The New Nation - Internet Edition

FEMA trains 64 election observers

Staff Reporter

FEMA yesterday concluded a daylong training programme on long-term election observation. In all 64 long-term observers (LTOs) from 64-district chapters of FEMA participated in the programme at their office, in the city.

The participants were trained on the mechanism of long-term observation. FEMA LTOs were advised to observe the nomination process, law and order situation and the role of electoral and civil administration, said a press release.

Feroz M Hasan, President of FEMA inaugurated the training programme and said " the political parties should consider the recommendation of the grassroots leaders while nominating candidates, which FEMA will highlight in its LTO report."

Monjura Akter Chowdhury, Consultant and Ferozul Alam Chowdhury, Deputy Programme Manager of FEMA, among others, took part in the programme.

Fund for Azizun Nesa Gold Medal at DU

DU Correspondent

Clinical Psychology Department of Dhaka University set up "Begum Azizun Nesa Memorial Gold Medal Fund".

To establish the fund, Rokeya Begum, Professor of the Department, handed over a 300000 Taka cheque to Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof Dr SMA Faiz in a colourful function held at RC Mojumder auditorium yesterday.

VC of the Dhaka University SMA Faiz presided over the programme.

Former VC of Bangladesh Agricultural University and also National Professor Dr AKM Aminul Haq was present as chief guest and DU Pro-VC AFM Yusuf Haider, Dean of the Biology Faculty Dr M Abul Bashar were present as special guests.

Describing Azizun Nesa as one of the pioneers of the women's rights movement, they thanked her family for setting up a charitable fund like this.

US Senators are welcome guests, says Iftekhar

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said that the visit of the three senior US senators to Bangladesh reflects strong ties and shared values between the two countries.

He said that the senior US Senators visiting Bangladesh on Tuesday would be "welcome guests". The US Senators are John Mc Cain, Senator Joseph Liberman and Senator Lindsey Graham, said a press release.

"Each of them is a legislator of the highest stature. Their visit is also an acknowledgement of the internationally recognized position of Bangladesh as a peace loving, peaceful and stable State heading for a free, fair and credible elections", he added.

Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury said that this visit will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss other issues of interest, primary among which is the market access for Bangladeshi manufacturers, particularly RMGs.

He further said "They will see for themselves that Bangladesh is truly an oasis of stability in a turbulent region. Such deserving trade facilities to Bangladesh will help sustain this stability in our society."

"Socially and economically, we have been good performers, and this performance should be rewarded", the Foreign Adviser concluded.

Bumper production of sweet potato likely

Staff Reporter

Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has fixed a target of producing 1,80,600 tonnes sweet potato from 12,900 hectares in the country's 16 northern districts during the current season.

Sources said the DAE and other government and non-government organisations concerned have taken necessary steps to make the sweet potato cultivation a success in the region.

Under the programme, 200 hectares will be brought under farming in Rajshahi, 850 hectares in Naogaon, 500 hectares in Natore, 250 hectares in Chapainawabganj, 1500 hectares in Bogra, 350 hectares in Joypurhat, 500 hectares in Pabna and 1850 hectares in Sirajganj under Rajshahi Agriculture Zone this season.

Similarly, a total of 800 hectares will be brought under the cultivation in Rangpur, 1000 hectares in Gaibandha, 2000 hectares in Kurigram, 500 hectares in Lalmonirhat, 900 hectares in Nilphamari, 700 hectares in Dinajpur, 1,600 hectares in Panchagarh and 600 hectares in Thakurgaon districts under Rangpur Agriculture Zone.

Additional Director of DAE Abul Basher the reportes the sandy lands and the riverbeds are suitable for the sweet potato cultivation. So, people of the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins and the remote char areas are widely habituated in the farming along with consuming it. Production cost of the crop is very low, as it requires less fertiliser and irrigation.

Talking to reporters DAE Deputy Director Braja Hari Das said nutritive value of the crop is similar to rice and its taste is delicious. It contains vitamins A and C and expected mineral elements, which are absent in rice. It is also enriched with protein, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, carotene and vitamin B1 and B2, which are essential for human body.

