The New Nation - Internet Edition

Ashraful asks top lawyer, business leaders: Don’t meddle in politics: Sending e-mail by Hasina denied: UK HC hands over 'a to do list’

Syed Ashraful Islam

Duncan Norman

Staff Reporter

Syed Ashraful Islam, Acting General Secretary of Awami League (AL) yesterday denied report in a section of press that AL chief Sheikh Hasina has agreed to sit across the table with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in a policy summit.

He said that neither he nor his party has received any e-mail or written letter in this regard from Sheikh Hasina who is now in the United States.

Earlier, AL presidium member Suranjit Sen Gupta confirmed to the reporters about the e-mail from Hasina while other senior AL leaders including Amir Hossain Amu dismissed such a mail as just a rumour.

He feared that the militant groups might attempt to kill party chief Sheikh Hasina when she will launch the election campaign ahead of the general elections slated for Dec. 18.

He asked the caretaker government to arrange Special Security Force (SSF) for Sheikh Hasina and other senior political leaders of his party.

Ashraful requested the businessmen and lawyers not to involve themselves in politics, rather they should mind on their own business instead of trying to bring the two former prime ministers to a negotiating table.

Ashraful was briefing the reporters after his meeting with the deputy British High Commissioner in Dhaka Duncan Norman at his NAM flat.

Barrister Rafiqul Huq, who moved cases for both Hasina and BNP Chief Khaleda in court, took the initiative to bring them across a table to discuss over national issues.

Anisul Huq ,President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) which represents the business community, recently said they were also trying to get the two arch political rivals to sit across the table.

About the apprehension of possible militant attack on Sheikh Hasina, Syed Ashraful Islam said that she narrowly escaped a series of grenade blasts on a rally at the party's headquarters on Aug. 21, 2003 that left 24 people dead including a top party leader Ivy Rahman and scores of others injured.

"We all want the polls to be held peacefully, but even the British diplomats here are apprehensive of atrocities and militant attacks that might affect us."

He quoted the British diplomat as saying that they were worried about the safety of people during the electioneering.

He feared that professional terrorists and militants might be more and more active and launch violent attacks.

"We will mull over the issue of meeting between Hasina and Khaleda after the government formally tells AL to hold such a summit. But the government has not yet proposed to AL formally about such meeting. AL will consider the two-leader dialogue only after the government invites us officially to such a meeting, " said Ashraful.

Talking to the journalists, the British envoy said he came to convey three messages to the AL that the two major political parties should participate in the national elections, provoking politics should be given up and the two work together to strengthen the country's democratic institutions, including parliament and the Election Commission (EC).

I'll convey the same message to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party too," he said.

He emphasised on practicing of constructive politics saying, "Politics of conflict will not augur well for the progress of a developing country like Bangladesh."

Asked if a level playing field had been readied for the polls, he said: "We think people must have the opportunity to choose their leaders."

Home-bound journey begins ahead of Eid

RAB personnel checking the luggage of a passenger
inside a train at Kamalapur Railway Station yesterday to
ensure the security for home-bound Eid passengers.
FocusBangla

Mamunur Rashid

Bus, launch terminals and train stations in the city witnessed a huge crowd on Thursday, one week ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with tens of thousands of people leaving the city to celebrate the holy occasion with their near and dear ones.

Eid-ul-Fitr may be celebrated next Wednesday or Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday being Government holidays leave only two working days in the week. Most of the employees were likely to take two days leave and enjoy a 10-day Eid vacation this year.

Tens of thousands of people yesterday crowded the Sadarghat launch terminal, Kamalapur Railway Station and all the inter-district bus terminals in the city to avail of the transport to ferry them home.

A total of 100 double-decker and triple-decker vessels left the Sadarghat terminal by Thursday evening on 39 routes of the southern region, sources in the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority said.

People in their hundreds from different parts of the city rushed to the Sadarghat terminal braving all hassles.

