The New Nation - Internet Edition

Fuel oil prices come down: Diesel and kerosene Tk 48 per litre, octane Tk 80, petrol Tk 78: Review every 3-month

Staff Reporter

The Government has for the first time reduced the prices of kerosene, diesel, octane, and petrol by Tk 7 to Tk 10 per litre in the wake of fall in their prices in the international market.

The reduced prices took effect from Sunday midnight.

The price of diesel and kerosene has been reduced to Tk 48 per litre from Tk 55, Octane to Tk 80 from Tk 90, petrol to Tk 78 from Tk 87.

The reduction in the prices of these petroleum products was announced by the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Prof M. Tamim at a press conference at the PID Conference Room in the secretariat.

Earlier on July 1, the government raised the prices of these products by 36 percent.

Tamim told the conference that the government will review the fuel prices every three month. He said that with the reduction and readjustment of fuel prices the

Government still will have to give hefty amount of subsidy. The government subsidy, however, will be limited to diesel and kerosene only, he informed.

The subsidy on kerosene and diesel was considered in view of their extensive use in the agriculture sector, he said.

Replying to a question, he said the government has no interest in giving subsidy on octane and petrol.The special assistant expressed the hope that transport fares will come down proportionately following the reduction in fuel prices. Necessary measures will be taken in this respect, he said and sought cooperation of all concerned on transport fare reduction.

Asked why fuel prices have been reduced by 10.34 to 12.73 percent only when their prices were raised by 36 percent in July last, Tamim said it was done on the basis of their import prices by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation ( BPC).

He informed that the government had to provide subsidy to the tune of Tk 1,400 crore to BPC in the first quarter of the current fiscal after price hike of fuel on July 1.

"We shall have to provide Tk 1,500 crore as a subsidy to BPC even after reduction in the prices of the all kinds fuel" he further said. The Energy Ministry has taken opinion of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) while reducing the fuel prices, he added. "The subsidy on fuel will be readjusted here with the prices of the international market," he told a questioner.

'BPC is at present importing refined diesel at a rate of around $99.50 per barrel,' Tamim said.

To a question he said that the rate of fuel pilferage by the BPC employees has now been brought down to .10 to .20 percent from .35 to .50 percent.

Bangladesh has an annual demand of nearly 4 million tonnes of petroleum products 3.7 million tonnes petroleum products including 2.3 million tonnes of diesel were consumed in 2007-2008.

Depression likely to cross Barisal-Khulna coast: City life remains paralysed for second day

City dwellers, especially female students' face
untold sufferings as the day-long drizzle paralyses normal
life yesterday. NN photo

Staff Reporter

Normal life in the capital city of Dhaka and elsewhere in the country has been paralyzed due to intermittent rainfall resulting from the deep depression over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay for last two days.

According to Met Office, the deep depression over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay is likely to cross the Khulna-Barisal coast by noon or afternoon today (Monday) leaving a trail of downpour.

People of different sections of the society, particularly the office goers, students and garments workers faced difficulties to reach their destinations on time amid the stormy weather created under the influence of deep depression.

They stranded in different points due to shortages of transports both on roads and water ways.

Day labourers were forced to confine at homes without going out for work.

Most of the shops, kitchen markets, grocery and confectionaries, restaurants were either closed or facing shortages of buyers. Prices of eggs, pulses, potato, fuel, candles, fish, meat and other essential items increased due to shortage of supply in adverse weather.

The Met Office yesterday warned that the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 3-5 feet of height above normal astronomical tide under the influence of deep depression.

The depression moved rapidly north-northeastwards and was lying over the north Bay and adjoining area at about 3:00pm yesterday.

According to Met Office weather bulletin, the deep depression had centred about 550 kms west-southwest of Chittagong Port, 515 kms west-southwest of Cox's Bazar Port and 380 kms southwest of Mongla Port.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction. Squally weather may continue over the coastal areas of the country, the weather bulletin said.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the depression centre is about 50 KPH (kilo meter per hour), rising to 60 KPH in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.

