The New Nation - Internet Edition

Palin power fails to win for McCain

Agency, Washington

The two US vice-presidential candidates have traded blows on the financial crisis, climate change and foreign policy in their only TV debate.

Democrat Joe Biden sought to link Republican presidential candidate John McCain to the policies of President Bush, saying he was “no maverick”.

Republican Sarah Palin defended herself against claims of inexperience and said the McCain ticket would bring change.

Voter polls suggested Biden had won but Mrs Palin did better than expected.

The debate at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, was seen as particularly crucial for Mrs Palin, whose poll ratings have fallen.

The BBC’s Jane O’Brien in Washington says Mrs Palin played to her strengths and her image as a mother in touch with ordinary Americans.

For the most part she spoke fluently but simply about the economy, climate change and the war in Iraq, our correspondent says, and there were few of the stumbling gaffes that have become the staple of late-night comedy shows.

Two polls conducted after the debate, by US networks CNN and CBS News, judged Mr Biden the winner. However, the CNN poll found a large majority thought Mrs Palin had done better than expected.

Asked by moderator Gwen Ifill who was at fault for the current problems with the US banking system, Mrs Palin blamed predatory lenders and “greed and corruption” on Wall Street.

She said “Joe six-packs and hockey moms across the country” - referring to middle-class voters - needed to say “never again” to Wall Street chiefs.

Mrs Palin also accused Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama of seeking to raise taxes but Biden rejected that claim.

He said the economic crisis was evidence that the policies of the past eight years had been “the worst we’ve ever had” and accused McCain of being “out of touch” on the economy.

Senator Obama’s plan to raise taxes on households earning over $250,000 was “fairness”, Biden said, unlike McCain’s proposals for more tax breaks for big companies.

On foreign policy, Mrs Palin accused Obama of refusing to acknowledge that the “surge” strategy of extra troops in Iraq had worked.

“It would be a travesty if we were to quit now in Iraq,” she said, describing Obama’s plan to withdraw combat troops a “white flag of surrender”.

Biden countered by saying McCain had been “dead wrong” on Iraq and had yet to present a plan to end the conflict.

40 injured in Barisal BNP factional clashes

Barisal Correspondent

BNP factional clashes in Gournadi, Agoiljhara and Mehendiganj upazilas injured 40 including cops, journalists, pedestrians and ransacked 4 motorcycles and 3 shops causing disruption of traffic on Barisal -Dhaka highway for hours.

Gournadi municipal mayor and upazila BNP president resigned from his party post following the incident. Witnesses, police and party sources said Jahiruddin Swapan, pro-reformist leader and information and research secretary of central BNP, former lawmaker of Barisal-1 (Agoiljhara-Gournadi) constituency, reached his native village Sharikal of Gournadi on Tuesday to observe Eid with his family members and mass communication with voters. Swapan was assaulted and factional clashes between his followers and anti-reformist factions first occured at Mahilara Bazaar on Wednesday evening when he went there after mass communication and visiting the graveyard of former Batajore union BNP president Master Golam Hossain.

The second incident occured at 10:00 am on Friday morning when Swapan with a motorcycle caravan reached at Gournadi Bandar to meet the journalist of Gournadi Press Club, mass communication and exchange Eid greetings with voters.

Anti-Swapan faction claiming themselves as pro-Khaleda attacked and ransacked three motorcycles of Swapan-followers and Swapan rapidly coming to Gournadi bus stand starting mass communication and took shelter at the shop of Wahidul Huq Khan, Swapan follower BNP leader, aspirant candidate for upazila chairman post and secretary of local businessman association.

The cadres of anti-reformist faction then attacked the Swapan followers there at about 11:00 am and both groups engaged in one and a half hours long clashes, chasing and counter chasing, brick bating, creating panics in the area and disrupting traffics on Barisal-Dhaka highway.

Shops of Wahidul Huq Khan, Swapan follower, Farid Mia, anti-reformist Jubodal leader and municipal councilor, Homeo Pharmacy of Shangkar Chakraborty, ransacked and looted.

About 35 people including leaders and activists of both factions, Md. Wadud, constable of Agoiljhara police station, Giasuddin Mia, local correspondent of daily Samakal, Kulsum Begum and Ali Hossain, two pedestrians, injured and 13 of them got admitted at Gournadi and Agoiljhara hospitals.

Swapan and his followers later safely removed from the spot under police escort up to Sharikal and Tawfiq Mahbub Chowdhury, district police super visited the spot on the same day.

