22 March, 2015

SECOND EDITION

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

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Chaitra 7, 1421, Jamadius Sani 1, 1436

HASINA WARNS DCC POLLS REBELS PAGE 3

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 2, No 346

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PETROL BOMB VICTIM DIES AT DMCH PAGE 6

www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages | Price: Tk10

N KOREA READY WITH NUKE PAGE 10

Load shedding won’t improve this year Gas supply to slide to a third of demand in 2030

n Aminur Rahman Rasel Bangladesh’s efforts to increase the power generation capacity over the last year have failed to make a significant dent in reducing the intensity of load shedding in the peak demand-season of April-May. Power Division officials say the power outage would be the same this year as last despite some improvement in mitigating the electricity supply shortage. This is due to a demand growth simultaneously with the improvement in supply situation.

Load shedding is on the cards for Bangladesh in April and May, for an average of two to three hours a day, mostly due to shortages in the supply of gas by Petrobangla.

Sources said if the rainy season is delayed, load shedding could continue into June.

Irrigation needs during the Boro planting season, previously a major cause for load shedding in urban areas, will not contribute to load shedding this year, Power Division sources said. But inadequate supplies of gas will, they added.

A Power Division official said power supply shortage to the tune of around 1,000MW is expected in April and May, forcing the authorities to go for load shedding particularly in the urban areas.

Both the supply and demand of electricity have risen over the last five years. But the government has managed to halve the supply shortfall from 2,200MW in 2011 to 1,000MW this year.

The demand for electricity peaks in the heat of the summer Boro irrigation season, which takes place between March and May, according to the Power Division.

n Tribune Report

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Net generation capacity

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Emotional welcome awaits Tigers n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Bangladesh cricket team will be accorded a hero’s welcome when they set foot in Dhaka today.

The Tigers may not have won the 2015 World Cup of cricket but they have certainly won the millions of hearts at home by means

of their heroic performance.

The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, therefore, is likely to be filled with thousands of Bangladesh supporters who will be eagerly waiting to embrace their heroes.

The Tigers went into the World Cup on the back of a disappointing 2014 when they suf-

fered morale-shattering defeats against associates Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Many doubted whether Bangladesh would be able to overcome the first round hurdle.

However, much to the surprise of the fans, among the most passionate bunches in the  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

The supply of gas, the country’s major primary energy, would stand at one-third of the country’s demand of around 6,000 mmcfd in 2030.

The supply is estimated to be around 2,000 mmcfd from the existing supply of around 2,600 mmcfd as production at the existing fields would deteriorate fast starting from 2018.

The sorry-state of the energy supply emerged from the closing ceremony of a twoday workshop on leadership in the country’s power and energy sector at Bidyut Bhaban of the capital yesterday.

As a result, gas supply to power sector would fall substantially to only 800 mmcfd by then, gradually declining to 1,400 mmcfd in 2018 and 1,200 mmcfd in 2021. Presently, around 1,000 mmcfd of gas is being supplied to the power stations.

The sector leaders put forward sets of recommendations and proposals at the workshop to address the emerging energy situation. They proposed to implement the recommendations by 2018, 2021 and 2030.

The workshop was told that the energy shortage would be met by importing electricity, LNG and coal, developing local coal and expanding renewable energy under short-, medium- and long-term plan.

Petrobangla Director Jameel Ahmed Aleem said the country now produces 2,600 mmcfd of gas against the demand of around 3,000 mmcfd. By the year 2030 the production would come down to 2,000 mmcfd while its demand will reach three times than the existing production.

He said Petrobangla would be able to produce 3,429 mmcfd of gas by 2018 while 3,200 mmcfd by 2021, but the production would be reduced to 2,000 mmcfd by 2030.

All the leaders of power and energy sector along with officials of different ministries took part at the workshop.

Finance Division Joint Secretary Md Jalal Uddin said at least $122bn would be required for all the projects already taken so far in the sector and for the upcoming ones till the year of 2030. Of the amount, $64bn will be required for power sector and rest of the amount for energy sector.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 3 New York schools to get Eid holidays

PAGE 5 Awami League candidates unite for Chittagong city polls

PAGE 6 Chhatra League man held for attacking journalists

PAGE 32 RHD signs unusual deal with Chinese firm

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2 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Nine burnt in Magura arson attack n Our Correspondent, Magura

SSC exams of Mar 8, 10 now on Mar 27, 28 n UNB

At least nine people sustained burn injuries when miscreants hurled a petrol bomb at a truck in Magura yesterday night.

The burn victims are Rowshan Ali, 42, Elias Hossain, 40, Matin Mia, 30, Shakil Mia, 35, Arab Ali, 35, Yadul Hossain, 30, Nazmul Hossain, 35, Faruk Mia, 35, and Imran Hossain, 25.

The arson attack on the truck took place at Moghirdhal area under Magura Sadar upazila on Magura-Jessore highway at 7:30pm.

Police said it was not clear who threw the bomb at the vehicle.

Sudarshan Kumar Roy, assistant superintendent of police in Magura, told the Dhaka Tribune that the victims were sent to Magura Sadar Hospital.

“All the victims hail from Malik village of Magura Sadar upazila,” he added. l

The SSC and its equivalent examinations of March 8 and 10, which were postponed due to the BNP-led alliances’ hartal, will be held on March 27 and 28 respectively.

The fresh date for the postponed Dakhil examination of March 11 will be announced later, said Subodh Chandra Dhali, deputy chief of information officer of the Education Ministry, yesterday.

He said the practical examinations will be held from March 29 to April 2.

Earlier on March 7, the SSC and its equivalent examination of March 8 and 10 were postponed due to a 72-hour nationwide hartal enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.

On March 10, the government also postponed the Dakhil examination of March 11 under the Madrasa Education Board due to the same reason. l

Despite an Election Commission ban, posters of aspirants vying for positions in the upcoming city corporation polls can still be seen on a wall in Ramna of Dhaka yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Gas supply to slide to a third of demand in 2030 State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the country needs to increase the electricity generation in the private sector. He was replying to a question of a speaker, who stressed the need for keeping the electricity generation in private sector below 50%.

Nasrul stressed on taking initiative to add electricity to the national grid from the captive power, which means a power plant set

up by any person primarily for his or her own use.

He said the private sector has to be assisted to develop their capacity as the government in future would only formulate policy and do regulation while the private sectors would provide all kinds of services.

He also urged the sector leaders to brand the country as well as the sector so the world could know Bangladesh’s potentiality.

Nasrul said many countries do not know that Bangladesh has huge natural resources and potentiality, which is also moving ahead with 6.5% GDP growth.

Emphasising on the cross boarder power transmission, Nasrul said in future Bangladesh would import 6,000-7,000MW of electricity from Nepal and Bhutan as power production in those countries are less costlier.

The workshop also created a platform to

develop further communication and understating among the officials of power and energy sector by bringing themselves together.

Nasrul said middle income status of Bangladesh by 2021 depends on the quick development of power and energy sector.

“When we will become a middle-income country, per head power consumption would be 600KW and the sector would be responsible for the 2% of the total GDP,” he said. l

achievement is the most memorable in Bangladesh’s sports history. They deserve a hero’s welcome,” said Jalal.

The BCB director also said the Tigers will be felicitated soon for their World Cup performance.

“The board president [Nazmul Hasan] will come back to the country after the World Cup final. So, we cannot do anything before his return. We have plans to arrange a felicitation programme. It will be a grand occasion for sure,” he said.

Besides the fans, board directors and officials, several organisations, supporters’ groups and corporate houses have already announced that they will be present at the airport to welcome the cricketers.

Bangladesh Cricket Supporters’ Association said more than 100 of their members will be waiting for their heroes with placards and festoons while BD Cyclists, a group of pro-cycling campaigners, has arranged a cycle ride to receive the heroes. l

lies idle because of low water levels in Kaptai Lake.

After adjusting for these hindrances, around 7,300MW can be generated. This, however, is augmented by around 200MW – adding up to 7,500MW of expected electricity production – made available by diverting gas away from fertiliser factories and towards power plants, and by running smaller and newer plants at close to full tilt.

900mmcfd gas was supplied to the power plants during the Boro season. He said another 100mmcfd would be added by April.

“Five electricity distribution companies so far provided a total of 22,064 new electricity connections for irrigation this year, raising the number of pumps to 357,057. The new connections required about 100MW of power,” the power division secretary said.

“We have made special arrangements to supply uninterrupted power to rural areas from 10pm to 8am until May,” he added, saying that power utilities would divert electricity from urban areas to the Boro fields at the off-peak hours of 10pm to 8am during the cultivation season.

An official of the division added: “The Division has estimated demand of about 1,800MW of power for Boro irrigation this year.”

Last year, the electricity demand for irrigation during the Boro season was 1,700MW. l

Emotional welcome awaits Tigers world, the Tigers stormed into the quarter-finals for the very first time in history.

The most memorable moment in the group stages was the historic 15-run win over England which sealed a premature exit for the inventors of the game.

Hopes and expectations were high when the Tigers locked horns with defending champions India in the second quarter-final but controversial umpiring decisions brought Bangladesh’s campaign to a grinding halt.

Consequently, the Tigers received sympathies and messages of support from all across the globe.

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Media Committee Chairman Jalal Younus told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that most of the board directors and officials will be present at the airport to give the Tigers a reception to remember.

“I do not remember any other moment that has made the country so proud in recent times. In fact, I believe the World Cup

Load shedding won’t improve this year Estimated peak demand during this period is around 8,500MW, an increase from the peak demand of 8,200MW last year.

“Against the average demand of 8,500MW during the summer Boro irrigation period, we will be able to produce around 8,000MW of electricity,” Power Division Secretary Monwar Islam told the Dhaka Tribune.

“But if Petrobangla fails to supply sufficient gas, electricity production will not exceed a maximum of 7,500MW during the irrigation season,” he added.

Supply-Demand Gap

Bangladesh currently has a net (de-rated) installed capacity for electricity generation of about 9,600MW. But actual generation is less than that.

The forced shut downs of power plants for maintenance works would leave 1,662MW of capacity unused by the peak season. Another

603MW cannot be tapped due to gas shortages.

Gas shortages have hindered newly installed capacity from significantly improving the supply situation.

On March 14, a simple cycle unit of a newly built 225MW combined cycle power plant and the Ashuganj 200MW Modular Power Plant at Ashuganj Power Station began commercial production.

But the project director of the two plants, Ajit Kumar Sarkar, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are not able to fully run the power plants due to shortages of gas.”

“The two new power plants require around 75mmcfd of gas to operate at optimal levels. But there is no new gas allocation for the power plants. Meanwhile, Ashuganj Power Station shut down two units – a combined capacity of 90MW – because they have come to the end of their service lives,” he said.

Moreover, 44MW of hydro-power capacity

No problem, Boro

Power Division sources said they are prepared to supply adequate amounts of electricity to rural areas for Boro irrigation without having to resort to load shedding in urban areas.

The Power Development Board requires 1,250 million cubic feet of gas per day for grid-feeding power plants during the Boro season to increase power generation from gas-fired plants.

A director of Petrobangla said over

DT

NEWS 3

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Be on the same page or face tough action, Hasina warns leaders n Abu Hayat Mahmud Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has directed her party colleagues to campaign for the aspirants that the party has backed for the Dhaka and Chittagong city polls.

She warned that anyone who goes against the party’s decision will be dealt with tough actions.

In the last week of February, PM Sheikh Hasina officially expressed her party’s backing for businessman and media personality Annisul Huq for Dhaka north and Sayeed Khokon, son of the capital city’s first elected mayor Mohoammad Nasim, for Dhaka south.

However, several other Awami League leaders including incumbent lawmakers also started making it clear that they too wish to be Dhaka’s mayor. Just like the party-backed aspirants, they put up giant billboards all over the city, making themselves visible to the voters.

One of them is Haji Selim, an influential Awami Leader from Old Dhaka but an independent member of parliament, who won against a party-nominated candidate in his constituency in the January 5 national elections last year. Two others are Kamal Ahmed Majumder, an incumbent lawmaker of a constituency in Mirpur of Dhaka, and Ekhlas Uddin Mollah.

However, yesterday Dhaka Tribune’s senior photographer Syed Zakir Hossain who covered almost the entire of the city, found that nearly all those billboards have been removed.

This follows an EC announcement on Wednesday which asked aspirants to take down all campaign materials within a 48-hour deadline.

This correspondent tried to reach Kamal and Selim in their mobile phones last night, but none of them responded.

According to sources, Sheikh Hasina held a series of weekly meetings with her party’s policymakers at her official Gonobhobon residence on Thursday and Friday.

She issued the directive asking everyone to

Although the Election Commission’s deadline to remove all campaign materials ended Friday night, a few billboards are still seen in the city. Photo taken at Bailey Road yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN work for the party-backed aspirants. She also said if any incumbent lawmaker defied party decision and ran in the city polls, they might lose party tickets in future voting contests, said a presidium member of Awami League who at-

Bobby Hajjaj to contest DCC polls n Tribune Report Bobby Hajjaj, adviser to Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, yesterday announced that he will contest the Dhaka City Corporation (North) polls as an independent mayoral candidate.

The young politician, son of controversial businessman Musa Bin Shamsher, made the announcement at his Banani office in the capital.

“There are two reasons for contesting the polls. First, this is a non-partisan election

where parties cannot directly back any candidate. Secondly, I was born in this city and I want to make Dhaka as I have dreamt,” Bobby told journalists.

Replying to the query whether he took approval from Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, Bobby said: “Ershad is like a father to me. I do not want to offend him. I have always tried to consult with him. His blessings will always be with me.”

Earlier, Jatiya Party announced that the party will back Bahauddin Bahar for mayor in DCC (North) polls.

When asked about it, Bobby said: “I don’t want any dispute within the party. I want people’s support as an individual, not as a party member.” Bobby asked the party leaders and activists to work in such a manner so that none can raise the allegation of violating party charter against him. l

tended the meetings.

The leader also said several senior policymakers of the party had expressed their reservations with the selection of contenders for the upcoming city polls.

The policymakers were skeptic about Annisul Huq because he is not a political figure.

Regarding Sayeed Khokon, they said his bank loan default issues may make things complicated before the elections.

Contacted, Sayeed Khokon claimed that he was not a loan defaulter. “The party’s high command will decide what to do with the leaders who have started campaigning individually.”

However, according to other sources, the PM has asked Khokon to settle all his default loan issues before submitting nomination papers for the Dhaka polls, slated for the last week of April.

Seeking anonymity, a senior leader said now that the BNP has hinted that it may take part in the city polls, the Awami League must make sure that all its leaders are on the same page.

Sources also said Sheikh Hasina has appointed one of her advisers as a monitor to make sure that only one leader from the party runs for mayor. That adviser has reportedly telephoned Kamal Ahmed Majumdar and Awald Hossain to stop their campaigns. However, the adviser has not called Haji Selim as of yesterday.

“If BNP-backed candidates run for mayor, it will mean contest for the Awami Leaguebacked runners. BNP’s candidates will enjoy the Jamaat vote bank as well. Our allies are also backing their own candidates. So, the Awami League must make sure that its vote bank does not get segregated by making sure that nobody runs against their party mates,” the leader said.

Contacted, Food Minister Kamrul Islam, also joint general secretary of Dhaka City Awami League, said there is no misunderstanding and everyone is working for the party-backed aspirants.

In Chittagong, the Awami League has chosen city unit General Secretary AJM Nasir Uddin for mayor. The decision was made on Friday in a meeting headed by Sheikh Hasina.

Former city mayor and Chittagong unit Awami League President ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury said yesterday that he will campaign for Nasir. l

New York schools to remain closed on Eid days n Tribune Report New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña have recently announced that the schools in the city will stay closed on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha.

The mayor and the chancellor made the announcement at PS/IS 30 in Brooklyn, where 36% students were absent the last time Eidul-Azha fell on an instructional day.

The city thus becomes the largest school district in the USA to recognise the Eid days as holidays on the official school calendar. Other states that also recognise the Muslim holidays are Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

In the coming 2015-16 session, schools will close on September 24 for Eid-ul-Azha

ensuring that hundreds of thousands of Muslim families can observe the day. Eid-ulFitr, which falls over the summer in 2016, will be designated a holiday for those attending summer school.

New York City schools will not lose any instructional days as part of this change to the calendar.

“This new addition will enable a teachable moment in the classroom for our students to learn about religious tolerance and the societal contributions of various cultures,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña.

With almost one million Muslims across the five boroughs, New York City is home to a strong, vibrant and fast-growing Muslim community. l

DT

4 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Speakers stress the need for commitment to reducing climate induced migrants n Tribune Report Commitment from all spheres of the country can reduce the number of climate migrants displaced from the coastal areas, said speakers at a seminar titled “Climate Migrant Rights: National and International Policy Option” held yesterday.

The seminar was organised by Oxfam and Equitybd at the capital’s national press club auditorium where the chief guest, Hasan Mahmud MP, also president of the parliamentary standing committee for environment and forest ministry, said: “Many people who are working on climate change are actually here to make money and achieve power. Many of them are also not capable of carrying out this work. There has been a lot of development in this sector in the last five years but I doubt whether the development work has continued or not.”

“We need to be committed while working on climate change and its victims. We need to identify the actual victims and develop actual and acceptable statistics regarding this matter,” he added.

Equitybd coordinator Syed Aminur Haq, who presented the main paper, said: “We will face crises in every sphere of life like land, food, health and so on. The number of climate induced migrants has been increasing day by day where most of the cases are found in South Asian countries.”

Speakers said dealing with climate mi-

grants is not the sole responsibility of Bangladesh as many are thinking of migrating abroad. So other countries need to come forward and work together. New protocols must be introduced under the UN process to bring all countries under one framework to ensure

Akther Matin made BYLC chairperson n Tribune Report

Nasim urges all parties to join in city polls

Akther Matin Chaudhury, FCA, chairman and managing director of Nuvista Pharma Limited, was elected chairperson of the governing board of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) for the 2015-2017 term, says a media release.

The decision came from the organisation’s sixth Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at BYLC headquarters yesterday.

The AGM was attended by its general and governing board members Barrister Manzoor Hasan OBE, Zafar Sobhan, Pial Islam, Homayara Ahmed, Barrister Sara Hossain and Ejaj Ahmad.

Outgoing BYLC Chairperson Barrister Manzoor Hasan said: “I am confident that he (Chaudhury) will lead BYLC into greater heights in the coming days.”

“I am both inspired and humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me to lead BYLC. The work that BYLC is doing in Bangladesh is absolutely critical to the future of the country and I am excited about the possibilities of taking our leadership programmes to scale and creating opportunities for more young people from all over Bangladesh”, remarked Akther Matin Chaudhury during his acceptance speech. l

Speakers at a seminar on the rights of climate migrants stress on the need for coordinated efforts from all sectors of the country. The event was organised by Oxfam and Equitybd at the capital’s national press club yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

n Tribune Report Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim yesterday called upon all political parties to participate in the upcoming Dhaka North, Dhaka South and Chittagong city corporation polls.

We have achieved progress in many sectors. We could have achieved much successes if there was political stability in the country “Election is the main element of the democracy. I would like to urge all the political parties including BNP to participate in the polls to retain proper democratic system in the country,” he said.

