25 January 2014

Magh 12, 1420 Rabiul Awal 23, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 301

SATURAY, JANUARY 25, 2014 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

6 | THIS IS HOW WE ROLL

7 | FLOSSING MAY DECREASE STROKES

16 pages | Price: Tk10

8 | NEW CAR PRESIDENT SWORN IN

13 | SRI LANKAN TEAM ARRIVES

Hasina snubs nephew for JS whip post ASM Feroz new chief whip, five freshers made whips n Kamran Reza Chowdhury Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday appointed ASM Feroz as the chief whip and five newcomers as whips of the 10th parliament, dropping her nephew Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury who was one of her lawmaker-relatives to pile up huge wealth during the last five years.

Feroz succeeds former chief whip Abdus Shahid.

Hasina has chosen newcomers for the posts of five whips apparently because the seven whips of the ninth parliament could not maintain order in the House, causing difficulties in running parliament.

The Parliament Secretariat issued a gazette notification regarding the new appointments.

In many cases, the whips could not ensure presence of adequate number of MPs while the House was in session The new whips are Atiur Rahman Atik (Sherpur 1), Shahiduzzaman Sarker (Naogaon 2), Iqbalur Rahim (Dinajpur 3), Soaliman Haque Joarder (Salun) of Chuadanga 1 and Md Shahab Uddin (Moulvibazar 1).

In ninth parliament while holding the post of a whip, equivalent to a state minister, Noor-E-Alam was the chairman of parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry and member of two other important committees – the watchdogs on LGRD and housing and public works ministries.

He was made the chairman of the shipping ministry watchdog in viola-

tion of the Rules of Procedure of parliament as he has been involved in shipping business.

In parliamentary practices, whips are to settle the day-to-day problems in the running of the plenary and beyond.

They pass on instructions from the Leader of the House to the MPs who may lose membership for violation of the party orders in parliament, in line with the article 70 of the constitution.

The chief whip who enjoys the rank of a full minister works as a bridge between the executive and the legislature.

One of the criticisms former chief whip Abdus Shahid faced was that he had frequently stayed abroad even when the parliament was in session.

Many MPs lodged complaints with the prime minister and the speaker for the inconveniences they had confronted for Shahid’s absence.

In many cases, the whips could not ensure presence of adequate number of MPs while the House was in session.

Again, the House adopted two private members’ resolutions, which the treasury bench did not want to be passed.

ASM Feroz used look after the whipping in parliament while Noor-E-Alam allegedly influenced Shahid’s decisions regarding the formation or reconstitution of the standing committees.

He was hardly seen in maintaining the assembly order. He rather stayed at his chamber or remained seated in the House.

Jailed by the military-backed government in 2007 on corruption charges, Noor-E-Alam headed many probe bodies formed by the parliamentary  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

A stage is being set up on the main road in Feni city yesterday, blocking vehicular movement. The road has been blocked for five days for the preparation of a rally to be held today to welcome visiting Awami League leaders. Story on Page 2 DHAKA TRIBUNE

Grassroots getting festive ahead of elections to 215 upazilas n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Political activists on the grassroots level are gearing up for festive election mood, following the Election Commission’s announcement of upazila parishad poll at 215 upazilas in two phases.

Although the upazila parishad election is a non-party poll, the participation of both Awami League and BNP would partly fill up the desire for in-

clusive elections, voters from different districts said.

Local political leaders have been collecting nomination forms with hopes for a functional autonomous local government, local correspondents of the Dhaka Tribune also informed.

Insiders of the AL said they wanted the election to be fair like the earlier elections to different local autonomous bodies. Top AL leaders also said the

INSIDE 3 A section of Jatiya Party leaders who withdrew nominations on Ershad’s instruction are now set to break away from the Ershad-led Jatiya Party to form a new platform for doing politics.

4 The irregularities in solar panel installation have risen, with a section of employees in power distribution companies being in cohort with consumers.

News

5 The waste management departments of the two city corporations of Dhaka falters as they fails to provide waste management service for the city people properly.

Op-Ed

12 Rock Strata, one of the pioneering bands of Bangladesh’s metal scene, is back after 22 long years with a brand new album titled Notun Shad-er Khojey. The album is scheduled to be released on February 7.

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

News

Entertainment

The BNP would continue to maintain its “electoral alliance” with Jamaat-e-Islami, said the party’s acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday.

“The Jamaat is with the BNP as an ally. It will continue to be with BNP in future,” said Fakhrul at a meeting with the leaders and activists of the party’s  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

RAB hauls cocaine, CID lab says it’s soda

News

11 Every modern society and state has the duty to protect minorities, and ensure equal rights for them. If anywhere, minorities feel insecure, and are tortured or persecuted by the majority community or any group of the majority community, it is a shortcoming of that society and a failure of the state.

staging of a transparent poll would create pressure for the BNP for not having participated in the national election.

However, BNP policymakers said there was no way to compare the national and local body election.

In some districts, local BNP leaders were confused about their party’s participation, but had been preparing themselves for the ballot battle.

BNP to continue alliance with Jamaat n Tribune Report

Workers build structures at Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday for the upcoming Amar Ekushey Gronthomela (Ekushey Book Fair). Usually held on Bangla Academy ground, the venue of the fair has been extended to the adjacent Udyan this year Rajib Dhar

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB 7) nabbed a university student, Mehedi Hasan, 21, in Chittagong City’s Pahartoli area with 900 gram cocaine in possession on October 5 last year.

However, the recovered item was later labelled as soda after chemical test at the forensic laboratory of Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

In another incident of May 29, 2013, the elite force nabbed Ruhul Amin, 24, with 1.45kg cocaine from Feni Railway Station. This time, the drug substance was termed urea fertiliser by the CID. Three other cocaine seizures by the RAB’s same unit in Chittagong last year were also found to be negative in the forensic test, said CID sources.

RAB men arrested Md Saifuddin, 45, and Goni Mia, 42, with 1.45kg cocaine at Kadamtali on May 6. Four days later, one Alamgir, 45, was caught with

1.30kg at a residential hotel in the city’s Paschim Madarbari.

On May 19, Mohammad Farid, 38, was nabbed with 1kg cocaine from the port city’s Shah Amanat Bridge area.

Cocaine is a narcotic (organic compound) extracted from coca leaves. It is used as a surface anaesthetic or taken for pleasure; and can become powerfully addictive with having severe impact on health.

P4 COCAINE SEIZED IN CAPITAL Pinku Poddar, assistant chemist of the CID’s Forensic Laboratory in Chittagong, said the five cocaine seizures by the RAB were found to be negative after chemical test.

Several high officials of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police, asking not to be named, alleged that the RAB staged “cocaine drama” to get recognition  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Female Rana Plaza victim Indecision eats Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamist parties found dead at home n Ashif Islam Shaon An injured female garment worker, who had survived the deadliest factory disaster “Rana Plaza collapse”, was found dead in her residence yesterday.

The husband of the deceased claimed that she “committed suicide” for mental stigma and unbearable pain she was suffering from her injuries she received from the building collapse.

The victim was Salma, 27, who had been living for the last two months in a rented house with her husband Babu,

a bus helper, in Bamnartek area in the capital’s Turag.

Police recovered the hanging body of Salma from the house around 11am after Babu informed them.

A Sub-Inspector of Turag police station Kamal Hossain quoting Babu said Salma sustained injuries to her head and body in the building collapse on April 24 last year. She had severe headache and also suffered from mental stigma.

“Babu claimed that she committed suicide failing to bear the pain,” he said.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

n Manik Miazee Hefazat-e-Islam is now wavering over declaring a fresh agitation programme to realise its 13-point demands when it could not stage any large demonstration in the last six months.

Now they are considering new programmes which can connect the ordinary Muslims and avoid government harassment, said leaders of Hefazat and some other Islamist parties.

For that, religious conferences including waz mahfils (sermons) have

been their initial choice.

Following the crackdown of law enforcers on the Hefazat supporters on May 5 last year, the Hathazari madrasa-based “non-political organisation” called rallies in Dhaka more than three times.

But the government did not allow them to gather in the capital. They could not even hold rallies in Chittagong areas.

After May 5, Hefazat leaders and activists are facing many cases on charges of vandalism, arson and killing of police and general people. Most of the

leaders and activists are now hiding to avoid arrest.

Hefazat leaders said they were not clear about the possible plan of action at this moment.

Sources said many of the Hefazat leaders – who are also top leaders of the 18-party allies – are communicating with the government high-ups for the release of its detained members and withdrawal of the cases against them.

They are also pursuing the government to hold a programme in the capital.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Khaleda calls for unity to oust 'neo-Baksal' n

Tribune Report

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia called upon everyone to become united against the government which has pushed the country’s democracy towards death.

In a statement on Friday, the BNP chairperson said, “We have to take an oath of serious movement to oust the government which has established Bakshali rule (one party rule) in the country.”

In the statement signed by Assistant Office Secretary Abdul Latif Jonny, Khaleda Zia said democracy and basic human rights were not safe in the hands of the Awami League.

On January 25, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established Bakshal, a government of national unity, through the 4th amendment of the constitution, the statement said.

BNP along with like-minded parties observed January 25 as the day democracy was killed.

At that time, the Awami League

passed an undemocratic law on the basis of muscle power defying the opinion of the opposition and the spirit of the Liberation War, the statement said.

Through the passage of the law, basic rights including freedom of expression, movement and organising were denied.

Except four, all newspapers were closed down.

On November 7, 1975, through a united effort of sepoy-public (Shipai-Janata) under the leadership of Ziarur Rahman, multi-party democracy started its journey, Khaleda Zia said in her statement.

She said the Awami League had denied the voting rights of people by scraping the caretaker government system through the amendment of the constitution, fearing defeat if the election were held in a free and fair manner.

Terming the January 5 election a farce, Khaleda Zia said through that election the government was planning to prolong its tenure, not hesitating to destroy the unity of the country and endangering its sovereignty. l

Five held for abducting UAE expatriate n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Detective Branch of Chittagong Metropolitan Police yesterday arrested five people for allegedly kidnapping an expatriate and realising ransom of Tk1crore.

The arrested are Md Abdur Rahim, Md Mohsin Uddin, Shahidullah, Hamid Hasan, and Md Didarul Islam, all hailing from Chittagong.

Led by one Nuruddin, they abducted Abu Ahammed, an expatriate living in the UAE for over last 20 years, from in front of his residence in city’s Panchlaish area on August 3 last year, said DB sources.

On September 3 the abductors released him after receiving the amount they had demanded, said Babul Akhter , additional deputy commissioner of DB. Ahammed’s family members lodged a case with Panchlaish police station after his abduction.

When contacted, Ahammed said in October they further threatened him to kidnap if Tk10lakh was not given by end of the month.

Police arrested the accused in separate drives from different areas of the city, he said. However, the main accused of the case, Nuruddin, was still on run, the DB official added. l

Feni AL keeps road blocked for 5 days for MPs’ reception n Our Correspondent, Feni

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam receives a gold boat from Rajshahi AL leaders at a reception programme organised in Bagha High School field yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Minister gets gold boat, school kids kept hungry for hours n Tribune Report Keeping hundreds of school-kids hungry and waiting in queues for hours, Bagha upazila Awami League accorded a reception to new State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam in Rajshahi yesterday.

The kids were kept standing on both sides of the road directing to Bagha High School where the ceremony was held.

The kids starved and burnt under the sun while Rajshahi 6 (Bagha-Charghat) lawmaker Shahriar got a goldmade boat and coat pin from his fellows at the reception.

Local municipality Mayor Akkas Ali handed over the golden boat to the lawmaker and ward 8 Awami League President Kawser Hossain gave him the coat pin.

The state minister in reply requested his fellows not to give him such gift

in future and declared that he would donate money (in comparison with the gifts’ monetary value) to a local handicaps’ organisation.

'I came to my school having breakfast and teachers took us here before lunch time.

They gave us nothing to eat' The ruling party men also constructed over 50 ornamental gates in Charghat and Bagha upazila sponsored by his fellows, education and business organisations.

The students who were kept standing said they were asked to attend their respective schools before noon and around 2:30pm they were taken to the venue.

“I came to my school having breakfast and teachers took us here before

RAB hauls cocaine, CID lab finds it soda  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

from their department as well as media attention.

On the other hand, the RAB said they had conducted chemical tests on the substances themselves and affirmed that those were cocaine.

The RAB sources, however, accused a quarter of unscrupulous policemen of altering the cocaine samples and replacing by soda, fertiliser or others.

The blame game has given the criminals to walk free, sources said adding that many innocent people were also harassed because of the conflict.

Sometimes innocent people are arrested based on false information

provided by their rivals. Informants of the law enforcement agencies also implicate innocent people with a view to serve their anterior purposes, the sources said.

Banaz Kumar Majumder, additional commissioner (crime and operation) of the CMP, told the Dhaka Tribune that the findings of any seizure by the police or the RAB had been tested by the CID forensic department. “The CID’s test is acceptable by the court.

“There is no scope either for the police or the RAB to change the seizure list and the items,” he said adding that the RAB was responsible for their recoveries.

Lt Col Mifta Uddin Ahmed, commanding officer of RAB 7, said: “There is no possibility of irregularities in our recoveries. Any quarter may have been changing the samples to serve their ulterior purposes.”

He also said they had conducted chemical tests of the recovered drugs by their own “Kit Box tools” initially adding that it gave accurate result most of the time. “If there is any suspicion, we send the samples to the RAB Headquarters Forensic Lab, which is the country’s most modern forensic test,” he added.

Mofiz Uddin, deputy director and in-charge media wing of RAB 7, said they had tested the seized cocaine from

Mehedi in their own way – both in Chittagong and Dhaka, and found positive result.

“I cannot not understand how the cocaine turns into soda in CID’s forensic test,” he said.

Azizul Islam, officer-in-charge of Pahartoli police station, said they had sent the item to the forensic lab, and that they had no responsibility in this regard.

Kamal Uddin, father of Mehedi, claimed that his son was trapped by a RAB source to get recognition.

The Rab 7 chief, Lt Col Mifta Uddin, said he had not received such complaints but would investigate if there was any. l

Hasina snubs nephew for JS whip post  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

standing committees he was members of.

According to the affidavit he submitted to the Election Commission for contesting the 10th general elections, Noor-E-Alam had an income hike of 330 times during the previous government tenure – 2008 to 2013.

In the 2008 affidavit, he had shown his annual income to be Tk4.48 lakh from business. Now his income shot up to Tk14.79 crore, says the latest affidavit. He also gets Tk1.31 crore as bank interest.

According to the previous declaration, the deposit of his and his dependents’ was over Tk1.65 lakh. After five years, his bank deposit stands at over

Tk53.97 crore while his spouse maintains a deposit of around Tk36 crore.

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

Profiles of new chief whip and whips ASM Feroz was elected MP in the second, fifth, seventh, ninth and 10th parliament from Patuakhali 2 constituency (Bauphal).

Born on February 1, 1953 in Kalaiya village under Bauphal upzila of Patuakhali, he joined the War of Independence in 1971.

His career with the Awami League started ahead of the third general elections in 1986.

Born on December 13, 1955, Shahiduzzaman Sarker had his masters degree in jurisprudence from Rajshahi University. He quit the judicial service and joined politics in 1986. He was elected MP in the fifth, ninth and 10th parliaments.

Sherpur 1 lawmaker Atik is a fourtime MP. He was born on December 1, 1957 in Baroghoria under Sherpur sadar upazila. He started his career in politics joining Bangladesh Chhatra League, the Awami League’s student front, in 1968.

He was first elected as an MP in 1996 on Awami League ticket. Then he was elected in the general elections of 2001, 2008 and 2014.

Iqbalur Rahim is a two-term MP

from Dinajpur sadar constituency. He was first elected as an MP in 2008. His father Abdur Rahim also contested from the Awami League.

He was the general secretary of Rajshahi College unit of Chhatra League.

Later became the president of Dhaka University unit Chhatra League.

Iqbalur Rahim was born on August 16, 1965 in Dinajpur.

Md Shahab Uddin was born on December 31, 1954 in Borolekha of Moulvibazar. He was first elected MP in 2008 as an Awami League candidate.

Soaliman Haque Joarder is a freedom fighter. He was born on March 15, 1946 in Chuadanga. He was first elected MP in the 2008 general elections from the Awami League. l

Grassroots getting festive ahead of elections to 215 upazilas  PAGE 1 COLUMN 5

Awami League has given instructions to the presidents and secretaries of district units through a letter signed by party General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam recently.

According to the Election Commission, the polls of 98 upazila parishads from 40 districts will be held on February 19.

Although dates for 102 upazilas were declared, problems were found about the delimitations of four upazilas in Rangpur.

The second phase of upazila election will be held in 117 upazilas from 52 districts on February 27.

BNP Standing Committee member Mahbubur Rahman confirmed about the party’s participation in the upcoming election and said they had decided to fulfill the local leaders’ desires, as it was a local body’s elections.

“We have some reservations about

the Election Commission, but it is also decided from our party to be part of the election,” Mahbubur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Senior Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu said it was great news for national politics that BNP wanted to participate in the upazila parishad election, though they had missed the national election train.

“Though BNP chairperson has boycotted the last national ballot battle, I think now she has realised that she had made a great mistake, and now she is willing to take part in upazila poll,” Amu, also the industries minister, told the Dhaka Tribune over phone.

However, at a programme earlier in the day, Amu had said: “If Khaleda Zia wants to participate in upazila poll, she must accept the new government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

Replying to the AL leader’s comment, Mahbubur Rahman said there was no

way to think like that, adding: “They can say anything; but not to be part of the national election was not a mistake made by BNP. We have no regret about it.”

Today is the last day for filing the nomination for the first phase of upazila parishad election.

Meanwhile, reports from different correspondents suggest that BNP leaders were more active in some areas, compared to the election activities shown by the ruling party activists.

Our Barisal correspondent said 12 aspirants from the BNP purchased nomination forms in two upazilas of Barisal, while only two aspirants from the AL and Jatiya Party (Ershad) had collected nominations so far.

Bogra has also reportedly become festive with election mood following the announcement of the election schedule.

The BNP’s district unit Secretary Jainul Abedin Chan directed his party

activists to be publicly active for the candidates, while the party’s district committee is set to select their candidates in a meeting today.

Mir Shahe Alam, incumbent chairman of Shibganj upazila and also the district BNP organizing secretary, said, lots of new aspirants have been found this year and it would be a colorful election.

Our Gopalganj correspondent said election hopefuls were holding meetings and attending cultural programs in different areas of Kashiani upazila In Sirajganj, the AL supporters reportedly declared the local lawmaker Ishaque Hossain Talukder “unwelcome” in Rupganj upazila over disputes surrounding the selection of candidate.

Ruling party men also blocked the Bogra-Nagarbary highway on Thursday as the lawmaker allegedly forcefully declared upazila AL President Almizi Zinnah as the candidate. l

lunch time. They gave us nothing to eat,” said a sixth grader Sohrab Hossain of Harirampur High School.

Talking to this correspondent around 2pm, student of local Rahmatuallah Girls’ High School Sarmin Sultana, Sakil Ahmed echoed the same as Sohrab.

When the students were in queues, the state minister after Juma prayer went to upazila Awami League leader Azizul Alam’s residence.

He came to stage at 4:38pm to attend the occasion. Around 5:30pm, president of upazila unit Jubo League Babul Islam announced through loudspeaker that the children who were starving “can go back home.”

After the state minister arrived, students of Shishu Academy sang the national anthem. Later, on behalf of more than 500 people and organisations, he was given a bouquet. l

The Feni district unit of Awami League has allegedly been obstructing parts of one of the key roads of district town since Tuesday, in order to set up a reception programme for the communications minister and three new MPs due for today.

Locals said the town was experiencing severe traffic congestion after local Awami League activists stopped vehicular movement on parts of the Trunk Road on Tuesday to set up a stage on the road.

Business in the shops adjacent to the road has also come to a halt.

The entire town has also been covered with archways, banners and festoons for Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, Awami League leader Alauddin Chowdhury Nasim, and three MPs – Shirin Akhter (Feni 1), Nizam Uddin Hazari (Feni 2) and Haji Rahim Ullah (Feni 3).

Although the road was located in front of the Feni model police station, the law enforcers refused to comment on the issue.

Many leaders of the BNP’s district unit blamed the police for its silent role, and said BNP and its wings do not get permission to hold rallies in front of the police station.

Seeking anonymity, some local AL leaders said it usually did not take more than a day to build a stage on the road.

They also blamed some “enthusiastic” leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League for blocking the road and marring the party’s image.

Abdur Rahman Bikrom, president of AL’s Feni district unit, said: “The mass reception has been transformed into a mass gathering by the order of the communications minister.”

Meanwhile, at a discussion programme with journalists on Thursday evening, lawmaker Nizam Uddin Hazari, also the district AL general secretary, expressed sorrow for the disruption of vehicular movement, but requested the journalists to see the matter as a normal issue. l

Rana Plaza female victim found dead at home  PAGE 1 COLUMN 4

Police, however, detained Babu for questioning.

According to Babu, Salma worked at a factory on the sixth floor of Rana Plaza, where more than 1,135 workers died and hundreds injured when it collapsed.

Salma was rescued from under the debris three days after the building had collapsed. She was under treatment for many days in a hospital but did not recover fully.

“She used to bump his head against the wall when her pain became unbearable,” Babu told police.

He said they had so far got Tk60,000 as aid from the government and organ-

isations following the incident.

In the inquest report, police said Salma became “mentally imbalanced” in the wake of her illness and her husband claimed that they used to lock into quarrel often.

“They fell asleep after having dinner Thursday night and around 6am in the morning Babu noticed her hanging.

As the incident needs to be investigated further, the body has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for autopsy,” the inquest report reads.

Officer-in-Charge of Turag police station Sheikh Farid said they talked with the neighbours who said the victim was a bit mentally imbalanced since the collapse. l

BNP to continue alliance with Jamaat  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

Nilphamari chapter, according to news agencies.

However, Asaduzzaman Ripon, a spokesperson of the BNP, said on Friday that there was a gulf of ideological differences between BNP and Jamaat.

“The two parties might have formed an electoral alliance, but Jamaat has its own political ideology,” said Ripon, the international affairs secretary of BNP, at a press conference.

The party organised the press conference at its Nayapaltan central office yesterday in reaction to a remark by the prime minister, who had said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was the

Ameer of Jamaat.

At a public meeting in Jessore on Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina termed made the remark.

