The New Nation - Internet Edition

Interview today: Distribution of BNP tickets begins

Police remain on alert as hundreds of BNP leaders
and workers throng the party's central office at Naya Paltan
in the city to collect the nomination forms for
parliamentary election yesterday. NN photo

Talha Bin Habib

The interview of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nomination seekers will be held at 10:00am today at the party Chairperson's office at Gulshan in the city.

Earlier, the sale of nomination forms ended yesterday at the BNP central office at Naya Paltan in the city.

A total of 3,100 nomination forms were sold for six divisions. Party sources said Tk 4 crore and 14 lakh were collected from sales of nomination forms. Candidates intending to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections have collected nomination papers and most of them have submitted it.

Nomination forms on behalf of party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia were collected for Bogra 6 and 7, Comilla-6 and Dinajpur-3 constituencies. Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain has also collected nomination papers for Manikganj-1 and 3 constituencies.

Besides, nomination forms were also collected on behalf of Mirza Abbas, former Minister of Housing and Public Works, Amanullah Aman, former State Minister and Nasiruddin Pintu former MP, among others, for contesting the polls from different constituencies in the city.

Hundreds of nomination aspirants and their supporters crowded the party central office to get nomination forms. Most of the heavyweights of BNP have collected their nomination forms on the first day Tuesday.

"The party would nominate potential and popular candidates for constituencies for the polls," Delwar told journalists. He also said the activities and role of the candidates before and after the changeover of 1/11 would also be taken into consideration.

" We call upon the government to fulfil our demands including lifting the state of emergency without any delay to facilitate our electoral activities," he mentioned.

AL asks govt to specify date for emergency withdrawal

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina presiding over
the party's presidium meeting at the Dhanmondi office on
Wednesday. FocusBangla

Staff Reporter

Awami League (AL) led 14-party alliance yesterday asked the caretaker government to specify the date of withdrawal of state of emergency, following the remarks of the army chief and an adviser to the caretaker government on Tuesday.

AL presidium member Amir Hossain Amu told newsmen that the caretaker government should announce the exact date of lifting of emergency, otherwise how the people of the country would know when the emergency would be lifted. The veteran AL leader made this remark after attending a 14-party alliance meeting held at the AL president Sheikh Hasina's political office at Dhanmondi.

The Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed on Tuesday said he would request the caretaker government to withdraw the state of emergency ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for December 29.

Earlier on the same day the Education and Commerce adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman said the caretaker government would lift the state of emergency just before the polls after discussion with the Election Commission (EC).

The meeting of the 14-party alliance placed some demands which includes no further shifting of the parliamentary election date, lifting of the emergency, deferment of the Upazila elections by at least one month and scrapping of the provision of 91 (E) of the Representation of Peoples Order (RPO).

Amu said that the repeated rescheduling of the polls dates has raised doubt in the people's mind.

Asked about the seat sharing among the partners he said, "The 14-party nominations will be disclosed very soon.

AL presidium members Abdur Razzak, Tofail Ahmed, Matia Chowdhury, Suranjit Sengupta and AL Joint Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Rashed Khan Menon and Bimal Biswas of the Workers' Party of Bangladesh, Hasanul Huq Inu, Syed Jafar Sajjad, Moinuddin Khan Badal and Shireen Akhter of JSD, Nurul Islam of Ganotontri Party, Dilip Barua of Sammyabadi Dal, Abdus Salam of Gano Azadi League and Asit Baran Roy of Communist Kendro were present at the meeting.

WB predicts tough time for next govt: Economy may shrink

Staff Reporter

Predicting tough times for the incoming elected government, the World Bank yesterday said the country's economy might shrink during the current 2008-09 fiscal in the wake of the global economic recession.

It said though the state of Bangladesh economy is now stable it could slow down in the next couple of months under the impact of global financial crisis. The government should, therefore, take proper measures for tackling the situation with proper plans in the economic sector, WB suggested. The WB observation came at a workshop on "Global Financial Crisis and its likely impact on Bangladesh" at the office of the World Bank at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

Xian Zhu, WB Country Director, presided over the workshop while Vinaya Swaroop, a leading economist, presented the keynote paper. Zahid Hussain, senior economist and Mehrin A Mahbub of the bank also attended it among others.

Vinaya Swaroop said under the negative impact of the global financial crisis Bangladesh's economy might be affected in the near future. The export earnings and remittances are likely to reduce in size to some extent, he noted.

He said that the present caretaker government might go without a scratch, but the next elected government shall be facing the challenges of the global economic meltdown.

He said the budget for the fiscal 2008-09 estimated the deficit at 5.0 percent when the prices of food and fuel were at their peaks. The reduction in commodity prices will help reduce the extent of subsidy, he added. He pointed out that a slowdown in exports and remittances as fallout of the recession would in turn affect the country's economic growth.

He suggested sending more workers abroad for achieving the remittance target for the current fiscal year.

