The New Nation - Internet Edition

Shakib takes Tigers to 258-run lead

Shakib Al Hasan (extreme right) and his teammates
react after removal of a Kiwi batsman on the third day of
the first Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Bir
Srehtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday.
Shakib harpooned seven Ki

Agency

Shakib Al Hasan struck his maiden Test half-century, helping Bangladesh to an overall 258-run lead against New Zealand at the close of the third-day of the two-match Test series opener at the Birsreshthha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday.

The Tigers, who made 245 in the first innings, were 184 for eight at stumps in the second innings, after bundling New Zealand out for just 171, the visitors' lowest ever total in an innings against Bangladesh.

After claiming seven scalps for 36, Shakib struck 71 before being caught by Ross Taylor at slip off Daniel Vettori, who returned four for 39 after scoring 55 not out in the first innings.

Mashrafee Bin Mortaza, who remained unbeaten on five along with Abdur Razzak on nought, will resume the fourth day Monday, in a bid to pull off the home sides second Test win since their lone triumph against Zimbabwe in 2005.

It was the 21-year-old Shakib, who wrecked the Black Caps' first innings with his career-best bowling, going on to rescue the Tigers with the bat after the hosts were reduced to 71 for five soon after lunch.

The on-form Shakib smashed 12 fours in his 151-ball knock to erase his previous best of 41 not out against New Zealand in Wellington earlier this year.

The all-rounder drove Kyle Mills for four to reach 48 and then pushed the same pacer through cover in the next ball to bring up his maiden Test fifty off 105 balls in his seventh match.

After reaching fifty, he came out from the shield to hammer off-spinner Patel for three successive fours in the next over, scoring 21 runs against 46 balls.

Shakib, promoted to bat at the number seven spot, put on a slow but significant 56 runs for the sixth wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim, one of two first innings heroes.

Mushfiqur fell after a patient 32 off 121 balls, leaving the side at 127 for five after the tea break.

The left-handed batsman then added another 48 runs for the seventh wicket with Nayeem Islam, who made a gritty 19 off 70 before becoming Vettori's fourth victim as the spinners continued to dominate on the turning wicket.

Apart from Mushfiqur and Shakib's innings, it was all but the same old story of the top order collapse as Junaed Siddique (6), Rajin Saleh (6), Mohammad Ashraful (duck), Mehrab Hossain Jr (6) returned cheaply.

Tamim Iqbal, however, played an impressive 100-ball 33, studded with five boundaries.

Early in the morning, left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan wrapped up New Zealand's first innings, removing Iain O'Brien (5) to finish 7 for 36, the best figures by any Bangladeshi bowler in a Test after Emanul Haq Junior's seven for 95 against Zimbabwe.

A persistent Vettori, however, converted his overnight score of 48 into his 17th Test half century, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 82 balls.

New Zealand, having resumed on 155 for nine, added another 16 runs to finish on 171 in the first innings, giving a 74-run lead to the hosts.

REHAB fair begins in NY

3-day REHAB Fair began in New York on Sunday: Focus
Bangla

BSS, New York

A three-day real estate fair organised by the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) has began at Hotel Hilton here on Saturday.

Consul General of Bangladesh consulate in New York M Shamsul Hoque inaugurated the fair. A total of 57 real estate and housing companies have been participated in the fair.

The first REHAB fair was held in New York in 2004 when 29 companies took part.

A total of 46 real estate companies took part in last year's fair when over 100 plots and apartments were sold.

REHAB has offered some packages to attract the expatriate Bangladeshis to buy plots or apartments from their member companies, sources said.

NIKO graft case: HC defers hearing to October 29

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court Sunday granted bail for three months to detained Awami League presidium member and former state minister Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir in a tax evasion case.

A division bench comprising Justice ABM Khairul Haque and Justice MA Hye passed the order upon a petition challenging the validity of the tax evasion case against Alamgir.

The Court also stayed for three weeks the case proceedings and issued a rule upon the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to explain in six weeks why the case should not be declared illegal.

On September 21, the NBR filed a case against Alamgir for concealing information of his wealth and dodging income tax of about Tk 53.15 lakh during the period from 2002 to 2007.

Assistant Tax Commissioner AKM Shahdat Hossain filed the case in the court of special judge Azizul Huq.

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq appeared for Alamgir, who is already in prison in connection with other cases.

HC defers hearing on Niko and barge-mounted power plant cases to Oct 29 UNB, Dhaka The High Court Sunday re-fixed October 29 for rule hearing on Niko and barge-mounted power plant cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , now abroad on parole for treatment.