Labelling such a statement “devoid of political decorum,” Asaduzzaman said: “Could I call her [PM] the ameer of Jatiya Party or the chairperson of JaPa?” Asaduzzaman claimed that the BNP had not made any mistake by boycotting the January 5 election. The claim was made in reaction to another statement of the PM, who had said BNP chief Khaleda Zia had understood the mistake that she had made by not joining the polls. l

Indecision eats Hefazat and other Islamist parties  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

The Islamist parties, most of which are involved with Hefazat and the BNP-led 18-party alliance, are also uncertain about resuming the anti-government movement.

Islami Oikya Jot (IOJ), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Jamiat-e-Ulamae-Islam are part of the 18-party alliance.

Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Khelafat-e-Islami Bangladesh are not part of any alliance.

Hefazat Secretary General Junaid Babunagari, who is also the vice-chairman of IOJ, yesterday told with Dhaka Tribune: “Now we are discontinuing our programmes. But it is a temporary situation. We will come up with new programmes soon.”

Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, an ad-

viser of the Hefazat, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that for the government’s undemocratic activities, the country’s political and also social groups, except for the ruling party, were unable to hold programmes.

“For these reasons, now we have to rethink our programme strategies.”

Also secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Zafarullah said Hefazat and the Islamist parties would be organising “religious gatherings” on special days.

The chairman of a faction of 18-party ally IOJ, Abdul Latif Nezami, also a Hefazat adviser, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the Hefazat had to temporarily stop its programmes because of the government’s harassing its leaders and supporters. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Ershad’s JaPa likely on the wane Party central leaders ready to join Kazi Zafar’s new faction n Manik Miazee A section of Jatiya Party leaders who withdrew nominations on Ershad’s instruction are now set to break away from the Ershad-led Jatiya Party to form a new platform for doing politics.

The party insiders said many JaPa central leaders were ready to join the new faction led by Kazi Zafar Ahmed.

More than 10 presidium members of JaPa will join the new platform.

Several central leaders said they had started communicating with Kazi Zafar for this purpose.

“We are very happy to say many JaPa leaders who are now with the Ershad-led JaPa will join us soon. They are communicating with us,” ASMM Alam, presidium member of the JaPa, led by Kazi Zafar, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We are not disclosing the names right now because it is confidential, but the names will come out soon,” he said.

Sources said Ahsan Habib Linkan, Saidur Rahman Tapa, Gulam Habib Dulal, Fakir Ashraf and five other Ershad-led JaPa presidium members were likely to join the Kazi Zafar-led JaPa. “We fail to go to our own constituencies under the banner of Jatiya Party and the leadership of HM Ershad. Our voters and party activists cannot trust us and Ershad,” a JaPa presidium member said who withdrew his nomination on Ershad’s instruction.

“If we do politics in the name of Ershad, we will lose our political carrie. It is high time we took alternative decision to emerge as a new political platform.”

HM Ershad yesterday thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for appointing

him as her special envoy.

In a party statement, he said he did not want any personal facilities as special envoy of the prime minister.

“I do not need a government residence and a vehicle. I want to discharge my duties with the facilities I am getting as lawmaker,” said Ershad.

“We have to move forward leaving behind the disgraceful events of the past. The prime minister has given me a seat on the board with the journey. I will try my best to keep up the honour,” he hoped.

JaPa Presidium Member Gulam Habib Dulal told the Dhaka Tribune: “We, who withdrew nomination papers, have lost everything following Ershad’s order. With innocent minds, we believed in him, but he [Ershad] played games with the dedicated party members. Now we are deviated from

3

Saturday, January 25, 2014

politics.”

Party’s another presidium member Ahsan Habib Linkan told the Dhaka Tribune, “HM Ershad issued the statement to get the February 10 verdict in his favour.”

A Dhaka court on Wednesday set February 10 for delivery of the judgment on Major General Manzoor murder case. Former military dictator HM Ershad is the main accused in the case.

JaPa Chief Ershad, earlier on several occasions, was wavering whether to join the 10th parliamentary poll.

However, following a month-long stay in the Combined Military Hospital, the JaPa chief returned to his residence “President Park” at Baridhara on January 12 after he took oath as a lawmaker.

As many as 215 candidates withdrew their nomination papers on Ershad’s instruction. l

SWECHCHHASEBAK LEADER MURDER

Extortions, business feuds suspected n Kailash Sarkar

Extortions in garment factories and hotels and a feud over establishing monopoly in cable business could be among reasons leading to the murder of Swechchhasebak League leader Mahbubur Rahman Rana, sources said.

The 32-year-old was hacked to death by criminals in the capital’s Moghbazar area on Thursday night.

Top criminals Zisan and Ronny, who were bailed out of jail in November last year, are also being suspected of being complicit in the murder with the assistance of Jubo League-Ramna unit’s General Secretary Tanvir Rahman.

Both Zisan and Ronny had a long-running feud with Rana over establishing supremacy in the neighbourhood, which was previously under the control of the later.

Sources said Rana’s murder could also be linked to the disappearance of cable businessman Fakhrul, allegedly orchestrated by Rana last September.

However, Mohammad Mithu, younger brother of Rana, accused Tanvir Rahman of taking part in the crime and killing him on the spot. “Tanvir did this in revenge for my brother’s protest against his drug business.”

Meanwhile, police detained ruling party activists Ripon and Bahar who had been accompanying Rana before the murder. “We detained Ripon and Bahar for questioning,” said Mashiur Rahman, officer in charge of Ramna police station. “Several other individuals were also questioned about the killing.”

“We suspect Ronny and Zisan could be involved with the murder.” No case was filed in this connection as of 6:30pm yesterday. l

Highway Police identifies 54 causes of accidents n Mohammad Jamil Khan Highway Police, who guard the 5,487 kilometre highways and about 4,165 kilometre of regional roads of the country, have submitted a research report to the home ministry seeking steps on 54 issues which they found behind accidents and occurrences on the roads.

The report also submitted investigates problems within the department itself. It cited the lack of workforce and other facilities at the highway police department as the chief weakness.

In the report, highway accidents were linked to 16 issues related to drivers, six issues related to vehicles, 13 issues related with roads, three issues related with documentation, two issues related with passers-by, four issues related with heavy cargo and 10 other problems.

Among the problems with drivers, mentionable were “racing,” overtaking, not maintaining the lane rules, underage driving, fake licences, unqualified drivers, violation of traffic rules, overtaking of passengers, taking drugs while driving, talking on cell phones while driving and driving without using alert lights.

Vehicles problems are slow vehicles

on highways, low capacity headlights at night, vehicle design defects and technical problems. Besides, narrow roads, holes in highways, unauthorised speed breakers and absence of traffic lights were cited as some of the problems with roads.

Heavy cargo related issues were vehicles taking loads beyond their capacity and running on high speed with loaded vehicles.

On the other hand, the research report also mentioned that there was a lack of proper implementation of law, absence of regular monitoring on vehicles and not checking vehicles before starting journey that caused accidents.

Besides, some drivers ran vehicles on high speed to make more trips per day.

Deputy Inspector General Asaduzzaman Mia of the highway police told the Dhaka Tribune: “We have already taken some initiatives to stop such accidents on the highway, identifying these reasons. We also submitted requests to the ministry to take action and accidents will be reduce if these steps are taken.”

He further said most of the road accidents happened on the Dhaka-Sylhet and Dhaka-Manikganj highways. l

A father helps his son get down a missing step of a foot-over bridge in the city’s Kamalapur Railway Station yesterday. Though many people use the bridge to come to the station, the authorities are yet to take any necessary measures to fix the broken steps RAJIB DHAR

Skeletal remains Next polls in 2019: Maya found again at n Our Correspondent, Chandpur Rana Plaza debris n Adil Sakhawat Nine months after the tragic Rana Plaza disaster, skeletal remains of the victims continue to be found at the site of the building, with 18 pieces of bones being unearthed yesterday.

Mazed, the husband of missing Arina Begum who used to work on the fifth floor of the Rana Plaza, found the bones and skulls from the debris yesterday afternoon.

Mazed told the Dhaka Tribune: “My wife worked in the Rana Plaza. After the incident, I did not find her body.

I sometimes go to the debris site with my two children who continuously ask me about their mother.

“Yesterday at 2:30pm, I went there as the date was the 24th [ninemonth anniversary of the disaster]. I entered the debris, as there were many openings to the site. Suddenly I saw a dress and a shoulder bone. Then I pulled the dress and found the hair of a woman, dental gum, and the bones of hand and chest. I recovered 18 parts of bones and skulls,” he added.

Police were seen to be threatening Mazed for entering the site and finding the bones, but he was allowed to go after journalists had reached the site.

Abdul Mannan, assistant subinspector of the Savar model police station, said: “I have seized 17 bones and skulls from there. However, I think those are not skulls of the victims.

There are some groups who bring those from outside and then claim that those are remains of Rana Plaza victims.”

However, Officer-in-Charge of Savar model police station Mostafa Kamal snubbed out news of the bone recovery as “rumour,” and said: “We have not recovered any type of human remains today.”

Earlier, at least 310 pieces of human bones and skulls had been recovered from the collapsed Rana Plaza debris from December 13, 2013 to January 4 this year by local people, street children and the survivors of the Rana Plaza disaster. l

Disaster and Relief Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya yesterday said the 11th parliamentary election would be held under the present government headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2019.

“The 10th parliamentary polls was held as per the constitution. The elected government’s tenure is five years, so the next polls will be held in 2019 under the present government,” he said while talking to journalists at a view-exchange meeting at Chandpur circuit house.

Asked about holding dialogue with BNP over the next general election, the minister said: “There will be no dialogue regarding elections.”

He, however, said talks can be held

on democracy, war crimes trial and well-being of the country.

Maya said: “Those who tried to foil the election by terrorist activities have failed. Instead, they were destroyed.”

“Those, who will conduct terrorist activities, call hartal and blockade, have broken their backbone, they cannot stand straight, their movement will never be successful in Bangladesh,” he added. The minister also urged the journalists to criticise and point out the mistakes of the government so that they rectify it.

Golam Kibria Jibon, the president of Chandpur press club, Giasuddin Milon, general secretary, Ikram Chowdhury, former president of the press club, Iqbal Hossain Patwary, former general secretary, among other, were present. l

9 Hizb-ut Tahrir members held in city n Kailash Sarkar

At least nine active members of the banned Islamist outfit Hizb-ut Tahrir, Bangladesh were arrested in the capital’s Khilkhet and Kalabagan at different times yesterday.

Large quantities of publications, including books, leaflets and posters were also seized from the possession of the detained men, who are students of different colleges and madrasas, including Titumir College, Aliya Madrasa and Khilkhet Madrasa, said police.

Police said the publications contained various types of provocative, anti-state and anti-government statements.

The Tahrir men arrested in Khilkhet area were identified as Al Amin, 20, Md Saifullah, 24, Rashedul Islam,

18, Ibrahim Sheikh, 20, Ataur Rahman, 20, Mahbubur Rahman, 20, Zihad Islam, and Abdul Kaiyum while another member of the banned organisation, who was arrested at Kalabagan area, was identified as Md Sohag Hafiz, 32.

Of them Zihad and Kaiyum are students of Titumir College and the others of madrasas.

Nazrul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Khilkhet police station, said, “The leaflets, posters and books contain statements related to ousting the government and the establishment of Khilafat. Besides, the publications also included provocative statements directed towards the Armed Forces members.”

“The Tahrir men had been distributing their publications and also trying to bring out a procession,” said the OC

and added, “When the police chased after them, many of them ran away, but we were able to detain these eight.”

Md Iqbal Hossain, the OC of Kalabagan police station, said they had arrested Sohag Hafiz while he was distributing leaflets of the banned organisation on Bashir Uddin Road after the Jum’a prayers.

But sources said Kalabagan police had arrested around a dozen youths suspected to be the members of Hizbut Tahrir, but except for Sohag, the rest were freed “mysteriously.”

Hizb-ut Tahrir was banned by the government on October 22, 2009 and since then over 1,000 leaders and activists have been arrested. Around 100 of them have been sentenced to jail by mobile courts for running the activities of the banned organisation. l

Commercial use of buffalo genome sequence to take more time n Syed Samiul Basher Anik Scientists at the Lal Teer Livestock Limited and Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) jointly unveiled the whole genome sequence of water buffalo yesterday for the first time.

Lal Teer Director Tabith M Awal told Dhaka Tribune that it was a draft buffalo genome decoding and would take more time for final sequencing.

Molecular scientist Md Moniruzzaman, who leads the buffalo genome project, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We have unveiled the draft of the genome decoding and will improve it to further

levels.”

He said since a private company had initiated the genome decoding and they would use it for commercial purposes, it would take more time to improve the decode and do more sequencing and improvements for commercial use.

When asked how long it would take, he denied giving any exact timeframe and said: “It depends on many factors that include efforts from scientists, progress of the work and luck.”

The announcement of the buffalo whole genome sequencing was held at a city hotel yesterday.

Addressing the ceremony, speakers said local cattle and buffalos were less productive and genetic enhancements were very important to improve the livelihood of farmers by increasing farmers’ income through adaptation of different means.

Bangladesh, having about 20 lakh buffaloes, stands ninth in Asia in terms of population; however, there is still a big gap between the demand and supply of both milk and meat, Awal said.

“Bangladesh imports 80% of its milk to meet the demands since it produces only 51ml milk per-day against the FAO-recommended 250ml-per-day-

Minister’s motorcade attacked in Dinajpur n Our Correspondent, Dinajpur Agitated workers of Madhyapara hard rock mining project in Dinajpur attacked the motorcade of Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman Fizar on Thursday night, after a failed tripartite negotiation conducted to settle grievances and reopen excavation work.

They threw stones at the motorcade, torched a motorcycle and assaulted the manager of the mine operating compa-

ny.

Injured Abdullah Al Mamun was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Police arrested a worker following the incident but no case in this connection was filed as of yesterday afternoon.

Sources said the workers have been abstaining from work with a five-point demand since November 25. The minister visited the project site to mediate a settlement between the

workers and the operating authorities.

He had a meeting with them for three hours which, however, failed to break the stalemate. As he was about to leave the place around 9:30pm, several aggrieved miners attacked the ministerial fleet.

Abu Taher, assistant police super of the circle, said the attack took place before police could do anything about it, adding that preparations for filing a case were underway. l

per-capita and 24.2g meat per-day-percapita against the FAO-recommended 120g,” he added.

He said in Bangladesh, 3% or less of the total milk production was buffalo milk, while it was 60% in India or Pakistan. In Bangladesh buffaloes yield 2 litres milk per day while it is 10 litres in the other countries, reproductive efficiency is 90 days in Bangladesh while 300 days in others, and in Bangladesh, per animal weight is 300kg while it is 600kg in the other countries.

The company has collected samples from Subarna Char at Bhola, and some

parts of Thakurgaon and Dinajpur.

To minimise the gap, speakers suggested using buffalo production saying there was a phenomenal potential opportunity to promote milk production through intensive buffalo production both in household and commercial farming along with cattle.

Commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, prime minister’s international affairs adviser Gowher Rizvi, Chinese ambassador in Bangladesh Li Jun, Charge de affairs of US Embassy in Bangladesh Jon Danilowicz and Chairman of Beijing Genomics Institute Jian Wang also spoke on the occasion. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Saturday, January 25, 2014

NEW POWER CONNECTION

Irregularities in solar panel installation on the rise n Aminur Rahman Rasel The irregularities in solar panel installation have risen, with a section of employees in power distribution companies being in cohort with consumers.

Despite installing solar panel to get new electricity connections, the consumers hardly use that in a proper way.

Power Division has started checking the irregularities and taking actions against the defaulters.

Seeking anonymity, an official of the Power Division said a section of their employees were involved in the malpractice.

“The officials of power distribution companies are bribed into overlooking the irregularities by the consumers.” he said.

The companies warned the defaulters of power disconnection if the latter failed to install the solar panels in accordance with the rules.

POWER CONNECTION IRREGULARITIES Distribution Defaulters in Company August 2013

Disconnected consumers Defaulters in Disconnected consumers in August 2013 December 2013 in December 2013

PDB

2

-

REB

193

-

-

22

378

268

DPDC

16

-

02

-

DESCO

35

05

23

01

WZPDCL

15

-

03

-

Total

261

27

406

269

Source: Power Division

lation of solar panels is a must.

Sources said solar panels with 7% capacity needed to be installed for using lights and fans in the industries requiring up to 50kw power.

If the demand for power in the industries exceeds 50kw, solar panels with 10% capacity have to be set up for using lights and fans.

Readymade garment factories need to produce 5% of the demand from solar panels.

Five companies – Power Development Board, Rural Electrification Board, Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited, Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited and West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited – distribute electricity across the country.

The five have so far installed solar panels with the capacity of 384.42kw.

On the other hand, four electricity generation companies have so far installed 47.94kw-capacity solar panels.

Besides, electricity transmission company – Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited, has installed 101.8kw.

“We are monitoring the situation regularly. Those who have violated the instructions are facing punishment and this punitive action will continue,” DPDC Managing Director Md Nazrul Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune.

He claimed that no officials were involved with any kind of fraudulent conduct. The official, however, laid blame on the consumers.

REB Chairman Brig Gen Moin Uddin said their working areas were too large to monitor every moment. “But we are giving emphasis on it,” he said.

“We will take action against those officials who will face complaint. But no one came to us with such complaint so far,” he said. l

A woman tries a necklace at the Dhaka International Trade Fair yesterday. The weekend saw a large number of visitors thronging the fair at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city. Story on page 4 MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

ASSAULTING TEACHER AT JU

Case filed against BCL leader n JU Correspondent

A good number of the guilty parties have already been caught.

In December 2013, some 406 consumers under five power distribution companies were caught as their solar panels were found non-functional and running at low capacity.

Of them, power connections of 269 were cut off, according to the documents placed at the Power Division’s coordination meeting held a few days back.

Even some were found to have removed the solar panels.

In a drive of August 2013, the number of wrongdoers was 261. Of them, electricity connections of 27 were cut off as a punitive measure.

The authorities also asked the consumers whose connections had already been cut off to re-apply to get the new power supply.

The newly appointed State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid in a meeting on January 13 asked the Power Division officials about the progress in setting up solar panels across the country.

The minister also asked about the rules of setting up solar panels for getting new electricity connections.

According to the Power Division, those who are eager to get new domestic connections and will consume up to two kilowatts of electricity do not need to install solar panels, but if the demand exceeds two kilowatts, instal-

DU theatre, music department viva n DU Correspondent

6 pound cocaine seized from capital Another youth shot n dead in city

Dhaka University authorities yesterday announced the date of viva examinations for the 2013-14 academic sessions for theatre and music department.

The announcement came from DU website signed by the ‘Gha’ unit exam coordinator Farid Uddin Ahmed.

The notice announced that the vivavoce would take place to fill up forty vacant seats in these two departments and the aspirants who succeeded in the written test were informed to attend the exams.

The viva-voce would be held on the social science faculty dean office.

Candidates were requested to face the practical exam with their relevant documents, the notice added.

Candidates may know further details about the viva on DU website ww.univdhaka.edu. l

WEATHER

Night temperature may rise n UNB Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country until 6pm today.

Moderate to thick fog may occur over the river basins and light to moderate for elsewhere over the country during midnight till morning, Met Office said.

Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.

The sun sets in the capital at 5:40pm today and rises at 6:42am tomorrow.

Country’s highest temperature 29.7 degree Celsius was recorded yesterday in Sitakunda and lowest 11.3 degrees in Chuadanga. Highest and lowest temperature recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City

High

Low

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

26.7 29.0 26.4 22.6 26.5 27.6 28.8 29.0

16.3 15.4 12.3 13.8 12.6 13.4 14.7 16.2

PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

5:24am 6:42am 12:10am 4:02pm 5:38pm 6:57pm

Source: IslamicFinder.org

The authorities at Jahangirnagar University (JU) yesterday filed a case against a leaders of the university’s Bangladesh Chhatra League unit for physically assaulting a teacher.

“A case has been filed with Ashulia police station for attacking Urban and Regional Planning Department chairman Golam Moinuddin on Thursday night,” JU Registrar Abu Bakr Siddique told the Dhaka Tribune.

On Thursday night, JU unit Chhatra League press and publication secretary Mamun Khan, who is a student of the URP department, assaulted the department chairman on a personal conflict.

Later, around one hundred members of the JU Teachers’ Association (JUTA) staged demonstration on the campus protesting the incident.

JU authorities immediately suspended Mamun Khan and declared him unwanted on the campus. They also served him a show cause letter asking him to explain, within 48-hours, why authorities should not expel him permanently.

“Authorities has issued a 48-hour show-cause letter to Mamun Khan and the university syndicate body would arrange permanent punishment against him in the next syndicate meeting,” said JU Proctor Prof Muzibur Rahman.

Source said Chhatra League leader Mamun Khan was a postgraduate student with the 37th batch of the department.

Mamun reportedly requested the department to organise a special test for himself and two of his friends on special considerations. His demand was instantly denied by the department chair Golam Moinuddin.

Sources also suspect the incident might be an outcome of his frustration with the denial of a special test by the department head.

Meanwhile, the accused has admitted to the allegations and claimed the department has also threatened to strip him of his honours degree. l

Kailash Sarkar

Detectives seized six pounds of cocaine and arrested six from the capital’s Nikunja yesterday for allegedly smuggling drugs into the country under the pretense of importing raw materials.

The arrested are Md Kamrul Alam, director of Madina Pharmaceuticals, Taher Mondol alias Zoba, a Spain expatriate, Kazi Khalilullah Mahmud, Mamun Hawlader, owner of a recruiting agency, Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, and Mosharraf Hossain Rana, a herbal medicine trader.

Detective Branch officials said the detainees smuggle in cocaine as chemicals and raw materials used for drug manufacturing at pharmaceuticals in association with several other rings of smugglers and foreigners.

“All of them were caught red handed with the cocaine worth near Tk5 crore while they were trying to sell them at Seema pharmacy located in Zaman Market in Nikunja,” said Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective and Criminal Intelligence Branch.

“Madina Pharmaceuticals Director Kamrul Alam and Spain expatriate

College girl violated

n Our Correspondent, Brahmanbaria A young girl was violated by a group of four boys in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba upazila when she was returning home from college on Thursday afternoon.

The victim is a second year student of Kasba Mahila Degree College. The girl’s father filed a case against the perpetrators under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on the same evening.

According to the case filed, Raju, 21, Saddam, 23, Salman, 21, and Antor, 22, of Kasba’s Kalipur village forcibly took the girl to an abandoned room near the upazila telephone exchange office and violated her in turns. The girl was returning home from college after she had sat for an exam.

Though the four culprits managed to flee the scene, locals found the girl after hearing her cries and admitted her to the Kasba Upazila Health Complex.

Kasba Mahila Degree College Principal Taslim Mia told the Dhaka Tribune that Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jalal Saifur Rahman had visited the hospital to the meet the victim after hearing the news.

