Cyclone rips through coastal region: 11 killed

The cyclonic storm Reshmi ripped through southern and southeastern parts of the country in the early hours of yesterday leaving at least 11 people killed, many fishermen missing and hundreds of mud houses damaged.
The tropical storm attaining a speed of 50 mile per hour lashed the Khulna-Barisal region damaging crops on vast areas of land, uprooting numerous trees, electrical and telephone poles, officials said.
Offshore islands and coastal areas were swept by a tidal surge of up to two meters above normal, but details of casualties were yet to be available.
A woman named Hazera Begum (58) of Char Kukrimukri union and a minor girl named Rupa Begum (7) of Doulot Khan were killed by house collapse in Bhola.
About 2,000 mud houses were destroyed while many fishing trawlers with fishermen missing, district administration said on the basis of its preliminary estimate.
Three other persons died in Barisal and Shariatpur.
Officials said thousands of people were evacuated to shelters after the authorities issued storm warning.
"The storm turned into a land depression and started weakening gradually," a senior official of the Meteorological Department said.
An international cricket test match, scheduled to be held in the capital yesterday, was abandoned for the third consecutive day due to rain.
In Bagerhat, some 5,000 thatched houses were damaged and 15 fishing trawlers capsized in the Bay leaving more than 50 fishermen missing.
Acting Chairman of Mongla Sea Port Lutfor Rahman said loading and unloading of goods from cargo ships came to a halt since Sunday morning.
Moving northeast, Reshmi weakened into a land depression over Faridpur, Madaripur, Chandpur, Dhaka and adjoining areas heading further inland, weather office said in a special bulletin.
The storm began crossing the coast near Patharghata with wind speed of 60-80km/h, in the early hours of Monday. Mongla seaport and adjoining coastal areas were advised to hoist danger signal 7 in an early morning weather bulletin. As the storm weakened, moving inland, they were advised to lower the danger signal and hoist local cautionary signal 3.
Chittagong and Cox's Bazar seaports were also advised to lower their earlier danger signal 6, and hoist cautionary signal 3. Chittagong port resumed operations from Monday morning.
Patuakahli witnessed driving rain with cold wind. Ferry movement on all inland routes was cancelled. As many as 6,000 houses were damaged at several upazilas and a number of fishermen were missing. Many people were seen heading toward cyclone centres.
In Barisal, strong winds caused damage to homes, and the bodies of two storm victims were recovered Monday morning. Thousands took cover in cyclone shelters overnight. The storm damaged 30 percent Aman crops in the district, according to an agriculture official.
Shariatpur correspondent confirmed one person dead and many people injured after the cyclone hit on Monday morning. Some 80 percent crops were damaged during the time, officials said.
Reporters from Chittagong said authorities allowed ship movement in the port after the danger signal was lowered to local cautionary signal 3. The district was experiencing sporadic rain since morning.
Munshiganj correspondent said ferry movement remained halted for 11 hours, and resuming from 11 am on Monday.
Chandpur and Khulna correspondents said thousands of homes and trees were damaged by the storm.
Our Barisal Correspondent adds: Mushfiq Ahmed Shamim, deputy commissioner of Barisal, said district administration sanctioned emergency food relief of five tons for each of the five affected upazilas of the district.
Divisional Commissioner and Agriculture extension department officials of Barisal region said the cyclone and rainfall would damage 30% Aman crop in severely affected areas and may increase if water logging continues for some days on the fields. Seedlings of winter vegetables at some places in the region would be affected, according to them.
Intense publicity by the personnel of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme and Barisal Red Crescent Society succeeded in motivating a large number of people this time to seek refuge in cyclone shelter much ahead of the impending cyclone, locals said.
According to our Chittagong Correspondent: Though the cyclone passed over southwestern coast by morning yesterday its influence lasted in the port city and its adjacent areas until the sunset.
Light to moderate showers accompanied with gusty and squally wind continued in the region for whole day with a number of pauses.
Local weather office recorded 82.3 mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours ended 6:00 p.m. yesterday. The weathermen also predicted dull and wet weather for today.
Normal life was disrupted to a large extent following stormy wind coupled with heavy shower. Majority of the city's educational institutes could not function while trade and commerce suffered an extremely dull day because of inclement weather.
Some of the city's low lying areas experienced flash flood mainly because of the high tides under the influence of the storm and the heavy rainfall.
Seedlings of the winter vegetables mainly at the green bowls - Hathazari, Nazirhat, Dohazari, Fauzdarhat, Barabkund, Sitakund, Mirsarai and Baraiarhat - were washed away by the heavy shower apart from destroying standing Boro crop on a large area.
Radio Control of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) confirmed no incident in the Bay during the cyclone .
The Air Traffic Control tower of Shah Amanat International Airport (SAIA) said that six domestic flights of three different private airlines had been cancelled following the inclement weather.

