March 17, 2015

SECOND EDITION

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

JANNATI’S BAIL ORDER UPHELD

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Chaitra 3, 1421, Jamadiul Awal 25, 1436

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 2, No 341

‘AVIJIT MURDER AN ATTACK ON BANGLADESH’ PAGE 9

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www.dhakatribune.com | 36 pages | Price: Tk10

CHINA 3RD LARGEST ARMS EXPORTER PAGE 11

Even children not spared They have been shot, burnt, slaughtered, maimed, arrested and beaten n Mohammad Jamil Khan

Bangabandhu’s 95th birth anniversary today n Tribune Report

The nation will observe the 95th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children’s Day today.

Different socio-political and cultural organisations including the ruling Awami League and its affiliated bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day paying glowing tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The day is a public holiday. National dailies will publish special supplements while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and other private television channels and FM radio stations will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry, Religious Affairs Ministry, Social Welfare Affairs Ministry, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Nazrul Institute, Islamic Foundation and other institutions will hold discussions and cultural programmes to mark Bangabandhu’s birthday.

Besides, special prayers will be offered at mosques and all the places of worships across the country on this occasion.

The Awami League’s programmes for the day include hoisting of the national and party flags at 6:30am and placing of wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Dhanmondi’s Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at 7am, said a press release from Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina’s political office.

Hasina along with cabinet members, party  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

PAGE 3 Farakka lock-gate collapse sends excess water into Bangladesh

Children have not been spared of the ongoing political unrest as they fall victims to the acts done by the pro-blockade and hartal activists or the administrative actions to tame the violence.

In the last two months, children have been shot, burnt, slaughtered, maimed, arrested and beaten.

At least five of them died in crossfire, 15 in petrol bombs and another two in crude bomb blasts, according to findings of a children’s rights body. Many more have been crippled, maimed and injured.

The sorry state comes to the forefront as Bangladesh observes National Children’s Day today, with a prime ministerial promise to make the country a safe abode for them.

Just the other day, a police constable admitted to slaughtering a fourth grader who was abducted on his way back from school for ransom. The little boy had recognised the policeman. He was found dead in a sack at the constable’s house.

Children continue to fall victims, become tools of crime or accessories to criminal gangs even as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the call yesterday. Children will be begging for alms on the streets even as rights activists make lofty pronouncements.

Children will be trying to make a living and earn livelihoods for their families when they should be at school, even as the country observes the children’s day with due solemnity.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

This photo of a mob beating of a young boy, falsely suspected of being a bomber, taken in Suhrawardy Udyan on Valentine’s Day, shows the vulnerability of children during this time of unrest RAJIB DHAR

Salahuddin hearing adjourned until April 8 n Ashif Islam Shaon The High Court yesterday adjourned until April 8 further hearing on a petition seeking an order on the government to produce BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed before it.

The bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siddique and Justice Gabinda Chandra Tagore passed the adjournment order when it concluded the day’s proceedings.

At the hearing, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told the court that Salahuddin had not been arrested and was not in the custody of any law enforcement agency.

The attorney general read out from reports

PAGE 4 ‘Only Khaleda knows Salahuddin’s location’

submitted by law enforcement agencies on the whereabouts of Salahuddin, a joint secretary general of the BNP. The agencies informed the court that they were trying to find the missing BNP leader.

After the submission, the petitioner’s counsel, BNP senior leader Moudud Ahmed, told the court that they would reply to the reports.

“We got the police report around 3pm. We will mention four previous orders over such incidents. We are studying it and will talk on some points. But it will take time for the submission,” he said.

He prayed the court adjourn the hearing as the court will go into vacation from today.

PAGE 4 Koko’s family made Dandy Dyeing defendants

The attorney general opposed further hearings, saying that law enforcers were trying to find Salahuddin and that it was their duty to find persons reported to be missing.

There is no need to continue hearing on the rule, he said.

He said it was not possible to say how long police would take to find him.

“In investigations into criminal acts, a time frame cannot be fixed. Two journalists [Sagar and Runi] were killed. Until today the investigation has not finished and charges could not be framed,” he said.

The court said it would hear the submission  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

PAGE 10 EU chief: No compromise with Russia over Ukraine

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TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

PM calls for making Bangladesh a safe abode for children n BSS Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon people to take a fresh vow to turn Bangladesh into a safe abode for children and build a country free from hunger, poverty and illiteracy as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“On the eve of the birthday of the Father of the Nation as well as the National Children’s Day, I urge people of the country to take a fresh vow to transform our beloved motherland into a safe abode for children,” she said in a message.

Hasina said children would have to learn the true history of the motherland and the struggling life of Bangabandhu to build their personality and flourish their patriotism.

“Let us come and sacrifice our present for the welfare of our children’s future. Let us work together being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War and build a hunger, poverty and illiteracy-free Sonar Bangla as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.

Paying her deep homage to Bangabandhu on his 95th birth anniversary and the National Children’s Day, the prime minister conveyed her best wishes to people, especially children.

She said Bangabandhu had a limitless af-

fection for children, and that is why the day of his birth has been declared as the National Children’s Day. “On this day, I pray to Almighty Allah for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu and for the prosperous future of our children and juveniles,” she said.

Recalling Bangabandhu’s long struggling life, Hasina said Bangabandhu was fearless, courageous and benevolent and the last resort for realising righteous demands of the people of Bangladesh. “The main aim of Bangabandhu’s long career was to free the Bangali nation from the shackle of subjugation,” she said.

The Pakistani rulers at the very outset made onslaught on our mother tongue and Bangabandhu was detained on March 11, 1948 while a general strike was in force to realise the demand of recognising Bangla as the state language.

“From 1948 to 1952, Bangabandhu was put behind bars time and again. But he continued to lead the struggle whether he was in jail or in freedom. During the tragic incident of February 21 in 1952, Bangabandhu was in confinement and gave directives from internment,” she noted.

As a continuation, she said, the victory of the United Front in 1954 election, the anti-martial law movement against the military junta Ayub Khan in 1958, the movement against the

Education Commission in 1962, the historic six-point demand of 1966, the mass upsurge in 1969, general elections in 1970 and the Independence War of 1971 were steered under the undaunted leadership of Bangabandhu.

Hasina said his charismatic leadership and personality brought the whole nation under one umbrella. “We got the coveted independence and a sovereign Bangladesh. The Bangali nationalism got flourished,” she said.

She said Bangabandhu was not only the leader of Bangalis but also a forerunner in realising the rights of the oppressed and deprived masses of the world.

“When Bangabandhu devoted himself to rebuilding the country, the anti-liberation and reactionary forces brutally killed him along with most of his family members on August 15, 1975 to halt the spirit of the Liberation War and development spree,” she said.

Hasina said the illegal military rulers then defaced the country’s constitution, one of the finest constitutions of the world. “They rehabilitated the anti-liberation, war criminals and reactionary forces. The countrymen were deprived of their right to life and vote. The legacy to distort the history of independence and freedom struggle started,” she said. l

IGP: Process underway to bring back Mollah Masud from India n UNB

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque yesterday said Bangladesh will send a letter to Indian government soon for deporting detained listed top terror Mollah Masud.

“The process to bring back the detained top terror from India will start within a few days,” he said while talking to reporters at the Police Headquarters.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of India arrested Mollah Masud, a listed top terror of the capital city of Dhaka, in West Bengal of the neighbouring country on February 8. The IGP said the Foreign Ministry has already been informed about the arrest of listed criminal.

Mollah Masud, wanted by police in 10-12 criminal cases, fled the country in the 1990s.

Though he was arrested from Barrackpore under the North 24 Parganas district on February 8 last, Interpol from New Delhi confirmed it to the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday.

On December 27, 2001, the then BNP-led four-party alliance government announced a list of 23 most wanted criminals, including Mollah Masud, and also declared bounties for information leading to their arrest. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Bangladesh, China Even children not spared to modernise technology in co-op sectors n UNB Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu and new Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang have agreed to modernise technology in the sectors of cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

Inception of advanced technical knowhow in media, construction and tourism sectors will enhance Bangladesh’s growth and China is ready to provide with the most advanced solutions, said the Chinese envoy during his meeting with the minister at his office yesterday afternoon.

Inu reiterated Bangladesh’s support to One-China policy as the ambassador said China pursues the policy of non-interference to internal affairs of other countries, a similar foreign policy of Bangladesh.

Ma Mingqiang said his government looks forward to strengthening the ties with the government of Bangladesh and that he looks forward to a result-oriented tenure.

The development and exchange of media contents, including translation of dramas in both the languages, construction of roads and infrastructures, as well as development of site and communication in tourism sectors were also discussed at the meeting.

Chinese ambassador also agreed to the minister’s proposal to send a media team to China in celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China this year. l

Not that Bangladesh has ever been the safest place for children, but it would be an understatement if one said the children’s day is marked today amid gravely unusual circumstances.

Even before the January 2014 national elections when the BNP-led opposition was staging bloody street protests, children were among the worst sufferers.

According to Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), a total of 105 children have become victims of political unrest from January to March this year. Of them, 22 were killed and the rest were either injured in political violence or arrested as accessories to criminals.

The BSAF statistics also include that two students and eight children were used in political programmes during this time while law enforcers arrested nine more on charges of hurling firebombs.

Moreover, three children got hurt in police firing while three faced mob beating, says the statistics prepared on the basis of media reports from the last two months.

On January 18, doctor couple Saiful and Sharmin and their two-and-a-half-year-old son Shafir came under an arson on their vehicle in Chashara of Narayanganj. Compared to the burns that Safir suffered, the parents’ injuries were less severe.

Saiful and Sharmin have recently taken their son home who had to undergo extensive treatment at the City Hospital in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur.

Sharmin said: “Although he has recovered from the burns, but there is still a big mark on Safir’s body. But the mental trauma is even more serious. I do not know how my son will recover from this or not.”

Not just Safir, Rupa, 6, Rakib Mia, 12, Naz-

imuddin, 14, and Jui, 2, have all been taking treatment at the Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital over the last couple of months.

All these children got burnt in arson on vehicles at different times since the BNP and its allies started enforcing non-stop blockade and hartals on January 6.

Dr Partha Shankar Pal, resident surgeon at the burn institute, said: “At least 167 people have taken treatment here since the blockade began. At least two dozens of them are children. The children and the elderly are the ones in the worst of conditions and curing them have been difficult.”

Salma Begum, associate professor of sociology at Dhaka University, said: “When the world is trying to ensure safety for children, in our country they are falling victims to political unrest every day.”

She also said: “The mental trauma they carry throughout the rest of their lives are much graver than the physical injuries.”

AS Mahmud, director of BSAF, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “Things were not as bad for children even just a couple of years ago. But when political unrest erupted at the end of 2013 and now in 2015 again, children are having to bear the brunt.”

He suggested that the authorities should strictly implement the Child Act and child policy to stop such violence against children.

Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said: “Using children in any criminal activities is a punishable offence. People who are exploding crude bombs or hurling petrol bombs on children are also doing crime. We will bring all of them to book.” l

Bangabandhu’s 95th birth anniversary today lawmakers, other leaders and activists will also place wreaths at the grave of Bangabandhu in the Mausoleum Complex at Tungipara in Gopalganj.

Children’s gatherings, rally, discussions and cultural functions would be organised at district and upazila levels.

On March 18, the Awami League will also organise a rally at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, where Hasina is scheduled to address as the chief guest. l

Salahuddin Ahmed hearing adjourned until April 8 of the aggrieved and fixed a date for further hearings. The court will reopen on April 1 after the vacation.

According to Salahuddin’s family, several people in civilian dress, identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch of police, picked Salahuddin up from a residence in the capital’s Uttara neighbourhood on the night of March 10.

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque on March 13 claimed that no law enforcement agency had arrested the BNP leader.

On the same day, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia alleged that law enforcers had picked him up but were denying it.

She warned of repercussions if Salahuddin was not immediately released. l

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TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Jannati’s bail order upheld n Ashif Islam Shaon The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court verdict that granted bail to young entrepreneur Jannati Hossain in a case filed over the death of her business partner Mostamsir Ashraf.

Chamber Judge Justice M Imman Ali passed “no order” yesterday on a petition filed by the government seeking a stay order on the High Court verdict clearing the way for her release from jail.

On March 12, a High Court bench granted her bail in the cases – one filed by police and another by Mostamsir’s family members. The court also said although there was no evidence of planned killing in this case, the trial court would examine whether there is any element of murder charge in it.

Deputy Attorney General Masud Hasan Chowdhury told reporters that there would be no bar for her release once the copies of the court order reached the jail authorities.

Jannati crashed Mostamsir’s car into a

parked police van near the capital’s Mohakhali flyover on July 11, 2014. Mostamsir who was in the front passenger seat died on way to a nearby hospital. Tejgaon police sued injured Jannati for reckless driving and arrested her.

Jannati was denied bail by the lower courts several times while judges of two HC benches felt embarrassed to hear her bail petitions But after 10 days, Mostamsir’s family lodged a case against Jannati, husband Raymen Siddique, her brothers Jubair and Junaid and father Delwar Hossain alleging it was a planned murder to take over his business. The plaintiff, however, did not mention how Mostamsir had been murdered.

They also alleged that police had been in-

volved in the conspiracy but did not make them accused in their case.

Mostamsir is the son of Khan Mohammad Abdul Mannan, a former district court judge now serving as the inspector general of registration (land). Of the 15 people named as prosecution witnesses, four are high-profile government officials.

Jannati’s family members allege that Mannan was influencing the case. However, Mostamsir’s father denied the allegations.

According to the post mortem report, Mostamsir died in an accident and police said his seat belt was not fastened. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority report stated that the car suffered a mechanical failure.

Jannati was denied bail by the lower courts several times while judges of two High Court benches felt embarrassed to hear her bail petitions. On December 10, another bench issued a ruling on the authorities concerned to explain why Jannati should not be granted bail in the murder case. l

ACC seeks LGED project documents from last 3 years n Adil Sakhawat The Anti-Corruption Commission has sought project documents of the past three years from the Local Government Engineering Department.

A notice signed by Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam, sent to LGED Chief Engineer Shyama Prosad Adhikari yesterday, asked the LGED official to submit those documents by March 29, said an official of the commission.

The notice sought three years’ information on road, bridge, culvert construction and repair projects in upazilas and unions under the LGED department.

It also asked the department to submit names of all projects, their budget and estimated costs, documents of bill payment, and information on re-allocated projects.

The ACC has appointed 12 teams led by Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam to unearth and prevent corruption in the LGED. l

Farakka lock-gate collapse sends excess water into Bangladesh n Tribune Desk The collapse of a lock-gate at India’s Farakka Barrage, located just 17 kilometres from the border, has led to a diversion of excess water into Bangladesh.

A Bangladeshi member of the Joint Rivers Commission, Mir Sajjad Hossain, told the Dhaka Tribune: “The excess water diverted to Bangladesh is not necessarily a bad thing.

At any rate, our Indian counterparts assure us that the damaged lock-gate is being repaired.”

India’s PTI news agency yesterday quoted Murshidabad District Magistrate Y Ratnakar Rao as saying: “Gate number 49 has been washed away. It was already damaged and officials were about to replace it when it collapsed last evening.”

He said the new gate had already arrived and would be installed soon.

Indian authorities have diverted excess water to a feeder canal and towards Bangladesh.

“I have been informed by the project manager that there is no change in the water level [on the Indian side]. They are diverting half of the excess water to the feeder canal and the rest to the Bangladesh side,” The Statesman, an English daily from West Bengal, reported Rao as saying.

Estimates were not available of the amount of excess water coming into Bangladesh.

In a similar case in 2011, two broken gates resulted in unregulated water flows of about 47,000 cusecs – of which, about 15,000 cusecs was additional discharge – into Bangladesh, The Hindu reported.

Jangipur Sub-Divisional Officer Priyanka Singhla said efforts were on to start repair work immediately.

The barrage has 109 gates of which 108 are over the Ganges River and the 109th is over low-lying land in Malda. l

Parbatya Chattagram Pahari Chhatra Parishad and Hill Women’s Federation hold a rally in front of Raju Sculpture on Dhaka University campus yesterday demanding removal of cantonments from the Chittagong Hill Tracts and full implementation of the peace accord RAJIB DHAR

Court accepts charges against SI Zahid for murder n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday accepted charges against Zahidur Rahman Zahid, former sub-inspector of Mirpur police, and four others in a case filed over the torture and murder of Mahabubur Rahman Sujon, a garment-waste trader, in custody.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court’s acting judge KM Imrul Kayes passed the order after scrutinising the charge sheet and fixed April 15 for indictment hearing in the case, lodged by Sujon’s wife Mamtaz Sultana Luchi.

The other accused are Assistant Sub-Inspector Raj Kumar, constables Asad and Rashidul Haque, and police informer Md Mithun.

Sujon’s wife filed the case on July 20 last year against 10 people including Mirpur police OC Salauddin Ahmed under section 15 of

the Torture and Custodial Death Act, 2013.

After recording deposition of the complainant, the court ordered a judicial inquiry into the case. Metropolitan Magistrate SM Ashiqur Rahman submitted the charge sheet on October 30 but dropped the names of five other accused including OC Salauddin.

Zahid was arrested on July 17 last year and sent to jail on August 2 following 14-day remand in phases.

Mirpur police filed another case against eight including Zahid and informer Nasim on July 17. The Detective Branch of police is investigating the case.

When contacted, DB inspector Nibaran Chandra Barman yesterday said they would soon file the charge sheet under the Torture and Custodial Death Act, 2013.

According to the case, a police team led by Za-

hid and informer Nasim stormed Sujon’s house in Dhanmondi’s Shankar area early on July 13, and assaulted and tortured him in front of Luchi and their five-year-old son Rabbi for money.

Zahid also demanded Tk2 lakh as monthly subscription to avoid arrest. If they failed to pay the money, Zahid threatened him to implicate in a case for possessing illegal arms.

He also kept a pistol and 10 bullets on a table.

Later, Sujon, his wife and their child were taken to Mirpur police station on a police van. Luchi was also assaulted on the van. Zahid then told someone, presumably the OC, over the walkytalky that he had arrested the “culprit” and tortured him. He also asked for further directives.

Informer Nasim in his confessional statement said Sujon had been tortured at the police station. The autopsy report also stated that the jhut trader had died of torture. l

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DANDY DYEING CASE

Khaleda, Koko’s wife and daughters made defendants n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, her daughterin-law and two granddaughters have been made defendants in a case filed against the directors of Dandy Dyeing Ltd for defaulting on a loan of Tk45.49 crore.

Judge (acting) Ruksana Parvin Happy of Dhaka Artha Rin Adalat 1 (money loan court) passed the order yesterday after granting a petition by Sonali Bank that sought inclusion of the four names as inheritors of late Arafat Rahman Koko.

The court also fixed April 12 for framing charges against Khaleda, her late son Koko’s widow Sharmila Rahman and Koko’s two daughters — Jahiya Rahman and Jafiya Rahman.

Following Koko’s death in Malaysia on January 24, Sonali Bank’s Senior Executive Officer Nazrul Islam filed the petition before the court on March 8 as per order 22 and rule 4 of Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).

The other defendants in the case are Dandy Dyeing Directors Tarique Rahman – Khaleda’s eldest son; Giasuddin Al Mamun and his wife Shahina Begum; Nasrin Iskander – wife

of Khaleda’s brother late Sayeed Iskander – and their sons Shams Iskander and Shafin Iskander and daughter Sumaiya Iskander; Gazi Galib Abdus Sattar, Shamsun Nahar and Masud Hassan.

According to the case statement, the defendants on February 24, 1993, applied to Sonali Bank for a Tk13.14 crore loan in favour of Dandy Dyeing. On May 9, the same year, the bank approved the loan.

The governing body of the bank on October 16, 2001 waived the loan interests following an application by the defendants, and later the loan was rescheduled.

On October 2, 2012, Sonali Bank filed the case as the defendants failed to repay the loan, though the bank issued a final notice on February 28, 2010, asking them to repay the loan.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia is currently facing 12 cases — five over corruption and seven for masterminding violence during the ongoing blockade enforced by BNP-led alliance.

Dhaka Special Judge Court 3 recently issued warrants for arrest of the BNP chief in Zia Orphanage Trust and Zia Charitable Trust graft cases. l

AL leader: Only Khaleda knows Salahuddin’s location n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj Awami League policymaker Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said yesterday it was the BNP chairperson who had to reveal Salahuddin Ahmed’s whereabouts.

He also reiterated that the government was completely unaware of where Salahuddin was.

‘Khaleda could face an arrest warrant if she skips the next case hearing. The government will then arrest her and produce her before court’ “Backed by Khaleda Zia, Salahuddin would send statements from unidentified locations to instigate blockaders. He has gone into hiding at the advice of the BNP chief, who is now staging a drama about the whole matter,” said the Awami League presidium member at a programme at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Women’s College.

The Awami League MP from Gopalganj 2 said issuing statements and video messages from undisclosed locations compared with the acts of members of al-Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS. “This is how Salahuddin is trying to instigate subversion with the aim of turning Bangladesh into a failed state by destroying the economy.”

Also a cousin of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Selim warned that the government would crack down on terrorists, saboteurs and militants.

He said Khaleda would be brought to book and no one would be able to save her from the law that treats everyone equally.

