26 march, 2015

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

| Chaitra 12, 1421, Jamadius Sani 5, 1436 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 2, No 350 | www.dhakatribune.com |

KILLERS WERE KNOWN TO JATRABARI VICTIMS PAGE 3

UK MPS WORRIED ABOUT SALAHUDDIN PAGE 5

32 pages plus 20-page Special

| Price: Tk10

IS FREES BD HOSTAGES PAGE 26

Citizens remember the night from 44 years ago that marked the beginning of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971

MEHEDI HASAN

BNP warms up as favourites collect forms in Dhaka Incumbent Manjur gets nod for Chittagong mayoral race Sakhawat, Munir Momtaj n Adil and Tarek Mahmud BNP has all but announced its participation in the upcoming city polls of Dhaka and Chittagong scheduled for April 28.

Although still pending a formal announcement, activities of citizens’ platforms closely linked with the main political opposition suggest that it will indeed be in the running for the three city corporation offices of Dhaka north and south, and Chittagong.

Tipped to have been nominated by the party, BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s advisor Abdul Awal Mintoo and central BNP office bearer Abdus Salam collected nomination forms for mayor of Dhaka’s two city corporations yesterday.

A pro-BNP citizens’ delegation also met with the Election Commission to discuss about level playing field in the city polls. Well

NOTICE Today, March 26, is Independence Day and a newspaper holiday. However, the Dhaka Tribune will be published tomorrow under special arrangements.

known for their close BNP link, the delegates said they had not come on behalf of any party.

All local government elections are obligated, by law, to be non partisan affairs.

Incumbent Chittagong mayor Manjur Alam was nominated by a pro-BNP civic platform.

The announcement came yesterday evening.

Like many BNP leaders, both mayoral aspirants of Dhaka – Mintoo for north and Salam for south – are on the run and collected the nomination forms through their representatives.

Business tycoon Mintoo had his sons Tafsir Awal and Tajwar Awal collect the form.

When asked whether BNP was backing his father, Tafsir said Mintoo would run for office only with the party endorsement. “Although this is supposed to be a non-partisan affair, my father being an advisor [to Khaleda Zia], he would have to get her blessings first.”

Mintoo will be up against another busi-

PAGE 2 PM: Protect country from militants

CEC rejects pro-BNP plea to extend nomination deadline n Munir Momtaj and Nure Alam Durjoy

nessman Annisul Huq, nominated by the ruling Awami League.

Both Mintoo and Annisul are former presidents of the country’s apex trade body, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

In Dhaka south, Salam’s personal secretary Faruq Ul Islam Selim and Monirul Islam, personal secretary to former Dhaka mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, collected the papers in the afternoon.

Salam, currently finance secretary of BNP’s central committee, served as a deputy mayor of Dhaka during HM Ershad’s regime in 1980s.

A freedom fighter, he was also the member secretary of the immediate past Dhaka city unit BNP of which Khoka was the chief.

Monirul told reporters, “BNP is yet to announce its decision. Neither did it say that it

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday rejected pro-BNP professionals’ suggestion seeking an extension of the deadline for submission of nomination papers for Dhaka and Chittagong city corporation polls.

At a press briefing at the Election Commission Secretariat in the evening, the CEC said there was no reason to extend the last date for submission of nomination papers.

A six-member pro-BNP delegation had met Rakibuddin at 3:15pm. They sought assurances of a level-playing field for the Dhaka and Chittagong mayoral polls and handed over a six-point recommendation.

They demanded that the deadline for submitting nomination papers be extended by two or three days, the CEC said.

As the opportunity is there to collect nomination papers on holidays – March 26, Friday and Saturday – it is not reasonable to extend the deadline, said Rakibuddin.

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PAGE 4 Farabi remanded in another ICT case

PAGE 5 Mother kills children, attempts suicide

PAGE 6 136 disaster shelters built in coastal areas

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

PM: Protect country from militants Seven eminent personalities get Independence Award 2015 n Tribune Report Reiterating her government’s firm stance against militant activities, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all, including the country’s conscious citizens, to come up to protect the country and its people from militants.

“We do not want destruction, but development; we do not want militant acts, but peace…We want Bangladesh to become a peaceful nation in the world and continue to move ahead as a peaceful country in South Asia and that is our goal,” she said.

Hasina further said: “It is never acceptable that Bangladesh is affected or its image is tarnished or the country is maligned due to a handful of people or a vested quarter or for a party. I seek support from all to free the country and the nation from such militant acts.”

The prime minister made the statement while addressing a function after distributing the Independence Awards 2015 among seven eminent personalities at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital yesterday morning.

Those who received the awards for their outstanding contributions this year are Commandant Manik Chowdhury (posthumously), Mamun Mahmud (posthumously), former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria (posthumously), Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, Prof Anisuzzaman, renowned film actor Abdur Razzak for culture, agricultural researcher and former director general of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Dr Mohammad Hossain Mandol and renowned journalist Santosh Gupta (posthumously).

Each awardee receives a gold medal, a cer-

45th Independence Day today n Tribune Report With due solemnity and festivity, the nation will celebrate the 45th Independence and National Day today.

On March 26, 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalis on March 25 midnight by the Pakistan occupation army.

The day is a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the eve of the Independence and National day, greeting the countrymen on the occasion.

The national flag will be hoisted atop government and private buildings.

The president and PM will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at sunrise.

The ruling party leaders led by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bangabandhu Bhaban at 7am.

BNP leaders and activists will place wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar at 8am and at the grave of Ziaur Rahman at 10am.

The Armed Forces Division will organise a programme at sunrise in which guns will be fired for 31 times. l

Khaleda rejects president’s invitation n Mohammad Al Masum Molla BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will not be attending the reception hosted by President Abdul Hamid today at Bangabhaban to celebrate the 45th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh, BNP party sources said last night.

The president invited the BNP chief yesterday to the yearly programme through a letter sent to Khaleda’s Gulshan office. BNP’s Media Wing official Shamsuddin Didar told the Dhaka Tribune that he had received the invitation letter in the afternoon. l

Dutch cyclists promote women’s rights in Dhaka

n Tribune Report Prime minister Sheikh Hasina with winners of the 2015 Independence Awards at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday PMO tificate of honour, and a sum of cash, which was originally Tk20,000 but was later increased to Tk100,000 in 2004.

The PM noted that Bangladesh had been lagging behind time and again in the past for various reasons although many countries in the world have witnessed rapid marked progress and development after gaining independence.

“We do not want to fall behind anymore.

I seek cooperation of all so that we can continue our march forward and thus can make Bangladesh developed and prosperous further,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina alleged that when her government was running the country successfully after assuming office for the second successive

time through the January-5 polls, the BNP-Jamaat started unleashing the politics of destruction and arson, and burning people to death.

She questioned why the BNP-Jamaat was burning people to death through hurling petrol bombs making the air heavy with the bad smell of the burnt people pushing the families of the burn victims into untold sufferings.

“Why such a situation should be created?

Why should people pay for one’s wrong politics, they shouldn’t pay rather the leadership and the party concerned will have to pay then price for that. But, here we’ve seen ill-efforts are there to deter our advancement through unleashing militant acts and killing people… this is unfortunate,” she added. l

Four Dutch women, currently cycling around the world, made their stop in Bangladesh yesterday and attended a discussion in Dhaka to promote women’s rights.

The four young women – Sophie van Hoof, Carlijn Bettink, Lidewij Ponjee and Monique van der Veeken – have been travelling the world on bicycles for a year to promote women’s rights.

“We took this initiative because we want engage more people to talk about women’s rights globally,” said Sophie at the discussion, which took place at the residence of the ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is an interesting country to know about women’s rights and empowerment,” Sophie told the Dhaka Tribune.

Since they started their journey from the Netherlands, they have touched 22 countries and covered around 14,000km. The stories of their travels can be found at www.r4wr.org. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CEC rejects pro-BNP plea to extend nomination deadline The last date for submission of nomination papers is March 29.

The CEC, however, assured the delegation of pro-BNP professionals of ensuring a level-playing field for all political parties to hold free, fair and credible elections to the three city corporations in Dhaka and Chittagong.

The delegation led by former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Emajuddin Ahamed comprised Supreme Court Bar Association President Khandakar Mahbub Hossain, Member Secretary of Shato Nagorik Abdul Haye Sikdar, Dhaka University teacher Mahbubul-

lah, Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury and Supreme Court lawyer Fahmida Yasmin Munni.

After the meeting, Emajuddin Ahamed briefed journalists at the entrance of the commission office around 5pm.

He said they urged the CEC to take initiatives to open the closed party offices, especially the ones in Paltan and Gulshan.

“We are satisfied that the commission assured us of holding free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

Some of the mayor aspirants are still in jail who should be freed, he said, adding that the

delegation urged the CEC to stop uses of arms and muscle during the elections.

“We did not talk about army deployment during the elections,” said Zafarullah Chowdhury in reply to a question from the media.

He said they did not meet the CEC on behalf of the BNP; it was rather meant for a free and fair election.

Asked if the delegation had any faith in the EC, Emajuddin said: “It will be proved through their activities. We have talked positively and the commission gave us assurance.” l

BNP warms up as favourites collect forms in Dhaka would boycott the elections. So, there is no harm collecting the nomination form. If the party decides not to take part, we can always withdraw them.”

While Salam was a close aide to Khoka, the last elected mayor of undivided Dhaka, he will be up against Sayed Khokon, the ruling party nominee. Khokon is the son of Mohammad Hanif, the first elected mayor of Dhaka.

Till date, Dhaka south has seen 27 mayoral aspirants, 913 councillor candidates, 168 candidates for reserved women councillor collect the nomination forms. Dhaka north saw 22

mayoral candidates, 570 ward councillors and 118 reserved women councillor aspirants.

In Chittagong, BNP-backed platform Chattagram Unnayan Andolon (Bengali for Chittagong Development Movement) nominated incumbent Manjur Alam for mayor.

The platform’s convenor Dr Abul Kalam Azad announced the nomination at a press conference around 7:30pm yesterday.

“We had nominated Manjur for the last city polls when he won the mandate of the city people. This time we nominate him again to continue the flow of development in the city,” he said.

A close aide to Chittagong’s three-time mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Manjur went on to defeat his former boss in 2010.

When asked whether the platform’s decision was endorsed by BNP, the convenor said their organisation was one of professionals and any party could support their decision.

BNP’s Chittagong unit vice president Abu Sufian yesterday confirmed Dhaka Tribune that the party had indeed nominated Manjur for Chittagong mayor. “The high command informed city unit president Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury about the nomination,” he said. l

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

JATRABARI DOUBLE MURDER

Police: Killers were known to victims n Tribune Report The killers of the wife of a former police official and the housemaid in a Jatrabari flat were familiar to the victims, said investigators yesterday.

They said the killers used to visit the house often, but could not ascertain whether any family conflict had led to the murders.

On Tuesday evening, police recovered the bodies of Raushan Ara, 60, and the housemaid, Kalpana Akhter, 11, from a house in north Jatrabari. Raushan was the wife of late Abdul Quddus, who was a former additional police super.

Raushan’s brother Mozammel Hossain yesterday lodged a murder case with Jatrabari police station against unidentified assailants.

An autopsy was performed on Raushan’s body yesterday and was later handed over to Mozammel.

Mozammel said the body was kept at the morgue of Combined Military Hospital, and would be buried after the return of Raushan’s children from the US and Canada.

Kalpana’s body was also handed over to her family after autopsy.

Iqbal Hossain, sub-inspector of Jatrabari

police station and the investigating officer of the case, said Kalpana’s mother Lucky Akhter had been interrogated about the murders.

Mostaq Ahmed Khan, deputy commissioner of police of Wari division, said the investigation into the murders was on but no clues had yet been found.

“We hope to crack the mystery behind the killings shortly,” he added.

A police official involved in the probe said the call history on Raushan’s mobile phone was being analysed.

“We are checking the calls that the victim had made or received before she was killed,” he said.

Police meanwhile detained a suspect named Syed Howladar in connection with the killings on Tuesday night. Some money and gold chains were found in his pocket and investigators suspected that those were stolen from Raushan’s house.

Abani Shankar Kar, officer-in-charge of Jatrabari police station, said Syed was detained from Shahjahanpur Railway Colony area where he works at a garage.

“His colleagues found him upset when he returned to work after a short leave on Tuesday evening,” he added. l

CEC urged to ensure electoral rules n Munir Momtaj A mayor candidate in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) elections has urged the chief election commissioner to ensure electoral rules abiding scenario in the race.

Helena Jahangir made the urge through an application placed to CEC Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmed in the commission yesterday afternoon.

In the letter, Helena said: “It has been noticed that many candidates in the DNCC polls are using their party identity. Even the political parties have announced their backing for them openly breaching the electoral law.”

“As per the rule, there is no scope to use party identity in the elections. But many aspirants are violating the electoral code of conduct,” she continued. l

A team of pro-BNP professionals, headed by former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Prof Emajuddin Ahamed, meet the chief election commissioner at his office in Dhaka yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

BNP: Indication of fair polls still not in sight n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The BNP-led 20-party alliance yesterday alleged that sign of a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere to hold elections to Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations is still a far cry.

“Announcement of holding elections to three city corporations is nothing but a mockery of election,” Barkatullah Bulu, joint secretary general of the party, said at a press release.

The press release said the Election Commission is subservient to the government.

The EC has become synonymous with the government which is now going to stage an election drama to deceive people like that of January 5 polls.

If the EC had wanted to make the election acceptable to all quarters it should not have declared the schedule this month on the advise of the inspector general of police.

As the EC is a toothless tiger none of the candidates are obeying electoral code of con-

duct. It has not taken any advise from civil society members and intellectuals before the announcement of election schedule.

Bulu said the election schedule was announced at a time when the ongoing movement of the 20-party alliance was imminent.

He asked the government to withdraw all false and politically motivated cases filed against opposition leaders and activists.

The BNP leader also hoped that the government would take positive steps to hold a free and fair election under a non-partisan government.

If the government fails to do so it will have to pay dearly, the release warned.

Bulu demanded immediate return of missing BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed.

Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif on Tuesday said disappearance mystery of Salahuddin Ahmed would soon be unfolded.

The opposition alliance believes that the government has the full knowledge of Salahuddin Ahmed’s whereabouts, Bulu said. l

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

UK MPs concerned over disappearance of Salahuddin n Tribune Report Five members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom expressed grave concern over the reported disappearance of BNP Joint General Secretary Salahuddin Ahmed.

In an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled on March 23, Members of the UK Parliament Julian Huppert, Mark Durkan, Mike Hancock, Robert Edward Russell and Peter Bottomley also highlighted “the lack of a free and open democratic space in Bangladesh.”

The motion read: “That this House notes with alarm the lack of a free and open democratic process in Bangladesh, and in particular the recent disappearance of Salahuddin Ahmed, spokesperson and joint-secretary of the opposition Bangladesh National Party [BNP].”

“The house further notes that there have been many other disappearances, including that of BNP leader Elias Ali in 2012, who has still not been located.”

The motion also quoted the Human Rights Watch saying that Bangladesh government has a history of failing to investigate the enforced disappearance of opposition members.

Referring to the “repeated allegations of extra-judicial killings by the Bangladeshi authorities, especially by the Rapid Action Battalion,” the UK MPs called on the government of UK to put pressure on the Bangladesh government to ensure that free and fair elections take place promptly in the country.

They also urged for stopping the “disappearances and extra-judicial killings in order to protect the freedom of expression in Bangladesh.”

BNP Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed has been missing since March 10.

The party claimed that the law enforcers have picked him up from a Uttara house.

However, law enforcement agencies, including Special Branch of police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rapid Action Battalion, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Police Headquarters, denied Salauddin’s arrest.

A glimmer of hope flashed in the minds of family members when a news of his location was aired on March 19 night. The news claimed that the BNP leader was found in an inaccessible part of Fulchhari under Gaibandha.

But very soon their hope was shattered as Gaibandha police confirmed that it was just a rumour. l

Shajahan Khan: BNP-Jamaat is killing people like the Pakistan Army n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said the BNP was out to destroy the spirit of the Liberation War with the help of anti-liberation Jamaat-Shibir and are killing people like the vicious Pakistan Army.

Calling BNP chief Khaleda Zia a militant leader, he said: “The BNP-Jamaat are burning the national flag, destroying war memorials and killing people in the name of political movement. We should adopt Bangabandhu’s ideology and join together to root out these anti-liberation forces now.”

The minister made the comment while speaking as chief guest at an event organised to recount Liberation War stories at the Sheikh Moni Memorial auditorium in Gopalganj yesterday. l

Farabi remanded in another ICT case n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday placed banned Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Shafiur Rahman Farabi, the key suspect in secular writer Avijit Roy murder, on a five-day remand in a case filed last year for defaming the prime minister.

Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasibul Haque passed the order after Sub-Inspector Abdur Rouf produced Farabi before it.

The case was filed on July 28 last year with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police under the Information and Communication Technology Act for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Facebook.

The Rapid Action Battalion arrested Farabi on March 2 for his alleged involvement in the attack on US citizen Avijit Roy, also the founder of Mukto-Mona blog, and his wife, co-blogger Rafida Ahmed Bonya on February 26. Avijit died in a hospital the same night while critically injured Bonya was flown to USA after receiving treatment in the capital.

After his arrest, Farabi denied his involvement, but mentioned that the science writer had got what he deserved for mocking religion. Elite force RAB claimed that they had proof of Farabi’s involvement with the killing.

On March 3, a Dhaka court placed him on 10day remand in the murder case filed with Shahbagh police by Avijit’s father Prof Ajoy Roy. He was remanded for five more days on March 14 in a fresh case filed against him for giving death threats to Avijit, bloggers Asif Mohiuddin and Parvez Alam, and a newspaper editor on Facebook. Farabi was placed on a fourday remand on March 20 in the same case.

The DB police, which is investigating Avijit murder case together with the FBI, has not found any clue about Farabi’s involvement.

But officials said Farabi through Facebook posts and blogs instigated others to kill Avijit.

