The New Nation - Internet Edition

CAB distributes foodstuff among wayside vendors

Staff Reporter

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) yesterday handed over foodstuff van to eleven trained wayside food vendors to encourage them for selling hygienic food items.

The CAB distributed the foodstuff vans among the vendors under its ongoing research project styled "FAO-National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP).

Under the programme, the CAB has already trained up 60 wayside food vendors for preparing germ-free food items.

CAB will also impart training 240 more vendors of Motijheel, Dhanmondi and Lalbag areas to prepare the hygienic foodstuff.

Executive Editor of Janakanta Borhan Ahmed, Director General of Food Directorate Pius Costa, FAO-NFPCSP Chief Technical Advisor Chiro Feorilo spoke on the occasion.

CNG-run bus catches fire in city

UNB, Dhaka

A CNG-run passenger bus caught in a fire in the city's Mohakhali area, creating panic among the passengers on Sunday.

Police and witnesses said Bengal Paribahan, a CNG-driven passenger bus, was on its way to Motijheel from Gulshan-1 when the fire broke out when it reached Mohakhali kitchen market area at about 4pm due to mechanical problem.

The body of the bus was almost destroyed.

The panicked bus passengers desperately got down from the bus but they were unhurt.

On information, firefighters rushed to the scene and doused the blaze at about 4:30pm with the help of local people.

Army Chief hosts Iftar for injured freedom fighters

UNB, Dhaka

Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed hosted an iftar party in honour of injured freedom fighters at Senakunja at Dhaka Cantonment here Sunday evening.

More than 300 freedom fighters attended the party where Liberation War Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (Rtd) M A Matin was the chief guest.

The Adviser and the Army Chief exchanged greetings with the freedom fighters.

A special munajat was offered seeking divine blessings for continued peace, advancement and prosperity of the nation before the Iftar.

Liberation War Affairs Secretary Nasiruddin Ahmed, high military officials and the convener of Muktijoddha Sangsad Masud Ahmed were also present on the occasion.

BGMEA-BMET sign MoU to develop manpower skill

UNB, Dhaka

BGMEA Sunday signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) Bureau, opening an avenue for BMET trainees an almost confirmed job in the ready-made garments industry.

BGMEA Vice-President M Harunur Rashid and BMET Director General M Abdul Malek signed the 2-year agreement at Hotel Sonargaon to develop manpower skilled in RMG trade.

Under the agreement, BMET developed around 15,000 manpower, skilled in RMG trade, annually from their 23 technical training centres across the country.

Placement officers in the Human Resource Department of BGMEA would regularly visit the BMET centres and pick manpower suitably for the industry, said a BGMEA executive.

She said BMET has already requested BGMEA to examine their curriculum and review, if necessary, in consistence with RMG industry requirement.

The BMET DG said they have a capacity to develop 49,000 manpower skilled in different trades. "I hope, we will be able to provide skilled manpower as required by the RMG industry," he told the signing in ceremony.

BGMEA President Anwarul Alam Chowdhury Parvez said the RMG industry would be benefited from the BMET centres as the industry has been suffering from lack of skilled manpower. "We will be able to improve our efficiency with manpower from BMET," he said, adding, "The initiative is an excellent example of public-private partnership."

Finance Adviser leaves for Jeddah

UNB, Dhaka

Finance Adviser Dr AB Mirza M Azizul Islam left here for Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

During his visit, the Adviser will meet with President of Islamic Development Bank Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali in Jeddah and discuss matters of mutual interest.

He is expected to return home on September 29, said an official release.

Photo competition on 'Natural Disaster of Bangladesh'

BSS, Dhaka

Dhaka Ahsania Mission has organized a photo competition titled 'Natural Disaster of Bangladesh'. Photo journalists, professional and amateur photographers have been invited to participate in the photo competition, said a press release on Sunday.

A photographer may send more than one photographs taken between January 1, 2006 and August 2008 which are not used earlier. Photographs will have to send with caption mentioning date and place of photography. The size of photographs will be 12"x16" in mat paper.

'Natural Disaster of Bangladesh' will have to be written on the envelope containing photographs and CV, two copies of passport size photographs of the photographer will have to be sent to Dhaka Ahsania Mission, House no. 19, Road no. 12 (New), Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1209 by October 20 next.

The value of 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be Taka 12,000, Taka 10,000 and Taka 8,000 respectively.

Besides, seven more consolation prizes will also given valued Taka 2,000 each.

Tk 30 lakh given to Hindu Welfare Trust for Durga Puja

BSS, Dhaka

A total of Taka 30 lakh has been given to Hindu Religious Welfare Trust from the Chief Adviser's relief and welfare fund for distributing to different Puja mandaps across the country for this year's Durga Puja celebration.

