Archive for October 9th, 2008
Thursday, October 9th, 2008As the domino effect of the financial meltdown on Wall Street sends shock waves through Europe with Iceland teetering on the brink of bankruptcy for the first time since the advent of economic globalisation, governments rushed to salvage whatever they could yesterday.In an extraordinary move that reflects the gravity of the financial turmoil, the world's central banks yesterday announced coordinated interest rate cuts as they try to restore confidence in the economy.Meanwhile, following the footsteps of the US, Britain also announced a three-part multibillion-dollar bailout for its beleaguered banks yesterday, and Spain moved to mount a separate rescue of its ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008In reversal of its earlier stance, the Awami League (AL) yesterday strongly opposed the Election Commission's (EC) authority to cancel candidatures in parliamentary polls on grounds of violation of electoral laws.At a meeting with the EC, a high-level AL delegation categorically said no candidature can be cancelled on any excuse after being accepted through scrutiny. The commission assured the AL of not misusing the authority.The AL also refused to sever links with its associated organisations, particularly those formed with students and labourers, arguing that these bodies have played historic role in the past.In the face of the AL's opposition, Chief ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008Many so-called reformist leaders of BNP are facing the wrath of their party colleagues in respective areas and constituencies across the country, as the activists are still confused about the dissidents' position in the party.Many former BNP lawmakers known as 'reformists' did not even visit their constituencies during the Eid holidays to avoid untoward incidents, although party Chairperson Khaleda Zia after her release from detention had said every leader may work for the party from his or her respective position.Following her announcement, leaders of the now dissolved 'reformist' faction including its Acting Secretary General Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday told a British parliamentary delegation that the state of emergency is part of Bangladesh's constitution, not any extra-constitutional measure, and it is not affecting the common people.He said the caretaker government basically wants to ensure a free, fair and credible election, being held against the backdrop of political turmoil that had stalled the polls earlier set for January 22 last year.A seven-member delegation of British MPs, led by Keith Vaz, made a courtesy call on the CA at his office. Politics, election, reforms being done in the interim period, manpower export and socioeconomic ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008BNP might assign a group of former bureaucrats, most of who are not directly involved with it, to draw up electoral strategies and a manifesto, and carry out a survey on prospective candidates for the upcoming parliamentary polls.But the plan has already caused resentment among the rank and file, said party insiders, adding that the team is likely to be led by ex-adviser for the energy ministry Mahmudur Rahman.Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Mahmudur said, “Right now, I'm not engaged in any such activities. I will however do anything for the party if madam [BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia] asks.” ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008The Truth and Accountability Commission (Tac) will begin issuing notices on high government officials in a week, directing them to answer their alleged complicity in corruption, its Chairman Justice Habibur Rahman Khan yesterday said.The commission took the decision on the basis of information collected from low-tier public officials who have voluntarily confessed before it to having ill-gotten wealth, he said.He said the Tac has not got any applications for clemency from high-profile politicians and businessmen, but hoped that things will change soon as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is about to go back to full-bore graft-busting drive again.Justice Habib was talking ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008Former adviser to caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan has proposed a meeting between the government and political parties to discuss ways to relax the state of emergency during parliamentary polls.“Since some provisions of the emergency rules need to be relaxed for holding the polls, and the government wants to continue with the emergency for the sake of violence-free polls, it can sit with the (political) parties to decide which provisions need to relaxed and how,” the former cabinet secretary said in an interview with The Daily Star on Monday.Strongly opposing 'too many conditions' for political parties' registration, Akbar Ali said ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008Myanmar will export natural gas to Bangladesh if it finds new gas reserves while it has shown interest in setting up a hydropower project in that country from where electricity could be supplied to Bangladesh.The decision came out of a meeting yesterday between Myanmar's Energy Minister Brig General Lun Thi and Prof M Tamim, chief adviser's special assistant for power and energy ministry.The same day the two countries agreed to start soon construction of the proposed 25-kilometre link road expected to ensure better connectivity between them and eventually connect the former to China.The understanding was reached when ...
(read more) Thursday, October 9th, 2008The government will take a decision on whether or not to decrease the price of petroleum within a month after analysing prices in the global oil market.Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Power and Energy Ministry Prof M Tamim said yesterday, "The government will observe the global trend in prices before making any adjustments."He was talking to reporters after a meeting with the finance adviser on 'automated price formula for petroleum product' at his office.He said the petroleum price would be adjusted every three months. The adjustment on the price of oil will be subject to a 10 ...
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