On other hand, pro-reformist Swapan follower Abul Hossain Laltu, secretary, Molla Bashir Ahmed Pannu, organizing secretary of upazila BNP, Nazrul Islam Chunnu, president upzilaTanti Dal, Kabir Hossain Talukdar Jubodal leader of Agoilhara arranged a mass communication program of Swapan after offering Juma prayer there on the same day.

When they advanced to Gournadi to receive Swapan, Khaleda follower anti Swapan faction led by district north Jubodal organizing secretary Shah Md. Bakhtiar resisted them and ransacking motor cycle of Chunnu forced them to return Agoiljhara.

Bakhtiar claimed that as Swapan declared persona non grata in Agoiljhara, so he could not be allowed to enter in that upazila.

On other hand followers of pro-reformist BNP factions led by Bahauddin Talukdar, union president and supporter of Shah Md. Abul Hossain, former Law Maker and State Minister and anti-reformist faction led by Abdul Malek, union vice president of Andharmanik union BNP of Mehendganj upazila under Barisal district clashed and chased each other at Andharmanik Bazar on Wednesday afternoon.

At least five peoples from both sides injured and two cases and counter cases have been lodged in this connection by them against their rivals with Mehendiganj police station on Thursday and Friday.

Rebel cricketers off to India

bdnews24.com, Dhaka

The 'rebel' cricketers, led by former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar, left Dhaka Saturday morning for the Indian city of Chandigarh via Delhi to take part in the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL) with hopes of qualifying for the semifinals.

The Dhaka Warriors will start their campaign against inaugural league champions Chennai Super Star on Oct 11 in the 11-team second edition twenty20 meet.

"We will represent Bangladesh rather than play for a foreign team, and if we perform well, then it will certainly delight Bangladeshi fans," Bashar told reporters during the players' departure at Zia International Airport.

"Our first target is to qualify for the semifinals, and then we will consider the rest," said Bangladesh's most successful captain.

Bashar sought blessings from the countrymen to do well in the 'rebel cricket league', saying the nation's support would greatly inspire them.

"We will hope for a little support from all, and all players from Dhaka Warriors will be very grateful to our countrymen if they back us," said the 36-year-old batsman, adding that they felt cornered after signing for the ICL.

Eight top cricketers, contracted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, retired last month from all forms of cricket to play the ICL-facing a backlash and prompting huge debate in the country on whether they should play the ICL instead of for the national team.

Following the cricketers' retirement, the BCB who does not recognise the ICL banned those cricketers for 10 years for playing the league.

However, hard-hitter batsman Aftab Ahmed is still dreaming of returning to the national fold and requested the board to reconsider its decision.

"I want to play for the country, but don't know how it is possible now," Aftab said regretfully. "I hope the board will reconsider us."

Aftab felt no better at the airport as he was leaving the country for the first time without wearing the national jersey.

Wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh, however, was in a different mood.

"I have given back to Bangladesh as much as it has helped me build up my career," said the 20-year-old wicketkeeper, who has played only 14 one-day internationals for Bangladesh.

Middle order batsman Alok Kapali sees playing in the ICL as a challenge as questions about his ability had arisen in the national team.

"I have taken it as a challenge and want to prove wrong what had been said about me," said Kapali, who returned to form hitting a century against India in the Asia Cup.

Those who left for India are: Habibul Bashar, Shahriar Nafees, Aftab Ahmed, Alok Kapali, Tapash Baisya, Nazim Uddin, Farhad Reza, Mosharraf Hossain Rubel, Dhiman Ghosh, Mohammad Rafique, Manjurul Islam, Mahbubul Karim, Golam Mabud and Mohammad Sharif.

Biggest ever Eid jamat held in Sholakia

Alam Sarwar Titu, Kishoreganj

The biggest ever eid jamat was held at the historical Sholakia Eidgah ground in Kishorganj district on Thursday last where more than 3.5 lakh people thronged in the largest congregation of the country.

This is for the 181st time the eid jamat was held in this ground, which owes its beginning in 1827.

The eid jamat was held at 10 o’clock in the morning. Noted Islamic thinker and Khatib of Barabazar Jam-e-Mosque Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Syfullah led the namaz.

Acting General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam, former Law Minister Justice Habibul Islam Bhuiyan, Kishoreganj district BNP general secretary Wali Ullah Rabbani, district Jamaat Ameer maulana Principal Tayebuzzaman, Deputy Commissioner ASM Mahbubul Alam and local elite were among the participants of the eid jamat.

Witnesses said Muslim devotees in thousands joined the congregation from far and near and filled the vast Eidgah by 9am, reciting holy verses. The congregation spilled over to adjacent roads, and pavements as the big bowl of the traditional Eidgah was filled to the capacity with devotees much ahead of the namaj.

