24 April, 2015

SECOND EDITION

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

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Boishakh 11, 1421, Rajab 4, 1436

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 13

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www.dhakatribune.com

TOWER HAMLETS MAYOR KICKED OUT PAGE 5

| 32 pages plus 24-page Weekend | Price: Tk10

REHANA DOESN’T WANT TO GO BACK PAGE 32

Election mood darkens Voters tense as violent attacks on opposition leader Khaleda Zia continue and EC appears to vacillate on deployment of troops

es on deploying troops – are ominous signs for holding fair polls.

“If the army does not patrol the streets,  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Awami League Ward 26 unit President Jahirul Haque Jillu is seen waving a black flag during a demonstration against BNP chief Khaleda Zia’s campaign at Karwan Bazar on Monday MEHEDI HASAN growing doubt whether people can turn up peacefully to cast their votes. The happenings of the last few days – including the attack on Khaleda’s motorcade and the EC’s about-fac-

n Kamrul Hasan

What could be a peaceful political demonstration against the BNP’s campaign for a city corporation poll candidate at Karwan Bazar on Monday ultimately turned into an unwarranted attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade.

It all started with Awami League’s Ward 26 unit President Jahirul Haque Jillu and a few Chhatra League men showing black flags to BNP chief Khaleda Zia who was speaking from her car seeking votes for the Dhaka North mayoral candidate her party is backing.

Just a day before also, ruling party men demonstrated with black flags against Khaleda’s campaign at Uttara, but no untoward situation arose there.

Jillu, who later filed a case against 100 unnamed BNP leaders and activists and CSF personnel, however, claims that he did not show any black flag at Karwan Bazar. But photographs taken by the Dhaka Tribune clearly show otherwise. After the incident, Jillu also claimed to have fallen victim to the attack by Khaleda’s security personnel.

As Jillu and others were waving black flags from a pick-up van, a number of activists apparently got inspired and started hurling watermelon shells at Khaleda who was then delivering a speech in front of the Karwan Bazar kitchen market.

Seeking anonymity, several witnesses said these activists belonged to Bangladesh

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla Back-to-back attacks on opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s motorcade and flip-flopping by the Election Commission (EC) on whether or not to deploy troops for polls duty has muddied the waters ahead of the city corporation elections, political commentators said.

Consecutive attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday have left more than 20 people injured.

The three-time former prime minister alleges that shots fired in the attacks, which damaged her personal vehicles, were intended to kill her.

Against the backdrop of repeated violent attacks on the BNP boss’s motorcade, the EC thrice changed its position on the deployment of troops for polls duty.

The BNP categorically blamed the ruling party for carrying out “planned attacks” on its chairperson, while the ruling party claimed that the attacks were spontaneous expressions of anger by a public aggrieved by the BNP’s blockade and hartal programmes of the last few months.

“Things are getting complex. There is

Ruling party men led Karwan Bazar attack

Upbeat hosts keen to Bureaucratic tangles delay Rana Plaza cases already prepared two charge sheets accuscontinue dominance n Mohammad Jamil Khan ing 42 people in the two criminal cases and against 17 others in the building code case.

Two years have passed since the collapse n Minhaz Uddin Khan But we could not submit the reports as the of Rana Plaza at Savar that killed over 1,135 BANGLADESH-PAKISTAN T20

Bangladesh have enjoyed a honeymoon period so far in the ongoing bilateral home series against Pakistan, winning the solitary practice match followed by a whitewash in the ensuing three-match ODI series.

The hosts were on cloud nine having swept away the challenge of their nemesis in the three ODIs and they will now look to maintain their dominance in the lone Twenty20 international today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The match will begin at 6:30pm and the BTV and GTV will telecast the game live.

In the past few years, Bangladesh have maintained a good track-record in the ODIs and have also shown signs of improvement  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

PAGE 4 Home Ministry forbids firearms during city polls

people, mostly female garment workers, but charge sheets in the three criminal cases are yet to be pressed.

The process has apparently been stuck since September last year as the government is yet to approve the inclusion of 20 public servants in the cases.

Officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has been given time on several occasions to submit the charge sheets, now say they hope to press the charges by May 21.

On April 15 this year, the Dhaka’s Judicial Magistrate Court fixed May 21 for submission of the probe reports.

Over 2,500 people were also injured in the deadliest building collapse in the country’s

PAGE 5 Annisul camp seeks ulema campaign help during Jumma

2 YEARS OF RANA PLAZA DISASTER history on April 24, 2013. Two cases were filed over the incident – one under criminal code while the other under building construction act.

CID Senior Assistant Superintendent Bijoy Krishna Kar, also investigation officer of the cases, yesterday said: “We hope to submit the charge sheets before the court on the next date.”

Asked about the delay, he said: “We have

PAGE 7 Police: Ansarullah and Shibir behind Ashulia bank heist

clearance order about some government officials has remained pending.”

Of the 42 accused in the criminal cases, 13 are government officials. On the other hand, seven government officials were named in the other case filed by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk).

In line with the law, the investigation officer sent letters to the relevant ministries seeking clearance about the government officials.

It was learn that the CID so far sent letters to the Labour Ministry, Rajuk, and the local government and the public administration ministries. However, only the Local Government Ministry has responded to the letter.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 32 Still many challenges ahead for RMG sector

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

AL men led Karwan Bazar attack Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party. They were all protesting Khaleda’s campaign. One of them was seen showing sandals to the BNP chairperson.

This angered the leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate bodies present there. At one stage, they drove the Chhatra League activists away.

After a while, M Tuhin, the vice-president of Tejturipara unit of Chhatra League who was seen standing beside Jillu, and other activists launched the attack on Khaleda’s motorcade.

They hit a member of Khaleda’s security force CSF and BNP activists. They hurled bricks and stones at them.

Soon the place turned chaotic with the unruly youths vandalising almost all the cars in Khaleda’s motorcade.

When Jillu was contacted for comments, he claimed that he had been standing on the footpath after finishing their campaign near the kitchen market and watched what was happening. He also claimed that no Chhatra

League leader was with him.

However, he told the Dhaka Tribune that before going faint he had seen a few businessmen and rickshaw van-pullers showing black flags to the BNP chief.

He also claimed that five Chhatra League activists, including Tuhin and Rony Khandoker, the Baulbagh unit president of the organisation, were hurt in the attack.

When asked why the activists were there, Jillu said he did not know the reasons.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday, Rony claimed that he was not involved in Chhatra League politics and that he only worked at a shop at Karwan Bazar.

However, Jillu and Chhatra League’s Dhaka City North unit General Secretary Azizul Haque Rana had earlier on that day said Rony was one of their leaders.

Asked if they had any meeting at Karwan Bazar on Monday, Rana said they did not.

He also said he did not know why the Chhatra League activists were there because he was at Gulshan at that time. l

Hosts keen to continue dominance in the longer format. However, T20 remains the only worry for the Tigers.

Bangladesh ODI and T20 skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza admitted following the conclusion of the three ODIs that it would be tough for them in the shortest format of the game as they have played very few T20s in the last few years.

Since the format’s inception in 2006, Bangladesh have played 41 T20Is and have managed to win only 11 of them. They faced Pakistan seven times and lost all of them.

Bangladesh’s batting department has been a let-down in T20s more often in the past few years. However, given their performance in the just-concluded ODI series, it is expected that they will give Pakistan a close run for their money.

All eyes will be on Tamim Iqbal, who had a sensational run of form in the ODIs. The hard-hitting southpaw scored 312 runs at an unbelievable average of 154; so, a lot will depend on him.

Soumya Sarkar was also a delight to the

eyes when he grabbed his maiden ODI ton on Wednesday and his unbeaten 127-run knock will give him ample confidence to perform well in the shortest format of the game.

The Tigers’ best batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim, will look to prolong his purple patch in today’s lone T20I while the uncapped Liton Kumar Das will be eyeing a good start to his international career, provided he is given the nod.

Mashrafe might be the skipper in T20 but all-rounder Shakib al Hasan will no doubt lead the side from the front once again. His bagful of experience of playing in several domestic T20 competitions around the world will come in handy today against one of the world’s leading sides.

Pakistan will be captained by Shahid Afridi, who might be all of 35 years old but will be extremely keen to prove his worth. In the absence of several senior cricketers, Afridi will be expected to play a key role for his side with both bat and ball. The visitors will also look to opener Ahmed Shehzad to provide them with a solid start. l

Bureaucratic tangles delay Rana Plaza cases Sheikh Hemayet Hossain, additional inspector general of the CID, said: “We are analysing details of every accused and got clearance about some of the officials. The government is yet to clear inclusion of six officials.”

A day after the collapse, Rajuk official Helaluddin filed a case against Sohel Rana, owner of Rana Plaza, for structural flaws in the building and for constructing it with sub-standard materials and also for violation of building code.

The other cases were filed by Savar police and the family of a victim against Rana, his father and owners of the five factories housed

in the building.

Another CID official, involved in the investigation process, said accused under the Local Government Ministry are Savar municipality Mayor Refayetullah, ward seven Councillor Mohammad Ali Khan, Upazila Executive Engineer Rafiqul Islam, assistant engineers Rashedul Islam Rasel and Mahbubur Rahman and Town planner Farzana Islam.

Among them, Refayetullah and Mohammad Ali are on bail while the others in jail.

Farzana has been staying abroad on leave.

Charges have also been brought against

some officials under the Labour Ministry – joint inspectors general of industry section Belayet Hossain and Mahmud Jamsedur Rahman; deputy inspectors general Shahidul Islam and Yousuf Ali. The accused under the Public Administration Ministry are Savar municipality UNO Kabir Hossain Sarker and Chief Executive Official Uttam Kumar Ray; and Rajuk’s Savar municipality Building Inspector Awald Hossain.

The delay has created doubt among survivors and victims’ families as well as labour rights organisations whether the government

is sincere to ensure justice to the victims.

Expressing frustration, Jolly Talukder, joint secretary general of Garments Sramik Trade Union Kendra, said: “The government arrested Sohel Rana in the face of our movement. But it seems that the government is not sincere enough to ensure punishment of those responsible for the tragic incidence.”

The law enforcers have so far arrested 22 people including Jubo League leader and Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana and his father Abdul Khalek. However, 14 of the arrestees have already got bails. l

welcome the latest decision of the Election Commission to keep the army in the cantonment unless requested by returning officers to depoly. Army deployment is an ad hoc policy and tarnishes the pride of other law enforcement agencies. Moreover, it is better to keep the armed forces out of the debate.”

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday said remaining on stand-by inside the cantonment was the best role for the army during the three city corporation elections slated for April 28.

“The cantonment is centrally located in Dhaka. The location is the best to move anywhere quickly…I think the cantonment is the best place [for them],” the CEC told reporters at the Election Commission Secretariat yesterday evening.

He reiterated that although the three battalions will remain inside the cantonment as a reserve force, they will act as a striking force if called upon to do so by returning officers.

“From the cantonment, it will be easy for them to move to Dhaka North and Dhaka South. So they were asked to stay inside the cantonment,” he said.

Election observer AHM Nouman said: “Time will tell whether the EC’s decision is right or wrong. This election situation is better than during the Ershad regime, but the people are concerned about the polls day at-

mosphere.”

Sakhawat Hossain, a former election commissioner, said: “Deploying the army during city polls has not been the norm. The army was never deployed like this.”

He added: “The way Khaleda Zia’s motorcade has repeatedly been attacked is alarming and unacceptable. It casts a shadow over the polls.”

Earlier in the day, Election Commissioner Shah Nawaz said there was no need for army patrols during elections for Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka North City Corporation and Chittagong City Corporation.

“The cantonments are in the city corporations. The army can remain inside the cantonments as a reserve force and act as a striking force, if called upon to do so. There is no need for patrols,” he said to reporters at his Election Commission Secretariat office.

The commissioner said an adequate number of regular law enforcement personnel, including members of the police, RAB, BGB, Coast Guard and Ansar will be deployed at polling areas for four days from April 26.

About the EC’s revised letter to the Armed Forces Division, Shah Nawaz said the clarification was made because the EC, in its first letter, did not mention where the army would be while discharging its election duties as a reserve force. l

Election mood darkens it will be tough to hold fair elections. The Election Commission, government and law enforcers are in the same boat. If they fail to ensure fair and peaceful elections, this will be a repeat of January 5,” political scientist Ataur Rahman said.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission said the army would be deployed during the three city corporation polls as a reserve and striking force and promised that a sufficient number of magistrates would be present at polling areas to maintain law and order.

But the very next day, the commission sent a letter to the Armed Forces Division stating that the army would not be deployed to election areas during the Dhaka and Chittagong city polls, but would remain in the cantonments as a reserve force.

The army would come out of the cantonments as a striking force only if requested to do so by the returning officers, according to the EC letter of Wednesday.

Yesterday, the EC amended its decision again. One of the election commissioners, however, described the move as a clarification.

The revised, and latest, letter to the Armed Forces Division says three army battalions – one for each of the three city corporations – will perform election duties for four days from April 26 to 29.

Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, a professor of Dhaka University, said the last three days’ incidents were proof that the Awami League was losing its democratic character.

“The public wants free and fair elections. If the political parties do not return to the path of democracy, then army deployment will not be able to guarantee chaos or violence-free city polls,” he told the Dhaka tribune.

“If the army is deployed, the Election Commission should take service from them.

If they act only upon the request of returning officers, this will not be fruitful,” former election commissioner Muhammad Sahul Hossain said.

The opposition BNP welcomed the move to deploy troops, but said their presence would be ineffectual if the army was not also given magistracy powers.

The BNP, Shujan and a number of mayoral and councillor aspirants, especially BNPbacked contenders, demanded the army be deployed ahead of the elections.

