25 December 2013

Treehouse Tales From the City

Poush 11, 1420 Safar 21, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 271

Long Form

7

Politics is about choosing sides

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2013 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

This is not an election

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It is unabashed selection

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Postpone polls schedule

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla With less than two weeks to go before the 10th parliamentary elections, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday called upon people from all walks of life to march towards Dhaka with national flags in hand on December 29 to say no to the “farcical” polls.

“To give our movement greater momentum and take it to the next level, I call upon all of you… to march to Dhaka on December 29 to say no to farcical election and to say yes to democracy,” she said while addressing an overcrowded press conference at her Gulshan office, an hour after the opposition sponsored 83-hours countrywide blockade ended.

As is usual with Khaleda’s press conferences, she did not entertain any question from journalists. The senior leaders of the party, most of whom had been on hideout to avoid arrest in recent times, were present at the muchhyped conference.

The roads around the Gulshan office came out of the deserted look that has become usual in recent times, with hundreds of party leaders and activists gathering in the area.

The nearly one-hour speech was a juxtaposition of two separate messages: firstly, Khaleda’s inclinations for a compromise was clear; and secondly, if the compromise did not happen, she made it clear that the opposition was ready to take the hardline.

She asked people in the hills and the plains and also the residents of the capital to gather in front of the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters on December 29.

Urging the government to not impede the march by any means; to not block roads, transport and hotels; and  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

MPs will not be considered legitimate representatives of the people Dialogue drama was only for buying time All parties urged to join the ongoing movement Strengthen polling centerbased local resistance committees; forming committees for preserving democracy and sovereignty Zero tolerance for any form of communalism An evil attempt is on to make the army controversial

She is hurt by Pakistan resolution on Molla n

Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday said she had been “hurt” by the resolution adopted by the Pakistan parliament on the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla.

“The Pakistani legislature on this has hurt us as citizens of Bangladesh,” she said at a press conference at her Gulshan office in an apparent reaction to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s seeking a clear statement on the issue

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Khaleda: March to Dhaka 

13

Hasina: BNP chief realised her mistake n UNB

from the BNP chief. “Even responsible sections of the Pakistan society have been critical of this [the resolution].

The views of the BNP on this have been stated already.”

The BNP chief also said Pakistan was now a far-off and a separate country. “The Awami League government signed the tri-nation agreement in 1974 and forgave the Pakistanis accused of these crimes…After that all issues between Pakistan and us should be

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia now realised that she had made a mistake by not participating in the 10th general elections.

“The opposition leader now realises what a blunder she has done by not participating in the election. That is why she is now killing people by setting fire and enforcing blockades,” she said, describing the opposition’s movement as a militant act.

Hasina was addressing a meeting

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Hasina’s relatives pile up assets in 5 years n Kamran Reza Chowdhury Four relatives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who were elected MPs in the last elections have amassed huge resources during the last five years, raising question about the influence of the Sheikh family and its relatives who apparently dominate the ruling Awami League’s policymaking.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, in parliament announced that the people should not consider anyone as her family members other than her two children, sister Sheikh Rehana and her three children.

She urged people to hand those trying to capitalise her family identity to the police. The premier also gave her mobile numbers and email addresses to inform her about such incident.

P3

MUHITH DEFENDS

But the latest affidavits of her two cousins and two nephews submitted to the Election Commission show that for personal gains her relatives may have influenced the family identity.

Sheikh Helal Uddin (Bagerhat 1), Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury Liton (Madaripur 1) and barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh (Dhaka 12) have been elected lawmakers of the 10th Jatiya Sangsad unopposed while Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim (Gopalganj 2) is seeking re-elections.

Sheikh Helal’s income rose 11 times In his affidavit submitted to the EC for contesting the by-polls in Bagerhat 1 constituency, which left vacant in early 2009, Sheikh Helal said his annual income from agriculture, house rent, business and others sources was Tk8,08,300.

According to the latest affidavit he turned in for contesting the January 5 polls, he said his annual income was

Clockwise from left: Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Noor-EAlam Chowdhury Liton, Sheikh Helal Uddin Tk91,93,830 which is more than 11 times higher than what he had mentioned five years back.

He and his wife had around Tk31 lakh cash in hand while the bank deposit was only Tk7,325, said the 2009 affidavit. According to the latest one, their cash in hand rose to over Tk1.78 crore from the previous Tk31 lakh registering an around 600% hike.

Their bank deposit also shot up to over Tk49.48 lakh from Tk7,325 – an increase of around 700% - in five years.

Earlier, Sheikh Helal had no investment in postal and other saving certificates. At present, he has investment of Tk40 lakh in such deposit schemes.

In 2008, he had owned shares of several companies worth Tk1.6 lakh, but no plots. The couple had two vehicles valued Tk31.5 lakh. His wife had a piece of land in Joar Shahara of the capital worth Tk93,000.

However, the latest affidavit states  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

Traffic constable burnt alive in capital Law enforcers asked not to ‘do excesses’

Mozena: Too late for talks on 10th polls n Kailash Sarkar n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman A constable of traffic police was burnt US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena yesterday said any dialogue for the 10th parliamentary polls was quite late but a meaningful dialogue to agree on a way forward to hold free, fair and credible election was important.

“I should think at this point it is getting very late for the 10th elections.

So, whether the 10th or 11th, whatever the two parties decide that’s really not so much the question as is the issue of coming together in meaningful dialogue to agree on a way forward,” he said after a meeting with Communication Minister Obaidul Quader at the Secretariat in the city.

alive and two other constables sustained burn injuries as unidentified criminals set the vehicle there were in on fire by pouring petrol in the capital’s Bangla Motor intersection late last night.

The arson attack came hours after BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia announced the Dhaka March programme for December 29 from a press conference and the 83-hour fifth spell of the opposition-sponsored countrywide blockade ended.

Witnesses said a group of several men, two riding a motorcycle, set the requisitioned bus on fire around 11:15pm.

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Hanif seeks security during campaign

n Mohammad Zakaria

Awami League Joint General Secretary and Kushtia 3 candidate Mahabub-Ul-Alam Hanif has sought security during his campaign for the 10th parliamentary elections.

A senior official of the Election Commission yesterday said Hanif had submitted a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad making the request.

Tarique Ul Islam, Hanif’s PS, said the southwest region was known for  PAGE 2 COLUMN 6

n Rabiul Islam

A firefighter covers the burnt dead body of traffic constable Ferdous at Bangla Motor intersection last night RAJIB DHAR

Uncle admits raping, killing Antara n Ashif Islam Shaon The detained maternal uncle of 9-year old Antara, whose dead body was brought to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday, has admitted that she died after he had raped her.

Amir Hossain, 38, gave a confessional statement under section 164 before Metropolitan Magistrate Md Nuru Miah’s court yesterday saying he was waiting for a chance to rape the girl. He thought that since the girl was from a “broken family,” she would not dare to announce the matter.

Police on Monday recovered the dead body of Antara, a second grader, from her maternal aunt’s house at Khilgaon in the capital. After autopsy, Dhaka Medical College morgue sources said the girl could have bled to death after being raped.

Antara and her sister Mitu, 18, had been living in the two-bedroom tinroofed house of her childless maternal aunt Fatema Begum for nearly five years.

During the incident, Fatema’s husband

Anowar Hossain, a garment factory worker, was not home. Amir, Fatema’s brother and Antara’s maternal uncle, came from Narayanganj on Sunday to stay over for the night.

Antara’s father Ali Hossain and now-expatriate mother Kulsum Begum got divorced around five years ago.

Both of them have got married again and have been living with their second spouses.

“Amir, who slept in the same room as Antara [on Sunday night], tried to violate her. As she woke up, he shoved a piece of cloth in her mouth. She could not cry or make any sound and died from excessive bleeding,” said Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Khilgaon police station.

“During interrogation, Amir admitted on Monday night that the girl had died when he was torturing her. He took the cloth out of her mouth sensing that she might have died,” the OC added.

Antara’s father Ali Hossain, CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver who lives in Sipahibagh with his second wife, filed a  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

INSIDE Business

B1 Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority has set Tk5,600 as the minimum wage for the readymade garments workers employed by the factories located in the country’s EPZs.

Nation

6 Farmers of Rajshahi region are expecting a good yield of mustard as they have got agri-output and seeds in time and favourable climatic conditions also helped them during cultivation. According to local sources, the cash crop is now growing well everywhere in the region, including its vast Barind tract.

International

9 China has committed $6.5bn to finance the construction of a major nuclear power project in Pakistan’s port city Karachi, as it seeks to strengthen ties with its strategic partner, Pakistani officials said.

Law enforcement agencies have been asked not to “do excess” during the parliamentary election scheduled on January 5, in the interest of creating a peaceful environment so that the voters could cast their votes smoothly.

Law enforcers would act judiciously during the election time, avoiding any kind of violence, a high official at the home ministry said.

The home ministry yesterday held a meeting on maintaining law and order during the election. Home ministry Senior Secretary CQK Mustaq Ahmed presided over the meeting.

“We have given directives to the law enforcement agencies so that they do not do any excess during the elections,” Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune at his office yesterday.

Among others, home ministry’s Additional Secretary (political) Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) Director General Moklesur Rahman and representatives from police and BGB were present.

Officials said the agencies, however, would take adequate measures so that the voters can come to the voting centres and cast their votes.

Law enforcement officials at the  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Bangladesh to send more peacekeepers to South Sudan

Hefazat to decide on next plan today n Manik Miazee Leaders of radical Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam will hold a meeting in Chittagong today to set its next course of action as it did not get permission to hold a rally in Motijheel yesterday.

Hefazat’s Dhaka unit Convener Nur Hossain Quashemi, also its central nayeb-e-ameer, made the disclosure during a Doa Mahfil at a madrasa in the capital’s Baridhara yesterday.

The Chittagong-based group, which comprises teachers and students of a faction of Qawmi madrasas, had called

PM gives nod to UN chief's request Shahariar Zaman and n Sheikh Emran Hossain Shaikh Bangladesh has given consent to sending more troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan at the request of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Ban had made the request in a telephone call to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday evening, PM’s Information Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said.

“The prime minister has given her approval to the proposal,” Iqbal Sobhan said.

Bangladesh Permanent Representative to UN Abdul Momen said the UN needed immediate deployment of more troops in the African nation and asked if Bangladesh could help.

“I contacted Dhaka and asked for their opinion,” Momen told the Dhaka Tribune over telephone from New York.

“They need about 5,000 troops, but it is not possible for Bangladesh to meet their requirement,” he said, adding: “It is expected Bangladesh will send 1,000 troops.”

In reply to a question, Momen said

the present political situation in Bangladesh was not discussed with the UN side. “They only talked about troop deployment.”

Momen also said he had no knowledge of the report submitted to Ban Ki-moon by UN Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco following his recent visit to Dhaka.

“Taranco briefed me on his visit, but he did not say anything about the report,” Momen said.

Taranco visited Dhaka on December 6-11 to try and resolve the political stalemate over the formation of a pollstime government.

In the report, Fernandez-Taranco stressed that the UN should stay engaged with the stakeholders in Bangladesh.

During the visit, he had a series of meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and other political leaders.

Awami League and BNP leaders held two meetings in his presence to discuss the interim government issue but failed to reach a consensus. l

EC website gets sloth n Mohammad Zakaria

As the Election Commission explores options about Awami League’s request to stop publishing the affidavits of candidates of the elections, its website, too, appears not to be allowing visitors to download the affidavits.

However, the website appears to be working properly for the links to the affidavits of candidates of other parties.

Sources said the commission had held several meetings yesterday to stop publishing candidates’ wealth statements.

They said the commission had started examining the court directive on publishing personal information of and also asked its legal wing to examine the laws.

“It is not possible to stop publishing the information suddenly. But the commission may discuss amending relevant laws,” a senior EC official said.

Meanwhile, EC website visitors complained that the pages were taking too long to load although the pdf files containing the affidavits of candidates from other parties were loading normally.

EC System Manager Rafiqul Hoque told the Dhaka Tribune that there had been an upsurge of traffic.

EC Systems Analyst Farzana Akhter said there was no pressure from the commission.

ABM Riazul Kabir Kauser, member of a subcommittee of the Awami League election steering committee, yesterday met with senior officials of the EC’s legal wing. He told reporters that there was no reason to stop publishing the affidavits.

RPO stipulates that every nomination paper should be delivered along with an affidavit signed by the candidate containing eight types of information. l

Mozena: Too late for talks on 10th polls  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

Mozena believes the need for having a constructive dialogue between the two major parties is more important than ever to find a way forward towards free and fair elections that are credible in the eyes of Bangladeshi people as soon as possible.

“I told the government and all the political parties to have political space so that they can have their rallies, processions and human chains,” he said.

“I explained the US’ view that the opposition parties have their responsibility to use political space responsibly and peacefully to avoid violence.” l

Law enforcers asked  PAGE 1 COLUMN 3

meeting warned that there may be outbreaks of violence in the 154 constituencies where candidates were elected unopposed.

As the BNP-led 18-party alliance was boycotting the elections, demanding restoration of the caretaker government system, the law enforcement agencies would not neglect the areas where the election would not take place, a senior official said.

Meanwhile, the home ministry sent a draft proposal for vetting to the Election Commission about the deployment of law enforcement during the election-day.

“We have no plans to conduct

special drives to recover illegal arms,” a high official told this correspondent preferring not to be named.

The official, however, said a combing operation was going on and if there were illegal arms they would be seized. “Where is the additional manpower to recover illegal arms?” the official asked.

Officials said BGB and Rab would work as a striking force.

On December 20, the Election Commission at a meeting decided to deploy the army as an aid to the civil authorities for 15 days from December 26 to January 9 to maintain law and order during the election. l

Hasina: BNP chief realised  PAGE 1 COLUMN 4

with the members of the Christian community at her official residence Ganabhaban on the eve of Christmas.

About the opposition’s agitation programmes, she said, “This is not a mass movement at all; this is just a militant act, this is a terrorist act.” The Awami League president also questioned the opposition leader’s intentions behind such activities.

On the opposition’s election boycott, Hasina said they had not participated in the election because they were afraid of facing the people.

Blasting Khaleda for enforcing continuous blockades and hartals, Hasina said any movement was usually for the welfare of people. “But, she [Khaleda] kills people during her movement,” she said, referring to the killing of people in buses, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, felling trees, and damaging roads and uprooting rail lines.

Regarding her repeated calls since

2011 to the opposition leader to find out a peaceful way to hold election, the Awami League chief said the opposition never responded to that.

“I requested her in parliament, I offered her to join the polls-time government to remove all sorts of confusions, and even I requested her to take the home ministry, but she did not respond.

Whenever I requested her to join dialogue, she always turned back.”

In this connection, Hasina recalled the torture and repression of the BNP-Jamaat activists during their rule following 2001, and said her government had ensured an environment for the people of all religions so that they could perform their religious rites freely.

Bangladesh Christian Association President and State Minister for Social Welfare advocate Promod Mankin, Arch Bishop Patric D Rozario and Bangladesh Christian Association Secretary General Nirmol Rozario also spoke at the meeting. l

Hefazat holds a rally at Kamrangirchar yesterday against the government decision to bar its rally

BCL man dies n Our Correspondent, Feni

Two shot dead by police n Our correspondent, Sirajganj

Baniyagati. He said: “Since it was dark, we were not sure whether anybody was shot or not.” Police, however, later recovered Mamun’s body from the highway and Munsur’s body from a sugarcane field near his home.

The bodies were sent to hospital for post mortem.

M Liton Sarkar, up member of Vadraghat, said: robbery and arson is a common phenomenon in the area.

After the incident extra force were deployed in the bridge area. l

A Chhatra League activist, who was injured in an attack by his fellow party men, died on Monday after fighting for his life for four days in Feni.

The deceased Shahdat Hossasin Shahin, 20, of Poshchim Shilua village under Chhagalnaiya upazila in the district.

On Friday, Shahdat was chopped and critically injured by his party men, while Shadat was trying to stop the group form committing a robbery in the district. l

Two youths were shot dead by police for their alleged involvement in a robbery in Sirajgonj on Monday night.

The deceased are Al Mamun, 25, and Munsur Ali, 23, the driver.

Family members of the youths said they were cousins.

Abdul Halim, West Bangabandhu Bridge police station inspector, said on a tip-off they came to know that a group of at least 8-10 were robbing a bus at

Traffic constable

She is hurt by Pakistan

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The bus was on its way to Rajarbagh carrying the three policemen.

The criminals also exploded 10-12 crude bombs in the area before fleeing the scene, witnesses said.

The deceased was constable Md Ferdous. The injured constables are Faizur Rahman and Bayezid Ahmed, who was driving the requisitioned bus. All of them were between the age of 40 and 45.

Fredous was burnt to death on the spot while Faizur and Bayezid were taken to the Rajarbagh Police Lines Hospital in critical conditions and were later shifted to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Kongkon Mondol, an employee of the Dhaka Tribune, said he had seen the bus was burning under the foot over bridge at the Bangla Motor intersection. Vehicular movement remained suspended in the area until filing of this report.

Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Shahbagh police station, said: “We are trying to identify and arrest the criminals, who set the bus on fire.”

Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said it took two firefighting units to douse the fire.

Since October 27, at least 14 people have been killed in arson attacks while around 132 people have taken treatment from the burn and plastic surgery unit of the DMCH. l

Uncle admits raping  PAGE 1 COLUMN 4

case yesterday accusing Amir of the rape and murder after Amir gave the confessional statement.

On Monday, after Antara was brought the DMCH, neither Fatema nor Mitu nor Amir said they knew anything about how the girl had died. Ali Hossain said he could not tell anything because he had not been living with his daughters. Although none of them mentioned the name of any suspect, police detained Amir. l

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

resolved through diplomatic channels.

Any attempt to do otherwise is an expression of the diplomatic failure of this government,” she said. Reiterating the party’s stance on the trial of war criminals, Khaleda said those who had killed, torched, raped and looted the people of Bangladesh in an organised manner during the Liberation War had to be brought to justice.

“The BNP has all along stated those who committed crimes against humanity have to face the trial and that the trial process must be transparent and meet international standards, that the issue should not be used for narrow political purposes.”

The verdicts of the international crimes tribunals was “cunningly coordinated” and “timed in a pre-planned way to create diversion,” the BNP chief said.l

that Sheikh Helal owns a 10 katha land in Bashundhara Residential Area in Dhaka costing over Tk2.8 and another 10 katha land in Purbachal worth around Tk35 lakh.

Sheikh Helal’s father-in-law has donated a 60 katha land in Bashundhara Residential Area for his wife, says the 2013 affidavit, having no mention about the value of the land.

He had liability of around Tk4.55 crore in two banks. But now he has now liabilities.

330 times higher income for Noor The prime minister’s nephew and whip of Jatiya Sangsad, Noor and his dependents have an annual income hike of 330 times than that of the 2008.

In the 2008 affidavit, he did show the annual income to be Tk4.48 lakh from his business. Now his annual income is over Tk14.79 crore, according to the 2013 affidavit he submitted to the EC. He earns around Tk8.9 crore and his dependents Tk3.87 crore from shrimp business every year. He also gets over Tk1.31 crore from bank interest alone.

According to the previous affidavit, his and his dependents’ bank deposit

the rally at Shapla Chattar demanding implementation of its 13-point demands that include an anti-blasphemy law.

The programme was called at a time when the BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance is enforcing countrywide agitation programmes protesting the January 5 parliamentary elections.

Their other demands include a ban on “free-mixing” of men and women, demolishing sculptures and monuments, release of all arrested leaders and activists and a judicial probe into the law enforcers’ action during its May 5 rally at Motijheel. l

Hanif seeks security  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

criminal activities and Hanif had applied to the EC seeking arrangements for his security during campaign. “He also sought security for his family.”

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, former railways minister Suranjit Sengupta and a number of other candidates have also applied to the commission for security. l

Khaleda: March to Dhaka to not arrest or harass those coming to Dhaka, she said: “Any attempt to deny the people this right will be resisted and we will be forced to announce even stronger action programmes. My appeal to the law enforcement personnel... Do not obstruct this peaceful gathering.”

After the conference, it appears that the BNP-lead opposition combine does not have any other major programme before the Dhaka march.

The former premier unveiled a fourpoint approach to intensify the movement: (1) strengthening coordination among the people participating in the movement; (2) shunning the path of division and unite for the greater national interest and strengthening the politics of resolving all national issues through people’s participation, dialogue and referendum; (3) strengthening the activities of the local resistance committees based at the voting centres and form committees for preserving democracy and sovereignty at the district, upazlia and town levels; and (4) reinforcing actions for maintaining law and order and protect the lives and properties of all citizens by forming neighbourhood watch groups. The BNP chief also said: “There shall be no tolerance for any form of communalism.”

Khaleda said: “This is arrogance, not rational thinking. This is not reality; it is an expression of mal intention.” She was referring to the prime minister’s

claim that there could be no discussion on the 10th parliamentary elections but on the 11th elections.

“I am urging her [Hasina] to leave the path of intransigence. Democratic politics is the art of compromise. One does not become small in seeking a compromise. In 1996, we accepted your demand in the greater national interest.

Now you are in power. Accept the people’s demand and sit for dialogue. Postpone the schedule for this one-sided election. There is no need to not waste public money by holding a candidateless, voterless, meaningless election.

This will not only stigmatise your government, it will destroy democracy.”

Defending the controversial February 15, 1996 elections, Khaleda said as all the opposition MPs had resigned from the parliament, the then government was left with no option but to pass a bill on caretaker government in parliament.

Khaleda also said any attempt by the “subservient” Election Commission to declare the 154 uncontested and the rest, who are not facing any credible competition, as members of parliament will not mean that they would be legitimate people’s representatives. “No servant of the republic is obliged to follow the orders of such an illegitimate government.”

The ex-premier alleged that to form a government with a majority, it would not be necessary to obtain people’s mandate. “This is not an election. It is unabashed selection.”

She alleged that the government’s agents had been carrying out acts of arson and burning of people to stop their movement for justice and fair play.

She also alleged that the joint forces, who were being formed in the name of protecting law and order, were being blatantly abused for lodging attacks on selected targets; now plans were on to involve members of the country’s Armed Forces in these illegal activities.

“I am appealing to all those that are concerned not to involve our Armed Forces in a fraudulent election and make them controversial,” she said.

The Election Commission has already announced that armed forces personnel would be deployed on December 26 for two weeks to maintain law and order during polls.

She held the government and the Election Commission “fully responsible” for the act of extreme atrocities, and drew the attention of human rights activists and groups at home and abroad to these “deplorable” acts of state-sponsored terror and violation of human rights.

The former premier appealed to all the political parties to join in the movement.

Slamming the prime minister for her remarks, Khaleda asked leaders and activists to build resistance to protect the lives and properties of all members of every community, especially the minorities. l

was over Tk1.65 lakh. Five years later, now his bank deposit stands at over Tk53.97 crore while his wife maintains a deposit of over Tk35.92 crore.

He has invested Tk20 crore in the newly-launched Modhumoti Bank, in which his another cousin Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has major shares.

Noor has shares of companies worth Tk12.5 lakh and his wife over Tk81.82 lakh. She has bank investment as fixed deposit receipt of over Tk2 crore.

The monetary value of the shrimp farm and the stocks stands at around Tk8 crore. His wife has over Tk5.20 crore as investment in the shrimp business and the capital market.

Noor had been detained by the military-backed interim government in 2007-08 on corruption charges.

Taposh’s deposit sees 600% hike Fazle Noor Taposh in his 2008 affidavit had mentioned about house rent, interest from bank deposit and saving certificates, and legal practice as the sources of income. His annual income was around Tk24 lakh – over Tk14.13 lakh from rent, Tk4.25 lakh from his profession and over Tk3.5 lakh as interest. His wife had an income of Tk2 lakh

from business.

Five years later, the annual income shot up from Tk24 lakh to over Tk2.33 crore including Tk1.14 crore from profession. Soon after the Awami League formed government in January 2009, many big corporate houses turned to him to resolve legal disputes with different government agencies.

In 2013, he earns over Tk78.53 lakh while his wife Tk3 lakh from the interest against bank deposit, savings and earnings from shares. In 2008, Taposh and his dependents had around Tk96 lakh as cash.

Now, the family has over 600% more in bank deposit, Tk6.27 crore, than what he had five years back.

His family members’ investment in the bond, LC and capital market rose by 1,073 times to around Tk35.42 crore from Tk3.30 lakh mentioned in the 2008 affidavit.

The couple has Tk3.66 crore as investment in the postal and other saving schemes – 10 times than the previous amount of Tk33.77 lakh.

Taposh and his wife own two agricultural farms costing over Tk12.9 crore and over Tk1.02 core. He also owns a new

apartment costing over Tk1.04 crore.

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Hasina’s relatives pile up assets in 5 years  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

The programme was called at a time when the BNP-led 18-party opposition alliance is enforcing countrywide agitation programmes

Sheikh Selim had no income

According to the latest affidavit, the prime minister’s cousin and Awami League Presidium member’s assets did not go up like the three others.

Referring to shipping business as his profession, Sheikh Selim before the 2008 elections said he had been meeting the annual expenditure from his previous income as he had no income that year.

But after five years, his statement says the income rose to over Tk26 lakh per annum, mainly from the allowance as a lawmaker of the ninth parliament.

A parliament member gets over Tk1 lakh as allowance every month.

In 2008, Sheikh Selim and his wife had bank deposits of Tk3.34 lakh which has risen to around Tk1.37 crore – more than 40 times higher.

The leader, who had been the minister during the Awami League’s 19962001 government, and his dependents have now shares of both listed and unlisted companies worth over Tk1.39 crore. Previously his dependents had 110 shares of Air Reliance that cost Tk1.1 lakh.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

One killed on the last day of blockade n Abu Bakar Siddique At least one person was killed in Satkhira yesterday, as the final day of the countrywide 83-hour long blockade by the BNP-led 18 party alliance ended amid stray incidents of violence, clash, arson and vandalism in a number of districts.

Meanwhile, truck driver Nazrul Islam, who suffered 20% burn in an arson attack in Gazipur on Monday, died at the DMCH burn unit last night.

Local police in Satkhira said pro-blockade activist Hafizul Islam was killed yesterday morning during a clash between joint forces and BNP-Jamaat activists.

Police sources said the members of joint forces were attacked by demonstrators near Jhaodanga-Gobindokathi of the district, where the pickets had blocked the road by felling trees.

Law enforcers opened fire in defense, killing Hafizul on the spot, informed Kazi Moniruzzaman, assistant police superintendent of Satkhira circle.

However, Rafiqul Islam, union parishad chairman of Jhaodanga union, said Hafizul was a van driver who was killed while sitting on his van during the clash.

But he could not confirm whether Hafizul was a Jamaat activist or not.

Joint forces also arrested seven Jamaat activists from different parts of Satkhira.

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, the district administration office came under a crude bomb attack yesterday, which left a court employee injured. Witnesses said two bombs exploded in front of two court room doors of an executive magistrate while another was exploded in the corridor of the administration office building.

The magistrate was not present in the courtroom during the attack but employees and others were present.

Maheen, 5, and his mother cry at the RMCH after doctors conduct a surgery on his eyes on Tuesday. His left hand was blown away in a crude bomb explosion on December 21. Doctors say his eyes are also at risk of permanent damage DHAKA TRIBUNE Court employee Abul Kashem was injured and later taken to the nearby National Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Advocate Rezaur Rahman, a witness, said: “the doors of the courtrooms were burnt and window glasses shattered because of the bomb explosion.”

In this connection, Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate Court’s Officer-inCharge Prosecution Md Asaduzzaman

told the Dhaka Tribune that police were trying to identify the perpetrators.

With the exception of this incident of violence, the Dhaka streets regained their traffic volume as the day increased. Traffic congestions were seen in the intersections of Mirpur-10, Mohakhali and Sonargaon.

Train and launch services on all routes remained normal but only a small number of long-distance buses,

Muhith: Wealth-income increase of MPs, ministers usual n Asif Shawkat Kallol Finance Minister AMA Muhith has termed the increase in the wealth and incomes of lawmakers and ministers in the past five years a “usual” fact considering the country’s trade and business boom.

Muhith also said the wealth and income statements and affidavits of the public representatives should be made public.

“If you look back at the history of previous governments you will see increase in the wealth and income of those in power has been normal,” he told reporters after submitting his income tax return yesterday.

On making public the wealth and income statements of ministers and MPS, he said: “These should be like open-

book accounts.”

Following publication of the affidavits submitted by party’s candidates vying for parliament membership in the media, a team of the ruling Awami League went to the Election Commission two days ago and requested it to see if it was really necessary to publish those.

Meanwhile, the official website of the EC has been acting up since yesterday. The links to the affidavits of the Awami League candidates are taking too much time to load. Links to the documents of candidates from other parties are, however, working fine.

On the investigation into such increase by the Anti-Corruption Commission, he said the ACC was an independent organisation and could investigate the matters on its own, but it would have to take the government’s per-

mission for submitting charge sheets against government officials and highups.

“But I have already placed my objection [to the provision of taking permission] to the commission in writing,” the finance minister said, adding that the National Board of Revenue was also responsible for the matter and would investigate it.

