Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman behind stable economy,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

After taking the chair, governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB) Dr Atiur Rahman has attended in some 80 meetings in remote areas of the country during his holidays where he talked with businessmen, bankers, farmers and general people.

His supervision work helped the banks to reach to the people of remote areas and the economists are saying that he is doing everything what was essential for stable economy.

According to the experts of banking sector of the country, it was a challenge to maintain the stability of the economy while many rich and developed countries faced economic recession.

Bangladesh Bank with Dr Atiur Rahman as governor implemented many multi-dimensional activities for the development of country’s financial sector.

Dr Atiur Rahman took his chair as governor on May in 2009. He is now known as poor-friendly governor as his performance was praiseworthy in reaching the banking service to the remote people.

For his extraordinary performance he has been nominated for Indira Gandi Award and got World No-Tobacco Day award.

For proper policy and techniques made by Dr Atiur helped to increase the growth of the country which is now over 6 percent and in second position in the South-Asian region.

Making a record, the expatriates sent some $ 13 billion during fiscal year 2011-12 and the foreign currency reserve stood at approximately $1000 crore.

Dr Atiur Rahman also took initiatives to facilitate the farmers to open bank account with Tk 10 only and some 1.30 crore farmers are getting banking service.

BB governor also started “School Banking Scheme” in 14 banks where 30,000 freedom fighters opened accounts.

From a very humble background Atiur Rahman rose to the top echelon of the society.

He was born in a remote village in Jamalpur district in 1951. His father who was a landless farmer had received no schooling in his life.

He passed the SSC and HSC examinations with outstanding results securing positions in the merit list both times. He went to the Dhaka University for studying economics.

After obtaining BSS and MSS in Economics, he applied for Commonwealth scholarship and was successful. He went to SOAS, London, from where he obtained his PhD in 1977.

His PhD thesis later came out as a book under the title “Peasants and Classes” published by the Oxford University Press, which is much admired by the economists worldwide and is being used as a reference book in many universities throughout the world.

On 29 April 2009, he was appointed as the governor of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country, for tenure of four years. He assumed charge on 3 May 2009.

He is the 10th governor of the Bangladesh Bank, succeeding Dr Salehhddin Ahmed.

4410 apply to reassess HSC Chittagong Education Board answer sheet,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

A total of 4,410 students under Chittagong Education Board have submitted applications for re-checking the answer sheets of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations this year.

Confirming the matter, Exam Controller Dr. Pijush Datt, “All these students have appealed for reexamining their answer sheets as they did not get expected results.”

He said, “Results will be re-announced on August 14 after reassessing more than 16,000 answer sheets.”

Earlier, the applications were received by Short Messaging Service (SMS) using the service providing telecommunication company Teletalk from July 19 to 26.

Around 53,968 students from 191 institutions appeared in this year`s HSC and equivalent examinations and of them, 72.29 percent passed. 

Adviser to BNP chairperson Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury:Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during BBC’s Talk

BANGLADESH NEWS

Adviser to BNP chairperson Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the remarks made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during BBC’s ‘Hard Talk’ interview tarnished the image of the country severely.

The BNP leader came up with the allegation while addressing a discussion meeting organized by ‘Deshnetri Forum’ held at the National Press Club on Tuesday.

The Chittagong city BNP president also said, “The PM presented her party’s views instead of people’s view over caretaker government issue in the interview.”

Indicating premier, he said, “Dissolving the caretaker government system, you have shut the door of democracy. Now, people are knocking at the door of democracy.”

Forewarning the government, he said, “If you delay to open the door, people will compel to break it for the sake of their interest.”

Awami League has given up the caretaker government system to kill the democracy, he claimed.

“If you fail to come back to the track of democracy, you have to pay high-price like your father for killing democracy,” Amir forewarned.

With Forum Adviser Elbert T Costa in the chair, the discussion meeting was also addressed, among others, by Juba Dal President Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Rasheda Begum Hira MP and forum president Shahid Chowdhury.

Asian Development Bank (ADB),Jica extend loan activation for a month

BANGLADESH NEWS

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) on Tuesday extended their deadline for activating loan for the Padma bridge project by another month.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith said, "The deadline has been extended by a month that means the matter has to be resolved by that time."

The country representatives of ADB and Jica met with Iqbal Mahmud, senior secretary to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and handed over the extension letters to him at his office.

Tuesday was the last day for extending the deal. By doing so, both ADB and Jica have extended their credit deadline for the fourth time since the World Bank’s temporarily suspension in August last year and its final cancellation of the funding recently.

ERD Secretary Iqbal Mahmud declined from making any comment on the issue.

The executives of the two co-financiers also did not make any comment to the media.

The World Bank on June 29 cancelled its $1.2 billion credit for the $2.9 billion project, saying it has proof of corruption conspiracy involving Bangladeshi officials, executives of a Canadian firm and individuals.

Grameen Bank (GB) refutes Prime minister interest rate remarks,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Grameen Bank (GB) on Tuesday contradicted prime minister’s remarks on its interest rate.

A letter issued by GB General Manager (Information and Media Co-ordination) Jannat-E-Quannine mentioned the prime minister in an interview with BBC HARDtalk said the interest rate of the bank is 30, 40 or 45 percent. “The prime minister’s statement is inconsistent with the fact.”

