Polnews24: 08/01/2009 - 09/01/2009

Tuesday

Pilkhana carnage benefited enemies: BDR DG

BDR DG Maj Gen Moinul Islam addressing the first Darbar after the BDR mutiny at the Darbar Hall on Monday.
Photo: bdnews24.com

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) chief Major General Mainul Islam Monday said "foreign enemies" benefited from the February 25- 26 carnage in the paramilitary force as President Zillur Rahman sought the apex court's suggestion to fix the trial mode for mutineers.
"Bangladesh is not enemy-free in the international arena. The country has its foes and they gained from the mutiny," Islam told the first ever "darbar" or meeting with ordinary BDR soldiers at their Pilkhana headquarters after the February massacre.
This was the scene of the rebellion when 57 army officers serving the border force were killed.
The BDR chief, however, refrained from naming any enemy but added that "external enemies still exist and we must be aware of them" referring to the 1971 attack on BDR troops by Pakistani occupation army.
"Someone must have benefited from the Pilkhana massacre but BDR suffered the loss," he said as over 2,000 BDR soldiers joined the meeting at the Darbar Hall, the venue where the mutiny broke out during an identical darbar. Islam's predecessor Major General Shakil Ahmed and 55 military officers serving the paramilitary force on deputation were killed at the venue during an identical darbar on February 25 when the rebellious soldiers carried out the carnage protesting what they claimed "deprivation" and lack of service facilities.
BDR authorities invited the media to witness the darbar while Islam yesterday told BSS that it was part of their efforts to restore the morale of the paramilitary border guards, which was heavily shuddered after the carnage.

BDR mutiny trial mode

President’s reference received by Supreme Court registrar

BSS, Dhaka

Registrar of the Supreme Court Monday afternoon received the reference sent by President Md Zillur Rahman seeking the opinion of the Appellate Division on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs sent the reference to the registrar of the Supreme Court on behalf of the President.
Registrar of the Supreme Court Mohammad Showkat Hossain told reporters that he received the letter from the law ministry Monday afternoon. "If possible, I would produce it before the Chief Justice today (Monday)," he said.
Earlier addressing the press at his office here, State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs Advocate Quamrul Islam said considering the issue as very important, the President sent a letter to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking its opinion on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
"Some civil and BDR officials (Assistant and Deputy Assistant Director) were found involved in the mutiny, who would not be tried under the BDR act," he said.
The State Minister referred to the BDR act saying the highest penalty for involvement in mutiny is seven years imprisonment while the army act provides capital punishment for such crime.
He said the trial of the persons involved in killings, attempt to kill, setting fire, looting and other crimes in mutiny would not be possible under the BDR act.
"Under the prevailing circumstances, the President as per Article 106 of the Constitution sent the reference seeking the Appellate Division's opinion, whether the trial could be staged under the Army Act-1952," he said.
Advocate Qamrul Islam said the reference also sought opinion of the Appellate Division, whether the trial of BDR mutiny could be staged through a notification under section-5 of the Army Act- 1952.

BDR mutiny trial mode

President’s reference received by Supreme Court registrar

BSS, Dhaka

Registrar of the Supreme Court Monday afternoon received the reference sent by President Md Zillur Rahman seeking the opinion of the Appellate Division on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs sent the reference to the registrar of the Supreme Court on behalf of the President.
Registrar of the Supreme Court Mohammad Showkat Hossain told reporters that he received the letter from the law ministry Monday afternoon. "If possible, I would produce it before the Chief Justice today (Monday)," he said.
Earlier addressing the press at his office here, State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary affairs Advocate Quamrul Islam said considering the issue as very important, the President sent a letter to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking its opinion on the mode of trial of the BDR mutiny.
"Some civil and BDR officials (Assistant and Deputy Assistant Director) were found involved in the mutiny, who would not be tried under the BDR act," he said.
The State Minister referred to the BDR act saying the highest penalty for involvement in mutiny is seven years imprisonment while the army act provides capital punishment for such crime.
He said the trial of the persons involved in killings, attempt to kill, setting fire, looting and other crimes in mutiny would not be possible under the BDR act.
"Under the prevailing circumstances, the President as per Article 106 of the Constitution sent the reference seeking the Appellate Division's opinion, whether the trial could be staged under the Army Act-1952," he said.
Advocate Qamrul Islam said the reference also sought opinion of the Appellate Division, whether the trial of BDR mutiny could be staged through a notification under section-5 of the Army Act- 1952.

