October 13, 2013

Business

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Ashwin 28, 1420 Zilhajj 7, 1434 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 202

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Batexpo ends on a quiet note

International

Nobel contender Malala Yousafzai meets Obama

Sport

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

Nazmul becomes first elected BCB president

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Hasina believes army will keep supporting her government

AL to discuss Hanif issue today kar Ali Manik and n Julfi Muhammad Zahidul Islam Ruling Awami League leader Mahabub-Ul-Alam Hanif who got wide exposure during the party’s present tenure has become an issue for discussion within the party as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently asked him to resign as PM’s special assistant.

Hasina asked him to resign at a meeting with the party’s grassroots leaders from Kushtia on Wednesday, but Hanif has not resigned yet and is waiting to talk to the prime minister.

A few top central Awami League leaders told the Dhaka Tribune that Hanif’s issue is likely to be discussed in the party’s Central Working Committee meeting today.

Hanif was little known in national politics. He got exposure in the past four and a half years following his appointment as the prime minister’s special assistant and also for his role as the

Prime minister will 'soon make clear' how country would be run after October 25 premier said: “We have received your n Tribune Desk support in rendering services to the The prime minister would soon make clear how the country would be run after October 25, a senior minister said yesterday while Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm belief that the army would continue to “support her government in rendering services to the people.”

“The sky will not come crumbling on Bangladesh after October 25. There is the government, the constitution and democracy in the country. The country will be run as per the constitution,” Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said.

We have received your support in rendering services to the people, and it is my firm belief that it will continue always “The prime minister will soon inform the nation about this,” he said while addressing a function at Paduar Bazar in Comilla to mark the inauguration of five bridges on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway in the district, according to UNB. The prime minister while addressing a darbar (meet) of Bangladesh Army at the Chittagong Cantonment said: “As the head of government, I have given the army whatever it was possible in my capacity. I am reiterating my firm commitment to give whatever necessary in future for a modern army.”

Mentioning that her government always wanted to run the country as servant of the people rather than ruler, the

people, and it is my firm belief that it will continue always.”

The statements came amid fear of political confrontation as the opposition BNP is planning to gather supporters on the streets, saying Hasina’s government should not continue after October 24.

As per the constitution, the national election will have to be held before January 25 when the tenure of the government will expire. Though the Awami League-led government earlier said parliament would not be in session after October 24, now it plans to extend the sittings “to counter the opposition.”

Meanwhile, the main opposition BNP-led 18-party alliance has threatened to wage tougher movement against the government with like-minded parties and professional bodies after October 24 to compel the government to introduce a non-partisan interim government to oversee the next parliamentary polls.

The opposition has already announced a rally for October 25 in the city while the ruling Awami League declared a counter rally for the same day.

Obaidul Quader said the Awami League would face the opposition’s programmes politically.

At the Chittagong Cantonment yesterday, the prime minister said: “I want to firmly say that necessary reforms and restructuring at various levels of Bangladesh Army will continue in future.”  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Transport workers engage in altercation over paying toll at the Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover yesterday. Story on page 2

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

DHAKA TRIBUNE

'Overcharging' of toll leads to scuffle at Mayor Hanif flyover

Shohag Gazi basks in Test ton glory n Minhaz Uddin Khan from

Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Abu Hayat Mahmud

veillance, with Orion Infrastructure Ltd in charge of supervising the operations of the flyover.

According to DSCC, the toll collection rate for a single trip over the flyover is Tk150 for a six-wheeler truck, Tk200 for a trailer, Tk100 for a four-wheeler truck, Tk150 for a bus, Tk100 for a minibus, Tk75 for a pickup van, Tk50 for a microbus, Tk40 for a jeep, Tk35 for a car, Tk10 for an auto-rickshaw and Tk5 for a motorbike.

However, drivers and locals alleged that staff from Orion Infrastructure Ltd yesterday were charging Tk260 for six-wheeler trucks, Tk173 for four-wheeler trucks, Tk375 for trailers,

Sohag Gazi, the Tigers’ frontline off-spinner let his bat do the talking yesterday as he tipped Bangladesh over the 500-run mark in their first innings of the first Test against the New Zealand.

Gazi, coming in at number eight, was unbeaten on 23 overnight – and into the fourth day of the match, he carefully crafted his maiden hundred on a placid pitch that offered little or no assistance to the bowlers.

Playing sensibly with a straight bat, he made batting look easy and shepherded the tail like a frontline batsman, scoring an unbeaten 101 off 161 deliveries.

The Barisal lad, standing just in

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

A scuffle erupted between transport drivers and Mayor Mohammad Hanif flyover authorities following bargaining over toll collection, a day after the inauguration of the flyover.

Around 11am, the two parties engaged in arguments that eventually led to an hour-long suspension of vehicular movement on the flyover.

The drivers raised allegations that the authorities were collecting tolls at a higher rate than the rate mentioned in the chart prepared by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Though vehicular movement re-

sumed around 12pm, collection of tolls will remain suspended until the authorised company makes a decision regarding the toll, police sources said.

When contacted, Tapan Chandra Saha, officer-in-charge of Wari police station, said the scuffle resulted in traffic congestion in the area that compelled the flyover authorities to release vehicles without collecting any toll.

Initially, two entrances- one in Jatrabari and the other in Gulistan- were opened to traffic on Thursday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 11.8km long flyover in the afternoon. She paid a Tk50 toll to use the flyover.

The entire area is under CCTV sur-

Chittagong

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Ctg residents unhappy over hurried inauguration of unfinished projects

Tazreen owner 'confined, freed' after paying bonus

PM was physically present during the launching of one project n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong People from different walks of life in Chittagong have expressed their dissatisfaction, as eight projects of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) out of the total 11 inaugurated by the prime minister yesterday, remain incomplete.

Locals and city planning specialists alleged that eight projects, including Bahaddarhat Flyover project, were inaugurated hurriedly in incomplete states only for political motives.

The locals were also disappointed as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was physically present only for the inauguration of the Bahaddarhat flyover, while she inaugurated the other projects in a digital way from the Jamiatul Falah Mosque grounds.

With the prime minister and government high-ups opting out from visiting the actual project sites, the CDA allegedly inaugurated the projects in incomplete conditions.

City planning specialists said it would take more time for Chittagong residents to reap the benefits from the projects, as other project-related systems needed to be upgraded before proper service could be ensured.

The Bahaddarhat flyover, officially called MA Mannan Flyover, is almost completed, but its adjoining roads and other flyover-related works were still under construction, said CDA sources.

Nazrul Islam, secretary of Bahaddarhat Traders Welfare Association,

told the Dhaka Tribune that the flyover will not bring any benefit if the adjoining roads were not expanded and repaired.

This correspondent visited the inaugurated Dewanhat overpass yesterday, to find it in a half-completed state.

The same condition was also found for the Dhaka Trunk (DT) Road (Alangkar-Dewanhat) expansion project, during a visit yesterday.

Some areas of the roads – Pahartoli, Mansurabad, Askarabad and Dewan-

Among the incomplete projects, Pathantuli Road expansion is in the best condition, but still requires some maintenance tasks hat overpass – were still not carpeted, while some portions of the roadside were illegally occupied, the Dhaka Tribune also found.

Omar Faruk, financial director of a private developer company, said although the construction work of the overpass and DT Road were half-completed, the locals who use the Dewanhat intersection would continue to suffer as the speed for completing the rest of the work would be lessened after the premier’s visit.

Sources at the CDA also said the carpeting of Arakan Road (Bahaddarhat-Kalurghat) was completed, but other maintenance works were still incomplete.

However, Mahfuzur Rahman, CDA

project director (PD) for the three projects, gave his “assurance” that the remaining tasks for the three projects would be completed within November.

“As the government’s tenure is ending, we were compelled to inaugurate the projects in incomplete state,” he said.

The Kapashgola Road (Gani Bakery-Bahaddarhat) project, which was granted by the Ecnec, was inaugurated as College Road project (Gani Bakery-Oli Kha Mosque), as only that portion was completed, said CDA Engineer AHM Misbah Uddin, the PD of the project.

Seeking anonymity, a senior CDA official also said: “As the rest of the work for Kapashgola Road is not finished, so the CDA mentioned the project’s one part as College Road and took recognition from public; but it is deceiving."

Meanwhile, locals alleged that construction tools, sand and bricks were kept on the roadsides for the Oxygen-Oli Kha Mosque and Oxygen-Kuaish road expansion projects, causing sufferings for commuters.

Ashraful Alam, a local, said commuters faced trouble every day as three-fourth of the carpeting for Oxygen-Kuaish road was unfinished.

“The roadsides are occupied by illegal occupants and construction materials, which causes tailback on the roads most of the time,” he said.

The Dhaka Tribune was unable to reach CDA Engineer Md Sahabuddin,

Police suspect co-workers in Kamalapur railway murder n Kailash Sarkar Israfil Hossain, a booking clerk at the Kamalapur railway station who was murdered in a vault room on October 5, might be killed by some of his co-workers before they stole nearly Tk1.7m, according to police.

A Railway Police officer investigating the case yesterday said: “We have so far identified four of Israfil’s co-workers as suspects in the killing."

Seeking anonymity, he said: “One of the four suspects, all railway employees, has been on the run since the murder, while the others are still on duty but they are under police surveillance.”

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Abdul Majid, officer-in-charge of General Railway Police at Kamalapur, said: “We have almost identified Israfil’s killers,

there were four people involved, and all of them work at the station.”

The OC said the killers had “close contact with Israfil, from among his other co-workers, so they probably had easy access to the vault room, which is restricted.”

He hopes a formal disclosure on the murder would be made tomorrow but would not reveal the suspects’ identities prior to their arrests in connection with Israfil’s murder. He also clarified that although Liton, the suspect who was arrested earlier, was not a railway employee, the information extracted from him had helped the police with the investigation.

Meanwhile, another official who is also part of the investigation team, said: “Three of the killers knocked on the vault room door when Israfil was

Shohag Gazi basks in Test ton  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

his seventh Test for the Tigers, registered his first century as he cut Doug Bracewell over the gully for a boundary in the 147th over, much to the delight of the decent crowd that gathered at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

“I am enjoying the moment. I tried giving the same effort I used to give in the National Leagues (domestic first class cricket competition).

"I am also happy for being able to score the hundred,” said Gazi

while talking to the media at ZACS yesterday.

In his innings, Gazi went off to a steady start, bringing up his fifty in 94 balls, but notched up his gear as he reached the next fifty runs in just 65 deliveries.

He spent a total 232 minutes in the middle, hammering 10 fours and three sixes.

The 22-year-old first partnered with middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain for a 7th wicket stand for 70 runs before building up a 105-run 9th

Hasina believes army will keep  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

Urging the armed forces to keep themselves prepared and united for protecting the country’s sovereignty, Hasina said she believed that they would brighten the image of the country through consideration, professional skills and integrity.

Chief of Army Staff General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan was present at the event, reports the UNB. Hasina said the government had launched the 17 Infantry Division, under which one infantry brigade and two infantry battalions were set up in Sylhet, a composite brigade comprising two infantry units and an engineering construction battalion to ensure security and surveillance of the Padma bridge project.

A lot of modern arms, ammunition and communication equipment were incorporated into the organisational structure of the army as per the Forces Goal 2030, she said adding that these would enhance the combat power and mobility of the force.

Noting that the present government had taken all kinds of steps to modernise the training methods for the army, the premier said joint training with armed

forces from the US, the UK, Sri Lanka and India had enhanced the confidence of Bangladeshi Army officials and soldiers to a great extent.

Hasina said the plan to purchase arms from Russia under a $1bn state credit would play a very important role in enhancing the capacity of the armed forces.

Later, addressing a darbar of Bangladesh Navy at the Naval Academy in Patenga, she said like other institutional forces, the members of Bangladesh Navy would also have to remain alert round the clock to “face any threat and protect the constitution and maintain the democratic process.”

Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Farid Habib was present at the event.

Hasina said her government had also undertaken an integrated effort with the foreign ministry to gain a maritime boundary verdict against India next year.

In this context, she said steps had been taken to strengthen and modernise the naval force and enhance its capability to protect the country’s large sea and water boundary.

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated the BMA Bangabandhu Complex at the Bangladesh Military Academy. l

counting the money for advance ticket sales. Israfil opened the door and allowed them to enter the vault room, where they first spent some time gossiping, before they attacked Israfil.

“It was a pre-planned murder because after they murdered him, they broke one of the lockers to loot Tk1.7m and escaped locking up behind them, with duplicate keys they had procured beforehand.”

In response to queries about the possible involvement of railway employees, the OC said: “Where no one except a few specific employees or officials are allowed, the possibility of an outsider’s involvement in this murder is quite slim.”

He said the suspects, including the fugitive, would be arrested within a day or two. l

wicket partnership with seamer Robiul Islam.

Gazi’s heroics also saw Bangladesh reach their third highest total in an innings, the first being 638 against Sri Lanka this year, and the second, 556 against West Indies in Dhaka last year.

“Rubel (Hossain) was there with me in the middle when I was on 96. He told me that he was there for me while I told him that I will try to hold onto the wicket as long he (Rubel) was there,” Gazi said. l

PD for both the roads, for his comments as he did not pick up his mobile phone despite repeated attempts.

Among the incomplete projects, the Pathantuli Road expansion project was in the best condition, but still required some maintenance tasks, while construction of a new ninestoried building known as New Market “B” block was still going on, said CDA sources.

Subhash Barua, vice-president of Forum for Planned Chittagong and also a former master planner of CDA, told the Dhaka Tribune that the projects were unplanned and people failed to get traffic-related seven projects of top priority.

Commenting that road expansion or flyover construction were not permanent solution to traffic jams, he said the expanded portions of the roads were illegally occupied, while the flyover would only shift tailbacks.

Saying that private cars represented only five percent of the traffic, Subhash said the proposed and constructed flyovers and overpasses were planned for only five percent, while the 95 percent – which consisted rickshaws, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, tempos, human haulers and buses – were being ignored.

The common people will not benefit from these projects if concerned authorities did not improve traffic management and law enforcing measures related to traffic and roads, he added. l

n Tribune Report Several hundred workers of five factories of Tuba Group, of which “Tazreen Fashions” is a sister concern, kept its managing director confined inside a factory in the capital’s Badda yesterday demanding due wages and Eid bonus.

Delwar Hossain, managing director and owner of the group, was confined since morning and was released around 11:30pm when the authorities started paying the workers' Eid bonus.

Witnesses said the workers launched angry demonstrations after they had joined work in the morning. Apart from demanding dues and bonus, the workers also protested a decision of selling some machines of the factories.

Police said the workers were not

AL senses defeat in participatory polls: Fakhrul n Tribune Desk

Alleging that the government was desperate to hold a one-sided election to evade humiliating defeat, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday said attempts to arrange such polls would not succeed.

Addressing a public rally at Ruhia High School ground in Sadar upazila in the district, Fakhrul said their hope would not be fulfilled as the BNP would not allow any such stage-managed polls, according to UNB. “The next national elections must be held after restoring the caretaker government system as it is not a demand of only the BNP now; it has turned into a mass demand.”

The BNP leader urged the government to accept the demand to save the country from confrontation. “Still there

is time...accept the people’s demand and save yourself as well as the countrymen.”

Raising issues of alleged corruption of the incumbent Awami League-led government, Fakhrul said the government pushed the country’s economy into shambles by looting Sonali Bank, Basic Bank and the share market.

In Dhaka, BNP standing committee member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia will announce the opposition’s final agitation programmes from the October 25 rally to be in the capital to force the government to hold the next general election under a non-party government.

“We’ll have no alternative to announcing programmes. If any anarchic situation is created during the October 25 rally, the government will have to bear the responsibility,” he told the closing ceremony of Batexpo-2013. l

given their wages for the last three months.

“None of the workers joined the workplace as they continued the agitation throughout the day on the factory premises,” said Iqbal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Badda police station.

Asked, he said as the workers staged demonstrations restricting all the entrances, the managing director of Tuba Group could not leave the factory premises.

Earlier in the day, Delwar had said he would not be able to pay the wages and bonus before Eid. But around 10pm, he agreed to pay the bonus.

At least 112 people, mostly women workers, were killed in the deadly fire at Tazreen Fashions in Ashulia on November 24 last year. l

Singer Arfin Rumey sent to jail n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday sent singer Arfin Rumey and his brother Yasin Rony to jail rejecting their bail plea in a case filed by Rumey’s first wife Ananya.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Atiqur Rahman passed the order after hearing arguments from both the defendants and the prosecution.

Rumey and his brother were produced before the court in the afternoon.

Police arrested Rumey in the morning based on a complaint lodged by Ananya with Mohammadpur police station the previous night.

In the case, Ananya alleged that Rumey had often tortured her for dowry.

Rumey intensified torture after his second marriage.

Rumey is a member of the band Durbin and a solo performer as well. l

Scuffle over toll collection at high rates  PAGE 1 COLUMN 5

Tk260 for buses, Tk173 for minibuses, Tk130 for pickup vans, Tk85 for microbuses, Tk70 for jeeps, Tk60 for cars, Tk18 for auto-rickshaws and Tk10 for motorbikes.

Mosharraf Hossain, a bus driver, said they had to protest since the flyover staff members were charging additional money from vehicle drivers in the name of tolls.

Jahid Hossain, the owner of a tea stall near the Gulistan toll plaza, said most of the vehicles avoided riding on

the flyover and took the streets underneath as traffic congestion occurred on the flyover because of the poor management of the flyover authorities.

Seeking anonymity, an official from Orion Infrastructure Ltd told the Dhaka Tribune that they had collected tolls as per orders from the higher officials.

The process took a little longer as they were doing it for the first time, he added.

No high-ranking officials from Orion Infrastructure Ltd visited the spot today after the incident.

Ashiqur Rahman, project director of

the Mayor Hanif Flyover could not be reached on his mobile phone despite repeated attempts to contact him.

When contacted, Ansar Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer of DSCC, said he had learnt about the incident that took place yesterday regarding toll collections. He assured that a decision would be made about toll collection after the holding of a meeting today.

If the probe body found that anyone had been collecting extra money, stern action would be taken against them, he said. l

But another leader disagreed with the idea of bringing any allegation, saying: “His issue will be discussed and resolved in the working committee meeting.”

Known to have a soft corner for Hanif, the Awami League leader said Hanif had not broken the discipline of the party and that the PM had asked him to resign as Hanif wanted to contest in the upcoming election.

“I do not see anything negative here – the prime minister asked him to resign so he can go to his constituency to work properly to prepare himself for the election.”

He said when Hasina asked him to “resign tomorrow,” Hanif told her that he would resign that day if she wanted.

The Awami League leader said Hanif told him over phone yesterday that he had been waiting to talk to Hasina. “He may talk to the prime minster today during the meeting.”

Meanwhile, Asgar Ali, general secretary of Kushtia district Awami League, told the Dhaka Tribune over phone that Haisna would decide on alliance or party nomination for Kushtia 2 and they would all accept that.

He, however, said Hanif had also played a significant role for the party unit in Daulatpur upazila during past political crises. “So, he may get an opportunity to contest from Kushtia 1 [Daulatpur].”

Hanif told the Dhaka Tribune last night: “There was some differences of opinion when I talked to the party president on some issues at Wednesday’s meeting.

“When it was discussed whether I would be able to contest in the upcoming national election as per the RPO [Representation of the People Order] while holding the post of the prime minister’s special assistant, I told the party president that there was no bar on it.”

Hanif said: “There is no need to make such a big issue out of it at all.

“It is not an issue of resignation or throwing me out of the post.”

Hanif said he would attend today’s meeting of the Central Working Committee.

“If anyone wants to bring allegations of breaking party discipline, they can do it. But, the issue will be resolved in the meeting.” l

AL to discuss Hanif issue today  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

spokesperson of Hasina as well as the Awami League. He became a central leader in 2009.

Now the Awami League’s joint secretary, Hanif was mainly in the forefront of the party’s Kushtia district politics. He contested from Kushtia 2 (Mirpur-Bheramara) constituency in the 1996 and 2001 parliament elections, but never won.

In the 2008 election, Hanif sought nomination but Hasina nominated Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haque Inu as the candidate of the alliance. Inu won in the election and was made a cabinet member as the information minister last year.

It is known to all that Hanif’s appointment as the PM’s special assistant was a reward for him in exchange for his sacrifice by not contesting the 2008 elections.

A few top level leaders of the Awami League central committee yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that Hanif wanted to contest in the upcoming parliament election from Kushtia 2 and was working to that end.

A number of local leaders have also

started pursuing at the top level of the party for Hanif, saying they wanted him as the party candidate from the constituency.

Party leaders said Hasina did not like these moves as she wanted to nominate Inu again “to keep the existing harmony in the alliance undisturbed.”

If anyone wants to bring allegations of breaking party discipline, they can do it. But, the issue will be resolved in the meeting There were also a few other issues that irked Hasina about Hanif. The sources said one of these issues was dissolving of the party’s Daulatpur upazila committee in December last year and forming a convening committee to hold party council session to elect new leadership.

On condition of anonymity, a top level leader told the Dhaka Tribune last night that an allegation of breaking party discipline might be brought against Hanif at the Central Working Committee meeting.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

3

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Chinese envoy emphasises on dialogue n UNB

PM inaugurates Bahaddarhat Flyover n Tribune Report

Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun yesterday re-emphasised the need for a peaceful dialogue among major political parties to remove the differences and resolve the political crisis.

He said he had already made it clear that the two major political parties could find a solution through dialogue as the decision would remain on the political leaders and the people of Bangladesh.

“Because, you know better what you need. And you know better what is good for this country,” Li Jun told a discussion on “Bangladesh-China Relations: Potentials of Growing Partnership in the Coming Decades” held at the National Press Club.

The Chinese diplomat also laid emphasis on a comprehensive and sustainable partnership between Bangladesh and China for mutual benefit.

“Innovative policy is badly needed,” he said, expressing the need for an exclusive export processing zone (EPZ) for Chinese investors, which would help Bangladesh increase its export to China.

The China-Bangladesh Study Group arranged the discussion where M Ashique Rahman, research fellow at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), presented the keynote paper. l

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the much-awaited Bahaddarhat flyover in Chittagong yesterday, terming it an Eid-ul-Azha gift for the people of the port city.

She called on people to vote for the Awami League in the next election for the continuity of development and so unfinished tasks can be accomplished.

“We have been fulfilling the pledges that we made one after another,” she said at a function at Lalkhanbazar after inaugurating the 1.5km long flyover.

Hasina said she had laid the foundation stone of the Bahaddarhat flyover in 2010 and the project had begun in 2011 at a cost of Tk1.45bn.

She said the Bahaddarhat flyover would be named after eminent AL leader MA Mannan while the 5km-long Muradpur-Lalkhanbazar flyover would be named after late AL leader Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu.

Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr Afsarul Ameen, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, and Forests and Environment Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud were present at the inauguration programme. l

Huge number of people occupy the Chittagong Baddarhat Flyover yesterday after its inauguration by the prime minister

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Relocation: MoU with tanneries today They now bat around n Abu Bakar Siddique The formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (Bscic) and the owners of tanneries in Hazaribagh will be held today, finalising the planned relocation of the factories to a newly built estate in Savar.

As per the agreement, the government will offer a compensation package worth Tk2.5bn to 155 factories and assign Tk6.39bn for the installation of a Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) – a must for red-category factories discharging toxic chemicals.

The Bscic has already completed construction of infrastructure at the 200 acre site at Harindhara, near Hemayetpur. Tk1.1bn has been spent on land development and the setting up of water treatment and power plants.

However, construction of the CETP is yet to begin as it took over three years to complete the paper work. The construction will take around 18 months to complete.

Despite High Court directives, outcries by environmentalists, distress of

locals and massive destruction to the river Buriganga, the relocation scheme was halted for over a decade because of disagreements between the government and tanners over compensation and the ETP. Around 70% of all polluted material dumped into the river comes from the tanneries.

“The government has agreed to our demand of paying the cost of setting up the CETP and also to compensation for relocating the factories,” said Abdul Hye, general secretary of Bangladesh Tanners’ Association.

He said they would relocate their factories as soon as possible.

After a public interest litigation was lodged, the High Court in June 2009 asked the government to relocate the tanneries from Dhaka to a proposed leather estate at Harindhara, Savar by February 28, 2010 or face shutdowns. The government has repeatedly sought more time.

Tannery owners were unwilling to pay for the relocation and CETP at the proposed site 15km from the capital’s Hazaribagh.

Pursuant to a 2003 agreement

signed with the tannery owners, the government was supposed to pay compensation and the cost of the CETP, Abdul Hye said, adding that they were happy with the government’s decision.

The current government, deviating from its original plan, suggested that the owners should pay the cost of relocation under a 15-year loan agreement once the CETP is installed.

The factories in Hazaribagh have been in operation for over six decades, exporting around Tk55bn per annum of finished leather and leather products.

The tanners have been enjoying a high level of impunity from authorities despite flouting rules on pollution, workplace safety and public health.

Not a single factory has an ETP to treat the highly-toxic water before release.

Of the Tk10.28bn allocated for the project, Tk1.39bn has been spent on infrastructure facilities, Bscic officials said. The Bscic, a body under the industries ministry, is implementing the relocation of 155 of around 200 factories.

Over 200 factories in Hazaribagh have been discharging untreated toxic waste into the Buriganga River through

canals and drains, contaminating the river and other water-bodies. The serious health risks to workers and locals in the densely populated area have been reported in the local and international media.

The Department of Environment reported that some 22,000 cubic meters of raw and liquid waste flow from the units into the river, where the level of dissolved oxygen is zero. A minimum level of 6 is required for survival of aquatic species. Over 100 tonnes of solid waste, including scraps of finished leather, hides and chemical dust are also dumped into the river.

In 1991, the question of relocating the tanneries was discussed among policy makers who first suggested Kanchpur as a possible location and then Sonargaon of Narayanganj. In 1993, it was decided the industries would be shifted to Savar and 17.30 acres of land was acquired.

At an inter-ministerial meeting held on August 20, 1998, it was revealed that around 15,000 cubic metres of untreated waste was dumped into the Buriganga River. l

Mad rush for journey home before Eid n Ashif Islam Shaon

People leaving for their village homes to spend Eid ul-Azha and Durga Puja holidays with their family members joined a mad rush yesterday to an all-out effort for journey home.

Holidaymakers waited for vehicles for hours defying hassles. Train passengers suffered as the vehicles fell behind their schedule. There seemed to have no space even on the roofs of trains, launches and some buses as inside spaces were stuffed with passengers.

Visiting Kamalapur Railway station it was found that passengers’ sufferings were at peak. On Saturday, all special trains missed their schedules and were 30 minutes to one and a half hours late.

Passengers alleged that the authorities deliberately caused the trains to fall behind their schedules only to pick up more passengers who will travel on foot-board or standing inside the train.

On the second special train service, Dinajpur-bound Agnibina started its journey around 10:30am, 50 minutes behind its schedule.

Besides, Titas Express was 45 minutes late while Balaka Express 32 minutes,

Mahanagar Provati 30 minutes, Rangpur Express 40, Ekota Express 30 and Haor Express was around an hour late.

Mahanagr Parabat left the station around 1:15pm which was 45 minutes late.

Every local train left the station from 30 minutes to one hour late. Even after the authorities’ assurances, trains which left station in the afternoon were minimum 30 minutes late.

“They have named it special train, but there is no specialty in it,” said a passenger Raihanul Islam who was waiting on the platform for Haor Express.

Another passenger Rabeya Haque of Dhaka-Debganj special train said she found her seat already grabbed by passengers without ticket.

About the schedule break, Railway’s Director General Abu Taher said some days back there were terrible incidents like throwing stones at the passengers in the trains, arson attack and digging out railway tracks.

“So, considering security issues, the trains are starting a bit late,” he argued, though he did not say how the trains’ late start could ensure security.

Like the train station, thousands of passengers at bus terminals were also

seen waiting for vehicles.

Homebound passengers had been suffering much at Gabtoli, the largest bus terminal in the capital. As most buses were running behind their schedule, passengers had to wait for hours.

On the other hand passengers’ waiting rooms were not enough to accommodate all passengers at a time.

As a result, a good number of passengers were compelled to sit on pavement in front of bus counters.

Madaripur-bound Ananda Paribahan’s passenger Sultana Parul said, “Every year we have mental preparation to face jam and schedule break, but if there is a shortage of washroom and passengers’ waiting room, sufferings go intolerable.”

About the waiting room for passengers, Assistant Manager Jasim Ali of the bus company at Gabtoli bus station said there were only 100 seats in the lone waiting room and the numbers won’t be increased in recent time.

Meanwhile, At Sadarghat Launch Terminal, the surge of people was more intense than the previous day yesterday.

Most streets in old Dhaka witnessed long tailbacks as the onrush of vehicles carrying people home via Sadarghat

launch terminal clogged the streets.

Launches were seen carrying passengers three to four times their capacity with signboards reading, “Life is more valuable than time. Please don’t board an overloaded launch.”

Employees of a triple-decker launch seeking anonymity said the launch had a capacity to carry 990 people, but day before yesterday, it carried over 5,000 passengers.

There were also allegations of charging extra fare. Employees of launches said they charged the extra fare as they had to return to Dhaka with almost an empty launch.

About overloading, Md Saiful Haque, joint director of BIWTA said: “We do not let any launch to stay anchored at the terminal after it is loaded with passengers up to its capacity. So, usually there is no schedule for launches.”

Sometimes, the launch staff deliberately delayed starting the water vehicles in the name of some lame excuses like technical glitches, he alleged.

According to statistics by Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, nearly 1m people leave Dhaka to enjoy Eid at their village homes. l

not bringing back Tarique home n Tribune Report Columnist Shafik Rehman yesterday urged BNP leaders to refrain from taking steps to bring the party’s Senior Vice-President Tarique Rahman back home to head the party.

Referring to the “custodial torture” by the last caretaker government that allegedly damaged Tarique’s spinal cord, he said nobody could guarantee that the incumbent government and its sidekicks would not “cripple” him within 10 minutes of his arrival while they were in power.

The opposition campaign in the upcoming elections should be rolling around Khaleda Zia since her election will ensure Tarique’s safe return to the country, Shafik Rehman told a discussion meeting.

The Nationalist Research Foundation organised the discussion titled “Future of Bangladesh and New Generation: Political Thoughts of Tarique Rahman” at the Engineers’ Institute in the capital.

Shafik Rehman also cautioned against the forces that were out “to taint the image of Tarique Rahman.”

Alleging that a “hijacker government” was now at the helm of the country, he said the government had begun taking credits for others’ work ever since they assumed power.

“They hijacked the Jatrabari-Sayedabad flyover the other day. The military had completed the Hatirjheel project earlier and this government took credit for it,” he said.

The veteran journalist also asked the opposition supporters not to label Tarique as the “pride of youth” anymore.

“There is a strong sense of pride

in the word ‘pride’ itself. And as you know, pride and bragging are Sheikh Hasina’s things, it is not a property of the Zia family.”

Shafik praised the brilliance of Tarique’s wife Zubaida Rahman, saying “she has recently achieved her master’s in cardiology from London’s Imperial University with highest marks. She got her degree outperforming students from 55 countries. Remember, it is a real degree, not the kind of honorary degrees that our prime minister has received.”

BNP Standing Committee member Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain reaffirmed the party’s commitment not to let any election be arranged without the opposition’s participation.

“The Awami League knows that its very existence will be at stake if elections are held under the caretaker government and that is why it is plotting to hold the elections without us. It is planning to register the address-less party – the BNF – to weaken the nationalist forces,” he said.

A documentary on Tarique Rahman was screened at the programme that featured a speech of Tarique Rahman in which he outlined the development plan for Bangladesh. The speech, originally delivered on July 24 in London, analyses critical issues such as agriculture, education, garment sector, tourism, technology, power and urbanisation, which Tarique thinks important in pursuit of the country’s development.

Former Dhaka University pro-VC AFM Yusuf Haider and former PSC chairman Jeenatunnesa Tahmida Begum, among others, spoke at the function with barrister Nasir Uddin Ashim in the chair. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Onions’ prices go through the roof

MITFORD DRUGS HAUL

Sealed stores reopened, owners still in jail n Concerns raised about the possibility of seized drugs returning to the market rested 103 people, filed 74 cases, fined market again, saying no 21 detained drugstore owners. n Moniruzzaman Uzzal show a single instance However, Abu Bokor Khan Milon, over Tk10.25m and sealed 28 stores.

The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) reopened 24 drugstores of the Mitford medicine market on Thursday, which were sealed during a mobile court drive on September 28, on charges of selling “fake and expired” drugs.

Out of the 28 drugstores that were sealed that day, all except four were later able to produce legal documents to the mobile court magistrate.

Earlier, drug traders withdrew a nationwide day-long strike after Director General of DGDA Major General Jahangir Hossain Mollik assured leaders of Bangladesh Chemist and Druggist Samity (BCDS) of reopening the sealed stores and assisting in the release of the

general secretary of the Dhaka district unit of BCDS, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that the release of all the drugstore owners would not be possible before Eid, as all legal documents for submitting bail petitions had not yet been collected from the deputy commissioner’s office.

