FEMA AGM urges political stability, elects new committee,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: The Annual General Meeting of Fair Election Monitoring Alliance (FEMA) held on Friday, June 29 in participation with delegates from FEMA district chapters, life and general members.

In a special resolution, in the meeting the delegates appealed to the  major political parties to resolve their differences immediately through dialogues and discussions on the nature of the election time government as agreed upon by the political parties to facilitate the conduct of free and fair general elections next year.

FEMA members expressed deep concern at the polarized political environment leading to violent confrontation disrupting peaceful public life, and escalating political and economic instability.

Newly elected FEMA President Munira Khan said, “In absence of trust and confidence among the political parties a bi-partisan or a non-party government agreed upon by the political parties is necessary to conduct competitive, credible elections.”

“FEMA expects that all the political parties will come to a consensus on the nature of election time government immediately to ameliorate the sufferings of the people and consolidate democracy” said FEMA Secretary General Tarikul Ghani The AGM elected Munira Khan and Tarikul Ghani as its President and Secretary General.

The other officials elected are Vice Presidents - Advocate Salma Ali, Wadudur Rahman
Panna and A K M Shamsuddin Ahmed; Treasurers - Advocate D M Abdul Bari and Mostofa Quaiyum Khan; Joint Secretaries - A N M Emam Hasnath and Sahadat Hossain Khan Hilu; and Members - Ambassador Jamil Majid, Al-haj Waliul Bari Choudhury, Nazma Choudhury, Abdul Matin, Dilruba Ahmed and Monwar Hossain. The new committee was elected for three years. Earlier, a National Council comprising 26 members were elected.

Commerce minister GM Quader says Government tries to keep essentials’ price stable,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: Commerce minister GM Quader said the government is trying its level best to keep the price of essential commodities stable during the Ramadan.

He said, “Businessmen cannot increase the price of essentials as per their own decision as we want people to buy those at reasonable price. We will take various steps in order to ensure consumers’ right during Ramadan.”

He came up with the information while addressing the inaugural session of an International seminar in a city hotel on Monday.

The minister said, “Competition Act 2012 will help to keep goods price stable. Our government will implement the act without any delay. It is an International stranded act and 17 countries, including neighboring India, Pakistan and Malaysia follow it.”

“Meanwhile, Bangladesh competition commission will be formed to introduce positive competition in market. The act will encourage competitive environment in market”, he added.

Deposition against Jamaat`s Assistant Secretary general Kamaruzzaman July 15,BNangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: The International Crime Tribunal -2 (ICT) on Monday fixed July 15 for hearing the deposition against Jamaat`s Assistant Secretary general Kamaruzzaman, an accused of wartime crimes against humanity during liberation war in 1971.

Meanwhile, the court directed the defender to submit the list of his witnesses and all related documents on the same day.

A three-member tribunal led by Justice ATM Fazle Karim fixed the date after the state prosecutors placed an 84 page opening statement against the accused.

Earlier on June 4, the International Crime Tribunal-2 framed charges against Mohammad Kamaruzzaman and fixed July 2 for giving ‘opening statement’ against the Jamaat leader.

The three-member tribunal-2 passed the order on basis of seven charges including killing, mass killing, torture, forced exile.

Earlier on May 20 prosecution concluded hearing against Kamaruzzaman while defense lawyers on May 16.

Earlier on May 8, prosecutor AKM Saiful Islam read out the charge sheet against the Jamaat man before the court.

On January 31, the tribunal took into cognizance the formal charges against the Jamaat leader in presence of him.

On December 28 last, the ICT returned to the prosecution the charges of crimes against humanity brought against Muhammad Kamaruzzaman terming it ‘scattered and irrelevant’.

The charges cited nine allegations against Kamaruzzaman for his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity during the war.

On January 15, prosecutors resubmitted formal charges against detained Jamaat leader Kamaruzzaman.

Ex-Indian president Abdul Kalam due Wednesday,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: Former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam will arrive here on July 4 on a two-day visit.

Sources Monday said Dr Kalam will join the programme of the 33rd anniversary of Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP).

The former president of India would also meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the visit.

General Secretary of CIRDAP Durga Prasad Padual will receive him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:00pm Wednesday.

He is scheduled to leave Dhaka Thursday.

Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of ATN Bangla boss summoned,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

CHITTAGONG:  A district court Monday summoned Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman of ATN Bangla, in two cases filed against him for making ‘derogatory remarks’ on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sagar-Runi.

Chittagong Chief Metropolitan Judge BM Nizamul Haque asked Mahfuzur to appear before it on September 30 after taking the two cases into cognizance.

In another case, Metropolitan Judge Muntasir Ahmed asked deputy commissioner of city DB police to submit a report within 15 days.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Legal Aid Rights Implementation Foundation Tarek Khan Chowdhury and Lalkhan ward Olama League president Altaf Hossain filed the cases in the courts.