Political commentator Afsan Chowdhury said: “The incumbent government is sufficiently powerful. If the government wants peaceful elections, the polls will be peaceful. Yes, there have been some difficulties over the last few days, but the people are unmoved by it.”

Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, chairman of election monitoring group JANIPOP, said: “I

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Khokon: I have the right to your votes Tabith: Deploy army at each polling centre whether to deploy army. n Tribune Report Khokon carried out his yesterday’s camAwami League-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Sayeed Khokon said he had the right to seek votes from Dhaka residence more than any other candidates.

While Dhaka North City Corporation mayoral candidate Tabith Awal yesterday demanded deployment of army personnel at every election camp.

Khokon made the statement while he was briefing journalists after an election campaign at the Supreme Court Bar Council yesterday afternoon. Khokon, son of former Dhaka city mayor Mohammad Hani’f, sought votes from lawyers.

Senior lawyer Barrister Amir-ul Islam, former law minister Abdul Matin Khasru, Bangabandhu Ainjibi Parishad President Abdul Baset and another pro-Awami League lawyer greeted Khokon on the court premises.

Replying to question of journalists he said it is the decision of the Election Commission

paign at different parts of the wards 8 and 9 of Motijheel and Paltan areas.

My father worked for the betterment of city people until he breathed his last. “Please give me a chance and I will dedicate my whole for the service of city people.”

He said this while distributing leaflets in Chankharpul area.

His wife Farhana Sayeed also canvassed for her husband. She distributed leaflets in Bahadur Shah Park area of Sadarghat.

Tabith Awal after meeting leaders of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad yesterday afternoon said the army should be deployed at each polling centre.

He said there was a lack of coordination in the works of Election Commission. “Whatever decision they make it should be aimed at meeting people’s demand.”

Tabith Awal met the representatives of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya

Parishad at Tejgaon’s Regnum Tower.

Earlier Tabith along with his supporters started his election campaign from Gudaraghat to Moddhya Badda Link Road and East Rampura, and later in the day campaigned at Mirpur-10 intersection.

Meanwhile, Awami League and 14-party-led Nagorik Committee aspirant for Chittagong City Corporation AJM Nasir, conducted his day-long election campaign in the city’s different areas.

Nasir, also the general secretary of Awami League Chittagong City Unit, told voters that he wanted to prove he is for the people.

BNP and 20-party-led Chattagram Unnayan Andolon mayoral hopeful M Manjur Alam also visited several places of the city, as well as placing his election manifesto for the April 28 city elections.

Apart from the two heavyweight candidates, other mayoral and councillor candidates too passed a hectic day yesterday seeking votes at different places of the city. l

Vehicle shortage disrupts Khaleda’s city polls campaign n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla Vehicle crisis following attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s campaign motorcade for three consecutive days has put the party chief’s campaign for the mayoral candidates backed by her party on hold.

Party leaders said the Khaleda could not continue her campaigning yesterday as nearly all the vehicles in her motorcade had been vandalised during the attacks.

“During the past three days’ attacks, the vehicles that carried Khaleda Zia and her security personnel were vandalised. They are currently in auto shop for repairing, which is why she could not join the campaigning today,” said Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, special assistant to the BNP chairperson, while talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

However, the BNP leaders said the party backed candidates would not backtrack from the city corporation elections despite the party cheif’s absence during campaign. l

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CCC mayoral candidate Manjur Alam presents 54-point manifesto n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong

Prioritising the “temporary” water logging problem, Chittagong City Corporation election mayoral candidate M Manjur Alam yesterday unveiled his 54-point manifesto to the city people.

Manjur, the BNP-led 20-party alliance backed Chattagram Unnayon Andalon’s candidate and also the recently resigned mayor, claimed to have fulfilled most of the promises he made during the last mayoral election and added that Chittagong city does not face long water logging problems anymore. He said he would continue the ongoing projects to mitigate the current “few-hour-long” water logging in the city.

“CCC has already has a Tk297 crore allotment for canal digging project with the assistance of the government and Jica. The fund collected from ADB, Kuwait Fund and Jica to implement Master Drainage Plan for removing water logging will be continued in future,” he said.

In his manifesto, Manjur also addressed issues regarding food security, waste management, nonstop water supply, civic facilities, transportation, communication development, educational improvements, different plans for underprivileged groups and health sector.

The programme was held at Reema Community Centre in Askardighir Par area around 3pm where LDP President Colonel (Retd) Oli Ahmad, BNP’s Vice Chairman Abdullah Al Noman, BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin and BNP Chittagong city unit President Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury were present.

When asked, Manjur told journalists that he could not fulfill some of his previous promises as those were out of his hands, but he would resume those if re-elected.

Manjur claimed that he carried out his role as mayor perfectly during his tenure and said: “I believe in reality. We cannot change everything overnight, we have to do things one step at a time.” l

Bergman Verdict: Tribunal gives 23 people more time to reply n Tribune Report The International Crimes Tribunal 2 yesterday gave six more days to 23 eminent persons to reply why they should not be punished for contempt of court because of making a joint statement criticising the conviction of Dhaka-based British journalist David Bergman.

The three-member tribunal led by Justice Obaidul Hassan asked them to place their reply before it on April 29 after separate time petitions were filed by them yesterday, the last date to submit their reply.

On December 2 last year, the tribunal found Bergman, who is editor (special reports) of New Age, guilty of contempt for two of his blog posts of January 2013 on the verdict of war criminal Abul Kalam Azad. The court sentenced him imprisonment “till rising of the

court” that day and fined Tk5,000.

On December 20, the daily Prothom Alo ran a report titled “50 people express concern over Bergman’s punishment,” which observed that the tribunal’s order would restrict freedom of expression. Of the signatories, rights activist Khushi Kabir later withdrew her name.

On January 14, the tribunal asked the 49 signatories to explain the statement. Later, 26 people were cleared of the charge as they apologised.

The other 23 are Masud Khan, Afsan Chowdhury, Ziaur Rahman, Hana Shams Ahmed, Anu Muhammad, Anusheh Anadil, Muktasree Chakma Sathi, Lubna Marium, Farida Akhter, Shireen Huq, Zafrullah Chowdhury, Ali Ahmed Ziauddin, Rahnuma Ahmed, Shahdul Alam, CR Abrar, Bina D’Costa, Mahmud Rahman, Zarina Nahar Kabir, Leesa Gazi, Shabnam Nadiya, Nasrin Siraj Annie, Tibra Ali and Delwar Hussain. l

Author and zoologist Professor Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, far right, poses with his new title ‘Wildlife of Bangladesh – Checklist and Guide’ at the book’s launching event at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity in the capital yesterday RAJIB DHAR

Home Ministry forbids carrying firearms during city polls n Tribune Report The Home Ministry yesterday ordered the licensed firearm holders not to carry or expose their weapons from April 25 morning till May 1 midnight.

The ban was imposed under the Arms Act

1978, with the exemption of law enforcers and government security forces, to hold fair and peaceful city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong on April 28, said the order signed by Deputy Secretary Habibur Rahman.

Law enforcers have been ordered to take action against those who would violate the order. l

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Afroza: BNP won’t boycott city corporation polls n Adil Sakhawat During her campaign yesterday Afroza, wife of DSCC mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas, blamed the ruling party for trying to create anarchy ahead of the polls.

Attacks on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia proved that the ruling Awami League does not want BNP to take part in the election but it will not boycott the city corporation polls, she said.

As a part of the election campaign for her husband Mirza Abbas, Afroza Abbas yesterday visited Dhaka University to seek vote from Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique.

Afroza went to the VC’s office at 11:30am when the VC was attending a meeting at his office.

The VC came out of his meeting room and exchanged greetings with Afroza.

Afroza sought cooperation from the VC saying: “I am campaigning inside the university. As a student of this university I should meet you and sought your blessings. And I also request you to vote for Mug [election symbol of Mirza Abbas].”

After meeting the VC, Afroza sought votes from Pro-VC Professor Dr Nasreen Ahmad and other officials of the registrar building of the Dhaka University.

Since April 9, Afroza Abbas, wife of BNPbacked mayoral candidate for Dhaka South Mirza Abbas, has carried out election cam-

At greet and treat, Annisul camp seeks ulema campaign help during Jummah

n Tribune Report The campaign team of the Awami League’s favourite for the Dhaka North mayoral race yesterday called on influential clerics to campaign for him at Friday’s Jummah prayers.

In a possible breach of the electoral code of conduct, Annisul Huq’s campaign team also treated the divines to refreshments at a meeting at Ashkona Haji Camp in the capital’s Uttara area yesterday.

According to the electoral code of conduct, candidates may not offer food or drinks to voters during election campaigns.

Annisul was seeking blessings and ballots from imams and Islamic teachers at a meeting of the Islamic Foundation’s Mosque-based Mass Education Programme.

Shortly after Annisul left the premises, his campaign coordinator, Saiful Hasan, called on the clerics to campaign for his candidate after Friday’s Jummah prayers.

According to the Islamic Foundation, some 500 clerics and teachers were present at the meeting. Later Annisul campaigned at Ershad School in Karail slum and in Gulshan, Banani and the Gulshan 1 and 2 DCC markets.

“Vote for me. I want to be by your side, through thick and thin, during the next five years,” Annisul told businessmen at the Gulshan 1 DCC market.

He also canvassed for votes in Tejgaon, the BG Press area, Uttara’s sector 8 and both Mirpur 1 and Mirpur 2. l

Afroza Abbas, wife of BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka South City Corporation Mirza Abbas, seeks votes for her husband from day labourers at a tea stall at Dhaka University area yesterday RAJIB DHAR

paign on behalf of her husband.

She started her campaign from Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital area with her supporters at 9am yesterday.

In reply to a question she said BNP would not boycott the city polls in any situation. “I

request the government to hold a free and fair polls.”

She also said the government wanted to create a chaotic situation by attacking the motorcade of BNP chairperson during her campaigns on behalf of BNP-backed candidates.

“The ruling party wants us to boycott the

Bangladesh-born east London mayor kicked out of office

election but we are not going to do so.” said Afroza.

Afroza also went to Dhaka University teachers quarters to seek votes.

After that Afroza conducted her campaign in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital area and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) where she sought vote for Mirza Abbas in female dormitories and university teachers and staff quarters.

Law enforcers were seen trailing the campaign but Afroza also urged them to voter for her husband.

After lunch and prayers Afroza went to Chankharpul and Dholpur areas where she talked to shopkeepers, rickshaw pullers, day labourers and locals. She also carried out a door-to-door campaign in those areas.

During her campaign Afroza criticised the Election Commission for not meeting BNP members led by Emajuddin Ahamed on April 22.

“We filed a written complaint to the Election Commission about harassment and threat to our supporters but the commission is yet to take any actions,” Afroza alleged.

She ended her campaign in Kamalapur area where she went to Kamalapur Dharmarajika Buddha Vihara.

At that time Dhaka University teacher Professor Dr Sukomal Barua was with her seeking votes for Abbas from people belonging to Buddha religious community. l

n Tribune Desk

Khaleda sued for attempted murder, BNP sues back n Kamrul Hasan

The mayor of the borough of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, was told to vacate his post immediately, after an election court judge declared the results of the 2014 mayoral race void.

The Bangladesh-born politician was banned from seeking office again and ordered to pay £250,000 costs after he was found to have allocated local grants to buy votes.

Petitioners against him alleged that Britain’s first directly elected Muslim mayor had won the ballot after a campaign of “intimidation and corruption,” the Guardian reported yesterday.

Judge Richard Mawrey QC handed down his verdict yesterday after a 10-week hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Lutfur Rahman was kicked out of office after being found guilty of widespread corruption in seeking office last May. The mayoral election in the east London borough will be rerun.

Rahman and his supporters were found to have been involved in vote-rigging, seeking spiritual influence through local imams and wrongly branding his Labour rival a racist.

The court heard that a voter was seen crying outside a polling station after allegedly being told by a supporter of Rahman that it was “un-Islamic” not to vote for him and that not voting for him meant one was “not a good Muslim.”

A Bangla-language newspaper, The Weekly Desh, published a letter signed by 101 Islamic leaders whose pronouncements had been used to cajole and control many within the

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was sued for attempt to murder yesterday.

The plaintiff claimed the BNP chairperson’s motorcade hit Chhatra League members from behind while they were protesting against her, and then the CSF personnel along with some 20 to 25 BNP activists attacked them.

The case, filed by Md Babu Hasan, sports secretary of Dhaka and Shahbagh Chhatra League, follows the Wednesday evening attack on Khaleda Zia’s motorcade at the Bangla Motor Signal.

Md Abdul Qaiyum, adviser to the BNP chair filed another lawsuit claiming 40-50 “Awami goons” attacked Khaleda Zia’s motorcade around 17:20 local time (5:20pm), as soon as it reached the Bangla Motor Signal, and injured people, security personnel included, and vandalised vehicles.

Although investigators have yet to make any progress on the cases filed against the series of attacks on the BNP chairperson, the pair of new “tit for tat” cases were filed yesterday with the Ramna police station.

For the third consecutive day on Wednesday, the BNP chairperson’s motorcade was attacked, allegedly by ruling party leaders and activists. Since Monday, her motorcade has come under attack in Karwan Bazar, Fakirapul, and most recently, at the Bangla Motor signal.

In all these incidents, the ruling party leaders were first to file cases over the incidents.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection to these incidents. l

local 65,000-strong Muslim community, the court heard.

Bribes were also used to win over voters, the court heard, with meals handed out on election day. There was evidence of “interference with voters,” including in polling booths.

The court heard evidence from a handwriting expert that hundreds of ballot papers might have been filled out by the same person.

The mayor denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.

Mawrey said Rahman had sought to play the “race and Islamaphobia card” throughout the election and would no doubt do so after this judgment.

