13 April, 2015

SECOND EDITION

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

|

Chaitra 30, 1421, Jamadius Sani 23, 1436

CEC TO COPS: DON’T HARASS CANDIDATES

PAGE 2

|

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 3

|

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

KSA DISMISSES YEMEN SOLAR PLANTS TO GET CEASEFIRE CALL PAGE 10 BENCHMARK TARIFF PAGE 32

Arrest threat spoils level playing field Al-Masum Molla and n Mohammad Mohammad Jamil Khan With just a touch over two weeks to go before the city polls in Dhaka and Chittagong, BNPbacked candidates, especially the ward councillor aspirants, have yet to start full-fledged electioneering.

Many of them are facing criminal cases and arrest warrants, and they fear harassment by law enforcers if they come out in the open.

Their fears got reinforced after the Detective Branch (DB) of police announced on Saturday that they are conducting a drive to arrest those aspirants who are facing criminal charges and have not secured bail.

Saturday was also the day when the commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police assured a visiting delegation of pro-BNP lawyers that no BNP men would be illogically harassed.

Former chief election commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda said: “What can the Election Commission do? It actually has nothing to do.

Police is looking for those people [facing cases]. If they come out then police will certainly arrest them.”

He also said that the BNP-backed candidates are at a clear disadvantage because the ruling Awami League-backed candidates are not having to face any such problems.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Rival Dhaka north mayoral candidates Zonayed Saki, Mahi B Chowdhury, Annisul Huq and Tabith M Awal caught sharing a light moment at the KIB Complex yesterday after a meeting with the Election Commission MEHEDI HASAN

AG: More war crimes appeals cases to be settled this year

WB: Political unrest eats up $2.2 billion in third quarter

n Ashif Islam Shaon

n Tribune Report

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, the top law officer of the country, has expressed hope that several appeals moved by the convicted war criminals with the Appellate Division will be disposed of this year.

Currently, appeals of eight war criminals are pending with the Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice SK Sinha.

The appeals of Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed and BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, both given death penalty by the International Crimes Tribunal, are now on the cause list for hearing. Arguments on these appeals would begin within the next few weeks, he said.

The six other appellants are Jamaat chief Motiur Rahman Nizami and its leaders  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

Bangladesh’s growth story took a further hit yesterday as the World Bank expected the economy to grow at 5.6% this fiscal year, down from 6.2% projected after the first quarter.

Political turbulence caused substantial financial losses in three months (January-March) valued US$2.2bn, which is 1% of

GDP (gross domestic product), and dampened the economic growth projection, it said.

15

MUHITH REJECTS

The bank’s latest growth forecast is much lower than the government’s downward revision of 6.8% from 7.2% and Asian Development Bank’s 6.1% from 6.4% due to the continued  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

DT

2 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

CEC to cops: Don’t harass candidates n Munir Momtaj

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad has directed the police authorities not to harass the city corporation polls aspirants as well as the voters.

He made the order at a view exchange programme with the mayor and councillor candidates vying in the upcoming Dhaka City Corporation polls at Krishibid Institute auditorium in Farmgate in the capital yesterday.

CEC Kazi Rakibuddin also said they would

try their best to create a congenial electoral environment so that every voters can cast their franchise without any hindrance in the election that supposed to be held on April 28.

The CEC called upon all racers to extend their cooperation in its move.

BNP-blessed mayoral aspirant Tabith M Awal said his party men cannot take part freely in the election campaign in the face of harassment by the members of law enforcement agencies.

“Many candidates from the 20-party alliance are now in jail. They should be granted bail to en-

sure their participation as well.”

“My supporters and I will feel comfortable in the campaign if the election commission deploys army personnel on the eve of the election,” Tabith said in response to a question of reporters after coming out of the programme.

Ruling party Awami League-backed mayoral candidate Annisul Haq also demanded ensuring the level playing field.

Another mayoral candidate Mahi B Chowdhury said the commission should cast a careful watch on the candidates’ expenditure.

Mayoral candidate Abdullah Al kafi alleged police had raided his residence during the nomination papers submission day without any reason.

Zunaid Abdur Rahman Saki, a mayoral racer, opined that making level playing field is constitutional duty of the commission.

Another mayor aspirant Nader Chowdhury alleged the election commission have no coordination in its tasks.

DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said they have been following all instructions of the EC to hold a free and fair election. l

officials to carry out their duties without fear and favouring anyone.

The CEC also asked the law enforcement agencies to not harass anyone illogically and not carry out any illegal order so as to ensure a congenial atmosphere and festive mood for people to cast their votes.

Regarding BNP-backed candidates’ demand of army deployment during polls, the CEC said: “We have a scheduled meeting on April 19. We will first review the law and order situation and then make a decision.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked her cabinet colleagues to remain

alert about not breaching the electoral code of conduct. This warning comes after allegations of violating the code were raised against three ministers recently.

Seven mayoral and 250 councilor candidates for the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation polls are facing criminal cases, police said.

Sajjadul Islam, criminal lawyer of the Supreme Court, said: “The cases are weak and mostly politically motivated and being used for repressing opposition men. So, there is nothing to worry about because situation will change once there is a change in power.” l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Arrest threat spoils level playing field “So, the discrimination is already evident and in this case, the Election Commission has nothing to do. If the BNP-backed candidates have huge popularity, they can win the polls if other things remain the same,” the former CEC said.

Dhaka south’s BNP-backed mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas, also a member of the party’s standing committee, is facing 37 criminal cases and has bail in none of them. He has sought bail in three of those cases whose hearing might take place today.

He has been underground since January 3 to avoid arrest in the security crackdown; his wife Afroza Abbas has been canvassing on his behalf.

“There has yet to be a level playing field.

My husband has not been granted bail in any of the cases against him,” she said during the campaign.

More than 60% of the BNP-backed councillor candidates are facing criminal cases with most of them either on the run or in jail.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to take part in campaigning in favour of the party candidates but sources said she wants to first understand the government’s attitude before coming out for that.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday asked election

WB: Political unrest eats up $2.2 billion in third quarter political impasse that began early January.

In response to the WB’s projection, Finance Minister AMA Muhith has categorically rejected the bank’s estimate saying, “I do not care about the multilateral agencies’ growth projection, but I think our growth estimate would be right.”

He said the growth rate projected by the Asian Development Bank is a little bit similar to the country’s current fiscal projection.

The minister gave his reaction to a query of reporters after a meeting with the US Ambassador, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, at his secretariat office.

“Political instability holds back the economic growth of Bangladesh,” said Zahid Hussain, WB’s lead economist at Dhaka office while briefing on Bangladesh Development Update at its office yesterday. Without political turmoil, the growth could have been 6.6% in the current fiscal year, he said.

Economic losses in January, February and March are likely to be more severe because of timing, duration, and the depth of uncertainty surrounding how the turmoil will be resolved, the report said.

It said the unrest this time came soon after the beginning of dry winter season, when the largest and highly input-intensive rice crop (boro) was being planted, tourism was supposed to peak, inter-district transport was usually in full swing, and construction activates reached their peak.

“The unrest occurred during the part of the year when the country’s within-year business cycle, hitting the production hard,” said Husain.

Based on the assumptions about the benchmark growth rate, number of days effectively lost due to strikes, blockades and violence, duration of turmoil and the proportion of losses, the economy appears to have

GDP GROWTH TREND (%) 8

6.5

6

6.0

6.1

5.6

4 2 0

FY12

FY13

FY14

FY15

(Projection)

OTHER INDICATORS’ PROJECTION FY15

Inflation Export Growth Inport Growth Remittance Growth

6.3% 7.0% 11.2% 6.7%

incurred a value added loss of about $2.2bn.

About the growth forecast gap between the WB and the government, the lead economist said: “The official growth estimate is unlikely to capture the production losses in construction, wholesale and retail trades, transport, storage and communication, and public administration, education, health, community and social services due to the political turmoil.”

He said the proxies and methods used by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics to estimate production and expenditures work well in a normal year, but fail to capture the impact of disruptions in an abnormal year. “So the forecast gap is not surprising.”

Bangladesh experienced a similar political turmoil in the last half of 2013. Yet, the preliminary estimate of GDP growth for fiscal year 2014 was higher than the final estimate

of growth for fiscal year 2013.

Private consumption and private investments account for nearly 93% of GDP, but despite declining these two components, the growth was higher. “This raised a lot of eyebrows,” said Hussain.

On inflation, the WB report said the 12-month monthly moving average inflation decelerated to 6.8% in February 2015, compared with 7.6% in the same month a year ago. “The annual moving average inflation rate appears on track to reach the monetary policy target of 6.5% by the end of June.”

About interest rate, the report said when one out of every ten taka in loans go bad, it is not possible to have single digit interest rate without hurting the solvency of the banking industry, it said. “Expansionary monetary policy is also needed for reducing interest rate.”

For accelerated, inclusive, and sustainable growth, the multi-lateral development partner said the biggest challenge is to ensure durable political stability.

Other challenges include preserving fiscal space, ensuring exchange rate flexibility, improving financial sector accountability, boosting private investments, improving connectivity and easing barriers to women’s participation in organised sector for economic growth.

About the impact of falling oil price in the global market, the WB said since the government is not showing any intention to adjust retail prices downward in the near term in order to recover some portion of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s cumulative losses, there would be no visible impact on inflation and growth and the entire benefit will accrue to the government through reduction in subsidy.

“Lower oil price brings opportunity for

Bangladesh to adjust energy import policy to pass the benefit to the consumers,” said Johannes Zutt, WB bank country director for Bangladesh.

The WB noted that Buoyant imports and weak exports pushed the external current account into deficit but foreign exchange reserves are still rising. “Undershooting of development expenditures and reduced subsidies due to lower oil prices have kept the fiscal defect in check despite a significant revenue shortfall.” l

AG: More war crimes Mir Quasem Ali, ATM Azharul Islam and Abdus Subhan; expelled Awami League leader Mobarak Hossain; and former state minister of HM Ershad’s government Syed Mohammad Qaisar.

Mahbubey said the Supreme Court could not hear more appeals due to its long vacation. He, however, expressed satisfaction over the current pace of disposals.

The special bench has so far disposed of three cases. Verdict in the last case, filed by executed war criminal Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, was given on November 3 last year.

The attorney general welcomed the execution of Jamaat leader Kamruzzaman on Saturday night. “But, I feel sad for [Delawar Hossain] Sayedee’s verdict. We hoped that he would be sentenced to death. It happened due to weakness of the prosecution and the investigation agency,” he added.

Delawar Hossain Sayedee, another top leader of Jamaat was given death penalty by the tribunal. But the Appellate Division commuted his sentence to life-term imprisonment. Earlier, the bench upheld the death sentence of Jamaat leader Abdul Quader Molla and he was executed on December 12, 2013. l

DT

NEWS 3

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

RMG bosses seek vote for their fellow n Tribune Report

Notable RMG sector entrepreneurs and other businesspeople yesterday urged Dhaka to vote their family member Annisul Haq for the mayor of Dhaka North City corporation.

FBCCI Prsident Kazi Akram Uddin and BGMEA President Atiqul Islam led the call for votes speaking at “Current situation of RMG Sector and the way forward” – a meeting to exchange views organised be the BGMEA, BKMEA and BTMA. “Annisul Huq is a family member of the clothing industry, we must stand by him and extend our hands of cooperation,” said BGMEA president Atiqul Islam.

FBCCI President Akram remarked that Annisul’s victory would mean victory for the business community as a whole, and said: “The government has met the demands of the business community; we will peruse the government to realise the businesspeople’s demands in the upcoming budget as well.”

“Annisul Huq has led the $30bn RMG industry to where it is now, and if we elect him as mayor, he will lead Dhaka and make it the most liveable city,” said BKMEA acting president Aslam Sunny.

Annisul, on the other hand, took the opportunity to reiterate his election promises and garner support: “Trust us, we businesspeople will work together to make Dhaka city green and clean. The business community is a family, and on behalf of the community I have taken the challenge to contest the poll. It is

also is a gift from the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”

“We oppose each other in BGMEA and FBCCI polls, but now we are a family and this solidarity is an example for the country’s politicians,” Huq added.

At one point, the business leaders raised their hands showing their support for Annisul Huq. The meeting also discussed the challenges and the ways forward for the RMG sector.

“On behalf of the RMG sector I have placed our demands to the Finance Minister AMA Muhith and he assured policy support to recover losses suffered due to the political unrest,” said Abduis Salam Murshedy, president Exporters Association of Bangladesh.

He also urged BGMEA president to handle the Accord and Alliance issues as they are continually coming up with new issues in the name of safety and rights.

The country’s RMG sector is now under

pressure due to the inspection of Accord and Alliance who are devising new issues that are difficult for the industry to tolerate, said Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, former president of BGMEA. “We have the capacity of exporting $50bn by 2021 as we have the potential and capacity, but we need scope to work,” said Anwarul Alam Chudhury Parvez. “Accord and Alliance are not responding the our call on funding for remediation and we need follow up of inspection for proper implementation,” he added. l

Khokon pledges healthy, corruption-free Dhaka KEY POINTS OF KHOKON’S MANIFESTO Easing traffic congestion Pollution-free and safe Buriganga Solving water, gas, power crises Clean, pollution-free, healthy city Eliminating corruption, terrorism, extortion

n Tribune Report

Sayed Khokon, Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for the Dhaka South City Corporation elections, has promised to make the capital city free of corruption if he is elected.

He said: “I want to be a son of the city...

I want to promote the use of technology in every sector. I will follow my father’s [former Dhaka mayor late Mohammad Hanif] model for a modern and digital Dhaka.”

He made the statement while unveiling his manifesto under the banner of citizen’s group “Shahasra Nagorik Samaj” meaning a society of thousand citizens.

The manifesto was unveiled at a press con-

ference held at the Diploma Engineers’ Institute in Dhaka yesterday.

Khokon’s election coordinator Abdur Razzak, the citizen group’s convenor Syed Shamsul Haque, Awami League leaders, university teachers, professionals and media personnel were present at the conference.

The manifesto comprises five key points including easing traffic congestion; making Buriganga River safe and free of pollution; solving water, gas and power crises; building a clean, pollution-free and healthy city; and eliminating corruption, terrorism and extortion.

Khokon, who will be running

Loopholes allow polls code violation n Shadma Malik The Election Working Group has pointed out that city polls aspirants have violated the code of conduct before and after nomination submission by taking advantage of the loopholes in the code.

EWG said that the legal framework does not say anything how returning and assistant returning officers are to be recruited and what qualifications would they need to have for taking up the positions.

Yesterday, EWG Director Md Abdul Alim presented a proposal titled “Strengthening Bangladeshi Democracy” at the Cirdap Auditorium in Dhaka.

Many candidates put up billboards describing their promises to the city dwellers and urging people to elect them as mayor or councilor in the upcoming city polls, the paper says.

Not only do these contravene the relevant law, money spent on these activities are not recorded and therefore circumvent individual expenditure limits.

According to existing laws, graffiti and posters can only be put up at places specified by the local authorities. The law provides an exception that any person can do these in the area other than the specified places by giving fees as per regulations framed by the local authority.

Before the announcement of the election schedule on March 18, a large number of billboards and banners of aspirant candidates in all three city corporations were visible.

Badiul Alam Majumder, standing committee member of EWG, said: “History tells us that mayoral candidates are always more dominant than the councilor candidates.”

For preparing this paper, the EWG observed each of the stages from collection and submission of nomination papers, scrutiny, appeals, and finalisation of applications. They also monitored election-related violence. l

for the mayor in the south with symbol Ilish, also promised to ensure civic services such as healthcare and sanitation, develop infrastructure and technological facilities, better waste management, control mosquito and promote recycling.

He also said: “We will make recreational places like Hatirjheel free of extortion, terrorism and addicts.” l

DT

4 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

BNP leaders question Election Commission’s role n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong BNP leaders in Chittagong have blamed the Election Commission for ignoring their complaints regarding violation of electoral code of conduct by the ruling party’s ministers and lawmakers.

“The Election Commission centrally avoided the allegations against the ruling party ministers and lawmakers while we are contesting in the election in an adverse environment without a level playing field,” claimed BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman at a press conference in the port city yesterday.

BNP’s Chittagong city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, also the chief election agent of mayoral candidate M Manjur Alam, said no fair election could be possible in an unequal situation.

The words from the EC was yet to be reflected in the works done by the commission,

claimed Khasru, who hosted the press brief at his house.

The press conference was held protesting an attack – allegedly by Awami League supporters – on a canvassing drive by BNP’s central leader

‘Police are arresting our leaders and activists without any allegation so that they cannot join in the election campaign’ Syed Wahidul Alam and some BNP men in the city’s Sher Shah area on Saturday afternoon.

Also questioning the role of law enforcers, Noman said: “Police are arresting our leaders and activists without any allegation so that they cannot join in the election campaign.”

Kamaruzzaman buried Correspondent, n Our Sherpur Executed war criminal Muhammad Kamaruzzaman was buried at an orphanage and madrasa complex founded by the Jamaat-e-Islami leader in Sherpur’s Bajitkhila.

He was buried around 5am after a namaz-e-janaza attended only by the relatives. The newsmen were barred from entering the area.

The janaza was administered by Kamaruzzaman’s brother-in-law and madrasa’s acting principal Abdul Hamid just before the Fajr prayers.

Earlier, the local freedom fighters had vowed to prevent the burial in Sherpur. But they later backtracked upon requests by the district administration.

The Jamaat leader was hanged by the neck at 10:30pm on Saturday after following all

legal procedure.

After his execution, two ambulances – one carrying the body and other having his family members, two vans with 26 police members, and another with RAB personnel left the jail at 11:40pm for Sherpur.

On the day, respective district police units accompanied the vehicles carrying the body.

They reached Bajitkhila Bazar via Sherpur town around 4am.

The newsmen were barred from going to the grave inside Bajitkhila Orphanage and Madrasa compound, around one kilometre off the bazar and six kilometre from the town.

Kamaruzzaman was sentenced to death for the massacre at Sohagpur village – now known as “Bidhoba Palli” or the village of widows – in Nalitabari upazila of Sherpur where at least 164 civilians had been killed and around 170 women raped on July 25, 1971. l

No bar to remanding Rizvi n Ashif Islam Shaon The Supreme Court cleared the way for police to take BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed on remand yesterday for interrogation regarding a vandalism case.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed

by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha stayed a High Court order that had halted a remand order for Rizvi. The Supreme Court came up with the order

in response to a government petition filed against the High Court order.

Additional Attorney General Momtaz Uddin Fakir and Rizvi’s lawyer Sagir Hossain Leon told the journalists that the cops now can take Rizvi on the remand in the case.

Earlier on April 8, The High Court bench of Justice Md Nuruzzaman and Justice Zafar Ahmed passed the order that stayed a Dhaka court’s remand order for the BNP leader for a month. l

He also demanded that the army be deployed a week before the city elections to ensure a free, fair and neutral election.