Additional public prosecutor of Chittagong Chief Metropolitan Judge Court Abid Hossain confirmed.

On June 28, two separate district courts summoned Dr Mahfuzur Rahman to appear before those on September 5 and July 27.

A case was filed with Narail district court while another in Dinajpur district court in these connections.

Publicity Secretary of Chhatra League’s Narail district unit MM Kamruzzaman Kamrul filed the case with the court of Senior Judicial Magistrate M Salehuzzaman while Advocate M Saiful Islam, general secretary of Dinajpur district Juba League unit, filed the case at noon.

Narail Chief Judicial Magistrate Salehuzzaman asked Mahfuzur to appear before it on September 5 while Dinajpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Nazir Ahmed directed him to appear before it on July 27 to explain his remarks, reports our Narail and Dinajpur Correspondents.

In the case statement, the complainant said Mahfuzur’s remarks were tantamount to sedition and therefore punishable.

Mahfuzur Rahman has called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ‘talkative’ in a programme on June 25 during his visit to London.

He made this comments while recalling PM’s remark that “It is not possible for the government to guard anyone’s bedroom.”

On February 11, Sagar Sarowar, news editor of private TV channel Maasranga, and his wife Meherun Runi, a senior reporter of ATN Bangla, were killed at their residence in the city’s West Rajabazar.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to continue Padma Bridge funding,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: In the latest development, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said it would continue its funding much-talked-about Padma Bridge project.

In a statement on Monday, JICA said it has not changed its decision over funding to construct the bridge.

A press release from Public Relations Section of JICA Bangladesh Office reads: “We hope that the Government of Bangladesh will deal with the current issues in a constructive way.”

Earlier in the day, JICA, a co-financer of the mega project, in a statement said it would take decision on the project after having a discussion with Japan government.

The statement said: “The situation is very much regrettable in spite of the efforts between the government of Bangladesh and the World Bank. We will consider our position to the project with the consultation with the Japanese government, referring to the other co-financers positions.”

Jica was committed to funding $400 million for the Padma bridge project.

In the latest development, Asian Development Bank (ABD) also canceled credit for Padma Bridge project with immediate effect on Monday.

In a statement, the ABD authority said it will not fund for the much-talked project.

Earlier on June 30, the World Bank canceled a $1.2 billion credit for a Padma bridge project, saying it had "credible evidence" of a high-level corruption conspiracy among officials of Bangladesh government.

"In light of the inadequate response by the government of Bangladesh, the World Bank has decided to cancel its $1.2 billion credit in support of the Padma multipurpose bridge project, effective immediately," the World Bank said in a statement.

Deposition against Jamaat Ameer Ghulam Azam Jul 3,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: The deposition of prosecution witnesses in war crimes related case against former Jamaat Ameer Ghulam Azam at International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will be held on July 3.

ICT led by Justice Nizamul Haque passed the deferment order Monday as witness noted historian and Dhaka University teacher Professor Muntasir Mamun could not attend due to personal problem.

On July 1, in his deposition Muntasir Mamun said of the then politicians, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Ghulam Azam played the main role in assisting the Pakistani army to commit genocide in the country during 1971 liberation war.

He said, “We could achieve our independence much earlier if they did not work for Pakistani army. Ghulam Azam and Nurul Amin worked as the main associates of the killer force during war time. They advised to form the peace committee.”

“Ghulam Azam introduced the Rajakar Bahini during the liberation war. Later, the Pakistani government passed an act in this regard. On the other hand, Jamaat Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami led the Al Badar Bahini,” he added.

The historian said, “The Pakistani army conducted mass killing and lotting operations across the country during the nine months of the war. They raped hundreds of Bangladeshi women. Ghulam Azam led those operations. Newspaper’s reports proved the fact.”

Earlier on June 18, ICT-1 has rejected the review and case transfer pleas of Ghulam Azam.

On June 7 of this year, state prosecutions concluded their argument in ICT-1 in review plea hearing of former Jamaat Ameer Ghulam Azam.

On May 13, 2012, the ICT-1 framed charges against him.

On December 12 of last year, formal charges of ‘crime against humanity’ were submitted against Ghulam Azam for his role during the Liberation War and appealed for issuing arrest warrant against him.

A total of 52 allegations were complied in the charge book against Azam, who was Ameer of the erstwhile East Pakistan chapter of the Islamic party that sided with the Pakistan government during the liberation war.

As per the allegations, the prosecutor petitioned the tribunal for issuing arrest warrant against Ghulam Azam.

On December 13, the ICT fixed December 26 to give order on taking into cognizance the formal charges of ‘crime against humanity’ against Ghulam Azam in response to an appeal by Jamaat lawyer Barrister Abdur Razzak.

On November 1, the probe report against the Jamaat-e-Islami leader was submitted to the prosecution panel of the tribunal in connection with their alleged wartime crimes against humanity.