In 2013, Farabi served six months in jail in another case lodged against him for threatening an imam with death for administering the funeral rites of blogger-architect Ahmed Rajeeb Haider, who was killed on February 15 the same year allegedly by the Islamist militants of Ansarullah Bangla Team. l

Indigenous people under the banner of Dighinala Bhumirokkha Committee place various demands, including removal of BGB Battalion from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, by forming a human chain in front the High Court yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

PADMA BRIDGE PROJECT

New NGO picked to deal affected landowners n Tribune Report The government yesterday approved a proposal to appoint a new NGO for rehabilitating families who lost their lands to land acquisition for the Padma bridge project.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase, chaired by Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu at the Secretariat, okayed the Bridges Division proposal for appointing a local NGO for the next five years.

“Local NGO Eco Social Development Organisation will be appointed to rehabilitate families who have lost their land because of land acquisition for the Padma bridge project,” Joint Secretary of Cabinet Division Mostafizur Rahman told reporters. He added that the cost of appointing the new NGO would be Tk13.15 crore for the next five years.

According to the proposal, the move comes after the expiry of a previous contract on this regard with the Christian Commission for

Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), another NGO which had initiated the rehabilitation work in November 2009. The CCDB had been able to finish 90% of the rehabilitation work before its contract expired.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a proposal from the Local Government Division to take a $50m low-interest loan as commodity credit from Belarus for procuring maintenance equipment for city corporations. l

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Two more arson victims die at DMCH burn institute n Mohammad Jamil Khan

Swadhinota Jadughar built in Suhrawardy Udyan in city opens for all yesterday, a day ahead of the 45th Independence Day celebrations

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Verdict after 20 years clears Nasir, other Shibir men of killing JCD leader n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A tribunal yesterday acquitted all the 13 accused in Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Jamir Uddin murder case since the prosecution had failed to prove the charges.

The accused are all leaders and activists of radical Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student body of Jamaat-e-Islami.

None from Jamir’s family was present when Chittagong Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Reza Tarique Ahmed passed the order.

Tribunal’s prosecutor Md Ayub Khan said they would decide about challenging the verdict at the High Court after discussing the matter with the victim’s family.

The acquitted are notorious criminal Nasir Uddin, Kazi Osman Gani, Harun-or-Rashid, Delwar Hossain, Sahabuddin, Shawkat Hossain, Nurul Islam, Ibrahim, Anwar Hossain,

Moksed Alam, Abdul Mannan, Ahsanul Azad and Abdul Kuddus.

Two other accused – Humayun Kabir and Kuddus – died during the trial period.

Of the accused, only Nasir is now in jail. He is facing several other cases and so will not be released even after the acquittal.

According to the case, Jamir, then general secretary of Chittagong Polytechnic Institute Students’ Union, and Jahangir Farid, convener of the campus unit, were shot dead around 11:30am on November 20, 1994 as Chhatra Shibir launched an armed attack to take the control over the campus.

Jamir’s elder brother Aziz Uddin lodged the murder case with Panchlaish police the same day. The family of another victim, Farid, filed a separate case. Details about this case could not be found.

CMP Assistant Commissioner (Panchlaish

Mother attempts suicide after killing children n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A woman reportedly attempted suicide after killing two of her children in Amtoli village in Lohagara, Chittagong early yesterday.

Police said Rehana Akhter, after killing her seven-year-old daughter Marium and twoyear-old son Yasin with a knife, tried to kill herself by slitting her throat. She was in a critical condition when her husband Humayun Kabir found her around 5am.

Humayun informed the neighbours, and later police took Rehana to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The bodies of the chil-

dren were also taken to the college morgue for post mortem examination, OC Md Shahjahan of Lohagara police said.

Police took rickshaw-puller Humayun into custody as they suspect marital feud behind the incident. Humayun also works as a night guard at the local kitchen market for extra income, police said. He was at work when the incident happened.

Quoting locals, the OC said Rehana was mentally ill, and her condition coupled with marital dispute might have caused her commit such a crime. A murder case was filed with the police station. l

circle) ATM Jasim Uddin, also investigation officer of the case, submitted charge sheet against the 15 persons on February 2, 1995.

The 15 Chhatra Shibir men were indicted on August 23, 2000 but the trial proceedings had been stopped halted in an order of the High Court on April 15, 2004. The trial resumed on August 26 last year.

Only nine out of the 21 prosecution witnesses testified in the case.

Prosecutor Ayub said four key witnesses, including two police officers, had died before giving depositions while four others are abroad.

He also said the delay by 10 years had damaged the merit of the case while most of the nine witnesses refrained from mentioning the names of the accused in their statements.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the prosecutor told the Dhaka Tribune to describe the case. l

Before Khorshed Alam succumbed to his injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery yesterday, his last words were a plea to the Almighty asking for relief from the unbearable pain.

The 30-year-old truck helper died around 1:15pm after an eight-day struggle for life at the burn institute of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Another arson victim named Yeadul Mollah, 25, died around 9:35am yesterday. He had been undergoing treatment for five days.

Khorshed was injured when pickets attacked his truck with firebombs in Chandra area in Chandpur on March 18. Truck driver Jahangir was killed on the spot while Khorshed, another helper Rubel Hossain and truck owner Khandakar Sharif Uddin were injured.

All of them were taken to the burn institute, where Sharif, 38, died on March 22. Rubel, 28, is undergoing treatment with 38% burn injuries, with his respiratory system damaged.

Doctors said his condition is still critical.

Yeadul, on the other hand, was one of the nine victims of an attack on a sand-laden truck on Jessore-Magura Road in Magura on March 21. Three more victims of that attack – Rowshan Ali, Motin Miah and Shakil Miah – died earlier. The rest are undergoing treatment at the burn institute.

Dr Partha Shankar Pal, resident surgeon at the burn institute, told the Dhaka Tribune that since the 20-party alliance-enforced blockade began, a total of 181 arson victims have been admitted at the burn institute. Of them, 134 were released, 22 died while 26 are undergoing treatment.

Families face uncertain future

Hailing from Sharsha area in Jessore, Khorshed was the sole breadwinner in his family of three. His wife Ayesha Khatun lives in Sharsha with their only child Mehedi Hasan Tushar, a student of class VI at a local school.

“I do not know how we will go on now,” she told the Dhaka Tribune. “We do not have any savings. We will be on the streets now.”

Yeadul’s family is also facing dreadful future. His sister Taslima Begum said he supported his four sisters. “He has been taking care of all of us since our father died two years ago. We have nothing left any more.” l

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

136 disaster shelters built to improve livelihoods in coastal areas n Tribune Report As part of a cyclone rehabilitation project, the government has constructed 136 new multi-purpose disaster shelters that also double up as primary schools during non-emergency situations, a statement from the World Bank said yesterday.

With support from the World Bank, the Emergency 2007 Cyclone Recovery and Restoration Project (ECRRP) has been going on to restore the livelihoods of people affected by the Cyclone Sidr and Cyclone Alia, which struck in 2007 and 2009 respectively, and to build long-term disaster preparedness.

By June this year, 65 more new shelters will be completed, while the key target is to construct a total of 330 new shelters by the end of 2017, the statement added.

Already 241 existing shelters have been renovated out of a target of 460 shelters to be repaired by 2017. At least 81 more are expect-

ed to be fixed by June 2015.

Repair works for 260km coastal embankments have so far been completed out of a total target of 460km.

A recent monitoring and evaluation report showed significant improvements in the socio-economic status of the project beneficiaries, the World Bank statement read.

The 2014 Household Survey showed that 90% of the beneficiary households now have annual incomes of above Tk60,000, placing them above the poverty line.

The project also includes work on building shelter access roads in cyclone prone areas, as well as providing agricultural support to farmers through the provision of improved seeds, agricultural tools, livestock, fish fingerlings, household silos and hands on training on the use of such technology.

The project is also supporting the preparation of the first phase of a fifteen year government programme for disaster risk reduction. l

Shamsher Mobin denied bail n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday denied bail to BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury in a case filed for an attack on Awami League lawmaker Chhabi Biswas.

Chhabi Biswas came under attack on December 24 last year during a clash between police and BNP men over Khaleda Zia’s appearance before a court in Bakshibazar.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Kamrul Islam Mollah passed the order after hearing on a petition filed by his counsel Md Sanaullah Miah.

In the bail petition hearing Mobin’s counsel said the accused was very sick as he had been

languishing in jail.

Mobin’s counsel claimed that his client was not present at the place of occurrence on that day and he was not even FIR-listed accused.

A false and fabricated case was filed against Shamsher Mobin to ruin his political carrier, said the defense counsel.

Metropolitan Session judge’s Court Public Prosecutor Abdullah Abu opposed the bail plea.

The case was filed by police with Shahbagh police station for the attack on Chhabi Biswas near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

Earlier, Detective Branch of police detained the BNP leader from his Banani DOHS residence on January 9. l

UIU’s third convocation held n Tribune Report The 3rd Convocation of United International University was held on March 24, 2015 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid presided over the programme. Prof Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, chairperson of UIU’s Board of Trustees and founder vice-chancellor of East West University, was present as the convocation speaker.

An welcome address was delivered by

Faridur Rahman Khan, vice-chairman of UIU Board of Trustees. Prof Dr M Rezwan Khan, vice-chancellor of United International University, also addressed in the ceremony.

“Private Universities must take measures to remove all barriers to imparting quality higher education in their own interests,” said Education Minister Nahid.

A total of 1,452 students from different disciplines were conferred upon bachelor and master degrees. Five meritorious students received gold medals for their excellent results. l

A procession of Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal marches towards the Election Commission yesterday to submit a memorandum containing six demands. The photo was taken before the procession was halted by the police near the National Press Club DHAKA TRIBUNE

4 saboteurs, 9 BNP-Jamaat men held n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Chandgaon police in overnight raids yesterday arrested four miscreants who hurled petrol and crude bombs during blockade and hartals in exchange for money.

The arrestees – aged between 20 and 25 – are Ivan Khan Imon, Mobarak, Sohel and Idris, said Chandgaon Police Station Officer-inCharge Sairul Islam.

He said they nabbed the four after conducting drives at Faridarpara, Hamidchar, Chasha Colony, Talukdar Bari and Manjurpara areas under their jurisdiction in the city fol-

lowing a tip-off.

Day labourers by profession, the four were hired by BNP-Jamaat leaders. They confessed their involvement in different sabotage incidents in the area, added the OC. Meanwhile, district police nabbed nine BNP, Jamaat and Shibir men from Sitakunda, Satkania and Lohagara upazilas after overnight drives.

Chittagong district Special Branch Additional Superintendent of Police Naimul Hasan said the nine were arrested in connection to separate violence cases lodged with the police stations of the district. l

DT

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Seven robbers held with arms, ammo in capital n Tribune Report Police have arrested seven robbers from the capital’s different parts, including Shiddhirganj and Keraniganj, in the past three days.

The arrested were identified as Rubel, Golam Rabbi, Abbas Ali, Rinku, Mamunur Rashid, Suman and Ridoy.

Officer-in-Charge of Paltan police station Morshed Alam said they have also recovered a foreign made pistol, two bullets, a crude bomb, Tk8,000 in cash and three mobile sets from the procession of the arrestees.

The law enforcers conducted several drives following filling of a case with the Paltan Model Police Station regarding an incident of robbery on March 22, he said.

On March 23, the police arrested Rubel after conducting a drive in Shiddhirganj area of Narayanganj, the OC said.

On the basis of his information, the law enforcers arrested Rabbi, Ali, Rinku and Rashid from the same area on March 24.

While, Suman and Ridoy were arrested from Khejurbag area in South Keraniganj on March 25.

Police said the arrestees were accused in several cases, inclduing robbery and extortion. Cases were filed against them with respective police stations. l

Security beefed up for celebrations of Independence Day n Tribune Report Security measures have been beefed up for putting a security blanket over the country, especially in the capital city and its suburb Savar for celebrating the Independence Day, said different law and nforcement agencies.

Police will keep close watch during the Independence day programme across the country so that the day can be observed smoothly, said Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman.

Check-posts have been set up at every entry and exit points for making the security foolproof while all entry and exit points of the capital are being monitored round-the-clock, he said.

Director Commander of RAB’s media and legal wing Mufti Mahmud Khan said: “RAB will take strong security system in any especial day. However, as the day is independence day so obviously we will take necessary steps.”

RAB personnel have been stationed in close proximity of the check-posts and they will extend security assistance to the police, besides protecting all key point installations

(KPIs) in and around the capital city, said another RAB official.

Besides, different agencies have been directed to conduct block raids in different guest-houses, slums and crime points in the city. Strong vigil on highways and border areas will be maintained, said a police official at the police headquarter.

A number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at the National Memorial at Savar to monitor the situation round-the-clock before and after the Independence Day program.

In Chittagong, security measures have been tightened in and around the city for marking the Independence Day. Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) will monitor the situation round-the-clock before and after the Independence Day programme.

Moreover, Rajshahi City Corporation and district administration together with various political, social and cultural organisations and educational institutions including Rajshahi University chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the Independence and National Day 2015 with much enthusiasm and patriotic zeal.

The day’s programmes will begin with heralding of 31 gun salutes at Police Line and placing of floral wreaths at the altar of the city’s Shaheed Minars at the zero hours.

The programmes also include hoisting of national flag atop all government, semi-government, private and public buildings, institutions, reception to the FFs and screening of documentary films at different cinema halls and other open places.

A combined march-past of the police, ansar-VDP, fire service, BNCC, scouts, girl guides, jail guards and students of different educational institutions will be held at district stadium in the morning. Divisional Commissioner will hoist the national flag and witness the march-past and physical display.

In the noon, the valiant freedom fighters will be accorded reception at Green Plaza of Nagar Bhaban. Sports and discussion will be organised for the women on Riverview Collectorate School ground in the afternoon.

At the district Shishu Academy, competition on arts, patriotic songs and poetry recitation has been arranged for the school and college students. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER LIKELY THURSDAY, MARCH 26 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:11PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:57AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY 32 32 34 35 33 33 35 31

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

23 22 22 21 20 23 20 22

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

37.2ºC Rajshahi

16.8ºC Srimangal Source: Accuweather/UNB

Artistes of theatre group Prachyanat stages a street drama titled ‘Lal Jatra’ on Dhaka University premises yesterday, in remembrance to the victims of Operation Searchlight executed by the then Pakistan Army on March 25, 1971 MEHEDI HASAN

Rajshahi-Dhaka flight to resume after 8 years PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:42am

Sunrise

5:57am

Zohr

12:05am

Asr

4:29pm

Magrib

6:11pm

Esha

7:27pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi Flight operations of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume on the Rajshahi-Dhaka route on April 6, after eight years of suspension, said Setafur Rahman, manager of Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi.

“Preparations including restoration of terminal, setting up fiber furniture, extension of air borderline, renovation of runway are done,” he told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

In a view exchanging meeting on February 24, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister

Rashed khan Menon announced that to carry flight operations on the Rajshahi-Dhaka route, the government had bought two airplanes each with a capacity of carrying 74 passengers.

The government decided to resume the flights following the demands of the residents of Rajshahi and in near future it plans to operate cargo planes on the route as well, said Menon.

An additional up-down flight will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays each week.

Setafur Rahman said: “Foreign passengers

can easily connect with the western parts of the country if the flights are resumed. This will contribute to the economy of Rajshahi.”

Fazle Hossain Badsha, member parliament of Rajshahi-2 sadar constituency, said “Resumption of flights on Rajshahi-Dhaka route is a long cherished desire of the people of Rajshahi. I have tried my best to secure the consent of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in this regard.”

Due to a decrease in the number of passengers and goods, the authorities concerned closed down the flights on Rajshahi-Dhaka route in 2007. l

DT

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Chapainawabganj hospital faces multifaceted problems n Our Correspondent, Chapainawabganj People in Chapainawabganj district hardly get necessary health services at the upazila health complexes as those are beset with multifaceted problems.

Almost all the health complexes in the district, including those in Nachole, Gomostapur, Bholahat and Shibganj upazilas, are unable to provide elementary treatment to the patients for acute shortage of medical and other staff and lack of related equipment and other logistics.

During recent visits to the health complexes, this correspondent found that although the seat capacities of the hospitals have been increased from 31 seats to 50 seats, but relevant staff, including doctors, have not been recruited to ensure services to the people of the areas.

Five posts for doctors at the Nachole Upazila Health Complex, while six posts at Bholahat, and eight posts at Shibganj have remained vacant for long period of time.

Even, there is no qualified pathologist at the

health complexes.

Child bearing mothers are the worst sufferers in the upazilas as the is no gynecology specialists and female gynecologists there.

The X-ray machines at Nachole and Gomostapur Health Complexes have remained out of order for long time.

Meanwhile, patients in Shibganj have to suffer a lot as the ambulance of the upazila health complex has remained malfunctioned for longtime.

Md Kabir came to take treatment at Bholahat Upazila Health Complex. He told the Dhaka Tribune that more than one lakh people of the upazila are dependent on the health complex for any kind of health problem. But they are deprived of desired health services due to lack of doctors.

“The ambulance of the health complex always remain out of order,” he said adding that the wards are not cleaned regularly.

Imon Reza came to Nachole Upazila Health Complex for taking treatment. Doctors advised him for X-ray of his leg.

“I have to go to Rajshahi for the X-ray now

as the X-ray machine at the health complex is out of order,” he said.

“I am worried. I am really worried now.

How will I manage the cost for going to Rajshahi,” he added.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, Dr Md Salauddin, resident medical officer in-charge of Gomostapur Upazila Health Complex, said they are facing many problems in providing services to the patients due to lack of necessary doctors and other staff.

“There is no medical consultant a the health complex. We can not give treatment to any child bearing mother or women as there is not gynecologist or female doctor,” he said.

Dr M Alauddin, the civil surgeon of Chapainawabganj, admitted that they were facing severe problems in providing services at the upazila health complexes.

“We are facing difficulties to give treatment to the patients suffering complex diseases as here is no consultant at the upazila health complexes,” he said.

“We are trying to solve all the problems,” he said. l

Prime accused in Jiban Bima fund embezzlement case arrested n Our Correspondent, Sylhet Police yesterday arrested the main accused in a case launched by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charge of misappropriating about Tk13.59 crore from Sylhet regional office of state-owned Jiban Bima Corporation.

The arrested, Md Abdul Latif Chowdhury, a resident of Falgunkora village in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla, embezzled the money from 2002 to 2012 when he was manager of the regional office.

ACC Deputy Assistant Director Ranjit Kumar Singha confirmed the arrest, telling that he and the lawsuit’s investigation officer Md Mozaher Ali Sarder with the help of Kotwali police station arrested Latif from Jiban Bima Ambarkhan regional office around 12:40pm.