Nasim was speaking as the chief guest at the national physiotherapy conference organised by the Swadhinata Physiotherapists Parishad at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the National Museum in the capital.

“Please, do avail the scope that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has created by announc-

climate migrant rights and the visa process for cross-border climate migrants should be simplified.

They also said Bangladesh should develop its own policy to establish examples on management of the climate displaced.

ing the government’s decision to hold polls to the city corporations,” he said.

“Through the announcement, an environment has been created for holding polls to local government bodies. In continuation of this process, the national polls will also be held by the end of 2019,” he added.

Nasim, also a presidium member of the ruling Awami League, urged the BNP-led 20-party combine to withdraw its ongoing hartal programmes and give a scope to the country’s people to exercise their voting rights.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated two vaccination camps (programmes) organised by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry at the auditorium of Dhaka Child Hospital.

The ministry has launched the programme to prevent the children from pneumonia and make the country free from polio.

Speaking at the function, the minister said a country can not achieve its desired development without a healthy population.

“We have achieved progress in many sectors. We could have achieved much successes if there was political stability in the country,” he said.

Earlier in the morning, Nasim inaugurated the annual sports competition of Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College at its Udayachal ground and distributed prizes among the winners. l

The programme was presided over by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad. Chief coordinator of Equitybd Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Oxfam regional policy coordinator Ziaul Haque Mukta were also present. l

SUJAN calls for fair city polls n Tribune Report Welcoming the declaration of schedules for three city polls, civil society platform Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has urged the Election Commission to hold the polls in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

“The Election Commission should ensure fair polls and take initiatives so that the candidates follow the code of conduct,” Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of the platform, told reporters at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh yesterday.

He also asked the EC to publish information about the candidates before the polls – scheduled for April 28, and deploy army, if necessary. l

Body found at DU n DU Correspondent A youth was found dead in front of Atomic Energy Centre in the Dhaka University area yesterday.

The body was found on the other side of the road opposite Atomic Energy Centre around 7:30am, said Shahbag Thana Officer In-Charge Sirajul Islam. The OC said the body could not be identified immediately but the youth was estimated to be about 26 year-old. Police found laceration marks on the head and neck of the body which may be from a machete.

The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, he added. l

DT

NEWS 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

94 candidates collect nomination forms for Ctg City Corporation polls n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A total of 94 candidates have collected nomination forms to vie for the positions of mayor, ward councillor and reserved women ward councillor in the upcoming city polls.

Of the 94, three are mayoral aspirants, said CCC polls Returning Officer Md Abdul Baten, also the divisional (electoral) election commissioner of Chittagong, yesterday.

“The three are Jatiya Party Presidium member Solaiman Alam Sheth, Bangladesh Nationalist Front’s Chittagong unit Convener Arif Moinuddin and Gazi Mohammad Alauddin,” he said.

The elections to three city corporations in Dhaka and Chittagong have been scheduled for April 28.

Apart from them, five forms were collected for reserved women ward councillor posts and 86 for ward councilor posts, said Baten.

The deadline for collecting and submitting nomination forms is March 29. Submissions will be scrutinised on April 1 and 2. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is April 9. l

Residents of Mirhajaribagh area in the capital yesterday take to the street with water jars protesting acute crisis of drinking water in the locality. Many areas of the capital are also plagued with the same crisis MEHEDI HASAN

Ruling party candidates unite for CCC election BNP undecided over mayoral candidate while JaPa faces two aspirants

n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong The Awami League’s Chittagong unit has become a forerunner in preparing itself for the upcoming city poll on April 28 as two aspirants agreed to extend their support to the one nominated by the party.

HM Ershad-backed Jatiya Party and Khaleda Zia’s BNP, on the other hand, are yet to choose their candidates for the mayoral post – now occupied by BNP-backed M Manjur Alam.

The ruling party on Friday night nominated AJM Nasir Uddin as its mayoral candidate after a meeting, headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Ganabhaban. Nasir is the general Secretary of AL’s Chittagong city unit.

He is also the vice-president of Bangladesh Cricket Board and general secretary of Chittagong District Sports Council.

City unit President ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, who was elected CCC mayor for three consecutive terms, and Treasurer Abdus Salam, also chairman of Chittagong Development Authority, earlier wanted to vie for the mayoral post.

Mohiuddin wanted to take part in the election as a rebel candidate – under the banner of Nagorik Oikyo Committee, even if he failed to get party ticket. But he has stepped back.

Following the party chief’s decision, he now vows to work for Nasir.

“Nasir is potential and young politician

in the port city. Our leader chose him as he proved his capability for the task. We will arrange a press conference within a day or two and declare our next programmes,” the veteran leader told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Salam said: “Everyone should follow the decision of the central committee.” All the leaders and activists would work to implement the high-command’s plan.

Nasir, after visiting the shrine of Shah Amanat yesterday, said he would start campaigns from April 10, according to Election Commission’s instructions.

Both Mohiuddin and Nasir, urging BNP to take part in the election, said they should refrain from subversive political acts and take the chance to test popularity in Chittagong.

But most of the local BNP leaders are now on the run to avoid arrest in cases of violence during the ongoing blockades and hartals.

However, the party’s high-command is positive about participating in the election.

The last date for submitting nomination papers is March 29.

Incumbent Mayor Manjur, also an adviser to the BNP chief, did not make any comment on the matter.

On the other hand, city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and its General Secretary Dr Shahadat Hossain could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.

A senior BNP leader, seeking anonymity, told the Dhaka Tribune that the BNP-backed ward councillors had met with Khasru on Thursday and decided to take part in the election. “But no decision was made about the mayoral candidate,” the leader told the Dhaka Tribune.

On the other hand, two JaPa leaders have expressed interests to contest for the mayoral post. They are Vice-Chairman Morshed Murad Ibrahim and Presidium Member Solaiman Alam Sheth.

Morshed, also the former president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Solaiman promised not to interfere in the city’s political affairs after his suspension from the Presidium body had been withdrawn. “So now he cannot take part in the election.”

Party’s Secretary General Ziauddin Bablu mentioned that Morshed had the possibility to take part in the election.

The candidature would be confirmed in a meeting within tomorrow headed by Ershad, also a special envoy to the premier.

“We have enough time in hand. Now we are working to select the ward councillor candidates,” Bablu told the Dhaka Tribune.

Solaiman, former president of JaPa’s city unit, said: “If I do not get the party’s nomination, I will participate in the election under the banner of Socheton Nagorik Somaj.” l

Speakers: Don’t lower marriage age for girls n UNB Speakers at a views-exchange meeting yesterday demanded the government refrain from lowering the minimum age of marriage for girls to 16 from 18.

Terming the draft Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 a new obstacle to women advancement, they urged the government not to change the minimum marriage age of 18 for girls.

The speakers came up with the demand at the programme organised by Samajtantrik Mohila Forum at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Noted educationist and columnist Syed Abul Moksud, Prof Amena Mohsin, journalist Abu Syeed Khan and AN Rasheda, among others, took part in the programme held with Rowshan Ara Rusho, president of Samajtantrik Mohila Forum, in the chair.

Speaking on the occasion, Abul Moksud said: “In the name of amending the Child Marriage Restraint Act, the government is doing a mockery by fixing the minimum marriage age of girls at 16.”

Terming it the worst example of the spoiled politics, he said it will have a long-lasting bad impact on society.

Prof Amena Mohsin said the mainstream political parties are not vocal against the proposed law as it is a popular decision.

Abu Syeed Khan said lowering the minimum age for marriage of girls is a great threat to women advancement and liberty, and urged government to shelve the draft law.

The speakers also urged both men and women to come forward together against the decision. l

DT

6 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Petrol bomb victim dies at DMCH Burn unit once again receiving new victims, 4 admitted in the last 48hr

n Mohammad Jamil Khan After a brief respite of couple of weeks, the air at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) once again is getting heavy with the sufferings of new petrol bomb victims.

Of the four people admitted to the burn unit in the last 48 hours, one victim succumbed to his injuries while being treated.

The deceased, Md Yousuf, 67, a freedom fighter and a truck driver in profession, received 25% burn injuries to his face and respiratory system when his vehicle came under attack in Feni early yesterday.

He died at around 9:30pm last night.

Hailing from Kakiarchar area of Comilla, Yusuf was the sole breadwinner of his

NSU authorities meet new AANSU conveners n Tribune Report Alumni Association of North South University (AANSU) has reorganised the structure of the association for smoother proceedings in a more vigorous and dynamic manner, says a media release.

In this regard, NSU Vice-Chancellor Dr Amin U Sarkar, school of humanities & social sciences Dean Dr Prof Selim Sarwar, school of business & Economics Dean Prof Mohammad Mahboob Rahman, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences Dean Dr Sirajul Islam and Prof M Gias Uddin Ahsan, Dean of school of health & life sciences met the new AANSU conveners from the four faculties on March 18.

The university is taking an initiative to work with the university alumni in registration of all NSU graduates and in terms of job placement, internship and career counselling jointly. l

6-member family.

Yousuf along with helper Abul Hossain, 40, and three others fish traders - Wasim, 28, Rabiul Rokon, 24 and Rabiul – were going to Pashurhat area of Feni from Nishshar of Comilla with a fish-laden truck. When their truck reached Dagonbhuiyan area of Feni, some miscreants threw petrol bomb at the vehicle leaving the five injured.

Yousuf was rushed to DMCH while the others were taken to local Utaitoli Government Hospital.

Abul Foysal, officer in-charge of Dagonbhuiyan police station, said the truck came under attack at around 3:30am. Police was yet to trace the culprits, he added.

Partha Shankar Pal, residential surgeon of the burn institute, told the Dhaka Tribune

yesterday that the condition of Yousuf, when he was admitted, was critical as his respiratory system was badly injured.

“A total of 172 victims were treated at the hospital so far and presently 27 are undergoing treatment,” said Partha adding that 15 victims had died while being under treatment.

Earlier on Thursday, three more firebomb victims, who came under attack in Chandpur were admitted to DMCH burn institute.

The victims were truck owner Khandokar Sharif, 40, truck helper Rubel Hossain, 20 and truck cleaner Khorshed Alam.

Rubel and Khorshed received 25% and 35% burn injury respectively.

According to them, the truck, loaded with paper roll, was going to Khulna from Chittagong port on Wednesday night. When the

Cut-up woman’s murderer arrested n Tribune Report Rapid Action Battalion-3 arrested the main accused in the murder case of a woman, who was cut up in seven parts, from the capital’s Fakirapool bus stand yesterday in the morning.

On March 10 police recovered an unidentified girl’s body parts from the rooftops of the Rokeya Ahsan Monjil and nearby three buildings in Fakirapool.

Khandakar Golam Sarwar, commanding officer of RAB-3 said the deceased was identified later as Sumi, 24, wife of one Nasir Uddin who is in jail for allegations of drug peddling.

Sumi was partners with the arrested Jahangir Hossain Sohel in drug dealing and was killed over a business related conflict.

BSRM, SABINCO to supply pure water to 500 rural families n Tribune Report Saudi-Bangladesh Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company Ltd (SABINCO) and BSRM Group of Companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday for setting up a water purification project in Khulna.

The plant will ensure pure drinking water supply to 500 families at Dacope under Kailashganj Union in Khulna.

Quazi Shairul Hassan, managing director SABINCO, Anisur Rahman, CEO of SABINCO, Alihussain Akberali, group chairman, Kazi Anwar Ahmed, head of Corporate Dhaka, and Ruhi M Ahmed, Head of CSR of BSRM Group, were present at the signing ceremony held in Dhaka yesterday. l

Sohel said on March 9 he and his associates Mobarak Ullah Monti, Saidul and Sujon called her over to Monti’s house and took drugs all night. Sumi then started bargaining with Monti over drugs and was making a lot of noise.

Then they raped Sumi and killed her. They cut up her body into seven parts using knives and machete and threw them away in different places. After killing her they burnt her face to hide her identity.

Golam Sarwar said Sohel is also involved in hurling bombs and many other crimes apart from the drug business.

“We are trying to arrest the others involved in this connection and the legal procedures against Sohel is underway,” the commanding officer added. l

truck reached near the Chandra intersection of Chandpur at around 1am, several petrol bombs were hurled at them.

Truck driver Jahangir Hossain, 35, died on the spot while the three others sustained injuries.

Among the injured, the condition of Sharif, who received 88% burn injury, was stated to be critical and was undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the burn institute.

Md Azad, brother-in-law of Sharif, told the Dhaka Tribune that Sharif had a family of six, who all were dependent on him.

“Due to the blockade and hartals, no truck drivers would want to go out. But Sharif had to provide for his family. Who knew that the destiny would put him on a hospital bed,” Azad said. l

BCL man held over attack on journalists n CU Correspondent Police arrested a Bangladesh Chhatra League man from Madarbari area yesterday morning on charges of attacking three journalists in Chittagong city.

Sub-Inspector Iliash Khan of the Kotwali police station in Madarbari said Alamin, 18, was arrested from his house in Sakpara of Purba Madarbari in Chittagong.

“Using a video footage of the location where he had taken part in the attack wearing a mask, police tracked him down and arrested him,” said the SI. Chittagong Union of Journalists general secretary Hasan Ferdaous filed a case accusing 10 to 15 unidentified persons for attacking three journalists during a road-march programme organaised by Awami League led 20-party alliance at Lal Dighi ground on March 11. l

DT

NEWS 7

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Environmentalists put stress on groundwater conservation

Two held with arms, ammo in Chittagong n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Members of RAB 7 in a drive yesterday detained two from Kanchana of Satkania upazila in Chittagong for their involvement in different terrorism activities in the area.

During the drive, the RAB also seized foreign guns and bullets from their possession.

The arrestees Helal Uddin, 22, and Mohammad Khorshed, 21 would be handed over to Satkania police and an arms case would be filed in this connection, said RAB 7 Commanding Officer Lt Colonel Mifta Uddin.

He said the team conducted the drive at Kabir Bari, owned by Amir Hossain, at Middle Kanchana of the upazila around 6:30am following a tip-off and detained the duo.

Later, they searched the two-storied building and found two single barrel foreign guns, two three-quarter guns, a magazine of AK-22 rifle, 13 rounds of AK-22 bullets and 45 rounds of shotgun bullets, he added.

The arrestees, during initial interrogation, had confessed that they were involved with different kinds of terrorism activities in the area, said a RAB 7 press release. l

n Tribune Report Environmentalists at a discussion yesterday alleged that government organisations are least bothered about conserving groundwater, rainwater and water reservoirs as they are active on water use from underground sources.

They warned that the government would face adverse consequences in providing drinking water in the future if the trend continued.

Bangladesh Poribesh Banchao Andolon (Poba) organised the discussion at its office in the capital to mark World Water Day, which the Unit-

ed Nations member states will observe today.

Poba secretary Dr Moshiur Rahman said water lifting using deep tube-wells for irrigation purpose is very high in Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions, resulting in underground water scarcity in the areas and river drying up during the summer.

“As the people of the three divisions face water crisis during the summer, the government should provide water to the scarcity-prone areas by conserving rainwater.”

The Poba secretary also said if the government fails to supply water in the areas, the government efforts to ensure food security for

all by 2050 will remain unfulfilled.

Poba Executive General Secretary Abdus Sobhan said Bangladesh is in the sixth position in underground water lifting in the world in 2010 as the country lifted 30.21 cubic kilometres of underground water.

He said Bangladesh’s groundwater level is dropping by 1.4% every year for the last 30 years (1980-2010) due to excessive lifting, with Rajshahi division being the worst case.

World Water Day has been observed on March 22 since 1993. The theme for this year’s World Water Day is “Water and Sustainable Development”. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER LIKELY SUNDAY, MARCH 22 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:01PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 6:21AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

34

21

Chittagong

34

22 18

Rajshahi

33

Rangpur

33

17

Khulna

34

18

Barisal

34

20

Sylhet

33

17

Cox’s Bazar

33

23

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

34.0ºC Mongla

18.0ºC Dinajpur Source: Accuweather/UNB

Workers at the Tongi Industrial zone cross a make-shift bamboo bridge on the river Turag to go for lunch break. The reflection of their colourful attire creates an impressive effect on the water, which unfortunately is highly polluted because of the industrial wastage discharged from the adjacent industries. The photo was taken at Kamarpara of Tongi recently SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Shajahan: Participation in city polls is the way out from political coma for BNP n

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:45am

Sunrise

6:00am

Zohr

12:06am

Asr

4:28pm

Magrib

6:10pm

Esha

7:26pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Saying that the BNP was in political coma and the upcoming city corporation polls could rejuvenate the party, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan urged Khaleda Zia to consider taking part in the elections.

“Participating in the city corporation elections is only the way for her to come out of the confined situation and end the political deadlock,” the minister said hoping that the BNP would take a positive decision in this regard.

Shajahan Khan made these remarks while talking to journalists at the graduation ceremony of the 14th batch (Chittagong) and the 3rd batch (Madaripur) of Chittagong’s National Maritime Institute (NMI) yesterday morning.

He further said it was not possible to carry out political movement staying out of the electoral process.

“BNP’s movement has no public support.

Khaleda Zia has already missed the democracy train many times,” he added.

NMI’s Principal Captain Faisal Azim, who presided over the ceremony, said the new 153 graduates had the opportunity to work in ship building industries as well as shipping industries.

Shipping Ministry’s Additional Secretary Rafiqul Islam, Chittagong Port Chairman Rear Admiral Nizam Ahmed and Department of Shipping Director General Commodore M Zakiur Rahman Bhuiyan were present in the ceremony among others. l

12th universal Sufi festival in Chittagong n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong The 12th Universal Sufi Festival (USF) titled “Enlightened Soul’s Introspective Utterance” was held at Muslim Institution Hall in the country’s port city yesterday.

Rahe Bhandar Kadhurkhil Dorbar Sharif (the school of Mono-theology) hosted the day-long programme where Hazrat Sufi Osman Qader of Maizbhander Darbar Shrif was present as the chief guest.

In the festival, eight sufies were awarded of Rahe Bhander Ennoble Award 2015 in different categories when international Sufi masters form the USA, Germany, France, South Africa and other countries also expressed their solidarity with the event.

The programme was chaired by Sufi Mowlana Sayed Jafar Sadek Shah, where a number of Sufi personalities also attended. l

DT

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Suspected robber killed in gunfight n Our Correspondent, Jhenaidah An alleged robber was killed in a gunfight with the law enforcers in Shalikha-Nuritala area on the Kaliganj-Mallikpur Road under Kaliganj upazila of the district early yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Iqbal Hossain, 30, son of Abul Hossain of Arpara village under the upazila.

Kaliganj police station OC Anwar Hossain said, a police team conducted a drive in the area on a tip-off while a gang of robbers were preparing to commit robbery by placing logs on the road.

Three policemen were also injured. l

9 houses gutted n Our Correspondent, Shariatpur At least nine houses were gutted in a fire at Paragaon village in Naria upazila early yesterday.

Two people sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses said locals spotted the fire in the house of Abul Hasem Bepari around 1am and it soon spread to nearby houses. The nine houses were burnt down within about 20 minutes.