They went to the launch terminal on foot, by rickshaw, CNG-run auto-rickshaw, taxicab and private car and microbuses.

The middle and upper class passengers mainly booked cabins earlier by paying Tk 500 to Tk 800 extra over the actual fare, while the lower class and lower middle-class people jostled for a little space on the launch decks.

A large number of water vessels were kept anchored in the middle of the River Buriganga forcing the people to get on boats to reach the launches risking accidents.

Cabin fare of launches is higher than the regular charge during the Eid festival, while the deck fare is almost equal to the fare charged round the year, owners and passengers said.

Eid passengers crowed bus terminals as usual to ensure their home journey. At Sayedabad terminal, people were seen bargaining on fare.

The law enforces agencies set up camps at Sayedabad bus terminal and two other at Mohakhali and Gabtali terminals to ensure security for homebound people.

Most of the people gathered in the Gabtali terminal for journey to the southwest parts of the country. Passengers heading towards Satkhira, Jessore, Khulna, Bagarhat, Kushtia and Chuadanga suffered the most as most of them failed to book tickets in advance.

A number of buses that used to ply on other routes started trips to Comilla and other adjacent districts cashing in on the rush of passengers.

Regan, a Satkhira-bound passenger, told the New Nation, 'Normally, the fare for the distance is Tk 300. But they were demanding Tk 500 as fare.'

A good many buses were found taking in passengers some 200 yards away from the Sayedabad terminal yesterday. They were charging increased fare from the passengers.

The situation in the Kamalapur Railway Station was different as most of the passengers booked advance tickets they faced very little trouble in boarding their respective trains.

A total of 21 inter-city trains left Kamalapur Station on yesterday, including a special train on Dhaka-Jamalpur route, station manager Abu Sayed Ahmed said.

Fakhruddin in New York: Caretaker govt is not a permanent solution

UNB, New York

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday dispelled any confusion over holding the general election in the country on December 18 as already announced.

"The end of journey of the present caretaker government is to hold a free, fair and credible election to transfer power to the next elected government," he said.

The head of the caretaker government made the remarks in reply to questions from Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United States, particularly in New York, when asked about the end of this interim government and whether the general election will be held at all.

Fakhruddin replied to a volley of questions at a reception accorded to him by the Bangladesh community at World Fair Marina Hotel at Queens Borough in New York City, where most Bangladeshi expatriates live. Bangladesh Embassy in USA organized the reception in the afternoon where people of different professions attended and interacted with the Chief Adviser.

The Chief Adviser said the caretaker government while starting its journey in January last year had announced that their main objective would be to hold a fair election and transfer power to the elected government, and he government did not deviate from that objective. "There is no alternative to democracy. We're working to attain the goal. The general election will be held in December 18. The new elected government will take the responsibility," he told the function in his introductory remarks.

Queries made during the question and answer session included release of suspected corrupts, political reform, necessity of caretaker government, dual citizenship of Bangladeshi expatriates, their voting rights, crossfire by RAB, changing Constitution, Saudi deposit of Tk 1,000 crore in the Chief Adviser's Fund, overseas units of political parties, trial of war criminals and barring them from participating in elections, prices of essentials, problems of Bangladeshi workforce in Kuwait and Malaysia, human rights and influence of western diplomats on Bangladesh.

About the bails of suspected corrupts, the Chief Adviser said they were not released permanently, but enlarged on bail. Cases have not been withdrawn or no process of withdrawal has taken place. The judiciary is functioning with full independence.

The suspected corrupts, he said, have been released on bail under the judicial process and "if we believe in rule of law we'll have to respect the order of the judiciary."

He, however, added that already about 92 suspected corrupts including politicians, government officials and businessmen have been convicted.

He informed that still there are many cases under trial and more will take place in the future.

Fakhrudidn hoped that the Anti-Corruption Commission would carry on its anti-corruption trial process. "We also want to prevent corruption and in this regard, a strategy paper is under preparation," he said.

