DHAKA, 10 December 2007 — Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed charges against two detained former prime ministers yesterday for corruption.
“Separate cases were filed today against the two detained prime ministers for underhand deals with Canadian firm Niko,” an officer at Dhaka’s Tejgaon police station said, without giving details.
The government of former Prime Minister Hasina Wajed permitted Calgary-based oil exploration company Niko Resources Ltd., to operate in Bangladesh without transparent deeds, Energy Ministry officials said. They said the subsequent government of Khaleda Zia did not regularize the deeds and failed to realize millions of dollars in compensation for environmental damage caused by fire at a drilling site in northeastern Bangladesh in 2005. Niko officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Four Killed in Building Collapse
At least four workers were killed and about 50 others were injured when the roof of a 22-story building collapsed as it was being demolished in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, police and witnesses said yesterday. An unspecified number of workers were also believed to be trapped inside the Rangs Building, which was one of the tallest in Bangladesh’s capital. The collapse happened on Saturday night.
OIC Appeals for Aid
The Organization of the Islamic Conference has appealed to all OIC member states, civil society organizations and philanthropists to generously contribute to its Relief and Rehabilitation Appeal for the amount of $10 million to help survivors of the devastating Cyclone Sidr that hit Bangladesh on Nov. 15. Out of the $10 million sought, $4 million will be used for relief operation to help 50,000 families and $6 million for rehabilitation process which will benefit 20,000 families.
Money may be deposited in A/C: 5600758, OIC Assistance Fund, Samba Main Branch, Al-Andalous Street, Jeddah. Swift Code: SAMBSARI
