As the last resort for a friendly solution, Bangladesh government has sought intervention of the Chinese government to make a Chinese company, Harbin, complete and handover the 90 megawatt three-unit Fenchuganj Power Project that has been remaining idle for more than 18 months following a dispute over payment of taxes, said a top PDB source. In accordance with the government rule, the Power Development Board (PDB) last year deducted 4.5 million US dollars as payment of taxes to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) from the 83 million dollar power project. Harbin claimed the contract was tax-free.Clause 55.01 (b) of the contract signed in September 2005 says, "The contractor shall pay all income tax, super tax, corporate tax, VAT, and all other taxes of similar nature on income earned in Bangladesh arising out of both foreign and local currency portions of the contract price, which shall be deducted at the source as per the existing rule of the government."NBR scrutinised Harbin's claim and decided that it has no validity. "NBR clearly told Harbin that it would have to pay the taxes," said the top PDB source adding, "The government is convinced that PDB's deduction of tax was rightfully done, and Harbin cannot give us any excuse."Harbin in September-October last year tested two units of the plant and generated up to 70 mw of power. It has been following a go-slow policy since 2007 soon after PDB informed the company that taxes would be deducted from the payables to the company. It however now has the third unit installed too, but has been refraining from launching the power plant, while hammering on its demand for tax exemption.Frustrated by Harbin's non-cooperation, PDB issued several notices primarily warning it of cancellation of the contract for its failures, and setting the primary ground for contract termination. The power ministry meanwhile sought legal opinions and sat with Harbin over the issue."We hope we will not have to cancel the contract and the Chinese government would help us resolve the matter amicably," said the source adding, "The foreign ministry formally wrote to the Chinese embassy to intervene."Using the influence of now-defunct alternative centre of political power, Hawa Bhaban, during the four-party alliance rule, Harbin won PDB's contracts for Tongi 80 MW peaking power project, Fenchuganj 90 MW project, and Chandpur 150 MW power project, while controversies surrounded the process of awarding the projects to the Chinese company. The Tongi plant came into operation in 2005, but tripped more than 100 times in its two years of guaranteed operation. The Chandpur project was cancelled last year when Harbin demanded 10 percent increase in the project budget, which the government declined. Regarding the Tongi project, it was later found that while Harbin won the project by quoting low prices, after getting the award the company took a few extra million dollars from PDB by drawing up an additional budget. Tender were invited for the Fenchuganj scheme five times, each of which were cancelled under pressure from vested interest lobby that failed to bag the deal. During the fourth bid, a Japanese company Sumitomo offered to do the job with the lowest cost of 85 million dollars, but that was cancelled without any good reason. Through the fifth tender invitation Harbin was awarded the job in 2005. On top of that Harbin was given a 10 percent down payment in violation of government rules. However, Harbin's problems emerged soon after the 1/11 change in the country's political scenario in 2007. The local agent of Harbin along with some others filed an extortion case against Giasuddin Al Mamun, a friend of BNP Senior Secretary General Tarique Rahman who is also a son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying they took Tk 5 crore for awarding the Tongi power project to Harbin during the four-party alliance rule. Meanwhile, the caretaker government that came to power through the regime change, probed into the Chandpur power project, against which also there had been allegations of foul play by another competing Chinese bidder, and which were found to be true by a committee of the planning ministry. Amid such a complex scenario, Harbin made its claim of tax-free power projects, saying no power project contractor had ever paid such taxes. PDB however already paid more than 60 million dollars to Harbin for the three units of 90 mw Fenchuganj plant.
