The New Nation - Internet Edition

Cartoon, photo, painting exhibition on health rights

One of the cartoons at the exhibition at Drik
Gallery in the city. NN photo

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease. Health is universally regarded as an important index of human development. Access to basic health care is considered a fundamental human right.

To keep in mind this thing and to create an entry point for a constructive debate about human rights and health a cartoon, photography and painting exhibition titled 'The Right to Health' was inaugurated at Drik Gallery in the city yesterday. The two-week long exhibition is a compilation of different form of art media like cartoon, painting, personal stories and photography.

Through paintings, cartoons, photos and personal stories the participants at the exhibition shared their perspectives and perceptions on the right to health and in joint effort contributed to solutions that continue to improve people's health in Bangladesh.

AMM Nasir Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,

inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest, while Ola Hallgren, Charge d' Affaires of the Embassy of Sweden and Heiner Schnelle, Head of the Development Cooperation of Germany Embassy, were present as special guests on the occasion.

Bangladesh Government, GTZ, Sida and Development Cooperation of Germany jointly organized the show implemented by the Drik Gallery.

Nasir Uddin said, "With this exhibition we want to celebrate the progress that has been made in the health sector in Bangladesh over the past decades while acknowledging that challenges still remain."

Some 69 artists submitted 140 cartoons and 34 artists submitted 61 paintings in the exhibition. Of them, 33 cartoons of 22 artists and 16 paintings of 13 artists are on display at the show. Therefore, 32 photographs are also on display at the exhibition.

Artists Nisar Hossain and Kanak Chapa Chakma were judges for the selection of paintings and cartoonists Shishir Bhattacharya and Ahsan Habib were judges for the selection cartoons in the exhibition.

The exhibition remains open for all till November 12 everyday from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

Clinton Gore back Obama bid in key state

BBC Online

Former Vice-President Al Gore is preparing to campaign for Barack Obama in Florida, a state Gore lost very narrowly in his 2000 presidential bid.

Obama’s Republican rival John McCain is heading to the key state of Ohio.

On Wednesday evening, Obama aired a half-hour, prime-time advert on seven US TV channels, before holding a rally with former president Bill Clinton.

Polls suggest Obama is still ahead of McCain in most swing states, and holds a solid lead in national polls.

Gore is scheduled to appear in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his wife, Tipper.

He lost the state of Florida in 2000 by just 537 votes, triggering a recount, which was controversially halted by the US Supreme Court.

Had he won the state, he would have won the presidential election.

Obama’s half-hour TV spot was shown on CBS, Fox and NBC, at a cost of about $1m (£630,000) per network, as well as on Spanish language channel Univision, BET, MSNBC and TV One.

The advertisement featured interviews with Americans talking about difficulties in their lives, as well as clips of various political and business figures saying why they supported Obama.

It showed footage of Obama on the campaign trail, outlining his policies and talking about his background.

There was no mention of McCain or the Republican Party.

“I will not be a perfect president,” said Obama. “But I can promise you this - I will always tell you what I think and where I stand.”

The broadcast ended with Obama speaking live from a rally in Florida, where he urged his supporters to continue to campaign on his behalf in the final days before the election.

The BBC’s Justin Webb in Washington says that while it is not unheard of for American politicians to buy large chunks of television time - millionaire Ross Perot did it in 1992 - Obama’s move is unprecedented in its scope.

Only one of the major TV networks, ABC, did not run the film - which has been weeks in the making - and Fox News decided not to broadcast its pre-game show ahead of the fifth game of the baseball World Series in order to accommodate it.

Later on Wednesday, Obama appeared at his first joint rally with former US President Bill Clinton.

The question is whether this is a man who has what it takes to protect America

John McCain

Clinton, whose wife Hillary was defeated in the race for the Democratic candidacy, praised Obama, saying he had the ability to make decisions and bring about change.

He told supporters at the Florida rally they should not be complacent but try to persuade their friends and neighbours to vote for Obama.

“We have so much promise and so much peril. This man should be our president,” said Clinton.

In a speech to supporters in Tampa, McCain had questioned his rival’s security credentials, saying: “The question is whether this is a man who has what it takes to protect America from Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda and the other great threats in the world.”

“He has given no reason to answer in the affirmative”.

McCain’s assault on his opponent’s defence and security policies came after a meeting with a number of senior former military officials.

McCain had also criticised his rival’s tax policies, while at a campaign event in Miami.

“This is the fundamental difference between Senator Obama and me,” he said.

“He thinks taxes are too low, and I think that spending is too high.”

Obama, at an event in North Carolina, poured scorn on McCain’s recent accusations that he is a “socialist”.