However, Abul Hasem alleged that goons of his rival, namely Ainal Bepari, set fire to his house with petrol. l

Cricket fans of Rajshahi University burn the effigies of three umpires yesterday protesting their alleged partial umpiring during Bangladesh-India quarter final match in the ICC Cricket World Cup-2015 AZAHAR UDDIN

Sonamasjid revenue falls short by 80% due to political violence A target of Tk65.1262 crore, the port generated only Tk11.3453 crore falling short n Our Correspondent, Chapainawabganj Due to the ongoing blockade and strike, the revenue collection at Sonamasjid land port in Chapainawabganj has failed to meet its target for February.

Against a target of Tk65.1262 crore, the port generated only Tk11.3453 crore falling short by more than 80%.

Although about 300-400 trucks enter the port on a daily basis, revenue collection has been low as most of the goods are duty-free.

According to the customs office at Sonamasjid land port, usually products like apple, orange, grapes, pomegranate and such fruits are a good source of revenue since they have a handsome import tariff.

However, fruit import through Sonamasjid has declined significantly since the non-stop blockade and intermittent hartals were imposed by the BNP-led 20-party alliance from the beginning of January.

Fruit importers said they were discouraged to use Sonamasjid since they were not given police escort to transport their goods during the political turmoil.

Ruhul Amin, owner of Ms Amin Trade Agency, said he did not get police security despite repeated requests. “Moreover, it takes about 5-6 hours at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) checkpost which is a hassle,” he added.

Owner of BH Trading, Babul Hasnat Durul, echoed the same sentiment after adding that about 19 goods-laden vehicles were torched between March 1 and 5. “Though the road connectivity from Sonamasjid to other parts of the country is very convenient, we cannot use it because of rampant attacks on the highways. We requested the authorities to

Usually products like apple, orange, grapes, pomegranate and such fruits are a good source of revenue since they have a handsome import tariff arrange police escorts.” Under the circumstances, a meeting of the Rajshahi DIG, sector commander, deputy commissioner of Chapainawabganj, police super, traders and other stakeholders were held on March 4.

The meeting addressed the issues facing the Sonamasjid port and decided to resolve them in two weeks. However, traders allege that no visible measures have been taken since then.

Abdul Awal, leader of C&F Agents Association of Sonamasjid Land Port, said the importers were

in favour of using Hili, Bhomra and Burimari because of the lack of facilities at Sonamasjid.

Secretary of the association, Sohel Ahmed Polash said: “We are facing two major hurdles. Lack of security on the highways and the delayed transportation of perishable goods.

That’s why we have not been importing fruits through Sonamasjid.”

Assistant Commissioner of Sonamasjid customs Nurul Bashir said imports were hampered due to the current political violence.

“The law enforcers are providing security to trucks carrying essential and commercially important goods such as rice, onion, coal and fly ash etc. But these goods are free from import tariff resulting in a decrease in the revenue collection,” he explained.

Acknowledging the limitation of resources, including police personnel, he further added that if the essential goods were not given police escort on a priority basis, it could have had more of a negative impact on the market.

According to the customs office, the port collected Tk43.5999 crore as revenue against a target of Tk26.9121 crore in November. In December, the revenue of almost Tk 40 crore was about four times the target.

Despite the slump in February, the customs authority set an ambitious target of Tk45.6250 crore for March. Only about Tk7 crore has been earned till March 18. l

7 killed in accidents in 2 districts n Tribune Report At least seven people were killed in road accidents in Mymensingh and Naogaon districts yesterday.

Our Mymensingh correspondent reports: At least six people were killed and two others injured when a truck rammed into a CNGrun auto-rickshaw at Bhapkir intersection in Muktagachha upazila in the morning.

The victims were identified as Alal Hossain, 40, Akbar Ali, 40, Jalal Uddin, 40, Selim, 40, Samir Talukder, 35, and Shafiqul Islam, 35.

Muktagachha police station OC Kamal Hossain said the accident took place in the area around 6:00am when a Tangail-bound goods-laden truck hit a Mymensingh-bound CNG-run auto-rickshaw, leaving one passenger dead on the spot and seven others injured.

The injured were rushed to Muktagachha Upazila Health Complex where two of them died.

Later, the other five were shifted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital where three died.

The two remaining passengers undergoing treatment at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital are Niizam, 33, and Shafiqul, 33, both residents of Muktagaccha upazila.

Police arrested the truck driver Nahid.

Our Naogaon correspondent said a motorcyclist was killed in an accident at Rasulpur village in Niamatpur upazila.

The deceased was identified as Shahidul Islam, 35, son of Abu Bakar in the village.

Niamatpur police statuon OC Obaidul Haque said the accident took place when a motorcycle coming from opposition direction hit the motorbike of Shahidul leaving him critically injured.

Shahidul died on the way to hospital. l

DT

NEWS 9

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Hopes of strawberry growers fade in Gaibandha n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Hopes of strawberry growers in Gaibandha fade away as they incur huge losses failing to market their products due to blockades and hartals.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, many farmers at Tajnagar village of Sadullapur upazila said they brought more lands under strawberry cultivation hoping for more profit.

Despite achieving expected yield, they are incurring losses because of the ongoing political turmoil.

“We are being forced to sell our products at low prices. Because, we cannot market the strawberries in Dhaka or other divisional cities,” said Mokhlesur Rahman, a farmer of the village.

Farmers of the village mainly sell their products in Karwan Bazar of Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong. But the prices have fallen drastically due to the marketing problem.

The cost for carrying the products has shot up due to the transport crisis, said Mokhlesur who has cultivated the fruit in 1.2 acres of land.

“I have invested around 1.20 lakh taka to cultivate the land. I do not know whether I will be able to recover investment,” he said.

Mokhlesur said he has earned Tk20,000 selling strawberries at Tk70-120 a kilogramme, while the price was Tk420 a kilogramme in the previous years.

Being inspired by Mokhlesur’s success, 26 farmers had cultivated strawberries on more

than 20 acres at the village, which has created employment for more than 500 people of the village.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found that many men and women were engaged in taking care of the plants and harvesting the fruit.

“I have cultivated strawberries on two acres being inspired by the success of Mokhlesur Rahman,” said Mehedul Islam of the village.

Like Mehedul, Tojammel Hossain of the village also cultivated the fruit on 1.6 acres he owns.

“Strawberry is a perishable product. We need to pluck it almost everyday. If there is a delay in the marketing, we have to incur losses,” he said. l

Two houses robbed n Our Correspondent, Bagerhat Robbers looted valuables from two houses after injuring two people at Garibpur village in Chitalmari upazila early yesterday.

The victims were identified as Suken Mandal, 40, son of Manmat Mandal of Khulishakhali village, and Snehalata Rani Mandal, 40, wife of Shototomo Mandal of the area.

Quoting witnesses, Dilip Kumar Sarkar, OC of Chitalmari police station, said a group of armed robbers swooped on the house of Suken Mandal at night and looted valuables.

When resisted, the robbers shot Suken, leaving him injured.

Later, the robbers stormed into the house of Snehalata Rani and looted valuables and gold ornaments. Snehalata also received bullet injuries when she tried to resist the robbers. The robbers looted valuables worth over than Tk 2 lakh in cash and 10 tolas of gold ornaments from the two houses and escaped safely, said police. l

Two people injured in shootout n Our Correspondent, Lakshmipur At least two suspected miscreants were injured during a gunfight with the police at Balaishpur in Sadar upazila early yesterday.

The victims were identified as Kiron Hossain, joint secretary of Dakkhin Hamsadi union unit Jubo Dal and son of Joynal Abedin of Jahanabad village, and Maidul Islam Rubel, an activist of local Jubo League unit and son of Ruhul Amin of Basudouhida village in the upazila.

Sources said, police arrested Maidul and Kiron from two places of Sadar upazila on Friday afternoon. Later, a police team, along with the two, conducted a drive in Balaishpur area for recovering arms.

Sensing the presence of the team, associates of Maidul and Kiron opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate leading to a gunfight.

Kiron and Maidul were caught in the line of fire, police said. Later, they were sent to Sadar hospital. One LG and five bullets were recovered from the spot.

Superintendent of Police Shah Mizan Shafiur Rahman said Kiron and Maidul were wanted in several cases. Kiron was a member of the notorious ‘Laden Bahini’ while Maidul belonged to the ‘Nasir Bahini’, he said. l

Harijan people join a human chain in Naogaon yesterday demanding elimination of racism. Association of Recovery Community Organisation (ARCO) organise the programme in the town DHAKA TRIBUNE

NEWS IN BRIEF Worker burnt alive A worker was burnt to death and two others injured as fire broke out at a shop in Sakhipur upazila early yesterday. The deceased was identified as Md Hamidul Haque, 22. Injured-Faisal Ahmed, 20, and Hafizur Rahman, 22, were sent to the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Five shops were gutted in the fire.

Sources said, the fire broke out at a shop around 3am when the workers were sleeping. Fire department officials said the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit. – Our Correspondent, Tangail

37 held in Satkhira Police arrested 37 from different parts of the district yesterday morning. Sheikh Emdad Hossain,

Satkhira’s district special branch OC, said police conducted drives in different parts of the district.

Of them, 16 were BNP-Jamaat men. All the arrested were wanted in several cases. – Our Correspondent, Sathkhira

College student hacked to death A college student was killed in Court Station area in the town yesterday morning. The deceased was identified as Rubel Khan, 22, a third year student at Netrakona Government College. He was the son of Joj Mia in Chapra area. Police, quoting family members, said Rubel was called out by some unidentified persons over mobile phone around 11:30pm. Later someone found him all bloody and told the family. Rubel was taken to Netrakona

Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Netrakona Model police station OC M Masudul Alam said he was hacked to death. The motive was not clear. – Our Correspondent, Netrakona

1 drowns in trawler capsize One person drowned as a cement-laden trawler capsized in the Dhaleshwari River yesterday. The victim was identified as Mohammad Selim Mia, 25, son of Darod Ali in Mohonganj upazila of Netrakona district. SI Mosharrof Hossain of Muktarpur river police outpost said a mechanized boat, anchored at the jetty of Shah Cement Factory, was loading cement.

The trawler with workers and 1,000 bags of cement suddenly tilted and sank around 6am. All workers, but Selim, swam ashore. Later, police recovered the

body. – Our Correspondent, Munshiganj

5 hospital brokers held in Chuadanga Local police yesterday detained five suspected brokers from the premises of Chuadanga Sadar hospital.

The detention took place around 2:30pm to Rasedul Hoque, Solaiman Hoque, Nahid Hossain, Sabbir Hossain, and Arif Hossain while they were trying to tactically bring the patients visiting the hospital to the nearby private hospitals and clinics. When asked, Sadar police station OC Asaduzzaman Munshi said they had received many complaints of alluring patients to private hospitals against them. Later, the arrested were placed before a local court that sent them to jail. – Our Correspondent, Chuadanga

DT

10 WORLD

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Top South Korea, Japan, China envoys agree to work for a summit soon n Reuters The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and China agreed yesterday that a summit meeting of their leaders, on hold for nearly three years because of tensions over history and territory, should be held soon to mend the countries’ ties.

The ministers were meeting, also for the first time in three years, in a bid to restore what had been a regular forum to discuss cooperation until it collapsed over what Seoul and Beijing saw as Japan’s reluctance to own up to its wartime past.

“Based on the accomplishments achieved through this meeting, the three ministers decided to continue their efforts to hold the trilateral summit at the earliest convenient time for the three countries,” a joint statement after the meeting said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a joint news conference much depended on Japan proving it was serious about recognising its wartime past.

“The war has been over for 70 years, but the problem with history remains a present issue, not an issue of the past,” he said referring to the end of World War Two. South Korea and China see Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to recast Japan’s war record in a less apologetic tone as an attempt to whitewash history, and have urged him to uphold former leaders’ statements of apology.

Abe has recently shown signs of softening his stance, helping to ease relations.

India arrests hundreds over Bihar school cheating

n BBC

About 300 people have been arrested in the Indian state of Bihar, authorities say, after reports emerged of blatant cheating in school exams.

Parents and friends of students were photographed climbing school walls to pass on answers.

Many of those arrested were parents. At least 750 students have been expelled.

An estimated 1.4m students are taking their school leaving exams in Bihar alone tests seen as crucial for their chances of a successful career.

The authorities have clearly been embarrassed by the cheating, the BBC’s Jill McGivering says, with the episode prompting ridicule on social media.

Students were seen copying answers from smuggled-in note sheets, and police posted outside test centres were even seen being bribed to look the other way.

On top of the arrests, in four centres further exams have been cancelled.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the cheating but said the images were not the “whole story” of his state.

He warned parents that helping their children cheat would only harm them in the long run.

State Education Minister PK Shahi said it would be difficult to conduct fair exams without help from parents, given the potential number of people involved. l

(Left to Right) Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byungse and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi make a toast during a banquet at the South Korean Foreign Minister’s residence in Seoul yesterday AFP Meeting on the sidelines earlier, Wang expressed hope South Korea would join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said Seoul was reviewing its options, a South Korean official told Reuters.

Japan has yet to show serious intent of joining the institution, Wang said. “It’s an Asian infrastructure investment bank, and Japan is an important part of Asia,” he told reporters. “We can cooperate together.”

Japan and South Korea, major regional US

allies along with Australia, are notable absentees from the bank. Japan says it is reviewing the prospect of joining.

The United States, worried about China’s growing diplomatic clout, questions whether the bank will have adequate governance and environmental and social safeguards.

Japan-China ties remain frosty despite Abe meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time last November. South Korean President Park Geun-hye has yet to have a twoway summit with Abe. l

India govt: One-third of Delhi police to be women n AFP The Indian government Friday approved a proposal to reserve one-third of police posts in Delhi for women, its latest move to address shocking levels of sexual violence against women in the capital.

The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is part of a series of steps taken in the last few months to strengthen laws against sexual violence. “(The cabinet) today gave its approval for making reservations of 33% for women... in direct recruitment in non-gazetted posts... of all union territories, including Delhi,” a government statement said.

There are seven union territories in India, including Delhi, which are partially or wholly administered by the national government.

The government decision will apply to all future recruitment drives for police field ranks from constable to sub-inspector.

Government hoped that its decision will make the police forces “more gender sensitive.”

“It will also instill confidence among women to enable them to approach the police without hesitation for seeking protection and

assistance as and when required,” the government said.

India has seen an outpouring of anger over high levels of violence against women, which surged in the aftermath of the 2012 gang rape of a medical student on a bus in Delhi.

The brutal incident shocked both India and the world, and led to a series of amendments to incorporate much stricter punishment for rape and other sexual crimes in the country.

In the past activists have complained that the attitude among the male-dominated police forces across the country makes female victims much more reluctant to register complaints.

Many on social media welcomed the government’s move.

“33% reservation in police forces for women a good step taken by central government,” Devendranath Yadav said on Twitter.

The government’s statement released to the media also acknowledged the importance of women’s representation in the police force.

“A skewed police force with adequate gender representation is a major practical barrier in effective implementation of legislation intended for the protection of women,” it said. l

North Korean envoy says his country has nuclear missiles

n AP, London A North Korean envoy says his country has developed nuclear missiles and is prepared to use them at any time.

North Korean Ambassador to Britain Hyun Hak Bong said in a recent interview with British broadcaster Sky News that his government would use the missiles in response to a nuclear attack by the United States.

Asked whether North Korea has the ability now to launch a nuclear missile, Hyun replied: “Any time. Any time. Yes.” “If the United States strike us, we should strike back,” he said.

Asked if North Korea would only fire nuclear missiles in retaliation, Hyun replied: “We are a peace-loving people you know. We don’t want war but we are not afraid of war. This is our policy of the government.”

North Korea is thought to have a handful of crude nuclear bombs and has conducted three nuclear tests since 2006. But experts are divided on how far it has come in developing the technology needed to miniaturive warheads so they can be placed on missiles. l

Turkish official: To end extremism, give Muslims opportunity

n AP, Brussels A Turkish government official says to eliminate a root cause of Islamic extremism, European countries must give their Muslim residents greater opportunities and more reasons for hope.

Volkan Bozkir, Turkey’s minister for European affairs, said yesterday that many Muslims living in Europe “now feel they are the other.”

Bozkir called that the leading reason for Islamic radicalisation and terrorism. He said European leaders should take action so their Muslim populations will stop feeling they are “outside the circle.”

The Turkish official spoke at a panel discussion in Brussels sponsored by the German Marshall Fund on what should be done to counter the wave of Islamic extremism and terrorism affecting European nations and other countries. l

Five convicted for fake rape claim that sparked Myanmar riot

n AFP Five people have each been been jailed for 21 years for spreading false allegations that sparked a deadly religious riot in the Myanmar city of Mandalay last year, a lawyer said yesterday.

The southeast Asian nation’s second biggest city was plunged into deadly sectarian unrest in July when a rumour that a Buddhist woman had been raped by a Muslim man brought mobs out onto the streets.

At least one Muslim and one Buddhist man were killed in two days of violence which exposed deep religious tensions in the Buddhist-majority nation as it emerges from decades of military rule. A court in Pyinmama town, central Myanmar, sentenced five people on Wednesday for spreading rumours and creating panic, a lawyer who represents two of those convicted told AFP. l

DT

WORLD 11

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Tunisia arrests suspected militants after museum attack n Reuters Tunisian authorities have arrested more than 20 suspected militants following the Bardo museum attack when gunmen killed foreign tourists, leading to a nationwide security crackdown.

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered for a mass in the cathedral in Tunis yesterday, lighting candles to remember the victims - 20 foreign tourists and three Tunisians - in a ceremony attended by government ministers. Outside, there was a heavy police presence along the capital’s central Habib Bourguiba boulevard.

Wednesday’s assault - the most deadly attack involving foreigners in Tunisia since a 2002 suicide bombing in Djerba - came at a fragile moment for a country just emerging to full democracy after its pioneering popular uprising four years ago.

The government said the two gunmen had

trained in jihadi camps in Libya before the attack at the museum inside the heavily secured Tunisian parliament compound. Japanese, French, Polish, and Colombian visitors were among the victims.

Authorities have arrested more than 20 suspected militants, including 10 believed to be directly involved in the Bardo attack, Interior Ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui said yesterday. “There is a large-scale campaign against the extremists,” he said.

The government plans to deploy the army to major cities to increase security following the shootings.

Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, but social media accounts tied to an Al Qaeda-affiliated group in Tunisia have also published details purportedly about the operation.

Whoever was responsible, the Bardo attack illustrates how Islamist militants are

turning their attention to North Africa, especially in neighboring Libya where two rival governments battle for control allowing Islamic State to gain a foothold.

The United States is increasingly worried about the growing presence of Islamic State militants in Libya.

US officials said that because of its strategic position, Libya has become a springboard for would-be fighters from across North Africa wanting to link up with Islamic State. They could travel from there to Syria for frontline experience.

Four years after a popular revolt toppled autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has completed its transition to democracy with free elections, a new constitution and compromise politics between secular and Islamist parties.

The country is heavily reliant on foreign tourists to its beach resorts and desert treks. l

n Reuters

Kerry says time to make hard decisions in nuclear talks with Iran

n Reuters US Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday talks with Iran on curbing its nuclear program have made “genuine progress” and it was time to make “hard decisions” to reach a framework accord.