He informed that out of the 21 arrested drugstore owners, only the ones who had been given 10 days’ jail time, had been released. Bail prayers for three more owners would be presented before the court today.

A mobile court on September 28 seized three truckloads of drugs worth more than Tk50m from the market near the Mitford Hospital in Dhaka, ar-

Meanwhile, there are claims that the seized drugs were likely to return to the market, as a section of brokers who are close to few DGDA officials have allegedly been contacting drugstore owners at the Mitford medicine market to sell the seized drugs.

Seeking anonymity, several DGDA officials told the Dhaka Tribune that there were prior instances of reselling seized drugs. They alleged that drugs seized during a mobile court drive – that fined Dhanmondi drugstores Tk1.1m a few months ago – were later sold at the Mitford market.

Selim Barami, a director of DGDA, however denied allegations that seized drugs were being sold in the

one could of seized drugs being sold in the market by any DGDA officials.

Claiming that the DGDA had no connection to the seized drugs, Barami said the mobile court magistrate had sent the confiscated medicines to Rab offices.

He also informed that the sealed drugstores had been opened after sending documents regarding the drive to the court.

On the other hand, Monir Hossain, deputy secretary of BCDS, said the organisation was yet to receive the drug seizure list from the mobile court drive. Talking about the unregistered and banned drugs found during the drive, he said, “Renowned doctors

had been prescribing these items.

Nobody takes action against them.

If there are so many agencies in the country; then how are these banned drugs coming?”

Regarding the seized drugs, Monir said the BCDS wants to donate the banned, but lifesaving drugs, to public hospitals or have them destroyed in the presence of their traders.

Sadekur Rahman, president of BCDS, also recently said, “The traders [who were arrested] cannot be held responsible for the fake, adulterated and sub-standard drugs that the mobile court had seized. They do not have any laboratory. How would they know which drug is fake and which is not? The drug companies are the main culprits.” l

Kumari Puja observed across country n BSS

Mohashtami, the third day of the fiveday Durga Puja festival of Bangalee Hindu community, concluded yesterday with Mohashtami Puja Proshastha and Brotobas in the morning and Sandhi Puja at night.

The Mohanabami puja of the Goddess Durga will be held today.

The main attraction of Mohashtami day Kumari Puja (worshipping of the virgin Goddess) was held at temples and pandals across the country.

In the capital city, hundreds of Hindu devotees offered Anjali (prayers) before the virgin Goddess at Dhaka Ramkrishna Mission seeking her blessings for peace, prosperity, welfare, fraternity and changing of their lot.

The inner religious meaning of the Kumari Puja is to create a feeling among all to realise the images of mothers in all the women, according to Niranjan Maharaj, assistant secretary of Dhaka Ramkrishna Mission.

On the day marking Mohashtami rush of devotees also was witnessed at different puja pandaps including at Dhakeswari National Temple, Ramna Kalibari O Ananadamoyee Ma Ashram, Baradeshwari Kali Mata Mandir, Kalabagan Play Ground, Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University.

The rush of devotees were also seen at Banani, Shankhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Farashganj, North Brooke Hall Road, Banagram, South Maishundi and other areas of the Old City.

The Mohanabami Kolparambha and Bihit puja proshastha of the Goddess Durga will be held within 9:48am in the morning today. l

A young girl smiles during the Kumari Puja, a ritual of worshiping pre-pubescent girl as a symbol of the divine female power, takes place yesterday at Dhaka Ramakrishna Mission on the eighth day of Durga Puja MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Calls for continuing JS session after Oct 24 is a conspiracy: BNP n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

WEATHER

Temperature likely to fall n UNB Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at many places over Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions and at a few places over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions until 6pm today.

Moderately heavy to heavy falls were also likely at places over southern part of the country, Met Office said.

Day and night temperature may fall by 1-2 degree Celsius over the country.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:35pm today and rises at 5:56am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 35.2 degree Celsius was recorded at Dhaka and Tangail and lowest 22.5 degrees at Srimangal yesterday.

Highest and lowest temperatures recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

35.2 32.0 34.8 32.6 32.3 32.0 33.2 33.0

25.4 26.2 24.2 24.0 26.5 26.2 22.7 25.5

The main opposition BNP has said it was a conspiracy for the ruling party lawmakers to demand the continuation of the parliament’s session after October 24.

“We want to say clearly, whether the session will be continued or not, the parliament should be dissolved after October 24. Provision of nonpartisan interim government should be inserted to the constitution,” opposition Chief Whip Zainul Abdin Farroque, told journalists at a press briefing at the media center of the parliament.

Referring to the prime minister’s statement that October 24 will be the last day of the parliament session, Farroque said Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed and others on Wednesday took the floor on point of order, and demanded to continue the parliament’s session after October 24.

“We think that the demand was raised to mislead people and to resist the movement of election under a nonparty government. It is a part of government’s conspiracy,” he alleged.

Farroque claimed that people want to know why the government now wanted to extend the session of the

parliament.

He urged the government to pass a bill on non-partisan interim government in the ongoing session, for a free, fair and credible polls.

“The parliament session will sit on October 23. We still hope that the way Awami League passed Baksal in the parliament within five minutes, the same way the government will take initiative to pass a bill on non-party caretaker government.”

Asked whether the opposition MPs will resign from the parliament if the session continued after October 24, Farroque said, “The party high-ups will take the decision.” l

Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

4:40am 5:54am 11:45pm 3:57pm 5:35pm 6:50pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

Teachers of Dhaka University belonging to White Panel form a human chain in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla yesterday condeming the alleged attack on the teachers of Jahangirnagar University NASHIRUL ISLAM

The onion price in the city’s kitchen markets has doubled within a span of one week with consumers bearing the brunt of the price hike.

The upward spiral of the essential cooking item has not only affected the grass roots, but also the upper class, all expressing their concern over the price shooting.

A retired government official, Samsur Rahman, vented his anger on market monitoring authority that had entirely failed to rein in onions’ price.

This correspondent had an encounter with Rahman at the city’s Karwan Bazar kitchen market yesterday.

“I have come here to buy a five-kilogramme of onions because it is essential for food preparation during Eid, but I have bought only two kilogrammes,” he said.

“If prices of essentials soar in this way, it would be really tough for us to maintain our families properly.”

A visit to the city’s Karwan Bazar kitchen market yesterday revealed that retail price of onion was Tk110 per kg while it was sold at Tk65 a kg just one month ago.

The wholesale price of onion was found to have been differing from Tk60 to Tk92 in the city’s Karwan Bazar.

Bangladeshi onions are being sold at Tk90-Tk92 per kg while those from India Tk80-Tk85, Pakistan Tk70-Tk75, China Tk60-Tk65 and Myanmar Tk80Tk82.

The retail price also varied from Tk80 to Tk112 as Bangladeshi onion sells Tk110-Tk112 a kg while that from Indian Tk100-Tk105, Pakistan Tk90-Tk95, China Tk80-Tk85 and Myanmar Tk100.

Last Thursday, Bangladeshi onion price was ranging between Tk60 and Tk62 per kg, but at the evening, it spiralled between Tk85 and Tk90 a kg.

According to Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the retail price of Bangladeshi onion was between Tk60 and Tk65 per kg a month ago.

Just after a month, the onion price doubled in wholesale and retail markets.

The wholesale businessmen attribute poor supply of onion in the markets to its price hike.

Probir Ray, proprietor of Bayezid Trading, told the Dhaka Tribune that consumers demand for onion had increased significantly while the markets witnessed its poor supply, thus causing the price to go through the roof.

Asked about the price spiral almost going out of control, Md Ramzan Ali, director, sales and marketing, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh said TCB was trying to rein in onion’s market price. l

World Bank to give funds for transportation and innovative programmes $300m food warehouse project to be delayed by a year Showkat Kallol, from n Asif Washington DC Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said the World Bank would provide funds for Bangladesh’s new transportation development programmes such as the bus rapid transportation project and excess from its innovative fund-raising.

The finance minister is now in Washington DC to attend a board meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund

PRAYER TIMES

Manik Miazee

“Newly appointed World Bank VicePresident for South Asia Philippe Le Houérou has assured the Bangladesh delegation of funds for new development projects,” Muhith told the Dhaka Tribune on Friday in Washington DC, USA, after meeting with Houérou.

The World Bank vice-president also told the finance minister that they would provide $300m for the government’s food preservation project, which was supposed to start this December but has been delayed until January next year.

Muhith said the World Bank would also provide funds for poverty alleviation, climate change and power sector projects.

The finance minister is now in Washington DC to attend a board meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

He informed the Dhaka Tribune that the fund disbursement from World Bank’s International Development Association would double from next year.

“We have already broken the myth of child marriage in Bangladesh and the World Bank will not take up any new projects in this sector,” he said.

The government would also get the excess from the World Bank’s innovative fund-raising for the education sector as the country’s primary education enrolment had reached 1.5m making Bangladesh the leader in the field, he said.

Muhith said Bangladesh was also the leader in poverty reduction rate and according to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics the country’s poverty cut would stand at 26.31% in 2015 from 31.51% in 2010.

He said a rate of 4% cut in five years would be “extremely good for a country like Bangladesh.”

A World Bank report on Bangladesh says the country is on track towards reaching its poverty reduction target under the MDGs and it will halve the poverty headcount to 28.5% sometime this year.

Regarding the disbursement of the fourth tranche of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the finance minister said the IMF had been satisfied with the reform programmes taken by the government and the disbursement of $130m was supposed to be in November.

Muhith, however, criticised the IMF team that had visited Bangladesh to review the third tranche for advising the government to stop labour unrest and disaster in the garment sector for a stable growth. He mentioned that it had taken the British government 100 years to improve the labour standard of its garment sector. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Long Form

5

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Speak no evil

The draconian new ICT law threatens us all

The extent of regulation of the internet should be clearly defined and compatible with the right to freedom of expression

I

n Arafat Hosen Khan

n Bangladesh, like many countries in the world, the internet has fast become one of the key instruments for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression. It combines within one medium both the right to receive as well as the right to express and disseminate information, ideas and opinions, be it in the form of writing, or through audio or video.

Freedom of expression and privacy are fundamental human rights and this has been recognised not only by our society but also guaranteed in our constitution. More than ever, technological advances, particularly the internet, make it easier for people to publish and respond to news, information and opinions. Online freedom is now a question of global concern rather than just national.

Commonly, issues of internet freedom concern individuals interested in advocating improvements to their own countries, cultures and communities. It is now the common view shared by many legal intellectuals around the world that the governments should cooperate to improve respect for international human rights principles and to fashion regulations that take account of the internet’s global scope.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, both in itself and due to the role it plays in guaranteeing other rights as well as draws on values of personal autonomy and democracy.

Freedom of expression is closely connected to freedom of thought and is a precondition for individuals’ self-expression and self-fulfilment.

The right to express oneself enables an open debate about political, social and moral values, and encourages artistic and scholarly endeavour free of inhibitions. Freedom of expression is not absolute, since open debate and personal autonomy can cause conflict between the values and rights respected by the system.

stricted internet resources, and the need to ensure respect for freedom of expression and to preserve a free flow of information and ideas. Therefore, when we think about our country, the

These new amendments will make the law even more draconian and curtail freedom of speech and expression even further

challenges are harder considering the social and cultural values we hold.

Undoubtedly, the internet – as a vehicle for expression – serves various functions. It is simultaneously a publishing tool and a communications tool, allowing millions around the world to communicate. However, occasionally, because of its diversity of content and ease of use, the internet has become controversial.

As with any other tool, it can be used for different purposes, good and bad. On one hand, it allows up-to-date news about current events to emerge from countries where other communication means are heavily censored.

On the other hand, the internet can be used to facilitate crime.

In addition, because of the global nature of the internet there are problems with regard to content.

Therefore, the case is put for stronger internet regulation and this raises far more important issues with regard to the right to freedom of expression.

In a number of countries, public policy has the effect of controlling access to the internet. The most overt and extreme way of restricting and censoring access to the internet is by prohibiting access altogether.

There are few countries like Bangladesh which have adopted laws regulating communication in a way to control internet content as well as blocking entire sites without considering one of the biggest strengths of the internet – its variety of content.

While it is acknowledged that freedom of expression is not an absolute right, it does not mean that the internet should be used by governments as an excuse for curtailing existing liberties

Therefore, rights of expression can be limited by the system and international law allows for limited restrictions on it to protect other important social interests such as privacy, an individual’s reputation and public order. It is never easy to strike an appropriate balance between these other interests and freedom of expression, as the highly developed jurisprudence in this area illustrates.

One of the most controversial issues is how to balance the need to protect society against the potential harm that may flow from using unre-

of personal data, and (2) how to balance the privacy of communication against law enforcement’s need for interception and access to online communications.

Thus, failing to ensure freedom of expression as the right to freedom of expression goes further than simply prohibiting interference with the means of communication; it includes a positive obligation on the State to make available those means of communication which are particularly important.

From the human rights perspective, the two major areas of internet regulation have been privacy and freedom of expression. The privacy issues at stake so far have been: (1) how to ensure the privacy

The content issues have been: (1) how to control illegal content, and (2) how to control legal but potentially harmful content without unduly infringing on the right to freedom of expression.

Obstacles to use internet by ICT Laws in Bangladesh In Bangladesh, the laws relating to the operation and blocking of websites/ putting restriction on internet access are contained inter alia in the ICT Act 2006.

Section 46 of the Information and Communications Technology Act, 2006 (Act 39 of 2006), purports to grant wide and unfettered powers to the Government to direct any law enforcing agency by issuance of an order with written reasons to restrict imparting of information through any computer resource if in their opinion such prevention is necessary and reasonable on a wide array of grounds, including sovereignty, integrity and security of the State, maintaining friendly relation with other states, public order and security and to prevent incitement of any offence under the Act. Section 57 of the ICT Act 2006 is framed in vague and uncertain terms and purports to penalise the intentional publication or circulation of any information which is false, obscene or of such nature that in a given context any person reading, hearing or viewing the content may be caused to suffer a moral lapse or become dishonest, or which results in defamation, or causes or is likely to cause deterioration of public order, or hurt the image of the state or any person, or hurt or is likely to hurt religious sentiments, or creates any incitement to violence against any person or association.

Section 46 read with Section 57 of the ICT Act confers upon the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC), respondent no 3 a wholly unfettered discretion to restrict and prevent access to websites and to penalise the dissemination or communication of information through websites, based solely on his/ her subjective satisfaction, which is arbitrary and capricious, and violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 38, 39 and 43 of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

On May 29, 2010, the social networking website Facebook was wholesomely blocked by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory

Commission (BTRC) on the basis that some unethical pictures of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina have been uploaded on facebook by someone.

Thereafter, a writ petition (No 4719 of 2010) was filed on June 6, 2010 challenging the ban then imposed on access to the social networking site, and also challenging the constitutionality of Sections 46 and 57 of the ICT Act. As Facebook access was restored at 11pm on the day before the writ was filed, the petitioners did not pursue the issue of the ban in the hearing.

They however continued their challenge to the ICT Act provisions, comparing it to similar, but far less draconian, legislation from other countries. They asked the Court to strike down these provisions as being unconstitutional, focusing on it being a breach of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression. It clearly provides that while this right may be restricted, any such restriction must be “reasonable,” “prescribed by law” and further have a nexus/connection to specific constitutionally permissible grounds (for example, that it does not amount to defamation or incitement to an offence).

Analysing the challenged sections, the petitioners pointed out that these provisions are vague and uncertain in their terms, and incapable of definition; they provide the government with arbitrary powers as there is no objective standard or guideline to ascertain when these offences have been committed; they are unreasonable and there is no objective basis or guideline for determining when these provisions would apply; the penalties prescribed are disproportionate to the offence; they violate fundamental rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, the right to be treated in accordance with law, guaranteed under Articles 39, 38 and 31 of the Constitution, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

After hearing the petitioners on the July 26, 2010, the Honb’le High Court directed the Ministry of Information Communication Technology among others to show cause as to why Sections 46 and 57 of the ICT Act 2006, allowing for blocking of websites and electronic communications, and providing for prosecution of certain offences, should not be held to be ultra vires (beyond the authority) of the Constitution, and in violation of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association.

Moreover, recently the parliament passed the ICT (Amendment) Ordinance-2013 that empowers law enforcing by making the bailable offences to non-bailable, the non-cognisable offences will become cognisable and the highest punishment will go up from 10 years to 14 years imprisonment. As a result, these new amendments will make the law even more draconian

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

and curtail freedom of speech and expression even further.

International standards on content regulation Any content regulation must not fall below the standards set by international human rights law, and must take into account the special nature of the internet.

While states can legitimately take action to regulate internet content, under international human rights law any limitations on expression must remain within the strict parameters set

by Article 19 (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: [Restrictions on the right to freedom of expression] shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.

This means that any restriction must meet a strict three-part test,

Bangladesh has no initiative yet to provide policy guidelines for internet governance and monitoring the compliance of internet governance in the country. It is high time for the government to take urgent initiative to work on this. Internet governance requires national guidelines on interoperability issues. However, there is no agency working towards building guidelines for solving interoperability issues.

Although the right to freedom of expression can be restricted, the circumstances under which this may be done have to be narrowly circumscribed. It is necessary that national mechanisms give a clear indication of the extent to which regulation of the internet is compatible with the international legal guarantee of the right to freedom of expression. l Arafat Hosen Khan is a Barrister at Law, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court, and associate at Dr Kamal Hossain and Associates. This article is written on behalf of BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust).

Attempts to regulate internet content as well as access to the internet have tended to focus on restricting the availability of certain content

as recognised by the Human Rights Committee. Any restriction must a) be provided by law; b) be for the purpose of safeguarding one of the legitimate interests listed; and c) be necessary to achieve this goal.

However, any legislation aimed at regulating internet content should furthermore recognise that the internet is not like any other medium. In many cases, it will not be possible to extend general norms to the internet, or to apply the standards that are normally applied to, for example, broadcasting, to internet content. The special nature of the internet will need to be taken into account.

Towards realisation of internet governance in Bangladesh The internet offers great potential for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of information. However, like any tool for expression, it can be used in good and in bad ways. Therefore, attempts to regulate internet content as well as access to the internet have tended to focus on restricting the availability of certain content and, in some cases, restricting access to the internet altogether.

While it is acknowledged that freedom of expression is not an absolute right, it does not mean that the internet should be used by governments as an excuse for curtailing existing liberties.

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Cattle traders fall victim to rampant extortion

BSF kills Bangladeshi cattle trader in Lalmonirhat n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat A Bangladeshi cattle trader was shot dead by the Indian border security force (BSF) at a Hatibandha upazila border point in Lalmonirhat yesterday morning.

Deceased Shahinul Islam sustained bullet wounds to his leg, hand and back. He died en route to a Rangpur hospital. He was 27 years old.

The commanding officer of Lalmonirhat 15 battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Lieutenant Colonel Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the matter to the Dhaka Tribune and said they had already sent a dispatch to the BSF high command protesting the incident.

Locals said a border patrol unit of India opened fire on Shahinul around 8:30am near the Bonchowki border point of Hatibandha. They were reported to have fired several rounds of ammunition at the time.

The unit was linked to the Dhumerketu BSF camp of the Cooch Behar district in West Bengal.

In a separate incident on Friday night, two villagers including a woman at the Phulbari upazila of Kurigram were injured when BSF members crossed the border and beat them mercilessly.

The assaults took place at the Khalisha Kotal border point under Phulbari.

The injured were identified as Bazlul Haque, 70, and his daughter, Afroza, 35.

Sources said Bazlul was intercepted by a group of 10-12 BSF men as he was returning home around 8pm and beaten brutally. Afroza came out hearing him screams but was beaten too.

The soldiers then tried to drag them into Indian Territory but several members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened and save them. The BSF members quickly left the scene.

A letter of protest in this regard was sent to the Indian authorities, said Commander Nayeb Subedar of Balarhaat BOP camp. l

Law enforcers in connivance with local musclemen extract toll on highways cles carrying cattle had to pay as much n Mohammad Jamil Khan as Tk40,000 on their way to Dhaka.

Corrupt law enforcers and musclemen with influence are allegedly extorting cattle traders on the highways, with trucks stopped at various points on the pretence of checking documents but in fact they demand payment of toll and festival tips.

Cattle traders are helpless under such circumstances as there is no one they can turn to who would listen to their allegations on the road, so they end up giving their money to the extortionists.

Hossain Ali, a trader who came from Jessore with 16 animals to sell at the capital’s Azimpur market, told the Dhaka Tribune that on the way to Dhaka he dealt with extortion at eight points by 10 different parties.

Most extortionists were members of law enforcement agencies who charged traders Tk200-300 for every animal, said Hossian Ali, and added that he had to pay once in Faridpur, on both shores of Aricha ferry terminal, as well as in Savar, Ashulia, Aminbazar and Gabtoli.

He said such extortion would lead to traders raising the price of each animal by approximately Tk4,000-5,000.

While Javed Bepari, a trader from Dinajpur, said that he paid toll at 14 spots on the way to the capital. He said local musclemen have set up makeshift bamboo road blocks where they demand payment of toll and the police collect money when they stop vehicles to check papers and keep them waiting.

In this regard, Mahmudul Alam Montu, member secretary of Bangladesh Truck and Covered Van Owners Association, told the Dhaka Tribune there was uncontrolled extortion going on, and added that in some cases vehi-

He said such circumstances caused frustration for traders who have no one to turn to for help because they can’t take their allegations of extortion to law enforcers since the police are also involved in many instances.

Traders have also complained that they have to pay toll at the cattle markets where some space is always designated by the police as an extension of these markets.

The police are allegedly demanding money from cattle market contractors for extending the market area, and also demanding traders pay up for settling on the extended that the law enforcers have marked as an extension of the market.

Sixteen year old Sumon Sheikh is here with his father to sell their cattle at the Azimpur market. He said because they could not find any space in the main part of the cattle market, they had to settle in the extension.

Sumon said they had to give the police Tk1000, because they were threatened with jail if they did not pay up.

Rustom Ali Khan, secretary general of the Bangladesh Truck and Covered Van Owners Association said that every year the government and law enforcement agencies meet to discuss the issue of extortion, and they give their assurance that extortionists would be dealt with but tit doesn’t have any impact on the actual situation.

When contacted, Inspector General (IG) of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker, told the Dhaka Tribune that law enforcers were performing their duties properly, responsibly and honestly.

The IG said if any groups were involved in irregularities then stern action would be taken against them. l

No let-up in traffic congestion at Jatrabari as vehicles prefer the road to that of the flyover since the authorities concerned are charging much more than it was announced earlier DHAKA TRIBUNE

Eve-teasing incidence mounts in Chandpur

Shibir’s hartal in four districts today n Chandpur, UNB n UNB Eve-teasing has appeared to be a most Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, will enforce a half-day hartal in four districts of Khulna division today, protesting the killing of one of its activists in police firing in Chuadanga on Thursday.

Chuadanga, Jhenidah, Meherpur and Kushtia are the districts to see shutdown from 6am-2pm.

Rafiqul Islam, 22, a Shibir activists, of Boalia village in Damurhuda upazila, was killed and two others were injured in a clash with the police at Darshana of Chuadanga.

Police Super of Chuadanga Abdur Rahim Shah Chowdhury said five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh had been deployed alongside police to tackle any unpleasant incident during the hartal hours. l

prevalent social menace in Chandpur in recent times.

Frequent occurrence of sexual harassment of girls by spoiled youths has kept the guardians in a constant worry about security of their female children.

A good number of girls, scared of unwanted incident of such kind of harassment, have already stopped going to their educational institutions.

Two young men were sentenced to one month’s jail term each by a mobile court on October 8 for teasing a number of girls while they were on the way to their schools and madrasas in the district town.

A mobile court led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Chandpur sadar upazila Runa Laila, also an executive magistrate, awarded the duo the jail term.

The court also fined them Tk1,000

each, in default, to suffer jail term for one week more.

The stalkers were Monir, 21, and Anisur Rahman, 22, both residents of the Outer Stadium Road in the district town.

Both Monir and Anisur along with Raju and Milon used to tease the female students at Bank Colony Road, Outer Stadium Road, Madrasa Road and Nazir Para Road on their way to and from schools and madrasas, said the victims, locals and police.

On October 8, these youths along with Raju and Milon teased some girls at Outer Stadium Road while they were going to school on foot. A victim’s mother informed Sadar Model police station. Police, at once, rushed to the spot and arrested Monir and Anisur from Outer Stadium Road.

Raju and Milon, however, managed to flee. The mobile court awarded them one month’s jail term and a fine of Tk1,000 each.

NEWS IN BRIEF Girl found dead in capital

Police recovered the body of a young girl from a pond in the Chairman Bari area of the capital yesterday.

Police recovered the body around 7:30pm. The body was wrapped in a sack, said Majharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kadamtali police station.

The identity of the girl, estimated to be aged around 13, could not be known immediately.

The body was sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital morgue for post mortem examination.

Police suspect the girl was raped and strangled to death, but this could not be confirmed until they receive the post mortem report.

Police said they are investigating the case and checking General Diary records to verify the identity of the girl. – Tribune Report

Road accident kills woman in city A woman died in a road accident in front of the BRTC Bus Depot in Dhaka’s Kamalapur area yesterday.

The deceased Sanjida Akhter Shyama, 35, wife of Sub-inspector Abu Sayeed of Rab 8, resided at a rented house in the capital’s Shahjahanpur as her husband Sayeed was posted in Barisal. She was on

her way to her in-laws house in Sirajganj to celebrate Eid. Sanjida, along with her daughter Shithi, son Shital and brother Shariful, was riding on two separate rickshaws. A bus hit her rickshaw around 6am leaving her injured. Soon after the incident, she was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the doctors declared her dead, said an official of Shajahanpur police station.

The bus driver and his helper fled the scene on foot after the incident, he added.

“The bus was recklessly driven and hit our rickshaw before we could understand anything”, said Shariful.

The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for a post mortem examination. Police said they seized the bus and were trying to arrest the driver. – Tribune Report

Two college students killed in Faridpur road crash

Two college students were killed yesterday when a bus rammed into their motorcycle on the Dhaka-Khulna highway at Kanaipur Tentultala of Boalmari upazila.

The victims were identified as Aminur Rahman and Sushmoy Saha, both students of Boalmari College in Faridpur district.

Police said the accident occurred

around 11:30 am when a Faridpur-bound bus hit the motorcycle, instantly killing its two riders.

Police recovered the bodies and sent them to a local hospital morgue for postmortem examination. – UNB

University student found dead in Sylhet A private university student was found shot dead in his rented room in Ambarkhana Dattapara of Sylhet city early yesterday morning.

The victim was identified as Sahadat Hossain Emon, 24, a BBA first semester student of Sylhet International University.

Based on information, police recovered the body of Emon, who was shot in the stomach around 1:30am, and sent it to the Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police also found a light gun in the room.

Emon used to share the room with one Kausar Alam.

However, Kawsar went out for Jumma prayer on Friday and did not return, sources said.

The motive behind the killing could not be known immediately.

Police were investigating the killing, said Ezaz Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police. – UNB

In another incident, a stalker shaved a girl’s head on October 5 in her study room at Mehar Kali Bari in Shahrasti upazila of the district as the girl did not respond to his love proposal or probably because he failed to rape the girl, according to a delayed report.

The girl’s father filed a case under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act with the local police station accusing the stalker Bahauddin Babu, his father Ruhul Amin and two others on October 6 but none was arrested.

Mozammel Huque Mamun, officerin-charge of Shahrasti police station, said attempt was going on to arrest the accused.

In another such incident in Haimchar upazila of the district, a schoolteacher, Imam Hossain, 40, was expelled from his school Char Bhanga High School at Haimchar upazila for sexually harassing one of his female students.

School managing committee presi-

dent, Sheikh Fazlur Rahman, confirmed the incident saying a unanimous decision was taken in this regard at a school managing committee meeting on October 6.

On September 30, Jahir Khan, 16, reportedly teased some school girls in front of Chandra Yakub Ali High School under Chandpur sadar upazila.

After stalking, Jahir while driving his motorbike saw the victim, a student of class VII, and violently hit her as she refused his love offer and her father also admonished him earlier.

The girl suffered severe injuries and was rushed to Chandpur General Hospital. As her condition deteriorated on October 1, doctors of the hospital referred her to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for better treatment.

But she died on the way to Dhaka the same day. Later, a human chain was formed in the area protesting her killing. l

Gias Kamal’s health condition deteriorates n BSS, Dhaka The health condition of noted journalist and former president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Gias Kamal Chowdhury deteriorated as he remained unconscious at a private hospital yesterday.

“His lung condition has deteriorated since he was hospitalized on October 9.

He has been on life support at the ICU,” Dr Masud, a duty doctor of Dr Anwer Khan Modern Hospital, said.

Chowdhury, ex-president of National Press Club and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), and Dhaka correspondent of Voice of America (VOA), is suffering from pneumonia and lung inflammation.

Gias Kamal Chowdhury, former chief reporter of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), is undergoing treatment at the hospital under the supervision of Prof Firoz Ahmed Qureishi. l

Overseas jobseekers’ registration ends n Rabiul Islam The online registration drive for foreign job seekers starting on September 22, officially ended yesterday with 4,89,681 aspirant job seekers being registered across the country, announced officials of the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

Additional Director General of BMET Jabed Ahmed said: “We are quite happy with the number of registered workers.

Creation of the new database is under process with details of the candidates.”

180,950 job seekers registered from Dhaka, 60,974 from Rajshahi, 30,872 from Barisal, 40,985 from Sylhet and 2,570 registered from the Rangpur division He said selected candidates from the database would be migrated abroad.

Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain earlier said: “This new database will incorporate information of all candidates who can register for any job in any country of their

choice. It will be a comprehensive database through which we are going to streamline the whole process of immigration and reduce related costs.”

Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) under BUET provided technical assistance to BMET for conducting the online registration.

The registration in Chittagong and Khulna divisions that began on October 6 ended yesterday with 92,663 and 57,014 people being registered in each divisions respectively.

Registration for the country’s remaining five divisions, Dhaka, Barisal, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Sylhet has already ended.

180,950 job seekers registered from Dhaka, 60,974 from Rajshahi, 30,872 from Barisal, 40,985 from Sylhet and 2,570 registered from the Rangpur division.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, IICT Director Saiful Islam said the registration had officially ended on Saturday.

However, those who were interested but failed to register could still register at a few Information and Service Centres under Chittagong and Khulna divisions that would remain open till October 14. l

Nargis Jafar dies n Tribune Desk Nargis Jafar, wife of poet Sikander Abu Jafar, died yesterday. She had been suffering from old age complications for the last three months.

She died at 10:45am at Birdem Hospital, said family sources. She left behind her only son Saeed Alamgir Jafar, professor of IBA, Dhaka University, and a host of relatives and well-wishers.

Nargis was the first woman librarian in the country and served USIS library for over three decades. She was the vice-president and treasurer of Bangladesh Mohila Samity and active social worker for many years.

Her namaz-e-janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at Takwa Mosque, Dhanmondi, road no 10 (new) today. She will be buried at Hasmi Bari family graveyard at Tentulia village of Satkhira. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

7

Sunday, October 13, 2013

UNION INFORMATION AND SERVICE CENTRES

Modernity touches rural lives n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar The Union Information and Service Centres (UISC) set up at remote places in Cox’s Bazar are becoming popular among locals as the UISC’s have been providing praiseworthy services.

Each day, a large number of locals visiting the 71 UISC’s located at each union of the district to benefit from the services the outlets offer to the people.

Through the use of ICT, the centres provide a wide variety of useful services including filling up birth registration, passport, and other government forms, printing, computer composing, laminating, banking services and processing electricity bills.

The Dhaka Tribune’s Cox’s Bazar correspondent recently visited Holdia Palong Union Parishad, a service centre located near Moricchya Bazar at Ukhiya upazila, where he found many locals thronging the outlet to meet their needs.

Khotija Begum, a mother of three children, who came from Patabari to obtain birth registration certificates expressed her satisfaction with the services the centre provided.

She said: “The service is cost-effective. It costs me Tk90 for printing and laminating three birth registration cards from here, but if I had to do it from any other private business store of the nearby market, probably it would cost Tk150 for the same service.”

Dipa Nita Barua, wife of a Bangladeshi expatriate, was in need of a UP chairman-signed nationality certificate and a police verification report within a short time to start the procedure of becoming an Italian citizen.

She arrived at the UISC in the morning on October 10 and after completing her works for the day while she was coming out from the outlet, Dipa said the staff of the centre helped her earnestly to complete the procedure with

in a very short time.

With a very satisfactory smile Dipa added that she also managed to talk and see her husband Sajal Barua through skype from the centre’s computer.

Through the use of ICT, the centres provide a wide variety of useful services including filling up birth registration, passport, and other government forms, printing, computer composing, laminating, banking services and processing electricity bills Four local entrepreneurs Abdur Rahman, Momena Begum, Shafiul Alam and Halima Begum have been operating the centre dawn-to-dusk and bringing various types of information to the locals’ doorstep.

