05 Sep 2008

• Khaleda will have to apply for bail for release - Hossain Zillur : Tarique gets new passport for foreign trip
• Religion-based parties face registration hurdle : 15 Islamic parties collect forms; existing laws restrict their enrolment with EC
• Upstream rivers continue to swell : Dhaka region braces for serious floods
• Hasina likely to return after Eid, free until Oct 6 : AL working for DCC polls
• Mayor Kamran freed on bail : Insha Allah, I will make Sylhet City Corporation an accountable institution
• 50 injured in clash in Orthopaedics Hospital : Girls mauled, spinal cord of a female student snapped

04 Sep 2008

• Khaleda's detention enters second year : Tarique released
• Milon and Bulu assaulted by mainstream BNP at BSMMU : After hour long effort police rescued them
• Jamuna embankment bursts in Bogra : 3,000 homeless : Several lakh still marooned in northern, central regions
• Hasina expresses no confidence in judge : Seeks MiG-29 case trial by another court
• Warrant for arrest of Justice Fazlul Haque issued finally

03 Sep 2008

• Tarique's release delayed further : Medical services collapse in BSMMU as JSD activists demonstrate
• RMG unrest leaves 50 injured : Death rumour maddens workers, police fire shots, teargas shells
• Price hike and traffic jam cause suffering to people : FBCCI to seek law enforcer's help
• Rivers Mark A Fall In Ne Region : Crisis of drinking water, food mounts
• Bangladesh scientists produce petroleum from organic wastes

02 Sep 2008

• Human Rights Commission Ordn comes into effect : Rights groups report to UN about HR violations
• Tarique likely to be released any day : SC order upholding Tarique's release gives BNP a moral boost
• TAC starts hearing confessions of corrupt people seeking mercy : TAC has received 198 cases so far
• Too many bails, stay orders dent ACC image - Gen Mashhud

01 Sep 2008

• Tarique's hope for release gets a blow : Govt, ACC appeal against his bail orders; NBR sues Moudud, Pintu
• EC regrets BNP handling : Apologises for inviting Hafiz for talks, time loss
• India wants back its jailed citizens : Home secy-level meet ends
• All three major river systems continue to rise : Flood situation may take a serious turn
• Jalil returns amid hectic politics : Threat of imprisonment looms

31 Aug 2008

• Govt favouring BNP-Jamaat - AL claims : Anti-corruption drive eye-wash to rescue corrupts, it alleges
• Tarique likely to be released today or tomorrow : Govt will take decision whether he will be sent abroad for treatment
• First ever online super market starts journey in Bangladesh
• Bangladesh, India Home Secy-level talks begin : Border, security issues on agenda
• Floods turn alarming, may deteriorate within 2-3 days

30 Aug 2008

• BNP will not make any deal with govt in releasing Begum Zia - Hannan Shah
• AL pledges to ensure trial of political assassinations
• Criminal Activities by Women on Rise : Police raise new corps of female sleuths
• One billion cf of Titas gas gushes out unabated since 2003
• Mugging rampant despite police efforts : DMP guidebook identifies 434 spots, 300 active mugger gangs

05 Sep 2008

Khaleda will have to apply for bail for release - Hossain Zillur : Tarique gets new passport for foreign trip

The Bangladesh Today

In recent development--after release of Tarique Rahman the government has decided to release BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia who has stepped into the second year in her confinement. It was confirmed by Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman.
He said to get such release Khaleda Zia will have to submit petitions before the Court praying for her bail as "everything is being done in strict adherence to law."
About reasons for releasing detained politicians, he clarified that the government is releasing the politicians in a bid to ensure participation of all parties in the dialogue as well as in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman, may go either to the UK or Germany next week for his treatment, his lawyer said. Tarique got his new passport

Religion-based parties face registration hurdle : 15 Islamic parties collect forms; existing laws restrict their enrolment with EC

The Daily Star

The Election Commission (EC) might face difficulties registering Islamic political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, as the existing laws do not allow parties to run activities in the name of or on the basis of religion.
In addition to this, new provisions of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) now stand against registration of the Islamist political parties.
As of yesterday, 15 Islamic political parties collected application forms for registration with the EC. EC Secretariat officials said the number would increase as parties including Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jote are yet to collect the forms.
The EC has formed an experts committee to scrutinise the constitutions of political parties wishing to get registered with the EC and the documents they submit with their applications for registration. After examining these, the committee will make recommendations to the EC.

