The New Nation - Internet Edition

Nation marching towards JS election: President

UNB, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed said Tuesday that the whole nation is marching towards holding general election scheduled for December 18.

"The government and the Election Commission are sincerely trying to hold a free, fair and credible election," he said at the first convocation of World University of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.

The President called upon all concerned to extend their all-out cooperation in this regard.

President Iajuddin said Bangladesh, being a developing country, needs huge competent and capable human resources to cope with the present global scenario.

Universities, he said, have great role of making graduates competent and worthy for the 21st century through providing quality education as universities are the prime-movers in transforming human-beings into resources.

"For this, it requires standard curricula, sufficient library and laboratory facilities, experienced faculty and above all congenial atmosphere."

He said universities, particularly the private universities, would have to extend these essential components for imparting quality education.

Congratulating the new graduates, President Iajuddin, also the chancellor of the university, said the countrymen as well as the nation deserve a lot from the new graduates as they have extended enormous support and cooperation to elevate them to such position.

Some 783 students were conferred degrees while three others were awarded gold medals for their outstanding performances.

"I believe, you'll always demonstrate the highest degree of personal integrity and social responsibility at every step in your professional life," the President said.

"Always keep in mind that you should have a definite vision and this vision is to be dedicated for the well-being of the nation," he said, adding: "With this objective, please try to groom yourself as an ethical and rational human-being."

Prof Dr AH Wahiduddin Mahmud addressed the function as the convocation speaker, while Vice Chancellor of the World University of Bangladesh Prof Dr Abdul Mannan Choudhury and Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the university Morsheda Choudhury also spoke on the occasion.

Country may return to pre-1/11 situation if polls not held

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh Kallyan Party Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Bir Pratik said yesterday that the country might return to pre 1/11 situation if the election was not held on December 18.

"Government and some political parties haggling for release of particular persons to participate in the elections would jeopardise people's interest," he said while speaking at a meeting of the city party representatives at the central office of the party at Purana Paltan in the city.

Sadek Ahmed Khan, city unit president of BKP presided over the meeting.

Syed Muhammad Ibrahim urged political parties to give top priority to public interest.

It was also, attended among, others by Abul Kalam Azad, secretary general, Col (Retd) Engineer Mostaq Hossain, Hannan Mollah, Sanwar Hossain, Momtaz Begum, Advocate Nadira Begum, Quraisha Begum, Badruddozza Babla, Almas Uddin, Sirajul Islam, Dil Mohammad, Tofael Hossain, Akbar Hossain, Khairul Islam, Sadek Hossain Bhuiyan, Mujibul Huq, Motiur Rahman and Qazi Roksana Rita.

Doha Round trade negotiations: Bangladesh to derive maximum benefit as LDC

Staff Reporter

Doha Round is the last chance for Bangladesh to derive maximum benefit as a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh Ambassador to WTO Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said yesterday seeking cooperation of business community to help achieve that goal.

"We will have to realise maximum possible benefits from this round," he said, addressing the monthly luncheon meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at a city hotel yesterday.

Welcoming the guests AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed sought appropriate trade policies as part of overcoming the current global financial crisis. He said the importance of WTO is increasing in tackling the financial crisis more efficiently.

Dr Bhattacharya pointed out that the Doha Round, expected to conclude in early 2011, would be the last opportunity for Bangladesh to negotiate trade preferences as a least developed country.

"I believe, Bangladesh will emerge as a middle-income country by the time when another round of WTO negotiation begins," he said, expressing the high hope that Bangladesh would at least become a lower middle income country when it will celebrate the 50th anniversary.

In the meantime, a new round of WTO negotiation would be launched, he observed.

Dr Bhattacharya, the country's permanent representative in Geneva, said the current Doha Round is now facing setback due to the elections in the United States, followed due to European Union and India, and the current global financial crisis.

He estimated that the current negotiation would gain momentum early next year and take one year to conclude while another one year would be required for scheduling the decisions.

The economist said it has by now become a little bit difficult for Bangladesh to get negotiating partners in the WTO as hardly any other country in the LDCs group could boost their trade as significantly as Bangladesh has achieved since the WTO came into being in 1995.

Bangladesh's share in world trade almost doubled to 0.11 per cent in 2006 from 0.06 per cent in 1995 while value of exports quadrupled to about US$13 billion.

Dr Bhattacharya said the country would have to find new partners in the second round of trade negotiations under WTO and, meanwhile, it would have to take preparations to face the emerging situation with more vigour.

"Apart from trying to get duty-free market access in the USA, we'll have to diversify our export items as well as destinations particularly in view of the current financial crisis," he told the meeting.