His views were also echoed by Khasru, who said: “A group is trying to grab [control of] the election by force. They are trying to create a fearful environment so that the voters cannot go to the poll centre. They are doing this as they think they will not get public support.”

Meanwhile, the BNP lodged a case with Bayezid police station against local Awami League men Mehedi Hasan Badal, Moinuddin and a further 50-60 unidentified men regarding Saturday’s attack, said the station’s Officer-in-Charge Babul Chandra Banik.

Khasru said they also lodged complaint with the EC office in Chittagong. Following the complaint, Returning Officer MB Abdul Baten directed Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Jalil Mandal to take action in this regard within three days. l

Masud Rana’s bail plea not heard n Ashif Islam Shaon A High Court judge yesterday declined to hear the bail petition filed by charge-sheeted accused in Narayanganj seven-murder cases Lt Commander SM Masud Rana, who was sacked from the Rapid Action Battalion for his alleged involvement in the incident.

The sacked Navy official’s petition was on the cause-list of the High Court bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siddique and Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore.

But one of the judges cited personal reasons and declined to hear the matter. The judge also asked lawyers concerned to go to another court for hearing, defence lawyer SM Abul Hossain said.

Deputy Attorney General Md Bashir Ullah stood for the state.

Rana, a former top official of RAB 11, filed the bail petition on February 19.

He is one of the 35 people charged for the killings of seven people including ward councillor Nazrul Islam and senior lawyer Chandan Kumar Sarker in Narayanganj. l

DT

NEWS 5

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Jamaat-e-Islami activists vandalise a car yesterday as they brought out a procession protesting the hanging of party leader and convicted war criminal Mohammad Kamaruzzaman. The photo was taken at Dhanmondi in Dhaka MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

DANDY DYEING CASE

Khaleda to be summoned through newspaper notice n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

A Dhaka court yesterday ordered court officials to publish a newspaper notice asking BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and three members of her family to appear in the Dandy Dyeing loan default case by May 17.

The three are Khaleda’s son late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Sharmila Rahman Sithi and her daughters Zafia Rahman and Zahia Rahman, who are now in Malaysia.

Dhaka Artha Rin Adalat 1 (money loan court) Judge Fatema Ferdous passed the order.

The court ordered to publish the notice in two Bangla dailies - Kaler Kantho and Inqilab.

The order was given in response to a petition filed by State-owned Sonali Bank’s counsel Md Jahangir Alam. He filed the petition as the previous summons order issued against the defendants was not received by them and returned to the court.

On March 16, the court granted a Sonali

Bank petition to include the four as defendants in the case on behalf of Koko, one of the directors of Dandy Dyeing, who died on January 24.

Following Koko’s death in Malaysia, the Sonali Bank lawyer filed the petition on March 8.

The other defendants in the case are Dandy Dyeing directors Tarique Rahman, Khaleda’s eldest son, Giasuddin Al Mamun, his wife Shahina Begum, Nasrin Iskander, wife of late Sayeed Iskander, his sons Shams Iskander and Shafin Iskander and daughter Sumaiya Iskander, Gazi Galib Abdus Sattar, Shamsun Nahar and Masud Hassan.

According to the case documents, on October 2, 2012, Nazrul Islam, senior executive officer of Sonali Bank, filed a suit with the court as the defendants failed to repay the loan amounting to Tk45.59 crore.

Dandy Dyeing borrowed Tk12.16 crore from the bank’s principal office in Dhaka on October 16, 2001. l

Volunteer for Bangladesh to launch exhibit on Dhaka n Tribune Report An exhibition titled “Oprottashito Dhaka,” as part of a campaign titled “I am Dhaka” by Volunteer for Bangladesh, will open at Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Thursday at 6:30pm.

The aim of this exhibit is to reach out to the mayoral candidates of the upcoming city corporation elections in Dhaka and show them the real picture of the city they want to take responsibility of, according to a press release issued by the organisation.

The youth wing of Jaago Foundation expects the exhibition to be a platform for the candidates and voters for exchanging views and expectations in order to make Dhaka more liveable for everyone.

The campaign “I am Dhaka” - #IamDhaka on social media – focuses on the real, day-today face of the capital city through the eyes of its dwellers. Volunteer for Bangladesh is conducting the campaign in association with the Dhaka Tribune, the Daily Ittefaq, Dot 3 and Through the Lens.

The exhibition will run until Saturday. l

DT

6 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

21 missing as trawler capsizes in Shitalakhya n Our Correspondent, Gazipur At least 21 people went missing as a trawler carrying 45 passengers capsized in the Shitalakhya River in Kaliganj upazila, Gazipur yesterday.

Locals said the Narsingdi-bound trawler, carrying 45 workers of Pran-RFL Ltd from Muladi, Kaliganj, was going to Danga in Polash upazila.

When the trawler reached the Mulgaon area around 4pm, a sand-laden cargo hit the engine-run boat and it sank in the river instantly, said Tarikul Islam, sub-inspector of Kaliganj police station.

Around 24 passengers managed to swim ashore, but 21 remained missing when this report was filed around 10pm, locals said.

Receiving information, firefighters rushed to the spot and salvaged the trawler around 8:30pm. Police seized the sand-laden cargo.

Witnesses said the trawler was overloaded, that is why it sank as soon as the cargo hit it.

However, Pran-RFL Ltd Director Ilias Mrida and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Islam claimed that no worker of the company had gone missing in the capsize. l

Decrease salinity ASAP to save the Sundarbans n Abu Bakar Siddique Ensuring freshwater flow from the upstream is an urgent necessity mitigate increasing salinity in the South-west coastal region and save Sundarbans, speakers at a discussion held in the capital said yesterday.

They also said that due to reduction in waterflow in the Padma, that flows towards the Sundarbans through the Gorai-Rupsa-Pashur and the Bhairab-Kobadak tributaries, saline water is entering the upper areas and hampering agriculture.

“The mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans has the capacity of tolerating a certain level of salinity, but the reduced upstream water-flow is increasing salinity is the lands, ultimately damaging the forest ecosystem,” said Dr Ataur Rahman, a professor of Water Resources Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

The saline tolerance of Sundarbans is 10 to

15 ppt (Pats per thousand grams) while the current salinity level in the region is around 35 ppt.

He also said that the mangrove forest will be at risk in future if the salinity level cannot be reduced to a certain level soon.

Ishtiaq Uddin Ahmed, country representative of International Union for the Conservation of Nature Bangladesh, said that two important factors – a certain level of salinity and siltation – are mandatory for the regeneration and sustenance of mangrove ecosystems, and while both factors are abnormal in the case of the Sundarbans in the Bangladeshi regions.

Besides the increased level of salinity, the Sundarban is being adversly affected by decrease in siltation due to the unplanned establishments of infrastructure like embankments in the coastal rivers, he added while addressing a roundtable discussion titled Protect Sundarban: Our Role, organised by Media Alliance for Sundarban. The program was held at conference room of the daily Bhorer Kagoj. l

Prime suspects denied bail for Ekramul murder n Ashif Islam Shaon The Supreme Court yesterday scrapped a High Court bail granted to Mahtab Uddin Minar, the prime accused of the Fulgazi’s Ekramul Haque murder case.

The Apex court also scrapped the bail of Zahid Chowdhury, a suspect in the same case, and asked him to surrender within a week.

A four-member bench led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha passed the order after hearing two government petitions against the HC orders.

Ekramul Haque, president of Fulgazi upazila unit Awami League, was shot and burnt alive in his car in Feni town on May 20 last year. His brother Rezaul Haque filed a murder case with Feni Model Police Station that day, accusing Minar and 30 to 35 unnamed people.

Detectives arrested Minar from a house in Kachukhet area of Dhaka on May 27 last year.

He secured a permanent bail from the High Court on March 2. l

DT

NEWS 7

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Five killed, 10 injured in road accidents n Our Correspondent, Tangail Six people died while 10 got injured in two separate road accidents in Mirzapur and Delduar upazila of Tangail yesterday.

The dead are Anisur Rahman, 52, of Ekdala village under Naogaon district, Abdul Kuddus, 28, of Konail village, Sargeant Ashraful Islam, 36, of Khamarpara Soidullahpur village under Gaibandha district, cash officer of Bangladesh Bank Bogra branch Atoar Rahman, 50, of Katoa Akkelpur village under Joypurhat district, Jamir Ali, 35, of Dagor Mora village under Savar and a construction worker who could not be identified.

Gorai highway police station Officer-inCharge Md Humayun Kabir said coming from Naogaon, a Dhaka-bound passenger bus Dipjol Enterprise hit a potato-laden truck in Postkumari Charpara area under Mirzapur upazila around 3:30am. The truck was wrecked after falling into the roadside ditch.

The accident left three passengers of the bus dead on spot while two more died after the injured were taken to Mirzapur Kumudini Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old construction worker was crushed under the wheels of a truck on Dhaka-Tangail highway in Natiyapara around 10:30am. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER

DHAKA TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:39AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

33

Chittagong

33

24

Rajshahi

32

24

26

Rangpur

32

23

Khulna

32

23

Barisal

33

24

Sylhet

33

22

Cox’s Bazar

32

24

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

35.8ºC Rangamari

20.0ºC Sylhet Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:21am

Sunrise

5:39am

Zohr

11:59am

Asr

4:31pm

Magrib

6:19pm

Esha

All set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh n Tribune Report

MONDAY, APRIL 13

TODAY SUN SETS 6:19PM

A student of the Institute of Fine Arts in Rajshahi University yesterday gives finishing touch to the colourful masks prepared for using in the Mongol Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh tomorrow AZAHAR UDDIN

7:37pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

All preparations have been taken to celebrate Pahela Boiskhak, the first day of Bengali month Baishakh, across the country.

Different socio cultural organisations and educational institutions in the port city have completed all the preparations to celebrate Pahela Baishakh in Chittagong.

Like previous years, Sommilito Pahela Baishakh Udyapan Parishad has ogranised a two-day programme on DC hill premises in the city in a bid to farewell the old year and welcome the new year.

The programmes will feature folk songs, group dance, puppet shows, local drama, photo exhibition, Bangali fashion show and other events.

The Institution of Fine Arts of Chittagong University will bring out Mongol Shovajatra in the city.

This year, the theme of Mongol Shovajatra is “Baishakhe Chole Noborupe Jagi” will bring out from the institution’s premises at Chattesari road while another will bring out from the CU campus at the same time, said Nasima Akhtar, director of CU Fine Arts Institution.

While visiting the institution yesterday, the students were seen busy to paint and make their materials to celebrate the new year.

Condemning the political impasse, the students have made several masks which carry the sign of political violence.

Programmes displaying different folk cultures like indigenous dance, folk songs and puppet shows will be held on District Shilpakala Academy premise while Central Railway Building (CRB) premises have also wear festive looks.

Markets and shopping malls are colorfully decorated with various Baishakhi products and offers special discounts to their customers.

Hotels and restaurants also offer special

packages on the occasion.

In Sylhet, preparation is going on to arrange fairs on the premises of Shahjalal Science and Technology University, MCJ College and Street Sangskrito College.

The Sylhet City Corporation has arranged a fair where a good number of stalls have been set up.

Polimol Pal, a potter, said he had bought products of Tk1 lakh to sell in the fair.

The programme will begin with a colourful ceremony welcoming Pahela Baishakh which popularly known as ‘Borshaboron with Rakhibondhon’ in front of Khulna Circuit House in the morning On the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, a concert will be held on the premises of MCJ College.

In Barisal, preparations for ‘Chaitra Sangkranti’ and ‘Pahela Baishakh’ with various colourful programmes and enthusiasm for bidding farewell to 1421 and welcoming Bangla New Year 1422 is going on full swing.

Volunteers of Charukala are working 24hour to organise traditional ‘Mangol Shovajatra from Brojo Mohun Bidyaloy ground.

Charukala Barisal will also arrange a twoday folk cultural fair, painting competition at Barisal City College ground focusing on folk and heritage.

Udichi Barisal unit also arranged another ‘Mangol Shovajatra’ for the second time.

Shohidul Alam, deputy commissioner and Shoibal Kanti Chowdhury, Metropolitan Po-

lice commissioner of Barisal will also take part in the colourful procession.

In Khulna, elaborate programmes have been taken to celebrate the day.

The district administration, different government, non-government, socio-cultural, professional and other private bodies, educational institutions, will celebrate the daylong programmes.

The programme will begin with a colourful ceremony welcoming Pahela Baishakh which popularly known as “Borshaboron with Rakhibondhon” in front of Khulna Circuit House in the morning.

The other programmes of the day include, colourful rally, Baishakhi fair, sports competitions, poetry recitation, discussion, cultural shows and musical soirees.

Khulna University (KU), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), Khulna Medical College, Different Private Universities, Sammilto Sangskritik Zote, Khulna Union of Journalists (KUJ) and other organisations will bring out Baishakhi processions with colourful festoons, placards, banners.

Later, they will organise discussion and cultural function to be followed by Bangalees traditional breakfast “Panta Ilish.”

Business establishments both in rural and urban areas will arrange traditional ‘Halkhata’ and distribute sweets among customers to renew their old accounts.

JU arranges three-day festival

The authorities of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have arranged a three-day festival from Tuesday till Thursday on the occasion of celebrating the first day of Bangla New Year ‘Pahela Baishakh’.

Meantime, different departments, institutes and dormitories have individually arranged different events and programmes to celebrate Bengali New Year, source said. l

DT

8 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Trauma centre in Comilla now a venue of kitchen market n

Mohiuddin Molla, Comilla

Shahidnagar Trauma Centre in Comilla, the Tk6-crore establishment which was built to treat the injured in the accidents on Dhaka-Chittagong highway, has recently been turned into the venue of weekly kitchen market for the locals.

Sources said the 20-bed trauma centre had always been riddled with problems. Located in the district’s Daudkandi upazila, the hospital was never fully functional. It was inaugurated on October 6, 2006 by then health and family planning minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, but it took nearly two years for the hospital to get power supply, and it never got the gas supply.

In hopes of getting a fully operational hos-

pital, the government re-inaugurated it five years later, on April 30, 2010, by the hands of then health and family welfare minister Dr AFM Ruhul Haque.

However, the double inauguration did little to get things going in the trauma centre, and the service completely broke down when the power connection was cut off last week.

Since then, the hospital premises has been turned into the extension of the nearby kitchen market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Sources said some local influentials are taking advantage of the hospital’s current situation and leasing off the premises for the kitchen market.

Alam Miah, a local who came to shop at the market, said: “They inaugurated this hospital twice, but it is still far from providing proper

medical service. And now we have a market inside the hospital premises to buy vegetables.”

Asked about the disconnection of power supply, Rafiqul Islam, general manager of Comilla Rural Electricity Society 3, told the Dhaka Tribune that the hospital authorities never paid any electricity bills, which is why the connection was cut off.

The Dhaka Tribune contacted Dr Md Mujibur Rahman, civil surgeon in Comilla, in this regard, who said steps were being taken to run the hospital properly.

“We have informed the UNO through the upazila health officer to remove the kitchen market. The Directorate General of Health Services has been contacted to get the hospital fully equipped in order to provide quality medical service,” he said. l

Jute mill workers on protest for 5-point demand n Our Correspondent, Khulna Workers of the state-owned jute mills in the Jessore-Khulna region have took to the streets for their five-point demands, including payment of their dues.

Yesterday was the 11th consecutive days of their programmes. The Public Jute Mills CBA and Non-CBA Oikkya Parishad has called the programme. There are eight public jute factories in the region. The workers separately around 9:30am took position in front of their respective factories on the demands and they later held rallies there. Many senior leaders of the organisation addressed the event.

The speakers urged upon the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) authorities to implement the demands on an urgent basis.

The demands include necessary allotment for the jute sector and ensure 20% dearness allowance for them. l

28 rescued while being trafficked to India n Our Correspondent, Jessore Members of Border Guard Bangladesh in a drive rescued 28 people, including women and children, while they were being trafficked to India through Putkhali border in Sharsha upazila of the district yesterday.

They hailed from Narail and Bagerhat district.

On a tip-off, a team of BGB conducted a drive in the area at night and rescued them while they were being sent to India throughout border point, said Subedar Shofi Uddin Hawlader, camp commander of Putkhali camp. l

Robbers kill one n Our Correspondent, Comilla Robbers looted valuables from a house killing a man and injured his wife in Malipara area in Nangalkot upazila early yesterday. The deceased was identified as Abul Khayer, 50.

Local sources said a gang of robbers entered the house of Khayer around 3am and strangled him.

Later, they beat up his wife when came out to protect him.

They looted gold ornaments, cash Tk9,000 and a mobile phone. l

Students of Hujrapur High School attend classes yesterday under a treee in Godagari, Rajshahi, as nor’westers blew away the tin-sheds over their classrooms on Saturday. Even though classes were suspended for a day, they has to be resumed due to the inmending JSC exams. 400 students attended the classes in two shifts AZAHAR UDDIN

Future of watermelon farmers in jeopardy

Injured BCL leader dies n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj n Our Correspondent, Comilla Despite a bumper harvest of watermelons Comilla district unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League president who was injured during a factional clash on Saturday, succumbed to his injuries at a local private hospital yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Md Saiful Islam, 36, son of Kalu Mian of Gobindapur area.

Sources said a clash had ensued between two groups of BCL in Kandirpar area of the district town on Saturday afternoon following a congregation of the organization.

Both the feuding groups blasted cocktails and opened fire, leaving five people, including Saiful, injured.

Later, he was sent to Moon Hospital in the town where he died in the morning. l

in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj this year, fruits worth several crores of taka remain unsold at the local wholesale markets, putting the future of farmers there in jeopardy.

Local traders claimed that unlike every other year, the number of wholesalers travelling to the district to buy products was slim – mostly because of the political instability and the ongoing non-stop countrywide transport blockade.

As a result, watermelon farmers are choosing to leave their harvest on the field for a few extra days in the hope that the trend would turn in their favour; however, if the crop is left on the field for a couple more weeks, the risk

of it rotting would also increase significantly.

The Kotalipara upazila agriculture office sources said around 910 hectares of land in the area was used to cultivate a target of 120,000 tonnes of watermelons this year. Local farmers, meanwhile, claimed that the total harvest would eventually exceed 150,000 tonnes.

With prospects gloomy for finding buyers for their watermelons, the farmers are worried how they would be able to repay the loans the had taken from locals banks, cooperatives and NGOs to invest in this year’s harvest.

Narayan Chandra Biswas, a farmer in Chitolia Beel area, told the Dhaka Tribune that he had taken nearly Tk14 lakh in loan from the Directorate of Cooperatives to cultivate watermelons on 25 acres of field; but all his hopes had now turned into frustrations in the

absence of buyers.

Monimohon Ballabh, a wholesaler in Kaliganj Bazar, claimed during this time every year, the market daily sold around Tk2-3 crore worth of watermelon; but this year, the number of wholesale buyers was only nominal.