Grameen Bank said it operates five types of lending activities and the highest interest rate is 20 percent. “And the loan for beggars and its members (to build their houses) is interest free,” the letter said.

It also mentioned that the interest rate is lower than the government fixed one. The government (Microcredit Regulatory Authority) fixed the highest interest rate at 27 percent while Grameen Bank charges highest 20 percent.

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir 45 others indicted for torching vehicle,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

A Dhaka court on Tuesday framed charges against BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 45 others in an arson case.

Metropolitan Magistrate Harun-or-Rashid framed the charges rejecting the adjournment petition filed by defence lawyers.

The court also fixed August 7 for starting trial of the case.

Of the accused, Fakhrul and 38 others were present during the charge framing.

Meanwhile, the court also issued arrest warrants against BNP leaders Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Amanullah Aman and Nazimuddin rejecting their bail petitions.

Following the development, pro-BNP lawyers brought out a procession on the court premises protesting the court order.

Earlier, a metropolitan magistrate felt embarrassed to hear the case as the accused showed no-confidence in him.

Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Erfan Ullah felt embarrassed when defence lawyers filed no-confidence petition against him as he had simultaneously rejected their two petitions during the day's hearing.

In the no-confidence petition, they claimed that they will not get justice from the court as it rejected their petitions seeking adjournment of the hearing on charge framing in the arson case.

In the wake of the situation, the metropolitan magistrate sent the matter to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Dhaka for the next course of action in the case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Bikash Kumar Saha sent the case to Metropolitan Magistrate Harun-or-Rashid.

Later, the metropolitan magistrate framed charges against the opposition leaders.

Police filed the case against the accused hours after a vehicle was set ablaze near the Prime Minister's Office in the capital during hartal hours on April 29.

PETITIONS AND ITS REJECTION

Earlier in the day, defence lawyers submitted a petition before the metropolitan magistrate saying that they had file a writ petition with the High Court on Sunday challenging the legality of appointing the magistrate to run the case.

As an order on the writ is yet to come and the issues remain pending in the HC, the defence on Tuesday prayed for an adjournment of the hearing on charge framing in the case.

But, the prosecution opposed it saying that the HC neither passed any order nor gave a stay on the issue. So, the case proceedings should go on, prosecution observed.

After hearing both sides, the court rejected the adjournment petition filed by defence.

Following the rejection, the defence filed another petition before the court seeking its permission to go to the higher court challenging its rejection order. Then, the court further rejected the petition.

In this situation, the defence filed no-confidence petition against the judge and the court sent the matter to CMM court.

ACCUSED IN THE CASE

Of the 46 accused, Jamaat-e-Islami acting Ameer Maqbul Ahmad and three leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir have been absconding since the case was filed against them.

Former Dhaka City Corporation mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka is in abroad for treatment while BNP leaders Amanullah Aman and Nazimuddin Alam are in Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah.

Remaining 39 opposition leaders including Fakhrul were present during the day's proceedings.

BACKGROUND

On May 10, detectives pressed charges against Mirza Fakhrul and 45 others in the arson case.

All the accused got bail in the case on June 7 and 14.  

Trail of 7 war crimes suspects may finish by Dec: Law Minister Shafique Ahmed,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Law Minister Shafique Ahmed on Tuesday said trials of five to seven persons accused of crimes against humanity will be finished by this year if the present speed of trial proceedings continues.

He expressed the hope while talking to reporters after a meting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat in the afternoon.

As the reporters raised an issue of preparation of the defence to submit lists of several thousands of witnesses to the international crimes tribunals, the law minister said that the tribunals can take actions against anybody who will create obstructions to their trial proceedings without any reason.

The tribunals will decide whether they will accept the list of thousands of witnesses from the defence, he said, adding that “I don’t feel that the tribunals will accept such list if it is submitted with a view to making delay in their proceedings”.

The tribunals are going ahead as per provisions of law, which has ensured speedy trial of cases, Shafique said.

A law ministry press release said the law minister told Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al-Busairi that the trial of killers of Saudi embassy official Khalaf Al Ali would be held at the speedy trial tribunal.

The Bangladesh government is sincere to complete trial of the killers of Khalaf in order to establish rule of law, he said.

Law barring infant food ads soon:infants' foods, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ruhal Haque,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Urging the media houses not to publish or broadcast any advertisement on infants' foods, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ruhal Haque on Tuesday said the government will soon enact a law barring such advertisements.

"Sometimes it appears that formulated foods are superior to breast milk if someone notices languages of the advertisements on baby foods," he said urging all to make awareness on the importance of breast feeding.

He made the comments at a press brief at his secretariat office on the eve of World Breast Feeding Week, 2012 from August 1 to 7.

With the slogan "Understanding the Past: Planning the Future" several government and non-government organisations will observe the week.

Worried about food adulteration, the minister said his ministry is working with other ministries concerned to formulate a tougher law to check food adulteration.

Ruhal said the prime minister increased maternity leave to six months from four months and urged private organisations to follow the instruction.

From the first hour into the birth of a baby it needs no food till it grows to six months, so proper growth and nourishment of babies, all should be conscious to check excessive use of powder milk for children, he said.