He said USA is now the only developed country yet to fulfil the Hong-Kong commitment of providing duty-free market access to LDCs while they were facing pressure in the WTO.

2nd Test against NZ: Bangladesh in back seat

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh are now in the backseat as the Tigers lost their early three wickets for just 13 runs in the first innings against New Zealand at the close of the fourth day play of the second Test of the BRAC Bank two-Test series at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Sent into bat first, New Zealand made 262 for the loss of six wickets and then, the Kiwis declared their first innings when the fourth day match remained just one hour.

Earlier, the three days of the second Test were abandoned due to heavy rain.

It is mentionable that New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series as the Kiwis beat the Tigers by three wickets in the hard-fought first Test in Chittagong, the port city of the country on October 21.

The fourth day of the second Test had a delay due to wet outfield.

The match started at 10.00 AM and Ashraful, the skipper of Bangladesh team who won the coin-session took advantages as the three top order batsmen of the Kiwis were dismissed for 49 runs off 12.3 overs.

It was Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the country's best medium pacer gave his team early breakthrough as he trapped lbw Aaron Redmond, the opener of New Zealand for two when New Zealand's score was just 10 runs. Mashrafe dismissed Redmond in his fifth delivery of the second over.

Mahbubul Alam, the debutant medium pacer celebrated his debut as he cleanly bowled Jamie How, the other opener for eight runs when the score board was giving a reading of 10 runs for the loss of two wickets off 3.1 overs.

Shahadat Hossain, the other opener struck as he cleanly bowled Ross Taylor for 19 runs. In that time New Zealand's score was 49 for the loss of three wickets.

Later, Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum repaired the damage contributing altogether 137 runs before Jesse Ryder was caught by Mehrab Hossain (Junior) off leg spinner Abdur Razzak making 91 off 140 balls when the team's total was 186 for the loss of four wickets. Ryder cracked 12 fours in his sparkle innings. He fulfilled his half century playing 78 deliveries.

After dismissal of Ryder, McCullum could stay at the crease for a short time as he was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan scoring 66 off 122 balls. He hit eight fours and a sixer in his sedate 174-minute knock. He fulfilled his Test fifty using 86 balls. when McCullum returned to the pavilion his team's total was 201 for the loss of five wickets off 57.3 overs,

Skipper Mohammad Ashraful removed Daniel Vettori for 22 and at that time New Zealand's total was 233 for the loss of six wickets.

Later, the Kiwis declared their first innings, when Daniel Flynn was on 35 and Grant Elliott was on eight.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mohammad Ashraful, Mahbubul Alam, Shahadat Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Abdur Razzak took one wicket each.

Bangladesh made a poor start as Daniel Vettori, the captain of New Zealand removed Zunaed Siddique (4), Mohammad Ashraful (0), Rajin Saleh (0) in his first over when the Tigers' total was 13 for the loss of three wickets off 10.4 overs.

Tamim Iqbal and Mehrab Hossain (Junior ) were at the stumps on eight and nought respectively.

Call to lift emergency

Staff Reporter

BNP secretary general Khandker Delwar Hossain yesterday reiterated the demand for lifting the state of emergency before the announcement of elections schedule on November 2.

" The state of emergency should be withdrawn before announcing the election schedule to pave the way for contesting the polls by those barred by the emergency power rules," he said in a telephonic message put on loudspeaker at a discussion meeting organised by the four party alliances at the auditorium of Diploma Engineers Institute at Kakrail in the city.

The BNP secretary general could not attend the meeting on account of physical ailment.

The four party alliance organised the discussion to observe October 28,2006. On that day Awami League-led coalition activists with oar and pole (Logi-baitha) allegedly killed five Jamaat activists in the city.

Khandker Delwar said the government have to meet their demands if it wants to hold free and fair election.

"Boycott any pre-fixed election and remain united under the leadership of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia," he urged the leaders and activists of the alliance.

He, however, praised Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman for his observation that there is no bar for BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in contesting the upcoming election. Bangladesh Jamaat-e- Islami secretary genera, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid said the four party alliance would come to power if elections were held on the announced date. "We are waiting for our victory and we will bring the killers of Jammat activists to trial," he added. He urged the government to realise seven-point demands of the four party alliance for enabling all political parties in participating in the forthcoming parliamentary election.