Four to die for murder in Pallabi

A court of Dhaka yesterday sentenced four persons to death in a murder case filed for killing six people including four children at a residence at Pallabi of the city.
Judge AHM Mostaque Ahmed of Speedy Trial Tribunal-II of Dhaka pronounced his verdict Sundy at noon in presence of the convicts: Md. Azim, Masud Matabbar, Jakir Hossain Bahar and Quamruzzaman in the crowded courtroom. Azim was the caretaker, while Masum-a driver of the complainant, Kazi Sirajul Haque- a businessman. It was learnt that the first investigation officer (IO) of the case was dismissed due to his attempt to save the accused and Police Inspector Md. Forman Ali of Detective Branch (DB) was made the IO to inquire into the case. As the police failed to unveil the clue of murder, the Monitoring Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the DB to inquire into the case. The Judge recorded the depositions of 18 prosecution witnesses.
Of the accused three-made confessional statement about their involvement in the murder under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Special Public Prosecutor Md. Abdul Latif Talukder conducted the case on behalf of the prosecution while Advocate AFM Abdul Wadud and his associate lawyers moved the case on behalf of the accused.
Brief prosecution story says : On October 13, 2006 the accused committed dacoity and slaughtered four children : domestic help Khadija, Anna, Manir and Tofail and former domestic help Rijia who came for Zakat money and guard of the residence Milon between 5.20 and 9.45 PM, when the complainant and the members of his family were away from the residence to attend an invitation.
The dacoits including the caretaker and driver of the complainant committed dacoity and took away Taka 1,50,000 and gold ornaments weighing 12 tolas. As Rijia and her child Tofail could identify caretaker Azim and driver Masum, the accused committed the murder. IO Forman Ali submitted the charge sheet on October 16 of 2007 while the charge was framed on April 8 of this year.

Depression likely to cross Barisal-Khulna coast: City life remains paralysed for second day