The conduct of Rahman’s supporters on polling day has caused “considerable disquiet,” the judge added.

The Guardian quoted the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, as saying: “I’m very glad that justice has taken its course and that a cloud has been lifted from Tower Hamlets. It is vital now that we move on with new elections and ensure that something like this can never happen again.” l

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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Study: 1.3 million children engaged in hazardous jobs n Mohammad Jamil Khan Around 13 lakh children in Bangladesh aged between 5 and 17 years are engaged in hazardous jobs, says a study report.

The study prepared by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) reads that currently there are 74 lakh working children by and large engaged in diverse forms of economic activities.

The three quarters of a total 4,21,000 child domestic workers who are mostly vulnerable are girls, the paper said quoting different statistics prepared by the government and NGOs. The BSAF presented the paper in a programme titled Impact Sharing with Media Professionals in the concluding ceremony of 21-month-long Elimination of Hazardous Child Labour Project at Sagor-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity.

The pilot project Managing of the Top MATT-2 was implemented in Shuvadda Union of Keraniganj. A total of 185 vulnerable working children received support from the project.

These children were admitted to different government and private educational institutions and each of them was given Tk1000 as monthly education fee.

Each of the families also received Tk15,500 at a time to start a small business so that their children do not have to work for money.

“As it was an experimental project, we only took 185 children randomly chosen from informal industries,” said Shabel Firuz, country director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh.

Tariq-Ul-Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, spoke as the chief guest on the occasion.

The secretary said the government had already taken various project works to stop child labour and he stressed the need for a separate budget allocation for children in the next national budget.

Director General of Prime Minister’s Office Shaikh Yusuf Harun and Personal Secretary to Information Minister Sahidul Haque, also spoke at the ceremony with BSAF Chairperson Emranul Huq Chowdhury in the chair. l

Sonargaon appoints new assistant director of marketing and PR

n Tribune Report

Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka has promoted its current public relations manager Salman Kabir as the new assistant director of marketing and public relations.

Serving as the PR manager of the hotel since 2012, Salman has excelled in his role with the sales and marketing team.

Salman has a masters degree in Marketing from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and has since been working in the hospitality/service industry. l

Kaalmegh Villas project starts

n Tribune Report The first of the many two-storey luxury villas in Gazipur’s Leisure Kaalmegh Villas and Country Club was handed over to its owners yesterday in a ceremony at The Westin Dhaka.

Leisure Bangladesh Limited’s Chairman Omar Sadat, Managing Director Sarwat Siraj, Head of Sales and Marketing Aysha Siddiqua, and Dhammaras B Kasem, chief executive officer of Unique Luxury Hotels of Asia, were present at the programme.

Razib Hasan and Syeda Nigar Sultana – the first customers of the project – received keys to their luxury villa with a private swimming pool; with it, the Leisure Kaalmegh Villas and Country Club also began its official journey.

The award-winning project, being developed on a 52-bigha land by Leisure Bangladesh Limited, is located in Sreepur of Gazipur, right at the edge of the Kaalmegh Reserve Forest. l

Supreme Court upholds Falu’s bail n Tribune Report The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a High Court order that granted bail to BNP leader Mosaddak Ali Falu in a vandalism case.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, gave the order

after it dismissed an appeal by the government challenging the HC bail order.

However, Falu’s counsel M Masud Rana told reporters that his client would not be released from jail as he was in police custody in connection with two other cases.

Police had filed the case against Falu on January 28 with Mirpur police on

charge of vandalising vehicles and preventing law enforcers from discharging their duties. After Falu’s lawyer filed a bail petition, the HC on April 12 granted him interim bail in this case.

The HC also issued a rule upon the government to explain why he would not be granted a regular bail in this case. l

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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Police: Ansarullah and Shibir behind Ashulia bank heist n Mohammad Jamil Khan

Tuesday’s bank robbery in Ashulia, which left eight people dead, might have been perpetrated by men involved with Ansarullah R O B B E R Y Bangla Team and Islami Chatra Shibir, investigators have said.

The link between the heist and the involvement of the Islamist organisations became apparent following the interrogation of two suspected robbers – Borhan Mridha, 35, and Saiful Islam, 25.

Among the arrestees, Borhan had links to the Ansarullah Bangla Team as well as being in good terms with the outfit’s chief Jashimuddin Rahmani, said a senior official of the district police who is involved in the probe process.

Seeking anonymity, the official also told the Dhaka Tribune that Borhan is also suspected to have connections with a militant who was behind the Burdwan blast in India.

Borhan, who came from a low-income family and started his career as a bus helper, had a rapid rise to riches since 2008 to become the owner of several covered vans. The

police found a passport in Borhan’s Gazipur residence and were now “trying to find out why he made a passport as he might have links to the militant group responsible for the West Bengal blast,” said the police official.

Since Borhan’s arrest on Tuesday, his family members have reportedly been on the run.

Meanwhile, Saiful, the other detainee, has reportedly been trying to mislead the investigators by repeatedly changing his background story and statement.

The investigation official told the Dhaka Tribune that Saiful initially claimed to hail from Munshiganj, but later claimed to be from Joypurhat; however, the police found that both his claimed addresses were false.

The detainees seemed to be trained at dealing with police interrogation, the police official said, adding that both of them were very careful in disclosing information while refusing to speak any word to the police whenever they were placed in the same room together.

On Tuesday afternoon, a band of armed robbers stormed into a Kathgora Bazar branch of Bangladesh Commerce Bank in Ashulia, and killed seven people, including its manager, security official and a businessman, and looting money before shooting and bombing their way out.

Borhan was caught by locals at scene of the robbery, while others later managed to get

hold of two more culprits; one of them – Asif – was beaten to death while the other – Saiful – was handed over to police.

Asked about the Ashulia bank heist, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said law enforcers have found that members of militant outfits and Shibir activists were behind the robbery.

“We have found evidence and documents of militancy and Shibir activities, and we are now trying to trace their roots,” he said.

The bank robbery was proof that there was a group of people trying to support militancy and reorganise militant outfits, the state minister said.

On the other hand, sources said the CCTV cameras inside the bank were on during the robbery, but could not record anything as the battery of the recording unit had been dead since March 18.

Four CCTV cameras that were installed inside the premises of the bank’s Kathgora Bazar branch were operated with the technical support from a private firm named Service Home for the last one year.

Meanwhile, former Chhatra League leader Shahabuddin Mollah Palash, who was killed while trying to stop the bank robbers, was laid to eternal rest at his village home at Lakkhandia of Jhenaidah yesterday. l

WEATHER

RAIN OR THUNDERSHOWER FRIDAY, APRIL 24 DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:24PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:29AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY 33 32 37 33 35 33 30 32

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

26 24 24 22 20 23 22 25

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

35.8ºC Rajshahi

18.9ºC Tangail Source: Accuweather/UNB

Various inter-district bus companies park their vehicles on the busy roads of Rajshahi city’s bus stand area causing immense traffic congestion. The photo taken yesterday AZHAR UDDIN

Fajr

4:11am

Sunrise

5:30am

Jumma

11:57am

Asr

4:30pm

Magrib

6:24pm

Esha

7:43pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

In the wake of continuous agitation programmes in demand of his resignation, Vice-Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Professor Aminul Haque Bhuiyan has been compelled to go on a two-month leave.

Acting Proctor of the university Md Amdadul Haque said the decision was made in a syndicate meeting yesterday morning.

VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan told the Dhaka Tribune that he had taken the leave for family affairs. Treasure of the university Dr Ilias Uddin Biswas will act as acting vice-chancellor of the university from May 1.

Campus sources said an emergency syndicate meeting was held in the morning. Apart from the vice-chancellor, five members of syndicate took part in the meeting.

Meanwhile, teachers of the university yesterday formed a human chain in front of the residence of VC, demanding resignation.

After the human chain, Convenor of Mohan Muktijuddher Chetonai Udbuddho Shikkhok Forum, a pro-liberation platform of teachers, Dr Sayed Shamsul Alam, Co-convenor Professor Dr Mostabur Rahman and Dr Nazia Chowdhury met with the VC. On April, a total of 35 teachers stepped down from 37 administrative posts, demanding the vice-chancellor’s resignation.

Renowned writer and director of Institute of Information Technology Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was among the 35 who all handed in their resignations to Rgistrar Md Ishfaqul Hussain.

Others include Dr Md Yunus, director of the Centre for Excellence, Dr Abdul Awwal Biswas, head of the Department of Public Administration, Dr Anwarul Islam, director of student advice and guidance, acting proctor, assistant proctor, transport administrator, and provosts and assistant provosts of all dormitories.

On April 13, 19 teachers of two departments – physics, and geography and environment – got into a row with the vice-chancellor after they went to his office to discuss how to resolve problems related to the academic building’s space. Zafar Iqbal’s wife, Dr Yasmeen Haque, was among the 19.

Then, Professor Dr Syed Badiuzzaman Faruque, head of the Department of Physics, and Professor Dr Sharif Md Sharafuddin, head of the Department of Geography and Environment, resigned in the wake of the altercation with the VC. l

Speedy probe into killing of Shefat demanded n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi

PRAYER TIMES

SUST VC to go on leave amid unrest, protest continues n Our Correspondent, Sylhet

Speedy investigation was demanded into the killing of former Rajshahi University (RU) student Wahida Shefat who was reportedly killed by her in-laws for dowry on March 29.

Students of Mass Communication and Journalism department formed a human chain in front of District Administration office in Rajshahi city yesterday.

They expressed dissatisfaction over the investigation of the killing.

Demanding speedy investigation, students accused police of negligence to arrest all the culprits behind the killing.

Members of in-laws of deceased Shefat is trying to establish the murder as suicide propounding propaganda.

Shefat, 27, who graduated from RU Mass Communication and Journalism department was found lying unconscious inside her bedroom on March 29 at in-laws’ house located at the Rajshahi city’s Mahisbathan. When members of her in-laws rushed her to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the on duty doctors declared her dead.

The autopsy report of the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, however, said that several injury marks were found on the head and body of Shefat.

Mizanur Rahman Khandakar, uncle of Shefat, filed a case with Rajpara police station on April 1 against her husband Md Asif, father-inlaw 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. l

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8 NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Unrest grips Khulna jute mills n Our Correspondent, Khulna

State-owned and private jute mills in Khulna have been hit hard by unrest as workers continue to protest to realise their several points demands.

Six private mills owe nearly Tk300 crore in unpaid wages and bank loans while another two suspended production due to a lack of working capital.

Ajax Jute Mill was shut a year ago but is yet to pay overdue wages amounting to Tk55 crore. The authorities are expected to hold a meeting this month to sell the mill.

Managing Director of the mill, Kawsar Zaman Babla, said the factory is unable to take out bank loans as it already has an unpaid loan of Tk70 crore.

“This is why we are unable to resume pro-

duction.”

With 2,700 workers on the payroll, Sonali Jute Mill on April 4 last year closed all the units except one. The amount of unpaid wages is Tk20 crore but the factory also owes Tk93 crore to Sonali Bank.

The bank authorities said they would file a case to have the loan repaid.

The mill’s General Manager, Nurul Islam Khan Kalu, said the owner is reluctant to pay the overdue wages.

“He is also avoiding any contact with the workers.”

The deputy general manager of Sagor Jute Spinning Mill, Major (retd) Syed Abu Bakar, said the factory had to stop productions because of a crisis of raw materials.

He said jute products cost less than jute in the global market.

But Professor Jahangir Alam Sabuj, central general secretary of Private Jute, Yarn and Textile Sangram Parishad, claimed the authorities of Sagor Jute Spinning Mill had discontinued productions to have their own interests served.

“They made the move because they did not want to implement the demands of the workers.”

Jute workers in Khulna have been protesting since early this month to highlight their five-point demand, including a 20% dearness allowance, adequate allocation in the jute sector, and forming a wage commission board for state-owned factory workers like the pay commission.

Director of Khulna Divisional Labour Office, SK Alam, have called on workers and labour leaders not to stage demonstrations. l

Habiganj court issues arrest warrant for Tarique

n Our Correspondent, Habiganj A local court here in a defamation case yesterday issued an arrest warrant against BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman on charge of terming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman “big Razakar.”

Habiganj Senior Judicial Magistrate Nishat Sultana passed the order in the afternoon as Tarique failed to appear before it on the day following its summon, says the litigant’s lawyer Sayeed Afzal Ali. Later, the court fixed June 23 for the next hearing of the lawsuit.

On February 22, Mohibur Rahman Mahi, organising secretary of Habiganj unit Chhatra League, booked the case against Tarique for defºaming Bangabandhu, father of the nation.

On December 15, last year, Tarique, the elder son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, in a programme hosted by the party’s London unit in East London marking the Victory Day, said Bangabandhu was a “big Razakar.”

Hundreds of people travelling to and from Hatiya island are facing sufferings as the main point of arrival and departure, the Chairman Ghat, lacks proper infrastructure facilities.

The ghat, which is used by 10-12 seat trucks ferrying about 3,000 passengers each day, has no platform or floating landing areas making the passengers to use makeshift stairs.

During high tide or rough weather, it becomes extremely unsafe for passengers to use the stairs. This has also resulted in some accidents in recent times.

Hatiya upazila of Noakhali is cut off from the main land by the mighty Meghna River.

With about about 400,000 inhabitants, the island has no direct road communication with the rest of the country. As such people have to rely on the river route which is served by engine-run trawlers, sea trucks, steamers and

An activist of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was killed in gunfight with army personnel in Sajek area under Rangamati district yesterday.

The name of the deceased could not be known yet.

Sources said the UPDF members opened fire at the patrol team of army in the area forcing them to retaliate. After the miscreants fled, one was found dead and three injured.

Superintendent of Police Syed Tarikul Hasan confirmed the incident.

