December 20, 2013

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Bangladesh mission under Taliban threat Security beefed up as Dhaka draws attention to Pakistan authorities n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Taliban in Pakistan have threatened to attack the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad in retaliation for the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla, a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader.

“We came to know about the [possible] terrorist attack…[yesterday] morning through a Pakistani newspaper,” Mohammad Ishtaque Hossain, press wing officer of the Bangladesh mission in Islamabad, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“We contacted the Pakistan authorities and they have deployed additional police around the high commission complex,” he said.

The Nation newspaper reports that the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threatened to attack the Bangla-

desh High Commission in Islamabad.

“Law enforcement agencies have submitted a report to interior ministry, quoting a security agency that Taliban have expressed annoyance with the Bangladesh government over the killing of Abdul Quader Mulla [sic] and could attack the Bangladesh embassy [sic],” the Nation report said.

Ishtaque said they had not received any threat letter or phone calls from anybody.

Pakistan Jamaat activists in the guise of a civil society group had demonstrated in front of the Bangladesh mission on December 17, after which more police had been deployed, he said. “They threatened to demonstrate yesterday [Wednesday] but did not turn up because of the police deployment.”  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

A policeman swings into action with a shotgun to charge Ganajagaran Mancha activists yesterday in Gulshan 2 when the latter tried to lay a siege to the Pakistan High Commission protesting the Pakistan parliament’s resolution on the execution of war criminal Quader Molla MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Ministers richer than five years back 83-hour blockade n from tomorrow Kamran Reza Chowdhury

Former railway minister Suranjit Sengupta, whose assistant private secretary in April last year was caught by law enforcers while carrying bribe money of Tk74 lakh allegedly to his residence, now uses a vehicle worth about Tk96 lakh.

If the duty is included the market value of the 4,500CC Land Cruiser is over Tk6 crore while his two previous cars together cost only Tk30 lakh.

According to the affidavit he submitted to the Election Commission for the 10th parliamentary polls he declared he had cash in hand Tk500,000 and his wife Joya Sengupta Tk1,000,000 on December 1 this year.

In the affidavit of the ninth polls Suranjit had Tk1 lakh in cash and his wife Tk2.47 lakh.

Now, his investment in the postal and savings certificates stand at Tk19.25 lakh while his wife Joya Sengupta’s over Tk84.75 lakh. His investment in the postal and other savings certificates five years ago stood at Tk11.20 lakh and his wife’s around Tk54 lakh.

In the previous affidavit Suranjit said his income from agriculture was Tk37,800, which has now risen to Tk1.18 lakh.

He has shares of listed and unlisted companies worth Tk1.37 crore which was previously Tk1.46 crore. His wife has shares of listed or unlisted companies worth over Tk46 lakh.

As a minister and lawmaker he earned around Tk22 lakh, according to the wealth statement.

Suranjit, his spouse and the depend-

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

ents’ immovable property includes 10 acres of agricultural land worth Tk6 lakh, two non-agricultural land worth Tk22.4 lakh, commercial spaces of

Army comes out for ‘exercise’ n Tribune Report Members of Bangladesh Army have started winter exercise in different districts amid possibilities that they are likely to be deployed after the practice for the January 5 polls.

The troops were found “patrolling” on Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong yesterday afternoon. They were also seen in Satkhira, Barisal and Jessore.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is likely to decide on the army deployment issue at a meeting with returning officers in Dhaka today.

Abdul Mannan, deputy commissioner of Chittagong, told the Dhaka Tribune that

the army men were patrolling on the highway to resist subversive activities including felling of roadside trees, and torching and vandalising vehicles by blockade supporters.

He, however, could not confirm as to how many of them were on patrol.

Dr Anwar Hossain, DC of Satkhira, told the Dhaka Tribune that some army men had reached the district. “It is an advanced team of the force,” he said, according to our correspondent.

When the Dhaka Tribune approached an army personnel on-duty at Satkhira stadium yesterday afternoon to know about the nature of  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

18,500 square feet valued Tk7.52 crore and a house worth over Tk54 lakh.

Former home minister Muhiuddin  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

For the fifth time in a month, the opposition BNP-led 18-party alliance has announced another nationwide rail, road and waterway blockade programme, this time stretching to 83 hours from 6am tomorrow, demanding suspension of the election schedule and holding polls under a non-partisan government.

This blockade will continue until 5pm on Tuesday. The opposition announced the programme yesterday as its 72-hour blockade ends at 6am today.

“The government, on one hand, is staging drama of a farcical election, and on the other, increased repression on the opposition across the country.

“This cannot go on any longer. That is why we have no other option but continuing the movement,” Nazrul Islam Khan, Standing Committee member of the BNP, told reporters at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.

He said the programme was announced keeping the Christmas on December 25 in mind.

Wishing to remain anonymous, a senior BNP leader told the Dhaka Tribune that the blockade would be extended until Thursday after the Christmas.

With only two weeks left before the national elections scheduled for January 5, and with 154 candidates already elected uncontested, the opposition BNP believes there is no option left for

them except to wage a movement for a credible election under a non-partisan government.

The opposition started enforcing prolonged blockades after the announcement of the election schedule on November 25.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan announced that the government would take initiative to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement on the highways during blockades.

‘The government, on one hand, is staging a drama of a farcical election, and on the other hand has increased repression on the opposition across the country’ Nazrul Islam said newsmen-carrying vehicles and ambulances would be out of the blockade’s purview. Vehicles of the UN and health departments would also be exempted for tomorrow because of the National Immunisation Day. At the press briefing, the BNP leader said they believed the people would observe the blockade spontaneously for the greater good of the country.

Nazrul said only the suspension of the election schedule and elections under a non-partisan polls-time government would deter the people from the movement. “Adopting any strategy to mislead the people and using force will be futile,” he warned. l

Several Ganajagaran Mancha activists hurt in police action

n Abu Bakar Siddique A number of Ganajagaran Mancha activists including its spokesperson Imran H Sarker were injured as they came under police attack at the diplomatic enclave of Gulshan circle 2 yesterday.

The activists were marching towards Pakistan High Commission, for the second consecutive day, to lay a siege to it demanding cancellation of diplomatic tie with Pakistan.

Around 3:30pm, law enforcers suddenly charged baton on the gathering to disperse the protesters who were chanting slogans condemning the Pakistani parliament’s resolution on the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla.

At least 15 people were injured in the clash with police when they were forced to leave the place, the activists claimed.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Friday, December 20, 2013

US Senate for substantive dialogue One killed, many n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman The US senate has condemned the political violence in Bangladesh and urged the country’s political leaders to engage directly and substantively in a dialogue towards free, fair, and credible elections.

The resolution was submitted by Senator Richard J Durbin on December 11 and was agreed in the senate on Wednesday.

The senate resolution said it “expresses great concern about the continued political deadlock in Bangladesh that distracts from the country’s many important challenges.”

The resolution came in the backdrop of the current political stalemate in the country over the polls-time government arrangement.

The senate urged political leaders in Bangladesh to take immediate steps to rein in and to condemn the violence,

as well as to provide space for peaceful political protests.

It also urged the political leaders in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and access of observers in its upcoming elections and supported the ongoing efforts made by United Nations Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco to foster political dialogue between the political factions in Bangladesh.

It urged “the government of Bangladesh to ensure judicial independence,

end harassment of human rights activists, and restore the independence of Grameen Bank.”

The resolution considered that the “Ongoing antagonism between the country’s two ruling parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, distracts from the important needs of the country.”

About the war crimes trials, the resolution said it had fallen short of international standards. l

Activists of Ganajagaran Mancha try to prevent police from arresting the platform’s convener, Imran H Sarker, yesterday in the capital’s Gulshan 2 area

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

One day off for bank officials

Hasina: Talks on 11th JS polls if BNP leaves Jamaat

Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of the country, has issued a circular asking all the scheduled banks to ensure at least one day off per week for the employees through internal coordination.

“The banks have to ensure that the officials enjoy at least one day off,” said the circular issued yesterday. The directive followed a previous order to keep the branches open even on the weekly holidays for the sake of public interest.

According to the circular, the banks have been instructed to keep the branches open today on a limited arrangement to carry out the cash and clearing related activities only, therefore, the officials need not be present at the office.

In another circular, banks have been asked to give priority to the executives who would have to attend the banking diploma examination scheduled for today. l

n Emran Hossain Shaikh

n Tribune Report

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would dissolve the 10th parliament and hold a fresh election if the BNP cut ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, and stop killing and violence.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said this while addressing the party’s election steering committee meeting at the Ganabhaban.

“If we can reach the deal, we can carry on with the dialogue after the polls.

Then we will dissolve parliament to pave the way for a fresh election,” she said.

The election activities were on and it would not stop, said the premier adding that Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia had missed this election.

She also alleged that the BNP had refrained from contesting the polls as its ally Jamaat could not compete.

The High Court scrapped Jamaat's

Several Ganajagaran Mancha  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

Roadside shops in the area were immediately shut amid the scuffle. As police tried to pick up the activists a skirmish took place.

Among the injured, Imran was admitted to nearby Labaid Hospital with several injuries, said Muktijoddha Sangsad organiser and freedom fighter MA Awal.

“The law enforcers dispersed the gathering as the activists had no permission to hold a rally there,” said Maj Mostaque Ahmed of Rab 1 who was

present at the spot.

He said the marchers also tried to lay a siege to the Pakistan High Commission which is located in the diplomatic zone.

Freedom fighter Abul Kalam Azad termed the police attack a “shame.”

The police brought the situation under control around 4:30pm.

The law enforcers detained five activists from the area who were later released from Gulshan police station around 5pm. They are Shipra Bose, Lopa, Shammi Akhetr, Monir and Noy-

Army comes out for ‘exercise’  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

deployment, he said the officer-in-charge of the team would not talk to the press.

Bakahid Hossain, Babugabj upazila nirbahi officer, said a team of the army camped at the Agriculture Research Institute for “winter exercise.” The institute is located at Rahamatpur on Barisal-Dhaka highway of the upazila.

Report received from Jhalakathi said one contingent of the army tented at Raipura School near Kalijira Bridge on Barisal-Jhalakathi road.

Inter-Services Public Relations said yesterday evening that the army had been in winter exercise in different regions including Jessore and Satkhira, according to a press release issued by its Assistant Director Muhammad Reza-ul Karim.

The EC claimed that it was not aware of the army deployment in Satkhira and Chittagong.

The commission did not deploy the army, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad said yester-

day. “Army came out for their winter exercise in different areas.”

He, however, said even a deputy commissioner could call army, if needed, in line with different laws.

“The army was not deployed for the election purpose...We will take decision about army deployment for the elections tomorrow [today],” he told reporters.

The CEC said: “We take assistance from the army as we arrange election in a single day. We only call them [army] for the election purposes as we bear their expenses.”

Asked, EC Secretary Muhammed Sadique yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune: “I do not know whether army deployed in Satkhira or not. But if the government wants, it can deploy army as an aid to the civil authorities.”

The commission must have been informed about the army deployment in election purpose, Sadique added.

According to the commission’s working papers, the EC proposed stationing one battalion of army in the

registration leaving the anti-liberation force out of the election race.

Referring to Khaleda, the premier said: “You cannot stop any activities of the government except for attacking the poor. You are burning and looting houses of Awami League leaders.”

She also cautioned that if the opposition did not stop violence, the government would take stern measures to ensure people's safety and security.

The prime minister also slammed Pakistan for adopting a resolution expressing concern over the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla.

After her speech, the premier sat in a closed-door meeting with the Advisory Council, Central Working Committee and Election Steering Committee.

Hasina to join campaign next week

The Awami League president would take part in the election campaign from

on, said OC Rafiqul Islam of Gulshan police.

On Wednesday, after demonstrating near the Pakistan mission, the platform gave an ultimatum to the government to temporarily break off its diplomatic tie with Islamabad by 3pm yesterday and warned of a non-stop sit-in programme if the demand was not met.

On Monday, the Pakistan National Assembly adopted a resolution expressing concern over Jamaat-e-Islami leader Quader Molla’s execution. l

district headquarters and two to four platoons of army at the upazila towns as striking force.

The EC proposed deployment of army as an “aid to the civil power,” which means the army should not play any role inside the polling centres or vote counting rooms.

For the January 5 polls, there is no need to hold elections to 154 parliamentary constituencies.

The commission will sit with the heads of law enforcement agencies and the returning officers at 3pm today for taking the decision about army deployment.

On Wednesday, Principle Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq held closed-door meeting with the CEC. On December 10, the division sent a letter to the commission seeking around Tk27 crore for maintaining law and order during the polls.

During the ninth parliamentary elections, army was deployed for 12 days. l

December 26, party sources said.

Presidium member Nuh-Ul-Alam Lenin told the Dhaka Tribune that Hasina as well as the central leaders would take part campaign in favour of the party candidates.

But he did not confirm the date when the party chief would start the campaign. “It may be next week,” he said.

During the meeting, Hasina expressed interest to join the campaigns, a source said confirming that she would start the campaigns on December 26.

In line with the electoral codes, as an important person of the state, the prime minister can campaign in her favour or for a party candidate under some conditions.

She also asked party-nominated candidates to go for election campaigns while asked the uncontested MP aspirants to assist party candidates in adjacent constituencies. l

injured as blockade ends n Tribune Report The fourth spell of blockade called by the BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance which will end at 6am today was marked with stray incidents of violence, clash, arson and vandalism in a number of districts while in the capital it was apparently relaxed yesterday.

There were fewer vehicles and commuters on the streets than normal, but more than the previous blockades.

On the other hand, police, Rab, BGB and Ansar joint forces continued their raids in several districts to nab those involved with the recent political violence. Yesterday they arrested 70 people, our correspondents reported.

A total of 115 people have died in political violence since the first spell of nationwide blockade was called on November 26 after the Election Commission announced schedules for the 10th national polls. Jamaat’s mayhem in several districts before and after the execution of their leader war criminal Quader Molla contributed to the violence heavily, raising the death toll since December 12.

Yesterday a Jubo League man Abdul Jabbar, 25, who sustained injuries in a Jamaat-Shibir attack nine days ago in Satkania upazila of Chittagong, succumbed to his injuries around 11:30am at the intensive care unit of Chittagong Holy Crescent Hospital.

Our correspondent reported that the activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student organisation, Islami Chhatra Shibir, attacked Jabbar at his home in Madarbari village soon after the news spread that the Jamaat leader Molla would be executed on December 10. The attackers stabbed Jabbar indiscriminately.

Yesterday in Sathkira sadar three people including two police officers were injured when the activists of Jammat-Shibir men attacked the joint forces in the morning.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kazi Moniruzzaman was undergoing treatment at Satkhira Police Line Hospital while Md Enamul Haque, the officer-in-charge of Satkhira Sadar police station, received first aid from the hospital.

The ASP said a joint forces team that had been conducting raids in different areas of the violence-riddled district for the last three days were removing barricades put by the Jamaat-Shibir men on Alipur-Roichpur road in Roichpur area of the upazila when they were suddenly attacked.

They hurled petrol bombs, crude bombs and glass bottles towards the law enforcers. In self-defence, the law enforcers opened fire. Aminur Rahman, 40, a Jamaat activist, sustained bullet wounds and has been receiving treatment at the Satkhira Sadar Hospital.

The joint forces nabbed 40 Jamaat

leaders and activists from Meherpur, two in Kurigram, six in Satkhira, seven in Lalmonirhat and 15 in Feni yesterday.

In Lalmonirhat at least 30 Awami League men were stabbed during an election campaign meeting of former state minister Motahar Hossain, the Awami League candidate for Lalmonirhat-1 constituency. The meeting, which was being held on Bawra High School premises in Patgram upazila, came under attack by Jamaat-BNP men around 5pm. The attackers also torched the stage and 40 motorcycles.

Bawra union AL president Rabiul Islam Miron said, at least 200 Jamaat-Shibir-BNP men with sharp weapons attacked the meeting. However, Bawra union BNP President Shamsul Alam and Jamaat President Mawlana Zakir Hossain denied the allegations.

Patgram police station OC Sohrab Hossain said additional police and Joint forces had been deployed at the spot immediately. They were trying to nab the attackers.

Miscreants set fire to six vehicles in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong.

Two women and a CNG autorickshaw driver received burn injuries as miscreants hurled bombs and torched his vehicle Blockaders torched two trucks and vandalised five vehicles while picketing on the west side of Bangabandhu Bridge in Sirajganj’s Konabari yesterday.

Rab recovered 25 handmade bombs including 10 Molotov cocktails in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna. In Gaibandha they recovered nine bombs.

Shahjahan Ali, officer-in-charge of Kotchandpur police station in Jhenaidah, said the blockaders set the Awami league office in Kotchandpur town to fire around noon.

In Dhaka, two pedestrians Md Sohag, 26, and Azim Biswas, 30, received splinter injuries in their legs when a crude bomb exploded in Bangshal area of Old Dhaka. At least three vehicles were torched at Hatirjheel and in Old Dhaka.

Two women – Nargis Parvin and Shahnaz – received burn injuries as miscreants hurled crude bombs near TSC at Dhaka University and New Market areas around 8pm. Shahnaz was admitted to the DMCH. Jahangir Alam, driver of a CNG auto-rickshaw, was injured when blockade supporters torched his vehicle near Sadarghat around 8:30pm. He took primary treatment at the DMCH burn unit.

Apart from these, no incident of violence was reported in the city. The city dwellers faced disruption in their daily routine as businesses mostly remained closed. A large number of police and Rab teams were deployed at all the key points of the capital. l

Bangladesh mission under Taliban threat  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

The TTP, an umbrella organisation grouping numerous militant factions, has killed tens of thousands of soldiers, police and civilians in its campaign against the Pakistani state since its formation in 2007.

In late August, the group reportedly threatened to attack the European embassies across the world, including those located in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

About the safety of embassy staff, Ishtaque said their residences were located in different parts of the city, and so far, they were not threatened in their neighbourhood.

Another high commission official said: “We can feel that there is hatred.

But so far, there has been no crime. We

have also restricted our movements.”

About 20 Bangladeshi officials and staff are posted in the Islamabad mission, which is located in F-6/3 residential area, considered as one of the most posh sectors of the Pakistan capital.

Bangladesh government has drawn attention of the Pakistan authorities to the reported Taliban threat. “We have brought the issue to the notice of the Pakistani authorities,” a foreign ministry spokesperson told the BSS. Without further elaboration, Director General of External Affairs Shamim Ahsan said: “They assured us of doing whatever needed to ensure safety and security of our high commission and its officials.”

The Pakistan National Assembly on Monday passed a resolution put forward by a Jamaat lawmaker and sup-

ported by the ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-N. Bangladesh summoned Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi and strongly protested the resolution adopted by the Pakistan National Assembly and the Punjab Provincial Assembly, and the remarks made by the Pakistan home minister.

Meanwhile, a foreign ministry official said Dhaka focused on ensuring security of its high commission in Islamabad and the Pakistan mission in Dhaka as both were under threat of protesters. “Both are concerns for the government,” he said.

The government has been in touch with the Pakistan authorities through its Islamabad mission since last week to ensure security of the officials and the complex, he added. l

Ministers richer than five years back  PAGE 1 COLUMN 3

Khan Alamgir, who was jailed by the immediate past military-led government on corruption charges, ahead of the 2008 general elections had Tk5 lakh in cash.

According to the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission for the 10th general elections, the former home minister has over Tk3 crore and his wife over Tk2 crore as moveable property.

In the previous affidavit, he showed no amount deposited in his wife’s name.

In the affidavit prepared five years ago he had no share of listed or unlisted companies. The present wealth statement says that Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir is shareholders of five companies including the newly launched Farmers Bank, Active Fine Company Limited and Beximco Limited. His spouse is

also shareholders of Farmers Bank and the Pacific Carriers Limited.

As he showed he earns Tk60 thousand from agriculture, Tk13.80 lakh (he gets Tk3.80 lakh and his wife over Tk10 lakh) from house rent, over Tk4.68 from business, interests from bank deposits and shares, job and others.

Another minister Shajahan Khan, who has come under public criticism for his controversial comments on road accidents after the tragic road accidents that killed famous film maker Tareq Masud and journalist Mishuk Munier, in his wealth statement says he is a politician and general businessman. But he has not shown any income from business.

He has earned over Tk17 lakh as allowances as minister and MP. The minister earns Tk22, 119 per annum from interest

against his bank deposit of Tk18 lakh.

He owns a jeep worth Tk50 lakh, according to the wealth statement.

He owns 20 tolas of gold worth Tk80 thousand. His one pistol and one gun cost Tk60 thousand.

First home minister of the Awami League government Shahara Khatun had Tk6 lakh in cash in 2008 but the amount rose to over Tk21 lakh in December this year. She had bank deposit of around Tk5.7 lakh, which comes down to over Tk1.10 lakh.

The Bangladesh’s first woman home minister earned over Tk6.37 lakh in allowances as minister.

Shahara Khatun had a jeep valued over Tk4.8 lakh before the 9th parliamentary polls. Now she uses a vehicle worth Tk45 lakh. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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3

Friday, December 20, 2013

Businesses seek aid amid political crisis n Asif Showkat Kallol The government is overwhelmed by fiscal aid proposals from private banks and industries, including readymade garment, poultry, cement and ceramic industries that have been hit hard by the prolonged blockades and hartals as well as the prevailing political deadlock.

A large number of proposals have poured into the Finance Division and the Bank and Financial Institutions Division from different quarters requesting immediate financial support from the current fiscal year’s budget.

Applicants are saying they have incurred huge losses because of the stagnant economy and political deadlock, Bank and Financial institutions Division Secretary Dr Aslam Alam told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

He said the majority of them were readymade garment manufacturers and they were demanding big amounts along with loan rescheduling and change in the definition of defaulters, which could affect the banking sector.

“We are considering loan rescheduling and changes in the definition of default loan,” he added.

“The chairman and members of the ceramic association met me at the banking division on Tuesday, demanding rescheduling of bank loans and waiving interest,” Alam said.

The delegates told him many of their factories had to be shut down due to

Pakistanis continue to condemn resolution on Molla n Muktasree Chakma Sathi More Pakistani politicians, former diplomats and journalists yesterday condemned through Twitter their National Assembly since it passed a resolution on Monday expressing concern over the execution of war criminal Abdur Quader Molla.

Pakistani people from different strata have been criticising passage of the resolution and Imran Khan’s remark in their comments on online news items regarding the issue.

The former Pakistan ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman, also chair of Jinnah Institute, tweeted yesterday: “We really do need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. And to apologise to Bangladesh…”

Politician Afrasiab Khattak, chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan since 1999, said in Twitter: “We don’t put those on trail who were accused of war crimes

by HR Commission and if Bangladesh tries the accused persons we have objection?”

blockades and the export of ceramic items had stopped completely.

“We do not know when this economic destruction will end and whether it will continue into the next year,” the secretary added. He said the banking sector was the most vulnerable sector in this crisis. But the government does not have enough funds allocated in the current fiscal year’s budget to support the affected sectors.

Revenue earnings have seen an alarming decline, with five-month shortfall now standing at Tk5,000cr, he said.

While on the other hand fiscal support needed for the garment export sector alone may cross Tk2,500cr, he added.

Last week, Finance Minister AMA Muhith assured that the demands of apparel makers affected by the current political crisis would be taken into consideration.

The assurance came at a meeting with readymade garment, knitwear and textile sector leaders at the ministry.

Their demands include payment of four months’ worth of workers’ wages, creating special PCs and Bai-Salams (advance payments for delayed deliveries) to be adjusted in the next two years, among others.

Banker and economic analyst Mamun Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune that several business chambers including the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry had estimated a total damage of Tk35,000cr caused by the prolonged political deadlock. l

Pro-blockade activists attack a tomato-laden truck yesterday near Rajshahi’s Baneshwar Bazar during the nationwide blockade enforced by the 18-party alliance. The activists attacked the truck when it came in front of a rally though it was guarded by a policeman DHAKA TRIBUNE

Resolution proves Molla war criminal, says attorney general n

Nazmus Sakib

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam yesterday said the resolution adopted by the Pakistan National Assembly proved once again that Abdul Quader Molla was really a war criminal and collaborator of the country.

He also urged the young generation of Pakistan to resist the fundamentalists in their country knowing the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

He made the comments at a press conference held at the Attorney General’s Office in the capital where additional attorney generals MK Rahman, Murad Reza and Mumtaz Uddin Fakir were also present.

The country’s top law officer termed the resolution an audacity. “Whereas parliament of that country cannot discuss its own judiciary, passing a resolution on another country’s judicial matter is nothing but an audacity,” he said.

“It is not fair [for the Pakistan parliament] to comment on the trial procedures without knowledge on the domestic laws under which the trial is taking place,” he said. “This is breach of international norms.”

Pakistan Home Minister Nisar Ali Khan said Quader Molla had undoubtedly been executed for his loyalty to Pakistan, and that the move was bound to open old wounds with Bangladesh Mahbubey said the judiciary was independent. “The standard of verdicts pronounced by our Supreme Court is like other courts in the developed countries. The Jamaat leader was granted all kinds of opportunities under the law.

So, commenting on the trial of Quader Molla by some quarters is unfair, un-

warranted and unacceptable.”

When asked, he said it relied on the government whether Bangladesh would go to the international forum or not.

After the government executed the death penalty of Quader Molla on December 12 for war crimes, Pakistan Jamaat leaders and activists protested on the streets. In the latest move, the Pakistan parliament passed a resolution expressing concern over the execution.

Earlier, Pakistan Home Minister Nisar Ali Khan said Quader Molla had undoubtedly been executed for his loyalty to Pakistan, and that the move was bound to open old wounds with Bangladesh.

Pakistan Jamaat honoured Quader Molla as a “martyr.” Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf Chairman and former cricketer Imran Khan claimed that Quader Molla had been innocent and the charges false. l

n Udisa Islam Upon a defence plea, the war crimes tribunal yesterday deferred the deposition of first prosecution witness in the case against Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam.

The International Crimes Tribunal 1 set December 26 for the witness after the defence submitted that they needed time to start the case.

They said Shishir Monir and Saidur Rahman would not continue as conducting defence lawyers. The new counsels are Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, Abdus Salam Miah and Mujahidul Islam Shahin.

On the new date, the witness will testify in camera.

On November 12, the tribunal indicted Azhar on six charges of crimes against humanity he had allegedly committed in Rangpur during the 1971 Liberation War. Meanwhile, the tribunal 2 set January 7 to deliver order on two lawyers from

Bagerhat Judge’s Court Sheikh Abdul Wadud and Shamima Akhter over an affidavit they had endorsed for a prosecution witness in a war crimes case.

Shamima appeared at the tribunal yesterday and sought unconditional apology like Wadud. Senior Supreme Court lawyer AY Mashiuzzaman pleaded for his clients.

The same tribunal yesterday deferred until December 26 the defence hearing on charge framing against war crimes suspect Syed M Qaisar. The order came following a defence plea seeking time.

Defence lawyer Abdus Sobhan Tarafder said they needed time to scrutinise the prosecution documents and for preparation to submit a discharge petition.

The prosecution submitted 18 formal charges against Qaisar on November 10 that include killing, extermination, enslavement, deportation, abduction, confinement, torture, looting, arson and assisting in rape. l

Jatiya Party to join polls n Manik Miazee

Progressive Youth Forum, a group of youths in Pakistan, officially condemned the resolution and PTI chief Imran Khan for terming Quader Molla ‘innocent’ Re-tweeting a status that states “Bangladesh still awaits official Pakistan apology for 1971,” renowned rights activist of Pakistan Marvi Sirmed satirically said: “Let them. We’re busy mourning Mullah.”

Nadeem F Paracha, a journalist and columnist of the Dawn, twitted: “Shameful resolution in the Parliament

by PMLN [Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz], PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] and JI [Jamaat-e-Islami] condemning the hanging of a murderous bigot is an insult to democracy.”

Another well-known politician of Pakistan People’s Party Nafisa Shah said in her twitter: “NA’s (National Assembly) irresponsible and uncalled for resolution courtesy JI, PTI, PMLN, JUI [Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam] has provoked flag burning and demos against our country in Bangladesh.”

Progressive Youth Forum, a group of youths in Pakistan, officially condemned the resolution and PTI chief Imran Khan for terming Quader Molla “innocent.” The atrocities committed in Bangladesh during 1971 should have been a lesson in history that all political parties should learn from.

“If we have any hope of furthering democratic federalism in Pakistan, it is important that we own up to our history, including our past mistakes and aggression, and learn from it.”

The forum’s spokesperson, Khadija Ali, told the Dhaka Tribune: “I almost had a stroke when I read this news.

People should always remember which side of history they were on.” l

Witness against Azhar on December 26

Members of Muktijoddha Sangsad bring out a procession in Bagerhat city yesterday, demanding quick execution of the convicted collaborators of Pakistan Army DHAKA TRIBUNE

Political turmoil puts oil and gas exploration contracts on hold n Aminur Rahman Rasel The signing of a production sharing contract (PSC) with the US-based ConocoPhillips and India’s ONGC Videsh Ltd, to explore oil and gas at three shallow sea sites in the Bay of Bengal, is uncertain because of the country’s ongoing political turmoil.

ONGC obtained the rights to sites four and nine while ConocoPhillips got site nine after participating in an international auction, organised earlier on April 2 by the state-owned Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla).

“We are ready to sign the contracts with the two international oil companies. But given the country’s current political situation, this is not

right time to sign it,” Petrobangla Chairman Hossain Monsur told the Dhaka Tribune.

“All procedures have been completed more than a month ago, and we have been waiting since to sign the contracts,” he said.

In September this year, Petrobangla had signed initial deals with the two companies.

Meanwhile, Petrobangla officials said the exploration would aim to meet the demand for gas in the Chittagong region, which is suffering from an acute energy shortage.

Earlier, the cabinet committee on economic affairs had allowed Petrobangla to sign the initial deals for sites four, seven, and nine with the ONGC Videsh Ltd and ConocoPhillips.

ConocoPhillips had previously gotten two deep sea sites in back in 2011, while India’s state-owned ONGC was going to operate in Bangladesh for the first time.

ONGC has reportedly offered to invest $38.4m to conduct a number or surveys and drill two wells in site 4.

The government’s profit-share would be 60%-85% for gas and 70%90% for oil. It has also offered to invest $64.8m to conduct a number of surveys and drill three wells in site 9.

Meanwhile, ConocoPhilips has offered to invest $23.5m to conduct surveys and drill a single exploration well in block 7.

The profit-share of the government would be 55%-80% for gas and the same for oil. l

The Jatiya Party faction – led by former autocrat HM Ershad – will contest the upcoming national polls under Rawshan Ershad’s instructions, with the consent of the party chief.

JaPa Presidium member Kazi Firoz Rashid said this during election campaigning at Lal Kutir in Old Dhaka.

Earlier, Ershad was “detained” after announcing that his party would not contend in an election without the participation of all other parties.

Although the authorities denied the detention claims and suggested that they had escorted Ershad to a hospital, the JaPa chief has not been seen in front of the media since.

In response to a question, Firoz said the move for polls would not have been made without the consent of Ershad.

“If our chairman did not endorse the move, GM Quader and Rawshan Ershad would not have told us to prepare for participating in the polls,” he said.

JaPa Presidium members Quader and Rowshan are both currently ministers in the polls-time cabinet.

Rawshan is also the wife of the party chief and the party’s primary presidium member.

Earlier, Tajul Islam Chowdhury, the

party’s office secretary and Presidium member, said the JaPa candidates, who had not withdrawn their nomination papers, were going to join the polls.

On December 3, in a sudden reversal of decisions after having joined the “all-party” interim cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Ershad decided to pull out of the cabinet.

Ershad said he and his party could not run in the polls unless the participation of “all the political parties” was ensured.

In an unexpected move on December 12, the law enforcers “picked up” Ershad from his Baridhara residence and took him to Combined Military Hospital.

On December 14, the party’s “Research and Strategy Wing” chief and Ershad’s Special Advisor Bobby Hajjaj claimed that he had been appointed the acting spokesperson of the party by Ershad. He also said Quader and Secretary General Ruhul Amin Howlader would now be leading the party in absence of Ershad.

Hinting at the Rawshan-led group of JaPa leaders, Bobby said Ershad had made it clear that JaPa would not join the polls under any circumstances.

