexander today said the lives of millions of people in Bangladesh would be devastated if urgent action is not taken to tackle climate change and cut down the emissions.

Caretaker government's Finance Adviser Dr. Mirza Azizul Islam outlined deep concerns for Bangladesh, one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the phenomenal climate change of the time.

Speakers at the cutting-edge London meet include Raja Devashish Roy, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, and former chief economic adviser to the UK Government and leading climate-change analyst Lord Nicholas Stern.

The UK and Bangladesh showed their long-term commitment to tackling climate change by signing a joint communiqué outlining the urgent need for a strengthened international deal in Copenhagen in 2009.

Douglas announced a financial package of £75m to help the Bangladesh government fund its response to climate change. He said: "Climate change is today's crisis, not tomorrow's risk, and is already affecting millions of people in Bangladesh. But Bangladesh is resilient and is setting an example to other vulnerable countries with its innovative approach to adapting to the changing climate.

"I am pleased to announce today the launch of a new £75m grant-funded programme to support Bangladesh's efforts to protect its people further from impacts such as rising sea levels, water-logged land and increased salinity."

He said, "Adaptation on-the-ground is not enough. We believe more must be done at a global level. This is why today the UK and Bangladesh are announcing a new partnership calling for a comprehensive deal in Copenhagen, leading to the stabilization of greenhouse gases at a level that avoids dangerous climate change - and benefits some of the world's poorest people."

Finance Advisor Dr Aziz outlined a comprehensive strategy to make the country climate-resilient for the next decade. The strategy, called Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, focuses on practical adaptation and mitigation measures which can be put in place. He also announced a new trust fund, which will be used to implement the action plan.

The Finance Advisor said, "Least Developed Countries (LDCs), including Bangladesh, need immediate international support to build their resilience to global warming and climate change."

He told his audience that tthe resources currently available for adaptation are grossly inadequate to meet the needs of the LDCs who bear the brunt of increased climate variability and unpredictability resulting from climate change.

"The effects of climate change will severely constrain our ability to attain the high rates of economic growth needed to sustain development gains. We want a new sense of urgency to support Bangladesh in our search for a better tomorrow," the advisor told the high-level climate conference.

He said, "This is why today we are presenting our Climate Change Action Plan and calling upon the international community to assist Bangladesh by providing predictable, long-term financing for this plan and also by pushing for a meaningful agreement at Copenhagen."

According to the Stern Review Report on the Economics of Climate Change more than a fifth of Bangladesh could be under water by the end of the century, if sea levels rise by a meter.

Representatives from other South Asian countries, including Nepal and the Maldives, donor countries, the private sector and non-governmental organizations working in Bangladesh attended the event.

Britain has established an £800m Environmental Transformation Fund - International Window to help reduce poverty through environmental protection and to help developing countries respond to climate change. This will be used to capitalize the multi-donor Climate Investment Funds, administered by the World Bank.

The UN has established two funds - the Least Developed Countries and Special Climate Change funds - to raise money to help countries such as Bangladesh to adapt, but the amounts of money pledged have been small.

The new UK money, by contrast, will be managed by a "multi-donor trust fund" in Bangladesh and used to support government initiatives.

Some of it will explore ways in which Bangladesh could make use of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a Kyoto Protocol designed to use money from the international carbon market to aid low-carbon development in poorer nations.