BANGLADESH

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has reached Comilla's Chandina with the party's road march to Chittagong.

Supporters of the main opposition party welcomed Khaleda with applauses when she reached Madhaia Freedom Fighters Memorial College ground at 2:30pm on Sunday.

She is scheduled to address a street rally there.

Khaleda left her Gulshan house around 10:15am on Sunday for the party's Naya Paltan headquarters from where the programme began at 10:45am.

The opposition leader is expected to announce fresh anti-government protest plans at a rally in the port city.

The BNP standing committee on Saturday night finalised the party's next course of action in a meeting with the former prime minister.

After the meeting, standing committee member Moudud Ahmed said they set a 'package programme' to push the government.

Khaleda is scheduled to address a rally in Chittagong's Polo Ground on Monday.

Standing committee member A S M Hannan Shah said Sunday, "Of course, the chairperson will announce the programme at the Chittagong rally."

BNP leaders have been saying she will declare end of the road march programme in Chittagong.

They, however, were not keen to disclose the programme before announcement.

Khaleda, during the road march to Rajshahi, indicated that their next programme will be Dhaka blockade.

The BNP chairperson is scheduled to address another street rally in Comilla City later on Sunday, and one at Feni the same afternoon.

The main opposition party had led three marches to Sylhet, Chapainawabganj and Khulna on Oct 10-11, Oct 18-19 and Nov 25-26, respectively.

Ruling ally Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon has bashed the government's actions in the last three years in no small terms.

At a discussion on Saturday he said the three years of Grand Alliance rule has been flooded with corruption and expropriation.

"The common man says the country is on the wrong track. When at the third anniversary we should be celebrating, we're hearing complaints from the people," he said.

"It brings my head down in shame, anger and grief," he said.

"We failed in so many things. We could not bring down the cartels. We were mired in corruption and an economy of exploitation," he said.

"This is not some newspaper poll. Wherever people gather we only hear of frustration and anger," he continued.

He blamed Awami League for the weakened fabric of the Grand Alliance, saying, "The Alliance's unity is now kept in deep freeze. It's impossible to play any effective role in the government."

Menon equally criticised the opposition, which he said was planning to create new anarchy in the country.

"We have already seen rehearsals of that," he added, pointing to the incidents on Dec 18 last year.

He criticised the government's power policy, saying the power rates had been hiked four times last year.

"Who will take the responsibility for the people burdened with rental power plants, all for the sake of raising power output?" he said.

He strongly criticised the failure to implement Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord. In a remark slanted towards the prime minister, he said, "You can make an accord, win peace prizes for that but you cannot implement that accord. Then what is the difference between you and that leader [opposition leader]?"

The parliamentarian said the Alliance had failed to hold on to the mandate given by people.

"The victory achieved by the unity of people has been lost, and we must investigate how," he added.

Waxing value of US dollar against taka has seen a wane in investment for import of capital machineries and raw materials.

Besides, a shrinking taka has also mounted pressure on the central bank's foreign exchange reserve as fuel oil import is costing more.

Economists say the depreciation of taka against dollar will not only push inflation further up and pull investment in industries down, making it difficult to achieve the projected economic growth of seven percent in the current fiscal year, but it will also impact all other sectors.

A dollar was sold at Tk 82 on Jan 4, according to the Bangladesh Bank website.

This time in January last year, a dollar was sold at Tk 70-70.25.

Value of taka has plummeted over 15 percent in the past one year – the highest-ever fall.

The devaluation of taka would previously happen through government announcements. But now, it takes place silently.

"Continuous rise in the value of dollar against taka is one of the major problems in our economy now. Dollar's value is rising almost on daily basis. The rise is not only fuelling inflation but also impacting investment negatively," Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) researcher Zaid Bakht told .

"Entrepreneurs are cutting import of necessary capital machineries and raw materials due to the rising value of dollar against taka. It will cause fall in industrial production and growth, impacting investments and the entire economy," he argued.

"As a result', he said, "The seven percent GDP growth rate set in the budget might not be achieved."

According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, the rate of opening Letters of Credits (LoC) to import machineries necessary to set up industries decreased by 38 percent in the first five months (July-November) of the current fiscal year.

The rate of opening such LoCs increased by 105 percent in the same period last financial year while it increased by only 40.2 percent in the entire financial year.

Import of industrial raw materials rose by 65 percent during July-November last year, but decreased by eight percent in the same period this year.

In 2010-11 fiscal, import of industrial raw materials increased by 47 percent.

As per the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data, the rate of inflation was 10.63 percent in December, and it has been in double digits for the past 10 months.

"The dollar price is growing at an alarming rate. In the recent times, it even grew by a taka a day," said economist Mirza Azizul Islam, former economic advisor to the caretaker government.

