News from Bangladesh-Updates and Discussion

[leonblack08]

Funny thing is that Samad Chowdhury's father is a war criminal by AWAMY's own measure but hey when has AL showed fairness?

1.AMAR DESH PUBLICATIONS

2.::Welcome to Daily Naya Diganta::

AWAMY league has Rajakars as its members as well,and they should be punished as well.

I think I read somewhere Jamaat was ready to expel the members who will be punished for war crime,can't recall where I read.Is it true?

 

[M_Saint]

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@M_Saint


You seemed to be knowing everything about Shibir,you certainly did not know this right??
I know what your future replies are going to be,so no point arguing with you further.As you already said:
"Allah in Quoran clearly says, who don't want to rectify, their hearts have been sealed, ears have been deafed and mind has been made dumb."

I hope you will not be one of them.Thanks.



About the explosives being brought from India,yes you were right.Abdur Rahman admitted that.

I don't claim to know everything about any party of BD but I know it for sure that anyone can write his/her name as Shibir Karmi but unless he becomes Shathi Parthi, he doesn't get close to understanding of Shibir's core hirerchy/values. Furthermore, if even a Shibir leader makes mistake, it doesn't necessarily becomes Shbir's fault, thanks.

 

[M_Saint]

Neither of them can flee the country.. Home minister made it clear... They are barred.. Thanks

Mujahid went to perform Hajj and Nizami performed Umra. They could have stayed there at that time as SA'a guests but didn't because they never possessed cliptomism phobias. Anyway, the following is a very good article regards the type/nature of VICTOR JUSTICE, enjoy--

::Welcome to Daily Naya Diganta::

 

[BanglaBhoot]

EC halts 14 more upazila polls results

Khadimul Islam

The Election Commission has withheld the publication of results of 14 more upazilas after January 27, when it suspended the results of 7 upazila elections, because of allegation of irregularities, stuffing of ballot boxes, capturing of polling centres and intimidation in the January 22 polls.

The commission withheld the result of the upazilas in three days when files seeking the approval for gazette notifications on the polls results were placed before the commissioners, according to a commission secretariat official.

The official said the number of upazilas where results could be withheld might increase and the commission might decide to launch investigation by judicial magistrates in connection with the allegations.

‘The publication of gazettes on some more upazilas polls results are going to be suspended because of irregularities. Drastic action will be taken against the election officials who committed major irregularities in conducting the polls,’ election commissioner M Sakhawat Hussain told a group of reporters in his office on Monday.

The commission on January 27 suspended the results of seven upazila polls over similar allegations. But sources in the commission said it had found proof of irregularities, stuffing of ballot boxes, capturing of polling centres and intimidation in elections to at least 41 upazila parishads.

The 14 upazilas are sadar and Saghata in Gaibandha, Raipur in Lakshmipur, Gazaria in Munshiganj, Muladi in Barisal, Nandail in Mymansingh, Daudkandi, Nangalkot and Chauddagram in Comilla, Fatikchari in Chittagong, Pakundia in Kishoreganj, Madarganj in Jamalpur, Atpara in Netrakona and Ajmiriganj in Habignaj.

The commission secretariat on Sunday started publishing through gazette notifications the results of the upazila polls held amid violence, intimidation, capturing of polling centres, rigging, snatching of ballot boxes and papers allegedly by ruling party activists.

The commission during polling hours suspended elections to four, out of the 481 upazilas, on January 22. The upazilas are sadar in Brahmanbaria, Ramganj in Lakshmipur, Barura in Comilla and Belkuchi in Sirajganj.

The commission early January 22, eight hours before the polling, postponed elections to the Ukhia upazila parishad in Cox’s Bazar over the snatching of ballot boxes and papers.

The commission on January 15 postponed elections to the Dighinala upazila parishad in Khagrachari as a chairman candidate was forced to withdraw his candidature.

Soon after the elections, complaints of the stuffing of ballot boxes, capturing of polling centres and intimidation started pouring in at the EC secretariat. About 200 complaints have so far been lodged by candidates demanding re-elections to a number of polling centres or to all the centres in some cases.

Based on the allegations and proof of irregularities, the commission suspended the results of seven upazilas — Banchharampur in Brahmanbaria, Araihazar in Narayanganj, Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Kaliganj in Gazipur, Mehendiganj in Barisal, Muradnagar in Comilla and Raipura in Narsingdi — where Awami League-backed candidates were declared elected chairmen.