A division bench comprising Justice Sheik Rezowan Ali and Justice M Rais Uddin passed the order following a time petition moved by her counsel.

Barrister Shafique Ahmed prayed for three weeks time for consultation with his client in connection with the case.

On July 7, the High Court, following a quashing petition filed by Awami Leqgue president Sheikh Hasina, stayed the proceedings of the Niko and the barge-mounted power plant graft cases.

Passing the orders of stay, a division bench comprising Justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Mashuque Hosain Ahmed had issued separate rules asking the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to explain why the two cases "should not be quashed".

Both the cases are now pending with the special courts set up at the parliament complex that deals with high-profile corruption cases following the 1/11 change of guards in state power.

Meanwhile, another HC division bench, upon a petition, extended stay on operation of trial proceedings against Hasina in an extortion case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury until the rule is disposed of. Hasina secured bail in the case.

Shishu Academy celebrates Early Childhood Day

Early childhood day at the Shishu Academy premises
yesterday. NN photo

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Bangladesh Shishu Academy organised a day-long programme titled 'Early Childhood Day' at the Shishu Academy premises in the city yesterday in celebration of the World Children Day and Children Rights Week '08.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy organised the event in association with the UNICEF.

A large number of children gathered at the venue making the day-long event colourful.

Shauly Sumon, Director of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, inaugurated the event, as chief guest.

M Nuruzzaman, Project Director of Early Learning Children Development (ELCD), Sayed Milky of the UNICEF, among others, were present at the function.

About 400 children from 16 schools under the ELCD Project took part in the city day-long programme. These schools are being run jointly by Dhaka City Corporation and the UNICEF.

The programmes of this function were highlighted by Children's rally, competition, various games and rides, puppet show, Meena show, film exhibition and cultural function.

Director of Shishu Academy said, "Observance of the day will help to encourage the children to explore their knowledge and talents. Shishu Academy always comes forward for the development of children."

A film made by expert puppet filmmaker Bipul Hasan was screened in the programme.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy started its journey in 1976 with the aim of devel oping dormant talents of children in education, culture and other creative fields.

After establishment of the academy, Shishu Academy has been playing an important role for realising their objectives. Activities of the Shishu Academy include arrangement of various events like the national children's award competition, seasonal competitions among the children, children's fair, annual cake festival, children's art competition and study tours. It has branch offices in all the 64 districts of the country and at six selected upazilas in six divisions.

4 alleged muggers held in city

Staff Reporter

Police arrested four alleged muggers from West Sheorapara in the city's Mirpur yesterday.

Acting on a tip-off, a team from Mirpur police station arrested Arif Hossain, 19, Rajib, 20, Manik, 18, and Tuhin, 18, from Shamim Swarani at about 12:15pm while they were preparing to commit crimes there.

Police also recovered three sharp weapons from their possession.

Besides, Darus Salam police arrested Delwar Hossain, 30, from Purbachal Petrol Pump crossing along with a gun and four rounds of bullet at about 6:00am yesterday.

Separate cases were filed.

Aug 21 carnage Charge hearing deferred again

Court Correspondent

In response to a time petition seeking adjournment of hearing on charge framing for the 9th time in the two cases, filed in connection with the August 21 grenade attack, the Judge of Speedy Trial Tribunal 1 of Dhaka yesterday refixed October 23 for hearing.

A group of Awami League supported lawyers led by Advocate Syed Rezaur Rahman had earlier been allowed by the Ministry of Law to cooperate with the Special Public Prosecutor of the Tribunal conducting the cases. As they are yet to be ready, they ought time yesterday for the third time to adjourn the hearing. Tribunal Judge Md Masdar Hossain allowed the time petition.

The Judge has meanwhile prepared the written charge on which adequate hearing will be held in due course.

The case was filed for the grenade attack on an Awami League rally on Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004. The attack left 23 people dead and scores injured.

Earlier on October 14, the Judge rejecting a petition of former Deputy Minister and BNP lawmaker detained Abdus Salam Pintu, said proceedings of the two cases will continue separately as the cases were filed on different charges-murder and grenade explosion.

On June 11, Assistant Superintendent of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Fazlul Kabir also Invetigation Officer (IO) of the cases, submitted the charge sheets to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka.

Of the accused, Pintu, Mufti Hannan, his brother Mohibullah alias Mafizur Rahman and IO others are in jail. They were brought to the court from different jails while accused Jewel who has been freed on bail appeared before the court.

Other eight accuseds: Pintu's brother Moulana Tajuddin, Liton, Anisul Mursalin, Mahibul Muttakin, Iqbal, Moulana Abu Bakr alias Selim Howlader, Jahangir Alam Badar and Khalilur Rahman, are on the run.

