JS passes money bill for 2019-20 placed by PM



Senior Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
PM at Parliament Sheikh Hasina, Photo: Collected

PM at Parliament Sheikh Hasina, Photo: Collected

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From Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan: Without giving any hints to withdraw source tax on savings certificate and mentioning anything about Tax Identification Number (TIN) for electricity connection, Money Bill 2019 has been passed in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS). However in money bill for comforts in capital market some amendments were made. In the history of Sangsad the money bill was placed in the JS by the Prime Minister in absence of the sick Finance Minister following the rules of the parliamentary system.

On Saturday night (June 29) in the third session of 11th parliament Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina placed the money bill 2019. The bill was proposed to be publicized for seeking public opinion by some opposition members.

The members who made the proposal included JP MP Fakhrul Imam, Pir Fazlur Rahman, Kazi Firoz Rashid, Rowshan ara Mannan, Mokabbir Khan of Gonoforum, Rumin Farhana of BNP took part in the discussion on their own amendment proposals. Besides, treasury bench members ASM Firoz, Vice-principal Abdus Shahid, Shahiduzzaman Sarkar and Israfil Alam also gave proposals.

Earlier on last June the proposed budget of 2019-20 was placed in the JS. The members taking part on budget discussion seriously criticized the enhancement proposal of the source tax on savings certificate from 5 to 10 percent. Even former Minister Matia Chowdhury told that, ‘The poor and helpless people of the villages are owners of savings certificates, why you have touched it? It is the scheme of Prime Minister. You must amend this proposal.’

Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources speaking on introduction of TIN said that it should be reconsidered. He proposed to make it compulsory for the users of more than 500 units. No such people oriented proposal was accepted. However there is scope to amend by issuing SRO.

After accepting some amendments when the JS leader Prime Minister placed the money bill 2019 for voice vote it was approved by voice vote. At the time the treasury bench members supported the bill by thumping tables.

Prime Minister said that in the proposed budget (money bill) some proposals at the demand of the businesses and the investors in the capital market mainly common people some amendments were accepted. Of these any company will have to pay equal amount of cash dividend which the company paid as stock dividend. If the cash dividend become higher than it shall have to pay tax at the rate of 10 percent for the excess amount. In the proposed budget it was proposed 15 percent.

Besides, any company can transfer the 70 percent of the retain earnings of the neat profit to any sector. The rest 30 percent stock, dividend shall have to pay cash profit. If the company fails to do it will have to pay tax at the rate of 10 percent for transferring of retain earnings and reserve every year.

The tax free ceiling of the profit of small investors be made Taka 50 thousand from 25 thousand.

At local level a number of Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is being introduced. However, the businesses were demanding reduced rate of VAT instead of goods tax. Provisions would be there to pay 15 percent VAT.

To protect the local industry instead of 5 percent VAT on weaving industry it has been approved Taka 4 for each kilogram. For the protection of local industries in the proposed budget a number of proposals were made for reducing- enhancing duty. There was emphasis to protect the production of papers and gas so that it doest not get affected. In the local printing industry some incentives were given and to check misuse of Bond arrangements only the papers which are not produced in the country their duty will be rational. In the proposed budget the duty on import of some goods will be re-fixed.

The proposals of TIN in electricity connection and the proposal of source tax at the rate of 10 percent remained in tact in the money bill which went through as usual.

On last June 13 the budget of Taka 5 lakh 23 thousand 190 crore was placed in the JS by the Finance Minister. During this time 270 members took part in the budget discussion. Lastly the money bill was passed which will get effect from July 1. On Sunday (June 30) the budget will be passed.

   

Today is the first Armed Resistance Day of the liberation war



News Desk, Barta24.com
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Today is March 19. The First Armed Resistance Day of the Great Liberation War. On this day in 1971, on the eve of the Great War of Independence, students from all walks of life of Jaydevpur started armed resistance against the Pak-invading forces. Every year on this day the day is observed through various programs. This year also various programs have been taken to celebrate the day.

A press release of the Nineteenth March Celebration Parishad said that a sculpture was constructed at the intersection of Gazipur in 1972-1973 to immortalize the heroism of March 19. This sculpture named 'Jagrata Chowrangi' is the first sculpture of the Liberation War.

Various organizations and institutions have taken various programs on this occasion. In this, pilgrimages to martyrs' graves, discussion meetings and prayers have been organized.

Armed with the mantra of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic speech on March 7, ``You have to fight the enemy with everything you have,'' before the start of the Great War of Liberation on March 19, 1971, the fearless freedom-loving Bengalis stood for the first time in front of the Pak army in Joydevpur near Dhaka. Thousands of people descended on that front.

