The New Nation - Internet Edition

RMG factory GM chased for beating female worker

Workers of the Pallmall Garment Factory gheraoed
Uttara Police Station in the city as their General Manager
took shelter there after allegedly beating a female worker
yesterday. Banglar Chokh

Staff Reporter

Angry workers of a garment factory yesterday morning chased a general manager of a factory at Uttara and forced him to take shelter at the Uttara Police Station for allegedly beating a female worker.

Uttara Police Station sub-inspector Faruque Bhuiyan told the New Nation that Altaf Hossain, general manager of Pallmall Garment Factory at Uttara, took shelter there shortly before 10:00am.

Some 700 workers took position in front of the police station blocking traffic on the Airport Road. Al least 15 garment workers were injured yesterday as police and authorities of a garment factory clashed with the workers.

Hundreds of workers of the garment factory put barricade on the road for one and a half hours forcing hundreds of vehicles to be stranded on either direction on the busy thoroughfare during the morning rush hour.

Police also picked up six to seven workers from the scene

The workers alleged that the general manager had been misbehaving with them for long.

Altaf allegedly beat a female worker at around 9:30am, prompting the angry workers to chase him. The workers of the factory demanded punishment to the general manager.

Establishment of marine ministry demanded

Prof Anu Muhammad addressing a press conference
organised by Oil-Gas, Mineral Resources Protection National
Committee at the National Press Club on Sunday. Focus
Bangla

Staff Reporter

The Oil-Gas-Mineral Resources and Power-Port Protection National Committee (OGMRPPPNC) yesterday called upon the government for establishing a marine ministry and a Khani Bangla for proper utilisation of mineral resources in the country.

Leaders of the OGMRPPPNC made this call at a press conference at National Press Club. Prof Anu Muhammed and Prof M Shamsul Alam read out two statements while OGMRPPPNC Convenor Eng Sheikh Mohammed Shahidullah, Justice Golam Rabanny and Prof Abu Ahmed addressed the press conference.

The OGMRPPPNC placed 14-point recommendations including strengthening the BAPEX, Petrobangla, Geological Survey and Bureau of Mineral Development. The establishment of Khoni Bangla will ensure proper utilisation of the national resources, a recommendation said.

In his statement, Prof Anu pleaded with the government for introducing research departments and research centres in universities for producing skilled manpower in this field.

The government must withdraw all the agreements against national interest in energy sector, he said, adding, "Ministers, secretaries, consultants and businessmen who are responsible for signing agreements and exporting the mineral resources against the national interest, must be brought to trial."

The government should also take initiative for realising compensation from the multinational companies including the chevron and the Niko for their responsibility in Magurchara and Tangertial incidents, he said.

He also suggested framing of a national energy policy that will protect the right of the country.

Allegation against Koko motivated, says Delwar

BNP Secretary General Khandker Delwar Hossain on
Sunday talking to newsmen after visiting partymen injured in
post-poll violence, now under treatment at Dhaka Medical
College Hospital. Focus Bangla

Staff Reporter

Commenting on the allegations against the former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko for taking the amount of $ 3 million in connection with public works projects awarded by the Bangladesh government to Simens AG and China Harbor Engineering Company, the secretary general of BNP Khandker Delwar Hossain yesterday termed it as 'motivated' to tarnish the images of family members of Zia.

"The whole move seems to be politically motivated for tarnishing the images of Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman's family members," he told the journalists after visiting two injured brothers from Kendua Upazila in Kishorganj at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The two brothers Aftab and Afzal were injured by the attacks of Awami League goons recently.

"Despite repeated appeal to the government to put an end on the ongoing violence the Home Minister is making political statements to detract the public attention," he added.

He called upon the government to stop post-election violence, killings and atrocities across the country.

He also said the news of killings, capture and extortion is being published every day in the newspapers.

"If the present grave situation is allowed to go unrestrained then there might be an unpleasant situation at one stage which may cause harm to democracy," he mentioned.

"The people of the country want to see the immediate stop of such attacks," he mentioned.

Meanwhile, BNP standing committee member and former minister Dr Khandker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday alleged that terrorist attacks on BNP followers were intensified due to the incendiary comments made by the Home Minister.