Most parts of the country, particularly coastal districts, have been experiencing light to moderate rain and gusty winds under the influence of the depression, paralyzing normal life of people in both cities and villages.

Our Barisal Correspondent Adv Tapan Chakraborty reports that the normal life in Barisal region continued to be paralyzed due to incessant mid to heavy downpour and gusty winds until writing this report since early Saturday night.

Barisal weather office recorded 173 millimeters rainfall in 18 hours since 6:00 am Saturday morning with gusty winds.

Port authorities continued restriction over plying of ML (motor Launch) type water transports less than 65 feet in length on 76 routes including 28 inner routes of Barisal, 21 routes of Patuakhali, 13 routes of Barguna, 14 routes of Bhola and coastal services on five routes of Barisal-Bhola-Laxmipur-Chittagong.

Rafiqul Islam, deputy director of BIWTA and officer in charge of Barisal Port said that the ML type launch operation would not be operative in Dhaka Barisal route till the weather condition improved.

Prodip Kumar, officer of Kalapara weather radar station said to local journalists that cautionary weather signal no.3 in coastal areas continued as the well-marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining area moving to west-northwest direction and has been getting stronger into a well marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay.

It is likely to intensify further and move to a north or northwesterly direction affecting the usual operation of the maritime ports, he added.

Rainfall recorded as 249 millimeter in last 18 hours since Saturday 6:00 am and tidal bore flowing 2-4 feet high than usual time in Kalapara region.

Abdul Barek Molla, chairman of Lata Chapli UP of Kalapara coastal upazila under Patuakhali district said that about 80 per cent embankments constructed to halt access of saline water and preserve sweet water reserves have been damaged severely due to downpour.

Sujoy Chakma, executive engineer of Water Development Board of Barguna, told journalists that 253 millimeter rainfall recorded in last 18 hours since 6:00 am Saturday morning and river tide flowing 2-3 meters higher than normal period.

Maximum portions of the 850 kilometers embankment constructed to save the people from over flooding rivers urgently needed to be repaired or reconstructed.

Reports further said that more than 60 thousand peoples residing on more than 80 shoals in southern region of Barisal division are marooned by over flooding of river and downpour.

Agriculture extension department officials of Barisal region said the rainfall would damage Aman crop if water logging continues for some days on the field and seedlings of winter vegetables at some places in the region would be affected much to the frustration of small growers.

Advocate Kazi Munir, Barisal district Red Crescent secretary and AHM Saleh, official of CPP of Barisal Red Crescent, said regular wireless contact with their units on different shore, off shore, coastal islands and shoals, are being maintained and they informed that conditions of river estuaries and sea were very rough with high waves and strong tides and gusty winds since last afternoon.

Sources said continued drizzles and gusty winds forced disruption of normal work at Mongla Port yesterday.

Hundreds of fishermen of Dublar Char, Kachi Khali and different regions of Sundarbans mangrove took shelter in nearby coasts with their trawlers and fishing boats.

Four to die for murder in Pallabi

Four accused were sentenced to death yesterday for
killing six persons in the city's Pallabi. Banglar
Chokh

Court Correspondent

A court of Dhaka yesterday sentenced four persons to death in a murder case filed for killing six people including four children at a residence at Pallabi of the city.

Judge AHM Mostaque Ahmed of Speedy Trial Tribunal-II of Dhaka pronounced his verdict Sundy at noon in presence of the convicts: Md. Azim, Masud Matabbar, Jakir Hossain Bahar and Quamruzzaman in the crowded courtroom. Azim was the caretaker, while Masum-a driver of the complainant, Kazi Sirajul Haque- a businessman. It was learnt that the first investigation officer (IO) of the case was dismissed due to his attempt to save the accused and Police Inspector Md. Forman Ali of Detective Branch (DB) was made the IO to inquire into the case. As the police failed to unveil the clue of murder, the Monitoring Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the DB to inquire into the case. The Judge recorded the depositions of 18 prosecution witnesses.

