19 Feb, 2015

Falgun 7, 1421 Rabius Sani 29, 1436 Regd No DA 6238 Vol 2, No 315

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | www.dhakatribune.com | SECOND EDITION

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TMAG

7 | LONG FORM

11 | OP-ED

12 | SPORT

KILLING TIME

WILL MODI REALISE HIS SUPERPOWER ASPIRATIONS?

BLASPHEMY LIES IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

‘NO REASON TO GET EXCITED’

Brutal Subhan to hang for ’71 war crimes Tribunal awards the high-level offender death penalty on three charges, life-term jail on two Islam Shaon and n Ashif Ahmed Zayeef A war crimes tribunal yesterday handed down death penalty to Abdus Subhan, a senior leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, for the heinous crimes including the killing of 400 people, mostly Hindus, in Pabna during the country’s Liberation War in 1971.

Subhan’s offences include murder, abduction, confinement, torture and extermination as crimes against humanity. He is the incumbent nayebe-ameer (vice-president) of Jamaat, a “criminal organisation” that sided with the Pakistani occupation forces during the war.

‘His attitude and role in 1971 did not go with the philosophy and spirit of true Islam’ The three-member International Crimes Tribunal 2, led by Justice Obaidul Hassan, found him guilty on six out of the nine charges pressed against him. He was sentenced to death on three charges that include genocide, murder, abduction, loot and arson.

The court said Subhan, now 79, had committed the crimes in disguise of the spirit of Islamic leadership, but his attitude and role in 1971 did not go with the philosophy and spirit of true Islam.

He remained culpably closer to the Pakistani occupation army and the razakar force which were engaged in wiping out the pro-liberation Bangali civilians, “in furtherance of policy and plan,” the tribunal observed.

Full text of Kamaruzzaman’s appeal verdict released n Ahmed Zayeef The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court found the offences committed by death row convict Jamaat-e-Islami leader Muhammad Kamaruzzaman more heinous than Abdul Quader Molla, according to the full text of Kamaruzzaman’s appeal verdict that has been released.

Even the Nazis did not perpetrate similar nature of brutal acts, the court said, observing that there was no difference between the conduct of a man and a beast in the perpetration of his crimes.

Upholding the death penalty for Kamaruzzaman given by a tribunal in a war crimes case, the Supreme Court yesterday released the 579-page full verdict.

Chief Justice SK Sinha who was the chief of the bench wrote the main part of the judgement. The other judges are Justice Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, Justice Hasan Foez Siddique and Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik.

The International Crimes Tribunal 2  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

The tribunal doubted if Subhan had any sign of humanity and kindness in him as a human being when he had committed murders and other heinous offences.

“In respect of the event of killing civilians dragging them out of the Ishwardi central mosque, he [Subhan] and his accomplices are found to have had caused their horrendous death by inflicting indiscriminate sword blow.

“What a brutality! It is hard to believe indeed that the accused was a man of slightest humanity and kindness,” the tribunal said in its verdict.

The war crimes tribunal labelled him as a “high-level offender” and said his position in Jamaat’s Pabna district unit in 1971 and potential affiliation with the district Peace Committee “aggravates his level as an offender.”

Condemning the acts, the tribunal said: “It stands proved from the evidence that by getting actively involved with the locally-stationed Pakistani occupation army, Biharis and razakars, Sobhan was visibly intended to collaborate with the Pakistani occupation army since its rolling into Pabna, in carrying out dreadful killings, abduction confinement, torture, mass killing, with extreme fierceness.”

Most of the murder victims were Hindus, the court said.

Subhan was sentenced to imprisonment until death on two charges and five years in prison for another offence.

But the three charges, the tribunal said, would merge into one sentence of death. The Jamaat policymaker was acquitted on the three remaining charges as those were not proved beyond doubt.

The proved charges against Subhan “indubitably fall within the kind of

Tigers celebrate after thrashing Afghanistan by 105 runs in a pool A match of the World Cup at Canberra yesterday

Tenacious Tigers spoil Afghan debut n Mazhar Uddin from Canberra It really seemed like Bangladesh were playing their World Cup opener at their own backyard as the 13,000-strong Manuka Oval crowd never stopped cheering “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” from the very first ball until the end of the game.

Enthusiasm amongst the Bangladeshi spectators never decreased as Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Co started their World Cup campaign with a thumping 105-run win over Afghanistan yesterday. And with the convincing victory, the Tigers brushed aside all pre-tournament anxi-

ety and gained some much-needed momentum heading into their second game against co-hosts Australia this Saturday in Brisbane.

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe (3/20) gave his side the perfect start with the ball, scalping two wickets, while Rubel Hossain (1/27) picked up a wicket as the Afghans were reeling on 3/3 inside the third over chasing 268.

The Tigers could have further compounded Afghanistan’s misery had Shakib al Hasan (2/43) held onto a tough chance at the third-man region but the dropped opportunity did not prove costly as Nawroz Mangal (27) eventually departed off the bowling of

Mahmudullah (1/31). In the meantime, young speedster Taskin Ahmed (1/23) was having a great debut with his controlled bowling.

Afghan captain Mohammad Nabi was the highest scorer with 44 while Samiullah Shenwari chipped in with 42 but wickets at regular intervals ensured Bangladesh were always on top against the Associates. Afghanistan were bundled out for 162 in 42.5 overs, giving the Tigers a morale-boosting win in their opening Pool A game.

Earlier, the Tigers batted first after winning the toss but despite a circumspect start from Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque, they suddenly lost their

Habibur Rahman, a 55-year-old day labourer from Commilla, has proved that it only takes good intentions and courage to stand up for a cause.

impetus. At one stage, Bangladesh were in all sorts of trouble at 119/4 inside the 30th over.

Tamim (19) was the first to depart as he edged Mirwais Ashraf to the wicket-keeper while his partner Anamul (29) departed soon after, trapped in front by the same bowler.

Runs were hard to come by as the Bangladesh batsmen struggled to find the gaps. The situation though worsened as Soumya Sarkar (28) and Mahmudullah (23) soon made their way to the dressing room. Were it not for Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh would have ended their innings well below 250.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

AL, BNP preparing response to Ban Ki-moon letters

n Tribune Report

Shahriar: The letter does not put the government under pressure from the international community

Both ruling Awami League and the BNP are preparing their responses to the letters that the UN chief had sent to their chiefs calling for effective steps to end the political impasse.

BNP sources said the letter sent to their chief Khaleda Zia had requested her to bring an end to the violence and that they appreciate the UN secretary-general’s concerns.

On the other hand, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam confirmed that they had got the letter and were preparing a response.

But he did not give any specific answer when asked at a press conference

yesterday about whether UN chief Ban Ki-moon had requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to arrange talks.

Shahriar said Ban condemned and expressed concerns about the violence and hoped that the government would take steps to make sure that no violence occurred when the next general elections would be held.

6 | Nation

8 | World

Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations, recently sent separate letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, expressing concerns about the prevailing political crisis.

The letters also reportedly read that he had assigned his assistant Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, who has visited Bangladesh thrice, to mediate peace and stability.

BNP’s version

Party insiders said the BNP will soon give a reply to the UN chief’s letter, welcoming the initiative and informing him about the actual situation in Bangladesh right now.

“Reply will be given on time. We are awaiting our chief’s directives for fixing a strategy. As we are a party to the proposed talks, we hope that the UN chief will invite us to his office. We are waiting for that as well,” Osman Farruk, adviser to Khaleda, told journalists in the US yesterday.

A senior BNP leader said their reply  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

2 die, 1 hurt in gunfights n Tribune Report Two men, whose political affiliations were disputed, died in what police said was a shootout with them in Jessore early yesterday.

A Jubo Dal leader was also shot in a similar incident in Lakshmipur.

Abu Sayeed, 48, son-in-law of Hatem Ali Dafadar of Joypur village, and Bazlur Rahman, 45, son of Babar Ali of the same village, died in a gun battle at Begaritala in Manirampur upazila of Jessore around 3am.

Police said the two were Jamaat-e-Islami activists but the family members claimed them as BNP men.

More than 25 people have so far been killed in “gunfights” with security forces in different parts of the country since January 5, with the majority being political activists.

Reshma Sharmin, spokesperson for Jessore police and senior assistant superintendent of police of Jessore Sadar circle, said Sayeed and Bazlur were detained from Joypur on Tuesday evening.

“Police took the two men with them when heading for Begaritala to recover arms at night but miscreants lurking in the area fired at them, triggering the

INSIDE

5 | News

AFP

Influential people are lifting sands illegally from the bank at Gajirpur Char Point of Meghna River adjacent to Bhola district town, intensifying the threat of river bank erosion.

Myanmar President Thein Sein declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law in a region near the Chinese border after more than 70 people were killed in fighting.

15 | Entertainment

The Shadhona, a cultural organisation, will organise a dance programme titled ‘Nupur Beje Jaay’ at the Chayanaut Cultural Centre in the capital at 6:30pm today.

B1 | Business

A number of senior diplomats of foreign countries in Dhaka have expressed concern over the ongoing political unrest, which has taken a heavy toll on the country’s economy.

gun battle. Sayeed and Bazlur died during the shootout,” she said.

The bodies were later taken to Manirampur police station.

Reshma said nine crude bombs, 12 petrol bombs, two bullets and a gun were recovered from the scene.

She said the two men were accused in six cases on different charges.

The injured is a Jubo Dal leader from Lakshmipur Officer-in-Charge of Manirampur police station Molla Khabir Ahmed said Sayeed and Bazlur had carried out subversive acts as Jamaat activists on different occasions.

But Publicity Secretary of Jamaat’s Jessore unit Md Shahabuddin said neither of the dead had any involvement with the party.

Mayor of Manirampur municipality advocate Shahid Iqbal claimed that both the men were actively engaged in BNP politics.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 6

2

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Mamata Banerjee due in Dhaka today n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to arrive in Dhaka tonight on a three-day visit, at the invitation of Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. “We hope that with this visit a conducive environment will be created to resolve the pending issues between Dhaka and Delhi,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told reporters at his office yesterday.

The two main pending issues between the countries are Teesta water-sharing agreement and implementation of the land boundary agreement.

This will be Mamata’s first visit to Dhaka after her assuming office in May 2011. The same year, she was scheduled to accompany then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to visit Dhaka. But in protest of the Teesta agreement, she did not come.

Asked whether the gap between Dhaka and Kolkata, created due to antiBangladesh attitude of Mamata, would be reduced through this visit, Shahriar said: “I have no information that she has taken anti-Bangladesh position.”

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart recently discussed about resolving the pending issues when Dhaka was assured that those would be resolved.

“We were told that it is a matter of time to solve the land boundary agreement.

The Indian central government has engaged with relevant state government to solve the Teesta agreement issue,” he said.

Asked if the government would discuss the alleged link between terrorism in West Bengal and Mamata’s Trinomool Congress, the minister said: “It is being discussed at other level. The home secretary-level talks have been concluded, and in addition to that forum there is a regular protocol which is used to address the matter.”

There is a widespread allegation that several political leaders of Trinomool Congress have contact with terrorist outfits in West Bengal and that they funded Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to create instability here.

During the visit, Mamata will meet President Abdul Hamid, the prime minister and the foreign minister.

She will also attend the “Amar Ekushey” programmes at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, and visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

The West Bengal chief minister will lead about a 40-member team which includes her cabinet colleagues, lawmakers, and cultural, business and media personalities.

Her other engagements include an address to a business meet being organised by the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Indian Chambers of Commerce, Kolkata.

She will also have an interaction with cultural personalities of the two neighbouring countries. l

News

Thursday, February 19, 2015

AL, BNP preparing response to Ban Ki-moon letter 2 die, 1 hurt  PAGE 1 COLUMN 4

to the UN chief will have a mention of the fact that the government side had never responded to Khaleda Zia’s repeated calls for a dialogue and that even her seven-point proposal for a solution was also ignored.

“Apart from that, extra-judicial killings, arrest and repression of opposition leaders and activists will also be communicated to the UN chief,” the leader said.

Khaleda Zia’s Press Secretary Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel yesterday said: “We have been talking about a dialogue for a long time. Certainly, we see the UN initiative positively. Now we are observing how the government reacts to it.

Because the first step towards a resolution has to come from the government.

We hope that the government will arrange talks to resolve the stalemate.”

According to an insider, the letter sent to Khaleda Zia had a mention that despite holding meetings with the political parties, Taranco had failed to resolve a similar crisis that had arose before the January 5 elections last year.

This time, the UN chief had requested Khaleda to cooperate with Taranco, the insider said.

Government says

Yesterday, junior Bangladesh foreign minister Md Shahriar Alam told reporters in his office: “We heard about the letter but for some strange reasons the letter was delivered to us two weeks after it was written. We have asked our permanent representative to the UN to find out the reason behind the delay.”

Such letters can be sent via several channels including Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the UN or the UN resident coordinator based in Dhaka.

Asked if there is any possibility of UN Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco visiting Dhaka, the junior minister said “not in the near future.”

“But it was mentioned in the letter that if the government wants and if necessary, he may visit Dhaka in the near future.”

Shahriar also said they do not think the letter puts the government under any pressure.

“There have been interactions with the newly appointed ambassadors in Bangladesh and nobody has said anything about putting pressure on the government,” he said.

Over the last one month, new US, Canadian and Chinese ambassadors submitted their credentials to President Abdul Hamid.

“The government will ensure that it does not do anything that might invite international criticism,” he said.

He said that he knows that the UN chief has also written to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia but claimed that he does not anything about the content.

“The government’s position is very clear. We do not want to sit in a dialogue with murderers. We want to eliminate violence,” Shahriar affirmed.

Diplomatic efforts

These are Ban Ki-moon’s first letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia after the January 5, 2014 elections.

The UN chief had written to the arch rivals before the January elections as well, setting out similar calls for ending a similar violence that sprung from a feud over the form of government that should oversee elections.

Taranco came to Bangladesh thrice in 2012 and 2013 as UN secretary-general’s envoy in order to mend differences between the Awami League and BNP. In December 2013, about a month before the elections, he came to Dhaka and got the two parties to sit together for talks, but failed to bring any resolution.

Earlier this week, new US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Stephens

Bloom Bernicat said her country deplored the unconscionable attacks, including bus burnings and train derailments, which killed and wounded a good number of people.

She also emphasised that the US does not back any particular political force or party in Bangladesh and that her country was ready to help if requested. l

Tenacious Tigers  PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

Bangladesh’s most experienced pair, Shakib and Mushfiq not only arrested the slide but were also in search of quick runs. After a slow start, the fifth wicket duo added 114 runs in 15.3 overs – Bangladesh’s highest partnership for any wicket in the World Cup. This was the fourth 100-run partnership between Shakib and Mushfiq and the veteran pair now has 1725 runs to their name, at an average of 39 runs per stand.

Before smashing his 27th half century, Shakib became the first Bangladesh cricketer to score 4000 ODI runs. Although Hamid Hasan disturbed Shakib’s stumps in the 45th over, he had already scored 63 off 51 balls and took Bangladesh to an advantageous position.

From the other end, Mushfiq blasted a quickfire 71 off 56 balls. Both Mushfiq and Shakib smote half a dozen boundaries and a six each. Even though Mushfiq was dismissed in the 48th over, the job had already been done as the Tigers posted a competitive 267.

Sabbir Rahman, who was given the nod ahead of Nasir Hossain, scored three but was involved in a great piece of work. His sound ground fielding and quick throw was responsible for the run out of Shenwari, who was starting to look dangerous.

Mashrafe struck some lusty blows at the end to propel the Tigers to a total which proved to be well beyond Afghanistan. l

Brutal Subhan to hang for ’71 war crimes  PAGE 1 COLUMN 2

such gravest crimes which tremble the collective conscience of mankind,” the tribunal said.

It also found evidence of Subhan’s physical participation in committing the incident of forcibly taking the victims to the killing site from Ishwardi central mosque and killing them there by indiscriminate stabbing and hitting by sword.

The tribunal said Subhan was now at an advanced age but it cannot be considered as a “mitigating factor” for reducing the punishment since the gravity of his offences were extreme. Apart from this, the crimes were committed in 1971 when he was young.

Earlier in the day, the Jamaat leader was produced before the tribunal at 11am from Dhaka Central Jail and the court started reading out the summary of 165-page verdict at 11:15am.

Tribunal members Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Shahinur Islam were present.

In the dock of the packed courtroom, Subhan remained calm and silent during the pronouncement of the verdict.

He was wearing pyjamas and punjabi, sweater, black shoes, glasses and held a stick in his hand. After completion of pronouncement of the judgement, police escorted him out.

Security was beefed up on and around the court premises to ward off violence centring the pronouncement of the verdict amid blockade and hartal enforced by the BNP-Jamaat alliance.

Transport movement was halted from Doel Chattar to High Court Mazar area since morning.

However, three crude bombs exploded around 11am near the tribunal building, situated behind the biochemistry department of Dhaka University, before the judges started delivering the verdict. Police could not arrest the miscreants.

Welcoming the verdict, prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon said: “We are happy. We were successful in proving the three charges on which Subhan was awarded the death penalty.”

He said Subhan was acquitted on three charges as they had failed to convince the tribunal. “We tried our best to prove those charges.”

On the other hand, Subhan’s lawyer Shishir Munir said they would appeal against the judgement. “The tribunal has taken into cognisance weak witness and evidences presented by the prosecution having legal and informative flaws.”

In 1972, Subhan was made accused by a special tribunal for collaborating with the Pakistani occupation forces

and summoned. But he had already fled to Pakistan with former Jamaat chief Ghulam Azam, according to the prosecution.

Subhan was sentenced to death for aiding the Pakistan Army and its local collaborators in the killing of around 400 people in several villages of Satbaria union under Sujanagar upazila on May 12, 1971.

He was also awarded capital punishment on two other charges – killing five people and looting and torching of several houses in Sahapur village of Ishwardi on May 2, and the abduction and killing of three people and several unnamed others in Ishwardi on April 17-18.

The tribunal gave him imprisonment until death for killing five people and injuring three others at Juktitala village of Ishwardi on April 13, and the abduction and killing of 18 people at the end of November at Bharara village in May. Meanwhile, the three charges from which Subhan was acquitted are killing and torching of houses at Kulunia and Dogachhi villages in Pabna on May 11, abduction and killing of two people of Dublia Bazar in the first week of September, and abduction and killing of

four people at Betbaria village in Ishwardi at the end of November.

In the verdict, the tribunal said Sobhan had achieved significant trust of the Pakistani Army stationed in Pabna for his political ideology and extreme antagonistic mindset towards the War of Liberation and the people associated and sided with it.

Sobhan had accompanied the group in launching the attacks that resulted in killings, large scale killings, massive destruction of civilians’ property, abduction, confinement and torture.

He was found to have had participated and substantially contributed, by his act or conduct forming part of attack, to the actual commission of the crimes, the judgement says.

Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami

was also sentenced to death for committing crimes against humanity in Pabna and Dhaka during the war. In its judgement, the tribunal 1 said: “We are fully convinced that during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh, the accused as the president of Islami Chhatra Sangha [now Islami Chhatra Shibir] as well as a high command of al-Badr Bahini actively participated in the atrocities committed in the occurrences...in Pabna and Dhaka in collaboration with razakars, al-Badrs and the Pakistani occupation forces.”

In a judgement, a tribunal earlier termed Jamaat a “criminal organisation.”

of the crime and returned back 2/3 days after the incidents in their houses were also not spared.

“While narrating the horrific incident of killing of her husband and causing violence to her after the killing, the 12th prosecution witness was kept in the convulsive gasps under mental distress. The tribunal noted down the demeanour while recording her statement. She could not control her emotion even after 40 years. How gruesome incident it was! None can imagine other than the one who has experienced the traumatic incidents.”

The chief justice also said Kamaruzzaman deserved no sympathy for such behavioural pattern of the criminal acts.

“We find no difference between the conduct of a man and a beast in the perpetration of these crimes.

“Neither in the tribunal nor before this [Appellate] Division any argument was made on behalf of the accused to take a lenient view if he was found guilty of the charge. Even under the general law, when a murder is perpetrated in cold-blooded and calculated manner, the courts normally award a sentence of death on the reasoning that such type of incident shocks the conscience of the society.”

Justice Sinha said: “It has been revealed from the documentary evidence and oral evidence, which described the gruesome manner of killing as a scene resembling that of the Hindu spring festival, ‘the Holy,’ where the crowd is immersed in red coloured water. The accused and his force killed one by

one persons of the village and this killing spree continued for six hours, and bathed with their blood. The killing spree was such as if they were hunting birds and animals.

“We cannot imagine how the accused being a Bangalee citizen could involve in such gruesome inhuman acts and from such conduct, he does not deserve any compassionate consideration on the question of sentence.

The proper and appropriate sentence for his crimes is the extreme one.”

He said Kamaruzzaman had directly participated in these barbarous acts, who were comparable with none.

“Even Nazis did not perpetrate similar nature of brutal acts.”

The judge mentioned that Kamaruzzaman had not expressed any “repentance of his criminal acts” at any stage of the proceedings for his role rather showed vaunter for his conducts and acts. He led the armed groups to perpetrate the incidents of rampant killing and rape.

“The very nature of the incidents proved beyond doubt that the killing was perpetrated systematically in furtherance of a pre-concert plan and design upon civilian population.

“The al-Badr force organised by the accused was termed as ‘Fascist’ force, that is, this force was compared with Mussolini’s regime in Italy. The nature of the incident orchestrated by the accused with his force has all trappings of ‘Genocide.’

“The incidents of murder and rape perpetrated at Sohagpur village are much heinous than that of Abdul Quader Molla.

“Therefore, it is the most appropriate case in which a sentence of death is the only sentence, which will be just and proper proportionate to the gravity of the crime. The Tribunal is thus justified in awarding him death sentence.”

In his judgement, Justice Hasan Foez said it was evident that the appellant [Kamaruzzaman] had led the local al-Badr Bahini, a killing squad to thwart the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation in the globe.

“Does it not depict the extreme depravity of the appellant? In our view it does.

“Thousands of freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to resist such brutalities but the appellant helped those brutes and killed his own countrymen and freedom fighters along with them.

The murders in the village Sohagpur were committed for a motive which evinces total depravity and those were committed in course of betrayal of the motherland.

“If we look into the manner in which the crime was committed, the weapon used, the brutality of the crime, number of persons murdered, the helplessness of the victims, the unbearable pains and sufferings of the raped women, widows and their children, we cannot come to any other conclusion except one, the Tribunal arrived at to award the capital sentence to the appellant.

The barbaric, gruesome and heinous type of crime which the appellant and others committed is a revolt against the society and an affront to human dignity. It is the duty of the court to impose a proper punishment depending upon

the degree of criminality.”

Justice Shamsuddin said: “We must not be over compassionate when sentencing a felon of the appellant’s type, but must think of the trail of horror his acts left behind for successive of generations. We must be firm enough to pass extreme sentence if that be proportionate to the gravity of the offence.”

He said it was a “pathetic episode” of the country’s history that such a “human monster” was allowed to escape the regiour of justice for so many decades, for which blames fall squarely upon “those who usurped power unconstitutionally for many years after killing the Founding Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and tried to put the clock back to pre 1971 state.

“I remain indubitably convinced that the interest of justice can only be met if this appellant is shown the gallows.”

Death on three charges

Full text of Kamaruzzaman’s appeal verdict released  PAGE 1 COLUMN 1

sentenced Kamaruzzaman to death on May 9 last year for committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. Five out of seven charges were proved by the prosecution in the case.

Kamaruzzaman appealed against the judgement after a month. The Appellate Division upheld his death penalty on November 3 last year.

The Apex Court handed down capital punishment to Kamaruzzaman for the massacre of Sherpur’s Sohagpur village which has come to be widely known as “Bidhoba Palli” or the village of widows, following a mass killing in 1971.

Kamaruzzaman’s conviction on the charge was maintained unanimously but his sentence of death of the said charge has been maintained by majority. Justice Wahhab Miah sentenced Kamruzzaman to suffer life imprisonment instead of death on the charge.

In his judgement, Justice Sinha wrote: “It is on record that in the Sohagpur massacre, almost all male members of the village were brutally killed. The planning and operation was conducted from the al-Badr camp set up at the house of Suren Saha. He [Kamaruzzaman] was directly involved in the implementation of the killing and rape and in pursuance of his planning, the incidents were perpetrated.

“The incidents were so cruel, inhuman and barbarous, the perpetrators not only killed almost all the male members of the village, they also did not spare the widows of the victims, who were also ravished. Even the women who fled away sensing the enormity

Other punishments

At Juktitala village in Ishwardi, five people were killed and three others

AG: No bar to fix a date

The government can now start process for executing Kamaruzzaman as the Supreme Court released the full judgement upholding the death penalty, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said yesterday.

“There is no legal bar for the government to fix a date for the execution of the Jamaat assistant secretary general,” he told the reporters at his office.

He, however, said the execution process would be suspended “if the convict files a review petition with the apex court challenging his death penalty.”

 PAGE 1 COLUMN 6

“Violence broke out in Joypur after the verdict in the war crimes case against Jamaat leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee was handed down. A mass of people, including Sayeed and Bazlur, were sued at the time,” said Shahid, also the president of BNP’s Manirampur upazila unit.

Bazlur’s brother Robiul Islam said Bazlur was accused in two lawsuits but obtained bail in both.

Jubo Dal leader shot

In addition to the two deaths, a Jubo Dal leader in Lakshmipur was also injured during a “gunfight” with police yesterday.

Nazrul Islam Jasim, son of late Shahid Ullah, received bullet injuries below his right knee during the gun battle at Palerhaat area of Dakshin Hamsadi union.

Police described him as a terrorist.

But Jasim claimed police had detained him from his house around Tuesday midnight, and drove him to Palerhaat where they shot at his leg before taking him to Lakshmipur District Sadar Hospital late at night. He also said he is a businessman by profession apart from his association with the politics of Jubo Dal. The 28-year-old is the assistant organising secretary of Jubo Dal’s Lakshmipur Sadar upazila unit and also the president of Dakshin Hamsadi union unit, said Jubo Dal’s Lakshmipur Sadar upazila unit General Secretary Alamgir Hossain.

Police claimed that three policemen – Md Nazmul Hasan, Bahar Uddin and Main Uddin – were also injured in the shootout.

District Assistant Police Super of Lakshmipur Md Nasim Miah said the injured police officials were given first aid at the sadar hospital.

Nasim said Jasim’s associates fired at police officials, who were returning after detaining the Jubo Dal leader.

“Police also fired back and Jasim was shot while attempting to flee during the gun battle,” he said. l injured on April 13 in his presence and under his leadership. Subhan was given life-term jail on this charge.

On May 20, under the leadership of Subhan, the Pakistani Army picked up 18 people from Bharara village and killed one of them instantly. Others had been tortured at Nurpur Power Plant.

Later, some of them were killed near Debottar Bazar. At least 18 people were killed in the incident. On this charge, the tribunal awarded him imprisonment until death.

Subhan abducted two persons from Arankhola cattle market in Ishwardi on May 16. The hostages were tortured at the District Dak Bungalow. For this offence, he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

The law enforcers arrested Subhan on September 20, 2012. After probing the allegations against him for 17 months, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its report to the prosecution on September 12, 2013.

Three days later, the prosecution submitted the charges to the tribunal 1. The court on December 31 last year framed nine charges against the Jamaat leader. Later, the case was transferred to the tribunal 2 for quick disposal.

The trial proceedings in the case was completed on December 4 last year.

The two war crimes tribunals have so far delivered 16 verdicts, while judgement in another case has been pending with the tribunal 1. l

Now, the Supreme Court would send its full judgement to the International Crimes Tribunal 2, Mahbubey said.

After receiving the judgement, the tribunal would issue death warrant against Kamaruzzaman and then the jail authorities would execute him, he added. From yesterday, the Jamaat leader would get 15 days for filing the review petition.

The Appellate Division might take maximum a week for hearing and disposing of the petition.

“If it dismisses the review petition, Kamaruzzaman can seek presidential mercy to save his neck,” the top law officer of the state said.

“If not, he will be executed within a day or two,” he said, expressing hope that all the procedures regarding his execution might be finished in the next three to four weeks.

Mustafizur Rahman, registrar of the International Crimes Tribunal, told reporters that the copy of the judgement had reached the tribunal. “It will be place before the tribunal 2 on time.”

Neaser Alam, jailer of the Dhaka Central Jail, told the Dhaka tribune: “We have not received any paper yet. We will start our work after receiving it.”

Md Shishir Monir, lawyer for Kamruzzaman, told the Dhaka Tribune: “According to the review petition judgement of Abdul Quader Molla, the 15-day count will start from either receiving of the certified copy of the judgement or when the judgement reaches the convict.

“We will file the review petition after receiving the certified copy.” l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Subhan’s brutality stuns tribunal Islam Shaon and n Ashif Ahmed Zayeef The brutality of Abdus Subhan, now the nayeb-e-ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Bengali Muslims and non-combatant civilians of his own locality during the birth of the nation stunned the tribunal.