He also said that trials were taking place as per the existing laws of the land. They (corrupt suspects) filed writ petitions to secure stay on lower court orders. Everything is being done under due process of law. "We are proceeding obeying the due process of law."

On the influence of western diplomats, the Chief Adviser said not only diplomats of the western countries, there is also no influence of any diplomat on the decisions of the government.

"Policy decisions are taken according to our judgement, wisdom and consideration. It is our right… Our decisions are entirely ours," he told his audience.

Regarding political front organization abroad, he said that as per the Representation of People's Ordinance (RPO), the political parties would not be allowed to have front organizations or any unit abroad, and in educational institutions.

Replying to a question if Tk 1000 crore from Saudi Arabia were deposited to the Chief Adviser's Fund, Fakhruddin straightway replied in the negative.

On political party reforms, he said that as per the RPO, the political parties would have to make registration and submit their new party constitution to the Election Commission.

The political parties, he said, will have to have a bank account, have to mention sources of income and carry out regular audit of accounts by independent audit accountants for release on public domain.

The Election Commission will have the right to cancel registration of political party and through the RPO, financial transparency and accountability of the political party would come, the CA said.

Replying to a question, he said the necessity of caretaker government is enshrined in the Constitution. The present caretaker government has taken office and oath as per the Constitution.

He, however, said the caretaker government is not a permanent solution. It is a matter of thought whether the caretaker government should exist in the future. Caretaker government should never be seen as a permanent solution.

On a question about crossfire by RAB as violation of human rights, the Chief Adviser said no death should take place in such manner. After the setting up of the Human Rights Commission such matters will be placed before the Commission.

He said the independent Human Rights Commission would be set up within one or two months.

Referring to the President's and CA's visit to the mazars of Sheikh Mujib and Ziaur Rahman one participant asked if the government has any plan to recognize Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani as national leader, the CA mentioned that portraits of national leaders including Bangabandhu, Suhrawardy, Bhasani and Fazlul Huq were displayed prominently during the parade at the National Parade Square in celebrating the independence day in 2007 and 2008.

"This is a kind of recognition," he said adding that those national leaders having contributions to the country should be recognized.

On changing of the constitution, he said the caretaker government has not taken any initiative to change the constitution, as they do not think it is their responsibility. But he admitted the necessity of changing the Constitution.

Fakhruddin also mentioned his government's various activities and interventions including the steps taken and new laws promulgated to strengthen the local government, discussions with Kuwait and Malaysia to resolve the problems of the Bangladeshi workforce and examining the matter of voting right of the Bangladeshi expatriates.

He said that an independent and strong Local Government Commission would be set up within the next two weeks.

The Chief Adviser said they want to transfer power to the next elected government to pave the way for forward march of democracy by establishing good governance and rule of law, while people will feel secure with sound law and order.

Regarding dual citizenship, he said a gazette notification published September 23 allowed for dual citizenship.

Regarding resumption of the operation of Biman flight to New York, he said they are trying to resume the operation as soon as possible during the tenure of the caretaker government.

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Women and Children Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury, Bangladeshi community leaders and representatives including Dr Delwar Hossain, Rehan Reza, Dr Debobrata Dutta, Dr Khondokar Masudur Rahman and Minhazuddin Babar, among others, spoke at the function.

Chief Adviser's wife Neena Ahmed was also present at the reception, chaired by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Humayun Kabir.

ACC intensifies efforts to fight HC-stayed VIP cases: Gen Mashhud holds meetings with Dr Kamal, AG, ACC lawyers’ panel

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission now intensified its move to fight the cases filed by the ACC under the anti-graft purge but stayed by the High Court, with the priority put on dealing with the cases involving VIPs.

As part of the stoked-up efforts, ACC chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday held lengthy meetings with the attorney general and the panel of Commission's lawyers, sources said.

The ACC chairman drove to the residence of eminent lawyer Dr Kamal Hossain for seeking his legal advice.