However, on December 17, the party suspended activities of the wing due to unavoidable reasons. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Friday, December 20, 2013

Promotion for over 100 medical officers likely today Insiders say it is a violation of BSMMU act A group of medical officers loyal to n Moniruzzaman Uzzal Awami League-backed doctors’ organOver 100 medical officers are likely to be promoted to the post of junior consultant at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) today.

A proposal on the promotion will be placed at the syndicate meeting for final approval.

There are three more agendas to be discussed at the meeting but the issue of promotion will come up more prominently.

According to the BSMMU act, there is no option for promotion of medical officers.

isation Swadhinata Chikitshak Parisad (Shachip) allegedly forced the authorities to make the decision.

Professor Dr Ruhul Amin Mia, ProVC (education) of the BSMMU has denied the allegation.

He, however, acknowledged the fact of promoting 100 to 115 medical officers.

“All these medical officers have been working here for the last 10-15 years. They are very much competent to serve as junior consultants. We want

to consider their cases on humanitarian ground, not on anything else. If the syndicate approves the proposal they will just get the promotion but their salaries and other benefits will remain unchanged.”

Around 600 doctors are serving as medical officers who are alleged to have been recruited on political considerations during the tenures of both Awami League and BNP governments.

Seeking anonymity, one of the high officials of the BSMMU said: “We already have 1,100 resident physicians who are actively providing service to

the patients. The quality and knowledge of those doctors are much better than medical officers.”

At present most of the medical officers do not have much to do at the BSMMU. Few of them are working at the outdoor section with specialist doctors. A large number of medical officers are involved in doctors’ politics.

The issue concerning retirement age will also be figured out at the meeting.

At present the retirement age at the BSMMU is 57 whereas it is 59 in other universities. l

Mozena: Bangladesh will be an overflowing basket n Tribune Report US Ambassador Dan Mozena expressed hope that Bangladesh would be a middle income country in terms of quality of life in the very near future.

From the “bottomless basket,” he said, Bangladesh would very soon become an “overflowing basket.”

The ambassador was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the second International Conference on Advances in Electrical Engineering 2013 at Independent University, Bangladesh’s Bashundhara campus yesterday.

The infamous 1974 remark that Bangladesh was a bottomless basket is attributed to former US foreign secretary Henry Kissinger.

A total of 233 researchers from 13

UNOs asked to announce ban on tree felling n Mohosinul Karim and

City BNP joint convener on remand

n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

Rabiul Islam

The upazila nirbahi officers across the country have been asked to announce a ban on the highways’ tree felling intended to put up a road blockade, officials said yesterday.

The announcement was made yesterday through loudspeaker, they said, adding that it would be further be done today and also tomorrow.

The violators of the regulation would be brought to book, added the official.

The move was initiated following the frequent road, rail and waterway blockades.

Long-route passenger buses do not run on highways as protesters put up road blockades by tree felling.

The BNP-led 18-pary alliance enforced four phases of blockades since the announcement of election schedule on November 25 in a bid to deter election scheduled for January 5.

Preferring not to be named, a upazila nirbahi officer from Kishoreganj told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday, “We have been instructed to announce a ban so that people do not fell trees to create road blockade,” The official said: “The divisional commissioner asked us to make the announcement which will take effect from every Saturday to Thursday.”

“It is the duty of field-level administration to protect lives and properties of people, cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

The top boss in the civil administration said it did not require instruction from the high-ups for carrying out such duties. l

WEATHER

Weather to remain dry n UNB Chances of light rain is likely at one or two places over Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and the regions of Jessore, Kushtia and Comilla until 6pm today.

Weather may remain dry with partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country, Met Office said.

Light to moderate fog may occur over the country during midnight till morning.

Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may fall slightly over the country.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:16pm today and rises at 6:37am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 27.2 degree Celsius was recorded yesterday at Cox’s Bazar and lowest 9.8 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

25.0 24.8 24.5 23.2 26.0 26.0 22.0 27.2

14.3 13.5 11.7 11.7 15.0 14.0 14.1 14.5

The capital’s Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue witnesses a pretty good number of vehicles yesterday afternoon despite the blockade sponsored by the 18-party alliance SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

No detrimental projects: Professor Anu Muhammad n Tribune Report A project harming the Sundarbans, which would pave the way for an invasion of the Bay of Bengal and devastate the northern zone of the country, cannot be implemented, said the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, in a press statement yesterday.

Committee’s Member Secretary Professor Anu Muhammad said: “Whoever comes to power cannot be allowed to serve the interests of some narrow local or international groups. A patriot cannot tolerate such disastrous projects,” he added.

Upon visiting Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi in India, he opined that open coal mines and coal based power plants were ‘unthinkable’ in Bangladesh.

The projects had already created devastating impacts on the people and environment in India, he added.

Professor Anu Muhammad told the Dhaka Tribune: “We visited the places in October this year. During our visit, we observed the scarcity of water and employment in these areas. Premature death and congenital abnormalities among the locals are evident, and rates are increasing day by day – leading to a decline in the health and education sectors over there.”

Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, convener of the committee, urged the government to implement the seven-charter demand of the committee and ensure effective utilisation of national resources.

He said that people holding power in the country have always been against people’s interests, and that therefore the movement must be continued. l

5:16am 6:35am 11:56am 3:40pm 5:16pm 6:37pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

A Dhaka court yesterday placed detained BNP leader Anwaruzzaman Anwar on a five-day remand.

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members arrested the BNP leader from Satmasjid Road in capital’s Mohammadpur area and recovered 10 crude bombs from his possession on Wednesday.

In a drive, Rab members arrested Anwar, a joint-convener of the Dhaka city unit of BNP and a former ward councillor from the area, around 3pm.

Rab officials claimed they arrested the 57-year-old BNP joint-convener for his alleged involvement in recent incidents of violence in the capital.

“Anwaruzzaman was one of the masterminds of the recent bomb attacks, arson and vandalism acts carried out in the capital. He was leading these subversive acts as the ring leader,” Col Ziaul Ahsan, the additional director general (operation) of Rab, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Rab-2 personnel arrested Anwaruzzaman from the house of Md Yusuf in the area, he said.

Rejecting the a bail petition filed by the defense counsel, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Aminul Haque passed the order after Aminul Islam, investigating officer into the case and sub-inspector at Mohammadpur police station, produced Anwar before the court seeking a 10-day remand for interrogation. l

Bangladesh-India maritime boundary hearing ends dispute n Tribune Report An international arbitration tribunal has concluded its hearing on a maritime boundary dispute between Bangladesh and India, and is expected to give its ruling within six months.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration held the hearing from December 9-18 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, a foreign ministry press release said yesterday.

Over the course of the hearing, both parties presented their positions on some key issues relating to the maritime boundary between the two neighbouring countries, including the location of the land boundary terminus between them, the delimitation of the territorial sea, the continental shelf within and beyond 200 nautical miles (370km) and exclusive economic zones.

The tribunal will finish its deliberations on the merits of the arbitration within six months of the close of the proceedings, the release said.

India concluded its first round of arguments on December 13. RKP Shankardass, Alain Pellet, Michael Reisman and Sir Michael Wood were the counsels for India Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum presided over the tribunal, while judges Jean-Pierre Cot, Thomas A Mensah and Pemmaraju Sreenivasa were its members.

On the opening day, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Indian Attorney General Goolam E Vahanvati made opening statements on behalf of their respective countries.

Former foreign minister Dipu Moni

also made introductory remarks as the agent of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh concluded its first round of arguments on December 10. Lawrence Martin, Philippe Sands, Payam Akhavan, Paul Reichler, Alan Boyle and James Crawford argued on behalf of Bangladesh.

On December 12, the agent of India, Neeru Chadha, joint secretary and legal adviser of the external affairs ministry, gave a general presentation of the case.

India concluded its first round of arguments on December 13. RKP Shankardass, Alain Pellet, Michael Reisman and Sir Michael Wood were the counsels for India.

Bangladesh concluded the second round of arguments on Monday, while India finished its arguments on Wednesday. Both parties also answered questions from the tribunal. l

AL to hold rallies to condemn against Pak resolution on Molla n Emran Hossain Shaikh

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Jumma Asr Magrib Esha

countries have been registered and 90 papers have been accepted in the three-day long conference. Dr Ali Shihab Sabbir, dean of School of Engineering and Computer Science at IUB, said: “Electrical Engineering is the driving force behind the recent technological developments and the conference aims to exchange ideas regarding electrical engineering from all over the world.”

Apart from Mozena, Dr Samir ElGhazaly, division director of the National Science Foundation, USA, also attended the inauguration of the conference by IUB founding trust Chairman Saifur Rahman. Among others Dr Pran K Saha, Dr Shamimuzzaman Bosunia, and Dr Mohammad S Alam spoke on the occasion. l

A group of working women form a human chain in front of the National Press Club yesterday protesting the Pakistan parliament’s resolution on the execution of war criminal Quader Molla MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

The Awami League-led 14-party ruling alliance will hold countrywide demonstrations next week against the Pakistan parliament’s censure motion over the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla, and to protest the opposition’s “destructive activities” during its ongoing anti-government movement.

Protest rallies will be held at upazila headquarters on Sunday, at district headquarters on Monday and in the capital on Tuesday, Mohammad Nasim, AL presidium member and alliance spokesperson, told a press briefing after a 14-party meeting yesterday.

Nasim also said teams would visit the districts worst affected by JamaatShibir attacks in recent times.

Criticising the resolution adopted

by the Pakistan parliament in favour of “butcher” Quader Molla, Nasim said it was beyond diplomatic norms and a naked interference in the affairs of a sovereign country.

In reply to a question on engaging the opposition to resolve the present political crisis, Nasim said a dialogue between the two parties was going on, as “no one had declared it was over”.

However, he added that as the 10th parliament elections were already underway, a dialogue may be held for the next elections after the tenure of the new parliament, Sammobadi Dal general secretary of Dilip Barua, Workers Party general secretary Anisur Rahman Mallik, Communist Kendra joint convener Wazedul Islam, among others, were present at the press briefing. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Security beefed up at Dhaka, Chittagong airports Sarkar and n Kailash Tarek Mahmud Security has beefed up at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong after intelligence agencies warned of possible sabotage attempts.

At the Shahjalal Airport, restrictions were imposed on the entrance of visitors while additional security officials – both uniformed and plainclothes – were deployed. Passengers, their luggage and vehicles moving in were also brought under surveillance.

Wing Commander Zakir Hossain, director of the airport, said, “These measures have been taken on grounds of public security, considering the existing situation in the country.”

“Although we have no specific security threats, we are taking precautions so

that any attempt to subvert in-place security mechanisms could be thwarted.”

The restriction would remain in force for “a certain period of time” and would be lifted once the situation returned to normal, he added.

Police have received information that miscreants might undertake subversive activities at the airport Sources at the airport said the restriction had been imposed after a multipartite meeting on Wednesday attended by high officials from Rab, police, BGB, Ansar and other security and intelligence agencies.

In this regard, Assistant Superintendent Shoyeb Ahmed of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), which ensures

security at airports, said they were instructed to not allow any kind of visitors inside, including friends and family members of outbound passengers.

As part of precautionary measures, he added, the number of regular and plainclothes officials had been increased and security check-posts installed at different points of the airport.

In addition, special passes were issued for the airport officials and employees.

These measures were taken apparently in response to the increasing security threats at the country’s communication sectors, including acts of sabotage damaging more than 20 railway engines, 100 bogies and several hundred buses, trucks and other types of vehicles.

These acts and the ensuing casualties called for heightened security at the airports, sources said.

Meanwhile, security has also been heightened at the Shah Amanat International Airport with the deployment of additional police, Rab and Ansar forces within the airport premises.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Mostak Ahmed of Chittagong Metropolitan Police confirmed the news and said no one except passengers and airport staff was being allowed into the airport.

“Police have received information that miscreants might undertake subversive activities at the airport.”

Security officials are regularly searching various sections of the airport while passengers, their luggage and the airport staff were all under surveillance, he added.

On Saturday, Sahabuddin, 27, an employee of private airline United Airways, was arrested after he set off a crude bomb at the airport’s VIP car parking area. l

Professionals for taking steps against Pakistan n Tribune Report Leaders of different professional bodies in Chittagong yesterday urged the government to take steps against Pakistan for its reaction over the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla.

They also expressed strong protest against the resolution and asked Bangladesh government to take exemplary measures against Pakistan.

They said it would not enough if Pakistan government only seeks apology and expresses sorrow but the befitting reply from Bangladesh side must be sent for adopting a resolution in its National Assembly (NA) to express concern over the execution of Jamaat leader Abdul Quader Molla.

The demand came in a rally organized by Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad on Chittagong Press Club premises this afternoon, reports BSS. Hundreds of people from different professions took part in the rally.

Addressing the rally, the speakers said

Nine to get life in Shahjalal University students’ killing case n Tribune Report A tribunal yesterday convicted nine people and sentenced them to life-term imprisonment for killing two students of the Shahjalal University of Engineering and Technology in 2011.

Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Dilip Kumar Debnath also fined the convicts Tk20,000 each, in default, to suffer one year more of rigorous imprisonment.

The convicts are Md Gulzar, Sail Miah, Shaheen Ahmed, Lal Miah, Saimuddin, Md Jamal Miah, Rakib Miah alias Abdur Rakib, Md Abdullah and Selim Miah.

All of them are from the sadar upazila of Sylhet. Of them, Gulzar and Rakib were tried in absentia.

According to the prosecution, Khairul Kabir and Dipankar Ghosh Anik, both second year students of Chemical Engineering Department, were killed in an attack by some miscreants while traveling in a boat on Chenger Khal (canal) at Putimara, some 4km off the campus, on December 16, 2011.

A murder case was filed on the same day. On June 15, 2012, police submitted a charge sheet against the nine accused. They were indicted on September 30. l

Admission seekers of Barisal University are worried about their academic life as the university authority is repeatedly deferring admission tests schedule for the ongoing political unrest.

Many entrance seekers of the university have expressed their anxiety that if the turbulent political situation continued, they would not be able to get enrolled at the university in the current session.

Abdullah, an admission seeker of the university, expressing the helpless condition said if the admission proce-

The Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad forms a human chain in front of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the city yesterday, protesting the resolution passed in Pakistan parliament condemning execution of war criminal Quader Molla DHAKA TRIBUNE

dure needs months after months, then when would classes start and how curriculum would be completed?

Sanjida, another aspirant student, said: “It seems our age limit for government job will end when we will finish our student life.”

The intake test of the university rescheduled for December 21 have been postponed again for the fourth time.

Holding a meeting, admission committee of the university yesterday afternoon announced that the university authority had decided to postpone the examination for unavoidable reasons.

The next date of the intake test will

be informed through the BU website www.barisaluniv.edu.bd and www. barisaluniv.ac.bd and mass-media, said Dr Md Muhsin Uddin, acting registrar of BU.

The first date of the admission test was fixed on November 28 and then it was postponed because of a blockade by the 18-party alliance The first date of the admission test was fixed on November 28 and then it was

postponed because of a blockade by the 18-party alliance.

The university authority scheduled the examination for December 7 and then December 21, 2013.

A total of 29,690 admission seekers registered for taking part in the intake test against 1,160 seats of 16 departments of six faculties of the university under 4 units for the academic session of 2013-14, said Faisal Mahmud Rumi, public relation officer of BU. The one-hour long 120 marks MCQ test was scheduled to be held under three shifts at 11 centres, including

temporary and permanent campus of the university.

Students would be selected on basis of the marks obtained from MCQ test and SSC, HSC results, university sources said.

Classes were scheduled to be started on the temporary campus of BU in Barisal Zila School and permanent campus from January in condition of completion of the construction on 50 acres at Karnakathi on the eastern bank of the River Kirtonkhola in Sadar upazila of the district, the BU VC Dr Harunor Rashid informed the Dhaka Tribune. l

Manikchhari cops Robi makes first digital flag of Bangladesh passing days in n Tribune Report makeshift camp Robi, one of the leading mobile operator of the country, has made the first n Tribune Desk digital flag of Bangladesh before they Manikchhari police are now passing their days in a makeshift camp constructed under the supervision of Army after Wednesday’s devastating fire gutted their barrack.

During a visit to the fire-ravaged police station on Thursday, it was found that work was going on in full swing to arrange accommodation for the police members.

Manikchhari Upazila Parishad and local Relief and Rehabilitation Department were jointly constructing a 74 feet by 22 feet tin-roofed barrack to accommodate policemen.

Earlier, armoury, police barracks and lock-up of the police station were gutted in a fire originated from an electric short circuit on Wednesday night, reports UNB. Around 64 firearms, 4,500 bullets and instruments in the radio room were badly damaged by the fire.

Sources at the police station said the losses caused by the fire could go up to Tk one crore. l

country-wide violence and arson, particularly on the houses of the minority communities and their places of worship before and after the execution of Abdul Quader Molla were nothing but reminded the brutal attack and torture during 1971.

Terming the adoption of resolution as an external interference into Bangladesh’s domestic affairs, the speakers in the rally said such resolution is a threat to the nation and the people of Bangladesh will not tolerate it.

President of PSB Dr Sirazul Islam presided over the rally while General secretary Reaz Haidar Chowdhury, Chittagong Union of Journalists (CUJ) president Shahidul Alam, Chittagong University, Social Science Faculty dean Prof Hossain Kabir, former president of Engineers’ Institute, Chittagong Mohammad Harunur Rashid, Chittagong Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (CWASA) Managing Director Engineer AKM Fazlullah and Chittagong city unit Awami League (AL) GS AJM Nasir Uddin , among others, addressed it. l

Road accidents kill 4, injure 3 n Tribune Report

Admission seekers worried over frequent intake test deferrals n Our Correspondent, Barisal

5

Friday, December 20, 2013

created the largest human flag on December 16, said a release.

The operator took the initiative for the people who would be unable to participate in the world record of human national flag campaign physically and created a platform for them to virtually participate in making the first ever digital flag of the country.

Robi created a microsite – www.bdworldrecord.com – on the December 11 and after receiving a good response from online viewers, the operator had started the digital flag campaign on December 13. The flag was completed within three days on December 15.

Participants were asked to go to the digital flag section of the website and click on two stated colours – red and green – for as many times as they wanted in order to complete the digital flag. It started with filling the red blocks of the flag.

The release claimed that a total of 16,371 people participated in the three days and it took 2,103,630 clicks to

complete the country’s first ever digital flag.

The participants had also expressed their feelings by posting messages regarding Victory Day. Viewers, all around the world, were requested to share their opinion on the theme “Why they want to be a part of this record breaking attempt.”

In response, 660 people shared their feelings through the micro site.

Currently, anyone can visit the microsite and witness the best wishes and the human flag. One of the wishes read “Thanks to Robi and all of the people who are making such a wonderful history for us… We are proud of our freedom fighters and we all respect our martyrs... Love you. @Bangladesh.”

On December 16, Robi with the help of other associations made the largest human flag with 27,117 people and con-

Four people were killed in two separate road accidents in the last two days in Chittagong and Rajbari. Three people were injured in one of the accidents, report our correspondents.

In Chittagong, two people were killed and three others were injured in a head-on collision between a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and a pick-up van on Dhaka-Chittagong highway, Mirsarai upazila yesterday.

The deceased were Fazlul Karim, 52, and Md Shahjahan, 65.

Iftekhar Hasan, officer-in-charge of Jorarganj police station, said the accident took place at the Mithasara Bypass area on Dhaka-Chittagong highway around 12:30pm when a CNG-run auto rickshaw, carrying five passengers, collided head-on with a pick-up van coming from the opposite direction. Local rushed the five to the upazila heath complex where doctors declared two of them dead, the OC added.

Police seized the pick-up van but the driver and his assistant managed to flee.

In Rajbari, two people were in a road accident on Rajbari-Kushtia road at Pangsha upazila on Wednesday night. The dead were Arif Billah, 22, of village Keyapara and Kulsum Bibi, 65, of village Bhatshala.

Khoybar Mallik, husband of Kulsum said the accident took place around 9pm as Arif hit Kulsum when they were crossing the road. Locals came to the spot and rush them to Pangsha Upazila Health Complex but both of them died on the way, he added.

Police recovered the bodies and sent those to Rajbari Sadar Hospital morgue for post mortem examination.

Two separate UD cases were filed with Pangsha police station. l

Gold seized at Shahjalal Airport n Tribune Report Customs officials last night arrested a person with 802-gram gold worth about Tk42 lakh from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday.

Airport Customs assistant director Umme Nahida Akthar said they arrested Jamal Hossain Bhuiyan, a passenger of Tiger Airlines, coming from Singapore while passing the green channel and found existence of smuggled gold into his luggage.

The arrested Jamal Hossain Bhuyan handed over to the airport police station and a case was filed in this regard. l

Contrabands worth Tk23 lakh seized from Hili frontier n Tribune Desk

tested for a Guinness World Record.

The previous record of 24,200 people participating in a human flag was for Pakistan.

When asked if Guinness had recognised the effort, an official of Robi, seeking anonymity, said 18 representatives of Hoda Vasi, an audit company, visited recently and took the details. “It might take a month or more to finalise the record,” he added. l

The members of Border Guard Bangladesh seized huge smuggled sex stimulating tablets, phensidyl and sarees worth Tk23 lakh from Hili frontier under Hakimpur upazila in Dinajpur yesterday.

BGB members from Hili border outpost chased a group of smugglers in Boigram border area but they ran away leaving their contraband goods there in Hili frontier area.

The border guards seized the smuggled goods including 4,150 pieces of sex stimulating Senogra tablets, 9,000 pieces of sedative Citizin tablets, 880 bottles of phensidyl and 60 pieces of sharees in abandoned conditions from the spot.

Later, the BGB authority deposited the seized smuggled goods with the Hili Customs after completing necessary legal formalities, the sources said. l

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Students and guardians frustrated over PSC exam mismarking n Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari The guardians of Primary School Certificate examinees in Sadar upazila are frustrated following the mismarking of 184 answer scripts by the examiners of Dighinala upazila in of the district.

The examiners had to mark answer scripts from different subjects.

Abul Kashem, Hashem Member, Monir Hossain and some other parents of Sadar upazila alleged that the examiners in Dighinala upazila did not follow the Education Ministry’s instructions on how to evaluate the answer scripts.

They awarded unduly low marks and made mistakes in preparing mark sheets, said the guardians.

It was also alleged that the examiners had done it intentionally to make

their own upazila’s (Dighinala) PSC result comparatively higher, and bring the Sadar upazila result down.

‘It is shameful that the teachers and officials concerned did not follow our instructions on how to evaluate the answer scripts.

Punitive action will be meted out to those who made the mistakes’ Khagrachhari Sadar upazila primary education officer Md Abdul Latif said they came across errors during scrutiny of those answer papers.

Dighinal upazila examiners Atikur Ullah Patowary, Sadon Chakma, Sudatta Chakma admitted that they reexamined 184 papers.

The upazila primary education of-

ficer Nasir Uddin Bhuiyan and the district primary education officer Romendranath Poddar admitted this fact.

Romendranath Poddar said 184 papers were re-examined last Tuesday, the ones mismarked by examiners from Dighinala upazila.

“It is shameful that the teachers and officials concerned did not follow our instructions on how to evaluate the answer scripts. Punitive action will be meted out to those who made the mistakes.”

The headmasters of 90 primary schools under Sadar upazila have already submitted applications to the deputy commissioner of the district to re-examine around 1,900 answer copies, said Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education) Molla Mizanur Rahman. l

Friday, December 20, 2013

H unit and G unit intake test 26 December n CU Correspondent

Raj Punnah festival in jeopardy

The Chittagong University authorities fixed December 26 for the written tests of “H unit” under Biological Science Faculty and “G unit “ under Institute of Marine Science and Fisheries for the first year honors course of 2013-2014 academic session yesterday.

Earlier, the authorities had to postpone the tests for four times due to repeated hartals and blockades enforced by the BNP-led 18-party alliance.

SM Akbar Hossain, deputy registrar and also the secretary of admission test committee, told the Dhaka Tribune that the examination tests would be held on December 26, adding that venues and timetable would remain unchanged.

A total number of 18733 admission seekers have submitted their applications to vie for 662 seats at the units, said sources at admission committee.

Meanwhile, the viva voce of “I unit” under Engineering Faculty would be held on December 27, said a press release. l

The celebration of the 138th “Raj Punnah”, a traditional festival in the Bohmong circle of Bandarban, has been thrown into doubt due to the ongoing political unrest.

Sources in the king’s family said although they had decided to celebrate the festival on January 3, they were not sure whether the festival would be held because of the political turmoil.

Bohmong Prince Cha Sing Prue (Boni) said: “I am not sure about the celebration of the festival.”

Following the death of KS Prue Chowdhury, the 16th king of Bohmong Circle, on February 6 this year, the royal family nominated U Cha Prue to be the next king.

Raj Punnah is an annual revenue collection programme where the Bohmong circle king collects taxes from headmen and karbaris (village heads) in Rangamati.

The festival started 200 years back

n Our Correspondent, Bandarban

when businessmen gave an annual jhum tax at a fair at the beginning of every year.

It is mostly known as ‘Paingjara Poway’ among the local indigenous communities.

Sources in the king’s family said although they had decided to celebrate the festival on January 3, they were not sure whether the festival would be held because of the political turmoil All the hotels and motels remain booked during the festival, as tourists and indigenous people from remote areas, come to Bohmong circle to enjoy the royal festival.

At least 12 indigenous communities of 109 mouzas are living in the Bohmong circle of the Bandarban hill district. 14 mouzas of the circle also exist in Rangamati.

Local people set up hundreds of makeshift shops and arranged puppet shows and circuses at the fair. l

Farmers expect bumper mustard yield in N-region n Tribune Desk Farmers are expecting a bumper mustard production as they are on the way to achieve the fixed farming target and the oilseed fields are now in full bloom everywhere in the northern region.

According to Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers of the region have almost completed sowing of mustard seeds after harvesting early variety Aman paddy and vegetables.

Currently, the blooming crop is growing excellent under favourable climatic conditions everywhere, including the char areas on the river basins.

Horticulture Specialist of the DAE Khandker Md Mesbahul Islam said mustard growers were expecting to start harvesting of mustard from the middle of January.

According to the DAE sources, the farmers have cultivated mustard on 247,394 hectares of land against the fixed target of bringing 252,353 hectares of land under its cultivation to produce 3,02,824 tonnes of the oilseeds this year.

However, the farmers are expected to exceed the fixed farming target as sowing of the late variety mustard seeds will continue till this month-end at places, the DAE sources said.

Daylong Girl Guides camp in Barisal n Our Correspondent, Barisal Speakers at a programme in Barisal yesterday stressed that women friendly environment have to be created to get a women empowered society.

Barisal Islamia College Girl Guides Ranger Unit organised the sixth daylong camp on the college campus.

The speakers and participants at the programme said a special care should be extended to girls for their proper physical, psychological and social development.

The participants said girls could play vital role in achieving the millennium development goal by eliminating hunger, poverty and also preventing stalking The participants emphasised that girls can contribute a lot for achieving the millennium development goal by eliminating hunger, poverty and preventing stalking.

They also added that the girl guides can trained girls to achieve self-sufficiency and self-defence.

Speakers hoped that if Girl Guides activities could spread massively girl’s education, and women’s participation in leadership will be increased.

And thus, the speakers believe, women’s economic emancipation will be achieved.

Sumaiya Tabassum, regional trainer of of Bangladesh Girl Guides Association (BGGA), Tanima Rahman Khan, regional ranger of the BGGA conducted the camp while Mohsin Ul Islam Habul, acting principal of the college, was the chief guest at the camp programme.

Begum Faizun Nahar, BGGA regional commissioner, Dinara Begum, ranger guider teacher and members of the college ranger unit were also spoke to the crowed. l

The DAE, Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute and NGOs have distributed quality mustard seeds and banks agri-loans among the farmers to make mustard farming programme successful this season.

The blooming mustard fields have worn eye-catching yellow looks in vast char and mainland areas of Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Bogra, Sirajganj and Pabna districts on the river basins.

The farmers have mostly sowed the popular high yielding BARI variety mustard seeds evolved by Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute this season like in the previous years.

Agriculture and Environment Coordinator of Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service Bangladesh Mamunur Rashid said the farmers had been showing more interests in farming mustard in more lands after getting repeated bumper productions and excellent prices in recent years.

Rangpur Regional Additional Director of DAE Sikander Ali said necessary training, assistance, inputs, quality seeds, technologies and agri-loans have been provided to the farmers for making mustard farming programme successful this season. l

Activists of the BNP-led 18-party alliance hold a rally in Kurigram town yesterday

Woes back for the poor in Lalmonirhat n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat A double whammy of intense cold waves and scarcity of winter clothes has made life miserable for the poor residents of char areas and people with limited income in Lalmonirhat, affecting their livelihood and increasing susceptibility to winter diseases.

The district has been swept over by icy winds coupled with dense fog in the past two weeks and those living near Teesta and Dharla rivers took the full brunt of them.

The situation has been similar in all five upazilas of Lalmonirhat and many have complained of disruption in their daily life and livelihood as they could not go out for work – especially in the morning – because of the severe cold outside.

Seher Ali, 48, a day labourer living at the Char Sholmari village of Kaliganj upazila, said, “I could not go out to work in the last few days due to the biting chill and heavy fog outside. I have

no warm clothe either, which could protect me against the cold.”

“There are many like me facing the same situation. Their life, as well as mine, depends on the income we earn daily and an inability to work means starvation for us all. Those of us who borrowed money from the moneylenders to support ourselves through this phase did so with high interest rates.”

Khadiza Bewa, 72, who lives at the Wapda village of Mogholhat union, said she was too poor to afford buying warm clothes but the government and non-government organisations were not any help either.

“If I had a blanket, I could do well during this winter. My sons earn by pulling rickshaws but their incomes are too meagre to afford anything other than meeting our very basic needs, such as food and daily essentials,” she added.

There are allegations that items of winter clothing that are distributed by the government during winter often land in the wrong hands, with chairper-

sons of union parishads setting aside a significant portion of them for their own relatives and party loyalists.

However, Idris Ali, chairman of Kulaghat union parishad, refuted the allegation saying allocations for such purposes often tended to be small.

“Only 70 blankets have been given for my union so far, which are really insufficient for such a large group of people needing them.”

“There are at least 5,000 people who can be categorised as ultra-poor in the union; they all need warm clothes but none affords buying that at the market.”

In this regard, Lalmonirhat District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mahasinul Haque said his department had sent a request for 15,000 blankets to the ministry in the last week but received no reply yet.

The department had so far received about 3,400 blankets since the start of winter which were disbursed among cold-hit people of 45 unions of the five upazilas, he added. l

Street play on HIV/ AIDS staged

n Our Correspondent, Magura

A street play with a view to creating awareness on HIV/AIDS was staged in Mgura town yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Muktokantho, a cultural organisation in Magura, staged five performances of its new street play Alo Adharer Galpo at different villages in Magura on December 17 and 18. The drama was written and directed by Biswajit Chakroborty to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among rural people.

The show was staged at Shibrampur Upazila Para and at Atharokhada School in Magura Sadar upazila on December 17. It was also shown at Naliardangi School, Bagdanga School and in the Katakhali Asryon project field on December 18. A good number of people enjoyed event. Khan Rokibul Haque Dipu, a member of Muktokantho, moderated the programme. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

NEWS IN BRIEF Coast Guard arrests 19 smugglers with huge timbers Bangladesh Coast Guard of Mongla West Zone on Wednesday seized 3,100-cft timbers along with four trawlers worth about Tk1.45 crore in Loudob area under Mongla Police Station in Bagerhat. They also arrested 19 smugglers from the spot, said a Mongla Coast Guard press release. The seized trawlers, timbers and arrested were handed over to Dhangmari Forest Station. A case was filed with Mongla Police Station in this connection.

