The New Nation - Internet Edition

First day of scrutiny: Over 100 candidates axed: Sajeda, SQC, GQC, Sajeda, SQC, GQC, Akhteruzzaman Babu, Sarwar Nizam’s nominations withheld

Staff Reporter

Nominations of over one hundred candidates for the forthcoming parliamentary polls were cancelled yesterday, the first day of scrutiny by the Returning Officers in different districts across the country.

Besides, nominations of Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury, Akhteruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, Sarwar Jamal Nizam and Syed Wahidul Alam, among others, were withheld until today for one or other reasons.

The stalwarts of major political parties whose nominations were cancelled include Maj (Retd) Akteruzzaman, BNP rebel - Kishoreganj-2, Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, AL - Chandpur-1, Mustafa Jamal Haider, Grand Alliance- Pirojpur-1, Syed Shahidul Haq Jamal, BNP rebel - Pirojpur-1, Fakir Ashraf, JP - Netrokona-2, Nurul Islam Moni, BNP rebel - Barguna-1, Lutfuzzaman Babar, Ind - Netrokona-4.

The others candidates whose nominations were cancelled include Advocate Sohrabuddin, AL -Kishoreganj-2, Abu Sayeed Akhter Khurram, Ind -Kishoreganj-2, Dr Mizanur Rahman, BNP - C'nawabganj-1, Abdur Razzak, JP - C'nawabganj-2, Durul Huda, Ind C'nawabganj-2, Ataur Rahman Milan, Ind - C'nawabganj-2, Lokman Hakim-Ind - C'nawabganj-2, Afzal Hossain, Ind - C'nawabganj-2, Nazrul Islam Sona, JP - C'nawabganj-3, Amir Hossain, AL rebel -Habiganj-2, Harunur Rashid, AL - Laxmipur-2, Shah Ahmed Badal, Bikalpadhara - Laxmipur-2, Zahir Hossain Hakim, NNP - Laxmipur-2, Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, BNP - Laxmipur-2, Mahmudur Rahman, JP -Laxmipur-1, Nazrul Islam, Krishak Sramik Awami League -Laxmipur-1, Imam Hossain, BNP rebel -Laxmipur-1, Rafiqul Islam Jamal, 4-party - Jhalakati-1, Md Enamul Haq Rubel Howlader, JP - Jhalakati-1, Abul Kalam, Bikalpadhara-Jhalakati-1,

Mainul Islam, Islami Andolan-Jhalakati-1 Air Comdr (Retd) Manzurul Islam, JP - Jhalakati-1, Beg Mahtab Hossain, Bikalpadhara - Bagerhat-2, Tareq Hossain, Gano Forum-Bagerhat-2, Syed Aminul Huda Selim, Ind - Bagerhat-2, Advocate Barun Kumar Biswas, BNP rebel - Satkhira-3,

Md Mojibul Haq, AL rebel - Satkhira-4.

Ali Ahmed Nazir, NAP -Ctg-8, Enamul Haq Pasha, Ind - Ctg -8, Hasmat Ali, Ind - Ctg-9, Sachindra Lal Dey, Ind - Ctg-3, Deedarul Kabir, Ind - Ctg-3, Syed Sajjad Doha, Ind - Ctg-3, Mohammad Ali Talukdar, Ind -Ctg-3, Touhidul Islam Chowdhury, Ind - Ctg 3, Asaduzzaman Jalal, Ind - Khulna-1, Advocate Abdul Wahab, Muslim League - Khulna-3, Dr Kazi Farooq Ahmed, Nagorik Andolan - Khulna-2, Sirajul Islam, Muslim League - Khulna-2, Laila Rahman, Ind -Khulna-2, Asaduzzaman Jalal, Ind - Khulna-2, Ibrahim Aziz, Kalyan Party - Khulna-2, Syedur Rahman, Ind - Khulna-2, AK Azad, Ind - Thakurgaon-1, Dr Shahidul Islam, JP - Chandpur-1, Dr Jalaluddin, BNP - Chandpur-2, Abu Bakar Siddique, Gano Forum - Chandpur-2, Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, BNP rebel - Chandpur-3, Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Zaker Party - Chandpur-3, Hafez Masud Akter Khan, Gano Front - Chandpur-3, Hafez Ibrahim, BNP, Bhola-2, Siddiqur Rahman Manna, BNP rebel - Bhola-3, Shamsuddin Ahmed, AL - Manikganj-2, ASM Abdul Mannan, JP - Manikganj-2 and Deen Mohammad, Khelafat Majlis - Manikganj-2