Toha Mandal, a wholesale buyer who had been coming to Kaliganj from Kushtia to buy watermelons for the last ten years, admitted that hartals and blockade had made other wholesalers like him fearful to make the trip this year.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Rathindranath Biswas, meanwhile, urged wholesalers from across the country to buy superior-quality watermelons from the markets of Kotalipara as it was more affordable than other places, while there was also banking facilities at the wholesale markets for the traders. l

DT

NEWS 9

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Stagnation hits Kashipur Asrayan project n Our Correspondent, Narail

The filling up of Kashipur Asrayan 2 project area in the char of the Nabaganga River has stopped halfway towards the project’s completion.

More than a hundred destitute families in Lohagara upazila, who were optimistic about getting housing facilities after the project’s completion, are now living with uncertainty.

In 2013, Land Assistant Officer of Kashipur union land office, Md Mostafizur Rahman, submitted a report to the upazila assistant commissioner (land), which said the 6.83-acre land in the char could be used for implementing any development project. The site was later selected for the Kashipur Asrayan 2 project.

The government allocated 169.334 tonnes of wheat and ordered to fill up the project area with the money that will be obtained by selling the wheat.

But Stagnation hit the project after 85 tonnes of the total wheat allocation was used.

On October 23, Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tahmina Khatun asked Kashipur union parishad Chairman Md Matiar Rahman in a letter to suspend the project, saying that she had been instructed by the project director to stop the project.

But the suspension led to protests where some 3,000 local people called for resumption of the project.

They also submitted a memorandum to the prime minister, drawing her attention to the problem.

On April 3 this year, Director of the Planning Ministry (works), ANM Rokon Uddin, visited the site and said he would submit a report to the higher authorities.

Lightning kills 5 in two districts n Tribune Report At least five people were killed in lightning strike in Moulvibazar and Kishoreganj districts yesterday.

Our Moulvibazar correspondent reports: Two women were killed as lightning struck them at Pashchim Hajipara village in Kulaura upazila. The deceased were identified as Dulu Bibi, 53, and Suifa Bibi, 34.

Local people said thunderbolt struck Dulu Bibi and Suifa around 7:30am during rain, leaving them dead on the spot. UP chairman Mahmud Ali confirmed the incident.

Kishoreganj correspondent said three people, including two siblings, were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in Katiadi and Itna upazilas.

The deceased were identified as Manjil,25, and his brother Ratan,27,residents of Sakua village in Karimganj upazila, and Amin,22, a resident of Katiadi upazila.

Itna police station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Malek said a thunderbolt hit Manjil and Ratan while they were working in a paddy field during a storm at Shimulbagh haor in Itna upazila around 9:30 am, killing them on the spot.

Meanwhile, Amin was killed as a thunderbolt struck him in a haor (wetland) while he was working in a paddy field during a storm in Katiadi upazila around 10am.

Nikli police station Officer-in-Charge Mahbubul Alam confirmed the incident. l

The filling up of Kashipur Asrayan 2 project area in the char of the Nabaganga River in Narail is suspended He also said the authorities would act on the report. Tushar Kanti Pal, assistant commissioner (land) of Lohagara, said the pro-

ject’s fate would be decided by the authorities and steps would be taken according to their instruction. The Kashipur union parishad

Patients suffer as healthcare centre remains unused for a decade n Our Correspondent, Sunamganj A rented house is where Islampur union’s health and family welfare centre was relocated a decade ago as the actual facility remains unused since then because of legal hassles, causing locals to suffer badly.

Back in 1990, the actual medical centre was built in Chhanbari Bazar of the union at a cost of Tk70 lakh to provide medical services for around 15,000 people of nearby villages, including Chhanbari, Ratanpur, Gangpar, Rasnagar and Bahadurpur.

Ownership of the land where the facility was built on was the subject of a lawsuit and the court verdict went in favour of the owner, resulting in the healthcare centre’s closure in 2002.

About five kilometres from the health and family welfare centre, a derelict building in Baishakandi was then rented to relocate the facility.

But its surroundings have turned bushy and the exterior is heavily covered with moss, making it a rather eerie place. The doors and windows are also broken.

Binod Kumar Sinha of Rasnagar village said the union’s transport facilities are poor which is a key reason why reaching the new location

is a difficult task. “Women and children are particularly bearing the brunt of the unsatisfactory communication system.”

Abdul Hannan, who lives in Nijgaon village, said Chhatak Upazila Health Complex is located 15 kilometres from his village and it takes three hours or more to reach there.

“This is risky especially for dying patients and pregnant women as the union healthcare centre, which is nearer than the upazila health complex, is not easily reachable either because of poor transport systems,” he said.

The lack of access to medical care forces locals to hinge on quacks and midwives, said Abdul Khaleq of Gangpar village.

Ayesha Begum, a government official who oversees operations of the health and family welfare centre, said medical services provided to patients at the rented building are limited.

“The original facility is a government property and it is not being used for long. That is why local people are not getting proper healthcare services,” she said.

Family Planning Officer of Chhatak Upazila, Joynul Abedin, said the original facility can be reopened only if the owner of the land agrees to donate the plot to the health authorities. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

chairman said the already used wheat allocation would be wasted if the project was not fully completed. l

Drug addict father kills daughter n Our Correspondent, Jamalpur A drug addict father strangled his ninemonth-old daughter in Shahartali area of Jamalpur yesterday.

Officer-in-Charge of Jamalpur police station Mujibar Rahman Majumdar said: “ Bipul Miah, a resident of Kompapur village in the town, wanted money to his wife Seema Begum for buying drugs. They locked into an altercation as she denied to pay the money.”

At one stage, he strangled their only daughter Bithi, he added. On information, police recovered the body. Police arrested Bipul Miah. l

Youth shot dead n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar A youth named Mizanur Rahman, 30, was shot dead by a gang of robbers in Moheshakhali, Cox’s Bazar yesterday morning. The dead is the son of late Md Hossain hailing from Lohagora Dorbeshkata area in Chittagong.

Mizan was going to Moheshkhali from Shaplapur by a truck in the morning. When the truck reached Dharani area, a group of robbers came down from the roadside mountain and started firing bullets that left Mizan dead on the spot. The truck driver managed to flee.

Officer-in-Charge of Moheshkhali police station Alamgir Hossain police had visited the spot and investigate was going on. l

DT

10 WORLD

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Obama says Hillary Clinton would be excellent president

n Reuters

Hillary Clinton would be an “excellent president,” US President Barack Obama said on Saturday, one day before his former secretary of state is expected to announce her campaign for the White House in 2016.

“She was a formidable candidate in 2008, she was a great supporter of mine in the general election, she was an outstanding secretary of state, she is my friend. I think she would be an excellent president,” Obama said during a news conference at the Americas summit in Panama City.

Obama said when Clinton makes her bid public, he expects “she will be very clear about her vision for the country moving forward.”

Obama offered a strong endorsement of her abilities and lauded her foreign policy as the top US diplomat during his first term in office. l

Obama says partisanship over Iran deal has gone too far

n AP, Panama City A young Nigerian refugee draws an attack scene on April 6, during a therapy program managed by UNICEF in a refugee camp near Baga Sola. Seven civilians were killed in an attack in Chad blamed on Nigerian Boko Haram rebels, officials said on April 6 AFP

Turkey anger at Pope Francis Armenian ‘genocide’ claim

n BBC

Turkey has criticised Pope Francis for using the word “genocide” to describe the mass killing of Armenians under Ottoman rule in World War 1.

Ankara immediately summoned the Vatican’s envoy after the Pope made the comments at a service in Rome.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister described it as “far from the historical reality.”

Armenia and many historians say up to 1.5 million people were killed by Ottoman forces in 1915. Turkey has always disputed the number of dead.

The dispute has continued to sour relations between Armenia and Turkey.

The Pope made the comments at a Mass in the Armenian Catholic rite at Peter’s Basilica, attended by the Armenian president and church leaders.

He said that humanity had lived through “three massive and unprecedented tragedies” in the last century.

“The first, which is widely considered ‘the first genocide of the 20th Century’, struck your own Armenian people,” he said, in a form of words used by a declaration by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

Pope Francis also referred to the crimes “perpetrated by Nazism and Stalinism” and said other genocides had followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Burundi and Bosnia.

He said it was his duty to honour the memories of those who were killed.

“Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it,” the Pope added. l

Saudi dismisses Iran calls for Yemen ceasefire n Reuters Saudi Arabia dismissed Iranian calls to end air strikes on neighboring Yemen yesterday as Saudi-led attacks hit a military camp in the Yemeni city of Taiz, killing eight civilians according to a medical source.

Riyadh said Tehran should not interfere in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies began air strikes against Iranian-allied Houthi militia fighters over two weeks ago to try and prevent them making further advances.

The air raids on the central Yemeni city targeted a site held by soldiers loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh who have joined up with Houthi fighters against local militias in the south, the source said.

“How can Iran call for us to stop the fighting in Yemen?” Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said in the Saudi capital Riyadh at a news conference with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius. “We came to Yemen to help the legitimate authority, and Iran is not in charge of Yemen.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Thursday that the air strikes were a “crime and genocide” and Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani called for a ceasefire and dialogue among Yemen’s factions.

Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Arab allies bombing Yemen fear that Shi’ite Iran seeks hegemony by backing armed Shi’ite groups in the region, a charge the Islamic Republic denies.

Former president Saleh was forced to give up power in 2012 after mass protests against his rule, but his loyalists in the military re-

mained in place and now fight alongside the Houthis.

The campaign has raised fears that a sectarian proxy war between rivals Riyadh and Tehran will further destabilise the Middle East and potentially destroy the Yemeni state.

Drone strike

in a sign of the military’s weakening control, suspected Al Qaeda militants killed an army colonel in the central Shabwa province yesterday, a local official said.

Separately, an al Qaeda leader was killed in an apparent US drone strike on a group of militants west of the port city of Mukalla on the Arabian Sea, residents told Reuters.

It was the first reported drone strike against the powerful Yemeni branch of the global militant group since the US evacuated about 100 special forces troops advising Yemeni forces last month.

While the United States and its Sunni Gulf allies are worried about the threat from Sunni radicals such as al Qaeda, they also fear the war will increase Iran’s influence.

Saudi Arabia is concerned its war on the Houthis could spill over the border, but Iran has denied Saudi allegations that it has provided military support to the group.

The Houthis also deny getting help from Iran and say their armed campaign is designed to stamp out corruption and Sunni al Qaeda militants.

According to the United Nations, the conflict, in which the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in the north in September, has killed 600 people, wounded 2,200 and displaced 100,000 others. l

President Barack Obama said Saturday that partisan wrangling over the emerging nuclear agreement with Iran and on other foreign policy matters has gone beyond the pale, singling out two senior Republican senators for particularly harsh criticism. “It needs to stop,” he declared.

Obama complained that Sen. John McCain of Arizona had suggested that US Secretary of State John Kerry’s explanations of the framework agreement with Iran were “somehow less trustworthy” than those of Iran’s supreme leader.

“That’s an indication of the degree to which partisanship has crossed all boundaries,” an exercised Obama said in a news conference at the end of the two-day Summit of the Americas. “And we’re seeing this again and again.”

McCain returned the criticism, arguing in a statement that the discrepancies between the US and Iranian versions of the deal extended to inspections, sanctions relief and other key issues. l

Monitor says Syrian army bombs Aleppo school

n Reuters A group monitoring the Syrian war said at least nine people including five children were killed in a Syrian army air strike on a school in a rebel-held area of the country’s second city Aleppo yesterday, though the army denied the report.

A Syrian army source told Reuters the army had stepped up attacks on rebels since the insurgents bombarded a government-held residential area in the northwestern city on Saturday. But he said the military was not targeting civilians.

Aleppo is a major frontline in the four-yearold Syrian civil war, a conflict which the United Nations says has killed around 220,000 people. The city, about 50 km (30 miles) from the Turkish border, is divided between government and insurgent control.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the war using a network of sources on the ground, said the death toll from the strike on Jamil al Qabani school would likely rise. l

DT

WORLD 11

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Gunmen attack South Korea embassy in Tripoli, two guards killed

n Reuters

Unidentified gunmen fired shots at the South Korean embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli yesterday killing two local security guards, South Korean and Libyan officials said.

Militants claiming loyalty to Islamic State said they were behind the attack, according to a statement on social media. It was not possible to verify the authenticity of the claim.

The gunmen fired from a car at the embassy compound, killing two security officers who were Libyan government employees and wounding another, Tripoli security spokesman Essam Naas said. l

Obama meets Venezuela’s president on sidelines of summit

n AP, Panama City

President Barack Obama met privately with his Venezuelan counterpart Saturday amid a bitter dispute between the two nations over recent US sanctions on seven senior Venezuelan officials.

The meeting between Obama and President Nicolas Maduro took place on the sidelines of the Summit of Americas and lasted only a few minutes, according to a White House official, who wasn’t authorised to comment by name.

The encounter comes after the Obama administration declared the economic and political crisis in Venezuela a national security threat for the US and froze the US assets of seven officials accused of human rights abuses tied to anti-government protests last year in Venezuela. l

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia sees first Koran reading in 85 years

n AFP, Istanbul

A Muslim cleric has for the first time in 85 years recited the Koran in the Hagia Sophia, the world famous landmark of Istanbul which is now a museum after serving as a church and a mosque, reports said Saturday.

The Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum accessible to all by the secular founders of modern Turkey in the 1930s and secular Turks are wary of any moves to re-Islamise the building.

A passage from the Koran, the holy scripture of Islam, was recited late Friday at a ceremony in the Hagia Sophia to mark the opening of a new exhibition “Love of the Prophet.”

It was read by Ali Tel, imam at the Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque in Ankara, the official Anatolia news agency said.

The ceremony was attended by top Turkish officials including the head of the country’s religious affairs agency Diyanet, Mehmet Gormez.

Anatolia said it was the first recitation of the holy Koran in the Hagia Sophia for 85 years.

The exhibition inside the Hagia Sophia is a show of calligraphic work in devotion to the Muslim Prophet Mohammed and runs until May 8.

The magnificent edifice was constructed in the sixth century as a church in the Christian Byzantine Empire and was the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the former name of Istanbul. l

Revoke voting rights of Muslims, says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut n Agencies

Radical Indian polticlal outfit Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on yesterday waded into a controversy by saying the voting rights of Muslims should be revoked for some years to ensure the community is not used for vote bank politics.

In an article in the latest issue of the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamna, Raut compared All India Majlis-e-Ittihadul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders Asaduddin and Akbaruddin Owaisi to “poisonous snakes” who “exploit” the Muslim minority.

The Rajya Sabha member endorsed a call by late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, popularly known as Balasaheb, to revoke the voting rights of Muslims.

“If Muslims are only being used this way to play politics, then they can never develop.

Muslims will have no future till they are used to play vote bank politics and thus Balasaheb had demanded that the voting rights of Muslims should be taken away. What he said is right,” Raut wrote.

Raut reiterated in the article: “Balasaheb had said 15 years ago that if the voting rights of Muslims are taken away for a few years, then the vote bank politics will stop.”

He added: “Vote bank politics is being played in the name of fighting against the injustice meted out to Muslims. Their educational and health status is being used po-

litically. This politics was once played by the Congress and now every other person calls himself secular.”

The “secular masks” of so-called secular political parties will be gone once the voting rights of Muslims are withdrawn, he said.

Raut claimed that earlier the Imam of Jama Masjid had assumed the right to guide Muslim votes but now the Owaisis had taken on this role. This, he added, should be an “alarm bell” for Muslims.

He referred to AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi as “Owaisi bhai from Hyderabad” and said: “By saving the hiding place of snakes, you cannot kill them. Owaisi and his party are like a snake which, if fed, will do no good to the nation. AIMIM is an old snake.”

He also responded to an attack on the Shiv Sena by Akbaruddin Owaisi, who had, during a rally in Mumbai earlier this week, dared Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to come to Hyderabad, a stronghold of the AIMIM. Raut said, “Owaisi dares us to come to Hyderabad. But we want to ask him if Hyderabad is in India or in Lahore, Karachi or Peshawar.

The pride of Marathis is known in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kandahar as well.”

Raut’s article came a day after a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha stoked a controversy by saying Muslims and Christians must undergo sterilisation to restrict their growing population, which was posing a “threat” to Hindus. l

Experts: India, France jet deal may fuel trade partnership

n AFP

India’s multi-billion-dollar deal to buy 36 fighter jets from France will cement strategic political ties between the two countries at a time when both are looking to kickstart their economies, experts say.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first trip to France, said Friday he had ordered the 36 “ready-to-fly” Rafale jets as part of a push to modernise his country’s ageing warplane fleet.

The announcement put to rest intense speculation over the fate of the contract, which was first signed in 2012 but had been bogged down by questions of cost and New Delhi’s insistence on assembling a portion of the high-tech planes in India.

It also comes as Modi is seeking to curry up interest from investors during his maiden trip to Europe, where he is seeking to rewrite India’s reputation as a tricky place to do business.

“Such major deals are never purely commercial, they are a part of a larger government strategy,” Mrinal Sumant, a retired army major general and procurement specialist, told AFP. “It’s a decision based on the geopolitical and strategic interests of the two countries.”

India, which has long been the world’s largest buyer of defence equipment, is in the midst of a multi-billion-dollar upgrade of its Soviet-era military hardware in the face of antagonistic neighbours Pakistan and China.

Several Western countries have been courting New Delhi for big-ticket military contracts as it goes on a defence shopping spree. l

France’s ultra-thin ideal is passe but not a problem n AFP, Paris France’s waif obsession means its fashion sector snubs many women with bigger body types, but there is no need for a ban on ultra-thin models, said the patron of a plus-size Paris catwalk show under way this weekend.

“It’s a cultural blockage,” explained Clementine Desseaux, a 26-year-old French model who lives in New York.

The size-44 brunette gets year-round catalogue and campaign modelling work in the US, where she emigrated four years ago, compared to rare jobs in France as American department stores recognise that most women aren’t slim, she says.

“In the United States, it’s a market apart.

You can make a career as a plus-size model.

In France, it’s not a career, it’s a hobby; there are no clients” Desseaux said.

But, she added, “it’s not for lack of demand: there are a lot of round women here.

Parisian women are round, too. You mustn’t think they are all small and thin!”

The data back her up. According to the French Institute for Textile and Clothing, size 40 is the most-sold size in France, and 40% of Frenchwomen wear size 44 or over.

Third Pulp Fashion Week

In an effort to rebalance the scales, Desseaux is the star model at the third Pulp Fashion Week, an event held over Saturday and yesterday in Paris that features larger women on the catwalk.

Kazi, said the refusal by major plus-size fashion labels was the main stumbling block.

“They are the ones who could really shake things up with big sponsor budgets and financial partnerships,” she said.

She and the models, though, are determined to instil a sense of pride in plus-size women in France, and to push French clothing stores to cater to larger sizes.