As per tradition, six shots from shotguns were first fired before 15 minutes, then for the second time before 10 minutes and for the third and last time before five minutes of the eid-prayer.

Many devotees came 2-3 days ahead and resided either in hotels or relatives’ houses to attend the jamat. Many came by train and bus on the Eid day.

Two oldest devotees were Lilu Mia (80) of Bajitpur and Akram Hossain (90) from Bhaluka of Mymensingh. They have attended the jamat at Sholakia for last 55 years. They believe that if one offers prayers for three consecutive years here, one acquires the “swab” of hajj.

Ismail Showdagor (29) came to Sholakia to say eid prayer after 10 hours of bi-cycle riding. He said praying with hundreds of thousands of people one can acquire extra swab of blessing.

Witnesses said Sholakia wore a festive look on the eve of eid jamat. Many welcoming arches were erected and roads decorated with colourful banners and buntings.

Member Secretery of Eidgah Managemnt committee Mahbubul Huq Jhunu informed newsmen that more than 3.5 lakh devotees thronged the ground this time. The Kishorganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry took necessary arrangements for the devotees who came ahead of the eid day.

Iftekhar urges SAARC countries Bring down tariff barriers

BSS, New York

Foreign Adviser Dr.Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury has called upon the SAARC member countries to bring down tariff barriers to trading.

He also said 'special consideration' should be given to those SAARC nations who are the least developed countries.

The foreign adviser made the appeal during a meeting of SAARC foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly session in New York on Monday evening, according to a message received here on Tuesday.

He said: "We would like to see the implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in letter and spirit. The major barrier to effective trade liberalisation in the region is the list of sensitive items. We call for early action in reduction of this list and the removal of all trade barriers. "

Dr Iftekhar told the SAARC ministers that in pursuit of regional cooperation in development, the SAARC countries should be mindful of the 'larger concerns of environment and sustainable development'.

He noted that the SAARC ministerial meeting on Climate Change resulted in a solid and workable Action Plan which must be implemented. "Recent devastations like Sidr and Nargis constantly remind us of our vulnerabilities," he said.

The foreign adviser conveyed his "deep sorrow" to Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee regarding the bombing incidents that occurred in India on that very day.

Traditional Eid rally in city

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

With the slogan of 'Save Dhaka’s lifeline, the River Buriganga,’ Dhakabashi, an old town-based organisation, and the Committee of the Observance of 400 years of Dhaka jointly brought out a colourful procession and held a rally titled 'Eid Ananda Michhil’ in the city on Friday.

People of all ages in their traditional dresses joined the rally on the premises of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and later paraded the main streets, carrying banners and festoons.

The colourful rally, marked by balloons, festoons and music, started from Shishu Academy and ended at the Hazaribagh Park bypassing the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

The Cultural Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Choudhury was present as chief guest at the rally. President of Workers Party Rashed Khan Menon, General Secretary of Bangladesh Communist Party Mujahidul Islam Selim, former chairman to the Privatisation Commission Inam Ahmed Chowdhury,Adviser of Dhakabasi Nagina Chowdhury, former MP Harun-ur-Rashid, Secretary General of the National Youth Organisation Dulal Biswas, President of Dhakabasi Md Shukur Salek, among others, attended the rally.

Adviser Rasheda K Choudhury said, The 400-year anniversary of Dhaka city will be celebrated in December.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry has already formed a preparatory committee in this regard. A preparatory meeting for the official anniversary celebrations was held last month chaired by the DCC Mayor. The committee will meet after the Eid holiday with all concerned stakeholders in organising the celebrations.”

Earlier, addressing the rally, speakers said the River Buriganga was now nearly dead with no apparent flow due mainly to non-stop disposal of the industrial wastes into it.

They urged the Government and all concerned organisations to help remove all illegal establishments along the two banks of the river.

They also called upon the Government to preserve and restore the old heritage and structures at Shakharibazar, establish playground in each ward of the city and solve all problems facing the capital.

The organisers announced that a festival titled 'Dhaka Youth Cultural Festival’ will be held in the first week of November.

Barapukuria graft case today: ACC to chargesheet Khaleda, 15 others

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission will press charges either today or tomorrow wagainst former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 10 powerful ministers of her cabinet and five others in the Barapukuria graft case.

Sources said investigation officer of the case Abul Kashem Fakir, also an ACC deputy director, will submit the charge sheet in the high-profile case to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court. Earlier, prior to Eid vacation, the anti-graft watchdog approved the submission of the charge sheet against all the 16 accused in the case filed about seven months ago.