“We are not rushing ... but we recognise that fundamental decisions have to be made now and they don’t get any easier as time goes by,” Kerry said.

“We have not yet reached the finish line but make no mistake we have the opportunity to try to get this right,” Kerry said, “It is a matter of political will and tough decision making ... and we must all choose wisely in the days ahead,” he added. He said he would meet his European counterparts in London later yesterday to discuss how to resolve remaining unresolved issues with Iran and would return to Lausanne next week “to determine whether or not an agreement is possible.” l

n AP, Kenner, La

A man sprayed wasp killer and swung a machete at TSA agents and passengers at the New Orleans international airport before an officer shot the man several times as people frantically scrambled away, authorities and passengers say.

Richard White, 62, approached the airport security checkpoint Friday evening, pulled out a can of the insecticide and began spraying both agents and several passengers standing in line before he then drew a large machete from the waistband of his pants, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said.

White began swinging the machete and a male TSA agent blocked the machete with a piece of luggage as White ran through a metal detector. After running through the detector, White was chasing a female TSA agent when Lt. Heather Slyve of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office drew her weapon. White continued to swing the machete as she approached, and she fired three rounds, striking him in the face, chest and leg, according to Normand. l

FBI: Autopsy report days away in hanging of Mississippi man

France says deal with Iran must be robust, guarantee no atomic bomb France’s foreign minister said yesterday that his country wanted an agreement over Iran’s nuclear program that was sufficiently robust to guarantee that Tehran could not acquire an atomic bomb.

Iran and six world powers - the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China - suspended negotiations on a nuclear agreement on Friday and are set to meet again next week to break a deadlock over sensitive atomic research and lifting of sanctions.

France has been demanding more stringent restrictions on the Iranians under any deal than the other Western delegations and at one point during the talks French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius phoned his team to ensure it made no more concessions, officials said. l

Police: Man swinging a machete shot at New Orleans airport

n AP, Port Gibson, Miss

Chadian soldiers and journalists stand next to decaying corpses under a bridge in the recently retaken town of Damasak, Nigeria on Friday REUTERS

100 bodies in Nigeria mass grave in town taken from Boko Haram n AFP Around 100 bodies were found Friday in a mass grave on the edge of a town in northeast Nigeria after it was freed from Boko Haram Islamists, a Chadian army spokesman told AFP. Soldiers discovered the bodies – some decapitated – under a bridge just outside Damasak, which was retaken from Boko Haram on March 9 by troops from Chad and Niger.

“There are about 100 bodies spread around under the bridge just outside the town,” said Colonel Azem Bermandoa Agouna, adding that he had visited the scene himself close to the border with Niger.

He claimed the massacre probably occurred about two months ago and said: “This is the work of Boko Haram.”

It was, however, impossible to verify the claim independently.

Colonel Bermandoa Agouna said several of the victims had been decapitated while others had been shot. “There are heads here and

bodies there, the mass grave has become like a termite mound,” he added.

Chad and Niger launched a vast air and ground offensive against Boko Haram in the area on March 8, quickly taking Damasak from the Nigerian Islamist militants.

According to a Chadian army source, the militants suffered heavy losses in the push, with some 200 killed in fighting on Sunday for the loss of 10 Chadian soldiers with 20 wounded.

“Operation Mai Dounama,” named after a 13th-century emperor of Borno province in northern Nigeria, aims to destroy Boko Haram bases close to Niger, a Nigerien army spokesman said Thursday.

Boko Haram took Damasak on November 24, killing around 50 people and forcing another 3,000 to flee, according to the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Islamist uprising, which initially began as a campaign against Western education, has claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2009. l

The body of a black man found hanging in a tree in Mississippi has been sent from a state crime lab to a funeral home, but the FBI said it will be days before autopsy results are complete. Until then, investigators are holding off on saying whether Otis Byrd was killed or took his own life, and they’re urging people to be patient.

“The community deserves answers. Specifically, the family deserves answers,” Don Alway, special agent in charge of the FBI office in Jackson, told a crowd Friday outside the Claiborne County Courthouse in Port Gibson.

He said preliminary information about the cause of death is expected next week. l

Seven children killed in house fire in New York

n AP, New York

Fire tore through a Brooklyn home early yesterday, killing seven children and leaving two other people in critical condition, authorities said.

The dead are children ranging in age from 5 to 15 years old, and they are believed to be family members, New York Fire Department spokesman Jim Long said.

Firefighters received a call at 12:23 a.m. about the blaze at a single-family home in Midwood, a leafy section of Brooklyn known for its low crime and large Orthodox Jewish population. Long said more than 100 firefighters responded and brought the blaze under control at around 1:30 a.m.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire. Long said it was being investigated by the city fire marshal’s office.

Fire officials had no other immediate details, but the New York Post reported the blaze occurred in a brick home.

The newspaper said that as firefighters worked to put out the fire, paramedics struggled to help the victims. l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Pursue more regional trade deals

T

he new deal due to be signed between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to protect and promote mutual investment, is an encouraging step forwards for both our countries.

Bilateral trade currently stands at around $70m a year and there is still considerable potential for this to grow much further as our economies complement each other’s strengths.

With Bangladesh’s large population and market, there is plenty of scope for Sri Lankan companies to build on the $292m they already have invested here under joint ventures. Sri Lanka’s resources of mineral sands and rubber can in turn provide a fillip for building our own export industries.

As well as adding certainty and protection for investors, the deal provides mutual guarantees to ensure investments are consistent with national objectives to improve human welfare and safeguard the environment.

Taken together with the new coastal shipping agreement due to be signed between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before June, it is a welcome step forward for efforts to boost bilateral trade and commerce.

For our economy to grow the future jobs our population needs, it is important for the government to increase efforts to seek and sign free trade agreements as widely as possible We hope this week’s progress will help inspire further and faster reforms within SAFTA and speed moves to sign mooted new trade agreements with Malaysia and Thailand.

Securing duty-free and quota-free market access in as many countries as possible is the best way to maximise competitiveness and attract new investment opportunities to create jobs.

Sign free trade agreements with as many countries as possible

Set bold targets for diversifying exports

W

e welcome news that Tk400cr is to be invested to assemble 1,200 Malaysian PROTON cars in Bangladesh.

Such investments build our nation’s knowledge and skills base and open up new opportunities for manufacturers of components and spare parts.

However, it is important to consider the broader picture. This new investment is only for a fraction of our domestic market, whereas over $500m is being invested to start exporting Japanese brand Nissan cars from our neighbour Myanmar.

In this context, it is worth noting proposals by the Export Promotion Bureau to reclassify RMG and frozen foods as traditional rather than non-traditional export items.

As garments make up over 80% of Bangladesh’s exports, changing its classification could both acknowledge the success of RMG entrepreneurs in becoming major exporters and state more clearly the scale of the challenge involved in diversifying the nation’s export basket.

It would help give focus to calls for VAT exemption and further cuts on import duties for raw materials by the Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners Association to stimulate investment in light engineering and improve the competitiveness of the sector’s exports.

While significant large investments are being made in newer export-targeted sectors such as car batteries and bicycles, there is a lot of untapped potential for growth in manufacturing higher value products, both to meet domestic demand and to grow exports.

It is important to set more ambitious export diversification goals so incentives can be better targeted to upgrade technology and improve competitiveness by emerging industries.

More ambitious goals can improve targeting of incentives to help emerging industries

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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Rumours rife over who will lead BNP movement February 26

m Sirajullah We do not understand why the honourable ex-PM needs to be arrested. She is not flying away from the country. She avoided attending the court. Why can’t the court try her in absentia like any other person not attending court? Recently, Mr Jabbar was tried in absentia and the verdict was published.

We even know of trial posthumously after someone’s death. Why do we need to have so much drama in this case? What happened to the case of Tarique, he is not attending the court either! Why can he be tried in absentia? We understand that the verdict may not be executable depending upon the verdict, but it can go on. sundar They may also outsource leaders from abroad, better if from Pakistan or Afganistan, to carry on the movement if internal source gets depleted.

Hafeejul Alam We may not forget that it’s not the government but the Court of Law which issued the arrest warrant against Begum Zia due to a

specific reason. Let the law take it’s own course. The cases of Begum Zia and Tarique Rahman are not similar, for the former is very much in the country and the latter is not.

Molla A Latif Showing the thumb to the law and court not in any way stands for an insignificant gallantry on the part of warring political leader fighting for democracy, rule of law, and transparency. Would anyone explain where should she apply those if she wins her war against autocracy, anarchism, and corruption? If she can defy law and evade the court to win the case, then what law and court shall rule over criminals to punish them?

Yet, after a day of having the arrest warrant in hand, and the accused available in person, the authorities have not executed the order of the court. Then what else can the court do to try the accused when it does not have the forces to execute its own orders? Do we have any alternatives but to salute the criminals and feel agony for the court? Most probably we have to feel pity for govt and its agencies.

DT HC: Why blockade not unconstitutional March 3

Abu Syeed “The easiest way to gain control of a population is to carry out acts of terror. The public will clamor for such laws even if their personal security is threatened” -- Joseph Stalin. Now lets try to analyse, if such laws are passed -- who will have the control over the mass population? The govt? The opposition? The people?

Babul Sarwar MPs, had they been wise, would have passed a bill to ban hartal/oborodh for at least three months, keeping the provision of automatic immediate arrest of the top leaders of the parties calling them. That could save the children/parents.

‘Khaleda’s arrest to intensify govt’s step down’ February 25

Molla A Latif So, BNP should hand over Khaleda Zia to police and rejoice for the hastening of the fall of the govt? What’s there to worry about? Come on man! Do what you do quickly!

It’s all about the money February 24

Adom Ali The late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto once termed politicians as “prostitutes without principles, a rare bird.” (He himself was no exception.)

A prostitute renders service charges that are worth it, but some politicians do not.

DT

OPINION 13

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Crying wolf? n Samrat Choudhury

W

hen Narendra Modi was contesting elections for the office of prime minister last year, a lot was said and written about what that might mean for the country’s Muslim minority. No great change seems to have been wrought in their lives by his victory one way or another.

The worst that can be said is that two state governments have outlawed all kinds of beef. Even this can’t really be construed as aimed at the Muslims, especially since there is a new narrative building of attacks on the country’s Christian minority.

That story reached as far up as it could go on planet Earth, with US President Barack Obama expressing his concern at acts of religious intolerance in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by going to a church ceremony celebrating the beatification of two Indians by the pope.

Speaking there, he condemned all incidents of violence against minorities. Modi also summoned the police commissioner of Delhi to personally take stock of alleged attacks on Christian institutions there, and ordered fool-proof security for those institutions.

However, it is not clear yet if any organisation was involved in those attacks, or even if they were attacks at all.

Another “attack” turned out to be a case of a single stone thrown by a boy hitting a church window. Eyewitnesses said the boy had thrown the stone at another boy but hit the window instead. A third case of a burnt crib in a church turned out to be the result of a drunken dare, according to confessions of the men who did it. Their act was caught on CCTV and they were arrested.

Despite this, the narrative of attacks on Delhi churches took on a life of its own. Even the Caravan carried its report as part of a

series on communal violence, though there was nothing in that report -- apart from some alarmist statements -- to suggest any communal angle in the incidents.

The narrative of attacks on Christians by the Hindu right-wing got another fillip when RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said there was a motive of conversion to Christianity behind Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity’s service to the poor.

The condemnation of Bhagwat was great, and global. This may have been because of who he is rather than what he said, since it is hardly an affront to suggest that a missionary may be interested in missionary work.

Moreover, far worse has been said of Mother Teresa in the past by Christopher Hitchens and Tariq Ali, among others.

Hitchens and Ali made a documentary about her called Hell’s Angel and painted her a bigot who fetishised poverty.

Two Canadian academics, Serge Larivee and Genevieve Chenard, had accused her of raising millions of dollars for charity but offering only prayers for the poor. The German magazine Stern had accused her of salting away millions of dollars in secret bank accounts.

None of this would merit recounting if the cries of “Christians under attack in India” had not become so insistent. If critical statements about Mother Teresa are the benchmark, clearly Christians have long been under attack in England, Canada, and Germany as well.

The latest round of this new narrative of attacks on Christians is now being played out.

An under-construction church building in a village in Haryana was allegedly attacked recently. A more grave attack occurred on March 14 when dacoits broke into a school in West Bengal and stole lakhs of rupees, laptops, and mobile phones. They also allegedly gang-raped a 71-year-old nun.

This sounds like a horrific crime. However, there are no reports so far that suggest involvement of any organisation in the crime.

That has not stopped the archbishop of Kolkata and other senior church members from blaming the BJP and Mr Modi’s government, saying attacks on minorities had increased in their tenure.

The archbishop also lauded West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who holds the Home Ministry and is responsible for law and order in the state for prompt action, though no arrests have been made yet.

The church is clearly taking a political stance. The wisdom of such a stance is questionable. It mixes religion and politics, which

is definitely not secular; the church has, of course, never been secular anywhere.

Moreover, conflating accidents, crimes, and political violence and presenting all of these as political violence is atrocity propaganda. This runs the risk of creating genuine divides where none exist.

It also risks the church’s credibility. There are Hindu bigots just as there are Muslim bigots and Christian bigots. Crying wolf all the time is certain to ensure that fewer people will believe there is an attack if one actually happens. l

moderation. Bangladesh is disaster-prone and one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

It is predicted that 2% of the national GDP of Bangladesh will be reduced due to climate change. So, it is essential to keep the harmony of the ecosystem to successfully achieve the goals of sustainable development.

For this, adopting new adaptation strategies is essential. In this case, water is being considered the most vital aspect to making these adaptation strategies successful.

In sustainable development, priority is given to the highest utilisation of natural resources, but it must be ensured that there are no negative impacts on nature and the ecosystem. If the adaptation strategies become successful, the balance of the ecosystem will be ensured and the negative impact of climate change will be prevented.

Thus, there will be no obstacle in the highest utilisation of natural resources.

Almost half the world’s population lives in urban areas, and it is forecasted two-thirds

of the world will be urban-centric by 2050.

A big portion of the urban population in Bangladesh lives in slums in miserable conditions, and are deprived of safe drinking water, sanitation, and improved hygiene facilities.

And the number is increasing. It will be very challenging to provide proper urban facilities for these urban-centric people because in most cases, urbanisation is promoted in a non-planned manner.

There is no alternative to promoting proper urbanisation to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

Food security is a global concern as it is one of the most challenging issues for achieving sustainable development. Food security is directly connected to sustainable agriculture and sufficient water supply. The world will have to produce an additional 60% food to meet the demands of its population by 2050.

Sufficient water is very important for producing this amount of food. It will not be possible to meet the demand by rainfed agriculture only. Other sources such

as surface and groundwater need to be utilised properly for agricultural purposes to meet the extra food demand. Climateaffected countries like Bangladesh need special emphasis to get sufficient water for agricultural purposes. To ensure this, proper management of water is a must.

The duty of water collection is inexplicably bestowed on women, girls, and children in developing countries like Bangladesh. Research shows women of these countries spend one-fourth of their time collecting drinking water, ignoring domestic work. But the time spent is not considered as an investment in terms of income and gets no social recognition.

Sustainable development is not possible only by economic development. In this regard, social advancement and water governance is essential. Bangladesh, as a developing country, needs to put more emphasis on identifying the nexus between water and sustainable development.

Are India’s Christians under attack?

REUTERS

Samrat Choudhury is a senior journalist and author based in Mumbai.

Safe to drink n Md Ashik Sarder

T

oday is World Water Day. Development practitioners have agreed that water is the most influential factor to achieve the goals listed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Though the UN has recognised access to safe water as a basic human right, millions of people in the world are deprived of safe drinking water and it is resulting in many deaths every day due to different diseases. So, the development process is hindered.

Water is crucial to human health, and a minimum amount of water is required for the human body on a daily basis for survival. Water is also related to sanitation, personal hygiene, preventing various types of diseases, etc. A total of 748 million people cannot have access to safe drinking water without improved sanitation, so safe drinking water must be ensured.

The ecosystem provides people with food, goods, medicines, and many other products, and it also plays a vital role in nutrient cycling, water purification, and climate

Md Ashik Sarder is a development worker and researcher.

DT

14 OPINION

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Our leaders care only about their own castles of power

BIGSTOCK

The perilous fault lines of our nationhood n Ziauddin Choudhury

M

uch has been said about the kind of politics that has drained the country of its patience, energy, and resources by attributing it mainly to the stances of two leaders. Actually, when times become tough and crisis builds on crisis, people have little time for any deep analysis.

They tend to oversimplify the cause and seek a simple solution; change the actors responsible for the crisis and we will get rid of all our troubles. But the reality is not that simple. Changing personalities without changing our attitude to nationhood, democracy, political philosophy, and views on governance that have metamorphosed over the last few decades cannot solve our current political problems.

These problems go beyond the simple issue of elections and next government; they touch the very definition of our nationhood and political beliefs. These are fault lines that divide the nation and continue to expand year by year.

Some of the fault lines of our nationhood were with the country from before its birth, and these mostly dealt with our identity, the most cardinal of which was based on religion.

The Liberation War and the indignity that Bengalis as a race underwent in Pakistan years gave a new meaning to our identity and most Bengalis of then East Pakistan realised that religion alone could not solidify a nation.

This, along with the economic and political repression of then East Pakistan by a coterie of powers guided by an army obsessed with power would lead us to demand self-government and autonomy for us Bengalis.

Birth of Bangladesh was not easy, except to those who think that the nine-month war was a cakewalk. Those who had gone through it know how difficult the war had been, what it was to see hundreds of thousands felled to the ground, millions losing

their home properties, and millions living sub-human lives in a foreign country.

Yet, when Bangladesh was groaning under brutal assaults of a junta gone berserk with war on civilians in the name of religion, there were elements from within the Bengalis who became fifth columnists to lend their hands to the ruling junta. Some were indeed fanatically religious, and others were mercenary.

The fault lines would not have developed if care was taken by the political leadership to honour the values of our independence struggle

But when the junta left the country in shackles they left behind their political acolytes in independent Bangladesh to fend for themselves. And indeed they fended for themselves by thriving on the generosity, and sometimes naiveté of the forgiving Bengalis.

One time openly anti-liberation and Pakistan loyalists, the self-declared flag-bearers of our religion, would lie low only to rear their heads when opportunity struck.

One would think that the political thinking and cultural mindset that aided and abetted the rulers of then Pakistan and worked against Bangladesh would disappear with the emergence of a secular Bangladesh.

Today after more than four decades of liberation we realise that it is not the reality.

Instead, the reality is that politics in the country is divided by the same chasm of dissension that launched the war of liberation.

There are several reasons for the developing fault lines. The first is our inability to restrain and regulate religious forces in the country. The second is our innate inability to separate religion from politics. The third is political rehabilitation of anti-liberation forces at state abetment.

Our inability to restrain and regulate religious forces is a combination of historical indulgence of religious institutions and personalities, fear of facing religious backlash, and more importantly manipulation of these forces by political leaders, often those seeking support to obtain or retain power.

