Talks if BNP responds:Awami League leader Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Awami League leader Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif on Saturday said the government will take an initiative for talks to settle the framework of the polls-time interim cabinet if the opposition responds positively to the prime minister’s proposal.

“The door is open for discussions. You’ll see development in this regard soon,” Hanif, acting general secretary of AL, told a meet-the-press organised by Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) at its office.

Hanif urged the main opposition party to place its proposal on the formation of an interim government and said the government would accept any logical suggestion for the sake of the country and its democracy.

“We don’t want to decide the framework of the government alone. I hope the main opposition would place its proposal and the final decision will be taken after discussions on it,” said Hanif, also a special assistant to the prime minister.

The AL leader hoped the main opposition should backtrack from its demand for restoring the caretaker government system to oversee the next polls as people have no support for it.

About the BNP’s outright rejection of the PM’s proposal, Hanif said, “I’m not frustrated at all by the opposition’s decision as there’s no last word in politics. I hope the party would change its decision understanding the reality and will finally accept the proposal.”

In the wake of the BNP’s longstanding demand for restoration of the caretaker government system, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a recent interview with BBC, suggested formation of a small cabinet with representation from the BNP before the next general election. She also asked BNP to come up with its proposal in parliament in this regard.

But opposition leader Khaleda Zia and her party’s senior leaders right way rejected the proposal saying that the next polls must be held under a non-party caretaker government.

“The opposition always opposes government decisions only for the sake of opposing. The opposition wants to push the government into a chaotic situation without any issue. If it continues, it won’t be possible to achieve desired development,” Hanif said.

About Dr Muhammad Yunus’ reaction to the cabinet decision on Grameen Bank, Hanif said the government has taken the decision to inform people of the facts about Grameen Bank, not to destroy it. “Dr Yunus is not above the law of the country.”

The ruling party leader also criticised BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman for living a lavish life in London. “Even he has no TIN (tax identification number). Then what’s the source of the money he spends there. Even his father did not leave behind anything for them.”

Hanif also alleged that Tarique is spending money from London to destabilise Bangladesh.

About price hike, Hanif said the prices of essentials in Bangladesh are less than that of the neighbouring countries.

Turning to war crimes trial, Hanif said the government is determined to try the war criminals as Awami League does not believe in compromise with the war criminals.

former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain loves money, not country:BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said on Saturday former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain is not a patriot at all but he loves money.

He is responsible for poor condition of roads and highways, as he did not do anything good for the country.

“Padma bridge project has been suspended due to corruption. It would not be possible to construct the bridge during the tenure of this government," she said while addressing an Iftar party.

"But the premier branded a minister patriot though the World Bank cancelled the loan due to his corruption.”

She went on, “That minister only looted money when he was communications minister. He did not do anything to renovate road and highways.”

Abul tendered resignation amid corruption allegation made by the World Bank centring Padma bridge project. But prime minister said he is a patriotic person.

City BNP organised the Iftar party at LD hall in parliament complex.

Khaleda once again rejected the prime minister’s proposal to form an interim government to oversee the next elections and said, “Election under a political government won't be allowed.”

She said the government wants to hold election staying in the power but the people will not accept such elections. A neutral government system must be included in the constitution.

“Agitation programme will be declared after Eid which will gradually turn into oust-government movement,” she said and urged all to be prepared for the upcoming anti-government movement.

The former premier alleged that top to bottom of the present government has indulged into corruption. “Bangladesh has been branded as a corrupt country in the world due to the corruption of the prime minister, her family members and ministers.”

Khaleda also bitterly criticised the government and said, “People are now passing a miserable time. There is no alternative to ousting the government to save the people and the country,” she added.

VC Prof M Anwar Hossain for judicial probe into Jahangirnagar University (JU) violence,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University (JU) Prof M Anwar Hossain on Saturday demanded a judicial probe into the recent violence on the campus.

“The reasons behind unrest in the country’s public universities and motive of those who are destroying public property should be identified,” he said while addressing a press conference at the JU Senate Hall.

Prof Anwar said when the university is advancing towards development without any session jam a dark force is trying to hinder the good works.