According to Muhith’s income tax return, which he submitted online, his taxable income stands at Tk11.50 lakh and he got rebate on an income of more than Tk14 lakh.

Muhith paid the NBR Tk85,536 in taxes for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

He said his total asset had been worth Tk1.14 crore when the Awami League assumed power and it had increased 7.94%, now standing at Tk1.57 crore. l

Army personnel patrolling the city streets as part of their winter exercise. The photo was taken from Gabtoli area yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

UGC accuses scores of public university teachers of ‘negligence in duty’ n Mushfique Wadud The University Grants Commission (UGC) in its 39th annual report published last week, revealed that a significant number of public university teachers were not taking classes regularly and remained absent from scheduled classes, Accusing these teachers of “negligence in duty,” the report claimed that they often cancelled classes without notifying the students. Many teachers, in the meantime, would delay checking examination scripts, ultimately deferring publications of results, the UGC report read.

It also pointed out that in many public universities, class rooms and teachers’ rooms would remain under the lock as early as afternoon, giving a negative impression about academics among general people.

According to the UGC, in 2012, there were around 10,568 teachers in the

public universities in Bangladesh, of who, only 8,391 were on duty, leaving out as much as 21% of the total.

In 2012, almost 1,499 teachers were on education leave, 174 were on deputation, 106 were on leave without pay, 25 were on unapproved leave and 373 were working in contractual jobs.

The UGC pointed out that most of the students who go to foreign universities for post-graduation studies do not return to Bangladesh,which deprives the country of talented students.

As a possible solution to the brain drain, it recommended increasing research facilities and scholarships for students. The report recommended revising the University Act 1973, and observed that the reforms be carried out in line with the university’s autonomy while making the activities of students, teachers and employees more accountable and transparent.

Meanwhile, the UGC raised its eye-

brows over the qualification of graduates of some private universities and those of National University, saying though 48% of the total number graduates each year were from National University affiliated colleges, their qualifications were not up to its expectations.

The annual report observed that the admission process in private universities should be more accountable, transparent and talent based.

The UGC in its report also expressed concerns over the teachers’ agitations in some public universities and said teachers should be more responsible to avoid such activities.

UGC Member and Chief Editor of the report, M Muhibur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune:“Alongside taking classes, public university teachers have other tasks including research, administrative and students counselling. There should some rules, as how many hours they would remain on the campus.” l

3

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

especially the BRTCs, left the capital.

Meanwhile, in Faujdarhat area of Chittagong’s Sitakunda upazila, seven cattle were burnt alive when pickets hurled petrol bombs at a truck laden with 26 cows.

Iftekhar Uddin, officer-in-charge of Sitakunda police station, said pickets hurled petrol bombs at the truck around 5:20am, causing the driver to lose control and crash into five nearby shops – which

were also burned down in the blaze.

Besides, Sitakunda police nabbed four persons from different areas of the upazila for their alleged connection with the sabotage on Dhaka-Chittagong highway in recent times, said the OC. Meanwhile, a pedestrian was injured when pickets hurled several crude bombs at police in the city’s Muradpur intersection, said Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf, assistant commissioner of Panchlaish circle in Chittagong Metropolitan Police. Later, police and blockade supporters locked into a clash near Bibirhat area, where police nabbed a Shibir man with six crude bombs, he said.

In Comilla, 10 people including four police personnel were injured during a clash between police and opposition activists at Langolkot area.

In Chandpur, seven blockade activists were detained while trying to block the railway and the Comilla-Chandpur highway.

At Roumari of Kurigram district, 15 people were injured in a clash between BNP and Awami League activists. The BNP activists vandalized a truck and five motor-bikes and attacked a procession by Awami League MP Jakir Hossain. The police detained Abdur Razzaq, organizing secretary of Rowmari upazila BNP, in connection with the attack.

In Natore, joint forces arrested seven pickets at Ahammadpur Bazar. Out of them, five were awarded one month’s jail by a mobile court.

In Sirajganj, the joint forces of RAB, BGB and police in two separate drives arrested at least 42 activists of Jamaat.

At Sailkupa of Jhenaidah district, the election office of Awami League candidate Abdul Hyee was vandalized and the furniture set on fire by unknown miscreants on Monday night. l

‘Nobody can foil the Jan 5 polls’ n Emran Hossain Shaikh

Nobody would be able to foil the January 5 polls and Sheikh Hasina would become the country’s prime minister for the third term, said leaders of the Awami League-led 14 party alliance yesterday.

At a rally in front of the Awami League headquarters yesterday, the leaders also urged the opposition to stop killing and burning people and warned that otherwise the government would take the necessary measures.

The rally was organised to protest the violent activities of the BNP-led opposition alliance and the censure motion passed in Pakistan parliament regarding the execution of war criminal Quader Molla.

’

If you [Khaleda Zia] miss the train of Bangladesh, you must be sent to Afghanistan or Pakistan

’

Awami League Advisory Council member Amir Hossain Amu said the opposition movement was against the constitution and the country’s sovereignty.

“If Khaleda Zia continues her movement to save the war criminals, she may be convicted as an associate to them,” he said.

Hasanul Haque Inu, president of ruling government ally Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, said: “If you [Khaleda Zia] miss the train of Bangladesh, you must be sent to Afghanistan or Pakistan.”

Pointing at the countries and foreign organisations, who confirmed not sending observers to the polls, Rashed Khan Menon, president of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, said: “We do not need any observer. The people of Bangladesh are enough. They will observe the polls.” l

Mahfuz appears as ‘Khokon killed my mother’ tribunal threatens day in 1971 he, his children and mother Chhoto Khatun had gone to the canal with arrest warrant n Udisa Islam The 19th prosecution witness in the which was on the west side of their case against absconding war crimes house. But she failed to cross the canal. n Udisa Islam accused Zahid Hossain Khokon alias They had plans to go to the adjacent After remaining absent during several hearings on a contempt notice, journalist Mahfuz Ullah at last appeared before the war crimes tribunal yesterday.

Also secretary general of the Centre for Sustainable Development, he is among eight people who were served the notice on September 26.

Mahfuz, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury, five top officials of Channel 24, and its Muktobaak talk-show host Mahmudur Rahman Manna were issued the notice as the former two made remarks on the war crimes case against Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury on September 18.

Though Zafarullah appeared at the International Crimes Tribunal 1 on every due date, Mahfuz did not.

Through counsel, he had always sought time to place his explanation for commenting on the then subjudice case.

Zafrullah along with his family members was at the tribunal since yesterday morning. But when the tribunal enquired about Mahfuz, his counsel Tarikul Islam Tarique submitted an adjournment plea for two weeks saying that his client could not appear before the tribunal for personal difficulties.

Then the tribunal ordered the lawyer to place Mahfuz before 2pm and said it would issue a warrant if he did not appear at the court.

Mahfuz came to the tribunal at 1:35pm. Later it asked his counsel about the ground of the adjournment petition. Rumeena Farhana, another counsel for Mahfuz, said senior counsel Zainal Abedin would conduct the hearing. So they needed two weeks.

The tribunal said Mahfuz’s conduct was not appropriate. At the same time, it accepted the adjournment plea and set January 28 for further hearing.

Moreover, the tribunal rejected a plea of Mahfuz seeking exemption from personal appearance. It said the court would consider such an application in future after observing Mahfuz’s conduct.

Meanwhile, the same tribunal yesterday fixed January 23 for Khandker Mahbub Hossain, vice-chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council, to explain why a contempt of court notice should not be issued against him for the comments he had made after the verdict in Salauddin Quader case.

The three-member tribunal 1, headed by Justice ATM Fazle Kabir, fixed the date as Mahbub’s lawyers pleaded for a four week adjournment.

Earlier, the tribunal observed that the allegations brought against the lawyer – also an adviser to the BNP chairperson – were logical as his statement had been “threat to the judiciary.”

The tribunal, however, exempted him from appearing before the court personally since he was a senior Supreme Court lawyer. l

Khokon Razakar yesterday said the accused had killed his mother Chhoto Khatun during the 1971 Liberation War. Abdul Gafur Molla, 82, of village Purapara of Nagarkanda in Faridpur, told the International Crimes Tribunal 1 that Khokon Razakar along with his accomplices and the Pakistani occupation forces had attacked their village on Jaisthya 16 (the second month of Bangla calendar) in 1971.

He had to bury the body without maintaining any ritual, the old man said in tears.

On completion of his cross-examination, the 20th witness, a woman, testified in camera. Before her deposition, the prosecution pleaded that the witness wanted to testify in camera for security reasons as many of the war crimes witnesses had been facing hassle after giving depositions.

The tribunal accepted the appeal and ordered everyone, except for counsels of both sides, to leave the courtroom. After recording her testimony, the tribunal adjourned the proceeding until January 14.

In his deposition, Gafur said on that

village to hide from the persecution of the collaborators and the army.

The witness said he had later heard from Guru Das of his village that Khokon shot his mother dead.

On Monday, the prosecution’s 17th and 18th witnesses also told about the same incident where they mention the name of Chhoto Khatun.

During the cross-examination, Gafur said he had filed a complaint with the local police station after the war, but there had been no further development.

As the defence counsel suggested that he had testified to get some advantage from others, Gafur boldly denied the allegation and said: “We never do this type of work. We never did.”

Meanwhile, in the case against war crimes suspect AKM Yusuf, the defence cross examined two more prosecution witnesses which were earlier closed by the tribunal because of the conducting counsel’s repeated absence.

Yesterday the defence questioned 13th and 14th witnesses Shudhangsu Mandal and Babul Kumar Mistri who gave depositions on December 1 and 2. l

Ambassadors raise security issues n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Ambassadors of several countries yesterday raised security concerns with the foreign minister, in the backdrop of demonstrations in and around the diplomatic enclave located in Gulshan and Baridhara areas of the capital.

The issue was raised as ForeignMinister, AH Mahmood Ali, briefed ambassadors from the US, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Russia, China, Japan, UN Resident Coordinator and OIC member countries yesterday on the current political situation of the country and security situations for the embassies.

Earlieron Monday, he had briefed Saarcand ASEAN envoys who had raised similar questions regarding their missions, staffsand nationals.

“The minister admitted that there

was some demonstration, but now security has been beefed up in the diplomatic zone,” said an official at the ministry.

Norway and Brazil, which maintain small operations in Bangladesh, asked for more protection for them.

“They argued that they do not have big operations and do not have vast security. They can only control passers-by and they feel insecure,” he said.

One of the diplomat, meanwhile, asked about the 11th parliamentary, which the prime minister talked about recently.

“The prime minister recently said there could be 11th parliamentary election if there was a consensus with BNP.A diplomat wanted to know what she had actually meant,” the official said. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

EC seeks withdrawal of Brahmanbaria DC

Embargo on plastic sought at HC n Nazmus Sakib

n Mohammad Zakaria

Two Supreme Court lawyers introduced a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court yesterday asking a ban on usage of plastic in marketing and packaging of food items and beverages.

Plastic contained chemicals highly detrimental to human health, the plea highlighted.

The lawyers, Sharif U Ahmed and Mirza Al Mahmud, filed the writ on behalf of Supreme Court lawyer JR Khan Robin.

Robin told the Dhaka Tribune that the court would roll on the litigation after January 1.

The secretaries of health, law, the food ministry, director general of health department and director general of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution were respondents of the PIL. l

The Election Commission yesterday asked the public administration ministry to withdraw the Brahmanbaria deputy commissioner, who is also the district’s returning officer, as he created anomalies in preparing the final list of candidates for Brahmanbaria 3 constituency.

Brahmanbaria Returning Officer Noor Mohammad Majumder dropped the name of Jatiya Party candidate Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan from the list although his candidature was neither cancelled by the EC, nor did he withdraw his nomination for the upcoming national polls.

An EC official said the DC had also included the name of Awami Leaguenominated candidate RAM Obaidul Moktadir Chowdhury in the list of final candidates even after Obaidul had withdrawn his nomination.

The EC decision came following JaPa candidate Rezaul’s petition demanding that the EC declare him the valid candidate in the constituency and allocate an electoral symbol to him. l

2 youths killed n Tribune Report

Two people were killed in Rajbari and Chandpur yesterday. Of the deceased, one was abducted and later found dead, report our correspondents.

Police recovered the body of fish trader Md Abul Kalam Azad, 40, of village Moishala Mottidangi in Pangsha upazila, Rajbari early yesterday. Some labourers and fishermen found his body while catching fish.

He was abducted on December 20.

Victim’s son Abu Nasher filed a case against five suspected miscreants with Pangsha police station the same day.

In Chandpur, Munaf Kha, 42, was killed allegedly by his cousin over smoking cigarette in Sachkirapara village of Hajiganj upazila.

Police and witnesses said while smoking at a tea stall, Munaf’s younger cousin Mizanur Rahman asked him to quit smoking. At one stage, they enaged in an altercation, and Mizan started punching his cousin and threw him to a canal. Locals rescued Munaf but he died on the way to hospital.

Police said Munaf had cardiac complications. l

Ikram sworn in as PSC chairman n Nazmus Sakib Ikram Ahmed, the newly made Public Service Commission chairman, took his oath yesterday.

Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain administered the oath at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Registrar AKM Shamsul Islam and officials of the PSC were present at the programme.

Ikram earlier served as a member of Bangladesh Public Service Commission.

PSC Secretary Chowdhury Babul Hasan said as the tenure of AT Ahmedul Huq Choudhury as chairman had expired on December 19, Ikram was appointed as the new chairman. l

WEATHER

Weather likely to remain unchanged n UNB Weather is likely to remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country until 6pm today.

Light to moderate fog might occur at places over the country during midnight till morning, Met Office said.

Night temperature may fall by (1-2) degree Celsius and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:19pm today and rises at 6:39am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 28.2 degree Celsius was recorded at Patuakhali and Bhola and lowest 11.4 degrees at Dinajpur yesterday.

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

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

26.4 25.6 26.7 24.2 28.0 28.0 24.5 28.0

17.0 16.0 13.0 13.1 18.0 17.2 14.1 17.1

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

5:17am 6:37am 11:58am 3:42pm 5:18pm 6:39pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

Environmental activists under the banner of Poribesh Bikkhon form a human chain at Shahbagh yesterday to protest against the destruction of roadside trees by pickets during the opposition’s recent blockades DHAKA TRIBUNE

BPC seeks support to transport fuel n Aminur Rahman Rasel Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has sought support from law enforcement and district administrations for fuel transportation, especially diesel, during the Boro season because of continuous nationwide blockades.

“We have sent letters to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure police escort and the help of deputy commissioners for fuel carrying vehicles because of the violence and risk on highways during blockades,” BPC Chairman Md Eunusur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Boro season started in December and will continue till May. “A total of 8% fuel oil is supplied

through rail wagons for transportation.

So we have wanted especially measure in this regard,” he said.

‘Transportation of fuel oil through trucks and tankers has been suspended for the past few days because of the blockades’ “Around 90% petroleum fuel is usually transported across the country through waterways. Only 2% goes through road ways,” the BPC chairman said.

The BPC, the country’s lone oil importer and distributor, used to sell oil to refuelling stations through its subsidiaries, Padma, Megna and Jamuna Oil companies.

“A bumper production will not be possible if we cannot ensure the supply of diesel and timely irrigation. We have plenty of fuel in stock. Our chief concern is uninterrupted supply for farmers,” he said.

Eunus said on days without any political programmes, the BPC had been supplying up to three times the usual amount from the depots.

“Transportation of fuel oil through trucks and tankers has been suspended for the past few days because of the blockades,” he said.

According to the BPC, 44% of petroleum products are consumed in the communication sector, 22.47% in power generation, 20.95% in agriculture, 4.43% by industries and 8.15% in

households and others.

“We have started planting Boro but there is a shortage of diesel for the pump.

If this situation continues, it will be a tough time ahead,” Abu Taher, a farmer of Sirajganj, told the Dhaka Tribune.

The BPC is working to stock 90,000 tonnes of diesel between December 2013 and May 2014 and another 60,000 tonnes for buffer stock in the Eastern Refinery Limited during irrigation season.

The BPC also plans to continue to stock one lakh tonnes of diesel at the main instalments in the fuel distribution companies and ERL during the Boro season.

The demand for diesel in the agriculture sector was about 4 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year. l

EC appoints 3 lakh election officials n Mohammad Zakaria

The Election Commission has appointed around three lakh election officials to conduct the 10th parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on January 5.

These election officials include presiding, assistant presiding and polling officers.

The commission is set to spend over Tk61.5 crore for appointing the election officials to hold the elections and the training of these officials had been started since Tuesday, a senior EC official told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Elections to only 146 constituencies would be held as 154 lone candidates were set to be elected uncontested.

Around 4.37 crore voters are expected to cast their votes in this elections, Election Commission statistics shows.

According to the EC, a total of 18,123 polling centres would have 90,724 polling booths for holding the polls. l

HRW: Protect war crimes witnesses Writ questions legality n Tribune Report

Human Rights Watch said the Bangladeshi authorities should urgently set up an effective mechanism to protect witnesses in cases before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

“War crimes trials have become flashpoints for political tension and violence in Bangladesh,” said Brad Adams, Asia director, yesterday.

“The killing of a prosecution witness will frighten past and future war crimes trial witnesses, and some may choose not to testify,” Adams added in the statement.

The statement was issued following the attack incidents on ICT witnesses.

He died on December 10, 2013, after being attacked in his home. Howlader appeared in the case against Delwar Hossain Sayedee, a leading figure in the Jamaat-e-Islaami party.

Howlader’s family members reported to Human Rights Watch that the

attacker had first attempted to “chop” Howlader’s wife, seriously injuring her in the arm, before proceeding to attack Howlader with a machete.

But an initial police statement claimed that it was a botched burglary.

Police subsequently said preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers were Jamaat members. Six people have been arrested in this regard.

However, Jamaat has denied any involvement in the attack.

“Witnesses, who often live in remote villages, are owed a serious protection program before, during, and after they give testimony to the court,” Adams said in the statement adding: “The state has failed Howlader and his family. A genuine witness protection system should not ask victims to choose between their safety and feeding their families.”

Ranjit Kumar Nath, who testified against Jamaat Secretary General Ali Mohammed Mujaheed, reported that petrol

bombs had been flung at his shop and at his home around midnight on December 15. His shop was partially burnt, but the bomb at his home did not explode. Nath had reported threats against him. Although he had filed an official complaint, he was not given any protection.

The HRW has received reports of threats against other witnesses. Bangladesh media have reported attacks on the houses of Justice Fazle Kabir and Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, who were on the panel of judges that sentenced Jamaat leader Abdul Qader Molla to death.

On December 10, ICT judge Kabir, commenting specifically on Howlader’s death, called on the prosecution to ensure witness security, saying that, “It is not acceptable in an independent country that a witness is killed for testifying in the court.”

Human Rights Watch and others urged for the establishment of a formal witness protection program before the trials began in 2010. l

of Shirin’s speaker post n Nazmus Sakib A Supreme Court lawyer has challenged the post of Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury by registering a writ petition with the High Court yesterday.

Eunus Ali Akond filed the plea, arguing that a lawmaker who was not directly elected by the vote of the people should not be made the speaker as per the spirit of the constitution.

He quoted the Article 74 of the constitution as saying: “Parliament shall at the first sitting after any general election elect from among its members a Speaker,” adding that whenever the post becomes vacant that has to be filled by a directly elected lawmaker.

He also said Shirin was selected a lawmaker for the reserved seats by the ruling party and she was not eligible for the post of speaker.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin, parliament secretary, cabinet secretary and law secretary were made respondents to the petition.

The plea sought a rule why the gazette notification issued on April 30 stating Shirin, a lawmaker from the women’s reserved seats, as speaker should not be held unconstitutional.

Pending disposal of the rule and stay over the execution of the notification were also sought in the petition.

When asked, Eunus told the Dhaka Tribune that though it was late by eight months he filed the plea to uphold the constitution, adding that he would try to move the petition with a vacation High Court bench, if not possible, after vacation.

The Supreme Court went on vacation from December 13 and will resume on January 2. l

Khoka, Hannan on two-day remand n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

Sultana Kamal speaks at a program organised by Rukhe Darao Bangladesh at the Liberation War Museum yesterday

DHAKA TRIBUNE

‘Take strict measures against criminals in Satkhira’ n Tribune Report

Prominent rights activists, journalists and academics yesterday called upon the government to take strict measures against perpetrators of the ongoing atrocities in Satkhira.

Speaking at a views exchange programme in the city, they also demanded that Jamaat-e-Islami be banned and observed that Jamaat believed in violence, was anti-liberation and still did

not believe in this country’s existence.

Bangladesh Rukhe Darao, a platform of pro-liberation and progressive forces, organised the programme after visiting the affected areas of Satkhira.

Rights activist Sultana Kamal said, “Jamaat is doing the same sort of atrocities they did back in 1971. They had attacked pro-liberation and pro-Awami League people in 1971, and now they are attacking the root level activists of Awami League and the Hindu people.”

“Out of our obligation, we need to demand that the government ban such a violent party from our political arena,” Kamal said, stressing that the victims were also in need of legal remedies.

Journalist Abed Khan said while visiting the area they had come to know that attacks on the minorities had been going on since the last week of February.

He also observed that the level of

atrocities were much higher than what the media had portrayed.

“Although root level members of Awami League are suffering, the central leadership so far has not provided them any sort of help. The government needs to take strict measures immediately,” Abed Khan said.

Sadeka Halim, Sanjida Akhter and trustee of Liberation War Museum Sarwar Ali was present at the programme. l

A Dhaka court yesterday placed detained BNP Vice-Chairman Sadeque Hossain Khoka and Standing Committee member ASM Hannan Shah on two days’ remand each in a murder case filed in connection with the May 5 Hefazat mayhem.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order, rejecting their bail pleas.

Police produced the two senior BNP leaders before the court in a case filed with Motijheel police station for the death of Sub-Inspector Shahjahan during the Hefazat-e-Islam’s May 5 rally in the capital.

Police sought seven days’ remand for Hannan and Khoka in the case.

They also sought 20 days’ remand for Hannan Shah in two more cases filed with the same police station.

After hearing, the court granted two days’ remand for Khoka and Hannan in the murder case. The court rejected the other remand plea for Hannan and ordered the authorities concerned to interrogate him at jail gate within 10 days.

Hannan claimed that the video footage based on which police arrested him was fabricated. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Capital gets old look back with crowded buses, roads, malls Those who had been stuck in the capital for days thronged at the bus terminals, launch terminals and rail stations to go back home they suffered as the trains were late phone,” annoyed Isanul said. masters’ student of Titumir College. n Ashif Islam Shaon The Railway authorities said trains Six of them were waiting at the and in some aspects, it was uncertain The city has got her old look back with a large number of vehicles on roads, bustling offices and crowds in shopping malls, but most dwellers seemed to be in panic fearing troubled days ahead.

After the fifth countrywide rail, roads and waterways blockade, which ended at 5pm after 83 hours yesterday gave people a chance to pass a normal day.

Those who had been stuck in the capital for days thronged at the bus terminals, launch terminals and rail stations to go back home. Many went out home for shopping and to finish piled up unfinished work.

“Our test exams started in the last half of November. To finish the four papers we had to wait more than a month as the college authority kept deferring the dates,” said Khademul Bashar, a

Gabtoli bus terminal to go to Khulna, their village home.

“We have calculated that we will probably get at least three days to make a trip back home. I think there will be no blockade on Christmas and the opposition will spare Thursday as the next day is the weekend,” Bashar explained.

“God will save us if anything happens on the highway,” he said.

Like him hundreds of passengers thronged at the inter-district bus terminal. Many of them said they were fed up with the political confrontation that has already claimed more than 120 lives. After the blockade, buses started plying from the evening to the districts.

A home going crowd was also seen at the Komalapur railway station and

whether they would arrive at all. The trains reached as much as one and a half hour to eight hours late, much to the suffering of the passengers.

Dr Azharul Islam, a passenger who was waiting for Rangpur Express, said his train was supposed to start around 12noon but at 4pm it still had not reached the station from Rangpur.

“I do not take food outdoors due to my illness. Since morning I have only been drinking water,” he said.

A second year student of Dhaka Commerce College, Isanul Hasan, said Khulna-bound Provati Express was supposed to leave at 5:30am but it had not reached the station yet.

“I was supposed to be at home within 1pm. My parents are anxious and keep calling. So, I have switched off my

5

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

failed to maintain schedule due to the fear of sabotage.

“We have set the maximum speed for all trains to 40 kilometres per hour which was maximum 72 kilometres. So every train misses the schedule,” said Khairul Bashir, the station manager of Kamalapur railway station.

He said trains were also halting at junctions for the escort trains which inspected the rail lines first. The process needed extra time.

“We are trying to keep the schedule.

But if the sabotages do not stop it will be hard,” he said.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd was also seen at the Sadarghat launch terminal since morning. BIWTA officials said 32 launches had left the ghat to the northern destinations till 2pm. l

Limon yet to be spared from ‘false’ charges n Our Correspondent, Barisal The charges against maimed Limon Hossain in a case filed for obstructing government duty, attempted murder and injuring Rab personnel, is yet to be withdrawn, five months after the government’s withdrawal announcement, as the court concerned has no judge to hold a hearing.

Yesterday, the hearing was deferred, for the fifth time, until February 5 as the chief judicial magistrate of Jhalakathi was transferred in August.

The acting judge, who is also a senior judicial magistrate, has no jurisdiction to hear such appeal, said additional public prosecutor M Alam Khan Kalam and defence lawyer Akkas Shikder.

Charges against Limon in the other case, lodged for possessing arms, was withdrawn on July 30. The home ministry on July 9 ordered withdrawal of charges only against Limon in both the cases. Other accused in the cases are members of local “Mizan-Morshed gang.”

Limon, who used to work at a brick kiln to bear his educational expenses, was shot by Rab at a place adjacent to

his house at Jamaddarhat in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi on March 23, 2011.

Later his left leg had to be amputated from the thigh as the tissues were totally damaged due to excessive bleeding caused by delay in treatment after the shooting.

The elite force, who conducted the raid to arrest the gang members, filed two cases the same day with Rajapur police station against the teenager and seven others.

On the other hand, Limon’s mother Henoara Begum filed a case against six Rab personnel for attempted murder, causing severe injuries and maiming her son. But the police later in the final report, filed secretly, claimed that they had found no evidence and witnesses against the Rab. Henoara then filed a “no confidence” petition which was rejected by the Jhalakathi senior judicial magistrate on February 13. She later filed a review petition with the Jhalakathi District and Sessions Judge’s Court against the order.

On November 27, hearing of the petition was deferred, for the fifth time, until January 15. l

Fear of session jam grips CU students n FM Mizanur Rahaman Students of Chittagong University are fearing that they would have to suffer a lot for on session jam in near future as they can neither take part in classes nor take examination for the ongoing political unrest sponsored by the BNPled 18-party alliance.

Campus sources said academic activities of the university virtually came to halt because of the opposition sponsored continuous blockade and hartal programmes.

According to university authorities, they could not conduct academic activities since November 22 till yesterday as the country is going through a political turmoil.

Yearly examinations of different departments were postponed for sine die. However, a few number of departments are holding their examinations in weekend day, campus sources said.

Professor Khan Tawhid Osman, acting proctor of CU, told Dhaka Tribune that the political unrest were looming session jam for at least six months at the university.

Besides, the university was closed for 70 days for Eid and other scheduled vacations this year.

Moreover, several departments have stopped continuing examinations considering security of students.

Shahadar Hossain, a second year student of Communication and Journalism Department said: “Our examination was scheduled to start from December 17, but now it was postponed.”

Despite a ban on political programme two student groups often carry out political programmes on the campus on different occasion, making students panicked.

In this circumstances, activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League and Shibir men demonstrate showdown on the campus, triggering chase, counter chase and also gun battles.

Students of the university said they could not dare to come to the campus fearing untoward incident as there were not sufficient law makers on the campus.

Some students expressed dissatisfaction saying that although government had deployed a number of law enforcers, including personnel of Border Guard Bangladesh, Rab and police, few numbers of law enforcers had been deployed on the campus.

In fear of more political violence, many students have already left the campus with bag and baggage.

Tania Aktar, a third year student of Bangla Department and also a resident student of Pritilata Hall, said “Our classes were suspended for political turmoil, I have taken decision go to my home to keep myself secured.” l

A nun prepares for the Christmas celebration. The photo was taken from Kakrail Church yesterday

Christmas today

Barisal University intake test today n Our Correspondent, Barisal The 2013-14 entrance examination of Barisal University, the only general public university in the division, will be held today.

A total of 29,690 students registered for this year’s test in the university – the third since its establishment – averaging about 25 contenders for each of the seats available.

There are a total of 1,160 seats this year, divided among 16 departments under six faculties, said Shafiul Alam, chairman of the admission committee.

The one-hour written test will be held in MCQ (multiple choice ques-

tions) system with 120 marks; one must score a minimum of 48 in order to be eligible for admission. There are an additional 80 marks reserved for a candidate’s performance in his or her SSC and HSC examinations.