The allocation was made at a meeting of the Trustee board of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust at the conference room of the religious affairs ministry with adviser for Religious, Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs A F Hassan Ariff in the chair.

The meeting decided that each Puja mandap would get minimum amount of Taka five hundred and maximum of Taka three thousand, an official handout said. The money will be distributed through the Trustee members.

The meeting also decided to constitute a review committee for amending the Hindu heredity law. The home ministry has already decided to take some steps to ensure security of the Puja mandaps during the Durga Puja festival.

Among others, A H M Afzal Hossain, joint secretary of the religious affairs ministry and Jagadish Roy, secretary of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and other members of the trustee board were present.

Call to strengthen IT based teaching system

BSS, Dhaka

International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) on its 17th academic retreat programme here on Sunday expressed its strong commitment to strengthen the IT-based teaching technology with maximum stress on the students' capacity building.

" This is essential for making the 21st century graduates capable enough to face all challenges with their knowledge, wisdom, expertise and skill," said Vice-chancellor of the IUBAT Professor Dr. M. Alimullah Miyan while initiating the daylong programme.

The programme was held at the IUBAT seminar hall for assessing the ongoing teaching process and introducing a new modality to upgrade the teaching method through research based global learning, an IUBAT press release said.

Prof. Miyan described the academics as the pillars of society as he was delivering his presentation on 'Teaching for Excellence" and "Faculty Role for Academic Culture." Teaching is a holy task, he said.

The IUBAT Vice-chancellor said persons involved in this noble profession must have full range dedication and continued efforts with their heads and hearts together to help the students grow as the worthy educated force.

He said the teachers should increasingly participate in different local, national and regional programmes like conference, seminar, workshop and consultations for their professional upgradation.

Heads of different departments and Faculty members of the IUBAT shared thoughts and experiences in different areas of the profession and highlighted global challenges relating to teaching, training, research, publication and overall academic dispensation.

Ms Jennifer I Carlos, Dr K A Matin, Group Captain (retd) M S Zoha, and Professor Humayun Kabir, representing different faculties and departments, gave their respective presentations on the occasion.

The event was followed by Iftar and Dinner.

CA greets Prime Minister of Mali

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Sunday felicitated the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mali Modibo Sidibe on the occasion of the National Day of that country that falls today.

"It is my firm conviction that the bonds of friendship and cooperation that so happily exist between our two countries will grow in depth and dimension in the days ahead," the Chief Adviser said in a message.

Dr Fakhruddin conveyed best wishes for his good health and personal well-being and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the fraternal people of the Republic of Mali.

Iajuddin felicitates President of Mali

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Sunday felicitated the President of the Republic of Mali Amadou Toumani Toure on the occasion of the National Day of that country that country that falls today.

"I am confident that the existing friendly relations between our two countries will be further consolidated and strengthened in the days ahead," the President said in a message of felicitation.

The president conveyed best wishes for his good health and personal well-being and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the brotherly people of Mali.

'Prices of essentials cheaper at BDR-run sale centres'

BSS, Dhaka

Prices of essentials were cheaper at BDR-run sale centres and markets compared to those in the city's ordinary markets on Suturday, said a BDR market survey released here on Sunday.

Flour in packet was sold between Taka 36 and 38 per kg at the ordinary markets, it said adding, the item was sold at Taka 38 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 35 at BDR-run sale centres. The price of one-kg flour in Kolkata is equivalent to Taka 22.58.

Coarse rice was sold between Taka 31 and 33 per kg at different markets in the city. Rice was sold at Taka 34 at BDR- run open markets and Taka 28 at BDR-run sale centres while the item is being sold at Taka 24.19 in Kolkata markets.

Lentil (imported) was sold at different city markets at Taka 85 to Taka 90 per kg which is Taka 75-85 at BDR-run sale centres and Taka 83 at BDR-run open markets while lentil is being sold at Taka 83.87 in Kolkata markets.

Onion (imported) was sold at different city markets ranged between Taka 16 and 24. Onion was sold at Taka 18 at BDR run open markets and Taka 18 at BDR run sale centres. The item is available in Kolkata at Taka 17.74.

Potato was sold at different city markets at Taka 14 to Taka 16 per kg, while it was Taka 14 both at BDR-run open markets BDR- run sales centres. In Kolkata, the price of the item is Taka 08.87.

Sugar is being sold at Taka 35 to 38 per kg at different city markets against Taka 35 at BDR-run open markets. In Kolkata, its price stands at Taka 33.87.