Upstream rivers continue to swell : Dhaka region braces for serious floods

The New Nation BD

The country is bracing for possible major flooding in the next two days with heavy rain forecast for neighbouring India set to swell its rivers to dangerous levels. Director of Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) Saiful Hossain yesterday said downpours expected in north-eastern India likely to cause problems for parts of Bangladesh.
Floods displaced thousands of families yesterday as rescuers braced for another day of heavy rains, our correspondents and agencies reported.

Hasina likely to return after Eid, free until Oct 6 : AL working for DCC polls

The Bangladesh Today

Despite the rigid stand of Awami League for not joining any elections before those of the Jatiya Sangsad, AL is working for the polls to Dhaka City Corporation likely to be held by October next. According to party insiders, as per the unofficial directions of the high command the effort of AL to set its house in order is in progress in this regard.
Some three central leaders of the party, preferring anonymity, hinted that there is an indication that AL President Sheikh Hasina is likely to return soon after Eid-ul-Fitr to take preparation for elections, also keeping in mind the DCC elections.

Mayor Kamran freed on bail : Insha Allah, I will make Sylhet City Corporation an accountable institution

The New Nation BD

Mayor-elect of Sylhet and Awami League leader Badaruddin Ahmad Kamran was released on Thursday from the prison on bail. He was greeted by his wife, family members and a large number of party leaders and workers.
"Insha Allah, I will make Sylhet City Corporation an accountable institution," the mayor-elect told the gathering expressing his gratitude to the city dwellers for his election before going home straight from the jail.

50 injured in clash in Orthopaedics Hospital : Girls mauled, spinal cord of a female student snapped

The New Age BD

At least 50 students, including 15 female, were injured in violent clashes between a group of physiotherapy students and another group of Master of Surgery students of the orthopaedics department and the staff members at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday.
The students of both the groups vandalised the office room of the hospital's director, classrooms, furniture and office equipments. The police arrested 15 persons, including a teacher and seven female students of the Physiotherapy Department.
Witnesses said the brutal clash was caused because the students of physiotherapy, who have only two classrooms, want their new building, for which about Tk 30 crore has been allocated by the government, to be erected on the eastern side of the National Orthopaedic Hospital's premises, which is vehemently opposed by the students and staffers of the hospital.

04 Sep 2008

Khaleda's detention enters second year : Tarique released

The Bangladesh Today

Preceded by a series of dramatic events at last BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman has been released on bail from the prison cell of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) after 17 months of his arrest.
DIG (Prisons) Maj Shamsul Haider Siddiqui confirmed the release of Tarique to reporters stating, "Tarique Rahman has been released and jail authorities have lifted all restrictions on him."
Tarique Rahman asked the people to pray for his fast recovery from illness and demanded release of mother Khaleda Zia from detention.
Despite his release, Tarique Rahman has not been shifted from BSMMU as he will be under treatment there for a couple of days and then he will be flown abroad for better treatment.
On the other hand, Tarique's mother BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's detention enters second year in makeshift jail on Wednesday and party's leaders and activists demanded her immediate release and threatened to wage tough movements across the country unless she is released.

Milon and Bulu assaulted by mainstream BNP at BSMMU : After hour long effort police rescued them

The Bangladesh Today

Hearing the news of Tarique's release, when BNP's reformist faction leaders Ahsanul Haque Milon and Barkat Ullah Bulu went to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College University (BSMMU) hospital to meet Tarique, leaders and activists of mainstream BNP launched attack on them leaving them critically injured.
After hour long effort police rescued them from the clutches of agitating party leaders and activists.
Thousands of leaders and activists from different parts of the capital started gathering in and around the BSMMU since 10:30 am and staged demonstration inside the BSMMU. They also chanted slogans demanding immediate release of Begum Khaleda Zia.
Following the chaotic situation, all sorts of normal activities of BSMMU were hampered. The patients, who were under treatment at the BSMMU, had to face various difficulties in getting treatment. Even the on duty physicians could not attend their assigned patients.