Chief entrepreneur Abdur Rahman said Cox’s Bazar district administration had launched the centre on November 11, 2010.

He said they opened a computer training centre at this USIC to help village students to learn about computer and internet basics. Currently the centre has 15 students.

A number of students of the computer centre mentioned that the training has helped them a lot to increase their confidence to get a job or to start a business.

Kamal Uddin Mintu, chairman of Holdia Palong Union Parishad, said the pace of work at his union parishad increased manifold ever since the USIC had been launched.

Md Ruhul Amin, deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, said residents of 71 unions across the district derive benefits from the services provided by Union Information and Service Centres.

Ruhul added that: “Since there is no electricity connection in Saint Martin, we are facing some difficulties to provide the services in the unions.”

But still they are continuing their efforts to overcome the problems, he said.

Union Information and Services Centres (UISC) is one-stop service outlets operating at Union Parishads of the country.

Through use of ICT, UISC is able to bring various types of information related to government, livelihood and private services to the doorstep of citizens in rural areas.

It ensures services providers and users to save time, cost and has made operations hassle free.

Operating under the Public-Private-Peoples’ Partnership (PPPP) modality, these centers are run by local entrepreneurs, hosted by UPs and supported by central administration. l

Murdered university student buried, human chain formed n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar Ahmed Reza Rifat, a student of Northern University, killed by his friends was buried in his hometown Cox’s Bazar yesterday.

His namaz-e-janaza was held on Napitkhali playground in Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila at 10am.

Locals formed a human chain and brought out a silent demonstration demanding capital punishment to his killers.

Earlier on October 8, Rifat’s friend Masud and Linkon kidnapped him from his residence and demanded Tk5, 000,000 as ransom.

Later, they killed Rifat when his family failed to pay the ransom.

Members of Rapid Action Battalion arrested the accused and recovered the decomposed body of Rifat on Thursday night. l

JAGGERY ADULTERATION

Little investment generates huge profit n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Ignoring people’s health risk, Gaibandha jaggery traders are producing adulterated molasses by using soda, chemical colouring and saccharine to bring in more profit by investing less capital.

Jaggery, also known as gur to Bangladeshis, is commonly used and is a market-demanding commodity.

People alleged that instead of using sugarcane juice, gur producers at different villages under Chhaigari, Hingarpara, Hasanpur and Sadullapur upazila are making the product by using sub-standard flour, soda, liquid sugar used as cattle fodder, sugar, chemical colouring, and saccharine to bring in more profits without investing much.

Bangladeshi women traditionally use gur to make sweet food items such as, saline, tea, pithas (various kinds of homemade desserts), and different types of local delicacies such as khurma, batesha, moya, naru and payesh.

Homemakers from different areas alleged that they could not make any types of pithas or other dessert items using the adulterated gur.

Mahmuda Akter, a homemaker at Paschimpara in Gaibandha town said, a few days ago she bought two pieces

of gur from a hawker in the town’s market costing Tk80 to prepare desserts for her children.

She however could not prepare the food properly as the gur was adulterated.

Abdul Mannan, a gur producer at Chhaigari village, said he produce adul-

People alleged that instead of using sugarcane juice, gur producers at different villages under Chhaigari, Hingarpara, Hasanpur and Sadullapur upazila are making the product by using substandard flour, soda, liquid sugar used as cattle fodder, sugar, chemical colouring, and saccharine to bring in more profits without investing much terated gur as it calls for less investment but brings in more profit than being produced from sugarcane juice.

Locals alleged that the unprincipled gur producers are running their business smoothly as they bribe the upazila health inspector.

The upazila health inspector Jahurul Islam on the other hand denied the allegation against him. l

Coastal people in Bhola anchor their boats as a powerful cyclonic storm lashed the eastern parts of India yesterday

Supply of cattle increases, price drops n Tribune Desk Cattle markets have been witnessing a record supply of sacrificial animals causing lower price in the northern districts following huge boost in the local animal husbandry sector in recent years.

The lower price of sacrificial animals has caused frustration to both the farmers and cattle traders in the region even only three days ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha festivity in Rangpur.

The traders and farmers expressed fear of incurring losses this time due to the high supply of both imported and locally reared bullocks, calves, cows and buffaloes, reports BSS. According to livestock experts and NGO executives, local animal husbandry sector has marked a revolutionary boost in recent years following massive steps taken by the government and different NGOs under various poverty alleviation programmes.

The poor and distressed people including women have achieved tremendous successes in the sector getting various assistances from the government, development partners and donor agency-assisted NGOs, they said.

Agriculture and Environment Coordinator of RDRS Bangladesh, Mamunur Rashid, and livestock expert Dr Rowshanuzzman, said animal husbandry sector has marked a boost bringing fortune to hundreds of extremely poor living in char areas in 10 northwestern riverine districts.

With the assistances of the Shoal Livelihoods Programme through different NGOs, over 1,00,000 poor families living in the areas of these districts have achieved the success to overcome poverty since 2004.

According to sources in the bigger cattle markets, the animal traders have been sending hundreds of cattle heads to the capital city and other parts of the country to avoid bigger losses as supply continues rising every day in the northern markets.

Animal traders Aftab Hossain, Mah-

bub Rahman and Mohibul Haque said they failed to sell their cattle heads even at the procuring price so far and decided to send their cattle heads to the capital city today though very little time is left before the Eid festivity.

On the other hand, the buyers are relaxed for the prevailing affordable price while the small-scale animal rearers and farmers are becoming more frustrated following lower price of sacrificial cattle heads with no hope for a better price in the coming days.

According to market sources, an extra-large bull is now being sold at rates between Tk45,000 to Tk60,000 against last year’s rate of Tk55,000 to Tk70,000 and large one at Tk40,000 to Tk 44,000 against last year’s rate of Tk50,000 to Tk 60,000.

A medium-size bull is selling at Tk25,000 to Tk35,000 against last year’s average rate of Tk28,000 to Tk40,000, while small one is being sold at Tk18,000 to Tk25,000 with possibilities of further price reduction before the Eid-ul-Azha festivity.

However, goats are being sold at better prices this time and a big goat is now being sold at Tk15,000 to Tk20,000, medium- size at Tk10,000 to Tk13,000 while a small one is being sold at Tk4,500 to Tk7,500 at different markets in the northern districts.

With only three days left for the Eidul-Azha, the second largest religious festival for the Muslims, cattle markets in Rajshahi and nine upazilas of the district have gained momentum with numerous buyers and hundreds of sacrificial animals, reports UNB. A huge number of sacrificial animals are being brought for sale at different cattle markets in the district like City haat, Naohata haat, Baneswar haat, Keshor haat, Kanthakhali haat,Rajabari haat, Kakonhat, Mohisalbari haat and Machmoil haat.

Traders said there were plenty of supplies of cattle in the markets and their prices were similar to the last Eidul-Azha.

The price of an ideal sized cow or buffalo starts from Tk30,000 to Tk60,000 and a sheep or goat can be purchased from Tk7,000 to Tk12,000.

In addition to the city’s biggest cattle market- City haat,some temporary markets have been set up at Court Bazar, Shaheb Bazar Zero point, Railway Station, Naodapara Aam Chattar and Kazla.

Besides the local buyers, the wholesale cattle traders especially from Chittagong and Dhaka are still purchasing heads of cattle from those haats and sending those to various places in the country for sale.

The buyers are relaxed for the prevailing affordable price while the small-scale animal rearers and farmers are becoming more frustrated following lower price of sacrificial cattle heads with no hope for a better price in the coming days This year, the demand for domestic animals for sacrificial purposes has been seemingly increased as the wholesalers are sending large animal consignments to different big markets from Rajshahi.

Meanwhile, the import of cattle including cows and buffalos has increased. It was informed that the price of sacrificial animals was steady but the price may shoot up a bit because of the soaring price of animal food and transport cost this year.

‘This time a large number of cattle are coming from the neighboring India but the hike in fodder and transport fare might have an impact on the cattle price,’ said Abdul Jabbar, a cattle trader.

Local cattle farmers are facing huge challenges and heavy loss because of the smuggling of animals from India.

The farmers said because of high prices of fodder, many farm owners sold their cattle and opted for other trades as it was not possible for the farmers to gain profit in this business. Meanwhile, currency screening machines were in-

stalled in some of the cattle markets in the city and nine upazilas of the district with a view to resist the use of fake notes in the markets on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul- Azha.

Sarder Tamij Uddin, Acting Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, told BSS that the RMP had taken all necessary measures to ensure law and order in and around the cattle markets.

RMP installed temporary security camps at every cattle market in the city. Besides, petrol teams and plaincloth police would also be deployed,’ added Tamij Uddin.

He said the RMP had taken measures so that the cattle markets are not set up on roads and streets disrupting the vehicular movement.

In order to ease traffic congestion in and around cattle markets in the city, we have launched traffic management, he mentioned.

Cattle markets in Barisal was getting momentum from yesterday afternoon and prices of sacrificial animals went 1520 percent up this year. Extortion, high cost of transport, fodder blamed for this price hike, reports our correspondent.

Five cattle markets at Rupatali, Baghia, Port Road, Kalijira and Kawnia area approved by the Barisal City Corporation and at least 17 illegal cattle markets in different areas of the city started functioning. In the district 20 cattle markets including Kosba, Boalia, Mohonganj, Kagashura, Guachitra areas also getting momentum.

Shamsuddin Ahmed, commissioner of Barisal Metropolitan Police, said they accelerated patrolling in both uniform and plain clothes in the entrance points and on the roads and highways to capture the extortionists and muggers. They also installed fake currency detection booths in legal cattle markets from Friday.

While visiting different legal and illegal cattle markets in the city and adjacent areas it was seen that supply of cattle, oxen and goats was good, but their selling and buying were yet to reach its peak this year. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

NEWS IF BRIEF Two college students killed in Faridpur road crash Two college students were killed when a bus rammed into a motorcycle on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway at Kanaipur Tentultala in Boalmari upazila yesterday. The deceased Aminur Rahman and Sushmoy Saha, were both students of Boalmari College in the district. Police said the accident took place in the area around 11:30am when a Faridpur-bound bus hit a motorcycle carrying the duo, leaving them spot dead. Police recovered the bodies and sent them for autopsy. – UNB

Jamaat leader arrested in Khulna Police arrested a local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami from Godaipur village in Paikgachha upazila of the district early Friday. The arrestee Maulana Aminul Islam, was secretary of Paikgachha upazila unit Jamaat and superintendent of Motbari GGPG Dakhil Madrasa. Officer-in-Charge of Paikgachha police station M Mashiur Rahman said a team of police arrested Aminul from his residence around 1am after receiving information of his whereabouts. In the morning, he was sent to jail after police produced him before a court showing him arrested in three separate cases, including for obstructing police from discharging their duties and vandalising vehicles. – UNB

University student found dead in Sylhet

A university student was found dead at a mess at Ambarkhana Dattapara in Sylhet city yesterday. The deceased Sahadat Hossain Emon, 24, was a BBA first semester student of Sylhet International University. Police said being informed, police recovered the bullet-hit body of Emon from a room of the mess in the area around 1:30am and sent it to Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. Police also recovered a gun from the room. Sources said Emon used to live at the mess with Kausar Alam, however he

did not return after Juma prayer on Friday.

Police said a bullet pierced through the abdomen of Emon. The motive behind the killing could not be known immediately.

Ezaz Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, said police were investigating the matter. – UNB

Hilsa smuggling to India for Durga Puja rampant

A huge quantity of hilsa is being smuggled out to India from the country through different points of Benapole border every day for the high demand of the fish on the occasion of Durga Puja. Large consignments of hilsa from Jessore district go to the neighbouring country by trucks and human haulers through the bordering areas every day, evading notice of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Recently, members of BGB in a drive seized 4,250 kilograms of hilsa from different parts of the district. Kartik Chandra Das, general secretary of Petrapole C&F Agent Staff Welfare Association, said as there is a widespread demand for hilsa in West Bengal, a piece of the fish weighing one kg is selling there for 800 rupees ahead of Durga Puja while it is sold for Tk500 in Bangladesh.

Smuggling of a one kg hilsa costs Tk150.

Several hundred pieces of hilsa are being smuggled from Sadipur, Putkhali, Gatipara, Doulatpur and Boro Achra in Benapole every day. Aminul Haque Anu, a trader, said they smuggled hilsa to India by waterway and highway as the Bangladesh government has imposed a ban on export of the fish. Bangladeshi hilsa is being sold in large quantity at Barasat, Habra, Maslendapur, Shialdah, Haura and in other markets of Kolkata. Profit of Tk250 per kg hilsa goes to the pockets of the smugglers. Earlier, BGB seized 2,080 kg hilsa on Sadipur border on October 5. BGB also seized 450 kg hilsa on Boro Achra frontier while 510 kg of the fish was seized by the force from Gatipara border in the month of September. On October 6, BGB seized 1,250 kg hilsa from Sadipur border. Major Raihan Hafiz, operation officer of BGB-26, said they have intensified vigilance to check hilsa smuggling through border. – UNB

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Africans say heads of state should not be tried at ICC

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta (C) is escorted as he arrives for the extraordinary session of the African Union’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government REUTERS

n Reuters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Africa has agreed that sitting heads of state should not be tried by the International Criminal Court where Kenya’s leaders are in the dock, ministers said before African leaders opened a summit on Saturday.

Foreign ministers of the 54-member

African Union calls for more African troops in Somalia n Reuters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

African Union also called for deferring the cases of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, after a meeting to discuss Africa’s relations with the court based in The Hague.

“It should be underscored that our goal is not and should not be a crusade against the ICC, but a solemn call for the organisation to take Africa’s concerns se-

riously,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said.

Leaders meeting in Addis Ababa at the AU headquarters are expected to endorse the recommendations hammered out by ministers in Friday’s meeting that extended past midnight.

Following that session, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom said trying Kenya‘s president and his deputy infringed on that nation’s sovereignty.

The two men deny charges that they orchestrated a killing spree after a disputed 2007 election.

Frustration with the ICC has been growing in Africa because the court has convicted only one man, an African warlord, and all others it has charged are also Africans.

The ministers did not call for a mass walk-out from the court’s jurisdiction, however. Officials previously said that idea would be on the agenda but it did not draw broad support among the continent’s 34 signatories to the court’s Rome Statute.

Obama pressures Republicans to raise debt ceiling, end shutdown

The African Union has backed a call to boost by about a third the number of troops in an African peacekeeping force in Somalia to reinforce a campaign against Islamist militants there who attacked a Nairobi shopping mall last month.

The union’s Peace and Security Council said 6,235 soldiers and police should be added to the AMISOM peacekeeping force to take its total strength to 23,966 uniformed personnel for a limited period of 18 to 24 months.

The council endorsed the recommendations of a review of the force this week and announced its decision on Friday. The decision needs the approval of the UN Security Council.

The attack on the Westgate shopping complex in Nairobi, in which at least 67 people died, highlighted the reach of Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist group, which claimed responsibility AMISOM is made up of troops mainly from Kenya, Uganda and Burundi.

Ethiopia has also sent in soldiers, but they are not under AMISOM command.

The attack on the Westgate shopping complex in Nairobi, in which at least 67 people died, highlighted the reach of Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist group, which claimed responsibility.

The AU council “stresses the need for renewed efforts to degrade the capabilities of al Shabaab, in view of the continued threat it poses both within Somalia and in the region,” it said in a statement.

This week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn told Reuters that Western nations and others should do more to help both the Somali government and AMISOM crush al Shabaab, although he said he did not see the need for more troops. l

Rights groups had urged African nations not to turn their backs on the court, which they say is vital to ending what they see as a culture of impunity in African politics.

Hailemariam told gathered leaders that the court and the UN Security Council had showed a “double standard” in the way it treated Africa and said earlier African requests for deferring cases had been ignored.

“It is indeed very unfortunate that the court has continued to operate in complete disregard of the concerns that we have expressed,” he said.

Ethiopia’s foreign minister said a group led by the AU chair, now Ethiopia, with members from Africa‘s five regions would press the UN Security Council to defer proceedings against Kenya’s leadership and the Sudanese president.

London-based rights group Amnesty International urged African nations meeting in the Ethiopian capital not to cut ties with the court, saying victims of crimes deserved justice.l

n Reuters, Washington President Barack Obama pressured Republican lawmakers on Saturday to agree to raise the US debt ceiling for longer than they would prefer, as their fiscal impasse dragged into the weekend with five days left to find a deal.

The budget battle between Obama and Republicans who control the House of Representatives has idled hundreds of thousands of government workers hit by a 12-day government shutdown and put the United States at risk of a historic debt default, possibly by next Thursday, unless the borrowing limit is raised.

With the potential of an economic calamity looming, Obama and his Republican opponents are trying to agree on how long to extend the debt ceiling, with Republicans wanting to limit the extension to six weeks to try force more concessions out of the president.

Obama made clear in his weekly address Saturday that he wants a

longer debt ceiling extension to get the US economy through the holiday shopping season without a convulsive shock. Republicans want a commitment to broader deficit-reduction talks from the White House.

“It wouldn’t be wise, as some suggest, to kick the debt ceiling can down the road for a couple of months, and flirt with a first-ever intentional default right in the middle of the holiday shopping season,” Obama said.

While Obama’s talks with House Republicans on Thursday and Senate Republicans on Friday were seen as a constructive sign of progress, there appears to be still a ways to go and many details to iron out before a deal can be clinched.

North Dakota Republican Senator John Hoeven said there are enough ideas being discussed to get to an agreement, but the key now is finding the right combination of them that can pass both the House and Democratic-controlled Senate.

“I do think it’s going to take a few

days here to get that right combination, but I’m hopeful we’ll get a deal,” Hoeven told Reuters.

He said Republicans are willing to lift the debt ceiling and end the shutdown but want to make sure that government spending is cut - something they have been trying to negotiate with the White House for months without success.

“I want to see the government get opened and I want to see a debt-ceiling solution. But we’ve got to use this time as well to find some savings and reforms, and we are talking about what savings and reforms we can get people to agree to,” he said.

Republicans have been knocked on their heels by polls showing Americans largely blame them for triggering the crisis, a political dynamic that has strengthened Obama’s hand. The president has been unyielding in his insistence that he will not negotiate over the debt ceiling.

Obama told Americans that his Republican opponents are manufacturing a crisis that has the potential for damaging the US credit rating and causing global markets to go haywire.

“Our government is closed for the first time in 17 years. A political party is risking default for the first time since the 1700s. This is not normal. That’s why we have to put a stop to it,” he said.

House Republicans will meet at the Capitol on Saturday morning to discuss their options after sending the White House a proposal that included the short-term increase in the debt limit that would clear the way for re-opening the government.

The House Republican proposal called for cuts in entitlement programs like the Medicare health plan for seniors to replace two years of the automatic spending cuts known as “sequestration” agreed to last year by Congress, senior congressional aides said. l

Snowden warns of government spying in first Russia video n AFP, Moscow NSA allowed to keep collecting call records

n AP, Washington The secret US court that governs surveillance of terrorist and foreign espionage targets is authorizing the National Security Agency to keep collecting US phone records.

The director of national intelligence, James R Clapper, on Friday made public the continuation of the records collection, as part of the Obama administration’s campaign to better explain how US intelligence uses US data. At one time Clapper himself told Congress his officers do not collect such data.

Leaks by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden revealed the bulk collection of millions of US phone logs showing who Americans called and for how long. That prompted privacy activists and lawmakers to push for an ongoing review of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows such data collection. l

US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden warned of dangers to democracy in the first video released of the fugitive since Russia granted him temporary asylum in August.

“If we can’t understand the policies and programmes of our government we can’t grant our consent in regulating them,” Snowden said in one of the short video clips posted on the WikiLeaks website Friday night.

The anti-secrecy group said the videos were filmed Wednesday when Snowden met with a group of four retired US ex-intelligence workers and activists now seeking to promote ethics within the profession.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency computer administrator, is wanted in the United States for espionage and other charges after leaking details of vast US telephone and Internet surveillance programs.

Dressed in a black suit and blue shirt with no tie and looking at ease, Snowden reiterated the dangers of NSA surveillance, saying indiscriminate spying was a “far cry” from legitimate programmes.

Edward Snowden (L) receiving an and from former CIA analyst Ray McGovern at a dinner in Moscow on October 9 AFP “It’s a sort of dragnet mass surveillance that puts entire populations under a sort of eye that sees everything, even when it’s not needed,” he said.

“People all over the world are realising that these programmes don’t make us more safe, they hurt our economy, they hurt our country, they limit our ability to speak and think and live and be creative, to have relationships, to associate freely.”

The videos show Snowden and the four former US government employees chatting and smiling over dinner at a luxurious room in an unidentified location.

During the evening, former ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern gave Snowden an award — a symbolic candlestick — that acknowledges integrity in the profession.

“We are confident that others with similar moral fibre will follow his example in illuminating dark corners and exposing crimes that put our civil rights as free citizens in jeopardy,” WikiLeaks quoted McGovern as saying.

Also present were a beaming WikiLeaks employee Sarah Harrison, a British national who has accompanied Snowden since he arrived in Russia, and his Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena. l

Sunday, October 13, 2013

User names, comments to appear in Google ads n Reuters, San Francisco Google Inc plans to launch new product-endorsement ads incorporating photos, comments and names of its users, in a move to match the “social” ads pioneered by rival Facebook Inc that is raising some privacy concerns.

The changes, which Google announced in a revised terms of service policy on Friday, set the stage for Google to introduce “shared endorsements” ads on its sites as well as millions of other websites that are part of Google’s display advertising network.

The new types of ads would use personal information of the members of Google+, the social network launched by the company in 2011.

If a Google+ user has publicly endorsed a particular brand or product by clicking on the +1 button, that person’s image might appear in an ad. Reviews and ratings of restaurants or music that Google+

users share on other Google services, such as in the Google Play online store, would also become fair game for advertisers.

The ads are similar to the social ads on Facebook, the world’s No 1 social network, which has 1.15 billion users.

Those ads are attractive to marketers, but they unfairly commercialize Internet users’ images, said Marc Rotenberg, the director of online privacy group EPIC. “It’s a huge privacy problem,” said Rotenberg. He said the US Federal Trade Commission should review the policy change to determine whether it violates a 2011 consent order Google entered into which prohibits the company from retroactively changing users’ privacy settings.

Users under 18 will be exempt from the ads and Google+ users will have the ability to opt out. But Rotenberg said users “shouldn’t have to go back and restore their privacy defaults every time Google makes a change.” l

US to reopen Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon n AFP, Los Angeles US national parks and monuments including the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon are to reopen despite the federal shutdown, after states agreed to fund them temporarily, officials said.

The National Park Service announced deals with the states of New York, Arizona, Colorado and Utah to reopen tourist sites closed since the US government partial shutdown came into force on October 1.

The New York agreement will allow funding for the Statue of Liberty for six days, beginning Saturday through October 17, with the state donating

$369,300 to keep it running.

“This is a practical and temporary solution that will lessen the pain for some businesses and communities in New York during this shutdown,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell in a statement.

“We want to reopen all of our national parks as quickly possible for everyone to enjoy and call on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the government,” she added.

Arizona has agreed to fund the Grand Canyon, visited by millions of tourists from all over the world every year, for seven days beginning Saturday, at a cost of $651,000, her office said. l

Tourists take photos of the Statue of Liberty while riding a tour boat in New York Harbor, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. The statue is administered by the National Park Service and is closed as a result of the government shutdown AP

WORLD WATCH Fireworks factory explosion kills 21 in Vietnam

At least 21 people have died and scores more have been injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in a military complex in northern Vietnam, an army official said Saturday. Plumes of black smoke billowed from the Z121 military facility, around 120 kilometres north of Hanoi, as fireworks exploded uncontrollably for several hours, witnesses said. The explosion prompted the evacuation of some 2,000 people living near the area. Residents in Thanh Ba district — where the complex is located — also said they felt the ground shake during the powerful repeated explosions.

US Army seeks ‘Iron Man’ armour for commandos

US Army researchers are working on building hi-tech body armour that would give soldiers “superhuman strength” in a real-life version of the suit featured in “Iron Man” films.

The blueprint for the “revolutionary” Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) would include an exoskeleton to allow a soldier to carry heavy equipment, built-in computing power, beefed up protection to stop bullets and a system to monitor vital signs, officials said.

Cumberbatch says Assange letter affected his film portrayal

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch says a letter from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange asking him not to do a movie about the emergence of the anti-secrecy website affected his portrayal of him in the upcoming film “The Fifth Estate.” Cumberbatch, 37, said in an “ask me anything” interview on content-sharing site Reddit on Friday that he was concerned with playing the part after Assange sent him a letter in January declining an invitation to meet in person and urging him to rethink his involvement in the film. Cumberbatch, who plays the WikiLeaks founder as rude, awkward and unkempt, said he believed the film focused on the success of WikiLeaks and celebrated “its extraordinary founder,” Assange, while exploring the impact the website had on the people at the core of it.

German groom forgets bride at gas station

A German couple’s marriage got off to a rocky start when the groom forgot his bride at a highway gas station on the way home from their honeymoon, only noticing she was missing after hours had passed. The woman had been sleeping in the back but got up — unbeknownst to the man — to use the toilets and he drove off before she returned. Only after 2 ½ hours on the road did he notice she was gone and called police, who said she was patiently waiting.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

North Korea warns US says captured top Pakistani Taliban leader of ‘all-out war’ n

AFP, Seoul

North Korea on Saturday issued a fresh warning of an “all-out war”, urging the United States to stop military drills and what it described as “nuclear blackmail”.

In a thinly veiled threat to strike the United States, the North’s National Defence Commission (NDC), chaired by leader Kim Jong-Un, said the US government must withdraw its policy of hostility against the North if it wants peace on both the Korean peninsula and the “US mainland”. “(The United States) must bear it in mind that reckless provocative acts would meet our retaliatory strikes and lead to an all-out war of justice for a final showdown with the United States,” a spokesman of the NDC was quoted as saying in a statement carried by Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency.

“We emphasize again that the United States must withdraw various measures aimed to isolate and strangulate us. Dependent upon this are... peace and security, not only on the Korean peninsula but the US mainland as well.”

The comments come after a two-day joint naval drill between Japan, South Korea and the US, which included an American nuclear aircraft carrier, sparked a series of angry responses and threats from Pyongyang.

On Friday the North slammed a naval drill by US, South Korean and Japanese warships as a “serious military provocation” and vowed to “bury in the sea” the American carrier taking part in the exercise.

The latest bellicose statement from the NDC demanded that the US lift sanctions against the North, stop the “constant nuclear blackmails” and various war drills.

It rejected as “intolerable contempt”

Quake hits southwest Pakistan n AFP, Quetta, Pakistan A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck southwest Pakistan Saturday, meteorological officials said, with tremors felt in some of the areas ravaged by a deadly quake last month.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, and its epicentre was 80 kilometres southwest of Khuzdar in Baluchistan province, senior meteorologist Tauseef Alam said.

Another meteorlogist, Shahid Mehmood, said that the tremors were felt in Khuzdar, and towns in Awaran and Kharan.

No loss of life or property was immediately reported.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake last month devastated several areas, including Awaran. It killed at least 376 people and left some 100,000 others homeless.

The population of Awaran is scattered over more than 21,000 square kilometres of remote and rugged terrain. Infrastructure is extremely limited, with few medical facilities or even roads.

The quake was Pakistan’s deadliest since the devastating Kashmir tremor of 2005, which killed 73,000.l

a US demand that it should show tangible commitment towards abandoning its nuclear programmes if it wants substantive talks with the United States.

“The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is an inalterable policy goal of the DPRK government,” it said, but added that getting rid of such weapons should also include a total removal of

The North has said for years it wants denuclearisation of the whole Korean peninsula and that it is developing a nuclear arsenal to protect itself from the US military

US nuclear threats against the North.

The US and South Korea have long demanded that Pyongyang show tangible commitment to ending its nuclear weapons programme before the six-party talks, which have been stalled for several years, can resume.

The North has said for years it wants denuclearisation of the whole Korean peninsula and that it is developing a nuclear arsenal to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally sends nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons.

In February the North carried out its third underground nuclear test in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, sending tensions soaring and raising fears of possible conflict. It also launched a rocket in December that Washington said was a disguised ballistic missile test.

As well as the two Koreas, China and the US the six-party talks also involve Russia and Japan. l

n AFP, Washington American troops have captured a senior leader of the Pakistani Taliban, a US official said Friday, in what could prove a major blow to the group amid moves to boost peace efforts in Afghanistan.

“I can confirm that US forces did capture... terrorist leader Latif Mehsud in a military operation,” State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said, describing him as a senior commander in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

She gave no details of the operation and did not say where or when his capture took place, as the news filtered out during a surprise visit to Kabul by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Pentagon officials, however, said Mehsud was still inside Afghanistan, without specifying where.

“As part of the armed conflict against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces, authorized by Congress in the 2001 Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, Mehsud was captured and is being lawfully held by US military forces in Afghanistan,” said Pentagon spokeswoman Comman der Elissa Smith.

The Washington Post reported, however, that he had been seized recently in eastern Afghanistan, and was snatched away from Afghan intelligence operatives who had been trying to recruit him as a possible go-between for the struggling reconciliation efforts between Kabul and the Afghan Taliban.

US officials would not immediately comment on the report.

The TTP, which is based in the lawless areas along the Afghan border in Pakistan, is closely linked to both al-Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, a separate group led by Mullah Omar, which was toppled from power in Kabul in the 2001 US-led invasion.

Mehsud’s capture will be “helpful”

for US-Pakistan relations as Islamabad has been “calling for more help in going after the TTP in Afghanistan,” said Seth Jones, a former adviser to US special forces and analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank.

“For regional cooperation, the US picking up a TTP commander in Afghanistan has got to be looked at in a positive way in Islamabad,” Jones told AFP. News of the capture came as Kerry landed in Kabul for difficult talks about leaving a residual US force behind in Afghanistan after international forces withdraw by the end of 2014. The US has imposed a deadline of October 31 to secure the bilateral security deal.

A US official said Friday’s meeting between Kerry and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who said earlier this week that he was prepared to walk away if Kabul was not satisfied, were “constructive.”

“It is fair to say that the differences that exist were narrowed on the vast of majority of the outstanding issues,” the official said.

9

Sunday, October 13, 2013

It was unclear whether Karzai had raised the issue of Mehsud’s capture, after reports that he had been angered by the incident.

“The Americans forcibly removed him and took him to Bagram,” a Karzai spokesman, Aimal Faizi, told the Post.

Bagram air base is a military base that includes a detention facility where the United States continues to hold more than 60 foreign fighters among about 3,000 detainees.

Mehsud had only agreed to meet with agents from Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security after months of conversations, he said.

“Mehsud is a senior commander in TTP and served as a trusted confidante of the group’s leader Hakimullah Mehsud,” Harf told reporters, adding the group had claimed responsibility for the attempted bombing of Times Square, New York, in 2010.

The group “had also vowed to attack the US homeland again,” she said.

It was not immediately clear if Latif Meshud is related to Hakimullah Mehsud, who took over as the commander of the Pakistani Taliban in 2009 after his predecessor was killed in a US drone strike.

Botched efforts by the United States in June to launch peace talks with the Afghan Taliban infuriated Karzai when the Taliban briefly opened up an office in Qatar.

Pakistan’s tribal districts near the Afghan border are rife with homegrown insurgents, al-Qaeda agents and Taliban, who are understood to use rear bases in Pakistan to plot attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.

The mountainous region lies outside direct government control and US drone strikes on militant commanders in the region are a key plank in the US strategy to defeat al-Qaeda and reverse the insurgency in Afghanistan. l

Kerry, Karzai to have third round of Afghan talks n AP, Kabul, Afghanistan Afghanistan’s presidential spokesman says that US Secretary of State John Kerry will have a third round of talks with President Hamid Karzai on a bilateral security agreement with the United States and that work remains to be done before a deal is struck.

Spokesman Aimal Faizi said some contentious issues remain to be finalised and talks may be concluded by the end of Saturday, though that remains uncertain.

Kerry began negotiations with Karzai in the morning, the second day of talks after he arrived late Friday.

The US wants a deal by the end of the month, while Karzai wants assurances over sovereignty that have deadlocked negotiations in the past year.l

Quake hits southwest Pakistan n AFP, Quetta, Pakistan A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck southwest Pakistan Saturday, meteorological officials said, with tremors felt in some of the areas ravaged by a deadly quake last month.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, and its epicentre was 80 kilometres southwest of Khuzdar in Baluchistan province, senior meteorologist Tauseef Alam said.

Another meteorlogist, Shahid Mehmood, said that the tremors were felt in Khuzdar, and towns in Awaran and Kharan.

No loss of life or property was immediately reported.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake last month devastated several areas, including Awaran. It killed at least 376 people and left some 100,000 others homeless. l

Pakistan army chief Vietnam sees rare public mourning for talks with militants hero general n AP, Islamabad Pakistan’s army chief said Saturday the country’s powerful military supported negotiating with militants but would keep open the option of launching possible attacks against them.

