E paper april 14, 2015

SECOND EDITION

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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Baishakh 1, 1422, Jamadius Sani 24, 1436

POHELA BOISHAKH STICKERS CENTRE INSERT

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 4

HC: DON’T ARREST ABBAS PAGE 2

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

EC RULES OUT ARMY DEPLOYMENT IN CTG

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Nation celebrates Pohela Boishakh today n Tribune Report The nation will celebrate Pohela Boishakh, first day of the Bangla calendar, today amid fanfare and festivity.

True to the centuries-old tradition, people from all walks of life will throng different popular and historic spots at dawn in the capital and elsewhere across the country to hail the New Year 1422 with new hopes and aspirations for a better, peaceful year.

The government anticipates a celebration without any fear of terrorist activities.

“We are not anticipating any terrorist activities at Pohela Boishakh celebrations. Still, the law enforcement agencies are prepared for any untoward situation that may arise tomorrow [today],” he said at a press briefing yesterday after touring the Ramna Botomul area to inspect the security measures taken by the law enforcers.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

H O L I D AY N O T I C E Dhaka Tribune greets its readers, advertisers, hawkers, distributors and well-wishers on the occasion of Bangla New Year today. The day is a national and newspaper holiday and Dhaka Tribune will not be published tomorrow. However, our web team will keep giving the updates.

This student of DU fine arts is not merely making colourful visages for the Bangla new year celebrations, but is recreating a part of the thousand-year-old essence of the Bangali existence SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

strike in the country’ New militant outfit ‘No n traced in Chittagong Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

Mahmud, Chittagong and n Tarek Mohammad Jamil Khan, Dhaka Police’s elite force Rapid Action Battalion yesterday claimed to have traced a new militant outfit named Shahid Hamza Brigade in the port city, members of which have military training.

Each of its wings comprises seven members – all trained up as “one man army.”

The group started operation in November 2013 by holding a meeting at a hotel near the Foy’s Lake of the port city in a bid to support the tormented Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar, Lt Col Mifta Uddin, commanding officer of RAB 7, told reporters at the battalion’s Chittagong headquarters.

They were planning to launch an armed revolution in greater Chittagong including the Chittagong Hill Tracts to protest against oppression on the Muslims across the world.

The information was gleaned from the four active members of the group, described as suppliers of arms and ammunition, arrested in a 24-hour-long drive since Sunday.

The elite force also found five AK 22 rifles with 10 magazines, five foreign-made pistols with five magazines, a single barrel gun, a light gun, 3668 rounds of different bullets, some smart phone sets, tabs and a motorcycle in their possessions. Documents on techniques to evade arrest and intelligence  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

BNP standing committee member Jamiruddin Sircar has said there is no strike in the country as could be understood analysing the situation when the party and its allies now busy with city corporation polls.

“You all know that there is no strike in the country,” he told journalists, after a meeting with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her residence at Gulshan in the city yesterday night.

“You (journalists) know it and anyone can understand it analysing the situation. That’s what our political stand,” he said, replying to a question whether the alliance has withdrawn the blockade that continued since January 6, leaving more than a hundred people killed and scores injured.

It has not been made clear, however, whether he meant strike for blockade.

“BNP and 20-party is now busy with city

corporation polls,” said the senior BNP leader.

Earlier in the afternoon, the party had announced that Khaleda would join a Bengali new year programme to be organised by the party’s cultural wing Jasas.

Khaleda had called the countrywide rail, road and waterways blockade on January 5 as she failed to get out of her Gulshan office to join the party rally.

BNP International Affairs Secretary Asaduzzaman Ripon, who is carrying out the role of the party’s spokesperson, yesterday said the 69-year-old three-time prime minister would be attending, for the first time, the annual cultural programme to be hosted

by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) in front of the party headquarters in Naya Paltan today.

She is also scheduled to visit the party office in nearly six months, after her last visit on October 21 last. l

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2 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

HC: Don’t arrest Abbas until Wednesday

Polls racers with criminal cases to be arrested

n Ashif Islam Shaon

n Tribune Report

The High Court has ordered authorities to not arrest BNP-backed mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas until it settled two of his bail petitions on Wednesday. The court also asked Abbas to not take part in canvassing until then.

The bench of Justice Quamrul Islam Siqqique and Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore yesterday ordered Attorney General (AG) Mahbubey Alam to make sure that Abbas is not arrested before that.

“Mirza Abbas will go home and come to the court on the order delivery date [Wednesday].

During this time, he will not take part in election campaign, talk with no newspapers or give interview to any TV channels,” the court said.

AG Mahbubey explains: “The court said Abbas will remain at the same place he has been staying. Which means, the court has asked police to not arrest him.”

According to his election affidavit, Abbas, a former mayor of Dhaka and a member of the BNP standing committee, is facing at least 37 cases and has bail in none of them.

On Sunday, Abbas placed three anticipatory bail petitions with the HC after Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) had announced that drives are on to arrest city polls candidates wanted in criminal cases.

One of the three cases that Abbas – also a former housing and public works minister – sought bail for was filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for “corruption in plot acquisition.” Although that case does not mention Abbas’s name, he applied for anticipatory bail fearing arrest.

The other two are explosives cases filed by police in December 2014 and January 2015.

The HC yesterday set Wednesday for hearing on these last two cases. The court dropped the petition in the corruption case because

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) chief Asaduzzaman Mia yesterday warned aspiring candidates of the upcoming city polls saying that anyone who has criminal records, a warrant issued or is found carrying arms will be detained and placed before the court.

The DMP boss made the statement yesterday during the view exchange meeting between mayoral and councillor candidates of Dhaka South City Corporation and Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad at capital’s Krishibid Auditorium.

Asaduzzaman said: “During the election period, police will work abiding the law and keep high professionalism, integrity and impartiality by maintaining electoral code.”

“If any police personnel is found using black money or muscle power, then they will not hesitate to take action.” he added.

The CEC reiterated Asaduzzaman and asked all to ensure free and fair polling centres during elections. Rakibuddin asked the law enforcement agencies to act impartially during the city polls and not to spare anyone considering their political affiliations. l

For the first time since January 3, Mirza Abbas, BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka south, comes out yesterday to appear before a court hearing his bail petitions MEHEDI HASAN there is a special bench for hearing on this type of cases.

However, AG Mahbubey Alam refused to make any comment when asked whether police could arrest the senior BNP leader in the graft case.

Abbas yesterday came out in the open for the first time since January 3. He did not come out even after the EC alloted him an election symbol on April 10. His wife Afroza Abbas has been canvassing for him since then.

He went to the court premises around 12:30pm and stayed in the office of his counsel Khandker Mahbub Hossain until the court began hearing on his petitions two hours later.

During hearing, Mahbub argued that Abbas deserved bail because the cases in question

were filed long before the announcement of election schedule and they were not related to any polls-time offence.

He also said that his client needed at least 15 days’ bail so that he can do public relation and also for the sake of ensuring a level playing field before the city elections.

When the court asked him to present legal points instead of political points, Mahbub said: “You [judges] are sitting here [in the courtroom] with big hearts. This is a small appeal from a citizen. Accept it on humanitarian grounds.”

At least 60% of the BNP-backed mayoral and councillor candidates for the April 28 city polls in Dhaka and Chittagong are facing criminal cases. l

Optional holidays for ethnic people n Tribune Report The cabinet has approved optional holidays on Chaitra 29 and Baisakh 2 of the Bangla calender for ethnic people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region.

The decision came yesterday at a regular cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told reporters. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

New militant outfit traced in Chittagong surveillance were also found.

A number of members of the outfit were arrested earlier from Hathazari’s Alipur Madrasa, Lotmoni Hill of Banshkhali and Halishahar Residential Area with large amount of arms and ammunition in the last two months.

“They all are linked to one other,” Mifta said.

The arrestees are Hamza Brigade leader Mozaher Hossain Mia, 35, of Satkania; and three members of its Green unit – Sabbir Ahmed alias Muhib, 23, Mohammad Kamal Uddin alias Mostafa, 24, and Ashraf Ali alias Adnan, 25.

“Acting on a tip-off, the elite force conducted a drive at Hotel Midtown in the city around 10:30am on Sunday and nabbed Mozaher and Sabbir when they were busy handing over some arms and ammunition,” Mifta said.

“The two others were arrested at Shyamoli Bus Counter of the city’s AK Khan Road area around 11:50pm while fleeing to Dhaka hearing the arrest of Mozaher and Sabbir,” he added.

Most of the arms and ammunition were recovered from a cabinet at the residence of Masud Rana alias Fahad at Green Bangla Jahanara Apartment in Panchlaish area based on information given by the arrestees.

Although the four arrestees were presented before the media, the reporters were not allowed to talk to them.

Members of the outfit used to get audio-visual training in the guise of Arabic coach-

ing in different areas of Chittagong. Later they were given armed training in different remote hilly areas of the district, mainly in Banshkhali.

Col Mifta said they came to know about the outfit after conducting an investigation into the arrests of 12 people from Alipur, five from Lotmoni Hill and three from Halishahar in February.

“Primarily, we have got information about the involvement of 25 people with the outfit. Most of them have already been arrested while we are conducting drives to nab others.

“The outfit’s network is still limited in Chittagong only. But they used to collect members from different parts of the country.

We are yet to find any link of the outfit with other local or international militant groups,” he added.

After busting a number of militant hideouts and arresting some members at that time, RAB and police said the banned Islamist outfits – JMB, Huji and Hizb ut-Tahrir – were regrouping in Chittagong to form a new state incorporating Chittagong, CHT, Cox’s Bazar and parts of the Myanmar and Indian border areas, with the help of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. It was also learnt that several members of terrorist group Islamic State visited Chittagong last year to help the local militants.

Col Mifta said the Hamza Brigade was col-

lecting members from poor Muslim families offering them benefits and inspired them in armed revolution by showing them video footages of international militant groups.

The arrestees got special mental and psychical training so that they become confident to act as “one man army.” They were taught how to talk and walk among other daily chores. “They also have training to resist torture after arrest.”

The militants got training in using and detonating grenades through internet, he said adding that they know how to avoid mobile tracking.

The Hamza Brigade has three separate military wings – blue, green and white. They had a plan to set up a media wing too. “Masud is the chief of blue and green wings, Tareq is his second-in-command while Abdullah is chief of media wing.”

Asked about the involvement of any army personnel with the outfit, Col Mifta said they did not find any such clue from the arrestees.

“Moreover, the recovered arms are Chinese weapons which are not used by Bangladesh Army. All these weapons were bought illegally.”

About their financiers, Col Mifta said: “We are yet to trace them. But we will soon inform Bangladesh Bank about checking their bank accounts. We have searched the bank accounts of the arrestees but there was no money. Basically, they collect money from Hundis [illegal money carriers].” l

Pohela Boishakh “If anything does happen, I believe people will resist the perpetrators even before the law enforcers.”

In order to ensure security, he asked everyone to finish all programmes by 5:30pm.

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah gave similar instructions at a press briefing at DMP Media Centre. He also requested people not to pay heed to any rumour.

A similar mood of jubilation is also present in the West Bengal and other Bangla-speaking parts of India as they also celebrate Pohela Boishakh, but a day later. They will celebrate the Bangla New Year on Wednesday.

Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the Bangla calendar in 1556 of the Gregorian calendar in a bid to streamline the timing of land tax collection in the then Subah Bangla region, the greater part of which falls under Bangladesh.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages greeting the country’s people as well as all Bangla-speaking people across the globe on the occasion.

State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar and the private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes on the day. l

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NEWS 3

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Door-to-door canvassing continues in Dhaka n Tribune Report Mayoral and councillor aspirants for the Dhaka city polls continued their door-to-door canvassing yesterday, seeking votes for the April 28 elections.

Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Annisul Huq canvassed in Mohammadpur and Lalmatia, exchanging Pohela Boishakh greetings with voters in the areas.

“I have asked for five years from my family [to serve the city’s people]; besides, the country’s largest political party has extended its support to me,” he told a street rally in Mohammadpur.

The former FBCCI president also claimed that the city corporation election is going to be held in a congenial atmosphere and after ensuring a level playing field.

“Now, a congenial atmosphere is prevailing in the city following the participation of all parties in the city polls,” he said.

Meanwhile, BNP-backed candidate for the DNCC, Tabith Awal, began his day’s canvassing by offering prayers at the mazar of Hazrat Shah Ali at Mirpur 1. He later communicated with voters in Mirpur 1 area, urging them to cast ballots for his electoral symbol of bus – to make Dhaka a clean and developed city.

Talking to journalists, Tabith alleged that the ruling party-backed mayoral candidate was violating the election code of conduct, while the Election Commission was reluctant

Market, Housing Society, Ring Road, Shyamoli and Gabtoli areas yesterday.

Canvassing in the south

With only two weeks left before the Dhaka City Corporation elections, posters urging voters to cast ballots for their respective parties swathe different lanes of the capital. The photo was taken from Chairman goli of the capital’s Moghbazar area yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE about creating a level playing field.

He also claimed that many councillor candidates were still behind bars in “false cases” while many other aspirants were unable to campaign fearing arrest and harassment by the police.

The Mirpur 1 area also saw canvassing from Abdullah Al Kafee, the DNCC mayoral candidate from the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). He campaigned in the area

with his election symbol of elephant.

Zonayed Saki, who is also contesting for the mayors seat in the north, canvassed in the capital’s Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon Bus Stand, Shyamoli intersection and Japan Garden City throughout the day with his election symbol of telescope.

Nader Chowdhury, backed by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), campaigned with the symbol of peacock at Mohammadpur’s Krishi

Afroza Abbas, wife of BNP-backed Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas, carried out electioneering for her husband in the city’s Fakirapool, Arambagh, Motijheel, Bangabhaban Staff Quarter areas.

She said the election manifesto of Abbas might be announced on Wednesday, also expressing hopes that her husband would be able to join canvassing as soon as he gets bail in cases against him.

Supporters of ruling party-blessed candidate Sayeed Khokon also canvassed in different areas of the city on six horse-drawn carts.

They distributed leaflets and shouted slogans for Khokon’s election symbol of hilsa.

Supporters of CPB and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-backed candidate Bazlur Rashid Firoz canvassed with the symbol of table in the city’s Kalabagan, Lake Circus, Dhanmondi, Bashiruddin Road, Hatirpool Bazar, Kataban, Azimpur Colony, Lalbagh and Pilkhana.

Meanwhile, JSD-backed DSCC mayoral candidate Shahidul Islam will begin his campaign today with his symbol of bus at Jatrabari Dhalpur areas.

Other candidates also have plans today to canvass among their constituents surrounding Pohela Boishakh celebrations. l

Election Commission Female candidates say poll symbols show rules out call for army gender discrimination in Chittagong polls ka north ward 4 on April 12 also questioned election commissioner yesterday, Shampa n Adil Sakhawat the symbol allocation procedure.

Basu, a candidate for ward 5 of Dhaka South n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong She asked the CEC: “Why have these types Reserved councillor candidates of Dhaka City Corporation asked CEC Kazi Rakibuddin The current situation in port city ahead of the April 28 election does not demand deployment of army, Returning Officer Md Abdul Baten has said.

At a meeting on law and order yesterday, Baten asked the law enforcers to gear up vigilance and drives to recover illegal arms and arrest the criminals.

“The matter of deploying army will be decided upon intelligence report. The chief election commissioner is likely to make the decision at a meeting with the law enforcers on April 19,” the returning officer said after the meeting at his office.

The law enforcement agencies and the intelligence personnel promised to do everything to ensure a free, fair and neutral election, he said acknowledging that some stray incidents had taken place in the port city recently.

Members of the police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and VDP would be deployed during the election. There would be 22-24 members of different agencies positioned in each polling centre, the returning officer said. l

north and south have complained of gender discrimination in allocating their election symbols for the upcoming city corporation polls.

The Election Commission has allocated 10 symbols for the reserved women councillor candidates; these are kettle, bird cage, tissue box, glass, betel leaf, glass bottle, radish, steel almirah, grinding stone, and cane stool.

In a views-exchange meeting with the chief

Ahmad why the EC chose these symbols.

“Is it not discriminatory?” she said.