Assistant secretaries general of Jamaat Mohammad Qamaruzzsaman, Kader Mollah, ATM Azharul Islam and Rafiqul Islam Khan, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman, president and Shamim Al Mamoon, secretary general of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Abdul Latif Nezami, secretary general of Islami Oikkya Jote (IOJ) and Maulana Emdadul Haq of Khelafat Majlis, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Tamim for gas price hike

Staff Reporter

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for Energy and Power Dr M Tamim yesterday argued for gas price hike to please international oil companies (IOCs), as their investment is necessary.

Investment of IOCs is urgent to extract additional gas from the existing fields for a quickest resolve of the present crisis, Dr Tamim said at a seminar in the city yesterday adding, "But, IOCs will not be interested to invest unless the gas price is increased."

Responding to experts' suggestion to employ the state-owned exploration agency BAPEX to increase gas exploration, he said "But BAPEX should not be given all responsibility alone as there is a fund constraint."

Dr Tamim said that additional 7 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas could be extracted from the country's existing gas fields. "But it needs about US$ 8-10 billion to invest to extract the additional gas. The major problem is to find this huge tradable international fund."

The country at present is experiencing gas shortage of about 200 million cubic feet per day (MCFD) against a demand of 2,000 MMFC. For gas shortage, power generation is being reduced by 700 megawatt when the country is producing about 3600 MW against a demand for more than 5,000 MW.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the dialogue on "Energy or Development: Options and Strategies for Bangladesh" at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre.

The CA's special assistant also said that hydrocarbon exploration in deep sea, development of coal sector and setting up of nuclear energy-based power plant could be other options to resolve the crises in the long run.

FBCCI president Annisul Haq said the country's entrepreneurs are facing acute problem as, without knowing about the future energy supply, they are importing capital machineries either to extend their present production units or to set up new units.

Emphasising on drafting a coal policy and taking steps for coal sector development, he urged the political parties to immediately wind up the debate on coal sector for the sake of country's interest.

Former BUET vice chancellor and chief of coal policy formation committee Prof Dr. Abdul Matin Patwari said the country will need 38,000 MW of additional electricity by 2025 if the GDP growth rate is taken at 8 percent per year.

This additional electricity could be generated by using coal, he said.

Energy Secretary Mohammad Mohsin said the draft coal policy will be placed before the Cabinet Committee soon for approval.

With CPD chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan in the chair, Power Secretary M Fouzul Kabir, Chittagong University Prof M Shamsul Alam and Asia Energy chief Gary Lye also spoke at the function.

Nationalist forces urged to forge unity

Staff Reporter

Politicians, professionals and intellectuals at a roundtable discussion yesterday called upon the nationalists and patriotic Islamic-minded people to build unity among them for saving the country's sovereignty and independence.

"Internal and external evil forces are still hatching conspiracy to make Bangladesh as 'failed' state and the nationalist forces should have to deal with it vigorously," they observed at the discussion on "Tragedy on October 28: Present Political Scenario of the Country" at the VIP lounge of the Jatiya Press Club.

Chirantan Bangladesh Kendriya Sangsad (CBKS) organised the discussion that was presided over by Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, president, CBKS while Hamdullah Al Mehedi, Secretary General of the organisation offered vote of thanks.

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf and Brig Gen (Retd) ASM Hannan Shah, Adviser to the BNP chairperson, were present as chief and special guests respectively.

" The forthcoming parliamentary elections is crucial for transferring the power to the elected government and we should be cautious so that no quarter could create another 1/11," speakers observed.

They urged the political leaders not to yield to foreign diplomat's dictations over the internal affairs of the country.

Terming the heinous killings on October 28, 2006 by a political party as 'blot' on the nation's history, ASM Hannan Shah said those who did not want to see Bangladesh as 'self-reliant' country had intentionally created anarchy on that day for halting the country's peace and progress.

"We want to participate in the elections and the caretaker government as well as the Election Commission (EC) should create favourable atmosphere for polls," he added.

He, however, said if the four-party alliance was voted to power then they would hold trial of those who were involved in the killings on October 28.

Highlighting the importance for maintaining the constitutional rule, Justice Mohammad Abdur Rouf said, "Elections must be held on December 18 at any cost for civilian elected government rule". He called upon the EC to hold free and fair election.

Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, joint secretary general and Ismail Hossain Bengal of BNP, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiul Alam Prodhan, president of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA), columnist Sadek Khan, Prof Dr Mahbubullah, Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Alhaj Tofazzal Hossain, Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, among others, attended the discussion.

Zillur asks govt to ban war criminals from Dec 18 polls

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League's acting president Zillur Rahman yesterday asked the Election Commission and the caretaker government to ban all war criminals of the 1971 liberation war from standing in the upcoming December 18 polls.