“By the end of the week, he’ll be accusing me of being a secret communist because I shared my toys in Kindergarten,” he told supporters.

Recent polls from CNN/Opinion Research suggest that Obama leads McCain by four points in Ohio, by six points in North Carolina and by seven points in Nevada, all states won by George W Bush in 2004.

The latest Rasmussen poll has Obama leading McCain nationally by 51% to 46%.

UN mission 250 police peacekeepers off to Ivory Coast

Staff Reporter

Some 250 police personnel will join the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast replacing two contingents that had gone there earlier.

Two teams, each comprising 45 personnel, left Zia International Airport for Ivory Coast by a UN charted flight Wednesday night.

Deputy IGP (Training) Mohammad Moklesur Rahman and Assistant IGP (UN desk) Mohammad Harun-Ar-Rashid saw them off.

A contingent of 90 police personnel is scheduled to leave Dhaka on November 5 and 70 others on November 8, said a release.

Police Super Abdullah Al Mahmud will lead BANFPU-1 contingent, while Police Super Mohammad Mahbub Hakim will head BANFPU-2.

At present, 1,083 members of Bangladesh police force are engaged in UN peacekeeping mission in different parts of the world.

Bangladesh is on top of police force in UN peacekeeping missions.

Hannan Shah demands CEC's resignation

UNB, Dhaka

BNP chairperson's adviser Brig Gen (retd) Hannan Shah yesterday demanded resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Dr Shamsul Huda for his remarks that he wants to hold general election in 1970 style.

Shah said the CEC's comments meant that he wants to give opportunity to a particular political party. Awami League secured 160 seats out 162 in the then East Pakistan, which made League majority party in Pakistan National Assembly.

Talking to media men at his New DOHS apartment the BNP leader said the CEC's resignation wouldn't impact on holding the election on December 18. "A new CEC will be able to conduct free and fair election," he said.

Shah said the CEC has already made himself controversial for his different steps, including delimitation of constituencies. "The remarks about the 1970 elections have pushed him towards further controversies. His inclination towards a particular party and hostility towards others have again been reflected through this."

Referring to the pending cases against delimitation, Shah said the CEC earlier had announced that the election schedule would be announced on November 2, but now they do not know when the schedule could be announced.

"The Commission," he said, "is trying to evade its wrongdoing by making court scapegoat."

Parties that believe in secularism, communism should not get registration: Mujaheed

UNB, Dhaka

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujaheed yesterday said the parties that believe in secularism and communism should not get registration from the Election Commission as per article 8 (1) of the Constitution.

The article says the principles of absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah, nationalism, democracy and socialism meaning economic and social, together with the principles derived from them as set out in this part, shall constitute the fundamental principles of state policy.

Addressing a press conference at the party's central office, Mujaheed said as per the Constitution, Islamic parties should get advantage for the registration, but the Election Commission (EC) seems hostile towards religious parties. The glaring example is the CEC's statement about Jamaat during the last Ramadan.

Replying to a question about registration of Awami League and other parties, Mujaheed said Jamaat is a democratic party and it did not oppose registration of other political parties.

He alleged that the CEC and EC's role are not neutral. The EC's activities prove that they want to install Awami League in power.

Mujaheed said the CEC's political identity is clear from a statement about 1970 and 2001 general elections. He said though the election of 1970 was one sided, the EC wants to hold the Dec 18 election like that of 1970.

He said the CEC spoke against the general election in 2001 which was recognized as free and fair both at home and abroad and the BNP-led four-party alliance had won the election.

Mujaheed said the EC had set dialogue in such a manner so that Al-led 14-party combine could take part in the dialogue, excluding religious parties. He said the Commission was compelled to invite Jamaat and Islamic Oikya Jote, and other religious parties got the chance to join the dialogue on request.

The Jamaat leader said the RPO provisions relating to party registration are illegal and undemocratic.

He apprehended that some groups, who want to form national government, want to foil the Dec 18 elections. The Commission's role also contributes towards creating uncertainty about the elections.

Although the Chief Adviser vowed to hold the election on the schedule date in his speech at the UN general assembly, Mujaheed said, uncertainty and conspiracy against the elections are surfacing day by day.

No uncertainty over Dec 18 scheduled polls

Staff Reporter

Commerce and Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday dismissed any doubt about the general election scheduled to held on December 18.

Their is no confusion that a free and fair election will be held as per the declared date, he maintained.

None but journalists and few people have expressed their doubt over holding the upcoming general election and present political condition to hold the election on the schedulee date, Zillur told reporters after inaugurating the three day's long DCCI fair as chief guest at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organised the fair as a part of its golden jubilee celebration.

