Quit straight away:Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad To Prime Minister adviser Mashiur Rahman,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad on Tuesday demanded Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the prime minister, to resign immediately to pave the way for granting the World Bank’s loan for Padma bridge project.

Expressing deep concern over getting the WB’s loan, Ershad said the Bank has brought corruption allegations against Mashiur and he should step down immediately considering the country’s interest.

“Mashiur Rahman should resign from his post. We know he is a virtuous man. If he quits for the sake of the country, it won’t be disrespecting,” Ershad said in a press statement.

“I urge adviser Mashiur Rahman, please resign immediately without any hesitation for the greater interest of Padma bridge. People will remember your sacrifice too,” the former dictator said.

Urging all the leaders of all political parties in the country, he said, “Come, we all together request the World Bank to reconsider financing the Padma bridge construction.”

Expressing hope, the JP chief said, “The World Bank would not be able to ignore our national call. We want to implement the Padma bridge project with the loan of the World Bank.”

Mashiur also the integrity adviser of the Padma bridge project, told journalists on Sunday that he would step down if Hasina told him that he had failed to do his job faithfully.

A finance ministry official said it was unlikely that the WB would accept any proposal on financing the 6.15km bridge with Mashiur still in office.

Still, the Economic Relations Division will update the global lender on the latest position of the government.

Another minister on condition of anonymity told that if the adviser was reluctant to resign, his going on leave might as well be acceptable to the WB.

BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir:18-party announces fresh protest plan Demo to continue from Sept 7 to Oct 20,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

BNP-led 18-party alliance on Tuesday declared anti-government agitation programme from September 7 to October 20 to gather support mainly for its demand for restoring the caretaker government system.

As part of the demonstration, the BNP-led 18-party alliance leaders will hold public relation, mass rally and meeting from September 7 to 30 across the country.

BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the agitation programme at a press briefing at the party central office in Naya Paltan of the capital.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will also hold a month long meeting from September 20 at all divisional cities and district headquarters in the country.

The alliance will also hold demonstration on five dates across the country on different issues.

On September 6, the demonstration will be held on education related issues, while the September 9 agitation on Padma bride issue, September 16 demonstration for skyrocketing prices of essentials, September 23 agitation demanding return of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali and September 30 demonstration demanding withdrawal of spurious cases against its leaders and their unconditional release.

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) 665 jawans jailed for Pilkhana mutiny

BANGLADESH NEWS

A special court on Tuesday sentenced 665 jawans of 44 Rifles Battalions of erstwhile Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) to rigorous imprisonment ranging from four months to seven years in a mutiny case.

The Special Court-9 headed by Col Ehia Azam Khan of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) fined each of the convicts Tk 100.

It also acquitted eight jawans of the case as allegations brought against them were not proved.

Of the convicts, 113 jawans were jailed for seven years, one for six years and six months, 32 for six years, 26 for five and six months, 131 for five years, 124 for four years and six months, 73 for four years, 16 for three years and six months, 16 for three years, two for two years and six months, 38 for two years, eight for one year and six months, 52 for one year, 15 for six months and 18 for four months each.

Sepoy Selim Reza is among the jawans who was jailed for highest seven years. He led the 44 Rifles Battalion during the 2009 mutiny.

The judge started delivering verdict around 10:00am, which continued for around 2:00pm.

The other members of the special court are Lt Col Md Shahadat Hossain and Maj Md Mahfuzur Rahman.

The trial of the mutiny case began on April 26, 2010. Though the charges framed against 675 accused, two of them died at hospital during the trial proceedings.

The charges include leaving the Darbar Hall defying the orders of the then director general Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed, collecting firearms and ammunition from the armouries and taking effective measures to thwart the mutiny and taking part in the mutiny with firearms.

Seventy-four people including 57 army officials were killed during the Pilkhana mutiny on February 25-26, 2009.

India Delhi hands Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project documents to Dhaka-Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

India has officially handed over all papers and documents related to Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project over Barak river to Bangladesh.

All the relevant documents and papers of Tipaimukh project were handed over to Bangladesh at a meeting on Tapaimukh project between the joint river commission of the two countries in New Delhi on Monday, Indian Bangla daily Anandabazar reports on Tuesday.

The documents that contain every detail about the Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project over Barak river are stretched in six volumes,

New Delhi has also informed Dhaka that Bangladesh can invest in the project if it wishes to, the Anandabazar report said.

In that case, the project will be implemented with the investment in joint venture, the report added.

Zia Charitable Trust Charge acceptance order now Oct 1 Hearing deferred for sixth time,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The delivery of order on whether to accept charges against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and three others in Zia Charitable Trust graft case was differed for sixth times on Tuesday.

The deferment came following the defence counsels' time petition as the BNP chairperson did not appear before the court due to her illness.

In the petition, the defence said that they want the hearing to be held before Khaleda, so they need time.

In this circumstance, Md Zahirul Haque of the Senior Special Judge's Court gave them time till October 1.

On Tuesday, Advocate Masud Ahmed Talukder, one of defence counsels, Khaleda will appear before the court in connection with the case.

On the other hand, on August 5, the same judge expressed his discontent when the defence of the Zia Charitable Trust graft case prayed for the fifth time to defer the delivery of the order on whether to accept charges against the accused.

