The New Nation - Internet Edition

CA asks field-level govt officials: Maintain neutrality in the discharge of election duty

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed addressing the
field-level government officials of Dhaka Division at his
office on Sunday. PID photo

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday cautioned the field level government officials that any kind of forgery, rigging and willful irregularities while discharging election duties would not be tolerated at all.

He also warned the elections officials of heavy penalty in case of any ill-attempts, saying that neutral and intense supervision and monitoring of the government and the election commission will continue to this end.

The Chief Adviser also directed for maintaining the current top order election preparedness till the elections.

The head of the caretaker government gave the warnings and directive at an opinion exchange meeting with government officials of Dhaka Division at the International Conference Center (ICC) at the CA's office complex in the morning ahead of December 29 parliamentary elections and January 22 upazila parishad polls.

About 200 officials, including DCs, SPs, UNOs, metropolitan police commissioner, DIG Police Dhaka Range, senior officials of BDR, Ansar and VDP, and other election related officials from 17 districts of the division were present at the meeting.

This was the fifth such meeting after the first one held at Khulna Divisional headquarters on December 1, followed by Rangpur, Sylhet and Barisal. The last exchange opinion meeting of Chittagong Division is scheduled in Chittagong on Dec 23 (Tuesday).

Home Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, Cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz, Home Secretary Abdul Karim and one DC, SP, ADC and UNO, on behalf of the respective cadres, DMP Commissioner and DIG Police Dhaka Range also spoke at meeting.

Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Aziz Hasan gave the welcome address and conducted the meeting.

The field level officials in their speeches expressed the determination to implement the government's key objective to hold a free, fair and acceptable election and apprised the meeting about their full preparation to this end.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Adviser termed the upcoming 9th Jatiya Sangsad elections and the Upazila Parishad polls as very important in the recent history of the country. He asked the field level government officials to carry out election responsibilities maintaining total neutrality and transparency, to avoid all mistakes and follow the directives of the Election Commission meticulously.

Fakhruddin believed that the government officials would be able to achieve complete success by properly performing their responsibilities at this important time of the nation.

He said the present caretaker government wants to present the nation a free, fair and credible election where opinion of the people - that is voters - would be reflected hundred percent. "The government has come very close to its objective of holding a fair election."

The Chief Adviser said with the combined efforts of officials and employees engaged in elections and all concerned as well as cooperation of conscious and alert voters and people of all sections, the government would be able to present such an election that the entire nation can feel proud of. "So, this election is considered as standard for all future elections."

He said that the present government has carried out many activities in last two years so that black money, terrorism and muscle power cannot pollute the election. He told the field level officials to remain sincere and strict so that these vices cannot emerge at the last moment.

Fakhruddin said he believes that whichever alliance or party forms the government through winning the election, the true victory would be of people and democracy.

Home Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin in his speech asked the government officials to give top priority to the arrest of terrorists and recovery of illegal arms before the election.

Referring to the reported apprehensions of violence, reappearance of terrorists and ill-attempts by extremists and militants, he directed the law enforcing agencies to show zero tolerance in dealing with those.

AL candidate comes under attack in city

Awami League leader and Mohajote candidate for
Sirajganj-2 Jannat Ara Henry was attacked by terrorists
while she was returning from Sudha Sadan, Sheikh Hasina's
residence at Dhanmondi in the city, yesterday. Her car
(left) was partially damaged by the at

Staff Reporter

The candidate of grand alliance from Sirajganj-2 constituency and Awami Mahila League leader Jannat Ara Henry came under attack in city's Dhanmondi area yesterday.

Jannat alleged that a number of young men intercepted her microbus near Road No 5 in Dhanmondi at about 11:30am. They chased the microbus and broke its glasses, she said. Jannat along with her husband Shamim Talukder Lablu, AL Sirajganj district president, and a relative, were attacked while returning from Sudha Sadan after meeting Sheikh Haisna.

The microbus driver sped away from the spot and parked the vehicle near Green Road branch of Mercantile Bank where the passengers took shelter. On information, police rescued Jannat and her companions from inside the bank.

A general dairy (GD) has been registered with Dhanmondi police station.

