Archive for November 15th, 2006
Wednesday, November 15th, 2006All major political parties--except BNP and its allies--participating in the talks with the caretaker government advisers have strongly recommended reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC) for holding a free and fair election.On the second day of the dialogue, the Jatiya Party (JP) and Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF) yesterday demanded immediate removal of the chief election commissioner (CEC) by any means, but the BNP-led four-party alliance opposed the idea.The JOF placed before the advisers a 20-point demand, including appointment of Justice Mahmudul Amin Chowdhury or Justice Hamidul Haque as CEC.The council of advisers will sit today on the recommendations and demands ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006Three election commissioners are not willing to continue in their posts amid growing political crisis but the chief election commissioner (CEC) still remains rigid on his stance that he will not resign in any situation.Talking to newsmen separately in the last couple of days, the three election commissioners -- Justice Mahfuzur Rahman, SM Zakaria and Mahmud Hasan Mansur-- hinted that they might step down anytime.In a dramatic development, even the Election Commission (EC) secretary yesterday told reporters that he is unwilling to continue with his job here amid 'such a chaotic situation'.The election commissioners are very much worried ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006The third day of the countrywide indefinite blockade enforced by 14-party coalition passed peacefully yesterday, unlike on Monday, continuing to cripple normal life for three consecutive days in the capital and elsewhere in the country.Trading was on, albeit on a smaller scale, in Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges, and a little activity was noticed inside the Chittagong port.Except some minor stray incidents of confrontations, Awami League (AL)-led 14-party coalition activists reigned on the streets with marches and rallies almost without any challenge at 22 points in Dhaka city demanding immediate realisation of their 11-point charter of demands.But tension was mounting ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006A move to transfer Home Secretary SM Jahurul Islam to the education ministry has halted midway for a mysterious reason. Jahurul issued the controversial circular regarding army deployment Sunday, keeping the advisers to the caretaker government in the dark.President and Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday summoned him to the Bangabhaban for an explanation and the same day a step was initiated to send him to the education ministry.According to sources, the president also wanted to know from the home secretary whether he had taken any action against the policemen responsible for Monday's mayhem at Karwan Bazar that left one killed ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006BNP yesterday demonstrated in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country protesting, what it said, 'killings, terrorism, anarchy and conspiracy against the upcoming election by 14-party coalition'. The immediate past ruling party held rallies and brought out marches at 17 venues in the capital.It will hold peaceful sit-in programmes at six divisional headquarters, and marches and rallies in district towns today. BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday in a statement urged the people to make today's programmes a success and also thanked them for making yesterday's programmes successful.From the rallies, BNP leaders yesterday strongly criticised Awami League (AL)-led 14-party ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006The Awami League (AL)-led 14-party alliance may relax the ongoing blockade programme if the caretaker government (CG) gave a "positive" decision over the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).AL President Sheikh Hasina at an emergency meeting with the liaison committee of the 14-party coalition last night discussed details of the blockade programme and its impact on common people and businesses.The 14-party blockade programme has almost paralysed the country during the last three days. The coalition enforced the non-stop countrywide blockade programme to press home its 11-point demand to create a congenial atmosphere for holding a free and fair election.The ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006Controversial Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Kohinoor Mia, blamed for Monday's killing of an Awami League (AL) leader in the city's Karwan Bazar area, was transferred to Rangamati yesterday.He will replace Mahfuzul Islam, commanding officer of the 5th Armed Police Battalion (APBn), who has been ordered to join the Police Headquarters as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG).The transfer order came following Kohinoor's order to spray hot water on a peaceful demonstration of blockade supporters at Karwan Bazaar on Monday leading to a violent clash between police and the demonstrators. During the clash, a speedy police van drove through ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006Shop owners of the capital have declared to stop selling products to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz and his family if he does not step down by Friday.Dhaka Metropolitan Shop Owners' Association (DMSOA) made the unusual announcement at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday saying that their business is being hampered due to the political crisis centring Aziz.The DMSOA leaders also said that they will arrange for special prayers in mosque after the next Juma prayers so that the Almighty makes the CEC see the point and resign from his post, if he does not stand ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006Limited operations resumed at the Chittagong Port yesterday after two days' complete inactivity. The business community and exporters are still worried as operations at the port could not be resumed fully and operations in other ports remained suspended.In separate statements, a number of business organisations yesterday expressed their concerns over the closure of ports due to the existing political impasse and called upon political leaders to solve the crisis.According to sources, full operation of the Chittagong port could not be achieved as the delivery of goods in and out of the port yard remained suspended due to railway ...
(read more) Wednesday, November 15th, 2006The supporters of the four-party alliance clashed with the activists of Awami League (AL)-led 14-party combine at Barik Building crossing in the port city yesterday afternoon, damaging about 100 vehicles, roadside shops and injuring some 30 people.Witnesses said the clash broke out when a procession of the four-party alliance from Dewanhat reached Barik Building crossing where Mayor Mohiuddin was addressing a rally at about 5:30pm, triggering a chase and counter-chase between the supporters of the two rival alliances.Police and BDR men took position between the two groups pelting brickbats at each other. The fight continued until 6:30pm.City Mayor ...
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