– UNB

Youth’s body recovered in Dinajpur Police here on Wednesday recovered the body of a young man in Bazardighi area of Biral upazila. The deceased was identified as Abul Hasan Sam, 25, son of Hashmat Ali of Munshipara area of Dinajpur town. Locals spotted the body in Bazardighi area and identified it to be of Abul Hasan, a resident of the area, and informed police. Police recovered the body and sent it to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station, said Abul Hasan was a drug edict. He might have died after receiving injury in some theft attempt, the OC added. – UNB

17 shops gutted in Narayanganj fire At least 17 shops were destroyed by a fire that broke out in Battala rail line area in Fatulla of the city on Wednesday night. Five people received burn injuries in the incident. Niaz Ahmed, senior station master of Narayanganj fire service station, said the fire originated from an electric short circuit in a restaurant of a market and soon engulfed 16 adjoining shops in the area around 10pm. On information, firefighting units from Mandalpara and Hajiganj fire stations rushed

to the spot and extinguished the blaze with the help of local people after half an hour of frantic efforts. Five people received burn injuries in the blaze. The affected shop owners said the extent of losses from the fire could go up to Tk20 lakh. – UNB

542 bottles wine seized in Sylhet

An anti-smuggling mobile team of Border Guard Bangladesh seized 542 bottles Indian wine of ‘Officers’ Choice’ brand wine from Companyganj frontier of Sylhet yesterday. Acting on a tip off, the elite forces conducted a sudden raid in Siddiqpur area of Companyganj frontier and seized the wines. The seized wines, the market value of which would be around Tk 8.13 lakh, BGB sources said.

Later, the seized wine was deposited to local Drug Control office. – UNB

Man gets death penalty for killing wife A man has been sentenced to death by a Rajshahi court yesterday for killing his wife Nahida Akhter Rima in Luxmipur area in the city around seven years back. The convict was identified as SM Foizul Islam, 45, son of Abbbas Shah.

According to the prosecution, Foyzul Islam killed his wife Nahida Akhter Rima in a residential hotel while they were boarding there on July 29, 2006.

Dr Syed Abdur Rashid, father of the victim, had lodged a case with police station concerned. On completion of investigation, police pressed charges against Harun. After examining the witnesses and relevant evidence Judge of Speedy Trial Tribunal Shamsul Alam Khan found the convict guilty and pronounced the verdict in crowded courtroom around 11am. Special Public Prosecutor Entajul Haque Babu conducted the case on behalf of the state while Advocate Ekramul Haque and Abu Bakar defended the accused.

– UNB

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Long Form

7

Friday, December 20, 2013

Justice for all, lobbying for some

I

n Zeeshan Khan

t’s most unfortunate that representatives of the governments of Pakistan and Turkey did not refrain from commenting about the execution of Quader Mollah for crimes against humanity. It was unstatesmanlike and insensitive, but more poignantly, it revealed the extend to which these governments, or at least those individuals, still adhere to the skewed narratives of 1971, in which an “Islamic” resistance to growing unbelief was being mounted by the Pakistan army and their cohorts in East Bengal.

Like the Pakistan chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami, which held a huge janaaza for him, and the numerous religious organisations around the world that are calling him a martyr, they seem unable to look beyond Quader Mollah’s religious orientation.

In fact many Muslims around the world, especially in Bangladesh, are unable to see beyond that either. He was, to many, a pious man and an honest politician for Islam, who has been persecuted by the sinister Awami League out of a) political convenience and b) a deep-seated hatred for Islam.

The latter is reinforced by acts seen as immoral and corrupt, of which, unfortunately, there are plenty.

Closeness to “Hindu” India, and Sanskrit influence is also viewed with suspicion. Those with an austere Wahabbi outlook, think Bangladesh has lost its way and is becoming a breeding ground of “Yahud” and “Nassara” western values and “Nastik, Mushrik” thinking. Islam is under assault, as the “Jamaat” tries to “Hefazat” it, and resistance is both political survival as well as religious duty.

Or so various Imams at different mosques I’ve visited, and the numerous Waazs that you can hear from time to time, seem to warn about. These are always vague, oblique references inserted in Khutbahs, but references nonetheless.

I wonder why the mosques have never commented on the issue of justice for the victims of 1971? The Friday morning after Quader Mollah lost his life, the mosque I go to had a Khutbah about how Islam is being persecuted around the world and how being Muslim had become a crime, but licentiousness a virtue. A few references to the violence all around us was also made.

While I listened to him I thought: couldn’t the more difficult conversation about what the Islamic punishment for war crimes are, also have been encouraged? There are Khutbahs about the consequences of all sorts of things, why not these? Perhaps it’s difficult to veil such a direct reference or maybe the mosques are genuinely careful not to stoke fires, but the most obvious answer is, of course, because they don’t believe Quader Mollah or the others are guilty.

We now enter the murky place where every sort of difficult conversation is being ferociously had.

Concerns about the soundness of the trials, capital punishment and authoritarianism by the government influences the way Western governments approach the issue of the 1971 war crimes. They are wary of the government’s motives. Western liberals and rights groups are pushing their own cart up their own hill, and insist that capital punishment is a violation of human rights.

It’s of extreme significance that the ‘Muslims leaders all over the Muslim world’ were not upset when Muslims, and others, were being mowed down with genocidal intent in Bangladesh in 1971

They seem more concerned about the rights of the accused than about justice for the crimes of 1971, which as human rights organisations, you’d imagine they’d be pleased to see done.

But they make the fair point that there are serious questions about the soundness of the trials, and that there may be a witch-hunt on in Bangladesh.

The same groups have also remarked on the government’s use of excessive force and its democracy deficit; again, fair points.

Most Bangladeshi liberals don’t share their western counterparts’ sentiments about capital punishment, and accept that certain crimes are punishable by death. But they believe for justice to be done, and for the result to be above reproach, even clearly guilty people have to be tried in the right way.

Then there are those who believe that these particular individuals might not even be the guilty ones, and point to the lack of credible evidence or corroboration as proof that the government is not concerned about real justice, just political expediency.

Still others believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, Mandela-style, perhaps even Mujib-style.

Jamaat-e-Islami don’t believe these are the right people at all, naturally, since they make up a lot of the party’s leadership, but, to their credit, have expressed a desire to see the real culprits brought to book.

The conspicuous silence on the issue of justice for 1971 by other religious groups however, like Hefazat-e-Islam, is noteworthy. Their 13 points demand death for blasphemy but have nothing to say about rape, murder or arson. Like their contemporaries in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan and Somalia, they become extraordinarily verbose and even violent when it comes to things like cartoons, but say precious little about the killing of innocents.

Governments of other Muslim countries have been the murkiest of all, if not downright sketchy. The Pakistan’s Interior (Home) Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said: “There was no doubt that Molla was hanged because of his loyalty and solidarity with Pakistan in 1971 … Every Pakistani is saddened and grieved over his death … It would have been better if the Bangladeshi government had shown farsightedness‚ large heartedness and magnanimity instead of opening old wounds.”

The minister went on to say Molla remained a supporter of a united Pakistan till the very end, before the creation of Bangladesh. There are too many things wrong with this statement. First, the fact that it was made by the Interior Minister and not the Foreign Minister is problematic, as it remains unclear as to how this is an interior matter for Pakistan, at least anymore.

Secondly, for the government of an offending nation to presume to tell the government of the offended one what would have been “better” in terms of magnanimity, is ridiculous, especially since the same government hasn’t yet been able to muster up the magnanimity to offer an apology for the events of 1971, even after having been asked for one.

Thirdly, Molla was not executed for his loyalty or solidarity but for crimes against humanity. If, however, the two are synonymous then the minister is right. By stating that Molla was loyal to a united Pakistan till the very end, Khan is inadvertently admitting that “Koshai Quader” of Mirpur, a known war criminal, and Abdul Quader Molla are one and the same person, a claim that Quader’s and Jamaat-e-Islami’s defence have been trying quite hard to disprove.

To make it worse for them, Pakistan’s National Assembly observed a moment of silence for Quader Mollah, on 16th December no less, and then passed a resolution tabled

by Jamaat-e-Islami (Pakistan), with a majority, demanding the Bangladeshi government ends cases against the Jamaat’s leaders. Interior Minister Khan announced the government’s support of the resolution and once again took the pulpit to preach to the government of Bangladesh by saying there should be “a policy of forgive and forget.”

Despite the redundancy of a Pakistani resolution on Bangladeshi affairs, the fact that the interior minister of Pakistan attempts to decide what Bangladesh’s policy should or should not be, from the floor of his House, is telling of the sort of attention he thinks his government is entitled to in my country. What’s more telling though, is the fact that Jamaat-e-Islami (Pakistan) made no attempt to correct Khan’s assumption that Quader Molla was in fact Koshai Quader.

Civilians burst out in protest after the comments from Pakistan government representatives

For the government of an offending nation to presume to tell the government of the offended one what would have been ‘better’ in terms of magnanimity, is ridiculous

There was of course, no acknowledgement of the atrocities of 71, until, ironically, a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MP brought it up, when he asked if Molla was not a convicted killer. The PPP opposed the resolution.

A Pakistani blogger commenting on the reactions to Molla’s execution observed that “no Takfiri-Deobandi (Salafi groups that support Jamaat) has said a word about the hundreds of thousands of innocent Bengalis killed…”

Meanwhile, the Turkish Prime Minister is in it up to his elbows brokering, and has tried to convince Sheikh Hasina a number of times not to stay her course regarding the war crimes tribunal. His foreign minister was particularly busy, shuttling between the Saudi Foreign Minister, US Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague, in an effort to prevent the execution of Quader Molla. One wonders how lovely it might have been had Turkey been this active in trying to find a solution to the war of 1971.

Erdogan pleaded with Hasina saying: “We are concerned that this execution will cause increased tension in Bangladesh. Turkey believes that the sorrows of the past will not be healed by these kinds of acts, and neither will reconciliation be ensured in this way.”

Last year, Turkish president Abdullah Gul sent a letter to the Bangladeshi president asking for “clemency” for the people charged with war crimes, including Molla, for the “sake of peace in society.” Note, that there was no suggestion that they might be innocent, nor an acknowledgement of our right to justice. Hours before Molla was executed, Ankara tried again to save his life, and when they were unsuccessful, issued the following statement: “The execution of the death penalty sentence given to one of the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, Abdul Quader Mollah, despite all concerns and suggestions voiced by the international community, including our prime minister, has led to a grave sadness and indignation. We harshly condemn this execution; may God have mercy upon him.”

Once again one wonders why such sadness or indignation didn’t fall upon the government of Turkey when the

Pakistan army was killing ordinary people in Bangladesh, or why they didn’t feel the need to act so urgently.

But it’s not really that difficult to understand their response when you consider Turkey’s own position in the moral order of things. Its in their interest to hush up attempts at obtaining justice for genocide, considering they have a history of genocide against the Armenians and are, even at this very moment, persecuting the Kurds, banning their language and killing their people. Of course Turkey wants “clemency,” they’ll want it for themselves soon enough, and the precedence of an oppressed people taking their oppressor to task is too difficult a reality for them to countenance.

Saudi Arabia’s reactions to the trials have also been absurd, although, thankfully, they refrained from putting their foot in it after the execution.

But a letter sent to Sheikh Hasina last

As though “approval” of her piety was somehow his to give. He then goes on to use emotional blackmail by saying, “some consider the revocation of these decisions as disrespect to your father, which is an unacceptable matter.”

After much Arab-style smooth talking, he finally gets to the point and says, “nothing can justify the unjust decision to arrest Muslim leaders …

As someone who loves Bangladesh and its people, I would like to say that many Muslim leaders all over the Muslim world are upset about the arrest of Muslim groups and leaders such as Professor Ghulam Azam who was accused of charges that no one would believe.”

So there it is. “Muslim leaders,” according to Saudi Arabia, and not war criminals are being persecuted in Bangladesh.

It’s of extreme significance that the “Muslims leaders all over the Muslim world” were not upset when Muslims, and others, were being mowed down with genocidal intent in Bangladesh in 1971. In fact, most Muslim countries sided with Pakistan and did nothing to stop the carnage, with some, like Iran, actively supporting it, and refused to recognise Bangladesh after the war was over. Saudi Arabia didn’t recognise Bangladesh even after Mujib requested it to, to allow Bengali Muslims to perform their Hajj.

In the book “Mujibeyr Rokto Lal” by MR Akhtar Mukul, a meeting between Sheikh Mujib and King Faisal of Saudi Arabia at a non-alignment summit in Algiers, is described, which contains the following conversation:

The religious groups become extraordinarily verbose and even violent when it comes to things like cartoons, but say precious little about the killing of innocents

year by an ex-Saudi ambassador was so completely patronising that one can’t help but wonder if this tone was taken because our prime minister is a woman.

Not only was it completely out of place for an ex-diplomat to address a national leader so condescendingly, but it also smacked of the sort of authority that is usually reserved for senior family members, like uncles. In the letter the ambassador feels the need to qualify Sheikh Hasina by saying: “This [mentioned earlier] incident depicted the fact that you are a God-fearing Muslim woman. Besides, you were always keen to perform Umrah whenever you had a chance.”

“Faisal: Your Excellency, I have heard that Bangladesh is expecting some assistance from us. But the question is, what kind of assistance are you looking for? Of course we have some pre-conditions for providing any form of assistance.

“Mujib: Your Excellency, please forgive me for my brashness. I am the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. But I don’t think Bangladesh is begging for alms from you.

“Faisal: Then what is it that you are expecting to receive from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

“Mujib: The pious Muslims of Bangladesh wish to claim their right to worship at the site of the Holy Kaaba.

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Your Excellency, you tell me if there can be any preconditions to that?”

But in fact King Faisal did put conditions on it. For Bangladesh to be recognised by Saudi Arabia, and for Bangladeshis to be able to travel to Mecca and Madina, it would have to rename itself the “Islamic Republic of Bangladesh” and free the Pakistani prisoners of war. When Mujib asked the king what business it was of his what happens to Pakistani soldiers, he was told that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are practically the same.

So when the ex-ambassador wrote to Sheikh Hasina full of praise for Sheikh Mujib, he should have remembered that the government he served only recognised Bangladesh after Mujib was assassinated and we distanced ourselves from our traditional allies India and the Soviet Union, established Islam as the state religion and lifted bans on many Saudi-sponsored religious organisations that propagate Wahabbism.

It’s clear as day, why Saudi Arabia is concerned about the war crimes tribunal, but then it’s hardly surprising, considering Saudi Arabia often lets political agenda supersede principles, and had no qualms sending troops to Bahrain to quell a popular uprising for instance, or asking the US to attack Iran.

Frankly, a country that routinely beheads people for the smallest of crimes yet gives a religious cleric only 8 years in jail for raping and then savagely beating to death his own 5-year-old daughter has nothing at all to teach us about justice.

The government of Bangladesh is not answerable to any of these countries, and needs not pay attention to their requests or requirements, but it is answerable to itself, to us, the people of Bangladesh, and to posterity.

This is why it is essential that the trials be conducted in the fairest and most transparent way possible.

They are establishing a legal precedence that will become part of history, and tampering with it will have dire long-term consequences for the way justice is dispensed in Bangladesh. If Quader Mollah was indeed innocent, then it bodes very badly for the moral integrity of this entire nation.

When Sheikh Hasina addressed the 68th UN General Assembly she told global leaders that the trial of suspected war criminals was indispensable to establishing justice, human rights and the rule of law in our country, things that are the hallmarks of a self-respecting, civilised nation.

These values are universal and surely even Islamists can see the wisdom of setting such a necessary precedence. However, everyone can also see the dangers of doing the opposite, and if the government, and these trials are targeting the wrong people, for the wrong reasons, then justice demands we be flooded by a river of retribution, without the slightest bit of higher ground to stand on. l Zeeshan Khan is a journalist.

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Protesters demonstrate against Turkey’s ruling Ak Party (AKP) government and demand that Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s resign because of the corruption investigation, in Ankara REUTERS

Erdogan battles political firestorm ahead of key polls n AFP, Ankara A sweeping corruption investigation implicating some of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s closest allies is threatening to weaken his grip on power ahead of key elections next year.

At least 51 people including the sons of three ministers and several top business leaders were detained in a series of dawn raids on Tuesday, in the biggest investigation into official corruption since Erdogan took office in 2002.

The detentions have set off a political firestorm in Turkey and exposed bitter fault lines in Erdogan’s traditional power base, particularly a festering row with a powerful Muslim cleric.

Erdogan has described the investigation as a “dirty operation” to smear his Islamic-leaning government ahead of the polls and undermine Turkey’s ambitions to become a major political and economic power.

He also accused those behind the raids of acting like a “state within a state,” a possible reference to the or-

ganisation headed by influential Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has supporters in the police and the judiciary.

Emre Uslu, a columnist for the Zaman daily, said the affair had “tarnished the government’s image in the eyes of the voters.”

“From now on, no conservative will be able to defend this party by claiming that it has put an end to corruption,” he wrote in Zaman, which is owned by Gulen.

Several dozen senior police officers have been sacked in the wake of the raids, including Istanbul police chief Huseyin Capkin, for “abusing their power.”

Erdogan has warned that more sackings could follow.

Those detained in the raids in Istanbul and Ankara are suspected of numerous offences including accepting and facilitating bribes for development projects and securing construction permits for protected areas in exchange for money, as well as gold smuggling and money laundering, according to press reports.

Nine people were released Wednesday, according to Turkish media, but the rest remain in custody.

The operation has exposed deep fractures in Erdogan’s traditional support base, particularly a dispute between the government and Gulen.

The Gulen movement was a key supporter of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), helping it to win three elections in a row since 2002.

‘Erdogan’s credibility on the line’ But government plans unveiled last month to close down a network of private schools run by Gulen’s Hizmet (Service) movement appear to have shattered the alliance.

The timing of the scandal could not be worse for Erdogan, coming just days after he launched the AKP’s campaign for municipal elections in March.

Those elections will be a key test for the Turkish strongman, who has set his sights on becoming president if a new constitution gives the post sweeping US-style executive powers.

A presidential election is due to be held in August, followed by legislative elections in 2015. l

Friday, December 20, 2013

US envoy in CAR in bid to end violence n AFP, Bangui

Egypt court acquits ex-PM, Mubarak sons of corruption

The US envoy to the United Nations flew into Central African Republic Thursday on a surprise visit to urge its leaders to help end brutal violence, warning the people were “in profound danger.”

Samantha Power is the highest-level US official to visit the CAR, which has plunged into anarchy with inter-religious violence that has killed hundreds of people.

Power, who before joining the US administration was a journalist and vocal human rights activist, said American leaders were “deeply disturbed” by the brutality which has forced some 400,000 people to flee their homes.

“The people in Central African Republic are in profound danger, and we all have a responsibility which we must meet to help them move away from the abyss,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

The country spiralled into chaos after a March coup in which the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel group overthrew president Francois Bozize.

Rebel leader Michel Djotodia was installed as the first Muslim leader of the majority Christian nation and disbanded the Seleka, but many rebels went rogue, spreading terror which government forces could not stop.

Months of brutal massacres, rapes and looting have followed, with locals forming Christian vigilante groups in response to the atrocities. Top US officials have already warned the CAR is in a “pre-genocidal” phase.

Amnesty International reported Thursday that 1,000 people were killed in Bangui two weeks ago by ex-Seleka rebels in a two-day spasm of violence after Christian militias went door-todoor and killed about 60 Muslims.

During her eight-hour stay accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Power was to meet Djotodia as well as Muslim and Christian religious leaders.

“All of those actors in CAR who have influence must use it, and use their voices to try to help ease the fears... and restore calm,” she said.

She was to urge the leaders to back a UN-mandated African stabilisation force known as MISCA as it disarms militias and to “explore every avenue to ensure proper and full implementation” of a roadmap towards elections in 2015. l

n AFP, Cairo An Egyptian court has acquitted Ahmed Shafiq, a former prime minister and presidential candidate, and two sons of ousted dictator Hosni Mubarak, of corruption charges.

Shafiq fled to the United Arab Emirates shortly after he narrowly lost to the Islamist Mohamed Morsi in a 2012 presidential election, a year before Morsi’s overthrow by the military.

He faces another corruption trial, as do Mubarak’s sons Alaa and Gamal, and has not publicly said whether he would return and run in elections this year if acquitted of all charges.

The verdict in Shafiq’s last remaining case is expected later on Thursday, his lawyer Farid al-Deeb told AFP. An acquittal should allow him to return to Egypt.

Shafiq had been charged with a corrupt land sale to Mubarak’s sons undertaken when he was a senior aviation official in Mubarak’s government.

Shafiq later became the aviation minister and then prime minister in Mubarak’s last days in office.

The military-installed government plans parliamentary and presidential elections by autumn 2014, amid widespread speculation that military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will compete and win.

Sisi has not confirmed his candidacy, but if he runs former military officers such as Shafiq are expected to step aside.

Mubarak’s sons still face separate corruption trials, including one with their father, who is also accused of involvement in the killings of protesters during the uprising that forced him out. l

WORLD WATCH 200 cars stolen in Germany ‘now owned by Tajik elite’

About 200 cars stolen in Germany have been tracked down in Tajikistan, where most are now driven by family and friends of President Emomali Rakhmon, media and officials in Berlin said Thursday. The case of the German-registered cars, including 93 BMWs located via GPS, has caused friction between Germany and the Central Asian country, mass-circulation daily Bild reported. A German foreign ministry spokeswoman did not confirm the Bild report that former foreign minister Guido Westerwelle had called in the Tajik ambassador over the case this year. However, she told AFP that “there have been talks with the Tajik side on cooperation in fighting organised crime.” The cars were located by the “Westwind” task force of German and Lithuanian investigators, mostly using the vehicles’ GPS systems, said Berlin city justice department spokeswoman Lisa Jani. When Tajik authorities failed to respond to requests to help in the investigation, Berlin’s justice minister Thomas Heilmann wrote to Germany’s then-foreign minister Westerwelle, she told AFP.“Most of the vehicles are in the possession of people who have business or family ties with the family of the Tajik president,” Heilmann wrote to the foreign minister, said Jani. Tajikistan

has to date not replied to the request for legal assistance or taken steps to return the cars, she added.An official contacted at the Tajik embassy in Berlin said he could not immediately provide an official statement.

Feminist goes topless in Vatican abortion protest

A leader of the Ukrainian feminist group Femen bared herself near St Peter’s Square on Thursday shouting “Christmas is cancelled!” in a protest against the Catholic Church’s stance on abortion. Inna Shevchenko, 23, went topless and ran towards the square but was stopped by some 20 police officers. She had “Jesus is aborted” written across her chest. The police quickly formed a barrier around the activist to prevent media from documenting the event. Covered in a blanket, she was taken away in a police car as tourists and pilgrims looked on with bemusement.

Femen activists have targeted St Peter’s Square before, including on the eve of the conclave that elected Pope Francis in March, and have begun a series of protests in Christian centres in support of abortion laws. Femen is a Ukrainian group whose members have drawn attention worldwide with nude stunts targeting a range of political and religious figures, including Italy’s ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Yanukovych tells West to stay out of Ukraine crisis n AFP, Kiev

Supporters of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich watch a broadcast of his news conference as they attend a rally in Kiev

Putin says will not allow Ukrainian ‘Maidan’ in Moscow n AFP, Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday indicated that authorities would break up any protest encampment similar to a weeks-long opposition tent city set up in the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

“I will act in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation,” Putin said in response to a question whether he would allow Russian opposition protesters to set up a Russian version of the Ukrainian “Maidan” tent city on Red Square or other landmarks.

“Any such actions should remain within the framework of the law,” Putin told reporters during an annual news conference.

“If someone goes outside this framework then the state is obliged – I would like to stress that this is not political will but an obligation of the authorities – to bring about order.”

“Otherwise such a development of events can lead to chaos,” the Russian strongman said.

Ukrainian opposition has over the past month led protests against President Viktor Yanukovych over his deci-

sion to scrap an integration pact with the EU, setting up a tent city on Independence Square in Kiev and blockading key public buildings.

Ukrainian riot police have made several failed attempts to push the protesters from the square.

The Ukrainian word for the square – the Maidan – came to symbolise the country’s protest movement.

Putin’s decision to return to the Kremlin for a third term last year re-energised Russia’s fragmented opposition which mustered huge protests in 2011-2012. l

REUTERS

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych Thursday told the West to stay out of his country’s political crisis, after top European and US diplomats visited the protests that have raged for a month in central Kiev.

In the first live interview with Ukraine’s main television channels since the crisis broke last month, Yanukovych said a bailout deal with Moscow did not contravene Kiev’s EU hopes but said Ukraine could still join clauses of a rival Kremlin-led trade bloc.

Both the United States and the European bloc has sided with opposition protesters, with senior Western diplomatic figures pointedly meeting with their leaders and attending protests.

“I am categorically against others coming to our country and teaching us how to live,” Yanukovych told reporters.

“What is very important is that this is our internal matter, and that other countries do not intervene in our internal affairs.”

Russia’s stunning bailout package has infuriated the Ukrainian opposition leading mass protests against Yanukovych, whom they have accused of selling out to the Kremlin after rejecting an integration deal with the European Union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed to buy $15 billion (11 billion euros) of Ukraine’s debt in

eurobonds and slash Ukraine’s gas bill by a third.

“Here (in the signed documents) there is no contradiction between Ukraine’s course and whatever kind of integration,” Yanukovych said.

“We are not talking about integration, we are talking about economic relations,” he said, referring to ties with Russia which has pressed Kiev to join a Moscow-led Customs Union.

The Ukrainian government last month unexpectedly halted work on key political and free trade agreements with the European Union, sparking the largest demonstrations since the pro-democracy Orange Revolution in 2004.

Yanukovych added that Ukraine “took a pause” to decide on “what conditions we are signing the free trade zone agreement (with the EU).”

“When we will see that this is advantageous to us then no doubt a positive decision will be taken,” the Ukrainian president said.

Yanukovych also acknowledged that Kiev could adhere to certain clauses of the Customs Union which includes ex-Soviet Belarus and Kazakhstan.

“The government of Ukraine has received these (Customs Union) documents and is examining their clauses.

And after drawing conclusions, we will decide which clauses (of the Customs Union) to join,” Yanukovych said in the interview. l

Bulgarians not ‘beggars’ in Britain n AFP, Sofia

Sofia slammed on Thursday British moves to stop EU migrants claiming unemployment benefits as being driven by unfounded “hysteria,” saying Bulgarians were not “beggars.”

“Bulgarians are not beggars in Britain,” Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin, who on Tuesday postponed a visit to London, said. “They do not exploit the social welfare system but contribute with the instalments they pay much more than they receive,” he told bTV television.

“The majority are highly educated

professionals on well-paid jobs. The rest are taking up niches on the market – lower paid, hard physical labour jobs – that the British cannot or do not want to undertake.” Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Wednesday that he would rush through legislation banning migrants from other EU countries from claiming unemployment and housing benefits until they have been in Britain for three months.

The move was part of a package of measures to restrict “benefit tourism” announced last month, but has been accelerated amid concerns about an in-

flux of Romanians and Bulgarians when they gain full rights to live and work in Britain from the start of next year.

Vigenin was however categorical on Thursday that there will not be a rush to cross the English Channel, saying “in January they will see that nothing new will happen in Britain ... We will show that there is no influx.”

He said it was a “pity” that Cameron had responded to anti-immigration feeling whipped up by eurosceptic UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage ahead of the European elections in 2014 and by tabloid newspapers. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

‘Conspiracy’ behind US arrest of Indian envoy n Agencies

India has alleged that the recent arrest of one of its top diplomats in the US was part of a conspiracy, a charge that has gained momentum with the emergence of new facts surrounding the incident threatening bilateral ties between the two global powers.

Media reports on Wednesday suggested that Washington acted conspiratorially against Indian advice and legal injunctions, and has even given visas to the family of the nanny - at the heart of the dispute - who is being sought by the Indian police.

Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul-general in the US, was arrested, handcuffed and then strip-searched, on a complaint that she had been paying the nanny Sangeetha Richards less than $3 per hour, far less than the minimum wage stipulated in the US. The diplomat also faces allegations of filing wrong information in the visa approval form of Richards.

Richards, who was in the employ of Khobragade, deserted her employer and went missing in June this year. This triggered the series of events leading to the diplomat’s arrest. Richards contacted Khobragade and demanded compensation failing which she threatened to go to US law enforcement agencies.

What gives a conspiratorial twist to “Nannygate” is that despite the fact that the Indian government informed its counterparts in Washington about Richards’ actions, the US authorities disregarded the information and seemed to have acted in conjunction with the domestic help.

Indian foreign minister Salman Khurshid openly echoed the suspicions in parliament on Wednesday stating that Khobragade was trapped

Right-wing Indian Hindu activists dressed as US President Barack Obama take part in a protest near the US Embassy in New Delhi in a “conspiracy.” He said, “She is innocent. It is not the illegality that she is accused of, but the illegality she refused to oblige.”

A Delhi court had a couple of months ago also issued arrest warrant against Richards following a complaint that she attempted to extort money from Khobragade. The US authorities completely ignored the court ruling, reports said.

Also, just two days before the diplomat’s arrest, Richards’s husband and two children flew out of New Delhi to the US on a special visa. Questions are

being asked over the issuance of the T-visa which allows the family to work and stay in the US on the condition they help US enforcement authorities.

Technically, Richards is missing but reports suggest that she is in the friendly custody of US authorities. Her husband and the two children too have reportedly joined her in the US. Incidentally, the husband and the two children in India received their passports only in the last couple of months. Officials in New Delhi have started an inquiry into how they managed to get passports despite being un-

AFP

der the scanner of the police.

According to reports, more interesting is the fact that Richards’s father is an employee of the US embassy in New Delhi. Her mother used to be the housekeeper of a former top US diplomat in the Indian capital. Richards’s husband Philip is reportedly a driver in Delhi’s Mozambique embassy.

Officials in New Delhi are quoted as saying that the proximity of Richards’s parents to the US consulate must have helped Richards in her efforts to nail Khobragade, with the help of US enforcement agencies.

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Friday, December 20, 2013

Meanwhile, reacting to Indian anger and measures in retaliation following the “common criminal” type treatment of senior diplomat Khobragade, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the issue must not be allowed to hurt ties between the two friendly countries.

He also said it was important that all courtesies be extended to foreign diplomats similar to the way the US expects its diplomats to be treated elsewhere.

Meanwhile, US federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, who made the highly unusual move of issuing a lengthy statement addressing the arrest and issues not in a criminal complaint, said on Wednesday that Khobragade was afforded courtesies most Americans wouldn’t get - such as being allowed to make phone calls for two hours to arrange child care and sort out personal matters - after she was discretely arrested by US Department of State agents outside her children’s Manhattan school.

Bharara said Khobragade wasn’t handcuffed, restrained or arrested in front of her children. And he said that while she was “fully searched” in private by a female deputy marshal, the move was a standard safety practice all defendants undergo.

Bharara, who was born in India but moved with his family to New Jersey, defended the case.

“One wonders whether any government would not take action regarding false documents being submitted to it in order to bring immigrants into the country,” he said in the statement.

“And one wonders why there is so much outrage about the alleged treatment of the Indian national accused of perpetrating these acts, but precious little outrage about the alleged treatment of the Indian victim and her spouse?” l

We’re still friends, says India minister after row with US

n AFP, New Delhi

India wants to ensure the furore over the arrest and strip-search of a female diplomat in New York does not do lasting harm to its “valuable relationship” with the US, its foreign minister said Thursday.

“I can’t believe that either side wants to put at risk a very valuable relationship in which we have made an enormous investment,” Salman Khurshid told India’s CNN-IBN network.

“Things happen between friends, even things that are terrible.

“The whole thing about friendship is that it survives, survives the test of this nature.” Khurshid was speaking the day after US Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with India’s National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon to try to ease tensions sparked by last Thursday’s arrest of New York-based diplomat Devyani Khobragade.

The 39-year-old, who is now free on bail, was detained over allegations that she paid a domestic worker a fraction of the minimum wage and lied about the employee’s salary in a visa application.

Her arrest and subsequent revelations that she was strip-searched have caused outrage in India. It prompted the government to take a series of reprisals, including the removal of protective barricades outside the American embassy in New Delhi. In an email to colleagues Khobragade wrote that she was repeatedly strip-searched and then subjected to a cavity search.

However Preet Bharara, the US federal prosecutor handling her case, has insisted Khobragade was arrested in the “most discreet” way possible, was never handcuffed and was searched by a female deputy marshal in private. l

Suicide Bomber Kills 3 Soldiers In Attack On Pakistan Checkpoint

Raids, shells kill 26 after Tibetan monk sets self Pakistan suicide attack on fire in China

North, South Korea hold first talks since Pyongyang purge

A suicide bomb attack on a Pakistani checkpoint in the lawless region of North Waziristan killed at least three soldiers and wounded 32 people on Wednesday, intelligence and militant sources said.

