16 Aug, 2014

Vadro 1, 1421 Shawal 19, 1435 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 2, No 134

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2014 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

16 pages plus 24-page supplement Avenue-T | Price: Tk12

AVENUE-T

8 | WORLD

9 | OP-ED

14 | SPORT

CAN YOU PAINT WITH ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WIND?

FIBROMYALGIA: A PAIN OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

DAYLESFORD HOUSE

SUAREZ BEGINS TRAINING AT BARCA

Political clout behind most unsolved murder cases Law enforcers’ corruption also contribute to the recent rise in killing Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Tazlina Zamila Khan More and more reports of murders are coming in every day from around the country, and police are failing to bring the criminals to book.

Because the criminals have largely remained out of law’s reach, the number of murders, especially the political ones, has been rising recently.

Investigators say most of these killings take place centring tender manipulation, extortion, land grabbing, establishing supremacy and political feuds.

Why criminals keep avoiding punishment l Political influence l Corruption by law

enforcers

l Negligence in

investigation

Experts have identified three major reasons behind criminals succeeding in dodging the hands of law.

The first reason is political influence.

There are allegations that whenever there is a murder, police first look into the political affiliations of the prime suspect before making any arrest.

On May 20, Ekramul Haque, chairman of Fulgazi upazila in Feni, was shot dead in broad daylight in the district town. Investigators later found

involvement of local Awami League leaders Jahangir Adel and Ziaul Alam Mister’s involvement with the crime.

They are both known as close associates of local lawmaker Nizam Hazari.

Police are yet to arrest any of the two.

On May 29, criminals killed Water Development Board contractor Sultan Ahmed at Motijheel in the capital in broad daylight.

Afzal Hossain, a leader of the ruling Awami League’s farmers’ wing Krishak League, allegedly killed him centring a conflict over tender.

Sultan’s cousin Farid Hossain alleged that police could not manage to bring the suspects to book although it had been three months since the murder.

On March 6 last year, Narayanganj college student Tanvir Mohammad Twoki was abducted and killed but law enforcers are yet to arrest any suspect although they claimed that the investigation was almost done with. Twoki’s father reportedly has an open conflict with an influential ruling party lawmaker from Narayanganj.

On July 29 last year, Reazul Haque Khan Milky, a leader of ruling party’s youth front Jubo League, was killed in a cinematic way in the capital’s Gulshan area.

Killer HM Zahid Siddique Tareq, also a Jubo League leader, was caught in the act on a CCTV camera of a shopping mall. He was arrested but was later killed in an alleged gunfight with law enforcers.

There are allegations that when the charge sheet was actually filed, the name of Zahidul Islam Tipu, another ruling party leader, was left out.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pays her respect to those who were killed along with Bangabandhu, by placing flower petals on their graves at the Banani graveyard yesterday

Dhanmondi 32 overwhelmed by visitors Abu Bakar Siddique n Mohammad and Ahmed Zayeef Ten girls – all third graders at Dhanmondi 1 Government Primary School – they came to house 32 in Dhanmondi yesterday to see where Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lived, and also to learn what happened to him.

They looked very enthusiastic and were in school uniform. They said they learned about Bangabandhu from their teacher at school.

“She also told us about the museum here and that is when my friends and me decided to visit the place,” one of them told these reporters.

The museum is nice, they all almost shouted together.

Armin Akter of the group said: “So far, we have learned about Bangabandhu only from what others said and from books. Today we have seen the

place where he had lived long ago.

“We saw the marks of bullets on the wall.”

Shoyebur Rahman Mridha, enrolment executive at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, said the number of

People from all walks of life came to know how Mujib lived and how he died visitors yesterday was at least 10 times compared to other days.

“In general, 300-400 people visit the museum every day but today the number has soared to more than 3,000,” he said.

Barun Raha, the guide of the museum, said the visitors seemed to be more

enthusiastic and spontaneous than other times. “Except on August 15, the museum is open from 10:30am to 5:30pm; today, in observance of the day, visitors would be allowed until 3pm.”

Ranjan Haldar, who works at a private hospital, brought his threeyear-old daughter Shaonti Haldar and 10-year-old son Prateen Halder to the museum.

“Many a time, my son asked me about Bangabandhu’s life and what happened to him. That is why I have brought him here today so that he can get some idea by visiting the house,” he said.

Sheikh Mujib spent a key part of his life in the house, where he first moved in 1961. It gradually became a centre of political activities, including meetings, and after the country’s independence, he opted for staying there instead of moving to his official residence.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

BSS

Tributes paid to Bangabandhu amid vows to have his killers extradited n Tribune Desk National Mourning Day was observed yesterday by paying rich tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the 39th anniversary of his death.

AL leaders renewed their vows to execute in full the verdict in his murder trial by having his absconding killers extradited to Bangladesh.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to Bangabandhu by placing floral wreaths at Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi Road No 32 early in the morning.

Later Sheikh Hasina, one of  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

Iraqi Sunnis lay out conditional offer to join unity govt VF Corporation to pay

$17m for workers’ safety

n Reuters, Baghdad

Tribal leaders and clerics from Iraq’s Sunni heartland yesterday said they would be willing to join a new government that hopes to contain an offensive by Islamic State (IS) militants that threatens Baghdad.

Members of the Sunni Muslim minority made the offer after Iraq’s most influential Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, threw his weight behind prime minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, a Shia trying to form an inclusive government in a country beset by daily bombings, abductions and executions.

Abadi faces the daunting task of pacifying the vast western province of Anbar, where Sunni frustrations with the sectarian policies of outgoing Shia premier Nuri al-Maliki have pushed some to join an insurgency led by IS fighters.

The tribal leaders and clerics said Sunni representatives in Anbar and other provinces had drawn up a list of demands to be delivered to Abadi  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

n Tribune Report

A handout photograph made available by the Iraqi prime minister's office on August 14 shows outgoing PM Nuri al-Maliki, centre, alongside his designated successor Haidar al-Abadi, on his right. Maliki announced withdrawing his candidacy for a third term. Iraqi President Fuad Masum on August 11 tasked Abadi with forming a new government AFP

The VF Corporation, an American clothing corporation, has pledged to spend at least $17m in the near future to continue doing its part to improve the safety and working conditions at its contract suppliers’ RMG manufacturing in Bangladesh.

“As a member of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, VF has pledged to spend at least $17m in the near-term to improve working conditions of RMG sector in Bangladesh,” said a statement of the corporation, posted on its website on Thursday.

“At VF, the safety of our associates and the people who make our products around the world is a priority and we are putting our human and financial resources behind our commitment,” said Eric Wiseman, chairman, president and CEO of the VF Corporation.

The corporation was proud of its

6 | Nation

12 | Entertainment

INSIDE 3 | News

The BNP celebrated its Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s 69th birthday by cutting a cake in the early hours of yesterday; however, scheduled programmes by the party’s fronts and associate bodies to celebrate the birthday were cancelled.

4 | News

Although more than four months have passed since the government launched a drive against unfit vehicles in the capital, the crackdown has failed to make any difference.

Travel travails along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway has gone up manifold as unauthorised kitchen markets go on encroaching on the highway leading to a traffic jam.

7 | World

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa will take at least six months to bring under control, the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said yesterday.

11 | Op-Ed

The goings-on in Iraq, as well as along the Iraq-Syria border, seem extremely confusing, especially with how the media has been portraying them.

“Headmaster” is a cliche...Impress Telefilms has been associated with some very good films, unfortunately its “Headmaster” is not one of them.

recent accomplishments and those of the alliance in Bangladesh, Eric said, but acknowledged that there was still much work to be done.

“We will continue to collaborate with the Alliance and with the Bangladeshi government, labour unions, garment workers, factory owners and other like-minded organisations to make the factories in Bangladesh safer for all workers,” he added.

VF is a founding member of the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, a legally binding, five-year commitment to transparent, results-oriented, measurable and verifiable actions to improve the safety of Bangladeshi RMG factories.

The alliance, a platform of 26 North American brands and retailers, had committed to improve safety standard, including fire, electrical and structural safety after the collapse of Rana Plaza, which killed at least 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 last year. l

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Inu: Khaleda is successor of Bangabandhu's killers n BSS Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday said that those celebrate the National Mourning Day are the successors of the killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Terming Begum Zia's merriment on the National Mourning Day as "indecent celebration", the Minister said,

'Our independence and future generation are not safe as long as Begum Zia will be united with Jamaat and communal forces' "Khaleda celebrates the day in a different way by cutting cake in the name of birthday celebration, as she could not celebrate the day openly as a successor of the murderers of 75'."

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on the National Mourning Day and the 39th death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at VIP Projection Hall of Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) organized

by BFDC.

Inu, also the President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), said, "Those celebrate the day, are the successors of Mustak-Zia group, the killers of Bangabandhu and the devil spirits of the defeated forces of 1971. Our country, Constitution, culture and tradition are still in stake as long as they will be in this country."

"Our independence and future generation are not safe as long as Begum Zia will be united with Jamaat and communal forces under the scurf of democracy and not propose condemnation on killing Bangabandhu," he added.

Inu called upon all to materialize the dream of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by building "Golden Bangladesh" and turning the grief of the great loss of Father of the Nation into strength.

Information Secretary Mortuza Ahmed said, "Killing of Bangabandhu was not a simple murder as the killers tried to turn back the wheel of the country. They could not kill the ideal of Bangabandhu and his idealism will be in the hearts of people."

Actress and former lawmaker Sarah Begum Kabori, film actor Akbar Hossain Khan Pathan (Faruk) and film director Kazi Hayat also spoke in the discussion with BFDC Managing Director SM Harun-ur-Rashid in the chair. l

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina observe a moment of silence after placing wreaths at the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhanmondi yesterday PID

22 Barisal Jamaat men, including ameer, sent to jail n Our Correspondent, Barisal

A court sent 22 Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists, including its city unit amir, nayebey amir, secretary, to Barisal Central jail yesterday afternoon.

The arrested are Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal, ameer, Bazlur Rahman, nayeb-e-ameer, Jahiruddin Md Babar, secretary, Mawlana Matiur Rahman, assistant secretary, Prof Shah Alam,

Political clout behind most unsolved murder cases  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

According to Milky’s family, the murder was the result of a feud between Milky and Tipu over establishing supremacy.

They said the feud was an open secret and Tareq committed the murder on Tipu’s instruction.

Later Milky’s family moved the High Court, seeking reinvestigation and following a court order, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police took over the case from Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The latest incidents of political killing were reported only last Saturday when two ruling party leaders were killed in Dhaka and Jessore. As of Tuesday, police did not make any arrest in connection with the murders.

According to experts, the second reason for murder cases remaining in the dark or led astray is corruption by the law enforcers. On August 29 last year, a retired CID official Fazlul Karim Khan was murdered in the capital’s Rampura area because his anti-drug campaign was hurting the illegal business of local Chhatra League leader Tapu.

It has been almost a year and police could arrest only one of the seven alleged killers while another was killed in a “gunfight.” Nearly a month ago, investigation officer SI Wahid was transferred because he had allegedly taken bribe from Tapu and delayed the proceedings of the case.

On April 27 this year, Awami League leader and Narayanganj panel mayor Nazrul Islam, along with six other,

were abducted and later killed in the city. Investigators have found that at least three RAB officials were involved with the sensational abductions and murders as contract killers.

Experts have also identified negligence by law enforcers as another major reason why many murder cases never make any progress.

In April 2012, the decomposed body of a young girl, with a scarf around her neck, was recovered by police from the capital’s Shere Bangla Nagar area.

In more than two years, law enforcers have not even managed to identify her, let alone bringing the criminals to book.

Abul Kashem Mohammad Baki Billah, assistant commissioner DB police and investigation officer of the case, said they were to sort out the mystery behind the death. “But investigation is underway and we are trying our best,” he said.

According to the Crime Cell Database at the Police Headquarters, at least 47,276 murder cases were filed since 2002. The highest of 4,393 cases were filed in 2013 alone. In the first seven months of this year, at least 2,669 cases have been filed around the country.

Professor Dr Zia Rahman, chairman of the Criminology Department of Dhaka University, said: “The criminals get chances to repeat crimes if they do not get punished. That is why law enforcers need to ensure punishment for the criminals first without thinking which political party they belong to.”

About the political killings, he said

there must be an increased awareness among the political. “Moreover, the authorities need to be strong in taking action against such crimes.”

Former inspector general of police M Azizul Haque told the Dhaka Tribune: “The criminals sometimes get out of reach because of investigators’ weakness and political reasons. Witnesses do not feel secure, so they do not give depositions. Conviction rate in the country is also not satisfactory. Sometimes the trials do not proceed in the right way.”

He also said: “Economic, political and social reasons are responsible for the rise in murders. There were more murders last year because of political violence. Improving economic, social and political conditions can reduce the rate of violence. Speeding up investigation and trial are also important.”

The criminals sometimes get out of reach due to weakness of the investigators and political reasons. Witness does not feel secure in murder cases.

Conviction rate in the country is not satisfactory. Sometimes the trials do not happen correctly, he said.

Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of Detective Branch of Police, refuted the allegations saying: “Police sincerely investigates every case and also arrest the criminals. In some cases, criminals are arrested quickly and sometimes it takes time.”

State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said they had discussed almost all the pending cases, especially the sensational

Barisal correspondent of Daily Sangram, Abur Rouf, Moazzem Hossain Haoladar, Mahbubur Rahman, Mijanur Rahman, Shafiullah Talukdar, Joynal Abedin, Ismail Hossain, Md Russel, Saiful Islam, Abul Kalam Abul Kasem, Shamim, Kabir, Shahjahan, Siraj, Abdus Sattar and Rafikul Isam, activists of city unit JIB. Police placed them before the court at noon after arresting them with

ones, and had given directives to the appropriate authorities to submit chargesheets and take steps for arresting the criminals. l

Dhanmondi 32  PAGE 1 COLUMN 5

The house is where the six-point movement was initiated from in 1966, the mass uprising of ’69, and the general elections of 1970.

After the Liberation War, Bangabandhu dedicated all his efforts towards rebuilding the war-torn country, to which the house is a witness.

On August 15, 1975, Mujib, along with most of his family members, was assassinated in the house.

The house, which was later turned into a museum, has since become a symbol of love and admiration people feel for him.

Activities to observe the National Mourning Day also centred round the house yesterday as the Awami League held several programmes. Different organisations and people from all walks of life paid tributes at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of the house all day long.

Idris Sikder, a carpenter by profession who was wearing a lungi and shirt, was seen mumbling the caption of a photo hung in the wall.

“I feel terribly sad. We will never get a leader like Bangabandhu in the future,” he said. l

Iraqi Sunnis lay out conditional offer to join unity govt  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

through Sunni politicians, their spokesman Taha Mohammed al-Hamdoon told Reuters.

He called for government troops and Shia militia forces to suspend their attacks in Anbar to allow for talks.

“It is not possible for negotiations to be held under...indiscriminate bombing,” Hamdoon said in a telephone interview, referring to strikes on Sunni cities.

“Let the bombing stop and withdraw and curtail the militias until there is a solution for the wise men in these areas,” he said.

Separately, one of Anbar’s most powerful tribal leaders, with thousands of men at his command, said on television he was ready to work with Abadi, if he respected Sunni interests.

Ali Hatem Suleiman, a leading figure in an earlier alliance with US and Iraqi forces against al Qaeda, said he could consider joining a new campaign against IS. Sistani, spiritual leader of the Shia majority, said earlier that the handover to Abadi offered a rare opportunity to resolve political and security crises.

Maliki finally stepped down as prime minister under heavy pressure from allies at home and abroad late on Thursday, clearing the way for Abadi

who is a party colleague but has a reputation as a less confrontational figure.

Iraq has been plunged into its worst violence since the peak of a sectarian civil war in 2006-2007, with Sunni fighters led by IS overrunning large parts of the west and north, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee for their lives and threatening the ethnic Kurds in their autonomous province.

Sistani told the country’s feuding politicians to live up to their “historic responsibility” by cooperating with Abadi as he tries to form a new government and overcome divisions among the Shia, Sunni and Kurdish communities that deepened under Maliki.

Abadi, in comments online, urged his countrymen to unite and cautioned that the road ahead would be tough.

Sistani, a reclusive octogenarian whose authority few Iraqi politicians would dare openly challenge, also had pointed comments for the military, which offered no serious resistance when IS staged its lightning offensive in June.

“We stress the necessity that the Iraqi flag is the banner they hoist over their troops and units, and avoid using any pictures or other symbols,” Sistani said, in a call for the armed forces to set aside sectarian differences.

Maliki was blamed for blurring the lines between the army and Shia militias.

Maliki ended eight years in power that began under US occupation and endorsed Abadi, a member of his Shia Islamic Dawa party, in a televised latenight speech during which he stood next to his successor, surrounded by other leaders.

Maliki’s critics at home and abroad had accused him of marginalising the Sunni minority, which dominated Iraq until a US-led invasion deposed Saddam Hussein in 2003. This, they said, had encouraged disaffected Sunnis to back jihadist fighters who have ordered religious minorities to convert to their radical brand of Islam or die.

They have threatened to march on the capital, Baghdad.

The appointment of Abadi had drawn widespread support within Iraq but also from the United States and regional Shia power Iran two countries which have been at odds for decades.

“The regional and international welcome is a rare positive opportunity... to solve all [of Iraq’s] problems, especially political and security ones,” Sistani said in comments which were relayed by his spokesman after weekly Friday prayers in the Shia holy city of Kerbala, south

of Baghdad.

After its capture of the northern metropolis of Mosul in June, a swift push

by IS to the borders of Iraqi Kurdistan alarmed Baghdad and last week drew the first US air strikes on Iraq since the withdrawal of American troops in 2011.

Sinjar plight remains dramatic

In Geneva, the United Nations said around 80,000 people had fled to the relative safety of Dohuk province on the Turkish and Syrian borders, part of the 1.2 million Iraqis who have been displaced inside the country this year.

Dan McNorton of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said their plight was severe.

“People are exhausted, people are very thirsty, these are searing temperatures,” he told a news briefing, adding that children and old people were among those forced to walk for days without food, water or shelter.

Several thousand remained on the barren tops of the Mount Sinjar range, where members of the Yazidi religious minority fled the militants who consider them “devil worshippers.”

On Thursday, President Barack Obama said the Islamists’ siege of Mount Sinjar had been broken and he did not expect the United States to stage an evacu-

Tk1,75,700 and 22 mobile phone sets during a secret meeting at a house of Dr Majed Ali at South Alekanda in the city on Thursday night.

Barisal Kotowali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shakhawat Hossain said they arrested the Jamaat men upon a lead that they had been planning an act of sabotage on the National Mourning Day. Yesterday was August 15, the Na-

tional Mourning Day. OC Shakhawat said all the arrested had been shown arrested under Section 54 of penal code, he said.

Barisal city and district Jamaat leaders have condemned the arrest and called for their release immediately.

They claimed that the meeting was not meant for planning any untoward incident. Rather, it was a regular organisational meeting. l

Tributes paid to Bangabandhu  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

to Bangladesh.

AL presidium member Sheikh Fazul Karim Selim called on the cooperation of the UN secretary general to have the killers extradited.

While responding to reporters, Ashraf said the government had been relentless in its extradition effort.

“We are trying to bring the killers of Bangabandhu back to face the judgement of the court. We will get them in the end,” Ashraf said.

Ashraf claimed the United States and Canada had double standards on the issue of extraditing Bangabandhu’s killers.

“They will often cite humanitarian concerns as an excuse. But as you know, in the United States, capital punishment is carried out in many states,” he said.

Referring to a recent execution in Arizona, the leader said: “You may have heard that some time ago they executed a death row convict for two and a half hours. But they keep talking about our need for humanity, democracy and the rule of law.”

“They shelter Bangabandhu’s self-proclaimed killers,” he said.

Hinting at the United States and Canada, party leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said they were vocal on human rights issues but they sheltered killers.

“If they believed in democracy and human rights in the real sense, they would hand over the killers,” he said. l

ation or continue humanitarian air drops.

However, McNorton said help was still needed.

“That situation remains very dramatic for those people, regardless of how many people are on the mountain.

It is of critical importance to ensure that they get the assistance and support that they need from the international community,” he said.

IS has also seized large parts of Syria as it tries to build a caliphate across borders drawn by European imperialists a century ago.

The leader of the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah said the Sunni militants could widen their threat to include Jordan and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf states, as well as the region’s various communities.

“This danger does not recognise Shias, Sunnis, Muslims, Christians or Druze or Yazidis or Arabs or Kurds. This monster is growing and getting bigger,” said Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose group has been helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fight the Sunni Islamist-dominated insurgency.

crises including the conflict in Iraq.

In London, the British government said it would consider “positively” any request for arms from the Kurds to help them battle the militants who have seized much of Iraq.

The United States has asked European countries to supply arms and ammunition to the Kurdish forces, US and European officials have said.

Prime Minister David Cameron has so far said Britain’s response would be limited to a humanitarian effort, but London has also been transporting to Kurdish forces military supplies, such as ammunition, being provided by other nations.

“If we were to receive a request then we would consider it positively,” a spokeswoman for Cameron said.

Several European governments, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, have said they will send arms to the Kurds or are considering doing so.