“Khaleda could face an arrest warrant if she skips the next case hearing. The government will then arrest her and produce her before court. Besides, we have begun trials of all the cases against her. Some 116 people have died in the recent arson attacks and we will hold trials of each of those killings,” said Selim.

He said the BNP chairperson had lied in her Friday press briefing and refused to take questions fearing that her deceit would become exposed. “She used petrol bombs to kill people but tried to put the blame on the ruling party. The people did not participate in her party’s agitations which have thus failed.”

Selim said there would be a change in the government only after elections.

“Article 35 of the constitution says anyone assuming power illegally and those working as his or her abettors will be tried under the existing laws. The highest punishment for such crime is death,” said the Awami League leader.

He described BNP’s agitation as acts of subversion and militancy.

“Khaleda has become the leader of militants by doing what the Taliban and ISIS militants do,” added Selim. l

Climate change related to sustainable development n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Bangladesh identifies climate change as not only an issue of science, but also an issue related to sustainable development, said Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque.

“We don’t want to see that only science can find the answers to climate change. It is bigger than that. It is related to sustainable development too,” he said at a public lecture titled “Contemporary Global Climate Change Debate: Challenges and Prospects” which took place at Independent University, Bangladesh yesterday.

Sir David King, special representative for climate change in the UK, also spoke at the lecture.

The foreign secretary said Bangladesh as well as the whole world would change in the next 15-20 years and climate change had to be considered in that context.

The foreign secretary feared that if the sea level rose in future, at least one-fifth of Bangladesh would be submerged, and 30-40 million people would be displaced.

“We need to think about that and that is where Bangladesh is currently focusing on.”

The secretary said officials of a particular country at a private discussion informed him that there would be a visionary breakthrough in getting energy from solar system.

“They are actually looking into that option and that would radically change the climate change issue and energy issue,” he said. l

Heavy traffic congests a major thoroughfare in the capital in spite of the BNP-led 20-party alliance transport blockade and general strikes which have been met with a lukewarm response from the public. The photo was taken from Banglamotor yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Bscic chairman acquitted in graft case n Adil Sakhawat

The Anti-Corruption Commission has acquitted Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (Bscic) Chairman Ahmed Hossain Khan from a corruption case filed by the commission for embezzling money.

The case was filed on June 9 last year while he had been serving as the chief of Directorate General of Food for misappropriation of money in the name of foreign tour.

But the ACC in its investigation found no proof of embezzlement. “So the commission yesterday decided to acquit Ahmed Hossain,”

an ACC official said seeking anonymity.

According to the FIR, Ahmed Hossain had taken illegal facilities of air fare for his wife and son worth Tk89,874 for a visit to Bangkok from Dhaka. The money was provided by Mohiuddin Khan, MD of Sthapati Sangshad Limited – a World Bank-funded project’s consultancy firm. l

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11 arrested for injuring army men in Dighinala n Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari The indigenous people yesterday enforced a daylong transport strike in Dighinala of the district in protest against army’s shooting on a march towards the local BGB establishment on Sunday.

During the strike, no highway buses left the town as the demonstrators put barricade on Khagrachhari-Dighinala road with logs. A large number of police, BGB and army was deployed at different important spots of the area.

Police on Sunday arrested 11 indigenous people including a female college student named Nilu Barua in a case filed over injuring army men during Sunday’s clash.

Dighinala police filed the case alleging that eight army personnel had been injured when the indigenous people, being obstructed, pelted bricks at them.

They were arrested during drives by the law enforcers in different areas. A Khagrachhari court sent them to jail when the police produced them before it yesterday morning.

Army’s Dighinala Zone Adjutant Captain

Towhidul Islam earlier said eight army personnel sustained injuries in a clash that had taken place around 12:30pm in Karbari Para area. He, however, could not give identities of the injured, who were released after primary treatment.

No case has been filed over the torture of two indigenous people – grade X student Subikash Chakma and Tridib Chakma – by the army personnel. Six other hill people including Shushil Bikash Chakma, Rabi Ranjan Chakma and Lalon Chakma were also injured.

The march was organised under the

banner of Dighinala Land Protection Committee. Members of different indigenous groups including Pahari Chhatra Parishad and Democratic Youths’ Forum participated in the march demanding relocation of the BGB headquarters and withdrawal of the false case filed against the indigenous people last year.

The committee also demands that the 21 families who had been evicted last year to build the BGB’s 51 battalion headquarters in Dighinala defying a High Court status quo be given their land back. l

New NGO for Padma Bridge rehabilitation project n Asif Showkat Kallol The Bridges Division is set to appoint a new NGO to rehabilitate families who have lost their lands to land acquisition for the Padma Bridge project.

The move comes after the contract with Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) – the NGO that initiated the rehabilitation work in November 2009 – expired on January 31.

“We want to complete the rehabilitation programme of Padma Bridge by appointing another NGO as extra land acquisition is needed,” said Md Makbul Hossain, supervising engineer of the bridge project.

He said the CCDB had been able to finish 90% of the rehabilitation before its contract expired.

A proposal for selecting a new NGO has already been sent to the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase, and it is expected to be placed before the committee on March 18, Makbul told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

According to the proposal, signed by Bridge Division Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam, the Eco Social Development Organisation has been selected by the project evaluation committee for running the rehabilitation programme. l risky buildings in Motijheel’s AGB Colony were officially declared abandoned several years ago. But ignoring the government order and disregarding Bimstec finalises power Some the threats to people’s lives, some influential locals have rented out several vulnerable units to people of the low-income group. The photo was taken yesterday exchange deal n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman BARAPUKURIA GRAFT CASE MEHEDI HASAN

Bimstec member countries will sign a memorandum of understanding for power exchange cooperation in July.

The fifth meeting of the Bimstec taskforce on trans-power exchange held in Dhaka yesterday finalised the document after five years of negotiations.

“We have finalised the text and we want to sign the agreement in July in Nepal,” said a Foreign Ministry official.

The third meeting of Bimstec energy ministers will be held in Kathmandu and energy secretaries will sit for discussions a day before the summit, he said.

All the member countries are requested to complete their internal consultations and procedures by July so that it can be signed at the summit, he added.

The MoU now needs the cabinet’s approval.

It would be the second initiative of the region in energy related cooperation among the neighbours. l

Khaleda, 9 others asked to submit HC order n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

A Dhaka court yesterday asked the 10 accused, including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, to submit the High Court order on a petition filed by Khaleda seeking annulment of the proceedings in the Barapukuria coal mine graft case.

But the defence informed the court that the High Court on Sunday had fixed April 5 for passing an order on the petition.

The court also asked three of the accused – Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Motiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed – to appear before it on April 13, public prosecutor Md Kabir Hossain said.

Judge Hosne Ara Begum of the Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court 2 passed the order after

a hearing on the case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Yesterday was set for submission of the High Court order.

On February 26, 2008, ACC Assistant Director Md Shamsul Alam filed the case accusing Khaleda and 15 others, including 10 ministers of her cabinet, for causing a loss of Tk159 crore to the state exchequer by awarding a contract to run the operations of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company to a Chinese company, abusing power.

On October 5, 2008, the ACC submitted the charge sheet against the 16 accused.

The other accused are Khaleda’s former cabinet colleagues M Saifur Rahman, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, M Shamsul Islam, MK Anwar, Aminul Haque, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury and AKM Mosharraf Hossain, and for-

mer energy secretary Nazrul Islam, former Petrobangla chairman SR Osmani and former director Moinul Ahsan, Barapukuria Coal Mining Company’s former managing director Sirajul Islam, and Hosaf Group Chairman Moazzem Hossain.

Of them, Saifur Rahman and Mannan Bhuiyan died while Sirajul Islam is on the run.

Nizami, Mujaheed and Khandakar Mosharraf are now in jail in connection with other cases.

The rest are out on bail.

On October 16, 2008, the High Court stayed the case proceedings following a petition filed by Khaleda challenging the legality of filing of the case.

The High Court on Sunday fixed new date for verdict on the petition after the ACC moved to revive the corruption case. l

DT

6 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Govt to introduce cold-tolerant Boro n Abu Bakar Siddique The government plans to introduce a coldtolerant variety of Boro paddy to avoid crop damage by erratic weather.

This particular variety, tolerant to cold conditions both at the seedling and reproductive stages, can be introduced within two years, said Dr Jibon Krishna Biswas, director general of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).

“We are now running trials, and once we get successful results, we will apply for its commercial release.”

He said the government had been trying to develop crop varieties tolerant of extreme climatic events to ensure steady food production.

As a part of that initiative, BRRI has been working on cold-tolerant Boro because a large number of rice farmers suffer significant losses every year as none of the existing varieties can cope with extreme cold. Though a winter crop, Boro is often affected by cold-related diseases at the seedling and reproductive stages.

Paddy farmers in haor (wetland) areas usually face more problems than do others, as they only cultivate Boro and start the cultivation process in January – a month ahead of the rest of the country.

“Since January is the coldest month in Bangladesh, the haor farmers often have to tackle cold-related diseases affecting their crops. They will be particularly benefited by this new paddy variety,” the BRRI DG told the

Dhaka Tribune.

The BRRI previously developed another cold-tolerant Boro variety named BRRI 36, but its cold tolerance is very low.

Boro is the most produced paddy in the country accounting for a production of almost 19 million tonnes out of 34.6 million tonnes produced in Bangladesh in 2013-14.

The BRRI also released two saline tolerant varieties and two submergence tolerant varieties of paddy in 2010, and in 2012 the staterun rice research organisation released two drought tolerant varieties.

In addition to these varieties, the BRRI also released eight more varieties between 2009 and 2013 which are currently being popularised among farmers. l

Suranjit: Khaleda instigated violence again

n Tribune Report

Awami League Advisory Council member Suranjit Sengupta yesterday alleged that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has instigated violence again while addressing her last press conference on Thursday.

He said: “Khaleda Zia came to the press conference after a long period and people thought she would talk about discarding the politics of violence and conflicts. But, I could assume that she had instigated the politics of violence further.”

Suranjit made the comment while speaking as chief guest at a discussion on the current situation of politics at the auditorium of Institution of Diploma Engineers in the capital.

Terming the inability to trace BNP Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed an ominous sign, Suranjit said: “Politics will be open. Politics behind the curtain has turned into politics of disappearance.”

The Awami League leader hoped that good news will come about Salahuddin.

“Bangladesh will remain as Bangladesh and Bangalis as Bangalis. The country can’t be transformed into Middle East. Democracy is our tradition and democracy is our politics,” he said. l

7 bombs recovered in Chittagong

n CU Correspondent

With hartals and blockade continuing to disrupt academic activities at educational institutions across the country, teachers gather in front of the National Press Club yesterday, ringing school bells in a symbolic call to end the ongoing violence and ensure a safe learning environment SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships for Bangladeshis n Tribune Report The New Zealand Aid Programme announced its latest round of Commonwealth Scholarships for Bangladeshi nationals wishing to pursue Masters and PhD programmes in New Zealand in 2016.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Grahame Morton said in a press release: “Being one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh, New Zealand has a strong commitment to its growth and prosperity.

Scholarships to attend New Zealand universities play an important role in achieving this.”

The scholarships are available for Masters (1-2 years) and PhD (3-4 years) programmes.

They are valid for a range of subjects around the themes of renewable energy, agriculture development, disaster risk management, education and the strengthening of public and private sectors.

To be considered for these prestigious awards, students need to have an admission offer and send in their applications on or before July 31, 2015.

Detailed information can be found at: www.aid.govt.nz/funding-and-contracts/ scholarships/eligible-countries/south-asia. l

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered seven abandoned petrol bombs from Chhoto Kumira area in Sitakunda uapzila of Chittagong early yesterday.

BGB 28 Battalion Additional Director Major Tanvir Mahmud said they conducted a drive on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway in the area on a tip-off and recovered the explosives from a bush near Eliash Filling Station.

Miscreants might have kept the firebombs there to carry out sabotage on the highway, he suspected. None was arrested in this connection.

Earlier on March 8, the police recovered 70 petrol bombs, 50 crude bombs, four light guns, 24 rounds of cartridges, 10 machetes, a Chinese axe, a chopper, three rocket flairs and cooking utensils from three hideouts of Shibir in the hilly areas of the sub-district.

Meanwhile, the police arrested five BNP-Jamaat men from different parts in Chittagong in overnight drives for their alleged involvement in recent subversive activities. l

DHL to partner boosting education in Bangladesh n Tribune Report Deutsche Post DHL Group (DP DHL), a leading postal and logistics group, has tied knot with not-for-profit organisation Teach For All to promote opportunities and employability in Bangladesh.

Alongside providing financial support, DHL employees in Bangladesh will volunteer support to 35 Teach For Bangladesh teachers.

They will in turn impact nearly 4,000 students in 12 primary schools in Dhaka.

Teach For Bangladesh is part of the global Teach For All network founded in 2012 to enlist highly-educated and promising Bangla-

deshi graduates and young professionals to a unique leadership development programme.

The partnership deal was launched on March 15 in the presence of Desmond Quiah, DHL’s country manager, Nooruddin Chowdhury, country manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh, and Maimuna Ahmad, CEO of Teach For Bangladesh.

Quiah said: “Investing in education is an investment in the future of a country and a region.”

Maimuna said: “Teach For Bangladesh is working to address one the most fundamental challenges facing Bangladesh today: inequity in education.” l

DT

NEWS 7

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

25 houses gutted in Chittagong blaze n CU Correspondent

At least 25 houses were burnt down in separate incidents of fire in the port city’s Pahartali area and Boalkhali upazila yesterday, says local fire service sources.

However, no casualty was reported in the incidents.

Sources at Agrabad Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters said a fire originated from the oven of a shanty in Saraipara area in Pahartali around 11am and soon spread to adjoining four houses.

Being informed, fire fighters from the station rushed to the spot and doused the blaze after two hours of frantic effort.

The loss from the fire would be above Tk5.50 lakh.

Earlier, 20 thatched houses were burnt to ashes in another fire in Khitahar area of Boalkhali upazila before dawn.

Fire service station concerned informed that the fire that took place around 2:30am ensued from the oven of one of those houses as well.

Later the local fire fighters extinguished the blaze after three hours of frantic effort.

The fire officials estimated the loss caused by the fire would be around Tk20 lakh. l

Khulna trade fair picks up pace, traders happy with brisk business n Our Correspondent, Khulna Defying the on-going blockade and hartals, hundreds of visitors are thronging the 14th International Trade Fair in Khulna encouraging the authorities to extend the fair by 15 days.

Jointly organised by Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Ms Chameli Traders, the fair kicked off on February 14 on Khulna Circuit House premises and was supposed to end on March 15.

Though the fair started off slow, it soon garnered momentum with huge presence of visitors and customers. This has prompted the authorities to extend the fair till March 30.

The fair with its 160 stalls and eight pavilions have a range of products from clothes to cosmetics to household items on display. Many small traders are also participating in the fair with their home-made products and crafts.

Besides, an entertainment zone with various rides for kids has added extra flair to the fair.

The fair authorities said they were selling about 3,000 tickets, priced at Tk10 each, every day.

Housewife Hasina Akter from Daulatpur said it was refreshing to come out of home and be in the fair despite the political unrest.

Sonia Khatun, a college student from Sonadanga, said she was happy to see so many people in the fair. She bought some cosmetics.

Another visitor from Boyra, Shahidul Islam, came to the fair with his family and said the fair saw more people in the evening, though that was also the most risky hours to commute.

Md Kamrul and Munna Sheikh, representatives of Dhaka’s Aslam Shoes, were very happy with the business.

Owner of Razia Crockery, said: “I was in doubt about renting the stall and paying the staffs. But now the surge in customer means I can finally make some profits.”

The same sentiment was expressed by oth-

SCHOOLBOY KILLING

RAB informant placed on 3-day remand n Our Correspondent, Sylhet

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER LIKELY TUESDAY, MARCH 17 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:08PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 6:05AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

35

23

Chittagong

33

24

Rajshahi

35

21

Rangpur

35

20

Khulna

35

21

Barisal

35

21

Sylhet

34

19

Cox’s Bazar

34

24

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

35.6ºC Cox’s Bazar

15.5ºC Srimangal Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:50am

Sunrise

6:05am

Zohr

12:07am

Asr

4:28pm

Magrib

6:08pm

Esha

7:24pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

er traders who were sceptical about the fair in the beginning.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police, Sheikh Moniruzzaman Mithu, said they had increased security around the fair keeping the political situation in mind.

“Though we initially ordered to close the fair within 5pm, we have increased the security and the time considering the huge turnout of visitors,” he added.

Owner of Chameli Traders, Mia Md Rasel, said: “We have set up 20 close-circuit cameras around the fair venue. Moreover, about 150 volunteers are working along with the police to ensure law and order. This has helped get us more visitors.”

Kazi Aminul Haque, president of Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industries, welcomed the increased flow of visitors and said they fair will continue till March 30 as per the demand of the business community. l

With absolute disregard to any safety harness or minimum precaution, a group of labourers paint the exterior of a multistorey building in the capital’s Motijheel area yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

A Sylhet court has placed an informant of RAB on a three-day remand in connection with the killing of schoolboy Sayeed after abduction.

Sylhet Metropolitan Magistrate Court 1 Judge Shahedul Karim granted the remand after police produced Geda Mia before the court with a 10-day remand plea yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, District Olama League Secretary Abdur Rakib also gave confessional statement before the court.

Shah Mohammad Fazle Azim Patowari, investigation officer of the case, said Rakib had told the court that he and four others taken part in the killing. Later, he was sent to jail.

Police recovered the decomposed body of Abu Sayeed, a class IV student of a primary school, from constable Ebadur’s house located in Kumarpara Jharnarpar residential area in Sylhet city on Saturday night.

Police detained constable Ebadur, district Olama League Secretary Abdur Rakib and Informant Geda Mia for their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder.

Sayeed’s father Abdul Matin also filed a case against six people, including three suspects detained in connection with the murder.

Later on Sunday, the arrested police constable Ebadur Rahman gave confessional statement before a Sylhet court, admitting his involvement in the schoolboy abduction and killing.

While giving the statement, the constable told the court that nine-year-old Sayeed was abducted for ransom, but he was later killed as he could recognise Ebadur and Geda.

Sayeed was picked up from Rainagar while on his way to his uncle’s house on the night of March 10.

The abductors first demanded Tk5 lakh and then Tk2 lakh ransom. Later, Sayeed’s father Abdul Matin filed a general diary with Kotwali police station on March 11. l

DT

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

C-section tools unused for years at 4 Kishoreganj hospitals n Our Correspondent, Kishoreganj Caesarean section equipment worth Tk25 crore at four upazila health complexes in Kishoreganj is falling into ruin as such operations have not been performed at the facilities for years. Pregnant women of remote villages have thus been forced to undergo C-sections at private hospitals in the town where the charge is exorbitant.

Back in 2002, health complexes were built at the four upazilas – Karimganj, Nikli, Mithamoin and Katiadi – with a view to offering quality healthcare services. The buildings, each built at a cost of Tk3-3.5 crore, boast cosy rooms for both patients and visitors, and operation theatres having modern features.

Karimganj Upazila Health Complex began offering caesarean section in October 2006.

After 125 operations, caesarean surgeon Aminur Rahman was transferred elsewhere in December and the post remained unoccu-

pied. After some time, the facility stopped offering the procedure.

Yasmin, a pregnant girl who recently came to her father’s house in Madhyapara of Karimganj, said the upazila health complex is not too far from the house but C-sections are not offered there.

“Doctors there told me to go to private hospitals in Kishoreganj but I am very insolvent which makes me worried about my upcoming child. I am really frustrated with the lack of such an essential healthcare service at the upazila health complex,” she said.

Caesarean section was offered for a couple of months at Katiadi Upazila Health Complex in 2003 but was discontinued when the surgeon was posted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on deputation.

Meanwhile, no caesarean surgeon had been appointed at Mithamoin Upazila Health Complex since the opening of the facility.

Fazal Mia, a resident of Gopdighi village in

the upazila, said he was compelled to take his wife to a clinic in the district town although the health complex had all the necessary equipment for performing C-sections.

“Everything was there but there was no surgeon to carry out the procedure which is unfortunate,” he said.

Nikli Upazila Health Complex has a caesarean surgeon but no anaesthetist or nurse was appointed at the department. The facility had no C-section delivery in the last 10 years.

Katiadi Health and Family Planning Officer, Syed Md Manjurul Haque, said the authorities were informed of the problems but no step to resolve those had been taken.

Kishoreganj Civil Surgeon Mrinal Kanti Pandit said it was a laudable initiative to introduce C-section facilities at the health complexes but the problems had not been duly addressed.

“The problems can be resolved by appointing the required manpower,” he added. l

Suspected robber killed in shootout n Our Correspondent, Faridpur A suspected robber was killed in a gunfight with police in Buraich union under Alfadanga upazila of the district yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Mukter, 35, son of late Akram, a resident of Konagram of the upazila.

Pannu Sheikh, chairman of Buraich union parishad, said a gang of robbers were taking preparations to commit robbery at Joydevpur village at night.

On receiving information, police went to the spot to arrest the criminals.

But sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the robbers fired gunshots forcing the law enforcers to retaliate, which triggered a gunfight, said Assistant Superintendent of Police Kamruzzaman.

The gunfight left Moktar dead on the spot.

Moktar was accused in several cases including murder and robbery.