Soybean oil was sold between Taka 102 and Taka 110 per liter at ordinary markets, while it is available at Taka 103 at BDR-run open markets and Taka 95 at BDR run sale centres. In Kolkata, the price of soybean oil is Taka 93.54 per liter.

Palm oil was sold at T0aka 70 to Taka 80 per liter at ordinary markets, compared to Taka 67 per liter at BDR-run open markets and sale centres. In Kolkata, the price of palm oil is Taka 88.70 per liter.

Besides, Hilsa fish was sold at different markets at Taka 250 to Taka 290 per kg on Saturday, the release added.

Int'l Day of Peace observed

BSS, Dhaka

The International Day of Peace was observed in the country yesterday as elsewhere of the world with a call for commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.

It was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

On the occasion, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed has reiterated the country's pledge to work for promotion of peace around the world and commitment to the UN efforts to foster global peace, progress and prosperity.

In a message on the eve of the day, he said Bangladesh has remained deeply committed to the values and principles of the UN system and has contributed to the realisation of the principles and purposes of UN to promote peace in the world.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said only a global economic system with equitable opportunity for all the countries would reinforce Bangladesh efforts to make peace durable.

"Our participation in the peacekeeping missions and our contribution in the development agenda of the UN speak for our unflinching commitment to peace," he added.

Referring to food insecurity along with the extremely negative impacts of climate change and oil price hike worldwide, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said these are new challenges to stability, which is the precondition of peace and security.

He said without combating hunger, malnutrition, diseases, illiteracy, we cannot move forward in our quest for peace. That is where development and peace are inextricably interlinked, he added.

Different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out various programmes including rallies and seminars to mark the day.

Gan-Sohagi Memorial Trust Fund of Dhaka University (DU) organised a seminar titled 'sixteen Gan-Sohagi International day of peace lecture' at R C Mojumder Auditorium at the campus.

DU Vice Chancellor Professor SMA Faiz was the chief guest and Pro Vice Chancellor AFM Yusuf Haider was in the chair. Dean of the Faculty of Social Science Professor Harun-or-Rashid was the special guest.

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Bea M. ten Tusscher gave a lecture on 'War, Peace and Justice : Sharing International Experience from the Capital of International Justice, The Hague."

Prof Faiz said all nations have an obligation to contribute to promote peace security and a sustainable environment and fight against poverty, disease and hunger."

He said lasting and sustainable peace depends on the existence of legitimate national authorities, adequate security and equitable distribution of both benefits and burdens and the opportunity for ordinary people to take part in the political process.

After the lecture, a peace rally was brought out at the campus led by Prof Faiz and the Netherlands Ambassador.

President receives national ID card

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed received his National Identity Card at Bangabhaban on Sunday.

Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Aziz Hassan, Deputy District Commissioner Mohammad Zillar Rahman and district election officer M Delwar Hossain handed over the National Identity Card to the President.

While receiving the NI card, the President termed the endeavour of giving national identity card to each of the voters as an epoch making event in the country's history.

Professor Iajuddin expressed his satisfaction over completion of such a gigantic task properly within a short span of time. He also thanked all concerned for giving their huge efforts in making the task a success.

Secretary of the President's Office Md Sirajul Islam, Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohammad Ruhul Amin and President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were also present on the occasion.

Dependents of dead RMG workers get insurance money

BSS, Dhaka

The dependents of 15 dead garment workers has received the cheques for money of their group insurance.

The cheques were distributed at a function organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at its office in the city.

BGMEA director SM Mannan Kachi presided over the function while vice president of Delta Life Insurance Dr Ashraf Uddin and BGMEA standing committee chairman on UD Knit Kutubuddin Ahmed attended the function.

Director Kachi handed over the cheques to the relatives of the workers who died in different accidents.

A special munajat was also offered seeking peace of the departed souls.

Ex-Sonali Bank MD jailed for 8 years

BSS, Dhaka

A special court here yesterday sentenced former managing director of Sonali Bank Md Tahminur Rahman to eight years' imprisonment for acquiring wealth beyond his known sources of income and concealing information in his wealth statement.

Judge of the makeshift court in the Sangsad Bhaban compound AK Roy handed down the verdict after examining the witnesses and relevant documents. The convict is on the run.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lodged the case on April 27 last with Ramna thana in the city, accusing him of amassing assets through illegal means and hiding information about his actual property in the statement submitted to the ACC.

Rahman was sentenced to five years in prison for acquiring property disproportionate to his known sources of income and three years for submitting untrue statement to the ACC.

The court also fined him Taka one lakh. In default, he will suffer three months more in jail. It also ordered confiscation of his assets worth Taka 62 lakh, acquired illegally, in favour of the state.

The punishment will be in force from the day he surrenders to the court or is arrested.