During the meeting with attorney-general Salauddin Ahmed, the ACC chief sought cooperation from the office of Attorney General in running the cases stayed put, in what looked like a turnabout from the post-1/11 crackdown that had thrown many high-profile persons, including two former premiers, behind bars.

They also discussed specific ways of a fight-back in the cases through coordination between the lawyers of the state and the Commission.

The meeting decided to take preparation for fighting the cases with full force of their legal weapons. Mashhud and Salauddin also talked about rule hearings of the graft cases.

In the meeting between the ACC chairman and 20-25 panel lawyers, a decision was taken as to how the rule hearings could be held on priority basis after the vacation of the High Court.

The meeting identified the problems that might come up during the hearings and the lawyers were asked to be "careful about the problems".

A senior ACC official said there is not much similarity between the information provided by the writ petitioners and those in the ACC files.

"This point will be raised in the courts."

Some 300 corruption cases have been stayed following writ petitions filed by the accused, he informed.

The cases stayed by the High Court have been divided into three categories, and the lawyers have been instructed for trying to get the cases disposed of in the shortest possible time.

The ACC lawyers have also been directed to hold the rule hearings of the cases involving the VIPs.

Three division benches of the High Court have been designated to hear the pending rules.

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's personal physician Syed Mudasser Ali has asked additional attorney general Mansur Habib to seek apology for his remarks on the former premier's health condition.

"His remarks were completely immoral and unscientific. He must seek apology to the nation or come up with evidence to defend himself," Dr Mudasser told reporters at his Dhanmondi chamber.

He said Sheikh Hasina is still suffering from blood pressure and severe problems in her eyes and ears.

Schedules of JS, UZ polls in first week of Nov

UNB, Dhaka

Schedules for both the upazila and parliamentary elections would be announced simultaneously in the first week of November, also setting the same last date for filing nomination for the two races.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain disclosed the EC plan yesterday. "Schedules for upazila and parliamentary polls will be announced on the same day," he told reporters replying to a question at his office.

Sakhawat Hossain said the last date for submitting nomination papers for both the parliamentary and upazila elections would be the same and scrutiny of the nominations might be completed within a day or two.

He informed that the Election Commission has a plan to extend the number of polling centers during the parliamentary elections. "There are normally 35,000 polling centers in the country and 10 percent of them will be increased during the parliamentary polls," he said.

The Election Commissioner said the commission is thinking about extending the polling centers as the queues of voters were found larger during the last elections held on August 4, and also daytime in December is accounted smaller.

"We assume that the voters' numbers can be found greater during the parliamentary elections," he said.

Replying to a query, he said the final voter list of all areas of the country would reach the Election Commission between October 12 and 16.

About the contentious delimitation, Sakhawat said the hearing on the delimitation of the parliamentary seats would be held on September 29.

Replying to a question, the Election Commissioner said the upazila elections would be held on December 24 and 28 across the country but declined to say whether the local polls would be political or not. "I can't say this," he said, adding that the voting centers for both the parliamentary and upazila elections would be the same."

Sakhawat said the transparent ballot boxes would be used in the parliamentary elections and the non-transparent (steel) boxes during the upazila elections. "There are over 3 lakh steel ballot boxes in the country," he said.

He said the polling centers that would be closed for unwanted reasons must be open during the upazila polls after investigating the incidence by the election officers concerned. "The Commission has a plan to open these centers if there is no complication found."

Sakhawat informed that the Election Commission is going to introduce postal ballot, especially for people like polling and presiding officers who get involved with the conduct of election. "There'll be arrangement for 3 to 3.5 lakh postal ballots in the commission."

He, however, said only the petitioners would be able to cast their vote through the postal ballot and the voting papers would have to be posted 3 or 4 days before the election date. "The returning officers will open these postal ballots reached by 4pm during the election dates," he said.

Massive reform at SSC, HSC education

DU Correspondent

Education Ministry has taken up a plan to reform education at secondary and higher secondary levels following discussions at different stages.