The body was sent to Faridpur Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination. A case was filed in this connection. l

BCC compound turns battle ground, eight injured in tri-party clash n Our Correspondent, Barisal The compound of Barisal City Corporation turned into a battle ground as a tri-party clash took place between transport workers, police personnel and employees of the BCC that left eight people injured yesterday morning.

Of the injured, Monir Hossain, president of Barisal Battery Operated Autorickshaw Malik Samity and Vice-President of Auto Rickshaw Sramik Kalyan Upadesta Samity received treatment at Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Monir Hossain alleged that BCC men without any prior notice had seized 35 battery-run autorickshaws despite the vehicles had valid legal documents.

Protesting the seizure, transport workers gathered in front of BCC and requested the BCC authorities to release the vehicles.

“At that time, security guards of BCC attacked and engaged in clash with us and also called police,” he said.

On other hand, Nikhil Chandra Das, BCC chief executive officer, said BCC had given licenses to operate 2,610 autorickshaws in the city, but about double of those numbers of the three wheelers were operating illegally on the city roads.

During a regular drive, the BCC detained 35 battery-run autorickshaw from Barisal port area for operating without valid documents.

Later, unruly auto rickshaw drivers assembling at BCC tried to snatch those vehicles from the custody of security guards at about 11am.

“Then, we called police to bring the situation under control, but the transport workers were also involved in a clash with law enforcers.”

A tensed situation created in and around the city corporation area after the clash.

Following the clash, transport workers brought out a procession in the city that paraded main thoroughfares of the town. l

Children take part in a reading festival organised by Village Education Resource Centre to help meet the goal of universal primary education in the country. The event was held on Mirzapur Upazil Parishad premises in Tangail yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Newborn baby stolen from hospital n Our Correspondent, Netrakona A newborn baby was stolen from of Netrokona Adhunik Sadar Hospital yesterday.

A woman wearing burqa, a full-body covering that includes a mesh over the face, took the baby from its mother at the hospital’s labor ward saying that she would take it to the family members who were staying outside around 10am.

“Since then, I can not find my dear son,” said Sathi Begum, mother of the baby.

“Before she took the baby from me, the woman talked to other patients at the ward for long time,” she said.

Sathi,22, wife of Ujjal Mia of Baragara vil-

lage in Netrokona upazila, gave birth to the baby around 9pm on Sunday last.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune family member of many patients at the hospital said the nurses asked all family members attending the patients to leave the ward in the morning.

It is questionable that an outsider can enter the ward and steal a baby defying strict watch of the nurses and other officials, they said.

Dr Niluthpal Talukdar, resident medical officer of the hospital, said they have written to Netrokona district administration and police informing them about the incident. Dr Bijon Kanti Sarkar, civil surgeon of Netrokona, said they have formed a three member committee led Dr Niluthpal to probe the incident. l

Madrasa student found dead n Our Correspondent, Jhenidah The body of a 12-year-old madrasa student was recovered from a maize field at Bhomradanga village in Kotchandpur upazila of Jhenidah yesterday, two days into his abduction.

The victim Miraj Ali, son of Mohor Ali, was a student of class III at Gorgori Darul Umul Madrasa in Chuadanga.

Mohor Ali said his son, Miraj, remained missing since Saturday evening after he went to attend a Waz Mahfil at a madrasa ground at Bhomradanga village.

“He came to meet us from his madrasa only five days ago,” he said. l

DT

INTERVIEW 9

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

‘This murder is an attack on Bangladesh’ On March 3, less than a week after suspected Islamic extremists killed Avijit Roy and left his wife Rafida Ahmed gravely injured, David Meale, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Dhaka, sat down with the Dhaka Tribune’s Asif Islam to discuss the US government’s response to the murder.

In an office at the American Centre in Baridhara, David Meale was joined by Political Officer Andrei Cotton, Senior Law Enforcement Advisor William Koertje and Press Officer Monica Shie to discuss the FBI’s role in the coming murder probe, the US government’s assessment of extremist violence in Bangladesh, and the road forward DT: What are the terms of reference for FBI assistance into the probe?

Meale: The first thing to note is that we want to be helpful to Bangladesh in investigating a murder that occurred on its own soil. We’re looking to be helpful in any way to the authorities here.

As far as terms of reference and details on how this plays out, we’re in the early stages.

DT: Will the FBI report to the US Department of Justice with their findings, will they report to the Bangladesh government, will they share their findings with the Bangladeshi public?

The scope of the FBI’s role is to make this investigation and any follow-on action as effective as possible to bring the perpetrators to justice. The untold story is that this partnership, this assistance, doesn’t seem odd to us. This is a natural outgrowth of a very constructive relationship with the government of Bangladesh

DT: Should we take your government’s involvement in the Avijit Roy murder investigation to mean that the US sees this case as a national security concern?

Meale: The US government has an interest in this case that is two-fold. Of course we have an interest in the murder of a US citizen: The highest priority of our diplomatic missions is the protection of American citizens outside the United States.

But this murder and the attack on the wife of Mr Roy is an attack on freedoms in Bangladesh. We see it as an attack on Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a country of strategic importance to the United States. We are very concerned about what happens here. We want to see its democratic development and anything that threatens it, that curtails freedom of speech and other freedoms for people here, is of great concern to us.

I don’t have details to share with you today about exactly what will be done, what information will be released, and where it will go.

Of course we are interested, from the perspective of the Department of Justice, in acquiring details about this case.

We will be very interested in finding out the results of this investigation, to understand what it means for getting justice for the family and to understand what it might mean for protecting Americans overseas.

DT: I understand that it’s early days, but do you see the US Department of Justice seeking to prosecute?

Meale: At this stage, it’s too early to speculate on what kind of legal action might result. But let me note, it is possible in some cases for an investigation like this involving harm to US citizens abroad to lead to a filing of charges in the United States.

DT: There are strong indications that the attack was carried out by Islamic extremists.

Does your government believe this is the case?

Meale: The indications so far, based on sources that were not developed by the US government, are that this was an act of political violence.

I cannot draw conclusions in the name of the US government about what exactly the motive was, let alone declare guilt, or even declare anyone to be an outright suspect.

Your foreign minister just travelled to Washington for an event on countering violent extremism led by our White House...

And yes, we are concerned about this case in that context.

DT: So when they come now, what sorts of lines of inquiry might the FBI be looking at?

Koertje: I cannot speak for the FBI. Shie: Much of the assistance is technical, let me get you the exact language. Just a moment...

Cotton: The FBI is a very skilled, well-resourced organisation that has experience dealing with transnational types of crimes.

DT: They certainly have tremendous capability. But I am not exactly clear what the FBI’s role might be...

Shie: OK, so let me give it to you (quoting from her smartphone): The FBI will be able to provide valuable technical assistance with regard to transnational aspects of the investigation.

DT: In the wake of this murder, will the FBI seek to establish a field office or a presence beyond the purview of assisting in this particular investigation?

Meale: At this stage the only discussion has been: How can we help in this investigation?

The scope of the FBI’s role is to make this investigation and any follow-on action as effective as possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Cotton: We have broad and close cooperation that goes back several years, and the ability to assist in this investigation grows out of the close security cooperation that we have.

Meale: The untold story is that this partner-

violence, since it does appear to be an attack on free speech.

Bangladesh is an important country to the United States, so our view of the crime is a bit more broad than what is driving the FBI’s role.

DT: Do you believe the upsurge in violent activities in Bangladesh has followed in the wake of conflict in Iraq or Syria?

Meale: There has been an upsurge of violence in this country in the last forty days, that has occurred in light of the political impasse that is presently challenging Bangladesh.

I have no information to suggest that what has occurred involving our citizen and the attack on his wife has anything to do with the ongoing political impasse here. I want to make that clear.

There is broad concern in our government about the implications of this crime since it does appear to be an act of political violence, since it appears to be an attack on free speech

ship, assistance doesn’t seem odd to us. This is a natural outgrowth of how we have built a very constructive relationship with the government of Bangladesh in this area. In policing, more broadly in counter-terrorism... this is a very healthy part of our bilateral relationship and here we have a situation that is very tragic and because we have built that relationship, our two governments which have a common concern, about crime, about international crime, about violent extremism are well positioned to easily and quickly join forces together to hopefully be doubly effective in dealing with this.

DT: Here we have a murder and we have an attempt to snuff out free speech in Bangladesh, probably by Islamic violent extremists. Does the US see this murder primarily as a crime or something more sinister, more difficult?

Meale: At this stage the motivation for our offer to assist and the assistance that we are going to carry give has been due to the murder of an American citizen.

There is broader concern in our government about the implications of this crime since it does appear to be an act of political

DT: With regard to the Avijit Roy murder, do you have any information about whether it is connected to international Islamic violent extremism?

Meale: I don’t have any information, I just don’t. We are at the early stages of the investigation and there is a lot of information in the [local] media about what the government [of Bangladesh] says it has discovered already.

DT: Would it be appropriate to say the US government does not have a position about whether Bangladeshi extremism is connected to global extremism?

Meale: I think you have to look at different violent acts and look at what subsequent investigations have yielded.

What is clear is that Bangladesh and the United States both have a common concern with the issue of violent extremism.

DT: Does violent extremism here belong to a network of violence or is it a home-grown problem in a local context?

For your reporting of our views, I think it is very important to emphasise that one really cannot generalise about Bangladesh’s situation. That is really what I am trying to get across. l

DT

10 WORLD

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

EU chief: No compromise with Russia over Ukraine sanctions n AFP

The European Union must not compromise with Russia over sanctions in response to the Ukraine crisis, the bloc’s chief Donald Tusk said in an interview yesterday.

Tusk said that a failure to uphold the sanctions until Ukraine regains control of its border with Russia could strain relations with the US. He added that it was either “naivety or hypocrisy” to trust that President Vladimir Putin was acting in a spirit of goodwill.

“Partial implementation would be very risky for Ukraine... if Europe doesn’t maintain

existing sanctions, it would be a critical moment in transatlantic relations,” the president of the European Council said.

“For (the US), it’s unacceptable to be more involved in the Ukrainian conflict than Europe.”

He added: “I can’t accept the argument that we have to believe in Russian goodwill.

When I hear we have to believe in President Putin’s or the separatists’ goodwill, I know it’s either naivety or hypocrisy. The comparison with appeasement applies.”

Tusk’s comments came in an interview published by several European newspapers including Britain’s Guardian.

He also confirmed that he would not attend an event in Moscow to mark 70 years since the end of World War II. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Sunday that a peace deal in eastern Ukraine signed last month was “not working.”

Kiev and the West accuse Moscow of backing the separatists in the region with troops and heavy weapons, though the Kremlin denies this.

Yesterday marks the first anniversary of a referendum in Crimea on splitting from Ukraine which set the stage for Russia’s annexation of the peninsula and inspired the separatist movement in Ukraine’s east. l

Hundreds of thousands march to ask Brazil president’s ouster

n AP Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians marched peacefully Sunday in more than 50 cities around the country to demand President Dilma Rousseff ’s impeachment and to criticise government corruption amid a sprawling graft inquiry at state-run oil firm Petrobras.

The biggest protest was in Sao Paulo, an opposition stronghold where some 210,000 gathered on a main avenue, according to the polling institute Datafolha, one of the only entities in Brazil that makes scientific crowd estimates. Large rallies were also seen in the capital Brasilia, the southern city of Porto Alegre and in Rio de Janeiro. ‘’We are here to express our indignation with the government-sponsored corruption and thieving, and to demand Dilma’s impeachment,’’ said Andre Menezes, 35, protesting on Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo. ‘’She may have not been directly involved in the corruption at Petrobras, but she certainly knew about it, and for me that makes her just as guilty and justifies her ouster,’’ he added.

In Rio, police estimated 15,000 people marched along the golden sands of Copacabana beach, where they waved Brazilian flags and many openly called for a military coup to dissolve the government. l

The era of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ending, with Israeli voters clearly more concerned about economic and social issues than about security or fears over Iran, a leading election candidate said yesterday.

The centre-left opposition is poised for a surprise victory over Netanyahu’s rightwing Likud in one of Israel’s most nail-biting elections in years, according to the last polls.

Nearly six million Israelis are eligible to vote in Tuesday’s election.

Yair Lapid, a telegenic former news anchor and TV host, leads the centrist, secular Yesh Atid party (“There’s a Future”), which emerged out of the cost-of-living protests that swept Israel in 2011.

The party came a surprise second in the

n Reuters

Moscow was ready to put its nuclear forces on alert to ensure Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine last year, President Vladimir Putin said in a pre-recorded documentary aired on Sunday.

Putin also said that Russia had saved the life of Ukraine’s former pro-Moscow president, Viktor Yanukovich, who he said had been in danger after ‘revolutionaries’ seized power following weeks of violent street protests in Kiev last year.

“For us it became clear and we received information that there were plans not only for his capture, but, preferably for those who carried out the coup, but also for his physical elimination. As one famous historical figure said: ‘No person, no problem’,” Putin said.

Protests over Yanukovich’s decision to back away from a trade agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Moscow forced him from power in February last year. Yanukovich’s overthrow ultimately prompted Russia to seize and annex the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea. l

Assad dismissive of Kerry remark on negotiations

n Reuters

A demonstrator holds a banner reading ‘Dilma out and take the Workers Party with you’ during a rally to protest against the government of president Dilma Rousseff in Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo Brazil AFP

Lapid: Netanyahu era ‘coming to an end’ n Reuters

Putin considered nuclear alert over Crimea

last election in 2013 and is again set for an influential showing.

“The majority of Israelis want change,” Lapid, 51, told Reuters in between campaign events.

“The Netanyahu era is coming to an end.

That’s not because security issues don’t matter but because social and economic issues are dominating the agenda,” he said in an interview.

“Netanyahu has missed his moment. You can’t blame him - it’s never easy to know when the moment of your era passes. But for him it has passed.”

Lapid was finance minister in Netanyahu’s outgoing government but the two seldom saw eye-to-eye, and it was the dismissal of Lapid and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni in December that precipitated these elections.

When Netanyahu called the vote he looked set to secure a fourth term in office, which

would have put him on track to become the country’s longest-serving prime minister.

But his focus on the threat from Iran’s nuclear program and Islamist militants in Gaza and the region left voters uninspired, with even long-running Likud supporters saying they had heard such rhetoric before.

Netanyahu’s speech to the US Congress, criticised by many at home and in Washington, also appears to have marked something of a turning point. Before the speech, he was broadly ahead in opinion polls but his numbers have trailed off since, with his anti-Iran message failing to gain traction.

Final polls published on Friday nearly all showed the Zionist Union, the centre-left opposition alliance led by Isaac Herzog and Livni, holding a four-seat advantage going into the vote. l

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed yesterday remarks made by US Secretary of State John Kerry that Assad should be included in negotiations to reach a political transition, saying “declarations from outside do not concern us.”

In a Sunday CBS interview, Kerry did not repeat the standard US line that Assad had lost all legitimacy over the shattering civil war in Syria and so had to go. “We have to negotiate in the end,” Kerry said when asked whether the United States would be willing to negotiate with the Syrian leader.

Assad said in comments broadcast on Syrian state television: “We are still hearing the declarations and we should wait for actions and then decide.”

Kerry said the United States and other countries, which he did not name, were exploring ways to revive the diplomatic process to end the conflict in Syria, which has left more than 200,000 people dead and displaced about half the population. l

Military: Islamic militant group leader captured in Philippines

n AFP Philippine security forces have arrested the head of a small Islamic militant group who was involved in protecting one of the United States’ “most wanted terrorists,” the military said yesterday.

Mohammad Ali Tambako was detained along with five accomplices as he was riding a motorised tricycle on a main road near a major southern city on Sunday night, military chief General Gregorio Catapang told reporters.

His capture is part of an offensive against splinter groups who oppose a pact with the nation’s biggest Muslim rebel group that aims to end a decades-long separatist insurgency. The rebellion has claimed tens of thousands of lives. l

DT

WORLD 11

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Study: China becomes world’s number three arms exporter n AFP

China has eased ahead of Germany and France to become the world’s number three arms exporter after the United States and Russia, a Stockholm-based think-tank said yesterday.

The volume of the multi-billion dollar world arms trade rose 16% during the period 2010 to 2014 over the previous five years, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute added in its annual report.

The figures show that “the United States has taken a firm lead” with 31% of global exports of conventional weapons, SIPRI said, with Russia in second place at 27%.

The next three arms exporters are far behind with about five percent each, and China is only slightly ahead of fourth-ranked Germany and fifth-ranked France.

Three Asian countries accounted for more than two-thirds of Chinese exports, with Pakistan buying 41% of the total, followed by Bangladesh and Myanmar. Beijing also had 18 client nations in Africa during the period.

Russia’s top client was India – the world’s leading arms importer – with 70% of its purchases coming from Russia.

The United States had the most diverse clientele. South Korea, its top client, accounted for only nine percent of total US business.

Among leading suppliers, China’s sales were up 143% compared to the previous fiveyear period. Ukraine and Russia also saw

Pakistan Christians protest over deadly church attacks

n AFP

Some 5,000 Christians rallied in the Pakistani city of Lahore yesterday, blocking roads and shouting anti-government slogans in a second day of protests against twin Taliban suicide bombings of churches that killed 14 people.

Sunday’s attacks in the Youhanabad neighbourhood of the eastern city sparked mob violence in which two other suspected militants were killed, with Christians smashing up cars and a bus station in a rare show of anger from the persecuted minority group.

More than 1,000 police were deployed in the neighbourhood yesterday, where many protesters had armed themselves with clubs, but the situation remained calm. l

Lahore lynching victim identified as glass cutter

n Agencies

A man named Muhammad Saleem filed an application at Lahore’s Nishtar Colony police station yesterday, saying that one of the two men lynched by an angry mob following the twin church blasts on Sunday was his brother Naeem.

Speaking to Dawn.com, officials at the Nishtar Colony police station confirmed that Muhammad Saleem had approached the police to register a murder case against protesters who brutally killed and then torched his brother’s body. l

J-10 fighter jets of the Bayi Aerobatic Team of Peoples Liberation Army Air Force perform at the Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong province on November 12, 2014 AFP surges in exports, while those of Germany and France declined.

“China is always prudent and responsible in arms exports,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

“We insist on the principles that it (arms exports) should be conducive to the legitimate self-defence capability of the recipient country, not impair international and regional peace and stability, and not interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.”

The data reflects the volume of arms de-

liveries, not the financial value of the deals, SIPRI notes.

Among importers, India was far ahead of second- and third-placed Saudi Arabia and China, purchasing some 15% of the total volume – despite ranking 9th in terms of military budgets – compared with five percent each for the next two.

According to the latest SIPRI figures, the US retains the world’s largest military budget at $640bn (608 billion euros), far ahead of China ($188bn) and Russia ($87.8bn). l

UN expert demands international action on North Korea abductions n AFP A United Nations rights expert squared off with North Korea yesterday by urging the global community to resolve the fate of 200,000 people allegedly abducted by Pyongyang, and refer perpetrators to the International Criminal Court.

“There is a real sense of urgency to solve this matter once and for all,” said Marzuki Darusman, the UN’s independent expert on the rights situation in North Korea.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday, Darusman presented his latest report on the human rights situation in the country, including a strategy aimed at keeping the issue of abductions in the international spotlight.

Darusman urged fast and effective action on the matter, noting “the victims, those who have survived, and their families are, for the most part, well advanced in the years,” and stressing “an international approach to the issue is now required.”

Pointing out that the abductions had “caused unspeakable suffering to the victims and their families,” he called for the cases to be brought before the International Criminal

Court in the Hague.

North Korean representative Kim Yong-Ho attacked Darusman’s report as “politicised,” telling the council the former Indonesian attorney general himself was “under manipulation of... hostile forces” and represented “their ill-minded political objectives.”

He also cited recent news reports that Darusman had called for “regime change” in North Korea, accusing him of misusing “human right issues as a means to dismantle or overthrow the country’s system.”

Darusman rejected the charge, and denounced “vain attempts to discredit me.”

A UN-mandated investigation issued a searing report in February 2014, describing a litany of rights abuses in North Korea, including the abductions of an estimated 200,000 foreign nationals from at least 12 countries.

Most of them were South Koreans left stranded after the 1950-1953 Korean War, but hundreds of others from around the world have since been taken or disappeared while visiting the secretive Stalinist state.

Among those are an estimated 100 citizens of Japan believed to have been taken to train North Korean spies in Japanese language and customs, the report said. l

Police clash with protesters in Delhi over land reform

n AFP Police yesterday baton-charged and fired water canon at demonstrators rallying in the Indian capital against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s land reforms, which they say will harm the country’s millions of farmers.

Hundreds of protesters, led by the opposition Congress party, attempted to break through barricades erected to stop them marching on the national parliament over the controversial land bill, one of Modi’s key economic reforms.

“It (the bill) is anti-farmer and it also endangers the food security of the country,” senior Congress party spokesman Anand Sharma told TV channels as supporters waved party flags behind him.

“This government has opened the door to acquire farmers’ land, multi-crop land for the private sector, which is unacceptable,” he added.

Armed with large wooden sticks, police beat back the protesters and sprayed water at small groups together on the road after they jumped over the barricades.

The draft law would make it easier to acquire land for critical infrastructure projects as part of right-wing Modi’s pledges to reform and revive India’s economy after storming to power at elections last May. l

Minister: Pakistan suspends all prisoner exchange agreements

n AFP Pakistan has suspended all prisoner exchange agreements with other countries after it discovered that prisoners repatriated from Britain were set free by corrupt officials without completing their sentences, the interior minister said yesterday.

