January 21, 2014

Magh 8, 1420 Rabiul Awal 19, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 297

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Jamaat hints at new strategy Ties with BNP will remain as strong as before Al-Masum Molla and n Mohammad Manik Miazee Jamaat-e-Islami’s usual visible showdown, demanding release of their leaders convicted for war crimes, in the BNP-led 18-party alliance rallies in the past was not seen at BNP’s rally yesterday at Suhrawardy Udyan.

Leaders of three other alliance partners, known for having close ties with Hefazat-e-Islam, were also absent from the rally.

For the first time since the emergence of the BNP-led 18-party alliance, the BNP yesterday held a public rally alone, keeping its distance from key ally Jamaat-e-Islami and three other religion-based alliance partners.

Jamaat leaders told the Dhaka Tribune their men had participated in the rally, but without the usual banners and festoons. This was part of their “strategy,” they said, but refused to disclose anything about the strategy.

A senior leader of Jamaat, wishing not to be named told the Dhaka Tribune their main concern was to ensure that the government stepped down.

“For this the BNP will devise a strategy and we will just follow the strategy,” he said.

“Whatever decision the BNP takes, it will not harm our relations. We took the decision of not joining the rally after consultation with the BNP,” said Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a Jamaat central working committee member.

He also said Jamaat-Shibir men took part in 18-party alliance rallies across the country yesterday with banners but avoided the Dhaka rally.

Jamaluddin, the assistant press secretary of Shibir, said, “Our leaders and activists joined the programme but we did not bring any placards and banners for strategic reasons.”

Jamaat and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir have been blamed for killing policemen, ordinary citizens and activists of other parties, including the Awami League. The pressure is mounting on BNP inside and outside the country to cut ties with Jamaat.

Since the alliance began its street movement on October 27, Jamaat men

BNP offers olive branch again

have allegedly perpetrated a great amount of violence across the country.

Many ordinary people were killed and burnt alive during the movement. This appears to have tarnished the image of the alliance and the international community have urged the parties to avoid violence.

The BNP held the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan to thank people for boycotting the January 5 polls. Many alliance leaders like Oli Ahmed, Andaleeve Rahman Partha and Shafiul Alam Prodhan addressed the rally but nobody from the Jamaat attended or addressed the rally.

Also no one from the Islami Oikyo Jote, Khelafat Andolon and Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam were present in  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

President’s concession for BNP rally n Kamran Reza Chowdhury President Abdul Hamid yesterday made a concession – by cutting short his stay at the parliament building and leaving early for Bangabhaban at Dilkusha, Motijheel – to make the BNP’s rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan uninterrupted.

Abdul Hamid went to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban around 2pm to pay respect to Awami League MP Shawkat Momen Shahjahan who died in Shakhipur, Tangail early yesterday. He attended the namaz-e-janaza of his former colleague.

He left the parliament building immediately after the janaza.

The parliament authorities had made preparations, assuming that the

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir talks to party Chairperson Khaleda Zia at the rally held in Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday NASHIRUL ISLAM Khelafat Andolon and Jamiat-e-Ulamaye Islam leaders were not seen at the venue even though a huge number of activists of Jamaat and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir attended the alliance’s rallies in the past.

The BNP, which apparently fails to resist the January 5 polls even sponsoring non-stop agitations resulting in violence and destruction, has been stick-

ing to pre-poll position on resolving the political crisis through a dialogue.

Addressing a rally after nearly two and a half months at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, Khaleda thanked people for “boycotting” the “farcical” election and urged the government to hold fresh poll. The previous rally took place on October 25.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

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PM: No criminal will be spared

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday condemned the Sheikh Hasina-led government for the January 5 election and the misdeeds during its previous term, and also asked it to initiate a dialogue immediately for an inclusive election.

Khaleda also questioned the join force’s drive in Satkhira and the law enforcers’ role in Gaibandha clash with Jamaat-e-Islami saying that people were sceptical about their operations.

She also criticised the government for closing the daily Inqilab and arresting its three journalists.

In her speech at the post-election rally in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan, the three-time former premier refrained from declaring any fresh agitation and asked the party supporters to observe programmes peacefully.

The alliance after the election they had boycotted declared black flag processions across the country for January 29, the day when the first session of 10th parliament sits.

Khaleda said the BNP did not want instability, rather peace and development. “I am not urging you to do any war. You just wage peaceful movement.” She hoped that the government would not obstruct the programme.

Though Khaleda earlier announced that the alliance will hold the rally, on Sunday night, the party announced that they would organise it alone.

Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Jote,

president might stay there for a few hours as he had done in the past. But Hamid had planned otherwise.

“No, I will not stay here for long.

The traffic will come to a halt [because of his movement] and they [the BNP activists] will face hindrances to attend the rally,” an additional secretary to the Parliament Secretariat quoted Hamid as saying.

Serjeant-at-Arms Captain Ashraful Haq told the Dhaka Tribune that his team had cleaned up the president’s room anticipating his stay. “But later we were told that the honourable president decided not to go to his chamber, possibly considering the traffic chaos that would follow.”

Abdul Hamid, a former speaker,

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consoles family members of a victim who died in an attack during the January 5 poll. The photo was taken in Satkhira yesterday PMO

n BSS, Satkhira Accusing the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami of violent acts like killing, arson and vandalism, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday warned that none involved in these heinous crimes would be spared.

“BNP-Jamaat terrorists brutally killed numerous Awami League, Jubo

League and Chhatra League leaders and activists across the country and looted and torched their houses in the last few months. They also destroyed roads and felled trees,” she said.

“None involved in the atrocities will be spared and stern action will be taken against all culprits,” she added.

Hasina, also the Awami League President, was addressing a public ral-

ly at Satkhira Government High School Grounds here this afternoon.

The meeting was addressed by, among others, by Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon, State Minister for Home Asaduzzman Khan Kamal, former minister Dipu Moni and local MPs including Mostafa Lutfullah.

The prime minister arrived to open 11 development projects and distribute cheques among the family members of the victims of violence that has been going on since February 28, 2013.

Hasina called upon the BNP chairperson not to disrupt peace and said she would have to pay the price for “the mistake” she committed by boycotting the January 5 polls.

“The BNP did not join the polls as its ally Jamaat-e-Islami was barred from participating in the election by a High Court order,” she said, adding the court had declared the Jamaat to be a militant organisation.

“They not only boycotted the polls, they also unleashed violent acts to resist the election,” she said.

The Awami League chief said BNP-Jamaat terrorists made the life of the people of Satkhira miserable.

“Ordinary peace-loving people could not lead a peaceful life due to the terrorist acts of the BNP- Jamaat, including killing, arson, felling trees, uprooting rail lines and cutting roads,” she said.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

Inqilab reporter remanded n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

Criminal masterminds hire rookies and stay behind the scenes

A Dhaka court yesterday granted police two days to question Ahmmed Atiq, reporter of the Bangla daily Inqilab, and sent two others of the newspaper to jail.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate SM Ashiqur Rahman passed the order after hearing separate remand and bail plea petitions in a case filed under the Information and Communication Technology Act 2006.

Wari police station Sub-Inspector KM Firoz Ali on January 17 sought five days to grill Atiq in custody. As per the remand prayer, the police needed to interrogate Atiq to know why he had prepared a “fabricated” news report, on what grounds, and which people were involved.

Defence counsel Syed Ahmed Gazi pleaded bail for the three accused and also filed remand rejection prayers.

The formation of new crime gangs has been on the rise over the past few years as listed fugitive criminals prefer to operate from behind the scenes and use rookie operatives in the field, detectives have said.

With a multi-layered contracting strategy in place, the criminal masterminds manage to evade law enforcers

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Islam Shaon and n Ashif Mohammad Jamil Khan

by using third or fourth party contacts to hire young people, mostly teenagers, to commit killings, attacks or extortion.

Detectives from Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Rapid Action Battalion said some new groups of hired guns – that were not previously on their radar – have been identified during investigation into a number of murder cases in the past few years.

Detective Branch officials said they

Charge sheet finalised against Oishee, 3 others Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Nazmus Sakib Detective Branch (DB) of police has completed the investigation of the murder of Special Branch (SB) Inspector Mahfuzur Rahman and his wife Shapna Rahman. The finalised charge sheet accuses four, including their only daughter Oishee Rahman of the crime.

The investigators will bring charges against Oishee as the killer of her parents. The charges say Oishee killed her parents with the support of housemaid Sumi, and with instigation and planning from two of her friends. The charge sheet will probably be submitted to the court this month, a DB police source told the Dhaka Tribune.

Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Hossain Matubbor of DB police claimed

they had finally unearthed the mystery of the double murder case after analysing different reports, samples and information.

“The charge sheet is almost finalised and it will be submitted to the court soon,” he said.

On August 14 last year, SB inspector Mahfuzur and his wife Shapna were stabbed to death at their rented flat in Chamelibagh, Malibagh. Police recovered their bodies on August 16. Oishee, 19, with housemaid Shumi, surrendered at Paltan police station on August 17.

Later, Oishee gave a statement under interrogation that she had killed her parents and housemaid Shumi had helped her do this. Investigators also found the involvement of her two  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

discovered a new gang of hired killers last July after the arrest of listed criminal Banga Babu from Mirpur. All nine members of an emerging gang, who were involved in the killing of Chhatra League leader Fazlur Rahman Babu, were arrested on Babu’s information.

“The ring leader Titu said he arranged the killing over a dispute about a garment wastage business. He hired two youths to shoot Babu and after ar-

INSIDE Business

B1 Finance Minister AMA Muhith criticised the country’s insurance sector for huge corruption and worst performance.

News

3 Three trained militants of banned Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, allegedly assigned to carry out destruction ahead of January 5 election, were arrested in Dhaka late Sunday night with bombmaking manuals.

Nation

6 At least 100,000 people in three upazilas of Narail and adjacent areas are waiting for a bridge on the Madhumati River that will ease their distresses and bring a wave of development.

resting them we found that the youths were new to the profession,” said a DB senior official seeking anonymity.

On December 6 last year, a young businessman, Kamruzzaman Sumon, was shot dead at Paris Road in Mirpur section 10. Investigation later revealed that three hired “shooters” were used to kill Sumon over extortion demands.

In another incident, three members of Savar’s “Ganchil” crime gang were

arrested following the killing of Basu at Shah-Ali in the capital. During a police remand, one of its members, Selim, told police that they nowadays did not take part directly in killings or collecting extortion money. Instead, a first party is hired who later hires another, and usually the fourth or the fifth party executes the killing.

A DB official said the novice criminals belonged to the fourth party,  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Upazila polls: schedule for 2nd phase soon Last week of February or the week next among probable choices for election would be held on February 19. n Mohammad Zakaria The second phase will include polls The election commission is likely to announce the schedule of the second phase of upazila polls sometime this week, with the probable dates of election ranging between the last week of February and the first week of March.

“The commission is bound by law to hold elections before the tenure of an upazila parishad expires. We already announced the poll-schedule for parishads nearing their expiry dates and will announce the schedule for the second phase in a day or two,” Election Commissioner Md Shah Newaz said yesterday.

“The second phase of polls will be held either in the last week of February or the first week of March,” he said, narrowing down the list of possible dates to February 27-28 and March 1-2.

The commission on Sunday announced that the first phase of polls, with 102 upazila parishads out of 487,

to over 100 upazilas while polls to some upazilas will be held in the third week of March.

The third phase of polls, with the remaining upazilas, may occur sometime in the third week of May, the commissioner added.

In deciding election dates, the commission is keeping in mind the dates of SSC examinations so that students do not run into snags resulting from a schedule clash.

According to the electoral laws, polls to the upazila parishads must be held within 180 days before their terms expire. The five-year term starts with the first meeting of the respective upazila parishad.

In the last upazila parishad polls held in 2009, Awami League-backed candidates won a landslide victory by bagging around 400 posts of chairpersons. l

A portion of supporters at the BNP rally held in the city’s Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday

EC behind schedule in providing services for candidates n

Mohammad Zakaria

The Election Commission was nearly a day behind schedule in providing services related to the first phase of the upazila polls as the guidelines for aspirant candidates and nomination forms and electoral equipment were yet to reach their destinations until yesterday evening.

The commission announced the schedule of the first phase of the fourth upazila polls on Saturday and was expected to perform these tasks immediately after that.

Many aspirants visiting the commission’s office to know procedures for candidature returned disappointed yesterday, as the later failed to provide them with necessary information.

However, a senior official said the commission issued two circulars – including one with guidelines for the aspirants and one for the returning offi-

cers – and sent nomination forms to the respective upazilas in the evening.

The documents are likely to reach their destinations early today.

Three aspirant candidates from Munshiganj returned from the commission’s office in the morning, without getting any information with regards the polls scheduled for February 19.

Aspirants could not collect nomination forms from their respective areas since the forms did not reach their destinations on the day of the schedule announcement According to the schedule announced on Saturday, polls to 102 upazila parishads out of 487 will held in the first phase. The last date for filing an application for candidacy is January 25 and the applications will be scrutinised on

January 27.

The last date for withdrawing candidacy is February 3.

EC officials said aspirant candidates could not collect nomination forms from their respective areas since the forms did not reach their destinations on the day of the schedule announcement.

The commission has reportedly appointed some of its own officials as returning officers in the upazila parishads polls and is currently examining several pieces of election equipment such as stump pad and brush seals.

According to officials, it has also taken preparations for printing 24-crore ballot papers for the three-phase polls considering the eight crore voters available in the upazila levels.

The possible number of polling centres is over 42,000 while that of polling booths is 200,000. l

President’s concession

BNP offers olive branch again

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used to spend hours at his parliament office, but his movement would result in massive traffic jam as the Special Security Force would close the roads for a long time.

Considering the consequences, Hamid has decided not to attend any programme far from his official residence Bangabhaban. He hardly attends programmes at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at Agargaon or any hotel in the heart of the city.

Anyone wishing Hamid’s presence as the chief guest must arrange the programme at the Osmani Auditorium in front of the Secretariat, which lies in the 200m radius of Bangabhaban so that traffic movement is not disrupted. l

Oishee: Charge sheet  PAGE 1 COLUMN 3

friends Roni and Joni in the murder case and they were arrested later. They are now in jail while Oishee and Sumi are in Kashmipur Women’s Jail.

Investigators said they had finalised the charges after getting evidence of Oishee’s presence at the murder scene from DNA report.

Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday denied Sumi bail. The bench of Justice Md Rezaul Haque and Gobinda Chandra Tagore said the bail for Sumi might disrupt the process of investigation and her safety might also be compromised. l

Inqilab reporter remanded  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

The court rejected the bail pleas for News Editor Rabiulla Ulla Robi and Deputy Chief Reporter Rafiq Mohammad and sent them to prison.

The three journalists were detained on January 16 for producing “fabricated” news regarding the presence of Indian military inside Bangladesh territory and the newspaper’s press was sealed off. Later, the daily apologised for producing the report. l

She said it was necessary to initiate a dialogue immediately with a view to hold an acceptable election to bring peace in the country.

The BNP chief termed the government “illegal, shameless, killer and betrayer.”

Branding the government as “father of autocrats,” she alleged that it assumed power forcibly through a one-sided election and raised the issues of vote rigging.

“The government formed after the election in which people did not cast their votes cannot be pro-people. The election has proven that a fair poll cannot be possible without a non-party government. As the government does not have public support, it is trying to stay in power by using force and no government can stay in power by this way,” she said.

Khaleda said the government had no right to sit in parliament. “Everybody has rejected the election. It is not acceptable to anyone. That is why, we want to say, take initiative for talks immediately to hold elections.”

She also termed the Election Commission “spineless” and criticised it for claiming the voter turnout to be 40%.

“Five percent vote was not cast in the election” she claimed adding: “No fair election could be held under this Election Commission.”

Several election monitoring groups have recorded the turnout to be around 30-37%.

Citing two national dailies, the BNP chief said, “Those who are voters did not go to the polling centres that day.

Only non-voters cast their votes. It is a stigmatised government.”

Attack on minorities

The 18-party leader brushed aside the allegations that the activists of Jamaat and BNP were attacking the Hindu communities across the country.

She alleged that it was the government supporters who had attacked the minority communities “to divert people’s attention from its failure to get public support during the voting.”

She said: “It is the responsibility of

Criminal masterminds  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

while the second or the third party supplied them small arms for executing the orders.

After negotiating the fees, the hirer reportedly provides the name, address, phone number and location to the channel. A token amount is also paid during the dealings as security money.

The “wages,” ranging between one and five lakh taka, are reportedly fixed according to the profile of the targeted person. The costs come down when the crime is related to establishing dominance in an area. The shooters get 3040% of the contract money.

According to sources, the killer groups are operated by Tejgaon’s listed criminal Sweden Aslam’s maternal father-in-law Tutul, Pagla Delu, Sarbohara Badsha, Kader and Miraj.

On January 14, 2010, criminals shot dead ward No 41 AL’s General Secretary Fazlul Haque. Following the arrest of one Dulal, he told the court that he

received only TK5,000 and some drugs in exchange of the execution.

On December 20, 2009, Ramna Mosque’s Imam Shaheed Hossain was killed by Bayejeed and Uzzal – both novice hired shooters.

When contacted, Senior Assistant Commissioner of DB Tawhidul Islam said: “We have found examples of hired killing in the last one year...But these youths do not get much money for the executions.”

RAB’s Additional DG Col Ziaul Ahsan said professional killers took part with Jubo League leader Jahid Siddique Tarek in the murder of Jubo League leader Riazul Haque Milki last August.

Sources said listed criminals like Subrata Bayeen, Mollah Masud, Nobi Hossain Adnan, Prince, Haris, Ashique, Prokash, Bikash, Shahdat, Pial, Zishan, Aga Shahim, Nasir, Imam Hossain, Omar Faruk Kochi, Mashiur Rhamn Kochi, Snaullah, Kala Mabud were on the run, while Sweden Aslam, Joseph, Killer Abbas were in jail. l

RAJIB DHAR

5 BNP leaders, including Fakhrul, secure bail n Nazmus Sakib The High Court yesterday granted bail to five detained BNP leaders who are accused in various cases lodged during recent anti-government protests.

BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Mirza Abbas and Aman Ullah Aman were freed on anticipatory bail for different periods by the bench of Justice Borhanud-

din and Justice KM Kamrul Kader.

The same bench granted six months’ ad-interim bail to jailed BNP Joint Secretary Mahbub Uddin Khokon in each of the three cases against him, clearing the way for his release, his lawyer, AJ Mohammad Ali, said. Khokon was shown arrested in two cases of arson filed with Motijheel and Ramna police stations and one of instigating Hefazat-e-Islam.

The court also gave bail to Mirza Fakhrul

Jamaat hints at new strategy

for eight weeks in three cases by modifying an earlier order that had directed law enforcers to refrain from arresting or harassing the BNP leader in new cases without due process, his lawyer Bodruddoza Badal told the Dhaka Tribune.

“The HC bench that passed the order on Thursday did not have the jurisdiction to pass such an order,” Badal said. “The bench that deals with writ petitions has that jurisdiction,” he added. l

 PAGE 1 COLUMN 4

“Islamic parties were not invited to the programme,” Mustafizur Rahman Iran, chairman of Bangladesh Labour Party, an alliance member, told the Dhaka Tribune.

When asked why, Iran said, “Probably in the face of pressure from the international community.”

The European Union parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday, urging the BNP to distance itself from Jamaat and Hefazat, while emphasising shunning of political violence and an urgent consensus between the major parties.

The EU parliament stressed that “parties which turn to terrorist acts should be banned.”

The BNP has maintained an alliance with Jamaat for more than a decade, calling it a “strategic partner.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that her government would hold talks with BNP if the party severed ties with the Jamaat and in different media interviews BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said BNP would cut ties with Jamaat at the right time.l

the government to ensure security of the minorities. The government has also failed to arrest the attackers.”

Jamaat-dominated Satkhira area. Following this, police launched a drive at the newspaper’s office on Ramakrishna Mission Road and arrested three of its journalists – reporter Ahmmed Atiq, Deputy Chief Reporter Rafiq Mohammad and News Editor Rabiulla Ulla Robi. They also sealed its press.

Later, the daily apologised for producing the report.

Khaleda yesterday said: “The way repression is taking place seems that they [join force members] are not the forces of our country. No citizen of Bangladesh can act this way with the countrymen.”

She asked the government to stop “repression” or face the people’s trial one day.

Mentioning about the law enforcers-Jamaat clash in Gaibandha, the BNP chief asked whether the country’s sovereignty was still intact or the government had sold it to others.

pletely uprooted from the country when the Awami League steps down from office. “The BNP will not allow the country to be a free place for militants.”

She claimed that the BNP-led government in 2001-06 had the experience of uprooting militancy. “Militancy increased in the country during the Awami League tenure and the BNP evicted the militants after assuming office.”

The former premier ruled out allegations and cases of money laundering against the BNP leaders. “You [government] are laundering money from the country. We have the information [about the senders and the amount].”

She alleged that the government was violating the constitution.

Terming HM Ershad’s role during the election “drama,” Khaleda said in 1986, Hasina had taken part in the election under Ershad and this time the opposite.

“The two autocrats are eating up the country and plundering the country’s assets,” Khaleda said. l

the meeting. These three parties are known to be directly involved with Hefazat-e-Islam, an Islamist organisation.

Though the party staged the programme alone in the capital, rallies across the country were held under the banner of the 18-party alliance.

BNP leaders said they held the rally alone to restore its tarnished image, showing people that the BNP was a political party which did not believe in violence and the responsibility of violence was not on them.

Joint forces’ drive

Khaleda claimed that the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh was under threat and urged freedom fighters and young people to protect the country and its democracy.

In her speech at the post-election rally in the capital’s Suhrawardy Udyan, the three-time former premier claimed that the government had been “killing and abducting people in the name of joint forces’ drive across the country.”

Criticising the government for closing the daily Inqilab, Khaleda said: “The reports they published also came in Facebook and many online [media]. If the incident was not true, the government should explain it. Why did it arrest the journalists and sealed off the press?”

In a report on January 16, the newspaper claimed that Indian troops were seen among the members of law enforcers conducting joint operation in

Militancy

Khaleda said militancy would be com-

PM: No criminal will be spared  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

They created such a situation that economic activities came to a standstill and it was very difficult to run schools. “But due to our timely steps for containing terrorism and militancy, peace was restored and people could cast their votes,” she said.

Hasina congratulated the people for playing a courageous role and casting vote in the January 5 poll.

“BNP’s cohort is Jamaat, which committed genocide and crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of 1971 by killing people, torching houses and raping mothers and sisters,” she said.

She said the BNP chief had failed both in waging movement and resisting polls.

“Now she is getting burnt in the fire of failure and also burning people in the flame,” she said.

“I would like to warn the BNP leader that the people want peace, food, shelter

and healthcare services. So do not destroy the peace of the people,” she said.

The prime minister said her previous government started the trial of the 1971 culprits who committed crimes against humanity during the War of Liberation in 1971 to free the country from the stigma.

“But the BNP leader became mad when the trial began and she tried to protect the 1971 culprits by unleashing atrocities across the country,” she said.

“I want to ask the BNP leader why she is trying to save the war criminals. I think she does not believe in the country’s independence. Her mind remains in Pakistan and she always dreams of Pyare [beloved] Pakistan and for this, she is so sympathetic to the war criminals.”

The prime minister said the aim of her government was to establish Bangladesh as a peaceful country in South Asia.

“There will be no room for terrorist and militant organisations in the country,”

she said.

Hasina said those who had stained the soil of Satkhira with blood by unleashing killing would not be spared and called upon the people of the district to stand up against the atrocities.

“We will be with you and the law enforcement agencies will stand beside you. And Satkhira will not remain bloodstained. We will root out terrorism from the district,” she said.

The prime minister said the country had been liberated under the leadership of Bangabandhu and people irrespective of caste, creed and religion fought for independence.

“So people of all faiths will live in the country with equal rights,” she said.

The premier said the affected families of the victims of the BNP-Jamaat atrocities had already been given financial assistance. The Border Guard Bangladesh has been tasked with rebuilding their damaged houses, she said. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

ACC to scrutinise rising wealth of Growth not less than 6.3% this year: Muhith ministers, MPs and their relatives n Asif ShowkatKallol

n Syed Samiul Basher Anik The Anti-Corruption Commission will soon form a committee to conduct a formal inquiry into the affidavits of ministers and MPs who participated in the January 5 poll.

Following newspaper reports on the phenomenal rise in wealth of some ministers and MPs during the last five years, the ACC has collected the newspaper clippings and is now scrutinising the files, ACC Secretary Faizur Rahman Chowdhury told reporters yesterday.

He said the commission was yet to initiate any formal inquiry against any specific person.

“A committee will be formed soon to formally inquire into the wealth rises of MPs and ministers,” he told reporters while addressing the monthly briefing at the ACC headquarters.

He added that the commission

would also investigate all the suspected candidates’ relatives’ wealth, as the ACC realised that people may have accumulated illegal wealth in their relatives’ names.

Responding to a query, the secretary also said the ACC was not hesitant to inquire into the wealth of ministers and MPs, and that it will conduct all its activities in accordance with the ACC act.

However, sources at the ACC said the commission has already started inquiring into the wealth of nine people, including six from Awami League, two from BNP and one other from a small party.

Asked about the ACC’s course of action were the government to disapprove of charges being filed, Faizur said although the commission did not require government permission to file a case, they did need permission to file charges.

“If we do not get permission, the

media is here. Additionally, if we cannot get permission after having all the documents, we can seek court’s support on the matter,” he said.

Two and half years after it was tabled, the Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2013 was approved by parliament on November 10 last year; ignoring protests from politicians, civic forums and corruption watchdogs. A provision in the bill – requiring the graft-busting agency to get approval from government before filing cases against judges, magistrates and public servants – drew huge criticism from different sectors.

Answering a separate query about the money laundering case against BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, the secretary said the ACC had appealed in the case after the acquittal of Tarique.

“Following the ACC’s appeal, the

court directed him to surrender himself. If he does not follow the directives and does not surrender, that is a matter for the court, not for the ACC,” he said.

The High Court on Sunday accepted the ACC’s petition, which appealed against the lower court’s verdict acquitting the BNP senior vice-chairman, and ordered Tarique to surrender before the court in the aforementioned money laundering case.

The secretary also shed light on the activities of the commission, saying the ACC, in December, had received 490 corruption allegations; out of which which, 71 cases were considered for further investigation.

The ACC also approved the filing of 17 cases and 16 charge sheets in December.

The judgments of seven cases investigated by the ACC were pronounced during the month, among which, the accused were acquitted from four cases. l

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said the country’s GDP growth will not fall below 6.3% from the 7.2% targeted for the current fiscal year,since the announced rate was ambitious.

“Nothing can cut down the economic expansionof Bangladesh,” financeminister told journalists yesterday after a meeting with the chairmen and managing directors of state-owned banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

Muhith also said the growth target was fixed at 7.2% in the current fiscal year in accordance with the good performance of the previous fiscal year and would be revised in the next budget.

Regarding the estimation of the growth rate by development partners, Muhith said the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund had estimated the GDP growth rate conservatively.

Crackdown on illegal workers in Malaysia from today n Rabiul Islam

Ershad, Rawshan to choose reserve women MPs n Manik Miazee Jatiya Party’s Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader yesterday said Ershad and his wife Rawshan Ershad would jointly select candidates for competing in the reserved seats, instead of conducting interviews. They would list candidates and send it to the Election Commission soon, he said.

“It was not possible to nominate all of the 96 aspirants for the six seats.”

Howlader denied the allegation that JaPa nominates candidates for reserved seats in exchange of money.

In reply to a query on the ongoing conflict between Ershad and Rawshan, he said it was “false and rootless.”

The decision to drop the interview session to select candidates for the female MPs’ election has dissatisfied the aspirants whose interviews were scheduled to take place at Ershad’s political office at 11am.

The nomination seekers and Ershad went there on time, but the JaPa chief did not conduct any interview. l

Biman NY flights resume in June n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Biman Bangladesh Airlines is going to resume its flights to New York from June 12, a high official of the national flag carrier said last night.

A source in Biman’s marketing division told the Dhaka Tribune that the airline would start selling tickets of the New York flights from January 31.

The Biman New York flights were grounded in 2006.

Initially, there will be two flights a week – one leaving Dhaka for the US city at 2pm and the other leaving New York for Dhaka at 4pm local time.