The comments by Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who rarely speaks in public but wields massive influence behind the scenes, supported the government’s efforts while at the same time reminding people of the threat from the militants.

“The national leadership has chosen the way of giving peace a chance. The Pakistan army supports this process,” Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said in a televised speech at a military academy in the northwestern city of Abbottabad.

The new government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wants to negotiate an end to the violence that has killed tens of thousands in Pakistan. Under Kayani’s tenure, the military has been engaged in a tough fight with the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups that want to overthrow the government and install a hard-line Islamic state.

Kayani said the army would be happy if the talks lead to peace and that force is generally the last option. But Kayani warned that the military had the ability to confront militant with force if needed.

He also reminded Pakistanis of the threat the militants posed back in 2008, before the army launched a series of major offensives in the tribal areas and the Swat Valley in Khyber Paktunkhwa province.“We should remember those days when armed groups were 100 kilometres away from Islamabad, when women and men used to be butchered in bazaars,” he said.

The army chief dismissed suggestions that negotiations were necessary because military operations have failed. Some Pakistan politicians have criticised the military operations, saying that Pakistan is essentially at war with its own people.

“One opinion has surfaced that perhaps the failed military operations forced for the negotiations,” the general said. “It is far away from the truth.”

Kayani is considered one of the most powerful people in Pakistan, but he’ll be retiring next month. His successor has not yet been named. l

n AP, Hanoi

The death of wartime Gen Vo Nguyen Giap has triggered public mourning in Vietnam the likes of which have been unseen since Ho Chi Minh passed away more than four decades ago.

And given the current leaders, it may not be witnessed again, according to many of the 150,000 people who lined up to pay respects to the so-called “Red Napoleon.”

The ruling Communist Party orchestrated the sendoff for Giap, emphasizing his leadership in the wars first against France and then United States. But it ignored his later years, when the general’s popularity allowed him to air rare public criticism of the ruling elite.

Still, the death of the country’s last old guard revolutionary inevitably stirred reflection by some on the country’s current leaders, only one of whom fought against the Americans. Giap’s passing comes as the government is struggling against public dissatisfaction over corruption and a faltering economy.

President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Choummaly Sayasone, center, speaks to members of press after his delegation attended the funeral of Giap on October 12 AP “I’m not sure we will have a third leader like Giap and Uncle Ho, “ said Tran Thi Thien, who rose at 3am to pay tribute outside the Giap family home in Hanoi this past week. “I hope the current leadership would look at how people love and respect Gen Giap to improve themselves and better lead the country.”

On Saturday, Giap’s body was laid

in state in Hanoi. The country’s top leaders, along with veterans and diplomats, paid their final respects ahead of Giap’s funeral Sunday in his home province. Afterward, members of the public were allowed to pay their respects, with tens of thousands of people waiting in a line that stretched about three kilometres.l

Nobel contender Malala Yousafzai meets Obamas Nobel Prize sparks ‘brain drain’ debate in Israel n Reuters, Washington

n Reuters, Israel

Pakistani teenage activist Malala Yousafzai did not win the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday but did get a big reception at the White House where she met with President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.

The 16-year-old was shot in the head a year ago by the Taliban for campaigning for education for girls. She recovered after medical treatment in Britain, and had been considered an odds-on favourite to win the Nobel.

Instead it went to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The White House said the Obamas thanked Yousafzai for her “inspiring and passionate work on behalf of girls education in Pakistan.”

“The decision they (Nobel Peace Prize Committee) have taken is a right decision because I need to work a lot,” Malala told the PBS news channel hours after it was announced that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace prize.

“If we just forget about the decision that was taken about the Nobel Peace Prize, I think people gave me their prize.

They nominated me. And that is the great prize for me,” she said.

“Then I have a prize in my mind that

Two of the three scientists who won the prize on Wednesday hold Israeli citizenship, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to phone in his congratulations - long distance.

Both men, Arieh Warshel of the University of Southern California and Michael Levitt of Stanford University School of Medicine, immigrated years ago to the United States after scientific work in Israel and became Americans.

That set Israel, a small country of eight million people that has seen 12 of its citizens take home a Nobel medal, talking about the ones that got away scientists, doctors and other academics who have chosen to leave for foreign shores.

It’s a real problem, a new study showed this week, even in a so-called “start-up nation” where homegrown talent has spawned innovative hightech companies, some of them acquired for mega-millions by industry leaders such as Apple and Google.

The Taub Center for Social Studies in Israel found the emigration rate of Israeli researchers has become the highest among Western nations.

Citing statistics for 2008, it said there were 29 Israeli academics working in US universities for every 100 re-

Malala Yousafzai (C) meets with US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd L), and their daughter Malia (L) REUTERS for which I’ll struggle, for which I’ll do the campaign, and it is the prize that is the award to see every child to go to school. I’ll serve my whole life for that, for that is the prize that I want to get in my life,” she said.

Malala said she wants to go back to her country and fight against terrorism.

The United States, while congratulat-

ing OPCW for getting Noble peace prize, praised the courage and efforts of Malala, terming it remarkable.

“That young woman’s courage and efforts are remarkable, and the President absolutely honors them, as so many people around the world do,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said on Friday. l

maining in Israeli institutions of higher education.

The country that came in second to Israel on the list, Canada, had a ratio of 11.5 researchers in the United States per every 100 back home.

A new study showed this week, even in a so-called ‘start-up nation’ where homegrown talent has spawned innovative hightech companies, some of them acquired for megamillions by industry leaders such as Apple and Google

Salary Gaps

“In fields such as economics, financing and marketing, huge salary gaps have evolved and, as a result of that, more and more Israelis who work in those fields decide not to return home,” the study said.

Daniel Hershkowitz, president of Bar-Ilan University near Tel Aviv, said more than a third of computer science researchers at top US universities are Israeli.

“I don’t see Israel being able to compete with what they offer in the United States. We are talking about a vastly different scale,” he told Israel Radio.

Netanyahu’s congratulatory phone calls to the two emigrant Nobel winners came just days after his finance minister, Yair Lapid, publicly criticized Israelis who opt to live in Berlin.

Speaking Hebrew in a series of Israeli media interviews, Warshel, who was born on a kibbutz, or collective farm, and Levitt, a native of South Africa, alluded to the difficulties in climbing the academic ladder in Israel.

Their wives, however, seemed bitter.

“Israel doesn’t give a lot, and that’s why people are leaving. This is a result of pettiness, small-mindedness and people who can’t think big,” Levitt’s spouse, Rinat, told Army Radio. Warshel’s wife, Tamar, said her husband didn’t receive tenure in Israel, “and that’s why we had to leave.”

Israeli interviewers posed the formula question that is always asked of compatriots who have chosen to emigrate from a state established as a refuge for the Jewish people: When are you coming back, and not just for a visit?

The short answer was, not any time soon. l

10 DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

The PM’s philosophy of governance

I

t may be stating the obvious, but the reason people elect their governments is so that they can use taxpayer money for the benefit of the whole nation. The government is duty bound to the citizens of the state and its responsibilities, among many, include infrastructural developments like the building of roads and bridges.

We do not intend to be overly critical of the government unless it is absolutely necessary, but at the very least we expect that the personnel who constitute the government, including the head of the state, are at least aware Her statement gives us of what they are supposed the impression that the to do. Otherwise, we have a people of Bangladesh duty to remind them of what have no rights or their responsibilities are, expectations from and that the elevated rights the government, the they enjoy simply follow the government on the other responsibilities they are yet hand, has no obligations to fulfil. or duty to fulfil towards The honourable prime the people minister, speaking while she inaugurated the Mayor Mohammad Hanif flyover, said that this facility is an Eid gift for the Dhakites.

Two months ago, she insinuated that the Kuril flyover was an Eid-ul-Fitr gift for the people as well.

Now, her statement gives us the impression that the people of Bangladesh have no rights or expectations from the government, the government on the other hand, has no obligations or duty to fulfil towards the people and the development works the have been accomplished with taxpayer’s money are something that the people should be grateful to the government for.

This series of statements from the leader of our nation paints an unfortunate picture for her political philosophy. We would have preferred if she had not looked upon her responsibilities as favours to the people whose votes elected her to the job she holds.

On the front lines of global warming

T

he rise in global temperatures is a cause for serious alarm for Bangladeshis. A recent study published by Earth System Dynamics predicts a rise of 2 degrees centigrade in the Earth’s temperature – a rise that would cause severe damage to the planet, adversely affecting over a billion lives.

The climate change vulnerability index ranks Bangladesh as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to these temperaWe can no longer afford ture rises. We are poised for to be in denial about disaster as a combination of what we are facing. The factors puts us in the “exgovernment needs to treme risk” group. have a widespread and Our population density comprehensive strategy and rampant population in place to combat these growth, low average income, issues large agricultural sector, vulnerability to droughts and frequent flooding as well as low overall adaptability to climate change puts us at the top of the list of countries facing calamitous consequences.

Given that much of our population already lives a hand-tomouth existence, we face a real danger of large-scale starvation and social unrest.

We can no longer afford to be in denial about what we are facing. The government needs to have a widespread and comprehensive strategy in place to combat these issues.

A priority is to ensure food security, as our crops, livestock and fisheries are under threat. We need to invest in transforming our vulnerable agricultural sector.

Our leaders need to hear the alarm bells and act. The cost of inaction could be enormous.

Bonanza for the DOE October 10

A front page headline report on the matter was in a local English daily on October 3. It stated that around ninety (in capitals for emphasis) high-rise buildings in Dhaka have no proper environmental clearances. It was reported by Rajuk, the successor of the erstwhile DIT, who issued final clearances to 11,600 (plus) such unauthorised high-rises.

However, Rajuk’s members stated that it was not their fault, if the DOE issues such fake certificates of clearances. Not only the DOE, but as far as I am aware, one needs clearances from the Fire Brigade and also the Civil Aviation Department, since many areas of Uttara, Baridhara, Bashundhara, new DOHS and others fall under the safe landing and take-off zones for the runways of the old Tejgaon and international airports.

As far as home-owners are concerned, they depend on the final Rajuk clearance, and the responsibility lies with Rajuk.

Conscientious Citizen

Maudoodi’s son: Jamaat has no right to do politics in Bangladesh October 6

sirajul_islam_1 Good reporting based on the interview of Syed Haider Farooq Maudoodi, one of Maudoodi’s nine children. He reportedly said that the two parties (Pakistani and Bangladeshi Jamaat) in the two countries were “just the left and right hands of the same person; there is only one head controlling the both.” Interesting. But I like to add, don’t forget about the Indian Jamaat, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and its President Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, though he may not be the “head.” The manner in which he and the organisation he leads reacted to the Shahbagh movement are indicative that they are also a part of the “body” which Syed Haider Farooq Maudoodi mentioned in the interview.

There are some others as well, such as, All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, All India Milli Council, All Bengal Minority Youth Federation, West Bengal Sunnat Al Jamaat Committee etc who also issued statements against Shahbagh. All Bengal Minorities Youth Federation and a dozen such outfits had held a “one hundred thousand strong demonstration” in Kolkata on March 30, 2013 to protest the verdict of the war crime tribunal against Jamaat-e-Islami’s leaders.

Dr Khalid Isn’t it interesting that people who are close to and are founders of these religious parties never really espoused the policies of the extremists, including the Jamaat who never recognised Bangladesh? Once again, this gentleman is implying that religion and politics are a dangerous combination irrelevant of which religion or nation.

October 5

Md Mirajur Rahman Patwary This is the most important issue to look into! But it’s very sad that we never look into it.

Shahnaz Parveen Exactly, but not only in primary education. The scenario is the same in many other education stages, also due to a lack of fixed structure and its monitoring, wherever structures are only documented and directed by the concerned authorities.

Fahad Salahuddin Saber Their salary must rise.

Farid Erkizia Bakht A wider debate about low pay across the board only serves to highlight the enormous gulf between the car-driving classes and the rest.

Tarequl Islam The salary of a primary teacher is quite unbelievable! If you have not enough money in your pocket to fulfill your family members’ basic needs, then how will you teach your students?

My father is a sufferer.

He always tried hard to fulfill our needs but I think he failed. Poverty never leaves us. We never get our books, pens or notebooks timely for this lack of money. But we never blame him for this. We are proud of him. He has always encouraged us to be good students and good people.

Joshua Dr Khalid: Absolute nonsense, my friend. Your analysis remains on the surface and does not penetrate deeper. How much have you thought about secularism? Do you know what the final consequence of allowing absolute secularism is? Anarchy.

(True) Muslims fundamentally believe in Islam.

What do you fundamentally believe in? saif We are Muslims. Those who opposed the creation of Pakistan have the right to live in it, but those who opposed the breaking of Pakistan have no right to live in it? Why? After becoming Bangladesh, how much progress has occurred here? Please, we are brothers, and no one can separate us, Insha’Allah.

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU ACROSS 1 Contested in speed (5) 6 Period of time (3) 7 Live coal (5) 10 Yields (5) 12 Dwarf buffalo (4) 13 Expel by legal process (5) 15 Edible rootstock (4) 16 Rounded vase (3) 18 Distress signal (3) 20 At all times (4) 22 Notions (5) 23 Tranquil (4) 25 Clan (5) 27 Slight error (5) 28 No score (3) 29 Useless remains (5)

Low salary for teachers affecting primary education

DOWN 1 Alcove (6) 2 Land measure (3) 3 Younger sons (6) 4 Longed for (7) 5 Marsh (3) 8 Sporting item (3) 9 Bellow (4) 11 Girl’s name (3) 14 Wished for wrongfully (7) 16 Bearlike (6) 17 Fictional works (6) 19 Spoken (4) 21 Corn spike (3) 22 Little devil (3) 24 Lacking discipline (3) 26 Large (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

How to solve Sudoku: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

Code-Cracker

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

11

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Aren’t we in a state of war? n Mohammad Ali Sattar

T

BIGSTOCK

Our lack of a coal policy

O

n Hasan Kamrul

n January 10, 2009 when this government came to power, the electricity situation was totally different. The amount of load shedding was higher than 1,000MW. People were experiencing six to eight hours of load shedding per day.

It was a really awful situation.

People had no comfort either at home or in the office. Industrial production was depleted; many small industries were shut-down. Garments sector was badly affected, owners were worried for low production, buyers cancelled the order due to late delivery.

To reduce the untoward situation, the government has successfully augmented power production, more than 2,500MW worth rental power plants have been funded privately, 400MW of IPP has been secured, 500MW of bilateral funding is in the pipeline for implementation.

In addition, 500MW of power has been imported from India in the first phase, roughly 50MW has been added to the national grid at Behramara in Kushtia inaugurated by the prime minister on September 5 this year.

However, experts have criticised the government for the quick rental scheme. They say quick rental has brought demise to the power sector, so alternative power sources are needed urgently. That’s why the government turned to the coal-based power plant instead of imported oil-based power solutions.

Already the power ministry has

signed four mega coal based power plants, each having 1,320MW capacity.

One is the Rampal plant, a joint-venture programme with India, Moheshkhali is another one. It could be set up with the help of Jica funding.

The other two locations have not yet been selected. All of these plants will be dependent on imported coal.

Jica has already conducted a feasibility study at Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar for a 1,320MW coal-based plant.

Sundarbans. She assures that if her party is in power after the next polls, the Rampal power plant will be halted or relocated.

However, the government is unenthusiastic about extracting its own coal due to a lack of “coal policy.”

The country has huge natural coal reserves, only Barapukuria, a stateowned coal field, is producing coal under the mines and minerals rules and the company is paying 6% royalty to

Imported coal-based power production is not a wise decision at all, it may serve the purpose for the next 5 years, but there is no security for uninterrupted coal supply

Rampal power plant has been given the EIA certificate by the Department of Environment. For the consideration of biodiversity of the Sundarbans, it is not a feasible place for a coal-based power plant. Environmentalists, civil society, and local residents of Rampal oppose the power plant near the Sundarbans, a world heritage site, as well as the world’s largest mangrove forest.

A lot of uncertainty remains. Civil society is still fighting against the government’s egotism, the main opposition leader is demanding to shift the plant to another suitable place considering the ecology of the

the government. A 250MW coal-based power plant is also operating there.

Coal policy has not yet been undertaken because of mainly political opposition rather than due to scientific considerations. The considerations create parameters for technology, the environment, social impact, finance, and the economy.

Experts say imported coal-based power solution is not a realistic choice - the government must prioritise the local reserve, and as soon as it does, the decision should be made for coal extraction. But the government response is too slow for the large primary energy shortage using indigenous

coal resources.

From 1999 till now, several committees have revised the policy documents and recommended for technology and environmental protection laws considering the geology of the coal mines. Most of the technical members were worried about hydrogeological conditions of the coal mine because of the huge amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn from the mine area.

Also it can be stocked near the mine. That may cause for adverse effects on the local environment and biodiversity. Moreover, experts are distinctly divided over the mining procedure. Whether underground mining or open pit mining is suitable for coal extraction is not yet decided, and this is a cause for delays in the finalisation of coal policy.

Striking a balance between availability, affordability and accessibility is the biggest challenge of attaining sustainable energy security. Imported coal-based power production is not a wise decision at all, it may serve the purpose for the next 5 years, but there is no security for uninterrupted coal supply.

If the exporting companies create such insecurity for these projects in the future, it may pose a threat to the power plants. On the other hand, local coal can be developed with a certain level of supply and price security. If Bangladesh wants to make itself a middle-income country, local coal extraction ought to commence without further delay. l Hasan Kamrul is a geologist.

he parties are drifting apart. It now appears that both sides have lost interest in a negotiated settlement of issues that call for immediate resolution. Even a few weeks back there were signs of a possibility of discourse on some level.

Senior Awami League leaders had hinted in various forums that there could be dialogue on the election-time government and related issues. But due to a lack of attention and sincerity on part of the other decision-makers of the ruling party, no initiative was taken.

This has been frustrating for the opposition, for it also expressed its willingness to have a discussion. In any case, the ball is in the court of the ruling party. But it seems that they are not interested to roll the ball.

Even today, intense deliberation is on at various levels. Members of civil society, NGOs, the journalist community, teachers’ groups, and government and opposition activists are regarding the urgent need for a settlement.

However, the opinion is sharply divided. Almost all quarters of society have been calling upon the government to accommodate the opposition demand in that it reflects the aspiration of the larger section of the society.

They all opined that unless the polls were arranged under a non-partisan/ caretaker government, the elections would not be credible and the whole process (government efforts to hold polls and the opposition attempt to foil it) would result in more crises.

Senior Awami League leaders had hinted in various forums that there could be dialogue on the election-time government and related issues. But due to a lack of attention and sincerity on part of the other decisionmakers of the ruling party, no initiative was taken

It is only the government party that holds on to its position of not budging an inch from its declared standing. It says everything will be done according to the constitution, thanks to the brute majority of the party in the parliament.

While concern runs high, elections campaign goes on unabated. The ruling party leader is making rounds of the country and laying foundations or inaugurating projects and seeking votes for the upcoming polls. And opposition leader is also visiting places and calling on people to remain by her side in her struggle for reinstatement of caretaker government. Whatever ambiguity persisted regarding BNPs plans about its movement strategy is now out of the clouds.

Begum Khaleda Zia has made it clear in her public addresses that the opposition will not allow any polls to be held under Sheikh Hasina. She emphatically said that there will be “songram” (movement) committees formed in all voting centers to resist any election activity across the country.

Veterans have spoken of the dangers of a one-sided election. They believe it will be a great loss of credibility for the government and the nation.

Society will be in economic despair. The consumer market will be in a shambles. This will not do us any good as we have already developed a culture of negativity. In the past there have been senseless killings, destruction of property and colossal economic losses

Things appear to be grim. If the government does not take steps to accommodate opposition demands we are in for tough times.

What are the implications of the uncertain atmosphere? Experts say it will have a serious psychological impact on the citizen’s psyche. They will look for security in the wrong places. They will resort to practices that will bring negative outcomes in the long run.

Society will be in economic despair.

The consumer market will be in a shambles. This will not do us any good as we have already developed a culture of negativity. In the past there have been senseless killings, destruction of property and colossal economic losses.

Business and trade will be the worst affected. We are already afflicted by peacetime problems in our manufacturing sector (RMG and others), labour problems are menacing, international trade paint a very grim picture, there persists a huge trade imbalance with our trading partners and competition is getting tougher in the global arena.

Educational institutions are always the victims of such prolonged uncertainty. Session jams and unwarranted closures of universities and colleges are regular affairs. Schools suffer as much.

There is a rise in crime in the society. Crimes of various natures become frequent, damaging the fabric of society. We are left in the hands of criminals who pervade the corridors of our world, be it in the streets in the garb of a mugger or killer, or indoors, posing as philanthropists.

If the implications of such situations are taken into consideration, we cannot afford to wait. Maybe, this time around, things could be worse than the last crisis. It is like we have been plunged into a state of war. l Mohammad Ali Sattar is a freelance contributor.

End the foreign policy shutdown n Ian Bremmer

E

REUTERS

ver since the government shutdown began, various federal departments have been forced to furlough nonessential personnel. The specter of the United States’ first default in history has become a bargaining chip for American politicians.

That has rankled the international community, and it only compounds the backlash we’ve seen recently in response to Obama’s flip-flopping on a Syria strike and the NSA surveillance revelations.

It’s clear that international consternation is not enough of an incentive for the United States to change its behaviour. As I wrote recently in this column, foreign policy simply isn’t a priority for the Obama administration.

Buffeted by the shutdown crisis and leery of the coming debt ceiling fight, Barack Obama canceled his trip to Asia last week, where he would have attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. Obama sent John Kerry in his stead to shake hands, dress in funny outfits, and engage in all the other usual hallmarks of a foreign convention of leaders.

Obama was right to think that had he attended himself, the optics wouldn’t have worked in his favour.

He would have looked distant and overly-casual to the crises at home if he were in Bali glad-handing with foreign leaders. But the point is not

that was beginning to succeed in the region.

As the New York Times wrote earlier this week, without the US at the APEC conference, it’s China’s stage.

And that’s a problem when the United States is in the middle of trying to ne-

With so much at stake, what could Obama have done differently?

What could he have done aside from sending John Kerry, who has vastly more street cred in the Middle East than in Asia?

whether Obama made the right decision to cancel - he did - but whether he made the best decision possible.

He could have done more, which we’ll get to in a bit. But instead of thinking creatively, the administration checked down to the obvious decision and simply sent Kerry.

What’s at stake at the APEC conference? The validity of America’s “pivot to Asia,” a hallmark of the administration’s first term, and a strategy

gotiate and complete the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The TPP is the most important trade agreement on the world agenda right now; should all the countries in discussions join, its members would constitute almost 40% of world GDP a coalition of more than a dozen of the most important Pacific powers.

The deal would liberalise trade, foster more market access for US firms in the region, and serve a deeper

geopolitical purpose: it would give the US a larger stake in regional stability.

In other words, the agreement would put American skin in the game and confirm the Asia pivot, as likeminded countries try to hedge against the rise of a Chinese-led system that is not in accordance with their norms and standards.

The TPP is an agreement that pointedly excludes China (at least at first; it incentivises China to make economic changes over the longerterm that align it with free market thinking in order to gain entry). But it’s tough to negotiate a US-led trade deal when America’s president RSVP’s “No” and China’s leader Xi Jinping is running the show.

I’ve spoken to senior officials in Indonesia who expressed personal disappointment with Obama’s noshow as well as their concerns about TPP closure. Other regional players are echoing these sentiments.

That’s certainly not to say Obama’s absence will doom the negotiations.

But there is a real risk that the agreement could become watered down as key participants question American commitment.

Allies can’t be calm, either, when

they imagine how TPP legislation would be digested by a dysfunctional American Congress.

With so much at stake, what could Obama have done differently? What could he have done aside from sending John Kerry, who has vastly more street cred in the Middle East than in Asia?

He could have thought outside the box and called up Bill Clinton to take his place instead. Clinton is an ex-president with gravitas and without a portfolio, unless you count whatever groundwork he’s laying for a potential Hillary 2016 run.

With Obama tied down in the States, putting Bill in charge of negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership would ensure the trade partners felt respected. And Bill is no stranger to marquis trade architecture in Asia, as he spearheaded China’s accession into the WTO back in the twilight of his presidency.

It’s too late for Obama to change his APEC strategy, but it’s not too late for Obama to learn the deeper lesson: that abroad, allies - and holders of American debt - are deeply concerned with what’s happening in the States. l This article was syndicated from Reuters.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Four films hit theatres this Eid n Punny Kabir A total of four films are going to hit the cinemas across the country in the upcoming Eid-Ul-Azha. Dhallywood gears up with Shafiuddin Shafi’s “Purno Doirgho Premkahini,” Malek Afsary’s “Full and Final,” Nazrul Islam Khan’s “Premik number One” and Shah Muhammad Sangram’s “Ki Prem Dekhaila.”

It won’t be surprising to know that the “King of Dhallywood,” Shakib Khan, who stars in three Eid movies, will dominate the season. While Ananta Jalil is considered the only superstar who can give a tough competition to Khan, his absence in this sea-

son brings back the ascendancy of the “King.” However, the industry’s rising stars Bappy, who appears in “Ki Prem Dekhaila,” and Arifin Shuvo, who is another hero of Shakib Khan-Jaya Ahsan starrer “Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini,” might make some difference in the scenario!

On the other hand, the cinemagoers would be disappointed by knowing Iftekhar Chowdhury’s action-packed movie “Agni” and Debashish Biswas’ romantic comedy “Bhalobasa Jindabad” have stepped back despite of their schedule to be released this Eid. The Dhallywood fans are keenly waiting for watching the on-screen

chemistry of Shakib and Jaya through “Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini.” The fans have expressed their utmost interest for the film via different online social networking sites. The film will be screened around 70 cinemas across the country.

In Malek Afsary’s Full and Final, Shakib has paired up with new Dhallywood heartthrob Bobby. The stars have made huge waves after pairing up in TV commercial of an energy drink which have released recently. But, this is the first time they will be seen romancing on the silver screen. The stunning Bobby says: “Our chemistry in the TVC was greatly appreciated by the viewers and

that encouraged me to act opposite to him. I hope the audience will once again welcome us.” According to the director, it is a romantic-action movie that contains some social messages.

The movie will also be shown in around 70 theatres.

Popular duo Khan and Apu Biswas will again spell their magical romance in Nazrul Islam Khan’s “Premik Number One” where the hero breaks every obstacle to win his girl.

“Ki Prem Dekhaili” is another stereotypical commercial film where the lovers go through an array of hiccups to be together. The later two films will be released in 50 cinemas. l

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Singer Arfin Rumey arrested n Entertainment Desk Police arrested singer Arfin Rumey early yesterday on charge of torturing his wife Ananya “for dowry.”

Ananya had filed a case against Rumey, accusing him of torturing her for dowry and even sometimes kicking her out of the house. She also included Rumey’s brother Yasin Roni and mother Nasima Begum as accused in the case.

The law enforcers detained Rumey and his brother under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and sent them to court. Nasima Begum could not be traced.

Md Azizul Haq, officer-in-charge of Mohammadpur police station, told the Dhaka Tribune: “Rumey’s wife Ananya filed a case against him, his brother and mother, accusing them of torturing her.

She was injured and showed us a medical report in support of her injuries.”

In the case, Ananya claimed that Rumey had married Kamrunnesa, an expatriate in the US, on October 24 “without her permission.”

However, Rumey had posted photographs with his wives together on Facebook and told the media that his first wife Ananya had given him the

permission for his second marriage.

Rumey said they were happy together.

When Dhaka Tribune contacted Ananya for her comments she did not answer the phone call.

Rumey and Ananya have a two and a half years old son. l

TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition Full and Final

Solo painting exhibition Tumi (you)

By Mostofa Jamil Akbar Shamim Time: 12pm - 8pm Institute of Asian Creatives House 9 Road 36 Gulshan-2

Ki Prem Dekhaila

Solo painting exhibition By late Sohrab Khan Time: 12pm – 8pm Bengal Art Lounge House 60 Road 31 Gulshan 1 Solo painting exhibition

By Shahabuddin Ahmed Time: 10am-7pm Gallery Chitrak Road 7 Dhanmondi

Purno Doirgho Premkahini

Premik number One

ATN airs special mime show for children in this Eid

Shohortoli brings second album

n Entertainment Desk In a special programme this Eid, Nithor Mahbub has come up with a mime show for the entertainment of the children. The programme is titled “Ronge Ronge Eid” and is directed by Abdur Sattar.

The show’s shooting was done in an amusement park for the children situated in Shamoly called Shishu Mela and will telecast on ATN Bangla during Eid. According to the artist Nithor Mahbub, he is pleased to be able to deliver this show for the children of the country.

“The story is unique and it was a delight to be a part of something that provides entertainment for children. I will consider myself lucky if the show amuses the children,” adds Nithor.

The story is about a boy who goes to play in a flower garden and comes

across a dragonfly and tries to capture it. But the insect evades his every attempt and after many tries, he finally catches the dragonfly and in haze of anger, rips off both its wings. As a result to his cruelty, the insect is unable to fly again.

The naïve boy then tries to reattach the wings with his saliva, but fails to make the insect fly again. He realizes his mistake too late and buries the insect in the garden and returns home in

Group exhibition Unity of Souls Time: 10am – 8pm Athena Gallery of Fine Arts A Heights, Cha-72/1/D, Progati Shoroni Soaked Dream

By Firoz Mahmud Time: 11am – 6pm Goethe Institut Bangladesh Road 9(new) House 10 Dhanmondi R/A

Film Titanic (3D) Nishwartha Bhalobasa Monsters University in 3D Udhao Jobs Diana Star Cineplex Bashundhara City

ON TV

n Punny Kabir

Theatrical rock band Shohortoli, who has proved their uniqueness over the years since its inception in 2006 by giving out a number of songs blended with poetry, has come up with their second album “Opor Prishtha Droshtobyo.”

The launching ceremony of the album was held on October 11 at National Library Auditorium in Agargaon.

Celebrated musician Ayub Bachchu and members of popular band Warfaze—Tipu, Roger and Anik—were present at the programme to encourage the youngsters.

The ceremony was followed by a musical performance by Arbovirus, Palash and Friends, Morubhumi and the host band. Shohortoli presented a few songs from their new album such as Badhon, Milika and Desh Matar kache Chithi in the concert. They also entertained the audience by performing their previously released hit tracks “2011” and “Felani.”

About their new album, vocalist of the band Mishu said to Dhaka Tribune, “Our success with the first album ‘Bo-

DRAMA Dhupi Komlabalar Benarasi 9:10pm Channel 9

Bochhor Kuri Porey 9:00pm NTV

COMEDY

Members of Band Shohortoli rabor Shohortoli’ encouraged us to come up with our second album.” He adds: “Though the current situation of the music industry is very disappointing, but our passion for music inspires us to move forward.”

While talking about the strong lyrics of the band, bassist and lyricist of Shohortoli, Tapan shared with Dhaka Tribune: “Shohortoli takes strong notes from our liberation war, contemporary lifestyle, urban chaos, inequality,

11:00am Z Cafe corruption and compose their songs thereby. We usually don’t intend to express our personal emotions through our songs.”

Explaining the title of the band, Tapan said: “Shohortoli means suburb in English. We, the members of the band are from Mirpur, a sub-urban area of Dhaka. Mirpur is the platform where our friendship, philosophical exchanges and musical practice grew up and still being continued.” l

The Big Bang Theory

8:30pm Comedy Central Whitney

MISC 11:30am AXN Bloopers

8:30pm FTV F men

Miley Cyrus breaks silence on broken engagement

n Entertainment Desk The 20-year-old star has finally opened up about her split from fiance Liam Hemsworth during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” airing Friday.

Cyrus has dodged dishing details on breaking off her engagement with the handsome “Hunger Games” star for

weeks while on a press tour for her latest album “Bangerz” until now.

“So the last time you were here I threw you an engagement party,” the daytime host said to Cyrus, as she showed a clip of her last appearance in last November with strippers dancing for her.

“Do you want your money back?” Cyrus joked.

“I want my money back. I sent like you know (showing the strippers again) you enjoyed it,” DeGeneres said.

“I really am genuinely happy finally with myself which I think sometimes it takes you separating yourself from someone else to really be happy with who you are,” Cyrus said about how she is doing post-split from Liam Hemsworth.

DeGeneres then asked the pop star if it’s been uncomfortable getting all the media attention surrounding the break up.

“It’s not really as awkward because I’m living it,” she continued.

“So I think people spend more time actually thinking about it than I really do. I just believe when a chapter is done you have to close it and start a new one. That’s kind of where I am right now. I felt like I have so much to be thankful for at this time that my energy hasn’t really been focused on that.”

The “We Can’t Stop” singer goes on to say she doesn’t want her personal life to overshadow her music, but admits her new record has a lot to do with her relationship with Hemsworth. l

Jonaki Opera stages a Jatra, traditional theatre, production at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on October 11. It was the last day of BSA’s week-long programme promoting Jatra to the urban audience.