The Ministry will hold a daylong programme divided into five sessions at inter-official level at NAEM on September 27 to discuss the matter elaborately. A workshop will also be arranged in this regard where renowned educationists of the country shall participate.

Participants in different sessions of the workshop will discuss many issues, including making the current policy, rules and regulations more modernised and realistic. It will also discuss institutionally under-served secondary stage, giving permission for lesson, giving academic recognition, opening branch at higher secondary level and honours at degree level.

The workshop shall dwell upon renewal and monitoring of institutions by the education boards, transfer of employees among the general education boards and holding a monthly coordination meeting by board chairman at district levels.

The daylong sessions also include bifurcating Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Department into two departments, English and information technology education at secondary level, updating the website of the Ministry and publication of a regular news letter from the ministry.

Education and Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman will preside over the function, to be attended, among others, by renowned academics and officials.

Beijing bans 22 brands of powder milk: Bangladesh yet to deal with hazard

Staff Reporter

Despite ban in China in the wake of melamine contamination the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) is yet to ban China-produced powder milk-Iasli-1 and 2, and Baby Sweet in the local market.

The BSTI Thursday advised people to remain alert about consuming powder milk-Iasli-1 and 2, and Baby Sweet.

The BSTI has collected samples of 36 brands of milk powder and sent for laboratory tests. It said ban on the powdered milk would be imposed once the contamination is proved.

"When contamination of melamine in the imported milk in our market will be proved, we will ban these in Bangladesh," Chief Adviser's special assistant for Industries Ministry and BSTI council president Mahbub Jamil told newsmen yesterday after a meeting.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Government banned a total of 22 brands of milk, which are also available in Bangladesh market, as many babies and children were infected and many others killed after consuming the melamine contaminated milk in China.

The BSTI meeting initially decided to beef up its campaign to raise awareness about the use of the banned powder milk.

However, the import of contaminated milk has already been suspended following directive of the Ministry Industries.

The meeting further decided to boost its surveillance on food adulteration, cheating in weighing and measurement of products in the days ahead.

The activities of the committee, formed to ensure use of

scale of balance and weights (used in weighing), would also be intensified, the meeting said.

The meeting was told that the draft of the bilateral agreement for assistance between BSTI and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will be submitted soon for approval.

The meeting was informed that issues of food security and health hazards will be placed in the education curriculum, 2009.

Industries Secretary Sheikh Enayetullah, BSTI Director General Azmal

Hossain, among others, were present in the meeting.

Hasina-Hossain Zillur meeting remains elusive

Staff Reporter

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman has given momentum to the speculation about his having a secret meeting with Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in New York recently.

Pointing to the "speculative reports" published in various Bangla Newspapers in US, journalists yesterday asked the Adviser whether he really held any meeting with the AL chief in New York.

The adviser replied neither in the positive, nor in the negative but said, "We are trying to create a level playing field. That is why we are having talks with all including the top leaders."

Dr Zillur was talking to journalists in a regular briefing at his secretariat office when Communications adviser Ghulam Quader, Local government adviser M Anwarul Iqbal and law adviser AF Hassan Ariff were present.

The four advisers led by Hossain Zillur have been engaged in the government's dialogues with political parties.

On the development on a proposed meeting between BNP chief Khaleda Zia and AL chief Hasina, the adviser said, "The government is thinking about the matter. People view it positively. But they (Khaleda and Hasina) need to be interested."

"It can take place if only they are interested. Nothing can be imposed."

Dr Zillur said the sincerity of the caretaker government about holding general elections should not be questioned.

"Date of the national polls was at the centre of the people's demands. The announcement of the election date removed all uncertainty about polls. We are now working to ensure quality," the adviser said at a press briefing held at the communications ministry.

"The government wanted to keep the atmosphere of confidence in election intact."

"We hope everything will be all right soon. We have been working to fulfil the expectations of the people of the country."

