Govt nods 356,000mt Fuel Import

DHAKA NEWS

Dhaka, The cabinet committee on government purchase on Sunday endorsed a proposal to import 356,000 metric tonnes of fuel.

"The approval was given to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to import 80,000 metric tonnes of diesel at a premium of $3.50 a barrel and 16,000 metric tonnes of octane at a premium of $7.20 a barrel from PetroChina International Ltd," Cabinet Division additional secretary Nurul Karim told journalists after a meeting of the committee at the secretariat.

BPC will also import 2,00,000 metric tonnes of furnace oil from Petronus Trading Corporation of Malaysia at a premium of $40.80 a barrel and 60,000 metric tonnes of furnace oil at a premium of $40.48 a barrel from the UAE.

In addition, Rokeya Automatic Flour Mills Ltd received a 'go-ahead' to import 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat.

The wheat import will cost around Tk 1.273842 billion, with per metric tonne being available at around $306.95, he said.

The committee also nodded two tender proposals to construct road, bridge and culverts at the expansion project of Madani Avenue at Progoti Sharani of Badda. National Civil Engineers Limited will do the job in two lots which will cost about Tk 1.01 billion.
A proposal to construct 31 sixteen-storied buildings in sector 18 of Uttara was also endorsed by the committee.

"The first part will be accomplished by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and the second part by Public Works Department (PWD)," Nurul Karim said.

BFL and HCL jointly won tenders to construct four buildings in two lots at a cost of Tk 716.850 million per lot.

Enam Traders will build two buildings at one lot at a cost of Tk 724.583 million per lot and Ena DDJ Construction will build 10 buildings at five lots at a cost of Tk 726.415 million per lot.

On the other hand, BFL and HCL again jointly won tenders to construct four buildings in two lots on PWD's behalf at a cost of Tk 714.9 million per lot. Ena BDK Construction Limited won tenders to build 10 buildings in five lots at a cost of Tk 725.637million per lot.

Interest Waiver, IPO Quota for The Affected

DHAKA NEWS

Dhaka, The government has waived half the interest on the margin loan of the retail stock market investors in a much-awaited move to recompense them for their losses in the slide.

A 20 percent quota will be reserved for them in the next IPOs this year and 2013, finance minister AMA Muhith told reporters after meeting capital market stakeholders on Sunday.

The small investors who did not take margin loan will also get this facility, he said and defined those having invested up to Tk 1 million of their own money in the share market from 2009 to 2011 as small investors.

"Merchant banks, brokerage houses and other lending organisations can waive 50 percent of the interest they were paid for one year against any affected account," Muhith said.

"The remaining 50 percent interest will be transferred to a block account without interest and the investors will pay the money in quarterly instalments in three years," he said.

The small investors who was affected in 2011 or 2011-12 fiscal year will get the interest waiver and the decisions will be implemented at once, according to the minister.

Asked whether the lenders will agree with the decisions, Muhith said, "They pledged that they will waive the interest."

"Of course, merchant banks will waive interest," Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association president Mohammad A Hafiz said.

In response to a question, the minister said the merchant banks and brokerage houses will decide how they will compensate.

"They will consider it as their expenses. They will get tax break from the government in return."

The written copy of the decisions made available to journalists reads, "After subtracting total interest (waivable and due) from debit balance of margin account on Nov 30 2011, there will be scope to reschedule the rest of the money by transferring to a different account for repaying in equal three-month installations in three years at a logical rate (highest 10 percent)."

Bangladesh Bank will be requested to count the transferred money by deducting from the single party exposure of the bank of the relevant organisation and exposure limit of banks.

The lenders will give the affected accounts the chance to trade by giving new margin loan in existing system without considering the transferred money.

The market will become stable on the decisions, Muhith hoped.

The meeting started around noon following the finance minister's remarks on Feb 22 that the steps to compensate the small investors will be announced within 10 days.

Representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dhaka Stock Exchange, Chittagong Stock Exchange, Bangladesh Bank, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Association of Banks and Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association attended the meeting.

The capital market turned volatile since December 2010, triggering violent protests for months. The shares and mutual funds lost their value by nearly 60 percent in the three phases up to the first week of this month.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina had met the market stakeholders in November last year and ordered compensation for the retail stocks investors who lost their money to the continuous fall in share prices.