Among others Prime Minister's Health Adviser Dr Syed Modasser Ali attended the briefing.

Anti-Corruption Commission:money laundering cases against 22 officials of Destiny 2000 Ltd,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed two money laundering cases against 22 officials of Destiny 2000 Ltd including its Chairman Rafiqul Amin for embezzling over Tk 3285 crore.

ACC Assistant Director Md Towfiqul Islam and Deputy Director Mozahar Ali Sardar filed the cases separately with Kalabagan Police Station in the afternoon.

In the cases, the two ACC officials said Destiny 2000 Ltd misappropriated the money in the names of tree plantation project and Destiny Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Towfiqul Islam filed the case against Rafiqul Amin, Lt Gen M Harunur Rashid, director of Destiny 200 Ltd, and 20 other officials on charge of embezzling over Tk 1178 crore from Destiny’s tree plantation project.

Twelve Destiny officials including Rafiqul Amin and Harunur Rashid were sued in the other case filed by the ACC deputy director bringing allegation that the accused misappropriated over Tk 2106 crore from the cooperative society.

There were only Tk 56 lakh left for the cooperative society and Tk 4.87 crore for the tree plantation project after the money was transferred, the plaintiff said.

If the allegation proved, the accused will have to give double money to the victims through the government according to the ACC law.

Movable and immovable property of the accused could be confiscated and they could be jailed for minimum 12 years, the ACC officials said.

World Bank fails to provide graft evidence:Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina tells BBC World,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that though the World Bank raised corruption allegations against the Padma bridge project, the global lender could not provide graft evidence in favour of its allegations.

Hasina made the comments at an interview with BBC's HARDtalk during her five-day London visit to attend the inaugural ceremony of London Olympics 2012.

Part of the interview is given below:

BBC: Why has the World Bank lost confidence in your government’s ability to deliver on clean governance, let’s be clear what we were talking about. The World Bank wanted to put more than a billion dollars of funding into one of the most important infrastructural projects your country is seeing in many years – that is the Padma bridge project. They withdrew the funding because they had alerted your government to corruption in the handing out of contract they wanted action, they were not satisfied with the actions you have taken.

Hasina: Suddenly, they raised the issue. Then we – my finance minister and I, personally asked them, okay you give the proof. But they couldn’t place any substantial proof that there is corruption, they didn’t. And the main point is…

BBC: I am sorry, are you denying that there has been corruption in the handing out of contract in this Padma

bridge project? Hasina: Of course, of course, listen… BBC: Then, I am puzzled because one of the key ministers who stand accused in involvement in these has just quit your government, why is that? If there was no wrongdoing why has he done that? Hasina: Many people started accusing him so he resigned. He has done a brave thing. Had he been involved in this corruption, perhaps he would not have resigned. BBC: The question is, here on this particular project, on simple one… Hasina: No, no let me prove it… BBC: The World Bank sent a letter outlining their concerns, there were at least four different itemised concerns about corruption, now you have the opportunity to publish that letter to tell the Bangladeshi people exactly what the concerns were. You constantly refused to do that, why will you not publish that letter? Hasina: You can not do that because there is an embargo. BBC: No, the World Bank is happy to do that. Hasina: No, it is not true. They cannot do it. BBC: Of course, they can, they say… Hasina: Then, ask them to publish. BBC: But they say, they can not publish. Hasina: Why not? Why not? BBC: Because that’s how World Bank relationship with individual states works. You have the right, they do not. Hasina: Listen, the letter doesn’t mean anything. They should have proved with it. They could not supply any substantial proof with that letter. Just a letter cannot prove, yes, there is corruption. Time and again we asked it. BBC: The opposition says that the letter points at you and other senior figures of your government, is that true? Hasina: Listen, you can point anybody and the opposition can do it. It is the opposition job. My point is, our Anti-Corruption Commission – already they are investigating it and they asked the World Bank to send all the documents and they denied to send it. Now my question is, why they denied? If they have substantial proof why they denied to send all the papers and documents they have? They are not supplying, I personally want it. At first they placed two letters to me, that was not my government, not my ministers. I pointed out this was the previous government. So you give me the proof. Twice they did it but they could not prove. So, unnecessarily you cannot just accuse one without substantial proof - that is important.

Polls must be under a non-party neutral government:BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Apparently rejecting prime minister’s proposal to form an interim government with opposition, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Monday said next general elections must be held under a non-party neutral government.

“Countrymen don’t want to see this government anymore. And that is why the next election must be held under a neutral administration. Political parties will not accept any other form of government to hold elections,” she said at an Iftar party.

Doctors Association of Bangladesh (Dab) hosted the Iftar party at LD hall of the parliament complex.

Urging all to be united for making the upcoming tougher movement successful, the opposition leader said the present government showed absolute failure to run the country and that is why people want to get rid of the situation.

She said the government will be ousted through a vigorous movement after the Eid-ul-Fitr to save people from its misrule. “The government has no option but to quit,” she added.

“We will go for anti-government movement not to go to the power but to save the country and people from the ongoing miserable situation. I expect everyone to be with our movement,” the former premier said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blasts Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus for charging high interest rates by the Grameen Bank he founded.