Earlier on October 14, Moulana Abu Sayeed alias Dr Zafar submitted a petition for retraction of the confessional statement he made to a Magistrate in the case earlier.

Progress of SAARC must be assessed

UNB, Dhaka

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman Sunday called for preparing concrete evidence to find the actual progress of SAARC in various fields including trade.

"We need to make an assessment of the progress of SAARC before going for further negotiations in this region," he said addressing the inaugural session of a day-long workshop on 'Trade facilitation in South Asia' at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon.

SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) jointly organised the workshop in cooperation with Friedrich Nauman Foundation (FNF).

Dr Hossain Zillur attended the inaugural session as the chief guest while commerce secretary Firoz Ahmed was present as special guest. FBCCI president Annisul Huq chaired the session.

The Adviser said that at seminars or workshops everyone is talking about various problems and prospects of SAARC. "But nobody came up with any evidence that SAARC has advanced this much and we have to go further… there is no evidence how much SAARC has advanced so far in different sectors including trade," he said.

Speaking about the non-tariff barriers (NTBs), he said, "This is a political issue; we have to get out ourselves from this and we have to focus on specific issues.

But he also admitted that coordination among the SAARC countries is yet to reach a convenient level. "The progress so far is not sufficient to give us comfort," he added.

Zillur also emphasized on the talks among businessmen of the SAARC countries to find out the problems, possibilities and potentialities of trade in the region.

He advocated for finding out specific and prioritized issues in the SAARC region to deal with trade which is not getting momentum.

Commerce secretary Firoz Ahmed in his speech advocated for easy movement among the SAARC countries and for adopting open sky policy in this regard.

Proper and effective links are essential among the SAARC countries which should adopt open sky policy, he said.

He also put emphasis on the regional transport agreement to facilitate regional transportation and exchanges.

Hunger in Indian states 'alarming'

Agency, New Delhi

Twelve Indian states have "alarming" levels of hunger while the situation is "extremely alarming" in the state of Madhya Pradesh, says a report.

Madhya Pradesh's nutrition problems, it says, are comparable to the African countries of Ethiopia and Chad.

India has more people suffering hunger - a figure above 200 million - than any other country in the world, it says.

The report, released as part of the 2008 Global Hunger Index, ranks India at 66 out 88 countries.

The hunger index has been released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) along with Welthungerhlife and the University of California.

It measures hunger on three indicators which include child malnutrition, rates of child mortality and the number of people who are calorie deficient. The problem of hunger is measured in five categories - low, moderate, serious, alarming or extremely alarming.

The survey says that not one of the 17 states in India that were studied were in the low or moderate hunger category.

"Despite years of robust economic growth, India scored worse than nearly 25 sub-Saharan African countries and all of South Asia, except Bangladesh," the report says.

The best performing state was Punjab, which has a 'serious' hunger problem and does less well than developing countries such as Gabon, Vietnam and Honduras.

About 60% children in Madhya Pradesh state are malnourished.

"When Indian states are compared to countries in the Global Hunger Index, [the central Indian state of] Madhya Pradesh ranks between Ethiopia and Chad," it says.

India is long known to have some of the highest rates of child malnutrition and mortality in under-fives in the world.

According to the Indian government statistics two years ago, around 60% of more than 10 million children in the state were malnourished.

Nutrition experts say the abysmal record is due to an inadequate access to food, poor feeding practices and poor childcare practices in India.

And now the rise in the global food prices has reduced the food-buying capacity of many poor families, making their situation worse.

In the past year food prices have increased significantly, but people's incomes haven't kept pace, forcing many families further into hunger, experts say.

ACC Chairman opines: Land-related laws must be reformed to curb graft

UNB, Dhaka

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury Sunday said corruption would continue to haunt the Land Ministry and its departments if the existing land-related laws and rules are not reformed.

And graft would not come down unless the conventional method of dealing with land-related issues is replaced by with automation, he told reporters after the ACC's view exchange meeting with the senior officials of the Land Ministry and its departments.

The ACC chairman said the administrative problems, atmosphere and lack of manpower were the main reasons why corruption takes place in the ministry.

With the day's meeting with the Land Ministry, the anti-graft watchdog, as part of its campaign against institutional corruption, kicked off its view exchange meetings with different ministries.

In the meeting held at the Land Ministry conference room at the Secretariat, the ACC was represented by its chairman and two commissioners - Habibur Rahman and AH Manjur Mannan.

About the objective of the meeting, the ACC chairman told reporters that it would not be possible to fight institutional corruption without involving the persons who take decisions.