“We fail to understand how accused Subhan being a Bengali Muslim actively aided, abetted and facilitated the commission of such crimes with extreme cruelty against the non-combatant civilians of his own locality. Did it match to humanity?,” the International Crimes Tribunal-2 that handed down death sentence said in the verdict yesterday.

“Accused Maulana Abdus Subhan was the acting ameer of Pabna district Jamaat, an Islamist political party. That is to say he was in leading position of the Jamaat in 1971 and his position speaks that he had to work with the Islamic spirit and philosophy.”

“But did he do it? No, rather dumping the holy spirit of Islam he opted to become a man of extreme notoriety around the locality of Pabna as he consciously and actively aided, abetted, assisted and substantially facilitated the Pakistani occupation army in committing the horrific atrocious acts constituting the offence of murder, large scale killing, massive destruction.”

The role of the accused thus impels the conclusion that Jamaat to which the accused Subhan belonged was a criminal organisation, the tribunal said.

According to the charge number 1, which earned him death sentence, on 17 April 1971 before Asr prayers Subhan accompanied by his accomplices entering into Iswardi Central Jame Masjid [mosque], in execution of a plan, apprehended Moazzem Hossain who took shelter there.

They dragged him forcibly to Iswardi Coal Depot where he was indiscriminately stabbed to death.

The next day in the morning Subhan being accompanied by Khoda Bakhsh and Biharis again arriving at the mosque apprehended Awami League supporter Motaleb Khan and his son Nazmul Huq Khan and in similar way forcibly took them to Iswardi Coal Deport where the accused caused their death by inflicting blow with knife and sword.

At the instance of accused Subhan, Khoda Bakhsh and his Bihari accomplices had killed around 20 unarmed Awami League supporters in between seven days at the Iswardi Coal Deport.

Charge 4 that has been proved beyond doubt said on 11 April 1071 in the afternoon a group of Pakistani army made its station at Iswardi Airport and places around it. Accused Subhan and his accomplices Khoda Bakhsh and Biharis designed plan with them [army]

to annihilate listed pro-liberation people, freedom fighters and members of the Hindu community.

And accordingly, under accused’s leadership, on 2 May 1971 after Fazr prayer the group formed of Khoda Bakhsh Khan, local Biharis and army men had launched attack on the village Shahpur when the army men gunned down Chand Ali Pramanik, Akhtar Pramanik, Anar Pramanik and Hamejuddin Pramanik to death.

In conjunction with the attack they also killed Rajob Ali Biswas and Shamsul Huq, the residents of the same village, around 7am.

On the same day the group of attackers looted valuables from 10-15 houses including that of Chand Ali Pramanik, Principal Toyob Hossain and Rahman Sarder and then set the houses on fire.

The charge number 6, that also earned him death said, on 12 May 1971 a group of 300 members of Pakistani occupation army accompanied by accused Moulana Abdus Subhan, the acting Ameer of Pabna district Jamaat and vice-president of Pabna district peace committee, launching attacks on Bangalee national group and Hindu religious group in Momrajpur, Kuripara, Tarabaria, Fokitpur, Satbaria, Kandarpur, Sindurpur, Nishchintapur, Gupinpur, Harirampur, Shyamnagar, Narohati, Singhanagar and Bhatpara under police station Sujanagar district Pabna

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

and abducted 400 leaders and workers of Awami League, supporters of the war of liberation and people belonging to Hindu community and killed them.

In conjunction with the attack the perpetrators burned down and plundered several houses. Therefore, the accused has been charged for abetting and facilitating commission of the offences of murder as crimes against humanity and also for the offence of genocide.

Son of Sheikh Naimuddin and Nurani Begum of Tailakundi village in Sujanagar upazila of Pabna, Subhan was the general secretary of peace committee, a collaborating force of the Pakistan occupation army, in Pabna in 1971, according to the prosecution. Later, he was made vice-president of the committee.

He was the founding ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Pabna unit and a Majlish-e-Sura member of the party’s central unit during the war, said the prosecution.

Subhan was elected unopposed a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1971. He fled to Pakistan when the war was nearing its end. He rejoined politics after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.

He was elected lawmaker from Jamaat in 1996 and 2001, according to a defense counsel. l

Subhan to challenge verdict, lawyer says n Tribune Report Defence lawyers for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdus Subhan yesterday said they would file an appeal petition, challenging the tribunal verdict against him while the prosecution expressed satisfaction with the verdict.

A three-member International Crimes Tribunal 2, led by Justice Obaidul Hassan, yesterday handed down the death penalty to Subhan for atrocities committed during the liberation war of 1971.

Shishir Munir, lawyer of the senior Jamaat leader, said: “The verdict, which is given on the basis of the witnesses who were aged between two, three and four years at the time of the incident, is not acceptable. The tribunal has made a lawful and informational mistake while delivering the verdict.”

Adding that every case is unique, Shishir expressed hope regarding their appeal: “Just because the Appellate Division discharged previous appeals does not mean they will not accept this petition.”

“We will present our points in the appeal,” he said.

Subhan’s son Nesar Ahmed said his father is completely innocent and had absolutely nothing to do with the war crimes he has been proved guilty for.

“We will appeal with the higher court

and hope to get justice,” he said.

On the other hand, Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud Simon expressed satisfaction over the verdict, and said: “We are happy as we were successful in proving three charges against Subhan, for which he was awarded the death penalty.”

Subhan’s son: We will appeal with the higher court and hope to get justice “We also tried our best to prove the three other charges in which Subhan was acquitted, but we failed to convince the tribunal,” he said.

Gonojagoron Mancha, the youthled Shahbagh movement that sparked off in February 2013 demanding death penalty for all guilty war criminals, has expressed satisfaction with the verdict.

Its spokesperson Imran H Sarker said: “We are happy with the verdict as it meets our expectations.”

“The war crimes trial procedure can be complete only once the verdict is executed,” he added. l

PM: Khaleda must stand trial for burning people n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia could not avoid the responsibility for burning people to death, and must stand trial for her acts.

While speaking at the weekly question-and-answer session in the parliament, the prime minister said cases had been filed against Khaleda and the law would take its own course.

“Necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the law against Khaleda. All these acts she had committed cannot go unpunished.”

Responding to a supplementary question from Shamim Osman, the prime minister claimed that Khaleda had links with international militant group Islamic State (IS).

“Terrorist activities are being carried out globally. The IS burned 45 Egyptians to death. She [Khaleda] has a connection with the IS as she is now burning people of Bangladesh to death after joining hands with the militant group.

These acts cannot go unpunished.”

Hasina said Khaleda had been killing people in arson attacks and she was ordering the attacks from her office.

“She [Khaleda] is burning people, she is killing people. The people of Bangladesh will never tolerate such killings,” she said.

Reiterating that Khaleda had unleashed a reign of terror across the country by killing innocent people,

Hasina claimed that some cadres of Jamaat-e-Islami and Chhatra Shibir were involved in the killings.

“The trial for these acts will surely be held in Bangladesh. Such heinous crimes cannot be accepted. If these are tolerated, it will bring destructive consequences for the country.”

The prime minister said Khaleda had imposed general strikes across the country since February 2, when the Secondary School Certificate examinations were scheduled to begin.

She also questioned what the BNP chairperson would achieve by ruining the academic life of the examinees.

Hasina, also the Awami League president, said boycotting the 10th general elections was a wrong political decision for Khaleda.

“Why the people of the country will have to pay the price for her [Khaleda] wrong decision? She is now taking revenge on people. What sort of act is this?”

Hasina said: “People will one day spit on the BNP. They will not even utter the party’s name.”

In response to another question, the prime minister said the business community had claimed a loss of Tk75,000 crore so far.

“This means export will go up if there is no strike or blockade,” she said.

Hasina also warned a newspaper, which she said was instigating Hizb ut-Tahrir members by publishing their messages and posters. l

A group of people uses fire extinguishers to douse the fire set to a sedan car by miscreants in the capital’s Green Road area yesterday. The incident took place soon after the verdict against Jamaat leader Abdus Subhan was declared MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Secretarial body gets more time to review hikes

Deep-sea exploration deal to be signed with USNorwegian venture

n Asif Showkat Kallol

n Aminur Rahman Rasel

PAY COMMISSION PROPOSALS

The government has extended the tenure by four weeks of a secretarial committee tasked with reviewing the recommendations put forward by the national pay commission.

The Cabinet Division issued a circular yesterday regarding the extension.

Last week, the division took consent from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in this regard.

The secretarial review committee was supposed to submit a report to Finance Minister AMA Muhith on February 15 at the end of the six-week time given to them for completing the task.

According to a Finance Division official associated with the committee, there are big differences between the National Pay and Services Commission’s (NPSC) recommendations and what the review committee has found.

“So, more time is needed to finalise the execution of the next pay scale for government employees, considering that there are budget constraints in the wake of the ongoing blockade and hartals,” the official said.

Finance Ministry sources say if the government follows the NPSC’s salaries and allowances revision proposals, then expenditure in this head would go

up by 63.7% which means an additional Tk22,953 crore will be needed.

NPSC Chairman Mohamand Farashuddin had earlier said financing the additional amount would not be a problem if only 1% revenue growth can be ensured.

In addition to reviewing pay hike proposals for public servants, the committee is also looking after the recommended pay hikes for the armed forces From July to December – the first half of the ongoing 2014-15 fiscal year – the National Board of Revenue managed to mobilise only a little over Tk48,000 crore or around 39% of the aggregate collection target of Tk1,49,000 crore.

Since the political turmoil erupted early last month, the target was slashed by around 16%.

The six-member secretarial committee, led by Cabinet Secretary Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, was formed a month ago.

The five other members of the committee are the finance secretary, secretary to the prime minister, public administration secretary, defence secretary and housing and public works secretary.

In addition to reviewing the pay hike proposals for government employees, the committee is also looking after the recommended pay hikes for the armed forces.

Sources said the secretarial committee is mainly dealing with the controversial issues such as deputation, contractual jobs, time scale and selection grades.

The NPSC submitted it proposals to the finance minister on December 21 last year, recommending doubling the salaries, plots for group housing and introducing bank loan for single-digit interest rates for public servants.

The highest salary of Tk 1 lakh was recommended for the cabinet secretary and principal secretary to the prime minister; currently their basic monthly pay is Tk45,000.

The government plans to implement the hikes from July this year. The 8th National Pay and Services Commission was formed in November 2013.

Currently, there are over 832,000 government employees and around 500,000 pensioners in the country. l

In the wake of a nagging energy shortage, state-owned Petrobangla is set to sign deal with a joint venture of USbased ConocoPhillips and Norwegian Statoil ASA within two months to explore hydrocarbon in three deep-sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal.

If gas is found, according to the amended production sharing contracts (PSCs), Petrobangla will purchase gas from the blocks at a rate of $6.5 per 1,000 cubic feet. There are allegations that the revision was made under pressure from the international oil companies operating in Bangladesh.

“One year after the recommendation, we got approval from the [cabinet] committee on Wednesday. Now we are taking preparations to sign a deal with the joint venture,” Petrobangla Chairman Istiaque Ahmad told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday after getting approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

In its meeting yesterday, the cabinet committee headed by Finance Minister AMA Muhith approved the Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s proposal to pen PSCs with the international oil companies.

“It will be a great scope for oil-gas exploration and production in the deep sea

for us,” said the Petrobangla chairman.

“Now, no company is operating at the deep-sea area. The government accepted the US-Norwegian joint venture offer for three blocks; we think it is a great opportunity for Bangladesh,” Ijaz Hossain, a professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) told the Dhaka Tribune.

“I think this will help to explore hydrocarbon that will meet the energy shortage,” he said.

In January 2014, ConocoPhillips and Statoil jointly submitted bidding documents to explore for oil and natural gas in three deep-sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal – 12, 16 and 21 – under the amended Model PSCs 2012.

Interestingly, after six years of negotiation, ConocoPhillips was earlier awarded two more gas blocks in the deep sea through an international bidding process in 2008. But after 2D seismic survey, it pulled out from the blocks.

ConocoPhillips has also recently refused to sign the PSC for oil and gas exploration in shallow sea block number 7.

Petrobangla has recently invited tenders to conduct a marine 2D seismic survey of the sovereign offshore areas of Bangladesh on a non-exclusive multi-client basis for fresh bidding round tenders for new oil and gas blocks. l

MATARBARI POWER PLANT

Indo-GermanBD firms get consultancy job n Tribune Report

A joint venture of consultancy firms based in India, Germany and Bangladesh has been awarded the job for consulting on the construction of the proposed 1,200MW Matarbari power plant in Maheshkhali.

At its meeting presided over by Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday, the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase approved a proposal from the Power Division in this regard.

After the meeting, Cabinet Division Joint Secretary Mustafizur Rahman told journalists that Indian firm STEAG Energy Services Ltd, Germany’s STEAG Energy Services GmbH Essen and BCL Bangladesh have been appointed as consultants for a fee of Tk20.5 crore.

Earlier, Power Division Secretary Monowar Islam told the Dhaka Tribune that the Matarbari project would start this year and is expected to finish by 2023. A township will also be developed near the Matarbari power plant, he added.

Meanwhile, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has already confirmed its financial support for the Matarbari power plant project, as well as setting up a deep sea port there to handle imported coal for the proposed Matarbari plant at Maheshkhali island in the Bay of Bengal. l

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Mass awareness can help patients with incurable diseases die peacefully n Abid Azad Relieving the pain of a patient with an incurable disease – the palliative care – can help such patients die peacefully, and speakers at a seminar yesterday stressed the need for mass awareness and cooperation in this regard.

The seminar titled “Significance of Palliative Care in Bangladesh,” organised by Centre for Palliative Care, was held yesterday at the capital’s Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University’s (BSMMU) Shahid Milton Hall.

Professor and in-charge of Centre for Palliative Care Dr Nezamuddin Ahmad said: “Relatively a novel concept in the country, Palliative care is an approach that improves the life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses through prevention and relief measures by means of early identification and treatment of pain and other problems.”

He said: “Mostly the incurable patients face four kinds of problems which are physical, financial, psychological and spiritual.

“About 35 million patients out of 55

million people who die every year in the world need urgent palliative care.

Seven million of them died from cancer only in 2007 and 70% of them had to endure a period of extreme mental and physical pain before death. But we could have ensured a painless demise for them, providing a little bit of trained care and help like easing an asthma problem or cleaning up a wound.

“Our Centre for Palliative Care at BSMMU has been providing palliative care for those incurable patients on a regular basis since 2011…World Health Organisation (WHO) also asked for its member countries to endorse palliative care into their national health policy.”

He also mentioned that there are about 6 lakh possible incurable patients in the country at present. In 2014 they treated 1,344 patients with only 19 beds.

“We are also facing problems regarding the treatment as we face obstacles in getting morphine. It is a life saving medicine for cancer patients in alleviating their severe physical pain.

There are many bureaucratic and legal problems in buying morphine in our country,” he pointed out.

“It is incorrect to say, there is nothing else we can do. It is a skeptic notion and we must get rid of it. We can always do something and we must do our best till the end to ease the pain of an incurable patient. This summarises the attitude of palliative care,” he said.

BSMMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Pran Gopal Datta said: “This is not only for the incurable patients. It is high time that we need to think of ourselves and of our nearest and dearest ones.

Such palliative care would be necessary for us too one day. We hope we can increase the number of beds to 100 soon with special consideration for child patients as the number of child cancer patients is increasing day by day.”

Members of Society of Musical Bands in Bangladesh (SMB) composed a theme song titled “Bondhu Tomar Haat ta Barao” highlighting the significance of palliative care.

Several cultural personalities, including Ilias Kanchon, Fahmida Nabi, Sharmin Lucky, Bappa Mazumder, Momotaz Begom, Abdun Noor Tushar, were present at the programme and showed solidarity. l

Thursday, February 19, 2015

2014 SURVEY BY PEW RESEARCH CENTRE Charge framing deferred in SQ Chowdhury verdict leak case trends – carried out the survey in 30 n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu n Tribune Report emerging and developing nations and

60% satisfied, 39% unhappy with politics

The Cyber Tribunal yesterday deferred the hearing on charge framing in the case filed after a portion of draft verdict in BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury’s war crimes case was leaked.

Tribunal Judge KM Shamsul Alam reset February 24 to frame charges against seven accused – as the prosecution failed to produce them before court on security grounds. The court also rejected the bail petition of two accused—Mehedi Hasan and Nayan Ali. Earlier, the tribunal had granted bail to SQ Chowdhury’s wife Farhat Quader Chowdhury and son Humam Quader Chowdhury upon a bond of Tk1 lakh for each with two guarantors.

On October 12 last year, the same court issued warrant for arrest of the accused after taking the charge sheet of the case into cognisance.

On August 28, DB Inspector Mohammand Shahjahan, also investigation officer of the case, submitted a charge sheet against seven persons to Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, mentioning 25 people as prosecution witnesses.

Of the seven accused, Farhat, Humam and Mehedi Hasan – an assistant to SQ Chowdhury’s lawyer – were shown fugitives in the charge sheet.

Four other accused – Salauddin’s manager Mahbubul Ahsan, his lawyer Barrister AKM Fakhrul Islam, the tribunal’s Office Assistant Faruk Hossain and janitor Nayan Ali – are now in jail.

On October 1, 2013, the ICT 1 awarded SQ Chowdhury death sentence for committing crimes against humanity and genocide in Chittagong during the war.

Shortly after the verdict, his family members and defence counsels claimed that the verdict had been leaked before it was even declared. l

A study that was conducted during April-May last year, shows that around 60% Bangladeshis were satisfied with the way the political system was working in the country, while 39% said they were unhappy.

However, more than three-fourth of the people who were interviewed said they believed that the wealthy had too much influence on politics, while the poor had too little influence.

The findings were made by Washington DC-based Pew Research Center, which did face-to-face interviews of 1,000 adults in different area of Bangladesh from April 14 to May 11 last year.

The results were published on its website last week.

Among those surveyed, 47% said they were “somewhat satisfied,” 13% said they were “very satisfied” about the political system; among the rest, 28% were “somewhat dissatisfied,” 11% were “very dissatisfied,” and the remaining 1% refused to give any political views.

More than 78% opined that those with high incomes had “too much” political influence, 11% said the high-earning people had “not enough” power, 9% said the rich had the “right amount” of influence, and 2% refused to comment.

In contrast, most thought middleand lower-income people had too little influence on politics.

Over 55% said middle-income people did not have enough power, while 63% observed the view about people with lower incomes.

The rest of the world

Apart from Bangladesh, Pew Research Centre – the American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic

Tarique defamation case report sought n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu Microbuses labelled as ambulance are seen parked outside Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in this recently taken photo. Though the hospital has its own ambulance services, these private ambulances swarm in front of the hospital, offering its services. Some clinic owners say this is illegal as the vehicles do not have proper medical equipments that are mandatory in an ambulance AZAHAR UDDIN

Arrest warrant issued against BNP leader Aman, 22 others

n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday issued a warrant for arrest of 23 BNP leaders and activists, including Joint Secretary-General Amanullah Aman and former Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal president Sultan Salauddin Tuku, in two arson cases.

Dhaka Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Nazmul Haque Shyamal passed the order as the accused did not appear in the court during a hearing yesterday.

The defence counsels filed petitions seeking time but the court rejected them.

The court also fixed March 12 to start the trial in the cases filed with Savar police station.

On November 13 last year, the court indicted 89 BNP leaders and activists, including Aman, in two vandalism and arson cases.

According to the case documents, Sub-Inspector Abdul Haque Shikdar of Savar Model police station filed the case for vandalising and torching vehicles at Aminbazar on December 9, 2012.

Police submitted a charge sheet against 65 people, including Aman and BNP International Affairs Secretary Nazim Uddin Alam, on December 25, 2012.

Another case was filed by a person named Abdul Jalil with the same police station on charge of torching vehicles in front of Tetuljhara College at Aminbazar the same day.

On December 23, 2012, SI Sajjad Roman submitted a charge sheet against 24 BNP men, including Aman and Dewan Salauddin Babu, in the case. l

A Dhaka court yesterday asked police to submit the probe report on a defamation case against BNP Senior Vice-chairman Tarique Rahman on March 30.

Metropolitan Magistrate Muhammad Anwar Sadat set the date as Paltan police failed to submit the report yesterday.

In the case, Tarique, also the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was charged with slandering Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On November 17 last year, Md Monir Khan, assistant secretary of Awami League’s central sub-committee, lodged the case with Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka.

According to the case statement, Tarique, while

addressing a discussion in East London on November 7, said a sedition case should be lodged against Bangabandhu because he had taken oath as the president after returning to independent Bangladesh on January 10, 1972, as a Pakistani citizen with a Pakistani passport.

The plaintiff said Tarique’s remarks had tarnished the image of Bangabandhu and the Awami League to such an extent that it could not be redeemed by even paying Tk100 crore.

On December 22, 2014, Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mahbubur Rahman took cognisance of the case and issued an arrest warrant against Tarique. He also asked police to submit a report on the execution of warrant on January 20 this year. l

found that people in these countries were on balance unhappy with the way their political systems were working.

Discontent is particularly widespread in the Middle East and Latin America, where about six-in-ten said their system is not working well.

The opposite is true, however, in Asia – a median of 60% are either very or somewhat satisfied with their political system. With about two-thirds (66%) reporting satisfaction, Malaysians are the most positive, while Indians (63%) and Filipinos (61%) also hold similar views.

Only in Thailand, which in the past year has been ravaged by political turmoil including a coup, did an overwhelming majority (70%) said they were dissatisfied.

Middle Easterners (a median of 61%) and Latin Americans (59%) voiced the greatest displeasure with the way their political systems were working. In Lebanon, this frustration is particularly high – 90% say they are dissatisfied with the way the system works, a view shared by about seven-in-ten Palestinians and Tunisians.

In Latin America, discontent is especially strong in Colombia (75%) and Brazil (71%). Within the region, satisfaction with the political system is most common in Nicaragua and El Salvador, the two Central American countries surveyed.

In sub-Saharan Africa, people are split nearly equally on this question – a median of 50% are dissatisfied and 49% are satisfied.

Dissatisfaction is highest in the West African nations of Ghana (65%) and Nigeria (60%). Tanzanians and Ugandans are among the happiest with their political system – more than six-in-ten in both countries believe it is working well. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

News

Manpower shortage hits Sylhet hospital n Our Correspondent, Sylhet About 10 million people in Sylhet are deprived of proper health care facilities as the only modern hospital of the division is struggling to operate with a huge shortage in manpower.

MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, situated in the north-west side of Sylhet city, is a 900-bed establishment being run with the number of staffs and doctors adequate for a 500-bed one.

This has resulted in a dramatic decline in providing health care services to the more than 2,000 patients that visit the hospital each day.

On February 10, at least 32 people including 10 infants died in a span of 24 hours in the hospital creating an uproar across the country.

Brigadier General Abdus Sabur Miah, director of the hospital told the Dhaka Tribune that there were 950 staffs working currently instead of

the required 1233.

“Still 277 posts are lying vacant. Of them 60 are for doctors, 145 for nurses and the rests are various posts for administrative officials. We have sent recommendation to the ministry to appoint the necessary doctors and nurses,” he said.

On February 10, at least 32 people including 10 infants died in a span of 24 hours in the hospital creating an uproar across the country Hospital sources said the number of beds in the hospital was 500 till 1999, when it was increased to 900. However, the personnel of the hospital was not increased accordingly.

Assistant Director of the hospital,

Abdus Salam said: “We are trying our best to provide better service even with a shortage of staffs. Ours being a tertiary medical college hospital, we face a huge pressure of patients.”

Meanwhile, the probe committee formed to investigate the 32 ‘unusual’ deaths of February 10 is yet to submit a report.

Brigadier General Abdus Sabur Miah said the investigation was in the final stage and the committee was given five more days to complete the report.

“We have contacted the guardians or relatives of some of the deceased patients. But due to the blockade and hartals, they have not been able to come for an interview,” he added.

Following the deaths, the Health Ministry formed separate probe committees headed by Joint Secretary (hospitals) Md Mosharraf Hossain and the hospital’s Chief of Medicine Dr Ismail Patwary. l

Dr Zoha remembered n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi As per long-pending demand, Rajshahi University (RU) teachers, students and employees observed yesterday as “National Teachers’ Day” in honour of Dr Shamsuzzoha, the county’s first martyred intellectual during the 1969 mass uprising.

On February 18, 1969, Dr Zoha, then RU proctor and professor of chemistry department, was gunned down on the university’s main entrance gate by the Pakistani Army while he was requesting the force not to shoot the students who brought out procession defying the section 144.

The students were on streets in protest of the murder of sergeant Zahurul Haque, an accused in the Agartala conspiracy case, in the custody of the Pakistani forces.

Afterwards, Dr Zoha’s death sparked violent protests across the then East Pakistan finally leading to the fall of the Ayub regime.

Commemorating the day, RU authorities chalked out several functions including mourning procession, special prayer and discussion.

Black flags were hoisted at the administrative building, the VC residence and library as well as all departments and the dormitories of the university.

Around 6:45am, the RU authorities led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin placed wreaths on the grave of Dr Zoha in front of the administrative building.

Around 10am, there was a discussion where RU teacher Prof Hasan Azizul Haque read out Dr Zoha memorial speech as the chief guest while the VC and Treasurer Prof Sayen Uddin addressed the event among others as well.

Chemistry department Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam presided over the programme.

Besides, different cultural, voluntary and political parties also paid tribute to Dr Zoha by placing wreaths on his grave.

A special prayer was offered after Zohr prayers in RU central Mosque and its museum, where the memories of the university’s martyred intellectuals including Dr Zoha remained preserved, was allowed to enter for the visitors from 8am to 5pm. l

5 killed in road accidents in 3 districts

n Tribune Report

At least five people were killed in road accidents in Natore, Rajshahi and Madaripur districts yesterday.

Our Natore correspondent reports: At least three people were killed and nine others injured when a truck rammed a mini-truck in Karbala area in Baraigram upazila of the district.

Police said the Rangpur-bound mini-truck fell into a roadside ditch after it was hit by a potato-leaden truck when its driver lost control over the steering, leaving 12 passengers of the mini-truck injured.

The injured were first rushed to a local clinic. Later, six of them were shifted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Among the six injured, three people succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

Our Rajshahi correspondent said a man was killed and six others were injured after a passenger carrying three-wheeler and a good-laden truck collided head-on on the Rajshahi-Chapanawabganj Highway.

Quoting locals, Godagari police station Officer-in-Charge SM Abu Farhad said a Chapainawabganj bound passenger bus rammed into a three-wheeler leaving Jakir Hossain, 35, son of Lal Muhammad of Chandipur dead on the spot and six injured. A case was filed in this connection.

Madaripur correspondent said a minor girl was killed at Kalkini upazila of the district.

Locals said Ema,6, daughter of Iqbal Hossain, died in front of Kalkini Press Club as a motorcycle hit her. She was going to a restaurant for having breakfast. l visit our website @

www.dhakatribune.com

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 DHAKA TODAY TOMORROW SUN SETS 5:55PM SUN RISES 6:29AM FORECAST FOR TODAY 28 28 28 26 29 30 26 28

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

18 18 15 15 16 17 16 18

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

31.0ºC Cox's Bazar

09.1ºC Srimangal

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

5:15am 6:31am 12:13am 4:17pm 5:54pm 7:10pm

SourceL IslamicFinder.org

5

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Bike lifters’ gang arrested in Chittagong n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Their ages and educations would have lead them to creative works, but it was their greed which guided them through criminal activities.

They are four in number. But their leader who is a law student does not take part in stealing operatin directly since he knows provision of laws and its punishment.

Ariful Islam Nirob, 23, son of late Abdul Haque, of Senbag in Noakhali, a fourth year student of Premier University, leads the gang remaining behind the scene.

Nirob and his three associates – Shamim Mannan, Habib and unidentified another one – residents of city’s Rasulbag residential area told police personnel while giving a confessional statement yesterday.

A team from Bakalia police station arrested Nirob and Shamim when they were stealing a motorcycle from local Jhinuk Bhaban’s car parking in the city on Tuesday night.

During the interrogation, they told law enforcers that they had stolen only two bikes in the last two months. But police said they number would be more.

Officer-in-Charge of Bakalia police station Mohammad Mohsin said financial condition of Nirob’s family was good. He also earned money from tuition. But it was not enough for him, he wanted to pocket huge amount of money within short period.

As the youth wanted to live life in more stylish way, he choose the crime’s world, the OC said.

“Nirob met with Shamim, a resident of Feni, when he went to his elder brother’s residence and promised Shamim to manage a good job and took him to the city. Later, Nirob made his gang with Shamim, Habib and another one to steal bikes,” he said.

