The New Nation - Internet Edition

AL disassociates from fronts: Appears inclined to participate in JS polls under Emergency Rules; Donors urged not to fund local poll observers

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday urged the government not to allow the local election observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections, as most of the employees of local observation team are directly or indirectly involved in politics.

AL delegation will sit with the Election Commission (EC) to discuss about different crucial issues relating to the parliamentary elections, which includes the issue of Representatives of People's Order (RPO) and electoral law.

Syed Ashraful Islam disclosed this at a press briefing following a AL presidium meeting at the Gulshan residence of AL acting President Zillur Rahman.

The party would write to the financiers of the local poll observers asking them not to provide them money, the stand-in general secretary said.

"No local observer can be allowed. I have seen in my electoral constituency that senior leaders of (BNP's student wing) Chhatra Dal and BNP were moving inside the polling station wearing observer's badges."

He also informed that AL will disassociate itself from all front organisations and the decision in this regard is going to be approved by the Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) on October 11."

He said that the front organisations would run independent of AL influence and take decisions on their own.

The move comes in line with the new electoral laws that made it mandatory for political parties to disband front organisations to register with the EC and the deadline for registration ends on Ocober15.

The front organisations are Bangladesh Chhatra League, youth front Bangladesh Jubo League, women front Mahila Awami League, peasants wing Bangladesh Krishak League, labour wing Jatiya Sramik League, weavers front Bangladesh Tanti League, volunteers wing Awami Sechchhasebak League, physicians front Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad and lawyers wing Awami Ainjibi Parishad.

Ashraful declined to make comments on the relation with the overseas wings of the party.

Ashraful vehemently criticised the provision of the election code of conduct announced by the EC that the EC may scrap candidacy of any candidate even after the finalisation of candidates' list after scrutiny of the nomination papers.

"We are surprised at such law. We will go to the EC to discuss these issues," he added.

He said that the party would collect registration form from the EC secretariat today.

He informed that the ALCWC on October 11 would discuss about the issue of the party's constitution for getting registered with the EC as a political party.

He also demanded lifting of the state of emergency, unconditional release of party chief Sheikh Hasina and withdrawal of all the cases filed against the political leaders.

"It has to be ensured by enforcing law that the elections remain free from intimidation and vote buying.

"The government can use some emergency rules as general law. But there is no need to keep the state of emergency in its entirety in force."

Replying to a question, Ashraf said after finalising the issue of 'grand alliance' they would focus on nomination.

He said the party's draft manifesto was ready. The ALCWC will approve the manifesto with some changes.

Ashraf said party chief Sheikh Hasina, now on parole receiving treatment in the United States, has told them that she might return home on Octtober 26.

Demanding maximum security of Sheikh Hasina he said, "We are worried over her security. We have had primary discussion with the government on the issue. The government has also asked us to apply for security for our leader before she returns home."

The Awami League, Ashraful said, wanted that Hasina was provided security similar to the Prime Minister.

Presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed and Begum Motia Chowdhury, chairman of election steering committee HT Imam and party information and research secretary Nooh-ul Alam Lenin were present.

Package of proposals to bolster ties : Myanmar agrees to export one-lakh MT rice

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed welcoming the
Vice-Senior General of Myanmar Maung Aye at Zia
International Airport on Tuesday. PID photo

UNB, Dhaka

Myanmar yesterday agreed to export one lakh metric tonnes of rice to Bangladesh on regular basis as Dhaka made a host of proposals for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Yangon to a new height.

The agreement came during official talks between Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and visiting Vice-Chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar Vice-senior General Maung Aye at the Chief Advisor's office.

One of the major proposals placed by Dhaka is for installing a cross-border gas pipeline from Myanmar into Bangladesh to produce fertilizer here to meet Myanmar's demand.

During the 90-minute talks, the two government leaders discussed early construction of a 23-km road linkage inside Myanmar at a cost of $ 20.3 million for direct trans-border communications.

The Bangladesh side proposed that the road link could be extended up to China to establish a direct land route connecting China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Myanmar side said they would think about the proposal, since it requires funding.

Briefing reporters at the CA's office Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said the two leaders also discussed delimitation of maritime boundary, contract farming by taking lease of cultivable lands in Myanmar and repatriation of the remaining 21,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.

The two sides also focused on how to increase bilateral trade from the current $ 140 million to $500 million as Myanmar showed interest in importing more pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.

Besides, they discussed intensifying military-to- military cooperation through training program and exchange of visits between the two neighboring countries.

An agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation was signed after the meeting.