She came down heavily on Yunus in an interview with the BBC's HARDtalk. The interview was taken during her five-day visit to London that ended Sunday.

Here is the text of a part of her interview.

BBC: It seems a shame for the Bangladeshi people that your relationship with one of the most respected business leaders in your country, Noble Laureate Mohammad Yunus, has also soured so badly. Why did you call him a bloodsucker of the poor?

PM: You go to Bangladesh, you see in your eyes then you will see. But how could he say I said it? Did I mention his name? I didn’t. I said someone. But why it occurred in your mind…

BBC: Sorry, so let’s be clear about this. So are you now denying that you have said Mohammad Yunus is a bloodsucker of the poor?

PM: No I am not denying anything. I am putting a question to you, why it occurred in your mind that it is him? Why?

BBC: I have been reading the Bangladeshi press, everybody, it seems, in the Bangladeshi media believes that you referred directly when you used this phrase ‘a bloodsucker of the poor’. If you want to retract or if you want to tell me you didn’t mean him, then that’s fine.

PM: Listen, listen, I am telling one thing. Taking interest 40 percent, 30 percent or 45 percent from these poor people – is it fair? It is not. How can these poor people stand by themselves? If you lend money and take 35 to 45 percent interest, it’s a shame.

BBC: So the entire model built by Grameen Bank and Mohammad Yunus which has been celebrated around the world as a way of lifting poor people out of poverty – you are saying you do not accept it, you do not want it.

PM: I want there should be an enquiry that how many people come out of poverty because of that. If there’s one village, how many people? Poverty reduction is done by my government. Within three years we reduced 10 percent poverty. So, it is our government. And about this Grameen Bank, it is a government statutory body.

BBC: Isn’t it the truth that you forced Mohammad Yunus out of his role in Grameen Bank after he tried to setup an independent political party in 2007, that’s why you turned against him?

PM: Listen, that time I was in custody, I was in jail when he tried to form his political party. He was such a big person so why he failed? He has every opportunity, why he couldn’t form his own party?

Have you ever thought about it? Well, having said that, I am telling you I didn’t oust him from the Grameen Bank, he himself did it.

High Court clears Giasuddin Al Mamun of illegal wealth conviction,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The High Court on Monday scrapped 10 years’ jail sentence of controversial businessman Giasuddin Alam Mamun in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission adjudging his conviction illegal.

Delivering a verdict on two separate appeals, the court also acquitted Mamun’s wife Shahina Yeasmin, who was convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in the same case.

A special court on March 27, 2008, awarded Mamun, a close aide to BNP leader Tarique Rahman, 10-year and his wife three-year rigorous imprisonment in the case filed on charge of amassing wealth worth Tk 111.3 crore illegally.

The HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman delivered the verdict after allowing two separate appeals filed by Mamun and his wife against their convictions handed down by the special court.

The court has acquitted Mamun from the charges, on the ground that the notification issued by the then secretary to ACC Delwar Hossain on February 18, 2007, asking for his wealth statement was not valid, as there was no commission at that time.

The conviction and sentence of Mamun was illegal as the corruption case was filed against Mamun on the basis of that illegal notice, the court said.

The court also acquitted Mamun’s wife Shahina Yeasmin, as the commission implicated her in the case without issuing any notice to her, Advocate Shah Monjurul Hoque, a counsel for Mamun and his wife, said.

The counsel also said that Giasuddin Al Mamun, who now in jail, cannot get released following the HC verdict, since he is accused in some other cases.

Advocate Manju also said that Mamun’s wife is on bail in this case.

Mamun filed the appeal against his conviction with the HC in 2008, while Yasmin in 2010.

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq appeared for Mamun and his wife, while Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan argued for ACC.

Khurshid Alam Khan told that his client now can issue fresh notice to Mamun and his wife, asking them to submit their wealth statement.

He said that they will move an appeal before the Supreme Court against the HC verdict.

High Court stays Hall-Mark industrial park,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The High Court on Monday stayed developing industrial park and any kind of earth filling by occupying proposed Janata Housing scheme by Hall-Mark Group in Nandokhali and other moujas of Savar upazila.

The court also stayed a decision of the environment ministry that exempted the company from Tk 40 lakh penalty.

The orders came following a writ petition by an environmentalist group Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) with legal assistance of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela).

Advocate Iqbal Kabir of Bela, who appeared along with advocate AM Aminuddin, told that the court asked the ministries of public works, environment, water resources, industries and Dhaka deputy commissioner to explain why Hall-Mark's industrial park and appeal authority's exemption order should not be declared arbitrary and illegal.

Earlier, Department of Environment (DoE) fined the company for illegally initiating industrial park on a 100-acre area including Dhaleswari river's wetland to the south of Singair Bridge without obtaining mandatory environmental clearance destroying local ecology.

The company confessed to the offence and paid the penalty immediately.

But, an appellate body led by additional secretary Auparup Chowdhury of the environment ministry let the company Hall-Mark Group off the penalty on May 10 glorifying it as an export-oriented company.

The appeal authority cut the Tk 40 lakh penalty down to 4 lakh slapped for illegally setting up an industrial park in Savar.

The court directed DoE not to issue site clearance or environmental clearance in favour of Hall-Mark for setting up the said industrial park in the area until the rule is finally disposed.