Hasina, 42 others released from Paltan killing case

Opposition left out of 365 political cases selected for withdrawal

BSS, Dhaka

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court Monday released Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 42 others from the charges of killing of six activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir at Paltan area on October 28 in 2006.
Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Dilara Alo Chandona on behalf of the CMM Monday issued the release order following a petition submitted by the Metropolitan Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Abdullah Abu. The court also allowed withdrawing of the case from the court.
Former Presidium Member of Awami League Tofail Ahmed, former general secretary Abdul Jalil, and Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun were also released, among others.
According to the court sources, the government sponsored high-powered committee to review the political cases headed by State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Qamrul Islam at a meeting on July 8 recommended withdrawal of the Paltan killing case. Following the recommendation, the Home Ministry instructed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dhaka to take necessary steps to withdraw the case.
The Metropolitan PP Advocate Abdullah Abu on August 12 submitted a petition to the CMM Court seeking permission to withdraw the charges against Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and 42 others as the case was filed with Paltan Thana against the AL leaders with ulterior political motives.
After completing the arguments, the Metropolitan Magistrate ordered release of all the accused of the case and withdraw the case from the court.
Six cadres of Islami Chhatra Shibir were killed and scores of injured during a day-long clash between the supporters of 14-party alliance led by Awami League and the four-party alliance on October 28 in 2006.
ATM Sirajul Haque, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Motijheel Thana unit filed the case against AL chief Sheikh Hasina and 42 leaders and workers of the party with Motijheel Police Station.
TBT news desk adds: Earlier, the government decided on August 5 to drop 121 more cases of political harassment taking the total of the number of such cases to be dropped to 365 so far. But these include not a single against any opposition leader. The Home Ministry committee for scrutiny in its first meeting on June 10 recommended cancellation of 62 cases including 12 against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in its second meeting on June 21 recommended 46 cases, in its 3rd meeting on July 1 recommended 66 cases, in its fourth meeting on July 15 recommended 69 cases and in the 5th meeting August 5 recommended 121 cases for withdrawal. The veteran AL leaders, the cases against whom have been recommended for withdrawal include among others Sajeda Chowdhury, Tofael Ahmed, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir and his wife, Sylhet mayor Badaruddin Ahmed Kamran, HBM Iqbal, Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury Liton, AKM Rahmatullah, Haji Mohammed Selim and deputy speaker Shawkat Ali.

Army pullout from CHT will be suicidal: Delwar

Tipai Dam will be a ‘death-trap’ for Bangladeshis, he says

Staff Correspondent

BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain on Monday has said the government step for withdrawing army camps from Chittagonj Hill Tracts (CHT) is not wise as army pullout without ensuring social, political and economical security of the hill people will be suicidal.
He said this while addressing a discussion meeting on the construction of Tipaimukh Dam and withdrawal of army camps from CHT organised by Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal, a front organisation of BNP at the National Press Club.
Khandaker Delwar said thousands of Bangalees of the country’s hill districts are raising voices against the government decision through holding demonstrations, rallies, seminars and meetings in the areas. Ignoring their resistances, the government is going to hand over country's hill districts to Santu Larma and his close associates, 'who are the top terrorists' of the areas.
He alleged that the peace agreement with hill people was an unconstitutional decision. On the basis of the agreement, the government is trying to make these areas a province of India.
On the other hand the government is wasting time in the name of projecting data and information about controversial construction work of Tipaimukh Dam. Country's ecology, agriculture, environment and water resources of the north-western regions have already been damaged only because of construction of Farakka Barrage. If the Tipaimukh Dam is constructed this will be a death-trap for the people of this country.
About the security measures on country's borders, he said Indian security forces are keeping close watch on bordering areas. Under the very nose of BDR members, spurious fertilizer and different types of adulterated food items are entering into the country.
Conspiracy against country's independence and sovereignty is going on. In order to resist the conspiracy all the countrymen with the inspiration of the late President Ziaur Rahman should come forward unitedly or else country's overall peace will be hampered, he said.
Taking part in the discussion, Salahudding Kader Chowdhury, a senior BNP leader said if the govt withdraws army camps from CHT without ensuring coexistence between Bangalees and hill people it will bring disaster for the countrymen.

RMG growth declines by 10 pc in one year

BSS, Chittagong

Productivity of garments industries declined over ten percent last year from average 20 percent over the past five years in the port city due to various constraints from where country's highest foreign exchange earning sector first fostered in seventies.
Global economic recession, side by side power and gas crisis and law and order situation gripped the industry resulting in closure of 47 factories in the last six months and about 100 more industries, out of total registered 742 factories in Chittagong, are on the verge to closure.
A number of owners of the industries said that they are suffering from a number of local and international hurdles. Due to global recession the price of readymade garments (RMG) on an average dropped by 20 percent in the international market, they said.
On the other hand, they said, business cost has been increased about 25 percent because of increase of production cost, they said adding order for RMG from buyers declined more than over 30 percent in one year. Leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) leaders said this while exchanging views with a delegation of Chittagong Journalists Forum Dhaka (CJFD) on existing problems of the RMG sector at BGMEA office here Monday.
"We get power only for five hours a day in Agrabad, known as the main commercial area of the port city and even a small factory has to spent Taka 2 lakh per month to buy fuel to run the generators to keep the sewing machine operative," said Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, senior Vice-president of BGMEA said.
"We forecast 30 percent growth this year in RMG, but it could fetch only 10 percent, which is the first such negative growth of the sector in the country," he said.
To revive the growth of the sector, Nasir said, the future of RMG will depend on how long the recession will continue and how the government respond to curb the prevailing situation.
He suggested for giving interest free credit facilities to buy generator and subsidized fuel for uninterrupted power supply in the RMG industries and keep the industries free from any unrest.

