27 march, 2015

SECOND EDITION

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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Chaitra 13, 1421, Jamadius Sani 6, 1436

TENDER FLOATED FOR FIRST SATELLITE PAGE 3

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 2, No 351 | www.dhakatribune.com | 24 pages plus 24-page Weekend | Price: Tk10

WHEN AUSTRALIA STOOD UP FOR BANGLADESH PAGE 7

MALNUTRITION COSTS ECONOMY PAGE 24

Nation celebrates 45th Independence Day n Tribune Report The country celebrated its 45th Independence and National Day yesterday with due solemnity and festivity.

On March 26, 1971, father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence following the crackdown on unarmed Bangalis on the midnight of March 25 by the Pakistani occupation forces.

After a nine-month bloody War of Liberation, the people of the country achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971.

The day was a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the people of the country on the occasion, the UNB reported.

“The present government has taken up Vision 2021 for materialising the dream into reality. It is my expectation that people from all strata would contribute to building an ITbased happy and prosperous Bangladesh  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

Students put up a colourful display with flags at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on the 45th Independence Day yesterday

Australia show India out n Mazhar Uddin from Sydney Australia set up a grand final showdown with trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand after romping to a convincing 95-run win over defending champions India in the second semi-final at Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. The cohosts will meet this Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground to decide whether the Aussies seal their fifth World Cup title or the Kiwis clinch their maiden crown after six semi-final failures.

That Australia cantered to their seventh World Cup final appearance was largely down to Steve Smith’s heroics. The busy right-hander smashed a brilliant hundred as the Aussies posted an imposing 328/7 from their 50 overs.

Later, he was involved in a spectacular run-out as India ended their reply on 233 in 46.5 overs.

Chasing a record target in a World Cup semi-final, India started well as Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added 76 runs for the opening wicket. Dhawan, however, was unable to convert his knock into a significant score as he departed after making 45 off 41 balls with the help of half a dozen boundaries and a six.

India's captain MS Dhoni (C) walks off the pitch as Australian team mates celebrate being run out by Glenn Maxwell during their Cricket World Cup semi-final match against India yesterday REUTERS

Maldives threatens to cancel visas of NRBs if they protest killing of two compatriots n Adil Sakhawat Ignoring a ban from the Maldives government, Bangladeshi expatriates in the island nation will stage a demonstration in the capital Male today protesting the murders of two Bangladeshis and attack on two others.

The government of the Maldives on the other hand threatened to cancel the visas of the protesters, reported local media.

Around 70,000 Bangladeshis are now living in the country of 3.5 lakh population, mostly without any valid documents, according to unofficial figures.

The Bangladeshi expatriates living in Maldives decided to stage the protest in front of the local Bangladesh High Commission office today after Shaheen Mia, 25, and Bilal, around 25, were killed in Male this week in separate incidents.

Shaheen was stabbed to death in a Male cafe in the morning of March 22 while Bilal was found dead in Alif Alif Atoll Thoddoo Island on March 25 night.

An Indian national was also stabbed by miscreants in the same place within a week.

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 3 Jail killing case convict Kismat dies in Canada

PAGE 4 BSF returns four detained Comilla detectives

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

PAGE 4 RAB will prevent terrorism and militancy

PAGE 6 Bomb attack on BGB in Chuadanga

PAGE 6 Abducted man rescued from Dhaka

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2 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Khaleda absent from National Mausoleum n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia did not go to the National Mausoleum on Independence Day yesterday to pay her respect to the martyrs of the Liberation War. However, a delegation of BNP leaders led by the party’s Standing Committee members Mahbubur Rahman and Abdul Moyeen Khan paid tributes at the National Mausoleum in Savar.

Khaleda, who has been holed up in her office since January 3, did not clarify any reason for her absence at the National Mausoleum.

However, from her Gulshan office, Khaleda on Wednesday night issued a press release saying: “This year, Independence Day is being observed at a time when there is no democracy in the country.”

Earlier on February 21, the three-time former prime minister also skipped paying homage to the language movement heroes.

The 69-year old Khaleda did not even visit the grave of her husband Ziaur Rahman on January 19 to mark his birth anniversary; neither did she come out of her office following the death of her younger son Arafat Rahman Koko. l

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pay tribute to the Liberation War martyrs at the National Mouseleum in Savar on the 45th Independence Day yesterday BSS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Australia show India out Following Dhawan’s departure, the men in blue kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

MS Dhoni might have been his side’s highest scorer with a-run-a-ball 65 but the way he surrendered his wicket to a direct hit from Glenn Maxwell was the common story of the Indian batsmen yesterday.

The most dependable batting line-up in the world marched towards the dressing room one after another as Ajinkya Rahane’s 44 and Rohit Sharma’s 34 proved to be nothing but consolation at the end. Star batsman Virat Kohli, meanwhile, continued his poor run of form as he was dismissed for just one.

All-rounder James Faulkner scalped three valuable wickets while fellow left-arm fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc bagged two each.

Australian skipper Michael Clarke earlier won an important toss and had no hesitation opting to take first strike on an SCG track that offers a lot of runs.

Despite losing David Warner early, Aaron Finch and Australia’s man of the summer Smith milked the Indian bowlers in a cool and calculated approach, adding 182 runs, only 12 short of the highest second-wicket partnership in World Cups registered by Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar and Wajahatullah Wasti against New Zealand in 1999.

Certainly Australia’s future captain, Smith continued his run-spree against the subcontinent giant. He smashed four gorgeous boundaries off Umesh Yadav in the 10th over to indicate that Warner’s early departure was long forgotten.

The 25-year old blasted two fours and a six off Mohammad Shami in the first over of the batting powerplay to bring up his maiden World Cup hundred.

He was finally dismissed after hammering 105 off 93 deliveries, his match-saving knock featuring 11 fours and two sixes.

Australia, however, were unable to build on the good work of Smith and Finch, who was holding one end with his controlled batting. At one stage, the Aussies were cruising at 197/1 but they lost six wickets for 131 runs to give brief hope to the Indian side.

The Aussies were well placed to go past 350 but Yadav and Mohit Sharma, with four and two wickets respectively, ensured India were not out of the game by the end of the first innings.

Following Smith’s dismissal, Finch too made his way to the dressing room after scoring 81.

From there, a few cameos from Maxwell, Shane Watson, Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson took the home side beyond the 300-run mark. l

Maldives threatens to cancel visas of NRBs if they protest killing of two compatriots Maldives police are yet to arrest the killers.

The Bangladeshi High Commission officials in Male told the Dhaka Tribune that the high commission authorities told Bangladeshis living in Male that they would ensure their security there and asked them not to hold any protest.

Meanwhile, the country’s Immigration and Emigration Department have already issued a warning saying that protesting for their rights was against the term of their work permits and it also threatened to cancel visas of protesters, reported a local media of Maldives.

In a statement, Controller of Immigration and Emigration Department of the Maldives Mohamed Anwar said: “The department will not hesitate to penalise those who participate in protests.”

He also called on employers to ask migrant workers to respect Maldivian laws.

While contacted, newly joined Bangladeshi High Commissioner in Maldives Rear Admiral Kazi Sarwar Hossain said: “I have already talked to Home Minister Umar Naseer, Police Commissioner Hussein Waheed and Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon about the recent murders and requested them to ensure Bangladeshi migrants’ safety and security. They also assured me of taking steps in this regard.”

When asked if Bangladeshi expatriates would stage any protest after the Maldivian authorities’ warning to cancel their visas he said: “I am continuously talking to Bangladeshi expatriates and have already issued circular giving our official numbers to inform us immediately if they face any security threat.

“The Bangladeshis also assured us that they would not stage any protest if the high commission takes initiatives to ensure their safety.”

He also said: “The high commission will

take necessary steps to quell the situation through diplomatic channel.”

However, Ahmed Tholal, vice-president of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, said the ban on migrant workers’ protest was unconstitutional, reports Minivan news of Maldives.

“The constitution guarantees every person on Maldivian soil the right to protest. A clause in a migrant worker’s contract cannot override the constitution,” he told Minivan News.

But many expatriates living in Maldives told the Dhaka Tribune over phone that the migrant workers living in the capital Male will protest peacefully in front of the Bangladeshi High Commission today.

A Bangladeshi migrant wishing anonymity said after the murders of two Bangladeshis and attacks on three others within a week they were feeling insecure there. l

Nation celebrates 45th Independence Day through implementing the vision by the golden jubilee celebration of our independence,” the president said.

In her message, the prime minister said the independence earned through the sacrifice of millions of people is the greatest achievement of the nation.

“To make the achievement meaningful, all must know the true history of the Liberation War and retain the spirit the independence. It would have to be spread generation to generation,” she said.

The president and the prime minister also paid tributes to the martyrs of the war by placing wreaths at the National Memorial yesterday morning, the BSS reported.

They were joined by Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, ministers, advisers, parliament members, chiefs of the three armed services, freedom fighters, diplomats and high civil and military officials.

The national flag was hoisted atop government and private buildings while the government and semi-government buildings and other public places were decorated in celebration.

The prime minister also paid tributes to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi.

Later, she released a commemorative post-

age stamp, a first day cover and a data card at her Ganobhaban residence.

Different socio-economic-politcal and academic organisations around the country organised programmes to remember the war martyrs and pay their homage throughout the day.

Several BNP leaders also went to the National Memorial to pay their tribute to the war martyrs. However, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia did not join her fellow BNP leaders, similarly as the National Martyrs Day on February 21.

President hosts reception marking Independence Day

President Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanom hosted a reception yesterday evening at Bangabhaban on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the reception held at the lawn of the president’s House.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushon Ershad joined the reception.

Valiant freedom fighters and family members of the Birshreshtha gallantry awards attended the function, the UNB reported.

The chief justice, cabinet members, deputy speaker, advisers to the prime minister, state ministers, supreme court judges, elec-

tion commissioners, cabinet secretary, chiefs of the three armed services, members of parliament, senior political leaders, newspaper editors, senior civil and military officers, academics, diplomats, senior lawyers, business community leaders, artistes and distinguished citizens also joined the reception.

The president and the prime minister together exchanged greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters and other guests at the function.

They also enquired about the well-being of the war-wounded freedom fighters and assured them of extending all-out support for their all possible welfare.

No BNP leader was seen at the programme, though its 21 top leaders, including Chairperson Khaleda Zia, were invited.

Modi, Pranab greet people of Bangladesh

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Bangladeshis on the eve of the 45th Independence Day on micro-blogging site Twitter.

The Indian PM wrote: “Independence Day greetings to the people of Bangladesh, a Nation that has always been an enduring and important friend for India.”

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee also earlier extended his greetings on the occasion. l

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Jail killing case convict Kismat dies in Canada n Tribune Report One of the convicted killers of the four national leaders, Captain (relieved) Kismat Hashem, died of heart attack in Canada early yesterday.

Kismat died at his home in Montreal around 6am, his younger brother Shawkat Hasem Shoku said. He would be buried after a janaza today.

Kismat was sentenced to life in prison for the murders in the early hours of November 3, 1975, at the Dhaka Central Jail.

Tajuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh’s first prime minister; Syed Nazrul Islam, the first vice-president; and ministers of Mujibnagar government Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamruzzaman were arrested after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with his family members on August 15 the same year. They were assassinated inside the jail amid coup and counter-coup in the army.

Kismat fled the country soon after the killings.

Trial in the case began after the Awami League assumed office in 1996. A Dhaka court on October 20, 2004, awarded capital punishment to three former army men and life-term jail to 12 others including Kismat.

The Supreme Court upheld the lower court verdict on April 30, 2013. Four of the convicts were executed in Bangabandhu murder case. l

Thousands throng the National Mausoleum in Savar to pay respect to Liberation War martyrs on the Independence Day

BANGABANDHU SATELLITE

Int’l Tender floated, anticipated launch in late 2017 n Muhammad Zahidul Islam An international tender for the Bangabandhu 1 satellite has been floated, with the government now anticipating to launch the spacecraft in late 2017.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in a tender dated March 24, but published yesterday, said only satellite companies with at least 15 years of experience can compete for the contract.

According to the advertisement, tender documents will be available until May 24 for $5,000; a pre-bid meeting will be held on April 27; and June 2 will be the last date for submitting tender and also the day the submissions will be opened.

The advertisement follows comments on Tuesday by Obaidul Quader, the man in charge of the Post, Telecom and ICT Ministry in parliament, who told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government expects to sign an agreement with the main satellite contractor in September this year.