Biman, however, could not yet confirm the days of the flights.

“We have initially confirmed about the date [of resuming the flights] and we are planning measures to meet that target,” Khan Mosharaf Hosen, general manager for Biman’s public relations, said.

Resuming Biman flights to New York was an election pledge of the Awami League and although it tried hard in the past couple of years, it failed.

A Biman source said they had received nods for the two flights from the New York safety agency and the US Department of Transportation, and Biman’s next steps now depended on the availability of passengers.

“Although we have some technical challenges, we are ready and have already leased two Boeing aircraft from Egypt Airlines,” a high official said.

Biman, now a losing concern, recently requested the government to allow it a commercial borrowing of $200m to help overcome the financial crisis before the fleet lands. l

The World Bank annual forecast said Bangladesh’s GDP growth would be around 5.7% in this fiscal year, due to political unrest, image crisis of the garment sector and slow remittance growth.

IMF estimated the growth to be 6% in 2013-14 fiscal year.

In Grand Alliance government’s last tenure, the growth rate remained above 6% except for one fiscal year in which it was 5.7 %, he added.

Muhith said the country’s economic position had been well during the first half of the current fiscal year.

The position of GDP growth rate, export, foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh was also good but import and revenue earningshad slowed down a bit, he said.

“Our economic situation is still quite well,although we had feared that the economy would fall into a bad situation due to the prolonged blockades and hartals,” the minister said. l

Detective police present three militants of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan before the media after their arrest in the capital yesterday

Pakistani militants held in Dhaka remanded n Kailash Sarkar Three trained militants of banned Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), allegedly assigned to carry out destruction ahead of January 5 election, were arrested in the capital late Sunday night with bomb-making manuals in their possessions.

The South Division of Detective Branch arrested TTP members Mehmud, 26, from Malir district, and Usman, 23, and Fakhrul Hasan, 50, from Kourangi district, in front of Shilpakala Academy around 11pm.

Two separate cases were filed against them with Ramna police station under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 and the Foreign Act 1964.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court yesterday granted the DB 13 days in the cases to interrogate them.

Immediately after the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla, the TTP threatened to bomb the Bangladesh High Commission in Pakistan.

“The detained TTP members from Arakan in Myanmar settled in Pakistan with their families and secured Pakistani citizenships. According to DB officials, they used to visit Myanmar often,” said Joint Commissioner Monirul Islam at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre.

Monirul said of the TTP men, Mehmud and Usman did not have any passports although a Pakistani passport was found in the possession of Fakhrul, but his visa expired. All the three accused had been staying at Kakrail to start for Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar.

“The detectives were informed that the TTP members were staying in Bang-

ladesh to carry out destructive activities ahead of January 5 election,” he said.

DB officials said although all the three detained used to speak Urdu, of them, Usman and Fakhrul could speak in Bengali. Fakhrul was acting as guide to travel to Teknaf, said the DB officials.

Monirul said the manuals seized from the three militants contained instructions of making of 12 types of bombs.

“All the three TTP militants have also the expertise in the making of 12 types of bombs, including grenades and car bombs. They also have the expertise in the operation of heavy and automatic firearms used by militants in Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said.

Among them, Fakhrul came in Bangladesh one and a half months ago while Mehmud and Usman had been arrested earlier by another intelligence agency.

“After being freed on bail, they wanted to go back to Pakistan. But Fakhrul did not let them return as he had a special mission to conduct destructive activities in Bangladesh. Their attempt was foiled for the activities of the DB,” Monirul claimed.

According to the DB officials, the detained TTP members had trainings from the TTP experts at Waziristan in Pakistan on making bombs, attacking techniques and operation of various firearms.

They were also determined to be organised under the banner of Tehreek-eAzadi Arakan for fighting there.

The DB officials said they had been trying to know about the motive behind their attempt to travel to Teknaf as well as their aides and associates in Bangladesh. l

Razakars chanted ‘Yusuf Bhai Jindabaad’: witness n Udisa Islam War crimes suspect AKM Yusuf was responsible for the killing of 60 Hindus, looting and arson at Ranjitpur of Khanpur in Bagerhat, a new prosecution witness told the International Crimes Tribunal 2 yesterday.

Bijoy Krishna, the 22nd witness in the case, gave his deposition after the defence completed cross-examination of previous witness Dilip Das. Both of them placed their statements on charge number two. Bijoy said the villagers had formed pro-liberation groups after March 7, 1971. After over two months, on May 13, they came to know that some razakars had been preparing to attack.

“On May 13, Yusuf’s accomplices came to the village and set the houses on fire. All of them who were on duty to protect the village from any attack retreated as they were not well prepared.”

After around four hours of the destruction, razakars had left the area chanting slogan “Yusuf Bhai Jindabaad.”

Bijoy said he and the villagers had seen many dead bodies lying here and there. The body of his younger uncle Sanatan Das was found beside his house.

The witness mentioned about a monument on Ranjitpur School ground erected in memory of at least 24 martyrs.

His testimony remained incomplete as the tribunal adjourned the proceedings until today.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Yusuf is facing 13 counts of crimes against humanity including genocide, murders, arson attacks, abduction, torture in confinement, and forced conversion and deportation of Hindus at different places of Bagerhat district. l

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

The Malaysian government will commence with its crackdown on undocumented migrant workers after the three-month grace period set by their home ministry expired on January 20.

“The Malaysian authorities have informed us the crackdown will start from January 21,” Bangladesh labour counsellor to Malaysia Mantu Kumar Biswas told the Dhaka Tribune.

On October 20, 2013, the authorities declared a three-month amnesty period for all illegal foreign workers including Bangladeshis to become legalised.

As the deadline ended, Malaysia would start crackdown from today, officials at Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia said.

Asked about probable number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, the labour counsellor said the Malaysian authorities had not yet provided the list.

At least 4,00,000 to 5,00,000 Bangladeshis were working in Malaysia, he said.

Bangladesh High Commission said approximately 30,000 Bangladeshis failed to become legalised.

While talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Khandker Mosharraf Hossain said, “We have nothing to do for those who could not become legalised as we have done much to persuade the Malaysian authority to extend the amnesty period, and the authority gave three more months”. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

PM asks cabinet to prioritise projects soon n Mohosinul Karim Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday instructed the cabinet members and high-ups of different ministries and divisions to prioritise projects as soon as possible.

“The projects have to be selected in terms of priority at the very outset as those must be completed within the tenure of the government which was the election pledges of the ruling party,” the premier said in the cabinet meeting.

After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told the media about the directives of the premier.

The cabinet division placed at the cabinet meeting the achievements, work progress and implementation of the cabinet decisions under the previous government.

The cabinet secretary said the premier expressed her satisfaction over the progress of implementation under the previous government.

Sheikh Hasina also ordered the high officials to publish the progress reports of separate ministries and divisions, he added.

According to the report, the previ-

ous Awami League-led alliance government took 1,508 decisions during its tenure at its 228 cabinet meetings.

Of those, a total of 1,427 decisions had been implemented.

Earlier, the BNP and Jamaat-led government had taken 745 decisions from October 10, 2001 to October 3, 2006 holding 208 cabinet meetings.

A total of 611 (82%) decisions of the government were implemented.

The secretary said the cabinet of previous AL-led government approved 271 draft laws for passage in the parliament.

He said eight acts which were sent to the parliament for passage were still pending.

It was mandatory to get further approval for the acts from the new cabinet as those were sent to pass in the ninth parliament, Musharraf Hossain said, adding that those would be placed before the cabinet shortly.

He added that at least 20 amendment proposals and new acts were pending at the ministries and divisions after getting approval of the cabinet.

The previous cabinet also approved 49 policies and strategies and 118 memorandum of understandings (MoU) and agreements. l

BNP leaders to get release n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj

Government websites yet to update profiles of ministers, state ministers

Communication Minister Obaidul Quader said BNP leaders, who were not involved with major and specific crimes, would be released gradually.

The minister told these while talking to journalists yesterday after paying visit to the proposed Kalna Bridge area on the Modhumoti River at the Kalna Ghat in the district.

The minister said: “The initiative of negotiation with the BNP is underway and Interim poll will be held.”

However, the minister did not mention any definite time for the interim poll.

The minister placed wreath at the mazar of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The minister was accompanied by Noakhali 4 MP Ekramul Karim Chowdhury and officials of Gopalganj Roads and Highways Department.

“The construction work of Padma and Kalna bridges will start soon as the premier will inaugurate these two bridges in 2017,” he said. l

n Syed Samiul Basher Anik

Doa Mehfil A Doa Mehfil for the late Mujtahed Uddin Ahmed, former director of Bengal Development Corporation (BDC), will be held tomorrow at Gulshan Central Mosque, after Asr prayers.

All friends, family members and well wishers are requested to attend the prayers. Mr Ahmed died on Friday, January 17, 2014 at the age of 90. l

WEATHER

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

Moderate to thick fog may persist over the country from midnight till morning, Met Office said.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:37pm today and rises at 6:43am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 29.5 degrees Celsius was recorded yesterday in Teknaf and lowest 11.3 degrees in Rajshahi. Highest and lowest temperature recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

23.9 28.0 19.8 22.2 24.3 26.0 28.5 29.1

16.6 15.9 11.3 15.7 15.1 13.7 13.8 17.2

Though over a week has passed since the new government sworn in, many ministries are yet to update the profiles of their newly elected ministers and state ministers on their respective websites, according to Dhaka Tribune findings.

At least 15 ministry websites out of the total 40 ministries were yet to update the profile of their designated minister or state minister as of yesterday. Some of the websites still showed the previous minister’s profile, while many did not have the field for profiles of state ministers.

On January 12, a 49 member cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sworn in among which 29 were ministers, 17 were state ministers and

50% special allowance for SC judges n Mohosinul Karim Supreme Court judges will enjoy a special allowance, equivalent to a half of their basic salary.

The cabinet yesterday approved the draft of the Supreme Court Judges (Remuneration and Privileges) (Amendment) Law, 2014, keeping a provision to give the higher court judges an extra 50% of their basic salary as a special allowance.

Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan disclosed it to the media after the meeting. The draft was approved at the second cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The move to give a pay rise to the judges came two weeks after Awami League was re-elected to power in the 10th parliamentary polls, held on January 5. l

Workers busy in the construction work of sanitary toilets for the devotees of Biswa Ijtema at the event's venue in Tongi yesterday

two were deputy ministers.

After visiting all the websites, it was found that profiles of ministers were not uploaded in Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Land, Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs websites.

The website of religious affairs ministry showed the profile of Mujibul Haque as its minister, the law ministry showed Barrister Shafique Ahmed, the planning ministry showed Air ViceMarshal (Retd) AK Khandker and the land ministry showed Amir Hossain Amu as its minister.

On the other hand, Ministry of Social Welfare is yet to create any field for its new minister Syed Mohsin Ali’s profile.

The ministry’s website only had the

5:24am 6:43am 12:10am 4:01pm 5:37pm 6:56pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

ure of the ruling Awami League – from 2008 to 2013.

No profiles were also found at the website of Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs ministry and on the site of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, clicking on the minister’s profile field prompted the message “The page is under-construction.” The field for the ministry’s deputy minister was also not found.

Moreover, when the profile of the designated minister for home ministry was searched, the page showed an error message saying “Page not found.”

On the other hand, the website of Bangladesh Parliament has also not yet updated the list of newly elected MP’s.

The fields “Members of Parliament” and “Contact a MP” on the website gives information on the MP’s of the ninth parliament. l

Bangladesh stresses collaborative partnerships for ocean governance n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Bangladesh has stressed that sea resources must be governed on the principles of mutual trust, respect and benefits and equitable sharing of benefits.

“Many of the developing countries like Bangladesh do not possess the critically required resources, capabilities and technologies.

"But that must not limit their access and right of equitable harnessing of vast marine resources,” said Secretary (maritime affairs) Khorshed Alam at the Blue Economy Summit in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

In his speech, Alam said Bangladesh recognised the need for collaborative partnerships in the wider space of ocean governance in a bid to explore the untapped potentials in sea.

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

profile of Promod Mankin, the state minister.

Meanwhile, the food ministry which was created splitting Ministry of Food and Disaster Management on September 15, 2012, is yet to start a website. Similarly, the railway ministry also do not have a website though it was created on December 4, 2011, separating from the Ministry of Communications.

Many ministry websites are yet to initiate a designated place even for the state minister’s profile. The textiles and jute ministry, finance ministry, fisheries and livestock ministry, land ministry, primary and mass education ministry and information ministry do not have any option for the profile of state ministers till date. These are the ministries where no state minister was designated during the previous ten-

School children place floral wreaths at the incomplete monument of Shaheed Asad, martyr of the mass uprising in 1969, yesterday in front of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital to mark his 44th death anniversary DHAKA TRIBUNE

“Countries as ours must be supported in terms of knowledge and critical minimum of resources and capacity to bring the bay under surveillance,” he said.

About 475 species of fish are found in the Bay of Bengal, more than 200 commercial trawlers operate in the bay and over 50,000 mechanised and non-mechanised boats ply on coastal waters for fishing In the summit, he invited the Indian Ocean rim countries to an expert level meeting in Bangladesh in July to assess and re-discover the wider potential of blue economy and determine actions regarding it.

The secretary pointed out that ris-

ing sea level and salinity intrusion upstream have posed existential threats for Bangladesh.

“There is a critical need to inquire into the science of ocean acidification and the meteorological behavior and related aspects in the Bay of Bengal,” he said.

Bangladesh has 12 nautical miles of territorial sea, 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone and continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles and over 700km coastal frontiers.

About 475 species of fish are found in the Bay of Bengal, more than 200 commercial trawlers operate in the bay and over 50,000 mechanised and non-mechanised boats ply on coastal waters for fishing, while around 30 million people rely on the sea to make a living. l

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Defamation case filed against Daily Jugantor n Our Correspondent, Chandpur A defamation case was filed with a Chandpur Senior Judicial Court against the Bangla daily Jugantor yesterday for carrying a false report on former home minister MK Alamgir and former foreign minister Dipu Moni.

Kachua upazila Jubo League activist Kazi Enamul Haque Shamim filed the case as complaint with court of Asim Kumar De, demanding Tk200 crore as compensation.

The court took the case into cognizance and summoned the newspaper's publisher Salma Islam, acting Editor Saiful Alam, Chief Reporter Enam Ahmed and News Editor Abdur Rahman to the court on March 11.

Helal Uddin, counsel for the complaint, told The Dhaka Tribune: “The Jugantor published a report on January 13 and 17 defaming the ministers, and published several distorted pictures.”

The newspaper editor, publisher and other journalists should avoid publishing false reports, he said. l

Former Jamuna Bank DMD arrested n Tribune Report The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday arrested Mozammel Hossain, a former deputy managing director of Jamuna Bank Limited, from capital’s Segunbagicha area with the assistance of law enforcement agencies.

ACC Assistant Director Mahbubur Rahman along with local police arrested the official around 3pm in connection with the Tk990cr scam by Bismillah Group, ACC Deputy Director Syed Iqbal Hosssain told reporters.

On November 3 last year, ACC filed 12 cases against 53 officials of five banks and the Bismillah Group, a terry towel producer, for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of funded loans worth over Tk990 crore. l

JU students for cancelling bails of Zubair killers

Two commit suicide in city n Kailash Sarkar

n JU Correspondent

A female college student and a housewife allegedly killed themselves in the city yesterday.

Rabeya Akhter, 17, of East Nakhalpara, a first year student of Tejgaon Women’s College, allegedly took insecticides, while housewife Sharmin Akhter, 25, of Faidabad in Dakkhinkhan, allegedly hanged herself from a ceiling fan.

Rabeya’s mother Mamtaj Begum said her daughter took insecticide around 10:30pm as she snub her over her study related issue. The girl died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Housewife Sharmin’s family said she killed herself yesterday evening after quarreling with her husband who does not have any job and lives at his in-law’s house. l

Students of Jahangirnagar University yesterday demanded that the bails of 13 accused, all activists of Chhatra League, in Zubair Ahmed murder case be scrapped.

They announced a sit-in programme outside the Judge’s Court during the next hearing on Thursday.

At a press conference, members and activists of “Shontrasher Biruddhe Jahangirnagar” vowed that the killers would not be allowed on the campus.

“On Sunday, the accused attacked two friends of Zubair who have been involved with the anti-terrorism movement since Zubair’s death on January 9, 2012,” Bangla department student Samjeer Ahmed said at the press conference.

“The accused also threatened the

activists with death...Under this circumstance, we urge the High Court to take necessary action against the attackers and cancel their bails.”

Based on the university authority’s investigation, the Syndicate expelled seven of the accused for life and six others for two years for their direct involvement in the killing.

The agitating students yesterday asked the university authority to take action against Estate Officer Azim Uddin for remaining silent during Sunday’s attack.

Azim, a former Chhatra League leader, had been removed from his post of security officer after Zubair’s death.

The students expressed concern as the accused were moving freely on the campus with the help of administration and some were staying at the dormitories. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

5

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

BNP rally causes long tailbacks, upsets commuters The rally was set to start at 2pm, but thousands of supporters started converging on the venue earlier than the scheduled time Samsun Nahar, an employee of a prin Abu Hayat Mahmud vate bank, lost almost two hours trying Traffic congestion in the capital reached an intolerable height yesterday in the wake of the BNP rally at Suhrawady Udyan that contributed much to the tailbacks across the city, much to the dismay of commuters.

The BNP rally was set to start at 2pm, but thousands of leaders and activists started converging on the venue earlier than the scheduled time.

Traffic police were compelled to seal one side of the road from Shahbagh to Matsya Bhaban because of a huge presence of BNP leaders, activists and supporters.

The traffic movement halted on the connecting roads Matsya Bhaban, Shahbagh, High Court, Press Club, Purana Partan, Gulistan, Motijheel, Bijoynagar, Kakrail, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar and Farmgate, causing the tailbacks across the city.

Moreover, a large number of buses entered the city with BNP leaders and activists from outside the capital to join the rally that put pressure on the city traffic too, said traffic police.

to return home from work.

“I have been waiting at the Motijheel bus station for a bus for over 30 minutes, but am yet to find any,” she said.

Most commuters had the same question: Why must ordinary people suffer because of the political programmes of the two major political parties?

Like Samsun Nahar, many were seen waiting for vehicles for hours at different bus stations to reach their destinations.

“I waited for a bus at Purana Paltan for nearly an hour. It would actually have been far easier had I just walked back home,” said Nilufar Iasmin, who had to wait with hundreds of commuters to get a ride home.

Habibur Rahman, a biker, said it took him an hour to reach the National Press Club from Bangla Motor, although it was at best a 10-minute journey.

With the current political situation slowly easing off, one would hope that exasperated commuters of the city would find respite in the immediate future. l

33 Barisal BNP leaders bailed ad-interim

Two AL MPs slate EC, newspapers Court asks mediator to in reply of show cause notice submit report on Feb 23 n

n

The people of Dhaka observe an unusual tailback after a long time yesterday. The photo was taken from Mohakhali flyover

DANDY DYEING LOAN DEFAULT CASE

Mohammad Zakaria

Our Correspondent, Barisal

High Court yesterday granted ad-interim bail for five weeks to 33 BNP leaders and activists in Barisal in a case filed for assaulting police.

An HC bench comprising Justice Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Akram Hossain granted the bail.

On November 11 last year, during a blockade programme enforced by the BNP-led 18-party alliance, the accused BNP activists clashed with police in Kashipur area of the city.

Sub-Inspector Mustafizur Rahman lodged a case against 1254 people on the same day including Maniruzzaman Faruk, city BNP vice president, Ziauddin Shikdar, city BNP joint secretary and Barisal City Corporation councilor, and Afroza Khanam Nasrin, city joint convener of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal with Airport police station.

Mojibor Rahman Sarwar, Barisal city BNP president and lawmaker and Mezbahuddin Farhad, lawmaker and district (north) unit BNP president, were earlier granted six-week ad-interim bail in the same case. l

Minor girl rescued after abduction

n Our Correspondent, Narayanganj Narsingdi police rescued a one and half-an-year old girl from the district’s Madhabdi upazila after 13-hour of her abduction, but could not arrest anyone in this connection.

The gang abducted the kid named Sumaiya Akter from her house in Narayanganj on Sunday evening around 4pm and demanded Tk30,000 as ransom.

Sayed Nurul Islam, superintendent of police of Narayanganj, said Sharifa, a member of an abduction gang who was also a colleague of the minor girl’s Metarnal aunt Munni, was used to visit Sumaiya’s house frequently.

On Sunday she visited the victim’s house and took the girl with her by saying the girl’s parents that she was going out for a sightseeing. But they did not return and the gang made a phone call to the victim’s father demanding the ransom money.

Following the incident, victim father Sumon filed a complaint with Fatullah Model police station.

Later, they rescued the girl yesterday. l

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday asked the mediator of Dandy Dyeing Ltd loan default case to submit report on the mediation between complainant and defendant on February 23.

Dhaka Artha Rin Court 1 Judge Md Rabiuzzaman passed the order while advocate Abdus Salam, mediator of the case, filed for an extension before the court to submit the report in writing.

The case was filed against BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman and his brother Arafat Rahman Koko for defaulting on the loan amounting to Tk45.49crore.

On October 3, 2013, the court appointed the mediator for negotiation.

On October 2, 2012, Sonali Bank Executive Officer Md Nazrul Islam filed the lawsuit against 10 directors of the Dandy Dyeing Ltd, including Tarique and Koko.

The 10 are Tarique Rahman, Arafat Rahman Koko, Giasuddin Al Mamun and his wife Shahina Yasmin, Nasrin Iskander, Shams Iskander, Shafin Iskander, Sumaiya Iskander, Mozaffar Ahmed and Kazi Galib Abdus Sattar.

As Mozaffar Ahmed died, the court included his wife Samsun Nahar and his son Masud Hasan as defendants in the case.

Two newly elected Awami League MPs – Monirul Islam of Jessore 1 and Sheikh Afil Uddin of Jessore 2 – criticised the Election Commission and mass media in reply of a show cause notice.

Of the two lawmakers, Afil was elected uncontested and Monirul in the January-5 poll.

The lawmakers replied to the show cause on Wednesday, criticising the EC, electoral enquiry committee and five newspapers – Dinkal, Prothom Alo, Manabzamin, Dhaka Tribune and Daily Star.

The lawmakers in the reply of the show cause notice said the Election Commission could not cancel their candidatures after election.

If the returning officer wanted, he could cancel their candidature before the parliamentary polls, they said.

Afil, who is also the vicepresident of Jessore district unit Awami League, allegedly called upon his supporters to ensure win of Monirul by occupying poll centres and casting false votes They also blamed the commission for using indecent word against them and urged the EC to withdraw it.

Afil, who is also the vice-president of Jessore district unit Awami League, allegedly called upon his supporters to ensure win of Monirul by occupying

poll centres and casting false votes.

He made the directives while speaking as chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with Monirul’s polling agents on Parbazar High School premises in Jhikargachha upazila on December 30.

A video clip of his speech was also reached at journalists’ hand.

About the news story, they said the news published in the newspaper was not correct and the report made with false information with a view to create controversy. Attaching the copies of news items, the EC issued the show cause notice to them for violating the electoral code of conduct on January 7.

The commission, however, will hold hearing over the matter on January 27, EC officials said. l

More poor farmers turning to tobacco cultivation n Abu Bakar Siddique Although fertile land across the country is shrinking, tobacco farming is increasing day by day, mostly because the government is not taking proper initiatives to stop tobacco cultivation and encourage farmers to cultivate other crops.

According to the Department of Agriculture Extension, a total of 108,000 hectares of land have been brought under tobacco cultivation this year, 38,000 hectares more than the last, while farmers cultivated tobacco on 70,000 hectares of land.

Of the total land, 40,000 hectares of land was in Kushtia, 28,000 hectares in Bandarban, 30,000 hectares in Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat and 10,000 hectares in Rangpur.

Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts are new additions to tobacco farming; interestingly however, tobacco farming has seen a reduction in

Rangpur, an area which has seen much success in the past.

Currently, many farmers are not interested to cultivate paddy and winter crops on their land as they often do not get fair prices because of poor marketing and transport.

Unlike the government, many tobacco companies are providing various facilities to farmers so that they feel encouraged to cultivate tobacco.

Most tobacco farmers earn more profit from their production as they are convinced by the prices tobacco companies offer.

Tobacco farming needs a huge amount of fertiliser and poor farmers often receive credit from tobacco companies to buy the fertilizer.

In many cases, these companies give advance money and agri-inputs, including fertiliser and seeds to farmers, to encourage them in the cultivation.

“Tobacco companies give me all kinds of inputs, fertilisers and pesti-

cides, in advance to cultivate and finally buy my produce,” said Abdul Latif, a farmer of Lama Upazilla in the hill district Bandarban.

“Poor farmers like me who do not have ability to meet the expenditure of farming materials are receiving advance money from tobacco companies to cultivate their land,” he said.

He said he had brought two acres of his land under tobacco cultivation this year.

In addition, some farmers, who have ability to cultivate their farmland with their own resources, are also engaged in tobacco farming as it gives them guarantee of sale of their farm production.

Zamal Khondker, a farmer of Dowlatpur area of Kustia, who used to cultivate sugarcane even five years ago, had faced many obstacles in selling his agri-produces.

“Like me, many farmers have started tobacco cultivation simply because there’s more money in it,” he said.

The renovation work of Rajshahi Government Madrasa building is going on as its roof became risky. This administration building of the institution was established around 130 years ago. The Photo was taken yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

In Bangladesh, tobacco is generally cultivated in Rabi (dry) season which is approximately in between November and March.

British American Tobacco (Bat), Dhaka Tobacco and some other local companies are engaged in making farmers interested in tobacco farming to ensure supply of raw materials.

The DAE itself is worried about the growing trend of tobacco cultivation as it may reduce the acreage of the country’s major cereal crop Boro paddy and other seasonal crops, including wheat, maize and pulse.

“We have already taken different initiatives, including creating awareness on the negative impacts of tobacco, among the farmers to check the increasing trends of tobacco cultivation,” said Abul Kalam Azad, deputy director (Cash crops) of the DAE. Farida Akhter, executive director of Ubinig, said the rising trends of tobacco cultivation is a result of government’s

poor initiative as it failed to ensure fair prices of agri-produces, which leads the country towards infertility.

Farida urged the government to demarcate the area of agriculture land to ensure country’s food sufficiency.

The government should impose a ban on tobacco cultivation for food security of the country, she opined.

Abdul Wahab, an official of BAT, Bandarban, acknowledged that they were helping farmers in tobacco cultivation.

He, however, said they did not force farmers to cultivate tobacco in their land rather they are creating opportunity for farmers.

According to the DAE, Kustia, the government has taken “Greater Mujibnagar Project” to discourage farmers in tobacco cultivation.

Through the project, the department will create enthusiasm among farmers so that they feel interested to cultivate tobacco on their land. l

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

fighter threatened Waiting for a bridge over Madhumati Freedom by drug syndicate Narail residents see glimmer of hope in minister’s promise n

Our Correspondent, Narail

At least a hundred thousand people at three upazilas in Narail and adjacent areas are waiting for a bridge on the River Madhumati that will easy their distresses and will bring a wave of development.

People of Lohagora, Kalia and sadar upazila have to take a boat to cross the river to catch a bus or other vehicle to go to the neighbouring districts—Jessore, Khulna, Gopalganj and the capital Dhaka.

Farmers said they are often deprived of fair prices for their commodities

as they cannot carry all their production to town because of transportation problems.

Traders said buyers cannot reach the village markets with their transports to bring agricultural produce, as road communication is unsettled and uncomfortable.

School and college students also have to bear the brunt of poor communication during rainy season.

Rahima, a first year honours student of Lohagora government college, said they often fail to attend classes on time as communications is not easy and frequent in the area.

Neoaz Ahmed, mayor of Lohagora Municipality, said sometimes ill people have to suffer more as they cannot go to hospital on time because of the poor transport system.

A person has to pay Tk10 to cross the river by boat and additional Tk5 for carrying a bicycle, Tk20 for a motorbike, Tk75 for microbus and Tk150 for a bus and truck.

Residents of the upazilas said during election times, candidates come and assure voters of a new bridge. But their “sweet words” go in vain as none had kept their promise so far.