Indian Jet airways craft skids off runway at ZIA

BSS, Dhaka

An aircraft of India's private Jet Airways Monday met an accident on the runway of Dhaka's Zia International Airport just ahead of its take off with 139 passengers and crew onboard for New Delhi, officials said.
"The aircraft skidded off the runway while it was taking off, but there was no incident casualties and all the passengers and crew were safe," Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Commodore Sakeb Iqbal Khan Majlish told BSS.
He said the passengers were immediately evacuated from the Boeing 737 aircraft while an air force contingent joined the salvation campaign along with civil aviation workers and Biman Bangladesh airlines and Jet Airways engineers.
Flight operations at Zia International Airport resumed Monday afternoon after salvation of an India's private Jet Airways aircraft that had skidded off the runway.
"Departure and landing of aircrafts resumed after the flight operations were suspended for nearly three hours following the accident," a Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said.

Monday

HC asks govt to stop army pullout from CHT

Embargo lasts until hearing on writ against peace treaty resumes on August 19

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court on Sunday asked the government to stop the ongoing army pullout from Chittagong Hill Tracts until the hearing on the pending duo-writ petitions challenging the validity of the 1997 CHT peace treaty resumes on August 19.
A division bench comprising Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury passed the interim order of stay as Attorney-General Mahbubey Alam prayed for a weeklong adjournment after an exhaustive arguments and counter-arguments by both sides over the matter, court sources said.
On August 9, two separate supplementary applications over the pending writ petitions were filed seeking injunction against the troop pullout from the Chittagong Hill Tracts region under a recent government decision taken for implementing the CHT peace treaty.
The supplementary petitioners apprehend that if the army is withdrawn, "the sovereignty of the country and security of the non-tribal Bangladeshi settlers living in the hill tracts would be threatened".
On August 7, the formal pullout started with the closedown of two camps in Khagrachhari and Rangamati hill districts.
The present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 29 announced its decision to withdraw one full brigade of troops and 35 temporary security camps from the CHT region by this September, as part of the latest move for implementing the peace accord.
On December 2, 1997, the government of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed the peace accord with PCJSS leader Jyotirindra Bodhipriaya Larma alias Shantu Larma, putting an end to over a two-decade bloodletting bush war for self-rule. The accord also brought back refugees from camps across the border.
Barrister Abdur Razzaq and Barrister Moudud Ahmed appeared for the writ petitioners-Jamaat-e-Islami activists M Tajul Islam and Badiuzzaman.

Water experts want nat’l convention on Tipai Dam

UNB, Dhaka

Environment experts on Sunday urged the government to hold a national convention on India's proposed Tipaimukh Dam across the Sylhet border that will leave a perilous affect on Bangladesh.
Addressing a press conference they also demanded forming a national committee to work together on various aspects of the dam and take the decision how to ensure availability of waters of the common rivers.
New Work based International Farakka Committee (IFC), a trans-boundary water rights group, held the press conference at the National Press Club.
IFC chairman Atiqur Rahman Salu, former UN water expert Prof Dr SI Khan, former Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Dr Jasim Uddin Ahmed, river law expert Prof Dr Asif Nazrul of Dhaka University and daily New Nation Editor Mustafa Kamal Majumder spoke at the press conference.
A six-member expert-committee was formed comprising Prof Dr M Adel Mia of Arkansas University of USA, Prof Dr Monirul Kader Mirza of Toronto University of Canada, Prof Dr Khalequzzaman of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania of USA, Prof Dr SI Khan, Prof Dr Jasim Uddin Ahmed and Prof Dr Asif Nazrul of Dhaka University.
IFC chairman Atikur Rahman said the committee will discuss and exchange views with Awami League and BNP expert teams and, if necessary, assist both of them.
At the same time the IFC expert-team will monitor the activities of other national expert teams. It will also collect information on the river water rights and arsenic problems, he added.
Prof Asif Nazrul said earlier his name was included in the BNP-expert team but he refused to work under any political organization.
He was critical of Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty for his objectionable remarks on water experts of Bangladesh.
On June 21, Pinak called the water experts who are dealing with the Tipaimukh Dam as 'so called experts' at a seminar in presence of Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.

Sircar challenges in HC validity of JS probe body against him

UNB, Dhaka

Former speaker barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, now a BNP lawmaker, challenged in the High Court the locus standi of a parliamentary probe body to investigate corruption charges against him.
He has filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the validity of the all-party parliamentary body to probe allegations of financial anomalies and waste of public money against him as speaker, its recommendations and follow-up activities.
A division bench comprising Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice Borhan Uddin on Sunday fixed August 25 for hearing of the writ petition, court sources said.
On March 19, speaker advocate Abdul Hamid constituted the all-party parliamentary body, first in the history of parliament in Bangladesh, to probe the allegations against his predecessor.
The parliamentary probe body, headed by Adv Fazle Rabbi Mia, finalized its report on July 5, recommending that Sircar's present parliament membership be scrapped on the graft charges.
Furthermore, the lawmakers' panel recommended recovering Tk 27.86 lakh the ex-speaker had taken as medical bill "in breach of the rules", cancelling the appointments of 3rd-and 4th-class employees he had given as he was the one responsible for the waste by appointing those staff members when the eighth parliament had already ceased to exist.
The all-party committee had its report based on the findings and recommendations of three subcommittees it formed to dig out the irregularities.
Senior advocate TH Khan along with BNP stalwart lawyers appeared to move their colleague's case.