Jamuna embankment bursts in Bogra : 3,000 homeless : Several lakh still marooned in northern, central regions

The Daily Star

Surging water of the Jamuna washed away a section of the flood-protection embankment in Sariakandi, Bogra flooding two villages. The flooding destroyed a number of houses displacing 3,000 people who feared that more areas would be inundated.
The flood-affected people have taken shelter in temporary flood shelters while many others are staying under the open sky on highways. Many of them have become penniless losing their homes and other valuables.
The flood situation improved in many places but waterborne diseases have started to spread where floodwater has receded.

Hasina expresses no confidence in judge : Seeks MiG-29 case trial by another court

The New Age BD

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's counsels on Wednesday filed a petition expressing no confidence in the court trying her in the MiG-29 corruption case and seeking a change of the trial court.
The court asked the defence counsels to file the petition with the High Court by September 20 seeking transfer of the case to another court for trial.
This is the third case in which Hasina has so far been indicted and is to face formal trial.

Warrant for arrest of Justice Fazlul Haque issued finally

The New Age BD

A Dhaka court on Wednesday issued a warrant for the arrest of former law adviser Justice Fazlul Haque, now at the centre of a bribery scandal, on charge of amassing illegal wealth and hiding assets in the wealth statement submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission.
. Senior metropolitan sessions judge M Azizul Haque issued the warrant, asking the Ramna police to report to the court on September 9 about the compliance with the order.
A high official of the Ramna zone of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police told that the Ramna police received the warrant of arrest against Fazlul Haque, and would naturally comply with the court'.s order.

03 Sep 2008

Tarique's release delayed further : Medical services collapse in BSMMU as JSD activists demonstrate

The Bangladesh Today

The normal medical service system in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) virtually collapsed when hundreds of angry JSD activists besieged the hospital building and staged demonstration for hours as the anticipated release of Tarique Rahman was delayed because the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate did not sign his bail bond in the Bashundhara director Humayun Kabir Sabbir murder hush-up case on Tuesday.
According to sources, the bail bond was placed before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sahjahan Kabir at 3.30 pm but he did not sign it and went home. When the bail bond was taken to his residence for signature the Judge refused to sign it outside the office. However the reason could not be ascertained.
Meanwhile, expecting release of Tarique his wife Dr Zubaida and other party leaders met him at the prison cell and stayed for a few hours there.
About possible release of Tarique Rahman his lawyers said he may be released today as the last remaining bail bond which was not signed Tuesday is expected to be signed today.

RMG unrest leaves 50 injured : Death rumour maddens workers, police fire shots, teargas shells

The New Age BD

At least 50 people were injured as police clashed with several hundred garment workers blocking the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways at Nawjor area of Sadar upazila in Gazipur Tuesday over rumoured deaths of fellows. Demonstrators vandalised dozens of vehicles suspending traffic on the two inter-district highways for several hours.
At least 10 apparel factories were partially damaged during the pitched battle. Police fired 90 rounds of shotgun bullets and 10 rounds of teargas canisters to disperse the agitators, who retaliated by throwing stones.
Witnesses said a rumour had been in the air for last few days that some workers of Diganta Sweater Factory died in the factory toilet and the authority hid the bodies.
The rumour led to massive vandalism of the factory building and vehicles parked inside on Saturday.

Price hike and traffic jam cause suffering to people : FBCCI to seek law enforcer's help

The Bangladesh Today

As it was the first day of the holy month of Ramadan on Tuesday was different from other days in many respects including, agony over price hike of essentials and sufferings due to traffic jam. The day was marked by solemnity and all were busy working all day long with their eyes fixed on the clock to be able to reach home before Iftar. As a result there was heavy rush on the roads specially in the afternoon. Besides, people crowded the kutcha bazars in the morning and the Iftar shops in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, as the initiatives by the government and trade-bodies to bring the price of the essential commodities under control, have failed the prices of brinjal, green chilli, onion, ginger, sugar, grams and all kinds of vegetables, shot up abnormally on Tuesday.
FBCCI President Annisul Huq while visiting the Kawran Bazar observed that the essential commodities are selling at abnormal high rate. "We will wait for two or three days. Within this time if the prices of essential commodities do not come down we will inform the matter to the concerned authority and law enforcers," the FBCCI President said adding the wholesalers and retailers will have to maintain cash memo as they are blaming each other for price hike.