Although the official duration of the Bangabandhu Satellite Launching Project is July 2014-June 2017, the BTRC is now reportedly planning on launching the spacecraft on December 16, 2017, to mark the country’s Victory Day. ATM Monirul Alam, commissioner (spectrum management) of the BTRC, last week told the Dhaka Tribune that they were hopeful about launching the country’s first ever

satellite by its December 2017 goal.

According to the published advertisement, the BTRC will provide the land for ground stations and utilities such as electricity, sewage system, water and internet to support contractor development efforts.

“Tenderers from all countries are eligible, except countries having no diplomatic relations with Bangladesh,” tender documents read.

The BTRC has already paid $5.6m or 20% of the cost to Intersputnik, a satellite company from Russia, as the first instalment of purchasing an orbital slot “In order to participate in the tender, a prospective tenderer must be a manufacturer of geosynchronous satellites whose capabilities, track record and compatibility with multiple commercial launch systems meet specific mandatory requirements.”

The advertisement mentions that the tenderer will be “required to propose financing 85% of the value of their components that could be financed; the terms and conditions of such financing and other terms with will be negotiated.”

On September 16 last year, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved Tk2,967 crore for the Bangabandhu 1 satellite project.

The BTRC has already paid $5.6m or 20% of the cost to Intersputnik, a satellite company from Russia, as the first instalment of purchasing an orbital slot on 119.1 East Longitude, the cost of which was f ixed at $28m, equivalent to around Tk218.96 crore.

According to a contract signed on January 15 this year with Intersputnik, the BTRC will have to pay 30% of the cost or $8.4m within the next 15 months, 25% or $7m within 18 months after that, and the rest within the next eight months.

According to the project documents, BTRC has selected two locations for ground handling – Telecom Staff College in Gazipur and Betbunia Earth Station in Rangamati.

When launched, Bangabandhu 1 will serve the Saarc countries, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as the “Stan” countries – such as Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – if its frequency is properly coordinated.

The telecom regulator is optimistic that it would take only seven years to reach breakeven in the project. l

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Mahi B Chowdhury collects nomination form n Munir Momtaj Mahi B Chowdhury, joint secretary general of Bikolpo Dhara Bangladesh, collected nomination paper yesterday to vie for the mayoral post in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election.

Sarwar Morshed collected the form on behalf of Mahi from Returning Officer Shah Alam.

The returning officer of the DNCC said: “Though today is March 26, a national holiday, our office has remained open so that candidates can collect their nomination papers.”

The DNCC has so far seen 23 mayoral aspirants, 665 councilor candidates and 136 contenders for the reserved women councilor posts collect nomination forms, said Shah Alam.

“We have issued 23 show-cause notices to those who violated election code of conduct.”

The EC office yesterday issued show-cause notices to mayoral candidate Shamsul Alam Chowdhury, 13 councilor candidates and three reserved women councilor aspirants. l

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Chittagong BNP backs Manjur n Alam re-election bid

Education minister says would take 50 years to make up for loss

n

Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

The day after an official BNP press statement dismissed the upcoming city corporation polls as a “mockery of elections,” the party’s Chittagong city leadership announced its mayoral candidate and claimed the BNP central command had endorsed their choice.

In a seeming about-turn on the issue, BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman yesterday said participating in the three city corporation polls was part of the BNP’s ongoing anti-government movement.

“The BNP central command will soon announce mayoral candidates for the three city corporation elections,” he said.

Following a meeting with incumbent Chittagong city Mayor M Manjur Alam and BNP city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Noman said the BNP’s Chittagong leadership had recommended that the

party back Manjur’s re-election bid.

The incumbent mayor said he would collect nomination papers if the BNP’s central leadership endorses his nomination for the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) mayoral polls scheduled for April 28.

BNP Chittagong city unit Vice-President Abu Sufian confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune that the BNP central command had endorsed Manjur for the CCC elections, adding that it would be officially announced shortly.

Abu Sufian and other leaders of the unit were present at the meeting. But city unit General Secretary Dr Shahadat Hossain, another aspirant for the mayoral nomination, did not attend the meeting.

Claiming that the public was eager to give its decision against the government, Noman said the BNP was now more united than at any other time.

“If the election takes place in a free and fair

manner, the BNP-backed candidate will win just like in the previous election,” he added.

Amir Khasru said the BNP would reply to the oppression of the ruling party by getting the mandate of the people at the ballot box.

On Wednesday, BNP-backed Chattagram Unnayan Andolon, an organisation of proBNP professionals, announced its support for Manjur’s candidacy.

When asked whether their endorsement was supported by the BNP, Chattagram Unnayan Andolon Convener Dr Abul Kalam Azad said his organisation was a professional association and that any party could support its views.

According to Election Commission rules, the deadline to submit nomination forms is March 29. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 1 and 2.

The deadline to withdraw nominations is April 9. l

Our Correspondent, Sylhet

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said the country will need another 50 years to fix the damages caused to the education sector

by Khaleda Zia’s thoughtless imposition of blockade and hartals.

“BNP leader Khaleda Zia is trying to destroy the lives of students without the understanding the enormity of her actions. The nation will not forgive her,” he said.

The minister made these comments when speaking as chief guest at an event organised

by Biyanibazar upazila administration to honour Liberation war freedom fighters and families of martyrs.

Nahid added: “The main tool for a nation’s development is education and that is why Sheikh Hasina’s government has placed so much importance on it. By forming a national education policy, distributing free text books and giving scholarships the government has prevented many students from withering away.” l

BSF returns four detained Comilla detectives n Our Correspondent, Comilla The Indian Border Security Force has returned four police officials of the Detective Branch in Comilla several hours after detaining them.

Of the four, ASI Md Sabuj and Constable Selim were returned around 11:45pm on Wednesday while ASI Md Alamgir and Constable Taposh at 12:45am yesterday.

They all were returned through Akhaura border in Brahmanbaria.

Their release followed a discussion among top BGB and BSF officials.

Officer-in-Charge of Comilla district DB police, AKM Manjurul Alam, said the four policemen were returned in the presence of BGB 12 battalion Commander Lt Col Md Nazrul Islam.

He said Sabuj and Selim had sustained injuries in the head.

On Wednesday afternoon, the four detectives during an operation crossed the Ashabari border in Comilla and got into a house in Rahimpur village of the Indian district of Sipahijala.

A BSF team detained them from there. l

Fire service officials use fire trucks to fight a blaze that broke out at the Priangon Shopping Centre in Dhaka yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

RAB will prevent terrorism and militancy, says its chief n Tribune Report

Blaming vested quarters for trying to defame the Rapid Action Battalion, its chief yesterday said in the future they would work relentlessly to prevent militancy and criminal activities.

“RAB has achieved trust and appraisal of the ordinary people because of efficiently combating terrorism, militancy, robbery, abduction... On the other hand, RAB has been working actively to maintain peace in the country,” recently-appointed Director General Benazir Ahmed said during its 11th anniver-

sary programme in the city.

Asked whether the force was facing an image crisis, he said: “There are some groups engaged in findings politics in everything to stigmatise the force. It is not our problem.

“Many ordinary people were killed in petrol bomb attacks and violent attacks in the last two months [of non-stop blockade and hartals]. The situation has now improved much... vehicles are operating during the nights too.”

In response to another question, Benazir said: “As RAB is an elite force, it will not be large in size. We do not want to be dependent

on our manpower but on high technological supports so that we can complete a task fast.”

On the eve of its anniversary, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted all members of the force and wished their continued success.

Since its inception in 2004, the elite force has been facing numerous allegations of extrajudicial killings – mainly in crossfires or gunfights, forced disappearance, unlawful detention and torture. The force has also been criticised for giving an identical version for almost every crossfire or shoot-outs.

The National Human Rights Commission and local and international rights bodies on different occasions criticised RAB personnel for excesses, notably in the case of shooting college student Limon Hossain of Jhalakathi.

The force faced massive criticisms in April last year when some of its top officials were found involved in the contract killing of seven people in Narayanganj.

Meanwhile, the force in its 11 years in operation has successfully arrested many militant leaders, busted criminal dens, and seized large amount of illegal arms and contraband items. l

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

AL factions clash over paying tribute to memorial, six hurt n Our Correspondent, Gaibandha Six people were injured in a clash between two Awami League factions in Sadullapur early yesterday.

An altercation between the factions led by upazila Awami League General Secretary Saharia Khan Biplob and Gaibandha 3 lawmaker Dr Md Eunus Ali Sarkar over who would pay tributes to a local war memorial first triggered the clash, said police.

Officer-in-Charge of Sadullapur police station Zia Latiful Islam said the wreath of the lawmaker was damaged during the scuffle.

He said other people coming to pay tributes ran away at random when the clash broke out.

The Gaibandha 3 lawmaker could not be reached over the phone.

But Saharia Khan Biplob claimed Sadullapur Chairman Saidur Rahman Munshi, who was recently named in a case filed over an attempt on his (Biplob) life, accompanied lawmaker Eunus to STM Ruhul Alam’s house on Wednesday noon, which angered local activists.

“Saidur, who is actually a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, was accused in the case but still went to Ruhul’s house to attend an invitation along with the lawmaker, which the activists resented. This led to the clash,” he added. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER LIKELY FRIDAY, MARCH 27 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:11PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:57AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY 34 32 34 31 34 33 34 32

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

24 23 22 21 22 22 22 22

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

37.2ºC Rajshahi

16.8ºC Srimangal Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:42am

Sunrise

5:57am

Jumma

12:05am

Asr

4:29pm

Magrib

6:11pm

Esha

7:27pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

Students of different schools of Comilla put up a display marking the Independence Day and the National Day at the Comilla Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta stadium yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Independence Day celebrated across the country n Tribune Report The 45th Independence and National Day was celebrated yesterday across the country amidst much enthusiasm and festive mood.

Our Gaibandha correspondent reports: The day’s programme began through placing wreaths by district administration, police department, district Muktijodha Sangshad, district AL, BNP, Jatiya party and other political parties, BMA, educational institutions and socio-cultural organizations at the monument of the Poura Park of the town at 12.01 am.

The day started with 31 gun salutes at Independence Square of the town at the time of sun rising and national flag was hoisted atop all public and private buildings just after sun rise.

Special prayers were offered in mosques and temples and improved diets were also served in the hospitals, jail and orphanages marking the day.

In Rajshahi, the day was celebrated in the city and its adjacent areas.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), divisional and district administrations besides various political, social and cultural organizations and educational institutions including Rajshahi University chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day.

The day’s programmes began 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.

Paying rich tribute to the martyrs RCC authority led by Panel Mayor Nurun Nahar Begum and Chief executive Officer Ajahar Ali placed floral wreaths at Bhuban Mohan Park

Shaheed Minar.

Our Chuadanga correspondent said the district administration, Muktijodha Sangshad, Shilpakala Academy, Arindam Sangskrtik Sangathan celebrated the day with various programmes.

A discussion was held in the district in the evening. Gopalganj correspondent said the programme began at midnight at the Shaheed Minar by lighting 10,001candles. Bangladesh Udichi Shilpa Goshthi launched the function with the lyric’ Aguner Poroshmoni Chhnowao Prane.”

District administration, police department, Muktijodha Sangshad, district AL, educational institutions and socio-cultural organizations celebrated the day.

Khulna correspondent said marking the day, Khulna City Unit Muktijoddha Sangsad and district Unit Muktijoddha Sangsad placed wreaths at Gallamary Memorial in the city at 6.01 am followed by other organizations and individuals.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Narayan Chandra Chanda, Mayor of Khulna city Moniruzzaman Mony, vice-chancellors of Khulna University (KU), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) and Khulna divisional and district administrations placed wreaths at Gallamary Memorial followed by social, cultural and political parties, including Awami League.

Essay and art competition, poetry recitation and quiz competition on Liberation War and a discussion were held in the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office.

Khulna Press Club and other organizations including educational institutions also cele-

brated the Independence Day amid different programmes.

The day was heralded with a 31-gun salute at 6 am while the national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government, and autonomous offices.

Ships of the Navy and Khulna divisional museum remained open for visitors on the day.

Improve diets were served at orphanages, jail and hospitals while local newspapers published special issues marking the significance of the day.

Barisal correspondent said a three-day programme was taken to celebrate the day.

The day was heralded with a 31-gun salute at 6 am while the national flag was hoisted atop government, semi-government, and autonomous offices.

Barisal Reporters Unity organized an exceptional programme named ‘Muktijuddher Kotha Bola’ (Tales of Liberation War) by Biva Rani Majumdar. Nurul Alam Farid, M G Kabir Vulu, Mokhlesur Rahman, Enayet Hossain Chowdhury, freedom fighters Abubakar Siddik Sohel spoke on the ocassion. They demanded capital punishment of all war criminals and ban on Jamaat-Shibir politics.