Ershad seeks vote for Mohajote candidates

UNB, Chittagong

Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad Sunday appealed the countrymen to cast their vote for the Grand Alliance candidates in the parliamentary election slated for December 29.

"If the grand alliance does not come to power, the four-party alliance will destroy what still remained in the country," he said at an election campaign for grand alliance candidate Morshed Murad Ibrahim (Jatiya Party) for the Chittagong-9 constituency.

Ershad urged the countrymen to remain alert about what he said the misleading statements of the four-party alliance. "The four-party alliance is voicing various apprehensions including vote rigging as they know of their certain defeat in the polls," he said.

The former president also urged the AL rebel candidate Dr Afsarul Amin to withdraw from the race in the interest of the grand alliance, saying that the December 29 election is also important for the nation as it was in 1970. "If boat and plough remain (simultaneously) in the race, the third force may be the winner."

Ershad also addressed three election meetings at Nayabazar, Dewanhat, Nasirabad and three roadside rallies at Badamtali crossing, Dewanhat crossing and Sagarika Bazar.

He is also due to address three more public meetings in favour of Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud (Jatiya Party) in the Chittagong-4 (Hathazari) constituency.

Earlier, the Jatiya Party chairman, accompanied by party's acting president Anisul Islam Mahmood and presidium member Ziauddin Bablu, flew from Dhaka to address a series of election campaign rallies for his JP candidates in two Chittagong constituencies.

Addressing a press briefing at the Shah Amanat International airport in the morning, Ershad said: "The December 29 parliamentary polls will set an example and will be the best among all the elections held since the birth of Bangladesh."

He also said that there is no uncertainty over the December 29 general election.

A former president and a leading partner in the Awami League-led grand alliance, Ershad praised the impartial activities of the Election Commission and said that all these have proved that an acceptable and fair election would be held.

Regarding the BNP-led four-party alliance's fear about vote rigging, the he alleged that the alliance led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had "failed to achieve people's confidence" during its last five year tenure.

"They (BNP-led alliance) are certain that they would be defeated this time and so they are talking about vote rigging," he said.

Speaking about the Jatiya Party demand for withdrawal of Awami League candidates from some of the 46 seats allocated to the JP candidates by the grand alliance, Ershad expressed the hope that the problem would be resolved in a day or two.

Don’t involve WB in MTDF: Speakers

Staff Reporter

Speakers yesterday urged both the British and Bangladesh governments not to allow the World Bank (WB) to play managerial role for accumulating fund to face the hazards of climate change.

Speaking at a press conference organised by Equity and Justice Working Group (EquityBD) at the National Press Club in the city, they also requested all to raise voice against involving WB in Multi Donor Trust Fund (MTDF), which was proposed at UK-Bangladesh Conference held in London on September 10.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, convener of EquityBD, General Secretary Samsuddoha, President of Consumer Assoc of Bangladesh Borhan Ahmed and Mostafa Kamal, member of EquityBD among others, were present.

"As on the recommendation of the London Conference, BD government has hired several consultants to prepare 'Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan'. These consultants are also occasionally involved in consultancy with both WB and Department of International Development (DFID) and served always its interests", they alleged.

"It is a diplomatic conspiracy of WB against the third-world countries and our non-political government placed itself into their trap intentionally through supporting the London Conference", they said, adding for this reason they called for constituting MTDF by December-2008.

Stating the double standard role of WB across the world, speakers said WB's all policies in the country served interests of the developed countries in the past.

According to 'Polluter Pay Exploiter Pay Principle' the developed countries, which emitted carbon caused climate change, would pay its debts, they said and protested the Bangladesh government's funding the MTDF.

For creating awareness, the organisation earlier campaigned in different ways including sending post card to Chief Advisor, Development Minister of UK, seminar, Internet and Web based campaign.

Total 33 organisations of the world had expressed solidarity with EquityBD's initiative.

Replying to a query, leaders said at the conference they would try to involve top-level leaders of the major political parties in the campaign soon.

Electioneering at peak: Candidates facing tough contests in most seats

BSS, Rangpur

Local observers are expecting tough contests in most of the parliamentary constituencies in greater Rangpur and Dinajpur districts as campaigning reaches at the peak.