Of the accused three-made confessional statement about their involvement in the murder under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Special Public Prosecutor Md. Abdul Latif Talukder conducted the case on behalf of the prosecution while Advocate AFM Abdul Wadud and his associate lawyers moved the case on behalf of the accused.

Brief prosecution story says : On October 13, 2006 the accused committed dacoity and slaughtered four children : domestic help Khadija, Anna, Manir and Tofail and former domestic help Rijia who came for Zakat money and guard of the residence Milon between 5.20 and 9.45 PM, when the complainant and the members of his family were away from the residence to attend an invitation.

The dacoits including the caretaker and driver of the complainant committed dacoity and took away Taka 1,50,000 and gold ornaments weighing 12 tolas. As Rijia and her child Tofail could identify caretaker Azim and driver Masum, the accused committed the murder. IO Forman Ali submitted the charge sheet on October 16 of 2007 while the charge was framed on April 8 of this year.

Rains spoil 2nd day’s play of 2nd Test

Daryl Harper (left), the umpire and the other
official coming out from the rain-soaked field after
examining the outfield of the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National
Stadium on Sunday. FocusBangla

Sports Reporter

Heavy rains washed out the second day play of the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.

Earlier, the first day game of the second Test was abandoned due to heavy shower.

The touring New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the two Test-match series of the BRAC Bank Test Series.

The Kiwis beat the Tigers in the first Test in Chittagong, the port city of the country, on October 21.

Yesterday, it was raining heavily since morning and Daryl Harper, Asoka De Silva, the two umpires could not inspect the rain-soaked field. The two umpires were scheduled to inspect the field at 11.00 AM but they could not do that due to heavy rainfall. Later, the two umpires submitted their reports to the match referee Javagal Srinath and the match refere called the second day game off at 11.30 AM.

It may be mentioned that the toss of the second Test was not held due to heavy rain.

Today the third day play of the second Test starts at 9.00 AM, if weather permits.

US, EC to support environmental management in Bangladesh

A delegation from USAID, European Commission (EC),
Asia Foundation, International Republican Institute (IRI)
and National Democratic Institute (NDI) called on Chief
Election Commissioner Dr. Shamsul Huda at his office on
Sunday. NN photo

Staff Reporter

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Commission (EC) have signed a MoU to jointly support Bangladesh in its environmental management activities.

Ambassador Stefan Frowein, Head of Delegation of the EC to Bangladesh and Denise Rollins, Mission Director of USAID Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard at a ceremony at the European Commission office in Dhaka yesterday.

The MoU was signed aiming at facilitating work on collaborative natural resource and protected area management programs in Bangladesh, particularly in the Sundarbans, in line with the Government of Bangladesh's policy and programmes, according to a press release.

It said the USAID and the EC will work together to implement and monitor progress of the Sundarbans Environmental and Livelihood Security project, (SEALS), with € 7.5 million Euro from the EC, and the Integrated Protected Area Co-management project (IPAC), with a USAID project grant of $15.5 million.

These five-year projects include the creation of various alternate income generation opportunities for people living in and around the Sundarbans and infrastructure rehabilitation in the Cyclone Sidr-affected areas.

Other project activities include promoting conservation of the Sundarbans Reserve Forest, including the Sundarbans East, Sundarbans South, and Sundarbans West Wildlife Sanctuaries, and helping people living in these areas adapt to the impact of global climate change.

The US Government has a long commitment of helping Bangladesh recover from disasters, escape from the unending cycle of poverty, and to strengthen its democracy.

Through USAID, the US Government's assistance to Bangladesh includes support for a return to democracy through free, fair and credible elections and more transparent and accountable governance.

US assistance to Bangladesh also helps foster a better educated, healthier and more productive population; provides increased economic opportunities through equitable economic growth (including energy, private sector competitiveness and conservation), and enhances food security and improved disaster preparation and mitigation, the press release said.

