The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dr. Iftekhar meets Dutch senators

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury met with the members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Parliament House of the Netherlands in the Dutch capital on Tuesday evening.

On the first occasion, upon arrival, the Foreign Adviser was received by the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Fred De Graft.

Thereafter he made an initial statement before the Committee, followed by a question and answer session.

In his statement, he explained the foreign and domestic policies of the government and the reforms undertaken by the Caretaker Government. He also elaborated on the preparation of the forthcoming elections scheduled for December.

The senators asked a number of questions on the economic and social policies of the government. They showed keen interest in the upcoming elections. They also appreciated the steps being taken to make the elections "free, fair and credible".

Later, Dr Iftekhar also held a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs of the second chamber. The discussions were hosted by the Chairman of the Committee, Henek Ormel.

Members of Parliament from both the Government coalition and opposition parties were present.

Following the initial statement of the Foreign Adviser, there were questions asked on the electoral reforms, food policies and women's empowerment, all of which were responded to by Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury.

The Chairman praised Bangladesh's policies particularly on peacekeeping, among others, and wished the country and the tasks ahead every success.

Earlier, the Foreign Adviser had visited the Water Board of Delft and discussed cooperation between the Netherlands and Bangladesh on water management.

Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF

UNB, Thakurgaon

A Bangladeshi cattle trader was gunned down by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Haripur border in the district early Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Rahidul Islam, 40, of Chandail village in Haripur upazila.

BDR sources said the BSF troops of Basantipur camp opened fire on 7/8 Bangladeshi cattle traders near pillar no 357 at about 4am when they were entering into Bangladesh from India with their cattle-heads.

Rahidul received bullets on his body and died on the spot while the others managed to flee.

BDR 2 rifle battalion authority, however, sent a letter to the BSF for returning the victim's body.

Minor boy killed accident

UNB, Dhaka

Angry people damaged a bus following an accident that killed a minor boy at Shewrapara in the city's Kafrul area yesterday.

Police said a Malibagh-bound city bus of 'Bikalpa Paribahan' crushed Rabbi, 7, son of Abdul Haque, to death on east Rockeya Sarani at about 4:45pm while he was crossing the road.

Angered by the accident, local people damaged another bus of the Bikalpa Paribahan.

On information, police rushed in and brought the situation under control.

The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

A case filed with Kafrul police station.

DSE witnesses higher turnover for 5th consecutive day

UNB, Dhaka

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Wednesday witnessed gains for the fifth consecutive day, taking strength from the gradual increase of turnover while most shares registered gains amid profit expectations.

The DSE General Index (DGEN), the benchmark index, rose 15 points or 0.52 percent to close at 2,859 on Wednesday from 2,844 points at close on Tuesday. The DSE-20 index of selective shares also gained 10 points or 0.43 percent to close at 2,448 points.

The All Shares Price Index (DSI) increased 11 points or 0.45 percent to close at 2,421 points.

Of the total 228 issues traded on the day, 126 gained, 95 incurred losses and seven remained unchanged.

The day's total turnover rose to Tk 3.87 billion on Wednesday from Tk 3.76 billion on Tuesday. Market capitalisation rose to Tk 999 billion on Wednesday from Tk 995 billion on Tuesday.

Titas Gas, BEXIMCO, ICB 2nd NRB, GRAMEENS2, ACI, AIMS 1st Mutual Fund, Beximco Pharma, Lankabangla Finance, Grameen 1 and S. Alam CRST were the day's turnover leaders in terms of value.

The day's top tens in terms of volume were AIMS 1st Mutual Fund, GRAMEENS2, BEXIMCO, ICB 2nd NRB, Beximco Pharma, Grameen 1, Titas Gas, BD Com, Square Textiles and Keya Cosmetics.

Top gainers of the day were Sino Bangla, Saleh Carpet, Shinepukur, ICB 1st NRB, BD Luggage, Pragati Insurance, GRAMEENS2, ICB 2nd NRB, Miracle Industries and Grameen 1.

Among the top losers were Chittagong Vegetables, Bengal Biscuits, Gemini Sea Food, Sonargaon, AMCL (PRAN), Rose Heaven, Monno Ceramics, Purabi general Insurance, Samorita and Union Capital.

Pak HC hosts Iftar party

Staff Reporter

Pakistan High Commission to Bangladesh yesterday hosted an Iftar party in honour of journalists at the National Shooting Complex in the city where the 5th Women Entrepreneurs Trade Expo is being held from September 7.

Press Minister Rao Liaqat Ali Khan, Cultural Attaché Zulfiqar Yonuas and First Secretary Aamir Shouket, among others were present on the occasion.

The High Commission officials briefed about the Commission's project to promote women entrepreneurs and increase their market access.

They said more than 60 stalls from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and China were participating the exhibitions to be ended tomorrow.