Archive for June 21st, 2008
Saturday, June 21st, 2008The Election Commission (EC) yesterday announced that polls to four city corporations and nine municipalities will be held on August 4, while the caretaker government relaxed the Emergency Powers Rules (EPR) in respective areas allowing campaign processions and rallies.The city corporations of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet, and the municipalities of Manikganj Sadar, Chuadanga Sadar, Shariatpur Sadar, Naohata of Rajshahi, Dupchanchiya of Bogra, Sripur of Gazipur, Fulbaria of Mymensingh, Golapganj of Sylhet and Sitakunda of Chittagong will have the elections.According to the poll schedule published in an official gazette, the last date for submitting applications for candidacy is July 3, ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008The BNP yesterday rejected the schedule for local-body elections while the Awami League (AL) termed it a 'conspiratorial and farcical move'.The Jatiya Party (Ershad), however, welcomed the decision to hold city corporation and municipality polls before parliamentary elections and urged the government to declare the schedule for upazila elections too.The Bikalpadhara Bangladesh said they would contest the elections provided other parties also take part in it.UNB adds: The AL's acting President Zillur Rahman demanded immediate cancellation of the election schedule."The government has not done it right by announcing the schedule for local-body elections. We think it's a farcical and ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008Intelligence agencies fear that militancy might rear its head again as the 12 decisions the government took to step up its campaign against the menace about a year ago remain unimplemented.There is a strong possibility that the militants still at large might mount fresh attacks. Their leaders behind bars might pass them instructions to that end, taking advantage of slow trial of the cases against them, observed intelligence officials.Besides, they added, absence of motivational and reorientation programmes for over 500 detained militants, mostly operatives of banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (Huji), keeps alive the threat of ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008Detained BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has finally agreed to receive treatment and might be taken to a city hospital anytime.She however has yet to say whether she would be hospitalised if advised by doctors.Her nod to the prison authorities' proposal for treatment outside jail reportedly follows an understanding with the government over release and treatment of her two sons.For the last few days, the government has been in negotiations with the former prime minister over her release for treatment abroad and participation in the ongoing talks between the military-backed administration and political parties.But she had been opposed to ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008The government is going to amend rules to stop unplanned urbanisation across the country as the current rules for private housing projects are only applicable for the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) areas.Housing companies across the country would have to get approval from authorities concerned to develop and advertise their projects after the rules are amended.The Private Housing Project Land Development Rules-2004 now covers only 1,528 square km under Rajuk, said an official of housing and public works ministry requesting anonymity.Experts say that land development activities and housing projects have been going on in an unplanned manner cutting hills and destroying ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008Former prime minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina will again undergo medical check-up at Yale University School of Medicine in Connecticut in the USA after eight weeks.On June 16, eye specialists, led by doctor Philips Silverston, examined her eyes at Yale University School of Medicine.The AL chief, who was released by an executive order of the caretaker government on June 11, went to the US on June 12. She reached Virginia from Boston yesterday.She will stay there along with her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy for three to four days and go to Orlando in Florida for follow ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008It still remains a mystery how founder of outlawed Janajuddha Abdur Rashid Malitha alias Dada Tapan managed to hide himself at Baradi for the last six months without the knowledge of the law enforcers.Tapan, along with a female accomplice, was killed in a 'shootout' with Rab at a house at Baradi on Wednesday.Sources said Tapan reached an understanding with leaders of rival outfits to stay in the guise of a 'businessman' at Baradi in Kushtia where many of his rival groups are still active.BNP cadre Sanju, also a listed criminal, and Joynal of Udibari area, who are ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008A Dhaka University student and contributing reporter of daily Prothom Alo had both his legs cut off as his trousers got stuck in a railway clip when a goods train rushed in near Tejgaon Railway Station yesterday.Saiful Islam Samin, a fourth year student at mass communication and journalism department and a resident student of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, met the tragedy while returning from his work assignment at Mohakhali.His colleague Obaedur Rahman Masum said, "We went there to report on the problems of ward No. 37 residents. On our way back at around 11:50am, Saiful's trousers got stuck in ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008Education Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said the government considers elections to local government bodies a way of democratic advancement.It is a non-political election that can be held under any government whenever the election is due and it should not be delayed, he observed, adding, "Election to the local government bodies is needed for solving regional problems and for protecting the democratic rights of the people in a region".Zillur was speaking to reporters after a preparatory meeting held for the government's first regional dialogue with non-political organisations and groups scheduled for June 28 at the Institute of Engineers ...
(read more) Saturday, June 21st, 2008Eminent jurist and Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday called for national unity to build a terrorism-free country and face national challenges.“Unity is the answer to all questions. If we want democracy, student politics without terrorism, an accountable government, rule of law and equal rights for all, unity among citizens is a must”, said Dr Kamal, also convener of Jatiay Oikya Mancha (JOM), while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at a local restaurant in Rajshahi.“People of the country have never tolerated anarchy. They sacrificed their lives for a honourable life. Although we drove out colonial rulers ...
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