When contacted, UPDF leader Michel Chakma said that he did not know about the incident.

“We believe in democratic movement. We are not involved with arms struggle,” he said.

Earlier, Military personnel arrested a leader of the UPDF stopping a bus at Guimara of Khagrachari.

The party’s Khagrachari unit coordinator Pradipan Khisha said a group of military stopped a Dhaka-bound bus at Guimara and took away Ricoh Chakma, an organiser of the party. l

Two women get life in jail for murder n Our Correspondent, Netrakona

Logs have been stockpiled in front of a sawmill in Kukri area of Bhola. A section of local wood traders are cutting down tress from government reserved forest. The photo was taken recently DHAKA TRIBUNE

Lack of infrastructure facilities make passengers suffer at Chairman Ghat n Our Correspondent, Noakhali

UPDF man killed in gunfight with army n Our Correspondent, Rangamati

launches.

Nalchira Ghat, Ramcharan Ghat, Tamorudhi Ghat, Jahazmara Ghat and Chairman Ghat are usually used by the inhabitants and tourists. But out of these, Chairman Ghat has become the main gateway for the island.

There are nine union parishads and one municipality in Hatiya upazila. Of them, Nijhum Dweep union, Harni union and Chanandi union are also separated by river from the upazila.

About seven years ago, ghat no 4 used to be main river terminal but since the canal connecting the Meghna River dried up, the ghat has been shifted to Chairman Ghat.

However, due to various irregularities and mismanagement, the ghat is also becoming unserviceable day by day.

Since the broken platform had been abandoned six months ago, a new one has not been built yet. So the passengers use the rickety stairs provided by the vessel owners.

Locals alleged that the government earn a huge amount by leasing out the ghat to a third party. But no measure has been taken to upgrade the ghat.

Kamrul Hasan, 30, Md Ilias, 35, Rani Bala Das, 40, Ratan Chandra Talukder, 22 and Rahima Khatun, 60 who all were waiting to go to Hatiya said: “We are risking our lives by travelling like this. If there was a platform, it could have been really helpful for us.”

When contacted, Mohammad Akkas Ali, joint director of BIWTA of Chittagong division said a new platform would be installed within three weeks.

Mahboob Morshed Liton, chairman of Hatiya upazila parishad, said they had submitted an application three months ago to BIWTA.After receiving the application, the BIWTA authorities assured that a new platform would be installed within a few days but there was no visible initiative till yesterday. l

A local court here yesterday sentenced life term of imprisonment to two women for killing a girl about seven and a half years ago.

The convicts are Haruna Begum, 20, and Rejia Khatun, 50. Both are from Ramchandrapur village in Kendua upazila.

Netrakona Additional District and Sessions Court judge Md Abdul Hamid at noon handed down the verdict in presence of the duo.

The court also fined them Tk50,000 each, in default, they will have to suffer a six-month jail more.

According to the case statement, Haruna and Rejia together on 16 September in 2007 mercilessly beaten up Mina Akter with wood piece centring brawl over burning hay, leaving her critically injured.

Later, she succumbed to her injuries in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

In the incident, Mina’s son Halud Miah booked a murder case. After examining all witness and evidence of the lawsuit, the court pronounced the verdict. l

Construction worker dies in Sherpur mudslide

n Tribune Report A construction worker was killed as a chunk of earth fell on him while he was cutting earth for the construction of a bridge at Khalpar on the Namapara-Garkhola road in Sribardi upazila, Sherpur yesterday.

Police said a group of workers were cutting earth for construction of a bridge in the area under a project of Local Government Engineering Department.

All of a sudden, a big chunk of mud fell on Uzzal, Uzzal Miah, 25, son of Bachchu Miah, a resident of Kolakanda village of the same upazila, around 1pm, leaving him dead on the spot, said Sub-Inspector of Sribardi police station. l

DT

10 WORLD

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

US admits two hostages killed in al-Qaeda raid n BBC The White House has said that a US counterterrorism operation in January accidentally killed two hostages who were being held by al-Qaeda.

Warren Weinstein, an American, and Giovanni Lo Porto, an Italian, were killed in the raid in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

President Barack Obama described it as a painful loss he profoundly regretted.

Two other Americans thought to be al-Qaeda members were also killed, one of them in the same raid.

The White House said Ahmed Farouq, an al-Qaeda leader, was killed in that operation and Adam Gadahn, once regarded as a spokesman for the militant group, was killed in a separate raid.

Unnamed officials told Associated Press the attack that killed the hostages was a CIA drone strike.

The president, speaking at the White House about the operation that killed the hostages, said the US had launched the raid in the belief the target was an al-Qaeda compound with no civilians present.

As commander-in-chief, he said, he took “full responsibility” for the operation.

Weinstein’s wife Elaine said in a statement the family was “devastated.”

“Those who took Warren captive over three years ago bear ultimate responsibility,” she added.

She thanked several members of the US

Malta holds solemn funeral for migrant shipwreck victims

n Reuters, Valetta

An imam and a bishop led a poignant inter-faith funeral service on Malta yesterday for 24 drowned migrants, the only victims whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean in the weekend shipwreck that shocked Europe.

The dead were picked up by the Italian vessel Gregoretti and brought to Malta on Monday after their vessel capsized and sank early on Sunday morning. As many as 900 people are believed to have died.

Twenty-eight survivors were taken to Italy. The overwhelming majority of victims were never found, locked below decks and sinking along with the boat. The captain has been arrested in Italy on suspicion of homicide, people smuggling and causing a shipwreck.

The disaster brought the death toll so far this year to around 1,800 desperate migrants drowned in the Mediterranean while trying to cross, and prompted the EU to summon leaders of its 28 member states for an emergency summit yesterday.

European leaders were expected to reverse a decision they took last year to halt search and rescue efforts at sea, which human rights groups say led inevitably to the deaths. l

Warren Weinstein, left, and California-born al Qaeda member Adam Gadahn congress and unnamed officials from the FBI, but said the assistance received from “other elements of the US government was inconsistent and disappointing.”

Weinstein also criticised the Pakistani government and military who, she said, treated her husband’s captivity “as more of an annoyance than a priority.”

President Obama said the operation was in compliance with the White House’s counterterrorism protocols.

Reuters

It’s a “bitter truth in the fog war” that mistakes occur, but what sets America apart is facing up squarely to its mistakes, he said.

Weinstein, 73, was abducted in Lahore in 2011, where he was working as an aid worker. Lo Porto disappeared from Multan, Pakistan in January 2012. Both men were aid workers.

“There could be no starker contrast between these two selfless men and their al-Qaeda captors,” the president said. l

India’s Modi urges unity after farmer suicide n AFP Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all political parties yesterday to work together to help troubled farmers after one of them hanged himself at a protest over planned land reforms.

News channels were dominated by the fallout over Gajendra Singh’s suicide the day before in front of hundreds of people at a rally against Modi’s plans to make it easier for businesses to acquire land.

Singh, reportedly a father of three from the desert state of Rajasthan, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital after hanging himself from a tree during the protest in the centre of the capital New Delhi.

A sombre-looking Modi asked his colleagues and rivals to join hands to help farmers battle an “age-old problem” of suicide, often triggered by devastated crops due to unseasonable rains.

“We are many parties but this is a huge nation and we need to work together,” he told lawmakers.

“I welcome any suggestions to help our farmers and I assure you that the government will consider them.”

Wednesday’s rally, which was organised by

the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was the latest of a series of opposition protests against Modi’s push to make it easier to buy farmland for development projects.

Several fresh protests were staged across the capital yesterday as a row over who was to blame for Singh’s death intensified.

While Modi’s opponents say the suicide was an understandable reaction to the land bill, some followers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) say that Aam Aadmi organisers should have stopped Singh’s hanging.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked that the incident not be exploited and echoed Modi’s request to “put our heads together and come to a solution.”

“The incident is indeed very shameful and unfortunate and it should not be politicised,” the minister said.

Scores of debt-laden farmers have suffered damage to their winter crops from unseasonal hail storms and rains, with media reporting a string of suicides in recent weeks.

Anger has also been mounting in rural areas over Modi’s land reform bill, which the government says is needed speed up economic growth, but political opponents say favours big business at the expense of struggling farmers. l

UN says EU must do more to save migrants, admit refugees

n Reuters, Geneva

Europe must urgently set up an effective rescue operation for migrants at sea and commit to receiving significantly higher numbers of refugees, top UN officials and the International Organisation for Migration said yesterday.

“A tragedy of epic proportions is unfolding in the Mediterranean,” they said in a statement criticising a 10-point plan announced by the European Union on Monday and due to be discussed at a hastily-convened summit later yesterday.

“The European Union response needs to go beyond the present minimalist approach... which focuses primarily on stemming the arrival of migrants and refugees on its shores,” it said.

European Union leaders will effectively reverse a cutback in rescue operations the Mediterranean yesterday to try to prevent record numbers of people drowning as they try to flee war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

But the joint UN and IOM statement said the funding boost would not make up for the closure of an Italian mission last year after other EU countries refused to pay for it. The mission, Mare Nostrum, saved more than 100,000 lives.

It called for “setting in place a State-led, robust, proactive, and well-resourced searchand-rescue operation, urgently and without delay, with a capacity similar to Mare Nostrum and a clear mission to save lives.”

The smaller EU scheme which replaced Mare Nostrum is mainly focused on patrolling the bloc’s borders, after countries argued that saving migrants encouraged more to come. l

PM Valls: France ‘foils five terror attacks’

n BBC

French police have foiled five terror attacks in recent months, Prime Minister Manuel Valls has said.

He said the latest was a planned attack on churches in Villejuif outside Paris.

An Algerian man was arrested on Sunday over the alleged plan, after he apparently shot himself by accident and called an ambulance.

France stepped up security following attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket in January which left 17 people dead.

“The threat has never been so high,” Valls told France Inter radio. “We have never had to face this kind of terrorism in our history.”

He said 1,573 French citizens or residents had been implicated in “terror networks” 442 of those were currently believed to be in Syria.

Ninety-seven of those had died in Syria or Iraq, including seven while carrying out suicide attacks, he added.

His comments come a day after the French authorities revealed they had arrested a 24-year-old Algerian man on suspicion of planning to attack “one or two churches” in Villejuif.

Sid Ahmed Ghlam, a computer science student, was detained on Sunday after calling an ambulance having apparently accidentally shot himself in the leg. l

DT

WORLD 11

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Beijing defends Hong Kong vote plan after fierce overseas criticism

n AFP

Beijing yesterday defended Hong Kong’s plan to vet candidates for its 2017 leadership election, saying it represented public opinion “from all walks of life” in the territory despite mass pro-democracy protests on the issue last year.

The statement by China’s foreign ministry came as Hong Kong’s leader Leung Chun-ying hit back at “uncivilised” critics after he was booed and heckled by local residents.

New York-based Human Rights Watch denounced the election plan as a “farce,” a “rejection of international law” and a “betrayal of democratic aspirations in Hong Kong.”

But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei countered: “We certainly cannot agree with such accusations.”

The roadmap “represents the public opinions from all walks of life in Hong Kong towards the referendum of the chief executive of Hong Kong,” Hong told a regular briefing of reporters.

He added that the plan “meets the realities of Hong Kong, accommodates the rights and interests of Hong Kong people and is a viable, reasonable and pragmatic solution.” l

Diplomatic push for final Iran nuclear deal in Vienna n Reuters, Vienna US Under Secretary Wendy Sherman and Tehran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will resume talks about curbing Iran’s nuclear program later yesterday, Iranian media said.

The latest round of nuclear diplomacy, being held in a luxury hotel in Austria’s capital, kicked off with a bilateral meeting between Iran and the European Union on Wednesday.

Iran’s nuclear negotiator Hamid Baidinejad told Iranian state television that “drafting the final deal has started,” declining to give further details. Months ago both sides had already announced that a final draft had been started.

Iran and the other countries in the talks – the United States, China, France, Russia, Britain and Germany – reached a tentative deal on April 2 and now aim to finalise the details by self-imposed end-June deadline.

Under the framework agreement, Iran agreed to slash the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges it operates and would allow more intrusive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange for sanctions relief.

The diplomatic push needs to iron out details about the timing of sanctions relief, the future of Iran’s atomic research and development program, the exact nature of the IAEA’s monitoring regime and what kind of uranium stockpile Tehran will be allowed to keep under any final deal.

The timing of sanctions relief was top of the agenda at Wednesday’s talks.

Iran says economic sanctions must be lifted as soon as any final deal is signed, while the United States wants a gradual lifting of restrictions.

Top envoys from other world powers will join the negotiations later this week. l

Host Malaysia avoids Chinese ire over disputed sea at ASEAN summit n Reuters Malaysia is steering clear of criticising China’s actions in the South China Sea at a meeting of Southeast Asian leaders next week, a draft end-statement seen

by Reuters shows, despite a push by the Philippines to denounce Beijing’s reclamation work.

Philippines President Benigno Aquino has called on leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to issue a collective statement condemn-

ing China’s reclamation in the disputed waters at the end of their Kuala Lumpur meeting. The summit starts on Sunday.

China says ASEAN is not a party to the South China Sea dispute.

A draft copy of the concluding statement by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak devotes two paragraphs to tensions in the energy-rich waters, but stops short of taking sides in the matter, a source with direct knowledge of ASEAN issues told Reuters.

China’s actions in the South China

Sea have created a deep divide between the 10 ASEAN members, four of which have competing claims over the disputed territory. China claims most of the area, with overlapping claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Disputes over how to address the increasingly assertive role of China - an ally of several ASEAN states - in the strategic waters of the South China Sea has placed the issue squarely as Southeast Asia’s biggest potential military flashpoint. l

WSJ: China warns on rising North Korea nuclear capability

n Reuters, Seoul

Chinese nuclear experts have warned that North Korea may already have 20 nuclear warheads and the capability to produce enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Chinese estimates of Pyongyang’s nuclear production, relayed to US nuclear specialists, exceed most previous US forecasts, which range from 10 to 16 bombs currently, said the report, which cited people briefed on the matter.