"If the ongoing attacks on our party activists were not stopped then the public expectation to 'change' would not be fulfilled," he told the reporters while visiting injured Abdur Rahman, a local leader of Meghna Upazila at the Orthopaedics Hospital in the city.

He inquired about the health condition of BNP leaders, who were mercilessly beaten by Awami activists at Badhyanathpur Bazar of the upazila on Saturday.

Dr Mosharraf called upon the physicians to ensure proper medical treatment of Rahman.

Demanding the government to halt the ongoing repressions committed by ruling class, the former minister of BNP said the government should maintain utmost tolerance for the sake of democracy.

Sharp fall in DSE amid profit taking

Staff Reporter

The prime bourse of the country, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), yesterday witnessed a substantial fall as price of almost all shares incurred losses amid profit-taking.

The DSE General Index (DGEN), fell 34 points or 1.22 per cent to close at 2,727 on the day while the all Shares Price Index (DSI) lost 26 points or 1.16 per cent to 2,278 and DSE-20 of selective shares shed 23 points or 1.02 per cent to close at 2,248 points.

Of the total 237 issues traded on the day, 66 registered gains, while 166 incurred losses and five remained unchanged.

The day's total turnover stood at Tk 3.16 billion yesterday, while the market capitalisation recorded at Tk 1.034 trillion.

Shinepukur Ceramics, Summit Power, Beximco Pharma, Beximco, Titas Gas, AIMS, 1st Mutual Fund, Keya Cosmetics, GrameenS2, Grameen 1 and Summit Alliance were the turnover leaders in terms of value.

The day's volume leaders were AIMS 1st Mutual Fund, Shinepukur Ceramics, Beximco Textiles, GrameenS2, Keya Cosmetics, Beximco Pharma, Quasem Dry Cell, BD Com, Grameen 1 and Beximco.

Top gainers of the day were Al-haj Textiles, Samata Leather, Fine Foods, Shinepukur Ceramics, AMCL (PRAN), Libra Infusion, Ran Foundry, Bionic Food, Beach Hatchery and Maq Enterprise.

Top losers were Golden Son, Dandy Dyeing, Nitol Insurance, Wata Chemicals, Al-Amin Chemicals, Maksons Spinning, Pragati Life Insurance, 2nd ICB, Standard Insurance and Sino-Bangla.

Coordinated industrial policy soon: Minister

UNB, Dhaka

Industries Minister Dilip Barua on Sunday Said the government would formulate a coordinated industrial policy soon to attract local and foreign investment in the country.

"The government will extend all possible assistance to the local and foreign investors for the sake of the national interest," the minister gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) at his office. IBCCI president Matlub Ahmed led the delegation.

He said the government would give priority to the industrialization alongside trade and commerce to strengthen country's economical foundation.

"In this case, the government will give special importance to the local raw material-based small and medium scale industries," Industries Minister Dilip Barua said requesting the entrepreneurs, alongside the government, to come forward in discharging their social responsibilities for country's sustainable economic development.

The chamber delegation said the IBCCI has been working for reducing the massive trade deficit between Bangladesh and India.

They also drew attention to the Industries Minister for establishing a separate EPZ for the Indian investors in Ishwardi or any other suitable site ot inspire the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs apart from Indian ones in joint investment.

Earlier, the Minister had a meeting with all level officials and employees of the Ministry and said the government would formulate an industry-friendly coordinated industrial policy soon to implement the "Vision 2021", announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He gave an assurance of protecting the interest of the labourers alongside the investors in the new industrial policy.

Dilip Barua also informed the meeting that the government has made an arrangement of storing 14.58 lakh metric tons of Urea fertilizer against the demand of 12.10 lakh tons in the current IRRI-Boro season.

High officials of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), Bangladesh Institute of Small Industry and Cottage (BISIC), Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), National Productivity Organisation (NPO), Patent design and Trade Marks Directorate, officials and employees of the Ministry attended the meeting.

Price monitoring cell to be strengthened

UNB, Dhaka

Commerce Minister Lt Col (retd) Farooq Khan Sunday said that the existing Price Monitoring Cell at his ministry would be strengthened to keep the prices of essentials at tolerable level.

