2
DHAKA TRIBUNE
News
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Shinzo Abe discusses issues with Khaleda and Rawshan Al-Masum Molla and n Mohammad Manik Miazee Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe `and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia agreed yesterday that a democratic political system was essential for the socio-economic development of the country, a top BNP leader said. “Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Khaleda Zia agreed that a democratic system, human rights and the rule of law were essential for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh,” said Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, vice-chairman of the party. The Japanese prime minister, in Dhaka on a two-day visit, met for 30-minutes with the BNP chairperson at a city hotel. “The Japanese government knows that in the January 5 election, large polit-
ical parties did not participate. He [Abe] hoped for an acceptable solution through talks which would be accepted by the Bangladeshi people and the international community,” Mobin said with reference to Abe’s remarks at the meeting. BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Vice-Chairman M Morshed Khan, and advisers to the BNP chairperson, Reaz Rahman and Sabihuddin Ahmed, were also present at the meeting.
Talks with Rawshan
At a meeting with Leader of the Opposition in parliament Rawshan Ershad the Japanese prime minister discussed economic relations between the two countries. The senior Jatiya Party leader called upon Abe to continue his country’s support in developing the country’s econo-
my, particularly in the RMG sector and in improving maternal and child healthcare, Rawshan’s Political Secretary Ghulam Mochi told the Dhaka Tribune. Rawshan asked the Japanese premier to import knitwear from Bangladesh to bolster the relationship between the two countries. In response, Abe said Japan would look into the matter. The two leaders held the hour-long meeting at a city hotel. On Rawshan’s request to increase support for maternal and child healthcare, Abe said Japan would fortify its cooperation in the field at the end of the year and construct hospitals to provide health services. Rawshan thanked Abe for Japan’s continuous support for the development of the country since its independence in 1971. l
The streets of Dhaka festooned with flags of Bangladesh and Japan, and posters of the two leaders yesterday
Retrial in Felani murder likely this month Eight students sued for n chead in DU exam Tribune Report
The Indian government is likely to hold a fresh trial soon in the murder of Felani Khatun, a teenager who was shot dead by the Border Security Force of India on January 7, 2011 for crossing the border without valid documents. The trial is likely to commence this month as the Indian authorities through an invitation in late August had asked the BSF whether Felani’s father and maternal uncle could be produced before court for deposition. After the verdict of a special court acquitting the lone accused last year, the BSF headquarters said they were not happy with the trial and announced retrial. However, no date was set. During the DG-level meeting in Delhi last month, the BSF authorities told the Border Guard Bangladesh delegation that they were further investigating the incident. “Following Indian invitation, we gave them names of four persons and they have approved the list. The trial is likely to begin on any day this month,” Kurigram public prosecutor Abraham Linkon told the Dhaka Tribune.
Pandit Ramkanai cremated n BSS Folk and classical music maestro Pandit Ramkanai Das was cremated yesterday at his village Perua under Derai upazila of Sunmganj. “He was cremated around 5 pm in our village crematorium,” said Chandan Das, his nephew and local UP member. His body was kept at Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar and Derai Shaheed Minar for all to pay their last respect to the legendary singer. An Ekushey Padak recipient, Ramkanai breathed his last at the capital’s Metropolitan Hospital on Friday night. l
AK Khandakar revises his book PAGE 1 COLUMN 1
Khandaker also thanked Prof Anisuzzaman for identifying another mistake. “I mistakenly mentioned ‘MLA’ instead of ‘MPA,’” he wrote welcoming more suggestions from the readers. Soon after launching of the book, senior lawmakers in parliament, mainly from the ruling Awami League, criticised the former planning minister for distorting facts. They also demanded ban on the book and bringing sedition charges against him. The book also criticises the role of Awami League leadership during the war saying that the political leadership had failed to play its due role because of their clashes and lack of visionary thoughts. However, the BNP says the book is a true document against the Awami League’s long-drawn false campaign. Meanwhile, Sector Commanders Forum and Liberation War ‘71 yesterday expressed deep concern over the book. In a joint statement yesterday, they said Forum chairman had presented “misleading” information in his book in many ways on the declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, 1971. “His such misleading information is unfortunate and also baseless,” the statement said. The Forum also claimed that this book might be used by miscreants at home and abroad as a new weapon to “mislead” the people. They demanded immediate modification and revision of the book. l
The four are Linkon, Felani’s father Nurul Islam, her maternal uncle Abu Hanif and BGB 45 battalion Commanding Officer Mozammel Hossain Akand. “We already applied online today [Saturday] and will appear before the Indian High Commission office physically tomorrow [Sunday] for finalising the visa procedures,” he said yesterday.