An adult person needs 13 grams vitamin-A per day that can be fulfilled after consuming only a single sweet potato. Braja Hari mentioned that people of Philippines and Papua New Guinea consume sweet potato as alternative of rice while in USA and Japan it is used as food widely. He also mentioned that different types of tasty foods like halua, payesh, bread, pauruti, biscuit, pastry and cake could be made through processing the indigenous potato.

"If we can make the people habituated to sweet potato consumption the nation can reduce its dependence on rice to a greater extent," Braja Hari said adding that steps should be taken to make people aware in this regard.

In this context, he also said importance should be given to providing adequate training and technical know-how and agri-loans among the farmers to make the farming more popular and profitable so that the farmers could be encouraged to enhance its production.

'Nation indebted to Khanbahadur Ahsanullah'

BSS, Dhaka

Former chief adviser of the government Justice Latifur Rahman has said the nation is indebted to Khanbahadur Ahsanullah in many ways.

Justice Latifur Rahman was addressing a function organized on the occasion of distributing Khanbahadur Ahsanullah Gold Medal Awards in the city on Saturday.

The award giving ceremony for 2006 and 2007 was held under the auspices of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) at its mission building.

Justice Latifur Rahman said the DAM founded by Khanbahadur Ahsanullah with the motto of divine and humanitarian services has turned into a great institution with the passage of time.

He handed over the gold medals to Dutch-Bangla Bank Managing Director M. Yasin Ali and former Education Secretary Kazi Fazlur Rahman.

Speaking on the occasion, noted jurist Barrister Rafiq-ul- Haq said, DAM has been materializing the ideals and mission of Khanbahadur Ahsanullah which he cherished at the time of founding the mission.

He congratulated DAM for honoring M. Sahabuddin Ahmed and Kazi Fazlur Rahman as recognition to their contribution to the nation.

In his presidential address, DAM President Kazi Rafiqul Alam said Dhaka Ahsania Mission is honored through awarding Khanbabadur Ahsanullah Gold Medals to eminent personalities of the country.

Stressing the need for pursuing the ideals of Khanbabadur Ahsanullah, he said there would not be any conflict and chaos in society if could follow his principles.

He also informed that since 1986 DAM has been awarding Khanbabadur Ahsanullah Gold Medals and so far 16 personalities of the country have been honored.

The key-note paper was presented by Bangla Academy former Director General Professor Mansur Musa while South-East University Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. M. Shamser Ali took part in the discussion.

Dutch-Bangla Bank Managing Director M. Yasin Ali and Kazi Fazlur Rahman spoke on the occasion while DAM Executive Director M. Ehsanur Rahman delivered the address of welcome.

Mass awareness to fight cancer stressed

BSS, Dhaka

Around two lakh people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Bangladesh while a number of those patients are leading an active and healthy life due to proper awareness and successful treatment.

This was observed by the cancer experts at a sporting event for cancer survivors held at Dhanmondi National Women's Complex on Thursday.

The rejoicing event was jointly organized by Sanofi- Aventis, a health care organization and National Sports Council in association with Bangladesh Olympic Association for cancer survivors and their families and friends. Cancer survivors gathered from different parts of the country to participate in the sporting event.

Leading lawyer, Barrister Rafiqul Haque, Pro. Emiratus and noted oncologist A.B.M. F Karim, Professor M A Hai, Dr. Md. Selim Reza, ex captain of the National Football team Arif Khan Joy and Director of Bangladesh Cricket Control Board, Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu were, among others, present at the inaugural ceremony.

'Cancer does not mean death' mentioned Barrister Rafiqul Haque, a survivor for 22 years, in his inaugural speech.'

A cancer survivor can lead an active and healthy life, the number of participants in the sporting event strongly establishes this fact,' concluded Barrister Haque.

The survivors participated in different events of Athletics and Archery from 9.00 in the morning till 11.00 a.m. and from 11.30 a.m. took part in a paddle boat race at Dhanmondi lake.

The prize giving ceremony started at 1.15 am. with the welcome speech from Managing Director, sanofi- aventis Bangladesh Iftekharul Islam.

Distinguished cancer specialists encouraged the survivors who won different events-with gold, silver and bronze medals.

The prize giving ceremony was concluded with the vote of thanks from Director, Specialty Business Unit, sanofi-aventis Dr. Md. Afroz Jalil.