Jamaat-e-Islami Nizami, Mojaheed, Sayedee charged with Rajshahi University student Farukh Hossain killing,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Police included the names of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami, Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and Nayeb-e-Ameer Delawar Hossain Sayedee into the charge sheet of BCL activist Faruk Hossain killing case.

Zillur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Rajpara Police Station submitted two charge sheets of Faruk killing case and an explosion case to a Rajshahi court on July 8.

Names of Rajshahi city unit Jamaat Amir Ataur Rahman and General Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were also included into the murder case charge sheet.

The total accused of the murder case are 110.

Earlier, the numbers of murder case accused were 35 but later 76 more leaders and activists of Jamaat and Shibir were included after the investigation, Rabindra Nath Biswas, court inspector of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police said.

The charge sheets will be placed to the CMM court on Tuesday, the court inspector said.

Farukh Hossain, a final-year student of Rajshahi University and activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League was hacked to death by Islami Chhatra Shibir men at the university campus on February 9.

In the charge sheet police mentioned that Nizami addressed a meeting at Rajshahi Madrasa field on February 5.

According to the Nizami’s speech, which he placed on that meeting, Shibir cadres killed Faruk and dumped him into a manhole in the campus on February 9.  

Accused admits killing Bangladesh Saudi embassy official Khalaf Al Ali

BANGLADESH NEWS

An accused in Saudi embassy official Khalaf Al Ali murder case admitted his involvement in the killing before a metropolitan magistrate on Monday.

Al Amin, one of the four accused in the case, gave his confessional statement to Metropolitan Magistrate Shahriar Mahmud Adnan at his chamber for over two and a half hours.

While giving description of the murder, Al Amin said he along with four others - Saiful Islam Mamun, 20, Rafiqul Islam Khokon, 22, Akbar Ali Lalu, 25, and Md Selim - were present at the scene of occurrence.

Among the five criminals, Saiful shot Khalaf, Al Amin said.

Before shooting him, the muggers locked into a brawl with Khalaf when the gang demanded some dollars from him but he refused to do so, he said.

Al Amin was sitting inside a microbus on which they fled later, the accused told the magistrate.

After recording the statement, the court sent Al Amin to jail.

Detectives recently arrested Saiful, Rafiqul, Akbar and Al Amin while Selim is now in the run.

The four arrestees are now on eight-day remand since Tuesday.

Khalaf, 45, an official with the consular section of the Saudi embassy in Dhaka, was shot dead near his house in the diplomatic enclave in the wee hours of March 6.

Tobacco control is Bangladesh's legal:President of Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK)

BANGLADESH NEWS

Tobacco control is Bangladesh's legal obligation as it ratified a key WHO treaty, the visiting President of Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) says.

Not complying with this treaty means the government allows people to die early, he maintains.

"Once ratified, it is a legal obligation to comply (the treaty)," Matthew Myers told on Sunday.

"No one will penalise you (the government) for not complying, but it will mean that you are condemning your citizens to die prematurely."

Bangladesh ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2005, but according to Mayers, it is yet to fully implement the treaty, a key tool in the fight against tobacco menace.

After ratifying the treaty, the government had to enact a law in the same year, but the law did not follow the rules and guidelines of the treaty entirely, analysts say, encouraging more youths to take up the habit.

A study had showed more than 43 percent Bangladeshis aged 15 and above consume tobacco in one form or the other.

Estimates suggest 57,000 people die of tobacco related illness while nearly 300,000 suffer disabilities in Bangladesh where economists say tobacco prices are falling gradually since 2003 due to 'faulty' taxation.

Even the very issue of the FCTC on stopping interference from tobacco companies has reportedly been ignored, pushing back the amendment to the 2005 tobacco control law.

To make it stricter, the amendment process of the law started two and a half years ago, but it stopped apparently under the influence of tobacco giant British American Tobacco Bangladesh in a clear violation of the treaty's Article 5.3 and its guidelines.

Bangladesh also could not ensure smoke-free environment as it had promised by ratifying the treaty.

Myers, who is in Dhaka on a two-day visit, said it was time for Bangladesh 'to bring a law under the legal obligation.'

"Delay in passing the law only benefits the tobacco industry, not people," he said, "many countries could 'inhibit' smoking after enacting strong law."

The CTFK chief suggested incorporating smokeless tobacco such as zarda, sada pata and gul as tobacco products in the law, provision of pictorial health warnings covering 50 percent of cigarette packets, banning point-of-sale advertisement and lifting smoking zones inside the buildings.

"Incorporating smokeless tobacco in the law is critically important as so many people particularly women are the victims of it," he told bdnews24.com after he heard the agonies of tobacco victims in a discussion.

Myers who met with Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque at the Secretariat hoped the meeting would expedite the process of passing tobacco control law.

But he suggested the Prime Minister's intervention to resolve the problem between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Finance when it comes to tobacco issues – law and taxation.

"Only political will and leadership can resolve the problem," he said, "The Prime Minister has an opportunity to change the lives of tens of thousands of people who use tobacco."

"Which side the Prime Minister will take, children or industry?" He advocated increased taxes on all Bangladeshi tobacco products, considered cheapest in the world.