Political rehabilitation of anti-liberation and religious forces began with the first onslaught on democracy in less than four years of independence, on the blood of the country’s founder. They would gain their strength and develop political muscle in subsequent years of military-led governments that spawned a new kind of politics, politics of cantonment, which would allow political berth to everyone and anyone who would vow allegiance of support to the new rulers.

As years went by, political parties created and promoted by army dictators would embrace these forces with open arms and give them a free hand in the country’s politics.

Thus, the once foes of liberation would aim to be the new partners of government of a country they opposed.

But these alone do not explain the current wave of non-secular and conservative thinking that seems to be affecting a majority of the people in the country. A good part of this thinking arises from failure of secular politics in the country, failure to establish truly secular education, failure to separate religion from politics, silent promotion of religious schools and institutions, and failure of successive governments to root out and punish incidents of religious intolerance.

Also, the effort of a single political party to claim sole ownership of the struggle for independence and subsequent victory alienated a significant section of the population making

them apathetic to the rise of conservative forces in the country. The values that guided our Liberation War and were enshrined in our first constitution would gradually dissipate giving place to the values that the war stood against.

It is not a lament that the country’s politics be divided; in fact, it is natural that it be so. The lament is that the division is not based on difference in policies of domestic economy or foreign relations. The difference is between principles and political ideology -- between a thinking that once divided the sub-continent in two parts based on religion and an ideology that led to the birth of Bangladesh.

The chasm that separates politics of the country now is between having a national identity based on ethnicity, language, and culture as opposed to religion alone. The fault line is between groups that believe in a free and open society that believes in diversity, and those who want to take the country back to an ideology far different from the one on which the country fought its independence.

This need not have happened, and the fault lines would not have developed if care was taken by the political leadership to honour the values of our independence struggle.

But the myopic leadership kept its narrow focus on securing and retaining power, and not on building a nation.

The current political battles only affirm this assessment. To prevent a reversal to the ideology and politics that the country once spurned, we need to change our attitude to nationhood, democracy, political philosophy, and governance.

This may be a long-term effort, but it can only happen if our current political leaders focus more on building the nation, its true identity and values, and less on building their own castles of power. l Ziauddin Choudhury has worked in the higher civil service of Bangladesh early in his career, and later for

16

Reuters poll: Top India economic forecasters see no repeat of 2013 sell-off

17

China-led development bank gains popularity

20

BGMEA seeks more time to announce election schedule

DT

Business

15

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Fresh policy soon to stem decline in tax-GDP ratio n Asif Showkat Kallol

Speakers at a seminar styled as ‘Legal and Regulatory Issues Related to Environmental Sustainability of the Textile Sector’ in Dhaka yesterday

RAJIB DHAR

Experts: Frame rules to make textile industry green n Tribune Report In the wake of increasing demand for green products globally, experts yesterday suggested framing rules for making the textile industry environmental complaint for enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability.

They also made a set of recommendations, including giving financial or fiscal incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to low-cost cleaner production practices and making aware that the reduction of energy consumption can be a real cost-cutter.

The recommendations were made at a seminar on “Legal and Regulatory Issues Related to Environmental Sustainability of the Textiles Sector,” organised jointly by Policy Research Institute (PRI) and International Finance Corporation at the PRI conference room.

Speaking at the function, Environment and Forest Minister Anwar Hossain Manju said his ministry had put its best efforts to improve environment in the country.

“There are lots of regulations but effective implementation of them is important to reduce pollution,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that the water supplied by the government was not drinkable, which is “unfortunate.”

BGMEA President Atiqul Islam said ensuring quality and environmental matters in the factories is increasingly becoming a global issue.

“This means if any of the two is missing,

you are simply out of business.”

“But it is easy for big factories but not for small factories to address the environmental pollution, which is a challenge.”

Atiqul Islam added the textile industry uses ground water as it contains less chlorine.

He laid emphasis on financial support at lower interest for implementing the environmental issue.

Senior environmental adviser to GIZ in Bangladesh Tanuja Bhattacharjee said rules and proper guidelines are necessary to make textile industry competitive as environmental sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue in international arena.

“It is high time to look at the issue so that we can set example before the world,” she said.

She said GIZ is going to launch mobile testing water wastage programme by June next to identify the level of environment pollution in the textile industry.

Assistant Chief of Ministry of Environment and Forest, Khalid Hassan said the ministry is in the process of enacting Land Zoning Act to help make cluster textile industry outside of the city.

Chief Operating Officer of Comfit Composite Limited, Md Kawser Ali described that how his company had reduced use of water by adopting environment-friendly technology.

“Use of water has fallen to 50 litres from 180 litres for cleaning per kilogram fabric. ” PRI Executive Director Ahsan H Mansur

emphasised the need to address the environmental issue before being late for keeping the environment clean for generations to come.

He presented a paper at the seminar putting a number of recommendations, including differentiating water tariffs based on locations, strengthening enforcement and monitoring, tax and duty rationalisation for encouraging environmentally-friendly investment goods and for discouraging hazardous chemicals.

The paper said although data on the extent of washing dying and finishing firms with effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are not readily available, the perception of experts is that the coverage is very low at around 30%.

Without the full coverage with ETPs along with strict enforcement of rules, the water pollution could not be addressed, it said.

An assessment of four firms shows that 3 of 7 best practices cost less than Tk4.1 lakh each, two of them cost almost nothing.

None requires more than 15 months to recoup the costs and the improvements could reduce water and energy consumption by up to 25% as well as reduce chemical use significantly, according to the findings. l

The prime minister’s economic affairs adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman has said the country’s existing revenue system should be deeply scrutinised to stem the decline of the tax-GDP ratio over the last three years.

The adviser made the remark at a national steering committee meeting on the seventh five-year plan (2016-2020) at the Planning Ministry two weeks ago, with Planning minister Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal in the chair.

Mashiur Rahman said the premier underscored the need for enhancement of efficiency of the National Board of Revenue officials to boost the country’s revenue earning.

A fresh policy will be adopted in the seventh five-year plan to draw foreign investment in the country for creation of employment and scope for more revenues for the government exchequer, he added.

The adviser observed that remittances from Bangladeshi expatriates mostly go to the investment in unproductive sectors specially land.

According to the Finance Division, the tax-GDP ratio might stand at 8.95% in this fiscal year of 2014-15.

The tax-GDP ratio was 8.94% in FY2013-14 which tallies the lowest in South Asia.

The government had a target to raise the level to 9.2% for the entire fiscal year of 2013-2014 while this fiscal year the taxGDP ratio target is estimated to be above 10%.

The calculation of 9.2% tax-GDP ratio in FY2013-2014 was based on the new base year of 2005-06 of GDP measurement.

Officials said a revenue collection of Tk1,25,000 crore in this fiscal year of 2014-2015 against the target of Tk1,49,720 crore would be satisfactory for the Finance Division amid political turmoil.

The next fiscal revenue earnings are estimated to be Tk1,76,370 crore, they added.

The Finance Division will propose Tk2,91,600 crore as next budget target at the fiscal coordination council meeting next week. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Reuters poll: Top India economic forecasters see no repeat of 2013 sell-off n Reuters, Bengaluru India’s economy is in much better shape to weather tighter US monetary policy than it was two years ago, according to the economics team from ICICI Securities PD, the most accurate forecasters on Indian economic data in Reuters polls last year.

In 2013, when the US Federal Reserve signalled it would start tapering the massive monetary stimulus it introduced after the global financial crisis, investors dumped emerging market assets, knocking around 13% off the rupee through the year.

On Wednesday the Fed gave another signal, indicating it was a step closer to raising interest rates, expectations of which have already led to a 25% rally in the dollar against a basket of currencies since last summer.

But tighter Fed policy won’t inflict much damage this time, according to ICICI economists A. Prasanna and Abhishek Upadhyay, as investors remain confident India’s economy is accelerating and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver on much-needed reforms.

“The taper scare had a strong disciplining effect on India, and the macro vulnerabilities have diminished significantly,” said Upadhyay.

“The current account deficit, fiscal deficit and inflation are much lower, and the RBI has added to forex reserves. Growth is headed in the right direction as well,” he added.

India’s current account gap narrowed in the October-December quarter and is expected to turn to surplus in early 2015 for the first time in eight years, thanks to a stronger rupee and cheaper oil.

The rupee, Taiwanese dollar and Thai baht are the only emerging Asian currencies to have weathered the surging dollar and strengthened so far this year. Major currencies like the euro and sterling have depreciated heavily.

But ICICI’s economists are not as optimistic about growth as the government, and say investment demand is yet to rise significantly as commercial banks remain reluctant to pass on the RBI’s two rate cuts since January to customers.

The top forecaster rankings, compiled by StarMine, are based on a firm’s predictions for key economic indicators released in 2014.

StarMine aggregates individual data point accuracy scores for each contributor over all releases during the year to determine overall score and rank for each contributor in a given country. l

An employee counts Indian rupee currency notes inside a private money exchange office in New Delhi REUTERS

Reuters poll: Fed rate hike Top oil companies raise more view hurts Asia FX sentiment; debt than ever in 2015 n yuan exception The world’s top oil companies raised a record $31bn of debt in the first two months of 2015, Morgan Stanley research shows, taking advantage of ultra-low borrowing costs to prop up dividends, balance sheets and acquisition funds.

The top US and European oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Total and Statoil, accounted for 48 percent of a total of $63bn of debt raised by oil and gas companies globally in January and February.

Since the start of the year, Exxon issued $8bn

of debt, while Total, Chevron and BP each issued $6bn, according to the bank’s research.

The $31bn raised in the first two months of 2015 is higher than the previous record quarter set in the first quarter of 2009 when these companies issued $28bn.

The halving of global oil prices LCOc1 since last July has roiled oil companies, forcing many to cut spending and sell assets in order to maintain their balance sheets and pay dividends. But most major oil companies still need to increase borrowing in order to break even, given lower oil revenues. l

Syed Waseque Md Ali has recently been appointed as managing director of First Security Islami Bank Limited. Prior to this appointment, he was working as the bank’s managing director (current charge)

Mario Hardy, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is coming to Bangladesh tomorrow for a fourday official visit. This visit is in the view of invitation extended to him by CEO, Bangladesh Tourism Board and Chairman of PATA Bangladesh Chapter

Reuters, London

n Reuters, Singapore Bearish bets on most emerging Asian currencies increased in the last two weeks, with short positions in the Singapore dollar at a six-year high, as the Federal Reserve moved closer to raising interest rates, a Reuters poll showed Thursday.

Short positions on the Chinese yuan CNY=CFXS, however, were reduced on perceptions that the central bank would support the currency, according to the survey of 12 currency analysts from banks and asset management companies conducted between Tuesday and Thursday.

The Fed dropped a reference to being “patient” on rates from its policy statement on Wednesday, opening the door wider for a hike this year. At the same time, the central bank downgraded its economic growth and inflation forecasts, signaling it is in no rush to raise borrowing costs.

That caused investors to scale back expectations of a rate hike in June. Top Wall Street firms now see a Fed lift off in September.

While the Fed is expected to raise rates, central banks in Asia are likely to ease policy to tackle economic sluggishness and deflationary pressures.

Pessimistic bets on the Singapore dollar SGD=D3 soared to their largest since January 2009.

The Singapore dollar fell to its weakest

since July 2010 last week as a slowing economy and inflation added to expectations that the central bank may ease monetary policy further in April.

The Indonesian rupiah’s IDR=ID short positions hit the highest since January 2014 as the currency fell to its weakest since August 1998.

The rupiah came under pressure from capital outflows and dollar demand from local companies. The central bank was spotted intervening to support the worst performing Asian currency so far this year, but it refrained from reversing the trend.

Short positions in the South Korean won KRW=KFTC increased to the largest since early December after the central bank unexpectedly cut its policy interest rate KROCRT=ECI to a record low of 1.75% last week.

Sentiment on the Thailand’s baht THB=TH became the most pessimistic since mid-December as the Bank of Thailand also slashed its benchmark interest rate THCBIR=ECI. Short positions on the Malaysian ringgit MYR=MY rose to the highest level since late January as sliding oil prices underscored concerns that lower crude may hurt the country’s current account surplus and result in a wider fiscal deficit. Malaysia is a net oil exporter.

The currency came under further pressure from growing worries about a cut in sovereign ratings. l

DT

BUSINESS 17

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

China-led development bank gains popularity n Reuters, Tokyo Australia said on Friday there was a lot of merit in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) while Japan’s finance minister signalled cautious approval of the institution that the United States has warned against.

However, other top officials in Tokyo were more sceptical, reflecting a split in the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over whether joining an institution launched by Japan’s main rival would help or hinder its interests.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that Canberra could formally decide to sign up to the AIIB when the full cabinet meets on Monday.

Japan, Australia and the South Korea, all major US allies, are the notable regional absentees from the AIIB. The United States, worried about China’s growing diplomatic clout, has questioned whether the AIIB will have sufficient standards of governance and environmental and social safeguards.

But the opposition to the AIIB began crumbling after Britain said earlier this month that it would join the institution, maintaining it was in its national interest. France, Germany and Italy swiftly followed suit.

Australia now appears close to joining, although no formal decision has been made, and Beijing said Japan and South Korea were also considering the possibility.

China’s Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said the bank would be set up by the end of the year and would complement rather than compete with other institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Manila-based multilateral institution dominated by Japan and the United States.

“All parties will by the middle of this year complete talks and sign the charter for the AIIB, and by year-end will make the charter effective and officially establish the AIIB,” Lou said in an interview with state media, adding that Beijing was “maintaining communication” with the United States and Japan.

Asked about Australia, South Korea and Japan joining the bank, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was “open” to it.

“They have all already expressed that they are contemplating the issue at hand,” ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily briefing.

“We are open to them making the relevant decision.”

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said Tokyo could consider joining the China-led bank if it could guarantee a credible mecha-

China’s President Xi Jinping (right) meets with the guests at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank launch ceremony in Beijing nism for providing loans.

“We have been asking to ensure debt sustainability taking into account its impact on environment and society,” he told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

“We could (consider to participate) if these issues are guaranteed. There could be a chance that we would go inside and discuss.

But so far we have not heard any responses.”

Other officials were more leery, reflecting Tokyo’s concern over China-led lending practices, its relations with major ally Washington and the AIIB’s potential rivalry with the ADB. “We have a cautious position about participation,” said top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.

But a source familiar with Japan’s policy-making said Tokyo should get involved to help ensure best practices and to avoid being left out. “Now it has become awkward as Europe joins but the U.S. and Japan stay out,” the source said.

According to one senior official in the ruling coalition, the result of the differences is that Japan’s participation “is not going to happen under the Abe administration”.

Our neighbourhood

australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said no final decision had been made on Australia’s involvement but the matter had been under careful consideration.

“More than 30 countries have already signed up. This is going to operate in our region, in our neighbourhood,” he told a radio station in Brisbane.

“There is a lot of merit in it, but we want to make sure there are proper governance procedures. That there’s transparency, that no one country is able to control the entity.”

The Sydney Morning Herald said Canberra could invest as much as A$3bn ($2.3bn) in the bank and that the National Security Committee has cleared the way for the investment.

South Korean government officials denied a newspaper report that Seoul had decided to join in exchange for a five percent stake in the AIIB and the position of deputy chief.

The finance ministry said in a statement South Korea will make a decision on whether to join the bank “through close consultation with major countries and after considering various factors such as economic advantages and disadvantages”.

Hockey said joining the AIIB would not affect Australia’s close relationship with the United States and also referred to the gains that Australian companies could reap.

“The United States understands that this is a bank that’s going to be operating in our region. It’s going to be using contractors in our region. We want Australian contractors involved, we want work for Australians out of this bank,” he said.

REUTERS

“And because it’s operating in our region, in our neighbourhood, it is important that Australia fully understand and look at participating in this Bank.

Switzerland, Luxembourg plan to join

Switzerland and Luxembourg are planning to join the Beijing-backed development bank AIIB, China’s finance ministry said, the latest European nations to sign up to the multilateral lender which has drawn scepticism from the United States.

Britain, France, Germany and Italy have already announced their intentions to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which is viewed by some as a competitor to the World Bank and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

Switzerland will formally become a founding member of the bank later this month if approved by other members, China’s finance ministry said in a statement late Friday. l A separate ministry statement said Luxembourg had also applied.

China’s finance chief Lou Jiwei on Friday said the bank had 27 “prospective” founding members, the official Xinhua news agency reported, adding the application deadline is March 31.

The bank, which will support infrastructure projects in Asia, is expected to be set up before the end of this year, Xinhua said. l

Lafarge and Holcim repair cracks in deal to create world’s top cement company n AFP, Paris Lafarge and Holcim said Friday that they had repaired cracks that had threatened to cause the collapse of their merger to create the world’s biggest cement company.

“The Boards of Directors of Holcim and Lafarge are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement on revised terms for the merger of equals between both companies,” they said in a joint statement.

Last year the two companies announced plans to create a cement titan employing more than 130,000 people, which would generate annual sales of 32bn euros ($34bn) and

underlying profits of 6.5bn euros - a major event in the global construction industry.

But with the sharp rise in the Swiss franc having driven up Holcim’s value since the merger was agreed last year, the Swiss company said on Sunday that the terms of one Holcim share for one Lafarge share were no longer appropriate.

The companies agreed on a new exchange ratio of nine Holcim shares for 10 Lafarge shares, although that is not as favourable as the Swiss company had sought.

Holcim’s bid to sideline the chief executive of France’s Lafarge, Bruno Lafont, one of the architects of the merger, only partially suc-

ceeded.

Holcim’s executives apparently did not appreciate Lafont’s hands-on and centralised management style, and he agreed to give up the chief executive post to ensure the merger went forward.

Instead Lafont and Holcim board chairman Wolfgang Reitzle will both become non-executive co-chairmen of the merged company’s board.

Lafarge will soon propose a candidate for chief executive, to be accepted by Holcim’s board, the companies said the statement.

The merger must be approved by twothirds of shareholders in each of the two com-

panies at special general assemblies.

For its part, the French government said it was paying attention to developments to ensure that the “French anchor” in the industry is maintained. The future headquarters of the merged company will be based in Switzerland but a research and development centre will remain in the Lyon region.

Investors applauded the revised merger agreement, sending Lafarge shares soaring 2.12% to close at 63.62 euros, while Paris’ CAC 40 index was up 1% overall.

Holcim’s shares saw a more moderate rise of 0.46% to 76.15 francs while the Swiss SMI index in Zurich showed a gain of 0.73%. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 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.

BRACBANK: The Board of Directors has recommended 20% cash dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

Date of AGM: 23.04.2015, Time: 10:00 AM, Venue: BRAC-CDM, Savar, Dhaka. Record date: 30.03.2015. The Company has also reported consolidated profit after tax of Tk. 2,101.57 million, consolidated EPS of Tk. 3.13, consolidated NAV per share of Tk. 27.19 and consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 14.77 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

BERGERPBL: The Board of Directors has recommended 220% cash dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014. Date of AGM: 19.04.2015, Time: 10:00 AM, Venue: International Convention City (Pushpoguscho, Hall No.-2), Bashundhara, Joarsahara, Dhaka. Record date: 30.03.2015.