Pakistan is fighting an increasingly active insurgency mounted by Taliban fighters, adding to a list of concerns for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at a time when the government is trying to engage militants in peace talks. Intelligence sources told Reuters that a truck laden with explosives rammed into a checkpoint in North Waziristan, a stronghold for al Qaeda-linked Taliban militants, killing at least three military personnel.

A Taliban source told Reuters the attack was in revenge for continued US drone strikes in the region against militants holed up the mountainous areas on Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

The Pakistani army imposed a curfew in the area after the attack, said intelligence sources. Another source said at least six government troops were killed. l

n AFP, Miranshah

North and South Korea Thursday held their first talks since Pyongyang’s shock purge raised tensions, meeting at a joint industrial park in the North as a delegation of G20 officials toured the facility.

Last week’s execution of Jang SongThaek, a high-level official who was the uncle and former political mentor of leader Kim Jong-Un, sparked international fears of instability in the nuclear-armed North.

The last round of North-South talks about the operations of the Kaesong industrial zone was in September, when the complex – just over the border in North Korea – reopened after a fivemonth closure caused by military tensions.

The meeting in Kaesong coincided with a trip by a 25-member foreign delegation to Kaesong as South Korea seeks outside investors in the estate, hoping their involvement would prevent the North shutting it down in the future. l

n Reuters, Pakistan

At least 23 suspected militants plus three civilians have been killed in raids and shelling by Pakistani forces in the country’s troubled northwest, officials said Thursday.

The violence in North Waziristan tribal district came a day after a suicide bombing at a military checkpoint killed five soldiers and wounded 34 others.

Ansarul Mujahideen, a little-known militant group linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

A senior military official said 23 militants were killed overnight in fighting with security forces in North Waziristan, a known hotbed of the TTP and Al-Qaeda linked militants.

Clashes erupted after the insurgents attacked a convoy of security forces which was returning after rescuing soldiers wounded in Wednesday’s bomb-

ing, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The death toll could not be verified independently because of an ongoing search operation and curfew in the area.

Earlier, local security officials said six of the suspected militants had been killed during raids on two hotels.

“Pakistani security forces raided two hotels in the area close to the site of the suicide bombing and intense gunbattles left six suspected militants dead and 12 others wounded,” a local security official told AFP. Separately, shells fired by Pakistani security forces hit a house in Moski village and killed a woman and her two daughters, the local official said.

Military officials did not confirm the civilian deaths.

The TTP has led a bloody campaign against the Pakistani state in recent years, carrying out hundreds of attacks on security forces and government targets, mainly in the northwest. l

n AFP, Beijing A Tibetan monk set himself on fire in northwest China on Thursday, state media said, in what Tibetan media described as a suicide in protest against Chinese policies.

The monk, 43, “committed self-immolation,” in Gansu province, which has a heavy ethnic Tibetan population, state-run news service Xinhua said on a social media account.

There have been more than 120 similar acts by Tibetans in China and elsewhere since 2009, most of them fatal.

India-based Tibetan news website Phayul.com reported that the monk, named Tsuiltrim Gyatso, had died after setting himself on fire “to protest the Chinese government.”

The website published a photo apparently showing Gyatso’s body engulfed in flames, with his skin charred black.

Self-immolations peaked in the runup to the ruling Communist Party’s five-yearly congress last November,

but have become less common in recent months A Tibetan father-of-two set himself on fire in protest earlier this month, US-backed broadcaster Radio Free Asia and a Tibetan rights group reported.

A monk set himself on fire in a Tibetan area of Qinghai province in northwest China last month, reports said.

Two Tibetan monks reportedly died in April after setting themselves on fire at Aba in the southern province of Sichuan.

Beijing condemns the acts and blames them on exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, saying he uses them to further a separatist agenda.

But Tibetans and human rights groups say the protests are a response to Beijing’s tight controls on their exercise of religion.

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace laureate who has lived in India since 1959 after a failed uprising in Tibet, has described the burnings as acts of desperation that he is powerless to stop. l

n AFP, Seoul

Thailand political crisis set for crunch weekend, opposition mulls boycott n AFP, Bangkok

Thailand’s political crisis is poised to enter a crucial new phase this weekend as the main opposition mulls a possible boycott of snap polls and protesters ramp up rallies aimed at toppling the government.

Bangkok has been rocked by weeks of street marches, with demonstrators invading government buildings and gathering in their thousands in the latest eruption of political unrest in the turbulent nation.

The protests are calling for democracy to be suspended and want to rid the country of premier Yingluck Shinawatra and the influence of her brother Thaksin – an ousted billionaire ex-premier who is despised by a coalition of the southern Thai poor, Bangkok middle classes and elite.

They have been joined by the opposition Democrat Party, which resigned en masse from parliament to join rallies.

But analysts say Yingluck’s announcement of February 2 elections has thrust the Democrats onto the horns of a dilemma.

If they choose to boycott the poll, Thailand’s oldest party risks being excluded from the political process, while a decision to join will dismay protesters who have vowed to disrupt the vote.

“They are damned if they do, damned if they don’t,” said Paul Chambers director of research at the Institute of South East Asian Affairs at Chiang Mai University.

A Democrat boycott in 2006 helped

create the political uncertainty which heralded the military coup that ousted Thaksin.

But Chambers said new election rules have upped the stakes for the opposition, meaning they risk losing their electoral bases.

The party “would be doomed to the wilderness if they boycott and Peau Thai (ruling party) picks up the pro-Democrat constituencies,” he said.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, a British-born Oxford educated former premier, has said his party will meet to decide its stance on Saturday a day ahead of a planned major rally by the protesters, who are led by his firebrand former deputy Suthep Thaugsuban.

Experts say the protests are supported by powerful behind-the-scenes forces, in a country where the royalist army and establishment have acted as power brokers in the country, which has seen nearly 20 successful or attempted coups in the last 80 years.

Suthep, who has given caustic nightly speeches against the Shinawatras, has dismissed the election, saying it will install another Thaksin-aligned government.

Earlier rallies have drawn at least 150,000 supporters at their peak to the streets, in some of the largest demonstrations for years in the politically-divided kingdom.

“If the Democrats decide to participate, then Suthep and his movement may have to focus on pushing for a postponement of the polls publicly and perhaps for a coup privately,” said Michael Montesano at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. l

Anti-government protesters march during a rally at a major business district in Bangkok December 19, 2013. Anti-government protesters marched in Bangkok

REUTERS

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Friday, December 20, 2013

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

Nation observes Victory Day

Protect Bishwajit

December 16

December 16 is Victory Day, and what about after the 16th? Nothing but hartals and blockades!

Najeeb Ahmed

Das’s family

Boro farmers need a hand

D

isruptions in distribution of fertiliser and diesel have raised fears that the harvest of Boro paddy in AprilMay next year may get seriously hampered. The government has been unable to ensure transportation safety, and Boro farmers have been running short of diesel for irrigation equipment.

The government must improve conditions for farmers by taking sensible steps to overcome the detrimental effects on the production of Boro rice being caused by hartals and blockades.

To make matters worse, some sellers have taken advantage of this situation by The government must hoarding fertiliser and seeking improve conditions for to sell it to farmers at an farmers and overcome unnaturally high price. the harm to Boro rice Boro rice accounts for 60% production caused by of the country’s demand hartals and blockades for rice and is clearly our most important staple crop.

December is a crucial time in Boro production, as this is when farmers apply fertiliser to accelerate growth ahead of the spring harvest. Stocks of fertiliser are reported to be high, so it is the hold up to distribution which is causing the most concern.

If the present situation does not improve, there will be a threat of shortages and more rice may need to be imported.

Everyone will be hurt in the pocket, especially the Boro farmers and the mass of people who depend on affordable rice as their main food.

The government needs to be pro-active in addressing the risks which are apparent and in helping farmers. All political parties need to step back from the types of confrontation and unrest which are directly threatening the country’s main food producers in this way.

Closer than you may think, Mandela and Mujib December 12

bulbul A lot of speculation here. No two politicians are alike.

One can be compared with the other but in the end it is history who decides their worth and stature.

Ruhel Good article. Lots of ifs and buts; however, it raises some interesting scenarios. Too much polarity when speaking of Bangabandhu. Awami League overdoes it and BNP is at the other end. It’s now up to the educated younger generation to make their own minds.

Robert Imam The “you” in the title is me! As different as their careers and situations have been, they are not even close.

Farzana Nawaz Robert Imam: I wish I could “like” this comment multiple times! kabdullah Robert Imam: True.

A Alam Mujib could have been a Mandela if he had trusted in democracy. Mandela walked away from power after a single term in office. If only Mujib had done the same.

Abu Mahboob “Qui tacet consentire videtur.” He who is silent appears to consent.

In the spirit of not remaining silent, I’m compelled by my sanity to share my anschauung regarding the current state of my nation. I do not belong to any political organisation nor do I support any of the current political views, parties or leaders (I do not find anyone worthy of calling a leader at present).

My thoughts are intended only to serve the interest of humanity.

It seems to me we only liberated ourselves from a foreign entity so that we can continue to oppress ourselves by ourselves.

Let’s start from the very beginning. One sunny afternoon my father carried me on his shoulder for hours just to meet a human that he considered and respected as a leader, and to whom he offered his loyalty and trust, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – as Father of the Nation, undoubtedly a deserving title.

As time passed, however, I found him a failure.

Upon accepting the responsibilities to lead a nation, he failed miserably. Farakkha Barrage – I find it pernicious that a father of the nation can turn a blind eye to such an atrocity. I’m not suggesting that we forget his contributions, but let’s not get carried away.

Four decades after independence it is beyond my comprehension to find my nation at a point where all our sacrifices, intellect, civil rights, and above all justice are held hostage by the very entities that are supposed to uphold them.

Lack of justice pushes us further and further from humanity. My nation is at the brink of self-destruction due to greed for power, regardless of the cost. The price we are paying far exceeds the rewards we will reap and the spirit of democracy is non-existent.

We must inspire ourselves from our independence and refrain from breeding hatred and violence.

Hanging a human is not the paragon of justice rather far from it.

I’m pleading for the future, for a time when violence and hatred will not control my nation; rather we can coexist and live by reason and understanding. I’m pleading for a time when we can have faith that every life is precious, and worth saving. I dream of a day when mercy, compassion and justice will be the most effulgent attributes for us.

It is with a heavy heart I assert that help will not come from outside to save us from ourselves. We ourselves must take up this task.

Tandua ketra Niaz Alam writes very well. He has a great imagination too, that is admirable. However, comparing Sheikh Mujib with Mandela is futile. One is great.

The other could have been.

Syed Hashemi The politicians don’t care or understand any of this. They only care about power, not the destruction of the economy.

AL turns back the clock ‘to compromise’ December 17

Sayad Kalakutta BNP should have time to fulfil or break some of its promises. Hence, “compromise.”

Parveen Ahmed Is this not manipulating the polls? Khaleda is right, no fair polls can be held under AL leadership.

72-hr blockade from Tuesday 6am December 16 Independence, my foot. We should have been mourning the country’s birth today and all the people who died for no good reason.

Elizabeth Bass

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SUDOKU ACROSS 1 Handle (6) 4 Uncooked (3) 7 Oily fruit (5) 8 Great number (6) 11 Nourished (3) 12 Minute particle (4) 13 Prophet (4) 15 Radiolocation (5) 16 Presents (5) 20 Hurried (4) 23 Tidy (4) 24 Sheep’s cry (3) 25 Exact satisfaction for (6) 26 Beneath (5) 27 Word of acceptance (3) 28 Stifled laugh (6)

December 16

Cyclone Shahed We want relief! We want relief! I see a famine is knocking at our door.

R

elatives of Bishwajit Das have expressed fears for their safety after the conviction and sentencing of Mr Das’s murderers on Wednesday.

While it is welcome that the courts have duly tried the 21 people involved in the murder, the family are naturally concerned that two of the people given the most severe sentence are currently absconding and 11 of the 13 persons given life sentences are still on the run.

It is imperative that the In order to fully provide police provide all necessary justice, every effort protection to assuage the must be made to family’s fears. apprehend the remaining As well as suffering from a absconders horrific crime, Mr Das’s father and brother had to testify at the murder trial and justly deserve public protection as well as sympathy.

In order to fully provide justice, every effort must be made to apprehend the remaining absconders.

The courts have acted decisively to show that politically connected persons should not expect leniency for crimes they commit. The government should leave no room for doubt that it too supports this message, by publicly supporting the police in catching the 13 convicted perpetrators who remain at large.

Editorial: End the crisis to save economy

DOWN 1 Grinding tooth (5) 2 Give life to (7) 3 Vast ages (4) 4 Prevalent (4) 5 Affirm with confidence (4) 6 Marry (3) 9 Greek letter (3) 10 Deity (3) 14 Distinguished (7) 17 Marsh (3) 18 Tie-on label (3) 19 Bullock (5) 20 Of sound mind (4) 21 Cushions (4) 22 Hand-thrown missile (4) 24 Purchase (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

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

Code-Cracker

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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11

Friday, December 20, 2013

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You cannot be serious octogenarian ex-dictator, HM Ershad.

The spectacle was riveting.

The AL had been setting great store by the participation in the election of his Jatiyo Party, so when he indicated that he was planning to drop out, clearly something had to be done. I am not sure which genius came up with the plan of arresting him and confining him until after the deadline to withdraw nominations had passed, but astonishingly, that is precisely what happened. And now he is being shipped off to Malaysia until after the elections so he can’t make more trouble.

I have heard of people being forcibly withdrawn from elections against their wishes, but never before have I heard of someone forced to run for office. This is surely a first.

We have had our fair share of dodgy elections in Bangladesh, but the upcoming January 5 polls look like they will comfortably set a new standard for travesty

AFP

M

n Zafar Sobhan

y initial reaction to the political machinations and maneuvers in the run-up to the upcoming elections is: you cannot be serious. It sometimes seems as though we reside not in an independent country at all, but inside the world of some kind of elaborate farce or comedy sketch.

What can you say about elections in which fully 154 seats out of 300 are going to be uncontested, with the sole candidates in those constituencies elected unopposed? Doesn’t that seem, a tad … what is the word I’m looking for here … oh, that’s right … undemocratic?

Think about it for a moment. More than half of the seats have already

been decided without a single ballot being cast. If you happen to live in one of those 154 constituencies, you are out of luck – no vote for you! In short, over 48 million out of the roughly 92 million voters will not get to vote in the upcoming elections on January 5.

This is unprecedented, even for Bangladesh. Even in the elections held

by BNP in February 1996 and boycotted by all the other major parties, there were only 49 uncontested seats, and in the aborted January 2006 elections boycotted by the AL and its allies, there were only 18 seats uncontested.

We have had our fair share of dodgy elections in Bangladesh, but the upcoming January 5 polls look like they will comfortably set a new standard for travesty. Even by Bangladeshi standards this is pretty breath-taking stuff.

Forget about the fact that 44 million

voters won’t have much of an effective choice. The other 48 million have no choice at all.

We all agree that the February 1996 elections were a sham and that the aborted January 2006 elections would have been, had they gone ahead.

The question is how can elections, where more than half the voters are not even given the chance to vote, be considered in any way acceptable.

Please understand this isn’t a brief

in favour of the BNP. The bottom line is that the people of Bangladesh have been denied the chance to cast a vote.

Not just in favour of the BNP, mind you, but for 48 percent of them, any vote at all.

Now under the law of the land, if there is only one candidate, he or she is elected unopposed. But if the law supposes that, then, to paraphrase Charles Dickens, the law is an ass. It is transparently unjust to give people no choice in who their representative is. It is certainly undemocratic.

But that’s not all, folks. There’s more.

Not content with holding an election in which the main opposition is not only not participating, but in which most of its leaders are actually behind bars, we hit a new low with the recent comedy surrounding our

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about holding elections like this? It is no longer a question of whether an election without BNP can be considered acceptable. It is no longer a question of whether the elections should be held under a caretaker government or not.

I have heard of people being forcibly withdrawn from elections against their wishes, but never before have I heard of someone forced to run for office. This is surely a first

So how can we take these elections seriously, when they are already so non-participatory and so self-evidently unrepresentative?

How can the ruling party be serious

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The AL has succeeded in keeping the JP in the elections, technically. But I’m afraid that it hasn’t done anything much for the credibility of the process or for its own reputation.

Then again, by now it is perfectly clear that the AL game-plan is to simply forge ahead with elections on January 5 without concern for whether the elections would be credible and representative or for how it makes them look to the electorate.

The sheer effrontery is impressive, in its own way. The AL simply doesn’t care about what the people want or how it looks and they are no longer even pretending to care. I guess you have to admire the honesty, if nothing else.

It makes you want to shake your head and smile. They can’t be serious, right? This is some kind of a joke, surely. But that’s the problem. This isn’t a joke. This is deadly serious. This is our life. And the joke is on us. l Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

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Referendum as a solution Will Pakistan ever realise? n Shibli Kaiser Aziz

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s our country faces one of its most dire political crises, leaving the citizens and the nation crippled, we should ask ourselves this: “What do the citizens of Bangladesh see as a real solution to the political gridlock that is ensuing?” Our constitution was made on the principles of protecting the rights, privileges, and security of every citizen of our country. Our political leaders have betrayed us and we, the people, need to step in to help decide the fate of our country.

A referendum should be called on the issue of a ‘non-party government,’ and we, the people, can voice our opinions Right now, it seems to boil down to one critical issue – that of an acceptable polls time government. It is high time the voices of the people are

DHAKA TRIBUNE

heard. A referendum should be called on the issue of a “non-party government,” and we, the people, can voice our opinions.

There are examples all over the world where referenda are used as a tool for governance. Our prime examples are the French revolutionaries who used direct democracy as a method to realise their goals. Switzerland, in the mid-nineteenth century, used referenda as tools to aid representative government, and continues to do so today.

The United States of America also uses referenda to help the government understand the people’s views and also popularise them. Direct democracy can be a part of normal governance if there is political will coupled with the desire to rise above personal or party gratification and serve the country with the highest principles.

There are many points in favour of referenda. Some that come to mind are: direct democracy shows the will of the people; important constitutional issues can be legitimised by referenda; if there are any flaws in the theory of a mandate, voters can help with their views, and the government can gain major support and approval by listening to the citizens; political participation increases; it provides a clear answer for controversial questions.

Now, the question put up in the referendum is a major determining element for the outcome. It has been observed in many countries that the question may be made needlessly complex in order to deter people from voting. Hence, great care must be taken on the wording of the question.

Democracy – we all aspire to its ideals, in its inclusiveness, and the equity it adheres to. Well, if we are to be a true democracy, we need to follow due process. I would like to urge the people of our beloved country to seriously think about this matter and discuss the idea of a referendum in all the relevant platforms. l Shibli Kaiser Aziz is a founding member at CARES, an organisation dedicated to the advancement of Bangladesh through science and technology.

n Ekram Kabir

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he response to war criminal Quader Molla’s execution in Bangladesh by one minister, Imran Khan’s PTI, and the parliament in Pakistan, evoked only one question in my mind: “Will Pakistan ever realise how brutal it was in 1971?” The reaction of Pakistan Jamaat didn’t come as a surprise, since Jamaat, as we saw over the years, has always been on the wrong side of history in every country.

But it was interesting to see how the hearts of some Pakistani MPs and politicians burnt after Molla, one of their killing machines, was hanged in Bangladesh. Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba-turnedPML-turned-PTI leader, declared Molla Shaheed-e-Pakistan.

The response displayed the true psychological state of this section of Pakistani politicians: they agree, in open daylight, that they used their killing apparatus in the erstwhile East Pakistan in ’71. It also showed that these politicians would do so again, if given another chance.

It’s strange to see how they are claiming the executed Molla; how some of these Pakistani politicians, it seems, are still considering Bangladesh as theirs. It’s also strange to see how the hearts of these people burn when they cannot keep their house in order.

It’s strange to see how they are claiming the executed Molla; how some of these Pakistani politicians, it seems, are still considering Bangladesh as theirs Their response to Molla’s execution also reminds me of how the overall Pakistani population feels about Bangladesh being independent, about their government’s killing-spree, about how they engaged their local cohorts for butchering the innocent Bengalis. Pakistanis are still taught, in school textbooks, that the Pakistani state hadn’t

run any sort of atrocities in the eastern part; they are taught that it was an attempt to save the Pakistani nation, but they didn’t succeed because of India.

A section of Pakistanis still believe that Muktibahinis were Indian agents as well as terrorists.

That’s how they continue to transmit the political part of Bangladesh’s liberation war, but they still don’t own up to their own cruelty and viciousness in the name of saving Pakistan.

This is how the world knows that the Pakistani ruling elite never realises anything; they perhaps don’t even have the ability to come to their senses about their brutal psyche since the inception of the Pakistani state. If they had the ability, they would have apologised to Bangladesh by now for the massacre committed here.

Yes, of course the humane and awakened section of Pakistan has been apologising to Bangladeshi people on

Pakistan has a track record of shrugging off responsibilities. It didn’t even try its own assassins who murdered its own leaders – from Liaquat Ali Khan to Benazir Bhutto. And it is asking us to do the same

They still consider that it was quite normal to kill all those Bengalis by vitiating the local assailants and letting them loose on the innocent Bengalis.

The local attackers, like Molla, were helping the Pakistani army to kill people in the name of saving Islam as well as the Islamic Republic.

Perhaps they had forgotten, as they still do, how the Bengali population, being the majority, had helped in forming the state of Pakistan in 1947.

The upholders of Pakistan did realise it as they remained oblivious about their injustices during the years.

Well, if they thought they were right in saying that there wasn’t any massacre campaign in Bangladesh, why didn’t they publish the full text of the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report? Pakistan has a track record of shrugging off responsibilities. It didn’t even try its own assassins who murdered its own leaders – from Liaquat Ali Khan to Benazir Bhutto. And it is asking us to do the same. Who are the Pakistanis to ask us to open or not to open the 1971 cases? Pakistan has proven to be one of the worst nations in the world when it comes to setting any record straight.

behalf of their government for those heinous acts; they have also appealed to their government in seeking an apology for the Bangladeshi people. But the state’s lack of ability to realise its own brutality always prevented Pakistan from doing so. It never communicated with Bangladesh at the state level.

Perhaps, the ruling elite don’t feel the need for a fair closure after what they did to Bangladesh during the war; perhaps they still want to be consoled in thinking that India had broken up Pakistan; perhaps, they don’t want to be reminded about their own failures; perhaps, deep inside their minds, they did recognise Bangladesh as an independent country. Poor, Pakistan!

If it wasn’t poor, then its parliament as well as the politicians who claimed Molla as their martyr would have considered what the people of Pakistan thought about Bangladesh’s liberation war and the brutality of their state in 1971. I’m sure the Pakistani parliament and the politicians were not issuing statements on behalf of all Pakistanis. l Ekram Kabir is Executive Editor of Natunbarta.com.

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Friday, December 20, 2013

Blues music concert today n Entertainment Desk

A blues music concert performed by six popular bands will be held today afternoon at the Russian Cultural Centre. Dhaka Blues Society presents the concert titled Winter Blues Meltdown to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

Dhaka Blues Society was formed by passionate blues aficionados to preserve and promote this field of music. For the last few years, the organisation has been actively organising regular gigs.

An added attraction of the event would be the launching of band Aronno’s latest album that includes groovy, bluesy and jazzy numbers. They will also present a few numbers from the new album at the concert. They released their last album Taar Chhire Gechhe in 2007.

Monoshoroni will come to the show with their original blues and rock tracks.

Saad Chowdhury Jazz Quartet promises to embezzle the ears of the audience with their technical mastery of jazz and other genres of music.

Band Aronno will launch its latest album at the event Bogey And Friends will bring a funky flavour with their energetic performance.

The other featured bands are Circus Police, 42 and 12am. No registration or ticket is required to attend the programme. l

Purnima-Shuvo starrer Chhaya-Chhobi coming soon n Afrose Jahan Chaity M M Kamal Raz is almost ready to hit the theatres with his second film Chhaya-Chhobi. Shooting of the film is completed and now it is on its post-production phase, after which, the film will be submitted to the censor board for approval.

The 135 minutes film features the bold beauty of Dhallywood, Purnima, and handsome heartthrob Arifin Shuvo as leading actors. This is the first time the dynamic duo has paired up for the silver-screen and the audience are in for a treat as their on-screen chemistry seems to be promising.

Chhaya-Chhobi is a love story that is bound to

ON TV MOVIE 2:33pmHBO

hold the interest of the audience with its striking star-cast and unique script. Another attractive aspect of the film is its music, with direction from Arfin Rumey, the film features seven songs. Singers like Shann, Abhijeet, Arfin Rumey, Akriti Kakkar, Awensha, June Banarjee, Ragab Chattarji, Porshi and Nishita Barua lent their voice as playback singers.

The film will release in fifty cinemas at the same time. About the film, M M Kamal Raz told the Dhaka Tribune: “Right now, I am working on the colour correction of the film. Our political situation is not stable at present, that is why I want to release Chhaya-Chhobi after this crises is over and done with.” l

District 9

8:00pm Star Movies Mr Beans Holiday

DRAMA 10:00pm Star Plus

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain

10:30pm Sony CID

COMEDY 10:00am Comedy Central

The Blind Date airs tonight

Eminent recitation artiste Shimul Mustapha will perform today in a solo programme titled ‘Aposh Korini Kokhonoi Ami Ei Holo Itihash’ at Rabindra Sarobar at 4:30pm. He is among the artistes who played a lead role in popularising recitation of poems in the entertainment scene of the 80’s and 90’s

n Entertainment Desk Piyal is a university student. One day he sees a girl in his campus and he falls for her. That night, he could barely manage to sleep. He kept on drinking water and was restlessly going back and forth on his balcony. Piyal doesn’t even know which department the girl studies in, all he knows is that, she travels in a black private car. He does not dare to find out more in fear that if he digs any deeper, he might find that she is already involved with someone. One day, Piyal stumbles upon the girl in an animated conversation with a guy.

He is seized with such turbulent jealousy that

World Palooza

5:00pm Colors

Comedy Nights With Kapil

he starts to shake violently and later is taken ill by a fever. After he recovers, he manages to get that girl’s number from her driver. They get friendly over the phone and decide to meet up. When they do meet, Piyal realises that the driver gave him a wrong number intentionally.

The Blind Date is a bittersweet love story written by Humayun Kabir Bidduth and directed by Nahid Zaman. Popular actors of the small screen Mehazabien, Nisho, Shomu Chowdhury, Farzana Chobi, Jinia and many more acted in the entertaining drama. Maasranga Television will air the drama today at 7:40pm. l

NEWS 5:30pm Independent Tv Purba Pashchim

7:00pm Desh Tv News

MIXED 10:30am TLC

The Little Paris Kitchen

10:30pm Travel XP Xplore India

TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition

City of Rhythm Second phase of Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed Time: 6pm (inauguration) House 7, Road 13 (News) Dhanmondi Woman in Gossamer

By Nurun Naher Supti Time: 3pm – 9pm Alliance Francaise de Dhaka Return to Eden

By Nasima Khanam Queenie Time: 10am to 8pm

Alliance Francaise, Dhanmondi Quest for Reality

By Rafiqun Nabi Time: 12pm-8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts House No 42, Road No 16, Dhanmondi

To live is to be slowly born

By Kashef Chowdhury Time: 12 – 8pm Bengal Art Lounge 60 Gulshan Avenue, Circle 1

Sussanne clears blame from Arjun Rampal n Entertainment Desk Sussanne Roshan, who split with her actor husband Hrithik Roshan a week ago, was bombarded with questions on December 18 about who was to be blamed for their shocking split.

But Sussanne, mother of two boys Hridhaan and Hrehaan, told reporters at the launch of her boutique Bandra 190 said: “To blame anybody else in this situation is very bad. It is only about me and Hrithik, nobody else.”

There were reports that Sussanne’s close friendship with Arjun Rampal was a reason for her split with husband Hrithik. But Sussanne clarified saying: “They are all very good friends of mine and Hrithik’s.

We have always been a very close knit friends circle so to blame anybody else in this situation is very bad.”

Hrithik Roshan had last week announced his separation from wife Sussanne. He had issued a statement stating, “My wife has decided to separate from me and end our 17 years relationship.”

Hrithik Roshan, 39, and Sussanne, 35, who were childhood sweethearts, tied the knot in 2000 after a four-year courtship.

Arjun Rampal, who was also at the boutique launch with wife Mehr, said: “The most important thing is for the people to be happy and I think that’s what matters the most.”

Sussanne had earlier said it was their responsibility to protect and take care of their two children. l

Telefilm Ordhek Surjo Grohon will air on SATV at 3pm today. Directed and written by Anjan Aich, the telefilm features Tariq Anam Khan, Jayanta Chattopadhyay, Shaymol Mawla, Bindu, Maznun Mizan, Abdullah Rana and many more.

Story of the telefilm revolves around a freelance photographer Aronnyo who comes upon some photographs of the Liberation War. Those photos are famous but the name of the photographer is not the one that Aronnyo discovers in his sudden find. These photographs are taken by someone else. He shares this confusing information with his friend Megh. Megh is a writer and is trying to write a novel. She finally finds a topic worthy of writing and wants to help Aronnyo to find the real photographer. Their search ends when they find that the photographer in question died during the war. They then meet his son, who is a van driver in a small village. l

Theatre

Shopnopothik

By Aranyak Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm National Theatre, Shilpakala Academy, Shegun Bagicha

Music

Classical Music Festival

by Chhayanaut Time: 9am – 1pm, 7:30 - 3am Chhayanaut, House 72, Road 15A, Dhanmondi R/A

Brad Pitt turns 50 n Entertainment Desk As an accomplished Hollywood actor, one half of the most successful partnerships in showbiz and a dad of six Brad Pitt has crammed a lot into his 50 years.

He might have turned 50 but Brad Pitt remains one of Hollywood’s hottest and most in-demand actors.

From the minute he strutted his way into chick flick Thelma and Louise in 1991, sporting a stetson and bedding an older woman, Pitt has been firmly established as a heart-throb as well as an accomplished performer.

After a difficult year on the personal front, with partner Angelina Jolie having a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against hereditary breast cancer, the couple marked the actor’s landmark birthday apart due to work commitments.

He has been nominated for an Oscar three times but has yet to be a winner.

Together with Jolie, Pitt also finds time to fight for causes close to his heart, including same-sex marriage and AIDS charities. Accomplished actor, dedicated family man and charity champion, who hardly looks a day over 30. l

Did you know?

Man United defender Patrice Evra scored with his right foot against Stoke City on Wednesday, something he’s never done in the English Premier League

Sport

Friday, December 20, 2013

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

0 8 6 DAYS TO GO

14 Red Devils reach semis, Spurs out

15 SA collapse against India pace

Brad Ross struck by football passion n Raihan Mahmood Being South African, cricket is not unfamiliar to Bradford Ross, the global football manager and Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour, and he is well aware of Bangladesh’s competency in the gentlemen’s game, but it was the overwhelming passion of Bangladesh’s football lovers that he found astonishing.

The Atlanta based South African was expressing his reaction as he stood on the balcony of Radisson Blu Hotel with thousands of spectators standing in the terrace of the hotel. The man who had flown to 28 countries with the trophy since its take-off in September, was enjoying the spirit. “Bringing the trophy to Bangladesh was an awesome experience. The passionate fans reminds me of the global language of football and how it brings people in a common platform,” said Ross.

“You see from the president, prime minister to mass people, Bangladesh has witnessed the euphoria of the arrival of World Cup trophy, it’s amazing to see Bangladesh’s response to it,” he added.

He was quick to point out that Bangladesh has never played in the finals of the World Cup but still thousands of football lovers turned out to have a glimpse of the trophy. “I enjoyed it, it’s the same passion whether you are

The Bangladesh national team posein front of the Fifa World Cup trophy at the Radisson Blu Hotel yesterday

COURTESY

National booters draw inspiration n Raihan Mahmood Bangladesh’s national football team drew inspiration from the seeing the Fifa World Cup trophy and looked for-

ward to working hard to achieving the goal of one day playing at the mega event.

With national head coach Lodewijk de Kruif already in Holland enjoying his Christmas vacation, assistant coach Rene Koster accompanied the team.

