Obama becomes first black president in landslide
November 5, 2008
Barack Obama was elected the nation’s first black president today in a historic triumph that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his victory by defeating Republican Sen John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Iowa.
Cyclone leaves trail of devastation: Death toll 15
October 30, 2008
Cyclone Reshmi lashed country’s coast, killing at least 15 people and injuring 200 more and caused damages of crops of 2.8 lakh hectares in southern region.
The storm, spawned by a depression in the Bay of Bengal, struck late Monday, inundating hundreds of villages, levelling several thousand huts and knocking down electricity poles, officials said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
At least 10 bodies were pulled from the rubble of collapsed houses in Barisal district, a hard-hit area 75 miles south of the capital, Dhaka, they said. Another five people drowned in neighbouring Patuakhali district.
Some 200 villagers were injured and many were taken to hospitals, they said.
The officials said rescue workers were trying to reach people with drinking water and food.
Our Barisal Correspondent adds: Different types of crops were fully and partially destroyed and damaged on 2.28 lakhs hectares land worth Tk. 1,000 cores by cyclone Reshmi, in 11 districts under Barisal Agriculture Region.
Barisal Regional Agriculture Extension office sources said field level workers of the department are now busy about assessment of the damages and giving advice to the farmers.
These affected crops include Ropa Aman, Bona Aman, Boro seed beds and winter vegetables.
Cultivation of Aman paddy, the main crop of the southern region, was done on 8.32 lakh hectares, and other varieties of crops on 0.53 laks hectares in 11 districts under Barisal Agricultural region. These districts are Barisal, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna and Bhola, six districts of Barisal division and Faridpur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Rajbari and Madaripur.
Crops on more than 1.79 lakh hactres of land suffered damages with 0.25 lakh hactres fully damaged by cyclone Reshmi in six districts of Barisal division.
Crops on more than 200 hectares of land in the most affected areas situated under Pirojpur and Jhalakati districts were destroyed fully and crops damage on 25,046 hectares of lands.
Cyclone Reshmi affected crops on about 0.24 lakh hectares of land including 0.6 lakh hectares were fully destroyed and .18 lakh hectares were partially damaged out of 1.35 lakhs hectare of cultivated lands in the other five districts of greater Faridpur region.
Ninety percent of the total crops were fully affected in 11 districts by cyclone Reshmi in the Barisal division.
AED officials said a short shower is immediately needed to wash away the sand and mud deposited on some varieties of crops including under blooming Aman and winter vegetables.
At least 160 killed in Pakistan quake
October 29, 2008
A government minister says the death toll from an earthquake in southwestern Pakistan has risen to more than 160.
Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Zamaruk Khan says the government is readying food, shelter and medical care for survivors of Wednesday’s quake.
He says “more than 160″ people have been killed so far.
The US Geological Survey reports that the 6.4-magnitude quake struck two hours before dawn in Baluchistan province bordering Afghanistan. It was a shallow 10 miles below the surface and was centred about 400 miles southwest of the capital, Islamabad.
The death toll was expected to rise as reports arrived from remote areas.
“It will be much more,” Sohail ur Rahman, the top civilian official in one part of Baluchistan, told Dawn News TV station.
Pakistan’s army said it was rushing medical teams on helicopters to villages in the affected areas.
Pakistan is prone to violent seismic upheavals. In October 2005, a magnitude-7.6 quake devastated Kashmir and northern Pakistan, killing about 80,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.
Baluchistan is home to a long-runninground in the fight against Taliban insurgents that plague other border regions.
Source: The Daily Star
CG decides to declare Khaleda, Hasina poll VIP
October 27, 2008
The caretaker government decided to declare Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina as poll VIPs to provide the two former prime ministers with fortified security cover for three months from the day after announcement of schedule for the next parliamentary elections.
The weekly meeting of the advisory council Sunday, with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair, approved a proposal placed by the Cabinet Division proposing that the two former premiers could be declared VIPs for strengthening their security for three months in the run-up to the Jatiya Sangsad election.
Officials said the measure was taken under the Special Security Force (SSF) Ordinance 1986 that provides for unassailable security for the heads of state and government as well as foreign dignitaries.
On 29 Oct 2006, the government in an SRO had provided VIP security to the President, the former Prime Minister, the Chief Adviser of nonparty caretaker government and the Leader of the Opposition for three months.
