Saudi ministry for more time for legalization

RIYADH: Along with many countries and organizations, Labour Ministry of Saudi Arabia has sent proposal to extend the time for legalizing expatriate labourers in the country.

A Saudi daily ‘Al Watan’ confirmed the matter.

Sources said business leaders requested the Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz to extend the time for four more months as during the months of Ramadan and holy Hajj administrative people used to work in a languishing manner.

Mozena hints on GSP back to BD

DHAKA: US ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena said Bangladesh may get back Generalized System of Preference (GSP) facility in US market back soon.

He came up with the observation after greetings to novel laureate Dr Yunus birthday at Yunus Centre in the capital Friday.

Dan W Mozena said Bangladesh may get back the GSP facility by giving assurance that it will develop garments safety for the workers.

Shibir threatens hartal for Sunday

DHAKA: Chhatra Shibir threatened to enforce nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal on Sunday if their president Delwar Hossain is not released and missing leaders are not traced by Saturday.

A press release of Chhatra Shibir disclosed the matter Friday.

The student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami will also stage protest on Saturday on the same demand.

Govt hopes to get GSP back

DHAKA: Soon after the US government suspended trade benefits for Bangladesh, Bangladesh government expressed hope that the US administration would soon bring back Bangladesh’s GSP status.

A press release of Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said Bangladesh would remain engaged with all its trading partners to share ideas and collectively address factory safety issues.

Padma Bridge construction Int’l tender by Thursday

DHAKA: Communications Minister Obaidul Quader categorically said international tender would be floated on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning for constructing the main structure of Padma Multipurpose Bridge.

He came up with disclosure while talking to journalists after holding a meeting with a Chinese delegation at his secretariat office around 11:30am.

Chinese vice-minister for transport and communications ministry Feng Jenglin led the delegation.

Land dispute Father-son killed in B’baria

BRAHMANBARIA: A man and his son were killed and 15 others injured following a clash at Gholkhar village under Akhaura Upazila of the district on Tuesday night over land dispute.

The deceased were identified as Golap Khan, 90 and his son Ismail Khan, 14, a student of class nine of Gholkhar high school.

Gholkhar police outpost SI Enamul Haque told banglanews, “Supporters of Asmat Ali and Rusmat Ali locked into a fierce clash over a dispute of residence boundary, leaving 17 others injured.”

44 BCL-Juba League men on remand

Photo: banglanews24.com

CHITTAGONG: A Chittagong court placed 44 Chhatra League and Juba League activists on one-day remand in connection with Monday’s clash that killed two, including a kid.

Metropolitan Magistrate Lutful Majid Nayon passed the order Tuesday.

Prior to this, Kotwali Thana police sought seven-day remand of arrested 52 men along with Chhatra League leader Limon.

Indo-Bangla officials surveying border pillars

DHAKA: Joint survey of the border pillars along the India-Bangladesh border by officials of both the countries is on and repairing of the pillars found to be damaged will take place immediately after the completion of the survey.

Official sources told The Assam Tribune that a team of Government officials of Bangladesh are camping in Mankachar in Dhubri district to take part in the survey. On the other hand, a team of officials from India are camping in Sherpur in Bangladesh for the same purpose.

BD looks for Indian SC’s help to train judges

DHAKA: Supreme Court’s senior-most and lone Hindu judge Surendra Kumar Sinha on Monday sought assistance of India’s Supreme Court in training quota-riddled judiciary to infuse judicial discipline.

Justice Sinha, whose ancestors were from Bihar, was impressed by the judicial training imparted to judges in India from the trial courts till the level of the Supreme Court through state judicial academies and national judicial academy.

Sirajganj road crash 4 of a family among 7 killed

photo: banglanews24.com

SIRAJGANJ: At least seven people, including four of same family, were killed in a road accident on Hatikumrul-Bogra Highway in Ghurka Bazar area under Solonga Thana of the district on Tuesday noon.

The deceased were identified as Shefali Khatun, 32, wife of Lal Chand; Uzzal Mia, 28, younger brother of Lal Chand; Laki Khatun, 24, wife of Uzzal; Suraiya, 11-month, daughter of Uzzal; Babu Mia, 25, son of Shah Alam; Aminul Islam, 40, son of Siddique and auto-rickshaw driver Ripon, 25, son of Karap Ali of the same upazila.