Experts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies earlier this year presented three scenarios for North Korea’s nuclear capability, predicting its stockpile of weapons could grow to 20, 50 or 100 within five years.

North Korea has conducted three nuclear detonations, the most recent in February 2013.

Asked about the report at a regular press briefing yesterday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said he “did not have knowledge of the specific situation.” l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Never forget. Build a better future for all RMG workers

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

T

oday marks two years since the Rana Plaza disaster which killed 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 people.

It is important we remember victims and offer solidarity to the families of the bereaved. All practical efforts to raise funds to rehabilitate survivors must be supported.

The anniversary also provides a chance to redouble efforts to build a better future for the millions of Bangladeshis who work in the RMG sector.

Official government efforts and the Accord and Alliance stakeholder safety initiatives have made considerable progress with inspecting factories and identifying areas for improvement. Renewed attention has also been given to labour rights issues and the minimum wage was raised after a long hiatus.

All this comes amid an ever competitive global marketplace putting huge pressures on factory owners. It is a testament to the industry’s collective resilience that it has continued to grow and reach out to new markets despite all the pressures it is facing. It is also encouraging to see the BGMEA launch a new Centre of Excellence to improve research and development to raise productivity in the apparel industry.

We hope all the hard work will pay off by securing bigger orders to help the industry keep funding improvements and new factories. Building a safer, more sustainable, and more successful garment industry will be the best and most lasting memorial to those who suffered at Rana Plaza.

Redouble efforts to build a better future for the millions who work in the RMG sector

Track and punish bad drivers

I

n the last week alone, more than 22 people have died in mutiple road accidents.

The National Road Safety Council report for 2014 estimates that road accidents cause an average of one death every hour, with over 8,500 killed and several times as many injured each year. BUET studies indicate the true figure for deaths is closer to 12,000 a year giving Bangladesh one of the highest and fastest growing rates of road fatalities in the world.

It is appalling that such a statistic is allowed to persist within the nation with little to no steps being taken to decrease the number. Despite constant recurrences, the government has proven itself to be far too lenient when it comes to monitoring traffic behaviour. Impunity is rampant for flouting basic traffic regulations and driving recklessly.

It is imperative that further steps must be taken to decrease the frequency of these incidents. A dependable way of bringing this about would be to install CCTV cameras at key areas and to implement machine-readable number plates.

But the blame cannot be assigned solely to the authorities. We, as users of the road, are to blame for not following rules in the first place and not reprimanding individuals when we witness reckless driving. Being aware of the risks and implementing the rules on ourselves and others would surely bring an improvement to the traffic system in the country.

The blame cannot be assigned solely to the authorities.

We are also culpable for not following the rules of the road

https://www.facebook.com/DhakaTribune

Indian woman urinates into in-laws’ tea for a year

April 5 Ariha Arif Nothing justifies her actions. Doing this is ridiculous just because she wanted to take revenge on her in-laws as they would not approve of their son helping with the household chores. This does not have anything to do with gender equality or rights for women.

Clementina van den Hoogenband A little reminder to be respectful to whoever is in charge of food preparation be it servants or those in restaurants. From what I hear, this is not uncommon.

Rawshan Iajdani Clementina van den Hoogenband: Bang on the money.

Nazia Tariq Ariha Arif: Her actions may not be justified but this does have to do with inequality of the sexes. When have you ever heard of a mother or a father-in-law asking their son-in-law to make a cup of tea and prevent their daughter from helping him?

Ariha Arif Nazia Tariq: I agree with that. I was saying that this does not have anything to do with women’s rights based on her actions. She can’t possibly expect to get her rights by doing this. And I was answering the article’s question that whether she should get justice or not?

From my perspective, if it considers women’s rights then what she did was unjust and wrong. However, I agree with you on the point you mentioned.

Farah Nusrat Disgusting! :@ Monsur Saleh Farah Nusrat: Indeed.

Rawshan Iajdani I saw waiters spitting on food for the customers with attitude. So be careful guys next time you frown.

Monsur Saleh She is sick! She needs to see a psychologist.

How can any woman do something like this? She should be punished so that no one thinks of doing something like this again.

Zunayed Sabbir Ahmed So all women should start peeing on the food they make for everyone as a feminist protest?

Rawnok Jahan Kabir This isn’t my cup of tea. No pun intended. Ãniká Tj Wow.

Monsur Saleh Ãniká Tj: How is this a matter of “wow”?

Nazmul Khair OMG! Rawnok Jahan Kabir Am I supposed to learn something from this?

Naureen Ahmed Incredible India!

Meera Sal Rekha, who had an arranged marriage with Deepak, was fed up with her in-laws, especially after they stopped him from assisting her with household chores.

Anita Amreen So, naturally, she started peeing in their tea.

Imtiaz Farhan Bin Habib “Kyun ki saas bhi kabhi bahu thhi” ... oh, errm, gee!

Mahdi Guitarman This is as “Indian” as it gets!

Haan Rabi · Smart lady!

Trisha Still enjoyed her chocolate biscuits. Oops ...

Dreampie Trisha: You mean her hot fudge logs?

Probably.

Bald Rick Dreampie: As a girl she was made of sugar and spice so her droppings tasted nice!

Remember, it took them a year! Twelve whole months, not one sip of tea!

Dev Saha Well, a poor way to get even but I can understand how cruel and obnoxious these in-laws could be. Be nicer to your daughterin-laws!

Raisa Rahman This just put me off my tea.

DT

OPINION 13

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Rana Plaza and senseless deaths from poverty n Rainer Ebert

T

wo years ago, more than 1,100 people lost their lives in the rubble of Rana Plaza. The tragedy made headlines around the globe. People with no personal relation to those affected donated money, medical supplies, and blood, physically participated in the rescue efforts, and took to the streets to protest against a politicoeconomic system that continues to put the lives of workers in Bangladesh at risk.

What you probably do not remember is that on the very same day, April 24, 2013, more than 18,000 children under the age of five also died senseless deaths, almost all of which could have easily been prevented.

5,000 died from pneumonia or diarrhoea, 1,200 died from malaria, and most of the rest died from other poverty-related causes.

Many of these deaths occurred in children who were already weakened by inadequate nutrition, which contributes to half of all under-five deaths globally. Of the 18,000 children under the age of five who died on April 24, 2013, about 350 died in Bangladesh -- 13% from pneumonia, 5% from diarrhoea, and 57% from neonatal causes. That is despite the tremendous strides Bangladesh made in lowering child mortality during the last two decades.

Of course, this happened not only on that fateful April day two years ago. It is happening every day, adding up to 6.6 million children under the age of five dying every year, almost all needlessly, of poverty.

People tend to be more interested in unexpected, localised catastrophes than in what

happens every day. But, obviously, that does not mean that the lives of those who died of poverty were less important than the lives of the garment workers who died in Savar.

In stark contrast, the rich are doing better than ever. That is true for the world-at-large, just as it is true for Bangladesh, where new upscale restaurants, stores, spas, and hotels open daily. One only needs to walk through one of the affluent neighbourhoods of Dhaka, or Chittagong, to get an idea of how much wealth many have accumulated.

In his 2009 book, The Life You Can Save, Princeton philosopher Peter Singer asks whether the well-off have a moral obligation to help the poor. He presents the following thought experiment: “On your way to work, you pass a small pond … [you] see a child splashing about in the pond … if you don’t wade in and pull him out, he seems likely to drown. Wading in is easy and safe, but you will ruin the new shoes you bought only a few days ago, and get your suit wet and muddy … what should you do?”

You probably agree that you should wade into the pond and pull the toddler out. This answer, Singer says, derives from the general principle that, if it is in your power to prevent something really bad from happening, without sacrificing anything of comparable importance, then we morally ought to do so. If that is true, then many of the ways in which the well-off spend their money is morally problematic.

Dinner at one of the many posh restaurants in Dhaka nowadays easily costs up to Tk2,000 or even Tk7,000 per person.

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Exclusive saris sell for Tk15,000 to Tk1.5 lakh, new BMW cars for Tk1cr to Tk4cr. All of these things are luxuries, given any reasonable definition of the term.

One can get an equally nutritious dinner for Tk200, a beautiful sari for Tk2,000 to Tk5,000, and an equally functional used car for Tk15 lakh to Tk25 lakh. The money choosing moderation over luxury saves can buy many packets of oral rehydration salts, which sell for about Tk10 each. Most of the approximately 18 under-five deaths from diarrhea in Bangladesh each day could be prevented by administering each child a few of these packets.

You will object that helping is typically not as easy as buying oral rehydration salts, and you are right. But it is not difficult either, no more difficult than, say, finding an effective charity and making a donation.

Charity evaluators, such as GiveWell, conduct in-depth research to determine how much good a given charity accomplishes per taka spent and make finding an effective charity easy. One of GiveWell’s top-rated charities is the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, which de-worms children for an estimated total of only Tk57 to Tk77 per child. In Bangladesh, there are Brac, Sneha, DCI, CARE, Save the Children, Oxfam, and many other charities which are working hard to make extreme poverty history.

In the time you took to read this article, 56 children under the age of five died of poverty.

And that is assuming you are a fast reader. l Rainer Ebert is a PhD candidate at the Department of Philosophy at Rice University in Texas, and an Associate Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He blogs at rainerebert.com.

Building on hope and beyond n Sumaiya Haque

T

he latest figures from the ready-made garments sector in Bangladesh reports that in the financial year 2013-14, it provided 4.2 million direct jobs, 16% of GDP, and more than 75% of foreign exchange earnings. These are pretty hefty numbers that continue to impress the world. Now let’s try and put a numerical value to the lives of all those people who sit behind the wheel, driving the machines that push this country forward in the global economy.

First, consider the situation right after a disaster of any kind hits Bangladesh. One can surely and immediately identify the monetary loss of the disaster, but how does one statistically calculate the loss of the victims concerned in terms of their psychological and physical conditions alongside the repercussions to their immediate family and community?

The Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh brought issues surrounding workers’ rights back into the limelight. Policies were revised, international relations reworked, and giant corporations questioned. An unfortunate reality in the subcontinent is that following any disaster, our resources for rehabilitating the survivors seem to be quite limited. Where are they now, what are they doing, and how exactly are they living?

Immediately after the Rana Plaza incident, it was quite obvious that the survivors, as well as the rescuers, needed immediate trauma counselling.

The psychological impact of the whole experience is, of course, long-lasting. In Bangladesh and elsewhere, psychological problems come attached with social stigma.

There is also a lack of psycho-social counsellors to provide the necessary support during a crisis. A handful of counsellors from Brac rushed to Enam Medical College immediately after the collapse and began attending to some of the survivors, and all they did was listen to the victims talk. And we soon realised how heavily outnumbered we were to the endless lines of survivors being carried in through the hospital corridors.

Brac selected a certain number of survivors and offered a three-day psycho-social counselling session. The survivors were sceptical about what to expect and the counsellors were not entirely sure on the best method of dealing with a group of people who did not quite understand the concept of trauma counselling. Most survivors had to deal with the fear of entering buildings or tolerating loud noises, and had to fight back those recurring nightmares.

The counsellors learned that they had something to offer which could not be quantified, and yet could make a significant

contribution to an individual’s life. Group therapy sessions are still ongoing and these survivors are learning to rebuild their lives in their own terms.

Of them, the toughest to deal with were the victims of amputation. Some lost arms or legs or both. Apart from the associated social stigma, the helplessness of not being able to function normally has affected their will to fight back. These survivors were the bread-earners and, in some cases, there was no one else to provide for their families.

The female victims were the most affected as they feared being of little use as mothers or wives. When we joined the special committee set up by the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office to rehabilitate survivors who had gone through amputation, Brac’s Limb and Brace Centre (BLBC) immediately began working with selected survivors. BLBC specialises in upper limb prosthetic support but they ensured that all challenges associated with developing prosthetic limbs were addressed thoroughly.

The trauma of going back to working in garments in addition to the limited movements due to physical injuries they suffered from, called for alternative sources of income for the survivors. Fearing that there would be no one to support them financially, sitting idly at home was never an option for these groups of hard-working individuals.

Brac put together a team to identify alternative livelihood options for these survivors and the necessary set of skills they could use to cope. With the selected group of survivors, Brac began providing small enterprise and skills training. The participants were grouped according to their choice of livelihood option.

The most commonly chosen skills involved managing a grocery store, tailoring, or rearing livestock. The training curriculum was comprehensive and customised accordingly.

Participants were taught how to interact with customers to help manage their business.

And to answer the most important question: Yes, they were given a seed capital to launch their business.

Immediate response to the aftermath of a disaster is a crucial requirement for any country. In the Rana Plaza factory collapse, of the thousands affected, Brac has only managed to reach out to a bit more than 330 survivors. It was not due to a lack of effort, but rather a shortage of sufficient resources.

We need to ensure that the affected can overcome their loss and get back to contributing to the economy of the country. As a nation, it is time we focus on improving our scope in dealing with survivors and their rehabilitation. l Sumaiya Haque is working as a deputy manager in Brac Communications.

DT

14 OPINION

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

The Golden Generation n Zafar Sobhan

W

hat a difference a year makes.

This time last year, the Bangladesh cricket team was reeling from back to back failures in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, punctuated by losses to Hong Kong and Afghanistan. This was followed by two dismal series performances against India and the West Indies.

But if the recently concluded Cricket World Cup was the coming out party for the Bangladesh cricket team, the current series against Pakistan is where we have consolidated our gains and shown the world that we are capable of repeat performance and sustained excellence.