Investigating officer of the case Sub-Inspector Md Wahiduzzaman said the victim was sent to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital for medical check-up and that the culprits would be arrested soon. l

n Kailash Sarkar

Police present six detainees before the media yesterday. Detective police nabbed these people with Cocaine from the city’s Khilkhet area DHAKA TRIBUNE Taher Mondol Zoba had smuggled the cocaine into Bangladesh through the Hajarat Shahjalal International Airport in the name of importing of pharmaceuticals’ raw materials,” said Monirul Islam.

He said the smuggled cocaine was handed over to Mosharraf Hossain, who kept it at his pharmacy for sale while the rest -Khalilullah Mahmud,

Mamun Hawlader, and Mosharraf Hossain Rana-were assigned for selling the cocaine to different drug peddlers.

Some pharmaceutical owners and officials are involved in smuggling cocaine with the support of some foreigners, Monirul added.

The detainees were produced before the court seeking remand for interrogation. l

Another youth was shot to death at Mohakhali in the capital by a gang of unidentified armed criminals last night, just a day after the killing of a Swechchhasebak League leader at Moghbazar.

Dulal Sarder, 35, was shot in front of Wireless Gate in Mohakhali around 9pm while he and three friends were returning from a restaurant. The friends took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where he died around 10:30pm.

“We were on our way to Jhaowla Bosti [slum] when a gang of unidentified armed criminals opened fire on Dulal,” said Jamal, one of the three youths.

Son of Sultan Sarder of Munshiganj, Dulal resided in Korail slum along with his family. Hearing the news, his wife Nur Banu rushed to the DMCH. Opurbo Hasan, officer-in-charge of Banani police station, said feuds and rivalry over the control on earnings from setting up illegal gas, water and elec-

FIRST PHASE OF BISHWA IJTEMA BEGINS

Thousands of devotees flock to the bank of Turag n Mohammad Jamil Khan Braving the chilly, windy weather, thousands of Muslims gathered on bank of Turag River in Tongi yesterday to attend the first phase of 49th Bishwa Ijtema, which formally began Friday after Fajr prayers by seeking the blessings from Allah for the success of the assembly.

Biswa Ijtema comes with a motive to inculcate iman (faith in Allah), amal (practice) and the importance of Tablighi Jamaat. The first day of the congregation was glorified further by the participation of tens of thousands of devotees from Dhaka and others parts of the nation in its Jumah (Friday) prayers.

Islamic scholar Moulana Ismail Batla from Pakistan gave the introductory sermon, which was translated in Bangla by Mahbubur Rahman, while Moulana Jubair Hossain from Bangladesh led the Jumah prayers.

People were also seen attending the Jumah prayers from buses, boats, rooftops and from the main roads.

“I have came to Ijtema ground by travelling around seven kilometer by foot as this is the biggest Jumah prayer to be held in the country,” says Yeakub

Ali, a garment factory worker.

Noted Islamic Scholar Maulana Omar Ali from Bangladesh, Maulana Jubayerul Hassan and Maulana Sadh from India delivered their sermons respectively after the Jumah, Asar and Magrib paryers.

Meanwhile, three people have died on the first day of Ijtema. They deceased are Omar Ali, 48, from Keraniganj, and Abdul Majid Pramanik, 65, from Shirajganj, and a bus driver Shahjalal, 26, hailing from Feni.

“Omar Ali and Abdul Majid Pramanik died from old age complications, while Shahjalal died from diarrhea,” confirmed Mahbubur Rahman Chowdhury, a residential doctor at the Tongi Health Complex.

He further added more than 180 devotees received medical assistance on the first day of the Ijtema, while 14 of them were admitted to the Tongi Government Hospital.

Meanwhile, law enforcers were kept on high alert in and around the Ijtema ground to ensure foolproof security.

Three helicopter of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were seen patrolling the venue from air, while 14-watch tower

in different points kept a close watch on the ground.

On the first day, police arrested 11 people for pick-pocketing and three of them were sentenced to a 10-day imprisonment by a mobile court, Ismail Hossain, officer-in-charge of Tongi police station, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Ijtema organisers said around 10,000 foreign nationals joined the Jumah prayer on the first day and expressed hope that the number will go above 30,000 this year. Meanwhile, Bangladesh citizens from 32 districts attended in the first phase of Ijtema, while devotees from 33 other districts will attend in the second phase.

Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Mahfuzur Rahman, a Tablighi Jamaat organiser, said all the proceedings are going smoothly and peacefully this year. For the convenience of the participants, the Ijtema ground has been divided into 40 Khitta (section) for the first phase and 38 for the second phase.

The main podium of the event has been set on the western corner of the ground, where renowned Islamic scholars from India, Pakistan, Iran and other countries would deliver their sermons. l

tricity connections at the Korail slum might have led to the killing as Dulal had been the cashier of the group that ran the business.

“A murder in the slum a year ago might also have links to the killing of Dulal as he was suspected to have involvement in the murder,” he said. “We will investigate the incident.”

Feuds and rivalry over the control on earnings from setting up illegal gas, water and electricity connections at the Korail slum might have led to the killing In reply to a question, the OC said police were also verifying the roles of the three youths who accompanied Dulal during the shooting – whether they had any link to the killing and the killers.

Sources at the hospital said Dulal had sustained gunshots in his head, chest and back. l

Qulkhwani of Zakeria Shirazi today n Tribune Report The qulkhwani of noted writer and journalist Zakeria Shirazi, who died of lung infections at 74 on Tuesday, will be held at 4pm today at Shia Masjid in the capital’s Mohammadpur area.

The family of the deceased has requested all his friends and acquaintances to participate in the memorial service.

Born in West Bengal on May 28, 1941, Shirazi began his journalistic career with the weekly Holiday in early 1970s and subsequently worked with almost all major English newspapers, including The New Nation, The Independent, New Age and Daily Sun. He was primarily noted for his works of literary criticism and translation and is usually considered one of the best bilingual writers post-liberation.

Among his notable works are A Sheaf of Literary Essays, Adhunik Sahitya Mon O Manasota, Nishangta O Nirbed, George Bernard Shaw O Onnannya Probandha, and Escape from Childhood.

His translation of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is especially wellknown to the students of literature.

Shirazi, survived by his wife and two sons, was buried at Nakhalpara Shia graveyard on Wednesday. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

5

Saturday, January 25, 2014

DCC’s waste management service fails to meet public needs n Abu Hayat Mahmud The waste management departments of the two city corporations of Dhaka falters as they fails to provide waste management service for the city people properly.

The waste disposal systems of the city corporations lie in awful state, thereby being unable to relieve the city dwellers of pungent smells from the roadside waste and garbage cans.

Although Dhaka North and South City Corporations took various steps in collaboration with ADB, JICA and LGD to relieve the city people of toxic smells, there was no significant effect.

The two city corporations launched urban public and environmental health development projects, community-based waste management activities, development of sanitary landfill and medical waste recycling plant and waste-based power plant to manage the city’s solid, liquid and medical waste, but all projects were running at a snail’s pace.

A probe into different areas under the two city corporations found that most walkways in the city had waste on them.

Besides, traffic and pedestrians’ movement on the sidewalks gets impeded because of the city corporations’ dustbins and waste disposal containers placed here and there on the roads.

The situation is at its worst during rainy season when rubbish litter the roads outside dustbins and get washed away across the streets.

The city corporations’ solid waste management rules stipulate that local bodies should organise house-to-house collection of solid waste through community cleaners regularly.

The rules also call for collection of

waste from slums, squatter areas, hotels, restaurants, office complexes, and commercial zones.

As per the rules, waste from kitchen markets, slaughterhouses, fruits and vegetables markets that are biodegradable should be managed scientifically.

Several thousand permanent and temporary staff members and road sweepers on the rolls of two city corporations are alleged to be not doing their jobs properly.

A visit to different areas in the city including kitchen markets revealed that the road sweepers sweep only a few roads in posh and VIP areas and the cleaners do not collect waste regularly from all places.

Most garbage disposal bins are placed either on the city’s busy roads or on different inter-connecting roads or in front of public parks, playgrounds, open spaces and educational institutions.

Preferring anonymity, a few cleaners of both city corporations in different city areas said they were scheduled to collect waste in the morning, but they came in the afternoon because of lack of workforce.

Residents of both city corporations alleged that measures had yet to be taken to fix the garbage management and drainage system by the authorities concerned.

Contacted, the city corporations’ authorities, however, laid blame on Rajuk and unplanned urbanisation.

Captain Bipon Kumar Saha, chief waste management officer, Dhaka North City Corporation, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are forced to place waste containers on the city roads due to lack of space for unplanned urbanisation.”

He said they had already discussed the problem with Rajuk to select a spe-

Waste containers are kept on a road at Taltola in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, hampering traffic as well as pedestrains’ movement cific area to dump the garbage.

“A project namely secondary transformation station has already been introduced to a number of wards in DNCC

and it would take two to three years to complete,” said Bipon.

Captain SM Javed Iqbal, Dhaka South City Corporation chief waste

management officer, echoed the same.

He said: “The urban public and environmental health development project will give Dhaka a better look. I hope

NASHIRUL ISLAM

after completion of the project, people of the capital would be able to live free from the filth of open roadside dustbins.” l

BCC moves to realise Tk70 crore in arrear taxes from defaulters

Prime minister visits Gaibandha today

Businessman shot dead in Chittagong n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

n Our Correspondent, Barisal

n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha

A businessman was shot dead in Ranirhat Bazar area under Rangunia upazila of Chittagong on Thursday night.

The deceased, Jahangir Alam, 30, of Ranirhat area, was a fabric trader and owned a shop at the local market, said Waliullah Oli, officer-in-charge of Rangunia police station.

According to the witnesses, about 10-12 people, wearing masks, attacked Jahangir around 10:30pm on Thursday when he was shutting down his shop.

The attackers started to beat him up and finally they shot him as he started shouting for help. Later the miscreants fled, leaving him critically injured on the spot, said the OC. The victim was rushed to the Rangunia Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor pronounced him dead, added the OC. Police initially assumed that the killing had occurred over previous enmity. l

Barisal City Corporation (BCC) has taken steps to collect Tk70crore arrear holding tax from defaulters.

Abu Al Masud Mamun, BCC tax officer, said they would start announcement over public system from Sunday to clear the matter within January 31.

The BCC would seize properties of the defaulters from mid-February after serving notices chronologically to long-period, mid-period and short-period defaulters, Abu Al added.

Sources in the city corporation said more than 40% of the arrear was due in different public and autonomous sectors and the rest 60% with small holding owners and private sectors.

Among the public sector defaulters, Tk4.5crore is due with 70 government, semi-government and autonomous offices and institutions and Tk2.58core

with 371 small public and private holding owners.

Among the major 70 tax-defaulters, Tk60.88lakh is due with the Barisal Government Brojo Mohun College, Tk39lakh with upazila education office, Tk38lakh with district judge courtship, Tk27lakh with executive engineer Public Works Department, Tk26lakh with

Barisal General Hospital, Tk25lakh with Abdur Rob Serniabad Teachers Training Centre, Tk22lakh with Barisal Sadar upazila nirbahi office, Tk17lakh with the Institute of Health and Technology, Tk16lakh with Technical Training Centre, Tk15lakh with the Armed Police Battalion, Tk14lakh with assistant commissioner of land office and Tk12lakh with the executive engineer Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.

The BCC is facing crisis while bearing regular expenses like the salaries of its staff and employees.

Ahsan Habib Kamal, BCC mayor said realisation of arrears from private sector holding owners was easier than that from the public-sector holdings due to limitations of jurisdiction and legal tangle.

Our legal advisors tried to find out the process of taking action against the public sector tax defaulters, the mayor said. l

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit Gaibandha today, where she is scheduled to inaugurate several projects and attend a rally.

Deputy Commissioner M Ehsan-e-Elahi said the PM would inaugurate eight projects and lay down the foundation stones of 10 more at a rally in the Shah Abdul Hamid Stadium on Saturday.

It is also expected that the premier might announce further initiatives for several other projects that have long been demanded by the Gaibandha residents.

Aminul Islam Golap, president of Gaibandha Nagarik Committee, said the demands of the local residents include constructing a multipurpose bridge over the Brahmaputra River at Balashighat-Bahadurabadghat point, building a town bypass road, setting up an agri-

culture college, nationalising Gaibandha Adarsha College, and finishing the incomplete works of four bridges.

Abu Bakar, general secretary of Awami League’s district unit, said: “Like others, we are also continuing the movement to realise the demands

It is also expected that the premier might announce further initiatives for several other projects that have long been demanded by the Gaibandha residents of the people here. We must place the demands to the prime minister during her visit so that it can be accepted.”

On the other hand, the different socio-cultural organizations have also put up roadside banners highlighting their demands for the district’s development. l

Khagrachhari tourism yet to get normalcy for dearth of tourists Correspondent, n Our Khagrachhari

A human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club yesterday, protesting attacks on Jatra artistes at Shyamnagar in Mymensingh recently NASHIRUL ISLAM

Although political stability has returned in the country as political parties have refrained themselves from violence, the tourism sector in Khagrachhari is yet to get back to its normal shape.

This year, businesspersons do not have much hope as they incurred huge losses in the last three months for lack of tourists.

Now, they are waiting for the normal flow of native as well as foreign tourists, which they have been witnessing year after year and hoping that they would be able to recoup the loss if tourists start coming to the district soon.

The sector was almost tourist less in

the last three months because of political unrest.

District Administration sources said there were 40 different types of hotels, motels and restaurants in the district headquarters and these are able to accommodate at least 20,000 tourists, including foreigners.

All of the hotels, motels, local handicrafts and tourism related businessmen earn more than Tk5 crores from the sector in a year. All of the hotels, motels and restaurants earned more than Tk1.5 crore in the last year.

Managing Director of luxurious Hotel Gairing, Ananta Bikash Tripura said numbers of tourists had increased in the last two weeks.

“We got few native tourists this year while presence of foreign tourists is not

satisfactory,” he said, adding that the government should relax restrictions on the movement of foreign tourists in the hilly district, otherwise not much business can be done.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, Khagrachhari district unit Manager Alok Bikash Chakma said they had earned Tk53 lakhs in the 2012-2013 financial year.

This year, they got only 1,323 tourists, who mainly visited the district for official purposes. He said both from residential and dining sides, they had earned only Tk7 lakh whereas the expenditure of their organisation, including salary of the staff, was around Tk12 lakh.

“This year our target is to earn Tk80 lakh, but it seems we may not reach our destination because of tourists’ shortage,” he added. l

Madhusudan’s anniversary of birth today n Our Correspondent, Jessore

Capital punishment demanded for schoolboy Rayhan’s killers

Ansars discontent over election-time allowances

n Our correspondent, Kurigram

n Our Correspondent, Kushtia

The 190th birth anniversary of poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta will be observed at Sagardari under Keshabpur upazila in Jessore today.

Jessore district administration has chalked out several programmes to mark the day.

A week-long Madhu Fair will be held at Sagardari. Ismat Ara Sadeq, state minister for public administration, will inaugurate the fair as the chief guest today. l

People from varying walks of life in Kurigram demonstrated by forming human chains and holding prayer programmes in several areas yesterday, demanding capital punishment for the kidnappers and killers of Rayhan, a student of Kurigram Government High School.

ABM Azad, district commissioner of Kurigram, visited Rayhan’s home yesterday afternoon and offered his con-

dolence to the boy’s parents.

Anyone associated with Rayhan’s kidnapping and killing would face exemplary punishment, he said.

Earlier on Monday, Police recovered the body of 13-year-old Rayhan from Moghol Haat Char area in Lalmonirhat.

Jhorna, a tenant in the victim’s building, had allegedly abducted Rayhan with help from her son Sagar, an SSC candidate from Kurigram Collectorate School and Collage.

According to the police, Sagar had lured Rayhan outside his house by calling him out for play on Saturday.

The following day, the kidnappers demanded a ransom from Rayhan’s parents and although his father, Ershadul Haque, met their demands, the abductors later demanded more money. After the family failed to manage the increased amount, the abductors killed Rayhan, said police.

Jhorna and Sagor have been detained, they said. l

Members of Bangladesh Ansar, who performed election duties for the January 5 poll in Daulatpur upazila, expressed their dissatisfaction at being deprived of payments allocated for their food allowance.

A number of Ansar members alleged that Upazila Ansar and VDP Officer-in-Charge Asadur Rahman misapproiproiated half of the allocated funds.

It was alleged that the Ansars performed duties at 126 polling centres at Kushtia 1 (Daulatpur) constituency.

Each Ansar was supposed to get Tk 235 as a food allowance, but on January 16 they received only Tk 135 each, said an Ansar member requesting anonymity.

Ansar members from other areas also made the same allegation. Another Ansar member said: “if an Ansar member is deprived of Tk100, the total amount withheld will be Tk1.5 lakh – this cannot be accepted.” l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Feature

Saturday, January 25, 2014

This is how we roll BDCyclists mark 100 rides

n Sohara Mehroze Shachi

Y

BDCyclist celebrates its 100th Bike Friday yesterday at the Ghater Char primary school.

More than 800 members turned out for the milestone ride COURTESY

esterday, BDCyclists celebrated their 100th “Bike Friday,” two years after its inception. Over 1,000 cyclists took part.

Starting out from Manik Mia Avenue at 7:30am, they biked for 15km, and arrived at the Ghater Char primary school grounds near Bosilla Bridge, Keraniganj, where more activities took place.

These included a solo race, a spoon race, a zigzag race, and a straight-line race - all on bikes.

According to moderator Noor-A-Nazia, the event was a huge success. “We will cherish the memories and hope that we reach the 1000th milestone with everyone’s love & passion towards cycling,” she said.

Into first gear

BDCyclists’ journey began in May 2011, initiated by Mozammel Haque, when a handful of friends started the group, primarily as a hobby. They hoped to gradually promote cycling as an eco-friendly alternative to using motorised vehicles. It expanded rapidly as friends of friends of friends started to join, and a Facebook group was formed.

They organised Bike Fridays, where they would meet at 6am to ride around the city.

Today, BDCyclists are an almost 32,000 strong, rapidly growing community of aspiring and established cyclists who, blind to age, gender or occupation, are united by their drive to bike.

Fitness and fun

What to expect at a BDCyclists’s wedding: Noor-A-Nazia didn’t have to worry about her groom being delayed by traffic, for Ali Imran Imam’s entire party was arriving on bicycles. “I hopped on a bike, in my bridal attire,” recalls a grinning Nazia. Both are current moderators of BDCyclists, and she was the group’s first female member COURTESY

For most city dwellers there are very few outlets for fun, except for playing video games, going to cinemas or eating out – none of which are conducive to maintaining health and fitness.

But BDCyclists’ regular events have now given people a healthier and more

exciting option. “For our ride on Tuesday night, a lot of people came over right after leaving the office,” one of the moderators Fuad Ahsan Chowdhury said. “We rode 10-15 kilometres to a village, hung out, ate pittha and came back by 10pm.”

BDCyclists have not only provided an adventure outlet, but has also created a sense of community. For jaded city dwellers with their dreary daily routines, cycling has essentially brought back a slice of their childhoods.

Girl power

In a country where girls are leered at when they are simply walking down the street, it’s truly inspiring that BDCyclists have more than 100 active female members who take ownership of the streets with their male counterparts.

Fahmina Khanam, one of its members, came second in the national women’s bicycle race championship.

Tanzin Chowdhury was the first female member of the group to ride 200km in one day. In spite of the rise in female cyclists, WSDs or Women Specific Design bikes, with frame sizes in the range of 13-15in, remain few and far between in Bangladesh.

Yet the indomitable women of BDCyclists have not been held back.

Santa Claus on wheels

The group has a strong philanthropic side, which is manifested in its events, such as 64 Good Acts and Share the Joy ride. The idea behind 64 Good Acts is to give back to the villages where the riders travel, throughout the 64 districts of Bangladesh. Their area of activity last year was Pabna, where they donated rickshaw vans to three poverty-ridden families, bicycles to youngsters and free medicine for 200 kids.

The Share the Joy ride happens on Eid days. The riders go to slums and leave gifts for the residents, spreading happiness in the holiday spirit. l

Precision and speed: Bikers set the roads on fire at a qualifying race for BDCyclists’ 17th annual Grand Race COURTESY

BDCyclist Events BDCyclists prioritises safety in all its events. “Helmets are mandatory for all our rides and kids are not allowed on long treks,” moderator Noor-A-Nazia said.

Bike Fridays: The first three Fridays of every month are Bike Fridays. The event is aimed at cyclists of beginner to moderate skill levels, and starts at 6am from Manik Mia Avenue. The distance covered is usually around 35km.

Critical Mass: On the last Friday of the month, BDCyclists takes part in Critical Mass, an event that takes place in more than 300 cities around the world. Moderator Fuad Ahsan Chowdhury says they are promoting the idea: “A bicycle will bring the whole city within your reach.” It starts at 8am from Manik Mia Avenue, and more than a thousand people participated in the most recent Critical Mass event.

Joshila Saturday: Taking place every Saturday, this event is aimed at expert riders and involves trekking challenging paths like mountainous and technical

rides. Expect to see lots of lycra and high visibility gear) The adrenaline pumping starts at 6am from Manik Mia Avenue or Panthapath, and riders bike for a staggering 30-400km.

BDC Nightriders – One Tuesday every month between 8-11pm, the group organizes night rides, which provides an opportunity for those who cannot come on Fridays or Saturdays. The group starts from the city and bikes 20- 30km.

Beginner lessons: BDCyclists also provides free lessons for newbies on Saturday at 7am at Abahani field, with priority given to kids and females,.

Annual Grand Race: The group organises a grand annual sponsored race, held last year on 100km of Cox Bazar’s Marine Drive. The first round for this year’s BD Cyclist qualifying race season took place in Uttara with more than 150 participants and over 500 cheering observers.

To join: bdcyclists.com

Você fala Bangla?

The pervasive Portuguese influence on Bangali food and language

C

n AK Rahim

an you imagine Bangali cuisine without roshmolai or chillies? Or the Bangla language without pao-ruti or janala?

These words were not originally in the Bangla vocabulary. They are the centuries-old remnants of our complicated history with the Portuguese, which seeped into our language and food, and whose flavour still linger on the tips of our tongues.

Most Bangladeshis associate Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo, and I don’t blame them – he is a fine footballer. But how his Portuguese ancestors influenced Bengal’s history is equally fascinating as his footwork.

The Portuguese traded the riches of Bengal with the rest of the world for over a hundred years: fine silks and muslin, timber, and of course our much sought-after spices.

But it was what the Portuguese brought into these ports that changed Bengal.