The other candidates are Deepa Majumdar, JP -Gopalganj-1, Kazi Shaheen, JP - Gopalganj-1, Ali Azam, Ind - Gopalganj-1, Advocate Nahaz Pasha, JP - Gopalganj-2, Mosannat Sajeda Ahsan,BNP- Comilla-4, Al Amin, Islami Andolan- Comilla-1, Sultan Jisanuddin, JP - Comilla-1, Tajul Islam, Ind - Comilla-1, Ershad Hossain, Khelafat Andolan - Comilla-2, Syed Mohammad Atiqullah, BJP, Comilla-2, Sirajul Haq Bhuiyan, Ind - Comilla-4, Shahauddin, Ind - Comilla-5, Abdul Hye, PDP -Rajshahi-3, Mohammad Tofael, Ind - Rajshahi-2, Afrin Najneen, Ind - Rajshahi-2, Taposh Kumar Mitra, Kalyan Party - Pirojpur-1, Zahid Hosain, BKSAL - Pirjojpur-1, M A Jabber, Islami Andolan - Pirojpur-1, Ali Ishaq, Ind - Sylhet-1, Salahuddin Ripon, Ind -Sylhet-1, Mohibur Rahman, AL rebel - Sylhet-2, Abdul Quaiyum Chowdhury, BNP rebel - Sylhet-3, Harun Raja Chowdhury, Ind - Sylhet-3, Shirin Salma Begum, Ind - Mymensingh-4, Mofazzal Hossain, Ind - Mymensingh-4, Hannan Sarkar, Ind - Mymensingh-6, Abdul Hannan, Ind - Mymensingh-1, Ershad Hossain Saju, Jamaat -Lalmonirhat-1, Joynal Abedin, Ind - Lalmonirhat-1, Shah Abdul Hamid Aftabi, Tariqat Federation - Lalmonirhat-1, Moqbul Hossain, Bikalpadhara - Lalmonirhat-1, Sakhwat Hossain, JP - Netrokona-1, Jalaluddin Talukdar, AL - Netrokona-1, Khorshed Ali, KSJL - Netrokona-2, Lt Col (Retd) Noor Khan, AL - Netrokona-2, Raihan Amin Rony, Ind - Netrokona-3, Shafi Ahmed, AL - Netrokona-4 and Zakir Hossain Talukdar, Ind - Netrokona-5.

Schism surfaces in Mahajote: Ganatantri Party chief burnt, son dies: Subversion feared

Nurul Islam and Tomohar Islam

Awami League President Sheikh Hasina visiting the
burn-injured Nurul Islam, President of Gonatontri Party, at
Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. NN
photo

Staff Reporter

Nurul Islam, President of Ganatantri Party and nominee of AL-led Mohojote for Noakhali 1 constituency for the upcoming national elections scheduled on 29 December has been seriously burnt in a fire incident at his Lalmatia flat late on Tuesday night and is now fighting for life at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka.

Islam's only son Tomohar Islam alias Puchi, a 35-year-old young man and an executive of a non-government organisation (NGO) died on the spot in the fire.

The wife of the critically injured leader poet Ruby Rahman and his daughter are in the USA and shall return soon after receiving the information.

Nurul Islam is also the leader of the Trade Union Kendra and has a long career in politics. He was a leader of the East Pakistan Students' Union (EPSU) and Vice President of Iqbal Hall (now Sgt.Zahurul Huq Hall) and a veteran of anti-Ayub democratic movement in the 60s.

Islam was also a leader of the class three and class four employees union of the University of Dhaka in late 60s and 70s and a relentless fighter for their just cause.

