November 26, 2013

International

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Agrahayan 12, 1420 Muharram 21, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 242

EU to move on easing sanctions after Iran deal

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

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Parliament election on January 5 CEC says there is no scope to wait for a political consensus on interim administration The next parliamentary election will be held on January 5, 2014, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday announced, which was rejected by the main opposition BNP and its allies.

The BNP-led opposition called a 48-hour blockade of roads, rail and waterways across the country from 5am today in protest. Alliance activists also vandalised vehicles, hurled crude bombs and attacked several election offices and police camps and stations across the country yesterday.

Jubilant activists of the ruling Awami League brought out processions in the capital and other districts, supporting the schedule.

In a televised address to the nation at 7:35pm, the CEC said his commission had “no time to delay” for a political consensus between the Awami League and the BNP on the polls-time administration.

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REACTIONS

He said army would be deployed to hold a free, fair and unbiased election and ensure the safety of the voters and election officials. The CEC also vowed not to make the voters hostages to “hooliganism and muscle power.”

Rakibuddin warned that any election official failing to remain impartial during the polls would face legal actions according to the laws.

The sales of nomination papers will start from today at the offices of all returning officers and assistant returning officers across the country, according to EC’s Senior Assistant Secretary Farhad Hossain.

The last day for filing nomination papers is December 2 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 13. The returning officers will scrutinise the nomination papers on December 5-6.

In his speech, the CEC said the  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

HIGHLIGHTS Nomination papers available from

Today

Last day of filing nomination papers

December 2

Scrutiny of nomination papers

December 5-6

Last day for withdrawing nomination papers

December 13 Polling on

FACT SHEET FOR 10TH JS POLLS Returning Officers (64 Deputy Commissioners, 2 Divisional Commissioners)

577

Assistant Returning Officers (UNOs, Election Commission officials, Assistant Commissioners

91,966,290

January 5, 2014

Total voters (Male - 46,123,318; Female 45,842,972)

EC has no time to wait for consensus on structure of polls-time admin

Polling centres

Commission bound to hold polls by January 24 PM, opposition leader, ministers, MPs will not get state privileges except security Officials failing to act impartially to face legal actions EC to deploy army for voters' safety

n Tribune Report

66

37,711

189,053

Polling booths

665,359

Presiding, Polling Officers

Tk 5 billion

Tentative cost of this polls

A H Mamun/DT Infographic

Reza Chowdhury n Kamran and Mohammad Zakaria

Just before the recording of his address to the nation yesterday, CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad asks the media to wait for the announcement of the polls schedule NASHIRUL ISLAM

BNP rejects schedule, Government to go tough calls 48-hour blockade on anti-polls activities Al-Masum Molla and n Mohammad Ashif Islam Shaon Rejecting the schedule for the tenth national elections, the BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance announced a 48hour countrywide blockade from this morning and demanded suspension of the schedule until parties reached a consensus over the polls-time government.

The blockade will start at 6am today and end at 6am Thursday, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, on behalf of 18-party alliance, while announcing the programme at party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office last night.

He said primarily a blockade programme had been announced; in fu-

ture other tougher movement would come.

A senior leader seeking anonymity told the Dhaka Tribune that they might announce hartal for Thursday depending on the “attitude” of the administration during the 48-hour countrywide blockade.

He also said there would be no hartal-like programmes on Friday and Saturday, but five- day non-stop hartal or blockade could be enforced from Sunday.

However, BNP would continue the process of negotiation with the government for a settlement on the polls time arrangement, he said.

Sources said on Monday Fakhrul phoned Ashraf several times but failed  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

Islam and n Rabiul Mohammad Jamil Khan The government will not allow any anti-election rallies and processions now that the Election Commission has declared the schedule for the tenth parliamentary polls.

“None will be allowed to hold anti-polls meetings or processions that go against the electoral norms,” Home Ministry Additional Secretary Mainuddin Khandker told the Dhaka Tribune at his office yesterday.

The senior official made the remark as the Election Commission was announcing January 5 as the date for the polls, which have to be held by 24 January following the constitution.

The main opposition is still sticking

to its principles on non-party parliamentary polls, saying that the party will not participate in the election under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led administration and that it will resist the polls at any cost.

Sources close to the government said the army would be deployed to recover illegal arms to ensure a “congenial atmosphere” for the election.

“We traced in 61 upazilas the strongholds of Jamaat-e-Islami, which were virtually disarmed by taking stringent measures including arrests of the party leaders and activists,” Mainuddin Khandker said.

The additional secretary claimed that the violence in Sitakunda had been tamed.

Leaders and activists of the BNP-led opposition alliance yesterday violently protested the announcement of the polls schedules around the country by blockading highways, vandalising vehicles and exploding crude bombs.

Many, including law enforcers, were injured in clashes between opposition men and police. Border Guard Bangladesh personnel were deployed at different places including Dhaka, Bogra and Sylhet.

As soon as the chief election commissioner finished announcing that the 10th parliamentary election would be held on January 5, opposition men brought out processions, blasted crude bombs and vandalised vehicles in various parts of the country. They also torched buses, trucks and auto rickshaws.

In Dhaka, at least seven vehicles were set on fire and many others were  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Jamaat men attack police outpost in Satkhira

n Our Correspondent, Satkhira A group of Jamaat-Shibir activists swooped on a police outpost at Gazirhat Goranbaria area of Debhata, Gaibandha 7pm last evening, while police in reply opened fire.

Witnesses said Jamaat-Shibir activists brought out a procession and attacked the outpost by exploding a several handmade crude bombs at the spot.

Debhata upazila Jamaat Secretary Nur Mohammad said police arrested Jamaat activist Mohidul from Goranbaria. As Jamaat activists tried to snatch him away from custody, police fired at them.

He claimed that some of the members had sustained injury, however, he could not confirm their identities.

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Security beefed up at EC Secretariat

BNP leader Hannan Shah detained n Tribune Report Detective Branch of police detained opposition BNP standing committee member ASM Hannan Shah last night.

He was picked up from nearby the embassy of Japan in the capital, Masudur Rahman, deputy commissioner of DMP, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Later, the BNP leader was taken to the DB office at Mintoo Road.

Hannan Shah’s driver Monir Hossain, however, told the Dhaka Tribune the BNP leader was held by DB near the American Embassy around 9pm last night, after attending an invitation at the Japanese Embassy.

“As we reached near the American Embassy after attending an invitation at the Japanese Embassy, plain-clothed personnel of the DB obstructed our car, and picked up my sir [Hannan Shah],” said driver Monir.

He claimed that when Hannan Shah asked the DB officials to produce an arrest warrant and wanted to know the cause of his arrest, they did not reply to him. l

Opposition men reject schedule with violence, one killed

n Mohammad Zakaria

Policemen stand guard outside the Election Commission yesterday as part of the extra security deployed in the area before the announcement of the election schedule NASHIRUL ISLAM

Security measures were strengthened at the election commission secretariat ahead of yesterday evening’s announcement of the polls schedule for the next parliamentary elections.

A large number of police, Rab and members of different intelligence agencies are now deployed to the EC secretariat and in front of the Planning Commission gate and around the commission area.

The law enforcement agencies have been checking on all who enter the commission secretariat. The commission has also installed metal detectors at other gates.

Before the announcement of the polls schedule at 8pm on Monday, all stickers and logos of the Election Commission were removed from all kinds of transport used by the EC officials, and the commission directed its field-level offices to do the same.

The officials said they had taken the initiative to ward off the opposition parties’ possible attacks.

After the announcement of the schedule, members of law enforcement agencies beefed up patrols in the commission area.

The formal meeting on setting the polls schedule started around 2:35pm.

The full commission finalised the schedule shortly after meeting with the officials concerned. A large number of journalists were waiting outside to cover the announcement.

After the commission meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad told reporters that the schedule would be declared through his speech to the nation which would be broadcast at 7:30pm.

After finalising the schedule, the Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar recorded the CEC’s speech from 4pm to 5pm.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 6

Ershad now sees ‘absence’ Bangladesh and US sign Ticfa amid protest n of level-playing field Sheikh Shahariar Zaman

n

Manik Miazee

Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday said his party would participate in the upcoming polls despite the absence of a level-playing field for all parties.

Talking to reporters at his Banani office yesterday, the former dictator said there were controversies about the current Election Commission, “but there is no way out of an election without it.”

He claimed that the popularity of the ruling Awami League had come down to zero and the Jatiya Party was headed

for elections to assess its popularity.

He, however, asserted that the polls must be held under the prime minister in line with the constitution.

The Jatiya Party recently split from the ruling Awami League coalition and announced to participate in the elections independently.

Six members of the Jatiya Party were included in the cabinet that will oversee the upcoming national elections.

Meanwhile, through a press note yesterday the party extended nomination form sale for another day. l

Bangladesh has signed the muchtalked-about Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum Agreement (Ticfa) with the US amid protests from the left political parties.

Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed and Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler signed the agreement yesterday at the USTR office in Washington DC. The agreement will enable the countries to establish a forum with representatives from both parties to discuss opportunities and interests of bilateral trade and investment and identify and

work to remove impediments in the trade and investment sectors.

While aiming at fostering bilateral trade and investment for creating jobs, improving technology and enhancing development, it recognises the importance of promoting the observance of other issues such as intellectual property rights, environment, and workers’ rights in accordance with laws of each country and in line with the international agreements as applicable to the countries.

Left political parties have voiced protests against the signing of the document, saying the agreement will have negative impacts on the country’s agri-

culture.

The main opposition BNP has, however, welcomed the agreement, terming it a “positive step” towards strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Michael Froman said Ticfa would now provide a formal mechanism for Bangladesh and USA to engage in regular discussion on trade and labour issues like the GSP action plan and enable the countries to work together for improving labour condition and workers’ rights in Bangladesh.

Ambassador Akramul Qader said the signing would pave the way for

a stronger engagement between the parties to resolve some crucial trade issues like restoration of the GSP and duty-free quota-free access of Bangladeshi items to the US market.

Secretary Mahbub expressed hope that the forum would facilitate enhanced market access for Bangladesh in the US and further US investment here.

After the signing ceremony, the parties held discussions on Bangladesh GSP Action plan.

Reactions

The Workers Party of Bangladesh led by Post and Telecommunications Minister  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

'Schedule is a blow to people’s expectations’

Mozena, Pankaj discuss polls with Mahmmod Ali

n Manik Miazee

n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman

A number of political parties have said the announcement of the polls schedule would hinder efforts for creating a “level playing field” essential for inclusive elections.

Syed Abu Zafar, general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said: “The crisis has not been resolved with the announcement of the schedule without ensuring participation of all parties in the elections. The election commission’s decision will only aggravate the crisis.”

Khalequzzaman, secretary of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, said people had been expecting a free and fair election in which all the parties would participate; but the announcement of schedule was a major blow for them.

Bikalphadhara Bangladesh Chief and former president AQM Badruddoza Chowdury yesterday in a party

statement condemned the one sided announcement of polls schedule. He also called people to prevent and protest the one sided election.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Chairman Rezaul Karim, known as Charmonai pir, expressed his concerns and resentment at the announcement. “It has blocked all the ways of consensus,” he said in a party statement after the polls schedule was announced.

Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, working committee member of Jamaat-e-Islami, told the Dhaka Tribune: “Without confirming the participation of all the parties, the election commissioner has announced the schedule.

People will resist the election.”

ASM Abdur Rab, president of a faction of Bangladesher Shamajtrantik Dal, said: “All the possibilities of an acceptable election is closed. This has pushed the nation towards a long term crisis.” l

Opposition Leader and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia leaves her Gulshan office yesterday after the announcement of the schedule for the tenth parliamentary elections RAJIB DHAR

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali yesterday discussed the country’s current political situation and the upcoming elections with US Ambassador Dan Mozena and Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran in separate meetings.

The US ambassador, after the meeting said declaration of election schedule made it more urgent for holding constructive dialogue.

Asked why the diplomats were not using “inclusive election” in their rhetoric anymore, he said: “I don’t know when I said inclusive, but may be at some point. But to me free, fair, and credible, that’s the standard.”

About the US Assistant Secretary Nisha Biswal’s Dhaka visit, Mozena said she gave three messages.

“One point was violence is not acceptable. Secondly, every political party has the right to have space to freely,

peacefully express its views.”

In her third message, the assistant secretary underscored the major parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to find a way forward to hold free, fair, credible elections and credible in the eyes of the people of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Indian envoy Saran said it was up to the people of Bangladesh to decide the course of their future.

“We hope that in the coming weeks and in the run up to the elections the democratic institutions and democratic processes will be strengthened.”

About his meeting with the Prime Minister’s sister Sheikh Rehanaon Sunday evening, he said: “I do not normally comment on individual meetings.”

The Indian High Commissioner, however, on November 16 after a meeting with Prime Minister’s son SajeebWazed Joy said they had discussed forthcoming elections and Joy had updated him about the situation in Bangladesh. l

Political crisis will only deepen: civic leaders

HC rejects phone conversation leak writ

n Syed Samiul Basher Anik

The High Court yesterday summarily rejected the writ petition that sought punishment to those who recorded and disclosed the content of the recent phone conversation between the prime minister and leader of the opposition.

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice ABM Altaf Hossain delivered the verdict.

The High Court said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia might be the aggrieved persons, not the petitioner, who was a Supreme Court lawyer.

On November 3, Abdullah Al Baki lodged the plea over the leak of the conversation that took place on October 26, claiming that divulging the conversation was a violation of the constitution.

According to article 43 of the constitution, every citizen shall have the right to privacy of his/her correspondence and other means of communication. l

uation.”

The Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad in a televised nation address yesterday announced the schedules for the tenth parliamentary elections, voting for which would be held on January 5.

He said the Election Commission could not wait any longer for a consensus between the two political parties.

Former adviser to the caretaker government Hossain Zillur Rahman said the announcement of schedule would

Civic leaders have expressed fears that the announcement of the polls schedule will deepen the prevailing political crisis and lead to more direct confrontations between the two major parties.

At a time when a dialogue of some sorts was going on between the two parties, the announcement would not only deepen the crisis, but also negatively affect the economy and ultimately the people of the country, some

of them have told the Dhaka Tribune.

Senior law professional Rafiq-Ul Huq said the Election Commission should not have announced the schedule at this moment. “A discussion is going on between the two leading parties.

“At such a time, announcing the schedule was not right. There was time till January 24. But because of the announcement, BNP now will surely not take part in the elections and that would lead to an even more critical sit-

Ticfa signed

BNP calls 48-hour blockade

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Rashed Khan Menon issued a statement yesterday, saying under Ticfa, the trade sector of Bangladesh would become subservient to the USA. The politburo of the party alleged that signing of the agreement had been approved because of special interests of some officials and advisers to the prime minister, and also for the commerce minister.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal labelled the agreement as against the country’s interests, and said the government had signed the “opaque” deal by giving up these interests.

Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, vice-chairman of the main opposition BNP, said: “Bangladesh has commercial, financial, technical and political relations with the United States…We see any step to develop the relationship between the two countries as a positive step.

“The BNP wants to further strengthen the ties with the United States when it comes to power.” l

to get him. He sent a person to Ashraf to convey his message and Ashraf told him that he would contact Fakhrul later.

On Saturday, Fakhrul held a “secret” meeting with the Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam and reportedly requested the government to stop announcing election schedule before settling their dispute. In reply, Ashraf told Fakhrul that election process and dialogue could go simultaneously.

Mirza Fakhrul at a rally on November 22 threatened to paralyse the country the moment Election Commission announced polls schedules without settling the issue of non-partisan government.

While briefing the media moment after the polls schedule was announced, Fakhrul said: “We are rejecting the polls schedule announced by the backboneless and partisan Election Commission.”

He said the schedule aimed at staging “a farcical election [for the government] to stay in power in a bid to steal people’s right to vote defying their expectations, international communities’ repeated calls and opposition’s demands.”

The BNP spokesperson said: “We want to participate in a highly contested election participated by all parties under a non-party government. We want a meaningful election.”

He urged people not be involved in the farcical polls in any form.

Meanwhile, BNP devised a plan to make their agitation “more meaningful” this time in the capital splitting it into eight zones giving responsibility to senior leaders to coordinate agitation.

A senior leader said the party planned to launch “strong agitation” on at least 40 strategic points on the highways across the country.

A senior leader said the 40 strategic points would be on those routes that connected the capital with the other divisional headquarters, namely Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Rangpur. Initially, the plan is to block those 40 points; but as people’s participation increases, more similar strategic points will be included in the plan, said sources adding eight separate teams, headed by the senior leaders, would keep a close watch on these points. l

now put the independence of the commission under question.

“Till yesterday, the CEC had been saying they would wait for a political consensus. But today they announced the schedule. This will deepen the political crisis. Questions will now arise regarding the independence of EC. Moreover, there will now also be questions regarding whether the government cares about what the people want,” Zillur said.

Iftekharuzzaman, executive di-

rector of Transparency International Bangladesh, said if the opposition did not contest the polls; there would be questions about the possibility of a fair election.

“Now, the opposition party will not go to the elections. If they participate, I will be surprised. The opposition will now try to resist the polls, and the government will try to hold. It could lead to an out-ofcontrol situation,” he said, adding, “The people would be the ultimate victims of the resultant destruction.” l

Government to go tough Ten squads comprised of locals were formed in ten unions of Sitakunda only to dissuade commoners from resorting to violence, added the official.

Sitakunda turned violent when BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists clashed with police, vandalised dozens of vehicles and also set fire to some of them on Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

A highly-placed source at the police headquarters told the Dhaka tribune that law enforcers would launch a crackdown on illegal arms across the country.

Ahead of the election, police have already started stockpiling tear gas canisters, rubber bullets and sound grenades.

Besides, additional forces will be deployed to those districts known to be dominated by Jamaat.

Detective Branch of police said they had already been watching around 2,000 leaders and activists of the opposition and collecting information about their hideouts.

The intelligence agencies suspect

that a surge in political violence is looming large on the horizon if the ruling Awami League and the opposition fail to reach a consensus on the polls-time administration through dialogue.

As part of precautionary measures, members of Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Detective Branch of police, Criminal Investigation Department and regular police force recently held a meeting at police headquarters and came up to a decision about what to do to foil violence centring on the polls.

Sources said the law enforcers would operate joint raids with participation of all forces in order to maintain a “peaceful” polls atmosphere.

The intelligence agency has reports that the “opposition might carry out targeted killing, explosions and arson attack more heavily than at any previous time.”

For this reason, the opposition leaders and activists including their “financiers” might be arrested to rein in their evil attempts, added the sources. l

However, the OC said they were not yet sure whether the youth was an auto-rickshaw driver or an activist of the 18-party alliance.

Elsewhere in Chandpur, BNP leaders and activists blockaded highway to protest the EC decision, reports our correspondent in Comilla. Agitated leaders also vandalised some vehicles, resulting in long cues on either side of the highway. Protestors set a covered van on fire at Chaddagram in Comilla.

Lalmonirhat-Kurigram and Rangpur-Kurigram roads were blockaded by BNP men at Barabari and Burir Bazar areas in Lalmonirhat district headquarters from 8pm last night. More than fifty vehicles, including passenger buses and loaded trucks, remained stranded on the roads because of the blockade.

A Dhaka bound bus was torched by BNP men at Mission Intersection in Lalmonirhat town around 9:10pm. Local residents said police did not take any action although the arson took place right in front of their eyes.

Lalmonirhat district Jatiya Party office was set on fire allegedly by BNP men at the BDR road in the town around 9pm.

In Chittagong, activists blockaded three points at Satkania on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway.

Opposition men also put up barricades on the Pabna-Dhaka, Natore-Dhaka, Raipur-Dhaka and Dhaka-Rangpur highways.

In Khulna, leaders and activist vandalised vehicles from a procession at Fulbarigate.

In Barguna, protesters clashed with

police in which 15 people, including five policemen, were injured.

In Mymenshingh, handmade bombs were blasted in front of the residence of Rawshan Ershad, a member of the newly formed interim cabinet.

In Habiganj, 18-party leaders and activists chased and counter chased with police, leaving 15 people, including a policeman, injured.

In Nilphamari, the BNP’s student front Chhatra Dal brought out a procession and vandalised vehicles.

Around 50 crude bombs were blasted at different parts of the Brahmanbaria district township.

Crude bombs were blasted in front of the residence of the vice-chancellor of Sylhet Science and Technology University. l

use government vehicles, public servants and teachers of the educational institutes they head.

“No laxity will be tolerated in implementing the electoral code of conduct, no matter who holds which position.

Legal actions will follow for violation of the electoral code of conduct,” the CEC said.

Urging the candidates to abide by the electoral code, he said the EC would not tolerate traditional showdowns by candidates while filing nomination papers. “Such behaviour can make one’s candidature uncertain,” said the CEC, adding that each district would have a strong monitoring team to strictly implement the code.

The CEC said the public servants must play an impartial role during polls. “Insha Allah, we will ensure foolproof security for you.”

He said the commission would monitor the role of the officials and take action in case of negligence.

Kazi Rakibuddin said under his leadership the commission had arranged 654 elections, including seven by-elections and six city corporations in “transparent, fair, unhindered and unbiased” ways.

He said the triumph of the opposition candidates in many of these polls testified that the elections had been “fair and unbiased.” The candidates vying in the city corporation polls had responded positively to the commission’s call to concede defeats.

“I hope all parties would uphold the culture of conceding defeats in the parliamentary polls in the future, showing respect to the people’s verdict,” he said.

Rakibuddin instructed the presiding officers to write the number of votes both in figures and words to remove any confusion.

The presiding officers would get the result sheets countersigned by the agents of the candidates and send those to the returning officers by mail

and to the Election Commission by post. The post offices would be kept open until the result reached.

He said the EC had already updated the voters roll, matching old data with the new inputs through an automatic finger print identification system.

The CEC said there was no question the authenticity of the voters’ list could be doubted.

Any complaints about the draft voters’ roll could be amended further, if necessary, he added.

Rakibuddin said his commission had published the draft of the delimitation of the 300 constituencies on February 2, holding meetings with all stakeholders. On July 3, the final gazette on the delimitations was published.

He said the electoral code of conduct was prepared in 2008 in line with the constitutional provision of the non-party caretaker government that was replaced by the interim government. l

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Opposition men reject polls schedule with violence  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

ransacked soon after the polls schedule was announced. Crude bombs were exploded sporadically in and around the capital making people panic.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defense, buses were torched in the capital’s Pallabi, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Abdullahpur, Gabtoli, Khilgaon and Bangla Motor areas.

Fire service officer Jibon Miah told the Dhaka Tribune that all the vehicles were set on fire from 8pm-9:45pm.

Moreover, a number of cases of vehicles vandalised have been reported from Uttara, Abdullahpur, Paltan, Bongshal, Hatirpool, Badda, Mohakhali while crude bombs were exploded at Mohamadpur, Tejgaon, Mohakhali Police outpost, Badda, Paltan and some

other places.

Police fired several rounds of blank shots when bombs exploded near the Mohakhali police outpost around 7:30pm.

All the incidents took place despite a large number of BGB, Rab and additional police members being deployed.

In Comilla, a 25-year-old youth was killed during an 18-party alliance procession, brought out in protest of the CEC’s announcement at Kandirpar under Kotwali police station in Comilla.

Officer-in-Charge Md Mahiuddin Mahmud of Kotwali police station confirmed the death of the youth identified as Delwar Hossain. He said the youth was killed after a bomb had hit his head and exploded during a procession of the 18-party alliance around 8:30pm.

Parliament election on January 5  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

commission had already completed all preparations to hold the next polls in line with the constitution.

“According to the constitution, we can no more wait as we obliged to hold the polls by January 24, 2014,” said the CEC. “We do not have time to delay.”

Rakibuddin urged all political parties to contest the polls burying all of their differences through discussions and reach a consensus to take democracy forward.

“Today, I can assure the voters that we will do everything needed to enable you to reach the polling stations without fear and return home safe,” said Rakibuddin.

“Holding elections in 300 constituencies on a single day is really difficult in a populous country like ours. So, we have decided to deploy the popular and trusted armed forces in the polls besides the VDP, Ansar, police, Rab, BGB and Coast Guard.”

“The Election Commission has amended the electoral code of conduct to ensure a level-playing field for all, putting some restrictions on the prime minister of the interim government, the opposition leader, ministers and other privileged persons,” said Rakibuddin.

The restrictions would remain in force until the publication of the gazette of the election results, he said.

Citing to some restrictions, the CEC said the premier, the opposition leader, the ministers and other privileged persons would not be eligible to campaign with state facilities, but they would get security.

He said the MPs of the ninth parliament or their representatives would not be allowed to attend meetings of the management boards of educational institutes before the polls and the MPs would not be permitted to donate any grants from their funds.

The MPs would not be allowed to

n Nazmus Sakib

Bus crushes rickshaw-puller

n Kailash Sarkar

A rickshaw-puller died and his two passengers were left critically injured last night under the wheels of a passenger bus, which was apparently racing another in the capital’s Badda.

“The rickshaw-puller, who was yet to be identified, was crushed under the wheels of a bus of Bondhu Paribahan as its driver apparently locked in a race with the driver of another bus of Samrat Paribahan,” said Khandker Lutful Kabir, Deputy Commissioner of Gulshan Division.

Iqbal Hossain, officer-in-charge at Badda police station, said:“During the race, the rickshaw-puller fell under the Bondhu Paribahan bus, which sped away, crushing the 50-year-old rickshaw-puller, while the bus of Samrat Paribahan also fled the scene.” l

Security beefed  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

On Sunday, the commission also held a series of meetings, but did not announce the polls schedule. The CEC said the commission was waiting for political consensus as the process of dialogue had already started.

An election commission yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the commission could have fixed the polls date earlier if the political parties had reached consensus. A political deadlock was reached because of continued disagreement over how the upcoming general elections will be held.

Amidst repeated demands from the BNP for a non-partisan election-time administration, a polls-time government was formed on November 21 to oversee the elections. l

Jamaat men attack  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

Meanwhile, Jamaat-Shibir continued attacking the police with cocktails at Gazirhat area on the Satkhira-Kaliganj road.

In the attack, several power poles were damaged, disrupting the power supply in 20-25 villages. Vehicular movement on the highway was also disrupted.

Panic spread through Nalta of Kaliganj upazila as Jamaat-Shibir also brought out a procession there.

Satkhira Kaliganj Circle Assistant Police Superintendent said, police did not have any other way than opening fire as the Jamaat-Shibir activists threw crude bombs at them. 60-65 rounds bullets were fired, however, there was no news of anyone getting hurt, he said. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

3

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL

‘Six civilians were killed upon Yusuf’s order’ n Udisa Islam A prosecution witness yesterday told the International Crimes Tribunal that in 1971 he had seen war crimes accused AKM Yusuf order the killing of six unarmed civilians including five Hindus.

Twelfth prosecution witness Sheikh Afzal Hossain, 76, also told the tribunal in his deposition that he had heard from local people that Yusuf had killed many and was responsible for arson and forced deportation.

Afzal, who was a soldier of the East Pakistan Rifles (now called the Border Guard Bangladesh) in 1971, also shared his experiences of fighting for a squad as a freedom fighter.

Following the submission, junior defence counsel MH Tamin began cross examining the witness as his senior colleagues was not present yesterday. Grilling remained incomplete and the tribunal 2 set today for further proceedings.

Afjal in his deposition claimed that after March 7, 1971, he and some of his EPR fellows had left the EPR camp and begun fighting against the Pakistani soldiers. “But as we had no heavy weapons with us, we had to back off and go to India.”

“It is our bad luck that the perpetrators hoist our national flag in their vehicles. I want justice before I die. Please pardon me if I am wrong,” he told the tribunal. This statement, however, was not recorded.

Continuing with deposition, Afjal said: “Most probably it was in August of 1971 that I came to Kalekharber of Bagherhat from India along with three hundred soldiers – both naval and armed. There we trained up at least five hundred local young men for combat.

“On October 13, 1971, I went to Chulk-

athi with one hundred soldiers. On the way, we took shelter at the Ghanashyampur High School. That night, razakars surrounded us and we locked into a battle. After three hours, when our bullets almost ran out, I ordered my soldiers to move to the bank of the river.”

“When I and four/five of my group members were getting to flee, a bullet hit my right leg. Somehow, with the help of one of my fellows, managed to escape.

“Then we went to the Chulkatthi bazar and there we saw a man in white panjabi and Pyjamas and some other razakars charge bayonet on six men.

Sheikh Afjal Hossain said after March 7, 1971, he and some of his fellows in East Pakistan Rifles had left the force’s camp and begun fighting against the Pakistani soldiers Then the man in panjabi, who had a little beard on his chin, ordered the razakars to kill the six unarmed people. The razakars followed his order. One of them was Muslim and the rest were Hindus.”

Afjal said three of them were Khurshid, Rakhal and Sunil.

After deposing, Afjal was told to identify the accused, who was present at the dock. The old man, however, failed to identify because his eyesight was too weak.

Before Afjal’s deposition, the junior defence counsel grilled 10th prosecution witness Pijus Kanti Ghorai and 11th witness Mukul Rani Das. Both of them submitted depositions on Sunday.

The tribunal indicted Jamaat-e-Islami leader AKM Yusuf for 13 war crimes charges including killing, genocide and arson, religious conversion and deportation of people. l

Police heavily guards the BNP headquarters in the capital’s Nayapaltan fearing unrest ahead of the announcement of the polls schedule yesterday

HC stays SQC counsel’s police remand n Nazmus Sakib

The High Court yesterday stayed the lower court remand order of AKM Fakhrul Islam, counsel of war criminal and BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, in the case filed in connection with the verdict leak of the International Crimes Tribunal.

The HC also ordered for sending Fakhrul to jail immediately and gave permission to the investigation officer to interrogate him if necessary.

The bench of Justice Sheikh Hassan

Arif and Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam passed the order following a petition lodged under the penal code for scrapping the lower court’s remand order.

AJ Mohammad Ali pleaded for Fakhrul while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam contended for state.

Raghib Rauf Chowdhury, another lawyer of the petitioner, told the Dhaka Tribune that the HC had also issued a rule asking why the remand order should not be annulled.

Dhaka district deputy commissioner and Habibul Gani, inspector of Detective

Branch of Police, have been asked to respond to the rule by four weeks, Rauf said.

On Sunday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Emdadul Haque sent Fakhrul Islam to police custody for four days in the case filed with the Shahbagh police station under the Information and Communication Technology Act for his alleged involvement in divulging the verdict that gave death penalty to SQ Chowdhury.

Law enforcers nabbed Fakhrul on November 20 from the capital’s Segun Bagicha. l

CASES AGAINST MOBARAK

Tribunal irked by defence counsel’s comment n Udisa Islam The International Crimes Tribunal was irked by an oblique comment made by the counsel of war crimes accused Mobarak Hossain yesterday.

Ahsanul Haq, lawyer of alleged Razakar commander Mobarak Hossain, was grilling the investigation officer when tribunal 1 prevented him from asking a question terming it “unnecessary.”

Later, however, when the tribunal permitted him to proceed with the question, Ahsanul addressed the tribunal in a sarcastic tone: “When someone

is upstairs, things go one way. When someone is downstairs, the situation gets different.”

When the tribunal asked him what he had meant by that kind of a comment, the defence counsel said: “I only meant that the judges are enjoying a convenient position.”

One of the judges then reacted by saying: “We were also lawyers; but we have never heard anyone address a court in such language.”

Tribunal Chairman ATM Fazle Kabir, who was clearly annoyed, told the defense counsel: “We are seeing how audacious you are.”

Another judge then said: “Nothing is convenient or inconvenient for a sitting judge.”

As the defense counsel then apologised saying “sorry,” the tribunal replied: “This is a problem. We learn the word ‘sorry’ and it is easy to say.”

Ahsanul Haq later continued cross examining Shyamol Chowdhury, investigation officer of the war crimes cases against former Awami League leader Mobarak.

The defence claimed that Shyamol had taken the incidents described in the charge sheet from a book named “Ekattore Brahmanbaria,” written

PM asks ministers to assist EC n Mohosinul Karim

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the ministers of the newly-formed polls-time cabinet to assist the Election Commission with the upcoming parliamentary elections.

She indicated that she would lead the polls-time government as per the constitution and democratic practices followed in other countries to prove that free and fair elections could be held under a political government in Bangladesh.

Hasina said the government was trying to reach a consensus with the BNP but the elections would take place well before the January 24 cut-off date even if the opposition party did not participate.

“None can stop the election process,” Hasina said.

A senior minister confirmed the prime minister’s directive while talking

to reporters after the cabinet meeting.

The ministers assured the prime minister that they were ready to provide the EC with any kind of assistance according to the constitution, said Amir Hossain Amu, land and disaster management minister.

“The prime minister told us that a caretaker government was undemocratic. We had demanded it earlier considering the political situation [at the time]. Now, the situation has changed,” Amu said.

“We, the present government, are trying to hold a free and fair election amending the provision of the caretaker government as we don’t need to search for a neutral person to hold the post of caretaker chief every five years.

The system of polls-time government was in the constitution earlier, and will remain,” he added.

The minister also said elections in other democratic countries were held under a polls-time interim government.

Thus, the next elections in Bangladesh would also be held following the same procedure under the leadership of the prime minister, he added.

When asked whether the government was going to go ahead with the elections excluding BNP, Amu said: “We don’t believe that BNP will not join the elections. We hope they will participate in the elections. We will wait until the last moment.”

He also said the government’s stance was clear: “We want to get BNP in the elections. But, the process will go forward if they finally refuse to come.”

Regarding BNP’s threat to paralyse the country, Amu said, “It cannot be a democratic language. We will also participate in elections under BNP.” l

Chhatra Dal men rush to vandalise cars in front of the Islami University on the Khulna-Kushtia highway yesterday

DHAKA TRIBUNE

SC chamber judge stays HC order that declared Salam’s MP post illegal n Nazmus Sakib The chamber judge of the Appellate Division yesterday stayed the High Court verdict that held the parliamentary membership of Abdus Salam, an Awami League leader from Mymensingh, in allegation of loan-defaulting.

Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed the order and fixed November 28 as the date for hearing the case in full bench of the top court.

On February 27 this year, the High Court issued a rule asking why the MP post of Abdus Salam should not be declared illegal following a writ petition lodged by Jamal Uddin, a former local leader of Chhatra League.

Later, the High Court bench of justices Mirza Hussain Haider and Khurshid Alam Sarkar held Salam’s parliamentary membership on Thursday.

Earlier on December 4, 2008, the AL leader’s nomination paper was annulled by the returning officer as Bangladesh Bank identified him as a loan defaulter.

In response to a writ petition filed

by Salam, the High Court stayed the returning officer’s decision, clearing the way for him to contest the ninth parliamentary polls, when he won the seat for Mymensingh 9. l

by Abul Hossain. Shyamol, however, snubbed out the claim.

As part of a separate query, the defence told the investigation officer that the accused was involved with the Awami League’s politics. In reply, Syamol said the accused had joined the Awami League after 1996. He also said: “It is not true that the witnesses gave statements following what I had told or trained them to say.”

The tribunal then adjourned hearing till tomorrow.

A total of 12 prosecution witnesses, including Syamol, have so far testified against Mobarak in the cases filed

against him on charges of committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. The tribunal today is likely to pass an order fixing the number of defence witnesses. Earlier, the defence filed an application seeking permission to produce 12 witnesses.

On April 23, Mobarak was indicted on five charges of crimes against humanity: killing 33 people in Akhaura; torturing Ashuranjan Deb in Rajakar Camp; and abductions and killings in Shampur. The tribunal specified that the crimes were committed from August-December 1971. l

10 injured as workers burn police van in Gazipur n Our Correspondent, Gazipur

HC: Why ACC amendment not unconstitutional

Workers agitating for a minimum wage of Tk8,000 in Gazipur torched a police van yesterday, resulting in a clash with the security officials that injured at least nine of them as well as a policeman.

The incident occurred at the upazila’s Kashimpur industrial zone at around 3pm while the agitators were known to have been employees of private textile manufacturing company Mondol Group.

Witnesses said the agitation for a higher pay started inside the Aleem Knitwear Ltd. of Mondol Group the morning and spilled onto the Dhaka-Tangail highway at 2:30pm.

The clash ensued as the workers, by then joined by their peers at Moontex Ltd of the same group, tried to block the highway forcing police and security guards to intervene. At one stage, they torched a police van injuring one official sitting inside.

Regarding the incident, Jahirul Islam, president of Bangladesh Workers’ Employee Federation, said police charged at the agitators with batons and fired teargas shells as the workers were demonstrating for the hike in their minimum wage.

However, Gazipur industrial police inspector Nazrul Islam said the clash between police and the workers ensued as police tried to stop the former from blocking the highway. There were chases and counter-chases but no detention was reported yet. l

n Nazmus Sakib The High Court yesterday asked the government to explain in four weeks why the recent amendment to Anti-Corruption Commission Act should not be declared unconstitutional.

The amended act stipulates that government approval is a must for the ACC before prosecuting public servants in graft charges.

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice ABM Altaf Hossain issued the rule in response to a writ petition lodged on Sunday by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

The Speaker, secretaries of cabinet division, president secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office and Law Ministry were made respondents in the plea.

RAJIB DHAR

Manzill Murshid pleaded for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Biswajit Roy represented the state.

Manzill told the court that the ACC amendment act, 2013 flouts the constitution as the prior approval provisions lead to discrimination in respect of getting legal benefit.

He said the law was amended in violation of the fundamental values of fairness and equality enshrined in the constitution. The new provision was passed on November 11 in parliament and immediately drew flak from many quarters including from within the ACC. Meanwhile, another writ petition was filed challenging the amendment yesterday by a Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

JU teachers observe symbolic hunger strike, confined pro VC falls ill

BNP to enforce hartal in Chittagong today

n JU Correspondent

n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Agitating teachers at Jahangirnagar University (JU) yesterday observed a symbolic seven-hour hunger strike on the campus, demanding the implementation of the Chancellor’s directives.

Their latest action came as a proVC professor fell ill after being confined at the administrative office since Wednesday.

Sources said at least 15 protesting teachers, under the banner of “Teachers-Students and OfficersEmployee’s United Forum” held the symbolic hunger strike from 10am till 5pm at the administrative office, demanding the implementation of the Chancellor, President Abdul Hamid’s orders.

JU Teachers’ Association (JUTA) president and united forum convener Prof Ajit Kumar Mazumder, JUTA general secretary Prof Sharif Uddin, Social Science faculty Dean Prof Amir Hos-

sain, Mathematics and Physical Sciences faculty Dean Prof Abul Hossain, General Teachers’ Forum convener Prof Hanif Ali and other teachers joined the hunger strike.

Meanwhile, united forum also staged demonstrations in front the administrative office, which was joined by several hundreds of teachers, students, officers and employees of the university.

Agitators gathered there around 6pm and demanded VC Prof Anwar Hossain’s removal. They claimed the VC had violated the Chancellor’s order as he was taking initiatives for JU Central Students’ Union and teachers’ representative polls instead of holding the VC panel elections.

The forum yesterday also protested the speech given by JU Employee Association President Abbas Ali Talukder on Sunday who at a protest programme arranged by “Jahangirnagar University Family” claimed that the united forum were holding rallies with

Jamaat-Shibir activists on campus on Saturday night.

United forum secretary Prof Kamrul Ahsan yesterday said: “VC Prof Anwar Hossain has dragged the university to the edge of a deep pit only to hold his post. Our university is not running actually and VC has to leave immediately obeying the Chancellor’s orders.”

On November 6, President Abdul Hamid, also JU Chancellor asked the VC to hold senate election immediately and select VC panel polls following Jahangirnagar University act in order to remove the JU crisis.

On the other hand, agitating teachers still confined the acting VC Prof MA Matin and Pro-VC (administration) Prof Afsar Ahmed at the council room of administration office.

They were confined last Wednesday by the teachers protesting the teachers’ representative election and for the implementation of Chancellor’s directives.

Though the university authorities

suspended the teachers’ representative polls following teachers’ pressure, they were yet to release the confined individuals.

Sources said Pro-VC Prof Afsar Ahmed (administration) became sick after being confined in a room for almost a week.

Prof Afsar Ahmed said he might have fallen ill from food poisoning and high blood pressure. A physician came to check him yesterday around 11am and prescribed saline, he added.

Acting VC Prof MA Matin, however, said keeping them confined was very irrational as authorities already had suspended teacher representative polls following the agitating teachers’ demand.

Meanwhile, Jahangirnagar University Family again brought out a procession yesterday evening and staged a demo protesting the ongoing movement by united forum and the confinement of acting VC and pro VC (administration), sources said. l

SWANDIP INCIDENT

BNP will enforce a dawn-to-dusk hartal in Chittagong today to protest the attack on a BNP lawmaker’s residence and the shooting of his son in Sandwip.

Hartal supporters – further inflamed by the evening announcement of the election schedule by Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed –torched two vehicles, damaged four more and blasted at least 11 cocktails at the city’s Agrabad area.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, president of the city unit of BNP, announced the shutdown at a press conference yesterday morning. He, however, said Primary School Certificate and equivalent Ebtedayee Final Examinations would remain out of the purview of the programme.

Warning of a tougher movement if the government fails to take action against those responsible for Sunday’s attack on Sandwip island, Khasru said it was a “premeditated act of violence”

Three killed in Narsingdi, Gazipur, Mymensingh n Tribune Report Police recovered three bodies from Narsingdi, Gazipur and Mymensingh in the last two days.

The deceased were brick field worker Shahina Begum, 30, an unidentified girl aged around 20, and Imran Hossain, an 11-year-old class four student.

Dhaka Tribune’s Narsingdi correspondent reports that Shahina Begum was beaten to death by her husband Abul Kalam at Barudia village under Monohardi upazila in the district yesterday.

Witness said the couple had a quarrel over a trivial matter at their workplace around 12:30pm, and at one stage of the argument Kalam started beating her with a spade. Then, their colleagues rescued Shahina and sent her to Monohardi upazila hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Later, police arrested Shahina’s husband and sent the body for autopsy.

Our Gazipur correspondent reports that police recovered the body of an unidentified female aged around 20 from a forest at Surir Chala under Kaliakoir upazila in the district yesterday. Omar Faruk, officer-in-charge of Kaliakoir police station, said her throat was tied with a scarf. Local people had found the body around 11am and informed police.

Our Mymensingh correspondent reports that police recovered the slaughtered body of a school boy from village Char Machlanda at Gafargoan upazila in Mymensingh on Sunday.

Imran Hossain, son of Md Aman Ullah, was a class four student of Amodpur Government Primary School at Nandail.

Police said Imran went missing on Friday after going to nearby Panchrukhi Bazar to sell betel-nut.

Later, local people found the body of Imran in a field at Char Machlanda and informed police who later sent the body for autopsy. l

WEATHER

Dry weather likely n UNB Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, until 6pm today.

Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may unchanged over the country, Met office said.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:11pm today and rises at 6:21am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 30.0 degree Celsius was recorded yesterday at Cox’s Bazar and lowest 11.4 degrees at Srimangal.

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

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

28.6 26.7 28.0 28.8 28.5 28.5 29.5 30.0

17.4 17.5 14.0 15.8 15.8 15.6 15.5 16.5

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

5:01am 6:19am 11:45am 3:35pm 5:10pm 6:30pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

done to pave the way for a one-sided election. “Those responsible will face trial if BNP returns to power.”

In the press briefing, Mostafa Kamal Pasha, a lawmaker from Chittagong-16 constituency whose house had been attacked, presented an emotional statement explaining how the incident occurred.

He claimed to have sought security from the police but that no assurances or help came his way.

The incident had apparent links with a daylong clash earlier on Sunday in which activists loyal to the two arch rival parties in Swandip were involved.

Javed, shot in the chest while trying to save his father, was first taken to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital and then to Dhaka for better treatment.

Police said four other BNP activists also sustained gunshot wounds during the daylong clash at the island’s Taltoli Bazar, allegedly sparked by the hacking of a Jubo League activist the previous night. l

FIRES AT ASHULIA

Two warehouses gutted, 20 injured n Kailash Sarkar

Officials of Department of Narcotics Control yesterday arrest a man from the capital’s Rampura with a weapon and bottle of phensedyl along with other drugs

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

10-TRUCK ARMS HAUL CASES

Prosecution refutes defence claim of ‘political motivation’ n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong The prosecution in the sensational 10-truck arms haul cases has refuted a defence claim that the lawsuits were being moved with political motivation.

The Public Prosecutor (PP) of the cases, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, was speaking before the Chittagong Metropolitan Special Tribunal 1 as the prosecution started placing its arguments yesterday.

He said the allegation usually brought by the defence lawyers that the charges in the cases were politically motivated were “false and baseless.”

The prosecution’s placing of argument started at 12:55pm and continued till 4:55pm, when the court adjourned its proceedings.

Quoting the statement of the plaintiff, the PP stated that the first Inves-

tigation Officer of the case, Ahadur Rahman - who was also the officer-incharge (OC) of Karnaphuli police station - was asked by then Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) not to file any case in connection with the sensational incident.

Even in the earlier charge sheets submitted by previous investigation officers, charges were brought against some ordinary people like owners and staffs of two fishing trawlers, truck drivers and some labourers.

In 2008, a Chittagong court ordered to run a further investigation into the cases, said the PP while adding that during this further investigation, involvement of the influential persons were discovered.

Referring to the confessional statement of the prime accused Hafizur Rahman, a local smuggler, the PP said

Hafizur had mentioned direct involvement of Hawa Bhaban, the BNP chairperson’s former political office as well as different officials of intelligence agencies like DGFI and NSI and Indian separatist organisation ULFA leader Paresh Barua.

The arms and the ammunition, manufactured in China, were brought in to be smuggled through the country to India, to aid ULFA, said the prosecution lawyer, who added that no ordinary people would dare to carry out smuggling on such a massive scale.

Earlier, Kafil Uddin, the counsel for former Industry Minister Matiur Rahman Nizami, submitted a petition to recall the defence witnesses in support of Nizami, however the court rejected the prayer.

Later, Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, counsel for the former state minister

Lufuzzaman Babar, sought bail from the court while the prosecution also sought more time from the court for the bail hearing.

During the hearing, 11 accused of the cases including former state minister Lufuzzaman Babar and former Industry Minister Matiur Rahman Nizami were produced before the court.

In the early hours of April 2, 2004, around 1,500 wooden crates containing submachine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, sub-machine carbines, Chinese pistols, rocket shells and launchers, hand grenades and bullets were seized from two vessels at the jetty of CUFL. Two cases were filed the next day with Karnaphuli Police Station under the Special Powers Act and arms act for smuggling and seizure of arms. Trial in the cases got underway on November 29 in 2011. l

Bangladeshi housemaids ‘treated as slaves’ in Jordan n Rabiul Islam Bangladeshi women working as housemaids in Jordan are being denied regular wages and sufficient food and are being treated like slaves, a human rights group has alleged.

“We are receiving calls every day from housemaids in Jordan, who complain that they are not being given wages regularly,” Bangladesh Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association (BOMSA) Founding Director Sumaiya Islam told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Quoting a housemaid who had called her over phone on Friday from Jordan, Sumaiya said: “When she asked for her salary, she was beaten up by her employer.”

Some employers in Jordan claim that they have “bought” the house-

maids for money from recruiting agencies, Sumaiya added.

A six-member delegation led by expatriates’ welfare ministry’s Joint Secretary M Khalid Mahmud visited Jordan from November 9-19 to see the condition of workers including housemaids and garment workers.

“We have seen that housemaids are facing various problems including scarcity of water for bathing and food shortages,” a member of the delegation told the Dhaka Tribune on condition of anonymity.

The official said female workers in garment factories were doing well.

“They stay together and have no problems of food,” the official added.

Another member of the team said housemaids and recruiting agencies had complained about each other.

Recruiting agents told the delegation the housemaids did not know how to use electrical appliances while the housemaids complained of many problems including food, the official added.

According to the BMET website, around 42,000 Bangladeshi female workers, including housemaids and garments workers, have gone to Jordan and around 18,000 workers have gone this year A senior official of the team said there were no shelter homes for Bangladeshi workers.

“We have held meetings with IOM and ILO in Jordan so that a shelter

home for our workers can be set up there,” the official said.

The official said, “We have to strengthen the labour attaché in Jordan and introduce training programmes for the female workers.”

“I have no idea about the major problems of our workers but we receive some complaints,” Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) Director General Begum Shamsun Nahar told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

According to the BMET website, around 42,000 Bangladeshi female workers, including housemaids and garments workers, have gone to Jordan. Of them, around 18,000 workers have gone this year.

A female worker gets only US $150200 as monthly wage in Jordan. l

At least 20 people were injured as fires yesterday gutted two warehouses in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital.

A warehouse of Aman Spinning Mill located at Zirabo, Savar, caught fire around 4:30pm while that of Mondol Fashions garment factory, located about half a kilometre from the mill, went up in flames around 15 minutes later.

Eight units of firefighters in association with workers and local people brought the fires under control after four hours of frantic efforts, said officials of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

“Three units of firefighters put out the flame at Aman Spinning Mill around 7pm and five units of firemen doused the blaze at Mondol Fashions around 8:30pm,” said Abdus Sattar of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Sattar failed to ascertain the cause of either fire. Police and locals said more than 20 workers and firefighters sustained injuries while dousing the fire.

Selim Ahammed, a local journalist who was on the scene, told the Dhaka Tribune the firefighters faced difficulties in bringing the fire under control.

Abdul Mukit, store manager of Aman Spining Mill, said the fire gutted around 1,000 tonnes of cotton.

Sheikh Badrul Alam, officer-incharge of Ashulia police station, said the exact cause of the fire could not be known immediately. l

HC asks EC to dispose of Gana Odhikar Dal’s registration n Tribune Report The High Court yesterday issued an order asking why the Election Commission’s reluctance to register Gana Odhikar Dal should not be declared illegal.

The court also directed the EC to dispose of the review application for the party’s registration.

According to the petition, the EC did not give registration to the party, flouting the Representation of the People Order, 1972 The bench of Justice Mirza Hussain Haider and Justice Khurshid Alam Sarkar passed the order in response to a writ petition filed by the party chief, Md Hossen Molla.

The HC also asked the chief election commissioner, EC secretary and senior assistant secretary (registration section) to respond to the rule within four weeks.

According to the petition, the EC did not give registration to the party, flouting the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakib Uddin yesterday evening announced that the general elections will be held on January 5, and December 2 will be the last day for submitting nomination papers.

The elections have to be held by the cut-off date of January 24. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Education

5

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Hidden tropical haven at Palau Island n Education Desk

Mind the gaps

An innovative afterschool learning centre helps kids fly past their English and Math struggles n Rumana Habib

M

onasa Learning Centre, a newly launched afterschool programme in Gulshan, Dhaka, gives a boost in English and Math to students from pre-kindergarten to grade 6.

But it is not just another coaching centre. Rather, its founders developed their own programme, culled from the finest curriculum around the world.

For example, they paired British analytic writing principles with US-derived creative writing methods. Their system is designed to be tailored to the particular needs of each student.

Situated in an upscale Gulshan building, they put great care into creating a warm environment, and staffing the centre with internationally-trained teachers who are passionate and driven to be masters of their craft.

“It’s just what you’d want for your kids: a comfortable setting, safe and clean, with bright colors … designed with child psychology in mind,” said parent Tasleema Alam. “And everyone is really accommodating.”

Monasa’s innovative approach is laser-focused on uncovering “learning gaps,” ie foundational concepts the students somehow missed along the way.

“Our assessment test is really the key,” said director and teacher Ambreen Lakhani Miraly. “It pinpoints exactly what areas they’re struggling with. And,” she is quick to add, “what they are really strong in.”

Monasa’s innovative approach is laser-focused on uncovering “learning gaps,” ie foundational concepts the students somehow missed along the way For example, if students are mediocre at addition, they may just memorise the multiplication table without fully grasping how it works. When the time comes to learn pre-algebra, they will be completely lost and demoralised – without knowing why.

“We have a student who, when she began with us, insisted that she ‘struggled at math.’ But now, after she ‘got what she didn’t get,’ she just flies

through the problem sets. It was a complete attitude shift.”

Monasa provides a custom structured programme – along with motivation and non-judgmental support – to help students close their specific gaps and build their confidence.

“We try to find that ‘just right’ point,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the centre.

“We don’t limit their learning. We encourage them and push them further.”

Monasa’s central Sky Miles Game aims to reframe the lessons in a fun, competitive way. Every student is called a pilot, and with each level of progress, he or she advances in their flight plan to another international city, with the support of their flight-director teachers. If the student needs to review a concept, he or she just travels back to the previous city. The final destination is Dhaka.

This travel game also works as a metaphor for the self-driven, exploratory, educational values Monasa seeks to inspire in its students.

“Instead of drilling them, we teach them to think independently, learn to assess their own progress,” said Ambreen. “The real prize is that you’ve ac-

complished your goal.”

Monasa also hosts many recreational events to create a sense of community, and encourage students to associate the centre with fun as well as learning, Mary said. “That’s why we do free events, open for anyone and everyone to attend. For Halloween we had a pumpkin carving party, which the kids really enjoyed.”

Mary and Ambreen are professional educators and longtime friends. After gathering the qualifications and experience, they are excited to make their dream a reality. They have been developing plans for an educational centre like Monasa for more than five years, ever since they met while teaching English in Thailand.

Ambreen holds a masters degree in education from the University of Sydney, Australia, and Mary hold a masters in textual and visual studies from Trinity University, Ireland, where she also served as a director on the university board. Ambreen is currently a board member at the Aga Khan School.

Monasa Learing Centre is located at Rd 32, Hs 6/B, Gulshan 2. l

Letting children be children a day at a time n Ahsan Sajid

J

aago Foundation celebrated the Universal Children’s Day (UCD) in Bangladesh this year for the fifth time since they started in November, 2009. Guided by their slogan, “breaking the cycle of poverty through education and rebuilding the nation,” the UCD celebrations are an effort to promote and secure children’s rights and equal access to education through festivities that allow children to be children, despite their place in society.

Over the previous four years, Jaago has arranged a number of fun activities and trips to amusement parks for less fortunate children on the occasion of UCD, while tasking its volunteers to take up the mantle of these street kids for the day by raising funds through sale of flowers, balloons etc.

This year, Jaago has reached beyond social campaigning to engage the country’s youth in innovative and sustainable social business plans which would benefit the children. They organised a brainstorming session called Innovation Lab, the purpose of which was to devise business plans for child development.

Celebrations for UCD were held

on November 22 this year in 14 districts. The Dhaka festival kicked off in Banani Society Field where all the street children had gathered for a day of fun.

There were rides such as the nagordola (a small Ferris Wheel), magic and puppet show and popular mascots around the field entertaining the children with their antics.

The children had short breaks for breakfast, lunch and snacks provided

by Jaago before returning to their shenanigans.

Besides the fun, there were also medical checkup points where doctors provided the children health checkups along with essential vitamins. Jaago estimates a total of 2,000 children and volunteers participated in the Universal Children’s Day celebrations in Bangladesh this year.

Visiting guests at the carnival reiterated the importance of equal access to education for all. Managing Director of Transcom Foods Limited and a Freedom Fighter Akku Chowdhury said: “The darkness that befalls during

political crisis can be overcome by any nation whose citizens are educated and equipped to face the challenges of development.”

Rights-activist, writer and development practitioner Wasfia Nazreen of Bangladesh on Seven Summits said: “I would like to hope we can assure the access to education for every child in Bangladesh. Let’s take a pledge today, to spread happiness to not just our own child but also to the underprivileged children of Bangladesh, who are the real future of our nation.” l

Palau is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is geographically part of the larger island group GEO of Micronesia. The capSKETCHING ital Ngerulmud is located in Melekeok State on the nearby island of Babeldaob. The population of Palau is around 21,000.

The islands share maritime boundaries with Indonesia, Philippines and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The country was originally settled around 3,000 years ago by migrants from the Philippines. The islands were first visited by Europeans in the 18th century, and were made part of the Spanish East Indies in 1885. Following Spain’s defeat in the Spanish–American War in 1898, the islands were sold to Imperial Germany in 1899 under the terms of the German–Spanish Treaty, where they were administered as part of German New Guinea.

The Imperial Japanese Navy conquered Palau during World War I, and the islands were later made a part of the Japanese-ruled South Pacific Mandate by the League of Nations. During World War II, skirmishes including the major Battle of Peleliu were fought between American and Japanese troops as part of the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. Along with other Pa-

Q: I am a parent of two kids, one aged 13 and another 8. Being a parent, I feel the need that they should be introduced to reading ASK MS POP habits, and I especially want them to read the newspaper on a regular basis. However, they are never interested. They are currently studying in an English medium school, and I keep both English and Bengali newspapers so that they are equipped to read both. Unfortunately neither of them is interested to browse the newspaper. How can I convince them?

Ms. Pop: Your plan is indeed a good practice and helps immensely in the psychological growth of the child. They are well informed about their country and international news as well. However, for a child the newspaper hardly holds anything interesting for their age range and choice of topics. Instead of forcing them to read through the entire newspaper, you need to get them hooked on certain portions of the newspaper instead.

Start them with the supplements that

cific Islands, Palau was made a part of the United States-governed Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947.

The islands gained full sovereignty in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defence, funding, and access to social services.

Palau’s economy is based mainly on tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing, with a significant portion of Gross National Product (GNP) derived from foreign aid. The country uses the United States dollar as its currency. The culture is a mixture of Japanese, Micronesian and Melanesian elements.

The majority of citizens are of mixed Micronesian, Melanesian, and Austronesian descent, with significant groups descended from Japanese and Filipino settlers. The country’s two official languages are Palauan and English, with Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian recognised as regional languages.

After independence, Palau has established diplomatic relations with a number of nations, including many of its Pacific neighbors. Palau was admitted to the United Nations on December 15, 1994 and has since joined several other international organisations. In September 2006, Palau hosted the first Taiwan-Pacific Allies Summit. l

are meant for children or teenagers. Sit along with them to read it out. Read the interesting topics like entertainment, sports or other youth related information like technology and fashion.

Q: I am a student of music and always wanted to be a teacher of music as well. I have completed my higher studies on classical music from India.

I intend to open my own school for music learners. However, I am clueless where to start and how to get my name out there for people to come to me.

Ms. Pop: First of all, decide where you want your school to be. Rent a place or if you want to get started from home, set up an entire room for this purpose only.

Create some flyers with colours and proper wording to distribute with morning papers to every household around the city. Also, you can start by joining part time in another institute as well, or create your own place in the market.

Getting one or two students leads you to more. If you are looking for more drastic business opportunities then you might need some more legal and corporate advice from relevant people. l

Students, teachers and parents are encouraged to send in their queries or share their problems at education@dhakatribune.com

US embassy launches American Corner at NUB Khulna campus

ULAB hosts 5th inter-department debate competition titled ‘I speak, and therefore, I exist’

n Education Desk

n Education Desk

United States (US) Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena formally inaugurated the American Corner, Khulna at a function at Northern University Bangladesh (NUB) Khulna Campus in Khulna city on November 21.

US Embassy in Dhaka and Northern University Bangladesh jointly launched the American Corner – an educational wing of the Embassy – which would be run by the Government of United States of America.

NUB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M Shamsul Haque was present as the special guest, while the University’s Chairman Professor Dr Abu Yousuf Mohammad Abdullah presided over the function. Among others, Khulna city Mayor Md Moniruzzaman Moni, Lawmaker of Khulna-2 Md Nazrul Islam Manzu, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdul Jalil, Khulna District Administrator Sheikh Harunur Rashid and NUB Khulna Campus In-charge

The ULAB Debating Club organised the 5th inter-department debate competition on November 22, inaugurated by the Pro Vice Chancellor of ULAB Professor HM Jahirul Haque. The week-long debate competition upholds the theme: “I speak, and therefore, I exist.”

Each of the ten teams representing different departments is debated with competing teams in three sessions in the preliminary round. The competition also hosted a series of workshops on parliamentary debate skills where veteran debaters with exposure to international debating conducted the workshops.

Global Coordinator of International Food Security Network, Action Aid International AFM Shahidur Rahman will attend the finale as the chief guest and distribute prizes among the winners of the competition and the participants of the workshop. l

Professor Dr Anwarul Karim were present at the function.

In his speech, the US ambassador said: “The American Corner will make a bridge between American educational institutions and Bangladeshi students to help them in connection with the admission in there as well as examinations of TOEFL,

GMAT, GRE and SAT programmes.”

Hailing the US initiative for setting up an American Corner at the NUB Khulna Campus, the NUB Chairman Professor Abu Yusouf Md Abdullah said: “The University’s move to the future with the USA is a great opportunity for the Northern University Bangladesh.” l

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Wait gets longer for an organised taxicab service Contractors want the government to ease conditions before they start importing cars enue asking for reduced in import duty n Tazlina Zamila Khan for new taxicabs,” he said.

The government’s plan to bring back an organised taxicab service to Dhaka and Chittagong has remained only on paper, although according to initial plans, new taxicabs were supposed to have hit the roads by October.

Sources said a disagreement over “conditions” among the importers and the government has kept the deal from seeing daylight.

In May, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) signed separate memorandums of understating (MoU) with Trust Transport Service Ltd – sister concern of the Army Welfare Trust (AWT) – and Toma Group – a private company – for importing and introducing taxicabs in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Each of these companies was given permission to import 250 cars on condition that they would fully obey the regulations in the Taxicab Service Guidelines of 2010.

According to the guidelines, among other conditions, a taxicab operator must have a paid up capital of Tk25m, its own parking space with maintenance workshop, own radio commu-

nication network, vehicle tracking system and training facilities for drivers.

The BRTA also fixed fares at Tk80 for the first two kilometre and Tk40 for next each kilometre. The waiting charge was fixed at Tk7 per minute.

On July 29, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader at an inter-ministerial meeting said the new taxicabs were likely to run in the two cities from this October.

AWT Welfare Director Maj Kamruz-

zaman told the Dhaka Tribune: “We filed applications to the secretaries of the communication and finance ministries requesting them to consider Trust Transport Service’s paid up capital as ours and give us permission for importing cars. We made the request on the ground that Trust Transport Service is a sister concern of AWT and therefore we do not need separate funds.

We also sent an application to the chairman of the National Board of Rev-

On August 14, AWT submitted an application to the BRTA requesting lower registration fees of cabs and higher per km fare.

Kamruzzaman said: “The import has not yet started because of a delay in getting approvals from the ministries.

After getting approvals, we will import new cabs. In a meeting held three days ago, the communications minister responded positively.”

According to BRTA officials, the two companies were given permission to import 1500cc cars manufactured not more than three years ago. The registration fee for each car was fixed at Tk60,000. The yellow cabs have to be fully air-conditioned and the green cars non-air-conditioned. Every cab was also deemed to have global positioning system (GPS) in place so that they could be easily traced.

Joint Secretary of the communications ministry Jamal Uddin said: “We have received the application that the AWT has filed. Processing is going on at the moment. We hope to get new taxicabs by the end of this year.”

The other assigned company – Toma Group – has placed five of its own conditions with the communications ministry for approval before starting the business.

Toma Group’s conditions are: providing parking spaces at 10 important places in Dhaka; immunity for cabs from police requisition; permission to import cars with engines higher than 1500cc; canceling the import duty; and fixing fares at Tk100-130 for the first two kilometers, Tk60 for every next and Tk8 per minute waiting charge.

Anisur Rahman, deputy managing director of Toma Group, told the Dhaka Tribune that the company would start importing the cars as soon as they got confirmation about their conditions from the ministry.

Communications Secretary Jamal Uddin said they were also looking into the conditions that Toma Group had placed.

However, BRTA Director (Engineering) Saiful Haque said: “Toma Group’s conditions are illogical. They did not give any condition when we gave them permission to import cars.” l

Indian team calls on DU VC n Tribune Report A 10-member delegation led by Professor Sanjoy Hazarika, project coordinator of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research of Jamia Millia Islamia of New Delhi, India called on Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique at his office yesterday.

Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, professor of the Department of International Relations of Dhaka University was present on the occasion, says a press release.

During the meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interests specially possibilities of strengthening regional cooperation in education sector particularly between Bangladesh and India.

They also stressed the need for exchanging more teachers, students and researchers between the two neighbouring countries and solving remaining problems on water issues.

The Indian team is now in a visit to Bangladesh to participate a day-long international seminar on “Water futures: A dialogue for young scholars and professionals” organised by the Department of International Relations of DU. The seminar was held yesterday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the university.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Siddique thanked the guests for their visit at Dhaka University. l

Democracywatch forms a human chain in front of the National Press Club yesterday, marking the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF HOUSEMAID AT SHEWRAPARA

Forensic report to be submitted by this week n Mohammad Jamil Khan The forensic report on the mysterious death of a housemaid in the capital’s Shewrapara area will be submitted this week, said a forensic expert on the condition of anonymity.

The investigation into the death was on course to be completed soon, he added, but refused to disclose the findings.

The three-member medical team – comprised of pathologists Dr Abu Sama, Dr Kamrul Hassan and Dr Abul Khayer of Dhaka Medical College Hospital – was formed on November 20 to autopsy the corpse of the 20-year-old girl after contradictory assumptions

about the possible reasons concerning her death.

Sumi Akter Rita, who had been working as a domestic help at the East Shewrapara residence of Additional Superintendent of Police Kutub Uddin for the last four months, was found dead on the road in front of the eightstory building, around 8:30am on November 18.

Soon after the incident, police detained Sonia Akter Munni, 26, wife of the ASP who has been working in Sudan as part of a UN peacekeeping mission for about one year. It was primarily suspected that the deceased might have been pushed off the rooftop although no blood was found on the spot.

Meanwhile, Putul, Rita’s aunt, collected her body from the DMCH morgue on Sunday night and had it buried in her home village in Sunamgonj yesterday morning.

When contacted, Putul told the Dhaka Tribune that Rita had some “mental illness” and her mother left her while she was just six years old. Her father, Abul Hossain, died before she was born which left her mother mourning till she herself became a mental patient.

“She grow up in my house, but since we are poor, I had her work as housemaid in different houses. Finally she came to work at Munni’s.

“Before the incident, I talked with Rita over phone and she told me that

she was happy there and would come home in December. But she never came.”

Asked about the delay in taking her body, she said, “I was in search of her mother so that she could bid farewell to her daughter. But I failed and had to complete the burial ritual myself.”

“You ask me about filing a case, but will she come back if I do that? She went away from us forever. Plus, we are very poor and we don’t want to fall into any kind of trap.”

When contacted, Kamal Hossain, assistant commissioner of police of Pallabi division, said appropriate action would be taken after getting the autopsy report. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Shopkeeper hacked to death in Chittagong n CU Correspondent A gang of robbers hacked a shopkeeper to death in Gosher Hat area of Patiya upazila in Chittagong early yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Raham Ali, 45, son of Asraf Ali, of Boalkhali upazila in Chittagong.

Mafiz Uddin, officer-in-charge of Patiya police station, said a group of robbers equipped with sharp weapons stormed into the shop of Raham Ali and tried to steal valuables.

“They chopped the shopkeeper on his head, leaving him critically injured as he tried to resist them,” the OC said, adding that hearing the cry of Raham, locals rushed to the spot and sent him to local health complex in a critical condition.

He was later moved to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital where the on duty doctor declared him dead.