Abadi is in the sensitive process of trying to form a new government in a country beset by daily bombings, abductions and executions. He must rein in Shia militias accused of kidnapping and killing Sunnis and persuading the once dominant Sunni minority that they will have a bigger share of power. l

Bangabandhu’s two surviving daughters, placed wreaths at her father’s grave in Tungipara, Gopalganj.

On this day in 1975, Bangabandhu and most of his family members were gunned down in his house in Dhanmondi by a group of disgruntled army officers.

After the placing of the wreaths, a smartly turned out contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces gave a state salute and the bugle played the last post, reports BSS. Cabinet members, ruling party central leaders and the three armed service chiefs were present at the programmes.

Hasina also placed wreaths at Banani cemetery at the graves of others killed that night.

The Awami League and different socio-cultural organisations chalked up elaborate programmes in the capital and other parts of the country to mark the day. In the morning they paid tribute to the memory of Bangabandhu at Dhanmondi and Tungipara.

Later in the afternoon, the premier participated in a doa and milad mehfil arranged by the Mohila Awami League at Bangabandhu Bhaban. Milad mehfils and special munajat were held at religious institutions after Asr prayers.

After laying a wreath at Bangabandhu Mazar in Tungipara, LGRD minister and party general secretary, Syed Ashraful Islam, said he hoped the absconding killers would be brought back

EU Meeting

European Union foreign ministers were holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the region’s response to major

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Saturday, August 16, 2014

3

Khaleda cuts cake rejecting AL leaders’ request n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The BNP celebrated Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s 69th birthday with a cake in the early hours yesterday, but programmes scheduled by its front and associated bodies had to be cancelled as police allegedly barred party members from entering the headquarters.

A large number of police took position in front of the Nayapaltan office with riot cars, water cannons and a prison van from early morning yesterday.

Asaduzzaman, additional deputy commissioner of police in Motijheel zone, said: “Today is August 15. Security measures have been taken across the country and the police have been deployed in front of the BNP office for security reasons. We are not barring anyone from entering the office.”

Leaders of Mohila Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, however, alleged that law enforcers barred party leaders and activists from entering the party office and they had to cancel their sched-

uled programmes to celebrate Khaleda’s birthday at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters yesterday morning.

“They [law enforcers] have cordoned off our headquarters and are not allowing our activists in,” party’s Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said at a press briefing in the party headquarters, adding it was an ill-attempt by the government to foil the day’s programmes.

Asked if the programme had been cancelled, Rizvi said how could there be a programme when the police were not allowing any activist inside.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia celebrated her birthday with her party colleagues at her Gulshan office in the early hours yesterday, rejecting repeated calls from ruling party leaders to not observe her birthday on the National Mourning Day. There are contradictory information on both the date and year of her birth.

The birthday controversy was reportedly triggered after Khaleda first declared August 15 as her “official”

birthday during her first tenure as prime minister in 1991.

Her marriage certificate shows September 5, 1945, as her birthday; while her first passport has it as August 19, 1946. She had put her date of birth as August 9, 1944, while registering for the matriculation exams.

Black flag procession

The BNP-led 20-party alliance is scheduled to bring out black flag silent processions across the country today protesting the recent Israeli attack on Gaza.

The alliance is slated to bring out a procession from the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters at 3pm.

Addressing yesterday’s briefing, Rizvi said they have taken huge preparations across the country to bring out “peaceful” black flag processions.

Meanwhile, DMP Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman has confirmed that the BNP has received written permission from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police for carrying out tomorrow’s programmes peacefully. l

A plainclothes police personnel turns away a BNP activist who went to the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters yesterday to attend a programme celebrating the birthday of BNP chief Khaleda Zia MEHEDI HASAN

JaPa appears split over appointment of deputy leader n Manik Miazee

Vehicles manoeuvre their way near the link road in front of the Gulshan Shooting Club yesterday to evade a hole on the middle of the street. Two concrete slabs and a sapling are the only markers that warn drivers on the road of the danger ahead MEHEDI HASAN

The Ershad-led Jatiya Party has apparently divided into two groups over the appointment of deputy leader of the opposition in parliament, party’s grass-roots leaders say.

Former president HM Ershad is now leading a group while another group is following the instructions of his wife Rawshan Ershad, also leader of the opposition in parliament.

The conflict had begun to surface since the national election held on January 5, creating feud between the party activists.

Ershad, the chairman of Jatiya Party, is now at loggerheads with his wife over the party activities.

Rawshan Ershad on July 27 sent a letter to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury to appoint Kazi Feroz Rashid as deputy leader of the opposition in parliament.

But on August 7, Ershad issued a statement, saying that his party was yet to take the decision to appoint anyone as the deputy leader of the opposition.

Earlier, JaPa presidium member Kazi Feroz Rashid was acting as the president of the old committee.

Centring the issue of deputy leader, Ershad removed him from his poet and appointed Syed Abu Hossain Babla as new president.

Pinak 6 owner’s son held in capital n Tribune Report

The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested Omar Faruq Limon, son of the owner of ill-fated Pinak-6 from one of his relatives’ house at Khilkhet in the capital in the wee hours of yesterday.

Limon, who was the third accused in the launch capsize case, was arrested by a team of Rab-1 at around 3:30am, Rab’s Legal and Media Wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan, adding: “We have already sent him to Munshiganj

police who have been investigating the case.”

His father Abu Bakar Siddique, who owned Pinak 6, was arrested from a house at Agrabad Housing Area in Chittagong city on Wednesday.

Earlier on August 4, Pinak 6 sank in the Padma river, 800 yards off Mawa pier, claiming over 100 lives of around 200 passengers on its board on August 4.

Transport Inspector of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Jahangir Bhuiyan filed a case with

Louhajang police station against six persons, including Faruq and his father, in connection with the launch capsize.

Until yesterday, the bodies of 48 passengers had been recovered while 62 others are still missing.

Rescuers left Mawa on Monday suspending their search for the bodies of the passengers in the launch capsize.

Munshiganj district administration however said they were still continuing their search for the rest of the passengers missing in the launch capsize. l

Trial of ATM Shamsuzzaman’s eldest son murder case to end soon n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu The trial of the murder of noted actor ATM Shamsuzzaman’s eldest son Kamaluzzman Kabir is about to be completed soon, two years after the murder.

The Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal 1 has completed recording the witness

depositions and the argument hearing has began at the court.

Judge Shahed Nuruddin fixed August 21 for final argument hearing and following that hearing, the court will set a date for delivering the verdict.

“The final argument will be completed in the next date. Then the judge will

fix date for delivering the verdict,” Special Public Prosecutor Abu Abdullah Bhuyain told the Dhaka Tribune on Thursday.

According to the case statements, a total of 14 prosecution witnesses out of 24, including ATM Shamsuzzaman himself, gave depositions before the court.

Earlier on March 13, 2012, Kabir was stabbed to death by his younger brother ATM Khalequzzaman Kushol at their residence in the capital’s Sutrapur.

ATM Shamsuzzman filed a case with Sutrapur police station following the murder.

On June 25, 2012, police submitted the charge sheet, while the court indicted Kushol on October 31, the same year.

On January 30, 2013, ATM Shamsuzzaman gave deposition before the court against his own son Kushol.

“It was the most unfortunate incident that my entire family had witnessed,” ATM Shamsuzzaman said in his deposition. l

Through a statement, the JaPa chief announced the new committee, dissolving the old one.

The decision was made as per section 39 of the party charter, the statement said.

The party has divided into two factions while some are following Rawshan and some are following Ershad. To keep the party on the right track, the decision should be taken in time But Ershad’s younger brother GM Quader is now inactive in party activities centring the conflicts between Ershad and Rawshan, said party insiders.

Kazi Feroz Rashid told the Dhaka Tribune: “Our party chief does not want to see me in the party activities. In such a situation, I think the party activities cannot be properly carried out by me. For this reason, I told the party chief to cancel my post.”

Party insiders said the decision

‘US, Canada have double standard over Mujib killers’

n BSS Awami League General Secretary and LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam yesterday said the US and Canada had double standard with regards to sending back the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“The US and Canada are known for tall talks on different issues including human rights but capital punishment is being executed in the US every month,” he said.

Talking to reporters after attending a programme at Tungipara on the occasion of the National Mourning Day marking the 39th anniversary of Bangabandhu’s martyrdom, he also said initiatives had already been taken to bring back the fugitive killers, adding, “Sometimes we have to go slow in bringing killers back.”

He expressed his optimism about executing the court’s verdict handed down to the killers after bringing them back.

Informing that Colonel Rashid [one of the killers] has now been staying in the United States, Awami League presidium member and former health minister Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said, “Efforts are on to bring back home other fugitive killers of Bangabandhu.” l

was made following recent conflicts between Ershad and his wife Rawshan Ershad.

Currently, 30 out of 34 MPs are carrying out Rawshan’s order and the rest and grass-roots leaders are doing party work at Ershad’s instructions.

“The party has divided into two factions while some are following Rawshan and some are following Ershad.

To keep the party on the right track, the decision should be taken in time,” said JaPa Noakhali district leader Mobarak Hossain Azad.

According to party sources, Ershad has now lost control over the party.

His wife Rawshan Ershad took the control of the party after the 10th parliamentary election was held on January 5.

Party’s Secretary General Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu said: “Our party is facing some internal problems, but we are not divided into factions. We are trying to reorganise the party.”

He said the 30 MPs do not mean Jatiya Party. “It is a party of crores of people. I am all in all of JaPa,” he said.

Acknowledging the crisis being faced by JaPa, Ershad said, “It is not a major crisis.”

He also warned that his party would take to the streets and announce new programmes against the government. l

BNP spends three times more than it earns n Tribune Report The budget deficit of BNP has been gradually increasing as its expenditure for this year was around three times more than its known sources of income.

Noting that these additional expenditures are paid from its deposits, the party’s total income in 2013 stood at around Tk75 lakh while its expenditure were around Tk2.27 crore.

In 2012-13, BNP’s annual income was around Tk1.8 crore while its annual expenditure was over Tk2.26 crore.

The financial disclosures were unveiled when the party submitted its financial statement to the Election Commission yesterday as per the Representation of the People Order, a law book meant for maintaining transparency and accountability in politics.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi submitted the return to the EC Secretary Sirajul Islam.

“In 2013-14, the income of the party was Tk75,50,762 and the expenditure was Tk2,27,00,362. That is why the deficit is above Tk1.51 crore. The main source of income had been the donations from party leaders and activists and we have spent alot on our party programmes,” Rizvi said.

He, however, declined to say anything in details about the return figures.

As per the EC rules, registered political parties have to submit annual statements of their income and expenditure to play by the book in the political arena. l

4

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Saturday, August 16, 2014

BRTA goes soft on unfit and illegal vehicles n Abu Hayat Mahmud Although more than four months had passed since the government launched a drive against unfit vehicles plying the streets of the capital, the crackdown has however failed to make any difference due to the negligence and irregularities of the authorities concerned.

Earlier in April, Communication Minister Obaidul Quader announced that a crackdown on unfit vehicles would begin from May 1. However, the deadline was later delayed for more than a month by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and other authorities concerned to give transport owners time to renew fitness certificates of their vehicles.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, a BRTA official seeking anonymity, informed that the authority was yet to start its drive against unfit vehicles in the city.

“The BRTA is yet to seize or fine unfit and unregistered illegal vehicles, which continue to roam the city streets freely.”

He further alleged that the transport owners had an upper hand over the authorities because of political affiliations or connections.

Despite repeated attempts, BRTA Chairman Nazrul Islam could not be reached over the phone to comment over the issue.

Earlier in May, Nazrul told the Dhaka Tribune: “Although the drive against unfit vehicles was supposed to start from May 1, we have internally set it to May 31 for the owners to collect fitness certificates afresh for all kinds of unfit vehicles.”

“If any motorised vehicle is found plying on the roads without a fitness certificate after the deadline, tough action will be taken against them,” he added.

Nazrul also claimed that action would be taken against all unauthorised transports, such as three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, human hauliers, battery-run rickshaws, different type of vans, trucks, among others.

The decision to push the dead-

line further came from a meeting of a task-force which was charged with coordinating the drive. The task-force comprised of officials from the BRTA, Roads and Highway Division, Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, police and representatives from motor vehicle owners’ associations.

BRTA data showed that a total of 87,795 unfit motor vehicles were currently plying in Dhaka, posing risks to commuters and contributing much to the city’s traffic congestion problem.

Besides, according to the vehicle registration authority, till July this year, a total of 8,23,184 registered motor vehicles were registered in the capital.

BRTA-issued fitness certificates are mandatory for more than 20 types of motor vehicles, including CNG-run auto-rickshaws, petrol-run auto-rickshaws, human hauliers, private cars, buses and trucks.

However, motorcycles and bicycles do not require fitness certificate to use city roads.

During a recent investigation by the Dhaka Tribune, it was found that a huge number of motor vehicles, mostly old vehicles with broken bodies, faulty brakes and engines, continue to ply on the city streets. These unfit vehicles are usually slow and break down on the middle of the road without warning, causing traffic jams.

Although most city dwellers chose public buses as an affordable mode of transport, a large number of city service buses continue to carry passengers with broken bodies, faulty engines and no headlights or brake lights, posing high risk to passengers as well as to other vehicles on the road.

Although, despite the poor condition of the buses, the road transport advisory council at a meeting on April 24 decided to give a six-month grace period to bus owners to replace their rundown vehicles.

Later in a meeting, the communications minister acknowledged that although the government had taken decision to withdraw all unfit motor vehicles from the city streets, it would not be possible to remove all as there

Many of the middle-income Dhaka residents have no option but to rely on worn out and unfit human hauliers, such as the one pictured at Gulistan yesterday. The engines often break down and force the passengers to get down before they reach their destination, while the driver and his helper have to push the stationary vehicle to a nearby garage for makeshift repairs before bringing it out on the streets again RAJIB DHAR were only 4,000 buses operating in the city of more than 15 million people.

However, according to the BRTA data, till July this year, a total of 31,179 registered buses and minibuses were plying in Dhaka.

At present, there are around 13,000 commercially-run green CNG auto-rickshaws and 3,000 private ones, usually painted gray, in the capital.

The authorities are set to allow another

four more years to the lifespan of CNG vehicles upon recondition.

Although the government had published a gazette notification in June this year for reconditioning old auto-rickshaws, no initiatives were taken by owners of CNG auto-rickshaws in this regard.

Besides, motorcycle based twostroke auto-rickshaws, commonly known as Mishuks, continue to run on

city roads without any permission or license. The BRTA banned 2,829 such vehicles from the city roads after their route permits expired on December 31, 2011.

A section of unscrupulous businessmen have been running their battery-powered padded rickshaws flouting a High Court ban. Hundreds of unregistered battery-run rickshaws are plying across the capital with little or

no resistance from traffic police.

There are around 5,000 unfit human hauliers on the city streets at present.

According to BRTA, there are 3,606 registered and around 1,500 illegal human haulers plying on city roads.

BRTA Director (enforcement) Md Matiar Rahman denied the allegations and said: “The drive against unfit and illegal vehicles in the city is a continuous process, and it will continue.” l

Muhith: Youths contributed more Attack on long march in Rampal, 20 injured than India in ’71 n Our Correspondent, Sylhet The contribution of the country’s youths was greater than that of India during the 1971 War of Liberation, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said.

It is, however, undeniable that India extended its all-out assistance to us at the time, he said while addressing two separate discussions organised on occasion of the National Mourning Day in Sylhet.

At the second discussion, the min-

ister almost repeated the words he uttered during the first programme.

“We were neglected during the Pakistani period. Also, we were resisted from becoming self-reliant. The people then fought for nine months for independence,” the minister said.

Describing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as an uncompromising man who was not greedy, Muhith said he was brutally killed on August 15, 1975, as the killers wanted to make the nation face a leadership crisis.

“However, they failed,” he said.

The finance minister called on activists to turn the grief of the month into strength.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Awami League Organising Secretary Advocate Misbah Uddin Siraj, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Sajjadul Hassan and several others addressed the discussions.

Earlier in the day, the finance minister laid a floral wreath at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Sylhet central shaheed minar. l

n Our Correspondent, Khulna All the 20 activists of Moulik Bangla, a cultural organisation, who were staging a long march, were injured as miscreants swooped on the long march in Bagerhat’s Rampal yesterday.

The long march began on August 8 with a demand that the Rampal Power Plant project sight be shifted from the current location which is close to the Sundarbans.

A group of miscreants, numbering 70-80, swooped on the long march activists when they were arranging their stage for the long march programme around 2pm, leaving all of the activists injured. The miscreants also seized the laptops of the activists, two cameras and five mobile phones during the attack.

Critically injured Zahid Hasan, Kuasha, Opu Islam Dwip and Prince were admitted to Khulna Medical College

Hospital, while the other injured received first aid at a local hospital.

Moulik Bangla Office Secretary Md Sabuj Khalifa told the Dhaka Tribune that the miscreants used lethal weapons to carry out the attack, adding that two of their activists were missing since the attack.

Meanwhile, a press release of the Gana Odhikar Sangram Committee yesterday condemned the attack on Moulik Bangla activists.

The press release claimed that local pro-Awami goons carried out the attack.

Ehtesham Uddin, coordinator of the Gana Odhikar Sangram, demanded that the culprits be arrested and punished soon.

Terming the Rampal project an anti-people project, Ehtesham also urged the people to unite against project for protecting the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. l

Railway police seize 700 yaba pills from female drug mule Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor addresses a programme marking the 39th anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital yesterday FOCUS BANGLA

Female student commits suicide in capital over poor results n Tribune Report A female student of Cambrian School and College allegedly committed suicide at a hostel in the capital’s Badda area yesterday. A small note was recovered from the hostel in this connection.

The victim was identified as Naima Binte Nahid, 16, daughter of Syed Nahid Hasan hailing from Jessore. She was a student of class 10.

The body was recovered from a room locked from inside on the sixth

floor of the girls’ hostel of the college at 53/3 Norda, said Sub-Inspector Asaduzzaman of Badda police station.

He said, the body was found hanging from the ceiling fan by a rope.

“According to the note, Naima was frustrated by her poor result in a recent examination. Besides, she was having trouble for her involvement with a boy.”

The body has been sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy. l

Indian rice transhipment halted Correspondent, n Our Brahmanbaria Indian rice transhipment via Brahmanbaria’s Ashuganj Land Port has been halted due to inclement weather since Thursday. Ashuganj Land Port’s Transport Inspector Shah Alam said Indian rice transhipment had been halted since Thursday due to unfavourable weather.

Indian rice transhipment contracting authorities said they would maintain the halt until weather was back to normalcy. So far, 1360 tons of Indian had been transshipped to Indian state of Tripura.

On request, Bangladesh is allowing transshipment of India’s rice to its north-eastern states, including Tripura, via Ashuganj Land Port. l

n Tribune Report Railway police seized 700 yaba tablets after conducting a body search of a woman at the capital’s Kamalapur Railway Station yesterday morning.

Government Railway Police (GRP) of Kamalapur claimed that the woman, aged around 28, had hidden the tablets in her private parts.

“The woman came by the Chittagong Mail train from Chittagong around 9:30am. After arresting her, we produced her before a Dhaka court that sent her to jail,” said Abdul Mazid, officer-in-charge of Kamalapur GRP, confirmed the Dhaka Tribune.

He said based on secret information, the woman was detained on arrival.

However, the yaba pills were not found after a body search.

“Later, with the help of our female members, a full body search was conducted after taking her to the washroom. The female police members found the tablets packed

inside a condom hidden in her vagina,” he said.

The woman, who claimed to be a garment worker in Chittagong, said a coworker at the factory had given her the tablets to hand over to a person

Based on secret information, the woman was detained on arrival. However, the yaba pills were not found after a body search at the station and she was promised Tk2,000 for the job.

“We tried to arrest the man who was supposed to receive the tablets but could not trace him,” the OC said. l

AL leader Kazi Rashid dies n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj Advocate Kazi Abdur Rashid, district council administrator of Gopalganj and a member of Awami League’s central executive committee, died at his Kalyanpur house in the capital on Thursday night.

Hailing from Munirkandi village of Muksudpur in the district, the 82-yearold died of old-age complications around 10pm.

His first funeral prayer was held at Muksudpur Sadar eidgah premises in Gopalganj yesterday, which was followed by another funeral prayer at Gopalganj Court mosque.

Rashid, also the former lawmaker of Gopalganj 1 constituency, was laid to rest at Markaj graveyard in the city in the evening after people from all walks of life had paid tributes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Gopalganj Awami League President Raza Mia Batu, General Secretary Chowdhury Emdadul Haque, and leaders of a number of political, social and professional organisations mourned Rashid’s death.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman brought Rashid into politics. He participated in the 1971 War of Liberation and was in charge of Nilganj training camp in India.

Rashid also led protests which overthrew the military government of HM Ershad.

He was elected a parliamentarian from Gopalganj 1 constituency in 1979 and again in 1991.

The veteran politician is survived by three sons and a daughter. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

5

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Monsoon shower becomes a curse for port city dwellers n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Residents of Chittagong city have been suffering greatly for the past few days as continuous monsoon rain had water-locked most streets in the city due to its poor drainage system.

During a visit to the port city's low lying areas, this Dhaka Tribune correspondent found that most of its streets were submerged in knee-deep water following a night-long rainfall.