"Export earnings would grow by 5 percent in the remaining nine months of the fiscal. This is much below the level of 9 percent required to achieve the fiscal's target of US$ 16.4 billion," he said adding that

Bank is still not pursuing the idea of devaluation of Taka as suggested by the private sector.

The Country Director of the World Bank recommended implementation of ADP and large infrastructure projects to manage the impact of the crisis.

"The World Bank is ready to assist Bangladesh for expanding its safety net programme," said Xian Zhu.

The World Bank projects that in case of worst scenario, the rate of growth might come down to 4.8 percent from the present rate of 6.5 percent.

McCain due Dec 2

McCain

BSS, Dhaka

US Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain is scheduled to arrive here on a two-day visit on December 2.

He will arrive in the capital from Kuwait leading a nine- member high profile US delegation.

Senator Joseph Liberman, who was the running mate of Democrat presidential candidate Al Gore and Senator Lindsey Graham, will also be included in the delegation, official sources said here on Wednesday.

During the visit, John McCain will exchange views with government advisers, leaders of major political parties and representatives of the civil society.

JU standoff likely to persist

Al-Amin

A standoff is prevailing in the Jahangirnagar University (JU), as an acting Vice Chancellor and some invalid committees were conducting the day-to- day administrative and academic affairs.

The on-going infrastructure development and research activities are being ignored due to lack of proper supervision, which is severely affecting the congenial academic atmosphere on the campus.

It is known that regular academic activities in various departments are badly disrupted because of non-cooperation and lack of understanding between the administration and the teachers. For this reason results of different examinations of the departments are being delayed for months making the students' life miserable.

Sources said the honours final examination-2005 of English Department was held in January 2008, but the results have not yet been published.

"A lot of problems have emerged in the administrative and academic activities of the university after the new acting VC Prof Muhammad Muniruzzaman took charge on March 25 this year", said a senior teacher of the university seeking anonymity.

JU administration, now overburdened by amateur policymakers, is functioning in an atmosphere of non-cooperation and misunderstanding, the teacher termed the administration undemocratic.

The normal academic activities of JU administration have grinded to a halt, as meetings of the highest policy making body- the syndicate- had been held infrequently.

Sources said only two syndicate meetings were held after the present VC took charge. Although he has summoned emergency syndicate meetings to discuss issues like sexual harassment of female students and teachers strike.

Unlike the previous years admission tests for this year will be held early next year. Students and guardians have expressed their doubts about the examination at that time which is expected to be unstable for political reason.

Prof Shamsul Alam Selim, Secretary of Shamamona Shikkhak Forum of JU, said only a democratically elected administration could resolve the impasse on the campus.

VC Prof Dr Mohammad Muniruzzaman said, "We are trying to solve all problems as per rules and regulations of the university. We seek co-operation from all quarters to run the university smoothly."

JUTA polls on Nov 30

JU Correspondent

The long awaited election of the Jahangirnagar University Teachers' Association (JUTA) for 2008 will be held on November 30.

After getting permission from the government, the election commission published the schedule for the poll, which was scheduled to be held two years back.

The Election Commission has already published a list of 38 legitimate candidates. Earlier, teachers from both pro-BNP and pro Awami League panels submitted their nomination papers to contest in the polls.

Professor MA Matin, Professor ATM Atiqur Rahman and Professor Noyeem Sultan will vie for the post of president, while Professor Abul Kalam Azad and professor Shamsul Alam will compete for the secretary post.

November 27 has been fixed for withdrawal of the candidatures. Finally the polling, counting and publishing names of winners will be held on November 30.

DU admission test in jeopardy

Madrasah students announce fresh programme

DU Correspondent

The 'Gha Unit' (combined unit) admission test of Dhaka University (DU) was thrown into uncertainty, as madrasah-background students of the university threatened enforcing strike on the campus tomorrow (Friday), the scheduled date for the test.

"We will observe all-out strike in the campus Friday if the restrictions on admission of madrasah

students to the seven departments of DU are not withdrawn by tomorrow (Thursday)", Convener of the Committee to Protect Rights of Madrasah Students Moniruzzaman told a rally in the DU campus Wednesday noon.

"We have neither any intention to stop the admission test nor any hostility with the admission seekers. The University authorities are compelling us to go for a tougher movement paying no heed to our demand", Moniruzzaman said.

When contacted, DU Social Sciences Faculty Dean Harun-or-Rashid, who assumed the responsibility to carry out admission activities of the 'GHA Unit', said the university authorities would think about the matter.

"We seek a peaceful solution over the issue, as there is still a day remaining before the strike by the madrasah students", he said.

However, Rashid said his faculty had taken full preparation to hold the admission test at the scheduled time.

Thousands of admission seekers and their guardians are now in extreme anxiety and uncertainty whether the admission test will be held on Friday.

Liakat detained says wife, RAB denies

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

The Rapid Action Battalion whisked away top terror and expelled Jubo League leader Liakat Hossain from his father-in-law's residence in Dhanmondi yesterday, wife Farhana Hossain said. Additional director general of the elite anticrime force colonel Gulzar Uddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com over telephone that they had not arrested anybody by the name of Liakat on Wednesday.