A case was lodged with Bakalia police station in this connection. l

Miscreants cut Jubo League leader’s tendon in Rajshahi n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi A straw-laden truck turns turtle on road after hitting a rain tree in Bondhogate area in Rajshahi city. Following the accident, vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway remained suspended for three hours AZAHAR UDDIN

Special security in fuel depots, major installations n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Fearing subversive activities, authorities concerned took special security measures yesterday in Chittagong city’s state-run fuel depots, refinery installations, and major Key Point Installations (KPIs), as some senior officials of vital state-run establishments received sabotage attack threats by SMS. Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) had already imposed an embargo on plying motorbikes and CNG-run auto-rickshaw from Cement Crossing-Airport Bypass road until the next order, while all vehicles were asked to run on the city’s main roads on the stretch without stopping transports, said CMP sources.

CMP Commissioner (Acting) AKM Shahidur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune

they had set three special check posts in the entire port zone to monitor public movement to evade any kind of untoward situations.

“Additional police forces, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, and the respective establishments’ Ansar men are kept on the highest alert,” he said.

The depots of state-run fuel companies such as Padma, Meghna and Jamuna, the Eastern Refinery, Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong Port, Bangladesh Naval Academy, Bangladesh Air Force’s Jahurul Haque Base, Chittagong Boat Club, Chittagong Golf Club, Patenga Sea Beach, and Karnaphuli River’s opposite bank adjoining Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited, Bangladesh Marine Academy, Bangladesh Coast Guard Eastern Zone Base,

and other KPIs are in the area, said CMP sources.

CMP Deputy Commissioner (Port Zone) Harun-or-Rashid Hajaree told Dhaka Tribune that some officials of the fuel depots and other adjoining areas received threats of sabotage attacks via SMS to their personal phone numbers.

“We have met with the respective establishments’ senior officials, and have been instructed to be cautious of their regular works. Besides, visitors in these areas are being kept under intensive monitoring,” he said.

A CMP senior official said the BNP-Jamaat-minded establishment officials have sent the SMS threats, though police are investigating the matter.

The names of the officials who received threats were not revealed due to security reasons, added the Deputy

Commissioner.

The country’s key fuel and fuel refinery installations are in a mere 2.5 mile area in Patenga, along with other KPIs. There are an international airport, a sea port and 46 KPIs in Chittagong under the A, B and C categories, out of 394 KPIs in the country.

During the recent blockade and hartal enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, the trend of targeting important government and private establishments and Key Point Installations (KPIs) was seen mostly in Chittagong.

Pickets target important government and public establishments nearly every day, and have blasted crude or petrol bombs in front of those establishments, or its neighbouring areas, to damage infrastructure and create panic amongst locals, police said. l

A group of miscreants severed the tendons of a Jubo League leader and hacked an activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at Binodpur Bazar in Rajshahi on Tuesday night.

The victims are Mehedi Hasan Eyamin, 30, president of Ward Number 30 of Rajshahi city unit of Jubo League, a youth wing of ruling Awami League (AL); and Ishtiak Ahmed Ishar, 22, a member of Motihar Thana unit of BCL, a student body of AL. Motihar police station Officer-inCharge Abdur Rouf said a group of 8-10 masked miscreants attacked Eyamin and Ishar with sharp weapons at a tea shop in the area around 10pm.

The miscreants slashed Eyamin with sharp knives several times and severed the tendons of his left hand and leg.

They also slashed at Ishar when he tried to save Eyamin, he said. Later, the miscreants fled the scene exploding several crude bombs, he added.

Locals rushed both the victims to Rajshahi Medial College Hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

The process of filing a case is underway, the OC said. l

7 hurt in clash at Bishwa Day labourer protests political violence Ijtema ground in Tongi n Our Correspondent, Comilla

n Our Correspondent, Gazipur At least seven people were injured in a clash between two group of members of Tablighi Jamaat at the Bishwa Ijtema ground in Tongi yesterday.

Of the injured, two people – M Jakaria,32, and M Ajhar Uddin,29—were undergoing treatment at a hospital in Tongi.

A tense situation was prevailing at the Ijtema ground after the incident.

Police said the clash ensued over distribution of leaflets by members of a faction of Tablighi Jamaat around 7am.

The leaflets claimed that Oasikul Islam, a senior member of Tablighi Jamaat at Kakrail in the capital, was involved in corruption.

Maleka Banu, a sub-inspector at Tongi Model police station, said additional police forces have deployed to bring situation under control.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Mahmudur Rahman, a member of Tablig Jamaat, said they had been protesting corruption of Oasikul Islam.

He claimed that they are only the real followers of TTablighi Jamaat.

“The followers of Oasikul attacked us when we were distributing leaflets, which contained awareness raising messages at the Ijtema ground,” he said.

Using the name of Tablighi Jamaat and Bishwa Ijtema, Oasikul has been collecting huge amount of money as donations from different persons and organisations in home abroad, and had misused the money, he claimed.

Despite repeated try over cellphone, the Dhaka Tribune, however, could not reach Oasikul for his comment.

Engineer Gias Uddin, a senior member of Tablig Jamaat at Kakrail, said a vested interest group has been engaged in spreading propaganda to hamper the activities of the Bishwa Ijtema.

The distribution of the leaflets was a part of the propaganda, he claimed.

“One might have personal clash with anyone. Bringing the Bishwa Ijtema into their personal clashes is not a right thing,” he said. l

Habibur Rahman from Laksham, Comilla proved that it only takes good intentions and courage to stand up for a cause.

The 55-year-old day labourer, resident of Uttar Narpati village in Laksham upazila with an ultra-poor background, was seen holding banners saying “Stop killing people with petrol bombs,” “Let’s unite to protect innocent lives” and “Love the people of Bangladesh.”

His protest was quite unique – there was no one else with him, nor was he shouting slogans when he took his stand on the Laksham bypass road yesterday afternoon. With the national flag tied around his head, Habib staged his protest by only holding up his banners.

Tipped off, when journalists approached him, Habib said: “Save us by restoring peace in this country – get our political leaders to get together and find a peaceful solution to their differences. ” Asked why he staged the protest alone, he said: “Hearing about people dying in all those attacks, I cannot sleep at night. So I borrowed some money from my wife, made the banners and came here to make my stand.” l

Habibur Rahman, a day labourer, carrying a banner takes to the street in Comilla town yesterday with a call to stop the ongoing violence DHAKA TRIBUNE

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Nation

Thursday, February 19, 2015

RAMPANT SAND LIFTING FROM MEGHNA RIVER

Bhola town protection embankment under threat n Ahad Choudhury Tuhin, Bhola A section of influential people are lifting sands illegally from the bank at Gajirpur Char Point of Meghna River adjacent to Bhola district town, intensifying the threat of river bank erosion.

Rampant sand lifting from the river also puts the Bhola Town Protection Embankment under serious risk of breaking down.

Paying no heed to the repeated plea of the locals, they are continuing the act with high-powered dredger and doing brisk business.

The syndicate of sand traders allegedly belonging to ruling Awami League (AL) have continued the unscrupulous act for over a month.

During a recent visit to the area, the Dhaka Tribune found that a number of dredgers were engaged in lifting sand in the area.

A dredger can lift at least 25 to 30 cubic feet of sand in a day, said workers at the dredgers.

With lifting of sands, holes are created in the river bed. There is a possibility of displacement of the Cement Concrete (CC) blocks of the embankment due to holes, a senior official, who preferred not be named, at Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Bhola, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“With the displacement of the CC

blocks, the risk of breaking the embankment becomes high,” he said.

Locals informed the matter for several times to local administration expressing their concerns over the risk of erosion.

The issue was also raised in the meeting of the district development committee at the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office in Bhola in November last year.

Bhola District Deputy Commissioner M Selim Reza told the Dhaka Tribune that they have not given lease of sand field to anybody in the district. So lifting of sand is illegal.

“If anyone lifts sand from the river, legal action will be taken after proper investigation,” he said.

The district administration, however, conducted several drives against the sand lifters since November last year. But the drives could put almost no impact on the activity of the illegal sand traders.

In a recent move, the district administration conducted a drive led by Magistrate M Masudur Rahman on February 14 this year.

During the drive, police detained 16 people with two dredgers and a sand carrying cargo.

The detained were Jakir Hossain, M Liton, Ibrahim Hossain, M Sohag, M Foejul, Rabiul Islam, M Mohasin, Mat-

Fire at Begumganj land office n Our Correspondent, Noakhali

Diarrhoea spate turns alarming in Lakshmipur, Comilla and Chandpur

A devastating blaze burnt down the office of Begumganj upazila Assistant Commissioner (land) partly in Chowmuhani bazar early yesterday.

In the fire, about thousands of public document particularly pertaining to land were burnt to ashes.

Sahadat Hossain, inspector of Begumganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, said they rushed to the spot around 5am being informed by the locals and doused the fire after one hour of frantic efforts.

They suspected that the fire might have originated from electric short circuit, the inspector went on.

Begumganj AC (land) Khondaker Mohammad Rezaul Karim and UNO Saiyada Nahida Habiba visited the spot while the former termed the incident was an act of sabotage as he had found a glass of a window broken and an empty bottle of kerosene inside the gutted room. l

Correspondent, n Our Lakshmipur The number of diarrhoea affected patients have taken an alarming turn in Lakshmipur, Comilla and Chandpur with infection of about 1,300 people with the water-born diseases.

According to International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR’B) Motlab centre, about 80 to 85 patients are coming to the hospital everyday and the number is increasing day by day.

The ICDDR’B sources said people of five upazilas in Chandpur, including Motlab Uttor, Motlab Dakhshin and Chandpur Sadar, have been affected Rotavirus diarrhoea.

A total of 1,244 people have received treatment from Motlab ICDDR’B in the last 15 days so far.

Labourers illegally lift sand through a dredger from the Meghna River. The photo was taken yesterday iur Rahman, Abul Kalam, Babul Islam, Shakif, Khalilur Rahm, Yakub Ali, Farid Uddin, M Mizan and Al Amin.

Magistrate M Masudur Rahman asked the Detective Branch of police file a case with Bhola police station against the people.

However, Bhola police station Of-

Of the patients, 56 people of Lakshmipur Sadar upazila, 78 of Raipur upazila, 67 of Ramganj upazila, 188 of Chandpur Sadar upazila, 136 of Faridganj upazila, 75 of Haziganj upazila, 75 of Kachua upazila, 70 of Uttor Motlab upazila, 60 of Motlab Daksin, 50 of Haimchar upazila and 50 of Shahrasti upazila, have taken treatment from the hospital.

Apart from this, a total of 257 diarrhoea patients came to the hospital and received treatment.

Now, the number of diarrhoea patients who are coming to the centre is double than normal time, the sources said, adding that normally, 40-45 diarrhoea patients come to the hospital to receive treatment.

During a visit to the ICDDR’B centre, this correspondent found that most of the patients are chil-

dren aged between one to five years.

Amena Begum, a resident of Faridganj upazila, came to the centre yesterday with her sevenmonth-old daughter Muntaha.

She said: “As my daughter was vomiting, we brought her to the hospital, now she is stable.”

Chandra Shekhor Das, a physician of the hospital, told the Dhaka Tribune that stinky water and unhygienic foods were the main reasons behind the spread of diarrhoea.

Employees and physicians of the hospital are struggling to give medicines and accommodation facilities to the huge people with their limited supports, he said.

He also blamed fluctuation in temperature for the rise in number of cases of diarrhoea. l

Ilish fry seized n Our Correspondent, Munshiganj Coast Guard in a drive seized 100 maunds ilish fry from four launches in the Dhaleshwari River under Sadar upazila yesterday.

Fisheries officer Sahajad Khasru said a coast guard team conducted the drive at Dhaka-bound MV Gazi-1, MV Prince, MV Morning Sun and MV Purbali in the river and recovered the fish worth over TK9 lakh.

Sensing the presence of law enforcers the fish traders fled away from the scene.

The seized fry was distributed to the poor and different madrasas and orphanages in the district. l

Firearms recovered

Correspondent, n Our Satkhira

Students of Rajshahi Shishu Academy form a human chain in front of the academy yesterday with a call to stop violence which is going on during the non-stop blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance DHAKA TRIBUNE

Irregularities over land lease in Brahmanbaria n

Our Correspondent, Brahmanbaria

A land of 1,600 sq ft for parking trucks and loading and unloading of goods is reportedly being divided among local influential people in Brahmanbaria industrial area.

They have grabbed the land belonging to the district administration by taking it on lease for a year through a secret deal.

District Administrator Syed Emdadul Bari, his personal assistant Al-Mamun and a few leaders of Awami League Brahmanbaria unit have been alleged in this connection.

On February 11, a meeting called by the law enforcement committee said wholesalers of Khalpar, Jagat Bazaar, Taan Bazaar, Sarak Bazaar and Hawker’s Market will be affected by the act while intense traffic will be created on the road.

The widespread allegation refers that the 1,600 sq ft land which costs Tk60-70lakh per acre was given on lease only at Tk1 lakh per sq ft.

The leaders of Brahmanbaria Industry and Traders Union said the matter was informed to the district administrator, local MP and the district council.

ficer-in-Charge (Investigation) Kamalesh Chandra said no case was filed in this regard and the detained people were not taken into police custody.

On condition anonymity, a subinspector of Bhola DB police, who was involved with the February 14’s drive, said the arrested were released as

Although high protest came upon consultation with local MP Aam Ubaidul Moktadir Chowdhury, the land was secretly divided on lease, claimed the leaders.

On November 23, 2013, 20 people applied for plots from the land to the LGED. The applications were sent to the divisional commissioner. After getting approval from the divisional commissioner the district council called for a tender. However, the tender was not published in any well-recognised national daily.

Md Bashir Ahmed, a small scale trader, said he did not have any shop on his own, however, he was not allocated any land.

Denying such allegation, District Council Office Secretary Amir Hossain said they did not apply for any shop.

Eighty people applied for 20 shops.

Al-Mamun said: “He did not apply for any shop. Anyone can be unhappy over the lease as some want to park trucks here while some try to grab it.”

District Council Chief Executive Officer Abdul Mannan said: “Tenders are supposed to be called through well circulated dailies. Everything has been done following rules.” l

Rapid Action Battalion recovered five firearms from Alipur village of Sadar upazila yesterday.

RAB-6 company commander Additional Superintend of Police Mizanur Rahman said on a tip-off, a team of law enforcers conducted a drive in the village and recovered 3 LG, 2 shooter guns and one pistol from nearby a house in abandoned condition. l

NEWS IN BRIEF One killed under train wheels

College student knifed to death

An unidentified man was found dead on railway tracks in Mahadanga Area under the district yesterday.

Railway Station Master Moniruzzaman said the man might have been killed under the wheels of the train coming from Rahanpur.On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Chapainawbganj Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

-Our Correspondent, Chapainawbganj

A college student was stabbed to death in Sadar upazila yesterday.

Sources said Loknath Dey,19, son of Kanailal Dey in Rezpara Pujar Math area was gossiping with his friends in front of a fast food shop in the town.

He was a student of Abdur Razzak College. At one stage of gossiping, Limu a friend of Loknath stabbed him leaving critically injured. Locals rescued him and sent to hospital where on duty doctors declared him dead. – Our Correspondent, Jessore

Journalist Kaosar no more Kaosar Ahmed, a veteran freedom fighter, local correspondent of Bangla Daily Ettefaq and founder of Panchagarh Press Club died yesterday in Panchagarh Sadar Hospital.

He was 65. According to family sources, Kaosar was admitted to the hospital in the morning as he was suffering from chest pain. He died at noon. He was buried at the district graveyard with state honour. He left behind wife, a lot of friends and relatives to mourn his death. – Our Correspondent, Panchagarh

Fratricide over land A man was hacked to death yesterday by his younger brother in Debinagar area under Sadar upazila over land dispute. Police and local sources said there had been conflict between two brothers-Israel Hossain and Saddam for long over their ancestral land in Terorsia village. In the morning, the two brothers got locked in altercation over the issue.

At one stage, they hacked each other with local weapons. Israel died on the spot while Saddam became injured critically. – Our Correspondent

DHAKA TRIBUNE

there was no specific allegation against them.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, many high officials of the local administration and police said they cannot strong action against the sand lifters as they are backed by highly influential politicians. l

Two jailed for cutting hills in Bandarban n Our Correspondent, Bandarban A mobile court sentenced two people to jail for erecting structures on a disputed land by cutting hill in Partbotya Bandarban district town yesterday.

Safikul Islam, an executive magistrate of Bandarban sadar upazila, said on a secrete information they conducted a drive in Fazar Ali Para area, and detained one Mojaffar and Badsha Mia for their involvement in cutting the hill.

Mojaffar was given seven days jail term and was fined Tk1,000. In default, he will have to suffer three more days in jail. While Badsha was sentenced to jail for seven days, he said.

According to locals, there was a dispute between Mojaffar and Subimal Bikas Tanchangya over ownership of a piece of land at the holding number 272 in the area.

Subimal filed a case with a Bandarban court as Mojaffar tried to control over the land claiming his ownership upon purchase of the land, said Subimal.

Later, the court asked the both parties not erect any structure on the land until the dispute was solved, he said.

Mojaffar, however, sold out the piece of land to Badsha Mia, and erected structure by cutting the hill to handover the ownership to the buyer, he added. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Long Form

7

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Will Modi realise his superpower aspirations?

South Asia’s future rests on Modi’s next moves. This is the concluding part to yesterday’s long form responsible partially for the decay of the mighty Turkish empire.

India will not be able to reach a breakthrough with Pakistan until real civilian control is established firmly over the army (as the Kargil incident of 1999 amply demonstrates). In the worst-case scenario, South Block would like to have an internally weakened emasculated Pakistan to deal with.

However, it is pertinent to point out that pursuing that policy could be detrimental to India’s long-term security interests as there could be risk of contagion of instability in India itself.

One only needs to see how the mighty Mughal Empire of Aurangzeb was enervated by constant raids by bands of Maratha warriors led by different chieftains.

It was ironically facilitated by the defeat of the original Maratha Kingdom at the hands of the Mughals. This eventually contributed to the rapid demise of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century.

In terms of initiating change in policy in South Block, Modi had sent a strong signal by sacking Sujatha Singh.

The lack of progress on economic diplomacy and souring of relations with the major powers (read USA) were cited by insiders as key reasons for Modi’s ire.

Her close family connections to the Congress and mishandling of relations within South Asia could not have helped matters. The man chosen to replace her (a week before his retirement) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is a diplomat who is equally respected in Washington and Beijing. Mr Jaishankar was a key negotiator in facilitating the 2008 civilian nuclear agreement

Enam Khan and n Shahab Parvez Karim Abbasi

T

he Congress’s overt and explicit regime-specific acclamation in favour of the AL was on show during the January 05, 2014 national elections in Bangladesh, which was boycotted by the leading opposition party BNP. The rather one-sided support from the Indian establishment alienated the remaining major political parties and fuelled anti-Indian resentment to a considerable degree. The AL government, on its part, has temporarily cracked down on extremists with ties to Pakistan or India’s home-grown terrorist groups.

However, the sustainability of this “delivery of security” has become questionable given the government’s lack of success in resolving the current political turmoil in Bangladesh, or in reducing the ongoing indefinite violence in the country.

Attempts to label the opposition political parties as terrorist groups are likely to add more salt to injury. The government has also come down hard on Islamist parties or groups which are

Time will tell how Modi manages to balance the two cornerstones of his vision of Indian foreign policy – Shanti and Shakti

professedly anti-Indian. At the risk of alienating a segment of the populace, the Bangladeshi government had boldly established a secular polity.

However, it has got painfully little from the UPA regime. It failed to deliver on the Mujib-Indira Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 or signing the Teesta River water sharing accord (in the face of implacable opposition from chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee) or putting a stop to unprovoked BSF killing of Bangladeshi civilians on the border.

It is no surprise that a breakthrough could not be reached on issues that are on top of India’s wish list – the issue of Dhaka formally granting New Delhi transit facilities to northeast India and cross-border coordination in reducing illegal immigration. The rise in political instability in Bangladesh may in turn lead to radical Islamic

outfits and organisations filling in the vacuum and even spill over into east and northeast India.

The Modi government, in its wider national interests, may adopt a more cautious, even-handed policy than the partisan approach of its UPA predecessor. This in turn may encourage and facilitate a move towards a meaningful, substantive, multiparty democracy in Bangladesh that would usher in political stability and policy continuity.

A closer Indian involvement may come about in Afghanistan with the regime change in New Delhi. India had closely worked with Russia and Iran in arming the Northern Alliance in its fight with the Pakistani-backed Taliban in Afghanistan. The warming of ties with Kabul during Karzai’s regime acted as a deterrent to the Pakistani military establishment’s desire for strategic depth in Central Asia. Indian companies could well vie with the Chinese in mining and extracting the trillion-dollar deposit mineral reserve in Afghanistan.

There may also be greater Indian involvement in infrastructural development and reconstruction in war-torn Afghanistan. There are also talks about modernising the Chabahar port in Iran to reduce the Afghan government’s dependence on Karachi port for transit facilities (however, one should bear in mind the millions of dollars of cross-border smuggling across the vast and porous Pakistan-Afghanistan border and third country exports from Dubai).

Besides, Afghanistan could well act as a transit for oil and gas from Central Asia and Iran to satisfy India’s growing energy demands. However, India is wary of instability in the region after the withdrawal of ISAF and US forces from Afghanistan. Afghan Mujahedeen forces have frequently infiltrated the Indian side of Kashmir and South Block would do all in its power in reducing this potential threat to its security. To this end, it will continue cooperating with Iran, China, and Russia.

To do all of this, it has to take into account the Pakistan factor. Long-term stability in Afghanistan would not be possible without Pakistan’s goodwill and cooperation. The attack on the Indian mission in Herat was a sad testament of this fact.

South Block would do well to resist the temptation of getting sucked into an unprofitable 21st century Great Game that would place greater demand on its resources than it can afford to dedicate at the present moment. On a passing note, it must be mentioned that the new Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani, is working hard to mend their relationship with Pakistan. He recently suspended his predecessor’s request to India to supply the Afghan army with heavy

weaponry.

This brings us to Pakistan – the most important piece of the South Asian puzzle for Indian policy-makers.

There was initial hype in the Indian media regarding Nawaz Sharif’s coming to power and his avowed intentions of mending relations with India. His presence in the swearing-in ceremony was an indication of his goodwill and willingness to work more closely with Modi to deliver results. However, the Azadi March

by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf party and the religious cleric Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehrik party nearly paralysed Islamabad.

Interestingly, both these leaders are seen to be close to the Pakistani defence establishment. It seemed that the mighty Pakistani army was still calling the shots, or at least pulling the strings. Border incursions in Kashmir were also stepped up, thereby eroding the goodwill and sympathy generated amongst the Indian populace after the horrific Peshawar school massacre by the terrorists from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Countering the existential threat posed by India still seems to preoccupy the top brass and policy-planners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Pakistan reminds one of Prussia – that of being an army with a state as opposed to a state with an army. The ISI, Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, have long been accustomed to their role as kingmakers – almost similar to the elite Janissaries of the Ottoman Empire who used to crown and depose Sultans at the Sublime Porte and were

rather than that of a retired diplomat, as has generally been the case in the past, could well signal a tactical change in India’s neighbourhood relations. Doval’s primary interests and strengths are counter-terrorism and counter-extremism, as well as the immediate neighbourhood.

Doval’s exploits as an intelligence operative could well match that of Ian Fleming’s legendary creation, agent 007. He had spied in Pakistan for seven years; been actively involved in counter-insurgency operations in Mizoram, Punjab, and Kashmir. He also possesses the rare distinction of being involved in the termination of all 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircraft from 1971-1999.

Incidentally, post-retirement, he was the founding director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think tank which is closely affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The unique blend of extensive hands on experience in countering insurgency and fighting terrorism and a soft spot for Hindutva made him Modi’s favored candidate.

What do these selections say about South Block’s tentative course in the future? It will probably encompass a bit of the Gujral Doctrine, Manmohan Singh’s initial focus on economic diplomacy, and Sarder Patel’s belief in projecting Indian dominance across South Asia. India’s relations with South Asia would depend on which component of these three policies Modi would choose to focus on more.

Time will tell how Modi manages to balance the two cornerstones of his vision of Indian foreign policy – Shanti and Shakti. Summing up, Modi’s

Countering the existential threat posed by India still seems to preoccupy the top brass and policyplanners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

between India and the United States and President Obama’s recent visit to New Delhi.

Modi has entrusted him with the near Herculean task of strengthening ties with the Americans without ruffling the feathers of the Chinese.

It is said that he was the preferred candidate of Manmohan Singh as Foreign Secretary before he bowed in to political pressure to appoint Sujatha Singh on the basis of seniority.

Jaishankar has an impressive pedigree to boot – his father, K Subrahmanyam, was the prominent Indian strategic affairs analyst, commentator, and civil servant (who is considered to be the Modern Chanakya by the Indian diplomatic community).

Another portent of the change in direction of South Block was the appointment of Ajit Doval, a former chief of India’s domestic intelligence agency, as the new National Security advisor. Doval’s appointment as NSA,

coming to power would induce a more pragmatic, levelheaded approach in its foreign policy (commensurate with its inherent strengths and weaknesses) and a jettisoning of the abrasive alienating approach taken during the previous UPA regime.

The trio of Swaraj, Jaishankar, and Doval would be pivotal in ensuring even-handed dealings with the various South Asian nations to ensure greater political stability, security and trade ties which would be essential in realising Modi’s “neighbourhood first” policy. A lot rests on the changes that Modi wants to make in South Block’s policy framework and direction. It may very well decide the future course of South Asia in the 21st century. l Shahab Enam Khan is Chair and Associate Professor, International Relations, Jahangirnagar University. Parvez Karim Abbasi is Assistant Professor, Economics, East West University.

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

World

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Myanmar declares martial law in Kokang n Reuters, Kunlong

Myanmar President Thein Sein declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law in a region near the Chinese border after more than 70 people were killed in fighting between the Myanmar army and a rebel group.

The conflict is a setback for Myanmar’s semi-civilian government, which took power in 2011 after 49 years of military rule and is seeking to end hostilities with the many groups that have taken up arms since independence in 1948.

The clashes in the Kokang region of Shan State in Myanmar’s northeast have alarmed China, which has called for a ceasefire.

China fears a repeat of events in 2009, when tens of thousands of civilians crossed the border to escape fighting.

Thein Sein declared martial law for three months in a televised announcement late on Tuesday, the first time military rule has been invoked under Myanmar’s 2008 constitution.

Fighting broke out on Feb. 9 between the Myanmar army and a force from the Chinese-speaking Kokang region called the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

At least 47 Myanmar soldiers and 26 MNDAA fighters have been killed since then, the state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, and thousands of civilians have fled, either to other areas in Myanmar or into China.

About 50 civilians have been killed

since fighting began, said Haw Shau Chen, a member of parliament from the area.

On Tuesday, two volunteers were injured when a Myanmar Red Cross convoy came under fire in an unprecedented attack. The eight vehicles were carrying about 300 people fleeing the fighting.

A Reuters witness in the convoy said the vehicles stopped after hearing gunfire. The convoy waited an hour before getting an all-clear to proceed from authorities but came under fire shortly afterwards.

Some in the vehicles took shelter in a ditch. Others crouched in their vehicles during a few minutes of gunfire.

The Red Cross said it was not clear who fired on the convoy, but there were no Myanmar army units nearby at the time. A government soldier said the MNDAA carried out the attack. Reuters was unable to contact the MNDAA for comment.

Separately, the Red Cross said a woman was killed and her husband wounded when their vehicle was fired on as they fled the fighting.

Many of those fleeing deeper into Myanmar were migrant sugarcane plantation workers. Many ethnic Chinese people from Kokang fled into China.

The United States, which has supported reforms in Myanmar and efforts to bring about peace between the government and insurgents, said it was “deeply concerned.”

“We appeal to all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue,” a

Mu Mu San, 45, cries after hearing that her husband and brothers had arrived at a safe place in Konlon, at a temporary refugee camp at a monastery in Lashio yesterday REUTERS State Department spokesperson said in an email. “Fighting will undermine the ongoing national reconciliation process.”

The United States also urged authorities to permit immediate and unfettered access by humanitarian workers.

The MNDAA was formerly part of

the Communist Party of Burma, a powerful Chinese-backed guerrilla force that battled the Myanmar government before splintering in 1989.

Clashes often flare up Shan state, an area notorious for the production of opium and amphetamines, as well as the illegal trade in timber and wildlife

into China. Various rebel groups operate there.

Members of two other rebel groups, the Arakan Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, have joined the MNDAA in the fighting against government troops, said Bertil Lintner, an author and expert on the region. l

Australia ratchets up pressure on Indonesia over executions n Reuters, Jakarta Indonesia owes it to Australia not to execute two Australian drug offenders on death row, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said yesterday, ratcheting up a diplomatic war of words that is threatening to sour relations between the neighbours.

Australia has been pursuing an eleventh-hour campaign to save the lives of Myuran Sukumaran, 33, and Andrew Chan, 31, two members of the so-called Bali Nine, convicted in 2005 as the ringleaders of a plot to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia.