The monsoon showers in the port city began from Wednesday night turned into heavy rainfall by yesterday afternoon.

'The CCC is also working to repair the affected city roads, but rain is disrupting the construction works' Waterlogging was witnessed in several areas, specially Paschim Madarbari, Bakalia, Chawkbazar, Agrabad, Halishahar, Kapasgola, Chandgaon, Shulakbahar, Enayet Bazar, Boropol, Muradpur, Sholoshahar, Bahaddarhat and Probartak intersection.

The Chittagong Divisional Met Office said 151.20 millimetres of rainfall recorded in last 24 hours till yesterday 3:00pm.

It also forecasts rainfall to continue for next few days due to the monsoon.

Motor vehicles were hardly seen on

Vehicles pass through knee-deep water near the Wasa Intersection in Chittagong yesterday these areas, while rickshaws were seen plying on the city roads. Commuters, greatly outnumbering the rickshaws, had to wade through filthy water from overflowing sewerage lines to reach

their destination.

Although businesses, educational institutions and other organisations remained closed due to a public holiday, most people in the city faced immense

DHAKA TRIBUNE

hardship to carry out other activities of their daily lives.

At the same time, continuous waterlogging also created giant potholes on most of the city roads making the

Lack of digital lights a dent in Sylhet traffic system

CHT commission demands free probe into Chakma activist’s death n UNB n Our Correspondent, Sylhet The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission has demanded an independent judicial investigation into the death of a Chakma activist allegedly in military custody.

In a statement on Friday the commission, a private human rights group, said Duran Babu Chakma , 52, also known as Timir Boron Chakma, died in custody of the army in Matiranga Upazila of Khagrachari district on August 10.

The statement quoted media reports as saying that Duran Babu, a member of the PCJSS (MN Larma), was taken into custody on suspicion of extortion. He was declared dead after he was brought to Matiranga Health Complex from the custody.

According to media reports, Babu’s body was cremated hurriedly by the army, the statement said.

The army also claimed that no one came to claim his body.

“We urge the government to immediately ensure an effective and independent judicial investigation into the alleged torture of Babu and his death.

Those responsible must be brought to justice,” said the statement. l

As the volume of vehicular traffic keeps growing in Sylhet city, the traffic authorities are facing much trouble with efficient traffic control as the city still lacks digitised traffic lights.

An automated traffic signal system was set up in the city in 1996-97 – when Sylhet was still a municipality. Yet, the primary tools that traffic police in Sylhet still use are whistles, sticks and hand gestures.

“We will look into the matter after the budget is announced,” said Ariful Haque Choudhury, mayor of Sylhet City Corporation who took charge of office on September 18 last year.

The city corporation’s budget will be announced on August 22, the mayor said.

Primarily, digital lights were set up at seven points of the city – Surma Market, Chouhatta, Rekabi Bazar, Naiorpul, Amberkhana, Nayasorok and Kazitola Point – at the cost of Tk30 lakh, accord-

ing to sources.

Installed under the supervision of the local government engineering department, the lights all went out of order after a year, allegedly because the contractor had used low-quality equipment.

The city corporation allocated Tk5 crore to restore the entire system in five fiscal years – 2007-08 to 2013-14 – but no work has been done in this regard.

Nikulin Chakma, deputy commissioner (traffic) at Sylhet Metropolitan Police, said traffic police had to direct traffic manually because many drivers did not follow the traffic rules properly and keep changing the lanes.

“We are facing acute problems with traffic management every day, which could be solved if there were digital signals. If the city corporation takes initiatives in this regard, we will help,” he said.

Noor Azizur Rahman, acting chief engineer at the city corporation, ac-

National Mourning Day observed across country n Tribune Report

knowledged that the digital lights were out of service due to the lack of proper maintenance, but he claimed that change in the alignment of the city’s streets was the main reason behind it.

He said: “Implementing any project depends on government allocation.

If we get the allocation, we can implement any project, otherwise not.

It is not possible to manage vehicular movement in the city without digital signals. We are going to adopt a new plan in this regard.”

Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran, former Sylhet mayor, said digital traffic lights were set up when Sylhet was still a municipality, but the system could not be restored due to lack of adequate fund.

Incumbent mayor Ariful Haque Choudhury submitted a 10-point proposal to Finance Minister AMA Muhith for the city’s development, in which digital traffic lights have been mentioned, according to sources. l

WEATHER

MODERATE RAIN SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 DHAKA TODAY TOMORROW SUN SETS 6:32PM SUN RISES 5:34AM FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

32

26

Chittagong

29

26

Rajshahi

31

26

Rangpur

30

26

Khulna

30

25

Barisal

30

26

Sylhet

28

25

Cox’s Bazar

28

26 An idle traffic signal remains unattended at the Naya Sarak of Sylhet city yesterday

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

32.8ºC Chuadanga

23.0ºC Feni

Source: Accuweather/UNB

Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

4:14am 5:33am 12:03am 4:38pm 6:31pm 7:51pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

DHAKA TRIBUNE

People of Rajshahi, Rangpur,Barisal, Khulna,Faridpur, Natore, Barguna, Chuadanga, Habiganj, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Madaripur and Narsingdi districts observed the National Mourning Day and 39th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman yesterday with due solemnity.

Our Rajshahi correspondent reports: People of Rajshahi and its adjoining districts observed the day with a fresh vow to materialize the dreams of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a 'Sonar Bangla' and to bring back the fugitive convicted killers of Bangabandhu to execute verdict of the murder case.

Various government and non-government organisations, political parties, socio-cultural organizations and educational institutions, including Rajshahi University and RUET, chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

The day's programms began with hoisting of national flags and black flags at half-mast, placing of wreaths at the portraits of Bangabandhu and four national leaders, offering special prayers and bringing out mourning processions.

The district administration organized a discussion meeting and Doa Mahfil at the Shilpakala Academy Auditorium in observance of the day.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, MP, addressed the discussion as the chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury in the chair.

Rangpur correspondent said the district administration, Rangpur City Corporation , Awami League and its front organisations, different socio-cultural and political organisations, educational institutions and other organisations observed the Day paying due tribute to Bangabandhu.

The daylong programmes included hoisting of the national flag at halfmast atop all government, semi-government, autonomous, private buildings and educational institutions, hoisting of black flags, placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu, wearing black badge, one-minute silence and discussion on Bangabandhu.

The city mayor, high officials of the divisional, district and police adminis-

Heavy downpour in Barisal disrupts city life n Our Correspondent, Barisal

PRAYER TIMES

thoroughfares even more risky for both pedestrians and vehicles.

“This [waterlogging] has become a headache for the residents of this city as the rain water floods shops, ware-

Downpour for more than 11 hours disrupted day-to-day activities and put a damper on the observance of National Mourning Day programmes in Barisal city yesterday.

Local met office recorded the amount of rainfall to be 11mm between 6am and 3pm.

The heavy rain also disrupted river communication between Barisal and several areas. Barisal and Bhola river port authorities suspended operations of less

than 65-foot long water transports on the river routes yesterday at 10am and 11am, respectively, said Md Shahidullah, river port officer in Barisal and deputy director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), and Md Nasim, traffic officer of BIWTA. Movement of unregistered trawlers and speed boats on the river routes are also restricted, according to the BIWTA officials.

The suspension order came after Danger Signal 2 was hoisted in the port in the morning. The signal will be up until fur-

houses and other business establishments every year during the monsoon,” said Mohiuddin Mohi, a businessman from the city’s Khatungonj area, told Dhaka Tribune He also blamed poor drainage system for the waterlogging in the city.

Sultana Yasmin, a resident of CDA at Agrabad, claimed regular flooding had spread many skin-related and waterborne diseases in her area.

When asked, Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Executive Engineer Rafiqul Islam said the canals in different areas of the city had been overflowing during monsoon season and resulted in clogging rainwater and flooding some of the areas in the city.

“If the drainage master plan of 1995 of Chittagong Development Authority was fully implemented, the water logging problem would have been solved permanently,” said CCC Mayor M Manjur Alam.

Acknowledging the present waterlogging situation of the city, he claimed that the situation this year had much better than previous years and the CCC was now working to solve the problem permanently.

“The CCC is also working to repair the affected city roads, but rain is disrupting the construction works,” he also added.

Fearing a possibility of a landslide in hilly areas of the city, the district administration has begun announcing warnings over loud speaker urging hillside dweller to relocate to safe areas like nearby school buildings and cyclone centres. l

ther notice or the weather improves.

The incessant rain disrupted regular activities as transports were scarce on the city roads and shops and markets were closed.

It also created waterlog in different roads and low-lying areas, causing further suffering to the city-dwellers.

“Filling and grabbing of canals, lack of proper drainage and sewerage systems and lack of a protection dam around the city is causing the waterlog,” said Ahsan Habib Kamal, mayor of Barisal City Corporation.

Prodip Kumar, weather officer at Kalapara weather radar station, said the low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and the strong monsoon airflow are causing the heavy rain in the region.

The weather around river estuaries and sea are especially rough with strong and high waves and gusty winds, he said.

Danger Signal 3 has been hoisted in the coastal region and all fishing boats and trawlers have been asked to take shelter until the weather improves, according to the coastal weather office. l

trations, AL leaders first placed floral wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at the Central Shaheed Minar, wore black badges and observed one-minute silence there before bringing out a huge mourning procession brought out by the district administration.

According to Barisal correspondent, marking the 39th anniversary of killing Bangobandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, district and city units of ruling AL, different political, socio-cultural organizations, educational institutions, district administration and family members of the eight martyrs of Barisal on August 15 separately organised programmes on the occasion.

Khulna correspondent said the day was observed in the city and elsewhere of the district by paying rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

District Administration, Awami League , Khulna Press Club, Khulna University , Khulna University of Engineering and Technology and different socio-cultural, political and professional bodies organized elaborate programmes to mark the day.

The day's programms began with hoisting of national flags and black flags at half-mast, placing of wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu, offering special prayers and bringing out mourning processions.

Hundreds of people including students, teachers, journalists, elites and farmers, thronged on the premises of city's Khulna Beter Kendra and placed wreaths at the sculptor of Bangabandhu this morning.

Faridpur correspondent said the day was observed here with due solemnity and in a befitting manner. In the morning, national flag was hoisted at halfmast atop all public, private and business organizations buildings.

A mammoth mourning rally participated by students, government officials and a cross section of people was brought out from the premises of deputy commissioner's office. The rally paraded the main thoroughfares before terminating on Ambica Maidan where a big size portrait of Bangabandhu is kept.

The day was also observed in Natore, Barguna, Chuadanga, Habiganj, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Madaripur and Narsingdi districts. l

Couple found dead in N’ganj n UNB Police recovered the bodies of a couplefrom a farmland in Sonargaon upazila of the district yesterday.

The deceased were identified as Sumon, 32, son of Momen Miah of Charbhulua village of the upazila and his wife Ayesha, 26. They have two daughters.

Locals spotted their bodies at the farmland adjacent to their house at noon and informed police. l

6

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Khagrachhari Travel woes along Dhaka-Sylhet highway increase 800 families marooned

Kitchen markets encroaching on the highway are causing the woes

by flash floods n Our Correspondent,

n Asaduzzaman Ripon

Khagrachhari

Travel travails along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway has gone up manifold on Dhaka-Sylhet highway as unauthorised kitchen markets go on encroaching on the highway leading to a traffic jam on its about-27-kilometre stretch in Narsinghdi.

The points of the highway where unauthorised kitchen markets sit are in Narayanpur, Bareicha, Morjal, Jongi Shibpur, Kamartek, Chitainya, Sristigarh and Kondarpara bus stand. Each kitchen market sit on two days a week on average.

Fruits markets sit at Morjal, Kamartek, Itakhola and Chaitainya points of the highway. These markets also encroach on one side of the highway, sitting each almost two days a week.

Khairul Islam, a trader from Kishoreganj Sadar upazila and commutes along the highway, said: “Traffic jam has increased to a great extent on the highway because more and more people are now returning home.”

Another commuter Alamgir from Bhairab upazila in Kishoreganj said: “I have been witnessing such traffic jam on the highway from 12 years. This jam increases during Eid every year.”

He said: “However, police have become active to avoid the travel woes for drivers, passengers and commuters here but it is hardly working because of the rise in number of vehicles they can handle are plying along the highway now.”

Visiting Bareicha kitchen market at Belabo upazila on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, our correspondent found vegetable traders selling their produce on one side of the highway, narrowing it down extremely.

The correspondent also saw vegetable-laden vans and rickshaws parked on one side of the highway, leaving little space for the buses, trucks and others vehicles to move along it smoothly.

He also did not find any law enforcer deployed to regulate traffic movement or no initiative has yet been apparently taken to prevent these markets encroaching the highway Hazrat Ali, a farmer who came to sell his produce at Bareicha market, said: Who wants to sell vegetables standing on the highway? To do this means taking a risk on one’s life. But there is no way but doing this due to space crisis.”

He demanded the government do something so that they do not have to

Storms in Bhola halt sub-65-foot launch services

Trader killed over extramarital affair

n Our Correspondent, Bhola

n Our Correspondent, Kushtia

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority yesterday prohibited the plying of below 65-foot launches and trawlers on all internal and long distance routes in Bhola district due to stormy weather.

The affected routes are Bhola - Barisal, Borahan Uddin - Barisal, Lalmohan - Kalaia, Charfashion – Monpura, Charkacchapia - Dhalchar, Charkochopia - Kukrimukri, Charmothahar, Charmonohor, Char Leiolin.

BIWTA issued the order around 11am and it will remain in effect until further notice. A BIWTA officer, Md Nasim, confirmed the announcement. l

A trader was hacked to death by the former employer of his wife over an extramarital affair at Amlapara in Kushtia town on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Abul Kashem, 40, owner of a bakery and son of late Ibrahim Biswas.

Abdul Khalek, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kushtia model police station, said Azad, a bakery owner, had developed an extramarital relationship with Kashem’s wife while she was working at the former’s food shop named Mou-

Around 800 families were reported to be marooned yesterday as flash floods worsened due to three days of heavy rains in Dighinala and Sadar upazilas in Khagrachhari.

Locals said around 500 families were surrounded by water at seven villages in Dighinala upazila’s Merung union and over 50 families took shelter at various educational institutes.

The flood-hit villages are Merung Bazar, Sobanpur, Hazachhara, Chhoto Merung, Badolchhari, Boro Merung and Bachha Merung.

A similar flood situation affected Sadar upazila where around 300 families were encircled by flood water at several areas, including Shantinagar, Ganjapara and Muslimpara.

Another 100 families took cover from the floods by taking shelter at various educational institutes. The Koila Point on the Ramgar-Feni road gave way to heavy rains earlier on Thursday.

District authorities said they had allocated three tons of rice in aid to the flood-hit people. If needed, more will be allocated, they said.

Flash floods have hit the area since Wednesday. l

Unauthorised kitchen markets go on encroaching on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Narsinghdi leading to a traffic jam on its about-27-kilometre stretch stand on the highway to sell their produce.

Shafiqul Islam, a farmer who came to sell his yield at Jongi Shibpur kitchen market, said: “There is no room left for vegetable traders in the maket and so we have to sell our output standing on the highway here.”

Selim Mia, a Hanif Paribahan bus driver, said: “We face difficulty moving our buses in Narsinghdi after wading through Dhaka’s intolerable traffic jam.

Here vegetables are sold blocking one

ban Sweets in the area.

When Kashem came to know about the affair, he himself set up a bakery in collaboration with his wife.

Azad stabbed Kashem indiscriminately over the issue while he was returning home from his shop around 9:30pm, leaving him critically injured.

Later, Kashem was sent to Kushtia General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police arrested Azad from the Dattapara area of town.

"Azad confessed to killing the businessman," OC Abdul Khalek said. l

side of the highway.”

Bareicha market managing committee president and Char Ujilab Union Parishad chairman Rafiqul Islam said, “Space crisis is the prime reason for the kitchen markets to encroach on the highway.”

“This problem needs to be resolved soon. However, we are trying to reduce the traffic jam with the help of the administration as much as we can.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) Suraiya Begum said: “We

have decided to keep the law enforcers on the highway from three days ahead of Eid with a view to tide over the traffic jam.”

Legal action will be taken wherever any kitchen market sits in the district, she said.

The additional deputy commissioner was asked whether any initiative had been taken to resolve this situation permanently, she said: Talks are on with the Roads and Highways Department about this.” l

Police took a local journalist into custody with 15,000 Yaba pills in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar yesterday.

Teknaf police station Officer-inCharge Moktar Hossain said police arrested Abu Bakkar Al Masud, 30, a correspondent of the daily Samudra Barta.

The OC said the detainee was top Yaba smuggler and hundi businessman. l

TRAWLER CAPSIZE IN BAY

14 found alive, 26 fishermen still missing n Our Correspondent, Lakshmipur At least 14 fishermen came back to shore alive recently while 26 remain missing, 22 days after a trawler capsized in the Bay of Bengal near Ramgati and Kamalnagar upazilas of the district.

The 26 went missing after three trawlers - FB Hannan Sharif-2, Muktar Mala-10 and MV Ma Janani – capsized in the bay, south-west of Cox’s Bazar, on the evening of July 20.

Main Uddin, who returned, said 14 fishermen were headed back to Chittagong on two trawlers FB Hannan Sharif-2 of Mohiuddin Company from Kamalnagar and FB Muktar Mala-10 of

Bengal Company from Chittagong.

But the trawlers encountered a storm and sank. Later, two trawlers were able to rescue 11 men but 10 went missing.

Another rescued fisherman, Babul, said another trawler with 18 fishermen on board had also sunk. Only three of the crew had been rescued.

Shah Alam, who returned in critical state, said the missing fishermen from FB Hannan Sharif-2 were Bashir Ahmed, Kamal Uddin, Noman Uddin, Ibrahim Mostari, Alamgir, Jashim Majhi, Ismail and Sahab Uddin.

Main Uddin said Md Hannan, Mofiz Uddin,Mahijal, Amjad Hossen, Idris Miah, Mofiz Uddin, Bashu Majhi, Siraj

Uddin, Md Jahangir, Miraj Uddin and Akter Hossen had gone missing from the MV Ma Janani when it capsized.

Babul Mestori of Muktar Mala-10 said at least 12 fishermen had gone missing when the trawler capsized during the storm. Fatema Begum, the wife of missing fisherman Bashir, said the missing fishermen, including her husband, might have died.

She said: “I am at a loss as there is no one to run my family. I cannot think what I will do with my five children.” Ramgati UNO Delwar Hossain and Kamalnagar UNO Mohammad Abdul Awal confirmed the incident and said the victims would be helped by the union council chairman. l

Wild elephants damage 19 houses, crops

Man with a fake address gets job as health assistant

n Our Correspondent, Sherpur A herd of wild elephants destroyed 19 houses belonging to 11 families, along with their furniture, paddy and other crops in the frontier village of Katabari Para in Sherpur’s Nalitabari early yesterday.

Most of the victims were indigenous people, who claimed that the damages were worth around Tk50 lakh. Ajendra Chisim, one of the victims, said he saved himself by climbing up a tree while the herd was destroying his house.

Aminul Haque, a local forest official, said the people were being attacked by

n Our Correspondent, Thakurgaon A man has been selected to be a health assistant, despite having given a fake address when applying for the job, at Bairachuna Union Parishad’s Ward No-1 in Thakurgaon’s Pirganj upazila.

The authorities recently chose him for the post, even though they had been made aware of his fake address a long time ago.

Earlier, on March 3, there was a test for recruiting 33 people for as many posts in the district. One post was for Ward No-1 at the upazila’s Bairachuna Union Parishad.

After the written results were out, five people were selected for the lone post at the ward.

Of the five, three had faked their addresses, claiming that they were from the Ward No 1, though they were from other wards, simply to be recruited as health assistants there.

Mokarram Hossain, who hails from Ward No 3, has been asked to join his office by July 31.

When Thakurgaon Civil Surgeon Afzal Hossain was asked about it, he evaded the issue and said he (Mokarram) would lose his job if police verification was not satisfactory.

Rangpur Divisional Deputy Director (health) Md Nuruzzaman said a person’s permanent address is certified by a Union Parishad chairman’s citizenship certificate.

“However, I will take action after looking into this,” he said. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Local journalist detained with 15,000 Yaba pills n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar

Villages in Borguna district went under water because of the high tide and downpours

DHAKA TRIBUNE

70 villages submerged due to upsurge n Our Correspondent, Borguna

Around 70 villages in Borguna went under water because of the high tide and rainwater. The villages had also gone underwater during the last full moon since the river embankment, which was constructed by the Water Development Board, was critically damaged at that time.

Although the locals repaired the embankment by themselves after the last full moon, it was not enough to save the villages from the high tide.

Enayet Chaprashi, a villager from Baliyatoli, told the Dhaka Tribune that the embankment got damaged every rainy season as it had not been properly repaired since cyclone Sidr in 2008. Locals repaired the embankment after the high tide from the last full moon, he said.

“Only Allah knows when the reformation of the embankment will be completed,” he exclaimed.

Locals said most of the residences and arable lands at these 70 villages went underwater, adding that around 20,000 villagers were marooned be-

cause of the incident. According to the records of Borguna Water Development Board, water was flowing 33cm above the danger level in different rivers of the district, while 77ml rainfall was recorded over 24 hours since 9am on Tuesday.