The selection would be held on the basis of marks obtained from the MCQ test as well as SSC and HSC results.

Arranged in three shifts, the test would be held at a total of eleven different points, including the temporary and permanent campus of BU, seven government educational institutions and two private colleges in the town.

“The detailed seat-plan for the applicants will be available on our web-

site (www.barisaluniv.edu.bd),” Dr Md Muhsin Uddin, acting registrar of BU, said.

Classes would primarily begin at the temporary campus of the university on the Barisal Zilla School premises.

The permanent campus, sprawled on a 50-acre land on the eastern bank of Kirtonkhola, is currently under construction and could be available for academic purpose by next January, officials said.

According to a source, 5,170 students applied for the 370 seats available in the departments under ‘Ka’ unit, including 80 seats in Mathematics, 80 in Chemistry, 50 in Computer Science and Engineering, 80 in Soil and

Environment Science, and 80 in Botany and Crop Science.

In the ‘Kha’ unit, 6,688 students will vie for the 490 seats available, including 70 in the Economics department, 70 in Political Science, 70 in Social Science, 70 in Public Administration, 70 in Bangla, 70 in English and 70 in Law. The ‘Ga’ unit registered the largest number of applicants compared to other units, with 10,675 students against the 300 seats available. The seats are divided among Management Studies (75), Marketing (75), Accounting and Information Systems (75) and Finance and Banking (75) – all under the business faculty. l

11 get life in prison for murder n Tribune Desk

An army pick-up patrols Dhaka-Chittagong highway yesterday. The photo was taken from Nizampur area, Mirsarai upazila, Chittagong DHAKA TRIBUNE

DHAKA TRIBUNE

A tribunal yesterday convicted 11 people and sentenced them to life imprisonment for killing a man in Habiganj district in 2009.

The convicts were identified as Abdul Manaf, Abdul Latif, Abdul Haque, Abdur Rashid, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Kuddus, Abdul Kadir, Abir of Balumara village and Siddik Ali, Ali Hossain and Jakir Hosain of Alinagar village in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj district.

According to the prosecution, Milon Mia, son of Abdur Rahman of Balumara village, was stabbed to death by the convicts following a dispute over the ownership of a piece of land on September 28, 2009. A case had been filed with Chuanarughat police station against 11 people. After examining the records and 20 witnesses, Judge Dilip Kumar Debnath of the tribunal handed down the verdict. l

n UNB The Christian community of the country, as elsewhere across the world, will celebrate Christmas today, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

According to Christian belief, God appeared on earth through his son, Jesus Christ, on this day.

Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, is a celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with God and humans.

The celebrations start on the eve of the day with singing of carols in public places like lobbies, restaurants and lounges.

Marking the carnival, Christians will

offer special prayers at the churches.

The prayer houses and adjoining areas have already been decked out with colourful tiny blinking lights. Illuminated Christmas trees have been placed with a star standing right on top. Santa Claus will hand out Christmas gifts to the children on the occasion.

Special dishes will be prepared in the families of members of the community and the children will seek blessings from the elders. The day is a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia have issued separate message greeting members of the Christian community on the occasion. l

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Rajshahi farmers await for superb yield of mustard n Tribune Report Farmers of Rajshahi region are expecting a good yield of mustard as they have got agri-output and seeds in time and favourable climatic conditions also helped them during cultivation.

According to local sources, the cash crop is now growing well everywhere in the region, including its vast Barind tract.

More farmers are interested to cultivate the crop as they got excellent yield and market price during the last harvesting season when most of the big corporate organisations purchased mustard seed from farmers directly.

According to Department of Agriculture Extension, harvest of the mustard will begin next month. After that, farmers will start cultivation of boro paddy on the same quantity of land.

The DAE has set a target of bringing 177,885 hectares of land in eight districts of the region during the current season but the farmers cultivated the crop on 174,951 hectares of land.

Besides the DAE, various other research and development organisations like BARI, BARC, BADC and many NGOs have taken adequate steps in collaboration with other departments this season to achieve the fixed production targets.

BARI has released 16 high yielding mustard seeds and two of those- BARI

Two ‘robbers’ die in Sirajganj police firing n

Tribune Report

Two alleged robbers were killed and five including a policeman injured as police opened fire while they were conducting robbery in Baniagati area of Kamarkhand upazila early yesterday.

The deceased were identified as Munsur Ali, 28, and Al Mahmud, 26.

Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bangabandhu Bridge west police station, said a group of robbers were committing burglary on the trucks on Dhaka-Dinajpur highway around 1:30am.

The robbers attacked on police when the law enforcers obstructed them.

Then, police opened fire on them.

Of the deceased, police recovered one body from the spot after the incident while another body was recovered by the locals, said the OC. l

Sharisha-15 and Tari-7 have become popular among the growers’ level, particularly in barind tract comprising 25 upazilas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts.

The DAE and NGOs have provided quality seeds, necessary inputs and trainings on the latest technologies to farmers so that they could cultivate the oil seed on their land without any hassle.

The landless and marginal farmers have also brought vast tracts of the sandy char land under mustard cultivation in the Ganges basins and the crops are growing excellent everywhere now in the region.

Deputy Director of DAE, Rajshahi Nurul Amin and Principal Scientific Officer of Regional Wheat Research Centre Dr Israil Hossain said the region had immense prospects to achieve self-reliance in oil seed productions.

In this regard, they underscored the need for using the latest agro-technologies and disseminating proper knowledge to the farmers for increasing mustard seed to achieve self-reliance in edible oil to reduce the dependence on import.

They laid emphasis on the need for increasing mustard, groundnuts, soybean and palm farming to move further forward in achieving the goals using the latest agro-technologies in the country’s food granary of the northern region. l

A man cuts a log to remove it from Chandpur-Matlab-Dhaka Highway in Munsir Haat area yesterday. Activists of the BNP-led 18-party alliance put the log on the road to disrupt communication DHAKA TRIBUNE

Intern doctors of Mymensingh Medical College go on strike n Our Correspondent, Mymensingh The intern doctors of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital went on strike for indefinite period on Monday night, protesting misbehavior of patient’s attendant with two female interne doctors.

Dr Mithun Sutradhar, president of Interns Doctors Association, said an attendant named AKM Emdadul Haque, 75, who admitted a patient to Coronary Care Unit with cardiac problems on Saturday.

He heavily came down on the two onduty intern doctors while they were discharging duties, expressing dissatisfaction over treatment of the patient around 9pm on Monday.

Soon after the incident, a total of 180 intern doctors at the hospital started the strike. The agitated doctors also ransacked the room of the hospital’s director, demanding stern action against the

attendant.

Initially, the intern doctors decided that they would stop providing all kind of services to the patients, including emergency services.

But later, they agreed to continue emergency services after holding a meeting with the hospital authorities and Bangladesh Medical Association Mymensingh (BMA) unit yesterday.

Dr Mithun said they had demanded immediate arrest of the person who misconducted with the doctors. Otherwise, they will continue their strike to press their demand, he added.

Dr Motiur Rahman Bhuiyan, secretary of BMA local unit, said they were trying to solve the problem through discussions with the interns. Brigadier General Md Fasiur Rahman, director of the hospital, said the strike could not hamper treatment at the hospital. l

Vandalised by pickets, a goods-laden truck loses its control and enters a filling station yesterday in Chakrampur area of Natore FOCUS BANGLA

Rail link on Bonarapara-Shantahar route to remain suspended n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Railway services along the BonaraparaShantahar route will remain suspended for the next 24 hours as the rescue operation of a locomotive, which skidded off the track, will be underway till 6am Wednesday.

Gaibandha Station Master Abdul Wahed Mondal confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune about the 24-hour schedule suspension on the route.

On December 4, miscreants pried out the fish plates and clips from the railway line on the route leaving five

people dead and more than 40 others injured.

Although railway communications resumed along the route 32 hours after of the incident, the locomotive remained lying on the nearby ditch for last 20 days.

The authorities concerned launched the operation on Tuesday to rescue the derailed engine with heavy weight relief train causing the suspension of railway communications on the route.

The rescue operation was going on in full swing until the filing of this report at 4:30pm. l

‘Use of children for political gains must be stopped’ n Tribune Desk Enhanced and coordinated efforts of government and non-government organisations and civil society should be engaged in stopping use of the children in the activities of violence for political gains, speakers told a discussion.

They were addressing a dialogue organised by National Children Task Force and Bangladesh Shishu Academy for the child students with guardians, government officials, teachers and persons engaged for bringing up and welfare of the children.

Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Dilwar Bakht addressed the dialogue as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Farid Ahammad in the chair at the latter’s conference room in the city.

Coordinator of NCTF Sadika Nawrine, Civil Surgeon Dr Reajul Islam, District Children Affairs Officer Zahedul Islam and General Secretary of District Shilpakola Academy Tauhidur Rahman Tutul were special guests.

Discussants made the observation while speaking at a dialogue on children’s right in Rangpur city yesterday Sadika Nawrine in her speech said 414 children were killed in 2012 in different violent incidents including, political violence, domestic violence, abduction for ransom, terrorism, enmity, robbery, illicit sexual relations, rape, dowry, eve-teasing and attacks by Border Security Forces of India.

Locals for steps to stop gambling in Gaibandha

KMP launches drive against criminals n Tribune Report

n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha

With 10 days left for upcoming 10th parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on January 5, Khulna Metropolitan Police started a series of combing drives yesterday to arrest the listed criminals in the city.

Meanwhile, Khulna district police started raids on Monday night to arrest identified criminals ahead of the national election.

The KMP authorities have taken the decision on Sunday in a meeting held at the conference room of the KMP headquarters with Commissioner Shafiqur Rahman in the chair.

The drives planned in the wake of alarming growth of criminal activities in the city over the couple of days.

According to the senior detectives and officer-in-charges of five police stations of KMP, more than 800 culprits are out in the field and planned to carry out subversive activities before and after the elections.

Deputy Police Commissioner of KMP Rashida Begum said all officersin-charge of eight police stations had been asked to take necessary steps for special drives. “Armed police will also assist thana police,” she added.

KMP Commissioner Shafiqur Rahman said special drives would start for curbing violence, reports BSS. Assistant police super (B-Circle) of Khulna Abdul Kader Beg said district police had started special drive on Monday at nine upazilas specially Dakop and Batiaghata upazila for curbing criminal activities. National parliamentary elections will be held for 3 constituencies out of 6 as three Awami League candidates in Khulna-4, Khulna-5 and Khulna-6 constituencies have already been elected unopposed.

The remaining Khulna-2 and Khulna-3 constituencies are under the KMP while Khulna-1 constituency is under the district police. l

Locals formed a human chain in Gaibandha yesterday, demanding arrest of the local gamblers to save the young generation and restore peace in the locality.

In protest against the gambling, the locals formed a human chain in Jamalpur area of Gobindaganj upazila at 12noon. Around three hundred people joined the programme and demanded urgent initiative to stop the gambling in the area.

According to sources the gamblers, coming from far flung areas, have been committing the gambling at twelve spots in Jamalpur and its adjoining areas including Sundail, Shalmar field, Nodapur, Kalitala, Mathurapur Bazaar and Jamalpur Bazaar of the upazila.

These illegal activities have been conducted for the lase couple of months being led by Amirul Islam, Abidul Islam, Masud Miah and Thanda Mia. Jahidul Islam, a public representa-

tive, in his speeches, alleged that the gambling was motivated the common people including the school and college going students to the bad practice.

They were being victims and looser through selling their valuables assets including land.

Gamblers, coming from far flung areas, have been committing the gambling at twelve spots of the district Shirin Akter, a local social worker, said none could dare to protest against the gambling as the gamblers were organised and powerful. They warned the locals by prosecuting false cases.

However, the locals urged the authorities concerned to take necessary initiatives to stop the gambling in the areas to restore peace as early as possible.

Officer-in-Charge of Gobindaganj police station SM Moynul Haque said efforts had been taken to nab the gamblers. l

NEWS IN BRIEF Young man chopped to death in Jessore

A young man was chopped to death by miscreants at Machna-Khanpur village in Monirampur upazila of Jessore yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Hafizur Rahman, 28, son of Shahor Ali of the same area. But reason behind the murder could not be unknown immediately. Family members of the deceased said some unknown assailants numbering 7 to 8 chopped Rahman with sharp weapons.

Locals took him to Jessore Medical College Hospital with critical condition where he succumbed to his injuries. A murder case was filed with the police station in this connection. –UNB

Expressing concern over the huge number of deaths from violent activities, the speakers called upon all concerned to ensure safety, security, congenial atmosphere and other rights of children as per children’s policy of the government.

In his speech, the chief guest asked everybody for thinking about every child as their own son or daughter with a view to ultimately saving them from being used by various influential quarters in terrorist and violent activities for their political gains.

He stressed the need for coordinated efforts of all concerned to ensure equal opportunity for every child for education, health and medicare services and other facilities for flourishing their latent talents in becoming worthy citizens to lead the nation in future, he said. l

20 opposition men arrested in Bogra

Law enforcers in separate overnight drives arrested 41 people, including 20 activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, in different areas of six upazilas. Assistant Superintendent of Police (Media) Gaziur Rahman of Bogra said several teams of police and Rapid Action Battalion members jointly conducted separate drives in six upazilas - Sadar, Shahjanpur, Shibganj, Sonatala, Dupchachia and Sherpur,-- of the district from Monday midnight to Tuesday morning and arrested the 41. The 20 opposition activists were held for their alleged involvement in subversive activities in the six upazilas during the ongoing blockade. –BSS

Jamaat leader arrested in Sylhet

Police arrested a local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami from Kamargaon area of Chhatak upazila on Monday in several cases filed for subversive activities during the political agitation programme, including blockade. The arrestee was identified as Maulana Mansur Ahmed, 35, assistant secretary of Chhatak upazila unit Jammat, and a teacher of a local high school. Officerin-charge of Chhatak police station Shahjalal Munshi said a team of police arrested Mansur from the area around 5:30pm.

There were several cases, including those for attack on police and arsons, against the leader, the OC added. –BSS

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Long Form

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

7

Politics is about choosing sides The culture of dismissing valid viewpoints as ‘partisan’ has contributed to an entire generation feeling shy about engaging with the political process

A

n Asif Saleh friend told me the other day that in Bangladesh the worst label for any public figure was “atheist,” and for an intellectual – “partisan.” This reminded me that three years ago I was going to a conference with a current talk show celebrity. He quite proudly said that being anti-establishment sells and as a result, he will remain forever “neutral” and anti-establishment.

This is not the case in most mature democracies. In America alone, one can name a rich tradition of liberals from John Kenneth Galbraith to Samantha Powers, who made their name in academics and then served for Democratic presidents. Columnists on opposite poles – from Krauthammer to Krugman – also wear their political colours on their sleeves without compromising their credibility.

In Bangladesh, one has become trained to reflexively regard non-partisan as a pre-condition for anything that is objective. What’s worse is that positions that may be objectively defensible can also be used to label a person as partisan, if it is seen to benefit or inconvenience one party more than another.

People are more anxious to maintain their putative “neutrality” than to argue for beliefs or ideas. This culture of dismissing valid viewpoints as “partisan” has contributed to an entire generation feeling shy about engaging with the political process.

As Bangladesh erupts into unprecedented violence, ignoring that there are vital differences between the two parties is no longer either innocent or harmless.

Politicians, incredibly enough, too play a role in development The categorical denial of any contributions by politicians or either party serves to de-legitimise the entire political process. The formula goes that they are both corrupt, both incompetent.

The two parties are indeed similar in certain key respects. They are both ruled by two families. The leaders enjoy absolute power within their respective parties – which is not the case in healthy democracies. They both depend on cadres who are notorious for running extortion and tender rackets when their side is in power.

Both have ministers or MPs who have been known – if not always caught or proven – to be corrupt.

All that may be true, but it is during the alternating tenure of these very politicians that Bangladesh has gone on to overtake both India and Pakistan in a dozen critical social and human development markers. Since the advent of democracy in the country, income has nearly quadrupled in PPP terms. Life expectancy has increased by 10 years and infant mortality dropped by 60%. Maternal deaths have dropped to one-fourth the levels.

To achieve all this in an incredibly populous, small and resource constrained country is no mean task.

Macro-economic policies set by them, and sustained even when it came from the other party, has been critical in enabling this development along with the work of the NGOs. Compared to many countries with which Bangladesh once kept company, these leaders did a better job of committing public spending for key areas.

At the grassroots level, if one spent a day with a upazila or union chairman, they would never need to take a conflict resolution training in future. It is easy to dismiss the entire lot as “thugs” but the reality is that they too fulfil a crucial role that us, the elites, will not and more importantly cannot.

If it were not for the daily work of these “conflict negotiators” the country would be a lot less peaceful and development thwarted.

Media everywhere focuses on negatives, political and otherwise.

When a road or bridge or fly-over is completed, it’s headline for a day.

But scandals make the headline for

weeks and months. That is the nature of media everywhere and stokes anti-incumbency in a way that’s built into coverage styles. But there must be a balancing, evidence driven view somewhere that gives citizens reason to stay engaged with politics and policies. And information with which to do so.

The information, the way its presented in major dailies most times, paints a rather grim picture of our public officials and representatives which is somewhat of a partial picture.

So, let’s talk politics.

The two are not the ‘same’ – and differences matter The kind of democratic debate I would like to see renewed and legitimised will have to wait till we can get to an all-party polls again. Meantime, we have a crisis of democracy. Yes, this too is a fault mainly of the two parties – and a serious one at that. But even a durable solution, right now, has to involve the two parties. We need to hold AL responsible for showing sincerity in its offer to compromise and similarly hold BNP responsible for reneging violence and engaging with a process of negotiation.

Currently, the blame is shifting towards AL for not holding an inclusive election. But is the government alone responsible for bringing us to a ludicrous poll like the one about to take place on January 5? Why did BNP refuse to engage in negotiations in an open and sensible manner for so long?

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

era – 1996 and 2006 – both led by AL, when positions were reversed. During those election years, political killing stayed at few dozen. What’s also important is when and how those lives were lost. Most of the deaths occurred during clashes with police or political rivals in pre-designated times and sites of action. Consequently, the dead were mostly political workers of different parties and police. Any civilians happened to be tragic by-standers – wrong place, wrong time.

No one wants even the kind of violence we have seen during past elec-

Real political discourse is about apportioning of duties and blames in a precise and justified manner We must neither play the game of blaming only one side, as partisans will do, or blame both sides, as false neutrals like to do. Real political discourse is about apportioning of duties and blames in a precise and justified manner. The importance of such exact accounting has hit home for me after reading a recent commentary in a leading English daily, which contends: “If these deaths are to be laid at the door of the opposition, so must it be laid at the door of the government and the ruling party.”

We understand that both parties are to blame for the political impasse.

But the specific wave of violence unleashed by Jamaat, and condoned by BNP, this too is AL’s fault?

AL lived out of power for 21 years from 1975-1996. I doubt if at any point did it subject law enforcers or ordinary citizens to such outlandish violence because it was not getting its way.

Laying the blame of the recent violence – with the even-handedness of self-proclaimed neutrals – is worse than wrong; it is a deliberate misdirection of the public.

One has to ask why BNP is talking now on premises today that it rejected outright just a few weeks ago? If they were going to engage on these very premises, why the delay that put the constitution in jeopardy and, worst of all, why this wanton violence in the intervening period?

In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition is as responsible as the governing party to uphold the constitution. In any society, a mainstream party is expected not to inflict violence on citizens. On both counts, BNP has been less than responsible and downright reckless.

And labelling such contentions as “partisan” is also the kind of intellectual cop-out or bullying that should be resisted. One should counter such arguments with counter facts and logic, but not with ad hominem attacks – least of all the partisan tag.

This time is different This country has seen many political movements. Let’s take the two biggest movements of the post-democratic

tion years. But within the context of our political realities, one understands a political worker dying in the middle of severe clashes with rival activists or cops. It is not a death we want to accept, but it is one we can fathom.

What we cannot fathom this time is either the scale or, especially, the nature of the violence. Death toll this year has crossed into the hundreds.

Only the number of innocent civilians burnt by petrol bombs or cocktails has crossed hundred.

These attacks are marked by two features wholly unprecedented in our long history of struggles: a) targeted attacks and killings of political leaders and workers, and law enforcers, and b) attacks on civilians. Never before in our history, there has been a political movement which has been so anti-poor and anti-democratic.

On winning the 2001 elections, BNP-Jamaat went on a rampage against the minority Hindus and opposition activists. In the years that followed, one saw the rise of terrorist groups like Bangla Bhai and JMB, Huji and a few others. One saw bomb attacks that left the former Finance Minister SAMS Kibria dead and the British high commissioner injured.

One saw an attempt on the life of the poet Shamsur Rahman, and also on progressive thinker Humayun Azad. A grenade attack in 2004 targeted the entire leadership of Awami League that left senior leaders dead.

Sheikh Hasina survived narrowly.

The very political Islam BNP once used as a tool has gone out of its control. The curbing of terror began during the Emergency of 2007-08 and continued even more strongly during this past tenure of Awami League.

Thus to impute that all this violence is mainly – and unavoidably – due to electoral impasse is plain wrong.

This is, however, exactly what the article from the English daily did. It asks if it wasn’t Sheikh Hasina who “re-opened the settled question of the caretaker government” and goes on to suggest that that is the prime cause of the recent violence.

Arguably, it is this sort of argument that has also led the international community to support, virtually and

perhaps inadvertently, the defeated side of ’71, who again are killing our own people now. Those who are meddling too can be found guilty of a false even-handedness. The US cannot refuse to talk to Hamas but receive Jamaat leaders in Congressional or State department offices.

Terror cannot be a primary concern when it comes to the US and a side issue when it comes to Bangladesh. If the US and the international community want us to take international terror seriously, then they must take terror in our land seriously too and condemn it outright and support any government efforts that fight it.

Keeping silent for fear of offending one party is unseemly. Either don’t get involved, or if you do so, then do it in a manner that respects the safety and dignity of the people of this land.

What that line of thinking leaves out is that the only peaceful hand-over of power from an elected government that occurred in our history was in 2001. That happened because AL handed over power to a caretaker as it was supposed to. BNP rewarded that with a communal carnage and AL never received any credit from the civic crew that was so influential during the last Emergency for its relatively better attempts at playing by the rules of our democracy. It is not inconceivable to think why AL refused to maintain a system which has been abused by others and served it so badly?

Choosing sides: Is it necessary?

Both parties leave much, much to be desired. They are similar in certain respects. But they are different too in crucial aspects. And have become more so since 2001.

One cannot ignore this government’s serious failings. Its greatest failure has been in the financial sector.

It should have reined in the bull-run of a patently over-heated market a

dacity, that BNP will continue the war crimes trials. People who say that the trials are causing too much trouble are basically advocating that we are held hostage to violence.

There is a lot of deliberate obfuscation that goes on in any political culture. In ours some of the critical ones take the form of equating non-partisan with neutral, and neutral with objective. More specifically blaming the scrapping of the caretaker system for the violence – not just the impasse – is another egregious misdirection.

To say that trials of a better standard may have obviated Jamaati violence is the most ludicrous of the specious new contentions. To lay the full blame of an admittedly empty election – that achieves nothing but the technical sanctity of the constitution – on the government alone too is a false judgment that’s easy to sell. And finally, to say that asking BNP to leave Jamaat and its violence is a “partisan” demand is absurd.

All of this we feel can be said objectively, even if it seems to favour one party over another. Besides, there are issues on which “neutrality” is not a viable or moral option. Razakars in 1971 were not necessarily malevolent people. They were scared to take sides, they wanted the safety of not having to choose. Making any kind of excuse for Jamaat’s violence is to fail a much smaller test.

There is a crisis in democracy today which is hurting the national interest and jeopardising the lives of the most average citizens. Rather than generically blaming “politics” and “democracy,” one must appropriate responsibility where it is due. We cannot but blame BNP for keeping company with Jamaat for so many years, not just because of its role in ’71 but especially after it has opened attacks on our country and people again.

We will hold AL responsible too for stating clear and convincing terms for

There is a lot of deliberate obfuscation that goes on in any political culture. In ours some of the critical ones take the form of equating non-partisan with neutral, and neutral with objective lot sooner. It should have caught and curbed the bank scams sooner. Lack of control over its student wing has hurt it greatly and rightly so. The Bishwajit murder remains the ultimate symbol of their excess (though the verdict in that case marks a measure of self-correction on AL’s part whose equivalent can’t be found in the terror-filled last tenure of BNP).

Despite all its faults, AL is the only political force here who can and will – despite occasional mis-steps – stick to the founding principles of our country.

It is inconceivable, especially after Khaleda Zia’s appalling silence over the Pakistani parliament’s gross au-

an interim government – along with transfer of prime ministerial powers in election times to other ministries or to the EC to have level playing field for all parties. AL must offer terms that it would accept when it is in opposition someday. It must also assure the opposition and voters of new polls as soon as BNP calls off the violence and agrees to the terms of an interim government deemed reasonable by most citizens. These are all calls one can and should make without the fear of being labelled “partisan” or the false prestige of being “neutral.” l Asif Saleh is a freelance contributor.

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

MIDDLE EAST

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

MIDDLE EAST

Russia to host talks on eliminating Syria chemical arsenal n Reuters, Moscow Russia will host international talks on Friday on the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

The meeting in Moscow will draw together experts from Russia, the United States, Syria, the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ryabkov told Voice of Russia radio on Tuesday.

Syria agreed to abandon its chemical weapons under a deal proposed by Russia to avert potential US military action after a deadly August 21 sarin gas attack the United States blamed on President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

A plan adopted by the OPCW in The Hague last month called for the most critical chemicals to be transported out

of Syria by December 31 and destroyed by mid-March. All other declared chemical materials would be eliminated by June 30.

“We are certain that we will be able to complete this process within the agreed time-frame, meaning in the first half of the coming year,” said Ryabkov.

Russia sent trucks and armored vehicles to Syria last week to transport toxins to the port city of Latakia for shipment out of the war zone by sea.

Russia has been Assad’s most powerful supporter during the Syrian conflict, blocking attempts to push him from power or punish him with sanctions. Along with the United States and the United Nations, Russia is helping to organise a peace conference scheduled to start on January 22 in Switzerland. l

ASIA File photo Syrian president Bashar al-Assad

Thai protesters vow Syria’s Assad ‘has secret Iraq oil lifeline’ to hound PM, cling to Illegal oil imports from Iraq have helped Damascus government keep country running, Reuters news agency reports. promise to thwart poll n Reuters, Damascus

The Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad has received substantial imports of Iraqi crude oil from an Egyptian port in the last nine months, shipping and payments documents show, part of an under-the-radar trade that has kept his military running despite Western sanctions.

Assad’s government has been blacklisted by Western powers for its role in the two-and-a-half year civil war, forcing Damascus to rely on strategically Iran as its main supplier of crude oil.

An exclusive Reuters examination based on previously undisclosed commercial documents about Syrian oil purchases shows however that Iran is no longer acting alone.

Dozens of shipping and payment

REUTERS

documents viewed by Reuters show that millions of barrels of crude delivered to Assad’s government on Iranian ships have actually come from Iraq, through Lebanese and Egyptian trading companies.

The trade, which is denied by the firms involved, has proven lucrative, the documents appear to show, with companies demanding a steep premium over the normal cost of oil in return for bearing the risk of shipping it to Syria.

It also highlights a previously undisclosed role of Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon in Assad’s supply chain, despite those countries’ own restrictions on assisting his government.

There was no evidence that the Iraqi or Egyptian governments were involved in shipping Iraqi oil through Egypt’s port, as crude can change

MIDDLE EAST

hands after first being exported.

Both the Syrian national oil company that received the oil, Sytrol, and the Iranian shipping operator that delivered it, the National Iranian Tanker Co (NITC), are on US and EU sanctions lists.

The cache of documents describing the trade between March and May this year was shown to Reuters by a source on condition of anonymity.

Many details were corroborated by a separate Middle Eastern shipping source with long-standing ties to the Syrian maritime industry.

Publicly available satellite tanker tracking data was used to confirm the movements of ships.

The documents refer to at least four shipments by four tankers named Camellia, Daisy, Lantana and Clove, each of which is operated by Iran’s NITC

Thai anti-government protesters abandoned efforts to block candidates from signing up for a February election on Tuesday but vowed to hound Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and thwart a poll she is expected to win.

The protesters want Thailand’s fragile democracy to be suspended, fearing the February 2 election would only entrench the power of Yingluck’s billionaire family, which is hugely popular among the rural poor of the populous north and northeast.

At their peak, rallies seeking to overthrow Yingluck and install an appointed government have attracted more than 200,000 people, with strong backing from Bangkok’s middle classes. Many among

Ukraine receives first tranche of Russian bailout

A damaged car is seen after an explosion near a security building in Egypt’s Nile Delta city of Mansoura REUTERS

Car bomb kills 14 at Egyptian police compound A car bomb exploded at a police compound in Egypt’s Nile Delta on Tuesday, killing 14 people, including at least 12 policemen, in one of the deadliest attacks since the army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July.

Security officials said the overnight blast in the city of Mansoura, north of Cairo, had also wounded more than 130 people.

