The New Nation - Internet Edition

Most industrial units of Rajshahi BSCIC turns profitable

BSS, Rajshahi

Most industrial units in the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Rajshahi, became profitable over the last couple of years.

Officials told BSS that more than 100 units of BSCIC were declared sick and laid off about 18 to 20 years back but the number at present came down to 11 because of an upswing trend in production and marketing goods. Local entrepreneurs have been showing much interest in restarting the sick industries and operating their business successfully after transferring the ownership. Some of them are also trying to get new plots to set up various industrial units.

Some 179 industrial units on 300 plots are making profit through their successful operation and 12 other units are waiting to go for production in near future, they said.

The 325-plot BSCIC industrial estate, established in 1961 on 95.71 acres of land on the city's outskirts, has been providing electricity, water supply, security, road and drainage facilities to the entrepreneurs for running their business.

It has so far realized around Taka 2.23 crore as different charges against the total dues till June last. Besides, Taka 32.03 crore was realised as revenue from the estate during the period.

Nitol Groups and Partex Groups, two pioneer entrepreneurs in the country, have purchased five plots and will set up their respective industrial units in a sort period.

Officials said several silk-clothes manufacturing units including foreign-owned ones earned reputation for their quality products. They expect that there will no more sick industry in the estate, the officials said.

"The sick industry owners will either restart their business or transfer their possessions," said Murshed Monjur Hassan, Estate Officer of the BSCIC, adding that creation of new estates became necessary to meet the local demand.

Terming the BSCIC industrial area viable for any small and medium industry, Monzur Faruque Chowdhury, owner of Dinar Foods Products, said that the entrepreneurs are making profit and have demanded gas supply to the BSCIC to reduce the production cost.

He stressed the need for taking necessary steps to formulate a separate business friendly policy for northwestern Bangladesh, check smuggling of Indian goods and provide bank loans on low interest for making these industries more profitable in a short period.

Alhaj Sadar Ali, owner of Sapura Silk Mills Limited in the estate, said the real entrepreneurs of the area are willing to set up more industries and urged the government to provide industrial plots to those, who would contribute to the national economy by their production.

CCC Mayor asks councilors to make lists of dev projects

BSS, Chittagong

Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhry on Thursday held a meeting with the CCC councilors at his Chasmahill residence in the city ahead of his leaving for Bangkok on Friday.

During the meeting, the councilors apprised mayor of the state of activities and performance of the organization particularly the current conditions of different projects.

The mayor, who was recently freed on bail, has got necessary approval from the government to visit Thailand to see his daughter Fouzia Sultana Tumpa - a cancer patient now under treatment at a hospital there.

He expressed disappointment over "dismal performance" of CCC in last 19 months and said the city dwellers were deprived of services from the CCC during the period due to administrative inefficiency and lack of proper guideline.

"Even 40 out of 120 vehicles used in conservancy work were out of order suddenly and no steps were taken to repair the vehicles which hampered seriously the planned garbage cleaning drive of the CCC" he said.

Mohiuddin said CCC activities and projects in education , healthcare and road development sectors were either shelved or threatened due to lack of proper management of funds.

He called upon the councilors to prepare list of development projects in their respective areas with estimated allocation of Taka 10 lakhs and said measures would be taken to implement the schemes on priority basis after his return.

Excellent results of Monoharpur Technical & Science College

Our correspondent, Jessore

Manoharpur Technical and Science College(MTSC) situated in the flood-affected area of Bhabadah under Monirampur Upazila in Jessore district has secured the first position among 16 colleges on the basis of examination results.

Out of the 60 students that sat for the HSC (B.M) examination in 2008, 56 students came out successful with 93.33 per cent success average. The college, established in 2004 and recognised in 2005, has introduced Computer Operation and Secretarial Science courses. It may be mentioned that the Army Chief visited the College in April, 2008 and expressed his satisfaction over its overall performances. He donated two computers to the College and assured its enlistment under Monthly Pay Order (MPO).