Executive Engineer Abdul Malek of the Water Development Board said he was aware of the situation and was trying to get emergency funds for the reformation of the embankment. It was not possible to reform the embankment without the emergency funds, he added. l

wild elephants as their residences were built inside the forest, the natural habitat of elephants. A team comprising 10 members from the forestry department was working at the scene, he added.

Tribal Welfare Association Chairman Luis Nengminja said government intervention was necessary, as the area has been repeatedly attacked by wild elephants over the last decade.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Nalitabari upazila, AKM Mukhlesur Rahman, after visiting the scene, allotted 200 litres of kerosene to fuel torches to be lit to prevent attacks at night. He said the government would provide aid to the victims. l

Road accidents leave five dead in 2 districts n Tribune Report At least five people were killed in road accidents in Mymensingh district and in Savar yesterday.

Four people were killed and two injured when a bus rammed into a CNGrun auto-rickshaw at Beltali village on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.

The accident took place around 6am when a Mymensingh-bound Ena Paribahan bus crashed into an auto-rickshaw coming from the opposite direction.

Sources said Sayed Hasan, 42, son of Selim Uddin of Trishal upazila, auto-rickshaw driver Arif Mia, 42, son of Abdul Barek Bhuiyan, Atikur Rahman, 22, son of Abdul Hamid of Charpara

and Selim Mia, 45, son of Kalu Miah of Pruhitpara were killed. Sub-Inspector Ambar Hossain of Kotwali model police station confirmed the incident.

In a separate incident, a woman was killed in Savar and 25 passengers were injured when a bus driver lost control of his vehicle in front of Jahangirnagar University gate number 1 around noon yesterday. The deceased has not yet been identified.

Officer-in-Charge Badrul Alam of Ashulia police station said the accident had taken place when the driver of an Aricha-bound bus lost control over the steering wheel and hit a tree in front of Jahangirnagar University on the Dhaka-Aricha highway, killing one person instantly. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

World

Ebola ‘to take six months to control’ n Tribune Desk The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa will take at least six months to bring under control, the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said yesterday.

Speaking in Geneva, MSF President Joanne Lui called for strengthened international co-ordination led by the World Health Organization (WHO), BBC reported.

Earlier, WHO said the scale of the outbreak appeared to be “vastly underestimated.” It said that “extraordinary measures” were needed.

The epidemic began in Guinea in February and has since spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. So far, 1,069 people have died.

Lui said that controlling the outbreak in Liberia - which has recorded more than 300 deaths - was vital to containing the epidemic. “If we don’t stabilise Liberia, we will never stabilise the region.”

“In terms of timeline, we’re not talking in terms of weeks, we’re talking in terms of months. We need a commitment for months, at least I would say six months, and I’m being, I would say, very optimistic.”

Lui also called for more action from the international community, led by WHO - the UN’s health agency.

“All governments must act. It must be done now if we want to contain this

Ebola moving too fast to contain SENEGAL

Latest WHO toll MALI

GUINEABISSAU

1,975 cases 1,069 deaths

SIERRA LEONE

FREETOWN

377

783 ATLANTIC OCEAN

334 IVORY COAST

MONROVIA

LIBERIA 670 NIGERIA

12 3

Confirmed or probable cases Suspected cases

Modi vows to fix broken government, but no big bang reforms n Reuters, New Delhi

GUINEA 510

CONAKRY

355 100 km

Source: WHO Centers for Disease Control

epidemic,” she said.

“WHO needs to take leadership and bring some strong elements into the field at all operational levels. It’s already started but it needs to happen at all levels.”

Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is infected.

Initial flu-like symptoms can lead to external haemorrhaging from areas such as eyes and gums, and internal bleeding which can lead to organ failure.

The WHO recently said that the risk of transmission of Ebola during air

A Liberian woman holds up a pamphlet with guidance on how to prevent the Ebola virus from spreading, in the city of Monrovia, Liberia AP travel remained low, as the disease is not airborne.

As a consequence, Kenya Airways has rejected pressure to suspend its flights to the Ebola-hit states of West Africa.

The WHO said in a statement that its staff had seen evidence that the number of reported cases and deaths did not reflect the scale of the crisis.

WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said that experts going house-to-house in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in search of infected people were discovering more cases.

“We have seen with the opening of

new treatment centres, many more Ebola patients come forward, and so this has given rise to the belief that there are probably a lot of patients out there that we haven’t traced or contacted yet,” he said.

He said that an 80-bed treatment centre that recently opened in Liberia’s capital Monrovia filled up immediately and that the next day, dozens more people turned up to be treated.

Tarnue Karbbar, of the aid group Plan International in northern Liberia, said medical teams were not able to document all the cases erupting. l

U N D E R WAT E R A R T E X H I B I T AT SY D N E Y

A huge floating Sea Turtle sculpture drifts past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, August 15. The sculpture, 15 meters (49 Feet) in length and 5 meters (16 feet) in height, will be exhibited in the nearby Darling Harbour for the next one month to celebrate a new underwater art exhibit unveiled at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium AP

Nato accuses Moscow of escalating Ukraine conflict n Reuters, Russia

Two held in Malaysia for ‘stealing from MH370 victims’

Nato accused the Kremlin yesterday of escalating the conflict in Ukraine, following reports that a small column of Russian armoured vehicles had crossed overnight into an area of Ukraine where pro-Moscow rebels are battling government forces. The Russian government denied its troops had entered Ukraine, but the media reports risked further inflaming tensions between Moscow and the West, which have already imposed costly economic restrictions on each other.

“If confirmed, they are further evidence that Russia is doing the very opposite of what it›s saying. Russia has been escalating the conflict, even as it calls for de-escalation,” Nato spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said.

At a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he was alarmed that Russian forces might have crossed the border.

“If there are any Russian military personnel or vehicles in eastern Ukraine, they need to be withdrawn immediately or the consequences could be very serious,” he told reporters. Lithuania’s foreign minister also voiced concern.

Britain’s Guardian newspaper said on Friday that its reporter had seen several armoured personnel carriers (APCs) crossing the border with Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said that some armoured vehicles did cross from Russian into Ukraine overnight, and that they were investigating.

“These movements into Ukrainian territory take place practically every day with the aim of provoking (the Ukrainian side),” said Oleksiy Dmytrashkivsky, a Ukrainian military spokesman.

Despite the allegations of a fresh Russian military incursion, the momentum on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine is with the government forces. l

n AFP, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian police have arrested a bank officer and her husband over allegations they stole more than $30,000 from the accounts of four passengers aboard missing flight MH370, an official said Friday.

The couple have been held in police custody since Thursday on suspicion of withdrawing 110,643 ringgit ($34,850) from the accounts of two Malaysian and two Chinese MH370 victims, said Zainuddin Ahmad, a district police chief in Kuala Lumpur.

Police are also looking for another suspect, a Pakistani man, who is believed to have received part of the money in his account through an online transfer, he added.

“We believe he is still in the country. But as to the full particulars of the

case – it’s all still under investigation,” Zainuddin told AFP. Zainuddin declined to name the bank, where the woman in custody reportedly worked at for the last 10 years.

The Star daily reported that the four bank accounts were with HSBC and quoted HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd saying in a statement that the matter was referred by the bank to the police, declining further comment.

HSBC officials could not immediately be reached.

The Malaysia Airlines plane lost contact en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8 with 239 people aboard and mysteriously disappeared.

The Boeing 777 is believed to have veered off course and have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean but no sign of wreckage has been found thus far. l

7

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced dismay on Friday at the government in-fighting he found on assuming office in May and vowed to fire up the bureaucracy to deliver results in a country desperately in need of growth and development.

Delivering his first Independence Day speech, Modi emphasised the need for better governance but announced none of the sweeping market reforms that many who handed him India’s biggest election mandate in three decades have been awaiting.

Critics say that Modi, who spoke for more than an hour from the ramparts of the 17th-century Red Fort, from where Mughal kings ruled Delhi for two centuries, scores high on oratory but has delivered on few of his election campaign promises.

He did, however, unveil an initiative on Friday to improve access to financial services for the two-fifths of Indians who lack a bank account and are often at the mercy of moneylenders who charge extortionate interest.

He also announced that he would replace the central Planning Commission that for decades guided the country’s socialist-style economy with a more modern institution.

The 63-year-old prime minister, a newcomer to central government after running the industrialised western state of Gujarat for more than 13 years, bemoaned New Delhi’s bureaucratic disarray.

“I saw that even in one government there were dozens of governments. It was as if each had their own fiefdoms,” he said, touching on a key concern for many Indians, who have come to revile the layers of bureaucracy and rampant corruption.

“The government is not an assembled entity but an organic entity. I have tried to break down these walls,” Modi said.

The centre-left government led by the Congress party that was ousted in the election was seen as ineffectual and unable to carry out reforms as departments from finance to environment worked at cross-purposes.

Modi promised in his election campaign to revive economic growth that has fallen below 5%, choking off job opportunities for the one million people who enter the workforce every month, and dangled the prospect of new roads,

factories, power lines, high-speed trains and even 100 new cities.

So far, there has been little movement on any of these tasks, which will require an overhaul of land acquisition laws, faster environmental clearances and an end to red tape.

Many of his supporters have been disappointed that he has not cut food aid and other costly welfare schemes to channel money into more effective poverty reduction steps. However, economists said it was too early to expect dramatic initiatives.

Critics say that Modi scores high on oratory but has delivered on few of his election campaign promises Made in India

In his speech, Modi spoke of the need to strengthen the manufacturing sector and appealed repeatedly to investors: “Come, make in India.”

He also spoke about violence against women, saying his head hung in shame to see incidents of rape and sexual assault continuing unabated since the world was stunned by the gang rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi in 2012.

He said that while the law will take its course, Indian society must itself be raising sons in the best possible manner.

“After all, a person who is raping is somebody’s son. As parents have we asked our sons where he is going? We need to take responsibility to bring our sons who have deviated from the right path, to bring them back.”

He urged an end to caste and communal violence, drawing a critical response from his political opponents who have accused his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party of inciting social tensions for electoral gain.

Modi has been dogged for years by allegations that he did too little to prevent riots in Gujarat in 2002 in which more than 1,000 people, most of them Muslims, were killed. He denies wrongdoing and was exonerated by an investigation ordered by the Supreme Court. l

Doctors tackle damaged minds amid Gaza’s post-war destruction n Reuters, Gaza In a ward at Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, child therapist Rabeea Hamouda is trying to elicit a response from two small brothers, Omar and Mohammed, aged three and 18 months, hoping for some words or perhaps a smile.

For seven straight minutes the children, peppered with burns and shrapnel wounds sustained in Israeli shelling that hit their home in north Gaza, stare at him blankly, emotionless.

Eventually, as Hamouda gently teases them, pretending to mix up their names and holding out a present while another counsellor sings quietly, a smile creeps across Mohammed’s face and the older one, Omar, cries out his name.

“At the beginning, Omar was not responding to us at all, he was not even willing to say his name,” explains Hamouda, who heads a team of 150 psychotherapists working for the Palestinian Center for Democracy and

Conflict Resolution in Gaza.

“Big progress has been made with these children,” he says with a sense of relief and quiet accomplishment. “At the beginning they did not talk, they refused to communicate. But now, with the sixth session, we are witnessing good progress.”

Omar and Mohammed are just two of the 400,000 Gazan children the United Nations estimates are in need of psychological care as a result of not just the latest war in the territory but the three previous conflicts fought with Israel since 2006.

The most recent conflagration has been the deadliest, with 1,945 Palestinians killed, many of them civilians and including an estimated 457 children. On the other side of the border, some 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed. Whether the result of Israeli air strikes, having parents or relatives killed before their eyes, hearing militants firing rockets from their own towns or them-

selves being wounded, the psychological trauma for Gaza’s young is profound.

The symptoms range from nightmares, bed-wetting and behavioural regression to more debilitating mental anxiety, including an inability to process or verbalise experiences.

There is also deep trauma on the other side of the border, with tens of thousands of Israeli children mentally disturbed by the regular rocket fire from militants during the month-long war and over the seven years since Hamas seized control of Gaza.

While the conflict’s destruction of buildings and livelihoods is clear to see and documented daily in television footage, the damage to minds is mostly invisible, yet can have far more damaging and longer-lasting consequences.

“The first time a child goes through a traumatic event like a war it’s just deeply terrifying,” said Chris Gunness, the spokesman of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. l

‘Witch hunt’ against Israel’s war critics n AFP, Jerusalem In Israel, dissent against the war in Gaza is bitterly quashed. The few who speak out complain of being harassed, intimidated or even sacked. The once mighty left has disappeared.

It has been Israel’s deadliest conflict in years. More than 1,960 Palestinians were killed and 64 Israeli soldiers died fighting what some see as an unwinnable war.

And yet the only significant protest in Israel so far saw thousands late Thursday demand an end to Hamas rocket attacks, dissatisfied with the status quo after ground troops pulled out and a ceasefire was extended.

Liberal newspaper Haaretz decried Friday what it called a “witch hunt” against leftists and civil rights organisations after the direc-

tor of the national service administration, Sar-Shalom Jerbi, told rights group B’Tselem it was being blacklisted as an employer.

“I feel obligated to exercise my power and stop the state assistance provided to an organisation that works against the state and against soldiers who are heroically giving their very lives to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens,” Jerbi wrote in a letter.

He accused B’Tselem of disseminating lies and slander, endangering the state and publishing information that encourages Israel’s enemies and leads to violent anti-Semitic acts against Jews around the world.

The rights group denounced the move as an attack on Israeli democracy, and asked supporters to sign an online petition to support freedom of expression and democracy.

Yizhar Beer of the Keshev Centre for the

Protection of Democracy in Israel says it has never been more difficult to voice dissent in a country which prides itself on being the only democracy in the Middle East.

Overwhelming support for war Israeli public opinion has overwhelmingly supported the war. A poll carried out by The Israel Democracy Institute last month said 95% of Israeli Jews believed the offensive was just.

In a country with compulsory national conscription, almost everybody has a friend or relative in the army.

Hamas rocket attacks have tormented millions of Israelis, inflicting fear and panic in border communities, regardless of the fact that hundreds are shot down and just three civilians have been killed since July.

In Israel, as in most countries during time of war, the local media have been patriotic champions of the offensive, uniting behind their boys on the frontline, sending them presents, highlighting the suffering of Israeli citizens and downplaying suffering on the other side.

The few who have spoken out of line have been threatened or denounced as traitors.

After Haaretz commentator Gideon Levy accused air force pilots of perpetrating “the cruelest (and) most despicable deeds” against Gaza’s weakest and most helpless,” his employer hired him bodyguards.

Readers cancelled their subscriptions, people stopped in the street to insult him and government whip Yariv Levin denounced him as a liar, a “mouthpiece of the enemy” who should be put on trial for treason.

“I have never faced such aggressive reaction, never,” Levy told AFP in his cramped office at Haaretz in Tel Aviv, away from the coffee shops where he fears being insulted.

“Nobody cares here about the suffering of Gaza. More than this, if you dare to express empathy you are a traitor,” he said.

- Intimidation kept people away Some Israelis who criticised the offensive, even on private Facebook pages, complained of being ostracised.

An Arab Israeli nurse was briefly suspended then reinstated. Other Arab Israelis also complained of being sacked.

“There’s a whole level of intimidation that’s kept a lot of people away,” said Steven Beck of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel when asked why there had not been more protests. l

8

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Prescription

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Fibromyalgia: A pain of unknown origin

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with often debilitating symptoms such as muscle, tendon, and joint pain in addition to fatigue. Because symptoms often overlap with other diseases and the condition is not well understood, it can take years for fibromyalgia to be diagnosed applies a certain amount of pressure. n Prescription Desk In the past, doctors would check 18

specific points on a person’s body to see how many of them were painful when pressed firmly. Newer guidelines don’t require a tender point exam. Instead, a fibromyalgia diagnosis can be made if a person has had widespread pain for more than three months – with no underlying medical condition that could cause the pain.

Millions of people all over the world have fibromyalgia, which is characterised by painful, tender points along the body, fatigue, sleeplessness, and cognitive issues known as fibro fog. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed more often in women than in men. You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative has the same condition.

If you have autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and obesity, you may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

While there is no lab test to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

Blood tests may include:  Complete blood count – CBC  Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR  Thyroid function tests

Widespread pain: The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.  Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired, even though they report sleeping for long periods of time. Sleep is often disrupted by pain, and many patients with fibromyalgia have other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.  Cognitive difficulties: A symptom commonly referred to as “fibro fog” impairs the ability to focus, pay attention and concentrate on mental tasks.  Other problems: Many people who have fibromyalgia may also experience depression, anxiety, migraine (headache), and pain or cramping in the lower abdomen due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

The general, treatments for fibromyalgia include both medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimising symptoms and improving general health. No one treatment works for all symptoms.

BIGSTOCK

Medications

Genetics: Because fibromyalgia tends to run in families, there may be certain genetic mutations that make one more susceptible to developing the disorder.  Other illness: Some illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia, such as IBS, migraine, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hypothyroidism.  Physical or emotional trauma: Posttraumatic stress disorder has been linked to fibromyalgia. 

As of yet, the exact causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but it most likely involves a variety of factors working together. These may include:

Red meat linked to breast cancer

Back of the neck Elbows  Front of the neck  Hips  Lower back  Knees  Upper back  Shoulders  Chest American College of Rheumatology guidelines suggest that people with fibromyalgia have pain in at least 11 of these tender points when a doctor  

Lifestyle and home remedies

Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.  Reduce stress.  Get enough sleep. If needed, take a sleeping pill.  Exercise regularly. Swimming is very good for fibromyalgia.  Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy foods. Limit your caffeine intake. Do something that you find enjoyable and fulfilling every day. l

BIGSTOCK

aged 65 to 69 were found to be most at risk, because of their higher rates of obesity. But healthy eating, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can reduce risk of developing this preventable disease, according to the report.

Soft drinks can harm kids has linked drinking sugary drinks to deaths from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The researchers also found 78% of these deaths were in low- and middle-income countries. Now an Australian study has found excessive consumption of these sugar-dense, nutrient-empty drinks starts at home, during childhood. The study showed, primary and secondary school students are five times as likely to be high consumers of sugarsweetened drinks if these drinks are readily available in their homes. The researchers said, these drinks provide substantial calories, but little further nutrition and consumption of these drinks has been associated with weight gain in youth, dental caries in young children and elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance and lower bone-mineral density in adolescents.

| Compiled by Dr Kazi Mahbuba Akhtar

The problem with purines

Gout is caused when crystals of uric acid – a natural waste product in the body – form in the joints. Food that contains high levels of purines produces more uric acid, so start by avoiding those if you suffer from gout. Red meat, offal and sweetbreads, gravy, stock cubes and yeast extracts such as Vegemite are in the list. Some shellfish and certain fish such as herring, sardines, mackerel and anchovies are also high in purines, which are natural chemicals found in both plant and animal cells. Unfortunately, these are also the oily fish containing omega-3 fats, found to reduce inflammation with some forms of arthritis. However, foods rich in omega-3 also include

BIGSTOCK

guidelines recommend small servings of red meat three to four times a week, as part of a healthy diet from the five food groups. Replacing red meat for legumes, poultry, nuts and fish was also shown to lower the risk of breast cancers, researchers say.

Gout is an arthritic condition caused by swelling of the joints that often strikes out of the blue and can be exDID YOU tremely painful. HowKNOW? ever, the good news is that this is the only form of arthritis where there is clear medical evidence showing that a change in diet can result in significant benefits.

linseeds, linseed and canola oil, and walnuts.

berries and blueberries are also good.

Skip the drinks

An overall healthy attitude to eating and exercise lessens your risk of contracting gout. The typical gout sufferer is overweight, regularly eats red meat and drinks large amounts of alcohol, especially beer. Crash dieting also contributes to gout.

Alcohol, overeating, dieting and dehydration can trigger a gout attack. Reduce excess body weight. Cut down on excessive alcohol consumption, drink plenty of water and avoid fructose, found in many soft drinks.

Healthy lifestyle choices combined with a correct treatment programme should mean that gout can be successfully managed. l

Excess consumption of alcohol (and especially beer) and binge drinking are linked to gout, so sufferers should limit their alcohol intake to a standard drink a day, and preferably stick to wine. During an acute attack of gout, it is best to cut out alcohol altogether.

The good food

While purine-rich foods and alcohol are to be avoided, some foods may actually be good for patients with gout. A popular remedy is the cherry cure. Cherries contain anthocyanidins which help lower uric acid. Eat a cup of cherries, either fresh or canned, each day. Straw-

Lifestyle matters

Once upon a time, children infected these vampiric insects on their head were dragged out of class and sent home in disgrace, unable to return until their parents could prove without a shadow of a doubt their offspring was no longer lousy with bugs. Today, about a quarter of kids have had head lice at least once, and most parents are not home to take the call that their child is infested. Constant head scratching has become a way of life for many. So how much should parents panic about these little suckers making their homes on the scalps of little ones? Head lice, an infestation, is actually not a big health problem as such, but it questions your hygienic status. From a doctor’s point of view, there is nothing to worry about.