But there is some good news: Com-

munication Minister Obaidul Qader visited Kalna ghat point at Lohagora upazila in Narail yesterday, and said the government approved Tk245 crore last Sunday for Kalna Bridge Project on the River Madhumati.

The minister also made a promise that the tender for the bridge will be called within June this year, and it is expected that the construction of the bridge will be completed within 2017.

Residents of the upazila were delighted after hearing that the bridge will be built very soon, but some remained sceptical. All they want is a bridge over the Madhumati. l

n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat A freedom fighter at the Lalmonirhat’s New Colony has complained of threats from drug peddlers after he reported their activities to police recently.

Jagodish Chandra Adhikary, 62, said the group was well-known in the vicinity for selling and using illegal drugs.

“They take hemp and phensidyl openly, right in front of my house, despite several complaints made by locals to police. The police, for reasons unknown to me, has taken no action yet.”

Jagodish said he had lodged a formal complaint with the Lalmonirhat Sadar police station on January 14 after

fruits and bamboos from a nearby garden were stolen, triggering an “angry backlash” from the group which started harassing him and his family.

“We cannot move freely now. We fear they might assault us or do something like this in revenge for the complaint.”

Abu Bakkar Siddique, who heads the upazila unit of Muktijoddha Sangsad, acknowledged the fact of the harassment and warned of “tougher programme” if police failed to take action against those responsible for harassing the Adhikary family.

Police said they would take action in this regard soon. l

62 shops gutted in Noakhali n Our Correspondent, Noakhali

Brickfield worker gang-raped n Our Correspondent, Tangail

At least 62 shops were gutted in a devastating fire in Maijdee court area under Noakhali Sadar upazila yesterday.

According to sources, the fire originated from an electronic shop and engulfed the adjacent area soon.

On information, fire-fighters from Maijdee and Chaumuhani went to the spot and doused the fire after three hours of hectic efforts.

The shop owners claimed that the loss caused by the fire could go up to Tk30 crore.

Ekramul Karim Chowdhury MP, Mostafijur Rahaman, deputy commissioner, Anisur Rahaman, superintendent of police, visited the spot. l

A brickfield worker was allegedly gangraped in Tangail’s Mirzapur upazila early yesterday morning.

The woman is now admitted to the Tangail district hospital.

According to police, the victim was targeted after she alighted from a bus at the Gorai industrial area early in the morning.

She went to the brickfield in Hatuvanga to cook meals for her colleagues.

Soon after, a group of six miscreants emerged, took her to a nearby deserted garden and raped her.

Later, police rescued the senseless victim and took her to the Mirzapur upazila health complex. She was then shifted to Tangail General Hospital because of the severity of her condition.

Liton, 25, a tempo driver, was detained in this connection. Police said they got the names of other rapists from his confession.

They are: pickup driver Zamal (25) of Taltola village, his assistant Johny (23) of Sayedpur village, Mridul (23) of Cadet College area, Murad (24) of Hatuvanga area, and Zahid (25) of Kamarpara village.

SI Mizan Miah, duty officer of Mirzapur police station, confirmed the news and said police were trying to arrest others involved in the crime.

The victim’s uncle filed a rape case with the police station accusing six individuals. l

30 injured over land dispute n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj Around 30 people including women and children were injured in a clash between two groups over settling a land boundary in Batikamari village of Muksudpur upazila under Gopalganj district yesterday.

The injured are Lafja, 5, Amena, 7, Lasmin, 28, Shahida, 65, Rina, 22, Jomirunnesa, 65, Ashraf Ali, 62, Mintu Bhuiya, 28, Safid Khondokar, 27 and Sekender Ali, 70.

‘We have brought the situation under control. Police has been deployed on the spot’ They were admitted to the Muksudpur Upazila Health Complex in a critical condition.

According to Police and locals, Ashraf Bhuiya and his neighbour Sekender Bhuiya in the village had been engaged in a rivalry for long over ownership of a piece of land.

Although the two sides decided to sit for a negotiation, eventually the talk turned into squabble and at one point the two groups started attacking each other with local weapons.

On information, police went to the spot.

Confirming the matter, Officer-incharge of Muksudpur police station Ferdous Hossain said: “We have brought the situation under control. Police has been deployed on the spot.” l

Fire fighters try to extinguish fire that broke out in Maijdee Court area in Noakhali yesterday

PM to meet minority victims in Gaibandha visit n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be visiting Gaibandha on 25th January to inaugurate several development projects and lay down the foundation stones of several others in the district, and exchange views with victims of the minority community.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) M Ehsan–E-Elahi made the announcement while speaking at the monthly meeting of the District Development and Coordination Committee, at the DC office conference room yesterday.

The DC also informed that after landing at Tulshighat Helipad at around 11.30am, the premier will hold a meeting at the Circuit House with the family members of those killed or injured in recent attacks on the minority community.

In the afternoon, she is expected to inaugurate the

Gobindaganj Fire Service and Civil Defense Station, Gaibandha Textile Vocational Institute, six food warehouses, three 50-bed hospitals in Shaghata, Palashbari and Sundarganj upazilas respectively and an EPI store in the district through unveiling its plaque at Shah Abdul Hamid Stadium, he said.

“Besides, the prime minister will lay down the foundation stone of the Palashbari Thana Building, Fulchhari Thana Building, District Muktijoddha Sangshad Complex, Gobindaganj Upazila Livestock Development Centre, Gaibandha Technical Training Centre and the gallery extension of Gaibandha Shah Abdul Hamid Stadium,” said Elahi.

Later, the PM will attend and address a public meeting of the Awami League’s local district unit, at the stadium ground at 4.30pm, he added. Talking to Dhaka Tribune, DC Ehsan-E-Elahi said all necessary measures are being taken for the prime minister’s arrival. l

Policeman sent to jail over attempt to rape n Our Correspondent, Brahmanbaria After cancelation of bail appeal, a Brahmanbaria court sent a police officer to jail as an accused of an attempt to rape case.

Police said the allegation against the accused Jahangir Alam, assistant sub-inspector of Brahmanbaria police station, was primarily proved.

Violence against Women and Children Tribunal Judge Md Jalal Uddin handed down the order on Sunday as primary investigation team found evidences against the accused.

The case statement described that Jahangir Alam attempted to rape a 24-year-old woman in her house on July 11 last year while he went at Vadhugar Village to arrest a drug-abuser youth.

But the officer knocked at the victim’s house door mistakenly and found her alone. Then he attempted to rape her.

However, to escape the rape she climb up on the roof of her house. Then at one stage of the wrestle the man push her from the roof and left the place. She received several injuries and broken her hand after the fall.

Later, the victim’s mother Parul Begum filed a case against the police officer on July 16 in 2013.

But the policeman illegally detained the victim’s brother—who was an auto-rickshaw driver by profession— from the town while he was driving, and put pressure on the victim’s family to withdraw the case.

Then with the help of local people the victim’s family freed the detainee. Several persons of the town seeking anonymity said the police officer was infamous among the dwellers of the town for his previous misdeed and corruption. l

Maize cultivation gets a boost in Jhalakati n Tribune Report

Farmers in the district are cultivating maize in larger areas of land this season as they made satisfactory profit from the cereal item last year despite onslaught of cyclonic storm ‘Mahasen’ during its harvest.

While visiting different areas of the district recently, the UNB correspondent found growers busy with maize cultivation in their fields.

They are now sowing seeds after tilling Aman fields immediately after the harvest of the paddy.

This year, they have begun farming of the crop earlier in order to avoid repetition of ‘Mahasen’like natural disaster.

‘Mohasen’ caused serious harm to maize cultivation in the southern district last year, making the growers deprived of more profit from the crop.

The farmers said non-government organisation Brac, under its Food Safety Programmes, encouraged them to cultivate maize, reports UNB. Under supervision of the leading NGO, Hybrid Variety of Pacific 984 maize is being cultivated on 213 acres of land (one acre=30 decimals) in Sadar and Rajapur upazilas.

Besides, being encouraged by the officials of local Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), farmers are growing the crop on further 385 acres of land in four upazilas, including Rajapur and Sadar, of the district.

Of the 385 acres of land, some 125 acres are in Sadar upazila, 63 acres in Nalchity upazila, 135 acres in Rajapur upazila and 62 acres in Kathalia upazila.

Local agriculture officials said farmers require Tk15,000, including the costs of seeds, fertiliser and irrigation, to grow maize on one acre of

land, which can give 90-100 maunds yield (one maund=37.32 kgs) of the crop. Maize is sold at Tk8,000-9,000 per maund.

Anisur Rahman, a farmer of Bangkura village in the Sadar upazila, said they made profit by farming maize last year though ‘Mahasen’ damaged the crop during harvest.

Describing maize farming as profitable, Abdul Hamid Akon, another farmer of the area, said maize is not only a nutritious food but also a key ingredient of fish and cattle feeds.

Champack Aich, manager of Brac’s Food Safety Programme, said as part of their initiative to expand maize farming in the district, they are encouraging the farmers to cultivate the crop and providing necessary supports.

He also said farmers can earn net income of Tk 50,000 by cultivating maize on one acre of land. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Long Form

7

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Bleeding Badly: The desire for ‘pure’ land

W

n Irfan Chowdhury hat does writing achieve? What does a blog achieve?

What do newspaper articles achieve?

One can write as much as one likes but rulers/leaders or even the general public can (and do) ignore us. But this does not stop people from expressing themselves, however ineffective their efforts. And there are issues situations when, regardless of apparent ineffectiveness, writing about the issues, highlighting, documenting the facts, suggesting possible solutions could be a worthy effort. Voicing our concerns, protesting against violent attacks on innocent minorities and demanding immediate, meaningful action to protect our minority brothers and sisters is the need of the hour.

Hatred and hostilities do not develop overnight. They are often built over a long period, sometimes over centuries and the result of inerasable history. We know that Hindu-Muslim issues and tensions date back many centuries and that they were a cause for the partition, based on religion rather than ethnic reasoning, in 1947. The seeds sown then can now be seen in full blossom – all across the subcontinent. The concept of separating territories for particular religious groups was always going to haunt the future.

And it does. As the statistics prove today – that desire for a “pure” land is getting ever closer – sooner rather than later the cleansing could be accomplished. But let’s not dwell on the polemics.

Still, with repeated and increasing attacks on minority communities – on Hindus or Buddhists, on the Indigenous (Adibasi) people – it is hard not to be cynical. What was started only 20 years ago as an opportunistic dictator’s last ditch attempt to divert the focus of a popular movement, used by subsequent governments, has become a regular pre and post election occurrence, surprisingly happening during what is considered to be a non-participatory, forced and unilateral election – and inconsequential, in terms of who actually went to vote for whom as the results were known long before the elections started. The preponderance of these attacks is a further irony under an AL government as they/the party claims to be the protector and promoter of minority issues.

Further irony in the sorry minority story is that historically they are understood to be voting for the AL, which at times, definitely in the past, was translated as a treacherous deed to subjugate the nation to India, which, in spite of its very large Muslim population and diverse ethnic and religious groups, is unfortunately considered a “Hindu nation” by rightist elements.

Victims of after election communl violence return to their ravaged homes of Malopara, Abhaynagar in Jessore. These people were forced to abandon their homes to find refuge from the post election violence against minorities.

Both Jamaat-Shibir-BNP and Awami League have been reported as culprits in the recent incidents DHAKA TRIBUNE

( The rise of Hindu nationalism since the early 90s in the form of BJP (along with RSS and others) which is widely expected to return to government in the elections later in May, probably does not help the matter either; in fact, India has its own problems with minority issues, as does Pakistan).

I can recall endless vile, racist comments thrown at my Hindu friends and acquaintances intended to insult and demean them for their disloyalty; a common saying (it could even be doing the rounds today) was “apnader to ek pa Indiyate; taka, sompotti, bou, baccha so onkane, eai khane shudu chari ar babsa koren” which, translated loosely, measns more or less :”your one foot is in India; you have transferred your wealth, wife and children there; here you merely work and do business.”

More than often the recipient(s) returned meek smiles and words.

But the charge, while true in some circumstances, ignores minorities’ perspectives completely and seeks cheap pleasure by tormenting the weak. The fun seekers do not spare a moment to consider why the minorities are leaving their forefathers’ land? And why now, if in 1947 they/their ancestors decided to stay in the land of “pure,” even after knowing that they might not be a “pure” element in the countries.

This has been a popular mindset amongst urbanites in Bangladesh (I confess I do not know the villagers’ mind set ) long before we have started to point fingers at BNP and JI. But given recent violent incidents – in Ramu, in Sathiya, in Thakurgaon, in Gaibundah, in Dinajpur, in Rangpur, in Bogra, in Lalmonirhat, in Rajshahi, in Jessore, in Chittagong and in the Chittagong Hill Tracts – the AL government and state law enforcement agencies cannot palm-off responsibilities to

Remains of burnt down houses of minorities in Dinajpore

the opposition for failing to protect minority citizens (just as they cannot merely shift responsibilities, for the ongoing violence and loss of lives, to opposition activities alone, specially when that is exactly how they reacted during their term in opposition).

Either way, the safety of minority groups in the country is in a rotten state. Despite many attacks and subsequent enquiries or legal investigations, perpetrators get off easily; in some instances they are not even caught. Since the recent marauding erupted thousands of minority houses and businesses hane been destroyed. How many criminals have so far been arrested?

Those who harbour the delusion

Political intimidation has persisted and probably makes it highly risky for ordinary civilians to come forward (for example, it is quite easy for me to emit a few sincere words of sympathy and solidarity but would I be able to put my life at risk to save others?) as rival goons take turns to torment and torture them.

Encouragingly, there has been strong condemnation of these attacks through long marches, editorials, opinions and talk shows. Yet, somehow these efforts are once again weakened by a spiteful partisan exchange, and it feels that we need to do much more. Perhaps deep down we have accepted these occurrences as a fait accompli for minorities.

Safety of minority groups in the country is in a rotten state.

Despite many attacks and subsequent enquiries or legal investigations, perpetrators get off easily; in some instances they are not even caught

that the point of creating Bangladesh was so that we would get a secular, unoppressive state for its entire citizenry had better realise that this has not been its most prominent feature.

Rather, as in its predecessor Pakistan, non-Muslims are being targeted and paid lip service, while the leadership constantly fights to hang on to power.

Safeguarding minority interests, creating an inclusive, harmonious society is really never on government agenda.

It is a hopeless situation that is bound to deteriorate, if these issues are not addressed sincerely and soon.

However, this does not set the general public free from its responsibility – to humanity, to its fellow countrymen.

FOCUS BANGLA

But it would be wrong to assume that along with our minority siblings most of us are not suffering; we are in anguish. This is why the main opposition has to come from the population itself.

Of course tougher laws and application of harsh punishment, the first step, will help, and might reduce or even stop the attacks for a while — but the real remedy lies in changed, enlightened perception that we are all human regardless of our creed.

I am still apprehensive, considering the past not only in our country but also globally. Minorities’ miseries are universal and can be traced back to the beginning of time. From Aborigines in Australia to Indian-Americans in

North-America,to more recent terrors for minority groups such as Armenians in Turkey, Jews in Germany, Tibetans (and others) in China, Kurds in Iraq, Muslims in Kosovo, Hazaras in Afghanistan – a comprehensive list would be long. Minorities have suffered everywhere, and even when reconciliation has started (e.g. in Canada, New Zealand or in Australia with their Indigenous peoples) it faces uphill tasks in bringing true harmony and equity across the population. The pain from past scars and wounds persists today.

Notwithstanding this, as if to counter a shameful human instinct (i.e. to hurt the weak), relentless resistance, effort and movements, have been led by individuals, writers, poets, political or religious figures and community groups to change the situation of minorities. Thankfully, the extraordinary dedication and work of some of these luminaries inspire many of us to continue the arduous task – and international and local human rights organisations are working on the issue.

Those of us migrated to western countries can feel lucky that through evaluation these societies have established the rule of law which is largely fair to all. Even so, there remain pockets of inherent tacit racism, hatred and phobia towards migrants, and that is only in the best case. The ghosts of racial bigotry call in other scenarios.

Regardless, these nations have fought long and hard to change the mindset of their ancestors to bring their society to its present state; during this process many have suffered.

Since we have been trying to emulate developed nations, may be with only partial success, for democratic and economic progress, perhaps our attempts to build a harmonious society will go through equally lengthy learning curves. Though we have,

A temple based primary school vandalisd in the post election communal attack

at least on paper, procedures and practices to improve the situation, (e.g. priority quotas for jobs, education opportunities for indigenous Bengalis, protection for citizens) the real change will be harder to achieve, not through lack of desire from the people but due to chronic political instability.

How long it will be before the tide will turn is unclear, as with political instability brazen acts can be expected for quite some time. Not least, the opposition is somewhat tamed, months of crippling strikes and street protests could resurface anytime.

It needs tireless efforts from every one. But how would that be possible when politicians and business leaders are subsumed in self-interest and the mass has many unmet demands, including such very basic ones as jobs, education, security and a normal life.

Nonetheless, If powerful, ruthless regimes such as that of Hitler against the Jews, and the many genocides across the globe have not been able to exterminate the human spirit, we can be hopeful that our efforts to embrace our non-Muslim fellow citizens and to treat them as our equals will defeat our doubts about them.

In this cause we cannot get bogged down to any idealism – this is not about left, right, centre, pro or anti Hindu or Muslim. It is about treating all human beings as equal.

We need to begin a process of education for ourselves. This has not yet happened.

Much depends on the leadership we can offer—in particular, whether we can turn popular solidarity in standing by our non-Muslim citizens into an effective campaign establishing fair treatment. l This article was first published on Alal O Dulal.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Iran nuclear deal comes into force as US sanctions loom IAEA confirms production of 20% enriched uranium has been suspended, as per Geneva agreement

n AFP, Tehran Iran on Monday halted production of 20% enriched uranium, bringing into force an interim deal between Tehran and world powers on its disputed nuclear programme.

“In line with the implementation of the Geneva joint plan of action, Iran suspended the production of 20% enriched uranium in the presence of UN nuclear watchdog inspectors at Natanz and Fordo sites,” Mohammad Amiri, director general for safeguards at Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, told the official IRNA news agency.

UN inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the freeze had begun, diplomats said in Vienna, headquarters of the watchdog.

“It’s all fine, all their requirements have been fulfilled,” one envoy to the IAEA said in comments echoed by other diplomats. The IAEA declined to comment.

The suspension starts the clock on negotiating a trickier long-term accord aimed at ending the Iran nuclear standoff and averting war once and for all, a process threatened however by possible new US sanctions.

On day one, Iran has to halt the enrichment of uranium to medium

Iran has to halt the enrichment of uranium to medium levels levels – close to weapons-grade – and to begin diluting half of its stockpile of this material.

If the IAEA gives the thumbs-up, in Brussels EU foreign ministers will adopt legislation loosening sanctions on items like auto parts and gold, followed later in the day by a

similar move in Washington.

Over the next six months Iran will also not install or switch on new nuclear machines and will grant the IAEA more access, including daily visits to the Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities.

The total sanctions relief – staggered

AP

over the six months – is worth some $67bn, including $4.2bn in frozen overseas assets. The first $550m instalment is due February 1.

But the core sanctions will still bite.

Over the next half-year alone, Iran will miss out on $30bn in oil revenues, the White House says. Most of Iran’s

$100bn in foreign exchange holdings remains off-limits.

Iran and the P5+1 – the US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany – will soon begin talks on a long-term comprehensive accord.

According to Mark Fitzpatrick, a former US State Department official now at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the powers will want Iran to slash the number of centrifuges to 3,000-4,000 from the current 19,000.

In addition Iran will have to mothball Fordo; change the Arak reactor under construction so that it cannot produce weapons-grade plutonium; and cut the stockpile of low-enriched uranium to less than a bomb’s worth, Fitzpatrick told AFP. This, coupled with tighter inspections, would not remove entirely Iran’s capability to make nuclear weapons – it denies this is its aim – but it would make it considerably more difficult.

According to US President Barack Obama it would be “impossible.”

But getting November’s interim deal was hard enough – reportedly helped by secret US-Iran talks in Oman and elsewhere – and neither the powers nor Iran are under any illusions about the difficulty of securing a long-term agreement.

Obama said in December he saw the chances at “50-50” – a “highly optimistic” assessment, Fitzpatrick believes – while Iranian counterpart, the relative moderate Hassan Rouhani, has warned it will be a “long journey.”

Even if they do get a deal, the terms may be too tough for hardliners in Iran and too lax for their opposite numbers in the United States, and for Iran’s arch enemy Israel, the Middle East’s sole if undeclared nuclear power.

Iran’s conservative newspapers on Monday came out strongly against the implementation of the deal.

Under the headline, “Nuclear holocaust’, Vatan-e Emrooz paper said that the Geneva deal will see most of the country’s nuclear activities come to a halt.

Threatening to scupper the process is a push by US lawmakers – including some from Obama’s own party – to slap new sanctions on the Islamic republic, even though this would contravene the November deal.

This would “send the message to Tehran that the United States is unable to hold up its end of the bargain,” Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association told AFP, “likely derailing the initial deal and jeopardizing negotiations on the comprehensive agreement.” l

UN chief invites Iran to Syria peace talks Kiev smoulders from clashes as

president orders talks

n Agencies The UN chief has invited Iran, one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s main regional allies, to participate in the first phase of the Syria peace conference.

Making the announcement on Sunday at the UN headquarters in New York, Ban Kimoon, UN secretary-general, said he invited Iran after Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister, gave his backing to the peace talks in Switzerland and Iran pledged to play a “positive and constructive role” if it was asked to participate. Shortly afterwards, the Turkey-based National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces said it would withdraw from the conference unless Ban retracted his invitation.

The US also said the UN invitation should be withdrawn unless Iran publicly states its support for a 2012 agreement that establishes a transition government in Syria.

“If Iran does not fully and publicly accept the Geneva communique, the invitation must be rescinded,” Jen Psaki, State Department spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Earlier on Sunday, the National Coalition met in Istanbul to appoint the members of a delegation heading to the peace conference.

Ban, in his remarks on Sunday, said Iran was among 10 additional countries invited to attend the Montreux meeting that would precede the talks scheduled to begin on Friday between Assad’s delegation and Syrian opposition groups at the UN headquarters in Geneva.

Thirty other countries had already accepted invitations. The US has long said that Iran should not be allowed to attend the talks in Switzerland until it states its support for a June 2012 agreement for a political transition in Syria. However, Ban said Iran had agreed to endorse the principles calling for a transitional government as part of moves to end the ongoing civil war.

More than 100,000 people have been

13 killed in Baghdad car bombs: police n AFP, Baghdad Five car bombs struck across several neighbourhoods in Baghdad on Monday killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 40 others, security and medical officials said.

Two explosions went off in the predominantly Sunni south Baghdad neighbourhood of Dura, while at least three vehicles rigged with explosives were detonated in the mostly-Shiite areas of Baghdad Jadidah, Hurriyah and Bayaa.

The deadliest attacks struck in Dura, where at least five people were killed, and Baghdad Jadidah, where four were left dead.

The attacks were the latest in a protracted surge in nationwide violence that has left more than 650 people dead so far this month, sparking fears Iraq is slipping back into the all-out conflict that plagued it in 2006 and 2007.

The countrywide unrest, coupled with a deadly standoff between security forces and anti-government fighters west of Baghdad, comes just months before parliamentary elections. l

n AFP, Kiev

killed and more than twom have fled Syria during the nearly three-year strife.

Earlier on Sunday, Zarif said in Tehran that Iran would attend the Syria peace conference only if there were no preconditions for its participation.

“If the Islamic Republic [of Iran] is invited to this conference with no precondition, Iran will participate,” he said.

Zarif said ignoring Iran’s “outstanding role” in the region could be detrimental to the parties involved.

“The Islamic Republic has an outstanding role in this region, and those who do not want to use this unique role would do themselves a disservice and will deprive themselves of this outstanding role,” he said.

The previous day, Iran’s deputy foreign minister called on participants at the Syria peace conference to adopt a “realistic view” and decision that would not embolden armed fighters, according to media reports.

“Participants in the Geneva II forum must adopt a realistic view and remember that their decisions should not lead to the strengthening of extremist movements in Syria,” Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.

He made the remarks during talks on Saturday with his French counterpart Jean-Francois Girault, Iran’s news agency said.

“The forum can provide a political solution providing the people of Syria can decide the future of their country ... in a democratic solution that will be manifested in their votes,” Abdollahian said.

Earlier this week, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, said Iran would inevitably become part of attempts to end Syria’s civil war, and strongly urged the West to invite Iran to participate in the talks.

Syria’s Bashar al-Assad said he is likely to run in June’s presidential race, casting more doubt on the feasibility of upcoming Geneva 2 talks which his opposition may not attend after if an invitation made to Iran is not retracted.

The Syrian president said Sunday there was a “significant chance” he will make a candidacy bid in the vote due mid this year, two days ahead of talks set to discuss a political transitional plan that does not include his regime.

“I see no reason why I shouldn’t stand,” he said. “If there is “public opinion in favour of my candidacy, I will not hesitate for a second to run for election.”

The statements slashes any chance of a solution resulting from the Geneva 2 talks that start on January 22. Peace talks are meant to build on the Geneva I accord, which called for a transitional government but made no mention of Assad’s departure. l

Opposition protesters were Monday locked in a tense standoff with Ukrainian police in Kiev after bloody clashes that wounded over 200 people, as President Viktor Yanukovych called emergency talks to resolve the crisis.

The clashes, the worst in Kiev in recent times, came amid mounting anger over new restrictions on protests imposed by Yanukovych after almost two months of demonstrations against his refusal to sign a pact for integration with the EU. A special commission set up by Yanukovych was due Monday to meet representatives of the opposition for emergency talks but it was unclear

if this could in any way help ease the crisis, with parts of central Kiev resembling a battlefield.

After a night of violence that continued into the early hours, hundreds of protesters remained on the streets Monday morning having spent the night in temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius. The situation remained tense with protesters launching occasional sorties at the police line to throw stones or Molotov cocktails and their numbers again increasing.

“We are going to stay here until our demands are met on the annulment of the laws” restricting protests, said protesters Yaroslav Pyutilin, 46.

In near-apocalyptic scenes close to parliament, several police buses and

Protesters clash with riot police during an opposition rally in the centre of the Ukrainian capital Kiev

CAR to decide on interim leader amid violence

People celebrated when Michel Djotodia stepped down, but the power vacuum lead to violence REUTERS

n Agencies Central African Republic politicians have shortlisted eight candidates, including two sons of former leaders, to run for interim president and pull the country out of months of turmoil and sectarian violence.

Whoever is chosen from the shortlist, announced on Monday, will face the

challenge of ending a cycle of violence that on Sunday saw crowds kill two men they said were Muslims and drag their bodies through the streets of the capital Bangui, then set them on fire.

The Red Cross also said it had buried around 50 bodies within the past 48 hours after fighting flared in the northwest.

The landlocked former French colo-

vehicles were torched late Sunday by the protesters who hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at the ranks of the security forces. Police responded with tear gas, stun grenades, rubber bullets and water cannon.

According to the Kiev health authorities, over 100 protesters were wounded in the clashes, with four people sustaining serious injuries to eyes and limbs. The interior ministry said over 100 members of the security forces had been wounded.

The ministry added that 20 people had been arrested for mass rioting.

US-funded Ukrainian radio station Radio Svoboda said two of its journalists had been arrested Monday morning while filming at the scene. l

ny descended into chaos in March after a mostly Muslim rebel coalition, Seleka, marched into the capital, unleashing a wave of killings and looting.

That triggered revenge attacks by Christian militia known as “anti-balaka.”

Seleka and the anti-balaka groups have continued to launch sporadic titfor-tat killings, despite the presence of 1,600 French troops and nearly 5,000 African Union peacekeepers.

A senior UN official warned last week the conflict could descend into genocide.

Members of the transitional assembly were expected to select one of the candidates as interim president on Monday after former Seleka leader Michel Djotodia resigned as president under international pressure over his failure to end the bloodshed.

Celebrations quickly turned to more violence as his withdrawal created antagonism between his predominantly Muslim supporters and Christian armed groups.

Assembly vice president Lea Koyassoum Doumta said the eight included Bangui mayor Catherine Samba-Panza; Desire Kolingba, son of former President Andre Kolingba; and businessman Sylvain Patasse, son of ex-president Ange-Felix Patasse.

To qualify, the candidates had to show they had no link to Seleka, or the forces behind the “anti-balaka” militia.