Mishti and morich

According to some accounts, it was the Portuguese who introduced the process of making ricotta cheese (chhana), which lead to the variety of mouthwatering Bangali sweets such as roshmolai and shondesh. Moreover, the Portuguese were already renowned confectioners and bakers. It is through them we have our pao-ruti (the Portuguese word for bread is pão) and steamed egg tarts.

It was the also Portuguese who

brought essential ingredients such as potatoes, tomatoes and chillies to the region from their colonies in the Americas and Africa, along with cashews, papaya and guavas.

PORTUGUESE IN BANGLA

Lingua português

Household words such as janela, almari, verandah are also of Portuguese origin.

Peculiarly, the Portuguese meddled with the most intimate of Bangali attire: the sari. Chittagonian women still refer to them as saya and kamis, Portuguese words meaning skirt and shirt respectively.

The Portuguese also introduced non-Portuguese words from their other colonies, for example kerani (clerk) from Malay, and ananas (pineapple) from Guarani, an indigenous Brazilian language.

The Portuguese brought potatoes, tomatoes and chillies to the region from their colonies in the Americas and Africa

Idioma Bengalla

They helped to formalise the local Bangla. In the 18th century, missionary Manuel da Assumpção took on the monumental task of documenting Bangla grammar and vocabulary, a volume of work published as Vocabolario em idioma Bengalla e Portuguez, dividido em duas partes (Vocabulary and Idioms of Bangla and Portuguese,

PÃO

ANANÁS

ALMIRAH

পাউরুিট

আনারস

আলমারী

BREAD

PINEAPPLE

WARDROBE

JANELA

CADEIRA

VARANDA

জানালা

েকদারা

WINDOW

CHAIR

divided into two parts).

Prior to this, Bangla was an umbrella term for a variety of disparate dialects in the Bengal region.

This structured compilation of grammar and vocabulary was the first step to standardising and printing in the Bangla language, which slowly helped break the hegemony of the Persian language.

Faith and fables

The Portuguese first landed in southern India in 1499, and by the mid-16th century, missionaries and merchants had established a maritime presence all along the Indian Ocean.

They came with two things in mind: spices and Christ. Their Christian faith promised heaven to those that spread the word of Christ, but equally entic-

VERANDA

ing as paradise were the fabled lands of cinnamon and cardamom in the Indies.

Finding a way to bypass the Muslim Arabs traders became almost a religious duty.

Bengal was a prized possession of the Mughals, and the Portuguese were eager to tap into its riches. With permission from the Muslim rulers of Bengal, the Portuguese established

themselves in Chittagong, which they called Porto Grande, or the Great Port.

Soon after, a smaller port called Porto Piqueno was founded in Hooghly. To safeguard Bengalla, they built forts and other military establishments in Chittagong, emphasizing the importance of this region The Portuguese and their descendants in Bengal became known as Firingis, the term coming to us via Arabic and Persian farangi, meaning foreigners, echoing the Franks of the bygone Crusades. The Firingi Bazars of both Dhaka and Chittagong owe their nomenclature to the Portuguese.

To this day, it is not uncommon to run into a Fernandes or a D’Costa along the localities’ narrow lanes and medieval churches.

The seafaring lashkars of Bengal and their pidgin Portuguese can also trace their history back to these forgotten Firingis.

With the World Cup this year in Brazil, a nation that was once a Portuguese colony and still has strong cultural ties with Portugal, will be hosting the global sporting spectacle.

Far away, millions of Bangladeshis will watch the matches from their living room cadeira or teahouse mes, and keen eyes will pick up on some passes while dipping paoruti in their tea.

These three countries – Brazil, Bangladesh, and Portugal – are as distinct as they get, but at one point in history, Cristiano could have easily called Chittagong home! l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Prescription

7

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Postpartum haemorrhage can be dangerous Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetrical emergency that can follow vaginal or cesarean delivery.

It is the most common reason postpartum women are admitted to intensive care units, and arguably the most preventable cause of maternal mortality Delivery of the placenta by conn Tamanna Afroz trolled cord traction (CCT), fol

Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity, and one of the top three causes of maternal mortality in both high and WOMEN’S low per capita income HEALTH countries, although the absolute risk of death from PPH is much lower in high income countries.

Vaginal bleeding after delivery that exceeds 500ml, or that is less than 500ml, causes symptoms. Severe PPH is vaginal bleeding greater than 1,000ml.





Incidence

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for around 25% of maternal mortality worldwide (WHO, 2007), reaching as high as 60% in some countries. PPH can also be a cause of longterm severe morbidity, and approximately 12% of all women who survive PPH will have severe anemia. Some 12,000 women die every year from birth-related complications in Bangladesh. Three-quarters of these maternal deaths occur during labour, childbirth, or in the postpartum period. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), accounting for 34%, is a major cause of these deaths.

What are the symptoms of postpartum haemorrhage?

The following are the most common symptoms of postpartum haemorrhage. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include: 1. Uncontrolled bleeding 2. Decreased blood pressure 3. Increased heart rate 4. Decrease in the red blood cell count (hematocrit) 5. Swelling and pain in tissues in the vaginal and perineal area

Causes

The causes of PPH during childbirth can be classified into 4 categories, or “4 Ts”: Tone: Failure of the uterus to con-

HEALTH NEWS

Green tea boosts activity of antibiotics

BIGSTOCK

Ignoring the snoring

lowed by uterine massage Uterotonic drug should be administered within 1 minute after birth of the newborn

After delivery of the placenta

Two types of PPH

Primary PPH (bleeding immediately after delivery, within the first 24 hours)  Secondary PPH (bleeding after 24 hours) Timely and accurate diagnosis is important to initiate appropriate interventions (eg drugs, surgery, referral) and improve outcome.

QUICK TIPS

Green tea can help antibiotics be three times more effective in fighting drugresistant bacteria, even super bugs, according to a study by researchers at Alexandria University in Egypt. The results surprised the researchers, showing that in almost every case and for every type of antibiotics tested, drinking green tea at the same as taking the medicines seemed to reduce the bacteria’s drug resistance, even in super bug strains, and increase the action of the antibiotics. In some cases, even a low concentration of green tea was effective.

Aged garlic is better than raw Garlic is good for your heart. It helps to lower the level of bad cholesterol in blood. During a recent study, researchers discovered the immune-boosting benefits of aged garlic extract over raw garlic. Aged garlic extract is better at boosting immunity levels than raw garlic, according to a study published in the journal Phytochemistry. The antioxidant activity in aged garlic extract is increased and it contains potent antioxidants which are not found in raw garlic.

It is also less odourous, so there’s less chance of whiffy garlic breath. It is available at pharmacies and health-food stores in capsule or liquid form.

tract after the delivery of the baby and placenta (uterine atony) Tissue: Retained placenta and/or products of conception (POCs) Trauma: Ruptured uterus, uterine inversion, lacerations or tears of the cervix, vagina, or perineum and placental abruption Thrombin: Bleeding disorders

Management of PPH

PPH management can be started from antenatal care by detecting and treating anemia. A few cautionary steps should be taken during labour, such as using a partograph to monitor and guide the management of labour in quickly detecting unsatisfactory progress, encouraging the woman

to keep her bladder empty, not encouraging pushing before the birth passage is fully dilated, not applying pressure over the abdomen to assist the birth, performing selective episiotomy (cutting to widen the birth passage) for medical and obstetric reasons only, and assisting the woman in the controlled delivery of the baby’s head and shoulders to help prevent any tears.

During third stage of labour: Provide AMTSL

Active management of third stage of labour (AMTSL) includes 3 components:  After delayed cord clamping (once the cord stops pulsating, or within 2-3 minutes)

Routinely inspect the vulva, vagina, perineum, and anus to identify genital lacerations, routinely inspect the placenta and membranes for completeness, evaluate if the uterus is well-contracted and massage the uterus at regular intervals after placental delivery to keep the uterus well-contracted and firm (at least every 15 minutes for the first two hours after birth).

Particular paraphernalia are sometimes required in managing PPH. Use of a drug that stimulates uterine contractions; controlled cord traction, uterine massage and even emergency hysterectomy (removal of uterus) can be done for this purpose.

Preparing for PPH at every birth

Because two-thirds of all women who develop PPH have no known risk factors, providers should assume that all women are potentially at risk of PPH. One of the reasons all women should be offered AMTSL is because risk factors can predict so few PPH cases.

Reliance on risk factors to classify women at increased risk has not decreased morbidity and mortality associated with PPH. Moreover, relying on risk assessment can lead to unnecessary over-management of women classified as “high risk,” which can be detrimental both to women and to health systems. l

Bust the confusion of ‘pure’ and ‘extra virgin’ olive oil

More than a minor annoyance, snoring can be a sign of something more serious. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of them. OSA is a disorder, marked by breathing that is interrupted during sleep. Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing sleep apnea, but slim people can have it too.

If you snore and often wake up feeling tired or drowsy, talk to your doctor; there are easy ways to treat sleep apnea. l

Overeating and being overweight

BIGSTOCK

Being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease, and 72% of men and 64% of women in the US are overweight or obese. Try to eat less, avoid oversize portions, and replace sugary drinks with water. Researchers also suggest cutting down on high-calorie carbohydrates (think refined pastas and breads) from daily meals and watching out for “low-fat” labelled ready-made food. These kind of simple steps can help you to manage overeating as well as avoid being overweight. l

Stopping or skipping meds

n Dr Sajol Ashfaq Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils because of its high monounsaturated fat content and relatively low saturated fat content.

DID YOU Recently, the use of KNOW? olive oil as cooking oil is becoming a trend. The most commonly used and heard of olive oil is “extra virgin.” Extra virgin, along with the standard virgin olive oil, is extracted directly from the olive fruit by grinding the olives in thermal conditions which preserves the natural taste. The method for extracting the oil is what is known as “cold pressed,” which keeps the oil from losing its flavour when exposed to high temperatures. Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing of the olives, and is considered the finest and having the freshest, fruitiest flavor.

According to experts, extra virgin olive oils, the fruit of the olive trees, has to be disease-free, harvested at the right time and processed immediately. The chemical composition of the oil has to pass a large number of tests and meet a range of strict standards.

BIGSTOCK

BIGSTOCK

Pure olive oil which doesn’t meet all of these standards may have originated from fruit that wasn’t harvested properly. If the olives were picked from the ground instead of from the tree, for instance, the quality of the final oil is compromised. Taste is affected and sometimes rancidity means the oil isn’t good enough to consume at all. Pure or refined olive oil is used when frying with lack of taste.

“Pure,” “light’ and those simply labeled as “olive oil” are those which have been refined. Refining is a complex process that involves the use of

acids, alkalis, steam and other deodorising agents. The refining process removes all of the aroma and flavour substances out of olives, including its natural antioxidants. Artificial antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and the related compound butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) need to be added back to give the refined olive oil a reasonable shelf life.

Extra virgin olive oil deteriorates over time. The further away it has to travel and the more it has to be handled, the likelier it will be that the quality and freshness will be compromised. l

Let’s be honest: Taking pills is a pain.

There can be side effects, and it’s easy to forget taking your medication, especially if you’re feeling well. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because you never feel its bad effects.

Feeling fine is not a justification to stop taking your medication for high blood pressure, however. In Bangladesh, almost all patients suffering from high blood pressure discontinue medication without ever consulting their doctor. To stop taking medicine for hypertension can invite serious health hazards like brain haemorrage.

There are 30 types of medication for high blood pressure. If a certain type doesn’t work, you can always try something else. l

| Compiled by: Shirsho Saaeadat

Flossing may help decrease your risk of a stroke n Dr Shakhawat Hossain Syantha

Salt intake in children Children are consuming too much salt with disastrous consequences for their health now and in the future. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that nearly three-quarters of eight-month-old babies have an intake of salt that is significantly higher than the recommended level. Too-high levels of sodium are a concern at any age, due to their strong links to hypertension, but particularly so in babies and very young children, as too much salt can harm the development of organ systems, especially the kidneys. Also, by giving infants a taste for salt at a very young age, they become conditioned to seek it out as adults, setting them up for further health problems. In a study, researchers found that in children the average salt intake is more than twice the recommended daily amount. Factors contributing to this result were identified as: eating high levels of bread; having cow milk rather than breast milk as a main drink; the introduction of salty, processed solid foods, such as baked beans and canned spaghetti; and the addition of salty condiments like yeast extract. Salt intakes need to be substantially reduced in children. Infants need foods specifically prepared for them without added salt, so it is important to alter the family diet. Manufacturers also have a responsibility to reduce the salt content of food products, researchers said. l

| Dr Mohammad Sayem

Flossing may be a bore but this kind of fastidious teeth-cleansing might be a lifesaver. Tooth loss increases the risk of a stroke many years later, according to a new Japanese study, and underlying SELF CARE gum disease may be to blame. A stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood supply to the brain. The most common type is an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel that normally delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked. A haemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding into the brain.

In any stroke the nerve cells in the affected area of the brain may die within minutes of being denied oxygen, leading to impairment of bodily functions. In the new study, researchers at Hiroshima University found that stroke patients in their 50s and 60s had significantly fewer remaining teeth than the patients in the same age groups who had been treated for other conditions.

The number of teeth remaining was also significantly lower among stroke patients in their 50s than in the general population of the same age.

The researchers then analysed and found that having 24 or fewer teeth increased the risk of

stroke by 57 per cent compared with those with 25 or more teeth. The researchers also took into account a range of other risk factors associated with stroke, including smoking habits, obesity and alcohol use.

Some studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Periodontal diseases range from gum inflammation to diseases that damage the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss after the age of 40.

The mouth is brimming with bacteria, which contributes to the sticky, colourless plaque that binds to

teeth. Brushing and flossing helps get rid of plaque.

One theory is that periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries and brain tissues, which can cause greater amounts of compounds involved in clotting.

It is believed that oral bacteria can contribute to the furring up and narrowing of artery walls, which could result in a stroke. Oral bacteria could also attach to fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to a blood clot and result in a stroke. l The author is Assistant Professor, Maxillofacial Surgery at BSMMU, Dhaka

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

MIDDLE EAST

International

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Syria talks on verge of collapse before they begin UN calls for extra funds for Iran inspections

n Reuters, Geneva Syria’s first peace talks were on the verge of collapsing on Friday before they began, with the opposition refusing to meet President Bashar al-Assad’s delegation and the government threatening to bring its team home.

The opposition said it would not meet Assad’s delegation unless it first agreed to sign up to a protocol calling for a transitional administration. The government rejected the demand outright and said its negotiators would

return home unless serious talks began within a day.

“If no serious work sessions are held by (Saturday), the official Syrian delegation will leave Geneva due to the other side’s lack of seriousness or preparedness,” Syrian state television quoted Foreign Minister Walid alMoualem as saying. Friday was meant to be the first time in three years of war that Assad’s government and foes would negotiate face to face.

But plans were ditched at the last minute after the opposition said the

government delegation must first sign up to a 2012 protocol, known as Geneva 1, that calls for an interim government to oversee a transition to a new political order. “We have explicitly demanded a written commitment from the regime delegation to accept Geneva 1.

Otherwise there will be no direct negotiations,” opposition delegate Haitham al-Maleh told Reuters.

The government delegation met UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi separately, and said it rejected the opposition demand: “No, we will not accept it,” Information

Minister Omran Zoabi told Reuters.

Brahimi, who met the government team for barely an hour, was due to talk to the opposition delegation separately later on Friday.

The opposition says it has come to discuss a transition that will remove Assad from power. The government says it is there only to talk about fighting terrorism - the word it uses for its enemies - and that no one can force Assad to go. “There are no Syrian-Syrian talks at the moment,” said UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci. “I cannot tell you anything about what will happen in the next few days.”

Even before the announcement that the direct talks were cancelled, the outlook was dim.

“The objective is for the first round of talks to last until next Friday, but expectations are so low we’ll see how things develop day by day,” a Western diplomat said.

“Every day that they talk is a little step forward.”

Brahimi has indicated that his aim is to start by seeking practical steps, like local ceasefires, prisoner releases and access for international aid deliveries, before embarking on the tougher political negotiations. But even those narrow aims would fail if the delegations go home. l

n Reuters, Vienna The UN atomic agency asked member countries on Friday for more money to fund the increased inspections it will conduct in Iran as it verifies Tehran’s compliance with a nuclear deal agreed with six world powers.

The International Atomic Energy Agency will nearly double the number of people it has working on Iran as a result of the six-month accord, IAEA chief Yukiya told an extraordinary meeting of the body’s 35-nation governing board.

Amano said the interim accord which took effect on Monday and under which Iran will get relief from some economic sanctions - was an “important step forward towards achieving a comprehensive solution” to the decade-old nuclear dispute.

But, he added: “there is still a long way to go.”

“We will need to nearly double the staff resources devoted to verification in Iran,” Amano said. “We will need to significantly increase the frequency of the verification activities which we are currently conducting.”

In the deal with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia, Iran agreed to suspend its most sensitive nuclear activity in exchange for a limited easing of sanctions that are battering its oil-dependent economy.

In a confidential report to member states last week, the IAEA estimated the increased workload as a result of the deal would cost around 6m euros.

Of that amount, “extra budgetary voluntary contributions of about 5.5m euros are needed,” the report said.

Diplomats said they did not expect any difficulties in raising the money in view of the political importance of the issue.

Amano told the board: “I call upon countries which are in a position to do so to make the necessary funding available.”

The US envoy to the IAEA, Joseph Macmanus, told reporters the United States would provide a “substantive” contribution, without giving a figure, and said that other IAEA members at the meeting had also agreed to provide additional resources. l

AFRICA

Striking S African miners meet firms

New Central African Republic leader sworn in as tensions escalate

n Reuters, Rustenburg

n Agencies

South Africa’s main platinum miners union opened government-brokered talks with the world’s top three platinum companies on Friday to end a wage strike that started to turn violent on its second day. Union leaders representing as many as 100,000 miners who walked off work on Thursday sat down with officials of the three firms that produce more than half the world’s platinum, a metal used in catalytic converters in cars.

The three companies - Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), Impala Platinum and Lonmin - say union demands to more than double the miners’ basic pay are “unaffordable and unrealistic.”

The strike and fears of unrest hit the

rand, pushing it through the psychologically key 11.0 to the dollar to levels last seen five years ago. Violence in the platinum sector could trigger a heavier sell-off in the currency. The companies’ talks with the hardline Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) were held under the auspices of South Africa’s main commercial arbitration body, labour ministry spokesman Musi Zondi said.

“Obviously it would be good if something positive were to come out of it,” he said. The government stepped in to mediate the dispute and avoid damage to an already struggling economy and to the political standing of President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which faces general elections in three months. l

Suicide car bomber kills four in Cairo n Reuters, Cairo A suicide car bomber blew himself up in the parking lot of a top security compound in central Cairo on Friday, killing at least four people in one of the most high-profile attacks on the state in months, security sources said.

The early morning explosion damaged the Cairo Security Directorate, which includes police and state security, and sent smoke rising over the capital, raising concerns that an Islamist insurgency is gathering pace.

Hours after the attack, two more blasts rocked the capital.

A crude explosive device killed one policeman and wounded nine others in EUROPE

Poland to look into new allegations about secret CIA jail n Reuters, Krakow Polish prosecutors investigating allegations the CIA ran a secret jail in a Polish forest said on Friday they will look into a newspaper report that gave new accounts about the alleged “black site.”

Human rights groups and lawyers have argued for years that Poland allowed the Central Intelligence Agency to use the site, an intelligence training academy in north-east Poland, to detain and interrogate men it suspected of being al Qaeda leaders.

The Washington Post newspaper cited what it said were former CIA officers as saying that the agency paid $15m to Polish intelligence in 2003 for use of the site, handing over the cash in two cardboard boxes.

Piotr Kosmaty, spokesman for prosecutors in the Polish city of Krakow who are pursuing a criminal investigation into allegations about the facility, said it was possible the newspaper report contained evidence about the case.

“In the course of the investigation that is underway, we will analyse this Washington Post article and will include it in our investigation,” Kosmaty told Reuters. l

another Cairo neighbourhood, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Security sources said a person driving past security vehicles threw a hand grenade in their direction.

In Giza, a large district on the outskirts of Cairo, a third explosion went off near a police station. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The dead from the first blast included three policemen, security sources said. State television quoted the Cairo governor as saying 50 people were wounded. Reuters witnesses heard gunfire immediately after the blast, which twisted the metal and shattered windows of nearby shops. Wood and metal debris were scattered hundreds of meters around. l

Interim president Catherine Samba-Panza urged fighters to put down their arms as she took the oath of office, even as looters pillaged Muslim neighbourhoods and sectarian tensions escalated in the Central African Republic.

Samba-Panza, the nation’s first female leader, was sworn in at a ceremony on Thursday days after being chosen by a national transitional council.

The rebel leader behind the March 2013 coup stepped aside nearly two weeks ago under mounting international criticism of his inability to control his fighters and stem the violence.

In her inaugural address, Samba-Panza urged both the Muslim fight-

ers behind the coup and Christian armed opposition to support peace.

“I strongly call on the fighters to show patriotism in putting down their weapons,” she said. “The ongoing disorder in the country will no longer be tolerated.”

The Central African Republic has been wracked by sectarian violence for months, with more than 1,000 people killed in Bangui over the course of several days in December alone. Nearly onem people have fled their homes, with 100,000 of them living in and around the Bangui airport being guarded by French soldiers.

UN officials have warned that the crisis has a high risk of escalating into genocide, driven by fighting between

Christians and Muslims.

Hundreds of Christians went on a rampage on Wednesday, looting and setting fire to Muslim-owned homes and businesses and threatening to go on a killing spree.

Rwandan and French forces intervened late on Wednesday to rescue about 30 Muslims trapped inside their homes by marauding gangs in the PK13 district of Bangui, witnesses said. The help arrived after international human rights activists pleaded for help for the families.

“If these people are not evacuated within the next hour, they will be dead tomorrow. As soon as we leave they will be killed,” said Peter Bouckaert, the emergency director at Human Rights Watch. l

Central African Republic’s new interim president Catherine Samba Panza sits in the presence of members of the constitutional court during her swearing-in ceremony in Bangui AFP

Tunisia agrees content of new constitution n Reuters Tunisia’s national assembly has approved the final articles of the country’s new constitution, three years after an uprising against autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali inspired a wave of Arab revolts.

The assembly will probably vote on Saturday to fully approve the charter.

“Finally, we have reached this moment,” Assembly President Mustapha Ben Jaafar said on Thursday, as deputies chanted the national anthem in the assembly chamber in Tunis.

Following their 2011 nationwide uprising, Tunisia is close to full democracy after months of acrimony gave way to a compromise between ruling Islamists and secular leaders that contrasts sharply with upheaval in Libya and Egypt.