They do not carry disease and an infestation rarely leads to infection. Any infection is caused by scratching with dirty fingers rather than by dirty lice.

Treatments and drugs There are few drugs which can kill lice and some of the eggs. These medications may not kill recently laid eggs.

Therefore, an appropriately timed second treatment is usually necessary to kill nymphs after they hatch, but before they become adult lice. Permethrin, a drug that treats lice, is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. Side effects may include redness and itching of scalp. Pyrethrin is a chemical compound extracted from the chrysanthemum flower that is toxic to lice. Wash your child’s hair with shampoo with no conditioner before using one of these treatments. Rinsing the hair with white vinegar before washing may help dissolve the glue that holds the nits to the hair shafts. Follow directions on the package for how long to leave the medication in the hair, and rinse your child’s hair over a sink with warm water.

Household cleaning

Lice usually don’t live past one day without feeding from a scalp, and eggs do not survive if they aren’t incubated at the temperature near the scalp.

Therefore, the chance of lice surviving on household items is small. As a precaution you may clean items that the affected person has used in the last two days. Wash bedding, stuffed animals and clothing in hot, soapy water – at least 54.40C – and dry at high heat.

Clean combs, brushes and hair accessories in hot, soapy water.

| Compiled by: Shirsho Saaeadat

Stop overfeeding your kids n Dr Rabi Biswas

CHILD CARE

It’s part of our culture to love a chubby baby or toddler – but being overweight, even as a little one, is not the healthiest start, research

has found.

It is time for a shift in attitude. Being a chubby baby is often seen as healthy, and something children will grow out of. But chubby toddlers are more likely to be chubby kids, who grow into overweight adults prone to health problems associated with being overweight. One in four children will start school being overweight or obese. Many mums can’t spot if their own child is of a healthy weight. A study showed that the mums thought 27% of the little ones were too thin, although only one was actually underweight. Furthermore mums are

BIGSTOCK

BIGSTOCK

n Prescription Desk

Weight increases risk of diabetes

BIGSTOCK

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be tough.

Pain is highly personal, so one person’s “I hurt all over” isn’t necessarily the same as another person’s “I hurt all over.”

That’s why doctors often check for certain tender points on the body when it comes to diagnosing fibromyalgia.

These 18 points (nine pairs) tend to be painful when pressed, and may spread pain to other body parts.

The nine pairs of points of tenderness are:

Certain foods and lifestyles can have beneficial effects for gout

HEALTH NEWS

“Sugary drinks blamed for 180,000 deaths” screamed a headline in Time recently, as the US continues to debate whether banning the sale of oversized soft drinks is constitutional.

This sensational soft drink death rate came from the highly respected Harvard School of Public Health, which

Where does it hurt?

Medications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep.

Common choices include:  Pain relievers  Antidepressants  Anti-seizure drugs

BIGSTOCK

The everyday challenges of fibromyalgia

Causes

The number of Australians diagnosed with diabetes has doubled since 1990, with more than a million people now living with the disease, and obesity is likely to be the cause of this. In a report in Australia revealed two thirds of the population are overweight or obese, which increases the risk of developing diabetes, and likelihood of health problems including heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. But more alarmingly, the report showed childhood obesity rates have also doubled in Australia, with more than one in four children now classed as obese.

Age and sedentary lifestyle are among the biggest risk factors for this preventable disease, and Australian men

Head lice: who cares?

Blood tests for fibromyalgia

Symptoms of fibromyalgia include

New research suggests eating too much red meat can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Women who eat too much red meat in early adulthood may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life, according to new Harvard University research.

In the study, researchers analysed data collected from 89,000 premenopausal women over a 20 year period, and found that women who consumed high protein diets were associated with a 22% increased risk of breast cancer overall. Australian

QUICK TIPS

more worried that their child is not eating enough and not gaining enough weight, so they can pressure their kids to eat more.

Instead of making kids eat everything on their plate, we need to praise them when they try new foods and listen to them when they say they’ve had enough.

Being overweight or obese at a young age is increasingly being found to have unhealthy repercussions in the future. An Oxford University study has found that obese and overweight children as young as five are showing signs they could be at risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.

Apparently these children are show-

ing clinical signs of cardiovascular disease such as higher blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin levels than their normal-weight peers, as well as a thickening of the heart muscle.

Obese children could be at 30% to 40% higher risk of stroke and heart disease than their normal-weight counterparts. Obesity-related issues such as diabetes could stem back as far as in utero. A research has shown that what mums eat while pregnant could trigger a permanent change in the child’s genetic makeup, and then that child could pass the mutation on to future generations.

It’s not enough to ensure our kids eat well – we also need to make sure mums are eating healthily during pregnancy so a genetic tendency to become obese is not switched on. l The writer is a child specialist in Dhaka Shishu Hospital.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Heritage

9

Saturday, August 16 , 2013

Daylesford House

Warren Hastings by Joshua Reynolds

T

n Tim Steel he late Victorian writer and poet, Edward Thomas wrote, just before the outbreak of World War I, the famous poem about the small village of Adlestrop, in Worcestershire, on the edge of the rolling green hills of the Welsh border country.

WIKIMEDIA

Bengal Mughal forces at Buxar, which was a battle he had warned would be the inevitable consequence of the mal-administration and corruption of the British and their local allies, he returned home to England, angry and disillusioned.

Unlike many of his Company contemporaries, he had not amassed a great fortune in his years in India, but,

Daylesford House was, from the Middle Ages, the home of the Hastings family

“Do you remember Adlestrop,” he wrote, memorialising a brief stop his home bound train made, one fine summer’s day. “What I saw Adlestrop-only the name And willows, willow herb and grass, and meadow sweet, and haycocks dry.”

A real picture, describing one brief halt in the beauty of rural England.

What Thomas missed in that brief halt that gave rise to his lyricism, was Daylesford House, an ancient manor house in Adlestrop.

No doubt, many a British Bangladeshi has ridden that same railway line to Shrewsbury from London. All unaware of Thomas’ famous poem, they also have enjoyed the green and pleasant land. But they, too, most probably, have also missed Daylesford House; and missed, too, what some might consider the important, if regarded by some, as the baleful connection of that stately home of England to the rich heritage and history of the lands that are now Bangladesh.

By now, reading this, some will be wondering what possible connection there could be. But Daylesford House was, from the Middle Ages, the home of the Hastings family.

In 1788, returning to Britain from his period as governor general of the East India Company’s interests in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, under a cloud, and already impeached, a part of the vast fortune he had made, based in Calcutta, he spent acquiring the ancestral home.

At the age of 40, in 1772, Hastings became governor general of Bengal.

He was the sixth governor of Bengal.

In 1758, following the defeat of the nawab of Bengal at Palashy he had been made Ambassador of the Company to the court of the new regime at Murshidabad. Personally selected

by Robert Clive, the first governor, he nevertheless disagreed with Clive’s manipulation of the native rule. In 1761, he was recalled to Calcutta, and appointed to the Council.

In December 1764, however, following the decisive victory over the

back in London, he began, anyway, to spend lavishly, including having his portrait painted by the fashionable portraitist, Joshua Reynolds.

It is widely reported that, “having run up considerable debts, he decided it was time for him to return to India to restore is fortunes.” Despite initial rejection for further employment by the East India Company, where his fastidiousness about proper governance of the areas now controlled by the Company had earned him powerful enemies, his original patron, Robert Clive, now, temporarily, returned to England as, “the richest, and most hated man in England,” managed to secure for him an appointment in Madras The Indian settlements of the east India Company, to which he returned, were mired in corruption, in which plenty of the local merchants, traders and nobility readily joined. They were also beset, on all sides, by armed opposition.

Swiftly followed back by Clive, himself, he readily joined Clive in attempting some reorganisation of the administration and operation of the Company interests. In 1771, with Clive’s continuing support, he was

Stopping train at Shrewsbury Station in 1965

Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive of Plassey, meeting with Mir Jafar after battle of Palashy, by Francis Hayman appointed Governor of Calcutta, the largest of the three presidencies of Calcutta, Madras and Bombay.

By then, his patron, Clive, had already left India for the last time, but continued, in London, using his considerable political influence, as well as his influence within the Company, to press for reform. Together, Hastings in India, and Clive in London, sought what they both regarded as the most essential reform, that of merging the three presidencies into one administration.

Finally, whilst Hastings also attempted to deal with the extensive banditry that had developed throughout Bengal, largely as a result of mal administration, he also found himself attempting to deal with the famine of 1771-13, in which, it is believed, that a third of the population of Bengal perished.

There is little doubt that the famine resulted, to a considerable degree, from the very corruptions against which both Clive and Hastings were fighting. Unfortunately, political infighting within the administration was also a contributing factor, not merely to the failure to reform, but also as one of the main direct causes of the famine.

In 1773, partial reform was achieved, but, although Hastings was appointed governor general of Bengal, he was, in fact, only one member of a council of five members, and he faced considerable opposition to any

reforms from other members.

The truth about who were the devils, and who the angels, in these poor attempts at establishing some degree of integrity in the corporate management structure of the East India Company in its activities, is difficult to identify. What can easily be said, however, is that corporate vices have continued in many major corporations across the world, even into the 21st century; these may just have been the earliest examplars in what has often been referred to as, “the world’s first Corporation”.

Although, on the whole, like Clive, Hastings has collected a great deal of criticism and been extensively blamed, personally, for the poor management of affairs, there is another, clearly viable commentary that casts both men as being on the side of the angels, despite the unquestionable fact that both returned to England as, personally, extremely wealthy men.

The corruption of local landholders, rulers, like Mir Jaffar, and merchants was, in evident fact, the source of much of their personal wealth, and when seeking scapegoats, the activities of local dignitaries probably deserve closer scrutiny.

In 1774, Clive committed suicide, in London, and was buried with honours.

In India, Hastings continued to wrestle with the many headed Hydra of vested interests, both local, and English. Finally, in 1784, at the age

of 52, Hastings succumbed to the infighting and politicking, and returned to England, where he was immediately indicted for high crimes and misdemeanours by the great political philosopher, Edmund Burke.

Behind Burke’s antagonism, however, lay personal animosity, and, it is reasonable to suppose, jealousy of both Hasting’s achievements, and his wealth.

To a Briton, his achievements in, ultimately, laying the foundations for both military and civilian work, not simply to secure the territories held, but also their extension, ultimately, into a fully conquered India, and the foundations of the British empire, may well be respected, if not admired.

To the critics, amongst whom it is hard to distinguish any real moral high ground, his lengthy struggle in the parliament to exonerate himself of the charges laid, no doubt afforded them pleasure, if not ultimate satisfaction of success.

Hastings heritage in Bengal included the foundation of many lasting organisations, from Madrassa, to such as the continuing Asiatic Society.

Whilst it continues to be fashionable, in Bangladesh, and much of India, to execrate the memory of such as Hastings, a more balanced examination might well take note of the often quoted suggestion of Jesus Christ to, “take first the mote from thine own eye.” Much blame and responsibility

WIKIMEDIA

lay, clearly, in local greed, ambitions and antagonisms.

The lands that are now those of Bangladesh have grown out of their history, and is rich in the tangible heritage of that history. A real academic study of that history, it is easy to suspect, would reveal world forming people and events, and it seems a shame that so little real, open minded examination of that history has taken place, especially within Bangladesh.

It is often said, in a critical way, that, “history is written by the victors.” Well, the ultimate victors in these lands are today’s people of them. They seem, however, to prefer to either ignore or blame, than to research, and write that history which is probably one of the richest and most fascinating in the world. A history that finds echoes in all corners of today’s world, including the fine stately home, with such ancient foundations, in the tiny Gloucestershire village of Adlestrop, Daylesford House.

Travelling, as I so often do, the green and verdant lands of Bangladesh, I am often reminded of remote corners of my homeland, and recognise, yet again, that, in truth, there is more to unite Britain and Bangladesh, even today, than there is to separate us, if we really, and truthfully, examine our mutual history and heritage. l Tim Steel is a communications, marketing and tourism consultant.

Hastings also attempted to deal with the result of mal administration, and the famine of 1771-73, in which a third of the population of Bengal perished

WIKIMEDIA

For the trial of Warren Hastings by James Sayers

WIKIMEDIA

10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Saturday, August 16, 2014

CODE-CRACKER

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

S

even people were killed and over 50 injured in a recent passenger bus collision on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.

Every death on the roads is a tragedy. But it is a national shame that we have become so inured to the shocking state of poor driving practices on our nation’s roads, that few are surprised by the high number of avoidable deaths caused by head-on collisions and reckless driving.

Thousands die every year as a result of road traffic accidents in Bangladesh. Although estimates vary widely on the total numbers, WHO studies make clear the country has one of the worst accident fatality rates in the world.

Much more must be done to improve driving standards if we are address the crisis of poor road safety.

Policymakers need to prioritise safety. If driving standards remain as poor as they are, building new roads to improve capacity will not be enough to reduce the carnage, but simply add to the total numbers of deaths and accidents, particularly to pedestrians.

The government must ensure far better training of drivers and proper enforcement of traffic laws.

While poor infrastructure and maintenance are among factors underlying the problem, the carnage caused by road accidents highlights the harm done by reckless driving.

There should be no tolerance for dangerous driving. People should be free to travel safely on our roads and highways without worrying about loss of life and limb.

Everyone, vehicle owners, drivers and passengers alike, must take more responsibility to ensure vehicles are driven responsibly and safely.

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

How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 8 represents A so fill A every time the figure 8 appears.

You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Owners, drivers and passengers must take more responsibility to ensure responsible driving

Bangladesh can be a trade bridge across Asia

SUDOKU ‘Smoking minister’ Mohsin blasts media again August 10

Habib Khondker One good thing about the honourable minister is that he leaves very little work for the cartoonists.

Supermoon today

August 10

T

he government would do well by heeding China’s advice to press on with work on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.

We have previously expressed how the BCIM corridor would be a great step forward towards economic development and cooperation between all the nations involved.

For Bangladesh specifically, this corridor can improve our access to markets across Asia, by making use of our natural location between the large and rapidly growing economies of South and East Asia .

An enhanced economic corridor built around improved transport infrastructure and freer trade would open up huge new trade opportunities; the combination of roads, railways, waterways, and air linkages will encourage the easy flow and transport of goods and people.

Just as important, it would enable more inward investment and create or support much-needed jobs. Regional connectivity and cooperation is essential to help give rise to new industrial zones and businesses and to advance our economy further.

It is encouraging to see signs that our government and China are in accord regarding the BCIM project. Apart from being the world’s largest export economy, China is also the second-largest investor in Bangladesh and there is plenty of potential scope to grow this further.

We should ensure that we make the most of this opportunity as it will ultimately be of advantage.

Not only can it help Bangladesh’s economy and people, but it can help build stability and provide new opportunities for people in all the countries of our region.

Develop BCIM corridor to link South and East Asia

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

Manik Rashid Habib Khondker: The government should be preserved, not mocked.

Unwittingly poisoning next generation August 12

CROSSWORD

Fahmida Sultana That’s going to be amazing!!

Sajedul Hoque Sakib At what time?

Anon In Bangladesh, the moon will turn full at 6:30pm.

Mohammad Ashraful Jr Wow! That’s a special news.

Kazi Abdullah Yeasir Let’s not miss the chance!! Eagerly waiting.

Sheikh Jinat Mahmid I was overwhelmed by yesterday’s moon. Not going to miss it tonight!

Hasib Mamur But why is it so cloudy today?

Mohammad Tanvir Khalid It was awesome. It was so bright, big, and beautiful!

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Depressed Town Shocking story. I have been encouraging my sister to buy her son any toys possible. I have even bought my nephew toys from the streets. This looks really dangerous now.

Ekram Kabir Excellent lead, DT team! We expect activism on these issues. Keep up the good work and go a long way!

Masum Mohammad Molla Ekram Kabir: Bhai, thanks.

Diplomacy, not war

ACROSS 1 Army officers (6) 5 Little devil (3) 7 Period of time (3) 8 Top rooms (6) 11 Church seat (3) 12 Farm birds (5) 14 Hindu garment (4) 16 Cleat (5) 18 Bird (5) 20 Bring up (4) 21 Mohammedanism (5) 23 Donkey (3) 24 Is buoyant (6) 27 Finish (3) 28 Transgression (3) 29 Place much frequented (6)

DOWN 1 Extinct bird (3) 2 Type of aircraft (3) 3 Beginnings (7) 4 Speed contest (4) 5 Obstruct (6) 6 Tin and lead alloy (6) 9 Lacerate (4) 10 Ply the needle (3) 13 Pulpit discourses (7) 14 Fragments (6) 15 Dried grape (6) 17 Way of walking (4) 19 Fairy (3) 22 On the sheltered side (4) 25 Fuss (3) 26 Drunkard (3)

August 10

Akm Shamsuddin Good piece. Well written. Please keep on writing.

Maminul Haq Articulate!!

Wazir Ahmad An earnest endeavour to voice your concerns with in-depth writing. Congratulations.

Winter Swimming Festival at Argentino Lake in Argentina August 9

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD Nitol Khan Oh my God! How can they swim in such cold waters??

PEANUTS

‘Ban Ki-moon worked with Israel to undermine UN report’ August 11

Waliul Haque Khondker If this is true, the UN is a joke! Humanity has no option but to laugh at itself for creating such an awful organisation.

Zaman Khan Waliul Haque Khondker: For God’s sake, by now one should know that UN is under the direct control of the US. Ban Ki-moon was selected to comply with the desires of his boss. This is not half-truth, but it is THE truth.

SUDOKU

Op-Ed

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Saturday, August 16, 2014

11

When corruption seems normal n AKM Wahiduzzaman

A

dapting to a changing situation is basic human nature. We become accustomed to a socio-economic problem when the social or state authorities remain reluctant to solve that problem. Corruption is that kind of problem in our country. Nowadays, this word sounds pretty “moderate” to us, because we are more concerned about murders, abductions, extortion, political crises etc. But we have forgotten that corruption is the root of all these serious problems.

The Anti Corruption Commission that was formed to combat corruption remained a ‘toothless tiger’

ISIS or ISIL? Both names apply

L

A

R

REUTERS

G

E

R

T

H

A

N

L

I

F

E

Iraq torn apart

T

n Ekram Kabir he goings-on in Iraq, as well as along the Iraq-Syria border, seem extremely confusing, especially with how the media has been portraying them. The Western media is trying show that the al-Qaeda-affiliated ISIS (or is it ISIL?) is a Sunni organisation, and the conflict that has erupted there is a sectarian one between the Sunnis and the Shias. The media is transmitting that the Sunnis have rebelled against the Shia regime of Nouri al-Maliki.

As far as the name of the organisation is concerned, the media is now using both “ISIS” and “ISIL” for referring to Iraq’s extremists. But to the global population, the confusion still remains over what to call this group. The American government is calling them ISIL, but the media in America is using ISIS. Arabic media and politicians are also calling it Da’ish.

The question that is being asked globally is whether the conflict is truly between Shias and Sunnis. Thousands of analysts and researchers have already cited how this Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has created havoc in Syria. They have also shown how ISIS consists of extremists from European, Arab, and some Asian countries whose objective is to destabilise the existing governments in that region.

The BBC has reported that the term for this group came from Syrian opposition activists and social media users. The Associated Press has

said: “The term ‘al-Sham’ refers to a region stretching from southern Turkey through Syria to Egypt, which also includes Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan.

The group’s stated goal is to restore an Islamic state, or caliphate, in this entire area.”

Then at a stage, former US spy Edward Snowden revealed that the UK and US intelligences and the Mossad worked together to create ISIS. He said intelligence services of three countries created what he called a terrorist organisation which was able to attract all extremists of the world to one place.

time. But lately, it has decided to deal with ISIS as an enemy of peace, and begun its air strikes.

But this group has been showing its teeth for the last two years as an impending terror group in the region.

In the last two years, groups such as this have been the main fuelling forces in the Syrian conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and made millions homeless.

Initially, we saw that ISIS received political support from American politicians who sort of accepted it as the ruler in northern Iraq. The US politicians started referring to Iraq as

Iraq is destined to get divided. The country looks doomed for a long, long time

It was also revealed that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi was militarily trained by Mossad. The Middle Eastern media has also stated that Israel has in fact created this group for its own regional interests. These pieces of information have raised even more confusion.

On the other hand, the USA has been watching the developments in northern Iraq quite silently for a long

being “de facto partitioned,” meaning that ISIS had created a separate Sunni region that would be complemented

by Shia and Kurdish regions.

We now see the USA is back in Iraq for the second time after the war in 2003, when Saddam Hussein was ousted. The 2003 invasion still remains controversial across the world, as the weapons of mass destruction, which were one of the prime reasons for the

attack, were never found after a huge destruction of life and property in that country.

It was argued over whether the 2003 war was just a war or a “just war.”

No matter how the West denies that the 2003 invasion wasn’t to blame for the violent insurgency now gripping the country, the non-US and non-UK strategists and analysts think that invasion is the consequence of today’s conflict.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied that their role at that time was responsible for what is happening now. But critics have rejected his claims as “bizarre” and accused him of “washing his hands of responsibility.”

Many have, of course, held Maliki responsible for all this. His flawed strategies and Saddam-like qualities have created a vacuum for the terrorists to create unrest. Now, the ferocious militant offensive going on since June is overrunning much of the country’s north and west. They have also displaced the Kurdish, Christian, and Yazidi communities, and a huge exodus is now taking place along the borders. Iraqi as well as Western military attacks couldn’t also make any significant headway in stopping the terrorists.