He is a selfless political element which have made him dear to political workers and leaders.

After finalising Mohajote's nomination in his favour for the Noakhali 1 constituency he and his son had been constantly intimidated over the phone over the last some days.

Schism grew in the jote on the inclusion of JP of Ershad and distribution of seats among components and some of the components including Ganatantri party have either declared or are contemplating to declare secession with the Jote.

Ganatantri Party General Secretary Giasuddin Haider yesterday told the New Nation Correspondent that they were not with the Jote if core questions were not honourably settled and said, "We shall formally announce our decision after holding a presidium meeting shortly."

Islam while in DMCH on Wednesday morning before losing consciousness said, "I was intimidated over phone and my present condition is an act of the fundamentalists."

Islam, who has filed nomination for contesting the upcoming parliament elections from Noakhali-1 constituency, has been kept on life support at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), police and medical sources said.

His party is a component of the Awami League-led grand alliance, one of the power contenders in the December 29 general election being arranged against the backdrop of turmoil in the country's political arena following the 1/11 changeover.

The sources said the fire originated from electric short circuit at about 3:45 AM when the father and the son were fast asleep in their residence on the fourth floor of the multistory building at Lalmatia Imperial Garden.

"In no time, the fire engulfed the entire room, burning both in their beds," says a spot account of the macabre scene.

Nurul Islam's son, Tomohor Islam alias Puchi, 35, was burnt to death instantly.

The injured political leader was first admitted to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and later shifted to the CMH in critical condition.

On information about the predawn fire, firefighters from Mohammadpur rushed to the spot and doused the flames with the help of local people.

They rescued Islam and also recovered the body of Tomohor.

Meanwhile, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam and some other political leaders visited DMCH to see Nurul Islam when he was under treatment there.

Talking to newsmen, Dr Shamanta Lal, head of the burn unit of DMCH, said 40 percent of Nurul Islam's body got burned in the fire. His respiratory organ was also affected.

"He was referred to CMH at about 1:20PM as there is no life support in DMCH burn unit," the physician told reporters.

Ganotantri Party yesterday demanded of the caretaker government to postpone polls in the Noakhali-1 constituency as its president and contestant for the parliament seat suffered critical burn injuries in his home fire. The party demanded investigation into the incident. It suspected the late-night fire as an arson attack that left Nurul Islam severely burnt while his son burnt to death.

"The incident is mysterious as Nurul Islam had received threats over his mobile phone after getting nomination to contest the seat," Azizul Islam, party's advisory council member, told reporters in an impromptu press conference at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

He posed a question if the fire had originated from electric short circuit, why it would have razed through only one flat of the building.

Azizul Islam demanded deferment of voting in the constituency and proper investigation into the incident.

He was later shifted to CMH, said police.

Hasina inquired about his health condition and spent some time beside the critically injured leader.

When asked about Islam's condition, Menon told reporters that his condition is "critical" and he would need better treatment.

Mentioning that Islam had received threats over telephone for few days, he called for a fair investigation into the incident.

"As far as I know, he has no personal enemy as he is really a good man. But his ideology may have created enemies," Menon said.

"Islam had made it known some days back that he was receiving threats over telephone. So, the fire incident should be looked into in-depth," Menon said to reporters.

Nurul Islam and four others have filed nominations in the Noakhali-1 constituency to contest the upcoming national elections.

Golam Quddus, general secretary of Sammilita Sanskritik Jote at first got Awami League's nomination for the seat. But, finally, Nurul Islam got the grand-alliance's ticket after negotiations over seat sharing.

Barrister Mahbubuddin Khokon got the BNP-led four-party alliance nomination while immediate-past BNP MP of the seat Adv Mahbubur Rahman filed nomination as independent candidate. The other independent contestant from the constituency is Din Mohammad, editor of Ganojagoran a vernacular newspaper.

Md Kamruzzaman, Sub-Inspector at Mohammadpur Police Station, told journalists bdnews24.com that the fire broke out in their fourth-floor flat at around 3 AM.

Kamruzzaman quoting Hasibul Hasan, a BBA student and resident of the flat above Islam's, said at around 3AM Hasib and two of his friends were busy with their computer when they heard something fall downstairs with a thud.