The present caretaker government continued special security for the former Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader after the stipulated three months in view of the prevailing situation at that time-when there was a fluid political scenario in the country.
Later, on Feb 22, 2007, the order was cancelled.
Advisers and special assistants to the CA attended the meeting.
After the council-of-advisers meeting, CA’s Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim briefed newsmen about the outcome of the meeting.
Source: The Bangladesh Today
India, Pakistan resume Kashmir trade after 60-year halt
October 22, 2008
India and Pakistan began trading between their respective parts of Kashmir for the first time in six decades on Tuesday, raising hopes of a drop in tension in the disputed Himalayan region.
A convoy of 13 trucks carrying mostly apples set off on a historic trip to Pakistani Kashmir from the Indian-zone of the divided state, with 14 trucks with Pakistani goods making the journey in the opposite direction.
“It is a historic day which will surely help the economy of both parts of Kashmir,” said Indian Kashmir’s Governor N.N. Vohra, as he flagged off the convoy from Salamabad, 12 kilometres (seven miles) from the heavily militarised Line of Control. “I hope it will herald peace in the region,” he said. Villagers here cheered and waved at the truck drivers as they steered their vehicles out of a warehouse, as traditional drum-beaters entertained the crowd. The crossing is the first time that vehicles will be allowed to cross Aman Setu or Peace Bridge on the LoC since arch rivals India and Pakistan fought a war over the region in 1947.
Militant violence has fallen sharply since the nuclear-armed states began a peace process in 2004 aimed at settling all outstanding issues including the future of Kashmir, which they both claim in full.
Caretakers will quit Dec 31: Ariff
October 18, 2008
The current caretaker government will call it a day on Dec 31 when “it will end its tenure”, law adviser AF Hassan Ariff said Friday.
“The tenure of this government will come to an end on Dec 31. We will then handover power to an elected government and go back to our respective professions,” the adviser told a relief distribution ceremony for Sidr survivors at Sharankhola upazila in Bagherhat.
He said the Jatiya Sangsad and the upazila elections would be held on the dates announced by the Election Commission.
Sidr-affected people in eight districts will have their homes built under the project, funded by Islamic Development Bank.
The adviser handed over the possession of homes for 120 families at the ceremony.
Besides, cheques for buying seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, agricultural inputs, cattle, fishing boat and fish feed were also distributed among farmers from 12 districts.
Cheques were also handed to 10 women from Khontakata and Rayenda unions in Sharankhola under a non-profit investment programme for small traders. They received Tk 10,000 each in loans.
“The development of the country depended on the development of agriculture. The country has to be made self reliant in food by cultivating every inch of land,” the law adviser said.
The ceremony was presided over by Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd Audit Committee chairman Qazi Harunur Rashid.
Those present included Bagerhat deputy commissioner Arup Chowdhury, police super Awlad Ali Faquir, IDB official in charge of special assistance Dr Mohammad Hasan Salem, IDB Bangladesh representative Md Saifuddin, Bangladesh Islami Solidarity Educational Waqf director general Niaz Khan.
Source: The Bangladesh Today
AL optimistic over polls, hopes BNP will join
October 6, 2008
Awami League acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam was optimistic on Sunday that all obstacles “will be cleared before polls”, and expressed the hope that BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, will participate in the general elections.
Speaking in an interview with bdnews24.com and private television channels, Ashraful said about the Dec 18 polls: “A social contract has been made between the government and people. If elections are not held on time, people won’t accept it. But at the moment, no apprehension is to be sighted about elections on the stipulated date.”
Demanding the lifting of emergency, however, he said: “Government should formulate as many laws as needed to make sure people are able to vote for their handpicked representatives. But in this case, there is no need to continue emergency.”
Whether Hasina’s bail refusal, fresh charges against Khaleda Zia, redemarcation of constituencies, and amendment of the Representation of People Order will produce any bar to the elections, he said: “These won’t stand in the way of polls. All these issues will be cleared before polls.”
Ashraful said he saw no reason why BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, should not go to polls and said he expected the government and BNP to narrow their gap regarding upazila elections.
The AL leader said his party was in full-fledged mode over election preparations.
Party leaders would discuss electoral issues, including registration with the Election Commission, its election manifesto, electioneering, and seat sharing with alliance partners, prior to Hasina’s return, he said. The AL president will give a final decision when she arrives back in the country.
“Before applying for registration, AL’s working committee will sit to amend its constitution,” he added.