In Panchagarh, people living in Indian enclaves inside Bangladesh celebrated the day in their respective enclaves hoisting Bangladeshi National Flag.

The day was also celebrated in Comilla, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Bhola, Naogaon, Tangail, Thakurgaon and Narsingdi in a befitting manner, with due respect and taking fresh vow to build a happy, prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh. l

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Narsingdi weavers have no dream to weave High prices of materials, lack of capital force them to leave ancestral profession n Our Correspondent, Narsingdi Weavers in Narsingdi are facing hurdles to maintain their families and the handloom industries are on the verge of closure due to high prices of raw materials including yarn, dyes and chemicals.

The gradual decreases of demands of their products and lack of running capital have threatened the profession and livelihood of the people depended on the industry.

Many weavers are going through hardships to maintain their families and trying to leave their ancestral profession because of low income.

Narsingdi, a district in the north west of the capital, Dhaka, is one of the main weaving hubs for the industrial weaving production of the country.

The district specially Sadar and Raipura upazila are famous for producing different artistic sarees such as Jamdani, Katan and Bruket. Main producing areas also include Rasulpur, Karimpur, Jitrampur, Algi, Chaw-

la, Hajipur, Satirpara, Bhagdi, Patchdona and Madobdee.

Different lungi, saree, bed sheet, napkin, towel and mosquito nets are also produced here.

According to Bangladesh Bureau Of Statistics (BBS), there were 3,141 factories in the district in 2011. In the factories, there were 12,238 looms. Of those 5,380 were in operation and 6,858 remained non-operational.

Meanwhile, the industry employed a total of 7, 387 people of 2,967 families, the BBS said.

Officials at the unit office of Bangladesh Handloom Board in Narsingdi, however, said there are 26,693 handlooms in the district. Of those, only 14,845 are in operation.

A total of 7,247 weavers are engaged in the industry in the district, they said.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, many weavers said the prices of the cloth production and finishing charge have increased in proportion to the rise in the prices of yarn, dyes, chemicals, dying charge and labour cost.

They are forced to sell their produced goods

by incurring huge losses as the selling cost has not increased proportionally, they said.

“I am doing this job of my ancestors only because I do not have any other alternative.

This [weaving] is the only thing what I can do. So, I cannot take any other job,” said Dhon Mia, a weaver of Charsubudhi Madhyapara in Raipura upazila.

Unlike Dhon Mia, many weaver are trying to find out different ways of their livelihoods.

They are not much nostalgic of their ancestral profession, rather honing different skills.

“We have been defeated to the huge capital and modern technologies. Now, people do not buy our handmade products,” said Bajlu Mia, a weaver of the same village.

“Now I am working as a day-laborer. I do not like the job. But it is the only way of my survival,” he said.

Like Bajlu, many weavers are earning their livelihood by pulling rickshaw van or peddling rickshaw and driving auto-rickshaw or other vehicles.

“I have shut all of my looms due huge loss-

es I incurred in the past years. We the weavers are leading an inhumane life,” Hasim Mia, a weaver of the same village.

In 1981, the Handloom Board in Narsingdi had established a training institute at Saheprotabhab for professional development of the weavers in the area. Many youth used to find their jobs after taking training from the institute.

Md AB Siddique, a liaison officer at the Handloom Board in Narsingdi, said the handloom industry is lagging behind the competition with power looms.

“We are trying to keep sustain the handloom industry by providing the weavers with necessary loans,” he said.

“Under a project, we have disbursed more than Tk3.22crore among 2501 weavers since 2000 till date,” he added.

Many weavers, however, told the Dhaka Tribune that the poor people did not get the loan assistance from the handloom board, although it distributed crores of taka among rich weavers in the area. l

Abducted man rescued from Dhaka n Our Correspondent, Munshiganj A man who was abducted on Monday from Munshiganj was rescued from Dhaka on Wednesday night.

Aulad Sheikh, 40, son of late Aslam Sheikh of Singairtek village under Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj returned to his village from Korea five months ago.

His family members said Aulad shared enmity with the gang of a local man named Swapan over ownership of a piece of land.

On Monday around 7:30pm, Aulad started for home from the Upazila Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed’s office located in Sirajdikhan Bazar area, however, he did not return home.

In this connection, Aulad’s nephew Md Billal Hossain filed a general diary with Sirajdikhan police station the same night.

On Tuesday morning, locals blocked the Dhaka-Sirajdikhan road for two hours protesting the abduction of Aulad.

Sirajdikhan police station Officer-inCharge Yaardous Hasan said: “Aulad Sheikh was rescued from near a tea stall in Borohati area in Demra, Dhaka around 11pm on Wednesday. l

In a bizzare sight, a boat lies inside a boro paddy field in Rajshahi’s Poba upazila. The char of Padma River called Maddhyachar is now covered with paddy which was a watery spot just a few days before AZAHAR UDDIN

Bomb attack on BGB in Chuadanga

Sherpur FFs boycott March 26 function

n Our Correspondent, Chuadanga

n Our Correspondent, Sherpur

Some unidentified miscreants hurled a crude bomb at a patrolling team of local Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Munshipur bordering area in Damurhuda upazila yesterday.

Soon after the blast that took place around 6am, the BGB team recovered three crude bombs from the scene.

Admitting the attack, Chuadanga 6 BGB

Battalion Commander SM Maniruzzaman said a team from BGB’s Munshipur BOP Camp took position near the no 92 border pillar in the morning to detain intruders.

At one stage, some miscreants tried to enter Bangladesh territory from India and they threw the bomb targeting the BGB sensing the latter’s presence and fled the spot promptly.

Later, the BGB members recovered three crude bombs. l

Local freedom fighters in Nalitabari yesterday left an Independence Day programme after the upazila chairman in his speech described BNP founder Ziaur Rahman as the man who declared the country’s independence.

The upazila administration arranged the programme on Taraganj Pilot High School ground at 10am and upazila Chairman AKM

Mokhlesur Rahman Ripon, also the district BNP’s joint convener, hoisted the national flag.

He then gave his speech where he also uttered the slogan “Bangladesh Zindabad”, causing resentment among Awami League leaders and freedom fighters who were present there.

Ripon and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abu Sayeed Molla instantly apologised for the speech.

Ripon said it was a slip of the tongue and he had offered apology. l

DT

SPOTLIGHT 7

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

As part of the traditional celebration of the Independence Day, schoolchildren gathered at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday to form elaborate displays, while they also marched past Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was in attendance. As part of the programme, BNCC cadres put up an acrobatic display of their skills, mounted policemen paraded on horseback, and indigenous cultural artistes staged a colourful display to make the annual event a vibrant one SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

DT

8 WORLD

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

French prosecutor: Germanwings co-pilot deliberately crashed plane n AP, Paris As a frantic pilot pounded on the cockpit door and passengers screamed in panic, the Germanwings co-pilot “intentionally” sent Flight 9525 straight into the side of a mountain in the French Alps, a prosecutor said yesterday.

In a news conference in Paris, Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin laid out the horrifying conclusions reached by French aviation investigators after listening to the last minutes of the Tuesday morning flight from Barcelona to Duesseldorf. The Airbus A320 began to descend from cruising altitude after losing radio contact with ground control and slammed into the remote mountain, killing all 150 people on board.

It was the co-pilot’s “intention to destroy this plane,” Robin said.

He said the pilot, who has not been identified, left the cockpit, presumably to go to the lavatory, and then was unable to regain access. In the meantime, co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, a 28-year-old German, manually and “intentionally” set the plane on the descent that drove it into the mountain.

Robin said the commander of the plane knocked several times “without response.” He said the door could only be blocked manually.

He said the co-pilot’s responses, initially courteous, became “curt” when the captain began the mid-flight briefing on the planned landing.

The information was pulled from the black box cockpit voice recorder, but Robin said the co-pilot did not say a word after the commanding pilot left the cockpit.

During the final minutes of the flight’s descent, pounding could be heard on the cockpit door as plane alarms sounded but the co-pilot’s breathing was normal throughout the whole time, Robin said.

“It’s obvious this co-pilot took advantage

Coalition, Iraqi planes target IS militants in Tikrit presidential compound

n Reuters, Baghdad Coalition and Iraqi planes struck a sprawling complex of palaces in the city of Tikrit yesterday where Islamic State militants have been holding out for more than three weeks.

US-led coalition planes launched their first air strikes against Islamic State targets in Saddam Hussein’s home city on Wednesday, coming off the sidelines to aid Iraqi forces fighting alongside Iran-backed Shi’ite militia on the ground.

The decision to provide air support for the Tikrit campaign draws the US into a messy battle that puts the coalition, however reluctantly, on the same side of a fight as Iranian-backed militia.

“The Iraqi air force with the coalition air force have conducted air strikes targeting the presidential palaces that are the headquarters of IS leaders and groups,” Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier Tahseen Ibrahim Sadiq said.

“This is the fourth sortie for the Iraqi air force since the early morning.”

More than 20,000 Iraqi troops and allied Shi’ite paramilitary groups known as Hashid Shaabi have been taking part in the offensive since early March. l

A photo released March 25 by the French Interior Ministry shows search operations at the crash site of an Airbus A320, near Seyne-les-Alpes REUTERS of the commander’s absence. Could he have known he would leave? It is too early to say,” he said.

He said Lubitz had never been flagged as a terrorist and would not give details on his religion or ethnic background. He said German authorities were taking charge of the investigation into Lubitz.

Robin said just before the plane hit the mountain, the sounds of passengers screaming could be heard on the audio.

“I think the victims realised just at the last moment, “ he said.

The families of victims were briefed about the shocking conclusions just ahead of the announcement.

“The victims deserve explanations from the prosecutor,” Robin said. “(But) they have

having a hard time believing it.”

Robin said the second black box still had not been found but remains of victims and DNA identification have begun, he said.

In the German town of Montabaur, acquaintances told The Associated Press that Lubitz showed no signs of depression when they saw him last fall as he renewed his glider pilot’s license.

“He was happy he had the job with Germanwings and he was doing well,” said a member of the glider club, Peter Ruecker, who watched Lubitz learn to fly. “He gave off a good feeling.”

Lubitz had obtained his glider pilot’s license as a teenager, and was accepted as a Lufthansa pilot trainee after finishing a tough German college preparatory school, Ruecker said. l

Tunisia: 23 arrested in connection with deadly museum attack n AP, Tunis Tunisia police have arrested 23 people so far from the group behind the attack on the museum that killed 21, but Moroccan and Algerian suspects are still at large, said the country’s top security official yesterday.

Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli told journalists that the arrests included a woman and the group was connected to the al-Qaida-linked Oqba Ibn Nafaa brigade.

The March 18 attack at the national museum in which 20 tourists were killed was claimed by al-Qaida rival, the Islamic State group, but members of the Oqba Ibn Nafaa brigade, which has been fighting Tunisian security forces for the past few years, have claimed allegiance to both extremist groups.

At least 80% of the group behind the attack has been detained, added Gharsalli, but two Moroccans and an Algerian were still being

sought, along with Tunisian Maher Ben Gaied The gunmen that attacked the museum carried belts filled with powerful semtex explosive which would have been “catastrophic” if used, he added.

Two members of the group had fought with extremists in Syria, while three others, including the museum attackers, had been to Libya, said Gharsalli.

Revelations that the attackers had connections to Libya has thrown into stark relief the security threat to Tunisians from its chaotic neighbor where a lack of central authority has allowed the rise of extremists allied to the Islamic State group.

Gharsalli detailed a well-organised operation that was planning further attacks and said the group was divided into a planning commission, a reconnaissance and support department, the operations people and the get-away crew. l

Iran warns of bloodshed as Saudi-led forces bomb Yemen

n Al Jazeera Saudi airstrikes on Shia rebels in Yemen have triggered a furious reaction from regional rival Iran, with top officials warning that military action could spill into other countries.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said that a coalition consisting of 10 countries, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), had begun airstrikes at 2am local time yesterday, targeting Houthi positions in the capital, Sanaa.

The Houthi-run health ministry in Sanaa said that at least 18 civilians were killed and 24 others were wounded in the Saudi-led attacks on the capital.

The bombing of the Houthis, who are said to be backed by Iran, a charge Tehran denies, came after several weeks of warnings that Yemen was descending into civil war.

Saudi Arabia said it had launched the bombing raids to reinstate what it called the legitimate government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who has been holed up in the main southern city of Aden since fleeing rebel-controlled Sanaa.