"Talks were extremely fruitful," Iftekhar told the reporters. He said Myanmar's Ministers for Energy, Commerce, Construction, Immigration and Foreign Affairs, who are accompanying General Maung Aye, would sit with the Advisors concerned tomorrow to follow up the official talks.

In reply to a question about tentative date for the construction of

the 20-km road connecting Bangladesh and Myanmar, he said it would be clear after tomorrow's meeting with Communications Advisor Maj Gen (retd) Golam Quader.

Asked about Myanmar's response to Bangladesh proposal regarding supply of gas through pipeline for production of fertilizer in Bangladesh, the Advisor said there was no instant response, but the energy ministries of the two countries would further discuss the proposed venture.

On maritime boundary, the Chief Advisor requested the Myanmar General to use his political clout as well as a political direction from them for resolving the longstanding matter quickly.

About progress on Bangladesh's proposal for contract farming, he said it is a complex subject and needs more discussions.

On procurement of rice from Myanmar, the Advisor said the Bangladesh side proposed to increase the quantum of import to one-lakh ton from 50,000 since rice production in that country got stable. The Commerce Ministries of the two countries will decide the matter in a couple of days.

About repatriation of the 21,000 Rohingyas, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed proposed a tripartite mechanism involving Myanmar, Bangladesh and UNHCR for speedy repatriation of the refugees camped in Cox's Bazar since early 90s.

Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were present at the briefing.

BNP warns of poll boycott

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia presiding over the
Standing Committee meeting at the party's new office at
Gulshan in the city on Tuesday. NN photo

Staff Reporter

BNP warned that it would not take part in the next parliamentary elections if any hurdles were created deliberately in the path of holding a free and fair election scheduled for December 18.

"We will take the decision after holding meetings with the components of the four party alliance," Khandoker Delwar Hossain, Secretary General of BNP told the journalists after the standing committee meeting held at the party's newly opened office at Gulashn in the city.

Presided over by BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia the meeting was also attended among others by standing committee members M Saifur Rahman, Dr RA Gani, Chowdhury Tanveer Ahmed Siddiqui, Advocate Khandaker Mahbubuddin Ahmed, Abul Matin Chowdhury, Lt Gen (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman and M Shamsul Islam.

"We want to take part in the parliamentary polls, but the Election Commission (EC) as well as the government have to create an atmosphere favourable for taking part in the elections," Delwar said.

The meeting also discussed political situation and possibility of the expansion of the four-party alliance.

Hossain Zillur urges BGMEA: Achieve $25b apparels export target

Staff Reporter

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said that the garments manufacturers should maintain the standard of their products to achieve its $25 billion apparels export target by 2030.

He was addressing as chief guest a signing ceremony of the agreement of cooperation between BGMEA Institute of Fashion and Technology (BIFT) and London College of Fashion (LCF), University of the Arts of London, UK on BIFT campus in the city.

Zillur Rahman said that the garment manufacturers would be able to achieve its $25 billion apparels export target by creating skilled manpower in this sector.

"The BGMEA has played a vital role to train up its workers as well as create graduate manpower from its institute," he said.

He said that the signing ceremony of the agreement of cooperation between BIFT and LCF is a signal of confidence of our global leadership in this sector.

According to the Commerce Adviser the signing will enrich the country's economy by sharing knowledge.

Dr Zillur praised the BGMEA activities to generate manpower from the less privileged section of the society.

Commerce Ministry Secretary Feroz Ahmed said that the garment manufacturers should use better knowledge and latest technology to achieve faster growth in this sector.

He expected that by signing this agreement the certificates of BIFT will be accredited worldwide.

BGMEA President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury said that the garments manufacturers are pro-active to continue its export growth rate with the support of the government.

He called upon the education adviser to allocate a land in the heart of the city to set up a full-fledged university by BGMEA.

LCF Dean Wendy Patrica Eileen Hammett, David Lee, Project Manager of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Vienna Austria, International Coordinator of UNIDO John T Smith, BIFT President Benajir Ahmed, Chief Technical Adviser of BQSP David Holbourne addressed at the signing programme.

Assam violence toll rises: India deploys copters to spot rioters

Agency, Guahati

Police in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam are using helicopters to spot rioting mobs as the death toll in days of violence has risen to 47.

More than 100 people have been injured in the riots that have now spread to new areas in the state, officials say.

More than 85,000 people have fled their homes and taken shelter in government camps set up mainly in schools.

The clashes broke out on Friday between Bodo tribespeople and Muslim settlers from Bangladesh in Udalguri district.