Indonesia has harsh penalties for drug trafficking and resumed executions in 2013 after a five-year gap.

Abbott urged Indonesia to remember the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, saying Australia would feel “grievously let down” if the executions proceeded despite the roughly A$1bn in assistance it rendered after the disaster that killed hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia’s Aceh province.

Indonesian Foreign ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir told reporters in Jakarta he hoped Abbott’s statement did not “reflect the true colours of Australians.”

“Threats are not part of diplomatic language and no one responds well to threats,” the Indonesian spokesman said. l

Nothing wrong in AAP’s foreign funding, Centre tells Delhi high court

Police confirm identity Swiss prosecutor raids HSBC office, of Copenhagen shooter opens criminal inquiry

n Agencies

n AP, Copenhagen

The central government yesterday told the Delhi high court that the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) foreign funds were investigated and nothing was found in violation of the law.

A division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice RS Endlaw also asked the ministry of home affairs to submit its revised or up-to-date report with regard to its findings in the matter, in a sealed cover by 4 pm yesterday.

The bench reserved the order on the public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a CBI probe into foreign funds the AAP received in the past and now in violation of law.

The PIL was filed by advocate ML Sharma against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and others saying that AAP has been receiving foreign funds in violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The counsel appearing for the Centre told the court that the earlier government had investigated the issue and filed a status report and nothing was found against AAP. “The issue was investigated, there was nothing which was found out,” he added. Recently, AAP Volunteer Action Manch (AVAM), a group of volunteers who broke away from the AAP in August last year, accused the party of receiving Rs. 2 crore in four equal instalments from companies registered in Delhi slums and having the same set of directors.

The group claimed that April 5, 2014, four bogus companies made donations of Rs50 lakh each through cheques to AAP at midnight.

It alleged that the companies made these donations even though they have not earned profits for two years. Sharma claimed that it has been revealed that lakhs of phone calls from Dubai and other countries have been made to Delhi, especially to the Muslim community for supporting AAP’s election.

“The AAP now has been securing funds from foreign country, especially Muslim terrorist, in cash converting through false cheques as well as phone calls to Delhi from Dubai and other countries...,” the plea said.

However, appearing for the AAP, advocate Pranav Sachdeva told the court that the issue of AVAM is being investigated by the government and it has cooperated on the issue.

AAP is the only party which asked the Supreme Court to set up a SIT on funding received by all national and regional political parties, he further said.

The bench after hearing all the parties reserved the order on the PIL and said: “Order reserved. We will pass the order.”

The plea named Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, advocates Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan and said AAP and its members were promoted and funded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the US through various companies and trusts such as the Ford Foundation. l

Danish police have confirmed the name of the gunman who opened fire at a free-speech seminar and a synagogue in Copenhagen and revealed details of the weapons used in the deadly attacks.

Police spokesman Joergen Skov says 22-year-old Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein killed a Danish filmmaker outside the seminar Saturday with a single

shot with a M95 assault rifle. He then sprayed the entrance with 27 bullets, wounding three police officers inside.

Later, Skov says, El-Hussein fired nine rounds with two handguns outside the synagogue where a security guard was killed. Two police officers were wounded.

Skov says El-Hussein carried the two handguns when he was shot by police early Sunday. l

Members of the Breitling Wingwalkers perform during the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Aero India 2015’ air show at Yelahanka air base in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru yesterday. India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has asked global defence contractors to transfer more technology to the country as part of the lucrative deals that they win to modernise its armed forces REUTERS

India under pressure to explain who blew up Pakistani boat n

Reuters, New Delhi

The Indian government is under pressure to explain what caused a Pakistani fishing boat to explode, killing four people on board in mysterious circumstances, after a senior Indian coast guard official said it was deliberately targeted.

BK Loshali, deputy inspector general of the Indian coast guard, is shown in a video released by the Indian Express newspaper saying he gave an order to attack the boat as it approached Indian waters last New Year’s Eve. The comments contradict the Indian government’s version that the boat laden with explosives was intercepted by the coast guard because it was planning an unspecified illegal transaction and the people on board set it on fire, causing it to explode.

“I hope you remember 31st December, we blew off the Pakistani,” Loshali said in the video. “I was there at Gandhinagar and I told at night blow the boat off. We don’t want to serve them biryani.”

The development comes as India and Pakistan’s foreign secretaries are set to resume talks next month for the first time since May. The two nuclear-armed nations engaged in their worst cross-border violence in a decade in October, capping a year when

reconciliation had looked more likely and then faded.

At a news conference yesterday, Loshali denied making the statements and said he was not in a position to know what happened that day because he did not handle the operation. “I have been misquoted; the boat actually set itself on fire and sunk,” Loshali said. “I was not privy to whatever was happening at that ground that day.” After his comments, the Indian Express released the video.

Opposition politicians have demanded an explanation.

Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said the government stood by its record of events and would consider taking disciplinary action against Loshali.”We stand by what we said, the issue is over,” Parrikar said.

“We will take action against the person, if required, if he has made the statement.” At the time of the incident, the Indian coast guard said it chased the Pakistani boat off India’s western coast for almost an hour and it fired warning shots before it stopped.

The coast guard then said the crew hid below deck and set the boat on fire, which caused an explosion. A spokeswoman for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry did not return calls seeking comment. l

n Reuters, Geneva Geneva’s public prosecutor searched HSBC’s lakeside Swiss office yesterday after opening a criminal inquiry into allegations of aggravated money laundering, the second probe to hit the bank this week.

Europe’s largest lender is in regulators’ sights after details about how its Swiss private bank allegedly helped wealthy clients evade taxes were leaked to the media and published last week.

The Geneva prosecutor said he had launched an investigation following the allegations and could extend it to individuals.

“A search is currently under way in the premises of the bank, led by Attorney General Olivier Jornot and the prosecutor Yves Bertossa,” Geneva’s prosecutor said in a statement.

HSBC has apologised to customers and investors over the previous failings of its Swiss business and has said the operation has since been overhauled.

However, Britain’s financial watchdog said on Monday it would investigate HSBC and focus on its current behaviour.

HSBC’s Swiss unit has been in the

Prosecutor claims Mursi not sent to military trial n Reuters, Cairo An Egyptian prosecutor denied yesterday that deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi had been referred to a military court, after the state news agency initially reported that he had.

Mursi, who has been incarcerated in an Egyptian jail, is facing trial in several cases in civilian courts. He was ousted in 2013 by then army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after mass protests against his rule.

“When the public prosecutor referred the case to the military judiciary, the names of Mursi and (Brotherhood official Khairat) Shater were not among the defendants,” Haitham Gamal, a prosecutor in Suez City where the case originated, told Reuters.

State news agency MENA said on Tuesday that Mursi, Shater and Mohamed Badie, the Brotherhood’s general guide, had been referred to a military court. Later on Tuesday it cited an official judicial source denying that Mursi and Shater were among the defendants sent to the military court.

The case, involving 199 defendants, is focused on the deaths of more than 30 people, MENA said. The defendants face charges of murder and attempted murder and burning churches in Suez City.

Egypt expanded the jurisdiction of military courts in October to try civilians accused of acts ranging from attacking state facilities to blocking roads. l

spotlight since 2008 when a former IT employee fled Geneva with files allegedly showing evidence of tax evasion by clients.

The French tax authorities later passed the information to tax authorities around the world. US officials opened a criminal investigation and French magistrates put the bank under formal investigation last November.

Tax authorities in Belgium, Austria and Argentina are also looking at the allegations.

HSBC’s private bank has major operations in Switzerland, London and Hong Kong, and its Chief Executive Peter Boyles is based in the lakeside Geneva office. The office has a few hundred staff, who continued to work yesterday.

“We have cooperated continuously with the Swiss authorities since first becoming aware of the data theft in 2008 and we continue to cooperate,” HSBC said in a statement.

It declined further comment. The bank has said compliance and controls at its Swiss private bank in the period up to 2007 fell short of requirements, but said the business had been transformed in recent years.

Swiss financial regulator FIN-

MA, which had already investigated HSBC and criticised its internal controls in 2011, said it was aware of the proceedings by the Geneva prosecutor and was in contact with HSBC about it.

HSBC’s main concern may be that US authorities could look at re-opening a 2012 deferred prosecution agreement with the bank, which followed a $1.9bn fine after it was found to have helped move hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit drug money through the US financial system.

The disclosures about the Swiss bank have sparked a political row in Britain over practices at HSBC and whether tax authorities had done enough to pursue possible wrongdoers.

HSBC shares were 0.6%firmer at 606.7p by 1155 GMT, having slipped two percent since the first reports based on the leaks were published 10 days ago.

HSBC Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver said recent allegations had been “painful.” The allegations are likely to overshadow HSBC’s annual results on Monday and Gulliver and Chairman Douglas Flint are due to testify to British lawmakers on the Swiss scandal on February 25. l

Boko Haram threatens Nigerian elections after fresh violence n AFP, Kano, Nigeria Islamist group Boko Haram has vowed to make voting impossible in Nigeria’s upcoming election after a spate of deadly attacks in the country’s violence-wracked northeast.

The group’s leader Abubakar Shekau said in a new video posted on Twitter late on Tuesday evening that his fighters would disrupt polling in Africa’s most populous nation scheduled for March 28.

“This election will not be held even if we are dead. Even if we are not alive, Allah will never allow you to do it,” he said in the Hausa language widely spoken in northern Nigeria.

Shekau also claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack on the northeastern city of Gombe last Saturday where leaflets were dropped warning people not to vote.

The latest threats came as the embattled head of Nigeria’s electoral body faced senators in parliament to explain his decision to delay the election by six weeks.

Attahiru Jega, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been criticised for agreeing to the postponement on security grounds.

National security advisor Sambo

Dasuki recommended pushing back the date from February 14 to give troops in a regional offensive against Boko Haram more time to secure and stabilise the northeast.

The deployment would leave soldiers unavailable to provide security on polling day, he said.

But Dasuki’s six-week deadline to effectively crush the militants has been seen as unrealistic, even if it allows INEC more time to distribute more ID cards to the 68.8 million registered voters.

The insurgents, whose six-year rebellion has claimed more than 13,000 lives and left more than a million homeless, on Tuesday gave a renewed indication of their resilience.

Two suicide attacks – one at a checkpoint near Biu in Borno state and another hours later in a restaurant in Potiskum in Yobe – killed at least 38.

Many of the victims at the first were children.

The bombings were the latest in an increase in violence since the start of the year and linked to the elections, which Boko Haram views as un-Islamic.

Militants have captured swathes of territory, making voting impossible in many areas of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states and raising fears about the validity of the final election result. l

Thursday, February 19, 2015

DHAKA TRIBUNE

9

National Day of

His Highness Sheikh Sabah His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

KUWAIT

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah

Message from the Ambassador

Mr Ali Ahmad Ebraheem S Al-Dafiri Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

This is an auspicious month both for the State of Kuwait and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This is the month when five decades ago, Kuwait emerged as an independent entity in the world arena.

This is also the month of victory of rights, justice and rule of law as free Kuwait once again relishes the sweet flavor of freedom and territorial integrity.

This is also the month of great significance for Bangladesh. It is the month of movement in Bangladesh for asserting one’s freedom to express one’s thoughts in one’s own month tongue- the melodious Bangla language.

On the momentous occasions of our Independence Day and the Liberation Day, I pay special tribute to the fraternal country of Bangladesh and its friendly people as they prepare to observe the International Mother Language Day. The bonds of our historically friendly relations span over three fruitful decades. Our two countries, entwined in a relationship based on mutual respect, strong principles and values, traditions and practices, have stood the test of time.

The conspicuously unstinted support of Bangladesh during Kuwait’s ordeal will remain emblazoned in the annals of Kuwait’s history.

On the other hand, Kuwait has always stood by Bangladesh as this young country strives stridently to attain its development goals and objectives. I take great pride in asserting that Kuwait is a proud partner in progress of this wonderful country as it endeavors to attain its millennium development goals. In this aspect, I am happy to see that Kuwait Fund has been involved in some core and priority infrastructural projects in Bangladesh for four decades since the inception of diplomatic relations between our two fraternal countries. Kuwait Fund has provided US $ 519.60 million as assistance in implementing 22 core projects throughout Bangladesh.

Both Kuwait and Bangladesh are strategically placed to play a cooperative role in global issues in general and regional issues in particular. Thus, take satisfaction in the fact that our two countries have shared perceptions, views and approach on most matters of international and regional significance. Both the countries have commonality of approach in the United Nations, OIC and the non-aligned movement and have forged a unified stand and lent a unanimous voice on various issues and problems of international and regional concern.

Friends, this balanced approach of Kuwait in its pursuit of foreign policy is based on rationality and practicality and like Bangladesh, it believes in the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty of all countries irrespective of their size, location, religion and race.

His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and the architect of Kuwait’s foreign policy, envisions a world of peace, cooperation, friendship and fraternity. It is these lofted perceptions that serve as the impetus in shaping Kuwait’s relations with its neighbors in particular and the world at large. The vision of the dynamic Kuwaiti leadership is backed by a responsible use of Kuwait’s resources globally without differentiating the recipients. This practice has been persistently adhered to by the Kuwaiti leadership and its people since time immemorial. The world, through the aegis of the United Nations, has acclaimed this historical fact, through a certificate that has designated Kuwait as a center for humanitarian action and His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as a Humanitarian Leader. This is indeed a reflection of the philanthropic principle and practice imbued in the Kuwaiti Society.

The Kuwaiti people have generously contributed through the various Kuwaiti social welfare organizations and non-governmental organizations, in upliftment projects in friendly countries like Bangladesh. Kuwait and its people are indeed happy to stand by their Bangladeshi brethrens at all time.

Friends, I would like to avail myself of this joyous occasion to specifically convey the profound feelings of my country and its people for the highly commendable performance of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Kuwait. There are around 2,40,000 Bangladeshis in Kuwait. Their concerted endeavor in the service of different sectors is deeply appreciated in Kuwait. The strong presence of the Bangladeshi community in Kuwait is a result of the wise and pragmatic foresight of the leadership of our two countries that have been developed and nurtured over forty years by successive leaderships of the two countries.

Friends, I invite enterprising Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to avail the opportunities of trade and economic interaction that have opened up in Kuwait. Kuwait could serve as the gateway to the gulf countries because of its excellent communication network in the region and its emergence as regional economic hub. Bangladesh has the scope to diversify its export products to Kuwait to increase export venue from the Kuwait sector to above the US $ 20.82 million earning in the recent past.

I am highly optimistic that our relations will further be deepened, expanded and consolidated in the years to come under the sagacious leaderships of our two countries.

Thank you.

Long live Kuwait-Bangladesh relations.

Kuwait – A center of humanitarian benevolence and philanthropy K uwait is a country with a long history of philanthropy that dates back to the 17th century, long before the formal establishment of the State of Kuwait.

Kuwaiti benevolence reached new heights with the discovery and mass production of oil. Over the years, philanthropy in Kuwait has seen a consistent increase in volume of giving and a conspicuous expansion in form. Despite the country’s small population size, it has myriad philanthropic initiatives ranging from Organizations engaged in traditional Islamic philanthropy, such as Bait al Zakat to innovative, state of the art philanthropic Organizations like Kuwait Foundations for the Advancement of Science.

Kuwaiti philanthropy is deeply rooted in the Islamic culture as ordained in the Quran and Sunnah. Indeed, traditional Islamic forms of philanthropy in Kuwait could be traced back to atleast 1695, to a mosque known as Bin Banr that was set up as a Waqf.

In 1921, the Waqf system was institutionalized through the creation of a government department for the management of Awqaf. Subsequently, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs was created in 1942 with the specific responsibility of developing the Waqf culture in Kuwait.

The Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundaiton, an independent body, was established to manage Awqaf and promote their growth.

Mabarrat and public interest Organizations have long been involved in rendering assistance in social welfare programs with special focus on gender and health issues. Philanthropic activities are also carried out by Organizations having quasi government status such as the Kuwait Zakat House and the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation. An exceptional model of State philanthropy is carried out through the corporate funded non religious institutions like the institute of Science and Technology.

In addition to individual donations in the form of Zakat, the government has directed a substantial portion of Kuwait’s oil generated wealth to the establishment of large scale philanthropic endowments and funds like the People’s Committee for Donation Collection, established in 1954.

The Committee has provided substantial funds over the years to many countries.

In 1963, the Women’s Cultural and Social Society was established to promote the development of women in all fields, encourage their participation in community activities and increase their effective contribution to society.

Since its inception, the State of Kuwait has been a unique model of charity and humanitarian work. Kuwaitis and Kuwaiti Organizations were in the forefront of global philanthropy with their

love for goodness of all people and their unwavering support to charitable activities. Even during Kuwait’s ordeal in 1990 Kuwait did not roll back its global philanthropic activities. In the most recent period, Kuwait has come up with nearly US $ 1000 million contribution to the humanitarian assistance program of the United Nations for displaced persons in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.

Statistics show that in 2011, 86.4% of Kuwait’s official humanitarian assistance was spent in fragile states. About 87.7% of this amount was spent on long term humanitarian assistance.

Kuwait doubled its contribution to Central Emergency Response Fund to US $ 1 million.

Kuwait has been playing a leading role in supporting the United Nations’ humanitarian work in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Kuwait hosted the two consecutive international pledging conferences in 2013 and 2014 respectively for Syria.

Kuwait has provided regular support to several African and Asian countries through Kuwait Fund and was recently the host of the Arab-African Summit during which His Highness the Amir pledged US $ 1 billion for development projects across the Continent.

His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait underlined the very basis of Kuwait’s philanthropy and benevolence when he said that in 1988, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabahf, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait had taken an initiative to write off interest on soft loans to numerous developing coun-

tries and least developed countries. This has become a precedent in international humanitarian work, thereby initiating a quantum leap in the assistance methods of Kuwaiti diplomacy, which exemplified the genuine understanding of humanitarian needs highlighting the humanitarian concept of such loans and assistance.

His Highness further stated that Kuwaiti charitable associations and people’s fund raising Committees have set an example in their continued support of many humanitarian projects in Asia or Africa, by individual initiatives that have become, by the blessing of Allah, a shining example of benevolence characterizing the Kuwaiti people. In 2008, Kuwait earmarked 10 percent of its total humanitarian assistance to countries affected by natural or manmade disasters to be channeled to UN Organizations and specialized agencies active in the humanitarian field.

His Highness the Amir took the initiative of doubling the fixed annual voluntary contributions to a number of international agencies and Organizations such as UNHCR, ICRC and UNICEF. This has provided the humanitarian work of Kuwait with wider horizons and more comprehensive dimensions to promote direct cooperation in the various crises with those international bodies.

His Highness the Amir underlined that ‘the acts of benevolence and philanthropy are inherent values in the hearts of the Kuwaiti people, as inherited generation after generation from their fore fathers’.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, presented His Highness the

Amir with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing the role of His Highness the Amir as a leader and supporter of the humanitarian work sponsored by the United Nations. The UN Secretary General thanked His Highness the Amir and the people of Kuwait ‘for their outstanding generosity towards people in need’.

The UN Secretary General described His Highness the amir as the epitome of humanity and benevolence.

He added that His Highness the Amir has shown remarkable act of kindness and generosity and Kuwait has been an exemplary humanitarian leadership model in the support of humanitarian operations in nations in crises around the world.

In the words of His Highness the Amir, ‘This appreciation is an apt recognition of the steady approach of Kuwait in its foreign policy since its independence, based essentially on humanitarian assistance to all countries in need, regardless of their geographic location, religious beliefs or ethnic origins. This assistance, in pursuance of its belief and conviction, on the importance of international partnership as well as the unification and activation of international efforts, is aimed at the maintenance and preservation of the foundations of life- that is the human spirit’.

Indeed, this is recognition of not only the magnanimous donations or financial contributions that His Highness the Amir and the State of Kuwait have been involved in for decades, but is also a tribute to the relentless humanitarian efforts, initiatives and moves, hard work, political initiatives and diplomatic actions to bridge the differences between nations. l

Diwaniyas in Kuwait Social interaction is an important aspect of Kuwaiti society and it is intertwined with Kuwait culture, hospitality and tradition.

These interactions commonly take place in social gatherings commemorating special events and occasions that may be religious functions, wedding receptions or family get-togethers. Other than such gatherings, Kuwaiti men in particular, quite often get together in the evenings in a diwaniya usually at week ends or on weekdays after work.

The diwaniya may be private, public or family. The private is just for close friends who usually gather daily. The public diwaniyas are generally held on a fixed day and is open for all.

The family diwaniyas are restricted to family clans where members of the clan can come and meet the prominent and elderly family members.

A Diwaniya Indeed, the family Dewaniya was the original form of the diwaniya that has existed since time immemorial.

The term originally referred to the section of a Beduin tent where the men folk and their

visitors sat apart from the family. In the olden time, it was the reception area where a man entertained his business colleagues and other male guests. Today, the term refers both to a reception hall and the gathering held in it, and visiting or hosting a deewania is an indispensable feature of a Kuwaiti’s social life. As a social event, a Deewania takes place in. Special room or annex which is usually separate from the main house of the host. The deewania is

frequented by men who sit around on soft benches or cushion, conversing casually smoking or puffing hubble bubble (sheesha), nibbling snacks and drinking shots of Arabic coffee, popularly known as Gahwa.

Gahwa Party The political or public Dewaniya is a recent development of the 20th century which serves as a platform for Kuwaitis as they started

exercising political rights and seeking more representation in the political system.

Another form of Dewaniya is the casual Dewania which is organized by groups of friends of the same age group on one member’s property. This type is usually the most relaxed with participants playing cards, smoking Shisha or watching football and other games.

Most Dewaniyas start after sunset and breaks up at midnight. During Ramadan however, some of the Dewaniyas start after Tarawee prayers and continue till Fajr.

The Dewaniya serves an important purpose in the development of Kuwait over the last 250 years by facilitating quick communication and consensus building among other things. Dewaniyas are the core of Kuwait’s social, business and political life. Here topics of interest are discussed, associates are introduced, alliances are formed and similar net working activities are undertaken. Formal Dewaniyas may be convened to discuss particular topics, sometimes with invited guest speakers. Formal Dewaniyas are the root of Kuwait’s consensual political system. l

10

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Editorial

Thursday, February 19, 2015

CODE-CRACKER

Protect publishers from intimidation

W

e deplore the threats and intimidation which have been made against the publisher Rodela Prokashani.

Activists of Hefazat-e-Islam publicly threatened employees of the publishing house at their stall at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela. They have also allegedly tried to shut down its office in Banglabazar.

The fact these activists were protesting against the publisher because they believe it has published a book which offends religious sentiments, makes no difference. There is never any justification for unlawful behaviour.

Authorities must act firmly to stop such acts of intimidation and apprehend anyone found to be breaking the law.

There is nothing wrong with people peacefully objecting to a book, that is a democratic right. What is unacceptable is actions and deeds that disrupt peace and which clearly seek to chill the freedom of authors and publishers.

As it is, the organisers of Amar Ekushey have closed Rodela Prokashani’s stall at the book fair, because they accept the view its book Nabi Muhammader 23 Bachhar, a Bangla translation of a work by Iranian writer Ali Dashti, “may offend religious sentiments.”

While we acknowledge the concerns of those who say this decision has been made under pressure, it is the right of the organisers, under the rules of the book fair, to ask for the book to be removed.

However, this should not mean that the publisher is completely prevented from selling books or have its office and staff still be at risk from unlawful threats. The police must ensure their safety and provide assurance that publishers will be protected from intimidation and violence.

There is nothing wrong with people peacefully objecting to a book, that is a democratic right

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The Obama trip: It wasn’t for India February 3

Muhammed Halim May I remind you that the US has bases in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Diego Garcia, as well as the 7th fleet? They are not losing sleep over China. It’s not a surprise that US foreign policy will be based on US interests. US-India relations have been warming for over a decade now.

Former Indian PM Singh received an even grander reception in the US than Modi did. China is a bully as Japan, Philippines, or Vietnam will tell you. Its citizens are denied the most basic of human rights and the country is rife with corruption.

Don’t expect China to be calling the shots any time soon, when 35% of their population don’t even have basic sanitation facilities (to make a point). Obama came to do business with India even as China is a growing concern. The business of America is business as the saying goes.

February 1

W

e welcome the move to seek public responses to the draft Road Transport Act by posting it on the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority’s (BRTA) website.

Our road traffic laws are in dire need of updating to make them effective in cutting accidents and improving public safety.

Bangladesh’s roads are among the most dangerous in the world. BUET has estimated that around 12,000 people are killed, and several times as many are injured across the country every year.

Much of the reason for the country’s high accident rate is down to dangerous and reckless driving habits, which are made worse by the lack of proper enforcement of existing laws.

It is a reprehensible indictment on successive governments that past attempts to improve road safety have repeatedly been delayed due to lobbying by self-interested groups.

Poor road safety is a national crisis which cannot be ignored if we are to prevent road accidents rising as a major cause of death.

This makes it imperative to do more than merely improve the physical state of our road infrastructure. The government also has to be pro-active in deterring unsafe driving.

While some of the measures proposed, such as bringing in a points system for licenses and a new compensation clause, are a step forward, they do not go far enough.

Increased fines and punishments need to be part and parcel of updating the law. More technical resources should also be provided to improve monitoring and enforcement of road rules via CCTV. Tougher rules are needed to ensure zero tolerance for dangerous driving.

Be pro-active in deterring unsafe driving

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

SUDOKU 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.

Khaleda’s adviser Falu detained

Road traffic laws need more than cosmetic updates

Maksud jamil What the author here is trying to say is that the US (Obama) had China in mind when this tour took place. China is growing and soon will be a force to be reckoned with … so nothing wrong if US treats this issue with seriousness. The author is correct in his observations even though I don’t agree fully with him … but China is the issue that will keep US looking at the region and at India.

How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 11 represents B so fill B every time the figure 11 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.

Firebombing democracy February 3

Nizam Ahmad Adviser?

Ahmed Waris Al Majid Excellent move by the government. This will definitely reduce the strength of, if not completely solve, the crisis.

Plan for nuclear infrastructure development adopted February 1

Kazi Arafat Yeah, Hasina’s AL will import beans so that 16 crore people can produce enough farts to produce biogenic energy!

NA Once again, the government is not your business to be in business, but you continue to do so in return of big kickbacks.

‘Only PM knows what is next for Khaleda’ February 1

Babul Sarwar When the government does not go by laws, how can one expect that it would maintain the law and order situation?

Nirob Sikder The govt has no knowledge of what the right step is.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Sammy You mean the BNP should limit itself to doing politics like holding rallies, having party meetings with leaders, participating in credible elections, running newspapers, and going to independent courts, right? And why do you think, in general, that they are not doing that?

Fragglerock & roll The petrol bomb is an iconic tool of destruction.

What other weapon can claim to literally wash away a life in flames?

Dreampie Fragglerock & roll: The Molotov Cocktail?

Worker killed in Savar bus accident

February 3 Nayem Siddiky I deeply regret this incident and offer my condolences to the family of the deceased. The authority of the Al-Muslim Group is worthy of condemnation. There are thousands of workers in that factory but there is no system, no arrangements made by the management for crossing the highway roads safely. There is always infuriating traffic and it’s the people who have to suffer and struggle to pass that area; leaving enough room for something unpleasant to happen at any time. I will request the authority to arrange a foot over bridge or underpass for those workers and the passengers.

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Sharp blow (3) 3 Threat (6) 8 Summit (4) 9 Forefront (3) 10 Without sound (6) 11 Human being (6) 14 Composition (5) 17 Thong (5) 20 Departure (6) 24 Duty list (6) 26 Before (poet) (3) 27 Tube (4) 28 Leave off (6) 29 Cricket score (3)

DOWN

1 Quantity of paper (4) 2 Couple (4) 3 Table-shaped hill (4) 4 Banishment (5) 5 Affirms with confidence (5) 6 Is able (3) 7 Vestibule (5) 12 Not a home (3) 13 Beverage (3) 15 Knight’s tale (3) 16 Donkey (3) 17 Scrap (5) 18 Tricks (6) 19 Looks slyly (5) 21 Firmness of character (4) 22 At all times (4) 23 Outer covering (4) 25 Native metal (3)

Bangladesh reach Bangabandhu Cup semi-finals February 2 kabdullah I smell a rat ... something is not right ...

DSEX slumps to five months low as investor confidence erodes

February 2 stockmarketanalyst (skype) Finally! DSEX reached my expected level 4600 that I had discussed previously. We can expect this to be the most possible support level. If this level breaks then we can wait for 4460 area for a stronger support level. As per my analysis, within February the DSEX trend will shift to going up.

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

PM must open communications PEANUTS

February 3 ZamanSnr Hasina is not just prime minister, she is the power behind the powers that cut power lines. It’s time she used her powers responsibly and started behaving democratically to the opposition.

Enough is enough

February 1 Tarik Chowdhury Correct me if I am wrong, but BNP did wait for a year for the government to start a dialogue after the confirmation that a fresh election can follow with mutual consensus even after the “election.” Could you jog my memory to what happened to action of that statement?