Bangladesh has never wanted for cricketing talent in the past. The problem has always been consistency and character. We have always had players who could turn in isolated performances of astonishing quality, both with the bat and the ball.

What we lacked was the individual character to turn in those performances match in and match out, and especially when the chips were down. And what we lacked individually, we lacked even more as a team, with embarrassing collapses commonplace and the ability to recover from early setbacks conspicuously absent from our game.

The current crop of Bangladesh players, however, are on a different level altogether.

Not only do we now have players of undeniable world class standard, but they can also perform at this standard routinely, not only in flashes.

Even more important, for the first time in living memory, the Bangladesh team has a

resilience to it that allows it to weather bad luck or bad performances, and recover from a poor position to come back to win matches that looked like they were lost.

We are no longer reliant on any one or two or three people. Our batting now goes all the way down to seven, which means that we can win without firing on all cylinders.

In the World Cup, it was Riyad who stepped up when the openers faltered. In this series it was the openers, first Tamim and then Soumya, who proved the match-winners.

And this, more than anything else, is the difference. The fear is gone. The self-doubt has been banished. What this team has that the others before it did not is belief in itself and each other and unshakeable self-confidence.

Confidence is what champions are made of -- and the body language of the Bangladesh team when they are out on the field today is worth a thousand words. They have a swagger to their game, they stand tall, they don’t back down, they play with style and

These young men represent the very best of Bangladesh, and in these troubled times, they are the one force keeping this country united

Our captain courageous, Mushfiq, is not only a superb wicket-keeper, but he has been solid as a rock at number 4. What a luxury it is to have our finest player being able to come in at number 5 and to know that we have two capable batsmen behind him, should the need for them arise.

There can be little doubt that, both individually and as a team, this is our Golden Generation of Bangladesh cricket (hat-tip to Shammi Huda for the coinage), a generation of players who have come together to form a team that can stand toe to toe with the best in the world and has no cause to fear anyone else.

verve but also with lip and attitude. That is what makes them great.

There is a long way to go and we are by no means the world’s best, but now no one can doubt that we belong with the best and can take our seat at the table with pride.

These young men represent the very best of Bangladesh, and in these troubled times, they are the one force keeping this country united, and through them, at least, we have achieved a measure of our Shonar Bangla.

They truly are a golden generation, the one bright spot on the horizon, the one thing that brings a smile to the faces of everyday Bangladeshis as they scan the newspaper

each morning looking for cheering news, the one thing that can make our hearts swell with pride and look to the future with hope.

Tamim. Soumya. Riyad. Mushfiq. Shakib.

Sabbir. Nasir. Mashrafe. Sunny. Rubel.

Taskin.

That is a roll call of honour and enough to strike fear into the heart of any team.

Any one of them can be a match-winner.

You take any of them lightly at your peril. If the openers don’t get you, the middle order runs deep. If the seamers don’t nail you, the spinners will.

And we have another dozen just like them, waiting in the wings, ready to step up and step in when the team needs.

Batting, bowling, and fielding, there is a new-found sense of purpose in the team, a new strut, a new toughness. This is what we have been lacking all these years, and now that the all the stars have finally aligned, we can build, with confidence and certainty, for the future.

More than anything, what this Golden Generation has done is to give us, at long last, the cricketing foundation we need, on which we can build and expand, so that there will be no more backsliding or slippage.

The story of Bangladeshi cricket has long been: One step up, two steps back. But not anymore.

We have finally reached a threshold from which there is no going back. Our Golden Generation have given us the greatest gift of all: The gift of a top-class cricket team that will only get better from here on out.

Watch out, world. The Tigers have arrived.

And they’re hungry. l Zafar Sobhan is the Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

19

Stocks slip for 4th straight day with poor trading

20

DT

Business

15

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 2015

Study: Less tax benefits hinder SME growth Rana Plaza survivors need long-term treatment n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

The file photo shows a woman kissing the photo of her beloved one at a photographic installation of potraits of Rana Plaza collapse victims

DHAKA TRIBUNE

No compensation given yet to 13 missing Rana Plaza workers n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Even after two years of the deadliest factory collapse at Rana Plaza, family members of at least 13 missing workers are yet to get any compensation either from the government or from the Rana Plaza Donors’ Trust Fund.

However, the family members of 15 missing victims received below Tk1 lakh as compensation while the rest families got up to Tk30 lakh, beginning from Tk2 lakh.

Dhaka Tribune has discovered the figures after talking to the family members of 148 missing workers in Rana Plaza collapse, which claimed more than 1,135 lives.

“We did not get any single penny as compensation neither from the government nor from the trust fund against my missing

daughter,” said tearful Saleha Begum, mother of Sabina Khatun, who went missing since Rana Plaza disaster.

Expressing her anger over the stakeholders, she also said: “I don’t want the money, rather I prefer to get the body of my missing daughter.”

On the contrary, Marium, a sister of missing Lina Akter, claimed that her family had received only Tk95, 000 as compensation.

While talking to the Dhaka Tribune, she, however, questioned: “How can the authority compensate a family of a missing worker only with Tk95,000 while the families of the injured received over Tk15 lakh.’’

According to Labour and Employment Ministry, a total of 166 families claimed their missing relatives used to work for the factories housed at Rana Plaza.

After the claim, the ministry had earlier sent a list of 166 workers missing since Rana Plaza collapse to the 48 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) for cross-checking the list in their respective districts to confirm whether they were really missing or not.

“We have identified 104 out of 166 missing RMG workers who worked for five apparel factories housed at Rana Plaza, said Labour and Employment Secretary Mikail Shipar.

Among the 104 identified workers, the name of the 90 people was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to take the necessary steps to compensate the victims, said Mikail.

He also said: “The process has already been started and it will be distributed very soon to the victims family members.”

Meanwhile, the Rana Plaza Coordination Committee has so far distributed Tk76 crore among the victims, which is 70% of the estimated compensation.

“We’ve included the missing workers, who were able to present minimum documents to prove them as workers,” Ramesh Chandra Roy, secretary general of IndustriAll Bangladesh Council and member of the coordination committee, told the Dhaka Tribune.

He also said: “If a genuine missing worker was not included in the list, we will provide them compensation as per the rules if their families could claim with proper documents.

“We’ve so far collected US$24m and hopeful to get the rest $6m needed to compensate all the workers of Rana Plaza,” said Roy. Prime Minister Skeikh Hasina has so far distributed over Tk15.38 crore as compensation to 976 deceased victims’ family while Tk4.10 crore to 38 severely injured victims.

The Rana Plaza Coordination Committee also paid Tk76 crore, which is 70% of the compensation to the injured and the family members of deceased and missing workers. l

Most Rana Plaza survivors, who sustained severe injuries and became traumatised, need continued financial support for long-term treatment to bring them back to normal life.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, several workers described their nightmare that they have been going through since the world’s deadliest building collapse on April 24, 2013.

“I want to walk and to come back to normal life as I was before the Rana Plaza tragedy,” Shahjahan Selim, a survivor of the factory disaster, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Selim sustained several fractures in his legs and became traumatised from that horror incident. Selim worked on the fifth floor of the building.

While narrating the ordeal he faced, Selim said: “I came out of the debris of collapsed building without any injuries, but later entered the building to rescue my fellow colleagues and pulled out around 20 of them.”

“Then started an agonising chapter of my life when the roof bar collapsed on me, breaking my legs and injuring other parts of my body.”

Selim said: “I have still been trying to overcome shock since that horrific incident during the rescue operation, but to no avail.”

CRP physicians suggested long-term physiotherapy and psychotherapy for the survivors in order for their mental release which is expensive.

The Rana Plaza survivor described their compensation not enough to meet treatment cost.

He called upon the government and the authorities concerned to provide them with proper treatment facilities if they really want their well-being.

“I look physically fit but cannot enter any high rise,” said another survivor Jahangir Alam, who is severely shocked.

“I joined a factory and started working there, but when the electricity was out, I felt panicky and shouted loudly.”

“It’s time consuming to bring the survivors back to normal life and they need longterm treatment with a follow-up,” said Kamal Ahmed, who teaches Clinical Psychology at Dhaka University.

If they receive continuous treatment, they will be able to return to normal life, he added.

The Centre for the Rehabilitation for the Paralysed (CRP) are providing free treatment for the workers and they are also giving them follow-up treatment, said BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim.

“Besides, if anyone needs more treatment and if CRP recommends for that, we will consider the matter on humanitarian grounds,” said Azim. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures MARICO: The Board of Directors has recommended 50% final cash dividend in addition to the total 375% interim cash dividend i.e. total 425% for the financial year ended on March 31, 2015. Date of AGM: 13.08.2015, Time: 10:00 AM, Venue: Radisson Blu Water Garden, Airport Road, Dhaka Cantonment Area, Dhaka.

Record Date: 18.06.2015. The Company has also reported Net Profit after tax of Tk. 1.34 million, EPS of Tk. 42.69, NAV per share of Tk. 54.35 and NOCFPS of Tk. 12.94 for the year ended on March 31, 2015.

BSC: The Board of Directors has recommended 10% cash dividend (i.e. Tk. 10.00 per share of Tk. 100.00 each) for the year ended on June 30, 2014. Date of AGM: 06.06.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Shaheed Mohammad Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium, Chittagong Port Area, Chittagong. Record date: 07.05.2015. The Company has also reported Basic EPS of Tk. 2.47, NAV per share of Tk. 619.00 and NOCFPS of Tk. (2.60) for the year ended on June 30, 2014.

MERCANBANK: The Board of Directors has recommended 10% cash dividend for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

Date of AGM: 24.05.2015, Time: 11:00 AM, Venue: Bashundhara Convention Centre, (Pushpanjoli), Block-C, Umme Kulsum Road, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229. Record date: 06.05.2015. The Company has also reported consolidated EPS of Tk. 1.59, consolidated

NAV per share of Tk. 18.35 and consolidated NOCFPS of Tk. 1.58 for the year ended on December 31, 2014.

BSCCL: (Q3 Un-audited): Net Profit after tax from (Jan15 to March15) was Tk. 15.34 million with EPS of Tk. 0.10 as against Tk. 79.48 million and Tk. 0.53 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

Whereas Net Profit after tax from July14 to March15 was Tk. 72.48 million with EPS of Tk. 0.48 as against Tk. 330.93 million and Tk. 2.21 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

DBH: (Q3 Un-audited): Profit after tax (excluding preference dividend) from (Jan15 to March15) was Tk. 278.99 million with EPS of Tk. 2.40 as against Tk. 238.51 million and Tk. 2.06 respectively for the same period of the previous year. Whereas Profit after tax (excluding preference dividend) from July14 to March15 was Tk. 525.85 million with EPS of Tk. 4.53 as against Tk. 439.35 million and Tk. 3.79 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

ENVOYTEX: (H/Y Un-audited): Profit after Tax from (Oct14March15) was Tk. 353.73 million with EPS of Tk. 2.44 as against Tk. 101.19 million and Tk. 0.70 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

Whereas Profit after Tax from (Jan15-March15) was Tk. 179.16 million with EPS of Tk. 1.24 as against Tk. 61.83 million and Tk. 0.43 respectively for the same period of the previous year.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company Beximco Syn.-Z Dulamia CottonZ GeminiSeaFood-B Premier Leasing-Z Intl. Leasing-B Reckitt Benckiser -A Aziz PipesZ City Bank - A Eastern Lubricants -A Union Capital -A

Closing (% Change) 9.78 9.72 9.22 9.09 6.67 6.25 6.15 4.79 4.58 4.55

CSE GAINER Company Central Insur -A Premier Leasing-Z Beximco Syn.-Z Shinepukur Cera-Z Bengal Windsor-A Reckitt Benckiser -A Envoy Textiles Ltd-N Intl. Leasing-B Brac B.C. Bond-A BSC-A

Closing (% Change) 9.52 8.75 8.70 6.25 5.17 5.14 4.48 4.17 3.96 3.46

DSE LOSER Company Northern G Insur-A City G Insu.-A Sonargaon Tex -Z Mercantile Insur -A Peoples Insur -A BD Submarine Cable-A National Housing Fin.-B Khan Brothers-N Kay & Que (BD) -Z SummitAlliancePort.-A

Closing (% Change) -12.50 -10.94 -9.56 -9.16 -8.00 -7.77 -7.32 -6.85 -6.67 -6.57

CSE LOSER Company City G Insu.-A First Finance- A Continental Insur. -A Standard Insurance-A Rahima Food -Z Padma Islami Life*-N SummitAlliancePort.-A Dhaka Bank -A Fine Foods A Asia Pasific Insu. -A

Closing (% Change) -11.03 -10.00 -9.56 -9.47 -9.17 -8.77 -7.55 -7.32 -7.22 -7.14

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features April 23, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

3,776.76 81,568,218 99,223

Traded Issues

305

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

54

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

246

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,398.94

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.08

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 209.76 88.88 20.06 429.51 117.45 1059.44 53.62 336.65 502.85 5.10 195.81 20.76 33.68 41.95 78.01 13.31 37.26 350.37 62.15 119.06 1.09

% change 5.55 2.35 0.53 11.37 3.11 28.05 1.42 8.91 13.31 0.13 5.18 0.55 0.89 1.11 2.07 0.35 0.99 9.28 1.65 3.15 0.03

Million Taka 11.55 10.21 0.94 43.60 4.93 133.52 28.91 29.88 1.33 11.76 0.61 4.88 8.49 4.67 0.97 1.83 72.90 10.10 36.97 0.03

Average (% Change) 8.32 9.86 9.53 14.95 6.29 4.48 6.33 2.07 4.82 (0.22)

Average (% Change) 9.81 9.18 6.67 7.73 3.54 5.14 5.61 5.27 3.96 12.09

Average (% Change) -12.15 -10.35 -1.25 -5.20 -8.83 0.32 -8.81 -3.20 -2.58 -3.47

Average (% Change) -7.86 -5.30 -2.46 -9.47 -11.24 -8.55 -5.53 -8.53 -6.45 -7.14

CSE

ClosingAvg. 10.03 7.91 205.45 8.38 12.84 1,383.14 18.99 17.23 379.00 13.41

ClosingAvg. 20.70 8.68 9.92 12.13 55.79 1390.00 50.24 12.58 1050.00 383.99

ClosingAvg. 15.40 11.61 13.43 11.86 13.83 136.83 19.16 23.88 11.69 55.56

ClosingAvg.