"The government was forced to raise fuel prices for this dollar hike. It admitted that in the last circular. Whatever it earned from the first two fuel price hikes, it lost all when taka was depreciated," he added.

Top business body FBCCI has also expressed concern over the depreciation. FBCCI president Abul Kalam Azad raised the issue in the presence of the prime minister during the opening of the International Trade Fair on Jan 1.

"Now the concern is where the value of dollar stops," Bakht told .

"As our economy is based on imports, rise in the value of dollar against taka affects the entire economy," he said.

The government raised prices of all types of fuel once again – fourth time this year – on Dec 29. Ever since, every litre of diesel, octane, petrol, kerosene and furnace oil has been taking an additional Tk 5.

Existing hefty subsidy to the fuel sector, oil price rise in the international market and depreciation of taka against dollar were cited for the latest round of price hike in a government statement.

Asked why the pressure on Bangladesh Bank's foreign exchange reserve is increasing despite fall in import of machineries, foods and industrial raw materials, the BIDS researcher said, "The import cost of fuel oil rose abnormally. So the pressure on foreign exchange reserve is not decreasing."

Asked how value of taka against dollar could be raised, he suggested increasing flow of remittance along with foreign aid.

"The foreign aid stuck in the pipeline will have to be cleared quickly. The foreign exchange reserve will get a boost and value of dollar will also dip," he said.

The central bank's foreign exchange reserve stood at $9.64 billion on Jan 2. The reserve was over $11 billion barely two months ago.

According to the central bank, the total import cost increased by 23.15 percent in July-November while export earnings rose by 17.33 percent and flow of remittance 7.56 percent.

Expatriates have set a new record by remitting around $ 1.15 billion in December. The previous record was $ 1.1 billion, in August last year.

Under pressure at home abroad, the government has reduced the number of "crossfire killings" and taken the route of "undercover killings" in its third year in office to reduce the heat it faces, according to human rights organisation Odhikar.

At least 30 "undercover killings" -- or 'secret killings', according to opposition BNP -- took place last year, Odhikar said in its annual report for 2011.

The report said the state has taken the route of undercover killings "in the wake of national and international demand to stop extrajudicial killings".

The report based its findings on data provided by human rights activists from different districts and media reports, secretary of Odhikar Adilur Rahman Khan said on Saturday.

According to the report, there were 154 reported extrajudicial killings in 2009 after the Awami League-led government took charge. The number decreased to 127 in 2010, and 84 in 2011.

In contrast, abduction and "undercover killings" have increased alarmingly over the last couple of years. While only two such deaths were reported in 2009, the number jumped to 18 in 2010 and at least 30 last year, the report said.

According to Odhikar, deaths in 'crossfire' -- or gunfight between Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or police and 'miscreants' -- decreased in the middle of last year. Almost eerily, the report says, the term "undercover killings" came to vogue and started making top news from that point on.

In most such cases, bodies of victims, allegedly picked up by plain-clothed law enforcers, were found in canals or roadside ditches. Most victims belonged to political parties, especially the BNP.

NOT INVOLVED, CLAIMS GOVT

Both RAB and the police, however, have repeatedly denied their involvement in such incidents.

Asked specifically about the increase of such 'secret killings', home minister Shahara Khatun had recently said that she was unaware of such murders and learnt about them only from media reports.

Refuting allegations that law enforcement officials were involved in these incidents, inspector general of police Hasan Mahmud Khandker claimed these abductions and killings were handiwork of criminals in the guise of law enforcers.

While he had stated that these incidents would be thoroughly investigated, not a single case has till date been resolved.

COPS INVOLVED IN TORTURE: ODHIKAR

"Allegations have been raised against the police over taking accused (persons) into remand and torturing them in the name of interrogation," Odhikar's report stated.

It said though the number of "undercover killings" is lower than that of crossfire deaths, the fact that innocent people being "tortured to death, mainly during remand in custody, is a shameful human rights violation".

"The government needs to urgently address (this issue)," it reiterated.

The organisation also expressed concern over increase in mob lynching.

According to the report, while people are aware of extrajudicial killings and human rights activists are continuously protesting, law enforcers are "encouraging mob violence".

The report mentioned an Aug 7, 2011 footage broadcast by private TV channel 'Shomoy'.

The channel showed how one Shamsuddin Milon, 16, of Noakhali was apprehended purportedly by the police, who then handed him over to the masses at Tekerhat Mor from the police van. The police then allegedly instigated the mob to kill Milon -- he was beaten to death, while the police persons remained mute witness, the report mentioned.

The police took away Milon's body after confirming his death.