Rivers Mark A Fall In Ne Region : Crisis of drinking water, food mounts

The Daily Star

People marooned by the flood in the country are facing a serious crisis of drinking water, food, baby food and fodder for their livestock. Two children drowned in floodwater in Sirajganj yesterday. Reports from different char areas are grim. Water level rise is continuing at many places including the northern and central parts of the country. Water levels of rivers, however, registered a fall in the north-eastern region.
Experts hope the situation will start to improve after three days as the monsoon active over neighbouring Indian states started to weaken.
Pneumonia and diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases are spreading in different flood-affected areas. There is an acute shortage of drinking water and food in those areas, sources said.

Bangladesh scientists produce petroleum from organic wastes

Internet

DHAKA: Scientists in Bangladesh have developed ways to produce petroleum from degradable organic municipal waste and are now studying its feasibility before going to commercial production.
"We have developed petroleum products from organic municipal wastes and we are looking into its commercial viability," Yunus Miah, principal engineer of the state-run Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), said Wednesday. Miah said the scientists were using husk of paddy and oil seeds besides wastes. First they decompose the garbage and produce bio-oil from these wastes. Then they upgrade the bio-oil to petroleum products. "We will have to have an economic analysis of the finding before going to commercial production," he said.
Dhaka daily produces around 15,000 tonnes garbage and the cost of collecting it is only nominal, he said, adding that there are still obstructions, poverty being the most important of them, in the way ot taking technology to the field.
Miah said: "We as a poor country will face many difficulties to go into commercial production," he added. "If the cost of producing the petroleum products is at break-even point, we will be the gainer," said Naimul Haque, chief scientific officer at the BCSIR that falls under the science and information ministry of Bangladesh.

02 Sep 2008

Human Rights Commission Ordn comes into effect : Rights groups report to UN about HR violations

The New Age BD

The National Human Rights Commission Ordinance came into effect on Monday, paving the way for the establishment of an independent body to safeguard people's rights.
The National Human Rights Commission will be formed soon under the ordinance, law adviser AF Hassan Ariff told, adding that the government already set up the temporary office of the commission at a building named Kalatan on the Hare Road.
v The government's latest move coincides with different rights groups sending reports to the United Nations on the country's poor state of human rights.
UNDP's resident representative Renata Lok-Dessallien praised the interim government for enacting the human rights commission law.

Tarique likely to be released any day : SC order upholding Tarique's release gives BNP a moral boost

The Bangladesh Today

BNP has gained a moral and political boost as the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the bail of party's senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman granted by the High Court. Although HC granted bail several days back but he could not be released as the bail orders were not signed by the Judges. But on August 31 the bail orders were signed and on 01 September government appeals against bail orders were rejected.
According to sources, BNP leadership was really worried after the government preferred appeal against the HC order granting bail to Tarique. But the Supreme Court order endorsing the HC verdict came as a great relief for them.
About release of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, her counsel Barrister Mahbubuddin Khokon said after the release of Tarique Rahman they will also move bail petitions for releasing Khaleda Zia if her release through government's administrative order is delayed.

TAC starts hearing confessions of corrupt people seeking mercy : TAC has received 198 cases so far

The New Age BD

The Truth and Accountability Commission has started hearing the voluntary confessions of corrupt individuals who are seeking clemency in exchange of depositing their ill-gotten properties or money in the state exchequer. The TAC, on Monday for the first time heard four cases involving seven persons at its office located on Hare Road, according to officials.
But the three-member TAC, headed by Justice Habibur Rahman Khan, who heard the petitions declined to make public the names of the people who disclosed their graft in line with the provisions of the Voluntary Disclosure Ordinance 2008.
The TAC extended by a month until September 30 its deadline to receive petitions from individuals interested in voluntary disclosure.