SADIA MARIUM

Did you know?

Tendulkar was the first individual without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force

Sport

Sunday, October 13, 2013

14 Germany, Belgium, Switzerland qualify for World Cup

14 Colombia seal WC berth with fightback

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

15 Del Potro smashes Nadal in Shanghai semi Score Card, 1st Test, Day 4 New Zealand 1st innings: 469 (K. Williamson 114, BJ Watling 103, P. Fulton 73, Abdur Razzak 3-147) Bangladesh 1st innings (overnight 380-7) Tamim Iqbal c Williamson b Boult 0 Anamul Haque lbw b Bracewell 3 Marshall Ayub c Watling b Anderson 25 Mominul Haque lbw b Anderson 181 Shakib c Watling b Williamson 19 Mushfiqur c Taylor b Bracewell 67 Nasir Hossain c Williamson b Sodhi 46 Sohag Gazi not out 101 Abdur Razzak lbw b Boult 7 Robiul Islam c Taylor b Bracewell 33 Rubel Hossain c McCullum b Sodhi 4 Extras: (b5, lb8, w1, nb1) 15 Total (all out, 148.5 overs)

501

Bowling

Boult 24-9-50-2 (w1), Bracewell 25-296-3 (nb1), Martin 27-3-113-0, Sodhi 28.5-3-112-2, Anderson 17-7-34-2, Williamson 27-4-83-1 New Zealand 2nd innings: P. Fulton not out 44 H. Rutherford lbw b Nasir 32 K. Williamson not out 28 Extras: (b11, lb2) 13 Total (for one wicket, 40 overs)

117

Bowling

Sohag Gazi, the Bangladesh lower order batsman goes ecstatic after hitting his first Test ton against New Zealand at the ZACS, Chittagong yesterday

Gazi shines before rain Uddin Khan n Minhaz from Chittagong

Sohag Gazi’s maiden Test century was the highlight of the fourth day as Bangladesh rode on the off-spinner’s valuable knock to go past the 500-run mark and take a 32-run lead in their first innings against New Zealand at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium yesterday. However, the visitors managed to go ahead by 85 runs in their second innings before the weather had the final say as rain forced an end the day’s play at the port city.

Gazi resumed the day on 28 with another tail-ender Abdur Razzak on one as Bangladesh were placed at 380 for 7. Earlier it was Mominul Haque’s century that guided the hosts to the

safety, but there was still work to be done and Gazi chose the occasion to announce his ability to bat.

He lost Razzak in the fourt over of the day, but never looked shaken

exquisite shots over the infield.

Gazi, on 95, was desperate to reach his century before the lunch break as he tried to force a boundary, but he had to wait until the resumption.

Top 5 Scores in a Test Innings for Bangladesh Score

Overs

RR

Inns

Opposition

Ground

Date

638

196.0

3.25

2

Sri Lanka

Galle

8 Mar 2013

556

148.3

3.74

2

West Indies

Dhaka

13 Nov 2012

501

148.5

3.36

2

New Zealand

Chittagong

9 Oct 2013

488

149.3

3.26

1

Zimbabwe

Chittagong

6 Jan 2005

427

123.3

3.45

1

Australia

Fatullah

9 Apr 2006

by the dismissal as he took Robiul Islam to land a 105-run ninth wicket partnership that also gave the home side an unexpected lead. Robiul gave firm support with 32 runs while Gazi swung his bat and produced some

When Robiul top edged to get caught

by Ross Taylor off Doug Bracewell just after the break, it brought in last man Rubel Hossain to the crease. Rubel sneaked a single and Gazi did not waste a moment to get to his hundred with a

Boult eyes a result on final day Uddin Khan n Minhaz from Chittagong New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult hopes the weather does not interfere the last day of their Test match against Bangladesh and expects some good cricket to be played on the final day today.

Heavy rain denied any action in the last hour of play at Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium yesterday as the Kiwis left the field at 117 for 1 in the second innings with a lead of 85 runs.

“There is still a day left, it’s a good opportunity. If some good cricket is played tomorrow (today) then I can definitely see a result, we will see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully the weather stays away and we can get a result,” said the left-arm quickie yesterday.

“First we have a lot of batting to do really, couple of partnerships. I know the final session got called off with rain, but we can’t get too far ahead of

ourselves we have few more runs and see what happens from there,” he explained.

Sohag Gazi’s maiden Test hundred was evident in changing the course of the game in favor of the Tigers and though Boult appreciated the knock, he also said it was frustrating for them.

“He (Gazi) batted his innings very well. He paced his innings very nicely and played some nice shots, so full credit should be given to him. I think he did superbly, but from a bowling point of view it was frustrating not to get him out sooner than what we did,” said Boult.

Coming in at number 11 Boult’s 52 in the first innings aided the Kiwis to put up 469 runs on the scorecard. When queried if it’s the batting or bowling that he enjoys the most, the 24-yearold said, “I think they (batting and bowling) are both special. Obviously I am a bowler and wickets are what I am here for, but they are equally both special to me.” l

BD U-19 crash out n Raihan Mahmood

Bangladesh crashed out of the AFC U-19 Qualifiers as the third positioned team of Group C with a goalless draw at the F Hariri Stadium, Iraq yesterday.

Bangladesh finished the campaign with four points, but as Kuwait held Iraq to a goalless draw in the last match of the group, Kuwait, who also earned four points, finished ahead of Bangladesh with better goal difference. Bangladesh’s goal difference was -5 while Kuwait has +1. Iraq won the group with seven points. l

BOA secretary general Syed Shahed Reza speaks at the press conference of the Queens Baton Relay at the BOA House yesterday COURTESY

four from the next ball. The Barisallad struck 10 fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 101 off 161 balls before Rubel fell to leggie Ish Sodhi with the total on 501, Bangladesh’s third score past 500.

Later, Kiwi openers Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford added 48 runs to overtake the lead before the home side got their first break through rightarm spinner Nasir Hossain. Rutherford on 32 was trapped leg before trying to sweep Nasir.

Fulton was watchful and remained 44 not out while first innings centurion Kane Williamson was unbeaten on 28 before heavy rain stopped the day’s play with the visitors on 117 for 1.

The match referee and the umpires called the day off and decided to start the fifth day today 30 minutes earlier from the scheduled time. l

Queen’s Baton to land in Dhaka tomorrow n Raihan Mahmood Bangladesh will be second destination of Queen’s Baton, the emblem of Commonwealth Games, as the baton of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games arrives at the capital tomorrow.

On October 9, 2013 the Queen’s Baton Relay was launched at Buckingham Palace, at a ceremony where Her Majesty The Queen placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton.

India was the first destination and Bangladesh will be the second as the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay, the curtain-raiser to the XX Commonwealth Games starts to go around the world. Over a period of 288 days the baton will visit 70 nations and territories, cover 190,000 kilometres and involve a third of the world’s population, making it the world’s most engaging relay.

After its arrival in Bangladesh, the baton will move through the capital and the British High Commissioner will receive it in his High Commission office. Louise Martin and Louis Rosa Rebecca Hill will accompany the baton.

In a press conference held at the BOA auditorium yesterday Syed Shahed Reza, the secretary general of Bangladesh Olympic Association said Commonwealth Games gold winning shooter Asif Hossain Khan along with Abdullah hel Baki and Sadia Sulatna will be the athletes involved in the relay.

Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Kazi Razivuddin Ahmed Chapal and Rafikul Islam were also present on the occasion. l

MUMIT M

Razzak 7-2-13-0, Rubel 1-0-12-0, Gazi 6-0-21-0, Shakib 9-1-19-0, Nasir 9-420-1, Robiul 4-1-9-0, Mominul 4-0-10-0 New Zealand lead by 85 runs with nine wickets in hand

Nazmul becomes first elected BCB president n Raihan Mahmood Nazmul Hasan walked into the history book as the first elected president of Bangladesh Cricket Board when the 24 BCB directors unanimously voted for him at the National Sports Council yesterday.

Among the 26 directors, Shafiul Islam Nadel and Afzalur Rahman Sinha were absent as they remained out of the country. AJM Nasiruddin and Mahbubul Anam proposed the name of Nazmul while Monjur Kader supported the proposal. When Abdur Rahman, the chief election commissioner of the BCB elections, asked whether anybody else is interested to run for the president’s post, nobody reacted. Later all the 24 directors stood up and raised their hands in support of Nazmul as the first elected president of BCB. Nazmul has been serving as the BCB ad-hoc committee president since October 2012. Previously, all the presidents of the cricket board were nominated by the government, but as per the amended constitution of 2012 the president has to be elected by the board’s directors.

Nazmul took over the post with hundreds of supporters chanting slogan while he was also presented with numerous flower bouquets.

Nazmul was a relieved man when

he uttered the first comments as the BCB president. “To be frank we did not reveal that the last date of electing the president was October 17 and we made it after a long journey. The primary deadline had a lot of complicacies, but now with the election over I thank all the concerned people and urge them to work for the development of the game,” said Nazmul.

Nazmul said the election was more than necessary for Bangladesh as the next meeting of ICC would consider the elected body. “There were apprehensions of many bad things in the ICC meeting, but now we can move towards it with our heads held high and with the conclusion of election the venue finalisation of the next year’s World Cup T20 is also safe, we can now talk with confidence and look forward,” said Nazmul.

Nazmul admitted that they were in tremendous pressure over the last few months and the works done by the BCB were not well planned. “Now we have the mixture of experience, youth and former players. We look forward to combine the work force to an effective one. We will make a long term plan within three months,” said Nazmul.

The tenure of the BCB’s executive committee is four years and the new committee will take over the reign today. l

Nazmul Hasan signs victory after being elected as the BCB president at the National Sports Council yesterday COURTESY

14 Results

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Wales

1-0

Macedonia

Croatia

1-2

Belgium

Denmark

2-2

Malta

1-4

Church 67

Sport

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Ronaldo tight-lipped on “deliberate” Portugal booking

Kranjcar 83 Lukaku 15, 38 Belgium qualify for World Cup Bendtner 45+1, 79

Mifsud 47

Italy

Osvaldo 28, Aquilani 90+1 Hubschman 3, Lafata 33, Kadlec 51, Pekhart 90

Armenia

2-1

Bulgaria

Germany

3-0

Ireland

Faroes

1-1

Sweden

2-1

Andorra

0-4

Romania

Netherlands

8-1

Hungary

Estonia

0-2

Turkey

Albania

1-2

Switzerland

Iceland

2-0

Cyprus

Slovenia

3-0

Norway

Azerbaijan

2-0

Northern Ireland

Ozbiliz 44, Movsisyan 87

Olsson 56, Ibrahimovic 86

AP

Cristiano Ronaldo criticised Portugal’s display in the 1-1 draw with Israel and was tight-lipped on claims he deliberately got himself booked to ensure his availability for next month’s World Cup qualifying playoffs.

The Real Madrid forward will miss the last qualifier at home to rock bottom Luxembourg on Tuesday through suspension after receiving a yellow card for protesting in the dying minutes against Israel on Friday.

Real Madrid team mate Pepe is also banned for a match where there seems little to play for because Russia and Portugal are certain to finish in the top two in Group F. Russia, who are three points ahead of Portugal, travel to fourthplaced Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

“I can’t talk about that (booking),” Ronaldo told reporters. “FIFA is always very attentive to those situations,” he added, referring to soccer’s ruling body.

“The playoff is the most important and I don’t want to be out. I will be at those two matches.”

Ronaldo said Portugal found it tough to penetrate Israel’s wall of defence on Friday.

“We have to improve in many aspects,” he said. “Israel had two buses behind the ball and when it’s like that it’s hard to score. l

in Brazil.

They lead Group H by a point from Ukraine, who beat Poland 1-0 in Kharkiv.

Russia, coached by Fabio Capello, cruised to a 4-0 win in Luxembourg to open a three-point lead over Portugal in Group F. Alexander Samedov, Viktor Faizukin, Denis Glushakov and Alexander Kerzhakov all scored to put Russia on 21 points.

Portugal were then held to a 1-1 draw

by Israel who grabbed an 85th-minute leveller from Eden Ben Basat.

Ricardo Costa had opened the scoring for Portugal who face Luxembourg in their final match while Russia go to Azerbaijan.

Bosnia-Herzegovina saw off whipping boys Liechtenstein 4-1 with Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko scoring twice.

They lead Group G on goal difference from Greece who edged Slovakia 1-0.

The Netherlands swamped Hungary 8-1 in Amsterdam with Robin van Persie grabbing a hat-trick.

The Dutch have 25 points from nine games in Group D. Denmark’s play-off hopes suffered a blow after a late equaliser by Alberto Aquilani helped Italy secure a 2-2 draw in Copenhagen that maintained their unbeaten record in Group B. Italy, who qualified for Brazil with two games to spare, are on 21 points while Bulgaria, in second, and Denmark are both eight points adrift.

The Czech Republic sit in fourth, only one further point behind.

The nine group winners qualify for the finals while the eight best runnersup will play off for the remaining four spots.l

Popov 61

Khedira 12, Schuerrle 58, Ozil 90+1 Germany qualify for World Cup Hansson 41

n Reuters, Lisbon

Czech Republic

Kazakhstan

Finonchenko 55

Austria

Harnik 29

Keseru 41, Stancu 53, Torje 63-pen, Lazar 83

van Persie 16, 43, 53, Dzsudzsák 47-pen Strootman 25, Lens 38, Devecseri 65-og., van der Vaart 86, Robben 90 Bulut 22, B. Yilmaz 47

Salihi 88-pen Shaqiri 47, Lang 77 Switzerland qualify for World Cup Sigthórsson 60, Sigurdsson 76 Novakovic 13, 15, 49 Dadashov 58, Shukurov 90+5

Luxembourg

Germany players celebrate qualifying for the 2014 World Cup after their Group C qualifying match against Ireland in Cologne, Germany on Friday

0-4

Russia

Samedov 9, Faizulin 39, Glushakov 45, Kerzhakov 73

Portugal

1-1

Lithuania

2-0

Latvia

Bosnia

4-1

Liechtenstein

Greece

1-0

Slovakia

London

4-1

Ukraine

1-0

Poland

Moldova

3-0

San Marino

Spain

2-1

Ricardo Costa 26 Cernych 8, Mikoliunas 68

Dzeko 27, 39, Misimovic 34, Ibisevic 38 Skrtel 44-og Rooney 49, Boskovic 62-og, Townsend 78, Sturridge 90+3-pen Yarmolenko 64 Frunza 55, Sidorenco 59, 89 Xavi 61, Negredo 78

Israel

Eden Ben Basat 85

Hasler 61

Montenegro

Damjanovic 71

Belarus

Kornilenko 89

Germany, Belgium, Switzerland qualify n AFP, Paris Germany, Belgium and Switzerland reached the World Cup finals on Friday as England, defending champions Spain, Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina all edged closer.

Germany booked their place with a convincing 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland to move to 25 points in Group C. Belgium beat Croatia 2-1 in Zagreb to top Group A and make the finals for the first time since 2002.

Switzerland reached the finals for the third time after a 2-1 win over Albania assured them of top spot in Group E. The three join Italy and Netherlands who had already made sure of qualification.

Goals by Sami Khedira, Andre

Schuerrle and Mesut Ozil confirmed Germany’s place in Brazil next year.

Sweden made sure of a play-off spot from the same group with a 2-1 win at home to Austria.

On-loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku scored the two first-half goals that took Belgium through.

Lukaku found the target in the 16th and 38th minutes with Niko Kranjcar hitting a late consolation for Croatia who must now hope to make the finals via the play-offs.

Second-half goals from Xherdan Shaqiri and Michael Lang gave Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland victory in Tirana and an unassailable 21 points at the top of Group E. Spain moved to within a point of sealing their place in Brazil with a 2-1 win over Belarus.

Second-half goals from Xavi and

Alvaro Negredo mean Vicente del Bosque’s men lead France by three points at the top of Group I with the world champions set to face Georgia in their final qualifier on Tuesday.

Tottenham’s Andros Townsend crowned his international debut with a fine goal as England beat Montenegro 4-1.

Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock early in the second half and an own goal from Branko Boskovic doubled the hosts’ lead, before Dejan Damjanovic replied for the visitors.

Townsend restored England’s twogoal cushion with 11 minutes to play, driving home right-footed from 25 yards before an injury-time penalty from Daniel Sturridge completed the scoring.

England will approach their final game at home to Poland on Tuesday needing another win to secure a berth

Goetze offside with Colombia seal WC berth with fightback Germany after new be heading for a win which would have point from their final game, against n AFP, Montevideo seen them guarantee their ninth World Ecuador in Santiago next Tuesday, to clothing gaff Colombia pulled off an Cup finals appearance after a flying qualify.

Uruguay’s defeat means that the amazing fightback to start at a ground where Colombia had n AFP, Berlin 2010 World Cup semi-finalists must reach the World Cup for won their five previous matches.

Bayern Munich star Mario Goetze has landed himself in hot water again for wearing Nike products, this time on duty with Germany who are sponsored by rival firm Adidas.

The 21-year-old is in trouble for wearing sports socks with the Nike logo plastered over his shins while with the Germany squad who play Republic of Ireland on Friday in a World Cup qualifiers in Cologne.

“Things like that shouldn’t happen,” said Germany’s team manager Oliver Bierhoff as sponsors Adidas pump several million euros into the German Football Federation (DFB) each year.

“The players are allowed to wear whatever boots they want, but otherwise we are committed to our partners, of course.”

Goetze, who has a personal sponsorship deal with Nike, admitted he had blundered, but insisted it was an innocent mistake.

“They are compression socks that I have worn for some time because of my injury,” he told German daily Bild having just returned from a groin injury.

“I didn’t think about it, I didn’t want to provoke anyone or advertise something.

“This sort of thing won’t happen again by me.”

This is not the first time Goetze has fallen offside with Adidas.

In July, he was fined 20,000 euros by his club Bayern Munich, who are also sponsored by Adidas, after wearing a Nike t-shirt, with a big logo across his chest, at his first press conference at the European giants.

After his latest faux pas, Adidas spokesman Oliver Brueggen told SID, an AFP subsidiary, they “assume something like this will not happen again” and said the matter had been dealt with internally by the DFB. l

the first time since 1998 on Friday, rallying from 3-0 down to snatch a 3-3 draw against 10-man Chile in a six-goal thriller.

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao was the hero for the home side, keeping his cool to convert two late penalties as Colombia grabbed the point they needed to be certain of qualifying for next year’s finals in Brazil.

Brazil qualify automatically for the tournament as hosts, while Argentina had already confirmed their qualification last month.

Falcao’s 84th-minute leveller capped an extraordinary turnaround for Jose Pekerman’s Colombia, who had looked dead and buried inside the opening half hour after Chile raced to a 3-0 lead.

Teofilo Gutierrez pulled a goal back on 69 minutes to make it 3-1 before Falcao’s late show gave Colombia a share of the points.

Chile had earlier looked certain to

Juventus star Arturo Vidal fired Chile into the lead on 19 minutes, sending Colombia keeper David Ospina the

Results Colombia

3-3

Ecuador

1-0

Venezuela

1-1

Argentina

3-1

Gutierrez 69, Falcao 75-pen, 84-pen Montero 30 Seijas 83

Lavezzi 23, 35, Palacio 47

Chile

Vidal 19-pen, Sanchez 22, 29

Uruguay Paraguay

Benitez 28

Peru

Pizarro 21

wrong way with a perfectly placed spot-kick to silence the home crowd.

Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez then doubled the Chileans’ lead three minutes later before adding a closerange second to make it 3-0 on 29 minutes.

Ecuador’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in Quito means that Chile need only a

France hand Australia another six-goal rout n

AFP, Paris

Australia were given another chastening lesson in football as France romped to a 6-0 victory at the Parc des Princes in an international friendly on Friday.

Just a month after also being hit for six by Brazil in Brasilia, Australia were given the runaround again as France proved their recent troubles in front of goal were a thing of the past.

If reports in the Australian press are to be believed, then German manager Holger Osieck will be sweating on

his job when he wakes up on Saturday morning, despite guiding the Socceroos to the World Cup finals, two years after he took them to the Asian Cup final.

He insisted after the Brazilian debacle that his side were under-prepared as most of the players were in their preseason or off-season, but he could have no such excuses for this tepid display.

In truth, France were brilliant with Olivier Giroud, retaining his place ahead of Karim Benzema, bagging a brace while Franck Ribery scored a penalty and had a hand in five goals.l

beat already qualified Argentina in Montevideo to have any chance of pipping Ecuador or Chile for an automatic qualifying place.

But even a win against Argentina will be academic if Chile and Ecuador combine for a mutually beneficial draw which will guarantee their qualification.

Argentina meanwhile warmed up for their showdown with rivals Uruguay with another comfortable victory.

Despite the absence through injury of captain Lionel Messi, Argentina notched a 3-1 win over Peru in Buenos Aires.

Peru took the lead through Claudio Pizarro but Argentina hit back with a brace from Ezequiel Lavezzi and a Rodrigo Palacio effort.

In the other South American qualifying game on Friday, Venezuela wrapped up their campaign with a 1-1 draw against eliminated Paraguay. Luis Seijas equalized for Venezuela after Edgar Benitez had given Paraguay a first-half lead.l

Colombia's forward Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a penalty against Chile during their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier match, in Barranquilla, Colombia, on Friday AFP

Spectacular late goal revives Mexico WC bid n AFP, Los Angeles Raul Alonso Jimenez’s stunning bicycle kick lifted Mexico to a 2-1 win over Panama on Friday, breathing new life into El Tri’s World Cup bid and keeping Honduras’ hopes on hold.

Jimenez’s splendid bicycle kick five minutes from time – just two minutes after he entered the match – gave Mexico the much needed win, moving them into sole possession of fourth place in the six-nation final qualifying group in North and Central America

and the Caribbean.

Mexico, who travel to Costa Rica on Tuesday, now look the most likely to take on New Zealand, although Panama, on eight points and hosting group winners the United States on Tuesday, still have a mathematical chance of

Results Honduras

1-0

Costa Rica

United States

2-0

Jamaica

Mexico

2-1

Bengtson 64 Zusi 77, Altidore 80 Peralta 40, Jimenez 85

Panama

Tejada 80

grabbing fourth place.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s US team made sure they will finish top of the group with a 2-0 triumph over Jamaica in Kansas City.

Graham Zusi scored in the 77th minute and Jozy Altidore doubled the score in the 80th as the Reggae Boyz’s slim hopes of making the New Zealand playoff were extinguished.

The United States top the table with 19 points. Costa Rica, also already qualified, are second on 15.

The Americans, who clinched a World Cup berth with a win over Mexico in their previous qualifier, looked sluggish in the first half.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

15

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Quick Bytes

Razib loses to Indian GM Bangladesh GM Enamul Hossain Razib lost to GM Abhijit Gupta (Rating-2593) of India in the 3rd round of the Indonesia Open Chess Championship at Grand Shahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta yesterday. Razib drew with 2658 rated Grandmaster Iturrizaga Eduardo of Venezuela in his 2nd round game on Friday. The Bangladeshi GM was playing against IM Emmanuel Senador of Philippines in the 4th round when this report was filed. At the end of the 3rd round Razib’s point stood at 1.5.

-RM

Nadal speaks of sadness over Villota death

Tennis world number one Rafael Nadal Friday spoke of his sadness over the death of Spanish former Formula 1 test driver Maria de Villota, whose body was found in a hotel room in Seville. A source close to the case confirmed after an autopsy was carried out on her body on Friday afternoon that the 33-year-old died from natural causes. Speaking after his quarter-final victory over Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka at the Shanghai Masters, Nadal said it was “very bad news for the world of sport in general, for Spanish sport especially”. “It’s very difficult to say things on day like today,” he said. “Stay positive. All the best for her family. Very difficult to find a word because is a very sad, sad day for all of us.

– AFP

Real Madrid deny Bale has slipped disc Real Madrid strongly denied a report in Spain on Saturday that world record signing Gareth Bale has a slipped disc.

Madrid sports daily Marca published the story claiming that the problem had been identified when the 24-year-old Welshman underwent his medical with the club and that the player may need to undergo surgery. The club flatly denied those claims and although they admitted that Bale does have a slight disc protrusion, the condition will not affect him from playing. Bale has only been involved in three games for Madrid since sealing his move from Tottenham Hotspur at the start of September due to a series of niggling muscular injuries.

– AFP

Germany boss Loew set to extend DFB contract

Germany’s Joachim Loew has said he expects to agree to extend his contract past the 2014 World Cup -- and prolong his seven-year reign -- after his team booked their Brazil berth. Germany confirmed their World Cup place with a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Friday in Cologne ahead of Tuesday’s final qualifier against Sweden in Stockholm on Tuesday. Having succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann as Germany coach after the 2006 World Cup, the 53-year-old Loew has steered Germany to the Euro 2008 final and semi-final spots at both Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup. – AFP

England call up Sterling for Poland tie England added Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling to their squad on Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s final World Cup qualifier against Poland at London’s Wembley Stadium. The 18-year-old helped the England Under-21 team beat their San Marino counterparts 4-0 on Tuesday and already has one full England cap to his name after playing against Sweden last year. His latest summons into the senior set-up came after Victory over Montenegro preserved England’s lead at the top of European qualifying Group H and meant they will now secure a place at next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil if they beat Poland.

– AFP

Ground staffs prepare the covers as rain pours in to stop the fourth day’s play of the ongoing Test between hosts Bangladesh and New Zealand at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday

Del Potro smashes Nadal n AFP, Shanghai

Djokovic. But the 13-time Grand Slam champion was given the run-around by the sixth seed, who launched a sustained and blistering all-court attack from the start, achieving the rare feat of out-hitting his illustrious opponent.

Dominating from the baseline on both forehand and backhand sides, Del Potro raced into a 4-0 lead in the first set as Nadal desperately searched for a foothold.

A single break was enough in the second set for the inspired Argentine, who hit a total of 28 winners and 31 unforced errors, landing 80 percent of first serves.

Nadal, by contrast, failed with all six of his break point opportunities.

In the first semi-final, Tsonga landed just 46 percent of first serves in an ultimately one-sided first set, and despite an improved showing in the second he cracked in the 12th game as

World number one Rafael Nadal was dumped out of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday by inspired Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who blew the Spaniard away with a relentless display of brutal hitting to set up a final against Novak Djokovic.

The giant Del Potro, fresh from winning the Japan Open, went into the semi-final at the Qizhong Tennis Center trailing 8-3 in head-to-heads, but rocked Nadal with a double break in the first set and kept up the pressure to win 6-2, 6-4.

Earlier, top seed Djokovic swept aside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2, 7-5 to earn the chance to defend his title.

Nadal has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, winning 10 titles including the French Open and the US Open, and came into the match with all eyes on yet another showdown with

Djokovic completed a straight-sets win.

The Serbian, 26, broke to love in the second game, helped by two double faults, and had a break point to establish a 4-0 lead as Tsonga struggled to gain a foothold.

The seventh seed dug deep, securing a break of his own to peg Djokovic back to 3-2, but his form then dipped again and he lost the next three games.

A more balanced second set involving a break apiece looked to be heading towards a tie-break, but the Serb secured the decisive break, claiming victory on his second match point.

Nadal and Djokovic are among three players who have already secured their places at next month’s elite World Tour Finals, featuring the season’s top eight players.

Tsonga and Del Potro are among those hoping to secure one of the remaining five places. l

Neymar stunner as Webber upstages hamstrung Vettel Brazil beat South Korea n AFP, Suzuka

n AFP, Seoul Brazil star Neymar weathered some harsh attention before scoring a stunning free-kick as he led the World Cup hosts to a 2-0 friendly win over South Korea on Saturday.

The Barcelona forward curled his shot past Korean goalie Jung Sung-Ryong just before half-time, with Chelsea’s Oscar getting the visitors’ second shortly after the break.

Neymar, 21, had been in doubt for the game after a heavy fall in training, and he was hit with some tough challenges and constant close marking in front of a near-capacity crowd.

But the young idol had the last laugh at Seoul World Cup Stadium when he thumped his strike over the wall and to the right of Jung, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

Neymar was targeted from start to finish as Hong Myung-Bo’s team, already

qualified for next year’s World Cup, opted for tactics of harassment and frustration. The Brazilian threw up his hands in exasperation and had a few testy moments with other players, even getting into a shoving match near the team benches late in the first half.

“I think we simply played football, whereas South Korea tried too hard,” said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

“In the first half, they had twice as many fouls as we had. I think they were fouling too much early on.”

Hong Myung-Bo defended his players’ physical play, saying they “played it fair and didn’t lose their cool.”

“Some of our players are still young and I think they will learn from this experience,” said Hong, who has just one victory in seven matches since taking over in June. “I am sure they gained confidence from this, and it’s an important part of our team. That alone is a major plus for us.”l

Day’s Watch GTV 9:30am New Zealand Tour of Bangladesh LIVE 1st Test, Day 5 ESPN 10:00am Duleep Trophy 2013 LIVE East Zone v North Zone, Match 2 Day 4 Ten Sports 10:45am MotoGP World Championship LIVE Main Race 2:30pm ATP 1000 Masters 2013 LIVE Shanghai Rolex Masters Final Star Sports 1:50pm India vs Australia 2013 LIVE 1st ODI

MUMIT M

Brazil's Neymar (2R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against South Korea during their friendly match at the Seoul World Cup stadium yesterday REUTERS

Red Bull’s Mark Webber took full advantage of mechanical problems plaguing his title-seeking team-mate Sebastian Vettel Saturday as he snatched his first pole position of the year at the Japanese Grand Prix.

With all eyes on the runaway championship leader, who could secure a fourth successive world title on Sunday, the soon-to-retire Australian lapped in 1min 30.915secs to push Vettel into second on

Misbah, Smith reckon Ajmal key in Tests n

AFP, Abu Dhabi

Rival captains Misbah-ul Haq and Graeme Smith both agreed Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will be the key in the two-Test series starting here on Monday.

Ajmal, who turns 36 on the first day of the match, took 24 wickets when Pakistan humbled then world number one England 3-0 in the United Arab Emirates last year. But Misbah urged his wily spinner to lift his game.

“I think it (bowling to South Africans) will be a big challenge for Ajmal,” said Misbah at the unveiling of the trophy for the series.

Misbah conceded South Africans play Ajmal better than English batsmen.

“He (Ajmal) was new to England and that’s why they struggled against him.

South Africans have played him more, so it’s a big challenge for Ajmal and he will have to lift his bowling because he is up against a team who plays him well,” said Misbah.

Excluding his ten wickets on a spinfriendly Cape Town pitch earlier this year, Ajmal has only four wickets in four Tests against South Africa. l

the grid. Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes will start behind the Red Bulls on the second row alongside Lotus’s Romain Grosjean, with Felipe Massa and Nico Rosberg on the third rank.

Nico Hulkenberg timed seventh, just ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. If Vettel wins on Sunday, the Spaniard will need to finish inside the top eight to keep the title race alive. Webber’s rivalry with Vettel reached boiling point earlier this season when the German ignored team orders and overtook him to win the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Webber is quitting Formula One at the

end of the season. But he said pole position was a sweet farewell to pacy Suzuka, despite the advantage of Vettel driving without his speed-boosting Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

“Sebastian had a problem so it’s a little bit of a hollow pole,” the 37-year-old told reporters. “But you take them where you can get them. It’s not like they hand them out. You’ve still got to put the laps in.

“We did the laps when they counted and that’s what was important. It’s a very, very nice farewell pole here on my last attempt at Suzuka on a really phenomenal circuit.”l

Reaction to Tendulkar’s retirement GAUTAM GAMBHIR

Salutes to Sachin paaji. I think India jersey number 10 should retire as well and preserved forever. Thanks Paaji.”

DAMIEN FLEMING

“Sachin Tendukar to retire after his 200th test match v windies in Mumbai; Best batsman I bowled to at his peak no weakness #LittleMaster.”

ABHINAV BINDRA

“Don’t really know what to say about sachin. Everything will fall short. Just wish him the very best for his next innings.”

SHAH RUKH KHAN

“O no! Suddenly realised the meaning of addiction. Mine was the Master. I am going thru cold turkey. To see cricket without Sachin? Unbearable”

GRAEME SMITH

“It’s always difficult to comprehend how someone like Sachin lives his life.

He has always managed his career well, managed to perform under an extreme amount of pressure and never had any scandals, which is a credit on him and his family.”

MICHAEL VAUGHAN

“One of the Greatest ever @sachin_rt is retiring... One of my heroes and a absolute joy to play against.. #BornToPlayCricket”

KEVIN PIETERSEN

“Sachin #10dulkar - Undisputed Champion of Cricket! #SachinTheGreat.”

EOIN MORGAN

“Sad to hear the greatest ever batsman is calling it a day. One man who inspired a nation #Sachin”

IAN BISHOP,

“The sight of the straight lines of the bat on its downswing; the power of the back foot punch; thanks for the memories Sachin. Glad you came.”