In this confused state of the affairs, we’re not confused about one thing: This time, Iraq is destined to get divided. The country looks doomed for a long, long time. l Ekram Kabir, a journalist, is a DT columnist.

On January 30, 2012, a businessman who was a sub-contractor in the printing business committed suicide. The owner of a printing press in Motijheel, Kazi Liakat Ali Juboraj reportedly took his own life, and left a letter for his beloved family members. According to the letter, the stock market has left him undone.

Juboraj, father to an only daughter, invested all he had in the stock market for a better future of his daughter and lost everything. Adding fuel to the fire of his misery, he was burdened with a huge margin of loan after the share market scam of 2011. He found no way out, and eventually hanged himself from the ceiling fan of his bedroom.

Kazi Liakat Ali is among the 14 investors who reportedly committed suicide after being cheated by influential figures of the government who embezzled money. The stock market scam affected some 30 million people in Bangladesh. A probe committee was formed, but still the money that went “missing” from the share market remains traceless. According to popular belief, the money was laundered abroad.

Another case that shook the nation was the Hallmark scam. A company looted more than Tk3bn from a stateowned bank within some months by using an influential official as its mediator. The money it received from the bank as a loan is still out of reach.

Even the owner has no idea where the money has gone.

Though Bangladeshi authorities repeatedly fail to trace the money that was stolen from the share market or banks, a report published in a renowned newspaper has provided a fair idea where the money has flown.

According to this report published in a national daily on June 21, 2014, deposits by Bangladeshi citizens at various Swiss banks rose by 62% year-on-year in 2013. The net deposit

by Bangladeshi nationals stands at Tk3,236cr in 2013, a record high since the independence of Bangladesh.

Contrary to that, the money held in Swiss banks by foreign clients from across the world continued to decline

and stood at a record low. As Swiss banks are famous for maintaining the secrecy of their customers, many keep their illegally-earned money in the vaults of the Swiss banks for safety and to avoid accountability.

A fresh wave of shock was yet to come. On June 23, a study by the UNDP revealed that Bangladesh counted millions of dollars in capital flight every year owing to leakage in the balance of payments and incorrect trade invoicing by businesses. The total capital flight from Bangladesh accounted for 30.4% of its GDP of over $100bn in 2010.

Corruption is not a new problem in Bangladesh. Since independence, corruption has always been a headache to the citizens. The famine that took almost 100,000 lives in only three months of 1974 in Rangpur district alone, was a product of widespread corruption. The finance minister of the Sheikh Mujib government faced the same challenges due to corruption, and publicly stated that the economy of the country had almost broken down.

The scams that are taking place in the country now have outpaced the allegations of corruption by every regime after the emergence of Bangladesh as a nation. The share market scam, Hallmark scam, Bismillah Group scam, SN Sports scam, and the Destiny group scam have left Bangladeshi banks in a horrible mess. Recently, the chairman of the state-owned Basic Bank had to resign after spate of corruption allegations were raised against the board of the directors of the bank.

On the other hand, the government never paid any heed to the public hue and cry. After the Hallmark scam, the finance minister said Tk4,000cr was “nothing” compared to the Tk400,000cr banking sector. The Basic Bank scam shows that such remarks eventually encouraged the corrupt people around. Within three years, the amount of defaulted loans of Basic Bank increased 2844%, a record high in the history of Bangladesh. Moreover, the Anti Corruption Commission that was formed to combat corruption remained a “toothless tiger.”

Since independence, corruption has always been a headache to the citizens

This time, widespread corruption not only forced the economy of the country to suffer, but also took the lives of many who incurred huge losses like Juboraj. Many companies, organisations, and chambers had to close their operations due to rampant corruption. The persons behind the scams should be brought to book for pushing their victims to the brink of suicide. l AKM Wahiduzzaman is a faculty member at National University.

Bangladesh: Metaphor or allegory? n William B Milam

T

he Financial Times of London (FT) carried a fascinating article last week that fits right in with what I have been writing about recently. It reported a recent speech by the prime minister of Hungary, in which he advocated ditching “liberal” democracy in Hungary and building an “illiberal state.”

Almost 45 years after its bloody secession, the governing party appears to be heading towards a one-party authoritarian system

He praised the Russian, Turkish, and Chinese models of governance – strange words indeed from the leader of a European Union (EU) member country, particularly one which struggled mightily, and at great cost, to throw off the yoke of Soviet authoritar-

ianism 60 years earlier and celebrated the Soviet collapse by quickly repackaging itself as a democratic, parliamentary republic and joining the EU. Of course, we have yet to hear from the Hungarian people. However, hardpressed leaders of many countries, which declared democracy in the socalled “third wave” of democratisation in the 1980s and 1990s, are now regressing toward authoritarianism. Real democracy is difficult, and Winston Churchill’s admonition that “democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others” is losing traction in the press of global problems.

The current crisis in Eastern Europe reflects one of the downsides of this trend. Experts tell me that Russia was opening and modernising in the 1990s, but under President Vladimir Putin and his former KGB pals, it has become an authoritarian society again.

It now emulates the Soviet Union, the mother of authoritarian states it escaped only 23 years ago. This retreat into authoritarianism lies at the heart of its current ultra-nationalistic policies trying to recreate Soviet hegemo-

ny in Eastern Europe.

Putin’s nostalgia for this imagined past glory, driven by knowledge that nascent democratic states on Russia’s western border would threaten his political survival, has led to the kind of political crisis in Eastern Europe not seen since 1939. Many Western commentators see parallels between current Russian policies and the nakedly aggressive, revanchist, irredentist policies of those sad days 75 to 80 years ago, which ultimately led to the Second World War and well over 30 million civilian deaths.

The Ukraine crisis coincides with the centennial of the beginning of the First World War in the summer of 1914.

This has provoked Niall Ferguson, the controversial and creative economic historian, to point out, also in the FT, the similarities of the present crisis with the “sleepwalk” of European leaders into that conflagration.

The Great War, in which at least 17 million people died, is often blamed as the precursor that made inevitable the rise of aggressive, irredentist, ultra-nationalist states after 1930, and

the bloodbath of 1939-45. Why, we should ask, has democratisation gone backwards in the early decades of the 21st century after seeming to be, in the late 20th century, “the end of history”?

Some would argue that it reflects the economic stumbling and apparent political sclerosis of most established democracies at present, which because of political gridlock or ineptitude, have not been delivering the economic and political security that their citizens expect and demand. But I know of no great flow of aspiring immigrants to Russia, China, or Turkey. The flow seems entirely toward democracies, as millions seek freedom and rule of law.

No, the answer is not in the current underachievement of democracies.

The drift backwards towards authoritarianism is a matter of choice. The backsliding states have essentially themselves chosen to abandon democratisation. Until the Russians forcibly annexed Crimea, no aggressor had forced authoritarianism on a neighbour since the Soviet Union collapsed.

This, of course, does not count instances in which authoritarian states

have forcefully prevented would-be breakaway provinces from leaving their embrace despite the will of the people to secede.

But even successful secession, in which much blood and treasure were expended in a struggle for political and economic freedom, is no guarantee against a subsequent reversion to indigenous authoritarianism. Bangladesh is an example, and perhaps, a lesson.

Almost 45 years after its bloody secession, the governing party appears to be heading towards a one-party authoritarian system.

Its introduction of a press-gag law is simply the latest step in that direction. A law constraining NGOs is in the works. The voices of opposition are being silenced. At some point, the question of choice will be moot unless a coherent and inclusive opposition comes together. We wait for signs of that. l William B Milam is a Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington, DC, and former US Ambassador to Pakistan and Bangladesh. This article was first published in The Express Tribune.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

Saturday, August 16, 2014

3 artistes to perform at IGCC today n Entertainment Desk Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in association with Asian Paints, IRCON and Marico Bangladesh is organising an evening of Rabindra Sangeet by Nasima Khan, Fahima Samad and Farah Dina Gunjan at their Gulshan premises today 6:30pm.

Nasima Khan was initially inspired to learn music by his father.

She trained in “Munshi RaisUddin Sangeet Academy,” where she completed the

s t h ig e h w e n s e h c a Honeymoon re n Entertainment Desk Featuring popular youngsters of the film industry, Bappy and Mahiya Mahi, the movie “Honeymoon” is making its place as one of the hit films released in 2014. Although it has a long way to go before it enters the “highest grossing film” list, the flick has been running

successfully in more than 30 cinemas around the country since its release during the Eid-ul-Fitr.

Mahiya Mahi said to the Dhaka Tribune: “The film is doing a lot for my career. I am still receiving compliments for my performance. Even before it was released, ‘Honeymoon’ gained a lot of recognition in the social media. I am

glad that such opportunities are coming my way. I would like to thank the audience for giving me so much love.”

According to analysts and cinema hall owners, more women are watching this film. Shafi Uddin Shafi directed the Jaaz Multimedia production where Syed Hasan Imam and Ahmed Sharif are playing other vital characters. l

Dancers of Spondon performed at a certificate hand out and dance programme arranged by Bangladesh Nrittoshilpi Songstha at the Music, Drama and Recitation Building Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The prestigious certificate is named Bulbul Nrityobritti after the pioneer of dance in Bangladesh Bulbul Chowdhury

n Entertainment Desk Troupe Theatre will premier its 45th production “Kuhokjal” today at 7pm at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Written by Masum Reza, the play has been directed by Tropa Majumdar. The plot of the play revolves around love for women and muscle power. It shows what happens when people come across greed, aspiration etc in life and how a person can be influenced by a mere illusion. It then goes on to portray what happens when the illusion is broken. Members of Theatre including Ferdausi Majumdar, Ramendu Majumdar, Tofa Hossain, Shekanul Islam Shahi, Tanjum Ara Polli, Tamanna Islam, Tanvir Ahmed, Samia Mohsin, Paresh Acharjee, Nazmunnahar, Kalyan Chowdhury, Kaosar Rajib and Rashed Shaon are acting in the play. l

n Entertainment Desk Hundreds of films by Andy Warhol from the 1960s and 70s are being digitised and made available for public screenings.

The project involving 500 films was announced by New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and visual effects firm MPC. Nearly 1,000 rolls of 16mm film will be digitally scanned into high-resolution images. The process will begin this month and take several years to complete.

The films have been housed at MoMA since the early 1990s.

The Pittsburgh-born Warhol died in 1987 aged 58. He was one of the most prominent American artists of the 20th century. He worked in various media including painting, printmaking, photography and film. l

KHAN HASAN MUHAMMAD RAFI

Dehorokkhi

Lagaan

ATN Bangla 3:05pm

Zee Cinema 8:30pm

Now You See Me

HBO 9:30pm An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of magicians - J Daniel “Danny” Atlas (Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Fisher), and Jack Wilder (Franco) who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

A romantic action film centered around an underworld don (Anisur Rahman Milon) who hires a bodyguard (Kazi Maruf) to protect the love of his life Sohana (Bobby). But the bodyguard is unaware of the fact that the blissfully feminine Sohana is held as a captive against her will.

The people of a small village in Victorian India stake their future on a game of cricket against their ruthless British rulers. A handsome young man named Bhuvan, who challenges them to a game of cricket, a game that is to be played by veteran British cricket players, versus villagers, including Bhuvan himself, who have never played this game before.

Ranbir Kapoor wants to make biopic on grandfather Raj Kapoor n Entertainment Desk Actor Ranbir Kapoor wants to make a short film on the life of the legendary Raj Kapoor.

According to media reports, at an innaguration of a short film festival name “Shuruaat Ka Interval” Ranbir was asked about the one person on whom he would like to make a short film on, he responded that he wants to make a movie on Raj Kapoor’s life.

The “Rock Star” actor said: “I would like to make a short film on my grandfather. His life was very entertaining and interesting. I think that would make for a good short film.”

The late Raj Kapoor, one of the country’s most formidable actors and filmmakers of his time remains alive for his evergreen films like “Shree 420,” “Mera Naam Joker,” “Anari” and “Barsaat.” l

pupil of Sunanda Ghosh and advanced with her practice with Tagore songs. She is a regular performer at the Bangladesh radio and television.

Farah Dina Gunjon has been taking lessons on classical music from Ustad Robiul Hossain and Ustad Srimoti Monjusri Roy. Her initial lessons had been under the supervision of Wahidul Huq. Later, her practice has continued under the guidance of Mita Huq. In 1999, she performed at “SAARC Inter University Youth Festival” arranged by Gulbarga University at the Indian state of Karnataka.

The show is open and free for all. l

HEADMASTER: School of cliches

Theatre’s latest play ‘Kuhokjal’

Unseen films of Andy Warhol digitised

five year course. She has also learnt music from Gaur Gopal Halder in Jessore, Anup Barua and Mita Huq. Nasima has been practising Rabindra Sangeet from more than 20 years. She is a regular singer in BTV. Fahima Samad’s lessons started with Tagore songs under the guidance of Nil Utpal Shadhya back in 1986, which assisted her in achieving “Pratham Maan” at the competition organised by Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Shommilon Parishad. In 1994, she obtained Indian Government sponsored ICCR scholarship and attended the highly reputed “Gandharva Mahavidyalaya,” besides being a

n Mosabber Rahman “Headmaster” is a cliche. Oxford Dictionary defines “cliche” to be a very predictable or unoriginal thing. Merriam-Webster defines “cliche” as something that is so commonly used it is no longer effective. Impress Telefilms has been associated with some very good films, unfortunately their forty-something production “Headmaster” is not one of them. “Headmaster” is a cliche.

“Headmaster” is a social drama, the genre that became part of the stop-vulgar-cinema movement, our answer to the Bangla garam-masala films. But somehow, the latter spit-combed its hair and went “digital” while the social drama with its receding hairline remained “analog.” The picture quality of “Headmaster” is so bad as if the telecine transfer was done in 1945, in Hiroshima, right after the bombing. Isn’t it insufficiently deferential to pull out such a dirty rabbit out of the hat?

The social drama, hardly a complete-family-entertainer, has its own rules much akin to Newton’s first law - a closely knit family at rest will continue to be at rest unless an external evil force acts on it. It always consists of a ten-timeswhiter-than-other-detergent family, and the external evil force ranges from bad in-laws to ugly chairmen or it could be a lethal disease. The father and mother are Zeus and Hera and their children are blessings without a thread of disguise.

Alamgir plays the father, an impeccable headmaster of a primary school, and Suborna Mustafa is his devoted wife whose only job is to make tea for him and say, “Hot tea!” Who can forget her excellent performance in Humayun Ahmed’s “Kothao Keu Nei”? Their daughter is a selfless doctor who along with their soon to be son-in-law does such wonders at the free-for-all hospital that even Pinocchio’s fairy godmother would be impressed.

In their free time they sing Nazrul songs in the garden. The headmaster has a dream project – to build a high school at the village. So what is the problem in this otherwise utopia – he’s got cancer! In comes his one time student (who just hap-

pens to be the Minister of Education) and she promises to provide the funding for the new school.

The minister even makes tea for the headmaster and blurts out, “Hot tea!” So what is the “dramatic conflict?” Nothing.

The coverage is very simple. In every scene we get an establishing shot (master shot) followed by either medium shots or directly talking-heads (close up shots).

In important moments, such as cancer-moment, we get tracking shots. And of course we have the occasional stream of consciousness - his thoughts conveying his thoughts. When a scene changes we get brief insert shots, such as sunset or sunrise. In sad moments we get sad music (mostly violins) and in happy moments we get happy music (mostly sitars).

Why do we resort to cliches? Is it because hired directors lack inspiration? What we actually lack is craft. We cannot take pride in our “art,” let others be the judge of that, but we can take pride in our “craft.” To be a good film-craftsmen we should study that essential unit of film and theater – the scene. And the best study materials come from classic Hollywood.

The fire of creativity is often fueled by the wood from trees planted by others. It is impossible to create something out of nothing.

For film coverage i.e. shot division we should study Howard Hawks e.g. “His Girl Friday;” for camera placement we should study William Wyler e.g. “The Best Years of Our Lives;” for framing and blocking we should study John Ford e.g. “The Searchers.”

And the best way to study a film is to turn the sound off, since by nature sound and music pull the viewer into the story like magnet.

“Headmaster” premiered on Channel i, and with over one hour of commercials it was merely cement for the holiday-advertisement-bricks. But to be fair to Channel i, let me just point out to the viewers that in the first quarter of 2014 Channel i showed only 88,000 ads (up 2% from 2013), now compare that with Ekattor TV which showed 202,000 ads (up a whopping 74% from 2013). Clearly, the shoe belongs to the other foot. l

Wife: Robin Williams had Parkinson’s n Entertainment Desk Robin Williams was suffering from the early stages of Parkinson’s disease along with severe depression at the time of his apparent suicide, his widow said on Thursday, drawing public attention to the correlation between the diseases.

Although the gifted comedian had spoken before about his depression, Parkinson’s experts have noted how the incurable and debilitating nervous system disorder that causes tremors and slowness of movement also affects people emotionally.

The 63-year-old Oscar-winning comedic virtuoso, whose madcap style

and dramatic versatility made him one of film and television’s top stars, was found hanged at his home in Northern California on Monday.

Williams’ widow, Susan Schneider, said the comedian “was not yet ready to share publicly” his struggles with Parkinson’s, which affects about 1 million people in the United States. l

Did you know?

James Anderson yesterday became the 15th player and 1st for England to take 650 international wickets

Sport

Saturday, August 16, 2014

14 Suarez begins

training at Barcelona

14 Antonio Conte

named as new Italy coach

DHAKA TRIBUNE

13

15 Pakistan crumble

against five-star Herath

17TH ASIAN GAMES

Bangladesh name strong squad n Mazhar Uddin The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday announced 15-member squads for the men’s and women’s cricket event in the 17th Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea next month. Although the captain of the men’s side was yet to be named, it was learned that veteran paceman Mashrafe bin Mortaza is the favourite to lead Bangladesh in their pursuit of the title-defence.

Chief selector Faruk Ahmed earlier informed that defending champions Bangladesh will send the strongest possible squad for the Asiad and

SQUADS

Bangladesh men Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Md. Mithun, Shamsur Rahman, Shuvagata Hom, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Arafat Sunny, Mashrafe Mortaza, Muktar Ali, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed Bangladesh women Rumana Ahmed, Shaila Sharmin, Lata Mondol, Khadiza-tul Kubra, Fargana Pinky, Salma Khatun, Panna Ghosh, Nuzhat Tasnia, Jahanara Alam, Ayesha Rahman, Fahima Khatun, Sanjida Islam, Sharmin Akhter, Shohaly Akhter, Shahnaz Parvin

he stayed true to his word as several national cricketers were selected including openers Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque along with all-rounder Mahmudullah and middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain. “We have tried to pick the best and strongest possible side for the Asian Games and it was also the board’s policy to retain the gold. Apart from Shakib [al Hasan] who is suspended and captain Mushfiqur [Rahim] who will get married, we have chosen our best players,” said Faruk.

Middle-order batsman Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny were selected in the squad alongside all-rounder Muktar Ali. Youngster Sabbir Rahman will also be featuring in the tournament that Bangladesh had won four years ago in Guangzhou defeating Afghanistan in the final. Mohammad Ashraful was the skipper of the side.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, China, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives and South Korea are the 10 teams that will participate in the cricket competition.

Meanwhile, the BCB also announced the women’s squad for the Asian Games where Bangladesh will be looking to improve on their silver-placed finish in the previous edition. Pakistan had clinched gold in the Guangzhou Asiad in 2010. l

Sri Lanka cricketer Mahela Jayawardene (R) looks on under a billboard featuring himself during the second day of the second Test match against Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo yesterday AFP

Martino vows to keep Argentina on high Hockey squad named n Reuters, Buenos Aires New Argentina coach Gerardo Martino vowed on Wednesday to keep the World Cup runners-up “where they are and deserve to be”.

Martino also said Lionel Messi’s role is that of the world’s best player and Javier Mascherano has been a team leader for a very long time.

Martino, who worked with both Argentina’s leading players at Barcelona last season, was officially unveiled to the media as World Cup coach Alejandro Sabella’s successor.

He signed a contract until the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers with an automatic renewal clause if his team go through to the finals in Russia.

“I’m proud to have this position and that the AFA people have put their faith in me for such an important job. From

now I’ll be working with the Argentine team to keep them where they are and deserve to be,” Martino said.

“Leo’s role is the same here, at Barcelona or wherever he goes, the role of the world’s best player,” Martino told a news conference at the Argentine FA’s training complex on the city outskirts.

“Javier has for some time had a leadership (role). We coaches sometimes see things early on and don’t need a World Cup to become aware of them. Javier was called up by (former coach Marcelo) Bielsa when he still wasn’t a first team player at River Plate (in 2003).”

The 51-year-old, nicknamed “Tata”, thanked Sabella for recommending him and promised to maintain the style of play that took Argentina under his predecessor to the World Cup final in Brazil last month.

Martino said that for his first match

for Asiad and WHL

in charge, a friendly against Germany in Duesseldorf on Sept. 3, he would pick the 23-man World Cup squad that lost the Maracana final 1-0 after extra time to the Germans.