He informed that during the meeting suggestions came from the participants on ways to reduce corruption in the ministry and also that some of the measures could be undertaken by the ministry itself.

"In future, we'll sit with them in the ACC and try to 'do the things that are doable'," Mashhud said. He said the objective of the meeting was not to find the individuals involved with corruption, rather to identify the causes of corruption.

Asked why the Commission did not act in the institutions like police where corruption is perceived to be rampant, he said if the ACC start dealing with corruption in all institutions at a time, results would not be good.

Asked how he expects the desired results by only talking to officers leaving the low-level employees aside, the ACC chairman said that in future measures would be taken for exchange of views with employees at every level.

There are many preventive measures which the officials of the ministry could undertake right now, he said adding that the officials have expressed their intention to do so.

Mashhud said that he has advised the Land Ministry officials to go to field level for communicating with the people.

Earlier, addressing the officials, ACC commissioner Habibur Rahman said that the Commission is not solely responsible for combating corruption. Everyone would have to come forward in this regard.

Manjur Mannan, another Commissioner, told the officials that according to a study there are 1.4 million land-related cases pending with the courts and 120 million people affected by this. "I am also affected," he said

Mannan also stressed the need for mass awareness for the prevention of corruption in the Land Ministry.

Land secretary Abu M Moniruzzaman Khan floated a suggestion to set up Land Tribunal for dealing with the land-related cases. He said that 70 percent of the country's cases are land-related and if such a tribunal is set up vast majority of these cases could be disposed of much more quickly.

Emphasizing on land reforms and change in laws, he said that the lengthy processes involved in the land-related activities "open the door of corruption."

Speaking on the occasion, Land Appeal Board chairman Ashraful Maqbul said that in order to reduce corruption in government offices, the basic needs of the officials would have to be addressed.

"Once the crime is detected, the punishment of the offenders will have to be ensured. And good works must be rewarded," he said.

Land Reform Board chairman Monirul Islam said corruption may come down if transparency can be ensured in every stage of the land-related activities.

3 killed, 7 hurt in Comilla road mishap

BSS, Comilla

Three persons were killed and seven others injured in a road accident at Eliotganj area on Dhaka- Chittagong highway under Daudkandi upazila in the district on Sunday morning.

Police said the accident took place when a Dhaka- bound passenger bus collided head on with an ambulance coming from the opposite direction at 9.30 am. Two passengers of the ambulance died on the spot and another died at Gouripur Hospital.

The injured persons were admitted to local hospitals. The victims identity could not be known immediately.

Police seized the bus and ambulance.

Drive against noise pollution begins

BSS, Dhaka

A mobile court led by magistrate AHM Anwar Pasha yesterday prosecuted drivers of 20 vehicles, including motor cycles and fined them Taka 13,050 for violation of noise pollution act during a special drive at Shahbagh crossing yesterday.

Traffic police also seized horns of different vehicles, which they were using in violation of law, sources said.

The drive was launched by the Department of Pollution(DOE) in cooperation with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority(BRTA), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and voluntary organisations.

The drive would continue today at Darus Salam, Mirpur, the sources said.

During the drive, officials from DOE, BRTA, DMP and voluntary organisation Working for Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust were present.

Stickers and leaflets were distributed among people and drivers of different vehicles during the drive urging them to abide by the noise pollution act.

According to the Noise Pollution(control) Act, published in a gazette on September 7, 2006, use of sounds above 50 decibel within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions and residences are punishable offence.

WBB sources said they have found during the drive that due to indiscriminate honking by different vehicles the noise level at Shahbagh crossing was much above 50 decibels, which was punishable under law as the area contains two hospitals and nearby

DSE witnesses fall for third consecutive day

UNB, Dhaka

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a substantial fall on Sunday, as the down-trend continues for third straight day, amid price correction of Beximco Group shares and other heavyweight blue chips.

Beximco Textiles, Beximco Fisheries, Beximco Synthetics, Shinepukur Holdings, Beximco Pharma and Beximco Limited were the top six losers of the day.

Stockbrokers said the market went through a topsy-turvy trend and is in search of stability. Beximco shares were gaining substantially for quite a long time amid speculations, they said.

The DSE General Index (DGEN), the benchmark index, shed 37 points or 1.26 percent to close at 2,882 from 2,919 points on Thursday last.

The All Shares Price Index (DSI) fell 33 points or 1.36 percent to close at 2,385 while the DSE-20 index of selective shares suffered a setback dropping to 53 points or over 2.14 percent to close at 2,417.