A case was filed against some unidentified persons with the police station in this connection. But no one was arrested so far. l

‘Maintain status quo on Rajuk Purbachal project’ n Tribune Desk The Supreme Court yesterday directed Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) to maintain the status quo on the development work on its Purbachal housing project under Barakau and Parabarta moujas in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur.

Passing the order, a five-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain, also asked the High Court to dispose of a writ petition filed in this connection in three months.

The order came following a petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association.

Bela lawyer Iqbal Kabir Liton said no construction or development work can be carried out in the housing project following the verdict of the Appellate Division. “The project has to be kept as it’s now.”

Bela filed the writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of the Rajuk housing project citing it has not taken any clearance certificate from the Department of Environment.

Following the petition, the HC on August 1 issued a stay order on the development work on the project and a rule upon the authorities concerned to explain as to why the development work on the Purbachal project should not be declared illegal.

On August 20, the Chamber Judge of the Supreme Court stayed the HC order.

Later, Bela moved the Appellate Division seeking vacation of the Chamber Judge order. l

Founding anniversary of KU celebrated n BSS Khulna University students, teachers and staff celebrated the university’s 23rd founding anniversary in a befitting manner yesterday.

A colourful procession, led by KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Fayequzzaman, was brought out that paraded different city streets of the city.

KU Treasurer Khan Atiar Rahman, deans, registrar, disciplines head, director of students’ affair, departmental heads, teachers, staff and huge number of students participated in the procession.

Afterwards, a daylong blood donation programme was held on the university Shahhed Minar premises and a “doa mahfil” was held after Zohor prayer at the KU mosque, where special munajat was offered for the wellbeing of the university.

A cultural programme was also held on the campus in the afternoon and all the buildings of the university were illuminated.

Besides, improved diet was served among students at all the dormitories to mark the day.

The university was launched with 80 students in four departments in 1990-91 academic year. l

Barisal DSA secretary arrested for firing gunshots in club n Our Correspondent, Barisal Police yesterday arrested the Barisal District Sports Association secretary for allegedly opening fire and attempting to murder staff at the Barisal Club.

Shafikul Alam Gulzar, 55, also a member of the district AL committee and a former ward councillor, went to the club on Sunday night, where he allegedly assaulted staff.

Shakhawat Hossain, Kotwali police station in charge, said Gulzar – who owns two hotels in the city - fired four shots from his revolver and shotgun when other staffs and officials at the club tried to resist him.

“The gunfire created panic among the staffs, official, members and guests at the club who informed the police,” said Zakaria Manna, office secretary at the club.

Police arrested Gulzar from his hotel Athena yesterday early in the morning.

Contrary to his claims, Gulzar failed to produce documents and proper stocks of bullet and cartridges for his fire arms.

In effect, a written allegation filed by the Barisal Club office secretary was transformed into an attempt to murder case while Sub Inspector Abu Taher lodged another case under arms and explosive acts for the misuse of bullet and cartridges.

Gulzar was sent to jail in the afternoon after metropolitan magistrate Rafikul Islam rejected his bail prayer, police sources said.

Gulzar is a three-time former councillor of Ward 11 of Barisal City Corporation. He was the former treasurer of district BNP and after ALled 14-party alliance assumed power, he joined the AL. Advocate Mahbubul Alam Mehedi, Barisal city Jubo Dal secretary and younger brother of Gulzar, was killed in his house in a Rapid Action Battalion raid on October 25, 2005, one of the first victims of extra judicial killing by Rab in the region. l

Students of Khulna University take out a procession on the campus yesterday, marking the 23rd founding anniversary of the university DHAKA TRIBUNE

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

7

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

School enjoying all facilities without activities for 13 years n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat Six teachers and three staff of Ananda Bazar Junior Girls’ School at Kalmati village of Lalmonirhat sadar had been enjoying government salaries since 2000, though the school had not enrolled any student for almost 13 years.

District education officials said the school was established in 1995 and was enlisted in the MPO in 2000.

Locals said three brothers – Afzalur Rahman Bosuniya, Anowarul Islam Bosuniya and Aktarul Islam Bosunya – who established the school, had an altercation regarding taking charge of the school after it was enlisted in the MPO. Since then no student was enrolled and infrastructures of the school became unusable, they added.

Minhazul Islam, a local, alleged: “Managing some corrupt officials in the education office, the teachers and staff of the school have been withdrawing salaries without any activities in the school and they always claim themselves to be ruling party men.”

Admitting the incident, District Ed-

Bumper winter vegetable production likely in Netrakona n BSS, Netrakona The Department of Agriculture Extension in Netrakona has taken elaborate preparations geared to a bumper production of winter vegetables this year, with growers and officials working hard to meet their season-end target.

Sources at the DAE said a total of 4,643 hectares of land were brought under vegetable cultivation during the current Rabi season, with an output target of about 86,828 tonnes of vegetables.

Farmers are hoping to outstrip last year’s production on the back of an increase in net acreage this year. ‘Their enthusiasm has been reflected in their work and also inspired DAE’s crop specialists and filed-level officials to stand by them,’ Kazi Nurul Islam, deputy director of the DAE The vegetables include brinjal, potato, radish, ladies finger, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, bean, carrot, cucumber, lalshak, palongshak and arum.

Farmers are hoping to outstrip last year’s production on the back of an increase in net acreage this year. “Their enthusiasm has been reflected in their work and also inspired DAE’s crop specialists and filed-level officials to stand by them,” Kazi Nurul Islam, deputy director of the DAE, said.

“They have already cultivated vegetables on 3,250 hectors of land and would hopefully fulfil the target within a few days.”

Meanwhile, early harvests of cauliflower, cabbage, radish, arum, arum thus, bean, tomato and potato have already started and farmers were reported to be turning nice profits from selling those, sources said. l

ucation Officer Moslem Uddin Sarker said: “The teachers and staff of the school enjoy government salaries illegally. This is a school only in documents, but it has no activities.

“I have sent several letters, the last one on August 19 this year, to the director general of the education board in this regard. However, I did not receive any response yet.”

Aktarul Islam Bosuniya, who is the headmaster of the school, said: “There are no student at present as the condition of the school’s infrastructure is very poor.”

The teachers and staff of the school would conduct drives to enroll students at the beginning of 2014.

Meanwhile, other teachers and staff of the school alleged that they did not want to enjoy salaries without working, but they cannot do anything as they have to abide by the instructions of the owners.

Local people urged authorities concerned to take necessary steps to run the school properly by developing its infrastructures after removing all the present teachers and staff immediately. l

A container carrying train derailed in Gangasagar area in Brahmanbaria yesterday, disrupting rail communication on Dhaka-Chittagong-Sylhet routes

Field Diseases Investigation Laboratory beset with multifarious problems n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Field Diseases Investigation Laboratory is beset with multifarious problems, including manpower shortage, hampering its activities.

According to sources, the government set up the laboratory on the campus of Livestock Training Institute in Board Bazaar area in 1984 for the poultry and dairy farmers of four northern districts – Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur and Gaibandha.

The objectives of the laboratory are to conduct preliminary diagnosis of bird flue sample and cow dung and blood of the domestic animals collected from poultry and dairy farmers and also to give them suggestions according to diagnosis to protect the birds and animals.

The Field Diseases Investigation Laboratory (FDIL) is supposed to have at least seven staff, including a senior scientific officer, a scientific officer, and five technicians, but now it is running only with a senior scientific officer and a technician.

As there is no residential facilities for employees, the staffs are interested to stay there for long, said an employee seeking anonymity.

Local goons enter laboratory compound randomly to take drugs there as there is no boundary wall, causing anxiety among employees of the FDIL. For lack of required number of manpower, the test centre cannot conduct diagnosis related works properly through the modern equipment, depriving farmers of the districts of deserved services from the office.

Late variety of Nazirshail cultivation gaining currency n BSS, Gaibandha The cultivation of late variety Nazirshail rice is gradually becoming popular among the farmers of Teesta river basins in Sundarganj upazila of the district in recent years.

Every year the cultivation of the variety is on the rise as it fetches the cultivators desired output.

Over 1,000 hectares of land in Tarapur, Belka, Horipur, Chandipur, Sreepur and Kapasia unions of the upazila have been brought under the farming this year.

The rice growers hope for bumper production as the paddy plants have grown well on the fertile land along the river basin.

Shahidur Rahman, a farmer of Horipur union, said like the previous years

he cultivated the variety of rice on five bighas of char land this year and its harvest will start next month. He expects a good harvest and fair price of the crop during the current season.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Satyen Sen said availability of necessary agri inputs; favorable climate, fertile land and nominal cost are the reasons for bumper production.

The farming of the variety was gaining currency day by day, he said, adding that the farmers got optimum price by cultivating this variety of rice.

Deputy Director of DAE Mir Abdur Razzak said another late variety Ganzia paddy had also become popular among farmers living along the Brahmaputra river basin under Sadar, Phulchhari and Sagahta upazilas in the district recent years. l

The overall activities of the FDIL had come to about halt for want of the officers and the staff and lack of residential facilities, including vehicle support, said Tazu Miah, a dweller of Boardbazar area of the town.

Protap Ghosh, a poultry farmer of Dariapur area under Sadar upazila, said farmers were not getting proper services from the FDIL for manpower shortage and negligence of on duty officers.

Though a senior officer has been appointed here in a bid to conduct diagnosis of the samples of bird flu, cow dung and blood of cows and goats, he does not attend office regularly, he alleged.

Almost all the working days, he stays with his family in Dhaka, resulting inconvenience to farmers.

Asked about the irregular atten-

NEWS IN BRIEF Jhenaidah BNP leader arrested A top-level leader of the Jhenaidah municipality BNP unit was arrested for alleged involvement in crude bomb attacks in the district during a hartal. Jhenaidah municipality unit BNP Organising Secretary Saiful Islam was arrested on Sunday night in Chuadanga bus stand area, police said. – Our Correspondent

Illegal drugs worth Tk1.4m seized in Hili frontier Bangladesh Border Guard seized one shooter gun, huge sex-stimulating tablets and an Indian motorcycle worth about Tk1.4m in Hili frontier under Hakimpur upazila in Dinajpur on Sunday. Acting on tip off, BGB members from Hili border outpost chased two groups of smugglers after they entered into Bangladesh territory when they ran away leaving their contrabands in Hili and nearby Kalibari frontier areas. – UNB

Two held with yaba tablets in Madaripur Detective Branch of police in a drive arrested two drug peddlers from Shakuni area in the town on Sunday evening.

Police also seized 78 pieces of yaba tablet from their possessions. The arrestees are Panna Hawlader and Babul Kazi of the town. Being information, a team of DB police raided the area and arrested them with the drug, said sub-inspector of DB police Al-Mamun. – BSS

One year’s jail for possessing hemp

A human chain is formed in Dinajpur town yesterday, marking the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women FOCUS BANGLA

dance at the laboratory, Senior Scientific Officer Dr M Saidur Rahman denied it and said he along with a staff had been working there for the last few months with miscellaneous problems.

District Livestock Officer Abul Kashem said as the FDIL had been established here aimed at testing the bird flu sample, and cow dung and blood of domestic animals to save them from the diseases and to increase the birds and livestock’s rearing in larger scale in northern region, it should be wise to keep it always ready for functioning.

However, the people of the districts urged the government to look into the matter seriously and take necessary steps to solve the problems of the FDIL constructed at the high cost as early as possible for the greater interest of the poultry and the dairy farmers. l

A mobile court on Sunday sentenced a man to one year’s imprisonment for keeping hemp in his house. The convict was identified as Khokon Bonik, 48. The mobile court sources said acting on secret information, a joint team of police and the Narcotics Control Department conducted a raid at the house of Bonik at Malpara in the district town at noon and arrested him along with three kilograms of hemp.

Executive Magistrate Bijon Kumar Singh handed down the verdict after Bonik was

produced before the court. Later, the seized hemp was destroyed by officials of the Narcotics Control Department and police in presence of the magistrate. UNB

Nine shops gutted in Pirojpur At least nine shops were gutted by a fire that broke out at Haque Market in Bhandaria upazila in the early hours of yesterday. Nurul Alam Dulal, station officer of Bhandaria fire station, said the fire had originated from an electric shot circuit at a fabric shop in the market around 4am and soon engulfed eight other adjacent shops.

On information, two firefighting units--one from Bhandaria and the other from Kathalia fire station--rushed to the spot and doused the blaze after two hours of frantic efforts with the help of local people. Fire service officials said the loss in the fire was estimated at Tk5m. – UNB

Eight hurt as cargo vessel hits 3 fishing boats in Bhola At least eight young fishermen were injured as a sand-laden cargo vessel crashed into three fishing trawlers in Tetulia River in Charfashion upazila on Sunday night. Local sources said the Shashibhuson-bound cargo vessel ‘MV Shah Amanat’ loaded with sand from Chittagong hit the three trawlers with at least 15 young fishermen on board while they were catching fish in the river on the north side of Charmotahar at about 9:30pm. All the three trawlers moved with heavy jerks causing all the young fishermen fall off into the river. – UNB

Train kills physician in Narayanganj A physician was killed under the wheels of a train in Narayanganj central rail station area yesterday morning. The deceased was identified as Sarfuddin Ahmed, 70, son of late Hossain Uddin from Jamtola area of the city.

Confirming the matter, Sub-Inspector Kuddus Mia of Narayanganj central rail station police outpost said he had been knocked down by an engine as he came upon the trail tracks at the station area while talking over the mobile phone and died on the spot. – Tribune Desk

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Train link on DhakaChittagong-Sylhet routes disrupted

n Tribune Desk

Train services from Dhaka to Chittagong and Chittagong to Sylhet remained suspended for more than last six hours from this morning as a container carrying train derailed in Gangasagar area in Akhaura upazila of the district.

Railway sources said four compartments of the Chittagong-bound train from Akhaura derailed in the area around 8:15am, reports BSS. “We hope that railway service from Dhaka-Chittagong and Chittagong-Sylhet is likely to resume by 4pm”, said Assistant Director (operation) Saidur Rahman.

A salvage train is heading to the spot from Akhaura rail station. Some 7-8 hours might be taken to resume the train services, he added. l

Two killed in road accidents n Tribune Desk Two people were killed in separate road accidents that took place in Goplaganj and Jessore yesterday.

A candidate of the ongoing Primary School Certificate examinations, who was injured in a road accident on Sunday, died at Khulna Medical College Hospital yesterday morning.

Police said Apu Shikdar, 10, student of class V of Shaheed Mahbub Smriti Government Primary School and son of Kawsar Shikdar of Gobra village in Sadar upazila, was hit by a battery-run easy-bike at his village while returning home after his examination on Sunday around 2pm, leaving him severely injured.

He was first taken to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital and then rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital as his condition deteriorated.

Later, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital at about 7:30am the next day.

In Jessore, a motorcycle rider was killed and another seriously injured in a road accident near Churamonkhathi-Satmail area.

Police said a truck hit motorcycle of Imran Hossain Oli, 30, son of Abdul Kuddus of Puraton Kashba-Kazi para area of the district town, from opposite direction, leaving two riders seriously injured, reports UNB. l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

EU to move on easing sanctions after Iran deal n

German anger over spying taken seriously, US lawmaker

n

Iran deal blunts possibility of Israel strike n AFP, Jerusalem

AFP, Paris

France said Monday some EU sanctions on Iran could be lifted in December as a landmark nuclear deal reached over the weekend moves forward despite Israeli concern and fury.

Both Iran and the major world powers have welcomed Sunday’s deal in Geneva under which Tehran agreed to curb a nuclear programme the West suspects aims to develop an atomic bomb, in return for an easing of sanctions.

But Iran’s arch-foe Israel – an ally of many of the six countries who negotiated the accord, including France and the United States – blasted the accord as a “historic mistake” and reserved the right to defend itself against any threats made by Tehran.

Speaking on Europe 1 radio, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said EU foreign ministers would gather together in “a few weeks” to discuss lifting some sanctions as part of the deal – a move he said could take place “in December.”

He also sought to reassure Israel about the agreement with Iran, whose supreme leader last week described the Jewish state as a “rabid dog” that was “doomed to collapse.”

Fabius said: “You have to understand the context. Iranian authorities sometimes say things that are provocations, including last week.

“We will work so that the security of

AFP, Berlin

The United States is taking a German outcry over revelations of American spying on Europeans seriously, a US lawmaker has said, ahead of his visit to Berlin Monday to soothe frazzled ties.

Congressman Gregory Meeks told Handelsblatt business daily that US-German relations were “of enormous importance” and must be stronger and closer still. “We want the Germans to know that we don’t take their anger lightly,” Meeks said in comments reported in German and made before his trip together with SeNator Chris Murphy, who chairs the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs.

They were scheduled to meet the German foreign and interior ministers Monday before heading to Brussels Tuesday.

Germans have reacted angrily to revelations that emails, phone calls, web searches and other data may have been hoovered up by US intelligence agents, as part of widespread espionage that has also strained Washington’s ties with other partners.

It apparently included the tapping of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone by the US National Security Agency, whose former contractor Edward Snowden has been the source of the leaks.

After meeting the US delegation Monday, Thomas Oppermann, the Social Democrats’ parliamentary group leader and chairman of the secret service oversight committee, said the US espionage affair was “not over.” l

Lifting sanctions will let Iranian citizens enjoy some of the benefits of globalisation all the countries in the region, including Israel, be better assured.”

Asked about the risk of Israeli strikes on Iran, Fabius responded he thought such as move was unlikely “because no one would understand it” at this point in time.

Tehran has a long history of belligerent statements towards the Jewish state, and Israel – widely assumed to be the Middle East’s sole if undeclared nuclear power – has repeatedly warned that a nuclear Iran would pose an existential threat, refusing to rule out strikes on Iran’s atomic infrastructure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne-

Egypt’s state news agency says attackers riding on a motorcycle hurled a hand grenade at a police checkpoint near a famous Cairo palace, lightly wounding one of the guards. The MENA report says the attack happened early on Monday near el-Quba palace in eastern Cairo. It says unknown assailants threw a hand grenade at the checkpoint and fled. Cairo Radio, however, says the explosion lightly wounded two guards.

The discrepancy in the reported number of wounded could not immediately be reconciled. MENA says security officials and investigators are at the scene, searching the area.

UNHCR tries to help Saudi woman who eloped to Yemen

The UN has called for a Saudi woman to be given asylum in Yemen to avoid being deported back to Saudi Arabia, after she eloped with a Yemeni man, a UN official said on Sunday In October, Huda al-Niran, 22, crossed into Yemen after her family refused to allow her to marry Arafat Radfan, a Yemeni she had met while he was working at a mobile telephone shop in Saudi Arabia. Yemeni authorities detained the woman for entering the country illegally pending her trial, which is expected to result in her being deported back to Saudi Arabia.

AJ

tanyahu has warned the deal will convince Tehran it has a free hand to achieve a breakout nuclear capability and tip the balance of power in the Middle East. But the so-called P5+1 world powers that negotiated the accord with Iran – the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany – say it is a key first step that wards off the threat of military escalation in the volatile Middle East.

Under the deal, which lasts for six months only while a more long-lasting solution is negotiated, Tehran will limit uranium enrichment to low levels that can only be used for civilian energy purposes. l

A nuclear deal between Iran and world powers has blunted Israel’s military threats against Tehran but the Jewish state can still exert pressure on its arch-foe through diplomatic and intelligence means, analysts say.

Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme for the next six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief following marathon talks with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany in Geneva that ended Sunday.

Western countries accuse Iran of seeking to build a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran has long denied.

Israel’s shrill response to the deal saw Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasise the Jewish state was “not bound” by the agreement and would strike Iran if necessary to stop it reaching atomic weapons capability.

But experts say the Geneva deal has taken the military option firmly off the table, at least for the six-month negotiating period.

“As long as the international community is moving into this six-month period where there’s supposed to be a negotiated comprehensive deal, it’s hard to believe Israel would take action,” said Dr Emily Landau of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies.

Yoel Guzansky, former Iran analyst at the Israeli prime minister’s office

and a research fellow at INSS, agreed.

“Israel’s options are now few and limited,” Guzansky said.

“Netanyahu has said a nuclear agreement is not binding for Israel, which reserves the right to defend itself by itself.

“But the real chances of (a military strike) happening after an agreement which effectively sides the entire international community with Iran, are significantly less than they were yesterday,” he said.

“The fact an agreement was signed between Iran and the P5+1 countries will make it hard for Israel to act on its own.”

Israel has other options However, this does not leave Israel with no options whatsoever, since the interim deal paves the way for further negotiations whose success remains to be seen.

“In terms of (US President Barack) Obama’s project of putting time on the clock and not allowing the Iranians to move forward with their nuclear programme during the months of negotiations, the deal is more or less something that can be lived with (for the Israelis),” Landau said.

Under the deal, Tehran will limit uranium enrichment – the area that raises most suspicions over Iran’s nuclear programme – to low levels that can only be used for civilian energy purposes.

In return, it will get $7bn (5.2 billion euros) in sanctions relief. l

Monty Python reunion show sells out in 43.5 seconds! n AFP, London Monty Python added another four dates to their “one-off ” reunion show on Monday after thousands of tickets to their first London live performance sold out in just 43.5 seconds.

John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin announced their long-awaited return to the stage last week, sparking huge excitement among fans of the comedians who have not performed together since 1980.

They said they only planned to do one show at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena on July 1, and Idle said the intention was “to see if we can fill it.”

But the promoters were clearly prepared for the huge demand that saw tickets with a face value of under £100 offered on re-sale websites for £1,600 ($2,600, 1,900 euros) within 15 minutes of the sale opening.

“The first show sold out in 43.5 seconds.

Four further shows immediately went on

sale: 2-5 July,” a spokesman for Monty Python told AFP. The Pythons will perform the most famous sketches from their television programme and films – although advancing age has imposed some limits on what they will be able to do.

Cleese, 74, admitted that a repeat of his Ministry of Silly Walks sketch will be “impossible” as he now has an artificial hip and artificial knee.

“I think you can expect a little comedy, a lot of pathos, some music and a tiny bit of ancient sex,” added Idle, 70.

The troupe became famous with their irreverent and surreal television show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” from 1969 to 1974, which was sold to almost 100 countries.

One of their hit sketches was Dead Parrot, where Cleese tries to return a Norwegian Blue to a pet shop because it is dead.

The owner, Palin, responds: “He’s not dead, he’s resting!”

They also made several films including 1975’s “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a parody of the legend of King Arthur, and

“Monty Python’s Life of Brian” in 1979, the tale of a young man mistaken for Jesus which riled religious groups.l

n AP, Riyadh A Saudi court has sentenced a man to death and 19 others to prison terms of up to 25 years in connection with the 2004 armed assault on the US Consulate in Jeddah that killed five employees in an attack blamed on al-Qaeda. The official Saudi Press Agency says another 35 suspects linked to the consulate storming

French riders protest over tax, saying horses will suffer Thousands of horse-lovers paraded their animals through central Paris on Sunday in a protest against a planned sales tax rise they say will put riding centres out of business and send horses to the slaughterhouse. The protest by riders from across France came a day after unions in the western region of Brittany organized a march for jobs and social protection attended by thousands, one of many in the region in recent weeks.

UK ‘slave’ woman ‘bombarded neighbour with love letters’

The youngest of the three women held as ‘slaves’ for 30 years in London bombarded a male neighbour with love letters and described herself as “like a fly trapped in a web,” reports said on Monday. The 30-yearold woman, named by The Sun newspaper as Rosie, begged for help in the letters but warned the recipient not to confront her “mad and evil” captors. An Indian man, who police said on Monday was 73 and not 67 as previously thought, and a 67-year-old Tanzanian woman have been arrested and bailed over the case. Police have said that the two older women – a 57-year-old Irish woman and a Malaysian aged 69 – met the male suspect in the 1970s through a “shared political ideology” and that at one point they had lived together in what officers described as a “collective.”

will face court hearings this week.

The report late Sunday gave no further details on the alleged attacker sentenced to death or when the execution could be carried out. The attack on the heavily guarded compound came amid a series of attacks by al-Qaeda-linked militants in response to crackdowns across Saudi Arabia. Gunmen killed five locally hired consulate workers. l

The United Nations said Monday that Syria’s government and opposition will hold their first-ever peace talks in Geneva on Jan 22, in an attempt to halt the nearly three-year-old civil war that has killed over 100,000 people.

Previous attempts to bring the two sides together have failed mainly because of disputes over who should represent the Syrian opposition and

The surviving members of Monty Python from left, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, and John Cleese pick up their co-star Carol Cleveland AP

n AP, Bangkok Protesters in Thailand’s capital swarmed the finance ministry compound Monday, overrunning several buildings and cutting electricity in an escalating campaign to topple prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government.

The intrusion was the boldest act yet in opposition-led protests that

started last month. It highlights the movement’s new strategy of paralysing the government by forcing civil servants to stop working.

Protesters say they want Yingluck to step down amid claims that her government is controlled by her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006. l

government, and whether Iran, Saudi Arabia and other regional powers should be at the table.

In a statement Monday, the United Nations said that the “Geneva conference is the vehicle for a peaceful transition that fulfils the legitimate aspirations of all the Syrian people for freedom and dignity, and which guarantees safety and protection to all communities in Syria.”

The statement said that one of the

key goals would be the “the establishment, based on mutual consent, of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over military and security entities.

“The Secretary-General expects that the Syrian representatives will come to Geneva with a clear understanding that this is the objective, and with a serious intention to end a war that has already left well over 100,000 dead, driven almost nine million from their homes.” l

WTO talks fail to agree on trade deal text n Reuters, Geneva Marathon talks on the World Trade Organisation’s first-ever worldwide trade reform in Geneva failed early on Monday to agree on a text to put to ministers who meet in Bali next month.

The fate of the agreement to streamline customs procedures and speed up global trade could now hang on whether the ministers can overcome remaining differences when they gather early next month at the WTO’s biennial conference in Bali.

The International Chamber of Commerce says the deal would add $960bn to the world economy and create 21

n Reuters, Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he would soon send a team led by his national security adviser to Washington for talks with the United States on a final nuclear deal with Iran.

“I spoke last night with President Obama. We agreed that in the coming days an Israeli team led by the national security adviser, Yossi Cohen, will go out to discuss with the United States the permanent accord with Iran,” he said in public remarks to members of his Likud party.

“This accord must bring about one outcome: the dismantling of Iran’s military nuclear capability,” said Netanyahu, who has described Sunday’s interim deal between world powers and Iran as a historic mistake. l

Greece: 3 more Golden Dawn lawmakers in court n AP, Athens Cheered by 150 supporters, a further three lawmakers from Greece’s Nazi-inspired Golden Dawn party have appeared in court charged with participating in a criminal organisation.

All three were granted deferral of Monday’s hearing until Dec 7, to prepare their defence. They deny wrongdoing, arguing that the charges are politically motivated due to the extreme right-wing party’s rising popularity.

In total, nine of Golden Dawn’s 18 lawmakers face similar charges, including leader Nikos Michaloliakos and two lawmakers who have been remanded in prison pending trial. The charges followed the August murder of an anti-fascist musician, with which a party supporter has been charged.

Golden Dawn rose from the fringes to win 7% in 2012’s elections. It is currently Greece’s third most popular, polling about 10%. l

n AFP, Tokyo

UN: Syria peace talks to take place Jan 22 n AP, Geneva

Netanyahu sending top security adviser to US for talks on Iran

US hints at more sanctions on N Korea after Iranian deal

Saudi orders execution over Thai protesters enter US consulate attack finance ministry compound

WORLD WATCH Attackers hurl hand grenade, wound guard in Cairo

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

million jobs, 18 million of them in developing countries. It would also revive confidence in the WTO as a forum for trade negotiations.

The proposed accord includes elements of the Doha round of trade talks, which began in 2001 but repeatedly failed to produce an agreement over the subsequent decade.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo has forced diplomats from the 159 member countries through a punishing 10 weeks of talks to try to agree a text for the ministers to rubber-stamp.

Azevedo said on Friday he hoped to clinch a deal over the weekend. But the final Geneva negotiating session fin-

ished at 7am without agreement.

Taco Stoppels, a counsellor at the Dutch mission to the WTO, tweeted that Azevedo “closed meeting by simply thanking everyone. Text is not ready.”

People involved in the talks said negotiators had come very close to a deal, although progress at times had been glacial. “We spent nine hours on one paragraph this morning. Once again, a near-death experience,” one participant said late on Sunday.

Unresolved issues include an Indian crop stockpiling plan that is exempt from WTO subsidy rules and a challenge to the US economic embargo on Cuba. l

Washington’s point man on North Korea on Monday hinted at more sanctions against Pyongyang over its atomic weapons programme in the wake of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers.

Glyn Davies, the US special representative for North Korea policy, said he hoped quickening diplomacy examining when to resume stalled six-party talks would bear fruit.

The talks are designed to push the reclusive state to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but have been in limbo since December 2008. “Pyongyang’s attempts to engage in dialogue while keeping its programme running are completely unacceptable,” Davies told reporters after a meeting with his counterparts in Tokyo. “If we do not see signs of the North Koreans’ sincerity, if they do not act to demonstrate that they understand they must fulfil their obligations and give up their nuclear weapons, then there is more pressure that will be brought to bear on them,” he said.

North Korea is currently pushing for a resumption of the six-party talks, but the United States says it must first demonstrate a commitment to denuclearisation. US President Barack Obama’s administration has repeatedly voiced frustration over its dealings with North Korea, but critics have said the issue has faded from US priorities.

Analysts have also expressed doubts over the effectiveness of the six-party framework, which critics say allows Pyongyang to make promises it feels free to renege on later. During Davies’ week-long tour of Northeast Asia, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme for the next six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief, in a preliminary accord led by the United States. l

9 killed, 49 wounded in Benghazi clashes: minister

n AFP, Tripoli

Clashes between jihadist group Ansar al-Sharia and Libyan special forces in the eastern city of Benghazi on Monday killed nine people and wounded 49 others, the interior minister said, updating an earlier toll.

Seddik Abdelkarim announced the latest toll from the capital Tripoli, reading from a government statement.

Medics in Benghazi’s Al-Jala hospital had earlier reported five soldiers killed and 29 people wounded, including 10 civilians, in Monday’s fighting.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

9

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Nepal’s oldest party leads first election results n AP, Kathmandu Nepal’s oldest political party won the most seats in the first set of results from last week’s election ahead of two prominent communist parties, the country’s election commission said Monday.

The results showed that the Nepali Congress Party had won 105 of the 240 directly elected seats. The Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) trailed with 91 seats and the United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) has 26 seats. Counting for the 240 directly elected seats was completed on Monday.

The Election Commission said counting of the second sets of ballots — where voters pick a political party — had also

started. Those 335 seats will be divided among the 122 competing political parties according to the proportion of the total vote each gets. The election for Nepal’s Constituent Assembly was held Nov 19 and final results are expected by the end of the week.

The Maoists, a party made up of former communist rebels, has withdrawn from the ballot counting after initial results showed them losing most of the seats. That was a big drop from the last elections in 2008, when they won the largest number of seats. They demanded an independent probe because of alleged widespread irregularities and have threatened to boycott the Constituent Assembly. Party spokesman Agni

Sapkota said the party will decide its next move during a meeting on Monday.

Independent observers, including former US President Jimmy Carter, have said the election was free and fair of any irregularities. The Maoists fought government troops between 1996 and 2006, but then gave up their armed revolt, joined a peace process and mainstream politics. Their fighters joined the national army.

Political leaders in the last assembly elected in 2008 disagreed over who got to lead the nation and on creating a federal system divided by ethnic groups or by geography. The resulting power vacuum has left Nepal without a proper constitution. l

Tiananmen leader denied in bid to return to China n AP, Hong Kong The second most wanted student leader from the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests was turned back from Hong Kong on Monday in his latest attempt to surrender to Chinese authorities and return home.

It was the fourth such attempt by Wu’er Kaixi, who said his lack of success so far was the result of the “absurd” actions by the Chinese govern-

ment. Wu’er, who has lived in self-exile for more than two decades, is stuck in a situation where he’s both wanted for arrest and, like many other dissidents who have fled, prevented from returning to China.

Wu’er confirmed in a text message that he was being sent back home to Taiwan. He had tried to turn himself in to authorities in Hong Kong as his flight from Taipei, Taiwan, transited through the semiautonomous Chinese city on

Monday on the way to Bangkok. He wanted officials in Hong Kong to extradite him to mainland China.

Wu’er was accompanied by Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Albert Ho, who also assisted Edward Snowden as the National Security Agency contractor tried to clarify his legal situation while hiding out in Hong Kong in June.

Wu’er said in a blog post that he wants to go back to China to see his ailing parents. l

Residents walk by a mural depicting China’s ethnic minorities including Uighurs in Beijing, China. Chinese police are circulating a list of eight suspects, seven with names typical of the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic group AP

Radical Islamic group threatens more China attacks n AP, Beijing A radical Islamic group seeking independence for the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang has warned of possible new attacks in Beijing. The purported head of Turkistan Islamic Party, Abdullah Mansour, praised an Oct 28 attack at

Tiananmen Gate that killed two tourists and the three attackers. Mansour called the attack a “jihadi operation.” However, it wasn’t clear whether he was claiming the group planned the attack.

Mansour said future attacks could target the Great Hall of the People, China’s legislative seat. He spoke in an 8 minute,

Pakistani police stop Nato supply truck blockade n AP, Peshawar

Japan PM calls China air defence zone ‘dangerous’

Pakistani police prevented activists who were protesting US drone strikes from blocking trucks carrying Nato troop supplies to and from neighbouring Afghanistan on Monday.

The intervention was the latest chapter in a saga that began Saturday, when thousands of protesters led by Pakistani politician and cricket star Imran Khan blocked a road in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is used to ship goods to and from Afghanistan.

Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said they would block Nato shipments until the US ended drone attacks.