But many have had first hand experience of the nation’s political turmoil, particularly the former presidents’ sons.

European Union foreign ministers were expected to agree on Monday to send up to 1,000 soldiers to help stabilise the country, which is still in the grips of sectarian violence.

Whoever is chosen from the shortlist, announced on Monday, will face the challenge of ending the cycle of violence It comes after a Christian mob lynched to Muslims in Bangui on Sunday after hearing reports a taxi driver had been kidnapped by Seleka gunmen, residents said.

The remains of one of the men was stoned and stabbed, said witnesses.

Central African Republic is supposed to hold elections by February 2015, according to the terms of regionally brokered peace plans that set up the governing National Transitional Council in March last year. l

AFP

Islamist group claims Volgograd attacks, threatens Olympics n Reuters, Moscow An Islamic militant group said in a video posted online that it was behind two suicide bombings that killed at least 34 people last month in the Russian city of Volgograd, and threatened to attack the Sochi Winter Olympics.

In a warning to President Vladimir Putin over next month’s Games, a man says in Russian in the video: “If you hold the Olympics you will receive a present from us ... for you and all those tourists who will come over.

“It will be for all the Muslim blood that is shed every day around the world - be it in Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, all around the world. This will be our revenge,” he says.

The video says two men called Suleiman and Abdurakhman carried out the Volgograd attacks on behalf of a group known as Vilayat Dagestan and linked to an Iraqi faction called Ansar al-Sunna.

Dagestan is in Russia’s North Caucasus, where militants are waging an insurgency to create an Islamist state. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

Delhi’s ‘anarchic’ chief minister in protest standoff with police

9

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Deadly blast hits Pakistan’s Rawalpindi

Arvind Kejriwal hits the streets on Republic Day to demand reform of the police away from parliament and the prime n Reuters, New Delhi minister’s office. It has led to those clo-

Arvind Kejriwal, shouts slogans after taking the oath as the new chief minister of Delhi during a swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila grounds in New Delhi REUTERS

Thai protesters lay siege to provincial offices n AFP, Bangkok Anti-government protesters in Thailand besieged government offices in a dozen southern provinces on Monday as part of their campaign to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from power, officials said.

The move follows weeks of mass rallies in the Bangkok that have sparked several bouts of violence, including grenade attacks and shootings that both sides have blamed on each other.

The government reiterated Monday that it was ready to declare a state of emergency if needed to control the situation.

Demonstrators blocked the entrances to state offices in 12 provinces in the opposition-dominated south to stop civil servants going to work, officials said.

“Protesters locked the gates and asked officials to leave,” said Anucha Romayanan, a spokesman for the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order, set up by the government to oversee the handling of the protests.

Protesters also surrounded a government savings bank in Bangkok.

Yingluck is under intense pressure from demonstrators, backed by the royalist establishment, to step down after more than two months of street rallies aimed at ousting her government from office and installing an unelected “people’s council.”

She has called an election for February but the main opposition party is boycotting the vote. The protesters are seeking to disrupt the polls and have prevented candidates from registering in some southern constituencies.

The demonstrators have staged a self-styled “shutdown” of Bangkok since January 13, erecting roadblocks and rally stages at several key intersections in the city, although the number of protesters has steadily fallen since the middle of last week. l

New Delhi’s chief minister and his supporters launched a sit-in against the city police on Monday, creating traffic chaos and a standoff with hundreds of officers in the latest radical step by the anti-graft crusader who has shaken up a national election.

Baton-wielding police were deployed to prevent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal from taking his protest against alleged police inaction in crimes to the doors of the colonial-era headquarters of the home ministry.

Delhi’s police are under the control of Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, an arrangement that has irked successive chief ministers. In most Indian states, local government controls law and order.

Kejriwal, leader of the Common’s Man Party (AAP), took office in December after a stunning debut in a state election, and is now trying to build the party’s presence before a national poll due by May. On Monday he called on the public to join him in a ten-day protest to demand the police be transferred to his control. Critics say his demonstration was inviting chaos in one of India’s most sensitive security areas, minutes

sure of five metro stations.

“Some say I am an anarchist, that I am spreading anarchy. I am willing to agree to that,” Kejriwal told demonstrators, saying police inaction against crime spread chaos.

“So, today I want to spread that anarchy to Shinde’s home too. I have come to spread anarchy in the police commissioner’s house too.”

Later supporters scuffled with police. Delhi police, widely seen as corrupt and ineffective, were the focus of public fury last year after a December gang rape and murder highlighted how dangerous the city had become for women.

Kerjiwal’s supporters say that recent cases, including police reaction to the alleged rape of a Danish woman and another attack on a woman last week, are examples of failures.

Political rivals and some former allies have accused the one-time tax-collector of irresponsible governance and “mobocracy.”

“If a chief minister sits on a protest, who will run the government?” asked Meem Afzal, a spokesman for the Congress party, which leads the central government’s coalition. l

Chinese memorial to Korean assassin sparks feud withJapan

Pakistani volunteers search the site of a suicide bomb attack in Rawalpindi

n Agencies A suicide bomber has killed at least 13 people in a crowded market near the Pakistani army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, not far from the capital Islamabad, police have said.

The Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for Monday’s attack. The market, 10 minutes’ walk from the army headquarters, is in one of the most secure areas of the city, said Rawalpindi police chief Akhtar Hayat Lalika on Monday.

The area was cordoned off by the military immediately after the blast.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Islamabad, said at least a dozen

A multiple suicide attack has hit a coalition base in southern Afghanistan, killing at least one soldier and injuring others, in the latest Taliban-led assault targeting Afghan and international forces.

Jawed Faisal, a spokesman for the governor of eastern Kandahar, said the attack took place on Monday against a base in Zhari district, just west of Khandahar.

The soldier was a member of the International Security Alliance Forces deployed to the war-torn country.

“One ISAF member has been killed in this attack,” a spokesman for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. The armed fighters have recently intensified a campaign against Afghan and international forces as foreign troops withdraw this year.

The attack involved a car bomb, explosive vests and gunfire against the base

n AFP, Beijing A new Asian diplomatic row broke out Monday after China unveiled a memorial to a Korean national hero who assassinated a Japanese official a century ago – with Tokyo condemning him as a “terrorist.”

China fired back by hailing the man, Ahn Jung-Geun, as “a famous anti-Japanese high-minded person.”

In 1909, Ahn shot and killed Hirobumi Ito, Japan’s first prime minister and its top official in Japanese-occupied Korea, at the railway station in the northeast Chinese city of Harbin.

Ahn was hanged by Japanese forces the following year, when Korea also

formally became a Japanese colony, heralding a brutal occupation that lasted until the end of World War II in 1945.

A joint Chinese-South Korean memorial hall in Ahn’s honour was unveiled at the train station on Sunday.

Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s top government spokesman, said Monday that Tokyo had told Beijing and Seoul it considered the monument “extremely regrettable.” “We recognise Ahn JungGeun as a terrorist who was sentenced to death for killing our country’s first prime minister,” Suga said.

“I cannot help saying that it is not contributing to building peace and cooperative relations in this region that

South Korea and China took the joint cross-border move based on unilateral evaluation on a matter that happened in the previous century,” he added.

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei on Monday defended the memorial as “completely reasonable and justified.”

He described Ahn as “a famous anti-Japanese high-minded person” who “is also respected by the Chinese people.”

Political relations between China, Japan and South Korea – Asia’s first, second and fourth-largest economies – are heavily coloured by 20th-century history, when Tokyo’s imperial forces rampaged across the region. l

people had been injured in the explosion, which happened about 600m from the medical building in which former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is being treated following reports of ill health.

“There is some speculation as to what the intended target was,” he said, adding that the death toll was expected to rise.

“The man was stopped on his motorbike at an army checkpoint and it is then that he decided to detonate his device. There are children among the wounded as this happened at a very busy rush hour.”

A 19-year-old student and a teacher are thought to be among the dead.l

Fatal suicide attack on Afghanistan base n Agencies

Chinese visitors walking past a memorial in Harbin, northeastern China’s Heilongjiang province, to honour Ahn Jung-Geun, who in 1909, shot and killed Hirobumi Ito, Japan’s first prime minister and its top official in Japanese-occupied Korea AFP

AFP

and extensively damaged drones and helicopters that were on the airstrip.

Local media outlet TOLO news reported that one of the bombers was believed to be female, citing Afghan authorities.

Al Jazeera’s Jane Ferguson tweeted that the Taliban had told Al Jazeera: “You are not safe anywhere. Not in Kabul, not even in your bases.”

This comes a day after Afghanistan’s president said the US could no longer carry out military operations or airstrikes and must jump-start peace talks with the Taliban before his country signs a security deal to keep American troops in Afghanistan after 2014.

Hamid Karzai made the statement after being presented with the findings of an investigation into a joint Afghan-US military operation last week that resulted in civilian casualties which he blamed on US soldiers. l

Japan bars entry to Malaysia’s Anwar n AFP, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he was “puzzled and shocked” at being barred entry to Japan, as his party questioned whether Malaysia’s ruling coalition was behind the move. Anwar said he arrived at Narita International Airport on a personal visit early Sunday and was told by immigration authorities he was barred because of his 1999 conviction for sodomy and corruption.

The controversial conviction, which cast the then-rising political star out of Malaysia’s longtime ruling party and into jail for six years, is viewed by many as a set-up by Anwar’s enemies.

“I am puzzled and shocked by the

incident,” Anwar, 66, told AFP. “It is not the way for a democratic country to treat an opposition political leader and a veteran politician.”

He called on Malaysia’s government to “probe this incident and lodge a strong protest against Tokyo.”

Anwar said he has visited Japan on three occasions since 2006 without incident. He said Japanese immigration officials told him vaguely they were responding to a recent “report” involving him.

Anwar said he was invited by a Japanese NGO to deliver a speech on religious harmony. He returned to Malaysia on Sunday. In a blog posting, Anwar said “hidden hands may be at work here” and demanded an explanation from Malaysia’s foreign ministry. l

Cambodian ‘sorcerer’ HK police arrest employer of ‘tortured’ decapitated by villagers Indonesian maid n AFP, Phnom Penh A Cambodian man was decapitated in a frenzied attack by villagers after he was accused of being a sorcerer in a nation where belief in black magic remains strong, police said on Monday.

The victim, 55-year-old Khieu Porn, was hacked to death with axes by unknown attackers on Saturday night when villagers were celebrating a rice harvest ceremony, according to Som Chantha, a district police chief in the southern province of Kampong Speu.

The man was killed by at least six suspects a short distance from the ceremony site, he told AFP by telephone, adding he was a traditional healer who fell under suspicion after a number of people died in his home area.

“He had some magic powers and some people accused him of practising black magic,” Chantha said.

“His wife divorced him and remarried another man who died just a week after their marriage... then some people in the commune also fell ill and died, so people accused him of using witchcraft.”

Chantha said police were investigating the case although no suspects had yet been identified.

The killing and harassment of people accused of witchcraft is not uncommon in rural Cambodia, where professional medical care is often lacking and traditional “Kru Khmer” healers offer a cheaper alternative. Some 80% of Cambodia’s people live in rural areas, often in villages with no doctors, let alone a hospital. l

n AFP, Hong Kong Hong Kong police Monday arrested a woman who allegedly severely injured her Indonesian domestic helper, a day after thousands staged a march in protest at her treatment.

A police spokeswoman said a 44-year-old woman was arrested at the city’s airport on a charge of wounding, but declined to give further details. Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, 22, was reportedly abused over a period of eight months while employed by the woman.

Media reports said she was unable to walk due to her injuries when she flew home from the southern Chinese city this month.

Police investigators on Monday travelled to Indonesia to interview Sulistyaningsih, who is being treated at a hospital in Sragen on Java island.

Claims that she had been tortured by her employer sparked an outcry by domestic helpers and others and renewed concern about the treatment of maids in Hong Kong.

Several thousand domestic helpers and rights activists staged a protest on Sunday, calling for a speedy investigation of the case and better protection for maids.

Local groups representing domestic helpers have claimed that two other helpers were also abused by the same employer.

One of them complained to police Sunday about her treatment. Hong Kong employs nearly 300,000 domestic helpers, mainly from Indonesia and the Philippines. In an earlier case a Hong Kong couple were jailed in September for attacks on their Indonesian domestic helper which included burning her with an iron and beatings with a bicycle chain. l

Demonstrators shout slogans during a march in support of an Indonesian maid who was allegedly tortured by her employer in Hong Kong AFP

10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

Sending journalists to prison unacceptable

T

he granting of a two day remand for a reporter from the Inqilab and the sending of two fellow journalists to jail for producing a “fabricated” news report appears disproportionate to the alleged offence.

By shutting down the newspaper involved in addition to bringing this case, the government’s actions smack of overreaction and needlessly curb freedom of expression.

The government has made clear that it regards the internet rumours to which Inquilab’s report referred as baseless and fabricated. Moreover the Inquilab has issued an apology for the way in which its report was presented. This should be sufficient to enable most people to make up their own minds, but instead attention is now drawn to the government’s actions rather than the paper’s apparent error.

Any newspaper can make mistakes or errors of judgement that lead to facts and reports being disputed. For journalists to be held in jail over what in essence is a disputed report is not acceptable.

It is unfortunate that the ICT law enacted first by BNP in 2006, and amended by AL in 2013, contains the draconian provisions which enabled the bringing of this case in the first place. The people’s right to free media and freedom of expression requires that the draconian aspects of this legislation should be repealed as matter of priority.

This would be a better use of the government’s time than reports that the information ministry is looking at new ways for the government to monitor private media firms, including TV stations and online media.

The people’s right to free media and freedom of expression requires that the draconian aspects of this legislation should be repealed

LETTER OF THE DAY

Man killed for Tk1

Increase income tax limits

January 18 The current income tax for individuals is free up to an annual income of Tk222,000, then at 10% for the next Tk300,000; 15% for the next Tk400,000; 20% for the next Tk300,000, and 25% for the rest.

The real income of service holders has fallen significantly the last few years because of high inflation.

To compensate their reduced purchasing power, the government has given 20% dearness allowance in the financial year 2013-14 to employees. This measure compensates for a portion of the inflation, but not much more.

Those earning a fixed income are tired of dealing with the gradual and continued rise in prices of many items. To reduce their suffering, the free income tax limit should be raised to Tk 300,000 per annum and income tax should be imposed at 10% tax on the next Tk500,000, 15% for the next Tk500,000, 20% for the next Tk500,000, and 25% for the remainder from 2014-15 on. This proposal is very conservative as it is very difficult to run a five-member family on a mere Tk 25,000 per month. This change, if accepted by the government, would reduce the tendency to evade taxes. To compensate for reduced government income from a proposed income tax rates, the government should set up income tax offices in rural upazilas.

In this circumstance, government authorities need to review the income tax limit and slabs.

Ashraf Hussain

A

llegations that members of the AL have been involved in extortion and violence against local people in Gopalganj and Jessore warrant a full and open investigation.

Two AL members named in these allegations, a union General Secretary in Goplaganj and a former AL MP who ran as an independent candidate in the 10th parliamentary election in Obhoynagar, Jessore, have forcefully denied all accusations as false rumours.

In Obhoynagar, where attackers burned and looted the homes of local Hindus, the new Awami League MP, Ranajit Kumar Roy, was among locals accusing a fellow party supporter of involvement in the notorious attacks, adding to speculation that the police have been lax in investigating allegations against AL supporters.

While it is not possible to substantiate the claims made by witnesses, it is apparent that an oppressive climate has been generated by the attacks, which may be deterring people from filing formal complaints. It is incumbent on the police to reassure the public that their voices will be heard and full and proper investigations pursued.

Accusations of extortion and hooliganism by members of political parties are a widespread problem, whichever party is in power. The only effective solution to this problem is that the police should be fully empowered to enforce law and order, without fear of political interference.

Moreover, as the ruling AL projects itself as a guarantor of communal harmony, it has added reason to ensure that any allegations that its members have been involved in seeking to grab property and harass minority communities, are fully and properly investigated.

January 13

PA That’s what life is worth in this country. Hope they all hang for murder.

Nilu Ahmed Yes, that is what a life is worth, because lives are very cheap now in this world.

Putin congratulates Hasina January 14

Rakin Muhtadi There’s a definite joke in here.

Subha Roy With love from Russia. :)

No room for confusion January 12

Mephisto We beg to differ, Mr Rizvi. The government we are about to have may be technically legal, but it does not have any moral basis to the average Bangladeshi, irrespective of their political leanings. Now, if you believe the majority opinion is what democracy is all about, then the government is undemocratic, and ergo, illegal on this count. Telling your readership otherwise is to display disdain for their common sense or intellectual opportunism or both.

Nds Mephisto: Please spare us the teachings of ideas like morality, ethics etc which sounds like mere clichés in this land of thieves, rogues and ruffians. This society has simply flashed out these ideas down the commode.

TruthPrevails nds: I fully agree with you and am very sorry to say

Enquiry into allegations against AL members

the Editor

49-member cabinet sworn in, portfolios announced Janury 13

WaliulHaqueKhondker Congratulations to the new Cabinet. Hope they can fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Honourable ministers, Godspeed!

Sam Funny that for a party that professes such love for minorities, not a single non-Muslim is in the cabinet as a full minister.

that this poor country is being advised by other thieves and thugs. nds There should not be any difficulty in understanding why the learned legal scholars, constitutional experts, eminent editors and TV talk show stars are creating room for confusion. They are doing it definitely not unwittingly, but very wittingly, because none of them are free from political subordination.

Otherwise how could one expect them to have appeared up in arms in inventing thousand arguments endorsing the arbitrary killings, looting, burning of lives and properties of common people? To give blanket impunity to this violence and brutalities by inventing a very hackneyed phrase: “These are all symptoms of the disease not the disease itself.”

They always appear in the shape of saints and dish out divine knowledge and wisdom but keep their ulterior motives well hidden behind a veil.

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

Illegal car parking at its peak in capital

January 15 Where do they park then, if there is no specific area to park?

Hasina Rahman

BSEC opens new department January 13

Interestingly, BSEC is taking steps to increase foreign funds in our market whereas Bangladesh Bank is prohibiting private banks from custodian and other capital market-srelated services.

SM Tahidul Islam

‘Fundamentalism flourishes when democracy slowly falls apart’

January 13 She should have taken a clearer stance against Jamaat.

Mayisha Kabir

CALVIN AND HOBBES

The police should be fully empowered to enforce law and order, without fear of political interference

CROSSWORD

PEANUTS

CODE-CRACKER ACROSS 1 Article (4) 6 Spirit (3) 7 Fashion (4) 9 Object of worship (4) 10 Diminished by (5) 11 Postpone (5) 12 Sheltered side (3) 14 Dogma (5) 17 Enrich with a gift (5) 20 Tree (3) 21 Worth (5) 23 Curved (5) 25 Dumb (4) 26 Dash (4) 27 Sailor (3) 28 Dissolve (4)

DOWN 1 Frozen formation (6) 2 Worn away (6) 3 Stubborn animal (4) 4 Put on (3) 5 Word of acceptance (3) 7 Deep mud (4) 8 Low sand hills (5) 10 Encountered (3) 13 Register (5) 15 Cosmos (6) 16 Menace (6) 18 Augury (4) 19 Marry (3) 22 Muslim leader (4) 23 Wager (3) 24 Pale (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

Sudoku

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

11

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Faces alter, not policies n Mohammad Ali Sattar

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Our future depends on getting out political house in order

WIKIMEDIA

Bangladeshis and their friends

T

n Ikhtisad Ahmed he message from the new world order is clear: The show is over, and Bangladesh has a new, legitimate, long-term government.

India’s repeated congratulations notwithstanding, the international community, awoken from its holiday period slumber, is not convinced.

Bangladeshis need someone to care and think about them right now, especially since their leaders from all the political parties quite clearly neither have the intent nor are so inclined.

It is heartening that the people have friends in spite of this, friends beyond the borders of the country. The country’s demand, however, has to be to further its own case, not to allow foreign agendas to take precedence.

The last few times Bangladeshis worked for and towards democracy with foreign assistance or acquiescence, they gave birth to worse evils than the ones they were fighting. In the spirit of lessons being impossible for citizens of this land, this paradise that never was and probably never will be, to comprehend or learn, that grave error will also be repeated in all likelihood.

The international friends will not complain as it does not interfere with their desires. On the other hand, should their words be taken at face value and they are seen to really care about the plight of the Bangladeshis

this once, this can be guarded against and the needs of the populace and the nation can become the sole concern.

The UK parliament discussed the current situation in Bangladesh by debating it in the House of Commons on January 16. This is the latest in a spate of such instances of the international community taking an interest in the country.

mer is undoubtedly preferable, and it now falls upon Bangladeshis and their international friends to work together towards this, working in harmony for the sake of Bangladesh.

This has been the will of the people, and, it has to be believed, the best intentions of the international community. The leaders have, regrettably, betrayed and failed them repeatedly,

There are no quick fixes for Bangladesh. The failures of the past can be attributed to this fact not being recognised

The US Senate passed a simple resolution on the January 7, the EU followed suit by adopting one on January 16.

While certainly an encouraging sign, it is hoped that this is the beginning of a spotlight being shone on an unstable nation desperately in need of attention and assistance, not a case of giving it 15 minutes of fame out of pity.

Bangladesh’s future is wholly reliant on getting its political house in order. Get it right, and a bright future awaits a country full of potential and possibilities, freed from the only thing that is holding it back.

Get it wrong – and this should not be said lightly – and the path ahead is that of a failed state left to rot. The for-

because they are determined not to share in this common objective.

The crucial question that the citizens need to ask of the foreign powers is whether the noises they are making is any different to the ones they have made in the past. Those resulted in either failed attempts to bring ill-thought plans to fruition, or were rendered completely ineffective.

That the current system is in need of an overhaul cannot be disputed, because in theory, it is supposed to serve the people and exist for them, but does quite the opposite in practice.

Solutions are not going to come by easily, and resistance will come from the quarters – small, but dispro-

portionately powerful – who have benefited greatly from the rampant dysfunction. The starting point needs to be a desire to work for the longterm, followed by a commitment to this cause.

There are no quick fixes for Bangladesh. The failures of the past can be attributed to this fact not being recognised.

Bangladesh, therefore, presents a unique opportunity to two notoriously apathetic groups. The international community has been given yet another chance to act pre-emptively and offer a cure before the cancer metastasises rather than attempt ineffective treatments akin to patching it up with plasters once it has.

Early signs are positive, but it needs to remain vigilant, be attentive towards Bangladesh, and back strong words up with decisive actions that serve Bangladeshis.

The people have been afforded the rare chance to shape their country instead of being consigned to being of no consequence by the intolerable brand of politics Bangladesh has practised.

They have taken tentative steps, but largely remain reluctant. Both need to take this opportunity, for it will not present itself again without a worse crisis. Whether either will remains to be seen. l Ikhtisad Ahmed is a writer and an erstwhile lawyer. He can be contacted on Twitter via @ Ikhtisad.

his is post-election time. After the January 5 polls, people from all walks of life seem to have gone into a recess.

There has been discernible change in the political atmosphere of the country. All fronts went quiet almost at the same time, as though the last gun had been fired in the war front.

The agitating opposition wore out, as they were effectively squeezed by the government until they could budge no more. However, not all the measures to gag the rivals were right.

But that is what the government machinery found as the only effective tool for the time being.

More or less, the partners behaved accordingly. Even if we take the elections as legally right and morally wrong, the entire work has been done in a sort of haste to form the next government (the current one).

The ruling party and its allies have won the initial victory. The first hurdle, the polls, was held against all odds.

Without much delay, the prime minister addressed the nation through the press on the green lawns of her official home. She took on the media in style.

As I watched, I liked to believe that everything would be alright soon, as our PM sounded so confident.

Her cabinet has new faces. It’s rather naive to make guesses about the newer ones, as they will have to be tested with time and task.

It was surprising to see the US and a few others give a nod to the legitimacy of the new government. All of them had actually voiced their resentment earlier over the polls and the role of the government in handling the opposition.

Now the foreign ministry will have to take up a serious drive to convince the international community about its intentions. Good governance and democracy will top the list of concerns for our global partners.

The treatment dealt out to the minority leaves a deep scar in our national psyche

Experts also opine that an opposition minister in the cabinet will find it tough to contest any government motion in the parliament. Therefore, this has to be worked out in a manner that suits democratic norms.

As the winter passes by, the most heinous part has been the treatment dealt out to the minority families in various parts of the country. This leaves a deep scar in our national psyche.

So what do we gain from all the infighting and bloodshed? Is there any change in sight?

We don’t want anything like what happened in 1971. We don’t want something like the Gujarat massacre.

We despise the atrocities committed against the Burmese minorities.

Bangladesh should be a land of peace and tranquility, like it was, once upon a time.

We should not use religion in these ways, nor should we allow the socalled free thinkers and liberal minds to try and take away the religious freedom that one enjoys in this land.

We should not allow any extreme ideas to raise their heads in any way.

BNP is writing a new script for its upcoming schemes. This winter has not been charming. It has been atrocious for their members and activities.

The last minute video message by Tarique Rahman just could not produce the necessary vigour in the ranks of the party.

Insiders say, the recent happenings have been good for the party, as it will now level out its shortcomings and have a finer line up in future.

There have been reports that the party chairperson will bring about wholesale changes in all tiers of leadership. She is utterly frustrated over the roles of her senior and once-reliable colleagues.

Pundits fear the comeback of the so-called reformists of 2007-2008.

They say the party needs educated, enlightened, well-conversant, smart, and inspiring figures that might bring about changes the party so badly needs.

The parties will try and get their house in order. Maybe the cleansing within the premises will find priority.

All this is good for democracy.

But there hasn’t been any sign of friendly discourse between the adversaries. So what do we gain from all the infighting and bloodshed? Is there any change in sight? Not for now. l

Ershad has been made ambassador to the government. Not a bad move. The temperamental leader needs something to live with.

What about the role of Jatiya Party members as opposition members and also as cabinet ministers? The government party prefers the JaPa members to remain outside the cabinet and function as a strong opposition.

Mohammad Ali Sattar is a journalist, political analyst, and DT columnist.

lieve in its mechanism and be ready to accept defeat if only to rise again later with better ideas and higher goals, or to accept victory with humility with the greater interest of the nation in mind.

Magnanimity lies with the winner.

Now that Awami league has officially started on its path to a new term, it should start with a spirit of reconciliation and provide space for reentry of BNP in a way that is generous and not demeaning.

What would it lose if it doesn’t? For one, there is only one direction it can go without a meaningful opposition, down. Legitimacy aside in the minds of the governed, the party would fall prey to internal decay which would bring it down from within.

and that it itself has a lot of image burnishing to do. It has challenges clearly on a number of fronts – religious extremism, corruption, foreign relations, economic and social imperatives, to name a few. The party’s approach to all these should be made apparent and transparent very quickly to bring the nation on board.

It would be a mammoth challenge for Sheikh Hasina to rein in her party orneries, but she could do it if she puts her heart to it. The bottom line is giving something to the people to cheer about and restore peace in the country, which could only strengthen the image of the party. Isn’t that better than another cycle of tension and turmoil and

The song of Achilles n Yusuf Choudhry

D

on’t cry for me Bangladesh. The truth is I never left you (apologies to Andrew Lloyd Webber).

Far from the anguished cry of an exiled son, the diatribes of Tarique Rahman from the UK following the Bangladesh election appeared more like the charge of the light brigade than the battle of the Alamo.

The Awami League just won the election by hook or by crook but that is the way it is. Outmaneuvered, what is the alternative for BNP now? To recap briefly, it lost the election in 2008 because it tried to be wily with the election process but the people saw through it.

After all, you can fool some people all the time and all the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time. It lost out in the recent election because of an unfounded belief that the masses would go to bat for it in the face of the AL administration.

Ironically, it was counting on the latter to wash away its own sins. Of course, that didn’t work out. What is the alternative for the party now? To carry on the movement for fair politics with its own tainted image sinking the country further into the mire?

The country clearly does not want it or deserve it. As the adage goes, he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. There are examples

in history to show which way great leaders have gone in the past. Almost a century and half ago, Stephen Douglas conceded his Senate seat to Abraham Lincoln, asserting that partisan feelings must always yield to patriotism.