The groups have been fighting with bows and arrows, machetes and guns, and several villages have been set on fire.

Police have imposed a curfew and have orders to shoot rioters on sight. There have been long-running tensions in Assam state between indigenous peoples and settlers. Over the last two months, members of indigenous communities such as the Bodos have been targeting immigrant Muslims of Bengali descent, describing them as "illegal infiltrators" from Bangladesh, the BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta says.

The Muslim leaders say most of their people came to Assam before Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 and obtained Indian citizenship legally.

Helicopters are being used to spot movement of mobs in remote areas, Assam's police chief RN Mathur was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying.

Meanwhile, violence has spread to Assam's western district of Chirang where three Muslims have been killed by armed Bodo tribespeople.

Among those killed was a pregnant woman.

One man injured in the clashes between Muslims and another tribe, the Rabhas, in the western district of Goalpara succumbed to his wounds on Tuesday.

A government spokesman said several relief camps had been opened in Udalguri and Darrang districts, mostly in school buildings, where tens of thousands of people had taken shelter.

Our correspondent says the Assam police have acted tough to quell the riots.

Clashes started late on Friday after news spread that some Muslims had stolen cattle from Bodo villages in Rowta area of Udalguri.

Rumours that Muslim militants had planted bombs and raised Pakistani flags added to the tension, local officials said.

Subsequently, several Muslim villages in Rowta were attacked and houses were set on fire.

The Muslims retaliated after the body of a Muslim man was found on Saturday morning.

Udalguri's head of administration and the police chief have been removed from their posts for failing to take prompt measures to curb the violence, officials said.

Amu, Suranjit likely to meet Hasina in London

Staff Reporter

Former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, now in London, was likely to hold a meeting yesterday with the visiting AL presidium members-Amir Hossain Amu and Suranjit Sengupta-to give instructions regarding participation in the forthcoming general elections, it is learnt.

Sources said Sheikh Hasina, who is taking treatment in USA and Canada reached London on Monday and staying with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana.

Amir Hossain Amu and Suranjit Sengupta are supposed to meet Hasina on their return from Brussels.

Sources said the AL leaders during their meeting would inform their party chief about the latest development in the political arena and convey message from an influential quarter.

The leaders would also discuss formation of grand alliance (mahajote), seat sharing with alliance partners and other election related matters; since Sheikh Hasina is already late to return to home after completion of her treatment. The AL president, expected to return later this month, would not get sufficient time to deal with the above issues.

Amir Hossain Amu and Suranjit Sengupta left Dhaka on Saturday at the invitation of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and European Union

They were scheduled to attend a meeting with British Minister for Asia and Bangladesh Lord Mark Malloch Brown on October 6 and with members of EU parliamentary committee on Foreign and Development Affairs later.

They are also scheduled to hold talks with officials of the European Commission.

According to sources, the AL leaders during these meetings are likely to focus on the forthcoming elections, latest political situation and AL's position on participation in the polls.

Meanwhile, when contacted AL presidium members-Abdur Razzak and Begum Matia Chowdhury told The New Nation that they are not aware about the planned meeting with party chief in London.

Parties must apply for registration by Oct 15: CEC

Staff Reporter

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday said the political parties must apply for registration with the Election Commission (EC) by October 15 for contesting the upcoming parliamentary polls to be held on December 18.

"Political parties will have to apply for registration to the EC for participating in parliamentary elections, " he told the journalists at the EC secretariat.

Election Commissioners M Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat

Hossain, EC secretary M Humayun Kabir were present.

Replying to a question on whether the EC would extend the timeframe for political parties registration, Dr Huda said there was no chance of extending the timeframe for party registration.

"The EC would not extend the timeframe for registration as the parliamentary elections would be held in December," he added.

He, however, hoped that the political parties would be able to be registered with the EC within the deadline.

Responding to another query for registration of political parties within the short span of time, the CEC said "We're not worried about the span of time remaining ahead for party registration,".

Asked whether the EC faces any hurdles for holding a free and fair poll in scheduled date, he said the commission was not facing any problem relating to hold parliamentary elections in time.

"We've no problem in holding the elections," he said.

About the second amendment to the revised Representation of People Order (RPO), the CEC said now unregistered political parties would have to get aligned with registered parties by merger for participating in the general election.

Dr Huda said the unregistered political parties, as allies of the registered parties would have to contest the election using the election symbol of the registered political parties.