Later, a committee, headed by ICB managing director Mohammad Fayequzzaman, was formed to make proposals. Muhith made the Feb 22 remarks after the committee had submitted its report.

Govt Hindering Mobilisation for Rally: BNP

DHAKA NEWS

Dhaka, The BNP on Sunday accused the government of barring opposition supporters from reaching the capital in an attempt to foil the Mar 12 'grand rally'.

BNP's acting secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that no Dhaka-bound buses were available in the districts for hiring.

He alleged that police were barring hotels in the city from renting out rooms to BNP leaders and activists and the bus owners from buses.

"Many hotels have been closed. No Dhaka-bound buses are available, too," he told a discussion at the National Press Club in the city.

"We want to clearly warn the government that we will stay on streets if hotels are not available. People will walk to Dhaka if buses, vehicles are not available," he said.

"None will be able to foil this (rally)," he added.

Speaking at a discussion, Fakhrul said urged everyone to cooperate to make the programme successful and stressed the need to make the people understand that the government was 'undemocratic'.

The city unit of Islami Oikya Jote, an ally of BNP, organised the discussion at the National Press Club.

He alleged that the government annulled the non-partisan caretaker government system and reformed the Election Commission with their people so that they return to power in the upcoming national polls.

Addressing the government, he said, "Accept the demand of a non-partisan neutral caretaker government while you have time."

"Otherwise", he warned, "the people will topple you."

At a separate discussion, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain reiterated that the party's scheduled Mar 12 rally would be a 'turning point' in the country's politics.

He said "people throughout the country" were taking preparations to join the rally.

He said the government ministers were making provocative statements about the rally and pushing the country towards 'conflict'.

He accused the ruling Awami League of introducing 'politics of vengeance' and said democracy will not be safe if 'such malpractice persisted'.

Misjudgement Led to Teesta Treaty Hope: Indian Minister

DHAKA NEWS

Indian Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal thinks there was “a little misjudgement” on his part to assume that Mamata Banerjee was on board on the proposed agreement with Bangladesh on Teesta water-sharing.

During an interactive session titled ‘Idea Exchange’ with the journalists of Indian Express, Bansal went on record for the first time in pointing out the issue on which there has been divergence of opinion between Mamata government and central Indian government.

Journalists of the newspaper asked what exactly led to the failure to sign the proposed Teesta river water-sharing agreement with Bangladesh during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka in September last year following last-minute objections from Mamata.

“On Teesta, there was a little over-enthusiasm on my part in presuming that she was on board. What has been happening all these years is that our water goes unmeasured. We had agreed to work out about 75 per cent of the water, but about 25 per cent of the water was left. And for that, the treaty was to be worked out,” Bansal replied.

Continued Bansal: “For the first time, we were putting into the treaty that the regeneration of water in their portion would also be treated as water from the river.”

“The topography of the area is such that there is huge regeneration of water in a certain stretch of the river which falls on the other side after the water leaves our last barrage. They were not agreeable to take that into account. We thought that it was acceptable to them.”

The newspaper published an item on Sunday on the interactive session.

Asked what gave him the impression that the Mamata Banerjee government was on board, Bansal said: “That was a little misjudgement. There were discussions with them. Our view was that it’s acceptable. Without that, we wouldn’t have included that in the treaty, PM wouldn’t have asked (Mamata Banerjee) to go to Bangladesh.”

When a journalist of the newspaper pointed out that there was the impression that the Indian government backs down on the issue of China usurping river waters, Bansal said, “When we talk to any country, we never talk from a position of weakness. As far as the suggestion that China is taking away our water, it is not based on facts. The fact is, we don’t have a river water treaty with China and there is no enforceable international law on river water. All that we have are conventions.”

Terming that the fears expressed about the Brahmaputra as “misplaced”, Bansal said: “From time to time, there have been reports that China is undertaking construction activity on the Brahmaputra which could reduce the flow of water to India. But, China has repeatedly said they will never do anything that is against international conventions and laws.”

“Our independent assessment is that there is no such construction activity that could divert water on a large scale,” the Indian minister said.

No Permanent US Forces in Bangladesh: Mozena

DHAKA NEWS

US Ambassador Dan W Mozena said on Sunday that US special forces visit Bangladesh on different occasions but do not stay here permanently.

Members of US special forces visit Bangladesh if needed. They impart training to the country’s law enforcement agencies on curbing terrorism. They are not permanent here, the US Ambassador said.