As the adage goes, he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day

In that spirit, Al Gore in 2000 conceded the US presidency to George Bush for the sake of national amity even though his party felt that he should have fought it out. Should BNP take lessons from these? Many in Bangladesh think that BNP would lose its political relevance if it does not assert itself now. That of course is true, but not the way BNP thinks.

What it needs is a reboot of the tired policy of slash and burn. It needs a fresh start and a fresh strategy more candid than Machiavellian. That stands to mean that the party should come clean by admitting its wrongdoings and failings in the past, and start winning the hearts and minds of

people again. That is the only way the people of Bangladesh would forgive it.

That is the first step.

The next step is to show some enlightened leadership by looking at issues that are really relevant to the nation and taking them on in public.

That would be a nice indication to the people that the party is moving away from scruffiness to sensibility.

After all, it has not lost all its political capital in one election. There are sensible ways of surviving after a shellacking. Mr Rabbee proposes a few good ones in his article “Some Bold New Ideas for BNP” (bdnews24.com, January 15, 2014). But no matter what it picks and chooses, there should be one guiding principal in particular, that the people should see it as an improvement on its past strategies. There are many places to look for guidance in this regard, and the party leadership needs only to sift through the news media to get it.

Is this U-turn in strategy possible for the BNP? Why not? What does it stand to lose? Any hope of regaining power back soon would be somewhat unrealistic given the current national and international moods.

On top of that, the AL could still pull a few more rabbits out of its hat and use them deftly to sink BNP’s image further. If the BNP does not do something to burnish its image soon, the AL will do it for them.

Now one cannot be a pontiff without a cause. To me, the cause is to sustain the present trend in economic and social strides the country has been making, a loss of which worries many within the country and outside. This is worth fighting for and sacrificing for. There is no reason why fratricidal politics should make this difficult to achieve if one fights in the true national spirit.

Having said all that about the BNP, I must evenhandedly talk about a strategic change of direction for the AL too.

Many would agree that past immersion of the party top brass has been on two issues. One was to bring a closure on the question of the liberation war crimes and the other was to bring a closure on the assassination of the party chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

I do believe that both have been fulfilled to a large extent and it is now time to plug the amity gap in national politics. It is quite expected that in a democracy, a change of guards would take place every now and then based upon people’s perception of the values added to their lives by the incumbent administration.

Policies are but experiments based on party ideology, and they do not always yield the desired outcome. That is why governments have to change, with new policies supplementing the old. That is the essence of democracy.

To believe in democracy, one must be-

To believe in democracy, one must believe in its mechanism and be ready to accept defeat if only to rise again later with better ideas and higher goals A second term is rare in Bangladesh’s history and should be used wisely to solve the peoples’ problems rather than personal problems of the leadership. The AL should understand that it has not swept the election with all round cheers

constant guard against someone or something that might prove very dear in the end? l Yusuf Choudhry is a former civil servant in Bangladesh, and is currently a professor at the American University, Washington DC.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Padatik Natya Sangsad celebrates 36 years journey in theatre n Entertainment Desk The Padatik Natya Sangsad (TSC) is going to hold a daylong event at the auditorium of TSC, Dhaka University today marking its 37th founding anniversary.

The event will include a colourful procession, an inaugural session, discussion, a cultural programme and staging of the popular play Macbeth.

With the slogan “Let theatre be the weapon of struggles in life,” the theatre troupe started their journey in 1978. Jolbalika, Shojon Badiyar Ghat, Maa, Monoshar Pala, Chandraboti, Choitonney Droho and Chakkar are some of their remarkable productions.

Today’s event will begin with the procession that will begin marching at 3pm from the premises of TSC. Attended by a number of theatre personalities and activists from different troupes, a discussion session will be held next.

The latter phase will present a cultural programme featuring Padatik Musical

Naur’s fire spinning performance

Rivers of the World ends n Entertainment Desk A four-day river themed artwork exhibition titled Rivers of the World concluded at Rabindra Sarobar in the city’s Dhanmondi on January 19.

At the concluding ceremony, a musical session was held by Shondhi, Sovvota and Swagata.

The prize giving ceremony of the art competition themed Your Dream River was held on the same day. Robin Davis, director Partnership

A scene from the previous staging of Padatik’s production of Macbeth Group. The major attraction of the event is the staging of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, translated by prolific poet-playwright Syed Shamsul Haq and directed by

young theatre talent Sudip Chakroborthy.

The Padatik version of the play demonstrates the very essence of Shakespeare but in a contemporary way. l

SADIA MARIUMN

and Programmes to Bangladesh, British Council and Shahriar Karim, Chief News Editor of Dhaka Tribune handed over the prize to five school students.

Other programmes included a solo performance by singer Minar Rahman, after which, a video screening by Tamanna Tasmeem of last year’s exhibition was showcased and in the end, Naur’s fire spinning dance performance captivated and thrilled the audience. l

ON TV MOVIE

COMEDY

9:30pm WB

10:00am Comedy Central

The Hangover

Arrested Developement

11:45pm Fox Movies Premium 6:00pm Colors Hitchcock

Comedy Nights With Kapil

MTV Silver Disc Award goes to Waqeel n Limana Solaiman Gifted singer Waqeel won the MTV Chart Attack Silver Disk Award for the music video to his song Amrito Meger Bari, which topped MTV Bangladesh’s chart for three consecutive weeks. MTV Chart Attack features the most followed songs and videos based on public voting.

In MTV Chart Attack, which airs on Maasranga Television every Sunday at 11:30pm, Waqeel’s song Amrito Megher Bari held the second position for two weeks straight, before settling in the number 1 position. The fusion singer’s unique styled rendition has given a new flavor to the Lalon song without hampering the originality of the song of soil. Regarding the success, Waqeel shares: “A Lalon song with a very peaceful musical arrangement was a completely odd inclusion to the MTV Chart Attack. But, the result is a pleasant surprise and I’m thankful to the audience for conveying their support through votes and good wishes.”

Singer-composer-lyricist Waqeel spent a remarkable period of his life with the Bauls, living in different parts of the country. A treasure trove of almost 1500 self written songs in his possession, a big number fall to the genre

Shunte Ki Pao in 15th Mumbai International Film Festival n Entertainment Desk Shunte Ki Pao! (Are You Listening!), the debut feature-documentary by Kamar Ahmad Simon, has been invited in the main international competition of the 15th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) from February 3 to 9. Films Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has been organising this prime event in Mumbai, as the permanent venue of the festival since 1990.

As one of the oldest and largest (and arguably richest) Asian international film festivals for non-feature and animation films, this year MIFF received a whopping 793 entries from 34 countries, out of which, only 15 made into the main international competition along with Shunte Ki Pao!. The MIFF festival directorate has decided to hold

parallel screening of MIFF 2014 competition films in cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Guwahati and Nagpur. Apart from competition screening, Kamar will take part in a panel discussion of Asian Forum for Documentaries chaired by Professor Nilotpal Majumdar, dean of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI).

Last year Shunte Ki Pao! (Are You Listening!) won the Grand Prix in the main international competition as the best feature of 35th Cinema du reel held in Paris and the Jury Award in Film Southasia 2013.

Earlier, it was invited as the Curtain-Opener of 55th Dok-Leipzig, one of the oldest documentary festivals of the world and also in the Official Selection of 25th IDFA, the largest documentary festival of the world. l

of Baul. In his latest album titled Waqeel-er Gaan, he has infused folk, Baul and Western musical patterns in the songs written, composed and rendered by him. When asked about his interest in this particular genre Waqeel said: “Baul songs speak about the simple and unavoidable truths of life. Other musical genres may be attractive, but when it comes to lyrics, no other genre can compete with the depth that is an inherent aspect of Baul songs.

“The songs of the great philosopher Lalon is my inspiration for my inclination towards this genre. The authenticity and intensity of his lyrics is very appealing to me.”

Waqeel has recently released five music videos and more is in the pipeline. “I was never regular in the media. 40 of my songs are available in the market and many became quite big hits, but my face is not known to people. Since I have dedicated myself to music and took it as my profession, appearing in music videos has become a necessity.”

In his upcoming album, Waqeel is going to enchant the audience by presenting an array of romantic songs with the essence of Eastern emotions in the lyrics, with Western expressions in the musical arrangement. l

TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition

Shilpacharya and his Outer World of Art Time: 12pm-8pm Bengal Shilpalaya, House 42 Road 16 (New) / 27 (old) Dhanmondi City of Rhythm Second phase of Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed Time: 12-8pm Shilpangan, House 7 Road 13 (New) Dhanmondi

Film

Pacific Rim in 3D Escape Plan The Conjuring The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Star Cineplex, Level 8 Bashundhara City

On tonight’s episode of Raat Biraate, popular singer Shayan will appear as the special guest. The show will telecast on Banglavision at 11:25pm. Shayan will visit her favourite places with the host and share the story of her life with the audience

Sayeed Ahmad’s 4th death anniversary today n Entertainment Desk Today is the 4th death anniversary of playwright, art critic and writer Sayeed Ahmad.

Sayeed Ahmad worked extensively in popularising Absurd Theatre in Bangladesh. He was conferred with many prestigious awards such as Ekushay Padak, Bangla Academy Award and the prestigious Legion D’ Honneur presented by French Government in 1992.

Observing the occassion, Bangla-

desh Silpakala Academy and Sayeed Ahmad Foundation will arrange day long programme on January 25. At first, a seminar titled “Amreeto Sondhaner Obhijatri Sayeed Ahmad” will be held at 3.30pm where the key note paper will be presented by Apurba Kumar Kundu.

Paying a tribute to him, theatre troupe Palakar will stage Kalbela, written by Sayeed Ahmad, at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on the same day at 7pm. l

Bipasha Basu to marry Priyanka’s ex n Entertainment Desk Now that John has tied the knot with Priya Runchal, Bipasha Basu might wed alleged beau Harman Baweja.

“My wedding won’t be a hush-hush affair. When I get married, everyone will get to know about it,” affirms Bipasha.

“There’ll be nothing speculative about my wedding,” says the actor when prodded about “speculations” surrounding her impending wedding to her current flame, actor Harman Baweja. She recently celebrated her birthday at her residence with Harman, who had been dating Priyanka Chopra. In fact, Bipasha also ushered in the New Year with him in Goa, around the same time when John Abraham announced his wedding to investment banker, Priya Runchal.

Sources also claim that both Bipasha and Harman’s parents met recently at the latter’s house in Mumbai’s Lokhandwala Complex to discuss the wedding. l

Gulzar shares memories of Suchitra n Entertainment Desk “She was senior to me yet she would call me ‘Sir’ while shooting for Aandhi, so, to take revenge, we would all call her ‘Sir’. Nobody called her madam.

She had that personality that when she came on the set, everyone would get up. She was the only one who was addressed as Mrs Sen in Bengal as she commanded that respect. No other actress would ever be called ‘Mrs’,” shares Gulzar.

During the shooting of ‘Aandhi’ in Kashmir, he recalls the diva looking after his daughter Bosky (Meghna) who was a child then.

He said that with her kind gestures, Suchitra became a member of his family and he remained a member of hers.

“She had a great personality and was a great artiste. I only wished she had got the Dadasaheb Phalke Award though she did not care for these things. Once I think she missed it as

she said she couldn’t go personally to collect it,” he added.

He also said that, over the last few years, Suchitra would go and live in Ma’s ashram in Pondicherry. Though, she lived her life as a recluse, Gulzar said that she was very emotional and an honest friend.

“Her death is a loss of a great friend though she was senior to me. I last met her about a year back and spoke to her about two months back. She lived her life like herself.” l

Did you know?

Pakistan (302-5) completed their second highest successful 4th innings run chase against Sri Lanka yesterday.

Highest: 315-9 v Australia 1994

Sport

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

0 5 4

14 Atletico, Barca

held to give Real hope

DAYS TO GO

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

15 Sharapova out as

Nadal, Federer into last eight

Shamsur, Imrul included in Test squad n Minhaz Uddin Khan The national selection panel announced a Bangladesh 14-man squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Chief of the national selection panel Faruk Ahmed made the announcement at a press conference at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) yesterday.

Opening batsman Shamsur Rahman was included after having made267 in the first game of the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League for the Central Zone. Another likely partner for opening batsman with Tamim Iqbal will be left-handed batsman Imrul Kayes, who got a national call after around two years. The two inclusions in the national dressing replaced Anamul Haque and Naeem Islam from the previous Test squad that played New Zealand in October.

SQUAD Mushfiqur Rahim (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Abdur Razzak, Al-Amin Hossain, Marshall Ayub, Mominul Haque, Nasir Hossain, Robiul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shakib al Hasan, Sohag Gazi, Mahmudullah, Shamsur Rahman, Imrul Kayes “Shamsur and Imrul have been picked because their form over the last six months has certainly been a factor,” said Faruk.

“The team management will decide who among these two will play. We have kept a back-up opener. Our input will be there if the management wants to know why we picked them both,” he added.

Shamsur’s recent feat in the BCL is the chief reason for his selection in the

Test squad for the first time, though he has been around the national side for a long time now. The right-handed batsman looked forward to beginning his Test career.

“Hopefully, I get off the mark in the Test positively. However much depends on the selectors and the team management. If they put me there in the playing eleven, my intension will always be to give my best,” Shamsur told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Imrul’s reclaimed a seat in the national dressing room after scoring a first-class century in the BCL and having a good for Bangladesh A, as well as in the other domestic competitions.

The left-handed batsman last featured in the white outfit in 2011 against West Indies at Bloemfontein. He has so far played 16 Tests and averages 17.15.

“I have got the call after much hardwork. It is very easy to lose a place in the national team but tough to regain it. I am thankful to the selectors for considering me and hope that I will be able to play up to their expectations, if given a chance,” said Imrul.

In the bowling department, Al-Amin Hossain, who was capped against New Zealand in October, was retained. The young cricketer is joined by two other seamers, Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain. In the spin department, Sohag Gazi and Abdur Razzak will fight for the place of second spinner beside Shakib al Hasan.

The Tigers’ month long home series against the islanders begins with the two-match Test series on January 27 at SBNS. The second game will be played at Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from February 4. l

Chief of the national selection panel Faruk Ahmed (C) speaks at a press conference along with other members Minhajul Abedin (L) and Habibul Bashar at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday COURTESY

Security plan satisfies delegates n Mazhar Uddin The ICC World Twenty20 security plan was presented in a meeting between the hosts Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and all the other representatives of the participating boards yesterday.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan was confident that things will run smooth as the representatives seemed content

with the presentation.

“We have put together a security plan for the World T20 like any other tournament. We had sent it to the ICC, who distributed it to the participating nations. Today (yesterday) was the day when the teams would put forward their concerns, I think all of them are happy, but if they do raise a point, they will be telling the ICC and it will be discussed in the next meeting,” said Nazmul after the meeting at a city hotel.

The BCB chief said they elaborated

the security plan which was satisfactory to everyone present in the meeting and no major concerns were raised as the violence surrounding the national election has ended.

“There were no major points raised. There was political violence in our country but it has calmed down considerably. Our security plan is quite strong. Also present were government security agencies who explained how they would handle certain situations. These were questions of

Seven star BJMC maul Baridhara Nazmul yet to see the n Raihan Mahmood Team BJMC’s prowess proved too much for ten-man Uttar Baridhara as they thrashed the newcomers 7-0 equaling the biggest win in the history of Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Uttar Baridhara, the new entrants in the top flight football of the country lost their way in the 18th minute after their central defender Saidur Rahman was sent off for his second bookable offence on BJMC midfielder Abdullah Parvez and the vacuum was too much for the newcomers as BJMC took optimum advantage.

BJMC’s seasoned forward Guinean Ismael Bangoura, Nigerian attacking midfielder Samson Iliyasu, national forward Aminur Rahman Sajib and midfielder Abdullah Parvez tormented their opposition defence from all possible ways and the inexperienced

outfits were left grasping for their breath. The level of dejection was evident in the stoppage time when the players ran out of breath and out of concentration to concede the last two goals in the added three minutes.

BIGGEST WINS IN BPL 2013-14 Team BJMC 2010-11 MSC 2009-10 MSC 2008-09 MSC Farashganj 2006-07 Abahani MSC MSC

7-0 Uttar Baridhara 7-0 Arambagh 7-0 Muktijoddha 7-0 Shuktara JS 7-0 Khulna Abahani 7-0 Rahmatganj 7-1 Rahmatganj 7-0 Chittagong MSC

Lethal left footed Parvez controlled the midfield while speedy Samson Iliyasu was instrumental in almost all the attacks. Parvez assisted the second goal in the 34th minute with a clever back heel for Bangoura before paving way for BJMC’s fourth which Sajib headed home. In between he scored the third goal in the 36th minute with curling effort from 25 yards and it was

a pure delight to watch.

Bangoura added his second in the 57th minute, Iliyasu bagged his second in the 91st minute before and Sajib also scooped his second in the 93rd minute.

The lone attack from the losers came in the 29th minute when Nigerian forward Ekindale found BJMC goalkeeper Himel in a one-onone situation only to shoot straight to Himel.

Parvez, who last played for the national team back in 2006, was found basking in a new motivation. “This year I thought that I have to fight it out as there are few new players in the team, I have not lost the hunger to see myself again in the national fold, I am trying my best,” said the midfielder.

Baridhara assistant coach Mahbub Ali Manik said they have never conceded seven goals in their history that began in 2005 in the third division, and it was overall a bad day.

Team BJMC has six points from four matches while Baridhara has two from the same number of matches. l

Big 3 proposal n Reazur Rahman Rohan Recently Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) proposed a structural overhaul of world cricket administration.

If the proposed changes are made BCCI, CA and ECB will be the beneficiary from all sides while Bangladesh will among the many sufferers.

It is not only the Future Tour Programmes (FTP) that the big three – BCCI, CA and ECB – is looking to delink from the ICC, but they also offered to introduce “two-tier” Test ranking. Promotion and relegation in Test cricket is the least Bangladesh, bottom ranked Test team, needs at the moment, the moment they are progressing in the arena.

Apart from the Test concerns, if the proposed draft stand then Bangladesh will be also be a loser in the revenue

section as the restructured financial distribution makes everyone a loser apart from the BCCI, CA and ECB. However, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan is yet to see the proposal, but expects to see it during the next ICC meeting.

The draft proposal will be presented to the ICC Executive Board during its quarterly meeting in Dubai on January 28 and 29.

“We have to see the proposal thoroughly. We were given a hint in the Dubai meeting but the whole thing wasn’t presented to us. We will discuss these in the next ICC board meeting where they might take a decision,” he said.

The BCB boss also added, “We can’t do anything on our own. I can protest but if the other nine countries are on one side, there’s not much I can do. I have to find countries who are in our position, read through the proposals and then think what to do.” l

the participating nations, and they are satisfied,” he said.

Pakistan Cricket Board raised security concerns and was reluctant to send a team to Bangladesh, but Nazmul cleared the air and said it had nothing to do with the political violence rather it was the “protest against their country.”

“That’s what concerned them, but we assured them cricket is out of all these things. We said we’d give them additional security,” said Nazmul. l

Usha, Abahani continue winning streak n Raihan Mahmood

Title contenders Usha and Abahani continued their winning spree in the Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey League. Usha beat Azad 5-1 while the Sky Blues thrashed Wanderers 11-0 at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Abahani’s drag and flick specialist Khorshedur Rahman scored five goals including a hat-trick while national forward Pushkor Khisha Mimo netted three goals. Rising star Romman Sarker registered a couple while the last one came from the stick of veteran Musa Miah.

Meanwhile, Usha also rode on their penalty corner specialist Mamunur Rahman Chayan as the skipper netted three goals- two of which came from the penalty corner with the other been a field goal. Moinul Islam Koushik and Krishna Kumar added the other two fro Usha. The consolation for Azad was scored by Mir Mahbub Ali. l

Mushfiq turns down IPL auction agreement n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Team BJMC midfielder Abdullah Parvez (2R) celebrates his spectacular goal with teammates during their Bangladesh Premier League match against Uttar Baridhara at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday COURTESY

Bangladesh national skipper Mushfiqur Rahim turned down the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction agreement. The national selection panel named eight cricketers for the IPL auction 2014 two days ago. Mushfiq was named along with all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, Nasir Hossain, Mahmudullah, Anamul Haque, Sohag Gazi and Rubel Hossain. However it was learnt from a close source to the Bangladesh Cricket Board that the wicket-keeper batsman refused to sign the IPL auction agreement.

It was learnt that Mushfiq kept himself off from signing the auction agreement considering his chances of getting a team – a consideration for all the cricketers in Bangladesh in view of their poor track record in the shortest format of the game.

“The truth is harsh. The IPL teams hardly have had any interest in our

cricketers except one or two from the current lot. IPL has been taking place for seven years now but only few have been able to get a team as they are not too good in the format. He (Mushfiq) might have thought of the fact and pulled his name out,” said a BCB high-up to Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Mushfiq was named along with all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, Nasir Hossain, Mahmudullah, Anamul Haque, Sohag Gazi and Rubel Hossain Since the first edition of the cashrich Twenty20 tournament in 2008, only five cricketers – Abdur Razzak (Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2008), Mashrafe bin Mortaza (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2009), Mohammad Ashraful (Delhi Daredevils, 2009), Shakib (Kolkata Knight Riders, 2011 and 2012) and Tamim (Pune Warriors, 2012) were

bought from the auctions.

However selection panel memberHabibul Bashar thinks the scenario has changed now. The former national skipper believes that the Bangladesh cricketers have matured in the shortest format cricket and have been competing well with the top teams.

“It is true that Bangladesh lacked maturity and performance in Twenty20.

There was a time when the boys were busy coping with the game. But I think that time has passed. Our cricketers are up there now, have been doing well in recent times and are prepared to play.

“The eight names that we chalked out were the best cricketers in the format, taking their recent track record into account. We (the national selection panel) believed that they have a very good chance of getting a team for the upcoming IPL season. It is totally Mushfiq’s personal decision and to be honest, I don’t know why he made the decision,” said Bashar. l

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Super Mario saves Seedorf on Milan debut n AFP, Milan A late Mario Balotelli spot-kick saved new AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf’s blushes in a 1-0 win over Verona Sunday, which handed the struggling Serie A giants only their sixth victory of the campaign.

Seedorf has been heralded as Milan’s potential saviour since former coach Massimiliano Allegri was sacked after a 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo last week left the Rossoneri 30 points behind leaders Juventus.

For his first game in charge of the side for whom he made 300 appearances in 10 golden years (2002-2012), Seedorf sent out an ultra-offensive 4-2-3-1 formation with Robinho, Kaka and Japan’s Keisuke Honda playing behind Balotelli.

But despite a lightning start against Andrea Mandorlini’s high-flying visitors, Seedorf grew increasingly frustrated on the touchline as the hosts failed to convert a series of chances.

In the opening minutes Verona goalkeeper Rafael had to scramble to tip away a deflected cross while under pressure from Balotelli as Milan pressed.

A minute later Kaka flashed a header

Torres faces spell out with knee injury

n Reuters, London Fernando Torres faces a “few weeks” out of action after suffering a knee ligament injury in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, manager Jose Mourinho said.

Torres came on as a late substitute for Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o, whose three goals ensured Chelsea maintained their strong Premier League title challenge.

Mourinho said that Senegal striker Demba Ba would now come into contention despite not featuring for Chelsea since their League Cup defeat by Sunderland on Dec. 17. l

wide.

Milan’s intensity dipped towards the end of the half but when Balotelli was tripped just outside the area he tested Rafael with a dipping freekick that rebounded and was bundled to safety.

A promising strike from captain Riccardo Montolivo sailed just wide of the upright in the closing stages of the half.

But after the restart Milan were sluggish, Seedorf opting to replace Honda with Valter Birsa on the right.

At the other end Birsa delivered for Robinho and while the Brazilian’s shot from inside the area sent Rafael the wrong way, it came back off the keeper’s far post.

With 12 minutes remaining Seedorf replaced Robinho with Andrea Petagna, but it was Kaka who helped make the difference when he tumbled in the area under a challenge from Alejandro Gonzalez.

The referee pointed to the spot and Balotelli stepped up to send Rafael the wrong way.

Milan reclaimed 11th place, having dropped to 12th due to results elsewhere, although they are still 18 points adrift of Napoli, who occupy the third and last Champions League qualifying spot. l

Atletico Madrid's David Villa (C) celebrates his goal against Sevilla during their Spanish First Division match at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on Sunday

REUTERS

Atletico, Barca held to give Real hope n Reuters, Madrid Atletico Madrid squandered a chance to climb above Barcelona to the top of La Liga when they conceded a late penalty and were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla on Sunday.

An off-colour Barca had to come from behind to rescue a point in the earlier kickoff at mid-table Levante but Atletico were unable to capitalise on the champions’ unexpected setback.

David Villa smashed in a loose ball to put Atletico ahead in the 18th minute at the Calderon and the home side looked

to be coasting to victory until Juanfran hauled Carlos Bacca to the ground in the area in the 71st minute and Ivan Rakitic clipped home the spot-kick.

The result meant Barca and Atletico, who drew 0-0 in Madrid last weekend, are level on 51 points at the top with just over half the season played, with Barca ahead on goal difference.

Real Madrid gained further ground and sit a point behind the joint leaders thanks to Saturday’s 5-0 drubbing of bottom side Real Betis in Seville.

Real and Barca, the world’s two richest clubs by income, have dominated La Liga over the past decade but

RESULTS Getafe

2-2

Real Sociedad

Villarreal

2-0

Almeria

Levante

1-1

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid

1-1

Marica 28, Pedro Leon 52

Uche 3, Bruno 87-P Vyntra 10 Villa 18

Agirretxe 4, 16

Pique 19

Sevilla

Rakitic 73-P

Atletico have emerged as genuine contenders for the title this season under Argentine coach Diego Simeone.

Barca lacked inspiration against a doggedly defensive Levante at their

Ciutat de Valencia stadium even with Lionel Messi, who returned last weekend after a two-month injury absence, back in the starting lineup.

Often vulnerable when defending set-pieces, they fell behind in the 10th minute when Loukas Vyntra headed past goalkeeper Victor Valdes from an Andreas Ivanschitz corner.

Barca’s equaliser also came from a corner when Gerard Pique nodded in nine minutes later but they struggled to create further chances before the break.

Messi drew a fine save from Levante keeper Keylor Navas in the 59th minute and Xavi’s follow-up shot was

brilliantly blocked on the line by home captain Juanfran.

Juanfran was again in the right place to divert another Messi effort out for a corner three minutes later and Navas leaped superbly to turn a curling effort from substitute Cristian Tello around the post five minutes from time.

Villarreal have 37 points after they beat visiting Almeria 2-0 on Sunday, with Bilbao on 36 and Basque rivals Real Sociedad on 33 in sixth after they let slip a two-goal lead and drew 2-2 at 10-man Getafe. Sevilla, who had Alberto Moreno sent off in the 90th minute, have 31 points in seventh. l

Dzeko puts prizes ahead of plaudits n AFP, London

Paris St Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) jumps and kicks a corner flag as he celebrates scoring against FC Nantes during their French Ligue 1 match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on Sunday REUTERS

PSG crush Nantes to keep lead n AFP, Paris Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Nantes on Sunday to maintain their five-point lead over Monaco at the top of Ligue 1.

Earlier in the day, the Principality club had kept the pressure on the champions with a routine 2-0 win at mid-table Toulouse.

Brazil centre-back Thaigo Silva opened the scoring for PSG after just 10 minutes at the Parc des Princes as he knocked home the loose ball from six yards after Nantes goalkeeper Remy Riou failed to hold onto Edinson Cavani’s header.

PSG had all but put the game to bed by half-time as Zlatan Ibrahimovic doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.

However, it wasn’t without controversy as Chaker Alhadhur was deemed to have brought down Marco Verratti, despite television replays suggesting the Italian midfielder had merely slipped.

But just six minutes after the restart it was all over as Blaise Matuidi’s back post header found Thiago Motta unmarked to scored from eight yards out.

Nantes were their own worst enemies

at times and Papy Mison Djilobodji was penalised for trying to dribble past Verratti, the Italian tackling the defender and sending Ibrahimovic away to cross for Cavani to notch number four.

Ibrahimovic added the fifth after Javier Pastore’s shot was blocked following more good work from Matuidi.

