The 46th death anniversary of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, one of the greatest leaders in the undivided India, was observed in the country yesterday through different programmes.
The programmes included placing wreaths at the mazar of Suhrawardy and discussion.
Suhrawardy dedicated his life to ensure welfare of the people by establishing democracy above all.
Awami League (AL) leaders paid homage to Suhrawardy by placing wreaths at his mazar in the city at 8:30am. They also observed one-minute silence and offered fateha at his grave. AL leaders Abdul Latif Siddique, Obaidul Kader and AFM Bahauddin Nasim attended the programme.
Leaders of different organisations, including Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Bangabandhu Nagorik Sanghati Parishad and Shaheed Suhrawardy Jatiya Smrity Parishad placed wreaths at his mazar in the morning.
Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, Jatiya Ganotanrik League and Shaheed Suhrawardy Jatiya Smrity Parishad also organised separate discussions marking his death anniversary.
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Six BDR courts to run 50 trials
Six special courts of Bangladesh Rifles will hold 50 trials for the February 25-26 mutiny in as many BDR establishments across the country.
The first of the trials began on November 24 at Rangamati sector headquarters.
The second one will get underway tomorrow at Satkhira battalion headquarters.
The special court-1 there will try some 55 soldiers from 7 Rifle Battalion at Nildumur under Khulna sector, said sources in the border force.
“All six courts will be composed of three members each and headed by Director General Major General M Mainul Islam. As per the BDR law, they will try around seven thousand border guards on charges of mutiny at 50 rifles establishments," said an official involved in making arrangements for the trials.
Of the places where mutiny broke out, 10 are at Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka and the remaining 40 are in 27 other districts, he added.
The 27 districts are Satkhira, Jessore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Narail, Feni, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban and Cox's Bazar.
Two of the six courts will be devoted to trial of the ones charged with mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters.
Dhaka sector headquarters, 24, 36, 13 and 44 Rifle Battalion, headquarters battalion, BDR hospital, Rifle Security Unit (RSU), Signal Sector and Rifles Sports Board are the 10 points at Pilkhana that saw 74 persons including 57 army officers killed in a 33-hour carnage.
Around eight thousand troops were at Pilkhana during the bloodbath on February 25-26. But all of them would not have to go on trial, said a BDR source.
Some three thousand of them might have to stand trial on charges of mutiny. The rest would face departmental actions that could at the maximum cost them their jobs, added the source.
However, for those to be tried on mutiny charges, the conviction could carry up to seven years in jail, fine and dismissal from service.
Like at Pilkhana headquarters, mutiny took place in more than one place in some districts. For example, revolt spread among three of the five battalions in Rangamati sector. In Satkhira, jawans mutinied in 7 Rifle Battalion at Nildumur and 41 Rifle Battalion under Khulna sector.
Initially, the courts will sit for two days.
On the opening day, charges will be pressed and arrest warrants issued, and on the second day, the accused will be produced before the court.
After the second day's proceedings, the court will be adjourned for about a month as the BDR act prescribes giving the accused at least 27 days to consult lawyers and prepare for defence.
On the second day of the trial at Rangamati, the court adjourned its proceedings till December 27 so the nine accused and their lawyers could make preparations.
After initiating the prosecution in Satkhira, the BDR court might sit in Feni, said sources.
The first of the trials began on November 24 at Rangamati sector headquarters.
The second one will get underway tomorrow at Satkhira battalion headquarters.
The special court-1 there will try some 55 soldiers from 7 Rifle Battalion at Nildumur under Khulna sector, said sources in the border force.
“All six courts will be composed of three members each and headed by Director General Major General M Mainul Islam. As per the BDR law, they will try around seven thousand border guards on charges of mutiny at 50 rifles establishments," said an official involved in making arrangements for the trials.
Of the places where mutiny broke out, 10 are at Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka and the remaining 40 are in 27 other districts, he added.
The 27 districts are Satkhira, Jessore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Narail, Feni, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban and Cox's Bazar.
Two of the six courts will be devoted to trial of the ones charged with mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters.
