The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bangladesh-born girl becomes Miss Mississipi

BSS, Dhaka

Paromita Mitra, 17, a Bangladeshi immigrant in the United States, has won the crown for the Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2009 competition, according to a message received here on Tuesday.

The victory in the last week's competition, sponsored by The Miss Universe Organization and NBC Universe, will now bring Paromita to the Miss Teen USA Pageant competition in 2009, to get a chance to embark on a year of traveling around the world, working with incredible non-profit organizations and attending red carpet events.

As a winner, Paromita received some scholarship money, travel allowances, New York Film Academy Awards, several custom designed cosmetics and jewelries, and speech and communication training for Miss Teen USA, among many.

Paromita's onstage question was: What magazine cover she would like to appear on and what her headline would be.

"Time Magazine," she said and preferred the headline to be "The headline would be: A new generation for women". "Because I believe that I could be a diverse addition to the Teen USA programme," she said at the competition stage.

Daughter of Dr Amal and Ratna Mitra, Paramita is a senior at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi while she is the Senior Class President, a cheerleader, a pianist, and a member of her school debate club and the robotics team and in the future she wants to be an aeronautical engineer and work for NASA.

With her areas of interests being astronomy, physics, and math, Paromita likes Bengali music and dance while in one of her last pageant competitions, she performed a Bengali folk dance.

She plans to visit Bangladesh in summer 2009. She wants to help the underprivileged children here.

Special steps taken for foreign poll observers

UNB, Dhaka

The Election Commission is taking special steps for foreign election observers by facilitating visa processing alongside amending the guidelines for them to ensure free, fair and acceptable elections in the country.

The EC has fixed some outlines about the guidelines, accreditation and grant of visas for foreign election observers as some organizations like the NDI and IRI have contacted the commission about election observation and also enquired about formalities regarding obtaining visas and other related matters.

Chief Election Commissioner Dr ATM Shamsul Huda chaired a high-profile meeting in connection with the election observation by foreign observers on October 28 in the EC conference room, in preparation for dealing with the armies of poll monitors.

Election Commissioners M Sohul Hussain and Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, EC secretary M Humaun Kabir, Foreign Affairs secretary Md Towhid Hossain, Information secretary Jamil Osman and Home Affairs additional secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid were among others present at the meeting.

There are two categories of foreign election observers-short-term and long-term teams. Short-term observers mostly concentrate on observation during the poll day while long-term ones cover pre-poll, polling and post-poll activities, the meeting outlined.

It was informed that the guidelines for the foreign observers prepared by the Election Commission have to be reviewed, suitably amended and issued afresh.

"The revised guidelines shall contain, among others, an application form for foreign observers, procedures for obtaining visas, a code of conduct and other necessary information," the meeting decided.

The entire guidelines with the application form will be available on the website of the commission and all interested persons or organizations would be able to download that to meet their requirements.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs will inform all its diplomatic missions abroad about the guidelines and the websites so that the missions may advise the interested parties when they approach them for assistance.

About accreditation of foreign observers, the meeting advised that the foreign observers intending to observe the forthcoming elections should need to apply to the Commission in the prescribed form as given in the guidelines.

Filled-out forms may be sent to the Commission either through email or by fax. Local offices of foreign diplomatic missions or of regional groups or international organizations may forward the applications directly to the commission by special messengers or mail.

AL ticket for JS polls: Working Committee to find candidates from grassroots

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League yesterday decided to seek recommendations from local leaders about candidates for general election which will be submitted to the central committee within November 9 for taking the final decision.

Briefing reporters after the party's central working committee meeting, acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said the local leaders would pick and choose five promising candidates through a meeting of the extended committee to be attended by leaders of union, thana, upazila and district units.

He said the party's central working committee would finalize the candidates from those names on November 9 to field them for the crucial battle of ballots across the country in a changed context.

Ashraful said aspirants could buy the nomination forms for Tk 7,500 each from the party's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue from yesterday to November 7.

He said one copy of nomination form and a receipt would be given to the candidate who will win the party ticket for exhibiting it to his upazila or thana committee.