“These symbols represent items generally used by women in household chores. But the female councillors will be public representatives.

Allocation of such symbols means complete representation of the patriarchal mentality.

“This type of mentality should be changed,” Shampa said.

Candidate Masuma Khatun Munni of Dha-

of symbols been allocated for the female candidates? Is it a way to keep women inside home?”

Many other female candidates supported Shampa and Munni by shouting at the views-exchange meeting, which took place on April 12-13.

The CEC, however, did not respond to the questions of the female councillor candidates although he answered the questions from the male candidates present at the meeting. l

CEC: Stop using black money, muscle power n Adil Sakhawat

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad has expected cooperation from city corporation poll aspirants to stop the practice of using black money and muscle power in elections.

“If we find proof of such practice, we will take stern action against any candidate involved,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with mayoral and councillor candidates of Dhaka South City Corporation

elections yesterday.

The meeting was held at Krishibid Institution in the capital.

The CEC asked the candidates to submit written complaints to returning officers if they find or face the ill practice.

“Anyone involved in this practice will face action regardless of his political identity,” he warned.

Rakibuddin assured the candidates that all necessary measures had been taken to hold the April 28 elections in a free and fair manner.

He also directed law enforcement officials not to harass any candidate without any specific allegation.

Responding to the demand of many candidates for military deployment during polls to ensure neutrality, the CEC said the final decision on whether it was a necessary step would be taken after the April 19 meeting with law enforcement agencies.

“After the end of voting, votes will be counted in the presence of polling agents, the press and election observers,” he added. l

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4 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

180 policemen leave for UN mission n Kamrul Hasan A contingent of 180 police personnel have left for Ivory Coast in two separate days – on Sunday night and on April 6 – to rotate the UN peacekeeping mission in the country. Of them, 80 members of police left the capital on April 6 night by a chartered flight of UN and 100 other members left Dhaka on Sunday night.

Superintendents of Police Md Masudur Rahman led the contingent, a Police Headquarters press statement said yesterday.

Some 1,376 members of Bangladesh Police are currently engaged in peacekeeping missions in different countries including Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Liberia, Darfur, Somalia and South Sudan. l

Hasan: BNP trying to make city polls controversial n Tribune Report Awami League Publicity and Publications Secretary Hasan Mahmud yesterday said the BNP members were trying hard to make the upcoming city corporation polls controversial after being confirmed that they would be defeated.

“In the city elections, people will show red cards to the candidates of the party that hurled petrol bombs. It is the voters who will decide whether strikes, blockade and petrol bomb attacks will continue and flags will fly in the cars of war criminals,” he said while

addressing a human chain in front of National Press Club in the capital.

Awami Muktijoddha Projonmo League organised the human chain against the strike called by Jamaat-e-Islami in protest at the execution of Muhammad Kamaruzzaman for crimes against humanity.

“Residents of Dhaka and Chittagong will not vote for the candidates backed by the BNP-Jamaat alliance as its members were responsible for the mayhem the country had witnessed in the last three months. Activists of the alliance attacked people with petrol bombs in the name of agitations,” Hasan said. l

Two found dead in Ctg n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong Police recovered two dead bodies from different areas yesterday. Akbar Shah police station SI Mohammed Solaiman said they recovered the body of Md Shahedullah Sikdar, 32, from Chakaria upazila in Cox’s Bazar. The SI went there on information that miscreants picked up a couple from their house on Sunday night and stabbed them indiscriminately. Shahedullah’s wife Rubi managed to escape.

Meanwhile, Kotwali police recovered a decomposed body of teenage girl from Teri Bazar.

Kotwali police station’s SI Md Mohibur Rahman said locals spotted the body in a sack under a bridge of Badar Khal area around 3pm.

Later the body, which legs and hands were tied up, was sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) morgue for autopsy. l

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NEWS 5

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Findings reveal details on November blackout n Aminur Rahman Rasel Last year’s November 1 power grid collapse that caused a countrywide blackout was initiated by simultaneous trips of the Bheramara HVDC sub-station and one or more generation units, which resulted in their total loss of around 734MW generation.

The findings were revealed by Buet professor S Shahnawaz Ahmed, who came up with the results after analysing the reports of two government committees and gathering necessary data from the National Load Despatch Centre and the HVDC substation.

Presenting his findings at the Bidyut Bhaban in the capital yesterday, he said 444MW power generation was lost because of

Rubel-Happy case shifted to tribunal n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

The rape case filed against national cricket team pacer Rubel Hossain has been transferred to the Dhaka’s Fifth Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.

The tribunal will hear the final report submitted by police on April 6 seeking Rubel’s exemption from the charges in the case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ataul Haque passed the order yesterday after a hearing, in presence of the accused cricketer.

The case was filed by actress Naznin Akter Happy on December 13 last year.

Halima Khatun, investigation officer of the case, submitted the final report mentioning that no evidence of rape by Rubel had been found during the investigation. l

a software problem at the HVDC sub-station and 290 MW more at one or more generation units. However, he could not identify whether one or more generation units was involved.

Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) or Digital Fault and Disturbance Recorders (DFDR) having time-synchronisation with the same GPS system, need to be installed at all large power plants and grid substations so that in the event of any fault triggering a blackout, the sequence of trips of generation units or lines can be identified, the findings claimed.

To prevent a repeat of such a blackout, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology teacher recommended that synchronous (HVAC interconnection)

A photography exhibition by the diplomatic community titled “Bangladesh Through Our Eyes” will begin at the Drik Gallery today.

The exhibition, which will be open for all till April 23, is meant to be a Bangla new year’s gift from the diplomatic community to the people of Bangladesh.

Organised by Drik and Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, the exhibition was inaugurated by Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at the Turkish Ambassador’s residence on Sunday.

The exhibition aims to display Bangladesh in a positive light, where the diplomats and their families used professional cameras and mobile devices to capture

Bangladesh and India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, Shahnawaz said.

He added that hydro power units – if partially loaded – can provide a fast spinning reserve whenever needed as well as ensuring a regular export volume.

However, besides spinning reserve and load shedding from the supply end, the emerging “smart grid” concept can partly be implemented in the local context of Bangladesh because of its weak communication infrastructure and its consumers’ poor affordability.

Power Division Secretary Monowar Islam and Power Cell Director General Mohammad Hossain were present at the presentation yesterday. l

Ramna Batamul blast case pending for 14yrs n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

As the whole nation prepares to celebrate Pohela Boishakh today, the killers of banned militant outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami are yet to be punished for the deadly bomb attack on commoners at Ramna Batamul of the capital 14 years ago.

A court on June 23 last year delivered verdict in the murder case sentencing eight Huji men, including its chief Mufti Abdul Hannan, to death and life-term to six others.

However, the other case involving use of explosives has remained stuck with the Dhaka’s Speedy Trial Tribunal 1 since long.

Ten people were killed and 50 others injured in the attack on April 14, 2001. The Huji chief in his confessional statement claimed that they had carried out the attack since the

Diplomats’ photo exhibition opens at Drik Gallery n Tribune Report

or asynchronous (HVDC interconnection) channels are used to import power from neighbouring countries, or that a nuclear power plant with massive capacity is built in Bangladesh.

He also pointed out that while making a decision for the future, authorities concerned should consider the issue of spinning reserve, which is the extra generating capacity that is available by increasing the power output of generators that are already connected to the power system.

For this, a good option would be to import hydro power – which is cheaper, has a higher ramp rate and less start-up time for the plants – through separate express feeders (dedicated and direct interconnection) between

the country’s life and culture.

Thirty-nine embassies/ missions participated in the exhibition. A portrait of a man in a boat by Nicole Malpas of the European Union Delegation won the first prize.

Photographer Shahidul Alam, founder of Drik, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We always talk about poverty, but within lies a beauty which the photographers have captured through their lenses.”

“Shahidul Alam came up with the idea and I believed that it would be great to organise such a project,” said Hüseyin Müftüoğlu, Ambassador of Turkey.

“I took a photo of a rickshaw through my mobile.

Overall, I found Bangladesh is an exotic place to explore,” he added. l

programme was “anti-Islamic.”

The death sentences could not be executed until now since the convicts have filed appeals with the High Court seeking acquittal.

Of the convicts, five are on the run.

According to court sources, the prosecution failed to produce any witnesses in the last 15 scheduled dates for deposition Trial of the explosives case is yet to be completed due to non-appearance of witnesses and other reasons. Only seven out of

84 witnesses have testified in the case pending at the Speedy Trial Tribunal 1.

According to court sources, the prosecution failed to produce any witnesses in the last 15 scheduled dates for deposition. It is also alleged that the prosecution is not sincere enough to complete the trial while the witnesses are not summoned for giving testimonies, resulting in the delay.

Defence counsel Faruque Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune that if they wanted, the prosecution could produce the witnesses.

Md Abu Abdullah Bhuiyan, special public prosecutor of the tribunal, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are not finding the prosecution witnesses. It is difficult to bring witnesses after 14 years.”

He said they were dealing with the August 21 grenade blast case as a priority. l

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6 ADVERTISEMENT

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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NEWS 7

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

BARISAL CHURCH LAND ENCROACHMENT

WEATHER

Pond filling hastened after protest A clash also took place between church employees and lawyers over grabbing of the pond on Saturday that left 14 people injured n Our Correspondent, Barisal The filling up of the historical pond of Barisal Saint Peter’s Church is now being carried out hastily following Saturday’s protest by the Christians.

Upon visit, it was found that police have secured the court premises and are barring photo journalists from entering the area and taking pictures of the speedily advancing work of filling the pond.

One of the workers, on condition of anonymity, said: “We are now using pumps and dredging machines to complete the work quickly.”

Norbert Nipu Adhikari, President of Barisal Christian Association, said they are feeling very insecure to protest or protect their grabbed land as the work is being carried out by pro-ruling-party lawyers with the support of the police and the administration.

Nipu said they were to hand over a memorandum of protest to the deputy commissioner, but according to Babul Biswas, secretary St. Peter’s Church, the programme was postponed for further discussion with the leader of the Church of Bangladesh to decide future actions about this issue.

Last Saturday, when people of the Christian community held a human chain to protest the land-grabbing for construction of a court building for the Barisal district judge court complex, a group of AL-backed lawyers led by senior members of the district bar association attacked the protesters and injured 14 including 10 females and a journalist.

Police rushed to the spot and rescued the

Oyasiqur murder suspects remanded again n Tribune Report A Dhaka court yesterday placed the three suspects arrested in connection to the murder of blogger Oyasiqur Rahman, alias Babu, on 3-day remand again.

Metropolitan Magistrate Shariar Mahmud Adnan passed the order after the investigation officer of the case filed under Tejgaon Industrial Area police station produced them before the court seeking a four-day remand again.

The three remanded are Zikurullah, a student of Hathazari madrasa in Chittagong and Ariful Islam, student of Darul Ulum madrasa in Dhaka and one Saiful Islam. On March 31 they were remanded for eight days.

On March 30, blogger and online activist Oyasiqur Rahman Babu, 27, was brutally hacked to death under broad daylight by three cleaver-wielding youths on his way to office in the capital’s Tejgaon Industrial area. l

DRY WEATHER TUESDAY, APRIL 14 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:20PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:38AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

34

Chittagong

32

26 25

Rajshahi

34

23 22

Rangpur

33

Khulna

33

23

Barisal

33

24

Sylhet

33

22

Cox’s Bazar

32

24

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

37.0ºC Rangamari

20.0ºC Rangpur Source: Accuweather/UNB

People seeking justice face more suffering at the Barisal district judges court which is flooded with water pumped out from the church pond that is being filled for a 10-storey court building DHAKA TRIBUNE protesters who took shelter inside the church.

However, no arrests were made in this connection. According to the OC, no complaints were filed.

There are a lot of lands inside the court compound which could be selected as an alternative site for the proposed 10-storey court building without grabbing the church land and violating the environment act, said the Christian community leaders.

Shanti Mandal, representative of Church of Bangladesh in Barisal, said: “The Public Works Department started filling the church pond adjacent to the judge court complex from April 9.”

The pond standing on 52 decimals land was excavated for the baptism of Christians. The Saint Peter’s Church was constructed in 1849 on 1.5 acres of land leased from British PWD; later it was recorded as property of the church. l

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:22am

Sunrise

5:38am

Zohr

12:00am

Asr

4:31pm

Magrib

6:19pm

Esha

7:37pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

DT

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

SHEFAT KILLING

Frustration mounts over slow pace into investigation n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi Students and teachers expressed dissatisfaction over slow investigation process into the killing of former Rajshahi University (RU) student Wahida Shefat who was allegedly killed by her inlaws for dowry on March 29.

Teachers of the university claimed that influential quarters were trying to influence investigation process.

Over 100 teachers and students of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department of RU formed a human chain in front of the department at 12 noon.

Speakers at the programme alleged that in-laws of Shefat was trying to establish the murder as suicide spreading propaganda.

The speakers also demanded speedy investigation of the case and immediate arrest of the killers.

Chairman of MCJ department Prof Tanveer Ahmed, Associate Professor Mosihur Rahman and Dr Pradip Kumar Pundey addressed the human chain.

On March 29, members of Shefat’s in-laws found her in unconscious state in her bedroom around 9:30pm and rushed her to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where doctors declared her dead, said Asiful Islam, elder brother of Shefat.

Mizanur Rahman Khandakar, uncle of Shefat, filed a case with Rajpara police station on April 1 against her husband Md Asif, father -in-law Mohammad Hossain and mother-in-law Nazmun Nahar Nazli.

Police arrested Shefat’s husband in this connection.

According to the case, Asif who was an unemployed person had been pressuring and torturing Shefat since long for bringing Tk20 lakh from her father for business purpose.

As Shefat was not responding to his demand, Asif used to torture her physically and mentally.

“The failure to pay dowry and alleged torture by Asif caused the death of Shefat,” relatives of Shefat claimed.

Shefat, 27, a graduate from RU MCJ department, married to Md Asif. Since their marriage, she had been living with her in-laws’ house at the Rajshahi city’s Mahisbathan in Rajshahi city.

Md Aisf was placed on a five-day remand on Saturday. According to autopsy report, several injury marks were found in the head and body of Shefat.

Investigation Officer of the case Shariful Islam of Rajpara police station told the Dhaka Tribune that police were investigating into the case giving importance over family dispute. l

Madrasa student strangled to death n Our Correspondent, Brahmanbaria Police yesterday morning recovered the body of a madrasa student from a paddy field in a village of Kasba upazila.

Rahmat Ullah, 13, son of late Bazlur Rahman of Leshiara village, was an eighth-grader at a local madrasa.

His elder brother, Babul Mia, said Rahmat had been missing since April 5.

“As far as we know, my brother had no enemy,” he said.

Officer-in-Charge of Kasba police station, Md Mizanur Rahman, said Rahmat appeared to have been strangled to death.

“The victim’s hands and legs were tied up. His elder brother has lodged a case against unnamed assailants. We will launch a probe soon,” he added. l

VC office of SUST under lock and key n Our Correspondent, Sylhet Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology put a lock on the gate of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Aminul Haque Bhuyan’s office after two department heads resigned yesterday.

Sources said a dispute, which had been going on for a while among the

senior teachers of the physics department and the geography and environmental science department over space allocation, led to the resignation of the two professors.

Aiming to resolve the dispute some met with VC. However, the meeting soon turned into a heated discussion between the VC and the teachers, sources said. Following the argument

with the VC, the professors resigned from their posts.

Angered by their department heads leaving, students of the two departments put a lock on the main gate of the VC’s office building and started a sit-in programme in front of it around 12:30pm. When this report was filed around 3:15pm, the students were still seen demonstrating there. l

DT

NEWS 9

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Goalpara power hub losing all its plants n Our Correspondent, Khulna

Once known as the powerhouse of Khulna, the district’s Goalpara area has been losing its many power plants one by one – allegedly because of negligence and lack of planning by the authorities concerned.

Previously, the lack of repairs had already resulted in the scrapping of a 56MW floating barge-mounted power plant, and three more diesel-powered 16MW power plants in the area.

