The New Nation - Internet Edition

Good production of BRRI Dhan-33 expected in Rangpur

BSS, Rangpur

The short duration variety anti-Monga paddy of BRRI Dhan-33 now grows excellently everywhere and its harvesting begins from the first week of October in all five districts of greater Rangpur to combat seasonal Monga this year, officials said here.

The farmers of Monga-prone Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts cultivated the paddy in 40,122 hectares land this year, which is 122 hectares higher than that of the fixed target of 40,000 hectares for the area, they added. They said the government, for the first time, launched the large- scale farming of the short duration paddy this year in the area as a part of the ongoing comprehensive programmes for eradicating Monga from the region by the year 2013. The short duration paddy is being cultivated at larger scales under the GO-NGO collaborations during this T-Aman season in greater Rangpur to create job opportunities for the farm labourers during the lean period of Aswin and Kartik months.

Senior experts of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) told BSS that plantation of seedlings and sowing seeds of the BRRI Dhan-33 was completed timely. Principal Scientific Officer of BRRI and Programme Coordinator of 'BRRI-Model Monga Mitigation Programme for Greater Rangpur' Dr Abdul Mazid told that the crop now grows well and its harvest would begin in the last week of September and will get momentum from the first week of October next.

The farmers started planting seedlings and directly sowing seeds of BRRI Dhan-33 using dry and wet Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) methods from the third week of June.

The government undertook a three-year Special Action Plan titled 'BRRI-Model Monga Mitigation Programme for Greater Rangpur' to bring 1,07,000 hectares of lands suitable for farming BRRI Dhan-33 under cultivation by the year 2010 to harvest about five lakh tonnes of paddy in only 115 to 118 days, officials said.

Adopting all necessary steps, timely and smooth supply of the seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and other inputs to the farmers was ensured for cultivating the BRRI Dhan- 33 variety paddy smoothly, Deputy Director of DAE, Rangpur, Kamal Shariful Alam said. To make the farming successful, necessary practical trainings were provided to 440 agriculture officers on the latest technologies of farming the BRRI Dhan-33, using Leaf Colour Charts, Guti Urea, integrated pests management methods, properly sowing of the seeds and nurturing the fields. The trained agriculture officers have now been educating over one- lakh farmers at the grassroots level to acquaint them with the technologies of growing this variety of paddy for making the programme a success. The said a large number of farm labourers would get jobs for 45 days during the peak Monga period of Aswin and Kartik months this year in greater Rangpur and the farmers would get early harvest of the paddy during their Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja festivities.

Harvesting periods of all subsequent crops will be advanced by 40 days to enable the farmers get more profits as cultivation of BRRI Dhan-33 would be followed by the relay-method growth of early variety crops like potato, moog, vegetables, maize and mustard.

They technology, evolved by the BRRI, could also increase overall crop production and reduce risk of natural calamities and substantially save fuel and leave less negative impact on nature because of the new pattern of crop farming throughout the year.

As many as 19 lakh farm labourers will get jobs during the Monga by the year 2010 when the lands earmarked for the cultivation would be brought under BRRI Dhan-33 farming. A total of 43 NGOs are working with the concerned government departments to make the 3-year term Special Action Plan a success, Dr Mazid told BSS.

Husband sentenced to life term for killing wife in Barisal

Our Correspondent, Barisal

A trial court in Barisal on Monday sentenced absconding husband Alamgir Hossain Kazi to life term imprisonment for killing his wife Henera Begum.

Siddikul Arefin Chowhury, first Additional District and Session Judge of Barisal announced the verdict after examining 11 out of16 witnesses and other evidences and the trial completed in absentia of accesed Alamgir.

The prosecution story in brief was Alamgir without taking permission from first wife Henera got married again and on this issue conjugal dispute was created among them.

On March 29, 2005 night Alamgir offering Henera to attend a compromise meeting on this issue took her out of home and on the way killed Henera by beating. Later, he hanged her dead body nearby a road side tree at Shialghuni area under Bakerganj upazila. Dead body of Henera was recovered by police and a murder case was lodged by Monsur Ali, elder brother of the victim with Bakerganj police station on March 30, 2005 and Alamgir became absconding. Sheikh Shahjahan, sub inspector and investigation officer of the case, submitted charge sheet against the lone accused on August 28, 2005.