It was an unfortunate incident for the national booters as they did not receive their instant snapshots with the trophy due to some technical glitches.

National skipper Mamunul Islam felt the national booters can draw motivation from the trophy.

“We have the vision of Qatar 2022, the national team are the first frontier of achieving the target. I think the national players can draw inspiration to make it for the nation in the future,” said Mamunul.

Long serving national goalkeeper Biplob Bhattacharjee, who played his first World Cup qualifiers back in 1997,

thought the dream of playing in the finals of the World Cup will be realized in the future.

“We could not think of getting so close to the World Cup trophy, maybe we are short of the standards but we have the dream of being there. I hope

I have seen the trophy in the hands of the great players like Ronaldo, Zidane and others, getting so close to it left me overwhelmed Bangladesh will proceed on the right track to be in the finals one day,” he said.

Experienced forward Zahid Hasan Emily was amazed. “It’s one of the greatest moment in my career. I feel the pulse of the thousands who have gathered here. They all came here for the love of the game, not the trophy.

We should work hard to propel football

a world cup winning country or yet to reach the finals. The crowd showed the same passion towards the trophy in Bangladesh,” he said.

Talking about the most exciting moment of the tour Ross said he enjoyed it when a man dressed in red and green came to have a glimpse. “It was a true reflection of loving the country and football. I hope Bangladesh will work hard towards raising the standards” said the Fifa official.

“We are taking the trophy on its longest journey to date, visiting 90 countries over 9 months. To quantify the tour, we will be traveling 92,000 miles which is over 3.5 times around the world. Bangladesh will have a special place in the tour history,” concluded the Fifa global manager. l

to the next stage to create the ladder for moving up,” said Emily.

While Biplob and Emily are of the older generation, the young generation national booters like Wahed and Raihan were also seeking inspiration from the most coveted sports trophy on the planet.

“I have never thought of getting a snapshot with the World Cup trophy.

It was a great pleasure for me, it made me feel like winning it for the country,” said young forward Wahed.

“I have seen the trophy in the hands of the great players like Ronaldo, Zidane and others, getting so close to it left me overwhelmed,” said defender Raihan.

The Fifa World Cup trophy is scheduled to fly to Bhutan today where it will stay for one day before arriving in Nepal for another one day stay. It is destined to fly to India from Nepal. l

Chaos on last day of trophy display n Raihan Mahmood Disorganization and disorder marred the proceedings on the last day of Fifa World Cup Trophy tour in Bangladesh as many ticket holders failed to get a glimpse of the coveted trophy when many non-ticket holders flocked inside the Radisson Blu Hotel yesterday.

It was learnt that the broadcasters at BTV announced that no ticket would be needed to view the trophy on the last day and it would be an open event. Though the event was reserved for people who won the tickets from the promotion program, thousands of spectators crowded at the hotel gate and later entered the premises.

Families of the people who are involved with the organising committee, the hotel staff and security personnel were also seen entering in the hotel

without any authorization. The overcrowded situation forced the organisers to stop the trophy viewing program for nearly half an hour.

Disorder reached a peak when national football team members were left standing for nearly 30 minutes as security denied them entrance. Moreover, there were no entrances for the media, who were also not allowed to enter the hotel. Media facilities for both days was particularly poor, with no media desk or media room. It was also evident that security personnel were uninformed about the media’s role and appeared to assume that pressmen were just spectators.

The show was stopped at 2:15pm though the ticket stated it would remain open till 3:00pm, leaving hundreds of ticket holders frustrated and disappointed. l

Victory Day Twenty20 teams announced n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the four teams for the Victory Day Twenty20 competition yesterday. The board had initially thought of holding a corporate based Twenty20 tournament but due to a lack of interest from the corporate houses, decided instead to give the four teams to four Dhaka Premier League (DPL) clubs.

The BCB announced that the tournament is expected to start from December 22. The matches will be held at Sylhet Divisional Stadium and Sher-eBangla National Stadium.

The cricket board planned the tournament to function as practice for

the national team, who have a busy schedule from January onward which includes mega events like Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20.

The four teams – Red, Green, Yellow and Blue - were sketched by the national selection panel and will be sold to the four interested clubs. Prime Bank Cricket Club, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Limited have already confirmed their participation and it was learnt that if the board will look after the fourth team themselves, if they are unable to find a fourth DPL club.

National skipper Mushfiqur Rahim will lead the Red team, former national skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza will lead the Yellow, all-rounder Shakib al Hasan

SQUADS YELLOW TEAM Masrafe bin Mortaza – Captain, Zunaed Siddique, Jahurul Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Muminul Hoque, Shahriar Nafees, Rokibul Hassan, Taibur Rahman, Elias Sunny, Saklain Sojib, Dewan Sabbir, Sajedul Islam, Alauddin Babu, Nurul Hasan

GREEN TEAM Tamim Iqbal – Captain, Imrul Kayes, Abdul Majid, Naeem Islam, Marshal Ayub, Rony Talukder, Jubaer Ahmed, Arafat Sunny, Enamul Haque Jr, Al-Amin Hossain, Md Shahid, Delwar Hossain, Muktar Ali, Md Mithun

BLUE TEAM Shakib al Hasan – Captain, Anamul Haque, Saikat Ali, Liton Kumar Das, Sabbir Rahman, Mehrab Hossain, Alok Kopali, Sohag Gazi, Taizul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shahadat Hossain, Tapash Bayshia, Rabiul Islam, Mohammad Sharif

RED TEAM Mushfiqur Rahim – Captain, Shamsur Rahman, Soumya Sarkar, Nafis Iqbal, Mahmud Ullah, Aftab Ahmed, Abdur Razzak, Nazmul Hossain Milon, Farhad Reza, Shuvashis Roy, Nabil Shamad, Ziaur Rahman, Md Shohrawardi, Mehedi Maruf

will lead the Blue team and opener Tamim Iqbal will lead the Green team.

It will mark the return of Shakib to the field after being out ill with dengue fever as well as Tamim, who recently recovered from a lower-abdomen strain.

Middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain will be the only current national cricketer to miss the tournament.

“I won’t be able to participate in the tournament as I have to attend my elder brother’s wedding. The wedding was planned as we had no cricket during this time in the calendar,” Nasir told the media yesterday.

It was learnt that most of the matches are likely to be held in Sylhet on December 22, 23, 25 and 26, while the last two rounds will likely take place in Dhaka on December 28 and 29 followed by the final of the tournament on December 31.

BCB president NazmulHasan will hold a press meet today at Mirpur and reveal the details of the tournament. He is expected to announce the price of the teams and the players’ remuneration.

It was learnt from sources that the Grade A players is likely to be entitled to a fee of Taka 200,000 and Grade B players Taka 150,000.

The board also plans to televise at least those matches held in SBNS Live. It was learnt that BCB were in discussion with interested parties over the media rights of the tournament. l

A large crowd wait to gain entrance to Radisson and catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy

COURTESY

Tamim to miss New Zealand stint

Abahani beat Army in V-day hockey n Raihan Mahmood

n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Abahani Ltd topped group A to reach the semi-finals of the Walton Smartphone Victory Day Hockey after beating Bangladesh Army 4-1 at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Abahani went up in the 15th minute from a penalty corner struck by Ashraful Islam and national forward Pushkor Khisha Mimo scored twice in the 34th and 40th minute respectively. Abdul Malek pulled one back for the Army in the 45th minute, before Niloy’s 58th minute goal completed the rout for the title contenders. In the first semi-final tomorrow, Abahnai will take on Azad SC at 1:00pm. l

National opening batsman Tamim Iqbal will be unable to play for the Wellington Firebirds, one of the six New Zealand first-class cricket teams, in the HRV Cup Twenty20 which begins on December 27.

The time taken to process a visa for New Zealand visa is the reason.

“I was asked to be in New Zealand by December 23. But it will take more than two weeks to get the visa thus we (Tamim and Wellington) decided to drop the deal,” Tamim told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

The dashing south-paw added he had wanted to gain some experience by playing for Wellington.

“I maintain very good terms with Jammie (Siddons, the Wellington coach).

I worked on my techniques and issues the last time I went there,” he added.

A year after first mooting the idea, Siddons lured his former star pupil Tamim to Wellington last season, describing him as an untapped Twenty20 batting force. The 24-year-old played for the Firebirds’ in the team’s Twenty20 campaign from their fourth-round match against Otago last season. l

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Sport

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Friday, December 20, 2013

Cavani on the double as PSG nick holders St Etienne n AFP, Paris

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra (C) celebrates after scoring the second goal during their English League Cup Quarter-Final match against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium on Wednesday AFP

Paris Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani scored twice to eliminate French League Cup holders St Etienne 2-1 from this season’s competition in their Last 16 clash on Wednesday.

Cavani – who has scored 18 times in 23 games for PSG since he joined from Napoli in the close season – had given the hosts the lead in the first-half only for former PSG striker Turkish international Mevlut Erding to level in the second period to force extra-time.

However, Cavani grabbed the winner two minutes from the end of extratime, though, he looked to be in an offside position when he knocked home Jeremy Menez’s low cross.

PSG’s bitter historical rivals Marseille also progressed by the same scoreline against Toulouse which resulted in their interim coach Jose Anigo announcing he would still be in the role after the winter break as he celebrated his first win in charge.

Former Toulouse star Andre-Pierre Gignac grabbed Marseille’s winner from the penalty spot.

Earlier seven-time French champions Lyon reached the quarter-finals with a 3-2 win over fellow Ligue 1 side Reims.

Lyon, who have won the League Cup just once in 2001, twice took a two goal lead only to see Reims come back

Red Devils reach semis, Spurs out n AFP, London Manchester United beat Stoke City 2-0 to reach the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, while the post-Andre Villas-Boas era at Tottenham Hotspur began with defeat

by West Ham United.

After a first-half hailstorm briefly forced the teams off the pitch at the Britannia Stadium, United prevailed through fine strikes from Ashley Young and Patrice Evra.

Their reward was a semi-final tie against Sunderland, 2-1 victors over Chelsea on Tuesday, while West Ham will play Manchester City, with the first legs of both ties due to be played in the week beginning January 6.

Ramos wins appeal against 18th red card n

AFP, Madrid

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will be free to play against Valencia on Sunday after the club’s appeal against his 18th career red card in the game with Osasuna last Saturday was successful.

The first of Ramos’ two yellow cards in the first-half of the 2-2 draw in Pamplona was rescinded by the competition committee of the Spanish Football Federation on Wednesday.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had described the Spanish international’s dismissal as “hard to understand” and the Italian will be relieved that Ramos is available for the trip to the Mestalla as he has a shortage of options at centre-back.l

Barca doctor confirms Messi on the mend n AFP, Madrid

Argentina’s four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi’s recovery from a torn hamstring is on schedule, his club Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday.

Messi was ruled out for the rest of the year when he suffered the latest in a number of recent muscle injuries in Barca’s 4-1 win over Real Betis at the beginning of November.

The 26-year-old is currently in Argentina as he undergoes treatment, but has been joined in Buenos Aires by Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and club doctor Ricard Pruna.

“The fitness test and scan carried out this morning by doctor Ricard Pruna at the training facilities of the Argentine Football Federation in Buenos Aires showed good progress in Lionel Messi’s injury,” the club said in a statement.

“More tests will be carried out on Friday to set the timescale for the third part of the player’s recovery process and training schedule.”l

“The first goal tonight, whoever got it was going to make a big difference,” United manager David Moyes told Sky Sports.

“It was a tight game. We had some good play at times. We hadn’t created too many chances, but I didn’t think Stoke created too many chances either.”

With Wayne Rooney absent due to an unspecified injury, Moyes deployed Danny Welbeck as a lone striker, while Chris Smalling, Anderson and Young were all brought into the team.

Young was given an early sight of goal when a square pass from Welbeck found him in space on the edge of the box, but he could only find the sidenetting with his rising shot.

The hail arrived in the 28th minute, sending players and match officials scurrying for the cover of the changing

rooms, before play resumed following a 10-minute delay.

Jonny Evans might have put United

RESULTS Stoke City

0-2

Tottenham

1-2

Adebayor 67

Man United

Young 62, Evra 78

West Ham

Jarvis 80, Maiga 85

SEMI-FINAL DRAW Sunderland v Man United Man City v West Ham ahead shortly before half-time but he could not get a shot away after latching onto Smalling’s near-post flick-on.

Moyes introduced Javier Hernandez with just over half an hour remaining

and moments later Young made the breakthrough in stunning fashion.

The former Aston Villa winger played a pass forward to Hernandez and when the ball came back to him on the edge of the box, he met it with a first-time drive of searing power that Thomas Sorensen got his gloves to but could not stop.

Stoke rallied, briefly, but United put the game to bed in the 78th minute when Evra exchanged passes with Young before curling a fine shot inside the right-hand post with his seldomused right foot.

Meanwhile, playing for the first time since Villas-Boas was sacked on Monday, Spurs let a 1-0 lead slip in a 2-1 loss at home to London rivals West Ham. Interim coach Tim Sherwood picked

an adventurous team, giving Emmanuel Adebayor his first start of the season alongside Jermain Defoe up front, and the pair combined to give Spurs the lead in the 67th minute.

Defoe crossed from the left and Adebayor slid in to slam home an emphatic volley via the underside of the crossbar.

However, there was a blow for Spurs when Andros Townsend was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury and in the 80th minute West Ham levelled when Matt Taylor teed up Matt Jarvis to beat Hugo Lloris at his near post.

Modibo Maiga completed West Ham’s comeback five minutes later, heading in a Mohamed Diame cross to give Sam Allardyce’s side a second consecutive win at White Hart Lane following a 3-0 league success in October. l

to trail by just a goal.

Goals by France international forward Bafetimbi Gomis and Alexandre Lacazette – both scorers in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Marseille – seemingly put Lyon in a comfortable position at 2-0 up by the hour mark.

However, Lyon’s habit of letting slip leads throughout the season – they led Marseille 2-0 last Sunday before being held to a draw – looked as if it was going to happen again as Reims scored four minutes from the end of normal time through Floyd Ayite’s penalty. l

RESULTS Marseille

2-1

Toulouse

Evian-Thonon

2-1

Bastia

Troyes

3-2

Lyon

3-2

Nice

3-0

Rennes

1-2

PSG

2-1

Mendy 13, Gignac 27-P Wass 62, 67 Court 6, 23, Nivet 90 Gomis 58, Lacazette 60, Gourcuff 82 Pejcinovic 14, Genevois 31, Pied 34 Doucoure 52

Cavani 24, 118

Spajic 42

Ilan 32

Tours

Bergougnoux 5, Adnane 44

Reims

O’Niangue 64, Ayite 86-P

Sochaux

Bordeaux

Henrique 50, Jussie 90

St-Etienne

Erding 78

Moyes reveals Rooney injury n AFP, Stoke-On-Trent

Wayne Rooney was unavailable to play in Manchester United’s League Cup quarter-final at Stoke City on Wednesday due to an unspecified injury, manager David Moyes revealed.

Rooney played for 84 minutes in United’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday, but he was left out of the squad for the trip to the Britannia Stadium, with Danny Welbeck leading the line as a lone striker.

“Wayne Rooney is injured,” Moyes told Sky Sports prior to kick-off. Asked if the England striker would be fit in time for United’s busy schedule of matches over Christmas, he replied: “We hope so.”

Moyes is also currently without last season’s top scorer Robin van Persie, who has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury. l

Real, Atletico cruise into last 16 RESULTS Real Betis

2-2

Lleida

Almeria

0-0

Las Palmas

Paulao 6, Monforte 38, Amaya 10 Mata 55 Real Betis win 4-3 on aggregate Almeria win 3-1 on aggregate

Atletico Madrid

2-1

Sant Andreu

Real Sociedad

4-0

Algeciras

Real Madrid

2-0

Olimpic Xativa

Sevilla

0-2

Racing Santander

Hector 78, Carroza 14 Alderweireld 90+3 Atletico Madrid win 6-1 on aggregate Ros 40, Seferovic 65, Griezmann 70, Vela 75 Real Sociedad win 5-1 on aggregate Illarramendi 16, Di Maria 28-pen Real Madrid win 2-0 on aggregate

Miguelez 63-P, Kone 90 Racing Santander win 2-1 on aggregate

n AFP, Madrid Real Madrid reached the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a comfortable 2-0 win over Olimpic Xativa at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Without stars Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti gave a number of his younger players another chance. The Italian was rewarded as Asier Illaramendi slotted home his first goal for the club before Angel di Maria’s penalty made it 2-0 at the break.

Madrid failed to add to their tally in the second-half, but were never threatened by their third-tier opponents as they eased into the next round where they will face Osasuna.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, were forced to come from behind to beat minnows Sant Andreu 2-1 on the night at the Vicente Calderon to progress into the

last 16, 6-1 on aggregate.

Alberto Carroza had fired the visitors into a shock lead, but Atletico passed up a host of chances to level before the break as Jose Gimenez had a goal harshly ruled out for offside, while Adrian Lopez blasted a penalty over the bar.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone handed 18-year-old Hector Hernandez a start in his search for an equaliser who duly delivered turning home Adrian’s cross 12 minutes from time.

Atletico will now face Valencia or Gimnastic in the next round.

Racing Santander produced the surprise of the evening as they overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a 2-0 win away to 10-man Sevilla. Meanwhile. Real Sociedad set up a meeting with Villarreal in the last 16 with a 4-0 win over Algeciras La Liga sides Almeria and Real Betis also progressed despite being held at home on the night by lower league Las Palmas and Lleida respectively. l

Real Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria celebrates after scoring their Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) tie against Olimpic de Xativa at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday AFP

Casablanca through despite Ronaldinho heroics n AFP, Marrakech Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca were the toast of the nation on Wednesday after they became only the second African club to reach the final of the Club World Cup. The unfancied side, coached

by Tunisian Faouzi Benzarti, struck two late goals in Marrakech on Tuesday to knock out favoured South American champions Atletico Mineiro 3-1 and reach Saturday’s final against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The win meant that Raja equalled Congolese club TP Mazembe who lost the 2010 final against Inter Milan However, unlike Mazembe, Raja did not even qualify for the tournament, taking part only because they are the champions of the host country – making their achievement all the more unlikely.

Casablanca-born midfielder Mouhssine Moutouali struck

a pressure penalty in the 84th minute to give Benzarti’s men a crucial 2-1 lead before Central African Republic international Vianney Madibe capped a glorious night in Raja’s history with their third goal deep into stoppage time.

RESULT Raja Casablanca

3-1

Atletico Mineiro

Iajour 51, Ronaldinho 63 Moutouali 84-P, Vianney Mabide 94 Raja Casablanca to play Bayern Munich in Saturday’s final

It was another feather in the cap for their 63-year-old coach, who has enjoyed three spells at the helm of his national team and also won the African Champions League in 1994 with Esperance and only took over on the eve of the tournament.

“I have believed in my team since the start of the tournament because they’re extremely talented. It was an excellent performance today (Wednesday) in all areas against a strong Brazilian team

with fantastic players,” Benzarti told Fifa.com.

“It’s no accident that we’re in the final - it’s the product of hard work. My thanks go to our unbelievable fans, their support is immensely valuable to us and we aim to make them happy in return,” added the technician who only took over as Raja coach, two weeks ahead of the tournament when M’hamed Fakhir was fired.

“Now we have to recover as quickly as possible before our final preparations for the final against Bayern Munich.

“They’re a fantastic team who won three titles last season, and in Pep Guardiola they have a great coach who has already embedded his football philosophy in the team. “But we’ll go into the final with confidence too, believe in ourselves and give our all once more.” he added.

For his Brazilian counterpart Cuca, it was a blow for the Copa Libertadores champions, who are playing at the tournament for the first time but must now settle for a third place playoff against Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande on Saturday. l

Bilbao, Madrid candidates to host Euro 2020 n AFP, Madrid

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Wednesday that the new San Mames stadium in Bilbao and Atletico Madrid’s future home La Peineta will be their candidates to host matches at Euro 2020.

Espanyol’s Cornella El Prat and Valencia’s new Mestalla stadium, which had previously been earmarked as potential hosts have now been discarded.

Both the stadiums selected have yet to be completed.

The new San Mames opened in September, but one stand is still to be constructed before it will reach its full capacity of 53,000.

Meanwhile, La Peineta, which would have been the Olympic stadium in 2020 had Madrid’s bid for the Games been successful, will not be ready to host matches until at least 2016, but does have the advantage of a significantly bigger capacity of 70,000.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

QUICK BYTES Condolence

SCORE CARD, DAY 2 INDIA, FIRST INNINGS (overnight 255-5) M. Vijay c De Villiers b Morkel 6 S. Dhawan c Imran Tahir b Steyn 13 C. Pujara run out (Imran Tahir) 25 V. Kohli c Duminy b Kallis 119 R. Sharma c De Villiers b Philander 14 A. Rahane c De Villiers b Philander 47 M. Dhoni c De Villiers b Morkel 19 R. Ashwin not out 11 Zaheer Khan lbw b Philander 0 I. Sharma b Philander 0 Mohammed Shami b Morkel 0 Extras (b4, lb6, nb2, w14) 26 Total (103 overs) 280

Golam Rasul Molla (1945 - 2013) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) expressed profound sadness at the passing of former vice-president of the board Prof. Golam Rasul Molla at the age of 68. Prof. Molla breathed his last in Dhaka yesterday morning. He had been suffering from cancer. The board extended heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and prayed for the salvation of his soul.

Spain end top of Fifa rankings for sixth year running

Vicente del Bosque’s world and European champions have now topped the rankings at the end of each of the last six calendar years following an unbeaten Fifa World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign that saw Spain collect 20 points from a possible 24. Germany, Argentina, Colombia and Portugal complete the top five followed by Uruguay, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands and Brazil.

Bosnia-Herzegovina were the only team on the up inside the top 30 in the latest Fifa world ranking published yesterday.

Fresh from reaching a first World Cup finals, Bosnia-Herzegovina are now 19th, up two places, meaning France and Mexico drop one place each to 20th and 21st respectively. Ukraine hold the distinction of being the highest climbers this year after surging 29 places to 18th, although that is unlikely to temper the frustration at missing out on a World Cup place following play-off heartache at the hands of France last month.

– Agencies

Iniesta extends Barca contract to 2018 Spanish international Andres Iniesta has agreed to extend his Barcelona contract until at least 2018, the club said Thursday.

“Iniesta’s extension is confirmed, we have shaken on it and that is enough for us,” Barcelona president Sandro Rosell told a news conference. The deal will probably be formalised on Monday, he said, putting an end to weeks of rumours about the emblematic player’s future. The 29-yearold midfielder’s contract keeps him with Barcelona until 2018, after which it can be extended annually depending on his sporting performance, Rosell said. The Barcelona boss gave no financial details but said in September Iniesta should be the second best paid player in the team, which also features four-time FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Brazilian international Neymar.

–AFP

Judge demands Barca hand over Neymar contracts

A Spanish judge has ruled that Barcelona must submit the contracts that brought Brazilian star Neymar to the club in May to ascertain if president Sandro Rosell has a case to answer for misappropriation of funds. Barcelona have publicly stated that the money from Neymar’s signing was distributed among four companies at a total cost of 57.1 million euros ($78.6 million, £48.2 million).

However, the club have claimed a confidentiality clause in the contract prevents them from saying how much each of the parties received of the overall fee.

That led to a Barca member Jordi Cases launching a case against Rosell for misappropriating funds. According to Cases’ complaint, only 17.1 million euros was paid for Neymar’s registration rights.

–AFP

Bowling Steyn 26-7-61-1 (2w), Philander 27-661-4, Morkel 23-12-34-3 (2nb, 2w), Kallis 14-4-37-1 (2w), Imran Tahir 8-0-47-0, Duminy 5-0-30-0 SOUTH AFRICA, FIRST INNINGS G. Smith lbw b Zaheer Khan 68 A. Petersen lbw b I. Sharma 21 H. Amla b I. Sharma 36 J. Kallis lbw b I. Sharma 0 A. de Villiers lbw b Shami 13 J. Duminy c Vijay b Shami 2 F. du Plessis not out 17 V. Philander not out 48 Extras (lb4, nb3, w1) 8 Total (6 wkts, 66 overs) 213

Indian bowler Ishant Sharma (C) celebrates the wicket of South African batsman Jacques Kallis (L) on the second day of the first Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday AFP

Bowling Zaheer Khan 22-4-72-1 (1w), Mohammed Shami 18-3-48-2, I. Sharma 20-464-3 (3nb), Ashwin 6-0-25-0

South Africa collapse against India pace n AFP, Johannesburg South Africa’s top order batsmen collapsed against India’s fast bowlers on a dramatic second day of the first Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday.

South Africa were 213 for six at the close, 67 runs behind India’s 280 all out on a day when 11 wickets fell for 228 runs.

Ishant Sharma led an impressive three-pronged Indian pace attack, taking three for 64.

It was Sharma who sparked a South African collapse in which five wickets

fell for 16 runs after tea. The hosts had progressed to 130 for one when Hashim Amla padded up to a ball which swung back in and clipped the top of his off stump.

South African stalwart Jacques Kallis was next in - and fell first ball, leg before wicket to a full delivery from the tall Sharma.

Kallis, who turned 38 in October, has endured a lean run since making 50 against Pakistan at the same venue in February. His Test scores since then have been 7, 2, 21, 5, 0, 7 and 0.

Without addition to the score, South African captain Graeme Smith was leg

before to Zaheer Khan for a battling 68. Smith had seldom looked comfortable during his 111-ball innings and was dropped at first slip off Khan when he had 19. When he was eventually dismissed it was the seventh time he had fallen to Khan in Tests.

JP Duminy made only two before edging Mohammed Shami to first slip and AB de Villiers was leg before to Shami two balls later after making 13.

Five wickets had fallen in the space of 38 balls as India’s bowlers, maintaining a full length and bowling with discipline, did to South Africa’s top batsmen what the highly-rated South

African fast bowlers had failed to do against the Indian top order.

Faf du Plessis and Philander steadied the South African innings with an unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 67. Du Plessis defended doggedly to finish the day on 17 not out off 55 balls, while Philander had more of the strike and played with more freedom to make 48 not out off 76 deliveries.

Sharma was twice warned by umpire Rod Tucker for running on to the “danger area” of the pitch between wicket and wicket. A further warning would mean he would be taken out of the attack.

South Africa’s was the second significant collapse of the day. Philander and Morne Morkel earlier ripped through India’s lower order batsmen as the tourists lost their last five wickets for 16 runs.

Resuming at 255 for five in heavily overcast conditions after overnight and early morning rain, Ajinkya Rahane and Mahendra Singh Dhoni made cautious progress against tight bowling from Dale Steyn, Philander and Morkel.

Philander finished with four for 61 after taking three for six in six overs on Thursday and Morkel took three for 34 in 23 overs. l

Hafeez stars in Pakistan’s World Test Championship ‘in doubt’ n hard-fought win Agencies

n AFP, Sharjah Pakistan survived a late order scare from Sri Lanka to pull off an exciting 11-run win in the first one-day international in Sharjah on Wednesday, to go 1-0 up in the five-matchs series.

Pakistan’s innings was built around a brilliant 122 from Mohammad Hafeez which saw them post an impressive total of 322-5 in their 50 overs but were made to work hard for their win, finally bowling Sri Lanka out in 49.4 overs.

Besides Hafeez’s 122, Sohaib Maqsood (73) and debutant opener Sharjeel Khan (61) were the main contributors on a flat pitch.

Sri Lanka had all but lost the match at

221-7 but Sachithra Senanayake (42) and Seekkuge Prasanna (42) gave Pakistan a scare during their 87-run partnership for the eighth wicket -- a record for Pakistan-Sri Lanka one-day internationals.

Sri Lanka needed 27 off the last two overs but both the batsmen were out in quick succession to hand Pakistan a deserved win. Pakistan captain MIsbah-ul Haq said his bowlers needed to improve on this performance.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews was full of praise of his team’s battling display. Sri Lanka got off to a solid start with Tillakaratne Dilshan (30) and Kusal Perera (64) batting quite comfortably against the spin-cum pace Pakistan attack. l

The future of the World Test Championship has been thrown into doubt after it emerged that broadcasters and sponsors still hold grave reservations over the value of the event and the various parties organising it have failed to reach any agreement over the format.

The inaugural Test Championship, which the ICC hopes will become the showpiece event in the Test schedule, is due to be staged in the UK in 2017.

But, with only four teams due to compete - the top four in the Test rankings as of December 31, 2016 - doubts remain over its global appeal.

The key concern of the sponsors and broadcasters is the identities of the competing teams. If any of the major draws cards - especially India or Eng-

land - should fail to qualify, the attraction and value of the event would fall markedly. England’s rapid descent in the world rankings has rendered this a real danger and could also result in some of the games being played in lessthan-full stadiums.

The ICC’s current broadcast deal ends in 2015. The last deal, agreed with ESPN Star Sports* in 2006, was worth around $1.1 billion and helped fund a huge increase in funding for Associate and Affiliate nations. Any decrease in the value of the next deal, a genuine possibility bearing in mind broadcasters’ lukewarm response to the World Test Championship, will have serious consequences for the game at every level in most parts of the world.

Little progress has been made with the practicalities of the event, either.

Ramdin, Chanderpaul rescue West Indies

Referees to use vanishing spray at Brazil World Cup

Referees will use the recently developed vanishing spray at the World Cup next year to stop defensive walls creeping forward at free-kicks, Fifa’s president Sepp Blatter has said. When a free-kick is awarded near the penalty area, the referee paces the regulatory 10 yards between the ball and the nearest defender and then sprays a line on the pitch to mark the correct position of the wall. The line then disappears from the pitch within a minute. Blatter said the spray, developed in Brazil and Argentina, had received a positive reception after being used at the Club World Cup in Morocco. “I think it’s a very good solution. Some say it takes too much time and I was also quite sceptical at the beginning but all the referees who have used the system were pleased with it,” Blatter said.

–Agencies

DAY’S WATCH Ten Sports 02:00PM South Africa v India 1st Test, Day 3 Sony Six 05:00PM Pakistan v Sri Lanka Second ODI

15

Friday, December 20, 2013

Denesh Ramdin of the West Indies celebrates his century during the day one of the third Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday AFP

While a simple option would see the event consist of nothing more than two semi-finals and a final, there are doubts over what happens in the event of poor weather - hardly an unlikely event in the UK - and whether such a format provides enough cricket to capture the imagination of spectators and the interest of sponsors.

Any other format - such as roundrobin - threatens to become too long, with at least three days rest required between games to ensure any sort of veracity in the event. The fact that day-night Test cricket remains an unrealised dream - and, in England at least, may always do so - also compromises the ability to reach a global audience.

As a result, the ICC is under increasing pressure to rethink its commitment to the Championship.l

‘Bad boy’ Ryder back for New Zealand

n AFP, Hamilton

SCORE CARD

n AFP, Hamilton

A gutsy 200-run partnership between Denesh Ramdin and Shivnarine Chanderpaul rescued the West Indies from a perilous position on Thursday as the tourists battled to 289 for six on the first day of the third Test against New Zealand.

Ramdin was dismissed just before the close for 107 to end a sixth-wicket stand that lifted the score to respectability after another Calypso collapse had seen the team slump to 86-5 soon after lunch.

Chanderpaul was not out 94 at the close, with Darren Sammy yet to score as the West Indies fight to win the Test in a bid to level the three-match series.

The tourists’ cause was helped by a wicket that offered the bowlers little in the morning before becoming totally unresponsive midway through the day, allowing the batsmen more time to place the ball, and the run rate lifted noticeably.

After just 142 runs were scored in the first two sessions, the post-tea session of play yielded a further 147 runs.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and with hindsight he may regret his decision to bowl first as rewards were hard to come by except for a brief period after lunch.

After the West Indies had progressed cautiously to 77-1, they collapsed to 86-5 in the space of 34 deliveries be-

WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Brathwaite c Williamson b Southee 45 Powell c Watling b Wagner 26 Edwards c Watling b Southee 6 Samuels c Williamson b Anderson 0 Chanderpaul not out 94 Deonarine lbw Anderson 2 Ramdin c Watling b Anderson 107 Sammy not out 0 Extras (lb6, b2, w1) 9 Total: (6 wickets; 90 overs) 289

Big-hitting New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is poised for a return to the international stage, completing a remarkable comeback after a turbulent period on the sidelines.