The Principal of the College attributed the success of the college to the sincere efforts of the students and the teachers of the college. He also mentioned that there was no alternative to holding of regular terminal examinations, class tests and tutorial classes for achieving good results.

Guardians meet held at SR Patwary Educare Instt in Natore

Our Correspondent, Natore

A meeting of teachers, students and guardians of the students was held at S.R. Patwary Quality Educare Institute at Bonpara under Baraigram upazila in Natore on October 10.

Dr. Hosnewara Hossain principal (in charge) of the Institute presided over the meeting. while Gour Pada MondaL a noted Headmaster of St. Joseph's High School, Bonpara was present as chief guest and Dr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman Patwary were attended as a special guest.

It was addressed among others by gurdians Md. Abdul Kader, public prosecutor of Natore district, professor Md. Abul Khair Khan, former UP chairman Md. Mohibur Rahman, Md. Nurul islam and teacher Kalikumar pramanik. The discussion meeting was conducted by Md. Abdul Aziz, Principal of Kalikapur-Bonpara Agriculture and Technical Collage.

The speakers spoke about how it is possible to get better resulis from the students.

Discussion on Sanitation Month held in Baraigram

Our Correspondent, Baraigram

A colourful rally and a discussion meeting were held in observance of "National Sanitation Month October-2008 in Baraigram Upazila of Natore district on October 13.

The rally was brought out from the upazila parishad campus. It paraded the important roads of Bonpara Poura town and ended at the same place of upazila parishad. Upazila Nirbahi Officer, several departmental officers, journalists, Union Parishad (UP) chairmen, students of different schools, local elite, officials of non-government organisation BRAC took part in this rally.

A discussion meeting was held at the upazila parishad hall. Sub- Assistant Engineer (Public Health) Md Zohurul Islam presided over the meeting while Upazila Nirbahi Officer Pronob Kumar Roy was present as chief guest and Senior Upazila Fishery Officer Md Razeul Islam, Headmaster of Bonpara Saint Joseph's High School Gour Pada Mondol were present as special guests. The meeting was conducted by Upazila BRAC (WASH) Manager Md Forhad Ali. It was also addressed, among others, by Upazila Education Officer Md Latif Mollah, Upazila Veterinary Officer Ajoy Kumar.

The chief guest Pronob Kumar Roy said, "To keep sound health and sound mind, we should not use unhygienic open latrine. It spreads disease and pollutes environment, specially water and air.

Advocacy meeting on worm control held in Rajbari

BSS, Rajbari

Rajbari District Health Department organised an advocacy meeting on National Worm Control Programme at Rajbari civil Surgeon office conference room on Wednesday.

Muhammad Mhafuzur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajbari, attended the meeting as chief guest while Mahaboob Elahi, District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) Rajbari was present as special guest.

Presided over by Dr. Md. Bazulul Hoque Civil Surgeon, Rajbari the meeting was addressed among others by Md. Habibur Rahman, DD Family Planning, S.M. Akram Hossain, DD Islamic Foundation, Rajbari, Moazzem Hossain Qazi, assistant Director of Youth Development Office, Rajbari, Dr. Mizanul Haque, MOCS Rajbari, and Abdus Satter, ED of VPKA, Rajbari.

A total of 50 journalist, NGO personnel, elite and civil society members took part in the programme.

World Food Day observed in Kishoreganj

Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj

The World Food day & Telefood 2008 was observed on Thursday in the country as elsewhere across the globel, when recent food crisis and riots still haunt the human kind.

Agriculture Department organised a seminar on World Food Security, the challenges of climate change and Bio-Energy in the context of the present perspective held at local Collectrate conference room on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner ASM Mahabubul Alam attended as chief guest with DLO Md. Nurul Islam in the chair. It was addressed, among others, by Deputy Director of Agriculture Md. Kafiluddin, Md. Mohasin and District Food Controller Parimal Shaha.