On Sunday, members of Khan’s party stopped trucks and roughed up drivers ferrying Nato supplies at a toll booth on the outskirts of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial capital. Police were present at the scene Sunday but did not stop the protesters, some of whom were carrying wooden batons.

Police officer Behram Khan said Monday that police would permit peaceful protests on the roadside, but activists would not be allowed to stop trucks as they did before. Police also opened an investigation into the activists’ actions that could lead to legal charges, he said. l

China and Japan raised the temperature in a territorial dispute Monday with each summoning the other’s ambassador over Beijing’s declaration of an air defence zone, a move which Tokyo called “profoundly dangerous.”

The diplomatic scuffle came after Washington said it would stand by Japan in any military clash over the Senkaku Islands, which Beijing claims as the Diaoyus, and as Seoul and Taipei voiced their disquiet at China’s weekend announcement.

“I am strongly concerned as it is a profoundly dangerous act that may cause unintended consequences,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament.

“Japan will ask China to restrain itself while we continue cooperating with the international community.”

Beijing said Saturday it had established an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) that requires all aircraft flying over an area of the East China Sea to obey its orders.

The zone covers the Tokyo-controlled Senkakus, where ships and aircraft from the two countries already shadow each other in a potentially dangerous confrontation. Japan Airlines (JAL) said it was submitting flight

Karzai hedges on Afghan security pact despite assembly backing

n AFP, Kabul President Hamid Karzai has hedged on signing a security pact which would allow some US troops to stay in Afghanistan, putting himself at odds both with Washington and with an Afghan assembly.

The “loya jirga” assembly of 2,500 chieftains, tribal elders and politicians on Sunday overwhelmingly endorsed the agreement to permit some US soldiers to remain after 2014, the year when most of Nato’s 75,000 combat troops pull out.

The meeting urged Karzai to sign the deal promptly. But the president did not indicate when the deal would be inked, and said it would only go ahead under certain conditions.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said the assembly’s vote was a “compelling affirmation from the Afghan people themselves of their commitment to a longterm partnership with the United States.”

“Very significantly, the loya jirga also urged that the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) should be signed before the end of the year,” he said.

Supporters say the BSA is vital for the period after 2014 because the Afghan government remains fragile despite 12 years of war against Taliban insurgents. l

n AFP, Tokyo

Family members of Nupur Talwar and Rajesh Talwar at the special CBI court in Ghaziabad PTI

Indian couple guilty of double murder n AFP, Ghaziabad An Indian court found a prosperous dentist couple guilty on Monday of slitting the throats of their teenage daughter and a servant in a murder trial that has obsessed India for five years. Rajesh and Nupur Talwar were convicted of killing Aarushi, 14, and 45-year-old Nepalese employee Hemraj Banjade supposedly using a dental scalpel at their home in an affluent New Delhi suburb in 2008.

Investigators alleged Aarushi was

killed in a fit of rage when her parents found her with the domestic servant in an “objectionable” situation, while the couple insisted they were victims of police incompetence and a media witchhunt.

“They have been found guilty of murder and destruction of evidence,” prosecutor RK Saini told a horde of reporters outside the small, rundown court in Ghaziabad, a city near Delhi.

The couple face life in prison and possibly the death penalty when they are sentenced on Tuesday. l

plans to China’s authority about its planes due to pass through the zone.

“We have received a NOTAM (notice to airmen) about the zone. We are submitting such flight plans as part of procedures in our daily routine,” a JAL public relations official said.

All Nippon Airways is following suit, the Jiji Press news agency reported.

US Secretary of State John Kerry declared Washington is “deeply concerned,” saying the move raised “risks of an incident.”

“This unilateral action constitutes an attempt to change the status quo in the East China Sea,” Kerry said.

Tokyo called in Beijing’s ambassador to demand a roll-back of the plan which it said would “interfere with freedom of flight over the high seas,” but reportedly received short shrift from Cheng Yonghua, who said Tokyo should retract its “unreasonable demand.”

Cheng’s opposite number in Beijing also got a carpeting in which he was told Japan should not make “irresponsible remarks” about the ADIZ. Under the rules aircraft are expected to provide their flight plan, clearly mark their nationality, and maintain two-way radio communication allowing them to “respond in a timely and accurate manner” to identification inquiries from Chinese authorities, the defence ministry said. l

More gases erupt from rumbling Indonesian volcano n AP, Karo Powerful bursts of hot ash and gravel erupted from a rumbling volcano in western Indonesia early Monday, sending panicked villagers streaming down the sides of the mountain.

Six new eruptions in the morning sent lava and searing gas tumbling up to 1.5 kilometres down the slopes of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra province. Volcanic material spewed as high as 2,000 metres into the air a day after authorities had raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level.

About 15,000 people have been evacuated from 17 villages in the danger zone 5 kilometres around the crater, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. The evacuation zone was expanded from 3 kilometres.

Thick, grey ash covered villages, farms and trees as far as 70 kilometres north of Mount Sinabung’s crater, hitting the towns of Binjai and Langkat.

“Everything turned hot surrounding us,” said Jatah Surbakti, a 45-year-old farmer who fled with his wife and four children to a shelter on trucks provided by the local disaster agency, along with hundreds other villagers. “We were running in panic under the rain of ash and gravel. ... I heard many women and children screaming and crying,” he said, adding that his fruit and vegetable farms were destroyed by the ash and his children’s schools were disrupted. The 2,600-metre Mount Sinabung has sporadically erupted since September. An eruption in 2010 killed two people and caught scientists off guard because the volcano had been quiet for four centuries. l

Mount Sinabung spews volcanic ash into the air as seen from Ujung, North Sumatra

AP

UN official says Malaysia should reverse ‘Allah’ ban n Reuters, Kuala Lampur Malaysia should reverse a ban on a Christian newspaper using the word “Allah” to refer to God, a UN official said on Monday about a decision that fanned religious tension in the mainly Muslim country.

Malaysia’s second highest court ruled in October that the Catholic newspaper, the Herald, could not use the word “Allah” to refer to God, in a

landmark decision on an issue that has fanned religious tension in the majority Muslim country.

“Freedom of religion or belief is a right of human beings, not a right of the state,” the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, said in statement.

“It cannot be the business of the state to shape or reshape religious traditions, nor can the state claim any

binding authority in the interpretation of religious sources or in the definition of the tenets of faith,” he said.

The chief judge in the Malaysian court said the word Allah was not an integral part of the faith in Christianity and that its use by the newspaper would cause confusion.

Since then, confusion has reigned over the interpretation of the ruling, with government ministers, lawyers

and Muslim authorities giving widely diverging views on its scope.

Critics of the ruling have said it casts a chill on religious and minority rights in Malaysia, which has substantial minorities of non-Muslim ethnic Chinese and Indians.

“The current case may affect the right of all non-Muslims in Malaysia to use the word ‘Allah’ while referring to God,” the UN official said. l

11 second video posted on the Internet on Nov 12 and picked up by the Washington-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist websites.

Some observers question whether the group is capable of organising attacks and even whether it exists in an organised manner. l

25 sailors missing, 1 dead in China ship sinkings n AP, Beijing Rescuers on Monday searched for 25 sailors missing after two cargo ships sank off China’s east coast in separate incidents, killing at least one crew member, authorities said.

A ship with 14 crew members that was registered in the eastern port city of Tianjin sank early Monday because of large waves and stormy conditions, the Shandong Maritime Safety Administration said. It had set sail from southeastern Zhejiang province and sank en route to northeastern Liaoning province.

On Sunday evening, a ship registered in Zhejiang province carrying 12 crew members suffered engine failure on the stormy seas and sank off the coast of Shandong.

An administration media officer, Ma Weishan, said that the body of one crew member from Sunday’s incident had been found.

He said rescue planes and boats had been sent to both scenes. l

Indonesia suspends cooperation with Australia on peoplesmuggling

n Reuters, Jakarta Indonesia’s police confirmed they had suspended cooperation with their Australian counterparts after a diplomatic rift between the neighbours, raising the possibility of a surge in asylum seekers heading to Australia from Indonesian shores.

The rift over reports last week that Canberra spied on top Indonesians is straining ties already soured by pressure from Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s government since it was elected in September to return asylum-seeker boats to Indonesia, which Jakarta has resisted. Asylum seekers, many from South Asia and the Middle East, often try to reach Australia via Indonesia.

“Cooperation over people-smuggling has been stopped for now, according to the president’s instructions,” National Police Chief General Sutarman told Reuters in a text message late on Sunday. “Now we are still waiting for further instructions.”

He declined to give details. The diplomatic row has pushed relations between the two countries to their lowest point since the late 1990s. Reports that Australia had tried to monitor the telephones of top Indonesian officials in 2009 were based on documents leaked by former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. The police had earlier said they had not received specific instructions after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced that Indonesia was suspending military and intelligence cooperation with Australia, including on the politically sensitive issue of asylum seekers. l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

Two good deals are on the table

B

oth the AL and BNP have now made reasonable offers to settle their differences over the framework for elections.

The AL has reportedly offered the BNP first choice over any ministry they want in an election time administration, while the BNP has said that all issues look resolvable if Sheikh Hasina steps down as PM. Neither offer appears unBoth parties have reasonable to us, as both sides an opportunity to could gain if the other acceptgain trust with each ed their offer. other and the public If neither party leader heads by making a positive the interim administration, public response to the both leaders could concenother’s offer trate on their campaigning strengths. Likewise, if the BNP takes up the offer of any ministry they want, all sides can gain confidence in the election process.

After months of deadlock, we understand that there may be much scepticism, both within and outside the political parties, about the dialogue which has been taking place between the general secretaries of the two major political parties.

However, now is not the time for cynicism. There is a deal here to be struck, which could benefit everyone and allow the Election Commission to get on with its job.

Both parties have an opportunity to gain trust with each other and the public by making a positive public response to the other’s offer.

Our lost golden heritage November 22

Tim Steel’s full page write-up, along with some wonderful photographs published by you on November 17 on “Search for the Palace,” an article on the Sultan of Bengal’s “golden province” of centuries gone by is a must-read for all, particularly history fans!

I feel that the writer, being a tourism consultant, may encourage some tourist agency to have day-long historical tours to Sonargaon from Dhaka, guided by him, elucidating the history and myth of the various locations, which can be a welcome, rewarding and knowledgeable experience for all!

With these words, and with a hopeful and positive anticipation for such interesting and informative day-long events, I once again thank the writer for an interesting presentation.

We have, unfortunately, lost that heritage and today’s Shonar Bangla has become a dream.

Disappointed Bangladeshi

Second in Rome November 19

Good coverage of Sri Lanka that has been badly missing in news outlets of the region. Much of it’s not even known to us, but we should pay more attention to it to know the changes in global dynamics. From the British Raj who ruled us to India and China now, this brilliantly summarises the rise and fall of superpowers that affect us.

Sadek This is a lesson in political history. It is true that Bangladesh answers to superpowers. Our fate is in their hands. Not in our hands. Three very important issues underlined here. One is the fall of Britain. Second is China’s influence and plans that we need to think more about. Last and most important, only the politicians are in a position to strike a deal to be in power.

Everyone else is useless in this area. So people who don’t care about the citizens are making all our decisions.

Azim

Improve international trade connections

Be Heard Write to us at: Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath Sukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Email us at: letters@dhakatribune.com Send us your Op-Ed articles: opinion@dhakatribune.com Visit our website: www.dhakatribune.com Come join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

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angladesh has made only modest progress on facilitating export and import processes in the last six years, according to the ESCAP International Supply Chain Connectivity Index.

The country’s score of 22 on the index which goes up to 100, ranks it 137th out of 179 countries between Zimbabwe and Cambodia. This is considerably lower than the gross size of the economy which is ranked by the World Bank as the 59th largest economy in the world between Hungary and Angola. This gap is one indicator of the unrealised potential of the economy.

Only two states outside East Asia and the EU score above 50 There is scope to make in the index, so the country’s far better use of the score is not unusual but it is undoubtedly worsened by country’s potential trade barriers in the SAARC by improving trade region. connectivity. The Bangladesh’s RMG sector signing of Ticfa this shows that the country has week is a step in the much to gain by competing in right direction the global market. Our shipbreaking sector has large environmental costs which need to be set against economic benefits, but in global terms, it reduces costs for ship owners, meaning that Bangladeshi workers are already an important cog in global trade.

There is scope to make far better use of the country’s potential by improving trade connectivity. The signing of TICFA this week is a step in the right direction.

A bigger boost can be provided by improving regional trade connections, particularly by improving transport and encouraging cross border enterprise on the talked about Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor. All political parties should work together to make sure that full advantage is taken of opportunities to increase trade and provide better livelihoods.

November 20

Hope Siddikur Rahman’s triumph will inspire many and make us proud. All the best. shahriar Siddikur’s current rank is 3, not 9, in Asian Order of Merit, after winning the Indian open in early November.

Mohd Rukonuzzaman

UN: RMG environment improvement must for Bangladesh November 19

Necessary compensation and injury costs for victims of garment factory disasters are a responsibility of the government and the businesses involved.

Naffy Sah

The people know what counts as a fair election November 19

The days are long past in this country when the people used to determine what was what. But now they have completely surrendered that authority to Khaleda and Hasina. People have taken their seats in the gallery and their only function is to cheer on this or that lady. nds

November 20

The picture deserves an award.

Bedoura Farhana What a shot!

Picture. Story. Truth.

DOWN 1 Hostile encounter (6) 2 Do wrong (3) 3 Shows amusement (6) 4 Sampling (7) 5 Precious stone (3) 8 Prohibit (3) 9 Decays (4) 11 Cushion (3) 14 Repeat (7) 16 Shrewd (6) 17 Reviews unsparingly (6) 19 Make fast a vessel (4) 21 Marry (3) 22 Tree (3) 24 Constellation (3) 26 Sheltered side (3)

Thanks to Dhaka Tribune. And the government should take immediate action, at least after seeing this clear destruction of the environment!

Mahbuba Sultana Does this photo reflect only how we think things are, or is this really the truth? If this is the truth, then Allah save us!

Ruhela Sharmin Choudhury Just as this river has become polluted, so has our city. If the river could have been kept clean, then our city too would have been as clean and healthy as other riverside cities you see around the world.

Mishkat Zaman We don’t need toxic dollars by exporting cow hides. Those tannery owners are selfish people who rarely care about the environment.

Yousuf Ebna Abedin

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

Nahid Dipa

Zakir bhai, good picture! Proud of you.

Avik Rahman

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

Munajj Yeman Khan

We do not understand why tanneries are not removed from the metropolis to save the Buriganga’s water from pollution. The people responsible for shifting the tanneries to its new site at Singair should be brought to task without further delay.

Haji AB Mannan Howlad

CALVIN AND HOBBES

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Infatuate (5) 6 Limb (3) 7 Traffic light (5) 10 Journeys (5) 12 Violently deranged (4) 13 Ancient tongue (5) 15 Prepare for publication (4) 16 Donkey (3) 18 Printers’ measures (3) 20 Tidings (4) 22 White heron (5) 23 Puppet (4) 25 Mature person (5) 27 Send money (5) 28 Golf mound (3) 29 Fencing swords (5)

Birthday boy Siddikur ready for World Cup

The infected vein: Toxicity of a city

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

Another missed opportunity

A cynic’s delight n Rubaiyat Kabir

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The door looks open, but is it really?

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n Mohammad Ali Sattar hen opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her allies decided to meet the president of the country in the quest for a solution to the current political gridlock, people harboured great expectations. We hoped, in our otherwise blackened hearts, that our president might just come up with something the whole nation would be pleased about.

Having exhausted almost all avenues of remonstration, Begum Zia thought it judicious to tap the president’s door as a last diplomatic means to try and resolve the impasse.

However, the outcome of the much touted meet was that of disappointment and despondency. It was hinted at in advance though, that since Abdul Hamid had been an Awami Leaguer all his life, he would not exercise any such power that might rock the ruling party’s boat.

However, there are others who had hopes that the president might take up the opposition issue with the ruling party, or take initiative to arrange talks between the two parties, or send out a note of recommendation to the cabinet, or initiate any other measure that might have been pragmatic, to try and bring about an acceptable answer to the crisis.

Instead, the president, according

to reports, suggested that the two parties sit to work out solutions by themselves. He also said he would try and do something within the constitutional ambit.

The pertinent question now is: How far is our president free to act, in harmony with the constitution? Are the constitutional provisions so tight that the head of state finds it difficult to wield his presidential power on issues that demand his immediate and urgent intervention? Can’t he hold independent views, or make neutral approaches on matters of highest national importance?

DHAKA TRIBUNE

is rigid or flexible, as long as it protects people’s lawful rights.

In this case, was the president not expected to tell the AL leadership to listen to the opposition, and sincerely dig into their demands and see if anything could be done to accommodate their grievances? The president did not do so.

So, another missed opportunity!

We always miss our trains and never reach our destinations on time. We’re weighed down with misfortunes of missed opportunities.

The opposition feels that the gates of the president’s house have been shut for them as for the large hapless

There are others who had hopes that the president might take up the opposition issue with the ruling party, or take initiative to arrange talks between the two parties, or send out a note of recommendation to the cabinet Constitutions are meant for the people. Over time, constitutions have been amended and revised to suit the needs of the people, especially, to guarantee their rights as citizens of the country. This has also been desecrated by usurpers, who capture power in dark midnights.

What if the constitution, the sacred state document, lays out provisions that goes against the concern of the citizens, or creates an obstacle to the smooth functioning of state machinery? We don’t mind if our constitution

majority. The upshot of the president’s tacit resignation from the refereeing role has been felt straightaway. Mild political quakes have been reported from all over the country.

Opposition leaders have not only hinted at broader, stronger and longer shutdowns, they have also affirmed a complete freezing of the country.

Meanwhile, there have been cries in the international arena about the prevailing conditions in Bangladesh.

Foreign actors who want a smooth transfer of power through free, fair

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

and participatory polls, are voicing their annoyance over the government and opposition roles.

There has been strong deliberation in global platforms regarding the future of democracy in Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul and Syed Ashraf had a meeting on November 23. Later, Fakhrul reportedly met his party chairperson to apprise her about the proceedings. However, BNP denied any such meeting took place.

And still shines the speaker. She suggested both parties sit for dialogue without any preconditions. I would like to remind our speaker that the stands of the ruling party and the opposition are clear.

They have their conditions plain and strong. The ruling party is all set to have polls under Sheikh Hasina as the head of the interim government, while BNP has been demanding non-party government to oversee the polls. For any dialogue to bear fruit, one side will have to give in.

The constitution has been amended to open up a new chapter of national polls, amidst resistance from the opposition. There has been agitation, violence and loss of lives.

Now we stand divided like no other nation. We lean on the threshold of a great uncertainty, and we sense we’re a forsaken lot. l Mohammad Ali Sattar is Chair, Peace Bangladesh Foundation, a political analyst, and a DT columnist.

omedian Bill Hicks was famously quoted saying: “Hitler had the right idea! He was just an underachiever!” It doesn’t take an IQ of 220 to figure out what the man was getting at, and you know what? I think I’m starting to warm up to the idea myself. Does that make me a monster?

Possibly. Am I being irrational? No. Not at all.

We as a species are well beyond the glowing white light of redemption, and all it takes is a day in the fine city of Dhaka, Bangladesh to realise that.

Let’s put away the omnipresent “political crisis” under the sink for a moment and focus on some of the everyday events that present themselves to us, from that morbidly obese middle-aged woman who lives in your building bickering over loose change with a rickshaw-puller who perhaps shouldn’t be in the profession as made apparent by his age, to that jerkstore at work yelling away at a hapless peon for having the audacity to take away his precious cup of lukewarm beverage before he could scarf it down like a pig near a trough.

It’s sickening, repulsive, and as someone who isn’t really all that fond of people or the absolute farce that is “civilised society” to begin with, I consider it absolutely glorious! If it wasn’t obvious enough already let me state this in a clearer manner, I’m a dyed-in-the-wool misanthrope and I dislike people and humanity at large.

It’s not an easy existence, but if you have a strong enough stomach it can be way more fulfilling than any all-youcan-eat buffet you’ll ever walk into.

Why single out Dhaka? Short answer: because this is where I’ve spent the majority of my adult life. I have no reason to doubt that people can be just as bad, if not more so, in other parts of the globe but until I’ve had more handson experience with the rest of the Earth’s populace, I shall dedicate my ire to the fine citizens of Bangladesh’s capital.

In addition to the ones I mentioned a paragraph ago, we also have the following examples of human decency in-progress: the perfectly well dressed white-collar gentleman bent on his knees leaking a warm stream of fluid right out on the pavement in public,

the opportunistic “Good Samaritan” pretending to disentangle a congested traffic space only to clear a path for himself before speeding away (and possibly yelling: “Suckers!” in his/her mind), erudite-looking “experts” on politics, economics and other heady subjects hurling thinlyveiled epithets at each other on live television, misogynistic pseudopolitical figureheads, pederasts, conservatives, the list is nigh endless.

The worst part is that it’s not these complete dregs of humanity that make me wish the worst upon humanity … it’s you. Yes, you! Your complacency, your ineptitude, your complete disregard for your own and your fellow man’s wellbeing! How can you stand all this?

If it wasn’t obvious enough already let me state this in a clearer manner, I’m a dyed-inthe-wool misanthrope and I dislike people and humanity at large Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely hunky dory with the status quo, the more societal bile you can shovel onto my hypothetical plate the more bitter/ better I feel, but shouldn’t you expect better?

I realise that not every little objectionable event you may see, hear or read about is under your powers of manipulation, but don’t tell me you can’t intervene when you see that one ultraconservative uncle of yours filling the head of a naïve young relative.

Unless you raise your voice or a finger (or preferably a fist) against such domestic crimes against humanity, you’re just making my job of hating everything and everyone that much easier.

Despite being a diehard cynic I do like to envision a world where humanity has finally gotten its act together and doesn’t need the likes of me around, but until that day comes I’ll be on my five-storey high balcony with my rocking chair and shotgun, soaking in the delight afforded to me by all the miserable pile of secrets and lies below while I hum along the chorus to Ty Cobb. l Rubaiyat Kabir is a freelance contributor.

What would the original Cynics think of life in 2013?

WIKIMEDIA

The myth of evolution n Ikhtisad Ahmed

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rofessor Richard Dawkins proposes evolution be the new classics, an interdisciplinary degree that can truly explain the world and its myriad facets. Natural selection has led man this far, making homo sapiens sapiens the dominant species in today’s world, capable of utilising artificial selection to extend its rule.

The pre-eminence of the human race makes it view the world as one that revolves around it, and subjects all systems existing within the planet earth to this theory.

The law of evolution decrees every individual will look to survival above all else, thereby making humans inherently selfish by nature. The corollary of this is that individuals are incapable of the altruism required for the greater good. Selfless acts that are looked to for inspiration can be interpreted as selfish acts of people who sought to make a mark. Others became disciples, willing or otherwise, and society improved as a by-product.

A consequence of this egocentrism is that marriage is a compromise.

Anthropological speaking, it is in the best interest for any human being to repel monogamy since it significantly reduces his or her chance of finding the perfect mate and producing the best genetic offspring that will fare well in the evolutionary test.

Modern societies the world over have denounced this as a heresy, insisting on monogamy. Marriage is an institution that is encouraged, by force at times, not only to conform to social convention, but to derive additional benefits available to citizens by law.

Bangladesh is a country that despises and derides relationships between opposite sexes – and they always have to be between opposite sexes – that do not fall within the definition of “marriage.”

The political parties, however, seem not to be interested in the concept of marriage. Perhaps they are trying to bring about radical changes to social perspectives by dismissing compromise.

It is an ugly word, an unsavoury one

that stands for weakness.

They are like the deluded creationists, who, in the age of the internet which makes science available at the click of a button, reject science.

Those who believe the world is 10,000 years old, or less, are the real heretics.

Their condemnation of knowledge and reality, and persistence with living in the Dark Ages, shunning truth, progress, a bright present and a brighter future, are the gravest of sins.

Pity, then, that these are the people Bangladeshi politicians seek to emulate.

It would be foolish to think that it has not always been this way.

Governments in the first two decades of the independent nation concerned themselves with establishing authoritarian rule, with the blessing of foreign powers.

Since the sham that passes for democracy returned in 1991, whichever party won took it upon itself to continue treading the path of its predecessors and establishing autocracies. Had the opposition exercised magnanimity and humility

in 1996 and 2006 rather than trying to devise nefarious means of holding on to power, maybe their hypocrisy in talking about what the people want now would hold more sway.

It opted for perversion for selfpreservation over evolution and development. Much of its anger at present is surely derived from the current government playing its tune, maybe playing it better.

To its credit, the government did not give in to the yearning for absolutism when it was last in power. It chose instead to abide by the Constitution as it was then, an assertion it is making once more.

The price for shunning hubris in 2001 was to face extinction between 2006 and 2008. The adaptation that came thereafter has put it on a par with the opposition. On the one hand, this could mean that Bangladeshi politics has evolved not one iota since 1971.

On the other, it could mean that Bangladesh is finally primed for the next step in its evolution that has threatened to come to fruition in the

past, but did not come to pass.

The trouble with evolution is that it is a constant process, slow in terms of how man measures time. Homo sapiens sapiens is not the final stage of human beings, merely its present. The changes it is undergoing, its development, are not always obvious, and may be so minute as to be disregarded for decades, centuries.

This could mean that Bangladeshi politics has evolved not one iota since 1971. On the other hand, it could mean that Bangladesh is finally primed for the next step in its evolution Then there are the dinosaurs, now extinct. Perhaps it was luck and not evolution that saw their end. “Unlucky people are stuck in routines,” says Professor Richard Wiseman. “When they see something new, they want no part of it.” l Ikhtisad Ahmed is a writer and an erstwhile lawyer. He can be contacted on Twitter via @Ikhtisad.

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Aupi Karim’s comeback in TVC n Entertainment Desk

BOSHONTO JAGORON

After a long hiatus of five years, Aupi Karim is back again is the advertisement world with a TVC of Tibet Detergent Powder, a product of Kohinoor Chemical. The shooting has been done in Kolkata and the new TVC is being telecasted in several TV channels.

After pursuing her higher studies in Germany the actress came back this year and is now working in full swing in the small screen. Aupi has awed audience with her polished style of acting.

Her perfectly measured dimpled smile and simple looks have won the heart of thousands. Aupi Karim is a dedicated artiste on TV, theatre and is also a passionate dancer. l

TODAY IN DHAKA Film

Pacific Rim in 3D Purno dhorgho prem kahini Riddick The Conjuring Titanic (3D) Level 8, Bashundhara City, Panthapath

Theatre

Troupe Prangonemor’s 10 year celebration ‘Droho Prem Nari’ Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Dance and Music Centre Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Dhaka’s production Boshonto Jagoron is being showcased at Nat Mondal in the university’s campus. The play that critisises the sexuallyoppressive culture of our country will be showcased everyday till Novemver 28 at 7pm. The production is an adaption of German dramatist Frank Wedekind’s Spring Awakening.

The story of Boshonto Jagoron portrays the insecurities, confusion and curiosities faced by adolescents during puberty and the refusal of adults to inform and prepare the younger generations with proper sex education AMIRUL RAJIV

Rag Prodhan Bangla Gaaner Ashor Raga based song presentation by Khairul Anam Shakil, Lina Tapashi Khan, Bijon Chandra Mistry, Yasmin Mushtari and more Time: 6:30pm Jatiyo Chitrashala Milonayoton Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Shegun Bagicha

New turn in Chhoby’s career n Afrose Jahan Chaity

n Afrose Jahan Chaity

Which one did you enjoy the most?

Tell us about the release of your first film.

I am very excited about my debut film and is very proud that I chose a story that reflects something real and addresses the suffering of people. The shooting of the film is complete and it is titled Jyotsna Rater Golpo.

The movie is directed by Biplob Haider and I am the protagonist of the film. It showcases the suffering of men living near riverbanks as there is frequent erosion that washes away the livelihoods of men overnight. It will be released in cinemas next year.

Currently, how many TV serials or dramas are you working on?

Right now, seven of my drama series are aired in different channels. I really enjoy my role in the drama series Progya Paromita directed by Matia Banu Shuku and Juboraj Khan. My other projects are Mainul Islam Khokon’s Jibon Sangsar, Anjan Aich’s Jol Phoringer Gaan, Mohon Khan’s Nir Khoje Gangchil, Faisal Rajib’s Purba, Fajlur Rahman’s Dosh Bochhor Pore, and Belal Ahmed’s Shubhojatra.

Gori Tere Pyar Mein’s slow opening Bollywood’s major release this week Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is going slow at the box office. The movie opened to a disappointing start, raking in just Rs2.50 crore on its opening Friday. The figures show only 25-30 percent occupancy, despite the film being a Dharma Productions release, with an A-list cast.

The second day collections of the

Music

Art Exhibition for Ahnaf ends today

Farzana Chhoby is one of the busiest actors on the small screen nowadays and it is about time, her career is taking a new turn with her first silver screen debut on the pipeline. Currently, Chhoby is busy with her ongoing shooting of several drama series and her busy schedule prompted her to get selective about the projects she gets involved with.

In an interview with Dhaka Tribune, Chhoby shares her aspirations and talks about her career:

n Entertainment Desk

Boshonto Jagoron Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm Natmondol, Dhaka University

romantic comedy stand at Rs3 crore, showing just a moderate rise.

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, which targeted the multiplex-driven audiences, released across 1560 screens (1250 in India and 310 internationally).

It is the second time Imran and Kareena have been cast together in Dharma Productions’ film once again.

‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ was expected to fetch a wonderful start at plexes and

even the massive number of screens failed to give the film much needed flying start.

However, Goliyon Ki Raasleela – Ram-Leela, now in its second week, continued to rule the roost, faring much better than the new releases.

With strong audience reception all through its first week, Ram-Leela took away the business of the Kareena-Imran starrer in several circuits. l

Of course I like all of them but I had a great time playing a negative role in the drama series Jibon Sangsar, directed by Mainul Islam Khokon. It was a first for me and I loved every moment of the challenging feat.

Jibon Sangsar is a family based drama series that depicts the rule of an anti-character in a family.

I play the role of the family’s eldest son’s wife. My motivation in the drama is to marry my younger sister with my brother-in-law. But, instead of following my wish, my brother-in-law marries another woman and I become very antagonised towards her. Everyday, I srtive to make her life miserable by creating a web of complex situations, to make her look bad in front of the family.

How do you manage time to work in so many projects?

It is not an easy task. I have discovered that utilising time in an efficient manner is the essence of success.

Therefore, it is a difficult task. I had to make many sacrifices and work at all hours, sometimes, I did not even have the luxury of sound sleep. I hardly got any time off during the entire period, but still, I tried my level best to deliver good performances in each of my projects.

Any new ventures?

Recently I have signed up for a TVC of RFL. Also, I just returned from abroad, after completing the shooting of two drama series. One of them is Ehsanul Haque’s Obhibashi, and the other is Je Jole Agun Jole by Agun Ahmed. l

Aiming to raise funds for the treatment of Nur A Shafee Ahnaf, a student of Dhaka Residential Model College who has been diagonised with Leukemia, the teachers of the college have organised an art exhibition. Titled “Art Exhibition for Ahnaf” at the Dhaka Art Centre, the exposition will conclude today.

The exhibition features artworks from an array of eminent artists of Bangladesh: Rafiqun Nabi, Qayyum Chowdhury, Shishir Bhattacharjee, Kazi Hasan Habib, Naima Haque, Dhali al Mamun, Dilara Begum Jolly, Konok Chanpa Chakma, Hamiduzzaman Khan, Mostofa Jaman and many more. Moreover, a number of paintings by students of Residential Model College have also been put up for sale. In the event also features screening of a video that compiles different moments of Ahnaf’s current condition and his co-curricular activities of past days.

By selling the paintings, organisers hope to support the boy surviving and give him the opportunity to prove himself again as he is a bright and multi-talented student of college’s Art and Craft department.

He was awarded with scholarships on PSC, JSC and SSC examinations. He has excelled in several co-curricular activities.

Mirza Tanbira, Assistant Professor of Arts and Craft Department of Dhaka Residential Model College shared her visions about the exhibition with Dhaka Tribune: “Artists always come first when a crises raises. So, at that point I was hopeful about the contribution of our eminent artists to save this talented child. The way people are responding through this exhibition, I hope we can save Ahnaf and he will come back to us.” l

Taylor Swift sweeps top prize at American Music Awards n Entertainment Desk Country-pop star Taylor Swift scored big at the American Music Awards on Sunday, taking home four wins including the night’s top prize for artist of the year, as some of pop music’s biggest names came together for the fan-voted awards ceremony.

Swift, 23, beat out Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to win artist of the year for the third time, the most times an artist has won the category.

She also won favorite female pop/ rock artist, female country artist and country album for her 2012 record Red, which featured songs about love and heartbreak.

“This validates that if you voted for this, that we are heartbroken in the same way and we fall in love the same way and we’re happy in the same way, and if you listen to this, we’re on the same page ... we’re pretty much in it together,” Swift said breathlessly as she accepted the final award.

Timberlake, 32, who returned to the musical spotlight this year after a fiveyear hiatus with The 20/20 Experience, was nominated in five categories and won three, including favorite male pop/rock artist. The singer performed Drink You Away with his Tennessee Kids band on stage.

Newcomer hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who led the nominees on Sunday with six nods and came away with two wins including best rap/hip-hop artist, used their acceptance speech to address a social issue.

British boy band One Direction beat Swift and Timberlake for the best pop/rock album for Take Me Home and also won favorite pop/rock group. Other winners included Luke Bryan for favorite male country artist, Swedish DJ Avicii as favorite electronic dance music artist, and singer Marc Anthony for favorite Latin artist.

The American Music Awards nominees and winners are chosen by the public, who vote online and via Twitter, and the awards are given out during a live three-hour ceremony held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on ABC. l

Did you know?