SUDOKU

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Op-Ed

11

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Blasphemy lies in the eye of the beholder

F

n Niaz Alam

ree speech advocates are mistaken when they cite Voltaire in defence of freedom of speech to announce: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

The phrase was actually written by English writer Beatrice Evelyn Hall in The Friends of Voltaire, her 1906 biography published under the pseudonym, SG Tallentyre. It turned out to be such a succinct way to sum up the views of the famed Enlightenment thinker, that he has been credited for it ever since.

Of course, in practice, what most people usually mean is: “I will defend your right by signing a petition, or maybe, at a stretch, going on a march.”

It tends to take an atrocity like the massacre at Charlie Hebdo or this week’s attacks on a cultural event and synagogue in Copenhagen, to remind us that no, actually some people practicing freedoms of speech and religion do sometimes have to endure death at the hands of those who want to limit their freedom.

Red wine is a sinful intoxicant to Muslims, but a sacrament to Catholics, one man’s meat is another man’s poison

Like it or not, the fact that Islamist-inspired extremists used the excuse of protesting blasphemy and offense to Muslims to justify their actions, adds to the widespread perception that religious fundamentalists are made of sterner stuff than liberals who (mis) quote Voltaire or old-school communists who fantasise about who they would like to put “up against the wall, come the revolution.”

No one is much surprised then that the organisers of Amar Ekushey Book Fair shut down the stall of Rodela Prokashani at the Boi Mela this Monday for publishing and selling a translated

1985 book by Iranian writer Ali Dashti, Twenty Three Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad, because it “allegedly hurts people’s religious sentiments.”

Absurd as it is for a book fair to ban books, the organisers were merely applying their own rules, and the laws of the land which contain plenty of (unnecessary, in my view) restrictions on works that “hurt religious sentiments.”

But it still looks more like “prudence is the better part of valour” and giving in to fear of violence from extremists to me.

For the sake of argument, let us assume that the opinions of both the author and those who called to ban his book are correct. Namely, that he wrote a scholarly work expressing personal opinions on the history of Islam and that the content offends the sentiments of, at least some, if not all Muslims.

The best response to calls, that the latter view, means it should be banned, is not to refer to the philosophy of the Enlightenment in defence of freedom of speech, or to call upon theological discursions about human free will, it is simply two words.

So what?

By definition, a publication in itself does not infringe upon the rights of others. No one can be forced to read a book or see a film to whose contents they object. But the opposite is true for calls to ban such a publication, particularly when they stir up hostility, or even worse, violence against its authors.

Blasphemy laws and their ilk are pointless in principle and dangerous in practice.

The divine cannot be damaged by hostile words or humans who do not believe.

Moreover, even if a true believer sees all faiths as sharing a common aim or Creator, religious practices and beliefs are endlessly divergent. Red wine is a sinful intoxicant to Muslims, but a sacrament to Catholics, one man’s meat is another man’s poison, you’ve noticed this before, I’m sure.

The facts are plain, religions and sects differ hugely between and within themselves. Their adherents, even more so.

Forget the free speech of the Internet age, for a society simply to have freedom of religion and respect between people of different or no faiths, necessitates freedom to hold and

No one can be forced to read a book they find objectionable proclaim beliefs that may offend the sentiments of others. Only the most fanatical and repressive theocracies ever try to enforce otherwise.

Another reason why laws that talk of protecting religious sentiments should be repealed is that their language and thinking echoes a colonial mindset that sees such restrictions on speech as helping to keep the peace. For British rulers, this was more about facilitating control of a population divided along communal lines, than about showing respect for Islam, Hinduism, or other faiths in the land.

This is not the same as saying there should be never be restrictions on speech that incites hatred and violence. Just that writings which offend religious sentiment or make expressions of atheistic disbelief do not qualify as such.

Far from protecting the fabric of society, outlawing objectionable words and opinions actively undermines it, by making it easier for authorities to suppress all types of opinions.

Limiting freedom of speech is not

Double or quits n MJ Akbar

T

he newspaper headlines during two exceedingly pleasant days in Kolkata this week were intriguing, to put it mildly. They were full of taxi fares.

Every political leader reads the popular mood right sometimes, and goes awry on other occasions, but no one actually goes out of his or her way to woo hostility. Bengal’s permanently combative Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been courting public anger and wasting her diminished urban political capital with all the enthusiasm of an addict when she appeased a cabal of taxi drivers at the expense of the citizen’s interests.

In April last year, Ms Banerjee, responding to a perennial problem, imposed a fine of Rs3,000 on any taxi driver who refused to pick up a passenger in Kolkata, in an effort to rein in the rogue behaviour of too many cab drivers.

Their meter was a negotiable instrument; or, rather, not very negotiable, since they routinely demanded extra or drove off. When they saw a patient, or anyone headed towards a railway station or airport, extortion to the extent of a doubled fare was routine.

Last Wednesday, the chief minister reduced the fine to a meaningless Rs100. She also appealed to the “conscience” of taxi drivers and pleaded with them to “think about the plight of the people.” It is probably the first time that anyone has used “conscience” and “Kolkata cabbie” in the same sentence.

A splendid bit of investigative journalism by the Times of India on the Friday after this deterrent became a joke, revealed that of the 53 taxis that reporters sought during a one-hour random survey, 28 refused to respond (possibly smelling evil journalists from afar) and 13 demanded double the fare.

The couldn’t-care-a-damn lot included taxis bearing a bold “No Re-

fusal” slogan on the body. One of the “No Refusal” cabbies even informed the newspaper that it was behind the news. The CM had already given him a free ride.

Why did cabbies get away with such blatant blackmail, particularly when their familiar reason for charging more fuel prices, has now become irrelevant due to falling prices? Why did Mamata Banerjee choose to pamper them and antagonise voters weeks before Kolkata is due to elect a new mayor? When no sensible reason is offered, you cannot blame the citizen for believing the worst.

The stench of corruption pervades over Bengal’s government, and is spreading into too many corners. At the centre is the Saradha scam. Investigations have established that Mamata Banerjee’s party collected huge funds from a loan shark called Saradha.

Mamata Banerjee has been courting public anger with all the enthusiasm of an addict

Corruption corrodes governance, takes down political institutions and inevitably destroys the credibility of a leader. Police have evidence that Saradha money travelled to top leaders of Trinamool either through complicit businessmen or by direct transfer. One such businessman, rewarded with a Rajya Sabha seat for services rendered, has resigned from parliament, party and politics. It was probably the best of rotten alternatives.

But his hurried departure from a befogged limelight is small potatoes compared to the rift that is being re-

the same as outlawing harmful actions and deeds. To believe otherwise is to believe that some basic rights are more open to arbitrary amendment than others and to risk unraveling the entire concept and purpose of universal fundamental human rights.

A democratic society needs to protect the rights of those who express unpopular and yes, even offensive viewpoints.

Which is why I have to end by moving away from words offending the sentiments of religious believers to the similarly contentious question of words that undermine the state.

It is easy to see how the case filed against The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam for publishing a photograph of a poster put out by the banned Islamist organisation, Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HT), which allegedly incites the armed forces to topple the government, is an attack on the freedom of the press to perform its duty to report events, and should be rejected. This is a view with which it is straightforward to agree.

What is harder, is to ask why HT was banned in Bangladesh in 2009

BIGSTOCK

when most western democracies still allow it to function on the basis that its call to overthrow nation states to establish a pan-Islamic caliphate is usually accompanied by caveats opposing violent means to achieve its aims.

There are plenty of sound reasons to disagree with and deplore the group’s philosophy. Its sophisticated propaganda and cult-like indoctrination techniques are insidious, and the alleged involvement of key individuals associated with the group in Bangladesh in seeking to foment coups, give plausible grounds for intelligence services to monitor its activities.

But laws should only be used to police and prevent unlawful actions, not to forbid personal opinions or objectionable viewpoints.

In principle, the right of an individual to express HT’s core belief that nation states should be overthrown in pursuit of what they regard as a utopian goal, is one that should be defended.

Disagree with and reject such views by all means. Ignore them, debate them, mock them, but do not ban

them.

That way cedes a bit of ground to claims that society does not defend the right to express unpopular opinions. It also gives cause to others to justify and call for restrictions of other views, such as those which offend religious sentiments.

Banning opinions and views is a risky path to tread. It is always better to protect the rights of everyone to hold and express different opinions.

Of course seeking the moral high ground is difficult. It is all too easy to slip off.

It is human nature for pragmatism and the best of intentions to muddy the right road to follow and end up limiting basic freedoms of conscience and speech.

This is why principles such as the aphorism attributed to Voltaire matter so much. And should always be remembered. l Niaz Alam has worked on ethical business issues since 1992 and is a former vice-chair of War on Want. He is Chief Editorial Writer at the Dhaka Tribune.

Killing a brand, building a brand ported between Mamata Banerjee and one of her nearest colleagues, Mukul Roy. Roy has been interrogated by CBI, and seems shaken. He has distanced himself from his mentor.

He did not campaign for the by-elections held on February 13.

There are whispers that a split in the party is imminent. Obviously, no one can be certain about this, but conversation is doing its share of damage to the ebbing morale of Trinamool.

Gathering depression and party fissures may not lead to any dramatic reversal of electoral fortunes just yet, for political space is vacated far more easily than it is occupied by any claimant. That is one of the more stubborn laws of democratic practice.

New political forces on an upsurge need time to create the mechanisms that can turn support into votes. It may take a little while for them to hit critical mass, but once their momentum begins to gather pace, it is only a matter of when, not if.

Mamata Banerjee should understand this better than anyone else. It took her time to demolish the Left, but once the explosion happened, not even rubble was visible in the Marxist citadel.

Kolkata is a city that admires education, enjoys reading, and loves a good quote. It is also a city that is ambivalent, with good reason, about Winston Churchill: The great British imperialist presided over the tragedy known as the Bengal famine. But Churchill was also an iconic world leader with a keen understanding of human nature and sparkling wit. Churchill’s finest general during the Second World War was Bernard Montgomery, later to become field marshal. Churchill said of Montgomery: “In defeat unbeatable, in victory unbearable.”

This is precisely what Kolkata thinks of Mamata Banerjee today. l MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist. He is the founder of The Sunday Guardian. This article was first published in The Sunday Guardian.

n Mamun Rashid

I

t was possibly the early 90s. Fisons Bangladesh introduced their Peps Gel toothpaste in the market. It was a big hit, and almost pushed out Lever Brothers’ Pepsodent to a corner.

Being the first “gel toothpaste” in the market, coupled with the “a breath of fresh air” model of advertising Peps Gel, Lever Brothers was a bit confused about their next move.

Interestingly, it was not too late for them – they approached my colleague at ANZ Grindlays Bank David Standish, telling him that they had decided to buy Peps Gel at an attractive price.

Knowing Lever Brothers, the deal was closed in no time. They bought the “brand” and immediately killed it to pave the way for their esteemed brand Pepsodent.

In 2009, my Indian FMCG client wanted to buy Square’s Jui brand of coconut oil, and had offered a fantastic price, as well as commission, for us for getting this done. It took me a few days to understand that they only wanted to buy the name “Jui,” not the factory or the entire toiletries company.

They had offered $5m. Square Toiletries MD was of course allured, and smilingly asked for a possible higher amount. We conveyed the message to our Indian client. They came back with the increased offer of $10m. Ultimately, the deal didn’t pan out, since Square group’s chairman became very emotional as Jui was the name of his granddaughter.

It was possible that he had also gotten suspicious with the high amount offered for a name only. I was apprehensive, if the deal would have gone through, the story of Peps Gel would have been repeated.

Jamuna group’s “Aromatic” halal soap was almost stamped out by Unilever’s Lux from the market, even with allegations of Unilever using animal fat in their soaps against Jamuna using

vegetable fat in Aromatic.

Unilever was forced to import Lux from their other offshore plants, and thus bled in their balance sheets. However, like any other brand parent, Unilever didn’t budge from investing in the brand. Ultimately, Lux came back to public perception as a super brand, representing the ultimate commitment to quality and client solution building.

A brand gets recalled not because of the advertisements, but because of how the brand is harnessed

Though deemed winner for the time being, Jamuna eventually stopped investing in the Aromatic brand, which died a premature death. The entire company was sold to the Indian company mentioned above, at a throwaway price.

Pepsi is a globally-respected brand, but its initial bottler in Bangladesh could not do enough justice to their name. So, we at ANZ Grindlays introduced them to a new bottler. The new bottler worked hard with the brand owner, improved distribution network, market communication, and injected better cost discipline.

Today, Pepsi occupies the most esteemed position in the local carbonated drink market, and they have also launched the highly coveted brand of mineral water Aquafina in the local market.

Gacotouch, when it was initially launched in the market, made a big splash, but it is no more. Lalbag Chem-

ical and Perfumery Works were very happy with their brand “Hash Marka Gondhoraj Kesh Toil” in the coconut oil market.

It reigned supreme for several decades, occupying the mind-spaces of our mothers and grandmothers.

However, with changing hair styles, increasingly convenient packaging, and more ladies getting into the workplace, Marico’s “Parachute” and Square’s Jui made women forget everything about “Hash Marka” coconut oil.

Many brands lost out because of their parent company or sponsors not investing enough in building the brand or a lack of maintaining dignity or identity of the brand. Brand personality builds over time, and brand equity-building depends not on “occupying shelf space” but more importantly, “mind-space.”

A brand gets recalled not because of the advertisements, but because of how the brand is harnessed, or how it carries itself in the market. Far from creating any controversy, corporate citizenship as well as ultimate efficacy worked a lot towards brand building.

Hajeer Biriyani, Aarong, Prothom Alo, Ispahani, Rahim Afrooz, Square – these are the leaders in their respective market segments; who have thus emerged as brands through their tireless efforts over the years.

We are also seeing a few other brands emerge with their product development, client solution building, social presence, and commitment to doing things right.

I am sure that as our country progresses, and people become more “quality sensitive,” more brands will come up, and at the same time some will die sooner or later. With the rise in per capita income, to be more precise, “disposable income,” there has got to be a shift in quality, which will create further brand loyalty. l Mamun Rashid is a business professor and financial sector entrepreneur.

12

DHAKA TRIBUNE Thursday, February 19, 2015

UPCOMING MATCHES

TODAY UAE v Zimbabwe, 4am

14 Cyclone threatens

TOMORROW England v New Zealand, 7am

14 US embassy

Clarke’s return against Tigers

Guardian Nazmul gives moral support n Mazhar Uddin from Canberra Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan assured there is no more tension among the players or the coaching staff. The BCB chief is in Australia and was present during Bangladesh’s commanding win over minnows Afghanistan in Canberra yesterday.

Nazmul told Dhaka Tribune, “I read about the issue on the newspaper and what I heard that some lack of communication between the coach and manager was the reason. Sujon (Khaled Mahmud) arrived in Australia after the team and the coach had some schedules prepared for the tour while Sujon was not aware of those which might have created some misunderstanding but everything is fine now.”

Bangladesh stepped in Australia and before the comprehensive win yesterday had very little reason to feel cheerful as they lost all four warm-up games in their build up.

It could be mentionable that a Bengali newspaper recently stated that Tigers head coach Chandika Hathurusingha was not happy to see team manager Sujon getting “extra involved” with the plans.

Nazmul, however, also cleared the stance of the manager and coach and said, “Look, Sujon is not only the team manager, he is also a board director and an observer of the BCB and he has the power to take few decisions which is normal. I don’t think there should be any communication gap between the coach and manager as both of them are doing their job.”

Meanwhile, Nazmul’s presence in the opening match was mainly sought

by Tigers skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza who apparently urged the board president to arrive earlier than planned.

“Actually my plan was to reach Brisbane from the second match but Mashrafe asked me to come before the first game against Afghanistan. The boys were morally down after losing the warm up matches and it was my duty to boost the morale of the cricketers and I talked with them and gave them mental support after arriving,” he said. l

declares Afghan victory early

Mazhar Uddin from Canberra Bangladesh have silenced the critics and buried the speculations surrounding their ability in the big stage with the inclusive win against Afghanistan yesterday and rightly so their captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza said they have no reason to get excited with the result.

“We are not at all excited as there were some doubt among many, even amongst us, and I think there is no reason to get excited after winning this match,” said Mashrafe at the Mankura Oval in Canberra.

The 31-year old was at his best and got early breakthroughs in their defence of 268 as Afghanistan were reeling at 3/3 after the first three overs. The Narail Express was right on the money giving credit to his faster bowlers and said it was the partnership during the bowling period which was vital for Bangladesh.

And when he was asked to comment on his form which seems to be at the peak, Mashrafe joked and said, “Please don’t give any evil eye as I am scared of this type of comments when things are going good with me, but yes it feels good and luckily things are going well for me.”

Regular No 3 batsman Mominul Haque was sent in at No 9 which created a lot of questions among the Bangladeshi journalists present in Australia and Mashrafe cleared their confusion stating, “Mominul was padded up right from the start and we had a plan of sending him in in case of a batting collapse.

And we have decided that he will be batting at number seven when he can rotate the strike with an attacking batsman at the other end but it was a different situation today (yesterday),” said Mashrafe.

Shakib al Hasan became the first Bangladesh cricketer to make 4,000 one-day international runs, during their World Cup clash against Afghanistan yesterday.

Shakib reached the landmark in his 142nd ODI when he clipped a ball from Aftab Alam for a boundary in the 37th over at Canberra’s Manuka Oval

ODIs

Inns

NO

Runs

142

136

20

4040

HS

In his first 65 ODIs, Mushfiqur Rahim hit 1,297 runs at 23.6 average; in his last 65 he has hit 1,927 at 35 average

‘No reason to get excited’

NO. 1 REACHES NEW HEIGHT

Mat

Sport

Did you know?

Ave

SR

134* 34.82 79.85

100

50

4s

6s

6

27

358

30

Meanwhile, man of the match Mushfiqur Rahim, who was captain of the side during their defeat to Afghanistan in the Asia Cup last year, was pleased with his effort.

The upset at Fatullah was one of the reasons Mushfiq lost the ODI captaincy and after top scoring for Bangladesh with a quickfire 71, Mushfiq later sealed the victory by breaking the stumps to run out Aftab Alam, looking overcome with anger.

“There were a lot of talks regarding the conditions so the expectations were high since we were the favourites. We needed a good win and that’s achieved. Its not an easy win but it’s a comprehensive win,” said Mushfiq.

The wicketkeeper-batsman partnered with Shakib al Hasan to add valuable runs to the scorecard after the Tigers were struggling at 119/4 in 30 overs.

Mushfiq said, “I think the guys are learning day by day and when I went in to bat Shakib was at the other end and we thought if we could bat till the 45th over we could easily pass 250 runs which happened and we also had a good start with the ball which was pleasing.”

Now the pressure is off their shoulders, Mushfiqur said, the target to do well against strong teams in the group, starting with title contenders Australia in Saturday’s match in Brisbane.

“We are looking forward to the challenge against Australia and Sri Lanka and England and also other teams in our group. I think that this confidence will boost us.

“It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not going to be impossible either. In any game, anyone can win on any day.

“Going into that match, everyone will think that Australia are going to win easily. Hopefully we can prove something. All the boys are really geared up for that match.” l

BANvAFG Bangladesh Tamim Iqbal c Asfar b Mirwais Anamul Haque lbw b Mirwais Soumya Sarkar lbw b Shapoor Mahmudullah c Afsar b Shapoor Shakib Al Hasan b Hamid Mushfiqur Rahim c Shenwari b Nabi Sabbir Rahman b Hamid Mashrafe Mortaza b Aftab Mominul Haque run out (Asfar) Rubel Hossain not out Taskin Ahmed b Aftab Extras (b3, lb4, w6)

R

B

19 29 28 23 63 71 3 14 3 0 1 13

55 42 25 45 51 56 8 9 3 2 3

Total (all out; 50 overs)

267

Fall of wickets 1-47, 2-52, 3-102, 4-119, 5-233, 6-241, 7-247, 8-263, 9-263, 10-267 Bowling Hamid 10-0-61-2 (1w); Shapoor 7-1-20-2; Aftab 9-0-55-2 (3w); Mirwais 9-3-32-2 (1w); Nabi 9-0-58-1 (1w); Javed 4.5-0-320, Shenwari 1.1-0-2-0; Afghanistan R Javed Ahmadi c and b Mortaza 1 Afsar Zazai lbw b Hossain 1 N Mangal c Hossain b Mahmudullah 27 A Stanikzai c Mahmudullah b Mortaza 1 Samiullah Shenwari run out (Sabbir) 42 Md Nabi c Soumya b Mortaza 44 Najibullah Zadran lbw b Shakib 17 Mirwais Ashraf c Mortaza b Shakib 10 Aftab Alam not out 14 Hamid Hassan c Anamul b Taskin 0 Shapoor Zadran run out (Mushfiqur) 2 Extras (lb1, w2) 3 Total (all out; 42.5 overs)

B 2 5 57 7 75 43 34 15 12 5 2

162

Fall of wickets 1-2, 2-2, 3-3, 4-65, 5-78, 6-136, 7-136, 8-154, 9-154, 10-162

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza imitates the celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo after taking a wicket against Afghanistan in a World Cup Pool A game at the Manuka Oval in Canberra yesterday AP

Bowling Mortaza 9-2-20-3; Hossain 6-0-27-1 (1w); Taskin 7-0-23-1; Shakib 8.5-0-43-2; Mahmudullah 8-1-31-1; Soumya 3-0-13-0; Sabbir 1-0-4-0 Result: Bangladesh won by 105 runs MoM: Mushfiqur Rahim

Bangladesh set the tone with clinical win, Afghanistan given reality check There was a common factor at the Manuka Oval in the Australian capital. Matching the Bangladesh colours was the lush green outfield and a sea of Bangladesh fans that not only outnumbered the YOUSUF RAHMAN Afghans 10 to (BABU) 1 but also outscreamed them as they took over the stadium with its vociferous support.

The Afghans were outnumbered and outplayed in their first World Cup encounter, which was not the result that they were looking forward to. With the memory of their Asia Cup win in Dhaka in 2014, Afghanistan was hoping for a repeat. Bangladeshis and Canberra had other plans for them.

Having lost to Ireland in a warm-up game, questions were asked by many

Talking Point

as to how the team would approach this intense fixture. In Canberra, those questions have been answered with a stamp of authority. Bangladesh sent a clear message to the world and its passionate fans that the Asia Cup loss in 2014 to the Afghans was nothing but an accident.

Both teams were tentative as they went into this match. Bangladesh, for obvious reasons had a lot more at stake than the Afghans so they relied on patience and the inexperience of Afghanistan to become a prevalent factor. So, when Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque started the innings with extreme caution, it was no surprise. On a good batting track, it was pleasing to watch the Afghan seamers bowl with a plan.

While they kept Bangladesh’s top order in shackles and also managed to pick up four wickets in the process, they failed to go for the jugular as Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib al Hasan took control of the match with some high quality percentage batting. Their experience and quality resulted in a match winning fifth wicket partnership of 114

runs at a strike rate of nearly 120%.

A target of 268 is not an unreasonable one to chase, especially on ODI tracks, as long as you have a disciplined batting approach. However, when you lose three wickets in three overs, it not only becomes difficult but also becomes frustrating, which got

Moment of the match Bangladesh team’s lap of honour thanking the supporters that came from all across the globe compounded further with an inexperienced batting line up. After losing the first three wickets to some accurate spell of pace bowling by Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Rubel Hossain, Afghanistan lost its way and was never in the hunt. Bangladesh’s bowling had variety, purpose and penetration. Mashrafe

handled his bowling with imagination and creativity. Shakib was his usual confident self. I was highly impressed with Bangladesh’s fielding, which must have left the fielding coach beaming with pride. The run out of Samiullah Shenwari by a Sabbir Rahman-Mushfiq combination was simply brilliant.

Afghanistan needed a better start in its World Cup debut and Bangladesh could not have asked for a better start.

While Bangladesh will take this victory into its games ahead, Afghanistan will need to get back to the drawing board and make their adjustments. The reality is that, other than Scotland, the teams that await them are much stronger than Bangladesh. Whether their adjustments will matter remains to be seen. Victories for Bangladesh are rare so every single one are precious. This victory has rekindled the hope of millions as they move forward into the tournament. l Yousuf Rahman (Babu), former national cricketer, vice captain and first centurion writes from New York for Bangladesh fans all across the globe.

Home away from home

n Mazhar Uddin from Canberra

Ever since I departed for Australia last Monday, I was in a race against time. Following a lot of drama – flight delay and a night’s stay in Delhi due to transit – I finally made it just in time for the Tigers’ World Cup opener against Afghanistan yesterday.

After landing in Sydney yesterday at 7am, I had to catch the earliest bus to Canberra. It usually takes three hours to reach Manuka Oval, Canberra from Sydney.

Those three hours were supposed to be hectic as I had already done a lot of travelling by then, however, it was anything but.

The majority of the passengers were Bangladeshis who were travelling from different parts of Sydney to watch their beloved cricket team. Afzal Mahmud is one of them. Residing and studying in Sydney, Afzal managed some time off to watch the Tigers in flesh for the very first time.

He was wearing the Bangladesh jersey and had high expectations,

especially from his favourite cricketer Shakib al Hasan.

“I did not want to miss this opportunity to witness my team’s match in Australia as they hardly play here. More importantly, it’s the World Cup. I took a leave from my college only to watch Shakib and the others in front of my own eyes. I hope Bangladesh will win easily,” said Afzal. No doubt, he would be extremely elated now, given what transpired at the Manuka Oval yesterday.

Not only our bus. While looking

through the window, I witnessed at least 20 or more cars in which the Tigers fans were waving the Bangladesh flag on their way to Canberra.

When I arrived at the Manuka Oval, a multi-functional sports venue, I was more surprised. The ground was reminiscent of the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Thousands of people, in unison, waving the red and green proudly, supported by patriotic Bangla music in the background.

What a sight to behold! l

A section of ecstatic Bangladeshi fans cheer during the match against Afghanistan in Canberra yesterday

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

13

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Sylhet dominate league leaders n Minhaz Uddin Khan BRIEF SCORES, DAY 3 Dhaka v Sylhet Sylhet 500 allout Dhaka 202 allout in 62.5 overs & 83/3 in 40.5 overs Majid 82, Sharif 50*; Enamul Jr 3/48, Jayed 3/54, Sadiqur 2/12 Dhaka trail by 215 runs Rangpur, Barisal Rangpur 518/9 dec Barisal 416/4 dec in 106 overs Mosaddek 125*, Al Amin 96*, Fazle 85, Shajib 60; Sanjit 2/99 Barisal trail by 102 runs Dhaka Metro v Chittagong Dhaka Metro 496 allout Chittagong 274 allout in 97 overs & 126/3 in 30 overs Tasamul 131*; Saykat 2/33, Elias 5/80 Chittagong trail by 96 runs Khulna v Rajshahi

An action from the NCL fourth round game between Rajshahi and Khulna at the SBNS yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Celtic, Inter Milan rematch tops Europa League bill n AFP, Paris The hotly-anticipated rematch between old rivals Celtic and Inter in Glasgow tops the bill in the Europa League last 32, with the first legs to be played on Thursday evening.

The clubs famously met in the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon, when Celtic triumphed 2-1 to become the first British club to be crowned champions of Europe.

Inter then gained a measure of revenge by winning on penalties when the sides clashed in the semi-finals of the same competition in 1972, and they have not met since.

Neither club is the force they once were, but there will still be a sell-out 60,000 crowd at Celtic Park as the Scottish champions look to record another memorable win against a Nerazzurri side now coached by Roberto Mancini.

Celtic have won their last eight matches but their limitations have been exposed in Europe this season and they must be wary of an Inter side who are

DAY’S WATCH Ten Action 12:00AM UEFA Europa League Young Boys v Everton 2:00AM Liverpool v Besiktas

Ten Sports 4:00PM Hero Indian Open Day 1 Session 2 7:00PM WTA: Dubai Duty Free Championships Quarterfinals UEFA Europa League 12:00AM Trabzonspor v Napoli 2:00AM Celtic v Internazionale 4:00AM ATP World Tour 500 Rio Open: Round of 16

Ten HD UEFA Europa League 12:00AM AS Roma v Feyenoord 2:00AM Tottenham Hotspur v Fiorentina 03:30AM ATP World Tour 500 2015 Rio Open Round of 16 session 2

Star Sports 1 4:00AM ICC World Cup Zimbabwe v UAE

Star Sports 2 10:00AM Ranji Trophy 2014/15 Andhra Pradesh v Maharashtra 7:30PM Hockey India League Jaypee Punjab Warriors v Dabang Mumbai

fresh from recording handsome wins in their last two games.

Collins added: “We are not playing against another Scottish team but one full of internationals and a hugely-experienced manager who has won things at the top level.

Inter will be able to call upon Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss international signed last month from Bayern Munich.

However, Lukas Podolski, brought in from Arsenal, is not eligible in Europe.