The adviser said the government wanted to achieve its goal avoiding the culture of clash.

He said they wanted to take the dialogue to the people to know their expectations about the elections.

Hossain Zillur reiterated that the government would organise three policy-framing conferences to discuss policies for the country after the polls.

"We've received feedback from the political parties on the matter. It will be arranged after discussion with them," he added.

DV applications to be received from Oct 2

Staff Reporter

The application submission for the Diversified Visa (DV) 2010 begins on October 2 and ends on December 1 for permanent residency in the United States.

Fifty thousand people will get chance this time for the permanent residency who are nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the USA.

US Consular Chief Laurie Trost disclosed it yesterday at a press conference at the National Press Club announcing the details of the DV 2010.

She said more DV entries come from Bangladesh than any other country in the world, and more Diversity Visas are issued for Bangladeshi applicants than any other country in Asia.

In reply to a question, Laurie said since the year 2000, over 17,000

DVs have been issued in Bangladesh. Last year, more Bangladeshis applied for the DVs and won more as they have interest in the lottery.

She said results of DV lottery are likely to be known in March-April and interview of the winners may start in October 2009.

Laurie dismissed suspicion that the selection process of DV applicants is manipulated in Washington. "Recipients are drawn from totally random selection among all entries made worldwide," she told newsmen.

Reminding of basic requirements for DV applications, she said applicants must fill out the form clearly and correctly, and submit a recent photograph.

Laurie said assuming all the submitted information is clear and correct, and the applicant's identity is not in question, applicants must then show that they have either the education or work experience required to receive a Diversity Visa.

She encouraged those applying for the DV lottery to evaluate their educational and occupational qualifications before entering the lottery.

To meet educational requirements, applicants must have HSC or a

2-year technical board certificate or a first-year passing certificate from a government-registered university.

Laurie said entrants would be able to check the status of their entry electronically this year for the first time. In order to check the status of their entry via e-DV website, entrants must retain a copy of their confirmation page.

The Consular executive reminded applicants about unscrupulous agents and said entrants should complete their own applications and double-check their entries before submitting them.

"If this is not possible," Laurie said, "applicants can take help of a trusted friend or relative in completing the forms." She said it has been seen many applicants disqualified for entries submitted by agents or cyber-café operators not following the DVC rules carefully.

Beyond that, she said, many of these applicants are victimised by agents who misuse the personal information of applicants and extort money from them, or press them to commit fraud or misrepresent the truth in their interviews. This will disqualify them as entrants.

US economic incentives for credible polls in Bangladesh

UNB, Dhaka

The US Congress Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution urging US President George W Bush to consider extending generous economic support to Bangladesh upon completion of an internationally accepted free and fair election before the end of December 2008.

The US House of Representatives in its resolution HR 1402 titled "Supporting a transition to democracy through free, fair, credible, peaceful, and transparent elections in

Bangladesh" made this request to the US President.

The resolution recognizes the caretaker government's initiatives to eradicate corruption from all levels of government and society through institutional and policy reforms.

The House also urged all political parties in Bangladesh to participate in the elections so that democratic government in the country could continue the fight against corruption and intensify efforts for institutional and policy reforms.

In this connection, the US Congress welcomed the caretaker government' s initiative to hold dialogue with all political parties and civil society organizations.

In the resolution, the House of Representatives members expressed their strong support to the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.

Congress also urged the government of Bangladesh to lift the state of emergency and allow free and fair elections to occur.

Most notably, first time ever, the congress urged the US President to make democratic transition in Bangladesh a "high priority of United States foreign policy".

The congress affirmed willingness of the United States to provide assistance to Bangladesh in its quest for a peaceful transition to democracy.

The resolution was moved in the influential Committee on Foreign Affairs with co-sponsorship of as many as 41 Congressmen. Congressman Joseph Crowley, who is also co-chair of Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, sponsored the resolution.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC worked closely with Congressman Crowley and other Congressmen to get this resolution passed, according to a message received here on Thursday.