Later the court give them time till August 28 as Masud Ahmed Talukder convinced the judge, saying that they would not, under any circumstances, seek more time to defer the charge acceptance hearing of the case.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on August 8, 2011 with Tejgaon Police Station, accusing four people including Khaleda for abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.

The BNP chief last attended the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court on February 2 and secured permanent bail in the case.

Later on five consecutive dates, she did not appear on different grounds.

The other accused are Harris Chowdhury former political secretary of Khaleda; Ziaul Islam Munna, assistant private secretary (APS) of Harris; and Monirul Islam Khan, APS of former Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka. The court on Tuesday also extended the bail of Ziaul and Monirul till October 1.

Harris has been on the run since filing of the case.

Prime minister's Adviser Mashiur Rahman awaits PM signal to quit,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Prime minister's Adviser Mashiur Rahman on Sunday said he would step down if his resignation ensures revival of the World Bank financing for the Padma bridge project.

“I will resign if the prime minister asks me to do so,” Mashiur said when asked whether he had already resigned,

He was speaking to journalists at his residence in the city’s Minto road.

“The World Bank should prove the allegations it brought against me,” he added.

Mashiur has denied any involvement in the alleged corruption in the Padma bridge project, and said the government has not yet asked him to resign in its efforts to revive the World Bank financing for the project.

the PM's economic affairs adviser said if there were corruption allegations against him over the project, both the government and the WB could make those public.

Finance ministry officials said Mashiur's removal is the last hurdle for the government to convince the global lender to revive its $1.2 billion loan that it had cancelled in June. And it must be done by this week.

The WB gave a clear signal to the government that it would withdraw the loan cancellation if the government implemented its three conditions, including the removal of former communication minister Syed Abul Hossain and adviser Mashiur Rahman. The government has to provide the WB with documents about their removal.

The WB in September last year suspended its promised $1.2 billion funding for the country's biggest infrastructure project over corruption allegations.

The global lender cancelled its loan agreement in June on the grounds that all its conditions had not been met.

The government started fresh talks with the WB early this month and they are now at the final stage. The government with the help of the WB's Dhaka office prepared a draft letter mentioning the government steps, said a finance ministry source.

European Commission (EC) to Myanmar: Give citizenship to Rohingyas,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

European Commission (EC) has requested Myanmar to provide citizenship to Rohingya people and ensure their fundamental rights for a sustainable solution to the issue, an EC official said on Sunday.

European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection office’s Director General Esko Kentrschynskyj said EC as well as the international community have been maintaining contacts to solve the problems of the ethnic community of Myanmar.

He said this to Bangladesh’s Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque during a call on at the latter’s office on Sunday, says a food ministry press release.

Such remarks came following recent sectarian violence in Myanmar’s Rakhaine State that left dozens of Rohingyas dead. Many tried to enter Bangladesh, but Bangladesh border forces returned them in line with the government policy.

Bangladesh repeatedly and clearly said it could not accept the Rohingyas, saying that sheltering them in Bangladesh would not bring any solution. It said there are still some 25,000 Rohingyas who took shelters in two refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar two decades back, but are not returning. Besides, nearly 4 lakh unregistered Rohingyas are staying in Bangladesh.

Instead, Bangladesh urged the international community to put pressure on Myanmar for a sustainable solution to the longstanding Rohingya problem. However, some powerful countries and human rights bodies criticized Bangladesh for its stance.

While talking to Dr Razzaque, Esko Kentrschynskyj said they have already talked to Myanmar’s foreign and social welfare ministries, immigration and border forces on the Rohingya problem.

Esko said they want to make sure that the Rohingya refugees are provided with humanitarian aid including food, nutrition and social security and helped for a sustainable solution.

Food Minister Abdur Razzaque said though Bangladesh has huge population and 31 percent people live below poverty line, the government is trying its level best to ensure humanitarian assistance to the refugees.

However, continuing such help for long is very difficult for Bangladesh, he said, adding: “The only solution of the Rohingyas is their returning home.”

Razzaque asked the delegation led by Esko to deeply engage the international community for repatriation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Disaster Management Division Secretary Dr M Aslam Alam, European Commission for Humanitarian Aid Office’s Charge De Affaires Andrew Barnard, its Dhaka office’s technical expert Oliver Brouant and Regional Support Office Head Peter Burgess were also present.

Government not afraid of BNP threat:Home Minister Shahara Khatun,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Home Minister Shahara Khatun on Sunday said the government is not afraid of BNP’s threat of waging a tough movement to topple the government.

“We’re not scared of the red eyes of BNP. The people of the country are not afraid of their threat either,” she said while addressing at a discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).

Shahara said the BNP-Jamaat alliance is trying to create anarchy in the country in the name of movement. “We’ll have to lead the country towards development resisting such movement with an iron hand,” she said.

The home minister said Jamaat had waived red-green flags on their cars riding the shoulder of BNP in 2001. “Now the people of the country should get united so that Jamaat can’t waive flags on their cars this time.”

“Today, war crimes trial is being held, but a vested quarter is trying to foil the trial process,” she said.

Shahara said the assailants who were behind the August 21 grenade attack must be tried.

Bangabandhu Academy organised the programme on occasion of the 8th death anniversary of Awami League leader Ivy Rahman.

Chaired by president of Banganandhu Academy Mujibur Rahman, the programme was attended, among others, by Awami League leaders Mojaffar Hossain Poltu and Ahmed Hossain.

