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To the Editor

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ATN's "Chanchollokor Mamla" and my clarification
A programme called "Chanchollokar Mamla" was broadcast on 15th Feb 2005 in Bangladesh on ATN television channel. In the programme, Advocate Sigma Huda stated that I, Rini Reza, being the eldest sister of the accused went to her office, accompanied by Dr. Shahidul Alam. She alleged that we requested her to withdraw from the case, in her telecast words, we asked her to "remain silent".
I am currently abroad and although I have not seen the programme I have been given the complete transcript. I would therefore like to respond to the contents of the programme and the specific allegations made by Mrs. Sigma Huda.
Out of deep concern for the safety and security of the family
members of Azam Reza and his household staff who were physically harassed by the police during interrogation, and also the manner in which the investigation was being conducted, we arranged to meet with Mrs. Sigma Huda, a women's rights and human rights lawyer in her office on 20 January 2004 at 6:00pm.
On meeting her, I told Mrs. Sigma Huda of the incident and expressed our acute concern about the intimidation and torture of the household staff. She listened to suggestions, promised to help, and called a legal assistant who then informed her that her office had already consented to represent Joyonti's family. On hearing this, we immediately said that if that was the case, there was nothing further to be said, except to repeat our expectations that the investigation be conducted impartially, in the interests of justice.
We left her office on this basis. She did not suggest any lawyer's name to us, something she has
claimed on theATN programme.
During the entire meeting, at no time whatsoever, did I or any of the others present, request or insinuate or suggest in any manner or form that she or her organisation should withdraw from this (or, for that matter, from any other) case, or that she should 'remain silent'. In this context, Mrs. Huda's recounting of events of our 20th January meeting is shocking. For me, the timing of the programme is also worrying as Azam Reza's appeal in the High Court is pending and such comments in a TV programme may affect and prejudice proper dispensation of justice.
Why Sigma Huda presented the case in the TV programme the way she did? Refuting her version is not an easy matter for me. We, the family of Azam Reza, feel it is now imperative to come out with the truth. We hope that ultimately justice will prevail in our country.
Rini Reza
New York
Fabrication by lawyer Sigma Huda
On the 15th Feb 2005, ATN television channel broadcast a programme called "Chanchollokor Mamla" involving the case of the suspected murder of Joyonti Reza. In the programme lawyer Sigma Huda stated that Rini Reza and I had requested her to withdraw from the case and had asked her to "remain silent".
While it is true that Rini Reza and I had visited Ms. Huda, our conversation had specifically dealt with attempts to ensure that a fair and free trial would be held. This was particularly relevant given that attempts at coercion by the police had already taken place. At no stage in the conversation had we requested her to either withdraw from the case or to remain silent. This aspersion undermines my professionalism and integrity.
Shahidul Alam
Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Sigma Huda's reply
I protest the word "Fabrication" and there is no question of fabrication. I believe what I said in the TV to be true. At the outset, I want to clarify that my statements were not made to hurt Shahidul Alam or Rini Reza. I do not bear any personal grudge against them.
They came to my chamber to discuss Azam Reza's case and during the conversation they mentioned that they were seeking fair trial. At one stage, they requested me not to get personally involved with the case which to me meant I maintain my distance and silence.
It is quite natural that Rini and her family were concerned about her brother and would wish fair play without any media intervention. In the end, if my not repeating the conversation verbatim has hurt them in anyway, I apologise.
Sigma Huda
Advocate, Dhaka
Fake manpower
agents
We were very much appalled at the dismal news that 21 Bangladeshis died of starvation and suffocation in the Mediterranean while they were going to Spain illegally. These unfortunate frivolous persons were the victims of the monkey business of some illegal manpower businessmen. These manipulative manpower agents swindled them.
Due to rampant unemployment and poverty the manpower businessmen cheat many folksy youths. To satisfy their financial gluttony they pauperise these innocent guys in the name of better jobs. There are many unlicensed manpower agents who perpetuate their malpractice by the mercy of some unscrupulous high-ups in the government.
The government should take stern actions against these illegal manpower agents. They
should generate employment opportunities for the unemployed youths of the country. They should take steps to export manpower through proper channel. For this the ministries concerned should work in tandem. If the government wants to uphold the image of the country across the globe, it should crack down on the mushrooming business of fake manpower agents.
I hope the government will address the matter seriously.
Molla Mohammad Shaheen
Dept, of English, DU
Right to live
Terri Schiavo, a brain damaged woman of Florida who has been in a persistent vegetative state for the past 15 years, lay for a week without food and water. That is terrible news for the modern world. We know that lawmakers make law for the welfare of people, not to use it to push anybody towards death. We must use
laws for the betterment of mankind.
I congratulate Florida state senate ad President Bush for taking the initiative to save the life of that hapless woman.
Mamunur Rashid Tomal
Dept, of English, DU
Ban on smoking
Recently, the government banned smoking in public places. It is a great step for our social development. Ours is a prosperous country and has a huge population. Half of the population have the habit of smoking. The new law can help us prevent a great damage.
The law not only bans smoking in public places and in public transports but also clamps a ban on advertisement of tobacco products. It is a bold measure.
Chowdhury Rehnuma Tabassum
Shaymoli Lane, Dhap Rangpur-5400.