The Company has also reported consolidated profit after tax of Tk. 1,151.03 million, consolidated EPS of Tk. 49.64, consolidated NAV per share of Tk. 154.04

and consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 54.66 for the year ended on December 31, 2014 as against Tk. 899.80 million, Tk. 38.80, Tk. 126.41 and Tk. 45.32 respectively for the year ended on December 31, 2013.

Audited/unaudited Financial Reports: 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.

Fixed Assets/Right/Investment: SANDHANINS: The Company has informed that the Board of Directors of the Company has decided to purchase floor spaces measuring 7,994.34 sft. including 2 car parking space at BGIC Tower (ground floor and 1st floor), 34 Topkhana Road, Dhaka at the rate of Tk. 13,134.29 per sft. with total Tk. 10.50 crore (excluding stamp, registration fee and other relevant expenses) subject to the approval of Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority.

BSRMSTEEL: The Company has informed that the Board of Directors of the Company has decided to purchase 335.45 decimal land at Chapatoli & Kaudala, Bandar, Narayanganj for construction of its warehouse. The approximate cost to purchase the land will be Tk. 11.30 crore. The cost of construction of the warehouse will be approximately Tk. 50.00 crore.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Closing (% change)

Company Reckitt Benckiser -A Marico BD Ltd-A Social Islami. B-A One Bank -A Savar Refractories-Z Bangladesh Welding -Z Atlas BD-A Ifad Autos -N Brac Bank -A Shampur Sugar -Z

9.79 9.49 8.20 7.69 5.42 5.00 4.77 4.51 3.93 3.90

CSE GAINER Closing (% change)

Company Reckitt Benckiser -A Marico BD Ltd-A Nitol Insurance -A One Bank -A Dhaka Ins. Ltd.-A Linde (BD) Ltd. -A Bangladesh Lamps -A GreenDeltaInsu -A Bangladesh Welding -Z Social Islami. B-A

14.52 10.44 8.26 7.69 7.17 6.70 6.48 6.25 5.77 5.65

DSE LOSER Company Singer BD -A United Finance - A Al Arafa Islami B-A Aziz PipesZ Samata LeatheR -Z Trust Bank-A Global Insurance -A Janata Insur -A The Peninsula CTG.-N Union Capital -A

Closing (% change) -20.41 -18.80 -16.33 -13.90 -13.41 -11.76 -9.74 -9.52 -9.50 -9.20

CSE LOSER Company Singer BD -A Al Arafa Islami B-A Trust Bank-A Republic Insu.-A Rahima Food -Z SonarBangla Insu. -A Premier Leasing-Z Southeast Bank-A Eastland Insur -A BGIC -A

Closing (% change) -19.97 -16.78 -12.90 -12.14 -11.82 -10.84 -10.11 -10.06 -10.00 -9.84

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features March 15-19, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

10,234.12 216,593,244 278,275

Traded Issues

318

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

68

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

247

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

3

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,470.43

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.94

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 941.34 276.46 77.10 1230.12 710.31 1659.28 24.54 872.63 1520.00 23.09 493.26 59.40 51.74 847.33 174.70 72.62 114.37 697.60 79.12 306.52 2.60

% change 9.20 2.70 0.75 12.02 6.94 16.21 0.24 8.53 14.85 0.23 4.82 0.58 0.51 8.28 1.71 0.71 1.12 6.82 0.77 3.00 0.03

Million Taka 68.63 21.75 3.67 146.09 12.57 99.60 0.00 99.05 67.19 3.03 33.52 1.40 3.71 74.78 17.88 1.57 3.83 62.82 18.08 71.42 0.11

Average (% change) 10.36 11.06 5.54 8.11 5.42 5.32 5.12 5.46 2.94 3.90

Average (% change) 14.52 11.82 7.83 8.37 7.13 6.87 6.23 6.25 4.83 4.99

Average (% change) -19.85 -17.82 -16.90 -16.22 -13.47 -13.15 -9.22 -9.48 -8.80 -7.21

Average (% change) -19.74 -15.40 -14.19 -15.44 -11.85 -7.50 -7.49 -10.32 -9.83 -9.04

CSE

Closing average 1,431.21 1,351.06 12.95 15.46 50.60 16.82 134.11 65.53 34.33 8.00

Closing average 1514.00 1354.83 24.80 15.40 23.89 956.49 114.73 59.50 16.50 13.05

Closing average 176.70 19.00 12.39 16.11 14.20 13.54 13.89 13.27 20.10 15.95

Closing average

% change 8.47 2.68 0.45 18.02 1.55 12.29 0.00 12.22 8.29 0.37 4.13 0.17 0.46 9.22 2.21 0.19 0.47 7.75 2.23 8.81 0.01

176.97 12.53 13.30 17.42 29.09 14.80 8.15 16.17 26.15 16.60

Weekly closing 1,432.00 1,363.20 13.20 15.40 50.60 16.80 133.90 64.90 34.40 8.00

Weekly closing 1514.00 1369.30 24.90 15.40 23.90 955.00 115.00 59.50 16.50 13.10

Weekly closing 176.30 19.00 12.30 16.10 14.20 13.50 13.90 13.30 20.00 15.80

Weekly closing 177.10 12.40 13.50 18.10 29.10 14.80 8.00 16.10 26.10 16.50

Million Taka 1009.97 298.21 80.77 1376.21 722.88 1758.87 24.54 971.68 1587.19 26.12 526.77 60.80 55.45 922.12 192.58 74.19 118.20 760.42 97.20 377.94 2.71

Weekly high 1,477.90 1,370.00 13.20 15.80 50.60 17.40 138.00 68.30 35.00 8.10

Weekly high 1514.00 1370.00 25.30 15.60 24.00 957.40 115.00 59.50 17.10 13.20

Weekly high

Weekly low 1,325.00 1,209.00 12.20 14.00 46.00 16.10 128.00 62.20 32.00 7.60

Weekly low 1349.90 1235.00 22.60 14.30 22.00 955.00 111.10 56.00 16.00 12.30

Weekly low

183.00 22.90 13.50 20.50 16.50 13.70 15.30 14.70 22.40 18.00

Weekly high

173.00 18.70 12.20 15.60 14.10 13.10 13.00 13.10 19.70 14.50

Weekly low

182.00 13.80 13.70 19.40 32.80 15.00 8.90 16.30 26.20 18.00

Total

170.30 12.30 12.70 17.30 28.50 14.20 8.00 15.10 26.10 16.10

% change 9.14 2.70 0.73 12.46 6.54 15.92 0.22 8.80 14.37 0.24 4.77 0.55 0.50 8.35 1.74 0.67 1.07 6.88 0.88 3.42 0.02

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

21.941 43.709 73.826 183.664 0.000 6.319 13.765 472.156 171.299 0.022

Turnover in million

42.33 48.72 2.74 3.12 -0.62 0.44 0.04 1.92 3.13 -52.72

Latest EPS

0.481 0.798 0.142 13.182 0.227 0.150 0.084 0.005 0.599 2.579

Turnover in million

42.33 48.72 2.79 3.12 2.44 40.75 1.13 2.96 0.44 2.74

Latest EPS

102.573 12.837 28.423 0.322 0.069 4.097 2.041 0.168 22.293 5.638

Turnover in million

4.73 2.10 2.20 -0.37 -0.46 2.77 1.12 0.37 1.46 1.50

Latest EPS

14.929 0.924 0.527 0.242 0.134 0.024 0.380 2.858 0.055 0.146

4.73 2.20 2.77 2.56 -0.42 1.77 0.08 4.18 3.33 2.35

Latest PE 33.8 27.7 4.7 5.0 -ve 38.2 3352.8 34.1 11.0 -ve

Latest PE 35.8 27.8 8.9 4.9 9.8 23.5 101.5 20.1 37.5 4.8

Latest PE 37.4 9.0 5.6 -ve -ve 4.9 12.4 35.9 13.8 10.6

Latest PE 37.4 5.7 4.8 6.8 -ve 8.4 101.9 3.9 7.9 7.1

CSE key features March 15-19, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

810.71 22,544,118 40,987

Traded Issues

259

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

53

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

202

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,432.34

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.39

DT

BUSINESS 19

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Bearish spell continues to hit stock markets n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Shahjibazar Power-N LafargeS Cement-Z Grameenphone-A Olympic Ind. -A Ifad Autos -N ACI Limited- A SummitAlliancePort.-A Shasha Denims -N MJL BD Ltd.-A Square Pharma -A

BEXIMCO Ltd. -A One Bank -A Brac Bank -A Titas Gas TDCLA ACI Formulations-A

Volume shares 3,638,199 5,915,944 1,772,629 2,359,674 7,239,620 1,019,698 6,450,511 8,862,994 2,601,763 1,022,295

6,279,713 12,017,597 5,066,284 1,988,673 904,519

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company LafargeS Cement-Z GPH Ispat Ltd-A Shasha Denims -N Shahjibazar Power-N BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Grameenphone-A Ifad Autos -N BD Submarine Cable-A SummitAlliancePort.-A National Feed-N

MJL BD Ltd.-A ACI Limited- A WesternMarine -N Square Pharma -A Singer BD -A

Volume shares 540,203 1,195,419 1,289,890 221,709 1,145,615 100,863 446,749 234,004 462,905 1,014,314

190,511 43,038 394,066 61,802 84,023

Value in million 677.03 670.23 597.25 517.63 472.16 466.58 384.24 336.01 320.15 262.05

201.85 183.66 171.30 143.47 126.38

Value in million 60.68 48.98 48.69 42.04 36.84 33.99 29.14 28.83 27.55 27.00

23.39 19.70 16.22 15.88 14.93

% of total turnover 6.62 6.55 5.84 5.06 4.61 4.56 3.75 3.28 3.13 2.56

1.97 1.79 1.67 1.40 1.23

% of total turnover 7.48 6.04 6.01 5.19 4.54 4.19 3.59 3.56 3.40 3.33

2.89 2.43 2.00 1.96 1.84

Weekly closing 185.60 114.60 334.40 216.60 64.90 459.50 58.80 37.70 121.10 254.70

32.80 15.40 34.40 71.60 138.00

Weekly closing 113.90 44.10 37.60 183.30 32.70 334.60 64.90 120.60 58.90 26.30

120.90 459.30 40.70 255.50 177.10

Price change -6.26 -8.03 2.86 0.70 4.51 1.19 1.91 -2.58 1.85 -1.32

Weekly opening 198.00 124.60 325.10 215.10 62.10 454.10 57.70 38.70 118.90 258.10

Weekly high 209.50 126.20 344.50 220.00 68.30 468.00 62.30 39.10 126.00 259.40

Price change -8.00 7.04 -2.34 -7.52 1.87 2.39 4.85 -4.29 2.08 -1.87

Weekly opening 123.80 41.20 38.50 198.20 32.10 326.80 61.90 126.00 57.70 26.80

Weekly high 125.30 44.70 38.80 208.90 33.10 345.00 68.30 128.80 62.00 27.00

2.18 7.69 3.93 -2.85 -1.29

1.34 1.17 -3.33 -1.24 -19.97

32.10 14.30 33.10 73.70 139.80

119.30 454.00 42.10 258.70 221.30

33.20 15.80 35.00 74.20 144.40

126.90 466.90 42.50 260.00 182.00

Weekly low 169.00 107.00 325.00 213.00 62.20 443.00 57.30 37.10 118.00 254.10

31.30 14.00 32.00 70.30 134.00

Weekly low 106.10 41.00 37.10 170.90 31.30 326.90 62.50 118.40 57.70 25.90

118.80 441.30 40.00 254.80 170.30

Weekly average 184.70 113.86 336.30 216.20 65.53 457.91 59.37 37.81 121.19 255.11

32.79 15.46 34.33 71.90 138.23

Weekly average 113.73 41.05 37.60 185.29 32.75 336.07 65.54 120.85 59.66 26.36

121.15 457.39 40.91 255.39 176.97

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

4468.02171

(-) 1.95%

1686.67232

(-) 1.62%

13654.8633

(-) 2.02%

11255.6200

(-) 1.77%

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Bearish spell continued to hit stock markets for the fifth straight week that ended Thursday, as prolonged political upheaval dented investors’ confidence.

Every session of the week witnessed sale pressure, led by mainly financial issues, as most investors looked for saving their investment in the face of continued downtrend of the market, dealers say.

During the week, the benchmark index DSEX went below the 4,500-mark and ended at 4,468, down 89 points or 2%.

The blue-chip index DS30 declined 27 points or 1.7% to 1,686. The shariah index DSES dropped 23 points or 2% to 1,081. The DS30 index, comprising blue chips lost 27.74 points or 1.62 per cent to close at 1,686.67 points. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Categories Index, CSCX tumbled 135 points or 1.6% to close at 8,300.

The week’s daily average turnover stood at Tk255crore, down 10% over the previous week, indicating that most investors preferred keeping themselves on the sideline, as there was no political settlement in sight.

Fuel and power, and pharmaceuticals sectors

dominated the trading in the past week, making up together more than 30% of the week’s total turnover.

Lanka Bangla Securities said, “The losing trend continued on the backdrop of frail investor confidence, which is taking heavy batter from the unresolved political scenario.”

IDLC Investments said: “As investors had realised that the political turmoil had taken up the entire first quarter of 2015, their expectations for Q1 earnings turned grey with a genuine concern of the long term performance of the economy from the more sophisticated quadrant of investors.”

A few participants found solace for their money, investing in stocks of multinational companies (MNCs) which are presumed to be relatively safer than the broader market, it said.

Despite the traction in MNCs, broad line market sentiment remained negative, taking prime index DSEX to 151-session low of 4,443 points, it added.

Most of the major sectors failed to gain last week.

The cement sector took the most hit through losing 7% market cap, which could be attributed to the HolcimLafarge merger news. l

ANALYST As investors had realised that the political turmoil had taken up the entire first quarter of 2015, their expectations for Q1 earnings turned grey with a genuine concern of the long term performance of the economy from the more sophisticated quadrant of investors

DT

20 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

BGMEA seeks more time to announce election schedule n

Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought extension of time again from the Ministry of Commerce to update voters’ list for the election of the board of directors.

In a letter to the ministry recently, the body said it would need more time than previous three months extension to complete the process, said BGMEA sources.

Due to the political unrest, many a member has failed to submit their updated documents within the stipulated time, delaying the electoral roll update works.

“We have received updated tax identification numbers and trade licences from 48% of our members,” said a senior BGMEA official.

To ensure participation of a majority number of members, time is needed to collect doc-

uments from more members, he said.

The tenure of the incumbent board will expire on March 25 and as per the rule, the election schedule for the next two-year term was supposed to announce three months before the expiry. The election is held by the end of this three-month period.

As the ministry had asked the trade body to update voters’ list before the election, the body was unable to announce the schedule in December and sought time to carry out the directive. The government extended the time by three months.

As per the extension, the schedule was supposed to be announced by the end of March and election was to be held by June.

Since the BGMEA has said it needs more time, the election will be delayed further if the time is extended again by the ministry.

A BGMEA board member, however, crit-

icised the delaying of the process saying “it has become a trend of the BGMEA to delay the election and grab the power for a longer period like political parties.”

“It is very unfortunate for the business community,” he lamented.

“This type of malpractices should be stopped to uphold the image of the BGMEA. Otherwise the board will face the question of transparency,” added the board member who wanted not to be named.

Earlier, the Directorate of Trade Organisations under the Ministry, in a letter, asked the BGMEA to submit a list of the factories which had updated tax identification numbers and trade licences to ensure transparency in updating voters’ list. In the middle of January this year, the BGMEA issued a circular asking its members to submit their updated TINs and licences by one month. l

Survey: 62% Bangladeshi internet users look for jobs n UNB Most internet users in Bangladesh and India avail themselves of the internet facility for searching jobs, according to a survey conducted by Washington-based Pew Research Center.

The majorities of internet users in Bangladesh – 62% and India 55% - say they have looked for a job online in the past year, the highest rates among the 31 countries surveyed that have enough internet users to analyse.

Indians and Bangladeshis use the internet for job hunting and very few people in India and Bangladesh use the internet – only 20% and 11% respectively. “But among those who do, job searching is a popular activity.”

The Pew Research Center surveyed thousands of people across 32 emerging and developing nations about their technology use and how the rising influence of the internet affects their daily lives.

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other data-driven social science research.

Only 1% of the population in Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh and Uganda say they own a working landline telephone in their household, while 89% in Nigeria, 83% in Ghana, 76% in Bangladesh and 65% in Uganda own cell phones

Bangladesh Fertiliser Association holds 21st Annual General Meeting in the city yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

FBCCI president: Fertiliser management key to food self-sufficiency n Tribune Business Desk President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh attained self-sufficiency in food because of proper management of fertiliser.

“We don’t need to import food any more.

Rather, we can export it. The proper use of fertiliser and its proper distribution is the key

to self-sufficiency in our food sector.”

Akram was addressing the 21st annual conference of Bangladesh Fertiliser Association (BFA) yesterday.

The conference was held at Officers’ Club Dhaka with BFA chairman Kamrul Asraf Khan in the chair, reports UNB. The FBCCI president said if Bangladesh had to import food, the country’s foreign currency reserve would not have escalated so high.

Speaking on the occasion, Awami League whip in parliament Shahiduzzaman Sarkar appreciated the role of the agriculture sector.

He said Bangladesh does not require food import now as the country is heading towards progress in other sectors.

Industries secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Agriculture secretary Eunusur Rahman also spoke at the conference. l

Many people worldwide are skipping the fixed telephone line that many Americans grew up with, and this fact is most apparent in many emerging and developing nations.

Only 1% of the population in Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh and Uganda say they own a working landline telephone in their household, while 89% in Nigeria, 83% in Ghana, 76% in Bangladesh and 65% in Uganda own cell phones. This compares with 60% landline penetration in the USA. Chinese internet users love to shop as about half of online Chinese (52%) have used the internet to buy products in the past 12 months.

Given the size of the online Chinese marketplace, this goes a long way in explaining the meteoric rise of commerce giants such as Alibaba and Baidu.

Among Lebanese who use social networks, an astounding three quarters of them say they use the platform for discussing politics.

Similar levels of political participation occur among social network users in Egypt (66%) and Jordan (63%).

Across all the countries surveyed with sufficient numbers, only a median of 34% say they talk politics using social media, including 16% of Filipino and Vietnamese social networkers and 19% of Indonesians. l

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21

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

T-JUNCTION

Glam it up Photo: Kazi Ahmad Aquib Model: Safa Kabir Wardrobe & Styling: Sparkling Emotions

NEWS

Zeenat Brings independent day special collection Zeenat, a luxury fashion house, brings independent day special collection for all fashion lovers.

This season they have added a new collection of red and green dresses. It also offers to tailor your dress within your budget so it is possible for you to get your desired dress without spending too much.

Moreover, Zeenat always provides free alterations, which helps you get your desired fitting and look.

All products are unique statement

pieces that tell stories of heritage, luxury and status when worn. Call it one of a kind or difficult to find; each of Zeenat’s products has an aura of uniqueness about them, as if they were only made for the individuals wearing them.

For details contact Zeenat, Ava Nir House-54 (Apartment 1/B),Road 11, Block F, Banani, Dhaka, 02-9863043, 01818 818515.