A seven-day remand would be sought to court for questioning him in this regard, Ranjit Kumar continued. According to the case statement, the ACC, in an investigation, found that Latif as well as ten others embezzled Tk13.59 crore received by them from the clients through 5858 instalments since 2002 till 2012. l

Migrant workers’ safety stressed n Our Correspondent, Barisal Speakers of a divisional workshop in Barisal yesterday underscored the safety measures for the migrant workers.

They also urged upon the state authorities to make the migration process hassle-free through transparency and accountability.

Brac hosted the programme styled “Participation of Stakeholders in Safe Labour Migration” held in the conference room of Barisal divisional commissioner building.

Representatives from of local administration, police, manpower recruitment agencies and NGOs took part in the event which was presided over by Barisal Deputy Commissioner Shohidul Alam.

The workers have been enormously contributing in the country’s development, said the speakers adding that assistance from the Bangladeshi embassies is crucial for safe migration. l

Shocheton Nagorik Committee, Comilla, places candle lights on the altar of the Shaheed Minar yesterday marking the dark night of March 25,1971 DHAKA TRIBUNE

Pest attacks hit Boro cultivation n Our Correspondent, Madaripur Pests have attacked boro seedlings in different upazilas of Madaripur district this season.

The farmers apprehend that a vast tract of land will remain uncultivated this season for the want of seedlings.

They are buying pesticides on their own and claim that the Agriculture Extension Office of Madaripur has not taken any initiative in this connection so far.

An insect called Majra has affected 1.5 feet long boro seedlings on the Goidi Beel, situated only around three km away from the office, they said.

Farmers of Bhodrokhola village under Ghotmajhi union complained that agriculture officers neither have visited their fields nor have extended any kind of support.

Abdus Salam Munshi, a farmer of Goidi village under Madaripur upazila, said Majra has damaged the boro seedlings badly. Agriculture officers have prescribed medicines, however, the farmers are not being able to buy those because of lack of money.

Similar scenario was spotted at a paddy field near the Youth Development Bhaban in the city. Farmers said they were not given any directions on controlling pests. So they bought pesticides and sprayed those on the

field. However, in many areas those pesticides are not bringing any positive outcome.

Farmer Sanowar Hossain from Khagdi area said although some agricultural officers came to visit the crop field a few days ago, they did not mention anything about the Majra insect.

Deputy Director of Agriculture Extension Office Abdur Razzaq said: “If small pillars or small branches of trees are placed inside the fields then birds will come and eat the insects.

Besides, the officers are giving necessary suggestions to farmers in the affected areas.”

Farmers demanded equal treatment and guidelines be given to them and government must interfere in the matter. l

Robbery at AL leader’s house n Our Correspondent, Habiganj A robbery was committed yesterday in a local Awami League leader’s house in Joynagar area under Nabiganj municipality.

Liakat Ali, officer-in-charge of Nabiganj police station said a gang of robbers entered the house of AL leader Abul Kalam Azad breaking open the door.

Later, they looted 15 tolas gold and valuables worth about Tk15 lakh.

The criminals tortured, Rezia Chowdhury, wife of Kalam brutally as she was trying to resist them.

A case was filed in this connection. l

DT

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Comilla residents have to drink arsenic contaminated water n Our Correspondent, Comilla A host of people in Comilla are suffering from arsenicosis, with the majority contracting the disease by drinking water rich in arsenic.

According to government estimates, some 2,997 people were diagnosed with arsenic poisoning in 16 upazilas of the district till December 2014, but non-governmental organisations say the number of patients has topped 10,000.

Arsenicosis is prevalent in Monohorgonj and Laksam upazilas, and more women than men have contracted it.

Doctors say arsenicosis is a silent killer, and could lead to bronchitis, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems, and even cancer.

Apart from the health problems, the patients were said to have suffered public humiliation, with many believing in the superstition that the disease is a sign of atonement for sin.

Seeking anonymity, a housewife in Iruain

village in Laksam said she did not tell her inlaws about the disease fearing divorce.

“I had to go to my father’s house to take medical advice from doctors there,” she said.

Chief Coordinator of volunteer organisation Haldia Mahila Unnayan Sangstha, Abu Taher Rony, said many cases cannot be detected as patients usually do not seek treatment until the disease has developed into an advanced stage.

“NGO Forum, a private organisation, ran a project in a number of villages for treating arsenicosis patients but that has been discontinued,” he said.

Faruk Ahmed, a patient in Charbaria village, said he had not received any medicine since NGO Forum closed its project.

But Mir Mostak Ali, regional manager of NGO Forum, said it was not possible to offer complete medical care to all the patients due to the lack of adequate resources.

“We have worked in several villages, including Charbaria, Dumuria, Rajapur and

Banglaish. Now we are operating in Meghna upazila,” he said.

Mostak said the project entails setting up arsenic-free tube wells, raising public awareness of the disease, and treatment and rehabilitation of arsenicosis patients.

Chairman of Kandirpar union, Nur Hossain, said many in the union are suffering from the disease, adding that inspection by health officials is barely adequate.

But Dr Md Salahuddin, an official of Laksam Upazila Health Complex, said there are enough stocks of medicine in his facility and patients will be supplied drugs if they come for treatment.

Comilla Civil Surgeon Dr Mujibur Rahman said arsenicosis patients should focus more on drinking arsenic-free water than taking medical treatment.

He said health workers are working to create awareness of the disease and patients are offered emergency treatment at the upazila health complexes. l

Govt land worth Tk1 crore grabbed n Our Correspondent, Tangail Government land worth around Tk1 crore has been grabbed at Fatehpur Bazar under Mirzapur upazila in the district with the connivance of land officials.

Sources said local UP member Abdur Razzak Sikder grabbed 36 decimals land near the 100-year-old bazar.

It was found that the UP member filled the land with earth recently. He also set up a concrete structure there.

Gafur Sikder, president of Fatehpur Bazar Traders’ Association, said the land was owned by local Hindus. They went to India in 1971 leaving it. The government had taken over the land in 2004.

Razzak along with his associates grabbed the land with false documents in connivance with some land officials.

Razzak also made some shops on the land earlier which are currently rented out.

Fatepur UP chairman Humayun Talukder said: “Razzak grabbed the land with the connivance of some govt officials.”

Md Selim Reza, officer of Fatehpur Land Office, said: “Razzak built the structure on 36 decimals land on 6 March at the demarcation No 896 and 897 when the office was closed.”

“He was asked to stop the work immediately,” the officer said.

When contacted, Razzak said: “I have bought the land from the government nine years ago with proper documents.”

“But unfortunately, the officials have forbidden me recently not for building the structure,” he said. Md Selim Reza, Assistant Commissioner of Mirzapur upazila land office said: “Razzak has been prohibited from building the structure after locals brought allegation against him.”

“An investigation is going on over the incident,” he added. l

500kg Ilish fry seized n Our Correspondent, Chandpur

Water crisis turns acute in northern districts as most waterbodies have already died up with the advent of dry season. People of char areas are the worst sufferers of the situation since they cannot irrigate their paddy fields properly for want of water. People are involved in household chores with water of a deeptube in Mazardia area in Rajshahi yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard seized 500 kilograms of Ilish fry from two launches in the Meghna River under the district early yesterday.

A team of Coast Guard, led by its commander Lieutenant M Habibur Rahman, conducted a drive in Dhaka-bound MV Rajhongso-8 and MV Samrat-2 of the river around 1am and seized 500 kilograms of fry. SI Abdur Rahman of Haimchar police station said at least 26 fishermen were arrested in several points of the river while they were catching the fry. l

Thakurgaon girls school has 32 teachers for 1,900 students n Our Correspondent, Thakurgaon Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School is suffering from a severe shortage of teachers and support staff.

The school began double shifts six years ago with the number of students almost doubling over the years to 1,904 currently. However, no new teachers or support staff members have been hired since.

The positions for 10 assistant teachers and two assistant head masters have been vacant for years. There are 39 teachers for 32 sections

of the school with 10 more positions yet to be filled. Of these 39 teachers, 8-10 remain on leave.

The quality of education as dropped markedly as teachers have to take consecutive classes, and thus are unable to follow a lesson plan.

Besides, most of the experienced teachers are busy with private tutoring at the school.

“Four to five of us students have to use one small bench. At times combined classes of the two shifts are held in one room and we cannot hear the lectures over all the noise,” said class eight student Swapnil.

One of the teachers Julekha Begum Julee said: “The student-teacher ratio is extremely high. When one teacher has to take five classes in a day, the quality will naturally fall.”

Headmaster Shankar Kumar Ghosh said: “The school also does not have the adequate third and fourth grade employees. When the two shifts were introduced no new positions for such employees were created.”

There is only one sweeper for whom managing the waste of the entire school is impossible, and that is why the school environment has become unhealthy, complained the teach-

ers and students.

There is only one office assistant for the two shifts whereas the school authority said even if four office assistants were hired they would be having a hard time.

The school has a 100% pass rate with 124 GPA5 achievers in SSC last year.

Assistant Teacher Mahbub Alam and many other teachers said if the problems of this girls’ institution are resolved quickly, the results will be better; if not then it will become very difficult to maintain the current performance of the students. l

DT

10 WORLD

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

France cracks open plane’s black box, seals off crash site n AP, Seyne-Les-Alpes

French investigators cracked open the mangled black box of a German jetliner yesterday and sealed off the rugged Alpine crash site where 150 people died when their plane slammed into a mountain.

The dented, twisted and scarred cockpit voice recorder was being mined by investigators for clues into what sent the Germanwings Airbus 320 into a mid-flight dive Tuesday after pilots lost radio contact over the southern French Alps during a routine flight from Barcelona to Duesseldorf. Germany’s top security official said yesterday there was no evidence of foul play.

Helicopters surveying the scattered debris lifted off at daybreak to eye the craggy ravine.

Emergency crews, meanwhile, traveled slowly over the steep, rocky terrain to the remote high-altitude crash site through fresh snow and rain. Bereaved families and the French, German and Spanish leaders were expected later yesterday.

“The black box is damaged and must be

reconstituted in the coming hours in order to be useable,” French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told RTL radio.

Key to the investigation is what happened in the two minutes of 10:30 a.m. and 10:31 a.m., said Segolene Royal, a top government minister whose portfolio includes transport.

From then on, air traffic controllers were unable to make contact with the plane.

The voice recorder takes audio feeds from four microphones within the cockpit and records all the conversations between the pilots, air traffic controllers as well as any noises in the cockpit. France’s air accident investigation agency released images of the orange casing, mangled and scarred from the impact.

The flight data recorder, which Cazeneuve said has not been retrieved yet, captures 25 hours’ worth of information on the position and condition of almost every major part in a plane.

France’s air force says it scrambled a Mirage fighter jet to the area when the flight lost radar contact, but arrived too late to help.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told reporters in Berlin yesterday that “according to the latest information there is no hard evidence that the crash was intentionally brought about by third parties.” Royal and Cazeneuve both emphasised that terrorism is considered unlikely.

The crash left pieces of wreckage “so small and shiny they appear like patches of snow on the mountainside,” said Pierre-Henry Brandet, the Interior Ministry spokesman, after flying over the debris field.

Investigators retrieving data from the recorder will focus first “on the human voices, the conversations” followed by the cockpit sounds, Transport Secretary Alain Vidalies told Europe 1 radio. He said the government planned to release information gleaned from the black box as soon as it can be verified.

Deborah Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council and a former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said generally voice recorder data can be downloaded in a matter of hours. l

Yemen’s Houthi militia poised to take president’s Aden base

n Reuters Houthi militia forces in Yemen backed by allied army units seized a key air base yesterday and appeared poised to capture the southern port of Aden from defenders loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, local residents said.

After taking al-Anad air base, the Houthis and their military allies, supported by heavy armor, advanced to within 40km (25 miles) of Aden, where Hadi has been holed up since fleeing the Houthi-controled capital Sanaa last month.

Unidentified warplanes fired missiles at the Aden neighborhood where Hadi’s compound is located, residents said. Anti-aircraft batteries opened fire on the planes.

Yemen’s slide towards civil war has made the country a crucial front in mostly Sunni Saudi Arabia’s rivalry with Shi’ite Iran, which Riyadh accuses of stirring up sectarian strife through its support for the Houthis.

Sunni Arab monarchies around Yemen have condemned the Shi’ite Houthi takeover as a coup and have mooted a military intervention in favor of Hadi in recent days. l

Iran film portrays the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), drawing criticism

n AP, Allahyar Here in this Persian replica of Mecca, built at the cost of millions of dollars, an Iranian film company is attempting to offer the world a literal glimpse of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) despite traditional taboos against it.

The movie “Muhammad, Messenger of God” already recalls the grandeur – and expense – of a Cecil B DeMille film, with the narrow alleyways and a replica Kaaba shrine built here in the remote village of Allahyar. But by even showing the back of the Prophet Muhammad as a child before he was called upon by Allah, the most expensive film in Iranian history already has been criticised before its even widely released, calling into question who ultimately will see the Quranic story come to life on the big screen.

“How should we introduce our prophet?” asked Majid Majidi, the film’s director. “Many relay their messages to the world through cinema and pictures.”

In American cinematic history, films involving the Bible often find the biggest audience and box office returns. Biblical stories have inspired dozens of films from the 1920s all the way to recent blockbusters like “Noah” starring Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott’s biblical epic “Exodus: Gods and Kings.”

But in Islam, portraying the Prophet Muhammad has long been taboo for many. Islamic tradition is full of written descriptions of Muhammad and his qualities – describing him as the ideal human being. But clerics generally have agreed that trying to depict that ideal is forbidden. The Paris terror attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which killed 12 people in January, saw gunmen target it over its caricature of the prophet.

But while Sunni Islam, the religion’s dominant branch, widely rejects any depictions of Muhammad, his close relatives or companions, Shiite Islam doesn’t. l

The candid pleasures of life: Somalis play football as the sun sets in Mogadishu on Tuesday

AFP

Curiosity Mars rover detects ‘useful nitrogen’ n BBC Nasa’s Curiosity rover has made an interesting nitrogen discovery on the surface of Mars.

Its big internal lab has detected nitric oxide (NO) - oxidised nitrogen - as it analysed dust and rock samples.

The compound was very likely released from the breakdown of nitrates during the

heating of the powders.

If nitrates are the source, it would add to the evidence that the planet had the conditions necessary to sustain life in its distant past. Nitrogen is essential for all known forms of life, but it needs to be in the right form to be useful.

On Earth, specialist soil microbes “fix” the not-so-useful nitrogen in the atmosphere into nitrate (NO3) - a nitrogen atom bound to

three oxygen atoms - which can then be processed by other biological systems.

There is no evidence that the nitrates suggested in the Curiosity lab experiments were produced in this exact same way.

A more probable scenario, say rover scientists, is that the nitrates resulted from other conversion processes that involve lightning and meteorite strikes. l

DT

WORLD 11

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Assange: Hamas started with Israel backing n Agencies WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has accused Israeli authorities of supporting the Palestinean group Hamas during its inception in order to divide the Palestinian resistance.

“Our cables reveal that Israel supported Hamas in its infancy, that Hamas was used as an instrument to divide the Palestine Liberation Organisation [PLO] and the Palestinian resistance,” Assange said on March 23 in an interview to Argentinian paper Pagina/12 from his Ecuadorian embassy asylum where he has spent more than 1,000 days.

According to Assange, Hamas and the PLO’s case is a good example of the West’s plan to suppress secular leftist movements in the Middle East.

“The West hates those [Middle Eastern] leftist and nationalist parties and for many years did everything it could to destroy them or at least oust them from power, and that is why it had been supporting theocracies and theocratic movements,” Assange added.

Palestinians seek the creation of an independent state on the areas of West Bank and East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967.

In June 2014, Hamas, which had de-facto control over the Gaza Strip, formed a unity government with the more moderate Palestinian Fatah party, the largest faction of the PLO founded by late Yasser Arafat. The unity government was recognised by over 100 states as the “sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.”

Thai PM Prayuth warns media of power to execute reporters

n Reuters, Bangkok

Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha lashed out at journalists yesterday, saying he would “probably just execute” those who did “not report the truth,” in the latest outburst aimed at Thailand’s media.

Last month Prayuth said he had the power to shut down news outlets. Yesterday, he took an even harsher line.

“We’ll probably just execute them,” said Prayuth, without a trace of a smile, when asked by reporters how the government would deal with those that do not adhere to the official line.

“You don’t have to support the government, but you should report the truth,” the former army chief said, telling reporters to write in a way that bolsters national reconciliation.

Prayuth, who is also prime minister, heads the ruling junta or National Council for Peace and Order. He toppled the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a coup last May, that followed months of protests aimed at ousting Yingluck.

Known for his abrupt manner and impulsive remarks, Prayuth launched a crack down on dissenters after seizing power in May. He has said Thailand is not ready to lift martial law, which gives the army sweeping powers, including for arrest and detention.

In January the junta forced a German foundation to cancel a forum on press freedom saying Thailand was at a sensitive juncture.

Since taking power, the junta has made full use of martial law, which also bans all political gatherings. l

Shortly after, in July 2014, Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against the Hamas forces. Over 2,000 Palestinians and 71 Israelis were killed, according to the United Nations.

The sides agreed on an open-ended ceasefire the following month.

Hamas launched in 1988 in Gaza at the time of the first intifada, or uprising, with a charter now infamous for its anti-Semitism and its refusal to accept the existence of the Israeli state.

On the other hand, Fatah was secular and cast in the mold of other revolutionary, leftist guerilla movements waging insurgencies elsewhere in the world during the Cold War.

ISIS result of Western adventurism

Meddling of Western countries in the Middle East led to creation of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS), an Islamist group that is currently gaining a massive following across the wider Middle East and Africa, Assange said.

“The IS is a direct result of the adventurism of the West,” Assange said.

He says the “adventurism” of Western countries has already destroyed the Libyan and Syrian society and now is “destroying Iraq for oil and other geopolitical reasons.”

Many people know that arms are being transported to Syria, that there are attempts to reduce Iranian influence in postwar Iraq by supporting the Sunnis, he said.