The Odhikar report said despite compelling India to compensate for victims killed by its Border Security Force (BSF), "irresponsible statements" from the top level of government showed Bangladesh's "weak foreign policy".

It quoted Shahara Khatun as saying on May 29 about the killing of teen girl Felani on Jan 7: "Felani, who was shot dead by the BSF, was not a Bangladeshi but an Indian. (But) even then the government did a lot for the family of Felani… I personally visited their village home."

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN RISE

According to the report, 251 people were killed in political violence in 2009, 220 in 2010, and 135 last year.

Odhikar found contest over control of tender, extortion and fight over influence in varsity dormitories areas were among the major reasons behind these violence.

It found 711 incidents of rape, 516 dowry-related violence against women, and 672 cases of sexual harassment in 2011. "Lack of police action in providing support to the victim and a weak judicial system create barriers for women seeking justice," the report observed.

Expressing concern over blocking of public gatherings by imposing Section 144 of CrPC, the report said 2011 saw 103 such incidents.

"Complaints have been received that most of these incidents were initiated by the Awami League or its allies. In 2011, meetings have been obstructed across the country through imposition of this section of the law," the report said.

"The events of the last three years, and particularly 2011, proved that the singular ritual of an electoral process to vote for a party to rule…can be fatal to the life, liberty and livelihood of the majority," it said.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has again rejected the opposition's demand to reinstate the caretaker government system and asked the opposition leader to recall the imprisonment four years ago.

"A certain group wants the return of army-backed caretaker government, and the opposition is singing to their tune," Hasina said, addressing a gathering of Chhatra League, the party's student wing, leaders.

"Why do you need a caretaker government? Why dig your own grave?" she asked. "It's not as though (a) caretaker government will cradle you to power -- you might have to go to jail again."

After the state of emergency was announced in 2007, both Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia were imprisoned, with various charges filed against them.

"Those whom the people will never vote to power again want to go there (form government) by using political loopholes," Hasina said. "And the opposition is singing to their tune."

She said all elections held during her government's tenure had been free and fair, and that the return of a caretaker government system would again stop the democratic process.

Saturday's event was organised at Ganabhaban, the prime minister's official residence, to greet Chhatra League on their 64th anniversary.

Hasina also launched the organisation's new website at the event.

Reminding the student leaders that they must give utmost importance to studies, she said: "Money, wealth and glamour can get you nothing. Chhatra League leaders must maintain a 'simple living, high thinking' principle."

The chief election commissioner has said the polls in the newly formed Comilla City Corporation will remain as an example in the electoral history of Bangladesh.

Talking to reporters after voting in the maiden polls in Comilla on Thursday, ATM Shmasul Huda thanked the people for helping conduct the election in a fair and peaceful manner.

He said 70 percent voters have exercised their franchise in the polls.

In the first-ever all-electronic voting machine (EVM) polls on Thursday in the Bangladesh's smallest city corporation, 75.06 percent votes were cast, according to the Election Commission.

Citizens Committee candidate Monirul Haque Sakku, an expelled BNP leader, won a landslide to beoame the first mayor of Comilla with 65,577 votes, while his nearest rival ruling Awami League-backed Afzal Khan got 36,471 votes..

Huda said: "People in great number have gone to vote despite many negative comments against the polls. Use of EVM in 100 percent polling centres has set an example."

Though the Election Commission earlier used EVMs in Chittagong and Narayanganj city polls on a limited scale, this is the first time it has used the electronic devices in all the polling centres.

A total of 169,273 voters cast their votes through EVMs at 421 polling booths of the 65 polling centres from 8am to 4pm and both voters and the contestants expressed their satisfaction with regard to the EVMs.

Before the maiden polls of the Comilla city, EVMs were only used in one ward in Chittagong and in nine wards in Narayanganj polls on an experimental basis.

Afzal Khan and Sakku, who was relieved of BNP post for running the polls, hailed the use of EVMs in all polling centres.

Sakku, however, said the Election Commission should have publicised use of the machines for a longer period.

Asked for comment on the opposition against the use of EVMs, the CEC said: "Many complaints can be heard if a new system is introduced. I'm not blaming anybody for that."

Incidentally, opposition BNP boycotted the election in protest against the EVM use.

Mentioning that the commission has planned use of EVMs in all local government polls, Huda said: "The devices will be used in the ensuing Narsingdi municipal election."

He, however, said use of EVMs in national polls could be decided through discussion since a large political party is against it.

Square Group chairman Samson H Chowdhury was buried on Saturday at his ancestral home at Ataikula in Pabna.

He was laid to rest at the family graveyard after a special prayer at the Ataikula Baptist church at noon.