Though a total of 149 candidates are vying for the 33 parliamentary seats in these eight districts, the fight might remain confined among the grand alliance and four- party alliance in most of the seats.

Besides, some independent candidates might set strong contests to the grand alliance and four-party candidates in some constituencies, local observers said only eight days ahead of the December 29 polls.

Interesting contests might take place in Rangpur-4, Rangpur-5, Kurigram-4, Gaibandha-5 and Nilphamri-4 constituencies where the stronger Awami League candidates are in the race side by side with the Mohajyote candidates from Jatiyo Party (JP).

The common voters, farmers, day- and farm-labourers, distressed people, new voters including youths and students, professionals are seemed to vote for the most educated and efficient candidates with clean backgrounds.

The candidates and conscious voters guess that the elected MPs will have no scopes to avoid the common people after the general elections because of the level of consciousness now has been raised among all to a great extent.

There might be strong contests between Jamiruddin Sircar (BNP) and Mazharul Huq Pradhan (AL) in Panchagarh-1 and in Panchagarh-2, the contests might remain confined between Nurul Islam Sujon (AL) and Md Mojahar Hossain (BNP), observers said.

In Thakurgaon-1, contests between Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (BNP) and Ramesh Chandra Sen (AL), in Thakurgaon-2, between Mohammad Dabirul Islam (AL) and Abdul Hakim (Jamaat) and in Thakurgaon-3, between Zahidur Rahman Zahid (BNP) and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (JP) are expected.

While in Dinajpur-1, contests will remain between Manoranjan Sheel Gopal (AL) and Mohammad Hanif (Jamaat), in Dinajpur-2, between Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury (AL) and Lieutenant General (Retd) Mahbubur Rahman (BNP) and in Dinajpur-3, between Iqbalur Rahim (AL) and Shafiul Alam Pradhan (Jagpa-BNP).

In Dinajpur-4, contests between AH Mahmud Ali (AL), Akhtaruzzaman (BNP) and Mizanur Rahman Manu (Ind), in Dinajpur-5, between Mostafizur Rahman Fizar (AL) and AZM Rezwanul Huq (BNP) and in Dinajpur-6, between Mohammad Anwarul Islam (Jamaat), Delwar Hossain JP might occur. But, in Nilphamari-1, trilateral contest might be among Rafiqul Islam (BNP), Jafar Iqbal Siddiqui (JP) and Shafiqul Gani Swapan (NAP) and in Nilphamari-2, bilateral contests between Asaduzzaman Noor (AL) and Moniruzzman Montu (Jamaat) expected. In Nilphamari-3, contests between Kazi Faruq Kader (JP) and Azizul Islam (Jamaat) and in Nilphamari-4, between Amzad Hossain Sarker (BNP) and Colonel (Retd) Maruf Saklain (AL) and Shawkot Chowdhury (JP) are expected. In Lalmonirhat-1, the contest might be between Motahar Hossain (AL) and Habibur Rahman (Jamaat), in Lalmonirhat-2, between Saleh Uddin Ahmed Khan (BNP) and Mojibur Rahman (JP) and in Lalmonirhat-3, the race might be between Asadul Habib Dulu (BNP) and GM Quader (JP). While in Rangpur-1, there will be contests among Mokbul Hossain Shahrier (JP), Muhammad Abdul Gani (Jamaat) and Anwarul Islam (Ind), in Rangpur-2, between Anisul Islam Mandol (JP), ATM Azharul Islam (Jamaat) and Mohammad Ali Sarkar (Ind). In Rangpur-3, unnoticeable contests might be between very strong candidate VVIP Alhaj HM Ershad (JP) and Abdul Quayum Mandal (BNP) and in Rangpur-4, strong contests are expected among Tipu Munshi (AL), Karim Uddin Bharasa (JP), Md Rahim Uddin Bharasha (BNP) and Shah Alam (Ind). In Rangpur-5, tri-lateral contests are expected among HN Ashikur Rahman (AL), SM Fakruzzaman (JP) and Shah Mohammad Hafizur Rahman (Jamaat) and in Rangpur-6, there will be a bilateral contest between VVIP Sheikh Hasina (AL) and Nur Mohammad Mandol (BNP). And in Kurigram-1, bilateral contests are expected between AKM Mostafizur Rahman (JP) and Saifur Rahman Rana (BNP), in Kurigram-2, between VVIP Alhaj HM Ershad (JP) and Tajul Islam Chowdhury (BNP). In Kurigram-3, contests are expected between Maidul Islam (JP) and Matiur Rahman (BNP) and in Kurigram-4, contests might occur among Iman Ali (Ind), Golam Habib Dulal (JP), Nur Alam Mukul (Jamaat) and Zakir Hossain (AL). While in Gaibandha-1, contests between Colonel (Retd) Abdul Quader Khan (JP) and Abdul Aziz (Jamaat), in Gaibandha-2, between Mahbub Ara Guinea (AL) and Commodore (Retd) Shafiqur Rahman (BNP) are expected. In Gaibandha-3, contests between TIM Fazley Rabbi Chowdhury (JP) and Nazrul Islam (Jamaat), in Gaibandha-4, between Monwar Hossain Chowhdury (AL) and Abdur Rahim Sarkar (Jamaat) and in Gaibandha-5, among Fazle Rabbi Mia (AL), Rawshan Ershad (JP) and Hasan Ali (BNP) are expected, local observers said.