He was talking to reporters after visiting the headquarters of Detective Branch of police on Minto road in the capital couple of days after reports were published that US special forces were present in five South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, as part of capacity building in counter-terrorism efforts.

“We have currently special forces assist teams – Pacific assist teams is the term – laid down in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, as well as India," US Pacific Commander Admiral Robert Willard told a Congressional hearing, reports BBC online.

Ambassador Dan W Mozena went to the DB office around 11:00am Sunday and stayed there for around two hours. He visited different units of DB including the bomb disposal unit, Special Weapon and Tactics (Swat) and counter-terrorism unit, CTTUC.

He held a meeting with Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Benazir Ahmed, DB Joint Commissioner Maruf Hassan and Commissioners Monirul Islam and Mahbubur Rahman.

The US ambassador expressed his satisfaction over the DB activities.

After reports of the Congressional hearing came out, Additional Secretary (Political) of Home Ministry Kamal Uddin Ahmed in Dhaka said on Friday that US special troops were not stationed in the country as some media reports had suggested.

But a US Security team is scheduled to be in the capital on a three-day tour from March 11 to take part in a workshop, without going into details.

Lt Col Ziaul Ahsan, intelligence chief of Rapid Action Battalion, said “All year round personnel from different US agencies, including the FBI and the US Security, come to Bangladesh and provide training to the army, navy and others.”

The training programmes cover different issues including counterterrorism, he added.

Galaxy of stars descends at PM's party

DHAKA NEWS

Dhaka, Over a hundred acclaimed personalities of the country, including poets, writers, intellectuals and cinema and TV artistes, showed up at an informal gathering organised by the prime minister at her official residence in the capital on Saturday.

In response to the invitation extended by Sheikh Hasina, the guests started arriving at the venue – Ganabhaban – around 4pm and then stayed for the next several hours.

The prime minister was all over the place – talking, chatting, eating and, unusually though, even singing along with the guests.

Traditional cakes and other snacks were being cooked in the huts around made of straws, apart from 'Fuchka-Chatpati' stalls that drew most of the guests there. Even the prime minister herself was seen enjoying the tongue-tickling 'Fuchka-Chatpatis' in clay plates.

Famous singers of the country Kangalini Sufia, Kiron Chandra Roy and Bari Siddiqui performed and presented some of their popular numbers at the party.

But then one question crossing everyone's mind seemed: "Why this party? Any specific reason?" And the response came from none other than the host herself, "It was my long-time wish to exchange greetings with the famous personalities of the country.

"Ganabhaban means the people's building. Whoever comes here should think of it as his or her own home."

She also sought best wishes of and suggestions from everyone present at the party to fulfil the demands of the people of the country.

Hasina sang a patriotic song, along with renowned singers Mustafa Jaman Abbasi, his sister Ferdousi Rahman, Mita Haque and agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury sitting at the same table.

'SUCH PROGRAMMES GOOD'

Renowned actor A T M Shamsuzzaman Khan said getting an invitation from the prime minister was a 'great honour' for him.

Famous magician Jewel Aich said, "Seeing so many renowned people of the country at one place is making me feel good. I don't have anything else to say."

The guests were served with dried rice, traditional and local homemade cakes. Tables-chairs and 'Shital Patis' were spread out in the field for seating the guests.

Renowned poet Mahadeb Saha gifted two books to Sheikh Hasina on the occasion.

Asked, "How was the party",  "Whenever I meet the prime minister, I feel like coming further closer to Bangabandhu and the Liberation War [of 1971]."

Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said it would be great to have this kind of programme happening every now and then. "It's very good to see meet these people after a long time."

Like Muhtih, Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman also said this kind of programmes should be arranged once in a while. "If the prime minister sits with these different groups, meaningful exchange of thoughts can happen."

Of the cultural personalities, Murtoza Bashir, Kaiyum Chowdhury, Hashem Khan, Dr Korunamoy Goswami, Syed Anowara Haque, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Ferdousi Priyobhashini, Monayem Sarker, Syed Hasan Imam, Nasir Uddin Yusuf, Hasan Arif, Laki Imam, Mustafa Nur-ul Islam, Golam Kuddus, poet Rabiul Hussain, Dr Baren Chakrabarty and Anisul Haque, movie stars Faruque, Tarana Halim, Enayetur Rahman Bappi, poet Kazi Rozi, Shakila Jafar, Kumar Biswajit, Kiron Chandra Roy, Bari Siddiqui, Abu Jafar Siddiqui, Pijush Bandopaddhay, Catherine Masud, Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Rafiqul Alam, Abida Sultana and Shuvra Deb, and many others from various walks of life including the cabinet members attended the party.