Too many bails, stay orders dent ACC image - Gen Mashhud

The News Today

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Lt Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury Monday admitted that the image of toughness of ACC is getting dented due to recent bail binge and stay orders on the cases filed by the feared anti-graft watchdog under the purge against corruption in high places.
He, however, said that the cases are not going to end due to bail and stay, but it would take time to get these cases on track after disposal of writs and stay orders. General Mashhud said detaining someone or granting no bail in graft cases is not a big deal for the ACC.
About the allegations that the cases were not properly prepared, he said there had been verdicts of 70-80 cases and the same process is being followed in all the cases. The former army-chief-turned-crusader against corruption observed that there is scope for wasting time in the country''s judiciary and ruling system.

01 Sep 2008

Tarique's hope for release gets a blow : Govt, ACC appeal against his bail orders; NBR sues Moudud, Pintu

The Daily Star

The possibility of Tarique Rahman's release hit a fresh snag yesterday after the government and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) appealed against the High Court (HC) bail orders in seven of the 13 cases filed against him. With this shift in the government's policy regarding release of high-profile prisoners, immediate release of detained former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, which is associated with the release of her eldest son Tarique, has also become unlikely.
In another development, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday filed separate cases against detained former law minister Moudud Ahmed, former BNP lawmaker Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu and his wife for dodging income tax for years.
Terming the government's appeal move unfortunate, BNP Vice-President MK Anwar said, "It is another example of the government's discriminatory behaviour with the BNP." The government did not show such attitude in case of others who have travelled abroad for treatment after getting bail from the HC, he said.

EC regrets BNP handling : Apologises for inviting Hafiz for talks, time loss

The Daily Star

CEC ATM Shamsul Huda yesterday apologised for the way the Election Commission (EC) dealt with BNP over its electoral dialogue with political parties last year. He said sorry also for the delay in having new electoral provisions incorporated into Representation of the People Order (RPO).
Mentioning the invitation to pro-reform leader Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed instead of Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain for the electoral talks, he said, “What happened was unfortunate. I personally regret the decisions. None but we are to be criticised for those.”
In an about-face in its stance on BNP, the EC Friday invited Delwar to talks on registration of the political parties. In the invitation letter, Delwar was addressed as the BNP secretary general.

India wants back its jailed citizens : Home secy-level meet ends

The New Age BD

New Delhi has insisted that Dhaka should evolve some mechanism to allow Indian nationals, who completed jail terms in Bangladesh for trespass or overstay, to return home in absence of an extradition treaty. The new proposal, floated at the two-day home-secretary-level meeting that ended in Dhaka Sunday, would mean that India wants back Anup Chetia, a rebel leader from Indian state of Assam now in Bangladesh’s jail.
The talks ended with a set of agreements to maintain peace and tranquillity along the common borders, where exchange of gunshots among border guards and killing of Bangladeshis are frequent.
The meeting agreed to work together against cross-border militants and insurgent outfits as well as smuggling of arms, ammunitions, explosives and fake currency.
India has assured Bangladesh of taking steps to reduce civilian killings along the border by its border guards BSF.

All three major river systems continue to rise : Flood situation may take a serious turn

The Bangladesh Today

Flood waters have started engulfing the vast area of the country, especially in the northern region affecting millions of people and situation may deteriorate within tomorrow (Tuesday). On Sunday the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) in its bulletin said overall flood situation of the country is alarming and very likely to deteriorate by next 2-3 days. All three major river systems (Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Ganges-Padma and Upper Meghna) continued rising simultaneously. Monsoon is likely to remain active over north-east Bangladesh and adjoining Assam, Meghalaya and Aurunachal Pradesh whereas it became weak over north-west part of the country and adjoining West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the FFWC added.