Investigating, they found smoke billowing out of one of their windows too, heard someone yelling downstairs, "Fire! Please save us!"

The three friends rushed downstairs, broke open the entrance to the flat, rescued seriously injured Islam and sent him to DMCH. The firefighters also arrived soon after.

Hasan said the firefighters and local people doused the fire and discovered the body of Tomohar from the living room.

The police officer said the drawing-cum-dining room looked totally ravaged. The electric fan, TV set, refrigerator and other gadgets were destroyed.

The refrigerator's compressor might have exploded following the fire that broke out from electrical short-circuit, he said quoting the firemen.

"After I was nominated, unidentified Islamist militants had been intimidating me and my son over telephone, asking me not to contest the polls," Islam said to reporters at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

"Islam was being intimidated by outsiders for quite some time. We demand that the government take steps to initiate an enquiry into the fire incident that occurred early Wednesday," Ganotontree Party president Azizul Islam Khan said to reporters at noon.

There was none else in the house during the incident. Islam's wife poet Ruby Rahman and daughter are in the United States and are rushing home.

Islam in 1991 ran in the general election from Noakhali-1 as an eight-party alliance candidate and marginally lost to the BNP-led four-party alliance contestant.

Bangladesh polls to be fairest: McCain: Political parties urged to accept results

US Senator John McCain addressing a press briefing
at Zia International Airport on Wednesday. Senator Joseph
Lieberman and Lindsey Graham were present.
FocusBangla

UNB, Dhaka

Senator John McCain Wednesday said the US Congress wants to see Bangladesh's return to democratically elected government through free, fair and credible elections and urged parties to accept the election results and work together for the interest of Bangladesh.

"It would be important for all to accept the results and work together in the interest of this country… a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is important for the region and the world," he told a press conference at Zia international airport capping his brief visit to Bangladesh.

McCain accompanied by Senators Joseph Lieberman and Senator Lindsey Graham came here Tuesday night and left this morning after a breakfast meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, other Advisers and military leaders at the CA's official residence.

McCain, who lost to Barack Obama in last month's US Presidential election, said the US Congress has followed political developments in Bangladesh over the past two years very closely. "The visit provided us an opportunity to observe the situation first hand before the elections on December 29."

"Parliament election slated for later this month comes at a crucial time in Bangladesh history," he said, adding that the caretaker government and the army deserve credit to strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh's democracy.

"Their work is not yet done, and it is now the time for an elected successor to continue the reform process already begun and build democracy and enhance prosperity for Bangladesh's people," McCain said in his opening statement.

He said Bangladesh is a nation of resilient and hard working people committed to building a better future for the next generation. A democratic and prosperous Bangladesh is important for the region and the world. "We'll continue to follow Bangladesh closely through the election process and transition."

About the meeting with the Chief Adviser, McCain said they had discussed various issues including free and fair trade between Dhaka and Washington and efforts to work together on climate change which is a specially compelling issue in Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as an important friend and ally, he said the United States would continue to pay attention to this country for its economic prosperity.

On recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai where six Americans were killed, the Senator said it was an outrageous and disgraceful act which is unacceptable to America and India.

McCain, who left here for Pakistan, expressed the hope that the government of Pakistan would fully cooperate in transparent manner to track down the evildoers and those who are behind the attack to bring them to justice.

In reply to a question, he said the Mumbai attack was conducted in a

sophisticated manner, mentioning that this kind of attack is

different from previous suicidal attacks.

The killers were determined to keep as many people hostage as they can, he said, adding that the attack showed that terrorism exists in the world in a very dangerous fashion and it needs coordinated action to fight against it.

Senator Lieberman and Senator Graham in their remarks also stressed the importance of working together by both the government and the opposition parties after the election to address the challenges before the nation, as Senator McCain supports President-elect Barack Obama to overcome financial crisis in America.

ACC chairman ready to quit

UNB, Dhaka

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury yesterday said he is ready to leave his position permanently.