But “what we don’t know is that in recent years in recent years Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey have increased their power and man-

West Bengal: missionary school threatened

n Agencies Even before a single culprit of the Ranaghat rape and loot has been arrested, the nuns of St Captanio Girl’s High School of Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri district have received four threat letters in March with the last one threatening reprisals on the lines of the March 14 Ranaghat crime.

The authorities of the school, located more than 600 kms to the north of Kolkata, received four letters between March 11 and March 21.

Both the authorities and the police are tightlipped about the contents of the letters, but the word went around in the locality that they letters threatened rapes and setting the school hostel ablaze. l

Japan gets biggest flattop since WWII

n Reuters, Yokohama

Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force yesterday took delivery of the biggest Japanese warship since World War Two, the Izumo, a helicopter carrier as big as the Imperial Navy aircraft carriers that battled the United States in the Pacific.

The Izumo with a crew of 470 sailors is a highly visible example of how Japan is expanding the capability of its military to operate overseas and enters service as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks lawmaker approval to loosen the restraints of Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution. l

aged to gain certain independence from the US.” As a result, Washington ceased to be “the only geopolitical actor” pushing developments in the Middle East, believes Assange.

US has long wanted to bring Ukraine to West

The WikiLeaks founder thinks the US has spent “a lot of time trying to bring Ukraine to the West.

“If it cannot be with a Nato membership, at least it becomes independent from Moscow’s sphere of influence, to reduce Russian industrial-military complex and its naval bases in Crimea.”

Kiev first step closer to Nato was in Decem-

ber 2014, when President Petro Poroshenko signed a law cancelling the Ukraine’ non-bloc status and promised to hold a national referendum on Nato accession in the next five to six years.

In January, Kiev authorities announced that the Ukrainian army would take part in 11 international military drills in 2015 to bolster Nato standards in troops.

One more attempt of US and Europe to “bring Ukraine closer to the West” was spending “billions of dollars on the creation of NGOs,” said Assange, adding that “through these institutions, the West promised to end corruption in Ukraine.” l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

We’re made in Bangladesh

Be heard

D

haka Tribune’s “I’m made in Bangladesh” campaign showcases a few of the many inspirational Bangladeshis who are making a mark in all aspects of life.

As we commemorate the 44th anniversary of our independence, their stories provide a valuable reminder of the enormous abilities our people have when they are given the opportunity to unleash their creativity and talent.

While the political turmoil afflicting the country at the moment is far from ideal, let us take time out to congratulate the exceptional achievements we have made as an independent nation.

Bangladesh’s people have made remarkable progress in diverse fields and, in a relatively short span of time, have brought the economy to a position of consistent growth with tremendous potential to grow much further.

Our women are not only climbing mountains, their efforts lie behind millions of pieces of garments the world over. Some of our students have even gone all the way to NASA for a robotics competition using recycled products, despite the limited resources and education our universities can provide on the subject.

Let us renew our focus and attention on the positive indicators that are taking Bangladesh forward.

Ours is a nation full of young, vibrant individuals who have, and shall continue to make their country proud.

The diversity, quality, and competitiveness of our products and brands are becoming ever stronger.

We have good cause to hope that, given goodwill and a more conducive environment to investors, everyone will have a chance to make real the dream of Sonar Bangla.

Take inspiration from the many Bangladeshis taking the country forward

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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The legacy of Avijit Roy March 3

marooned at the horrifying and cowardly assassination of blogger Avijit Roy, “discretion is better part of valour” is still my sincere advise to the bloggers.

Karl Hungus An excellent write-up, and a great send-off to an untimely martyr.

Dreamsneednolabel Very well written.

Masud Rana Free thinking should not create opponents, that is not what free thinking is about.

Rahat People often say Islam is the fastest growing religion. Fortunately, losing religion (atheism, agnosticism) is growing even faster. =) Dablu While I am painfully shocked, dismayed, and

A day to remember and look ahead

W

ith by far the greatest part of our population born in the years after independence, it is important that the nation stands as one to recall the struggle and sacrifice which created independent Bangladesh.

The debt owed to the men and women who sacrificed so much to lead the country to freedom is one that can never be repaid.

However, we can all work together every day to pay tribute to their memory by building up a fairer, freer, and more prosperous Bangladesh.

We have made many strides as a nation in the years since 1971. The success of our entrepreneurs in making the RMG industry the world’s second largest clothes exporter and our farmers’ achievments in growing more food and the nation’s success in improving health and social indicators, stand testament to the hard work and resilience of our people.

Even though we face many challenges, not least from our persistent failure to end political instability and ensure a properly functioning democracy, we must not forget that we have a far stronger base to build from today.

Bangladesh’s growing markets, youthful population, and geographical location at the crossroads of South and South-East Asia gives our economy huge potential to grow.

Making the most of this to build a better nation will be the best way to show our gratitude to the generation of independence.

Build a better Bangladesh to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those and led the country to freedom

Shibir dens busted: Arms, petrol bombs seized

sundar This sort of brutal killing by the followers and believers of all religions, not only Islam, will continue so long as religions still exist. It is a matter of life and death. Who does not know that reason poses the greatest threat to religion? If reason ever gets the upper hand, the very existence of religion will be at stake.

Those who sincerely believe in religion must get united and come forward in support of such brutal killings of those who stand for reason. I think everybody has noticed so far that no religious organisation, group, or association has yet condemned this killing.

Even the government is being afraid of losing a large vote bank, who have also shown a very lukewarm response to this murder. Their policy might be “to kill the snake keeping the stick unbroken.”

DT

They are not fighting for us March 4

March 9

Romel Ahmed Does anybody ever believe the Bangladeshi police/Rab, especially when they were under one of worst regimes? Of course paid journalists believe the government and its killing machine’s rationale of a Bangla Holocaust.

March 1971 Diary (Part 1)

March 10

Martha Faquar Well said. The situation in Bangladesh is clearly escalating (to what extent, the mind can only speculate) and I most definitely share the sentiment (fact, really) that BNP, while being the underdog in this battle, clearly has no clue of how they plan to run this country if handed the reins. sundar It hardly needs any mentioning that they are not fighting for us, and as a matter of fact, no political party fight for us. AL is stubbornly refusing to relent, that is also not for us. It is all for them, their philosophy can be best described by the Bengali expression “protteke mora nijer tare.”

Abu Elias Sarker An integral part of Bangladesh history! One may not agree with his ideological predilection, but his patriotism is proven. He edited a magazine called Forum. He wrote on the developments on the eve of the war of liberation.

LiveFromTheTrench sundar: If BNP is finished off (or AL for that matter, don’t care which one), perhaps I would be able to go on with my life for a while. But until that happens, we are in a state of purgatory. O Messiah, where are’st thou?

DT

OPINION 13

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

To the married fighters of 71 and their widows n SM Shahrukh

I

t was to be expected that the widows of 1971 were going to have a pinched existence. Their husbands, who died in those sublime days of our history, lost their lives in action against the occupation forces or became collateral damage in that war -- caught in the crosshairs of the marauders’ guns.

Those were times when women depended totally on their men for support, and once they lost the providers, they realised the meanings of words and phrases like “helpless,” “destitution,” or “in dire straits.”

Pity is not what these women deserved, but pity is what most of them got, and worse still, the indifference of a nation that owed them its very existence. A war-torn poor nation would always have been hard-pressed at making reparations, but with intra-party wrangling, palace intrigue, leftist insurgencies, the ineptitude of the administration, among others, made matters worse.

The treasury-busting spending on the armed forces for sustaining military dictatorships, for the 15 of the first 20 years of the existence of the newly independent nation, meant very little sanction for these bereaved women.

What was meted was always paltry, considering their needs, if not say an all-out slap on the faces of the martyred. Anarchy, rampant corruption, nepotism, and rehabilitation of the power-base of anti-independence forces meant whatever was available for helping these widows went to the wrong pockets.

It is but an immense example of patriot-

ism, love for one’s country, when a married man leaves behind his family and prepares to take a bullet. Even if all men do not necessarily “love” their wives, but it would be a rare instance to find a man who is willing to let go the circle of his progeny, psychiatric problems aside.

A man does walk away from his children for an all-numbing love for another or heeding some call that is peculiar to the person walking off, but that is an exception, not the rule.

More often than not, a man works till his last breath to provide for his children, to love them, to ensure them of a foothold in the journey of life. It is a strong cultural, philosophical, and even physiological urge that a man feels.

The young, the often reckless, are always the first to fight for ideals, unencumbered, as they mostly are, by the strings of family life. It takes little to inspire the young, and of course unmarried, to put their lives in harm’s way.

It is this rebellious trait in the character of the young that allows many demagogues to goad them into combat, ostensibly to obtain freedom and economic emancipation, but all the time with the secret agenda of bringing some nefarious self-serving goal to fruition.

Of course, men have been conscripted into wars, coerced into joining them, threatened even on pain of death. But in 1971, many men joined the war knowing full well that they could have tried to save their families from the rapacity of the enemy, but they left to fight with their brethren, leaving their families to fend for themselves.

BANGLADESH OLD PHOTO ARCHIVE

These martyred men dreamed of a future, living in a country that would be emancipated from tyranny of all kinds, an impossible dream, but still they dreamed and sacrificed all for realising that dream.

Time has told us otherwise as to what level of emancipation has been achieved in four

decades, but their sacrifice remains untainted, a supreme example of selflessness -- and I bow my head to these men and believe that the widows of the glorious dead, unsung heroes, at times, deserved better. l

to say the least -- our infrastructure is apparently not conducive for investment.

There are many other nations which don’t have that much better of an infrastructure than ours, their socio-political condition is nothing to write home about, and their per capita income is in the same range as ours.

On the other hand, we could be perceived in a more positive light, if our political image had more depth and unity. We can’t even come up with basic consensus on national issues. If we look elsewhere around the world, political rivalry takes a backseat when it comes to upholding the national interest.

Our relationship with neighbouring countries could be better. Neighbourly disputes are a part of life, but the Saarc forum can serve as a strong relationship-building medium in a world where increased co-operation has become imperative for survival.

Our business houses need to run independent of politics and the government.

Businesses have their own responsibilities.

Ethics has to be a rule for business, not an exception. Taxes need to be paid, and the government has to ensure that taxes are collected. CSR needs to be an integral part of the business community.

It saddens me to admit this, but project implementation is in dire straits here, and we see complaints coming from different coun-

tries on either non-performance or of slow project implementation.

The gestation period of approval to execution is longer than necessary. This period has to be reduced to maximise the benefits of the projects. In a globalised economy, we just cannot afford to fall behind in any regard.

Bangalis are by nature very passionate, and very informal even in their professional lives, whereas the world is increasingly becoming a dispassionate place. Professionalism is a way of life today, and there is no denying it.

We need to integrate it into our lives. Our fundamentals are weak on account of a dependence on excessive emotions and a false sense of pride without even understanding why we should be proud. Dignity of labour is low here, and people are often appreciated for all the wrong reasons.

We have to fight for our own image, our own identity. How much longer do you want to be benchmarked for all that is wrong?

Let’s all work together to become the point of reference for all that is right. Democracy, governance, accountability, reform, and development -- they should all carry the same meaning here. l

SM Shahrukh is a freelance contributor.

Wake up Bangladesh n Mamun Rashid

A

t times I wonder why Bangladesh suffers from such a negative image.

Why is it that despite having some of the best social indicators in South Asia, we are still considered to be backwards, relative to progressive societies? Difficult as it may be to digest, Bangladesh is still considered as a place where “something is wrong,” affecting our overall economic progress as well as clouding our future.

Bangladesh is rarely seen in global news, and when it is seen, it’s for all the wrong reasons. Bangladesh has a healthy GDP growth rate, a young workforce with a fighting spirit, and a good social index. A lot of positive changes have been brought about, attributed to micro-credit and other NGO activities, such as empowering the underprivileged, the marginalised, and women, like never before.

Women here enjoy many more liberties than most predominantly Islamic countries.

True, we have violent manifestations of political rivalry, but that is true for most parts of the world. We have hartals and strikes, but so do many other countries. But they are never singled-out. Our hartals, as unwelcome as they are, don’t lead to complete halts. Increasingly, businesses are adjusting to hartals and are managing their activities accordingly.

Bangladesh has not been able to manage her PR right. The media is a strong vehicle for enhancing a country’s image and internal conduct. That has not been harnessed right.

And the western media primarily focuses on our negative issues. Yet, anything good that is achieved, anything that can unite the nation both at home and abroad, is rarely mentioned.

Bangladesh does not equate to poverty, hunger, hartal, rape, murder, corruption, and natural calamities. Bangladesh also means friendly people, a tolerant community, hardworking individuals, and a resilient, courageous state with a growing GDP. Why then did Time magazine allege that Bangladesh is the next hotbed for terrorists?

As baseless as such assumptions may be, one can’t help but wonder how they are conjured up in the first place.

We need to glorify our achievements in being the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping force, to communicate to the world about our bid in eliminating terrorism. If the foreign media is not going to report on our positives, that job falls on us. A World Bank analysis found that private media tends to be more effective.

Look at Bangladesh in comparison to many other developing nations. The investment environment in Bangladesh has been criticised time and again as being deplorable,

Mamun Rashid is a business professor and financial sector entrepreneur.

DT

14 OPINION

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Born in a free country n Dwitiya Jawher Neethi

I

am often annoyed when some of my friends, born and raised in developed countries, describe conditions in Bangladesh. I find that some their accounts miss the essence of the land.

Their stories are akin to describing Mozart’s symphony after reading about the symphony in a book, and having never heard it -- void of certain emotions and references that are so natural to us.

The mess of a system that we live in, a satire in itself, is hard to completely breathe in, unless you have called this land your own for many years and have experienced many things deshi style.

I have realised that I sound equally annoying when I talk about the Liberation War. I just cannot see it through the same lens that my previous generation can. It’s not the same lens. And theirs have blood on it.

I was born in a free country. I was born a Bangladeshi and the language I spoke at home was the national language of the country. For me, the struggle and fight behind all of this is a story -- a historical account.

Stories about my grandfather being taken and killed by the Pakistani military, my father’s struggle during and after the war, my mother’s stories -- affect me deeply. But the sting is not quite so real. How can it be?

I haven’t experienced them myself -- my father was not taken, I did not have to walk for miles and spend months in hiding, I did not have to see any of my friends and neighbours

die and be raped.

But I am glad I was born a Bangladeshi.

And grateful.

Although, maybe if we were still Pakistan, I could get shot like Malala and become famous.

Jokes apart, even though Pakistan is a beautiful country and we have much in common, being a part of Pakistan does not seem attractive at all. Drone attacks, bombs going off in busy marketplaces, and a Taliban-infested land -- Bangladesh is not so bad after all!

A life of dignity is still a dream. For many, if not most

The then Pakistan government showed utmost determination to not let go of land and control. Yahya Khan said: “Kill three million of them and the rest will eat out of our hands.” A merciless genocide followed and the occupation forces left no stone unturned -- the kind of conviction that comes when you want to make sure what you have is not taken from you.

The Bengali conviction was no less, and backed by Indian forces, a strong Bengali retaliation followed.

Our ambitions for rights to self determination was achieved by a bloody and traumatic war.

The sad truth about ambitions is that they are either achieved or abandoned. Either ways, they become a thing of the past. And new complications materialise.

We won the war. We became a sovereign nation. The Liberation War liberated us from being dependent on the state of Pakistan.

But there is still a lot to be liberated from and a similar conviction would help us now.

It is easier to identify an enemy that attacks in the middle of the night with heavy arms and ammunition. When there is blood and screams, there is nothing left to guess.

Those were East Pakistan’s problems.

Bangladesh has other problems.

And does the ordinary Bangladeshi have rights to self-determination? What does he get out of belonging to a country that is free to do so?

With little to no social security and heavy obstacles to enter institutions -- the ordinary man is left with a life full of hardship and a life that is difficult to determine.

A Bangladeshi must be able to fully provide for herself and her family. There is no adequate government support during unemployment, decent job opportunities are limited, the public education system is beyond inadequate, and public health facilities are a joke.

To add to the misery, political parties and

some corporate heavyweights are always lurking around the corner to take advantage of a disadvantaged people. Issues of labour rights, which are fundamental in developed countries, are still in shambles in our free land. These battles were fought and won a long time ago in the West. Here, the big car is still honking, with all its might and glory and one finger, at the rickshaw carrying passengers in the heat.

A life of dignity is still a dream. For many, if not most.

This can change or improve with the kind of determination and leadership that we had in 1971. Dedicated leadership is what we do not have in Bangladesh, and that is exactly what is needed to manage existing resources and take initiatives.

Politicians, who see the social ailments as urgent enemies that take away from our freedom, need to take charge and work towards our “liberation.” Will it actually be harder to combat than an army that carried out a systematic genocide?

An independent state seemed like an equally unrealistic vision at the time of the war.

A large population remains disenfranchised and powerless, with a goal to not succeed, but just survive. Without an inheritance and connections, this is still a ruthless country.

Every man is not free after all.

Orwell might say that there is still a boot stamping on our faces. The leg has changed. l Dwitiya Jawher Neethi works at Dhaka Tribune.

16

Australia ready to join China-led bank, seeks clarity on governance

17

Cheap eurozone takeaway fuels Chinese appetites

19

Stocks end flat with bumpy ride

20

DT

Business

15

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Banks extend help to freedom fighters

BSEC probe reveals CSE brokerage firm’s fraudulence n Tribune Report

Flowe traders prepare wreaths at the flower market of the city’s Shahbagh on the eve of Independence Day

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

FIs’ CEOs cannot be removed without BB approval n Tribune Report Financial Institutions (FIs) will have to get prior approval from Bangladesh Bank before removing any of their respective Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).

The central bank apparently came up with the revised guideline in the backdrop of CEOs’ demand to ensure their job security.

“The board of directors of FIs must obtain prior consent from the central bank before serving the CEOs one-month termination notice period,” said a Bangladesh Bank circular issued yesterday.

Outlining a guideline on CEOs’appointment with immediate effect, the circular clarified: “If the CEOs of the non-bank financial institutions want to resign voluntarily before expiry of their tenure may also serve a notice to the chairman one-month ago, citing specific grounds.”

Earlier, it was not mandatory for the board of the FIs to get any prior approval from BB in case of termination of the CEOs. As a result, the post of CEOs’ became vulnerable and they could not even protest the directors’ irregularities.

Under the circumstance, the CEOs of the FIs at a recent meeting with the Bangladesh Bank urged the authority for ensuring their job protection as like as the BB authority had earlier given the same protection to the CEOs of the commercial banks.