During the DG-level meeting in Delhi last month, the BSF authorities told the Border Guard Bangladesh delegation that they were further investigating the incident Felani’s father Nurul Islam said they were informed that there would be a fresh trial, but were yet to know about the date. Felani was shot dead by the BSF at Anantapur border point in Kurigram’s Phulbarhi upazila while she was trying
to climb over the barbed wire fence. She was on her way to Bangladesh with her father from Delhi where she used to work as a doemstic help. When her clothes entangled in the barbed wire, the BSF fired at her. Her body was left there for several hours. A photo showing Felani hanging from the fence was widely circulated by the media, sparking protests among people and prompting international rights groups to demand justice. Amidst protest and criticism, the BSF probed the incident and found one of its members to be involved. On September 5 last year, the General Security Forces Court of the Indian BSF in West Bengal acquitted 181 battalion Constable Amiya Ghosh, the self-confessed killer, because of “inconclusive and insufficient” evidence against him, the court said in its verdict. Confirming the matter, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are informed about it. The government is taking necessary preparations. A team from Bangladesh will be there for deposition.” l
n DU Correspondent The Dhaka University authorities have filed cases against eight students for allegedly cheating in examination halls during the “C” (Ga) unit admission exam on Friday. Chief Security Officer Kamrul Ahsan filed the cases with New Market and Lalbagh police stations, acting proctor Amzad Ali told the Dhaka Tribune. The accused – Ahadur Rahman, Mehadi Hasan Sumon, Ershad Kabir Khan, Nurul Bashar Payel, Ariful Islam, Sanjana Binte Bashir and Faisal Kabir – were caught during the exam with mobile
New OC for Khilgaon n Tribune Report The DMP authorities yesterday appointed Mustafizur Rahman as the new officer-in-charge of Khilgaon police. The former OC, Sirajul Islam Sheikh,
Simpler access key to tapping Japanese investment PAGE 1 COLUMN 6
Abe, who arrived in Dhaka yesterday for a two-day visit to Bangladesh, delivered his speech at the meeting, which was also attended by a number of ministers and high officials from the two countries. The Dhaka Tribune talked to some businessmen, who were present at the meeting, over phone. Mir Nasir Hossain said Japan is keen to invest here, which was a positive sign. To retain their investment, the government needed to step up efforts to remove some hurdles, including land problem and infrastructure bottlenecks, he said. He said Japan was looking for businesses opportunities in Bangladesh, mainly in the fields of infrastructure development and power generation. “I think they also want to relocate some industries here in the economic zones.” Another ex-FBCCI president Annisul Huq said the Japanese prime minister, accompanied by a big business team, had come in Bangladesh, which was a
big boost. The Japanese premier clearly said they wanted to invest in transport, infrastructure, power and energy and garment sectors, mainly to increase bilateral trade with Bangladesh, he said. In accordance with a joint statement signed by Abe and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, he stressed the need for improving services rendered by Bangladesh’s foreign investment regulatory authorities and making serious effort to ensure stable supply of primary energy and power to the industries. In an instant response, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed relevant authorities to address these issues as soon as possible. “This is positive deliberation, but we have to set the smooth and hassle-free business environment first for wooing investment,” said Annisul Huq. “The Japanese are mostly interested to invest in infrastructure which is a crying need for Bangladesh right at this moment.” He said apart from infrastructure,
phones allegedly containing SMS relating to the exam. Sagor Hossain was caught by on-duty teachers when he tried to flee the exam hall, leaving his papers and certificates. Ariful Islam, Faisal Kabir and Sanjana Binte Bashir, daughter of a Supreme Court judge, were released. The acting proctor said: “Being a female student Sanjana was released, but we do not know yet how the other two got released.” Cases would also be filed against a fraud gang, who were caught at Azimpur with electronic devices to help students cheat in the exam, he added. l