Tk 396 cr bribed for new gas connections in 27 years of BGSL

BSS, Chittagong

Around Taka 396 crore were transacted as bribe by an unscrupulous syndicate for giving new connections of gas from the Bakharabad Gas System Limited (BGSL) over the last 27 years.

In 2006-2007, the syndicate allegedly composed of employees of BGSL and its enlisted contractors as well as those of LGED, Roads and Highways, and the Department of Environments consumed Taka 25.28 crore as bribe by giving new gas connection to the clients. A survey conducted by the Chittagong Metropolitan Chapter of Sachetan Nagorik Committee-SNC (Conscious Citizens Committee), a TIB affiliated anti-crime watchdog, revealed these irregularities in its report placed at a roundtable here today.

The survey, which began in December, 2006 and ended in August this year, pinpointed the causes of corruption in the process of distributing and marketing natural gas in Chittagong region by the BGSL and also evaluated the company's overall performance in providing service to the subscribers. The roundtable held at a local hotel was presided over by SNC convener Begum Mustari Shafi. Researcher and TIB Programme Officer Mohammad Golam Mostafa presented the survey report. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman was the moderator. Economist Professor Anu Mohammad, Energy expert Professor Shamsul Alam of CUET, Managing Director of BGSL Kamrul Islam and Director of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahfuzul Haq Shah, among others, took part in the discussion on the survey report.

The report said that apart from new gas connections, serious irregularities have long been in force at the BGSL's operational levels like meter reading, raising of gas pressure, by-passing of meter, recruitment and transfer of employees, purchase and sales. Discriminatory gas supply agreement with multinational company-KAFCO, system loss and excessive government control over the BGSL are some of the main causes of its perennial financial losses, the report observed.

The BGSL incurs a loss of Taka 229 crore every year for supplying gas to the KAFCO at a subsidised rate, it said and strongly suggested several effective steps to ensure transparency and accountability of its operational activities. The survey suggested introduction of pre-paid metering system for domestic consumers, automated internal operation, stopping rampant activities of trade unions, strict monitoring to check illegal connection, setting up "utility court" to punish the persons responsible for pilferage and illegal connection. Professor Anu Mohammad felt it necessary for establishing "national ownership" over the country's energy resources to ensure security and rapid industrialisation. "One of the major reasons of the present gas crises is that the gas sector has gone into the grip of multinational companies", he said describing the current problem in the gas sector as artificial created by a vested quarter.

SI caught red-handed while taking bribe

Our Correspondent, Barisal

A team of anti-corruption commission trapped and caught red handed Sub Inspector A K M Shahim Hassan of Barisal Kotwali Model Police station under Barisal Metropolitan police on Friday last. ACC and BMP sources said after receiving huge allegations against SI Shamim about taking bribes, harassing innocent people by inclining in criminal cases and other corruptions, the ACC decided to trap him.

In the mean time SI Shamim as investigation officer of a case of extortion demanded Tk.10 thousand as bribe from one Baker Ali of Vatikhana Road of the city, accused in that case with his two sons.

Baker paid Tk.2 thousand as advance and informing ACC fixed date for payment of rest Tk.8 thousand to SI Shamim.

Accordingly a team of ACC led by Ram Mohan Nath, Assistant Director of Barisal district ACC along with Rezaul Karim, assistant commissioner of BMP special branch trapped SI Shamim at Katpatty Road of the city adjacent to the Kotwali Police station on Friday noon.

The team caught SI Shamim red handed while he was receiving the he bribe amount of Tk.8000 previously marked by the ACC team. Later more Tk. 16,330 in cash and TT receipt of Tk. 2, 50,599 recovered from the possession of SI Shamim.

Rammohan Nath, Assistant Director of Barisal district ACC, lodged a case as complainant against SI Shamim with Kotwali police station under Anti-Corruption Act on Friday afternoon. Higher authority already suspended SI Shamim and he handed over to Kotwali police station custody after primary interrogation by ACC and would be sent to jail after producing before the court on Saturday, said Hayatul Islam, assistant commissioner of BMP.