On 19 March 1971, a Pakistani regiment led by Brigadier Jahan Jeb from the Dhaka Brigade Headquarters suddenly arrived at Jaidebpur (Gazipur) to disarm the 2nd East Bengal Regiment. As soon as this news came to be known, the angry crowd created a resistance in Joydevpur. When the armed Pakistani army opened fire on the crowd, many were martyred on the spot. This was the first armed resistance in the liberation war.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave a handwritten message on the occasion of the First Armed Resistance Day of Joydevpur on March 19, 1972. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Great Independence, this speech carries special significance. Bangabandhu said in his speech at that time, 'March 19, 1971 is another memorable day in the history of Bangladesh. On that day, when the Pakistan military forces tried to disarm the soldiers of the 2nd Bengal Regiment stationed in the cantonment in Joydevpur, farmers, students and people all created a great resistance under the joint leadership of Awami League, Chhatra League and Sramik League. As a result, three precious lives were lost and many people were injured in the firing by the military.”

In the message, he said, "I had given a call on March 7, just a few days before that, to resist with whatever you have." The people of Joydevpur followed it to the letter. I congratulate them.

He said, 'No great work is done without sacrifice. The self-sacrifice of Hurmat at Niamat, Manu, Khalifa and Chandana intersections in Jaidepur was not in vain. The blood of martyrs is never wasted, so today independent sovereign Bangladesh has been established as a result of the sacrifice of lakhs of martyrs.

Bangabandhu said, "The struggle to liberate the country is over." Today, let us all join shoulder to shoulder in the struggle to build the country.' He ended the speech by saying Joy Bangla.



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MV Jahan Mani’s sailors got release in 99 days, how long this time?



Special Correspondent, Barta24.com
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It has been seven days since the Bangladesh flag ship 'MV Abdullah' was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. There has been no word yet on the ship, which is anchored just off the coast of Somalia. Because so far no communication has been made regarding ransom or demand from the bandits. As a result, there is uncertainty about how soon the release of the hostage sailors is possible. However, news has come out that the Somali police and the international navy are preparing for an operation to rescue the Bangladeshi flagged ship with 23 sailors as hostages.

The hostage-taking vessel MV Abdullah belongs to SR Shipping Limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh's Kabir Group. Almost 14 years ago on December 5, 2010, another ship named MV Jahan Mani owned by the same owner fell into the hands of bandits. The Bangladeshi-flagged ship was ransomed seven days after it was hijacked. And within 40 days the compromise is done. The ship with 25 sailors kidnapped for ransom was released within 99 days. But even after seven days, the bandits are still 'silent'. Therefore, the worries of the family members of the sailors are not diminishing.

Somali pirates took control of the ship on its way from Maputo port in Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates last Tuesday at 1.30 pm Bangladesh time. The ship has 55 thousand tons of coal. All 23 sailors on board are Bangladeshis. Later last Thursday, the pirates took the ship to their coast. However, after that the ship was diverted twice by the bandits. The ship is now about 4 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia's Godabjiran.

Usually the pirates demand ransom after taking the sailors and ships into their controlled area. Five days have passed since the Bangladeshi hostage ship was taken off the coast of pirate-controlled Somalia. But so far no contact has been made by the bandits.

When asked about the latest situation, Mizanul Islam, Media Advisor of Kabir Group, the owner of the hostage ship, told Barta24.com on Monday night, "Our owners are in regular contact with the sailors of the hostage ship. All sailors are healthy. The ship is also in its previous position. But the bandits have not contacted me yet.'

Why still silent bandits:

Talking to ship owners and people related to the ship, it is believed that there could be several reasons why the pirates are still silent. One of them is that the bandits have not yet been able to settle down. Even after taking to their own shores, the ship is being repeatedly removed. It may also be that the bandit group that took the hostages is a smaller group. They may hand over sailors to a larger bandit group. It may also take time to negotiate. Again, two warships of the Indian Navy and the European Union (EU) Maritime Security Force chased the Bangladeshi sailors. At one point, warships from both the European and Indian navies tried to stop Somali pirates while advancing off the coast of Somalia. They also fired on the surrounding water. In the meantime, the Indian Navy rescued the Malta-flagged ship MB Rouen after a 40-hour rescue operation last Saturday. At this time 17 sailors were rescued unharmed. All 35 pirates on board surrendered. Even in such a situation, the bandits may have fear, so they may take more time to observe the situation.

An official of the owner of the ship told Barta24.com without revealing his name, "In the past, the pirates did not get any pressure from their own country." This time the situation is different. The Somali government is also embarrassed by the bandits due to international pressure. They have also now tried to catch the bandits.'

The role of police in Somalia's Puntland region is similar to this official's statement.

In a report on Monday (March 18), the news agency Reuters reported that the Somali police along with the international navy are preparing to conduct an operation to rescue the sailors of the MV Abdullah.

Earlier, on December 12, 2010, seven days after the same owner's ship MV Mani was captured by pirates, the pirates first contacted the ship owner and demanded a ransom of 90 lakh US dollars. However, the final agreement was reached on February 23 of the same year. After receiving the ransom, the pirates were supposed to leave the ship by 6:30 pm on March 13. But the pirates were not leaving the ship. The next day, however, the bandits got off the ship. Then the ship returned with the sailors.

However, the amount of ransom paid by any organization was kept secret for strategic reasons. Now whether the sailors will be freed through compromise, or in the raid - the families of 23 sailors are looking at that. 