Asked when a final decision would be taken on the make-up of the ‘grand alliance’, the general secretary said: “Many people are still out of Dhaka. The Eid holidays have just ended. Many will return to Dhaka after Durga Puja holidays.”
“A few central leaders are also out of the country at present. We will sit in a meeting about the grand alliance when everyone returns.”
“We are continuing our primary election work. The concluding work will be only after Hasina’s return. Many want to join hands in the grand alliance. We will decide following discussions between the present 14-party alliance,” said Ashraf.
Asked whether AL was attaching priority upon the 14 parties in forming the grand alliance, he said: “The 14-party is an ideal alliance. On the other hand, the grand alliance is an electoral one.”
Questioned about former president and Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad sounding a warning about seat allocations in the grand alliance, Ashraful said: “Ershad has not given any ultimatum to us. Only time will say. The decision has to be taken only after discussions with allies on seat sharing.”
Asked what things may be added anew to AL’s election manifesto, he said: “How to create people’s employment in light of present conditions, including education, health, communications, democratisations, how to lessen inflation and keep price of commodities within the reach of commoners, will be added to the manifesto”
The general secretary also said Awami League wants all war criminals be tried under international law, and AL would return to the country’s 1972 Constitution, if given a chance. ” We believe in the Constitution of 1972.”
Asked about Hasina’s homecoming, he said: “She will return this month.”
Source: bdnews24
Pak troops fire on US helicopters
September 27, 2008
AP/UNB, Kabul
Pakistani soldiers fired at American helicopters that were escorting Afghan and US ground troops along the volatile border, sparking a five-minute ground battle between the countries which have been allies in the war on terrorism, officials said.
Attempting to play down Thursday’s incident - the first serious exchange with Pakistani forces acknowledged by the US - Pakistan’s president said only “flares” were fired at foreign helicopters that he said had strayed across the border from Afghanistan into his country.
The five-minute exchange, which could have easily escalated into a much bigger conflict, could heighten tensions at a time the United States is stepping up cross-border operations in a region known as a haven for Taliban and al-Qaida militants. It also came as new Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was in New York meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai was scheduled to meet with US President George W Bush on Friday.
Two American OH-58 reconnaissance helicopters, known as Kiowas, were on a routine patrol in the eastern province of Khost when they received small arms fire from the Pakistani border post, said Tech Sgt Kevin Wallace, a US military spokesman in Bagram. There was no damage to aircraft or crew, officials said. US Central Command spokesman Rear Adm Greg Smith said the helicopters had been escorting US troops and Afghan border police. When the helicopters were fired on, the ground forces fired rounds meant not to hit the Pakistani troops, but “to make certain that they realized they should stop shooting,” Smith said from Centcom headquarters in Florida.
The Pakistani forces fired back during a skirmish that lasted about five minutes. The joint patrol was moving about a mile inside Afghanistan, with the helicopters flying above, Smith said. The Pakistani military disputed the US version, saying its troops fired warning shots when the two helicopters crossed over the border - and that the US helicopters fired back. “When the helicopters passed over our border post and were well within Pakistani territory, own security forces fires anticipatory warning shots. On this, the helicopters returned fire and flew back,” a Pakistani military statement said.
In New York, Zardari said his military fired only “flares” at foreign helicopters that he claimed had strayed across the border from Afghanistan. Zardari said before his meeting with Rice that his forces fired only as a way “to make sure that they know that they crossed the border line.”
Later, in an emotion-charged speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Zardari vowed to continue the fight against terrorists but warned against allied incursions into Pakistan.
“Just as we will not let Pakistan’s territory to be used by terrorists for attacks against our people and our neighbors, we cannot allow our territory and our sovereignty to be violated by our friends,” Zardari said.
“Unilateral actions of great powers should not inflame the passions of allies,” he said.
The Pakistani military said the matter was “being resolved” in consultations between the army and the NATO force in Afghanistan. A NATO statement said the militaries were “working together to resolve the matter.”
The shooting comes amid a string of cross-border incidents, including a raid by American commandos into Pakistan’s tribal areas Sept 3 that angered many in Pakistan, and the apparent crash landing because of possible mechanical failure of a US spy drone this week in Pakistan’s tribal areas.