Govt seeks China help to get Harbin going
The Chinese company sitting idle for 18 months as tax dispute with PDB unsettled
As the last resort for a friendly solution, Bangladesh government has sought intervention of the Chinese government to make a Chinese company, Harbin, complete and handover the 90 megawatt three-unit Fenchuganj Power Project that has been remaining idle for more than 18 months following a dispute over payment of taxes, said a top PDB source. In accordance with the government rule, the Power Development Board (PDB) last year deducted 4.5 million US dollars as payment of taxes to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) from the 83 million dollar power project. Harbin claimed the contract was tax-free.Clause 55.01 (b) of the contract signed in September 2005 says, "The contractor shall pay all income tax, super tax, corporate tax, VAT, and all other taxes of similar nature on income earned in Bangladesh arising out of both foreign and local currency portions of the contract price, which shall be deducted at the source as per the existing rule of the government."NBR scrutinised Harbin's claim and decided that it has no validity. "NBR clearly told Harbin that it would have to pay the taxes," said the top PDB source adding, "The government is convinced that PDB's deduction of tax was rightfully done, and Harbin cannot give us any excuse."Harbin in September-October last year tested two units of the plant and generated up to 70 mw of power. It has been following a go-slow policy since 2007 soon after PDB informed the company that taxes would be deducted from the payables to the company. It however now has the third unit installed too, but has been refraining from launching the power plant, while hammering on its demand for tax exemption.Frustrated by Harbin's non-cooperation, PDB issued several notices primarily warning it of cancellation of the contract for its failures, and setting the primary ground for contract termination. The power ministry meanwhile sought legal opinions and sat with Harbin over the issue."We hope we will not have to cancel the contract and the Chinese government would help us resolve the matter amicably," said the source adding, "The foreign ministry formally wrote to the Chinese embassy to intervene."Using the influence of now-defunct alternative centre of political power, Hawa Bhaban, during the four-party alliance rule, Harbin won PDB's contracts for Tongi 80 MW peaking power project, Fenchuganj 90 MW project, and Chandpur 150 MW power project, while controversies surrounded the process of awarding the projects to the Chinese company. The Tongi plant came into operation in 2005, but tripped more than 100 times in its two years of guaranteed operation. The Chandpur project was cancelled last year when Harbin demanded 10 percent increase in the project budget, which the government declined. Regarding the Tongi project, it was later found that while Harbin won the project by quoting low prices, after getting the award the company took a few extra million dollars from PDB by drawing up an additional budget. Tender were invited for the Fenchuganj scheme five times, each of which were cancelled under pressure from vested interest lobby that failed to bag the deal. During the fourth bid, a Japanese company Sumitomo offered to do the job with the lowest cost of 85 million dollars, but that was cancelled without any good reason. Through the fifth tender invitation Harbin was awarded the job in 2005. On top of that Harbin was given a 10 percent down payment in violation of government rules. However, Harbin's problems emerged soon after the 1/11 change in the country's political scenario in 2007. The local agent of Harbin along with some others filed an extortion case against Giasuddin Al Mamun, a friend of BNP Senior Secretary General Tarique Rahman who is also a son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying they took Tk 5 crore for awarding the Tongi power project to Harbin during the four-party alliance rule. Meanwhile, the caretaker government that came to power through the regime change, probed into the Chandpur power project, against which also there had been allegations of foul play by another competing Chinese bidder, and which were found to be true by a committee of the planning ministry. Amid such a complex scenario, Harbin made its claim of tax-free power projects, saying no power project contractor had ever paid such taxes. PDB however already paid more than 60 million dollars to Harbin for the three units of 90 mw Fenchuganj plant.
As the last resort for a friendly solution, Bangladesh government has sought intervention of the Chinese government to make a Chinese company, Harbin, complete and handover the 90 megawatt three-unit Fenchuganj Power Project that has been remaining idle for more than 18 months following a dispute over payment of taxes, said a top PDB source. In accordance with the government rule, the Power Development Board (PDB) last year deducted 4.5 million US dollars as payment of taxes to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) from the 83 million dollar power project. Harbin claimed the contract was tax-free.Clause 55.01 (b) of the contract signed in September 2005 says, "The contractor shall pay all income tax, super tax, corporate tax, VAT, and all other taxes of similar nature on income earned in Bangladesh arising out of both foreign and local currency portions of the contract price, which shall be deducted at the source as per the existing rule of the government."NBR scrutinised Harbin's claim and decided that it has no validity. "NBR clearly told Harbin that it would have to pay the taxes," said the top PDB source adding, "The government is convinced that PDB's deduction of tax was rightfully done, and Harbin cannot give us any excuse."Harbin in September-October last year tested two units of the plant and generated up to 70 mw of power. It has been following a go-slow policy since 2007 soon after PDB informed the company that taxes would be deducted from the payables to the company. It however now has the third unit installed too, but has been refraining from launching the power plant, while hammering on its demand for tax exemption.Frustrated by Harbin's non-cooperation, PDB issued several notices primarily warning it of cancellation of the contract for its failures, and setting the primary ground for contract termination. The power ministry meanwhile sought legal opinions and sat with Harbin over the issue."We hope we will not have to cancel the contract and the Chinese government would help us resolve the matter amicably," said the source adding, "The foreign ministry formally wrote to the Chinese embassy to intervene."Using the influence of now-defunct alternative centre of political power, Hawa Bhaban, during the four-party alliance rule, Harbin won PDB's contracts for Tongi 80 MW peaking power project, Fenchuganj 90 MW project, and Chandpur 150 MW power project, while controversies surrounded the process of awarding the projects to the Chinese company. The Tongi plant came into operation in 2005, but tripped more than 100 times in its two years of guaranteed operation. The Chandpur project was cancelled last year when Harbin demanded 10 percent increase in the project budget, which the government declined. Regarding the Tongi project, it was later found that while Harbin won the project by quoting low prices, after getting the award the company took a few extra million dollars from PDB by drawing up an additional budget. Tender were invited for the Fenchuganj scheme five times, each of which were cancelled under pressure from vested interest lobby that failed to bag the deal. During the fourth bid, a Japanese company Sumitomo offered to do the job with the lowest cost of 85 million dollars, but that was cancelled without any good reason. Through the fifth tender invitation Harbin was awarded the job in 2005. On top of that Harbin was given a 10 percent down payment in violation of government rules. However, Harbin's problems emerged soon after the 1/11 change in the country's political scenario in 2007. The local agent of Harbin along with some others filed an extortion case against Giasuddin Al Mamun, a friend of BNP Senior Secretary General Tarique Rahman who is also a son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying they took Tk 5 crore for awarding the Tongi power project to Harbin during the four-party alliance rule. Meanwhile, the caretaker government that came to power through the regime change, probed into the Chandpur power project, against which also there had been allegations of foul play by another competing Chinese bidder, and which were found to be true by a committee of the planning ministry. Amid such a complex scenario, Harbin made its claim of tax-free power projects, saying no power project contractor had ever paid such taxes. PDB however already paid more than 60 million dollars to Harbin for the three units of 90 mw Fenchuganj plant.