Signal-3 for coastal areas

Photo: banglanews24.com

DHAKA: A low over northwest bay off Orissa-West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coast intensified into a well marked low over the Bay of Bengal and coastal area.

Under its influence steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay.

Squally weather may affect North Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports, said a Met office bulletin Tuesday.

AL does not steal votes

DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also president of ruling Awami League (AL), said her party has no intention to steal votes, it rather ensured people’s right to vote which had been violated by the opposition BNP.

Urging opposition leader Khaleda Zia, she also said, “Please come back to the path of democracy as the next polls will be held in the way the other countries of the world follow.”

Farhad Mazhar says 1972’s constitution communal

DHAKA: Convener of ‘Nagorik Odhikar Rokkha Jatiya Committee’ Farhad Mazhar opined that the first constitution of Bangladesh composed in 1972 was “communal”.
He came up with the observation while addressing a programme on ‘Advocacy Meeting on Freedom of the Media’ organized by Odhikar at Spectra Convention Centre of Gulshan in the city on Saturday.
Mazhar claimed the first constitution was ‘communal’ as the composers of the constitution called the state as “Bangalee State” whereas many other communities, including the Chakma, Marma were the inhabitants of the state.

Govt to quit on time

DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday categorically said Awami League does politics for welfare of the people and it would step down power in due time.
The ruling Awami League lawmaker came up with the assertion while visiting land of International Convention Center at Dohar Upazila of the district in the noon.
He said, “Investors have to be careful while investing and the government is sincere about share market. Besides, the government is careful about the rights of general investors.”

US against govt move over GB

DHAKA: United States Representative Rush Holt said Bangladesh must halt attack on Grameen Bank otherwise US government should reassess political and security ties with the incumbent government.
He made the assertion in an statement issued on June 20 following on the latest efforts by the government of Bangladesh to control or dismantle the world-famous Grameen Bank, whose microcredit programs have lifted millions out of poverty around the world.
“It is past time for the government of Bangladesh to cease its efforts to destroy one of the true economic marvels of our age: Grameen Bank.  I call upon Secretary of State Kerry to make it clear to officials in Dhaka that America supports Grameen Bank and its work for the poor in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world,” said Holt.

BNP men attack Rajapur Thana 9 cops among many inured

JHALAKATI: At least nine police personnel were injured as opposition BNP activists attacked Rajapur Police Station of the district on Saturday afternoon.
Of the injured, Sub-Inspector Atikur Rahman was admitted to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex and Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam while the rest were given primary treatment.
Witnesses said the leaders and activists of the BNP brought out a protest procession as part of their central programme around 4:00pm.
Police obstructed the procession when it reached in front of Old Jail of the district and the angry activists of the party threw brickbats at the police.

ACC run by its own law: Chairman

DHAKA: Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Ghulam Rahman on Wednesday said the anti-graft body would not conduct its investigation as per the direction of the World Bank (WB).
“All the recommendations placed by WB are not universally acceptable. They used to make unnecessary hue and cry. The ACC runs office as per own law and would never abide by WB,” he said.
The chief of the ACC came up with the observation in last meeting with journalists at ACC office in the capital on Wednesday.

BD-Burma agree on Rohingya repatriation

DHAKA: Bangladesh`s foreign minister says Myanmar has agreed in principle to restart a long-delayed voluntary repatriation program for Muslim refugees living in the country, although he conceded that it may not eventuate.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Shahidul Haque said Myanmar and Bangladesh reached an agreement to resume the program during annual foreign office consultations in Nay Pyi Taw from June 12-17.

Abul to be sued if found guilty

DHAKA: Former Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain will be made accused instantly after found guilty in conspiracy of Padma Bridge graft during further investigation.

Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Gulam Rahman made the commitment in a reply to World Bank report on Padma Bridge.

The ACC reply has been submitted to Finance Minister AMA Muhith.

Nation won’t let GB be snatched away

DHAKA: The Grameen Bank Commission is going to organize a workshop at BIAM Auditorium on 2 July to discuss its recommendations for legal changes to the Grameen Bank structure.

It has been announced that Finance Minister Mr AMA Muhith will deliver his valuable comments about his experience in this regard.