the Japanese mission cited various concerns related to banking and customs. Dhaka Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Mohammad Shahjahan Khan said the Japanese were here to explore business opportunities and to see the business environment. The delegation has put importance on power generation and infrastructure development, he said. “Geographically, Bangladesh is an important business spot to the businesses of Japan as they can grab the South Asian market by setting up industries here availing low cost labour,” he said. He said in the meeting, there were no specific topic in the discussion but they had talked overall business and its prospects in Bangladesh. Speaking at the Forum, Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman assured the Japanese investors to provide allout support to facilitate their business activities in Bangladesh, the central bank said in a statement. “From the central bank, I promise wholehearted proactive collaboration
was withdrawn for his negligence in duty hat led to the death of a youth and injuries to his father on Thursday. A group of muggers shot them and looted Tk48 lakh from them in Tilpa Para area in Khilgaon. l
with the BoI, the Prime Minister’s Office and other government authorities towards further facilitation and support for Japanese investments in Bangladesh, addressing and resolving issues promptly as they arise,” he said. Earlier, the Japanese investment promotion body had asked Bangladesh to bring all the agencies, which deal with foreign investors, under the umbrella of the Board of Investment (BoI) so that they could start business quickly without facing any hassle. Bangladesh also plans to allocate 500 acres of land for a special economic zone for Japanese investors. Moreover, 40 plots and two factory buildings have already been designated for them in the five existing Export Processing Zones. To facilitate the investment, Japan government has earlier indicated that it would provide loan facilities to local entrepreneurs entering into joint ventures with Japanese investors, and for the infrastructure development of the special economic zone to be designated for Japan. l
SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN
RAB member attempts suicide, another held PAGE 1 COLUMN 3
Bala in connection with the case. Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Narayanganj Superintendent of Police Khandkar Mohid Uddin said the law enforcers arrested Purnendu after gathering concrete evidence against him in connection with the seven murders. SP Mohid, however, declined to disclose from where Purnendu was arrested. “So far, we have arrested around 22 people regarding the murder,” he added. Following the arrest, police placed him before a court and filed a 10-day remand petition. However, the court of Senior Judicial Magistrate of Narayanganj Saiduzzaman Sharif granted the police eight days to grill Purnendu. Meanwhile, RAB 11 Commanding Officer Anowar Latif Khan said: “The investigation officer of the seven murder case asked us to give Purnendu for interrogation and we handed him over to the police.” With the arrest of Purnendu, 10 RAB members have been so far arrested regarding the Narayanganj seven murders. Currently, 15 people, including the previously arrested three senior RAB officials, are behind the bars, while six more members of RAB 11 have given confessional statements in court as witnesses to the abduction and killing. Sources said the investigators have found clues regarding direct or indirect involvement of at least 35 people, including around 23-29 RAB members, with the murders. So far, the name of a top RAB official came up from the statements of the sacked RAB officials – Lt Col Tareq Sayed Mohammad, Maj Arif Hossain and MM Rana. However, the involvement of the respective RAB official is yet to be confirmed by the investigators. On April 27, Narayanganj City Corporation panel mayor Nazrul Islam and noted lawyer Chandan Sarker, along with five others, were abducted from the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road. Their bodies were found floating in the Shitalakkhya River two days later. Selina Islam Beauty, wife of Nazrul, filed a case in this regard while Chandan’s son-in-law Dr Bijoy Kumar Pal filed another case with Fatullah model police station. l
New dimension in Dhaka-Tokyo ties, focus on Bay of Bengal growth belt PAGE 1 COLUMN 5
“Japan will try further for strengthening investment, trade and other economic ties,” he said. The visiting Japanese premier was accompanied by a 50-strong contingent of business leaders including top executives of Japanese majors Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Toshiba and a number of top companies.