Normal life in the capital city of Dhaka and elsewhere in the country has been paralyzed due to intermittent rainfall resulting from the deep depression over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay for last two days.
According to Met Office, the deep depression over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay is likely to cross the Khulna-Barisal coast by noon or afternoon today (Monday) leaving a trail of downpour.
People of different sections of the society, particularly the office goers, students and garments workers faced difficulties to reach their destinations on time amid the stormy weather created under the influence of deep depression.
They stranded in different points due to shortages of transports both on roads and water ways.
Day labourers were forced to confine at homes without going out for work.
Most of the shops, kitchen markets, grocery and confectionaries, restaurants were either closed or facing shortages of buyers. Prices of eggs, pulses, potato, fuel, candles, fish, meat and other essential items increased due to shortage of supply in adverse weather.
The Met Office yesterday warned that the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 3-5 feet of height above normal astronomical tide under the influence of deep depression.
The depression moved rapidly north-northeastwards and was lying over the north Bay and adjoining area at about 3:00pm yesterday.
According to Met Office weather bulletin, the deep depression had centred about 550 kms west-southwest of Chittagong Port, 515 kms west-southwest of Cox's Bazar Port and 380 kms southwest of Mongla Port.
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction. Squally weather may continue over the coastal areas of the country, the weather bulletin said.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the depression centre is about 50 KPH (kilo meter per hour), rising to 60 KPH in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain rough.
Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three.
All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.
Most parts of the country, particularly coastal districts, have been experiencing light to moderate rain and gusty winds under the influence of the depression, paralyzing normal life of people in both cities and villages.
Our Barisal Correspondent Adv Tapan Chakraborty reports that the normal life in Barisal region continued to be paralyzed due to incessant mid to heavy downpour and gusty winds until writing this report since early Saturday night.
Barisal weather office recorded 173 millimeters rainfall in 18 hours since 6:00 am Saturday morning with gusty winds.
Port authorities continued restriction over plying of ML (motor Launch) type water transports less than 65 feet in length on 76 routes including 28 inner routes of Barisal, 21 routes of Patuakhali, 13 routes of Barguna, 14 routes of Bhola and coastal services on five routes of Barisal-Bhola-Laxmipur-Chittagong.
Rafiqul Islam, deputy director of BIWTA and officer in charge of Barisal Port said that the ML type launch operation would not be operative in Dhaka Barisal route till the weather condition improved.
Prodip Kumar, officer of Kalapara weather radar station said to local journalists that cautionary weather signal no.3 in coastal areas continued as the well-marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining area moving to west-northwest direction and has been getting stronger into a well marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay.
It is likely to intensify further and move to a north or northwesterly direction affecting the usual operation of the maritime ports, he added.
Rainfall recorded as 249 millimeter in last 18 hours since Saturday 6:00 am and tidal bore flowing 2-4 feet high than usual time in Kalapara region.
Abdul Barek Molla, chairman of Lata Chapli UP of Kalapara coastal upazila under Patuakhali district said that about 80 per cent embankments constructed to halt access of saline water and preserve sweet water reserves have been damaged severely due to downpour.
Sujoy Chakma, executive engineer of Water Development Board of Barguna, told journalists that 253 millimeter rainfall recorded in last 18 hours since 6:00 am Saturday morning and river tide flowing 2-3 meters higher than normal period.
Maximum portions of the 850 kilometers embankment constructed to save the people from over flooding rivers urgently needed to be repaired or reconstructed.
Reports further said that more than 60 thousand peoples residing on more than 80 shoals in southern region of Barisal division are marooned by over flooding of river and downpour.
Agriculture extension department officials of Barisal region said the rainfall would damage Aman crop if water logging continues for some days on the field and seedlings of winter vegetables at some places in the region would be affected much to the frustration of small growers.
Advocate Kazi Munir, Barisal district Red Crescent secretary and AHM Saleh, official of CPP of Barisal Red Crescent, said regular wireless contact with their units on different shore, off shore, coastal islands and shoals, are being maintained and they informed that conditions of river estuaries and sea were very rough with high waves and strong tides and gusty winds since last afternoon.
Sources said continued drizzles and gusty winds forced disruption of normal work at Mongla Port yesterday.
Hundreds of fishermen of Dublar Char, Kachi Khali and different regions of Sundarbans mangrove took shelter in nearby coasts with their trawlers and fishing boats.

Fuel oil prices come down: Diesel and kerosene Tk 48 per litre, octane Tk 80, petrol Tk 78: Review every 3-month