Authorities have arrested an interior ministry official and a police officer after investigating a complaint by British authorities, that three convicts sent to Pakistan in 2010 to serve out their prison terms ranging from 18 to 25 years for drug trafficking and murder were released within two months.

“We investigated and found out that two prisoners were set free in two months and the third one spent just one day in jail,” Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told a parliamentary committee. l

18 killed in Nepal bus accident

n Agencies

At least 18 people, including a three-month-old baby, were killed and 11 others injured today when a bus skidded off from a rain-drenched mountain road in northwestern Nepal.

The bus was heading for Nagam in Kalikot district from Jumla district, carrying 29 passengers. Thirteen people died on the spot, two others on their way to hospital and another two succumbed to their injuries upon reaching a hospital.

Three of the injured passengers are said to be in critical condition. One of the passengers escaped unhurt. A three- month-old boy also succumbed to injuries during treatment bringing the death toll to 18, Himalayan Times reported. l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Implement CHT Accord to end violence

W

e are highly disturbed by continuing communal tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

At least 17 people were hurt in clashes between local people and security forces on Sunday. It follows some 20 people, mostly PCJSS members being injured by supporters of a group opposing Santu Larma’s visit to Bandarban on March 11.

The government has only itself to blame for exacerbating the situation. Not only has it followed the practice of past administrations by stalling implementation of key provisions of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord, but by issuing directives in February infringing basic citizens rights, it has given succor to those who want to do away with the protections the Treaty is meant to provide to secure the rights of indigenous peoples.

By turning a blind eye to reports of abuse and discrimination and growing violence and intimidation by land grabbers, it has shown a cynical disregard for the aims and goals of the treaty.

Meaningful steps must be taken right now to deliver a clear road map to ensure full implementation of the Accord. Without enforcing its provisions properly, there can be no end in sight for resolving the land disputes which lie at the heart of many incidents of intimidation and violence.

This is not a difficult problem to solve. The Accord already provides the provisions needed. It is a simply matter of ensuring goodwill and resources so its provisions can be followed properly.

Revoking the discriminatory 11-point order barring unsupervised talks with indigenous people would be a helpful start. No more time must be lost in taking implementation of the Treaty forward.

Be heard

Writeto toDhaka DhakaTribune Tribune Write Tower,8/C 8/CPanthapath, Panthapath, Sukrabad, Shukrabad,Dhaka-1207 Dhaka-1207 FRFRTower, Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com Email letters.dt@dhakatribune.com Sendususyour yourOp-Ed Op-Edarticles: articles: Send opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com Join our Facebook community: Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

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Is there any light at the end of the tunnel?

February 20

No more time must be lost in implementing key provisions of the treaty

RMG helpline a sign of improving worker voice

W

e welcome the government’s launch of a new telephone advice line to record and refer garment workers’ complaints about workplace safety and rights issues.

The ILO country director says the potential of this helpline to facilitate better workplace relations is symbolic of “unprecedented efforts” which have been undertaken in the last two years to enhance workplace relations.

It is encouraging to see the government and ILO working closely together on ways to improve workers’ voice.

The new helpline, which is supported by the ILO and Norwegian government, can help public authorities work with employers and workers to hear and address grievances before they escalate into bigger disputes. It is by no means a new idea, as many factories and brands have set up similar lines. It is the support of the government for this new pilot scheme which is newly encouraging.

Helplines are not a substitute for good industrial relations, but they are a handy tool for providing an accessible way for employees to express concerns about workplace issues, so that issues can be investigated and followed up by factory managers and buyers.

Improving worker voice is a major challenge for the RMG industry.

Historically, restrictive labour laws and unrepresentative trade unions have undermined the ability of workers to openly express concerns.

The new line is a practical step towards addressing this matter for those factories whose managers and owners are not already ensuring effective consultation with employees.

Improving worker voice is vital to build and sustain good industrial relations and take the sector forward.

It is encouraging to see new initiatives to help build good industrial relations

such a pass where compromise, accomodation, etc, become illusive ideas, and where regime change becomes not only a very aspired goal, but inevitable -- not always achieved palatably though!

Richard Parker As a senior citizen who has been intimately involved with our Liberation War, post-liberation reconstruction, and more recently, our sure-footed march for economic emancipation, it must be gut-wrenching for the author to see the fruits of much hard work, and above all, the dream for a better country, being taken away from us. In as much as I would like to quip, in a lighter vein, yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that is of an incoming train. Let me say, dear Rehman Sobhan, I still cling to my hope of living a normal life one day; I still dare to dream of a peaceful and prosperous country. hanafunwatcher Nope, no light. khanadil It is good that someone of Professor Rehman Sobhan’s standing has finally come on stage and shared his views with such force and objectivity. But given the current behavioural equation between the government (a stubborn and dangerous oppressor) and the opposition (a clueless troublemaker), I do not see much light. Except that something that happened years ago that tells us that, in a nation’s lifetime, things sometime come to

M Hoque Politics in Bangladesh means confrontation, mostly on the streets. The culture of attending the parliament has been abandoned by the “opposition” party (whoever happens to be at a particular time).

Mrs Khaleda Zia is a hartal-oriented politician.

But BNP has many very experienced and well-educated persons in the cadre.

Why do these gentlemen not advise this lady to be democratic in the field (such as taking part in the national election) and sober in the parliament (constructive criticism)? PM Sheikh Hasina, a political footsoldier since her college days, should try to accommodate and encourage BNP to attend the parliament and take part in the debate.

Sheikh Hasina has nothing to lose; on the contrary, much to gain! Mrs Zia’s silly boycott of the last national election was a great blunder. She did not gain anything out of it. I also wonder why the front-ranking BNP leaders did (or could) not prevail upon Mrs Zia. In the end it is just bad luck for us, the Bangladeshis.

Ignis Fatuus Obviously there’s light … light emanating from Halley’s Comet! It’s a fact that the hiccup is politically derived, so civil society, unless politicising itself (they are often openly pampered though), cannot take a futile stance.

DT EC launches online voter registration service February 25

Aleo Aninda It says my passport number is invalid. Still need to fix a lot of bugs.

Editors’ Council: Government imposing restrictions on media February 26

Nirob Sikder Yes , it is 100% right. The govt fully controls the media. Now TV is a tool for govt propaganda, there is no regard for the peoples’ right to impartial news.

NYT, Boi Mela, and bombs

February 20 Mohammad Zaman I have read the NYT editorial. It’s on the mark.

It’s fair. It’s an insult to say that the NYT editorial board can be swayed by BNP and/or JI. Sammy Mohammad Zaman: Your point is a little harsh, Mr Zaman. Please keep in mind that Mr Qadir is the regime’s newly appointed spokesman in London and, hence, should be cut some slack. The irony is that, he claims the NYT is full of bias and without credible sources, and yet provides absolutely no source for his claim that the BNP is spending “millions” in its PR campaign.

DT

OPINION 13

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Whither is our Kejriwal? n Hasnat Lycan

A

former tax inspector who launched the Aam Aadmi Party in October 2012 to fight graft, became the chief minister of the Indian capital Delhi.

Kejriwal’s election symbol was a broom, to signify the cleansing of society. In his speech, he manifested his stringent disposition to contain corruption. Reportedly, he also stated that he would end the “VIP culture” that provides exclusive rights to “above-ordinary” citizens, like political VIPs bypassing gridlocked city traffic, and he took the train to attend his oath ceremony instead of riding in a luxury car.

Mr Kejriwal, according to AFP, said: “If somebody asks for a bribe, don’t say no. Just take your mobile out of your pocket and record it on your phone. Then come and give it to me. We will take the toughest action against the offenders.”

Now, coming to our corruption-ridden Bangladesh. We have been ranked 14th in 2014, from 16th in 2013, as per the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) published on December 3, 2014 by Transparency International (TI).

Corruption is one of the major impediments in the development of a nation. The practice of corruption impedes and holds back all sorts of developmental activities from being implemented properly, resulting in dilly-dallying in implementation and mis-

appropriation of public money.

Anomalies in many government sectors are rampant. Corruption has spread like a plague.

General people are suffering and the poor class of our society especially are badly affected since they have no option but to rely on government services. The public health sector has been found to be corruption-ridden, so bribery will, naturally, be needed to access any type of service from public hospitals, while the even audit bodies in the country have also been found to be guilty of blatant anomalies like taking bribes ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk5lakh, as TIB reports revealed.

Corruption has a spill-over effect that ripples from its origin to a possible end point, affecting millions in between. People buying their fortunes by dint of bribery are getting involved in this kind of venality to get back the money they paid in bribes, and make illicit money.

To keep corruption in check, our government officials should be made to come clean first, because venal incumbents produce the virus called bribery, and keep on going from pocket-to-pocket of many such corrupt individuals casing blatant anomalies in service sectors and suffering of general citizens.

Public sectors highly prone to corruption should have their officials’ wealth statements disclosed publicly each year. And there is need for stringent laws to be enacted with the view of taking strict punitive actions against any official found involved in any anomalies.

BIGSTOCK

The country witnessed a crackdown on the then bribery-prone government officials and politicians during the last tenure of the caretaker regime which had recovered public money and properties amassed in foreign countries.

And we appreciate our present government for taking punitive actions against the men behind the Padma Bridge and Railway recruitment scams in the country, but it’s not enough to go tough on big scams, only ignoring small ones as there are many such anomalies occurring in many sectors in need

of direct interventions to make them corruption-free.

Coming back to Mr Kejriwal, he has vowed to make his Delhi corruption free. Leaders like him can be termed as the “antidote” for the virus called corruption. A developing nation needs such leader to keep the spread of corruption at bay.

Our nation needs a Bangladeshi Kejriwal to dispel all impediments in its way of prosperity. So where is our Kejriwal? l

country, has stunting and underweight percentages at 39.7% and 33.4% respectively.

Of all the 64 districts in the country, the stunting rate is the highest in Bandarban district in Chittagong division. Here, 48% of the children below the age of five years suffer from stunting. It has also the second highest percentage (40%) of underweight children.

The rates of stunting and the underweight in Bandarban district are higher than those of Kurigram district (stunting and underweight population rates are 42% and 39% respectively) which, according to poverty maps, has the highest incidence of poverty in the country.

Bandarban district is followed by Cox’s Bazar district, also in Chittagong division, and Sunamganj district of Sylhet division. The under-nutrition maps show that 39 out of 64 districts in the country have stunting rates above the World Health Organization (WHO) critical threshold level for stunting (40%).

And 55 districts are above WHO critical threshold level for underweight (30%).

At the upazila level, 55% of the upazilas have a stunting rate above 40%, and 81% have an underweight population rate above 30%. The upazilas surrounding the divisional cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi have the lowest rates of stunting in their respective divisions.

It transpires from the above discussion that richness alone is not a guarantee against under-nutrition. A number of factors stand in the way of ensuring nutrition to people, particularly to children and women. They

include: Underlying causes at household/ family level, and basic causes at societal level. The underlying causes at household/ family level are: (a) Insufficient access to food due to lack of purchasing power; (b) absence of equal distribution of food among all the members of a household/family, particularly among the children and women even though a household/family has enough food at its disposal; (c) unscientific cooking practices causing huge loss of food values; (d) inadequate maternal and child care practices; and (e) poor water, sanitation, and inadequate health services. Basic causes at the societal level include power relationships and socio-economic conditions that are not specific to nutrition but can have powerful impacts.

As we can see, under-nutrition mapping is a statistical exercise to estimate the percentage of the total population of children under five years of age who are suffering from under-nutrition. What the government should do now is to use the under-nutrition maps to serve as a valuable planning tool to aid targeting areas which are lagging in child nutrition.

The maps may provide critical inputs for the Seventh Five Year Plan. The undertaking of under-nutrition mapping exercise will be meaningful when our planners, policy-makers, and finally the government, make proper use of it. l

Hasnat Lycan is an NGO worker.

Wealth is not health n M Abdul Latif Mondal

B

angladesh Under-nutrition Maps 2012, developed in a joint exercise by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the World Food Program (WFP), were released on November 30, 2014. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Fund (IFAD) and the WFP, this mapping exercise was initiated on May 2013. The Massey University of New Zealand provided technical expertise to conduct and complete this mapping exercise.

Stunting (low height for age) and underweightedness (low weight for age) result from under-nutrition. The first-ever upazila-level (sub-district) under-nutrition maps of 2012 provide estimates for children under five years of age and are based “on data from the Population and Housing Census 2011, Child and Mother Nutrition Survey 2012 and Health and Morbidity Status Survey 2012.”

The important findings of this mapping exercise are: (a) Although Bangladesh has made marked improvements in economic and social fields, it is lagging behind in the area of nutrition; (b) about four out of ten children under the age of five are chronically undernourished; and (c) nutritionallychallenged regions are not necessarily the poorest.

Bangladesh Poverty Maps 2010, jointly developed by the BBS, the World Bank (BB), and the WFP on the basis of data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey

(HIES) 2010 and the Population Census 2011, released on August 27, 2014, have shown that, at the national level, Rangpur division has the highest incidence of poverty and extreme poverty, at 42.3% and 27.7% respectively.

It is followed by Barisal division, which has incidence of poverty and extreme poverty at 39.4% and 26.7% respectively. On the other hand, Chittagong division has the lowest incidence of poverty and extreme poverty, at 26.2% and 13.1% respectively. It is followed by Sylhet division with incidence of poverty and extreme poverty at 28.1% and 20.7% respectively. This is against the 2010 HIES estimated incidence of poverty and extreme poverty, which were at 31.5% and 17.6% respectively.

Poverty maps show that Chittagong division and Sylhet division have the lowest and second lowest incidence of poverty respectively. The scenario reverses in the under-nutrition maps, which show that both stunting and underweight are the highest in Sylhet. The percentages of stunting and the underweight population in Sylhet are 46.6% and 38.5 % respectively. Sylhet is followed by Chittagong, where the rates of stunting and the underweight are 42.1% and 36.8%.

On the other hand, Rangpur division with the highest incidence of poverty in the country has stunting and underweight percentages below those of Sylhet division and Chittagong division. They are 42.1% and 35.7% respectively. Barisal division, with the second highest incidence of poverty in the

M Abdul Latif Mondal is a former government secretary.

DT

14 OPINION

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

BIGSTOCK

What does good look like? n Azfarul Islam

A

decade ago, Transparency International declared that -- along with Chad -- Bangladesh was the most perceivably corrupt nation on the planet. Years have gone by and Bangladesh has slowly moved down in these rankings.

This is partially because we've improved, but there is unfortunately some credit due to the combination of a change in methodology and the existence of more hellish nations. Do we know what a good position is for us on that list? Do we know what “good” looks like?

Corruption in Bangladesh was a topic I was questioned about frequently during my university years, and unknowingly channelling Louis Farrakhan during his interview with Mike Wallace, my response always was: “We’re a young country,” still learning and finding ourselves. With a population of over 150 million, we can be forgiven for having a bit of an existential crisis, right?

In the UK, Bangladesh, or rather, Bangladeshis, have an image problem. The mayor of Tower Hamlets, a Bangladeshimajority constituency, hails from back home and he is consistently accused of corruption and “cronyism.”

There are Bangladeshis settled in mainland Europe who have engineered their families to maximise the receipt of British state benefits, when they moved here in droves. Naturally, foreign benefit thieves are looked down upon with more venom.

This certainly isn’t on the same scale as joking about how all the mediocre “Indian” restaurants are owned by us, but even that says something. I am more than happy to defend any inadequacies and missteps back home, but when our poorer behaviours are exported wholesale for the world to see, it is embarrassing.

of a secular welfare state, with an emphasis on appropriate levels of access to basic amenities like healthcare and housing aid?

The ability to actually rely on our judicial system? The ability to look to the law when the grubby middlemen starts shuffling in?

I understand that such things aren't particularly exciting and provide little in the

We will make mistakes and we will fail. And like all the great nations before us, we will learn to get up and keep moving

On the matter of international trade, what have we imported from abroad, as far as culture is concerned? Nothing particularly good. Once, I met a banker back home who boasted about how they had managed to poach a Bangladeshi expatriate with years of experience at a Western investment bank.

He exclaimed: “He’s really showing us how things are done!” I'm pretty sure he is ably showing us how rich people can become even richer without a care for the greater good.

And don’t we already have enough of those?

Why haven’t we yet imported the concept

way of hedonistic satisfaction, but they can bring stability and harmony to a modern country.

And it’s not like Western nations have stumbled upon these answers. This is the result of hundreds of years of learning, failing, and finding themselves. Most importantly, such knowledge is there for our taking but we need to reach out for it with determination, pushing past the smoke and glamour.

Even if we look more provincially, there are peer nations which have advanced

dramatically, leaving in their wake, lessons more applicable and relevant to our situation.

And yet, we are left clutching red herrings from the West. Potentially misleading sources for motivation on how to progress our nation. It’s about time we decided what good looks like for us.

You see, good is not about the number of clubs we have for people to boast about how many nights they’ve spent at them. Good is not about declaring how many more people can now travel abroad for their holidays. And good certainly is not about the number of international chain restaurants setting up to take advantage of our disposable income.

We have so much going for us. We have access to knowledge and experts that those in the not-so-distant past would envy.

We have a smart, motivated, youthful population who want to wield it, but are at loggerheads with a confused, frightened old guard who are satisfied with inertia. We are trying our best to build a resilient national infrastructure to help us move forward. So what does good look like for us, as we hurtle towards the future?

That's for us to discover, to define and to deliver. We will make mistakes and we will fail. And like all the great nations before us, we will learn to get up and keep moving.

And we will show the world, on our own terms, that we know what good looks like.

Here’s to Bangladesh as it approaches its 44th anniversary. Here’s to Bangladesh eternal. l Azfarul Islam is Enterprise Collaboration Strategist at Deutsche Bank.

16

IMF: India better prepared for external financial shocks

17

Qatar $200bn spending spree on track despite oil price drop

19

Stocks slide for 5th straight day

20

DT

Business

15

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Cabinet clears draft of IFC bill

CEO crisis grips Bangladesh insurance sector n Jebun Nesa Alo The country’s insurance sector is facing an acute shortage of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) as the industry seriously lacks efficient manpower for the top positions.

Currently, some 20 insurance companies are running without CEOs for last eight months to one-year period that goes beyond the rules.

According to the insurance companies act, the CEO post cannot remain vacant for more than three months. However, Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) has the authority to extend the period by three more months.

Of the companies, nine are life insurance and 11 non-life insurance companies.

The life insurance companies are – Chartered, NRB Global, Guardian, Alpha, Homeland, Baira, Trust, Padma and Zenith.

The regulator has decided to take actions against the insurance companies for failure in appointing CEOs for months despite repeated warnings

The general insurance companies are – United, Union, Express, Global, Northern, Purabi, Mercantile, Rupali, Standard, South Asia and SenaKalyan.

The insurance companies are running without CEOs for more than six months although they have been asked thrice by IDRA to comply with the rules.

The authority decided to take action against the insurance companies those failed to appoint CEOs, despite repeated warnings, said a senior official of IDRA. As part of the move, IDRA is scheduled to hold a hearing next month on the board of Padma Islami Life Insurance over the issue of vacant CEO position for a year.

“The board of the companies would be penalised over the issue after the hearing,” said an official of IDRA. The authority will call other companies, who have failed to appoint CEOs within six months, for hearing and will take strong action against them, said a member of IDRA.

Moreover, IDRA found some CEOs, who are allegedly possessing fake higher education certificates.

The authority also primarily uncovered the authenticity of allegation of the fake certificates and moved to continue further investigation about the matter, according to IDRA source.

A section of insurance companies are also allegedly appointing their respective Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) by grossly violating the existing recruitment rules.

Progressive Life Insurance appointed Abul Bashar Akond as CEO in October last year without getting any prior approval from IDRA. Abul Bashar Akond, who had earlier served the NRB Global Insurance, holding the same position, failed to submit the required documents to the authority.

As a result, IDRA rejected his appointment in December last year. In this perspective, the company asked the CEO to pay back the money that he received as salaries and allowances within three months.

IDRA also canceled the re-appointment of Sunflower Life Insurance CEO Zakir Hosain and Fareast Islami Life Insurance CEO Hemayet Ullah for not following the proper procedures in appointing them as CEOs. The board of directors of United Insurance faced financial penalty recently imposed by IDRA for violating rules in appointing managing director.

The board of the insurance company has reappointed the CEO Syed Shahriyar Ahsan till the year 2016, without taking approval of IDRA. The company informed the authority about the reappointment after eight months of taking decision.

As per the Insurance Act 2010, an insurance company will have to inform the authority in written about MD appointment or removal within 15 days of taking decision.

IDRA has fined a total of Tk8 lakh to eight directors of the company including its chairman Syed Aziz Ahmad, board member Saiful Islam, Shah Alam, M A Azim, Harunur Rashid, M Alam, Hafizullah and Wahiuddin Mahmood with Tk1 lakh each.

Currently, a total of 75 insurance companies are operating in the market. Of the companies, 45 general insurance and 30 life insurance.

Of the insurance 16, new companies have been allowed during the tenure of the incumbent government.

The number of insurance companies, though, increased rapidly but the sector is sufferings in doing good business due to the shortage of efficient manpower, said a senior executive of a private insurance company. l

Shrimp exports to Russia resume n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi After a three-month break, Bangladesh has resumed export of shrimps to the Russian Federation.