TOM MOODY

“Time waits for know one as #Tendulkar prepares to say goodbye, been a privilege to play & coach against the little master one of the greats!”

16

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Online cattle sales on the rise n Kayes Sohel The internet is gaining popularity as a medium for selling cattle this year, following the successes of a handful of online brokers during the previous Eidul-Azha.

Four to five new online brokers have joined the 10 others who traded online last year, in a field that is relatively new but has real potential for growth, industry insiders said.

Advertisements for online cattle sales have climbed from 800 last year to 1,200 this year, according to advertising firms.

It is a religious custom for the Muslims to sacrifice cattle during Eid-ulAzha, the second largest religious festival for the community.

Through online brokers, farmers and traders are advertising their cattle on the internet, providing pictures and detailed information including colour, breed, and estimated weight of the animals.

Online brokers said the trading of sacrificial animals on the internet will reduce cattle prices as there will be no middleman, while city dwellers’ hassles will be lessened as they will not have to go to the cattle market and walk the animal back home “This is a place without hassle and fear of mugging,” said Eshita Sharmin, marketing manager at Bikroy.com, one of the largest online shopping websites in Bangladesh.

She said the number of web advertisements had increased as the demand for cattle online was rising with the rapid spread of internet usage across in the country.

Bikroy.com, which only posts classified ads, has already received over 700 advertisements. The figure so far

is higher than the previous year, with advertisement numbers expected to triple during the festival.

Sharmin said the online cattle trade was on the rise as the traditional cattle markets were not entirely customer friendly. “Online cattle buying saves time too,” she said.

Online brokers said the trading of sacrificial animals on the internet will reduce cattle prices as there will be no middleman, while city dwellers’ hassles will be lessened as they will not have to go to the cattle market and walk the animal back home.

Enamul Haque, project-in-charge of online portal Amar Desh Amar Gram, said there were positive responses from both buyers and sellers.

The portal, which facilitated the sale of 25 cows last year, is expecting to facilitate at least double that number this year.

Regarding the commitment to deliver the exact animal that buyers choose online, Enamul said buyers were able to view the animals prior to payment.

He said people could order their sacrificial animals at fair prices through the website, and that it would later be delivered to their homes.

The online shopping portals offer a wide variety of cattle at prices ranging from Tk6,000 to Tk125,000, providing photos and details of the animals.

Without visiting a crowded market, the buyers are able to choose cattle from the comfort of their homes and communicate with several traders before making their final purchase.

Amar Desh Amar Gram has so far posted details of around 52 cows, with more posts to come soon.

The e-commerce sites are mainly targeting those who want to distribute the meat of their sacrificial animals among the poor of their villages but live abroad or in the cities. l

Animal traders pass lazy time yesterday being depressed as the cattle market of Gabtoli has not boosted up yet

Sale yet to gain momentum in city cattle markets n Abu Bakar Siddique

Cattle traders in the city’s different cattle markets are disappointed as sales are yet to gain momentum.

Unlike traders, customers seem to be happy being able to buy their sacrificial animals for a comparatively cheaper price than that of the previous year from different cattle markets that have sprung up across the capital ahead of Eid ul-Azha.

The cattle traders are a bit frustrated with the bad sales they have made so far.

“We are not getting our desired price by selling the sacrificial animals at the cattle markets,” said Mohammad Ali, a cattle trader from Sirajganj.

Most traders have come to the capital from across the country with an aim to make a good profit like the past years.

While talking to customers, it was learnt that this year they could benefit from a good purchase of sacrificial animals.

“I bought an ox for Tk36,000 this year while last year the price of an ox of the same size was Tk50,000,” said a cheery Delowar Hossain at the city’s Taltola cattle market.

Happiness also flickered across the faces of Tariq Hasan and Abdur Razzaq who bought two oxen from the same market yesterday.

Apart from the Taltola cattle market, this correspondent visited Agargaon

and Merul Badda cattle markets where customers were seen leaving with smiles on their faces.

Cattle trader Mohamamd Ali who came to Merul Badda cattle market with 50 oxen expressed his concern over the low cattle prices.

“Most traders will face huge financial losses if the current trend of bad sales continues till Eid,” he said, adding that he was hoping for a price hike at the eleventh hour.

When asked why he thinks there will be a price hike even after there was a huge supply of animals to the market, Mohammad Ali said, “due to the forthcoming parliamentary election, polit-

Rain and wind batter Indian coast as huge storm approaches; 3 dead n Reuters, India Rain and wind lashed India’s east coast on Saturday, forcing about 450,000 people to flee to shelters as one of the country’s largest cyclones closed in, threatening to cut a swathe of devastation through farmland and fishing hamlets.

Filling most of the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Phailin was about 90 km off the coast by late afternoon and was expected to strike the coast by nightfall with winds of between 210 km/h and 220 km/h.

The storm was expected to affect 12 million people, most of them in the densely populated states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, weather and disaster management officials said.

Even before landfall, coconut trees in villages along the coast were bent and broken in the gusting wind. Electrical poles were brought down and roads were littered with debris.

In the first reported deaths, two people were killed by falling trees while a third when the walls of her mud house collapsed.

Terrified children clung to their moth-

ers as they sought shelter. Most towns along the coast were deserted but there were still some people trying to flee.

Some people took refuge in temples, others crammed into three-wheel auto-rickshaws and headed inland.

“This is one of the largest evacuations undertaken in India,” said Shashidhar Reddy, vice chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, who estimated that more than 440,000 people had fled from their homes.

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

The size of the storm made extensive damage to property more likely, he told reporters in New Delhi. “Our priority is to minimise loss of life.”

Phailin is expected to bring a 3.4-m surge in sea levels when it hits the coast between 1230 GMT and 1430 GMT.

Extensive Damage

The weather department warned of extensive damage to mud houses, major disruption of power and communication

lines, and the flooding of rail tracks and roads. Flying debris is another threat.

“In a storm of this magnitude there is the potential for widespread damage to crops and livestock in the low-lying coastal areas and houses completely wiped away,” said Kunal Shah, the head of the aid group World Vision’s emergency response team in India.

“While we are praying this storm loses intensity, we’re also preparing.”

London-based Tropical Storm Risk classed the storm in Category 5 - the strongest such rating. The US Navy’s weather service said wind at sea was gusting at 314 km/h.

Many of the people along the coast are subsistence fishermen and farmers, who live in mud-and-brick or thatched huts.

In 1999, a typhoon battered the same region, killing 10,000 people.

India’s disaster preparations have improved significantly since then and aid workers praised precautions for Phailin such as early warnings, stocking of rations in shelters and evacuations.

“A lot has been learnt since 1999 and my guess is that while there could

be extensive damage to property and crops, the death toll will be much less,” said G Padmanabhan, emergency analyst at the UN Development Programme.

But despite all the warnings, some people refused to leave their homes.

“I have a small child, so I thought, how will I leave?” asked Achamma, 25, as she clutched on to her boy in Donkuru, a fishing village in Andhra Pradesh, as waves crashed on to a nearby beach.

Police said a rescue had been launched for 18 fishermen stranded at sea off Paradip, a major port in Odisha, after their trawler ran out of fuel.

Paradip halted cargo operations on Friday. All vessels were ordered to leave the port, which handles coal, crude oil and iron ore. An oil tanker holding about 2 million barrels of oil, worth $220 million, was also moved, an oil company source said.

But the storm was not expected to hit India’s largest gas field, the D6 natural gas block in the Cauvery Basin further down the east coast, field operator Reliance Industries said. l

ical leaders would buy several oxen to serve their followers and people of their constituencies with a special treat.”

Like Mohammad Ali, scores of traders in the three visited markets hoped so yesterday.

Abdullah Al-Mamun, one of the members of Taltola cattle market leasing authority, termed this year’s cattle supply to be very good, but said it was impossible to predict cattle prices earlier.

The trade of the sacrificial cattle including cows and goats is going on at 20 different makeshift markets across the city.

The sale would continue until October 16, the day of festival. l

Coastal areas likely to be inundated n UNB The very severe cyclonic storm “Phailin” over the west-central Bay and adjoining east-central Bay moved slightly north-westwards over the same area.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74km of the storm centre was recorded about 200kph rising to 220kph, Met Office said, adding that the sea would remain very rough.

Gusty or squally wind may affect the North Bay, the coastal regions and the maritime ports of Bangladesh.

The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal 3.

Under its influence, the low-lying areas of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 2-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide. l

Dhaka expresses interest in BCIM economic corridor n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Dhaka and Beijing are set to hold their first official meeting on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor today as Bangladesh has shown interest in the initiative for greater connectivity.

“We have interest in BCIM and we are looking at the modalities of the initiative,” Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque told the Dhaka Tribune.

An eight-member Chinese delegation, led by Deputy Director General of International Department of National Development and Reform Commission Lin Dajian, arrived in the city yesterday.

The initiative was earlier an academic discussion under “Track II diplomacy,” but has now been converted into “Track I diplomacy,” allowing government officials to engage in discussions. Though the initiative begun back in 1999, it got its first major boost in May this year when the Chinese and Indian prime ministers jointly declared that both countries have agreed on the construction of the corridor, converting long-standing academic discussions into a regional cooperation strategy.

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni is scheduled to visit China after the Eid-ul-Azha to hold meetings with Chinese officials about the BCIM and other issues.

“She will discuss a gamut of issues with Chinese officials where BCIM will come up in the discussion,” Shahidul said. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed at Romask Limited, 184, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1215. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207.

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B2 Private sector credit growth falls every quarter in FY13

B3 Sonali to lend Tk80bn

by June

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

Business www.dhakatribune.com/business

Batexpo ends on a quiet note

Rawhide price set at Tk85-90 per square BNP leader assures of separate ministry for RMG sector if voted to power foot for Dhaka n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi n Tribune Report The 24th Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition (Batexpo) 2013 concluded in Dhaka yesterday, with poor response from the global buyers due to the schedule of the show which apparel manufacturers said was not time befitting.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organised the 3-day event that began Thursday to showcase apparel products to the international buyers.

Addressing the concluding function as chief guest, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain assured the entrepreneurs of forming a separate ministry for the apparel sector if voted to power in the upcoming general election.

He said political programme will not hamper the production of RMG factory and the political programme should not break the growth of economy.

He urged the buyers to continue sourcing garment products from Bangladesh, assuring that BNP’s political programme is democratic, which never hurts production.

Participants at the show witnessed poorer than expected response from the buyers as well as in terms of spot orders and inquiries.

“We’ve not received even a single order from this fair against spot orders worth Tk70m bagged at the last show,” Md Reazul Karim, manager, design and product development of Beximco Textiles, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Visitors’ turnout was very poor this year as the foreign buyers did not join the fair due to political unrest and Eid vacation, he added.

Buyers’ response was 30% to 40% lower compared to the previous year due to lack of publicity, and the arrangement of fair was not time befitting, said Khondaker Arifur Rahman, manager quality of Uniglory Papers and Packaging Limited. He said business posted a 15% growth, but the response is now slow despite they were maintaining communication with the buyers.

Political unrest is the main reason behind

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The hide prices this year have been set at Tk85-90 per square foot for Dhaka and Tk7580 for the areas outside the capital.

Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA), Bangladesh Tanners Association and Bangladesh Hide and Skin Merchants Association (BHSMA) jointly fixed the prices.

They announced the prices of rawhides of sacrificial animals at a joint press conference in Dhaka yesterday.

“A square foot of raw hide of cows will be sold at Tk85-90 in Dhaka and Tk75-80 in other areas,” said Shaheen Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Tanners Association.

Besides, the per square feet prices of hides of bullock have been set at Tk50-55, goat at Tk40-45 and buffalo at Tk40-45 for throughout the country, he added.

Tk75-80 per square foot for other parts of the country A buyer looks at apparel products at a stall of Batexpo 2013 in Dhaka yesterday the fall of spot orders and visitors’ turnout, said Syed Ziaul Haque, adding that politicians do not love the country. “They want to be in power even destroying the economic growth.”

He said: “We do not want confrontational politics any more … just want business-friendly environment to lift the economy to a new height.”

In the last Batexpo, Maa Composite Limited bagged spot orders worth US$400,000, but this time they got no spot order. “It is very disappointing for us,” said Nayeem Siddiqui, executive coordinator of the apparel maker. He said most of the foreign buyers connect with us through local buying houses and this year the vacation might have caused low response.

On the last day of the show, not a single foreign visitor stepped in our stall and the buyers’ presence was comparatively low this year than the last show, said Shahadat Hossain, commercial officer of Vertex Group. He

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

blamed the political unrest and eid vacation for the poor response.

Spot orders in the show may not exceed last year’s performance, but it would be satisfactory, BGMEA vice president Shahidullah Azim told the Dhaka Tribune. Commenting on the publicity for the fair, he said they have arranged the show this year in a small scale considering the political uncertainty.

BGMEA President Atiqul Islam at a preshow press briefing on October 6 said BGMEA decided to arrange the Batexpo a month earlier than usual time due to the upcoming election. He said the foreign buyers are not willing to take part in the show during the election fearing violence.

In the Batexpo-2012, around 159 apparel buyers and 2,846 representatives from foreign and local representatives of the buyers visited the show, placing spot orders worth about US$62m, of which$1.42m came from stock lot sales. l

Abdul Hai, Secretary General of BTA, told the Dhaka tribune that the prices of sacrificial animals’ hides were fixed in conformity with the international market prices.

Currently, a square feet processed leather is sold at US$1.4 in the global market, said Abdul Hai. He urged the government to strengthen security measures for at least two months after Eid-ul-Azha to prevent smuggling of hides.

BTA leader hoped the rawhide could be procured 6m-7m pieces during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

According to BTA, the country’s growing leather sector presently needs 250m cubic feet raw hides every year to meet the local demand.

According to the Department of Livestock, around 48% of annual rawhide collection is made during Eid-ul- Azha while 10% collection is during Eid-ul-Fitr and 2% in Shab-e-Barat and Kali Puja. l

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

Private sector credit growth falls every quarter in FY13 Investors feared of worsening political instability However, despite the fact, the central 18.8% and 20% in four quarters consecutively. n Jebun Nesa Alo For the first half of the current fiscal, bank expects the credit growth situation get The private sector credit growth marked continuous drop in every quarter of the past fiscal year as the political instability loomed large with the election nearing.

Bangladesh Bank data showed the private sector credit grew 19.3% in the first quarter compared to the same period a year earlier.

The second quarter marked 16.2% growth while the third quarter 13.4% and the fourth quarter 11.1% from the respective periods of the previous fiscal.

The situation in the fiscal year 2011-2012 was much better with the growths of 22.3%, 19.7%,

Bangladesh Bank has set a private sector credit growth target at 15.5% from the same period of FY2013 as no possibility of easing political squabbling is seen before general elections by early next year.

Besides, lower interest rates of loans from foreign sources is also discouraging the investors to take credit from the local banks, said a Bangladesh Bank official.

Loans from foreign sources are now available at 4.5-5% interest rates.

The central bank approved Tk280bn foreign loans from 2010 to October 2013.

better in the months to come as “steps are being taken in this regard.”

Recently, IMF expressed its concern over the poor demand of private sector credit, which suggests a possible slowdown in economic growth.

In this backdrop, Bangladesh Bank advised the banks to focus on SME and agriculture loans in a bid to reduce impact.

Bangladesh Bank data showed the private sector credit performed well in fiscal year 2010 and 2011 as the growth registered 23.9% and 24.7% respectively. l

Oil drops as report spotlights higher output n AFP, New York World oil prices retreated Friday after an International Energy Agency report highlighted the surge in production from North America and some other countries.

Analysts also cited continued unease about the economic effects of the US budget impasse.

NBR considers a taxpayer’s tips on E-TIN n Tribune Report The National Board of Revenue received a letter from the finance ministry, which has asked the body to consider recommendations on E-TIN a taxpayer made to increase revenue collection.

Amir Khan, a taxpayer from Khatunganj in Chittagong, on September 29, sent the finance minister a set of proposals regarding the effective use of E-TIN. Considering the proposals as important, the finance ministry last week dispatched a letter to the revenue body on the matter.

The proposals include making the use of TIN mandatory in bonds transaction, renewals of import registration certificate, export registration certificate, Vat registration, bond licence, trade licence, motor vehicles ownership licence and fitness licence and plots and flats registration and transfer, withdrawing of fixed-deposit schemes money, participating in tenders of government and quasi-government offices, receiving of tender bills, drawing salaries and in the submission of income tax returns.

“NBR is considering the proposals. If found to be effective, the board will put them in place,” said an official in the NBR. l

We continue to grind lower under worries that if the government shutdown doesn’t end and if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, we could have a severe economic pullback

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for November delivery fell 99 cents to $102.02 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

European benchmark Brent oil for November delivery declined 52 cents to $111.28 a barrel.

Analysts pointed to a report by the IEA, which represents energy-consuming countries that said third-quarter growth in output from nations outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose

by 1.7 million barrels a day compared with last year.

This was “the steepest annual growth for any quarter in over 10-years,” the IEA said.

Besides the United States and Canada, the additional supply comes from Kazakhstan and South Sudan.

The IEA warned that the rise in non-OPEC oil would not necessarily mean lower prices because of instability in some leading OPEC countries, including Iraq and Libya.

Still, Matt Smith, analyst at Schneider Electric, said the IEA report “once again underscores the theme of booming non-OPEC supply for next year.”

Analysts also continued to watch Washington as the partial government shutdown looked like it could extend into a third week.

The oil market joined equity markets Thursday in rallying higher as progress on a deal to avoid a US debt default seemed at hand. On Friday, equity markets continued to rise, but the oil market sold off.

Sucden analyst Kash Kamal attributed the decline in oil to the sense that momentum had begun to “fade” in the negotiations between President Obama and congressional Republicans.

“We continue to grind lower under worries that if the government shutdown doesn’t end and if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, we could have a severe economic pullback,” said Gene McGillian, broker and analyst at Tradition Energy. l

Citytouch internet banking launched n Tribune Business Desk City Bank Limited (CBL) has launched a new internet banking service styled “Citytouch” at a press event in Dhaka on Friday. CBL Chairman Rubel Aziz inaugurated the service.

The Citytouch is a highly secured fullfledged banking solution that can be downloaded onto customer’s mobile devices, said a statement.

The services of Citytouch include real time transaction, maintenance, fund transfer from City Bank accounts to the accounts of any bank in Bangladesh, payment of bills and fees, purchase of airline ticket in domestic routes, online shopping etc.

It also provides customer real time street directions of CBL the branches and ATMs and full-scale information of all products and services of the bank. l

Mojo ‘Utbhot Offer’ ends n Tribune Business Desk The campaign Mojo “Utbhot Offer” concluded recently. From all the participants, 50 SMS senders were selected.

Going through a question and answer session as well as lottery, three winners were given a camel each as prize, said a press release.

The winners were Nasrin Sultana Ani of Chittagong, 1st runner up Md Shariful Islam of Narayanganj and the 3rd runner up Aminur Rahman of Sylhet.

Among others, Akij Group Director Shammiuddin, Akij Food & Beverage Limited Sales & Marketing Executive Director Altaf Hossain, Brand Marketing DGM Md Shafikul Islam and high officials were present at the function. l

CPTU, FSIBL sign deal n Tribune Business Desk Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) has signed an agreement with First Security Islami Bank Limited (FSIBL) on Thursday.

Under this agreement, customers can deposit fees for participating in government tender through any FSIBL Branches, said a press release.

FSIBL Deputy Managing Director Syed Habib Hasnat and CPTU Director General Amulya Kumar Debnath signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. l

Business Syndicate International owner Gias Uddin receives crest of the highest taxpayer award of NBR in Brahmanbaria district for the fiscal 2012-2013 recently

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

Sonali to lend Tk80bn by June ‘We have given instructions to all of our branches to choose real entrepreneurs and potential projects very cautiously’ n Tribune Business Desk After a periodic lull, the state-owned Sonali Bank has resumed full credit operation with a target to disburse Tk80bn by June next, thanks to its robust growth in deposits and loan recovery.

The bank now stands on a strong financial footing due to robust deposit growth and a record recovery of classified loans mostly in cash from a few big defaulters during the last six months, Sonali Bank MD and CEO Pradip Chandra Datta told BSS. The bank’s deposit jumped from Tk544bn to Tk634bn during the last fiscal and continued to rise. It recovered a record of nearly Tk29bn outstanding loan mostly in cash during the last eight months. This enabled the bank to start taking an intensive loan disbursement plan for financing projects, he said.

“We have formulated a cautious new credit policy to disburse nearly Tk80bn to real entrepreneurs with 100% recovery target. We have given instructions to all of our branches to choose real entrepreneurs and potential projects very cautiously in line with our new policy, and disburse loans quickly,” he said.

Of the total loans, officials said nearly Tk8bn would be invested in small and medium industries where the bank had a recovery success of more than 90%. Some Tk7.7bn has been allocated for loans to agricultural sector.

The bank is under pressure to reduce interest expense that jumped up by Tk3.10bn and to increase its interest income that has dropped by Tk1.54bn as on June 30, 2013, according to a Sonali Bank statement made on provisional figures.

Sonali Bank, the largest commercial bank in the country, became the discussion of the table in 2012 due to some big loan scams that swindled nearly Tk40bn from its exchequer especially in a time when it was suffering from the overburden of mounting classified loans of Tk20bn.

As a result, the bank fell into liquidity trap and its credit operations remained almost stooped. Higher deposit growth and impres-

A man walks through the stairs of Sonali Bank sive recovery performance have helped the bank to resume its credit operations, bank officials said.

The state banks are now facing a new crisis: an increasing mismatch between their credit and deposit growth. The banks’ deposit growth increased 18.14% year-on-year on August 1 while credit growth dropped by 0.39%, according to central bank statistics.

The reason for the deposit growth in public banks is the high public confidence, despite the state-owned banks’ deteriorating financial health, the World Bank said.

Declining credit growth is bad news for banks, as it means their main method of revenue, which is interest earnings on the capital they lend out, is shrinking. Loan disbursement is on a declining trend due to the ongoing political situation. If the increasing deposit cannot be invested, it may hamper the bank’s profitability.

“Our prime concern is to reduce mismatch of our funds as we have robust deposit growth,” Pradip Chandra Datta said.

Despite the loan scams, he said, general people still believe that depositing money in Sonali Bank is safe and their savings will remain protected. “Our deposits from rural people are on the rise, driven by increased inflow of remittance. The rural people deposit their remittance in our bank as we have branches in every corner,” he said.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered bank has become the big lender of call money market and it invests alone the highest amount of funds ranging between Tk10bn and Tk15bn in a day.

Due to mounting classified loans of Tk40bn and slow credit flow, Sonali Bank’s revenue fell down to Tk3.81bn and income to Tk600m as on June 30, 2013.

Capital deficit of the bank increased to Tk52bn as of June 30 this year while provision shortfall increased to Tk5.76bn. The number of losing branches of the bank dropped to 53 from 60 during the period.

“We hope the capital deficit and default loans will come down within December,” the CEO said. l

India industrial output growth falls to 0.6% n AFP, New Delhi Indian industrial output growth slumped to below one percent in August, official data showed Friday, surprising markets and underscoring the weakness of Asia’s third-largest economy.

Production by factories, mines and utilities grew by just 0.6% in August from a year earlier, the Central Statistical Office said.

It had climbed by a revised 2.75% the previous month, triggering hopes of an economic revival.

“Industrial growth has relapsed,” said Capital Markets economist Mark Williams.

“These figures extinguish some of the hopes lit when output growth picked up in July - which marked the first positive growth rate in three months,” he added.

The August performance undershot a market consensus forecast of a two percent output rise, and was a far cry from the double-digit increases India enjoyed for large parts of the last decade when the South Asian economy was booming.

Manufacturing output, which accounts for over three-quarters of the Index of Industrial Production, was broadly flat in August from a year earlier.

Production of capital goods such as factory equipment - a key signal of investment intentions - contracted by two percent.

“The figures underline the trouble industry is in,” Williams said.

While exports have picked up on the back of a depressed rupee, economists said higher overseas sales can only help the economy at the margins as India’s growth is still mainly

domestically driven.

Despite calls by business to boost the economy, stubbornly high inflation leaves little scope for India’s central bank to spur consumer demand by lowering borrowing rates.

“The signs of industrial activity witnessed in July have fainted,” said D S Rawat, secretary general of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, urging policymakers to do some “serious thinking” about how to revive the economy.

The weak figures come after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this week slashed its growth forecast for India to 3.8% for the current year, down by nearly two percentage points from an earlier projection, and in line with the most pessimistic forecasts by private economists. l

3

Bearish sentiment hits stocks before Eid n Tribune Report Bearish sentiment hit the stock markets for the fourth consecutive week due to fear of brewing political chaos after Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival for Muslim community.

The past week that ended Thursday saw sales pressure ahead of the nine-day long closure on account of Eid, Durga Puja – the largest religious festival for Hindu community and weekends. Some investors have encashed for Eid expenditure.

During the week, the benchmark DSEX dropped 104 points or 2.7% to close at 3,843.

The DS30 Index comprising blue chips lost 55 points or 3.8% to 1,387.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Category Index fell 227 points or nearly 3% to 7,494.

Brokers said fear of fresh turmoil in political frontier and investors’ preference for naturalising short-term return ahead of Eidul-Azha streamlined the week’s market sentiment.

The daily average turnover value at DSE came down to Tk2.4bn, a decline of 14.8% over the previous week’s average value of Tk2.8bn.

“The market remained highly attuned to the latest news coming from political arena and trade was somewhat erratic last week,” said Lanka Bangla Securities in its weekly market analysis.

‘Market continues to take battering as total turnover volume dips further with both the indices closed in a negative territory as the market fails to accommodate consolidation’ From the economic perspective, it said, the current period largely played out more than expected as exports showed comforting growth of 21.3% in first quarter of the current fiscal year.

“Dragged by cashing out ahead of long closure for Eid-ul-Azha amid much more sluggish participation streamlined this week’s market sentiment,” said IDLC Investments.

It said consistent positioning of index below psychological level of 4,000 points in line with fear of further decline fuelled the week’s decaying vibe and forced investors’ mood turning into a selling spree.

“Market continues to take battering as total turnover volume dips further with both the indices closed in a negative territory as the market fails to accommodate consolidation,” said Zenith Investments.

Throughout the week, investors followed previous two weeks’ trend and positioned mostly in textile and pharmaceutical sectors, accounted for 20.3% and 14.6% of market turnover respectively.

The losers took a strong lead over the gainers as out of 293 issues traded during the week, 249 declined, 38 advanced and 6 remained unchanged on the prime bourse.

Delta Life Insurance became the week’s top turnover leader with shares worth Tk507m changing hands followed by Argon Denim, Square Pharmaceuticals, Envoy Textile and Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Ltd. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Career

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

Polylock from IBA-DU crowned Unilever BizMaestros BUET, BRAC, Khulna University and Dhaka University competed on the last round to earn the coveted title.

The finalists were examined by the esteemed panel of judges comprising UBL Chairman and Managing Director Kamran Bakr, Human Resource Director Mononita Syed-Haq, Home Care and Foods Brand Building Director KSM Minhaj, Personal Care Brand Building Director Zaved Akhter, and Customer Development Director Mohsin Ahmed.

Each team’s strategy was carefully scrutinised by the judges. The finalists impressed not only the judges but all present with their display of talent. The teams were asked to summarise their strategy and come up with innovative ideas for point-of-sales materials using their knowledge of consumer insights obtained from the outlet challenge. These POS materials were displayed during the grand finale.

Talking about the contestants, Mononita said: “We were awed by the creativity shown by these participants. Some of the suggestions these students have come up

with regarding the POS are outstanding and unique.”

Most winning teams developed highly futuristic campaigns, making great use of social media, audio visuals and augmented reality concepts.

After much deliberation, the title of Bizmaestros 2013 was awarded to the team from Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka because of their Innovative and strategic mindset, rational execution and customer orientation. The first runner-up and second runner-up of the competition was from North South University and Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Jahangirnagar University respectively.

The finalists of Bizmaestros 2013 received the kind of experience that would inevitably push them further. After the intense competition, they are equipped with a real understanding of not only strategising in business but also executing those strategies. Business at the end of the day is all about winning in the marketplace and the Bizmaestros 2013 competitors have learned through real world experience ahead of their peers. l

Champions of Unilever BizMaestros, Polylock (IBA-DU)

n Tasnuva Amin Nova The word “Maestros” means “masters” and “Biz” is a mnemonic for “Business;” combining the two, you get business masters. Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) presented students the unique opportunity to “experience the thrill of real business” as it rolled out the fourth instalment of Unilever BizMaestros this year. Through this marketing case competition, the participants who final year university students got the firsthand chance to apply their classroom knowledge in a real life setting.

Unilever BizMaestros seeks to identify high performing graduates who aspire to join the league of Unilever managers by providing students a unique opportunity to work on live and practical challenges that UBL itself is encountering. This year BizMaestros was taken to newer heights with the incorporation of “point of sales” (POS) activities which the finalists had to conduct.

After few weeks of conducting the on-campus roadshows to shortlist the top team from each university, the grand gala took place on October 6 where the finalist teams from NSU, IBA, IBA-JU, EWU, IUB,

First runner-up, Awesome (NSU)

Preparing for festival leave n Ahsan Sajid With two big festivals this week, it’s time to tie up loose ends and get ready to plug off from work. While this is ideally a great time to relax, the holidays, more specificalYOUR CUP ly the days leading up to the OF TEA holidays can be extremely stressful. It’s not just because of preparations at home but for the long break and subsequent damage it might do to your prowess at work.

The following are a number of tips to help you get ready for the break, and switch off without any unwanted intrusions from work.

Do your research: Find out exactly how many days you are entitled to have off. October 14, 15, 16 and 17 are public holidays for Durga Puja and Eid Ul Azha, followed by a Friday. Your work might have given you a few extra days off, or they may have their offices open on Friday given the long break preceding it. Instead of making assumptions, meet with the HR department and make sure you know which days you officially have off.

Save up vacation time: If you are planning to go out of town and require a few more days off, save up on vacation time the rest of the year. When festival time comes along, you can add your days to the official off days, giving yourself that much needed long break.

However, before you start stockpiling

your vacation time, make sure you run your plan by your employer. Some employers may not let you do this, and you will have lost stored up time for nothing.

Inform colleagues of your plan: Inform everybody on your team about your plan.

You don’t have to go into personal holiday plans but it’s best to mention if you’ll be out of town, in case you are needed for emergencies. Sharing just this little bit of information upfront will avoid uncertainties later. It reduces significant stress for everybody when the team is aware of who is re-joining when.

Leave detailed instructions: Make sure you are sharing enough relevant information about all on-going projects you are handling

with your team. In case work has to move forward in your absence and someone has to fillin, the more information your fill-in has the smoother the time for everyone. It will also reduce the chance of you having to return to a mountain of work on your first day back.

Schedule an exit meeting: Try arranging an exit meeting before the holidays with your employer and fellow colleagues. It will be easier for everyone to leave things as neat and tidy as possible. Finishing as many projects, phone calls and emails as possible before leaving is ideal. In case you need to be contacted during the holidays, set rules for it during the meeting. Make clear what times you will dedicate to family and friends, and leave a schedule for when it is appropriate to contact you. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Career

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

Oddball or an entrepreneur? n Tasnuva Amin Nova All our lives we learn about the traits of successful entrepreneurs. I remember memorising persistent, innovative, passionate, and resilient STARTUP as some of their qualities 101 before a management exam. These also came with rambling descriptions of why one needs to be passionate and so on to become an entrepreneur; they seemed logical to read. But can entrepreneurship really be taught?

If yes, then why don’t all entrepreneurs act the same way? Why is Warren Buffet so different from Carlos Slim Helu?

The truth is there is no fixed formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur. Each has their unique way of solving things. Before discovering your own Entrepreneurial Quotient (EQ), a term I personally use to refer to entrepreneurial intelligence, it is worth clarifying that entrepreneurs are like scientists who are constantly inventing/reinventing ways of solving problems faced by the human race.

A garment factory owner is manufacturing clothes to provide people with a solution for dressing in exchange for profits. The everyday challenges he faces to be in the business makes him an entrepreneur.

Nothing about entrepreneurship is for granted. Nobody can vouch for the risk you’ll be facing so it is on you to save yourself and survive. That’s why being an entrepreneur is not easy as most people will tell you and very few will actually become entrepreneurs.

Since entrepreneurship involves doing things unconventionally, here is a list of strange traits capable of making you

Fearsome: Being a student of BBA I am constantly reminded of society’s stereotyped career choice for business gradASK MENTOR uates even by my own family and friends. As much as I do not see myself doing typical nine-to-five jobs, I do not want to let down the high expectations my relatives have from me. That’s why despite having a keen interest in photography, I am scared to take that passion forward. Is it silly to consider being a professional photographer while I am training to be a business graduate or should I give my dreams a chance?

Mentor: Passion drives people, however if you are one of those people who gets bored easily and fast with passion then you should pursue alternative career. If you think that you will stick to this and make progress, then go for it. When you are determined and passionate, good things will

an entrepreneur. Which of these supposed weaknesses are your strengths?