Jalil returns amid hectic politics : Threat of imprisonment looms

The New Nation BD

Awami League Leader Abdul Jalil who was released on parole from prison on March 2 returned home last night after prolonged treatment in Singapore. He was still under the threat of going back to the prison unless the interim release order which is going to expire on September 10 is extended. The country's higher judiciary which is on 42-day- long vacation is unlikely to give quick relief from scanty vacation benches.
It is also not clear whether he will get back his party position as General Secretary.
Meanwhile, the Awami League Presidium members in a meeting in Dhaka on Saturday angrily reacted to what they said government's soft stance toward BNP vis-a-vis imminent release of the BNP leaders Begum Khaleda Zia and her son.
The BNP and Awami League seem to be back to their pre-1/11 position. Both of them traded accusations against each other over forming entente with the Caretaker government.

31 Aug 2008

Govt favouring BNP-Jamaat - AL claims : Anti-corruption drive eye-wash to rescue corrupts, it alleges

The Bangladesh Today

Awami League has blasted the Emergency Govt for favouring corrupts belonging to the erstwhile BNP-Jamaat government. It questioned the neutrality of the incumbent government's anti-corruption drive terming it an eye-wash and an activity to pull BNP and their alliance out of the deep hole they had plunged into before one-eleven.
Referring to Tarique's bail on different graft cases, it said, "If the release of Tarique is ensured, the govt has no legal as well as moral right to keep other detainees, arrested earlier on charges of so-called corruption cases, in jail at all."
It strongly condemned the activities of the authorities concerned to allow detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to hold a meeting with BNP Secretary General Khandoker Delwar Hossain and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammed Mojaheed inside the jail.

Tarique likely to be released today or tomorrow : Govt will take decision whether he will be sent abroad for treatment

The Bangladesh Today

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman is likely to be released today or tomorrow (Sunday or Monday). "We are yet to receive any bail-bond of Tarique Rahman. When we receive order from govt in releasing Tarique Rahman, as per jail code we will take proper initiative quickly. We may get the release order of Tarique within the next two days," DIG Prison, Major Shamsul Haider Siddique told on Saturday.
When asked whether Tarique will be sent abroad for treatment, DIG (Prison) Said, the jail authority has no right to send Tarique abroad. "Govt will take decision whether he will be sent abroad for treatment,".
Meanwhile, BNP Joint Secretary General Selima Rahman told this correspondent that Tarique is interested to fly to UK or USA for his treatment.

First ever online super market starts journey in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Today

customers ranging from officials of corporate sector to inhabitants at remote villages with hassle-free shopping. We are expecting that more than 100 brands shops and distributors will join the platform by this year. Customer from home and aboard can now browse, choose and order these brand products online and can enjoy a home delivery service, entrepreneurs of Chorka.com said.
The company will also keep running its call centers for 24 hours so that both buyers and sellers can make queries and get services and solutions to their problems, he said.

Bangladesh, India Home Secy-level talks begin : Border, security issues on agenda

The New Nation BD

Bangladesh stressed on resolving border and security issues while India insusted for an extradition treaty with Bangladesh, as the Dhaka-Delhi Home Secretary level talks kicked off at Hotel Sheraton in the city yesterday. The two sides put on the table various proposals to tackle cross-border crimes, halt killing of innocent civilians and demarcate common boundary.
Bangladesh Home Secretary Abdul Karim said, the talks are continuing in a friendly and cordial atmosphere covering various issues like security, border management, human and drugs trafficking and police cooperation.

Floods turn alarming, may deteriorate within 2-3 days

The Bangladesh Today

The overall flood situation in the country has turn alarming and it is likely to deteriorate during the next 2-3 days as the major rivers have continued to rise along with the north eastern rivers, swelled by heavy rains for the past few days, Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) officials said.
Both the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and the Ganges-Padma have been swelled upstream and the north eastern rivers in Sylhet region gone in spate due to heavy rains at home and across the border have also put pressure on the upper Meghna.