Observers believe consideration of a resolution on Bangladesh at these last remaining precious hours of the current US Congress speaks for itself about how the US is going to recalibrate its foreign policy priorities vis-à-vis Bangladesh in the days to come.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, who is presently attending the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, welcomed the initiative of the US Congress and stated that this is indeed a recognition of the creative efforts undertaken by the democracy loving people and the government of Bangladesh to strengthen democratic and accountable governance, which could serve the interest of the common men and women.

He once again expressed resolve of his government to hold free, fair and credible elections in Bangladesh on December 18, 2008.

Rafiqul Huq upset

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Barrister Rafiqul Huq, who is trying to seat former prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia together, has launched an incandescent attack on acting Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam for his advice not to meddle with politics.

"If Ashraful has spoken taking aim at me, he's made a mistake. If he gave this statement aiming at me it is very sad," barrister Huq told bdnews24.com, as he came out all guns blazing.

Ashraful earlier yesterday suggested business leaders and

him, without taking names, that they had better not intrude in political affairs since the party had not received any message from the interim government about the proposed dialogue.

"But interestingly, a lawyer and business people seem to be overly intrigued by the possibilities of the meeting between the two leaders. I'd advise them to pursue their own professions and not bother the politicians," Ashraful had said to reporters after a meeting with acting British high commissioner Duncan Norman at his house.

Barrister Huq, who defends both Hasina and Khaleda in court, said: "I don't know Ashraful. He also does not know me. I have never spoken to him in my life."

"I've talked with Sheikh Hasina. After talking with Sheikh Hasina I've spoken of the talks between the two leaders across the table."

"I am a briefless barrister! That is why I am trying to talk politics, trying to meddle with politics!"

"There is no relation between my proposal to bring the two leaders across the table and politics. I spoke the people's mind."

Continued Huq, "If the lawyers should not do politics a third of the seats in the Jatiya Sangsad would fall vacant. At least one hundred members of our 300-seat parliament are lawyers."

"Not only in Bangladesh, in the UK, the USA, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and in many other civilised countries of the world a big number of parliament members are lawyers."

Two 'terrorists’ killed in encounter

UNB, Faridpur

Two "notorious terrors" condemned for the killing of a journalist and a student leader were killed in an encounter with tough-going RAB crime-combatants in the town early

yesterday.

The deceased were identified as Babu Kosai, 40, and Sabbir Hossain Jahangir alias Golakata Jahangir, 38, both residents of this district headquarters.

They were both condemned to death in separate cases of murder of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Firoj Ahmed of Alipur village and journalist

Badal in the town respectively, official sources said.

Both were fugitives and warranted by police.

Later, the High Court commuted their capital punishment into life-term imprisonment following separate appeals.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) sources said a team of RAB-8 moved on information that two groups of terrorists were in a clandestine meeting inside the abandoned Khanpur Textile Mill on the outskirts of the town at about 3am.

"Sensing the presence of the elite force, the miscreants opened fire, forcing them to fire back, which triggered a 20-minute gunfight," says a RAB account of the shootout.

Amid the late-night fighting, a team of army-led joint forces surrounded the area and later recovered the bullet-riddled bodies of the two fugitives from the mill. Their cohorts fled the scene.

Three firearms and bullets left behind by the terrors were retrieved from the spot after the gunfight.

The bodies were handed over to their guardians at noon after the postmortem done at Faridpur Medical College Hospital. After namaj-e-janaza, they were buried at Alipur graveyard in the town.

Babu, whose cadres had launched a gun-and-bomb attack on journalist Prabir Sikder on April 20, 2001, was wanted in eight criminal cases while Jahangir was sued in five cases, police said.

The ringleaders tried to reorganize their 'bahini's (gangs) after they came out from their longtime hideouts.

So far, six notorious terrors on police list have been killed in such crossfire during encounters with law-enforcers in the district alone.