The meeting was presided over by AL presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury at Dhanmondi office. The next meeting will be held on November 7 which will be presided over by party-chief Sheikh Hasina, after her homecoming from America.

Asked about their proposed grand election alliance, Ashraful said the process of forming the meg-coalition remained at discussion level and it would be finalized on Sheikh Hasina's return.

He asked the government to lift the state of emergency fully ahead of the polls and defer the upazila polls to reasonable time-limit.

"The scheduled date for the upazila polls is not logical. We will meet the Election Commission and the government to pursue our demand," he said.

4-party meet today to decide on election

Staff Reporter

The BNP led four-party alliance is going to sit for an urgent meeting today to finalise its decision on participating in the forthcoming election on December 18.

The high ups of the alliance would sit at 6:30 pm at BNP Chairperson's office at Gulshan in the city.

The components of the alliance have held separate meetings yesterday in the follow-up to the announced election schedule by the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday.

BNP standing committee held meeting yesterday evening at the party chairperson's Gulshan office . Begum Khaleda Zia presided over the meeting that began at 8:15 pm. The meeting was continuing till filing of this report.

It is the fourth meeting of the BNP standing committee since Khaleda Zia was released on September11.

Sources from the alliance said all parties of the alliance have held meetings separately in the last few days and discussed thoroughly to find their respective parties stands on the issue of participation in the election.

The top leaders of the alliance will arrive at a common and single decision after assessing all the options presented by the component parties of the alliance separately, it added.

Earlier the BNP led four-party alliance urged the EC not to declare the election schedule hurriedly without reaching unanimity with the political parties.

But the EC declared the election schedule soon after the High Court dismissed three separate writ petitions challenging the EC's gazette on the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies

There is less possibility of participating in the elections, if the government fails to realise the seven-point demand put forward to the government during the dialogue, said a BNP leader on condition of anonymity.

"Creating a level playing field for all political parties in the election is yet to be realised, " he added.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e- Islami Ameer Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami said the top leaders meeting of the alliance today will take decision whether they go for a movement or election.

He said all the component parties of the alliance believe in elections and they never support 'state-managed and farcical elections'.

Nominate honest, qualified persons, says ex-CA

Staff Reporter

Former Chief Adviser of Caretaker Government Justice Latifur Rahman at a discussion yesterday called upon the political parties to nominate honest and qualified persons in the upcoming national elections.

He was speaking as chief guest at the discussion on "The Spirit of November 7: Present Situation," to mark the "National Revolution and Solidarity Day" at National Press Club.

Bangladesh Sanskritik Academy organised the discussion. Md Lokman Hossain, Adviser of the Academy, presided over the programme.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jatiya Party Abu Naser Mohammod Rahmatullah, Secretary General of Islami Oikko Jote Moulana Abdul Latif Nezami, Leaders of BNP central committee Abdus Salam, Rezabuddoullah Chowdhury and Ismail Hassain Bengal, Poet Abdul Hai Sikder, Afzal Hossain, Joynal Abedin Ratan, Zeba Ahmed Khan and Monir Hossain, among others, attended as special guests.

The speakers condemned the cancellation of the holiday on November 7, and called the day a struggle to protect the country's liberation and sovereignty.

They also said one-eleven occurred to demolish our nation. Although the election schedule has been announced, people are still confused whether the election will be held or not, they added.

DSE bounces back after four days

Staff Reporter

After four days of consecutive fall amid panic selling the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday bounced back sharply and made substantial recovery.

The DSE General Index (DGEN) rose 87 points or 3.29 per cent to close at 2,720 from 2,634 points on Monday.

The day trading opened with an upbeat mood on expectation of some good news from a scheduled meeting on the day at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The SEC convened the meeting with representatives from DSE, CSE and merchant bankers after investors staged demonstration in front of the

DSE on Monday protesting against the continued fall of the share prices.

During the day's trading, prices of shares continued to gain with the progress of the SEC meeting that reviewed the market situation.

The meeting, however, ended with an observation that "nothing but panic selling" was the main reason behind the sluggish market.