Kolkata stop the rot
Australasians Brendon McCullum and Brad Hodge were the heroes as Kolkata Knight Riders shocked Chennai Super Kings Monday in an Indian Premier League thriller.Skipper McCullum from New Zealand struck 81 runs and Australian Hodge an undefeated 71 as Kolkata scored a single off the last ball at Centurion Park and triumphed by seven wickets.It was only the second win in 13 outings for the bottom team in the Twenty20 extravaganza while a Chennai side lacking injured star batsman Matthew Hayden suffered their fifth loss of the group phase which finishes Thursday.Suresh Raina top scored for Chennai with 52 as they made 188-3 in 20 overs on a cold, late autumn evening at the Test venue halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. McCullum was quickly into his stride as Kolkata chased a daunting total, reaching a half century during the sixth over before being bowled by Shadab Jakati with his side on 124-2 after 13 overs. But Hodge carried the fight to Chennai and after going into the final over needing six runs to win, it came down the final ball which wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha scrambled for a single to avoid a super-over climax. "Winning was far more important than my contribution," said modest man of the match Hodge. "We have tried so hard in the IPL only to finish on the wrong side of results." McCullum added: "I would not wish the last four weeks on my worst enemy, but the boys kept lifting themselves off the floor and tonight we got over the line. Now we must enjoy ourselves." Chennai skipper MS Dhoni said: "We got a lot of runs only for our opponents to bat brilliantly. Now we face the same situation as last year of needing a win from our final match to clinch a semifinals place." Kolkata face defending champions Rajasthan Royals and Chennai meet Kings XI Punjab Wednesday in a Durban double-header.
Lightning kills two
Lightning killed two of a family at Rajapur village in Sirajganj Sadar upazila yesterday afternoon. The victims are Zobeda Khatun, 40, wife of Belal Hossain and her daughter Kulsum Khatun, 14. Kulsum was a student of class nine. Police and locals said they died on the spot when a thunderbolt struck them at the time of collecting straw during rain.
Rapist beaten to death
An alleged rapist was beaten to death by angry villagers on Saturday evening at Kesobpara village under Khansama upazila. Police said, Nazrul Islam, 50, was son of late Motiar Rahman of village Chawkdubulia of Nilphamari Sadar upazila. Locals alleged that Nazrul picked up a 12-year-old girl from her home village Angarpara and attempted to rape her at a lonely place on the day. Hearing screaming of the girl villagers rescued her and beat Nazrul to death.
7 file nominations
Seven people have filed nomination papers for contesting Sunamgnaj-4 by election slated for June 15. Yesterday was the last date for submission of nomination papers. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held on May 20 and the date for withdrawal of nominations is May 27. The parliamentary seat comprising Sunamganj Sadar and Biswambharpur upazilas fell vacant following the death of Momtaj Iqbal on April 17 April. Jatiya Party leader Momtaz was elected from the constituency as AL-led grand alliance candidate in December 29 general elections.Those filed nomination papers are former JS whip Fazlul Haque Aspia, former lawmaker and acting chief of district Jatiya PartyAbdul Mazid, former lawmaker Dewan Shamsul Abedin, district Awami League acting chief Md Matiur Rahman, Krishak Mohammad Sadeque of National People's Party, Abdul Alim Nizami and Md Mobarak Hossain.