There will be a discussion with experienced and distinguished persons of the country at the workshop, on the eight-page working paper of the commission entitled “The Future Structure of Grameen Bank: Some Options”.

PM to political parties Give assurance, hold programmes

Photo:Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government had no intention to refrain political parties from holding meeting, rally and procession.

“But political parties have to give assurance of observing their programmes peacefully,” she added.

Hasina cleared the government stance in reply to a query of AM Mahbub Uddin Khokan MP in the parliament

Green light for Elevated Expressway

 

 

 

 

  

The construction of the first phase of the much-talked-about Dhaka Elevated Expressway will begin in August this year, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader has said.

It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects being taken up by the present government to ease vehicular movement in the capital Dhaka.
The road will be built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, Quader told reporters on Tuesday at the end of a meeting in the Secretariat on traffic management in the approaching holy month of Ramadan.

Shakib regains top all-rounder spot

Shakib Al Hasan got back his top spot in ODI rankings following Mohammad Hafeez’s disastrous showing in the Champions Trophy.

Shakib had lost his spot to the Pakistan all-rounder in May following his poor performance on Zimbabwe tour.
Shakib is now five points clear of Hafeez and leading the table with 387 points. Shane Watson is in the third position with 372.

Hasan Hafizur Rahman: For the love of language

Hasan Hafizur Rahman was a poet, journalist and critic. He was born in 1932 at his maternal uncle’s residence. His ancestral home was in the village of Kulkandi under Jamalpur district. He completed his Bachelors and Masters in Bangla Language and Literature in 1951 and 1955 respectively from the University of Dhaka.
June 15 marked the 81st birth anniversary of the poet.

Happy Birthday, Ferdausi Majumdar !

Ferdausi Majumdar

Ferdausi Majumdar is nothing short of a stalwart in Bangladesh’s theatre. With countless unforgettable acts in a career spanning five decades, she is still going strong. “Theatre” is celebrating her birthday today by launching a photo album of the artiste’s illustrious career, titled “Ferdausi Majumdar: The Thespian’s Stage”. The Daily Star also caught up with the veteran artiste on the occasion.

BANGLADESHI APPAREL US approves bill for safety accord Garments used by US defence to comply with the accord

This file photo shows female garment workers sewing clothes at a garment factory in Dhaka.

The House of Representatives has approved a defence authorisation bill containing a measure that will require that military-branded garments made in Bangladesh and sold at base retail stores owned by the Department of Defence, known as exchanges, comply with an enforceable fire and building safety accord that will improve conditions in Bangladesh ready-made garment factories.
The amendment was authored by Reps Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill) and George Miller (D-Calif), said a news release of Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) published on June 14.

Elevated expressway work starts in August: Minister

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday the construction of much-talked-about elevated expressway will begin in August.
According to the modified plan, the length of the expressway will be 40 kilometers, the minister told journalists at his ministry after a meeting held on minimising the traffic jam ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.
The construction work of the project would be completed in three phases, reports the Bangla daily Prothom Alo quoting the minister.

JRC meeting postponed

The Joint River Commission meeting in Dhaka slated for June 18-19 has been postponed due to India’s last moment pull-out, officials here said.
“The Indian side has written our [water resources] minister that their minister cannot attend the meeting here due to internal issues,” Sheikh Altaf Ali, senior secretary of the water resources ministry, told The Daily Star.
He said, “It came as a big surprise to us because we were expecting a final list of guests today (Sunday).”

It’s ‘no’ to govt: Fakhrul

This file photo shows BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressing a press conference.

People expressed their no-confidence in the incumbent government through their ballots in Saturday’s city corporation elections, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Sunday.
Referring to the overwhelming victory of the BNP-backed mayoral candidates in all the four cities, he said the people have spoken in favour of BNP’s demand of caretaker government for the next general elections.

It’s govt victory: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the parliament on Sunday. Photo: PID

Terming Saturday’s elections to four city corporations free and fair, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina identified it as “victory of democracy and the government”.
“We proved that election under a political government can be held in a free and fair manner,” Hasina, who heads the ruling Awami League, said at the Jatiya Sangsad Sunday afternoon.
Stating the Election Commission is now enjoying full freedom, she thanked the commission for conducting the city polls perfectly.