The Houthis and their allies within the armed forces had been closing in on Hadi’s last bastion Aden.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the air strikes would lead only to greater loss of life. l

Pakistan says considering Saudi request for troops for Yemen

n Reuters Pakistan is considering a request from Saudi Arabia for troops to send to Yemen, the foreign office said yesterday.

“We have been contacted by Saudi Arabia,” said spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam in response to a question about whether Pakistan would send troops. “The matter is being examined.”

Saudi Arabia and Gulf region allies launched military operations including air strikes in Yemen yesterday, Saudi officials said, to counter Iran-allied forces besieging the southern city of Aden, where the US-supported Yemeni president had taken refuge. l

China hits out at Japan over defence spending worries

n AFP China dismissed Japanese concerns about its defence spending as “ridiculous” yesterday after Tokyo commissioned its biggest-ever helicopter carrier.

Both sides are boosting their military budgets as they grow increasingly wary of each other’s ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region, facing off over a maritime territorial dispute and how to interpret Japan’s motivations and actions during World War II. Japan is uneasy about what it sees as China’s growing assertiveness, including through regular double-digit increases in its defence spending, and on Wednesday commissioned its biggest warship since World War II, the helicopter carrier Izumo. l

DT

LONG FORM 9

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

When Australia stood up for Bangladesh n Ifti Rashid

O

n March 26, Bangladesh celebrated its forty-fourth Independence Day. As Bengalis pay homage to our Founding Father, Liberation War heroes, and the freedom fighters on this day, it is also a time for us to offer homage to the world leaders who stood by our side during our independence movement and the early years of our nationhood.

Amongst the world leaders who championed our cause for liberation, Australian Labour Party (ALP) Leader, leader of the opposition, and Prime Minister Edward Gough Whitlam’s name stands tall in our history.

Whitlam, the twelfth ALP Leader and 21st Australian PM, is widely recognised as a far-sighted reformer who was well ahead of his time in ushering Australia into an era of international engagement and multiculturalism. He believed in Australia adopting a moral and principled position in foreign policy matters, even if it was at the risk of attracting the ire of big powers.

This was evident when Whitlam played a leading role in building a bi-partisan consensus about Bangladesh as the leader of the opposition in the Australian Federal Parliament in 1971. He had also raised the plight of our humanitarian sufferings at the hands of the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators at that time.

Australia was eventually the first Western country and fourth in the world to officially recognise Bangladesh on January 31, 1972. In a speech delivered in June 1973 after being elected as PM, Whitlam recollected the bi-partisan and popular support for Bangladesh: “The previous government’s prompt recognition of Bangladesh was warmly supported by the whole of Australian people.”

Moreover, Whitlam served an invaluable role in lobbying with the international community for Bangladesh to be recognised by the Commonwealth and other countries.

On January 20, 1972, the Sydney Morning Herald reported in a news item headlined “Whitlam Talks on Bangladesh: Recognition Urged” that leader of the opposition Whitlam will call for Bangladesh to be recognised by the Commonwealth during his meeting with British PM Edward Heath in London.

Whitlam ranked Bangladesh as one of his most important topics of discussion in London. According to him: “Since Australia is one of the nearest Commonwealth countries to Bangladesh, it should be giving some leadership to other Commonwealth nations over recognition.”

As PM, Whitlam continued to hold a strong interest in Bangladesh and South Asia, while supporting all countries in the region to improve relations with each other. He welcomed the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Declaration by India and Bangladesh in 1973 as a “positive initiative.” Similarly, he called for friendly relations between India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan after the Simla Agreement in 1973. He also supported Bangladesh’s entry into the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) during this period.

Whitlam maintained his support for Bangladesh during our early years and his time in government. Given the importance he attached to Australia’s international relations,

This is not the first time that Australia has done Bangladesh a good turn Whitlam simultaneously held the portfolio of foreign minister for most of his term. He extended a helping hand to Bangladesh’s prime minister, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in rebuilding the infrastructure of war-ravaged Bangladesh.

In February 1973, Whitlam announced that Australia would provide 190 Land Rover jeeps worth $750,000 to Bangladesh as part of the Australian Aid Program. He also announced additional food aid to Bangladesh in June 1973, bringing the total value to almost a million dollars in that financial year.

Under Whitlam, Australia also supported the growth of our national airways -- Biman Bangladesh Airlines -- during those early years. In June 1973, Australia provided two Fokker F27 200-seat passenger aircrafts worth $950,000 allowing Biman to expand its domestic and regional routes. In fact, Bangladesh named one of the airplanes “City of Canberra” as a testament to the friendship between both countries under Whitlam and Bangabandhu.

During the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in August 1973 in Canada, Whitlam’s efforts paid off, and Bangladesh was formally welcomed to the organisation.

Whitlam met Bangabandhu during this meeting, developing a friendship between both countries and leaders that was later followed by an Australian state visit to Bangladesh in January 1975.

Whitlam was accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising of the Special Minister of State, Secretary of the Department of Minerals and Energy, Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade, and other senior government officials during the state visit on the invitation of Bangabandhu. This was the first (and last, so far) trip by an Australian prime minister to Bangladesh.

During his official talks, Whitlam told Bangabandhu, “Australia is willing to do as much as we can for his country,” and reiterated that “the great sympathy which

the Australian government and people felt for the people of Bangladesh.” Whitlam also announced increased Australian aid to Bangladesh, in particular for developing a dairy cattle industry, the establishment of a bakery and expansion of broadcasting facilities. He also recommended international arrangements under which developed countries may use a portion of their petrodollars to finance wheat purchase on credit for Bangladesh.

In standing by Bangladesh during its liberation and early years, Whitlam and Australia defied the geopolitical polarisation of that era. In a press conference held in November 1973, he did not hesitate to publicly state that he disagreed with China’s erstwhile position on Bangladesh. No doubt Whitlam showed extraordinary political will, courage, and conviction to support Bangladesh. He had also shown the same foresight and boldness in granting independence to Papua New Guinea, opposing apartheid in South Africa, establishing diplomatic ties with China, and strengthening relationships with Asia. Many of his policies may have appeared to be unorthodox back then, but time has proven his decisions to be farsighted and correct.

Former Australian ambassador Richard Woolcott recently quoted Whitlam in his inimitable manner learning about Bangladesh, Guinea-Bissau and Grenada joining the United Nations and quipping: “Have you seen this, comrade? They are creating these countries faster than I can visit them.” Whitlam was a visionary statesman who believed in a greater role and broader engagement, principled standing, and a compassionate position of Australia in the international community.

This was the foundation of his relationship with Bangladesh. Whitlam, with Bangabandhu, laid the stone for close bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Australia, that encompasses trade, development, environment, security, education, culture, and sports collaboration today. For instance, Bangladesh signed

AFP

its first bilateral counter-terrorism memorandum-of-understanding (MOU) with Australia in 2008. In cricket, Australia also signed an MOU with the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 2000 for young players to train in Australia.

Whitlam’s legacy is of course his vision of an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural Australia has that has paved the way for many Bangladeshi-Australians to make Australia their home. The 2011 Census recorded 27,808 people from Bangladesh living in Australia.

This figure does not include first and second generation Australians of Bangladeshi origin, that would add up to a total figure of over 50,000 across Australia.

Australian-Bangladeshis comprise a growing diaspora community group of mostly highly-skilled professional migrants contributing to various fields, including education, science, technology, agriculture, business, etc, today.

Whitlam transformed Australia and its foreign policy positions for the long-run.

On the forty-fourth Independence Day of Bangladesh, we remember the contributions of labour leader, leader of the opposition, and prime minister Whitlam for his unwavering commitment to our people and country during our liberation and early years.

Whitlam passed away at the age of 98 in October 2014. Bangladesh lost a great friend who stood in a challenging yet glorious time of our history. May his eternal soul rest in peace. l Ifti Rashid is a political and security analyst. He is an Endeavour Scholar and PhD Candidate at the National Centre for South Asian Studies, Monash University. He is also Director of the Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies in Bangladesh. An earlier version of this article was presented in a seminar in conjunction with the launch of the Bangladesh Friends of Labour on March 13, 2015. He can be reached at ifti.rashid@ live.com.

DT

10 EDITORIAL

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Support sustainability for RMG growth

W

e welcome the support shown by RMG industry leaders and the government for work on making the textile industry more competitive by improving its environmental sustainability.

Experience shows reducing negative environmental impacts can go hand in hand with improving efficiency and reducing costs to improve competitiveness.

A seminar by the IFC and PRI heard how adopting environment-friendly technology had helped one factory cut its use of water for cleaning by more than two thirds down from 180litres to 50litres of water per kilogram fabric.

Similar benefits for the environment can be seen in factories which have enhanced their energy management systems and improved efficiency to both cut their long-term energy costs and carbon-dioxide emissions.

For larger factories, figures suggest that most improvements required to reduce water and energy consumption by up to 25%, can be recouped within 15 months.

The outlook is made less rosy, however, by the poor enforcement of existing environmental standards. Less than a third of washing-dying and finishing firms are currently served by proper effluent treatment plants.

Disincentives which stop smaller firms and entrepreneurs from incorporating environmental compliance into their systems, must be overcome as a matter of priority.

Greater use needs to be made of fiscal incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to adopt low-cost cleaner production practices and cut their energy and water consumption rates.

With demand for greener products increasing globally, encouraging sustainability in RMG production is not just important for the environment but is a way of improving competitiveness and quality which can help further our economic growth.

Encourage entrepreneurs to adopt low-cost cleaner production practices and cut their energy and water consumption rates

Be heard

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

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Cremation of a nation March 5

Abellard the Greek-Lover sundar: I’m pretty sure this article was subjected to a rigorous selection process before being approved. In any way, where you see an amateurish article, I see a very sarcastic and simple article reflecting the mindset of the average citizen affected by the current political climate.

Barely Legal Alien I like the cheekiness on display here. vhs Scary, and very very true. sundar Very amateurish article. DT should be a bit more selective in publishing op-ed articles.

Whither is our Kejriwal?

March 17

Raihan Hadi sundar: Thank you for reading the article.

Obviously, I have failed to see the “amateurish” side of it but in my defense, please know that I perceive and execute on behalf of the general public, thus the emotions may seem a little raw and so will the language. And for your information, DT does review every article with great care and is a very socially responsible publisher. Have a great day!

DT

All the king’s horses March 6

Our migrant workers need more help

W

e welcome the arrest by RAB of nine people smugglers on Monday.

More firm action of this sort is needed if authorities are to prevent the inhumane exploitation and trafficking of would-be migrant workers by organised criminals.

It is tragic that the smugglers who were arranging to take people to Malaysia via Teknaf, include, among their number, people who had themselves been victims of human traffickers in the past.

Although people are sometimes tricked by con-men, it is also the case that many people volunteer to be smuggled in search of employment. This is a telling indication of the extent and strength of the push-pull economic factors which lead people to often risk their lives on hazardous journeys with very little prospect of legal employment at the other end.

The only way to eliminate this activity is for authorities to improve inter-governmental co-operation to properly facilitate the legal recruitment and transport of Bangladeshi citizens seeking work overseas.

As a country whose economy relies heavily on the $14bn in annual remittances sent in by our estimated 8 million expatriate workers, the government has to do much more to ensure adequate services and proper representation for all our workers abroad.

It is highly concerning that delays in the issuing of machine readable passports are presently putting at risk the future employment status of hundreds of thousands of our migrant workers in countries such as Saudi Arabia.

We must do better as a nation to uphold the rights of our expatriate workers.

The government has to do much more to ensure adequate services and proper representation for all our workers abroad

Nazmul Khair He or she is yet to be born. And how could someone like him be born here? A place where his probable parents are covered under the net of corruption. Everybody here is partaking in corruption, knowingly or otherwise, intentionally or unintentionally.

Without a big catastrophe, nothing will ever change here. Allah bless us.

Sayem Khan Yup, we need someone like him to save our nation.

Heal our healthcare

March 5 Zero-Agenda The state of Bangladesh’s healthcare is close to being atrocious. Most of our doctors are some of the smuggest, most contemptuous people you’ll ever encounter -- and the less said about the state of the facilities available, the better.

FBI team meets DB officials March 5 Dreampie “Female Body Inspector” team meets “d-bag” officials -- I need to grow up.

sundar I don’t think the solution is intractable. Let me propose some solutions: 1) An openly declared war between the two parties where one of them wins, 2) a third force, more powerful and mightier than both the parties (you know who they are) can come forward and drive them out lock, stock, and barrel, 3) God may directly intervene with an effective solution best known to him, 4) Mahfujullah, the wise man of the east, along with the most erudite intellectual Bangladesh has ever produced in Mr Asif Nazrul, can be given the responsibility of governance on a trial basis for a fortnight, and I strongly believe that they, with their Atlantic depth of knowledge and political sagacity, can come forward with a tenable solution.