In the 16 days of March till yesterday, Bangladesh shipped over 18 tonnes of shrimps worth over $200,585 to the Russian market, a source at Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA) told Dhaka Tribune.

In last three months from December, there was no export of Bangladeshi shrimps to Russia, Export Promotion Bureau data shows.

Russia meet 5% of its shrimps demand by the import from Bangladesh.

Officials concerned said economic recession in Russia and appreciation of dollar against the Russian currency Ruble had slowed down the country’s shrimps import.

“Due to fall in demand and weaker Ruble, the importers chose to stop buying shrimps from Bangladesh,” the BFFEA official said.

“It’s good that the export has resumed, though the start is slow as it’s a sign of recovery,” he added.

Russia’s economy has recently witnessed economic recession due to sanction imposed by the US government and European Union for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, or for stealing the assets of the Ukrainian people.

“Russian buyers stopped purchasing shrimps from Bangladesh due to economic recession as it is a luxury product,” said Khan Habibur Rahman, a shrimp exporter and

Deputy Managing Director of Lockpur Group.

Prices of Bangladeshi shrimps known as “Black Tiger” is higher than that of Vietnam and India’s vannamei species, he said, for which the Russian buyers preferred Vietnamese and Indian species. Khan Habibur said the Ruble depreciation had been a catalyst to the situation, prompting the importers to suspend shrimps collection from Bangladesh.

He added that the buyers had cancelled shipment of eight containers of Bangladeshi shrimps. “We do not know if they would renew the shipments or not.”

According to EPB data, Bangladesh earned $18.98m exporting shrimps to Russia during the July-November period this fiscal year.

In last financial year, the country earned $19.31m exporting shrimps to Russia, which was $27.95m in the previous fiscal.

In the July-February period of the current fiscal, the country exported shrimps worth over $386m to global market.

In last fiscal year, the country’s shrimps export totalled $550m compared to $455m in the previous fiscal year. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Has the Fed’s patience been exhausted? n Reuters, London

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde arrives for a meeting of leaders of economic and financial institutions with German chancellor Angela Merkel in the Chancellery in Berlin REUTERS

IMF: India better prepared for external financial shocks n Reuters, New Delhi

India is better positioned to cope with external financial shocks than most emerging market economies, International Monetary Fund head Christine Lagarde was quoted saying yesterday, just ahead of a of a crunch meeting of the US Federal Reserve.

The Fed, at its meeting ending Wednesday, is expected to signal an increase in its ultra-low interest rates by as soon as June, potentially triggering capital outflows from emerging markets that have been flooded with cheap dollars.

In Sept. 2013, Ben Bernanke, then chairman of the US Federal Reserve, caused a heavy selloff in the Indian rupee, bonds and stocks when he announced the Fed was to scale back its $80bn a month quantitative easing programme.

Now, Lagarde said in an interview with the

Times of India before a two-day visit, India is in better shape.

“India has prepared better than most emerging-market economies for any such external shocks,” Lagarde said, adding that India had shrunk its current account deficit and boosted its stock of international reserves.

Since Modi came to power last May, inflation has fallen to around five percent while revised gross domestic product (GDP) data has put growth for the current financial year at 7.4%, meaning Asia’s third largest economy is now outpacing China.

A fall in global crude prices has also been a major boon to a country that is one of the world’s biggest oil importers.

Lagarde welcomed the government’s first full budget last month for striking “a good growth-equity balance” and praised Modi’s drive to make India a major manufacturing hub and an easier place to do business.

But she also outlined a series of areas where the government needed to do more to encourage investment.

“The economy should be opened more fully to the world, and there’s a good case for removing domestic constraints on growth, especially in energy, mining and power,” she said.

“Further reforms of India’s complex labour laws to encourage young job-seekers and boost female labour participation, as well as easing of land acquisition and other clearances, will help revive the investment cycle and achieve faster growth.”

Lagarde is paying a two-day visit to India, her first since the right-wing Modi replaced the centre-left Congress party in government.

As well as her talks with top officials, she is also due to deliver a keynote speech in New Delhi before travelling to the financial capital Mumbai for meetings today. l

For a world economy coming to terms with a soaring dollar and a plunge in oil prices, this week will be all about the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and its intentions on interest rates.

A combination of the European Central Bank printing lots of euros and expectations of a first US rate rise has caused turmoil on the foreign exchanges and in emerging markets.

The euro, which peaked at nearly $1.40 in the middle of last year, is now languishing around $1.05 and apparently headed for parity.

After successive months of strong jobs data, expectations have been growing that the Fed will point towards a June rate rise by dropping a pledge to be “patient” in considering such a move.

But the dollar’s surge, crimping US exports and cutting imported inflation, could cause its policymakers to pause for thought.

St Louis Fed President James Bullard, generally viewed as a hawk, said last week the central bank risked delaying too long given the fall in unemployment.

Others expect the absence of inflation to hold sway. A Reuters poll of around 70 economists found an almost even split between the first move coming in June or later in the year.

“Under our base case, continued inflation weakness will get the Fed to change its tune and refrain from hiking rates in June,” said Michael Hanson, senior economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York.

“But the Fed does not appear ready to capitulate yet, and will probably keep a June rate hike front and centre in the minds of market participants.”

One question is whether the world’s big powers, which have hitherto accepted dramatic currency moves as part and parcel of efforts to galvanise growth, will start to grumble about competitive devaluations and a race to the bottom.

The euro has dropped a hefty 25% versus the dollar since around the middle of 2014.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde flagged the risks of divergent monetary policies, given expectations of the Fed normalising policy while the ECB and Bank of Japan continue to print money. l

NEWS IN BRIEF China’s luxury big spenders: young, trendy and not so rich Global luxury brands expanding in China are better off targeting the HENRYs - “high earners, not rich yet” - instead of the ultra-wealthy, as a slowing economy and a government that frowns on official excesses usher in an era of less showy spending. HENRYs believe less is more.

These younger spenders pride themselves on their individualism and snub the ostentatiously branded handbags and accessories loved by the “secretary” types. Fuelling their shopping habits are social media, multi-brand retail websites such as Beijing-based ShangPin.com and Italy’s Yoox, eclectic boutiques, and high-end department stores like Lane Crawford and Galeries Lafayette. Chinese customers aged 25-35 are Yoox’s top spenders, International Markets Director Luca Martines told Reuters, adding that they are willing to mix niche labels with big brands. Labels considered niche such as Celine and 3.1 Phillip Lim are among the “hottest” sectors, according to a report last week by online luxury magazine Jing Daily, citing branding and marketing experts.

Affordable labels like Tory Burch, Longines and Michael Kors are also

in demand, while pricier, more conventional labels including Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Gucci have been hit by a “cold front”, the Jing Daily report added. “The Chinese consumer is now more educated and less conformist, which means they are less inclined to look like a secretary and go for luxury brands that are overdeveloped,” said Lionel Roudaut, head of fashion design and textile at Singapore’s LASALLE College of the Arts. “The Internet has also given them access to products not available before.” – Reuters, Singapore

Oil prices down in Asian trade Oil prices fell in Asia yesterday during more volatile trading as dealers fret over bulging global supplies and a strengthening US dollar, analysts said. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipped 47 cents to $44.37 while Brent was down 46 cents at $54.21 in late-morning trade.

WTI lost $2.21 and Brent plunged $2.41 on Friday after the International Energy Agency warned of US crude reserves reaching storage capacity with little sign of a slowdown in output despite a global glut. “This week could be even more bearish for oil as there has been no shift in supply,”

Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney, told AFP. Singapore-based Phillip Futures said “with fundamentals remaining unchanged, we hardly find a reason for crude oil to break higher or even lower”. The US Department of Energy last week said stockpiles in the world’s top crude consumer climbed to a fresh record high of 448.9 million barrels last week. Crude prices lost some 60% of their value to decline to about $40 between June and late January owing to an oversupply in world markets, a weak global economy and the strong dollar. Prices have since rebounded following a slowdown in US oil-drilling activities, but analysts say volatility is likely to continue for some time. “Behind the facade of stability, the rebalancing triggered by the price collapse has yet to run its course, and it might be overly optimistic to expect it to proceed smoothly,” the Paris-based IEA, which advises energy consuming nations, said in a monthly report released last week. McCarthy said oil prices are also under pressure owing to gains in the US dollar against other major currencies ahead of a closely watched Federal Reserve policy meeting this week. A stronger US dollar makes dollar-priced oil more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, denting demand. – AFP, Singapore

DT

BUSINESS 17

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Qatar $200bn spending spree on track despite oil price drop

Akbar Al-Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, looks on during a press conference for a new Airbus A350XWB at the Doha international airport

n AFP, Doha Qatar will stick to its $200bn (190bn euro) infrastructure spending splurge, the energy-rich Gulf state’s premier vowed on Sunday, despite the fall in global oil prices.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa AlThani told business leaders at a Doha finance conference that the kingdom would maintain its plans to spend heavily on development projects in the runup to the football World Cup in 2022.

“We reiterate our commitment to investment infrastructure, health and education,” he said.

In 2014, Bangladesh’s manpower export to Qatar was responsible for 20.1% of overall manpower export (425,684) for the year Qatar is spending on approved major projects such as developing the country’s railway network and building a new port.

Regional business intelligence specialist MEED has predicted that Qatar will see $30bn worth of new infrastructure projects through

AFP

2015 alone.

The prime minister’s message echoed comments by Qatar’s finance minister, Ali Shareef al-Emadi, who said the country would keep up heavy spending on infrastructure despite fears over the global economy.

Qatar announced that its population had jumped in February to a record 2.33 million, on the back of an influx of foreign workers moving to the country.

Sheikh Abdullah, who is also interior minister, predicted Qatar’s economy would grow by seven percent in 2015, suggesting the population increase was likely to continue. l

Euro slips to fresh 12-year low on dollar n AFP, Tokyo The euro fell to another 12-year low against the dollar yesterday, hit by the European Central Bank’s huge stimulus programme, while investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting this week.

In early Tokyo trading, the euro briefly dropped to $1.0451 - its lowest since January 2003 and down from $1.0489 in New York on Friday - before recovering to $1.0515 by midday.

It rose to 127.60 yen from 127.38 yen in US trade.

The dollar, which has been soaring on expectations of a mid-year US interest rate hike, slipped back to 121.35 yen from 121.44 yen.

“In the market’s mind, there is only one event really worth watching this week: Thursday’s FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) decision...with attendant press conference,” National Australia Bank said in a commentary.

“Anticipation is high. Investors have put their blinkers on, focused almost exclusively on whether the word ‘patient’ is removed from the policy statement.”

The US central bank’s choice of words is seen as key to figuring out when it will lift rates, which is widely expected by June although policymakers have said they are in no rush to meet a specific timeline.

Mixed data, including an upbeat jobs report and weaker-than-expected US retail sales, have stoked uncertainty over the strength of a recovery in the world’s top economy, a key marker for a Fed rate move.

The dollar’s ascent against a range of currencies comes as the Fed considers tightening policy just as its counterparts, including the ECB and Bank of Japan, embark of further stimulus.

“The Fed has never found itself on the other side of global policy and this central bank divergence is making the dollar the most sought-after currency on the planet,” Evan Lucas, a markets strategist in Melbourne at IG Ltd., wrote in a client note, according to Bloomberg News. l

China’s ambitious IT sector lays claim to global role n AFP, Hanover

China’s huge IT sector is out in force in Germany this week, signalling to the world it is ready to not just copy but lead as a tech superpower.

Bucking China’s economic slowdown, information and communication technology are booming in the world’s largest smartphone market, which also boasts the highest number of Internet users.

“China is the second-biggest IT market in the world after the US, it’s very dynamic, it’s still developing,” said Angela Stanzel, China expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

“There’s a kind of start-up culture developing right now, an unlimited pool of young entrepreneurs, there are many reasons why China is attractive to Germany.”

In the halls of Germany’s CeBIT, a leading IT business fair, Chinese players such as online merchant Alibaba, PC maker Lenovo and network supplier Huawei are showing off their latest software and hardware marvels.

They are among more than 600 Chinese firms that have set up under the motto “Innovation, Convergence, Cooperation” at CeBIT, the biggest-ever showing for an official partner country at the three-decade-old Hanover fair.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai said his country wants “to promote breakthroughs in technology in areas such as integrated circuits, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, Big Data and the fifth generation of mobile telephony.”

China “is no longer the world’s factory,” said IDC analyst Kitty Fok. “China is a big enough market to allow a Chinese brand to become a global brand.”

Imitate or innovate

China has kickstarted many of its tech enterprises by copying Western models and products, and cheaply mass producing them for both export and its huge domestic market.

Nearly 500 million smartphones will be sold this year in China, about one third of global sales, and 85 percent will be made by Chinese companies, say market analysts IDC.

More than 680 million Chinese people will be online in 2015, over double the number in the US. Some Western countries resist opening their doors to big Chinese players such as Huawei, over fears of military links and industrial and other espionage.

“If the Chinese side gains access to the data from sensors, for example in cars, then this impacts the trade secrets and patents of German companies,” said Hauke Gierow of Germany’s Mercator Institute for China Studies.

“Because of these security concerns, many foreign companies are so far shying away from using Chinese Cloud and Big Data providers.”

Despite such fears, however, industrial powers such as Germany would snub China at their peril, Stanzel told AFP. “We could ignore China, we could refuse to work with China,” she said. “I think the best way is to integrate China. So I think actually the CeBIT is a very good way to do so... to see where there are areas of cooperation.”

Jost Wuebbeke of the Mercator Institute said that, while “many Chinese IT companies be-

came so big because they successfully copied business models from abroad,” these days they “often go beyond their foreign counterparts.”

“They develop apps further, adapt them to Chinese users and spawn their own innovations. Many young startups of the Internet economy have many new ideas.”

He pointed to the wildly popular app WeChat by Chinese social media giant Tencent.

“It was originally created as a WhatsApp copy, but is now a social platform and a hotspot for e-commerce, and therefore much more successful than the real thing.”

Market hurdles

Amid the Chinese IT boom, big Western players grumble at restrictions to China’s massive market.

“Especially in IT, the Chinese government is currently setting up new hurdles,” said Gierow.

“This mainly affects suppliers of security-sensitive technologies, but also increasingly other software and hardware suppliers” including Microsoft, Cisco and Apple. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures ONEBANKLTD: The Board of Directors has recommended 12.50% cash dividend and 12.50% stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 30.04.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Police Convention Hall, Eskaton Garden Road, Ramna, Dhaka-1000.

Record date: 29.03.2015. The Company has also reported consolidated EPS of Tk. 3.12, consolidated NAV per share of Tk. 18.28 and consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 7.37 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

RAKCERAMIC: The Company has informed that Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants (Statutory Auditor of the Company), have requested to withdraw and revise the Financial Statements (standalone) of the Company for the year ended 31.12.2014, by addressing the financial impact regarding writing off portion of the loan given to RAK Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. and unrealized interest thereof (News disseminated

by DSE on 26.02.2015). They have also stated that there are no grounds to restate the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31.12.2014.

SINOBANGLA: (Q1 Un-audited): Profit after tax from Nov14 to Jan15 was Tk. 4.60 million with EPS of Tk. 0.23 as against Tk. 4.03 million and Tk. 0.20 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

FLEASEINT: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of

Directors will be held on March 19, 2015 at 5:30 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

Holiday Notice: All concerned are hereby informed that the CSE offices will remain closed on Tuesday, 17 March 2015 on the occasion of Birthday of Father of Nation, Bangabandhu Sk. Mujibur Rahman. Therefore, there will be no trade tomorrow 17 March 2015.

IPO Subscription: Tosrifa Industries Limited Subscription March 24, 2015 to March 31, 2015; NRB UPTO April 09, 2015.

Offer Price per share Tk. 26.00, Market Lot (Shares) 200.

Dividend/AGM FIRSTSBANK: 10% stock, AGM: 09.05.2015, Record date: 02.04.2015.

RELIANCINS: 15% cash and 15% stock, AGM: 30.04.2015, Record date: 19.03.2015.

UNITEDFIN: 5% cash and 10% stock, AGM: 23.04.2015, Record date: 18.03.2015.

LAFSURCEML: 5% final cash dividend (i.e. total 10% cash dividend for the year 2014 inclusive of 5% interim cash dividend which has already been paid), AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 07.04.2015.

UNIONCAP: 10% stock, AGM: 31.03.2015, Record date: 16.03.2015.

TRUSTBANK: 5% cash and 10% stock, AGM: 30.03.2015, Record date: 15.03.2015.

DUTCHBANGL: 40% cash, AGM: 30.03.2015, Record date: 15.03.2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company Reckitt Benckiser -A One Bank -A Atlas BD-A Sonali Ansh -A Stylecraft -A Brac B.C. Bond-A Zahintex Ind.-N Social Islami. B-A Grameenphone-A Berger Paints-A

Closing (% Change) 5.74 4.76 4.45 4.44 3.93 3.90 3.85 3.20 2.88 2.65

CSE GAINER Company Bangladesh Lamps -A Bengal Windsor-A One Bank -A Tallu Spinning -Z Sun Life Insurance-N Reckitt Benckiser -A Prime Textile -A Sonargaon Tex -Z Grameenphone-A Usmania Glass -A

Closing (% Change) 6.48 6.44 4.76 4.38 3.77 3.55 3.03 2.94 2.66 2.36

DSE LOSER Company Singer BD -A Trust Bank-A Al Arafa Islami B-A Southeast Bank-A Samata LeatheR -Z Imam Button -Z Dutch Ban. Bnk- A Shahjibazar Power-N MutualTrust Bank-A Eastland Insur -A

Closing (% Change) -20.36 -13.07 -9.52 -9.50 -8.48 -8.11 -8.06 -7.14 -6.90 -6.69

CSE LOSER Company Singer BD -A Trust Bank-A Eastland Insur -A Dutch Ban. Bnk- A SonarBangla Insu. -A Southeast Bank-A Al Arafa Islami B-A Rupali InsurA Continental Insur. -A Imam Button -Z

Closing (% Change) -20.06 -12.90 -10.00 -9.86 -9.64 -9.50 -9.40 -9.38 -9.32 -8.18

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features March-16, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

2,897.15 61,285,339 82,665

Traded Issues

308

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

62

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

243

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

3

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,482.19

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

30.09

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 274.55 68.27 19.64 422.62 89.42 504.62 8.38 244.86 435.28 8.32 173.74 14.37 12.68 149.33 42.03 21.85 23.24 275.71 21.13 87.08 0.04

% change 9.48 2.36 0.68 14.59 3.09 17.42 0.29 8.45 15.02 0.29 6.00 0.50 0.44 5.15 1.45 0.75 0.80 9.52 0.73 3.01 0.00

Million Taka 19.78 6.30 1.13 49.21 3.83 26.30 22.36 15.68 1.11 11.66 0.46 1.29 10.42 5.54 0.28 0.99 18.80 5.07 26.16 0.02

Average (% Change) 4.46 5.76 5.00 5.29 3.93 6.50 0.98 2.09 2.72 2.37

Average (% Change) 6.23 3.34 4.91 3.72 3.74 5.65 3.03 2.94 2.95 3.07

Average (% Change) -19.14 -14.95 -10.80 -10.30 -9.09 -8.98 -6.98 0.68 -4.55 -5.67

Average (% Change) -19.02 -14.65 -9.83 -9.67 -6.25 -10.15 -8.85 -9.26 -9.32 -7.91

CSE

ClosingAvg.

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW

1,410.77 15.43 136.38 113.32 899.00 1,065.00 13.33 12.73 338.43 1,717.56

1,439.80 15.40 136.10 112.90 899.00 1,065.00 13.50 12.90 339.80 1,728.90

1,446.50 15.80 138.00 116.00 899.00 1,065.00 13.60 12.90 341.20 1,729.90

1,366.00 15.20 131.70 109.40 899.00 1,065.00 13.00 12.40 331.50 1,695.20

ClosingAvg.

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW

114.73 57.78 15.37 14.21 35.78 1429.00 17.00 10.50 339.12 113.08

ClosingAvg. 178.25 13.26 13.30 16.20 15.00 10.24 78.17 188.70 13.83 25.46

ClosingAvg.