No bar on Hasina to contest Dec 18 polls, says AL

Awami League acting President Zillur Rahman
presiding over the party's presidium meeting at his Gulshan
residence in the city on Sunday. FocusBangla

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League Sunday termed baseless apprehension over its president Sheikh Hasina's participation in the December 18 polls saying she will contest in the elections and the party expects victory under her leadership.

"As per the country's constitution, there is no bar for Sheikh Hasina to contest the polls. She will surely contest the polls and lead the party to win," Awami League acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam told reporters after party's presidium meeting tonight.

Ashraful said the government has no jurisdiction to prevent Hasina from taking part in the polls.

'It is the jurisdiction of the court or the election commission."

The presidium meeting held at acting president Zillur Rahman's Gulshan house formulated a draft guidelines for practising new electoral rules by grassroots leaders and workers.

He said the draft will be scrutinized by Working Committee members soon before its approval by Working Committee meeting.

"Our main focus will now be on nomination of candidates. The guideline has been formulated so that grassroots supporters can choose the best candidates," he said.

As per provisions of RPO Ordinance 2008 a panel of five candidates will have to be selected by working committee members of the party's local units from ward/union to upazila level in each constituency.

But for this practice, the local working committees will have to arrange party councils, although the emergency rules do not allow such councils, Ashraful said.

"But if necessary, local units will be asked to break the emergency law to uphold the democratic practice of nominating candidates from grassroots," he said.

The units' working committee members will vote for their favorite candidates and central parliamentary body will make the final selection, Ashraful said.

Awami League would start the nomination process just after settlement of the legal battle over the delimitation of the constituencies, he said.

Ashraful reiterated their demand for resolving the delimitation matter by November 1 so that the election commission can declare the parliamentary polls schedule on November 2.

He asked the Election Commission to defer the upazila polls to a logical time. He hoped the government and the EC will not remain rigid on its stand to hold the upazila polls on the declared dates.

Ashraful said upazila polls on the declared dates will create a confronting situation immediately after general election on December 18.

He said the AL presidium meeting has welcomed the government decision to provide special security for Sheikh Hasina on her return from the Untied States.

Bus owners reluctant to reduce fare

Staff Reporter

Transport owners have no interest to reduce the bus fare in city roads after reduction of the prices of oil from Tk 7 to Tk 10 per litre yesterday.

The Ministry of Communication will meet with the bus owners associations about the bus fare issues today.

However, the Ministry of Communication readjusted the bus fare to Tk .98 per kilometres from Tk 1.10 for buses and to Tk 1.04 from Tk 1.20 per kilometres for mini-buses yesterday.

Khandaker Rafiqul Hossain Kajal, President of Association of Bus Companies told the New Nation yesterday that we are not thinking about reduction of the bus fare at city different roads.

"We had increased the CNG-run bus fare only to Tk 1.20 from Tk .87 in July," he said.

"All the buses of us in the city road are CNG-run. So, we have no interest to reduce our bus prices," he claimed.

"All the accessories of the buses increased remarkably in the market. Following the reason, the maintenance of the buses also increased," he again said.

According to sources said that around 30 per cent of the city buses are diesel run in the city road.

Khaleda, Hasina to be provided special security

BSS, Dhaka

The government on Sunday decided to provide special security to the two former prime ministers declaring them as VIPs for three months from the following day of declaration of schedule of the next parliamentary polls.

The former two prime ministers-Begum Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina-will be provided the security under the Special Security Force Ordinance-1986. The decision was taken at a meeting of the council of advisers held at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) here yesterday afternoon with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair.

After the meeting, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Syed Fahim Munaim told newsmen that the council also approved the Local Government (Upazila Parishad) (Amendment) Ordinance - 2008.

He said, the meeting approved a proposal to open Bangladesh embassies in Sudan, Sierra Leon and Greece and reopen of Bangladesh's embassy in Afghanistan capital Kabul aiming at expanding diplomatic relations and boosting trade and business with those countries.