The 29-year-old was named Thursday in the New Zealand team to play the West Indies in a series of five oneday internationals (ODIs) starting in Auckland on December 26.

Ryder, a self-confessed “bad boy” who is regarded by many in New Zealand as a cult hero, went into a selfimposed exile 22 months ago to sort out personal issues following several alcohol-related incidents.

“I set the goal to make it back earlier this year and it is a great end to a tough year for me. I’m more motivated than ever,” Ryder said when the 13-man ODI squad was named.

In March, Ryder suffered a fractured skull and was placed in an induced coma in hospital after being beaten up outside a bar. He also received a sixmonth ban this year after testing positive to a performance-enhancing drug found in weight-loss pills he was taking.

The left-hander is a prodigiously talented batsman, averaging 40.93 from 33 Test innings and 34.27 in ODIs, also from 33 innings. New Zealand selection manager Bruce Edgar said Ryder would give the side “added firepower at the top of the order”. l

Fall of wickets 1-41 (Powell), 2-77 (Brathwaite), 3-78 (Edwards), 4-82 (Samuels), 5-86 (Deonarine), 6-286 (Ramdin) Bowling Boult 19-1-67-0 (w1), Southee 20-156-2, Wagner 20-4-66-1, Anderson 14-3-25-3, Williamson 4-0-14-0, Sodhi 13-0-53-0 Toss: New Zealand fore Ramdin joined Chanderpaul to put them back on track.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell put on 41 for the first wicket before Powell, on 26, edged Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling.

Brathwaite, promoted to play his first Test in since 2011 when Darren Bravo was injured during practice, reached 45 before his dismissal soon after lunch started the top order collapse. l

16

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Friday, December 20, 2013

Bangladesh likely to get ‘polio- free’ status next February National Immunisation Day to be observed tomorrow n Moniruzzaman Uzzal Bangladesh is set to observe the 21st National Immunization Day (NID) programmes across the country on Saturday, with health workers and volunteers from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) aiming to provide polio vaccines to 22 million children aged up to 59 months.

Dr Tajul Islam Bari, programme manager of the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) told the Dhaka Tribune that Bangladesh had remained a polio-free country since November 22, 2006.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) required all the member nations of the South East Asia Regional Organisation (Searo) –to which Bangladesh was a member – to be free of polio patients for at least three years before the countries could be eligible for po-

lio-free status.

As a polio patient was found in India’s West Bengal in January 2011, the certificate got delayed; but Dr Bari expressed hopes that Bangladesh would achieve polio-free status in February next year.

According to a WHO report, cases of polio have decreased by over 99% since 1988.

Compared to 350,000 polio patients detected worldwide in 1988, the number came down to only 650 in 2011 as results of combined global efforts to eradicate the disease.

In 2012, only three countries were polio-endemic: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, sources said the cost for National Immunization Day was around Tk850m, with a total 26,600 health workers active in the field level. Among them, 21,000 were health assistants

(HA), 4,200 assistant health inspectors (AHI) and 1,400 health inspectors (HI).

The health workers in the field level of the DGHS had been contributing a lot behind the success of health sector in the last four decades including the EPI, and the reduction of child and maternal and tuberculosis-related deaths.

An investigation by the Dhaka Tribune revealed that the HA, the AHI and the HIs respectively received only Tk50, Tk100 and Tk160 as travel allowance every month.

Seeking anonymity, several field workers expressed their discontent, saying despite millions spent in the health sector, the field workers – who were the heart of the sector – continue to be ignored.

The field workers’ responsibilities included regular immunization, Directly Observed Treatment Service (DOTS) of

tuberculosis patients, and management of diarrheal, arsenic, malarial and other patients almost every day, they said.

Sources said the DGHS recruited volunteers for NID, who each received Tk30, but none of the field worker would receive any incentive allowance on the NID although their mobile teams had to carry out a four-day post-NID immunization programme in order to ensure that no child was left out.

Harun-or-Rashid, president of Bangladesh Health Department Employees Association, said thousands of field workers were frustrated at the situation.

He informed that after more than 15 years, the health ministry had given primary approval to increase travel allowance to Tk150, Tk300 and Tk360 for the HA, AHI and HI respectively. He also informed that the present pay scale was also under the process of change. l

No inquiry into candidates’ affidavits prior to polls n Tribune Report Despite marked difference found in the affidavits of the 10th parliamentary election candidates compared to the previous election season, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided not to go for investigation to avoid chaos prior election.

The country is in the election mood. If we start inquiring now, an overall chaotic situation might cripple the country. So we have dropped any such plan as for now “The country is in the election mood.

If we start inquiring now, an overall chaotic situation might cripple the country. So we have dropped any such plan as for now,” ACC Commissioner M Shahabuddin Chupppu said yesterday.

He made the remark in reply to reporters’ query regarding the difference found between poll candidates’ affida-

vits in five years.

According to the official affidavits uploaded in the Election Commission’s website, a significant soar has been found in many of the candidates’ income and amount of properties.

However, the commissioner said: “We are yet to receive any allegation of such regarding the affidavits of the candidates. If we receive any, we would conduct an investigation after the election is over. Otherwise it will worsen the situation of the country.”

Asked if the case against BNP Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed was a politically motivated one, he said: “The case is not a politically motivated one. We received the allegation against him in 2010 and since had been conducting investigation. The case has been filed following the evidences found against him.”

The ACC on Tuesday filed a case against BNP leader Moudud Ahmed and his brother, on charge of grabbing government land worth about Tk300crore. l

Ministers issue conflicting statements on dialogue n Mohosinul Karim Two senior ministers of the polls-time government have issued contradictory statements on the UN-backed dialogue between two major political parties to end the ongoing political crisis.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Thursday said the dialogue had come to a halt.

While Industries Minister Tofail Ahmed said: “There is a probability of dialogue. It was adjourned so that two top leaders can discuss the proposals placed at the meetings at their respective party level before the two parties sits again.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was informed of the demands placed by the main the opposition BNP, Minister Tofail Ahmed told reporters on Thursday after a meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Ms Heather Cruden.

“More meetings on this issue might be held later with the BNP as per the party’s decision,” he said, “we have informed our party chief about the progress of the meetings and proposals of the main opposition.”

However, there are little chances of holdings talks with the main opposition on elections, he added.

The BNP at the meeting demanded their leaders be released but it was not possible as it did not withdraw its

blockade programmes, he said.

“There is no scope for a dialogue over BNP’s participation in the upcoming general elections,” said Inu, “But there can be a political consensus. We can discuss the next steps after the election. The scope for political consensus is still on only if the opposition abstains from violence.”

Awami League and BNP began talks under the mediation of United Nations Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco what was being thought as ice melting.

In response to queries whether there will be any mid-term elections if a consensus is reached with the BNP the minister said: “Nobody participates in the election for a short term. The election will be held for five years until 2019. The election is being held not have a monopoly on power rather to protect and uphold the constitution”.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader also echoed Hasanul Haqie Inu at a programme at Dhaka University on Thursday.

“The BNP has lost its opportunity to participate in the upcoming national elections,” Quader said. “The polls schedule cannot be postponed now.”

Over 150 people have died since October when BNP began their agitation demanding polls in line with their demand for non-partisan government. l

A rare sight of two bee eaters on a bamboo branch at Suchnipara in Godagari of Rajshahi on the lookout for insects

Poor people take the brunt of political violence

India to work with Bangladesh n Mohammad Jamil Khan constitutional govt: Daily labourers hit a bad patch nowadays as they are prone to pickets’ attack Indian FM almost every day during the ongoing political violence. n BSS, New Delhi At least nine such people were adIndian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid yesterday said his government is ready to work with the constitutional government of Bangladesh.

“Indian government supports constitutional government in Bangladesh and will work with the government to be elected as per the constitution,” he told journalists during a launch break at the Hyderabad House in the Indian capital. l

mitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with splinter injuries in the capital from Wednesday night to till filing this report at 11:30pm yesterday.

Yesterday around 10am, three people were admitted to DMCH around 10:30am after they fell victim to pickets’ crude bomb blast at Bangshal in old Dhaka.

The three are Mohammad Sohagh, 22, a tailor, Azim, 25, another tailor and

Mohammad Abdur Rahman, 60.

The current political stalemate made them pay a heavy price.

Some have already succumbed to their injuries from petrol bomb attack while many of them are fighting for life in hospitals.

The breadwinners’ hospitalisation are nothing but adding to the miseries of their families as the latter struggle to foot the medical bill.

“My brother is the only earning member of our three-member family as my father is ill and mother died a couple of years ago,” Sheuli Akter, sister of Mohammad Rubel, a blockade victim who is now at National Institute of Trauma-

tology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation.

Rubel, 28, a carpenter by profession, fell victim to crude bomb attack in Panthapath area Wednesday night. He was on his way home in South Jatrabari.

Soon after he reached Panthapath intersection, five crude bombs blasted and splinters hit him in the head and other parts of his body.

Sheuli added that they were taking her brother home as doctors suggested that Rubel should rest after the removal of splinters from his body.

My father was tensed up as there were no other breadwinners for the family, said she.

During the crude bomb attack, five

others also received splinter injuries in Panthapath Wednesday night.

Of the injured were Abidur Rahman, 48, and his colleague Mohammad Khokon, 35. The splinters hit the duo in the heads and left sides of their body.

Besides, Rickshaw driver Mohammad Rabiul, 30, Daud Khan, 40 and a salesman Gopal Chandra, 30, also got hurt in the bomb attack.

Talking with the Dhaka Tribune, Khokon, muttered that doctors removed splinters following an operation in the early hours of Thursday.

“Still I feel so much pain, he said, adding that God had been kind to me that I got back my life,” he said. l

SAU teachers threaten to boycott classes, exams n Tribune Report

People sit in numbers and wait for trains to arrive in the capital’s Kamalapur Railway Station yesterday during the nationwide blockade enforced by the 18-party alliance DHAKA TRIBUNE

The teachers of Sylhet Agricultural University have threatened to boycott all academic activities including classes and examinations, from tomorrow unless the university authorities take punitive measures against some students who allegedly beat up a teacher.

The decision came at a meeting of SAU Teachers’ Association yesterday noon, reports UNB. Sources said three activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League – Pratik Chakrabarty, Mamun Hasan Jony and Gautam Paul – allegedly tried to extort money from Aminur Rashid, a teacher of the Aqua Culture Department.

The trio also beat the teacher in Baluchar Natun Bazar area near the campus on Tuesday as he refused to pay

them money. On information, the university proctor rushed to the spot and rescued Aminur.

In protest, teachers belonging to the Fisheries Faculty boycotted classes on Wednesday and yesterday.

Expressing solidarity with them, members of the teachers’ association brought out a silent procession on the campus yesterday. They also met Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr M Shahidullah Talukder and demanded appropriate action against the attackers.

They also demanded expulsion of the culprit students.

They threatened to boycott all academic activities unless punitive action was not taken against the attackers.

The VC has assured the teachers of taking action against those responsible for assaulting the teacher. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

4th International Holcim Awards open for entries n Tribune Report The Holcim Awards, one of the most significant competitions in the field of sustainable development, is open for entries for the fourth cycle of the sustainable construction competition.

With a prize money of $2m, the 4th International Holcim Awards seeks leading projects from industry professionals and bold ideas from the “next generation” that will contribute to sustainability within the fields of architecture, building, civil engineering, landscape and urban design, including construction materials and technologies, said a media release.

The competition organised by Swissbased Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction will be conducted in five regions of the world this year simultaneously. The regions selected were Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa-Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

The competition has been categorised in two sections. The award’s main category is open to architects, engineers and construction firms, among others, and the participants have to showcase sustainable responses to technological, environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues with contemporary building and construction.

The second category, the “Next Generation” – young professionals and students category – seeks visionary projects and bold ideas from participants that contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

The details on the entrance procedure is available at www.holcimawards. org. The last date for submitting projects is March 24, 2014. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207.

Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com

Continue to the Business section...

Business

B2 Forex reserve crosses $18bn-mark

B3 Poor performing Beach

Hatchery up 62% in two weeks

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

Business www.dhakatribune.com/business

POLITICAL UNREST

Courier service business drops 80% n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Due to continuous blockades, the courier service business in the country dropped by 80% in recent days, said the sector people.

“Earnings from the service fell by 80% as blockades continue,” said Hafizur Rahman Pulok, president of Courier Service Association of Bangladesh.

Hafizur Rahman runs Sundarban Courier Service. He said his own earning from the service came down to Tk6-7 lakh a month from Tk30 lakh during normal time.

According to him, the political parties should keep courier transports out of hartals and blockades considering the service as emergency.

He said the courier service transports some emergency products like pharmaceuticals and also important papers of individuals and offices.

Although some customers were asking for delivery, the courier service providers could not do that because of fears of arson attacks on their vehicles by the picketers.

“I have over 250 vehicles to carry products to our customers, but I cannot risk taking them to street during blockades,” said the owner of Sundarban Courier.

While continuous blockades are being enforced by the opposition, police is giving escorts to the transports carrying goods on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

“Yes, such initiative is especially for the readymade garment sector. We are also thinking to seek such police security. But we still cannot completely rely on it as there were some reports of arsons despite police escorts,” said Hafizur Rahman.

According to the Bangladesh Courier Service Association, there are about 700 courier service companies in the country involving around 4 lakh employees.

A huge pile of parcels lying undelivered at a courier in Dhaka yesterday due to continuous blockades called by the opposition NASHIRUL ISLAM The Association which has 70 members said the sector’s monthly turnover is over Tk50 crore when normalcy prevails.

Currently in this time political unrest some courier operators are using airlines as alternative to transport goods. But this way is much costlier.

“We are using airfreight for some emergency documents. However it costs us nine times higher,” said Hafizur Rahman.

He said while road transport cost is Tk510 for carrying one kilogram goods, the airways charge it Tk100.

As business has been almost halted and earnings drop to shocking rate, payment of salaries to the employees has become difficult.

Some has to take loans to pay salaries of their staffs. “We are now unable to pay salaries of our employees, which is taking us to lenders to continue payment to the staff. But how long we can do that?” said Sundarban Courier owner.

Mozamme lHaq, managing director of Kortoa Courier Service, said his company was suffering huge losses in this political crisis.

“I cannot say how much my company is

incurring losses. It is unlimited as days go, the situation is getting worse,” he said.

“Even if there is no hartal or blockade, I do not allow my firm’s vehicles go out as arsons happen now on even a no-political programme day.”

Md Abdur Razzak, general Secretary of Courier Service Association of Bangladesh, said as the courier service business completely depends on transportation, it has almost collapsed due to blockades.

“Where we are living an insecure life now, how I will ensure safety to our customers’ materials,” said Md Abdur Razzak. He added the situation forced them to suspend all transportation and delivery of goods.

Tanvirul Haque, chairman of Rainbow Courier Services, said supply chain of exported and imported goods being carried by courier services has completely broken down.

“The situation is inflicting huge losses on us. My company’s earnings from sales have seen a drastic fall in last few days. It will create fund shortage to pay employees’ salaries.”

Kaiser Ahmed, a customer, came to complain at the SA Paribahan office in Dhaka yesterday as his parcel had not reached yet to his brother living in Chittagong.

He posted the parcel Saturday last week.

“My brother has not received the parcel yet although I posted it last week. However, the management has assured me that it would be delivered soon. They said the delivery was disrupted due to blockades,” said the customer.

Another customer Hamim, student of Jagannat University, said he was trying to send a parcel for last three days to Khulna, but could not.

“It is very emergency. If I cannot send it within deadline, I will not get a job in a private firm,” he said. l

Govt may increase cash subsidy to help business recover losses due to unrest n Tribune Report The government has decided in principle to provide businessmen with some incentives so they could recover to some extent the business losses due to the prolonged political unrest.

The incentives would not, however, be given to all as it would be decided case to case basis.

“The rate of cash subsidy would be increased, but it would not be on a wholesale basis. The finance ministry would take a decision,” an official told Dhaka Tribune, after a meeting at the finance ministry yesterday.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith chaired the meeting aimed at considering the demands for the incentives by trade bodies of the country.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman, Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed and managing directors of four state-owned commercial banks were present.

“We will sit with the RMG leaders next week to discuss the issue as they would be defaulters if it is not done before December 31,” Muhith told reporters after the meeting.

He said the central bank would consider the eligibility for availing of the privilege on cases to case basis.

There will be no change in existing structure and guideline regarding reschedule of loan and classification.

A notification on the issue would be declared in next week, but the initiatives would be effective during regime of next government, said the minister.

He said Bangladesh Bank will send list of companies to the respective banks on loan classification.

Earlier, Bangladesh Garment manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) demanded fund support through special PC (packing credit) and “Baisalam” for four months from November 13 to February 14

to pay wages as they are facing fund shortage due to the ongoing political unrest that caused disruption in shipment.

The apparel makers also demanded waiver of charges being imposed by the Chittagong Port Authority due to congestion in the container terminal.

They urged the government not to classify any textile, garments and backward linkage industry for next two years from the Q4 of 2013.

It also appealed blocking the term loan, project loan, loan against trustee receipt, Murabah Post Import (MPI) and installment without any interest for next two years. l

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

Forex reserve crosses $18bn-mark

Myanmar, Bangladesh JTC ‘BB can use the reserve as a bailout package for affected businessmen meeting next during political unrest as there is no need to hold this high reserve’ month n Tribune Report

The country’s foreign exchange reserve crossed US$18bn yesterday thanks to increased inflow of foreign loans in the private sector and remittance inflow which is little slow due to political unrest.

It took only two-month period to cross the mark from the previous record of $17bn in October, according to Bangladesh Bank statistics.

The deposit would enable Bangladesh to meet import expenditures for around six months, said a senior executive of Bangladesh Bank.

However, the remittance inflow remained slow during the political unrest. But lower import payment pushed the reserve higher, he said. Besides, the central bank took steps to stimulate exporters to increase exports.

Bangladesh is the 7th largest remittance receiving country in the world, which has been growing at double digits since 1980s,

and now it accounts for about 11% of GDP, according to the central bank.

“Bangladesh Bank can use the reserve as a bailout package for affected businessmen during political unrest as there is no need to hold this high reserve,” said Prime Bank Managing Director Ehsan Khasru.

The deposit would enable Bangladesh to meet import expenditures for around six months The country saw 14% fall in remittance inflow in November as compared to the previous month. In November, the wage earners sent home a total of $1.05bn. In October, the figure was $1.23bn.

Central bank officials said the drop in remittance was due to aggravating political unrest, which is currently sweeping through the country.

Around 30% to 40% of remittance is coming through informal channels, according to a recent study by Bangladesh Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC).

According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), Bangladeshi expatriates remitted $14.16bn in 2012 and $8.28bn up until July 2013. Researchers at the HRDC claimed that more than 30-40% of the remittances were sent through informal channels.

According to the 2006 World Bank Global Economic Prospect Report, a total of 54% of remittances in Bangladesh were coming through informal channels.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, in 2008-09, the remittance inflow was $9.7bn against the 650,059 migrant labour and it rose to $14.5bn in 2012-13 despite the number of migrant workers dropped to 441,301.

Global Diaspora remittance flows projected to reach $550bn in 2013. l

Airtel ensures rapid 3G rollout in Sylhet

GP introduces account recharge app n Tribune Report Grameenphone has launched a new utility application, which is expected to take customer service to the palms of its star subscribers using smartphones and connected to the Internet.

The app could be used on Android, Iphone and Windows-enabled phones, and would be available free of cost in major app markets like Google Play, App Store and Windows Store. This service, initially, will be available to GP star customers only.

Launched at a ceremony held in Dhaka yesterday, the app will enable account recharges on the go for customers who avail credit or debit cards; the users can also set appointments for customer services and register for Star events periodically arranged by Grameenphone.

Additionally, the users will also be notified of Star Partner offers, locations of partner stores, restaurants, ATM booths, and the address and contact numbers of the nearest police stations.

ICT Secretary NI Khan was present as the chief guest of the launching ceremony along with Rajeeb Bhattacharjee and Kashif Baig, the head of marketing and head of customer experience at Grameenphone respectively.

Ashraf Abir, the CEO of MCC Ltd, the technical support provider for the app, was also present. Grameenphone said they are the first operator in Bangladesh to provide account recharge through app and are committed to provide internet for all. l

Airtel Bangladesh Limited recently announced that its 3G network has been further stretched over considerable parts of one of the largest metropolitan cities of the country, Sylhet - as a part of their 3G roll out plan.

Right after its network outreach in capital city Dhaka and port city Chittagong, Airtel Bangladesh Limited has announced the availability of 3G network in new areas of Sylhet.

“We are very excited to expand the 3G servic-

es to our valued customers in Sylhet in line with our commitment,” said Chris Tobit, CEO and Managing Director of Airtel Bangladesh Limited.

“We have been working hard to cover significant areas of Sylhet and will always take the necessary steps to develop the industry.”

“Our belief is that Airtel will be able to play a significant role in bridging the existing gaps in the fields of communication and knowledge” l

AB Bank opens new branch AB Bank Limited opened its 87th branch at Chittagong recently. Senior Executive Vice President and Regional Relationship Manager Chittagong Mohammed Ishaque Chowdhury inaugurated the branch as the chief guest.

Among other senior officials Senior Executive Vice President and Regional Relationship Manager Syed Aminul Islam and Branch Relationship Manager Md Salahuddin were also present at the opening ceremony. l

The 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kohinoor Chemical Co (BD) Limited was held recently at Officers Club in Dhaka. Director of the company Md Ebadul Karim presided over the meeting. Managing Director Md Rezaul Karim, Lt Col Kamal Ahmed PSC (Retd), Md Abul Khair and Md Ferdous Jaman were also present in the meeting. A declaration of 25% stock dividend for the year ended June 30, 2013 was also approved

n Asif Showkat Kallol Bangladesh and Myanmar will hold Joint Trade Commission meeting on January 9-10, which will discuss on introducing trade through letter of credit between these two neighbouring countries.

The bills of trade between the two nations are being currently paid through telegraphic transfer.

After a democratic transition, former military janta-ruled Myanmar is now gradually opening up its market to the outside world.

Myanmar’s deputy commerce minister Dr Pwint San will lead the country’s team to the meeting in its capital Naypyidaw, said official sources.

Bangladesh’s officials from shipping, fishery and energy ministries will attend the meeting.

To finalise agenda from Bangladesh part for the meeting, an inter-ministerial meeting is scheduled to be held on 29th this month.

Letter of credit is likely to be introduced for trade between the two neighbours “We want to see Myanmar as a good trading partner of us,” said Mahbub Ahmed, commerce secretary, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“Hope, Bangladesh will become a major source of essential commodities for Myanmar.”

He said making trade process easier is important for both of the countries.

“Unless trade process is made easier between the two nations, Bangladesh importers also will not be encouraged to source goods from Myanmar,” said commerce secretary.

He said the JTC meeting will discuss on subjects like border trade, narrowing trade gap between two countries and facilitation and promotion of trade, particularly of agricultural products, food grains and other products.

As part of strengthening bilateral trade, Bangladesh and Myanmar will launch in February plying of coastal vessels between them to carry goods.

Besides, the two countries recently resumed flights in Dhaka-Yangon route after a seven-year halt.

Commerce ministry officials said the government is working to increase trade between these two neighbours to $500m from $160m now.

According to Export Promotion Bureau data, trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar stood at $79m in fiscal year 2011-12.

Of the amount, Bangladesh exports to Myanmar totalled $13.45m and imports from the country were $65.55m.

Data showed trade between the two neighbours has been largely in favour of Myanmar over the years. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

DSE TOP GAINER

GENERATION NEXT

Market leader for third session

Poor performing Beach Hatchery n up 62% in two weeks n Tahmidur Rahman Stocks of Beach Hatchery Limited emerged as the top gainer with a rise of price by 9.96% to close at Tk34.2 each on Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday.

In the past two weeks, the price of the stocks increased more than 62% at the close of yesterday’s trading from Tk21 each on December 5.

In response to a CSE quarry, the company informed that there is no undisclosed price sensitive information for the recent unusual price hike.

The third quarter earnings as per un-audited report published on October 31 stood at Tk23.7 lakh as compared to Tk1.33 crore of the same period last year.

Based on unaudited financial reports of the company, the turnover during the first nine months gradually sunk from Tk14.1 crore in 2010 to Tk13.5 crore in 2011, Tk11.1 crore in 2012 and finally to Tk9.1 crore in 2013.

The fall during the same periods resulted in an unaudited profit from Tk5.5 crore in 2010 to Tk5.5 crore in 2011, Tk3.9 crore in 2012 and Tk2 crore in 2013.

The net asset value per share having face

value of Tk10 each stood at Tk12.48 at the end of 2012, which is about one-third of the current market price.

There was hardly any information available on the public domain that might influence the recent price hike of the stock.

The stocks worth of Tk11.1 crore were traded in the last trading session, which was 2.3% of the total traded value at DSE. The stock closed at the Chittagong Stock

Exchange as the third highest gainer yesterday.

Beach Hatchery falls in the food and allied segment of the stock market. It has an unaudited EPS of Tk0.59 and a price to earnings ratio of 43.47 based on the third quarterly report of the current calendar year.

With having 45.49% of stake by the public and 35.01% by directors, the company has given stock dividends in the last five years. l

Stocks end flat amid roller-coaster trading n Tribune Report Stocks finished flat amid roller-coaster trading yesterday as the political chaos continued to weigh on investors.

The market moved between positive and negative heavily as intraday volatility was nearly 40 points.

The benchmark index, DSEX, ended at 4,244 with slight rise of over 4 points or 0.1%, breaking four-day losing streak.

The blue-chip comprising DS30 index fell 1 points or 0.09% to 1,467.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, gained 14 points to close at 8,340.

Poor turnover continued to hit the Dhaka Stock Exchange as turnover stood at Tk475 crore, a fall of more than 5% over the previous session.

The lower turnover indicated that investors preferred staying on the sidelines amid apprehension over an economic slowdown caused by the long spell of blockades, according stock dealers.

“Four out of five trading days of this week were red. Gradually, market seems to change its mood from enthusiasm to cautiousness,” said Lanka Bangla Securities in its daily market analysis.

It said after a huge rally in November, investors seem to have gone to sidelines to assess the scenario.

“They feel if economic scenario gets into trouble due to prolonged political clashes, mar-

3

ket valuations may start looking expensive.”

The country is going through long spell of blockades enforced by BNP-led 18-party alliance demanding national election under caretaker government.

‘The market outlook is likely to remain skewed, owing to the political crisis; however, since the market faced continuous correction coupling with profit taking, a few days of breathing space would act as a blessing for the investors’ “After encountering zigzags throughout the day, DSEX barely made it to the green zone in the day’s session,” said IDLC Investments.

It said the gloominess was quite natural, given that the perception regarding

political and economic arena remained miserable.

Activities were rather slow too, as it became difficult to balance or rebalance portfolio amid this messy outlook, it said.

Nevertheless, a handful of stocks remained at the center of the attention, with ten scrips capturing 38% of the total turnover.

“The market outlook is likely to remain skewed, owing to the political crisis; however, since the market faced continuous correction coupling with profit taking, a few days of breathing space would act as a blessing for the investors,” said Zenith Investments.

Banks – the market bellwether – outshined all the sectors with a marginal gain of 0.6%. Pharmaceuticals and NBFIs advanced 0.3% and 0.2% respectively. Whereas, energy and telecommunications edged lower.

Six textile issues featured in the top ten turnovers chart with Generation Next topping the list. l

Tribune Business Desk

Generation Next Fashions Limited emerged as the market leader for the third consecutive session of Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday.

The stocks changed hands worth more than Tk38.8 crore, contributing to around 8% of the total DSE turnover.

The price of each share ranged between Tk36.8 and Tk39.4, and closed at Tk38.9 at closing registering a rise of 6.79%.

The end-of-trading closing price of the past three sessions consistently beat the highest closing price registered by the company in the last six months.

Investors say the market confidence in the stock is pulling up the price of the stock.

Previously, the management disclosed a quarterly profit of Tk11.6 crore against Tk5 crore in the same period last year.

The company has also reported a profit of Tk28.5 crore in the first nine months of the current year, which is an increase of 75% of the profit (Tk16.4 crore) during the same period last year.

Based on unaudited financial reports, the company listed in the engineering segment of the stock market has an EPS of Tk1.69 and a price to earnings ratio of 16.02, according to DSE. l

RAHIMA FOOD

Worst loser at DSE for second session n Tribune Business Desk The stock price of Rahima Food has eroded further by 9.9% to Tk74.6 each at the Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday, with trading volume stood at Tk1 crore.

Brokers said the price of the stock is being adjusted as the company has been downgraded to “Z” category.

The company reported a quarterly loss in the first quarter as it had to bear the expenses without any production On Tuesday, DSE displaced the company from “A” category, effective since yesterday, as the company failed to continue operations for more than last six months.

The decision was made in accordance with securities laws.

The company reported a quarterly loss in the first quarter as it had to bear the expenses without any production.

The stock price ranged between Tk14.4and Tk92in last six months.

On the basis of unaudited financial reports, the company listed in the food and allied segment has a negative EPS of Tk0.16 and a negative price to earning ratio of -129.38. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

India: WTO deal will not hit food security programme n BSS

Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram gestures during an interview in New Delhi

Chidambaram, markets take Fed tapering in stride n Reuters India is better prepared than it was months ago to deal with the Federal Reserve’s reduction of its monetary stimulus, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said on Thursday, as the rupee fell only slightly in the wake of the once much-feared decision.

Surging currency reserves and the fall in the current account deficit have reassured investors about India’s vulnerability to a Fed “taper”, analysts said, after fears about it sent the rupee to a record low in late August.

The rupee weakened about 0.1% yesterday, and was trading around 62.19 to the dollar, around 10.7% stronger than its August nadir.

In contrast, the Indonesian rupiah on Thursday touched a five-year low against the dollar after slipping about 0.5%. The sizable current account deficits in both countries had made them the epicentre of the sell-off in emerging Asian currencies that escalated in August.

In 2013, the rupee has weakened about 11.5% against the dollar, while the Indonesian currency has shed about 21%.

The increased confidence in India has allowed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to remove most of its emergency measures imposed earlier this year. It is now more focused on dealing with a domestic economy suffering from what some analysts call a stagflationary environment of low growth

but high inflation. “(The) government is of the view that the markets had already factored in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision and therefore is not likely to be surprised by these moderate changes,” Chidambaram said in a statement.

The comment comes after the Federal Reserve on Wednesday said it would scale down its monthly bond purchases by $10bn a month, to $75bn.

Analysts credit measures taken by the Finance Ministry and the RBI for turning around sentiment, after both came under criticism for what was seen as a shaky initial response to fears of Fed tapering that sparked a market sell-off between late May and late August.

Curbs on gold imports, such as higher duties, helped narrow India’s current account deficit to a more than four-year low of 1.2% of gross domestic product in July-September, far below a record high 4.8% in the previous fiscal year.

India also built up its foreign exchange reserves to an eight-month high of $295.71 billion, as of December 6, in part because of measures that helped banks raise $34bn in overseas loans and deposits from the Indian diaspora.

Meanwhile, the prospect of heavy foreign selling of Indian assets is looking less likely as most of the yield-chasing hot money that entered the country - especially its bond markets - has largely exited, analysts said.

REUTERS

Foreign investors have turned net buyers of debt, with inflows of $518.22m so far this month, although net sales still reach $8.31bn for the year. In equities overseas funds are net buyers of $19.06bn.

“India is better prepared for the Fed this time,” said Jonathan Cavenagh, currency strategist at Westpac in Singapore.

“Foreign holdings of Indian bonds are sharply lower compared to April/May of this year and the current account deficit is also considerably lower so I see less headwinds for India this time around.”

Still, a top finance ministry official told Reuters the RBI and the government are closely monitoring developments. Chidambaram spoke to the central bank governor, Raghuram Rajan, earlier in the day.

Rajan has also repeatedly expressed confidence about India’s ability to withstand any Fed “taper”.

Instead, the RBI’s priority is fighting inflation, having raised interest rates by 25 basis points each in September and October despite signs of faltering economic growth.

The RBI surprised investors by keeping rates on hold on Wednesday citing signs of easing vegetable prices and the weak economy, but said it was ready to resume rate hikes depending on the data.