A day after the commission had suspended the results of seven upazila polls, the commission on January 28 abruptly stopped looking into the complaints regarding irregularities, including tempering with the results and intimidation, and suggested the people who want to lodge complaints in this connection should go to election tribunals.

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/feb/03/front.html#1

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Transit to India under active consideration: Faruq Khan

All trade issues to be discussed with Indian Minister during his visit
TIFA with USA at final stage, cabinet to consider soon

UNB, Dhaka

The new government is actively considering providing transit to neighbouring India in pursuance of an existing accord while a much-talked-about business deal with America is in the final stage of processing, Commerce Minister Mohammad Faruq Khan said on Tuesday.

"Transit (to India) is under active consideration of the government. If we find it benefiting the people of the country, we'll definitely sign agreement," he told a questioner at AmCham's monthly luncheon meeting at a city hotel in one of the two major disclosures.

The commerce minister mentioned that Bangladesh is waiting for the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukharjee, who is due next week in the first high-level trip from India after change of government in Dhaka.

He also said that the proposed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States was now at the final stage and it would be placed before the Cabinet for consideration.

American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) president Ershad Ahmed presided over the meeting. US Ambassador in Dhaka James F Moriarty was preset on the occasion.

Faruq Khan said transit and other trade-related issues like Bangladeshi products, particularly RMG's, quota-free, duty-free access to Indian market, non-tariff barriers against Bangladeshi products on the Indian side would be discussed in the meeting with the neighbouring country's foreign minister. "We hope all the issues will be resolved in the meeting and both the governments will be able to get some positive results," he said.

Faruq Khan, however, said the issue of providing the transit facility had already been agreed upon in the Article 8 of the Indo-Bangla Trade Agreement signed with India way back during Ziaur Rahman's government.
"The then Bangladesh Commerce Minister, Tanveer Ahmed, and his then counterpart Pronab Mukharjee had signed that agreement," the minister of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance government informed his business audience.

The deal was renewed every three years-and the last renewal was made in 2006, during the previous BNP government, when the then finance minister, Saifur Rahman, was the signatory.

Replying to another question, the commerce minister said the issue of transit with Nepal and Bhutan would also be discussed in the meeting with the Indian foreign minister.

"All issues can be resolved if there is political will. I hope both the countries will understand the benefit of the people, because all the governments now in the South Asian region are democratically elected," he said.
Khan, a former army officer, observed that the politicians have failed to utilize the business and development potentialities of the region. "Trade issues always came as political weapon."

He alleged that Bangladeshi products could not get easy access to the Indian market because of the non-tariff barriers imposed by the Indian side to create obstacles.

About the TIFA, which has generated contentions in some circles, Col Faruq Khan said there had been three negotiations on the matter and the government has almost reached the final stage to give the deal the seal of approval.

The US government has been pursuing the Bangladesh government for signing on the proposed TIFA. But all the previous Bangladesh governments had taken time to examine the matter and negotiate with the USA.
Faruq Khan said the present government is a business- friendly one and its one of the main responsibilities is to create environment to restore the confidence of the businessmen.

leading news

 

[leonblack08]

TODAY'S HOT NEWS




Say bye to Jamaat
Grassroots also tell BNP to drop controversial leaders

Grassroots level leaders of BNP yesterday proposed to party high-ups that it should not continue ties with Jamaat-e-Islami considering the new generation's sentiment, and drop all controversial leaders from party committees at all levels.

They also suggested that the party leadership reconstitute the committees with young, honest and dynamic leaders. And all the committees should be elected, not imposed, they said.

The suggestions came at a meeting between the party central team for Rajshahi Division headed by Joint Secretary General Mirza Abbas and upazila level leaders from Sirajganj.

Month-long meetings between six central teams for six divisions and field level leaders started yesterday at BNP central office at Nayapaltan in the capital. Two out of six teams began their work on the day.

The central teams have asked field level leaders to submit by February 23 written statements with suggestions for revamping the party, said insiders.

The team for Dhaka Division led by Joint Secretary General of the Party Abdullah Al Noman yesterday held a meeting with leaders of the party's upazila units in Sherpur.

Contacted last night, President of Belkuchi upazila (Sirajganj) BNP Jamaluddin said “It will be better for our party if it does not continue relations with Jamaat.”

Stressing coordination between younger and older leaders for new committees, he said, “Dedicated and honest leaders should get importance in the reconstitution process.”

Echoing his views, Shahjadpur upazila BNP President Hossain Shahid Mahmud said, “In the last election, Jamaat activists did not do anything for BNP candidates, and they worked only for their party nominees.”