4 Dr Narayan Chandra Dutta Nitai murder suspects remanded,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

A Dhaka court on Sunday placed four suspects on remand for five days each in connection with the murder of Dr Narayan Chandra Dutta Nitai.

Metropolitan Magistrate Shariar Mohammad Adnan granted the remand after Detective Branch (DB) of police produced the four in the court with 10 days remand prayers for grilling.

The suspects -- Peda Mashud, 25, Saidul, 37, Pichhi Kalam, 26, and Faisal, 30, -- were arrested by the detectives at the capital's Mohakhali Sattola Slum and Kamrangirchar area.

Earlier on Thursday, Narayan was stabbed to death at his quarters in the compound of National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH) in Mohakhali.

Jamaat-e-Islami acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam denied bail(International Crimes Tribunal-1),Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday rejected the bail petition of war crimes suspect Jamaat-e-Islami acting Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam.

The tribunal also asked the prosecution to submit progress report by October 14 of the investigation into Azharul's war crimes allegation committed during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

The Jamaat leader was sent to Dhaka Central Jail on Thursday, a day after his arrest.

The three-member tribunal headed by Justice Md Nizamul Huq fixed Sunday for taking decision whether it would grant bail to the detained Jamaat leader.

Azharul on Thursday filed the bail petition before the court.

Azhar, who hails from Badarganj of Rangpur, was arrested at his Moghbazar home just over two hours after the tribunal issued an arrest warrant against him on Wednesday.

In response to a prosecution petition, the tribunal issued the arrest warrant and directed police to produce the Jamaat leader before the tribunal within 24 hours of his arrest.

It is alleged that the Jamaat leader had direct involvement in the killing of 1,200 unarmed Bangalees in Badarganj of Rangpur on a single day during the Liberation War.

Investigations against Azhar began on April 15 this year.

Charges against BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir,28 others accepted,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

A Dhaka court on Sunday took into cognisance the charges against BNP acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 28 others in connection with a blast case.

The court fixed September 18 for hearing on charge framing against the accused.

Judge Mohammad Zahurul Haque of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court passed the order after an hour-long hearing from the prosecution and the defence on the issue.

Before passing the order, the court also granted permanent bail to Fakhrul and 13 other accused in the case.

Shahbagh police filed the case against the accused in connection with the bomb explosions inside the Secretariat during hartal hours on April 29.

Detectives on May 31 charged the 29 accused with blasting the bombs.

Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals Industry Limited pays Tk 50 lakh penalty,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Department of Environment on Sunday fined Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals Industry Limited Tk 50 lakh for operating a manufacturing factory at Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur without the clearance from DoE for last 18 years.

DoE Director (Enforcement) Mohammad Muneer Chowdhury slapped the penalty after a hearing on Sunday and realised the fine at once from Managing Director of the factory Abu Naser Mohammad Abduz Jahed,

The step came after the DoE discovered the illegal operation in a recent raid on the facility.

"The illegal operation of such a large manufacturing factory for 18 years is an unprecedented violation of the environmental laws," said Muneer Chowdhury.

He mentioned DoE's operation as a recommendable step for ensuring that the law is abided by everyone.

"The factory authorities have been told to submit without delay all records of their production plan and waste management," the DoE official added.

The company's General Manager Mohammad Shaheed Farouqee, Plant Manager Rafiqul Haque, Quality Control Manager Abdul Khaleque and Manager (Engineering) Momtajul Karim represented the company at the hearing.

They apologised for building and operating the plant without clearance for so long.

The factory built over 13 acres of land had been producing drugs including antibiotics, anti-histamines, anti-ulcerants and antipyretics.

Jamaat leader Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed led Al Badr in killing intellectuals:Eminent writer Shahriar Kabir(International Crimes Tribunal-2),Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Al Badr led by Jamaat leader Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed had killed hundreds of intellectuals, journalists, teachers and other professionals between November 15 and December 15 in 1971.

Writer and journalist Shahriar Kabir told this to the International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Sunday while giving deposition against detained Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed.

Meanwhile, Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury, a member of the then Bangladesh Islami Oikya Jote (BIOJ) of Moulvibazar unit, gave his testimony before the tribunal as the first prosecution witness against Jamaat Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami.

Misbahur identified Nizami as the chief of Al-Badr formed to collaborate with the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War.

A leading researcher on war crimes Shahriar Kabir, also the first prosecution witness against the Mojaheed, gave his deposition from 10:51am to 1:30pm in presence of war crimes suspect Mojaheed.

Al Badr was formed with the leaders of Jamaat's student wing Islami Chhatra Sangha (ICS), he said.

Mojaheed, 64, was indicted with seven charges, including murder, torture, and imprisonment of people, genocide, and hatching a conspiracy to kill intellectuals during the Liberation War.

The writer said Mojaheed and Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami were the leaders of Al Badr during the Liberation War in 1971 and they were involved in the killing of intellectuals in a planned way.

Defence counsel will cross-examine Shahriar on August 30.

He was arrested on July 29 in 2010.

The tribunal-1 had rejected Mojaheed's bail petition twice and after his case was transferred to the tribunal-2, it rejected his bail prayer on August 7.

Mojaheed is among the 10 BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders facing war crimes charges before the tribunals.