"Why on leave? I am ready to go permanently. That's not a problem at all," he said at a press conference when his comments were sought about a national daily report that the ACC chairman would have to be on leave during the investigation of a complaint by ex-Energy Adviser Mahmudur Rahman.

Failing to file a case against the ACC chairman, Mahmudur Rahman sent the complaint to the Commission alleging that Mashhud had misappropriated Tk 22.41 crore of Trust Bank money through siphoning when he was its chairman. Later, the ACC decided to refer the complaint to the government.

According to the report in the daily, the Law Ministry gave opinion for initiating investigation on the complaint. It also said the ACC chairman should be on leave during the investigation.

Asked if his "intention" to leave permanently was due to failure or assuming that he would not be able to work under the new government, Mashhud described the issue as hypothetical and said his decision would be based on "ground realities."

He said he would do whatever "needs to be done" in consultation with the others.

About the investigation of the complaint, the ACC chairman said: "It' s not a sentimental issue. It (going on leave) can be good for the sake of good investigation. But in case of any hint that I am unwelcome then I may think differently."

Asked if ACC would do anything about the corrupt businessmen, he said the businessmen are somehow involved with financial irregularities.

Mashhud, however, said it would not be right to single out a particular profession and start taking actions. "Overall corruption is there in all professions and sectors."

The press conference was jointly organized by the ACC and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the National Press Club yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, ahead of the International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9.

To mark the day, ACC and TIB are going to chalk out two-day long programmes in the capital. An anti-graft rally will be held tomorrow (Thursday) while a cultural function will be held on Friday at Rabindra Sarobor in Dhanmondi.

The ACC chairman said the programmes involving about 50 organisations have been chalked out so that the issue is not lost in the election fervor.

He said that in collaboration with other organisaions, programmes will be chalked out at district and upazila levels.

TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman told the press briefing that programmes to mark this year's International Anti-Corruption Day would be held beforehand as the day of Eid-ul-Azha falls on December 9.

RMC declared closed amid students’ clash

RU Correspondent

All academic activities of Rajshahi Medical College have been suspended for an indefinite period in the wake of a clash between the activists of Bangladesh Chhatra league (BCL) and Islami Chhatra Shibir ( ICS) that took place on Tuesday midnight.

The students of the college were asked to vacate their hostels by 4:pm yesterday. The clash left at least 12 students injured.Of them, 10 were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Those admitted to the hospital are BCL RMC unit activists Taniqur Rahman, Sajib Uddin, Anup Sarker, Zaman Sakib, Rakibuzzman, Partho Shekor, Sumon Pramanik, Akramul Haque Protim, Abdur Rashid and Abdul Al Mamun. The decision to vacate the hostels was taken at an emergency meeting of the Academic Council (AC) of the college yesterday morning with RMC Principal Prof Fazlur Rahman in the chair .

Campus sources said the clash erupted at Shaheed Shah Mainul Ahsan Pinku Hostel at midnight when the Shibir activists led by college unit President Abu Talha and Secretary Anwar Hossain tried to capture a seat belonging to an outgoing BCL activist.

During the half an hour clash several rooms of the hostel belonging to BCL activists were allegedly ransacked by Shibir cadres. Armed with iron rods and hockey sticks the Shibir cadres launched a hunt for the BCL activists locking the collapsible gate of the hostel, the sources said.

On information, police rushed to the hostel and brought the situation under control.

Later, hostel super Dr Monwarul Islam and assistant hostel super Dr Sirajul Islam accompanied by police went to the hostel and searched several rooms of the hostel to trace out the attackers.

BCL RMC unit President Dewan Mehedi Hassan Tomal complained to the reporters that hall super Dr Monwarul Islam and police only searched the BCL controlled rooms and not Shibir rooms as Shibir gathered a large number of outsiders and arms in their rooms.

Tomal demanded immediate removal of the hostel super for what he said patronising Shibir cadres.

BCL leaders alleged that the policemen were silent spectators when the Shibir cadres attacked the hostel for the second time.

About two hundred BCL leaders and activists met the college principal at his office in the morning yesterday and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate exemplary punishment of the guilty Shibir cadres.