Karl Hungus The truth is a bitter pill to swallow, but swallow it we must. There is no circumventing the pea-soup thick atmosphere of fear and intimidation that both the AL and BNP are equally responsible in creating for now, but until a realistic way out has been charted, are we just supposed to accept being the casualties?

DT

OPINION 11

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Determining Bangladesh n Zeeshan Khan

T

he right to self-determination is a much coveted thing. People and nations across the world fight for it, die for it and even kill for it. At the moment, a number of struggles for self-determination are underway, at various stages of maturity, involving Australian Aboriginals, the Basque, the Kurds, Catalonia, certain groups within Baluchistan, the Uyghur, Tibet and of course the Palestinians.

All of these groups are desperate to establish an independent polity within which they can determine their own destinies -- according to their own values and priorities. A less palatable example of this are even the people behind Daesh, who are attempting to create a new country in the place of Iraq and Syria, where they can invent their own sort of social, political, and economic systems. And even though many of us would not ever want to live in the House that Daesh Builds, their desire to build one is something that we as Bangladeshis should be able to relate to perfectly.

A Bengali desire to live according to our own values and determine our own destinies is a lot older than the current state of Bangladesh. Its most recent incarnation is only slightly younger than the Indian struggle for independence from British colonial rule, and though Bengali revolutionaries fought for the All-India cause, a differentiated Bengali nation-state was also always on the cards.

As late as May 1947, just three months before India and Pakistan became a reality, a secular, undivided, and independent Bengal was tabled and supported by much of the Bengali leadership at the time, Hindu and Muslim alike, including Sarat Chandra Bose, Abul Hashim, Huseyn Suhrawardy, and Kiran Shankar Roy. In fact, an undivided independent Bengal, including parts of Bihar and Assam, was the majority position, with only a minority voice,

led by Khawaja Nazimuddin, supporting the partitioning of the province and a bifurcated Pakistan.

On May 20, 1947, the following terms were agreed upon by a majority of Bengal’s leader at the time: l Bengal would be a Free State. The Free State of Bengal would decide its relations with the rest of India. l The Constitution of the Free State of Bengal would provide for election to the Bengal Legislature on the basis of a joint electorate and adult franchise, with reservation of seats proportionate to the population among Hindus and Muslims. l A new interim ministry consisting of an equal number of Muslims and Hindus, but excluding the chief minister would be formed. In this ministry, the chief minister would be a Muslim, and the home minister a Hindu. l Pending the final emergence of a legislature and a ministry under the new constitutions, Hindus and Muslims would have an equal share in the services, including military and police. The services would be manned by Bengalis. l A Constituent Assembly composed of 30 persons, 16 Muslims and 14 non-Muslims, would be elected by Muslim and non-Muslim members of the legislature respectively, excluding Europeans.

But the desire for an independent Bengali state is even older than this, by centuries.

In fact, it might even be more convenient to speak of Bengal as an independent polity that has repeatedly been absorbed into expansionist regional kingdoms since as early as the Mauryan Empire.

The first modern Bengali state may have been Shoshanko’s, followed by the Palas, who came to power through a democratic process, one of the oldest recorded instances of democracy in South Asia.

In the Medieval Age, Bengal repeatedly

How can we honour what Bengali statehood has stood for?

RAJIB DHAR

broke away from a Delhi-based imperial order, earning it the nickname of Bulgakhana -- the place of turbulence. Within just four years after Delhi’s takeover of Bengal, Ali Mardan, the governor of the province declared independence and began a protracted struggle against the Sultanate of Delhi which lasted for over a hundred years, until the 1300s, when Shamsuddin Iliyas Shah established his own Sultanate, the Sultanate of Bangala, that stood for 233 years as a distinct cultural and political space.

The desire for independence is often about economics, even Bangladesh’s independence has, at its roots, our economic exploitation within Pakistan, but values play a major part in the process as well, and the right to determine our own affairs according to our own values is an enormous privilege. It’s been fought hard for by our ancestors, and every day, around the world, people are fighting for their right to have it too.

But this right comes with responsibilities that behove an independent people - responsibilities like justice, civil liberties, good governance, social welfare and economic well being. For the state of Bangladesh to honour the sacrifices of the people that made

our independence possible, it has to reflect their values and values that are central to Bengali culture.

Otherwise, it will not really be able to claim any legitimacy as a Bengali country.

It has to, at the very least, reflect the four pillars upon which the republic was founded -- secularism, nationalism, socialism, and democracy.

We have the opportunity, an opportunity denied to many people, to run a country according to principles and priorities that we have, as a nation and as a culture, deemed essential. These principles are violated by the economic exploitation that has never ceased, by the corruption that erodes our institutions, by the denial of justice and civil liberties and by the shrunken democratic space -- all of which have become endemic parts of Bengali statehood. They have become so ingrained in fact, that one might look at Bangladesh and think Bengali culture has no moral fibre at all.

I can’t think of a more effective way to dishonour everything that we have stood for, and fought for, for over a thousand years. l

Blind Welfare Association.

Another accomplishment of his was that he had helped organise Sylhet Tuberculosis Prevention Association. Don’t be fooled, I am talking of the same individual here: Dr Shamsuddin Ahmed, a man of many great accomplishments.

In March, with start of the noncooperation movement, most of his fellow physicians possessed a lighter schedule, but Dr Shamsuddin became even busier. Along with his students and nurses, he organised first aid squads. “Now is not the time for sloganeering and processions. We should all be ready for extensive bloodletting. Soon, you will have to form emergency medical squads.” This was what he had said to his beloved students.

All sub-divisional towns of Sylhet, including Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj were free during the nascent days of our Liberation War. By April 3, the spontaneous uprising of the Bangali military and paramilitary forces drove the Pakistani military to the small confines of Shalutikor

(Airport area). Sylhet town was free, albeit for a few days only. Six days later, on April 9, the rabid Pakistani military had entered the town.

Dr Ahmed was in the hospital -- there was no water and there was no electricity. But there were many suffering patients under his care. The whole city was in a flight of terror.

He asked his students and junior doctors to leave. “Use your intellect and do the best you can. There is no need to stay and get killed” -- but he himself stayed, for he was a man of conscience, a selfless physician, and above all, a selfless human being.

He was in the hospital. He was taking care of his patients when the myrmidons of Tikka entered the hospital. We lost a teacher, not only of medicine but also a teacher of human dignity. I wish the nation had remained faithful to the selfless memory of Dr Shamsuddin, and that of the many martyrs, both sung and unsung. l

Zeeshan Khan is a journalist.

Remembering the fallen n Mohammad Zaman

L

iberation has its own labour period.

Ours was for nine months. Pangs of pain were bountiful and the death and destruction of lives littered the land. None were immune. But none, perhaps, were pained more than those who lost their loved ones. On the day of our independence, it is befitting that we remember those who were fallen, and to recount the pain of those who have lost their dearest ones.

So, on this solemn day, I remember Dr Shamsuddin Ahmed, a professor of surgery at Sylhet Medical College (SMC), who, in fact, could have lived by commission of a little timidity. But he chose not to. He was a physician in the truest sense. Now, he lies in peace in the south-east corner of the old SMCH-compound.

When I entered the SMC, he was no longer there. However, his ever-nascent, stalwart presence could be felt in the very air. I lived, for five years, in a student’s hostel named after the one and only Dr Shamsuddin

Ahmed.

In pre-partition India, he was president of Assam Muslim Student’s Federation, while in Calcutta Medical College, he was a revered student leader.

I wish the nation had remained faithful to the selfless memory of Dr Shamsuddin, and that of the many martyrs, both sung and unsung

As a young doctor, he was the general secretary of East Pakistan Medical Association, he was also the founder of Pakistan Ambulance Core, and in 1964, he founded the Jalalabad

Mohammad Zaman is a physician and occasional writer.

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12 OPINION

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

RAJIB DHAR

I’m Made in Bangladesh n Zafar Sobhan

F

or too long Bangladesh has been a punch-line, short-hand for poverty, misery, and disaster, both natural and man-made. For too long Bangladesh has existed in the shadow of our larger neighbours and has been known primarily for its failings and failures and not its achievements and accomplishments.

No more. Dhaka Tribune’s I’m Made in Bangladesh campaign says that enough is enough. We want to tell the world about everything that we have accomplished as a nation and that we stand straight and tall and proud of our Bangladeshi identity.

This emotion is the spirit of the times and we see it everywhere around us. It has nothing to do with political identity and it exists despite the crises and challenges that we are currently going through as a nation.

The Bangladeshi people are far more than our feckless political leadership.

Make no mistake: our political and other crises are but temporary speed-bumps on our journey. What is permanent is the knowledge and belief that we can overcome any adversity as a nation and that nothing can divert us from our path to greatness as a country, as we reach for the stars and show the world just what it means to be made in Bangladesh.

We have seen the worst and overcome it. In 1971 we emerged from our Liberation War as a war-torn, devastated, impoverished country, the economy and infrastructure in ruins, millions either dead or displaced, including so many of our best and brightest.

More than 80 percent of the population lived below the poverty line and life expectancy

was below 50 years.

Since then we have weathered floods and famine, coups and counter-coups, assassinations, cyclones, industrial disasters -- setbacks that would have brought any other country to its knees. But not us. Not only have we survived through all of these hardships, but we have thrived.

our non-profit sector is the envy of the world.

In Brac and Grameen Bank, we have created two of the most unique, creative, innovative, and effective social welfare organisations in the world, and they are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Every day millions of Bangladeshis wake up with the resolve to make this country of

These young men and women embody the spirit of the nation and there are thousands if not millions more out there just like them, each with his or her own story of success achieved against the odds

Even as our population has doubled since independence and we remain the most densely populated country in the world, we have become self-sufficient in food production and found a way to care for our people.

Bangladeshis today are the best educated, healthiest, and best nourished that we have ever been in our history.

Primary education rates are approaching 100 percent and, as noted by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, many of our social indicators -especially when it comes to gender -- are better than our neighbour India’s. This is what the world renowned professor Hans Rosling famously calls “the Miracle of Bangladesh.”

We now have world-class industries and

ours a better place for their fellow country-men and women and to create opportunity for all.

We now even have a cricket team that is the pride of the nation, filled with worldclass talent, but, equally important, playing together as a team with dedication and commitment.

Everywhere I go in this country I see Bangladeshis with a new sense of purpose and a new sense of pride. That is what the I’m Made in Bangladesh campaign is all about: capturing and channeling this sense of national pride and spirit of accomplishment.

We Bangladeshis no longer think of ourselves as citizens of a small country. We are

not small. We are big. We are the eighth largest country in the world by population, the 34th largest economy measured by GDP PPP, and second to none when it comes to energy, inventiveness, and dynamism.

This spirit is captured by the I’m Made in Bangladesh spokesmen and women: Salma Khatun, who grew up being told that girls played with dolls and not bats and balls, but who is now the number one T20 all-rounder in the world. Mahfuzur Rahman Tushar, a madrasa student from the streets of Dhaka who is now an international racecar driver.

And the Chondrobot team, who have built a robot for NASA. These young men and women embody the spirit of the nation and there are thousands if not millions more out there just like them, each with his or her own story of success achieved against the odds. This is the story of Bangladesh that we want to tell, that we want to bring to the world.

I’m Made in Bangladesh is a badge of honour and one that we should wear with pride.

Let us take this message to every nook and corner of the country, to every village and every market-place, to every river-bank and sand-bar island, from the mangrove forests to the hills, from the wetlands in the south to the tea plantations in the north.

Let us all stand together as one, farmers and fishermen, garment workers and factory owners, businessmen and beggars, entrepreneurs and artisans, and let the world know, with pride and purpose: I’m Made in Bangladesh. l Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

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13

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Photo : Bigstock

INSIDE

22

Listology

Good to be single

T-JUNCTION

Tongue ticklers

24

Tantalise

Counting the reasons

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14 T-JUNCTION

Listology and Quiz

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

The multiple singles n Rad Sharar Bin Kamal The different views of single folks on relationships are immensely enjoyable to note and differentiate. Moreover, like the rest of us, you could be one of them. Take a look!

The fate

They don't go searching for opportunities, but wait for it to come to them. Cause why bother, you know? Eventually fate would bring the right one home, right? While it's fine to leave it to the gods, this kind of perspective reduces the incentive to go out and explore, while simultaneously making yourself more into a perfect version for your fated lover to fall for you.

The one

There is someone out there waiting for you; the one - as they like to term him/her.