NIZAMI CASE

Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury told the tribunal that Sirajul Islam, the then president of BIOJ, had sent him a letter requesting him to join AL Badr during the Liberation War.

The letter reads, “If you join Al Badr, Motiur Rahman Nizami would be happy.”

Sirajul Islam also mentioned in his letter that every members of the BIOJ would also join Al Badr, Misbahur said in his statements.

On May 28, the tribunal framed 16 charges against Nizami for his alleged involvement in murders and torture of unarmed people in 1971.

The 69-year-old Jamaat leader was the president of Islami Chhatra Sangha (ICS), student wing of Jamaat in 1971.

Members of the ICS were used to form the AL Badr -- an auxiliary force formed to collaborate with the Pakistani military that committed genocide and mass killing during the nine-month-long war.

Barisal-Patuakhali 3 killed road crash,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

BARISAL: Three people were killed and 30 others injured in a road accident in Kornakathi area on Barisal-Patuakhali road Saturday morning.

The deceased was identified as Suman, 22, Farruque, 35 and Liton, 10.

Witnesses said a Dhaka-bound bus of Sakura Paribahan plunged into a roadside ditch after hit a by-cycle as the driver lost control over the steering at about 10:30am, leaving two cyclists dead on the spot and 31 others injured.

The bus driver succumbed to his injuries after admitted to a local hospital.

Of the injured, three were admitted to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital while others were taken first aid in local clinics.

Deputy police commissioner (Barisal south) Mujaheed told that on information, police rushed to the spot.

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina meets Presidium Council Member Sayeda Johra Tajuddin,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met the party's Presidium Council Member Sayeda Johra Tajuddin at her residence in the city on Saturday evening, two days after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the by-polls to the Gazipur-4 (Kapasia) constituency.

Earlier, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told that the ruling party chief would meet Johra Tajuddin at her DOHS (Defence Officers Housing Society) residence in Banani.

He, however, did not elaborate on the reasons for the meeting.

The by-election is scheduled to be held on Sep 30. The main opposition BNP has announced to boycott the polls.

Later, an Awami League Parliamentary Party meeting nominated Sayeda Johra Tajuddin's daughter Simeen Hussain Rimi for the by-polls.
The Gazipur-4 constituency fell vacant following the resignation of ruling Rimi's brother Awami League lawmaker Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj on July 7.

Sohel, the only son of the country's first Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed and Sayeda Johra Tajuddin, had resigned as the State Minister for Home on May 31, 2009.

According to media reports, Sohel Taj's uncle Afsar Uddin Ahmad Khan, who was State Minister for Public Works in Hasina's previous cabinet (1996-2001), has already started lobbying with the party high command to get ticket for the by-polls.

General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed Mehdi also tried to secure nomination from the Awami League.

As per the schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is Sep 3, scrutiny on Sep 5 and the deadline for withdrawal of nominations is Sep 13. 

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) reopens, no classes held

BANGLADESH NEWS

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) reopened after a 44-day closure on Saturday, but no classes were held.

The teachers did not attend any class considering the thin attendance of the students, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Habibur Rahman told.

The Buet authorities on July 10 announced a 44-day closure in advance for Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr when the demonstrating teachers declared to resign en masse on July 22 if Vice Chancellor Prof Nazrul Islam and his deputy would not resign by that time.

But the teachers later postponed their en masse resignation after a meeting with Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid.

Asked about their movement against the VC and Pro-VC, Prof Ashraful Islam, general secretary of Buet Teachers Association, refused to make any comment on the issue on Saturday as the High Court on July 31 imposed an injunction order on the strike by teachers and students.

About the admission, the Pro-VC said the authorities will soon sit and take decision on it.

The teachers' association has been agitating for several months demanding removal of the VC and Pro-VC for their alleged involvement in irregularities.

Dr Muhammad Yunus criticised for putting int'l pressure on country,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Expressing concern over the statement of Dr Muhammad Yunus, eminent citizens of the country said after losing in the legal battle, Dr Muhammad Yunus has been creating pressure on the country through 'super power' and donor agencies exploiting his personal relations with them.

"Such an unexpected pressure is tantamount to interference in the country's internal affairs which is not acceptable to the citizens of an independent state," they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

In their reaction, the distinguished personalities said there is a difference of opinion between the government and Dr Muhammad Yunus over the appointment process of managing director of Grameen Bank (GB).

Bangladesh Bank removed Dr Yunus from the post of managing director of the GB because of expiry of his service age as per the government's service rule, they said and added he (Yunus) lodged a case and the highest court of the country delivered a judgment in favour of the government's decision.

The matter was settled legally through it, they added.

The eminent citizens said anyone could have different opinion about the recent amendment the government has brought to the GB Ordinance for the third time.

"But we're observing that Dr Yunus was putting pressure on the country through 'super power' and different donor agencies," they added.

"We're also observing that Dr Yunus in a statement has been tried to misguide the countrymen, especially the young generation, saying that new government after coming to power would change this ordinance to reinstate Grameen Bank in its previous position," they said.

"But he did not make clear what he wanted to say about the new government, when an elected government is in power," they added.

"We know, Dr Yunus formed a new political party when conspiracy was going on to implement 'Minus Two Formula' after arresting two leaders during the emergency of the last caretaker government," they said in the statement.

They urged the countrymen to remain alert against any sorts of conspiracy that can hinder the country's democracy through undemocratic means.