We will launch a tougher movement against the college authorities if the Shibir cadres were not punished,A bcl leader warned.

ICS RMC unit President Abu Talha denied the allegation of attack on BCL activists and claimed that BCL men first attack the Shibir activists.

Rajshahi Medical College Principal Prof Fazlul Rahman said that a three- member probe committee headed by Prof Dr Towhidul Alam has been formed to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, a large number of police have been deployed on the college campus to ward off further trouble.

Barisal 2, 5, 6: EC hears objections of poll contestants

Barisal Correspondent

On the first day of the scrutiny of the thirty nomination papers submitted for Barisal-2, 5 and 6 constituencies have been completed in two sessions in presence of the candidates or their representatives before the district returning officer and deputy commissioner of Barisal district on Wednesday.

Mushfiq Ahmed Shamim, district returning officer and deputy commissioner of Barisal district, after hearing the objections and replies said that final decision about these objection would be given on Thursday.

During the scrutiny of the 9 candidates for Barisal-6 (Bakerganj upazila) constituency, Maj Gen (Retd) Hafiz Mallik, AL leader and nominee of grand alliance raised objection against his rival A B M Ruhul Amin Howladar, secretary general of Jatiya Party (Ershad).

Gen Mallik alleged that Ruhul Amin submitted false and contradictory facts and concealed truths about his educational qualifications, assets and property and so his nomination paper could not be valid.

Ruhul Amin claimed himself as a master degree holder without submitting any document about his educational qualifications the AL nominee alleged.

Besides Ruhul Amin submitted one nomination paper on November 20 in 2008 with facts of possessing only 30 decimal landed property and two firearms without mentioning any descriptions about the criminal cases lodged against him.

However the same candidate submitted another nomination paper on November 30 claiming that his educational certificates were destroyed by fire, he possesses 2.90 acres of land, 5 fire-arms and acquitted from 7 out of 8 criminal cases.

Nomination papers of Principal Abdur Rashid Khan, central leader of Bikolpadhara and nominee of Jukto Front for Barisal-6 faced objection as a loan defaulter, while nomination paper of Md Nasiruddin was found faulty.

On other hand Col Zahid Faruk Shamim, the AL nominated grand alliance candidate and one of the 11 contestants for Barisal-5 (city and sadar upazila), raised objection against his rival Advocate Mojibor Rahman Sarwar, district BNP president, four-party nominated candidate and former Mayor of Barisal City Corporation.

Col Faruk alleged that as Sarwar performed duties of Mayor, an office of profit, he could not contest in elections within three years from the end of his tenure as Mayor as per election rule.

Sarwar also accused in 13 criminal cases and acquitted from charges in 6 cases, trial of four cases postponed and enjoying bail in other 3 cases, concealed facts about these cases, the rival alleged.

Objections of loan defalcation against Mahbubuddin Bir Bikram, AL leader and rebel candidate for Barisal-5 and Shahidul Huq Jamal, former BNP whip and rebel candidate for Barisal-2 have also been raised.

McCain’s adopted daughter to return to Bangladesh

UNB, Dhaka

US Senator John McCain has said their adopted daughter Bridget will return to her native-land Bangladesh after finishing her high-school course next year.

"We are very fortunate to have her…She pays close attention to this country. She wants to return," McCain told a correspondent at a pre-departure press conference at Zia international airport.

"Yes, she will be coming back," said the Senator, fresh from the US presidential election race. McCain's wife, Cindy, took her to the USA. Cindy was in Bangladesh and she and some of the medical personnel visited Mother Theresa's orphanage to try and help the children there. There were two little baby girls there. One had a heart problem, the other a severe cleft palate.

Cindy was very concerned about their ability to survive and their need for medical treatment, so she decided to take them to America for medical treatment. She fell in love with both of them. "We decided to adopt Bridget." Two close friends of the McCain family adopted Mickey, the other child

BB traces 88 loan defaulters

Staff Reporter

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) and other commercial banks seen to be unable to block the participation of the loan defaulters in the coming parliamentary election as many of them managed to get nomination at the last moment to contest the polls with stay orders from the high court court.