He said that the people as well as the politicians should overcome all kinds of difficulties if there is any confusion about the election.

The Commerce Adviser said the caretaker government has implemented its pledged agenda one after another with confidence. "The government is creating an environment of trust for the elections," he told reporters. He further said that preparation for election is underway in full swing and the government has left all doubts behind much earlier. "But it is also important whether the political parties are making the same atmosphere for the people. The politicians will have to make sure whether they will be able to maintain a stable condition after the election," he added.

"There is no confusion that a free and fair election will be held as per the declared date," he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr Hossain Zillur said that it's a positive sign to hold a trade fair when international economy experienced a great recession.

He said that the people of the country accepted the challenge of worldwide economic recession with confidence.

Later, the Education Adviser visited different booths at the fair.

DCCI President Hossain Khaled described the SME sector as an engine for the country's economic growth and said, "It contributes 40 per cent of country's gross manufacturing. Besides, 25 per cent of the labour force of the country is engaged in this sector".

He hoped that the fair will help export diversification.

A large number of businessmen delegates from 25 countries is expected to join the three-day-long International Business Conference that began yesterday.

During the conference, the DCCI arranged seminars, workshops, according to DCCI sources.

RAB busts car lifters gang: 5 held, as many luxury cars recovered

Staff Reporter

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) yesterday apprehended a gang of car-lifters and recovered five brand new luxury cars from them.

The arrested are Omar Faruk, Mostakim-ur-Rahman Asif, Amir Hussain Sohag, Kamal Hossain, Manik alias Yusuf.

On information a team of RAB-2 raided the Japan Garden City at Mohammadpur in the city and arrested Faruk. On his confessional statement the RAB arrested the rest of the car-lifters from different parts of the country.

RAB recovered two VOXY microbuses, one private car and two light trucks from their possession. The RAB also seizes fake car documents and other contrabands from the cars.

The arrested persons confessed to RAB personals that they snatched the cars after killing the drivers or forced-fed them sleeping pills.

They sold the snatched cars in throwaway price in the country. They also made false documents of the lifted cars.

Call to forge unity of nationalist forces

Staff Reporter

Former energy adviser Engineer Mahmudur Rahman, has called upon the political parties to forge the national unity in the interest of the country, democracy and the people forgetting petty differences. Even in some cases we have to compromise with the people who are allegedly in the October 28 incident of 2006.

He made the call yesterday at a discussion on "No Violence: Compromise for National Unity" at the National Press Club to condemn the October 28 carnage, where he was speaking as chief guest.

Nagorik Forum organized the discussion while Abdullahil Masud, chairman of the forum, presided over the function.

President of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party Shafiul Alam Prodhan, Former lawmaker and BNP leader Samsuzzaman Dudu, Former lawmaker and Jamat leader Moulana Abdus Soobhan, Acting Secretary General of Jatiya Party ANM Rahmatullah, Secretary General of Islami Oikkojote Moulana Abdul Latif Nezami, Former President of Dhaka Metropolitan Bar Association Advocate Abed Raza, Professors of Dhaka University Tahmina Akter and Dr. Nazrul Islam Sheikh, Barrister Tamis Uddin, among others, spoke on the occasion as special guest.

Mahmudur Rahman said, October 28 carnage was not an isolated incident. It was a part of conspiracy of home and abroad and one-eleven is the result of this carnage.

He urged the government to ensure and implement the trial of culprits involved in October 28 carnage in 2006.

The election of December 18, has to be held to protect democracy. Otherwise the CEC shall have to take all responsibilities of failing to hold the national election, he added.

He also said, " I do not expect morals and morality from the government."

Shafiul Alam Prodhan said, October 28 carnage was a rare incident of history even at the world perspective.

He called upon Begum Khaleda Zia to identify those were involved with the conspiracy of 28 October. Since at that time the four party-alliance was in power.

Samsuzzaman Dudu said, every political party should participate in the upcoming national election and there was no alternative to election, he said.

Speakers said, a political group of the country was trying to create violence. This group was also trying to dub the country as a failed state.

The speakers called upon the political parties to nominate honest men as candidate in the upcoming elections to establish an honest government and parliament.

They emphasised the need for national unity. They said, the national unity can not be formed by excluding a tangible political party.

WTO assures assistance

Staff Reporter

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has assured adequate support to enrich the capacity of WTO cell in Bangladesh.

Visiting Deputy Director of the WTO Harsha Vardhana made the assurance yesterday at a meeting with Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman at his office.

During the meeting the Adviser informed the WTO official various issues including Bangladesh's position over WTO, initiatives taken on WTO through private sector and expert partnership.

The meeting also discussed the ongoing economic recession and its possible effect on WTO trade talks.