With his brace against Spurs on Sunday, Sergio Aguero has the best mins-per-goal (119.5) rate of any player with 40+ Premier League goals overtaking Thierry Henry

Sport

14 Italian trio face difficult Champions League week

13

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

DHAKA TRIBUNE

14 Uche inspires Villarreal, defeat for Valencia

15 Trott quits Ashes tour with stress illness

A son and a win n Shishir Hoque If it had not been against archrivals Mohammedan, Waly Faisal would not have played. The game was basically an important one as both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals.

But the tempo of the game, the historical significance and the rivalry that exists between the two teams in Bangladesh football convinced Waly he had to take the field.

The Abahani left back heard the news in the morning that his wife had given birth to a boy. With mother and child at a local Narayanganj hospital, Waly did not see his family before the game, but with a 2-0 win for Abahani, the player was was doubly ecstatic.

“If the opponents were any other club than Mohammedan, I wouldn’t play the game. My son was always on my mind throughout the day. I wanted to do something special today and am really excited with such a result. I will always tell my son about today’s game when he grows older,” he said.

The national defender was the best player in the Abahani defence and cramped down on Mohammedan’s star winger Zahid Hossain. Abahani manager Satyajit Das Rupu said it was a special day for Waly and asked his boys to win the game for Waly’s son. “I told the players before the game to gift Waly with a victory,” he said. l

Footballers invited to Indonesia n Raihan Mahmood National head coach Lodewijk de Kruif has received an invitation from Indonesia for the national team announced a high official of the Bangladesh Football Federation yesterday.

Tabith Awal, the vice president of BFF, said, “At the moment, I can’t say anything final about the participation.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in January and we will talk with the Indonesian federation after BFF secretary returns from Malaysia. We are also thinking of playing FIFA friendly in January as it helps the ranking, we will take the decision after thorough discussion,” said Tabith.

Meanwhile, Lodewijk de Kruif and his assistant Rene Koster watched the Abahani-Mohammedan match and de Kruif liked Mohammedan’s style.

“Though Abahani won, I liked the way Mohammedan played. They played an attacking brand of game but lacked the finishing touch, and I am pleased to see the crowd, who were energetic in supporting their sides.

Football means passion and it was there,” said de Kruif. l

Abahani’s Brazilian forward De Castro (C) celebrates with Waly Faisal (L) and Cameroonian midfielder Yoko Samnick after scoring the opening goal against Mohammedan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday MUMIT M

Abahani top group after defeating archrivals MSC n

Shishir Hoque

Abahani Limited defeated Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0 in their last Walton Federation Cup group match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday, a result which means Mohammedan will meet Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in the quarter-finals.

Goals from Brazilian forward Luiz Rumolo De Castro and former Mohammedan player Ghanaian striker Osei Morrison in either half earned Abahani the prestigious victory in front of 7,000 fans. The victory also put Abahani at the top of group D, meaning they will face Soccer Club Feni in the

quarter-finals.

Despite forming a stronger squad than last season, Mohammedan could not replicate their performance from their opening game. Abahani’s defence was solid enough to impede Mohammedan attacks with Waly Faisal, whose wife gave a birth to a son on the same day, produced a brilliant display to put off pacey winger Zahid Hossain. A disorganized Mohammedan midfield failed to provide sufficient opportunities for in-form striker Emily who netted a hat-trick in the first game against Rahmatganj.

National midfielder Towhidul Alam was Abahani’s best player in the game.

The left winger’s skill, pace and accurate crosses broke Mohammedan defence apart several times and his free

kick with just 10 minutes on the clock broke the deadlock. A leaping Castro met Towhidul’s free kick and headed the ball into the near to score his first goal in Bangladesh. The Brazilian was so ecstatic that he slipped in front of the dugout while celebrating.

Mohammedan responded quickly and created two good chances within three minutes. Abahani goalie Sohel produced a stunning save to deny Emily’s first effort before Nigerian forward Chuka Charles failed to capitalize in a one-on-one situation in the 19th minute.

Abahani could have scored one more in the opening half if Abdul Baten Komol’s two efforts from the six yard box had not been wasted.

Both the side was without their

Gazi, Doleshwar to battle for DPL crown n Mazhar Uddin Gazi Tank cricketers lost their all important match to Mohammedan Sporting Club by 54 runs at the BKSP 2 ground yesterday despite skipper Mahmudullah’s century, leaving the Walton Dhaka Premier League (DPL) championship race wide open.

At the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Dawid Malan’s century helped Prime Doleshwar snatch a 15 run win over Kalabagan CA and kept alive their hopes for the league championship, while Sheikh Jamal beat Prime Bank CC by two wickets at the Mirpur Sher-eBangla National Stadium.

Gazi Tank vs Mohammedan

After been put on to bat, Mohammedan lost their openers Shamsur Rahman (36) and Ezaz Ahmed (6) but their English recruit Samit Patel and Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga steadied the ship.

Both cricketers smashed boundaries frequently and reached their fifties before Upul Tharanga was run out for 62 (five fours) and later, Samit was also dismissed after smashing seven fours and two sixes in his 76. Towards the end of the innings, Mashrafe Mortaza scored a quick 37 off just 15 balls to take the

Brief Scores

Gazi Tank vs Mohammedan

Mohammedan 268/6 in 50 over Samit Patel 76, Upul Tharanga 62 Arafat Sunny 37/2 Gazi Tank 214/10 in 42 overs Mahmudullah 106, Imrul Kayes 36 Mohammedan won by 54 runs Prime Doeshwar vs Kalabagan CA

Gazi Tank’s Mahmudullah scores 125-ball 106 aginst MSC at SBNS yesterday total to 268/6 in 50 over.

The highest wicket taker in the league so far, left arm spinner Arafat Sunny took two wickets for Gazi Tank.

Chasing the target of 269, Gazi struggled from the beginning and were reduced to 68/4 by the 20th over when Mahmudullah took charge of the innings. The vice captain of Bangladesh smashed boundaries and sixes but could not find support from the other end. He eventually fell for a 125-ball 106 (12 fours, two sixes) as Gazi were bowled out for 214 in 42 overs.

Man-of-the-match Samit Patel took three wickets, while fast bowler Delwar Hossain bagged two for Mohammedan.

Prime Doeshwar vs Kalabagan CA

After being sent in to bat, Doleshwar

Prime Doleshwar 287/7 in 50 over Dawid Malan 123, Sabbir Rahman 32 Hamilton Masakadza 56/4 Kalabagan CA 272/8 in 50 over Sharifullah 70, Hamilton Masakadza 69, Marshal Ayub 67 Sabbir rahman 43/2 Doleshwar won by 15 runs Sheikh Jamal vs Prime Bank CC

Prime Bank 256/6 in 50 over Taibur Rahman 89 not out, Ravi Bopara 61 Tanveer haider 14/2, Subashis Roy 39/2 Sheikh Jamal 260/8 in 49.3 overs Mushfiqur Rahim 82, Tanveer Haider 33 Sheikh Jamal won by two wickets started poorly and lost their top three batsmen with 42 runs on the board before English cricketer Dawid Malan continued his good form and steadied the innings along with national cricketer Mominul Haque.

After Mominul fell for 45, Malan continued on to a century, scoring 123 runs off 120 balls (eight fours, six sixes)

to lead Doleshwar to 287/7 in 50 overs.

Zimbabwean all-rounder Hamilton Masakadza took four wickets for Kalabagan CA. In reply, three Kalabagan batsmen struck fifties – Hamilton Masakadza (69), Marshal Ayub (67) and skipper Sharifullah (70) – but fell 15 runs short of victory as they finished at 272/8 from their 50 overs.

Leg spinner Sabbir Rahman took two wickets while Shafiul Islam, Farhad Reza, Taijul Islam, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mominul Haque bagged one apiece for Doleshwar, who will face Gazi in the last match of the super league phase, which has now turned into the championship match.

Sheikh Jamal vs Prime Bank CC

Winning the toss, Sheikh Jamal captain Mushfiqur Rahim put Prime Bank in to bat first and saw them total 256/6 with Taibur Rahman’s unbeaten 89 runs off 103 balls (seven fours, two sixes) being the top score. English batsman Ravi Bopara’s also contributed with 61.

In reply, skipper Mushfiqur Rahim who smashed a match winning century in the last match, smashed another match winning knock of 82 (seven fours, two sixes) to see his side home with two wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

Ravi Bopara and national cricketer Ziaur Rahman took two wickets each for Prime Bank CC. l

main coach and it was Mohammedan whose tactical changes in the second half raised questions to many, one of which was replacing defender Ariful with Mintu Sk. It was Mintu’s failure to clear the ball that led to Mohammedan conceding a second goal. Mintu’s attempted clearance from Towhidul’s minus hit the sidebar and Ghanaian striker Morrison, who played for the Black and Whites last season and was the league’s top scorer, made no mistake in putting the rebound into the net to take his tally of goals to four in two matches.

This was the first time in eight years that the traditional rivals clashed in the group stages. The last time was in 2005 when Abahani demolished Mohammedan 5-1. l

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS Abahani 2-0 Mohammedan De Castro 10, Morrison GOAL! 10” Brazilian forward Luiz Rumolo De Castro puts Abahani ahead in the 10th minute, heading in a free kick from Towhidul Alam.

16” Abahani keeper Sohel produces a superb save to deny Emily’s close range shot from a corner.

19” Chuka Charles breaks into the penalty area, following a through ball from Emily but the Nigerian forward’s weak shot is easily tipped away by Sohel.

41” Towhidul delivers another pinpoint cross in the box but Komol heads the ball over the crossbar.

65” A blunder from Mohammedan defence allows Osei Morrison to run towards the goal but the Ghanaian takes too much time, allowing Mintu Sk to clear the ball.

GOAL! 75” Morrison doubles the lead for Abahani. Mintu Sk’s clearance off Towhidul’s cross hits the bar, the rebound fall at the feet of Morrison, who calmly fires the ball into the net.

Amalesh ecstatic, Jewel rues missed chances n Raihan Mahmood While Abahani coach Amalesh Sen was savouring the victory over arch rivals Mohammedan, his counterpart Jewel Rana was ruing the simple mistakes that led to his side’s loss at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Amalesh termed the victory a morale boosting one. “Any win against in a big match is good and Mohammedan boosts the morale and now we are boosted with new confidence. I admit we were a little shaky but after scoring the first goal, the confidence grew and we did not look back,” he said.

Amalesh admitted that it was good to see the team emerge as the group champions and avoid Sheikh Jamal in the quarter-finals. “It is normal to expect weaker opposition in the knock out phase. We thought about the option before taking the field, we were a little bit worried with the defence but at last it coped with the pressure well. I think Abahani came out as the deserved victors,” said Amalesh.

Amalaesh said his foreign players rose to the occasion. “Overall it was a team effort, my foreign players were better than the opponents’. They had an impact and we kept Emily and Zahid under close marking so that they failed to deliver the goods.”

Jewel Rana, who filled Saiful Bari

Titu’s position, thought his team failed to rectify simple mistakes and his foreigners were not up to the mark. “The first goal was conceded as the Brazilian was unmarked and headed home easily.

Moreover we had the chances but could not convert them. In the big matches, the chances are not often obtained and we wasted the chances that fell our way, how can a team win if they can’t score goals? Now we have beat a strong team to survive,” said Jewel.

Jewel pointed out that his foreigners and match winners fell short of expectations. “The foreign players did not rise to the occasion and the match winners we have also were below par. We conceded the goal after ten minutes, there was time to bounce back but we failed to do so,” he said.

Abahani’s Brazilian midfielder Luiz de Castro expressed happiness over scoring a goal after five months. “I played my last competitive match about five months ago and after playing two matches, I feel I am regaining my form. I am happy to score the first goal for Abahani,” said the Brazilian.

Vincent Hemanta Biswas, the U-19 captain who played the first derby of his career, hoped to improve. “It’s like a dream come true. I am unhappy to see that we lost but we will try to improve in our next matches,” he said. l

14

Sport

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Chelsea players warm up during a team training session at their training facility in Stoke D'Abernon, south of London yesterday ahead of their Champions League group stage match against Basel tomorrow

REUTERS

Italian trio face difficult week n Reuters, Berne

The hopes of Italy’s three Champions League teams are all on a knife-edge and this week’s games will go a long way to deciding which, if any, of Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli reach the last 16.

Their fortunes are so delicately poised that Serie A could easily end up with all three in the last 16 or none at all, a scenario that would only add to the sensation of Italian football’s demise.

Juventus and AC Milan are still in contention despite having mustered one win between them while Napoli have been far more impressive and need only a point but, paradoxically, may still struggle with two tough games to come and their form slipping.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Chelsea need one point from relatively straightforward games to qualify and join Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and

Barcelona who are already through. In contrast, debutants Austria Vienna will attempt to score their first goal of the competition when they visit Porto.

Italian champions Juventus appear to have confirmed coach Antonio Conte’s claim that they are no longer among Europe’s elite by failing to win any of their first four outings in Group B. They go into their game at home to FC Copenhagen in last place with three points, one behind the Danish champions, yet could finish Wednesday in second if, as expected, they win and Real Madrid (10) beat Galatasaray (four) at home.

That combination would leave Juve needing a draw at Galatasaray in their final game to go through, while another slip-up on Wednesday could mean curtains.

Napoli (nine points) are a draw away from qualifying in Group F but visit last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund (six) on Tuesday and must then host Arsenal (nine) in their final game.

Two successive Serie A defeats

FIXTURES Basel Bucharest Dortmund Arsenal Zenit Porto Ajax Celtic

v v v v v v v v

Chelsea Schalke 04 Napoli Marseille At Madrid Austria Vienna Barcelona AC Milan

have dented the confidence of Rafael Benitez’s side while Borussia are smarting from Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by arch-rivals Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

AC Milan, second in Group H with five points, visit Celtic on Tuesday, a match they would usually expect to win but which has become a daunting prospect thanks to the crisis at the seven-times champions.

A seven-match winless run has left coach Massimiliano Allegri’s job the subject of constant speculation and chief executive Adriano Galliani’s post is also seen to be under threat after 27

Hamburg brush off Hanover without Van der Vaart n AFP, Berlin Hamburg came from behind for a 3-1 win over ten-man Hanover 96 to climb to 11th in the Bundesliga on Sunday without injured Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart.

Hamburg’s 30-year-old captain and playmaker van der Vaart has been ruled out for up to four weeks after tearing ankle ligaments in the Netherlands’ goalless draw with Colombia in Amsterdam last week. Hanover’s Hungary midfielder Szabolcs Huszti put his side ahead when he hit the top left corner from 16 metres with 28 minutes gone.

RESULTS Hamburg

3-1

Hanover

Werder Bremen

2-3

Mainz 05

Badelj 31, Beister 46, Calhanoglu 84 (Elia 85, di Santo 90

Huszti 28

But the hosts responded with Croatia’s Milan Badelj equalising three minutes later before right-wing Maximilian Beister slipped his marker just a minute into the second-half to head home.

Beister then turned provider as he found 19-year-old Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu in space and the attacking midfielder fired home for the third six minutes from time.

Werder Bremen slumped to 12th and their third defeat in four games, as they went down 3-2, despite a late fight back, at home to seventh-placed Mainz 05, for whom Japan’s Shinji Okazaki scored twice. l

Big-spending Paris St Germain (10) should get the point they need at home to Olympiakos (seven) in Group C while former champions Benfica (four) must win at Anderlecht (one) to stay in contention.

In Group E, Chelsea (nine) need a point away to FC Basel (five). Although the London side were humbled at home by their opponents earlier in the group, the Swiss champions have since lost momentum.

Bundesliga side Schalke 04 (six), who visit winless former champions Steaua Bucharest, look more likely to go through especially as they host Basel in their final game.

The battle to follow Atletico Madrid through from Group G continues with Zenit St Petersburg (five) hosting the Spaniards and Porto (four) entertaining Austria Vienna (one).

The final two rounds of matches in Group D will be a damp squib as Manchester City, at home to Viktoria Plzen, and Bayern Munich, away to CSKA Moscow, have already qualified. l

n Reuters, Berlin

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola had little time to celebrate his team’s 3-0 league win at rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, threatening instead to uncover a mole he said has been leaking team details to the media.

“It does not matter who it is, heads will roll,” Guardiola was quoted in Bild newspaper as having told his players after the game, angry that team tactics had made their way into the press before the game.

“I will throw him out. He will not play under me again.” Treble winners Bayern are enjoying a successful first season under the Spaniard. Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the existence of a mole within the Bavarians, saying he should stop or face action from the club.

“We will obviously not bring in the NSA (National Security Agency) to find out who it is,” Rummenigge told Sky television. “But I advise him to stop doing it or he will have a serious problem not only with Pep Guardiola but also the entire club.” l

Uche inspires Villarreal, defeat for Valencia

Villarreal's midfielder Cani vies with Levante's goalkeeper Javi Jimenez during the Spanish league match at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia on Sunday AFP

n Reuters, Madrid

RESULTS

Fourth-placed Villarreal maintained their fine form since winning promotion back to La Liga when Ikechukwu Uche struck twice and captain Bruno Soriano scored a penalty in a 3-0 win at 10-man Levante on Sunday.

As attention turned to Spain’s lesser lights after their four Champions League participants all won on Saturday, Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic’s hopes of clinging on to his job receded when his side lost 2-1 at local rivals Elche.

Sevilla came out on top in a feisty Andalusian derby littered with bookings and some ugly racist chanting in

Levante

0-3

Rayo Vallecano

1-4

Elche

2-1

Sevilla

4-0

Saul 81

Fidel 57, Herrera 84 Bacca 2, M’bia 43, Vitolo 59, Iborra 88

Villarreal

Bruno 13-pen, Uche 74, 89

Espanyol

Sergio Garcia 27-P, 51-pen, 83, Stuani 85

Valencia

Bernat 73

Real Betis

the stands when they won 4-0 at home to city neighbours Real Betis.

Betis had defender Paulao sent off for a second yellow card three minutes before halftime and the defeat left Pepe Mel’s team, who are competing in the

Europa League this season, rooted to the bottom with nine points from 14 matches.

Sevilla are eighth on 19 points, two more than fellow Europa League participants Valencia in 11th. Elche, second division champions last term, also have 17 points in 10th.

Villarreal, who spent a season in the second division last term and finished second behind Elche, have 27 points, seven behind Real Madrid in third after they thrashed Almeria 5-0 on Saturday.

Espanyol climbed to ninth on 18 points when they won 4-1 at secondfrom-bottom Rayo Vallecano who had keeper Ruben Martinez sent off in the 25th minute at the Vallecas stadium in the Madrid suburbs. l

Lille, Monaco keep pace with leaders PSG Jordanian player, 19, dies n during game RESULTS AFP, Paris

N. Mueller 7, Okazaki 17, 70

years.

Maverick forward Mario Balotelli has begun to show signs of the eccentric behaviour which complicated his two-and-a-half years at Manchester City while the club are battling a seemingly perpetual injury crisis.

Defeat would not only let in the Scottish champions but could also open the door for Ajax Amsterdam (four) who host already qualified Barcelona (10).

“We have to get out of this all together,” said Allegri after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Genoa in which Balotelli missed a penalty.

“There are still many points up for grabs and we have to get through to the next round of the Champions League.

We have to make things happen in our favour.”

In Group A, the winners of the match between Bayer Leverkusen (seven) and Manchester United (eight) will qualify while Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk (five) host Real Sociedad (one), the only Spanish side likely to miss out.

Guardiola digging deep to discover Bayern mole

Lille and Monaco kept pace with leaders Paris SaintGermain, both winning 1-0 in Sunday’s Ligue 1 action in France.

Pape N’Diaye Souare scored six minutes from time to keep Lille second in the table four points behind PSG with a win over 10man Toulouse.

Champions PSG had won 3-0 at Reims on Saturday.

In Sunday’s late kick-off, substitute Mounir Obbadi’s 70-minute strike kept Claudio Ranieri’s Monaco in the chase as they came away with all three points from fellow newly-promoted side Nantes.

Monaco’s first win in four games puts

Lille

1-0

Toulouse

Nice

0-1

Saint-Etienne

Nantes

0-1

Souare 84

Erding 23

Monaco

Obbadi 70

them third in the table five points off the pace.

Rene Girard’s Lille extended their run to nine games without conceding a goal as Nigerian international goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has kept his slate clean for 855 minutes of action.

It was a largely unconvincing display from the northerners who struggled to create anything despite playing the final 34 minutes with a numerical advantage following Oscar Trejo’s red card.

Enyeama was required to save his side on three occasions from Ben Yedder, Issiaga Sylla and Adrien Regattin.

But Souare found space at the back post from Florent Balmont’s cross from the right to head home and snatch the three points.

The Nigerian international goalkeeper admitted his side had luck on their side.

Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne got back to winning ways at Nice despite the absence of their fans.

Around 250 visiting fans were evacuated from Nice’s Allianz Riviera stadium after coming under fire from sections of the home support, who tore up seats and threw them at their rival supporters.

The visitors however let their football do the talking with Mevlüt Erding scoring his first goal for Saint-Etienne after 23 minutes, lifting his side to sixth. l

n AFP, Amman

A 19-year-old footballer with Jordan’s Al-Faisaly youth club collapsed and died during a match on Sunday, the club said.

Qusai Emad al-Khawalda died from lack of oxygen after swallowing his tongue during the first half of the match with Al-Jazeera in Amman, Faisaly official Ihab al-Khalili told AFP. He said teammates tried to revive Khawalda as they waited for an ambulance to arrive, to no avail.

“Our club regrets this death and conveys its condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Faisaly director Ahmed al-Adwan.

He added that the club would be looking into why the paramedics took so long

to answer the emergency call.

The club has postponed its next match out of respect for Khawalda’ family.

Two years ago, Faisaly goalkeeper Zibn al-Khawalda, was killed in a road accident. Both players were from the same extended family and the same village, in Jordan’s northern Mafraq province. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

15

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Sheikh Jamal top group

QUICK BYTES

Kenyan world champ survives car crash

n Raihan Mahmood

Kenyan world 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop was involved in a car crash Sunday night but escaped with bruises.

Kiprop was returning to his Eldoret home from Kabarnet, situated in Kenya’s Rift valley region, when the car he was driving hit a rock and veered off the road, his friend Wilson Kipsang told AFP. “He’s okay. He was treated at the hospital in Eldoret for some bruises and allowed to go home,” said world marathon record holder Kipsang, who accompanied Kiprop and his fellow passenger, James Kangogo to hospital. “The car’s front bumper was slightly damaged,” added Kipsang.

The 24-year-old Kiprop, who was awarded the Beijing Olympic 1500m gold after Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi tested positive for doping, successfully defended his world title in Moscow in August. He also won all his three Diamond League races over the distance this season in Doha, Shanghai and Monaco.

– AFP

Wenger rules out second Henry return Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Monday ruled out signing former Gunners great Thierry Henry for a third time after the French striker began training with the club. Henry, who now plays for American side the New York Red Bulls, and 40-year-old former midfielder Robert Pires have both been using Arsenal’s training base north of London to maintain their fitness levels. Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals, rejoined the club for a loan spell in January last year, but Wenger says there are no plans to bring the 36-year-old back again. “At the moment Thierry is invited just to practise when he can and when he wants,” Wenger said. “We have a big staff, a very competent one, and we have the right number to support the team to achieve the targets.”

Wenger said the presence of Henry and Pires, both members of Arsenal’s fabled ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003-04, had a positive impact on the members of the current squad.

– AFP

Rooney lashes out at TV commentators Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney hit out at two television commentators for saying he deserved to be sent off during his side’s 2-2 draw at Cardiff City on Sunday. Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler and pundit Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool manager, said Rooney was fortunate not to be shown a red card for kicking Jordon Mutch during the early stages of the Premier League game. Rooney was instead shown a yellow card by referee Neil Swarbrick and went on to score the opening goal for United and set up their second goal, which was scored by Patrice Evra. Rooney, who deliberately referred to Souness as ‘Sourness’, said more attention should have been paid to an incident in the second half in which Cardiff midfielder Gary Medel appeared to slap United’s Marouane Fellaini. “Just watched game back. I agree mine was bad tackle and ref dealt with it. And Martin Tyler didn’t shut up about it all game,” Rooney wrote on his official Twitter account.

– AFP

Liverpool’s Enrique out for 10 weeks Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique will be out of action for around 10 weeks after undergoing knee surgery, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

The 27-year-old Spaniard, who signed from Newcastle United in August 2011, has not started a game for his club since their 3-1 victory against Crystal Palace on October 5. “Liverpool Football Club can confirm that Jose Enrique has successfully undergone arthroscopic surgery to resolve an issue with his right knee,” read a statement on the Liverpool website. “Enrique is expected to return to full training at Melwood in around 10 weeks’ time.” Jon Flanagan deputised for Enrique in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday, while manager Brendan Rodgers can also call upon Frenchman Aly Cissokho at left-back.

– AFP

DAY’S WATCH UEFA Champions League Ten Sports 1:45AM Ajax Amsterdam v Barcelona Ten Action 11:00PM Zenit St Petersburg v At Madrid 1:45AM Arsenal v Marseille Ten HD 1:45AM FC Basel v Chelsea

Rafael Nadal (2R) of Spain poses with US actor Will Smith (R) and a trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia in their exhibition match in Buenos Aires on Sunday

REUTERS

Payment an issue in DPL too n Minhaz Uddin Khan Many cricketers both national and otherwise – had earlier raised concerns about the introduction of the “Players’ Draft” and a new payment system in the Dhaka Premier League by the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis.

Many cricketers, including stars like Shakib al Hasan and national skipper Mushfiqur Rahim - had predicted that the system would result in irregular payments like those that were seen in the two editions of Bangladesh Premier League.

With the last round game of the tourney tomorrow, many players are skeptical of receiving their respective remuneration. As per the contract, the 12 Premier League sides had agreed to pay

the player’s salary in three installments – 40% before the start of the tournament, 30% before the start of the Super League and the final 30% within a month of the tournament concluding. Additionally, the national cricketers will be paid on prorate basis, i.e. based on the number of matches they play. It was learnt that only two off the 12 TEAMS – Gazi Tank Cricketers and Prime Bank Cricket Club - have kept their cricketers happy. Gazi Tank made 90% payment and Prime Bank 70% percent as of yesterday.

However the scenario with the other clubs is poor as most have only paid40%. The situation led to disputes in the dressing room of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi and Kalabagan Cricket Academy ahead of their respective Super Six fixture yesterday.

“The players refused to the play the game against Prime Bank. We have been paid only 40% of the remuneration. We were told that we will get another 30%

today (yesterday) which didn’t happen,” said a senior member of the Sheikh Jamal squad, who requested anonymity, to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“However, later the management promised us that the whole of the remaining salary will be paid by next week and we also thought that we only have a game left so let’s not waste that,” the cricket added.

Kalabagan CA were in a similar situation in the dressing room and only four or five cricketers have received a portion of their salary but not the whole of the first installment. Sources informed that the side’s Zimbabwean recruit Hamilton Masakadza had an outburst in front of club officials in the dressing room during lunch. It was learnt that the club owes the Zimbabwean national payment for seven games.

The situation with the six clubs that failed to move to the second phase of the tournament is the most horrific. Be

it giants like Abahani Limited or Brothers Union, the cricketers are reluctant to raise the issue of not being paid since they failed to make it into the Super Six phase of the tournament.

“But this doesn’t mean that they will take advantage of the situation,” said a senior cricketer of Brothers Union. “We are sad that we couldn’t qualify but that doesn’t mean that we won’t get paid.

The board guaranteed our payments and we expect that they will take care of the issue,” he said.

When contacted, Brothers’ manager Amin Khan said, “The team didn’t qualify for the Super Six, that’s why the process has slowed down and at the same time, our cricket committee chairman (AZM Nasiruddin) is also busy with the corporate cricket in Chittagong.

“There were issues with our foreign cricketers and that has been taken care of. We will soon settle the payment of the local cricketers too.” l

A misfiring Sheikh Jamal emerged as the champions of group A in the Walton Federation Cup after beating Feni Soccer 1–0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Haitian forward Sony Norde scored the all-important goal in the 17th minute of the match.

Though the big spending outfit dominated the scene, they lacked the cutting edge inside the opponents defence and had to be content with a solitary goal victory. With the strike, Sony Norde joined Osie Morrison and Zahid Hasan Emiy with three goals at the top of the scorers list.

Sheikh Jamal was also denied by the woodwork in the 21st and 22nd minutes of the game as Nigerian Emeka Darlington’s header and his compatriot Femi Orunimi’s placed shot rebounded from the cross piece and the side post respectively.

Jamal, who earlier beat Uttar Baridhara 2-0, will face the runners-up of group D in the quarter-finals, while Feni Soccer, who beat Uttar Baridhara 3-2, will face the champions. l

Merkel congratulates Vettel on fourth title

n AFP, Berlin

German chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated Formula One star Sebastian Vettel on his fourth consecutive world drivers’ championship title at Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

“I send my warmest congratulations to Sebastian Vettel on his winning the Formula One world title,” said the German leader on the Federal government’s home page.

“Four titles in a row is a particularly outstanding performance.

“Along with millions of his fans, I am happy for him and his team and wish him lots more success in the future.”

The 26-year-old extended his own record of consecutive wins in a season, equalled Italian Alberto Ascari’s historic record of nine straight wins from 1952-1953. He also equalled Michael Schumacher’s total for one season, set with Ferrari in 2004. l

Aussie skipper Clarke fined Trott quits Ashes with stress illness after arm break sledge n Reuters, Brisbane

n AFP, Brisbane Australian skipper Michael Clarke was fined 20 percent of his match fee Monday for threatening tailender James Anderson with a broken arm, but insisted there is no animosity with England.

The home team’s huge 381-run victory on Sunday was tarnished by constant sledging as frustrations boiled over, culminating in Clarke being caught by a stump microphone telling Anderson to “get ready for a broken fucking arm”.

The usually mild-mannered Clarke also wagged his finger in a close-up confrontation with the England quick, one of his team’s worst sledgers, with the umpires needing to step in to cool tempers.

The International Cricket Council ruled Clarke breached its code of conduct relating to “using language or a

gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an international match”.

He admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.

It capped a torrid Test with England skipper Alastair Cook also upset at David Warner calling his team frightened, while singling out batsman Jonathan Trott as “weak”. Cook slammed the remarks as “disrespectful”.

The media lapped up the tense war of words with the Sydney Daily Telegraph screaming on its front page: “Poms Mitch-slapped as rampant Aussies bring back the sledge,” referring to fast bowler Mitchell Johnson tearing through the England innings.

But Clarke said it was simply his competitive nature and had nothing to do with Australian bitterness over England’s 3-0 Ashes win sealed in August.

Instead, it showed Australia were up for the fight. l

England’s calamitous start to the Ashes continued on Monday when batsman Jonathan Trott walked out on the squad with a stress-related illness which ruled him out of the remainder of the series Down Under.

The day after England were thrashed in the first test by 381 runs, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement saying Trott was taking a break from cricket for the “foreseeable future”.

Since breaking into the test side in 2009 Trott has built a reputation as a reliable and resilient number three but he appeared to have been targetted as a potential weakness by the Australians ahead of the current series.

He was bounced out by pace bowler Mitchell Johnson for scores of 10 and nine at the Gabba and the home side’s opener David Warner described his second innings dismissal as “weak”.

“I don’t feel it is right that I’m play-

ing knowing that I’m not 100 percent and I can’t currently operate at the level I have done in the past,” South Africa-born Trott, who made his test debut against Australia, said in a statement, having already flown out of the country.

“My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery. I want to wish my team mates

all the very best for the remainder of the tour.”

England coach Andy Flower, who along with captain Alastair Cook branded Warner’s comments disrespectful, fully supported Trott’s decision.

“Jonathan has been struggling with this condition for quite a while,” Flower told a news conference.

“We have been on tour for about a month and he has had his ups and downs through that month and it is not directly related to that.

“I would also say players commenting to fellow professionals in the media is disrespectful and I think on this occasion he (Warner) has got that horribly wrong.”

Trott has been a mainstay of the side since making his debut and he averaged 89 in 2010-11 when England won an overseas Ashes series for the first time in 24 years.

Flower said he hoped that Trott would come back strong but said his health was the priority. l

Webber reflects on amazing F1 journey India recall Zaheer for n South Africa tour AFP, Sao Paulo

Mark Webber bade farewell to Formula One on Sunday with a typically gritty drive to second place in the Brazilian Grand Prix and without shedding a tear.

The 37-year-old Australian, who overcame a variety of obstacles on his 12-year journey from Queanbeyan to Interlagos, via Silverstone, Monaco and Milton Keynes, did his best to retain his dignity in an emotional paddock after claiming the 42nd podium finish of his career.

His boss, Red Bull team chief Christian Horner, said: “We spoke before the race and I said hopefully you’ll be there on the last lap -- and told him to enjoy it and take it all in. It was a great finish for him.”

Not only did Webber enjoy it, he recorded the fastest lap of the race and then pulled off his visor and balaclava to make sure he absorbed the frenzied atmosphere at the season-ending race.

“Fantastic race, it’s been brilliant working with you,” shouted Horner on the team radio. “You can be proud of what you’ve done, we certainly are - very proud.” After 215 races, Webber departed with nine wins and a host of memories,

but without the world title he may have merited and taken had he not been partnered at Red Bull by the exceptional fourtime champion Sebastian Vettel.

“It is inevitable you are going to have adversity in your career and some decisions you should have made differently,” admitted Webber.

“But you have to go with the flow and the decisions you make at the time.”