Briefing newsmen at the Commerce Ministry after the Cabinet Meeting, he said the monitoring cell would regularly monitor the prices in the local market and also in international market.

"If any major discrepancy is found in any price of essentials, the cell will review the entire matter-L/C opening, international price, freight charge, profit margin and other things. Finally, we'll take action against the corrupt practices if the price is found to be beyond the tolerable level," the new Commerce Minister said.

He, however, said the "excessive extortion" at different points of goods transportation was the main reason behind the irrational prices. "But now that illegal extortion has been stopped there is no reason for price hike."

Replying to a question about the so-called syndicates behind price manipulation, Farooq Khan said syndicate as such is not bad. But if the syndicate is found to be responsible for hoarding and increasing the prices irrationally, then punitive action would be taken against it.

Seeking the help of the business community, the Commerce Minister said they have a responsibility to help the government in keeping prices lower.

He also said it's nice that the prices of most of the commodities are decreasing and it's a positive sign. "We'll try to maintain the supply chain working so that prices could come down more."

Farooq Khan said the Prime Minister has directed all the ministers to get fully acquainted about their ministries within a week and refrain from any irregularities that may tarnish the image of the government.

"All the ministries were asked to implement the Awami League manifesto as per their respective policies," he added.

Fresh probe body on death of Nurul Islam demanded

Staff Reporter

Ganotantri Party has demanded the government to reorganise the inquiry committee that was formed to unearth the mystery behind the fire, which killed its president Mohammad Nurul Islam along with his son Islam Tamohar.

The party believes that the committee was not serious in its job and has prepared a report casually that is reportedly to be published today.

Ganotantri Party will organise a human-chain at Muktangan in the city at 4 pm today demanding proper inquiry into the deadly fire-incident and has urged people from the all spheres of life to join it.

Acting President of the party Mohammad Afzal and General Secretary Gias Uddin Haider in a press statement also urged intervention of the Prime Minister to this effect.

They demanded to include experts on explosion and fire-accidents from home and abroad in the probe committee to bring the real story behind the incident to light.

The party proposed to include Group Capt. (retd) Mohammad Alfaz, eminent specialist on fire-accident, in the committee.

Quoting a report published in the Daily Ittefaq yesterday, they said the existing committee might release a probe report hurriedly today saying the deaths of Nurul Islam and Islam Tamohar were simply caused by fire originated from electric short circuit.

The party demanded that the government should continue a thorough enquiry into the incident without publishing a casually made report in a hurry. The leaders of the party urged Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina to interfere into the case immediately and deliver proper directions.

Equal scope for all to flourish talent urged

Staff Reporter

TIB chairman Prof Dr Muzaffar Ahmed yesterday urged the new government to create equal opportunity for all people to flourish their talents.

He was speaking at a discussion meeting organised by Environment and Human Rights Development Society titled "People's Expectation to the New Government" at the National Press Club in the city.

Newly elected MPs Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Abu Talha, industrialist Nuruzzaman Khan, among others, took part in the discussion.

Poverty leads malnutrition and loss of merit of children, he said.

Mentioning only five percent people were holding 40 percent wealth and 40 percent people holding only 1 percent wealth in the country, he said this imbalance of resources had to be decreased for reduction of poverty.

He also emphasised on increasing technical education and harmonization of all education systems existing in the country.

Hafiz expressed concern at the post election violence in different educational institutions and urged the Home Minister to control it strongly.

Speakers hoped the government would create employment through building new industries in the country.

250 killed in Indonesian ferry capsize

AP, Jakarta

A ferry capsized in a severe storm and crashing waves in central Indonesia on Sunday and officials said around 250 people were feared dead.

Eighteen survivors were rescued by fishing boats, but the fate of the others remained unclear, said Taufik, a port official at Parepare on the island of Sulawesi, where the ferry began its journey. Taufik uses one name, as is common in Indonesia.

About 250 passengers and 17 crew are believed to have been onboard the ferry when it went down 30 miles (50 kilometers) off the coast off western Sulawesi. Indonesians generally don't know how to swim and it was feared that most onboard would have drowned.

Transport Minister Jusman Syafi'i Djamal said the captain - who was among those pulled alive from the sea - reported that 150 people jumped off the boat before it sank, but he did not know what happened to them.