RESULTS

Paris Saint-Germain 5-0

Nantes

Reims

0-2

Lyon

Toulouse

0-2

Monaco

Thiago Silva 10, Ibrahimovic 36-pen, 64, Thiago Motta 51, Cavani 58

Lacazette 25, Fofana 84

Kurzawa 36, Ocampos 88

Goals from Layvin Kurzawa and Lucas Ocampos gave Monaco an eightpoint advantage over fourth-placed Saint-Etienne, further cementing Claudio Ranieri’s team’s quest to earn a Champions League berth for next season.

Ranieri made a change to his starting line-up, bringing in French under-20 world champion Geoffroy Kondogbia to replace struggling Portugal international Moutinho, although the youngster did

little to further his long-term prospects of holding down a regular starting position.

Monaco were far from convincing, particularly in the first half, but still turned around at the break a goal to the good through Kurzawa on 36 minutes.

And it was Kondogbia, in a rare moment of quality, who provided the low cross from the left for Kurzawa to score.

There was a disappointing performance from Colombian record-signing Radamel Falcao, who missed two glorious chances and has not scored in the league since November 8.

He was replaced by Ocampos with 21 minutes left and it was the Argentine who sealed the win with a goal two minutes from the end.

And it was a strike of rare beauty that looked out of place in an otherwise drag affair as Ocampos scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick that flummoxed goalkeeper Ali Ahamada.

Meanwhile, Lyon won for the fourth time in a row in all competitions to move up to eighth, just one place below Reims, whom they beat 2-0.

Goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Gueida Fofana secured the points as Lyon extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games since a 4-0 league reverse at PSG. l

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko insists his side’s remarkable goal-spree will count for nothing if they finish the season without any silverware.

Dzeko scored City’s landmark 100th goal of the season as Manuel Pellegrini’s team took their tally for the current campaign to an incredible 103 with a 4-2 win over Cardiff at Eastlands on Saturday The result kept second placed City within a point of leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, one of four competitions they remain in contention to win this season.

With their title challenge firmly on course, City can turn their attention to the formality of booking a place in the League Cup final against Manchester United or Sunderland.

After thrashing struggling West Ham 6-0 in the semi-final first leg, Tuesday’s return at Upton Park is another oppor-

Emotional Mourinho accepts writers’ award n AFP, London Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho thanked all those behind his extraordinary career as he accepted a tribute award from England’s Football Writers’ Association on Sunday.

The Portuguese boss received the honour at gala dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel just hours after Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge took them to within two points of leaders Arsenal.

“Without love and happiness, I could not do my job,” said Mourinho, who was accompanied to the dinner by his wife and children.

“My assistant (coaches) are like my brothers, Frank (Lampard) represents my players, without whom I have no career, and Mr van Gaal, Mr Robson, my bosses.” “I sat down with my wife and family, and said ‘where is the best place for us? Where can we be happier as a family? To be happy as a manager and enjoy more the family and life socially?’

“We decided England, after that, for the situation to be perfect it would be Chelsea and I was lucky because the door was open for me,” said Mourinho. l

tunity for City to showcase their attacking talents to an increasingly captivated football world.

But Bosnia star Dzeko says seeing out the tie in business-like fashion is more important because City are focused on winning prizes rather than earning plaudits.

“It is definitely a great achievement but we want to win something. That will be much better than these 100 goals,” Dzeko said. “We still have a lot of games to play and we will score a lot more goals but we want to win something as well. “We are still in all four competitions and we will see what will happen. The key is just to try to win every next game.

“I am very happy that I am the one who scored the 100th goal. “I am enjoying it at the moment. The team is playing amazing football.

“We are scoring a lot of goals. We just have to keep going like this.” City’s blistering first leg display means Pellegrini can rest several of his key players if he wishes. But, given City’s impressive

strength in depth, the Chilean is certain to be able to send out a strong line-up regardless of who he leaves out.

In contrast to City’s buoyant mood, Sam Allardyce’s Hammers head into the second leg at a low ebb after Saturday’s 3-1 loss against Newcastle put them back in the relegation zone.

With the pressure mounting on Allardyce, the West Ham boss has been working all hours in a bid to bring in new signings, but he has so far been unsuccessful and on Sunday he ruled out a move for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

“I think under the circumstances at Arsenal, in the position that they’re in, in the Champions League and cup matches, they’ve had to use him as soon as any of the two defenders have been injured,” he said.

“So I don’t think there’s any chance we’ll get somebody of his quality. It would be nice if we could.

“I’ve had targets and I haven’t got one yet apart from Roger Johnson, so I’ll keep going and hope we get some.” l

Ozil misfiring but ‘serene’ Gunners stride on n Reuters A dip in form by record signing Mesut Ozil has not derailed Arsenal’s title challenge, with the Gunners’ consistency and miserly defence bringing a ‘serene attitude’ to North London, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal beat Fulham 2-0 on Saturday to make it five straight wins and preserve their one point advantage over big-spending title favourites Manchester City at the top of the English Premier League with 16 games to go.

Most pundits retain the belief that City will eventually surpass the Londoners but Wenger remains confident his side can beat the odds and win their first title since 2004.

“The consistency of the results of the team since January 2013 has strengthened that maturity, and the fact that we are defensively more stable gives us more of a serene attitude.

That helps a lot,” Wenger was quoted as saying by British media on Monday.

However, Wenger’s other midfield recruit, Ozil, has not enjoyed the same praise of late. Wenger, though, leapt to the German international’s defence.

“Sometimes people expect him to make the difference alone,” the Frenchman told the club’s website.

“Sometimes when it doesn’t work you expect him to take the ball and put it in the net. He is more a passer than a finisher. “(Goalscoring) is one of the things he can add to his game for sure. It doesn’t need to be criticised, it needs to be encouraged. I think as well that the consistency of the quality of his passing slowly drains the opponent as he passes always the ball when you do not want him to do it. That slowly (allows) us to take over.

“He is 25, he can only get better. The best years are coming for him now.” l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

QUICK BYTES

Navratilova reveals coaching ambition Tennis great Martina Navratilova on Monday revealed she wants to become a coach, joining a growing number of former stars teaming up with the game’s top players. She said it didn’t matter if she coached a man or woman, as long as they got along. “I’ve had some possibilities but nothing specific yet,” the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion told reporters at the Australian Open. “I love coaching and I love helping people at whatever level. I think my biggest contribution would be at the top level because I’ve been there, done that. “I’m sure that (calls) will come, and I’ll be helping somebody on the court, sitting in the box, sweating it out.” If her wish comes true, Navratilova will join a host of “super-coaches” that have flooded the men’s game.

– AFP

Fenerbahce chief denounces fixing jail term

The head of Turkish football giant Fenerbahce has denounced as “political” an appeals court ruling upholding a jail sentence against him over a vast match-fixing scandal. The Supreme Court last week confirmed a prison term of six years and three months against the Istanbul club’s president Aziz Yildirim and the sentences of several other Fenerbahce officials. “I, Aziz Yildirim, do not respect this illegal judgement, I do not recognise this political decision,” he said in a statement published on the club’s website at the weekend. Friday’s court ruling means that Yidirim and all others convicted in the case that rocked the country’s domestic football league are barred from serving as club officials.

– AFP

Stephens denies cheering Williams exit American Sloane Stephens Monday denied celebrating Serena Williams’ shock exit from the Australian Open after she was filmed smiling and laughing as she watched on TV. The relationship between the pair has been frosty since Stephens knocked world number one Williams out of last year’s tournament in the quarter-finals. Stephens later took aim at Williams for unfollowing her on Twitter and also reportedly accused the 17-time Grand Slam champion of ignoring her. Local media seized on the footage of Stephens, filmed without her knowledge while was she was watching the Williams match and joking with hitting partner Andrew Fitzpatrick. But Stephens said the two were merely mimicking the enthusiastic reaction of the coaches of Ana Ivanovic, the player who beat Williams on Sunday.

– AFP

Young rallies Lakers over Raptors Nick Young scored 15 of his game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 19-point deficit Sunday to defeat Toronto 112-106.

Spanish big man Pau Gasol added 22 points and nine rebounds while Ryan Kelly scored 17 points and Kendall Marshall contributed 10 points and 11 assists for the Lakers, who improved to 16-25 with their first back-to-back NBA triumphs in a month. DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points and Kyle Lowry added 21 to lead the Raptors, who had won six in a row at home. They fell to 20-19 but still lead the Atlantic division. A 24-5 Toronto run capped by three DeRozan baskets put the Raptors ahead 50-31 with 7:34 remaining in the second quarter but the Lakers scored the next nine points and pulled within 58-54 at half-time. Toronto opened the third period with a 12-0 run but the Lakers went on a 12-2 run late in the quarter to seize an 82-81 edge entering the fourth.

– AFP

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six NBA 2013-14 7:00AM Chicago v LA Lakers 9:30AM Golden State v Indiana Star Sports 4 6:00AM & 2:00PM Australian Open Star Sports 1 2:40PM Big Bash T20 Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes Ten Action 01:45AM Capital One Cup 2013/14 Semi: West Ham v Man City

Sport

15

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Pakistan make record chase to level series n Azhar Ali hit a brilliant hundred as Pakistan pulled off a thrilling win in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Monday, levelling the series 1-1.

Set a daunting 302 to win in a possible 59 overs, Pakistan owed their successful chase to Ali’s fifth Test century (103) as he and Misbah-ul-Haq shared a 109-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Misbah, who finished with 68 not out, hit the winning single with nine balls to spare in fading light.

Ali, ironically dropped for the first two Tests, hit paceman Suranga Lakmal for a boundary, then twice took two to reach his hundred off 133 balls.

He hit six boundaries before falling caught behind with just seven still needed to win.

Pakistan’s chances seemed to have faded away at 107-3 at tea, as they needed 195 in the last 35 overs. But Ali upped the tempo during a rapid 89-run partnership in 14.5 overs with Sarfraz Ahmed (48) which left Sri Lanka on the defensive.

Even when Sarfraz was out, caught behind off paceman Shaminda Eranga, Pakistan needed 116. Sarfraz hit four boundaries and a six off 46 balls.

But Misbah supported Ali as Pakistan achieved their second best chase in all Test cricket, behind the 314 they chased against Australia in Karachi in 1994.

Sri Lanka had won the second Test in Dubai by nine wickets while the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan had lost Ahmed Shehzad (21), Khurram Manzoor (21) and Younis Khan (29) as they were derailed in their chase.

Needing to score at a rate of more than five an over to win, Pakistan were given a rapid 35-run start by the sixth

over but paceman Suranga Lakmal (379) halted that progress by dismissing openers Shehzad and Manzoor within 13 runs.

Younis Khan tried to increase the pace before being caught off Angelo Mathews two overs before tea, but the scenario changed in the last session.

With the series tied, Pakistan also remained unbeaten in five series in the United Arab Emirates, which has become their home since security fears -- sparked in the wake of attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009 -- forced them to play at neutral venues.

They twice drew series with South Africa (2010 and 2013) and beat Sri Lanka (2011) and England (2012).

Misbah said Pakistan desperately wanted the win.

“That was really a much wanted win.

We wanted the win it for our coach Dav Whatmore and wanted to give him a winning farewell,” said Misbah of the team coach who ends his two-year tenure with this match.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews regretted batting failure.

“We dominated for three-and-a-half days but unfortunately could not score big in the second innings and lost,” said Mathews, declared man-of-the-series for his 412 runs in three Tests.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 214 in their second innings, with leftarm spinner Abdul Rehman finishing with 4-56 and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal taking 3-53, but not before their batsmen had kept Pakistan at bay on the morning of the fifth and final day.

On an exciting day when both teams had a chance of victory, Mathews (31) and Prasanna Jayawardene (49) shared a 62-run stand for the sixth wicket and batted positively to add 56 in the first hour after the tourists resumed at 133-5.

SCORECARD Sri Lanka 1st innings 428-9 dec (D. Perera 95, A. Mathews 91, K. Sangakkara 52; Junaid Khan 3-81, Mohammad Talha 3-99) Pakistan 1st innings 341 (Ahmed Shehzad 147, Misbah-ul-Haq 63, Khurram Manzoor 52; R. Herath 5-125, S. Eranga 4-60) Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 133-5) A. Mathews c Manzoor b Talha 31 P. Jayawardene c Ali b Ajmal 49 D. Perera c Ali b Rehman 8 R. Herath c Younis b Rehman 0 S. Eranga c Rehman b Ajmal 3 S. Lakmal not out 2 Extras: (b2, lb4 nb2, w2) 10

Total: (all out; 101.4 overs)

214

Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Karunaratne), 2-37 (Sangakkara), 3-66 (Silva), 4-89 (Chandimal), 5-127 (M Jayawardene), 6-189 (Mathews), 7-203 (Perera), 8-203 (Herath), 9-209 (P Jayawardene) Bowling: Junaid 20-6-34-0 (1w), Talha 232-65-3 (2nb, 1w), Rehman 33-10-56-4, Ajmal 25.4-7-53-3 Pakistan 2nd innings Khurram Manzoor c P Jayawardene b Lakmal 21 Ahmed Shehzad c Karunaratne b Lakmal 21 Azhar Ali c P Jayawardene b Lakmal 103 Younis Khan c Sangakkara b Mathews 29 Sarfraz Ahmed c Prasanna b Eranga 48 Misbah-ul-Haq not out 68 Asad Shafiq not out 1 Extras: (b6, lb1, nb1, w3) 11

Total: (for five wkts; 57.3 overs) 302 Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Shehzad), 2-48 (Manzoor), 3-97 (Younis), 4-186 (Sarfraz), 5-295 (Ali) Bowling: Lakmal 12-0-79-3, Eranga 15.30-68-1 (1nb, 1w), Herath 19-0-100-0 (2w), Mathews 11-0-48-1 Result: Pakistan won by five wickets Toss: Sri Lanka

But Mohammad Talha gave Pakistan their much-needed breakthrough when he had Mathews caught off a miscued hook. Rehman then grabbed two quick wickets to put the brakes on Sri Lanka, having Dilruwan Perera caught at shortleg for eight before removing Rangana Herath for a first-ball duck. l

Pakistani cricket team captain Misbah-ul-Haq celebrates after winning final cricket Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium yesterday AFP

FASTEST SUCCESSFUL 300+ CHASES IN TEST

Team Pakistan West Indies England Australia India

Score 302/5 344/1 315/4 334/6 387/4

Overs 57.3 66.1 73.2 79.1 98.3

RPO 5.25 5.19 4.29 4.21 3.92

Opposition Ground Sri Lanka Sharjah England Lord’s Australia Leeds South Africa Cape Town England Chennai

Year 2014 1984 2001 2002 2008

North Zone crush East Zone n

Johnson wins Border medal n

Australia’s Ashes hero Mitchell Johnson denied Michael Clarke a hat-trick when the paceman edged his skipper in a tight vote to pick up a maiden Allan Border medal on Monday.

The 32-year-old, adjudged man of the series in Australia’s 5-0 Ashes triumph over England, garnered 168

Australia bring in new blood for South Africa tour n After a stunning Ashes triumph, Australia added specialist batsmen to a 15man squad unveiled on Monday for the upcoming tour against world number one South Africa.

SQUAD Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vicecapt), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Uncapped Tasmanian Alex Doolan joins Shaun Marsh who returns to the Test scene after almost two years.

Losing out is Ashes number six George Bailey whose game is “less suited to their (bowling) attack,” said chairman of selectors John Inverarity.

“This was a difficult decision, but on this occasion we felt Alex and Shaun have games that are well suited to facing South Africa in South Africa.

“We consider that both are strong players of pace bowling which is important given the strength of South Africa’s attack.

“Alex was on standby for the recent fifth Test in Sydney and scored a most impressive 165 not out against South Africa for Australia A last season. l

votes, 12 more than his captain, to cap a spectacular comeback by claiming his country’s most prestigious individual award.

“It has been an amazing journey coming back from injury, having a lot of doubters out there,” said Johnson, who collected more wickets than any of his compatriots across three formats of the game.l

Left arm spinner Taijul Islam’s five wicket haul and Naeem Islam’s unbeaten 69 helped BCB North Zone clinch a seven wicket win over Islami Bank East Zone with a day to spare in the Bangladesh Cricket (BCL) at BKSP-2 ground yesterday.

In the other match, national spinner Abdur Razzak’s four wickets and later Imrul Kayes unbeaten 74 left Prime Bank South Zone on the verge of victory over Walton Central Zone.

South require a further 150 runs with seven wickets in hand on the final day of the match.

East Zone, who took a 22 run in the first innings, batted disastrously in the second innings to go down in defeat to BCB North Zone.

Left arm spinner Taijul Islam, who took seven wickets in the first innings, was the hero in the second innings as

well with five wickets, while paceman Shuvashis Roy took four to bowl East Zone out for just 139.

BRIEF SCORES Islami Bank East vs BCB North Islami Bank East Zone 270/10 and 139/10 Taijul Islam 51/5, Shuvashish Roy 37/4 BCB North Zone 248/10 and 167/3 Naeem Islam 69* BCB North Zone won by seven wickets Walton Central vs Prime Bank South Walton Central Zone 374/10 Marshal Ayub 126 Abdur Razzak 103/4 Taibur parvez 34/3 Prime Bank South Zone 159/3 Imrul Kayes 74, Anamul Haque 67, Mahmudullah 64/2 Nafees Iqbal top scored for East Zone with 37. Having started the day at 79/3, East Zone were only able to add 60 more runs before being dismissed.

Earlier, South Zone had made 270 all

Sharapova out as Nadal, Federer into last eight n

Maria Sharapova crashed out of the Australian Open in another seismic shock Monday as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka saw off challenges to keep their title bids intact.

A day after Serena Williams’ exit, Dominika Cibulkova kept the upsets rolling as she ousted injury-compromised Sharapova 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, blowing the women’s draw even further open.

The main expected beneficiary, twotime defending champion Azarenka, is in position to take full advantage after she flattened old foe Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals.

The Belarusian world number two will face either Agnieszka Radwanska or Garbine Muguruza in the quarter-finals, with Cibulkova heading into a clash with Romania’s Simona Halep.

Men’s top seed Nadal weathered a sustained assault from Japan’s Kei Nishikori 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) to face Grigor Dimitrov in the Bulgarian’s first Grand Slam quarter-final.

The 13-time Grand Slam-winner chided the umpire after he was called for a time violation, for taking longer than the allowed 20 seconds between points, at a critical moment in the third set.

“The negative thing in my opinion is

Dominika Cibulkova celebrates after victory against Maria Sharapova in Melbourne yesterday AFP not the warning, but the timing of it. You can choose another moment to do it, not that one,” Nadal said.

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray needed five match points and four sets -and angrily demolished a racquet along the way -- before beating ‘lucky loser’ Stephane Robert.

Murray cruised through the first two sets but he missed match points, and then dropped his first set of the tournament, before finishing it off 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2.

“He’s a fun player to watch but not

fun to play against,” said Murray, as Robert milked applause from the crowd. “He made it very tricky for me, he plays all the shots very unorthodox.”

Federer, meanwhile, was a convincing winner against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, racing through 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 to set up a quarter-final against Murray.

There was some consolation for Sharapova when her boyfriend Dimitrov, 22, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain.

But overall it was a dismal day for the statuesque Russian, cutting short what has been a difficult return from months out with a right shoulder injury.

Sharapova blamed her tough workouts against Karin Knapp and Alize Cornet after a left hip injury flared against Cibulkova, who was motivated enough to take advantage. Sharapova was too strong for Cibulkova in the first set but errors crept in in the second and after the Slovak levelled at a set each, she left the court for a medical timeout.

And Sharapova, rated as the world’s highest paid female athlete, succumbed tamely in the third set as she conceded three breaks to keep her search for a fifth major title on hold.

“I think it’s a success (the tournament) in terms of that I’m back and that I’m healthy. That’s quite important. Otherwise I wouldn’t give myself a chance to play,” she said. l

out in their first innings.

BCB North Zone made 248 in their first innings and were left to chase 162 to for victory on the third day.

They reached the target for the loss of three wickets, with Naeem Islam finishing the match with a six to give his side their first BCL win with a day to spare.

Meanwhile Prime Bank South Zone are on the verge of winning over Walton Central Zone, who started the third day at 318/5 but could only add 56 more runs.

Experience spinner Abdur Razzak lead the South Zone bowling attack with four wickets as Central Zone finished their second innings at 374, after having made 165 in the first innings.

Prime Bank South Zone had posted 230 in their first innings and were left to chase 310 for victory. They finished the day at 159/3, with Imrul Kayes on 74 and Anamul Haque 67 not out, at the crease. l

Champagne launches bid for Fifa presidency n Former Fifa deputy general secretary Jerome Champagne on Monday launched his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter as president of the organisation that runs the global game.

The 55-year-old Frenchman, who worked closely with Blatter between 2002 and 2005, announced his campaign to become football’s most powerful man at a press conference in central London.

Champagne said he was eager to restore Fifa’s reputation after accusations of corruption in recent years, acknowledging that the organisation had “an image deficit problem”.

Addressing reporters in front of the slogan ‘Hope for football,’ he said: “We need a different Fifa: more democratic, more respected, which behaves better and which does more.”

Blatter, 77, is approaching the end of his fourth term in office and is yet to announce whether or not he will stand again in next year’s election in Zurich.

Current Uefa president Michel Platini said late last year that he will announce whether or not he will stand for the post either during or after the World Cup in Brazil, which starts on June 12.

In a video message, Brazil legend Pele announced his support for Champagne’s candidacy. l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Medical reps calling the shots at DMCH They allegedly bribe doctors, influence prescriptions; the authorities still look the other way n Moniruzzaman Uzzal The Dhaka Tribune found that the DMCH authority had caught more than 40 medical representatives red-handed over the past few months while violating the visiting rules. The MRs were freed after giving undertakings to the hospital authority saying they would not visit doctors except during authorised dates The sight of a long queue of motorcycles parked on the side of the road, often resembling a roofless motorcycle shop, welcomes patients and visitors to the outdoor gates of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital every day.

The parked vehicles belong to medical representatives (MR) of different pharmaceutical companies and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories – all seeking a meeting with doctors for promotional purposes.

Sources said the DMCH authority has permitted medical representatives to visit the doctors twice a week (Sunday and Thursday) for promotion of drugs and other information regarding treatment facilities.

Seeking anonymity, several senior DMCH officials told the Dhaka Tribune that most of the MRs were violating the rules and meeting the doctors during the busy morning sessions every day, hampering the service to the patients who needed the doctors’ attention.

The medical representatives reportedly try to convince the doctors to prescribe their companies’ drugs, as well as check prescriptions later to monitor if the doctors had been making the

Hundreds of medical representatives visit the Dhaka Medical College Hospital to meet doctors every day. Their motorcycles are seen parked near the hospital yesterday DHAKA TIBUNE medical recommendations in favour of the companies.

Officials also claimed that it was hard to identify the MRs as they came to the doctors’ rooms pretending to be patients.

Top officials at the hospital, preferring not to be named, alleged that many unscrupulous doctors had been advising patients to buy drugs from the pharmacies, although the DMCH had been providing more than 90% of

the drugs (including fourth-generation drugs) at free of cost to the patients.

The medical representatives also allegedly bribe the doctors in the guise of marketing promotion. These bribes come in the forms of cash, cars, flats,

expensive mobile phones, refrigerator, air-conditioners, plane tickets for pleasure trips abroad, and the sponsorship of seminars, symposia and picnics.

The doctors’ family members are often also offered gifts as a persuasion strategy.

A few senior doctors claimed that the illegal activities of the MRs were also a common practice at other public and private hospitals.

The Dhaka Tribune found that the DMCH authority had caught more than 40 medical representatives red-handed over the past few months while violating the visiting rules. The MRs were freed after giving undertakings to the hospital authority saying they would not visit doctors except during authorised dates.

The logbook containing the names of those detained over the last few months included medical representatives from leading companies.

Brigadier General Dr Mustafizur Rahman, director of the DMCH, told the Dhaka Tribune: “It is partially true that the MRs do not follow our directions properly.

We have caught red-handed several MRs while visiting doctors beyond the fixed time they were given.”

Seeking anonymity, an official of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industry (BAPI) claimed that nothing illegal was being done by the medical representatives.

Claiming that bribery was a generalised accusation against MRs, the official said answers could be provided if there was any specific allegation. l

Crime on the rise as law ATTACK ON NOOR accused found dead enforcers ease vigilance Another n n Kailash Sarkar

Muggers, thieves and robbers have become confident taking advantage of the relaxed law enforcement since the unstable political situation became calm in the capital.

At least 20 incidents of mugging, robbery and theft reportedly took place in the last three days while many more remain unreported. Many are linking this rise in crime to the reduced police Rab and BGB patrolling and withdrawal of check posts by the Rab and police in the capital.

Khorshed Alam, the officer-in-charge of Paltan police station, admitted that since the political scene calmed down the presence of different law enforcement and security agencies had been reduced and criminals like muggers, thieves and robbers had become more active.

Sources said at least five separate incidents of mugging took place at the capital’s Mohakhali, Paltan, Pallabi and Jurain within three hours on Sunday night leaving at least five people, including a woman, injured while the muggers snatched over Tk30 lakh and other valuables from them.

In one of the incidents, locals caught one of the muggers of a gang while they were fleeing after snatching Tk20 lakh from the employees of a travel agency at Purana Paltan area.

The injured persons were admitted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Four of them were stabbed and a woman sustained injuries when bombs had been hurled at them.

In two separate incidents in Mohakhali, Md Zahir Talukder, 28, a rep-

resentative of Drugs International, and buying house employee Mithu Majumder were stabbed and looted by two gangs of muggers from 10pm to 10:30pm Sunday night.

Asked, Bhuiyan Mabub Hasan, officer-in-charge of Banani police station, said they were trying to capture the muggers.

In the same period, Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, 30, and Nazrul Islam, 36, were stabbed and looted by another gang of criminals at Block B of Section 12 in Pallabi around 10:30pm.

In Jurain, a female factory worker named Alo Akhter, 26, sustained severe injuries when a gang of criminals hurled a bomb at her while she was returning to her East Jurain residence from her workplace on foot around 9:30pm.

A gang of six to seven armed criminals riding three motorcycles looted Tk20 lakh from the employees of a travel agency around 7pm in front of Kosturi Hotel at Paltan. Locals caught one of them although the others fled with the money.

On Saturday, a gang of thieves made off with almost everything of value from the house of journalist Palash Dutta in Shyamoli.

Another journalist Hayat Mahmud was chased by a gang of two muggers riding a motorbike when he wa returning to his house in Rajabazar on Saturday night.

The journalist ran back to his office, at which point the criminals fled the scene.

On Friday night, a gang of criminals stormed into a girls’ hostel and robbed gold ornaments, mobile phones and other valuables from a dozen young women at the capital’s Farmgate. l

Tribune Report

A Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader who was accused in a case filed over the attack on the convoy of Asaduzzaman Noor was found dead in Syedpur upazila of Nilphamari yesterday morning.

Victim Atiqur Rahman Atiq, 30, was the general secretary of Chhatra Dal Tupamari union unit. The body bore a deep injury on the back side of the left ear, our correspondent reported.

He is the second person accused in the case to have been found dead. On Sunday local BNP leader Golam Rabbani, the prime accused in the motorcade attack case, was found dead in Nilphamari.

Five people including four local Awami League men were killed when activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, attacked the motorcade of the now Cultural Minister Noor, also a noted actor, on December 14 last year.

Firoz Kabir, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Syedpur police station told the Dhaka Tribune that locals noticed the body of Atiqur lying beside the Rangpur-Dinajpur highway in Dhalagach Nariakhamba area of Syedpur municipality around 7am. They informed police.

However, victim’s elder brother Aminul Islam said on January 13 DB police had arrested Atikur and Mohidul, 25, son of Anowar Hossain, at Delduar in Tangail.

Since then they had no trace of Atikur.

His wife identified the body yesterday.

On the other hand Atiq’s cousin Abdul Halim and father-in-law Latifur Rahman Ranju said they had heard that Rab had detained Atikur.

According to police, Atiqur was the fourth accused in a case filed for killing Khorshed Alam Chowdhury, the president of Tupamari union Krishak League unit. Chowdhury is one of the five victims killed during the motorcade attack on the day. A case has been filed with the police in this regard.

Noor’s motorcade came under attack while he was returning to Nilphamari town from visiting Laxmichap, Shishatoli and Palash Bari villages where Jamaat men two days back had torched some 80 shops and residences belonging to Hindus and Awami League activists.