The army-backed government vowed to fight “black terrorism”, saying the attack would not upset a political transition plan whose next step is a January referendum on a new constitution.

“We heard a loud noise and I found blood all over my body,” one wounded man told state television, speaking from a hospital bed with his head wrapped in bandages. “We all ran downstairs to find our colleagues on the ground in blood.”

The attack prompted a cabinet statement declaring Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation, though officials did not directly accuse the group of staging the attack.

The Brotherhood, which is already outlawed, condemned the bombing as “an attack on the unity of the Egyptian people.”

The blast underlined the risk of militancy moving to the densely populated

n Reuters, Bankok

EUROPE

n Reuters

n Reuters, Mansura

and, say the documents, carried Iraqi oil from Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir to Syria.

According to the documents, Beirut-based trading firm Overseas Petroleum Trading (OPT) invoiced Syria for arranging at least two of the shipments and was involved in a third, while a Cairo-based firm, Tri-Ocean Energy, was responsible for loading Iraqi oil into at least one.

An EU country government source said Tri-Ocean is already under scrutiny by the US for suspected violations of sanctions against Iran, giving no further details.

Syria imported up to 17 million barrels of crude oil between February and October, of which roughly half came directly from Iran and half from Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port. l

Nile Valley from the Sinai Peninsula, where attacks have killed some 200 soldiers and police since July.

“We face an enemy that has no religion or nation,” Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim, the survivor of an assassination attempt in Cairo in September, said at the scene of the blast.

The army said a car bomb had been used, while the presidency said such attacks “only increase the state’s determination to uproot terrorism”. Police “combat units” would deploy across the country with orders to use live ammunition, state TV reported.

Egypt has endured the bloodiest internal strife in its modern history since the army removed Mursi, the nation’s first freely elected leader, on July 3 after big protests against him.

The security forces have killed hundreds of his supporters as part of a campaign to repress his Muslim Brotherhood, until then Egypt’s most powerful political and religious organisation, while lethal attacks on the security forces have proliferated.

Some analysts say Egypt could face a sustained Islamist insurrection, a risk compounded by a flood of weapons smuggled out of neighbouring Libya since the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi began there almost three years ago. l

Russia told Ukraine on Tuesday it had transferred the first $3bn tranche of a $15bn bailout, part of plans to keep Kiev firmly within Moscow’s orbit and out of the European Union’s embrace.

President Vladimir Putin offered Ukraine the lifeline last week, along with a big cut in the price Kiev pays for vital Russian gas supplies, as he tries to persuade Russia’s Slavic neighbour to join a customs union of ex-Soviet republics.

“Yesterday ... the first tranche of Ukrainian sovereign debt was acquired for $3bn,” Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Azarov at a meeting in Moscow, according to Interfax News Agency.

“The money went to the central bank of Ukraine yesterday.”

President Viktor Yanukovich’s pivot back towards Moscow and away from an offer of closer trade ties with the EU

has sparked huge protests in Ukraine, sometimes swelling to hundreds of thousands, and the creation of a tent camp in central Kiev.

The protesters accuse Yanukovich of selling out to Ukraine’s Soviet-era overlord with the deal on debt and gas prices.

The Kremlin said it had invited Azarov to join Putin and other leaders for a meeting of former Soviet republics taking part in trade alliances Russia is building, part of Moscow’s drive to restore its influence in its former empire.

Ukraine has so far resisted joining a Russia-led customs union that includes Belarus and Kazakhstan - a big step because membership would scupper any lingering possibility that Kiev might reverse course and sign a free trade deal with the EU. Any signal that Ukraine might join the customs union would re-invigorate protests in Ukraine, which have started to show signs of flagging despite a constant crowd of a few thousand people

at the tent camp in Kiev’s Independence Square.

About 100,000 people gathered at the square on Sunday to demonstrate for the fifth weekend in a row, but the number was the lowest this month, and around half the previous weekend’s turnout.

Putin has made closer integration among ex-Soviet states a priority of his third term after 14 years in power. He is using the customs union as a foundation for a Eurasian Economic Union, due to come into existence in 2015.

Putin has won victories with decisions by Kyrgyzstan and Armenia to move toward joining the customs union, but the leader of oil-producing Kazakhstan yesterday repeated a warning that Putin’s post-Soviet integration plans must not go too far.

“I don’t want to repeat myself, but the politicisation of the union that is being created is inadmissible,” Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said at a meeting with Putin before the broader gathering. l

Ukrainian pro-EU demonstrators warm themselves near a fire burning in a steel drum during a rally in Independence Square in central Kiev yesterday REUTERS

the Bangkok elite believe rural voters have been bought off by populist policies that have fuelled government graft.

Thirty-five parties have signed up for the poll, despite attempts by protesters to stop them when registrations opened at a Bangkok sports stadium on Monday.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy premier famed for fiery speeches, called off the blockade yesterday but promised to ramp up the campaign and chase Yingluck from office.

Yingluck, the sister of self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, called a snap poll two weeks ago to try to deflate the protests. The noisy but mainly peaceful protests are driven by anger over Thaksin’s influence over his sister’s government. l

EUROPE

Gul vows no coverup in corruption scandal n Reuters, Ankara President Abdullah Gul sought to salve Turkish furor over a high-level corruption case yesterday by assuring the public there would be no cover-up and that the courts were free to investigate.

The remarks by Gul, a unifying figure in an increasingly polarised society, followed fresh curbs on the police and judiciary by the government of Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, who has blamed the week-long scandal on a shadowy foreign plot.

The sons of two cabinet ministers and the boss of state-run Halkbank are among the 24 people in police custody on graft charges. TV news images of cash-filled shoeboxes allegedly seized at suspects’ homes have transfixed Turks still simmering from summer mass-protests against Erogan’s rule.

“Turkey is not the same place compared to 10 or 15 years ago. Many reforms have been carried out, in politics as well as in the law,” Gul said in his first remarks about the affair.

“In a country where such reforms have taken place, if there were corruption and mistakes they would not be covered up,” he told reporters. He added that “the independent, objective and democratic legal system [will] adjudicate the allegations in a manner that will not leave any question marks”.

Erdogan responded to the arrests by sacking or reassigning some 70 police officers, including the chief of the force in Istanbul.

At the weekend the government changed regulations for the police, requiring officers to report evidence, investigations, arrests and complaints to commanding officers and prosecutors.

Journalists have also been banned from entering police buildings.

Erdogan has won three straight elections in Turkey, which has blossomed economically during his rule, and has transformed the country by curbing the power of the secularist military establishment.

He has also angered some Turks over what they see as an authoritarian streak, leading to mass demonstrations this year.

The Halkbank affair and his retaliation against the police have earned him newly vocal enemies, including an influential cleric with followers in the police and judiciary. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

AFRICA

9

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

ASIA

US envoy says South Sudan president open to talks

China commits $6.5bn for Pakistan nuclear project

n Reuters

n Reuters

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is committed to begin talks with rebel leader Riek Machar, the country’s former vice president, to end fighting, a senior US official said after meeting Kiir in Juba.

“President Kiir committed to me that he was ready to begin talks with Riek Machar to end the crisis without preconditions as soon as his counterpart is willing,” said US special envoy to South Sudan, Donald Booth on Monday.

It was not immediately clear how soon a meeting could be arranged.

Booth was sent to South Sudan at the weekend to seek a diplomatic solution to avoid the violence spiralling into an ethnic civil war. Earlier, Machar told Reuters news agency he was ready for dialogue but Kiir must first release his detained political allies.

The violence began last week when

Kiir, a member of the majority Dinka ethnic group, accused Machar, a member of the rival Nuer ethnic group, of attempting to seize power by force.

Kiir also detained 11 politicians, some of them former ministers, in connection with the “foiled coup.” Booth said he visited the detained officials who were “secure and well taken care of.”

US deploys marines

“These individuals communicated to me their desire and their readiness to play a constructive role in ending the crisis through peaceful political dialogue and national reconciliation,” he said.

President Kiir said on Monday that the army will step up the fight against rebels with imminent strikes in Bor and Bentiu, but it is not clear whether this will still take place.

Meanwhile, the US military deployed about 150 marines to a base in the Horn

of Africa to prepare for possible further evacuations of US citizens from the deepening conflict in South Sudan, US officials said on Monday.

The deployment of a special crisis-response team of marines, who are normally stationed at Moron Air Base in Spain, follows a thwarted evacuation attempt in South Sudan over the weekend in which four US soldiers were wounded by gunfire.

Three US officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the Marines were sent to a base in Djibouti, a move that would allow them to deploy to South Sudan more quickly, if asked.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) chief Ban Ki-moon asked the UN Security Council on Monday to send 5,500 more peace-keepers in South Sudan to better protect civilians from violence that threatens to plunge Africa’s youngest country into civil war. l

China has committed $6.5bn to finance the construction of a major nuclear power project in Pakistan’s port city Karachi, as it seeks to strengthen ties with its strategic partner, Pakistani officials said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif broke ground on the $9.59bn project last month but officials have provided few details of how they planned to finance it.

Financing documents seen by Reuters showed that the China National Nuclear Cooperation (CNNC) had promised to grant a loan of at least $6.5bn to finance the project which would have two reactors with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts each.

Two members of the government’s energy team and three sources close to the deal confirmed this. CNNC was not

available for comment.

“China has complete confidence in Pakistan’s capacity to run a nuclear power plant with all checks in place,” said Ansar Parvez, chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission which runs the civilian nuclear programme.

“As things stand, the performance and capacity of nuclear power plants in Pakistan is far better compared to non-nuclear plants,” Parvez said.

Parvez declined to give more details on the funding but said it would be completed by 2019 and each of the two reactors would be larger than the combined power of all nuclear reactors then operating in Pakistan.

As part of the deal, China has also waived a $250,000 insurance premium on the loan, said two sources in the Energy Ministry with knowledge of the project. They declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to

the media about the financing.

Pakistan and China, both nuclear-armed nations, consider each other close friends and their ties have been underpinned by common wariness of India and a desire to hedge against U.S. influence in South Asia.

Pakistan sees nuclear energy as key to its efforts to solve power shortages that have crippled its economy. Pakistan generates about 11,000 MW of power while total demand is about 15,000 MW. Blackouts lasting more than half a day in some areas have infuriated many Pakistanis and sparked violent protests, undermining an economy already beset by high unemployment, widespread poverty, crime and sectarian and insurgent violence.

Under its long-term energy plan, Pakistan hopes to produce more than 40,000 MW of electricity through nuclear plants by 2050. l

SPECIAL

Xi’s dilemma: Military is more challenging to control Rise of nationalist leader comes as China’s military prepares to ‘win wars’

n Reuters It’s part of the lore of modern China.

When paramount leader Deng Xiaoping was handing over power a generation ago, a widely recounted tale goes, he had some advice for his successor.

For every five working days, spend four with the top brass of the People’s Liberation Army.

The latest leader of China, Xi Jinping, shows every sign of applying that lesson. A month after assuming power in November last year, Xi visited the province of Guangdong on his first major political tour. Of the five days he spent there, three were at a military base, according to official coverage of his trip.

The son of a Communist revolutionary commander, Xi built his career as a friend of the army, and at times an official in it. But he still feels compelled to ask his generals for something in return: loyalty. “First, we must keep in mind that the military must unswervingly adhere to the party’s absolute leadership and obey the party’s orders,” he said on one of his many military inspection tours.

Xi’s injunction that the party comes first is a sign of the insecurity modern Chinese leaders feel at the top of their nation’s huge and increasingly powerful armed forces, military experts say. As it grows mightier, the People’s Liberation Army is growing trickier to govern.

The PLA’s rising global profile is integral to Xi’s stated vision for the nation: the “China Dream,” a rejuvenated country that’s both peace-loving and militarily powerful.

But Xi is less a true military man than Deng and the founder of the People’s Republic, Mao Zedong. He is fundamentally a career bureaucrat, like his immediate predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin.

Like them, Xi has to win over the force that keeps the Communist Party in power. But he must do so at a time when the PLA is more self-confident than ever, mounting the first serious challenge to the naval dominance of the United States since the end of the Cold War. “It will take time for Xi to take control of the military,” says Huang Jing, an authority on the PLA at the National University of Singapore. “Most of the senior generals were not appointed by Xi. Instead they were all appointed by his predecessors.”

The rise of a nationalistic leader with military leanings comes as the People’s Liberation Army, with 2.3 million men and women under arms, is the hard edge of a rising China.

China’s annual military spending is now second only to that of the U.S. armed forces. The PLA navy is projecting power further into the Pacific. Years of buying, copying and sometimes stealing technology have helped the PLA narrow its capability gap with the United States and other rivals in Asia.

BEYOND BORDERS

Xi, as chairman of the Central Military Commission, is commander-in-chief alongside his roles as party general secretary and president. He now oversees armed forces that are influencing events far beyond China’s borders.

Fleets of Chinese warships patrol disputed territories in Asian seas. On Dec. 5, a Chinese warship forced a U.S. guided missile cruiser, the USS Cowpens, to take evasive action in the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy said.

The incident, in international waters, appeared to be an attempt to prevent

the U.S. ship from observing sea trials of China’s new aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, naval experts said.

PLA fighters now scramble to guard the controversial air defense zone that Beijing imposed last month off its east coast. The Chinese navy also cruises the Indian Ocean, contributing to international anti-piracy efforts, while PLA peacekeepers are on duty in Africa and the Middle East.

In hardened silos and on mobile transporters, the PLA’s Second Artillery Corps is modernizing China’s modest but expanding armory of nuclear missiles, Chinese and foreign military analysts say. During Xi’s tenure, likely to last another nine years, this force is expected to be bolstered with China’s first effective ballistic-missile nuclear submarines. If PLA engineers can make them stealthy, these subs will be capable of retaliating if China comes under nuclear attack, according to Chinese and foreign military assessments.

All this has been a dramatic change.

In the late 1990s, visiting foreign military officers scoffed at China’s poorly equipped army. After more than three decades of soaring military spending, infusions of foreign and domestic technology and improvements in training, the PLA is transformed.

“There is no question China’s power is growing,” says Li Nan, an analyst of the Chinese military at the United States Naval War College. “That is contributing to a higher level of confidence.”

Reflecting the more complex military challenges China faces, Xi has moved to establish a national security commission, thought to be modeled on the U.S. National Security Council.

No details about the proposed new body have been released. Foreign diplomats believe it is aimed at tightening coordination between China’s sprawling military, intelligence, diplomatic and internal security agencies. Xi is likely to head the new body, according to several people familiar with the move.

Xi is keeping his generals close. The military’s top two commanders are almost always photographed at his elbow on his frequent visits to exercises, frontline units and military schools: army General Fan Changlong and air force General Xu Qiliang.

He has also been quick to begin putting his own men at the top of the PLA hierarchy. Within days of taking over from Hu Jintao as head of the Central Military Commission in November last year, Xi promoted Wei Fenghe, commander of the Second Artillery Corps and member of the CMC, to full general. In late July and early August, he promoted six officers to the rank of four-star general, and 18 to lieutenant-general.

Eleven of those 24 officers are political generals, said Bijoy Das, a Chinese expert at India’s Institute of Defence Analysis. “In essence it indicates that the Party is co-opting a section of the PLA echelon to ensure that the ‘Party holds the gun,’” he said.

Xi is shown mixing with the lower ranks, too. Dressed in plain military-style khaki slacks and shirt, the solidly built 60-year-old stands in mess lines, selects a plate and chopsticks from a stack and is filmed eating and chatting with soldiers and sailors.

MILITARY PRINCELING

Xi, like all of China’s Communist leaders, insists the PLA is bound with the party’s fortunes. The army delivered political power with its civil war victory in 1949 over the Nationalists. It fought

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects an honour guard, file photo the U.S. to a prestige-enhancing stalemate in Korea. It buffered tumult at home in the early decades of the People’s Republic and ended the 1989 Tiananmen protests in a bloody crackdown.

In his task of cementing ties with the generals, Xi had a head start.

His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a Communist guerrilla fighter who became a senior political leader and an architect of the market reforms that ignited China’s economic boom. That makes Xi a “princeling” of the leadership, and he rubbed shoulders with other offspring of Communist China’s founding elite.

Throughout his career, Xi has appeared to march in step with the PLA. In his first job after graduating from Tsinghua University, he was a key aide in the general office of the Central Military Commission, the top military council he now runs. Xi was secretary to Geng Biao, a defense minister and former military subordinate of Xi’s father.

He held no rank, but his duties were considered military service. “The military sees Xi as one of their own,” says a person with ties to the leadership.

As he climbed the rungs of China’s provincial bureaucracy, Xi had a parallel career as a political commissar in local army headquarters, units of the PLA and the People’s Armed Police, the party’s paramilitary internal security force.

He was careful to defer to important old soldiers. About 10 years ago, when Xi was party chief in Zhejiang Province, a retired vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Zhen, visited Zhejiang Province to celebrate his birthday. Xi, then provincial party chief, broke with his official duties for several days to accompany the civil war veteran.

“Zhang Zhen was very touched with Xi’s respect for old cadres,” said the individual with leadership ties. “Those who came to offer their birthday felicitations all saw Xi next to Zhang. It was a plus for Xi.” Zhang Zhen’s own princeling son, general Zhang Haiyang, is now political commissar of the Second Artillery Force.

As China has grown richer and better educated, the middle ranks of the PLA have filled with technically trained

specialist officers. Along with that have come consistent if muted calls for China to have a fully professional army: one loyal to the state rather than the party, and free from the parallel supervision of political commissars who monitor the forces at virtually every level.

Amid these rumblings, the army remains deeply politicized, military analysts say. The PLA has long-standing internal factions and loyalties divided between rival political benefactors and regional commands.

While Xi was working his way up, Deng’s successor, Jiang Zemin, was promoting dozens of senior officers who remain in positions of power today. Jiang was the man Deng advised to tend to the generals. In retirement, Jiang remains one of China’s leading power brokers. His military appointments made sure his influence would outlast his term.

Hu Jintao, who replaced Jiang, likewise sought to anchor his position through military promotions and patronage before handing over to Xi. Both Jiang and Hu kept the funding tap wide open for new military hardware and substantially improved pay and conditions for the troops. Xi appears set to maintain heavy military spending despite competing needs.

A hundred million Chinese still live in poverty, according to official measures, and there is growing pressure to spend more on health, education and pollution control. Official defense spending is set to climb 10.7 per cent this year to $119 billion. Much spending takes place outside the budget, however, and many analysts estimate real outlays are closer to $200 billion, second only to the United States. The U.S. Defense Department’s 2012 budget totaled $566 billion.

FRIENDLY GENERALS

As Xi came to power at the 18th Party Congress in November last year, there was substantial turnover in the Central Military Commission. Eight of 10 uniformed members of the council were replaced.

It isn’t clear if there is close patronage or loyalty between Xi and his top commanders. But other princelings,

REUTERS

Chinese military analysts and foreign military attaches identify several generals with whom Xi is on especially good terms.

One is Central Military Commission member Zhang Youxia. Also close are two officers outside that top body: army General Liu Yuan and air force General Liu Yazhou. (The two Lius are not related).

Like Xi, these officers are princelings. Zhang Youxia is the son of General Zhang Zongxun, a celebrated senior commander in PLA’s wars against the Japanese and the Nationalists. The elder Zhang fought civil war battles with Xi’s father in north-western Shaanxi Province, according to people familiar with both men’s family background.

People close to the military say Xi last year wanted to nominate Zhang, now head of the PLA’s General Armaments Department, as one of the two vice chairmen of the CMC. Retired leaders Jiang and Hu vetoed the move, these people say.

Liu Yuan and Liu Yazhou are engaged in what they have described as an undeclared war by subversive foreign forces to unseat the Chinese Communist Party. They have also warned of the danger that unchecked corruption poses to the party’s survival.

Liu Yuan, 61, is the son of former president Liu Shaoqi, once designated to succeed Mao before he was brutally purged in the Cultural Revolution and died in custody. The elder Liu was posthumously rehabilitated after Mao’s death, clearing the way for his son’s life of privilege.

In a late start to a military career, Liu Yuan joined the People’s Armed Police as a political commissar at 41 before transferring to the army. He is now commissar of the PLA’s General Logistics Department. Xi has publicly acknowledged his friendship with Liu on a number of occasions.

Liu Yuan was also close to the powerful regional party chief Bo Xilai. Bo was sentenced to life imprisonment in September for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.

Liu first attracted wide attention for a rambling essay he wrote as a preface for a friend’s book in 2010.

He called for China to reject imported political models, including Western democracy, and extremes of the left and right. In convoluted language, Liu nevertheless appeared to be suggesting a more open political system that would allow more robust debate without challenging the leadership of the party.

More recently, Liu has led a rhetorical assault on corruption in the military.

“Liu Yuan himself has become the anti-corruption poster child,” says Huang from the National University of Singapore. The campaign mirrors Xi Jinping’s declared attack on graft, in which he has threatened to go after “tigers and flies” - corrupt officials big and small.

Liu Yuan helped bring down Lieutenant General Gu Junshan, who was sacked last year as deputy director of the PLA’s logistics department and is soon expected to be court-martialed for corruption, according to three sources in Beijing. In an online discussion on the official People’s Daily website on Aug. 1, the military confirmed Gu was under investigation.

Liu Yuan may have paid a price for his zeal. “He was passed over for promotion because of this, and also because he was too close to Bo Xilai,” said a person with ties to the leadership who is familiar with the anti-corruption drive.

“SILENT CONTEST”

General Liu Yazhou, also 61, is the sonin-law of Li Xiannian, who became president in the Deng era. Liu Yazhou, too, is a political officer rather than a military professional. One of the most outspoken senior officers, Liu became well known as a writer of fiction early in his career. He later turned to politics and strategy, writing frequently about the decisive role that air power plays in modern warfare.

For a time, he was widely regarded as one of the most liberal PLA officers. He once dared suggest that China needed a democratic political system to stamp out corruption and provide an environment where the best talent could get to the top. China routinely persecutes dissidents for airing similar views. His articles indicate he is an avid analyst of the U.S. military and the Pentagon’s strategic thinking.

More recently, however, Liu has written about the party’s “absolute leadership” over the PLA. He also appears to have hardened his views on America.

In his current posting as political commissar of the National Defense University in Beijing, Liu this year co-produced a documentary film, “Silent Contest.” The documentary, thought to have been prepared for an internal military audience, appeared on Chinese websites for a couple of days in late October before being removed.

The film warned of an American “soft war” against China aimed at toppling the party. “They confidently believe it would be easier to divide or split China by approaching and engaging China and integrating it into the U.S.led international political system,” Liu says in the film.

The documentary includes similar warnings from other uniformed senior officers. And to clinch the message, General Liu rolls out his heaviest weapon: the commander-in-chief of the PLA and leader of the Communist Party.

“Western countries’ strategic goal of containing China will never change,” Xi Jinping is quoted as saying. “They absolutely don’t aspire to see a big socialist country like us achieve peaceful development.” l

10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

A welcome moment of unity

I

n a wonderful display of solidarity, local BNP leaders and activists joined a human chain organised by local Awami League activists in Nilphamari on December 23, protesting the recent Jamaat attack on actor and AL lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor.

The attack on Mr Noor, a popular public figure on the national level, sparked outrage and protests from local people who joined the human chain and protest and demanded exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.

However, what is particularly remarkable is that local BNP leaders and activists of BNP also joined the protests and the human chain despite the fact that Jamaat is a key political ally of the BNP. The BNP politicians not only condemned the attacks but they also vowed to resist such attacks in the future.

In a time when violence has become the norm, rather than the exception in our hostile political atmosphere, it is heartwarming to see local politicians take a stand against it, and it gives us hope that perhaps our political environment has not been polluted beyond repair by mindless animosity. The local BNP activists in this case stood up for principles that transcend petty party politics and for this they must be commended.

We can only hope that this act of unity and solidarity for the greater good by local politicians and activists will set an example for the leaders of AL and BNP. It is time that they also follow suit and come together to act on principles that serve the country, instead of tearing it down.

We hope that this act of greater good by local politicians and activists will set an example for the leaders of AL and BNP

RMG exporters are open for business

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he garment industry is reporting fall offs in export orders as overseas buyers have been deterred from visiting due to the ongoing political unrest.

In response some suppliers have been incurring additional costs by arranging to negotiate contracts abroad. When added to the extra costs imposed by delays caused by blockades and hartals, this creates a gloomy financial outlook and increases the risk of workers being laid off.

It is vital that the industry works together with government and overseas embassies to assure RMG buyers that their safety will be guaranteed.

The BGMEA and BKEMA also need to be more pro-active in promoting the industry and reminding buyers of the significant commitments made by stakeholders to improve the industry. The legally binding Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh has been signed by over 100 companies from Europe, North America and Asia, and has the backing of global trade unions and NGOs. Likewise the complementary Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety brings together 17 major North American retailers who have agreed to make $100 million of loans available to improve factories.

Such initiatives show there is a widespread shared interest in developing the future of the industry. The political crisis must not be allowed to jeopardise these positive moves.

Escorted protection for RMG shipments should be made more available as required and visiting buyers need to be reassured of their personal safety. The country’s export industries should lead the way in reminding the world that they are open for business and seeking new orders.

There is a widespread shared interest in developing the future of the RMG sector. The industry should lead the way in reminding the world that they are open for business

CROSSWORD DOWN 1 Kingdom (5) 2 Male honey-bee (5) 3 Ladder steps (5) 4 Arab vessel (4) 5 Whirlpool (4) 7 Separated (5) 10 Nominate (4) 13 Wicked (4) 14 Tendency (5) 15 Bird of prey (5) 16 Multitude (5) 17 Staggers (5) 18 Scrutinise (4) 19 Appendage (4)

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

The government must not let the people down December 22

In the different talk shows, participants, when speaking about the present political unrest, declare the situation has come to this point because one political party wants to remain in power and the other wants to come to power. But, I think this is half true; the first part is correct, the second is not.

The Awami League-led government is trying to remain in power at any cost. They have become desperate and are behaving most unusually on many important issues. On the other hand, the opposition is reiterating their one and only demand of a free, fair and credible election.

From the very day the CTG was abolished, the opposition demanded it be re-established, even if under another name. As the opposition cannot make people vote for them, is it not unreasonable that their agitation programs are only to come to power? They have said they will accept the verdict of the people, they only want a neutral poll-time government.

The government claims to have run the country exceedingly well, then why is it afraid to hold the election under a neutral government system?

The country is heading towards a horrible fate; the government must immediately restore the CTG and save the country from destruction.

Nur Jahan Chittagong

PM blasts Pakistan resolution on Mollah’s execution December 19 Mahmood Saleem It is the right of the Pakistani government to make such a resolution, so why is she blasting Pakistan? Why? She should know the reason behind the Pakistani Parliament’s action.

BVR I was not even born when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman divided my country. My parents have never told me a single bad thing about Bengalis, rather they still cherish their memories and friends from Bangladesh or East Pakistan. But both these leaders are responsible for the deaths and atrocities. As it is more of a dynastic rule in both countries now, I am convinced that both families should be penalised. They should be tried by war tribunals. But the million dollar question is, should we keep fighting or should we aim to promote love and prosperity?

At least I will not be part of this political muck. History has already credited Indira Ghandi for getting Pakistan divided, so what are we fighting about?? When will we understand?? I will always tell my children to love and treat all Bengalis like their brothers and sisters. I wish them luck.

EU envoy’s behaviour against norms

December 19 Muntasir Mamun, Shahriar Kabir and their cohorts have a mission which, by itself, is not wrong. The raise a good question: Why is their fervour only on one issue. The nonpartisan mind will wonder if they have an agenda. Their pronouncement that Awami League is pro ‘71 proves the point further. Awami League may be remotely so. I have heard one say: There is only one “chetona,” that is justice. If that be so, then these cohorts may look at the misrule perpetrated by the present government. The killings, looting of banks, and the stock market scam, to name a few, have not been noticed by Muntasir and Shahriar. The public, however, can see through it.

Tandua ketra

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

Westin hotel annexes a public road December 20

RW Hotel guards also stop rickshaws from entering that part of the road, when they have no authority to do so.

Shammi Huda They’ve attempted to stop me riding on that bit of road whilst on my bicycle. For diplomatic installations, I can easily understand having their roads blocked off for security reasons. 5-star hotels could also be an understandable target, but the way this is done is no more than the hotel owner’s projection of his ego.

Sakhawat Husain Well, there are many such places in Dhaka where footpaths and even roads are blocked. The US, Canadian, and Australian embassies, Airtel road in Banani, and Dhanmondi 32, for example.

Mithun Musabbir This is just a footpath. Some places block the whole road around the building, nearly half a kilometer at the Indian High Commission, for instance.

Anwarul Mamun Thanks for publishing such news that shows how things truly are.

Nazmul Khair Yes, I have been seeing this for a long time.

Election without voting not good for democracy: Muhith December 19 You don’t say!