Half-day hartal in Rangamati against army withdrawal

UNB, Rangamati

A half-day hartal was observed peacefully in Langadu upazila on Sunday in protest against the withdrawal of army camps from this hill district under the government plan for troop pullout from the CHT region.
There was no untoward incident reported during the shutdown jointly enforced by Bangalee Chhatra Parishad and Parbatya Chattagram Sama-Adhikar Andolan.
All shops and educational institutions in the upazila headquarters remained closed and launches, steamers and engine-driven boats were off the waterways.
Additional police were deployed to maintain law and order during the shutdown.
The government has decided to withdraw 21 army camps from here as part of implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Treaty.
To date, nine temporary army camps have been withdrawn from here, sparking off tension among Bengali-speaking people who apprehend their security risks in the event of withdrawal of the security force from the hills.
Another UNB report from Khagrachhari said a temporary army camp at Baillachhari in Matiranga upazila was withdrawn at noon Sunday.
With this, a total of seven temporary security camps have been dismantled in this district as part of implementation of the CHT Peace Treaty. The government has decided to dismantle 13 temporary army camps in this hill district.
The present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 29 announced its decision to withdraw one brigade of troops and 35 temporary security camps from the CHT region by this September.
On December 2, 1997, the government of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed the peace accord with PCJSS leader Jyotirindra Bodhipriaya Larma alias Shantu Larma, putting an end to over a two-decade bloodletting bush war for self-rule. The accord also brought back refugees from camps in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura.

Court asks Moeen to submit reply by Sept 13 in defamation suit

UNB, Dhaka

A Dhaka court on Sunday asked ex-Army Chief General (retd) Moeen U Ahmed to submit his reply by September 13 in the Tk 100 crore defamation suit filed by former BNP state minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on July 12.
Third Joint District Judge SM Saiful Islam re-fixed the date of submitting the reply upon a petition filed by defendant's lawyer Humayun Kabir seeking time, saying that an ex-parte decision will be taken if the reply is not submitted by Sept. 13.
Former BNP state minister for power and energy Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on July 12 filed the defamation case against ex-army chief Gen (retd) Moeen U Ahmed and claimed Tk 100 crore in damages. On his behalf, Barrister Moudud Ahmed lodged the case with the Third Joint District Judge's Court.
Following the defamation suit, Judge SM Saiful Islam ordered the ex-army chief to appear before the court and submit a written statement on August 16.
The complainant said he was hurt and defamed by some remarks Gen (retd) Moeen made in March 2007.
On a petition filed by Tuku the same day the court asked Moeen to explain within three weeks why his property should not be attached.
The complaint said that on March 27 in 2007, the then army chief said corrupt politicians had siphoned off at least Tk 20,000 crore from the energy sector during the four-party alliance rule.
General Moeen had made the remark at a tea party he hosted in honour of the freedom fighters at the National Parade Square.
The following day (March 28) different national dailies ran reports on the comments that, the complainant said, damaged his reputation in society and political fraternity.
In the complaint, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku cited the incumbent energy minister's observation in parliament that allocations for the sector during the four-party rule amounted to Tk 13,500 crore.
Moeen, who was appointed the army chief on July 15 in 2005, went into retirement on completion of his tenure of service on June 15 this year.
He left Dhaka for Singapore on June 29 and is yet to return.
Gen (retd) Moeen is considered a key architect of the political changeover of January 11, 2007.

Anniversary of Aug 17 serial bombings today

UNB, Dhaka

Today (Monday) is the 4th year of the black episode of August 17 countrywide serial bombings that virtually heralded the presence of banned militant outfit of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
The synchronizing bombings rocked the international media and conscience as well as gave a wake up call to the Bangladesh government about the active emergence of the Islamic militants.
The JMB's deadly terror campaigns for establishing Shari'a laws. This not only triggered concern and condemnation at home and abroad but also posed a threat to democratic dispensation as well as Islam as a religion of peace.
The JMB militants carried out the simultaneous bomb attacks mainly at courts and government institutions in 63 district headquarters in the morning of August 17, 2005, leaving three people dead and hundreds more wounded.
Later, the JMB suicide squads killed judges, lawyers, police, cultural activists and common people in Jhalkati, Gazipur, Netrokona, Chittagong and other places in the same year.
After the Aug 17 serial bombings, police and RAB started massive haunts to nab JMB militants. They so far arrested over 1000 suspected militants, including seven members of Mujlish-e-Sura, the highest policy making body of JMB.
Commenting on the present situation of militancy, DG RAB Hasan Mahmud Khandaker told UNB that the situation is completely under control of the law enforcing agencies. "We think militancy is under the control of the law enforcers to a large extent."