Any rate hikes that boost the attractiveness of Indian yields for foreign investors could be offset by the hit to confidence about India’s growth rate, analysts said. l

Indian government yesterday insisted in Parliament that the deal reached at WTO talks in Bali recently would have no adverse impact on foodgrain procurement in India or the food security programme after Opposition expressed apprehensions over it.

Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha feared that the deal would expose India’s Food Security programme, which is still being rolled out, to international scrutiny.

Allaying Opposition’s apprehensions, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said nothing in the agreement impinges on India’s food security programme for the poor and vulnerable sections of society, which is very much part of India’s sovereign space. He said it was for the government to decide at what price it would procure food stocks from farmers and the WTO has no jurisdiction over the decision.

“It is our decision nobody can tell us,” he said, responding to clarifications sought by Opposition on his statement made in Parliament. The minimum support price (MSP) of crops, he said, cannot be lowered, it will go up and nobody can interfere.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley wanted to know from the Minister if the agreement would adversely impact the Food Security Act. Jaitely pointed out India would be spending Rs1.25 lakh crore on the food security and there are also additional subsidies for fertilizers and transportation among others.

Sharma said as per the interim agreement, until a permanent solution is found, members will be protected against challenge in the WTO under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) in respect of public stock-holding programmes for food security purposes.

There is an apprehension that once India implements its food security plan completely, it may breach the 10% subsidy cap under the WTO’s AoA. Developed countries like the US and Canada have raised concerns over India’s food security plan saying stockpiling of foodgrains under the programme may distort the global agricultural commodity prices.

Under the food security plan, the government is procuring foodgrains from farmers at minimum support price (MSP) and selling at cheap rates to poor people.

Sharma earlier said that India will have the flexibility of providing support to its farmers without the apprehension of breaching its WTO entitlements. It has also effectively led to a commitment from members of the WTO to work on a permanent solution as part of a post-Bali work programme.

The MSP is deemed as support to farmers under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA).

Under the current WTO rules, such support has to be kept within a limit of 10 per cent of the value of production of a product.

The BJP leader also pointed out that there was indication in the interim agreement regarding the permanent solution likely to be reached in the next two WTO ministerial.

He expressed apprehension that with India agreeing to the deal, it has opened its public purchases to international inspections. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

5

China’s equities seen overtaking India’s in 2014 n Reuters Chinese shares may be poised to become an unlikely star of Asian emerging markets in 2014, outshining India, thanks to cheap valuations and optimism about reforms.

Investors have been underweight China for years.

China-focused equity funds saw some net inflows in November, when the ruling Communist Party announced plans for far-reaching economic and social reforms, and analysts said once the government starts following through on those plans it would trigger a flood of money.

Foreigners have bought a net $18.8bn worth of Indian shares this year, according to the market regulator’s data.

Official statistics are not published for China, but data from fund tracker EPFR shows a net $5.5bn outflows for the year to December 11 for China-focused equity funds.

‘We will be looking for a dramatic improvement at the operating cash flow level at the next earnings.

Most Chinese companies have negative working capital, which means they are subsidising their clients, Pioneer’s Corbetta said. It’s all about allocating capital more efficiently’

At 9.3 times forward 12-month earnings, the MSCI China is trading at a chunky discount to its 10-year median and at its widest gap to the MSCI Asia ex-Japan since the 2008 financial crisis.

And the Chinese market is trading at a 40% discount to MSCI India on a forward price-to-earnings basis, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S data.

In contrast, benchmark indexes in India have hit record highs and valuations are on par with 10-year averages.

Besides looking expensive, Indian shares could also be vulnerable to shocks that could come from the U.S. Federal Reserve winding down its stimulus, current account problems, and a general election due by May next year.

At the very least, investors look unwilling to add more Indian risk and will look to make fresh allocations next year in other markets, with China firmly on their radar.

“Overall, we believe Chinese equities are just too cheap to be ignored by investors in 2014,” said Desmond Tjiang, Greater China and Hong Kong equities portfolio manager at Pinebridge Investments in Hong Kong.

“Despite reforms and the broad economic slowdown, there are still a lot of industries such as mass consumption, e-commerce and environment-related sectors that should continue to grow exponentially in the coming years.”

Beijing last month unveiled a bold reform plan, including pledging to free up markets, in a bid to put the world’s second-largest economy on a more stable footing.

An investor gestures in front of an electronic board showing stock information at a brokerage house in Huaibei, Anhui province

The plan sparked a rally in Chinese stocks that saw the offshore Chinese market in Hong Kong gain more than 10% in four sessions, before levelling off.

Some brokers, such as CLSA, said the rally lacked conviction due to an absence of institutional investors. But while some may still be wary of a market that has been in a funk since 2007, there are signs things could be turning around.

In a November 21 report, Goldman Sachs said funds focused on global emerging markets and Asia were underweight China by 290 and 582 basis points respectively, suggesting a return to equal weighting alone would trigger a powerful rally.

“India may have more upside potential in the short term because markets may rally into the elections due in May, but China represents better value in the middle term,” said Angelo Corbetta, Pioneer Investments’ London-based head of Asian equities.

But India’s potential is starting to look stretched on valuations already. Information technology and pharmaceutical companies, which led stock indices to record highs last week, are expensive.

The MSCI India IT sub-index trades at 21

times earnings forecasts for the year ahead, well above the 12 times for the equivalent index for Asia-Pacific countries outside of Japan. The MSCI health care sub-index is starting to look similarly stretched.

Despite reforms and the broad economic slowdown, there are still a lot of industries such as mass consumption, e-commerce and environment-related sectors that should continue to grow exponentially in the coming years

In comparison, China Inc’s earnings revision ratio - the pace of earning forecast upgrades against downgrades - has turned around, suggesting investors think Chinese companies’ earnings prospects are improving.

“For three years, markets have been bet-

REUTERS

ting on a hard landing in China. It is time to unwind some of those bets,” said the head of a Asian macro hedge fund in Hong Kong.

For the rally to last beyond early 2014, investors will expect clear steps to be taken to resolve Chinese banks’ bad debt problems.

They will also want to see how the reform drive will impact corporate margins and earnings, especially for giant state-owned firms.

“We will be looking for a dramatic improvement at the operating cash flow level at the next earnings.

Most Chinese companies have negative working capital, which means they are subsidising their clients,” Pioneer’s Corbetta said. “It’s all about allocating capital more efficiently.”

If that happens, Chinese equities may well see a re-rating in the longer run.

“If China gets its reform right ... we will move into an environment where we don’t just buy the dip and sell the bounce, but you actually just buy the dip because the longterm trajectory is positive as opposed to flat to down,” said Andrew Swan, Blackrock’s head of Asian equities, told the Reuters Investment Summit in late November. l

6

Share

DHAKA TRIBUNE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

DSE Broad Index: 4244.64 ⇑ 0.11%, Turnover: 4751.14 M.Tk ⇓ 1.57%, PE: 12.96 Turnover 5,266.43 MTk . ⇓ 2.62% 19 December 2013 MarketCap. 2,043.60 BTk.⇑0.06% CSE All Share Index: 13198 ⇑ 0.13%, Turnover: 515.29 M Tk. ⇓ 11.36%, PE: 12.79 Combined Turnover Leader Generation Next Fashions-A Golden Son -A P Textile Ltd.-N AD Limited-A Delta Life Insu. -A

CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice ⇓/⇑ Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo

BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 407768 D: 25.60 ⇓ 0.78% | 25.77 | 26.20 / 23.50 C: 26.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 26.08 | 26.30 / 25.00 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 327990 D: 20.20 ⇑ 1.00% | 20.09 | 20.50 / 18.00 C: 20.20 ⇑ 0.50% | 20.03 | 20.40 / 19.90 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 947581 D: 33.70 ⇑ 0.90% | 33.65 | 33.90 / 31.00 C: 33.60 ⇑ 0.60% | 33.54 | 34.00 / 33.00 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 306069 D: 34.50 ⇑ 1.17% | 34.24 | 35.00 / 31.00 C: 34.50 ⇑ 1.77% | 34.22 | 34.60 / 34.00 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 1171026 D: 11.90 ⇑ 0.85% | 11.90 | 12.00 / 11.00 C: 11.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.90 | 12.00 / 11.80 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 153205 D: 31.60 ⇓ 0.63% | 31.60 | 32.00 / 30.00 C: 31.50 ⇑ 0.64% | 31.48 | 31.60 / 31.20 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 13500 D: 65.10 ⇑ 0.77% | 65.19 | 65.40 / 64.80 C: 64.60 ⇑ 0.16% | 64.62 | 65.00 / 64.50 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 1698955 D: 24.50 ⇑ 1.24% | 24.50 | 26.00 / 22.00 C: 24.70 ⇑ 1.65% | 24.67 | 25.00 / 24.10 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 248538 D: 31.00 ⇑ 0.32% | 31.02 | 31.20 / 27.90 C: 30.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 30.67 | 30.90 / 30.30 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 108500 D: 6.30 ⇑ 5.00% | 6.30 | 6.40 / 6.20 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 134244 D: 28.10 ⇑ 0.72% | 28.02 | 28.50 / 26.00 C: 27.90 ⇑ 1.09% | 27.63 | 27.90 / 27.20 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 1841636 D: 19.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 19.23 | 20.00 / 17.50 C: 19.30 ⇑ 1.05% | 19.19 | 19.40 / 18.90 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 96902 D: 22.70 ⇓ 1.73% | 22.55 | 23.10 / 21.20 C: 22.50 ⇓ 1.75% | 22.49 | 23.00 / 22.20 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 879247 D: 18.00 ⇑ 0.56% | 18.00 | 18.70 / 16.50 C: 18.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.95 | 18.00 / 17.80 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 51311 D: 18.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.66 | 19.00 / 17.00 C: 18.50 ⇓ 0.54% | 18.54 | 18.60 / 18.50 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 693121 D: 13.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.06 | 14.00 / 12.00 C: 13.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.08 | 13.20 / 12.00 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 294571 D: 13.30 ⇑ 0.76% | 13.31 | 14.00 / 12.00 C: 13.30 ⇑ 0.76% | 13.26 | 14.00 / 12.00 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 100000 D: 105.5 ⇑ 1.93% | 105.43 | 107.4 / 103.7 C: 104.6 ⇑ 3.56% | 103.79 | 106.0 / 102.0 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 25290 D: 15.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 15.88 | 17.00 / 15.00 C: 15.60 ⇓ 1.89% | 15.60 | 15.60 / 15.60 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 257676 D: 14.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.65 | 16.00 / 13.30 C: 14.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.57 | 14.70 / 14.50 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 857756 D: 16.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.01 | 17.00 / 14.40 C: 16.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 15.98 | 16.10 / 15.80 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 841725 D: 18.90 ⇑ 0.53% | 18.93 | 19.40 / 17.00 C: 18.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.63 | 18.80 / 18.60 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 2884622 D: 16.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.26 | 17.00 / 14.70 C: 16.30 ⇑ 0.62% | 16.22 | 17.00 / 15.00 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 459981 D: 12.40 ⇑ 0.81% | 12.33 | 12.60 / 11.10 C: 12.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 12.32 | 12.50 / 12.20 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 58681 D: 15.80 ⇓ 0.63% | 15.86 | 15.90 / 14.40 C: 15.90 ⇓ 0.63% | 15.87 | 16.00 / 15.80 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 266381 D: 31.20 ⇑ 0.65% | 31.11 | 31.90 / 29.50 C: 31.00 ⇑ 0.32% | 29.92 | 31.00 / 28.00 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 792021 D: 16.80 ⇑ 1.20% | 16.72 | 17.80 / 15.00 C: 16.80 ⇑ 1.20% | 16.62 | 16.80 / 16.40

Vol. 11293560

TO M. Tk. 427.51

% of TTL 8.12

Avg. P 37.85

6073002

362.08

6.88

59.62

4842750

293.61

5.58

60.63

1749280

173.58

3.30

99.23

546250

148.24

2.81

271.37

PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 391909 D: 11.20 ⇑ 0.90% | 11.23 | 12.00 / 10.00 C: 11.30 ⇑ 0.89% | 11.25 | 11.50 / 11.20 TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 136033 D: 20.70 ⇑ 2.48% | 20.61 | 21.00 / 18.50 C: 20.40 ⇓ 0.97% | 20.41 | 20.60 / 20.30 FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 433746 D: 15.20 ⇑ 1.33% | 15.17 | 15.50 / 13.50 C: 15.20 ⇑ 1.33% | 15.19 | 16.00 / 14.50 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 143945 D: 61.00 ⇑ 0.16% | 60.50 | 61.50 / 55.00 C: 60.90 ⇓ 0.33% | 60.78 | 61.50 / 60.30 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 113252 D: 29.50 ⇑ 0.34% | 29.34 | 29.80 / 27.50 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 69800 D: 78.70 ⇑ 0.38% | 78.24 | 83.00 / 75.00 C: 79.00 ⇓ 0.25% | 78.61 | 79.10 / 78.10 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 9907 D: 32.80 ⇓ 5.48% | 32.79 | 33.00 / 32.00 C: 34.70 ⇓ 9.87% | 34.70 | 34.70 / 34.70 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 1064111 D: 32.20 ⇑ 1.90% | 32.00 | 32.60 / 29.00 C: 32.30 ⇑ 1.25% | 32.05 | 32.80 / 31.30 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 428658 D: 23.70 ⇓ 0.42% | 23.76 | 24.20 / 21.50 C: 23.60 ⇓ 1.26% | 23.69 | 24.30 / 23.50 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 93379 D: 24.70 ⇑ 0.41% | 24.76 | 24.90 / 23.50 C: 24.70 ⇓ 0.40% | 24.68 | 24.90 / 24.40 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 82050 D: 10.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.16 | 10.20 / 10.00 C: 10.10 ⇑ 1.00% | 10.10 | 10.10 / 10.10 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 224224 D: 16.80 ⇑ 0.60% | 16.83 | 17.80 / 15.50 C: 17.00 ⇑ 1.19% | 16.89 | 17.00 / 16.80 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 1725250 D: 64.60 ⇑ 2.05% | 64.01 | 68.00 / 58.00 C: 64.50 ⇑ 1.57% | 63.88 | 64.70 / 62.80 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 113634 D: 17.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.18 | 17.40 / 16.00 C: 16.90 ⇓ 1.17% | 16.88 | 17.00 / 16.80 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 85635 D: 18.90 ⇑ 1.07% | 18.79 | 19.00 / 16.90 C: 18.60 ⇓ 0.53% | 18.30 | 18.60 / 18.10 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 43104 D: 29.20 ⇑ 0.69% | 29.25 | 29.70 / 27.00 C: 29.40 ⇑ 2.08% | 29.29 | 30.00 / 27.00 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 129133 D: 19.00 ⇓ 0.52% | 19.06 | 19.40 / 18.00 C: 19.00 ⇓ 1.04% | 19.09 | 19.40 / 19.00 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 331825 D: 14.90 ⇓ 0.67% | 14.98 | 15.30 / 13.50 C: 15.10 ⇓ 0.66% | 15.03 | 15.20 / 14.90 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 161420 D: 33.00 ⇓ 0.30% | 33.02 | 33.50 / 32.00 C: 32.90 ⇓ 2.95% | 32.76 | 33.30 / 32.50 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 605694 D: 15.00 ⇓ 0.66% | 15.04 | 15.20 / 14.70 C: 15.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 15.11 | 15.60 / 14.90 DBH | 4.47 | 21.27 | Vol. 52895 D: 52.90 ⇓ 1.67% | 53.05 | 54.00 / 51.00 C: 53.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 48.00 | 53.20 / 53.20 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 99013 D: 30.40 ⇓ 0.65% | 30.42 | 30.70 / 30.00 C: 30.10 ⇓ 1.63% | 30.28 | 30.70 / 30.00 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 565419 D: 30.90 ⇑ 0.32% | 30.86 | 31.00 / 28.00 C: 31.00 ⇑ 0.32% | 30.92 | 32.70 / 28.00 ICB | 89.23 | 607.74 | Vol. 2250 D: 1479 ⇓ 0.14% | 1476 | 1489 / 1468 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 360485 D: 28.80 ⇑ 1.41% | 28.52 | 29.30 / 26.00 C: 28.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 28.31 | 28.60 / 27.70 FAREASTFIN | 0.68 | 13.64 | Vol. 1946500 D: 17.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.88 | 18.40 / 17.60 C: 17.80 ⇓ 1.11% | 17.81 | 18.40 / 17.40 INVESTMENT 4THICB | 29.24 | 229.24 | Vol. 100 D: 203.9 ⇑ 7.32% | 203.90 | 203.9 / 203.9 5THICB | 23.45 | 188.92 | Vol. 200 D: 154.9 ⇑ 2.58% | 154.90 | 154.9 / 154.9

DSE Gainer Beach Hatchery-A Delta Spinners-A

C%

A%

CP

C%

A%

CP

9.62

4.34

34.20

Rahima Food -Z

-9.90

-9.88

74.60

Dulamia CottonZ

-8.14

-7.67

7.90

Modern Dyeing-Z -7.65

-8.33

83.30

CVO PetroChem -7.08 RL-Z Midas Financ-5.48 ing-Z

-7.08

818.80

-5.50

32.80

3.55

43.90

Northern Jute-Z

8.50

9.48

8.50

60.00

Sinobangla Indu.-A

8.10

4.03

30.70

Safko Spinning-A

7.72

2.73

32.10

6THICB | 10.99 | 60.14 | Vol. 19200 D: 51.90 ⇓ 0.19% | 52.04 | 52.50 / 51.90 C: 51.00 ⇓ 3.41% | 51.00 | 51.00 / 51.00 8THICB | 12.47 | 70.07 | Vol. 6500 D: 52.90 ⇓ 0.38% | 52.92 | 53.10 / 52.90 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 674300 D: 42.90 ⇑ 0.23% | 42.56 | 43.70 / 40.00 C: 42.70 ⇓ 0.47% | 42.05 | 43.60 / 41.00 ICBISLAMIC | 2.21 | 26.81 | Vol. 13000 D: 18.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.31 | 18.50 / 18.20 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 286500 D: 46.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 46.50 | 47.40 / 45.70 C: 46.90 ⇓ 0.21% | 46.66 | 47.20 / 45.10 ICB2NDNRB | 2.49 | 16.24 | Vol. 150000 D: 9.80 ⇓ 1.01% | 9.89 | 10.00 / 9.80 C: 9.90 ⇓ 3.88% | 9.95 | 10.00 / 9.90 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 1997200 D: 18.70 ⇑ 2.75% | 18.20 | 18.90 / 17.60 C: 18.70 ⇑ 1.63% | 18.29 | 19.00 / 17.60 1STPRIMFMF | 0.64 | 11.63 | Vol. 861500 D: 26.60 ⇑ 3.91% | 26.15 | 26.90 / 25.20 C: 26.70 ⇑ 3.89% | 26.45 | 26.90 / 24.90 EBL1STMF | 0.55 | 12.62 | Vol. 3943380 D: 7.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.55 | 7.60 / 6.50 C: 7.40 ⇑ 2.78% | 7.28 | 7.40 / 7.00 ICBAMCL2ND | 0.60 | 12.12 | Vol. 17500 D: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.93 | 6.00 / 5.90 C: 6.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.98 | 6.00 / 5.90 ICBEPMF1S1 | 0.52 | 11.32 | Vol. 51000 D: 6.00 ⇑ 1.69% | 5.98 | 6.10 / 5.90 C: 6.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.00 | 6.00 / 6.00 TRUSTB1MF | 0.75 | 11.65 | Vol. 823806 D: 7.40 ⇓ 1.33% | 7.47 | 7.60 / 7.30 C: 7.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.56 | 7.60 / 7.50 PRIME1ICBA | 0.42 | 11.18 | Vol. 541500 D: 6.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 5.86 | 6.10 / 5.60 C: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.86 | 5.90 / 5.80 DBH1STMF | -1.12 | 10.15 | Vol. 477000 D: 5.60 ⇓ 3.45% | 5.67 | 5.80 / 5.60 C: 5.80 ⇓ 1.69% | 5.68 | 5.80 / 5.60 IFIC1STMF | 0.83 | 11.88 | Vol. 790000 D: 6.60 ⇓ 1.49% | 6.68 | 6.80 / 6.60 C: 6.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.67 | 6.70 / 6.60 PF1STMF | 0.51 | 11.11 | Vol. 293000 D: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.73 | 5.80 / 5.60 C: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.70 | 5.70 / 5.70 ICB3RDNRB | 0.00 | 10.60 | Vol. 218000 D: 5.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.33 | 5.40 / 5.30 C: 5.30 ⇓ 1.85% | 5.32 | 5.40 / 5.30 1JANATAMF | 0.78 | 10.68 | Vol. 231500 D: 6.10 ⇓ 1.61% | 6.10 | 6.20 / 6.00 C: 6.00 ⇓ 3.23% | 6.09 | 6.20 / 6.00 GREENDELMF | -0.82 | 9.72 | Vol. 95500 D: 5.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.40 | 5.50 / 5.30 C: 5.40 ⇓ 1.82% | 5.42 | 5.50 / 5.40 POPULAR1MF | 0.77 | 11.38 | Vol. 510589 D: 6.10 ⇓ 1.61% | 6.13 | 6.30 / 5.70 C: 6.20 ⇑ 1.64% | 6.17 | 6.20 / 6.10 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 183500 D: 5.80 ⇑ 1.75% | 5.80 | 5.90 / 5.70 C: 5.80 ⇓ 1.69% | 5.89 | 6.10 / 5.70 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 581000 D: 5.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.60 | 5.70 / 5.50 C: 5.70 ⇑ 1.79% | 5.63 | 5.70 / 5.60 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 55000 D: 7.10 ⇑ 1.43% | 7.10 | 7.20 / 6.80 C: 6.70 ⇓ 1.47% | 6.73 | 6.80 / 6.60 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 65000 D: 6.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.23 | 6.40 / 6.20 SEBL1STMF | 0.94 | 11.85 | Vol. 942100 D: 8.10 ⇓ 1.22% | 8.14 | 9.00 / 8.10 C: 8.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.27 | 8.30 / 8.20 EBLNRBMF | 1.07 | 10.88 | Vol. 85567 D: 7.60 ⇓ 2.56% | 7.60 | 8.10 / 7.40 RELIANCE1 | 0.95 | 10.33 | Vol. 491150 D: 8.70 ⇑ 1.16% | 8.73 | 9.00 / 8.60 C: 8.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.70 | 8.70 / 8.70 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.45 | 10.78 | Vol. 135648 D: 6.90 ⇑ 1.47% | 6.97 | 7.00 / 6.20 C: 6.80 ⇓ 1.45% | 6.80 | 6.80 / 6.80 ABB1STMF | 0.92 | 10.63 | Vol. 122000 D: 7.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.20 | 7.30 / 7.10 NLI1STMF | 1.17 | 12.22 | Vol. 474150 D: 9.50 ⇓ 1.04% | 9.50 | 10.00 / 9.30 C: 9.30 ⇓ 2.11% | 9.30 | 9.30 / 9.30

DSE Loser

FBFIF | 1.30 | 10.27 | Vol. 40000 D: 9.10 ⇓ 1.09% | 9.18 | 9.20 / 9.00 NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 43000 D: 8.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.47 | 8.50 / 8.40 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 342000 D: 8.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.27 | 8.50 / 8.10 C: 8.30 ⇓ 1.19% | 8.21 | 8.40 / 8.00 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 3.60 | 50.81 | Vol. 297506 D: 90.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 90.20 | 92.20 / 82.00 C: 89.70 ⇑ 0.45% | 89.62 | 90.90 / 89.00 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 18000 D: 21.80 ⇓ 2.68% | 21.74 | 23.90 / 21.00 C: 22.50 ⇓ 0.88% | 22.50 | 22.50 / 22.50 OLYMPIC | 5.23 | 14.73 | Vol. 136225 D: 145.6 ⇓ 1.02% | 145.94 | 148.0 / 141.0 C: 145.9 ⇓ 1.08% | 146.31 | 148.0 / 145.4 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 10850 D: 128.1 ⇓ 0.08% | 128.36 | 129.8 / 127.6 C: 127.2 ⇓ 0.70% | 127.28 | 128.0 / 126.8 ECABLES | 6.10 | 23.97 | Vol. 6700 D: 89.10 ⇓ 1.00% | 88.87 | 89.50 / 88.40 C: 92.70 ⇑ 1.31% | 92.72 | 92.80 / 92.70 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 700 D: 299.2 ⇓ 0.37% | 300.00 | 305.0 / 290.1 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 50528 D: 191.2 ⇓ 0.98% | 191.71 | 192.4 / 183.0 C: 190.8 ⇓ 0.47% | 190.91 | 191.5 / 190.2 ATLASBANG | 9.14 | 222.05 | Vol. 20760 D: 153.2 ⇓ 2.54% | 154.19 | 157.3 / 148.0 BDAUTOCA | -0.43 | 5.68 | Vol. 54449 D: 34.60 ⇑ 1.17% | 34.40 | 35.20 / 31.00 QSMDRYCELL | 1.06 | 52.31 | Vol. 649253 D: 40.90 ⇑ 2.76% | 40.46 | 41.40 / 36.90 C: 41.00 ⇑ 2.24% | 40.23 | 41.30 / 39.70 RENWICKJA | 5.77 | -31.13 | Vol. 10900 D: 142.7 ⇓ 0.97% | 142.94 | 145.0 / 141.9 NTLTUBES | 0.67 | 311.00 | Vol. 22300 D: 73.00 ⇓ 0.41% | 72.60 | 73.50 / 72.00 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 1041732 D: 33.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.81 | 34.50 / 31.00 C: 34.20 ⇓ 0.87% | 33.98 | 34.80 / 33.20 ANWARGALV | 0.52 | 8.10 | Vol. 343500 D: 34.50 ⇑ 2.68% | 33.92 | 35.00 / 32.60 C: 34.90 ⇑ 3.56% | 33.99 | 35.40 / 33.00 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 6000 D: 19.10 ⇓ 1.55% | 19.09 | 19.50 / 18.10 C: 19.00 ⇑ 1.06% | 19.00 | 19.00 / 19.00 RANFOUNDRY | 2.84 | 18.62 | Vol. 16500 D: 94.50 ⇑ 1.29% | 93.88 | 97.00 / 92.70 C: 91.30 ⇓ 2.04% | 91.30 | 91.30 / 91.30 SALAMCRST | 3.31 | 20.00 | Vol. 2067570 D: 50.00 ⇑ 2.67% | 49.98 | 51.00 / 45.00 C: 50.30 ⇑ 3.07% | 50.05 | 51.00 / 48.80 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 6073002 D: 60.90 ⇑ 7.60% | 59.64 | 61.50 / 51.00 C: 61.00 ⇑ 7.77% | 59.27 | 61.80 / 57.00 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 226555 D: 68.80 ⇑ 0.29% | 69.14 | 70.00 / 65.00 C: 68.90 ⇑ 0.15% | 69.04 | 69.90 / 68.80 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 54316 D: 65.20 ⇑ 0.46% | 65.08 | 70.00 / 59.00 C: 65.20 ⇓ 0.15% | 65.14 | 65.50 / 64.70 DESHBANDHU | 0.26 | 10.67 | Vol. 1307924 D: 24.40 ⇑ 2.09% | 24.19 | 24.70 / 21.60 C: 24.50 ⇑ 0.82% | 24.29 | 24.80 / 23.90 GPHISPAT | 2.11 | 15.27 | Vol. 533320 D: 54.70 ⇓ 0.18% | 55.02 | 55.90 / 52.00 C: 54.90 ⇓ 0.90% | 54.94 | 55.50 / 54.80 BENGALWTL | 3.85 | 24.30 | Vol. 937600 D: 63.50 ⇑ 1.60% | 63.29 | 64.90 / 61.80 C: 63.50 ⇑ 1.76% | 63.28 | 64.70 / 62.00 BDBUILDING | 1.33 | 12.70 | Vol. 529000 D: 72.10 ⇓ 0.41% | 72.24 | 73.30 / 71.50 C: 72.00 ⇓ 0.41% | 71.93 | 72.70 / 71.30 NPOLYMAR | 2.38 | 32.89 | Vol. 114746 D: 58.70 ⇑ 3.53% | 57.53 | 59.00 / 52.00 C: 56.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 56.54 | 62.00 / 52.00 FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 104700 D: 99.40 ⇓ 2.83% | 99.77 | 104.2 / 97.00 C: 102.0 ⇓ 0.10% | 103.58 | 103.9 / 102.0

BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 40970 D: 470.0 ⇑ 0.77% | 469.04 | 477.9 / 430.0 C: 465.9 ⇓ 0.70% | 466.29 | 469.0 / 461.5 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 850 D: 1590 ⇑ 0.13% | 1591 | 1595 / 1580 GEMINISEA | -15.39 | -5.70 | Vol. 1400 D: 153.5 ⇓ 1.73% | 153.57 | 154.0 / 153.0 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 50 D: 815.0 ⇑ 1.24% | 815.00 | 815.0 / 815.0 ZEALBANGLA | -28.94 | -221.34 | Vol. 300 D: 8.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 8.30 | 8.30 / 8.30 CVOPRL | 0.58 | 13.86 | Vol. 24500 D: 818.8 ⇓ 7.08% | 818.80 | 818.8 / 818.8 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.85 | 57.14 | Vol. 33020 D: 190.3 ⇓ 0.47% | 190.82 | 193.0 / 185.0 C: 190.8 ⇓ 0.26% | 191.47 | 193.0 / 190.0 RAHIMAFOOD | 0.52 | 4.45 | Vol. 152000 D: 74.60 ⇓ 9.90% | 74.77 | 77.00 / 74.60 C: 74.40 ⇓ 9.82% | 74.35 | 75.00 / 74.30 FUWANGFOOD | 0.94 | 12.28 | Vol. 624380 D: 25.50 ⇓ 1.54% | 25.47 | 26.10 / 24.00 C: 25.70 ⇓ 1.15% | 25.42 | 26.00 / 25.00 MEGCONMILK | -7.48 | -23.70 | Vol. 10500 D: 7.80 ⇓ 3.70% | 7.81 | 8.00 / 7.70 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 2521791 D: 34.20 ⇑ 9.62% | 32.96 | 34.30 / 28.50 C: 34.60 ⇑ 9.15% | 33.44 | 34.80 / 31.60 FINEFOODS | 0.05 | 10.63 | Vol. 461000 D: 25.80 ⇑ 2.38% | 25.11 | 26.00 / 24.20 C: 25.90 ⇑ 2.78% | 25.19 | 26.20 / 24.20 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 2345115 D: 28.80 ⇑ 4.35% | 28.29 | 29.10 / 25.00 C: 29.00 ⇑ 4.32% | 28.49 | 29.30 / 27.50 GHAIL | 2.31 | 24.36 | Vol. 1111770 D: 47.40 ⇑ 1.07% | 47.20 | 47.90 / 42.50 C: 47.40 ⇑ 0.64% | 47.17 | 47.90 / 43.50 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 3800 D: 617.3 ⇑ 0.33% | 616.84 | 620.0 / 615.0 PADMAOIL | 27.62 | 79.74 | Vol. 148238 D: 301.9 ⇓ 1.85% | 302.55 | 309.0 / 295.0 C: 299.4 ⇓ 2.92% | 300.52 | 305.3 / 293.1 EASTRNLUB | 5.33 | 71.01 | Vol. 500 D: 310.7 ⇓ 0.10% | 310.00 | 312.5 / 309.0 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 830580 D: 25.40 ⇑ 2.83% | 25.04 | 25.60 / 22.50 C: 25.50 ⇑ 2.41% | 25.20 | 25.80 / 24.30 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 457943 D: 37.00 ⇓ 0.27% | 37.02 | 38.00 / 34.00 C: 37.00 ⇓ 0.80% | 37.07 | 37.50 / 37.00 DESCO | 2.34 | 31.27 | Vol. 50750 D: 58.90 ⇓ 1.01% | 58.99 | 59.90 / 55.00 C: 58.80 ⇓ 1.01% | 58.80 | 58.80 / 58.80 POWERGRID | 2.19 | 63.69 | Vol. 156107 D: 54.00 ⇑ 0.37% | 53.79 | 54.90 / 50.00 C: 52.60 ⇓ 0.19% | 52.72 | 53.30 / 52.00 JAMUNAOIL | 19.83 | 57.32 | Vol. 102346 D: 193.3 ⇓ 0.97% | 193.43 | 196.0 / 192.0 C: 192.8 ⇓ 0.92% | 192.80 | 195.0 / 191.5 MPETROLEUM | 21.34 | 59.26 | Vol. 103552 D: 210.8 ⇑ 1.15% | 208.39 | 214.0 / 202.0 C: 208.2 ⇓ 0.19% | 206.46 | 210.0 / 206.0 TITASGAS | 9.20 | 46.26 | Vol. 139505 D: 74.00 ⇓ 0.27% | 73.93 | 74.70 / 67.00 C: 74.00 ⇑ 0.68% | 73.78 | 74.50 / 73.20 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 111078 D: 48.40 ⇓ 0.21% | 48.34 | 50.00 / 45.00 C: 48.20 ⇑ 0.21% | 48.26 | 48.50 / 48.00 BEDL | 1.48 | 19.43 | Vol. 728485 D: 32.90 ⇓ 0.30% | 32.91 | 35.00 / 29.70 C: 32.70 ⇓ 0.61% | 33.40 | 34.60 / 29.80 MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 60287 D: 73.90 ⇓ 0.14% | 73.40 | 75.00 / 68.00 C: 73.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 72.66 | 73.50 / 72.80 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 477264 D: 29.60 ⇑ 0.68% | 29.45 | 29.90 / 26.50 C: 29.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 29.41 | 29.90 / 29.00 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 457370 D: 59.90 ⇓ 0.17% | 59.95 | 60.70 / 54.00 C: 59.90 ⇓ 0.50% | 59.93 | 60.50 / 59.50 JUTE JUTESPINN | -48.14 | -39.89 | Vol. 3000 D: 74.50 ⇓ 3.25% | 74.67 | 75.20 / 74.10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