"For protecting our country's sovereignty and independence, this is the time to take stern action against the war criminals. The EC must ban the anti-liberation force from election," he said.

Zillur Rahman was addressing a rally arranged at the central party office to protest the October 28, 2006 "Mayhem of Jamaat" in the city' s Paltan area.

The BNP-Jamaat alliance, on the other hand, observed protest day against 'logi-boitha violence'.

He said the anti-liberation force must be brought to book, failing which Bangladesh may turn into 'Pakistan'.

Zillur Rahman ruled out apprehension over the general election, saying that the election will certainly be held in a free and fair manner.

And if the general election is held freely and fairly, "Inshallah, we will form the next government under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina," he predicted.

About the bloody clash between Awami League and Jamaat supporters on October 28, 2006, which had led to a pre-election political crisis last year, he alleged killings were perpetrated by Jamaat "terrorists".

"But we have been blamed. The real culprits must be unveiled through investigation. We want the culprits are tried," he said.

Zillur Rahman asked the government to lift the state of emergency fully before the polls.

He also demanded of the government and the election commission to allow all prisoners in the December 18 elections.

Awami League presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Tofail Ahmed, Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed, Matia Chowdhury and Suranjit Sengupta, and Juba League general secretary Mirza Azam, among others, addressed the rally.

Abdur Razzak said there would be no election in the country without participation of party president Sheikh Hasina, now in the USA on parole.

Tofail Ahmed asked the election commission to settle the issue of delimitation of constituencies immediately to ensure elections on December 18.

Zillur on Dec 18 polls Issues relating to Khaleda, Hasina's participation resolved earlier

Staff Reporter

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said that there is no reason to presume that the two top leaders will not be able to participate in the national election.

" The question of their participation in the election has been resolved earlier. We are now certainly in the election highway," he said at function at Eden University College in the city.

Presided over by Principal Prof Yeasmin Ahmed the function was also addressed by Education Secretary Momtajul Islam.

Zillur said they want to create election environment for a free and fair election. "Preparation for holding a fair election is complete," he said.

"We will now wait to see what the next government do. We want to hear from them who is coming in power next," he said.

Hajj Camp preparation starts

Staff Reporter

Hajj camp activities formally launched yesterday, as Hajj flight 2008 will begin from October 31 at Uttara Askona Hajj Camp.

Law and Religious Affairs Adviser AF Hasan Ariff inaugurated the launching ceremony of the Hajj camp activities as chief guest while Joint Secretary of Religious Affairs Ministry AHM Afzal Hossain presided over the ceremony.

A total 48,876 pilgrims (hajji) will perform Hajj from Bangladesh this year. Of them, 7,464 are ballotee pilgrims and 40,987 are non-ballotee pilgrims.

Religious Affairs Adviser AF Hasan Ariff said that we have already completed all the formalities for the bellotee pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

He said that the government has first time appointed a guide for 50 ballotee pilgrims this year.

Oct 28 carnage condemned

DU Correspondent

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of BNP, staged a demonstration on the Dhaka University Campus yesterday protesting killings opponent by "loggi Boytha" on October 28, 2006.

The demonstration started from Modhus's canteen and march the campus. A large number of JCD activist different dormitories of the University and college participate in the programme.

Later, a rally was held at the foot on Aparajeyo Bangla. Presided over by its president Azizul Bari Helal, the rally was speaking by party general secretary Shafiul Bari Babu, Senior Vice President Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Organisation Secretary Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, DU President Hasan Mamun, and General Secretary Saiful Islam Firoz .

RAB nabs eve-teaser

Staff Reporter

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) yesterday arrested an eve teaser from the Dhanmondi areas in the city.

The arrested was identified as Subroto, an employee of Biswas Builders.

RAB source said Subroto was eve teasing over mobile phone from a long time. He was apprehended after a housewife complained to the RAB against an unidentified caller, who was teasing her over mobile.

According to the woman, the caller disturbed her so persistently that she even decided to commit suicide out of shame.

The RAB trapping the caller's cell phone number arrested Subroto from Dhanmondi.

Subroto told reporters that he collected the woman's mobile phone number from one of his friends working with Grameen Phone.

A case was filed against Subroto with the police.

Deadline for income tax return extended till Nov 6

Staff Reporter

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday has extended the deadline for submission of income tax returns for six more days.

The NBR will accept the income tax returns from the individual taxpayers till November 6, 2008.

The deadline for submission of income tax return, which was scheduled to end on September 30, was already extended by a month till October 31.

Informed sources said NBR got very little response from the individual taxpayers regarding income tax return that led to the extension of the deadline for a second time.