Reckless extortion pushes up prices of essentials: Dr Razzak

UNB, Dhaka

Reckless extortion through the supply chain makes vegetables and other essentials dearer as two senior ministers of the government on Sunday recognized the criminalization of the market system.
Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzak was bold enough to criticize his own govt when 70 pc of the transportation costs apparently go to the pockets of extortionists.
He expressed frustration seeing the result of his own personal survey among vegetable traders and truckers, and said he conveyed the findings of his survey on extortion to the intelligence agencies for further probe.
Echoing with Dr Razzak's revelation at a function at Hotel Sheraton, Finance Minister AMA Muhith sought the next 10 years free of "greed, criminalization and extortion" to make Bangladesh a happy, prosperous and peaceful country.
"If we can continue next 10 years peacefully and curb greed, criminalization and extortion, we'll build a happy and prosperous country," he said. The allegation of extortion and criminalization in the commodity supply chain has long been prevailing in the country, but so far remained unaddressed.
The two ministers delved deeper into the problem than their colleague Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, who is charged with monitoring the price situation to ensure fair prices for the consumers as committed by the government. Faruk Khan often blames profiteering by businessmen for the rising prices.
Rahimafrooz Superstore 'Agora' organized the function to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hridoye Mati O' Manush Krishak Samabay Samity Limited, a cooperative of vegetable growers.
Addressing the signing ceremony, popular media personality on agriculture issues Shykh Seraj and farmers from the cooperative pointed out a wide difference in prices at growers' level and the consumers' end.
The Food Minister said the development of agriculture, the backbone of the country's economy, is unlikely to take place as long as the country would fail to go for commercial production.
"I don't know whether it would be wise for me, as a minister, to tell you the story of extortion," said Dr Razzak. To begin with, he said a truck owner received only Tk 7,000 for a trip from Jessore to Mymensingh although the trip was pre-settled at Tk 28,000.
"The rest Tk 21,000 had to be paid as extortion," he said, adding that the truck driver paid Tk 1,700 each at only two points within 15 kilometre distance in Gazipur.

Thursday

PM orders eviction of illegal structures to protect rivers

BSS, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned specially the BIWTA to take strict measurers to evict illegal structures from the riverside and prevent the grabbers from further occupying those lands in future."The government's programmes to evict illegal structures from riverside would be continued in future to protect the country's rivers," she said and asked the authorities concerned to create mass awareness about the issue. The Prime Minister said this while speaking at a seminar organised by Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on 'Inland Water Transport: Towards a Change' marking the 50th anniversary of BIWTA at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here. Presided over by Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, the function was also addressed by acting secretary to Ministry of Shipping M. Masud Elahi and chairman of BIWTA M. Abdul Mannan Hawlader. Sheikh Hasina held dumping of industrial waste into the river mainly responsible for river pollution and directed authorities concerned to compel industrialists for setting up effluents treatment plant at all industrial units with an aim to save rivers from pollution. "Not only Bangladesh, but in the entire world civilization, towns and ports develop centering rivers," she said and regretted that the rivers of the country are being polluted due to a long time negligence of the authorities concerned. Referring to the mega plan of the government to protect the country's rivers, the Prime Minister said along with the development of river routes, the government has a plan to build deep-sea port and improve and modernize the Chittagong and Mongla seaports. Besides, she said steps would be taken to ensure navigability of 110 kilometre river routs in four rivers around the capital city along with preventing pollution aiming at facilitating goods and passengers transport at low cost.In this context, she mentioned her previous Awami League government programmes (from 1996-2001) for development of river routes around the Dhaka city. Calling upon the authorities concerned to implement the government programmes in ensuring navigability of the country's major rivers, she said transparency must have to be ensured in implementing the projects.Sounding a note of caution, the Prime Minister said any irregularities in implementing the pro-people projects would not be tolerated. Referring to the Capital and Maintenance Dredging of the government, the Prime Minister said with implementation of the project it would be possible to recover huge river lands from the grabbers along with ensuring navigability of the country's major rivers.The programmes will also help protect the country's environment after facing the challenges of global warming. Expressing regret over the BIWTA's present dredging capacity, she said it has an ability to conduct dredging only one third of the annual demand due to lack of modern equipment.

Withdrawal of army camps from CHT will endanger political stability: Delwar

Staff Correspondent

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain on Wednesday alleged that as part of the blue print, the government is going to hand over country's hill tracks areas to a certain quarter violating country's existing constitution."As part of the blue print, the image of our BDR has already been destroyed. In order to make country's army inactive, conspiracy is still going on. Ignoring constitution, if the hill districts handed over to a certain quarter by withdrawing army camps from the areas the country's social, financial and political stability will be at a stake," he said while addressing a human chain programme organised by nationalist lawyer association, a front organisation of BNP in front of the Judges Court in the capital yesterday. The human chain programme was organised to protest against removal of the mural of former president Ziaur Rahman from in front of the National Stadium. Earlier, the ruling party assured that they will withdraw cases lodged against BNP leaders and activists during the tenure of the last caretaker government but the government is submitting charge sheets instead of withdrawing cases intentionally. Meanwhile, BNP standing committee member Modud Ahmed at a roundtable discussion at the national Press Club said if the government withdraws army camps from the hill areas, the country's security and sovereignty will face severe crises. People throughout the country will live in panic. Taking part in the discussion organised by Nagoric Forum on '200 days of the ruling government: success and contrariety' he said in order to protect the country people from all walks of life will have to be united otherwise the country's overall security will face a severe crises in the long run.About the cases which are political motivated, he said the ruling government is withdrawing numbers of cases against their leaders and activists one after another. Besides they are filing charge sheets in a new phase against BNP leaders and activists throughout the country. Submitting charge sheets instead of withdrawing cases, Awami League has proved its real character. The fundamental characteristic of the party has also been unearthed before the nation, he added.