Mutant: Having a tendency to disobey rules set by others portrays you as rebellious but it also shows that you are ready to break the norms to establish your own law. This is necessary for being a trendsetter and innovator.

Hyperactive: Being discontent with lethargy means that your mind is constantly thinking of something. It is a proof of an active mind that is much needed for entrepreneurs to be able to come up with quick solutions.

Occasionally robotic: You might come off as impassive to many for not participating in pleasantries. But you find these unnecessary and sluggish so you’d rath-

happen to you. However, test the waters first; get to a 9-5 job for some time. At the same time, try your hand on photography on a part time basis with a publication. You will soon know what you want and what kind of photography interests you.

Guilty: A few days back I was given a certain responsibility at work but I failed to accomplish it on time. Although the failure did not put my job on the line it has done some damages to my professional image. I am so disappointed at myself that I don’t even want to go back to work. How do I get out of the guilt zone?

Mentor: I am glad you see your mistake and recognise it; most people in their lifetime do not! Go back to work, apologise to the person who gave you the responsibility and tell him or her that you will rectify this or do your best the next time. Give assurance and that will put you back into the driving seat of competing with yourself.

Email us at career@dhakatribune.com for your opinions, feedback and career-related queries.

er stay away. These are not signs of being unsocial; rather, it gives you a spontaneous image.

Frequently fired: Some people are too creative to work under someone. They want to carve their own path and let others follow. These are the ones who realise their entrepreneurial talent after losing a few jobs. If you have a similar history, maybe you shouldn’t lose hope just yet.

Addicted: Once you start on something it is impossible to let it go unfinished.

This characteristic is the single most distinguishing trait of an entrepreneur; it shows undying commitment towards work which is needed for success. This is driven from extreme passion for what you do to the point that it becomes an obsession. l

Follow this career expert on Twitter to stay on the edge of your career Sharlyn Lauby @Sharlyn_Lauby

Sharlyn Luaby, SPHR, CPLP is an HR pro t u r n e d consultant with more than 20 years of professional human resources experience.

Lauby is president of Internal Talent Management (ITM Group, Inc.), a Human Resources consulting firm located in South Florida. She has designed and implemented highly successful programs for employee retention, internal and external customer satisfaction, and leadership development. She is the creator of the blog HRBartender, a friendly site to discuss workplace issues. l

5

My First Job Tell us a little about your education background?

I completed my Masters in Business Administration from North South University (NSU) in 2012 and my Bachelors in Business Administration from the same university as a Summa Cum Laude.

Prior to that, I completed my O and A level examinations with all “A” grades.

Standard Chartered Bank’s Manager of Consumer Banking & Operational Risk Moinul Ahsan talks to Dhaka Tribune about his first job.

What was your first job after graduation?

I joined Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) as an Operational Risk & Assurance Officer during my Bachelors last semester, and I have been there since September, 2008. Currently I am Manager of Consumer Banking Operational Risk. I just completed my 5th year with SCB this September.

How did you get the job?

I placed my CV at a Career Fair organised by NSU back in the middle of 2008. I was shortlisted and called in for an interview and eventually I joined SCB. What was your biggest accomplishment in that position?

My job role specifies constant interaction, collaboration and liaison with the Country Management Committee members and team for Operational Risk management in Bangladesh. I played an instrumental role towards dissemination of Operational Risk policies and procedures, and formalisation of the management committee forums in the country seamlessly and timely. I was well acclaimed from the top management in the country as well as globally.

Looking back, what is the most valuable lesson you picked up from your first job?

Sincerity, maturity, diligence, hard-work and dedication are always material and substantial towards growth and prosperity. There is no short-cut to success, the ladder has a strong foundation of loyalty and dedication without which climbing the organisational hierarchy is not possible.

Did your first job change your mind about what you wanted to do with the rest of your career?

Yes, it did. I was a science major during O and A levels, but exposure to banking shed light on how good I was in organisational management and prosperity. I had learnt and am still learning the boundaries of corporate culture and the formula towards success. Banking was never my cup of tea, but over the years, the concept of banking and the way it contributes to the social growth, in a sustainable manner as SCB bases their strategies on, had fascinated me. If I hadn’t joined SCB, I would not have understood the idea of how a bank can have greater impact in the economy and society as a whole in a holistic perspective, and like the SCB tagline goes, I would say that we are “Here For Good,” good for the society we live in, good for the environment responsiveness and good for the people we serve.

Who inspired you the most in your first job?

My line manager had played and demonstrated a critical role towards my development and building of corporate maturity during my career. His open-mindedness, supportive attitude, constructive nature in learning had made me more accessible to core organisational management despite him being a very senior person in the hierarchy. l

6

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

DSE Broad Index: 3843.56 ⇓ 2.66%, Turnover: 11903.21 M.Tk ⇓ 14.73%, PE: 12.05 Turnover: 12,993.91 MTk. ⇓ 14.46% October 12, 2013 MarketCap. 1,863.78 BTk. ⇓ 3.34% CSE All Share Index: 11868 ⇓ 2.91%, Turnover: 1091.09 M Tk. ⇓ 11.41%, PE: 11.87 Combined Turnover Leader Argon Denims Limited-A Envoy Textiles Ltd-N M.I. Cement-A Square Pharma -A HeidelbergCement -A

CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice ⇓/⇑ Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo

BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 815708 D: 22.70 ⇓ 0.44% | 22.72 | 24.00 / 20.00 C: 22.80 ⇑ 0.44% | 22.70 | 22.90 / 20.50 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 2559290 D: 15.90 ⇑ 3.92% | 15.85 | 17.10 / 13.70 C: 15.90 ⇑ 2.58% | 15.80 | 16.00 / 14.00 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 1446665 D: 20.60 ⇑ 2.49% | 20.47 | 21.00 / 17.70 C: 20.60 ⇑ 3.00% | 20.36 | 20.70 / 18.00 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 2038453 D: 35.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 35.18 | 36.00 / 33.00 C: 35.30 ⇓ 0.84% | 35.31 | 35.80 / 32.00 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 8595036 D: 10.40 ⇑ 2.97% | 10.25 | 10.50 / 9.00 C: 10.30 ⇑ 0.98% | 10.27 | 10.40 / 9.50 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 1973327 D: 31.00 ⇓ 0.96% | 31.06 | 31.70 / 28.00 C: 31.00 ⇓ 0.32% | 30.79 | 31.40 / 29.50 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 159881 D: 58.60 ⇓ 1.51% | 58.81 | 60.90 / 55.90 C: 57.50 ⇓ 4.01% | 55.90 | 58.10 / 53.00 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 5839706 D: 18.20 ⇑ 3.41% | 18.10 | 18.50 / 15.90 C: 18.20 ⇑ 3.41% | 18.06 | 18.40 / 16.00 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 785233 D: 25.50 ⇑ 1.19% | 25.41 | 25.80 / 22.50 C: 25.50 ⇑ 1.19% | 25.35 | 25.50 / 23.00 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 637500 D: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.75 | 5.90 / 5.50 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 1114415 D: 26.30 ⇓ 0.38% | 26.22 | 26.50 / 24.00 C: 26.00 ⇓ 2.62% | 26.00 | 26.90 / 26.00 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 1615565 D: 13.70 ⇓ 1.44% | 13.69 | 14.00 / 12.40 C: 13.60 ⇓ 2.86% | 13.70 | 15.00 / 13.00 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 579879 D: 17.60 ⇑ 3.53% | 17.64 | 17.90 / 15.30 C: 17.10 ⇓ 2.84% | 16.00 | 17.50 / 16.50 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 3666405 D: 13.90 ⇓ 4.79% | 13.90 | 14.80 / 12.50 C: 14.00 ⇓ 4.11% | 13.98 | 15.00 / 13.00 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 988002 D: 17.50 ⇓ 1.69% | 17.53 | 18.00 / 15.90 C: 17.40 ⇓ 1.69% | 17.34 | 17.50 / 16.20 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 1377116 D: 10.80 ⇓ 0.92% | 10.78 | 11.00 / 9.50 C: 10.80 ⇓ 0.92% | 10.80 | 10.90 / 9.50 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 3175399 D: 11.00 ⇓ 2.65% | 10.99 | 11.50 / 9.80 C: 11.10 ⇓ 1.77% | 11.08 | 11.50 / 10.50 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 35240 D: 90.00 ⇑ 0.22% | 90.07 | 91.50 / 83.00 C: 88.00 ⇓ 2.44% | 88.00 | 88.00 / 88.00 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 326326 D: 14.30 ⇓ 1.38% | 14.22 | 14.60 / 12.70 C: 14.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.13 | 14.20 / 14.00 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 1918802 D: 12.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 12.61 | 13.00 / 11.50 C: 12.50 ⇓ 1.57% | 12.55 | 13.00 / 12.00 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 3000438 D: 14.20 ⇓ 1.39% | 14.25 | 15.00 / 12.60 C: 14.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.27 | 14.40 / 12.70 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 2175653 D: 18.50 ⇓ 3.65% | 18.50 | 19.20 / 16.60 C: 18.30 ⇓ 3.68% | 17.80 | 19.10 / 17.30 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 6575504 D: 11.60 ⇑ 1.75% | 10.43 | 12.40 / 10.20 C: 11.50 ⇑ 2.68% | 11.52 | 12.00 / 10.50 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 2082639 D: 10.60 ⇓ 1.85% | 10.57 | 11.00 / 9.30 C: 10.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.61 | 11.00 / 9.40 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 163296 D: 12.90 ⇓ 0.77% | 12.84 | 14.30 / 11.50 C: 12.70 ⇓ 2.31% | 12.70 | 13.10 / 12.00 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 1406237 D: 27.20 ⇓ 2.16% | 27.15 | 28.50 / 24.20 C: 26.90 ⇓ 2.54% | 26.86 | 27.60 / 26.70 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 572998 D: 13.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.69 | 14.00 / 12.20 C: 13.80 ⇑ 1.47% | 13.72 | 13.90 / 13.40

Vol. 2297140 1392550 806466 391100 148650

TO M. Tk. 126.68 77.05 76.93 68.25 55.38

% of TTL

Avg. P

5.32

55.15

3.24

55.33

3.23

95.39

2.87

174.51

2.33

PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 1924272 D: 9.30 ⇑ 3.33% | 9.11 | 9.50 / 8.00 C: 9.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 9.12 | 9.60 / 8.50 TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 314190 D: 17.10 ⇑ 3.01% | 17.07 | 18.00 / 14.90 C: 16.20 ⇓ 4.14% | 16.02 | 16.30 / 15.00 FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 1273289 D: 11.00 ⇓ 0.90% | 11.04 | 11.20 / 9.80 C: 11.00 ⇓ 0.90% | 11.00 | 11.30 / 10.50 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 387964 D: 56.20 ⇓ 1.92% | 56.23 | 57.50 / 52.00 C: 56.50 ⇓ 1.22% | 56.92 | 61.90 / 54.50 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 599289 D: 25.50 ⇓ 1.92% | 25.59 | 26.20 / 23.50 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 1181574 D: 72.10 ⇑ 0.14% | 72.23 | 73.00 / 65.00 C: 72.10 ⇑ 0.56% | 72.10 | 74.00 / 70.00 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 344610 D: 32.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 32.00 | 33.50 / 29.20 C: 31.90 ⇑ 10.00% | 31.90 | 31.90 / 31.90 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 626731 D: 23.50 ⇓ 4.86% | 23.44 | 24.70 / 21.90 C: 23.30 ⇓ 3.72% | 23.33 | 24.50 / 23.10 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 1176502 D: 21.10 ⇓ 4.09% | 21.14 | 23.00 / 19.00 C: 21.20 ⇓ 4.50% | 21.08 | 22.10 / 20.60 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 868523 D: 21.50 ⇓ 6.11% | 21.41 | 22.80 / 19.70 C: 21.60 ⇓ 6.09% | 21.61 | 23.30 / 21.30 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 511657 D: 10.10 ⇓ 2.88% | 10.16 | 10.50 / 9.10 C: 10.30 ⇓ 0.96% | 10.31 | 10.40 / 10.10 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 1130947 D: 15.00 ⇓ 3.85% | 15.11 | 16.50 / 13.70 C: 15.20 ⇓ 4.40% | 15.27 | 15.60 / 15.00 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 719634 D: 52.90 ⇓ 5.87% | 53.00 | 59.00 / 48.00 C: 53.10 ⇓ 5.35% | 53.14 | 59.00 / 51.90 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 414563 D: 15.30 ⇓ 10.53% | 15.48 | 17.40 / 14.50 C: 15.40 ⇓ 11.49% | 15.38 | 17.30 / 15.00 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 361668 D: 17.70 ⇓ 3.28% | 17.75 | 19.10 / 16.20 C: 17.20 ⇓ 6.52% | 17.23 | 18.30 / 16.80 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 280345 D: 28.10 ⇓ 5.70% | 28.53 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 27.60 ⇓ 6.12% | 27.60 | 29.00 / 27.60 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 972377 D: 19.90 ⇓ 8.29% | 19.90 | 22.30 / 17.80 C: 19.80 ⇓ 9.17% | 19.79 | 22.10 / 18.20 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 1217284 D: 13.60 ⇓ 6.21% | 13.68 | 14.50 / 12.20 C: 13.60 ⇓ 6.85% | 13.64 | 14.10 / 13.50 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 590955 D: 27.10 ⇓ 5.24% | 27.21 | 29.00 / 24.50 C: 27.00 ⇓ 5.92% | 26.69 | 28.40 / 24.40 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 1676496 D: 13.90 ⇓ 4.14% | 13.86 | 15.00 / 12.80 C: 13.90 ⇓ 4.14% | 13.81 | 14.30 / 13.50 DBH | 4.47 | 21.27 | Vol. 187864 D: 51.20 ⇓ 8.73% | 51.27 | 56.80 / 47.00 C: 52.50 ⇓ 5.91% | 52.52 | 54.50 / 52.50 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 990685 D: 28.20 ⇓ 5.37% | 28.29 | 29.90 / 26.50 C: 27.60 ⇓ 7.07% | 28.17 | 29.70 / 27.60 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 433816 D: 25.00 ⇓ 5.30% | 25.14 | 26.40 / 22.50 C: 25.50 ⇓ 3.77% | 25.55 | 28.20 / 23.00 ICB | 89.23 | 607.74 | Vol. 73300 D: 1439 ⇓ 21.75% | 1445 | 1939 / 1406 C: 1513 ⇓ 16.05% | 1513 | 1902 / 1454 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 177031 D: 24.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 24.10 | 24.80 / 21.00 C: 23.70 ⇓ 4.44% | 23.14 | 24.50 / 22.40 FAREASTFIN | 0.68 | 13.64 | Vol. 3805000 D: 15.90 ⇓ 5.36% | 15.97 | 16.80 / 15.70 C: 15.90 ⇓ 5.92% | 15.89 | 16.60 / 15.70 INVESTMENT 1STICB | 75.63 | 942.30 | Vol. 50 D: 860.0 ⇑ 1.18% | 860.00 | 860.0 / 860.0 3RDICB | 26.16 | 235.16 | Vol. 950 D: 173.0 ⇓ 0.06% | 174.29 | 175.0 / 170.0

372.56

DSE Gainer

C%

A%

CP

DSE Loser

C%

A%

CP

Central Pharm-N

8.97

9.45

34.00

-9.90

-8.07

61.00

Argon Denims Limited-A

Desh Garments-B

8.57

8.58

57.00

-10.08

22.30

6.94

6.80

7.70

-9.63

-7.06

33.80

BD Fixed Income MF-A

5.68

4.97

9.30

Fine Foods-A BD. Autocars -B Hakkani P& Paper-B

-9.72

EXIM Bank 1 MF-A

-8.70

-8.73

25.20

ISN Ltd.-A

-8.65

-4.40

16.90

EL-A

5.54

5.69

4THICB | 29.24 | 229.24 | Vol. 1400 D: 172.0 ⇑ 0.29% | 172.00 | 175.5 / 172.0 5THICB | 23.45 | 188.92 | Vol. 300 D: 145.6 ⇓ 3.26% | 146.67 | 146.0 / 145.0 6THICB | 10.99 | 60.14 | Vol. 46900 D: 44.60 ⇓ 1.76% | 44.52 | 46.00 / 43.90 C: 44.00 ⇑ 0.69% | 44.00 | 44.20 / 44.00 8THICB | 12.47 | 70.07 | Vol. 36500 D: 49.10 ⇑ 1.03% | 49.20 | 49.90 / 48.00 1STBSRS | 14.43 | 161.88 | Vol. 454000 D: 82.20 ⇓ 13.75% | 82.67 | 87.90 / 80.20 C: 80.00 ⇓ 17.36% | 80.00 | 90.90 / 78.70 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 1381900 D: 36.00 ⇓ 6.49% | 35.90 | 38.50 / 35.30 C: 36.40 ⇓ 5.45% | 36.28 | 38.10 / 35.10 ICBISLAMIC | 2.21 | 26.81 | Vol. 55000 D: 16.80 ⇓ 1.18% | 16.90 | 17.80 / 16.00 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 905500 D: 43.20 ⇓ 4.85% | 42.98 | 46.50 / 42.10 C: 43.10 ⇓ 6.30% | 43.02 | 44.70 / 42.30 ICB1STNRB | 4.06 | 35.31 | Vol. 62000 D: 21.60 ⇓ 3.14% | 21.68 | 22.60 / 21.50 ICB2NDNRB | 2.49 | 16.24 | Vol. 838500 D: 8.80 ⇓ 4.35% | 8.84 | 9.30 / 8.70 C: 9.10 ⇓ 3.19% | 9.10 | 9.40 / 8.80 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 2662700 D: 15.60 ⇓ 5.45% | 15.60 | 17.00 / 14.50 C: 15.80 ⇓ 5.39% | 15.73 | 16.60 / 15.40 POPULAR1MF | 0.77 | 11.38 | Vol. 1660561 D: 5.70 ⇓ 5.00% | 5.77 | 6.30 / 5.10 C: 5.70 ⇓ 5.00% | 5.71 | 6.00 / 5.20 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 1000000 D: 5.20 ⇓ 1.89% | 5.20 | 5.50 / 5.10 C: 5.20 ⇓ 1.89% | 5.13 | 5.30 / 5.00 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 2949500 D: 5.20 ⇓ 7.14% | 5.22 | 5.60 / 5.10 C: 5.30 ⇓ 5.36% | 5.26 | 5.70 / 5.10 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 101000 D: 6.40 ⇓ 3.03% | 6.43 | 7.00 / 6.30 C: 6.10 ⇓ 8.96% | 6.25 | 6.70 / 5.80 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 572000 D: 6.10 ⇓ 4.69% | 6.10 | 6.40 / 5.90 C: 6.10 ⇓ 4.69% | 6.12 | 6.80 / 6.10 SEBL1STMF | 0.94 | 11.85 | Vol. 2919900 D: 7.70 ⇓ 8.33% | 7.77 | 8.40 / 7.70 C: 7.80 ⇓ 6.02% | 7.88 | 8.20 / 7.70 EBLNRBMF | 1.07 | 10.88 | Vol. 916 D: 7.40 ⇓ 2.63% | 6.90 | 7.40 / 6.90 RELIANCE1 | 0.95 | 10.33 | Vol. 2544600 D: 7.90 ⇓ 8.14% | 7.98 | 9.10 / 7.80 C: 7.80 ⇓ 10.34% | 8.03 | 9.20 / 7.80 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.50 | 10.82 | Vol. 7740000 D: 7.80 ⇓ 14.29% | 7.85 | 8.70 / 7.50 C: 7.90 ⇓ 1.25% | 7.89 | 8.80 / 7.80 ABB1STMF | 0.92 | 10.63 | Vol. 355500 D: 6.70 ⇓ 4.29% | 6.72 | 7.00 / 6.60 C: 6.60 ⇓ 2.94% | 7.15 | 7.20 / 6.60 NLI1STMF | 1.17 | 12.22 | Vol. 4184550 D: 8.40 ⇓ 13.40% | 8.57 | 10.00 / 8.20 C: 8.60 ⇓ 11.34% | 8.65 | 9.90 / 8.30 FBFIF | 1.30 | 10.27 | Vol. 8500 D: 9.30 ⇑ 2.20% | 9.30 | 9.30 / 8.20 NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 212500 D: 8.40 ⇓ 18.45% | 8.42 | 11.00 / 8.20 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 2402000 D: 6.80 ⇓ 8.11% | 6.84 | 7.30 / 6.30 C: 6.60 ⇓ 12.00% | 6.64 | 7.50 / 6.20 EXIM1STMF | 0.00 | 10.91 | Vol. 29000 D: 7.70 ⇑ 2.67% | 7.70 | 7.70 / 6.90 C: 7.00 ⇓ 1.41% | 7.00 | 7.00 / 7.00 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 4.29 | 52.65 | Vol. 1199664 D: 101.7 ⇓ 4.60% | 101.60 | 106.0 / 92.00 C: 102.5 ⇓ 3.76% | 102.27 | 105.5 / 100.0 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 49000 D: 19.30 ⇓ 17.87% | 19.41 | 23.80 / 19.00 C: 19.30 ⇓ 25.77% | 19.30 | 25.40 / 19.30 OLYMPIC | 5.94 | 14.91 | Vol. 440910 D: 197.1 ⇓ 6.54% | 195.63 | 211.0 / 178.0 C: 199.0 ⇓ 5.64% | 197.61 | 207.0 / 189.0 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 62000 D: 140.7 ⇓ 8.04% | 140.12 | 153.0 / 127.8 C: 137.5 ⇓ 10.31% | 137.53 | 147.3 / 137.0

327.50

ECABLES | 2.04 | 18.87 | Vol. 40000 D: 74.40 ⇑ 4.64% | 74.44 | 79.00 / 70.10 C: 79.00 ⇑ 17.56% | 79.00 | 79.00 / 65.50 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 4500 D: 319.7 ⇓ 5.53% | 320.00 | 345.0 / 300.0 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 267685 D: 190.7 ⇓ 4.51% | 189.76 | 199.9 / 178.0 C: 190.1 ⇓ 4.95% | 189.00 | 198.5 / 182.0 ATLASBANG | 11.98 | 207.70 | Vol. 43535 D: 165.4 ⇓ 3.22% | 163.75 | 171.5 / 144.0 BDAUTOCA | 0.25 | 6.23 | Vol. 155608 D: 33.80 ⇓ 25.55% | 34.49 | 46.40 / 33.70 QSMDRYCELL | 1.06 | 52.31 | Vol. 599325 D: 29.30 ⇓ 13.82% | 29.31 | 35.00 / 27.00 C: 29.10 ⇓ 14.41% | 29.07 | 33.30 / 28.90 RENWICKJA | 5.62 | -90.00 | Vol. 36450 D: 132.5 ⇓ 14.18% | 133.49 | 152.4 / 127.1 NTLTUBES | -2.52 | 312.10 | Vol. 145588 D: 69.90 ⇓ 6.55% | 69.97 | 75.50 / 65.00 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 1170123 D: 26.60 ⇓ 11.63% | 26.85 | 30.00 / 24.90 C: 26.50 ⇓ 12.25% | 26.59 | 29.50 / 26.20 ANWARGALV | 0.51 | 8.08 | Vol. 534500 D: 24.40 ⇓ 14.39% | 24.66 | 28.80 / 23.80 C: 24.70 ⇓ 14.53% | 24.95 | 28.30 / 24.00 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 47700 D: 15.90 ⇓ 9.14% | 15.92 | 19.00 / 14.60 C: 15.30 ⇓ 10.00% | 15.30 | 17.50 / 15.30 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 1277542 D: 41.50 ⇑ 0.73% | 41.20 | 42.50 / 35.60 C: 41.30 ⇓ 0.24% | 41.16 | 42.40 / 39.00 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 586689 D: 61.60 ⇓ 5.52% | 61.92 | 65.20 / 55.30 C: 62.00 ⇓ 5.20% | 61.86 | 64.20 / 60.50 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 372360 D: 61.20 ⇓ 6.42% | 61.05 | 65.90 / 54.80 C: 61.20 ⇓ 6.71% | 61.25 | 66.80 / 60.50 DESHBANDHU | 0.26 | 10.67 | Vol. 2533241 D: 16.70 ⇓ 21.23% | 16.73 | 19.00 / 15.00 C: 16.80 ⇓ 21.50% | 16.80 | 20.00 / 16.30 GPHISPAT | 2.11 | 15.27 | Vol. 237100 D: 40.90 ⇓ 3.08% | 41.22 | 43.00 / 38.00 C: 40.30 ⇓ 5.18% | 40.14 | 42.00 / 39.60 BENGALWTL | 2.42 | 20.72 | Vol. 1265600 D: 47.20 ⇑ 6.07% | 46.44 | 47.60 / 43.10 C: 47.50 ⇑ 7.95% | 46.90 | 47.80 / 42.20 BDBUILDING | 1.02 | 12.40 | Vol. 9116000 D: 46.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 46.12 | 53.80 / 35.10 C: 46.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 45.95 | 53.00 / 35.10 NPOLYMAR | 2.01 | 324.37 | Vol. 219164 D: 51.20 ⇓ 11.42% | 51.54 | 57.40 / 49.00 C: 50.50 ⇓ 17.21% | 50.90 | 58.00 / 50.00 FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 175600 D: 88.20 ⇓ 7.64% | 88.54 | 94.40 / 85.50 C: 86.70 ⇓ 7.96% | 86.72 | 94.90 / 84.10 BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 219938 D: 414.0 ⇓ 12.90% | 412.94 | 482.0 / 395.2 C: 409.1 ⇓ 14.27% | 411.13 | 464.9 / 397.5 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 276436 D: 1577 ⇑ 5.91% | 1560 | 1618 / 1400 C: 1534 ⇑ 0.91% | 1534 | 1535 / 1530 GEMINISEA | 10.88 | 9.69 | Vol. 1300 D: 170.5 ⇓ 19.23% | 170.00 | 211.0 / 170.0 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 3550 D: 800.0 ⇓ 1.96% | 800.00 | 810.0 / 785.0 C: 810.0 ⇓ 1.22% | 813.33 | 815.0 / 800.0 ZEALBANGLA | -23.01 | -193.09 | Vol. 3400 D: 9.10 ⇓ 9.00% | 9.10 | 10.00 / 9.00 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.53 | 53.37 | Vol. 221711 D: 218.2 ⇓ 17.63% | 221.70 | 262.3 / 208.0 C: 219.4 ⇓ 17.70% | 220.60 | 254.5 / 218.0 SHYAMPSUG | -36.87 | -355.85 | Vol. 7400 D: 7.60 ⇓ 7.32% | 7.50 | 8.20 / 7.60 FUWANGFOOD | 1.26 | 12.37 | Vol. 1549754 D: 23.30 ⇓ 8.98% | 23.61 | 26.00 / 22.00 C: 23.50 ⇓ 8.56% | 23.54 | 25.60 / 23.00 MEGHNAPET | -0.58 | -1.02 | Vol. 99500 D: 7.80 ⇓ 20.41% | 7.80 | 10.00 / 7.20 MEGCONMILK | -6.68 | -16.22 | Vol. 114000 D: 7.20 ⇓ 16.28% | 7.33 | 8.50 / 6.70 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 4313669 D: 22.20 ⇓ 14.62% | 22.32 | 27.00 / 21.00 C: 22.10 ⇓ 14.67% | 22.16 | 26.80 / 21.80

FINEFOODS | -0.11 | 10.58 | Vol. 2489800 D: 22.30 ⇓ 29.43% | 22.49 | 32.50 / 22.30 C: 22.40 ⇓ 28.89% | 22.71 | 32.00 / 22.40 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 3468704 D: 21.40 ⇓ 10.46% | 21.51 | 24.30 / 20.00 C: 21.40 ⇓ 10.83% | 21.50 | 23.90 / 21.00 GHAIL | 1.01 | 22.08 | Vol. 2072240 D: 45.00 ⇑ 0.67% | 44.55 | 45.20 / 38.50 C: 45.10 ⇑ 0.89% | 44.73 | 45.40 / 41.50 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 20480 D: 612.2 ⇓ 7.52% | 613.83 | 650.0 / 610.0 PADMAOIL | 16.38 | 43.67 | Vol. 691383 D: 285.6 ⇓ 11.91% | 286.39 | 322.3 / 270.0 C: 284.8 ⇓ 12.45% | 285.47 | 319.4 / 280.0 EASTRNLUB | 6.32 | 68.68 | Vol. 2800 D: 327.5 ⇓ 9.63% | 328.00 | 345.0 / 299.1 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 1642164 D: 21.00 ⇓ 11.02% | 21.15 | 23.90 / 20.00 C: 21.00 ⇓ 11.39% | 21.10 | 24.00 / 20.40 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 1005090 D: 30.50 ⇓ 4.09% | 30.70 | 32.50 / 27.70 C: 30.60 ⇓ 3.77% | 30.57 | 33.60 / 30.10 DESCO | 2.80 | 35.25 | Vol. 407068 D: 70.80 ⇓ 3.80% | 70.64 | 74.00 / 65.00 C: 70.00 ⇓ 4.24% | 69.65 | 72.10 / 69.20 POWERGRID | 2.56 | 48.08 | Vol. 150146 D: 53.50 ⇓ 2.55% | 53.47 | 55.00 / 49.00 C: 53.00 ⇓ 3.64% | 53.00 | 54.00 / 53.00 JAMUNAOIL | 22.78 | 50.24 | Vol. 774542 D: 222.1 ⇓ 1.60% | 221.15 | 231.0 / 205.0 C: 221.6 ⇓ 1.34% | 220.78 | 224.0 / 213.9 MPETROLEUM | 16.98 | 40.41 | Vol. 785623 D: 252.7 ⇓ 4.24% | 251.34 | 264.0 / 224.0 C: 252.7 ⇓ 4.43% | 250.41 | 262.0 / 243.7 TITASGAS | 9.01 | 36.56 | Vol. 2085468 D: 79.20 ⇓ 3.53% | 80.22 | 82.90 / 71.00 C: 79.70 ⇓ 1.85% | 79.52 | 81.50 / 77.00 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 575097 D: 44.30 ⇓ 2.21% | 44.30 | 46.00 / 40.00 C: 44.40 ⇓ 1.99% | 44.43 | 45.00 / 43.00 BEDL | 1.48 | 19.43 | Vol. 1921302 D: 25.80 ⇓ 7.86% | 25.95 | 28.10 / 23.20 C: 26.00 ⇓ 6.81% | 26.02 | 27.70 / 25.70 MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 358146 D: 70.10 ⇓ 1.54% | 70.00 | 75.00 / 63.00 C: 69.40 ⇑ 0.43% | 68.68 | 71.00 / 62.20 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 1252023 D: 25.00 ⇓ 3.47% | 25.11 | 27.00 / 22.20 C: 25.00 ⇓ 3.10% | 25.02 | 25.80 / 23.90 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 1720540 D: 48.50 ⇓ 6.19% | 48.28 | 51.60 / 44.00 C: 48.60 ⇓ 5.81% | 48.45 | 51.20 / 47.20 JUTE JUTESPINN | 2.06 | 17.42 | Vol. 40950 D: 110.3 ⇓ 10.47% | 109.91 | 124.0 / 100.1 NORTHERN | -13.80 | -6.19 | Vol. 1200 D: 35.60 ⇓ 5.07% | 35.83 | 38.00 / 34.30 SONALIANSH | 5.54 | 218.80 | Vol. 49500 D: 134.8 ⇓ 11.55% | 135.53 | 149.0 / 131.7 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 1.35 | 15.64 | Vol. 284157 D: 80.60 ⇓ 18.99% | 81.35 | 102.2 / 76.00 STYLECRAFT | 20.00 | 287.30 | Vol. 500 D: 1258 ⇑ 11.25% | 1258 | 1269 / 1199 RAHIMTEXT | 0.51 | 73.88 | Vol. 2811 D: 254.5 ⇓ 8.62% | 255.00 | 279.0 / 250.0 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 2774200 D: 29.90 ⇓ 6.27% | 29.96 | 31.90 / 29.70 C: 30.20 ⇓ 5.03% | 29.97 | 31.70 / 29.80 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 8300 D: 86.00 ⇓ 19.93% | 86.25 | 114.6 / 83.90 DSHGARME | 0.72 | 12.00 | Vol. 197100 D: 61.00 ⇓ 24.13% | 62.66 | 83.50 / 61.00 DULAMIACOT | -8.46 | -27.78 | Vol. 20200 D: 8.70 ⇓ 13.00% | 8.71 | 9.80 / 8.20 TALLUSPIN | 2.56 | 12.06 | Vol. 4438606 D: 40.20 ⇓ 10.67% | 40.52 | 46.00 / 37.90 C: 40.20 ⇓ 10.67% | 42.81 | 45.50 / 39.00 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 26600 D: 68.20 ⇓ 9.31% | 68.25 | 73.00 / 61.70