Dhaka sector headquarters, 24, 36, 13 and 44 Rifle Battalion, headquarters battalion, BDR hospital, Rifle Security Unit (RSU), Signal Sector and Rifles Sports Board are the 10 points at Pilkhana that saw 74 persons including 57 army officers killed in a 33-hour carnage.
Around eight thousand troops were at Pilkhana during the bloodbath on February 25-26. But all of them would not have to go on trial, said a BDR source.
Some three thousand of them might have to stand trial on charges of mutiny. The rest would face departmental actions that could at the maximum cost them their jobs, added the source.
However, for those to be tried on mutiny charges, the conviction could carry up to seven years in jail, fine and dismissal from service.
Like at Pilkhana headquarters, mutiny took place in more than one place in some districts. For example, revolt spread among three of the five battalions in Rangamati sector. In Satkhira, jawans mutinied in 7 Rifle Battalion at Nildumur and 41 Rifle Battalion under Khulna sector.
Initially, the courts will sit for two days.
On the opening day, charges will be pressed and arrest warrants issued, and on the second day, the accused will be produced before the court.
After the second day's proceedings, the court will be adjourned for about a month as the BDR act prescribes giving the accused at least 27 days to consult lawyers and prepare for defence.
On the second day of the trial at Rangamati, the court adjourned its proceedings till December 27 so the nine accused and their lawyers could make preparations.
After initiating the prosecution in Satkhira, the BDR court might sit in Feni, said sources.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Media policy on army, defence soon
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government is going to formulate a specific media policy soon regarding media publicity on army and defence.
At the same time, she said, her government has taken steps to make Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate effective and time befitting by reconstituting its existing organisational structure.
The PM said this while presiding over the Formation Commanders' Conference-2009 of Bangladesh Army at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.
Referring to recent propaganda centering Bangladesh Army in a section of newspapers and TV channels, she said any negative remarks or discussion on army hurt the moral courage of all the military personnel.
In this context, she called upon all army personnel not to be confused with propaganda and expressed hope that they would discharge their duties vested in them with utmost sincerity and honesty in the greater interest of the nation.
She called upon the army to be united to foil any ill attempt against the beloved motherland by maintaining discipline, unity and fellow feelings within the force.
"You have to take all possible measures to keep moral courage of the army personnel at the highest level removing all the existing problems by identifying those," she added.
The premier said historically the army is a disciplined, sincere and patriotic force and the government as well as the people are keeping deep faith in them regarding safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity.
Terming the army as the pride of the nation, Hasina said her government wants the army remain above all criticism and as a glittering symbol of sovereignty.
She called upon them to keep up the laurels that they earned both in the national and international arenas by flourishing the country's historic ideology and military values.
Hasina also asked them to take effective steps so that no wrong impression or evil force can hinder their forward march.
The PM requested the army to keep full confidence in the existing law of the land, judicial system and administration.
"The existing process could be time-consuming, but it is possible to achieve sustainable and permanent solution only through this process," she said.
Referring to her election pledge, Hasina said her government is pledge-bound to build a modern and strong army in the country.
"Our main objective is to attain economic prosperity quickly maintaining the country's internal stability," she said.
Laying emphasis on taking training to gain professional efficiency, she said there is no alternative to constant exercises for attaining efficiency and professional ability.
Earlier on her arrival at the venue, Chief of Army Staff General Md Abdul Mubeen received the PM.
PM's Defence Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, among others, was present on the occasion.
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At the same time, she said, her government has taken steps to make Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate effective and time befitting by reconstituting its existing organisational structure.
The PM said this while presiding over the Formation Commanders' Conference-2009 of Bangladesh Army at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment.
Referring to recent propaganda centering Bangladesh Army in a section of newspapers and TV channels, she said any negative remarks or discussion on army hurt the moral courage of all the military personnel.
In this context, she called upon all army personnel not to be confused with propaganda and expressed hope that they would discharge their duties vested in them with utmost sincerity and honesty in the greater interest of the nation.
She called upon the army to be united to foil any ill attempt against the beloved motherland by maintaining discipline, unity and fellow feelings within the force.