Although, it may slight demoralizing to think that only one, single soul exists out of the seven billion people present. This in no manner stops these fellows from searching their hearts out. However, they tend to be irrationally picky, and forget at times that a soulmate doesn't always necessarily come in a Nutella jar, compromise is necessary.

The patient

They wait, for that specific moment that turns their world completely upside down.

They settle for nothing mediocre, and want the world when it comes to relationships.

Comparisons and complaints are common in their perspectives and opinions, for the movies are close to what they're aiming for.

Rare scenarios, but it does happen, and our hopes stay with them.

The explorer

Life's way too short to settle for one, and if you're not having fun, what's the point? We agree completely, but these are also the folks who are most afraid of commitment. While they may be flying high and enjoying life, they may turn blind to the opportunities in their rear view mirror. At times, it may be fruitful to slow down and take a look around, for your potential other may not be going as fast.

The rush

Tick tock, you're getting old. The panic begins! These unfortunate folks jump into every hope and twinkle of relationships and have trouble hiding their need to be loved, and fast. Relatively easier to satisfy, they savour every moment and are unbelievably understanding. But one may see the problem of trying to make the pieces fit into the puzzle instead of letting it fall for itself.

The un-lovable

They believe they're overly complicated, fundamentally flawed and will probably live with cats in the near future; and that creates the problem in the issue. The depression stabs themselves first before taking out the sniper of hopelessness to shoot out interested parties after. This may occur from discontinued relationships which they took hard on themselves. Take it easy! Maybe the bad karma is saving up for a blast of warm, fuzzy Cupid luck.

The love doctor

Oh they always have a yes for the no, and will give the perfect advice when it comes to the love problems of other people. But as far as application goes in their own relation-

ships, they don't always hit the mark. We all have that single friend, may be you as well, who acts as a mediator between the war of two. The doctor may always be in, but his/

her views may not always be the right one, mind you. Why? It is being compared to ideal situations and may not the full implications of the problems. l

Quiz What kind of single person are you?

1. After a breakup, you... a. Look up the ex list b. Dust yourself off, and try again c. Take your time, single life is good d. Don’t really care 2. Which age is your ideal time to get married? a. As early as possible b. Late 20s c. Early 30s d. I’ll wait for the right person, whenever that happens 3. You see relationships as a... a. A necessity b. An enjoyment c. An eventual need d. A milestone 4. When you go to a party... a. Prepare weeks before to find the perfect outfit b. Dress as well as you find normal c. Spend a bit of extra time d. Improvise at the last minute, wasn’t really a headache Mostly As The rush

Mostly Cs The one

Mostly Bs The explorer

Mostly Ds The fate

T-JUNCTION 15

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Recipe

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

A mutton moment Bursting with rich flavours of mace, coriander and garam masala, this one’s for the mutton lovers

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad If you’re having the fam bam over for a deshi lunch or dinner, there’s nothing like a delicious mutton bhuna to sop up with some fluffy luchi, and down with an ice-cold shikanjee. Here is a flavourful recipe for your lip-smacking entrée.

PHOTOS: SOHEL RANA RIPON

Ingredients • • • • • • •

Mutton – 600g (with bones) Mustard oil – 4tbsp Cloves – 4-5 Black peppercorns – 5-6 Black cardamom – 3-4 Green cardamom – 3-4 Bay leaf – 2

News

Method of preparation • • • • • • •

Mace (joytree)– 1 piece Cinnamon – 1 inch piece Onion – 2 cups (thinly sliced) Ginger – 1 inch piece (grated) Garlic – 10-12 cloves (crushed) Green chilli – 2 (slit into halves) Salt to taste

• • • • • •

Yoghurt – 1/2 cup Red chilli powder – 1tsp Turmeric powder – 1/2tsp Coriander powder – 2tsp Garam masala powder – 1tsp Fresh coriander – 4tbsp (chopped)

• Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker, until the fumes begin to rise.

• Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

• Turn on the heat again, and when it warms up, add cloves, black peppercorns, black cardamom, green cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon and mace.

• Fry for 15 seconds.

• Add onions and green chillies and fry for 10 minutes.

• Add ginger and garlic and fry till onions attain that golden brown shade.

• Add mutton and cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes.

• Add 1/2 cup water to the cooker.

• Put on the lid of the pressure cooker and cook till mutton is twothirds done.

• Let it cool and then remove the lid.

• Add curd, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder.

• Cook on low flame till oil separates and the spices are nicely browned.

• Add garam masala powder and fresh coriander.

• Serve hot with luchi or porota. l

Chewy Donut all set to open stores in Bangladesh Originally a concept of baking genius Kevin Wong from Singapore, Chewy Junior has been serving global customers through over 50 outlets in 11 countries and is generally celebrated as a wonder donut among its fans. To meet local demands Chewy Junior is all set to take off its flight for the urban dwellers in Bangladesh. Kevin Wong, managing director of Chewy Junior International, Tanveer A Mishuk, managing director of TASIA Bangladesh and Jobayer Hossain, managing director of Chewy Junior Bangladesh signed an agreement on the franchisee, to bring the donut venture and coffee chain in Bangladesh.

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16 T-JUNCTION

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Tantalise

5 reasons why we love bhortas “Nune jhaaley chorta, tar naam bhorta”

n N Anita Amreen If there’s one thing Bengalis love, it’s their food. And nothing spells “food” as well as a steaming hot bowl of rice. No matter what we eat or where we go, the love of rice shall follow. It’s warm, it’s filling and it’s our ultimate comfort food. As much as we love rice, what we love more is our ability to just roll up our sleeves, sit back, loosen our collars and plunge our hands into the deep depths of a hot plate of bhaat. Add to that an array of bhortas and you have a meal that not only excites but is also full of promises of spasms and satisfaction. We may be trueblue maache bhaatey Bangali, but we are also secret lovers of bhortas. There is something special, something inherently comforting about bhortas. Essentially just a mashed mesh of vegetables, meat or even fish, the beauty of bhortas lie in their versatile ability to be turned into a beautiful mess of your favourite flavours – the warm chunk of aloo bhorta, the zest of kalo jeera or the soursweetness of tomato bhorta – each of these is spiced and mashed to make a concoction so addictive, you cannot help but feel like you’ve found your way to one of the simpler floors of heaven. Simple, yet so utterly satisfying.

1) Bhortas feel like home The moment you’ve finished eating a meal that had bhortas, you cannot help but feel like you’ve been softly plopped into the lap of comfort. Bhortas are so simple, so delicious and such a comfort food that it just makes you feel just oh-so-good. Bhortas make us feel like we are in sync with our truest, most basic desires. You can have a plate of biryani or a huge platter of khichuri, but nothing makes you feel as close to home, or as intimately in touch with yourself as bhortas do.

2) Infinite choices When it comes to bhortas there’s no end to what kind you can have. You have the plain yet delicious staples such as aloo, tomato, begun or taki maach and you have the fiery hot combos such as shorisha along with the kick of the shutki. If you’re feeling particularly experimental (which we mostly are), we can throw two of our favourites together to create our very own, unconventional one-of-a-kind bhorta. Think morich and roshun or even begun and tetul.

The moment you combine the powers of the simple veggies with the zest of the hot spices you’ve got an exciting, lip smacking bhorta mash ready to leave your tongues rollicking in delight. There’s nothing more exciting than knowing that with bhortas, just about anything is possible. Anything.

3) A whole spectrum of flavours Sitting down to a table laden with bhortas is like taking a joy ride in a whole spectrum of mad flavours. One moment you’re smiling away sated with the comfort of warm aloo bhorta and daal, next you’re sweating out the steam from the heat of moricher bhorta.

There’s the spice of chillies, there’s the subtle flavours of kaathaler bichi and there’s the sweet kick of badaamer bhorta. If any meal can gives you a head rush, a bhorta-featured lunch is probably topping that list.

4) A little goes a long way When we are at our hungriest, our primal needs dictate that we hog on as much food, as quickly as possible. Be it rice, daal or a curry – quantity is everything. We want a whole lot of daal, we want a whole lot of curry and we sure as hell want a whole lot of rice. The specialty of bhortas is that there’s so much to taste, so much to experience and so much to love that you want to take it slow - you want to savour every bite and feel every flavour. You may heap your plate with rice, but bhortas taste best when they’re unadulterated by any other curry and tasted as they’re plated – raw and so full of their own flavours, you require no other accompaniment. With bhortas, a little truly goes a long way.

5) Its simplicity Bhortas are no fancy, elaborately made delicacies. Think of any vegetable, meat or fish and mash it with spices and there you have it – your very own special kind of bhorta. They may not pack the richness of biryani or the spice of bhuna gosht, but they are everything you need to complete your need for a feel-good meal. The beauty of bhorta really is in its simplicity. l PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK

Troubled NZ cricketer Jesse Ryder has been suspended from the final round of New Zealand’s domestic competition after admitting a charge of serious dissent while playing for Otago against Northern Districts last weekend

Sport 18

CAPTAIN CLARKE SALUTES SUPERB SMITH

19

SUBCONTINENT FANS GANG UP AGAINST INDIA

20

17

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BAD BOY

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

BANGLADESH U23 FACE FORMIDABLE SYRIANS

AUSSIES DESTROY INDIA MARCH 29 AWAITS TRANS-TASMANIAN FINALE

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18 Sport

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Clarke salutes superb Smith n AFP, Sydney Australia captain Michael Clarke praised the “exceptional” Steven Smith after his side beat defending champions India by 95 runs on Thursday to set a World Cup final with New Zealand.

Steven Smith’s 105 and his second-wicket stand of 182 with opener Aaron Finch (81) powered Australia to 328 for seven after Clarke won the toss.

India were only briefly in the hunt and were eventually dismissed for 233, despite a run-aball 65 from captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who produced a match-winning fifty in the final against Sri Lanka four years ago.

“I feel really excited. Smithy was exceptional once again, and I was really proud of the execution of our bowlers,” said Clarke after a convincing win at the Sydney Cricket Ground where the impressive Mitchell Starc took two for 28 in 8.5

overs and James Faulkner three for 59 in nine.

Sunday’s final in Melbourne will give Australia the chance to avenge their one-wicket loss to New Zealand in a pool-phase thriller at Auckland’s Eden Park last month.

“Losing to New Zealand really gave us a kick up the backside,” said Clarke. “Mentally I think the guys are ready to walk into the final.

“New Zealand have been playing some great cricket, (captain) Brendon (McCullum) has done a great job.”

Smith added: “We thought 330 was around par, we knew we had to bowl and field well and the boys did a great job, so roll on Melbourne. It’s nice to contribute to a few wins.

“I hope I have more runs in the bank -- a big hundred would be nice.”

India made a bold start to their chase, with the highest score ever made by a side batting second to win a one-dayer at the SCG the 334 for six made by Australia against England in 2011.

But once opener Shikhar Dhawan holed out for 45 off Josh Hazlewood, India struggled and even Dhoni’s brisk innings came too late to turn the tide.

“Overall Australia played very good cricket. Over 300 is a very big score to chase, but I thought it was just over par,” said Dhoni.

“Shikhar Dhawan was batting freely, he didn’t need to play the big shot. It was too many for me to chase.

“Our lower order really needs to work hard on their batting.”

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman hinted this may have been his last appearance at the World Cup by saying: “I’m not sure whether it will be my last World Cup.” But with India having an enjoyed an unbeaten run to the semi-finals, Clarke said: “Huge congratulations to MS Dhoni and his team, I think they’ve competed really well in this World Cup. l

WHO’S SAYING WHAT “I can’t begin to tell you what an advantage that is to Australia winning the toss on this dry, rock hard pitch at the SCG !!!! #CWC15.”

- Aussie spin legend Shane Warne.

“There is More life on Mars than this grassless SCG pitch! minimal lateral movement for bowlers #Runs#AUSvIND#STOPSTARTCRICKET.” - Former Australia fast bowler Fleming.

“All set here in Miami..gonna hav to pull an all nighter!!Thank God I don’t play tomm#INDvAUS#WontGiveItBack.”

- India tennis star Sania Mirza from Miami where she is playing in a tournament.

“What a 100 under pressure in a World Cup S/F.. @stevesmith49 what a champion player” “Pace again doing damage.. @ cricketworldcup@CricketAus@ MitchJohnson398 fantastic to see back and firing tonight... Keep taking wickets boys.”

- Ex-Australian batsman Damien Martyn

“Aussie Aussie Aussie.”

- Australian footballer Tim Cahill

“I may ask Snicko to marry me!!!”

- Ryan Campbell, batting coach at the Hong Kong national team.