Source: The Bangladesh Today
WiMAX in sight - 3 private companies get BTRC licences
September 25, 2008
Three companies — BanglaLion Communications, BRAC BDMail Network Ltd and Augere Wireless Broadband Bangladesh Ltd won the Bangladesh Telecommunica-tions Regulatory Commission (BTRC) license to expand advanced WiMAX technology in Bangladesh which already gained popularity worldwide.
A total of nine companies took part in open bidding at a city hotel on Wednesday in the presence of special assistant to the chief Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) MA Malek and BTRC chairman Major Gen. (Retd.) Manzurul Alam.
BanglaLion Communications was the top bidder among nine companies. The bidding for licence acquisition started at Tk 25 crore and the highest bidding was settled at Tk 215 crore for each licence acquisition fee.
“For the first time WiMAX technology is going to be introduced in Bangladesh and is likely to boost rural internet usage, for which people can get access to information through internet connectivity,” MA Malek said.
“All the three companies will be provided licence from BTRC within 5 days and the companies have to go into operation within 6 months,” BTRC chairman Manzurul Alam said. The WiMAX technology is expected to improve and enhance the current internet infrastructure in Bangladesh.
All government and non-government institutions, universities, medical colleges, technological research centers, ministries, educational boards and many other organizations are expected to benefit from WiMAX as it will provide data and telecommunications services, said a high official of BTRC.
“Once the WiMAX network is completely set up in the country, it will be providing a very high-speed broadband internet service to the people. It is likely to open up many possibilities and services like IPTV, online gaming, downloading, video streaming, VoIP and other such facilities within the reach of the common people. It is also expected to boost the ICT sector of Bangladesh since high-speed internet access all over the country will open the door to more call centers and software outsourcing companies, which are primarily based in the capital city of Dhaka, the official said.
WiMAX, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless-broadband-access Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) technology, based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, that provides for the wireless transmission of data in a variety of ways, ranging from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. By virtue of its longer transmission distance, faster broadband access, excellent last-mile connectivity and multimedia communication services, WiMAX has already made its mark on markets worldwide, said a BTRC official.
In view of this, the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) decided to issue three licences for Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) services in 2.3 GHz (two licences) and 2.5 GHz (one licence) spectrum bands as per the regulatory and licensing guidelines for BWA services licence.
The BTRC stated that the duration of the licences will initially be for a term of 15 years. On expiry of the initial term, the licence may be renewed for subsequent terms, each of five years in duration, subject to the approval from the commission and other such conditions, including the payment of fees specified by the commission. The annual licence fee will be Tk 3 crore and the licensee will have to submit a bank guarantee of Tk 15 crore in favour of the BTRC within 15 days from the date of issue of the licence.
The name WiMAX, was created by the WiMAX Forum (http://www.WiMAXforum.org), which was formed, in June 2001 to promote conformity with and interoperability of the standard. The forum has more than 522 members comprising the majority of operators, component and equipment companies in the communications ecosystem, among which, 15 are board members.
The current board members of the WiMAX forum are ZTE Corporation (China), Samsung (South Korea), Aperto Networks (USA), Airspan Networks (UK), Alcatel-Lucent (France), Alvarion (Israel), Fujitsu (Japan), Intel Corporation (USA), KDDI (Japan), British Telecom (UK), KT Corp (South Korea), Sprint Nextel (USA), Motorola (USA), AT&T (USA) and Nokia (Finland).
Source: The Bangladesh Today
Bangladesh comes 10th in 2008 CPI
September 23, 2008
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The annual Corruption Perceptions Index, first released in 1995, is the most well-known of TI’s tools. The CPI ranks 180 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys.
Last year Bangladesh came 7th with a score of 2. In 2006, it was in 3rd position with the same score. Before that from 2001- 2005 Bangladesh had consecutively been in the No 1 spot for 5 years.
In 1996, Bangladesh scored 1.2. It took 10 years for Bangladesh to score 2 where a country that scores 3 is considered to be against corruption.
The Corruption Perceptions Index, prepared under the auspices of the Berlin-based watchdog, ranks countries in terms of the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians.
It focuses on corruption in the public sector and defines corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain. The surveys used in compiling the CPI ask questions that relate to the misuse of public power for private benefit, with a focus, for example, on bribe-taking by public officials in public procurement. The sources do not distinguish between administrative and political corruption or between petty and grand corruption.
It is a composite index, a poll of polls, drawing on corruption-related data in surveys carried out by a variety of institutions, and reflects the views of businesspeople and analysts in the countries evaluated.