23 face war crime charges in 3 districts
Twenty-three more people have been sued for their alleged involvement in war crimes in Magura, Gazipur and Chapainawabganj districts in 1971.A petition case was filed with Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court, Magura, yesterday against 13 alleged rajakars for killing Kabir Hossain of Mollapara in Magura town on July 19, 1971. Md Shariful Islam Nannu filed the case, according to our correspondent. The accused are MA Awal, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, Mahbubur Rahman, Md Khokon Chowdhury, Atiar Rahman and Nazrul Islam and Md Hafiz Khan of Magura town, Moshiul Alam Hasnu of Sreerampur, Khondoker Abu Fateh of Mirzapur, Abu Bakar of Beroil, Khaledur Rahman of kalupara village in Magura Sadar upazila, Abdur Rashid of Chhoyghoria and Abdur Rashid (2) of Shatnupur villages in Shalikha upazila. Chief Judicial Magistrate Sheikh Jalaluddin asked the officer-in-charge of Magura Sadar Police Station to accept the case as an FIR (first information report) and submit a report to the court after proper investigation. In Gazipur, A case was filed with Senior Judicial Magistrate's Court yesterday against six alleged rajakars.Moriam Begum, wife of freedom fighter Sahajuddin of Lohagachha village under Sreepur upazila, filed the case. The accused are Afsaruddin Bhuiyan, Rashid, Abul Hashem, Abul Kashem (1), Abul Kashem (2) and Jasimuddin of the village, reports UNB.In the case statement, the complainant said the accused stormed into their house on October 15, 1971 and tortured her two brothers-in-law. They picked up her sister-in-law, took her to a nearby jungle and raped her, she alleged.She further said the accused looted valuables from the house and set fire to it.Our correspondent from C'nawabganj reported that two separate cases were filed with Judicial Magistrate's Court here yesterday accusing four alleged collaborators of Pakistani occupation forces for killing two brothers--Zillur Rahman and Astar Hossainin Gomostapur upazila on June 16, 1971.Zillur was killed at Rahanpur High School ground while Astar on the premises of Gomostapur Police Station.The accused are Mohammad Abdul Khaleque, and Mohammad Mainul Haque of Nimtola khatal village, Ziaur Rahman alias Dhulu of Rahanpurn Bazar and Mohammad Harun of Bogla village under Gomostapur upazila of the district.Mobarak Hossain and Abdul Khaleque, two cousins of Zahidnagar village under the upazila, filed two separate cases against the accused for killing their fathers.The court recorded the statements of the complainants and asked the officer-in-charge of Gomostapur Police Station to investigate the cases.
3 more houses torched, 7 damaged in Bagmara
Over 100 arsonists torched three more houses and damaged houses of seven other people in presence of police at Balia village in Bagmara yesterday allegedly in retaliation for Friday's murder of an Awami League (AL) leader.Led by Akbar Ali, Maria UP chairman, the arsonists also looted households and cattle from some houses, said witnesses.The owners of the attacked houses include 15 accused in the case filed with Bagmara police for the murder of AL leader Shahadat Ali. Local AL blamed Jamaat-e Islami men for the murder saying they were partners in Bangla Bhai led JMB gang's operations in 2004. Shahadat Ali, also a madrasa teacher, was stabbed to death near his Balia house on Friday. Police arrested suspected JMB man Sayed Ali while five houses were torched by a group over the murder on the same day. The attacks were launched after the accused went into hiding along with their family members since filing of the case, said police and villagers. Finding none at the houses, angry AL supporters swooped on the houses at around 9am, they said. The attackers razed to ground the brick-built tin-shed houses of Seher Amin and his sons Shamsul, Amser, Amjad and Ashaful. Then they set afire a portion of the house of Shamsul on the day of the killing. Yesterday the arsonists marched to the houses of Bahar Uddin and his sons Mozahar, Azahar, Shahar Ali, Ali Hossain and Moksed of Balia village.After damaging their clay-made houses, they torched three houses of Shahar Ali and Bahar Uddin, said witnesses adding many attackers were seen taking away the households and cattle-heads from the houses.The rampage continued for nearly three hours but police were silent onlookers, said witnesses.Nasir Uddin Zubayer, Assistant Superintendent Of Police who was at the scene said quoting villagers “The accused torched their own houses while fleeing away”.Local AL lawmaker Enamul Haque blamed Jamaat-e Islami for the murder and the incidents of arson and said that the evil forces are conspiring to create confusion by setting their houses on fire.The MP at a protest meeting held at Jatragachhi madrasa ground yesterday afternoon also assured of bringing to book the murderers and the arsonists.On Saturday, the officer-in-charge of Bagmara Police Station Shahabuddin Khalifa was closed to the police line for neglect to duty, said ASM Masum Rabbani, superintendent of police in Rajshahi. Harun-ur Rashid, Rajshahi Court inspector replaced him as the new OC. Assistant Superintendent of Police Anwar Zahid and two sub inspectors Abdus Sattar and Emdadul Bashar were also withdrawn from Bagmara PS, said the SP.
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