Tunisia’s ruling Islamist party Ennahda stepped down in an agreement with opponents to break the deadlock and make way for a technocrat administration to govern until new presidential elections later this year.

The new prime minister, Mehdi Jomaa has promised to appoint a non-political cabinet once the constitution is approved. But his government must decide on economic reforms and tackle the threat of Islamist armed groups.

A newly appointed election committee has yet to decide on a date for the presidential vote.

Mostly applauded for its modernity, the new constitution had been delayed by political deadlock as Islamists and opposition parties argued over the role of Islam in one of the most secular Arab countries.

Nevertheless, challenges remain to ensure the articles in the new constitution are adhered to. l

AMERICAS

Ukraine protesters seize building, US man denies part in ‘Goodfellas’ robbery put up more barricades n Reuters, Kiev Ukrainian protesters erected more street barricades and occupied a government ministry building on Friday, fuelling tension after the failure of crisis talks with President Viktor Yanukovich.

In response to opposition calls, about 1,000 demonstrators moved away from Kiev’s Independence Square in the early hours of Friday and began to erect new barricades closer to presidential headquarters.

Masked protesters, some carrying riot police shields seized as trophies, stood guard as others piled up sandbags packed with frozen snow to form new ramparts across the road leading down into the square.

Opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko, after leaving a second round of talks with Yanukovich empty handed, late on Thursday voiced fears the impasse could now lead to further bloodshed.

At least three protesters have been killed so far - two from gunshot wounds - after clashes between protesters led by a hard core of radicals and riot police.

After speaking first to protesters manning the barricades, Klitschko then went to Independence Square where he declared: “Hours of conversation were spent about nothing. There is no sense sitting at a negotiating table with someone who has already decided to deceive you.

“I earnestly wish that there will be no bloodshed and that people are not killed ... I will survive, but I am afraid there will be deaths, I am afraid of this,” the boxer-turned-politician said.

Three opposition politicians - Klitschko, former economy minister Arseny Yatsenyuk and far-right nationalist Oleh Tyahnibok - had tried to wring concessions from Yanukovich that would end two months of street protests against his rule. A group of protesters took control of the main agricultural ministry building in the centre. “We need the place for our people to warm up,” a local protest leader was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

Meanwhile, radical protesters near Dynamo Kiev football stadium - the new flashpoint in the city cranked up their action, setting tires ablaze again and sending a pall of

black smoke over the area.

There were no signs that protesters were heeding an appeal from general prosecutor Viktor Pshonka who said early on Friday that those so far arrested would be treated leniently by the courts if protest action was halted.

There are reports that protests are spreading to other provincial areas.

Thousands stormed regional administration headquarters in Rivne in western Ukraine on Thursday, breaking down doors and demanding the release of people detained in the unrest there, UNIAN news agency reported.

In the town of Cherkasy, 200 km (125 miles) south of Kiev, about 1,000 protesters took over the first two floors of the main administration building and lit fires outside the building.

In Kiev, scores on both sides have been injured - many with eye injuries caused by flying projectiles and police rubber bullets. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in the capital after Yanukovich backed away from signing a free trade deal with the European Union, which many people saw as the key to a European future, in favour of financial aid from Ukraine’s old Soviet master Russia. l

n Agencies An alleged New York gangster has pleaded not guilty after being arrested over a 1978 cash and jewellery robbery from JFK airport immortalised in Martin Scorsese’s film Goodfellas.

Vincent Asaro, 78, reputedly a senior member of the notorious Bonanno crime family, was among five suspects arrested by FBI agents in separate early morning raids on Thursday in New York.

“These ‘goodfellas’ thought they had a licence to steal, a licence to kill, and a licence to do whatever they wanted,” George Venizelos, FBI assistant director in charge, said.

During a nine-minute appearance in a US federal court, Asaro pleaded not guilty to extortion, murder and violence charges that US prosecutors say spanned a 45-year career in crime.

He was also charged with the 1969 murder of Paul Katz, a presumed informant who was strangled with a dog chain and whose body parts were discovered in a New York basement in June.

Asaro, who had triple bypass surgery in March, faces life in prison if convicted.

He stood slightly stooped, his hair swept back and casually dressed in a sweater as he entered his not-guilty plea before the packed courtroom in Brooklyn.

US magistrate Judge Marilyn Go ordered Asaro detained until further notice. Asaro’s lawyer pledged to apply for bail but US prosecutors call him a flight risk.

“Prosecutors say neither age nor time has diminished Vincent Asaro’s ruthless ways,” Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey, reporting from New York, said.

“The [prosecutors] have assembled a long list of charges against him - from murder to extortion - some allegedly carried out in recent months.”

In the biggest robbery on US soil, armed gangsters stole $5m in cash and nearly $1m in jewels from a Lufthansa Airlines vault at New York’s JFK airport on December 11, 1978.

The value of the booty today is estimated at around $20m.

The theft became legendary after its alleged mastermind James Burke also known as Jimmy the Gent - killed off members of the crew to avoid being shopped to the police. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

International

9

Saturday, January 25, 2014

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistan court sentences Briton to death for blasphemy n AFP, Islamabad A court in Pakistan has sentenced a British man to death for blasphemy for claiming to be a prophet of Islam, a prosecutor and police said Friday.

Mohammad Asghar, a British national of Pakistani origin, was arrested in 2010 in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, for writing letters claiming to be a prophet, police said.

The special court inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Asghar is being held, rejected defence claims that the 65-year-old has mental health problems.

“Asghar claimed to be a prophet even inside the court. He confessed it in front of the judge,” Javed Gul, a government prosecutor, told AFP. “Asghar used to write it even on his visiting card.”

Blasphemy is an extremely sensitive issue in Pakistan, where 97% of the

population is Muslim, and insulting the Prophet Mohammed can carry the death penalty.

But the country has had a de facto moratorium on civilian hangings since 2008. Only one person has been executed since then, a soldier convicted by court martial.

In 2006 the then-president Pervez Musharraf commuted the death sentence on a British man convicted of murder after appeals from then-prime minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles.

The court also ordered Asghar to pay a fine of onem Pakistani rupees ($10,000), Gul said.

A medical board examined Asghar after defence lawyers said he was suffering from some mental disorder, but Gul said they “declared him as a normal person.”

“Asghar was failed to produce even a single witness in his favour,” Gul added.

A police official in Sadiq Abad neighbourhood of Rawalpindi, where Asghar was arrested, confirmed the death sentence.

Pakistan’s tough blasphemy laws have attracted criticism from rights groups, who say they are frequently abused to settle personal scores.

In 2012, Rimsha Masih, a young Christian girl, was arrested for alleged blasphemy in Islamabad.

The case provoked international concern because of her age, estimated at 14, and because she was variously described as “uneducated” or suffering from Down’s syndrome.

The charges against here were eventually thrown out and last June she fled to Canada with her family.

Even unproven allegations of blasphemy can provoke a violent public response. There have been several cases where mobs have attacked mentally ill people who have made supposedly blasphemous claims. l

File photo of Pakistani police at Adiala prison in Rawalpindi, where a court has sentenced a British man to death for blasphemy for claiming to be a prophet of Islam AFP

Pakistan Shias bury dead after protest

Suspects in court over India gang-rape ‘punishment’

n AFP, Quetta

n AFP, Subalpur

Shia Muslims in Pakistan’s troubled southwest Friday buried the victims of a recent bomb attack after ending a protest following government assurances that the perpetrators would be hunted down.

Relatives had refused to bury the dead from a roadside blast earlier this week that killed 24 Shia pilgrims in a bus around 60 kilometres (40 miles) west of Quetta, the capital of southwestern Baluchistan province.

They ended their two-day protest late on Thursday after a government delegation led by Interior Minister Chaudrhy Nisar Ali Khan assured them an operation would be carried out against those responsible.

The government paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC), began an operation in Mastung district, where the attack took place, on Friday morning.

“Around 350 personnel of FC and police commandos are carrying out an operation in Mastung and its surrounding that started at 6am today, we have

nabbed 25 suspects till now and the operation is going on” FC spokesman, Wasey Khan told AFP. He said two helicopters were giving air cover to the personnel.

Baluchistan, rich in minerals but volatile and impoverished, has been the focus of growing sectarian violence in Pakistan. Members of Quetta’s Hazara ethnic community, which is largely Shia, began their protest on Wednesday and braved freezing temperatures to spend the night in the open.

Refusing to bury bodies is an extreme statement in Islamic society where it is customary to inter the dead as soon as possible.

Shias in Quetta staged similar protests last year after two devastating bomb attacks targeting their community, prompting Islamabad to sack the provincial government.

The militant outfit Lashkar-eJhangvi (LeJ), regarded as the most extreme Sunni terror group in Pakistan and accused of killing hundreds of Shias since its emergence in the 1990s, claimed responsibility for the attack. l

Thirteen men arrested over the alleged gang-rape of a woman in India for “dishonouring” her community appeared in court Friday as a village elder accused of ordering the punishment insisted he was innocent.

As India’s chief justice ordered an inquiry into the incident which has further fuelled public anger over levels of sexual violence, the victim’s neighbours described her as a charming woman who planned to marry.

Police and prosecutors said the 13 accused were produced before a court in West Bengal’s Birbhum district over allegations that the 20-year-old woman was repeatedly assaulted for being in a relationship with a Muslim man.

“All 13 accused arrested on the charge of gang-rape were remanded to 13-day police custody to help police investigate the incident,” Phiroz Kumar Pal, assistant public prosecutor, told AFP. The defendants included the head of the tribal council in the village of

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand’s Constitutional Court opened the way on Friday to delay a general election the government has set for February 2, a ruling that could further drag out the country’s political deadlock, already in its third month.

The Election Commission sought court approval to postpone the election, arguing that the country was so unsettled it would be impossible to hold a successful vote now.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called the election last month in the hope of confirming her grip on power in the face of mass anti-government protests trying to force her from office.

The court ruling appeared to fudge a decision. While it gave the Election Commission the right to postpone the election, it also ruled that the commis-

sion would have to agree on a new date with the government.

The government has refused to accept a delay in the vote which it would almost certainly win and which the opposition says it will boycott.

Varathep Rattankorn, a minister at the prime minister’s office, said the government wanted to read the full ruling before deciding what to do next.

One election commissioner, speaking to Reuters, said the vote could still go ahead on February 2 if Yingluck’s government dug in its heels.

“We will ask to meet with the prime minister and her government on Monday to discuss a new election date,” election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said. “If the government doesn’t agree to postpone the election, then the election will go ahead.”

He said that advanced voting for eli-

N Korea pushes South on military drills n AFP, Seoul

n Reuters, Beijing

stop all hostile military acts, the biggest hurdle stoking distrust and confrontation,” the letter from the National Defence Commission (NDC) said.

Later in the day the North made a fresh proposal for the resumption of reunions for families separated since the Korean War, saying the programme could provide fresh momentum to improving cross-border ties.

The North suggested that the South could choose a date for a family reunion event “at its convenience” after the the time of the Lunar New Year on January 31.

The South immediately welcomed the new offer saying it would send its own proposal later for the date and other details on family reunions.

But Seoul has reacted more cautiously to the other reconciliatory steps offered by Pyongyang. l

REUTERS

gible voters could go ahead as planned on Sunday.

The government declared a 60-day state of emergency from Wednesday hoping to prevent an escalation in protests.

A leading pro-government activist was shot and wounded the same day in northeast Thailand, a Yingluck stronghold, in what police said was a political attack, adding to fears the violence could spread.

Nine people have died and dozens been wounded in violence, including two grenade attacks in the capital last weekend.

Anti-government firebrand and protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, accusing the government of mass corruption, wants it to step aside and a “people’s council” appointed to push through electoral and political changes. l

Hundreds of Nepalese doctors on Friday ended a five-day strike after the government agreed to meet their demands for medical education reforms, their professional association said.

Hospitals and clinics across the Himalayan nation have been shut since Sunday in support of an orthopaedic surgeon who launched a hunger strike, leaving thousands of patients without treatment.

Govinda K.C., who works at the state-run Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, began his protest two weeks ago over the allegedly political appointment of the institution’s new dean.

The 56-year-old surgeon had also campaigned for greater transparency and autonomy in state-run teaching hospitals.

“We have decided to end the strike,” Lochan Karki, the spokesman of Nepal Medical Association (NMA), told AFP. “The government has agreed to meet our demands. The government has also promised that a new dean, who is senior and better qualified, will be appointed,” Karki said. l

China sends surveillance jets to East China Sea defence zone

North Korea on Friday urged a sceptical South Korea to respond to a recent series of trust-building gestures and again called on Seoul to cancel upcoming military drills with the United States.

The latest apparent olive branch came in the form of an “open letter” sent to the South Korean authorities by the North’s top military body on the direct orders of leader Kim Jong-Un in an effort to promote “reconciliation and unity.”

Carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency, the letter followed up on a series of confidence-building proposals that South Korea has already dismissed as a “deceptive” propaganda exercise.

“What is important for paving a wide avenue for mending North-South relations is to make a bold decision to

Thai court opens way for poll delay, political deadlock n

tempted to intimidate her.

“Members of the village council threatened her with dire consequences if she lodged a complaint with the police,” Kazi Mohammad Hossain, a senior officer at the district police station in Labphur, told AFP. “She was limping and bleeding when she came to the police station,” he explained.

The victim, who spoke to journalists on Thursday to confirm that she had been gang-raped, is in the local Suri Sadar hospital where superintendent Asit Kumar Biswas told AFP she was “recovering.”

The gruesome new case has again highlighted India’s problems with sexual violence after the fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in December 2012 sparked angry protests about the treatment of women.

Councils made up of village elders, usually known as “Khap Panchayats,” are common in rural parts of India, especially in the north, where they are often accused of dispensing “Taliban-style justice.” l

NORTH EAST ASIA

Workers of the Cooperative Auditing Department leave after anti-government protesters locked it and forced their evacuation

Reuters, Bangkok

Supalpur, 58-year-old Balai Mardi, who is alleged to have ordered the mass sexual assault after her parents were unable to pay a fine.

But speaking from his cell, wearing a traditional loincloth known as a “lungi,” a furious and unshaven Mardi denounced the charges against him.

“It’s conspiracy to falsely implicate me,” he told AFP. While the 13 were remanded in custoy, all the other male residents appeared to have fled Subalpur, leaving nervous women and children who were reluctant to speak to visiting journalists.

“She was charming and well-behaved,” Laxmi Murmu, 45, who lives next door to the girl’s hut, told AFP of the victim.

“The boy promised to marry the girl soon. But the village council did not accept this as the boy was Muslim,” she added.

Police in the area, around five hours’ drive north of Kolkata, said that a mob had surrounded the victim’s house after her ordeal and at-

Doctors end strike in Nepal n AFP, Kathmandu

N Korea proposes family reunions with South n AFP, Seoul North Korea Friday made a sudden proposal for the resumption of reunions for families separated since the Korean War, saying the programme could help improve cross-border ties.

South Korea immediately welcomed the offer, which followed a recent series of trust-building gestures from the nuclear-armed communist country.

The North’s Red Cross faxed a message to its South Korean counterpart, calling for a family reunion event after the the time of the Lunar New Year on January 31, according to its official Korean Central News Agency.

The North suggested that the South could choose a date for the event “at its convenience” after the Lunar New Year when the weather thaws.

Pyongyang’s Red Cross agency is affiliated with the International Commit-

tee of the Red Cross but is under state control.

The North said the reunion programme would provide fresh momentum to improving ties following years of high tensions.

It suggested that the South could choose a date for the event “at its convenience” after the Lunar New Year.

The South’s unification ministry, in charge of inter-Korean affairs, said it would send its own proposal later for the date and other details on family reunions.

In early January South Korean President Park Geun-Hye had called for a family reunion event to be held around the time of the Lunar New Year. But the North rejected the offer, citing planned SouthUS military exercises as a major barrier.

Millions of Koreans were left separated by the Korean War, which sealed the peninsula’s division. l

China’s airforce has dispatched another patrol to monitor its controversial air defence zone in the East China Sea and issue warnings to foreign military jets in the zone, it said on Friday. The United States, Europe and Japan have criticized China’s air defence zone, saying its establishment last November was provocative and exacerbates tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week said Japan and China should avoid repeating the past mistakes of Britain and Germany, which fought in World War One despite strong economic ties. Ties have been strained by a recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to a controversial shrine for war dead, China’s air defence zone and the long-running dispute over a string of East China Sea islets that both countries claim. l

Campaigners rally against Japan’s dolphin hunting n AFP, Tokyo Activists protesting against Japan’s indigenous dolphin hunting held a rally in Tokyo Friday, calling on officials to stop sales of the marine mammals to aquariums and as meat.Some two dozen campaigners, mostly Japanese, congregated in front of the Fisheries Agency with banners and pictures, urging the government to ban dolphin catching.

“Most Japanese people do not know about dolphin hunting,” said Noriko Ikeda, who organised the rally and a member of Action for Marine Mammals.

“The government has argued the practise is part of the Japanese tradition and food culture. “But reality is that it is extremely rare to find Japanese people who wish to eat dolphins. The real problem is that hunt is driven by demand for live dolphins among aquariums to put on dolphin shows,” she said. l

10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Letters to

www.dhakatribune.com

the Editor

LETTER OF THE DAY

Increase incentive for renewable energy

S

tate minister for power Nasrul Hamid, who is also president of REHAB (Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh), has said the government is considering withdrawing the requirement to install solar panels for new electricity connections to households in urban areas.

The use of solar energy has proved greatly beneficial in rural areas so the government should be cautious when changing or diluting rules that can provide similar benefits in urban areas. Current rules force consumers to install panels if their household use exceeds specified limits (presently 2kW.) It is debatable how efficient the present rules on relatively small-scale users in urban areas have been in delivering increased renewable energy capacity.

A better way forward may be for the government to be more direct in its policy to stimulate the market and encourage long-term thinking.

In Bangladesh, all fuels are subsidised, and that is where action needs to be taken, by withdrawing subsidies for them.

If the government’s goal is to increase investment in renewable energy, it should tax fossil fuels at a higher rate to discourage waste and use the money raised to incentivise private investments in renewable energy (like solar and biogas).

Making power and fuel more expensive will in themselves motivate consumers and industry to conserve energy better and invest in renewable energy.

The government should be more direct in its policy to incentivise private investments in renewable energy

Improve public hospitals

P

ublic hospitals are the only healthcare option available for the vast majority of the population.

At all levels they operate under extraordinary pressure.

Even centres of excellence which provide specialised treatments, such as the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, (NICD), have to serve more than double their optimum capacity of patients.

Lack of funding for new facilities and poor maintenance or management are common problems affecting much of the public health sector.

There is no excuse for this state of affairs as the country has plenty of competent, highly trained medical personnel. It has managed great strides in the past three decades in delivering cost effective drugs and raising life expectancy across the population. There is no reason to expect that standards in public hospitals cannot also be raised higher.

As a start, management and maintenance of public facilities must be significantly improved to help deliver better quality services for the population using public hospitals.

In the longer term, making public hospitals more attractive to patients and staff means building more capacity as well as making better use of existing resources.

Resources need to be spread around the country better. The government should review healthcare targets to encourage the development of more centres of excellence in all divisional capitals, and to provide incentives to attract and retain good staff in public hospitals.

Bangladeshi female workers abused abroad

January 22 The report “Female labour migration from BD marks rise in last 12 months” has drawn my attention. In 2013, female labourers migrated to Jordan, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Qatar mainly to work as housekeepers.

According to Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association (BOMSA), some 70% of the Bangladeshi female migrant workers are tortured by employers mostly for demanding their wages at the end of the month. Moreover, BOMSA receives about 100 complaints on an average each month from workers about being physically tortured, sexually abused at work, or being denied wages and food. Earlier, women used to be paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same job.

The government should take appropriate measures for the wellbeing of our female labourers who work in foreign countries. On the other hand, they should prepare the women through proper courses and training, so that they can enjoy better facilities abroad as well as send back a handsome remittance, in order to excel development of our country.

Elin Farhana

January 18 Sheikh Jinat Mahmid The nourishing hands will help the seedlings grow.

BNP’s political suicide January 19

Ariful Haque BNP’s politics of hate and communalism will derail Bangladesh’s democracy. The secular foundation of our constitution and communal harmony will be violently shaken if this ailing party allows the Islamic parties to use it as a pawn, never mind converting Bangladesh into a failed state.

Bangladesh has made great strides over the last several years. To hold on to the momentum and pace of this development, secularism and democracy must proceed side by side. Bangladesh’s strong secular foundation was served a death blow by Jamaat’s

Indigenous women plant Irri 28 seedlings in Rajshahi

two months of brutal campaign to derail democracy.

Hence, Bangladesh must ban religion playing with politics. Religion has corrupted politics to the point of no return. It’s time all democratic countries help Bangladesh fight this evil, so it doesn’t become another Afghanistan, due to the foolishness and irresponsibility of BNP gone astray.

Barak Hossain The saying, “Women are the inventors of cultivation,” has been proved.

Tilka Binte Mehtab Hands that plant the future of our food reserve.

Quazi Sabir Bravo!! What an article!! A must read for all true BNP supporters, not those who have turned to Jamaat foregoing the principles of Zia!

LETTER OF THE WEEK

BNP to ‘go slow’ January 18

‘Report on Indian military baseless’

January 18 If the Daily Inquilab report based on this rumour is indeed flat-out false, then the government’s apt response would be to summon the paper’s editors for a full explanation, perhaps even sue them for journalistic misconduct, but NOT instantly slam the paper offices shut, and the other disproportionately heavy-handed actions they have resorted to. This is pretty egregious flouting of freedom of the press.

And another unfortunate manifestation of a government chronically intolerant of not just any kind of dissent, but anything that threatens its image and credibility. someone

Attack on Noor: Top accused BNP leader dead

January 19 Unless the parties realise that this blood thirsty rivalry is unacceptable, this “eye for any eye” behaviour will continue unabated.

Akhtar Shah

Be Heard

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I actually think this more patient, broader, peaceful, and thoughtfully conceived countrywide protest program of resistance to the new AL “government” is a good approach that BNP should implement immediately. The blockades/hartals have been largely counter-productive on many levels. Of course, the rapid release of all illegally detained BNP leaders on blatantly trumped-up charges is in order.

Ditto the immediate removal of heavy-handed constraints on freedom of political assembly, movement, opening of BNP offices etc. I’m optimistic that a sustained, peaceful, but determined resistance and pressure from BNP and allies will yield results. After a series of political blunders over the last few years, it’s time the BNP changed tack, and took some strategically sound decisions toward restoring the democratic rights of the people, and enhancing its own electoral prospects.