However, investigation officer Abul Kashem Fakir told UNB that the charge sheet would be submitted after receiving of the sanction letter from the Commission, but he is yet to receive the sanction letter.

Kashem, who reinvestigated the case, submitted the memo of evidence (investigation report) on September 18 with a recommendation of pressing charges against all the accused.

Following filing of the case on February 26 this year, ACC deputy director Monirul Haque was appointed its investigation officer, and he submitted the investigation report in mid-June after months of investigation.

But, the ACC ordered reinvestigation, as they were not happy with the investigation.

Later, Abul Kashem Fakir was appointed to reinvestigate the high-profile case.

This will be the third charge sheet against the immediate-past premier during the current cleanup drive, after having been charge-sheeted in Gatco and Niko graft cases.

The ACC, during the post-1/11 corruption drive, filed the case against Khaleda Zia, now out of jail on bail, 10 ministers and five others for embezzlement of about Tk 159 crore of the National Exchequer through awarding the Barapukuria Coal Mine deal to the highest bidder instead of the lowest one.

Former Finance Minister Saifur Rahman, ex-BNP secretary general and LGRD Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Jamaat chief and ex-Industries Minister Motiur Rahman Nizami and its secretary general and ex-Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsam M Mujahid are the heavyweights among the ministers of the immediate-past coalition government implicated by the ACC.

The other former ministers accused in the case are Health Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Agriculture Minister MK Anwar, Information Minister Shamsul Islam, Commerce Minister Air Vice-Marshall (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Telecommunications Minister Barrister Aminul Haque and State Minister for Energy AKM Mosharraf Hossain.

The rest of the accused are former energy secretary Nazrul Islam, former Petrobangla chairman and former BISIC chairman SR Osmani, former Petrobangla director Moinul Ahsan, former managing director of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Sirajul Islam and Hossaf Group chairman Moazzem Hossain.

In the case, filed with Shahbagh police station, the anti-graft watchdog body accused the top politicians and bureaucrats of "misappropriating about Tk 159 crore through causing loss to the country's exchequer by awarding the contract of production, management and maintenance of the Barapukuria Coal Mine in Dinajpur to the highest bidder."

Apart from Khaleda and AKM Mosharraf, all the nine former ministers were the members of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase that had approved the deal. Khaleda was in charge of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources while AKM Mosharraf state minister of it. The Commission in the first-information report (FIR) blamed the individuals for misappropriation of the money through misuse of power, either for their own benefit or for the benefit of others. Three Chinese firms took part in the international tender. Of them, Shandong Ludi Consortium was the lowest bidder while Suju Coal Mining Group Consortium the second lowest and China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) consortium the highest bidder. Shandong Ludi Consortium had quoted over Tk 335 crore for the contract. But, the contract was given to China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) consortium that quoted about Tk 483.79 crore, a difference of Tk 158.79 crore. The accused have also been charged with cheating and breach of trust. The case was filed under sections 409/406/109/419/420 of the Penal Code and section 5(2) of the Corruption Prevention Act 1947.

Efforts must to restore democracy: Khaleda

UNB, Dhaka

Former premier and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia Thursday called for united efforts for restoration of democracy to get over the "dismal situation" in the country.

Talking to reporters at an Eid reception at Eskaton Ladies Club, she said people are living in extreme plight and for that she could not feel happy on this happy occasion. However, she said she felt better observing the eid amidst people which she could not do last year for having been held in jail.

"Condition of the people and the country is not good. It needs to overcome the situation and that requires switchover to democracy," the immediate-past Prime Minister said, adding that all will have to make concerted effort for restoration of democracy.

Khaleda said she has three families-her own family, the country and BNP. "I wish everyone may live in happiness."

She hoped that people would be able to celebrate next Eid-ul-Fitr after Ramadan in a democratic atmosphere under an elected government.

The BNP chairperson, arrested under a purge in the interim period and set free on bail recently, exchanged eid greetings and pleasantries with foreign diplomats, including those of the USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and Saudi Arabia.

She also exchanged greetings with representatives of different professions, including editors, lawyers, doctors, engineers, ex-MPs and cross-sections of people from 11:30am to 1pm.

Later, Khaleda went to slain President Ziaur Rahman's mazar and offered fateha.

Hasina to take decision on sitting with Khaleda

BSS, Dhaka

Awami League acting President Zillur Rahman on Thursday said, the meeting between the two top leaders is no doubt a good initiative.

"But Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, who is still under parole, herself will take decision whether she will sit with free BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia," Zillur said.

He made this comment while talking to newsmen at his Gulshan residence here after exchange of Eid greetings with party leaders, workers and well wishers.