According to the circular, the FIs will immediately fulfill the vacant posts of resigned CEOs by appointing an efficient officer of lower ranks to the position.

“The board of FIs will also require prior approval in case of appointing contractual advisors and consultants,” said another circular Bangladesh Bank issued in the same day.

The employment period of consultant post will be two years at best but it may be extended by one-year more with prior approval of the central bank. The job tenure of an advisor position will be the highest one year, according to the BB circular. l

visit our website @

www.dhakatribune.com

Sylhet Metro City Securities has come under fire of the stock regulator after as an investigation found the brokerage firm involved in embezzling fund from its clients’ accounts.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has asked again the errant brokerage firm to pay back fund to its clients by June this year, said a BSEC statement issued yesterday.

It also asked Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) and Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) to monitor the progress of the fund payback.

Earlier, the Sylhet Metro City Securities, a brokerage firm at the CSE, failed to return the money within November 30 deadline of last year. The deadline was set by the stock regulator.

A CDBL probe team found that the brokerage house had sold and transferred its clients’ shares without taking their consent, which was a violation of the securities regulation.

The investigation was carried out in response to the clients’ complaints against the brokerage house.

Later, the CSE also carried out another investigation into the irregularities following complaints from clients of the brokerage firm and CDBL’s probe.

Investigations unearthed that some of clients’ shares were missing, which were either sold or transferred from the accounts of the clients breaching securities rules, the CDBL said.

In another development, the BSEC has given consent to convert closed-end ICB AMCL Islamic Mutual Fund into an open-end fund.

Of the total fund size of Tk20 crore, Tk17.87 crore has been kept for unit holders of the previous fund and the remaining Tk2.13 crore for public offer, according to the prospectus.

As of December 31, 2014, net asset value of the fund is Tk17.87 per unit. Earlier, the securities regulator extended the tenure of the mutual fund to May 31, 2015. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Myanmar set for 8.3% growth spurt: ADB n AFP, Yangon

China’s President Xi Jinping (4th right) meets with the guests at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launch ceremony

REUTERS

Australia ready to join China-led bank, seeks clarity on governance n Reuters, Sydney Australia is “well and truly” disposed to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Prime Minister Tony Abbott said yesterday, but wants to know how much power Beijing would hold in the institution before a formal decision.

Fairfax Media citing government sources, reported the federal cabinet has approved Australia signing a “memorandum of understanding” on joining the AIIB. Australia, South Korea and Japan are the notable regional absentees from the bank, which the United States had warned against. Despite Washington’s misgivings, US allies Britain, France, Germany and Italy announced this month they would join the bank, leading the Obama administration to reassess its stance.

China’s Xinhua news agency has said Beijing will not hold any power of veto in the bank.

The AIIB has been seen as a significant and possibly historic setback to US efforts to extend its influence in the Asia Pacific region to balance China’s growing financial clout and assertiveness.

Although Australia is a vital part of Washington’s strategic “pivot” toward Asia, it is close to joining as well.

“We are certainly well and truly disposed to joining something which is in fact a genuinely multilateral institution with transparent governance, clear accountability and with major decisions made by the board,” Abbott told reporters.

“That is really the fundamental thing for us, would major decisions be made by the board and is it going to be a multilateral institution rather than one that is controlled by any one country,” he said at a news conference in Canberra.

Japan, however, is cautious about joining while South Korea has said it is yet to decide.

Tokyo “does not need to sign in” on join-

ing the bank unless China lays out clear rules on when and what conditions it will provide loans, Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday.

Abbott said he has discussed the matter with US President Barack Obama and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and would continue talking to them.

Speaking to the Australia China Business Council, Treasurer Joe Hockey said it was important to secure the country’s best interest in a well governed bank that will work to promote greater infrastructure and growth in the region.

“If well designed, the AIIB could play a key role in helping to address the region’s acute infrastructure needs. In order to do this we will need a strong and well governed AIIB,” he said.

“It is early days for the AIIB, but China has made strong progress on governance so far.

The proposed governance arrangements will be modeled on international best practice.” l

The Asian Development Bank Tuesday predicted economic growth in Myanmar will surge by over eight percent for the next two years as it urged the nation to press on with reforms before landmark elections. Myanmar, which has implemented broad economic and political changes since a half-century of military rule ended in 2011, is expected to see output grow from 7.7% in the 12 months to March to 8.3% in the 2015 fiscal year, the ADB said.

It estimated that gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the fiscal year 2016 would “remain close to this pace”.

The country is gearing up for crucial elections, expected in November, that could sweep away the current quasi-civilian government in favour of Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition.

“We hope that the reform momentum does not slow down too much in the lead-up to those elections,” said the ADB’s Myanmar specialist Peter Brimble at a press conference in Yangon. The projections have been based on the assumption that the polls will be peaceful.

“If something happens that would lead to some instability or some uncertainty in the market, then of course there would be some impact on economic growth,” Brimble said.

The ADB also warned that Myanmar was likely to see a major increase in the fiscal deficit - from 4.3% of GDP in the year to March to an estimated 6.3% in 2015 - since the government is expected to ramp up spending before the vote.

Myanmar has implemented an array of changes since the end of junta rule, including welcoming Suu Kyi’s opposition into parliament. Most Western sanctions have been lifted and the long-cloistered economy is opening up.

International investors have swooped into the nation, lured by its rich natural resources and large potential market of over 50 million people.

But there are still fears that the country is backtracking on reforms - particularly on rights issues - as well as continued uncertainty over the legal framework for doing business and the political landscape after the elections.

The ADB said in its report there was a 10% increase in business registrations in the first nine months of the 2014-2015 financial year, indicating that “business confidence remains robust”.

Foreign direct investment leapt to $6.6bn between April and December last year, compared with $4bn for the full year of 2013. l

Japan finance minister says would be desirable for AIIB to work with ADB n Reuters, Tokyo Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday it would be desirable if the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) could work with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in meeting growing demand for infrastructure financing in Asia.

However, Aso, who last week gave cautious approval of the institution that Washington has warned against, said Japan was not ready

to decide to join the Beijing-based bank by a March 31 deadline, citing lack of transparency in the bank’s management.

At least 35 countries will join the AIIB by the March 31 deadline, the bank’s interim chief announced on Sunday. It has been seen as a challenge to the World Bank and ADB, institutions Washington helped found and over which it exerts considerable influence.

“As demand for an absolute quantity of (infrastructure) financing is growing ... it’s not a

zero-sum” game between the AIIB and ADB, Aso told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

The problems is “that the AIIB is not transparent and nothing has been decided as to who is (involved), where to decide an executive board and who will examine” loans for each project, Aso said.

“It would be the most desirable that it will work together with the ADB to develop infrastructure in Asia, but it is hard to see it happen as rules are totally different.”

Aso reiterated Japan’s concerns over the AIIB’s ability to sustain debt and respond to the environmental and social impacts of infrastructure development, which could affect existing loans by ADB, World Bank and other lenders.

“I don’t know how my previous remarks were taken but Japan has been cautious all along,” Aso said. “As these conditions are not met at all now we cannot give the answer by March 31 unless we receive responses.” l

DT

BUSINESS 17

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Cheap eurozone takeaway fuels Chinese appetites n AFP, Beijing The inexorable decline of the single currency offers ambitious Chinese firms a bargain buffet of eurozone business, analysts say, with this weekend’s multibillion deal for Italian tyremaker Pirelli only the latest course in an acquisition binge.

Less than a year ago the euro was worth nearly $1.40 on international markets. Earlier this month it stood at less than $1.05, down by a quarter as the European Central Bank embarks on a massive stimulus programme while the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to start raising interest rates.

By the standards of first-world forex markets it ranks as a collapse.

It has recorded a similar performance against China’s yuan currency, falling from almost 8.7 yuan in May to bottom at less than 6.6 yuan. The yuan trades in a tight range against the dollar.

As the unit weakens it makes eurozone acquisitions cheaper for outside buyers and its biggest headline impact may come in terms of Chinese overseas investment, which surged past $100 billion for the first time last year.

“For Chinese going into Europe it can’t get better than this,” said Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC).

“Chinese companies are eager to go outside China as its own domestic economy is slowing down,” he told AFP, adding that profit margins in the rest of the world are higher than in China, according to EUCCC member surveys.

“So I can only expect a major push from Chinese companies to buy into the European company landscape.”

The latest deal came with state-owned chemical giant ChemChina agreeing to buy out the largest shareholder in Pirelli, valuing

the purveyor of Formula One accessories and racy calendars at just over seven billion euros - now about 48bn yuan, or 13bn yuan less than in May.

‘Itching to invest’

The euro has flirted with parity against the dollar in recent weeks - for the first time since 2002 - and while the euro rose to $1.0964 on Tuesday it remained within striking distance of more-than-dozen-year lows.

China’s overseas direct investment pushed sharply higher in February, the commerce ministry said, driven by oil giant China National Petroleum Corp putting nearly $3bn into a Dutch transaction.

“The continued slumps in the euro’s value against the dollar have led the price of eurozone assets to fall, creating an opportunity for Chinese companies to invest and carry out mergers and acquisitions there,” said commerce ministry spokesman Shen Danyang.

Beijing has accrued the world’s biggest foreign exchange reserves and has been running record monthly trade surpluses, with the state-run China Daily newspaper saying in an editorial the country “is itching to invest overseas”.

Private companies are also taking a seat at the table, with billionaire Wang Jianlin buying 20% of Spanish league champions Atletico Madrid in January, the first mainland Chinese investment in a top European football club.

Conglomerate Fosun declared victory in February in its long takeover battle for French holiday resorts group Club Med, having repeatedly raised its offer to 939m euros.

Klaus E. Meyer, a professor at the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai, said Chinese investing abroad generally take a long-term view and are driven by acquiring technology or brands they can exploit domestically.

REUTERS

Dollar slips after US data-fuelled rally n AFP, Tokyo

“The fact that assets in Europe are now cheaper because of the weaker euro means that this sort of asset-seeking foreign investment is likely to increase,” he said.

The Pirelli deal was met with dismay but resignation in Italy, and Derek Scissors of the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute said that given its economic travails, the eurozone will not look askance on inflows from China.

“Most Chinese companies are now sophisticated enough to back off of outright acquisitions when there is political sensitivity, buying smaller stakes in high-profile companies,” he added.

Chinese firms may also already be taking advantage of the weaker euro to raise cheaper capital overseas.

Four China-based non-financial companies issued the equivalent of $2.8bn in euro-dominated bonds in January and February, according to Dealogic data, more than the $1.9bn raised in the whole of 2014.

Trade imbalance

Nonetheless the consequences of the euro’s decline are not all one-way.

The 28-member EU is China’s biggest trade partner while China is the EU’s second-largest, and China ran a surplus of $126.63bn last year with the full group, nine of whose members do not use the single currency.

But the euro’s decline makes eurozone goods cheaper elsewhere and Chinese products comparatively dearer.

“When it comes to trade certainly European exporters are going to be very happy as their products are going to be more competitive,” Wuttke said, while Chinese exporters will face tougher times.

“And so I expect actually that this trade imbalance that we have will narrow significantly as we go forward,” he said. l

The dollar slipped yesterday after a rally fuelled by upbeat US data, including a pick-up in consumer prices, that boosted the case for an early Fed interest rate hike.

In Tokyo, the greenback weakened to 119.61 yen, against 119.77 yen in New York.

The euro rose to $1.0936 and 130.79 yen, from $1.0919 and 130.78 yen in US trade.

“Traders love a good pullback and as soon as the dollar looks like it’s setting up to resume its bullish trend currency traders will flood the market with trades,” Scott Schuberg, chief executive officer of Rivkin Securities in Sydney, told Bloomberg News.

“We could see continued volatility in foreign-exchange markets.”

US data Tuesday showed sales of new single-family homes surged in February to a seven-year high, while consumer prices rose for the first time in four months.

The upbeat figures strengthened the case for the US central bank to raise rates in the coming months, which would be a plus for the dollar.

Demand for the greenback had stalled in Asia on Tuesday after the Fed’s vice chairman suggested interest rates would rise more slowly than expected.

Investors are tracking a slate of speeches

by Fed officials this week for clues about the timing of the long-awaited rate rise, which many had expected as early as June.

The euro won support from a key survey Tuesday that showed eurozone business activity hit a near four-year high in March as the 19-country currency area’s modest economic activity continued, despite concerns over the Greek debt crisis. l

Automakers race to double the driving range of affordable electric cars n Reuters, Detroit Global automakers are readying a new generation of mass-market electric cars with more than double the driving range of today’s Nissan Leaf, betting that technical breakthroughs by big battery suppliers such as LG Chem Ltd will jump-start demand and pull them abreast of Tesla Motors Inc. At least four major automakers — General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Volkswagen AG — plan to race Tesla to be first to field affordable electric vehicles that will travel up to 200 miles (322 km) between charges.

That is more than twice as far as current lower-priced models such as the Nissan Leaf, which starts at $29,010. The new generation of electric cars is expected to be on the market within two to three years.

To get a Tesla Model S that delivers 265 miles (427 km) on a charge requires buying a version that starts at $81,000 before tax incentives. Most electric cars offered at more affordable prices can travel only about 75 to 85 miles (121 to 137 km) on a charge – less in cold weather or when drivers have the air conditioning on. Consumers who travel longer distances fear getting stranded, a sales-killing concern automakers call “range anxiety.” l

DT

18 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures EMERALDOIL: ARGUS Credit Rating Services Limited (ACRSL) has announced the Rating of the Company as BBB+ for long term and ST-3 for short term with stable outlook in consideration of audited financials of the Company up to June 30, 2014, unaudited financials up to the period ending December 31, 2014 and other relevant quantitative as well as qualitative information up to the date of rating declaration.

ZAHEENSPIN: (Q3): The Company has reported its profit after tax Tk. 11.29 million and basic EPS Tk. 0.21 for the 3 (three) months ended on 30 September 2014 (Jul 2014Sep 2014) as against profit after tax of Tk. 1.63 million and basic EPS of Tk. 0.03 for the same period of the previous year. It is to be noted that basic EPS has been calculated based on weighted average Pre-IPO paid-up number of shares i.e. 52,800,000 shares for both periods.

However, considering Post-IPO 64,800,000 number of shares the Companys basic EPS for the 3 (three) months ended on 30 September 2014 would be Tk. 0.17. For the period of 9 (nine) months (Jan 2014 to Sep 2014) ended on 30 September 2014 profit after tax was Tk. 64.40 million and basic EPS was Tk. 1.22 as against profit after tax of Tk. 6.84 million and basic EPS of Tk. 0.13 for the same period of the previous year.

It is to be noted that the said EPS has been calculated based on weighted average Pre-IPO paid-up number of shares i.e.

52,800,000 shares for both periods. However, considering Post-IPO 64,800,000 number of shares, Companys basic EPS would be Tk. 0.99 for 9 (nine) months ended on 30 September 2014 (Jan 2014 to Sep 2014) and NAV per share would be Tk. 12.30 as on 30 September 2014.

UNITEDINS: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on March 29, 2015 at 03:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

IPO Subscription: Tosrifa Industries Limited Subscription March 24, 2015 to March 31, 2015; NRB UPTO April 09, 2015. Offer Price per share Tk. 26.00, Market Lot (Shares) 200.

Dividend/AGM SHAHJABANK: 10% cash, AGM: 07.06.2015, Record date: 09.04.2015.

IBBLPBOND: Annual profit rate of 11.18%, Record Date 16.04.2015.

FLEASEINT: 5% stock, AGM: 16.04.2015, Record date: 01.04.2015.

ISLAMIBANK: 15% cash, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record date: 16.04.2015.

UTTARABANK: 20% cash, AGM: 23.04.2015, Record date: 01.04.2015.

BRACBANK: 20% cash, AGM: 23.04.2015, Record date: 30.03.2015.

BERGERPBL: 220% cash , AGM: 19.04.2015, Record date: 30.03.2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company Dulamia CottonZ JMI Syringes MDL-A Aziz PipesZ Libra Infusions-A Popular Life Insu. -A Midas Financing-Z Brac B.C. Bond-A Pharma Aids A Kohinoor Chem -A Renwick Jajneswar-A

Closing (% Change) 9.86 9.78 8.43 8.06 7.07 6.25 6.10 6.07 5.95 5.75

CSE GAINER Company JMI Syringes MDL-A Aziz PipesZ The Ibn SinaA Wata Chemicals -A Premier Cement-A AIBL 1st Is. M. F.-A Ambee Pharma -A Apex Foods -A Orion Infusions -A Nitol Insurance -A

Closing (% Change) 9.97 9.09 8.70 7.36 7.27 7.14 5.91 5.29 5.12 5.00

DSE LOSER Company City G Insu.-A Karnaphuli Insur -A 4th ICB M F-A Reliance Insur -A Hamid Fabrics -N IFIC 1st MF-A FAS Fin. & Inv. Ltd-B 1st Janata Bank MF-A Phoenix Insur -A 8th ICB M F-A

Closing (% Change) -6.76 -5.96 -4.98 -4.83 -4.62 -4.44 -4.23 -4.17 -4.15 -4.06

CSE LOSER Company 8th ICB M F-A ICB AMCL3rd NRB MF-A Eastern InsurA Rupali InsurA Rangpur Foundry -A Sonargaon Tex -Z National Feed-N City G Insu.-A AIMS First -A Hamid Fabrics -N

Closing (% Change) -8.57 -7.14 -6.04 -5.91 -5.11 -5.00 -4.92 -4.73 -4.38 -4.25

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features March-25, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

3,507.97 68,152,252 95,309

Traded Issues

3016

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

119

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

189

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

8

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,498.19

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

30.28

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 248.24 73.52 26.18 300.50 61.86 394.67 2.19 395.86 886.45 9.83 76.66 28.00 13.48 462.14 60.62 14.67 52.63 289.73 26.26 81.69 2.79

% change 7.08 2.10 0.75 8.57 1.76 11.25 0.06 11.28 25.27 0.28 2.19 0.80 0.38 13.17 1.73 0.42 1.50 8.26 0.75 2.33 0.08

Million Taka 38.39 5.19 0.70 22.16 6.40 28.93 59.15 46.82 1.46 6.74 0.74 0.69 341.44 3.85 0.41 0.64 29.55 4.65 13.55 0.05

Average (% Change) 9.86 7.05 8.55 6.59 3.41 5.06 6.10 7.34 6.67 4.68

Average (% Change) 7.66 8.98 7.89 7.45 7.27 7.14 5.38 4.83 3.21 4.96

Average (% Change) -4.96 -3.07 -4.70 -4.80 -6.60 -3.78 -4.08 -2.11 -3.80 -4.41

Average (% Change) -8.57 -4.08 -6.04 -5.62 -5.35 -7.77 -3.53 -4.93 -2.79 -4.77

CSE

ClosingAvg. 7.80 185.57 19.30 390.14 162.36 11.84 1,130.00 287.67 365.33 258.03

ClosingAvg. 186.75 20.38 104.21 226.21 67.90 4.50 356.55 99.50 42.47 25.19

ClosingAvg. 14.18 14.51 193.33 41.46 25.19 4.33 13.64 4.63 23.29 63.73

ClosingAvg.