Prisoner dies at SBMCH

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Obaidul Huq, 65, a prisoner convicted for life term and serving rigorous imprisonment at Barisal Central Jail, died at Barisal Shere Bangla Medical College Hospital on Saturday night.

His dead body was handed over to his relative on Sunday after autopsy and lodging a case of unnatural death with Barisal Kotwali police Station.

Jail, police and hospital sources said that Obaidul was sentenced to life term imprisonment for murder by a Pirojpur court on September 30, 1985.

He as sent from Pirojpur district jail to Barisal central jail on April 21,1998 and got admitted to Barisal SBMCH by the jail authority on May 19, 2008 following heart and chest trouble.

Obaidul expired under treatment at SBMCH on September 6, 2008 (Saturday) night.

Release of Khaleda Zia demanded

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Jatiytabadi Chhatra Dal brought out an demonstration procession at Barisal Brojo Mohan College Campus on Sunday morning demanding immediate release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and other leaders of the party.

After the procession they staged a demonstration the campus which was presided over by Ashraful Huq Ripon, and addressed among others by Fazlul Bari Choyon, BM College JCD president and secretary ,Tarikul Islam Shahin, Nazmul Ahsan Sabir,Mushfikul Hassan Masum,Mahmud Billah, Mahfuzullah Mehedi, Mahfuzur Rahman Mithu, JCD leaders of Barisal district,city,BM College and Polytechnic College JCD unit.

AKTEL’s promotional offer for pre-paid customers

Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

AKTEL, a leading mobile operator of the country has announced its new Promotional Offer for its Pre-Paid Customers, at a press conference held at its Mymensingh Regional Office in the district town on Saturday.

Md Tanveer Hossain, Regional Head, told the press conference that AKTEL has been serving the people for the last 11 years and this mobile operator is trying to reach the better services at the doorstep of the customers.

Under this offer a Pre-Paid customer will get 25 percent bonus on his extra used of money in September than that of August, added the Regional Head. Among others, Head of Customer Care Service Centre KM Azanal Hossain and Regional Manager of AKTEL Md. Tareq Salah Uddin were present at the press conference.

Meeting on Durga Puja celebration held in Rupganj

Our Correspondent, Rupganj

A meeting to celebrate Durga Puja was held by the Upazila Puja Udjapon Committee on 7th September last at the auditorium of Rupganj Upazila in Narayanganj with Nahid Sultana Mollick, Upazila Nirbahi Officer in the chair.

Abu Mohammad Fazlul Karim, OC Rupganj Thana, Krishna Gopal Sharma Secretary, Paritosh Baroi, Sunandra Chandra Sarkar, Sankor Chandra Ghosh, Birash Chandra Pal, Nepal Chandra Roy, Sanda Rani Sarker, members of the Puja Udjapon Committee attended the meeting and addressed. The speakers demanded peaceful admosphere for the Puja Celebration. The Upazila administration has assured that all kinds of security will be provided at the 33 Puja celebration spots all over the Upazila.

Indigenous farmers achieve bumper production of Jhum crops in Bandarban

UNB, Bandarban

Indigenous farmers of the district achieved bumper production of Jhum crops this season due to favorable weather.

Farmers, who cultivate different crops every season under the jhum method, have already harvested paddy, maize and chili and received bumper production from those due to timely and adequate rainfall.

They are also getting fair price from the harvested crops in the local markets.

There are a huge demand of sweet pumpkins and papayas in the district and farmers are also earning huge profit selling those in the local market.

Department of Agricultural Extension sources said indigenous farmers brought 7,680 hectares of land under jhum cultivation in the district this season and achieved bumper production.

With the arrival of new crops in their houses the tribesmen are now taking preparations to observe their traditional 'Nabanna Utsab'.

2 arrested with arms, Phensidyl in Rupganj

A Correspondent, Rupganj

Acting on a tip-off a team of RAB-11 arrested two listed terrorists with firearms and bullets and 20 bottles of Phensidyl from Chanpara Rehabilitation Centre at Rupgonj, Narayanganj on 1st September at dead of night.