Celtic, meanwhile, are waiting to see if Kris Commons will recover from a hamstring problem in time.

After dropping out of the Champions League group stage, Liverpool take on Besiktas with the first leg at Anfield a repeat of their meeting in the Champions League in 2007, when Liverpool won 8-0, inflicting a record European defeat on the Turks. Besiktas, coached by former Everton defender Slaven Bilic, come into this game on top of the Turkish league and buoyed by a 3-2 win against Bursaspor at the weekend, in which leading scorer Demba Ba netted

a late penalty to secure the points.

Liverpool must do without Lazar Markovic, who has been given a fourmatch ban from European competition following his sending-off in the Reds’ final Champions League group game against FC Basel in December.

Besiktas took four points from two games against Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage but the north London club advanced to the last 32 as well and face Fiorentina, with the first leg at White Hart Lane.

Having scored seven goals in seven games in the competition this season, all eyes will again be on Harry Kane for Spurs, but a Fiorentina side who are unbeaten in eight games and lie fourth in Serie A will provide stiff opposition.

Meanwhile, Everton will be hoping to once again produce their best form in Europe as they go to Switzerland to take on Young Boys. The Toffees have won just once in their last 11 matches but were impressive in the Europa League group stage, notably beating Wolfsburg home and away.l

Siddikur hopes to soar n Agencies Siddikur Rahman plans to bounce back from a run of poor results at his favourite hunting ground when he defends his title at the $1.5m Hero Indian Open, which starts today.

The popular Bangladeshi uncharacteristically missed the cut in his last two events but hopes to rediscover his best form when he contends at the Delhi Golf Club, a venue where he has one win and eight other top-10s, including two runner-up results.

“I feel at peace and happy here. I don’t feel any pressure even though I’m defending my title this week. When you do bad or good, it is part of golf. I learn a lot from my mistakes and that has helped me improve,” said Siddikur,

a two-time Asian Tour winner.

“I feel great because I have good memories on this course. I played one of my best golf in my career at the 2013 Hero Indian Open. This is my favourite golf course and I’m looking forward to this week.”

The 30-year-old hopes to strike it hot with his irons which he reckons will be the key to success this week. With his coach Shane Gillespie and wife Samaun Anjum Auroni by his side, Siddikur is determined to retain the title.

“My coach is with me and he is motivating me. According to my stats, I’m not hitting enough greens in regulation. That’s my strongest point in the past. My short game is there but I’m not finding enough greens to go low,” Siddikur explained. l

Khulna 560/6 dec Rajshahi 225 allout in 89.3 overs & 61/2 in 27 overs (Forhad 55, Tareq 52; Mostafizur 4/41, Ziaur 2/13, Razzak 2/83) Rajshahi trail by 274 runs

Barisal middle order batsman Mosaddek Hossain and Chittagong’s Tasamul Haque’s unbeaten centuries marked day three of the fourth round of National Cricket League yesterday. The day also saw follow-on imposed on Dhaka division, Chittagong and Rajshahi by their respective opponents.

Barisal v Rangpur, BKSP 3

Mosaddek was not out on 125 which allowed Barisal put up a fighting reply to Rangpur. Resuming on 63 for two, Barisal scored 416 before the end of the day and they still trail by 102 runs. Fazle Rabbi and Shajib before their dismissals scored 85 and 60 runs respectively.

19-year-old Mosaddek paired with Al Amin (96) to post an unbeaten 220run stand for the fifth wicket. Mosaddek in his 219-ball innings slammed 13 boundaries and three over boundaries.

Chittagong v Dhaka Metro, BKSP 2

Tasamul’s unbeaten 131 went in vain as Chittagong, who still trail by 96 runs, were forced to follow on by Dhaka Metro.

The port-city side resumed their first innings on 98 for five with Tasamul on 43. Tasamul was successful in not giving away his wicket while his fellow

Feni win, Brothers draw as MSC progress n Shishir Hoque Feni Soccer Club registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Team BJMC while Brothers Union eked out a 1-1 draw against Rahmatganj in the Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. The draw saw Mohammedan become the first side to progress to the quarterfinals.

Local forward Sohel Mia, Iqbal Hossain and Gambian forward Lamin Jatta posted their names on the scoresheet against a hapless BJMC. BJMC would have suffered an embarrassing scoreline were it not for goalkeeper Ariful Islam, who produced three great saves to deny Gambian midfielder Jatta Mustapha.

Ariful though was unable to stop Sohel from scoring in the 50th minute. Receiving a lobbed pass from Mustapha, Sohel drifted into the box and slotted home past Ariful.

Jatta doubled the lead in the 78th minute as he placed the ball into the far post after a Iqbal pass. Iqbal completed the scoring in injury time.

Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Brothers were lucky to salvage a point against an impressive Rahmatganj.

Brothers scored from a controversial penalty while the Rahmatganj forwards on the other end missed a number of opportunities.

FEDERATION CUP Feni SC

3-0

Team BJMC

Sohel Mia 50 Lamin Jatta 78 Iqbal Hossain 90+1

Brothers Union Augustine Walson 83

1-1

Rahmatganj Sumon Dey 27

Defender Sumon Dey put Rahmatganj ahead in the 27th minute with a brilliant header following a precise and curled free-kick from midfielder Didarul Alam.

Haitian striker Augustine Walson though equalised from the spot in the 83rd minute after Nigerian defender Moses Amadi fouled Mohammed Rony inside the penalty area. l

A goal from Edinson Cavani secured a 1-1 draw for Paris Saint-Germain with Chelsea as both of Tuesday’s opening Champions League last 16 first leg matches ended in draws.

Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk drew 0-0 at “home” in Lviv against German giants Bayern Munich, who played the last 25 minutes with just 10 men as Spanish veteran Xabi Alonso marked his 100th appearance in the competition in unmemorable fashion by being sent off.

Chelsea had got the away goal that they were dreaming of when Branislav Ivanovic scored another vital goal for them in the 36th minute.

The Serbian’s header from Gary Cahill’s flick-on - another central defender John Terry having provided the cross was his seventh goal in 53 appearances in the competition.

Cavani, though, levelled 12 minutes into the second-half as poor Chelsea defending allowed him a free header from Blaise Matuidi’s cross.

The Uruguayan - who has 17 goals to his name in all competitions this season - should have won the first leg for

UCL RESULTS PSG (FRA)

1-1

Cavani 54

Shakhtar (UKR)

Chelsea (ENG) Ivanovic 36

0-0

Bayern (GER)

the hosts when he wriggled free with just 10 minutes remaining and one on one with Thibault Courtois he poked the ball just wide of the far post.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho conceded that PSG had looked the most likely winner.

“If you go to chances created and the goalkeepers’ performances we have to be honest and say they had more than

Dhaka division v Sylhet, Fatullah

Sylhet riding on their massive total from the first innings maintained domination over Dhaka by forcing follow-on on the league leaders. Dhaka resuming their first innings with 53 for two, put up 202 before losing all wickets.

Following-on, Dhaka faced 40.5 overs and scored 83 runs, trailing by 215 more.

Rajshahi v Khulna, SBNS

Rajshahi were imposed with follow-on

by Khulna after the formers were all out with 225 on the board in the first innings. 560 runs from the first innings gave Khulna the edge.

Rajshahi resumed the day with 63 for two but a sharp Khulna bowling attack saw the innings crumble. Forhad Hossain topped with 55 runs followed

by Tarek Khan’s 52. Mostafizur Rahman picked four wickets for Khulna.

Before the umpires called it a day, Rajshahi batted 27 overs in the second innings, scored 61 for 2 and trailed by 274 runs. l

Premier League stars face tax investigation n AFP, Brussels Belgian tax authorities are investigating Luxembourg bank accounts held

by English Premier League stars Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin Mirallas, De Morgen newspaper reported Tuesday. The Flemish daily said the Belgian internationals have Luxembourg based companies they use to transfer money. Luxembourg taxes are considerably lower than in Belgium.

Teenager Divock Origi, who Liverpool have loaned to French side Lille was also named in the report. Hazard and Courtois are team-mates at Chelsea while Mirallas turns out for Everton.

Such practices are legal if the players can “prove that the company is run from Luxembourg, which is naturally difficult (to prove)”, according to an expert quoted by De Morgen who added that the players involved risk penalties.

Last November the ‘Lux Leaks’ scandal revealed secret structures used by international clients, including major multinationals, to avoid taxes with tax avoidance schemes in Luxembourg. l

Rahmatganj defender Sumon Dey (18) celebrates scoring the opening goal against Brothers Union in the Federation Cup at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Cavani pegs back Chelsea, 10-man Bayern held n AFP, Paris

teammates were busy going in and out the dressing room. Elias Sunny’s fivefor saw Chittagong bowl out for 274.

Chittagong ended the day with 126 in the second innings losing three wickets.

us, so if somebody was closer to winning the game it was Paris not Chelsea,” said Mourinho.

PSG handler Laurent Blanc had mixed feelings about the game.

Shakhtar - who are facing a tough fight to win their sixth successive league crown as they trail Dynamo Kiev by five points - looked like a side that had not played a competitive game since the group match against Porto on December 10.

The Ukrainian side - who have to play their games hundreds of miles away from home because of the fighting between rebels and Ukrainian soldiers - were give hope of at least taking a lead to Munich for the second leg when Alonso was sent-off for a second bookable offence.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola greeted with the decision with a shake of the head and a grim smile and shortly afterwards decided to sacrifice a striker

and remove Thomas Mueller from the fray sending on central defender Holger Badstuber in his place.

Bayern, who only have one win from six visits to Ukraine, then played it out for a draw which should give them enough when they host Shakhtar in the second leg on March 11.

Guardiola, whose first Champions League campaign with Bayern ended with a drubbing at the hands of eventual champions Real Madrid last season, admitted it had been a frustrating night.

His Shakhtar counterpart 69-yearold Romanian Mircea Lucescu was delighted despite their rustiness they had not taken a similar hammering.

“The first plan was not to lose,” said Lucescu, who has been in his post since 2004 and guided Shakhtar to victory in the 2009 UEFA Cup, the predecessor of the Europa League. The second was to keep our chances alive for the second leg. We did that.l

Fatullah Pilot thrash Nahar Academy n Raihan Mahmood Fatullah Pilot High School thrashed Nahar Academy 7-1 in the Dhaka zonal qualifiers of the First Security Islami Bank National School Hockey at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

In the other matches of the day, Zinjira PM Pilot High School defeated Rahmatullah Model High School by 3-1 goals, Jou Gobinda High School outplayed Motijheel Govt. Boys School by 5-0 goals and Poisha High School edged past Barnamala Pathshalam Lalbagh 1-0.

The zonal qualifiers of the Faridpur venue concluded yesterday with Faridpur Muslim Mission School, Police Lines High School and Moyezuddin High School qualifying for the final round from the three groups. l

14

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Sport

Thursday, February 19, 2015

We didn’t do ourselves justice, says Afghanistan coach Moles n AFP, Canberra

Cyclone threatens Clarke’s Aussie return against Bangladesh

AP

Afghanistan coach Andy Moles lamented his team didn’t give a true reflection of the way they play their cricket after a comprehensive first up World Cup defeat to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

The World Cup newcomers lost by 105 runs after being dismissed for 162 in pursuit of a 268-run target at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

Their hopes of chasing down the target were torpedoed by a clatter of three wickets in the opening three overs exposing their middle order batsmen to the new ball.

It was an opening setback that Afghanistan never overcame against the Test-playing nation, who they beat at last year’s Asia Cup one-day tournament.

“We genuinely thought this was a game we could win tonight,” Moles told reporters. “I still believe that if we had applied ourselves better then we would have given a better account.

“The Bangladesh boys have got far more experience than us. We haven’t disgraced ourselves, but that wasn’t a true reflection on the work we do in preparation and the way we play our cricket.”

“One of the issues we’ve had is that we do well with bat and ball for 35 overs and it’s that extra 15 overs where we need to work on our concentration levels, our discipline, our execution and it’s something we have spoken about regularly,” Moles said.

“In the first 30 overs today we were very good, bowled well with discipline and we had control and we fielded well.

“Then one or two little bits of sloppiness crept into our fielding and our bowling wasn’t quite as focused as it had been and then it got a little bit worse. We didn’t hit the heights that we expected of ourselves.”l

US embassy prematurely declares Afghan victory

n AFP, Brisbane

The US embassy in Kabul seemed to get caught up in the excitement of Afghanistan’s World Cup debut on Wednesday, congratulating the side on victory just half-way through the Bangladesh innings.

The Afghans made their World Cup bow in Canberra against the Test-status South Asians, completing another step in their fairytale rags-to-riches story.

The war-torn country has taken to cricket with a passion and millions are expected to follow the match via TV, radio and social media.

With the match barely a quarter of the way through, the US embassy’s official Twitter account posted a message hailing Afghanistan’s “victory”.

“Congratulations to #Afghanistan for their win over #Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup #CWC15 #AFGvsBAN,” the message said.

The tweet triggered a flood of sarcastic retorts about Americans in Kabul prematurely declaring victory, as well as an apologetic response from the embassy.

“Premature posting but we are still cheering for team Afghanistan at the #CWC15! #AFGvsBAN,” the embassy tweeted. l

Bangladesh’s Rubel Hossain reacts after injuring himself while taking a brilliant catch to dismiss Afghanistan’s Nawroz Mangal during their Cricket World Cup Pool A match in Canberra yesterday

Australia’s World Cup campaign as well as Michael Clarke’s long-awaited return could be blown off course by a tropical cyclone which threatens to dump 30cm of rain on Brisbane in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash with Bangladesh.

Australia’s meteorology office has forecast an 80 percent chance of rain, with thunderstorms on Saturday when the game takes place at the Gabba.

“Beautiful sunshine at the moment, but I think that’s it for the day -- we got a couple of days of wet weather,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann said Wednesday.

“We’ll work out what the best XI is once it clears up. It might be different with overcast conditions and we might decide to play a different way, and it depends on the wicket.”

The uncertainty over the weather has created doubts over Clarke’s scheduled return to the team after he missed last weekend’s 111-run opening win against England at Melbourne.

Stand-in skipper George Bailey is the man expected to make way for Clarke but it could be that the wild

weather will leave the captain kicking his heels until Australia’s third game of the tournament, against fellow cohosts and title contenders New Zealand in Auckland on February 28.

Lehmann insisted Australia’s selectors would not be influenced by outside “feedback” when they decide on who to drop ahead of the Gabba clash, with many critics demanding all-rounder Shane Watson be axed after his golden duck against England.

“You do listen to what’s being said but at the end of the day you have got to make the right call for that particular game,” Lehmann told SEN radio.

“You get all the callers and all the feedback but you’ve got to make the

right decision and we’ll always try and do that.”

The grim weather forecast could force the players indoors for nets after rain hit the Gabba training session on Wednesday.

“The wickets were a little bit juicy so it was interesting facing the quicks that was for sure,” said Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

“I just faced Patty Cummins with a new ball in there (the nets) and I don’t wish that on anyone. If it is like that (juicy), I guess it would be a temptation to let four quicks rip (on Saturday).”

“It doesn’t look ideal for the next couple of days but Saturday looks like it will clear up a little bit.” l

n AFP, Kabul

Zim warn of ruthless approach to UAE n AFP, Nelson Zimbabwe have warned they will show no mercy against cricket minnows the United Arab Emirates in their World Cup match in Nelson on Thursday, with captain Elton Chigumbura promising a “ruthless” approach.

The Pool B match statistics are heavily lop-sided in favour of Zimbabwe, seeking a commanding win as they bid

to bounce back from their opening loss to South Africa.

“You have to take every game seriously, do the basics right and make sure when you get into a good winning position you are ruthless and win the game,” Chigumbura said Wednesday.

Zimbabwe put up a credible showing in parts during their tournament opener against South Africa.

They had their border rivals strug-

WORLD CUP HEAD-TO-HEAD

ZIMBABWE 0

UAE Matches

0

OVERALL

0

Matches

0

PROBABLE XI Amjad Ali, Andri Berenger, Krishna Chandran, Khurram Khan, Swapnil Patil (WK), Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Mohammad Naveed, Amjad Javed, Mohammad Tauqir (C), Nasir Aziz

Chamu Chibhabha, Sikandar Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Elton Chigumbura (C), Solomon Mire, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi

PLAYER TO WATCH Very few come down the wicket to Steyn and hammers him for a straight six. Masakadza, however, is one among those few.

After a confident 80 against South Africa in the previous game, the burly right-hander will be looking to continue his good run MASAKADZA of form

KHURRAM

Khurram is the oldest player ever to score an ODI hundred. Besides skipper Tauqir, Khurram is one of the major players of the UAE side. The stylish left-hander has waited a long time to feature in the WC and will be looking to make the most of it, starting from today

gling at 83 for four before century-makers David Miller and JP Duminy mounted a 256-run rescue mission to lift the Proteas to 339.

In reply, Zimbabwe reached 191 for two before they lost their last eight wickets for just 86 runs.

“It was a confidence boost the way we played (in parts) but also disappointing to play the way we did for 90 overs but we didn’t manage to finish off,” Chigumbura said.

On paper, an established cricket nation such as the 10th-ranked Zimbabwe should be far too powerful for UAE who scrapped into the World Cup as one of the final two qualifiers along with Scotland.

Zimbabwe’s aim in the build-up to Thursday’s match has been to correct problem areas that surfaced against South Africa.

“We have to make sure that we improve on things that we didn’t do well from the first game,” Chigumbura said.

“That’s the most important thing when it comes to our team because we are quite balanced when it comes to batting and bowling, so it’s just polishing up where we went wrong in the first game.”

Zimbabwe are seen to be in a threeway battle with Ireland and the West Indies for the fourth quarter-final spot in a pool which also includes South Africa, defending champions India and Pakistan.

Ireland have already struck the first blow with their upset win over the West Indies on Monday and Zimbabwe know they cannot afford to slip-up against any of the minor teams or their chance to make the knockout phase could be over.

Saxton Oval, with its short boundaries, offers the potential for a high-scoring game. l

Money men take issue with robot’s World Cup tip n AFP, Melbourne

Afghan refugees watch the live broadcast of their Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh at a market in Peshawar yesterday AFP

A New Zealand robot may have tipped 1,000/1 outsiders Afghanistan to win the World Cup, but a couple of hard-headed economists have, unsurprisingly, come to a rather different conclusion.

The Indian duo of portfolio management guru Surjit Bhalla and investment consultant Ankur Choudhary, having carried out a statistical survey of all one-day internationals, believe Australia - the 3/1 favourites - will win a fifth World Cup title with co-hosts New Zealand, as well as South Africa, running them close.l

Fielding coach drawn into Pak turmoil n AFP, Christchurch Pakistan’s World Cup campaign was rocked by fresh allegations of unrest Wednesday when reports claimed that fielding coach Grant Luden was involved in a heated row with senior players.

Even before the tournament started, eight members of Pakistan’s 15-man squad -- including Shahid Afridi and Ahmed Shehzad -- were fined $300 each by team management for breaking a curfew.

Days later Pakistan suffered a 76-run defeat by defending champions India in their tournament opener in Adelaide, the team’s sixth successive loss to their arch-rivals at the World Cup. Initial reports in the Pakistan media

on Tuesday said Luden had resigned after an argument with Afridi, opener Shehzad and batsman-cum wicketkeeper Umar Akmal following Sunday’s Pool B loss.

“Luden had a serious argument with some senior players and out of frustration resigned,” a source in the Pakistan camp told AFP. Luden, a member of Pakistan coach Waqar Younis’s backroom staff, was hired as fielding coach in May last year on a two-year contract. But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) denied Luden had resigned after the India match.

“Reports stating that there has been a tiff between three players, Afridi, Shehzad and Akmal and fielding coach Luden and that the latter has resigned because of it, are absolutely false and that

nothing of the sort has happened,” said a PCB statement issued on Wednesday.

“The entire team trained together in Christchurch on Tuesday under the supervision of head coach Waqar Younis with each of the other coaches, where some players were put through their paces by all coaches, with Luden putting in an extra hour on both days with a select group of players,” the statement added.

Nevertheless, the PCB also admitted Luden had offered to resign before the World Cup started.

“A few days prior to the start of the World Cup 2015, Luden had expressed his desire that for personal reasons, he would want to be relieved of his duties sometime in May 2015,” the board statement said. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Entertainment

15

Thursday, February 19, 2015

ARMEEN’s album Simultaneously now in the market

WHAT TO WATCH TELEVISION

n Entertainment Desk

5 years celebration of NUPUR BEJE JAAY n Entertainment Desk

The Shadhona, a cultural organisation, will organise a dance programme titled “Nupur Beje Jaay” at the Chayanaut Cultural Centre in the capital at 6:30pm today.

This event is a part of Shadhona’s regular bi-monthly programme to promote and develop the dance in Bangladesh. It will be 38th presentation of “Nupur Beje Jaay.”

Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa will perform classical dance

and Katthak dance at the event.

Meanwhile, Benjir Salam will perform Oridisi dance; Sweety Das Chowdhury will perform Manipuri dance; and Zuairiyah Mouli and Shammy Akter will perform Bharatnattyam Dance. l

Singer and songwriter Armeen Musa has recently released her first ever English original album “Simultaneously”.

The album was released from ME label—a digital label established by Armeen herself.

The songs are available internationally on iTunes—Amazon and other online platforms as well as local Bengali online sites, including armeenmusa. bandcamp.com, shurjorajjo.com and rokomari.com. CDs are also available at her live shows in Dhaka.

Recreating this sound in Dhaka, Armeen has teamed up with guitarist Kaartik, pianist Saad Chowdhury, Ashraf on bass (loco motive and others), Shihab Chowdhury on drums and Airtel Buzz studio famed Ariba Chowdhury and Jannat Ul Ferdous.

A graduated from Berklee College

LOOPER HBO Defined, 10:30pm Cast: Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits - someone like Joe. of Music, Armeen rose to fame with her hit single “Bhromor Koio” (remake of Radha Raman’s classic) right out of high school after which she released an original album of Bengali songs named “Aye Ghum Bhangai.”

She will be joining at the Jatra Biroti orchestra performing Classic Jazz Favourites starting from 6pm on Friday. l

FAHMIDA-RUPANKAR bring a duet album

DANTE’S PEAK Star Movies, 4:30pm Cast: Brosnan, Hamilton, Renée Smith A vulcanologist arrives at a countryside town named Dante’s Peak after a long dormant volcano.

FLUSHED AWAY HBO Hits, 5:45pm Cast: Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen The story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life.

n Entertainment Desk

THEATRE

Fahmida Nabi and Rupankar Bagchi have given voice in a duet a music album titled Neel Jhinuker Kham which contains eight romantic songs sung by the two popular artists from Bangladesh and India.

Laser Vision brought the album to market on the Valentines’ Day. Tuned by Ruparkar and composed by Indrajit Dey, Zulfiqar Russel has written all the lyrics of the album.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune Fahmida said: “This album is a Valentine’s Day gift to our fans. I hope the audience would love it.” Rupankar, West Bengal-based singer, has recently won the Indian National Film Award for his song titled “E tumi kemon tumi.”

Earlier, he worked with Fahmida in a song “Mon kharaper ekekta din” for an album titled “Porospor” which had been widely accepted by music lovers. l

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 3D I ZERO DEGREE I ROMEO V/S JULIET I SEVENTH SON 3D I JESSABELLE @ Star Cineplex

Aranyak Natyadal’s production Rarang was staged at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Tuesday. Celebrated theatre actor Mamunur Rashid has written and directed the play which depicts the struggle of the Santal community, an ethnic minority group living in northern part of Bangladesh, against feudalism and religious racism during the British Raj

AISHWARYA to play a role of a lawyer in Jazbaa n Entertainment Desk Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has started shooting for her upcoming movie “Jazbaa” since February 3. The actress is making her comeback to the celluloid with this film, which is being directed by Sanjay Gupta.

Aishwarya is playing a lawyer in the film.

The former Miss World will be seen on the silver screen after a gap of four years. She was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Guzaarish” opposite Hrithik Roshan in 2010.

“Jazbaa” also features Irrfan Khan, Anupam Kher and Shabana Azmi. It will screen at the 2015 Cannes International Film Festival and is said to release on October 9. l

IRRFAN KHAN to star in Inferno n Entertainment Desk Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has been roped in for yet another Hollywood project—this time he will share screen space with Tom Hanks and Felicity Jones in the upcoming mystery thriller film “Inferno.”

Inferno is the third film in the franchise that launched with “The Da Vinci Code” in 2006 and continued with “Angels & Demons” in 2009. The film will also star French actor Omar Sy, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

The film, which is an adaptation of Dan Brown’s eponymous novel, will witness Ron Howard returning to the director’s chair, and Mr Hanks will play the lead character Robert Langdon.

In this latest instalment, Robert finds himself in a hospital room in Venice as well as the target of a manhunt. With the help of Sienna, a nurse, and his knowledge of symbology, he will try to escape while they have to solve the most intricate riddle Robert has ever faced.

Irrfan will portray Provost, the head of a shadowy group that becomes involved with Robert, while Mr Sy will play the leader of a disease prevention team. l

SEVENTH SON 3D I ROMEO V/S JULIET I EXODUS 3D I INTERSTELLAR I NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB I THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES I THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR 3D I ZERO DEGREE @ Blockbuster Cinemas

JAMES BOND movie suffers another injury on set n Entertainment Desk Another accident occurred Tuesday during the shoot for the latest James Bond film, “Spectre.”

While filming in Solden, Austria, a camera truck veered off the road and crashed into a barn, seriously injuring at least one crew member, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Second unit assistant director Terry Madden, who had also worked on the previous James Bond films “Skyfall,” “Quantum of Solace” and “Casino Royale,” was injured in the accident, suffering multiple fractures, according to those sources. Madden has worked on every Bond film since 1981’s “For Your Eyes Only.”

The news of the on-set accident comes a little more than a week after James Bond star Daniel Craig suffered an accident, injuring his knee while shooting a fight scene. Filming for the 24th James Bond film is taking place in various parts of Europe including Austria, London and Rome.

Craig is returning to star in “Spectre,” which is being directed

by Sam Mendes. The Eon Productions, MGM and Sony film, slated for release on November 6, 2015, also stars Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris and Dave Bautista. l

SCARLETT signs on for The Psychopath Test n Entertainment Desk Scarlett Johansson has signed on to star in Universal and Imagine Entertainment’s upcoming project “The Psychopath Test,” which Jay Roach will direct.

Kristin Gore will write the adaptation of Jon Ronson’s book, which centers on the idea that one out of every hundred people is a psychopath. Ronson explores how psychopaths are diagnosed and treated, including unorthodox treatments from the past. The book hit shelves in 2011. Brian Grazer is producing along with Roach, Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey. Erica Huggins and Jennifer Perini are executive producing.

Johansson was the lead in Universal’s big 2014 hit “Lucy,” and next will be seen in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the Coen brothers’ “Hail, Caesar!” Roach most recently directed “The Campaign” and the pilot episode of HBO’s “The Brink.” Gore, the daughter of Al Gore, was an associate producer on “Foxcatcher” and is working on Sony’s untitled undercover-crime thriller, which will star Channing Tatum. l

16

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Survey: 82% RTI applicants do not get information n Munir Momtaj Around 82% of information seekers applying under the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2009 do not receive a response from the government within the designated period of 20 working days, according to RTI baseline survey in Bangladesh conducted by the Nielsen Company (Bangladesh) Ltd. The information was revealed in the study report titled “Empowerment through Information: The Evolution of Transparency Regimes in South Asia,” which was released yesterday at a workshop at a city hotel.

The study and the two-day workshop on RTI laws in the Southeast Asian countries have been jointly organised

by Transparency Advisory Group (TAG) and Research Initiative Bangladesh (RIB), with the financial assistance of the World Bank. The workshop ends today.

A total of 2,628 individuals were interviewed for this survey, none of whom had used the RTI act for accessing information As part of the study, RTI applications were filed with 82 government staff members from the upazila level to the ministry level in order to assess the functioning of the RTI act in the country, as well as of the designated officers and others concerned.

According to the survey, only 17% of the applicants were responded to, but were asked about their reason for seeking information. Some of them were not given full information, and some were instructed to contact the designated officers later.

Another point that emerged from these interviews was that, people generally felt reluctant to seek information from the government – despite knowing that such information may resolve their problems – because they felt it was a time-consuming process.

However, after hearing about the RTI act and learning that under its pro-

visions designated officers are required to provide the requested information within a period of 20 days, people felt that several problems related to employment, education, agriculture, etc could be resolved by using the RTI act.

Bureaucratic hurdles were identified as a major obstacle by 17.4% of survey respondents, and the fear of being exposed was seen as some of the other major obstacles by 13.1%.

Nielsen also found that RTI submission rate was very low, since 78.05% of the RTI designated officers said they had not received any RTI request for information yet.

According to the act, the designated officer must provide information sought by an applicant within 20 working days from the date of receiving the request.