Mode of BDR mutineers’ trial

Govt to send reference to President for seeking Supreme Court opinion

UNB, Dhaka

The government will send a reference to the President Sunday to seek the Supreme Court's opinion as to which law should be applied for the trial of BDR mutineers, as there have been dilemmas in choosing between military and normal laws of the land.Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed disclosed this to reporters on Wednesday after an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Law Ministry.The decision to seek the Supreme Court's opinion was taken on July 27 as the government could not reach a consensus on fixing the law to try the mutineers of the Feb 25-26 terrible mutiny at the BDR Headquarters and its spillover revolt in different camps of the paramilitary border force across the country.According to available figures a total of 75 people, including 57 army officers who were the commanding officers of the BDR, one army sepoy, two family members of army officers, 8 BDR jawans and 7 civilians were killed during the mayhem. Barrister Shafique said a draft of the reference was prepared in today's meeting and it will be sent to the President Sunday.In reply to a question he hoped that the President would send the reference to the Supreme Court the same day to give its opinion.There are differences of opinion as to whether the mutineers be tried under regular laws, the BDR Act or the Army Act. The reference will be sent in accordance with article 106 of the Constitution. The article says if at any time the President deems a question of law has arisen, or is likely to arise on an issue of public importance, he may refer the matter to the Appellate Division for its opinion. Chaired by Barrister Shafique Ahmed, the meeting was attended by Law Secretary, Home Secretary, Defence Secretary, Attorney General, Additional Attorney General and BDR Judge-Advocate General.

Muhith expresses concern over slow investment

UNB, Dhaka

The government has been cautioned of a possibility that the private sector might try to turn projects under public-private partnership (PPP) into Publicly Financed Private Projects (PFPP).Speakers at a roundtable here on Wednesday raised the concern along with other budget implementation issues while the government is busy formulating a guideline for the PPP.Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister AMA Muhith dispelled the concerns over implementation of Annual Development Programme (ADP), PPP, revenue targets and deficit financing.He, however, expressed concern over slow investment and infrastructure bottlenecks as the downside risks of development.Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organized the roundtable titled "Delivering on Budget FY2009-10: A set of Implementation Issues" at the CIRDAP auditorium.Former Finance Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, senior bureaucrats, former bureaucrats, economists, academics, civil society members and representatives from private sector took part in the discussion, moderated by CPD chairperson Prof Rehman Sobhan.CPD distinguished fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya presented the keynote paper discussing issues relating to budget implementation from the macroeconomic perspective. CPD reminded that implementation of the budget remains dependent on the overall state of good developmental governance of the country.The Finance Minister expressed concern over the stagnant investment scenario and wondered as to why investment is not taking place in the country although the "fear factors" have been removed by now."There are some uncertainties over the global recession and poor energy and power situation," he, however, said.In response to an apprehension over releasing the stimulus funds, he said Bangladesh Bank would soon make available the data in this regard. He added that the government would review the budget after six months and reallocate the funds, if necessary.Muhith said the government would also review the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for three years keeping in mind the goals of the 5-year plan now under preparation."The biggest task now is inspiring the administration and the people to help implement the budget."

Price monitoring: No tangible operation in kitchen markets

UNB, Dhaka

While people are preparing provision for Ramadan, likely to commence on Aug 22 or 23, the government-planned price-monitoring activities in Dhaka's kitchen markets are yet to gather momentum. Although the price chart of essential commodities in every kitchen market in the city was supposed to show the prices from today, but most of the price charts of Dhaka City Corporation in 27 kitchen markets went blank as of Wednesday."We are not directed from any authority of the government to monitor display of retail and wholesale prices in the remaining chart in front of the market," Hatirpul Bazar Samity secretary Motaleb Hossain told visiting UNB staff writer Maruf Hasan.Recently, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan urged all wholesalers and retailers in the country to display price charts of several essential commodities from last Monday. He also directed the respective district authorities to monitor the markets so that price charts for the shoppers can be ensured. The essential commodities' prices are on the up despite adequate supply to the city's markets by wholesalers and retailers, as a section of businesspeople are capitalizing on consumers' growing demand ahead of Ramadan.Five-litre containers of soybean oil of different brands were selling at Tk 385-405 on the retail market. They were selling between Tk 375 and Tk 390 some days ago. In retail, non-canned palm oil was selling at Tk 64-66 per kg, super palm at Tk 67-70 and soybean at Tk 73-78 per kg. The prices of edible oils at retailer's level increased by Tk 2-5 per kg over the last week, traders said. "The price of every essential item went up about Tk 3-4 within few days on the retail market," said Majeda Begum, a housewife.Asked about the price-chart display, Majeda said she didn't know about the chart-the sellers didn't follow any chart of price. On the city's retail market today, onion (Indian) was selling at TK 24-25 and local onion at TK 40 per kg while potato at Tk 28, Dal at Tk 115 and Green Chili at Tk 80 per kilo.

To ease traffic jam

DMP for closure of educational institutes after 15th Ramadan

UNB, Dhaka

DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haq on Wednesday requested the managements of educational institutions located on important roads to close their institutions after 15th Ramadan to help ease traffic jams in the capital."I will write to the Education Ministry to take steps in this regard," he told reporters after monthly crime conference at Rajarbagh Telecom Auditorium.About 20-year old buses plying on city roads, the Commissioner said police has started to seize the old buses. Those buses would be released if owners give undertakings that the buses would be plied only outside the capital.Asked about the crime situation in the capital, Shahidul said overall crimes, including killing, robbery and extortion declined in July compared to previous month of June.Thirty four incidents of robbery, 21 killings and 43 incidents of muggings were recorded in July while the figure was 44, 29 and 59 respectively in previous months of June, he said.The Commissioner, however, said incidents of burglary and theft, including car lifting slightly increased in July compared to the previous month.Sixty five incidents of burglary, 148 incidents of theft and 18 incidents of car lifting were recorded in July and the figure was 46, 144 and 17 in June, he added.