Earlier, Bangladesh had to close its embassy in Kabul in 1989 due to the war in Afghanistan.

Besides, the council approved the draft of the Bangladesh Laws (Revision and Declaration) (Amendment) Ordinance - 2008 with a view to amending Bangladesh Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act 1973.

It also ratified a proposal put forward by the ministry of commerce for giving retrospective approval to the signed protocol to include Afghanistan in SAFTA pact.

The Council approved a proposal to sign a treaty on military grant between Bangladesh and Turkey.

Apart from these, the meeting held an elaborate discussion on a presentation made by Agriculture and Water Resources Adviser Dr C S Karim following his Sunday's visit in the water logged areas in Jessore and Satkhira region. After his presentation, the Chief Adviser directed the authorities concerned to take immediate measurers to reduce sufferings of the marooned people there.

Dr Fakhruddin also asked the water resources ministry to form a committee involving concerned departments including Water Development Board, Joint Forces and District and Divisional administrations to take speedy measures to this end.

He directed the ministries concerned to distribute medicine for the prevention of water-borne diseases, supply blankets and tarpaulins among the people affected by the water logging.

Later, the meeting was informed that relief materials and medicine have already been sent to the affected areas to mitigate sufferings of the people.

The advisers and special assistants to the chief adviser attended the meeting. The cabinet secretary, press secretary to the chief adviser and secretaries concerned were present.

Business leaders want Mintoo as DCC Mayor: Drum up their demand, extend full support

Staff Reporter

Business leaders in the city yesterday said that they want to get former FBCCI president and eminent industrialist Abdul Awal Mintoo as Mayor of the capital because he has the capacity to ensure civic facilities.

"We want a leader who has a plan and who has vision to make the capital livable," FBCCI president Annisul Huq told a views exchange meeting at BIAM auditorium, extending his full support to Mintoo and drumming up his demand to elect a mayor from business community.

Present and former directors and general body members of FBCCI organised the meeting titled " How would you like Dhaka to be?" President of Bangladesh Paint, Dyes and Chemical Merchants Association Alhajj Abdus Salam presided over the meeting.

Former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo, present director Anwar Hosen, former director Amir Hosain Khan, ASM Kamal Uddin, Shafiullah Chowdhury and Enayet Hossain Chowdhury spoke on the occasion.

Former FBCCI president MA Kashem, Mahbubur Rahman, Mir Nasir Hossain, present vice presidents Abul Kashem Ahmed and Abul Alam Chowdhury, former vice president Abdul Momen and present and former directors were present among the dignitaries. General body members of FBCCI and noted personalities raised their hands supporting Mintoo's vision about the capital city.

Annisul Huq said Dhaka, the city of millions of people, lacks a leader for long who has the vision to plan this unplanned city. In Bangladesh politics got more importance than business, he added.

"Businessmen should be more organised to bring changes in the city. If a businessman takes charge of the city, he will be able to ensure the facilities that we are entitled to get as taxpayer," he said and urged the politicians to keep Mayor election free from politicisation.

Abdul Awal Mintoo said people could know a country seeing the situation of it's capital city. "I have visited 460 mahalla's in the city of which most are unliveable for people. No country will let it's people live in such environment which Dhaka people are experiencing."

He said the capital city should be reorganised. "I am working for the development of the city for the last 10 years. I want to work in future, too." Mintoo said.

Amir Hossain Khan said people are not happy with the present city that is sinking in severe problems. People want change, which had not happened in the past due to politicisation of everything.

He urged the politicians to leave Dhaka city to businessmen for making it liveable. Businessmen in the past have proved that they can do many things.

Terming the present time suitable to elect a mayor from business community he said, "Let's work together to elect Mintoo as city Mayor."

City roundtable: DU move to bar madrasa students unconstitutional

Staff Reporter

Educationalists, professionals and students at a roundtable yesterday urged the Dhaka University (DU) authority to cancel immediately the decision on the admission of madrasa students into several departments of the university.