WB still with Bangladesh: Zutt

World Bank Country Director Johannes Zutt (L) speaks during a WB media briefing on ‘The FY14 Budget’ at its Dhaka office on Sunday. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Polls need to be fair, transparent: Canadian envoy

She says violence could jeopardise economic achievements of Bangladesh

Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Heather Cruden speaks during a function arranged by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club on Sunday. Photo: Banglar Chokh

Kamal sees change at mayor office Hiron confident about reelection

Shawkat Hossain Hiron (L) and Ahsan Habib Kamal

Ahsan Habib Kamal, BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Barisal City Corporation, said on Saturday that the city voters were casting their ballots in a peaceful and congenial atmosphere.
“Elections are being held in a free, fair and neutral manner,” Kamal told journalists after casting his vote at Barisal Polytechnic Institute centre at about 9:10am.
“Victory will be mine, if voting continues this way,” a confident Kamal said.
Before leaving the polling centre, Kamal and his followers approached the women’s queue, talked to the voters and sought vote from them.

Victory if vote ends peacefully, say both candidates

Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran (L) and Ariful Haque Chowdhury

Both the mayor candidates backed by the Awami League-led 14-party alliance and the BNP-led 18-party combine expressed confidence that they would win the race if the polls ended peacefully.
“I will win the election if it ends like the way it began, peacefully,” 14-party alliance Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran told reporters after casting his vote at Sylhet Govt Pilot Boys High School centre around 9:00am.
Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the 18-party opposition alliance candidate also said the same.
Ariful was speaking to journalists after casting his ballot in the city’s Raynagar Government Primary School around 8:45am.

Both Liton, Bulbul confident about win

Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul (L) and Khairuzzaman Liton

Both the Awami league and the 18-party-backed candidates for Rajshahi city mayor’s office are confident about winning the elections.
“I am fully confident that I will win,” Awami League favourite Khairuzzaman Liton told reporters after casting his vote at Satellite Town High School centre around 9:00am.
He however hinted not accepting a defeat unchallenged.
“If any kind of disaster takes place, we will investigate to find whether neutrality was maintained in the voting process,” the immediate past mayor said.
Earlier around 8:45am, 18-party-backed mayoral candidate Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul reached the same polling centre to cast his vote.

Positive, peaceful start, say AL, BNP candidates

Khulna mayoral candidates Moniruzzaman Mony (L) and Talukdar Abdul Khaleque.

Both Awami League- and BNP-backed mayor aspirants said that voting in the city was taking place peacefully amid a congenial atmosphere.
“Starting is good,” BNP-backed mayor candidate Moniruzzaman Mony said after casting his vote at Alia Kamil Madrasa polling station in the city around 8:30am.
“Till now, it is going on peacefully,” said Talukdar Abdul Khaleque, AL-backed candidate.
He cast his ballot in the city’s Pioneer Secondary Girls High School.
Both the candidates expressed confidence that they would win the election if the election goes on fairly and peacefully.

Voting underway in 4-city polls

DHAKA: With much enthusiasm and unprecedented presence of thousands of voters, voting began in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet city corporations at 8:00am Saturday.
Under tight security measures, voters will cast their ballots till 4:00pm to elect new mayors of city corporations.
Election Commission (EC) took adequate preparation for a free, fair and unbiased voting in the elections.
118 mobile teams and 40 striking forces along with 21 platoons of BGB in four cities and five platoons of Coast Guard personnel in Khulna and Barisal cities have been deployed on the election day.

Today is the last day of campaigning Cities

Dhaka City Corporation elections in the campaign that ended at midnight Thursday. At the end of the respective candidates on behalf of someone in the background - the central leaders. There are four major dalagulora saharei leaders.The next general election, the two poles of the type that has become the center of the two-party politics, the four City Corporation.The City Corporation election day draws are built with the environment selection. Nagarei party or coalition supports all prathidera meet the leaders of the campaign. The city of homes in the area which party to vote for candidates seeking the mayor. The campaign is part of a group of leaders of the respective candidates confident of victory.

Atiur warns Sonali Bank MD

DHAKA: Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman has issued a strict order to Managing Director of state-run Sonali Bank Pradip Kumar Dutta to repay the acknowledged bills of 26 banks.