Reception accorded to meritorious students in Narail

BSS, Narail

The meritorious students of Lohagora upazila were accorded reception at Ramnarayan Public Library auditorium in the town on Thursday.

Lohagora Municipality organised the function. With Lohagora Mayor Advocate Nawaz Ahmed Thakur in the chair the function was addressed by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Moshiur Rahman was present as chief guest. Principal of Lohagora Adarsha Degree College Kazi Ibne Hasan, educationists Moazzem Hosain, SM Hayetuzzaman, Arobinda Roy, among others, spoke on the occasion.

A total of 114 SSC and HSC level meritorious students of 17 educational institutions of Lohagora upazila were awarded with prize bonds and certificates.

Employment generation programme continues in Gaibandha

BSS, Gaibandha

The work of the special 100-day employment generation programme of the government for the hardcore and the seasonal unemployed people continues in all the 82 unions of seven upazilas in the district from September 15.

The objective of the programme is to assist the poor including marginal farmers to overcome the Monga and face poverty like situation in the Bangla months of Ashwin and Kartik.

District Relief and Rehabilitation office sources said, a total of 4.339 projects involving Taka 49.57 crore are being implemented in the district for rural infrastructure development the project include construction and reconstruction of kucha roads, bridges, culverts earth filling and excavation and re-excavation of derelict ponds and canals and removing water hyacinth from the water bodies, sources said.

A total of 49,570 men and women aged between 18 and 50 years from the poorer section of the district were enlisted to complete the project works. Each worker is getting Taka 100 per day as wage.

The programme will run here in two phases. The 60-day of first phase will exist till November while the second phase of 40-day will start from March 1 to April 30 next year.

Deputy Secretary of Food and Disaster Management Ministry M Siddiqur Rahman visited the different unions including Kholahati Ballamhar, Sahapara, Laxmipur, Dhopadanga, Ramgiban, Naldanga, Bangram, Kanchipara and Betkapara of the district on October 14 and 15 and exchanged views with the workers.

Project implementation officer of Sadar upazila Abdul Mannan, public representatives including chairmen and local elite accompanied him during the visit.

LGED implements 60 projects in Narsingdi

BSS, Narsingdi

Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) has been implementing 60 development schemes involving Taka 14.80 crore in six upazilas of the district during the current financial year.

Official sources said the schemes include construction and reconstruction of roads, culverts, bridges, earth filing and maintenance and development of government primary schools. As many as 55 per cent works of the schemes have already been completed and rest of the works is expected to be finished within next June.

Call to reduce child mortality

Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

Sensitisation workshop on Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health in Mymensingh District was held in Conference Room of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on 13th October. It was presided over by Civil Surgeon Dr. SM Shamsul Alam and Dr. Lutfar Rahman, Director, Dhaka Division DGHS was present as chief guest. Welcome address was delivered by DD Family Planning. Representative Barc Health Programme, Representative of Development Partners EKN, AUS-AID DFID, representative UNICEF, Bangladesh Programme Manager RH, ESP, Divisional Director Family Planning, Dhaka Div. Director MCHS GD -MEQH, DGFP were present as special guest.

The speakers stressed on significant progress in reducing maternal, infant and child mortality.

The goal of the project is to reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortality.

CU to introduce diploma course on modern languages

BSS, Chittagong

Chittagong University (CU) authority is planning set up 'Institute of Modern Language' to introduce one year long certificate and diploma course on different languages.

Primarily, certificate and diploma course on English, France, German, Japanese and Arabic to be started from the academic session 2008-2009, a press release said. The institute will be functioning under CU Arts faculty. Interested applicants have been asked to collect the admission form from CU Arts Faculty Dean office from October 16 to 30 and submit the form within October 30. Admission will begin from November 20 this year, the press release added.