He said, “We have to go for a new policy on Jamaat as fresh voters have taken the war criminal issue emotionally. So, it will be risky for us to continue ties with Jamaat.”

Asked about reorganisation of the party, he said young, educated and dynamic leaders should be given scope to lead the party in the coming days.

Kamarkhandh upazilla BNP President Badiuzzaman Ferdous told this correspondent, “All committees of BNP should be reconstituted and good persons should be elected leaders.”

He also said, “Voters aged 18 to 25 took a strong stance against Jamaat in the last elections. So, we should not continue our relations with it.”

President of a upazila BNP unit in Sherpur said, “Party high-ups must have to take a strong stance against corrupt leaders and war criminals, otherwise we have to suffer more in future.”

Seeking anonymity, he said. “No controversial leader should be included in the standing committee and executive committee of the party since they have destroyed its image.”

According to the party announcement, the team for Khulna Division comprised of Selima Rahman and Mohammad Shahjahan will sit today with upazila level leaders from Magura district.

The Daily Star - Details News

 

[leonblack08]

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If this decision is finalised by BNP,it will be a very good one.
Which in turn means very dark days ahead for Jaamat.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Jamaat is not posing a present threat to our sovereignty or independence but the AL is. The AL will use the war crimes trials to distract form their policy of giving transit securing Indian interests in Bangladesh. This is utterly disgraceful and the BNP are idiots to fall into this trap again.

http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=245058

 

[M_Saint]

Jamaat is not posing a present threat to our sovereignty or independence but the AL is. The AL will use the war crimes trials to distract form their policy of giving transit securing Indian interests in Bangladesh. This is utterly disgraceful and the BNP are idiots to fall into this trap again.

http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=245058

Exactly! JI was always been pro-people, although many here would argue that they weren't because of Their 71's stance. But as Prothom Alo, Daily Star's spread that FUA/MUA gangs were extremely popular without providing any publicly known statistics, Indian/its dalal's run Bengali Medias sung the similar chorus during 71. But the fact based book like 'Polishi theke Ekattar' would prove that majority was confused, speculative, observant and didn't notice that the entire drama was staged to break PAK up. Now coming back to the point, it's clear that the pay back time has already been started and ‘War criminal’ rhetoric is nothing but to divert people's attention from the issues like giving transits to IND and singing TIFA with Uncle. JI leader’s should brave out and call it AL’s bluff and sell-out rhetoric. And where are the Deshpremik Army and RAB now? I heard RABers were saying that they were just doing routine duty because of the fear of transfer. But why didn't they fear about it during BNP's tenure? It seems like divine army's intervention is long over due for BD.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

PM wants 'reconstituted' ACC

Dhaka, Feb 4 (bdnews24.com)—Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told parliament that the Anticorruption Commission should be "reconstituted" to ensure its own accountability.

During her weekly question-answer session, the PM said the anti-graft drive during the caretaker government's two-year tenure became an "anti-politician drive", and the ACC was itself tainted by allegations of corruption.

Hasina also said past military interventions in Bangladesh had led to the spread of corruption in the country.

"The Anticorruption Commission will have to work to eliminate corruption. But they must have transparency and accountability in their activities," said Hasina, replying to a supplementary question.

"I think the ACC needs to be reconstituted and its transparency must be guaranteed," she said.

The PM, who herself was jailed for 11 months from 2007-2008 on graft charges brought by the ACC, said the Commission itself during the caretaker regime was said to be involved in corrupt practices.

"During the caretaker government's tenure we heard many stories. Some people were arrested on corruption charges, but later released in exchange for money," said Hasina.

She said people had hailed the ACC's anti-graft drive, "but it came under suspicion when it was aimed at elimination of politicians".

"Their anti-corruption drive was called into question when they became involved in forming a new political party, executing the so called minus two, minus one formulas," the two-time prime minister said.

But, Hasina also had some positive words for the caretaker government's anti-corruption drive.

"During the caretaker government, people began to realise that none could escape from trial for their corrupt practices. They could be tried at any time," said Hasina.

The prime minister said she would examine the ACC's recommendations on elimination of corruption and accept those that were "acceptable".

"We will discard the unreasonable."

"If necessary we will add more," she said.

She said public awareness was necessary to free the country from corruption besides legal measures.

Sheikh Hasina also attributed corruption to past military interventions.

"Those in uniform have imposed military rule to nurture corruption."

"You can easily get an idea of this by comparing the level of corruption before 15 Aug. 1975 and after military rule," Hasina reasoned her comment.