“Here, the image of big-size women is horrible. There’s a lot of work to be done,” Desseaux said. “I want to make things change. One day I’d like to return to Paris, but I’m not ready yet.”

In France, the model said, “I don’t fit into anything. And yet, I’m not huge. In the United States, I fit into size M or L. There are a lot more sizes – nothing stops at size 42 in the US.”

Against ban on thin models

French plus-size model Clementine Desseaux poses in Paris on April 9 AFP Twenty-four models will be walking the podium in some 20 labels to show that fashion is not only for the slimmest of customers.

Such initiatives are also held in the US, Britain and Germany, with greater success.

The organiser of the Paris event, Blanche

For all her morphological militancy, Desseaux is against France’s mooted legislation to ban ultra-thin models who are under a certain body mass index (BMI).

The measure was voted last week by lawmakers in the French parliament’s lower house, and could well become law if the upper house backs it.

Desseaux, like other professional models, believes that the natural thinness of many top catwalk models is being wrongly mixed up with the medical condition of anorexia.

“For me, it’s just as dumb to say you’re too thin as it is too say you’re too fat – it’s the same thing,” she said. l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

No more blank cheques for state banks

W

e hope this week’s signing of performance contracts between the government and 14 state-owned banks and financial institutions will improve its ability to ensure accountability and transparency in the state-controlled financial sector.

Bangladesh Bank has strongly criticised the culture of constant churning of large loans and defaults in the state banking sector. Its investigations report provision shortfalls of Tk2,442cr during 2014 in the country’s four main stateowned banks.

Although it is welcome to see both the government and central bank take a more pro-active approach to ensuring discipline in the state sector, this is undermined by the continuing prevalence of politically connected appointees on boards and the government’s willingness to bail out state-owned banks.

If the government had not set aside Tk5000cr ($625m) to support state banks this year, the sector would be completely bankrupt.

The litany of poor performance by state banks contrasts sharply with privately run banks in the nation, which are successfully managing to keep bad loans down at less than a fifth of the rate suffered by state-controlled institutions.

Most indicators suggest state banks have inadequate capital and management to be able to root out bad performance in an acceptable time period. The government should think beyond merely managing the situation and look for an exit strategy to end the endemic losses suffered by the taxpayer.

It should move towards either closing down or privatising state-controlled banks. Their assets and loans can be better managed by private organisations.

End the endemic losses suffered by the taxpayer

Save Barisal church from encroachment

W

e are concerned by reports that senior members of the Barisal district bar association attacked a peaceful demonstration by local Christians protesting the encroachment of church property to construct a court building.

There can be no excuse for legal professionals behaving lawlessly. Some 14 people including ten women taking part in a human chain around the church and a journalist were injured when lawyers allegedly snatched their banners and attacked them.

Although police were called after the protestors took shelter inside the church, no one has been arrested and the land dispute at the heart of the matter remains unresolved.

Barisal Saint Peter’s Church was constructed in 1849 on 1.5 acres of land and has always included a large pond which is used by local people as well as the congregation.

The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association District Coordinator says the local court compound already has sufficient land to construct a new building and on the face of it, filling in the water body used by the public is a violation of the Environment Act and public interest.

The government needs to look into this matter. If as locals claim, court authorities have instructed Barisal Public Works Department to begin filling in church property without proper authorisation and compensation, this needs to be investigated thoroughly. It is especially important because the appearance has been given that authorities have trampled on the rights of a minority community.

No justification for trampling on minority’s rights

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

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Democracies at war over genocide March 28

GuntherS Human rights are inviolable. I am glad more experts are writing about Archer Blood. It is moving to learn more about ordinary people and extraordinary diplomats like Blood who stand up for humanity even when their governments collide with murderers. RIP Archer Blood.

Shireen Sounds intriguing, will be buying a copy.

Osmania Good review of an interesting and important book. Is it nonsense that democracies are always on the same side in wars (a fashionable globalist view) or was 1971 an exception to the rule?

UrmeeKhan Blood should be a bigger hero. But he is dead and Kissinger is still alive. I know he is old but why is he still treated reverently by the world media, where is justice?

TazneenAhmad UrmeeKhan: He’s clever that’s why. But the truth has always haunted Kissinger. Don’t give up chasing him to answer for his crimes.

MImam Genocide gave India cause to help Bangladesh, but made America more determined to help Pakistan. Its a paradox.

Tushu Osmania: Both, I think! The cover-up aspect is really interesting because America was on the wrong side. Spreading ideas like democratic states don’t go to war against each other was very big in the 90s but overlooked the Bangladesh case -deliberately/inevitably as Chomsky would say.

JWillis Osmania: Doesn’t answer your question, but “1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh” by Srinath Raghavan (Kings London) adds to the picture and came out around the same time as Bass’s book.

DT Youths rescue girl from rapists, then rape her themselves April 4

Shelly Johora What a shame!

Shamima Yeasmin Autorickshaw also involved. I am worried about the young generation’s mentality and thinking.

Zannatul Ferdous This is insane.

Saif Kamal Gaining trust and then raping the vulnerable ... god save the world.

WeMen for WoMen Shocking! However, as the rapists were named, it’s time to arrest them!

Hang Oyasiqur killers, demand bloggers March 31

Dev Saha A quick trial should be followed by quick hangings, period!

Fugstar Dev Saha: But doesn’t that assume that we are being told the truth here?

Dev Saha Fugstar: The truth is not what you are really concerned about, are you? These thugs were caught red-handed right after the crime had been committed and that is not good enough for you?

Fugstar Dev Saha: It’s hard to take that report at face value.

DT

OPINION 13

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Delinquent diplomats

BIGSTOCK

n Towheed Feroze

S

ometime in the mid-90s, living in London, news about a Bangladeshi diplomat getting caught at a central London Marks & Spencer outlet while trying to walk out without paying, created uproar within the large Bangladeshi British community.

As far as memory serves, the man apprehended by the police was not a junior officer, but someone who had worked in government service for at least 15 years. Later, the person in question was released, and since that was

the time way before the social media revolution caught on, most people in Bangladesh never knew about it.

Come to 2015 and we have another such incident, this time in The Hague, where a young Bangladeshi officer of the foreign ministry was caught red-handed trying to do something nasty in an electronics shop. The feeling of dismay turns to utter despair when the said person, under interrogation by the Dutch police, admitted that he had followed in the steps of some of his colleagues who had also pilfered items from the store successfully.

The universal rule is: The one who is caught usually bears the brunt of the punishment, and, reportedly, the young officer will be dismissed. However, we have also noticed, with a degree of amazement, how certain efforts were made to hush up the episode and save the guilty person.

Maybe this would have worked 20 years ago, but in a time when social media hawks are everywhere, with the art of concealment getting difficult by the day, any attempt to save the man in question would have raised queries as to the morals on which the foreign service is based.

Now, going beyond the black and white definitions of what is right or not, the fact of the matter is, since a person has been found to be engaged in an act which severely dents the image of the country, action must be taken as to whether the diplomat has political backing or not.

Within the country, there are countless incidents where government officers face allegations of misdemeanour are saved by the system and later given promotions, plus many episodes where police officers filmed to be using excessive force on helpless people have received kudos, but the norm here cannot be practiced in another nation.

Since the Dutch government has expressed grave concern over the issue, we

are hearing that strong steps would be taken -- but will terminating one officer change the mindset? What is most disturbing is the observation of the officer that some his colleagues had done something similar without getting caught. In plain language, those who were not found out for improper conduct are within the Foreign Service team that went to The Hague.

The one who was caught by the police was following what others did -- which means the act of shoplifting was discussed among them -- possibly with notes of encouragement. Sadly, this incident does not tarnish that specific service but the whole system in the country plus a society which has silently nurtured the insidious culture of simply resorting to unfair means to get what one wants.

Going to a larger canvas, I feel somewhat sorry for the young diplomat -- after all, this means a rocky time ahead for a bright, young lad. However, time heals everything and hopefully he has learned his lesson.

What the government, and more importantly our families, need to address is the entrenchment of a toxic ideology which is driven fully by exploitative behaviour and a reckless grabbing culture.

Dhor maar khaa, in English this would translate into … “grab, kill, steal” seems to be interwoven delicately into modern-day life lessons. This is of course layered by a veneer of hollow rhetoric replete with ethics, patriotism, and ideals. I am not exaggerating when I say that such vile ideals are openly flaunted by many well-established political leaders. With impunity that is. What can young officers learn when they see in real life -- money can settle all issues with no questions asked about the provenance of wealth.

With rules bent at every level, the crony culture becoming a priority, and an entrenched social concept glibly accepting the institutionalisation of underhanded dealings

as ways of life, it’s only natural that young people will take the first chance at breaking the law. We need to look into our society first to scrutinise core moral lessons that are being imparted at the family level.

Sadly, what I notice is that when parents look for grooms for their daughters, their first preference is wealth, though no one ever asks how that affluence was achieved.

If the groom’s father is an MP or a retired customs police officer, then the common feeling is “gold has been struck” -- with the natural assumption being that there would never be paucity of money. This is indirect acceptance of wealth that has, in many cases, come from dubious engagements.

Being practical, no society can ever be perfect since corruption always simmers at some level or the other. What can be done is to uproot basic venal impulses.

From time to time, diplomats posted abroad have been found to be transgressing certain moral or professional lines, though in many instances diplomats have also been made victims of some vendetta, but instead of getting into all that career related shenanigans, a lesson has to be taken from the current episode. Future foreign service officers should be extra cautious as to how they behave in a different land.

Everything said and done, the prospect of a young man keeps coming back, and though I do not know the diplomat who was caught in The Hague, suspension along with punishment may perhaps teach him a lesson while also saving his career in the long run. Also, others in the group who were not caught need to be identified and dealt with accordingly. Many a grave fault of political leaders are forgiven, so maybe a second chance after a period of repentance can be considered. l

strong-arm methods. These are the workers who must be available at election time to turn out the vote bank, to try and stop skullduggery at the polls, and the other nitty-gritties of election work. In other words, they risk destroying the party. This is a huge gamble given the realities, incentives, and perversions of Bangladeshi politics.

Given the unpopularity of the government, the BNP could win the elections if it is left to campaign in a normal election environment (normal in Bangladesh would be somewhat more risky than most countries), which would mean the party worker cadres at risk escaped serious damage. This would amount to a win/win outcome. Or they could lose the elections but still keep the remaining party cadres intact, a lose/win result. Lastly, they could lose the party workers and of course the elections, ie lose/lose.

The first two of these would still be a win for the country as it would signal a return to more normal politics, and give hope for a two-party national election sooner rather than later. The third would be a disastrous loss for the party and the country as it would leave the AL as the only de facto major party, soon to be de jure, I suspect.

Why are the BNP leaning strongly this way? First, I guess is pressure from the civil society, which is desperate for an opposition and totally unable to mount one apart from the existing parties. The so-called “third force” continues to be an impossible dream.

Second, I suspect, the total bankruptcy of BNP's strategy for the past 18 months must be clear to most of its leaders. On my last visit to Dhaka, most of those that I talked to claimed they had argued for participation in the January 2014 election.

For some, this may be 20-20 hindsight, but for many, I suspect they saw the futility of using 20th century street strategy in today’s Bangladesh. Third, I hope (and this may be really wishful thinking) that India has begun to understand that stability on its Eastern border, in Bangladesh, requires that both major parties have a shot at the economic rents of governance, and has begun to exercise its significant influence to stabilise Bangladesh politics. l

Towheed Feroze is a journalist currently working in the development sector.

Pascal’s wager in real time n William B Milam

R

eaders will understand that I am exercising heroic self-restraint by limiting my remarks on the recently completed Nuclear Framework Agreement to two paragraphs. It is, to quote London’s Financial Times, a “singular” achievement, and in my view another possible inflection point in the modern history of the Middle East.

The mood is upbeat -- the agreement was greeted rapturously by Iranian crowds, and President Rouhani of Iran voiced hopes that the agreement was but the first step of a rapprochement between Iran and hostile nations in the West. President Obama spoke of similar hopes and warned his domestic critics not to try to block a final agreement.

I wonder if this accord has not become “too big to fail”?

This accord is much written about, but perhaps a similar gamble that is not so much in the news except in the country in which it seems to be occurring -- Bangladesh. It certainly is important in South Asia and to the 160 million Bangladeshis. It is, in substance, more reminiscent of Blaise Pascal’s celebrated 17th century philosophical wager on the

existence of God and an afterlife. Unlike Pascal’s unworldly wager, this wager, if it comes off, involves life and death in the uncertain here and now.

While our attention has been on the negotiations in Lausanne, all signs point to the BNP making a risky but potentially life-saving or death-dealing wager with the people. With the strong encouragement of a group of civil society leaders. This strategy has given the AL one-party government the excuse to do what it probably intended to do anyway -- squeeze the political space of the opposition down to a sliver of what it was. Without the constraint of a real opposition, even a very small one, the AL has acted as one would have expected a Bangladeshi political party to act in the zero-sum mindset of Bangladeshi politics -- it has moved expeditiously to eliminate the opposition party.

In spite of this, the BNP appears ready to go to the polls and try to operate as a normal party. The BNP leaders must know that, if the government turns loose all of its malevolent street elements against the BNP during the election, they risk losing most, if not all, of their front-line party street workers to arbitrary arrest, extra-judicial murder, and other

William B Milam is a Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington, DC, and former US Ambassador to Pakistan and Bangladesh. This article was previously published in The Friday Times.

DT

14 OPINION

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Safety is a game-changer n Md Atiqul Islam

T

he rise of the RMG industry in Bangladesh and its ultimately becoming the second largest readymade garment exporter in the world within just three decades, is just short of a miracle. However, was there any magic wand through which this miracle was performed?

The answer is a simple no. Our achievements did not come on a silver platter, the relentless efforts of both entrepreneurs and workers have led our RMG industry to where it is today.

In its journey of three decades, the industry has faced umpteen challenges in the way of securing a strong foothold in the global apparel market. It is our unbeatable adaptability that has helped us conquer these hurdles.

Child labour elimination in 1994, the continuity of export growth after the MFA Quota phase-out, and the global recession are a testimony of our ability to become successful in any situation. After the building collapse in 2013 that gave our RMG industry a big jolt, we have transformed the industry, turned around, and have again proved our resilience to any odds.

The twin tragic incidents were the most unfortunate happenings in the history of our industry. Yet, these two incidents were significant wakeup calls for us, a call for a turnaround and for rebuilding the industry, a call for ensuring the safety of our workers and ourselves. There has been a paradigm shift in the mindset of entrepreneurs -- tremendous progress has been achieved in safety inspection, awareness, and other occupational safety and health issues. Our industry is undergoing transformation in a way that can be iconic for any other textile and apparel industry in the world.

After the tragic building collapse in 2013, it was thought that most of the Bangladeshi garment factories were vulnerable. But after inspection by local and foreign engineers

under the initiatives of Accord, Alliance, and National Action Plan (NAP), it was found that less than 1.5% of the factories were in imminent danger, and those facilities were immediately shut down -- 32 out of 2,325 inspected factories. Both Accord and Alliance completed inspection at all of their listed factories.

The government has contracted two private sector firms (TUV - SUD and VEC) to complete inspections under NAP by April 2015. Around 20% of the safety issues in the Corrective Action Plans of Accord factories have been remediated.

lesson. The joint initiative of the government, industry associations, and labour federations facilitated by ILO called “NAP,” was further complemented by buyers’ engagement through Accord and Alliance.

Brands and retailers who compete in the corporate world every day are working handin-hand for the cause of decent working conditions in Bangladesh’s garment industry.

The declaration of Sustainability Compact, its follow-up, and the unparalleled engagement of the diplomatic community, the major support from the donor agencies -- these are

The transformation that our apparel industry has undergone in the areas of workplace safety and workers’ welfare will play a crucial role in changing the future course of the industry

Alliance has also completed follow-up visits in 60 factories to check the progress of CAPs. When all the inspections are over and the vulnerable factories are dropped out, and other factories complete their CAPs, Bangladesh’s RMG sector can obviously be regarded as the safest industry in the world, inspected by the foreign experts and buyers under the close observations of the government.

Moreover, all the inspection reports of the factories are now available at the Fair Factory Clearinghouse (FFC) and the Inspector General of Factories websites. This makes our progress transparent and credible.

Over the past two years, a number of good things have happened in Bangladesh, and globally as well, in the area of responsible supply chain. The collaborative approach of the stakeholders has been the key behind all the success we achieved -- and this is our key

all parts of our strength.

The government is also playing a critical role in strengthening the inspection mechanism -- the Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments has been upgraded to the Directorate of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE). The government has also allowed duty-free import of fire safety equipment. BGMEA has also taken a number of steps to augment workplace safety efforts by forming a team of 35 fire trainers in December 2013. This team has trained 83,678 workers and staff in 2,386 factories so far.

BGMEA conducts a Crash Program on fire safety, and so far 20,188 personnel from 2,342 factories have been trained.

Knowledge, awareness, and rights issues are also important for sustaining our progress – areas where we’re also seeing significant improvements. The government amended

the Labour Law within just 90 days of the building collapse, making it more favourable for the workers. This resulted in dramatic progress in new trade union registrations.

Until 2012, there were only 138 trade unions in the RMG sector, and since January 2013 till now, 291 trade unions have been registered.

The minimum wages of the garment workers has been increased by 219% over the past five years, our wages are now comparable to those of our competitors. The Better Work Program launched by ILO and International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also started its operation, and already 21 factories have enrolled.

BGMEA has been arranging regular training programs on worker-management relations and labour laws for both factory management and workers to educate them. Already, around 914 workers and mid-level management staff have been trained. We are training 100 people every month. In addition, the Bangladesh Employers Federation, BGMEA, and BKMEA, with the support of ITC-ILO, have trained 100 senior master trainers.

These 100 master trainers will train 7,500 supervisors, and subsequently, the supervisors will train an estimated 750,000 workers.

The transformation that our apparel industry has undergone in the areas of workplace safety and workers’ welfare issues in the last two years will certainly play a crucial role in changing the future course of the industry, turning it into a sustainable sector.

We firmly believe that the day is not far when the RMG industry, which is a path to better living for millions of people in Bangladesh, will be regarded not only as the second largest but also as the safest garment industry in the world as it would be the only industry inspected by foreign experts and buyers. l Md Atiqul Islam is the President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

16

Buoyed by QE’s solid start, ECB policymakers set to meet

17

Flipkart ties up with Mumbai ‘dabbawalas’ to navigate city streets

19

DSEX falls to 15-month low

Muhith rejects World Bank’s growth projection in FY15 n

Tribune report

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has rejected the World Bank’s projected growth rate of 5.6% in current fiscal year of the country.

He said the growth rate would near 7% despite political turmoil.

The finance minister made the remark yesterday while replying to a question from a reporter after meeting with the US Ambassador, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, at his secretariat.