3 children injured in cylinder explosion

BSS, Rajshahi

Three children of a family were injured critically when a gas cylinder exploded in their dwelling house at Seroil Colony area under Boalia Police Station in the city on Thursday morning.

The children were identified as Raquib, 8, Saima, 4, and Saida, 2 son and daughters of Sekender Ali. Quoting witnesses police said the gas-cylinder exploded suddenly in the house of Sekender Ali, balloon-maker and vendor, at around 10-30 a.m. with a big bang leaving the children injured.

They are undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital at present.

A general diary was recorded with Boalia Police Station in this connection.

News briefs

Rice distributed under VGF in Narsingdi

NARSINGDI, Oct 18: The District Relief and Rehabilitation Department distributed 1140 tones of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme to help the poor in the district last month. Relief and Rehabilitation Officer magistrate Ruhul Quddus told BSS that distribution of the rice among 7,6000 VGF cardholders in six upazilas and six pourashovas of the district have completed peacefully and fairly. Each of the listed poor and destitute people received 15 KG rice. A total of 1140 tones of rice were also allocated for distribution for the current month under the VGF, reports BSS.

Ceiling fans distributed in Gaibandha

GAIBANDHA, Oct 18: Ballamjhar Union Parishad distributed ceiling fans to 36 mosques under Sadar upazila in the district on October 13. The fans were distributed through a simple function held at the auditorium of the parishad on Monday with Chairman M Mojammel Haque Mondal in the chair. Deputy Commissioner Abu Muhammad Yousuf addressed it as the chief guest and distributed the fans. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arif Nazmul Hasan attended it as special guest. Upazila Agriculture Officer M Mojaffar Rahman, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Abdul Mannan and other upazila level officials including journalists were present, reports BSS.

World food day observed in Jamalpur

JAMALPUR, Oct 18: World Food Day-2008 was observed in the district on Thursday in a befitting manner. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) organised a discussion meeting at its office on the occasion. With Jasim Uddin Ahmmad, Deputy Director, DAE, in the chair, the meeting was addressed by Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, as chief guest. DAE officers S.M. Fazlul Karim Sani, M Korban Ali, Mohammad Ali Zinnah and S.M. Ziaul Haq, among others, addressed the meeting, reports BSS.

2,330 kg jatka seized in Barisal

BARISAL, Oct.18: RAB-8 unit members led by Lt.Col. Mamunur Rashid raided the Barisal Fish Development Corporation (BFDC) ghat area at 10 a.m. on Thursday and seized 2,330 kg of jatka. According to an official source, the jatka was sold at a cost of Taka 1,93,440 in an auction in presence of a first class Magistrate ATM Mahbubul Karim and the money was deposited to the government fund. Besides, some 250-kg of the jatka was donated to the orphanage , the source added , reports BSS.

889 sacks Indian fertiliser seized in Gaibandha

GAIBANDHA, Oct 18: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in joint drives seized 889 sacks of Indian potash fertiliser from three warehouse of Gobindaganj upazila in the district on Tuesday, police said. Being tipped off, a team of RAB and BDR, led by Maj Shah Ali, conducted the raids at the three warehouses of the upazila town and seized the fertiliser worth about Taka 18 lakh. They also seized a truck and held three persons in this connections, reports BSS.

Wine, ganja seized in Chittagong

CHITTAGONG, Oct 18: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) seized 90 bottles of foreign wine and 200 grams of ganja in separate drives in city's sea beach and Madarbari rail gate areas during the last 24 hours ending at 4 pm on Thursday. The elite force also seized a microbus in abandoned state, a RAB press release said. Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB recovered the foreign wine and seized the microbus from nearby an embankment of the beach area under Patenga thana in the city at around 7.00 am on Thursday. Another team of the elite force seized about 200 grams of Ganja from Madarbari rail gate area under Double Mooring thana at around 11.45 pm on Wednesday night. None were arrested in these connections, the press release added, reports BSS.