"You have to take all possible measures to keep moral courage of the army personnel at the highest level removing all the existing problems by identifying those," she added.
The premier said historically the army is a disciplined, sincere and patriotic force and the government as well as the people are keeping deep faith in them regarding safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity.
Terming the army as the pride of the nation, Hasina said her government wants the army remain above all criticism and as a glittering symbol of sovereignty.
She called upon them to keep up the laurels that they earned both in the national and international arenas by flourishing the country's historic ideology and military values.
Hasina also asked them to take effective steps so that no wrong impression or evil force can hinder their forward march.
The PM requested the army to keep full confidence in the existing law of the land, judicial system and administration.
"The existing process could be time-consuming, but it is possible to achieve sustainable and permanent solution only through this process," she said.
Referring to her election pledge, Hasina said her government is pledge-bound to build a modern and strong army in the country.
"Our main objective is to attain economic prosperity quickly maintaining the country's internal stability," she said.
Laying emphasis on taking training to gain professional efficiency, she said there is no alternative to constant exercises for attaining efficiency and professional ability.
Earlier on her arrival at the venue, Chief of Army Staff General Md Abdul Mubeen received the PM.
PM's Defence Adviser Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, among others, was present on the occasion.
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Tri-nation ticket rates released
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) disclosed the ticket rates for the coming tri-nation ODI series and Bangladesh-India Test series.
The tri-nation tournament involving India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur from January 4 to January 13 and all matches are day-night fixtures.
On the other hand BCB only announced the ticket rates for second Test match starting from January 24 at Mirpur as the first Test will be held at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on January 17-21.
Meanwhile, the board earned TK 54,68, 700 from ticket sales during the Grameenphone Cup ODI series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, which the Tigers won by 4-1.
TICKET RATES FOR TRI-NATION ODI SERIES:Gallery-TK 200.00 for first six matches & TK 300.00 for final Special Enclosure - TK 400.00 for first six matches & TK 500.00 for final
Club House - TK 500.00 for first six matches & TK 600.00 for final
VIP Grand Stand - TK 2000.00 for first six matches & TK 2500.00 for final
TICKET RATES FOR BANGLADESH-INDIA TEST SERIES:Gallery - TK 100.00
Special Enclosure - TK 200.00
Club House - TK 300.00
VIP Grand Stand - TK 1000.00
The tri-nation tournament involving India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur from January 4 to January 13 and all matches are day-night fixtures.
On the other hand BCB only announced the ticket rates for second Test match starting from January 24 at Mirpur as the first Test will be held at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on January 17-21.
Meanwhile, the board earned TK 54,68, 700 from ticket sales during the Grameenphone Cup ODI series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, which the Tigers won by 4-1.
TICKET RATES FOR TRI-NATION ODI SERIES:Gallery-TK 200.00 for first six matches & TK 300.00 for final Special Enclosure - TK 400.00 for first six matches & TK 500.00 for final
Club House - TK 500.00 for first six matches & TK 600.00 for final
VIP Grand Stand - TK 2000.00 for first six matches & TK 2500.00 for final
TICKET RATES FOR BANGLADESH-INDIA TEST SERIES:Gallery - TK 100.00
Special Enclosure - TK 200.00
Club House - TK 300.00
VIP Grand Stand - TK 1000.00
March 17 now public holiday
The cabinet yesterday finally approved the EPZ Workers' Sangha and Industrial Relation (amendment) Act, 2009 to pave the way for forming welfare committee of export processing zones (EPZ) workers.
A regular meeting of the cabinet also approved March 17, the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a public holiday.
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told The Daily Star last night that instead of trade union, the workers will have the right to form welfare committees in the EPZ.
“Since the workers don't have the right to trade union, we at the meeting proposed some amendments in the act to give them the opportunity,” he added.
Talking to The Daily Star at her office, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said, “The government earlier approved in principle an amendment proposal. Finally we approved it today [yesterday] keeping in mind the workers' welfare.”