Citing British Journal on Tobacco, the CTFK President said in Ukraine between 2005 and 2008, the government could not increase tobacco taxes much due to pressure from tobacco firms. Consumption did not fall at that time.

But in 2009-2010, they imposed 405 percent taxes and in 2009 consumption fell 13 percent and in 2010 it declined by 15 percent.

But the government's revenue did not decline, it increased, he said.

"There is no way to think that if people stop smoking, they stop spending money. They will spend in other consumer products that contribute greatly to the economy."

He said it could create new job opportunities also.

Myers helped to found the CTFK, a leading organisation in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll across the world, in 1996.

Initially, he served as its Executive Vice President and Legal Counsel and oversaw the Campaign's legal and advocacy efforts.

On Jan 1, 2000, he took over as the President.

The CTFK helps Bangladesh in campaigning against tobacco particularly forming professional alliances and also in forming law.

The President, who will leave Dhaka on Monday, said they would also help Bangladesh to implement the new law once passed.   

Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus:visited celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed's mother,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus on Sunday visited celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed's mother.

Yunus met Ayesha Foyez at Humayun's younger brother Ahsan Habib's Mirpur residence in the afternoon. Humayun's two sisters and brothers were there during the visit that lasted about an hour.

The writer-filmmaker's elder son Nuhash Humayun reached the residence some 40 minutes after Yunus arrived there.

"He (Humayun Ahmed) created a league of readers which Bangladesh never had. He brought the attitude to Bengali literature it did not have," Yunus told reporters after the visit.

"So far we have seen Humayun was a popular writer. But after his death it seemed he reached deep inside his readers. So people are failing to fill his absence," he added.

Humayun died on July 19 aged 64 after fighting with cancer for about nine months at a New York hospital. 

Eid ul Fitr Holidaymakers can buy Train tickets 10 days prior to the journey:Railways Minister Obaidul Quader

BANGLADESH NEWS

Eid-ul-Fitr holidaymakers can buy train tickets 10 days prior to the journey date, the Railways Minister said on Sunday.

"The former system enforced from Feb 20 allowed advance tickets available three days prior to the journey. But from now on, tickets will be available 10 days before," Obaidul Quader said at a meeting on preparations ahead of the Eid at the Rail Bhaban.

Commuters will also be able to buy advance tickets online and on mobile phones, he said but did not say when the tickets will go on sale.

Quader said the vacation of the Bangladesh Railway and Roads and Highways Department officials and staff involved with ensuring safe journey had been cancelled.

He said that officials, staff and engineers will work on Fridays and Saturdays and they will enjoy their Eid vacation at their designated stations "so that any problem can be resolved easily".

The minister said 14 special trains will run for Eid holiday while 130 new buses will be added to BRTC's service.

These trains will run on five routes between five to seven days before and after the Eid.

Quader said the inter-city trains will also run every day from Aug 14 until the day before Eid including at the weekend and on other holidays.

He further said the government was only trying to ensure normal train service during the Eid and monsoon seasons and added that DEMU (Diesel-electric Multiple Unit) trains will be imported from China in January next year.

He mentioned that only 25 percent of the tickets are currently being sold online. "The ticket sale system will go online gradually."

Quader also said special measures will be taken in collaboration with GRP, RNB, local police and RAB to prevent black marketing of tickets.  

Standard Chartered lacks quality service Credit Card to deceive customers,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Customers of Standard Chartered alleged that the multinational banking and financial services company is deceiving its customers with credit cards.

There are also allegations that the bank is illegally imposing charges after tactfully pushing the credit cards to the common people. As a result, the card holders are facing financial penalties.

The card holders of the bank alleged that the much publicized Standard Chartered Bank credit cards are a medium of customer sufferings, it was alleged.

A large number of credit card holders of the bank complained to banglanews to this end.  Information gathered from Bangladesh Bank (BB) proved the truth behind the allegation.

According to the customer’s interest preservation center of the BB, most of the allegations against SCB centers round the irregularities of credit card.

Not only that there are allegations of even card forgery in the bank. However, the bank authority is solving the forgery cases very secretly so that no one can understand it.

Because credit card (consumer banking) is their main business sector. This foreign bank is adopting various tactful policies so that it does not hurt the confidence of the customers.

However, in a recently held launching function of the SCB newly introduced credit card visa ‘signature card’ the head of card division Gitanka Devdip Dutta admitted about the credit card forgery and said, “I will not claim that there is no card forgery but it is nominal.” But he did not disclose to what extent the forgery took place.

In the same function a customer raised the point of extra charge imposed on his credit card. According to his statement, the bank authority did not point out the type of extra charges while issuing cards but those are now being imposed.

Again the annual interest is being deducted at the time of delivery of the card. He further said that extra fees are taken at the time of cash transaction.

At this Gitanka said that he will look into the matter and take necessary action.

On the other hand, it is learnt from a number of customers that how and what ways the bank is doing malpractices and causing sufferings to them.

A senior officer of a group of companies alleged that at the persuasions of the card division I agree to their proposal that the bank will give me the limit of more than two to three times of my salary.

But, when I take delivery of the card it is found that the limit is only Taka six thousand extra of my salary. He further alleged that the bank authority not only deceived me on limit factor but now I am allowed to draw cash ninety percent of my credit limit. When I receive final papers it is found that I can only draw fifty percent in cash.