The day's trading opened with the benchmark index at 2,634 points, but rose as high as 2,756 at about 12:50 pm before closing lower at 2,720 points.

The All Shares Price Index (DSI) increased 68 points or 3.13 per cent to close at 2,254 points while the DSE-20 index for selective shares rose 51 points or 2.23 per cent to close at 2,318 points.

Of the total 228 issues traded on the day, 192 registered gains while only 30 incurred losses and six remained unchanged.

The day's total turnover fell to Tk 2.11 billion from Tk 2.28 billion on Monday. The turnover was lowest since August 20 when it was recorded at Tk 1.95 billion.

The market capitalisation, however, increased to Tk 976 billion on Tuesday from Tk 953 billion on the previous day.

Beximco Pharma, Uttara Bank, Titas Gas, Beximco, Lankabangla Finance,

AB Bank, Islami Bank, ACI, Square Pharma and National Bank 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, Beximco, Fuwang Foods, Golden Son, Lankabangla Finance, Quasem Dry Cell and BD Com.

Top gainers of the day were Gulf Foods, Glaxo Smithkline, Agrani Insurance, National Tubes, Tulip Dairy, Brac Bank, Mithun Knit, City

Bank, Dutch Bangla Bank, Trust Bank.

Top losers were Perfume Chemicals, United Insurance, ICB, Takaful Insurance, BCIL, Atlas Bangladesh, Meghna Pet, Standard Ceramics, Saleh Carpet and Al-Amin Chemicals.

Ties with Sudan to grow: President

UNB, Dhaka

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Tuesday emphasized increasing trade relations between Bangladesh and Sudan as he offered Bangladesh's world-class products for the market of the African country.

"Sudan can import Bangladeshi world-standard products, including pharmaceuticals, readymade garments and ceramics, at cheaper prices," he said while the visiting Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of Sudanese armed forces, General Muhammad Abdul Qadir Nasruddin, called on him at Bangabhaban.

Welcoming Gen Nasruddin, the President noted that existing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries are excellent and these relations would be strengthened further through such kind of high-level visit.

He also hoped that the relations would be strengthened further through training-exchange programme between the armed forces of the two countries.

President Iajuddin mentioned that about 1,500 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in Sudan.

He expressed his gratitude and thanks to Sudanese government and its armed forces for the support and cooperation extended to Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed there under the mandate of the United Nations.

"Sudan armed forces may increase her participation in training programmes in Bangladesh, specially in UN Peacekeeping training in Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT)," said the President, also supreme commander of the armed forces.

He invited the Sudanese President through General Nasruddin to visit Bangladesh.

The Sudanese General thanked the President for giving him time and mentioned that the Bangladeshi peacekeepers working in Sudan are also helping Sudanese people in various ways.

He also thanked Bangladesh Government as well as Armed Forces Division for providing training to Sudanese army officials.

Badruddoza fears trouble after army pullout

UNB, Dhaka

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh chief Dr AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury disapproved of the government decision to send troops back to barracks ahead of the polls as he said the country had witnessed unexpected incidents in the past during election campaign.

"The army should be engaged in aiding civil administration for holding peaceful and successful parliamentary polls," the former President said on Tuesday.

He said the government would have to take all types of security measurements for providing security and safety to voters, candidates, campaigners and poll officials so all can be election-oriented.

"The government will have to take the total responsibility of providing security to all the poll-campaign meetings as the country had experienced some unexpected incidents in the past during election campaign," said the BDB leader at a press conference, a day after the caretaker government relaxed emergency rules and decided on troop pullout from field level.

US envoy hopes: Polls in Bangladesh without emergency likely

UNB, Chittagong

US Ambassador James F. Moriarty yesterday said his government hopes to see the holding of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh without emergency as they consider the December polls as a major step forward in democracy.

Appreciating the government steps to relax the emergency to some extent, he said, "It is a good sign."

The American diplomat made the observation while talking to the media after a meeting organized by Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a city hotel.