Call to build self-reliant country

Staff Reporter

Participants at a discussion yesterday called upon all to be imbued with the spirit of the liberation war for building prosperous and self-reliant country and establishing democracy on a strong footing.

They also called for ensuring human rights.

They were speaking at a discussion on "The pledge of Victory Day: Building of Prosperous Bangladesh", organised by Swadhinata Sangsad at the Public Library Auditorium in the capital in observance of the Victory Day.

Vice President of the organisation poet MR Monju presided over the programme while chairman of Bangladesh Press Council Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque attended it as chief guest. Secretary General of the organisation Shahed Ahmed delivered the welcome speech. Among others, Professor of Gazipur Homeopathic Medical College Dr Md Habibur Rahman Khan, Commander of Muktijudda Sangsad-Rupali Bank Unit Abdul Mannan Sarder, Founding President of Brilliant Society Mizanur Rahman Khan, Prof Dr MU Ahmed Firoz, Advocate Saidul Haque Said and Nadia Jahan Sultana Moon took part in the discussion.

Speakers said the victory day teaches us that the people of the country can overcome any crisis with their firm determination and unity. They laid stress

on forging unity to overcome the country's problems and strengthening democratic process.

A drawing competition was held among the children and juveniles and the prizes were given to the winners.

A cultural programme marked the end of the programme.

Bomb hurled at 4-party candidate at Bhola

Our Correspondent

A bomb was hurled at the car carrying four-party candidate in Bhola-2 constituency Ashiqur Rahman Shanta last night.

The car was partially damaged but the candidate was unhurt. Ashiqur Rahman is the son of late Naziur Rahman Manjur, who was president of BJP.

Naziur fought Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed over political supremacy for long in the area.

Members of the law enforcing agencies are visiting the spot at the time of filing this report last night.

23 BTCL officials sued for misappropriating Tk 41cr

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission Sunday filed 11 cases against 23 officials of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) for misappropriating Tk 40.63 crore.

Separate 11 first information reports were lodged with Ramna police station against the officials of BTCL, formerly known as Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB).

The accused BTCL officials include engineers, fuel issuers, vehicle inspectors, accounts officers and cashiers.

Seven separate cases were filed against 14 officials for misappropriating Tk 32.55 crore from 2000-01 to 2006-07 fiscal year in the name of repairing vehicles through fake vouchers.

Those accused in the seven cases are : Rais-ur-Rahman, Mostafa Hanif Chowdhury, Abdul Goni, Noni Gopal Ghosh, Fakhrul Haider Chowdhury, Zafar Sadek, Sheikh M Shafiq Ullah, Abul Kashem, Saedul Haque, Shahajahan Mian, Fazlul Haque (1), Fazlul Haque (2), Ahmed Ali and M Faruk.