Webber’s final day started and ended with a flavour of Australia. He was welcomed into his garage with applause from his Red Bull team with the bush ballad “Waltzing Matilda” playing in the background. l

Red Bull Formula One driver Mark Webber of Australia acknowledges the crowd as he holds up the Australian flag during podium celebrations after the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo on Sunday. The Brazilian F1 Grand Prix is Webber's last Formula One race REUTERS

n AFP, New Delhi

SQUADS

India on Monday picked veteran seamer Zaheer Khan for next month’s Test series in South Africa, but again ignored opener Gautam Gambhir for the first tour in the post-Sachin Tendulkar era.

Khan, an 88-Test veteran who needs five wickets to reach the 300 mark, had not been considered since the third Test against England in Kolkata a year ago due to form and fitness issues.

The 35-year-old was not handed a central contract this season, but found favour with the selectors after he claimed 13 wickets in three Ranji Trophy firstclass matches for Mumbai, including a five-wicket haul.

Khan will spearhead a five-man seam attack in South Africa where he claimed 10 wickets in two Tests on the previous tour in 2010-2011.

But the left-arm seamer was not selected for the three-match one-day series against the Proteas which starts on December 5 and precedes the Tests.

Test squad Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kolhi, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer Khan, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha.

One-day squad Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ambati Rayudu, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra.

Gambhir, who was also sidelined after the home series against England, failed to impress the selectors despite making 153 on a green-top on Saturday to fashion Delhi’s Ranji Trophy win over Haryana. l

16

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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Govt to ask 4 SoBs to implement new pay scale n Asif Showkat Kallol As the Finance Division declined, the Bank and Financial Institutions Division will now execute the pay scale for the four state-owned commercial banks through the banks’ boards “within a week.”

Finance Secretary Fazle Kabir told the Dhaka Tribune on Sunday that the Bank and Financial Institutions Division would execute the pay scale through the boards of the four banks concerned.

Meanwhile, the pay scale for the Bangladesh Bank was sent to the law ministry for vetting. After the ministry sends it back with its approval, it will be sent for the prime minister’s nod.

The Finance Division declined to implement the pay scale for the four state-owned commercial banks as it found no law under which a common pay scale for these banks could be materialised, said official sources.

Officials at the Finance Division said Banking Secretary Dr Aslam Alam had held a meeting with the finance secre-

tary at the Secretariat on Sunday and returned the pay scale of the four stateowned commercial banks.

Fazle Kabir said the Banking Division had appointed the boards of directors of the Sonali, Janata, Agrani and Rupali banks to execute the matter although the Finance Division owned those banks.

He expressed hope that the new pay scale of the Bangladesh Bank would be executed “within a week.”

Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Sunday said the issuance of the circulars for the pay scales for the Bangladesh Bank and the four state-owned banks would be served within a few days.

In Bangladesh, pay scales of government offices are executed under the Services (Reorganisation and Conditions) Act 1975. But the state-owned banks have remained outside the purview of the act since they were made public limited companies in 2007.

Currently, the four banks have roughly 90,000 officers and employees, while the central bank employs about 6,000. l

Activists of Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal stage demonstrations in front of the National Press Club yesterday, opposing Ticfa. Story on Page 1 RAJIB DHAR

Gold smugglers hear final call for flight BG-048 to Chittagong

Cabinet approves DNA database act

Bars worth Tk20m recovered at Shah Amanat International Airport, same flight identified n Mohosinul Karim

n

Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Gold smuggling through Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport has increased alarmingly in recent times with smugglers mostly using flight BG048 from Dubai as their transit.

Chittagong Customs in the airport yesterday seized 40 gold bars worth Tk20m from an abandoned luggage, said airport sources.

With the recovery, the customs authority in five separate drives from November 2 to yesterday nabbed three persons with 277 gold bars worth over Tk140m from BG-048 flight on Dubai to the Chittagong route.

Decision on Wednesday’s PTE exams today n Tribune Report The call of opposition’s 48-hour blockade rejecting the schedule of the 10th parliamentary elections has made the examinations of the ongoing primary terminal examination uncertain.

The science examination is scheduled for Wednesday. According to the timetable, there is no examination scheduled for today.

Immediately after the announcement of the blockade, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday evening that he would sit with officials to decide the matter soon.

Senior officials at the education ministry said the examination might be postponed and the decision would be made today.

The primary terminal examinations began on November 20 and this year a total of 2,950,193 class V students are registered to take the public exam. The examinations will end on November 28. l

Mashiur Rahman Mandal, assistant commissioner of customs at the airport, said the unidentified owner of the luggage might have fled when the bars, weighing 4.5 kilograms, were found in a black-poly bag which arrived at the airport from BG-048 flight around 11am.

Existing law allows a person to carry highest 200 gram of gold from abroad, paying necessary duty at the airport.

Customs authorities in 13 separate drives in 2013 seized 480 gold bars worth Tk250m from expatriates at the airport, most of whom came from Gulf countries particularly Duabi, Abu Dabi and Oman.

Mashiur claimed they had recovered huge quantities of gold in recent times due to increasing vigilance at the airport adding that they will form a probe body within a short time to investigate the incidents.

The Personal Secretary of Airport Manager Momen Maksud was suspended from his post and transferred from the airport a few days ago for his alleged involvement with gold smuggling.

Nahid Nowshad Mukul, assistant director of Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation in Chittagong, said smugglers were using Chittagong following the increase of duty on gold

in India.

Airport authorities could nab only the carriers who are mainly being used for shifting gold from abroad to home, he said.

The smugglers offer huge money to home-bound expatriate at Middle East, who are poor and illiterate, to carry the bags which contained gold to hand them over to another person in the country, said Mashiur, adding they are being used in illegal works out of their knowledge.

Mohammad Sahabuddin, officer-in-charge of Patenga police station, said the carriers could tell nothing except the names of the gold senders. l

Ollo given Wi-Max licence ignoring HC ruling n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Despite strong opposition from telecom operators and denying a High Court ruling, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission on Sunday issued a Wi-Max licence to Bangladesh Internet Exchange Ltd (BIEL) for its brand Ollo without any competitive auction.

The bench of Justice Mirza Hussain Haider and Justice Khurshid Alam Sarker on November 17 issued the ruling, asking the post and telecommunication secretary and the BTRC chairman why the decision to give BIEL the Wi-Max licence should not be declared illegal.

Officials at the BTRC told the Dhaka Tribune that the telecom regulator had awarded the licence in a hurry the next week.

When contacted yesterday, Md Ali Morshed, a regulatory adviser of Ollo Wireless Internet, also confirmed that they got the licence.

Meanwhile, BIEL had deposited 50% of the Tk1.41bn licence fee on Wednesday, including VAT, and it had to deposit the remaining fee within the

next two weeks, a high official of the BTRC told the Dhaka Tribune, requesting anonymity.

The BTRC had fixed a licence fee of Tk2.46bn for Ollo with 20MHz spectrum on the 2,600 band.

On September 8, the regulator had sold the same type of spectrum at Tk1.55bn per megahertz.

Industry experts have calculated a loss of at least Tk30bn public money incurred by the government through awarding of the Wi-Max licence to Ollo.

Replying to a query, Md Abubakar Siddique, secretary of the telecommunications ministry, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “The previous minister approved the recommendations of the BTRC and the ministry has nothing do about BIEL or any Wi-Max licence.”

Mobile operators had demanded an open auction for the 2600 band of spectrum and allow them to participate in it.

To award the licence to BIEL, the government frequently amended the related guideline. It also changed the nature of the spectrum, having earlier fixed unpaired spectrum for Wi-Max but later allocating costlier paired spec-

trum through a wrong method, another high official claimed.

Ollo, a brand of BIEL and the New Generation Graphics Limited (NGGL) – both now owned by the Russian company Multinet – applied for a Wi-Max licence in April this year. The NGGL was allocated 20MHz spectrum on 800 band free of cost in 2011.

The two companies have so far enjoyed a total of 54MHz in three different bands, which has made them the most influential operator in the country.

BIEL already imported equipment for the LTE – long-term evolution, a fourth generation telephone and mobile broadband communication standard – even before getting the licence.

It had attended an auction of WiMax licence in September 2008, but it withdrew from the competition just after the auction ended and withdrew Tk30m of the earnest money although the BTRC offered them a licence.

Legal experts said as BIEL withdrew the earnest money, the auction was “dead” and if the government wanted to award any new licence, it has to arrange another auction. l

The interim cabinet yesterday gave the final approval for the draft of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Act at its first meeting since it was formed to steer the country through the upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting at the cabinet conference room.

“All cabinet members attended, except the advisors to the prime minister, who traditionally attended the cabinet meetings earlier,” Cabinet Secretary M. Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told the media afterwards.

The ministry of women and children affairs prepared the law to bring the DNA testing laboratories under a legal structure. It includes provisions for two to seven year jail terms and Tk300,000 fines for violating the law.

The act was given in principle approval on September 2 with some correction proposals and observations, and it was placed for final approval after those corrections.

It will now be sent for President Abdul Hamid’s approval before being placed in the parliament. After passing the law in the parliament a separate department will be established, under which the laboratories will then operate.

DNA is the genetic signature of human beings and is unique to each individual.

The office will collect DNA samples and put them in a national database, which will help the government to identify criminals, determine family relationships, hold DNA data on emigrants and identify decomposed dead bodies.

The DNA testing activities will be supervised by a cell which will be constituted under the interior ministry until the new department is established.

Currently, there are two DNA testing laboratories in Dhaka and one in each of the six divisional headquarters - Rajshahi, Barishal, Khulna, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rangpur - plus one in Faridpur.

The ministry of women and children

affairs has already established DNA profiling labs in Dhaka Medical College Hospital and some other hospitals.

The cabinet secretary said the offense under the law would be non-bailable. The tribunals will not have any authority to accept any offense in cognisance except the written prayers of the government or DNA advisory council or chief of DNA laboratory or director or any person who will be given the authority.

He said that the advisory council would be formed comprising the representatives of experts and relevant officials of the government. It will advise the officials of the newly-formed department.

The cabinet secretary said the law was prepared keeping the provision of how to identify the criminals, how to prepare the database of DNA profiles and preserve it, how to analyse and keep the DNA, how to assess the value of DNA profiles during the judicial process, and punishments under the law.

He said though it was possible to identify the criminals analysing DNA profiles, there was no law to accept DNA profiles in cognisance in courts.

The law was enacted to ensure acceptance of DNA profiles in courts.

According to the law, the punishment of operating illegal or unregistered DNA labs will be punishable by two to five years in prison and a Tk100,000 fine.

The punishment for disclosing the database or any information without prior permission of the authority will be three years in prison and Tk50,000 as penalty, or both.

Individuals who try to destroy DNA evidence or data will also be punished by three to seven years in jail and Tk300,000 as penalty, or both.

Any kind of irresponsibility in collecting the evidences by doctors or investigating officers will also be considered punishable with two years in prison and TK 30,000 as penalty.

Only metropolitan magistrates or judicial magistrates will have the authority to try these offenses, as per the law. l

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Awami League failing in manifesto pledge to end sexual violence n Muktasree Chakma Sathi Promises made by the ruling Awami League in its 2008 election manifesto about curbing violence against women and girls have remained unfulfilled, with the government so far doing very little to effectively implementing the laws and follow the directives given by the judiciary.

“The strictest legal measures will be taken to stop the oppression of women” was a key plank of the party’s manifesto for the last parliamentary polls.

The government during its tenure, however, has taken “no strict measure” except enacting a few laws and establishing some offices for combating vio-

lence against women.

Rights activists said the “frustratingly slow pace of the judiciary in delivering verdicts” was one of the factors behind rising violence against women (VAW) in the country.

For example, on June 30, the Chittagong Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal 1 sentenced five men to death after 17 years, for being involved in raping and abducting an adolescent girl in Banshkhali Upazila in 1997.

The government has also seemed reluctant to take strict measures against institutions that repeatedly violated the guidelines given by High Court on VAW. On May 14, 2009, the High Court in a verdict ordered the government to

enact a comprehensive law on sexual harassment and asked it to follow the guidelines until the law was enacted.

However, from 2009 to 2013, the government neither enacted a law nor took any strict measure against those bodies that had not followed the guidelines laid down by the judiciary.

The guidelines were laid with an aim to prevent sexual harassment of women and girls with the force of a law within the meaning of Article 111 of the constitution.

Nina Goshwami of Ain O Salish Kendra told the Dhaka Tribune: “It was indeed the government’s duty to let the institutions know about the guidelines and also to pressure them to follow them. It could have filled the gap which we never

looked at before. But, unfortunately, the government has not done enough.”

“These directives are aimed at filling up the legislative vacuum in the nature of law declared by the High Court under the mandate and within the meaning of Article 111 of the constitution,” the court ruling said.

“Slow pace of trials is one of the factors that led to the rising of such crimes.

Criminals enjoy total impunity because of the slow pace. They tend to think that no matter what they have done, they will continue to rein free,” Nina said.

According to the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, a total of 22,701 incidents of violence against women and girls such as rape, gang rape, killing after rape and

attempt to rape, sexual harassment, dowry related violence, trafficking and acid violence took place from January 2009 to March 2013. Some 260 incidents of rape and gang rape took place only in the first three months of 2013.

From 2009 to 2012, a total of 2,129 women including girls were raped.

Only from January to March in 2013, some 200 women and girls were raped, 575 women and girls were victims of gang rape. From January to March 2013, 1,220 incidents of VAW were recorded.

Website of the government’s Victim Support Centre, established in 2009 with the help of Police Reform Programme under the United Nations, said since its establishment they had in-

vestigated around 400 cases and 1,700 victims had been served in the last 44 months.

Appreciating the government for passing a number of laws including the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010, Nina said it would have been far more helpful if the government could have also ensured “proper and effective implementation of the laws.”

When asked about the spike in violence against women, Tariq-ul-Islam, secretary of the women and children affairs ministry, said awareness against such crimes was necessary. “Our initiatives would not be able to bring changes if people remain unaware.” l

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Business

Business

B2 Bangladesh Bank

to award highest remittance senders

B3 CCCI places 17

recommendations

www.dhakatribune.com/business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

RMG awaits setback in summer orders Buyers unwilling to visit Dhaka to close deals due to ongoing political unrest n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi The readymade garment industry is exposed to risks of losing orders as the buyers are staying away from visiting the country due to the ongoing political unrest, including frequent hartals, vandalism and arson.

The orders particularly for the summer season, one of the major seasons for the apparel exporters, would face a setback as apprehended by the manufacturers and exporters.

“It’s the high time for placing orders,” Salim Osman, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) told Dhaka tribune. “If we fail to grab orders now for lack of security for the buyers, we would lose orders for the next season.”

‘Production costs have already increased due to price hike of inputs. The air shipment pushed the cost further up’ He said the buyers would hesitate to come to Bangladesh if they see the recent attack on a buyer, who immediately left the country without placing orders.

The Spanish buyer of Knitwear products left Bangladesh without placing any order as he was assaulted by Jamaat-Shibir activists in the city on Saturday.

He came under attack on his way to Fatullah in Narayanganj to place order at a factory owned by BKMEA President Selim Osman, who urged the government to arrange special security measures for the foreign buyers. “Otherwise, the country would face dire consequence in export earnings.”

“A group of buyers, who generally place orders in Bangladesh through negotiation has cancelled Bangladesh visit last week as they felt insecure due to political turmoil,”

said Md Abdul Hamid, a negotiator between garments owners and buyers.

“Last year I had lots of foreign buyers. But this year, it witnessed drastic fall only for security reasons,” he said. “If the buyers cannot come to Bangladesh to place orders, it will cast shadow over summer season orders,” said Reaz Bin Mahmood, vice president of BGMEA. He said different embassies in Dhaka are discouraging their respective natives, including the buyers of RMG products, considering their security aspect.

The British High Commission in Dhaka has stopped Jhon. T Smitth, Unido country representative, from travelling to Bangladesh for last seven days due to security concern, he quoted Smith as saying.

Reaz said the trend of orders already faced setback as reflected from the Utilisation Declaration (UD), permission by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association in using raw materials for apparel items, which witnessed a downtrend in last two months.

Buying orders would not see any setback if we go abroad to have negotiations with the buyers, who are unwilling to visit Bangladesh at this moment of tension, said Abdus Slam Murshedy, president of Bangladesh Exporters Association. “Shipments would not be cancelled, but it would cause ten times higher cost due to air shipments.”

“Production costs have already increased due to price hike of inputs. The air shipment pushed the cost further up,” he said.

If the political unrest continues to worsen, the whole industry would face a dire consequence, he said.

According to Export Promotion Bureau, the country’s export earnings saw slow growth in last two months as manufacturers failed to make shipments in due time due to the political unrest. l

BISMILLAH GROUP SCAM

7 Prime Bank executives sent on forced leave n Tribune Report Prime bank has sent seven of its officers, including Deputy Managing Director Muhammad Yasin Ali, on force leave without salary in connection with Bismillah Group financial scam.

The board of directors of the bank took the decision as the Anti-Corruption Commission filed cases against them, sources said.

The bank informed the accused officers

about the force leave through a letter on Sunday. The letter was, however, dated November 21.

The accused DMD sent applications to the Bangladesh Bank Governor and ACC Chairman, apprising them of joining the bank after the irregularities taking place.

According to the letter, Yasin Ali joined Prime Bank as DMD on August 29, 2011. He worked in the audit department of the bank.

So he had no chance to be involved with dis-

bursement or sanctioning loans.

Besides, he marked the accounts of Bismillah Group as risky in the last two annual reports of the bank.

“Yasin Ali and I joined the bank almost at the same time. But why his name appeared on the ACC report I don’t know,” said Prime Bank Managing Director Ehsan Khasru.

The Anti-Corruption Commission recently filed 12 cases against 53 senior executives of five banks and the controversial terry tow-

el maker Bismillah Group allegedly for misappropriation of Tk11.74bn.

Thirteen of the accused are proprietors and senior executives of Bismillah Group and its sister concerns – Shaharish Composite Factory Ltd, Alpha Composite Towel Ltd, Shaharish KT Ltd, Hindul Wali Ltd and Bismillah Towel Ltd – and the executives of five banks – Janata Bank, Prime Bank, Jamuna Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank Ltd and Premier Bank. l

Business Bangladesh Bank to award highest remittance senders

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

n Tribune Report Bangladesh Bank will honour 10 expatriates sending the highest amounts of remittance in a year.

Governor Dr Atiur Rahman announced it while launching a database for the non-residential Bangladeshis (NRBs) in the central bank office in Dhaka yesterday.

We have taken an initiative to start database in order to bring NRBs under financial inclusion so that we can fulfill their any financial service demand “We will honour 10 highest remittance senders every year,” he said.

The database aims to make the NRBs have access to the country’s financial services.

“We have taken an initiative to start database in order to bring NRBs under financial inclusion so that we can fulfill their any financial service demand,” said Dr Atiur Rahman.

He said the remittance sent by expatriates from different countries play a big role in the country’s economy. Although the remittance inflow has risen, the expatriates cannot invest their money in the home country, said governor.

“The expatriates’ money are being spent mostly in the non-productive sector.”

Dr Atiur hoped that the inclusion in the newly created database, the NRBs will have a proper guide to make investment in the productive sector. With the help of the database, NRBs could be served regarding matters such as investment. They can also seek advices on investment and other information through emails. l

Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur Rahman speaks at the launching of an online database for nonresident Bangladeshis at the central bank’s office in Dhaka yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Monthly remittance trend

The yen sank to a six-month low against the dollar in Asia yesterday as a generally upbeat outlook led dealers into higher-yielding investments, with the euro hitting a four-year high thanks to upbeat German data.

The greenback changed hands at 101.87 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, well up from 101.23 yen in New York Friday afternoon and its highest level since late May. The greenback last week topped 101 yen for the first time since July.

The euro was trading at 137.94 yen - its highest since October 2009 - against 137.21 yen, while it edged down to $1.3539 against $1.3555.

Sentiment was also giving a lift by Iran’s deal with world powers on its nuclear programme, which will see an easing of sanctions on the crude oil producer.

Investors usually move out of the yen, which is considered a safe bet, and into “higher risk” currencies such as the euro when they are feeling confident in the economic outlook.

A slowdown in Japan’s third-quarter economic growth has stoked speculation

of further easing measures from the Bank of Japan (BoJ), weighing on demand for the yen.

On Friday the German Ifo institute’s business climate index - a key measure of the mood in the industry and trade sectors of Europe’s biggest economy - rose to its highest level in more than 18 months.

The survey, which follows data last week indicating a four-year high in German investment sentiment in November, suggests the economic powerhouse may have regained momentum in the fourth quarter, analysts said.

“Friday’s November German Ifo helped buoy the appeal of the euro,” National Australia Bank said.

Investors will now turn their focus to eurozone inflation data this week.

Data this month showed prices rose at their slowest pace in four years in October, raising the spectre of deflation and prompting the European Central Bank to cut interest rates to a record low of 0.25%.

“Inflation from (the) eurozone ... will gather most limelight as investors continue to wonder when, and if, the ECB will introduce further easing measures,” Credit Agri-

n Tribune Business Desk The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) was reconstituted yesterday following the formation of a new cabinet for election oversight.

The Council was reconstituted with 13 members brining in four newly appointed ministers – Industries Minister Tofail Ahmed, Land Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Posts and Telecommunication Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Health and Family Planning Minister Rowshan Ershad, reports UNB. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will continue to hold her office as Ecnec chairman while Finance Minister AMA Muhith will remain as alternative chairman, said a Cabinet Division notification.

The other Ecnec members are Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Planning Minister AK Khandker, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandkar Mosharraf Hossain, Food Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen, Foreign Minister Abdul Hasan Mahmud Ali and Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan. l

Biman to offer tickets at discount from BITF n Tribune Business Desk

Yen sinks to six-month low in Asian trade n AFP, Tokyo

Ecnec reconstituted with four new ministers

cole said.

Traders will also be keeping an eye on the release of US data due this week, including on consumer confidence, durable goods orders and housing starts.

The dollar was mostly higher against other Asia-Pacific currencies.

It rose to 31.96 Thai baht from 31.83 baht on Friday over political uncertainty in Thailand.

Tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched through the tense Thai capital on Monday in an escalation of mass street rallies aiming to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s embattled government.

The dollar also rose to 1,062.18 South Korean won from 1,060.73 won, to Sg$1.2534 from Sg$1.2507, to 43.91 Philippine pesos from 43.87 pesos, and to Tw$29.61 from Tw$29.57.

The dollar fell to 62.54 Indian rupees from 62.97 rupees while holding steady at 11,729 Indonesian rupiah from 11,728 rupiah.

The Australian dollar fell to 91.44 US cents from 91.91 cents, while the Chinese yuan rose to 16.69 yen from 16.59 yen. l

Biman Bangladesh Airlines yesterday announced discount on tickets of different routes for the visitors of Bangladesh International Tourism Fair (BITF) to be held from November 28 to 30 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka.

The national flag carrier will issue Dhaka-Yangon route ticket at 50% discount while Dhaka-Delhi and Dhaka-Hong Kong at 30% and Dhaka-Bangkok and Dhaka-London at 25% discount from its stall during the 3-day fair.

Besides, tickets of all Biman routes will be available at 4% discount.

Biman will present two complimentary tickets on Dhaka-Delhi-Dhaka routes through a raffle draw every day during the fair. l

Al-Arafah Bank holds audit committee meeting n Tribune Business Desk Al-Arafah Islami Bank Ltd held its 129th meeting of audit committee of board of directors at its board room in Dhaka yesterday.

The committee’s vice chairman Abdus Salam presided over the meeting that reviewed overall business performance of the bank, said a press release.

The committee members SM Shameem Iqbal, Niaz Ahmed and managing director Md Habibur Rahman, among others, were present. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

CHITTAGONG GAS CRISIS

CCCI places 17 recommendations n Tushar Hayat, Chittagong Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry put forward a 17-point recommendations to solve the ongoing gas crisis in the port city.

The recommendations were placed at a press conference at the CCCI auditorium in the city on Monday.

CCCI president Mahabubul Alam, among others, spoke at the event.

He said the gas crisis was created in the region as there were a lack of necessary initiatives from the part of government.

Mahabubul Alam said they would wait for next 7-10 days to see the crisis resolved.

“If the situation remains unchanged, we will seek prime minister’s intervention in this regard.”

The recommendations include, among others, importing liquefied natural gas

(LNG), installing adequate number of compressor stations, importing fertiliser instead of local production with gas, enhancing capacity of Chittagong-Bakhrabad gas supply line and using furnace oil instead of gas at the thermal power plants.

‘If the situation remains unchanged, we will seek prime minister’s intervention in this regard’

Mazharul Huq Shah, a CCCI director, urged the government to think whether producing fertiliser locally with gas diverted from industrial units is profitable.

Jamil Ahmed Alim, managing director of

Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company, said they were getting 223 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas against a demand of 400 mmcfd.

He attributed the gas crisis to resumption of operation of Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited which uses gas as main raw material.

“As the CUFL resumed its operation, the crisis got worse.”

Jamil Ahmed Alim claimed that the crisis would be solved after setting up a compressor station at Ashuganj by December this year.

MD of CUFL Abu Jamal, general manager (production) of Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company ABM Nazmul Alam, deputy general manager of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation SM Shahidul Alam and CCCI vice president Sayad Jamal Ahmed were also present. l

Stocks back to green n Tribune Report Stocks rebounded yesterday, spurred by buying binge after two days of profit booking.

The rally was led by pharmaceuticals, power and banks that gained nearly 1% each.

The benchmark index DSEX ended at 4,355 with a rise of 30 points or 0.7%. The DS30 Index comprising blue chips was up 3 points or 0.3% to 1,535.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, gained 47 points to 8,541.

After two consecutive days of correction, bargain hunters snuck in, pushing market back on the track, said IDLC Investment in its daily market analysis.

‘Investors are still optimistic about the market scenario in the midst of the political uncertainty. Buyers were active as they found some stocks cheap after last two days of consecutive beating’

However, the index slowed and started shedding points, once it reached 4,400 points level as the market sentiment is yet not confident enough to trade over that level, it said.

Frequent positioning and repositioning throughout the session generated Tk1bn worth of additional turnover than that of the previous session, according to the IDLC. Zenith Investment said stocks were hovering in the green, with index struggling to climb higher amid uncertainty over political turmoil.

Enthusiasm of buyers and rare move from sellers plugged the temporary shortfall of

the indices, it said.

“Investors are still optimistic about the market scenario in the midst of the political uncertainty. Buyers were active as they found some stocks cheap after last two days of consecutive beating,” Lanka Bangla Securities said.

Four scrips from textile sector placed themselves in the top ten turnover list, reflecting highest level of activities in the sector that makes up 20% of total turnover.

Food & allied sector was the most shining sector that rose 2%, while most depressed performing sector was telecommunications that shed nearly 2%.

The total turnover stood at Tk7.5bn,

which was 14% higher over the previous session’s value.

Gainers outpaced losers as out of 287 issues traded, 169 gained, 95 declined and 23 remained unchanged in the prime bourse.

Generation Next Fashion was the most traded stocks with shares worth Tk245m changing hands. The stock has been featuring in the top ten turnover chart for the last couple of sessions.

It was followed by Envoy Textile, Paramount Textile, Golden Harvest Agro Industries Ltd, Grameenphone, RN Spinning, Bengal Windsor Thermoplastics Ltd, Summit Purbanchol Power Company, Jamuna Oil and Meghna Petroleum. l

3

Asian shares mostly higher, oil weakens on Iran deal n AFP, Hong Kong

Asian markets mostly rose yesterday following another record close on Wall Street, while oil prices fell after Iran struck a deal on its nuclear programme that will see eased sanctions on the oil producer.

The generally positive sentiment sent the yen sinking against the dollar, while it also hit a four-year low versus the euro.

Tokyo jumped 1.54%, or 237.41 points, to 15,619.13, its highest close since May 22. Sydney gained 0.32%, or 16.9 points, to 5,352.8 and Seoul added 0.49%, or 9.75 points, to close at 2,015.98.

However Hong Kong ended virtually flat, edging down 11.83 points at 23,684.45 while Shanghai lost 0.47%, or 10.26 points, to end at 2,186.12.

Traders took their cue from New York, where the S&P 500 ended above the psychologically important 1,800 level for the first time Friday. The Dow also closed at another record high, a day after it broke the key 16,000 level.

The S&P 500 added 0.50%, while the Dow climbed 0.34% and the Nasdaq rose 0.57%.

The Dow has closed at new records 41 times in 2013, according to data from S&P Dow Jones Indices.

On oil markets Brent prices tumbled more than two percent after Iran on Sunday agreed to curb its nuclear programme for the next six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief.

The deal, a preliminary accord laying the foundation for a comprehensive agreement, was reached after marathon talks in Geneva between Iran and the so-called P5+1 nations comprising the United States, China, France, Britain, Russia and Germany.

Brent North Sea crude for January delivery fell $2.33 or 2.1% to $108.72. New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate for January, was down $1.37, or 1.45%, at $93.47.

“Brent had rallied last week in response to market talk that the negotiations weren’t going so well, and what we see right now is a downward correction of prices after the deal,” Victor Shum, managing director at IHS Purvin and Gertz in Singapore, told AFP. However, he added that despite the falls Monday the impact of the deal on global supplies would be limited since many of the sanctions on Iran would remain in place for now.

The yen came under further selling pressure yesterday as investor confidence in the global outlook improved. Traders generally move into the yen in times of economic uncertainty as it is considered a safe bet.

In afternoon trade the dollar was changing hands at 101.78 yen compared with 101.23 yen in New York Friday. The greenback last week topped 101 yen for the first time since July.

The euro was sitting around a four-year high at 137.80 yen compared with 137.21 yen in New York, while also fetching $1.3537 against $1.3555.

Gold fetched $1,231.50 per ounce at 1025 GMT compared with $1,242.80 on Friday. l

Business In violent world, US companies must plan for ‘unthinkable’

4

n AFP, Washington Companies and diplomats operating in some of the world’s most dangerous and unstable places must plan for the unthinkable as terror groups arm up and form alliances to strike Western targets.

That was the message at a gathering of top multinationals and US government security experts from those who experienced first hand this year’s attack on an Algerian gas plant, and the 1979 Iran hostage-taking.

Islamist militants attacked the remote In Amenas complex in the Algerian desert in January, taking hundreds of foreigners and Algerians hostage, in a raid that left 39 dead.

It ended after three days when Algerian forces stormed the facility.

Despite years of detailed security assessments and planning, the plant’s deputy general manager Mark Cobb said the assault came out of nowhere, adding that the takeaway from the assault was that “you have to think the unthinkable.”

“I was as shocked as anyone by what happened. It was unprecedented certainly in Algeria and the industry as a whole,” Cobb told

DHAKA TRIBUNE

a meeting of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, which promotes security cooperation and information-sharing between US businesses and the State Department.

Cobb had just made his first cup of coffee when he heard a single gunshot, and then heavy machine gun fire. He managed to phone BP offices in London to raise the alarm.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

regional security officer at the US embassy in Algiers.

“In Amenas was a game-changer. It changed the bottom line assumptions that security officers going there work with.

“Now you have to plan and you have to prepare for the worst type of attack, the Westgate type of attack, the In Amenas type of attack...

And nothing would work if we did, frankly, because now, more than ever, I believe we need to be engaged in the world to help move it forward in this transformation that has taken place But he was unprepared for the 35 militants, armed with rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and Kalashnikovs, who stormed the plant jointly run by Britain’s BP and Norway’s Statoil, and hunted down foreigners to kill.

And despite managing to escape into the nearby sand dunes, he knew that as soon as Algerian forces became involved in the rescue attempt, the situation would get bloodier.

“Algerians do not negotiate with terrorists... and we assumed that the Algerians would take a swift response and that’s what they did,” agreed Nicole Deal, who was the

that might be the new normal,” she said, referring to a Nairobi shopping mall siege.

The American diplomats who were seized in the 1979 siege of the US Embassy in Tehran recalled how, based on past protests, they had expected it to end within a few hours or days after students first stormed the building.

Only when the provisional Iranian government resigned and there was “no one at the end of the phone” for Washington to talk to did they realize they were in unchartered waters, said John Limbert, the embassy’s then

political officer who was held for 444 days.

As shown in the Oscar-winning film “Argo,” it fell to CIA officer Tony Mendez to implement an audacious plan to get six Americans out of Iran, who had fled to the nearby Canadian embassy, by pretending they were a Hollywood film crew.

“Lot of times you have good ideas out of desperation,” said Mendez, who was played in the film by actor Ben Affleck.

As the committees are “wringing their hands,” his advice was “get that plan on the table, keep it on the table, and when you get ready to go, do it quickly.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry told the gathering that his department had warned 78 US companies or overseas organizations or faith-based groups about a specific threat against them this year.

“Everyone here understands the risks, you know the dangers,” he said, while stressing: “You can’t retreat. There is no fortress.

“And nothing would work if we did, frankly, because now, more than ever, I believe we need to be engaged in the world to help move it forward in this transformation that has taken place.” l

China sniffs out Eastern Europe investment opportunities n AFP Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang arrives in Romania yesterday ahead of a summit with 16 Central and Eastern European leaders keen to woo investment from the world’s number two economy.

The trip, the first by a Chinese premier to Romania in 19 years, sees Li accompanied by the heads of more than 200 Chinese major public and private companies.

exports,” economic analyst Razvan Orasanu told AFP. “Moreover, the countries in the region register high growth rates while regulations in terms of labour or visas are less strict” than in Western Europe, he added.

In the early 2000s, Chinese investment in the region was almost inexistent. In 2010 it topped $800m, according to the Warsaw-based Central and Eastern European Development Institute (CEED).

‘Developing a partnership with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a logical option for China, first of all because it gives it access to major sea ports such as Constanta (Romania) and Burgas (Bulgaria) as a safeway for its exports’

On Tuesday he will attend the Bucharest summit that “will be an opportunity for countries in the region to find out what the Chinese are after,” the head of the Romanian-Chinese Trade Chamber Gabriel Ghelmegeanu told AFP. The gathering comes days after China and the European Union began talks in Beijing on a landmark agreement aimed at increasing two-way investment flows.