Now, Goalpara has also lost two more PDBrun furnace-oil-based power plants – one with 110MW capacity and the other with 60MW. Recently, the Power Development Board (PDB) made a decision to not overhaul the 110MW plant any more; the plant had been overhauled only four times in the past 31 years. The other 60MW plant had been overhauled five times since it went into operation 42 years ago.

Compared to these two, the nearby 150MW peaking power plant run by North-West Power Generation Co Ltd is set to be overhauled within only two years since it was set up.

Hafizur Rahman, a labour leader at Khulna Bidyut Kendra, claimed that the 110MW plant had lost its production capacity as the thickness of its boilers’ economiser tube, super-heater tube and re-heater tubes had been reduced because of the lack of overhauling.

The 60MW plant, meanwhile, had been shut down because of too much vibration on its turbine, Hafizur added.

The 110MW plant has remained closed since November last year, while the 60MW plant suspended its operation in May 2012.

Both the plants were set up by a Czech Republic-based company named Skoda Export Co Ltd. In 2011, the Power Development Board formed a committee to renovate the two plants; but its recommendations were ig-

nored and the 60MW was shut down permanently in 2014.

Meanwhile, for the 110MW plant, a company blacklisted by the PDB was picked as the winner in a tender for its renovation; consequently, the tender was cancelled and a decision was made to re-float the tender.

However, a meeting of the PDB on April 6 decided that there would be no more tenders, scrapping all plans for a future overhauling of the plant.

Sector insiders claimed that the state-owned plants were suffering because there was no proper planning by authorities concerned, a fact which was being exploited by the private power plants.

S h e i k h Ashrafuzzaman, head of a platform promoting the development of the Greater Khulna region, blamed the inef-

Son hacks father to death n Our Correspondent, Bagerhat A man was hacked to death by his son early yesterday in Jhiudhara village of the district’s Morelganj upazila, following a family feud.

The dead was identified as Habibur Rahman Hawladar, 55, and the killer was Zahidul Islam Hawladar, 19, Habibur’s son.

When asked about the incident, Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam of Morelganj police station said day labourer Habibur attempted to attack his wife Safia Begum with a cleaver after saying his Fazr prayers early morning. During the attempt, his son got hold of the cleaver and hacked Habibur in return, he added.

Asking neighbours, this correspondent had learnt that Habibur and Safia often had arguments, resulting in a persistent family feud.

Habibur was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition and after reaching the hospital, the doctors declared him dead, the OC added.

Police recovered the murder weapon from the house but was unable to arrest Zahidul as he fled after the incident. l

ficiencies of the state-owned plants’ high-ups for putting the power plants in Khulna out of order.

Protesting the decision of no more over-

hauling at the plant, workers there have announced a wide range of demonstrations that will begin from tomorrow and continue throughout the week in the area. l

DT

10 WORLD

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Time for India to lead: An insight into Hillary Clinton’s world vision n Agencies Hillary Clinton’s connection with India goes back a long way and the issues she has raised during her visits to the country over the past two decades have reflected her concerns about terrorism and economic development.

The 67-year-old Clinton, who announced her decision to run for the US presidency on Sunday, first visited India in 1995, when she was the US first lady, with her daughter Chelsea.

But it was during her stint as Secretary of State in Barack Obama’s first presidency during 2009-12 that she unveiled her vision of a larger role for India on the world stage.

“It’s time to lead,” she said while addressing a meeting in Chennai in July 2011.

“Much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia which, in turn, will be influenced by the partnership between the US and India and its relationship with neighbours,” she said at the time.

In her memoir “Hard Choices,” Clinton said a key aspect of US policy during her stint as Secretary of State was bringing India “more fully into the Asian-Pacific political scene,” especially as a counterweight to China.

“Having another large democracy with a full seat at the table in the region could help encourage more countries to move toward political and economic openness, rather than follow China’s example of autocratic state capitalism,” she wrote.

Clinton made her first visit to India as the

Australian airport website hacked by Islamic State n AFP An Australian airport website was offline Monday after being taken over by pro-Islamic State hackers who published messages supporting the jihadist group.

Police said hackers appeared to have targeted the web host used by the Hobart International Airport in Tasmania and not the facility itself, and no direct threats were made.

“A message placed on the site contained a statement supporting ISIS,” Tasmanian police said in a statement, using another acronym for the radical group commonly known as IS. Authorities said identical messages had appeared on websites around the world since late 2014.

“The group claiming responsibility for the hacking appear to non-discriminately target organisations who use web hosts such as the one used by Hobart International

Airport,” police said.

Officials were notified that the website had been defaced on Sunday morning, with the site remaining down on Monday.

“Tasmania Police have been monitoring activity at the airport premises, and there has been no suggestion of targeted activities onsite,” they added.

The airport’s operators said website security was being reviewed with the IT service providers. Australia is involved in the US-led coalition against IS in Iraq and has increasingly been sounding the alarm over radicalised citizens, with about 90 thought to be fighting with the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

All of the country’s main carriers fly into Hobart, the state capital, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

It retains the name “international airport” despite no longer offering scheduled overseas flights. l

Deal or not, many US states will keep sanctions grip on Iran n Reuters, Washington As the United States and Iran come closer to a historic nuclear deal, many US states are likely to stick with their own sanctions on Iran that could complicate any warming of relations between the long-time foes.

In a little known aspect of Iran’s international isolation, around two dozen states have enacted measures punishing companies operating in certain sectors of its economy, directing public pension funds with billions of dollars in assets to divest from the firms and sometimes barring them from public contracts.

In more than half those states, the restrictions expire only if Iran is no longer designated to be supporting terrorism or if all US federal sanctions against Iran are lifted - unlikely outcomes even in the case of a final nuclear

accord. Two states, Kansas and Mississippi, are even considering new sanctions targeting the country.

The prospect of unwavering sanctions at the state level, or new ones, just as the federal government reaches a landmark agreement with Iran risks widening a divide between states and the federal government on a crucial foreign policy issue.

Though US states have often coordinated their measures with federal sanctions on Iran, their divestment actions sometimes take a tougher line on foreign firms with Iran links than is the case under federal policy.

“Our investment sanctions are not tied in any way to President Obama’s negotiations with the Iranians,” said Don Gaetz, a Republican Florida state senator who sponsored legislation in 2007 punishing companies with investments in Iran’s energy sector. l

Secretary of State in the summer of 2009, months after the deadly terror attacks in Mumbai. In a show of solidarity with the people of India, she chose to stay in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the sites attacked by ten Pakistani terrorists who killed 166 people.

“By staying there and paying my respects at the memorial, I wanted to send the message that Mumbai was undeterred and open for business,” she wrote in her memoir.

Subsequently, she pushed Pakistan to prosecute those responsible for the Mumbai carnage.

During a visit to Islamabad in October 2011, Clinton famously remarked at a news conference with then foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar: “You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors. l

EU official: More than 6,000 European jihadists in Syria

n AFP

The number of Europeans fighting with jihadist groups in Syria could exceed 6,000, a top EU official told a French newspaper yesterday.

“At the European level, we estimate that 5,000-6,000 individuals have left for Syria,” EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jouriva told Le Figaro in an interview, adding the true number was likely to be far higher due to the difficulty of tracking foreign fighters in the conflict.

“At the time of the attacks in Paris and Copenhagen, we decided not to allow ourselves to be guided by fear,” she said, referring to January’s twin Islamist attacks in the French capital and the subsequent deadly shootings on a cultural centre in Denmark. l

DT

WORLD 11

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF Saudi demands Iran stop backing Yemen rebels

n AFP

Riyadh on Sunday demanded Tehran stop backing Shiite rebels in Yemen but insisted it is “not at war with Iran,” as Saudi-led warplanes launched fresh strikes on rebel forces.

In the third week of the air strikes mounted

by Saudi Arabia and its allies, the International Organisation for Migration said it flew a first plane-load of 143 foreigners out of Yemen.

Saudi Arabia: No evidence its agents helped in 9/11 attacks

n AP, New York Attorneys for Saudi Arabia say a judge should reject claims by families of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks that new evidence — including an interview with the man who became known as the “20th hijacker” — shows agents of the kingdom “directly and knowingly” helped the hijackers.

In papers filed in Manhattan federal court late Friday, the lawyers said there is no evidence Saudi Arabia supported or caused the attacks.

Philippines says China’s reclamation causing ecological damage

n Reuters, Manila The Philippines yesterday said China’s reclamation work in the South China Sea had destroyed about 300 acres (1.2 sq km) of coral reef, causing annual estimated losses of $100 million to coastal nations.

China’s rapid reclamation around seven reefs in the Spratly archipelago has alarmed other claimants, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, and prompted growing criticism from US government officials and the military.

US President Barack Obama has said Washington is concerned China is using its “sheer size and muscle” to push around smaller nations in the South China Sea, drawing a swift rebuke from Beijing. l

Lamborghini, Ferrari in ‘Fast and Furious’ Beijing crash n AFP Online speculation mounted in China yesterday as police detained the “unemployed” drivers of a Lamborghini and Ferrari that crashed in Beijing as the seventh stunt-filled “Fast and Furious” movie opened.

Pictures of the mangled wreckage of a lime-green Lamborghini, a damaged red Ferrari and other high-performance cars in a tunnel in the Chinese capital emerged online following Saturday’s crash, which police said left one person injured.

A 20-year-old surnamed Yu from Changchun in the northeastern province of Jilin drove the Ferrari, while a man surnamed Tang, aged 21, from Beijing, was in the Lamborghini, police said, adding that both were jobless.

“Socialism is so good that it allows unem-

ployed people to drive supercars,” one posting said on Sina Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, mocking the country’s authoritarian system of Communist rule.

“What are their names? Who are their fathers?” another netizen asked.

A high-speed Ferrari crash in the capital in March 2012 killed the son of Ling Jihua, a close ally of then-president Hu Jintao. Two women passengers, one of them naked, were both injured.

The incident added to public perceptions in China of corrupt and high-living officials, and Ling has since been investigated for graft and dismissed from his post.

The latest crash happened at about 10pm, police said, during heavy rain. It occurred two hours before “Furious 7” broke the record for midnight screenings on its launch in China, according to the Hollywood Reporter. l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Pohela Boishakh’s promise of renewal

W

e greet Pohela Boishakh as a joyous opportunity for the nation to share in festivities to mark the Bangla New Year.

All across the world, Baishakh’s arrival brings Bangalis together in celebration of our cultural heritage.

The historical care with which the Bangla calendar was designed to remove bias and be representative to make it acceptable to all communities in multi-religious Bengal, is a testament to the best inclusive traditions of our land and people.

The new year not only provides a link to the past but is an occasion to take stock and look to the future.

The nation urgently needs political leaders to work better together in overcoming past differences and building the platform of political stability which our economy needs to prosper.

It must be hoped that the recent drop-off in political violence and more constructive politics being witnessed in local government election campaigns, will herald the way forward to secure the dialogue and co-operation that the country needs.

Let Pohela Boishakh’s message of unity and inclusiveness inspire everyone to work together to ensure a better year ahead.

We hope all readers will enjoy a pleasant and relaxing day. Shubho Noboborsho.

Let the new year inspire a better year ahead

Helping Chittagong helps Bangladesh

T

he Chittagong City Corporation elections are just as important for the nation as the forthcoming local polls in the capital.

As the country’s second city and leading port, Chittagong’s future is absolutely vital for the nation’s economy. Electing a new mayor to develop and lead a vision to develop Chittagong is of critical importance.

The economy needs improved port facilities. Developing a new deep sea port in or around Chittagong is vital to help the country go forward. It is the best way for Bangladesh to take advantage of the prospects offered by initiatives to improve regional connectivity via the BCIM corridor and Bimstec.

Improving communications between Dhaka and Chittagong needs to be high on the agenda of the government. We hope the new leadership of our two largest cities will be able to work effectively to convince the government to deliver faster progress on improving rail and road links.

Getting a faster and more efficient Dhaka-Chittagong highway and taking advantage of Chinese offers to construct a new rail link, can do much to help our economy by speeding up journey times between our major metropolises.

Together, they can form a stronger hub for the manufacturing and export industries to develop and flourish.

A stronger Chittagong which can build on its own long commercial heritage will not just be good for its citizens, but for the whole nation. It will help spread development and reduce pressure away from Dhaka and open up new economic opportunities across the country.

A stronger second city with faster links to Dhaka will open new opportunities

Be heard

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

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Victims of silencing March 31

sundar But the roaring and all-consuming business of TV talk shows do not substantiate the allegation that any silencing process is on.

I would request the author to keep watch on such talk shows, particularly on those that are participated by super intellectuals like Mahfujullah, Asif Nazrul, Nurul Kabir, Shahedujjaman, Dilara Chowdhury, Mahbubullah, and so on and so forth. I am more than sure that having heard them the author will admit that his amalgamation is totally misplaced.

Mitra sundar: Thank God that the talk shows, some shallow and profitless ones notwith-

standing, are still allowed to be aired. Kudos to the government for that. However, newspaper editors are scared stiff in publishing anything overtly anti-government (DT sometimes tests the boundaries and I fear for the future of this paper). In mainstream papers like the Daily Star, many of my comments mildly critical of the government did not get published over the last several months, whereas in the past I could get away with such critique. You don’t have to be an Einstein to figure out media freedom in Bangladesh is curtailed. Can’t agree more with the tenor of Morten’s sentiment. sundar Mitra: I agree that no reader’s comments get published in DS, but I am not sure the reason behind it is government interference, who may be the moderator of the newspaper concerned, too selective or cares little for the average reader’s comment. Besides, the government might have some problem regarding the paper’s stance on some issues that goes against some vital interests of theirs.

DT Jatra designers told to wear burqas or quit Mongla village April 3

Romel Ahmed When in Rome.

Fahmida Rob Whether some like it or not, Bangladesh is a democracy.

Romel Ahmed Fahmida apa, I admit and respect your views, but we have to obey local norms. Many western dignitaries wear head scarves when they visit Islamic countries or territories.

Babul Sarwar Everybody now makes and breaks laws -- moger mulluk!

WeMen for WoMen The therapy.

Poly Sengupta What is this indicating? Can we still afford to remain silent?

Radical Islamists strike again

March 31 M Sirajullah These are not radical Islamists. They are not Muslims at all, per Islamic definition. If Bangladesh has a different Islam as opposed to the Islam peached by the Prophet Muhammad, then it is different. From the Prophet’s Islamic point of view these are not Muslims.

They can only be classified as Munafiqs, who are much worse than atheists or Kafers, even worse than Musriqs. These people should be hanged, if allowed by the current law of our country. There can not be any excuse.

Dev Saha M Sirajullah: Stop being in denial! These murderers were not produced in the forests of Amazon. They belong to our country and are thriving as we speak. Calling these people non-followers is not a solution but prolonging the crisis. arun M Sirajullah: So you want Bangladesh to become like iraq, Somalia, and Yemen?

Dev Saha Zero tolerance would be my way to deal with such thugs. Commit such gruesome murder, get ready to be hanged with no mercy.

DT

OPINION 13

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Beyond mother and meat n Garga Chatterjee

T

ypically, swear words tell us more about those who speak them than those towards whom they are directed at. Swearing is most effective when the target understands it. Unless the abuser and the target share a common conception, they fall flat -- just like the four-letter words that brown cosmo-yuppies shoot at lesser brown folk.

The beef ban is not so much aimed at protection of bovine species but to remind certain citizens of the Indian Union a simple thing -- who’s the boss

To perturb someone by the dig is of essence.

When certain kinds of Hindus (especially those with a portable religion that is non-localised and increasingly textual) conceptualise subcontinental homegrown Muslims, at some level they want to believe that these Muslims are wayward Hindus.

This “ex-Hindu” conception is something that also has some currency among the brown Muslims themselves. In this, they share a conceptual commonality. Unless a conceptual commonality is shared, the digs, the marking out of differences, don’t work.

Without a conception of the status of cows not simply as holy or meat but as a point of shared friction, beef bans fails. The beef ban is not so much aimed at protection of bovine species but to remind certain citizens of the Indian Union a simple thing -- who’s the boss.