Facebook.com/zeenatdoutique. l

INSIDE

23

tranding

Going green

22 news

The Westin Dhaka Celebrates the Independence Day

24

in fashion

Your office denim wardrobe check

Wash ‘em wisely

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

News

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

The Westin Dhaka Celebrates the Independence Day

Chapter four: Odissi

Lecture and demonstration with Sharmila Banerjee

This March 26, on Independence Day, celebrate freedom at The Westin Dhaka.

The Westin Dhaka will be honouring the supreme sacrifices of our freedom fighters and pay a rich tribute to them.

On the day of Independence you can enjoy delicious special traditional Bengali buffet to cherish the moment. Let’s not

hold back the desire to celebrate the day with some delicious Bengali food.

And you can enjoy the authentic Bengali Buffet at the Westin Dhaka. l For reservation please dial: 989.1988 *Terms & conditions apply

Shada Kalo introduces new designs for Independence Day

Bengal Foundation has arranged “Understanding Classical Dance,” a monthly series of lecture and demonstration programme that will be curated and presented by celebrated artist, choreographer and educator, Sharmila Banerjee. The fourth programme in this series will take place at the Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 pm. The subject of this session will be Odissi Dance.

The performers are Benazir Salam Jasim Uddin, Sudeshna Swayamprabha, Nabiha Tahsin Ahona, Afia Ibnat Halim, Tasmia Mashiat Raya, Ira Bala and Marsia Shyama.

Sarker.

Pakhawaj accompanist will be renowned

DIRECT FRESH wins grant from Katalyst Project Katalyst is created to establish and promote a sustainable supply chain for safe produce in Dhaka, which has rewarded a BDT 2,800,000 grant to DIRECT FRESH, a Dhaka-based agriculture and grocery delivery start-up.

The company supplies households and major hotels, embassies, expatriate clubs, and other commercial institutions with locally sourced and imported perishable and non-perishable food items Katalyst is a market development project that facilitates changes in services, inputs and product markets in order to trigger the competitiveness of farmers and small enterprises. The project is co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the UK Department for

tabla and pakhawaj player, Swarup Hossain.

In this session, Benazir Salam will assist Sharmila Banerjee with the dance direction.

The programme includes Pranam, Chauka, Tribhangi, Chari, Bhramari, Drishtibhed, Shirabhed, Griba and Mangalacharana, Batu Nritya, Pallavi, Abhinaya and Moksha styles of Margam.

The performers will follow the style of Guru Pankajcharan Das and Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra.

The presentation will include narrations on the roots, evolution and historical development of Odissi dance along with audio-visual presentations. Brief glimpses of performances by legendary Odissi dancers will be shown as well. l

International Development (DFID), and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida). It is enforced by Swisscontact under the umbrella of the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh.

Project Katalyst is launched to help diminish post-harvest losses and enhance margins for farmers, also providing access to technology for soil-testing and crop selection. The project will also be highlighting the importance of policy reforms to relevant Government Officials, and raise awareness regarding food safety issues among consumers.

The Project will be training about 2,000 Manikganj-based farmers to grow pesticide, herbicide, and preservativefree fruits and vegetables. Moreover, the participants and activities be monitored and provided technical support, creating a liaison among farmers directly with retail and wholesale clients all around Dhaka. l

In order to mark the second anniversary and celebrate the International Day for “Elimination of Racism” on March 21, AMRA has organised a photography exhibition titled “in the name of…” at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka from March 20 to March 28.

The month of Independence, March, has a massive cultural significance for the Bangladeshis. Keeping that in mind, popular fashion house Sada Kalo has designed their new clothing line, inspired by talented artists like Mansur-ul-Karim and Abdus Shakur Shah’s paintings, “Nirontor Shahoshi” and “Hottya Bondho Koro.” The designs are now available at all Sada Kalo outlets, and on their website www.sadakalo.net l

Going green Getting gorgeous in greens

n Naveen Rahaman With independence day right around the corner, local stores are teeming with outfits in every shade of victory. There are the scarlet reds, the vivid greens and of course the off-whites adorned with multiple shades of reds and greens. In light of the celebrations, we’ve rounded up subtle, yet stylish ways to put together outfits that are festive, comfortable and full of the Independence day spirit.

Go traditional When it comes to finding a green outfit for Independence day, the options are endless!

The easiest way to sport your favourite greens is to opt for a kamiz or go traditional in a saree. Boutiques such as Aarong, Jatra, Banglar Mela, Foring, Anjans etc have an infinite pool of Independence day themed deshi outfits. If you want to stay comfy, try going for an easy A-lined kamiz, or even a fotua that you can team with comfortable sandals.

Improvise One of the simplest ways to sport green styles is by going for a silhouette you prefer; be it a straight-cut kamiz, a loosely draped cotton saree or even a jumpsuit.

Go for a silhouette that works for you and then update that look by going for your choice of green or red. Nothing feels more effortlessly chic than when we choose the comfort of our go-to outfit.

Accessorise If you’re not in the mood to commit to a green outfit, accessorise. When you’re taking the traditional route, the options are endless. Think bindi, bangles, and even red-green inspired nail paints. If you want to avoid looking like a walking-talking national flag, try to keep the combo simple.

If you’re wearing a two toned outfit, keep the accessories and shoes to a solid bare minimum.

Scarves Scarves offer you a fabulous way to bring your look to life. Floral prints, solid shades or even geometric printed scarves can take your outfit from drab to fab. Not only is it a great way to add a pop of green or red to your outfit, it can also give your look just the right amount of oomph.

Statement pieces You don’t necessarily have to go for a full green or red outfit, you can always show your support in a casual outfit. Remain comfy in your jeans and tee combo while bringing on the holiday spirit with statement pieces. Give monochrome looks a pop of colour with an emerald green cocktail ring, a funky necklace, or even shoes to complement a solid coloured dress. If green isn’t your thing, just remember to stick to statement pieces for a look that is practical, yet festive. l

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Tranding

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Tailored

in fashion

Your office denim Ease your way into the right pair of jeans, the right way

n Mahmood Hossain Most men of a certain age in this country will simply give up in the style department.

It’s downright pathetic and unforgivable. So you have kids and your wife nags endlessly (for a good reason surely), but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your looks and succumb to the unflattering fashion sense of today’s office scene.

Generally, men in their 40s tend to lean towards wearing suits or dress trousers with no exception. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re in your 20s or 40s, there’s always room for a pair of jeans. Whether it’s casual Fridays or your office is lenient enough to accept a wardrobe full of denim, there’s a perfect pair of jeans for a certain look.

It suits you The straight-leg indigo jeans are for the men who will not part from their daily uniform, the suit. And there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

In fact, if tailored suits is all you wear is perfectly fine. Although, for those semi-casual moments, like casual Fridays, a pair of straight-leg jeans in indigo goes

great with the blazer and tie. They may not be tailor-made but they aren’t too skinny nor too baggy. As Goldie Locks would say, it’s just right. Dressy jeans in this cut is a perfect partner for the rest of your outfit.

Challenge accepted Over-dyed stretch cotton twill. Try saying that five times fast. These jeans are for the men at the office ready for anything. An unexpected visit from the head executive means throwing on a pair of jeans that can be confused for dress pants. The fabric can be amazing to the touch and the aesthetic appeal is credibly sophisticated. But keep in mind these are cut a bit slim, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue since slim-fit jeans happen to be a snug fit.

The all-day trip Doesn’t matter if you’re a creative or a businessman, the black slim-fit jeans are the closest you will ever get to tailored denim that’s found in ready-to-wear collections. If you’re not about wearing suits all day, these can be the ideal

replacement to your suit trousers. It’s classy, out of the ordinary, and versatile.

These jeans will stroll with you into the office and dance with you throughout the after hours.

Remember those style tips about jumping out of your work clothes and into your party clothes? Well, you won’t have to think about taking these babies off.

Keep them on and keep that swagger strong. l

wardrobe check

Wash ‘em wisely A chart for your clothing hygiene

n Baizid Haque Joarder If you think the “sniff test” is competent enough to dictate how often you should wash your wardrobe, dear friend, you have been misled. The test may determine how well you’ve put on your deo but there are quite a few variables which you need to keep in mind before you tick off the “do the laundry” from your to-do-list.

Different parts of your wardrobe require attention differently depending on their use; fabrics, spills, stains and so on. So we at T-Junction decided to help you by categorising types of clothes and how often should you wash them.

After every wear

One to two wears

• Underwear: duh! No turning inside out for another use and definitely no sniffing!

• Sportswear: All that sweating surely makes room for some severe BO. • Socks and stockings: Even if you think they don’t smell “as bad,” let’s not take any chances.

• Dresses, tops and leggings for women, if you are successful in keeping the sweating to a minimum.

• Men can don their shirts for up to two wears before washing it, only if you have an undershirt beneath it and do not perspire too heavily.

However, check for the collar, cuffs, elbows to make sure they aren’t dirty.

Two onto three

Four, maybe five

• Trousers, dress shirts, chinos, shorts and so on. Yes, the bottom half can offer more wearings but not more than three times. Make sure you give them some air before you wear it on the second and third day.

Exceptions: Khakis and lightcoloured pants, as they tend to get dirty very easily.

• Women have another and very important thing to keep in mind.

Their bras. One may wear it for two or three days but never more than that. And just like trousers, don’t forget to air them too.

• Suits, blazers and such formal wear usually require dry-cleaning. Four to five outings can be a good limit to send it off to the dry-cleaners, unless there is a stain from the kachhi you had last night.

• Jeans. Youngsters and procrastinators, denim is surely “your” material. Jeans are great in hiding stains and usually take quite some time to get dirty, but even if it does not show it, washing it after four to five wears would be a good decision.

Turning it inside-out and washing it with cold water ensures a longer lifespan for your jeans.

The chart provides a mere maximum number of days you can wear something without washing and this was made keeping in mind that you sweat moderately, you do not spill or get visible stains every time you wear something. If not, wash it every time you feel icky.

Never hesitate! l

Martin Guptill is the 2nd player to hit a World Cup double ton (after Chris Gayle) and the 1st Kiwi to do it in any ODI

KIWIS RIDE ON MARTIN GUPTILL

“

There is pressure when you walk in to bat but you’ve just got to try to put it out of your mind and watch the ball as well as you can. That’s what I tried to do today, I’m just lucky it paid off

”

Sport

25

DT

HIGHEST WC SCORE

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

237*

4x24, 6x11

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL ODI SCORES Score Player 264 Rohit Sharma 237* Martin Guptill 219 Virender Sehwag 215 Chris Gayle 209 Rohit Sharma 200* S Tendulkar

Teams Venue Year IND v SL Kolkata 2014 NZ v WI Wellington 2015 IND v WI Indore 2011 WI v ZIM Canberra 2015 IND v AUS Bangalore 2013 IND v RSA Gwalior 2010

DT

26 Sport

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Petulant Ronaldo under Clasico scrutiny n AFP, Madrid

Messi would be in my team ahead of Ronaldo, says Pele n Reuters, London

With Real Madrid in fully-blown crisis mode following back-to-back defeats and a trip to Barcelona on the horizon, last weekend’s 2-0 win over lowly Levante should have been a cause for celebration around the Santiago Bernabeu.

For one of their under-fire stars, at least, it was. Gareth Bale responded to the fiercest criticism he has faced in his 20-month spell in the Spanish capital with his first two goals in nine games. The Welshman reacted to his first strike by covering his ears to mock the boos and whistles his own fans had greeted him with five days previously in a shock 4-3 defeat

by Schalke.

Yet not everyone was thrilled. Cristiano Ronaldo’s response to Bale firing home after his initial effort had been headed off the line

by Ivan Ramis was more in tune with watching the opposition score than his one of his team-mates.

“Ronaldo’s extraordinarily stroppy reaction to Bale scoring from a rebound from his effort was bizarre and unhealthy,” tweeted former England international Gary Linekar.

The Portuguese striker could barely hide his frustration once more when Bale was then credited with Real’s second after his drive cannoned in off the former Spurs man’s left leg.

That led to the quite unbelievable situation where Bale’s name was again whistled by the Bernabeu for having the audacity to claim a goal that was rightly his.

“As a fan, I don’t like to see Cristiano Ronaldo like this, but that is what he is like” said Madrid legend Carlos Santillana, who Ronaldo recently overtook to become the third highest goalscorer in the club’s history. l

Brazil great Pele has stirred the pot ahead of this weekend’s Clasico, saying he would rather have Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as a team mate than Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 74-year-old Pele, who scored a record 1,281 goals, mostly for Santos, has watched the two phenomenal goal hunters jousting for the title of the world’s best player but said he preferred Messi because he was a superior team player.

“To compare Ronaldo and Messi? It’s a hard question. They are different kinds of footballers,” he told reporters in London’s West End on Friday.

“Messi is more for the team, preparing the game and assisting, but Ronaldo is maybe more like the Brazilian Ronaldo and scores more. But in my team I would decide Messi, but both are fantastic. Messi now is playing completely different to Ronaldo. Ronaldo plays only in front.”

Pele, in England to attend the Liverpool versus Manchester United Premier League game on Sunday at Anfield in his role as global ambassador for sandwich chain Subway, said both players would have scored bundles of goals in his era, even if they would have found defenders a little less accommodating.

Whereas the modern game is weighted towards attacking players, with tackling apparently a dying art, Pele was literally kicked out of the 1966 World Cup finals in England as defenders sought to rough him up.

“I think the good players would score goals in any era,” he said. “After all I managed to score 1,000 goals!” l

KEY HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLES IN ‘CLASICO’ LIONEL MESSI v CRISTIANO RONALDO

Messi, 27, and Ronaldo, 30, are two of the most consistently lethal goalscorers in soccer history and a match rarely passes without them getting on the scoresheet.

Portugal captain Ronaldo, who has scooped the last two FIFA Ballon d’Or awards after four consecutive wins for the Argentina skipper, had a blistering start to the campaign before his form tailed off and he has netted 30 goals for Real in La Liga this season.

Messi recently overtook Ronaldo and is the leading scorer on 32. Both players have the freedom to roam, although their styles are very different.

Messi plays with schoolboy enthusiasm, making darting runs and exchanging quick passes with team mates. The muscular Ronaldo is more of a showman, charging around the pitch, and his powerful, swerving shots are a threat from any range.

NEYMAR v GARETH BALE

Neymar has had an excellent second season at Barca after a fine performance for Brazil at the World Cup. The fleet-footed Brazilian led his side to the semi-final before a cruel intervention by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga scuppered his hopes of representing his nation in the last four Considered more of an out-and-out goal scorer than Bale, the 23-year-old’s on-field partnerships with Messi and fellow forward Luis Suarez have flourished this term and Neymar has 17 goals to his name in La Liga, three in the Champions League and six in the King’s Cup. Bale, 25, has yet to justify his record price tag and was whistled by Real fans in recent weeks after going nine games without scoring.

However, he bounced back with a double against Levante at the weekend and has a habit of coming good on the big occasions.

IVAN RAKITIC v TONI KROOS

The two midfielders, gifted passers who operate in slightly different central roles, will be expected to dictate play for their respective teams and their success or failure could go a long way to deciding the game’s outcome.

Both are in their debut seasons with their clubs after Germany’s Kroos joined Real from Bayern Munich and Rakitic of Croatia moved to Barca from Sevilla. Kroos, 25, was a key performer for Germany in their triumph at the 2014 World Cup and has made sure that Real have not missed former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, now at Bayern.

While Kroos mainly excels at long-range shooting, Rakitic, 27, can also score from distance but has the additional ability to time runs into the box to finish off one of Barca’s trademark passing moves and is generally more effective than the German at playing the killer pass to create a scoring chance.

LUIS SUAREZ v KARIM BENZEMA

France forward Benzema, 27, is an established force in Spain and has the firm backing of Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, while Uruguay’s Suarez, 28, who joined Barca from Liverpool in the close season, still has plenty to prove.

He had a slow start to his Barca career after making his debut in October’s 3-1 ‘Clasico’ defeat at Real following a four-month ban for biting an opponent. He has started to move up the gears since the turn of the year and looks to be getting close to his lethal best.

Benzema, who has also been targeted by disgruntled fans at the Bernabeu in previous years, is enjoying one of his most successful seasons since joining Real in 2009.

As well as scoring goals, the pair are known for their work rate off the ball, tracking back to challenge for possession and making intelligent runs that open up space for team mates.

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Sport 27

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

NZ v WI NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill not out B. McCullum c Holder b Taylor K. Williamson c Gayle b Russell R. Taylor run out (Ramdin/Benn) C. Anderson c Gayle b Russell G. Elliott lbw b Taylor L. Ronchi c Benn b Taylor D. Vettori not out Extras (lb2, w7, nb1)

R B 237 163 12 8 33 35 42 61 15 16 27 11 9 5 8 2 10

Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs)

393

Fall of wickets 1-27 (McCullum), 2-89 (Williamson), 3-232 (Taylor), 4-278 (Anderson), 5-333 (Elliott), 6-365 (Ronchi)

Bowling Taylor 7-0-71-3; Holder 8-0-76-0 (1w); Benn 10-166-0 (2w); Russell 10-0-96-2 (1nb, 2w); Sammy 8-0-38-0 (1w); Samuels 7-0-44-0

‘Chris Gayle came up to me and said welcome to the 200 club’ - The two double centurions of the World Cup 2015, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (L) and West Indies’ Chris Gayle pose after their match yesterday ICC

NZ crush WI to set up Proteas semi n Reuters, Wellington New Zealand opener Martin Guptill sent the ball soaring and the records tumbling by striking a cricket World Cup record of 237 not out on Saturday to set up his team’s crushing 143-run victory over West Indies in the final quarter-final.

New Zealand scored 206 off the closing 15 overs to reach 393 for six then dismissed West Indies for 250 from 30.3 overs.

After captain Brendon McCullum had won a rare toss and opted to bat on a sunny afternoon at the Wellington Regional Stadi-

um Guptill struck the ball cleanly from the outset.

He became the first New Zealander to score consecutive World Cup centuries, bettered his own national record of 189 not out then overtook Chris Gayle’s World Cup record of 215 set against Zimbabwe at the current tournament. His innings took 163 balls and included 24 boundaries and 11 sixes.

West Indies were left ruing a dropped chance in the opening over from Jerome Taylor when Guptill, on four, hit the ball straight to Marlon Samuels who was slow to react and dropped the ball at square-leg.

Marty Two Toes

Star wife

He is nicknamed Marty Two Toes. This is because he has just two toes on his left feet. At the age of 13 his foot was crushed by a forklift.

Doctors tried hard to get the feet rectified, but it was not to be.

They had to amputate three toes and thus he earned his nickname Marty Two Toes.

“When he realised he could walk and do everything again he got right back into it, even harder than before.

I think he realised in a flash everything could be lost so he’s making the most if it,” said Peter, Martin’s father, about his son’s determination.

Peter was able to get former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming to visit Martin in the hospital and that helped raise his spirits.

Gayle, who had been in doubt for the match because of a painful back complaint, set off as if he were determined to reclaim his record after Trent Boult had bowled Jonathan Charles for three with his second ball.