The minister also said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) always looks upon the country’s growth rate in a conservative way.

The growth rate projected by the Asian Development Bank is a little bit similar to the country’s current fiscal projection, he added.

“I do not care about the multilateral agencies’ growth projection, but I think our growth estimate would be right.”

Earlier in the day, the World Bank report on Bangladesh’s development update revealed 5.6% growth rate from projected 7.3% in current fiscal year due to prolonged political unrest.

The global lender revealed the findings yesterday at a programme that launched the

Bangladesh Development Update Report 2015 at its Dhaka office.

Unveiling the report, WB’s Chief Economist Dr Zahid Hossain said: “The country incurred a huge financial loss of around US$2.2 billion (approximately Tk17,150 crore) in the last three months due to political turmoil.”

The financial loss in January, February and March this year is more than that in the first three months in 2013, he said.

Citing the three months as dry season, Zahid said: “Since it was the dry season, the loss incurred was huge as the three months were the peak time for production.” l

Experts: ‘International factoring’ for payment to increase efficiency in foreign trade n Tribune Report International factoring mechanism will help the country increase efficiency in its foreign trade raising export volume and lowering cost of import, said experts at a seminar yesterday.

They said letter of credit, traditionally used as a system for payment in international trade, is gradually losing its acceptability.

Non-LC mechanism, particularly open account trade payment and documentary collection, also have many barriers including time consuming process of payment, the speakers said.

The seminar styled as “International Factoring for Foreign Trade” was jointly organised by International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Factor Chain International (FCI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) at a city hotel.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was present as chief guest, welcoming the international factoring mechanism as a “great initiative” for the country’s foreign trade payment.

“But as a number of issues are related with this, we will have to discuss further about the mechanism to bring a fruitful outcome in the country’s export-import trade payment,” he, however, said.

ICC, Bangladesh president Mahbubur Rahman presided over the seminar.

“International factoring provides a simple solution to problems in case of such non-L/C trade payment,” he said.

Mahbubur Rahman said under the system the export factors/banks collect money from abroad by approaching importers through importers’ banks/factors in their own country, in their own language and in the locally accepted manner.

“An import factor/bank provides exporters with 100% protection against the importer’s inability to pay. Exporter’s bank also finances 80% of the invoice value to the exporter immediately after shipment.” ICC,B president added.

ADB Bangladesh senior financial sector specialist Bidyut Kumar Saha said although the international factoring is not a popular

method in the country, it would be a new and alternative financing tool to increase international trade more smoothly and more safely.

FCI chairman Daniela Bonzanini said: “Asia is the largest market for international factoring mechanism. As economy in Bangladesh has been rapidly developing with growing GDP rate, so this trade payment mechanism would be a better option for all stakeholders.” l

visit our website @

www.dhakatribune.com

20

DT

Business

15

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

ICT sector for tax holiday till 2024

‘Japan interested in Matarbari deep seaport project’ n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith said Japan is “very much interested” to build the proposed deep seaport at Matarbari in Moheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar.

After Japan’s interest, China has decided not to compete with Japan in bidding process for the work.

“China is not now interested in the project as Japan has shown the interest. The Chinese authorities do not want to take part in the bidding race against Japan,” finance minister told reporters yesterday after a meeting with Chinese ambassador in Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang.

Muhith said the ambassador was “happy since they got the construction work of Padma bridge and are looking for investment opportunities in Bangladesh telecommunication sector.”

“The winning of Karnaphuli tunnel construction work has also made them satisfied,” he added.

Muhith said the government had already submitted 15-point proposals to the Chinese authorities about financing the projects.

He said China had been asked to reduce the proposed interest rates as they were higher compared to other development partners.

He also financial offers should be placed first rather than technological offers for the Chinese development projects.

“The ambassador (of China) said he would discuss the matter with the Chinese government high-ups,” Muhith said.

In February, chief executive officer of Deep Seaport Cell Captain Shariful Ahsan along with then secretary of Prime Minister’s Office visited Matarbari to get an idea whether the area can be selected for the proposed project.

During the visit, they also checked the land records of the site.

In January, the PMO decided to examine the possibility of selecting Matarbari as an alternative site for the much-talked-about deep seaport project. Earlier, Sonadia in the same district was selected as the site for the port. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Twitter, YouTube, Instagram work on stealth advertising n Reuters, Paris The quandary for those who run social networks is how to monetise activity on them without antagonising and thus losing users through distracting ads?

The answer, for Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, is to slip in some stealthy ads camouflaged to look like posts from listed contacts.

Each of the networks has in-house teams whose job is to think up ways to advise brands on how to sneak their marketing into members’ feeds.

At YouTube, owned by Google, the effort is called “Zoo”. Instagram uses the “Creative Shop” of its parent company Facebook. Twitter’s name for it is the relatively straight-forward “Brand Strategy”.

The strategies adapt to the specific requirements, formats and behaviour on each of the social networks.

Hiding in plain sight

European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi arrives at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee in Brussels REUTERS

Buoyed by QE’s solid start, ECB policymakers set to meet n AFP, Berin The European Central Bank’s decision makers meet Wednesday buoyed by the successful debut of a mass bond-buying spree designed to kickstart growth and will likely quash talk of it wrapping up early.

Analysts say ECB chief Mario Draghi is expected to give short shrift to any suggestion of a premature end to the quantitative easing (QE) programme, the long-awaited and controversial gambit launched by the central bank last month.

Amid ongoing uncertainty about cashstrapped Greece, the first volley of the ECB’s 1.1tn euro ($1.2tn) scheme offered some good news, getting off to a solid start by meeting its target.

That has fed speculation that the anti-deflationary policy of buying around 60 billion euros of public and private bonds each month could be stopped before its planned September 2016 end date.

But RBS economist Richard Barwell said he doubted Draghi would follow such a course as confidence in the ECB’s future actions was so crucial to the current markets.

“We should therefore expect the driver’s determination to complete the journey to be a central theme in the ECB’s communication strategy,” he said, ahead of the regular policy-setting governing council’s meeting in Frankfurt this week.

Launched on March 9, the strategy behind the ECB’s QE programme is akin to those of the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to pump money into the eurozone

with massive purchases of debt to bring down borrowing costs and in turn foster easier credit.

“A success,” remarked Berenberg bank economist Christian Schulz after nearly 61 billion euros in government and corporate debt was purchased in the first round, despite fears of a possible shortage of assets to buy.

“The operational implementation has been smooth and the policy effectiveness probably exceeded the ECB’s own expectations,” he said.

‘Still sorely needed’

Jennifer McKeown, analyst at Capital Economics, said she believed that a “premature tapering”, or phase-out of the bond-buying programme, was not the way to go.

“We still think that the policy is sorely needed,” she said, voicing expectations that Draghi would stress this week that most of the ECB’s governing council members still wanted to apply it in full.

A measure of its success has been a decline in government borrowing rates, with the biggest drop for France and Germany whose costs were already relatively low, while Belgium, Portugal and Ireland in particular have also benefited.

The fall in the euro’s value against the dollar, also a consequence of QE, sits well with the ECB’s goals.

A weak euro favours exports by eurozone companies, thus encouraging growth, and makes the cost of buying goods abroad more expensive, driving up inflation.

Since the start of the year, the single cur-

rency has lost 11 percent of its value.

Some have begun to fear however that the euro’s weakness could propel inflation higher than 2.0 percent, or slightly beyond the ECB’s target.

More, not less QE?

“When does the exit begin?” asked Germany’s Handelsblatt business daily on Thursday.

ECB executive board member Yves Mersch addressed the issue of a possible “overdosing” on QE this week.

He insisted that if inflation expectations grew above the ECB’s current forecast of 1.8 percent in 2017, “it would, of course, be appropriate to consider whether we need to adjust our plan”.

The latest data, however, shows that risk is still far off.

Prices in the 19-nation single currency bloc were down 0.1% in March, less than the drop in January and February but still a long way from the ECB’s target of just under 2% annual inflation.

For Jonathan Loynes, of Capital Economics, the eurozone will probably need more QE rather than less to reboot the economy. “In short, the ECB still has a lot more work to do,” he said.

And Berenberg’s Schulz said it was up to eurozone governments “to underpin the upswing with further structural reforms”, a message Draghi is likely to reiterate at Wednesday’s meeting.

The meeting is being held a day earlier than normal to enable central bankers to attend an IMF gathering in Washington starting Friday. l

In the case of Instagram, the four-year-old site which boasts 300 million users worldwide who share filtered photos and videos, the advertising push has now extended to France.

The network long resisted introducing sponsored messages, aware that many of its fans were creative types - artists, photographers, architects - against having screens of pure images corrupted by tawdry commercial intrusions.

But after Facebook bought it for $715m in 2012, Instagram started putting in ads. They started in 2013 in the United States, then Australia and Canada in late 2014 and, from midMarch this year, in France.

They hide in plain sight: presented in the same square format, with the same “vintage” filter as user-generated pictures. Only the mention “sponsored” reveals that it’s there to sell, not share.

“The brand has to express itself as if it’s a person and respect the community,” explained Cedric Atlan, of Facebook’s Creative Shop.

“You have come upon the brand the same way you would a friend or someone from your family. The advertising needs to be integrated and not disturb the user.”

Teams scattered around the world

The specialist teams are experienced, well versed in advertising and marketing, often having been snapped up from ad agencies.

Each count around 100 employees, scattered around the planet. The job requirement is to have a deep and nuanced knowledge of local markets and to stay abreast of the latest trends.

“There are no borders. It’s a global team that communicates from everywhere in the world, 24/7. If you want to know what’s happening with mobiles in Asia in such and such an area, we can get an answer in an hour,” said Mailine Swildens, director of YouTube’s Zoo for southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In 2014, Zoo lent its talents to the Italian fashion company Fendi and the result was the first fashion show filmed with drones and broadcast live on YouTube.

“There are innovative areas where you can mix geolocalisation, mobiles, technology,” Swildens said. l

DT

BUSINESS 17

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Flipkart ties up with Mumbai ‘dabbawalas’ to navigate city streets n Reuters, Mumbai India’s biggest e-commerce company, Flipkart, has tied up with Mumbai’s lunchbox delivery men, famous for navigating cramped and confusing streets, as it tries to smooth the often difficult last stretch of its delivery to customers.

Dabbawalas have for decades collected hot lunches from customers’ often distant homes and, using a complex delivery system and overladen bicycles, carried them to offices and schools across the city.

“Their unique delivery system has been smooth, reliable and has survived the test of time - even under extreme conditions,” Neeraj Aggarwal, senior director for last mile delivery at Flipkart said in a statement on Thursday evening.

Under the deal - part of a plan by the e-commerce firm to explore new delivery channels - dabbawallas will make deliveries assigned from a Flipkart hub while collecting hot meals from customers’ homes.

Privately held Flipkart leads India’s e-commerce industry, selling everything from cellphones to suitcases and competing with Amazon’s India unit and other home grown rival Snapdeal for a chunk of the fast growing industry.

Online retailing is growing at a breakneck pace in India, which has the world’s third-largest population of Internet users even with only a fifth of its population online.

Mumbai’s dabbawalas - often semi-literate deliverymen from rural Maharashtra, the state where Mumbai is located - deliver about 200,000 “tiffin,” or lunch, boxes every day,

Pakistan approves $1.02bn HBL divestment n AFP, Karachi Pakistan on Saturday approved divesting all of its state-owned shares in top private bank HBL for $1.02bn, in what officials said is the country’s largest-ever equity offering.

The government received $1.6bn of offers for its 41.5% in HBL during three days of book-building at London, New York, Singapore and Dubai, the privatisation commission said.

“The (cabinet) committee has approved the selling of whole lot of its shares at 168 rupees a share,” Minister for Privatisation Mohammad Zubair told AFP after the meeting.

“It was the largest-ever equity offering out of Pakistan and largest-ever equity offering in Asian frontier markets, which fetched demand of $1.6bn.”

The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan said in a statement $1.02bn of bids were accepted of the total $1.6bn of offers.

HBL, formerly known as Habib Bank Limited, was part-privatised in 2004, with the Agha Khan Foundation buying the bulk of the shares.

The current offering is Pakistan’s largest privatisation deal since 2006, when the then government raised $712m from selling its stake in Oil and Gas Development (OGDCL). l

Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, sits amid Mumbai’s lunch couriers, known as ’dabbawalas,’ at a railway station in Mumbai according to their website.

Their coding system has been recognized with the Six Sigma level of accuracy, meaning they make only one mistake in 6 million

chances, attracting them admirers from Britain’s Prince Charles to entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Flipkart said the dabbawalas had un-

REUTERS

dergone training at the company’s delivery centers and would start with a paper-based tracking system, moving on to apps and wearable technology. l

Samsung, Apple clash with rollout of new products n AFP, New York Apple gave consumers their first hands-on look at its smartwatch Friday pushing into wearable tech just as rival Samsung rolled out its new flagship smartphones.

With the world’s two biggest gadget makers vying for consumer attention, Apple scored points by apparently selling out of the Apple Watch as quickly as it opened pre-orders.

Customers ordering the watch, due to go on sale April 24, saw messages saying deliveries now were being pushed back into June or later.

“I really debated if I should buy the thing,” said Eric Angelosanto, one of the customers looking to try the smartwatch at a New York Apple store, who indicated that he had already placed an order online.

“It’s tremendously overpriced, but a treat.”

The Apple Watch starts at $349, with a limited-edition gold version priced at $12,000.

Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of retail and online stores, said she expects “that strong customer demand will exceed our supply at launch.”

Some analysts were not so sure about prospects for the new wearable device.

“The watch’s success is anything but guaranteed,” said Roger Kay, analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates.

“Most people I’ve talked with are not ready

to buy one. It seems expensive, redundant and perhaps invasive.”

In Paris, at the company’s flagship store by the Place de l’Opera journalists outnumbered customers, with Apple encouraging customers to place orders online and with stores offering only demonstrations. Would-be early buyers queued for a “trial fitting” at the Apple store in Tokyo’s chic Omotesando area.

“I’m very keen to buy it,” said Kazuki Miura, a 43-year-old technology writer, as he slipped the device onto his wrist.

Apple’s device, which connects to the iPhone to facilitate messaging, calls and apps geared toward health and fitness, is a latecomer to the smartwatch market, and follows launches from Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, LG and others including the crowd-funded Pebble watch.

And not only tech companies: last month luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer announced it was joining forces with Google and Intel to develop a rival to the Apple Watch.

But because of Apple’s devoted customer base, analysts expect the new watch to quickly take the lead and sell millions.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 debuts

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and its curved-edge variant, the Galaxy S6 Edge, went on sale in South Korea, home of the electronics giant, as well as Europe, the Unit-

ed States and markets in the Asia-Pacific such as Australia, Singapore and India.

Samsung, laboring under successive quarters of plunging profits and booming sales of Apple’s iPhone 6, is hoping the new phone will reverse its fortunes.

“Given the response from the market and clients... we expect the S6 to set a sales record for all Galaxy models,” Lee Sang-Chul, the vice head of Samsung’s mobile unit, told reporters.

Joo Seung-Bin was one of the first in line to buy an S6 in Seoul on Friday morning.

“It’s a great design, and it’s just got a great feel,” the 23-year-old said.

“It’s not cheap, but then I’m not one of those people who upgrades their phone every year. There’s been a lot of buzz about this model, so I thought I’d check it out,” Joo said.

The S6 retails at around 858,000 won ($800) in South Korea, while the S6 Edge comes in at 979,000 won, broadly in line with their Apple counterparts.

Both models are powered by Google’s Android operating platform and, in a break from their-plastic-backed predecessors, feature metal and glass bodies.

“Demand for the new Galaxy model is considerable,” said a spokeswoman in Germany for Media Saturn, the largest electronics retailer in Europe, although she said stocks had not been sold out. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures IFIC: 15% Stock dividend, AGM: 17.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 4.71, NAV per share of Tk. 27.18.

MERCINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 09.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.51, NAV per share of Tk. 16.15.

NORTHRNINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 2.02, NAV per share of Tk. 20.70.

CITYGENINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 15.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.59, NAV per share of Tk. 16.10.

SHASHADNIM: 20% cash and 15% stock dividend, AGM: 21.05.2015, Record date: 23.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.64, NAV per share of Tk. 59.32.

POPULARLIF: 40% Stock dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 23.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 4.05, NAV per share of Tk. 659.10.

BGIC: 12% cash dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record date: 23.04.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.31, NAV per share of Tk. 19.63.

RSRMSTEEL: Emerging Credit Rating Limited (ECRL) has assigned the Company as A+ in the long term and ECRL-2 in the short term along with a stable outlook to the Company based on audited financial statements up to June 30, 2014.

IDLC: The Company has informed that the shareholders of the Company in its 30th AGM dated March 30, 2015, has decided to issue Bonds (Zero Coupon/ Fixed/ Floating Rate Coupon) to the extent of Tk. 500 Crore, in different phases, for the tenure ranging from

3 to 7 years, through private placement, to meet its ongoing financing requirements subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.

LANKABAFIN: The Company has informed that it has credited the bonus shares for the year ended on December 31, 2014 to the respective shareholders BO Accounts. Cash dividend and sale proceed of fractional stock dividend will be distributed shortly.

IPO Subscription: Olympic Accessories Limited Subscription 19.04.2015 TO 23.04.2015, NRB UPTO 02.05.2015. Offer Price per share Tk. 10.00, Market Lot (Shares) 500.

Dividend/AGM DHAKABANK: 14% cash and 10% stock, AGM: 13.05.2015, Record date: 21.04.2015.

NITOLINS: 15% stock, AGM: 09.06.2015, Record Date: 26.04.2015.

SQUARETEXT: 20% cash and 10% stock, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015.

ILFSL: 5% cash, AGM: 07.05.2015, Record Date: 20.04.2015.

BDLAMPS: 20% cash, AGM: 05.05.2015, Record Date: 16.04.2015.

STANDBANKL: 15% stock, AGM: 14.05.2015, Record Date: 16.04.2015.

ARGONDENIM: 20% stock, AGM: 30.04.2015, Record date: 15.04.2015.

NHFIL: 15% cash, AGM: 12.05.2015, Record Date: 15.04.2015.