% change 2.76 2.44 0.23 10.43 1.18 31.94 0.00 6.91 7.15 0.32 2.81 0.15 1.17 2.03 1.12 0.23 0.44 17.44 2.42 8.84 0.01

12.08 9.47 12.30 17.20 21.80 31.25 54.64 15.02 8.99 13.00

Closing 10.10 7.90 207.30 8.40 12.80 1,387.50 19.00 17.50 379.00 13.80

Closing 20.70 8.70 10.00 11.90 57.00 1390.00 49.00 12.50 1050.00 355.50

Closing 15.40 11.40 12.30 11.90 13.80 125.80 19.00 23.10 11.20 54.00

Closing

DHIGH 10.10 7.90 207.30 8.40 13.20 1,387.50 19.20 17.60 379.00 14.00

9.40 7.70 196.00 8.10 12.00 1,350.00 18.90 16.60 379.00 12.80

DHIGH

DLOW

20.70 8.80 10.10 12.30 57.00 1390.00 51.00 13.20 1050.00 438.00

20.70 8.10 9.50 11.80 52.00 1390.00 49.00 12.00 1050.00 355.00

DHIGH

DLOW

15.70 12.00 14.90 12.00 14.70 150.00 20.90 25.20 11.90 58.70

DHIGH

12.10 9.00 12.30 17.20 21.80 31.20 53.90 15.20 9.00 13.00

Million Taka 221.31 99.09 21.01 473.12 122.38 1192.96 53.62 365.55 532.73 6.42 207.57 21.37 38.56 50.44 82.67 14.28 39.10 423.27 72.25 156.04 1.12

DLOW

15.00 11.20 12.30 11.80 13.50 124.90 18.80 22.90 11.00 53.20

DLOW

12.20 10.00 12.30 17.20 21.80 31.30 58.00 15.20 9.00 13.00

Total

11.80 9.00 12.30 17.20 21.80 31.20 53.20 14.80 8.90 13.00

% change 5.28 2.36 0.50 11.28 2.92 28.44 1.28 8.71 12.70 0.15 4.95 0.51 0.92 1.20 1.97 0.34 0.93 10.09 1.72 3.72 0.03

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

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

0.881 0.145 6.247 3.168 12.833 2.675 0.057 15.389 0.002 1.378

Turnover in Million

0.08 -4.02 -6.36 0.08 0.74 42.33 -0.37 2.08 3.12 1.50

Latest EPS

0.507 0.902 0.494 0.345 0.004 0.007 0.102 0.992 0.032 20.798

Turnover in Million

125.4 -ve -ve 104.8 17.4 32.7 -ve 8.3 121.5 8.9

Latest PE

2.96 0.08 0.08 0.39 4.10 42.33 4.84 0.74 0.00 -12.80

Latest EPS

0.522 0.533 3.210 0.493 1.257 273.454 0.599 18.319 0.009 104.560

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

7.0 108.5 124.0 31.1 13.6 32.8 10.4 17.0 -ve

Latest PE

1.84 1.45 -0.84 1.51 2.25 0.64 1.97 1.18 -1.41 0.78

Latest EPS

0.064 0.127 0.043 0.001 0.004 0.017 5.436 0.124 0.029 0.013

8.4 8.0 -ve 7.9 6.1 213.8 9.7 20.2 -ve 71.2

Latest PE

1.45 0.63 1.66 3.07 -0.42 1.10 0.78 3.35 -0.36 2.32

8.3 15.0 7.4 5.6 -ve 28.4 70.1 4.5 -ve 5.6

CSE key features April 23, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

418.10 8,745,514 17,792

Traded Issues

222

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

36

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

185

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

1

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,314.57

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.06

DT

BUSINESS 19

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Stocks slip for 4th straight day with poor trading n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N BD Submarine Cable-A Khulna Power-A WesternMarine -N Mozaffar H.Spinning-A ACI Limited- A SummitAlliancePort.-A Ifad Autos -N Square Pharma -A SAIF Powertec-N

Grameenphone-A MJL BD Ltd.-A Baraka Power-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Shahjibazar Power-N

VolumeShares 2,265,761 1,998,460 2,965,181 2,564,597 3,107,732 204,739 1,881,799 1,224,488 361,546 1,152,198

Value in Million 470.76 273.45 197.65 131.65 111.60 109.30 104.56 98.81 90.90 86.95

% of TotalTurnover 12.46 7.24 5.23 3.49 2.95 2.89 2.77 2.62 2.41 2.30

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N BD Submarine Cable-A BSC-A WesternMarine -N Khulna Power-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A MJL BD Ltd.-A Mozaffar H.Spinning-A Grameenphone-A LafargeS Cement-Z

UNITED AIR-A Baraka Power-A ACI Limited- A SAIF Powertec-N Square Pharma -A

236,356 594,493 2,120,346 2,315,480 344,606

412,789 475,930 54,161 345,859 202,545 435,182 84,773 292,565 23,532 68,035

952,427 195,589 11,436 79,676 23,020

76.91 75.06 69.57 67.90 57.19

85.86 65.26 20.80 17.63 13.52 12.81 10.72 10.26 7.64 7.39

7.25 6.42 6.08 5.99 5.79

2.04 1.99 1.84 1.80 1.51

20.54 15.61 4.97 4.22 3.23 3.06 2.56 2.45 1.83 1.77

1.73 1.54 1.45 1.43 1.38

ClosingP 198.20 125.80 64.50 50.60 36.50 528.70 54.00 79.50 251.00 73.60

324.80 125.30 32.60 29.10 165.30

ClosingP

Change % -5.93 -7.77 -5.01 -4.71 2.82 -1.14 -6.57 -5.13 -0.52 -5.76

-1.37 -1.26 0.00 -3.32 1.41

Change %

198.20 125.70 355.50 50.20 64.80 29.10 125.50 36.00 323.50 108.40

7.50 32.50 524.90 73.60 250.60

-5.93 -7.91 3.46 -4.92 -4.42 -3.32 -1.03 3.15 -1.34 -2.08

-6.25 -0.61 -1.39 -5.15 -0.83

ClosingY 210.70 136.40 67.90 53.10 35.50 534.80 57.80 83.80 252.30 78.10

329.30 126.90 32.60 30.10 163.00

ClosingY

210.70 136.50 343.60 52.80 67.80 30.10 126.80 34.90 327.90 110.70

8.00 32.70 532.30 77.60 252.70

DHIGH 221.00 150.00 68.90 53.00 37.30 547.00 58.70 83.70 255.20 78.00

329.80 128.80 33.40 30.50 170.00

DLOW 196.00 124.90 64.00 50.40 35.20 522.10 53.20 78.60 248.70 73.00

324.00 125.00 32.30 28.90 161.50

DHIGH

DLOW

222.00 150.10 438.00 53.90 68.90 30.30 129.70 36.30 329.00 110.90

195.60 124.50 355.00 49.10 64.30 29.00 125.00 34.10 322.60 108.20

7.90 34.20 543.00 78.00 253.70

7.40 32.30 520.40 73.00 250.00

AvgPrice 207.77 136.83 66.66 51.34 35.91 533.86 55.56 80.70 251.43 75.46

325.41 126.27 32.81 29.32 165.97

AvgPrice

208.00 137.13 383.99 50.97 66.73 29.44 126.49 35.08 324.63 108.65

7.61 32.82 531.44 75.15 251.34

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

4192.20744

(-) 1.43%

1592.75523

(-) 1.78%

12858.74870

(-) 1.67%

10444.78390

(-) 1.32%

7815.00050

(-) 1.67%

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

Stocks fell sharply yesterday, extending losses for the fourth session in a row as selling pressure continued.

The benchmark index DSEX tumbled more than 60 points or 1.5% to close at 4,192—its lowest level since December 1, 2013.

The Shariah Index DSES dropped 16 points or 1.6% to 1,024. The comprising blue chips DS30 was down 28 points or 1.8% to 1,592.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, closed at 7,815, declining 142 points.

All the sectors closed in red with power registering highest losses of 2.47%, led

by United Power Generation and Distribution Company Ltd that dropped 5.9% on profit booking.

However, the power generation company remained at the top of the liquidity chart for 12 consecutive sessions, with turnover worth over Tk47 crore.

Among other worst losing sectors, banks, non-banking financial institutions, cement, telecommunication

and pharmaceuticals fell more than 1% each.

Trading saw sluggish activities after buoyant trading in the previous session, as the Dhaka Stock Exchange turnover stood at Tk380 crore, steeply down more than 28% over the previous session.

LankaBangla Securities said the market is still under selling pressure for the fourth consecutive trading session.

It said the benchmark index ended below 4200 mark since it broke the psychological level of 4300 on Tuesday.

“Though all the sectors faced the frenzy of panic sell, few stocks stand out on earnings declaration at the closing day of this week.”

IDLC Investments said in absence of hope of a sustaining political stability, the economic outlook remained bleak for investors, who chose sell-off in the capital market, regardless of their holdings price level. “As a result, the market continued losing altitude in a prolonged nosedive, slumping to a new low in every session,” it added. l

ANALYST

In absence of hope of a sustaining political stability, the economic outlook remained bleak for investors, who chose selloff in the capital market, regardless of their holdings price level

DT

20 BUSINESS

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

BASIS certification must for software purchase

n Tribune Report

Women are seen busy making jute door mats in a village of rural Bangladesh

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Study: Less tax benefits hinder SME growth n Tribune Report Small and medium enterprises are getting less tax benefit and concession compared to the large enterprises, putting a lid on the growth of SME business.

The report states the SMEs are deprived of tax-related benefits which could help the firms reduce production cost and become competitive both locally and globally.

The survey was conducted by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), which found around 78% of Bangladeshi firms do not enjoy significant benefits of tax exemptions and concessions.

The survey covered 262 enterprises, of them 223 are SMEs and 39 LSEs (large size enterprises), in four districts—Bogra, Dhaka, Chittagong and Narshingdi.

CPD research fellow Towfiqul Islam Khan presented the “Bangladesh study” findings on tax exemptions and concessions, Vat and property tax at a dialogue on “SME Development in South Asia: How Conducive are the Tax Policies?”

CPD in collaboration with the Governance Institutes Network International (GINI) organised the event at the BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka.

It found that SMEs are facing biased treatment in terms of tax exemptions and concessions, which impact on the firms’ performance.

“Biased treatment against SMEs may be found in case of getting access to various kinds of financial and non-financial benefits.”

The survey said around 47% of the surveyed SMEs got exemption only on Vat (in the form of package Vat).

About firms characteristics, some 50% of the SMEs have trade licence and more than 80% of SMEs were sole proprietorship-based enterprise, while for LSEs partnership-based firms were more frequent.

Assets and turnover are disproportionately skewed towards LSEs, as more than 50% of the surveyed firms have capital investment below Tk5 lakh and average capital investment of the LSEs is Tk3.65 crore.

About 66.5% of the surveyed SMEs received commercial loans from formal channels, 7.7% from cooperatives and 16.5% from money lenders. Besides, 80.6% of LSEs availed of credit through formal lines.

Some 70% of the surveyed firms are not interested in getting tax benefits due mainly to avoid hassles and high costs related to compliance requirements.

The study recommended tax officials to assess real transaction value of real estate properties and improve tax administration human resources and record keeping using digital mapping of land.

“If we want to take care of SMEs, threshold mechanism is needed but not by definition and not by number of staff to realise tax,” said Policy Research Institute executive director Ahsan H Mansur.

Putting importance on simplification of Vat system, he said all were not much aware that how much sale will be at the end of the day.

Threshold criteria should be on imposing tax on turnover as turnover tax does not require anything else. “Nothing is simpler method than this.”

Former NBR chairman Abdul Mazid said among taxpayers in the country, 90% are big

taxpayers and 10% general taxpayers. But the problem is when any law is made, those big tax players have influence but general taxpayers can not fight back. “This problem needs to be addressed.”

Opposing the idea of the proposed single-Vat rate in the new Vat law to be effective soon, Majid said multiple Vat rate should be introduced as the country’s economy is divided in three or four segments.

Ex-finance adviser to a caretaker government Mirza Azizul Islam said: “What we need most is to link up SMEs with LSEs because LSEs can ensure marketing of SMEs and provide technological support.”

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Syed Nasim Manzur said, “Too many tax-related rules are complicated and these laws are detrimental to the business growth, even for SMEs. Minimum tax law says business has to pay 0.3% income tax on gross recite which does not equate income or profit.”

Former finance minister M Syeduzzaman, CPD executive director Professor Mustafizur Rahman and FBCCI president AKM Akram Uddin were also present at the event.

Manager at Research and Program Development, Governance Institutes Network International (GINI), Islamabad, Sabieh Haider presented the keynote paper on a study covering Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The study focused on the impacts of tax exemptions and concessions, Vat reforms, and property tax on the development of SMEs in South Asia.

Analysts, however, opposed some portions of the study, particularly on Bangladesh. l

Authorised Dealers Banks have been asked to remit the on-line payment made for the purchase of software that must be certified first

by Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

The banks may allow their customers to arrange customs assessment of the software following the BASIS certification, said a circular Bangladesh Bank issued yesterday.