Akhtar Shah

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PEANUTS

CODE-CRACKER ACROSS 1 Tracking system (5) 4 Female deer (3) 6 American state (4) 8 Fruit of the oak (5) 9 Body of water (4) 11 Not at home (4) 12 Encounters (5) 15 Anaesthetic (5) 18 Location (4) 20 Tribe (4) 21 Eat greedily (5) 22 Worshiped image (4) 23 No score (3) 24 Water pitchers (5)

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

Sudoku

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

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A lame duck government n Prem Shankar Jha

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eldom have any state elections given so unambiguous a pointer to what is likely to happen in the elections to parliament. The BJP has gained eight seats in Delhi, has lost only one seat and stayed in power in Chattisgarh, registered a substantial gain in seats – from 143 to 165 – in Madhya Pradesh and scored its most staggering gain, from 78 to 162 out of 200 seats, in Rajasthan.

By contrast, except in Chhattisgarh where it has gained one seat, the Congress has been soundly thrashed.

It has lost 75 of its 96 seats in Rajasthan, 13 out of its 71 seats in Madhya Pradesh, and 35 out of its 43 seats, and been shoved into third place in Delhi. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the BJP is crowing about a Modi wave and looking forward to a return to power in Delhi next May, and stock market prices have skyrocketed in anticipation.

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Catching the conscience of the king

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n Shawkat Hussain nce upon a time, within my living memory, the term “honest politician” was not an oxymoron. I actually knew and saw people who were politicians and honest as well. Now they are all dead.

I have boyhood memories of some of these poor politicians who would sometimes come to our house after dusk, shadowy underground figures from a banned political party who would straggle in, one by one, and hold meetings in hushed voices to plan movements against Ayub Khan’s decade of reform.

The connection with our house was tenuous and accidental; it was just a safe house where you could have occasional meetings without getting arrested. This was more than fifty years back. These were men who were fired by an ideology, who believed in a cause, and sacrificed their lives for what they believed in.

There were men and women like this in later years as well, people now in their sixties or seventies, who too were inspired by their own political ideologies and struggled without thoughts of profit and gain. In later years, some of these politicians abandoned the gods who failed them, adopted new gods, adjusted, compromised, changed colours, and the rottenness set in.

They gave up their ideals and beliefs, joined this or that major party, became important, and quickly

set about making up for time lost as struggling honest politicians. Just look around and see what I mean. Or just read yesterday’s newspapers.

Newspaper revelations of the wealth and assets of politicians are laughable (if you are in that kind of mood), and at once startling and predictable: Possession of landed property for some jumped from five acres in 2008 to five hundred in 2013, cash from two crores to two hundred, ownership of buildings and flats from one to one dozen, just to put it in ballpark figures.

trees and sleeping in cash-filled pillows. Is the guy in jail, out on bail, or simply enjoying his wealth in some exotic location?

There were many others like him whose stories I no longer remember mostly because they were later eclipsed by the Hallmark hero, the Destiny people, and yes, the Padma Bridge brokers. The list is too long.

On December 9, I got this sms, probably sent to everyone with a mobile phone. “Sobai Miley Gorbo Desh, ‘Durniti Mukto Bangladesh’ – Anti-Corruption Commission.” What a

Newspaper revelations of the wealth and assets of politicians are laughable (if you are in that kind of mood), and at once startling and predictable The gains appear astronomical, surreal, and so very depressing. For me, often just the sight of the sofa in the house of a former minister (not the towel), the car she uses, crystal vases crowding the table, is enough to indicate whether he or she has become a person of substance.

During the last military-backed caretaker regime, daily revelations of corruption of people in politics and in other professions were initially exciting and then mind-numbing. Now I often wonder whatever happened to the senior forest official who stole millions by selling government-owned

wonderful, uplifting idea this is! And how very hollow too! Most of us (at least my generation) had Victorian maxims like this stuffed down our throats. “Honesty is the best policy” and “Lekha pora kore je, gari ghora chore shey”, stuff like this that many were stupid enough to believe. When you are cursed with honest genes (that is what recent scientific research indicates) then you are doomed to the kind of life you lead.

I was in a roomful of people examining scripts when this sms message diverted us. One person muttered a curse when she read it, another said

she wanted to throw her mobile away when she got messages like that. I read mine and had the seed of an idea for my column because there is nothing else that I can do.

What exactly can the ordinary, hard-working person trying to make an honest living do to construct a “corruption-free” nation? What was the point of sending this message to millions of mobile phone users who have nothing to do with the corruption that envelops the nation?

Instead, I think it would be a good idea to send this message repeatedly, day and night, every day, every week, to every person who is or has been a minister or aspires to be one, to all advisers, all members of the parliament, past and present, to all government officers, from the petty bureaucrat who reads your electric meter, to the man at the top who might negotiate a 1% commission from a billion dollar contract.

Send this message repeatedly to all garment factory owners and other captains of industry, to all sycophantic professors who have become VCs of public universities, to powerful trustee board members of private universities who take cash to admit students, to all heads of all corporations, and to all bank managers.

The sms message might be the thing wherein you might catch the conscience of the king. l Shawkat Hussain is former Professor and Chair of English, Dhaka University, and now teaches at State University of Bangladesh.

How about a national referendum? n Tarek Kamal

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teacher had taken one of his students to task because the student had stated in a report that the population of Bangladesh was 300 million. The student had replied to his teacher that as the BNP claimed that 150 million people were backing them, and the AL claimed that 150 million people were backing them, it was only logical to add the two figures to arrive at the correct population figure of 300 million.

members of parliament are elected by their constituencies to look after the interests of the constituencies. In the worst case scenario, this can be abused to the point where the electorate is grouped together by political parties as they say whatever they want in the name of their constituencies.

It is important for our opposition parties to realise that when a hartal or blockade is called, I don’t necessarily support your cause because I don’t bring out my car on the streets – it is

With all political parties claiming to represent the people’s wishes, a referendum can be the DNA test to resolve the conflict All parties are saying they represent the people’s wishes. I’m one of the people, and I can tell you none of them represent my wishes. I want peace and safety because I want to make a living, to feed my family, to educate my children, to know that when I leave home in the morning I will come home safely in the evening.

The accepted practice for governance around the world is where the populace votes in representatives to take decisions on their behalf after considering all issues. For example, congresspersons, senators, and

because I don’t want my car broken or burned. Similarly, if I do bring out my car during a hartal or blockade, the government should not think I support them in each and every cause either.

As I mentioned before, I am just trying to make a living.

As a person who is on the receiving end of bad governance regardless of who is leading the country, it is time for a little direct democracy – a referendum is the best way to resolve contentious issues. A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been

referred to them for a direct decision.

A national referendum would be a good way to resolve the impasse that we seem to have arrived at.

We have quite a few that need to be asked directly to the people, and the results to be irrevocably inserted into the constitution: Number one (as it is foremost on everyone’s minds these days) would be on how we want elections to be held – under a caretaker government, under the sitting PM with reduced powers, or something else that smarter people than myself can think of to protect people’s interests.

Another would be on a term limit for elected positions – and hopefully not like what happened in Russia with Putin back in the saddle after two terms. Another would be on whether to have a “none of the above” choice on the ballots. The list could go on but let’s start with these.

When more than one man claims paternity over a child, a DNA test can resolve the issue. With all political parties claiming to represent the people’s wishes, a referendum can be the DNA test to resolve the conflict.

Who would conduct this referendum? Well, that is another big issue.

Another is the drafting of the questions. The wording is critical and in my humble opinion, it needs to be understood by all, ie written in very easy-to-understand Bangla – language a 10 years old can understand.

Yet another, although this could be

done by all concerned, is the awareness-building on the issues related to the question and impact on the answer voted on. For this we ask the army to conduct this or we could turn to the UN as was done in East Timor – both with significant international observation.

There are many reasons why referendums have been criticised.

Namely, ordinary citizens have neither the analytical skills nor the information to make wise decisions, decisions by elected officials involve weighing the intensity of preferences and melding the legitimate interests of many groups into policies that will give all groups something of what they want, decisions made by representatives are more likely to protect the rights of minorities; by allowing elected officials to be bypassed and by encouraging officials to evade divisive issues by passing them on to voters, referendums weaken the prestige and authority of representatives and the representative government.

If we can be trusted to elect a representative, we can be trusted to answer some simple questions. What these criticisms do is question whether, at all, the “one person one vote” – the most beautiful part of democracy – should continue. This is dangerous territory. l Tarek Kamal is CEO, iNFiNiTi HR Company Limited.

The ‘Modi wave’ is not the mighty tsunami that his followers have been claiming

But in elections based upon the firstpast-the-post voting system, swings in the number of seats are deceptive because they invariably exaggerate the winning margin of the largest party. A more accurate measure of the popular mood is the change in the share of the votes.

In the recent elections, this points to a far more complex shift in public opinion. It is a shift that bodes well for Indian democracy and the future of the country, if it is understood and acted upon. It can become a precursor to violence and a breakdown of governance, if it is not.

The voting pattern confirms that the Congress has lost ground but, except in Delhi, it has not been decimated. In Chattisgarh, its share of the vote has increased by 2%. Had the BJP too not increased its vote at the expense of local and minor parties, it would have overtaken the BJP and swept to power.

But the BJP too increased its vote by 2%. So in the end, the Congress gained only one seat and the BJP remained in power. The losers in Chhattisgarh have been independents, and local parties whose supporters have learned to shy away from wasting their vote by giving it to someone who stands no chance of coming to power. This consolidation has worked equally in favour of both the major parties. So if there is a Modi wave, it is certainly not visible in Chhattisgarh.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP increased its share of the vote by over 9% to 47%. But here too, the Congress has also increased its share by almost 6% to 38% at the expense of local parties and independents. Given Shivraj Chauhan’s record of good governance, it is difficult to find much of a Modi effect in the 3% higher consolidation in favour of the BJP. The only place where a “Modi wave” is discernible is Rajasthan, but it is not the mighty tsunami that his followers have been claiming and the 12% rise in the BJP’s vote suggests. 8% of this has come at the expense of minor parties and independents. But in sharp contrast to MP and Chattisgarh, the remaining 4% has been wrested directly from the Congress.

The most significant results have come from Delhi. The rejection of the Congress has gone far beyond anything that can be attributed to normal anti-incumbency sentiment. In Delhi the party has lost an unprecedented

15% of its vote, and it has done so in spite of a 10.33% rate of growth during the past five years, a budget in which two thirds goes into social welfare programs, and perhaps the highest rate of delivery to intended beneficiaries in the entire country. This impression is strengthened by the debacle in Rajasthan, where too a government with a good record for the delivery of social benefits has lost more than a tenth of its support base.

Delhi, and to a lesser extent Rajasthan, show that the Congress’ strategy of ignoring the middle classes and the modern sector of the economy and relying upon handouts to the poor under the rubric of ‘inclusive development’ has failed.

But the elections also show that there is no significant Modi wave either. Despite Narendra Modi’s hectic personal campaigning, and the BJP leaderships pulling out of all stops in his favour, the party’s share of the vote has actually fallen by 3.2%, and with 31 seats in a 70 member house, it has little chance of forming a government.

The strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress has not therefore translated into a wave in favour of Modi and the BJP. One swallow does not make a summer.

But the Delhi results at least suggest that where voters have a credible third choice, those disliiusioned by the Congress will prefer it to the BJP. There are profoundly important implications for the strategy that the so-called Third Front needs to follow. So far, they have believed that a pre-election coalition between them will serve little purpose except to expose the huge fissures that exist between their ambitious leaders. They have, therefore, been content to wait till after the elections to explore the possibility of forming a government.

This strategy must change. The AAP’s landslide arrival onto the Delhi political scene has shown that by creating an explicit alliance (not coalition) and announcing a clear cut, responsible common program of action before the elections, the Third Front will acquire the power to influence the voters’ choice in their favour in each of their home states. They need therefore to sort out their leadership and policy issues now, well before the elections are announced.

Strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress has not translated into a wave in favour of the BJP

What should these policies be? To understand that, they need to examine the causes of the Congress debacle more closely. It could not be more apparent that whatever has made the voters turn so sharply away from the Congress in these two states has very little to do with the performance of their governments. The anti-incumbency wave must therefore arise from deep dissatisfaction with the policies of the Congress at the Centre, ie, of the UPA government.

Sonia Gandhi has blamed the price rise for the debacle. Sharad Pawar has blamed it upon the weak government at the centre. The AAP sees it as a reward for its championship of the poor man against a corrupt elite. But the most important cause has, strangely, been left unvoiced. This is the total collapse of the economy in the past four years, and the conviction that it has been brought about by a government that is totally out of touch with India’s reality. l Prem Shankar Jha is a journalist and author.

AFP

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Tisha and Shakib Khan set the silver screen asizzle

Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini and Poramon top Movie Bazaar chart

n Punny Kabir

n Entertainment Desk

Popular actor of the small screen Nusrat Imroz Tisha will be seen opposite Dhallywood’s “king” Shakib Khan for the first time in an upcoming film titled Prem Kore Ami Morbo directed by Shafiuddin Shafi. It seems movie lovers may have a pleasant surprise ahead with the chemistry between Shakib and Tisha.

She made her mark in the film Third Person Singular Number and Television, both directed by her husband, eminent director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

This will be her first film that is not directed by Farooki. Talking about this new phase, Tisha shared with the Dhaka Tribune: “I wanted to work with other directors for a long time, and I had gotten a few offers before, but I wanted to start with something really groundbreaking. This time, the script of the film really charmed me and I am excited to act in it.” The

shooting of the film is scheduled to start in February next year.

This will also be the first commercial movie for Tisha. However, the talented actor has her own opinion about commercial films: “I don’t believe in the terms ‘commercial’ or ‘art’ films. There are good films and bad films. I found the script really good and signed for it. I can ensure that I won’t do anything in the film that my fans don’t expect from me.”

About Shakib Khan, Tisha said: “Of course Shakib Khan is a big star and I hope it will be a good experience to work with him.”

Regarding the story of the film, Shakib Khan said: “The film is about our social and family values. It represents the beautiful side of our tradition and culture.” The Dhallywood megastar’s comment on Tisha: “She is a talented actor and I believe she will add significant value to the film.” l

Nagorik to pay tribute to late Khaled Khan

n Entertainment Desk

Nagorik Natya Sampradaya will hold a commemorative programme today evening at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in homage to the troupe’s senior member Khaled Khan, who recently passed away.

The eminent cultural personality’s untimely death plunged not only his family, but also his fans, colleagues and thousands of admirers into deep grief.

Khaled Khan joined Nagorik Natya Sampradaya in 1978. His extraordinary acting in theatre productions such as Dewan Gazir Kissa, Nurul Diner Sara Jibon, Galileo, Roktokorobi and Dorpon will be remembered for years.

He acted in over 30 plays for Nagorik and directed over 10.

The troupe’s chief Ataur Rahman informed the Dhaka Tribune that they would hold a discussion session where senior theatre activists from different troupes will talk about various aspects of the extraordinarily talented artist’s life and work. The programme will also feature music, recitation and a photo projection presenting significant moments of Khan in the theatre. l

Designed and hosted by Saikat Salahuddin, Movie Bazaar airs regularly every Thursday at 9pm on Asian TV. The show features celebrities and different aspects of Bangladeshi film industry, and calls upon people to express their comments through its Facebook page.

Dhallywood’s two big movies, the Jaya Ahsan-Shakib Khan starrer Purno Doirgho Prem Kahini and the Mahia Mahi-Saimon starrer Poramon, topped Asian TV’s popular show Movie Bazaar’s survey for 2013, conducted through social networking site Facebook.

The result of the survey features Shakib Khan as the best male actor and Mahia Mahi as the best female actor of the year 2013. The results name Misha Saudagar as best villain, Bappy and Arefin Shuvo as best promising male actors, Jaya

Arefin Shuvo and Jaya Ahsan Ahsan as best promising female actor, SI Tutul and Habib as best male singers, Nancy as best female

singer, best romantic couples Salman Shah-Shabnoor and Shakib Khan-Apu Biswas and more. l

ON TV MOVIE 7:00pm Star Movies Up

9:30pm HBO

The Parent Trap

COMEDY

DRAMA 9:30pm Star Plus

12:30pm Star World

11:30pm Colors

8:00pm Z Cafe

The Big

Diya Aur Bati Hum

The Middle

BalikaVadhu

Dhaka Moulik Natyadal staged Britte Biproteep n Shadma Malik Dhaka Moulik Natyadal staged their very first production Britte Biproteep at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on December 23. Written by Shahidul Huq Khan Shanon and directed by Shaju Ahmed, the drama shows the intricate relationship of a boy with his guardians.

The story opens with a conversation between a husband and a wife.

Mrittika, one of the lead characters, sits by the window, waiting for someone. When her partner Azad sees her, he is gripped by irrational jealousy and an argument breaks out between them. The first part of the story is quite perplexing, but it gradually becomes clear.

Britte Biproteep is a story about a couple who live under the same roof but never got as far as marriage. Twenty years ago, Mrittika was raped, and later gives a birth to a boy. At the time of the incident, Azad killed the rapist to rescue Mrittika. For social recognition, Azad takes responsibility of Mrittika and her son Shadhin.

The drama depicts Azad as a person with high morals and values. But time and again, Azad gets frustrated as he is still traumatised by the experience of killing someone. In the drama, Azad showed his immense love and respect for Mrittika.

When Shadhin grows up to be a young man, he gets involved in campus politics. His relationship with Azad was always very cold and their ideology was always at odds. Shadhin knew

Stiller hopes for something different in life n Entertainment Desk The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring and directed by Ben Stiller, is adapted from James Thurber’s classic short story that first appeared in The New Yorker in 1939. Since then, Walter Mitty – a mild-mannered man who enlivens a mundane day with a series of fantasies – is been synonymous with daydreams and flights of imagination.

Stiller, too, hopes for something a little different for his life: He wants to direct more movies and make films outside of the comedies he’s best known for. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, a kind of remake of the 1947 Danny Kaye version, is a big-budget, bigscale shift for the 48-year-old Stiller. It’s his fifth time directing a movie, but his first time helming a film that, while funny, isn’t quite a comedy.

In a recent interview in New York, Ben Stiller shared his aspirations about his upcoming film. When asked about his upcoming movie releasing during the crowded Christmas season, Stiller said: “Honestly, I think I feel the same thing that I feel every time a movie comes out — which is: It’s a lot of pressure and, at same time, it’s really, totally out of my hands.”

In answer to his comfort level about directing and acting at the same time, Stiller shared: “I don’t think you ever get totally comfortable with it. You get into a rhythm with it. But I always feel like every time you start up, it’s always figuring it out.” l

that he was illegitimate and despised Azad for killing his biological father.

He attempts to kill Azad to avenge his father’s death. Too late, Mrittika shares the truth of Shadhin’s parentage with him and he leaves home.

Raised by Mrittika and Azad, Shadhin never adopted Azad’s philosophy in life.

Bearing the illegitimate status made Shadhin bitter and wounded. With a desire to prove himself, he chooses the life of a criminal. l

SADIA MARIUM

Christmas special musical show Beje Uthuk Gaane airs tonight at 4:45pm on Desh TV. The programme will telecast live from the studio and popular singers Bappa Manjumder, Parvez and Joy Shahriar will present songs to the audience

Arjun Kapoor talks about stepmom Sridevi n Entertainment Desk Actor Arjun Kapoor has been in the news lately for his upcoming flick Gunday which is making quite an impression on the people. The actor got candid and spoke at length about his relationship with Sridevi and Boney Kapoor in a popular talk show.

Arjun is the son of famous film maker Boney Kapoor and the stepson of actress Sridevi.

Arjun spoke about his mother’s illness which was followed by her demise, and the tough times regarding his father’s relationship with Sridevi.

He reavealed that after a lot of effort the relationship between him and his father is smooth now and that he has immense respect in his heart

Jennifer Lawrence beats Miley Cyrus for Entertainer of the Year

TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition

City of Rhythm Second phase of Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed Time: 12-8pm Shilpangan, House 7 Road 13 (New) Dhanmondi

n Entertainment Desk

Eternal Japan

By Monzurul Huq Time: 12-8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts House 42, Road 16 (New) / 27 (old) Sheikh Kamal Sarani Dhanmondi Return to Eden

By Nasima Khanam Queenie Time: 10am – 8pm Alliance Francaise Dhanmondi

Film

Pacific Rim in 3D Escape Plan The Conjuring The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Star Cineplex, Level 8 Bashundhara City 13/3 Ka Panthopath Ki Prem Dekhaile Udhao Balaka Cineworld

for Sridevi as well.

“My mother taught me to be respectful to everybody. My mother allowed me to develop my own equation with each and every person including her. She never fed it in me to be a certain way. I went on holidays with my father even after they separated and my father`s family was along.

He has two other children as well.

The dynamics will be complicated. It will never be normal `We Are Family’ concept. It doesn’t end like films do. You’ll never live happily ever after but life goes on. I’m respectful towards her because she is my father’s wife. She will always remain that. My father is very happy with her and for me that is important,” he added. l

Jennifer Lawrence had an amazing year, and a lot of people seem to agree. She beat out the rest of pop culture to be called the Entertainer of the Year

There were a lot of people who made headlines in 2013, but Jennifer Lawrence came out on top as the Associated Press’s Entertainer of the Year. The voters consist of AP’s newspaper and broadcast members, and Lawrence won the prize by only one vote.

The 70 votes came from news directors and editors across the country, who were asked: “Who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2013?,” according to the Associated Press.

Lawrence won the title with 15 votes. Miley Cyrus came in second with 14, and Netflix came in third with 13. The online and DVD giant has changed the landscape of how TV shows are produced and brought to the public.

Lawrence was a favorite because of her many, and very diverse, roles, as well as her win for an Academy Award for Best Actress to start off the year. She has since been nominated for both a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for American Hustle.

Miley Cyrus also made headlines in 2013, but for different reasons. She made her first splash in August during the MTV Video Music Awards, but kept her twerking ways for the rest of the year. Cyrus later smoked pot onstage in Europe, continued to undress in many different situations and went through a very public breakup with fiancé Liam Hemsworth. l

Did you know?

The team top of Premier League at Christmas have won the title in each of the last four seasons. But the last three times Liverpool have been top at Christmas they have failed to win the title (90-91, 96-97, 08-09)

Sport

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

0 8 1 DAYS TO GO

14 Gunners held

by Chelsea in goalless draw

15 I felt like a clown but I’m still in form: Pietersen

Under-19 Asia Cup squad announced n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday announced a 15-member squad for the Asian Cricket Council U-19 Asia Cup UAE 2014.

Bangladesh are placed in Group B along with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Malaysia. The young Tigers will begin their campaign against Malaysia on December 28 at Abu Dhabi Oval.

In their second game on December 29 they will face Afghanistan at the same venue followed by the last game against Sri Lanka on December 31 at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The final of the tournament will be held on January 4 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh U-19 team will leave for Dubai on December 26.l

SQUAD Mehidy Hassan Miraz (capt), Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Musaddek Hossain , Saeed Sarker, Joyraj Sheik, Mohammed Jasim Uddin, Abu Hider, Rifat Pradhan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nihad-Uz-Zaman, Jubair Hossain, Rahatul Ferdous, Prosenjit Das

Sheikh Russell’s Uruguayan recruits Francisco Andres Usucar Pasquetta and Mohamed Amine (Left) and goalkeeper Biplob attend a practice session at Buet field yesterday

Rejuvenated midfield key to Russell’s BPL charge n Raihan Mahmood A rejuvenated midfield comprising an eclectic blend of Uruguayan Francisco Pasqueta, Frenchmen Maxim Rogers, Jamaican Ricardo Cousine and Moroccan Mohammed Amine will hold the key for defending champions Sheikh Russell as they take the field to defend the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title on Friday.

This midfield can be dubbed as one of the best in the market as it has the flair to invade opposition territory while simultaneously restricting the oppositions chances of attacking. After the early departure in the last eight stage at the curtain raising Federation Cup, Sheikh Russell will now be looking

to defend the BPL title – the most prestigious football event of the season.

Coach Maruful Haque oversaw a grueling training session at the BUET ground yesterday and the defending champion’s attitude was visible in every move. “They will fight it out in the field, the players were shocked with the early exit from the Federation Cup and this time the message is clear. We will do our best to retain the title,” said the coach, who guided Russell to three titles last season.

Uruguayan midfielder Pasqueta will be holding the center while Ricardo will be distributing the ball with his neat through passes and crosses to set up the forward line.

Maruf admitted that his squad this

year was not as formidable as last seasons. “To be frank, this year’s squad is not as like last year’s squad. However I am determined to go ahead with what I have and I have doubled my work load and hope team spirit moves us ahead.”

As per the declaration of the BFF, the BPL is set to begin from Friday. Maruf will be handicapped in the first match as his Moroccan forward Younnes Raux is out with an injury and French midfielder Maxim will arrive on Friday after enjoying his Christmas holiday.

Speaking about the weak points, Maruf said he still lacks a seasoned striker that fits in with his system. “My system requires a lone striker upfront and I have still not acquired it. Raux is injured and another Haitian forward

Pascal is out. I hope Raux recovers fast as that will help the team,” said Maruf.

In this regard, manager Habibur Rahman Mannu said Pasacal is enjoying a holiday and his agent is still to locate him. However the club has submitted all the necessary documents to the BFF and if Pasacal arrives in the middle of the league, he will be eligible to play.

Captain Biplob was also confident of putting good fight. “We have experienced names like Hasan al Mamun, Rajani Kanto Barman, Mithun Chowdhury and players like Mamun Mia, Anwar are raring to go. With the mixture of youth and experience and the flair of the foreign recruits, Sheikh Russell is a force to reckon with,” said the skipper. l

MUMIT M

Hockey clubs shift focus from Pakistani players n Shishir Hoque The growing anti-Pakistan sentiments in the country forced the local hockey clubs to look for alternative options of recruiting foreign players for the season.

Pakistani players have been a popular choice among the big Dhaka Premier League clubs like Abahani, Mohammedan and Usha, but now they are looking for other options.

“We almost finalised our talks in recruiting Pakistani players, but the ongoing relationship between the two countries are making us look to sign alternative players,” said Abahani coach Mahbub Harun.

“We are monitoring the whole situation. If the situation continues to be like this we might recruit players from India,” he added.

Political unrest threatens Challenge Cup third round today cricketing calendar TICKET RATES n n Minhaz Uddin Khan The expectation that political unrest will harm upcoming cricket events is being realized in the eyes of many cricket experts. At least three cricket boards so far have expressed concern about sending their respective teams for the events scheduled in Dhaka early next year. The ICC has not yet shown any official but the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) – event rights holder of the Asia Cup - has.

ACC CEO Syed Ashraful Haque informed the media three days ago of their concern about the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. The organisation will not

We will make an effort to help cricket in every manner.

The BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) will communicate with the political parties officially and request them to keep cricket off their program send an inspection team but instead, follow the media to monitor the situation before making a decision at their meeting in the first week of January.

“We will make an effort to help cricket in every manner. The BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) will communicate with the political parties officially and request them to keep cricket off their program,” BCB acting CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told the media yesterday.

“ACC will meet in Sri Lanka on January 4 and we will try to confirm by then with the political parties that the upcoming events are kept off from their

demonstration,” he added.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan recently requested political parties to keep cricket out of the purview of demonstrations, but with the political situation getting worse and worse, cricket has not been helped at all.

“We have a busy schedule of cricket starting with the bilateral home series against Sri Lanka in January followed immediately by the Asia Cup. Then we have the mega event of the ICC World Twenty20. The board president has already requested the political parties through the media to make sure that the unrest doesn’t harm the game,” said Nizamuddin.

Withdrawal of the West Indies U-19 from their tour of Bangladesh earlier this month due to security concerns gave light to the political unrest in the country. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was concerned about their young cricketers after a crude bomb exploded a short distance from the hotel the team was staying at.

“There is no particular way to arrange the security, rather it will be done as per the risk assessment. We have given the top security possible to a few teams in the recent past on the basis of government commitment,” Nizamuddin informed.

When queried if there has been any communication between the BCB and the ICC regarding the issue, Nizamuddin said, “We and the department concerned with security are constantly communicating with the ICC on the situation and hopefully, the joint effort will get us some fruitful results.” l

Ticket Type VIP Grand Stand Shaheed Mushtaque Stand Shaheed Jewel Stand Northern Stand Southern Stand Eastern Stand

Price (Tk) 300 100 100 70 70 50

FIXTURE (DHAKA PHASE) 28 Dec 29 Dec

31 Dec

Abahani v Mohammedan

1pm

Prime Bank v UCB BCB XI

5pm

Prime Bank v Abahani

1pm

UCB BCB XIv Mohammedan 5pm Final

4pm

Minhaz Uddin Khan

The Amber Victory Day Twenty20 Challenge Cup at the Sylhet Divisional Stadium will see Prime Bank Cricket Club take on Abahani Sporting Limited today followed by the game between UCB BCB XI and Mohammedan Sporting Club in the evening.

All teams have a win under their belt after two matches and it’s the net run-rate that put Abahani top of the four-team table.

Stand by Zakir Hasan, Sifat Islam, Nahid Hasan, Munim Shahriar, Mohammad Sumon

The tournament will move to Dhaka after tomorrow’s encounters and all the remaining matches including the final will be held at Mirpur’s Sher-eBangla National Stadium.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board through a media release yesterday informed that all the matches in Dhaka will be televised live on Bangladesh Television.