Cows and beef do not have such baggage in many areas and don’t fit into the same contested conceptual space. This is precisely why, there has been no concerted effort by holy-cow-lovers to actively lecture about the “horridness” of beef consumption or to push beef-ban in areas like Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, etc.

The natives of these areas largely do not share the contested status of cow. Those whose political memories go back to before the Google age might remember George Gilbert Swell, MP. The late George Gilbert Swell in a sterling speech in the parliament of the Indian Union talked about his people, who were not part of any Hindu-Muslim binary, but for whom beef was a food as good as any other.

He talked about the cow-belt and the non-cow belt. He was saying this in a House that is run by a constitution that encourages the state to take necessary steps to single out cows for protection. Whose principles are these? Clearly not Swell’s or his people’s.

All the eloquence about “unity in diversity” notwithstanding, some of the diverse are necessarily silenced, and the list of the silenced is predictable. Thankfully, not all diversities have been domesticated enough to be featured in the Mumbai airport or NOIDA’s Great India Place for yuppie Indian consumption.

Some diversities retain tooth and nail and other attributes of diversity beyond Dilli Haat type art, craft, and cuisine. Any serious push of a beef-ban in these areas would fail. But more importantly, the lack of push in these areas also demonstrates what lies behind the beef-ban -- of having finally “won” in a contest that started before partition.

These areas were simply not part of any such contest. No wonder, just before 1937, when Myanmar was separated from British India and made a separate crown colony, London was in two minds about where to

place what is called “north-east” and seriously considered a proposal of making that a part of Myanmar (what would Delhi then think of the Naga or Manipur nationality questions is an interesting thought experiment to be conducted in private).

When aliens become citizens by fiat, that shows up in “clerical” errors in election manifestos nearly 80 years later -- as was the case of the latest Delhi BJP manifesto terming people from “north-east” as immigrants.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP went to the people with a manifesto that stated that the government will develop “necessary legal framework to protect cow and its progeny.” States like Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Kerala, West Bengal, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, and Sikkim gave the BJP and its beef-ban manifesto a thrashing at the Lok Sabha polls.

On March 30, Indian Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said: “Cow slaughter cannot be accepted in this country.” He also promised the gathering that the present government will try their best for a beef-ban across the Union.

Either these above states do not belong to the country Rajnath Singh is talking about or he doesn’t care about democratic opinion of the people as expressed at the Lok Sabha elections. These no-beef ban, non-BJP states must study such statements from New Delhi with care and understand the farce that underlies the Hindi-Hindu-Hindustani conception of “cooperative federalism.”

The multi-headed hydra of homogeneity has many faces -- some are about beef ban, some are about cosmo-liberal “idea of India,” and so forth. On a recent flight on New Delhi sarkar’s Air India, general passengers were served eggless cake and onion-less paneer puffs (when people with whatever special dietary issues can chose to have eggless, onion-less meals served on board).

His Holiness will not stop at beef, or at food, for that matter. Only, first they came for the beef. And I have an ugly suspicion that we ain’t seen nothing yet. l

even in silence, sometimes, I thought there was enough.

A teacher from my high school used to greatly emphasise on the power of observation that helps us understand the complexity of situations. I would never understand what it meant to be a leper and I would continue to

label them as helpless had I not engaged with their lives.

Observation is a very powerful form of learning and it is also a precondition for meaningful engagement. As meaning-seeking beings, it is observation that we rely on to make sense of our surroundings. The better we observe, the closer we get to understanding the complexity of other human beings and our shared reality.

The less observant we are, the greater the assumptions we make about both ourselves, and the world around us. I continued to design my own “China Week” trips in various other parts of the world in the following years, and I realised that there was no end to how much we can observe and reflect on what it means to be human, or how much more we can engage before we finally break down all of our assumptions. Because it’s a constant learning. It’s a lifelong learning. l

Garga Chatterjee is a political and cultural commentator. He can be followed on twitter @ gargac.

A shared reality n Navin Rahman

M

y perception of what it really means to be strong and resilient changed when, back in November 2008, I visited a leprosy village in China. In United World College (my high school in Hong Kong), academic years used to begin with a week called “China Week,” when every student had to go on a trip to China and volunteer on a service project.

Thousands of people in China who have leprosy live in remote “leprosy villages” where they were contained and isolated from the rest of the society many years ago under a previous Chinese law.

I chose to go to one of these villages, through an organisation called JIA. These lepers were now 100% cured, but still continue to live in isolation. Our task was to construct benches for them since many of them didn’t have limbs. I remember thinking I was going to China to “help” these people, when in reality, I only returned realising how

simplistically we think about helplessness.

Over the years, the people in that village have formed their own community, leaving behind remnants of the old world that had also left them behind. But they greeted us with big smiles and joyful gestures.

They loved having visitors, not so much because they were lonely, but because they were such people-loving beings. I noticed how they always kept themselves busy with different things, and loved talking (the Cantonese speakers would translate for us).

The people who still had hands made baskets out of hard leaves. What surprised me was not their Asian hospitality as much as how progressive-minded they also were as people. This was 2008 and Obama was running for office. They had televisions in their little houses and they loved to talk about American politics with us. Although I spoke no Cantonese, I spent hours with them between work, because I couldn’t stop appreciating their livelihood and joyfulness.

In translation a lot was lost, I’m sure. But

The better we observe, the closer we get to understanding the complexity of other human beings and our shared reality

Navin Rahman is the Founder and President of Green Channel Foundation.

DT

14 OPINION

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

BIGSTOCK

Is there really a level playing field? n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

A

ll strong democracies in the world also have strong election monitoring bodies, such as the Election Commission of India, and the Federal Election Commission in the USA. When we say the Election Commission is strong -- synonymous to independent in case an election is taking place under partisan arrangements -- we mean that the regulatory body has the strength to ensure a “level playing field” for all.

A level playing field is generally described as a concept about fairness, in which not every player has equal chances to succeed, but they all play by the same set of rules.

For every kind of election -- both national and local -- the Election Commission of Bangladesh has separate “electoral codes of conduct” that participants, supporters, and state bodies must fully obey. In fact, this is the necessary “set of rules” that is meant for ensuring a “level playing field” before and during elections in Bangladesh.

Every time an election is held in Bangladesh, opposition parties keep clamouring about a level playing field; they want the EC to ensure that participants associated with the ruling parties do not make undue use of the state-provided facilities.

The concept may not be non-existent altogether, but it surely is vague because the EC’s code of conduct -- if fully obeyed by all participants -- can only ensure equal opportunity in material terms; it remains

vague because the “same set of rules” does not address the psychological and ideological issues.

When the supporters of Sayeed Khokon, ruling Awami League-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka south, gather and obstruct vehicular movement at Shiddeswari, it is a clear violation of section 6(1)b of the electoral code of conduct.

the home advantage.

They hardly ever managed to put up a real fight against the Aussies, even when they had the likes of Jack Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Allan Donald, and Makhaya Ntini. Very little has changed although they now have batsmen like AB De Villiers, and Hashim Amla, and fiery bowlers like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

The EC’s code of conduct -- if fully obeyed by all participants -- can only ensure equal opportunity in material terms

Police say nothing because they are all supporters of the ruling party-backed candidate, although this obstruction is taking place right in front of the Ramna police station. But the wife of Mirza Abbas, a senior leader of opposition BNP and Khokon’s strongest competitor, does not get the same “facility” of being overlooked by law enforcers.

Take the example of the South African cricket team playing on a fast and bouncy Perth turf in Australia. No matter how good your batsmen are, or how fast your bowlers may bowl, the home team will always enjoy

Given all these, however, this time around, vague as it may sound, the level playing field -- if it exists at all -- is strangely benefitting the BNP-led opposition alliance’s candidates.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia -- also a former three-time prime minister of Bangladesh and two-time main opposition leader in parliament -- found herself and her party out of parliament for the first time in more than two decades after they had boycotted the January 5, 2014 national polls in which the AL and company won with a clean sweep, literally uncontested.

This also means that none of the senior BNP leaders, including Khaleda, hold any government portfolio and are therefore free to take part in canvassing for their favourite candidates in the upcoming city polls without violating section 14 of the code of conduct which bars parliament speakers, whips, ministers, and people from similar ranks from physically attending canvassing.

The BNP is already expecting that their chief Khaleda Zia will take part in campaigning in favour of their mayoral candidates --Tabith M Awal in the north, and Mirza Abbas in the south.

Annisul Huq, the ruling party backed mayoral candidate in the north, has already said that if Khaleda Zia came out, it would mar the level playing field. The AL -- happy no doubt at BNP’s exodus from parliament -- is all of a sudden feeling the boomerang effect.

If Khaleda Zia takes part in campaigning, it would no doubt be a clear upper-hand and a strong moral booster for both candidates and voters. AL President Sheikh Hasina, being the prime minister, cannot do what her counterpart can.

In fact, party stalwarts like Tofail Ahmed, Amir Hossain Amu, Mohammad Nasim, and so on are all ministers and therefore will not be able to come out in support of their candidates. Needless to say, only Sheikh Hasina can generate the same buzz as Khaleda Zia, and vice versa. l Mohammad Al-Masum Molla is a political reporter at the Dhaka Tribune.

16

IEA sees sharp rise in Iran oil output in 3-5 years post nuclear deal

17

World Bank cuts East Asia growth forecast, warns of risks to outlook

19

Stocks stay choppy with strong sell-off

20

DT

Business

15

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Foreign investors want reduction in corporate tax rate

Bernicat: US satisfied over RMG progress n Tribune Report

A woman shopper looks at saris at a Bailey Road shop in the capital yesterday ahead of Pahela Baishakh. Saris are traditionally worn by Bangalee women on the occasion SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

FY15 borrowing through savings instruments to rise by 132% n Asif Showkat Kallol The government borrowing through national savings certificates would increase as high as 132% to Tk21,000 crore this fiscal year from the original estimate.

Finance Division has revised up the estimate from the previous estimate of Tk9,056 crore, officials said.

But the government has to face a huge pressure now in the payment of interest against the savings instruments, said a Finance Division official. The rates of interest range between 12% and 14%.

The rates, however, will be reviewed for the next fiscal year and are expected to come down below 9%, the official said.

During July-February period this fiscal, the sales of saving instruments soared 77.41% year -on- year to Tk26,533 crore, according to the statistics by National Saving Directorate.

Meanwhile, the budget deficit has risen to Tk77,236 crore from previously estimated Tk61,346 crore, said an official concerned.

The budget outlay has been slashed down by 3.95% and fixed at Tk2,40,607 crore.

Besides, the government has also cut the fiscal’s GDP growth forecast to 6.8% from 7.3% as the economy was hit by political turmoil.

But the subsidy amount saw no change and remained around Tk26,000 crore.

Finance Division issued a revised budget ordinance for FY2014-15 disclosing the latest figures yesterday.

“It’s good that the government has lent more money from saving instruments this year instead of borrowing from banking system. As a result, interest payment has not increased,” said the official.

He said deficit of the year increased as revenue earning was affected by the political unrest.

Meanwhile, the National Board of Revenue has cut the fiscal year’s revenue earning target by 9.81% and fixed at Tk1,35,028 crore.

The figure was Tk1,49,720 crore.

In the revised budget, the government’s total revenue earning target has been slashed

10.70% to Tk1,63,371 crore.

“We have already taken a strategic plan to achieve the revenue target,” NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

He said the NBR had also received suggestions from field level to increase the earning.

The non-development revenue expenditure has been reduced to Tk1,27,922 crore from existing Tk1,28,231 crore.

The non-development revenue expenditure includes an amount of Tk75,000 crore as annual development programme in the revised budget.

Besides, the total interest payment has been reduced slightly to Tk29,865 crore from Tk31,043 crore.

Of the total revised outlay, the government has to pay Tk28,187 crore as interest against local borrowing and the remaining part as interest against foreign debt. l

Expressing satisfaction over the progress in RMG sector, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat said the US government will help the country to establish regional ties.

The envoy came up with the comment at her first meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at his secretariat yesterday.

“We have robust aid relationship with Bangladesh, but aid is minimal or a side story compared to robust trade,” said Bernicat.

“Apart from this, we are looking in the future to helping Bangladesh establish regional ties – something that Bangladesh and India are doing very well in their trade, and we want to be part all of these issues,” the envoy said, adding that regional trade with one another further strengthens their economy.

Replying to a question, the US ambassador said: “There has been progress and would continue to be progress that can recommend the restoration of Generalised System of Preference (GSP). United States Trade Representative (USTR) was very satisfied with the progress they have seen and looking for further progress.”

When you look at the progress that Bangladesh made in last one year is little bit breathing. The good news is even in times of tragedy Bangladesh has yet again proven to be a pioneer of ‘sourcing RMG products’, said Barnicat.

The buyers, international community and the government are all working together to address the issues that rose from the (Rana Plaza) tragedy. It’s unprecedented in the world now, added the envoy.

“The trade between Bangladesh and the US is impressive and it’s growing, I am very proud because of growth in export that has helped Bangladesh fuelled in marching towards a middle-income country status.” l

DT

16 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Earthquake warning on your smartphone?

There could be an app for that

n Reuters, London

Chief Economist of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol speaks during a question and answer session at the Oil & Money conference in London

REUTERS

IEA sees sharp rise in Iran oil output in 3-5 years post nuclear deal n Reuters, New Delhi World oil markets will not see a significant rise in Iranian supplies for up to five years even if the OPEC member and world powers clinch a final nuclear deal by end-June, Fatih Birol chief economist and future head of International Energy Agency (IEA) said.

While the likelihood of an immediate jump in Iranian supplies looks slim, the chance of a steep fall in deliveries from other regions is rising as IEA estimates companies will cut investments by as much as $100bn in 2015 in oil exploration and production due to lower prices.

Iran and six world powers reached a framework nuclear agreement on April 2, spurring hopes for a final deal by end-June that would lift economic sanctions imposed by the West against Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.

“In three to five years we may see stronger (oil production) growth coming from Iran assuming Iran and global powers strike a final deal in June,” Fatih Birol, who will head the

IEA from September, told Reuters in an interview in New Delhi.

He said there may not be a big growth in Iranian oil production immediately as Tehran’s huge and geological complex fields have not been maintained “in the best way” due to the sanctions.

Western sanctions have cut Iran’s oil exports by more than half to around 1.1 million bpd from a pre-2012 level of 2.5 million bpd, with the loss of oil income making it difficult to invest in new development and pay for the equipment and services needed to keep its production operating smoothly.

Birol sees a limited impact of the lifting of sanctions on Iran on global oil prices, which have been halved since June on supply glut mainly from the United States.

Global economic growth mainly in Asia and Europe and investment in boosting oil output will be important factors determining movement in future global oil prices.

“We see a very sluggish economic growth prospects in Europe which is very important

to determine the demand of oil growth,” he said.

While lower oil prices have taken $100bn of investment from the oil sector in 2015, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have raised questions over the security of investments by global oil companies in the region, he said.

“We have never seen such a big cut even at the time of financial crisis,” he said, referring to a 20% cut in investment by global oil firms in 2015 over 2014.

“If the slowing down of production and strong growth of demand come together, this may well put upward pressure on oil (prices) in the future,” he said.

IEA sees a big chunk of the 20% investment drop in the United States, Canada and Brazil.

“This means production growth in the United States may well slow down and this is of course an important input for oil markets in next quarters to come ... It is difficult to give a number but there may be a slowdown which may have an effect on oil coming from the US in 2016,” he said. l

Countries looking for cheap earthquake warning systems might want to try apps and smartphones after scientists discovered that 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.

“Most of the world does not receive earthquake warnings, mainly due to the cost of building the necessary scientific monitoring networks,” said Benjamin Brooks, USGS geophysicist and project lead.

Although many parts of the world are prone to earthquakes, systems that detect the start of an earthquake and send warnings to people before they feel the ground shaking are operating in only a few regions, including Japan and Mexico.

GPS receivers in smartphones, though less accurate than the scientific-grade equipment, could detect medium to large earthquakes like the 7 magnitude quake that rocked Haiti in 2010, killing more than 200,000 people.

After analysing the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, the researchers concluded that lives could have been saved if GPS data had been used to send warnings before seismic waves reached Tokyo and before the daedly tsunami wave reached the shore.