“#SteveSmith thanks for making my Bday a good day! Go Aussies!”

- Former Australian tennis professional Rennae Stubbs.

“Well played Aust, in particular @stevesmith49 - you were a delight to watch. hard luck India, @msdhoni you are a great leader and a player.”

- Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal

‘Pressure of run-chase was too much’ n Reuters, Sydney The pressure was just too much for India in the end.

They put a spirited defence of their World Cup title but chasing more than 300 to beat Australia in Thursday’s semi-final was a task even beyond them.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India’s inspiring captain who led his country to an unforgettable World Cup win four years ago, led his team from the front again.

He top scored for his team with a run-a-ball 65 but it was all in vain as the Indians collapsed to be all out for 233 in the 47th over, chasing Australia’s daunting 328 for seven.

“They (Australia) played very good cricket, over 300 is always a difficult score,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

“I felt it was just over par, they

could have had 350.”

India got off to a good start in the reply at the Sydney Cricket Ground with the openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan putting on 76 in the first 13 overs but when Dhawan fell for 45, the wickets started to tumble.

“We started okay but they bowled well.

But overall, quite happy with where we were at the start of the tournament,” Dhoni said.

“Shikhar’s dismissal was on the softer side because that was the time when we could have milked the Australian bowling.

“It was not really needed to play a big shot but overall there’s pressure chasing 320 runs and pressure makes you do things you don’t want to.”

Dhoni quit his job as India’s test captain during the series against Australia but said he had no plans of quitting the limited-overs team in the immediate future.

He said he was undecided about playing on to the 2019 World Cup but had his eyes on next year’s Twenty20 World Cup being hosted by India.l

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Sport 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

AUS v IND AUSTRALIA D Warner c Kohli b Yadav A Finch c Dhawan b Yadav S Smith c R Sharma b Yadav G Maxwell c Rahane b Ashwin S Watson c Rahane b M Sharma M Clarke c R Sharma b M Sharma J Faulkner b Yadav B Haddin not out M Johnson not out Extras (b1, lb7, w6)

R B 12 7 81 116 105 93 23 14 28 30 10 12 21 12 7 7 27 9 14

Total (7 wkts, 50 overs)

328

Fall of wickets 1-15 (Warner), 2-197 (Smith), 3-232 (Maxwell), 4-233 (Finch), 5-248 (Clarke), 6-284 (Faulkner), 7-298 (Watson)

Bowling

Humayun Kabir (L) and Sabbir Ahmed pose for a photograph prior to the second semi-final of the cricket World Cup in Sydney yesterday

Shami 10-0-68-0 (2w); Yadav 9-0-72-4 (4w); M Sharma 10-0-75-2; Kohli 1-0-7-0; Jadeja 100-56-0; Ashwin 10-0-42-1; MAZHAR UDDIN

Subcontinent fans gang up against India Mazhar Uddin from Sydney It really seemed like defending champions India were playing at their backyard when they faced co-hosts Australia yesterday in the second semi-final at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Almost 70% of the 43,000 capacity crowd present at SCG yesterday were Indian supporters. The fact that they outnumbered the Aussie fans was a foregone conclusion, given India’s large community in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. It was no surprise, therefore, when the SCG was reverberating with Indian chants and cheers throughout the entire game.

The home side did receive some support from their legion of fans. However, the most surprising development yesterday happened when the Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Paki-

stani residents down under started cheering for Michael Clarke’s side.

And when Steve Smith and Aaron Finch were going great guns, the Bangladeshi supporters were having a great time. Wearing the green and gold, they were quite busy waving Australian flags following each boundary and six.

Two such Bangladeshi fans who came to support Australia were Sabbir Ahmed and Humayun Kabir. They were spotted cheering “Aussie, Aussie” loudly outside the stadium.

Before the game got underway, they were even riling up thousands of passionate Indian fans who had gathered at the SCG compound.

Sabbir was the more aggressive of the two.

“Actually, I used to support India after Bangladesh in any kind of major tournaments. But, this time I am not supporting them. In fact, I wish they do not reach the final,” said Sabbir.

Seeing the final result, Sabbir, who hails from Barisal, will no doubt be over the moon.

“I did not like the body language of the

The difference in the overall quality of the teams has been clearly, although somewhat bitterly for India, exposed in Sydney. For the first time in the competition, the Indians faced an opposition that was better prepared than any other. The Indians’ passage to the semis has been through some easy opposition so this team was really not tested.

On a wicket that was two-paced initially, even after the early departure of David Warner, the Aussie batting was a perfect example of calm and composure. At one stage a total of 350 plus was on the cards. The batting in the middle and in the death overs, in spite of a hiccup after the batting power play, has been exemplary and the Indian bowling unit had no answer.

The Aussie bowling was far superior to the Indians. It is hard to imagine that this is the same Indian attack that came together so well throughout this tournament and had taken 70 wickets in seven matches prior to this match.

R 34 45 1 44 7 65 16 5 1 0 0 15

Total (all out, 46.5 overs)

233

B 48 41 13 68 11 65 17 13 1 1 5

Fall of wickets 1-76 (Dhawan), 2-78 (Kohli), 3-91 (R Sharma), 4-108 (Raina), 5-178 (Rahane), 6-208 (Jadeja), 7-231 (Dhoni), 8-232 (Ashwin), 9-232 (M Sharma), 10-233 (Yadav)

Bowling Starc 8.5-0-28-2 (1nb, 2w); Hazlewood 10-1-411; Johnson 10-0-50-2 (2w); Faulkner 9-1-59-3 (1nb, 1w); Maxwell 5-0-18-0; Watson 4-0-29-0; Result: Australia won by 95 runs Man of the match: Steven Smith (AUS)

TALKING POINTS

Yousuf Rahman (Babu), former national cricketer, vice captain and first centurion writes from New York for Bangladesh fans all across the globe.

Aussies define quality with emphatic win

Indian cricketers as they looked pretty arrogant and their supporters were very disrespectful towards,” said Sabbir, alluding to Bangladesh’s quarter-final defeat against the defending champions.

“I was not supposed to watch this game today (yesterday). But, I came to support Australia only to counter the Indian fans as I knew majority of the crowd in this game will be filled with the Indian supporters,” he added.

With the hosts enjoying the support of different nationalities, it was India who looked helpless on the field as Australia racked up 328/7 – their highest total in seven World Cup semi-final appearances – from their 50 overs.

India eventually fell 95 runs short of the target and after clinching the emphatic victory, Aussie skipper Clarke did not forget to appreciate the backing of the fans who, even though were outnumbered, still managed to voice their vociferous support for the fourtime world champions. l

INDIA R Sharma b Johnson S Dhawan c Maxwell b Hazlewood V Kohli c Haddin b Johnson A Rahane c Haddin b Starc S Raina c Haddin b Faulkner MS Dhoni run out (Maxwell) R Jadeja run out (Smith) R Ashwin b Faulkner M Shami not out M Sharma b Faulkner U Yadav b Starc Extras (lb8, w5, nb2)

AUSTRALIA-INDIA

Steve Smith is Mr. Cool

He has been, all summer, and still is the batter that provides the calmness of the Australian batting. With the loss of Warner and with Aaron Finch struggling to find form, Smith showed why he is the best in the business.

His ability to keep the scoreboard moving with ease compensated for the low strike rate of Finch. It was Smith’s batting that carried Finch throughout the match winning partnership between the two, which basically set the match up in favour of the Australians.

Virat Kohli misfires, Suresh Raina’s luck runs out and MS Dhoni runs out of options

This has been a World Cup that Kohli would not like to be reminded of in the future. India needed him to come big in key moments.

Those moments did not come as he fell far short of his team’s expectation. The Aussie pace attack had sized him up and, after a struggling time at the wicket, Mitchell John-

son got him with a quick one. Raina’s success has been largely due to some fielding lapses by the opposition. After a torrid time at the wicket facing up to some aggressive fast bowling, he seemed relieved to edge one to Brad Haddin. Dhoni, who normally finishes well, ran out of options and ran himself out as the required run rate spiraled out of control.

Johnson finally comes up big with a timely performance

All along, it has been Mitchell Starc that has been at the forefront of the Australian attack.

The other Mitch was having a subpar performance. Johnson’s explosive batting burst in the penultimate overs set the tone for him.

When Johnson bats well, he bowls well too.

While Starc was his aggressive reliable self, Johnson was breathing fire and his two key wickets that removed Kohli cheaply and a well set Rohit Sharma, set the Indian batting on the back foot from which it never recovered.

Fans are divided on the result of the match

The game is followed with extreme passion in India and to see the team exit the World Cup must have broken the hearts of a billion people. One could notice several Indian fans with tears streaming down their cheeks. The Indian team had given them hope and the fans truly believed that India would defend its title.

Deep down, Dhoni knew the shortcomings of this team and, although his bowling unit did come up a balanced unit in the group stage, it was in the same class as some of the other contenders. Much depended on India’s batting and its ability to chase down big totals, which they have done in the past.

Unfortunately, India’s Mr. Chase Master Kohli failed.

Similar to India and perhaps a shade more passionate are the Bangladeshi fans. They are for some reason celebrating this Aussie win globally. l

DT

20 Sport

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif discusses game plan with his charges during their practice session at the Sheikh Jamal DC ground in Dhanmondi yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Bangladesh ready for formidable Syrians n Shishir Hoque Bangladesh Under-23 football team will kick off their AFC U-23 Championship Qualifying campaign today when they take on a strong Syrian side in the second match of Group E at Bangabandhu National Stadium. The match will begin at 6pm.

Syria, placed 152nd according to the latest Fifa rankings, are the last team from the group to arrive in Dhaka following their 10day stay in Kuwait. There, the Syrians played six practice matches in total against Indonesia, Singapore and Kuwait, winning five times and drawing once.

Bangladesh on the contrary have been training for two weeks at home but they did not play a single warm-up match abroad.

Given the contrasting preparations of the

two teams, Bangladesh’s Dutch head coach Lodewijk de Kruif is well aware of the tough task awaiting them.

“Very tough game against Syria who are one of the favourites in the group along with Uzbekistan. I’m happy that we are going to start so that we know the output of all the

PREVIOUS INT’L MEETINGS 19 Sep 1980 Syria v Bangladesh (1-0) Asian Cup

12 Aug 1984 Syria v Bangladesh (2-1) International

18 Aug 2007 Bangladesh v Syria (0-2) Nehru Cup

hard works we put in. There is no real target for us,” De Kruif told the media at BFF House yesterday.

“Of course we want to win and qualify. But for now, the most important thing is that my boys will have experience to play in that level and I hope they will play well tomorrow (today),” he said.

De Kruif, who will miss the services of one of his best players in Hemanta Vincent Biswas due to injury, informed that the qualifiers will be different and more competitive than the recently concluded Bangabandhu Gold Cup where Bangladesh finished runners up among six teams.

The 45-year old coach added that they will adopt the counter-attack strategy against Syria.

“We want good defensive organisation.

Not attack like crazy people. Find our mo-

ments to see the gap and possibility where we can beat them. Not give away goals,” he said.

Bangladesh skipper Rayhan Hasan on the other hand exuded confidence despite their lack of preparation.

“Our preparation was good and I hope we can execute on the field what our coach taught us in training. He also taught us how to play against strong sides. If we are able to execute our plans, the result will be positive I believe,” said Rayhan yesterday.

In spite of the favourites tag, Syria coach Muhannad al Fakir believes the home side will still pose a strong challenge.

“It is going to be a very difficult game because Bangladesh are a good team. They try to play fast. They are playing at their stadium in front of their people. They know this place,” said Fakir yesterday. l

India, Uzbekistan play curtain raiser n Raihan Mahmood

Indian captain and goalkeeper Amrinder Singh

Top ranked nation in Group E, a superior Uzbekistan will face a spirited India in the AFC Under-23 Qualifiers curtain raiser in Dhaka today. The encounter that promises to be a battle of physique and tactics will kick-off on 3pm at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The Uzbeks, the physically superior team among the two, however, will also have to fight with the hot and humid conditions existing in Dhaka which they are not accustomed with. On the other hand, the rising stars of neighbours India will rely on the tactical aspect to restrict their opponent.

Bakhtiar Ashurmatov, the coach of Uzbekistan, however, tried to play it low. “We don’t regard us as the favourites, we have arrived here seven days before the kick-off and I hope

that players have adapted to the conditions, we expect very tough challenge from India and we are ready to take the challenge. There are no injury in the team and winning the first match is very important,” said Bakhtiar.