% change 8.74 2.78 0.50 21.74 1.69 11.62 0.00 9.88 6.93 0.49 5.15 0.20 0.57 4.60 2.45 0.12 0.44 8.31 2.24 11.56 0.01

178.55 13.23 26.15 78.57 15.00 16.20 13.50 20.28 14.60 10.13

115.00 59.50 15.40 14.30 35.80 1429.00 17.00 10.50 340.00 112.60

Closing 176.40 13.30 13.30 16.20 15.10 10.20 77.60 185.90 13.50 25.10

Closing 176.90 13.50 26.10 78.60 15.00 16.20 13.50 20.30 14.60 10.10

Million Taka 294.33 74.57 20.77 471.83 93.25 530.92 8.38 267.22 450.96 9.42 185.41 14.82 13.96 159.75 47.56 22.12 24.22 294.51 26.20 113.23 0.06

115.00 59.50 15.50 14.30 35.90 1429.00 17.00 10.50 342.80 114.00

DHIGH

111.10 55.10 14.90 13.80 35.70 1429.00 17.00 10.50 334.80 112.50

DLOW

183.00 13.40 13.50 16.30 15.30 11.00 79.00 204.00 14.30 26.70

DHIGH

173.00 13.10 13.30 16.20 15.00 10.00 77.10 182.70 13.40 24.70

DLOW

182.00 13.50 26.20 80.00 15.00 16.30 13.80 21.00 14.60 10.30

Total

170.30 13.10 26.10 78.50 15.00 16.20 13.50 20.20 14.60 10.00

% change 9.42 2.39 0.66 15.11 2.99 17.00 0.27 8.56 14.44 0.30 5.94 0.47 0.45 5.11 1.52 0.71 0.78 9.43 0.84 3.63 0.00

Prepared exclusively for Dhaka Tribune by Business Information Automation Service Line (BIASL), on the basis of information collected from daily stock quotations and audited reports of the listed companies. High level of caution has been taken to collect and present the above information and data. The publisher will not take any responsibility if any body uses this information and data for his/her investment decision. For any query please email to biasl@bol-online.com or call 01552153562 or go to www.biasl.net

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

10.324 90.362 9.999 7.835 0.001 0.005 0.667 19.820 247.537 12.497

Turnover in Million

42.33 3.12 0.04 0.64 44.44 0.00 0.66 2.74 14.67 49.25

Latest EPS

0.084 0.002 7.317 0.113 0.140 0.007 0.085 0.002 13.587 0.668

Turnover in Million

33.3 4.9 3409.5 177.1 20.2 20.2 4.6 23.1 34.9

Latest PE

1.13 4.10 3.12 -0.50 0.00 42.33 1.00 -0.84 14.67 -0.88

Latest EPS

66.370 2.275 2.880 12.663 0.030 0.182 1.778 222.854 3.100 6.564

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

101.5 14.1 4.9 -ve 33.8 17.0 -ve 23.1 -ve

Latest PE

4.73 2.77 2.20 4.18 -0.46 -1.48 11.03 8.68 2.60 3.33

Latest EPS

9.642 0.313 0.055 0.087 0.001 0.264 0.110 0.067 0.001 0.051

37.7 4.8 6.0 3.9 -ve -ve 7.1 21.7 5.3 7.6

Latest PE

4.73 2.77 3.33 11.03 1.77 4.18 2.20 2.52 2.27 -1.48

37.7 4.8 7.9 7.1 8.5 3.9 6.1 8.0 6.4 -ve

CSE key features March-16, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

226.36 6,412,744 12,083

Traded Issues

231

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

46

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

177

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

8

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,354.19

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.54

DT

BUSINESS 19

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Stocks slide for 5th straight day n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Grameenphone-A Shahjibazar Power-N Ifad Autos -N SummitAlliancePort.-A ACI Limited- A Shasha Denims -N LafargeS Cement-Z One Bank -A MJL BD Ltd.-A Singer BD -A

Square Pharma -A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Titas Gas TDCLA Brac Bank -A CVO PetroChem RL-A

VolumeShares 731,419 1,181,018 2,516,448 2,331,841 286,063 2,666,604 774,359 5,854,417 721,857 372,346

Value in Million 247.54 222.85 166.73 140.35 132.03 101.12 93.14 90.36 89.13 66.37

% of TotalTurnover 8.54 7.69 5.75 4.84 4.56 3.49 3.21 3.12 3.08 2.29

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company GPH Ispat Ltd-A National Feed-N Grameenphone-A Shahjibazar Power-N Shasha Denims -N Singer BD -A SummitAlliancePort.-A One Bank -A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Ifad Autos -N

LafargeS Cement-Z ACI Limited- A BD Submarine Cable-A MJL BD Ltd.-A WesternMarine -N

243,461 1,692,515 597,009 1,246,979 81,551

469,000 620,254 40,065 67,373 281,863 54,003 156,953 476,041 225,214 97,367

54,396 11,847 42,485 41,037 108,521

62.72 53.62 43.50 41.60 34.38

19.26 16.58 13.59 12.86 10.63 9.64 9.37 7.32 7.14 6.46

6.44 5.46 5.22 5.08 4.52

2.16 1.85 1.50 1.44 1.19

8.51 7.33 6.00 5.68 4.70 4.26 4.14 3.23 3.16 2.85

2.85 2.41 2.30 2.24 2.00

ClosingP 339.80 185.90 64.60 58.50 457.30 37.50 118.80 15.40 121.00 176.40

257.10 31.50 71.60 33.20 417.50

ClosingP

Change % 2.88 -7.14 -2.27 -4.26 -1.42 -0.53 -4.19 4.76 -3.20 -20.36

-0.54 -1.87 -2.59 -0.60 -2.68

Change %

41.30 26.70 340.00 190.00 37.50 176.90 58.40 15.40 31.40 64.20

117.80 457.20 122.30 121.10 41.20

-3.95 0.38 2.66 -4.52 -0.27 -20.06 -4.42 4.76 -2.18 -2.58

-4.69 -1.23 -1.61 -3.12 -0.96

ClosingY 330.30 200.20 66.10 61.10 463.90 37.70 124.00 14.70 125.00 221.50

258.50 32.10 73.50 33.40 429.00

ClosingY

43.00 26.60 331.20 199.00 37.60 221.30 61.10 14.70 32.10 65.90

123.60 462.90 124.30 125.00 41.60

DHIGH 341.20 204.00 68.30 62.30 468.00 38.80 124.60 15.80 126.00 183.00

259.40 32.40 73.60 33.90 433.90

DLOW 331.50 182.70 63.10 57.90 455.00 37.20 116.30 15.20 120.20 173.00

257.00 31.30 71.50 33.00 415.10

DHIGH

DLOW

42.70 27.00 342.80 205.00 38.50 182.00 61.70 15.50 32.30 68.30

41.10 26.40 334.80 185.50 37.20 170.30 58.10 14.90 31.30 63.50

123.00 466.90 126.10 126.90 42.30

116.00 456.00 121.00 120.20 41.00

AvgPrice 338.43 188.70 66.26 60.19 461.55 37.92 120.28 15.43 123.47 178.25

257.62 31.68 72.86 33.36 421.54

AvgPrice

41.06 26.73 339.12 190.83 37.73 178.55 59.73 15.37 31.72 66.30

118.47 461.08 122.77 123.75 41.68

Daily capital market highlights DSE Broad Index : DSE - 30 Index : CSE All Share Index: CSE - 30 Index : CSE Selected Index :

4477.99871

(-) 1.29%

1691.50094

(-) 1.05%

13717.57700

(-) 0.97%

11260.63370

(-) 0.78%

8318.71750

(-) 0.72%

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

Stocks extended losses for the fifth session in a row yesterday as worried investors continued to look for exit door in fear of further losses.

The long political standoff with no sign of ending has put a damper over the investors continuously, making the market bearish, dealers said.

The benchmark index DSEX settled at 4,478 from its previous session’s seven-month low, declining over 58 points or 1%. The down was led mainly by bank, cement and other major large cap sectors.

The Shariah Index DSES was marginally down 13 points or 1.3% to 1,091. The comprising blue chips DS30 fell almost 18 points or 1% to 1,691.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, dropped 73 points to 8,311.

Trading also remained poor despite rise, as the turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange stood at Tk290 crore, an increase of more than 14% over the previous session. The trading was dominated by fuel & power and pharmaceuticals, which made up almost 50% of the total turnover.

Banking sector continued to remain under pressure declining 1.9%, followed by cement, fuel & power, non-banking financial institution and textile sector. However, few multinational companies (MNCs) remained secured from the market hit as investors found those stocks worth buying.

Lanka Bangla Securities said index broke its nearest support level by breaching psychological level of 4500. “Index hit its lower level due to the lack of confidence among the market makers.”

IDLC Investments said the market wiped out last 8 months’ gain in the recent downtrend, while lost another 58 points from DSEX. It said selling pressure was observed in most of the scrips irrespective of sector, excepting few MNCs. Some MNCs like Reckitt Benckiser, Grameenphone and Berger Painting shined, as some investors attempt to park money in them.

Grameenphone Ltd was the most traded share with a turnover worth Tk24.8 crore. l

ANALYST Market wiped out last 8 months’ gain in the recent downtrend, while lost another 58 points from DSEX. It said selling pressure was observed in most of the scrips irrespective of sector, excepting few MNCs

DT

20 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Stress on making people with disabilities skilled workforce n Tribune Report

A stock investors association forms a human chain before the Dhaka Stock Exchange demanding stability in the market yesterday

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Cabinet clears draft of IFC bill n UNB

The Cabinet yesterday gave its final approval to the draft of The International Finance Corporation Bill, 2015 to make the existing ordinance (International Finance Corporation Ordinance of 1976) time-befitting one.

The approval was given at the regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. It would now be forwarded to subject to the Law Ministry for vetting.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance placed the draft law after drafting it in Bangla in line with the earlier Cabinet decision of making the ordinance into laws promulgated during the two martial law regimes and drafting those in Bangla following the higher court verdict.

He said the proposed law is aimed at giving a new legal shape to the International Finance Corporation Ordinance of 1976.

Under the proposed law, he said, the fund to be received from the IFC as assistance

would be deposited to the consolidated fund of the government while any kind of subscription or payment to the IFC would be made also from its consolidated fund.

The Cabinet Secretary said Bangladesh Bank would be the custodian of all assets of IFC in Bangladesh.

Besides, as per the suggestion of the NBR, a provision has been incorporated so that the officials of IFC could not get any additional undue facilities in the country while enjoying duty-free facility of different commodities for their use.

The Cabinet Secretary said World Bank Group organisations like the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Agency (IDA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been operating in Bangladesh under the International Financial Organizations Order of 1972.

The Cabinet also approved in principle the draft of the ‘Bangladesh Rural Development Board Bill, 2015,’ drafting the existing ordinance of 1982 in Bangla as per earlier decision of the Cabinet.

Musharraf Hossain said the Department

of Cooperatives issues licenses to the Upazila Central Cooperatives Association to run cooperative activities. But, the BRDB is giving operational support, including providing funds and training, to those societies.

He said a number of cooperative societies run their activities informally with the permission of BRDB. The proposed law has a provision to bring those societies under a legal framework, he added.

With the expansion of scope of activities, the Law also kept a provision of opening the office of BRDB at divisional level along with the existing ones at national, district and upazila levels.

The Cabinet Secretary said the tenure of the elected members of BRDB has been proposed for one year from the existing three years.

The meeting was also apprised about the visit of Foreign Minister to the USA on February 17-19, 2015 and about the participation of the Foreign Minister at the high-level meeting of the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva on March 3-7, 2015.

Ministers, state ministers and secretaries concerned were present at the meeting. l

Speakers at a views-exchange meeting yesterday laid emphasis on rehabilitation, inclusive skills training and employments to the people with disabilities so they can be turned into human.

“People with disabilities are not disabled, rather they are differently able. If they are provided with little cooperation, they can be asset to our economy and society,” said BGMEA vice president Reaz Bin Mahmood.

The meeting styled as “Paving the way for economic inclusion of persons with disabilities” was jointly organised by Germany’s international development cooperation GIZ, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Dhaka.

“Skilled workforce can be a key for BGMEA to reach the target of $50bn garment export by 2021,” Reaz said.

National Skills Development Council CEO ABM Khorshed Alam said skills would be the future treasure of the world and Bangladesh is trying to get its share.

He lauded PSES, a joint initiative of Bangladesh and German governments for social and environmental standards in the industry, for providing inclusive skills training to 1,050 women including 131 women with disabilities.

Valerie Taylor, founder of CRP, thanked GIZ, BGMEA and International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) for their contribution to establishing the first ever Prosthetics and Orthotics School at CRP-Savar.

CRP Executive Director Shafiqul Islam put stress on the follow-up supports for 515 Rana Plaza victims who have been trained in various trades with the support from GIZ through CRP and other partner organisations.

GIZ Programme Coordinator Magnus Schmid said: ‘’To address the need of functional artificial limbs in Bangladesh, as per the Memorandum of Understanding among GIZ, CRP and BGMEA, infrastructure for the first ever Prosthetics and Orthotics School in Bangladesh Health Professional Institute (BHPI) of CRP, Savar has been completed.”

He said currently two batches consisting of 20 students were continuing the 3-year diploma course in the school.

BGMEA vice president Reaz Bin Mahmood handed over a cheque to CRP at the function for further development of the Prosthetics and Orthotics School. l

Danish trade minister arrives today n UNB Danish Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation Mogens Jensen arrives here today on a three-day visit.

The minister will be accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Danish Ministry of Employment, and officials from the Danish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, said an official here yesterday. Jensen arrives here to attend a conference, titled “Bangladesh - Framing the

Future” a High Level Conference on Ready Made Garments and Beyond’.

The conference will focus on the learning from the last two years’ multi-stakeholder cooperation within Ready Made Garments (RMG) and how these learning may be leveraged for other potential export sectors and in respect of greening of the RMG industry.

Jensen will, among others, meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, Commerce Minister

Tofail Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque.

The minister will also meet senior leaders from other major political parties, civil society leaders, key actors in the RMG industry, Danish companies and beneficiaries of Danish development assistance around the country.

The minister and his delegation will spend time in both Dhaka and in the field.

During their visit to the field, they will vis-

it DANIDA-supported development projects working in agriculture and rural roads in climate vulnerable areas of Barisal.

The minister will also visit the RMG factory Aeko-Tex Group in Gazipur. At Aeko-Tex, the minister will have a chance to see how a factory, implementing CSR initiatives, is also able to gain valuable business advantages.

This is Mogens Jensen’s first visit to Bangladesh as Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation. l

DT

21

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

T-JUNCTION

Aston Martin One-77 A one-off that only lasted for a limited run of 77, with the last one rolling down the production line, last year

NEWS

INSIDE

Lamudi signs a MOU with RANGS RANGS Properties Ltd, one of the largest real estate companies of Bangladesh, recently signed a partnership agreement with lamudi.com.bd, through a MOU signing ceremony. Under this agreement, Lamudi Bangladesh became the online promotion partner for RANGS Properties LtdW. RPL will also offer exclusive package to the customers of lamudi.com.bd who will buy property from their website.

22

auto correct

What’s the correct way to lower your car? (Part III)

23 tires

Harmony for the mind and soul

24 gadgets

Next stage of evolution

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Wheels

auto correct

What’s the correct way to lower your car?

(Part III)

Since we have looked into the advantages and disadvantages of lowering your vehicle, this week in the third part of the four part sequence, it’s time we look closely into the functions of a lowering suspension kit

n Tahsin Momin When it comes to modifying a vehicle, often the first step many enthusiasts make is lowering the suspension and the ride height.

For the best compromise between ride comfort and, handling and looks, choose a kit that includes matched springs and shocks from the same manufacturer. Make sure the drop is of no more than half an inch to an inch.

What this does is, it allows the spring rates to be increased which further improve the damping rates to match the suspension travel.

Lowering kits that include only springs are generally cheap, but will

have spring rates close to the factory rates in order to be compatible with the OEM shock absorbers. This mean that your suspension is lowered and travel is reduced, and yet there is no increased spring rate or damping force to prevent the shocks from bottoming out.

If you are thinking in terms of the rally suspension or suspension that will be used on uneven and rough roads, stay away from lowering springs at all costs with attention paid to increased damping and spring rates. The lowered suspensions are most likely to work best on smooth roads, while rough roads with uneven surfaces require near-stock ride height to function properly. l

tires

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Wheels

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Harmony for the mind and soul Candy for the eyes, music for the ears; it is rather like playing musical chairs

n Tahsin Momin With over a 100 years of experience, Aston Martin is a car maker that defines itself in three words - power, beauty and soul. This is a British company that has a rich racing heritage and a tradition of creating instantly recognisable, iconic, sports cars.

The Brits are very good at one thing, that’s making cars but over the last few years, England has lost more car companies than they have lost colonies. The classic British makes have fallen prey to the foreigners.

Jaguar and Land Rover are now Indian, Rolls Royce and Bentley are German, Lotus - Malaysian. Even Aston Martin had to kneel down in front of the Middle East petrodollars.

For Aston Martin, that tenuous position raised a question: How would the company compete against Ferrari or Bentley?

Spend 10 minutes in the Vanquish, and one thing is for sure, even an irregular car fanatic would wish this 100-year-old company a fruitful, second century.

That is simply because the Vanquish, takes the DBS’s position in the Aston’s stable, and it seems to be appreciated by all as one of the world’s most nakedly pretty automobiles.

Where ever you take the Vanquish, it makes its glamorous way and stands out like

the Duchess of Cambridge. It’s even harder to stop because people will pop out of nowhere, to remind you the fact that you were showing off a particularly photogenic child.

As much as so, such gratuitous charm influenced the Aston’s $1.8 million One-77 supercar, which includes the Vanquish’s all-carbon-fibre body, modest recessed front grille and a tuned exhaust system with valves that open their gilded throats under acceleration.

Inside, it wouldn’t be an Aston without ergonomic goofs - awkward glass buttons still control the transmission and the seat controls are buried along the centre console.

There is just so much hand-sewn leather in the cabin that the occupants might dress to match, possibly in those similar full-skin jumpsuits that Eddie Murphy once fancied.

The DBS was the first proper 12-cylinder Aston that drove more like a serious sports car. The One-77, however, indulges the road with even more disrespect; it has perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the steering is quicker and moreover, there is incredible traction from the 20-inch wheels and tires.

On the other hand, the adaptive suspension turns surprisingly firm in the sport mode and it crushes downright in track mode.

Aston claims that the six-speed, rearmounted automatic transmission shifts 37-percent faster, but it’s doddering

compared to the sophisticated dual-clutch from Ferrari and Porsche. We think if there were an extra gear or two, it would have helped keep the naturally aspirated V12 in its favourable pedigree.

The standard carbon-ceramic brakes are quite assertive. However, the manual shifter that was available on the DBS is now virtually extinct on automobiles at this level.

That level, it must be said, includes the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, whose numbers and Formula One-bred technology, objectively vanquish the One-77.

That 731 V12 horses at 8,700rpm red-line versus the Aston’s 6,800rpm, 211mph top speed versus 200 and a 3.1 second time for not to 60mph. All this blasts off the One-77 into the outer stratosphere, and mind you, the Ferrari costs less, at around $317,000, but buyers at this level aren’t exactly bargain mongers.

Yet it’s easy to see why a wealthy buyer would not prefer the One-77’s classic, artful approach, and giggle at childish notions of bragging rights. Every single time you drive the One-77, it feels like

a once in a lifetime occasion, and we suspect that’s true even for people who can afford one.

There are plenty of pseudo-supercars and not-quite-exotics prowling on the streets but the One-77 is the real deal.l

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

news

Gadgets & Gaming

gadgets

Next stage of evolution Apple’s new 12-inch MacBook makes one heck of a statement

n Mahmood Hossain

Lenovo introduces TAB S8-50 Global Brand Pvt Ltd introduced a new model of Lenovo S8-50 Tab that comes in Android Kitkat 4.4 version, along with an Intel Atom Z-3745 processor, 1.86GHz 2M cache, 2GB ram, 64GB rom, 8-inch HD display and 10 multi touch screen. It has 3D voice calling, an 8-megapixel back camera and 1.6-megapixel front camera. It also comes with a Bluetooth-4.0 and WiFi 802 connection. For more details call 01977-476501.

We heard, before the actual reveal, that Apple would redesign the new MacBook.

Naturally, we had our doubts and never thought of holding our breath. However, we were pleasantly surprised at how well they had redesigned their leading laptop. It isn’t anything radical. It actually makes sense because shocking the crowd with an extreme makeover can only be welcomed in a styling programme on TLC. And the price isn’t something to frown upon either. Well, unless you’ve been an Apple hater from the get-go.

It may not start a revolution, but it will surely start trends. The entire design, inside and out, is something to admire greatly.

Butterfly light This thing is incredibly thin; it’s actually the thinnest MacBook Apple has ever produced.

They continue to blur the lines between tablets and full fledged laptops. It makes us wonder if the line of iPads will come to an end. Who knows? Back to our main topic, this new machine is 13.1mm thin, which is 24% thinner than the 11-inch MacBook Air. In addition, it should be noted that it’s also the lightest at only two pounds (0.9kg). The next significant change, when you open the laptop, is the newly designed keyboard. It now uses, what Apple states, a new butterfly mechanism for keys. The arrangements of the keys are shallower but have larger faces. Hopefully, it doesn’t cause too much difficulty when typing.

Features delight Apple has also gone back to the oneclick trackpad. It no longer possesses the

psychical, top hinge to click down on.

All the tapping will be done on the pad only. They’ve embedded four Force Touch sensors underneath, which sense the range of pressure of your fingers.

From the lightest touch to the deeper is what they call Force Click. This now serves as a sort of touch screen, which will take some time getting used to. All of these simple changes allow the body to keep the uniform thinness throughout. In turn, they bring us to a very big alteration. The new MacBook is completely fanless, trying to stay in pace with the latest Core M laptops in the market.

Apple is stating the battery life will be nine hours of wireless web use or 10 hours of iTunes video playback.

Another small but big feature is that this laptop only has one single port. The new type USB-C port is all it has. Through this little source, and other various dongles, you’ll be able to charge the battery, hook up the Ethernet or even project through an HDMI. Everything is small or thin, using up less space and making way for more of the other desirable things like its display. The redesigned 12-inch Retina Display, with a 2304x1440-pixel resolution, is the thinnest they’ve built at 0.88mm.