% change 6.28 0.85 0.12 3.62 1.05 4.73 0.00 9.67 7.66 0.24 1.10 0.12 0.11 55.84 0.63 0.07 0.10 4.83 0.76 2.22 0.01

64.00 4.00 28.00 19.14 100.05 9.50 25.44 14.09 26.17 25.13

Closing 7.80 191.90 19.30 394.20 166.60 11.90 1,130.00 290.20 368.50 261.00

Closing 192.00 20.40 105.00 226.00 67.90 4.50 363.80 99.50 43.10 25.20

Closing

DHIGH 7.80 192.20 19.50 396.70 168.00 12.30 1,130.00 292.50 377.90 267.00

DHIGH

64.00 3.90 28.00 19.10 100.30 9.50 25.10 14.10 26.20 24.80

Million Taka 286.63 78.71 26.88 322.66 68.27 423.60 2.19 455.02 933.27 11.29 83.39 28.75 14.17 803.58 64.46 15.07 53.27 319.28 30.91 95.24 2.84

7.80 176.70 18.00 380.00 156.10 11.00 1,130.00 274.00 348.10 250.20

DLOW

192.00 20.50 105.80 228.00 67.90 4.50 365.00 99.50 43.40 25.30

DHIGH

13.80 14.20 192.80 41.40 24.80 4.30 13.60 4.60 23.10 63.80

Closing

DLOW

178.00 20.00 101.00 224.50 67.90 4.50 341.20 99.50 41.70 25.10

DLOW

14.70 15.10 197.00 42.00 26.00 4.50 14.70 4.70 24.40 64.00

DHIGH

13.50 14.00 192.00 41.20 24.50 4.20 13.50 4.60 23.00 62.50

DLOW

64.00 4.10 28.00 19.20 100.30 9.50 26.10 14.20 26.20 26.00

Total

64.00 3.90 28.00 19.10 100.00 9.50 24.90 14.00 26.10 24.60

% change 6.96 1.91 0.65 7.83 1.66 10.28 0.05 11.05 22.66 0.27 2.02 0.70 0.34 19.51 1.56 0.37 1.29 7.75 0.75 2.31 0.07

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

0.023 68.499 0.055 0.467 20.146 0.163 0.001 86.836 1.724 6.811

Turnover in Million

-4.02 4.48 -0.37 3.38 4.13 -3.24 0.00 10.18 10.10 4.36

Latest EPS

5.890 0.148 0.284 0.397 0.034 0.002 0.710 0.000 2.126 0.061

Turnover in Million

-ve 41.4 -ve 115.4 39.3 -ve 28.3 36.2 59.2

Latest PE

4.48 -0.37 3.77 5.37 1.78 0.11 4.68 3.20 1.84 2.79

Latest EPS

0.431 0.276 0.058 0.034 6.976 0.770 0.496 0.158 4.826 0.325

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

41.7 -ve 27.6 42.1 38.1 40.9 76.2 31.1 23.1 9.0

Latest PE

1.89 1.40 32.50 4.34 1.88 0.68 1.27 0.84 3.88 9.10

Latest EPS

0.013 0.052 0.006 0.043 0.110 0.002 2.569 0.034 0.067 1.094

7.5 10.4 5.9 9.6 13.4 6.4 10.7 5.5 6.0 7.0

Latest PE

9.10 0.46 2.31 2.52 3.23 -0.84 1.37 1.89 1.70 1.88

7.0 8.7 12.1 7.6 31.0 -ve 18.6 7.5 15.4 13.4

CSE key features March-25, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

611.52 8,834,648 15,983

Traded Issues

223

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

83

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

133

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

7

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,359.11

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.60

DT

BUSINESS 19

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Stocks end flat with bumpy ride n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company LafargeS Cement-Z ACI Limited- A Grameenphone-A Shasha Denims -N ACI Formulations-A Square Pharma -A Zaheen Spinning -N Shahjibazar Power-N Pharma Aids A MJL BD Ltd.-A

Ifad Autos -N JMI Syringes MDL-A Social Islami. B-A Jamuna Oil -A SummitAlliancePort.-A

VolumeShares 3,591,168 517,077 730,363 4,323,685 792,400 442,753 3,945,208 504,286 301,863 633,357

Value in Million 433.79 264.10 250.72 164.30 128.43 113.72 98.62 95.40 86.84 77.44

% of TotalTurnover 12.37 7.53 7.15 4.68 3.66 3.24 2.81 2.72 2.48 2.21

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

1,165,488 369,136 4,252,938 280,499 890,680

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company HeidelbergCement -A Shasha Denims -N Zaheen Spinning -N Social Islami. B-A LafargeS Cement-Z BD Submarine Cable-A ACI Limited- A Grameenphone-A ACI Formulations-A Shahjibazar Power-N

BEXIMCO Ltd. -A MJL BD Ltd.-A JMI Syringes MDL-A Square Pharma -A Ifad Autos -N

705,571 644,365 955,159 1,361,401 163,024 122,756 28,975 41,695 75,488 44,328

259,002 51,696 31,541 19,061 76,828

71.84 68.50 61.12 57.67 50.08

321.01 24.38 23.84 19.81 19.54 15.23 14.85 14.32 12.21 8.47

8.26 6.34 5.89 4.90 4.71

2.05 1.95 1.74 1.64 1.43

52.49 3.99 3.90 3.24 3.20 2.49 2.43 2.34 2.00 1.38

1.35 1.04 0.96 0.80 0.77

ClosingP 119.80 511.50 344.70 38.50 160.40 257.50 24.30 194.60 290.20 123.70

60.80 191.90 14.50 207.60 55.90

ClosingP

Change % -1.07 3.19 2.22 4.62 2.04 0.63 0.00 4.91 6.07 2.74

-2.25 9.78 2.84 1.67 -0.53

Change %

449.90 38.10 24.30 14.60 119.00 123.20 514.70 344.80 160.40 187.00

32.00 123.70 192.00 257.40 60.80

-1.58 4.10 0.00 3.55 -1.73 -0.40 4.19 2.38 1.78 1.08

0.00 2.83 9.97 0.78 -1.46

ClosingY 121.10 495.70 337.20 36.80 157.20 255.90 0.00 185.50 273.60 120.40

62.20 174.80 14.10 204.20 56.20

ClosingY

457.10 36.60 0.00 14.10 121.10 123.70 494.00 336.80 157.60 185.00

32.00 120.30 174.60 255.40 61.70

DHIGH 122.90 518.00 345.70 38.80 165.00 259.00 27.00 196.40 292.50 124.50

62.90 192.20 14.70 208.60 57.40

DLOW 119.60 501.00 338.00 36.80 158.00 255.70 23.20 182.10 274.00 119.90

60.10 176.70 14.00 203.30 55.60

DHIGH

DLOW

455.00 38.60 27.00 14.70 122.20 125.90 517.80 346.00 165.00 196.00

449.10 36.30 22.70 14.00 118.60 122.70 499.90 339.00 158.30 183.60

32.20 124.80 192.00 258.00 62.30

31.60 119.50 178.00 255.30 60.40

AvgPrice 120.79 510.76 343.28 38.00 162.08 256.84 25.00 189.17 287.67 122.27

61.64 185.57 14.37 205.61 56.23

AvgPrice

454.97 37.84 24.96 14.55 119.87 124.07 512.41 343.49 161.80 191.03

31.88 122.63 186.75 257.23 61.33

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

4509.30259

(+) 0.35%

1713.85994

(+) 0.39%

13756.71350

(+) 0.22%

11300.53180

(+) 0.26%

8340.88090

(+) 0.35%

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Stocks ended flat yesterday amid bumpy ride, as late modest buying spree recovered points lost in early trading.

The market moved between positive and negative several times as investors played on both sides of the fence.

The benchmark index DSEX gained 15 points or 0.4% to close at 4,509.

The Shariah Index DSES was slightly up over 6 points or 0.8% to 1,096. The comprising blue chips DS30 gained 6 points or 0.4% to 1,713.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, rose 26 points to 8,338.

Trading activities was Tk350 crore, an increase of over 37% on the back of debutant Zaheen Spinning.

However, the stock failed to dominate the turnover chart.

Zaheen Spinning in its first trading day surged by 143% from its issue price of Tk10 a share, capitalising on its impressive third quarter earnings.

IDLC Investments said the market hovered around 4,500 points level for the third consecutive session,

with uncertain price movements in majority of the stocks.

Rally in telecommunication, textile, power, insurance and pharmaceuticals that soared more 1% respectively offset losses in cement, non-banking financial institutions, mutual fund and non life insurance stocks. Banks and food & allied closed flat.

Losers outpaced gainers as out of 314 issues traded, 122 advanced, 136 declined and 56 remained unchanged.

Lanka Bangla Securities said the last trading session of the week was a bumpy one, but ended positively.

There is an anticipation of opposition party taking part in upcoming city corporation election, which might stabilize the political unrest in the near future and boost the market sentiment, it said.

ACI topped the liquidity chart with a turnover worth Tk26.5 crore, followed by Grameenphone, Shasha Denim, ACI Formulations and Lafarge Surma Cement.

Meanwhile, the stock exchanges will remain closed today on the occasion of public holiday to mark the Independence Day. l

ANALYST

There is an anticipation of opposition party taking part in upcoming city corporation election, which might stabilize the political unrest in the near future and boost the market sentiment, it said

DT

20 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

Banks extend help to freedom fighters n BSS The country’s banking sector has extended helping hands for the welfare of the country’s freedom fighters and their family members.

With policy and financial supports from the authorities concerned, many banks are now closely working with various organisations to provide financial support to help improve the livelihood of the people who fought for the independence of the country. The banks are also supporting the family members of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence in 1971.

The areas the banks are engaged in supporting the valiant sons of the soil include their rehabilitation and healthcare and education of their children. The banks have stand besides the freedom fighters to help improve and ensure the services mainly under their CSR (corporate social responsibility) programme. There are also some usual banking services beyond CSR, which are aimed at benefiting the freedom fighters and their family members.

“Bangladesh Bank (BB) has been suggesting

the banks and financial institutions to stand besides the freedom fighters and their family members, with offering various support under their CSR activities”, BB spokesperson and executive director M Mahfuzur Rahman said.

He said the central bank is also supporting the freedom fighters for their healthcare and for the education of their children.

The central bank executive director said many private banks are hiring the children of the freedom fighters.

He said Trust Bank distributed sewing machines among the family members of the freedom fighters in Bidhoba Palli (village of the widows) in Jamalpur.

Janata Bank provided Taka 5 crore 63 lakh and 50 thousand financial assistance to 328 insolvent designated freedom fighters across the country under the bank’s ‘Designated Freedom Fighter Assistant Project’.

The state-run bank has come forward with rehabilitation of the valiant freedom fighter Kakon Bibi, who lost her husband, family and many others for the country’s liberation. The bank also bought Bir Uttam Matiur Rahman a piece of land in the capital for his rehabilitation. l

LOTTO brings safety shoes n Tribune Report LOTTO Bangladesh, a footwear manufacturer, introduced its new range of safety shoes yesterday through a function at Gold Water Convention Center, Bashundhara City in the capital.

The European standard safety shoes -“LOTTO Works” -- aim at ensuring workplace safety, comfort and style for the consumers.

LOTTO also re-launched its existing outlet in Bashundhara City on a large scale incorporating more items to cater the growing demand of the clients.

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Mario

Palma was present as the chief guest on the occasion while Mr Reaz Bin Mahmood, vice-president (finance) of BGMEA was present as special guest, said a press release.

LOTTO Bangladesh Managing Director Kazi Jamil Islam and Marketing Consultant Syed Quamrul Hasan and other high officials of different renowned organisations of the country were, among others, present at the program.

The release said LOTTO focuses on the vital issues of workplace safety.

The footwear manufacturer has brought the new product to address financial and productivity losses, job dissatisfaction and sufferings caused by any workplace accidents, it added. l

Excellence never goes out of style n MR Khan To “believe,” by definition, is to accept that something is true, especially without proof. The key words for “belief” include trust, confidence, honesty, etc. In contrast, “make believe” is the action of pretending or imagining that things are better than they really are. Key words for “make believe” include pretend, illusion, delusion, self-deception, and such.

While an established company like Sony can afford to have the tagline “Make believe,” perhaps it is not the right message we may wish to send to our commercial partners in textile, RMG, leather, shoes, jute, and other trades.

I have been working in safety, insurance, and risk management for the past 20 years, where, by definition, “optimism” is an occupational hazard.

But from what I have seen over the past year or so, I believe that the Bangladesh textile, RMG, and shoe industry are at a fantastic juncture between “make believe” and “believe.”

We are at the crossroads where one direction will lead us to excellence, confidence, and belief, and the other that will continue down the path of make believe only. Even a skeptic like me is now optimistic that we are headed towards the path of excellence.

Let’s talk a little bit more about believe and make believe. Over the past decade, working as a risk management consultant for a multinational company in Bangladesh, I have visited hundreds of factories -- from textile mills, readymade garment factories, power plants, to mobile switch sites and tanneries. I am privileged to have seen both the best and the worst over these years. I have been to factories where I struggled to find faults, or to make recommendations for risk improvement.

Those were proud moments in my career. But those were also rare moments. Unfortunately, mostly of what I had encountered in the past were the “make” believers. From empty fire-water reservoirs, missing or leaking fire hose pipes, to toy fire extinguishers -- I’ve seen them all. I have seen

“Safety First” slogans posted in almost all the worst possible factories, convincing me that safety was in fact the last. A simple giveaway is that, the slogan is written in English while 80% of the workers can’t read English, leading me to believe that the slogan is in fact meant for the eyes of the foreign buyers.

It made me think about why they were so busy make-believing. I wondered who they were trying to fool. The passage of time surely answered -none, but themselves. Perhaps they never heard the bob Marley song, in which he sang: “You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time ...”

I realise that a key component for building a safety culture was missing in Bangladesh -- that is, caring for our own people.

Safety is a part of the pure risk management process. Risk management is the “identification, measurement, financing, and control of risks which threaten the existence, assets, earnings, or people of an organisation.” We were doing everything to please our buyers, but without a care for our own people. What is a culture without its people?

How can safety culture mean anything if it doesn’t include people first and foremost?

I have been to several plants where personal protective equipment (PPE) were either not provided by the factory owners, or are not being used by the workers. In several occasions, I found fabric autocad cutters being used without mesh gloves. Sure, working with a mesh glove is difficult to get used to. But the operators are oblivious of the fact that, without a thumb, s/he is likely never to get a job again.

When pointed out to the supervisor, an example against the misdemeanor was showcased to me by a hard slap in the face of the operator. Who was he trying to impress? It is only because of him, and his failure to train and implement personnel-safety, that the operator doesn’t wear personal protective equipment. If anything, he is the one deserving of a slap.

A building collapses. Approximately 1,200

people die. We blame the buyers! Yes, the buyers are squeezing the prices. Totally unfair! But who made the building? Who works in these damned buildings -- your buyers or your own people? If you don’t care for your own people, how can you expect them to care?

I have many clients telling me all about “compliance” every time I raise the issue of safety. In my opinion, we spend way too much time worrying about compliance. Here’s why: What is “compliance”? In simple terms, compliance is the mandate for acceptable business trade. In the textile and RMG sector, it is buyer-driven. And so, it is more about the buyers’ mandate rather than the sellers’.

Today, you have a good, compliant factory. Your buyers are happy, your buyers are with you. But tomorrow, when your factory burns down, they say “thank you Mr Khan. It was a pleasure doing business with you for the past 15 years. No hard feelings, but we need our orders delivered.” They shake your hand, and off they go. “Well Hello Mr Chowdhury. What a fine new factory you have built next to Mr Khan’s!”

We need to look at our business from a business interruption point of view. Our objective should be to make sure that there will not be any kind of business interruption due to safety lapses, that includes proper inspection and maintenance of all our equipment first and foremost so that they don’t harm or hurt our workers.

We are a very curious people. One person gets hurt, 20 people gather around to see what happened. Even if for a brief moment -- your business is interrupted. In risk management, we call it Incident or near miss reporting. If you can identify and prevent safety lapses before the incident, or decrease the number of small incidents, you have a better chance of saving your factory from the big accidents.

And that can only happen if you implement proper risk management systems with zero tolerance for safety lapses -- not because the buyer said so – but because you don’t want business interruption.

There has been a positive change blowing over the past three years or so -- even before the Rana Plaza incident. Many of the farsighted and progressive manufacturers in Bangladesh had been riding this positive change for a long time now. I have had the good fortune of visiting their factories; to have felt nothing but pride. Against the backdrop of all the bad press and negativity surrounding them, these factories have been working hard to set themselves apart as an example of truth, confidence, and honesty. They have seen the light. They “believe.”

A couple of months ago, I was speaking to a Lloyd’s underwriter in London about the current state of affairs, vis-à-vis safety, in Bangladesh. I told him -- with Alliance, Accord, and the rest of the world looking at Bangladesh with their critical eyes -- in about five years, the Bangladesh textile, garment, shoe manufacturing, and associated industries will exhibit higher safety standards compared to the rest of the world.

But to make that happen and truly believe in that, we need to: a) Build a people-centric safety culture, (2) look at safety from a business interruption point of view, and (3) implement holistic safety management programs based on risk management principles. If we can do this, it will take care of the buyers’ compliance requirements automatically.