Martino, who steered Paraguay to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, resigned as Barcelona coach in May after one disappointing season in which the Spanish giants failed to win a major trophy for the first time in six years.

Barcelona chose him to succeed cancer victim Tito Vilanova in July 2013 after he steered Newell’s Old Boys to the Argentine league title and South American Libertadores Cup semi-finals.

Asked if he would consider picking striker Carlos Tevez, who was overlooked by Sabella and has not played for his country since 2011, Martino said: “The door is open to all Argentine footballers.” l

n Shishir Hoque Abdullah Al Mansur, Sheikh Mohammad Nannu, Sabbir Rana, Rafiqul Islam and Shoeb Ali have all been excluded from the final 16-man squad for the 17th Asian Games in South Korea next month and the World Hockey League (Round 1).

Nannu, who has been sidelined from the squad due to his graduation exam, was replaced by Rabbi Salehin Rocky while midfielder Milon replaced Sabbir.

The Bangladesh hockey team’s head coach Naveed Alam is hopeful with the squad. “The squad is now mixed with youth and experience. I hope they perform well,” said the Pakistani coach.

The Asian Games gets underway in Incheon on September 19.

Bangladesh played three friend-

England seamers rip through India again n Reuters, London

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler celebrates after catching India opening batsman Gautam Gambhir during the first day of their fifth Test at the Oval cricket ground in London yesterday REUTERS

England’s fast bowlers reduced India to 125 for nine as the hosts took a firm grip on the fifth test at tea on the first day at The Oval on Friday.

India collapsed to 43 for five at lunch and the four-pronged English pace attack picked up another four wickets in the afternoon session to justify captain Alastair Cook’s decision to bowl first in overcast conditions.

Only a defiant unbeaten 65 from India captain MS Dhoni saved his team from complete humiliation and he shared an unbroken last-wicket partnership of 35 with Ishant Sharma who was two not out at the interval.

Straight after lunch Stuart Binny edged a James Anderson outswinger to Cook at first slip before Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin shared a seventh-wicket partnership of 24.

Ashwin was superbly caught by Joe Root low down at third slip off Chris Woakes for 13 and Bhuvneshwar slashed at a wide ball from Chris Jordan and edged through to wicketkeeper Buttler.

Woakes caught and bowled Arun Aaron for one and Dhoni went on the attack, reaching his 50 with his 10th four and disdainfully driving Jordan over extra cover for six.

Anderson had struck the first blow in the first over of the match, dismissing Gautam Gambhir for a golden duck when the left-hander tried to leave an

outswinger and edged the ball to Buttler.

Cheteshwar Pujara never looked comfortable, crawling to four off 19 balls before he was bowled by Stuart Broad, who was named in the England side despite breaking his nose in the last test.

Virat Kohli hit the first boundary off the bat after 55 minutes of play but, on six, he left a straight ball from Jordan and was adjudged lbw. l

DAY 1 AT TEA India 1st Innings M. Vijay c Root b Woakes 18 G. Gambhir c Buttler b Anderson 0 C. Pujara b Broad 4 V. Kohli lbw b Jordan 6 A. Rahane c and b Jordan 0 M. S. Dhoni not out 65 S. Binny c Cook b Anderson 5 R. Ashwin c Root b Woakes 13 B. Kumar c Buttler b Jordan 5 V. Aaron c and b Woakes 1 I. Sharma not out 2 Extras (b5, lb1) 6 Total (9 wkts, 56 overs, 268 mins) 125 Fall of wickets 1-3 (Gambhir), 2-10 (Pujara), 3-26 (Kohli), 4-28 (Rahane), 5-36 (Vijay), 6-44 (Binny), 7-68 (Ashwin), 8-79 (Kumar), 9-90 (Aaron) Bowling Anderson 14-4-33-2; Broad 13-4-23-1; Jordan 14-7-32-3; Woakes 14-7-30-3; Ali 1-0-1-0

ly matches against India last week as part of their preparation for the Asian Games and the World Hockey League (Round 1) where they emerged champions in the previous edition.

The Bangladesh Hockey Federation first announced a 35-man preliminary squad and following a month-long camp at BKSP the team were trimmed to 20 members on June 29.

Bangladesh squad

Ashim Gop, Mamunur Rahman Chayan, Salman Sadik, Rokonuzzaman, Farhad Ahmed Shitul, Sarwar Hossain, Krishna Kumar, Hasan Jubair Niloy, Pushkor Khisa Mimo, Abu Sayeed Nippon, Khorshedur Rahman, Taposh Barman, Mainul Islam Koushik, Irfanul Haque and Rabbi Salehin Rocky. l

Open team finish 64th, women 56th in World Chess n Tribune Desk The Bangladesh open team finished 64th while the women’s side ended in 56th position in the 41st World Chess Olympiad which was held in Tromso, Norway.

The open team that earned 12 match points out of 11 matches lost their 11th and final round game against Sweden by 1-3 points on Thursday.

In the last round, Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman drew with GM Grandelius Nils and GM Niaz Murshed drew with GM Aitbayev Aslan. GM Abdullah Al Rakib lost to GM Hillarp Persson and GM Enamul Hossain lost to GM Tikkanen Hans.

In the women’s section, Bangladesh garnered 12 match points out of 11 games and in their last round game on Thursday they beat Zambia by 2.5-1.5 points. WIM Rani Hamid beat Mbatha Constance, WFM Sharmin Sultana Shirin beat Saina Yvonne, WIM Shamima Akter Liza drew with Mwango Lorita and WFM Zakia Sultana lost to Hamoonga Linda Banti.

Meanwhile, Chine became the first Asian country to win the tournament in the open section with 19 points, Hungary came 2nd and India was placed 3rd with 17 points each.

In the women’s section, Russia emerged champions with 20 points.

China finished 2nd and Ukraine concluded their campaign in 3rd with 18 points each. l

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Suarez begins training at Barca

Conte named as new Italy coach

All eyes were on Luis Suarez as he trained with his Barcelona team-mates for the first time on Friday after getting the green light from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, In a short statement on their website, the club said: “Luis Suarez was the centre of attention this Friday morning at the first team training session at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper.

“After the ruling on Thursday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the sanction imposed by FIFA on the Uruguayan player, Luis Suarez is now able to train with his new team-mates.”

Suarez took an active part in the session with the main group under the watchful eye of coach Luis Enrique.

On Thursday, the CAS upheld Suarez’s four-month ban from playing in competitive games as well as his ninematch international suspension, but it did allow him to train and play in unofficial matches.

And that means he could make his debut against Mexican club Leon in the Gamper Trophy, the traditional curtain-raiser to the season at the Camp Nou. Suarez has reportedly been training on his own in an unknown location in Catalonia since completing his 95 million euros (£75 million, $127 million) move to the Camp Nou from Liverpool last month. l

Former Juventus boss Antonio Conte was named the new coach of Italy on Thursday on a two-year contract, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced.

The 45-year-old was widely expected to take over from Cesare Prandelli, who stepped down after Italy’s first-round exit at the World Cup finals in Brazil.

FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio said Conte, who will earn two million euros (£1.6m, $2.7m) a year, will be presented at a press conference on Tuesday in Rome.

Conte’s first match in charge will be on September 4 when Italy face the Netherlands in a friendly.

Five days later, Italy begin their Euro 2016 qualifying Group H campaign in Norway and the pressure will be on for a team whose failure in Brazil was the second successive World Cup at which they had failed to get out of the group stage.

With a contract running until July 31, 2016, Conte has a mission “to relaunch the national team and develop new players from across the federation’s training centres,” said a statement released by FIGC. The federation also said that the contract with Conte had been made possible with the financial support of sportswear giants Puma.

Conte can also boost his earnings with bonuses linked to the qualifying the team for the Euro 2016 finals as well as boosting his team’s world ranking. l

n AFP, Barcelona

n AFP, Rome

Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (4L) takes part in a training session at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi yesterday

Man United start afresh as Premier League begins n AFP, London The Louis van Gaal era will begin in earnest for Manchester United on Saturday when they host Swansea City in the first match of the 2014-15 Premier League season.

The 63-year-old Dutchman has impressed in his first four weeks at the United helm, overseeing five wins and a draw in pre-season, but it is in the league that his achievements will be judged.

Swansea were one of eight teams who came to Old Trafford and won last season, creating a sense of vulnerability that Van Gaal has been hired to banish for good.

Coincidentally, United also met Swansea on the opening day of the 2013-14 campaign, with the then-defending champions winning 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium in David Moyes’s first league game as manager.

The result was to prove a red herring, as United finished the season down in seventh place, but midfield-

er Tom Cleverley says that it will be important to set the right tone for the forthcoming campaign.

Wayne Rooney will lead United out for the first time since being named captain after Tuesday’s 2-1 friendly win over Valencia.

FIXTURES Arsenal Leicester City Man United Queens Park Stoke City West Brom West Ham

v v v v v v v

Crystal Palace Everton Swansea City Hull City Aston Villa Sunderland Tottenham

United will have to make do without £27 million ($45 million, 33.6 million euros) close-season signing Luke Shaw, however, after the 19-year-old left-back was ruled out due to a hamstring strain.

Another team buoyed by a positive pre-season period are Arsenal, who launch their assault on the league title at home to Crystal Palace.

Having ended a nine-year trophy

drought by winning last season’s FA Cup, Arsene Wenger’s side gave an eye-catching demonstration of their title credentials by outclassing league champions Manchester City 3-0 in last weekend’s Community Shield.

New signing Alexis Sanchez, a £30 million acquisition from Barcelona, is in line to make his competitive home debut against Palace and captain Mikel Arteta has called on his side to make a positive start to the campaign.

“We’ve done our (transfer) business early this season so we can start from the off and that’s what we want,” the Spanish midfielder told the Arsenal website.

Palace go into the game in crisis after reports emerged late Thursday that manager Tony Pulis had left the club after falling out with owners over transfer policy.

Championship champions Leicester City will play their first top-flight game since 2004 when they host Everton on Saturday, while fellow promoted side Queens Park Rangers welcome Hull City to Loftus Road. l

Scholes writes off United’s title hopes n Reuters, London Manchester United will struggle to return to the Premier League’s summit this season because too many top players have left and not enough signings made, according to former midfielder Paul Scholes.

The 20-times English champions slumped to seventh last season during the short reign of David Moyes, but even with seasoned title winner Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat, Scholes is not expecting a title challenge.

United, who start with a home match against Swansea City on Saturday, have signed midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao and full back Luke Shaw from Southampton but have lost the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. “(Toni) Kroos goes for 20 million and (Cesc) Fabregas to Chelsea. I thought they would have been in for those type of players but it doesn’t look like they were.

“Remember the players they have lost - Rio, Vidic, Evra, Giggs. Massive players who have won 30 titles between them. It’s only Shaw and Herrera who have come in and (Juan) Mata and (Marouane) Fellaini who haven’t won the league. I just worry that City and Chelsea have a bit too much for them.” l

AFP

Makelele bidding to be thorn in PSG’s side n AFP, Paris A familiar face will hope to make it another frustrating day for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday as the champions play their first home game of the new Ligue 1 season against SC Bastia.

The Corsicans are now coached by former France midfielder Claude Makelele, who gave up his position as Laurent Blanc’s assistant at the Parc des Princes to become a coach in his own right.

Makelele also finished his playing career as captain of PSG and his presence on the opposition bench adds extra intrigue to a game that carries real importance to the hosts after they kicked off the campaign with a 2-2 draw at Reims.

PSG, who have now failed to win their opening game in any of the four seasons since the Qatari takeover in the capital, were dealt a blow on Monday when captain Thiago Silva suffered a hamstring injury in a 2-1 friendly victory against Napoli that will rule him out for several weeks.

Blanc has been criticised for bring-

ing Silva back so soon after he was afforded a long summer break, and he may now be tempted to give new recruit David Luiz a little longer to build up his fitness.

On the prospect of coming up against his old assistant, he added: “I didn’t expect him to leave us but I am not disappointed. It was his wish, his choice to seize the opportunity.”

FIXTURES PSG Lens Lorient Metz Rennes Toulouse

v v v v v v

SC Bastia Guingamp Nice Nantes Evian Lyon

There are seven new coaches in Ligue 1 this season and the only one to lose on his debut was Leonardo Jardim, whose Monaco side were beaten 2-1 at home by Lorient despite seeing fit-again Radamel Falcao come off the bench and score a penalty.

They will look to bounce back at Bordeaux, whose new coach Willy Sagnol is a former Monaco player.l

FACTFILES OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE CONTENDERS MANCHESTER CITY

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini (CHI)

LIVERPOOL

Manager: Brendan Rodgers (NIR)

CHELSEA

Manager: Jose Mourinho (POR)

ARSENAL

Manager: Arsene Wenger (FRA)

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manager: Louis van Gaal (NED)

2013-14 POSITION

2013-14 POSITION

2013-14 POSITION

2013-14 POSITION

2013-14 POSITION

1st; FA Cup: quarter-finals; League Cup: winners; Champions League; last 16

2nd; FA Cup: fifth round; League Cup: third round

3rd; FA Cup: last 16; League Cup: quarter-finals; Champions League: semi-finals

4th; FA Cup: winners; League Cup: fourth round; Champions League: last 16

7th; FA Cup: third round; League Cup: semi-finals; Champions League: quarter-finals

TRANSFERS IN

TRANSFERS IN

TRANSFERS IN

Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid, £32m), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona, £27m), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid, £15.8m), Mario Pasalic (Hajduk Split, £2.4m), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray, Free).

Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona, £30m), Calum Chambers (Southampton, £16m); Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle, £12m); David Ospina (Nice, £3m), Elias Chatzitheodoridis (Mas Kallitheakos, Undisclosed), Hugo Keto (HJK Helsinki, Undisclosed), Ben Sheaf (West Ham, Undisclosed)

Luke Shaw (Southampton, £30m rising to £31m), Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao, £28.8m), Vanja Milinkovic (FK Vojvodina, Undisclosed)

TRANSFERS IN Eliaquim Mangala (Porto, £32 million), Fernando (Porto, £12m), Willy Caballero (Malaga, £6m), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Frank Lampard (New York City, Loan)

TRANSFERS OUT Javi Garcia (Zenit St Petersburg, £12m) Jack Rodwell (Sunderland, £10m), Gareth Barry (Everton, £1m), Costel Pantilimon (Sunderland, Free), Joleon Lescott (West Brom, Free), Alex Henshall (Ipswich, Free), Ellis Plummer (St Mirren, Free), Reece Wabara (Doncaster, Free), Marcos Lopes (Lille, Loan), Emyr Huws (Wigan Loan), Greg Leigh (Crewe, Loan), Jason Denayer (Celtic, Loan) With City’s domestic supremacy reasserted with a second league title in three years, the focus of Manuel Pellegrini and his players turns to conquering Europe for the first time.

After another premature exit from the Champions League last season - in the last 16 against Barcelona - Pellegrini opted for experience when he signed old hands Fernando, Bacary Sagna, Frank Lampard and Willy Caballero to augment an already powerful squad.

TRANSFERS IN Adam Lallana (Southampton, £25m), Dejan Lovren (Southampton, £20m), Lazar Markovic (Benfica, £20m), Divock Origi (Lille, £10m), Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen, £9.75m), Rickie Lambert (Southampton, £4m), Lawrence Vigouroux, Kevin Stewart (Both Tottenham, Free), Javier Manquillo (Atletico Madrid, Loan)

TRANSFERS OUT Luis Suarez (Barcelona, £75m) Conor Coady (Huddersfield, £375,000), Pepe Reina (Bayern Munich, Undisclosed), Villyan Bijev (Slavia Sofia, Free), Jakub Sokolik (Yeovil, Free), Luis Alberto (Malaga, Loan), Iago Aspas (Sevilla, Loan), Andre Wisdom (West Brom, Loan), Brad Smith (Swindon, Loan) Just three months after their hopes of winning the English title for the first time in 24 years slipped away in heartbreaking fashion, the Reds return for a defining season in the team’s development under Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers has splashed out close to £100 million to replace the Uruguayan and add depth to a squad that must cope with the twin demands of domestic and European campaigns.

TRANSFERS OUT David Luiz (PSG, £50m), Romelu Lukaku (Everton, £28m), Demba Ba (Besiktas, £4.7m), Patrick van Aanholt (Sunderland, undisclosed), Ashley Cole (Roma, Free), Sam Hutchinson (Sheffield Wednesday, Free), Frank Lampard (New York City, Free), Tomas Kalas (Cologne, Loan), Wallace (Vitesse Arnhem, Loan), Thorgan Hazard (B. Gladbach, Loan), Bertrand Traore (Vitesse, Loan), Mario Pasalic (Elche, Loan), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton, Loan), Gael Kakuta (Rayo Vallecano, Loan), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, Loan), Christian Atsu (Everton, Loan), Marko Marin (Fiorentina, Loan) Jose Mourinho has invested heavily in a revamped squad that will be expected to bring home significant silverware in the second season of his second coming at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho has opted for a Spanish flavour, with Diego Costa and Fabregas the headline signings.

TRANSFERS OUT Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona, £15m), Johan Djourou (Hamburg, £2.5m), Thomas Eisfeld (Fulham, Unidsclosed), Zak Ansah (Charlton, Free), Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea, Free), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City, Free), Chuks Aneke (Zulte Waregem, Free), Wellington Silva (UD Almeria, Loan), Carl Jenkinson (West Ham, Loan), Benik Afobe (Milton Keynes Dons, Loan) Arsene Wenger’s side head into the new campaign brim full of belief that they can win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Wenger will need midfield dynamo Aaron Ramsey to stay fit for the entire season, while also drawing consistently strong performances from his two key signings - Chile winger Alexis Sanchez and France right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

TRANSFERS OUT Alexander Buttner (Dynamo Moscow, £5.6m), Patrice Evra (Juventus, £1.5m), Bebe (Benfica, £2.25m), Jack Barmby (Leicester, Free), Federico Macheda (Cardiff, Free), Nemanja Vidic (Inter Milan, Free), Louis Rowley (Leicester, Free), Rio Ferdinand (QPR, Free), Vanja Milinkovic (FK Vojvodina, Loan), Angelo Henriquez (Dynamo Zagreb, Loan) The painful memories of David Moyes’ ill-fated season in charge have been swept away as the fallen giants begin the road back to relevancy under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.

A campaign branded ‘ReUnited14’ by the club’s marketing gurus should benefit from United’s relatively undemanding fixture list in the opening weeks, when a long winning run would buy time for van Gaal to institute the changes needed to ensure at least a top-four finish and ideally a title challenge.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

QUICK BYTES

SCORECARD, DAY 2 Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 261-8) D. Perera lbw b Junaid D. Prasad lbw b Junaid R. Herath c Khan b Rehman C. Welegedara not out Extras: (b8, lb7, nb6) Total (all out, 99.3 overs)

Diniz sets new 50km walk world record Yohann Diniz of France smashed the world 50km walk record at the European Athletics Championships on Friday in a time of 3hr 32min 33sec.

The previous record of 3:34:14 was set by Russia’s Denis Nizhegorodov in Cheboksary in May 2008. The ecstatic 36-year-old Diniz even had time to stop for a few seconds to collect a Portuguese flag from a fan and also waved a French flag as he crossed the finishing line for his third successive European title in Zurich. In changeable weather conditions, Diniz had to cope with rain, sun and wind as he seized control of the race with 14km to go. He strode away to finish 3min 48sec in front of Slovakia’s Matej Toth with Russian Ivan Noskov claiming bronze, a further 1min 20sec back. Diniz’s previous best time and the French record dated back to 2009 at Dudince, Slovakia when he clocked 3:38:45.

–AFP

Legia lose appeal against CL elimination Polish champions Legia Warsaw have lost an appeal to UEFA against their elimination from the Champions League after they fielded a suspended player against Celtic, the club’s co-owner Dariusz Mioduski said on Thursday. “Having UEFA overturn its decision, we felt for the sake of football this would be the best result.

Unfortunately it appears that procedures are more important,” Mioduski told Sky Sports. Legia were stripped of their place in the final qualifying round despite beating Scottish champions Celtic 6-1 on aggregate because they brought on Bartosz Bereszynski, who was suspended, for the last few minutes of the second leg they won 2-0 at Murrayfield last week. UEFA awarded Celtic a 3-0 win as punishment meaning the Scottish side advanced on away goals after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate. Legia thought Bereszynski was eligible but because he had not been registered in their squad for their previous three matches he had not sufficiently served the ban.

–Reuters

DAY’S WATCH Star Sports 4 Barclays Premier League 2014/15 5:30PM Manchester United v Swansea City 10:30PM Arsenal v Crystal Palace Ten Cricket 10:30AM Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2014 2nd Test, Day 3 Sony Six 7:00AM Major League Soccer 2014 Houston Dynamo v Philadelphia Union 4:00PM Rugby Championship 2014 Australia v New Zealand 2:00AM Caribbean Premier League FINAL - Tridents v Amazon Star Sports 1, 3, HD1 4:00PM India Tour of England 5th Test, Day 2 Star Sports 2 4:30PM MotoGP World Championship Qualifying Pro Kabaddi League 8:15PM Vizag v Bengaluru 9:30PM Kolkata v Jaipur

0 13 17 27 21 320

Fall of wickets 1-79 (Silva), 2-144 (Sangakkara), 3-167 (Jayawardene), 4-177 (Tharanga), 5-215 (Thirimanne), 6-249 (Dickwella), 7-249 (Perera), 8-261 (Mathews), 9-284 (Prasad), 10-320 (Herath).