They termed the move to bar the admission of madrasa students to some departments of DU 'unconstitutional' and 'ill motivated'.

Madrassa students should not be barred in the tertiary education as it is their fundamental rights for taking admission into DU through competitive admission test and they are entitled to get equal opportunities for higher education, they argued.

The roundtable on " Discrimination in Higher Education and Development of Bangladesh" was organised by the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) at The BIAM auditorium.

Prof Moniruzzaman Mian, former Vice Chancellor (VC) of DU was present as chief guest while Dr Rezwan Siddiqui, president of SAMPROSARAN and former Director General of Bangladesh Press Institute moderated the discussion.

Speakers said that there should not be any discrimination against any section of students for getting admission into the university.

The DU admission rules that barred madrassa students from seeking admission to several departments are' illogical', 'unjust and 'discriminatory' and such discrimination will deprive the meritorious madrassa students of the opportunity of getting tertiary education, they noted. Prof Moniruzzaman Mian said the madrassa students should be given equal opportunities for taking admission into some departments of the university along with the students of other disciplines. He termed the move unfair and illegal.

The departments that attached strings for the admission of madrassa students are English, Bengali, Economics, Mass Communication and Journalism, International Relations, Women and Gender Studies and Linguistics.

The departments would not allow students for seeking admission who did not study for 200 marks in English and Bengali each in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent examinations.

The roundtable was attended, among others, by Prof Qazi Zaker Hossain, Pofessor Emeritus, department of Zoology of DU, Prof Choudhury Mahmood Hasan, department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of DU, Moulana Zainul Abedin, Principal, Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrassa, Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Chairman, department of Public Administration of DU, Prof M Muzahidul Islam, Chairman, department of Banking, Prof Dr Ruhul Amin, department of Physiology of Dhaka Medical College, Prof Dr Haider Ali, Prof Mohamamd Ali, of BUET, Barrister Naser Alam, Dr Chowdhury Mahmudul Hasan, department of English of DU, Md Mahbubur Rahman, lecturer, department of Political Science of DU and Md Moniruzzaman of Madrassa Chhatra Odikar Sangrakhan Committee.

Embezzlement in Trust Bank: ACC chief denies his involvement

Staff Reporter

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman and former Army chief Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday denied his involvement in the alleged embezzlement of Trust Bank money.

"I want to categorically say that the allegations brought against me are not true," said the ACC chief.

"However," he said, "One such incident occurred. Some financial losses took place due to some reasons. But I cannot tell the amount."

"(But) Action has been taken against those involved in it and two cases involving that incident are on trial," he said at a press conference at the ACC head office in the city.

"If you want to know further about the incident you will have to contact Trust Bank."

"Those who have grievances against the Anticorruption Commission and me are bringing such accusations. People have right to free speech," said the ACC chairman.

Asked who will take the responsibility of the financial losses inflicted on Trust Bank, the former chairman of the bank said Trust Bank had to shoulder the responsibility of the loss.

"Others and I took decision at the time on advice of Bangladesh Bank."

Asked whether the ACC would investigate the matter, he said, "If there is a case the commission will definitely investigate as per rules."

The former energy adviser of the BNP-led coalition government, Mahmudur Rahman, on Saturday tried to file a case against ACC chairman accusing him of money laundering.

However, police did not accept the case on grounds of procedural lacunae.

Asked whether he would sue Rahman, a corporate executive-turned-government functionary, for libel, the ACC chairman said, "Anybody can bring allegation. It is my responsibility to refute it. There will be a legal battle on it."

Rahman, a former executive of the Beximco group, now chairman of Amar Desh Publications, which owns daily newspaper Amar Desh, alleged that Trust Bank went into the red after Chowdhury became its ex-officio chairman in 2002.

On allegations that installations were made at New DOHS violating approved design and those were made legal later by paying a small fine, the ACC chief said, "It is true that rules have not been followed. After returning to the Army ( on serving the UN peacekeeping mission) I took a decision on the issue through a committee."