It may be mentioned that the council of advisers of the caretaker government Monday finally approved a second amendment to the revised RPO to facilitate the political parties' registration with the Election Commission by submitting their provisional party constitution for time constraints.

Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said that any big political party could complete its registration with the commission in a single day, as the parties now need not hold party council to amend their constitution.

He noted that the big political parties have been working at present to get registered with the commission within the timeframe.

Polls under emergency to protect voters, women, minority: Zillur

Staff Reporter

Adviser for Commerce Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said the forthcoming generals elections might be held under emergency to protect voters, the women and minorities in particular.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of four advisers charged with negotiating dialogue with political parties, he said, if necessary, the emergency rules would be relaxed further to facilitate election campaign and politics.

The Adviser mentioned that the government has already eased the state of emergency to such a level that it now exists only in name.

He said the government has created an environment for a meaningful voting as the people expect a credible elections and political transition to stability after the elections.

Replying to a question Hossain Zillur said there has been much progress in holding the dialogue with BNP.

"Dialogue with them (BNP) will be held soon. They are also showing great interest. I hope the dialogue will be fruitful," he said.

The Adviser said the government is taking quick steps for political transition.

On the debate on whether the elections should be held under the emergency, he argued that the emergency had not stood in the way of elections to four city corporation and nine municipalities.

Terming those elections a rehearsal for the national elections, Hossain Zillur said if there were obstacles to smooth holding of the upcoming elections the government would remove them.

He said, "Post-election violence, intimidation and vote buying were a reality in Bangladesh, which necessitated elections under emergency.

Hossain Zillur said the United Nations could realise the matter and extended its support in holding the elections under emergency. He said the European Union would also realise it soon.

He said the government was going to start dialogue at the grassroots level again to know whether there was any doubt over election and what the common people wanted.

Replying to another question the Adviser said dialogue between the two former prime ministers-Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia-was necessary for post-election stability.

He however, said it was not a matter only for the government to consider; rather they would also have to take initiatives.

Earlier, the meeting was held at the Ministry of Communications. The others advisers attending the meeting include Adviser for Communications Maj Gen (Retd) Ghulam Quader, Adviser for Law AF Hassan Ariff and Adviser for LGRD M Anwarul Iqbal.

Taskforce to probe tainted powder milk import

Staff Reporter

The government has formed an 8-member inter agency taskforce to investigate import and marketing of melamine contaminated powder milk, says a Commerce Ministry notification.

Additional Secretary of Ministry of Commerce Golam Mustakim will lead the taskforce, which will oversee whether any powder milk is importing without BSTI approval.

The taskforce will also work to identify if any powder milk was imported and marketed without approval of BSTI.

Necessary actions will be taken against the importers of tainted milk powder, the notifications said.

The committee will submit its report to the Commerce Ministry within 15 days of its inception.

The BSTI already confirmed import of tainted milk from China by some of the unscrupulous businessmen. After laboratory tests BSTI found melamine contamination in three brands of power milk that was imported from China.

Earlier, the BSTI has advised people to remain alert about consuming China produced powder milk-Iasli-1 and 2, and Baby Sweet.

The BSTI had colleted 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.

However, the government is yet to ban any brand of China produced tainted milk even after contamination has been detected.

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.

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

UK MP says: Next JS poll important to break despair

UNB, Dhaka

Influential British MP and former Minister Keith Vaz, who is leading a parliamentary delegation, has said the forthcoming general elections are probably the most important in Bangladesh's history to "break the cycle of despair" and make "a new beginning."

"The rest of the world particularly British look for a peaceful election in which Bangladesh can elect a new government. So, it is important to Bangladeshi people," he told UNB.

Vaz, who is chairman of the select committee on UK's Home Affairs, said Bangladesh has a key role to play in world affairs because of its size and its talented people. "And we want Bangladesh to be back in international winning side."

Asked how important is the December 18 polls to Bangladesh-Britain relationship, he said: "It's very important; probably it's the most important election in Bangladesh history. I think people will go to vote and make the government of their choice."

Asked why Britain considers this election as most important, Vaz, a former state minister for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said:

"Because it is time to break the cycle of despair. I think whole country wants a fresh start, a new beginning."

Asked about some uncertainty about the elections under the state of emergency, he said Bangladesh does not need advice from British politicians and "I am sure it will get its own act together and decide for itself in a proper way."

Asked about certain concerns about the credibility of the elections under the emergency, the British parliamentarian said it is the Bangladeshi people and the government to decide what is best for them.

Vaz, who was elected five times to the House of Commons from Labour Party, said: "I just want to have peaceful election, just want to see there is an election."