Bowling Junaid 27-6-87-5, Riaz 20-3-88-3 (nb6), Rehman 19.3-4-53-1, Ajmal 33-5-77-1.

Pakistan 1st innings Khurram Manzoor c Dickwella b Herath 23 Ahmed Shehzad c Dickwella b Perera 58 Azhar Ali c Mathews b Herath 32 Younis Khan c Dickwella b Herath 13 Misbah-ul Haq c Dickwella b Herath 5 Asad Shafiq b Herath 42 Sarfraz Ahmed not out 66 Abdur Rehman not out 1 Extras: (lb3, nb1) 4 Total (for six wickets, 70 overs) 244

Pulis leaves Palace over transfer row Tony Pulis is reported to have left Crystal Palace by mutual consent in a shock move prompted by disagreements over the Premier League club’s transfer policy, according to reports on Thursday.

Eagles boss Pulis had grown frustrated

by Palace’s failure to push through deals for various players he targeted to strengthen the squad and several media outlets reported he had parted ways with the south London club following showdown talks with co-chairman Steve Parish. The 56-year-old’s reported exit comes less than 48 hours before Palace kick off their Premier League campaign with a daunting fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Bookmakers had earlier drastically cut the odds on Pulis being the next Premier League manager to leave his post, with some closing the market due to heavy betting on the former Stoke boss, who had gone from being a 40-1 shot on Wednesday to the odds-on favourite. Pulis led Palace to an impressive 11th place finish in the Premier League last season after inheriting a squad languishing in the relegation zone in November.

–AFP

15

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq is dismissed by Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath (not in picture) as wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella looks on during the second day of their second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo yesterday AFP

Fall of wickets 1-47 (Manzoor), 2-110 (Ali), 3-122 (Shehzad), 4-131 (Khan), 5-140 (Misbah), 6-233 (Shafiq).

Bowling Prasad 9-2-27-0 (nb1), Welegedara 15-2-51-0, Herath 25-3-98-5, Mathews 7-1-13-0, Perera 14-1-52-1.

Pakistan trail by 76 runs with four wickets in hand

Pakistan crumble against five-star Herath n AFP, Colombo Test cricket’s top-ranked spinner Rangana Herath skittled Pakistan’s top order on way to surpassing the 250-wicket mark to put Sri Lanka on top in the second Test in Colombo on Friday.

The 36-year-old left-arm bowler grabbed five wickets as Pakistan, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 320, were reduced to 140-5 after tea on the second day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

The sixth-wicket pair of Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed stemmed the rot with a 93-run stand that lifted the tourists to 244-6 by stumps, still trailing by

76 runs with four wickets in hand.

Shafiq became Herath’s 251st victim, bowled for 42 just before stumps, but Sarfraz remained unbeaten on a fighting 66 in a match the tourists must win to level the two-match series.

Herath, playing his 57th Test, is only the third Sri Lankan bowler to reach the 250-wicket mark after world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan (800) and Chaminda Vaas (355).

Opener Ahmed Shehzad anchored the innings with 58, but his dismissal just before tea turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour as Pakistan lost four wickets in the space of 30 runs.

Shehzad had put on 47 for the first

wicket with Khurram Manzoor and 63 for the second with Azhar Ali to lift the total to 110-1 before the collapse on either side of tea.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s last two wickets added 59 useful runs to the overnight score of 261-8 before the hosts were all out 45 minutes before lunch.

Number 11 batsman Chanaka Welegedara returned unbeaten on 27 after adding 36 for the last wicket with Herath (17).

Left-arm seamer Junaid Khan finished with five for 87, with all his five career five-wicket hauls coming against Sri Lanka. Fellow seamer Wahab Riaz claimed three for 88.

Herath broke the opening partnership two deliveries before lunch when he had Manzoor caught behind by wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella for 23.

Ali looked settled while making 32 when he stepped out against Herath, mistimed the shot and gave Angelo Mathews an easy catch at short mid-wicket.

Shehzad fell soon after, edging a pull off Dilruwan Perera to be caught down the leg-side by the wicket-keeper.

Shehzad was on 37 when he was reprieved by the Decision Review System (DRS) after being given out leg-before off Herath by English umpire Richard Illingworth.

Veteran Younis Khan, who hit a century in the first Test, was dismissed in the third over after tea when a defensive shot off Herath struck the batsman’s left boot and lobbed to silly-point.

Kaushal Silva, the fielder close to the wicket, dived for the ball and pushed the ball in the air for Dickwella to complete the catch behind the stumps.

Skipper Misbah-ul Haq departed three overs later, edging Herath for Dickwella to hold his fourth catch in the innings, give the bowler his 250th wicket, and reduce Pakistan to 140-5.

Sri Lanka won the first Test in Galle by seven wickets. l

Sharapova reaches Cincinnati quarter-finals n AFP, Cincinnati French Open champion Maria Sharapova booked her quarter-final berth at the Cincinnati ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament on Thursday with a straight-sets win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Fifth-seeded Sharapova needed one hour and 58 minutes to get past her fellow Russian 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

She booked a last-eight showdown with second-seeded Romanian Simona Halep, a 6-4, 7-5 winner over Czech Lucie Safarova. Defending champion Serena Williams continued her march through the draw, beating Italian 13th seed Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-2.

Williams next plays eighth seed Jelena Jankovic, who beat Sloane Stephens 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

Also through was world number two and second seed Simona Halep, a 6-4, 7-5 winner against Czech Lucie Safarova.

“Today was much better than my first match here,” said Halep, winner in Bucharest last month and runner-up to Maria Sharapova at Roland Garros. “I was happy to win in two sets, since she was up 5-4.

Halep earned a mouth-watering rematch with fifth-seeded Sharapova, who beat fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

Ukrainian teenager Elina Svitolina, who took out double Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova in the second round, claimed her second seeded victim with a defeat of Spain’s number 15 Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

She’ll next face former world number one Ana Ivanovic, a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 winner over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland cruised past Germany’s Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 6-1 and will take on Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, a 7-5, 6-2 winner over sixth-seeded German Angelique Kerber. l

Maria Sharapova returns the shot of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on day four of the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament at Linder Family Tennis Center on Thursday REUTERS

Robredo topples Djokovic, Federer survives Monfils scare n AFP, Cincinnati

Tommy Robredo shocked world number one Novak Djokovic Thursday at the Cincinnati Masters, but Roger Federer avoided an upset again Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Spain’s Robredo, seeded 16th in the US Open tune-up, sent top-seeded Djokovic packing 7-6 (8/6), 7-5, the defeat coming a week after the world number one Serb was beaten in the third round at Toronto.

The Wimbledon champion now goes into the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year which starts on August 25, well short of matches and confidence.

Second-seeded Federer, a five-time Cincinnati champion, held off Monfils 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. He booked a tough quarter-final against eighth-seeded Scot Andy Murray, who battled more than two hours against the huge serve of John Isner, finally dispatching the American 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

Federer had a rare show of temper late

in the match, arguing with the chair umpire over a decision not to call on electronic line-calling on a particular point.

But Federer quickly recovered his poise, clinching the match with a service winner after breaking Monfils in the penultimate game.

“I’m just happy the way I’m playing right now,” Federer said. “It was much better than the last couple of matches.

“I was hitting good forehands, not making so many mistakes, returning better,” he added. “So there was a lot of positives out in the match. Sometimes frustration, but sometimes that’s what Gael does to you.”

Djokovic, who was married last month and is soon to become a father, said it wasn’t a question of the new elements in his life weighing on his tennis.

Robredo was thrilled to win only his second match in eight encounters with a world number one player. He beat then-top ranked Lleyton Hewitt at Roland Garros 11 years ago.

“It’s amazing to be here playing and

to beat the number one, I’m more than happy,” said the 32-year-old Robredo, who next faces sixth-seeded compatriot David Ferrer -- a 7-5, 6-0 winner over Mikhail Youzhny.

Murray, in search of his first title since Wimbledon in 2013, has struggled to regain top form since his return from back surgery in January.

“It’s a very important match for me to win,” he said. “I had lost a few close matches over the last few months. It was important for me to come through.”

Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, the third seed, rallied to beat Croatian Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-0, 6-1.

He’ll play France’s Julien Benneteau, who beat Jerzy Janowicz 7-5, 6-1.

Fifth seed Milos Raonic made amends with his 30th ace on match point after earlier double-faulting three times while serving for victory. The Canadian defeated American Steve Johnson 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) and next faces Italian 15th seed Fabio Fognini. Fognini beat Lu YenHsun of Taiwan 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. l

‘Van Gaal is over-training Man United players’ n Reuters, London The injury sustained by Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was caused by too many training sessions from new manager Louis van Gaal, former Wales assistant coach Raymond Verheijen said on Thursday.

England left back Shaw, signed from Southampton in the close season for around 30 million pounds ($50.06 million), may be out for a month with a hamstring problem and will definitely miss the start of the Premier League campaign at home to Swansea City on Saturday.

Verheijen called fellow Dutchman Van Gaal (LVG) a “great appointment”

by United but at the same time accused the former Netherlands manager of “incompetence” and of working his players too hard.

“What LVG proves is that top coaches are not perfect. Even the world’s best have deficiencies,” Verheijen said on his Twitter feed.

“LVG is tactically superior to most

other coaches but planning & periodisation is not his strongest point: double sessions & muscle injuries,” added the Dutchman, an expert on football fitness and a frequent critic of the methods of top coaches.

“The Luke Shaw case is the climax of Manchester United’s predictable pre-season injury crisis due to ‘too much training too soon’.”

Verheijen suggested Van Gaal’s methods were responsible for a spate of injuries among the Dutch players before and during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a tournament where they finished third.

“During the World Cup preparation the Dutch players had to do frequent double sessions so not surprisingly the muscle injuries accumulated,” he said.

“At Man United, in the first few weeks, LVG has applied the same approach and, as expected, with the same result.

“But who is gonna tell a top coach that he has to raise his bar in a certain area? The ‘yes-men’ in his coaching staff ? Journalists? Who...?” l

16

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Health Ministry faces difficulties in posting 350 doctor couples Fewer vacancies now obstacle to promise made by PM and health minister promise – which he made on August 7 – officials from both Health Ministry and get posting at the same workstation. n Moniruzzaman Uzzal Habibur Rahman Khan, joint health on assigning workstations to the fresh health directorate said. Ultimately, the The Health Ministry is facing difficulties in assigning postings to around 350 married doctor couples who recently joined the country’s health sector and applied to be posted at the same workstation with their spouse.

Among over 6,000 doctors coming through the pool of the 33rd BCS examination, around 700 of them are married couples, sources said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Health Minister Mohammed Nasim had earlier promised that if any doctor picked under the latest round of recruitment also had a spouse who was also chosen to join, the couple would

secretary (personnel), admitted to the Dhaka Tribune that the ministry was facing troubles accommodating the doctor couples at the same workstations as there were fewer vacancies compared to the large number of couples who applied for the special posting privilege.

Organising work postings had become difficult because there were different kinds of vacant posts in different division, district hospitals and upazila health complexes, he added.

Meanwhile, as the ministry continues arranging postings for the newly recruited doctors, the health minister’s

doctors within one week, has ended.

Seeking anonymity, several senior officials of the ministry told the Dhaka Tribune that a primary list of postings had been completed on Thursday; but the list could not be finalised before offices closed for two days of weekly holidays and another day of government holiday on Sunday.

However, the ministry officials will reportedly be working throughout the weekend to scrutinise the list and complete the process.

After offices reopen on Monday, the final list would be submitted before the health minister for his approval,

order would be issued next Wednesday or Thursday, they expressed hopes.

“It is not an easy job to provide postings to a total of 6,037 doctors at a time; but we want to make the posting list with as few error as possible,” Joint Secretary Habibur Rahman said.

Most new doctors are reportedly lobbying for postings in and around divisional cities and are reluctant to join in the remote areas like hoar, char and hill tracts. Among the 6,037 doctors, 2,054 have reportedly applied for postings in and around Dhaka city, or for assignments at different districts of Dhaka division. l

ACC to sue 7 govt officials for embezzling Tk2.31 crore n Adil Sakhawat The Anti-Corruption Commission is set to sue 21 people, including seven government officials, for their alleged involvement with the misappropriation of Tk2.31 crore.

The ACC at a regular meeting on Thursday approved filing of a case against them. the commission in its primary investigation found that the government officials in connivance with some residents of Gopalganj were involved with the misappropriation of public money, an ACC official told the Dhaka Tribune.

The accused officials include former assistant commissioner of Gopalganj M Shahriar Matin [now officer on special duty (OSD) at the Ministry of Public Administration],

former kanoongo Romesh Pal, Suvendra Bikash Mojumder and Abdul Jabbar, ex-surveyors Kashedul Haque, Mohammad Ismail and Mosharraf Hossain and 14 people from Gopalganj.

The anti-graft body had approved filing of the case as Shahriar and 20 others were found involved with the misappropriation of Tk2.31 crore, the official said.

He also added that the government gave the money for land acquisition.

He said Shahriar in connivance with other officials of the land acquisition office had misappropriated the money, causing financial loss to the government.

ACC Assistant Director M Ali Akbar Khan had carried out an investigation into the allegation of the misappropriation of public money. l

Three brothers hacked in city n Tribune Report Fuelled by an old feud over money, three brothers of a family were hacked allegedly by activists of Jubo League.

The incident took place Thursday night in the capital’s Shahbagh in front of a tea stall near Aziz Super Market.

One of the brothers, Md Gias Uddin Raju, 33, succumbed to his injuries in a city hospital yesterday afternoon.

Gias’ younger brother Adnan Abedin Babu, 30, and elder brother Jainal Abedin had also sustained injuries during the incident and Adnan is currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

Relatives of the victims alleged that ward 57 Jubo League President Saiful Islam Akter and his followers had hacked the brothers.

According to Habil Hossain, inspector (investigation) of Shahbagh police station, the incident took place as a result of an old feud over money.

Describing the incident, Jainal told the Dhaka Tribune: “Gias had lent Tk35,000 to Rubel who is a follower of Saiful. On Thursday morning, Gias asked Rubel to return the money as he needed it for his wife’s treatment. Rubel denied to pay him back which created a heated argument between them,” he said.

“They waited for my brothers and launched the attack,” he claimed.

Jainal said the attackers hacked Gias on his head and back and shot Adnan on his back. After hearing the news, he went to the spot and was also beaten by the attackers, he added.

“Later, Gias and Adnan were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but relatives shifted them to a private hospital at Hatirpool fearing further attacks,” he claimed.

When asked, Inspector Habil said: “Nobody came to the police station to lodge a case in this connection yet but we are looking into the matter.” l

An unexpected disaster could not wipe the smile from the face of five-year-old Meraz, left, who lost two legs and three fingers of an arm when he was run over by a train in February this year. The accident happened on the rail tracks that run through the Tejgaon slum, where Meraz lives with his family. Just a month before the accident, Meraz had enrolled in a local school; but plans for his education had to be put on hold following the accident. However, the physical difficulties could not curb the enthusiasm of Meraz whose repeated insistence finally forced his father, Badshah Miah, to agree on taking his son to school again. Helena, 10, top, is another victim of a similar accident. She was only six months old when a speeding train claimed three fingers on an arm. Soaring above the traumatic experience of her early childhood, Helena now looks towards a better future as she studies in first grade at a local school. There are many such untold stories of children who had their limbs amputated as a result of accidents on rail tracks near their homes in different slums of the capital. However, such risks do not dampen the spirit of childhood among slum kids who continue to play, above, around speeding trains SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Mob attacks convoy of Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan n Reuters, Islamabad Clashes broke out yesterday as tens of thousands of Pakistani protesters from two anti-government movements slowly converged on the capital, presenting the 15-month-old civilian government with its biggest challenge yet.

The unrest has raised questions over stability at a time when the nuclear-armed nation of 180 million is waging an offensive against Pakistani Taliban militants and the influence of anti-Western and sectarian groups is growing.

Khan’s convoy was shot at but he was not injured, his spokeswoman said. The government insisted shots were not fired and promised an investigation into the incident.

“The Chief Minister of Punjab has ordered an inquiry and all those responsible for the scuffle will be held accountable,” the statement said. “There were absolutely no gunshots fired at his rally and such PTI-driven sensationalism is unfortunate.”

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party and supporters of populist cleric Tahir ul-Qadri are slowly heading towards Islamabad, where they plan to occupy the main streets until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns.

In the capital, authorities blocked main roads with shipping containers and barbed wire in an effort to control the marches.

In the latest violence, 10 militants were killed and 13 members of the security forces were wounded in attacks on two air force bases in the city of Quetta late on Thursday, the third time since June airports had been targeted.

Some members of Sharif’s party have suggested the protests are secretly backed by elements in the powerful military, which has had an uneasy relationship with Sharif.

How far Khan and Qadri succeed in destabilising the government is likely to depend on the stance taken by the military, which has a long history of mounting coups.

Few people fear a coup but many officials think the threat of unrest will increase the military’s hold over the government.

The military has been frustrated with the government, in particular over the prosecution of former army chief and president Pervez Musharraf for treason.

There has been disagreement too between the government and the army on how to handle the Taliban. The army favours military action but the government insists on peace talks.

REFEREE?

Anger over the economy means the protests appeal to many disillusioned young Pakistanis.

Both protest leaders also command

intense personal loyalty from their followers. Khan is a famed former international cricketer, known for his charity work, who now heads the third largest legislative bloc in the country.

Qadri, a cleric and political activist who usually lives in Canada, controls a large network of schools and Islamic charities. His followers intend to occupy Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad’s main thoroughfare.

“We will not go back until Sharif resigns,” said Qadri’s spokesman, Shahid Mursaleen. “They killed our people, there is no way we can make a deal with them.”

Qadri has accused police of killing 22 of his supporters during clashes in the eastern city of Lahore in June and this month. Police confirmed 11 deaths.

About 2,000 of Qadri’s supporters were also arrested this month, police said.

Khan is protesting against alleged electoral irregularities in last year’s voting.

Most observers expect the military to play referee - to maintain security but not support action to force Sharif out.

“Imran will not get from the army what he was expecting,” said an analyst close to the military. If there was any confusion earlier about whether the army would help Imran or rescue him or topple the government, there should be none now. There is no question of army intervention.” l

Sreda set to become dependent on bureaucrats n Aminur Rahman Rasel The prime objective of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) is set to be hampered as the government will appoint an additional secretary of power division as its new chairman.

If the government goes ahead with its plan, the body will become fully dependent on bureaucrats.

On the other hand, the government is also going to appoint other members of Sreda from the power ministry, instead of considering expertise in this sector.

Insiders said Serda would require an expert workforce and a governing body to run efficiently.

Sreda was formed in 2012 following a government initiative to take a systematic approach towards renewable energy development. However, the organisation had witnesses little progress in the last two years.

Sreda was established for the promotion and development of sustainable and renewable energy, with the responsibility for efficiency and conservation of energy.

The tenure of present Sreda Chairman Md Abdul Wahab Khan will end on August 22 and Power Division Additional Secretary Tapos Kumar Roy is expected to replace him soon.

“We have already sent a proposal to the state minister for power to appoint Tapos Kumar Roy as chairman,” a dep-

uty Secretary of Power Division told the Dhaka Tribune.

According to Sreda’s organogram, its governing body has 18 posts including chairman, 16 members and a secretary.

Out of 16 members, five will be fulltime and the rest will be without pay.

The full-time five members will be Sreda member for policy and research, member for energy efficiency and conservation, member for renewable energy, member for administration and member for finance.

At present, a joint secretary of power division has been posted as a member and a deputy secretary of power division has been posted as secretary of the authority.

The authority will also have 61 departmental posts, including directors, deputy directors and assistant directors.

On December 2012, the parliament passed the Sreda Act 2012 and on May 2013, the public administration ministry gave its approval for the seven executive posts and 61 departmental posts.

“The posts are very vital for the development of renewable energy sector. I hope that the government will appoint suitable and skilled person to build the organization,”Professor Saiful Haque at Dhaka University’s Institute of Renewable Energy Department said.

He also pinned hopes that the organisation will gradually solve the existing problems within the renewable power sector. l

UGC warns private universities of illegal campuses n Tribune Report The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned students and guardians about the illegal campuses of private universities.

The university governing body published an advertisement in a national Bangla daily yesterday, giving the names of UGC-approved private universities and their statuses, and asked students to be careful about taking admission in certain universities.

The advertisement came a day after this year’s HSC results came out.

Listing the names of 79 private universities and their campuses, the UGC cautioned students about four private universities. It said there was a conflict between two groups of trustees in IBAIS University, and the groups had filed cases against each other.

About Prime University, it said its 2/A/1 Darus Salam Road campus had been approved by the Supreme Court, and the rest were illegal.

The UGC also said the newly-approved Global University, Bangladesh in Jhalokathi had not contacted with either the UGC or the Education Ministry after getting approval.

About Darul Ihsan University, it said there were conflicts among its trustees and there were four factions of them.

On the other hand, some universities approved by the UGC are running academic activities on illegal campuses. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207.

Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com