Signatories to the statement included Prof Zillur Rahman Siddique, Artist Quayum Chowdhury, Sayed Shamsul Haq, Artist Hashem Khan, Shamsuzzaman Khan, Kamal Lohani, Justice (retd) Mejbah Uddin Ahmed, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Anwar Hossain, Prof Nazrul Islam, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice- Chancellor Prof Prangopal Dutta, Economist Abul Barakat, Prof Abdul Khalek, Prof Nazrul Islam, Poet Belal Chowdhury, Ramedu Majumder, Mamunur Rashid, Selina Hossain and Poet Nirmalendu Gun.

Detective Branch of police (DB) arrested 5 Dr Nitai murder suspects held,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Law enforcers on Saturday arrested five persons suspected of killing Dr Narayan Chandra Dutta Nitai in the capital.

Detective Branch of police picked up four of them -- Peda Mashud, 25, Saidul, 37, Pichhi Kalam, 26, and Faisal, 30, -- from Mohakhali Shaat Tola Slum and Kamrangir Char areas.

Meanwhile, a team of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested the fifth suspect -- Kamal -- in the capital, said Commander M Sohail, Legal and Media Wing director of the elite force.

A team of detectives rounded up the four in separate drives between Friday night and Saturday, Monirul Islam, deputy commissioner of DB, said at a press briefing on Saturday afternoon at the DB headquarters.

The detectives also seized two knives, two iron rods, one machete allegedly used in the murder and also recovered four pairs of gold bangles stolen from the residence of Dr Nitai, the official said.

At the briefing, the arrestees also said that on that fateful night seven of them went to the residence of Dr Nitai -- four of them went in and three waited outside. The rest three -- Mintu, Masud and unnamed one -- were still at large, they added.

The suspects also stated that Mintu and Masud masterminded the stealing that ultimately led to the killing of Dr Nitai.

Nitai, an assistant professor of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), was stabbed to death by unknown criminals at his quarters in the NIDCH compound at Mohakhali in the capital early Thursday.

The 47-year-old physician was also an executive councillor of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) and a central committee member of Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad.

A day after the killing, the case was handed over to the Detective Branch of police for investigation Friday.

Police said the dead, Dr Nitai might have been a victim of robbery, but relatives suspect it was a planned murder.

Bangladesh Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid urges all to resist stalking

BANGLADESH NEWS

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on Saturday urged people of all walks of life -- teachers, students, guardians, political leaders and people’s representatives -- to play firm roles from their respective position to eradicate stalking, a persisting social menace.

Nahid expressed deep shock as Sangita Mondal, a meritorious student of class X at Sundali ST School and College in Abhoynagar upazila of Jessore district, committed suicide after falling victim of sexual harassment by some wayward boys of the locality.

He talked to the deputy commissioner of Jessore over phone this (Saturday) morning and asked him to take immediate legal steps against the stalkers.

The education minister also gave directives to the district education officer of Jessore to take appropriate measures after making a thorough probe in the matter.

He said: “Female students are our daughters, sisters and relatives, and they are the future educated mothers, skilled administrators and social reformers. It’s our responsibility to ensure they grow up in safety.”

Nahid mentioned that the government has taken up various programmes such as holding meetings with various professional people, bringing out processions, distribution of leaflets across the country and formation of defence committees at schools and colleges since 2010.

“Counselling teachers have been selected at schools and colleges and mobile courts have been operating across the country,” he said, adding that although sexual harassment of student’s had seemed on a downtrend due to creating awareness, but such incidents are found on the increase recently.

The minister said creating awareness and strict enforcement of laws are urgently needed to eradicate this social menace.

BNP, Jamaat link with Aug 21 attack:Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif Friday said investigation has proved that bigwigs of then BNP-Jamaat government had link with the August 21 grenade attack.

“They formulated the blueprint of the grenade attack,” the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant added.

He came up with the statement while placing wreaths at grave of President’s slain wife Ivy Rahman at Banani Graveyard marking her eighth death anniversary.

“August 21 grenade attack case is being investigated and its judgment will soon be completed,” he said.

Talking about the BNP’s remark of Awami League involvement with the incident, he said, “The remark is disheartened. Those, who have come in power by killing, can do nothing better but spread fake information.”

“Khaleda’s involvement was clearly proven from the deposition given by then Army officer Rumi,” he stressed.

Besides, he was urged the opposition party to refrain them from spreading propaganda.

Talking about BNP programme after Eid, Hanif said, “We do not bother about their programme. There was no public support in their past anti-government movements during three years. So, they are recently trying to create public opinion in favor of their programmes.”

journalist Sagar-Runi murder DNA profile found from Runi’s shirt,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: A full DNA profile of a person was found from slain journalist Meherun Runi’s T-shirt, she wearing during the murder, in a laboratory test in the United States.

RAB is thinking that killer of the journalist couple might be the owner of the DNA.

The DNA test of Sagar Sarowar and his son Megh is underway, sources said.

Director of RAB Media Wing M Sohayel said the investigation team will start identifying the killers after getting the forensic and DNA report.

As per the information from US laboratory test, several persons’ fingerprints were found in most of the samples of the killing, RAB officials said.

Earlier on April 18, the High Court directed the authority concerned to transfer the twin murder case of journalist couple Sagar and Runi to Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the detective police admitted their failure in this regard.