The board also announced the ticket prices for the Dhaka matches.

The tickets will go on sale from today at the Media Ticket Counter near the Northern Entry gate at SBNS. The ticket counter will remain open from 11am to 5pm every day. l

Usha KC manager Rafiqul Islam Kamal said apart from signing Pakistani players they also planned to bring in a coach from the country, “But we have to think about alternatives if country’s current situation gets worse.”

“We are in touch with Indian and players from other country for alternative options. We have to take a decision soon,” added Kamal.

The season’s first tournament Club Cup Hockey is expected to begin in the first week of January followed by the league.

Earlier this month, Bangladesh cricket was left stunned after the West Indies Cricket Board withdrew their Under-19 side from a seven-match youth ODI series following the ongoing political unrest here. The incident raised many eyebrows around the world concerning the security in Bangladesh. l

Fahad continues to impress, climbs to fourth n Tribune Desk The youngest Fide Master of the country Fahad Rahman climbed to fourth position after beating Iranian K Saberi Mahan in the 7th round, Under-10 Open Classic section, of the World Youth Chess Championship at Al-Ain, UAE on Monday.

Fahad now has six points after the end of 7th round. He was scheduled to face Abdashev Arlen of Kazakhstan in the 8th round game yesterday. l

Philander deposes Steyn as world’s best bowler n AFP, Dubai South Africa paceman Vernon Philander has ended compatriot Dale Steyn’s four-year reign as the world’s topranked bowler.

The 28-year-old took top spot in the latest ICC Rankings after out-shining Steyn in the dramatic drawn first Test against India in Johannesburg where South Africa fell just short of chasing down a world record run chase.

Philander claimed seven wickets in the match while Steyn, who had taken over from Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan as the world’s top bowler in July 2009, managed just one wicket. l

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (L) and bowler Pragyan Ohja play football during a training session ahead of the second Test against South Africa at the Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban yesterday AFP

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Suarez is best player in world, says Gerrard n Reuters

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech challenges Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil (3rd R) during their English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London on Monday

AFP

England captain Steven Gerrard has acclaimed Liverpool team mate Luis Suarez as the best player in the world on current form.

In 12 appearances this season the red-hot Uruguay striker has scored 19 goals to fire Liverpool to the top of the Premier League. That is six more than his nearest rival, Argentina and Manchester City forward Sergio Augero.

Suarez’s prolific streak has earned him a new long-term contract at Anfield where he has overcome widespread misgivings after several controversial incidents including one last season when he bit the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

“On current form he’s the best player in the world,” Gerrard said of Suarez.

“Lionel Messi’s out injured and Cristiano Ronaldo’s had a bit of an injury of late,” the Liverpool skipper told Sky Sports television, referring to the number one players at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

“He (Suarez) is certainly the best striker out there. He’s proving that with his minutes-to-goals ratio.”

The 27-year-old Suarez has this season become the first Liverpool player to score at least twice in five consecutive home matches.

He is on course to surpass the Premier League record of 34 goals shared by former England strikers Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.l

their defensive shackles just before the break and almost took the lead when Lampard met Eden Hazard’s pass with volley against the crossbar.

Wenger was growing increasingly vexed on the touchline and he was furious when referee Mike Dean refused to even book Mikel for his aggressive lunge on Arteta.

Mikel’s eyes were on the ball when he went into the tackle and Arteta slid in with equal intent, but it was the Chelsea midfielder whose followthrough contained more menace and could easily have left the Spaniard nursing a serious injury.

Arsenal’s anger increased when they appealed in vain for a penalty after Willian’s challenge caught Walcott on the foot without making contact with the ball.

Arteta was the victim of another crunching tackle from Ramires, but the

Brazilian escaped with just a booking.

By now Walcott, usually so mild mannered, had had enough and the winger responded by chopping down Azpilicueta, earning a yellow card of his own.

The tone of an already fiery match became ever more combustible after Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic caught Mesut Ozil and then started a bout of shoving with an incensed Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky sought retribution and went into the book for a crude foul on Ivanovic.

It was Arsenal who finished the stronger, with Giroud firing into the side-netting and then forcing Cech to block at his near post.

Bacary Sagna’s header was cleared off the line by Azpilicueta, but neither side deserved to take the points on an ugly night. l

Gunners held by Chelsea to goalless draw POINTS TABLE Team 1 Liverpool 2 Arsenal

GP 17 17

W 11 11

D 3 3

L 3 3

GD Pts 23 36 16 36

3 Man City 4 Chelsea 5 Everton 6 Newcastle 7 Tottenham 8 Man United 9 Southampton

17 17 17 17 17 17 17

11 10 9 9 9 8 6

2 4 7 3 3 4 6

4 3 1 5 5 5 5

31 14 13 2 -5 8 4

10 Stoke City 11 Swansea City 12 Hull City 13 Aston Villa 14 Norwich City

17 17 17 17 17

5 5 5 5 5

6 5 5 4 4

6 7 7 8 8

-4 21 0 20 -6 20 -6 19 -14 19

15 Cardiff City 16 West Brom 17 West Ham 18 Crystal Palace 19 Fulham 20 Sunderland

17 17 17 17 17 17

4 3 3 4 4 2

5 7 5 1 1 4

8 7 9 12 12 11

-12 -5 -8 -16 -17 -18

35 34 34 30 30 28 24

17 16 14 13 13 10

n AFP, London Arsenal missed their chance to return to the top of the Premier League after being held to a bruising 0-0 draw by title rivals Chelsea in a spiteful London derby on Monday.

This was the final English top-flight fixture before Christmas, but there was little festive cheer on display at the Emirates Stadium as Chelsea battered Arsenal with a series of bruising challenges.

John Obi Mikel was fortunate to avoid a red card after the Chelsea midfielder crunched into Mikel Arteta, while Arsenal also complained they should have had a penalty for Willian’s challenge on Theo Walcott.

It was a frustrating night for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who failed to

secure his first win over Jose Mourinho at the 10th attempt and as a result saw his side waste an opportunity to climb back above leaders Liverpool.

Instead, second placed Arsenal go into the Christmas programme level on points with Liverpool but behind the Anfield outfit on goal difference.

“We should have won it,” Wenger said. “They came here to defend and catch us on the break. We were a bit edgy at the start but we took control in the second half.

“It was 100 percent a penalty when Theo Walcott was fouled. I don’t know why it was not given.”

Chelsea, who moved up to fourth and are two points behind Liverpool, finished the more satisfied side after stifling Arsenal with ease and creating the better of the few chances on offer.

“We controlled the game defensively. It was a tactical match, a match

where neither side wanted to lose,” Mourinho said.

“We want creative players who use the ball and kill opponents. But there are some matches where we have to take one step backwards and play with a different philosophy.”

Mourinho sent Chelsea out in a 4-51 formation, with Fernando Torres as the lone striker, and that cautious approach worked impressively as Arsenal struggled to find any rhythm.

It didn’t help that torrential rain and gale-force winds lashed the Emirates throughout the match, making passing something of a lottery.

Frank Lampard made a typically intelligent run to meet Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross in the early stages, but for once the Chelsea midfielder’s clinical finishing deserted him and he scuffed a mistimed effort well wide.

Mourinho’s men finally cast off

Boring? I know, says Mourinho n Reuters, London “Boring, Boring Chelsea” chanted the Arsenal fans at Jose Mourinho after Monday’s drab 0-0 draw in the Premier League, and the Portuguese coach did not disagree.

“I agree, I’ve played against (Arsenal) 10 times and never lost, what more do you call me?” Mourinho, who once again won the tactical battle against Arsene Wenger at a rainswept Emirates Stadium, told reporters.

“What are they going to say? ‘Funny, Funny Jose’? Ten times and they don’t win once.

“I think Arsenal fans should just be happy, Arsenal are doing very well, they are in the Champions League and they have every reason to believe they

can be back challenging for the title,” added Mourinho.

Arsenal manager Wenger was also left frustrated after his 10th failure to beat Mourinho, feeling his side should have had a first-half penalty when Willian appeared to catch the ankle of Theo Walcott.

“I think it was a penalty on Walcott, 100 percent,” Wenger said. “After that we played with great focus and concentration but in the second half we couldn’t get the goal we deserved.

“They defended well, we didn’t find our zippy moments. They were happy with a point and we weren’t.”

After a barnstorming start to the season Arsenal have picked up only two points from the last nine available, and the scars of a 6-3 defeat by Man-

chester City were still visible on Monday as they played without their usual freedom.

“Four games without a win doesn’t help (confidence),” Wenger, whose side also lost to Napoli in the Champions League, told reporters. “We were a bit edgy at the start of the game but in the second half we took control.

“The defeats at Napoli and Man city left a little weight in our heads but we want to be strong enough to deal with.”

Mourinho, who left creative talents Oscar and Juan Mata on the bench, said that suited him just fine as Arsenal passed the ball around without penetrating.

“Arsenal were playing Arteta to Sagna, Sagna to Arteta, Arteta to Gibbs, Gibbs to Arteta and my players were

just compact and had no problems,” Mourinho said.

“The public were frustrated because they were expecting goals, chances and saves but nothing was happening. " Mourinho also played down Arsenal’s complaints about John Obi Mikel’s bone-jarring tackle on Arteta in the first half, which referee Mike Dean ruled fair.

“They like to cry,” Mourinho said.

“This is English football. It was a hard one, an aggressive one, but football is for men or women with fantastic attitude. It’s true, there are other sports without contact. I respect them but football is a game of contact."

“English football, winter, water on the pitch, sliding tackles at speed but be proud. I think the referee did well.” l

Spanish international Andres Iniesta gives a thumbs up after signing to extend his Barcelona contract until at least 2018 at the club's offices in Barcelona on Monday AFP

Barkley not for sale at Sherwood appointed as Spurs coach n any price: Martinez AFP, London

n AFP, London

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that his club would not sell breakthrough Premier League star Ross Barkley even if they received a world-record offer for him.

Barkley, 20, has been one of the most impressive performers during the first half of the season and hit the headlines again on Sunday when his fine late free-kick gave Everton a 2-1 win at Swansea City.

The midfielder made his England debut in September and is being tipped for a place in the squad for next year’s World Cup, while Martinez has compared him favourably with Michael Ballack and Paul Gascoigne.

However, the Spaniard has warned potential suitors that even a fee comparable to the £86 million ($141 mil-

lion, 103 million euros) that Real Madrid reportedly paid for Gareth Bale would not be enough to prise Barkley away from Goodison Park.

“Ross is in a moment of his career where first, he knows that he needs to carry on developing and this is the perfect place to do that,” Martinez said, in comments reported by several British newspapers on Tuesday.

“Second, he is a mad Evertonian and enjoying every single second. And third, we are in the middle of a season where we would never, ever consider disrupting what we have got in our squad now.

“It is not the right time for the player or the club to consider anything. Even if we got a Gareth Bale-size valuation we would never even consider it in January (when the transfer window reopens).”l

Tim Sherwood was on Monday appointed head coach of Tottenham with a contract to the end of the 2014-2015 season, the Premier League club announced.

Sherwood had been named as interim coach after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked earlier in December following a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.

“Following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, the Club can announce that Tim Sherwood has been appointed Head Coach with a contract to the end of the 2014/15 season,” said a club statement.

The 44-year-old Sherwood had overseen a 3-2 over Southampton on Sunday. Chris Ramsey, Les Ferdinand and Steffen Freund will work alongside the former England international midfielder.

“We were extremely reluctant to make a change mid-season, but felt we had to do so in the club’s best inter-

ests,” said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

“We have a great squad and we owe them a head coach who will bring out the best in them and allow them to flourish and enjoy a strong, exciting finish to the season.

“We are in the fortunate position of having within our club a talented coach in Tim Sherwood. We believe Tim has both the knowledge and the drive to take the squad forward.”

Sherwood played 93 matches for Spurs between 1999 and 2003 and also turned out for Blackburn, Norwich, Portsmouth, Watford and Coventry before hanging up his boots in 2005.

He made his mark on Sunday when recalled striker Emmanuel Adebayor, left out in the cold by Villas-Boas, scored twice. The win left Tottenham in seventh place, four points off the Champions League places.

Sherwood had said after Sunday’s game that he wanted his future sorted out as soon as possible.l

Michu out for six weeks n Reuters

Swansea City striker Michu faces ankle surgery that will rule him out for six weeks and may push the injury-hit Welsh club to seek a replacement in the January transfer window.

The Spaniard underwent a scan on his injured ankle after missing Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat by Everton. The 27-year-old, who has scored six goals in all competitions this season, has had ankle and knee problems in recent months.

“It’s not good news,” manager Michael Laudrup told the club website on Tuesday. “Unfortunately it has been confirmed that he will need an operation. The good news is that it can be done in the next week - and he should be back playing in around a month and a half."

Laudrup said he could sign Spanish forward Iago Aspas, 26, on loan from Liverpool.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

15

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Steyn upset by criticism from own fans, says De Villiers

QUICK BYTES

Granny blames ‘nasty’ Aussies for Swann exit Graeme Swann’s grandmother has blamed unwelcoming Australians for the spinner’s sudden retirement and said something “nasty” must have happened to convince the England star to turn his back on the Ashes. Swann quit cricket after the third Test defeat as Australia reclaimed the Ashes, ending an international career which had yielded 255 wickets for the off-spinner. “There is something gone wrong there and I blame the Australian players. Not all the Australian players, a certain one,” Mina Swann, 89, told The Journal newspaper in Newcastle. “I do not think they have been (made) very welcome, the team.

He is not easily upset, there is something nasty happened.” Mina spoke of her disappointment at her 34-year-old grandson’s decision. “He was as happy as Larry. He adored his cricket. It is a damn shame, he has lived for that game, he has done everything for that game.”

–AFP

n Reuters, Cape Town

Spain’s Olaso handed five-year match fixing ban

Spain’s world number 236 Guillermo Olaso was banned for five years and fined $25,000 on Monday after being found guilty of match-fixing. The 25-year-old from Bilbao, who plays on the lower level Challenger and Futures circuits, was sanctioned on three charges under the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (UTACP). A spokesman for the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said that all the offences took place in 2010. “The final 18 months of the five-year period of ineligibility will be suspended providing that the player has attended authorised anti-corruption education and rehabilitation programs, that the $25,000 fine has been paid in full by that time and that he commits no further breaches of the UTACP,” said a TIU spokesman. “The five-year ban applies with immediate effect and means that Mr Olaso is not eligible to participate in any tournament or competition organised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of professional tennis from the date of this statement.”

–AFP

Capello set to sign new contract with Russia

Russia coach Fabio Capello is set to sign a new contract after agreeing the final details of the deal, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Monday. Mutko did not give further information about the nature of the new contract but Russia have been keen to secure the former England manager’s services up to the 2018 World Cup, which the country will host. “The last touches to Capello’s contract have been made and now the Russian Football Union should set a date for the signing and I think that this should happen after the New Year holidays,” said Mutko.

“Nothing can stop it, all the questions have been agreed,” Mutko added, quoted by the R-Sport news agency. Capello has in the past been linked with a return to club coaching and was rumoured to be a target for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur after the recent sacking of Andre Villas-Boas. The former AC Milan coach led Russia to qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, providing a huge boost for the country whose failure to reach the finals in 2006 and 2010 was seen as a national humiliation.

–AFP

Gomis on his way out of Lyon French striker Bafetimbi Gomis is on his way out of Ligue 1 club Lyon at the end of the season, French radio station RMC reported. Gomis, 28, made his intentions clear when he told a private gathering in his hometown Toulon: “I’m in my fifth season with Lyon and I think at the end of the season, it’s time for me to go elsewhere, see if the grass is greeener.”

The announcement is sure to rekindle interest in the player from Marseille as well as Premier League Newcastle, who already have a strong French contingent in their squad and inquired about Gomis in the last transfer window. It could also trigger an offer once the next window opens in January if Lyon decide to cash in on the player who cost them 15 million euros ($20.5 million) from Saint-Eitienne in 2009 rather than let him walk away on a free transfer at the end of the season.

–AFP

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six 5:00PM Pakistan v Sri Lanka 4th ODI Star Sports 1 5:30AM (Thursday) Australia v England 4th Test, Day 1

Australia's Steven Smith (L) dives for the ball as wicket-keeper Brad Haddin looks on during a fielding drill in Melbourne yesterday

I felt like a clown but I’m still in form: Pietersen n Reuters, Melbourne Kevin Pietersen felt like a “clown” after getting out in the first innings of the second test but maintained on Tuesday he has been in prime form during England’s heavy defeats in the opening three Ashes matches. The flamboyant right-handed batsman has averaged 27.50 in the three games, way below his career test average of 47-plus, and been criticised for the manner of his dismissals.

Pietersen, though, scotched the idea that he was thinking of following spinner Graeme Swann into early retirement.

“I’m 33 years of age,” he told reporters ahead of the fourth test against Aus-

Samuels out of Windies ODI squad n AFP, Wellington

An injured wrist has ruled batsman Marlon Samuels out of the West Indies one-day squad to face New Zealand, with Chadwick Walton called in as cover, team officials said Tuesday.

West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson said Samuels would return home to

SQUAD Dwayne Bravo (capt), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Jason Holder, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Chadwick Walton see if surgery was required on his right wrist, in a major blow for the tourists as they look to bounce back from a 2-0 Test series defeat.

“Marlon’s injury is unfortunate at such a tough time for the team, but it gives another player the opportunity to make a name for themselves in this series. He has been working hard and growing as a player, and I feel confident that when his opportunity comes he will make the most of it,” the coach said.

The first of five ODIs between New Zealand and the West Indies will take place at Auckland’s Eden Park on Dec 26. l

tralia that starts on Thursday. “I’m batting as well as I’ve ever batted.

“I’ll retire when I can’t get up to play for England but I’m as good as gold at the moment. I felt like a clown in Adelaide when I hit that ball to mid-wicket off Peter Siddle. “I just didn’t feel good at the crease at all. Some days you have them,” said Pietersen.

“Every other time I’ve batted on this trip, I’ve felt really, really good. I’ve got myself ‘in’ every time I’ve batted and a couple of times I’ve got out and a couple of other times fortune didn’t favour the brave.”

Pietersen flicked Siddle straight to George Bailey at short mid-wicket in the

second test in Adelaide in an attempt to dominate the seam bowler after England had lost two early wickets.

But the South Africa-born cricketer said he felt no need to make adjustments to his approach in the future.

“It’s just a case of making sure I keep doing what I do because it’s proved successful,” added Pietersen.

“If the situation dictates a certain way that I play, I’ve proved over the last however many years that I’ll play to the situation of the game.

“I haven’t got 100 in this series. Who knows? I might get one on Thursday and we might be sitting here all nice and happy.” l

INTERNET

Pay back India for their wicket ways: NZ coach n Reuters New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson has called on the country’s curators to serve up green pitches when India tour for their two-test series in February.

New Zealand were belted 2-0 on India’s dry wickets last year and Hesson said it was only fair to prepare bouncy tracks for the Auckland and Wellington tests which might trouble the visitors’ batsmen and blunt their spinners.

“I think everyone is aware of the type of surfaces we like,” Hesson said in comments published by New Zealand media on Tuesday.

“We’ve been in India before and they’ve changed the pitch the day before a game because it wasn’t as dry as

Federer at 2014 crossroads, Serena eyes history n AFP, Paris Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray open the 2014 season in Abu Dhabi on Thursday with Roger Federer hoping his absence isn’t an indicator of more misery ahead.

World number one Nadal provided the comeback story of 2013, winning 10 titles, including a record eighth French Open and a second US Open which took his majors haul to 13.

Djokovic defended his Australian Open crown while Murray claimed Britain’s first Wimbledon mens’ title in 77 years.

But while the big three start their new campaigns with a leisurely threeday stroll in the Gulf, record 17-time major winner Federer begins his 17th season as a professional in Brisbane and with his career at a crossroads.

In 2013, the world number six failed to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time since 2002 and his second-round defeat at Wimbledon ended his run of 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances.

Federer will turn 33 in August but is acutely aware that his great hero, Pete Sampras, quit at 31 and at the top of his game, having secured a fifth US Open.

His record against the sport’s big

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn was left distressed after being heavily criticised by his own fans for opting against chasing victory in the drawn first test against India, the team’s vicecaptain AB de Villiers said.

The hosts finished eight runs short of a world record target of 458 as they cautiously played out the final three overs at the Wanderers on Sunday, settling for a draw with three wickets in hand.

Victory would have comfortably eclipsed the current world record of 418 runs chased down by West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2003.

Steyn was at the crease with Vernon Philander and was seen instructing his batting partner to be cautious, which led to the duo being booed off the field by their own supporters despite salvaging an excellent draw from a game that India dominated for the first four days.

“Dale was really upset, he struggled to handle it,” AB de Villiers, who leads the team in limited-overs matches, told reporters.

“It really took Graeme (Smith) and a few guys to help him handle it immediately, because of the crowds, the booing and everyone criticising him and Vernon (Philander). They took a lot of strain and it was up to the team to pull through that but it was really tough.”

De Villiers, who made 103 in a 205run stand with Du Plessis (134) to set up the chance for an unlikely victory, reassured Steyn that he made the right decision.

“A lot of people are blaming Dale and Vernon but I honestly believe that the numbers nine, 10, 11 should never be going for the runs. It’s up to the top six to score the runs,” he said.

“If responsibility is going to be thrown around, it’s on me, Faf (du Plessis) and JP (Duminy) and maybe a little bit on Vern at the end there.

“The minute Dale walked to the crease, the right thing to do was to save the test match and I thought they did that brilliantly well.” l

Roger Federer

Serena Williams

three also makes for worrying reading – he is 10-22 against Nadal having lost all four matches against the great Spaniard this year and 9-11 when up against Murray, losing their one clash in 2013.

The WTA Tour starts in Brisbane and Auckland and will conclude with a new home in Singapore for the season-ending championships.

Six of the world’s top 10 will be in Brisbane led by defending champion Serena Williams.

The American will be 33 in 2014 but her rock-solid confidence and iron will are as intimidating as ever.

Williams ended 2013 with 11 titles while triumphs at the French and US Opens took her Grand Slam haul to 17,

one off the mark shared by Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and just five away from Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22. Williams enjoyed a match record of 78 wins against just four defeats, claimed the season-ending WTA Championships title and became the oldest number one player.

Victoria Azarenka, comfortably Williams’ biggest rival, also features in Brisbane as does Maria Sharapova who was forced to shut down her 2013 campaign at Cincinnati in August because of a shoulder injury.

Sharapova has hired Sven Groeneveld, the former coach of Monica Seles, in an effort to knock Williams off her perch. l

they’d like. We certainly don’t get any favours when we travel overseas, so I’d be disappointed if we provide any at home.”

New Zealand have not beaten India in a test series since their 2-0 win in 2002-03, when the visitors’ star-studded batting lineup, which included Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, crumbled on two fast, green pitches presented at Wellington’s Basin Reserve and Seddon Park in Hamilton.

In the next home series in 2008-09, New Zealand’s curators were slammed for preparing more docile pitches as the hosts lost 1-0.

New Zealand thrashed West Indies 2-0 in their recent three-test series, with their seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee taking most of the wickets. l

New Zealand prodigy Ko splits with coach n Reuters

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko has split with long-time coach Guy Wilson, who started working with the golfing prodigy as a five-year-old novice and helped take her to number four in the world 11 years later. Ko was given the green light in October to become a full member of the LPGA Tour from the start of the 2014 season after the governing body waived the 18-year-old age limit clause.

Ko, who was born in South Korea and has already won five professional titles, four as an amateur, became the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour when she captured last year’s Canadian Open at the age of 15. In statement to Fairfax media, Wilson said he was “incredibly disappointed” that their partnership had come to an end.

“We’ve spent a lot of time together over the past decade and during that time I’ve become very close to Lydia and her family. While I’m incredibly disappointed that our 11-year partnership is over, I respect Lydia and her team’s decision,” Wilson said in the statement.

“When I first met her the golf clubs were taller than she was and she didn’t know the first thing about a driver or a putter but now she has one of the most envied swings in the women’s golf world.” l

16

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Nipah still a major health concern Specialists warn against the drinking of raw date palm sap n Moniruzzman Uzzal The spread of Nipah virus (NiV) infection has become a major public health concern for Bangladesh, with thousands of people lacking the proper awareness about the deadly virus.

Epidemiologists and health specialists of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) expressed their deep concerns and said a fresh outbreak of NiV could happen any moment with the arrival of winter.

Dr M Mushtuq Husain, principle scientific officer of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), told the Dhaka Tribune that top priority was being given to NiV, as the fatality rate from the disease was extremely high.

As a precaution to the disease, he urged people not to drink raw date palm sap (Khejurer Rosh).

The NiV – an enveloped RNA virus belonging to genus Henipavirus – is a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus, which is transmitted by the drinking of virus-contaminated raw date palm sap or through close physical contact with Nipah infected patients.

Human Nipah virus (NiV) infection was first recognized in a large outbreak of 276 reported cases in Malaysia and Singapore from September 1998 through May 1999.

As of May 15, 2013, there have been 21 fatalities out of 24 reported cases of NiV infection in Bangladesh since the beginning of 2013, according to IEDCR statistics.

These cases were from 13 differ-

The list of 189 reported cases and 148 deaths Year

Districts

Number of cases Number of deaths

2001

Meherpur

13

9

2003

Naogaon

12

8

2004

Rajbari, Faridpur, Joypurhat, Manikganj and Naogaon

58

47

2005

Tangail

12

10

2007

Thakurgaon,Kustia

15

8

2008

Manikganj, Rajbari

10

9

2010

Faridpur

8

7

2011

Rajbari, Dinajpur,

37

31

Rangpur and Lalmonirhat 2012

Joypurhat and Rajshahi

11

8

2013

Bhaluka, Natore,Nilphamari, 13

11

Naogaon and Manikgonj

ent districts (Gaibandha, Jhinaidah, Kurigram, Kushtia, Magura, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Natore, Nilphamari, Pabna, Rajbari, and Rajshahi). The age distribution of cases was from 8 months to 60 years, while 16 cases were male and eight were females.

The NiV infection has a fatality rate of 78%, with 148 people out of the 189 reported cases between 2001 and May 2013 – succumbing to the disease.

Prof Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, director of disease control at the DGHS, said an all-out preparation has been taken to overcome the high risk of the life threatening NiV disease.

The DGHS has been carrying out awareness campaign in the Nipahprone areas, and holding meeting with local authorities and society elites to let them know about the risks of NiV. Health messages about the NiV have also been prepared, especially for the

ILLEGAL VOIP BUSINESS

43 placed on remand Sarkar and n Kailash Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

people who sold raw date palm sap.

A list of date palm trees and its workers in 25 upazilas and villages in the Nipah-belt was being prepared for a programme to make Nipah-free villages, Dr Be-Nazir informed.

Dr Mushtuq from the IEDCR, meanwhile, said they had arranged a training programme titled “Communication for Behavioral Impact (COMBI) training and strategy for prevention of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh” for 100 health education officers from 64 districts and 100 more medical officers and doctors from upazilla health complexes.

Moreover, the hospital-based surveillance at three medical colleges in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Faridpur, and two district sadar hospitals at Tangail and Rajbari – have been advised to send reports on the meningoencephalitis diseases including: (1) Japanese Encephalitis, (2) Nipah, (3) Dengue, (4) Other bacterial causes of encephalitis.

The concerned surveillance physicians, directors and superintendants of the selected hospitals are responsible for conducting the surveillance locally and sending the reports bi-weekly.

It has been learnt that the median incubation period of the secondary cases that had a single exposure to Nipah case was nine days (range 6–11 days) but exposure to onset of illness varied from 6-16 days. The median incubation period following single intake of raw date palm sap to the onset of illness was 7 days (range: 2-12 days) in Bangladesh. l

A Dhaka court yesterday granted two days’ remand for 42 and one day for another accused in a case filed in connection with illegal VoIP business.

The Taiwanese authorities have sent two of its high officials to deal with the legal matters following the arrest of its 32 nationals along with five Chinese and five Bangladeshis for operating VOIP business in Uttara of the capital, said officials of Rab and BTCL. According to sources, earlier in Sri Lanka another group of Taiwanese people were arrested two years ago on charge of same illegal VOIP business. The two officials were sent to ensure the punishment of the arrestees as the same business in Sri Lanka had tarnished the image of Taiwan.

One of the Taiwanese high officials was Sophi Chiung of the Economical and Cultural Centre of Taiwan in New Delhi who also deals with matters related to immigration and passport of the country. The other official is Woodi Wang, the Director of Taiwan Trade Centre.

Dhaka metropolitan Magistrate Rezaul Karim passed the order after police produced the 43, including 37 foreign citizens, before the court seeking seven days’ remand. The court also rejected defence’s bail plea.

In the remand prayer, investigation officer Sub-Inspector Mamunur Rahman said: ‘‘We need remand for collecting information about their business.

We also need to know whether they are running business in other places in the country as well.”