Giving special emphasis on the fourth 'D'-Decentralization-he said decentralization must take root in Bangladesh for strengthening democracy. The fourth D is a vital component of democracy as it is practiced in the USA.

He said, "The December 18 parliamentary elections will mark a major step forward in democracy in Bangladesh while December 28 upazila elections could also mark a major step forward in Bangladesh's democracy-if the people of Bangladesh decide that they want functioning local government structures headed by representatives freely elected by the people."

"If allowed to do so, elected Upazila chairmen could do much to build democracy at the grassroots. Just as important, upazila elections could help create Bangladesh's next generation of political leaders. But again, these are decisions that the people of Bangladesh must make," he said.

The American envoy emphasized that Bangladeshis themselves have to decide 'what sort of democracy suits them best".

He noted that in the United States, democracy is practiced not only at the national level but also at the local level, much closer to home.

"But the people of Bangladesh must decide the future of their own country-and the shape of their own society. No political system is perfect, and no two societies are exactly the same," the US Ambassador told his audience-underlining the need for homespun polity of each country.

Hasina in London en route home

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina arrived in the UK at 10.45am (GMT) yesterday, flying in from the US en route to Bangladesh, party leaders said.

She was earlier seen off at Washington DC's Dulles Airport by her son Sajib Wazed Joy, among others, and welcomed on her arrival at London's Heathrow by local AL leaders.

The former prime minister brought her return date forward by four days, to Nov 6 instead of Nov 10, following the Election Commission's announcement of parliamentary polls schedule earlier in the week.

She is scheduled to return home at 8.30am, with Awami League planning a massive gathering of supporters, to line the route from Zia International Airport to her Sudha Sadan residence, to welcome the AL chief home.

The AL's central committee met on Tuesday with Dhaka City AL leaders, presidents of AL district units and associate organisations, among others, on plans for her homecoming.

Hasina, facing five graft cases, flew to the United States on June 12 to seek medical treatment, a day after the government allowed her temporary release from special jail on parole.

Call to give sex workers legal status

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion suggested for reformation of the existing laws on sex workers so as to make their profession legal, which would help their children mix freely with the mainstream society.

This was disclosed yesterday at a round table discussion on "The Rights of Children of Floating Sex Workers: Our duty" at the National Press Club in the city.

Durjoy Nari Sangha and National Watch Group jointly organised the programme in cooperation with Shishu Odhiker Network Bangladesh.

Prof Dr HKS Arefeen of Anthropology and Prof Dr Sadeka Halim of Sociology of Dhaka University jointly presented keynote paper. They placed a 14-point demand for the children of the sex workers.

Speakers said the law enforcement agencies including police have been playing an ambivalent role towards homeless sex workers and their children. They exploit the sex workers and their offspring in different ways.

They said institutions like shelter homes could play an important role in integrating these children in the society.

Remittance crosses last year’s record

Staff Reporter

Foreign remittance this year, until now US$ 7.4 billion, has already crossed last year's record figures, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told newsmen yesterday.

The inward remittance from Bangladeshi workers abroad until October was US$6.6 billion, which was a record high.

The Adviser also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and

Overseas Employment said employment of workers abroad is also rising as 765,000 have so far been cleared for jobs abroad this year whereas the number for the whole of 2007 was 832,000.

Dr Iftekhar hoped that the record of sending workers abroad will exceed this year, too.

"We are not resting complacent because of these achievements. We are constantly looking for new markets. Libya will now be an important destination. The opening of new Missions in Greece and Sudan in particular will be most helpful," the Adviser said.

One hacked to death in city

Staff Reporter

A scrap trader was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at Arsin Gate in the city's Shyampur area yesterday.

The victim was identified as Mohammad Jahangir Alam, 38, a resident of Asrin Gate.

Local source said Jahangir was married eight years ago with Sagarika and she bore three-girl child but her conjugal life was unhappy.

At the 3:00am some unknown assailants picked up Jahangir. At that time Sagarika left the place with her children. The miscreants hacked him indiscriminately dragging him inside the Riverview Housing Project at Arsin Gate and left him dead on the spot at about 3:30am.