Another four separate cases were lodged against eight BTCL officials for misappropriating Tk 8.08 crore from 2004-05 to 2007-08 fiscal. The misappropriated money was shown as conveyance allowance.

Those implicated in the four cases are : Ayub Reza Pahlobi, Abdul Latif, Amir Hossain, Mujibur Rahman, Habibullah Bahar Chowdhury, Fazlur Rahman, Sirajul Islam, Bodiul Alam and Rabiul Islam.

ACC deputy director Nurul Islam and assistant director SM Shaidur Rahman filed all the 11 cases under sections 420/409/109 of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

Jamali promoted to rank of Lieutenant General

UNB, Dhaka

Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army Maj Gen Sina Ibn Jamali was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on Sunday.

Commissioned on May 8, 1977, in the Infantry Regiment of Bangladesh Army, General Jamali has been awarded the 'CAS Cane' for his outstanding performance as cadet in the Bangladesh Military Academy, said an ISPR press release yesterday.

Besides, he also served as the instructor of Defense Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), chief instructor of War Course Wing of National Defense College (NDC), commander of Infantry Brigade, Director of Military Operations Directorate at AHQ, Adjutant General of AHQ and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 24 Infantry Division.

He is also acting as the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

EC extends nomination submission date for Noakhali-1

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission, urged by Ganotantri Party, has extended the deadline for submission and scrutiny of nomination papers by a day for parliamentary polls in Noakhali-1 constituency.

December 22 has been fixed as the last date for submission of nomination papers while scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on December 23, sources in the EC said.

The last date for withdrawal of nomination, which is December 27 and the voting day, January 12, would remain unchanged.

The Commission changed the election schedule as Acting President of Ganotantri Party Mohammed Afzal and some other leaders called on Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Islam requesting it.

The party on Saturday wrore to the EC to extend the deadline of submission of nomination papers by another week. Ganotantri Party has nominated Prof Rubi Rahman, wife and political aide of late Nurul Islam, to contest in Noakhali-1 constituency.

Release of Iraqi journalist Zaidi demanded

Staff Reporter

Bangladesh-Iraq Friendship Association yesterday formed a human chain in front of National Eidgah in the city demanding release of Iraqi journalist Muntazar-Al-Zaidi who threw his shoes to the president of United State Gorge W Bush at a press conference.

President of the Association Advocate Kabir Kuraishi presided over the programme, while Vice Presidents Advocate Mofizul Islam and Advocate Md Jahirul Islam, central leader of Gono Forum Dilip Tadra, Prof Gias Uddin, Dr Humayun Chowdhury, M Kamal Uddin Habibi, Md Nazim Uddin Chowdhury among others, took part in the programme.

British forces to quit south Iraq next year

AP, Basra

American troops will move into southern Iraq early next year to replace departing British forces, the top U.S. general in Iraq said.

His comments came as Iraq's major parliamentary parties reached a compromise Sunday to allow approval of a resolution allowing all foreign troops other than Americans to remain in Iraq until July 2009. Britain has said its 4,000 troops will withdraw from the southern port city of Basra by the end of May.

Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the overall commander of U.S. and allied forces in Iraq, said in an interview with The Associated Press late Saturday that he is considering moving either a brigade or division headquarters - about 100 personnel - as well as an undetermined number of combat troops to Iraq's second-largest city.

Moving a headquarters unit to Basra would essentially give the U.S. complete responsibility there and across the rest of the country for providing training and support to all Iraqi security forces.

"It will be a smaller presence than what is here now. We think it's important to maintain some presence down here just because we think Basra is an important city, and we think it's important to have some oversight here," Odierno told The AP in Basra, where the general was briefed by British Maj. Gen. Andy Salmon about the area's stability and preparations being made to withdraw.

Odierno said Multi-National Division - Center, which is responsible for the area south of Baghdad will expand south to the Persian Gulf and the Kuwait border. Basra is at the heart of the country's vital oil industry.

Four held for distributing leaflets against

Hasina, Joy

Staff Reporter

Police arrested four BUET students for distributing leaflets against AL chief Sheikh Hasina and her son Joy in the Ramna police station areas yesterday.

The detained persons were identified as Iqbal, Samad, Zahid and Himel and studying in different departments of the BUET.