Commerce Adviser Firoz Ahmed, Bangladesh permanent representative to United Nations Dr Devpriya Bhattachariya and Director General of WTO Cell in Commerce Ministry Amitav Chakrabarty were present in the meeting.

7 SPs transferred

Staff Reporter

Seven Superintendents of Police were given new postings yesterday, according to a press release issued from the Police Headquarters.

Feni SP Harun Rashid Hazari has been transferred as SP of Panchagar. SP Mallick Fakrul Islam, who recently returned from East Timor on completion of the UN peacekeeping mission, was appointed SP of Feni. Panchagar SP Harun-ur-Rashid has been transferred as Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police.

Another SP Jamil Ahmed, who returned from Ivory Coast UN Peacekeeping Mission, has been given new posting as SP of Pabna district.

Pabna SP ASM Masum Rabbani has been transferred to Police Headquarters as Assistant Inspector General of Police.

SP Abdul Malik, who returned from Ivory Coast UN Peacekeeping Mission, has been appointed DC of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, while SP Abdul Quader, who returned from UK on completion of his academic leave, has been posted as SP of Police Staff College in Dhaka.

Breastfeeding can cut infant mortality

Staff Reporter

Around 14 lakh children die due to lack of awareness of breastfeeding every year.

This was disclosed yesterday at a round table discussion titled, "Secure Nutrition Diet: Save the Children's lives" at the National Press Club in the city. Eminence in association with Save the Children, UK organised the programme.

National Professor, Dr MR Khan addressed the meeting as chief guest, while child specialist Prof MQK Talukder chaired the function.

In his keynote presentation Dr Shamim Hayder Khan said, "In our country newborn mortality rate is 36 and infant mortality is 52% per thousand."

Speakers said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of the age of the baby.

Dr KHAN demanded of the government to separate the controlling authorities of Food and Drug .He said there is no substitute of mother's milk. Working mothers' milk can be stored for her child.

The Editor of the Daily Ittefaq, Rahat Khan, doubted that the contaminated powder-milk could be used in manufacturing of food products.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna Organising Secretary of Awami League said the children of today would lead the countries in future. The party would take steps to ensure nutrition and food security for the children.

Prof Sufia Khatun of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF) urged the government and donors to invest in breastfeeding awareness programme.

The speakers said after the age of 6 months a child may be given homemade complementary food beside mothers' milk but breastfeeding should be continued till the age of 2 years.

Deputy Country Director of Save the Children, Sayma Anwar, Lalita Bhattachariya, Nutritionist of FAO, and many doctors, journalists, social workers and media celebrities took part in the meeting.

Expansion of ICT facilities to remote areas urged

BSS, Dhaka

The nine-day ECS City IT Fair-2008 began here yesterday with a call for expanding the information and communication technology (ICT) facilities to remote areas of the country.

"The ICT facilities are limited only to towns. But it should be expanded to remote areas in the greater interest of people of the country as well as ICT industry," renowned ICT personality and Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury said while inaugurating the fair as the chief guest.

Multiplan Centre Shop Owners Association has arranged the fair at the Multiplan Centre at Elephant Road in the city with the slogan "Let Computer be a Tool for Flourishing Talents."

Prof Chowdhury said, "We would become a middle-income country by the next 10 years, if proper attention is given to the ICT industry."

There is no lack of talents in the country, he said and called upon all concerned to take initiatives for flourishing the talents.

Thanking the organisers, he hoped that such type of fair would certainly help expand ICT industry in the country.

With Convener of the Fair and President of Multiplan Centre Shop Owners Association Toufique Ehsan in the chair, the function was addressed, among others, by President of Greater Elephant Road Businessmen and Owners Association and former MP Mostafa Mohsin Montu, President of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Amir Hossain, Secretary General SA Quader Kiron, Vice President Abdullah H Kafi, Director of Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) Yusuf Ali Shameem and Vice-President of BCS AT Shafique Uddin.

Mostafa Mohsin Montu said, "If we utilise our potentials properly revolution could take place in our ICT industry, like the Indian city of Bangalore."

Amir Hossain Khan urged the computer traders to run their business with sincerity and honesty so that customers are not cheated.

Besides displaying and selling ICT products, the main features of the fair included painting competition for children, debate and quiz competitions for students, seminar, symposium, free voting on internet about electing Cox's Bazar and the Sundarbans in the New7Wonders list, free internet browsing and guarantee service on sold goods in the fair.

A total of 400 organisations are taking part in the fair that will remain open from 10 AM to 8 PM every day till November 7.

The entrance fee has been fixed at Taka 10. However, school students can visit the fair without any fee, organisers said.