JAMUNABANK: 19% stock, AGM: 04.05.2015, Record date: 15.04.2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company United Power-N National Feed-N Progressive Life-A BD. Thai Alum -B Keya Cosmetics -A Imam Button -Z Khan Brothers-N Fu-Wang Food A Shurwid Ind. -N Standard Ceramic -A

Closing (% Change) 9.98 9.90 9.86 9.47 9.43 8.33 8.29 8.16 6.04 5.62

CSE GAINER Company Keya Cosmetics -A National Feed-N United Power-N BD. Thai Alum -B Fu-Wang Food A Khan Brothers-N Bangladesh Welding -Z Imam Button -Z Khulna Printing-N Shurwid Ind. -N

Closing (% Change) 10.00 10.00 9.94 9.79 9.28 8.90 8.67 8.05 6.21 6.04

DSE LOSER Company Northern G Insur-A Shahjalal Islami -A Modern Dyeing -Z Mercantile Bank -A Islamic Finance-A Pragati Gen. I -A Popular Life Insu. -A Peoples Insur -A AB Bank 1st Mutual Fund-A Quasem Drycells -A

Closing (% Change) -10.33 -10.00 -8.10 -7.69 -6.98 -6.65 -6.33 -6.21 -5.56 -5.48

CSE LOSER Company Shahjalal Islami -A ICB Sonali Bank 1 MF-A Islamic Finance-A Prime Insur -A Aziz PipesZ Asia Insur. Ltd.-A Power Grid Co. -A Apex Tannery -A Islami Ins.BD-A Pragati Gen. I -A

Closing (% Change) -10.00 -10.00 -9.92 -9.77 -9.19 -6.85 -6.81 -6.31 -6.17 -6.06

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features April 12, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

2,895.69 63,047,525 84,841

Traded Issues

300

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

70

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

226

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,460.14

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.82

Bank NBFI Investment Engineering Food & Allied Fuel & Power Jute Textile Pharma & Chemical Paper & Packaging Service Leather Ceramic Cement Information Technology General Insurance Life Insurance Telecom Travel & Leisure Miscellaneous Debenture

DSE Million Taka 143.58 73.50 8.50 353.53 146.20 781.77 1.63 378.44 457.24 11.24 73.11 9.63 5.62 71.04 50.33 10.55 35.37 93.94 112.83 76.65 2.03

% change 4.96 2.54 0.29 12.20 5.05 26.99 0.06 13.06 15.78 0.39 2.52 0.33 0.19 2.45 1.74 0.36 1.22 3.24 3.90 2.65 0.07

Million Taka 9.73 5.97 0.75 40.14 8.27 89.08 36.24 23.61 1.26 2.86 1.52 0.59 5.76 3.64 0.46 1.55 16.29 11.16 12.82 0.06

Average (% Change) 3.06 5.18 9.94 10.43 8.23 8.46 4.38 3.10 2.22 5.72

Average (% Change) 9.07 5.51 3.38 9.64 5.85 4.63 9.52 7.89 3.74 4.16

Average (% Change) -8.70 -9.67 33.12 -6.28 -10.52 -6.70 -4.26 -4.74 -5.00 -3.41

Average (% Change) -9.75 -9.67 -9.94 -9.77 -8.00 -6.52 -6.96 -4.80 -6.17 -6.06

CSE

ClosingAvg. 154.57 21.51 79.10 36.41 17.36 9.10 20.48 20.62 18.91 35.70

ClosingAvg. 17.55 21.46 154.84 35.81 20.80 20.34 16.34 9.43 16.93 19.28

ClosingAvg. 16.68 9.90 70.06 10.90 11.82 29.39 155.47 16.90 5.13 50.66

ClosingAvg.

% change 3.58 2.20 0.28 14.77 3.04 32.78 0.00 13.34 8.69 0.46 1.05 0.56 0.22 2.12 1.34 0.17 0.57 5.99 4.11 4.72 0.02

9.90 5.42 11.78 12.00 17.02 13.63 30.10 111.52 15.20 31.00

Closing 159.80 22.20 79.10 37.00 17.40 9.10 20.90 21.20 19.30 35.70

Closing

DHIGH 159.80 22.20 79.10 37.10 17.40 9.10 21.00 21.30 19.70 35.70

DHIGH

17.60 22.00 159.30 35.90 21.20 20.80 16.30 9.40 17.10 19.30

Closing 16.50 9.90 70.30 10.80 12.00 29.50 151.00 16.60 5.10 50.00

Closing

144.00 20.30 79.10 34.00 17.10 9.10 18.90 19.80 17.70 35.70

DLOW

17.60 22.00 159.30 35.90 21.30 21.00 16.50 9.50 17.30 19.80

DHIGH

17.00 20.30 144.00 34.00 19.70 18.80 16.00 9.00 16.00 18.00

DLOW

17.20 10.00 77.50 11.60 12.00 29.60 169.00 17.30 5.30 52.00

DHIGH

9.90 5.40 11.80 12.00 16.80 13.60 30.10 109.80 15.20 31.00

Million Taka 153.31 79.47 9.25 393.66 154.47 870.85 1.63 414.68 480.85 12.50 75.97 11.14 6.21 76.80 53.97 11.01 36.92 110.23 123.99 89.46 2.08

DLOW

16.00 9.90 70.00 10.60 11.50 29.50 148.10 16.60 4.90 49.40

DLOW

9.90 5.70 12.00 12.00 17.20 14.00 30.10 115.00 15.20 31.00

Total

9.90 5.40 11.60 12.00 16.80 13.40 30.10 109.30 15.20 31.00

% change 4.84 2.51 0.29 12.42 4.88 27.48 0.05 13.09 15.18 0.39 2.40 0.35 0.20 2.42 1.70 0.35 1.17 3.48 3.91 2.82 0.07

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

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

377.594 17.089 0.004 32.334 3.021 0.018 13.886 40.059 7.335 0.004

Turnover in Million

7.11 1.37 2.30 1.09 2.02 -1.48 1.18 1.82 0.72 0.52

Latest EPS

0.380 3.240 57.211 1.379 1.400 2.116 0.213 0.063 1.261 1.399

Turnover in Million

21.7 15.7 34.4 33.4 8.6 -ve 17.4 11.3 26.3 68.7

Latest PE

2.02 1.37 7.11 1.09 1.82 1.18 0.44 -1.48 1.96 0.72

Latest EPS

0.324 6.542 0.022 11.385 2.480 0.043 15.463 0.266 0.034 5.082

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

8.7 15.7 21.8 32.9 11.4 17.2 37.1 -ve 8.6 26.8

Latest PE

2.02 1.02 -0.50 1.71 1.60 2.47 4.05 2.25 0.68 2.16

Latest EPS

0.552 0.029 0.040 0.000 0.007 0.037 0.017 1.349 0.006 0.002

8.3 9.7 -ve 6.4 7.4 11.9 38.4 7.5 7.5 23.5

Latest PE

1.02 0.98 1.60 2.41 -0.37 2.17 -1.66 3.38 1.48 2.47

9.7 5.5 7.4 5.0 -ve 6.3 -ve 33.0 10.3 12.6

CSE key features April 12, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

271.74 6,564,845 13,651

Traded Issues

226

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

67

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

157

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

2

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,380.18

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.85

DT

BUSINESS 19

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

DSEX falls to 15-month low n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N MJL BD Ltd.-A Ifad Autos -N ACI Limited- A Shasha Denims -N Unique Hotel RL - A Mozaffar H.Spinning-A Grameenphone-A Square Pharma -A Bangas -A

Beximco Pharma -A LafargeS Cement-Z Shahjibazar Power-N Pharma Aids A SAIF Powertec-N

VolumeShares 2,442,835 1,463,253 2,139,418 244,159 3,099,592 2,054,357 2,841,166 216,000 254,431 166,238

Value in Million 377.59 188.41 155.77 135.17 126.70 103.95 97.77 75.35 67.30 62.68

% of TotalTurnover 13.04 6.50 5.38 4.67 4.37 3.59 3.38 2.60 2.32 2.16

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N Ifad Autos -N MJL BD Ltd.-A Mozaffar H.Spinning-A Grameenphone-A BD Submarine Cable-A Beximco Pharma -A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Unique Hotel RL - A Shasha Denims -N

Square Pharma -A BD Building Systems -A CVO PetroChem RL-A Bangas -A WesternMarine -N

1,011,233 444,252 322,484 146,535 620,952

369,483 258,098 119,451 402,328 23,886 69,927 150,411 222,818 127,867 150,851

18,494 123,750 11,789 11,710 100,278

50.82 50.51 49.77 44.14 40.63

57.21 19.02 15.40 13.49 8.28 8.01 7.50 6.66 6.46 6.16

4.89 4.85 4.49 4.42 4.11

1.75 1.74 1.72 1.52 1.40

21.05 7.00 5.67 4.96 3.05 2.95 2.76 2.45 2.38 2.27

1.80 1.78 1.65 1.63 1.51

ClosingP 159.80 129.70 74.20 553.40 40.20 50.40 35.70 348.20 263.80 381.00

50.00 113.30 153.10 298.50 65.10

ClosingP

Change % 9.98 1.65 5.10 -1.16 -3.13 -5.44 2.29 -0.40 -0.72 3.98

-4.03 -0.26 -3.77 -2.86 -1.36

Change %

159.30 74.80 129.60 35.60 346.60 113.70 49.70 29.80 50.50 40.00

263.90 39.20 373.70 380.60 41.00

9.94 5.80 1.73 2.30 -0.72 -2.57 -4.61 -1.97 -4.72 -2.20

-0.30 -2.49 -2.94 3.37 -0.73

ClosingY 145.30 127.60 70.60 559.90 41.50 53.30 34.90 349.60 265.70 366.40

52.10 113.60 159.10 307.30 66.00

ClosingY

144.90 70.70 127.40 34.80 349.10 116.70 52.10 30.40 53.00 40.90

264.70 40.20 385.00 368.20 41.30

DHIGH 159.80 130.90 74.90 563.80 43.00 53.30 35.80 351.70 267.00 385.00

52.40 115.50 160.00 310.80 66.90

DLOW 144.00 126.40 70.90 546.00 39.90 49.50 33.80 347.20 263.20 367.00

49.00 112.90 151.10 296.90 64.50

DHIGH

DLOW

159.30 76.50 130.90 35.70 350.90 118.00 51.60 30.40 51.90 42.70

144.00 70.60 126.50 33.50 345.50 112.50 49.00 29.50 49.50 39.60

266.50 40.30 395.00 385.00 41.60

263.50 39.00 370.00 370.00 40.60

AvgPrice 154.57 128.76 72.81 553.63 40.88 50.60 34.41 348.85 264.52 377.07

50.25 113.70 154.32 301.20 65.43

AvgPrice

154.84 73.69 128.90 33.53 346.82 114.48 49.87 29.90 50.53 40.83

264.55 39.19 381.20 377.58 40.96

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

4305.26646

(-) 0.93%

1659.17667

(-) 0.72%

13198.31190

(-) 0.83%

10962.77360

(-) 0.98%

8013.44660

(-) 0.96%

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

Stocks fell yesterday, a day after execution of a war criminal Jammat leader, as investors were cautious to notice the impact of the execution.

The market opened positive as usual but started to dip till close of the session, as investors dumped their holdings to save their investments, dealers said.

The benchmark index DSEX lost over 40 points to 4,305 – its lowest since January 6 last year.

The Shariah Index DSES was marginally down nearly 9 points or 0.9% to 1,056.

The comprising blue chips DS30 declined 12 points or 0.8% to 1,659.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, settled at 8,018, shedding 72 points.

All the sectors suffered except power which gained by almost 1%. The financial sectors experienced major correction with non-banking financial institutions tumbling 1.9%, followed by banks nearly 1%, pharmaceuticals 1.3% and food & allied 0.9%.

Turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange came below Tk300 crore-mark after a week, as most worried investors remained inactive. Turnover stood at Tk290 crore, which is 21.2% lower form the previous session’s value.

United Power Generation and Distribution Company Limited continued to be the most traded share for the fifth consecutive session with a turnover worth Tk37.8 crore.

Lanka Bangla Securities said after execution of a war crime verdict, the investors were a bit cautious to trade.

After execution of a war crime verdict, the investors were a bit cautious to trade The Jamaat-e-Islami senior assistant secretary general Mohammad Kamaruzzaman was hanged for his 1971 wartime atrocities at 10:30 pm yesterday.

The benchmark DSEX index fell below the 4,300 level, but got support at that level and closed just above the mark at 4,305, Lanka Bangla said.

IDLC Investments said the World Bank has estimated that a quarter-long political turmoil incurred a loss of 1% of GDP to the economy.

In response, capital markets were naturally over adjusted, eroding equity capitalisation of DSE by Tk259 core during the same period. l

ANALYST The World Bank has estimated that a quarterlong political turmoil incurred a loss of 1% of GDP to the economy. In response, capital markets were naturally over adjusted, eroding equity capitalisation of DSE by Tk259 core during the same period

DT

20 BUSINESS

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

BUILD calls for business policy reforms

n Tribune Report

A farmer looks at his mobile phone in rural Bangladesh. The country’s ICT sector wants budget facilities to grow like as RMG industry

DHAKA TRIBUNE

ICT sector for tax holiday till 2024 n Muhammad Zahidul Islam Information and Communication Technology sector demanded tax holiday facility be extended till 2024 so it could boom its growth like the country’s largest ready-made garment industry.

Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) submitted their budget proposals to Finance Minister for the upcoming 2015-16 fiscal year yesterday.

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and ICT Secretary Shyam Sundar Shikder

were also present during the submission of the budget proposals at the finance minister’s Secretariat office.

BSS and BASIS demands also include withdrawal of value added tax from all kinds of e-commerce products for three-five years, withdrawal of 4.5% Vat from the ICT services and automation of Vat payment system for the large tax paying industries.

They also favoured imposing high tax on imported customised operating system and database software to protect the local developers.

But the organisations refrained from demanding withdrawal of Vat from internet uses

though it has remained a major burden for the end-users.

“We asked finance minister for giving us (budget) facilities for next 10 years. We can change the whole country through the development of ICT sector,” BSS president Abu Hanif Md Mahfuzul Arif told Dhaka Tribune after the meeting.

“Finance minister listened to us and promised that he would do something as the government plans to build digital Bangladesh. He told us that he also wants to give a big surprise to the ICT industry and the whole nation in his June budget speech,” Abu Hanif said. l

China premier says economy faces growing downward pressure

n Reuters, Beijing

China’s economy faces increased downward pressure as the country prepares to announce first-quarter economic growth.

The government must “stand up to the downward pressure,” Premier Li Keqiang said late on Friday, to avoid an impact on employment and incomes, according to a statement on the government’s website.

“At this time, the national economy is running smoothly, but downward pressure continues to grow,” Li said.

Li also called for speeding up reforms in the northeast, a centre of mining and heavy industry that has been lagging in growth.

The central government will funnel more support to the region for infrastructure, agriculture and equipment export, he said.

Known as China’s rust belt, the northeast was plagued by widespread layoffs in the 1990s, when the government forced state factories to shut en masse to cull inefficient industry.

Li called for the timely launch of major infrastructure projects in the region in areas such as transport and water conservation with the support of financial institutions. l

Directors attend 42nd annual general meeting of British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited in the city yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

British American Tobacco holds 42nd Annual General Meeting n Tribune Report The 42nd Annual General Meeting of British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka yesterday.

BATB chairman Golam Mainuddin presided over the meeting, said a press release.

A large number of shareholders attended the meeting and unanimously passed the Ac-

counts for the year ended 31 December 2014, Directors’ Report and the Auditor’s Report.

The shareholders also approved the proposed dividend of Tk 55 (including Tk10 per share as interim cash dividend) per share. In 2014, the company contributed Tk9,932 crore as value added tax, supplementary duty and other taxes to the national exchequer. This contribution makes BATB as the highest taxpayer firm in the country. l

The seventh Private Sector Development Policy Coordination Committee (PSDPCC) yesterday said emphasis should be given to reforming tea sector, seed, cold storage and Solar Pico PV market expansion.

The committee made the emphasis at a meeting with Md Abul Kalam Azad, principal secretary at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) placed four reform policy papers including reforms of financial policy of tea industry for attaining competitiveness, inclusion of seed as a trust sector in the coming Industrial Policy, expansion of Solar Pico PV market and production of solar energy and reshaping the policy of cold storage.

The BUILD recommended reduction of tax rates for Pico PV solar lantern and extension ERQ for pharmaceuticals.

BUILD Chairman Asif Ibrahim requested Abul Kalam Azad to set a specific time line for implementing each proposal placed by them.

He sought support from PMO for organising a Regional Policy Conference in the mid of June of this year. Asif also called for simplification of all the policy issues.

Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayat Ullah Al Mamuoon and Planning Secretary Md Shafiqul Azam were present at the meeting. l

DSE website takes a new look n Tribune Report Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has launched updated version of its website to make it more user-friendly and informative.

The new website was also launched in line with its ongoing automation project expected to be completed by July next.

DSE Chairman Siddiqur Rahman Miah opened the website at the DSE office yesterday.

DSE Managing Director Swapan Kumar Bala said the new website is rich in information, which might be helpful for investors.

“Any investors can easily know current share value and history of prices of any scrips just by a click. This was absent before.”

The DSE hopes that the website will be more informative if its automation project is completed by July next. Mobile apps and online payment gate-way service will be introduced soon, it said. l

Earthquake warning on your smartphone?

There could be an app for that

n Reuters, London Countries looking for cheap earthquake warning systems might want to try apps and smartphones after scientists discovered smartphones could be used as an affordable alternative to sophisticated earthquake monitoring networks.

The Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in smartphones could detect earthquakes and trigger warnings seconds before the strongest waves from the quake begin, researchers wrote in Friday’s American-based journal Science Advances. l

DT

21

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

T-JUNCTION

Bag of tricks Photo: Sumi Mahmud

INSIDE

Pits of darkness

Hygiene decoded

Discover easy natural cures for dark underarms and pigmentation

The ultimate washing guide for towels, bedsheets, hair and undergarments

22

school survival

Getting into the writing zone

23

wellbeing

Best foot forward

24 health

Posture perfect!

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Schoologistics

school survival

The write time Carving out time to get your writing done

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Whether you have college application essays coming up, or practicing for your O levels, or even just daydreaming of becoming a famous novelist, between coaching classes and school, and of course, a happening social life, it’s hard to get into the zone and write. Here are three ways to make time for your writing.

Planning It’s much easier to bang out a piece once you know the bare bones of what you’re going to write. So way before you actually sit down to write your thing, create an outline for what you’re going to write. This could be in the form of bullet points saved on your

phone, or index cards, if you’re an organisation freak like yours truly, or even a “murder board” (a time-line of events sketched out on a white board pinned up over your workstation). What you need for your outline is a decision on a beginning, a middle and an end for your piece. The rest is just details. You can plan your outline while sitting in a jam, or even while you’re singing in the shower, and once you have that in your head, writing the main thing is just a breeze.

Shut it out If there’s anything that gets in the way of finishing your writing project – or any project, really, it’s the distraction of the virtual world. So turn off Facebook, get off Tumblr, put your phone on mute,

news

Do you feel ‘beautiful’ or ‘average’?

About 96% of the women around the world would choose “average” to answer this question. When women look and feel their best, it enhances their confidence and happiness. However, majority of the women would not use the word beautiful to describe how they look. Our tendency to not “choose beautiful” is challenged by the

new Dove “Choose Beautiful” short film that invites women to believe that feeling beautiful is a personal choice they can make every day.