The ceremony was presided over by Mohammad Farooq, chief information commissioner of Bangladesh, and was attended by Cabinet Secretary Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan as chief guest.

Dr Sahmsul Bari, chairman of the RIB and co-chair of TAG, gave the welcome speech, where he said a total of 61,420 RTI applications had been submitted to the designated government officers and relevant NGOs from 2010 to 2013.

“The number is very small for a country with over 150 million people.

By comparison, four million RTI applications are submitted annually in India,” he said.

Addressing the government officers’ reluctance to provide requested information, the cabinet secretary said: “Implementation of the right to information was a commitment of the present government, and we are dedicated to it.

“But sometimes, government employees do not provide the information because they believe it may cause the government embarrassment, which may lead them to be held responsible by the higher authorities.

Farooq said: “The government has taken various steps to make people aware of the RTI act.”

Among others, Shekhar Singh, cochair of TAG, and Vikram K Chand, lead public sector specialist of the World Bank in New Delhi, were also present at the ceremony. l

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

E-book the newest attraction n Nure Alam Durjoy

While a large number of newly-published books arrive everyday in ranges AMAR EKUSHEY of hardcover BOOK FAIR 2015 and paperback, it is the e-books that attract young readers most at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela.

The e-book, which allows readers to read virtually through smartphones, android handsets, laptops, tablets and/or computer devices, are being sold and promoted through mobile applications at the fair.

While walking on the fair premises, this correspondent noted a group of friends searching for the stall of Sheiboi.com.

When they found the stall, the attendant Jannatul Naima already appeared busy attending a host of customers. She eventually showed them how their app works on android mobile sets and shared it for free with her customers.

Naima says their app has about 300 books spanning the spectrum of different types of literary works, and their readers can download 100 books without payment.

“If they want more, they have to pay an amount which is almost half the rate of the hardcover version of the book,” Naima told this correspondent.

“Customers can pay through either Bkash or credit card,” she added.

Naima says especially the young readers come to their stall the most, as they appear more drawn to and comfortable with the internet. Readers can also download Sheiboi from Google Play Store and enjoy the readings.

Shamim Khan, a student of Dhaka University who frequently reads e-books, says: “It’s more useful when I’m on the bus or in transit. Since I have a number of books on my phone now, I can read them whenever I have some free time – regardless of where I am.”

Shei boi is not the only store offering e-books, Ashikuzzaman, an attendant at the stall of e-book app Boipoka, says.

“We have an agreement with writers and publishers to offer e-books,” he said. “Readers who download

A little girl is engrossed in words and images as she scans through the pages of her newly bought book from the Ekushey Book Fair yesterday MEHEDI HASAN them can read at least two hundred books – 40 of them for free.”

Another e-book outlet, Chorui. com has a collection of 400 e-books.

Meraj Chowdhury, an attendant at the stall, said they have sold a lot through the Android app since the beginning of the fair.

Their range includes works of Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhay, Sharatchandra Chattopadhay, Jibanananda Das, Sukumar Ray and Sukanta Bhattacharya, which are sold at a range of Tk300Tk500 at the fair.

The e-book stalls are located in the west corner of Bangla Academy. This year, there are three e-book stalls out of a total number of 526 stalls at the fair. However, although it is a low

number this year, the culture being new, it is growing and has potential for higher demand in the future.

“These applications are gradually becoming famous among readers both home and abroad,” Ashikuzzaman of Boipoka says.

Yesterday, the fair experienced a different kind of energy due to Bangladesh’s game in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which took place during the daytime here. Many said there was a low turnout due to the cricket match going on.

Following the end of the match, more visitors were seen at the fair after sunset.

Overall, there were 91 new books at the fair yesterday, the total reaching 2,309. l

IGP: Owners will decide on operating vehicles at night n Mohammad Jamil Khan Police will not impose a ban on vehicular movement at night. Though the law enforcement agency earlier urged the transport owners not to operate long-haul buses at night given the volatile situation, it was now up to them to decide whether they want to bring out their vehicles.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque yesterday made the remark at a presser following his first visit to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) headquarters in the capital’s Uttara.

“The situation is fast improving and according to latest figures, around 54,000 vehicles are now plying the highways,” the IGP said.

Asked if BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia would be arrested, he said: “The cases filed against her are now being looked into. If the investigation officers find credible involvement of the BNP chief, only then she can be arrested.”

According to sources, 700 cases were filed since violence began on January 6. At least three were against the BNP chief. The latest bomb blast case named her as the prime accused.

“We will work with full strength against the criminals involved in killing people by petrol bombs. If necessary, the crackdown will be intensified by incorporating members of all the law enforcement agencies.”

He said they are still not seeing Hizb ut-Tahrir as a threat, but officials are aware about its activities.

Denying allegation that police are harassing innocent people, the IGP said: “Law enforcers only attack or use firearms for self-defence.”

In reply to a question about police wearing bulletproof vest, the police Chief explained that police only wear the gears that are designed officially.

No one is allowed to wear any other gears – be it a bulletproof vest or something else – without the approval of the concerned office.

Director General (DG) of RAB Benazir Ahmed, Additional DGs Col Ziaul Ahsan and Col Aftab Uddin Ahmed, Legal and Media Wing Director (RAB) Mufti Mahmud Khan and its intelligence chief Lt Col Abul Kalam Azad were present during the presser.

Earlier, a guard of honour was given to the IGP on his first visit to the elite force headquarters where the he also held a meeting with senior RAB officials. l

Experts suggest river basin management in Himalayan region n Abu Bakar Siddique Adopting a comprehensive river basin management plan that will include all the countries in the Himalayan region is crucial for sustainable growth in the region, said water resource experts at a city event yesterday.

The event, a discussion on Trans-Boundary Water Sharing, was held at the National Press Club auditorium yesterday, jointly organised by Bangla daily the Bhorer Kagoj and online news site abnews24.com.

“Without such a plan, the region’s sustainable growth will not be possible as the economies and peoples’ livelihood there are hugely dependent on water and agriculture,” said Prof Pranab Kumar Roy, a water resource expert from India.

The agriculture sector is already in a vulnerable situation due to the lack of comprehensive management of the shared river basins, he added.

However, Prof Ainun Nishat, renowned Bangladeshi hydrologist, said a treaty on sharing water from common rivers between the countries is urgent before devising the plan, otherwise the

plan would not be effective.

Referring to the joint statement declared during the 2011 visit of then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh, Nishat said: “The statement says clearly about joint management of the river basins shared by the two countries, but it has yet to be implemented due to the lack of political will.”

Since the inception of the Joint River Commission in 1974 for Bangladesh and India, only one treaty on sharing the water of the Ganges River has been signed.

The water-sharing agreement for the rest of the common rivers between the two countries has not been finalised mostly due to India’s unwillingness.

During Manmohan’s visit, a treaty on Teesta water sharing was supposed to be finalised, but did not take place due to West Bengal’s objection in the matter.

Bangladesh and India have 54 common rivers, most of them having upstream in India.

Around 92% of the water in the country’s rivers flows in from India; the rest comes from the rainfall and other sources.

Prof Pranab Kumar Roy further said

Bangladesh could solve the crisis for irrigation water and navigation by interlinking rivers with canals, which will divert water from one river to another.

He referred to the water diversion from the Brahmaputra River to the Teesta River to ensure availability of water during lean season in the Teesta basin.

However, Prof Nishat, who was a member of the Joint River Commission Bangladesh, told the Dhaka Tribune that while it could be possible theoretically, practically it would be expensive.

Questioning the need of diverting water through canals, he said: “If water was available in Teesta, why we would we have to divert water from Brahmaputra?”

He further suggested that both the countries follow the joint statement issued during Manmohan’s 2011 Bangladesh visit.

Regarding the dispute over water sharing between Bangladesh and India, Prof Roy said if Israel and Jordan can share water from a common river, despite having long-term political clash, Bangladesh and India can share water peacefully too. l

The motorcycle, which had only DMP – abbreviation for Dhaka Metropolitan Police - written on the number plate, was travelling on the wrong side of the road in Shahbagh when it crashed into a rickshaw yesterday. Neither the driver nor the passenger were in police uniforms and were violating a ban on pillion riding MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Most BRTC buses still off roads n Shohel Mamun

The government is putting pressure on private transport owners to ply their buses on city roads and highways thestate-owned organisation BRTC is yet to operate its buses in full swing.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority usually operates around 1,400 buses on city streets and the highways but now they have cut the number to half.

BRTC is not operating its expensive buses fearing arson and vandalism as some of its buses have already come under such attack, said a source in the government-owned organisation.

It has completely stopped operating its 100 air-conditioned and over 100 articulated buses.

Fearing violence private operators are also not operating their luxurious coaches on the long-distance routes.

As the BRTC is also doing the same passengers are suffering and are bound

to travel by low-rated buses.

The AC buses of BRTC have gained popularity in some routes like Dhaka-Chittagong, Dhaka-Bandarbans and Dhaka-Rangamati routes.

These buses are now off the roads fearing arson attacks though the government top brass are repeatedly saying that they have taken enough security measures on the highways.

BRTC operates around 300 buses on the city roads but now they only oper-

ate their run-down buses to avoid vandalism resulting in immense sufferings for city dwellers.

BRTC Chairman Mizanur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune: “So far four BRTC buses have been torched so badly that they can not be repaired.”

He said at least 12 buses were vandalised causing a loss of around Tk6 crore.”

“Its not true that we have taken our buses off the highways but we are operating in limited scale,” he added. l

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B3 BP: Booming US shale oil output set for slowdown

B4 Stock markets keep calm and carry on

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 www.dhakatribune.com/business

IGWs withdraw writ challenging BTRC claim of dues It paves the way for the government and telcos to get around Tk500cr dues All these five IGWs owe Tk373.46 n Muhammad Zahidul Islam crore to BTRC. International Gateway Operators (IGWs) yesterday withdrew their writ petition filed earlier to claim retrospective effect of the reduced call termination rates, finally paving the path for both the government and the private operators to get around Tk500 crore.

Some International Gateway Operators (IGWs) filed a writ petition in November last, claiming retrospective effect of the reduced call termination rate from July 1, 2014.

On September 18 last year, international call termination rate was reduced to 1.5 US cents per minute from 3 cents, following an approval by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to the approval, the new rate and revenue sharing structure was supposed to come into effect from the date of issuance.

A lawyer of the IGW operators filed an application with the court yesterday, expressing their unwillingness to proceed further with the writ just before the scheduled hearing.

“As our clients have decided not to continue the legal battle, we’ve withdrawn the writ petition,” Advocate Sha Monjurul Haque, a counselor of IGW’s, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Advocate Monjurul Haque, however, declined to explain further the reason behind the sudden mind change by the IGWs. After filing writ petition, which sought the retrospective effect claim, five IGWs – Global Voice Ltd, Roots Communication, Unique Infoway Ltd, Digicon Communication and Apple Networks – also claimed instalments for one year.

According to BTRC, Global Voice Ltd owes Tk91.18 crore, Roots Communication owes Tk37.58 crore, Unique Infoway Ltd Tk78.93 crore, Digicon Communication owes Tk76.36 crore and Apple Networks owes Tk89.41 crore to BTRC. BTRC’s total outstanding to IGW’s now stands at Tk1,148.22 crore only for private operators.

BTRC counselor Barrister Khandaker Reza-e-Raquib said: “After withdrawal of the writ petition by IGW’s, now it is up to the BTRC’s authority to make any decision, which all the IGWs are obliged to follow to run their business.”

According to available data, during the months of July, August and the first 17 days of September, the total incoming international call duration was 465 crore minutes.

If the termination rate and revenue sharing structures are calculated as per the previous rates, the market price of the calls would be valued at US$139.5m including a $72.2m share (51.75%) for the BTRC. However, as the IGW operators chose to make payments under the slashed rates of 40% revenue sharing for BTRC and 1.5 cent termination rate, BTRC’s share came down to only $27.9m.

The share for the ANS operators, which would have been $27.9m under the previous rate, was also reduced to become $15.7m.

If the deficit between the shares of the IGW and ICX operators under the previous and the new rates are also taken into account, then the total deficit between the two rates of payment would be around Tk500 crore. l

Diplomats of different countries in Dhaka attend a meeting hosted by the country’s apex trade body FBCCI on the backdrop of the current political impasse

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Foreign envoys attend FBCCI meeting, express concern over political deadlock n Tribune Report A number of senior diplomats of foreign countries in Dhaka have expressed concern over the ongoing political unrest, which has taken a heavy toll on the country’s economy.

They urged the political parties to take steps to end the crisis immediately.

US Ambassador Marcia Stephans Bloom Barnicat said the ongoing violence is worrisome and urged the parties to sit in dialogue to resolve the crisis.

“In this regard, civil society members and media can play a role,” she said at a meeting with the country’s

apex trade body FBCCI at Sonargaon Hotel yesterday.

Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Benoît-Pierre Laramée said his country wants to see democracy, good governance and a peaceful political environment in Bangladesh.

He said violence must be halted and there should have peaceful political space for all the parties.

The Canadian envoy also talked about the duty-free market access to the country for the Bangladeshi products.

He said: “It’s time for Bangladesh to march forward in global trade and commerce.”

Russian Ambassador Alexander A.

Nikolaev described the political unrest in Bangladesh as “very unfortunate.”

“The situation has been unstable for last two months. I don’t know who is responsible for this, but it’s the government duty to protect the country’s people and ensure its trade and commerce remain unaffected,” he said.

The ambassador also said it’s the government responsibility to establish internal political stability in the country.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Lee Yun-young hoped the current political violence would see an end through dialogue and reaching a consensus among the parties.

FBCCI president Kazi Akram Uddin

Ahmed said the major barrier towards implementation of development plans is normally natural disasters.

“But now we are facing man-made disasters like hartal and blockade, accompanied by destructive activities and terrorism.”

He strongly believed the deadlock would be resolved very soon and the economic activities would resume in full swing.

“We hope foreign countries and development partners will continue their support and cooperation to achieving economic development of the country,” said the chief of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry. l

Brokers asked to adopt new IPO application system by March n Tribune Report The securities regulator has asked the stockbrokers of the prime bourse to get preparation for adaptation of new IPO application system by next month, as the applications through banks will not be allowed from April next.

“The commission approved the new public issue application process and the same has been made compulsory for all public issue of securities with effect from April, 2015,” said Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in a statement yesterday.

It said all the respective stockbrokers of the Dhaka Stock Exchange are requested to take necessary steps in this regard within March 15, 2015.

The number of tourists has sharply fallen since the political unrest begins early January

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Tourism sector suffers loss of Tk20,000cr in peak season n Tribune Report Tourism sector has incurred a loss of Tk20,000 crore in this peak season due to the non-stop transport blockade across the country, tour operators claimed yesterday.

“The winter is the peak season for tourism industry, but it has seriously been affected by the political unrest,” Akbar Uddin Ahmed, president of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) told a press conference at the national press club.

The industry counted piles of losses and has been sinking in rising bank interest rate as many invested taking loan from banks in this season, he said. “Why will we pay the cost for

More than 80 sectors are directly and indirectly involved in the country’s tourism industry politics?”

Usually, October-February of every year is the peak season for brisk business of hotels and the occupancy rate generally remains more than 90%. But this time, the number has declined to below 40%, according to the tour operators.

Many foreign tourists have cancelled their tours to Bangladesh due

to the ongoing indefinite countrywide blockade programme, they said.

To save the industry, TOAB put forwards demands, including keeping vehicles carrying tourists out of purview of all sorts of political programmes, ensuring adequate security to foreign tourists and providing financial compensation to tour operators and hotel owners affected by hartal and blockade.

According to Bangladesh Tourism Board, more than 80 sectors are directly and indirectly involved in the tourism industry of the country.

About 12 lakh people, which is 1.8% of total employment of the country, are directly and 27 lakh indirectly involved in this sector of Bangladesh. l

After launching the new IPO application method in July last year, BSEC has also kept previous system effective under which an IPO applicant is to submit application through banks.

In September last, Hamid Fabrics was the first company that began collecting IPO fund from public through new method. Some selected brokerage firms and merchant banks took part in the new system, which significantly cut IPO processing time.

Under the new method, investors have been allowed to submit their IPO applications through designated brokerage firms and merchant banks.

Retail investors need to apply for IPO shares allotment through their respective brokerage firms and merchant

banks, and deposit money to their beneficiary owner’s (BO) accounts, according to the new method.

An individual also needs to convey his/her wish to participate in the IPO in a prescribed paper or electronic form to the stockbrokers or merchant banks with whom a beneficiary owner’s account is maintained.

The form should contain the customer ID, name, BO account number, number of securities applied for, total amount and category of the applicant.

After verifying the availability of the fund, the stockbroker or the merchant bank blocks the amount equivalent to the application money and accumulate all the applications or instructions received up to the subscription closing date. l

Biman signs deal to Hotel Abakash food take 2 aircrafts on purchase limit raised lease “The cabinet committee has eased n Tribune Business Desk n Tribune report the Public Procurement Act 2008, enaBiman Bangladesh Airlines has signed an agreement with Smart Aviation, Egypt to take two Dash8-Q400 aircraft on lease, aiming to improve the national carrier’s domestic flight network.

The aircraft will be taken into the Biman fleet under a five-year agreement on a dry lease basis. The aircraft will be operated by Biman flight and cabin crew, said a press release yesterday.

Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Kyle Haywood and Smart Aviation Chairman and CEO Wael El-Maadawy inked the deal on behalf of their respective companies, reports UNB. The aircraft, each of single-class seat configuration with 74 seats, will arrive here late March and enter into commercial services shortly after.

With the acquisition of the two Dash8-Q400s, the number of aircraft in Biman fleet now stands at 12 – four Boeing 777 300ERs, two Airbus A 310s, two Boeing 777 200ERs, two Boeing 737 800s and two Dash8-Q400s. l

Cabinet committee on economic affairs has relaxed the existing public procurement law, allowing the state-owned Hotel Abakash to directly purchase raw food items at a raised limit.

It can now procure essential raw food items up to Tk1 lakh at a time from the current Tk25,000 without hiring a contractor, according to the eased Public Procurement Act 2008.

P r e v i o u s l y, the hotel was required to carry out procurement through a contractor, which would delay the process as many contractor could not meet the requirements under the law.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith presided over the meeting.

bling Hotel Abakash direct purchase of foods up to Tk1 lakh in single deal,” Cabinet Division Secretary Mustafizur Rahman told reporters after the meeting.

The hotel’s annual limit for food items procurement is Tk5 lakh.

Earlier, Civil Aviation Secretary Khorshid Alam Chowdhury said if the limit had been raised, the hotel can earn more profit from supplying foods. l

B2

Stock

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Stocks end flat amid bumpy ride

DSE key features February 18, 2015

n Tribune Report

Number of Contract

remained unchanged.

The large cap sectors reckoned mixed performance in the session.

Banks, which remained under pressure for long, posted the highest gain of over 1%.

Most other sectors, including pharmaceuticals, non-life insurance, food & allied and telecommunication edged higher while cement, textile, power, non-banking financial institutions witnessed correction.

Lanka Bangla Securities said market saw a zigzag movement and mixed performance although profit taking was still on the menu.

It said benchmark index was following the range bound pattern as gain from the financial stocks were capped by mixed performance of power, telco and multinational companies.

IDLC Investments said demonstrating strong volatility in mini and small caps, the bourse ended flat.

However, investors preferred to bet on banking scrips after a long time, based on the expectation of upcoming corporate declarations, it said adding that the sector led both the performance and turnover charts, capturing 19% of total trade value.

It said throughout the session, clienteles remained cautious over political as well as macro-economic landscape too. “As a result, participation was not widely held across the broad.”

Shahjibazar Power Company was the most traded stocks with shares worth Tk14.4 crore changing hands, followed by City Bank, IFAD Autos, Lafarge Surma Cement, Mobil Jamuna Bangladesh and Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited. l

Stocks closed flat amid heavy volatility yesterday, after one-day rise as investors continued to fret over the prolonged political unrest.

The market moved significantly between red and green as the days wore on with intra-day volatility was more than 30 points.

The benchmark index DSEX began on positive note but then the day closed marginally 1.8 points to settle at 4,802.

Throughout the session, clienteles remained cautious over political as well as macro-economic landscape too The Shariah index DSES inched 2.8 points or 0.3% to 1,133. The comprising blue chips DS30 closed at 1,786, losing fractional points.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, gained 24 points to 8,929.

Investors’ participation in trading continued to remain poor, as turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange stood at more than Tk259 crore, slightly up 4% over the previous session.

Losers took a marginal lead over the gainers, as out of 310 issues traded, 135 gained, 144 declined and 31

Weekly capital market highlights DSE Broad Index : DSE - 30 Index : CSE All Share Index: CSE - 30 Index : CSE Selected Index : DSE LOSER Company

Closing (% Change)

Shahjibazar Power-N BSC-A Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A BD. Autocars -Z Dulamia CottonZ Zeal Bangla Sugar -Z RAK Ceramics-A Northern Jute -Z Meghna PET Ind. -Z Midas Financing-Z

-9.95 -7.56 -6.57 -5.43 -5.10 -4.94 -4.76 -4.39 -4.11 -4.08

CSE LOSER Company CVO PetroChem RL-A BSC-A Peoples Insur -A Shahjibazar Power-N Samorita Hospital -A Matin Spinning-N RAK Ceramics-A Anwar Galvanizing-B Phoenix Fin. 1st MF-A Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A

Closing (% Change) -9.97 -7.56 -7.28 -6.13 -5.86 -5.62 -4.96 -4.94 -4.00 -4.00

4800.40753

(+) 0.65%

1786.72070

(+) 0.65%

14646.94990

(+) 0.39%

11937.44990

(+) 0.40%

8879.49040

(+) 0.42%

Average (% Change) -8.28 -5.91 -4.84 -2.89 -6.94 -4.94 -4.74 -4.12 -2.63 -5.18 Average (% Change) -1.90 -5.79 -7.46 -7.58 -5.86 -5.48 -4.33 -4.73 -1.64 -2.55

ANALYST

ClosingAvg. 149.83 462.47 18.89 21.49 9.25 7.70 56.52 206.90 7.03 14.10

ClosingAvg. 467.05 461.23 19.10 149.38 77.10 38.64 56.30 36.08 4.80 19.46

Closing

Bank NBFI Investment Engineering Food & Allied Fuel & Power Jute Textile Pharma & Chemical Paper & Packaging Service Leather Ceramic Cement Information Technology General Insurance Life Insurance Telecom Travel & Leisure Miscellaneous Debenture

DSE Million Taka 492.06 194.23 44.96 281.67 97.57 464.60 1.00 211.15 225.10 10.06 26.56 14.15 35.55 93.18 144.69 26.23 18.52 64.21 21.48 123.97 2.63

DHIGH

146.60 454.90 18.50 20.90 9.30 7.70 56.00 207.10 7.00 14.10

Closing

161.20 495.00 19.90 23.80 9.70 7.70 57.80 221.80 7.20 14.10

DHIGH

147.20 453.40 19.10 153.00 77.10 38.60 55.60 36.60 4.80 19.20

155.30 492.00 19.10 155.30 77.10 40.70 57.50 36.60 4.80 20.10

Company

2,486.71 78,120,564 75,121

Traded Issues

314

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

106

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

201

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

7

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,579.01

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

31.26

CSE key features February 18, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

215.90

Turnover (Volume)

7,462,771

Number of Contract

14,588

Traded Issues

235

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

80

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

147

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

8

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,494.19

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

30.23

Turnover in Million

DLOW 146.60 454.60 18.20 20.70 8.90 7.70 55.60 204.10 6.70 14.10

Latest EPS

143.238 37.240 31.227 0.013 0.171 0.004 33.302 0.276 0.199 0.001

8.68 -12.80 3.25 0.14 -4.02 -46.80 1.67 0.96 -0.44 -3.24

Turnover in Million

DLOW 147.20 453.00 19.10 147.20 77.10 37.00 55.10 36.00 4.80 19.00

% change 18.97 7.49 1.73 10.86 3.76 17.91 0.04 8.14 8.68 0.39 1.02 0.55 1.37 3.59 5.58 1.01 0.71 2.48 0.83 4.78 0.10

Million Taka 37.53 13.83 4.21 26.68 7.48 16.78 20.79 16.46 0.50 2.10 0.32 4.67 5.34 8.97 0.74 0.55 12.39 4.58 31.02 0.06

CSE

% change 17.45 6.43 1.96 12.41 3.48 7.81 0.00 9.67 7.65 0.23 0.98 0.15 2.17 2.48 4.17 0.34 0.25 5.76 2.13 14.43 0.03

Latest EPS

4.848 11.569 0.000 4.061 0.015 0.035 4.203 0.056 0.002 3.675

Million Taka 529.58 208.06 49.17 308.35 105.05 481.38 1.00 231.94 241.56 10.56 28.66 14.47 40.21 98.52 153.66 26.97 19.06 76.60 26.06 154.99 2.69

Imam Button -Z AMCL 2nd MF-A Progressive Life-A EXIM Bank 1 MF-A AB Bank - A AIBL 1st Is. M. F.-A Trust Bank-A National Tea -A City Bank - A Reckitt Benckiser -A

Closing (% Change) 8.40 6.12 4.66 4.55 4.45 4.35 4.30 4.11 3.69 3.69

CSE GAINER

8.56 -12.80 2.25 8.68 2.18 4.02 1.67 0.64 0.66 3.25

Latest PE 17.3 -ve 5.8 153.5 -ve -ve 33.8 215.5 -ve -ve

Total

Company 1st ICB M F -A Eastland Insur -A Apex Footwear-A Trust Bank-A Popular Life 1st M.F.-A GQ Ball PenA Janata Insur -A S.B. 1st M. F.-A AB Bank - A Apex Foods -A

Closing (% Change) 12.47 9.27 5.22 4.86 4.26 4.06 3.90 3.85 3.77 3.74

Average (% Change) (8.40) 5.32 10.31 4.11 4.10 3.78 3.53 4.28 2.49 Average (% Change) 9.53 9.27 5.22 3.69 2.34 3.75 4.43 5.33 4.08 5.73

ClosingAvg. 12.86 5.15 78.43 6.90 30.13 4.82 19.24 719.80 22.40 1,110.34

ClosingAvg. 1046.00 33.00 423.00 19.11 4.82 99.70 16.03 8.10 30.09 98.86

Closing 14.20 5.20 74.10 6.90 30.50 4.80 19.40 719.80 22.50 1,111.40

Closing 1046.00 33.00 423.00 19.40 4.90 100.00 16.00 8.10 30.30 97.00

DHIGH 14.40 5.30 76.70 6.90 30.70 4.90 19.50 719.80 22.80 1,125.00

DLOW 11.90 4.80 71.50 6.90 29.10 4.70 18.80 719.80 21.80 1,089.00

DHIGH

DLOW

1046.00 33.00 423.00 19.50 4.90 100.00 16.20 8.10 30.60 97.10

1046.00 33.00 423.00 18.80 4.70 97.80 16.00 8.10 29.20 100.00

Turnover in Million 2.591 0.507 0.008 0.000 53.712 0.554 11.968 0.004 126.850 0.644

Turnover in Million 0.105 0.007 0.000 0.551 0.023 0.058 0.030 0.028 5.263 0.032

Latest EPS -1.48 0.84 2.30 0.56 4.13 0.11 2.93 -6.49 2.08 42.33

Latest EPS 55.18 3.33 20.48 2.93 0.56 2.21 0.37 1.54 4.13 3.20

Latest PE -ve 6.1 34.1 12.3 7.3 43.8 6.6 -ve 10.8 26.2

Latest PE 19.0 9.9 20.7 6.5 8.6 45.1 43.3 5.3 7.3 30.9

News, analysis and recent disclosures GREENDELT: The Board of Directors has recommended 15% cash dividend and 10% stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 24.03.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Spectra Convention Center Ltd., House No. 19, Road No. 7, Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212. Record Date: 01.03.2015. The Company has also reported net profit after tax of Tk. 239.26 million, EPS of Tk. 3.26, NAV per share of Tk. 66.16 and NOCFPS of Tk. 0.22 for the year ended on December 31, 2014 as against Tk. 229.03 million, Tk. 3.12 (restated), Tk. 60.29 (restated) and Tk. 1.07 (restated) respectively for the year ended on December 31, 2013.

BSC: (H/Y Un-audited): Profit/(loss) after tax from July14 to Dec14 was Tk. (87.20) million with EPS of Tk. (6.40) as against Tk. 165.95 million and Tk. 12.00 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

Whereas profit/(loss) after tax from Oct14 to Dec14 was Tk. (109.75) million with EPS of Tk. (8.06) as against Tk. 148.41 million and Tk. 10.90 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Accumulated profit/(loss) of the Company was Tk. (2,429.86) million as on 31.12.2014.

LANKABAFIN: The Company has further informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will now be held on February 18, 2015 at 7:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

UCBL: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on February 22, 2015 at 4:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

IDLC: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on February 25, 2015 at 4:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

IPO Subscription: Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills Limited subscription date 01 to 05 Febuary 2015, NRB upto 14 Febuary 2015. @ taka 35, face value taka 10 and market lot 200.