Senior reporter of ATN Bangla Runi and her husband Sagar Sarowar, who was news editor with Maasranga Television, were murdered at their west Rajabazar rented house in the city on February 11.

Nowsher Alam Roman, younger brother of Runi lodged a case accusing some unidentified persons on February 12.

On February 16, the twin murder case was transferred to the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for fair investigation

Banani Graveyard eighth death anniversary Ivy Rahman,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: President Zillur Rahman Wednesday paid tribute to his late wife Ivy Rahman by placing floral wreath at her grave to mark her eighth death anniversary.

He arrived there at 10:30am at Banani Graveyard in the city. 
  
Later, he placed floral wreath at the grave of family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and left the place at about 10:50am.

After placing tribute by the president, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, foreign minister Dipu Moni, Home Minsiter Sahara Khatun, State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak, PM’s special assistant also AL joint-general secretary Mahbul Alam Hanif, Dhaka University vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique and among others placed wreaths.

Besides, leaders of Awami Mohila League and other associate organizations of Awami League also paid their rich tribute to the memory of Ivy Rahman by placing wreaths on behalf of their respective organizations.

After paying tribute, a milad mahfil and Doa mahfil was held at Banani graveyard mosque. Leaders of Awami Mohila League and other associate organizations of Awami League joined the programme.

Separate programmes have chalked out by her family members and different organization to mark the day.

Another Milad Mahfil will be held at Bangabhaban after Asr prayer.

Ivy Rahman, the Awami League women`s affairs secretary and president of Mohila Awami League, received severe injuries in the August 21, 2004 grenade attack at an Awami League rally in the city targeting incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the then leader of the opposition, who narrowly escaped the attempt.

Ivy Rahman succumbed to her injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on August 24, after three days of the heinous killing of another 23 leaders and activists of the Awami League.

Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta:Khaleda Zia must admit mistake of backing grenade attack,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Minister without portfolio Suranjit Sengupta on Friday said opposition leader Khaleda Zia must apologise to people admitting her mistake for what he said backing the August 21 grenade attack.

“I appreciate BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for recently admitting her mistake by backing former president Iajuddin Ahmed as the chief adviser to the caretaker government, and she should now admit her fault in patronising the August 21 grenade attack,” he told a discussion at the city’s Osmani Auditorium.

According to media reports, Khaleda at a meeting of the BNP standing committee on August 2 “admitted her mistake of backing Iajuddin as the chief adviser to the caretaker government”.

“Backing Iajuddin was not the only mistake the BNP chairperson made,” Suranjit said adding, “She should admit and apologise to people for all her mistakes, including backing the August 21 grenade attack and delaying the war crimes trial.”

“It’s natural to make mistakes in politics, but there’s also scope for corrections in politics. It’s better to admit the mistakes,” he said.

“If she doesn’t admit the fault and prefers the culture of violence, bloodshed and obstructing constitutional course, she’ll lose her position in democratic politics,” he added.

Speaking at the discussion, organised by Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote marking the 8th death anniversary of AL leader Ivy Rahman, State Minister of Law Quamrul Islam accused the then BNP government of destroying a lot of evidence of the grenade attack case.

Ivy, the then Women Affairs secretary of the AL, along with others was injured in a grenade attack on an AL rally at Bangabandhu Avenue in the city on August 21, 2004. She later died at the Combined Military Hospital on August 24.

“But, I think, the trial on the grenade attack will be completed under this government,” he said.

The trial proceedings are progressing fairly well as 62 witnesses have already testified in the court, Quamrul added.

“Not only the trial of the grenade attack, but also the trial of war criminals and 10-truck arms haul case will be completed before the end of our tenure,” he said.

Scrap Grameen Bank ordinance amendment:Senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The main opposition BNP on Friday urged the government to repeal ‘The Grameen Bank (Amendment) Ordinance, 2012’ to return the control of the Nobel winning microcredit organisation to its poor women owners.

“The government has declared a war against 80 lakh poor women with amendment to GB’s 1983 ordinance…so we demand the government scrap the amendment,” BNP stalwart Moudud Ahmed told a discussion.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal (BJSD) organised the discussion, titled ‘The Prime Minister’s Proposal on Electoral System: People’s Apprehension’, at the National Press Club.

Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Moudud said BNP will revoke the amended ordinance if it is voted to power.

On Thursday, President Zillur Rahman promulgated an ordinance amending the Grameen Bank Ordinance, 1983 giving more power to the Grameen Bank (GB) chairman to choose its managing director.

In his reaction hours after the promulgation of the amended ordinance, Noble laureate and former Managing Director of Grameen Bank Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus said: “I hope, there’ll come a government in the future, the first job of which will be to revive the glory of this bank by returning the bank to its poor women owners holding a function at the national level.”

Accusing the government of establishing its control on the GB like a state-owned one, Moudud, also a BNP standing committee member, said the government’s move will deprive the majority women board members of their rights to take decision on the bank’s development.

Terming the present regime undemocratic and autocrat, he said the government is pushing the country towards confrontation by creating issues one after another. He said, “People want to get rid of this regime… they don’t want to see Awami League in power anymore.”

Describing the prime minister’s poll-time small cabinet formula as merely a remark not proposal, Moudud said if she gives such proposal his party will never agree to it.