“They want to destroy the university,” he said adding that anti-liberation forces might have fuelled such activities.

The JU VC termed ‘unexpected and regretful’ the incident happened after police had gone to Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall of the university to interrogate a student accused of stabbing one of his fellows.

He also regretted inconvenience caused to passengers after the angry students had blocked Dhaka-Aricha highway for 16 hours over the incident.

Prof Anwar urged journalists to run investigative reports and help the probe committee unearth the facts. “Students can’t destroy university’s property with rods, sticks and arms. These miscreants in the guise of students not only carried out destructive activities at the university, but also created a frightening situation by attacking residential halls.”

“We have to resist them as they want to hinder the development of the university.”

He said punitive actions will be taken against those to be found guilty through investigations. “All measures will be taken to ensure a congenial atmosphere at the university.”

JU Pro-VC Prof M Farhad Hossain, Treasurer Prof M Nasir Uddin and Registrar Abu Bakar Siddique were, among others, present at the press conference.

Don't create controversy over Humayun Ahmed:BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Urging all not to create any controversy over Humayun Ahmed, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said the legendary writer was an asset of the country and none should do anything which will defame him.

“Humayun gave Bangla literature a different identity. With his unique writings and creation, he brought Bangla literature closure to the people,” he said while addressing a commemorating discussion at a city hotel.

Jasas, cultural wing of the main opposition party, organised the programme.

The BNP leader said recently a case has been filed in Chittagong over the death, which was so unfortunate. “Everyone should refrain from such activities. None should defame writer’s personal life.”

Mirza Fakhrul said Humayun Ahmed inspired the young generation to read books and country’s publication industry got life back due to his writings. “Humayun won the hearts of millions of Bengali speaking people and he will always remain in readers' hearts. None will be able to harm his life and property.”

The noted litterateur and filmmaker died at a New York hospital on July 19 while undergoing treatment. Later the celebrated writer buried at Nuhash Palli at Gazipur.

On Thursday a lawyer filed a case with a Chittagong court blaming Humayun’s wife Meher Afroz Shaon and an owner of a publishing house for his death.

Sports editor of Amader Shomoy:Abdul Hamid laid to rest,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Abdul Hamid, noted sports commentator and one of the pioneers of sports journalism in the country, was laid to rest at Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in the capital's Mirpur Friday afternoon.

The first namaz-e-janaza of Hamid was held at his Niketon residence while his second janaza was held in front of Channel i office after Zohr prayer.

The third and fourth janaza of Hamid were held at Gendaria East and Club Field around 3:30pm and Bangabandhu National Stadium around 4:30pm respectively.

Hamid died around 6:20am on Friday at United Hospital in Gulshan where he was undergoing treatment for bone cancer, his daughter-in-law Israt Quiyum Soma confirmed.

He was 77.

Hamid, who is also the sports editor of Daily Amader Somoy, was admitted to the hospital on July 23 with acute back pain and was put on life-support on Friday after his condition suddenly deteriorated.

The noted commentator had had an operation on his prostate gland on June 12.

He left behind his wife, a son, a daughter and a host of relatives to mourn his death.

Abdul Hamid was born on September 21, 1935 at Nobodeep of Nadia in India and moved to Bangladesh few years after India’s partition in 1947.

He passed SSC examination in 1953 from the Gendaria School and took admission at Jagannath College from where he completed his HSC, honours and masters.

Hamid was involved with sports since his childhood and played football, cricket and athletics for his school and college.

He continued to play cricket till 1957.

Hamid had also started his football career from 1951 through the second division football league and with his captaincy East End Club was promoted to the First Division Football in 1953.

He was also a second goalkeeper of Pakistan White team for the National Football Championship in Dhaka.

He merely took part in football after he broke his hand in the 1960 Aga Khan Gold Cup while playing for Dhaka Wanderers Club.

Later, Hamid stared his banking career and Bangladesh Bank in 1960 where he worked for 27 years. He joined Al Baraka Bank as vice president in 1988 and worked there for 13 years.

Hamid was also a volleyball player and played the First Division Volleyball League from 1955-56 seasons to 1958-59 seasons.