Under the hood, it is slightly different as well. The starting model will include a 1.1GHz Intel Core M, 8GB of RAM, and a 265GB solid-state drive for $1,299. A slight upgraded model ($1,599) will have a 1.2GHz Core M, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage. Both models will have the Intel HD Graphics 5300.

The wrong and right As much as we light to give them credit for a newly designed MacBook, there are a few concerns. 12-inches on a display isn’t something to brag about, especially when smartphones are near the height of small tablets. Apple’s current crop of MacBooks with Retina Display is still something we’d rather recommend. At 13-inches, it is an appropriate cut-off point for a laptop. Even then Core M CPU is something to consider.

It hasn’t really impressed in initial tests, regardless of its great potential. While the new model is lighter and thinner, and as pretty as it may be, it hasn’t done anything different from ultrabooks that are already available in the market. The unfortunate part is, there are slightly better ultraportable laptops out there with 2-in-1 functionalities, along with touch screen displays.

It’s not leagues ahead but it is headed in the right direction. Only time will tell how this model will perform. l

gaming

MyCell Mobile and ACI Logistics Ltd sign MOU MyCell mobile and ACI Logistics Limited (Shawpno) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This would allow customers to easily purchase MyCell mobile phones and tablets from their nearest Shawpno outlets. Director of MyCell mobile, Md Nahidul Islam and head of business development of ACI logistics Ltd, Sohail Tanvir Khan signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. The general manager of Mycell mobile, Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Miah, head of accounts of Shawpno, Noore-Alam and agm of Shawpno AKM Shamsuzzaman, including assistant manager, Fath al-Kabir and all senior officers were present at the signing ceremony.

PSN + A step up from the previous one

n Shah Nahian Fighting the console wars with Xbox360 and PC, last generation’s Sony PlayStation 3 didn’t just stop at releasing some of the most memorable exclusive titles. Buying a PlayStation 3 also meant an access to free online multiplayer gaming experience.

However, when upgrading to a PlayStation 4, the current generation consoles no longer support this feature.

The PlayStation 4 requires a PlayStation Network+ (PSN+) to experience online multiplayer gaming. While it is easy to find this absolutely disappointing; Sony has taken the initiative to completely renovate the old PSN.

The free PSN account supports a party chat function and allows players to voice chat with a group outside of a game and privately communicate with team-mates in-game. It can also access various streaming applications (ie Netflix) and sync with your Facebook account.

The PSN+ on the other hand, apart from the online multiplayer experience, features store discounts, ability to download various games without any extra charge and early DLC access for its subscribers.

PSN+ also gets you 1GB of cloud storage for your saved games. While any PSN member can sign into a friend’s PS4 and access their digitally purchased games, Plus subscribers can also resume their progress out of the cloud.

Though it is sad to see an end to free online gaming, Sony has taken much effort to sweeten the new experience. Tested under a 3mbps fibre-optic broadband connection, a steady link could be maintained with a fast ping – meaning games could be enjoyed lag free. However, most fibre-optic broadband

connections with a speed of 1mbps and a low ping can provide a decent enough lag free experience. WiMax connections on the other hand suffers from some serious lags, bringing down the entire experience. If you have the Internet connection for online gaming, along with the rest of the benefits of PSN+ has to offer, it is a good investment to make. l PSN+ can be purchased locally from Game Share (https://www.facebook.com/ GameSharebd) and Arko’s Game Shop (https://www.facebook.com/arkosgameshop) with prices ranging from Tk1,500–Tk1,800 for a three month subscription and Tk3,900– Tk5,000 for a yearlong subscription.

French sports minister has told Ibrahimovic to say sorry after the striker launched into a foul-mouthed rant following PSG’s defeat on Sunday.

“In 15 years I’ve never seen a (good) referee in this s*** country ... (they) don’t even deserve PSG,” Ibra said

Sport 26

INDIAN JOURNALIST GAUTAM PRAISES BANGLADESH

28

RANGPUR, DHAKA METRO PLAYERS ACCUSED OF FIXING

29

25

DT

LEADER

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

BALE GETS REAL BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Mahmudullah finds form at perfect time for Bangladesh n Reuters It’s been a long time coming but Mohammad Mahmudullah is finally fulfilling his promise as a match-winning batsman. For both him and his country Bangladesh, the long wait is paying off at the perfect time.

Mahmudullah was first picked to play for Bangladesh in 2007. Just 20 at the time, he was earmarked as a star in the making, but it was a false dawn.

He had his moments. In January 2010, he made an unbeaten 96 against India then a month later he scored his maiden test century against New Zealand, batting at number eight.

In 2012, he played the leading role when Bangladesh beat the West Indies in a ODI series for the first time and he was tipped to become his country’s next captain.

But his form deserted him and he has been in an out of the team in the years since before fighting his way back for the World Cup. Now 29, Mahmudullah has produced his best when it really matters. Last week, he finally scored his first ODI hundred, a brilliant 103 against England which sent Bangladesh through to the World Cup quarter-finals and the English home.

Four days later, he scored his second ODI century, an even better 128 not out against a potent New Zealand attack.

His form throughout the whole World Cup has been great. Before his back-to-back hundreds, he scored 62 against Scotland, 28 against Sri Lanka and 23 against Afghanistan.

At the end of the pool phase, he was the fifth highest run-scorer from all countries with 344 runs. His average of 86 was the third best.

“He’s been terrific throughout this tournament,” said Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. “Hopefully he’ll continue his performance in the quarter-final match.”

A handy bowler, Mahmudullah has also bagged one wicket in the World Cup but it’s his form with the bat that has been the key to his team’s progress.

Now his biggest test will come on Thursday when Bangladesh face defending champions India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Before this year, no batsman had ever scored centuries in three successive World Cup matches but Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has made four in a row, giving Mahmudullah’s team mates real hope his long wait to deliver will reap any more benefits.

“His job is not finished yet,” said Shakib.

“As a professional team we’ll look for him to score another hundred.

“If Sangakkara can score four hundred in a row, why not Mahmudullah?” l

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha (L) and Tamim Iqbal speak during the net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday

We are good enough and that’s why we are here: Hathurusingha Mazhar Uddin from Melbourne Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha urged his players to enjoy the position they are at and not take any pressure when they face the mighty Indians in the second quarterfinal of the World Cup on Thursday.

It has been the best World Cup outing for the Bangladesh cricket team and not many had bet on the performance they displayed in the past one month in Australia. Hathurusingha believes arriving down-under weeks before the tournament has helped them gel a great deal.

After a relaxing weekend, the Tigers resumed their training yesterday ahead of the all important clash in Melbourne. The players were brimming in confidence during their practice session while star all-rounder Shakib al Hasan

running an extra lap after the nets indicated how focused he is on his own preparation.

“I don’t think there is any hidden secret to our success,” said Hathurusingha adding, “The preparation was thorough.”

He said, “Not playing a lot of cricket in the lead up to the World Cup was a good thing as we reached Brisbane a bit early to acclimatize to the Australian conditions. That was a key thing. Also we are peaking at the right time.

All our key players are in form and touchwood there are very less injuries. The players are improving with every game.”

The hype created involving the game has already reached its peak and the former Sri Lankan cricketer believes the side who will enjoy the game will have the edge and the Bangladesh win over India in the 2007 World Cup will hardly have an impact.

“The team that enjoys will have a better game. We should embrace the opportunity presented and enjoy the situation. For us nothing to prove as we are good enough and

BCB

that’s why we are here,” he said.

Hathurusingha informed of working with the players closely and altering few techniques that proved crucial and his coaching experience with the Sydney Thunder’s prior to joining Bangladesh helped him a lot.

The 46-year-old praised fast bowler Rubel Hossain for his input and approach despite being linked with off-field controversies. He said Rubel showed professional attitude and was able to divert away from distractions very well.

Talking about pacers, Hathurusingha also spoke about chalking out a plan for the Indian team who apart from having a strong batting unit also contains seamers who delivered goods consistently in the World Cup so far.

“India is playing very good cricket. We won’t analyse specific game but do an analysis of our strength compared to India. India are a good batting side. They had a good World Cup and how well their fast bowlers have bowled.

That’s one area that we would probably keep an eye on,” he said. l

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26 Sport

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Veteran Indian sports journalist Gautam praises Bangladesh n Mazhar Uddin from Melbourne Neither of the supporters from both Bangladesh and India are in a mood to miss out on any chances to critisise their opponents ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash on March 19. The journalists, who are now in Melbourne to cover the important match from both the countries, however, share a sporting relationship among each other.

The biggest contingent of journalists at this World Cup is undoubtedly from India with over forty members tailing the defending champions throughout, but it was surprising to see a group of them gather with great curiosity at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) yesterday to cover the training session of their quarter-final opponent Bangladesh.

They were eager to chalk out how Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah trained as they monitored each and every activity of the Tigers.

And in the eye of one of the most popular and veteran Indian cricket reporter Gautam Bhattacharya, Bangladesh are a team to be worried about.

Gautam, the sports editor of Ananda Bazar Patrika in Kolkata, India, praised the Bangladesh team which was pleasing to the ears be-

cause the foreign journalists often choose to term Bangladesh as “minnows.”

“The 2007 World Cup in West Indies saw a spirited Bangladesh team who went to the second round. But this time you can’t call it only the spirit, its the professionalism from the Bangladeshi cricketers that actually brought them to this place,” said Gautam.

He went on to add that the way Bangladeshi cricketers handled the pressure at the crucial moments in this tournament shows the growing maturity of this side.

When he shed light on Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain, I was certain that at least he has been following the Tigers performance.

“What Mahmudullah has done in this tournament is something extraordinary along with your fast bowler Rubel who has also impressed so far. I think even if Bangladesh do not manage to reach the semi-final, this momentum will take Bangladesh cricket a long way in the coming days,” he said.

Gautam is a book writer while he has also received several awards for his contribution in sports in the West Bengal.

He is not surprised to see the excitement growing among the rival fans but at the same time opined that there should be a limit when it comes to disrespecting a nation centering a cricket match. l

Umpires keep English flag flying at World Cup n AFP England may have bowed out of the World Cup but they had plenty of representation among the list of match officials announced on Monday for this week’s quarter-finals.

Umpires Richard Illingworth, a member of the England side that lost to Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup final in Melbourne, Ian Gould (England’s wicketkeeper at the 1983 World Cup), Richard Kettleborough and Nigel Llong will all have roles in the last eight.

Meanwhile, former England batsman Chris Broad, whose son Stuart was in England’s World Cup squad, will be the match referee for the fourth quarter-final between New Zealand and the West Indies in Wellington on Saturday.

Australia’s leading officials also had quarter-final posts, with umpires Rod Tucker, Bruce Oxenford, Steve Davis and former Test batsman turned match referee David Boon all involved.

Officials for the semi-finals and March 29 final in Melbourne will be announced in due course. l

10 MAGIC MOMENTS AT THE WORLD CUP

Captain Morgan or invisible man?

England captain Eoin Morgan was introduced as ‘Eoin Rogers’ by the mayor of Wellington when the team arrived in the New Zealand capital. Morgan, 28, shrugged off the gaffe: “I’ve been called a lot worse. She got the hardest part right.”

Rambo inspires Afghanistan Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan has become a cult hero, charging in with bandanna strapped tightly around his head, with cheeks painted in the colours of the Afghan flag. He admits his hero is Rambo but unlike Sylvester Stallone’s on-screen lone wolf, he performs a nifty cartwheel when he takes a wicket.

Hassan was also at the non-striker’s end when Shapoor Zadran hit the winning runs in the historic win over Scotland.

Gayle takes tweet revenge If West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron was trying to get Chris Gayle fired up when he retweeted a call from a fan to pension off the star opener, it certainly did the trick.

“Gayle goes Can’t buy a run. Let’s give him a retirement package Can’t fail repeatedly and still front up based on reputation,” was the post retweeted

by the Windies boss. Two days later, Gayle smashed the first ever World Cup double century in the win over Bangladesh.

Cameron apologised for his blunder.

“No offense intended. Full apologies extended.

Rally round the West Indies,” he wrote on Twitter.

Joyce freed on bail Ireland’s Ed Joyce had a lucky break when he survived the ball hitting the stumps while batting against the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane.

Amjad Javed thought he’d struck with his fourth ball when an inswinger beat left-hander Joyce’s defence and caused the LED lights on the bails to flash. But although the off-bail was disturbed, it landed back in its groove and Joyce, who stood his ground as seamer Javed celebrated prematurely, was not out. Joyce was eventually out for 37.

Afghanistan to win World Cup, says robot A New Zealand robot predicted World Cup glory for Afghanistan although even the machine’s programmer said such an outcome was unlikely.

The University of Canterbury’s robot Ikram made the prediction using software developed by doctoral student Eduardo Sandoval.

When the flags of the 14 participating nations were placed in front of the robot it selected Afghanistan. “Of course this is unlikely, but with cricket the result can always be unexpected,” Sandoval said.

It was wide of the mark as Afganistan went out of the tournament with just a win against Scotland to their name.

Choke’s on you, Maxwell Glenn Maxwell joked with the Auckland crowd that New Zealand would crumble in their pursuit of a modest 152-run target to defeat his Australians by turning to the fans and making a choking gesture by clasping his hands around his throat. Moments later, Kane Williamson launched a six over Maxwell’s head for a dramatic one-wicket win.

Steyn enters The Matrix South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn said seeing skipper AB de Villiers bat is just like watching the character of Neo in The Matrix movie.

In The Matrix, Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, is transformed from an unassuming computer technician into someone who is revealed to have super-human powers, be they fighting skills or an ability to dodge bullets.

Against the West Indies, de Villiers smashed the fastest 150 in one-day international cricket during a 66-ball 162. “Oh, man, it’s like watching The Matrix movie, really. There is Neo for you right there. Like he just doesn’t understand how good he is,” Steyn said.

That’s pants, Yasir

Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah made a brave but fruitless, diving attempt to prevent a four in the win against South Africa in Auckland. Worse was to follow as millions of TV viewers around the world got a glimpse of Yasir’s pristine white Y-fronts as his trousers got caught in the boundary ropes.

Bugs life in Hamilton New Zealand and Bangladesh players had to call for insect sprays to fend off swarms of black bugs which descended on Hamilton’s Seddon Park. On a steamy, muggy day in the city, bugs caused a number of brief stoppages as Bangladesh batted in the early afternoon. It was also reported that nearby pharmacies had run out of insect repellent as players and fans sought relief.

Music while you work Tournament DJs, supplying music snippets in between overs or during breaks, have been quick witted and quick off the mark.

They played the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” when Pakistan were trying to chase down the West Indies in Christchurch and “Doctor, Doctor” by the Thompson Twins as New Zealand’s Martin Guptill was treated for cramp against Bangladesh. l

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Sport 27

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

BANGLADESH AFTER WC GROUP STAGE Highest Individual score

Best bowling figure in an innings

Mahmudullah 128* off 123 balls v NZ at Hamilton

Rubel Hossain 9.3-0-53-4 v England at Adelaide

Highest average

Best Bowling averages

Mahmudullah 86.00 (344 runs in 5 innings)

Nasir Hossain 16.00 (10-0-64-4)

Highest strike rates (min 50 balls)

Best Economy rates (min 10 overs)

Mushfiqur Rahim 113.38 (271 runs off 239 balls)

Mashrafe Mortaza 4.89 (37-2-181-6)

Most hundreds

Best strike rates

Mahmudullah 2 (344 runs in 5 innings)

Nasir Hossain 15.0 (10-0-64-4)

Most fifties (and over)

Highest total

Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim 3

322/4 v Scotland at Nelson

Most sixes

Most extras in an innings

Mahmudullah 6 (344 runs off 415 balls)

15 (9 Lb + 6 W) v Sri Lanka atMelbourne

Highest partnership

Largest victories

Mahmudullah, Mushfiq 141, 5th v Eng at Adelaide

By Runs: 105 runs v Afghanistan at Canberra

Most catches

By Wickets: 6 wickets v Scotland at Nelson

Soumya Sarkar 6

MOST WICKETS

Player

Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah, the fifth highest run getter in the ongoing World Cup, bats during their practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday BCB

OversWkts

Shakib Al Hasan

47.4

Rubel Hossain Mashrafe Mortaza

Ave

Econ

Player

MOST RUNS Inns NO

Ave

SR

7

34.28 5.03

Mahmudullah

5

1

86.00 82.89

40.3

7

34.57 5.97

Mushfiqur Rahim

5

0

54.20 113.38

37.0

6

30.16 4.89

Shakib Al Hasan

5

1

46.50 106.28

Taskin Ahmed

41.0

6

42.66 6.24

Sabbir Rahman

5

1

38.00 104.82

Nasir Hossain

10.0

4

16.00 6.40

Soumya Sarkar

5

0

29.20 94.19

Asia quartet defy convention at World Cup n AFP Co-hosts Australia and New Zealand may be the teams to beat, but the striking feature of this World Cup is Asia’s four Test nations defying conventional wisdom to make the quarter-finals.

The belief that Asian cricketers struggle on the hard, bouncy wickets Down Under was thrown out of the window as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh moved ahead from the group stages.

Three more wins will see a team crowned the 2015 champions -- just like Pakistan did when the World Cup was last held in Australia and New Zealand in 1992 -- and another victory for Asia cannot be ruled out.

“There is no reason why an Asian side can’t win this time,” legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram, who was part of the 1992

winning team, told AFP. “They have played well and deserve to go through. In a knock-out situation, past form will really not count. Everything depends on how you play on that day.”

Defending champions India bounced back from a dismal tour of Australia prior to the World Cup to record six straight wins in the league, which surprised many, but not team director Ravi Shastri.

“I’m not one bit surprised,” the former all-rounder told the Wisden India website.

“What we are looking forward to now is to carry on the good work. Not think too far ahead, but keep the momentum going.”

India’s quarter-final opponents at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday will be Bangladesh, the surprise team of the tournament who knocked England out in the league.

Bangladesh went through almost the entire last year without a win in Test or one-day cricket, but the tactical acumen of their Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and fast bowling adviser Heath Streak has paid dividends.

Two consecutive centuries by Mohammad Mahmudullah and incisive fast bowling by Rubel Hossain and young Taskin Ahmed led the turnaround for the Tigers, and skipper Mashrafe Mortaza promises more from his side.

“We are hungry for success and I am confident we can reach new heights,” said Mortaza, whose team sent India crashing from the first stage of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Mortaza said his biggest challenge was to check the growing excitement in the team over making the knock-out rounds for the first time and the prospect of playing before some

Dravid backs Associates, suggests 14-team WC n Agencies Melbourne, March 16, 2015: Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Monday came out in support of the continued presence of Associate nations at the cricket World Cup, saying the participation of non-Test playing countries is the least cricket can do for them.

Dravid was reacting to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) proposal of having only 10 teams in the 2019 World Cup to be held in England.

The former right-handed batsman, who played 164 Tests and 344 One-Day Internationals (ODI), feels that being a part of the mega event, countries like Ireland, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Scotland will grow massively.

“I just know how important this is for the growth of their game to be seen at a World Cup, the games being telecast live back home in terms of sponsorship, government funding.

It’s so important for them to be a part of this premier event. That’s the least cricket can do,” he said.

The 42-year-old was firm in his opposition to the ICC’s decision to reduce the 2019 World Cup to 10 teams, saying 14 is a good number.

“It’s a tournament once in four years to try and encourage as many of them as possible to play. You don’t want an inflated tournament but I have always been of the view that 14 for me was a pretty good number, (to) give everyone a chance,” he said.

Dravid said while he wasn’t surprised by Ireland’s improvement, he was impressed by

first-timers Afghanistan.

“You expect to see a good performance from Ireland every time they come to a World Cup. It was great to see Afghanistan register a win. It’s a great story as well, great for the game,” he said.

Thirty-five centuries were scored in the group stages of the competition, eight more than in 2011. On six occasions, batsmen have gone past 150, while it was only done twice in 2011.

“There have just been too many high scoring games for my liking, it is one thing I have been disappointed by. It comes down to the fact that may be the wickets in Australia have been very good, they have been flat and a lot slower than people have expected,” Dravid said. l

90,000 spectators at the MCG. “Everyone is excited about the game but as a professional unit we must focus on the task ahead,” he said. “It’s a chance to show the world that we are among the top teams.”

The India-Bangladesh match means that at least one Asian team will be guaranteed a place in the semi-finals, but Sri Lanka and Pakistan will also be strong contenders for the last four.

Sri Lanka, who take on the powerful but inconsistent South Africa in Wednesday’s first quarter-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground, have the prolific Kumar Sangakkara in their ranks.

The 37-year-old left-hander, playing one-day cricket for the last time, has already hammered an unprecedented four consecutive centuries and tops the batting charts with 496 runs. l

DT

28 Sport

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Rangpur and Dhaka Metro players accused of match fixing in NCL n Minhaz Uddin Khan

accompanied by few other KDSA officials visited the BCB yesterday and submitted their allegation to the BCB tournament committee and disciplinary committee where they claimed the players of the Metro side threw the game away intentionally. The KDSA officials also submitted a “35-minute voice recording” as an evidence to their claim.

Dhaka Tribune obtained a copy of the voice recording where at least five persons are heard discussing on how to stop the Metro players from conceding the result. It is understood that the discussion was between Khulna and Dhaka Metro officials and took place on the night before the final day of the game between Rangpur and Dhaka Metro at BKSP-2 on Thursday, March 12.