“The speed of an electronic warning travels faster than the earthquake shaking does,” said Craig Glennie, one of the authors of the report and a professor at the University of Houston.

The researchers found that data gathered from fewer than 5,000 smartphones in a metropolitan area could be analysed fast enough to issue a warning for people further away from the epicentre and potentially save lives.

The researchers didn’t specify if smartphone users would receive warnings through messages, calls or applications.

“Crowd-sourced data are less precise (than high-quality networks), but for larger earthquakes ... they contain enough information to detect that an earthquake has occurred, information necessary for early warning,” Susan Owen, co-author of the study, said in a statement.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has already agreed to test a pilot warning system comprising smartphone sensors and scientific-grade sensors along the Chilean coast. l

Researchers: Chinese hackers target Southeast Asia, India n Reuters Hackers, most likely from China, have been spying on governments and businesses in Southeast Asia and India uninterrupted for a decade, researchers at internet security company FireEye Inc said.

In a report released on Monday, FireEye said the cyber espionage operations dated

back to at least 2005 and “focused on targets - government and commercial - who hold key political, economic and military information about the region.”

“Such a sustained, planned development effort coupled with the (hacking) group’s regional targets and mission, lead us to believe that this activity is state-sponsored - most likely the Chinese government,” the report’s

authors said.

Bryce Boland, Chief Technology Officer for Asia Pacific at FireEye and co-author of the report, said the attack was still ongoing, noting that the servers the attackers used were still operational, and that FireEye continued to see attacks against its customers, who number among the targets.

Reuters couldn’t independently confirm

any of the assertions made in the report.

China has always denied accusations that it uses the Internet to spy on governments, organisations and companies. Neither the Foreign Ministry nor the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Internet regulator, immediately responded to written requests for comment on the FireEye report on Monday. l

DT

BUSINESS 17

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

World Bank cuts East Asia growth forecast, warns of risks to outlook n Reuters, Singapore

The World Bank cut its 2015 growth forecasts for developing East Asia and China, and warned of “significant” risks from global uncertainties including the potential impact from a strengthening dollar and higher US interest rates.

The Washington-based lender expects the developing East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, which includes China, to grow 6.7% in each of 2015 and 2016, down from 6.9% growth in 2014.

That’s down from its previous forecast in October of 6.9% growth this year and 6.8% in 2016.

China’s growth is likely to slow due to policies aimed at putting its economy on a more sustainable footing and tackling financial vulnerabilities, the World Bank said in its latest East Asia and Pacific Economic Update report on Monday.

The World Bank said China’s economy is likely to slow to 7.1% in 2015 and 7% in 2016, from 7.4% in 2014. The previous forecast was for growth of 7.2% in 2015 and 7.1% in 2016.

While the impact of low oil prices will vary from country to country, the World Bank said the prospect of a sustained period of low oil costs will help underpin growth in the region, as will an expected improvement in high-income economies.

However, due to uncertainties in the global economy, there are “significant risks” to the regional outlook, it added.

“Higher US interest rates and an appreciating US dollar, associated with monetary policy divergence across the advanced economies may raise borrowing costs, generate financial volatility, and reduce capital inflows more sharply than anticipated,” the World Bank said.

Any downturn in Japan and the euro area would dent the region’s exports, it said. Another risk is a significant slowdown in China,

Labourers work at a construction site in front of residential buildings in Shanghai although that is unlikely since the world’s second-biggest economy enjoys policy buffers including large foreign reserves, and ample fiscal room to deploy stimulus or bail out debtors, the report added.

China’s central bank has cut interest rates

twice since November in a bid to spur an economy growing at its slowest pace in decades.

Growth in developing East Asia and Pacific excluding China is expected to accelerate to 5.1% in 2015 and 5.4% in 2016, from 4.6% in 2014, the World Bank said.

REUTERS

Malaysia, the region’s largest oil-exporter, is likely to see growth slow in 2015, as low oil prices hit capital spending in the energy sector and private consumption cools due to the implementation of the goods and services tax in April, it said. l

China March exports dive as Dollar edges up in Asian trade economy seen slowing further n AFP, Tokyo

n AFP, Beijing China suffered an across-the-board decline in trade in March, the government said yesterday, days ahead of GDP data expected to show another slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy.

Exports fell an unexpected 15% on-year in March to $144.57bn, the General Administration of Customs said, while imports tumbled 12.7% to $141.49bn.

The monthly trade surplus, which had hit consecutive records in January and February, plummeted 60% to $3.08bn.

The export decline was far off what economists had expected, with a survey by Bloomberg News projecting an increase of 9%. The poll forecast a trade surplus of $40.1bn.

Customs spokesman Huang Songping blamed the export slump on stepped-up factory deliveries ahead of a later start for China’s Lunar New Year holidays than in 2014, saying factoring in seasonal effects the fall

was only 4.8%.

Still, he acknowledged problems.

“International market demand was slack and export orders have declined,” he told reporters. “Comprehensive costs remained high so that the traditional competitive advantages were weakened.”

For imports, he attributed the weakness to commodity price falls and a downturn in domestic growth.

In the first quarter, overall prices of China’s imports fell by 9.8% year on year, with those for key commodities iron ore, crude oil and refined oil dropping 45%, 46.8% and 38.7% respectively, according to Huang.

The figures come two days before China announces economic growth data for the first three months of the year, with a survey

by AFP forecasting 6.9% expansion. That is sharply down from the 7.3% in October-December and the worst rate since January-February 2009, at the height of the global financial crisis. l

The dollar edged up against other major currencies yesterday after weaker than expected Chinese trade data, supported by investor expectations of US interest rate increases.

The greenback was at 120.44 yen in Tokyo compared with 120.30 yen in New York late Friday. The euro bought $1.0593 and 127.47 yen against $1.0599 and 127.50 yen.

A report last week showed fewer Americans applied for first-time unemployment benefits over the past few weeks than at any time in almost 15 years, helping to allay concern about the strength of the US economy.

Such concerns had grown after a closely watched payrolls report at the start of the month showed the economy added the fewest jobs in March since the end of 2013.

“Data last week showed that the weak payrolls number was more of an aberration,” said Sim Moh Siong, a foreign-exchange strategist at Bank of Singapore.

A broadly healthy series of US data over the past year has fed expectations the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by the end of the

year, with the main differences over whether it will be sooner rather than later.

For fresh trading pegs, investors are awaiting economic data and financial gatherings later in the week. Upcoming data includes China’s first-quarter growth due out on Wednesday. Official data Monday showed its exports suffered an unexpected 14.6% fall year-on-year in March, a further sign of weakness in the world’s second largest economy.

The European Central Bank will hold a policy meeting Wednesday, which will be followed by a news conference by its head Mario Draghi, while G20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs gather in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

The dollar was mostly higher against other Asia-Pacific currencies.

The Australian dollar fell to 75.86 US cents from 77.02 cents on Friday after China, its largest trading partner, reported a bigger than forecast decline in imports.

The dollar rose to Sg$1.3694 from Sg$1.3593, to Tw$31.28 from Tw$31.15, to 1,098.75 South Korean won from 1,093.40 won, and to 44.62 Philippine pesos from 44.49 pesos. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures ABBANK: The Board of Directors has recommended 12.50% stock dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

The Board has also decided to issue AB Bank Subordinated Bond-II of Tk. 400.00 crore for Tier-II Capital subject to approval of the concerned Regulatory Authorities and EGM of the Company. Date of EGM and AGM: 17.05.2015, Time of EGM and AGM: 9:00 AM and 9:15 AM respectively, Venue: Bashundhara Convention Centre-02, Block-C, Umme Kulsum Road, Bashundhara R/A, Baridhara, Dhaka. Record date for EGM and AGM: 23.04.2015.

The Company has also reported Consolidated EPS of Tk. 2.81, Consolidated NAV per share of Tk. 35.23 and Consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 9.11 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

BATBC: (Q1 Un-audited): Profit from Jan15 to Mar15 was Tk. 1,790.08 million with EPS of Tk. 29.83 as against Tk. 1,241.82 million and Tk. 20.70 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

PIONEERINS: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on April 19, 2015 at 4:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

AGRANINS: As per Regulation 30 of DSE Listing Regulations, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on April 18, 2015 at

11:30 AM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

IDLC: 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 on April 12, 2015. The Company has further informed that shareholders under Folio Number, who will submit details of their BO Account against Folio Number, will be credited to their respective BO Account soon. The sale proceeds of the fraction shares will be remitted to the shareholders respective bank account.

KEYACOSMET: The Company has further informed that the 18th AGM (pending AGM for the year 2014) of the Company will be held on June 12, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Factory Premises at Jarun, Konabari, Gazipur for the year ended June 30, 2014.

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 IFIC: 15% Stock dividend, AGM: 17.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015.

MERCINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 09.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015.

NORTHRNINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015.

CITYGENINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 15.06.2015, Record Date: 22.04.2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company SAIF Powertec-N United Power-N Khan Brothers-N S. Alam CR Steel -A Aziz PipesZ GBB Power Ltd-A Samata LeatheR -Z Unique Hotel RL - A Sinobangla Indu.-A Modern Dyeing -Z

Closing (% Change) 9.98 9.95 9.57 9.47 9.36 8.09 7.91 7.54 7.11 6.69

CSE GAINER Company SAIF Powertec-N United Power-N Prime Insur -A Khan Brothers-N Global Heavy Chemicals-N C & A Textile -N Unique Hotel RL - A Anlima Yarn -A S Purbanchol Power-N WesternMarine -N

Closing (% Change) 9.98 9.98 9.17 9.13 8.63 8.24 7.72 7.69 6.87 6.59

DSE LOSER Company Jute SpinnersA Islami Ins.BD-A Standard Ceramic -A Fareast Islami Life -A Prime Textile -A Hakkani P& Paper -B Keya Cosmetics -A Sandhani Life -A Shahjalal Islami -A AB Bank - A

Closing (% Change) -9.26 -7.27 -7.00 -5.94 -5.37 -5.21 -5.17 -5.07 -5.05 -4.88

CSE LOSER Company Peoples Insur -A Apex Foods -A Northern G Insur-A GreenDeltaInsu -A ISN Ltd. -Z Popular Life Insu. -A Prime Textile -A FAS Fin. & Inv. Ltd-B ICB Sonali Bank 1 MF-A Paramount Insur-A

Closing (% Change) -10.00 -9.85 -9.74 -9.65 -9.26 -8.71 -8.44 -8.13 -7.41 -6.98

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features April 13, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

4,121.96 83,700,534 106,338

Traded Issues

311

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

132

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

174

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,461.43

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.84

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 172.11 86.65 12.73 551.39 156.68 1202.74 2.54 359.38 610.68 20.94 280.71 19.36 9.23 60.75 85.08 10.60 55.03 156.61 148.47 119.63 0.00

% change 4.18 2.10 0.31 13.38 3.80 29.18 0.06 8.72 14.82 0.51 6.81 0.47 0.22 1.47 2.06 0.26 1.34 3.80 3.60 2.90 0.00

Million Taka 13.54 48.60 0.87 64.98 7.10 107.65 28.77 27.81 2.13 15.39 0.77 0.84 10.80 6.51 0.56 2.19 13.84 17.26 16.83 0.02

Average (% Change) 5.40 12.37 10.06 8.68 7.66 2.51 9.14 6.88 4.85 7.05

Average (% Change) 5.09 12.17 9.33 11.06 6.62 5.36 7.14 7.69 5.33 4.44

Average (% Change) -10.29 -6.87 -7.45 -4.00 -4.89 -4.92 -3.40 -4.24 -4.34 -5.64

Average (% Change) -9.08 -9.90 -9.74 -9.65 -9.26 -8.70 -8.20 -7.95 -7.01 -6.83

CSE

ClosingAvg. 68.96 173.69 22.54 26.04 18.56 17.95 19.10 54.08 23.34 75.00

ClosingAvg. 68.78 173.69 13.12 22.59 35.77 18.08 54.14 16.80 47.23 42.78

ClosingAvg. 40.00 15.31 33.04 63.09 14.20 20.10 16.77 51.31 9.47 19.56

ClosingAvg.

% change 3.50 12.58 0.23 16.81 1.84 27.86 0.00 7.44 7.20 0.55 3.98 0.20 0.22 2.80 1.68 0.14 0.57 3.58 4.47 4.36 0.00

16.33 90.55 17.60 51.50 9.80 151.03 14.10 11.34 5.04 12.00

Closing

DHIGH

71.60 175.70 22.90 26.60 18.70 18.70 19.10 54.20 24.10 75.00

Closing

71.60 175.70 22.90 26.70 18.80 18.90 19.10 55.40 24.50 75.00

DHIGH

71.60 175.20 13.10 22.70 36.50 18.40 54.40 16.80 48.20 43.70

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW 66.00 165.90 13.10 21.40 34.30 17.30 51.00 16.80 43.50 41.00

DLOW

43.00 15.80 35.70 65.10 14.60 21.30 19.10 53.00 9.70 20.00

DHIGH

16.20 90.60 17.60 51.50 9.80 151.00 14.10 11.30 5.00 12.00

Million Taka 185.64 135.25 13.60 616.36 163.78 1310.39 2.54 388.15 638.49 23.07 296.10 20.13 10.08 71.56 91.58 11.16 57.22 170.45 165.73 136.46 0.02

65.70 165.00 21.40 24.20 18.10 17.20 19.10 50.50 22.10 75.00

71.60 175.20 13.20 22.80 36.50 18.60 55.50 16.80 48.30 44.00

40.20 15.30 33.20 61.80 14.10 20.00 16.50 50.60 9.40 19.50

Closing

DLOW

39.90 15.00 33.00 60.90 14.00 19.50 16.10 50.20 9.30 18.70

DLOW

16.40 90.60 17.60 51.50 9.90 152.20 14.10 11.40 5.20 12.00

Total

16.20 90.50 17.60 51.50 9.80 149.00 14.10 11.30 4.90 12.00

% change 4.12 3.00 0.30 13.67 3.63 29.07 0.06 8.61 14.16 0.51 6.57 0.45 0.22 1.59 2.03 0.25 1.27 3.78 3.68 3.03 0.00

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

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

203.111 483.861 32.704 13.448 0.055 8.907 0.000 129.912 2.486 0.001

Turnover in Million

2.50 7.11 1.18 1.56 -0.37 1.47 -0.46 3.05 0.92 -0.50

Latest EPS

11.721 57.501 0.007 3.934 0.027 3.989 9.210 0.017 0.678 12.632

Turnover in Million

27.6 24.4 19.1 16.7 -ve 12.2 -ve 17.7 25.4 -ve

Latest PE

2.50 7.11 2.41 1.18 2.43 2.48 3.05 0.74 4.60 1.76

Latest EPS

0.120 0.062 0.038 2.707 0.545 0.809 9.389 1.135 4.709 19.089

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

27.5 24.4 5.4 19.1 14.7 7.3 17.8 22.7 10.3 24.3

Latest PE

-43.64 1.48 0.52 4.60 1.00 0.42 2.02 2.12 1.02 2.81

Latest EPS

0.016 0.018 0.070 0.002 0.033 0.034 0.014 0.007 0.043 0.006

-ve 10.3 63.5 13.7 14.2 47.9 8.3 24.2 9.3 7.0

Latest PE

2.25 3.20 2.02 2.96 0.13 4.05 1.00 1.27 0.98 1.13

7.3 28.3 8.7 17.4 75.4 37.3 14.1 8.9 5.1 10.6

CSE key features April 13, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

386.45 12,196,883 17,279

Traded Issues

240

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

102

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

133

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,384.38

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.90

DT

BUSINESS 19

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Stocks stay choppy with strong sell-off n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N MJL BD Ltd.-A SAIF Powertec-N Ifad Autos -N

VolumeShares 2,785,785 2,641,811 2,945,349

ACI Limited- A Square Pharma -A Unique Hotel RL - A Grameenphone-A WesternMarine -N Shasha Denims -N

Khulna Power-A Pharma Aids A SummitAlliancePort.-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N Intl. Leasing-B Ifad Autos -N MJL BD Ltd.-A WesternMarine -N SAIF Powertec-N Unique Hotel RL - A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Grameenphone-A LafargeS Cement-Z