He was picked up as volleyball referee in the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. At the same time he was appointed assistant manager of the Pakistan Volleyball team in Asian Games. Later he became joint secretary of Pakistan Volleyball Federation.

After the Liberation War, he was nominated as general secretary of Bangladesh Volleyball Federation in 1976 and continued his duty till 1983.

He, however, earned much popularity after he emerged as sport commentator. He started to delivery sports commentary in 1960s in Urdu language.

He had also stared anchoring sports programmes in Bangladesh Television from 1964.

He also got involved with sports journalism and worked for Daily Jehad, Daily Azad and Daily Inquilab. He had been working as sports editor in Daily Amader Shomoy from 2003 till his death.

Besides, he was anchoring “I Sports and Sports Time,” on Channel I.

Hamid was also the founder president of Bangladesh Sports Writers Association and was a life-time member of Bangladesh Football Referees’ Association. Besides, he was the secretary general of Bangladesh Olympic Association.

The deceased commentator was awarded national sports award in volleyball in 1979 and Ekushye Award in 2003. He earned Kazi Mahbubullah and Jebunnessa gold awards in 1985.

Ex-Former home minister and BNP leader Abdul Matin Chowdhury dies,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Former home minister and BNP leader Abdul Matin Chowdhury died of old-age complications at a hospital in the capital on Saturday morning. He was 78.

He will be buried on Sunday at his family graveyard at Rupganj in Narayanganj.

A confirmed bachelor, Matin left behind his relatives, admirers, political colleagues, and well-wishers to mourn his death.

He had been fighting with various old-age diseases since he suffered a severe brain haemorrhage in 2002.

The BNP leader breathed his last at city’s Monowara Hospital at about 10:15am. He was admitted to the hospital two months ago due to the deterioration of his condition, his family said.

Hearing the news, BNP leaders including acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rushed to the hospital and later he met Matin’s family members at his Siddheswari house to console them.

His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of BNP Central Office at Nayapaltan in the afternoon.

After the body of Chowdhury, a former member of party’s national standing committee, was brought to the office, Mirza Fakhrul paid his tribute to him by wrapping his coffin with party flag and placing a wreath on it.

Later, leaders of BNP, its youth front Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, students wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, volunteer wing Jatiyatabadi Swechhasebok Dal and other wings of the party placed floral wreaths at the coffin.

BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said his second janaza will be held at South Plaza of the Parliament Complex at 11:00am on Sunday. The remains of the BNP leader will be kept at the Birdem mortuary on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and party acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed their deep shock at the death of the veteran leader.

In separate condolence messages, they prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Khaleda is expected to visit his residence in the evening and consol his family members.

Speaker Abdul Hamid and Deputy Speaker Shawkat Ali also expressed their deep shock at the death of Matin Chowdhury.

Born in Rupganj in 1944, Matin was involved with BNP politics since its inception in 1978 and was elected MPs four times from his home constituency.

He was made state minister by Khaleda after winning the 1991 polls but Chowdhury refuted to take oath as a state minister. Later, Khaleda made him home minister for 1991-96 tenure and textiles minister during the BNP-led four-party alliance's rule in 2001.

The former Muslim League leader had been a member of the party’s standing committee, the highest policy making body, from 1991 to 2008.

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Chittagong:1200 Yaba tablets seized, 4 held,Bangladesh

BANGLADESH NEWS

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Narcotics Control Department (NCD) arrested four persons and seized 1200 Yaba tablets from their possession in Chittagong on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Rab-7 raided a shop in Nasirabad Area and arrested Kayfayet Ullah, 19, and Anwar Shah, 15, residents of Ramu in Cox’s Bazar, with 700 Yaba tablets.

In another drive, the NCD officials arrested Fatema Bagum, 40, and Joinal Abidin, 30, of Ramu, with 500 Yaba tablets in the city's Bibirhat area around 8.00am,

The arrestees were handed over to Panchlaish police, and a case was filed with the police station in this connection, said Yesmin (full name could not be known immediately), a sub-inspector of the police station.