Meherpur Jamaat leader killed in ‘gunfight’

The assistant secretary general of Meherpur district Jamaat-e-Islami Tarique Mohammad Saiful Islam, 35, was killed in a “gunfight” with police early yesterday. He was the eldest son of Samiruddin, former chief of Meherpur district Jamaat, reported our correspondent.

Sadar police station OC Reazul Islam said they had arrested Saiful from an Islami Bank branch in the district town around 3pm Sunday in connection with nine cases filed against him.

“Saiful confessed that MA Matin, Khulna divisional coordinator of Jamaat, would hold a clandestine meeting with his cohorts at Bandar village in the town around 3am today,” he said.

“So we went there with Saiful. Detecting our presence, Matin’s associates opened fire, leading to a gunfight,” he said.

During the “gunfight,” Saiful tried to escape and came in the line of fire.

After the “gunfight,” police found

his blood-stained body lying on the ground. One firearm, five crude bombs and six bullets were recovered from the scene, the OC said.

Over 5,500 sued for Gaibandha clash

Police have sued 5,567 people including 67 Jamaat-Shibir activists in connection with Sunday’s attack on the law enforcers in Gaibandha.

Our Gaibandha correspondent reported that the accused were charged with attacking the law enforcers and exploding several crude bombs during the incident at Kadamtala and Khanabari villages.

Jamaat-Shibir men early Sunday ambushed a police team in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha and clashed with the joint forces, who were sent to relieve the police team, leaving more than 50 including 22 policemen injured. They also torched a police pickup, vandalised 12 homes and surrounded the policemen during the nearly five-hour-long clash.

Meanwhile, the law enforcers arrested 59 BNP men from Narayanganj on the way to attending the BNP rally in the capital yesterday. Shibir president of Narail was arrested for involvement in vandalism, arson, sabotage and attacking on police.

Police in Pabna arrested Secretary of Jamaat district unit Abu Taleb Mondol, and Shibir’s Pabna town unit President, Ariful Islam from the district headquarters on several charges of violence. Jamaat called a daylong hartal today protesting the arrest.

Two suspected Shibir men were arrested from Chittagong University yesterday. l

HC issues status quo on Ershad’s Union Bank share transfer n Nazmus Sakib The High Court yesterday gave a status quo order for six months on Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Hussain Muhammad Ershad and Union Bank Ltd, imposing a bar on transferring his shares of the bank.

A High Court bench of Justice Md Rezaul Hasan passed the order in response to a petition lodged by Golam Moshi, a promoter of the bank and also a Jatiya Party leader. The plaintiff alleged that Ershad, also the chairman of Jatiya Party and Union Bank, had not complied with an agreement between them over the transfer of the bank’s shares.

Kazi Aktar Hamid, the lawyer of the petitioner, confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune that Ershad would not be able to transfer his shares of the newly-opened bank for next six months.

Earlier, the government issued a banking license for the Jatiya Party chairman, then a key ally of grand alliance. S Alam Group financed the TK400 crore paid as capital for the bank, while Ershad invested TK 40 crore for a 30% share.

According to a deal, Ershad agreed to transfer 6% of his share and pay Tk6.33 crore to Moshi for his contribution to the company before its incorporation on 7th March, 2013. Ershad signed the agreement on 22nd July, 2012.

However, Ershad did not comply with the agreement, even a year after the enlistment of the bank.

Union Bank Managing Director Shahidul Alam, Chairman HM Ershad, Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and two others were made respondents in the petition, filed yesterday by Supreme Court lawyer AQM Sohel Rana on behalf of Moshi.

The plea sought the recovery of the shares and cash from the special aide of the Prime Minister, in line with the agreement. l

Bangladeshi women gangraped in India n Tribune Report Two women from Chittagong were allegedly gang-raped on a boat while crossing over to Gaighata in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas yesterday, reports the Times of India.

According to police, the two women, aged 18 and 20, left home in the morning accompanied by a local youth, who allegedly promised them jobs in Kolkata.

After boarding a boat from Daulatpur, the youth and two boatmen allegedly gang-raped the victims while crossing the Ichhamati River, the report said.

BSF personnel, posted at the Angrail camp of the paramilitary force, rescued the two and handed them over to police.

The victims told they police they were thrown off the boat near the border fencing in Gaighata after being raped, where the BSF team rescued them and handed them over to Gaighata police after giving them first aid.

Police took the girls to Bongaon sub-divisional hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. A medical test has also been conducted to establish if their claims of sexual assault are true. l

Speaker set to contest Rangpur 6 seat n Kamran Reza Chowdhury

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has bought nomination papers to contest the by-election in the Rangpur 6 constituency vacated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speculation was rife in political circle that the PM’s son Sajib Wazed Joy might contest the by-poll. Hasina was elected in Rangpur 6 and Gopalganj 3 seats in the January 5 election.

Shirin Sharmin had earlier bought the nomination papers for a seat reserved for women.

The Rangpur 6 by-poll will take place on February 20.

The last day for submission of the nomination papers is January 27 and its scrutiny will take place on January 28.

February 3 is the last day for withdrawal of the candidature.

According to the electoral rule, the Election Commission can announce

Shirin the winner on February 3 if she remains the lone candidate and her nomination papers are submitted correctly.

The EC is yet to announce the schedule for the women’s reserved seats.

EC officials say the government must amend the law on electing the 50 women MPs in the reserved seats.

“One of my leaders in Rangpur has bought the nomination paper for me. I will contest [the poll] if the party nominates me,” Shirin told the Dhaka Tribune.

She said she would prefer the bypoll in the women’s reserved seat.

It is not yet clear whether the Jatiya Party will field any candidate for the Rangpur seat, which is considered as a stronghold of HM Ershad’s party. Ershad recently expressed his desire to see his brother get elected in the seat.

But Sheikh Hasina told the Jatiya Party leaders that she would nominate

Shirin in the seat.

Shirin, who was elected the MP for the women’s reserved seat in 2009, was elected the speaker on April 30 last year as her predecessor Abdul Hamid was elected the president.

She has earned a reputation for working impartially in the House.

Many Awami League MPs who opposed her appointment now desire to see her re-elected.

Shirin earlier announced that she would contest the 10th general elections in Noakhali 1 (Chatkhil) constituency on an Awami League ticket. But the party did not nominate her.

Meanwhile, the possibility of Shirin’s re-election as the speaker gets slimmer as the House goes into session on January 29. According to the constitution, the speaker must be an MP. At the inaugural session, she must elect a new speaker and hand over power immediately. l

President Abdul Hamid pays tribute to Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, the Awami League MP from Tangail 8 constituency who died yesterday, at the South Plaza on the parliament premises RAJIB DHAR

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'Unruly' insurance companies warned of dire consequences

n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith came down heavily on the country’s insurance sector yesterday due to what he said huge corruption and worst performance of the sector “Insurance company means it is a field of plundering as the sector of 76 companies expanded hugely in last few years,” he told journalists, after holding a meeting with chairmen and managing directors of state-owned banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

The minister said there had been no control over the insurance companies and now the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) wants to control the companies, but it has been alleged some of them put up obstruction against the regulator.

“We have found a total of 50 cases of violation of regulation and creating obstruction.”

Muhith termed the insurance com-

panies wicked as they are doing wrong things against IDRA activities and warned the officials and owners of the companies to be gentle and rational as well as stopping plundering. “Else, we’ll resist it with iron hand.”

Most of the insurance companies in the country have a tendency not to meet clients’ claims and many have to face even harassment in getting due payments as the clients filed complaints with the regulatory authorities.

The companies allegedly do not inform IDRA about claim settlements after submission by clients, flouting a recent directive.

On March 24, IDRA issued a letter directing all companies to inform the regulator about claims within two days of submission by the policyholders, shareholders or stakeholders. Besides, companies are also bound to inform the authority about monthly reviews on initiatives taken against the claims.

But no company had complied with the directive so far, except the foreign insurance giant, Metlife Alico.

Recently on January 13, IDRA further warned the insurance companies to settle quickly the claims tabled after being affected by political violence.

The authorities issued the order in the back drop of complains that the companies were making unnecessary delays in settling the claims – which is being considered as a trick only to discourage the clients to submit the claims.

IDRA also not capable enough to monitor the insurance sector as it suffered for efficient manpower. The authorities did not get approval of organogram as a result it fell in extreme manpower crisis.

The whole sector having 78 companies is being managed by only 48 officials. In this circumstance, IDRA halted its inspection activities. l

Muhith: Stock market very strong and stable in last couple of years DSE benchmark index remains stable at around 4,000 point n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said the country’s stock market have been very strong and stable for last two years – a unique situation of the market seen ever before.

“Journalists were writing wrong reports on stock market in last five years as they talked much about the market which was incorrect,” he told journalists, after a meeting with chairmen and managing directors of state-owned banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.

“We have amended the rules and regulations for development of the capital market. As a result, the businessmen are coming to the market for capital instead of credit from the commercial banks,” said the minister.

He said the index of stock market rose substantially in the last years, but there were ups and downs in the stock market while a crash is a normal situation.

In late 2010, the market started sliding and gradually fell to its worst before stabilising at a low level with the then benchmark index DGEN (now defunct) remaining around 4,000 points, leaving investors particularly small ones to lose all the money.

In 2013, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) benchmark index registered more than 4% gain to close at 4,266.

The DSEX was under severe pressure from the starting of the year and fell as low as 3438 on 30, April.

Strikingly, the volume of trade fell 6% and daily average turnover was down 5% to Tk400 crore.

Former finance adviser to the last

caretaker government Mirza Azizul Islam earlier said: “The market was undoubtedly undervalued last year if the current price-earnings ratio was taken into account.”

In 2013, price-earnings ratio stood at 15, according to the DSE. “Investors are yet to heal the wounds of market crash in late 2010, which reflects in the lower turnovers and flat growth of indices,” he said.

The DSE saw its market capitalisation increase 11% in 2013, spearheaded by a general increase in initial public offerings (IPOs). The total market capitalisation is Tk 264,779 crore which is 25.6% of the gross domestic product.

During the year, 17 new securities were listed on the DSE, which raised more than Tk1,000 crore through IPOs. Of the new securities, 15 were equity

stocks that raised Tk833 crore and two mutual funds worth Tk100 crore each.

Bankers advised to be cautious about fund embezzlement

Muhith also directed the bankers and officials of financial institutions to be cautious about the embezzlement of money, reducing rate of default loans and adjusting the bank loan exposure in different sectors.

He further directed the officials of financial institutions to take own work plans and let the authorities concerned informed.

Replying to a question, he said the government has no plan about how long it would stay in power, but any programme should be taken for five years whichever government comes to power. l

Income tax short of December target NBR reshuffles admin to achieve revenue target

Dealers allowed to make remittance of membership fees n Syed Samiul Basher Anik Twenty nine of 31 income tax zones n Tribune Report have failed to meet the income tax Authorized Dealers (ADs) have been allowed to make remittance of membership fees on behalf of the foreign professional and scientific institutions, said a Bangladesh Bank circular yesterday.

Referring to the paragraph 9, chapter 11 of the Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions (GFET) the circular issued by the Foreign Exchange Policy Department of the central bank said it is now clarified that the above facility will also be available to business/professional entities in Bangladesh with international affiliations.

Consequently, ADs may allow remittance on account of membership/affiliation fees payable by local business/ professional entities to the professional/scientific institutions abroad, in line with the instructions contained in above mentioned paragraph of GFET, said the circular. l

collection target for December due to political turmoil.

National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials said the body was able collect income tax of Tk2,888 crore against the target of Tk3,985 crore in the month.

Only zone 4 and Mymensingh zone achieved their respective targets at par.

NBR also missed the target set for the first half of current fiscal year which will end on June 30.

The July-December period data showed the collection stood at Tk15,634 crore, which was 18% short of the target at Tk19,067 crore.

During the period, only three zones had been able to reach their respective targets.

NBR aims to collect Tk48,300 crore from income tax in the current fiscal.

The revenue authorities’ Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU), which is responsible

for collecting the tax from the big taxpayers, also failed as the business was hit by the unrest.

LTU, contributor of around one fourth of the total collection, witnessed Tk1,291 crore deficit compared to the target, said NBR officials.

They said many of the businesses were off due to shutdowns and blockades. The unrest hampered exports and imports largely.

“The prolonged political turmoil badly affected smooth functioning of business and revenue collection,” said Md Dobir Uddin, commissioner of taxes at Chittagong 1 zone.

He said the Chittagong taxpayers are usually regular in paying taxes if business runs uninterrupted.

“As they could not do business during the unrest period, collection of tax was poor,” he added.

He expected the tax collection situation to improve soon since business is running smoothly now.

The December data showed the

n Tribune Report National Board of Revenue (NBR) has brought some changes in the headquarters and its field offices across the country in a bid to bring administrative dynamism for achieving its revenue target set for the current fiscal year.

“The revenue board has appointed three members at the NBR headquarter and five are transferred while two new commissioners are appointed at its field offices,’’ an official of the NBR told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Large Taxpayers Unit collected Tk900 crore, the Chittagong income tax zone 1 Tk130 crore, Khulna Tk35 crore, Rajshahi Tk12 crore, Rangpur Tk23.12 crore, Barishal Tk10 crore, Sylhet Tk20 crore, Narayanganj Tk15.2 crore, Gazipur Tk25 crore, Comilla Tk15 crore and Bogra Tk9.05 crore. l

WB-supported solar systems supply power to 50,000 households every month n Tribune Report With support from World Bank and other development partners, the government’s solar home system (SHS) programme is taking power to more than 50,000 rural households every month.

Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development II (RERED II) Project is continuing to provide access to electricity in rural areas of Bangladesh through renewable energy sources, said a World Bank statement yesterday.

The project has already provided access to electricity to over 330,000 households.

Implemented by the government-owned Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) through a partnership with the non-government organisations (NGOs), Bangladesh’s SHS programme is a successful example of public-pri-

vate partnership (PPP).

Solar home systems meet the basic electricity needs of rural people, who would have otherwise been dependent on kerosene lamps for lighting, said the global lender.

A recent impact evaluation study on SHS have confirmed increased study time for children, increased mobility and sense of security for women, and increased use of contraceptives and fall in recent fertility in SHS households, thanks to awareness from watching TV. Building on the successful implementation of the solar home systems, the RERED II project will soon start supporting renewable energy-based minigrids in remote rural areas to provide electricity for productive applications.

The solar mini-grid project pipeline comprises 8 projects with a combined capacity of about 1 megawatt. Targeting rural growth centres, the mini-grids are expected to contribute to increased

economic activities in rural areas.

The project has mobilised grant support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide grant support to the mini-grid schemes in addition to the credit support from the International Development Association (IDA), the concessionary lending of the World Bank.

The project has started supporting solar irrigation pumps replacing diesel-run pumps.

The solar irrigation pumps are reducing costs of irrigation to the farmers and also helping to save foreign exchange for importing diesel.

By providing a renewable source, the solar irrigation pumps are also contributing to reduced green-house gas emissions.

A total 50 solar irrigation pumps with a capacity of 3.3-11kWp are under construction.

To provide matching grant sup-

port to the solar irrigation pumps, an amount of $24.5m has been approved from the Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (BCCRF).

The first tranche of $10m has recently become effective.

More than 28m households in Bangladesh still rely on traditional biomass fuels burnt in inefficient stoves.

With support from the RERED II project, IDCOL has embarked upon the improved cook stoves programme that will benefit rural women and children, who are exposed to indoor air pollution from inefficient stoves.

Forty nine NGOs have been selected

by IDCOL for implementing the cook stove programme, and implementation is expected to start shortly.

The project will also support the second phase deployment of energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and technical assistance to the power sector. l

The revenue board has appointed three members at the NBR headquarter and five are transferred while two new commissioners are appointed at its field offices

At the member level, two of its zonal commissioners and one director general were promoted as the members of the revenue body.

“Such changes in the administrative duties in the income tax wing was nothing new, rather it is a part of regular process, which NBR goes through every year,’’ said the official.

“As we are already lagging behind the target, in order to achieve the higher target of revenue set for fiscal year (FY) 2013-14, the authority has already brought some changes at income tax

wing and more administrative changes are in the offing,” he said.

For the FY2013-14, the NBR is set to collect Tk136,090 crore revenue; however, it has already witnessed Tk8,535 crore or 15% short of target during the first half of the fiscal year.

The newly appointed NBR members are Chowdhury Amir Hossain, Parvez Iqbal and Sirajul Islam. Earlier, Chowdhury Amir Hossain and Sirajul Islam were appointed as tax commissioners at zonal offices while Parvez Iqbal was working as director general of Central Intelligence Cell at NBR. At the field level offices, Dhaka zone-6 income tax commissioner Mir Mushtak Ali has been transferred to Dhaka Zone office 2, while zone-2 commissioner Md Abdur Razzak has been made director general at Central Intelligence Cell, zone-8 commissioner Zia Uddin Mahmood has been transferred to zone-one, tax commissioner and director general of BCS Tax Academy Meftah Uddin Khan has been transferred to Dhaka zone office-6, and Mymenshing zonal commissioner Ronjon Kumer Bhoumik has been made the director general of BCS Tax Academy.

From the recently appointed tax commissioners, Begum Humaira Sayeeda has been made the commissioner at Mymenshing zonal tax office, and Madhab Chandra Dash has been made the commissioner at Sylhet zonal tax office.

For the FY13-14, the NBR is set to collect Tk48,300 crore from income tax. l

EXCHANGE RATES Average selling rates to public in BDT Banks Rupali Bank Currencies SELL BUY USD 77.4 78.4 EURO INR SAR

104.199 1.187 20.537

107.390 1.343 21.005

Sonali Bank SELL BUY 77.4 104.176 1.19 21.010

78.4 106.598 1.29 20.534

B2

Profit taking ends 8-day rally n Tribune Report

DSE LOSERS

4550.47819

(-) 0.33%

941.27986

(-) 0.13%

14080.8926

(-) 0.18%

11666.9112

(-) 0.40%

8931.1129

(-) 0.43%

Meghna Con. Milk -B Imam Button -Z Kay & Que (BD) -Z Meghna PET Ind. -Z Stylecraft -A ISN Ltd. -A Dulamia CottonZ Midas Financing-Z Zeal Bangla Sugar -Z

-9.46 -8.49 -8.44 -7.69 -6.55 -6.44 -6.19 -5.76 -4.95

Average (% change) -11.04 -9.58 -10.24 -8.86 -6.55 -4.56 -10.49 -5.24 -5.29

JMI Syringes MDL-A

-3.90

-2.26

Closing (% change)

CSE LOSERS

Prime Islami Life -A Kay & Que (BD) -Z ISN Ltd. -A City Bank - A Argon Denims Limited-A Delta Brac HFCL-A JMI Syringes MDL-A Trust Bank-A CVO PetroChem RL-Z

-7.56 -7.26 -6.06 -4.67 -4.60 -3.82 -3.73 -3.48 -3.45

Average (% change) -6.97 -7.00 -5.32 -3.14 -4.24 -1.46 -1.68 -3.64 -3.46

Bay Leasing.-A

-3.37

-4.30

Company

Closing (% change)

Closing average

Closing

137,268

Traded Issues

292

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

103

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

186

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

3

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,185.41

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

26.49

577.64

Turnover (Volume)

16,364,430

Number of Contract

21,731

Traded Issues

225

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

73

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

149

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

2

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,092.92

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

25.37

Turnover in million

Daily low

Latest EPS

Latest PE

13.54 9.91 21.74 8.54 885.00 22.17 9.22 31.27 9.67

13.40 9.70 21.70 8.40 885.00 21.80 9.10 31.10 9.60

14.30 10.60 22.60 8.70 885.00 23.00 9.90 32.00 10.00

13.40 9.70 21.40 8.40 885.00 21.50 9.00 30.50 9.60

2.289 0.669 0.837 0.363 0.089 3.740 0.119 2.486 0.029

-4.60 -2.20 -0.89 -0.52 20.50 -0.36 -1.90 -2.48 -5.64

-ve -ve -ve -ve 43.2 -ve -ve -ve -ve

220.16

217.10

230.00

216.30

25.869

1.97

111.8

Closing average

Closing

Daily high

Turnover in million

Daily low

Progressive Life-A Padma Islami Life*-N BSC-A National Tubes -A Standard Ceramic -A PragatiLife Insu. -A Eastern Cables-Z Sun Life Insurance-N GSP Finance-A 1st ICB M F -A

Latest EPS

Company GSP Finance-A Eastern Cables-Z BSC-A Padma Islami Life*-N PragatiLife Insu. -A Meghna Life Ins. -A Apex Foods -A UNITED AIR-A Rangpur Foundry -A Sun Life Insurance-N

Sector 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

DSE Million Taka 624.04 416.09 173.53 724.56 167.10 823.69 1.69 684.55 475.78 0.49 26.78 173.32 31.11 411.07 53.89 156.79 487.25 165.56 330.42 180.92 0.07

110.00 21.70 21.70 20.40 70.50 68.00 216.90 19.40 651.70

117.00 21.70 22.50 22.00 71.00 68.00 225.30 20.20 660.00

110.00 21.60 21.40 20.00 69.10 68.00 216.80 19.10 650.00

0.055 0.065 1.158 3.022 0.510 0.102 2.873 0.493 1.043

4.95 -0.89 -0.36 1.17 3.33 4.72 1.97 1.47 -6.76

22.4 -ve -ve 17.6 21.1 14.4 112.2 13.2 -ve

37.42

37.30

38.00

37.10

0.947

1.56

24.0

Market paused on profit taking after a long rally, which is inevitable

% change 10.22 6.81 2.84 11.86 2.74 13.48 0.03 11.21 7.79 0.01 0.44 2.84 0.51 6.73 0.88 2.57 7.98 2.71 5.41 2.96 0.00

Million Taka 64.06 28.84 12.39 80.84 18.74 59.41 55.60 42.40 0.20 1.98 7.84 2.53 30.10 8.76 4.43 28.86 15.55 75.50 40.18 0.01

CSE

% change 11.08 4.99 2.14 13.98 3.24 10.27 0.00 9.62 7.33 0.04 0.34 1.36 0.44 5.21 1.52 0.77 4.99 2.69 13.06 6.95 0.00

Million Taka 688.10 444.93 185.92 805.39 185.83 883.11 1.69 740.15 518.18 0.70 28.76 181.17 33.64 441.18 62.66 161.22 516.12 181.11 405.92 221.11 0.08

9.90 9.56 8.71 8.51 6.70 6.53 6.45 5.88 5.80 5.61

Average (% change) 2.91 9.54 7.95 4.71 5.60 5.92 5.36 4.99 5.80 3.35

DSE NEWS: Ware pleased to announce launch of DSEX Shariah Index (DSES) effective from January 20, 2014. It will serve as a Shariah-compliant broad market benchmark measuring the performance of the Bangladesh equity market. S&P Dow Jones Indices served as a consultant to the Dhaka Stock Exchange in designing the methodologies for the DSEX Shariah Index. The Index is constructed as a subset of the DSE Broad Index (DSEX) and includes all stocks included in the parent index that pass rules-based screens for Shariah compliance. Constituents of DSE Broad Index are screen based on two broad parameters - Sector based screen and Accounting based Screen. On Jan 20, 2014, the index opened with 942.50271. Inception date of index is January 24, 2011 with the starting value (base value) of 1000.

BSC: (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 profit/(loss) after tax of Tk. 17.54 million with EPS of Tk. 1.29 as against Tk. (133.87) million and Tk. (16.18) respectively for the same period of the previous year.

Accumulated profit/(loss) of the Company was Tk. (2,127.92) million as on 30.09.2013.

BDCOM: (H/Y): As per un-audited half yearly accounts as on 31.12.2013 (July'13

Company UNITED AIR-A S Purbanchol Power-N UCBL - A Padma Oil Co. -A Meghna Petroleum -A Appollo Ispat CL -N Olympic Ind. -A ApexAdelchi Ftr -A BSC-A HeidelbergCement -A

Total

Closing (% change)

Average (% change) 10.06 5.27 7.57 3.80 7.45 6.13 6.15 3.11 3.16 5.62

Closing average 145.50 69.88 463.46 100.28 40.80 226.36 99.62 66.31 32.61 940.00

Closing average 32.51 98.61 465.97 69.79 214.70 134.06 112.73 17.88 104.00 66.30

Closing 147.10 71.50 467.25 103.40 40.80 230.70 100.70 67.90 33.30 943.10

Closing 33.30 98.60 468.00 71.40 231.00 137.00 113.90 18.00 104.00 67.80

Daily high 147.50 71.80 467.25 105.00 40.90 232.40 102.00 70.00 33.80 945.00

Daily high 33.30 99.00 468.00 72.00 231.00 137.90 114.80 18.50 104.00 69.80

to Dec'13), the Company has reported net profit after tax of Tk. 28.38 million with EPS of Tk. 0.85 as against Tk. 22.56 million and Tk. 0.68 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Whereas net profit after tax was Tk. 14.38 million with EPS of Tk. 0.43 for the period of 3 months (Oct'13 to Dec'13) ended on 31.12.2013 as against Tk. 11.78 million and Tk. 0.35 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

GSPFINANCE: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on January 22, 2014 at 3:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2013.

AGNISYSL: The Company has informed that it has credited the bonus shares for the year ended on June 30, 2013 to the respective shareholders' BO Accounts on January 19, 2014.

RAHIMTEXT: The Company has informed that it has credited the bonus shares for the year ended on June 30, 2013 to the respective shareholders' BO Accounts on January 19, 2014.

RIGHT SHARE: ARAMITCEM: Subscription 23.03.2014 to 17.04.2014. Record date for entitlement of rights share: 09.01.2014.

RUPALILIFE- Subscription 06.04.2014 to

Daily low 126.00 62.00 445.00 91.00 40.00 200.00 93.00 59.00 28.30 940.00

Daily low 29.00 92.00 455.00 65.50 212.30 129.00 108.00 15.40 104.00 61.00

Turnover in million 11.961 56.204 117.753 36.000 0.408 45.971 5.004 49.555 59.064 0.141

Turnover in million 2.289 0.266 30.011 3.678 6.871 0.959 0.620 73.846 0.052 5.673

Latest EPS 2.30 1.10 5.16 1.84 1.01 2.38 0.68 0.00 1.47 60.76

Latest EPS 1.47 0.68 5.16 1.10 2.38 6.45 3.96 1.52 3.03 0.00

Latest PE 63.3 63.5 89.8 54.5 40.4 95.1 146.5 22.2 15.5

Latest PE 22.1 145.0 90.3 63.4 90.2 20.8 28.5 11.8 34.3 -

05.05.2014. Record date for entitlement of rights share: 16.01.2014.

IPO Subscription: Emerald Oil Industries Limited subscription date 06-12 January 2014, NRB upto 21 Januray 2014. At per, face value taka 10 and market lot 500.

Matin Spinning Mills Limited subscription date 26-30 January 2014, NRB upto 08 Feburay 2014. @ Tk. 37/-, face value taka 10 and market lot 200. Hwa Well Textiles (BD) Limited subscription date 17-23 February 2014, NRB upto 04 March 2014. At per, face value taka 10 and market lot 500.

Dividend/AGM

ECABLES: 10% cash, AGM: 01.03.2014, RD: 29.12.2013.

USMANIAGL: 11% Cash & 10% Stock, AGM: postponed, RD: 07.11.2013.

POWERGRID: 15% Cash, AGM: 25.01.2014, Time: 10:00 AM. RD: 01.12.2013.

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.

Latest PE

110.70 21.67 22.05 20.65 70.38 68.00 221.03 19.35 651.67

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

9.69 9.49 8.73 7.37 7.37 7.35 6.34 6.09 6.05 5.97

CSE GAINERS

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS

ANALYST

Closing (% change)

News from trade server

Turnover (Million Taka)

▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲ Daily high

139,692,101

CSE key features January 20, 2014

Weekly capital market highlights DSE Broad Index : DSE - 30 Index : CSE All Share Index: CSE - 30 Index : CSE Selected Index :

6,108.71

Number of Contract

correction, creating some scope for investors to churn their portfolios,” said Lanka Bangla Securities in its market analysis.

It said stock prices rolled over a bit under the presence of selling pressure in the financial and fuel & power sector.

Assurance from European Union to continue with the GSP facility for Bangladesh apparels failed to generate buying binge among the investors, as the sector index ended marginally higher by 0.3%, driven by only heavyweight Square Textile that gained more than 3%.