December 19, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 36,691.43 ⇑ 0.46% NBFI: 21,531.28 ⇓ 0.18% INVS: 4,932.22 ⇓ 0.16% ENGG: 6,469.64 ⇑ 0.67% FOOD: 11,058.83 ⇑ 0.06% F&P: 9,959.12 ⇓ 0.52% TEXT: 3,828.20 ⇑ 1.02% PHAR: 18,182.99 ⇑ 0.06% PAPR: 1,387.47 ⇑ 3.78% SERV: 2,987.29 ⇓ 0.20% LEAT: 5,321.57 ⇑ 0.20% CERA: 534.30 ⇓ 0.02% CMNT: 4,290.79 ⇑ 0.03% INFO: 8,533.43 ⇑ 0.49% GINS: 9,159.01 � 0.00% LINS: 124,973.49 ⇓ 0.46% TELC: 1,314.61 ⇓ 0.60% MISC: 6,456.54 ⇓ 0.09% NORTHERN | -9.98 | -18.22 | Vol. 2600 D: 60.00 ⇑ 8.50% | 60.00 | 60.50 / 55.30 SONALIANSH | 2.65 | 226.00 | Vol. 15700 D: 136.0 ⇓ 0.66% | 136.05 | 138.8 / 135.0 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 2.22 | 16.53 | Vol. 32750 D: 73.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 73.10 | 74.30 / 72.50 RAHIMTEXT | 4.65 | 56.68 | Vol. 3000 D: 240.1 ⇓ 2.32% | 241.00 | 244.2 / 237.2 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 1012200 D: 29.30 ⇓ 1.68% | 29.38 | 30.20 / 28.90 C: 29.40 ⇓ 1.01% | 29.30 | 30.00 / 29.00 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 400 D: 83.30 ⇓ 7.65% | 82.50 | 83.50 / 83.20 DSHGARME | 0.88 | 12.12 | Vol. 36900 D: 67.70 ⇓ 0.73% | 67.43 | 68.70 / 66.60 DULAMIACOT | -1.90 | -29.70 | Vol. 6300 D: 7.90 ⇓ 8.14% | 7.94 | 8.60 / 7.90 TALLUSPIN | 1.75 | 16.17 | Vol. 1674930 D: 38.10 ⇑ 1.60% | 37.79 | 38.40 / 35.00 C: 38.30 ⇑ 1.86% | 38.06 | 38.50 / 37.30 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 2800 D: 73.50 ⇓ 3.54% | 73.57 | 73.80 / 73.40 MITHUNKNIT | 2.87 | 20.53 | Vol. 44320 D: 78.10 ⇓ 0.89% | 78.23 | 79.50 / 76.00 C: 79.10 ⇑ 1.67% | 79.10 | 80.00 / 78.80 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 26.84 | Vol. 3004300 D: 43.90 ⇑ 9.48% | 42.28 | 44.10 / 36.10 C: 43.90 ⇑ 9.48% | 42.39 | 44.10 / 40.80 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 220195 D: 20.70 ⇑ 1.47% | 20.54 | 21.00 / 18.50 C: 21.10 ⇑ 1.93% | 20.71 | 21.40 / 20.20 PRIMETEX | 1.21 | 59.34 | Vol. 279500 D: 27.40 ⇑ 0.37% | 27.31 | 27.70 / 26.90 C: 27.40 ⇑ 0.74% | 27.29 | 27.70 / 27.00 ALLTEX | -1.26 | 8.10 | Vol. 56000 D: 7.30 ⇓ 1.35% | 7.39 | 7.50 / 7.30 ANLIMAYARN | 1.36 | 11.99 | Vol. 145500 D: 28.60 ⇑ 1.06% | 28.41 | 29.00 / 27.70 C: 28.80 ⇑ 0.35% | 28.44 | 28.90 / 28.10 HRTEX | 2.08 | 14.92 | Vol. 434012 D: 44.60 ⇑ 1.59% | 43.85 | 45.20 / 39.60 C: 45.10 ⇑ 4.40% | 43.66 | 45.40 / 43.00 CMCKAMAL | 1.37 | 19.31 | Vol. 1149572 D: 33.30 ⇑ 0.91% | 33.34 | 33.90 / 30.00 SAFKOSPINN | 0.95 | 21.78 | Vol. 1206492 D: 32.10 ⇑ 7.72% | 31.28 | 32.50 / 26.90 C: 31.80 ⇑ 6.35% | 31.03 | 32.00 / 29.20 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 58795 D: 91.60 ⇑ 0.11% | 91.56 | 91.70 / 84.00 C: 92.00 ⇑ 0.11% | 91.40 | 92.00 / 91.20 METROSPIN | 0.56 | 17.71 | Vol. 793588 D: 22.30 ⇑ 2.29% | 22.14 | 22.50 / 20.00 C: 22.30 ⇑ 1.83% | 21.97 | 22.60 / 21.60 MAKSONSPIN | 0.16 | 20.55 | Vol. 3036708 D: 20.80 ⇑ 1.46% | 20.69 | 21.10 / 18.50 C: 20.80 ⇑ 1.46% | 20.68 | 21.00 / 20.30 DACCADYE | 0.93 | 25.85 | Vol. 568490 D: 25.90 ⇑ 1.57% | 25.72 | 26.10 / 24.00 C: 25.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 25.68 | 26.00 / 25.30 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 3877710 D: 36.70 ⇑ 1.38% | 36.40 | 37.00 / 34.00 C: 36.60 ⇑ 0.83% | 36.32 | 36.90 / 35.90 BXSYNTH | 0.93 | 25.42 | Vol. 415215 D: 17.50 ⇑ 1.16% | 17.49 | 18.00 / 16.00 C: 17.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.39 | 17.50 / 17.20 MALEKSPIN | 2.81 | 43.48 | Vol. 1232635 D: 27.80 ⇓ 0.36% | 27.82 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 27.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.83 | 28.40 / 27.50 ZAHINTEX | 1.20 | 31.07 | Vol. 349650 D: 28.80 ⇓ 0.35% | 28.59 | 29.50 / 27.00 C: 29.00 ⇓ 0.34% | 28.78 | 29.50 / 28.30 SAIHAMCOT | 1.92 | 23.62 | Vol. 1170750 D: 25.70 ⇓ 0.39% | 25.64 | 26.10 / 25.30 C: 25.80 ⇓ 0.39% | 25.66 | 26.10 / 25.10 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 11293560 D: 38.90 ⇑ 5.71% | 37.84 | 39.40 / 33.30 C: 39.10 ⇑ 5.96% | 37.96 | 39.60 / 36.80 ENVOYTEX | 3.10 | 37.86 | Vol. 1497240 D: 57.60 ⇑ 0.52% | 57.68 | 58.50 / 52.00 C: 57.60 ⇑ 0.52% | 57.66 | 58.30 / 56.80 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 1749280 D: 99.70 ⇑ 3.10% | 99.28 | 100.8 / 88.00 C: 99.90 ⇑ 3.42% | 98.24 | 99.90 / 100.0 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 1315500 D: 66.90 ⇓ 1.62% | 67.81 | 69.00 / 66.50 C: 67.80 ⇓ 0.73% | 68.14 | 68.80 / 66.70

DAFODILCOM | 0.85 | 10.99 | Vol. 461965 D: 15.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 15.03 | 16.00 / 14.00 C: 15.10 ⇓ 1.31% | 15.05 | 15.50 / 14.90 AAMRATECH | 1.33 | 19.91 | Vol. 1162700 D: 38.90 ⇑ 0.78% | 38.64 | 39.30 / 34.80 C: 39.00 ⇑ 1.30% | 38.77 | 39.40 / 37.70

PTL | 1.89 | 17.91 | Vol. 4842750 D: 61.50 ⇓ 3.76% | 60.57 | 62.90 / 58.20 C: 61.40 ⇓ 4.36% | 60.92 | 63.00 / 58.20 PHARMACEUTICAL & CHEMICAL AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 4600 D: 267.0 ⇓ 0.19% | 267.14 | 269.9 / 265.0 C: 265.0 ⇓ 2.07% | 266.65 | 273.0 / 262.0 BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 308696 D: 46.70 ⇓ 0.43% | 46.96 | 47.50 / 42.60 C: 46.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 46.44 | 46.70 / 46.00 GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 350 D: 956.7 ⇓ 0.42% | 957.14 | 965.0 / 955.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 10412 D: 171.9 ⇑ 1.18% | 170.86 | 173.0 / 165.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 11400 D: 727.7 ⇓ 0.08% | 728.07 | 734.7 / 725.0 PHARMAID | 1.39 | 26.19 | Vol. 22700 D: 166.1 ⇓ 0.84% | 166.08 | 168.0 / 165.1 KOHINOOR | 11.46 | 15.99 | Vol. 5500 D: 358.4 ⇑ 5.94% | 358.55 | 367.9 / 338.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 36380 D: 102.7 ⇑ 0.49% | 102.62 | 104.0 / 99.90 C: 103.4 ⇑ 0.98% | 103.21 | 104.0 / 100.8 LIBRAINFU | 4.21 | 1567.59 | Vol. 1000 D: 390.2 ⇓ 1.86% | 390.00 | 410.0 / 370.0 ORIONINFU | 1.27 | 7.00 | Vol. 161600 D: 41.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 41.72 | 42.40 / 41.40 C: 42.50 ⇑ 0.24% | 42.16 | 42.60 / 41.40 SQURPHARMA | 6.93 | 37.18 | Vol. 184036 D: 192.7 ⇑ 0.10% | 192.37 | 195.2 / 180.0 C: 191.5 ⇓ 0.31% | 191.81 | 194.8 / 190.5 IMAMBUTTON | -1.51 | 4.16 | Vol. 13500 D: 8.00 ⇓ 1.23% | 8.00 | 8.30 / 7.60 C: 7.80 ⇓ 3.70% | 7.76 | 8.00 / 7.60 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 1900321 D: 28.70 ⇑ 0.70% | 28.71 | 30.10 / 26.00 C: 28.90 ⇑ 1.05% | 28.74 | 29.10 / 28.20 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 1350 D: 847.0 ⇑ 0.27% | 847.41 | 850.0 / 840.0 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 47575 D: 80.40 ⇑ 1.77% | 81.03 | 82.90 / 79.00 C: 81.40 ⇑ 2.65% | 80.83 | 81.50 / 79.70 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 450 D: 746.8 ⇓ 0.45% | 746.67 | 748.0 / 745.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.04 | 12.01 | Vol. 233575 D: 13.10 ⇓ 0.76% | 13.19 | 13.90 / 12.00 C: 13.20 ⇓ 0.75% | 13.20 | 13.30 / 13.10 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 350323 D: 84.60 ⇑ 0.95% | 84.14 | 85.20 / 77.00 C: 84.10 ⇑ 0.72% | 84.09 | 85.00 / 83.50 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 1597243 D: 26.40 ⇑ 1.54% | 26.13 | 28.00 / 23.50 C: 26.70 ⇑ 2.30% | 26.12 | 27.00 / 25.50 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 312000 D: 59.20 ⇑ 2.78% | 58.30 | 60.40 / 57.00 C: 59.60 ⇑ 3.47% | 57.87 | 59.80 / 56.90 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 655040 D: 60.90 ⇑ 0.33% | 60.85 | 61.40 / 55.00 C: 61.00 ⇑ 0.99% | 60.76 | 61.30 / 60.40 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 119000 D: 217.4 ⇑ 3.18% | 212.52 | 219.3 / 207.0 C: 217.6 ⇑ 2.74% | 212.59 | 219.0 / 206.1 CENTRALPHL | 1.62 | 12.24 | Vol. 1740195 D: 50.60 ⇑ 0.80% | 50.56 | 51.40 / 46.00 C: 50.70 ⇑ 1.00% | 50.53 | 51.50 / 50.00 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.51 | 31.01 | Vol. 31500 D: 39.10 ⇑ 5.39% | 38.82 | 39.70 / 36.50 C: 38.50 ⇓ 1.28% | 37.75 | 39.50 / 35.50

SERVICE SAMORITA | 2.49 | 57.42 | Vol. 30126 D: 90.70 ⇑ 1.34% | 90.64 | 92.90 / 85.00 SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 308521 D: 30.10 ⇓ 0.99% | 30.19 | 31.00 / 27.40 C: 30.20 ⇓ 0.66% | 30.15 | 30.50 / 30.00 EHL | 2.81 | 18.44 | Vol. 256255 D: 51.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 51.47 | 52.40 / 49.70 C: 51.40 ⇑ 0.19% | 51.30 | 52.10 / 50.90 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 80800 D: 125.2 ⇓ 0.16% | 126.14 | 127.7 / 124.4 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 4400 D: 697.3 ⇓ 0.07% | 696.82 | 703.0 / 695.7 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 40800 D: 403.5 ⇑ 2.28% | 401.25 | 407.0 / 390.0 SAMATALETH | 0.22 | 12.93 | Vol. 37500 D: 24.20 ⇓ 3.59% | 24.75 | 27.50 / 24.20 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 397777 D: 47.00 ⇑ 6.58% | 45.68 | 47.80 / 39.70 C: 46.50 ⇑ 5.44% | 45.20 | 47.20 / 43.40 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.35 | 95.30 | Vol. 39250 D: 34.90 ⇑ 0.87% | 34.73 | 35.40 / 32.00 C: 35.00 ⇑ 1.16% | 35.00 | 35.00 / 35.00 STANCERAM | 1.12 | 15.49 | Vol. 2640 D: 40.40 ⇑ 6.60% | 40.11 | 40.50 / 35.00 FUWANGCER | 0.65 | 12.70 | Vol. 832293 D: 22.10 ⇑ 0.45% | 22.04 | 22.50 / 21.00 C: 22.10 ⇓ 0.90% | 22.08 | 22.40 / 21.80 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 469299 D: 18.70 ⇓ 0.53% | 18.69 | 19.00 / 17.00 C: 18.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.73 | 19.10 / 18.50 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 84967 D: 52.00 ⇑ 1.17% | 51.59 | 54.00 / 47.00 C: 51.60 ⇑ 0.19% | 51.41 | 51.90 / 51.30 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 30550 D: 371.1 ⇓ 1.15% | 371.72 | 373.8 / 370.3 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 360172 D: 127.8 ⇑ 0.47% | 126.89 | 129.0 / 120.0 C: 128.2 ⇑ 0.16% | 126.76 | 128.9 / 125.7 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 205600 D: 146.5 ⇑ 0.69% | 145.71 | 149.8 / 141.1 C: 148.0 ⇑ 2.49% | 145.66 | 154.9 / 140.1 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 99500 D: 86.70 ⇓ 0.91% | 86.81 | 88.90 / 85.40 C: 85.00 ⇓ 1.62% | 85.00 | 85.00 / 85.00 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 269500 D: 31.70 ⇓ 0.31% | 31.70 | 31.90 / 31.60 C: 31.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 31.56 | 32.50 / 31.20 MICEMENT | 4.48 | 37.67 | Vol. 92099 D: 81.80 ⇓ 1.09% | 81.95 | 83.20 / 77.00 C: 81.60 ⇓ 0.49% | 81.64 | 82.00 / 81.40 PREMIERCEM | 5.00 | 32.60 | Vol. 130600 D: 103.7 ⇑ 0.68% | 103.57 | 104.8 / 102.3 C: 103.9 ⇓ 0.38% | 103.72 | 105.4 / 102.0 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 153110 D: 20.60 ⇑ 0.98% | 20.59 | 20.90 / 19.50 C: 20.80 ⇓ 0.48% | 20.66 | 20.90 / 20.40 BDCOM | 1.40 | 14.41 | Vol. 646771 D: 31.70 ⇑ 0.96% | 30.86 | 32.20 / 28.50 C: 31.30 ⇑ 0.32% | 31.37 | 32.00 / 28.10 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 253520 D: 17.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.33 | 18.00 / 17.00 C: 17.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.25 | 17.60 / 17.00 AGNISYSL | 0.96 | 14.90 | Vol. 632288 D: 24.80 ⇑ 0.40% | 24.73 | 25.50 / 24.00 C: 24.90 ⇑ 0.81% | 24.96 | 26.40 / 24.10

GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 42333 D: 29.00 ⇓ 0.68% | 28.97 | 29.30 / 27.00 C: 29.10 ⇓ 0.68% | 29.05 | 29.10 / 29.00 GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 75093 D: 89.30 ⇑ 3.00% | 88.07 | 90.00 / 85.00 C: 89.40 ⇑ 2.76% | 88.81 | 89.50 / 87.50 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 36800 D: 42.60 ⇓ 2.74% | 42.96 | 43.80 / 42.50 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 78800 D: 33.70 ⇓ 0.30% | 33.75 | 34.10 / 33.40 C: 33.80 ⇓ 2.03% | 33.83 | 33.90 / 33.80 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 17920 D: 36.90 ⇓ 0.81% | 36.94 | 37.20 / 36.50 JANATAINS | 0.78 | 17.07 | Vol. 87700 D: 27.00 ⇓ 0.37% | 27.06 | 27.30 / 25.00 C: 27.10 ⇓ 0.37% | 27.09 | 27.20 / 27.00 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 22325 D: 41.50 ⇓ 0.72% | 41.34 | 42.00 / 40.00 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 152400 D: 47.00 ⇓ 1.05% | 47.08 | 47.70 / 46.80 C: 47.50 ⇓ 1.04% | 47.50 | 47.50 / 47.50 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 52009 D: 29.60 ⇓ 1.00% | 29.61 | 29.80 / 27.00 C: 28.80 ⇓ 4.00% | 28.80 | 28.80 / 28.80 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 90040 D: 24.20 ⇓ 0.41% | 24.15 | 24.40 / 23.90 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 122357 D: 34.00 ⇓ 1.16% | 34.09 | 34.80 / 32.90 C: 34.00 ⇓ 0.87% | 33.97 | 34.00 / 33.90 FEDERALINS | 1.10 | 10.98 | Vol. 150162 D: 24.70 ⇓ 0.40% | 24.64 | 25.40 / 22.50 C: 24.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 24.69 | 26.50 / 23.00 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 2000 D: 71.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 72.00 | 72.10 / 71.50 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 469205 D: 26.90 ⇑ 0.75% | 26.82 | 27.50 / 25.00 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 16068 D: 56.10 ⇑ 2.94% | 55.39 | 57.90 / 52.00 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 73787 D: 32.00 ⇓ 0.31% | 31.71 | 32.40 / 31.00 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 85260 D: 65.20 ⇓ 1.21% | 65.46 | 66.10 / 63.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 55411 D: 27.00 ⇓ 0.37% | 27.05 | 27.50 / 26.00 C: 27.50 ⇑ 2.23% | 26.44 | 27.50 / 26.10 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 53636 D: 27.20 ⇓ 1.09% | 27.22 | 27.90 / 25.00 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 47060 D: 28.40 ⇓ 1.05% | 28.59 | 28.90 / 27.00 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 4000 D: 33.60 ⇓ 0.88% | 33.75 | 33.80 / 33.40 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 14000 D: 29.70 ⇓ 0.67% | 29.71 | 30.00 / 29.40 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 206000 D: 24.40 ⇓ 2.40% | 24.53 | 25.00 / 24.20 C: 25.00 ⇓ 4.94% | 25.00 | 25.00 / 25.00 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 16495 D: 24.70 ⇓ 0.80% | 24.77 | 25.00 / 23.00 C: 24.70 ⇑ 0.82% | 24.75 | 24.80 / 24.70 CITYGENINS | 1.65 | 14.26 | Vol. 75710 D: 27.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.66 | 28.20 / 26.00 C: 27.90 ⇓ 0.36% | 27.88 | 28.00 / 27.50 CONTININS | 1.41 | 15.68 | Vol. 117239 D: 29.40 ⇓ 0.34% | 29.38 | 29.90 / 27.00 C: 29.60 ⇓ 0.34% | 29.59 | 29.70 / 29.50 TAKAFULINS | 2.19 | 15.17 | Vol. 131863 D: 38.60 ⇓ 1.28% | 38.86 | 39.60 / 37.00 C: 38.80 ⇓ 0.77% | 38.78 | 38.80 / 38.70 STANDARINS | 2.58 | 13.99 | Vol. 9060 D: 39.50 ⇓ 0.50% | 39.47 | 40.00 / 37.10 C: 38.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 37.40 | 38.80 / 38.80 NORTHRNINS | 1.77 | 11.15 | Vol. 65306 D: 40.10 ⇓ 0.99% | 40.21 | 40.60 / 36.50 C: 40.80 ⇑ 0.25% | 40.63 | 40.90 / 39.00 REPUBLIC | 2.14 | 12.42 | Vol. 111505 D: 42.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 42.95 | 43.30 / 39.00 C: 42.50 ⇓ 0.47% | 42.33 | 42.50 / 42.20 ASIAINS | 1.56 | 17.34 | Vol. 225414 D: 29.50 ⇑ 1.03% | 29.41 | 29.90 / 28.80 C: 29.20 ⇑ 1.74% | 28.98 | 29.40 / 27.00

ISLAMIINS | 1.29 | 11.96 | Vol. 355728 D: 33.00 ⇓ 2.65% | 32.83 | 34.50 / 32.50 C: 33.10 ⇑ 1.53% | 34.14 | 35.10 / 33.10 PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 15502 D: 28.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 28.42 | 28.60 / 26.70 C: 28.40 ⇓ 0.35% | 28.23 | 28.50 / 28.30 DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 94375 D: 40.90 ⇓ 0.73% | 40.83 | 41.10 / 40.00 C: 40.60 ⇓ 1.46% | 40.61 | 41.00 / 40.50 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 21725 D: 295.9 ⇓ 0.50% | 294.50 | 302.5 / 275.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 546250 D: 270.3 ⇓ 0.88% | 271.36 | 275.8 / 269.0 C: 270.5 ⇓ 0.88% | 271.51 | 277.0 / 270.0 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 40802 D: 72.90 ⇓ 1.09% | 73.63 | 75.00 / 72.00 C: 73.00 ⇓ 0.68% | 73.00 | 73.00 / 73.00 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 7753 D: 213.5 ⇓ 1.20% | 213.78 | 221.0 / 210.0 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 91107 D: 97.20 ⇓ 1.82% | 98.47 | 101.0 / 90.00 C: 100.2 ⇓ 0.30% | 100.56 | 99.80 / 100.0 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 50460 D: 116.8 ⇓ 0.51% | 116.92 | 121.8 / 115.7 C: 114.4 ⇓ 2.31% | 114.13 | 116.0 / 113.3 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 1571 D: 116.1 ⇑ 0.00% | 115.73 | 116.5 / 110.0 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 30150 D: 165.8 ⇓ 0.54% | 164.68 | 169.9 / 155.0 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 43154 D: 96.20 ⇓ 0.31% | 96.57 | 99.90 / 95.00 C: 100.0 ⇑ 0.00% | 93.43 | 100.0 / 100.0 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 359010 D: 120.2 ⇑ 1.69% | 121.27 | 125.9 / 111.7 PADMALIFE | 1.63 | 25.76 | Vol. 109600 D: 63.40 ⇓ 1.86% | 63.80 | 65.00 / 59.00 C: 63.60 ⇓ 1.24% | 63.36 | 64.00 / 62.00 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 154300 D: 58.10 ⇓ 1.53% | 58.70 | 59.20 / 55.00 C: 58.20 ⇓ 1.19% | 58.62 | 59.40 / 57.90 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 377708 D: 199.9 ⇓ 0.15% | 199.62 | 201.9 / 190.0 C: 199.2 ⇓ 0.50% | 199.50 | 202.0 / 198.4 BSCCL | 5.82 | 26.38 | Vol. 131980 D: 166.2 ⇓ 0.54% | 166.34 | 170.0 / 155.0 C: 165.1 ⇓ 0.96% | 165.37 | 168.0 / 164.6 TRAVEL & LEISURE UNITEDAIR | 1.10 | 12.87 | Vol. 3761384 D: 16.70 ⇑ 0.60% | 16.65 | 16.80 / 15.00 C: 16.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.65 | 16.90 / 15.10 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 471760 D: 80.00 ⇓ 0.87% | 80.36 | 81.30 / 73.00 C: 80.10 ⇓ 0.62% | 80.08 | 81.00 / 79.50 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 14950 D: 346.9 ⇑ 5.70% | 343.57 | 353.5 / 331.5 C: 342.7 ⇑ 1.39% | 342.69 | 348.5 / 327.5 BSC | 1.77 | 565.82 | Vol. 41500 D: 423.0 ⇓ 0.76% | 424.06 | 431.5 / 422.3 C: 423.5 ⇓ 0.70% | 424.31 | 431.0 / 422.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 40629 D: 147.3 ⇑ 0.34% | 145.82 | 148.5 / 132.2 C: 148.0 ⇑ 1.16% | 144.50 | 148.0 / 144.1 USMANIAGL | 3.45 | 27.20 | Vol. 251170 D: 148.6 ⇑ 3.77% | 149.23 | 150.7 / 140.0 C: 148.0 ⇑ 4.52% | 149.28 | 151.0 / 146.0 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 1129295 D: 33.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 33.40 | 34.00 / 30.10 C: 33.40 ⇓ 0.60% | 33.41 | 34.00 / 30.50 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 1318500 D: 30.70 ⇑ 8.10% | 29.42 | 31.10 / 27.90 C: 30.90 ⇑ 8.42% | 29.47 | 31.30 / 28.20 MIRACLEIND | 0.09 | 14.41 | Vol. 365500 D: 18.80 ⇑ 1.08% | 18.82 | 19.00 / 18.40 C: 18.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.73 | 19.00 / 18.50 BOND IBBLPBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 255 D: 975.3 ⇓ 0.41% | 976.00 | 976.5 / 974.3 C: 970.0 ⇓ 0.05% | 970.00 | 970.0 / 970.0 ACIZCBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 7036 D: 900.0 ⇑ 0.90% | 900.00 | 900.0 / 900.0

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2013

Fed cuts bond buying in first step away from historic stimulus n Reuters The Federal Reserve on Wednesday embarked on the risky task of winding down the era of easy money, saying the US economy was finally strong enough for it to start scaling down its massive bond-buying stimulus.

The central bank modestly trimmed the pace of its monthly asset purchases, by $10bn to $75bn, and sought to temper the long-awaited move by suggesting its key interest rate would stay at rock bottom even longer than previously promised.

At his last scheduled news conference as Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke said the purchases would likely be cut at a “measured” pace through much of next year if job gains continued as expected, with the program fully shuttered by late-2014.

The move, which surprised some investors but did not cause the market shock many had feared, was a nod to better prospects for the economy and labor market. It marked a historic turning point for the largest monetary policy experiment ever.

“The recovery clearly remains far from complete,” Bernanke said. But “we’re hopeful ... we’ll begin to see the whites of the eyes of the end of the recovery, and the beginning of the more normal period of economic growth.” Bernanke said he consulted closely on the decision with Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen, who is set to succeed him once he steps down on January 31 after eight years at the helm. “She fully supports what we did today,” he said.

Investors took the action as a validation that the outlook for the economy was improving. After a brief pullback, U.S. stocks rallied sharply, with both S&P 500 and Dow industrials closing at all-time highs.

At the same time, US Treasury bond prices fell, but the move was modest, capped by the Fed’s strengthened commitment to keep interest rates near zero for a long time irrespective of the reduction in its asset purchases.

The Fed said monthly purchases of both

mortgage and Treasury bonds would be trimmed by $5bn each, starting in January.

“This is a modest change, not a big one, and it shows that they are not in a rush,” said Scott Clemons, chief investment strategist for Brown Brothers Harriman Wealth Management. “The Fed is using very careful language that they are going to continue to support the economy.”

The Fed’s extraordinary money-printing has helped drive stocks to record highs and sparked sharp gyrations in foreign currencies, including a drop in emerging markets earlier this year as investors anticipated

A trader listens to an announcement by the US Federal Reserve on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York REUTERS

an end to the easing. “They finally pulled a Band-Aid off that they’ve been tugging at for a long time,” said Rick Meckler, president of hedge fund LibertyView Capital Management in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The Fed launched its third and latest round of quantitative easing, or QE, 15 months ago to kick-start hiring and growth in an economy recovering only slowly from the recession. Its first program was launched during the 2008 financial crisis.

The central bank’s asset purchase programs, a centerpiece of its crisis-era policy, have left it holding roughly $4tn of bonds, and the path it must follow in dialing it down is rife with numerous risks, including the possibility of higher-than-targeted interest rates and a loss of investor confidence.

To soothe investors’ nerves, the Fed said it “likely will be appropriate” to keep overnight rates near zero “well past the time” that the jobless rate falls below 6.5%, especially if inflation expectations remain below target. The Fed has held rates near zero since late 2008. It was a noteworthy tweak to an earlier pledge to keep benchmark credit costs steady at least until the jobless rate, which dropped to a five-year low of 7% in November, hits 6.5%.

“The actions today are intended to keep the level of accommodation the same overall,” said Bernanke, who held out the prospect of fresh stimulus if the economy stumbled. He said officials could further bolster their low-rate pledge, or even cut the interest rate they pay banks on excess reserves held at the Fed in a bid to spur lending.

In fresh quarterly forecasts, the central bank lowered its expectations for both inflation and unemployment over the next few

years, acknowledging the jobless rate had fallen more quickly than expected. It now sees it reaching a range of 6.3% to 6.6% by the end of 2014, from a previous prediction of 6.4% to 6.8%. Three policymakers expect the first rate rise to come in 2016, up from only two in September, while 12 of the Fed’s 17 top officials still see the move in 2015. Futures markets do not see better-than-even odds of a rate hike until September 2015.

Critics of the bond buying, including some Fed officials, have worried the program could unleash inflation or fuel hard-to-detect asset price bubbles.

But some have credited the purchases with stabilizing an economy and banking system that had been crippled by the 2008 financial crisis and with staving off what could have been a damaging cycle of deflation.

One policymaker, Eric Rosengren of the Boston Fed, dissented against the decision, which he felt was premature given the stillhigh unemployment rate.

Bernanke stressed the Fed was not giving up on supporting the economy, and said it would take action if inflation failed to rise to the central bank’s 2% target. Inflation as measured by the Fed’s preferred price gauge rose just 0.7% in the 12 months through October.

Even so, recent growth in jobs, retail sales and housing, as well as a fresh budget deal in Congress, had convinced a growing number of economists the Fed would trim the bond purchases. But many thought the central bank would wait until early in the new year, given persistently low inflation and the fact that the world’s largest economy has stumbled several times in its crawl out of the 2007-2009 recession. l