"We have prepared a search and rescue operation, but now there are high waves hampering the process," Djamal said.

The 700-ton Teratai Prima sank en route from the western port of Parepare on the island of Sulawesi to Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on the Indonesian half of Borneo.

The ship, carrying around 18 tons of cargo, radioed that it was "hit by a storm" before it went down, said Nurwahida, a port official.

Eighteen passengers and crew were saved by fishermen who found them drifting on three life rafts, Taufik said, citing a survivor's account.

The closest town to the accident site is Majene, about 850 miles (1,370 kilometers) northeast of capital, Jakarta.

Boats are a major form of transportation in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands and a population of 235 million. Poor enforcement of safety regulations and overcrowding causes accidents that claim hundreds of lives each year.

In December 2006, a crowded Indonesian ferry broke apart and sank in the Java Sea during a violent storm, killing more than 400 people.

Tk one lakh snatched in city

Staff Reporter

A group of muggers shot and wounded two persons including a Grameenphone sales representative and snatched Tk 1 lakh from him in the capitals Badda area yesterday.

Local people said, a group of three muggers intercepted Golam Mostafa, 30, and opened shot at him when he was collecting money from the Grameenphone booths in Hossain Market of the area and snatched about Tk one lakh from him at about 11:30am, leaving him critically injured.

Shamim, a restaurant worker also sustained bullet injuries when the miscreants opening fire while local people chased them.

Both the victims were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where condition of Mostafa was stated to be critical.

A case was filed with the Badda police station in this connection.

Disappointment grips JU as strike continues

JU Correspondent

Disappointment grips the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus as the Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association (JUTA) continues its works abstention programme on the campus.

Academic activities, including the admission tests for the academic session 2008-09 of the university have become uncertain because of the strike called by JUTA demanding punishment to the students involved in assaulting of a teacher of Drama and Dramatics department.

The JUTA has failed to decide their on-going work abstention programme at an executive committee meeting held at its office on Saturday.

Sources said, at the meeting there was a dispute over continuing the strike. Later, the association decided to call another meeting on January 14. The strike will continue till then, said Prof Shamsul Alam Selim, general secretary of JUTA.

On the other hand the university authorities have already requested the association twice to call off their strike for a congenial atmosphere on the campus but the association has vowed to continue its programme till their demand was met.

Tourism by water transport gaining momentum

BSS, Dhaka

The increasing trend of journey by water transports specially in the dry season is likely to open up a new horizon to develop the tourism sector in the country.

"The domestic tourism can be developed as a vibrant financial sector as many other things are inter linked with it," an official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Development Corporation (BIWTC) said on Sunday.

He said every year the demand for making tours by steamers of the BIWTC is increasing day-by-day but the corporation cannot spare any of its five steamers for other purposes than the regular services.

The official said the BIWTC, private launch owners and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation with the help of law-enforcing authorities can take joint efforts to develop the water transport as a commercial sector after completion of various related studies.

He told BSS that they had been receiving many phone calls throughout the year specially in the winter season for inquiring about the fare for hiring a ship for excursion, bridal party or other purposes.

A public transport serving common people cannot be withdrawn for the other purposes, the BIWTC official said.

At present, either BIWTC or Launch Owners Association doesn't have any separate data on the number of domestic tours by water transports.

During the winter season, some individuals either in groups or in families have to make journeys between Dhaka and Khulna by BIWTC steamers, and between Dhaka and Barisal by launches, the source said.

Only some desperate people some times hire engine-run country boats to meet their purposes.

The official said though the normal water routes are shrinking due to the non-navigability, the private launch services still remain as a profitable business. So, the private owners at the moment are not interested in shifting their business.

At present, the total length of navigable routes has shrunk to about 4,000 kilometres from the original length of 25,000 kilometres, according to the official statistics.

On an average, a total of two crore people use water transports annually, Bangladesh Launch Owner Association President Mohammad Kalimullah said adding that the number of launches of different sizes is about 1,200, which have been running on the 250 routes.

On every Eid festival, the launches alone carry over 20 lakh passengers, the official said.

Throughout the year, the river transport system has become more safer than the road transports, he claimed.