Khulna Power-A Shasha Denims -N BD Submarine Cable-A UNITED AIR-A ACI Limited- A

2,602,346 305,450 552,319 2,402,139 370,984 2,375,302 2,051,541

1,306,615 230,292 1,345,661 1,975,983

VolumeShares

331,051 3,509,936 387,172 216,209 295,297 170,407 170,103 301,716 20,797 62,326

112,364 165,707 58,303 946,682 11,202

Value in Million 483.86 353.21 203.11 194.88

% of TotalTurnover 11.74 8.57 4.93 4.73

172.58 144.52 129.91 128.80 101.70 83.08

4.19 3.51 3.15 3.13 2.47 2.02

78.58 70.97 69.51 58.78

Value in Million

57.50 42.12 29.40 28.84 12.63 11.72 9.21 9.00 7.21 7.00

6.73 6.68 6.63 6.43 6.32

1.91 1.72 1.69 1.43

% of TotalTurnover

14.88 10.90 7.61 7.46 3.27 3.03 2.38 2.33 1.87 1.81

1.74 1.73 1.72 1.66 1.64

175.70 135.20 71.60 74.00

Change % 9.95 4.24 9.98 -0.27

572.20 260.90 54.20 346.80 43.70 40.60

3.40 -1.10 7.54 -0.40 6.59 1.00

ClosingP

61.10 307.40 51.30 29.70

ClosingP

5.71 2.98 1.18 0.00

Change %

175.20 12.00 74.30 135.00 43.70 71.60 54.40 29.70 346.30 112.20

61.10 40.50 112.90 6.80 572.40

9.98 0.00 -0.67 4.17 6.59 9.98 7.72 -0.34 -0.09 -0.97

5.71 1.25 -0.70 0.00 3.68

159.80 129.70 65.10 74.20

175.70 135.90 71.60 76.90

165.00 130.30 65.70 72.80

AvgPrice 173.69 133.70 68.96 74.89

553.40 263.80 50.40 348.20 41.00 40.20

574.70 264.50 55.40 349.90 44.00 41.20

553.30 260.00 50.50 346.00 41.10 39.70

564.99 261.66 54.08 347.18 42.82 40.50

ClosingY

57.80 298.50 50.70 29.70

ClosingY

159.30 12.00 74.80 129.60 41.00 65.10 50.50 29.80 346.60 113.30

57.80 40.00 113.70 6.80 552.10

DHIGH

61.60 312.90 52.60 30.50

DLOW

57.90 299.20 50.50 29.40

DHIGH

DLOW

175.20 12.10 77.40 135.90 44.00 71.60 55.50 30.40 350.00 114.60

165.90 11.50 73.00 131.00 41.00 66.00 51.00 29.50 345.60 112.10

61.50 41.00 115.30 6.90 575.00

57.70 39.70 112.00 6.70 554.00

60.14 308.18 51.65 29.75

AvgPrice

173.69 12.00 75.94 133.40 42.78 68.78 54.14 29.84 346.79 112.27

59.89 40.32 113.73 6.79 564.52

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

4291.62503

(-) 0.32%

1653.61023

(-) 0.34%

13238.11900

(+) 0.30%

10958.07480

(-) 0.04%

8046.43680

(+) 0.41%

▼ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

Stocks fell amid choppy trading yesterday as bears’ domination scared away bulls.

The market opened lower moving through a heavy up and down as it has become directionless due to ongoing political impasse, dealers say.

The benchmark index DSEX fell 13 points or 0.4% to 4,291, extending its losses from its previous session’s 15-month low.

The Shariah Index DSES was marginally down 2 points or 0.3% to 1,054.

The comprising blue chips DS30 edged 5 points or 0.4% lower to 1,653.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, gained 10 points to 8,028.

Strong sell-off has helped turnover to cross Tk400 crore mark after two weeks as the turnover at the Dhaka Stock Exchange stood at Tk412 crore, an increase of over 42% over the previous session.

“What ails the stock market is the current political situation and economic scenario,” analysts said, adding that most investors sought to limit their losses.

“The real cause behind

the market volatility could be lack of courage on the part of investors to take risks.”

The large cap sectors showed a mixed performance with power advancing 2.8%, led by newly listed United Power Generation and Distribution Company Limited that saw the day’s biggest gain of almost 10%

What ails the stock market is the current political situation and economic scenario to Tk175.7, which is the highest value since its debut last week.

The company was also the most-traded stocks for the sixth consecutive session with a turnover worth more than Tk48 crore.

Food & allied also gained 1.6%, followed by pharmaceuticals 0.2%. The financial sectors continued to experience major correction with non-banking financial institutions plunging 2.41%, followed by banks nearly 1%, cement 1.1% and telecommunication 0.5%. l

ANALYST

The real cause behind the market volatility could be lack of courage on the part of investors to take risks

DT

20 BUSINESS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Foreign investors want reduction in corporate tax rate n Tribune Report Foreign investors in Bangladesh have urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to reduce the corporate tax rate for the non-listed companies for minimising the gaps between marginal and effective tax rates.

The representatives from Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) came up with the proposal at a meeting with the NBR officials held at its headquarters in the city yesterday. NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman chaired the meeting.

Attending the meeting, the foreign investors said: “Foreign companies have to pay an extra 15% to 20% tax, in addition to the regular corporate tax rate due to very high disallowances on account of royalty fee and excess perquisites.”

Because of the issues, the effective tax rate becomes 50% to 55% for non-publicly traded companies and therefore, Bangladesh become non-competitive compared to other markets in the world, they added Urging the government to reduce the corporate tax rate for promoting industrialisation and employment generation through increased foreign direct investments, the chamber leaders proposed that the corporate tax rate should be reduced at 30% from the existing 35% for non-publicly traded company, and the rate for Mobile phone operator (non-listed) should be reduced at 32.5% from the existing 45%.

However, the tax rate for listed companies can remain unchanged at 25%, reads the FICCI proposal. While addressing the meeting, FICCI President Rupali Chowdhury urged the government to take necessary initiatives to gradually reduce the rates and expand its tax base with a prospective view.

“The government should withdraw the supplementary duty for local companies from

the up coming budget to help the companies be familiar with the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, which will be come into effect from 2016,” said Rupali who is also managing director of Berger Paints Bangladesh.

FICCI budget coordinator Abdul Khalek placed a set of recommendations including reduction of advance income tax on local LC from 5% to 2% for industrial companies, cancellation of tax deduction not admissible for excess perquisites, normal depreciation rate at 50% to be allowed for any software, review on reimbursement expenses in respect of medical treatment etc.

“The government should cancel the provision for making companies liable to pay minimum tax at 0.30% on gross receipts as the provision is against the spirit of income tax and is discouraged for foreign industries,” Khalek added.

He also stressed on formation of a research center at NBR to look into the long-term impacts before enactment of any law.

Standard Chartered Bank Chief Financial Officer Imtiaz Ibne Sattar said, “3% advance income tax on suppliers and distributors needs to be withdrawn as it is troublesome for the small enterprises to pay the tax and operate the businesses on a very low margin.

He also observed that allowable limit of CSR should be increased and also should be fully tax deductable.

FICCI demanded that the allowable limit for CSR spending should be increased at Tk100 crores or 10% of taxable incomes, whichever is lower, from the existing maximum 20% of bank’s total income or Tk8 crore, whichever is lower.

Another representative from SCB M Mahmud Rana demanded that excise duty on loan account (other than deposit account)

needs to be withdrawn.

Currently, all the banks are required to collect or deduct excise duty from all accounts, including loan account, as per the given slab.

With this in effect, it would consequently cause double deduction of excise duty from the individual customers, who have received the loan through his/her current account/OD account maintained with bank. “So, it needs to be cancelled.”

Debabrata Roy Chowdhury from Nestle demanded that food for specialised purposes, which are used to cure diarrhea and lowweight problems of children needs a separate HS code for duty benefits, withdrawal of supplementary duty and needs customs duty reduction.

He also noted that the NBR should include the mention of ‘goods infringing IP rights’ in the list of products, which are barred to be imported in Bangladesh.

CEAT AK Khan Bangladesh Ltd representative Shahadat H Chowdhury observed that the government should provide tax holiday to the tire industry as industrial undertaking.

Nurul Alam of Banglalink demanded a reduction in the SIM Tax rate from the current Tk300 for each SIM card.

Representatives of Marico Bangladesh Ltd, British American Tobacco, Glaxo SmithKline, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, P&G Bangladesh Ltd also placed their respective proposals on budget related issues.

In response, NBR senior member Farid Uddin said: “The revenue is not increasing due to lack of compliance culture in the country.”

The NBR has taken up reform initiatives including digitalization, integration between its all three wings and are trying to bring uniformity, with which, the state of compliance will see a development and the revenue will be increased, he hoped. l

BGMEA and Finance Ministry sign a contract for skills development of RMG workers and mid-level management at the Finance Ministry yesterday

BGMEA

Indenters for expenditure tax on property purchase n Tribune Report Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association yesterday proposed the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to introduce expenditure tax for people in purchase of car and property like land and apartments.

They said the government can combat money laundering and black money whitening through introduction of such tax.

If the NBR can introduce expenditure tax on purchase of properties, it can earn a huge amount of revenues from the sector as people are spending a lot of money on such purchases, said MS Siddique from Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association.

He also proposed that the NBR should make cheque transactions mandatory for purchase of fixed properties to expand the tax base.

The indenter made the demand at a prebudget meeting with NBR at its headquarters.

The tax body held a meeting yesterday with representatives from C& F associations, shipping associations, freight forwarding agents, tax lawyers, indentors, and ICMAB. Addressing the meeting, Bangladesh Ship Breaking Association representative urged the NBR to reduce customs duty from Tk1,500 to Tk1,000, advance income tax from Tk400 to Tk200 and VAT from Tk270 to Tk150.

The Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) president ASM Saiful Islam said the role of cost and management accountants as facilitators in Alternative Dispute Resolution remain lapsed which needs to be included immediately as it is allowed as per law.

He also requested the NBR not to call senior citizens and female taxpayers to continuous hearings, if there are no specific allegations like tax evasion found against them. l The tax-free limit for individual taxpayers should be set at Tk3 lakh from existing Tk2.20 lakh, Dhaka Taxes Bar Association representative said, adding that the tax-free ceiling for female and senior citizens aged over 65 years should be increased from existing Tk2.75 lakh to Tk3.75 lakh, for physically challenged taxpayers from Tk3 lakh to Tk4 lakh, and for freedom fighters from Tk4 lakh to Tk4.5 lakh.

The lawyer also demanded to include a judicial magistrate in each tribunal and to introduce online return filing soon for facilitating paying tax.

Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) Vice-President ABM Rafiquzzaman called upon the NBR to extend the custom licencing expiry term to 4 years from 2 years, reduction of licencing fee to Tk5,000 from Tk10,000, inclusion of savings certificates instead of bank guarantee during licencing.

He also suggested that NBR should not provide licence to fully foreign freight forwarding companies, as he claimed that these companies are allegedly involved in money laundering activities.

Shippers Council of Bangladesh demanded withdrawal of 15% VAT from the interest on bank savings by the association.

Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh demanded that the NBR should impose 30% to 40% customs duty and 70% to 80% supplementary duty on import of solar panel to prevent import of substandard panels. l

Chill life

T-JUNCTION

Photo: Bigstock

NEWS

DT

21

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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This system is configured with Dynamic Bandwidth allocation and spreading range. It also includes online multitasking, Output Power and Wireless Signal. The router has a price-tag of Tk5,000/-.

Contact No: 01915-476353, 9183291.

24 tech

22 Sports

Inter-school: Dhaka Basketball League- 2015

Hands on with S6 and S6 Edge tech tip

To the left, to the left

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

Sports

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Inter-school:

Dhaka Basketball League- 2015

n Chisty Rahim American International School, Dhaka’s (AISD) first month-long league tournament, Dhaka Basketball League, came to an end this week on April 9, with the home team securing the trophy after beating St. Joseph Higher Secondary School’s (SJHSS) basketball team in the finals with a score of 42-38.

The tournament made way for young stars from a few selective school teams to demonstrate their skills individually as well

as a team through friendly competition.

Only 5 selected schools partook in the games and among these SJHSS and AISD made it to the finals on April 9. In the first quarter, AISD maintained a lead of 7 points with a score of 18 against SJHSS who made 11 points in the first. However, SJHSS soon closed in, bringing the gap to 3 points with 31-28 in the third quarter.

After the game the players and teachers voted 5 players to be awarded the title of “All Star”: Rhyme - SJHSS, Ellias – AISD, Ethan – AISD, Jalen – AISD, Yeasin – SJHSS.l

Upcoming events The Federation Cup Venue: Bangladesh basketball gymnasium Date: 18th april,2015 Noushir Hasan International Basketball Tournament Venue: St. Joseph Higher Secondary School Date: 24th april, 2015

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Sports

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Premier Division Basketball League Ranking (2013) Club Name Gregorious Dhaka Gladiators (Europa youth) Dhumketu Eagles Old DOHS Rangers Flame Boys Hornets SC Bakhshibazaar Gregs

Does Height matter?

We’ve seen 5’7” Nate Robinson dunk over Dwight Howard in NBA’s 2009 dunk contest live on television, haven’t we all? Or, better yet the time when he rejects 7’5” Yao Ming and knees him half way to the ground?

In our country, a 5’7” player dunking on the court is a miracle!

The average height of an NBA player in today’s league is 6’7”. But the bar is much lower in our country. Most players below six feet cannot event touch the ring. But is that all that matters in the game of basketball?

Other dynamics such as ball handling, agility and speed are also taken into account.

It’s apparent that players who are taller and have a larger built have an advantage in strength and, in almost every other attribute of this sport.

But in most cases, they lack in speed and agility. Some even lack the skills of dribbling the ball properly. They have a harder time moving swiftly across the court with the ball still in their hands.

Whether you are as tall as a giraffe or as strong as an ox or as thin as a rake or as timid as a rabbit, all it takes to reach your goal is a little practice and a little heart, fueled by your own willpower.

Stay with us next week as Dhaka Tribune talks to the Players of Bangladesh’s National Basketball Team to find out their views on the matter!

Basketball League Ranking-2013 (1st Division) Club Name: The Gregs Total score on all 6 matches : 188 Points: 12 Club Name: Old DOHS Total score on all 6 matches : 374 Points: 11 Club Name: Joshephites Total score on all 6 matches : 326 Points: 10 Club Name: Wraiths

Total score on all 6 matches : 245 Points: 9 Club Name: Cantanions Total score on all 6 matches : 305 Points: 8 Club Name: The Shaons Total score on all 6 matches : 307 Points: 7

Total score on all 8 matches 919 784 586 503 420 426 359 404 393 *Did not participate

point 16 15 14 13 11 11 10 10 8

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Tech

Hands on with S6 and S6 Edge

Forethought PR were kind enough to let us test and try Samsung’s new flagship smartphones

n Mahmood Hossain Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The S6 is the best device Samsung has ever produced.

Design, features, and overall experience has been a positive one. The biggest question we asked ourselves is if this new Galaxy handset a perfect machine? It took about a week, but we’ve finally decided on what we thought.

Sexy and sleek Finally, a design we can all brag about. While the S6 has received a boost in the looks department, the head turner has to be its sibling the S6 Edge. But let’s not get carried away. There are a few things we’d like to point out that we found a tad disturbing.

Oh, you know, the many similarities with the newest iPhone sequel. Yes, there are plenty of similarities. Apart from the physical home button and the rectangular, rounded edge frame of its rear camera, one would think they ripped off a few ideas from Apple.

Nowadays, it’s almost natural to compare Samsung’s latest designs with Apple’s. Take note at the bottom of the phone, and that will tell you plenty.

While the S6 seems like the humble of the two, it also looks like the S6 Edge is more about design over function. And perhaps taking bits and pieces from the iPhone isn’t completely a bad thing. We know plenty of people who wouldn’t mind having an Android device with an Apple design, both in the UI and the physical characteristics of the iPhone. Unfortunately, the TouchWiz UI still irks us. It’s a shame that such a magnificent and powerful smartphone can be developed with a sub-par interior design. Thankfully, there’s plenty of third party apps out there like Nova Launcher to spruce things up.