A competent source in the central bank confirmed the matter to banglanews Thursday.

The source said the state-run bank is yet to repay the thousand crore of money to other banks against the acknowledged bills.

Film & Television Institute Bill passed

FROM JATIYA SHANGSAD: The parliament on Thursday passed the Bangladesh Film and Television (Amendment) Bill-2013 with a view to building research institutes for film and television.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu placed the bill before the parliament and it was passed by voice-vote amid criticisms of opposition.

PM urges police Discharge duties with sincerity

RAJSHAHI: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday categorically said police personnel have to discharge their duties properly through maintaining all legal and professional obligations.

“I hope police force will be a real symbol of the people’s expectation and play a pivotal role in eliminating crimes from the society to materializing the Vision 2021,” she said.

14yr jail for crimes Be careful on FB, Twitter, blogs

DHAKA: Individuals from now on should be careful in posting status, photos and videos on social networking sites including facebook, Twitter and blogs as the government, in its latest move to curb terrorism, has passed the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill-2013.
The amended Act will allow the court to accept videos, still photos and audio clips from social media on internet as evidence.

The present Act surpasses the existing Evidence Act that does not allow for such a kind of material as evidence in a court of law.

2 RMG factories shut amid workers’ unrest

SAVAR, DHAKA: The authorities of two readymade garments on Tuesday shut their factories for indefinite period amid continuous workers’ unrest.
Workers of Fountain Garments Ltd and Indian garment PGCL ltd saw factory closure notices on the gates when came to join work in the morning.

WB says over Padma Bridge B’desh can build it with own fund

DHAKA: World Bank (WB) country director Johannes Zutt said the Bangladesh government can construct the much-talked-about Padma Bridge with its own fund.

He came up with the observation in a meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith at secretariat on Tuesday.

Johannes Zutt said, “We will not involve in financing the Padma Bridge, and obviously, Bangladesh government has its own budget to finance the bridge.”

Anti-Terrorism Bill passed

SANGSAD BHABAN: The parliament on Tuesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill-2013 with some amendments to the existing law aimed at efficiently curbing terrorism through interstate cooperation.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir placed the before the parliament and passed it by voice-vote amid opposition walkout.

BNP gets permission for rally

DHAKA: The government, in the latest move, has permitted opposition BNP to hold rally on Wednesday at Suhrawardy Udyan lifting its restriction on all kind of rallies, meetings and processions.

City BNP convener Abdus Salam confirmed the matter to banglanews on Tuesday afternoon.

On May 19, the government imposed

Padma Bridge graft plot WB submits final probe report

DHAKA: The World Bank handed over to the government its final probe report on the corruption plot in the Padma bridge project.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith received the report from WB Country Director Johannes Zutt at his Secretariat office Tuesday morning.

While talking to journalists, AMA Muhith minister said “I cannot say anything about the contents as I have yet to open it.”

BNP complains to EC

Several BNP MPs have moved Election Commission alleging the ruling party-backed mayoral candidate in Rajshahi has violated the electoral code of conducts by providing gas connections in the metropolis.

Joint Secretary General Mahbubuddin Khokon led seven opposition lawmakers to the Commission. This was the first visit by any BNP leader after the reconstitution of the EC.

He, however, said the visit was not on behalf of his party. They lodged their complaints as elected public representatives, Khokan said.

Reward for info on Aminul murder suspect

The government has announced a reward of Tk 100,000 to anyone who could provide credible information on the whereabouts of a suspect in worker leader Md Aminul Islam’s murder.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs urged the citizens to share with law keepers or nearby police stations if they have any information on one Mostafizur Rahman.

Islam, organiser of Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity (BCWS) and President of a labour union of an Ashulia unit, disappeared on Apr 4 last year. His body was found two days later in Tangail.

Death toll in Iraq bombings rises to 21

DHAKA: Car bombs and a suicide attack tore through food markets in two Iraqi towns north of Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 21 people in unrest apparently caused by militants determined to provoke civil war.

No group claimed responsibility for Monday’s attacks, but officials blame most of the sectarian violence that has killed nearly 2,000 people since April on Sunni Islamist insurgents linked to al Qaeda’s local wing.