Sunday

Scores of DU hall rooms under illegal occupation of BCL activists

Many genuine students forced to stay in ‘mass rooms’ or outside

Daud Md Isa

Ali Haider is a student of Economics of Dhaka University and a resident of Suryasen Hall. His master's final examinations will begin from August 20. Though he has almost finished his academic life, he is officially not a legal resident of the hall as he could not manage a seat in six years of his campus life.
Now he lives in a room popularly known as 'mass room' where nearly 20 students stay against only four seats. Haider is now under stress as to how he will take his master's examination preparations living in this room.
When many masters' students stay in this kind of condition, activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) 'enjoy' their student life staying at the residential halls keeping hundreds of rooms under their occupation.
They often lock in deadly clashes over establishing control of these rooms. The latest such incident took place on Thursday when two groups of BCL activists locked in fierce clashes to take control of a room at Suryasen Hall leaving 15 students injured.
After long eight months, Suryasen Hall authorities allotted a limited number of seats to the students a month back. But sources said, more than 90 rooms of the hall were not allotted at that time as three BCL groups got 30 rooms each on 'political consideration'.
Hall Provost Prof Ashraf Uddn, however, denied the allegation saying remaining seats will also be allotted shortly. But he refused to mention any timeframe.
An anarchic situation over seat allotment has been prevailing in other residential dormitories too. No seat allotment has been made at Salimullah Muslim Hall, Jahurul Haque Hall, Bangabandhu Hall, F Rahman Hall, Jagannath Hall and Ziaur Rahman Hall in last one year.
Sources said, the student leaders have handed over a list of rooms to the hall authorities asking for making allotment in favour of them. This illegal demand has forced the hall authorities to stop allotment process causing immense sufferings to the general students.
Blaming authorities for this situation, a number of students said when genuine students are staying outside of the halls, outsiders and unauthorized students are staying there occupying the dormitories.
"To afford living outside of hall is a tough job for my poor family. So, I have no other option but to reside in a tiny room of Azimpur while outsiders are staying at the dormitories," said Hasan, a student of Zahurul Haque Hall who has been staying outside of campus since December 29 election. He also alleged BCL activists are repeatedly threatening him not to come to hall.
When contacted, DU BCL president Sohel Rana Tipu denied the allegation of BCL pressure on the hall administrations and said he does not know why the hall authorities are delaying the allotment process.
DU Pro-VC Dr Harun-or-Rashid, however, admitted the political pressures on the hall administrations.
"We have asked the hall authorities to do their duties neutrally and not to bow to any group," he told this correspondent adding, "the hall provosts were asked to allot rooms in accordance with the merit of the students."
Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said it is the duty of the hall administration to tackle these problems. He also pledged to discuss the matter in the next provost committee meeting.

Petrobangla to invest Tk 1,000 crore in two gas fields

BSS, Dhaka

The Energy Ministry will invest Taka 1,000 crore to implement its massive augmentation plan for exploring 120-150 MMCFD gas from two major gas fields in the country by 2011.
"Five drilling wells and two well augmentation plans will be implemented under the 'fast track' plan. The government will provide all the funds," Muktadir Ali, Managing Director of Petrobnagla, the state-run oil and gas company, told BSS on Saturday.
He said Bangladesh Gas Filed Company Ltd (BGFCL) and Sylhet Gas Company Ltd (SGCL) will implement the proposed fast track plan of the Petrobangla along with the ADB-funded programme.
According to the Petrobangla, four exploratory wells will be drilled in the Titas gas field, three repaired wells at the Kaylashtila gas field and one tubing well (tube change of the well) at the Rashidpur gas field within the next eight months. It is estimated that the country needs around 2200 MMCF gas per day to feed the industry and power sectors. However, the Petrobangla can produce around 1900-1950 MMCF gas.
"We can increase our production at least 600-700 MMCF gas per day if we take the massive augmentation plan in various gas fields," Moqbul-e-Elahi, a Petrobangla official said.
The Petrobangla has sought $US 347.6 million assistance from the ADB for developing the gas transmission system under the four projects in the next fiscal year.
The state-run oil and gas company recently submitted the priority list of the projects, including a 52-kilometer Dhanua- Elenga gas transmission pipeline, a 40-kilometer west bank of Jamina bridge-Nalka gas transmission pipeline, an 856-kilometer gas distribution network in the southwestern region of Bangladesh and a 151-kilometer Ashuganj-Bakhrabad-Chittagong gas transmission loop line (in two phase), to the delegation of the ADB's mission. "Aiming at adding more gas to the national grid in a shortest possible time, we take two sorts of projects run by the government and the ADB as we set an agendum to add 150 MMCF gas to the grid by 2011.
"To implement the idea, if needed, we will outsourcing manpower and technology from abroad," Muktadir Ali said.