When I first began writing this article, I had put the header “quality never goes out of style.” In the end I changed it, because the buyers are already here. They are here because of the quality we are able to deliver. What is missing in the equation is excellence. Once my brothers and sisters from Bangladesh can deliver excellence, we won’t have to chase after the buyers. They will chase after us.

Styles may change, trends may differ, but Excellence never goes out of style. l M. R. Khan is the Marketing Director of Tyser Risk Management (Bangladesh) Limited, a subsidiary of Tysers UK.

Flight of freedom

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Photo: Bigstock

NEWS

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BRAC Bank awards microscopes to champion schools and colleges The 6th Biochemistry Olympiad, held at Curzon Hall on March 20, generated huge enthusiasm among students. BRAC Bank and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Dhaka University have been jointly organising Biochemistry Olympiad annually since 2009.

More than 1,000 SSC/Olevel and HSC/A-level students from Dhaka and other districts

participated in the biggest festival of bioscience in the country. The daylong programme featured quiz examination, poster exhibition, popular lecture, interaction session and award ceremony.

The organisers appreciated BRAC Bank for extending support to organising the Biochemistry Olympiad. Daily Samakal and Radio Foorti were media partners of the programme.

INSIDE

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hot topic

Pending independence

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Celebrate with colours

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Hot topic

Pending independence We all want it and crave for it when parental and societal restrictions hold us back.

Question is, when we finally get it, can we deal with it? n Baizid Haque Joarder and Rad

Sharar

Why be independent?

In the simplest form in stating it, how would you like it if someone has a bite of your lunch everyday?

The world isn’t easy. Your room, the food you eat, the clothes you wear, all of it may be coming as a result of someone else’s hard work. Some went and gave their lives thinking of you, just to make sure you don’t have to worry about anything. If it would be wrong to just define Independence as being simply financially independent.

Even when you have all the money in the world, it still isn’t an easy feat to live alone. You must be mentally independent as well, able to survive the harsh world on your own.

No point in hiding it, it is immensely frightening to be isolated and left to your own devices to fend for yourself. But it would be cool right? Having your own place, a job, your own space without your mom having to tell you to finish your business contracts and clean your house. But that’s where most get the meaning wrong. Being independent, again, means being independent in your decisions and mentally unshackled by the opinions of others, knowing of course what is right and wrong and thinking about everyone involved.

Hence, you can still be supported by your family and still be independent and supportive. Being that would make your family support you in everything you do, gain trust in you, and take your opinions seriously. They would even happily let you stay out nights with friends. Wait, what? How? Read on.

How to be independent, even with mom and dad looking after you Believe in yourself As pointed out before, it won’t be easy to say no to helping hands. But if you don’t believe you can do it yourself, no one can help you. That’s the first step, courage and acceptance. Not that it is being meant to buy your own meals and iron your own clothes, no. This is all in your head. Only when you trust yourself will you be able to trust your decisions and cut out society’s expectations of you.

Life is a lemon store It turns from “when” life gives you lemons to “it will,” and you have to get used to it.

The world will, pay heed, eat you up, burp happily, and spit you out if you are not prepared. You may see the universe as a bad place, a good one, or have no opinion either ways, but learning to accept it is important.

Yes, your friend may have a Jaguar or live in a mansion, but don’t let that make you blame your kin. Plan out your own life, your way, knowing and accepting what you have, and get a Lambo.

Decisions based on ethics It’s unreal to think that your parents will let you get a tattoo or piercing in your teens, considering our circumstances and culture.

Hence, when you know they won’t accept it, knowing yourself it’s ethically wrong, it’s better not to pursue it. There will come a point when you don’t even have to ask them if you’re independent anyway.

Decisions based on emotions Think logically, be selfish, and put emotions aside. Doing things for the sake of others when it’s clearly putting you down never helps, unless it is family.

Motivate yourself No one understands you, supports your cause or tries to. Is there really no one to help you? Of course, there’s always you.

Everyone goes through this phase where it seems like you’re going against the tide all on your own. Well, that should be more than enough, right?

Listen, but don’t accept When the opinions and advices start coming, never shut them out. Listen, but keep your own as a priority. A single person does not know everything, and it never harms to ask for advice. But the final choices must come from you, believing it to be the right one.

Think long, plan hard, follow accordingly Plan it out; what you want to be, what your passion is and how you’ll get there. It saves a lot of effort and time, and helps reach your goals much faster. YOLO, do you really want to improvise that?

Save, in case your life crashes Just in case, keep back a little bit of sugar for when life starts turning sour. Who knows what might happen, and it is a true sign of independence to have your own contingency plan. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

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Parents can help too “Telling a teenager the facts of life is like giving a fish a bath.” - Arnold H. Glasow “You better do what I tell you to do,” “If you don’t study hard, you’ll end up nowhere” or “Your sister had better grades at your age” are just some of the statements which teens would be able to relate to. And they all have one-thing in common - restraining the growth of independence in a teen’s mind.

One may argue that these are just their parents being protective of their children and they just want to ensure high chances of their offspring’s survival in the “onlythe-fittest-can-survive” kinda jungle - the world. Fair enough, but aren’t there more approaches towards the ordeal?

Let’s talk about the first statement.

Parents worry. Period. But downright telling them what to do, doesn’t really help a teen think and react “independently” if you think logically. Hence, communicating with them might be a better option.

Questions like “what” and “how” are usually more welcomed by teens compared to “why.” Probably because the latter type automatically puts one in the defence.

Giving them room to make mistakes allows them to learn from them and to know better the next time.

The second statement is something a teen from any average, middle-class family would recall from his/her childhood, but putting in the fear of not making it can only put on more pressure on the already-highon-hormones teen shoulders.

The last one is something different but relevant nonetheless. When compared to siblings, teens usually find it irritating, rather than be motivated. Encouraging them to improve, beating their own “bests” may turn out to be a better idea.

Not from a specialist, not from another parent, but from a casual observer’s point of view, the key is healthy communication between teens and their parents can lead to the upbringing of an independent teen.

Surprise quiz (the very words

B. I don’t know who does my laundry.

C. I have a bua!

1. Do you prepare your own food when you go back home from school?

A. Yes, I love doing it.

B. I’d rather starve than doing it.

C. I have a bua!

Yes the quiz in its entirety, is sarcastic.

But if most of your answers are B’s and C’s, fret not. Most teens do not have the time to look after these things.

But it wouldn’t hurt you to do them on your own, no matter how packed your schedule is. Even if you don’t, appreciating those who do such things for you can also be a good idea.

every teen hates)

2. Do you clean up after you’re done?

A. Definitely!

B. Not really, maybe after I finish the episode.

C. I have a bua!

3. Do you do your own laundry?

A. Yes!

Photo: Bigstock

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Celebrate with colours n Sabiha Akond Rupa When there is a celebration like Nobo Borsho we cannot help but be reminded of one of our favourite deshi brands - Rang. They have recently launched their Pohela Boishakh 1422 collection and the results have us all excited. This time around the fashion house that’s been an establishment since 1994, Rang worked with subtle yet vibrant colour combinations, different patterns and eclectic prints. They have clothing for all ages, be it saris, panjabis, kameez-kurtis and even T-shirts. The shops also house a myriad of accessories and handicrafts.

Biplob Saha, the owner and designer of Rang tried to use modern styles and techniques to promote the beauty and authenticity of traditional Bangladeshi outfits.

Pay a visit to one of their 10 outlets in Dhaka city to ensure you turn a few heads this upcoming new year. Rang also provides online shopping to offer an easy solution to those pressed for time.

Manchester United’s on-loan striker Radamel Falcao hinted he could leave the club at the end of the season in search of more regular football, but said he was still committed to the English side

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HEAVYWEIGHTS PREPARE TO DUKE IT OUT

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BCL ‘ONE-DAYERS’ BEFORE PAKISTAN HOME SERIES

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DUNGA LOOKING TO EXORCISE PARIS DEMONS

CLASH OF THE TITANS

THE RIGHT TO FIGHT BEFORE THE WORLD IN THE COLISEUM OF MELBOURNE Yousuf Rahman (Babu), former national cricketer, vice captain and first centurion writes from New York for Bangladesh fans all across the globe.

The Aussie all round game is a powerful reason for its success

Nothing will please the world of cricket more than to see India get humiliated in this match.

Australia will get massive support not only from the home crowd but also from 160 million Bangladeshis from all across the globe.

On paper, Australia is a far superior team in

all facets of the game. They have been consistent throughout the tournament and even though the batting line was humiliated by the Kiwis, they almost won the match through some high quality fast bowling. Their win against Pakistan will have energised the team a bit more and they will be better prepared for this key game.

is India’s batting that has to put the numbers on the board. I believe that Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina have finished their quota and their luck. So it is imperative for Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to strike with the bat.

Just how resilient India will be as the defending world champions will be a feature that world will keenly observe.

India to rely on past wins to see them through

Getting runs on the board will be the key

India will be on the back foot against some top class fast bowling. No matter who says what about the resurgence of its bowling, it

Whoever bats first and, I believe the team winning the toss will choose to bat first, must put the runs on the board. Any score less than 290 will be chased down. India has been bet-

ter chasers than many, especially with the likes of Kohli, Rahane, Raina and MS Dhoni in the lineup. All the more reason for the Aussie bowling unit to apply the two “As”- Accurately Aggressive.

Dilemma of the match

Both teams are part of the “Big Three” so the ICC has a major dilemma on its lap.

How will the game be administered? Will it be orchestrated to favour the financial powerhouse or will it for a change, let the honesty and integrity of the game rule the proceedings of the match? l

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2ND SEMI-FINAL Played: 117 Tied: 0 N/R: 10

AUSTRALIA 67

Wins

INDIA 40

At Sydney Cricket Ground today (9:30AM)

Umpires

Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Richard Kettleborough (ENG) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Weather forecast

Fine. Maximum temperature: 26 Celsius

Pitch report Australia’s players arrive for a training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday

AFP

World cricket’s heavyweights prepare to duke it out n Adam Collins from Australia Tuesday’s frenzied first semi final generated anguish for the vanquished South Africans, whose failure to make cricket’s biggest stage survives as a desperate anomaly. A shared and magnified fear of failure hung over both teams.

No such apprehension will pervade the heavyweights of cricket when Australia host India. Neither plays in a culture punctuated with letdown. They’re teams accustomed to fighting and winning.

They know each other intimately – plainly, there isn’t lost love. Perversely, the frequency of their contests means form doesn’t mean much. There nothing these rivals don’t know about each other. India are into the sixth month of their tour. Winless until their World Cup streak, it highlights their priorities, culminating in Sydney and Melbourne.

Australia haven’t lost any of the six Cup semis they’ve played, and while India’s record is more balanced (3-1) as defending champions they know how to find a way to win with billions of eyes trained on them.

A larger driver will be how the pitch comes up after inclement weather. Extra life will benefit Australia, operating without a specialist tweaker in favour of a battering ram.

India’s quicks have surprised, leading the only team who’ve taken all available wickets.

Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma don’t carry the reputations of Mitchells - Starc and Johnson - but they’ve quietly collected 42 wickets.

They will have watched Wahab Riaz go within a dropped catch of potentially decimating Australia. Whether they have the pace

to replicate that is questionable, but as containment counts for little, an assault aimed at Australian helmets has merit.

Australia’s innings totals can deceive. Had that aforementioned catch been held, they would have been in genuine strife. Aaron Finch’s list of failures is cause for concern, and the Indians will fancy getting an early look at Michael Clarke. The lower-order pair of James Faulkner and Brad Haddin are fine auxiliary support, but have barely been required.

The earlier India can take on Glenn Maxwell, the harder to play his devastating game.

If he’s able to unleash after a base has been established, well… good luck.

India – the home of score hyperinflation – has gone about it in a more modest manner, never needing more than 307.

Granted, Bangladesh were an umpiring decision away from being ahead, but a timely

ton from Rohit Sharma following on from centuries by Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, reflects the stability of a balanced lineup.

Then there’s Virat Kholi, who has a knack of stepping up when needed most. Much like his skipper, MS Dhoni.

Back to Starc, who started 2015 with two wickets in three balls, and added 28 since – one every three overs. No individual will influence this result more.

In a format routinely accused of lacking relevance, there’s no greater incentive than this.

If India progresses, they’ll earn the opportunity to defend their trophy; for Australia it will be the chance to make it four World Cup triumphs out of five. For the superpowers of cricket, perhaps it was always destined to be so. l Adam Collins is an Australian cricket writer. He tweets at @collinsadam

India’s Virat Kohli obliges the autograph hunters at a gate of the Sydney Cricket Ground during training in Sydney, Australia yesterday AP

Generally spin-friendly but even bounce means batsmen can still go for their shots.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Glenn Maxwell

(Australia) Unconventional shotmaker and part-time off-spinner known as the ‘Big Show’ who has bolstered Australia’s innings with some spectacular late hitting in the tournament.

Maxwell has hit three half-centuries in five knocks, including the second-fastest World Cup century with 102 off 53 balls against Sri Lanka in the pool stages at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

His spin might come in handy on a generally turning SCG pitch, but it is his quirky batting -- replete with reverse-sweeps, flicks and powerful hitting -- that may prove hard for India to contain if he gets off to a start.

R Ashwin (India) If the SCG pitch assists spin, as feared by the Australians, Ashwin is the man India will turn to for a match-winning performance. The game is being played on the same pitch where South African spinners Imran Tahir and JP Duminy shared seven wickets in a quarter-final win against Sri Lanka, a team reputed to be comfortable against the turning ball.

Ashwin has been one of India’s star performers in the tournament, especially with his ability to slow down the run-rate with his accurate offspin. He claimed four for 25 against the United Arab Emirates in Perth but a more impressive performance was his return of three for 41 against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that caught the Proteas on the hop.

The only time Ashwin proved expensive at this World Cup was when he conceded 75 runs in 10 overs against Zimbabwe at Auckland.

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1 10-30

Australia can handle expectation: Clarke n Reuters, Sydney Australia skipper Michael Clarke is confident his side will have no problem handling the weight of local expectation when they meet reigning champions India in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final on Thursday.

Australia’s four titles make them the most successful team in World Cup history but only Clarke, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson survive from their last triumph in 2007 and they have never won the trophy on home soil.

They can remove that anomaly in Melbourne next weekend but first they need to get past an unbeaten India side packed with players who know exactly what it takes to win the tournament.

“We’re about to find out,” Clarke told reporters when asked how his players would deal with the pressure.

“I think you’ve seen the guys handle it really well throughout the tournament, the way the boys played in the quarter-final against Pakistan was extremely pleasing.

“Expectation is there because we are the number one ranked team in the world, the expectation is put on you because you have performed.

“Individually, you feel that on a day-to-day basis as an international sportsman. There’s been a lot of talk about pressure and expectation but that comes with the role.

“I think the boys will be fine. As big as this event is, as a player, it’s no different to any other game,” he added.l

ODIs won by India against Australia out of the 13 played between them at the SCG.

India’s win-loss record against Australia in Australia; their last win came at the Adelaide Oval in 2012.

0 1-1 165

World Cup semi-finals lost by Australia out of the six they have played.

India’s record against Australia in World Cup knockouts.

Runs added by Australia’s opening wicket in this World Cup; they have had only one fifty partnership in six matches.

18.14

India’s average opening stand against Australia at the SCG in 14 innings.

81.92

India’s batting average in overs 11 to 40 in this World Cup, easily the best for any team in these overs.

0

Wickets India have lost in the batting Powerplay in this World Cup - the only team not to lose a wicket in these overs.

21.64

India’s bowling average in this World Cup - the best their bowlers have averaged in any of the 11 World Cups.

41

Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne bowls during a net session in Sydney yesterday

AP

Elliott forces SA to count cost of exodus n AFP, Auckland

Kevin Pietersen may be South African cricket’s most high-profile expatriate talent, but Grant Elliott’s World Cup showstopper left the Proteas once again cursing another of their lost sons.

Elliott, born in Johannesburg and schooled at the same St Stithians College in the city which also nurtured England’s Cape Townraised Jonathan Trott, dealt the blow that killed off South Africa’s latest attempt to win a World Cup in Tuesday’s semi-final epic in Auckland.

The 36-year-old Elliott, known to teammates as “Shunt” and “Magic”, left his home

country in 2001 and seven years later made his Test debut for New Zealand.

His Test career has since stalled -- the last of his five caps came back in 2009 -- but he has thrived in one-day internationals even if his selection for the World Cup came as a surprise for those expecting the more flamboyant Jimmy Neesham to get the nod.

“I came for a lifestyle change and also for my cricket. As soon as I arrived in New Zealand and made it my home, I had aspirations of playing international cricket for New Zealand,” Elliott told local media when he was first called into the squad.

“It’s a really tough move because you always grow up thinking you’re going to be a

Springbok or a Protea.”

Whereas other South Africans have left to pursue international cricket under a different flag because of the quota system in operation, Elliott insists his move to New Zealand was purely contractual.

“I always wanted to play international cricket,” Elliott told www.cricket365. “I wasn’t enjoying my cricket that much there, and I just needed a lifestyle change.

“I played for Gauteng, I had a contractual dispute with them, so that triggered me to look elsewhere as well.”

In recent years, Elliott has been one of a number of South Africans to play for New Zealand.l

Wickets taken by Mitchell Johnson against India in ODIs - the most he has taken against any team. Johnson has dismissed Suresh Raina five times in 51 deliveries in ODIs, which equals the most any bowler has dismissed Raina.

15.6

Mitchell Starc’s bowling strikerate in this World Cup - the second best for a bowler to take at least 10 wickets in any World Cup. Gary Gilmour, who took 11 wickets in his 24 overs in the 1975 World Cup.

18.80

Virat Kohli’s batting average in ODIs against

Australia in Australia.

75.00

Glenn Maxwell’s batting average against the India bowlers in the current squad.

5

Number of fifty-plus scores by David Warner in eight ODIs innings at the SCG. Warner averages 54.75 on this ground and has scored 438 runs at a strike rate of 101.15.

Black Caps want World Cup fairytale for Vettori n AFP, Wellington Brendon McCullum on Wednesday conceded Daniel Vettori had probably played his last international innings on home soil, saying New Zealand were intent on giving the veteran a fairytale send-off in the World Cup final.

Vettori was in the middle at Auckland’s Eden Park on Tuesday night when the Black Caps clinched a spot in Sunday’s title decider in Melbourne with a dramatic one-ball-tospare victory over South Africa.