Chowdhury was taken to his village earlier in the day.
Special prayers for the renowned industrialist were also held on Friday night at the capital's Kakrail Catholic Church.

His remains were kept at Square Hospital mortuary following the prayers.

Chowdhury, one of the country's biggest industrialists, died of old age complications at a hospital in Singapore on Thursday. He was 86.

He was undergoing treatment in Square Hospital and later shifted to the Singapore hospital on Dec 27 last year.

His remains were flown in at Shahjalal International Airport by a Singapore Airlines flight around 9:30pm on Friday.

Chowdhury was born on Feb 25, 1926 at Ataikula village. His father worked as a medical officer at an outdoor dispensary. He also started his business career by pharmacy.

After completing his education in India in 1952, he settled in Ataikula and started a small pharmacy. Later ventured into a partnership to build Square Pharmaceuticals Limited with three friends in 1958.

Through Chowdhury's hard work, Square diversified into toiletries, textile, agriculture products, information technology, health service and media sectors.

Square is now a publicly listed diversified group of companies with more than 28,000 employees. The group's annual turnover is $616 million, according to its website.

Chowdhury was involved with many national and international organisations.
He was a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industries. He was also the former founding vice-president of Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies.

He was the former chairman of Transparency International's Bangladesh chapter from 2004-2007 and of Shahbazpur Tea Estate and Mutual Trust Bank.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the a new round of vaccination campaign on Saturday.

Hasina kicked off the 20th National Vaccination campaign around 10:30am at the Ganabhaban.

This year, around 22 million children below five years across the country would be administered two drops of polio vaccine and one red vitamin-A capsule each under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

Children aged six to 11 months would be given one blue vitamin-A capsule each.

Health workers would give vaccine and vitamin capsules to the children to be left out over next four days visiting houses.

Health minister A F M Ruhul Haque on Friday said that Bangladesh was polio-free for five years – from Aug 22, 2000 until Mar 8, 2006- when a new polio case was found.

He said Bangladesh could not be declared polio-free despite having no polio case, as a polio patient has been found in Burdawn in adjoining West Bengal state of India.

The minister said pneumonia vaccine would be given to the children from 2013 under EPI, which was launched in 1985. He mentioned that around 25,000 children below five years die of pneumonia in Bangladesh every year.

The second phase of the campaign would be observed on Feb 11, when children aged between two and five will be administered one anthelmintic tablet each.

India wants to accord Bangladesh the 'most preferred nation' (MFN) status for giving a boost to cross-border trade activities, an Indian newspaper said on Saturday.

It would also try to ensure capital flows to Bangladesh for business, The Times of India newspaper said, quoting home minister P Chidambaram.

"Both the countries can join hands in making this part of the world a hub of business activities," it quoted Chidambaram as saying.

"Bangladesh is blessed with natural resources, especially natural gas, and India is blessed with entrepreneurs and capital. By joining hands, so much business can be created on both sides of the border," Chidambaram said.

His comment comes amid many Bangladeshi critics and opposition parties saying India just wants to turn Bangladesh into its market giving very little access to the smaller and Muslim-majority neighbour to enter India with its products.

Chidambaram said it was important that businessmen look upon Bangladesh and India as one market where "goods and services can be produced, traded and exchanged".

"That is why we are very keen to gift Bangladesh the most preferred nation status for trade across the border … (so that) trade between the two countries takes place almost tariff free. We should reach out to Bangladesh," Chidambaram added.

Addressing the Northeast Business Summit, he said on Friday since India's economy was many times bigger than the economy of Bangladesh, it was New Delhi's responsibility to give access to goods and services from Dhaka.

"It is India's responsibility to ensure that capital flows from India to Bangladesh to start businesses," he said.

Praising prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the Indian home minister said India today has the best of relationship with Bangladesh, thanks to the vision and statesmanship of the prime minister.

"I want to pay tribute to the vision and statesmanship of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. India and Bangladesh are today closer than ever before. We are perhaps today as close as the day on which Bangladesh was liberated," he said.

BNP has finalised a 'package programme' to oust the government, which will be announced in Chittagong, a senior party leader has said.

BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed told the press after a committee meeting on Saturday that the programme will be announced at a rally in Chittagong scheduled for the second day of the Chittagong road march - Monday.

BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia met the party's policymaking forum, the standing committee, at 8.30pm.

Khaleda will lead BNP's road march to Chittagong that will conclude the opposition party's nationwide march programme. According to schedule, she will announce a new programme for anti-government movement during a rally at Chittagong Polo Ground on Monday.

On Oct 18 at a street rally in Bogra, Khaleda had announced that a march towards Dhaka will be held after the nationwide marches are completed.

She had also warned of a 'final match' to overthrow the government at the end of road march programmes.