The complaints of this customer were found similar to other’s complaints. They also informed about their sufferings with the bank’s credit card.

Moreover, a group of workers of the bank’s card division visiting offices place proposals to the interested and collect papers in this regard. But most of the interested persons are not given card. As a result, time is wasted with sufferings.

When asked to comment on it, head of card division did not reply. However he said, “We give much priority to our customers. We try to solve their complaints with much importance. He further said that we do everything as per rules and regulations.

When asked about the allegations of imposing extra charges, giving false information, deceiving with credit limit and about cash transaction he did not give straight answer.

However, a senior officer of the bank that the internal authority of the bank is well informed about the matter. Meanwhile, many customers have complained to us. The complaints are true. I cannot say more than it.

Businessman killed in city Gulshan area, 8 held,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: A businessman was killed at Gulshan area of the city, said relatives of the businessman on Sunday morning.

The deceased was identified as Fazlul Haque, 70, an importer of raw materials of manufacturing color, used to live in the area House No 8 and Road No 51 of the city.

Family sources said he went to bed at 10:00pm Saturday but he was found dead at 10:00am Sunday.

There was wound mark on his neck. Police held eight persons for quizzing over the “murder.”

Inspector (Investigation) of Gulshan Thana Nur-e-Alam told that of the accused, four are house helps, two drivers and three security guards. Senior officials are quizzing them separately.

Daughter of the deceased Hasina Jaker said, “My father went to bed at 10:00pm Saturday. My mother entered room by unlocking automatic lock and found stabbed.”

No need to collect toll for Padma: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

LONDON: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said there is no need to collect extra toll to construct the Padma Bridge.

Addressing the expatriates, she said, “Increase the amount of your regular remittance. A huge fund will be raised from your increased remittances.”

The Premier came up with the urge while attending an ifter party organized by UK Awami League at a city hotel on Saturday.

She said, “The World Bank has cancelled its funding on the basis of a false allegation. But, they failed to present any proof in their favour despite of our request.”

“We have freed our country through the independent war. We are the nation of braves and will construct the Bridge without the help of others”, she added.

She informed, “We have already completed all proceedings and spent Tk. 1500 crore in this regard.”

Urging the expatriates to invest in Bangladesh, she said, “The present investment environment of the country is better than any previous time.”

Meanwhile, she expressed her gratefulness towards the expatriates for extending their support for Bangabandhu and the country in every crisis period.

Among others, PM’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddique were present during the ifter party.

Anti tobacco law being amended:Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed

BANGLADESH NEWS

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed said the government is going to amend the existing Smoking and Using of Tobacco Products (Control) Act 2005 to restrict the advertisement of tobacco products.

The amended law includes a section that will allow maximum Tk 1000,000 fine for tobacco product advertising.

According to the new act, selling cigarettes to anyone below sixteen will be prohibited and Tk 500 fine will be imposed for smoking in public place as well.

He came up with the disclosure while addressing a discussion meeting held at CIRDAP auditorium around 11:00am on Sunday.

The law minister added: “We have to move socially along with laws to diminish the abuse of the tobacco products.”

Barrister Shafique also said the law would be placed before the cabinet soon.

With National Professor MA Malik in the chair, the meeting also addressed, among others, by Nazma Aktar MP and anti-tobacco organization United Forum general secretary Dr M Sirajul Islam.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina:London To Bangladesh returns home Monday

BANGLADESH NEWS

LONDON: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left here this afternoon for home after wrapping up her five-day official visit to the United Kingdom.

A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG-006) carrying the premier and members of her entourage is scheduled to take off from Heathrow International Airport at 6:00pm.

They are expected to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8.30am Monday.

On July 25, Sheikh Hasina arrived here to attend the opening ceremony of London Olympics. She also joined the royal reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace on Friday evening ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The Prime Minister led a 38-member delegation which included Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad.

During her stay in London, Sheikh Hasina attended a series of meetings with the community leaders and professionals and gave interviews to local and international media.

She held a meeting with the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, UK and Northern Ireland, William Hague, MP, on July 28.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma and Labour Party Leader Edward Miliband called on her at her hotel suite.

She joined an Iftar party with the journalists from print and electronic media based in the UK on July 25, while Bangladeshi community in London hosted an Iftar party in her honour on July 28.

5 die as cement bags fall on them Godmile area under:Narayanganj Siddhirganj thana of the Sadar upazila

BANGLADESH NEWS

NARAYANGANJ: At least five day labourers, including two of a family, were killed as sacks of cement, stored inside a park, fell on them in Godmile area under Siddhirganj thana of the Sadar upazila on Sunday morning.

The deceased were identified as Jasim, 25, Nazmul, 27, Nasir Uddin, 22, Adu Mia, 50, and his son Rakib, 20.

Witnesses said some sacks of cement stored inside an under-construction Park suddenly fell on the labourers at about 8:30am while they were sleeping, leaving them dead on the spot.

Locals suspected that the cement bags fell on them due to the earthquake.

Government mulls introducing tiger in Nijhum Dwip,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The government is considering whether it can introduce tiger in different densely deer-populated places like Nijhum Dwip to maintain ecological balance.