Of the media personalities, Mahbubul Alam, Golam Sarowar, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Abed Khan, Beby Moudud, Riaz Uddin Ahmed, Shah Alamgir, Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Nurul Kabir, Syed Anwar Hossain, Faridur Reza Sagar, Shaikh Siraj, Imdadul Haque Milon, Shyamal Dutta, Habibur Rahman Milon and many showed up for the get-together.

Besides, educationalist Zillur Rahman Siqqiqui, Dr Shamsuzzaman Khan, Prof Anisuzzaman, Prof Rafiqul Islam, Dr Enamul Haque, Dhaka University vice-chancellor A A M S Arefin Siddiqui and pro-vice-chancellor Harur-ur-Rashid were also among the guests.

Power crisis to end by 2014: Muhith

 

DHAKA NEWS

Dhaka, Finance minister A M A Muhith has said the nagging electricity problem of the country will be resolved by 2014.

"The government has undertaken a number of measures to end the country's power crisis by 2014," he said while inaugurating Khan Brothers Shipbuilding Limited at Gozaria upazila of Munshiganj district on Saturday.

The shipyard started its journey on Saturday with the handing over a tourist vessel to tour agency Tiger Tours Limited. The international-standard vessel has the capacity to generate power by using windmill and solar panel, the authorities said.

Stating that ensuring supply of power to the industries is one of the main pledges of the ruling Awami League-led grand alliance, Muhith said the government is working to address the pledges despite facing numerous problems, including funding system.

"We're generating power in our own means. I firmly believe that there will be no crisis in the country by 2013-2014," he added.

Muhith also assured of easing terms and conditions for loans to individually-owned companies to help the industry flourish and generate employment.

Presided over by chairman of the shipbuilding company Enamul Kabir Khan, the programme was also attended, among others, by industries minister Dilip Barua, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) A K Azad, Danish ambassador to Bangladesh Svend Olling, barrister Amirul Islam, Rupali Bank chairman Ahmed Al-Kabir and director Farid Uddin.

Varsities shut after violence

  

DHAKANEWS

Dhaka,  Following clashes between students of two private universities in the capital, authorities on Saturday declared their institutions closed for varying periods.

The Prime Asia University has been shut indefinitely, while the South East University authorities decided to suspend their academic activities for two days.

"The university has been shut indefinitely in view of the current situation," Prime Asia University vice chancellor professor Giasuddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com.

Similarly, South East University VC lieutenant colonel (retd) Ali Ambial Haq Khan said educational activities in his institution will remain suspended on March 4 and 5.

Earlier in the day, at least 30 people received injuries as students of the two private universities clashed at Kemal Ataturk Avenue in the city's Banani area following an altercation over eating in canteen.

The clashes brought the traffic to a grinding halt in the area for full one hour.

"Students of the Prime Asia University and that of South East University clashed as a group of Prime Asia University students entered into a verbal duel with some students from the adjacent South East University," additional deputy police commissioner (Ghulshan zone) Nizamul Haque told bdnews24.com.

"The situation finally calmed around 5:30pm after police fired teargas and used baton to disperse the clashing students," he added.

Recounting the sequence of events, Mizanur Rahman, a student of Prime Asia University, told bdnews24.com that a group of South East University students started demonstrating in front of the Prime Asia University's Textile unit.

"At one stage, they started vandalising our campus," he said adding, "the tension is prevailing even on the three other nearby campuses," he added.

A South East University security official admitted a group of student of this university first attacked the other group.

However, a South East University student Sadnan Tanvhi said the clash took place over alleged stalking of a female student.

"I have heard that a student from Prime Asia University used to stalk one of the female of our university. Some students protested as the girl informed them about the harassment."

Tanvhi, however, failed to name the victim.

"Boys from South East University suddenly came and broke the window panes before we could make out anything," Prime Asia University deputy controller Ashraful Haque

At one stage, they clashed and vandalised both the universities. They also vandalised some shops at the avenue.

When police took position at the avenue and tried to calm the situation, the clash shifted in adjacent lanes