Himu's Window

  Published On: 2008-06-21   Eminent jurist and Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday called for national unity to build a terrorism-free country and face national challenges. "Unity is the answer to all questions. If we want democracy, student politics without terrorism, an accountable government, rule of law and equal rights for all, unity among citizens is a must", said Dr Kamal, also convener of Jatiay Oikya Mancha (JOM), while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at a local restaurant in Rajshahi. "People of the country have never tolerated anarchy. They sacrificed their lives for a honourable life. Although we drove out colonial rulers long ago, we are yet to be freed from disparity," he said. In history, no party could always remain at top. Muslim League was a major political party but it suffered huge defeat in the elections in 1954, Dr Kamal said. "Those who go to the parliament should keep in mind that people are the

A Rajshahi court yesterday sentenced six militants of Jama'atul Mujahideen, Bangladesh (JMB) to life terms in jail for the murder of a rickshaw-puller during the serial blasts of August 17, 2005 in Chapainawabganj district. Rajshahi speedy trial tribunal Judge ATM Mesbauddoula convicted them for murder and sedition charges under Sections 302 and 120 (B) of Bangladesh Penal Code. The judge also fined each convict Tk 10,000, in default of which they are to spend one more year of imprisonment. Convicted Shahidullah Faruk Selim, Abul Kashem Tufan, Shakhawat Hossain Ziad and Hafez Ali Akbor Riaz were produced present on the court dock during the delivery of the verdict. The other two convicts, Shafiullah Shahid and Hafijur Rahman Dalim, are absconding. JMB militants orchestrated around 500 synchronised blasts across in all districts of the country but one, with a call for an Islamists' Jihad on August 17 of 2005. In Chapainawabganj, the blasts rocked Biswaroad crossing

Around 40 top tier leaders of different outlawed outfits from 10 southwestern districts are still at large despite all-out efforts to trap them in last several years. Sources say these outlaws are still active and involved in various crimes, mostly extortion and murder, in the 10 districts. They say the leaders are also trying to reorganise their own outfits and gangs to increase strength before the local government and national elections. The outlaw leaders are also trying to recruit new cadres and allegedly maintaining close contact with some top political leaders including former lawmakers. The sources say these political leaders had earlier used outlaws to manipulate polls and establish supremacy in the districts of Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenidah, Magura, Jessore, Narail, Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira. Of the top criminals, all are from outlawed parties except four gang leaders. The outlawed parties are four factions of Purba Banglar Communist Party -- (PBCP-ML

Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is constructing a bridge on the Shibu River at Tanore upazila, Rajshahi at a cost of about Tk 4 crore without building any approach road on either side. LGED officials said the 210-metre bridge was designed during the BNP-Jamaat rule as the then prime minister pledged the construction of a 10-km road between Soipara of Mohonpur upazila and Gollapara of Tanore upazila. The Daily Star conducted a spot visit recently when columns of the under-construction bridge were seen in the middle of the 1.5-km-wide river. The bridge has no road link between Gollapara Bazar, one km from the bridge, and the road to Soipara which is 1.5-km away. Also the LGED does not own land around the bridge to be able to construct approach road. "The bridge is urgently needed for boosting local business and other convenience but without proper roads it will be nothing but waste of money," said Sukumar Roy, a local fish trader who was seen crossing the river o