2 killed, 1 injured in ndian Border Security Force (BSF) firing,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday shot two Bangladeshi youths to death and injured another one in Jessore and Satkhira borders.

In Jessore, one youth was killed in BSF firing on India’s Kaliani area near Benapole border early Monday.

The identity of the deceased could not be known yet.

Border sources said BSF members opened fire on some Bangladeshi nationals in Ichhamati River through the Kaliani border at about 4am while they were returning home from India by a boat, leaving the youth dead.”

Later, BSF members recovered the body from the river and sent to Bangaon Mahkuma Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Jessore-26 BGB Doulatpur Camp commander Abdul Jalil told banglanews, “Firstly, we confirmed about the killing from our source. Later, BSF members admitted the killing and called us to identify the bodies. But, the identity of the deceased is yet to know.”

In Satkhira, BSF shot a Bangladeshi cattle trader to death and injured another one on Kakdanga border under Kolaroa upazila on Monday morning.

The deceased was identified as Altaf Hossain, 20, son of Fazlu Sardar, of the upazila.

Witnesses said BSF opened fire on them at about 5am while they were returning home from India, leaving Altaf dead on the spot and another one injured.

Satkhira-38 BGB commander Llt. Col. Abu Basir said, “BGB protested the firing.”

Finance Minister AMA Muhith tells JS No logical basis of World Bank allegation,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith Monday said World Bank (WB) cannot defame and dishonor a country on the basis of an “incomplete allegation”.

The commerce minister came up with the observation while addressing parliament in a written statement.

He told the House: “I think World Bank has humiliated the country through its statement on Padma Bridge funding. There is no logical basis of their allegation.”

The ruling Awami League lawmaker said the allegation of the World Bank that Bangladesh government has not taken necessary steps to stop corruption is not true.

Gas supply to Southwest a far cry Gas Distribution Company Ltd (SGDCL),Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Duration of the project to bring Southwest region under gas supply network may be extended by a year as distribution pipeline is yet to be installed, a project official says.

Although setting up of the 845-km distribution pipeline was to be completed by Dec 31, authorities concerned were yet to finalise the process of selecting a contractor for the job.

"Evaluation of the work tender for setting up the distribution pipeline in five districts is going on. We are yet to appoint a contractor firm. So the project duration may be extended," said Acting Managing Director of Sundarban Gas Distribution Company Ltd (SGDCL) M Nurul Islam.

The company is responsible for implementing the project to ensure gas supply to Bagherhat, Khulna, Jessore, Jhenidah and Kuhstia.

"The duration may be extended by a year," he added.

SGDCL began its journey as an associate organisation of the state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) on Nov 13, 2009 for establishing gas supply network in 16 districts including Khulna and Barisal.

On Dec 22 last year, Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a project worth Tk 5.31 billion for bringing the southeast region under gas supply network. Beginning January 2010, the project, jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bangladesh government, is supposed to be implemented by Dec 31, 2012.

According to Nurul Islam, tender was invited in January last year for the project, and after completing technical evaluation, it was forwarded to ADB for approval prior to the appointment of a contractor firm.

Another officer said setting up of gas transmission line measuring 163 km between Bheramara and Khulna was in final stage. On Oct 21, Gas Transmission Company Ltd (GTCL) signed contracts with six local contractor companies for establishing gas transmission lines worth Tk 6.85 billion under the project.

"Setting up of gas transmission line between Bheramara and Khulna will be completed by the middle of next month," GTCL Managing Director Aminur Rahman said.

The Bheramara-Khulna transmission line will be connected to the Jamuna-Bheramara line, requiring construction of distribution pipeline through river Padma.

"We have failed to establish distribution line through the Padma twice. We will once again try to establish the line soon," said Petrobangla Chairman Hossain Mansur.

"The line has to be established fast as the work of installing a gas-based power plant at Bheramara is advancing at a good pace," Mansur said.

The daily demand of gas is 250 CCF. The deficit between gas production and its demand is 34CCF.  

Utility services in Chittagong hills to go,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

The Hill Management Committee has directed the authorities to cut off illegal electricity, gas and water supply connections to the families living in the risky slopes of the hills in Chittagong within seven days to avert further loss of lives and property in the upcoming rainy season.

The recommendations came from a meeting of the committee held at Chittagong Circuit House on Monday.

The meeting was held days after at least 26 people were killed in separate incidents of hillslide and wall collapse triggered by ceaseless downpour in at least seven areas of the district.

Owners of the hills have also been directed to take necessary measures to relocate the families dwelling illegally in the risky hill slopes of the port city.

Besides, the meeting also directed the district administration to form a committee to provide legal aid to the victims if any of them files case against influential land grabbers in the hills.

Chaired by Alef Uddin, the Chittagong Additional Divisional Commissioner, the meeting was also attended by Abdul Kaiyum, Additional Secretary and National Project Director of Comprehensive Disaster Management Project (CDMP).