Conspiracy on to overthrow grand-alliance: Ashraful

UNB, Kishoreganj

Awami League general secretary and LGRD minister Syed Ashraful Islam Saturday said anti-liberation elements and leaders of the past 4-party-alliance government are still conspiring to unseat the present government of the grand alliance.
To underpin his allegation he mentioned the February 25-26 bloody mutiny at the BDR headquarters that he said was staged to trigger a civil war and undo the people's electoral mandate.
"BDR massacre was staged within a few days of the formation of the government to overthrow the people's elected government through conspiracy," he said. "This massacre was not an isolated incident-it was aimed at creating a civil war to subvert people's mandate and unseat the elected government."
Ashraful, who came to his hometown Saturday on a 2-day visit, first after the last parliamentary elections that swept his party into power, made the remarks at a party meeting at Hossainpur Upazila auditorium.
The newly elected AL general secretary said immediately after Sheikh Hasina formed the government, they got down to serving the country while, at the same time, the anti-liberation force and leaders of the past coalition government who "looted national resources" engaged in an evil attempt to overthrow the government. "This conspiracy is still on," he claimed.

Withdrawal of army from CHT

Acting on neighbouring country’s instance will be suicidal: Delwar

Staff Correspondent

BNP secretary general Khandoker Delwar Hossain has said that it will be suicidal for the country if the government withdraws army camps from Chittagong Hill Tracks (CHT) at the instances of neighbouring country.
He was speaking at a meeting organised by Juba Dal, a front organisation of BNP in front of its central party office in the capital on Saturday. The meeting was organised to protest against breaking of mural of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman from in front of the National Stadium and to demand the withdrawal of cases lodged against BNP's leaders and arrest warrant against Gayswar Chandra Roy, joint secretary general of the party.
"In the past, after getting terrorist training from India, a group of people launched attacks in country's different hill districts for creating anarchic situation. During our regime, for ensuring peace in the hill areas, army personnel were deployed in and around the areas through setting up several army camps. If the government withdraws the camps from the areas at the instances of India it will be a suicidal decision for this nation," Delwar said.
He said a puppet government was set up in the state power in the country through a stage-managed election in order to oust the nationalist force from the country. The government is withdrawing several controversial cases but filling motivated cases against the BNP leaders and activists instead of withdrawing these.
About the Tipaimukh Dam, he said data and information about the dam will have to be disclosed before the nation. If the government gives any decision over the dam without giving data and information to the nation, the countrymen in association of the BNP leaders and activists will form resistance against the construction work of the dam.
Demanding withdrawal of the motivated cases and arrest warrant, he said, "the government can harass us through filling cases but the countrymen have realized their motive. We are urging that the government should withdraw these cases and arrest warrant. Otherwise, the people will compel the government to give up thy way of harassment," he added.

Govt decision on Tipaimukh must be based on public opinion

Prof. Muzaffar asserts while inaugurating Tipaimukh long march

bdnews24.com, Dhaka

Former TIB chairman Muzaffer Ahmed has said India's proposed Tipaimukh Dam project is a public issue, not a political one, and the government must make its decision on the matter taking account of public opinion.
"A decision should be made based on the opinions of the people and experts of Bangladesh and India. It will not be right to make any decision without the people," Muzaffer said on Saturday, inaugurating a long march programme from Dhaka to Sylhet.
"We will stand beside the government as long as it works for people's well-being. It is a public issue, not any political issue," he said.
He said environmental groups first began protesting against the controversial dam project in 2003 under the leadership of AMA Muhith, who is now finance minister.
The 'Tipaimukh Dam Resistance Committee' and Sylhet Bibhag Unnayan Parishad set out on the long march from Shaheed Minar in the capital at around 11am. The march will end on Aug 10 at Jakiganj in Sylhet.
Among others, committee president Abed Raja, Prof Syed Abul Maksud and Jukta Front chairman MA Latif Majumder also spoke.
India's contentious dam project is planned to cross the Barak River, which enters into Bangladesh as the Surma and Kushiara rivers. The two rivers are lifeline for hundreds of water bodies in the greater Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
A parliamentary standing committee went to India on July 29 to meet with Indian foreign and energy ministers and visit the dam site, but failed to land at the site due to bad weather.
Delegation head Abdur Razzak MP said on return from India that the ministers had assured them that they would not implement any project to harm Bangladesh. Delegations members said India is yet to start any construction at Tipaimukh.
The delegation's main aim, Razzak told bdnews24.com before leaving for India, was to obtain India's firm word that the dam would not be used for irrigation purposes that could divert precious water resources from Bangladesh.
India had already said on a number of occasions the dam would not withhold water, but environmentalists and the people of Bangladesh, as well as Manipur state, remain concerned over the impact of the projected dam in vulnerable downstream areas.

Tension runs high along Sylhet border, BDR put on alert

UNB, Sylhet

Tension was running high along Shreepur border point in Jointapur upazila as border guards of neighbouring India repeatedly walked into Bangladesh territories removing BDR's red flag.
Sources said BDR have been put on high alert along the border and their presence reinforced to tackle any emergency situation.
They said BSF troops frequently walked into Bangladesh territories through Amki and Mnatila border points for the last three days and were helping Indian Khasia community members capture disputed lands along the border, escalating tension in the area.
Meanwhile, BDR troops hoisted red flags on the disputed lands and urged the BSF men not to cross the point, a request repeatedly ignored by the Indian border guards.
The Indian border guards were also learned to have removed the red flags, prompting BDR to send a protest letter to them.
BDR also asked their Indian counterpart to sit in a flag meeting to defuse the tension.

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