He swung Southee for a six and four to leg before turning his attention to the customarily frugal Daniel Vettori whose economy rate took a battering when Gayle heaved three consecutive sixes over mid-wicket.

Gayle, now in obvious pain, was on borrowed time and the fun ended when fast bowler Adam Milne dismissed the left-hander for 61 with eight sixes.l

5 FACTS ABOUT MARTIN GUPTILL

Martin Guptill is married to star television presenter and Radio Jockey Laura McGoldrick. They first met when Laura had to interview him for a TV show, The Cricket Show. “I was flapping around because it was my second experience on live TV ever, for The Cricket Show, and I had to interview Martin,” Laura recalled.

“I don’t think I did a very good job. I remember thinking he had really bouffy hair and (noticing) he was wearing his club cricket T-shirt!” That interview happened in 2011 and since then the two have been dating, till Martin popped the question in 2013.

R 61 3 12 27 0 32 27 20 42 11 9 6

Total: (all out, 30.3 overs)

250

Highest Black Cap score

On tour in 2013 to England, Martin Guptill hit two successive ODI hundreds to help set up

B 33 6 17 15 4 39 16 11 26 12 4

Fall of wickets 1-4 (Charles), 2-27 (Simmons), 3-80 (Samuels), 4-80 (Ramdin), 5-120 (Gayle), 6-166 (Sammy), 7-173 (Carter), 8-201 (Russell), 9-221 (Taylor), 10-250 (Holder)

Bowling Southee 8-1-82-2 (1w); Boult 10-3-44-4 (2w); Vettori 6.3-0-58-2; Milne 4-0-42-1 (2w); Anderson 2-0-24-1 (1w)

Result New Zealand won by 143 runs

New Zealand’s third successive limited-overs series win there. Guptill smashed 103 not out and then followed it up with an impressive 189 not out two days later. This knock equalled the highest individual ODI score in England, set by none other than Viv Richards in 1984 at Old Trafford. Guptill broke the New Zealand record of highest individual ODI score, 172, by former batsman Lou Vincent.

“It’s a pretty special feeling. I played a lot of cricket with Lou, so I’ll have to give him a bit of stick later on tonight,” is how Guptill reacted after his effort.

No show in IPL

Debut hit

He became the first New Zealand player to score a hundred on ODI debut. His unbeaten knock of 122 against West Indies came in a match that could not be completed owing to rain. However, Peter, Martin’s father, could not celebrate his son’s feat that night. Peter owns a trucking firm and had to be up early to deliver newspapers in the neighbourhood area in south Auckland.

Martin too has learnt to drive trucks and in his spare time helps his father out at the trucking firm.

WEST INDIES C. Gayle b Milne J. Charles b Boult L. Simmons c Guptill b Boult M. Samuels c Vettori b Boult D. Ramdin lbw b Boult J. Carter b Vettori D. Sammy c Ronchi b Anderson A. Russell b Southee J. Holder c Anderson b Vettori J. Taylor c Guptill b Southee S. Benn not out Extras (w6)

It is amazing that despite all his batting records in limited-overs cricket, Guptill is yet to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He has gone unsold almost everytime his name has gone up for a bid in the player auction. What’s more, Guptill has been ranked as number two in Twenty20 International cricket in 2012, but that has made no difference to potential buyers in IPL auction. Guptill is also one of the six cricketers to have hit a hundred in all formats of cricket. While the other five, Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Tillakratne Dilshan and Suresh Raina have been feted in IPL, Guptill has never been considered. l

DT

28 Sport

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Bangladesh clinch silver in Asia Cup archery n Raihan Mahmood

Bangladesh archers clinched the silver medal in the Asia Cup Stage 2 in the team event of the recurve bow after losing to Russia by 6-0 sets in Bangkok yesterday.

Although Bangladesh finished second best, the archers’ greatest achievement was eliminating top-ranked Chinese Taipei and Asian powerhouse India in the quarter-final and the semi-final respectively. In a closely contested tie, Bangladesh edged past Taipei by 5-4 points and the success story continued in the semis as the Bangladesh archers Sheikh Sajib, Mohammed Tamimul Islam and Mo-

hammed Nurul Huda beat India by 5-4 points.

The two closely-contested events probably squeezed the steam out of the Bangladesh archers as Russia ran away with the title with a 6-0 victory. It would be mentionable that India are ranked fifth, Russia second and Bangladesh 12th.

In the women’s event, Bangladesh bowed out in the quarter-final against Taipei, losing by 221-199 points.

Bangladesh archery contingent will return home today and the Bangladesh Olympic Association has planned a felicitation programme for the archers on their arrival at 12:30pm.l

(L-R) Didarul, Sheikh Sajib and Tamimul celebrate Bangladesh’s success in the Asia Cup Archery Stage 2 in Bangkok yesterday COURTESY

Liverpool, Man Utd face top-four crunch clash in EPL n AFP, London Having inadvertently sparked Liverpool’s mid-season rejuvenation with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in December, Manchester United visit Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday determined to suppress it.

Liverpool had taken only 21 points from a possible 45 prior to that trip to Manchester -losing six of their first 12 games -- and the defeat left them 10 points below United in 10th place, seven points off the top four.

In the aftermath of a turbulent close season that saw Luis Suarez leave for Barcelona, it left manager Brendan Rodgers facing difficult questions about his capacity to take the team forward, but that bleak December day

was to prove the catalyst for a spectacular turnaround.

Rodgers surprised observers at Old Trafford by sending Liverpool out with a threeman defence, but despite the final score, his side impressed, and it is with the same fluid 3-4-1-2 playing system that last season’s runners-up have revitalised their campaign.

They have gone 13 league games unbeaten since losing at United -- winning eight of their last nine fixtures -- and victory on Sunday would lift them above their fierce rivals and into the Champions League places.

It is a burst of form reminiscent of the spring surge that took them to within sight of last season’s title, but striker Daniel Sturridge says that Liverpool will prepare for United’s

visit like any other game.

United’s own form dipped following the win over Liverpool and although they have only been beaten twice in their 13 games since, manager Louis van Gaal has come in

EPL FIXTURES Liverpool Hull City QPR

v Man United v Chelsea v Everton

for criticism over the lack of creativity in his side’s attacking play.

However, United blew off the cobwebs last weekend with a stylish 3-0 dismantling of Tottenham Hotspur, standing them in good stead for a decisive run of games that also fea-

tures encounters with Aston Villa, champions Manchester City and leaders Chelsea.

Van Gaal has Angel di Maria available again after a one-game suspension, but the Argentina winger is not certain to return to the starting XI after Juan Mata impressed against Spurs.

Left-back Luke Shaw is expected to return from a hamstring injury, but fellow defender Marcos Rojo is a doubt with a groin complaint and Jonny Evans is serving a ban for spitting at Newcastle United’s Papiss Cisse.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva faces a late fitness test, having spent six weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem, while Mario Balotelli is back after illness forced him to miss Monday’s 1-0 win at Swansea City. l

Walton, Dhaka Tribune distribute World Cup quiz prizes n Raihan Mahmood

Winners of the Walton-Dhaka Tribune Fifa World Cup football quiz pose with the dignitaries at the Dhaka Tribune office yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Bangladesh football team captain Mamunul Islam yesterday expressed hope that the national Under-23 side will excel in the upcoming AFC U-23 Qualifiers, scheduled to kick off in Dhaka this Friday.

The national captain said this during the Walton-Dhaka Tribune Fifa World Cup Football Quiz prize distribution ceremony at the Dhaka Tribune office yesterday. Sheikh Jamal DC coach Maruful Haque was also present as chief guest.

Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan and Walton Executive Director Humayun Kabir were present on the occasion and, alongside Maruf and Mamun, distributed the prizes. After the programme, Maruf and Mamun visited the office of Bangla Tribune.

Shakil of Dhaka and Kalyani Chowdhury of Chittagong were the first-prize winners of the quiz’s second phase. Shakil received an 8.5 CFT refrigerator while Kalyani won a 32-inch LED TV. There were 10 prizes in each of the two phases of the quiz and Walton provided iPad, DVD players and rice cookers as awards. l

DT

Sport 29

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Man City cruise past 10-man West Brom n Reuters, London Manchester City kept alive their faint title hopes thanks to a much-needed 3-0 victory over 10-man West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

Gareth McAuley was sent off in a case of mistaken identity for West Brom after 90 seconds at the Etihad Stadium when referee Neil Swarbrick failed to spot that Craig Dawson had been the culprit in hauling down Wilfried Bony when he was through on goal.

Bony then put City ahead after 27 minutes before Fernando added a second just before the break and David Silva scored after halftime to hand City boss Manuel Pellegrini victory in his 100th game in charge.

City have 61 points from 30 matches, three behind leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand over their title rivals and play Hull City on Sunday.l

DAY’S WATCH Star Sports 2 Spanish La Liga 5:00PM Deportivo La Coruna v Espanyol 9:55 PM Villarreal CF v Sevilla FC Italian Serie A 8:00 PM Juventus v Genoa 1:40 AM Cesena v Roma

Star Sports 4 English Ppremier League Liverpool v Manchester United 9:50 PM Hull City v Chelsea Spanish La Liga 1:55 AM

A Pakistani cricket fan beats effigies of Pakistani cricket players in Karachi yesterday. Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul Haq admitted not scoring a century will remain a lifelong regret as the curtain fell on his 162-match one-day career following defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals AFP

Pakistan fans hold mock funeral n Reuters, Karachi Angry Pakistan cricket fans smashed television sets and carried out a mock funeral after the national team lost to Australia in the World Cup quarter-finals in Adelaide on Friday.

Around 50 supporters in Multan mourned the death of Pakistan cricket and burnt bats and cricket equipment to express their disappointment.

The quarter-final, which began at 800 local time, was followed nervously by millions

in the country with special screenings in public parks, schools, restaurants and hotels on a normal working day.

“Bangladesh can claim they were done in by poor umpiring but what excuse can the Pakistan team give expect they played rank bad cricket and couldn’t handle the pressure,” fan Munazza Jillani said at a school for special children in Karachi.

Bangladesh blamed poor umpiring decisions for their defeat by India in the second quarter-final.

Cricket analyst Aaliya Rasheed said the reaction of the people in some cities was under-

Barcelona v Real Madrid

Nat’l Senior Table Tennis begins tomorrow

Ten Sports French Ligue 1 7:00 PM Saint- Etienne v Lille

n Raihan Mahmood

12:00 AM BNP Paribas IW Finals

Ten HD 10:00 PM French Ligue 1 Stade De Reims v Monaco

Ten Action 10:00 AM A-League Mariners v Perth Glory 2:00 AM French Ligue 1 Lens v Olympique Marseille

Neo Prime 8:30 PM Bundesliga Mainz 05 v VfL Wolfsburg 10:30 PM Bayern Munchen v Monchengladbach

standable but said generally cricket fans had taken the defeat sportingly.

“I think our team was good enough to reach the quarter- finals and not beyond that.

Give them credit for this given the number of injury problems we faced,” Rasheed said.

Pakistan were without top spinner Saeed Ajmal, fast bowler Junaid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez throughout the tournament and leading fast bowler Mohammad Irfan missed the quarter-final.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan tried to take positives from the tournament.l

Jahangir Alam (R), the vice president of BTTF, speaks at the press conference of national TT yesterday

The 35th National Senior Table Tennis Championship, sponsored by Southeast Bank, starts at the Gopalganj District Association gymnasium tomorrow.

A total of 30 district and divisional teams will take part in the events of men’s and women’s doubles, singles and mixed doubles. The total number of paddlers are 240 and among them 180 are male participants.

The concluding ceremony is billed to be held this Friday. In a press conference held at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium yesterday, Khandoker Hasan Munir, general secretary, Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation, presented the event to the media.

Mohammed Jahangir Alam, vice president, BTTF, AB Saif, general secretary, Gopalganj District Sports Association, Mohammed Tajuddin Pappu, treasurer, BTTF, and Ahsan Ahmed, media secretary, BTTF, were also present on the occasion. l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Deeply engrossed (4) 3 Wanders (5) 8 Drug-yielding plant (4) 9 Dull, heavy sound (4) 11 Barter (5) 12 Stare openmouthed (4) 14 Corded fabric (3) 15 Kingdom (5) 18 Stop (5) 19 Fuss (3) 21 Bring up (4) 24 Marine growth (5) 26 Prima donna (4) 27 At all times (4) 28 Irritable (5) 29 Avoid (4)

DOWN 1 Book of the Bible (4) 2 Stopper (4) 4 Rowing implement (3) 5 Danger signal (5) 6 Fashion (4) 7 Oozes (5) 10 Venture (4) 11 Tantalise (5) 13 Concretion of nacre (5) 16 Heavy substance (4) 17 Aspect (5) 18 Innermost parts (5) 20 Bird (4) 22 Wealthy (4) 23 Chess piece (4) 25 Craft (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 21 represents P so fill P every time the figure 21 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

SHOWTIME 31

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

Insurgent makes a strong opening

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

film, expanding from inter-faction rivalry into a story of greater politics.

The studio is hoping that lead actor Shailene Woodley’s star power and the popularity of Veronica Roth’s books, on which the series are based, will boost sales of this sequel.

Pre-release tracking suggests that the film should top the $54.6 million debut of its predecessor, which totaled $150.9 million in domestic sales. l

n Showtime Desk Insurgent, the second instalment in Lionsgate’s sci-fi franchise Divergent, has made an impressive opening, raking in $4.9 million on its Thursday night launch on March 20, 2014. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic America, where society is divided into factions based on a ruling personality trait. The first Divergent movie showed one faction’s attempt to seize control over the others; Insurgent opens in the aftermath of the definitive battle of the first

SOFIA VERGARA @SofiaVergara Thank you Modern Family for another amazing season!!! https:// instagram.com/ p/0eY2fCLpR2/ AMITABH BACHCHAN @SrBachchan T 1807 – Any new idea offends people who are committed to the old idea...

ELLEN DEGENERES @TheEllenShow Why did the bird go to the hospital?

Because he needed tweetment. #ClassicJokeFriday

WHAT TO WATCH TELEVISION

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER A

STAR Movies 09:30pm Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp Sci-Fi action adventurous film’s leading character Steve Rogers struggles to grasp his role in the modern world, he teams with another super soldier, the black widow, to battle an old threat.

ESCAPE PLAN B

HBO 05:12pm Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel, Sam Neill, Vinnie Jones When a structural security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world’s most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.

DOOMSDAY C

STAR Movies Action 06:30pm Cast: Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Adrian Lester, Alexander Siddig, David O’Hara It’s a futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race.

DT

32 BACK PAGE

SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015

KIWIS RIDE ON MARTIN GUPTILL PAGE 25

CRYING WOLF? PAGE 13

PROPOSED BCIM ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

M

A

INSURGENT MAKES A STRONG OPENING PAGE 31 R

C

H

1

9

7

1

D

I

A

R

Y

Negotiating from strength RHD signs unusual extract is part of a series that will run until deal with Chinese firm This March 25, in which we reproduce Rehman Sobhan’s n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Bangladesh’s Roads and Highways Department has signed an MoU with a Chinese firm for constructing the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which is still nothing more than a concept.

The RHD and Chinese Communications Construction Company (CCCC) signed the memorandum of understanding last year on a Tk100-stamp.

A senior official of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said it is highly unusual for a government to enter a contract with a foreign company for constructing something, which is still to be finalised.

The MoU states: “In view of the urgent requirement for the construction of the BCIM Economic Corridor against Chinese government funding [on G to G basis], this MoU is executed between RHD and CCCC.” Both parties agreed that the CCCC might send teams to the RHD to inspect the project area of the corridor in Bangladesh portion and conduct feasibility and commercial viability studies for an assessment of funding, the MoU reads.

The memorandum stipulates that the RHD will cooperate with the CCCC representatives in all possible ways.

However, the senior official said the corridor is yet to take a formal shape. A joint study group had its second meeting in Cox’s Bazar in December last year; the third meeting in India is scheduled for the second half of this year.

“After the third meeting, the group will submit final report to respective governments for final approvals,” he said.

He said the MoU was signed on a Tk100stamp as if somebody was buying properties.

“Any agreement or memorandum, where the government is a party, is signed on white paper.”

Another senior government official said such initiatives may make the members suspicious. “When you have both China and India in one regional body, everybody must be very careful about their initiatives.”

Economy is the “push factor” while security is the “pull factor” for India in joining the BCIM EC. The general perception is that India is skeptical about any Chinese initiative and New Delhi might end up not joining the group, the official feared.

Contacted, Bipul Chandra Saha, additional chief engineer of RHD who signed the MoU, said: “So far, there has been no development in implementing the MoU. “It is a non-binding agreement and if the Chinese company can gather fund, the MoU will be executed,” he said.

The BCIM initiative is the result of track II diplomacy and it got a boost when China and India in 2013 agreed to discuss the issue formally.

The first meeting of Joint Study Group was held in Kunming and the second in Cox’s Bazar.

In the second meeting, the Chinese delegation comprised 39 members, compared to only a 17-strong team from the host country, eight from India and five from Myanmar. l

contemporaneous account of the events of that momentous month in Bangladeshi history. This was first published in Forum on March 20, 1971

n Rehman Sobhan Talks with Sheikh Mujib commenced next morning at President’s House when Mujib, flanked by his bodyguards, but otherwise alone, drove into the lion’s den. The first talks lasted two and a half hours. They met again the next morning for an hour.

What has come out of the talks awaits revelation, but some optimism derived from the fact that they went on for several days and that a legal expert rather than an artillery expert had been sent for. This did not however suppress much anxious speculation in the province which included the untrue rumour that Mujib had walked out of his first meeting in a great rage.

Indeed, the barometer in Dacca continued to fluctuate, with the nervous middle class moving to the villages in order to get out of the way of a possible shooting war and the militants keeping up the tempo

with local drilling and other more meaningful preparations.

In this period the economy continued to remain precariously poised between standstill and revival. A consolidated decree of regulations issued by the Awami League on March 15 carried on the task of selective revival of the administration and full revival of the economy.

The assertion of control over Bangla Desh was carried a step further by extending the no-tax campaign into one of collecting taxes for the “Government of Bangla Desh.”

All central provincial and local taxes were designated for payment into special accounts to be opened by the only two Bbanks with their headquarters in Bangla Desh, and the State Bank of Pakistan and Treasury remained immobilised. Pending export bills were also designated to these two banks for negotiation.

State Bank and all commercial banks continued to function at the direction of the Awami League. This did not prevent the run on banks from continuing but there were some signs of the situation improving as more relaxation on the controls over banks was permitted. l

I’M MADE IN BANGLADESH: TODAY’S WINNERS STORY OF THE DAY

This is my flag.

This picture was taken during the Commission on the Status of Women's conference in the United Nations which I attended. It is a courtesy of the Ambassador of Austria, Ambassador Sajdik.

I'm proud of having been one of the only Bangladeshi women there, and this is my I Am Made in Bangladesh story!

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Story: Sayra Rafi What’s your “I’m made in Bangladesh” story?

Send your submissions to my.tribe@dhakatribune.com See facebook.com/JoinDTribe for contest details

The letters written on the wall are red. This red is not just a colour. The Bangla letters are written with the bloods of our martyrs in 1952.

Photo: Shuvra

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com