The Dhaka Metro side is captained by discarded national batsman Marshal Ayub. Other players are Saykat Ali, Shadman Islam, Mehedi Maruf, Shamsur Rahman, Asif Ahmed, Sharif Ullah, Jabid Hossain, Asif Hasan, Elias Sunny, Shohid Abu Haydar, Md Sohag Reza, Mehrab Hossain Jr, SK Waliul Karim Rony, Sk Ashiquzzaman and Moinul Islam Sohel. Former Bangladesh national cricketers Hannan Sarkar and Mehrab Hossain Opee are the two coaches for the team. l

The performance of the Bangladesh team in the World Cup in Australia has kept the whole nation busy but in the mean time in a shocking revelation the local cricket has yet again been struck by fears of match-fixing.

Khulna Divisional Sports Association (KDSA) yesterday lodged a written complaint to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) accusing Rangpur of match fixing against Dhaka Metro who apparently lost deliberately in the last game of the 16th National Cricket League.

The NCL first-class tournament has often been dubbed as “lackluster” and cricketers were termed as taking the annual event as a “picnic” but the latest accusations involving one of the major team Dhaka are simply disgraceful.

Khulna and Rangpur, along with Dhaka division, entered the last round matches tied on 96 points. Khulna defeated Chittagong inside three days by an innings and 24 runs and earned 24 points to end with a total 120 points.

However, Rangpur literally snatched the title away as they achieved 121 points by bowling Metro out in the penultimate over of the day.

Khulna team manager Mostafizur Rahman

FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE VOICE RECORDING Person 1: I spoke to Sohel (Sheikh Sohel) who is in Australia and told him about this. He asked me if I am sure about the issue, I said I am confirm. I told him the coaches are not involved. Some players in the team are involved and have done this. He told me to tell everyone one thing, “It doesn’t matter when I come back to Dhaka or if the team is champion or not, I will find out everyone involved in it and will make sure they are punished. And talk to Akram bhai and few others and see what they say.”

I told him Opee and Hannan are not involved with this.

Person 2: Doesn’t matter how many times you say, people will think we are involved in this.

Person 3: Spend some money from your pocket if you need to and get a videographer (video-man) and make him shoot the game tomorrow. Get the video of the game tomorrow from the very first

over. If needed you get two cameras. What I will do in the morning is go directly to the match referee and tell him whatever that has happened and whatever I have in my knowledge. I will tell the referee that I couldn’t handle my players. If the match referee calls the captains of the two teams and tells them that they already have information and also that the match will be called off the moment he finds anything fishy – this is just to scare them and make sure they doesn’t do anything wrong.

Person 2: No no no, what we can do is we will keep the match referee informed and he will observe the game.

And also tell the two captains that he has information and if things are wrong he will report to the BCB and the board will take action against those players.

Person 2: Ok, I am making sure this is done. The result will not be in question, what will be in question is the approach. Any team can lose 10 wickets

and lose the game but what will be observed is the approach of the players.

they didn’t even spare player like Shakib so anyone who is involved in this will be in big trouble.

Person 3: Sharifullah didn’t bat in the first innings.

We saw the umpires drop the bails which meant Dhaka declared the first innings. He was not injured nothing, he was simply not let to bat. There was a huge argument on this decision in the dressing room.

Person 1: Shariful (Sharifullah) not batting raised major doubts. It was really surprising not to see him bat.

Person 1: Bangladesh cricket expects a lot from you guys and I was sure that Opee and Hannan are not a part of it. I got hints (that things will be wrong in this game) from Rajon.

Person 4: Everyone at the moment knows that things are happening right. Now everyone will doubt on the result even if the game is genuine.

The main issue here is Opee and Hannan have just joined and everyone will point fingers at them.

Person 3: The board is really hard on indiscipline,

Person 2: I was sitting right in the dressing room.

I went to the physiotherapist and the captain and asked them if it was not necessary to inform me about Shariful’s injury and that he was not batting.

What does this mean? I told the physiotherapist straight away to send him to Dhaka for treatment.

If he is injured, I don’t need him the dressing room.

Person 4: Opee bhai, listen, the only way out from this is tell everyone in the team meeting that they have no option but to draw the game tomorrow if they want everything to be normal. It is better if they can win the game, which will be tough. l

‘Cricket World Player Of The Week – Mahmudullah’ n Tribune Desk

South Bangla Agricultural Bank handed over a cheque of Taka 0.8 million to Abdul Karim, the president of Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation as the sponsors of the National Junior Table Tennis yesterday.

Md. Golam Nabi, the senior executive vice president of the bank and other federation officials were present on the occasion

Cricketworld.com, a cricket based English website, named Bangladesh No.4 batsman Mahmudullah as their Player of the Week. In their website, which is similar to the popular espncricinfo.com, they said, “For scoring two back-to-back centuries coming from a nation that has never had a World Cup ton previously, Mahmudullah is our Cricket World Player of the Week.”

In the article named “Cricket World Player Of The Week – Mahmudullah”, it described the 29-year-old as, “Mahmudullah was always a steady batsman, quiet, reliable, elegant. Yet,

he played a lot of cameos without scoring big, always hiding behind the glamour boys like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Finally, on the game’s biggest stage, he has come into his own and at what a critical time.”

Following a brief description of the two centuries – 103 against England and an unbeaten 128 off 123 against New Zealand – it read. “In both cases, he ensured the side is out of trouble before launching towards the end. The second century was the better one, although it came in a losing cause. Nevertheless, for the sheer impact of his innings, he is our player of the week.” l

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TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Toni brace dents Napoli’s runner-up hopes, Inter held n AFP, Rome

Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates with a topical celebration after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on Sunday INTERNET

Wenger has faith in Arsenal comeback n AFP, Paris Arsene Wenger believes that Arsenal have the form to outclass Monaco on Tuesday and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League as the only English side left in the competition.

The Gunners slumped to a shock 3-1 loss to the Principality side in the first leg at Highbury, but since then they have impressed with a 2-1 FA Cup win at Manchester United and a 3-0 trouncing of West Ham on Saturday.

Goals from Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini in the London derby kept Arsenal in third place, seven points behind Chelsea in the league, albeit with the leaders having one game in hand.

The manner of these two wins also gave Wenger hope that he can celebrate his return to Monaco, where he made his managerial reputation as coach from 1987-94, with a famous win.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will once again have to rely on their formidable home form as they look to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit against Bayer Leverkusen to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday. l

DAY’S WATCH Ten Action 12-:45AM UEFA Champions League Monaco v Arsenal

Ten Sports 9:00AM ATP: BNP Paribas Open IW Round 3 Day 2

1:45AM UEFA Champions League Atletico v Leverkusen

Van Gaal hails Rooney’s punchy performance n AFP, Manchester

EPL RESULTS

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to comment on Wayne Rooney’s boxing antics, but praised his captain for helping to inspire his side to a crucial 3-0 win over Premier League top-four rivals Tottenham.

A Sunday newspaper story claimed that Rooney had been knocked out by former United defender Phil Bardsley in a supposedly friendly boxing bout at Rooney’s house last month.

The England and United captain responded by throwing a flurry of punches and falling to the turf as if knocked down as he celebrated scoring the third goal against Tottenham which left the Londoners out for the count at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Van Gaal did not see the funny side of the story, saying: “In what a world we live that we are talking about such a thing - that a newspaper paid a lot for a video and I am answer-

Chelsea

1-1

Southampton

(Costa 11)

Everton

(Tadic 19-pen)

3-0

Newcastle

(McCarthy 20, Lukaku 56-pen, Barkley 90)

Manchester United

3-0

Tottenham

(Fellaini 9, Carrick 19, Rooney 34)

ing questions about that. What is this world, twisted? I don’t want to answer questions about such things.”

“The players know this game was of massive importance so I think a captain has to do something to help the players or help the manager or help the club. I was very pleased,” van Gaal said.

“We have waited a long time for such a victory. The performance was very good against a very good team, so I am pleased. l

Real back to winning ways n AFP, Madrid

Gareth Bale ended a nine-game goal drought by scoring twice as Real Madrid moved back to within a point of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a 2-0 win over Levante on Sunday The Welshman silenced his critics as Madrid snapped a three-game winless streak to ensure they go into next weekend’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou on Barcelona’s tails.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t appear overjoyed to see his teammate get back on the scoresheet as he cut a frustrated figure having seen his initial efforts lead to both Bale’s goals.

The Italian responded to Tuesday’s stunning 4-3 defeat at home to Schalke in the

Champions League by recalling Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos to the starting line-up for the first time after long-term spells on the sidelines, whilst Keylor Navas was given a run out in goal ahead of the under fire Iker Casillas.

And Ancelotti recognised that Bale was a lot more comfortable with his old Spurs teammate Modric alongside him. l

LA LIGA RESULTS Almeria

0-0

Villarreal

Malaga 2 (Juanmi 48, Amrabat 83) Cordoba 0

Sevilla

3-0

Elche

Real Madrid

2-0

Levante

(Bale 18, 40)

Veteran striker Luca Toni scored in either half as Verona stunned Napoli 2-0 at home on Sunday to dent the Azzurri’s hopes of a runner-up finish in Italy’s Serie A. Napoli and Lazio are both hot on the heels of second-placed Roma, who are 14 points adrift of leaders Juventus, and began the day four points behind Rudi Garcia’s men.

But Napoli’s bid to claim one of the league’s two automatic qualifying spots for next season’s Champions League stumbled at the Bentegodi Stadium where Toni struck in the seventh and 51st minutes.

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez had left both Gonzalo Higuain and Manolo Gabbiadini on the bench but called on both forwards in the 67th and 82nd minutes to replace Giandomenico Mesto and Marek Hamsik respectively.

However the Spaniard’s decision appeared to backfire, Verona holding on for their first win over the Azzurri in their past five league encounters.

Napoli remain fourth, four points adrift of Roma ahead of the Giallorossi’s home game with Sampdoria on Monday. Roma are looking for just their second win in their past 10 games after drawing a remarkable eight times.

The result has boosted Lazio ahead of their trip to Torino on Monday, where a win would take Stefano Pioli’s visitors to within a point of Roma and three ahead of Napoli.

Juventus notched their 19th win of the season on Saturday when Alvaro Morata came off the bench to secure the points for the defending champions with a sweet curling shot in the 70th minute. l

SEREI A RESULTS Atalanta

0-0

Udinese

Genoa

0-2

Chievo (Paloschi 49, 68)

Sassuolo

4-1

Sansone 24, 36, Berardi 61, Missiroli 65)

Verona

(Parma (Lila 26)

2-0

Napoli

1-1

Cesena

(Toni 7, 51)

Inter Milan (Palacio 48)

(Defrel 30)

DT

30 DOWNTIME

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Unspoken (5) 4 Preservatives (4) 7 Tell tales (6) 8 Mannequin (5) 10 20 quires (4) 11 Greek letter (5) 12 Incite (3) 14 Bird (4) 17 Coarse file (4) 19 United (3) 20 Scolds (5) 23 Narcotic (coll) (4) 25 Not concealed (5) 26 Begin again (6) 27 Tidings (4) 28 Mistake (5)

DOWN 1 Meddle (6) 2 Article (4) 3 Story (4) 4 Drinking tube (5) 5 Drink (3) 6 Very heavy (6) 9 Domestic animals (4) 13 In abundance (6) 15 Flower (4) 16 Drink of the gods (6) 18 Newspapers (5) 21 Large book (4) 22 At all times (4) 24 Church seat (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 17 represents M so fill M every time the figure 17 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.

A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

SUDOKU

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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.

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

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TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Moon to make appearance as Dhakaiya girl n Showtime Desk Jannatun Noor Moon, the winner of second runner-up title of Veet Channeli Top Model last year, geared up for another small screen venture titled Prem Jaane Na Rosik Kaala Chand. Written

by Anwar Hossain Anu and directed by Shabnam Parvin, the romantic-comedy depicts the local Dhaka milieu where actors will be required to have a local Dhakaiya accent.

In the play Moon is paired with Sajal, popular small-screen actor. Sajal plays the role of a roadside chotpoti vendor while Moon plays an urban girl Chandrabanu. The play’s story takes an unexpected turn when a sweet yet unu-

sual relationship between the chotpoti vendor and Chandrabanu develops.

About her role in the play Moon said: “Acting in the TV play would be a bit challenging for me as I have to utter dialogues in the traditional, local Dhaka accent. I have been practising the accent for quite some time.”

Shooting for the single episode drama is scheduled to start from the 25th of this Month at Uttara, Dhaka. Dr Ezaz and Shabnam Parvin play two other major roles in the play. The drama will be aired on Channel i shortly. l

WHAT TO WATCH TELEVISION PACIFIC RIM HBO 1:47pm Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day Monstrous sea creatures called Kaiju threaten the survival of humanity.

Special robots called Jaegars are created to defend mankind, however, they are faced with unlikely challenges. It is up to a former pilot and a trainee to save the world.

TWO WEEKS NOTICE Movies Now 7:30pm Cast: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Witt George is a spoilt business tycoon who asks Lucy to join his company as his lawyer. Soon she finds herself advising him on everything and gives him two weeks notice before quitting. Their abrupt separation leads them to new realisations.

We can never be royals n Mahmood Hossain

Jr Jalil makes a Facebook debut n Showtime Desk

The London filmed drama The Royals was given the green light for the second season before it even it aired. This is also the first scripted show from the network E! in the US, which premiered this past Sunday, March 15. As expected the ratings are off the charts. And why not? The British vixen Elisabeth Hurley is the star of the show, playing the role of one Queen Helena. Look at this as the new Gossip Girl with a royal twist.

This fictional take on a modern royal family will be the guilty pleasure for most.

Ananta Jalil and Borsha introduced their new baby, Ariz Ibne Jalil, to the virtual world of Facebook. Baby Ariz took his first step into the world last year on November 23 at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok.

After heading back to the country, this is the first time Junior Jalil made his appearance in the media. Ariz has already visited his father’s working zone, AGI group, local sources claimed. l

Hurley plays a vile creature we are introduced to as the queen. This woman is pure evil. It’s almost as if someone decided to put a slightly twisted spin on the Francis Underwood from House of Cards.

Now, the sophistication in the writing and presentation of The Royals may not be that of the Netflix hit, but you will love to hate the character. Her children have redeeming qualities, though. Princess Eleanor (Alexandra Park) and the queen simply do not see eye-to-eye, we’re expecting plenty of head butting in the episodes to come. While her son, Prince Liam (William Moseley) is dating a commoner. Clearly, the queen will never accept this.

What we can admire most is Hurley’s uncanny ability to play the wealthy, manipulative, and straight out mean role. Without giving too much away, the big premiere paves way for the drama to unfold when King Simon (Vincent Regan) is grief stricken from a traumatic incident. There’s more chaos to be revealed in the castle for weeks to come. Stay tuned. l

George RR Martin talks Game of Thrones n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad As Game of Thrones fans gear up for the fifth season of this hugely popular HBO show, speculation and rumours run rife, not least of which is the buzz around a possibility of extending the show’s run beyond the originally slated 7 seasons to 10.

“This discussion is nothing new, of course. I get asked similar questions every time I make a public appearance, do an interview, or walk a red carpet. My usual answer is a variant on, ‘I don’t know how many seasons the show will run.’ I don’t know. No one knows,” Martin stated in his Livejournal post.

“I do know that David & Dan have stated in interviews that they see the show winding up in seven seasons … I also know that HBO wants the series to run longer than

that. I have known that since the very beginning… well, actually, since the day after the second episode of season one aired, when I had lunch with one of HBO’s top execs, who told me, “We want this to run ten years.” I allowed that ten years sounded fine to me.

I continue to hear similar sentiments from HBO every time I have meeting with them, be it in L.A. or New York,” he adds.

George RR Martin also addressed the speculation about possible movie deals for his franchise. “I see that this new crop of stories also raises, once again, the notion of concluding the series with one or more feature films. And in some of these stories, once again, this idea is wrongly attributed to me. Let me state, yet again, that while I love this idea, it did NOT originate with me. It was a notion suggested to me, which I have

enthusiastically endorsed,” Martin clarified.

“Sure, I love the idea. Why not? What fantasist would not love the idea of going out with an epic hundred million feature film?

And the recent success of the Imax experience shows that the audience is there for such a movie. If we build it, they will come.

But will we build it? I have no bloody idea.”

Game of Thrones Season Five premieres on April 12, 2015 on HBO. l

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

KERRY WASHINGTON @kerrywashington Me & my homie @ lenadunham hung out & chatted w/ @marieclaire and there’s a mag to prove it! http:// marie.cl/6002FI9q TOM HANKS @tomhanks A guy named Tony found my credit card on the street in NYC and returned it! Tony!

You make this city even greater!

Thanx. HANX. AZMI SHABANA @AzmiShabana Kudos to #Anushka Sharma 4 producing a gritty first film rather than opting for a ‘safe’ mainstream project. also 4 a first rate performance

DT

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TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

SHRIMP EXPORTS TO RUSSIA RESUME PAGE 15

HC: Why is rule on second-time DU admission test not illegal? n Ashif Islam Shaon The High Court yesterday asked the Dhaka University authorities and the government to explain in two weeks why the new rule, barring candidates to appear in the university’s entrance tests twice, should not be declared illegal.

The court asked the authorities to show cause as to why they should not be directed to take a fresh decision over the entrance tests. The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo issued the ruling in response to a writ petition filed by guardians of 26 admission seekers on March 12.

In the petition, the guardians said all the public universities in the country usually allow admission seekers to take the first-year admission test twice.

But the DU authorities announced on October 15 last year that students would no longer be allowed to apply for a place at the DU more than once, violating Articles 15, 17 and 19 of the Constitution which ensure equal opportunity of education for all.

The petitioners sought the High Court’s order asking the DU authorities to cancel the newly introduced rule, making the DU vice-chancellor, convenor of the online admission committee, examination controller, secretary of examination committee, assistant registrar (academic-2), University Grants Commission chairman and education secretary as defendants.

Defending the controversial decision, the DU university authorities had said last year that they aimed to prevent cheating during admission tests. l

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From non-cooperation to People’s Raj This extract is part of a series that will run until March 25, in which we reproduce Rehman Sobhan’s contemporaneous account of the events of that momentous month in Bangladeshi history. This was first published in Forum on March 13, 1971

n Rehman Sobhan Non-cooperation was however only a first step. Even more remarkable has been the evolution from non-cooperation with Islamabad to cooperation with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Whilst the Eden Building remains a mausoleum for lost hopes, administration has come to life on Road 32, Dhanmondi, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

From March 4, policy statements designed to restore normalcy in the province began to emanate from Road 32. The first decrees permitted banks to re-open from March 5, between the hours of 2.30 and 4.30, where they were permitted to encash cheques to a limit of Rs.1,500.

The next day this was elaborated to permit encashment of cheques for payment of wages and salaries, but these required authentication by the trade union leader of the establishment. These steps were dictated by the fact that the common man was beginning to feel the pinch. The breaking of the crisis coincided with pay day in many

factories and establishments and workers were faced with starvation unless they had some cash in hand.

The revival of banking has not been without problems. To begin with, there was a run on the banks for fear that banks may close again, rather than any threat of their imminent bankruptcy. In outlying districts, branches could not open because they had

Even more remarkable has been the evolution from non-cooperation with Islamabad to cooperation with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman exhausted their cash reserves and could not replenish this from their head office in Dacca due to the breakdown of communications.

This has been partially normalized with improvements in the communications network. It is expected that very soon people’s preference for cash will decline and the run on the banks will be reversed. The operation of the banks for only 2 hours however restricted the activities of the banks and a

further decree on March 8 enabled them to operate longer.

The decree permitted banks to also make disbursements for raw materials for the operation of factories, since the factories had been permitted to operate from March 5, but were put into difficulties because of banking restrictions.

All these measures were dictated by the need to revive the economy and mitigate any hardship for the workers. The main problem was however to restrict a run on the banks and a flight of capital from Bangladesh.

In the same way, the decree of March 9 permitted a selective revival of governmental activities. Parts of the state bank needed to serve the banks, were opened up. Farmers were feeling the pinch so that the Agricultural Development Corporation was opened to resume supply of fertilizer to farmers and operate power pumps to water the winter crop.

Jute and rice seed distribution was permitted. Movement of food-grains and operation of food godowns was also permitted as were operation of utilities and arterial transport. For the rest, the Eden Building, courts, and kutcheries remained closed.

Another and more elaborate decree of March 12 carried the principle of selective non-cooperation a stage further. l

I’M MADE IN BANGLADESH: TODAY’S WINNERS STORY OF THE DAY I am a male dancer.

In Bangladesh, dancing is considered graceful only for girls. It is still a taboo for boys in our society. Through dancing I want to show people that male dancers can be masculine too. My dancing also speaks for minorities of the society such as the transgenders. This is my “I’m made in Bangladesh” story.

PHOTO OF THE DAY I am made in Bangladesh because it is my center of gravity. While I’ve spent most of my life abroad, I’ve always felt that my Bangladeshi roots made me part of something greater than myself.

Wherever life may take me, I’ll always carry the voice of fallen freedom fighters, the satisfaction of eating khichuri on a rainy day, the poetry of Baul music, and the affection of my family. A piece of Bangladesh is always in my heart.

BEHNAZ AHMED

–HENRY RATUL

What’s your “I’m made in Bangladesh” story?

Send your submissions to my.tribe@dhakatribune.com See facebook.com/JoinDTribe for contest details

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