According to the case statement, on Sunday night, law enforces arrested the

43 accused including the 37 foreigners, and recovered a huge stash of equipment used for illegal VoIP business from a house in the capital’s Uttara.

Of the foreigners, five were Chinese and the remaining 32 were Taiwan nationals. Of them, eight were women.

None of them had any work permit for operating in Bangladesh.

On Monday, Nayek Subeder Abu Reza Mustafa Kamal of Rab 1 filed the case against a total of 45 people under the amended Bangladesh Telecommunication Act 2001.

Off the accused, Faruk Hossein and Dr Latifunnessa Shamsuddin are on the run.

In the bail plea, defence lawyer Aminul Gani Tito said police produced the accused before the court 42 hours after they had been detained. Moreover, the accused had been detained on Sunday but were shown arrested the next day.

In reply, assistant commissioner of prosecution Mirash Udding said since most of the accused were foreign nationals, they took a little bit of time for going through various procedures in order to show them arrested. Apart from detained five Bangladeshis, a large number of people who have expertise and study in networking programmes were involved with the foreigners in the illegal VOIP business, said Rab officials.

Experts in bilinguals were also assigned to interrogate detained Taiwanese and Chinese Officials from Rab. Police said they had assigned several bilingual experts for the purposes of interrogation of the Chinese and Taiwanese nationals.

Besides, the bilingual experts have been assigned as the Chinese and Taiwanese nationals have submitted their written statements in their own languages. l

Blockade arson victims suffer at the CMCH n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Lying on the bed of the burn and plastic surgery unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) with 30% burn injuries, Mohammad Selim Uddin, a truck helper from Chhotopul area in Chittagong city, has been passing the worst days of his life.

He sustained the burn injuries on December 13 when blockade supporters hurled petrol bombs at his vehicle at Mohipal area in Feni.

Only four doctors have been working in the unit, while there were seven nurses on deputation from other wards to provide for 49 patients at the 26-bed unit Liza Akhter, daughter of the victim, told the Dhaka Tribune that Selim is the lone earning member of the seven-member family, adding that the family had already spent Tk30,000 for his treatment.

In the same burn unit, Ali Akbar, a truck driver, has also been undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries since December 9, after being attacked by blockade supporters on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Boro Awlia area in Sitakunda upazila of the district.

His wife Nazma Begum said she had already spent Tk40,000 for Akbar’s treatment, adding that she had failed to shift her husband to Dhaka for better treatment because of financial restraints.

Family members of both the victims said they had not received any financial help from the government; however, some ruling party members visited the burn victims several times.

Like Selim and Akbar, at least seven blockade arson victims have been admitted to the hospital since November 26, while three of them had succumbed to their injuries, said sources in the CMCH burn unit.

The families of the victims alleged that they were not getting standard treatment at the hospital; but the doctors attributed it to the lacking of different facilities.

Misma Islam, a physician of the unit, said shortage of doctors, nurses, necessary equipments and medicines were causing hindrance in providing treatment and also in deteriorating the conditions of the burn victims.

“Three victims were sent to Dhaka because of the lack of treatment facilities; however, two of them died,” he said, adding that another blockade victim had died at the CMCH. Only four doctors have been working in the unit, while there were seven nurses on deputation from other wards to provide for 49 patients at the 26-bed unit.

“A burn unit must be well-equipped, as treatment for burns is quite different,” said Dr Mrinal Kanti Das, head of the unit, adding that their unit did not even have an intensive care unit (ICU), an imperative for treating the burn victims.

He said the operation theatre was not also well-equipped and had no designated staff.

“We have to refer many of the patients to Dhaka. But the health conditions of few of them deteriorate on the way, while few others cannot go there because of financial insolvency,” said Dr Mrinal.

According to the CMCH sources, Ahsan Ullah, a truck driver who was being shifted to Dhaka as he required immediate ICU support, died on his way on Sunday. l

Rajshahi Wild Life Management and Natural Preservation Department rescued four Griffon vultures in injured state and sent them to Gazipur Bangabandhu Safari park

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Pir, others killed for controversial practices, claims DB n Kailash Sarkar The contentious religious practices and views of self-proclaimed commander-in-chief of Imam Mahdi’s forces Lutfor Rahman Faruk can be behind the killing of six people including Faruk and his son in the capital on Saturday, say police.

Any of the militant or fanatic Islamist organisations like Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (Huji), JMB and Hizb-ut-Tahrir or any other quarters that were fuming over Faruk’s claims and activities might have been involved in the murders.

Lutfor, his son Sarwarul Islam Monir and four disciples were slaughtered at

his house by a gang of some eight killers.

His younger son Abdullah Al Faruk filed a case with Wari police station accusing 10-11 unknown killers, but suspecting the militants.

The law enforcers have not detained or arrested anybody in this connection although they questioned many of the disciples and people in the Ramakrishna Mission Road area.

“From the information gathered so far, we are confident that the controversial religious views, practices and his claims to be the self-proclaimed pir and commander-in-chief of Imam Mahdi’s forces were behind the killing of Lutfor

along with his son,” said Jahangir Hossain Matubbar, DB deputy commissioner (east). He said they had not found any conflict or feud in his family, not even any financial dealing, apart from the conflicts centring Faruk’s religious views and practices.

Jahangir claimed that they were yet to identify the killers and specify the quarters responsible for the killings.

“We are suspecting the Islamist outfits as responsible for the murders since activists of some of the organisations earlier had made attacks on Lutfor and staged demonstrations protesting his activities and demanding his punishment.”

Lutfor had been vocal against the activities of some of the militant and Islamist organisations and their leaders, he said while adding that anyone else could take advantage too.

Joint Commissioner Monirul Islam claimed that they considered three banned Islamist outfits for the incident – Huji, JMB and Hizb-ut-Tahrir.

Meanwhile, disciple Anwar Hossain, who was present at the house during the killings, and the house’s security guard Sarwar Hossain had been missing since the incident, said Jahangir adding that Anwar was also a brother-in-law of one of the deceased Manjurul. l

Dhaka medical burn unit receives fresh arson victims n Mohammad Jamil Khan After a respite of a couple of days the burn and plastic surgery unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) has once again started to receive victims of arson attacks of mindless violence resorted to by opposition activists.

Truck driver Nazrul Islam, who sustained 20% burn on Monday night in an arson attack in Gazipur, succumbed to his injuries last night at the burn unit.

Even dumb animals have not been spared from the cruelty of

dirty power politics.

Seven cattle died following an arson attack in Chittagong area on Tuesday while the driver and his assistant of a truck are fighting for life at the burn unit of the DMCH. Saiful Islam, 30, the helper of the truck is suffering from 41% burn injury while the respiratory track of the driver Mohammad Abu Mia, 40, received 10% damage.

The duo was going to Chittagong after loading cattle on the truck from Aricha ferry terminal on Monday evening. As soon as

they reached Baroaulia Mazar area pickets threw petrol bombs targeting the vehicles that left them injured while seven cattle died.

The driver and helper were admitted to the DMCH around 5pm yesterday.

Saiful, Son of Abdur Rahman, has a two-year-old son and a daughter. As his wife Hasi Begum received the news she just went into a fit of hysteria as without Saiful the family would ruin, Faruk Bhuyia, brother-in-law of Saiful, said.

Akter Hossain, son-in-law of

Abu Mia, says Abu is the only earning member of his family and support of his father and mother. His wife Tara Banu, a son and father Abdul Aziz were crying incessantly soon after the accident.

Contacted Taslima Sultana, attending doctor of the burn unit, told the Dhaka Tribune that the condition of both the victims was critical. They were kept under observation.

Hailing from Kalihati of Tangai he has one son, Nure-e-Alam, a student of Class III and a two-year-

old daughter Shampa.

Besides, another truck driver, who also came to the DMCH burn unit on Monday night, Mohammad Kamrul Islam with 35% burn injury is undergoing treatment at the burn unit. Hailing from Sahiprotap area of Narshingdi he has two sons – Rasel, 9, and Ripon, 5.

Jahanara Begum, motherin-law of the victim, in an emotion-choked voice told this correspondent: “Please tell them to stop such violence. We will leave the country never to return. Is this a hartal that put people on fire? 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

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Business

B3 Appollo Ispat makes happy debut in depressed market

B4 70% rice millers suspend milling

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2013 www.dhakatribune.com/business

EPZ RMG workers' minimum wage Tk5,600 New wage structure will get retrospective effect from December 1

n Tilka Binte Mehtab Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has set Tk5,600 as the minimum wage for the readymade garments workers employed by the factories located in the country’s EPZs. The workers would also enjoy a yearly increment of 10% on the basic wages.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday approved the new wage structure, BEPZA officials said.

The workers will get salary on the basis of current dollar value, but the wages will in no way decrease if the dollar devalued against the local currency, an official told the Dhaka Tribune, requesting anonymity.

As per the new wage structure, the basic salary for entry level workers will be Tk3,600 and medical allowance would be Tk560.

The new wage structure will get retrospective effect from December 1 this year.

The workers will also enjoy food,

DITF deferred n Tribune Report

The government deferred the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2014 by 10 days due to ongoing political deadlock ahead of the national polls.

The 19th DITF-2014 will now start on January 11 instead January 1 as the government has changed the schedule in response to requests by the participant, said a statement the commerce ministry issued yesterday. The month-long trade show titled “Dhaka International Trade Fair-2013” to be held at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka is scheduled to be inaugurated at 11 am on the day.

A large number of foreign and local business houses have decided to refrain from taking part in the fair due to political unrest, which prompted the authorities to defer the country’s biggest trade fair, said a high official of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Earlier, nearly 100 domestic and foreign participants had threatened not to participate the event unless it is deferred beyond the general election.

Small businessmen have also decided to stop construction of pavilions and stalls if there is no immediate announcement to defer the event. l

medical, transport and attendance bonus. Besides medical allowance, workers will also enjoy free medical services from the EPZs. Of 3.82 lakh workers employed in the eight EPZs across the country, over 3 lakh in the RMG factories.

According to BEPZA, eight EPZs exported products worth US$ 2110.48m during July-November period this year.

The EZPZA contributes 18% to total export earnings of which about 16% comes from RMG unit of the EZPs. Meanwhile, on November 21, the government-formed wage board finalised Tk5,300 as the minimum wage with a basic of Tk3,000 for entry-level workers. The yearly increment for them set at 5% of the basic wages.

“It is good the workers would get food and transport allowances apart from the salary,” said Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

But the government should also provide RMG factories outside the EPZs with similar facilities. He, however,

that gave them an extra mile to offer better wages, said Abdus Salam Murshedy, former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

A BEPZA official said the EPZ work-

Four global retailers, along with manufacturers and labour groups, have agreed to set up a $40m compensation fund for victims of Bangladesh’s Rana Plaza disaster that killed 1,135 people, officials said Tuesday.

Retailers Primark, El Corte Ingles, Loblaw and Bonmarche have pledged to contribute to the fund following the collapse of the garment factory complex in April, the world’s worst industrial tragedy, the officials said.

“A fund has been established to compensate the victims, injured workers and dependants of the deceased, of the Rana Plaza collapse,” said Lejo Sibbel from the International Labour Organisation which helped broker the agreement reached last month. “An estimated $40m will be required to compensate the victims and their beneficiaries,” said Sibbel, who is based in Dhaka.

“To finance the payments to victims, international brands and retailers are making voluntary contributions into the fund, which is also open to contributions from any other international donors,” he told AFP.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

ers deserve better wages that others due to their better productivity while the factories in the EPZs getting better services than the factories outside the EPZs that help reduce the production cost. l

The telecom regulator has blocked four more International Gateway Operators (IGWs) from mid-night yesterday as they owe around Tk150 crore to the national exchequer for a period of July to September this year, officials said.

They are Mos5 Tel Limited, First Communications Limited, SM Communication and Cel Telecom Limited.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) sent a letter to the operators as well as the mobile and land phone operators earlier in the afternoon, asking them to suspend the operations.

Ranks Telecom Limited and Sigma Engineers Limited, however, escaped the suspension as they made the payments immediately after getting the letter.

“These IGW operators haven’t shared their revenue as per the guideline … the regulator directed all the mobile phone and land phone operators not to terminate these operators’ calls,” a senior official quoted from the letter.

The BTRC took the action following a request by the Post and Telecommunication Minister at a meeting on Sunday.

Mos5 Tel Limited owned by former Health Minister A F M Ruhal Haque.

First Communications Limited owned by the Prime Minister’s advisor Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu.

According to the guideline, the IGWs earn $.03 for per minute of incoming international calls and they have to share 51.75% of it with the regulator.

Earlier in September, BTRC had blocked six IGWs having an outstanding of Tk613 crore – most of the companies were politically powerful.

Total outstanding amount of IGWs revenue sharing stands nearly one thousand crore taka so far, sources said. l

DBBL also repays LC Port city exporters a bit fortunate money of IDB affiliate n POLITICAL TURMOIL

Tushar Hayat, Chittagong

While factories in other parts of the country are struggling to ship their products because of the current political turmoil, the port city manufacturers are enjoying a bit of advantage.

The products manufactured in and around the Chittagong city constituted the largest part of shipment during the last couple of weeks marked by the continuous hartals and blockades, according to Chittagong Port Authority.

Some export goods from other parts including Dhaka, however, could be transported to the country’s biggest seaport under police escorts.

“The exporters in Chittagong are a little lucky in this unabated political turmoil as the country’s largest seaport is located here,” said Abdul Wahab, acting first vice president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. “But the exporters outside Chittagong are struggling to reach port. Even police protection sometimes failed,” he added.

A large number of garment factories are based in Dhaka, Savar and Narayanganj.

However, it does not mean that all of the export goods manufactured in Chittagong could be shipped.

The industry people in Chittagong said although the port was close to them, they always didn’t take risk of transporting goods as “violence could happen anytime in such a political situation.”

Truckers are also not willing to risk violence during the adversities.

“On Saturday last, I needed six trucks to carry goods to port, but could manage only two with a payment almost double the usual fair,” said Sheikh Sadi, managing director of Satabdi Garments at DT Road in the port city.

He said they had to depend on other factories for various purposes like printing and washing, but could not do that at the day time fearing damages.

“We can at least send our goods despite higher payments, but the exporters based in other districts cannot reach on time, miss shipment, and

then face order cancellations from buyers,” said Sheikh Sadi.

Mohammed Nasir, managing director of the Evergreen Sweaters Ltd at Banani in Dhaka, said 100 to 150 trucks and covered vans leave Dhaka daily for Chittagong Port under police escorts while the number during normal time is 4,000 to 5,000.

But the cost of this transport is more or less four times higher, he said. The exporters have to pay Tk90,000 to Tk100,000 to hire a covered van for carrying goods to Chittagong port. But the usual charge was Tk25,000 to Tk30,000 before the spate of blockades and hartals.

Despite the high payment, the exporters are not getting adequate number of vehicles to transport their products as the fears of sabotage didn’t evaporate even after the special policing initiative on the highways.

They, along with others beyond the port city, demand an immediate solution to the current political crisis to let the country’s exports that contributes 12.5% to GDP go smoothly. l

$40m fund to compensate Bangladesh garment factory victims n AFP

n Muhammad Zahidul Islam

Apparel workers are seen at a factory in an export processing zone in the country urged the government to remove discrimination between the factories in the EPZs and DTAs (domestic tariff areas).

The RMG factories within the EPZs enjoy more facilities than ours that include uninterrupted utility services

BTRC halts operations of 4 IGWs

The agreement comes after talks between owners of clothing brands and labour activist groups on a compensation deal ended in failure in Geneva in September.

The collapse of the nine-storey complex on the outskirts of Dhaka, where workers stitched clothes for top Western retailers, highlighted the often appalling conditions and lack of rights for workers at Bangladesh’s 4,500 garment factories.

Bangladesh’s $22bn garment industry is the world’s second largest after China’s and employs four million workers, most of them women.

More than 100 European and US retailers pledged to improve safety in the wake of the tragedy, but a deal on compensation for families of workers and those injured has remained elusive.

Families have received some shortterm compensation from Anglo-Irish retailer Primark as well as from the Bangladesh government.

Under the new agreement, families are expected to receive the first payments in February, according to Ineke Zeldenrust of Clean Clothes Campaign, an Amsterdam-based textile rights

group which also signed the arrangement.

Although Spanish-based giant El Corte Ingles, Primark, Canadian company Loblaw and British retailer Bonmarche have signed up, it is not known how much they will contribute.

The four retailers could not be contacted for comment.

Roy Ramesh, head of the Bangladesh chapter of international worker association IndustriALL, hailed the agreement as a landmark step towards ending “decades of injustice” for Bangladeshi garment workers. But Ramesh said he hoped more retailers whose clothes were made at the Rana Plaza complex would also come on board.

“We hope all 29 brands who have had their clothing made at the five factories at Rana Plaza would contribute to the fund,” said Ramesh, whose association has also joined the fund.

“It is the least they could do for the workers and their families who lost everything while making apparel for them.”

Families will receive payments for lost wages “on a case by case basis” while compensation for injured vic-

tims will depend on the outcome of a medical assessment under the fund to be chaired by the International Labour Organisation.

“The exact amounts that the victims (will get) will differ, as it will depend on the beneficiaries’ age and the family composition, and for the injured also on the outcomes of the medical assessment,” Zeldenrust said.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, which represents the nation’s textile factories, and the Bangladesh Employers Federation have also signed up.

But the Bangladesh government, which has also joined the agreement, said it would not contribute to the fund.

It has already paid 180m taka ($2.2m) in total to 777 victims of the disaster.

“We’ll compensate the other victims very soon,” the government’s labour secretary Mikail Shipar told AFP. The government has compensated only the families of those who died in the tragedy and those who lost one or more limbs. Around 1,500 people who suffered injuries ranging from broken spinal cords to concussion have not been given anything. l

The bank was in default of LC money for a couple of weeks n Asif Showkat Kallol After weeks of default, Dutch Bangla Bank Ltd has repaid the money of letters of credit opened by a subsidiary of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), said official sources.

'Our HSBC New York account has been debited on December 13.

Acknowledgement was also received from the bank supposed to receive the money'

DBBL managing director informed it in a letter to the secretary of Bank and Financial Institutions Division last week.

The money was repaid to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation.

Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) opened the LC worth US$75,240 to import instruments for implantation of an IDB project in Bangladesh.

Prime Bank, which also opened LC for the ICIEC, repaid money this week after being on default.

According to a Banking Division of-

ficial, DBBL sent the letter after it was asked if the LC money was repaid.

Earlier, ICIEC sent a letter to the government’s economic relations division on the non-repayment of LC money. ERD issued a letter to the banking division along with forwarding ICIEC letter.

It expressed concerns over the non-payment by the two local banks.

The letter said LC confirmation cost would increase if the banks continued to be default on LC payment.

It said the local banks should regularly repay loans of foreign financial institutions and banks to protect uphold image of themselves and the country as well.

DBBL MD K Shamshi Tabrez’s letter read: “We made the repayment on December 12 through HSBC New York by cancelling the earlier arrangement with Mashreq Bank, New York.”

“Our HSBC New York account has been debited on December 13. Acknowledgement was also received from the bank supposed to receive the money.”

He said it may be mentioned that DBBL always tried to keep the commitment to the bank’s overseas counterparts to uphold the national image.

“We assure of continuing the best banking practice in future.” l

STOCKS DSEX DS30 CSEX

-0.85% -0.89% -1.00%

4228.91 1459.26 8308.99

▼ ▼ ▼

CURRENCIES Average selling rates to public in BDT Rupali Bank Sonali Bank SELL BUY SELL BUY USD 77.4 78.4 77.4 78.4 EURO INR SAR

105.391 1.181 20.537

108.605 1.338 21.005

105.377 1.18 20.532

107.827 1.28 21.01

B2

Turnover (Million Taka)

Traders face difficulties in executing debut-stocks n Kayes Sohel Stocks extended losses for the second straight session yesterday amid laclustre trading, as negative sentiment persisted over deepening political crisis.

The benchmark DSEX index lost 36 points or 0.9% to close at 4228, hitting highest 4281 in midsession.

The blue chip comprising DS30 index fell 13 points or 0.9% to 1459.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, was down 83 points to 8308.

In another development, investors and traders alleged that they faced difficulties in most of the trading hour while betting on Appollo Ispat Complex stocks in its first trading day. A Dhaka Stock Exchange official said huge purchasing order hit the server, resulting in hanging up the system. “We are working to remove such problem as early as possible,” he said.

A broker said they failed to execute buy-sale order that was rejected by the system for most of the time during trading hour.

“This is unexpected. The performance of the MSA Plus software since the very beginning of its installation was not satisfactory as it failed to execute transactions on a number of occasions when a new company made debut,” said a stock broker.

The total DSE turnover came down to Tk374 crore after three weeks, indicating that investors were reluctant to bet on stocks.

4228.90 1459.26 13114.15 10688.45 8306.62

DSE LOSERS

Padma Oil Co. -A Rahima Food -Z Zeal Bangla Sugar -Z Northern Jute -Z Samata LeatheR -Z Anwar Galvanizing-B Beach Hatchery -A Legacy Footwear -A Miracle Industries -B Desh Garments -B

Closing (% change) -11.84 -10.55 -10.00 -10.00 -9.09 -6.40 -6.36 -6.26 -6.22 -5.71

CSE LOSERS Company Padma Oil Co. -A Kay & Que (BD) -Z Rangpur Foundry -A Rahima Food -Z Eastern Cables-Z Miracle Industries -B Anwar Galvanizing-B Deshbandhu Polymer-A H.R. Textile -A ICB AMCL IslamicMF-A

Closing (% change) -12.33 -9.55 -8.99 -8.88 -6.73 -6.73 -5.83 -5.60 -5.50 -5.41

ANALYST

Average (% change) -11.56 -9.33 -9.75 -10.00 -8.64 -5.47 -5.65 -4.38 -5.03 -3.70

Average (% change) -11.72 -9.55 -8.94 -10.16 -7.37 -6.58 -4.35 -5.11 -1.92 -5.41

Closing average 266.51 72.73 7.22 54.00 18.09 31.10 31.25 42.13 20.03 63.42

Closing average 266.00 18.00 83.00 71.83 73.45 19.60 31.22 23.96 42.33 17.50

(-) 0.85% (-) 0.89% (-) 1.00% (-) 0.97% (-) 1.02% Closing 265.80 70.40 7.20 54.00 18.00 30.70 30.90 41.90 19.60 62.70

Closing 264.40 18.00 83.00 69.80 73.50 19.40 30.70 23.60 41.20 17.50

Bank NBFI Investment Engineering Food & Allied Fuel & Power Jute Textile Pharma & Chemical Paper & Packaging Service Leather Ceramic Cement Information Technology General Insurance Life Insurance Telecom Travel & Leisure Miscellaneous Debenture

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

43

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

236

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

7

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,042.98

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

24.76

DSE Million Taka 244.35 260.05 94.30 1177.21 151.46 282.70 1.83 675.47 208.53 0.44 23.07 27.25 14.36 57.76 45.41 124.82 174.16 65.33 42.90 72.15 0.24

% change 6.53 6.95 2.52 31.44 4.05 7.55 0.05 18.04 5.57 0.01 0.62 0.73 0.38 1.54 1.21 3.33 4.65 1.75 1.15 1.93 0.01

Million Taka 43.49 32.41 7.38 337.95 26.37 26.95 85.41 24.64 0.12 3.03 5.09 2.45 3.66 10.64 3.75 8.96 5.94 10.33 16.54 0.00

Pioneer Insur -A Samorita Hospital -A Apex Foods -A Brac Bank -A LR Global BD MF1-A Bank Asia -A GreenDeltaInsu -A Bangas -A BD Building Systems -N Bay Leasing.-A

Closing (% change) 9.69 6.70 6.12 5.48 4.55 4.31 4.00 3.97 3.21 2.86

Average (% change) 4.83 6.39 (0.92) 7.30 6.13 4.02 (1.53) 2.75 1.91 0.12

Average (% change) 9.73 6.76 6.12 4.41 6.21 3.99 8.61 3.62 3.56 1.82

Closing average 20.85 383.52 18.33 7.50 69.57 21.75 79.81 95.51 71.86 59.99

Closing average 70.23 94.00 104.00 32.89 7.01 21.39 105.89 479.99 72.45 35.72

Closing

Daily high

21.20 383.50 18.40 7.20 68.70 22.10 82.40 96.10 71.70 60.20

Closing

21.60 392.80 19.30 7.50 71.00 22.30 83.30 97.80 75.00 61.00

Daily high

70.20 94.00 104.00 32.70 6.90 21.80 104.00 482.00 70.80 36.00

70.40 94.00 104.00 33.30 7.10 22.00 110.00 485.00 74.90 36.50

Daily low 19.70 375.00 18.00 6.90 65.00 20.00 76.30 93.80 64.00 56.00

Daily low 69.90 94.00 104.00 32.00 6.70 20.00 90.00 463.50 64.50 32.50

Yearly high 25.0 570.0 25.2 8.5 96.0 23.0 111.0 131.9 81.7 65.0

Yearly high 87.4 146.4 128.0 38.0 8.8 22.9 138.0 714.7 82.0 43.5

Yearly low 14.3 145.0 12.5 4.7 60.0 14.5 46.0 53.0 35.1 34.7

Yearly low

Turnover in million 0.295 2.512 0.055 0.015 13.440 16.451 1.700 4.298 106.316 131.033

Turnover in million

64.0 60.0 69.0 22.8 6.6 14.4 49.2 162.5 35.1 23.0

0.211 0.094 0.052 4.588 0.379 1.425 1.331 1.056 13.110 5.306

655.11 18,701,209

Number of Contract

43,901

Traded Issues

219

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

26

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

190

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

1,973.50

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

3

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

23.92

Yearly high

Daily low 263.00 69.90 7.20 54.00 17.90 30.50 30.00 40.00 19.50 62.10

492.0 92.9 10.3 60.5 27.5 36.3 36.8 51.1 23.5 108.0

Yearly high

Daily low

277.00 18.00 83.00 77.80 73.50 20.00 33.00 24.80 43.00 17.50

CSE

7.07 5.07 4.55 4.35 3.78 3.76 3.65 3.56 3.46 2.38

CSE GAINERS Company

263.00 18.00 83.00 69.00 73.40 19.20 30.50 23.00 41.10 17.50

489.0 25.1 130.0 92.9 99.9 23.9 37.5 28.0 48.9 26.0

Yearly low 155.0 13.0 6.9 16.2 10.7 12.9 14.5 12.4 10.4 20.0

Yearly low 153.0 13.0 54.0 13.0 46.2 11.0 12.7 15.4 19.0 17.5

Turnover in million 73.637 7.528 0.026 0.022 2.515 3.079 27.668 6.860 5.300 0.945

Turnover in million 6.623 0.054 0.042 2.011 0.015 0.764 0.297 4.268 0.529 0.018

The day’s session was disappointing for the investors without any glimmer of positivity in any front. Struggling in the initial hour, the bourse surrendered to pessimism, steadily losing in the later part of the session

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY Sector

286

Turnover (Volume)

272.00 78.90 7.50 54.00 20.00 32.90 33.00 43.70 21.70 64.80

Daily high

Traded Issues

Turnover (Million Taka)

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ Daily high

149,609

Aziz PipesZ Kohinoor Chem -A Kay & Que (BD) -Z AIBL 1st Is. M. F.-A Pioneer Insur -A Bank Asia -A Eastern Cables-Z Rangpur Foundry -A BD Building Systems -N Golden Son -A

Closing (% change)

CSE key features December 24, 2013

Daily capital market highlights DSE Broad Index DS - 30 Index CSE All Share Index CSE - 30 Index CSE Selected Index

94,243,809

Number of Contract

The turnover of Tk374 crore is a decrease of 18% over the previous session and lowest since December 1 this year. Of the total turnover, the debutant Appollo Ispat accounted for 19%. The newcomer gained more than 73% from its issue price of Tk22 before rising as high as Tk40.

None of the sectors gained.

Among the major sectors, power and textile posted the highest losses of more than 1% each, followed by financial institutions 0.8%, banks 0.8%, telecommunications 0.6% and pharmaceuticals 0.4%.

“The day’s session was disappointing for the investors without any glimmer of positivity in any front. Struggling in the initial hour, the bourse surrendered to pessimism, steadily losing in the later part of the session,” said IDLC Investment in its market analysis.

Zenith Investments said, “Market eyes further contraction assisted by a number of headwinds. Investors are now approaching towards short term orientation. After continues decline, market needs a fair amount of consolidation in turnover, in order to get back to a stable stage.”