She said military regimes coupled with vote rigging proliferated corruption in the country.

"Unelected governments have no accountability. Violations of the Constitution lead to spread of corruption in society."

"They did not need to answer to the people. So, corruption gripped society," said the PM whose father, independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family member were assassinated on Aug. 15 1975.

Replying to another question, Hasina said IT education would be made mandatory at SSC and primary levels by 2013 and 2021 respectively.

She also said her government had plans to set up one technical school and a technical college in each Upazila.

PM wants 'reconstituted' ACC :: Politics :: bdnews24.com ::

 

[TopCat]

PM wants 'reconstituted' ACC

Dhaka, Feb 4 (bdnews24.com)—Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told parliament that the Anticorruption Commission should be "reconstituted" to ensure its own accountability.

During her weekly question-answer session, the PM said the anti-graft drive during the caretaker government's two-year tenure became an "anti-politician drive", and the ACC was itself tainted by allegations of corruption.

Hasina also said past military interventions in Bangladesh had led to the spread of corruption in the country.

"The Anticorruption Commission will have to work to eliminate corruption. But they must have transparency and accountability in their activities," said Hasina, replying to a supplementary question.

"I think the ACC needs to be reconstituted and its transparency must be guaranteed," she said.

The PM, who herself was jailed for 11 months from 2007-2008 on graft charges brought by the ACC, said the Commission itself during the caretaker regime was said to be involved in corrupt practices.

"During the caretaker government's tenure we heard many stories. Some people were arrested on corruption charges, but later released in exchange for money," said Hasina.

She said people had hailed the ACC's anti-graft drive, "but it came under suspicion when it was aimed at elimination of politicians".

"Their anti-corruption drive was called into question when they became involved in forming a new political party, executing the so called minus two, minus one formulas," the two-time prime minister said.

But, Hasina also had some positive words for the caretaker government's anti-corruption drive.

"During the caretaker government, people began to realise that none could escape from trial for their corrupt practices. They could be tried at any time," said Hasina.

The prime minister said she would examine the ACC's recommendations on elimination of corruption and accept those that were "acceptable".

"We will discard the unreasonable."

"If necessary we will add more," she said.

She said public awareness was necessary to free the country from corruption besides legal measures.

Sheikh Hasina also attributed corruption to past military interventions.

"Those in uniform have imposed military rule to nurture corruption."

"You can easily get an idea of this by comparing the level of corruption before 15 Aug. 1975 and after military rule," Hasina reasoned her comment.

She said military regimes coupled with vote rigging proliferated corruption in the country.

"Unelected governments have no accountability. Violations of the Constitution lead to spread of corruption in society."

"They did not need to answer to the people. So, corruption gripped society," said the PM whose father, independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other family member were assassinated on Aug. 15 1975.

Replying to another question, Hasina said IT education would be made mandatory at SSC and primary levels by 2013 and 2021 respectively.

She also said her government had plans to set up one technical school and a technical college in each Upazila.

PM wants 'reconstituted' ACC :: Politics :: bdnews24.com ::

She probably out of her mind.. I hate women leaders...

 

[TopCat]

Jamaat is not posing a present threat to our sovereignty or independence but the AL is. The AL will use the war crimes trials to distract form their policy of giving transit securing Indian interests in Bangladesh. This is utterly disgraceful and the BNP are idiots to fall into this trap again.

http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=245058

Jamaat is not posing any threat to sovereignty neither any other party. But the politics they practice and the past history they posseses are really a drawback to BD. They are holding us back..

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Jamaat is not posing any threat to sovereignty neither any other party. But the politics they practice and the past history they posseses are really a drawback to BD. They are holding us back..

Whether they are a drawback is a matter of opinion. What factual data is there that shows Jamaat is affecting our economic prospects or some other progress indicator? I have yet to see any information on this. There are numerous articles available now that clearly show AL is posing a threat to our sovereignty and independence in the present situation. As I have pointed out the AL will use the war crimes trials to distract attention away from their failures and agendas outlined in my article at -

http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidRecord=245058

 

[leonblack08]

Govt borrowing from banks shoots up
Tk 2,758cr more taken in first 6 months

The government has borrowed from the banking system 64 per cent or Tk 2,758 crore more than the target set by Bangladesh Bank (BB) for the first six months of the current fiscal year, and this may hinder credit flow to private sector, a BB report said.

It also said the global financial crisis might have an adverse impact on foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investment, remittance and foreign loans/ grants.