His counterpart Savio Medeira, the Indian coach is also aware of their opponent’s strength and said, “India will fight from the very beginning and everybody is aware of the standards of Uzbekistan, regarding the preparations I can say I think we are the least prepared team with only 20 days of preparation, however I have the confidence on my players and I believe they will fight to play a good brand of football. On a given day everything is possible in football,” he said. Although India will miss the service of their key player Sandesh Jingan who is suffering from food poisoning. l

Uzbekistan captain and midfielder Vladimir Kozak

Henry the late thrives for NZ n AFP, Melbourne Matt Henry was celebrating a cousin’s engagement when he was summoned to play at the World Cup and the New Zealand fast bowler admitted he is still pinching himself.

The 23-year-old was called into the squad when Adam Milne was forced to withdraw with a heel injury and he was pitched straight into Tuesday’s dramatic semi-final win over South Africa.

“It’s pretty hard to believe, you’ve got to pinch yourself,” said Henry as he prepared to play in front of 90,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Sunday’s final.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity to have.

It’s unfortunate for Adam, it’s not the situation you want to be in but it’s the nature of the beast.”

Henry, who had been playing first class cricket with Canterbury in front of a handful of fans last week, vowed not to be overawed by the challenge in Sunday’s final where the Black Caps will face either defending champions India or co-hosts Australia.

“To go from a Plunkett Shield game with not too many people being about, to everyone screaming your name at Eden Park (the Auckland venue for Tuesday’s semi-final) was a bit of a contrast,” said Henry, who has never played at the MCG. “It felt like 90,000 at Eden Park. We’ve got plenty of Kiwis here,

Germany draw hints Socceroos rise: Troisi n AFP, Kaiserslautern Australia’s James Troisi said the Socceroos’ 2-2 draw with Germany showed just how far the Asian champions have come in 12 months.Only a Lukas Podolski equaliser nine minutes from time in Kaiserslautern spared the world champions’ blushes on Wednesday night in Germany.

Australia had taken a 2-1 lead thanks to Troisi’s first-half header and a free-kick from captain Mile Jedinak which cancelled out Marco Reus’s early goal for Germany. An inexperienced Australian side came close to producing another upset as the hosts’ post-World Cup hangover continued.l

I’m sure it won’t be an issue.

“It’s about focussing on your processes.

You’re playing cricket. Nothing changes.”

Henry praised the influence of skipper Brendon McCullum both on and off the field.

“As Brendon keeps reiterating, this is the best time of our lives, it’s not to be daunted and to be scared of,” he said.

“It’s a time to enjoy, embrace and soak up.

We’re all excited, it’s great to be here with such a great bunch of people.”

Henry said he wasn’t planning to watch Australia play India in Thursday’s others semi-final, preferring instead to tour Melbourne’s stores with his girlfriend.

“I’ve got a bit of shopping to do,” he said.

“We’ll all be doing our things, but we’ll sit down together at one point.” l

DT

Sport 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

BATTING Leading run-makers

541 532 482 433 412 395

Kumar Sangakkara (SRI) Martin Guptill (NZL) AB de Villiers (RSA) Brendan Taylor (ZIM) Shikhar Dhawan (IND) Tillakaratne Dilshan (SRI)

Best performances

237* 215 178 162* 161*

Martin Guptill (NZL) Chris Gayle (WIS) David Warner (AUS) AB de Villiers (RSA) Tillakaratne Dilshan (SRI)

BOWLING

Leading wicket-takers Trent Boult (NZL) Mitchell Starc (AUS) Umesh Yadav (IND) Jerome Taylor (WIS) Mohammed Shami (IND) Morne Morkel (RSA)

21 20 18 17 17 17

Best performances Tim Southee (NZL) Mitchell Starc (AUS) Trent Boult (NZL) Mitchell Marsh (AUS) Imran Tahir (RSA)

7/33 6/28 5/27 5/33 5/45

Spain, England look to fresh faces in Euro bids n AFP, Paris A rejuvenated Spain recommence their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign at home to Ukraine in Seville on Friday, while the prospect of seeing Harry Kane make his debut is the main attraction as England face Lithuania.

In their first outing since a 1-0 friendly loss to Germany in November, reigning European champions Spain put their record of never having lost at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on the line as they face Ukraine in qualifying Group C. Vicente del Bosque’s side are second in the group after four games, three points behind Slovakia, who beat Spain in October.

Del Bosque is overseeing a period of transition following last year’s World Cup disaster and his latest squad features the likes of Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose, Sevilla winger Vitolo and Malaga forward Juanmi, who replaces the injured Diego Costa.

“Being called up is already a success. But I want to make my debut,” said winger Vitolo, a native of Gran Canaria who is proving a big hit with Sevilla this season.

“The Sanchez Pizjuan is my home and it would be great to make my debut there, in front of my fans.”

With the top two in each group qualifying automatically for next year’s finals in France,

Spain and Ukraine are level on nine points in Group C, three points behind leaders Slovakia, who host Luxembourg.

Meanwhile, England are chasing a fifth win from five matches in Group E when they entertain Lithuania at Wembley.

It may not be the kind of fixture that would usually whip up great excitement among the masses, but a crowd of 90,000 is expected to see Tottenham Hotspur hotshot Harry Kane potentially make his England bow.

“It’s fantastic, what he has done,” England manager Roy Hodgson said of 21-year-old Kane, who has scored 29 goals this season and could feature in the absence due to injury of Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge.l

DAY’S WATCH Channel 9 AFC U-23 Qualifiers 3:00PM Uzbekistan v India 6:00PM Bangladesh v Syria

Ten Action 2:40PM A-League 2014/15 Melbourne Victory v CC Mariners 7:30PM I-League 2015 Dempo Sports Club v Kalyani Bharat

Sony Six 1:30AM European Qualifiers 2016 Spain v Ukraine

Former football stars reunited at the artificial turf of BFF to play an exhibition match on the occasion of the Independence Day yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

DT

22 DOWNTIME

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Honey drink (4) 4 Utters wildly (5) 8 Ripe (6) 9 Tightly drawn (4) 11 Breed of dog (5) 12 Tribe (4) 14 Observe (3) 15 Slip by (6) 19 Landed property (6) 21 Cover (3) 22 Small secluded valley (4) 24 Imply (5) 27 Direction (4) 29 Accustoms (6) 30 Saloon car (5) 31 Part of a castle (4)

DOWN 1 Floor covering (3) 2 Talisman (6) 3 Facts given (4) 4 Apply friction to (3) 5 Fragrance (5) 6 Provoke (3) 7 Long effusion (6) 10 Top airmen (4) 13 Fish trap (3) 14 Set (6) 16 Limb (3) 17 Delight (6) 18 Transgressions (4) 20 Sports enclosure (5) 23 Welsh national emblem (4) 25 Rope-splicing pin (3) 26 Cricket score (3) 28 Faucet (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 22 represents T so fill T every time the figure 22 appears.

You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter it 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 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Horijupia to hit cinema today

NEW RELEASES

Next month’s forecast in Bollywood movies

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

April 3, 2015

DETECTIVE BYOMKESH BAKSHY!

A Yash Raj release, Sushant Singh Rajput stars as India’s first true-blue detective in a proper thriller, written by Bengali bestselling writer Saradindu Bandyopadhyay.

April 10, 2015

EK PAHELI LEELA

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 in find us the evidence he was looking for, his life is

WHAT TO WATCH

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

In her first lead role, Sunny Leone takes a shot at a different avatar.

Ranveer Singh @RanveerOfficial And the cover.. with the Legend @ sachin_rt Himself ....

Pretty neat !

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.

Filmfare @filmfare The elite club of winners dazzle on our blockbuster #CirocFilmfareGlamourAndStyleAwards cover. RT if you like it.

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+

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

24 BACK PAGE

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

I’M MADE IN BANGLADESH

PAGE 12

AUSSIES DESTROY INDIA PAGE 17

HORIJUPIA TO HIT CINEMA TODAY PAGE 23

Malnutrition substantially costs economy A national micronutrient survey found that only 20% infants receive minimum acceptable diet

n Kayes Sohel Rice with potato is almost an everyday menu of Abdul Mazid who works as a farmer, with more than 70% of his daily income on an average being spent on buying food for his five-member family.

The 37-year-old father of three children needs Tk200 to feed his family every day.

“At best small fish is sometimes added to our menu,” Mazid said, standing near his shabby house on a small piece of land in Chargobindapur village under Pabna district.

But there was hardly any work in 10 days out of a month, forcing his family to keep half-fed or even unfed.

“Days pass without foods some days,” said Mazid with choking voice. The days are more painful once he falls ill.

He is the father of three children – a 12-year-old daughter, 11-year-old son and another 7-year-old son, all physically and mentally retarded – a problem caused due to malnourishment.

During the first 1,000 days of life – from conception to age two – children need enough energy and nutrients to fulfill their growth potential.

If not, both their bones and muscles grow slowly, leaving them paranormally short for their age, which is known as stunting. Poor nutrition in these early years not only affects physical growth but also the development of the brain.

Story of Mazid is not an isolated case in Bangladesh, home of around 6.3 million stunted children as of 2010, according to Unicef.

Globally, malnutrition is responsible for 45% of all child deaths and leaves 161 million children stunted in 2013, the joint survey of UNICEF, WHO and World Bank found.

“Causes of malnutrition are multifaceted,” said Dr Md Munirul Islam, a scientist with the Centre for Nutrition and Food Security at the International Centre for Diarrohoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b).

He said usually lack of food security and awareness, and rising inflation are behind the malnutrition problem in Bangladesh.

Undernutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections and increases the frequency and severity of such infections. It is irreversible, once it is occurred.

Malnutrition has far-reaching human, social and economic consequences that last for generations.

Malnutrition costs Bangladesh more than Tk7,000 crore ($1bn) in economic productivity each year, according to a joint survey of Bangladesh government and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bangladesh Government in 2012.

If Mazid’s three children are not stunted and start work at their 21s and work until 50, they can add to the economy to $2,311 each or over Tk1,84,000 as per the cost-benefit analysis.

If an effective intervention with providing

Like many others, the family of Abdul Majid has to suffer the consequences of poverty day-in day-out. The children along with their parents suffer from malnutrition, even when most of their earnings are spent on food. The photo was taken recently in Chargobindapur village of Pabna DHAKA TRIBUNE sufficient quality foods, it costs around $97 or Tk776 per child with much of the expense coming from the provision of fortified supplementary foods, according to the findings of the world’s leading experts on nutrition and economics Professor Susan Horton at the University of Waterloo and Professor John Hoddinott at Cornell.

On average, implementing the effective direct nutrition interventions raises incomes by 11.3%, the findings said.

If a Bangladeshi child is born in 2015, benefiting from effective intervention during conception and infancy and joining the work force at age 21, over his lifetime, he will earn the average per capita income of a Bangladeshi.

If this person works until they are 50 years old and uses a conservative 5% rate, switching this child from stunted to not stunted increases the present value of their lifetime by more than Tk1,84,000.

These income calculations are for different numbers of working years and different discount rates.

If individuals work together, the present

value of these monetary benefits gets larger.

If these incomes gain, the benefit-cost ratio becomes smaller if individuals work until they are 60 with a 3% discount rate, every taka spent on direct nutrition interventions generates Tk77 in benefits.

“And there are other benefits of reductions in stunting. Nutrition interventions would reduce deaths by children under five by 15%.”

Like Mazid’s children, around 7 million children suffer from stunting in Bangladesh and are vulnerable to dying at any given time due to malnutrition, said the icddr,b scientist Munirul Islam.

“Any health related manifestation that has a 15% of prevalence rates needs immediate intervention in line with international practices.”

Over the last decade, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in fighting malnutrition.

In 1997, the stunting rate was 58%, which declined to 41% in 2011, according to the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey, 2011.

The number of stunting cases among children below five years of age also came down to 35% from 45% in 2010, according to Food

Security and Nutritional Surveillance Project.

National Micronutrient Survey 2011-12 says only 20% of young children aged between 6 and 23 months receive the minimum acceptable diet.

Rice dominates and its low nutrient density likely contributes to the high rates of zinc deficiency.

According to undernutrition map unveiled in December last year, children under five suffered most from hunger in Sylhet division where 51.3% of children suffered from stunting and 39.5% were underweight.

Stunting rates are the highest in Bandarban district of Chittagong division, a hilly area, followed by Cox’s Bazar district in the coastal belt of Chittagong division and Sunamganj district of Sylhet division which largely consists of haor (wetland) areas, the maps showed.

As many as 55 districts are above the World Health Organisation critical threshold level for underweight which is 30%. At the upazila level, 300 out of 544 upazilas have a stunting rate above 40% while 440 upazilas have an underweight rate above 30%. l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com