Ronnie

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Making public hospitals more attractive to patients and staff means building more capacity as well as making better use of existing resources

CROSSWORD

PEANUTS

CODE-CRACKER ACROSS 1 Get on (4) 5 Mild explosions (4) 10 Bill of fare (4) 11 Insect (3) 12 Make suitable (5) 13 United (3) 14 Bird (5) 16 Short melodies (6) 18 Subjoin (6) 21 Lessen (5) 23 First woman (3) 24 Adhere closely (5) 26 Beverage (3) 27 To let stand! (4) 28 Enquires (4) 29 Prophet (4)

DOWN 2 Astound (5) 3 Corded fabric (3) 4 Beseech (7) 6 Musical instrument (4) 7 Distinctive flag (6) 8 Bishop’s territory (3) 9 Abstain from food (4) 15 Ways of viewing (7) 17 Lifts with effort (6) 19 Select group (5) 20 Domestic animals (4) 22 Bill (4) 23 Greek letter (3) 25 Sheltered side (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS Crossword

Sudoku

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

11

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Not burdens, but resources n Aziz Ahmed

M

How can the violence be stopped?

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Setting an example

E

n Swadesh Roy very modern society and state has the duty to protect minorities, and ensure equal rights for them. If anywhere, minorities feel insecure, and are tortured or persecuted by the majority community or any group of the majority community, it is a shortcoming of that society and a failure of the state.

Every modern state has the duty to provide equal rights to each citizen, but it should give extra attention to the minority community.

In the ancient world, there has been rampant persecution of races, castes, and ethnic groups. The modern world has not come out of this chronic harm, but rather is carrying on in a different manner. Sometimes we are carrying it out in the name of politics, in the name of religion, and in the name of race. Most of the time, it is committed by some opportunist group.

The 1946 communal conflict started in the name of religion. History says the British provoked it. Who provoked it is not the main concern. India, along with Bengal, had to pay too much of a price. We cut up our land geographically, killed our own brothers, and raped our own sisters.

Anyway, the present situation is different. The communal conflicts are now a part of history. Persecution, tor-

ture, preplanned killings, and looting are the present condition.

After starting the war crimes trial in Bangladesh, the Jamaat-e-Islami, backed by the BNP, has started attacking the minorities. They have killed minority people, and torched and looted their homes. They have broken temples and religious idols.

communal sentiment in Bangladesh.

They tried repeatedly. In spite of their efforts, they failed.

They wanted to ruin the election, but they failed in that endeavour.

That failure made them so aggravated that they played that card again. They hoped that this time, any Indian communal party or group would react.

A suggestion: Please give at least one capital punishment to one criminal guilty of these attacks

It turned severe after the verdict of Sayedee, one of the main war criminals. It was havoc for the country. They attacked government property and the Awami League people, but their attack on the minorities was a planned game. From the beginning of the war crimes trials, Jamaat, along with the BNP, were attacking minorities with a specific goal.

By attacking them, they wanted a reaction out of India. If any communal party or group acted in the same way, they would be able to create a

Now Sheikh Hasina is in power again, so she will try her best to give security to the minority people. The minority people of Bangladesh also believe that Sheikh Hasina can give them more protection, because she is not only the head of the government which claims to be secular, she is also the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

So now, the ball is in the court of the prime minister. She has to ensure the security of the minority people, and she has to make sure that the minorities are safe in Bangladesh

forever. We Bengalis and Bangladeshis have a certain pride. We were once a part of British India, but we declared our independence based on secularism.

We are the first nation of this subcontinent to include secularism in our constitution. India has followed later.

So, we are ahead in this particular region. That is why we have to work towards stopping this minority persecution for all times.

This opportunity, or holy duty for humanity, now rests on the shoulders of our prime minister. The killing of a minority is not a normal killing. Arson, looting, and the rape of a minority person cannot be considered regular crimes. These are crimes against humanity.

The PM has absolute majority in the parliament. She can easily make a law for the quick and correct punishment for criminals who attack, kill, rape and commit arson on minorities. This law will have to be tough. A suggestion: Please give at least one capital punishment to one criminal guilty of these attacks.

This will set an example and will help to deter these crimes, and will also serve as a guideline for this subcontinent to end this minority persecution. l Swadesh Roy is Executive Editor, the Daily Janakantha.

any well-educated disabled persons are denied jobs, hindering their effort to live independently. Given the plight of qualified disabled persons, one can only imagine the barriers faced by the vast majority of persons with disabilities who are less educated or skilled.

The employment of disabled people has been a challenging issue for a long time. Unemployment makes them a burden not only to their families, but also to society. Dependence on others causes discrimination and violence. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have their confidence sapped and will power sapped, which makes them lose their dignity.

The lack of employment opportunities is one of the barriers to disabled people’s empowerment, and that usually creates many problems for them at home and in society to live their lives in peace, happiness, and dignity.

No one wants to remain jobless, but the environment and the status quo sometimes keep them so. Disabled people’s unemployment is entirely a social problem. Causes behind these problems are tied to attitudes, and the unwillingness to change.

Society still believes that disabled people are not able to work. Their mindset regarding disabilities is that they should live on charity and the mercy of others. Structures are built which are not disability-friendly, or are inaccessible to disabled persons. That is discriminatory. Communications and transport facilities are also not favourable towards disabled people.

Ask any disabled person about the main problems they face living in society. Invariably the answer is lack of employment opportunities and discrimination. Disability is not their main factor, and neither is the will to work. People at large still feel that those who are disabled should depend on charity alone. But charity does not remove the root cause of discrimination in society, bringing about only temporary changes.

What challenges isolate PWDs from employment opportunities? The first is the lack of access to financial capital.

Banks and microfinance institutions have no specific development agenda for disabled people. Loan procedures of the banking sector still favour the rich and discourage the poor and the marginalised.

A representative of a disabled women’s organisation said that at present, disabled women were producing handicrafts, but there was no scope for those to be marketed. Their technical skills did not match labour market requirements, especially in the corporate sector.

Other causes were the scarcity of career counselling and employment services, the lack of labour market information, discrimination in employment and training, and lack of quality jobs.

The Disability Welfare Act 2001 supported disabled people’s employment in Bangladesh at first. After two years, a government circular announced a 10% quota for orphans and disabled

people in third and fourth class government jobs, but the implementation of it was largely ignored.

The prime minister first announced in the National Disability Convention organised by ADD on October 19, 2009, a 1% quota for disabled people in first class government jobs including civil service (BCS) jobs. The cabinet had approved that in 2012, but when it will be implemented remains a question.

Society still believes that disabled people are not able to work BGMEA was issued a circular on October 20, 2011, ensuring employment opportunities for disabled people in the garment sector. It was mentioned that about 200 disabled women were working in 65 garment factories in Dhaka City Corporation. Disabled women have now proven that often they are more skilled and sincere about their work than many who are not disabled.

The management of factories are quite happy with their performance.

Rikta is physically disabled due to rheumatic fever. She had a passion for education. She completed her secondary education, and in 2012, made dramatic changes to her life when a field worker from ADD included her name as a beneficiary. After that, Rikta got trained in garments sewing machine operations, techniques of marking and styling, and safety standards.

After her training, she got a job as quality checker with a salary of Tk4,000 in a garment factory at North Badda. Now her monthly salary is above Tk8,000. The garment factory at first refused her employment because of her disability, but through advocacy and a demonstration of her skills, they finally agreed.

Rikta is now very happy because she has become an earner. With her income, she is not only managing her family but is continuing her studies. She is helping her sick mother seek treatment. She has proved that if anyone has the willingness, courage, and opportunity, they can turn their life around.

Doors of garment industries are now open for PWDs. They just need to develop the skills. Above 200 organisations at different levels are actively working across the country, and thus it is easy to organise disabled persons.

The initiatives of enlightened development workers are needed. Organisations that are solvent, and believe in social responsibility and human rights, could stand beside PWDs in this commendable work. The joint work in garments and NGOs will mitigate the job crisis for PWDs. We should do all we can to make the disabled our resources, and not our burdens. l Aziz Ahmed is a development worker at ADD International.

n SM Waliuzzaman

A

hundred years of cultural heritage of the vast community of Rajshahi, which was predominantly dependent on the river Padma, is on the verge of disappearance due to the change in the flow of the mighty river over the last two decades. The Farakka barrage has caused a catastrophe for many in Rajshahi and other districts the Padma flows through.

A recent study on the Padma River in Charghat upazila of Rajshahi conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh shows how the cultural rights of people are being undermined under the territorialisation concept.

cial role as the lifeline of human civilisation. In South Asia, to some, rivers used to be known as god (and still are in some places) and the life-giver. Rivers don’t carry just freshwater, but also play a vital role in the maintenance of groundwater table and temperature balance. In the context of Bangladesh, a certain river flow is important to resist salinity infiltration in the coastal areas, and maintaining the ecological balance of the mangrove forest.

Unfortunately, the perception of water and rivers has shifted from a humanistic point of view to a more commercial point of view, especially in South Asia. Rivers, despite being parts of nature, have become a property of

These treaties are influenced by the technical and engineering aspects of rivers, rather than aspects that go beyond the political boundaries of nations

Throughout the decades, Bangladesh has been known as a riparian country.

The economy, society, culture, and psychology of the people of this country have been dominated and shaped by the thousands of rivers flown through this delta.

The history of civilisations all over the world shows how rivers play a cru-

the state, and the territorialising of such natural entities have further amplified the decision making and control over rivers in more isolated way.

Unlike air and light, water has not been realised as something beyond the political boundaries of states, and hence different states have their own interests in the same river (and in

the same god). Instead of sharing the blessings of the river, the issue of water-sharing has become prominent in the bilateral treaties and discussions.

Moreover, these treaties are heavily influenced by the technical and engineering aspects of rivers rather than the social, economic, cultural, and psychological aspects that go beyond the political boundaries of nations.

Sapura Begum is a resident of Godagari upazila who is affected by the erratic water flow of Padma. She says she has been observing such unpredictable behaviour of the river over the last 15 years. In her words: “This river has become so unpredictable.

Sometimes there is too much water, causing erosion and flooding. We have shifted our house eight times so far.

From my childhood, I had a dream to decorate my house my own way. But I couldn’t, because I had no permanent home. I am here today, but I don’t know where I will be tomorrow!”

The most heart-wrenching experience was shared by Nunibala, who takes care of her family. In recent times, she has been unable to practice her religious rites due to the lack of water. She said: “I am deprived of the chance to say goodbye to my goddess, just because of this dry river.”

Like Nunibala, Tota Mia, who used to be a farmer, witnessed how cultural practices like boat regattas and pitha festivals (lack of water hampered molasses cultivation which is essential for the pitha festival) have disappeared

SYED LATIF HOSSAIN

Tied to the river

from their locality.

He said: “We used to wait throughout the whole year for such festivals.

These formed the very core of our rural tradition. Nowadays, the river has changed. But I still miss those days when my father used to take all our family members to enjoy the boat regatta.”

The examples of cultural decline that surfaced from the study conducted by ActionAid Bangladesh are similar in the communities of all districts subjected to human intervention on the rivers of Bangladesh, under the guise of so-called development.

There are several examples of such psychological and cultural rights violations across this lower ripari-

an country. But there is not enough representation of these issues when lateral treaties are being formulated and discussed.

As long as the perception on rivers is dominated by the state-owned or territorialising concept, cultural, psychological, and social aspects of it will continue to remain ignored, and government will focus more on the sharing of water rather than the well-being derived from it.

So, it is time for the governments of South Asian countries to recognise rivers as natural entities, and that rights to them belong to all. l SM Waliuzzaman is Program Officer, Land Rights, ActionAid Bangladesh.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Rock Strata returns

A Rahman’s Gravity Free World going on at Bengal n Shadma Malik

n Entertainment Desk Rock Strata, one of the pioneering bands of Bangladesh’s metal scene, is back after 22 long years with a brand new album titled Notun Shad-er Khojey. The album is scheduled to be released on February 7.

The lineup of the band is : Mushfiq Ahmed on vocals, Imran Hussain on guitar, Mainul Islam on guitar, Arshad Amin on bass and Mahbubur Rashid on drums. There will also be guest appearances by the legendary guitarist Kamal.

Credited with a number of hit singles like Artonad, Nuclear Shadhinota, Rokte Bheja Mati and more, the band made a huge contribution toward popularising metal music here in the Bangladesh. In the ‘90s, the band used to rule the music scene.

However the members of the band were dispersed over the globe, and their activity came to an end near the end of the ‘90s. But they have reunited again for a common cause – to give us one last moment of Rock Strata; to recreate history once again. l

A exhibition entitled Gravity-Free World by the painter A Rahman, is being held at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts. It will continue until January 31. An expat living in Rome, Rahman is displaying 62 of his paintings and pencil-sketches for the show – a treat for art lovers in Bangladesh.

The exhibition is the part of a series by curator and art critic Mustafa Zaman.

Rahman’s canvases often bear a hole.

Interpreting the symbol, the artist says, “Since 2000, I have been drawing this ‘hole’ in my canvases. I would say it has become a landmark in my artwork. I use it as a sign to depict the life cycle of a human being.”

His series of artworks Psychedelic Noise Notes containing elements of Psychedelic art, makes Rahman a unique artist with a distinct style. About his work in the genre, the artist says: “It is my artistic effort to depict the inner world of my consciousness.”

Psychedelic art gained popularity in rock concert posters and music album covers in the 1960’s. In this digital age, Rahman works with digital prints that add 2D and 3D Psychedelic effects to his canvases.

His artwork titled On Unidentified Pla-

Alif wishes to work in Bollywood n Entertainment Desk Alif Chowdhury who came into the limelight as TV anchor with Pond’s My Second Honeymoon, has created his niche in the industry as a model, actor and TV anchor.

At present, Alif has broadened his horizons to work in a movie with the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. The institution boasts a rich legacy in quality Indian cinema and has been at the forefront of aesthetic and technological breakthroughs in Indian cinema over the decades. A group of students from the institute is producing the film, in which Alif is in one of the leading roles.

About the film Alif said: “The institution produces films every year as a part of their curriculum. These

Saturday, January 25, 2014

are student projects that do not get a commercial release, but are screened at reputed film festivals.”

He adds, “Though the movie is not mainstream, I am still pleased to work on it. Many prominent Indian directors are involved in this film. After finishing, the director will decide at which festivals he will screen the movie.

“The title of the movie has not been fixed yet. The film was directed by Bangladeshi student Shuborna Shejuti Tushi.”

On his desire to work in Bollywood, he states: “A lot of promising actors are trying to make their entry into Bollywood through these kinds of projects. I felt fortunate when I was offered the opportunity to work in this film. It is a good stepping stone for me to enter Bollywood.” l

teau-13 is composed of mixed media and Rahman has depicted watery figures of amoeba on the black background. His artwork Gravity Free Walk depicts a man, whose figure has been distorted, walking on the roadside. The artist is a nature lover and his sketches of flying birds and fish portray his close observation of nature.

A Rahman was born in Feni in 1970. He obtained his MFA from the Institute of Fine Arts, the University of Dhaka, in 1996. In the 1990’s he finished his studies on print making. Then he widened his aesthetic in Italy.

Rahman made his way working in a prominent artist’s studio, where he was introduced to a range of other artists. To practice his art, he travelled back and forth between Rome and Bangladesh.

Rahman also did a one-year free course in printmaking at the Rome Academy in 2005. He obtained a diploma in fashion design from Burgo Fashion Institute, Rome, in 2007. With 11 solo exhibitions at home and abroad, he has participated in a number of group exhibitions in Bangladesh, Japan, Italy and France.

Eminent artist Monirul Islam inaugurated the exhibition as guest-ofhonour, while art critic Mainuddin Khaled was also present. l

Psychedelic Noise Notes by A Rahman

Green Arrow of Rajshahi gaining popularity n Maria Salam The short films of Green Arrow, a production house of a talented teenagers’ group from Rajshahi, are gaining popularity in the region.

Inspired by a musical film made by a Dhaka-based production house, some school-going teenagers launched a film production house called Green Arrow four years ago.

The initial story was bright. Arif and Joy started their journey to make films oriented in Rajshahi with the name ARJ film production.

Later on they were joined by: Ayon, Nayem, Ashiq, Fahim, Nimon and Shaon. Ayon led the pack and they made a ground breaking video called Valobashahoini Bola, it created a lot of hype around the city. At the outset of their journey, they used their personal digital camera for the production. ARJ film production was later renamed Green Arrow.

Their journey continued with some oth-

er good productions. They were inspired and started making music videos with their own artists. Priyare of Priya, a music video for local artist Fardin, is one of them.

The encouragement pushed them further and they started making short films. They did have not looked back since. They are getting more famous gradually. Shamimul Alam Shaon said a short film of their house Oghoton is going to be released on the Valentine’s Day 2014.

They are also working on another short film named Sohanuvuti.

They have also made a drama on social awareness entitled Cholobodlay, it is written

by Shewly, directed by Fahim, and edited by Ashikul Alam. Some children including Imon, Ariyan, Ahasan, Samiul acted brilliantly in it.

The members of this Green Arrow collective are very talented teens who want to make quality passionate films for their countrymen to watch.l

ON TV MOVIE

MISC

DRAMA

COMEDY

9:30pm Star Movies

10:30am AXN

4:30pm Star Plus

10:30am Comedy Central

9:30pm Star World

8:30pm FX

Jurassic Park

11:34pm HBO Argo

Guinness World Records

8:30pm Travel XP

Divine Destinations

Yeh Hain Mohabbatein Bunheads

MASH

The Simpsons

Scarlett Johansson is ‘deeply in love’ n Entertainment Desk

Star studded drama series Colour will begin airing on SATV on January 27. Written and directed by Rayhan Khan, the drama series features supermodels Ruma, Peya and Emi

Salman’s promotion of Jai Ho n Entertainment Desk Salman Khan has relished his current status as the Blockbuster Khan. Last year, a few things changed however. Shah Rukh Khan came up trumps with Chennai Express and broke the long held box-office record of 3 Idiots.

But his reign was short. Aamir Khan vroomed in on his bike-boat in Dhoom 3 and wrestled back the crown. Currently all eyes are back on Salman as his Jai Ho, which was released yesterday. The Hindi remake of the Telugu film Stalin, comes with blockbuster expectations of conquering the records set by both his Khan colleagues.

But it hasn’t been a smooth beginning for Jai Ho. With the film’s promotion getting mired in political controversy, a new kind of film publicity has come to the fore. Much has been written and debated about Salman Khan’s ap-

pearance at the Saifai Mahotsav in Uttar Pradesh, organised by the Samajwadi Party. The actor earned a lot of flak for neglecting the riot victims at Muzaffarnagar, which he tried to clear up in his media

interviews. Then came the photo-op of Salman flying kites with Narendra Modi and the blockbuster statement that the Gujarat CM “should not apologise for the 2002 riots, as he had been given a clean bill of health by the courts.”

Though some of his political statements have been bizarre, for the large part Salman Khan has taken the criticism on the chin. He says he’s an “entertainer” and that he went to Gujarat to promote his film. In terms of film promotion, Jai Ho has been a game-changer.

After all let’s not forget this is the election year where the commoner is clearly enjoying centre stage.

Currently India is tuned in to the biggest reality show — Who Will Be The Next Prime Minister? The drama is being staged on the roads, in the Lok Sabha, the Rail Bhawan and the Ramlila Maidan grounds in Delhi. Everyone is glued to the action. So is Bollywood. l

Scarlett Johansson is ‘’deeply in love’’ with her fiance Romain Dauriac.

The Her actress, who was previously married to Ryan Reynolds for two years until 2010, and who got engaged to the French journalist in August, admits she is ‘’very happy’’ to be with someone she can always rely on.

Asked about their engagement, the 29-year-old star told People magazine: ‘’I’ve never been much of a traditional girl, but I do think it’s a nice period. There’s something old-world nostalgic about it.’’

She added, ‘’I’m very happy. He’s my buddy. He’s someone I can always rely on.’’

The couple plan to take time to plan their wedding, as they don’t want to ‘’rush through it.’’

The blonde beauty explained, “Being engaged is an exciting time to enjoy and to really savour.’’

The Don Jon star, who recently moved to Paris with Romain, is already enjoying domestic bliss and loves cooking her beau tasty meals at home. ‘’I cook, but I’m no pro. I was making a white chicken chilli and I had to let it reduce for a little while, so I was like, ‘Let’s go build a snowman while we wait.’

I got a little carried away.

Three hours later, I was like, ‘Oh no, the chilli!’ I went back inside and the house was covered in smoke. A pro would have not made that mistake. Make sure to check every five minutes if you are reducing something, says Scarlett.

“As you grow up, you realise

you can learn through the other persona and compromise with him. We all hold our partner, or our imaginary partner, up to these standards, which are sort of impossible to fulfill,” said Scarlett.

“It would be much easier if the people we fell in love with behaved the way we wanted them to. But I’ve learned over time that that’s what makes life interesting.

“I think you have to be confident deep within yourself in order to have a successful marriage.” l

Rachel Priyanka Perris performed at an evening of Gaudiya dance, organised by Nrityanchal at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. A packed audience enjoyed the show SADIA MARIUM

TODAY IN DHAKA Film

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Thor: The Dark World Pacific Rim in 3D Time: 10am – 10pm Star Cineplex, Bashundhara City

Theatre

Kalbela

By Palaker Time: 6:30pm Experimental Theatre Hall Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Exhibition

Ways of Seeing Time: 12pm – 8pm Bengal Art Lounge, 60 Gulshan Avenue Gulshan 1

Did you know?

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has recorded the 6th instance of hitting a 50 & taking 5+ catches in the same ODI

Sport

Saturday, January 25, 2014

0 5 0

14 Barca president

DAYS TO GO

quits amid Neymar transfer probe

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

15 Nadal routs

Federer, reach 3rd Melbourne final

BCB answers media speculation n Mazhar Uddin The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) clarified their stance by way of a press release yesterday regarding news reports published in the media yesterday that most of the BCB directors voted in favour of the Big 3 proposal at a meeting yesterday, saying that it the reports were based on speculation and not facts.

The press release said: “The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has noticed reports circulating in the national and international media regarding the Board’s position on the draft proposal put forward by a working group of the Finance & Commercial Affairs committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“It has been widely suggested in sections of the media that the BCB Board of Directors in a meeting held on 23 January 2014, had adopted a resolution in favour of the proposal which seeks considerable structural changes to the

ICC and which if approved, may impact the playing opportunities, finances and positions of full member countries including Bangladesh. The BCB wishes to state that such sentiment is purely speculative and is not consistent with the actual facts.

The directors of the Board have been apprised of the contents of the proposal. After a careful review of the draft the Board has found positive elements in certain sections of it which could be beneficial to the future of Bangladesh cricket.