Although to be fair, Samsung’s native theme integration with Android Lollipop makes the navigating a bit bearable. We’re only nitpicking here. Then again, you’d think Samsung would focus on revamping the looks from inside-out.

2600 mAh battery, as supposed to the S6’s 2550 mAh battery. And honestly, you really won’t experience the difference too much.

It’s mainly because everyone has their own rate of use. Whether you’re a heavy user or a moderate user, the power consumption will never be the same every single day. One other minor detail is the colour availability.

The S6 comes in White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, and Blue Topaz, whereas the S6 Edge substitutes the Topaz with Green Emerald.

• • • •

Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 32/64/128 GB, 3GB or RAM Rear camera - 16-megapixels, 2988x5312-pixels, optical image stabilisation, autofocus, LED flash Video - 2160p at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps, HDR, dual-video recording Front camera - 5-megapixels, 1440p at 30fps, dual video call, Auto HDR

Verdict There’s plenty of things to be positive about with Samsung’s new flagship. But it’s difficult to look past some of the characteristics the company simply haven’t changed. While the specifications are impressive and are up to today’s standards, there other departments that need improvements. The HTC One still has better speakers and the camera’s after product isn’t as satisfying as it is on the iPhone 6 or the Xperia Z3. No smartphone is perfect, and one brand will always excel in one department than the others. What matters most is the overall experience.

The Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are both comfortable in the hand. They feel and look premium as they should be. It’s a step forward with not only in its design but with the power underneath. Android phones are coming out of the woodwork nowadays, but it’s safe to say Samsung can still consider itself a heavyweight. In stats, Apple have sold more handsets in the past quarter than Samsung. Hopefully, for the company and its fans, the new flagship can make up for those lower numbers.

What makes it tick?

The S6 and S6 Edge are essentially the same darn device. Really, it isn’t a joke. The S6 Edge’s design and weight are the only two major differences between the two siblings.

And one more little fact: the Edge houses a

tech tip

To the left, to the left By default, the Galaxy S6 has the new People Edge and Information Stream on the ride side of the handset. Unfortunately, this can be a pain in the backside for all you lefties out there. But here’s a short and easy way to switch things around for lefthanders to use.

1. Go to your phone’s settings and choose Edge Screen.

2. Scroll to Edge screen position and tap it.

3. Then, choose the side you want the

S6 & S6 Edge under the hood: • S6 - 138g; S6 Edge - 132g • Corning Gorilla Glass 4 • Fingerprint sensor • Samsung Pay • Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours • 5.1 inches display, 1440x2560 pixels (577 ppi pixel density) • Android 5.0.2 Lollipop • Exynos 7420, Quad-core 1.5 GHz

features to appear on, right or left.

4. Tap the back arrow at the top and you’re good to go.

As for the People Edge feature, all you have to do is swipe from the left side to view your contacts. When the screen is facing down on a table, for example, the left side will glow to alert you as your contacts call you. The Information Stream appears on the left as well, just swipe back and forth along the edge to bring it up.

26

PAKISTAN ARRIVE AMID HEAVY SECURITY

26

AJMAL RETURNS, SOHAG DOES NOT

28

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

ATM, REAL FACE QF WITH REVENGE IN MIND

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sania Mirza became the first Indian to climb to the top of the WTA doubles ranking after she teamed up with Martina Hingis to claim the Family Circle Cup title. The pair won their third successive doubles title

Sport

25

DT

NUMBER 1

A full Bangladesh squad (minus Shakib al Hasan) trains together for the first time after their World Cup campaign last month. The cricketers underwent physical fitness session in the morning at the SBNS yesterday

Mominul working on striking rate n Mazhar Uddin

(L-R) Pran-RFL assistant managing director Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza, BCB chairman of marketing Enam Ahmed and Top of Mind CEO Ziauddin Adil unveil the new sponsor for Bangladesh cricket team MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

He is rated very high among the Bangladeshi Test cricketers, but when it comes to the shorter versions, Mominul Haque is simply overlooked. He remains in the squad but fails to meet the demand in the 50-over format as he is considered a batsman of slow nature, perfect for the Tests.

However, the elegant stroke maker of the cricket ball is working hard to win the trust of his mentors by increasing his batting strike rate. Mominul’s run-a-ball 78 in the Bangladesh Cricket League one-day tournament final helped Islami Bank East Zone lift the title on Sunday and the innings did exhibit his ability of scoring faster in the middle.

“I have tried to remain attacking as we need to be in the shorter formats and I try to implement that as the coach (Chandika Hathurusingha) told me during the World Cup in Australia,” said Mominul. “When you don’t perform and not able to prove yourself these type of things will come up but if I work hard on my lacking I hope to do well.”

“When someone plays well everyone praises him and when he fails there will be criticism. I always try to be a champion and when you want to become a champion we should avoid such things,” Mominul added.

A Shakib al Hasan less Bangladesh team

trained in two shifts in Mirpur yesterday. The morning session was spent in the gym while the cricketers worked out at the nets in the afternoon. Shakib returned from India from his Indian Premier league campaign yesterday and the southpaw is expected to attend the training session today.

The cricketers won’t have the time to celebrate Pohela Baishakh, start of the Bengali New Year, as their practiced is scheduled from 2pm. l

DT

26 Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Visitors claw back in third youth one-day

Pakistan arrive amid heavy security n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Pakistan national cricket team reached Dhaka yesterday amid heavy security. The Pakistan International Airlines flight PK266 carrying the players touched down Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on time in the afternoon, but the beefed up security measures disabled any communication between the players and the waiting journalists later.

It is understood that the anti-Pakistan sentiment with trial of the war criminals in the country has made the BCB and the security agencies take extra measures. Usually when any national team arrives, Bangladesh has a norm of greeting them with a good amount of Bangladesh Cricket Board employees and media personals in the VIP arrival area. However, a glimpse of the Pakistani cricketers was not available, let alone an arrival press conference.

The BCB officials also had restricted access.

Only a few board employees along with BCB vice-president Mahbub Anam were allowed to receive the Pakistan team and sources confirmed, the immigration formalities were also completed in a hurry.

More armed security personals escorted the visitors’ bus, with heavily tinted glasses, to their team hotel. The photographers who waited outside the airport, finally were ableto get a snap when the team reached hotel. Pakistan will hold its first practice session today at the National Cricket Academy ground in Mirpur. l

n Minhaz Uddin Khan Change of venue finally saw the reigning Under-19 world champions South Africa see the face of a win. In a nail biting finish in Cox’s Bazar stadium, the young Proteas beat the Bangladesh U-19s by just two runs to spice up the seven-match youth ODI series. After three matches the home side lead 2-1.

Set a target of 230 to win, Bangladesh, despite opener Saif Hasan making 70 off 112, were in a spot of bother being reduced to 144 for four following the slow start before Mosaddek Hossain (35) and Mohammad Saifuddin constructed an almost match winning fifth wicket partnership.

Mosaddek’s fall in the penultimate over, with 15 still required off nine deliveries, shifted the momentum.

Two more dismissals soon ended all hopes for the home side.

Earlier, the visitors rode on Dayyaan Galiem’s 51 to reach themodest 229 for eight.

Left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed bagged three wickets for Bangladesh. l

BRIEF SCORE 3RD YOUTH ONE-DAY South Africa U19 229/8 in 50 overs (Dayyaan 51, Kyle 40, Saleh 3/41)

Bangladesh U19

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal enters their team hotel followed by their batting consultant Grant Flower yesterday

227/7 in 50 overs (Saif 70, Ziyaad 3/31) South Africa U19 won by two runs

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Ajmal returns, Sohag does not n Reazur Rahman Rohan The “permissible 15-degree limit” rule laid by the ICC took the center stage in 2013-14 as some of the great off-spinners fell victim and were subsequently ruled out of the World Cup 2015. Ever wondered how the World Cup 2015 would have turned out with the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Sunil Narine playing?

However, more or less 90% of the bowlers termed illegal during the World Cup squad declaration phase, making the players unavailable for selection, were cleared days before the tournament kicked-off.

The World Cup quarterfinalists – Bangladesh and Pakistan – will get on the field in few days against each other and while the visitors will admire the return of their “magician,” the home side will hardly miss their own Sohag Gazi.

Sohag and Ajmal differ slightly as far as a return to the line-up is concerned. Both were reported with suspect illegal bowling actions in August last year – Sohag after the second one-day international against West Indies in Grenada and Ajmal after the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle – and both were deemed illegal in September after a test in Cardiff.

Sohag and Ajmal attended the retests at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai on

January 24 and were cleared in February. Ajmal’s return to Pakistan team was only a matter of time, but for Sohag it has been a rough path to walk on.

“I did everything right, worked hard and

TIMELINE October 2014 - Sohag Gazi suspended from bowling after being reported in August, cleared in February 2015

September 2014 - Sunil Narine

(WI), Mohammad Hafeez (PAK), Adnan Rasool, Suryakumar Yadav and Prenelan Subrayen (IND) were reported for suspect actions in CLT20

August 2014 – Prosper Utseya (ZIM) and Saeed Ajmal (PAK) reported and suspended then cleared in February 2015 July 2014 – Kane Williamson (NZ) and Sachithra Senanayake (SL) suspended from bowling, cleared in December 2014

December 2013 - Shane Shillingford (WI) suspended from bowling, cleared in March 2014; Marlon Samuels (WI) prohibited from bowling quicker deliveries

cleared my bowling action. But I don’t know how the (cricket) board are taking that. I have been playing domestic cricket regularly now. I do think I deserve my place back in the team,” Sohag told Dhaka Tribune, reflecting on his

two-year journey for the national team when he took 22 wickets in 20 ODIs. “I knew it will not be easy, but I am willing to work on it. If the cricket board lend some more help it will definitely help me grow more,” said the 23-year-old off-spinner from Patuakhali, Barisal.

In the meantime, Sohag took 17 wickets in eight Dhaka Premier League matches for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and stood fourth in the 16th National Cricket League bowling chart with 28 scalps.

Ajmal will be making his return to international cricket in couple of days. Sohag hoped the same for himself, but the existing circumstance does not allow that. Sohag’s role, in his absence, has been broken down and handed over to others in the team. For example: Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah completing a 10over quota alongside Sabbir Rahman’s batting inclusion does help the cause of the Tigers.

Sohag’s arrival in the scene in 2012 produced a lot of hopes for the future. The second specialist off-spinner in the side ever to play after Naimur Rahman, it will now be hard for Sohag to make a return unless he starts bagging five-fors and hat-tricks, something he is good at.

A tough character to crack, Sohag is determined to comeback sooner or later. l

DT

Sport 27

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

QUICK BYTES Chess federation praise players

The Bangladesh Chess Federation congratulated its players through a press conference yesterday for their achievement in the recently concluded Asian Zonal Chess Championship held in Kathmandu earlier this month. Bangladesh and India were not in the same zone due to the latest format of the game as Bangladesh dominated the week-long event with Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman clinching the first spot to qualify for the World Cup Chess scheduled in September. Women International Master Shamima Akter Liza also became the champion in the women’s section.

WFM Nazrana Khan Eva bagged the silver medal that helped her to achieve a WIM norm while Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly achieved the Woman Candidate Master title in the event.

– Tribune Desk

Ribery, Schweinsteiger out of Porto clash Injury-hit Bayern Munich will be without stars Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final, first-leg, at FC Porto, director of sport Matthias Sammer confirmed Monday. Bayern are suffering an injury crisis and were only able to name four replacements for Saturday’s 3-0 league win over Eintracht Frankfurt. With left-back David Alaba and right winger Arjen Robben definitely out, Bayern had hoped to include Germany captain Schweinsteiger and France winger Ribery in their bid to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth year running. But Schweinsteiger has been ruled out with a virus having recovered from injuring his left ankle in their league win at Borussia Dortmund 10 days ago.

– AFP

Sheikh Russel’s Jahid Hasan Emily surges forward with the ball during their Bangladesh Premier League match against Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Russel, Mohammedan claim full points n Shishir Hoque

FA to probe Ivanovic lighter incident The Football Association are to contact both Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea after Branislav Ivanovic was hit on the head by a cigarette lighter thrown from among the home fans at Loftus Road on Sunday. Chelsea’s Ivanovic was hit as the visitors celebrated Cesc Fabregas’s 88th-minute winner in a 1-0 victory. Reports in the British press suggest QPR are unlikely to face disciplinary action such as a points penalty given the difficulty of preventing such an incident but the FA are keen to see the culprit identified and given a banning order. Sunday’s west London derby defeat meant QPR remained in the relegation zone but the club were adamant the circumstances of the match were no excuse for crowd misbehaviour that saw coins and a plastic bottle also thrown in the direction of Chelsea players.

– AFP

Sheikh Russel KC staged a brilliant comeback to kick off their Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Brothers Union 2-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

An early first-half goal from young midfielder Kawser Ali Rabby put Brothers ahead but two late goals from national striker Jahid Hasan Emily and Cameroonian forward Paul Emile ensured the former premier league champions full three points.

It was winger Zahid Hossain’s crucial assists that made the difference.

A blunder from Mamun Khan, who failed to clear Augustine Walson’s long cross from the right flank, allowed Rabby to chip the first goal in the 16th minute. Mamun, however, produced a decent save in the 35th minute to deny Emrul Hasan Emu’s powerful volley from the edge of the box.

Russel’s first real chance to score went inches wide with Emily’s gliding header on Me-

shu’s free-kick four minutes from the breather.

Continuous pressure in the second-half almost paid off in the 77th minute when Paul Emile struck the sidepost. However, three minutes later Emily equalised as he out-muscled his marker to meet Zahid’s lob and head home past the veteran Biplob.

Two minutes later Zahid’s individual brilliance, that saw his fool two defenders with his skills, ended up in Emile smashing home the winner. There was still time for Brothers to recover but the lady luck was not on their side as Simon Ezeidika hit the sidepost while Walson headed inches wide in the injury time.

Meanwhile in the day’s second match, Mohammedan Sporting Club registered their second successive victory handing Team BJMC a 2-0 defeat at the same venue.

It took the black and whites only five minutes to open the scoring with Towhidul Alam Sabuj netting past the BJMC goalkeeper Ariful Islam.

Mohammedan’s promising winger Jewel Rana doubled the lead in the 70th minute with a calm finish on for BJMC striker Ismail Bangoura’s square pass. l

SPOTLIGHT Jahid Hasan Emily Emily started his career with Brothers Union more than a decade ago and since then he has slowly developed in to the most sought-after striker in Bangladesh. Representing several top clubs in the way, Emily is the most experienced striker in the Bangladesh team at the moment.

Age: 27 Previous clubs: Mohammedan, Muktijoddha, Sheikh Jamal, Abahani Ltd, Brothers Union.

Goals: 89 (league), 19 (national team) Favourite players: Mamunul Islam, Zahid Hossain, Lionel Messi Favourite coach: Maruful Haque, Pep Guardiola Favourite team: Barcelona Favourite colour: Black and White Hobby: Shopping Inspiration: Lionel Messi Favourite moment in career: Runners-up moment in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup. Target this season: Help Sheikh Russel to premier league title Yesterday’s win: It was a very important match for us and we needed three points badly. We were under pressure after conceding the opening goal but managed to recover in the second-half. We didn’t play a practice match after the Federation Cup and there is still room for improvement.

DT

28 Sport

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Atletico’s 6-game unbeaten run against Real Madrid Real Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid 1, Spanish Supercup, August 19, 2014

In their first competitive game since the Champions League final in Lisbon, a much less intense encounter also ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 0, Spanish Supercup, August 22, 2014

Atletico pressed home that advantage inside two minutes of the return leg when Mario Mandzukic volleyed home Antoine Griezmann’s flick-on to claim the first silverware of the season.

Real Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid 2, La Liga, September 13, 2014

Atletico inflicted Real’s third defeat in four games with victory at the Bernabeu.

Tiago’s early header gave the visitors the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot.