The 36-year-old Vettori, who scored a crucial boundary at the death to help seal the four-wicket win, has been coy about his future plans but McCullum said “this was po-

tentially his last game on New Zealand soil”.

“Last night with him out there at the end, that’s a memory he’ll never forget,” McCullum told reporters.

“Hopefully we’ve got one more game, one more big fairytale finish for him and then we’ll have a few beers.”

The Black Caps skipper said Vettori, who claimed his 300th one-day international wicket earlier in the tournament, was still experiencing pain from a back injury that almost ended his career.

“He’s played a lot of his cricket with bumps and bruises and niggles and strains,” McCullum said. “He’s a tough customer and he’s been an amazing servant for New Zealand cricket.”l

New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori (R) signs autographs for supporters upon his arrival in Melbourne Airport yesterday AP

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The Syrian Under-23 footballers take the mickey out of each other during training at the Brothers Union ground yesterday

BCL ‘one-dayers’ before Pakistan n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) tournament committee has proposed a one-day tournament to the four Bangladesh Cricket League franchises keeping the upcoming home series against Pakistan in mind. The tournament committee will hold a meeting with the team owners on March 28 and discuss the proposal.

“The time slot and the venue is yet to be confirmed. We have invited the franchisees for a meeting on March 28. We will only be able to determine the details of the tournament after the meeting,” said BCB tourna-

ment committee manager Ariful Islam to Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

The Pakistan series is scheduled to begin with the two Test matches in the second half of April, but according to sources the national head coach Chandika Hathurusingha urged to begin the bilateral series with the three-match ODI series.

Hathurusingha’s claim is justified as he wants the team to maintain the momentum in the one-day format. Meanwhile, the national team management also echoed to the Sri Lankan’s tune and believes it won’t be wise for the cricketers to play four-day matches and go into the one-day series against Pakistan.

This scrambled the cards for the BCB

tournament committee as the franchises informed of not to participate without the national cricketers and in order to balance the situation the tournament committee came up with the idea of the one-day format.

Earlier, the BCB was eying to hold the third edition of BCL, franchise based first-class cricket tournament of the country, from April 4 with participation of the national cricketers.

It was learned that with conclusion of the mini 50-over competition the national cricketers will join the national camp for the Pakistan series after which the tournament committee will hold the initially planned four-day tournament. l

Army lift Independence Day volleyball

n Raihan Mahmood Bangladesh Army clinched the title of the Walton Independence Day Volleyball beating Bangladesh Navy 25-9, 25-11 and 25-13 at the volleyball stadium yesterday.

In the third place decider Bangladesh Police outplayed defending champions Power Development Board 20-25, 28-26 and 25-23.

The managing director of Impressive Group Mosharraf Hossain distributed the prizes as the chief guest. FM Iqbal bin Anwar Dawn, the first senior additional director of Walton and Ashikur Rahman, the MD of Tex Weave Group were the special guests on the occasion.

Sajib of PDB was adjudged as the best attacker, Mohsin of Army was the best setter and Yunus of Army was named the best blocker.l

The victorious Bangladesh Army team pose with the Walton Independence Day Volleyball trophy at the volleyball stadium yesterday COURTESY

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Syrian coach throws open challenge n Raihan Mahmood Spirited Syrian coach Muhannad al Fakir declared an open challenge to the other three participants of Group E of the AFC Under-23 Qualifiers, terming it a difficult task for all the teams. He was perhaps trying to point out that highest-ranked Uzbekistan will not have a smooth ride in the four-team Qualifiers.

The strongly-built Syrians, placed 152nd in the Fifa rankings, rushed to the Brothers Union ground within hours of their arrival to enjoy their first practice session. Muhannad was banking on 12 of his players who progressed to the AFC U-20 Championship quarter-finals before eventually losing to 72nd ranked Uzbekistan in the shootout after stipulated and extra time failed to produce any goals.

“I don’t agree with the theme that Uzbekistan are the favourites for their superior ranking. Bangladesh are playing in their own yard and they will be backed by the home crowd.

India nowadays have improved a lot and we are firmly focused upon winning the group.

So, the summary is it will not be an easy group for any team,” said Muhannad yesterday.

Muhannad added that eight of his players are based outside Syria. He also said they have warmed up in Kuwait for 10 days before arriving in Dhaka. “The players played in Kuwait, Iraq and Oman. We played a practice match in Kuwait and won 4-1. The team have been practising for the last three months in Syria,” he added.

The coach informed that the whole of Syria has not been affected due to the civil war. He said most of the cities, apart from the adjacent areas of Damascus, remain normal. l

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Dunga looking to exorcise Paris demons

Italian court ends 2006 match-fixing case over time limit n Reuters, Rome

n AFP, Paris

Brazil coach Dunga will revisit the site of one of his greatest disappointments when he leads out his side against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Thursday.

He was the Brazil captain in 1998 when his side were surpassed by a Zinedine Zidane-inspired France in the World Cup final.

And as the World Cup winner from 1994 as a player bids now as coach to reconstruct the team so humiliated on home soil at last year’s World Cup, he will be aiming to banish three sets of demons.

First will be his own personal anguish from a final in which Zidane’s brace helped the hosts to a 3-0 victory and their first World Cup success.

And then there will be the demons of a country reeling from a 7-1 semi-final humbling at the hands of eventual champions Germany, not to mention the final nail in the coffin as the Netherlands trumped them 3-0 in the third-place play-off.

Luis Felipe Scolari - who led Brazil to victory at the 2002 World Cup - was fired following the tournament with Dunga reinstated to a post he’d held from 2006-2010.

There too is another demon for him to exorcise as, despite winning the 2007 Copa America, he was dismissed after Brazil’s quarter-final exit to the Netherlands at the World Cup in South Africa.

While all that may be on Dunga’s mind, one of his main tasks will be trying to get the best out of Neymar, widely seen as Brazil’s sole world class talent.

He may be the third top scorer in Spain’s La Liga behind the incomparable duo, Barcelona team-mate Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, but Neymar has been struggling for goals these past two months.

He has netted just three in his last nine games, and that while Barca have been in free-scoring form on a run of 18 wins from their last 19 matches.

Neymar will likely be glad to join up with the national team as he has scored seven goals in his last six Brazil matches - including four in one match against Japan.l

DAY’S WATCH BTV, Gazi TV, Maasranga TV Star Sports 1, 3 9:30AM ICC World Cup SF 2: Australia v India

Star Sports 4 9:00PM ATP 1000 Masters Miami Open

Sony Six 2:00AM Brazil World Tour France v Brazil

Ten Sports 12:30AM PSA World Tour 2015 Canary Wharf Classic Men, SFs

Former Juventus executives Luciano Moggi and Antonio Giraudo will not have to serve prison terms over a 2006 match-fixing scandal because the statute of limitations has expired, Italy’s highest court ruled on Tuesday.

The “Calciopoli” scandal led to Juve being relegated to Serie B and stripped of their 2005 and 2006 titles after general manager Moggi and director Giraudo were found guilty of procuring favourable referees.

“This whole trial was carried out in an abnormal way,” Moggi said after the verdict. “It all came to nothing.”

In 2011, a Naples court found Moggi guilty in the match-fixing case and sentenced him to five years and four months in jail. He appealed the decision.

The Naples court said Moggi was head of a group that tried to fix the selection of referees to certain matches in order to influence the outcome of the season.

Moggi denied any wrongdoing. l

Cech suggests summer move from Chelsea n AFP, Prague

Brazil head coach Carlos Dunga (Centre) and forward Neymar (Front) attend a training session at the Charlety Stadium in Paris on Tuesday AFP

CR7 faces possible sanction for ‘Clasico’ celebration n Reuters, Madrid Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be sanctioned for his goal celebration when he netted the equaliser in Sunday’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ at Barcelona, the president of Spain’s professional soccer league (LFP) said.

Ronaldo, not for the first time when he has scored at the Nou Camp, appeared to be urging the Barca fans to calm down when he struck to make it 1-1 in the 31st minute.

The Portugal captain, regularly the subject of abuse himself, has gained a reputation for winding up opposing fans and was widely criticised when he tore off his shirt to celebrate his successful penalty in last

season’s Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid.

“We have to be careful with provocative gestures by a player when he scores a goal or with any other provocation or conduct that could incite violence among spectators,” LFP president Javier Tebas told reporters on Tuesday.

“It must be sanctioned, from a fine up to a suspension,” he added. “We will look into it.”

Following the death of a Deportivo La Coruna fan in fighting before a La Liga game in November, Spain’s soccer authorities are seeking to crack down on any action by players or supporters that may be construed as provocative. l

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech said on Tuesday he might leave the Blues in the summer ending a highly successful 11 year spell saying he is finding it tough being second choice to Thibaut Courtois after years of being the uncontested number one.

“I don’t want to go on like this for another season, so it’s clear,” Cech told reporters in Prague, ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Latvia.

The 32-year-old Czech Republic keeper has played only four full Premiership games this season - all in 2015 and all with a clean sheet - against 25 appearances for Belgian international Courtois, who is ten years younger.

“I have to do something about my situation because I want to play, not sit on the bench,” said Cech.

“I was used to playing fifty or sixty games per season, not fifteen or twenty,” he added.l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Long-tailed parrots (6) 6 Nourished (3) 9 Nimble (5) 10 Solitary (4) 11 Burdened (5) 12 Top card (3) 13 Maker of suits (6) 15 Subtle emanation (4) 18 Excuse (4) 21 Accident (6) 24 Employ (3) 25 Lessen (5) 28 Lengthy (4) 29 Bird (5) 30 Conclude (3) 31 Ruler (6)

DOWN 1 George Cross island (5) 2 Turkish commander (3) 3 Apple drink (5) 4 Beverage (3) 5 Departed (4) 6 Young horse (4) 7 Call for repeat (6) 8 Horned ruminant (4) 14 Little devil (3) 16 Complete agreement (6) 17 Tree (3) 19 Permission (5) 20 Representative (5) 21 Stubborn animal (4) 22 Transmit (4) 23 Trim (4) 26 Container (3) 27 Perfect score (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 9 represents N so fill N every time the figure 9 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

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Horijupia to hit cinema today

n Showtime Desk Horijupia, an alternative historical drama, is all set to hit cinemas today. Mostly featuring non-Dhallywood actors, the film depicts the genocide and brutal oppression of innocent people during the 1971 War of Liberation.

Written and directed by Golam Mostafa Shimul, the story of the historical drama revolves around an archeologist working

to dig up evidence of an apparent genocide of an ancient time. As the Liberation War proceeds, his expedition get halted and though he finally succeeds to find the evidence he was looking for, his life is jeopardised by the occupying troops.

The title word “horijupia” is derived from the ancient language used in the Harappan civilization to mean a place where human sacrifices were made. Coincidentally, the

protagonist has faced the fate which is highly conjugated to signification of the word.

The film stars Khairul Alam Sobuj, Mahmudul Islam Mithu, Kazi Raju, Bithi Rani Sarkar and Nafiza Chowdhury Nafa, among others. Produced by Faridur Reza Sagor, the film is going to open in at least 20 cinemas throughout the country including the major multiplexs in the capital. l

Bollywood top 10

NEW RELEASES

n Showtime Desk

Next month’s forecast in Bollywood movies

Here’s a list of the top songs (in no particular order) from Bollywood on the airwaves this week.

“Sooraj Dooba Hain” Roy (Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arjun Rampal) This is a feel good hit with a club vibe - a perfect way to start the weekend.

“Chhil Gaye Naina” NH10 (Anushka Sharma and Neil Bhoopalam) Setting the tone of this thriller, here’s a rock tune to bang on your eardrums.

“Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan” Roy (Ranbir Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Arjun Rampal) A charming number, fusing humble beginnings with a dash of modern beats.

“Birthday Bash” Dilliwaali Zaalim Girlfriend (Divyendu Sharma, Ira Dubey and Jackie Shroff) Yo Yo Honey Singh’s latest club banger will have you shamelessly singing along.

“Dard Karaara” Dum Laga Ke Haisha (Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar) A throwback to the melodies of the 90s, it’s classic Kumar Sanu.

“Tipsy Hogai” Dilliwaali Zaalim Girlfriend (Divyendu Sharma, Ira Dubey and Jackie Shroff) Another dance track on the soundtrack, Dr Zues produces a legitimate twerk jam.

“Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” Dum Laga Ke Haisha (Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar) You can’t go through the week without a sweet treat, and here it is.

“Jeena Jeena” Badlapur (Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Huma Qureshi) This is a huge contrast to the rest of the list. It’s a heartfelt ballad sung by Atif Aslam.

“Desi Look” Ek Paheli Leela (Sunny Leone, Jay Bhanushali, and Rajneesh Duggal) More of an item number, this will keep the hips shaking for a while.

“Jee Karda” Badlapur (Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Huma Qureshi) Plenty of heart, this tune had all the dancers crunking in choreography. l

April 3, 2015

DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHY!

A Yash Raj release, Sushant Singh Rajput stars as India’s first trueblue detective in a proper thriller, written by Bengali bestselling writer Saradindu Bandyopadhyay.

April 10, 2015

EK PAHELI LEELA

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Ranveer Singh @RanveerOfficial And the cover.. with the Legend @ sachin_rt Himself ....

Pretty neat !

Filmfare @filmfare The elite club of winners dazzle on our blockbuster #CirocFilmfareGlamourAndStyleAwards cover. RT if you like it.

WHAT TO WATCH TELEVISION

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS B

HBO 6:46pm When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

Cast: Chris Pine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Simon Pegg

QUEEN A+

In her first lead role, Sunny Leone takes a shot at a different avatar.

April 10, 2015

DHARAM SANKAT MEIN

Comedic veterans Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal and Annu Kapoor star in this off-beat drama.

April 17, 2015

MR. X

Emraan Hashmi takes the audience for a thrilling ride in 3D.

Sony Max 9:25pm Rani is a 24-year-old Punjabi girl living in Delhi. After breaking off an engagement with her fiance, Vijay, she goes on her planned honeymoon trip to begin a journey of self discovery.

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao, Lisa Haydon

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER B-

Star Movies 2:00pm Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier.

Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson

DT

32 BACK PAGE

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

BB APPROVAL NEEDED FOR FIS CEO REMOVAL PAGE 15

Aussie power against Indian dominance n

Mazhar Uddin from Sydney

Sparks will fly when defending champions India take on cohosts Australia today in what could potentially be a blockbuster semi-final clash at Sydney Cricket Ground with the winners going through to Sunday’s grand finale against New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Following the Kiwis’ humdinger of a win against South Africa on Tuesday in Auckland, all eyes will now shift to today’s encounter between a high-flying Indian team and a pumped-up Australian side.

Alongside the Black Caps, MS Dhoni’s troops have been one of the most dominant sides in the 2015 cricket World Cup, having won all their seven matches.

Australia, in contrast, might have lost their group-stage match against their trans-Tasman rivals but they will be equally confident heading into the last-four tie as they have got the better of India on all occasions in the last few months.

The World Cup was preceded by a tri-series involving Australia, India and England with the Aussies and the English overcoming the Indians in all of the double round-robin matches.

Prior to the tri-series, the Aussies also defeated their semi-final opponents twice in four Tests with the other two matches drawn.

India’s long and dependable batting order can, however, change all that today. Rohit Sharma is coming to the semi-final on the back of a hundred in the quarter-final against Bangladesh while Shikhar Dhawan, with 367 runs, is the seventh highest scorer of the tournament. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina also have hundreds to their names, against Pakistan and Zimbabwe respectively.

India’s bowling department has, meanwhile, also blossomed big time in the flagship event.

They have scalped all 70 wickets on offer in their seven matches with the fast-bowling trio of Mohammed Shami (17 wickets), Umesh Yadav (14) and Mohit Sharma (11) responsible for 60% of those.

The traditional SCG tracks offer some assistance to the spinners, so Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and left-armer Ravindra Jadeja, with 12 and nine wickets respectively, will be expected to play a crucial role today.

There is, however, another side to the coin. The head-to-head record between the two teams at SCG favours the home side. India have only won once in 14 ODIs at the SCG while their last victory on Australian soil came three years ago in a tri-series also involving Sri Lanka.

The Aussies also have the upper hand when it comes to performing in the semi-final of a World Cup. They have reached the last four six times out of 10, and have won all of them.

The two teams boast an equal win-loss record in the knockout stages of the World Cup, though. India defeated Australia in the quarter-final of the 2011 edition, courtesy of a brilliant hundred from Yuvraj Singh, while in 2003, the Aussies trounced the Indians in the final.

The only bad news on the eve of the second semi-final is that of the weather as forecasts suggest light showers today. l

CLASH OF THE TITANS PAGE 25

FIRST-EVER NAZRUL THEATRE FEST PAGE 31

IS frees two Bangladeshi hostages in Libya n Tribune Report Two Bangladeshi migrants kidnapped

by Islamic State militants in Libya were released on Tuesday evening, 18 days after the abduction.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Libya, Maj Gen Shahidul Haque, said in a statement that Helal Uddin of Jamalpur and Mohammed Anowar Hossain of Noakhali were taken to a hospital in the Libyan city of Sirte for medical checkup after their release.

“The physical condition of both men is reportedly normal. On Wednesday, they are expected to be brought to the Tripoli office of the company that employed them,” the statement read.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Helal and Anowar, who work at the Australian oil company VAOS, could be released because of the prompt initiatives and constant efforts of the ministry as well as the Bangladesh embassy in Libya.

The statement came hours after Helal made a surprise call to his family in Jamalpur from captivity around 10:30am on Tuesday. This was his first

HELAL UDDIN

MOHAMMED ANOWAR HOSSAIN

communication with his family members since his abduction.

Helal’s wife Aleya said she talked to her husband for four minutes, and he told her that he had heard the militants talking about the release of the Bangladeshi migrants.

“The militants let Helal make the call and they may set the two Bangladeshi hostages free within a day or two,” Aleya told the Dhaka Tribune in an ecstatic voice.

Meanwhile, Marufa Khatun, wife

of Anowar, said she got a call from her husband at 3am yesterday and he told her that he was fine after his release.

Both the families rejoiced at the news of the release of the two abductees.

Helal and Anowar were among nine foreign nationals who were kidnapped during an attack on the oil field in Sirte, 700 kilometres from Tripoli, on March 6.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry confirmed the abductions of the two men in a press release on March 9. l

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