He also responded to suggestions that if these were civil installations, they would have been demolished and that there were two sets of law in the country.

"There may be two sets of laws in one country. There are some rules. Work is done according to those rules. Those who are charged with looking into what happened in case of others would know it better," said the ACC chief.

Mahmudur Rahman yesterday told the BBC "I failed to file an embezzlement case against ACC Chairman with Motijheel Police Station. Police refused to register the case means this government was not transparent.

Nothing can be done beyond RPO: CEC

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr ATM Shamsul Huda said here on Sunday that all preparations were going on in full swing to hold the elections to the 9th Jatiya Sangsad on schedule.

"The Election Commission (EC) will strictly follow the law and nothing could be done beyond the Representation of People Order (RPO)t the EC is very clear on this point.", he said in an exclusive interview with BSS.

He, however, said prior to the announcement of the schedule on November 2, the EC needs a court decision on the issue of delimitation of 133 constituencies as those were stayed following objections.

The intending candidates are also not sure what will be the exact areas of their constituencies, he added.

On the participation of the political parties in the polls, the CEC said the Election Commission had talks with 16 political parties and all of them have applied for registration.

This, he said, "indicates that they are going to participate in the elections."

Asked if the two leaders like Sheikh Hasina and Begum Khaleda Zia will be allowed to contest the elections, he said everything would go in accordance with law.

"Neither there is any special barrier nor any special privilege," he added.

He pointed out that under the present law only the persons convicted by the court under the emergency would be barred from contesting the polls. As of today there is no legal bar on the two leaders to participate in the elections, he added.

"Our main objective is to create an atmosphere conducive to the holding of free and fair election," he pointed out.

Asked if the state of emergency will affect the holding of free and fair polls, the CEC said there are certain provisions in the emergency which might create obstacles.

But "we have asked the government to repeal or relax those provisions like holding of rallies, processions, use of loud speakers etc."

The political parties should sort it out with the government, the CEC said adding, how far the government or the political parties will go on this point is their matter.

Replying to a question on the preparations for holding elections, Dr Huda said we have got transparent ballot boxes and fair voter list, which many of us once thought would be impossible.

Transparent ballot boxes have already been sent to the district and upazila levels.

The CEC said the commission made a target to set up 36,000 polling stations across the country and those have already been identified.

He, however, said one could raise objection to such a polling centre citing reasons and this will be settled following consultation with the local administration.

Answering another question on the set up of administration, Dr Huda said many political parties have raised objection with regard to the role of administration during the elections, "We have asked the government to look into those," he added.

The CEC said there have been many changes in the administration. Changes have also been made in the police administration and now officers-in-charge of many police stations, who had been serving there for a long time are being transferred.

On the registration of local poll observers Dr Huda said most of the political parties are not in favour of allowing the local observers to oversee the polls saying that most of these observers are partisan.

He said a guideline is being prepared prescribing do's and don'ts for the poll observers. Any one going beyond this guideline will be expelled from the polling centres.

Madrasa students set deadline to withdraw DU restriction

Staff Reporter

All Universities, including Dhaka University (DU), will be deadlocked if DU authority does not withdraw the new discriminatory conditions within 1 November, on Madrasa background students to get admission in seven departments of DU, leaders of Madrasa

Students-Right Preservation Committee said in a programme.

The Programme chaired by committee convener Moniruzzaman was held at 10 AM at the main gate of arts building in Dhaka University yesterday. At least 1,000 students attended.

Moniruzzaman demanded withdrawal of the order of expulsion of Sariatullah and Misbahur Rahman, leaders of Madrasa Students-Right Preservation Committee.

The University authority is driving the students towards a strong movement by not accepting their demand although the dean's committee suggested doing it yesterday, they blamed.

Sariatullah, Mustafijur Rahman, Hafijur , Kamrul, among other committee members, spoke there.