"Eid comes to all with festivity after a month long fasting and other religious activities. No grievance could be found between one another in the holy day and it is the day to share joy among each other," he said.

Durga Puja begins today

Staff Reporter

Hindu devotees are all set to invoke goddess Durga, with the Shashti Puja at some 21,649 puja mandaps across the country today.

Durga Puja, the greatest festival of Bengali Hindus, marks the goddess's victory over Mahishashur, the demon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Devotees recite hymns and offer flowers on this day seeking blessings of Durgatinashini Durga, the saviour from all evils. With puja preparations almost complete by now, the environs now reverberate with celestial chants to usher in the mighty deity.

The five-day festivities are formally launched with 'Devi Bodhon', when the goddess Durga is invited to visit earth. The celebrations will continue for next four days for Shaptami, Ashtami, Nabami and Dashami Puja. Dhaka city alone has 162 pavilions located in 21 areas. The main Puja Mandap in the capital will be at Dhakeshwari National Temple and at Ramkrishna Mission.

Mandaps have also been put up at Jagannath Hall in Dhaka University, Ramna Kali Mandir, Siddheswari Kali Mandir, Tanti Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Bangla Bazar, Laxmibazar and in Mohakhali and Farm Gate areas.

Eden College, Banani playground, Sri Sri Ram Sita Temple in the old city, Shiva Temple in Thatari Bazar, Bhagabati Temple, Pranab Moth, Northbroocke Hall Jamidar Bari, Banagram Tarun Sangsad, North and South Mesindi, Narendra Basak Lane, Madan Mohon Temple in Hamanto Das Lane, Rupchan Das Lane, Sri Sri Jamuna Mi Ashram and Siddheswari Kali Temple are among the major festival spots of Durga Puja this year.

The Durga Puja begins just after the greatest Muslim religious festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. Security has been tightened. Monitoring cells have been formed to help the Hindus observe their biggest annual religious festival.

A high level meeting of security officials also decided to install close circuit cameras and set up a police control room inside the Dhakeshwari national temple which is the main venue of the Durga Puja festival.

"We are taking all steps necessary to ensure maximum security to the religious devotees gathering at the temple," said the capital's police commissioner Naim Ahmed.

At an overnight meeting with Hindu leaders the Dhaka police chief also assured the security of 165 temporary temples for the Goddess spread across the capital for the worshippers.

More than 5,000 extra security personnel are to be deployed during the festivals of the two communities.

Home Ministry sources said the additional security alert was needed because of the latest bomb attacks by terror groups on high profile targets in South Asian countries causing deaths and destruction.

Police officials have said the security arrangement on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr would continue up to the Durga Puja besides the special measures undertaken as per the expectations of the Hindu community leaders.

Amu, Suranjit leave for London, Brussels

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League presidium members Amir Hossain Amu and Suranjit Sengupta yesterday left her for London at the invitation of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and European Union.

They will hold meeting with British Minister for Asia and Bangladesh Lord Mark Malloch Brown on October 6.

The AL leaders will leave for Brussels on October 7 and hold talks with members of EU parliamentary committee on Foreign and Development Affairs. They will also hold meeting with officials of the European Commission.

Penguin made 'Sir’

Agency

A penguin who was previously made a Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian Army has been knighted at Edinburgh Zoo.

Penguin Nils Olav has been an honorary member and mascot of the Norwegian King's Guard since 1972.

Over the years, he has been promoted through the ranks after being adopted by Royal Guard who visited the zoo.

During the ceremony, Nils had a sword dubbed on each side of his head, where his shoulders should be, to confirm his regimental knighthood.

A crowd of several hundred people joined the 130 guardsmen at the zoo. A citation from King Harald the Fifth of Norway was read out, which described Nils as a penguin "in every way qualified to receive the honour and dignity of knighthood".

The guardsmen come to see Nils every few years while they are in Edinburgh performing at the city's Military Tattoo.

The proud penguin was on his best behaviour throughout most of the ceremony, but shortly before the ritual was concluded and possibly suffering a bout of nerves he was seen to deposit a discreet white puddle on the ground.

'Extremely proud'

Drawing a polite veil over that, Darren McGarry, animal collection manager at the zoo, said afterwards: "It went extremely well and we are delighted that the Norwegian Guard honoured Nils Olav with a knighthood.

Offices reopen today

UNB, Dhaka

People have started returning to the capital, as government and private offices reopen today after four days of Eid-ul-Fitr vacation and weekend.

But attendance in the offices is expected to be thin as many would like to stay back home availing of optional holidays.

Besides, there is another government holiday on October 9 on the occasion of Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community.