However, Diego Simeone’s substitutes changed the game after the break and Arda Turan swept home the winner 14 minutes from time.

Atletico Madrid 2 Real Madrid 0, Copa del Rey, January 7, 2015

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (C L) and Marcelo (2nd R) joke with teammate Pepe (C R) during their training session in Madrid yesterday

Despite Simeone making a host of changes, Atletico still had too much for the European champions in the first leg of this Copa del Rey last 16 tie thanks to Garcia’s penalty and a thumping header from Jose Maria Gimenez.

Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 2, Copa del Rey, January 15, 2015

Fernando Torres scored his first two goals since returning to his boyhood club in the first minute of each half to secure Atletico’s passage into the last eight despite Real replies through Sergio Ramos and Ronaldo.

Atletico Madrid 4 Real Madrid 0, La Liga, February 7, 2015

The greatest humiliation of all was to come for Real at the Vicente Calderon in February as they were outfought and outclassed as Atletico sealed their first league double in the Madrid derby since 1951. l

SERIE A Cesena

0-1

ATM, Real face QF with revenge in mind n AFP

Last season’s Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid meet for the seventh time this season in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final, first leg with revenge in mind for both.

Real took the spoils in Lisbon last May as Sergio Ramos’s stoppage time header denied Atletico their first ever European Cup and sent the game into extra time when Los Blancos romped to a 4-1 win.

However, the tables have been turned this season as Atletico have won four and drawn two of the six meetings so far this season. That run has included two aggregate victories over two legs in the Spanish Supercup and the Copa del Rey. Yet, it was their last encounter in La Liga in

Chievo Pellissier 82

Atalanta

2-1

Denis 42, 63-pen

Lazio

Sassuolo Berardi 59

4-0

Empoli

Mauri 4, Klose 31, Candreva 44, Anderson 53

Napoli

3-0

Fiorentina

Mertens 23, Hamsik 71, Callejon 89

Torino

1-1

Lopez 64

Udinese

AC Milan De Jong 74

Roma Florenzi 57-pen

1-3

Di Natale 81 Chochev 66

Palermo Lazaar 15, Rigoni 21,

1-1

REUTERS

Sampdoria Soriano 58

AC Milan’s Nigel de Jong (L) shoots and scores during their Italian Serie A soccer match against Sampdoria at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Sunday REUTERS

February that was the most embarrassing for Real as Atletico romped to their biggest victory in a Madrid derby for 28 years in a 4-0 rout.

“The last result against Atletico is a motivating factor for us,” said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

“It will be a different game, but difficult as it always is against Atletico.

“We come into the game in good form, we are motivated and we will give everything we have.

“I don’t have any doubt that it will be an intense game. “That will be an important component of the game, but there will also be others that we need to utilise.”

However, unlike that most recent meeting at the Vicente Calderon when they were without five first-team regulars, Real are at full strength for the first time in five months.

James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos return from suspension after missing Saturday’s 3-0 win over Eibar which moved Real back to within two points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale returned to training on Sunday and is expected to fit to start.

Atletico have received a huge injury boost of their own with the news that Mario Mandzukic will be available after overcoming an ankle problem which kept him out of their last two games.

The Croatian has scored 20 goals since signing from Bayern Munich last summer, including two in three games against Madrid at the Calderon.

Raul Garcia is also expected to recover from an elbow problem meaning Diego Simeone will also have a fully-fit squad to choose from. l

Juve eye Monaco focus after Parma shock n AFP Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has called for his team to forget their shock defeat to Parma and turn their focus on beating Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Preparations for what is the Italian champions’ most crucial fixture of the season have been far from perfect.

At the Enrico Tardini stadium on Saturday a Juventus side missing Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez among others failed to convert several scoring chances before conceding a 1-0 defeat to a club that entered administration last month after being declared bankrupt.

Although Juve’s title hopes have not been affected -- they now lead Lazio by 12 points with eight games remaining -- Allegri is confident a different Juventus will emerge on Tuesday when they will be under pressure to seal a first leg victory before the return leg in the Principality. l

DT

Sport 29

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

United top dogs after derby romp: Van Gaal n AFP

Former captain Strauss expresses interest in ECB role n Reuters, London

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal proclaimed that his side were once again the biggest team in the city after they overwhelmed Manchester City 4-2 in the derby.

City had won the four previous encounters between the teams, drubbing United 4-1 and 3-0 last season en route to the title, but that sequence came to a juddering halt at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Victory, five months on from a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture, left United four points clear of City in third place in the Premier League, prompting Van Gaal to assert that his men had reclaimed the Manchester throne.

“We are at this moment four points ahead, so that is a fact,” he said when asked if United were once again the dominant team in the city.

“You are playing for the fans and at the beginning of the season it was not so fantastic to be a United fan, because we have started 11 matches with 13 points and still they have supported us.

“And now, this week especially, they can go on the streets, hat up, and say, ‘We are this year the better team, because goal average is in our favour (over the two derby games).’” l

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS Team

P

W

D

L

GD

PTS

1 Chelsea 2 Arsenal 3 Man United 4 Man City 5 Southampton 6 Liverpool 7 Tottenham 8 Swansea City 9 West Ham 10 Stoke City 11 Crystal Palace 12 Everton 13 Newcastle 14 West Brom 15 Aston Villa 16 Sunderland 17 Hull City 18 QPR 19 Burnley FC 20 Leicester City

31 32 32 32 32 31 32 32 32 32 32 32 31 32 33 32 32 33 32 31

22 20 19 18 17 16 16 13 11 12 11 9 9 8 8 5 6 7 5 6

7 6 8 7 5 6 6 8 10 7 9 11 8 9 8 14 10 5 11 7

2 6 5 7 10 9 10 11 11 13 12 12 14 15 17 13 16 21 16 18

38 31 29 31 22 9 4 -2 2 -4 -1 -3 -16 -16 -21 -23 -16 -21 -24 -19

73 66 65 61 56 54 54 47 43 43 42 38 35 33 32 29 28 26 26 25

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six 8:30PM Indian Premier League 2015 Rajasthan v Mumbai

Ten Action 12:45PM UEFA Champions League QF, Leg 1: Atletico v Real Madrid

Ten Sports 12:45PM UEFA Champions League 2014/15 QF, Leg 1: Juventus vs. Monaco

Star Sports 2 5:30PM AFC Cup 2015 Warriors FC v Bengaluru FC

Tennis player Andy Murray leaves the cathedral after marrying Kim Sears in Dunblane, Scotland on Saturday REUTERS

Former Ashes-winning captain Andrew Strauss has expressed his interest in the newly-created director of English cricket role for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Led by chief executive Tom Harrison and endorsed by incoming chairman Colin Graves the new leadership position is focused on team performance in the wake of the the disappointing performance at the recent World Cup. “To anyone who is passionate about cricket, the allure of such a job is undeniable,” Strauss wrote in the Sunday Times.

“I am certainly interested in any role that might help English cricket move forward.”

Two more former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart are also being considered for the role as the ECB begins its restructure following the departure of managing director Paul Downton after the terrible World Cup campaign.

Downton was appointed in Oct. 2013 and Strauss questioned whether the state of English cricket had improved during his tenure, although they are still third in the Test rankings.

“It is hard to create any sort of dialogue that English cricket is in a better place today than when Downton started,” Strauss, who scored 7037 test runs including 21 centuries at an average of 40.91, added.

“The ECB seems to be attempting to bring his replacement closer to the team, with more influence over the players and thus more accountability for their performances.”

Since topping the ICC test rankings in 2011 and registering four Ashes victories from five series in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2013 England have been in steady decline.

In 2014 they suffered a humiliating Ashes whitewash and much of the ensuing 15 months has been dominated by the fallout following the sacking of Kevin Pietersen and the subsequent release of his controversial autobiography.

Vaughan, captain during England’s famous 2005 Ashes triumph, said last week that fundamental changes were required to yield improvement in the state of English cricket. l

Spieth takes first major with historic Masters win n AFP Jordan Spieth won a historic Masters triumph for the ages Sunday, deftly handling the final-round tension to hold off Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose and win his first major title by four shots.

Writing an epic conclusion to a week of domination at Augusta National, the 21-yearold American fired a two-under par 70 to finish on 18-under 270, matching the 72-hole tournament record set by Tiger Woods in 1997.

“It’s the most incredible week of my life,” Spieth said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m still kind of in shock a little bit.”

Spieth claimed the green jacket symbolic of Masters suprmeacy and the top prize of $1.8 million at the $10 million event by denying two of golf’s top major champions another crown.

“It was very nerve-wracking today,” Spieth

said. “With two major champions right behind me, I couldn’t let up.”

England’s Rose, the 2013 US Open winner and Spieth’s last-pair playing partner, shot 70 to share second on 274 with 44-year-old US left-hander Mickelson, a five-time major winner who shot 69.

“I played a good solid round but I needed something exceptional. I just didn’t quite get it,” Mickelson said. “I just got outplayed. Jordan played great.”

Top-ranked Rory McIlroy, seeking a third consecutive major win to complete his career Grand Slam, was fourth on 276 after a 66, one stroke ahead of Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama.

Woods, a 14-time major champion, fired a 73 to share 17th on 283, his best finish since 2013 and a sign that the worst of his physical and shotmaking woes might be behind him.

“Considering where I was... I’m really proud of it,” Woods said of his effort. l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Weeps convulsively (4) 3 Follow orders (4) 7 United (3) 8 Lays bare (5) 11 Droops (4) 12 Instruct (5) 13 Lazed (5) 15 Tear (4) 18 Exploit (4) 19 Waterway (5) 20 Climbing plant (5) 21 Discharge (4) 23 Decoration (5) 24 Fuss (3) 25 Require (4) 26 Says further (4)

DOWN 1 Impassive (6) 2 Insect (6) 4 Serpent (3) 5 Locomotive (6) 6 Acceptance (3) 9 Heckle (6) 10 Sorrowful (3) 11 Hallowed place (6) 14 Mock (6) 16 Dodged (6) 17 Exercises (6) 19 Male sheep (3) 21 Devoted follower (3) 22 Fish eggs (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 16 represents N so fill N every time the figure 16 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

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Pohela Baishakh celebrations around the town

n Showtime Desk

Miles, Warfaze and Aurthihin to rock at Banani Miles, Warfaze and Aurthohin, the three prominent rock bands of our country will perform at the Banani Rajuk Field today. Baul Shafi Mondol and singer Konal will join the bands to enthral the audience.

Arranged by Orange 360 Limited and Connecting Age, the concert will start at 2:30pm. Exclusively designed to welcome Bangla New Year, the event is not only confined to the concert itself but will also include a traditional day-long Baishakhi fair.

Thousands to sing for Pohela Baishakh Organised by Channel i and Surer Dhara, around a thousand singers will perform in chorus at a celebratory event marking the first day of the Bengali New Year at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

Presented by Sunsilk, the event’s chorus will be formed by singers from around the country, who will present songs dedicated to Pohela Baishakh. There will be rounds of musical performance throughout the day.

Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, a prominent singer and exponent of Rabindra Sangeet, will coordinate the day-long event.

Besides, there will also be performances by singers such as Shakila Zafar, Kiran Chandra Roy and Yasmin Mushtari, along with reictaitons by Hasan Arif, Ahakamullah and others.

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Unplugged Baul Night at Coentro

Coentro, a fusion restaurant inspired by the art of Mediterranean and Latin American tastes, has organised an unplugged baul night at it’s Pragati Avenue, Baridhara outlet today.

Bauls from all over the country will perform traditional numbers, unplugged. Aklima Baul, a folk songbird from Kushtia, will take a special part in the event. l

Pohela Baishakh celebrations at Shilpakala Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has embarked on a four-day programme of celebrations marking the arrival of the new Bengali year. A day-long cultural programme will also be held today at the academy’s National Theatre Hall. The show, which will start at 9am and end at 9pm, will feature traditional folk songs and performance arts such as jatra pala (a traditional form of theatre), shong jatra (clown show), raybeshe dance, and so on.

Alicia Keys @aliciakeys It’s a beautiful day! Thank you spring!!!

Name 5 things your thankful for...

Go!! ;-) #gratitude https://instagram. com/p/1agZ8GwFko/

Meghan Trainor @Meghan_Trainor I LOVED singing with @nathansykes at my last show in #Birmingham I’m obsessed with his voice … https://instagram.com/p/1adzlDOSog/

WHAT TO WATCH

TV specials on Pohela Baishakh n Showtime desk

became curious to find out more about the creator of the showpiece. Along with his friend, he then travelled to a Baishakhi fair to solve the mystery.

Ei Baishakhe Paul van Dyk @PAULVANDYK Thank you, Kazan! Had a blast with you guys and girls at the Hermitage... #goodtimes

Talash A single episode drama titled Talash will be aired today on Maasranga TV at 8pm.

The drama cast includes Badhon, Maznun Mizan and Shankar Jawal in the lead roles.

The drama has been written and directed

by Debjyoti Bhakto.

The story of the drama revolves around an acclaimed photographer named Orko who got a clay showpiece as a present from one of his friends, on his birthday.

Surprisingly, he noticed that his own face was carved on the showpiece’s surface.

Astounded for a moment, he instantly

A special TV play titled Ei Baishakhe will be aired on Channel i at 7:50pm.

Adapted from Humayun Ahmed’s TV play, the drama has been remade

by Meher Afroz Shaon after 17 years of the writer’s original work. The drama cast includes Kazi Asif, Mohona Mim, Munmun Ahmed and Jewel Rana in lead roles.

Talking about the drama Shaon said: “As we have failed to choose any new interesting story to work on, we decided to remake the drama. Likewise, the drama has been brought to light by Nuhash Chalochitra.”

Nodijon Set to be aired on Channel i at 2pm, the cast for Nodijon included Mamunur Rashid, Momena Chowdhury, Biplob, and many others. It tells the everyday story of people residing next to rivers who live, grow, smile and finally expire. The drama is directed

by Shahnewaz Kakoli and produced by Impress Telefilm.

Sunsilk Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron Sunsilk Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron is set to be aired on Channel i and Ruposhi Bangla on the early hours of the morning.

One thousand singers will welcome the first day of the Bangla year by singing several popular numbers. The programme is a dual venture by Channel i and Shurer Dhara. The programme will be facilitated

by Rezwana Choudhury Bannya. l

DT

32 BACK PAGE

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

PHOTOS: SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

BOISHAKH PREPARATIONS AT DU

Gunter Grass dies in Berlin n AFP

Germany’s Nobel-winning author, Gunter Grass, who acted as a moral compass for many in the postwar nation but later provoked criticism over his own World War II past, died Monday aged 87, his publishers said.

The writer, one of Germany’s most influential if controversial intellectual figures, died in a hospital in the northern city of Luebeck, the Steidl publishing house said.

Grass achieved world fame with his debut and best-known novel “The Tin Drum” in 1959, quickly followed by “Cat and Mouse” and “Dog Years,” all dealing with the rise of Nazism in his city of birth, Danzig, now Gdansk in Poland.

He pressed Germany for decades to face up to its Nazi past, winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1999, when the Swedish Academy said his “frolicsome black fables portray the forgotten face of history.”

Writers and politicians paid

tribute to Grass, who was also a poet, playwright and sculptor, and was often seen puffing on his pipe, sporting a walrus moustache.

But he shocked his admirers and provoked an outcry in 2006 when he admitted, six decades after World War II, that he had been conscripted into Hitler’s notorious Waffen SS as a 17-year-old.

In 2012 he courted controversy and was declared persona non-grata by Israel by publishing a prose-poem, “What Must Be Said,” that painted Israel as the Middle East’s biggest threat to peace.

In the piece, Grass voiced fears that a nuclear-armed Israel would mount a “first strike” against Iran and wipe out its people, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to slam the poem as “shameful.”

Grass, a longtime leftist activist, said he was particularly stung by widespread accusations of anti-Semitism against him in the German media.

British author Salman Rushdie tweeted that the news of Grass’s death was “very sad.” “A true giant, inspiration, and friend. Drum for him, little Oskar,” he wrote, referring to a character in “The Tin Drum.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the country had lost one of its greats, who had been the “father figure for the thinking and writing of a Germany that was coming of age.” l

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