On the other hand, the Board has also expressed strict reservations about some portions of the proposal, especially those with legal and constitutional implications and those which may be interpreted as contrary to the rights of a full member.

In respect to the sensitivity and confidentiality of the matter, the BCB has not made any public disclosure of the outcomes from the discussion related to the draft proposal.” l

Jurgensen looks to bowlers n Mazhar Uddin Bangladesh cricket team started practicing just three days ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka and the Tigers’ coach Shane Jurgensen said that he would be looking to his bowlers to step up.

He particularly emphasised the role the spinners - who have usually been Bangladesh’s chief wicket takers – but did not stop there. “If we want a good result, all the bowlers need to contribute. We have not planned any combination yet, we have not decided if we play with our spin or pace attack. Also we have to do well in the fielding department – we have been good here in the past few series’ and we want to play attacking cricket,” he said yesterday.

The coach added that it would have been good if the players had more practice before the Tests, but praised the BCB for its efforts.

Jurgensen went on to talk about the Big 3 proposal, which has been heavily speculated on by the media in recent times, and cautiously said he was against it. “I think I should not comment about the issue but the boys are disappointed and it can be a big hurdle for coaching. We have discussed the matter and we want to play good cricket in the Tests, but we have to work hard in this format. So far, we have improved but need to improve more,” said Jurgensen.

However Jurgensen is disappointed about the Big 3’s recent proposal and asserted that Bangladesh has been impressive in Test cricket recently. “We are proud of our recent performance in the last 12 Test matches we have played, in which we have broken our own record three times. Every batsman has tried to play with discipline and looked to bat for a long time,” Jurgensen said. l

Captain Angelo Matthews (L) and batsman Kumar Sangakkara (C) arrive with the Sri Lanka cricket team at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport, Dhaka yesterday

Sri Lanka arrive amid heavy security n Mazhar Uddin The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived Dhaka yesterday to play two Tests, three ODIs and two T20 internationals and accompanied by tight security, headed straight to the Radisson Hotel from the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport.

The 15 member squad and ten officials were escorted from the airport to the team hotel, which is near the airport. Usually touring teams have stayed either at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon or Ruposhi Bangla hotel.

Angelo Matthews will be leading the

Lankan side with Dinesh Chandimal as vice-captain and the visitors will practice today at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium before the first Test match begins on January 27 in Mirpur.

Ruwan Kalpage, the fielding coach of the Sri Lanka side, said he was looking to win the series, given his team’s recent performance against Pakistan. “Definitely we want to win the series. We have played good cricket on the last tour in Pakistan and the one day series with them. We are looking forward to do our best in Bangladesh,” he said.

However the former off spinner was

aware that having the home advantage would favour Bangladesh. “Definitely when you play in Bangladesh, home team has the advantage of doing well.

Always the wickets and conditions suit the home team. We are looking forward to the challenge and we are looking forward to do well,” he said.

The Lankan side will travel to Chittagong to play the second and final Test, which begins February 4 at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, where they will also play two T20 Internationals. The three match ODI series will be held in Mirpur.

Earlier, Bangladesh Cricket Board

Emdadul stars in Baridhara’s first ever win

Dhaka Wonderers, Sonali Bank share spoils n Shishir Hoque n Shishir Hoque Dhaka Wonderers Club came from behind to earn their first point in the Green Delta Insurance Premier Division Hockey league after a 1-1 draw against Sonali Bank at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

After the goalless first half, Nishat put Sonali Bank ahead in the 57th minute from a penalty corner. Shohag Gazi restored the parity just one minute before the final whistle with a field goal.

After two consecutive defeats, it was Wonderers’ first point in the league, while Sonali Bank have two points from three matches.

Abahani Limited will take on Ajax SC in today’s only match at 3pm. l

Uttar Baridhara Club Emdadul Haque Monu marked his return to the Bangladesh Premier League with a sensational brace as the promoted side registered their first league victory 3-2 over Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The attacking right-back, who was sidelined with injury for the first four matches, made his debut for Uttar Baridhara yesterday. It was also the first time he had played in the premier league after being on the bench for Team BJMC in the last two seasons. Monu could not have written a better script for his return as he scored two goals against a side considered to be superior.

MUMIT M

The Gopibag outfit initiated the first attack two minutes after the kick off. Nigerian forward Victori Antoni’s cross from the left flank found Jewel Rana inside the box but his header was saved by Osman Goni. Four minutes later, Brothers goalie Sabuj Das Rogu dived to his left to save Sujon Biswas’ angular shot.

Faisal Mahmud almost took the lead for Brothers when the midfielder curled a free kick from the right side that hit the woodwork and Victori Antoni’s shot from the rebound missed the target.

Emdadul Haque Manu opened the scoring at the half hour mark with a brilliant header. A long cross from Nigerian midfielder Kosoko from the left flank flew over all the defenders to Monu at the bottom-right edge of the six-yard box, whose header went over

the keeper and hit the side bar at the far post before bouncing into the net.

Nigerian striker Victori Antoni missed a penalty in the 43rd minute, after Khalekur Jamen fouled Rubel Miah inside the box. Antoni stepped up and sent the ball wide from the spot.

Monu rubbed salt into BJMC’s wound when the defender netted his second of the night in the 45th minute from a goalmouth melee. Rogu failed to hold onto a free kick from Abul Kalam Azad Sumon and as the ball fell into the six-yard box, Monu fired the ball home.

Skipper Shohidul Islam Shopon made the scoreline 3-0 in the 53rd minute with a stunning free kick. Sujon Biswas earned the free kick after being brought down by Ghanaian defender Issah Yousuf just outside the

box. Shopon coolly sent the ball over the wall to find the back of the net at the near post, leaving the keeper no chance.

Brothers started to pile pressures on their opponents and Victori Antoni pulled one back for the Orange’s in the 57th minute as he volleyed past Goni after a Jewel Rana header hit the crossbar.

Faisal Mahmud reduced the margin further to 2-3. Faisal showed great control to receive a cross with his forehead, bring it down and smash the ball past Osman Goni while lying down in the middle of the box.

Uttar Baridhara, who were promoted to top flight football for the first time this season, now have five points from five matches and stay in eighth place, while Brother remain in seventh, one point ahead. l

Ctg Abahani beat Feni n Shishir Hoque

Bangladesh cricket team batsmen Imrul Kayes (3L) and Shamsur Rahman (2R) share a moment during a practice session at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Chittagong Abahani registered their first victory in the Bangladesh Premier League with a 2-1 win over Soccer Club Feni in a bottom-of-the-table clash at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

The defeat ensured Feni’s position at the bottom of the points table as they have only one point after five matches, while Chittagong Abahani placed now have four points from the same number of matches.

Chittagong Abahani forward Javed Khan opened the scoring just five minute into the match after slotting home the ball from a cross from defender Al-Amin.

The port city club doubled the lead in the 35th minute through midfielder

Masuk Mia Jony. Jony headed in a cross from Abdul Hannan that went into the net after bouncing on the goal line.

Feni almost pulled one back seven minutes into the second half when Rony Islam’s powerful strike from the middle of the box was saved superbly by goalie Piaruzzaman, who punched the ball away for a corner.

Six minutes later, Piaruzzaman produced another good save to deny Wassiou Okalawon’s close-range header from a cross by Liton. The Beninese forward had another golden opportunity in the 82nd minute, but his shot from six yards out was blocked by a defender.

Wassiou finally found the net and reduced the margin for Feni in the 90th minute when he stabbed the ball into the net following a cross from Fakrul Hsan Kamran. l

(BCB) in a press release said that there would be no press briefing or media opportunity at the airport or the team hotel due to security reasons. In addition, there will be extra security for the cricketers at the team hotel and restrictions for the cricketers in moving around alone without security.

The bus which will take the cricketers from the hotel to the ground will take the cantonment route, where various security agencies will escort the team bus at all times. Furthermore, the BCB has appointed a vigilance team to monitor security measures as well as the crowd during matches. l

Saber lashes out against BCB stance n Mazhar Uddin Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Saber Hossain Chowdhury expressed deep concern over media reports that the BCB is ready to accept a much debated ICC draft proposal, which the board voted overwhelmingly in favour of on Thursday.

A letter Saber wrote states, “I am aghast and deeply disappointed at the apparent decision of BCB Board of Directors to endorse a plan / proposal of three Full Members of ICC. This decision is tantamount to signing the death warrant for Bangladesh cricket.

“I read your comments about ego and reality but do not feel these can ever take precedence and priority over national interest and principles.

“We now stand to lose all that we have so proudly achieved and this is simply not acceptable. I am sorry and sad to say that that the decision of the BCB Board of Directors is not in the interest of Bangladesh cricket and is also in conflict with our national interest. As the custodian of Bangladesh cricket, BCB cannot preside over its demise and be its de facto executioner.

“We must have the courage to oppose it and stand up and be counted.

If you need my support or that of former Presidents, I am sure we will only be too pleased to help as best we can and stand firmly by your side and try to rally the other six Full Members of the ICC as well.

I would urge you to review and reverse the decision of the Board of Directors and to oppose in the strongest possible terms the plan of the three Full Members. You will be failing in your responsibility as President if you fail to correct this. BCB will also have failed in its duties as the custodian and representative of our cricket.” l

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Fiorentina set up Udinese semi tie after Siena win

Atletico Madrid take slender Cup lead to Bilbao

Fiorentina defender Marvin Compper headed home in the 75th minute to help grind out a 2-1 win over second division Siena and book La Viola’s place in the Italian Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

Fiorentina will now meet Udinese, 2-1 winners over AC Milan, in the last four of the competition with Roma, who ousted Juventus 1-0, meeting either Napoli or holders Lazio following their tie on January 29.

Heavy rain hampered proceedings at the Artemio Franchi stadium but Vincenzo Montella’s men were given an early boost when Josip Ilicic beat Simone Farelli with a low drive to give the hosts a 20th minute lead. Siena, however, had romped to a 4-1 win away to Catania in the last 16 and were proving tough to subdue.

Mario Beretta’s side were finally rewarded when Guillermo Giacomazzi beat Fiorentina ‘keeper Neto with a superb glancing header from Francesco Valiani’s cross on the right to level in the 59th minute.

Fiorentina, whose sixth and last Cup triumph came in 2001, upped the tempo in the final third of the game but it was from an Ilicic corner that the hosts found the breakthrough with German Compper heading past Farelli.

Ilicic then left the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a knock to his shoulder to be replaced by Ryder Matos. l

Copa del Rey holders leaders Atletico Madrid edged towards a possible semi-final meeting with neighbours Real Madrid with 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their quarter-final, first leg at the Vicente Calderon on Thursday.

Uruguayan defender Diego Godin powered home the only goal of the game four minutes before half-time as he rose highest to meet Koke’s cross from the right.

The hosts also had the better of the chances after the break, but failed to force Iago Herrerin into a serious save as they had to settle for a slender lead to take to Bilbao for the second leg next Wednesday.

Both managers named strong sides for what was expected to be the most keenly contested of the quarter-final ties and so it proved in a game of limited opportunities. Adrian Lopez had the first clear-cut opening of the game when he fired into Herrerin’s legs five minutes before the break.

However, Diego Simeone’s men only had to wait 60 seconds more to open the scoring as Koke’s wicked cross got the thunderous finish it deserved from Godin. Atletico also ended the second period with a flourish, but couldn’t find the vital second goal. l

n AFP, Milan

n AFP, Madrid

Atletico Madrid's Argentinian coach Diego Simeone (R) watches Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Cristian Rodriguez (C) vie with Athletic Bilbao's defender Andoni Iraola during their Spanish league match at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on Thursday AFP

cling to scudetto City bid to keep ‘quadruple’ alive Napoli hopes as Lazio host Juve n AFP, London

Manchester City face second tier Watford in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday with an unprecedented ‘quadruple’ of trophies still in their sights.

No team in English football history has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and European Champions League in the same season, although Manchester United came close in 1999 with a ‘treble’ that excluded the League Cup. But City, who this week clinched a place in the League Cup final with a 9-0 aggregate thumping of top-flight rivals West Ham, are just a point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and through to the last 16 of the Champions League, albeit they face Spanish giants Barcelona in the knockout stages.

They’ve already scored more than 100 goals in all competitions this season but if they have frequently pro-

duced stunning displays on the field, another hallmark of the current campaign has been the calming influence of manager Manuel Pellegrini off it.

FIXTURES Birmingham Man City Bolton Bournemouth Huddersfield Port Vale Rochdale Southampton Stevenage Sunderland Wigan

v v v v v v v v v v v

Swansea Watford Cardiff Liverpool Charlton Brighton Sheffield Wed Yeovil Everton Kidderminster Crystal Palace

Whereas the Chilean’s predecessor, Roberto Mancini, seemed to relish the spotlight and was frequently involved in controversy, Pellegrini has been more than happy for his players to hog the headlines.

Barca president quits amid Neymar transfer probe n Reuters, Barcelona Barcelona president Sandro Rosell resigned on Thursday in the aftermath

Falcao faces knee op, set to miss World Cup

of a Spanish court’s decision to investigate last year’s signing of Brazil forward Neymar.

“The success the club has had has also come along with difficult moments for myself and my family,” Rosell told a news conference after a board meeting held by the Spanish champions.

“There have been threats and accusations which make you consider your position including the claim of misappropriation of funds and the court case. I’ve always stated that we acted correctly with the Neymar transfer.”

Rosell told reporters on Thursday that senior vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu would replace him as Barca chief until his presidency was due to end in two years’ time. l

But while understandably pleased with the season thus far, Pellegrini is determined no one at City, who lost last term’s FA Cup final to Wigan, will get carried away by the club’s scintillating form.

“I’m very proud of the team that we are still in four competitions,” he said.

“We are not thinking about that (winning all four competitions). We are thinking just to win every match.

“Now we’ve finished with the Capital One (League) Cup until March. It’s very important to continue in the FA Cup, so we must win against Watford on Saturday.

“We’ll continue with the same winning and ambitious mentality.

“We have a lot of work to do. In the FA Cup we are just in the fourth round.

“In the Champions League we have a tough game against Barcelona.

“The Premier League’s very close and it will still be close till the end between four or five teams.

“At the moment we are happy (with)

n AFP, Paris

Monaco’s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao requires surgery on the left knee injury picked up in a clash with a school teacher playing for an amateur side in Wednesday’s French Cup tie which almost certainly rules the star out of the World Cup. Colombia are drawn in Group C at the World Cup with Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan. France’s former national team doctor Jean-Pierre Paclet hinted at a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the 27-year-old who has scored 20 goals in 51 international appearances.

He said: “I don’t have his file in front of me but if there’s an operation it’s because his ligament is ruptured, in the best case scenario it’s six months (out) and his World Cup is over.” l

Following a week of contrasting disappointment for Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain and second-placed Monaco, domestic action provides a welcome distraction as they resume their battle for the 2014 French title.

Laurent Blanc suffered his third defeat in eleven matches at the helm of PSG as they were shocked at home in the French Cup by a Montpellier side languishing fifth from bottom in Ligue 1.

While their hopes of winning four trophies went up in smoke, Blanc remained philosophical heading into Saturday’s trip to Guingamp.

Monaco come into their Sunday

n AFP, Milan Napoli host Chievo at the San Paolo on Saturday in the belief the Serie A title is still up for grabs despite leaders Juventus sitting on a comfortable cushion at the top in Italy.

Juventus hold an eight-point lead on second-placed Roma and a 12-point lead on Napoli, and will look to take their lead on the Giallorossi, who face Verona early Sunday, to 11 points.

The Bianconeri have won their last four away games at Lazio and, after 20 games of the season, look to be well on their way to a third consecutive scudetto.

Napoli defender Christian Maggio, however, is not giving up hope of Antonio Conte’s men slipping up over the course of their 18 remaining matches.

Gonzalo Higuain has plenty of incentive away to the ‘Flying Donkeys’.

The Argentinian striker, who has 10

league goals, can equal the same total (11) after 21 league games as Diego Maradona did on his debut season with Napoli in 1984/85 when the Partenopei claimed a historic league title.

Juventus head to the Olympic Stadium hoping to eclipse what has been an eventful week on and off the park with what would be their ninth consecutive victory away to the Biancocelesti.

FIXTURES Napoli v Chievo Lazio v Juventus Since Tuesday’s defeat, both Juve and Inter have been busy explaining their respective sides of the story – and in the end both players stayed put and Guarin returned to training on Thursday. Conte, meanwhile, has indicated he would not be holding his customary press conference on Friday, reportedly to protest at the way some of his comments prior to a league game against Sampdoria. l

J Lo, Pitbull, Claudia Leitte to sing official WC anthem n AFP, Rio De Janeiro US pop music stars Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull will join Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte on the official World Cup anthem “We Are One,” Fifa announced in Rio on Thursday.

“Only music and football can attract 80,000 people to a stadium, but a concert has just one artist, while football has 22,” said Fifa Secretary General Jerome Valcke at Brazil’s Maracana Stadium.

“We are here to break down barriers and show that through sports and music we are one,” said Pitbull.

Leitte said the song would show off her country’s love affair with musical and sporting rhythm. l

PSG, Monaco turn focus back to Ligue 1

n AFP, Paris

the way we are doing things. We must continue in the future the same way.”

Watford manager Beppe Sannino may be Italian but he knows all about the ‘magic of the Cup’ that is associated with English football’s premier knockout tournament.

Liverpool travel to Championship side Bournemouth while Chelsea face Stoke in all-Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

FA Cup holders Wigan, themselves now in the second tier after relegation last season, are at home to top-flight strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Third division Stevenage will look to cause a shock when Everton travel south on Saturday, when renowned giant-killers Yeovil bid to add to their illustrious Cup history at Southampton.

Sunderland, fresh from their against the odds League Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in midweek, will find roles reversed when non-league Kidderminster arrive at the Stadium of Light. l

evening tie at home to Marseille five points behind the capital club, but despite qualifying for the last 16 of the French Cup on Wednesday, they were counting the cost of a potentially season-ending knee ligament injury to star striker Radamel Falcao. l

FIXTURES Guingamp Ajaccio Valenciennes Toulouse Montpellier Nantes Sunday

v v v v v v

PSG Sochaux Lorient Bastia Nice Reims

Lyon v Evian Bordeaux v Saint-Etienne Monaco v Marseille

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (C), US singer Pitbull (L) and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte, offer a press conference at the Mario Filho "Maracana" stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday AFP

Chelsea agree Salah deal as Mata exit nears

Fan dials 999 for Fergie after United lose again n AFP, London n AFP, London Police have revealed a drunk Manchester United fan was so upset by the club’s latest setback he dialled Britain’s national emergency number and demanded to speak to former manager Alex Ferguson.

Greater Manchester Police said they received the 999 call from a man in Crumpsall, north Manchester, at 10.30pm (2230GMT) on Wednesday, shortly after United had sensationally lost a League Cup semi-final to visitors Sunderland on penalties at Old Trafford.

Clearly, it was all too much for one fan, although a GMP statement Thursday suggested he’d be better off calling Old Trafford if he wanted to speak to Ferguson. l

Chelsea on Thursday revealed they are set to win the race to sign Egypt winger Mohamed Salah from Basel in a move likely to hasten the departure of Juan Mata to Manchester United.

Blues manager Jose Mourinho has made Salah his top target to replace Spain playmaker Mata, who is set to join United, and he is on the verge of persuading the 21-year-old to move to London despite strong interest from Liverpool.

Chelsea have agreed a transfer fee with Salah’s Swiss club and the Egyptian, who has score 17 goals in 27 appearances for his country, will complete his switch to the Premier League side subject to agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Providing the deal, reported to

be worth £10 million, is wrapped up quickly, Salah could make his debut in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Salah, compared in some quarters to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, will become Chelsea’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Bertrand Traore and Nemanja Matic.

Mourinho decided to move for Salah after being impressed by his performances for Basel in two victories over Chelsea in this season’s Champions League group stages His arrival will offset the imminent departure of Mata, Chelsea’s player of the year in his two seasons since joining from Valencia. United have reportedly made a club record bid of £37 million for Mata and he is expected to join the EPL champions in the next few days. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Nadal knock Federer out

QUICK BYTES

Asian Games hockey qualifying groups announced

Bangladesh were placed in group ‘B’ along with Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Afghanistan in the Asian Games hockey qualifiers which will be being in Dhaka from March 13. Meanwhile, Oman, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Qatar and Iran placed were placed in group ‘A’. Six teams from the preliminary tournament will go through to the next stage. The Bangladesh national hockey team’s last assignment was in Malaysia in the Asia Cup, where the team finished seventh out of eighth. In light of that poor performance, the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) general secretary said that they will sack Pakistani coach Naveed Alam if Bangladesh fail to qualify for the Asian Games.

–SH

n Reuters, Melbourne

Nadal reigns in Australian Open tweets

Rafael Nadal is the king of social media at the Australian Open. The World No. 1’s run through the Melbourne draw has generated more than 775,000 tweets through the first 11 days of the tournament, outdistancing the competition on the Australian Open Social Leaderboard. Roger Federer is second on the list of player generating buzz, with 447,000 tweets, followed

by Novak Djokovic (318,000), Stanislas Wawrinka (253,000) and Juan Martin del Potro (215,000). Djokovic is the only player whose hashtag is not just his surname. Tweets about the Serb have been tagged “#NowleFam” – a combination of his nickname and a reference to his extended family of fans.

While Nadal has been the most popular subject, Federer and Wawrinka lead the Sentiment leaderboard, which tracks which players are generating the most positive tweets. Tweets for both Swiss men contained 87 per cent positive sentiment, followed by Nadal and Ana Ivanovic at 80 per cent, Djokovic at 79 and Tomas Berdych at 75.

–Agencies

Ferguson gets Uefa role Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is set to take up a role with European football’s governing body as a coaching ambassador, UEFA president Michel Platini said on Friday.

“Sir Alex will be chairman of the forum of elite coaches that meet every year.

He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship,” Platini said at an executive committee meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.

–AFP

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six 06:27 AM New Zealand v India 3rd ODI Star Sports 2 2:10PM Big Bash T20 Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers Star Sports 4 2:00PM Australian Open 6:45PM FA Cup 2013/14 Bournemouth v Liverpool 11:30PM Stevenage Borough v Everton 9:00PM La Liga Real Madrid v Granada 1:45AM Italian Serie A Lazio v Juventus

Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory in his men's singles semi-final match against Switzerland's Roger Federer in the 2014 Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday AFP

A ruthless Rafa Nadal crushed his great rival Roger Federer 7-6(4) 6-3 6-3 on Friday in an awesome display of raw power and precision to reach his third Australian Open final.