30 Aug 2008

BNP will not make any deal with govt in releasing Begum Zia - Hannan Shah

The Bangladesh Today

BNP Chairperson's Adviser Brigadier ASM Hannan Shah on Friday said the party would not accept any government conditions in releasing Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman.
"The party will go for tougher movement in order to free its Chairperson. Like Awami League, BNP will not make any secret deal with government in releasing its Chairperson. We want to free our Chairperson through legal process, not making any deal with the government," Hannan Shah told reporters at his residence in the city.
Replying to a query about the existing division in the BNP, he said everything will be settled after the release of Begum Khaleda Zia. Hannan Shah said if the government does not withdraw state of emergency to create congenial atmosphere for holding free, fair and credible election, BNP will compel the government to withdraw it through launching massive movement under the directive of Khaleda Zia.

AL pledges to ensure trial of political assassinations

The Bangladesh Today

Awami League leaders on Friday pledged to ensure the trial of all political assassinations including Bangabandhu murder and jail killing after forming government through participating in the forthcoming general elections.
They made the promise at a discussion meeting at National Press Club marking the 4th death anniversary of AL leader Ivy Rhaman who was killed at a grenade attack at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004.
Speaking on the occasion, AL presidium member Motia Chowdhury said we are disappointed over the verdict of jail killing case as all the accused have been acquitted and we did not get justice from the High Court.
AL Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said after the verdict of Jail killing case we have lost our confidence on the interim government as it failed to ensure fair justice.

Criminal Activities by Women on Rise : Police raise new corps of female sleuths

The Daily Star

Bangladesh Police introduced a special intelligence branch comprised of only women. Special Women Police Contingent (SWPC) deals with criminal activities by women, which have been on the rise. The police department introduced the new branch recently with a view to curbing sex trade, drug peddling, and trafficking of women and children.
According to police sources, women are being used for trafficking other women and children, drug peddling, smuggling, and for swindling people, as crime lords feel safer to employ women for those jobs since traditionally they raise less suspicion.
According to intelligence sources, women criminals are also engaged in swindling people of money, and are forcing under-aged girls into prostitution.

One billion cf of Titas gas gushes out unabated since 2003

The Bangladesh Today

The gushing out of natural gas through different cracks of the country's biggest gas field Titas in Brahmanbaria which started in 2003, continues unabated and two wells of the field have already been abandoned. Gas is gushing from different holes spreading over about four kilometer areas in and around the gas field. But following the sealing off of the number three well, the trend of gushing out of gas has been reduced significantly, the authorities claimed.
But the experts cautioned that Titas gas field may face a serious blowout if the government fails to bring the situation under control.
However, talking to The Bangladesh Today Petrobangla Chairman Jalal Ahmed said it is not possible to bring the situation under control within moments.
According to sources Titas gas field produces 400 mmcfd of gas per day against the country's total gas demand for 1,500 mmcfd. Discovered in the early sixties by Shell oil, Titas was estimated to have a gas reserve of 5.12 Trillion cubic feet. But after four decades it now has 2.78 tcf reserves left. Besides it is estimated that about one billion cubic feet gas has gushed out and vanished within four years.
Several villages are already at high risk of coming under gas explosion and unexpected fire. The risky areas are Shampur villages, Runakandi, Sadullah Hati, Jamalpur, Khalapara, Dattkhala, Paranga, Gupinathpur and Baramura and Loiska Beel in Brahmanbaria Sadar upazila.
Now the most alarming aspect is that no body can say for certain when the gushing out of gas from Titas gas field will stop bringing an end to the colossal wastage of this natural resource.

Mugging rampant despite police efforts : DMP guidebook identifies 434 spots, 300 active mugger gangs

The New Age BD

Law enforcers have apparently failed to check mugging in the capital despite pinpointing some 434 vulnerable spots and identifying more than 300 active mugger gangs, who are using new techniques to deceive the police. Terming mugging as one of the major problems face by the city dwellers and to check the menace, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police recently published a guidebook for the law enforcers in which Sutrapur, Jatrabari, Pallabi, Ramna, Tejgaon, Uttara and Dhanmondi were identified as the most vulnerable areas.
The 30-page guidebook, authored by the DMP commissioner, Naeem Ahmed, mentioned 39 spots only under Sutrapur police area where muggers were active.
The booklet with 29-point guidelines to be followed by the law enforcers to prevent mugging in the capital has been distributed among the police personnel, DMP sources said.

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