The terrors were identified as Shamser Ali (25), son of Hasmot Ali and Babul Paluan (35) son of Jalal Paluan of this Centre. Mahbub Ali Lt. Colonel of RAB-11 informed they were wanted in many cases including murder.

Mymensingh Diabetic Association gets affiliation of BDA

Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

Mymensingh Diabetic Association (MDA) has got the affiliation of Bangladesh Diabetic Association (BDA). The Executive Committee of Bangladesh Diabetic Association has taken decision at the National Executive Committee's meeting. After getting registration from Social Welfare Department, a few days ago, chairman of the affiliated committee Major General Prof A.R Khan and co-ordinator Dr. Wajedul visited the Mymensingh Diabetic Association Office and Clinic. President, Mymensingh Diabetic Association Dr. A.K.M Musa Shahin and General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Shafi told this Correspondent that they are very much happy with the decision of Bangladesh Diabetic Association.

People will get better treatment here. They shall have not to go to BIRDEM, Dhaka.

News Briefs

Three killed in road accident in Jessore

JESSORE, Sept 10: Three persons were killed in a road accident at Dhalgram-Shalikha road of Agra village under Sadar Upazila of the district on Monday. The dead were identified as Tokon,35 son of Abdul Gaffar of Agra village, Azizur Rahman,30, son of Dalu Mia and another unidentified man. Police said a truck skidded off the road and fell in a ditch as the driver lost control over the steering. As a result three persons were dead on the spot, reports UNB.

2 women traffickers get life in Satkhira

SATKHIRA, Sept 11: Two women traffickers were sentenced to life term imprisonment by a court here on Monday in a women trafficking case in Satkhira. Judge of the District Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal Mohammad Mutazidur Rahman delivered the verdict in a crowded courtroom. The convicts were identified as Shamsul Haque, 55, and Yusub Majumder of Chhagalnaya under Fulgazi upazila of Feni. The court also fined the convicts Taka 20,000 each in default to suffer one more year in prison. The prosecution story in brief is that the convicts in a bid to traffick a girl to India through Lakkhidari border under Sadar Upazila, were detained by the members of Bangladesh Rifles on September 18, 2006, reports UNB.

Smuggled spare parts seized in Jessore

BENAPOLE, Jessore, Sept 11: Members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) seized huge quantity of Indian smuggled spare-parts from Sharsha upazila of the district on Monday. BDR sources said, based on secret information, members of the border guards raided Lautara village and seized huge quantity of smuggled spare-parts worth about Taka five lakh. The smugglers were carrying the spare-parts by cycles. Sensing the presence of the BDR members the smugglers escaped the scene leaving behind the cycles with the spare-parts. The seized goods were kept with BDR custody, reports UNB.

Phensidyl seized in Joypurhat

JOYPURHAT, Sept 11 : Police in separate drives arrested 19 people and seized 100 bottles of Phensidyl from different places of the district on 6th September last. Police said they raided different places of five thana areas and arrested the people with phensidyl. The arrested were convicted warrantees, drug traffickers and anti-social elements. Of them, Joypurhat thana police arrested five persons, Panchbibi four, Kheltal four, Kalai three and Akkelpur thana police arrested three persons, reports BSS.

Two commit suicide

RANGPUR, Sept 11 : Two persons committed suicides at different places in the district in separate incidents during the past two days, Police sources said. The sources said mentally retarded person Hafizar Rahman, 35, son of Montaz Ali of village Buzruk Sherpur in Mithapukur upazila allegedly committed suicide by taking poison at home on Friday. Newly married Lebu Mian, 45, son of Alhaj Moslekin Mian of village Purbo Jagodishpur in Sadar upazila of the district allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at their garden for unknown reason, reports UNB.

Fertilisers seized

RANGPUR, Sept 11: Police seized a huge quantity of illegally hoarded chemical fertilisers from two places in villages Keshabpur Hindu Para and Keshabpur Baniapara under Sadar upazila in the district recently. Acting on secret information, a special police team from Kotwali Thana led by Sub-Inspector Emran Hossain raided the houses of Abdul Matin and Raja Mian in the villages and seized a total of 158 sacks of fertilisers including TSP, Mixed- Organic and urea fertilisers, reports BSS.