“BNP won’t accept the interim government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina even if all the cabinet members are selected from the opposition for that government,” he said.

He once again urged the government to amend the 123 article of the constitution and restore the caretaker government (CG) system to oversee the next general election.

About his party’s anti-government movement plan, Moudud said they will launch a non-stop agitation programme to force the government to reinstate the CG system. “The movement will continue until the government incorporates the CG system in the constitution.”

The BNP chairperson will finalise the agitation programmes at the party’s standing committee meeting on Sunday night, he added.

BNP Standing Committee member Goyeswar Chandra Roy and president of Swadhinata Forum Abu Naser Md Rahmatullah, among others, addressed the discussion presided over by BJSD president Mej (retd) MM Mehbub Rahman.

Flight Lieutenant Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman 41st death anniversary,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) observed the 41st death anniversary of martyred Flight Lieutenant Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman with due solemnity on Monday.

To mark the day, milad mahfil was held after prayers of Eid-ul-Fitr at the central mosque of all BAF bases with special prayers and sought divine blessing for the departed soul, said a press release of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Wednesday.

Officers and members of all ranks of the BAF were present on the occasion.

The release added, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (admin) Air vice Marshal Masihuzzamaman visited the grave of Matiur Rahman at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectual Graveyard and offered special prayer with seeking peace for the departed soul. Matiur Rahman`s wife Milee Rahman was present there.

Prime Minister's claim Awami League rally on Aug 21 attack BNP,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The opposition on Wednesday hit back at the Prime Minister's claim over the grisly grenade on an Awami League rally on Aug 21, 2004, saying the Awami League itself had links with the attack.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the allegation at a press conference on Wednesday to counter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks blaming then the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance for the horrible attack.

"We condemn the gruesome grenade attack. But the remarks of the Prime Minister and the Local Government Minister involving BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman aren't acceptable. They've been dishing out such false propaganda to divert people's attention from the government's failure in all the sectors," he said.

"We strongly condemn such false propaganda of the government," he added.

Hasina on Tuesday at a function marking the eighth anniversary of the grenade attack blamed it on the BNP-Jamaat coalition. Tarique, son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was made accused in the grenade attack case after further investigation into the perceived attempt on the life of then the opposition leader Hasina.

Incumbent President Zillur Rahman's politician wife Ivy Rahman and 23 others were killed in the grisly attack on the rally in front of the Awami League headquarters.

Several hundred people, including then the opposition leader Sheikh Hasina and top leaders of her Awami League party, were injured. The attack is widely believed to have been carried out to assassinate Hasina.

Then the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami government allegedly perverted the course of investigation. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police had continued investigation accusing a vagabond Joj Mia. Three investigation officers (IO) have been sued for the attempt.

Defending the then BNP government's steps against Joj Mia, Rizvi said on Wednesday that no 'drama' was staged centring Joj Mia. "He was an antisocial person and he was accused in many criminal cases. There're political motives behind terming him innocent."

The BNP leader further claimed that Tarique was made accused solely for political purposes. The government appointed party-backed retired police officer Abdul Kahar Akand as the investigation officer and Tarique was indicted in the case through a supplementary chargesheet, he said.

"The government did it out of political vengeance," he said.

Rizvi continued, "I think such heinous incident was carried out with ill motive to blemish a patriot government. The ruling party (Awami League) had also connections with the attack."

About the steps taken by the BNP-led government following the attack, he said that government initiated a judicial investigation and took all necessary measures after the incident.

"Foreign investigation teams including Scotland Yard of the UK were also brought in here, but the then opposition didn't help in the investigation," he claimed.

"We want fair and neutral trial of the attack." 

Home Minister Shahara Khatun satisfied with law and order,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Home Minister Shahara Khatun has expressed satisfaction over law and order situation during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

Shahara, who drew flak from a cross-section of people after she suggested that people arrange own security, and keep home and shops under lock and key before going out on vacation during the Eid, was talking to reporters on Wednesday at her Secretariat office on the first day of office after the Eid holiday.

"People have celebrated this Eid in an atmosphere free of criminal activities and extortion. Law and order situation was good across the country including Dhaka. No untoward incident has been reported anywhere," Shahara said.

There were incidents of snatching and several people were killed in such incidents before the festival, but the Home Minister claimed the people could shop in a 'fearless' atmosphere.

"I visited various markets and talked to people (before Eid). They shopped until 1 or 2 am. No snatching-extortion took place. People shopped and returned home without any fear," she said.

She also thanked Communication Minister Obaidul Quader for ensuring 'safe' journey for the people who went to their native places during the holidays. 

Monjur Rahman Businessman killed in Narsingdi,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

A businessman was gunned down by some unknown miscreants in Narsingdi Bazar area on Tuesday night.

Police and family members said Monjur Rahman, 32, was shot around 11pm Tuesday at his shop in the Bazar's Dudhpotti area.

He was a dyeing and chemical businessman. Hailing from Comilla's Muradnagar, since his marriage Monjur had been living at his in-laws at Narsingdi's East Dattaparha area.

His wife Taslima Begum told reporters that Monjur left for the shop at noon as per his daily routine. The unidentified gunmen shot him around 11pm there.

Doctors at the Narsingdi Sadar Hospital declared him dead as he was taken there with bullet injuries.

Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Shitol Debnath told reporters two bullets hit Monjur in his throat and one in the chest.