She said the move would also help Bangladesh attain Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facilities. She said a bill would be placed in the upcoming session of the Jatiya Sangsad for approval of the amendment.
“If there is any discrepancy in the bill or wording, the lawmakers will discuss and fix that,” Matia added.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who presided over the meeting, asked her cabinet colleagues to immediately assess performances of their ministries and submit the findings so that those can be put in the president's speech in the parliament, marking the completion of the government's one-year in office.
At the meeting, Hasina advised her cabinet colleagues to remain "utmost alert" against any conspiracies to destabilise the country till execution of the verdict in the Bangabandhu murder case and ploys to create unrest in the garment industries, some senior ministers told The Daily Star.
She made the directive while addressing ministers, advisers and state ministers after the meeting at the cabinet division of the secretariat. Hasina also held a short discussion with her colleagues after the meeting.
The cabinet also gave final approval to the Public Servants (amendment) Bill 2009 extending the service age of freedom fighters by two years from 57 to 59, the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act 1980 (amendment) and the Fishery Hatchery Bill 2009.
It okayed a proposal of appointing the upazila vice-chairman as adviser to the Upazila Coordination Committee on temporary programme to involve the youths, both male and female, in nation building activities.
The cabinet, however, sent back to the foreign ministry a proposal for the appointment of a permanent representative to UN Office for project services in Dhaka and discarded the Bangladesh Tele-communication Control (amendment) Act 2009.
BIRTHDAY OF BANGABANDHU -- A NEW HOLIDAYThe cabinet also approved birthday of Father of the Nation as a public holiday.
In a holiday list for 2010, the birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which is March 17, has been included.
The day will also be observed as the National Children's Day as it was observed in Awami League's previous term from 1996 to 2001.
However, the number of holidays would not increase, as Hindus will celebrate Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, on August 15 next year.
In the holiday list, 13 days are general holidays while eight holidays are given by executive order, prime minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told journalists after the meeting.
The cabinet also expressed its satisfaction over the Supreme Court's verdict in the Bangabandhu Murder Case and observed that executions of the verdict would end the politics of killing in this country forever.
It also congratulated the premier on her receiving the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for her contributions to the establishment of peace and efforts to uplift people's lives.
A regular meeting of the cabinet also approved March 17, the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a public holiday.
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan told The Daily Star last night that instead of trade union, the workers will have the right to form welfare committees in the EPZ.
“Since the workers don't have the right to trade union, we at the meeting proposed some amendments in the act to give them the opportunity,” he added.
Talking to The Daily Star at her office, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said, “The government earlier approved in principle an amendment proposal. Finally we approved it today [yesterday] keeping in mind the workers' welfare.”
She said the move would also help Bangladesh attain Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facilities. She said a bill would be placed in the upcoming session of the Jatiya Sangsad for approval of the amendment.
“If there is any discrepancy in the bill or wording, the lawmakers will discuss and fix that,” Matia added.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who presided over the meeting, asked her cabinet colleagues to immediately assess performances of their ministries and submit the findings so that those can be put in the president's speech in the parliament, marking the completion of the government's one-year in office.
At the meeting, Hasina advised her cabinet colleagues to remain "utmost alert" against any conspiracies to destabilise the country till execution of the verdict in the Bangabandhu murder case and ploys to create unrest in the garment industries, some senior ministers told The Daily Star.
She made the directive while addressing ministers, advisers and state ministers after the meeting at the cabinet division of the secretariat. Hasina also held a short discussion with her colleagues after the meeting.
The cabinet also gave final approval to the Public Servants (amendment) Bill 2009 extending the service age of freedom fighters by two years from 57 to 59, the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act 1980 (amendment) and the Fishery Hatchery Bill 2009.
It okayed a proposal of appointing the upazila vice-chairman as adviser to the Upazila Coordination Committee on temporary programme to involve the youths, both male and female, in nation building activities.
The cabinet, however, sent back to the foreign ministry a proposal for the appointment of a permanent representative to UN Office for project services in Dhaka and discarded the Bangladesh Tele-communication Control (amendment) Act 2009.