UN Security Council candidature
The Japanese prime minister expressed his deep gratitude to Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw its candidature for the UN Security Council non-permanent member seat for the term 2016-17 and to support Japan’s bid for the position. “Thank you very much,” he said. The Bangladesh prime minister said Japan provided strong support during its War of Liberation and in its development process after independence. Japan was the first developed country to recognise the newly independent state in February 1972. She said: “Bangladesh would support Japan’s candidature from the Asia Pacific Group for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2016-17.
BIG-B initiative
The two prime ministers lauded the joint initiative of the BIG-B scheme and recalled the need for strengthening collaboration and cooperation in project formulation and implementation through policy dialogue, said a joint statement issued by the two countries. They also shared the expectation that the BIG-B initiative, with maximum use of Japan’s advanced technologies, such as high efficient coal-fired power generation, would contribute to the mutual benefit and prosperity of both countries. The BIG-B initiative has three pillars – developing economic infrastructure, improving investment environment, and fostering connectivity.
Political relations
Bangladesh and Japan has developed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership, working closely to foster greater regional cooperation for socio-economic development, peace and stability in South Asia, said the joint statement. “The two prime ministers shared the view on the importance of promoting democratic principles globally,” the document said. Abe reaffirmed that Japan would remain a trusted friend and partner of
Bangladesh.
Economic cooperation
The Japanese prime minister in official talks said that relevant ministries started reviewing the existing rules of origin of Japanese General System of Preferences (GSP) scheme for knitwear products. Shinzo Abe in official talks emphasised that location, competitive incentives, improvement of infrastructure and labour supply were critical factors for special economic zones for Japanese investors. He urged the Bangladesh side to improve services rendered by Bangladesh’s foreign investment regulatory authorities and make serious effort to ensure stable supply of primary energy and power to the industries. Hasina directed relevant authorities to address these issues as soon as possible. The two prime ministers shared their intention to carry out cooperation in the areas of transport network improvement, stable power supply, urban development, and private sector development.
Blue Economy
The two prime ministers have expressed their intention to work together for promoting the Blue Economy.They
shared their views that marine resources should be utilised in a sustainable manner based on scientific evidence. Bangladesh, after resolving maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar, has adopted the Blue Economy outlook to tap ocean resources in the Bay of Bengal.
Peace and Security
Prime Minister Hasina said her government maintains a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to all forms of terrorism, financing of terrorism and violent extremism. She expressed her intention to add further depth and dimension to Bangladesh’s cooperation with Japan to combat the scourge of terrorism and financing of terrorism as well as to work on future cooperation about transnational crime issues. Prime Minister Abe appreciated Bangladesh’s hosting of a large number of refugees from Myanmar over a long period. He expressed his expectations for further progress of dialogue between the two countries, while expressing Japan’s willingness of continuing support to Bangladesh in keeping with the spirit of international burden sharing.
Abe’s itinerary in Dhaka
Abe visited the Savar National Memorial Monument and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. He also attended the Bangladesh-Japan Business Forum organised by the Japan External Trade Organization, the Board of Investment and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, at a city hotel. He has called on President Abdul Hamid, BNP chief Khaleda Zia and leader of the opposition Rawshan Ershad. He is scheduled to visit Dhaka University today. l
A goodwill gesture PAGE 1 COLUMN 3
Dhaka was elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council twice – in 1979-80 and 1999-2000 – with overwhelming support from its friends. For the 1979-80 term, Bangladesh defeated Japan when Tokyo was also an aspirant for the non-permanent membership. Bangladesh in 2002 expressed desire to become the UNSC non-permanent member for 2016-17 term while Japan launched its candidature for the same term from the Asia-Pacific Group in 2011. l