The massive turnover in Appollo Ispat helped engineering sector topple textile sector from the top turnover list for the first time in the last 28 sessions. After Appollo Ispat, other turnover leaders included Golden Son, Generation Next Fashion, RN Spinning, BD Building, Padma Oil, Delta Life Insurance, Paramount Textile and Argon Denim. l

Company

3,743.77

Turnover (Volume)

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

DSE GAINERS

DSE key features December 24, 2013

Stocks fall for 2nd day amid laclustre trading

Company

Stock

DHAKA TRIBUNE

% change 6.64 4.95 1.13 51.59 4.02 4.11 0.00 13.04 3.76 0.02 0.46 0.78 0.37 0.56 1.62 0.57 1.37 0.91 1.58 2.53 0.00

Million Taka 287.84 292.46 101.68 1515.15 177.82 309.64 1.83 760.88 233.17 0.56 26.09 32.35 16.81 61.43 56.04 128.58 183.12 71.27 53.23 88.69 0.24

Total

% change 6.54 6.65 2.31 34.44 4.04 7.04 0.04 17.30 5.30 0.01 0.59 0.74 0.38 1.40 1.27 2.92 4.16 1.62 1.21 2.02 0.01

Prepared exclusively for Dhaka Tribune by Business Information Automation Service Line (BIASL), on the basis of information collected from daily stock quotations and audited reports of the listed companies. High level of caution has been taken to collect and present the above information and data. The publisher will not take any responsibility if any body uses this information and data for his/her investment decision. For any query please email to biasl@bol-online.com or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net

News from trade server EHL: The Company has informed that it has credited the bonus shares for the year ended on July 31, 2013 to the respective shareholders' BO Accounts on December 23, 2013.

BDCOM: 10% Stock, AGM: 25.12.2013, RD: 17.11.2013.

DESHBANDHU: 5% Stock, AGM: 29.12.2013, RD: 29.10.2013.

FUWANGCER: 10% Stock, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 13.11.2013.

METROSPIN: 10% Stock, AGM: 30.12.2013, RD: 17.11.2013.

APOLOISPAT: (Q1): The Company has reported its net profit after tax Tk. 98.86 million and basic EPS Tk. 0.66 for the 3 (three) months ended on 30 September 2013 (July 2013- September 2013) as against profit after tax of Tk. 96.67 million and basic EPS of Tk. 0.64 for the same period of the previous year. It is to be noted that basic EPS has been calculated based on weighted average Pre-IPO paid-up number of shares i.e. 150,000,000 shares both for 2013 and 2012. However, considering Post-IPO 250,000,000 number of shares the Company's basic EPS for the 3 (three) months ended on 30 September 2013 would be Tk. 0.40. However, considering Post-IPO 250,000,000 number of shares, the company's NAV would be Tk. 24.20 as on 30 September 2013.

STANCERAM: 10% Cash, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 19.11.2013.

DAFODILCOM: No dividend, AGM: 30.12.2013, RD: 21.11.2013.

MONNOCERA: 5% Cash, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 13.11.2013.

HAKKANIPUL: 5% Cash, AGM: 30.12.2013, RD: 13.11.2013.

LIBRAINFU: 20% Cash, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 12.11.2013.

GEMINISEA: No dividend, AGM: 30.12.2013, RD: 04.12.2013.

FUWANGFOOD: 10% Stock, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 20.11.2013.

PTL: 12% Stock, AGM: 30.12.2013, RD: 12.12.2013.

OLYMPIC: 10% Cash and 50% Stock, EGM and AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 21.11.2013.

DESCO: 10% Cash & 15% Stock, AGM: 04.01.2014, RD: 05.11.2013.

ZAHINTEX: 5% Cash, 15% Stock, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 07.11.2013.

ANWARGALV: 7% Case for general shareholders, AGM: 13.01.2014, RD: 11.11.2013.

PHARMAID: 15% Cash, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 04.12.2013.

MPETROLEUM: 70% Cash & 20% Stock, AGM: 17.01.2014, RD: 28.11.2013.

RAHIMAFOOD: 10% Cash to the shareholders other than the Sponsor shareholders, Directors and Deposed Directors, AGM: 26.12.2013, RD: 28.11.2013.

POWERGRID: 15% Cash, AGM: 18.01.2014, Time: 10:00 AM. RD: 01.12.2013.

SONALIANSH: (Q1): As per un-audited quarterly accounts for the 1st quarter ended on 30th September 2013 (July'13 to Sep'13), the Company has reported net profit after tax of Tk. 0.68 million with EPS of Tk. 0.25 as against Tk. 2.65 million and Tk. 0.98 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

USMANIAGL: 11% Cash & 10% Stock, AGM: 27.12.2013, RD: 07.11.2013.

RIGHT SHARE: RUPALILIFE- The Company has further informed that the subscription period for rights issue will be from 06.04.2014 to 05.05.2014. Record date for entitlement of rights share: 16.01.2014.

PRIMETEX: 10% Cash, AGM: 28.12.2013, RD: 12.11.2013.

Dividend/AGM

ATLASBANG: 50% Cash, AGM: 28.12.2013, RD: 01.12.2013. EPS of Tk. 9.14, NAV per share of Tk. 222.05.

ECABLES: 10% cash, AGM: 01.03.2014, RD: 29.12.2013.

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Appollo Ispat CL -N Golden Son -A Generation Next-A R. N. Spinning-A BD Building Systems -N Padma Oil Co. -A Delta Life Insu. -A Paramount Textile Ltd.-N Argon Denims Limited-A LankaBangla Fin. -A CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Appollo Ispat CL -N R. N. Spinning-A Paramount Textile Ltd.-N BD Building Systems -N Golden Son -A Beach Hatchery -A Generation Next-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Tallu Spinning -A UNITED AIR-A

Volume shares 19,170,000 2,184,365 3,315,640 3,083,354 1,479,450 276,300 253,500 993,750 567,480 836,819 Volume shares 7,707,200 571,512 236,000 180,950 190,075 351,500 256,960 258,048 206,500 444,588

DELTASPINN: 10% Cash, AGM: 28.12.2013. RD: 21.11.2013.

Value in million 710.67 131.03 124.01 117.67 106.32 73.64 65.90 55.77 55.46 54.24 Value in million 286.18 21.79 13.23 13.11 11.45 11.08 9.58 8.53 8.03 7.50

% of total turnover 18.98 3.50 3.31 3.14 2.84 1.97 1.76 1.49 1.48 1.45 % of total turnover 43.68 3.33 2.02 2.00 1.75 1.69 1.46 1.30 1.23 1.15

Daily closing 38.10 60.20 37.00 37.90 71.70 265.80 257.90 55.20 98.20 64.10 Daily closing 38.40 37.90 55.20 70.80 60.30 31.20 37.10 32.90 38.50 16.80

EASTRNLUB: 30% Cash, AGM: 25.01.2014, RD: 04.12.2013.

JAMUNAOIL: 90% Cash & 10% Stock, AGM: 25.01.2014, RD: 04.12.2013.

SAVAREFR: No dividend, AGM: 30.01.2014, RD: 19.12.2013.

PADMAOIL: 90% Cash, 10% Stock, AGM: 15.02.2014, RD: 23.12.2013.

SAMORITA: 30% Stock, AGM: 11.01.2014, RD: 25.11.2013.

Price change 0.00 2.38 -3.14 -2.57 3.46 -11.84 -1.41 -3.33 0.82 -2.14

Daily opening 0.00 58.80 38.20 38.90 69.30 301.50 261.60 57.10 97.40 65.50

Daily high 40.00 61.00 38.90 38.80 75.00 272.00 263.90 58.20 98.80 65.80

Daily low 32.00 56.00 35.00 36.00 64.00 263.00 257.00 54.80 88.00 61.00

Daily average 37.07 59.99 37.40 38.16 71.86 266.51 259.98 56.12 97.72 64.81

Price change 0.00 -1.81 -2.99 3.21 2.20 -4.88 -1.33 -2.08 -4.23 -1.18

Daily opening 0.00 38.60 56.90 68.60 59.00 32.80 37.60 33.60 40.20 17.00

Daily high 40.00 39.00 58.00 74.90 61.20 33.00 38.30 35.00 40.50 17.10

Daily low 35.10 35.00 55.00 64.50 53.10 30.50 34.00 32.00 38.10 16.00

Daily average 37.13 38.12 56.05 72.45 60.22 31.52 37.28 33.07 38.87 16.88

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Deadline to convert ICB mutual funds extended n Tribune Report Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) is allowed to convert its eight mutual funds from closed-end to openend ones by next one year.

As per the mutual fund rules, a decision of conversion will be effective after getting approval by two-thirds of the unit holders of a fund in an extraordinary general meeting The time has been extended up to December 31 next year in response to the request by the ICB, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) said in a statement yesterday.

The conversion time of the eight mutual funds— First ICB Mutual Fund, Second ICB Mutual Fund, Third ICB Mutual Fund, Fourth ICB Mutual Fund, Fifth ICB Mutual Fund, Sixth ICB Mutual Fund, Seventh ICB Mutual Fund and Eighth ICB Mutual Fund —

will expire this month.

In November, the BSEC allowed the ICB to convert its closed-end mutual funds into open-end ones as per new mutual fund rules – 2001.

The ICB earlier sought permission of the commission to merge its closedend mutual funds with the Bangladesh Fund, but the BSEC rejected the plea as no rules permit such merger.

As per the mutual fund rules, a decision of conversion will be effective after getting approval by two-thirds of the unit holders of a fund in an extraordinary general meeting.

In 2009, the BSEC asked the mutual funds with 10-year maturity period to redeem by December 2011.

Later in September last year, the regulator extended the maturity period of the closed-end mutual funds to December 2013.

Redemption means the unit holders of a mutual fund would get back the net asset value (NAV) per unit of the fund in cash, upon maturity or cancellation by the issuer. l

Business

Appollo Ispat makes happy debut in depressed market n Tahmidur Rahman Appollo Ispat Complex Ltd yesterday made a happy debut at the bourses despite current volatile market caused by the protracted political unrest.

The stock closed at Tk38 each, registering a gain of over 73% on its offer value of Tk22 in the Dhaka Stock Exchange. Its price movement ranged between Tk32 and Tk40 during the trading session.

Its shares worth more than Tk71 crore was changed hands, making up a surprising 19% of the total DSE turnover.

The company made a happy but surprising debut amid ongoing depressed market sentiment due to prolonged political chaos, said an analyst. “Debut pricing of the company is unexpectedly higher,” he said.

Annual profit of the company in 2012 was Tk35.4 crore, an increase of 25% from Tk28.2 crore recorded in 2011 due to higher turnover and decreased in the financial expenses, according to the company’s IPO prospectus.

The corrugated iron sheet manufacturer has also experienced an annual increase in turnover of more than 2% by maintaining a lower growth of around 1% in the cost of goods sold.

The company accounts for 20% of the total market share of the iron sheet industry.

Earlier, deputy-managing director of the company, Abdur Rahman said

the company exports its product to Thailand, Myanmar and African countries and thus the business model is well diversified as well.

“At present, the country has a capacity to produce 10 lakh tonnes of CI sheet whereas we have 50,817 tonnes despite having a capacity to produce 85,000 tonnes and the efficiency will go up as time passes.”

Previously, the company used around Tk153 crore from the IPO proceeds to repay bank loans that resulted may result in even lower financial expense for the upcoming years, said the company in its prospectus.

On June 30, 2012, the company had Tk135 crore as long term borrowings (interest rate of the loans varies from 13%-17%) while a short term borrowings of Tk134 crore.

According to the IPO prospectus,

the company invested Tk60 crore for project development and the remaining to bear the IPO expenses. Currently the shareholders’ equity is around Tk550 crore against public issue of IPO of Tk220 crore.

According to its quarterly financial report ended in September this year, the company reported net profit over Tk9.8 crore, which is marginal profit from Tk9.7 crore in the same period a year ago.

During the period, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) is Tk0.40 against Tk0.64 calculated based on weighted average pre-IPO paid-up number of shares. The stock’s price to earnings ratio stood at 23.81 as of yesterday.

Currently the sponsors hold 30.47%, public 36% and institutional investors rest stake of the company. l

Indonesia eases foreign investment rules to boost economy

BB extends time for banks to submit quarterly reports on green banking n Tribune Report n Reuters Bangladesh Bank has extended the time for commercial banks in implementing the second and third phases of green banking policy up to December 31, 2014 and June 30, 2015 respectively.

Earlier, the deadlines were December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013.

The central bank took the decision based on the experience from on-site and off-site supervision, said a circular issued yesterday. It also extended the deadline by 15 days for submitting the quarterly reports on green banking by the 47 commercial banks.

The scheduled banks have earlier been provided with uniform reporting format to submit quarterly reports on green banking activities within next 15 days of the respective quarter-end.

Now it has been decided that the banks will be required to submit their quarterly report as of December 31, 2013 within January 30, 2014 and similarly they will continue submitting reports of the subsequent quarters within the next 30 days of the respective quarter-end.

Banks will keep their annual reports and websites updated with the disclosures on green banking initiatives. All other existing instruction will remain unchanged, said the circular. l

Indonesia announced yesterday it will allow increased levels of foreign investment in the country’s power plants, advertising, and pharmaceutical industries as part of government efforts to boost the slowing economy.

Policymakers are scrambling to tempt back jaded investors who have fled Southeast Asia’s largest economy due to the country’s sizable current account deficit, which has helped make the rupiah skid more than 20% against the dollar this year.

Indonesia fears further foreign outflows due to political uncertainty ahead of next year’s elections and the reduction of US monetary stimulus, which long fuelled demand for risky assets in emerging markets.

“The commitment is to maintain Indonesia’s economic growth and anticipating a slowdown in the global economy by encouraging investment, particularly in domestic and foreign investment,” Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa told reporters.

After months of delays, ministers amended Indonesia’s “negative investment list” of sectors in which foreign investors are either barred or restricted. The list, which has existed for decades, limits foreign involvement in

A money changer holds stacks of Indonesian rupiah notes in Jakarta areas deemed sensitive.

No date was given on when the changes will become effective since President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must still formally sign the decree.

“This (list) will boost the investment climate during a political year, providing more legal certainty from a better negative investment list,” said Sofjan Wanandi, head of the Employers’ Asso-

B3

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

REUTERS

ciation of Indonesia (APINDO).

Under the new policy, the government increased the maximum foreign investment in pharmaceutical companies to 85% from 75%, and in advertising agencies to 51% from 49%.

That means more competition could be in store for Indonesian pharmaceutical firms Kimia Farma, Indofarma and Kalbe Farma, as well as for

advertising agency Fortune Indonesia.

Indonesia also allowed foreign investment of up to 100% from 95% for power plant projects carried out as a public-private partnership. Under the partnership terms, a foreign investor now can own an entire power-plant during a concession period, after which some equity transfers to the government.

At the last minute, the government dropped its earlier proposal to let foreign investors to fully operate airports and ports, dealing a blow to India’s GVK Power & Infrastructure, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corp and others looking for a bigger presence in Indonesia.

Economists said the changes were a good first step to attracting investment, but more was needed.

“The main problem is not the variation in investment types, but how comfortable for them to invest in Indonesia,” said Lana Soelistianingsih, chief economist at Jakarta-based fund manager PT Samuel Aset Manajemen.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund earlier this month warned the world’s fourth most populous country to implement more profound economic reforms if it has any hope of returning to stronger growth. l

HALL-MARK SCAM

Sonali Bank DMD sacked n Tribune Report The government has suspended deputy managing director of Sonali Bank, Atiqur Rahman, for his alleged involvement in the much-talked-about HallMark Group credit scam.

Atiqur Rahman is now under police custody to face trial of the country’s biggest-ever financial scandal.

As per the public service rules, Atiqur Rahman has permanently been suspended due to his link with the irregularities, said a circular Bank and Financial Institutions Division issued Monday.

Soon after the Tk3,547 crore scam was revealed, his job was attached to the Bank and Financial Institution Division.

In July this year, after arresting Atiqur, police handed him over to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On September 4, 2012, Atiqur was made officer on special duty (OSD).

ACC filed 11 cases against 27 people of Hall-Mark Group and Sonali Bank officials, including Atiqur. l

Hwa Well Textiles IPO approved n Tribune Report Hwa Well Textiles Ltd got nod from the securities regulator to go public.

The company will issue two crore ordinary shares of Tk10 each to raise Tk20 crore from the stock market.

The commission has approved the company’s initial public offering (IPO) for purchasing and developing land, constructing factory building, changing existing machines and meeting IPO expenses, said Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in a statement yesterday.

The company’s earnings per share stood at Tk3.66 each and net asset value of Tk28.25, according to its financial statement at the end of June 30 this year.

The commission has approved the company’s initial public offering (IPO) for purchasing and developing land, constructing factory building, changing existing machines and meeting IPO expenses

It will be 34th textile company to be listed with the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

The commission has also given consent to the Premier Bank to issue non-convertible variable coupon rate bond valued Tk200 crore through private placements.

The rate of interest of the bond will be 11.5% and the bond is renewable after three months.

The raised fund will be used to strengthen the bank’s capital adequacy ratio in line with regulatory requirement for meeting the condition of BASEL-II. l

Appollo’s share is now in market The Signing Ceremony of Listing between Dhaka Stock Exchange Limited (DSE) and Apollo Ispat Complex Ltd (AICL) was held on Tuesday. DSE CEO Dr Swapan Kumar Bala, AICL Chairman Deen Mohammad and other senior officials of both the organisations were present in the ceremony. l

Rtn Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati

Mutual Trust Bank Limited DMD Md Hashem Chowdhury was seen inaugurating the 87th branch of Mutual Trust Bank Ltd at Mirpur. Head of Dhaka Division Branches Syed Rafiqul Hossain, Mirpur Branch Manager Md Zahidul Ahasan were present at the inauguration programme.

Summit Power receives award

NCCBL receives award NCC Bank Ltd (NCCBL) Managing Director and CEO of Mohammed Nurul Amin receiving the ‘Certificate of Merit’ awards from Finance Minister A M A Muhith at the 13th ICAB national award

giving ceremony on ‘Best Presented Annual Reports-2012’ arranged by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) at a city hotel recently. l

City Bank has recently signed a ‘Term Sheet’ with IDLC Finance Limited for issuing of a Coupon-Bearing Subordinated Bond. City Bank MD & CEO Sohail RK Hussain and IDLC CEO and MD Selim RF Hussain signed the Term Sheet on behalf of their respective organisations

OBL signs agreement

ONE Bank Limited (OBL) has signed an agreement with Planning Ministry IMED Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) at CPTU Bhaban recently.

Under this agreement, clients will be able to participate in the government electronic tender under CPTU e-GP (electronic Government Procurement) system. CPTU Director General Amulya Kumar Debnath and OBL Managing Director M Fakhrul Alam signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Director Aziz Tahir, CPTU System Analyst Md Mosharraf Hossain, OBL Additional Deputy Managing Director Rozina Aliya Ahmed and other high officials of both the organisations were also present in the ceremony. l

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) has awarded Summit Power Limited (SPL) the Certificate of Merit in the Manufacturing Sector Category under ICAB National Award for Best Presented Annual Re-

ports 2012.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP handed over the award to SPL Finance Director Ayesha Aziz Khan in a function at a local hotel recently. l

Rtn Rabindra Kumar Piya

Rotary extends hands for global fellowship

Rotary in Bangladesh, for the first time is hosting its District Team Training Seminar (DTTS) for Rotary Year 2014-15 jointly with the Rotary clubs in Nepal.

The purpose of DTTS is to provide the necessary training and tools for the Rotary District Leaders to carry out the mission of Rotary. Rotary Bangladesh District Governor Rtn Safina Rahman along with her team welcomed the delegation of Rotary International Nepal who are on a three day visit to Bangladesh to plan the joint event. The delegation from Nepal includes District Governor Elect Rabindra Piya, District Secretary Designate Nughal Anada Vaidya, Incoming Chief District Trainer Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshyapati and Incoming District Project Coordinator Kiran Lal Shrestha. During their visit, the delegation will meet the coordinating team for DTTS, Council of Governors, Rotarians of Bangladesh and visit various tourist spots and attend a traditional wedding. l

Business 70% rice millers suspend milling

B4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Unrest-hit food supply chain fuels inflation n Kayes Sohel Abdul Quddus had no other option but to close down his rice mill three weeks ago. His business takes heat of the lingering political violence.

He usually collects paddy from Naogaon and Dinajpur districts to feed his mill located at Modina area in Joypurhat town. But he failed to continue operations due to transport crisis.

“I have never faced a situation like this,” said the miller, who runs the business for nearly 10 years.

The agreement he made with rice a trader of Badamtoli in Dhaka to supply the staple food has been suspended due to failure in delivery.

‘If we don’t do our best in order to overcome the situation now, it will be a disaster in the near future’

“My investment is about to vanish as I have to continue to pay labour wages and bank interest,” said Quddus, who invested Tk10 lakh for this full season of “aman” paddy.

Like every sector, the rice sub-sector also facing the setback due to the blockade enforced by the BNP-led 18-party alliance across the country, demanding the general election under caretaker government.

“Around 70% mills have now been shut because of transport shortage.

Losses are mounting as days passing,” said convener of Bangladesh Auto, Major and Husking Mill Owners Association KM Layek Ali. There are more than 17,000 rice mills across the country and most of them are located in the northern region of the country, he said.

Closure of rice mills also hit wholesalers’ buffer stock in the city and other areas of the country.

RBI likely to reboot policy, focus on consumer inflation n Reuters The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) could soon unveil a major change in monetary policy to explicitly make managing consumer inflation, rather than wholesale prices, its main objective.

The shift would be a significant one in a country that’s long struggled to contain retail prices. It is expected as part of a deep review of monetary policy that RBI Raghuram Rajan ordered, after his September appointment, to sharpen the central bank’s focus and increase its accountability.

The report, due by the end of the month, could also recommend making price stability the main objective of the central bank, while keeping but trimming the focus on its two other objectives: economic growth and financial stability.

If these changes are made, they would be the biggest overhaul at the RBI since 2011 when it adopted the repo rate as its main interest rate while intentionally keeping cash conditions tight to allow for more effective monetary policy.

The RBI is already making inflation a priority, having raised interest rates twice since September, but that is raising concerns about an economy growing at a decade-low pace and stuck in what some analysts call a stagflationary environment.

Historically, India’s central bank has relied on the wholesale price index (WPI), which is based on the prices of traded goods and services and thus has a bias towards businesses.

In the coming report, “the main expectation is RBI will put in place an inflation-targeting framework, and the choice will be between WPI and CPI inflation and also between headline and core,” said A. Prasanna, chief economist at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership.

“I expect the headline CPI to be the nominal anchor,” he said.

The focus on consumer prices would come as annual retail inflation hit 11.24 percent in November, its highest level on record, as vegetable prices have surged because of India’s poor infrastructure and transportation methods.

Consumer prices are typically the key inflation gauge in most developed economies, but in India the focus has long been on wholesale prices because of the unreliable retail data. l

“Rice stock is depleting fast,” said wholesaler Nizam Uddin, who fails to bring rice from the northern region.

During this time his stock of rice remains usually at 10,000 tonnes.

“Now it comes down to half,” said Nizam, who is also general secretary of Badamtoli and Babubazar Rice Wholesalers Association.

Some rice-laden trucks enter into the city at the dead of night from nearby Sherpur area, but it is not enough.

“We are just breathing. It can stop any time,” he said.

Nirod Baran Saha, president of Naogaon Chal Aratdar Samity (an association of rice wholesalers in the district), said nearly 3,000 tonnes of rice are usually sent to different districts per day from Naogaon. The volume lately reduced only to around 400 tonnes, he said.

Saha said the truck fare has increased by more than 250% in the recent days, as truckers feel insecure to rent out their vehicles fearing vandalism and arson attacks.

The shattered supply chain have thrown knock-on-effect at the consumer level as rice price has started to rise in the city, adding an extra burden to the fixed and lower income groups of people.

In the city markets yesterday, coarse rice was selling at Tk36 a kilogram, up from Tk30 a month ago, while the price of fine varieties ranging between Tk47 and Tk60 per kilogram, up from Tk44 and Tk56.

Economists apprehended that the rising prices of staple food might influence inflation to go up in coming days.

Zaid Bakht, research director of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, warned that prolonged disruption in the supply chain of essentials would fuel inflation.

Food inflation, though, has started peaking up already, as November figures show that food inflation stood at 8.55% from 8.38% recorded in October, according to data of Bangladesh

A wholesaler says rice stock is depleting fast Bureau of Statistics.

Particularly affected were the urban areas, the worst casualty of the dis-

RAJIB DHAR

ruption in supply chain, where food inflation rose 0.03 percentage points to 9.67% in November. In the rural ar-

eas, it climbed 0.2 percentage points to 8.06% compared to October.

“If we don’t do our best in order

Japan’s 7-Eleven kingpin looks to US to inspire online revolution n Reuters The 81-year-old Japanese executive who built 7-Eleven into the world’s biggest convenience store chain has a new mission: turning more than 50,000 bricks and mortar stores in Japan into portals to a new online retail empire.

To do it, Toshifumi Suzuki, the chief executive of department store to mail order retailer Seven & I Holdings Co, is once again seeking inspiration in the United States. It’s over 40 years since he kickstarted a revolution in Japanese retail by bringing 7-Eleven stores

across the Pacific, eventually buying the US owners after they sought bankruptcy protection.

In Suzuki’s future vision, goods ordered online from Seven & I’s department stores and supermarkets, as well as outside partners, will be delivered to and picked up from the thousands of 7-Eleven stores spread across Japan at customers’ convenience. Most are open 24 hours a day.

“I’ve been talking for a while inside the company about integrating the real (bricks and mortar) side with the Internet, but nobody was taking it serious-

ly,” Suzuki told Reuters. In September, the Japanese retail guru decided to change all that.

He dispatched about 50 heads of the group’s companies - his top lieutenants - on a mission to the US He instructed

Suzuki has a reputation for a willingness to innovate and make big plays. In 1991, his company acquired a majority stake in its US mentor and original 7-Eleven Inc owner Southland Corp

Toshifumi Suzuki, chairman and CEO of Seven And I Holdings Co Ltd speaks during an intewview with Reuters at its headquarters in Tokyo REUTERS

them to visit retailers like Macy’s Inc, shopping malls and Internet companies, examples of what he called “omnichannel” integration that are beginning to yield results - with orders to figure out how to apply it in Japan. “In the US they observed, they listened and they realized that this was possible, and now they’re all motivated,” Suzuki said.

Seeking partners

Suzuki said the company is already in discussions on point-of-pickup arrangements for Japan with online retailers, including major players.

“We’ve had lots of approaches from people wanting to be partners,” Suzuki said, although Amazon.com is not among them.

At the moment, 7-Eleven’s stores in Japan don’t offer the range of e-commerce services available at their US counterparts. On the other side of the Pacific, for example, 7-Eleven maintains dedicated lockers for picking up merchandise ordered online from Amazon.

Amazon does have point-of-pickup arrangements with 7-Eleven’s chief Japan rivals, FamilyMart Co Ltd and Lawson Inc. But 7-Eleven only offers such services for limited online product offerings, such as upscale cosmetics, purchased from other Seven and I retailers.

With no plans to step down any time soon, Suzuki has a reputation for a willingness to innovate and make big plays. In 1991, his company acquired a majority stake in its US mentor and original 7-Eleven Inc owner Southland Corp.

The Japanese company then turned its US unit around, transferring sophisticated data systems developed in the US but refined in Japan, to manage inventories and optimize merchandise strategy at individual stores.

The company also pioneered many of the services and products - freshly prepared “bento” box meals, 24-hour banking and bill payments, a premium private label brand - that made Japan’s convenience stores and especially 7-Eleven among the most profitable in the world.

To bolster its offerings in other retail segments, this month it acquired a 49.9% stake in the operator of 10 Barneys New York high-end apparel stores in Japan. l

to overcome the situation now, it will be a disaster in the near future,” said Bakht. l

NEWS IN BRIEF Tokyo stocks open 0.54% higher Tokyo stocks opened 0.54% higher yesterday following record-breaking advances on Wall Street. “The Nikkei will be supported by US shares’ strong performance, continuing yen declining trend, and cash flow into risk assets on the back of globally low interest rates,” said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager of equities at SMBC Nikko Securities. – AFP

Ukraine receives $3bn first tranche of Russian bailout Ukraine yesterday received $3.0bn in the first tranche of a financial rescue plan from Russia that has been denounced by the pro-European opposition, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said. – AFP

BlackBerry deal bolsters Foxconn’s makeover gambit Foxconn’s BlackBerry Ltd deal marks the Taiwanese firm’s biggest step up the value chain - a chance to not just assemble smartphones, but help design them, too. The agreement to design and market phones starting in Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country but an under-penetrated market, is a boon to a mega-manufacturer trying to grow its margins while making a play for a bigger slice of the global mobile devices market. – Reuters

China to aim for 7.5% growth in 2014 as exports recover China will likely stick with this year’s growth target of 7.5% for 2014 as top leaders balance the need to keep the economy on an even keel while pushing through necessary structural reforms, sources at top government think tanks said. Growth will be supported by a steady recovery in China’s exports next year thanks to stronger demand from developed economies, the commerce ministry’s think tank said. – Reuters

Banks pay for past sins as US, Europe levy record fines US and European regulators fined banks record amounts this year, imposing penalties and settlements of more than $43bn as authorities work more closely across borders to clean up the financial sector. Banks in the United States and Europe are paying for misconduct that includes mis-selling US mortgage bonds, rigging interest rates, and risky transactions such as JPMorgan’s “London Whale” trades.

– Reuters