The Government has for the first time reduced the prices of kerosene, diesel, octane, and petrol by Tk 7 to Tk 10 per litre in the wake of fall in their prices in the international market.
The reduced prices took effect from Sunday midnight.
The price of diesel and kerosene has been reduced to Tk 48 per litre from Tk 55, Octane to Tk 80 from Tk 90, petrol to Tk 78 from Tk 87.
The reduction in the prices of these petroleum products was announced by the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Prof M. Tamim at a press conference at the PID Conference Room in the secretariat.
Earlier on July 1, the government raised the prices of these products by 36 percent.
Tamim told the conference that the government will review the fuel prices every three month. He said that with the reduction and readjustment of fuel prices the
Government still will have to give hefty amount of subsidy. The government subsidy, however, will be limited to diesel and kerosene only, he informed.
The subsidy on kerosene and diesel was considered in view of their extensive use in the agriculture sector, he said.
Replying to a question, he said the government has no interest in giving subsidy on octane and petrol.The special assistant expressed the hope that transport fares will come down proportionately following the reduction in fuel prices. Necessary measures will be taken in this respect, he said and sought cooperation of all concerned on transport fare reduction.
Asked why fuel prices have been reduced by 10.34 to 12.73 percent only when their prices were raised by 36 percent in July last, Tamim said it was done on the basis of their import prices by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation ( BPC).
He informed that the government had to provide subsidy to the tune of Tk 1,400 crore to BPC in the first quarter of the current fiscal after price hike of fuel on July 1.
"We shall have to provide Tk 1,500 crore as a subsidy to BPC even after reduction in the prices of the all kinds fuel" he further said. The Energy Ministry has taken opinion of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) while reducing the fuel prices, he added. "The subsidy on fuel will be readjusted here with the prices of the international market," he told a questioner.
'BPC is at present importing refined diesel at a rate of around $99.50 per barrel,' Tamim said.
To a question he said that the rate of fuel pilferage by the BPC employees has now been brought down to .10 to .20 percent from .35 to .50 percent.
Bangladesh has an annual demand of nearly 4 million tonnes of petroleum products 3.7 million tonnes petroleum products including 2.3 million tonnes of diesel were consumed in 2007-2008.

Stormy weather persists in coastal region Launch with 100 on board sinks: Movement of river transports suspended

Almost all the places under Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna and Dhaka Divisions experienced light to moderate rainfall throughout the day yesterday due to low formed over the west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay.
Intermittent shower disrupted all normal activities in the coastal areas of Chittagong, Barisal and Khulna.
A passenger launch was capsized in Meghna river off Hatiya under the impact of the stormy weather. The fate of about 100 passengers of the sunken launch could not be ascertained.
Inclement weather forced many residents of Dhaka city to remain indoors for most parts of the day. The people who ventured out in the midst of shower had to face immense difficulties in getting transports. Rickshaws, three wheelers, cabs and buses were few and far between on the streets everywhere in the capital. Rickshaw pullers, cab and auto-rickshaw drivers charged fares according to their sweet will on the plea of foul weather.The commuters, who had to come out of their homes under compelling circumstances , had to cave in to their irrational and whimsical demand.
Though government and semi-government offices, autonomous bodies and big private organisations remained closed yesterday as part of weekly holidays kitchen markets and numerous small shops all over the capital city were open yesterday as usual. Their business was dull due to rainfall throughout the day yesterday.
Many enthusiastic sports lovers were frustrated as the first day of the second test between Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was abandoned due to murky weather.
Meanwhile, Met Office said that under the influence of depression heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at places under Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna and Dhaka Divisions during next 24 hours. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately.
Our Barisal Correspondents adds : Normal life in Barisal region became paralysed as a result of light to heavy downpour and gusty wind since Saturday night.
Barisal weather office recorded 80 millimetres rainfall in 10 hours since 6:00 AM yesterday.
People were found stranded at different points due to shortage of transports on the roads in the city.
Day labourers had to stay indoors because of rainfall.
Most of the shops, kitchen markets, grocery and confectioneries and restaurants had small number of customers.
Port authorities stopped plying of ML type water transports less than 65 feet in length on 76 routes in Barisal, 21 routes in Patuakhali, 13 routes in Barguna and 14 routes in Bhola Coastal services on five routes of Barisal-Bhola-Laxmipur-Chittagong were also suspended.
The decision was taken after the low over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved slightly west-northwestwards and intensified into a well marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay. The river port authorities in Barisal region hoisted cautionary weather signal No. 2 from Saturday morning.
Rafiqul Islam, deputy director of BIWTA and officer in charge of Barisal Port said that the ML type launch operation would not be resumed till the weather condition improved.
Reports from Kuakata sea beach said tourists left Kuakata shore due to adverse weather condition Local authorities and volunteers of Cyclone Preparedness Programme of the Red Crescent had asked people to prepare for taking shelter at safe places within a short notice at any moment.

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MS Office '07 Goes Retro With Addintools

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