BIRTHDAY OF BANGABANDHU -- A NEW HOLIDAYThe cabinet also approved birthday of Father of the Nation as a public holiday.
In a holiday list for 2010, the birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which is March 17, has been included.
The day will also be observed as the National Children's Day as it was observed in Awami League's previous term from 1996 to 2001.
However, the number of holidays would not increase, as Hindus will celebrate Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, on August 15 next year.
In the holiday list, 13 days are general holidays while eight holidays are given by executive order, prime minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told journalists after the meeting.
The cabinet also expressed its satisfaction over the Supreme Court's verdict in the Bangabandhu Murder Case and observed that executions of the verdict would end the politics of killing in this country forever.
It also congratulated the premier on her receiving the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for her contributions to the establishment of peace and efforts to uplift people's lives.
Now Khaleda greets Hasina on Eid
Leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad Khaleda Zia has sent an Eid-ul-Azha greetings card to the Leader of the House and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Khaleda's Private Secretary Saleh Ahmed handed over the card to the PM's Private Secretary Nazrul Islam Khan at Bangladesh Secretariat here yesterday noon.
Earlier, Hasina sent an Eid-ul-Azha greetings card to Khaleda Zia on Sunday.
Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals of Muslims, will be observed across the country on November 28 with due religious fervour.
Khaleda's Private Secretary Saleh Ahmed handed over the card to the PM's Private Secretary Nazrul Islam Khan at Bangladesh Secretariat here yesterday noon.
Earlier, Hasina sent an Eid-ul-Azha greetings card to Khaleda Zia on Sunday.
Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals of Muslims, will be observed across the country on November 28 with due religious fervour.
source:daily star
Monday, November 23, 2009
]1 killed, 1,000 shanties gutted in city
A fire left one person dead and around 5,000 homeless after it tore through a slum at Moghbazar Wireless Gate in the capital early yesterday.
One thousand shanty homes were destroyed by the blaze that began around 4:45am.
Slum dweller Aleya Begum, 32, died as she was trying to rescue her children and possessions.
An unidentified woman was killed after being hit by an express train as she took shelter on the railway line beside the slum.
Sakhina Begum, 40, who had been asleep in her house alone, said, "I woke up hearing cries around me and I saw the fire burning the shanties. I couldn't save anything but my own life." Sakhina has lived in the slum with her family for the last 12 years.
Many others are injured and destitute, including children, women and older persons.
A spokesperson from the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) said that 16 units were sent to contain the fire, which took an hour and a half to contain.
The FSCD believe it may have been caused by a cooking burner.
Billal Hossain, one of the house owners, alleges that criminals may have torched the slum as part of an attempt to grab government land.
Billal said that over a thousand homes built on bamboo stilts collapsed soon after they caught on fire.
Leaders from various parties inspected the area today.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out last night on the third floor of Motaleb Tower at Poribagh in the city.
Fire Brigade sources said the fire broke out around 1:00am inside an office that sells medical equipment.
The extent of damage could not be ascertained immediately
One thousand shanty homes were destroyed by the blaze that began around 4:45am.
Slum dweller Aleya Begum, 32, died as she was trying to rescue her children and possessions.
An unidentified woman was killed after being hit by an express train as she took shelter on the railway line beside the slum.
Sakhina Begum, 40, who had been asleep in her house alone, said, "I woke up hearing cries around me and I saw the fire burning the shanties. I couldn't save anything but my own life." Sakhina has lived in the slum with her family for the last 12 years.
Many others are injured and destitute, including children, women and older persons.
A spokesperson from the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) said that 16 units were sent to contain the fire, which took an hour and a half to contain.
The FSCD believe it may have been caused by a cooking burner.
Billal Hossain, one of the house owners, alleges that criminals may have torched the slum as part of an attempt to grab government land.
Billal said that over a thousand homes built on bamboo stilts collapsed soon after they caught on fire.
Leaders from various parties inspected the area today.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out last night on the third floor of Motaleb Tower at Poribagh in the city.
Fire Brigade sources said the fire broke out around 1:00am inside an office that sells medical equipment.
The extent of damage could not be ascertained immediately
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