All other major sectors ended in red because of profit booking with power shedding most 1.3%, followed by banks, financial institutions, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

However, life insurance and cement sectors ended in green declining over 2.7% and 1.5% respectively.

Activities centered mainly on fuel & power and engineering sector, accounted for 13% and 12% of total market turnover.

United Airways dominated the top turnover chart with shares worth Tk30 crore changing hands, followed by Summit Purbanchol Power, United Commercial Bank Ltd, Padma Oil and Meghna Petroleum.

Pragati Life Insurance was the day’s highest gainer, posting a rise of 9.7% while Meghna Condensed Milk was the day’s worst loser with a fall of 9.5%. l

Stocks edged lower yesterday amid profit booking mainly on financials and energy issues, ending an eightday rally.

Shariah-based DSES index began its journey with red on the first trading day, as it saw marginal fall of just over 1 points or 0.2% to settle at 941 from its base point of 942.5.

The benchmark DSEX ended at 4,550 with a drop of almost 15 points or 0.4%. The blue-chip comprising DS30 index lost around 3 points or 0.2% to 1,609.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index, CSCX, lost 39 points to close at 8,931.

“Market paused on profit taking after a long rally, which is inevitable,” said Akter H Sannamat, vice president of Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association.

On new index, he said as investors do not know yet which companies – bad or good – the new index represent, investment decision should not be taken on index behaviour.

“Stock exchange should disclose the names of the companies included in the index for understating its true reflection.”

The total turnover on DSE stood at more than Tk600 crore, down nearly 14% over the previous session’s one-month high of over Tk700 crore.

“After a weeklong rally in index, market showed up some natural

Company

Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume)

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

DSE GAINERS

DSE key features January 20, 2014

Shariah Index debuts with marginal fall

Company

Stock

DHAKA TRIBUNE

% change 10.29 6.65 2.78 12.04 2.78 13.21 0.03 11.07 7.75 0.01 0.43 2.71 0.50 6.60 0.94 2.41 7.72 2.71 6.07 3.31 0.00

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

Generation Next-A Delta Life Insu. -A ConfidenceCement A LankaBangla Fin. -A Bengal Windsor-N Square Pharma -A Grameenphone-A BD Submarine Cable-A Active Fine Chem.-A Paramount Textile Ltd.-A CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company UNITED AIR-A Appollo Ispat CL -N BSC-A UCBL - A S Purbanchol Power-N Padma Oil Co. -A Bengal Windsor-N Golden Son -A Paramount Textile Ltd.-A Generation Next-A

BD Submarine Cable-A Meghna Petroleum -A LafargeS Cement-Z Square Pharma -A

Volume shares 16,721,251 2,724,870 6,801,754 536,432 677,991 4,198,200 700,893 221,600 254,075 254,900

2,958,760 393,900 738,880 1,340,967 1,283,332 408,128 399,000 515,718 826,336 1,403,590

Volume shares 4,129,869 826,400 64,405 818,732 234,390 44,760 144,776 149,700 175,630 250,900

55,195 32,936 215,000 35,227

Value in million 299.26 203.75 196.26 177.03 169.96 157.46 122.21 119.72 117.75 113.03

106.07 105.72 102.87 102.54 91.49 89.43 82.86 82.70 79.20 74.76

Value in million 73.85 31.06 30.01 23.62 17.56 14.72 10.38 9.76 9.39 9.03

8.91 8.26 8.04 7.72

% of total turnover 4.90 3.34 3.21 2.90 2.78 2.58 2.00 1.96 1.93 1.85

1.74 1.73 1.68 1.68 1.50 1.46 1.36 1.35 1.30 1.22

% of total turnover 12.79 5.38 5.20 4.09 3.04 2.55 1.80 1.69 1.63 1.56

1.54 1.43 1.39 1.34

Daily closing 17.90 74.70 28.70 327.40 249.50 37.10 172.90 540.60 467.25 442.60

35.40 269.50 139.70 76.30 71.00 219.00 207.10 163.90 95.60 52.70

Daily closing 18.00 37.30 468.00 28.70 74.90 326.90 70.90 64.50 52.80 35.70

164.70 249.20 37.50 219.00

Price change 4.68 1.22 -1.03 -0.09 -1.54 -2.62 -2.92 0.04 8.73 2.03

Daily opening 17.10 73.80 29.00 327.70 253.40 38.10 178.10 540.40 429.75 433.80

36.10 265.50 137.00 77.00 71.50 220.50 208.30 161.80 96.40 53.30

Price change 5.88 -2.36 8.71 -1.03 1.49 0.12 -0.98 -2.71 -0.94 -1.65

Daily opening 17.00 38.20 430.50 29.00 73.80 326.50 71.60 66.30 53.30 36.30

-1.94 1.51 1.97 -0.91 -0.70 -0.68 -0.58 1.30 -0.83 -1.13

1.54 -2.27 1.35 -0.77

162.20 255.00 37.00 220.70

Daily high 18.70 75.60 29.40 334.50 256.70 38.30 181.10 550.90 467.25 448.30

36.50 272.70 140.30 79.00 73.90 225.00 210.70 165.00 97.00 57.00

Daily low 15.40 67.00 27.00 300.00 241.00 37.00 164.00 530.10 445.00 437.00

32.50 265.00 130.00 70.00 66.00 205.00 206.80 150.00 90.00 48.00

Daily average 17.90 74.77 28.85 330.01 250.68 37.51 174.36 540.27 463.46 443.43

Daily high 18.50 38.20 468.00 29.30 75.50 335.00 73.00 66.60 54.60 36.50

Daily low 15.40 37.10 455.00 28.20 73.00 325.00 70.40 64.20 52.60 35.50

Daily average 17.88 37.58 465.97 28.85 74.90 328.94 71.73 65.19 53.46 36.01

165.30 257.00 37.90 222.00

158.10 248.00 36.50 218.00

35.85 268.38 139.22 76.46 71.29 219.12 207.66 160.36 95.84 53.27

161.37 250.82 37.39 219.05

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

B3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tata Motors unveils new petrol engine n Reuters Tata Motors Ltd yesterday showed off the first variant from its new series of petrol engines, expected to power some of its future cars, as the company looks to capture a returning shift in consumer preference for the fuel.

With the government allowing fuel retailers to gradually increase the price of diesel - a popular fuel in India thanks to government subsidies - the gap between the prices of petrol and diesel is narrowing, causing demand to slowly gravitate back towards petrol cars.

Tata Motors, which has seen sales plunge this year amid a wider slowdown in the auto market, generates the bulk of its passenger vehicle sales through diesel-powered vehicles.

“Petrol represents a big opportunity for us. Our play in petrol has been lower than we have in diesel,” Ranjit Yadav, president of the company’s passenger vehicle business unit, told reporters.

The new 1.2 litre turbocharged engine will be used in the company’s compact vehicles, some of which are expected to be launched later this year. l

Life Insurance stocks shine despite falling indices n Tribune Business Desk

A worker assembles a vehicle at Tata Motors' plant in Pimpri, India

REUTERS

Stock prices of twelve life insurance companies moved up by almost 3% at Dhaka Stock Exchange yesterday, contributing about 8% of the total market turnover.

Total value of trades in the sector stood at Tk48.6 crore yesterday with Delta Life Insurance coming out as the most traded stock with a value of Tk10.5 crore.

The list of top ten gainers was dominated by Progressive Life that rose 9.7%, followed by Padma Islami Life 9.5%, Pragati Life 7.4% and Sunlife 6.1%.

None of the companies within the sector made any disclosure yesterday.

The companies represent a sectoral market capital of over Tk7,500 crore, making up over 3% of the total market capital at DSE. l

Dollar mixed in

Oil prices down China sets final duties on US solar materials Asia after upbeat in Asian trade n US data Reuters

n AFP, Singapore

Oil prices eased in Asian trade yesterday after China’s 2013 economic growth came in at its slowest rate in 14 years, fuelling concerns over demand in the world’s second largest economy.

New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February delivery, was down 67 cents at $93.70 a barrel in afternoon trade, while Brent North Sea crude for March dropped 15 cents to $106.33.

China said Monday gross domestic product grew 7.7% last year, the same as 2012 and in line with a median forecast in a survey of 14 economists by AFP. It also beat the government’s official target of 7.5%.

Growth for the October-December quarter also came in at 7.7%, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, slowing from 7.8% in the previous three months.

Kenny Kan, market analyst at CMC Markets, said the Chinese data “painted a dimmer picture for the energy sector”.

China hit the United States with final anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imports of solar-grade polysilicon yesterday, the latest move in what has been a contentious trade battle in the solar industry.

The anti-dumping duties, announced by China’s Commerce Ministry, were in line with initial levels levied last year of up to 57% on imports of the raw material used to make solar panels.

Anti-subsidy duties on US imports

were set at 2.1%, lower than the upper limit 6.5% preliminary duties set in September.

The ministry also levied final anti-dumping duties on South Korean polysilicon of between 2.4% and 12.3%.

An investigation concluded that China’s producers “suffered substantial harm” due to the United States and South Korea selling below cost in the Chinese markets, and also due to US subsidies, the ministry said in statements on its website.

The duties would be effective immediately and last five years, it said.

REC Solar Grade Silicon LLC and AE Polysilicon Corp were among the hardest hit with anti-dumping duties at 57%.

Washington had called previously announced duties disappointing, and many in the US solar industry saw the move as an attempt to protect China’s struggling domestic firms.

The United States has already imposed its own duties of about 30% on Chinese solar panels in a case finalized in 2012.

China and the European Union have also soured their relations over solar

industry disputes.

Europe had planned to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese solar panels but a majority of EU governments - led

by Germany and wary of offending China’s leaders and losing business - opposed the plan and sealed a compromise deal in July.

Chinese solar equipment producers like LDK Solar Co Ltd are struggling.

China’s State Council, or cabinet, has pledged to boost support as the government seeks to revive a sector struggling with overcapacity and falling prices. l

The kingdom welcomes this new source of energy that helps fulfill the growing world demand for energy, and helps stabilise oil markets

French lender Credit Agricole said the slowdown in quarter-on-quarter growth was overstated “due to lower number of working days” than in the previous three months.

China is the world’s biggest energy-consuming nation and the health of its economy is closely watched by oil traders.

Kan said oil prices also were under pressure over concerns about an oversupply in the United States.

Ali Al Naimi, the Oil Minister of Saudi Arabia, on Sunday said the OPEC cartel kingpin is unconcerned by a boom in US shale oil production.

“The kingdom welcomes this new source of energy that helps fulfill the growing world demand for energy, and helps stabilise oil markets,” state news agency SPA quoted Naimi as saying.

In October, oil production in the United States surpassed imports for the first time in nearly two decades, helped mainly by production from newly tapped shale-based reserves.

CMC’s Kan said trading was expected to remain thin for the rest of the day yesterday as US markets are closed for a public holiday. l

A worker inspects solar panels at a solar farm in Dunhuang, 950km (590 miles) northwest of Lanzhou, Gansu Province

China central bank offers emergency funds to small banks as rates rise: sources n Reuters China’s central bank is offering emergency funding support to commercial banks amid a spike in cash rates, sources with direct knowledge of the move told Reuters yesterday.

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) will offer up to 120bn yuan ($19.8bn) in 1-14 day funds to smaller banks via its Standing Lending Facility (SLF), the three sources said.

The move by PBOC comes after the interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term loans spiked in recent days. Traders attributed the higher rates to elevated cash demand in the run-up to the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on January 31.

A PBOC spokesman declined to comment.

The sources said banks incorpo-

rated at the regional or local level can apply to the PBOC for fund injections when the interest rate on the overnight bond repurchase rate exceeds 5%, the seven-day repo rate exceeds 7%, or the 14-day repo rate exceeds 8%.

The overnight rate closed at 4.30% on a weighted-average basis on Monday but individual trades occurred as high as 9%.

The seven- and 14-day rates peaked yesterday at 10% and 7.8%, respectively, according to data from the National Interbank Funding Center.

The central bank typically uses its SLF to provide one- to three-month loans to commercial banks. In this case, however, the cash injections will range from one to 14 days.

The PBOC typically provides this type of short-term cash via reverse repos at its twice-weekly open market

operations. But the central bank has skipped open market operations for the last three weeks.

The relaunch of initial public offerings of stock is also boosting cash demand this week. IPOs, restarted last week after a 14-month freeze, drive demand for short-term funding as investors need to deposit funds with underwriters in order to subscribe to new listings. Eight companies said yesterday that they would list on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on today, the first listings on China’s smaller bourse since the freeze ended.

Traders had previously predicted funding conditions would tighten in late January. The latest funding squeeze follows severe cash crunches in late June and late December.

The seven-day rate peaked at 28% on June 20, the highest trade on re-

REUTERS

cord, and soared again to 10% on December 20 and 23.

Bankers and analysts say the PBOC is attempting to strike a balance by guiding interbank interest rates higher without provoking a severe credit crunch that would spark panic.

Bankers say the central bank is using higher money market rates as a tool to curb the explosive growth in economy-wide debt since 2008, especially off-balance sheet debt that is often funded through interbank borrowing.

The PBOC and the banking regulator have repeatedly urged banks to improve liquidity management and reduce reliance on short-term funding markets.

Analysts say smaller banks rely the most on money-market funding because their smaller branch networks provide them less access to customer deposits. l

n AFP, Tokyo

The dollar was mixed in Asia yesterday following broadly upbeat US economic data, while the yen was lifted by speculation the Bank of Japan’s policy board will hold off any new stimulus measures when it meets this week.

The greenback bought 104.08 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade, slipping from 104.30 yen on Friday in New York, while the euro weakened to $1.3530 and 140.84 yen compared with $1.3535 and 141.17 yen.

Official figures released in Washington on Friday showed US factory output rose 0.3% last month, extending its streak of gains since July. In addition, housing starts fell in December from November’s five-year high, but the drop was not as much as forecast while the pace of home building remained strong.

There was muted reaction to figures showing China’s gross domestic product expanded 7.7% last year, its slowest rate in 14 years at a time of concern about the strength of the world’s number-two economy.

Investors will be looking for further evidence of the state of the US economy as the Federal Reserve prepares for its next policy meeting next week.

The central bank last month said it would trim its bond-buying programme by $10bn a month to $75bn in January, citing a firming economy.

Many investors are betting on a further reduction at the January meeting.

Eyes this week are on the Bank of Japan’s next policy board meeting, which wraps up tomorrow, with expectations it will hold steady on new measures -- a positive for the yen -- until it can gauge the effect of an April sales tax rise.

“Although we keep an overall bearish stance regarding the yen, we do not exclude additional short-term correction risk,” Credit Agricole said.

“This is mainly due to a falling probability of the BoJ considering more aggressive policy action.”

Also this week, agencies Moody’s and Fitch are to announce fresh credit ratings on Germany and France. Standard & Poor’s downgraded France’s rating in November.

The greenback was mostly stronger against other Asia-Pacific currencies.

It firmed to Sg$1.2769 from Sg$1.2724 on Friday, to 1,063.14 South Korean won from 1,061.19 won, to Tw$30.11 from Tw$30.07 and to 61.62 Indian rupees from 61.41 rupees.

It also rose to 32.88 Thai baht from 32.74 baht, and to 45.12 Philippine pesos from 45.08 pesos while the dollar slipped to 12,120 Indonesian rupiah from 12,124 rupiah.

The Australian dollar was hovering around three-year lows, changing hands at 87.77 US cents against 88.18 cents. l

Asia manages muted cheer for China growth n Reuters

Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) held its 2nd Board of Directors meeting for the term 2013-2015 at its conference room recently. BTCCI President Sajjatus Jumma presided over the meeting. Former DCCI President and BTCCI Founder President Rashed Maksud Khan, former DCCI President and BTCCI Director Zafar Osman, former DCCI President and BTCCI Director Asif Ibrahim were also seen in the photo

Asian markets managed a muted cheer yesterday as China reported economic growth that was a fraction ahead of forecasts, a relief to many but still not enough to dispel a general air of caution.

A majority of the share markets in the region stayed in the red with Tokyo off 0.5%, Sydney 0.3% and Shanghai 0.5%.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan pared its losses but was still down 0.2%.

Liquidity was lacking with US markets closed yesterday for a holiday.

Neither was there much of a lead from

Wall Street where the Dow ended last week with a slim gain of 0.1%, while the S&P 500 lost 0.2% for the week.

China’s annual economic growth slowed a tick to 7.7% last quarter, which was just ahead of market forecasts for 7.6% and at least countered fears that monetary tightening could have caused a sharper pullback.

“The economy may be a little more robust than people thought coming into 2014,” said Tim Condon, an economist at ING Group in Singapore.

“I had thought the monetary tightening in 2013 would pose a downside risk. The numbers reduce that downside risk.”

The other data out were much in line with forecasts, with retail sales growing 13.6% in December from a year earlier, while industrial output rose 9.7%.

That resilience was considered a positive for Australia given China is its single biggest export market, and helped the Australian dollar clamber off a three-year trough of $0.8756 to reach $0.8780.

Yet the Australian currency remains out of favour having shed 2.4% last week due to disappointing domestic data and demand for US dollars and yen.

In contrast, the US dollar gained 0.9% last week against a basket of major currencies on expectations the

Federal Reserve will stick with plans to scale back its bond buying at a policy meeting later this month.

The yen had been in demand on yesterday as general mood of risk aversion led speculators to cut back on short positions, which has been a very popular trade for months now.

The euro was particularly affected, dropping to a six-week low at one stage before steadying at 140.73 yen.

The dollar eased to 104.05 yen from an early 104.32.

The Bank of Japan holds its policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday and is expected to maintain its massive asset buying programme. l

B4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Lean thinking movement: Optimising inventory n Bijon Islam Inventory is always bad. Based on this premise, operations modelers have forever tried to keep inventories at optimum level - just think, Wal-Mart spent billions in developing automated systems to maintain and re-order their stocks. However, Toyota changed the game by adopting “Lean Manufacturing” techniques. “Just in Time”, or the famous “JIT,” was born. All raw materials and supplies arrived at the manufacturing plant at the right time, went in the assembly line, and then after a series of micro-calculated steps, the complete car heads for a sales shop.

Apart from work-in-process materials the system exhausts any option for ideal resources.

After the widely studied JIT technique, businesses became more interested in lean thinking, and Eric Ries, author of “The Lean Startup” and entrepreneur-in-residence at Harvard Business School, popularized the model for startups. As of now a high percentage of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs adapt to this technique, top global names that utilized this technique include the likes of Facebook, Dropbox and Second Life.

So what does Lean Thinking Movement mean exactly and how has it become so relevant for Bangladesh?

The Lean Business Model entails that instead of committing too many resources in building a full product, one should build a Minimum Viability Prototype (MVP) and then test it out with customers. Based on their direct feedback the company should then either build on the product or make necessary feature modifications. This means the company continuously commits resources on building a value the con-

Malaysia relaxes auto sector curbs to woo foreign carmakers n AFP, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia announced yesterday it would allow foreign automakers to build smaller passenger cars in the country, a liberalising move aimed at repositioning the country as a leader in energy-efficient vehicles.

The changes, effective immediately, will for the first time allow foreign automakers to build cars with engines of 1.8 litres or less if those cars qualify as energy-efficient.

Such projects will not need domestic investment partners and will enjoy incentives such as tax breaks, Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed told reporters.

“The policies used to be there to protect (national car brand) Proton.

But we have opened up the market,” he said.

“We believe these policies will enable Malaysia to regain our position as one of the most dynamic hubs for Southeast Asia.”

Malaysia, the region’s third-largest economy after Thailand and Indonesia, was once Southeast Asia’s automotive hub.

But it has fallen behind its two rivals through decades of industry policies that coddled Proton, which was launched in 1983.

Malaysia now produces far fewer vehicles than Thailand or Indonesia.

The government had previously shielded Proton via excise and import duties of up to 150% on foreign vehicles, and other restrictions.

The policies have been blamed for contributing to sub-standard Proton models. The firm, which was stateowned until 2012, has recorded losses in recent years as its market share sank.

Consumers have also complained the policies made better-built foreign cars too expensive for many Malaysian buyers.

Malaysia already allows foreign carmakers to manufacture larger vehicles in the country, after lifting foreign-equity caps on such ventures in 2010.

The reforms could be attractive to some foreign manufacturers looking for a regional production base but should not worry Malaysia’s neighbours much, said Affin Investment’s auto sector analyst Chong Lee Len. “It’s a positive step for the market, but not quite a ‘Big Bang’,” she said.

In 2012 Thailand and Indonesia produced 2.4 million and 1.1 million cars under foreign nameplates, respectively, up 67% and 27% from the year earlier, according to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

Neither country has a national car project. l

sumer actually wants and stop all peripheral or ancillary activities.

Post financial meltdown, large economic systems were hit including the states plus the European Union and global banking giants such as HSBC and Citi decided to approach leaner models. They closed down all peripheral activities wherever possible and focused on their core expertise. For example, HSBC has closed consumer banking in Thailand and has severely curtailed their retail-banking platform in Bangladesh.

We are already seeing the advent of firms like OLX; if not careful, our domestic businesses, which often take extended time to react to the market, will become less cost competitive and Leaner Global Businesses will actively take up market leadership If this wasn’t enough, we recently witnessed the government shutdown fiasco in the USA. Talks are high on how the US healthcare sector can become Lean and work in models similar to India’s (where hospitals cuts costs by adopting a hub and spoke model - for example a hospital brand has medical centers all over the country for high volume and short treatments but feeds in complicated and high value cases to headquarters). This way Indian hospitals are able to achieve higher economies of scale and keep expenses and client charges down.

So what kind of impact will this have on Bangladesh? Since the globe is increasingly focusing on Lean Thinking, in almost every domain starting from Startups to corporate and ending in even public sectors, it’s time

for Bangladesh to start adopting such practices.

Any given multinational banks in Bangladesh operate with far less employees than our local private commercial banks and still have a significantly higher revenue-per-employee ratio. Joint ventures here will increasingly center on lean operations, and local businesses will risk losing out on competitive edge.

Moreover, Bangladesh needs the Lean Thinking Principals, our inflations are high, cost of living is going up alarmingly fast, and even necessary rights to services such as quality education and healthcare are getting scarce.

Universities and programmes worldwide are adopting similar approaches to solve development critical problems; India is also going big with Frugal Innovations even on an industrial scale (like Tata Nano), therefore to take industrialisation forward Bangladesh has to commit on being the least wasteful and doing things that yield proper results (that also means limiting political instability as well).

As the connected world moves towards achieving higher efficacies, global firms will start selling products in our market by employing lean solutions such as social media engagement and e-commerce front ends.

We are already seeing the advent of firms like OLX; if not careful, our domestic businesses, which often take extended time to react to the market, will become less cost competitive and Leaner Global Businesses will actively take up market leadership. l The writer is the director of strategy at LightCastle Partners, an emerging market specialised business planning and intelligence firm.

Workers assemble cars at Hyundai's plant in Sriperumbudur, about 45 km (28 miles) north of Chennai

China's 2013 growth matches its slowest rate since 1999 n AFP, Beijing China's economy last year registered flat growth of 7.7%, maintaining its slowest expansion in more than a decade as the government warned Monday of "deep-rooted problems" including a mountain of local authority debt.

Gross domestic product (GDP) expansion for the October-December quarter also came in at 7.7%, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, from 7.8% in the previous three months.

The 2013 GDP figure was the same as that for 2012 - which was the worst rate of growth since 1999 - and matched the median forecast in a survey of 14 economists by AFP. It exceeded the government's growth target for the year, which was declared as 7.5%.

Growth for the fourth quarter was better than the AFP survey's median forecast of 7.6%.

"Generally speaking China's economy showed good momentum of stable and moderate growth in 2013, which is (a) hard-earned achievement," NBS chief Ma Jiantang told reporters.

The agency also reported positive data for industrial output, retail sales and fixed asset investment.

"However, we should keep in mind that the deep-rooted problems built up over time are yet to be solved in what is a critical period for China's economy," Ma said.

Since the 1980s, China has shaken off the lethargy of the Communist command economy with reforms that brought years of blistering growth, making its GDP second only to the US and establishing it as the world's biggest trading power in goods.

But it is expected to face slower expansion in future.

Its leaders under President Xi Jinping say they are committed to transforming China's growth model to one where consumers and other private actors play the leading role, rather than huge and often wasteful state investment.

Yet such fundamental change will likely take time. The NBS data showed the contribution of investment to GDP growth rose last year, to 54.4%, while consumption's share fell.

For 2014, the median forecast in the AFP survey was for 7.5% growth.

"Judging from the data, our outlook for 2014 remains that China's economy will continue slowing down in the first half," Wendy Chen, Shanghai-based analyst for Nomura International, told AFP.

China GDP

Within the past decade Chinese growth was regularly in double digits, but it has been slowing and the 2013 result has it in single figures for three consecutive years for the first time since 2002.

Worries ahead

China's GDP totalled 56.88tn yuan ($9.39tn) in 2013, the NBS said. It gave the country's Gini co-efficient - a measure of income inequality with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 total inequality - as 0.473, a minuscule improvement on 0.474 in 2012.

Ma of the NBS said China faces problems including dealing with burgeoning local government debt.

"The risk of local government debt should be prevented and greater efforts are to be made to weed out out-dated production capacity," he said.

China's leaders are also concerned about its financial system including "shadow banking" and government debt, particularly at regional level.

The results of a long-awaited debt audit last month showed local governments liabilities had ballooned to 17.9tn yuan as of the end of June, up 67% from the end of 2010.

Local authorities have long used debt to fuel growth in their regions, often by pursuing projects that are not

Official data

Yearly growth (%)

8.4 7.6

9.1 8.3

12.7 11.3 10.1 10.0

economically viable or sustainable.

While few see the problem as a systemic threat, the debt issue is considered a serious potential drag on the economy unless steps are taken to rein it in.

Analysts also say shadow banking non-transparent, less regulated credit - can stoke asset bubbles and threaten stability.

The term refers to lending sometimes issued by legitimate banks and financial institutions, as well as private deals between individuals or companies, that have arisen as a way of getting around strict banking rules.

Separately, the NBS said industrial output rose 9.7% in December yearon-year, and expanded 9.7% over 2013.

Retail sales gained 13.6% in December and 13.1% in 2013, it said.

And fixed asset investment, a measure of government spending on infrastructure, expanded 19.6% in 2013, the NBS added.

Hong Kong-based UBS Securities economist Wang Tao told AFP the main reason for a slowdown in fourth-quarter growth "was a decrease in infrastructure investment in the past few months, due to a stronger intention by the central government to control credit issuance and local government debt". l

Quarterly growth (%) y-o-y 14.2 9.6

10.4

7.9 7.7 7.5 7.8 7.7

7.7 9.2 9.3 7.7

99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 Source: China National Bureau of Statistics, AFP

REUTERS

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Asian shares mostly down Asian markets were mostly lower yesterday, after China released data showing the economy in 2013 recorded its slowest growth rate for more than a decade. The losses came after a broadly negative lead from Wall Street, while Japanese gaming giant Nintendo briefly lost almost a fifth of its value following a forecast last week that it would see a net loss this fiscal year. – AFP

Japan revises down November factory output, shrinks 0.1% Japan’s factory output in November was weaker than first reported with industrial production turning down 0.1%, according to revised data yesterday, in the latest sign of slowing growth. The reading which came after preliminary data had shown a 0.1% rise in output on-month - also marked the first contraction in three months. – AFP

Nintendo shares fall 6.14% on annual loss warning Shares in Japan’s Nintendo lost nearly a fifth of their value at one stage yesterday after the gaming giant warned it would slip back into the red on poor sales of its Wii U game console. The stock plunged almost 19% in morning deals before recouping most of its losses to close 6.14% lower at 13,745 yen. – AFP

Taiwan’s export orders up 7.4% in December

Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

2012 2013

Taiwan’s export orders rose 7.4% in December from a year ago on the back of growing overseas demand for new cellphones and other consumer products. Offering hopes of a slightly brighter picture in 2014 for the export-reliant economy, shipments in December totalled $42.31bn, compared with a rise of just 0.8% recorded in November, the economics ministry said in a statement. – AFP

Tokyo stocks close down 0.59% Tokyo stocks closed 0.59% lower yesterday as the dollar weakened against the yen, while gaming giant Nintendo plunged after warning last week it would slip into a loss this fiscal year. – AFP