"If the trend continues, it will be difficult to maintain Bangladesh Bank's monetary programmes including loan flow to the private sector,” said the central bank report on macro-economic situation placed at the fiscal coordination council meeting on Tuesday.

The government took loan of Tk 7,058 crore from the banking system during July-December period of 2008 while the BB-estimated amount for the first half of fiscal '09 was Tk 4,300 crore.

The report also said due to heavy borrowing by the government, the banks are facing liquidity crisis. To avert this situation, the central bank is providing Tk 3,500 crore 'repo' assistance to the banks every day. "Continuation of this situation for long is not wanted."

Finance ministry sources said the reason behind higher borrowing is that revenue income target could not be achieved. In the first six months, the NBR's (National Board of Revenue) revenue earning growth was only 13 per cent compared to 24 per cent during the corresponding period of last fiscal year.

In December last year, revenue collection fell by 14 per cent from that in December of the previous fiscal year. Moreover, while development expenditure in the first six month was not much, revenue expenditure was high due to subsidy and interest payment.

These contributed to the rise in government borrowing, the ministry sources said, adding they would try to ensure that borrowing target for the entire fiscal year is not exceeded.

In the given situation, the BB stressed increasing revenue collection, caution in giving subsidy and initiative for raising foreign assistance.

The report also said it is assumed that the world economy would take the whole of 2009 or more to return to its normal shape. Bangladesh economy is still free from the adverse impact of the global financial meltdown and loan crisis due to limited opening of the country's economy to short-term capital flow in the external sector.

It noted that there was cause for concern over export growth, remittance from expatriate Bangladeshis, foreign loan/ grant (ODA) in government sector and FDI and portfolio investment.

The central bank said since the rate of exchange is volatile in the world market, the amount of profit to be given by the central bank to the government would be less.

The annual average inflation rate, earlier estimated at 9.5 per cent, may come down to 8.5 per cent due to a fall in commodity prices in the global market and reduction of fertiliser and diesel prices in domestic market.

The BB report said it has to be ensured that prices of agricultural products do not come below their production cost. For this, effective steps are needed to make agricultural inputs, especially fertiliser and diesel, available to farmers at low cost and in time.

Private sector credit growth was much higher than the target of GDP growth and inflation rate. If the situation continues, there is a possibility of creation of 'Asset bubble', the report mentioned.

The central bank says it is the right time to fix a safe limit for loan equity ratio as the tendency of 'excessive leveraging' is responsible for deepening the prevailing world economic crisis.

The Daily Star - Details News

 

[BanglaBhoot]

We want change


Like many others we also thought that behind the massive mandate Awami League-led Mahajote got in the December 29 elections was the people’s desperation for a change—-an end to the sickening political culture of the past. A little over a month is too short a period to pass any judgment but we have to admit that all available indications are negative. The parliament is not functioning properly in the absence of the opposition, ruling party activists are busy in establishing their control on everything by force and there is a possibility that the ruling party will not ratify a caretaker government ordinance that had scrapped the provision of duty-free cars for members of the parliament. Now one may quite justifiably ask where’s the change?

This is most unfortunate. True, it was former Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar who had deliberately created the seating problem in the House but why can’t the ruling party solve it by offering a few more seats in the front rows to the opposition? Similarly, is it really necessary to pay BNP back by its own coins on the issue of SSF protection for the Leader of the Opposition? When in power BNP had withdrawn Sheikh Hasina’s SSF protection but if AL really believes in change it should have allowed continuation of the facility for the opposition leader. But, then, these are petty matters. Big items are the rampaging Chhatra League which is trying to gain control of all the educational institutions and the AL activists’ attempt at taking revenge. Wednesday’s clashes in a Munshiganj village that left two dead and over 15 injured have been attributed to excesses by AL activists. A vernacular daily reported how a ruling party lawmaker insulted and humiliated a senior police officer in front of many people.

When the PM warned the Home Minister over a remark we thought the Home Ministry would do everything possible to keep the ruling party’s students wing in check. But that did not happen. We agree that some steps were taken but they were not enough to ensure a peaceful campus atmosphere. And Munshiganj is not the only place where such incidents have taken place. The Home Minister herself has admitted a slide in the law and order situation. That’s unfortunate.

Both our military rulers of the past had found ways to win over greedy politicians. H.M.Ershad had introduced the duty free car system for the lawmakers. This was corruption unlimited. Imagine 345 MPs importing luxury cars and then selling them to businessmen by circumventing the laws! The immediate past CG was praised by all for scrapping this provision. Now we hear the ordinance may not be ratified. Making hay while the sun shines?
But we want change.

The News Today