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

7

OCT 06-10, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 31,359.22 ⇑ 0.53% NBFI: 18,860.60 ⇓ 2.02% INVS: 4,596.37 ⇓ 2.18% ENGG: 5,609.43 ⇓ 1.78% FOOD: 9,749.97 ⇓ 2.59% F&P: 9,743.73 ⇓ 3.00% TEXT: 3,039.98 ⇓ 0.11% PHAR: 16,755.94 ⇓ 0.38% PAPR: 973.52 ⇓ 11.57% SERV: 2,841.56 ⇓ 1.45% LEAT: 4,813.81 ⇓ 6.38% CERA: 486.82 ⇓ 1.00% CMNT: 4,365.82 ⇑ 0.51% INFO: 7,107.62 ⇓ 4.44% GINS: 9,153.68 ⇓ 3.58% LINS: 107,530.77 ⇓ 1.73% TELC: 1,268.55 ⇓ 4.55% MISC: 5,865.56 ⇓ 2.94% MITHUNKNIT | 4.54 | 30.39 | Vol. 463436 D: 86.30 ⇓ 16.54% | 88.49 | 104.0 / 77.40 C: 85.10 ⇓ 17.22% | 86.03 | 99.00 / 77.00 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 18.12 | Vol. 1055300 D: 31.20 ⇓ 5.74% | 31.18 | 33.50 / 30.00 C: 31.30 ⇓ 5.44% | 31.26 | 33.50 / 31.00 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 842812 D: 17.40 ⇓ 15.53% | 17.46 | 21.30 / 16.50 C: 17.50 ⇓ 15.46% | 17.48 | 20.50 / 16.00 PRIMETEX | 1.01 | 63.54 | Vol. 1074750 D: 25.50 ⇓ 10.21% | 26.20 | 28.80 / 25.30 C: 25.50 ⇓ 10.84% | 25.94 | 28.20 / 25.50 ALLTEX | -0.11 | 23.81 | Vol. 285500 D: 8.70 ⇓ 6.45% | 8.52 | 9.20 / 8.10 C: 8.90 ⇓ 6.32% | 8.84 | 9.20 / 8.40 ANLIMAYARN | 1.19 | 11.01 | Vol. 644500 D: 35.90 ⇑ 0.84% | 35.94 | 37.00 / 34.70 C: 36.40 ⇑ 4.00% | 36.40 | 38.30 / 34.00 HRTEX | 2.08 | 14.92 | Vol. 1125684 D: 35.10 ⇓ 15.22% | 35.57 | 41.50 / 34.80 C: 35.40 ⇓ 14.49% | 35.35 | 41.90 / 35.30 CMCKAMAL | 1.37 | 19.31 | Vol. 10383134 D: 31.80 ⇓ 5.36% | 32.11 | 34.50 / 29.00 SAFKOSPINN | 0.95 | 21.78 | Vol. 1089282 D: 22.90 ⇓ 13.26% | 23.03 | 26.60 / 22.50 C: 22.90 ⇓ 13.58% | 23.16 | 26.10 / 22.80 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 523641 D: 90.30 ⇑ 1.35% | 90.23 | 95.00 / 80.00 C: 89.10 ⇑ 0.11% | 89.32 | 91.80 / 82.00 METROSPIN | -1.00 | 19.59 | Vol. 937634 D: 16.70 ⇓ 7.22% | 16.73 | 18.00 / 15.50 C: 16.60 ⇓ 7.26% | 16.59 | 17.70 / 16.20 MAKSONSPIN | 0.16 | 20.55 | Vol. 4576633 D: 15.30 ⇓ 4.97% | 15.35 | 16.50 / 14.00 C: 15.30 ⇓ 6.13% | 15.37 | 16.50 / 14.10 DACCADYE | 1.21 | 31.13 | Vol. 1106043 D: 26.70 ⇓ 1.84% | 26.53 | 27.40 / 24.00 C: 26.50 ⇓ 2.21% | 26.63 | 27.40 / 26.00 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 6023819 D: 28.40 ⇓ 2.74% | 28.43 | 30.00 / 25.50 C: 28.30 ⇓ 3.08% | 28.33 | 29.20 / 27.50 BXSYNTH | 0.93 | 25.42 | Vol. 965380 D: 15.40 ⇓ 4.35% | 15.52 | 16.50 / 14.00 C: 15.50 ⇓ 4.32% | 15.47 | 16.70 / 15.00 MALEKSPIN | -1.44 | 46.87 | Vol. 2053265 D: 23.80 ⇓ 6.30% | 23.87 | 26.00 / 21.50 C: 23.80 ⇓ 6.67% | 24.01 | 25.30 / 21.80 ZAHINTEX | 1.91 | 35.25 | Vol. 971300 D: 30.10 ⇓ 4.14% | 30.02 | 31.70 / 27.20 C: 30.20 ⇓ 5.33% | 29.78 | 31.70 / 29.10 SAIHAMCOT | 1.92 | 23.62 | Vol. 2310800 D: 23.30 ⇓ 5.67% | 23.43 | 25.50 / 22.00 C: 23.30 ⇓ 6.05% | 23.33 | 24.50 / 23.10 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 7398666 D: 22.50 ⇓ 1.32% | 22.52 | 22.80 / 19.60 C: 22.40 ⇓ 1.32% | 22.40 | 22.80 / 21.60 ENVOYTEX | 3.26 | 39.26 | Vol. 6340770 D: 55.90 ⇑ 2.38% | 55.32 | 59.00 / 48.00 C: 56.10 ⇑ 2.37% | 55.76 | 56.50 / 52.30 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 12556020 D: 57.00 ⇑ 24.18% | 55.19 | 57.70 / 40.50 C: 56.30 ⇑ 22.39% | 54.37 | 57.40 / 44.20 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 2779500 D: 37.60 ⇑ 5.62% | 37.51 | 38.90 / 35.30 C: 37.50 ⇑ 5.34% | 37.41 | 38.50 / 35.20 PHARMACEUTICAL & CHEMICAL AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 28850 D: 249.6 ⇓ 13.39% | 250.00 | 285.6 / 241.5 C: 247.8 ⇓ 14.23% | 247.78 | 282.2 / 236.0 BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 954184 D: 41.30 ⇓ 5.71% | 41.46 | 44.00 / 37.00 C: 41.70 ⇓ 5.87% | 41.63 | 44.00 / 41.00 GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 1700 D: 889.2 ⇓ 4.39% | 889.41 | 909.0 / 870.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 62870 D: 157.8 ⇓ 2.17% | 157.93 | 165.9 / 143.0 C: 156.3 ⇓ 2.86% | 156.25 | 158.0 / 155.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 25472 D: 704.5 ⇓ 2.83% | 708.77 | 720.0 / 670.0 RECKITTBEN | 27.16 | 78.89 | Vol. 450 D: 726.2 ⇓ 1.43% | 725.00 | 735.5 / 715.0 PHARMAID | 5.06 | 26.30 | Vol. 106650 D: 170.9 ⇓ 7.42% | 170.64 | 184.7 / 159.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 352640 D: 100.0 ⇓ 9.83% | 100.44 | 111.0 / 97.00 C: 99.40 ⇓ 11.09% | 99.12 | 111.0 / 100.0

LIBRAINFU | 4.64 | 1565.37 | Vol. 8200 D: 365.2 ⇓ 25.94% | 365.00 | 479.0 / 361.0 ORIONINFU | 8.72 | 1.73 | Vol. 529300 D: 42.50 ⇓ 6.80% | 42.64 | 46.80 / 41.70 C: 41.70 ⇓ 8.95% | 41.70 | 45.10 / 41.00 SQURPHARMA | 6.93 | 37.18 | Vol. 2330749 D: 174.9 ⇑ 0.46% | 174.55 | 190.0 / 155.3 C: 174.6 ⇑ 0.81% | 174.15 | 175.0 / 170.8 IMAMBUTTON | -1.68 | 5.67 | Vol. 164000 D: 9.20 ⇓ 24.59% | 9.26 | 11.90 / 9.00 C: 9.80 ⇓ 24.03% | 9.80 | 11.70 / 9.80 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 2387650 D: 23.60 ⇓ 4.45% | 23.65 | 25.50 / 21.40 C: 23.60 ⇓ 4.07% | 23.62 | 25.00 / 21.20 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 10900 D: 809.0 ⇓ 1.26% | 808.00 | 830.0 / 805.0 C: 828.2 ⇑ 7.46% | 828.20 | 828.2 / 713.1 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 112425 D: 75.60 ⇓ 3.08% | 75.75 | 78.00 / 73.00 C: 74.60 ⇓ 3.62% | 74.62 | 77.10 / 74.20 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 23800 D: 750.9 ⇓ 3.42% | 741.57 | 815.0 / 720.0 C: 733.5 ⇓ 12.57% | 744.40 | 777.0 / 731.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.33 | 11.97 | Vol. 940950 D: 14.10 ⇓ 2.76% | 14.15 | 14.70 / 13.50 C: 14.00 ⇓ 4.11% | 14.09 | 14.60 / 14.00 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 2318618 D: 91.90 ⇑ 0.11% | 91.91 | 92.70 / 80.30 C: 91.70 ⇑ 0.33% | 92.23 | 95.80 / 88.00 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 1724008 D: 20.10 ⇓ 8.64% | 20.32 | 22.10 / 18.00 C: 20.10 ⇓ 8.64% | 20.24 | 22.00 / 19.90 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 2266750 D: 53.70 ⇑ 14.50% | 53.12 | 54.20 / 45.50 C: 54.00 ⇑ 14.65% | 53.31 | 54.80 / 45.50 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 3054670 D: 61.40 ⇓ 1.92% | 61.63 | 68.00 / 55.30 C: 61.50 ⇓ 1.76% | 61.54 | 64.50 / 55.30 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 1059000 D: 206.4 ⇓ 19.38% | 210.56 | 268.0 / 204.7 C: 207.5 ⇓ 19.57% | 210.48 | 264.5 / 207.0 CENTRALPHL | 1.62 | 12.24 | Vol. 2810500 D: 34.00 ⇓ 0.58% | 33.94 | 34.70 / 30.50 C: 33.90 ⇓ 1.17% | 33.76 | 34.50 / 29.50 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.64 | 11.02 | Vol. 138000 D: 25.20 ⇓ 25.66% | 25.29 | 33.20 / 25.00 C: 26.10 ⇓ 23.24% | 26.00 | 36.00 / 25.50 SERVICE SAMORITA | 2.31 | 17.25 | Vol. 87095 D: 96.40 ⇓ 11.23% | 97.09 | 116.0 / 92.10 C: 98.00 ⇓ 8.50% | 102.75 | 107.0 / 107.0 SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 506342 D: 25.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 25.03 | 26.00 / 22.70 C: 25.10 ⇓ 1.95% | 25.01 | 25.60 / 23.00 EHL | 2.87 | 18.48 | Vol. 712691 D: 53.70 ⇓ 4.28% | 53.43 | 56.20 / 48.10 C: 53.80 ⇓ 4.44% | 53.85 | 55.50 / 52.00 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 1223000 D: 113.4 ⇓ 4.55% | 113.55 | 119.0 / 112.1 C: 113.3 ⇓ 3.98% | 113.66 | 120.0 / 111.2 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 13444 D: 678.9 ⇓ 5.89% | 678.98 | 710.0 / 660.0 C: 660.1 ⇓ 7.26% | 660.05 | 660.1 / 660.0 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 112800 D: 364.5 ⇓ 3.80% | 365.20 | 374.0 / 359.0 C: 355.0 ⇓ 5.46% | 355.00 | 355.0 / 355.0

SAMATALETH | -0.07 | 12.08 | Vol. 8000 D: 11.80 ⇓ 7.81% | 12.00 | 12.00 / 11.50 C: 12.30 ⇓ 9.56% | 12.30 | 12.30 / 12.30 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 1695904 D: 31.20 ⇓ 26.59% | 31.70 | 43.80 / 30.70 C: 31.10 ⇓ 26.82% | 31.77 | 43.60 / 30.80 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.71 | 96.33 | Vol. 423460 D: 33.80 ⇓ 2.31% | 34.23 | 37.70 / 33.70 C: 34.00 ⇓ 3.41% | 34.16 | 36.60 / 33.60 STANCERAM | 1.07 | 15.97 | Vol. 42650 D: 38.50 ⇓ 6.78% | 38.50 | 43.80 / 36.80 FUWANGCER | 1.43 | 13.25 | Vol. 1203992 D: 18.70 ⇓ 7.43% | 18.80 | 20.00 / 17.00 C: 18.70 ⇓ 7.88% | 18.77 | 19.60 / 18.50 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 964094 D: 15.80 ⇓ 4.24% | 15.86 | 16.80 / 14.20 C: 15.80 ⇓ 4.24% | 15.87 | 16.40 / 15.50 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 1340656 D: 49.50 ⇓ 4.62% | 49.36 | 57.00 / 44.50 C: 50.20 ⇓ 3.46% | 50.01 | 53.00 / 48.00 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 320900 D: 374.5 ⇑ 1.11% | 372.55 | 378.5 / 338.0 C: 372.8 ⇓ 0.19% | 372.79 | 384.0 / 340.0 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 425618 D: 117.3 ⇓ 2.90% | 118.97 | 120.9 / 107.2 C: 117.5 ⇓ 2.97% | 118.59 | 120.0 / 113.0 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 681700 D: 136.7 ⇓ 0.07% | 140.04 | 148.0 / 122.2 C: 138.0 ⇑ 2.22% | 137.21 | 138.0 / 130.0 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 231010 D: 69.90 ⇓ 10.84% | 71.12 | 76.90 / 65.00 C: 68.00 ⇓ 16.77% | 68.37 | 74.90 / 68.00 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 3008000 D: 33.30 ⇓ 1.19% | 33.33 | 33.90 / 33.00 C: 33.40 ⇓ 0.89% | 33.39 | 34.00 / 33.00 MICEMENT | 4.14 | 40.00 | Vol. 1514058 D: 95.80 ⇑ 2.35% | 95.40 | 97.70 / 84.00 C: 94.70 ⇑ 1.28% | 95.30 | 97.70 / 89.00 PREMIERCEM | 3.59 | 22.92 | Vol. 476400 D: 101.4 ⇓ 5.94% | 102.02 | 106.8 / 97.10 C: 101.6 ⇓ 6.70% | 102.29 | 105.0 / 100.0 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 564046 D: 16.90 ⇓ 21.03% | 17.37 | 21.10 / 16.80 C: 17.10 ⇓ 20.47% | 17.29 | 21.10 / 17.00 BDCOM | 1.00 | 14.91 | Vol. 1476284 D: 27.10 ⇓ 1.81% | 27.20 | 28.00 / 23.60 C: 26.70 ⇓ 2.55% | 27.63 | 28.10 / 25.70 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 1217642 D: 15.60 ⇓ 13.33% | 15.55 | 18.00 / 14.50 C: 15.70 ⇓ 13.26% | 15.73 | 18.00 / 15.30 AGNISYSL | 1.07 | 25.52 | Vol. 928457 D: 22.10 ⇓ 5.96% | 22.25 | 24.00 / 20.00 C: 22.20 ⇓ 5.93% | 22.28 | 23.40 / 21.30 DAFODILCOM | 1.12 | 11.14 | Vol. 1169773 D: 17.20 ⇓ 8.99% | 17.29 | 18.90 / 16.00 C: 17.60 ⇓ 6.38% | 17.48 | 18.70 / 16.90 AAMRATECH | 1.46 | 21.90 | Vol. 1889350 D: 32.40 ⇓ 10.74% | 32.34 | 36.90 / 28.50 C: 32.20 ⇓ 11.29% | 32.21 | 35.20 / 31.00 GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 575348 D: 29.00 ⇓ 2.36% | 28.78 | 31.30 / 25.70 C: 28.20 ⇓ 6.00% | 28.28 | 29.00 / 27.60

GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 131476 D: 94.30 ⇓ 5.70% | 95.22 | 100.8 / 85.00 C: 94.00 ⇓ 7.66% | 94.00 | 98.00 / 90.00 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 13200 D: 45.70 ⇑ 0.22% | 45.00 | 45.90 / 43.00 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 1841299 D: 31.40 ⇓ 7.92% | 31.44 | 35.40 / 28.90 C: 30.90 ⇓ 9.12% | 30.97 | 35.10 / 30.70 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 95700 D: 38.30 ⇓ 4.25% | 38.21 | 41.80 / 37.00 C: 37.70 ⇓ 9.81% | 37.53 | 38.00 / 37.10 JANATAINS | 7.84 | 170.69 | Vol. 60790 D: 254.0 ⇓ 11.34% | 254.66 | 285.8 / 250.0 C: 251.0 ⇓ 12.85% | 250.43 | 280.0 / 250.0 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 112534 D: 40.10 ⇓ 4.98% | 40.14 | 41.20 / 38.00 C: 40.00 ⇓ 2.44% | 40.02 | 40.10 / 40.00 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 396971 D: 46.70 ⇓ 4.50% | 46.71 | 48.90 / 42.00 C: 45.70 ⇓ 5.97% | 45.69 | 47.50 / 45.60 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 255751 D: 29.80 ⇓ 0.33% | 29.36 | 32.00 / 27.00 C: 29.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.00 | 29.00 / 29.00 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 373688 D: 23.10 ⇓ 7.23% | 23.17 | 25.50 / 21.50 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 424394 D: 31.50 ⇓ 4.26% | 31.42 | 33.00 / 30.00 C: 31.30 ⇓ 4.86% | 31.50 | 32.50 / 31.00 FEDERALINS | 1.10 | 10.98 | Vol. 695151 D: 22.60 ⇓ 5.83% | 22.69 | 24.40 / 21.00 C: 22.50 ⇓ 6.64% | 22.54 | 24.00 / 22.30 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 14445 D: 72.00 ⇓ 1.50% | 70.71 | 79.00 / 67.00 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 687790 D: 21.80 ⇓ 7.23% | 21.80 | 23.80 / 20.10 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 101429 D: 54.60 ⇓ 3.87% | 54.74 | 56.50 / 50.50 C: 48.00 ⇓ 16.81% | 48.00 | 55.00 / 48.00 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 193321 D: 31.60 ⇓ 6.23% | 31.46 | 33.00 / 29.90 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 244730 D: 66.40 ⇓ 2.92% | 65.98 | 71.90 / 65.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 670084 D: 29.00 ⇓ 8.52% | 29.13 | 34.80 / 26.20 C: 28.80 ⇓ 10.00% | 28.80 | 31.00 / 28.00 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 335388 D: 28.90 ⇓ 2.03% | 28.85 | 29.80 / 26.00 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 155915 D: 29.40 ⇓ 4.23% | 29.37 | 32.00 / 28.00 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 90668 D: 35.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 34.77 | 35.60 / 32.00 C: 35.50 ⇓ 5.08% | 35.45 | 36.00 / 35.30 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 419000 D: 30.20 ⇓ 3.82% | 30.27 | 31.70 / 28.40 C: 29.00 ⇓ 6.45% | 29.00 | 31.50 / 29.00 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 593142 D: 24.80 ⇓ 6.06% | 24.89 | 27.10 / 24.70 C: 25.00 ⇓ 6.02% | 25.00 | 26.00 / 24.20 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 218849 D: 23.50 ⇓ 6.37% | 23.52 | 27.00 / 22.00 C: 23.30 ⇓ 8.63% | 23.30 | 25.50 / 23.30 CITYGENINS | 1.65 | 14.26 | Vol. 597255 D: 28.50 ⇓ 5.63% | 28.34 | 30.50 / 27.20 C: 27.70 ⇓ 6.42% | 29.65 | 30.00 / 27.50 CONTININS | 1.41 | 15.68 | Vol. 1113151 D: 31.30 ⇓ 8.75% | 31.34 | 34.60 / 28.00 C: 31.50 ⇓ 8.16% | 31.63 | 34.40 / 30.60 TAKAFULINS | 2.19 | 15.17 | Vol. 307944 D: 44.00 ⇓ 3.51% | 43.74 | 47.80 / 40.00 C: 44.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 43.83 | 46.00 / 43.00 STANDARINS | 2.58 | 13.99 | Vol. 28914 D: 39.40 ⇓ 1.01% | 39.42 | 41.00 / 37.00 NORTHRNINS | 1.77 | 11.15 | Vol. 272829 D: 43.70 ⇓ 4.59% | 43.87 | 48.00 / 40.00 C: 44.20 ⇓ 0.67% | 44.20 | 44.40 / 40.40 REPUBLIC | 2.14 | 12.42 | Vol. 251815 D: 42.10 ⇓ 15.63% | 42.43 | 51.00 / 40.50 C: 42.00 ⇓ 14.11% | 42.00 | 48.90 / 42.00 ASIAINS | 1.56 | 17.34 | Vol. 361873 D: 27.10 ⇓ 9.36% | 27.19 | 30.60 / 25.00 C: 28.00 ⇓ 6.67% | 28.81 | 30.60 / 25.00 ISLAMIINS | 1.29 | 11.96 | Vol. 85045 D: 31.30 ⇓ 3.10% | 31.33 | 33.90 / 29.00 C: 32.00 ⇓ 3.03% | 32.00 | 32.00 / 32.00 PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 286530 D: 28.70 ⇓ 4.65% | 28.72 | 30.40 / 26.00 C: 28.00 ⇓ 12.50% | 28.00 | 29.00 / 27.90

DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 271500 D: 38.70 ⇓ 4.44% | 38.77 | 40.10 / 36.00 C: 39.50 ⇓ 3.66% | 39.50 | 42.50 / 38.00 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 15560 D: 247.7 ⇓ 0.24% | 248.46 | 259.5 / 235.0 C: 248.9 ⇓ 0.32% | 248.93 | 249.9 / 241.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 90305 D: 5261 ⇓ 10.04% | 5298 | 8500 / 5082 C: 5200 ⇓ 7.22% | 5200 | 7799 / 5200 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 207934 D: 67.70 ⇓ 3.56% | 67.87 | 73.60 / 65.00 C: 65.80 ⇓ 6.27% | 65.84 | 72.00 / 65.30 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 25066 D: 170.7 ⇓ 2.29% | 170.53 | 174.9 / 158.0 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 193990 D: 93.80 ⇑ 0.97% | 93.60 | 95.40 / 88.00 C: 93.00 ⇑ 1.75% | 93.00 | 94.70 / 90.00 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 133252 D: 99.80 ⇓ 1.48% | 99.36 | 105.0 / 91.50 C: 104.9 ⇑ 5.22% | 104.90 | 104.9 / 99.40 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 153263 D: 100.9 ⇑ 5.88% | 100.74 | 115.2 / 95.00 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 311754 D: 110.6 ⇓ 5.06% | 111.22 | 127.9 / 105.0 C: 125.0 ⇑ 8.51% | 125.00 | 125.0 / 125.0 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 94673 D: 92.60 ⇑ 0.11% | 93.00 | 101.0 / 85.00 C: 91.50 ⇓ 0.44% | 93.80 | 99.00 / 90.00 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 320701 D: 98.10 ⇓ 1.60% | 97.82 | 107.0 / 93.00 C: 103.3 ⇑ 7.60% | 103.30 | 103.6 / 103.0 PADMALIFE | 1.63 | 25.76 | Vol. 221680 D: 61.30 ⇓ 4.07% | 63.26 | 66.00 / 57.00 C: 62.50 ⇓ 0.16% | 63.02 | 65.90 / 60.00 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 1055200 D: 54.80 ⇓ 5.35% | 55.43 | 58.90 / 49.00 C: 54.50 ⇓ 5.55% | 54.35 | 58.50 / 52.70 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 1120583 D: 181.4 ⇓ 3.41% | 180.36 | 190.0 / 170.0 C: 181.2 ⇓ 3.46% | 180.45 | 187.1 / 177.0 BSCCL | 5.82 | 26.38 | Vol. 1430650 D: 192.7 ⇓ 12.84% | 194.84 | 221.5 / 191.6 C: 192.4 ⇓ 12.86% | 193.72 | 218.5 / 191.2 TRAVEL & LEISURE UNITEDAIR | 1.10 | 12.87 | Vol. 17958240 D: 15.70 ⇓ 12.78% | 15.61 | 16.50 / 13.70 C: 15.70 ⇓ 13.26% | 15.62 | 16.90 / 15.00 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 1733365 D: 82.30 ⇓ 6.80% | 82.37 | 92.30 / 73.50 C: 82.20 ⇓ 6.59% | 82.52 | 89.00 / 80.80 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 66300 D: 283.3 ⇓ 14.44% | 283.44 | 339.0 / 280.0 BSC | 1.77 | 565.82 | Vol. 348845 D: 477.5 ⇓ 9.91% | 481.25 | 532.0 / 475.0 C: 480.3 ⇓ 9.55% | 482.27 | 528.5 / 473.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 184834 D: 145.3 ⇓ 5.40% | 145.14 | 155.0 / 130.8 C: 145.0 ⇓ 5.41% | 145.00 | 154.8 / 140.2 USMANIAGL | 0.50 | 26.03 | Vol. 204450 D: 135.7 ⇓ 7.12% | 137.36 | 146.0 / 124.1 C: 134.8 ⇓ 8.05% | 136.11 | 143.5 / 127.2 SAVAREFR | 0.23 | 12.32 | Vol. 2450 D: 62.00 ⇓ 0.16% | 62.22 | 66.00 / 57.80 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 4593657 D: 27.30 ⇓ 8.08% | 27.27 | 30.50 / 24.40 C: 27.50 ⇓ 7.72% | 27.44 | 29.60 / 27.00 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 773500 D: 21.30 ⇓ 13.41% | 21.74 | 24.50 / 21.10 C: 21.30 ⇓ 13.77% | 21.65 | 24.60 / 21.20 MIRACLEIND | 0.14 | 14.90 | Vol. 785095 D: 14.60 ⇓ 10.43% | 14.85 | 17.30 / 14.50 C: 14.80 ⇓ 10.30% | 14.85 | 17.00 / 14.50 BOND IBBLPBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 400 D: 959.8 ⇑ 0.39% | 957.14 | 960.3 / 950.0 C: 945.5 ⇑ 0.16% | 956.38 | 960.0 / 941.0 ACIZCBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 8178 D: 870.0 ⇑ 0.00% | 870.00 | 871.0 / 870.0 C: 860.0 ⇓ 0.58% | 860.00 | 863.0 / 860.0 BRACSCBOND | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 25 D: 1008 ⇓ 5.35% | 1000 | 1050 / 975.0

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

G20 urges US to act quickly to avoid default n Reuters, Washington Finance officials from the world’s biggest economies on Friday pressed the United States to head off a potentially devastating default and vowed to proceed carefully when the time comes to normalize monetary policy.

A communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers said the United States “needs to take urgent action to address short-term fiscal uncertainties.”

The US government has been partially shut since October 1 amid a budget standoff between congressional Republicans and the White House. Republicans also have refused to raise the nation’s $16.7tn debt ceiling.

Officials from around the globe have warned that failing to raise the debt cap would wreak havoc on the global economy.

Anton Siluanov, finance minister of this year’s G20 chair, Russia, said the mention in the group’s communiqué amounts to a “general wish for a fast solution.”

Republicans presented a plan on Thursday to provide a short-term increase in the US debt limit, spurring hopes a deal could soon be reached. On Friday, the White House

and lawmakers were still struggling to work out the details.

“Our American colleagues are doing everything possible in order to find a mutual understanding or agreement with the Congress,” Siluanov told reporters.

Solving the impasse is crucial for a global economy that the G20, which accounts for 90% of world output and two-thirds of its population, said is showing signs of improvement but still facing “downside risks.”

Maintaining growth momentum is likely to get even more challenging as central banks begin winding down the monetary stimulus launched during the 2007-2009 global financial crisis.

The prospect of the US Federal Reserve reining in its stimulus by year end spooked world markets earlier this year and plunged some developing countries into turmoil as the gusher of cheap dollars that had poured into their economies dried up.

Echoing the statement from a summit of G20 leaders in St Petersburg last month, the group of advanced and emerging nations pledged to ensure any monetary policy changes are “carefully calibrated and clearly communicated” and said navigating swings in capital flows would remain a challenge.

It said emerging economies remained important drivers of global growth, even though many have slowed sharply in recent years and are expected to brake further.

“A while ago there was an excess of exuberance and now perhaps an excess of pessimism,” Brazil’s central bank chief, Alexandre Tombini, said in a statement prepared for delivery to a meeting of finance officials on Saturday.

“Brazil and many emerging economies in general are in a much stronger position than usually portrayed to withstand the current transition turbulence,” he said.

Most of the attention, however, was on the risk of a US default, which has clouded the global economic outlook.

Siluanov said US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew left the gathering early to participate in debt talks.

“We trust that the administration and the Congress will arrive at a mutually acceptable solution,” he said.

Lew has said the United States would be unable to meet all its obligations if the debt limit is not lifted by October 17.

Major US stock indexes rose on Friday on the heels of their biggest gain in nine months a day earlier as the Republican offer stirred

hopes for a quick deal.

But there were also worrying hints of the chaos that could ensue if Washington were to miss a debt payment.

Banks and money market funds are shunning some Treasuries normally used as collateral for short-term loans, a sign that a deadlock over the debt ceiling could disrupt a key source of day-to-day funding in the financial system.

Hong Kong’s securities exchanges plan to slap a bigger discount on Treasuries used as collateral.

“Politicians don’t quite seem to have grasped how important the Treasury market is to the global financial system,” HSBC chief economist Stephen King told Reuters Global Market Forum.

While the Republican plan offered the hope of short-term relief, it could also bring the country back to the brink of default before year end.

“Whatever reduces uncertainty is positive but I think that really to reduce uncertainty in a substantial way we would need a longterm solution,” said Ewald Nowotny, a member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council. “Still, it seems to be better than nothing.” l

Tax the rich? IMF sparks a mini revolution n AFP, Washington Tax the rich and better target the multinationals: The IMF has set off shockwaves this week in Washington by suggesting countries fight budget deficits by raising taxes.

Tucked inside a report on public debt, the new tack was mostly eclipsed by worries about the US budget crisis, but did not escape the notice of experts and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

“We had to read it twice to be sure we had really understood it,” said Nicolas Mombrial, the head of Oxfam in Washington. “It’s rare that IMF proposals are so surprising.”

Guardian of financial orthodoxy, the International Monetary Fund, which is holding its annual meetings with the World Bank this week in the US capital, typically calls for nations in difficulty to slash public spending to reduce their deficits.

But in its Fiscal Monitor report, subtitled “Taxing Times”, the Fund advanced the idea of taxing the highest-income people and their assets to reinforce the legitimacy of spending cuts and fight against growing income inequalities.

“Scope seems to exist in many advanced economies to raise more revenue from the top of the income distribution,” the IMF wrote, noting “steep cuts” in top rates since the early 1980s.

According to IMF estimates, taxing the rich even at the same rates during the 1980s would reap fiscal revenues equal to 0.25% of economic output in the developed countries.

“The gain could in some cases, such as that of the United States, be more significant,” around 1.5% of gross domestic product, said the IMF report, which also singled out deficient taxation of multinational companies.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde (right) talks with IMF Secretary of the Fund Jianhai Lin as she takes her seat for the plenary session at the start of the annual IMF-World Bank fall meetings in Washington REUTERS In the US alone, legal loopholes deprive the Treasury of roughly $60bn in receipts, the global lender said. The 188-nation IMF said that it did not want to enter into a debate on whether the rich should pay more taxes.

But, it said: “The chance to review international tax architecture seems to come about once a century; the fundamental issues should not be ducked.”

The IMF managing director, Christine Lagarde, kept up the sales pitch for a more just fiscal policy.

“It’s clearly something finance ministers are interested in, it’s something that is necessary for the right balance of public finances,” said Lagarde, a former French finance minister, in a panel discussion Wednesday.

“There are lot of wasted opportunities,”

she added.

After the French Socialist government’s proposal of a 75% tax on the wealthy was overturned by the country’s highest court last year, France’s finance minister cautiously welcomed the Fund’s new direction.

“If the core idea is that fiscal policy is a policy that aims to reduce inequalities, I wouldn’t know how to protest against that,” Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said at a news conference in Washington.

The minister said it was a “positive development” but he downplayed that it marked a “significant change” for the IMF. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, which is leading the global battle against tax havens and tax evasion by multinationals, welcomed the IMF at its side.

“We’re happy to see this. There is a place for everyone. The Fund can bring a real contribution on economic analyses,” Pascal Saint-Amans, head of the OECD’s center for tax policy, told AFP. In the corridors, however, a quiet skirmish is underway between the two organizations for the leadership of the tax-haven offensive ordered by the Group of 20 major economies.

The IMF’s Copernican revolution is still in the twilight stage. In its report, the IMF continued to push for a wider scope for value-added tax (VAT), a tax consumption tax that some say is inherently unfair, and on reductions in public spending.

“These proposals are heading in the right direction, but a lot remains to be done,” said Oxfam’s Mombrial, calling notably for the IMF to do more against illegal capital flows which, according to the NGO, cost billions of dollars in fiscal revenues in the developing countries. l