Asked if the elections could not be held as scheduled on December 18, he said: "I think everybody will be disappointed. Because, we are looking forward to see a new government is being elected."

Vaz said the caretaker government has done extremely well "but it has to move on."

The parliamentary delegation arrived here Monday after a visit to India to examine the impact of the UK government's worldwide plans for a new points-based migration system and the introduction of new sponsorship arrangements. The system made uncertain the recruitment of chefs from Bangladesh for popular curry industry in Britain.

Replying to a question, Vaz said there are some concerns in newspapers like Curry Life and among other Bangladeshi individuals about the shortage of chefs in UK's curry industry. The Migration Advisory Committee recently published a report about the shortage of chefs.

He was critical of new Immigration Minister Phil Woolas for his reported comments favoring cap (limit) on immigration to Britain. "This is quite a dramatic shift in the government policy," he said, adding "we've never supported a cap, never supported a quota system." Vaz said there is no cap under the point-based immigration system. "This is a very new development," he said, adding the Immigration Minister should clarify his comments before the select committee as soon as possible in order to go through these issues. He favoured recruitment of skilled workforce from outside Europe as he said population in Europe is declining.

Innovation important for economic growth: Moriarty: Asia Regional Higher Edn summit begins

UNB, Dhaka

US Ambassador James F. Moriarty Tuesday said innovation is an important source of economic growth and universities can help nurture innovative ideas needed for the flourishing of the economy of a country.

"The universities possess the skills and the knowledge resources required to nurture innovative ideas. The private sector requires the knowledge the universities have to solve problems, develop new products and applications, enter new markets, reduce costs and increase competitiveness," he said.

The envoy of the United States, the richest of nations in terms of high-tech innovations and wealth generated by the superior technologies, made the observations on the second day of the three-day Asian Regional Higher Education Summit at Westin Hotel in the city.

Titled 'Higher Education's Response to Global Challenges', the brainstorming at the meet is focused on four specific global challenges for the Asia region, including food security, women's entrepreneurship, teacher training, and natural disaster management and mitigation.

Sponsored by the USA, the Summit's objective is to expand the role and impact of US and foreign higher education institutions in worldwide social and economic development, Ambassador Moriarty told his audience.

The participants came from countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the United States, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

They discussed the building of innovative higher education partnerships, the partnership challenge, creating opportunities for public-private partnership and so.

Vice-chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr AMM Safiullah and Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Dr SMA Faiz were among others present at the summit.

Kumari Puja celebrated

BSS, Dhaka

The Kumari Puja, one of the most attractive and significant programmes of the Durga Puja, was arranged at Ramakrishna Mission here yesterday drawing hundreds of Hindu devotees.

Marking the occasion, the Hindus arrange the worship of a young girl on Ashtomi day of the Durga Puja treating her as the Ma Durga. This year a six-year girl Rachita was worshiped in front of the idol of Goddess Durga. Sri Ramakrishna says the Divine Mother manifests herself more in a pure-hearted girl and that is why the Kumari Puja is done. Kumari Shakti is the basis of all creations.

Since early in the morning, the devotees started to arrive RK Mission where such Puja is only held here, with their offerings turning the whole mission area completely overcrowded at about 9 am.

In Mahabharata, Arjuna had performed the Kumari Puja. Swami Vivekananda performed Kumari puja for the first time in Belur in 1902 with worship of many young girls from different communities. Now only one Kumari is worshipped.

In the dawn of Ashtami, the Kumari was bathed and clad in a red benarasi saari. She was then adorned with flowers and jewelry, alta was applied to her feet and a 'tilak' of sindur on her forehead. The young Kumari fasts the whole day until the puja is over.

A decorated chair was made to sit Rachita before the goddess and a flower from the Devi's hand was placed in her hand. Flowers, bel (wood apple) leaves, incense sticks, lamps, 'noibiddo' and other things required for puja were placed before her.

Tk 17 lakh looted from 2 houses at Tanti Bazar

Daring dacoity was committed in two houses at
Tantibazar in the city yesterday noon. NN photo

Staff Reporter

Robbers broke open two houses at Tanti Bazar in the city and looted cash and gold ornaments worth Tk 17 lakh yesterday afternoon.

The robbers broke the locks of the houses and decamped with 72 tolas of gold, Tk 125,000 in cash and other valuables when the inmates out were visiting different Puja Mandaps in the afternoon, said house owners Joy Kishan and Basu Bosh.

On information RAB and police visited the victims' house.

A case was filed with Kotwali Police Station in this connection.