Even four candidates, who defaulted in paying loan, have received stay orders from courts yesterday.

Meanwhile, Finance and Planning Adviser Dr AB Mirza Azizul Islam has advised the Bangladesh Bank and other banks to take measures to prevent loan defaulters from contesting the general elections. A total of 270 banks loan-defaulters have so far received stay orders from the courts. Of them, 42 were nomination seekers and all of them got stay orders from the higher courts in the last week alone, the BB Executive Director Khandaker Mazharul Haq said.

The BB has traced 12 more candidates as loan-defaulters yesterday who have submitted their nomination papers to the Election Commission for participating in the national elections slated for December 29.With this, the total number of loan defaulters who got nomination now stands at 88 as per the list of BB.

The total number of loan defaulters, who got nomination for contesting the December 29 elections, might exceed 150, according to sources. The BB is yet to ensure the total number of loan defaulters in the election fray.

The BB is taking preparations to fight legal battle against the loan-defaulters who are in the election race with stay orders from the higher court. The BB has already appointed lawyers to fight the battle against the defaulters, he added.

In the meantime, the names of a good number of candidates, who have initially been identified as loan defaulters in the list sent to the election commission, have been dropped from the list because of weakness in the credit information bureau of the nationalised banks.

Sadek Hossain of Dhaka-6 constituency and Sirajuddin of Dhaka-15 constituency are among the candidates whose names have been dropped from the list of loan defaulters yesterday for the same reason.

The Finance Adviser yesterday said we should see to it that the loan defaulters couldn't contest the polls taking advantage of the loopholes in the law. They must be barred from contesting the polls for the sake of fair and credible elections, he stressed.

The identified loan defaulter candidates belonging to Awami League include Maj Gen (retd) Abdus Salam (Mymensingh-9), Motahar Hossain (Lalmonirhat-1), Nuruzzaman Ahmed (Lalmonirhat-2), Md Mizanur Rahman (Khulna-2), Shamsul Haque Chowdhury (Chittagong-11), Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury (Feni-2), Mohammad Ali (Noakhali-6) and Moshtaque Ahmed Chowdhury (Cox's Bazar-3).

The 12 BNP candidates identified as loan defaulters are Abu Bakar Siddiqur Rahman (Mymensingh-10), Abdus Sobhan (Barisal-1), Shamsuzzoha Khan (Naogaon-2), Rumana Mahmud (Sirajganj-2), Golam Mawla Khan Babul (Sirajganj-5), Biswas Jahangir Alam (Narail-1), Nurun Nahar Parul (Rajshahi-5), Giasuddin Quader Chowdhury (Chittagong-5), Mostafa Kamal Pasha (Chittagong-16), Kazi Md Mofizur Rahman (Noakhali-2), Md Giasuddin (Narayanganj-4) and Mostafa Ali (Bogra-4).

Other prominent loan defaulters who filed nomination include Shahidul Haque Jamal, a BNP rebel, who has submitted nomination papers from several constituencies in Barisal as an independent candidate, Jatiya Party's Mostofa Jamal Haider (Perojpur-1), Joynal Abedin Sarker (independent candidate from Lalmonirhat-1), and Awami League's rebel candidate Zafar Ahmed Chowdhury (Chittagong-14).

The candidates who have already filed writ petition to the High Court to drop their names from the list of loan defaulters include BNP's Barkatullah Bulu, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury, Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and Maj (retd) Manzur Quader, Redwan Ahmed, Shafiqul Goni Swapan and Awami League leader ABM Abul Quashem.

The candidates who have secured stay orders from the High Court include Goyeshar Chandra Roy (Dhaka-3), Akmal Yusuf (Faridpur-3), Kaiser Hamid (Dhaka-14), Abdul Latif Siddique (Tangail-4).

2 PBCP leaders killed in gunfight with RAB

BSS, Rajshahi

Two front-ranking leaders of the outlawed Purba Bangler Communist Party (ML-Lal Pataka) have been killed in a fierce gunfight between some of his associates and a joint team of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police at Shantapara area under Jhikra Union Parishad (UP) of Bagmarai upazila of the district in the early hours of today, police sources said.