Hundreds of Eastern European businessmen will vie for Chinese attention - and money - showcasing energy, transportation or agriculture projects lingering for lack of funds.

“Developing a partnership with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a logical option for China, first of all because it gives it access to major sea ports such as Constanta (Romania) and Burgas (Bulgaria) as a safeway for its

Two-way trade between China and the region has also grown rapidly. While it amounted to $3bn in 2000, it surpassed $41bn in 2010, with China registering a net surplus.

Following the eurozone crisis, the CEE countries with their “hybrid economies, somewhere between emerging and developed markets ... appear as more dynamic places to put Chinese money into,” the CEED said.

Yet past experience in the region provides a measure of caution for those hoping for quick results.

In April 2012, Li’s predecessor Wen Jiabao told 16 CEE leaders attending a summit in Poland that China would commit a total of $10.5bn in credit lines and funds to boost economic ties with the region.

But analysts say that 18 months later the promise of massive Chinese capital injec-

tions into the former communist bloc has yet to materialise.

The China-CEE Investment Cooperation Fund (ICF) has not made any headway and prospects are unclear.

Poland, China’s second-biggest partner in the region, has seen no major Chinese investment since the 2012 summit. Neither have the Baltic states, Slovakia or the Czech Republic.

After lengthy negotiations, Romania has secured a deal with Hudian Engineering on the construction in 2014 of a power plant at Rovinari.

Romania hopes to sign contracts worth billions of dollars on the construction of two new nuclear reactors at Cernavoda and of two power plants.

Shuanghui International’s recent takeover of US’s Smithfield Foods, which owns a pork producer near Timisoara in western Romania, is expcted to boost exports of meat and livestock to China.

In Bulgaria, China’s Great Wall Motor opened an automobile assembly plant in Bahovitsa in February 2012, becoming the first Chinese automaker to start production in Europe.

But two deals by China’s Build Your Dreams to assemble electric buses and build a technological park in Bulgaria have been frozen.

Hungary, which has seen Chinese investment treble since 2010 to $2.5bn, appears as Beijing’s favourite partner in the region.

Budapest has recently signed a bilateral currency swap deal worth 10bn yuans ($1.63bn) that will back trade and investments.

IT and telecom giants Huawei and ZTE, chemical firm Wanhua have invested hundreds of millions in Hungary.

The decision to grant residency permits to foreigners buying 250,000 euros of Hungarian bonds has encouraged Chinese investment, analysts say.

Serbia, which is not an EU member, will be the site for China’s first multi-million euro infrastructure project in Europe after a preliminary contract to build a much-needed bridge over the Danube in Belgrade was signed.

Other major projects including the overhaul of two power plants and the construction of motorways and tunnels are underway in the Western Balkan country.

But plans by Chinese companies to build highways in the region have failed in several other countries, after local authorities said the terms the Chinese sought were unacceptable.

Beijing’s first step to into the region’s public works sector suffered a major flop in 2011 when Poland ended the contract on a major highway because the tender winner COVEC failed to pay Polish subcontractors.

In Romania, China Communications Construction Company was among the bidders for a 50-kilometre (30-mile), $4.5bn motorway.

But the firm withdrew from the tender in September when officials said it could not import the workforce and the materials from China as it planned to.

“The problem is that the Chinese want to be in command of a project and insist on getting state guarantees. But this is not possible,” Ghelmegeanu said.

“If they want to expand they must adapt to our system, to the EU’s system.” l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

5

China fights back against US accusations of blocking WTO technology deal n Reuters Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng denounced the United States as “irresponsible” on Sunday after Washington accused China of jeopardising a deal that aims to cut tariffs on technology products, saying Washington had disappointed participants in the talks.

US Trade Representative Michael Froman said on Thursday that China’s demands to exempt more than 100 products from a technology trade deal risked leading to a breakdown in the negotiations.

“It is irresponsible for the US to discard the consensus that has been agreed by most of the countries only because the deal cannot meet its own requirement for several products,” Gao said in a statement emailed to Reuters.

China, he said, had pushed forward negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and proven its willingness to improve its offer several times during the talks.

Gao said US demands far exceeded what was acceptable to Chinese companies.

“The US is unwilling to make any necessary concessions and has turned a blind eye

Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng attends a news conference with European Union Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht (not pictured) at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in Beijing REUTERS to the big differences between Chinese and US firms, ignoring the appeals by the Chinese side,” he said.

He said due account should be taken of the different levels of development of the

countries involved in the negotiations.

European Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht last week said China’s demands were the main outstanding issue in the talks.

The talks seek to expand a 16-year-old

World Trade Organization agreement and update it for the Internet era, cutting the import cost of items like personal computers, laptops, telephones, fax machines, computer software and semi-conductors. l

Expo 2020 city-host to be chosen tomorrow n AFP

Singapore Airlines stops world’s longest flight

Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Brazil will find out tomorrow whether their chosen cities have been selected to host the 2020 World Expo.

Brazil, which is already gearing up to welcome the World Cup next year and the Olympic Games in 2016, has put forward its most populous city Sao Paulo as a candidate.

It is competing with the Turkish city of Izmir, Ekaterinburg in Russia and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to host the Universal Exposition in 2020, according to the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), which oversees the organisation of these large-scale events.

From 0930 GMT on Wednesday, each country will have 20 minutes to showcase their city in a high-pressure contest in Paris, after which the 168 member states of the BIE will vote electronically for their favourite.

“We will know in the evening which of the four countries was chosen,” the group said, adding the results would be published on its website.

The World Expo - which showcases technology, architecture and culture, while drawing visitors to host cities and generating business - is held every five years. Shanghai was the last host city and Milan is next in line in 2015.

If Dubai - home to the world’s tallest tower, largest manmade island and one of the world’s busiest airports - is selected, it will be a first for an Arab country.

The glitzy Emirati city has said it would present a “positive” image of tolerance in a region rocked by turmoil.

The bustling metropolis of Sao Paulo, meanwhile, has highlighted its culture of tolerance with communities from all around the world living in the 11-million-strong city. l

n AFP, Singapore The world’s longest nonstop commercial flight ended without fanfare yesterday after Singapore Airlines (SIA) flew its last nearly 19-hour service from New York.

Flight SQ 21 landed early Monday in Changi Airport, bringing an end to a nine-year run. A direct service to Los Angeles has also been cancelled as part of a fleet renewal.

“Food and refreshments were served to customers at the airport gate hold rooms in Singapore and Newark.

Customers were also presented with commemorative gift sets and certificates,” an SIA spokesman added.

Analysts said the rise in fuel prices since 2004, when the 15,335-kilometre (9,529-mile)service was launched to cater to business travellers, made it economically unsustainable.

The cancellation of the service was first announced a year ago.

Five Airbus A340-500s used by SIA for the service to New York -- through neighbouring Newark -- are being swapped for Airbus A380 superjumbos, a larger but more fuel-efficient

model that is not designed for such distances.

The 100-seat, all business-class service to New York was pricey but passengers flew in comfort and saved hours of travel time by not having to make stopovers.

In a statement in October 2012 announcing the shift in its US services, SIA said it was disappointed that it was cancelling the direct flights to Los Angeles and New York but remained committed to the US market

A Singapore travel agency said the last list price for the New York direct service was Sg$14,000 ($11,180).

“Ultra long-range routes have proven to be uneconomical, making it unlikely there will be a return of flights

over 17 hours, which can only be flown by the niche A340-500 or (Boeing) 777-200LR,” the Sydney-based Centre for Aviation said in a commentary in September.

Following the withdrawal of the two direct US services by SIA, three routes will share the distinction of being the longest in terms of duration - Dubai-Houston, Dubai-Los Angeles and Johannesburg-Atlanta - at 16 hours and 20 minutes, the centre said.

In terms of distance, a Qantas flight from Sydney to Dallas will be the longest, but tailwinds enable it to be completed in 15 hours and 20 minutes, it added.

In a statement in October 2012 announcing the shift in its US services, SIA said it was disappointed that it was cancelling the direct flights to Los Angeles and New York but remained committed to the US market.

It now serves New York with a stop in Frankfurt.

A spokesman for Airbus said it was in negotiations “with a number of potential new operators” for the five A340-500 aircraft previously flown by SIA. l

6

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

DSEBroadIndex:4354.89⇑0.70%,Turnover:7506.18M.Tk⇑13.90%,PE:13.36 Turnover8,625.68MTk.⇑18.58% 25 November2013 MarketCap.2,094.13BTk.⇑0.43% CSEAllShareIndex:13502⇑0.52%,Turnover:1119.50MTk.⇑63.79%,PE:13.19 Combined Turnover Leader Paramount Textile Ltd.-N

4995000

Envoy Textiles Ltd-N

4350560

Generation Next Fashions-A

7670200

GH Agro-N

5150530

R. N. Spinning-A

CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice ⇓/⇑ Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo

BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 1106249 D: 28.00 ⇑ 1.82% | 28.18 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 27.70 ⇑ 1.47% | 28.00 | 28.70 / 27.60 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 1522380 D: 21.60 ⇑ 1.41% | 21.82 | 23.00 / 19.20 C: 21.50 ⇑ 0.47% | 21.69 | 22.10 / 21.40 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 1642902 D: 33.80 ⇑ 1.81% | 34.34 | 35.60 / 30.00 C: 34.00 ⇑ 1.19% | 34.43 | 35.80 / 33.70 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 379470 D: 36.50 ⇓ 0.27% | 36.49 | 37.00 / 33.00 C: 36.40 ⇑ 0.28% | 36.37 | 36.60 / 36.00 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 2398339 D: 12.60 ⇓ 0.79% | 12.75 | 13.00 / 11.50 C: 12.70 ⇓ 0.78% | 12.78 | 12.90 / 12.60 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 880185 D: 31.10 ⇓ 0.32% | 31.11 | 33.00 / 29.00 C: 31.30 ⇓ 0.32% | 31.38 | 31.70 / 31.20 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 32705 D: 65.80 ⇑ 1.08% | 66.34 | 68.00 / 65.10 C: 66.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 66.12 | 66.20 / 66.10 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 7325518 D: 25.60 ⇑ 3.23% | 25.74 | 26.70 / 22.50 C: 25.50 ⇑ 2.41% | 25.75 | 26.50 / 24.90 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 795909 D: 31.90 ⇑ 0.31% | 32.44 | 33.10 / 29.00 C: 32.10 ⇑ 0.63% | 32.33 | 33.00 / 31.90 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 268500 D: 6.10 ⇓ 1.61% | 6.20 | 6.40 / 6.10 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 87580 D: 28.60 ⇓ 1.38% | 29.21 | 31.00 / 26.30 C: 28.50 ⇓ 1.04% | 29.04 | 29.50 / 28.30 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 4002101 D: 20.00 ⇑ 3.09% | 20.32 | 21.00 / 18.00 C: 20.30 ⇑ 4.10% | 20.29 | 21.00 / 19.70 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 382874 D: 24.70 ⇑ 0.82% | 24.94 | 25.70 / 22.60 C: 24.80 ⇓ 0.80% | 24.75 | 25.40 / 24.50 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 989456 D: 18.30 ⇑ 1.10% | 18.59 | 19.10 / 17.00 C: 18.30 ⇑ 0.55% | 18.46 | 18.90 / 18.20 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 446665 D: 19.50 ⇓ 0.51% | 19.80 | 20.30 / 18.50 C: 19.80 ⇑ 0.51% | 20.03 | 20.40 / 19.70 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 1419023 D: 14.50 ⇑ 1.40% | 14.56 | 15.00 / 12.90 C: 14.50 ⇑ 2.11% | 14.61 | 14.80 / 14.40 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 673921 D: 14.20 ⇑ 0.71% | 14.33 | 15.50 / 12.80 C: 14.20 ⇑ 0.71% | 14.28 | 14.60 / 13.80 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 21000 D: 99.40 ⇑ 0.51% | 99.57 | 100.0 / 99.10 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 66833 D: 16.50 ⇑ 1.23% | 16.46 | 16.70 / 16.00 C: 16.40 ⇑ 1.23% | 16.38 | 16.80 / 16.20 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 999915 D: 15.40 ⇑ 1.99% | 15.51 | 16.00 / 14.50 C: 15.40 ⇑ 0.65% | 15.60 | 15.80 / 15.40 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 3298063 D: 17.00 ⇑ 1.80% | 17.07 | 18.00 / 15.20 C: 17.00 ⇑ 0.59% | 17.12 | 17.40 / 16.80 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 1986104 D: 18.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 19.19 | 19.50 / 17.10 C: 19.00 ⇓ 1.04% | 19.99 | 19.60 / 19.00 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 3867387 D: 16.40 ⇑ 1.23% | 16.49 | 17.00 / 14.80 C: 16.50 ⇑ 1.85% | 16.62 | 17.00 / 16.00 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 1221798 D: 13.50 ⇑ 1.50% | 13.56 | 14.00 / 12.00 C: 13.50 ⇑ 1.50% | 13.54 | 14.00 / 12.80 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 302232 D: 16.60 ⇑ 1.22% | 16.58 | 17.00 / 15.00 C: 16.30 ⇓ 0.61% | 16.49 | 16.70 / 16.20 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 472011 D: 31.60 ⇓ 0.32% | 31.94 | 32.80 / 30.00 C: 31.30 ⇓ 0.95% | 31.63 | 32.00 / 31.10 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 927858 D: 17.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.03 | 19.00 / 16.80 C: 18.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.14 | 18.50 / 17.90 PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 975988 D: 12.30 ⇑ 0.82% | 12.40 | 13.00 / 11.00 C: 12.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 12.41 | 12.60 / 12.20

Vol.

6464810

TO M. Tk.

% of TTL

Avg. P

286.03

3.32

57.26

268.34

3.11

266.35

3.09

34.73

2.81

47.06

242.37 234.27

2.72

TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 491896 D: 19.90 ⇑ 1.53% | 19.89 | 20.50 / 17.70 C: 19.80 ⇑ 1.02% | 19.77 | 20.30 / 19.60 FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 1727576 D: 16.30 ⇑ 1.24% | 16.48 | 16.90 / 14.50 C: 16.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.44 | 16.90 / 16.20 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 224894 D: 60.80 ⇑ 0.66% | 61.15 | 61.90 / 55.00 C: 61.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 61.21 | 62.30 / 60.90 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 340616 D: 29.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.86 | 30.30 / 27.90 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 160870 D: 81.90 ⇑ 0.49% | 82.11 | 83.00 / 74.00 C: 81.40 ⇓ 0.12% | 82.69 | 83.00 / 81.00 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 17500 D: 29.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.76 | 29.80 / 29.50 C: 27.50 ⇓ 8.33% | 27.50 | 27.50 / 27.50 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 1157177 D: 30.50 ⇑ 0.66% | 30.88 | 31.90 / 28.50 C: 30.80 ⇑ 1.65% | 31.18 | 31.70 / 30.50 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 1057985 D: 24.50 ⇑ 0.41% | 24.72 | 25.90 / 22.60 C: 24.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 24.80 | 25.20 / 23.00 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 408785 D: 25.00 ⇑ 0.40% | 25.18 | 25.50 / 23.00 C: 24.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 25.18 | 25.60 / 24.60 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 209814 D: 10.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.22 | 10.40 / 9.50 C: 10.40 ⇓ 0.95% | 10.44 | 10.50 / 10.00 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 622078 D: 17.10 ⇑ 1.18% | 17.17 | 17.40 / 16.00 C: 17.10 ⇑ 0.59% | 17.27 | 17.50 / 17.00 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 731832 D: 55.30 ⇑ 0.36% | 55.67 | 56.70 / 50.00 C: 55.80 ⇑ 0.18% | 55.92 | 56.70 / 55.00 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 220440 D: 16.80 ⇓ 0.59% | 17.02 | 17.40 / 15.40 C: 17.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.00 | 17.10 / 16.90 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 172350 D: 19.00 ⇑ 1.06% | 19.06 | 19.30 / 17.50 C: 19.00 ⇑ 2.15% | 19.00 | 19.00 / 19.00 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 37574 D: 28.80 ⇓ 1.71% | 28.78 | 29.30 / 26.40 C: 29.00 ⇑ 1.75% | 29.03 | 30.00 / 28.00 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 204680 D: 18.80 ⇑ 0.53% | 18.79 | 20.00 / 17.00 C: 18.80 ⇓ 0.53% | 18.88 | 19.00 / 18.50 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 661630 D: 14.80 ⇓ 0.67% | 15.02 | 15.30 / 14.00 C: 14.90 ⇓ 0.67% | 15.05 | 15.40 / 14.50 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 472748 D: 33.70 ⇑ 1.20% | 33.93 | 34.70 / 30.00 C: 33.60 ⇑ 1.51% | 33.82 | 34.50 / 33.50 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 530907 D: 14.10 ⇑ 0.71% | 14.19 | 14.40 / 13.10 C: 14.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.25 | 14.50 / 14.00 DBH | 4.47 | 21.27 | Vol. 207500 D: 54.90 ⇓ 0.54% | 55.05 | 56.50 / 50.50 C: 55.30 ⇑ 0.18% | 54.87 | 55.30 / 54.00 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 529750 D: 31.60 ⇑ 4.29% | 31.41 | 32.20 / 30.00 C: 31.40 ⇑ 3.29% | 31.24 | 31.80 / 30.90 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 310312 D: 29.60 ⇑ 1.72% | 29.80 | 32.00 / 26.70 C: 29.50 ⇑ 1.03% | 29.75 | 30.90 / 29.10 ICB | 89.23 | 607.74 | Vol. 4338 D: 1510 ⇓ 1.03% | 1524 | 1557 / 1499 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 239660 D: 26.30 ⇑ 2.73% | 26.39 | 26.80 / 23.20 C: 26.50 ⇑ 1.53% | 26.44 | 27.50 / 26.00 FAREASTFIN | 0.68 | 13.64 | Vol. 1258500 D: 14.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.22 | 14.40 / 14.10 C: 14.20 ⇑ 0.71% | 14.19 | 14.40 / 14.00 INVESTMENT 1STICB | 75.63 | 942.30 | Vol. 50 D: 870.0 ⇑ 1.20% | 870.00 | 870.0 / 870.0 2NDICB | 44.10 | 253.11 | Vol. 1150 D: 263.6 ⇑ 4.81% | 263.48 | 268.0 / 259.0 3RDICB | 26.16 | 235.16 | Vol. 2550 D: 201.0 ⇑ 0.25% | 201.18 | 201.3 / 200.0 4THICB | 29.24 | 229.24 | Vol. 1200 D: 201.9 ⇓ 2.27% | 201.67 | 205.0 / 200.2 5THICB | 23.45 | 188.92 | Vol. 1000 D: 159.6 ⇑ 1.01% | 160.00 | 160.0 / 156.0

61.68

36.24

C%

A%

CP

C%

A%

CP

Modern Dyeing-B

DSE Gainer

9.99

9.99

107.90

GeminiSeaFood-A

-11.57

-13.29

155.10

Central Pharm-N

9.83

9.07

38.00

Global Heavy Chemicals-N

Jute Spinners-A

-7.17

-7.41

81.60

9.81

10.04

63.80

Monno Stafllers-A

-6.00

-8.87

318.20

BDBSystems -N

9.78

10.50

74.10

Islami Ins.BD-A

-4.70

-1.46

34.50

GHAgro-N

9.66

9.28

47.70

Al-Haj Textile -A

-4.10

-3.22

74.90

6THICB | 10.99 | 60.14 | Vol. 17900 D: 53.50 ⇓ 0.37% | 53.63 | 54.30 / 53.20 7THICB | 13.53 | 98.60 | Vol. 1000 D: 85.50 ⇓ 4.04% | 86.00 | 86.10 / 85.00 8THICB | 12.47 | 70.07 | Vol. 15000 D: 53.50 ⇓ 0.37% | 53.67 | 55.00 / 53.00 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 519500 D: 40.20 ⇑ 1.52% | 40.18 | 40.50 / 39.70 C: 40.10 ⇑ 0.25% | 40.09 | 40.40 / 39.80 ICBISLAMIC | 2.21 | 26.81 | Vol. 45000 D: 18.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.80 | 19.00 / 18.50 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 213000 D: 45.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 45.31 | 45.80 / 45.00 C: 45.00 ⇑ 0.22% | 45.14 | 45.50 / 44.80 ICB1STNRB | 4.06 | 35.31 | Vol. 2000 D: 25.70 ⇓ 2.65% | 25.70 | 25.70 / 25.70 ICB2NDNRB | 2.49 | 16.24 | Vol. 328500 D: 10.10 ⇓ 0.98% | 10.19 | 10.40 / 10.10 C: 10.20 ⇓ 0.97% | 10.20 | 10.20 / 10.20 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 935500 D: 16.70 ⇓ 0.60% | 16.79 | 17.00 / 16.70 C: 16.70 ⇓ 1.18% | 16.84 | 17.00 / 16.70 1STPRIMFMF | 0.64 | 11.63 | Vol. 861000 D: 22.50 ⇓ 0.44% | 22.67 | 23.10 / 22.40 C: 22.50 ⇓ 0.88% | 22.64 | 23.00 / 22.40 EBL1STMF | 0.55 | 12.62 | Vol. 566497 D: 7.20 ⇑ 1.41% | 7.21 | 7.50 / 7.00 C: 7.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.14 | 7.20 / 7.10 ICBAMCL2ND | 0.60 | 12.12 | Vol. 29000 D: 6.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.16 | 6.30 / 6.10 C: 6.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.20 | 6.20 / 6.20 ICBEPMF1S1 | 0.52 | 11.32 | Vol. 357000 D: 6.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.14 | 6.20 / 6.10 C: 6.10 ⇓ 3.17% | 6.12 | 6.20 / 6.10 TRUSTB1MF | 0.75 | 11.65 | Vol. 842106 D: 7.50 ⇓ 1.32% | 7.59 | 7.80 / 6.90 C: 7.60 ⇓ 1.30% | 7.62 | 7.70 / 7.60 PRIME1ICBA | 0.42 | 11.18 | Vol. 219500 D: 5.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.90 | 6.00 / 5.70 C: 5.70 ⇓ 1.72% | 5.68 | 5.90 / 5.50 DBH1STMF | -1.12 | 10.15 | Vol. 290000 D: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.95 | 6.00 / 5.90 C: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.99 | 6.00 / 5.90 IFIC1STMF | 0.83 | 11.88 | Vol. 626756 D: 6.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.87 | 7.40 / 6.50 C: 6.80 ⇓ 4.23% | 6.83 | 6.90 / 6.60 PF1STMF | 0.51 | 11.11 | Vol. 347000 D: 5.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.90 | 6.00 / 5.80 C: 5.80 ⇓ 3.33% | 5.83 | 6.00 / 5.80 ICB3RDNRB | 0.00 | 10.60 | Vol. 193500 D: 5.50 ⇑ 1.85% | 5.51 | 5.60 / 5.40 C: 5.50 ⇑ 1.85% | 5.47 | 5.50 / 5.40 1JANATAMF | 0.78 | 10.68 | Vol. 639500 D: 6.20 ⇓ 1.59% | 6.27 | 6.40 / 6.20 C: 6.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.31 | 6.40 / 6.20 GREENDELMF | -0.82 | 9.72 | Vol. 147000 D: 5.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.64 | 5.70 / 5.60 C: 5.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.66 | 5.70 / 5.50 POPULAR1MF | 0.77 | 11.38 | Vol. 1511410 D: 6.30 ⇓ 3.08% | 6.43 | 6.50 / 5.90 C: 6.40 ⇓ 1.54% | 6.48 | 6.50 / 6.40 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 1051500 D: 6.00 ⇑ 1.69% | 6.08 | 6.20 / 5.90 C: 6.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.01 | 6.10 / 6.00 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 1450000 D: 5.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.86 | 6.00 / 5.80 C: 5.80 ⇓ 1.69% | 5.89 | 6.00 / 5.80 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 32000 D: 7.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.16 | 7.20 / 7.10 C: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.03 | 7.10 / 7.00 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 89000 D: 6.40 ⇓ 1.54% | 6.46 | 6.60 / 6.40 C: 6.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.64 | 6.70 / 6.60 SEBL1STMF | 0.94 | 11.85 | Vol. 634850 D: 8.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.26 | 8.30 / 7.60 C: 8.10 ⇓ 2.41% | 8.18 | 8.30 / 8.10 EBLNRBMF | 1.07 | 10.88 | Vol. 2500 D: 7.60 ⇓ 2.56% | 7.60 | 7.60 / 7.60 RELIANCE1 | 0.95 | 10.33 | Vol. 617500 D: 9.00 ⇓ 1.10% | 9.09 | 9.30 / 9.00 C: 9.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 9.10 | 9.10 / 9.10 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.45 | 10.78 | Vol. 23855500 D: 6.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.87 | 7.00 / 6.80 C: 6.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.00 | 6.90 / 6.90 ABB1STMF | 0.92 | 10.63 | Vol. 364500 D: 7.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.48 | 7.60 / 7.40 C: 7.30 ⇓ 2.67% | 7.30 | 7.30 / 7.30

DSE Loser

NLI1STMF | 1.17 | 12.22 | Vol. 2122300 D: 9.60 ⇑ 3.23% | 9.36 | 9.70 / 9.00 C: 9.30 ⇓ 1.06% | 9.33 | 9.40 / 9.20 NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 52500 D: 8.50 ⇓ 1.16% | 8.57 | 8.80 / 8.40 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 408500 D: 8.50 ⇓ 1.16% | 8.59 | 8.70 / 8.50 C: 8.50 ⇑ 1.19% | 8.56 | 8.60 / 8.40 EXIM1STMF | 0.00 | 10.91 | Vol. 29500 D: 7.90 ⇓ 2.47% | 7.90 | 8.00 / 7.90 FBFIF | 1.30 | 10.27 | Vol. 1000 C: 8.40 ⇑ 5.00% | 8.40 | 8.40 / 8.40 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 4.29 | 52.65 | Vol. 406656 D: 106.8 ⇑ 0.85% | 107.52 | 109.0 / 96.00 C: 106.7 ⇑ 0.66% | 107.41 | 110.0 / 106.0 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 13100 D: 17.60 ⇑ 0.57% | 17.52 | 17.70 / 17.20 C: 17.10 ⇑ 1.18% | 17.42 | 17.50 / 17.10 OLYMPIC | 5.23 | 14.73 | Vol. 981529 D: 160.0 ⇓ 3.03% | 167.03 | 174.6 / 155.0 C: 160.4 ⇓ 2.91% | 166.35 | 175.0 / 160.0 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 21450 D: 131.8 ⇓ 0.23% | 132.71 | 135.7 / 130.0 C: 129.5 ⇑ 0.86% | 132.26 | 134.9 / 128.6 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 2950 D: 318.2 ⇓ 6.00% | 319.66 | 357.0 / 309.5 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 89400 D: 196.0 ⇑ 1.08% | 195.83 | 199.5 / 185.0 C: 193.7 ⇓ 0.26% | 194.42 | 199.1 / 193.0 ATLASBANG | 9.14 | 222.05 | Vol. 34623 D: 174.7 ⇓ 0.80% | 175.81 | 178.5 / 160.0 BDAUTOCA | -0.43 | 5.68 | Vol. 44960 D: 30.10 ⇑ 1.35% | 29.97 | 31.00 / 29.00 QSMDRYCELL | 1.06 | 52.31 | Vol. 1357920 D: 38.20 ⇑ 6.41% | 38.39 | 39.30 / 33.00 C: 38.30 ⇑ 6.98% | 38.53 | 39.30 / 37.50 RENWICKJA | 5.77 | -31.13 | Vol. 11750 D: 147.6 ⇓ 2.51% | 148.94 | 157.6 / 147.0 NTLTUBES | 0.67 | 311.00 | Vol. 57248 D: 72.90 ⇑ 1.39% | 73.37 | 74.80 / 70.00 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 663991 D: 27.90 ⇑ 4.10% | 28.07 | 29.00 / 25.00 C: 28.30 ⇑ 4.81% | 27.96 | 28.70 / 27.10 ANWARGALV | 0.52 | 8.10 | Vol. 313000 D: 25.20 ⇑ 8.62% | 25.26 | 25.50 / 24.10 C: 25.30 ⇑ 7.66% | 25.23 | 25.60 / 23.30 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 13500 D: 15.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 15.36 | 15.50 / 15.20 C: 14.80 ⇑ 0.68% | 14.80 | 14.80 / 14.80 RANFOUNDRY | 2.84 | 18.62 | Vol. 50500 D: 84.10 ⇓ 0.71% | 85.27 | 86.90 / 83.10 C: 83.90 ⇓ 3.45% | 83.87 | 84.00 / 83.80 SALAMCRST | 3.31 | 20.00 | Vol. 1496990 D: 47.10 ⇑ 4.90% | 47.13 | 48.00 / 41.00 C: 46.70 ⇑ 4.94% | 47.18 | 48.20 / 45.10 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 2907497 D: 53.10 ⇑ 4.73% | 52.68 | 55.00 / 46.00 C: 53.60 ⇑ 6.77% | 53.06 | 54.60 / 51.50 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 427149 D: 74.10 ⇑ 1.93% | 74.33 | 75.40 / 70.00 C: 74.00 ⇑ 1.51% | 74.20 | 75.00 / 72.30 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 744941 D: 68.70 ⇑ 5.69% | 68.66 | 69.40 / 59.00 C: 68.20 ⇑ 4.12% | 68.09 | 69.00 / 65.80 DESHBANDHU | 0.26 | 10.67 | Vol. 976275 D: 19.20 ⇑ 7.26% | 19.11 | 19.50 / 17.00 C: 19.20 ⇑ 4.92% | 19.13 | 19.50 / 16.70 GPHISPAT | 2.11 | 15.27 | Vol. 2302710 D: 60.90 ⇑ 8.36% | 59.13 | 61.80 / 50.60 C: 60.50 ⇑ 9.01% | 59.25 | 61.00 / 56.50 BENGALWTL | 3.85 | 24.30 | Vol. 3206200 D: 65.50 ⇑ 7.91% | 64.72 | 66.70 / 61.00 C: 65.60 ⇑ 7.54% | 64.88 | 67.00 / 62.50 BDBUILDING | 1.33 | 12.70 | Vol. 1909000 D: 74.10 ⇑ 9.78% | 72.20 | 74.20 / 67.90 C: 74.90 ⇑ 9.99% | 72.66 | 74.90 / 68.60 NPOLYMAR | 2.38 | 32.89 | Vol. 390667 D: 56.40 ⇑ 7.22% | 55.75 | 57.70 / 50.00 C: 56.50 ⇑ 3.29% | 57.06 | 58.20 / 54.30 FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 37350 D: 89.80 ⇑ 1.35% | 89.73 | 92.00 / 88.00 C: 88.10 ⇑ 0.11% | 88.08 | 88.50 / 88.00

BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 80665 D: 463.0 ⇑ 2.52% | 466.50 | 473.1 / 450.0 C: 461.5 ⇑ 2.08% | 464.72 | 472.0 / 460.0 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 3950 D: 1706 ⇑ 2.16% | 1706 | 1710 / 1697 GEMINISEA | -15.39 | -5.70 | Vol. 4000 D: 155.1 ⇓ 11.57% | 152.00 | 158.2 / 136.0 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 1000 D: 810.0 ⇑ 0.62% | 810.00 | 810.0 / 810.0 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.85 | 57.14 | Vol. 60520 D: 189.2 ⇑ 0.00% | 189.80 | 195.0 / 187.0 C: 189.6 ⇓ 1.20% | 190.35 | 194.9 / 188.0 SHYAMPSUG | -45.77 | -396.49 | Vol. 500 D: 7.00 ⇓ 1.41% | 7.00 | 7.00 / 7.00 RAHIMAFOOD | 0.52 | 4.45 | Vol. 659000 D: 42.40 ⇑ 9.56% | 41.15 | 42.50 / 37.00 C: 42.80 ⇑ 9.46% | 40.75 | 43.00 / 36.10 FUWANGFOOD | 0.94 | 12.28 | Vol. 1533017 D: 23.60 ⇑ 5.83% | 23.65 | 24.30 / 20.60 C: 23.60 ⇑ 4.89% | 23.67 | 24.30 / 22.30 MEGHNAPET | -0.50 | -1.52 | Vol. 25000 D: 6.60 ⇓ 1.49% | 6.68 | 6.70 / 6.60 MEGCONMILK | -7.48 | -23.70 | Vol. 38000 D: 7.00 ⇑ 1.45% | 7.00 | 7.20 / 6.90 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 1320449 D: 22.80 ⇑ 4.59% | 22.70 | 23.50 / 19.90 C: 23.00 ⇑ 5.02% | 22.68 | 23.50 / 21.00 FINEFOODS | 0.05 | 10.63 | Vol. 589000 D: 18.50 ⇑ 3.93% | 18.39 | 18.90 / 17.90 C: 18.40 ⇑ 2.22% | 18.34 | 18.80 / 17.30 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 3003412 D: 25.40 ⇑ 6.28% | 25.22 | 26.20 / 22.00 C: 25.50 ⇑ 7.14% | 25.20 | 26.10 / 24.00 GHAIL | 2.31 | 24.36 | Vol. 5150530 D: 47.70 ⇑ 9.66% | 47.00 | 47.80 / 40.50 C: 48.00 ⇑ 9.84% | 47.57 | 48.00 / 44.30 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 15400 D: 623.6 ⇑ 0.97% | 623.70 | 628.9 / 621.0 PADMAOIL | 27.62 | 79.74 | Vol. 395743 D: 325.7 ⇓ 3.18% | 329.64 | 338.0 / 324.2 C: 325.2 ⇓ 2.61% | 329.61 | 340.0 / 323.1 EASTRNLUB | 5.33 | 71.01 | Vol. 500 D: 344.9 ⇓ 1.88% | 344.90 | 344.9 / 344.9 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 1779063 D: 23.00 ⇑ 8.49% | 22.81 | 23.30 / 20.00 C: 23.40 ⇑ 7.83% | 23.03 | 23.70 / 21.80 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 4292529 D: 42.40 ⇑ 7.07% | 42.27 | 43.30 / 37.00 C: 42.60 ⇑ 7.30% | 42.42 | 43.40 / 40.00 DESCO | 2.34 | 31.27 | Vol. 190758 D: 60.70 ⇑ 1.17% | 60.60 | 61.40 / 56.00 C: 60.80 ⇓ 0.33% | 61.43 | 64.80 / 55.00 POWERGRID | 2.19 | 63.69 | Vol. 290975 D: 55.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 56.15 | 57.00 / 54.00 C: 56.20 ⇑ 0.72% | 56.71 | 58.00 / 56.00 JAMUNAOIL | 21.81 | 72.05 | Vol. 780689 D: 248.6 ⇑ 1.10% | 250.44 | 254.8 / 232.0 C: 249.5 ⇑ 0.85% | 250.59 | 254.9 / 247.5 MPETROLEUM | 25.61 | 71.11 | Vol. 638490 D: 285.4 ⇑ 0.11% | 288.34 | 291.9 / 261.0 C: 286.1 ⇓ 0.07% | 288.87 | 293.0 / 285.3 TITASGAS | 9.20 | 46.26 | Vol. 632020 D: 75.60 ⇓ 0.26% | 75.93 | 77.00 / 69.00 C: 75.70 ⇑ 0.40% | 75.92 | 76.90 / 73.00 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 1374476 D: 53.00 ⇑ 4.33% | 52.89 | 54.00 / 48.00 C: 52.90 ⇑ 3.32% | 52.80 | 54.00 / 51.00 BEDL | 1.48 | 19.43 | Vol. 3197500 D: 34.30 ⇑ 1.18% | 34.62 | 35.30 / 30.60 C: 34.30 ⇑ 2.08% | 34.65 | 35.20 / 33.60 MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 252019 D: 75.00 ⇑ 0.27% | 75.75 | 77.00 / 67.40 C: 75.20 ⇑ 1.35% | 75.23 | 76.40 / 75.00 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 2783589 D: 32.10 ⇑ 1.26% | 32.58 | 33.10 / 28.60 C: 32.20 ⇑ 1.26% | 32.57 | 33.20 / 31.70 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 3193430 D: 65.50 ⇑ 4.63% | 65.33 | 66.50 / 56.40 C: 65.30 ⇑ 4.15% | 65.30 | 66.60 / 62.60 JUTE JUTESPINN | -48.14 | -39.89 | Vol. 14750 D: 81.60 ⇓ 7.17% | 82.85 | 89.70 / 80.60