The share prices dropped across the board with 173 out of 236 issues traded on the day registering losses while 57 gained and six remained unchanged.

The day's total turnover declined significantly to Tk 4.63 billion as compared to the second highest turnover of Tk 5.64 billion recorded on Thursday while the Market Capitalisation fell to Tk 1.005 trillion from Tk 1.016.

Beximco Pharma, Titas Gas, BEXIMCO, DESCO, ACI, Square Pharma, Summit Power, Power Grid, Lankabangla Finance and Summit alliance were the day's turnover leaders in terms of value.

The day's volume leaders were AIMS 1st Mutual Fund, Beximco Pharma, Beximco Textiles, GRAMEENS2, In Tech Online, BD Com, Daffodil Computers, Keya Detergent and Agni Systems Limited.

Top gainers of the day were Fine Foods, Agni Systems Limited, DESCO, United Insurance, Bengal Biscuits, In Tech Online, Daffodil Computers, ISN Limited, BCIL and Ranga Food.

Sonargaon Textiles, Gemini Sea Food, ICB and Rahima Food were among the top 10 losers of the day apart from the Beximco Group shares.

More inclusion of poet Farruk's poem in syllabus urged

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion yesterday underscored the need for more inclusion of poet Farruk Ahmed's poems and litterateur into the academic syllabus of all education levels for proper guidance and benefit of the nation.

We need to get lessons from the poet Farruk's writings and our new generation should make aware on his immense contribution for inspiring the Muslim nation, they said.

They said that poet Farruk Ahmad had inspired us for the socio-economic development of the country, the added.

They were speaking at the discussion marking the 34 th death anniversary of poet Farruk Ahmed. The discussion was organised by 'Farruk Gobeshana Foundation' at the conference lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Justice Abdur Rouf was present as chief guest while Shah Abdul Hannan, former secretary of the government was present as special guest.

Prof Muhammad Matiur Rahman, chairman, Bengali department of Asian University presided over the discussion.

It was also attended among others by journalist Mahbubul Huq, Dr Abu Khuldun Al Mahmud of Ibne Sina Hospital, Poet Abu Taher, Prof Sadruddin Ahmed, Prof Chemon Ara, English department of Northern University and Prof Mujibul Huq.

Shah Abdul Hannan called upon the government not to the change the weekly holiday from Friday to Sunday.

Terming poet Farruk Ahmed non-communal, humanist and symbol of inspiring Muslims, Justice Abdur Rouf laid on proper evaluation of poet Farruk's contribution to the Bengali literature.

He suggested creating a 'reserve fund' for maintaining continuous research on poet Farruk Ahmed.

School, College exams must end by Dec 4: govt directive

UNB, Dhaka

The government asked all government and non-government educational institutions to complete examinations by December 4 for facilitating the holding of national elections, set for December 18.

"Academic activities and examinations in all government and non-government schools, colleges and madrashah in the country, including junior scholarship examinations, for the year 2008 must be completed by December 4," said an official announcement on Sunday.

"The decision was taken for setting up polling centres for national and local-body elections, training for people engaged in elections and for holding the elections properly," the government directive further said.

It said the decision was taken in a meeting between Education and Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman and heads of different schools, colleges and madrashas in the city on Sunday.

Education Secretary M Momtajul Islam, Additional Secretary (Administration and Finance) M Mozammel Huq Khan, joint secretaries, the DG of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Directorate and chairmen of Dhaka Education Board and Madrashah Education Board were also present at the meeting held at the Education Ministry.

The meeting also said that classes in all educational institutes in Dhaka metropolitan city should be started from 7am to 8:30am.

Besides, the meeting laid emphasis on dividing the educational institutions in Dhaka under different zones for easing the traffic congestion.

For this purpose, it suggested turning certain roads into one-way route for a certain period in consistency with starting and breaking hours of schools.

The meeting called upon all concerned to encourage the students to use institutional and public buses for transportation.

AL team meets EC officials

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) leaders yesterday went to the Election Commission (EC) to clarify some points on the registration application and some provisions in their party constitution.

AL office secretary Abdul Mannan Khan and Deputy Office Secretary BM Mojammal Haque met the EC's technical committee to give detail information provided in registration application and the provisions in the party constitution.

Mannan told reporters that the EC's technical committee on Saturday asked the party's general secretary to clear up some matters related to the registration

The AL leaders reached the commission at 3:30pm and met with the technical committee headed by EC joint secretary Nurul Islam Khan.

Mannan said the technical committee also asked them to submit party's bank statement to the commission.

Replying to a question he said the technical committee of the commission did not ask them about the party's foreign units retained in their modified party constitution.