The extremist leaders were identified as Jalil, 30, son of Ismail Chakder and Mustafizur Rahman, 28, son of Hossain Ali, both of Koaliapara village under the same UP. They were fugitives of a number of criminal cases including some sensational killing and extortion ones.

On a tip-off, the joint team went to the Shantapara area to arrest the underground terrorists and recover the illegal firearms and found some 10/15 terrorists holding a meeting for committing subversive activities beside a crop field at around 1.45 a.m. Sensing presence of the law-enforcing agency personnel the outlawed criminals started opening fire indiscriminately that led to a fierce gun-battle between them, which continued for around 15 minutes.

Shortly after the incident, the operation team with assistance from neighboring people found Jalil and Mustafiz with bullet wounds and rushed them to Bagmara Upazila Health Complex where the attending doctors declared them dead.

The team also seized two locally made firearms, one cartridge and some indigenous weapons from the spot.

Khoka says, he is not a loan defaulter Press report denied

Staff Reporter

Dhaka City Mayor and BNP candidate from Dhaka-6 constituency Sadeque Hossain Khoka yesterday outright rejected the press report that he is a loan defaulter.

"I am not that Sadeq Hossain, name of whom was mentioned in the letter of Sonali Bank's Sirajganj principal office as the loan defaulter," he said while addressing a press conference at city BNP office.

Expressing his surprise over the negligence of official concerned in determination of the person, Khoka termed the publication involving him as a loan defaulter a false propaganda against him.

In support of his claim, he supplied a certificate signed by Sonali Bank Deputy General Manager (MIS and Statistics) M Shawkat Ali Khan.

According to the certificate, the name of the loan defaulter with Sohagpur branch of Sonali Bank is M Sadeq Hossain, father's name Dr M Abdul Karim and mother's name late Nurunnesa.

He said not only the Sonali Bank, he has no defaulted loan with any other bank in the country.

Mayor Khoka said it is necessary to present the truth before the nation for the sake of my dignity as a person in society.

He urged the Election Commission, central bank and related organisations to be more cautious in formulating lists of defaulters saying that the publication of this list involving him in a section of newspapers and electronic media, has caused embarrassment for him and his party.

The city Mayor also termed the deferment of date of scrutiny of nomination papers of Dhaka-6 a conspiracy.

Among others, BNP leaders Kazi Abul Basher and AYM Kamal were present at the press conference.

Call to increase budget allocation for disabled

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a discussion yesterday demanded implementation of United Nations Charter of disabled persons rights, formulation of policy in consultation with representatives of the disabled and creating friendly environment for them to participate in the elections without any constraint.

The discussion on "United Nations Charter of Disabled Persons Rights: Dignity and Justice for All" to mark the 17th International Day of Persons with

Disability at Rabindra Sarobar of Dhanmondi in the city.

Social Welfare Ministry, Samajseba Adidaftar, Jatiya Protibandi Unnayan Foundation, Jatiya Samajkallayan Parishad and Jatiya Protibandi Forum jointly organised the discussion.

Vice President of Jatiya Protibandi Unnayan Foundation Farida Yeasmin presided over the function, Secretary of Social Welfare Ministry Dewan Zakir Hossain attended as chief guest.

The speakers called upon the people to create opportunities for disabled persons to develop their talents.

They demanded of the government to increase the allocation for the disabled persons in the national budget.

They mentioned that there are around 140000 disabled persons in the country.

Earlier, colourful rally was brought out from Dhanmondi. Disabled persons, officials, NGO representatives took part the rally carrying different placards and festoons.

Chairperson of Jatiya Protibandi Forum AHM Numan Khan delivered the welcome speech, It was attended, among others, by Director General of Samajseba Adidaftar Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Managing

Director of Jatiya Protibandi Unnayan Foundation Mansur Ahmed Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of Social Welfare Ministry BM Abdus Sattar and Director (Finance and Administration) of Samajseba Adidaftar Kamal Uddin Bhuiyan as special guests.

A cultural function was held after the discussion.