Narsingdi Sadar Police Station OC Mohammad Asaduzzaman said they had has already started investigation into the killing.

"We suspect that the assailants knew Monjur from before," he added. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday exchanged Eid greetings,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday exchanged Eid greetings with foreign diplomats, judges, senior civil and military officials, party leaders and cross-section of people at her official residence Gono Bhaban.

At first, she exchanged greetings with politicians, intellectuals, journalists, teachers and cross-section of the people for nearly one and a half hours from 9:30am as the main entrance of Gono Bhaban was opened on the Eid day.

Later, Hasina exchanged pleasantries with foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka. She also exchanged greetings with the Supreme Court judges including the chief justice.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan Admitted to United Hospital,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan has been admitted to United Hospital of the capital early Wednesday.

The minister fell sick as a result of high blood pressure while exchanging Eid greetings with the people of his constituency in Madaripur Tuesday night, reports our Madaripur correspondent.

He was rushed to Dhaka Tuesday night and admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the hospital under Dr Fatema Begum.

Earlier, the minister was given primary treatment at Madaripur Sadar Hospital.

Barisal Jhalakathi college student seeks police protection,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Limon Hossain, the college student maimed by Rapid Action Battalion on March 23 last year, urged for police protection for himself and his family on Wednesday.

Limon submitted an application to the Rajapur Police Station around noon seeking protection of their lives,  officer-in charge of the police station.

Limon is now undergoing treatment at Mokhlesur Rahman Clinic at Barisal city.

Dr Abdur Rowf, a doctor attending Limon at the clinic, advised that Limon needs to undergo an operation on one of his ears which was damaged in the attack on Eid day.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lily Begum, wife of Ibrahim Hawlader who attacked Limon on Eid day, lodged a complaint with Rajapur Police Station saying that Limon and his family members beat her brother Md Forkan to death as he tried to rescue Ibrahim during a brawl on the day.

On Monday afternoon, Limon and his family members were busy in taking family pictures on Saturia-Idurbari road in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi, said Tofazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge of the police station.

Suddenly Ibrahim, a local source of Rapid Action Battalion and also witness No. 17 of the cases lodged by Rab against Limon, appeared on the spot and started hurling abuses at them. Ibrahim also asked them to get off the road and threatened not to return to the village anymore.

At one stage, Ibrahim beat up Limon. As Sumon and Henoara went to save him, Ibrahim also beat them up, Limon's brother and others witnessing the incident said.

Meanwhile Limon managed to call up Rajapur police and asked for help. Police immediately responded to the distress signal and rescued the trio from the wrath of the Rab source.

Henoara was admitted to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex while Limon and Sumon were given first aid, the OC said.

Ibrahim was also rushed to the hospital with minor injury, hospital sources said.

Limon lodged a general diary (GD no 771) Monday night while Ibrahim's wife lodged another GD (No. 785) on Tuesday. Police will investigate both the GDs, the OC added.

Police filed an unnatural death case and sent the body of Forkan to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy on Tuesday. Police will take action as per the postmortem report, said Mohidul Islam, acting superintendent of police of Jhalakathi.

"Limon spent last year's Eid in the hospital for the amputation of one of his legs that was wounded by Rab firing on March 23, 2011," Limon's mother Henoara Begum said.

"We thought that all of us will celebrate Eid together at our home this time. But Halim Daroga (investigation officer of police) secretly submitted the final report on August 14 claiming that Rab is innocent without specifying who shot my son in the leg," Limon's mother and complainant of the case, asked.

"The gift from Rab this Eid was an attack by their source while police's gift was to declare Rab as innocent in the case filed for laming my son. So, it has become a sin for us to talk even about Eid," she said.

She further said: "Now the Rab source is trying to implicate us in a murder case, who died of a heart attack about half a kilometer off the place where we were confronted by Ibrahim. How much torture will we have to suffer? When will we be let to go? Is there nothing the state can do for us?"

Rab allegedly shot Limon, who used to work at a brick kiln to pay for his education, in the left leg at his village Saturia in Rajapur upazila on March 23 last year.

The elite force on the same day filed two cases with the local police against Limon and seven others under the Arms Act and another for obstructing official duty, making attempts to murder and injuring Rab personnel.

Charge sheet in first case against Limon and seven others were submitted on April 24, 2011.

Police secretly submitted a charge-sheet against Limon and the other accused July 1 this year in the second case and September 2 has been fixed as the date for hearing the charge-sheet in the case.

On other hand, Henoara on April 10, 2011 lodged a case of attempt to murder, severe injury, maiming against six Rab personnel with the police station.

But police first refused to register the case against Rab but they registered the case later following a court order on April 26.

The report said police have found no evidence and witnesses in favour of the allegation. Magistrate after receiving the police report fixed August 30 for next date of hearing of the case.

Rejecting the police report, the complainant, victim and human rights activists called for 'judicial probe'.

Limon's left leg was cut off from the thigh on Mar 27 at Dhaka National Institute for Traumatolgy and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) Hospital as the tissues were totally damaged due to excessive bleeding caused by delay in treatment after the shooting.

Maimed Limon secured bail from the High Court on May 5 and was released from Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital's prison cell on May 9.

The technical team of Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) in Savar fixed an artificial leg on Limon on August 29 and Limon backed home on October 13, 2011.