National and international human-rights organisations have accused RAB of killing people without trial in the name of crossfire or gun battle. It does not even acknowledge arrest, according to allegations.

One of the 23 top criminals on the police list made during the previous BNP-led government, Liakat was arrested on Oct. 1, 2003 and was released by a High Court bail order on Sept. 4 this year.

"At around six in the morning, some six-seven armed people in plainclothes knocked at our door. When my father opened the door, the visitors identified themselves as members of Rapid Action Battalion," Farhana said to bdnews24.com.

"They wanted to know where Liakat slept. As [Liakat] opened the door, they gagged him, held him with his arms behind his back and whisked him away in a microbus," she said.

They also took away five mobile phone sets from the house, Farhan said.

400 years of Dhaka to be celebrated tomorrow

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will inaugurate a three-year programme to celebrate 400 years of Dhaka at South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on November 28.

LGRD and Operatives Adviser Mohammad Anwarul Iqbal will attend

the function as the special guest, while Cultural Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury will preside over it.

The slogan of the colourful programme is 'Ahen Moji Furtitey' (Let's enjoy), an official handout said here yesterday.

Various cultural organisations will organise different programmes, including joyous precessions with elephants and horses on different city streets.

Besides, kite flying, boat race, displaying of delicious food of old Dhaka and old cars, Bakharkhani festival, arts competition, puppet show and cultural function will be arranged.

On the inaugural day, the Chief Adviser will release a commemorate postage stamp.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels will telecast the inaugural function live.

Operation of foreign shipping companies: USTR concern over govt move to frame new policy

Syful Islam

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has expressed concern over government move to frame a new policy restricting operation of fully foreign owned shipping agencies companies.

Director of the South Asia Office of the USTR, Victoria Kader in several communiqué with the Bangladesh Embassy in US expressed the apprehension that the move will hurt US companies doing business in the shipping sector and may disqualify them from doing business in Bangladesh. "The USTR consider that the move is unfair and US Embassy in Dhaka will register their concern to the government," Commercial Councillor of Bangladesh Embassy in Washington Kazi Md Shamsul Alam said in a recent letter to the chairman of National Board of Revenue.

Shamsul Alam said the USTR will vigorously defend the US companies doing business in Bangladesh.

"Any attempt to curtail that opportunity by restricting foreign shipping agency companies will meet serious protest from the US government," he cautioned, Bangladesh's hundreds of millions of dollars worth of export to US will be affected.

He recommended letting the foreign shipping companies do business in Bangladesh as before. "No new policy should be adopted without consulting both local and foreign shipping agencies," the diplomat recommended.

NBR sources said the government has initiated the move to frame a new policy restricting operation of fully foreign owned shipping agents following a recent dispute over issuance of licence to foreign shipping agents considering large scope for flight of capital.

They said the policy will clearly indicate whether 100 per cent foreign owned shipping agencies will be allowed in this sector or not.

Earlier two shipping companies took licences to operate joint venture business in Bangladesh, but later have changed the ownership without taking prior approval of authorities concerned.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) recently requested the Ministry of Finance for framing a specific policy with clear direction about what will be the ownership portion in joint venture business.

The NBR has taken the initiative in line with the recommendations of an inter-ministerial meeting held last week where high officials of Bangladesh Bank (BB), Board of Investment (BoI), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) attended.

The government has been issuing licence to the shipping agents under Customs Agents (licensing) Rules, 1986.

The Chittagong Customs House gives licence to joint venture companies at around 51 per cent for local and 49 per cent for foreign ownership.

Protesters asked to vacate Bangkok airport: Thai army calls for new polls

Agency, Bangkok

Anti-government protesters sit in front of the departure terminal at Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkok

The protesters say they will not leave until the PM resigns The head of Thailand's powerful army has asked the government to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

Gen Anupong Paochinda denied the move amounted to a coup, and also called on anti-government protesters to withdraw from Bangkok's international airport.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) took over the airport on Tuesday, stranding thousands.

It was the PAD's most dramatic move so far after months of calling for the government to resign.

It is unclear where Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat now is - he was due to return to Thailand on Wednesday from an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru. However, Gen Anupong said the government was still in control.

"This is not a coup," he told a news conference.

"The government still has full authority. These points are the way to solve the problem which has plunged the country into a deep crisis," Gen Anupong said. "If a coup could end all the troubles, I would do it," he added. The protesters, who have also been occupying a government compound in the capital since August, claim that the government is corrupt and hostile to the monarchy.

They also accuse it of being a proxy for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military 2006 coup, but who critics say is still very influential. The PAD is a loose grouping of royalists, businessmen and the urban middle-class opposed to Mr Thaksin.

It said the airport protest was a "final battle" to bring down the government. The BBC's Jonathan Head, in Bangkok, says that the government appeared to have adopted a strategy of allowing the PAD to attack government buildings while avoiding clashes, in the hope that it could wear the protesters down.