To watch the video please visit: http://bit. ly/1a1thTy l

and then get down to it. The proof that going on virtual lockout actually works is in the paper you’re holding in your hands right now. You’ll be surprised at just how much you get done when you’re not scrolling through 9gag for an hour or so.

Just chill Surprised? You’ll also get more writing (and other work) done if you take regular breaks. The trick is to schedule your breaks, and to stick to them. For every hour that you put into your work, take 15 minutes off to do what you like to de-stress, and get back to it. It’ll keep you motivated, and productive, and those essays and articles will get done in no time. l

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Tempt

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

beauty

wellbeing

Pits of darkness And how to lighten up

Sandal scandal Putting your worst foot forward

n Sabah Rahman Sandal season is definitely in full swing.

The handsome Mahmood Hossain, the men’s grooming expert in the T Junction team has often pointed out how men should not flaunt their neglected, crusty feet. Women can be just as guilty of this unappealing crime. Pay attention: You’re claws are showing Sometimes it’s hard to wrap our heads around the fact that some ladies actually think long, claw-like toe nails are

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Let’s put aside the fairness cream controversies for a minute and talk actual skin care for a minute, shall we? Sure, bleaching your underarms and nether regions to fit someone else’s perception of what is attractive is outrageous. But neglecting, and abusing your own body isn’t really helping you either. So if your pits are looking dark, dry and unloved, here are some ways to brighten things up.

Don’t leave me dry We’ve all been there. Too impatient to wait for the hair to grow out between waxes, the hot weather making sleeveless kameezes less fashionable and more a necessity, we’ve all tried to save time with a quick shave. While there’s absolutely nothing long with a shave per se, many of us even skip the shaving foam and shave dry, and that’s a serious no-no. Razor burns, nicks and bumps are just not a good look for your skin, wherever it’s located. Soap and water isn’t a good substitute either. If you must shave, just do yourself a solid favour and use an actual shaving foam.

Photos: Bigstock

Sunshine in my pocket Rub a lemon wedge over the darkened area before you step into the shower. Halfway through the shower, rub a paste made from lemon juice and raw honey. Wait for a few minutes (or concentrate on something else, like shampooing), and then rinse off before you step out. Finish off with a moisturiser with sunscreen, and you’re protected and pampered all at once. l

acceptable and even fashionable. News flash! They are absolutely revolting. We’re not talking about nails that have missed a weekly trim. You’ve seen them: the long pointy eye-sores that look straight up dangerous. We’re not sure if the bright red painted version is any better than the unpolished ones. Cut those nails, ladies.

They serve no purpose, unless you’re into scratching your partner’s legs up in bed.

Hanging on for dear life You’ve seen these too. Feet in open toed heels that slip forward to the point where your toes look like they’re literally grasping the front of your shoes. This usually happens if you’re sporting the wrong size.

Toe cleavage maybe sexy, but this certainly isn’t.

Dirty deeds We understand that you may be too busy to get regular pedicures. We also understand your decision to not paint your toes. What we don’t get is why you would expose your nails when there is accumulated dirt underneath. It’s enough to make us gag.

You shower every day, (we hope) how hard is it to scrub under those nails with a brush while you’re at it? And don’t think you can get away with toe jam if your nails are indeed polished. You don’t need that kind of bacteria in your life. l

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Take Care

health

The art of good posture A go-to guide to remove your backward hunch

n

Farhana Shahnaz

We are all guilty of spending a fortune on how we look in an attempt to create a stellar impression. Be it shoes, clothes or accessories – we spare no expense. What we do not acknowledge is the importance of our posture. No matter how many high end brands you flaunt, nothing will look flattering if you don’t have the right frame to pull those clothes off.

What posture generally defines is the way your body is positioned when you are sitting or standing.

Good posture is the position wherein your body is aligned and all your joints are in order. You might wonder why maintaining proper posture is so important. Studies reveal that our posture loosely affects how people see us. Moreover, bad posture also has adverse, long term effect on our health. Some studies even show that

it leads to neck pain, back pain and fatigue. Read on to find out a few tips to get your stance right.

Stand tall Bad posture can be taken care of with a little dedication and effort. As for your standing posture, make sure you stand upright with your shoulders squared. Your feet should be kept about shoulder width apart. However, do not stand too rigidly and follow the natural contour of your body.

Seat yourself right For those who have to sit in a chair for extended periods, it may be a good idea to get an ergonomically designed chair. While sitting, align your whole body to the chair and make sure your elbows are positioned at a 75-90 degree angle. Take frequent breaks to stretch and exercise a little.

Good posture at work is believed to

improve performance and reduce fatigue. The same basic principle of good sitting posture applies to driving as well. Good sitting posture can also drastically reduce impact if an accident occurs.

Sleep your way through it You can work on your posture while sleeping too! This is as simple as sleeping on a firm mattress and sleeping on your back instead of on your sides or stomach.

Maintaining proper posture may seem like a lot of hard work, but a little dedication can go a long way. Now that you know all about maintaining good posture, get your swag on and strut away like you own the place! l

teen health

The wash list Hygiene decoded

n

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Towels After every 3-4 uses Every time you use a towel, you’re depositing your facial oils, make-up remnants and dandruff on it.

Combined with the dampness of a used towels, this creates the ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. These are then transferred back to your skin when you re-use them, leading to a host of skin issues.

Make sure you hang your towel in a sunny, airy place after every use to minimise fungal growth.

Bed sheets Every week Facial oils, make-up residue, dead skin, dust, mold, there is a whole host of nasties that get deposited onto your sheets, leading to allergies and worse if left in too long.

In addition to weekly washes, do ensure that your bed gets dusted daily, and that your mattress and pillows enjoy a few hours in the sun every couple of months.

PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK

Your hair Varies The Internet has been blowing up with debates about this, with some people swearing by the daily shampoo, while others going for the “no poo” movement.

The answer isn’t as simple as picking one or the other. Your hair is unique, and what works for someone else might not work for you. Consult with a dermatologist to find out what’s your ideal shampoo schedule.

Bras Every 3-4 wears If you think that’s gross, consider that you shouldn’t wear the same bra two days in a row.

Have at least two pairs which you alternate, giving each about 24 hours to air out and for the elastic to stretch back. And then, after each bra has gotten in 3-4 wears, hand wash them. l

The family of cricket icon Richie Benaud has declined the offer of a state funeral, Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Sunday

Sport 26

MAHMUDULLAH CALM AS USUAL

27

AZHAR PROMISES TOUGH FIGHT IN BANGLADESH SERIES

25

DT

NO STATE FUNERAL

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

PSG RETAIN LEAGUE CUP, NEXT UP BARCA

29

BCL FINAL BCB NORTH ZONE Mahmudul c Tasamul b Asif Ahmed Zunaid c Nabil b Abu Jayed Naeem c Liton b Abul Hasan Mushfiqur c Liton b Mominul Haque Nasir c Tasamul b Asif Ahmed Sabbir Rahman run out Arafat Sunny Ariful Haque c & b Arafat Sunny Forhad c Tasamul b Nabil Samad Delwar c Asif b Arafat Sunny Sanjamul Islam not out Extras: (W 12, NB 1)

R 107 5 1 31 96 3 17 1 17 0 13

Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs)

291

B 132 8 7 37 84 4 18 2 9 0

Fall of wickets 1-23 (Zunaid), 2-24 (Naeem), 3-88 (Mushfiq), 4-228 (Mahmudul), 5-248 (Sabbir), 6-260 (Nasir), 7-266 (Forhad), 8-291 (Delwar), 9-291 (Ariful) Bowling Abul 6-0-40-1, Jayed 6-0-45-1, Arafat 10-0-51-2, Nabil 10-0-52-1, Mominul 6-0-33-1, Kapali 4-0-200, Asif 8-0-50-2

An ecstatic Abul Hasan (R) punches the air in celebration with Arafat Sunny after Islami Bank East Zone beat BCB North Zone in an intense Bangladesh Cricket League one-day tournament final at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Tailenders steer East to BCL title n Minhaz Uddin Khan A nailbiting chase, led superbly by tailenders Abul Hasan and Arafat Sunny, guided Islami Bank East Zone to a thrilling three-wicket win over BCB North Zone in the final of the first ever Bangladesh Cricket League one-dayers at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

Seamer-allrounder Hasan’s blazing un-

beaten 39 and Sunny’s undefeated 18, coupled with Asif Ahmed’s 46 earlier, piloted East Zone’s chase as they reached their revised target of 278 with an over to spare.

The competition was introduced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s tournament committee to allow the national cricketers some match practice ahead of the upcoming bilateral home series against Pakistan which will

start with three ODIs with the first match taking place this Friday.

Among the national batsmen, North Zone captain Nasir Hossain topped the run-scorers chart with 231 runs at an average of 57.75. His highest score of 96 came yesterday as North Zone posted a competitive 291/9 on the board.

However, it was opener Mahmudul Hasan’s 107 off 132 which laid the platform. Nasir and Mahmudul added 140 runs for the fourth wicket to give the lower middle order the launchpad for the death overs. Mushfiqur Rahim made 31 to finish with 129 runs in the tournament.

East Zone’s Sunny and Asif bagged two wickets apiece. Sunny had a stellar tournament, picking up 13 wickets to top the highest wicket-takers’ chart.

In reply, East Zone were in early trouble as opener Tamim Iqbal was dismissed for five.

Liton Kumar Das (50) and skipper Mominul Haque (78) though repaired the early damage, putting on 102 runs for the second wicket. Liton struck half a dozen boundaries and two sixes while Mominul smashed 10 boundaries. East Zone were once again in trouble after the fall of a couple of wickets in the middle overs but Asif, Hasan and Sunny hammered some lusty blows at the end to propel their side to the title. l

ISLAMI BANK EAST ZONE (Target 278 in 46 overs) Tamim c Taijul b Forhad Reza Liton st Mushfiqur b Taijul Islam Mominul run out Sabbir Rahman Tasamul lbw Taijul Islam Alok Kapali b Forhad Reza Asif c Sanjamul b Taijul Islam Nazmul c Taijul b Delwar Hossain Abul Hasan not out Arafat Sunny not out Extras: (W 7, Byes 6)

R

B

5 50 78 11 13 46 8 39 18 13

7 37 77 21 18 52 16 35 7

Total: (7 wkts, 45 overs)

281

Fall of wickets 1-5 (Tamim), 2-107 (Liton), 3-133 (Tasamul), 4-160 (Alok), 563 (Mominul), 6-186 (Nazmul), 7-241 (Asif) Bowling Delwar 7-0-40-1, Forhad 9-1-58-2, Mahmudul 101-44-0, Taijul 8-0-56-3, Sanjamul 5-0-24-0, Nasir 6-0-53-0 Result: Islami Bank East Zone won by three wickets Man of the Match: Abul Hasan

TIGERS IN BCL Name

Played

Runs

Wickets

Mashrafe

3

119

4

Mushfiqur Rahim

4

129

NA

Tamim Iqbal

2

15

NA

Mahmudullah

3

46

1

Rony Talukdar

3

45

NA

Mominul Haque

4

92

4

Nasir Hossain

4

231

4

Sabbir Rahman

4

105

0

Taskin Ahmed

2

0

5

Abul Hasan

4

90

7

Rubel Hossain

3

0

9

Arafat Sunny

4

45

13

Shakib Al Hasan

Absent

Soumya Sarkar

Absent

DT

26 Sport

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Mahmudullah calm as usual n Minhaz Uddin Khan

The upcoming bilateral series against Pakistan will be competitive and it will be the home side that will be wearing the favourites tag, feels Mahmudullah. The resurgent No.4 batsman echoed the tones of his teammates Shakib al Hasan and Rubel Hossain, who earlier expressed their confidence, and informed that the positive World Cup campaign made all the difference.

Mahmudullah, who usually batted at No.7, fully utilised his opportunity of batting at the top and his calm approach saw him return from Australia-New Zealand as the most successful Bangladesh batsman with 365 runs under his belt. Bangladesh’s first World Cup centurion, Mahmudullah struck back-to-back hundreds in the mega event and overnight became one of the superstar in the country.

Scan Cement signed the 29-year-old as their brand ambassador yesterday where Mahmudullah expressed his confidence for the coming series.

“Our performances in the World Cup have boosted our confidence. We played consistent cricket and this will give us the courage in the Pakistan series. We will go into the series as favourites.”

Pakistan team contains world class fast-bowlers like Wahab Riaz, Rahat Ali and Mohammad Irfan and the trio will be a headache for the home side batsmen. In order to prepare fully couple of left-arm seamers we called to bowl in the Tigers net yesterday that also included Abul Hasan Rony.

“We have few left-arm pacers in the nets and at the same time we played Pakistan in a World Cup warm-up match so we have some idea about them,” Mahmudullah said adding that he is not basking on the glory. l

TICKET PRICES Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Gallery

Former national striker Enamul Haque continued his fine form in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League as his brace helped Muktijoddha SKS to a 2-1 win over Chittagong Abahani at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Enamul, who also netted against Soccer Club in their opener, guided the Reds to the summit with maximum six points while Chittagong Abahani suffered their second consecutive defeat.

Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Abahani returned to winning ways after drawing their opening game 2-2 against Rahmatganj MFS as the Sky Blues put four past Soccer Club without reply at the same venue. Abahani’s Hungarian recruits Szabolcs Csorba and Gabor Demjen continued to impress as they shared three goals between them.

The four-time professional league champions began their campaign with a disappointing draw but they did not take long in putting

Test

Hosp/Corp Box

3000

1000

BCB Hosp Lounge (North)

2000

1000

Grand Stand

1000

300

VIP

500

100

Shahid Mushtaque/Jewel

300

75

Northern/Southern

150

50

Eastern

100

20

Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna Gallery

Test

BCB Corporate Box

1000

Grand Stand West/East

300

International West/East

100

Club House West/East

75

Western

50

Eastern

20 * All tickets exclusive of tax

United Commercial Bank Limited branches in Dhaka: Bijoynagar (UCash), Bashundhara (UCash), Mirpur Road (UCash), Mirpur

Uniter Commercial Bank Limited branches in Khulna Main branch (UCash), Khan Jahan Ali Road Tickets go on sale this Wednesday

Nasir Hossain congratulates BCB North Zone teammate Mahmudul Hasan after the latter reached 100 against Islami Bank East Zone in the BCL one-day final at SBNS yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Enamul carries Reds, Abahani ride on Hungarians n Shishir Hoque

ODIs/T20I

behind their frustrations as Csorba put Abahani ahead in the 22nd minute. An unmarked Csorba received a pass from Pranotosh Kumar, dribbled past a defender and tapped home past Soccer Club goalkeeper Ahsan Habib.

Demjen doubled Abahani’s lead on the stroke of the first half whistle, placing home from inside the box after a cutback from Komol Majumder.

Csorba grabbed his second and his side’s

TODAY’S MATCHES Sheikh Russel vs Brothers Union Team BJMC vs Mohammedan

RESULTS Muktijoddha

2-1

Enamul Haque 53, 83

Abahani Szabolcs Csorba 22, 78 Gabor Demjen 45+1 Mamun Miah 90+1

4:15pm 6:30pm

Chittagong Abahani Sumon Ali 45

4-0

Soccer Club

third in the 75th minute. Demjen teed up Csorba with a square pass and the latter made no mistake slotting home past Habib.

Defender Mamun Miah completed the rout in time added on with a fine solo effort. Mamun guided home after brilliantly anticipating a cross from almost the halfway line.

Elsewhere, Enamul scored both his goals in the second half, allowing the Reds to come from behind and earn a 2-1 victory. Enamul is in magnificent form as his brace took his season tally to eight, more than any other player.

The veteran forward scored five times in the season-opening Federation Cup and impressed again yesterday, much like the opener against Soccer Club.

However, it was the visitors, Chittagong Abahani, who went ahead just before the first half whistle courtesy Sumon Ali’s strike from a goalmouth melee.

Enamul though equalised quickly after resumption which was followed by some intense pressure from the Reds. And seven minutes from the final whistle, Enamul sealed the fate of the match with a superb volley from the edge of the box. l

Unoccupied Tigers begin home series preparation n Mazhar Uddin Seven of the Bangladesh cricketers began the short preparation camp for the home series against Pakistan under Chandika Hathurusingha at the Mirpur indoor facilities yesterday.

“We have enjoyed the training session. Although we don’t have enough time, we are confident of preparing well within this time,” said Soumya Sarkar, who attended the training alongside Mahmudullah, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and rookie opening batsman Rony Talukdar. Skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza was also present but he did not sweat it out in the nets.

The remaining Tigers members were occupied in the Bangladesh Cricket League oneday tournament final at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium while Shakib al Hasan was in India playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. The premier all-rounder returned to the capital yesterday to join the national camp.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Sabbir Rahman, Abul Hasan, Arafat Sunny, Nasir Hossain and Mominul Haque were the cricketers engaged in the final match at Mirpur.

The full squad are expected to start training from today with the Pakistan team arriving on the same day. The first of the threematch ODI series will be played on April 17 at SBNS. Pakistan, with three different captains in three formats, will also play a Twenty20 international followed by two Tests.l

DT

Sport 27

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

QUICK BYTES ‘Perfect run’ only way for Arsenal to win title: Wenger Arsene Wenger has said his Arsenal side need a “perfect run” to have any chance of catching Premier League leaders Chelsea. Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Burnley made it eight league wins in a row for the Gunners for the first time since the ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003/04. Chelsea are four points in front with two games in hand ahead of their match away to relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers on Sunday and the title is now theirs to lose. But London rivals Arsenal have emerged as their closest challenges due to a superb run of form. However, cautious Arsenal manager Wenger said after his side’s latest triumph at Turf Moor: “Nothing has changed, we need a perfect run and we need a non-perfect run from them (Chelsea) but we can’t master that, we can only master our own position.

“We want to keep winning because we have to look behind us as well at Manchester United and Manchester City,” the veteran French boss added. “I think we have won 15 of last 17 so we are consistent.

–AFP

‘Financial Fair Play designed to subdue new investment’ Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules (FFP) are designed to subdue teams with recent investment, such as his club, and prevent them from competing with the long-established giants of European football. Since Sheikh Mansour bought the club in 2008, City have invested heavily in an attempt to break into the European hierarchy - winning the Premier League in 2012 and 2014 - but have since been punished for failing to comply with the regulations. UEFA said their FFP regulations were designed to limit reckless spending and ensure clubs operated within their means. Last May, City were handed a fine of 60 million euros ($82.23 million) and had restrictions placed on their European squad and transfer dealings and Kompany said the rules only serve to maintain the status quo. “That’s how I look at it anyway,” he told the Sunday Telegraph.