"We are thinking over this issue and I have already talked to the World Bank whether we can introduce tigers in such places where deer population is boosting in Bangladesh," said Environment and Forests Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday.

He was addressing a discussion marking the Global Tiger Day-2012 organised by the Department of Forest at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. The theme of this year in Bangladesh is 'Save Sundarbans Tiger Landscape'.

In absence of tiger, deer-population is boosting rapidly in Nijhum Dwip where around 10,000 deer are living there--but the number should be three to four thousands there. So, the issue of introducing tigers there remains under discussion, he said.

Dhaka not to blame for Ticfa deadlock:Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes on Sunday said Bangladesh is ready for negotiation with the United States regarding signing of Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement (Ticfa).

He also categorically said that the signing of Ticfa agreement was not stalled due to Bangladesh. “I can tell you that if it is stalled then it was not because of Bangladesh,” Quayes added.

Asked about US ambassador’s remarks over Bangladesh’s refusal to sign the Ticfa deal, the foreign secretary declined to comment as he has not heard or have no written exact text what the US envoy said, but he said Bangladesh’s commitment to ILO Convention on labour standard is on the record.

He said both the sides exchanged the text of the draft of the Ticfa agreement and there is a minor issue which can be resolved through discussion.

“We still believe that we can have another round or second rounds of negotiation to remove the issue that yet to solved,” Quayes said adding “If the agreement is stalled in any stage then there is something to look into it.”

He said Bangladeshi readymade garment exporters’ pays 16 percent to 32 percent tariff while entering US market. “If the US government removes this tariff we can do more welfare for the garment workers, enhance wages as well as overall standard,” he observed.

Quayes reiterated that Bangladesh government is committed to labour rights and its commitment is very much on the record.

US Ambassador Dan Mozena mentioned four factors, including Ticfa, had gathered on the horizon, with power to have “a very negative impact” on exports of RMG to the market of the United States.

High Court questions Indemnity Act 2003 legitimising Operation Clean Heart,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule upon the government to explain why the Joint Drives Indemnity Act 2003 legitimising Operation Clean Heart should not be declared unconstitutional and illegal.

As per the court direction, the government will have to come up with a reply in six weeks.

Joint drives led by army had run Operation Clean Heart from October 16, 2002 to January 9, 2003 across the country to keep the law and order situation under control.

Around 50 people were reportedly killed in the operation.

The BNP-led 4-party alliance government issued a gazette notification on February 24, 2003 to legalise the Joint Drives Indemnity Act 2003 legitimising Operation Clean Heart.

According to the indemnity act, nobody can challenge the action of joint forces under Operation Clean Heart.

Advocate ZI Khan Panna, an executive member of Bangladesh Bar Council, on July 14 this year filed a writ petition challenging the legality of the indemnity act.

In the petition, he claimed that the law which legitimised the Operation Clean Heart is against the fundamental rights of people.

After hearing the petition, the HC bench of Justice Mirza Hussain Haider and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Hoque Akond (Sagor) also asked the government to explain why it should not be directed to make a fund of Tk 100 crore for compensation of the victims of Operation Clean Heart.

Secretaries to the ministries of law, home and defence, commander-in-chief of Armed Forces Division and inspector general of police have been made respondent to the rule.

Padma bridge: BNP leader Moudud Ahmed doubts Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intention,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Slating the premier for her continued World Bank bashing, BNP leader Moudud Ahmed on Sunday doubted her intention of building the Padma bridge.

“Confusion has been created in public mind whether the prime minister at all wants to build the Padma bridge as she is trying to foil the finance minister’s efforts to revive the loan deal by making remarks against the World Bank,” he said.

Moudud came up with the observation at a discussion titled ‘Government’s Intolerant Politics, Unbridled Corruption and Duties of Patriots’ organised by Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the National Press Club in the capital.

He said, "It is difficult to understand what the prime minister actually wants. On the one hand, the finance minister is trying to woo the World Bank and the premier is calling Abul Hossain a patriot on the other.”

Talking to reporters on July 25 in London, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Syed Abul Hossain, who quit as ICT minister days back, as a man of guts and patriot for his firm stance to step aside.

While responding to a question, she also accused the WB of taking ‘percentage’ from its funded projects.

Reacting to the PM’s remarks, Moudud, a BNP standing committee member, said, it seems that the PM does not want to resolve the problem with the WB. Instead, she prefers the conflict to continue. “The people of the country want to know what she actually wants.”

He said the government apparently confessed to indulging in corruption in the Padma bridge project after taking action against Abul.

”There’s no doubt that the entire government is involved in the bridge project graft,” Moudud said adding that he has heard that the relatives of the Prime Ministers are returning to the country from Canada fearing that the authorities there may take action against them.

He also demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister’s office in this regard.

Rejecting the PM’s remarks on the next general election, the senior BNP leader said there is no democratic country in the world where general election is held without dissolving Parliament.

Hasina, now in London on a five-day official visit, on Friday said her government is making relentless efforts to keep the country’s electoral process completely neutral and free from government interference in continuation of the free and fair election held in 2008.

The premier made the remarks when Leader of the Opposition of UK Labour Party Edward Samuel Miliband met her in her hotel suite.