Dividend/AGM NCCBLMF1: The Trustee Committee of the

Fund has declared 3% cash dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Record date: 24.02.2015. The Fund has reported net profit of Tk. 35.06 million with earnings per unit of Tk. 0.32 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

MAKSONSPIN: The Board of Directors has recommended 5% stock dividend for the year ended on September 30, 2014. Date of AGM: 07.04.2015, Time: 9:30 AM, Venue: Maksons Group Conference Hall, Factory Premises of the Company, Gouripur, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka (Subject to approval of BSEC). Record date: 26.02.2015. The Company has also reported EPS of Tk. 0.73, NAV per share of Tk. 19.78 and NOCFPS of Tk. 0.92 for the year ended on September 30, 2014.

FAREASTFIN: 10% cash and 2.5% stock, AGM: 25.03.2015, Record date: 26.02.2015.

GP: 65% final cash dividend (i.e. total 160% cash dividend for the year 2014 inclusive of 95% Interim cash dividend which has already been paid), AGM: 21.04.2015, Record date: 18.02.2015.

SAPORTL: 10% cash and 5% stock, AGM: 14.03.2015, Record Date: 18.02.2015.

Latest PE 54.6 -ve 8.5 17.2 35.4 9.6 33.7 56.4 7.3 6.0

Market saw a zigzag movement and mixed performance although profit taking was still on the menu

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY Sector

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

DSE GAINER

Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume)

Thursday, February 19, 2015

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company

% change 18.86 7.41 1.75 10.98 3.74 17.14 0.04 8.26 8.60 0.38 1.02 0.52 1.43 3.51 5.47 0.96 0.68 2.73 0.93 5.52 0.10

Prepared exclusively for Dhaka Tribune by Business Information Automation Service Line (BIASL), on the basis of information collected from daily stock quotations and audited reports of the listed companies. High level of caution has been taken to collect and present the above information and data. The publisher will not take any responsibility if any body uses this information and data for his/her investment decision. For any query please email to biasl@bol-online.com or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net

Shahjibazar Power-N City Bank - A Ifad Autos -N Brac Bank -A LafargeS Cement-Z MJL BD Ltd.-A BD Submarine Cable-A CVO PetroChem RL-A Agni Systems -A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A

aamra technologies-A AB Bank - A UCBL - A IDLC Finance -A Titas Gas TDCLA CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company BEXIMCO Ltd. -A BD Submarine Cable-A BSC-A UCBL - A Ifad Autos -N WesternMarine -N National Feed-N aamra technologies-A AB Bank - A LafargeS Cement-Z

CVO PetroChem RL-A Square Pharma -A National Bank - A RAK Ceramics-A Intl. Leasing-B

VolumeShares 956,026 5,664,040 1,475,123 1,850,876 584,366 589,958 528,824 130,937 1,756,335 1,569,126

Value in Million 143.24 126.85 83.41 71.88 71.87 70.86 64.21 61.02 57.81 54.84

% of TotalTurnover 5.52 4.89 3.22 2.77 2.77 2.73 2.48 2.35 2.23 2.11

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

1,305,966 1,782,828 1,682,259 640,859 641,642

356,085 102,488 25,084 342,593 124,981 119,539 190,044 130,980 174,936 39,544

10,380 18,396 388,317 74,645 250,217

54.33 53.71 52.44 49.70 48.94

12.46 12.39 11.57 10.67 7.07 5.55 5.49 5.46 5.26 4.85

4.85 4.75 4.71 4.20 4.18

2.09 2.07 2.02 1.92 1.89

5.79 5.76 5.38 4.96 3.29 2.58 2.55 2.54 2.45 2.26

2.26 2.21 2.19 1.95 1.95

ClosingP 146.60 22.50 56.10 38.90 122.00 119.00 120.40 460.90 32.60 34.50

41.20 30.50 31.40 77.70 76.40

ClosingP

34.40 120.20 453.40 31.20 56.00 46.20 28.50 41.10 30.30 122.30

147.20 258.90 12.10 55.60 17.00

Change % -9.95 3.69 -1.58 0.52 -2.01 -1.33 2.91 -2.80 -2.69 -1.71

-1.20 4.45 2.95 0.91 -0.26

Change %

-1.71 3.00 -7.56 2.30 -1.75 -1.28 -2.73 -1.91 3.77 -1.61

-9.97 1.01 1.68 -4.96 3.03

ClosingY 162.80 21.70 57.00 38.70 124.50 120.60 117.00 474.20 33.50 35.10

41.70 29.20 30.50 77.00 76.60

ClosingY

35.00 116.70 490.50 30.50 57.00 46.80 29.30 41.90 29.20 124.30

163.50 256.30 11.90 58.50 16.50

DHIGH 161.20 22.80 57.90 39.50 125.50 122.70 123.40 476.50 33.90 35.70

42.50 30.70 31.50 78.00 76.90

DLOW 146.60 21.80 55.80 38.70 121.80 118.00 117.90 458.00 32.30 34.30

40.90 29.10 30.40 76.90 75.80

DHIGH

DLOW

35.70 122.80 492.00 31.50 58.10 47.20 29.60 42.40 30.60 125.50

34.20 118.00 453.00 30.60 55.80 46.00 28.40 41.00 29.20 121.80

155.30 259.00 12.30 57.50 17.10

147.20 257.00 11.90 55.10 16.00

AvgPrice 149.83 22.40 56.55 38.84 122.99 120.11 121.42 466.03 32.91 34.95

41.60 30.13 31.17 77.55 76.27

AvgPrice

34.98 120.86 461.23 31.15 56.53 46.43 28.89 41.71 30.09 122.60

467.05 258.30 12.12 56.30 16.72

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Business

BP: Booming US shale oil output set for slowdown

BoJ holds off new stimulus despite weak growth n AFP, Tokyo

n AFP, London Booming US shale output, which helped spark slumping oil prices, will continue over the next 20 years but start to slow, increasing demand for OPEC crude, BP forecast Tuesday.

The British energy giant revealed its verdict in an annual global Energy Outlook report which covers the period 2013-2035.

“The current weakness in the oil market, which stems in large part from strong growth in tight oil production in the US, is likely to take several years to work through,” BP said in the report.

World oil prices have collapsed by 60% between last June and January, hit by a global supply glut exacerbated by surging US shale production. In reaction, the global energy sector has slashed investment.

“At a time when our industry is focused on the rapid response to a dramatic fall in oil prices, it is instructive to look at events from a longer term perspective,” said BP Chief Executive Bob Dudley.

“Today’s turbulence is a return to business-as-usual. Continuous change is the norm in our industry. The energy mix changes. The balance of demand shifts.

“New sources of energy emerge, such as shale gas, tight oil, ultra-deepwater oil or renewables. Economies expand and contract... Energy companies need to adapt.”

US shale oil production hit a record 1.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2014, weighing on demand for crude from the 12-nation Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cartel.

“The strength of tight oil and the relative weakness of demand have reduced the market requirement for OPEC crude in recent years,” added BP. “This pressure on OPEC is likely to

Pump jacks and pipes are seen on an oil field near Bakersfield on a foggy day persist in the early years of the outlook and the response of OPEC to this reduction is a key uncertainty.

“Further out, as tight oil supply growth slows and demand strengthens, the call on OPEC crude begins to increase, exceeding the historical high (32 mbpd in 2007) by 2030.”

BP also predicted that US shale production would encounter a slowdown at the start of the next decade, lifting demand for OPEC crude.

“Tight oil supply, notably in the US, continues to grow in the first part of the outlook.

JPMorgan tops list of risky banks n Reuters, Washington JPMorgan Chase & Co bears the highest potential hazard to the financial system if it were to fail, a staff study released by a US government research agency showed, providing a first-of-its-kind numerical risk ranking of US banks.

The bank had a “systemic risk score” of 5.05% for 2013 in a group of 33 large US bank holding companies, the study by staffers at the Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Research (OFR) said.

The study’s numerical score is a measure of a bank’s risk as a ratio of the total risk contained by a worldwide group of banks. The scores are based on metrics such as size, interconnectedness, complexity and cross-border activities, OFR said.

The OFR said the study reflected the views of the authors, not of the office or the Treasury Department. The findings come as US regulators seek to finalize rules for capital buffers big banks need to hold, to make them more resilient and contain systemic risk if one of them were to collapse.

The method is designed by the Basel Committee of global bank regulators, but that body does not publicly release its rankings of the riskiness of banks.

Citigroup Inc ranked second in the amount of havoc it could unleash on the financial system if it were to fail,

with a score of 4.27%. Bank of America Corp was third at 3.06%, followed by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc, the study showed.

Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Citi declined to comment on the study. JPMorgan did not return requests for comment.

John Dearie, executive vice president for policy at the Financial Services Forum, a banking group, said the numbers did not measure whether the largest banks had become safer than before the crisis.

“It’s just a ratio that assumes a constant level of aggregate risk among all large banks, which given the significant changes over the past few years, is undoubtedly not true,” Dearie said.

The OFR was set up after the 200709 credit meltdown to help regulators detect areas of concern in financial markets.

The office has the power to retrieve bank data, including through subpoenas. It has a large degree of independence, and is funded by money levied from banks.

In 2013, it spotted risks in asset management in a report mandated by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a group of the heads of the main US regulatory agencies. The asset management report triggered attacks by the industry, which fiercely opposed any move toward tougher rules. l

NBR congratulates Walton on winning best VAT payer Awards at DITF-15 n

Tribune Report

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has recently congratulated Walton HiTech Industries for paying the highest VAT (Value Added Tax) to the national exchequer at Dhaka International Trade Fair 2015.

The NBR conveyed the congratulation message to the Managing Director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries through a letter signed by NBR Chairman Md Nazibur Rahman, said a press release.

He added: “The time befitting measures, taken by your company for manufacturing world-class wide variety

of products, expanding international market, creating huge employment and bringing services at the people’s doorstep, will be continued for facing the economic challenges of the 21st century.”

As VAT, Walton Pavilion contributed Tk12 lakh to the national exchequer while Walton Plaza gave a total of Tk1,63,282 from their total sales at the fair.

Walton, country’s leading electronics, automobile and home appliances manufacturing company, received an award for paying highest VAT (Value Added Tax) at the just concluded 20th Dhaka International Trade Fair 2015. l

“US tight oil output grows by about 3 mbpd between 2013-2035 and accounts for around two-thirds of global tight oil production in 2035.”

Turning to the second part of the outlook, BP added: “Growth in US tight oil is expected to flatten out ... reflecting high well decline rates and less extensive resources than gas.”

The United States will become a net exporter of energy in 2015 - and become self-sufficient by the 2030s, according to BP. At the same time, global energy consumption is expected to jump 37% dur-

B3

Thursday, February 19, 2015

REUTERS

ing the forecast period, propelled by keen Asian demand, particularly from China and India.

“The strong growth of US tight oil in recent years has had a dramatic impact, with oil increasingly flowing from West to East rather than East to West,” added Dudley.

“This is likely to continue, with strong growth in China and India driving energy demand.”

China will likely overtake the United States as the world’s top oil consuming nation by 2035, the London-listed energy major added. l

The Bank of Japan yesterday held off fresh stimulus, even as weak growth figures this week aggravate concerns about the strength of a recovery in the world’s number three economy.

Policymakers said Japan was seeing a “moderate recovery trend”, after wrapping up a two-day meeting, but they further cut back on their inflation expectations, in a sign that their price targets look increasingly out of reach.

The central bank’s decision to keep its already massive stimulus unchanged was widely expected, but analysts have said weak growth figures may force its hand later this year.

On Monday, official data showed the economy limped out of recession in the last quarter of 2014, with a weakerthan-expected 0.6 percent expansion between October and December.

That followed two consecutive quarters of contraction that came as an April sales tax rise hammered consumer spending.

However, economists had expected a stronger 0.9% expansion on-quarter, while over the full year the preliminary data showed zero growth, compared with 1.6 percent in 2013.

“As was widely expected, the Bank of Japan left policy settings unchanged at today’s meeting,” said Marcel Thieliant from Capital Economics.

“Board members upgraded their assessment of industrial production and exports, which they now see picking up. But they also acknowledged the disappointing Q4 GDP data released on Monday by noting that the recovery in private consumption has been sluggish in some areas.”

He added: “The BoJ does not seem to be fully convinced over the strength of the economic recovery, and we still think that policymakers will announce more stimulus in late April.”

BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda insisted that, while the BoJ remains ready to expand its asset-buying plan, now was not the time to act.

“I don’t believe we have to think

about additional stimulus right now,” he told reporters in Tokyo.

“But our commitment to adjust monetary policy without hesitation remains unchanged” if necessary.

Surprise stimulus

The BoJ surprised markets in October when it announced an expansion of its huge asset-buying programme - similar to the Fed’s now wound-up quantitative easing plan.

'The BoJ does not seem to be fully convinced over the strength of the economic recovery, and we still think that policymakers will announce more stimulus in late April' Since then, the European Central Bank and several other major central banks have eased monetary policy.

The BoJ’s unprecedented scheme pumps cash into the banking system at a rate of about 80tn yen ($679bn) a year, which it intends to grease the wheels of the economy.

Last month, the bank slashed its inflation outlook as plunging oil prices dent efforts to slay years of deflation, although policymakers still boosted their growth forecasts and said the economy was rebounding.

On Wednesday, the its post-meeting statement said inflation, excluding the effects of the tax hike, was hovering around 0.5%, down from an earlier range of 0.5-1% that the bank used last month.

The price downgrades underscore how reaching its 2% inflation target by early next year looks unlikely.

The BoJ’s inflation target is a cornerstone of Tokyo’s wider bid to turn around years of tepid growth by generating price rises and prompting firms to boost their hiring and expansion plans. l

Euro steady as markets eye last-chance Greek debt talks n AFP, Tokyo The euro held steady yesterday as investors hoped that last-ditch talks on Greece’s debt would see a breakthrough deal that keeps it in the eurozone.

In Tokyo trading, the common currency bought $1.1405 and 135.84 yen, down from $1.1413 and 136.13 yen in New York but well above $1.1357 and 134.70 yen in Tokyo earlier Tuesday.

The dollar slipped to 119.09 yen from 119.29 yen, but was up from 118.55 yen in Tokyo on Tuesday. The yen strengthened slightly Wednesday after the Bank of Japan held off launching further easing measures following a two-day policy meeting.

“Right now, it’s all about Greece,” said Kazuo Shirai, a trader at MUFG Union Bank.

“The euro was bought amid speculation there’s still scope for further talks.”

Greek public television said Tuesday that the country’s new government would apply for further aid from its European partners, although it would not sign up to the painful austerity measures imposed on the country.

The news will come as a relief after two eurozone finance ministers’ meetings in the past week both collapsed without agreement, as Athens refused to continue with the bailout that imposed swingeing spending cuts and tax rises.

The apparent U-turn also comes days before Athens’ financial lifeline package expires, which would leave it unable to pay its bills, leading to default and Greece almost certainly leaving the eurozone.

“There’s a bit more hope for prog-

ress in resolving the Greek problem, which is fuelling risk sentiment and weakening the yen,” Yuji Kameoka, chief foreign-exchange strategist in Tokyo at Daiwa Securities, told Bloomberg News.

“If we get word of concrete headway being made in the negotiations, it’s very possible the yen will weaken beyond 120 per dollar.”

On Wednesday Bank of Japan policymakers said the country’s economy was seeing a “moderate recovery trend”, but they further cut back on inflation expectations, in a sign that its price targets look increasingly out of reach.

The central bank’s decision to keep its already massive stimulus unchanged was widely expected, but analysts have said that weak economic growth figures

may force its hand later this year.

On Monday official data showed the economy limped out of recession in the last quarter of 2014, with a weaker-than-expected 0.6% expansion between October and December.

The dollar was mixed against other Asia-Pacific currencies.

It rose to Tw$31.61 from Tw$31.51 on Tuesday, to Sg$1.3585 from Sg$1.3553, to 62.27 Indian rupees from 62.16 rupees, to 12,810.00 Indonesian rupiah from 12,761.50 rupiah, and to 1,110.45 South Korean won from 1,101.94 won.

The greenback fetched 44.24 Philippine pesos from 44.27 pesos, and stayed unchanged at 32.58 Thai baht.

The Australian dollar firmed to 78.21 US cents from 78.00 cents, and the Chinese yuan edged up to 19.03 yen from 18.95 yen. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Modhumoti Bank Limited has recently arranged a foundation-training course for its probationary officers in collaboration with Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management in Dhaka. The bank’s MD and CEO, Mizanur Rahman inaugurated the programme as chief guest

National Bank’s training institute and risk management division have recently organised a daylong workshop on Basel-III practical approach and internal capital adequacy assessment process. The bank’s MD and CEO, Shamsul Huda Khan was present at the workshop as chief guest and its DMD, Syed Mohammad Bariqullah as special guest

Mutual Trust Bank has recently signed a bilateral agreement with SME Foundation at Panthapath in Dhaka. MD of SME Foundation, Dr Syed Md Ihsanul Karim and the bank’s MD and CEO, Anis A Khan have signed the agreement

The Electricity Generation Company, Bangladesh (ECGB) of Power Development Board (PDB) has retained 57% profit in fiscal year 2013-14. The cheque was handed to Md Shahinul Islam Khan, chairperson of PDB by Md Mostafa Kamal, MD of EGCB in Dhaka

Bangladesh Development Bank Limited (BDBL) has recently opened its 32nd branch at Moulvibazar. Director of BDBL, Syed Aftear Hussain Pear inaugurated the branch

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DHAKA TRIBUNE

Back Page

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Stock markets keep calm and carry on n Reuters, London War, financial crises and deflation again haunt the markets in the new year, but stocks somehow keep calm and carry on.

There’s something a little eerie about watching equity markets on Wall Street or in Frankfurt and London wend their way to new records or multi-year highs against a backdrop of smouldering conflict in Ukraine, a real risk of Greece leaving the euro and angst about consumer price deflation worldwide.

On the face of it, all pack a potential punch to business and banking confidence, spending by indebted households and the bottom lines of companies and governments.

But the fact that historically expensive blue chip stocks continue to climb a ‘wall of worry’ shows either investor complacency or a less obvious reading of the state of the world.

To be sure, there is no shortage of doomsayers predicting it will all end in tears, and many fear we’re in the final throes of one of the longest equity bull markets in history.

Others decry the asset inflation as a pernicious side-effect of central bank money printing that merely exacerbates the gulf between the ‘super-rich’ and the rest of the population.

All that may be true. But there are prosaic explanations for why the steady grind higher in stock markets has lasted so long and shows so little sign of tiring.

Four issues dominate: persistent if unremarkable world growth; superloose monetary policy and a large global pool of new central bank cash; the relative attraction of equity dividends in a world of zero or even negative bond yields; and stimulus from the energy price collapse of the past six months.

Measures of global growth always mask national disparities and internal inequities. Yet they remain a good proxy for the demand multi-national firms see for their products worldwide.

To much fanfare and hand-wringing, the International Monetary Fund last

month cut its world growth estimate for 2015. But at 3.5%, that’s still an acceleration on last year and just two-tenths of a percentage point shy of the average growth rate of the past 10 years.

Sluggish no doubt, but no economic collapse for all that. Under the bonnet, the average annualised growth rate of the United States, Japan, Germany and Britain in the last quarter was 2.4%, while the likes of China and India registered growth in excess of 7% for 2014 as whole.

Given that together those six countries account for some 50% of world output, it’s no surprise corporate earnings growth has borne up under that macro picture.

With most S&P 500 companies now having reported US fourth quarter earnings, more than 70% have topped forecasts to record aggregate profit growth of about 6.6%. About 60% of the half of European firms that have reported are also ahead of expectations, and profit growth there is running at more than 11% - almost twice the pace of US peers.

Bond yields evaporate

And in a world where interest rates and bond yields have all but disappeared - and in some cases turned negative steady earnings growth will continue to draw investors to equity, if only for the dividends.

This is one big reason why equity in Europe, despite being the epicentre of much of the economic and political concerns hanging over markets, has become the investment destination of choice.

Exposure to euro equity jumped in February to the highest since May 2007 and the second-highest on record, according to a monthly investor survey

by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

“It is as if there is not a single bear left,” Manish Kabra, the bank’s European equity strategist, told clients.

Along with double-digit earnings growth, resurgent auto sales, cheaper energy prices and a more competitive euro, the approach of next month’s sovereign bond buying from the European Central Bank has already sunk

A plastic bull figurine, symbol of the Frankfurt stock exchange, stands in front of the German share price index DAX board in Frankfurt yields on more than a quarter of euro government bonds below zero.

Crucially, the annual dividend on the euro zone’s Stoxx50 index of blue chips, at almost 3.5%, is higher than any euro government bond yield out to 30 years - bar Greece.

Citing this contrast and negative interest rates as the ‘secret sauce’ driving stock markets, Baring Asset Manage-

ment’s Christopher Mahon says slow, steady growth is likely enough.

“European equities don’t require a booming economy to do well,” Mahon said.

In many respects that’s the same everywhere. The zero rate policies and quantitative easing in Europe or Japan - egged on by headline deflation anxiety led by a largely stimulative oil-price

drop - does ‘leak’ into all world markets more generally even as US interest rates are poised to rise this year.

In an example of how money created in one region is fungible with another, BoAMerrill analysts said they expect up to 30% of high-grade euro corporate bond sales this year to be from US entities - almost twice last year’s proportion.

Sony steps up in wearable space with SmartEyeglass n AFP, San Francisco

A worker inspects U.S. dollar bills inside a money changer in Manila

REUTERS

UN: Remittances to developing nations to hit $500bn in 2015 n Reuters, Rome An estimated 230 million migrants will send $500bn in remittances to developing countries in 2015, a flow of capital expected to do more to reduce poverty than all development aid combined, a senior official of the UN agricultural bank said.

Ten percent of the world’s people are directly affected by this money, Pedro De Vasconcelos, programme coordinator for remittances with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, told a conference on Tuesday.

“Migrants are investing back into poor regions,” Vasconcelos said, adding that about $200bn is expected to go directly to rural areas.

This money could play a key role in boosting food production and eliminating the hunger faced by 805 million people by allowing families to invest in land, seeds, livestock and equipment.

DILBERT

The United Nations estimates that is the number of people - one ninth of the global population - who have too little to eat.

An estimated 80% of the rural people receiving remittances do not have access to traditional banking services, Vasconcelos said.

Harnessing mobile technology and other new approaches to banking could help link rural residents to financial systems when they collect their remittances, giving them better access to savings, insurance and other financial products which could help them improve farm productivity, he said.

The projection of $500bn in remittances going to poor countries in 2015 is a significant jump from the $404bn in such remittances the World Bank recorded in 2013.

Remittances are worth four times as much as all overseas development aid provided by wealthy countries, Vasconcelos said. l

Sony on Tuesday began taking orders for SmartEyeglass Internet-linked eyewear, moving ahead in the market as Google steps back to revise its Glass strategy.

The offering from the Japanese consumer electronics comes amid growing interest in wearable computing, but also questions about whether consumers will warm to connected eyewear.

SmartEyeglass connects with smartphones and then superimposes text, images or other information onto whatever real scene is in view.

A version of the eyewear tailored for software developers will be available in Japan, Germany, Britain, and the United States on March 10. The price in the US will be $840. In Europe it will be 670 plus applicable taxes.

SmartEyeglass for enterprises will also be available in March in France, Italy, Spain and elsewhere.

Along with the hardware, Sony will release an upgraded software development kit “to tap into the ingenuity of developers to improve upon the user experience that the SmartEyeglass provides.”

Sony is encouraging software makers to develop fun, hip, or functional

applications for SmartEyeglass so people will be enticed to buy the eyewear on track for commercial release in 2016 Sony said that it “has its eyes set on the future of wearable devices and their diversifying use cases, and it hopes to tap into the ingenuity of developers to improve upon the user experience that the SmartEyeglass provides.”

'It sees a wide range of uses for the eyewear, beyond the obvious display of information at eye level without having to turn attention to another device' Sony said it sees a wide range of uses for the eyewear, beyond the obvious display of information at eye level without having to turn attention to another device.

It sees “considerable implications for AR (augmented reality), which holds great potential in the domain of professional use as well, such as when giving instructions to workers at a manufacturing site or when transmitting visual information to security officers about a po-

tential breach,” the Sony statement said.

Google Glass sidelined

Google in January halted sales of its Internet-linked eyewear Glass but insisted the technology would live on in a future consumer product.

The technology titan put brakes on an “explorer” program that let people interested in dabbling with Glass buy eyewear for $1,500 apiece.

Glass became available in the United States in early last year to anyone with the money and desire to become an “explorer.” The Glass test program was later expanded to Britain.

Instead of being part of the Google X lab working on innovations such as self-driving cars, the Glass team became a separate unit.

Microsoft last month introduced HoloLens eyewear that may hit a sweet spot between Google Glass and virtual reality headgear, immersing users in a mesmerizing world of augmented reality holograms.

Microsoft executives said the holographic capabilities built into Windows 10 operating software - to be released late this year - would open doors for developers to augment tasks from complex surgery to motorcycle design. l

British inflation hits record low n AFP, London

Britain’s annual inflation rate slowed to a record low of 0.3% in January on the back of plunging oil prices and lower food costs, official data showed Tuesday.

“The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 0.3% in the year to January 2015, down from 0.5% in December,” the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

“Falling prices for motor fuels and food were the main contributors to the slowdown in the rate of inflation,” it added.

Inflation in Britain could meanwhile turn negative within months and interest rates cut, Bank of England governor Mark Carney said last week, signalling fresh risks to the economy before the country’s election.

While a sustained period of falling prices may sound good for consumers,

deflation can trigger a vicious spiral in which businesses and households delay purchases, throttling demand and causing companies to lay off workers.

“As expected, UK inflation fell in January to 0.3%, its lowest level since the Office for National Statistics began to publish the Consumer Prices Index in 1997,” said Ben Brettell, senior economist at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown.

“Predictably, the main contributors were falling fuel and food prices. In the year to January food prices fell by 2.8% and fuel prices by 16.2%. Together these factors depressed the overall rate of inflation by 0.9 percentage points.”

A basket of goods and services that cost £100 ($154, 135 euros) in January 2014 would have risen by only 30 pence by last month.

Crude oil prices slumped 60 percent between last June and January, resulting in cheaper petrol and lower manu-

facturing costs generally.

The Bank of England has forecast that 12-month CPI inflation will average at about zero in the second and third quarters of 2015, before climbing at the end of the year.

“Unlike in the eurozone, where there is a risk of a negative spiral of falling prices and weakening economic performance, the UK’s bout of deflation is expected to be short-lived,” Scott Corfe, an analyst at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, said in the wake of Tuesday’s data.

Britain, presently governed by a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, holds a general election in May. A fragmented vote in which no party wins an overall majority is seen as the most likely result, meaning smaller parties will probably have to prop up either Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives or the main opposition Labour. l

REUTERS

And maybe the slow grind to equity has worked best when so many are still wary of the risks. By the same token, the sudden burst of optimism revealed in surveys may be just as revealing.

“Sentiment can be such a potent contra-indicator,” said Hawksmoor Investment Management’s Jim WoodSmith. “We are built to be bullish about what we own, not what we do not.” l

Expert: ECB will benefit from US Fed’s QE experience n AFP, Paris The European Central Bank can benefit from its US counterpart’s solid track record with quantitative easing as it launches a similar programme next month, a prominent fund manager said.

“Sometimes going second has its advantages,” Brian Jacobsen, strategist for Wells Fargo Asset Management, told AFP in an interview. “The ECB has learned a lot from having the Fed go first.”

Noting that the United States did not see a surge in inflation as a result of QE, he said “maybe the public can be a bit more confident that the ECB’s programme won’t lead to runaway inflation.”

The ECB in January unveiled a programme to buy 60bn euros ($68bn) of private and public bonds each month starting in March, a move intended to ward off deflation in the eurozone.

Asked how the eurozone bond market was preparing for the injection, Jacobsen said: “Investors have gobbled up sovereign debt in the wake of the (January 22) announcement.

“The big effect of QE is in the announcement, not necessarily the implementation. In the US, bond yields started to rise after the Fed began purchasing bonds, but yields fell after the announcement.”

He said the ECB plan was “about on par” with the third round of QE in the United States, “after adjusting for the relative sizes of the economies.”

Jacobsen dismissed fears that the plan would cause the bond market to dry up, saying: “There’s over 6.7tn euros worth of sovereign debt outstanding. The ECB may buy just over 15% of (it). There’s also new debt being issued all the time.”

Asked about plunging bond yields, Jacobsen said: “It’s not just the ECB that’s driving down yields. Banks and insurance companies are required to hold sovereign debt, making them captive buyers.

“There’s also the fear trade pushing people into sovereign debt where it’s perceived as being better to get a known pittance of a return rather than a more generous but more speculative return.” l