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

November 25, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 38,341.05 ⇑ 0.50% NBFI: 20,788.11 ⇑ 0.19% INVS: 4,903.87 ⇓ 0.24% ENGG: 6,635.12 ⇑ 1.64% FOOD: 9,936.94 ⇑ 2.28% F&P: 10,780.65 ⇑ 1.06% TEXT: 3,528.32 ⇑ 0.84% PHAR: 18,349.68 ⇑ 1.32% PAPR: 1,070.72 ⇑ 2.41% SERV: 3,183.72 ⇑ 1.14% LEAT: 5,159.56 ⇓ 1.48% CERA: 536.50 ⇑ 4.21% CMNT: 4,336.23 ⇑ 0.63% INFO: 7,817.06 ⇑ 1.62% GINS: 9,409.57 ⇓ 0.45% LINS: 131,558.56 ⇑ 0.21% TELC: 1,344.60 ⇓ 1.70% MISC: 6,781.10 ⇑ 0.14% SONALIANSH | 5.54 | 218.80 | Vol. 12450 D: 135.7 ⇓ 0.29% | 136.71 | 140.0 / 134.0 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 2.22 | 16.53 | Vol. 189553 D: 74.90 ⇓ 4.10% | 75.69 | 80.00 / 74.10 RAHIMTEXT | 4.65 | 56.68 | Vol. 3350 D: 239.4 ⇓ 3.00% | 241.79 | 254.7 / 235.0 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 1029900 D: 28.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.05 | 29.40 / 28.80 C: 28.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 28.98 | 29.60 / 28.70 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 4350 D: 107.9 ⇑ 9.99% | 107.90 | 107.9 / 107.9 DSHGARME | 0.88 | 12.12 | Vol. 77100 D: 64.60 ⇓ 2.27% | 65.65 | 69.80 / 62.50 DULAMIACOT | -1.90 | -29.70 | Vol. 10900 D: 7.70 ⇑ 2.67% | 7.71 | 7.90 / 7.50 TALLUSPIN | 1.75 | 16.17 | Vol. 2170210 D: 37.20 ⇓ 0.27% | 37.51 | 38.30 / 37.00 C: 37.70 ⇑ 0.53% | 37.89 | 38.80 / 36.50 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 10000 D: 72.00 ⇓ 0.83% | 72.20 | 73.90 / 70.60 MITHUNKNIT | 2.87 | 20.53 | Vol. 164300 D: 73.00 ⇓ 0.41% | 73.90 | 74.90 / 72.00 C: 73.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 74.16 | 75.00 / 73.30 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 26.84 | Vol. 527700 D: 30.80 ⇑ 0.98% | 30.85 | 31.40 / 28.00 C: 30.90 ⇑ 1.31% | 31.01 | 31.50 / 30.80 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 246203 D: 17.70 ⇑ 1.14% | 17.80 | 18.10 / 17.00 C: 17.70 ⇑ 1.14% | 17.86 | 18.00 / 17.60 PRIMETEX | 1.21 | 59.34 | Vol. 277500 D: 25.20 ⇓ 0.79% | 25.40 | 26.00 / 25.10 C: 25.10 ⇓ 1.18% | 25.31 | 26.00 / 25.00 ALLTEX | -1.26 | 8.10 | Vol. 220500 D: 7.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.30 | 7.40 / 7.20 C: 7.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.25 | 7.30 / 7.10 ANLIMAYARN | 1.36 | 11.99 | Vol. 211500 D: 26.70 ⇑ 2.30% | 26.30 | 27.20 / 26.00 C: 26.50 ⇓ 1.12% | 26.52 | 26.60 / 26.40 HRTEX | 2.08 | 14.92 | Vol. 316500 D: 37.30 ⇑ 3.32% | 36.85 | 37.80 / 36.00 C: 37.80 ⇑ 5.00% | 37.56 | 38.00 / 37.00 CMCKAMAL | 1.37 | 19.31 | Vol. 1830662 D: 33.00 ⇑ 0.92% | 33.13 | 33.80 / 30.00 SAFKOSPINN | 0.95 | 21.78 | Vol. 391280 D: 25.90 ⇑ 2.78% | 25.65 | 26.10 / 24.90 C: 25.70 ⇑ 1.18% | 25.82 | 26.00 / 25.00 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 121018 D: 92.40 ⇑ 0.33% | 92.53 | 94.00 / 88.00 C: 91.30 ⇓ 1.08% | 91.67 | 92.50 / 90.50 METROSPIN | 0.56 | 17.71 | Vol. 2048960 D: 21.00 ⇑ 0.48% | 21.27 | 21.90 / 20.00 C: 21.10 ⇑ 1.44% | 21.29 | 21.80 / 20.90 MAKSONSPIN | 0.16 | 20.55 | Vol. 3226135 D: 17.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.79 | 18.20 / 16.00 C: 17.80 ⇑ 0.56% | 17.87 | 18.20 / 17.50 DACCADYE | 1.02 | 28.44 | Vol. 1128181 D: 28.90 ⇑ 1.76% | 28.94 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 28.90 ⇑ 1.05% | 28.88 | 29.00 / 28.80 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 6464810 D: 36.30 ⇑ 0.83% | 36.23 | 37.00 / 33.00 C: 36.40 ⇑ 0.83% | 36.30 | 37.00 / 35.90 BXSYNTH | 0.93 | 25.42 | Vol. 787720 D: 17.60 ⇑ 1.73% | 17.65 | 17.90 / 17.00 C: 17.60 ⇑ 1.73% | 17.65 | 17.80 / 17.50 MALEKSPIN | 2.81 | 43.48 | Vol. 3389845 D: 30.00 ⇓ 0.33% | 30.32 | 30.80 / 27.10 C: 30.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 30.34 | 30.90 / 29.80 ZAHINTEX | 1.20 | 31.07 | Vol. 604050 D: 27.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.77 | 28.30 / 27.30 C: 27.70 ⇑ 1.84% | 28.12 | 28.70 / 27.50 SAIHAMCOT | 1.92 | 23.62 | Vol. 885000 D: 25.40 ⇑ 0.40% | 25.55 | 25.80 / 25.30 C: 25.50 ⇑ 0.39% | 25.62 | 25.90 / 25.30 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 7670200 D: 34.20 ⇑ 0.29% | 34.72 | 35.80 / 31.00 C: 34.20 ⇑ 0.29% | 34.77 | 36.00 / 34.00 ENVOYTEX | 3.19 | 39.00 | Vol. 4350560 D: 62.40 ⇑ 4.52% | 61.67 | 62.90 / 55.00 C: 62.80 ⇑ 4.67% | 61.81 | 63.00 / 59.20 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 868440 D: 69.50 ⇑ 1.46% | 70.16 | 71.10 / 63.00 C: 69.30 ⇑ 2.06% | 69.04 | 71.00 / 64.20 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 628500 D: 52.90 ⇑ 1.73% | 52.48 | 53.10 / 51.60 C: 52.30 ⇑ 0.77% | 52.32 | 52.90 / 51.90

PTL | 2.25 | 21.72 | Vol. 4995000 D: 57.00 ⇑ 3.07% | 57.23 | 59.10 / 55.00 C: 56.90 ⇑ 2.71% | 57.40 | 59.00 / 55.40 PHARMACEUTICAL & CHEMICAL AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 11100 D: 257.2 ⇓ 0.89% | 259.43 | 265.0 / 255.1 C: 257.2 ⇓ 0.39% | 260.75 | 265.0 / 257.1 BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 388743 D: 47.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 48.09 | 48.50 / 43.20 C: 48.10 ⇑ 0.21% | 48.37 | 49.20 / 48.00 GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 1450 D: 943.5 ⇓ 2.73% | 943.45 | 970.0 / 940.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 89843 D: 176.1 ⇑ 2.09% | 180.34 | 181.9 / 165.0 C: 174.2 ⇑ 2.11% | 174.26 | 175.0 / 174.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 8783 D: 741.3 ⇑ 0.75% | 740.29 | 743.0 / 700.0 RECKITTBEN | 27.16 | 78.89 | Vol. 450 D: 893.4 ⇑ 0.22% | 893.33 | 901.0 / 890.0 PHARMAID | 1.39 | 26.19 | Vol. 26650 D: 162.6 ⇑ 0.56% | 163.26 | 164.4 / 162.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 101500 D: 103.4 ⇓ 0.29% | 104.13 | 107.0 / 99.00 C: 104.8 ⇑ 0.58% | 104.69 | 106.6 / 103.9 LIBRAINFU | 4.21 | 1567.59 | Vol. 1400 D: 408.7 ⇓ 2.76% | 408.57 | 420.0 / 401.1 SQURPHARMA | 6.93 | 37.18 | Vol. 374364 D: 192.9 ⇑ 0.52% | 193.78 | 199.0 / 180.0 C: 193.1 ⇑ 1.10% | 193.33 | 194.8 / 190.8 IMAMBUTTON | -1.51 | 4.16 | Vol. 11000 D: 7.50 ⇑ 1.35% | 7.50 | 7.80 / 7.40 C: 7.30 ⇓ 2.67% | 7.35 | 7.40 / 7.30 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 5264264 D: 29.20 ⇑ 3.55% | 29.62 | 31.00 / 25.40 C: 29.30 ⇑ 3.17% | 29.74 | 30.70 / 27.00 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 300 D: 868.6 ⇑ 0.63% | 870.00 | 880.0 / 856.0 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 27700 D: 76.80 ⇑ 1.59% | 76.48 | 77.00 / 75.80 C: 77.00 ⇑ 2.26% | 76.89 | 77.40 / 76.00 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 17100 D: 762.9 ⇑ 0.16% | 761.76 | 767.9 / 756.3 C: 750.0 ⇓ 1.32% | 750.00 | 750.0 / 750.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.04 | 12.01 | Vol. 564050 D: 12.60 ⇑ 3.28% | 12.50 | 12.80 / 12.20 C: 12.50 ⇑ 2.46% | 12.35 | 12.70 / 12.00 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 446565 D: 87.20 ⇑ 0.58% | 87.68 | 89.20 / 79.00 C: 86.90 ⇑ 0.58% | 87.65 | 88.80 / 86.80 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 2794138 D: 23.60 ⇑ 8.26% | 23.35 | 23.80 / 20.00 C: 23.60 ⇑ 7.27% | 23.51 | 23.90 / 22.40 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 1918250 D: 63.80 ⇑ 9.81% | 62.48 | 63.90 / 56.90 C: 64.00 ⇑ 9.40% | 63.00 | 64.30 / 59.80 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 2497180 D: 60.90 ⇑ 4.46% | 60.74 | 62.00 / 53.00 C: 61.00 ⇑ 4.63% | 61.02 | 61.90 / 57.20 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 123500 D: 192.3 ⇓ 1.69% | 196.43 | 203.8 / 190.1 C: 193.1 ⇓ 0.67% | 198.28 | 205.0 / 191.2 CENTRALPHL | 1.62 | 12.24 | Vol. 2153275 D: 38.00 ⇑ 9.83% | 37.51 | 38.00 / 31.20 C: 38.20 ⇑ 9.77% | 38.04 | 38.20 / 32.00 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.51 | 31.01 | Vol. 38000 D: 27.70 ⇓ 1.07% | 27.71 | 28.50 / 27.20 C: 28.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.91 | 28.50 / 27.10 SERVICE

SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 1709516 D: 33.40 ⇑ 0.91% | 33.93 | 34.90 / 32.00 C: 33.60 ⇑ 1.20% | 34.03 | 34.80 / 33.10 EHL | 2.81 | 18.44 | Vol. 1396664 D: 55.70 ⇑ 6.30% | 55.16 | 57.50 / 50.00 C: 56.00 ⇑ 6.26% | 55.42 | 57.50 / 49.00 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 145250 D: 118.9 ⇑ 2.15% | 119.37 | 123.0 / 116.0 C: 117.0 ⇑ 0.34% | 117.25 | 127.9 / 117.0 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 11500 D: 714.2 ⇓ 0.90% | 720.44 | 726.0 / 709.0 C: 700.0 ⇓ 3.46% | 700.00 | 700.0 / 700.0 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 66800 D: 381.3 ⇑ 0.55% | 385.93 | 395.0 / 378.5 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 403588 D: 33.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.84 | 35.10 / 31.00 C: 33.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.91 | 35.00 / 33.20 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.35 | 95.30 | Vol. 176250 D: 34.20 ⇑ 7.89% | 33.71 | 34.60 / 32.00 C: 33.30 ⇑ 3.42% | 33.34 | 34.40 / 32.10 STANCERAM | 1.12 | 15.49 | Vol. 5720 D: 39.00 ⇑ 1.04% | 38.84 | 39.40 / 36.00 C: 37.30 ⇓ 6.05% | 38.37 | 40.50 / 37.10 FUWANGCER | 0.65 | 12.70 | Vol. 2284480 D: 19.50 ⇑ 9.55% | 19.21 | 19.50 / 17.00 C: 19.60 ⇑ 9.50% | 19.37 | 19.60 / 17.00 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 1070416 D: 18.50 ⇑ 3.93% | 18.55 | 19.00 / 16.60 C: 18.60 ⇑ 4.49% | 18.62 | 19.00 / 17.70 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 836265 D: 53.90 ⇑ 1.89% | 54.31 | 55.60 / 47.80 C: 54.30 ⇑ 3.04% | 54.45 | 55.60 / 53.30 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 327250 D: 387.8 ⇓ 0.84% | 389.02 | 392.9 / 386.1 C: 390.0 ⇑ 0.44% | 404.79 | 405.0 / 387.0 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 162420 D: 125.6 ⇑ 0.32% | 126.25 | 128.4 / 120.0 C: 125.4 ⇑ 0.32% | 126.08 | 128.9 / 125.0 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 57800 D: 128.3 ⇑ 1.50% | 128.52 | 131.9 / 127.5 C: 126.7 ⇓ 0.24% | 127.20 | 127.8 / 126.7 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 100000 D: 72.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 73.07 | 74.90 / 71.90 C: 72.80 ⇑ 2.54% | 72.75 | 73.00 / 72.50 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 982000 D: 32.50 ⇑ 2.52% | 33.13 | 34.00 / 32.00 C: 32.40 ⇑ 1.25% | 32.78 | 33.70 / 32.00 MICEMENT | 4.48 | 37.67 | Vol. 294659 D: 84.80 ⇓ 0.47% | 85.27 | 86.50 / 78.00 C: 85.10 ⇓ 0.35% | 85.40 | 87.00 / 85.00 PREMIERCEM | 5.00 | 32.60 | Vol. 222800 D: 103.2 ⇑ 0.00% | 104.25 | 105.6 / 102.5 C: 102.6 ⇓ 0.10% | 103.87 | 106.8 / 102.2 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 228902 D: 17.30 ⇓ 1.70% | 17.52 | 17.90 / 16.90 C: 17.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.58 | 17.80 / 17.20 BDCOM | 1.40 | 14.41 | Vol. 404000 D: 26.50 ⇑ 1.92% | 26.48 | 26.90 / 23.40 C: 26.30 ⇑ 1.15% | 26.21 | 26.50 / 26.00 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 269000 D: 16.10 ⇑ 0.63% | 16.22 | 16.40 / 16.00 C: 16.20 ⇑ 1.25% | 16.15 | 16.50 / 16.00 AGNISYSL | 0.96 | 14.90 | Vol. 368791 D: 22.60 ⇑ 1.80% | 22.58 | 22.90 / 21.00 C: 22.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 22.59 | 23.00 / 22.10

DAFODILCOM | 0.85 | 10.99 | Vol. 581864 D: 13.80 ⇑ 0.73% | 13.93 | 14.20 / 13.00 C: 14.00 ⇑ 1.45% | 14.01 | 14.10 / 13.50 AAMRATECH | 1.33 | 19.91 | Vol. 2967370 D: 38.70 ⇑ 3.48% | 38.26 | 39.70 / 34.00 C: 38.70 ⇑ 3.75% | 38.31 | 39.90 / 37.20 GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 121777 D: 30.90 ⇑ 0.98% | 31.10 | 31.40 / 30.00 C: 30.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 30.96 | 31.00 / 30.80 GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 59161 D: 81.60 ⇓ 0.24% | 81.91 | 83.30 / 79.90 C: 80.50 ⇓ 2.78% | 80.57 | 81.00 / 80.30 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 13648 D: 45.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 45.14 | 46.50 / 42.00 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 386800 D: 36.90 ⇓ 0.81% | 37.33 | 38.00 / 36.60 C: 37.00 ⇓ 1.07% | 36.77 | 37.00 / 34.00 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 53230 D: 38.70 ⇓ 1.02% | 38.91 | 39.50 / 37.00 JANATAINS | 0.78 | 17.07 | Vol. 327620 D: 29.20 ⇑ 0.69% | 29.48 | 30.50 / 29.00 C: 29.30 ⇑ 0.69% | 29.59 | 30.10 / 29.00 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 88238 D: 44.60 ⇑ 1.36% | 44.21 | 45.00 / 40.00 C: 44.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 44.10 | 44.10 / 44.10 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 180000 D: 49.80 ⇓ 0.60% | 50.12 | 51.00 / 49.50 C: 50.10 ⇑ 0.20% | 50.47 | 50.80 / 49.50 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 44743 D: 30.80 ⇓ 0.96% | 30.84 | 31.30 / 29.00 C: 30.30 ⇓ 3.81% | 30.32 | 30.70 / 30.00 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 168500 D: 24.80 ⇓ 0.80% | 24.99 | 25.60 / 24.80 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 169176 D: 34.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 34.71 | 35.00 / 34.00 C: 34.70 ⇑ 0.29% | 34.75 | 35.00 / 34.40 FEDERALINS | 1.10 | 10.98 | Vol. 234265 D: 25.30 ⇑ 0.40% | 25.47 | 25.80 / 25.00 C: 25.30 ⇓ 0.39% | 25.52 | 26.30 / 25.20 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 5000 D: 73.40 ⇑ 3.38% | 73.40 | 76.00 / 72.00 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 257500 D: 24.50 ⇓ 0.41% | 24.67 | 25.00 / 24.30 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 30004 D: 59.10 ⇓ 1.50% | 59.72 | 62.00 / 59.00 C: 60.90 ⇑ 3.22% | 59.63 | 60.90 / 59.00 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 125126 D: 33.00 ⇓ 1.79% | 33.32 | 34.50 / 32.90 C: 33.60 ⇑ 1.20% | 33.60 | 33.60 / 33.60 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 82272 D: 68.50 ⇓ 0.44% | 69.18 | 70.50 / 68.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 153962 D: 28.50 ⇓ 1.38% | 28.84 | 29.40 / 26.10 C: 28.40 ⇑ 1.79% | 28.44 | 28.60 / 28.30 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 80085 D: 28.60 ⇓ 2.05% | 28.89 | 29.50 / 28.00 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 58673 D: 29.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.67 | 30.00 / 28.00 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 48833 D: 34.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 34.81 | 35.50 / 32.50 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 53000 D: 30.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 31.02 | 31.80 / 30.80 C: 31.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 31.00 | 31.00 / 31.00 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 345519 D: 26.00 ⇓ 0.76% | 26.36 | 27.00 / 26.00 C: 27.00 ⇑ 4.25% | 27.00 | 27.00 / 27.00 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 168194 D: 25.30 ⇓ 0.78% | 25.51 | 26.20 / 24.20 C: 25.30 ⇓ 2.32% | 25.30 | 25.30 / 25.30 CITYGENINS | 1.65 | 14.26 | Vol. 57319 D: 29.40 ⇓ 0.34% | 29.59 | 30.00 / 27.00 C: 29.30 ⇓ 0.34% | 29.30 | 29.30 / 29.30 CONTININS | 1.41 | 15.68 | Vol. 218950 D: 31.40 ⇓ 0.63% | 31.71 | 32.00 / 31.00 C: 31.30 ⇓ 1.88% | 31.81 | 32.00 / 30.50 TAKAFULINS | 2.19 | 15.17 | Vol. 355932 D: 41.40 ⇓ 0.48% | 41.79 | 42.20 / 40.00 C: 41.30 ⇓ 0.48% | 41.78 | 42.50 / 41.20 STANDARINS | 2.58 | 13.99 | Vol. 17787 D: 41.20 ⇑ 2.23% | 41.15 | 42.50 / 38.00 NORTHRNINS | 1.77 | 11.15 | Vol. 58250 D: 43.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 43.53 | 44.20 / 39.00 C: 43.80 ⇑ 0.69% | 43.82 | 46.90 / 40.20 REPUBLIC | 2.14 | 12.42 | Vol. 250197 D: 44.00 ⇓ 0.45% | 44.28 | 44.90 / 42.00 C: 43.70 ⇓ 1.35% | 44.38 | 45.00 / 43.70

ASIAINS | 1.56 | 17.34 | Vol. 64808 D: 28.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 28.61 | 29.40 / 27.00 C: 28.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 28.41 | 29.00 / 27.00 ISLAMIINS | 1.29 | 11.96 | Vol. 81007 D: 34.50 ⇓ 4.70% | 35.05 | 36.70 / 32.70 C: 35.00 ⇓ 7.65% | 34.92 | 35.00 / 34.20 PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 151138 D: 29.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.38 | 30.00 / 27.00 C: 29.50 ⇓ 1.99% | 29.45 | 29.70 / 29.30 DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 154250 D: 43.00 ⇑ 0.70% | 43.45 | 44.70 / 42.70 C: 42.10 ⇓ 0.71% | 43.25 | 45.20 / 42.00 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 26083 D: 258.3 ⇓ 0.31% | 260.09 | 261.7 / 240.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 70250 D: 331.4 ⇓ 0.81% | 332.51 | 343.0 / 320.0 C: 350.5 ⇓ 0.06% | 345.13 | 363.0 / 340.0 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 74005 D: 75.20 ⇑ 0.80% | 75.66 | 76.80 / 70.00 C: 74.90 ⇑ 0.81% | 74.86 | 75.50 / 74.10 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 27250 D: 230.1 ⇓ 1.67% | 232.11 | 240.0 / 215.0 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 53232 D: 100.3 ⇓ 0.59% | 100.97 | 105.0 / 98.00 C: 100.5 ⇓ 0.89% | 100.79 | 110.0 / 95.00 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 143020 D: 113.7 ⇑ 0.00% | 115.88 | 118.1 / 110.0 C: 117.9 ⇑ 2.52% | 117.92 | 118.0 / 117.7 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 10587 D: 115.9 ⇑ 0.87% | 115.99 | 119.0 / 113.5 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 55733 D: 169.7 ⇑ 5.73% | 162.83 | 175.0 / 146.0 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 36561 D: 98.80 ⇑ 0.10% | 99.48 | 102.0 / 97.00 C: 103.9 ⇑ 3.90% | 103.86 | 103.9 / 102.0 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 144222 D: 110.3 ⇓ 1.34% | 109.92 | 113.0 / 106.5 C: 110.6 ⇑ 0.55% | 110.17 | 111.0 / 110.0 PADMALIFE | 1.63 | 25.76 | Vol. 114560 D: 58.20 ⇓ 1.36% | 58.89 | 60.30 / 57.00 C: 58.50 ⇑ 0.17% | 58.79 | 59.80 / 58.20 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 204550 D: 57.20 ⇑ 0.35% | 57.55 | 58.10 / 53.00 C: 57.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 57.72 | 59.80 / 57.00 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 1071600 D: 202.4 ⇓ 2.03% | 205.51 | 209.0 / 201.3 C: 202.4 ⇓ 1.80% | 204.36 | 209.7 / 201.4 BSCCL | 5.82 | 26.38 | Vol. 444977 D: 173.7 ⇓ 1.03% | 175.87 | 183.0 / 161.0 C: 172.9 ⇓ 1.37% | 175.37 | 180.8 / 172.0 TRAVEL & LEISURE UNITEDAIR | 1.10 | 12.87 | Vol. 9268047 D: 17.70 ⇑ 0.57% | 17.89 | 18.10 / 16.50 C: 17.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.91 | 18.10 / 16.20 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 707140 D: 83.40 ⇑ 1.09% | 83.63 | 84.50 / 74.30 C: 83.40 ⇑ 1.21% | 83.62 | 84.20 / 82.60 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 10900 D: 345.5 ⇓ 1.26% | 350.69 | 366.5 / 345.0 C: 323.0 ⇓ 5.58% | 323.00 | 323.0 / 323.0 BSC | 1.77 | 565.82 | Vol. 108415 D: 456.3 ⇓ 0.38% | 460.27 | 471.0 / 455.0 C: 455.8 ⇓ 0.91% | 459.58 | 470.0 / 453.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 51200 D: 143.3 ⇑ 0.77% | 143.74 | 145.8 / 142.8 C: 142.7 ⇑ 0.21% | 142.39 | 145.9 / 140.5 USMANIAGL | 3.45 | 27.20 | Vol. 111350 D: 137.2 ⇓ 0.51% | 137.91 | 140.9 / 136.3 C: 135.0 ⇓ 0.95% | 136.06 | 137.0 / 131.0 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 2719064 D: 37.20 ⇑ 1.09% | 37.45 | 40.00 / 33.20 C: 37.00 ⇑ 0.54% | 37.29 | 37.90 / 36.70 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 466500 D: 23.20 ⇑ 4.98% | 22.84 | 23.50 / 22.10 C: 23.10 ⇑ 5.00% | 22.99 | 23.60 / 22.10 MIRACLEIND | 0.09 | 14.41 | Vol. 379500 D: 16.30 ⇑ 0.62% | 16.28 | 16.60 / 16.00 C: 16.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.16 | 16.40 / 15.80 BOND

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

WTO talks fail to agree on global trade deal text n Reuters Marathon talks on the World Trade Organization’s first-ever worldwide trade reform in Geneva failed early yesterday to agree on a text to put to ministers who meet in Bali next month.

The fate of the agreement to streamline customs procedures and speed up global trade could now hang on whether the ministers can overcome remaining differences when they gather early next month at the WTO’s biennial conference in Bali.

The International Chamber of Commerce says the deal would add $960bn to the world economy and create 21 million jobs, 18 mil-

lion of them in developing countries. It would also revive confidence in the WTO as a forum for trade negotiations.

The International Chamber of Commerce says the deal would add $960bn to the world economy and create 21m jobs

The proposed accord includes elements of the Doha round of trade talks, which began in 2001 but repeatedly failed to produce an agreement over the subsequent decade.

WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo has forced diplomats from the 159 member countries through a punishing 10 weeks of talks to try to agree a text for the ministers to rubber-stamp.

Azevedo said on Friday he hoped to clinch a deal over the weekend. But the final Geneva negotiating session finished at 7 am without agreement.

Taco Stoppels, a counselor at the Dutch mission to the WTO, tweeted that Azevedo “closed meeting by simply thanking everyone. Text is not ready”.

People involved in the talks said negotiators had come very close to a deal, although progress at times had been glacial.

“We spent nine hours on one paragraph this morning. Once again, a near-death experience,” one participant said late on Sunday.

Unresolved issues include an Indian crop stockpiling plan that is exempt from WTO subsidy rules and a challenge to the US economic embargo on Cuba.

Turkey also has concerns about new rules on transit, while there is Central American resistance to demands to stop using customs brokers to handle trade.

Azevedo will address the WTO ambassadors at a meeting of the trade body’s General Council on Tuesday, which will formally submit their work to the ministerial conference. l

ADB urges East Asian countries to strengthen economies, financial systems n BSS The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday called on countries in East Asia to take advantage of the delay in monetary policy normalization in the United States to strengthen their economies and financial systems.

“A delay in US bond tapering gives (East Asia) a bit of extra time to make sure its economy and financial systems are resilient enough to face the likely market volatility ahead,” said Iwan J Azis, head of ADB’s Office of Regional Economic Integration.

In its latest report titled “Asia Bond Monitor,” ADB said East Asia remains vulnerable to a shift in investor sentiment when the United States eventually scales back its asset purchase program and as it tackles questions over its government debt ceiling.

The report also noted that volatile capital flows make it tougher for policymakers to manage the economies while looming tighter liquidity could push down asset prices, particularly in the property sector, and put at risk financial firms with large holdings.

Despite the market uncertainty, ADB said East Asia’s local currency bond markets expanded 2.4% on a quarterly basis, with 7.1tn US dollars in bonds outstanding at the end of September.

The growth was led by Indonesia, whose bond market went up 3.9%; the Philippines, up 3.6%; and China, up 3%.

On an annual basis, the fastest growing markets were Vietnam which recorded an increase of 18.8%; Indonesia, 16.3%; China, 14.4%; the Philippines, 12.5%; and South Korea, 10.4%. l

Fisker Automotive shows off the Karma S plug-in hybrid during the Detroit International Auto Show at the Cobo Centre in Michigan

AFP

Electric carmaker Fisker files for bankruptcy n AFP, Washington Fisker Automotive, whose sleek, sporty electric cars caught the eye of Justin Bieber and other celebrities, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The California-based company also announced it had entered an asset purchase agreement with Hybrid Tech Holdings, LLC. “After having evaluated and pursued all other alternatives, we believe the sale to Hybrid and the related Chapter 11 process is the best alternative for maximizing Fisker Automotive’s value for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Marc Beilinson, Fisker’s chief restructuring officer, said in a statement Friday.

“We believe that the Fisker Automotive technology and product development capability will remain a guiding force in the evolution of the automotive industry under Hybrid’s leadership.”

Fisker was started in southern California in 2007 by former Aston Martin and BMW designer Henrik Fisker and German business partner Bernhard Koehler.

While it did not have the expected success

with its sleek hybrid Karma sports car - which it billed as “a bold expression of uncompromised responsible luxury” - it did attract interest from the likes of stars such as Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher.

With a price tag of about $100,000, the 2012 Karma sedan boasts an all-electric “Stealth Mode” and a fuel-assisted “Sport Mode,” according to the company’s website.

Having struggled financially for some time, Fisker announced in April that it was laying off 75% of its workforce.

What happens next remains to be seen.

The Wall Street Journal quoted a spokeswoman for Hybrid Technology, parent company of Hybrid Tech Holdings, as saying it was “committed to building upon the Fisker legacy and presence in the United States as a foundation for the design and manufacture of advanced hybrid electric vehicles.”

The bankruptcy could become a political hot potato because the US government had focused on Fisker to encourage the development of green energy, providing it with loans.

The Journal cited the Department of Energy as saying it had recovered $53m of the

$192m Fisker owed to the government, leaving $139m unpaid.

Two Republican members of Congress House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee head Tim Murphy - have already lashed out over the matter.

“Fisker’s collapse closes yet another sad chapter in (the Department of Energy’s) troubled portfolio,” they said in a joint statement.

“The jobs that were promised never materialized and, once again, taxpayers are on the hook for the administration’s reckless gamble.”

In their remarks, the lawmakers referenced solar energy firm Solyndra, which was the recipient of a $535m government loan guarantee and also ended up filing for bankruptcy.

During the 2012 US presidential election campaign, Republicans repeatedly seized on the California-based company’s demise, once hailed as a shining example of President Barack Obama’s push to create green jobs and compete with rival China in a new energy economy. l