–Reuters

Real fired up for Atletico revenge: Ancelotti Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said his side will be out to avenge the humiliation of their 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in February when the sides meet in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. Los Blancos beat Atletico 4-1 after extra time to win their 10th European Cup in last season’s final, but the La Liga champions have turned the tide in the Spanish capital this season with four wins and two draws in six previous meetings this campaign. The most recent of those matches was the most embarrassing for Real as Atletico outplayed Ancelotti’s men from first minute to last to seal their biggest win in a Madrid derby for 28 years. “The last result against Atletico is a motivating factor for us. It will be a different game, but difficult as it always is against Atletico,” said Ancelotti after his side closed to within two points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win over Eibar on Saturday. “We come into the game in good form, we are motivated and we will give everything we have.”

–AFP

England Head Coach Peter Moores hits a ball to Gary Ballance during nets at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua yesterday

REUTERS

Windies, England seek fresh start n AFP, North Sound West Indies and England face-off in the first Test of a three-match series on at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Monday, with both sides involved in reconstruction and rehabilitation following a wretched few months.

Facing the wrath of the Indian authorities following an unprecedented abandonment of the tour there last October and with several of their star players either overlooked by the selectors or unwilling to represent the regional

team, there is considerable trepidation over the prospects of the West Indies in the opening fixture, notwithstanding the ground’s reputation as a batting paradise.

Chris Gayle, who led the West Indies to an upset 1-0 triumph the last time the English played a Test series in the Caribbean in 2009, announced his unavailability for the assignment, although he is turning out for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the lucrative Twenty20 Indian Premier League.

Dwayne Bravo, captain of the squad who walked out of the Indian campaign, appears

to be paying the price for his role in that fiasco, although the official line from the selectors, headed by outstanding former captain Clive Lloyd, is that they are looking to younger players to try to take the team forward.

However the game unfolds, England and their army of travelling supporters are anticipating at least one moment of celebration as experienced seam and swing bowler James Anderson needs four wickets in his 100th Test to surpass celebrated all-rounder Ian Botham’s tally of 383 - the most by an England cricketer in Tests. l

Azhar promises tough fight in Bangladesh series n AFP, Lahore Newly appointed Pakistan one-day captain Azhar Ali Saturday said his team will not take Bangladesh lightly after their strong World Cup performance, promising a tough fight from his young players next week.

Ali will lead the team for the first time on tour starting with the first of three one-day internationals in Dhaka on Friday.

He replaced Misbah-ul-Haq, who retired from one-day cricket after Pakistan slumped out of this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, in the quarter-finals.

Ali, 30, said his team is ready for Bangladesh, who shocked England to also reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where they lost to India.

“Bangladesh’s performance in the World Cup was good and they looked a much-improved side. They are also tough in their condition, so we are no way going to take them lightly,” Ali told reporters on the last day of the training camp.

“There will be two teams fighting and I be-

lieve my young boys will perform well,” said Ali about the tour where Pakistan will also play a Twenty20 international followed by two Tests. Ali said his young team, including new uncapped opener Sami Aslam, will progress with time.

“I understand cricket has changed a lot and obviously we do have to take our cricket forward in a positive way. But if you expect a sudden change that is not going to happen as rather breaking in the race we should gradually bring on a change.”

Ali said he was inspired by former captain Misbah, who is still leading Pakistan’s Test side.

“I have a big example of Misbah who led Pakistan in tough times and positively. Being a team member I saw a lot of good things in him, how he handled the situations so this is going to help me.

“There are a lot of great captain around the world, but for me Misbah is the best captain I have played with.”

Ali hoped his under-performing batsmen will show improvement.l

Surrey batsman Kevin Pietersen plays a shot at The Parks, Oxford on Saturday. Pietersen scored 170 on his return to County cricket REUTERS

DT

Sport 29

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Spieth leads by four at drama-filled Masters n AFP, Augusta Jordan Spieth held at bay a gallery of golfing greats at the Masters for most of Saturday’s third round before a nervy finish opened the door slightly for his closest rivals.

Leading by a record-equaling five shots at the halfway stage of the year’s first major, Spieth had already felt the heat from the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods even before he teed off at Augusta National.

Then Phil Mickelson entered the fray with a triple-birdie blast early on that hauled the three-time former winner into firm contention. Finally, England’s Justin Rose came at him late in the day. But they all needed Spieth to falter and he gave few signs of doing that before coughing up a double-bogey at the 17th.

By the end of the day, Spieth, with a two-under par 70 for a Masters-record 54hole total of 200, was four ahead of Rose, who had birdies at 16 and 18 for a 67.

Mickelson, who also had a 67, was alone in third on 205 with fellow American Charley Hoffman a further stroke back after a 71.

Woods and McIlroy were on 210, 10 shots off the lead along with Dustin Johnson (73), Kevin Streelman (70) and Kevin Na (70).

“Felt a little different because I played in the morning yesterday. I had a long time. I had 24 hours from the time I finished to the time I teed off. That’s a long time to sit on a lead like that,” he said.

Spieth had set Augusta National alight with opening rounds of 64 and 66 that saw him record 15 birdies against just one bogey.

In so doing, he became the youngest player to lead the Masters after the first round, and his 130 halfway total was the lowest-ever in 79 editions of the year’s first major.

A slippery five-footer brought a birdie at the second, but he misread his short putt at the fourth to record just his second bogey of the tournament.

A superb 22-footer for birdie at the parthree sixth was then followed by a poor bunker shot at the next that handed him a second bogey. Hardly the kind of play that had stunned the galleries and his rivals in his superb opening rounds, but at that stage he was still where he was when he started the day -five shots ahead of the field.

Woods, Mickelson and McIlroy all went out in 32 and the steady Hoffman was stubbornly holding on with a run of pars.

But Spieth kept them at arm’s length and then birdies at the 12th and 13th going around Amen Corner moved him further clear.l

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six 8:30PM Indian Premier League Bangalore v Hyderabad

Ten Action 2:30PM ATP 1000 Masters Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Round 1

Star Sports 4 1:00AM English Premier League Liverpool v Newcastle United

Paris St Germain players celebrate with their trophy after winning the French League Cup final against Bastia at the Stade de France on Saturday

REUTERS

PSG retain League Cup, next up Barca n AFP, Paris Zlatan Ibrahimovic inspired holders Paris Saint-Germain to the first of a potential four trophies this season with a 4-0 win over 10-men Bastia in the League Cup final on Saturday.

In a repeat of the 1995 final, a first half brace by the Swedish star, completed by Edinson Cavani’s second half double, kept Ligue 1 leaders PSG in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

The win teed up Laurent Blanc’s side nicely for Wednesday’s visit to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter final first leg with Auxerre awaiting them in next month’s French Cup final.

“It’s our first title, it was our aim. We are very happy,” club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told France 2 television.

“We are also happy because we didn’t have any new injuries. We are ready for Barca.”

Paris Saint-Germain, however, must tackle Barcelona without Ibrahimovic. The tempestuous striker is suspended for the Nou Camp trip after his sending off against Chelsea

in the last 16. He is also now starting a four match domestic ban following his infamous anti-France rant.

It took Blanc’s men just 21 minutes to find the back of the net after Bastia defender Sebastien Squillaci was harshly sent off for taking Ezequiel Lavezzi down inside the box, with Ibrahimovic converting from the spot.

FRENCH CUP PSG

4-0

Bastia

Ibrahimovic 21-P, 41, Cavani 80, 90+2

The Swedish forward scored his tenth goal in just five games a few minutes before halftime, controlling Mathieu Peybernes’ poor headed clearance before lashing a shot inside the bottom corner. Cavani added a third with a superb header, finding himself at the end of Serge Aurier’s cross.

The Uruguay striker grabbed his 20th goal of the season and put the final nail in the Corsican side’s coffin in injury time thanks to a

Rosberg accuses Hamilton of selfish behaviour n Reuters, Shanghai Nico Rosberg accused Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of selfishly compromising his race as old tensions between the Mercedes team mates flared up at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton led from start to finish, with Rosberg finishing second, but there more recriminations than celebrations afterwards.

After accusing Hamilton in a news conference of “just thinking about yourself” as

he controlled the pace, Rosberg said his afternoon had been compromised by his team mate driving too slowly.

“Did Lewis do it on purpose or not? I don’t know. I can’t answer that,” the German fumed to television reporters afterwards. “But he said in the press conference he was just thinking about himself. That’s an interesting indication, an interesting statement.”

Hamilton, who can smile after winning two of the three races this season to open up a 13 point lead, shrugged off the criticism.l

brilliantly-timed pass by Ibrahimovic that sent him through on goal.

“They are a big team with big players. The referee took a major decision after just 20 minutes with the red card and the penalty,” Bastia defender Francois Modesto said.

“It really is a pity. The sanction is harsh but Paris deserve their win. We had a good run and presented a good image of Corsica.”

Against a team currently sitting in 14th, five points above the relegation zone, PSG secured their fifth win in the competition after lifting the trophy in 1995, 1998, 2008 and 2014.

With no time for celebrations, PSG will now turn to Barcelona, whom they host at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

They can then focus on national duties as they top Ligue 1 with seven matches to play and face Auxerre in the final of the French Cup on May 30.

The victory was marred when 15 policemen suffered minor injuries in skirmishes in Paris between police and Bastia fans before kick-off. l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Supreme happiness (5) 4 Strange (3) 6 Crustacean (4) 8 Adult insect (5) 9 Assumed attitude (4) 11 Chime (4) 12 View (5) 15 Insignificant (5) 18 Meat dish (4) 20 Yield (4) 21 Big (5) 22 Singing voice (4) 23 Spirit (3) 24 Tendency (5)

DOWN 1 Inflamed swellings (5) 2 Silly (5) 3 Tally (5) 4 Musical instrument (4) 5 Affair of honour (4) 7 Fruit (5) 10 Old sailor (4) 13 Quote (4) 14 Stair handrail post (5) 15 Airman (5) 16 Concise (5) 17 Surrender (5) 18 Cicatrix (4) 19 Dutch cheese (4)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 13 represents F so fill F every time the figure 13 appears.

You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

SUDOKU

CALVIN AND HOBBES

How to solve: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

SHOWTIME 31

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

Bappa brings us a

Tagore album

Sound bytes

What's hot abroad

n Showtime Desk Bangladeshi musical sensation, Bappa Mazumder has released a new album on the occasion of Bangla New Year which is the first complete Rabindra Sangeet album in his career.

Mazumder’s 11th solo till date, called Bendhechi Amar Pran, included a launching ceremony which was held yesterday at a restaurant in the capital’s Bailey Road area.

Song titles on the album include “Amaro Parano Jaha Chay,” “Aami Chini Go Chini,” “Tumi Kon Kanoner Phool,” “Bhalobese Sokhi,” “Emano Dine Tare Bola Jay,” “Ami Tomar Songe Bendhechi Amar Pran,” “Purano Sei Diner Kotha” and “Mone Ki Dwidha.” The singer himself has composed music for all the songs.

Regarding this album, Bappa said: “I have composed the music of Tagore songs for several artists on various occasions previously. I had a wish to make a complete Tagore song album as well and I am delighted to make it feasible.”

Dedicating the album to his musician parents he added, “My mother would be happy if she saw me releasing this album. She had a wish as well that I bring out an album on Tagore songs.”

The album, presented by Brac Bank Limited and marketed by Girona Bangladesh, is available at outlets of Deshal and also at rokomari.com l

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Pharrell Williams @Pharrell Thanks for having me on your show @ sethmeyers. Watch @LateNightSeth tonight on @nbc #LNSM Sunidhi Chauhan @SunidhiChauhan5 19 years!!! WOW! Can’t thank you enough and JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH love..

Always!

Ellie Goulding @elliegoulding Goodbye London I will miss you

Turn it up WHAT TO WATCH

n Showtime desk

TELEVISION

A new journey In case you didn't know, Avril Lavigne has been battling Lyme Disease and eager to help spread awareness of this ailment. Releasing on April 16th, her new single “Fly” is the anthem song for the 2015 Special Olympics.

What if?

TWC Dimension and Jon Bon Jovi announce the release of a new reality series titled “If I wasn’t a rock star”. Fans of Mr. Bon Jovi are stoked that they’ll be able to see him on a regular basis.

This show will see famous musicians go back to their roots, to their hometowns without their entourage of publicists and agents and see how different life could have been. Sadly, the air date has not been released yet. l

Seinfeld We were wondering what Dio Haque, the drummer of Nemesis, the beloved band that needs no introduction was listening to.

Here is what’s on his playlist: 1. U2 - Even better than the real thing. My biggest influence, this particular track was a huge change from their 80's sound and one of my all time favorites!

2. Coldplay – Talk. Although not one of their popular numbers, I love the spacey feel of this one.

3. Metallica - Enter sandman. What can I say? That intro is just pure goose bumps.

4. Incubus - Are you in? One of the funkiest songs from one of my favorite bands.

5. Radiohead - All I need. A perfect song

for a chilled out evening.

6. Jeff Buckley – Last goodbye. Another genius gone too soon. You can hear his sadness in this one.

7. Gorillaz - Tomorrow comes today. An underrated band, in my opinion. This one is a classic.

8. Bob Marley – Exodus. Those who think reggae is all soft and happy, this one’s for you.

9. MGMT - Electric feel. This song gives you exactly that.

10. Bruno mars - Uptown funk. One of the most talented musicians right now. It doesn’t get funkier than this.

FX 11:30am Take a trip down memory lane with your favourite cast who participate in a show about absolutely nothing.

Boom Box

B4U 4:30pm An exciting collection of international as well as Bollywood tracks, this show should get you out of your midafternoon slump.

Movie Awards 2015

Vh1 9:00pm Catch the 24th installment of this fantastic award show, hosted by actress, comedian and writer, Amy Shumer.

DT

32 BACK PAGE

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

MUHITH REJECTS WORLD BANK’S GROWTH PROJECTION IN FY15 PAGE 15

ENAMUL CARRIES REDS PAGE 25

BAPPA BRINGS US A TAGORE ALBUM PAGE 31

Solar power plants to get benchmark tariff n Aminur Rahman Rasel The government has initiated a move to fix a benchmark tariff for electricity that can be added to the national grid from solar-based independent power producer (IPP) plants and rooftop solar systems.

“We are trying to fix a benchmark tariff considering expenditure of technology cost of renewable energy, its international market price, investment cost, inflation, current exchange rate, project operating and management cost, project life, capital return, government’s target and economic abilities,” Power Division Joint Secretary Siddique Zobair told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Zobair, also a member of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Authority (SREDA), said the fixed tariff will be applicable for a certain period and a certain capacity of electricity, after which the tariff will be re-fixed.

Two meetings have already been held on this regard, he said, adding that the issue would be finalised as soon as possible after another meeting.

SREDA was formed as a nodal agency to promote, facilitate and disseminate sustainable energy, covering both the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency to ensure the country’s energy security.

About the concept of benchmark tariff, Zobair said the success of conventional electric-

ity generation has prompted the government to take a similar move in the non-conventional renewable energy like solar and wind power.

Zobair said one of the substantial conditions of accepting any solar-based IPP plants and rooftop solar systems was for the private firm to have its own land to set up the solar plant. Because managing a clean and undisputed land emerges to be a big issue prior to setting up a solar plant as it needs a large piece of land, he added.

The electricity distribution agencies under the Power Division would buy electricity from these IPP plants and solar systems for the national grid on a long-term basis but the benchmark tariff would be fixed separately, the joint

secretary said.

Currently, different ministries and departments, including the Power Development Board, the Rural Electrification Board, the Local Government Engineering Department, autonomous bodies like Infrastructure Development Company Limited and also the private sector are working on renewable energy projects.

The government had earlier announced a renewable energy policy and also plans to increase its share in power generation to 5% by the end of 2015 and 10% in 2020.

If the target is achieved, the country’s renewable energy production will go up to 650MW this year, while the total power production in 2015 is expected to be 13,000MW. l

Muhith: Grameen Bank MD to be appointed soon n Tribune Report

Preparations to celebrate Pahela Baishakh are in full swing at the faculty of fine arts in Dhaka University. As part of that preparation, a fine arts student creates a painting based on the designs of the traditional Nakshi Kantha. The photo was taken yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Security beefed up ahead of Pahela Baishakh n Kamrul Hasan Law enforcement agencies are ready to beef up their security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations that would usher in the Bangla year 1422 tomorrow.

As the celebrations in the capital are focused mostly on Ramna Batamul and Rabindra Sarobar, the police have made their security strategy surrounding those areas.

DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah along with other senior DMP officials briefed the media yesterday, saying there would be eight entry points for reaching the Ramna Batamul, while arrow signs would be put up to clarify the entrances and exits.

The DMP boss requested everyone not to

carry any handbag in crowded areas, as well as urging all not to be panicked if any rumour is spread intentionally to induce chaos.

He also advised organisers of all cultural programmes to wrap up their events by 5:30pm.

CCTV surveillance would cover Ramna Batamul, Shahbagh, the TSC and Suhrawardi Udyan, Asaduzzaman said, adding that there will be seperate checkpoints to search everybody coming to join the celebrations.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police would also impose traffic restrictions by setting up 12 road diversions as well as designating five car parking sites for the day.

As part of their plans, the DMP would put up barricades at Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Palashi, Bakshibazar, Chankharpool intersection and

near the High Court area today afternoon, as well as setting up 27 more barricades adjacent to the Ramna Park tomorrow. Ten more barricades would also be set up tomorrow near the Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters at the Ramna Batamul yesterday, RAB chief Benazir Ahmed said the elite force would start implementing its own security measures from today morning.

RAB would assist other law enforcement agencies to secure some 250 to 300 sites where Pahela Baishakh celebrations would take place.

Helicopters of RAB would also patrol from the sky tomorrow,while both uniformed and plainclothes RAB members would cover the ground. l

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has said the Grameen Bank Board of Directors is going to appoint a new managing director for the bank soon, as a case against that appointment had recently been resolved.

“We have failed to run Grameen Bank smoothly because of intervention by Professor Yunus and we have now almost cleared the obstruction to arrange an election [for the board of directors],” the finance minister told journalists after a meeting with US Ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat at his secretariat office yesterday.

The government wanted Grameen Bank to grow its own way without any type of outside intervention, he claimed.

The members of the commission that would hold the election for the Grameen Bank have already been selected, but a district judge who will act as the chief election commissioner was yet to be selected, Muhith said.

Law Minister Anisul Huq will select the chief election commissioner for the Grameen Bank election, Muhith said, adding that the appointment would be made after his return from the World Bank and IMF’s Spring meeting.

Grameen Bank used to cover 95% of the country’s micro-credit sector in 1986-87, a figure that was now only 25%, Muhith also pointed out.

Meanwhile, Tahsina Khatun, a woman director of the Grameen Bank board, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that if it was under the Grameen Bank’s power, then a new polls committee would have already been selected and the election would have taken place.

“We do not know about the fate of the case regrading the appointment of Grameen Bank MD, but it is true that without a selection committee [for picking an MD], the government itself will appoint the new MD. “We will again protest about the matter as the government will form its selection committee with its own sympathisers,” she said. 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