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Vijay Express accident: Rail bending in summer or something else?



Ariful Islam Mithu, Senior Correspondent, Barta24.com
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The derailment of nine coaches of the Vijay Express is yet another indication of the dilapidated condition of the railways across the country. Nine coaches of the Vijay Express train derailed at Nangalkot in Cumilla on Sunday (March 17). About 30 passengers of the train were injured in the accident.

Hasanpur Railway Station Master Mangu Marma immediately said that the accident occurred due to the bending of the railway line in summer. However, immediately after the accident, the railway authorities formed two separate committees to investigate the actual cause of the accident.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Civil Engineering Department Professor Hadiuzzaman said that he does not think that the accident happened due to the bending of the railway line in summer.

Prof. Hadiuzzaman said, when the accident happened, I was observing the situation and saw that the temperature in Cumilla was around 30-32 degree Celsius. I don't think the accident was caused by the bending of the railway line.

He said, if the ambient temperature is 32 degrees Celsius, then the temperature of the railway line can be at most 10 degrees Celsius higher because the railway line absorbs heat. If the rail bends with this amount of heat, then it is a concern because, summer has not yet started and it will get hotter in the coming months. In that case, the railway authorities may have to stop the train.

He also said that the reason behind the accident could be the breakage of the hook, with which the rest of the coaches are attached to the locomotive because if the railway line is bent due to heat, the engine of the train is also supposed to derail. The engine of the train was not derailed. It is reported that people nearby heard loud noises. Maybe the sound is from the collision of the engines with the bogies.

Professor Hadiuzzaman also said that about 500 meters of railway line was uprooted in the accident. As a result, it is now very difficult to tell whether the railway line is bent or not.

Wavy lines and derailments

He said that 70 percent of the railway accidents are due to derailment. According to the data book of Bangladesh Railway, accidents have decreased in the last 10 years. In 2008-2009, there were 7 collisions, 408 derailments and 34 disruptions of trains.

On the other hand, in 2019-20, the number of clashes was one. The number of derailments was 72 and stalled trains stood at 7. A total of 80 accidents occurred in that year.

Moreover, according to Bangladesh Railway's own feasibility study, 63 percent of the nearly 3,000 kilometers of old railway lines across the country are at risk.

Prof. Hadiuzzaman said the railways are very keen on taking up new projects but they seem to be neglecting the old ones, which require maintenance.

Not only in Bangladesh, are railway lines in hot regions all over the world prone to buckling in hot weather. Buckling is also seen in railway lines in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Buckling occurs on railway lines in neighboring India. But these countries take various measures to reduce the problem.

To reduce the heat of the railway line, the railway line is painted white. Adding white color to the railway line reduces the heat a lot. In India, sometimes they also use wet blankets on railway lines to reduce the heat.

Prof. Hadiuzzaman said, Bangladesh Railway should find and monitor heat-prone areas. It can place thermal sensors along rail lines. Many countries around the world use thermal sensors, which will alert officials about the temperature of railway lines. After that, the railway officials will take measures accordingly to reduce the temperature of the railway line.

Prof. Hadiuzzaman said, the maintenance of the old railway lines must be done, otherwise the number of derailments will increase in the coming years. He thinks that railways may need to invest about Tk. 10 thousand crore to fix the old railway lines. It is not much money compared to the projects that are in railways.

Several officials of the railways, who did not want to reveal their names, agreed with the words of Prof. Hadiuzzaman. They feel that the accident of Vijay Express is not the temperature and buckling of the railway line. Because something else.

Now that the summer heat has not built up enough to bend the railway line, I think some other reason for the accident, said a railway employee who is often on duty in rescue trains after accidents.

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JU Proctor Firoz-ul-Hasan resigned in the face of the agitation



JU Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
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Jahangirnagar University proctor ASM Feroze-ul-Hasan has resigned in the face of teachers and students' agitation. He is an Associate Professor in the University's Department of Government and Politics.

This information was informed in an office order signed by Registrar Abu Hasan on Monday (March 18).

It is said in the office order, the proctor of Jahangirnagar University A. S. M. Feroze-ul-Hasan's resignation was accepted in pursuance of his written request.

Earlier, Associate Professor Feroze was accused of forcing the victim woman to write a letter of acquittal to save Mahmudur Rahman Jani, a newly expelled teacher of the University and recently neglecting responsibility in the rape of a housewife in the campus, covering up a criminal incident in the campus.

Meanwhile, the teachers-students protesting under the banner of anti-oppression platform have expressed their satisfaction with the resignation of the former proctor for a long time demanding the resignation of the proctor.

Alif Mahmood, a student of the 47th batch of English department among the protestors, said that the resignation of the proctor proved that there is no place for the rapist's helper in Jahangirnagar University. The removal of Feroze ul Hasan, the mastermind behind making the university into a crime zone, will help the University to run its activities normally. We demand that he be investigated and punished. So that in the future no one in any administrative position would have the slightest courage to do such a misadventure.

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