On a breezy night at Rod Laver Arena, the 2009 champion notched his sixth straight win in grand slams over the Swiss, stunning his opponent with a masterclass of clean hitting to book a title-decider with Stanislas Wawrinka.

Dominating Federer in the first set tiebreak, the Spaniard broke twice to charge through the second, and captured the decisive break in the third at 3-3 when his opponent blasted into the net-cord and the deflection sailed long.

Hitting winners from all corners, Nadal raised two match-points as Federer served to stay in the match and sealed it on the second when the shellshocked Swiss shanked a forehand long.

“I think tonight I played my best match of the tournament, so I’m very happy for that,” top seed Nadal, who missed last year’s tournament through

illness, said in a courtside interview.

“After missing last year, for me it’s really emotional to be back on this court, in Rod Laver.

“I never thought about having 14 (slams), the only thing I can swear is that I’m going to try my best,” the 13-times grand slam champion said of his prospects for the final.

The lop-sided result will re-fuel the debate as to the greatest player of all time, with Nadal extending his headto-head dominance over Federer to 2310, and thrashing him on a hardcourt, the most democratic of surfaces. l

MATCH STATS

Nadal

7-6(7-4), 6-3, 6-3

Federer

3

Aces

8

1

Double faults

1

First serve %

66

65 174kph

Average 1st serve

182kph

144kph

Average 2nd serve

153kph

77

Returns in %

4/14

Break points won

3/10

Net points won

74 1/2 23/42

74/127 Baseline points won 37/95

Li hoping for third time lucky at Melbourne n Reuters, Melbourne Li Na’s memories of her previous Australian Open finals are not fond ones as she prepares for a third at Melbourne Park on Saturday against first-time finalist Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia.

In 2011 against Kim Clijsters, she took the first set before the Belgian rallied to clinch her fourth, and final, grand slam title. Last year’s final was even worse for the Chinese.

She rolled her ankle twice, fell over and smacked her head so badly doctors had to administer a concussion test and

then lost 4-6 6-4 6-3 to Victoria Azarenka.

“I really wish I can win the title,” Li said on Friday when asked about how much it would mean for her to win after two previous failures. “I (am) always looking forward to play back here.

“I think I’m ready.”

The 31-year-old Chinese, who became Asia’s first grand slam champion when she won the 2011 French Open title, was close to not making it to the final. She fought off a match point in the third round against Lucie Safarova before the fourth seed scraped to a 1-6 7-6 (2) 6-3 victory in two hours, 27 minutes.

Li said she had been had asked several pointed questions by coach Carlos Rodriguez about that performance,

which had turned around her focus and propelled her into the final.

Li’s experience, however, then kicked in and she won six of the next eight games to advance to the final against the diminutive Cibulkova, whose aggressive play at Melbourne Park suggests she is unlikely to let such an opportunity go.

At 1.60-metres (5’3”), Cibulkova is one of the shortest players on the WTA Tour, but what she lacks in height the Slovak more than makes up with a strong physique that allows her to match the heaviest hitters of the game.

Cibulkova was particularly impressive from the fourth round on at Melbourne Park, beating 2008 cham-

pion Maria Sharapova then destroying counter-punchers Simona Halep and Agnieszka Radwanska.

The 24-year-old was impressive attacking her opponents’ service game, especially on the second serve, and used her speed and footwork to run down potential winners or around short returns and hammer them back with a wicked forehand.

“It’s not about how tall are you.

Even if you are tall, it doesn’t mean that you are 100 percent going to make it, you know,” she said when asked if her height was a disadvantage.

“It’s just you have to really want something and just believe in it. There is nothing more important than this.” l

Fedex hopeful of great year n Reuters, Melbourne A defiant Roger Federer said he still believes his best tennis is ahead of him, despite going down in straight sets to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

After a tight first set, Federer was outplayed and outgunned by the world number one, beaten 7-6(4) 6-3 6-3 as the Spaniard set up a final with another Swiss, Stanislas Wawrinka.

“It’s very encouraging, no doubt,” the 32-year-old told reporters. “Wish I could have won here tonight and given an all-Swiss final. That’s something I’ll regret for a long time.

“But I think this is a very good start to the season for me overall. I played some really good tennis here. I still feel my best tennis is only ahead of me right now. l

Cook desperate to stay on as England captain n Reuters Alastair Cook has said he is desperate to stay on as England captain after hinting he may quit earlier in the week.

His spirits had improved, however, ahead of the fourth ODI in Perth.

“That was quite an emotional time - we’d just lost another game,” the 29-year-old said at the toss. I’m lucky enough to do this job. I’m desperate to carry on now.”

Cook has received the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board to lead the team’s rebuilding process. l

New Zealand look to wrap up India ODI series n AFP, Wellington Fired-up New Zealand are confident they can secure a third successive victory against powerful India in Auckland on Saturday and wrap up the one-day international series with two matches to spare.

The tourists arrived in New Zealand top of the world rankings but were beaten by 24 runs in the series opener in Napier and went down by 15 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Hamilton.

The back-to-back losses have cost India their top ranking -- taken by Australia -- while a win for New Zealand in Auckland would lift the hosts above the West Indies and into seventh place.

“That’s two of the best team performances we’ve had for a long time and to back it up game after game is what good sides do. They perform consistently and that’s where we’re aiming to be,” said senior bowler Tim Southee.

“We’ve showed glimpses in the past but we needed consistency. It’s not just individuals standing up, it’s everyone standing up at different times. That’s the sign of a good side, not relying on the same people every game.”

The New Zealand blueprint calls for the team to go into the final 15 overs

with seven wickets in hand.

It means Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptill can charge at the start of the innings, leaving Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to consolidate before unleashing the big-hitting Corey Anderson, Brendon McCullum and Luke Ronchi.

The bowlers have a licence to attack, and while it may cost them runs it does produce wickets, particularly with India’s senior batsmen struggling against short-pitched deliveries.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said his side will not shelve the troublesome hook shot and suggested that in Wednesday’s second game in Hamilton, the lack of a good start to the innings from openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cost his team.

Virat Kohli, coming in at first wicket down, is the danger man for India, with scores of 123 and 78 in the first two games.

“He’s one of the best, if not the best one-day player going around. In the first two games he adapted to conditions quickly and we know we’ve got our work cut out,” said Southee.

Taylor issued a simple tweet on how the New Zealanders felt about the Indian star: “Anyone got any ideas on how to get Kohli out before he gets to 50?”l

Ten Golf

SCORECARD England A Cook b Maxwell 44 I Bell c Faulkner b Christian 55 B Stokes c Wade b Faulkner 70 G Ballance c Smith b Pattinson 18 E Morgan c Christian b Faulkner 33 R Bopara c sub (Doherty) b Coulter-Nile 3 J Buttler c Johnson b Faulkner 71 T Bresnan c Johnson b Faulkner 2 S Broad not out 4 C Jordan not out 0 Extras (16w) 16 Total (for eight wickets, 50 overs) 316 Bowling Johnson 10-0-72-0, Pattinson 8-063-1, Faulkner 10-0-67-4, Coulter-Nile 10-0-62-1, Maxwell 9-0-37-1, Christian 3-0-15-1 Australia S Marsh c Bell b Bresnan 15 A Finch c Broad b Bresnan 108 M Wade c Cook b Bopara 23 G Bailey c Buttler b Stokes 11 S Smith c Buttler b Broad 19 G Maxwell c Buttler b Stokes 26 D Christian c Ballance b Broad 23 J Faulkner c Buttler b Stokes 2 M Johnson b Stokes 6 N Coulter-Nile not out 8 J Pattinson c Buttler b Bresnan 4 Extras (lb5, w9) 14 Total (all out, 47.4 overs) 259

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15

Saturday, January 25, 2014

India's Sania Mirza (R) celebrates with partner Romania's Horia Tecau during their mixed doubles semi-final against Australia's Jarmila Gajdosova and Mathew Ebden on day twelve of the 2014 Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. Sania and Tecau defeated Gajdosova and Ebden 2-6, 6-3, 10-2 AFP

Bowling Jordan 9-0-57-0, Broad 10-0-56-2, Bresnan 8.4-0-45-3, Tredwell 5-0-260, Bopara 6-1-32-1, Stokes 9-1-38-4 England won by 57 runs Australia lead five-match series 3-1

England's bowler Ben Stokes (C) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell during their fourth ODI in Perth yesterday AFP

All-round Stokes ends England’s losing streak n Reuters A fine all-round display by Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler’s late assault with the bat ended England’s long losing streak against Australia as the visitors won the fourth one-day international by 57 runs in Perth on Friday.

Wicketkeeper batsman Buttler smashed a 43-ball 71 after Stokes hit a fluent 70 and England posted a total of 316 for eight wickets on the way to their first win over Australia on the tour.

Opener Aaron Finch notched up his second century of the series to lead the hosts’ reply but his 108 off 111 balls was not enough for the hosts.

Stokes returned with the ball to pick up four wickets as Australia, without the rested Michael Clarke, David Warner and Brad Haddin, were shot out for 259 runs in 47.4 overs.

England lost the last one-day international against Australia at home and had suffered eight consecutive losses to their arch-rivals including the 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

Put into bat first by Australia’s standin captain George Bailey, England made a blistering start through openers Cook (44) and Ian Bell (55). The pair added 87 for the first wicket before Cook was bowled by Glenn Maxwell.

Stokes came in at number three and shared half-century stands with Bell and Gary Ballance (18) for the second and third wickets to lay the foundation for Buttler’s pyrotechnics.

England lost Stokes, who made his maiden ODI fifty, and Ravi Bopara (three) in quick succession during the batting powerplay but Buttler and Eoin Morgan (33) added a quickfire 71 for the sixth wicket to take their team close to the 300-run mark. Buttler hit six fours and four massive sixes before he fell to James Faulkner, who picked up four wickets for Australia.

Finch and Shaun Marsh (15) gave Australia a rapid start to their chase before the latter was caught brilliantly by Bell off Tim Bresnan at second slip.

Finch added 64 for the second wicket with Matthew Wade (23) to keep his team in the hunt but the hosts, who had already won the five-match series with victories in the first three games, kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Stokes returned to the attack to seal England’s much-needed victory and the last match of the series will be played in Adelaide on Sunday.

“I love the challenge in every game and against Australia it is against the old foe as it were,” said man-of-thematch Stokes. l

16

DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Saturday, January 25, 2014

BTRC’s favourite firm operating without licence Bangla Phone sells network services with a simple permit from the regulator n Muhammad Zahidul Islam The country’s telecom regulatory body has been renewing a “permit” to a private land phone operator for networking business, although it has never been awarded a license, saving the company crores in various fees.

Despite objections from several quarters including the telecom ministry, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has continued its favouritism for Bangla Phone, a private land phone operator (PSTN).

Bangla Phone has been operating as an NTTN (Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network) on the basis of a “permit” without proper licensing since 2011, despite several

warnings from the ministry.

An NTTN acts as a provider of network to various mobile operators, internet providers and other communications media. There are two licensed NTTNs in the country at present: Fiber@ Home and Summit Communications.

However, Bangla Phone has also been providing this service across the country. The company’s website says it has 7,000km of fibre optic cables laid down across the country and caters to big operators such as Robi and Channel i.

BTRC first gave a permit to Bangla Phone in 2011 without telecom ministry approval, and has renewed it annually in the same manner, which is unlawful.

Recently when the issue came in to the public eye, BTRC hurriedly sent it to

their legal firm Lex Counsel, and they advised the regulator not to do this.

“Allowing Bangla Phone Ltd by various permits to provide the same services as NTTN license-holders will seriously jeopardise the essence of the Infrastructure Sharing and NTTN guideline,” Barrister Khandaker Reza-E-Raquib, a senior advocate of Lex Counsel, remarked in a report sent to BTRC. Despite the advise, the telecom regulator went ahead and recommended another permit for Bangla Phone to the ministry. Allegedly it has also been pressurising the telecom ministry to authorise the old permit with a retrospective effect.

Bangla Phone’s permit will expire this April.

A commissioner of BTRC, request-

ing not be named, said, “The legal firm gave us the right suggestions but the commission does not agree with it.

And the commission is also trying to explain away the legal firm’s opinions.”

Sources said as Bangla Phone is a last mile solution provider it cannot be awarded an NTTN license and another point was that if they took the NTTN license they would have to deposit crores in license fees, annual fees and share 2% of its total revenue.

It is also mandatory for NTTN license-holders to give a Tk10 crore bank guaranty for performance.

Bangla Phone has not been required to pay the NTTN license fee worth Tk3 crore and annual fees of Tk25 lakh, as it does not have a license.

“A License provision for NTTN does not have any number restrictions, but the permit issued by the regulator is totally illegal, and now they are trying to legalise it,” Barrister Aneek R Haque, a former senior legal consultant for BTRC, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Barrister Aneek R Haque had fought a legal battle for BTRC back in 2008 against Bangla Phone, when BTRC directed the company not to lay fibres.

Bangla Phone went to the court and lost the case. The court fined Bangla Phone Tk5,000 for wasting its valuable time.

After the change of the government, however, Bangla Phone managed a permit in 2011, bypassing the telecom law and has been running its business since.

Earlier, Amjad Khan, the managing

Grassroots hospitals to face surprise inspections n Moniruzzaman Uzzal The health ministry has launched a special initiative for surprise inspections of health facilities, especially hospitals, at the grassroots level.

A confidential list of hospitals, health complexes, community clinics and other health establishments has reportedly been prepared for such visits.

The inspections are expected to be carried out by joint secretaries and their subordinates from both the health ministry and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The teams will collect information on the attendance of doctors, nurses and other staff, the status of patients and the quality of services provided.

A report will then be submitted with recommendations for punitive actions and suggestions for improving the quality of service.

Prof Dr Khondokar Md Sifayetullah, director general of the DGHS, told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday that the unannounced inspections were already underway.

A team of Joint Health Secretary Basu Dev Ganguly and DGHS Director Dr Shah Newaz visited Mymensingh for inspections.

Dr Newaz admitted that the team had made the inspections but refused to reveal any details.

Seeking anonymity, several senior officials of the ministry and the DGHS said the directive on surprise visits had come from the Prime Minister’s Office.

They said thousands of people had been recruited in the health sector in the past five years, but most doctors refused to work outside Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former health minister AFM Ruhal Hoque had earlier criticised those who refused to work at their assigned locations.

Young doctors and newly recruited staff allegedly throng the DGHS offices regularly with recommendations from influential individuals to secure postings at Dhaka or any other major cities.

On Thursday, newly appointed Health Minister Mohammed Nasim said doctors stationed in the rural areas must stay at their assigned postings for two years or risk facing drastic actions. l

director and CEO of Bangla Phone, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are creating a network and the government should give us the permission to work. People in many areas would not have internet access at a minimum rate if not for us.”

But when the Dhaka Tribune tried to contract Amjad Khan yesterday his phone was found switched off.

According to the BTRC’s records, Bangla Phone as a zonal operator has seven annual fees and revenue sharing for 21 quarters outstanding.

On its website, Bangla Phone claimed to have obtained the permission to operate land lines in the northeast zone on June 22, 2004. However, it claimed to be a transmission network service provider with 16 districts under its network. l

Torched schools resume classes in hardship n Our Correspondent, Feni

Workers of a water purification plant at Rajshahi’s Shyampur, Katakhali pass idle time. The plant was established on the bank of the Padma by district Wasa in 2011 to supply healthy water to households but it has gone out of order because of illegal dumping of sand by local influentials. The pump cannot also get enough water as the water level has fallen during winter. The plant is now gathering rust while the city is experiencing a shortage in water supply. The photo was taken yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Kalpana’s brother Kalindi called for DNA test n Muktasree Chakma Sathi

Kalindi, brother of indigenous women leader Kalpana Chakma, who was allegedly abducted law enforcers more than 17 years ago, was asked to provide DNA samples for a test as a part of the ongoing investigation into the abduction.

Kalpana, an indigenous and women’s rights activist, was allegedly abducted by a group of law enforcers, led by an army personnel of the lieutenant rank, on June 12, 1996, several hours before the 7th parliamentary elections.

Kalpana was reportedly campaigning in favour of Bijoy Ketan Chakma, then senior presidium member of the Pahari Gana Parisad and an independent candidate in the 1996 election.

Kalindi yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune: “Two days ago, OC of Baghaichari police station Rafiqullah came to my house and informed my family that I would have to go to Chittagong for a DNA test. I was not at home when the OC came.”

Kalindi added that two police consta-

bles had come to his house once again yesterday morning and told him to accompany them to Chittagong for a DNA test. “They did not show me any sort of documents. I told them, I will meet the OC on Saturday at the police station. I also told them that I might not go to for

SP Amena Begum: The abduction took place many years back. The DNA sample is being collected because if any dead body is found, its DNA will be matched against that of Kalpana’s brother DNA test since I do not know what a DNA test was. Moreover, neither my lawyer was informed about the development nor has there been any court order.”

Kalindi’s lawyer Jewel Dewan said he had come to know about the update when he approached a court source. “As the lawyer of the case, I should have been informed about such developments right away. Neither SP Amena nor the court officials informed me about

this until I approached,” Jewel said.

He also said the court had permitted the DNA test following an application

by Amena in mid-January. January 23 was the deadline for police for submitting the investigation report.

Declining to make any definitive comment on the issue, OC Rafiq Ullah said he did what he was asked by district police super Amena Begum. Although he said there had been a court order, he did not confirm whether his police station had received any copy of that order.

Amena told the Dhaka Tribune: “The abduction took place many years back.

We are collecting the [DNA] sample because if we find any dead body, we can be sure whether it was Kalpana by matching the dead body’s DNA with her brother’s.”

Regarding the new development in the investigation, Amena said they had been investigating into the matter and the court had provided them a court order to do so.

Presently, Amena is investigating the case following a Rangamati Judicial

Court’s order. Two days ago, the court extended the deadline to March 6 for report submission. This is the third time the court has extended the time upon application from police.

On January 16 last year, the court appointed Rangamati polie chief Amena for reinvestigating the incident and asked her to submit report by December 10. Following a petition on December 10, the court asked her to submit the report on January 23.

According to Kalpana’s brother Kalindi Kumar Chakma, also witness of the abduction, an army lieutenant and two Village Defence Police (VDP) members were involved in the abduction.

So far, three reports – two final reports including one from CID which concluded after 16 years of investigation and one from a judicial inquiry commission – have been placed before the court. None of those reports mentioned names of any accused. The court rejected the report saying it did not identify the abductors and lacked information about Kalpana’s whereabouts. l

The 10 educational institutions burnt in Feni during the 10th national parliamentary poll are running their activities in community clinics, local Maktabs (elementary schools for teaching Islamic subjects) and even under open sky.

Earlier on January 2 and 3, miscreants set fire to the school buildings that were supposed to be used as polling centres during January 5 election.

Monir Ahmed, headmaster of Omorpur Sultana Memorial Girls High School, said they were yet to receive any compensation from the government to reconstruct the school building and buy new particulars as all the furniture and books inside were burnt.

The school has been running classes at the Omorpur Community Clinic and in the local maktab. If situation continued like this then students might lose interest to come to school, he said.

Gojaria Adarsha Academy resumed classes on January 23 under open sky.

Humayun Kabir, principal of the school said miscreants torched books which were ready for distribution among students. Teachers and members of the school management committee later managed old books for the students.

Local resident Hafez Maulana Ala Uddin Al Qaderi said locals collected few tables and benches from other schools and houses in order to continue the classes.

Primary Education Officer of Dagonbhuiyan upazila under Feni Hasina Yesmin said government had already supplied few books to the institutions.

Deputy Commissioner of Feni Humayun Kabir claimed that the district and upazila administration were providing special assistance to the institutions for continuing educational activities.

According to district administration sources, Omorpur Sultana Memorial Girls High School, Nayanpur Primary High School, Gojaria Adarsha Academy and Gojaria Hasania Madrassa in Daganbhuiyan upazila, Matuabhuiyan Karim Ulla High School and Boshiria Madrasa, Udrajpur Government Primary School Ramnagar in Ramnagar union, Chardarbesh Bagispur Government Primary School and Onnocharan Government Primary School in Sonagazi upazila were burnt under Feni-3 constituency during the poll. l

MRP home delivery for Malaysia expats n Asif Showkat Kallol

The government is going to home deliver Machine Readable Passports (MRP) to six lakh expatriates in Malaysia, as regular passport holders may face problems from November 24, 2015 due to cancellation, officials said.

Due to the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the government has to convert all Bangladeshi passports to machine readable versions by November 2015.

Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia will pay an extra US $18, over the Tk3,000 (for normal processing) or Tk6,000 (for speedy processing) as delivery charge to get their MRP passports sent to their addresses from the Bangladesh embassy in Malaysia.

A senior official of the home ministry said 90% of Bangladeshi expatriates, especially those in the Middle East countries, do not hold MRP passports.

Recently, expressing concern over the slow progress, labour secretaries of Bangladesh missions in 21 countries urged the government to expedite the process.

The home ministry official also said Bangladesh may miss the MRP deadline if the civil aviation authority did not speed up the process.

The home ministry sent a proposal to the cabinet committee on public purchase on hiring a company to home deliver MRPs to Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia to speed up the process. The proposal will be placed on the purchase committee meeting next Sunday.

Senior Home Secretary CQK Mustaq Ahmed said the project had been sent to the purchase committee for approval.

He said since this was a new type of project it had to be thoroughly scrutinised and as a result it was a time consuming process.

As per the ministry proposal, MRPs will be delivered to Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia by a foreign company.

Most expatriates there live and work outside Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital. They would have to stay in the city if they wanted to collect the passport from the embassy. The proposal estimated that they would have

to spend 500 Malaysian ringgit, equivalent to US $150, for two days of stay at Kuala Lumpur.

So the home ministry proposed to cut this cost by outsourcing the work of collecting the old passports and giving new MRPs to the expatriates. The home ministry floated a tender last April under the project titled “Collection of MRP enrolment data and related services incidental to and distribution of MRP among Bangladeshi citizen at sight in Malaysia.”

Malaysian companies Data-edge-ipeople Consortium obtained the highest number (89.37 %) while HeiTech Padu Berhad (71.91%) stood second as ranked by the tender evaluation committee. The committee selected Dataedge-i-people Consortium for the job and the project will be completed within one-and-half years.

According to the proposal, total cost of the project would be Tk84.24 crore.

The government estimates that there are 30-35 lakh expatriates in Saudi Arabia, 11-12 lakh in United Arab Emirate, and 5-7 lakh in Malaysia. l

Scores of devotees pray together during Ju’ma yesterday at the banks of Tongi River on the first day of Biswas Ijtema. Some of the devotees, unable to find space on the grounds, stand on the top of anchored boats to say their prayers MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

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