BASIS will ensure that the purchase of software is genuine and sourced from a reliable supplier.

At present, foreign exchange regulation requires prior permission from Bangladesh Bank to remit payment on the on-line purchases of software.

Bangladesh Bank considers applications for such payments subject to the condition that applicants have arranged customs assessment of the software and made payment of duties/taxes thereon. This practice requires much time for early disposal of remittance applications.

In order to ease the situation and also to ensure genuineness of the procured software, the central bank has now decided that ADBs may remit their payments made for the online purchase of software subject to BASIS certification, according to the circular. l

IFC signs project services deal with EBL n Tribune Report International Finance Corporation and Eastern Bank Limited have signed an agreement on project services.

Under the arrangement, capacity of small and medium enterprise clients will be developed while credit risk management improved, said a IFC press release.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, chief executive officer and managing director of Eastern Bank Limited, and Giri Jadeja, regional industry head of IFC, Asia, signed for their respective organisations Wednesday night.

Inessa Tolokonnikova, Mohammad Rehan Rashid, Ehsanul Azim, Parul Dudeja and Monzurul Huque from IFC and Md Khurshid Alam of EBL were present at the signing ceremony. l

German consumer confidence at 13.5year high n AFP, Frankfurt Consumer confidence in Germany is at its highest since late 2001, as low inflation buoys households’ income expectations, although there were signs of concern about the constant tug-of-war over Greece, a poll showed yesterday.

“Consumer sentiment in April was mixed.

While the consumer climate improved once more, the increase was not quite so marked,” market research company GfK said in a statement.

“Income expectations continued to rise, but economic expectations and consumers’ willingness to spend fell slightly,” the statement said. l

DT

21

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

T-JUNCTION

Dip into the weekend Photo: Tasmia Momin

INSIDE

23 news

BFC branch opening

24

listology

23 recipe

Smack those lips for Chapila

The hassle free and fresh dish for a light lunch and more.

Getting to know your CNG

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

Tantalise

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

recipe

Garlic Bread with homemade hummus and aubergine chutney Battle of flavours n

Tasmia Momin

Appetisers are meant to start your way into a course meal, and what better way than to start with some freshly baked garlic bread, along with homemade hummus and aubergine chutney! This particular recipe makes two large loafs, enough as an appetiser for any friends or family gatherings.

Method Pour in your oil, milk and sugar in a large pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves but do not boil it. Let it cool down until it’s slightly warm and then add the yeast. Let the yeast activate for a minute.

When the mixture is frothy, add the salt and flour, and mix into a ball of dough.

Set aside in a warm place for an hour.

When the dough has doubled/tripled in size, knead it again into a smooth dough and let it sit for another half an hour.

Divide the dough in two long cylindrical shapes and place them onto two greased baking dish. Let it proof for half an hour and bake them for 25 minutes at 170 degree Celsius in a preheated oven.

Meanwhile blend the garlic, coriander, green chillies, olive oil, salt and water into a course mixture. Once the dough is baked, place them on a wire rack to cool.

Cut them ¾ into slices from above. Spread the garlic-coriander mixture onto one side of each slice, using the help of a wide knife and a spoon. Bake it again in the oven for 15 minutes at 180 degree Celsius.

You can slice them up and eat them right away or store them in the refrigerator. You can also toast them to get the classic crisp on top.

Serve it with hummus or any kind of chutney, it will taste amazing anyway!

Enjoy! l

Ingredients • 3 cup all-purpose flour • 1 cup milk • 4 tbsp. oil • 1 tbsp. yeast • 4 tbsp. sugar • ½ tsp. salt • 6 cloves of garlic • A handful of coriander • A glug of olive oil • ½ tsp. salt • 2 green chilies • A splash of water

PHOTO: TASMIA MOMIN

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Tantalise

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

recipe

Chapila Macher Jhol n

Hotel Sarina

The wonderful bit about cooking up a fish recipe is that it’s a very simple process.

What tops it all off is that it’s also very delicious. Next to a bowl of rice, set appropriately on a clean platter, Chapila Mach can be a fine dish for a decent sit down with family for lunch. Here’s an easy and crackling version of this simple dish.

Not to mention the little to no damage for your wallet. Affordable, quick, and tasty.

Can’t get smoother than that!

Ingredients • Chapila Mach 250gm • Onion 85gm • Garlic 15gm • Green Chilli 7gm • Coriander leaf 50gm • Red Chilli powder 2gm • Turmeric Powder 2gm • Cumin Powder 2gm • Red Tomato 75gm • Mustard Oil 15ml • Soya-bean Oil 15ml Method Pour Soya-bean and Mustard oil to the pot and gradually add all the spices. When the spices start to simmer and the vibrant colours start to formulate, add the red tomato and Chapila Mach, mix it evenly.

Then, keep the pot covered for about 10 min to cook properly. For a little extra flavour, don’t be shy with a bit of lemon squeeze on top, after the cooking has been completed. l

PHOTO: COURTESY

news

Motijheel Ideal School and College celebrates 50th Anniversary

BFC branch opening Popular fast food chain Best Fried Chicken (BFC) has opened its 13th branch at Tajmahal Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka on 12 April 2015. Chairman of Opex and Sinha Group, Mr Anisur Rahman Sinha formally inaugurated the opening ceremony. The executive director of BFC Nazmul Karim Chowdhury, officials and invited guests graced the event. BFC assures in this new branch too customers can enjoy their delicious food with friends in a clean and hygienic environment. Besides their signature crispy fried chicken, customers can also enjoy chicken cheese burger, beef cheese burger, hot wings, chicken nuggets, special rice combo, chicken strips, French fries, sweet corn, American soft-serve icecream and various other offerings.

For further details: Address: House no. 25/2, Block C, Mohammadpur, Dhaka.

Mobile: 01613232013

The golden jubilee of Ideal School and College was recently celebrated at their premises. Civil aviation and tourism minister, Rashed Khan Menon, graced the event as the chief guest. Mr Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP, President of Inter Parliamentary Union, A.K.M. Rahmatullah MP, Shirin Naim Punom, MP and Exim Bank Founder Director Nurul Fazal Bulbul were present as the special guests. Principal Shahanara Begum, organizing committee chairman Golam Ashraf Talukder and organizing committee secretary Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed ware also present.

The program was arranged jointly by the school authority and Ideal College alumni. It included musical and cultural functions with performances by singer Bappa Majumder and Kona. Ex-meritorious students and ex-teachers were also felicitated.

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Listology

FYI CNG!

LISTOLOGY

You’ve faced them, you’ve dealt with them, yet you may have not experienced the entire collection altogether. Here’s the shortlist of the types of CNG drivers you may find, and how you may deal with them.

Just cruisin’ Aah! The sweet feeling of being stuck in jams during mid-day is incomparable for these folks, for they just love to cruise around in their mean green shaking machines, oblivious to the reaching arms desperate for a fare. They tend to go nowhere, and at times will pull a fool by just stopping by to state “no” to every place you mention. It is truly a mystery where these folks are headed. For them, ignorance may be blissful.

Auto answering machines Well, you called them and pulled them over. Walking to them, you barely breath out the “B” of Banani before they blurt out a fare of “duisho” (Tk200) before you can blink. You might as well have said Bangkok really, for they would have answered with the same amount if not more. But that’s the fast, painless version of these folks. The other kind are philosophers, for they would hear you say the place you wish to go, look up to the stars and foresee the wishes of the gods before saying, thoughtfully, “duisho.”

Just letting you know Talkative, these guys, not only will you cherish the bumps and “duk duk duks” of the smooth enjoyable CNG ride, you shall get the audio autobiography of their lives and receive their hints for urgent monetary requirements, if not their personal views on politics. Their troubles may be genuine, mind you, but regardless it puts the passenger in a difficult position considering he/she is already paying the healthy “duisho” for the ride either way.

If not possible, kind words of decline may conclude better than the harsh headphone treatment.

Oh, by the way Purely intolerable, a moment of silence should be attributed to those who fall in this situation because of these folks. You’re in a rush, already late for a class or meeting for which the CNG was taken in the first place, and somehow you managed to find one cheap. The bad luck Brian(a) vibes kick in when you suddenly realise the fastest path was ditched to take a longer route to fill in the CNG tank, no notice of which was declared earlier and you realise your luck was too good to be true. At times like these, no amount of scolding may fill in the tank so just playing it cool would be the least stressful method. But if you got the bling to cover up, you have all the right to ruefully sing and hitch another ride.

Un-sneak peek Ladies, you may feel lucky that the guy who asked the CNG driver before you was told a fare of a thousand while you bingo-ed it at Tk150. Please realise there were ulterior motives involved. You might comprehend what we are on about when the rear view mirrors magically adjust to your position for a front view seat of your face while it reflects his, grinning happily at the free entertainment. At this point,

there’s nothing much you can do but not look directly at him or take the high road of telling him to re-adjust it to it’s rightful position (recommended).

Chariot from Heaven Never has there been a CNG so perfectly placed and easily spot-able in front of your regular place, and it only misses the bright white light shining in the background to complete its delivery from the skies. There aren’t CNGs there on a usual day, and he

agreed instantly to your fare. Maybe too perfect? Well people, it usually never is.

Odds are that vehicle has been deliberately parked to hijack or kidnap you, or maybe simply rag you of your valuables. In the current setting of extreme violence and surprises in our economy, it would be advised to walk that extra mile rather than hitching a ride in a public transport placed too well for your luck bar. Stay safe, and be aware of any outcome. Creative crooks are crawling in crowds. l

English distance-running great Paula Radcliffe is set to compete in the London Marathon for the final time this Sunday - 12 years on from setting a world record on the course that still stands

Sport 26

AFRIDI VOWS TO FIGHT HARD IN LONE T20I

27

MUSHFIQ, SOUMYA, SUNNY AT CAREERBEST RANKINGS

28

25

DT

TIME TO GO

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

REAL, JUVE COMPLETE UCL SEMI LINE-UP

Shakib al Hasan (L) and skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza (C) discuss team strategies with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha in Mirpur yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Mashrafe confident of T20 victory n Mazhar Uddin Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza believes they can win the lone Twenty20 international against Pakistan today at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium if they are able to maintain the dominance that they had

exhibited in the just-concluded three-match ODI series.

The Narail Express, however, informed that the Tigers have some limitations and lackings in the shortest format of the game due to their lack of experience.

“Obviously, we are hoping to win after the way we batted and bowled recently and if we can continue that, we can win the game. But, honestly, if we really want to look for a per-

fect T20 line-up then I must say we still have some limitations. We need a power hitter at the lower middle-order while we need a few more bowlers who can support Shakib [al Hasan],” Mashrafe told the media yesterday in Mirpur.

“If the bowlers can do well then obviously we can win against them. And as the World T20 is just around the corner, I think it will be a great preparation for us. Overall, I can say

the style of ODI and T20 is different. The batters need to play shots right from the start in a T20 and the bowlers also have to restrict the batsmen from scoring runs,” he said.

Mashrafe stated that they would be looking to improve on their record of 11 wins from 41 T20Is and expressed his belief that more domestic T20 competitions should be introduced in order to prepare the young cricketers for the future. l

DT

26 Sport

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Afridi vows to fight hard in lone T20I

n Raihan Mahmood Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi braved the odds and vowed to come hard at hosts Bangladesh in the lone T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.

While talking in the presser at the big bowl yesterday, Afridi termed his T20 side as a stronger unit compared to the Pakistan ODI team. “At the moment, I am saying yes, the T20 team are better than the ODI side. Tomorrow (today), it will be a good game. I am not saying we will win one-sided. We will come out hard against Bangladesh. T20 is all about opportunities. If you get one, don’t miss it,” said Afridi.

He ruled out any panic in the Pakistan

dressing room and instead praised Bangladesh. “The dressing room atmosphere is very positive. No doubt Bangladesh are playing very well at the moment. With our team, obviously if you don’t have three-four seniors and you are going with new talent, new guys with a new captain, it takes time to have a rebuilding process. I am hopeful that in a few months they will do well as a unit,” opined Afridi.

Afridi banked upon their experience in the T20 format. “Myself, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez are all back. It was good to see Hafeez bowling again. We have a very good combination in T20. I am very positive and confident that we will do well. Everyone doesn’t need to give a lot of performance but if 11 players can give enough performances, it will help us win,” hoped Afridi.

Afridi was looking forward to forming a formidable side for the future. “The World T20 is also coming up, so we have to build a unit. Hopefully we can play a similar line-up in the World [T20] and not make last-minute changes. As a captain, I will try to prepare a new captain for the future too,” he said before adding, “This is the not the era of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Inzamam-ul Haq. In six-eight months, the more cricket they will play, the better they will become. You don’t think about the past. If you look at it at the moment, the combination with which Bangladesh are playing, they are doing very well. We have to come hard at them tomorrow (today).”l

NEW TIGERS ON THE BLOCK

Uncapped (clockwise from left) Liton Kumar Das, Rony Talukdar and Mustafizur Rahman strut their stuff during training in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

PLAYERS TO WATCH BANGLADESH V PAKISTAN LONE T20I, MIRPUR SHAKIB AL HASAN

SHAHID AFRIDI

The world’s number one all-rounder in T20 internationals, Shakib plays a key role for the Tigers in the shortest format of the game.

Besides his batting and bowling expertise, Bangladesh rely heavily on his vast experience of playing in different domestic T20 competitions across the globe.

The dashing southpaw has scored 752 runs and took 44 wickets in 35 T20Is so the visiting Pakistan side will be well aware of his talents when they face each other today.

Shakib has a chance to overtake Abdur Razzak to become Bangladesh’s highest T20 wicket-taker.

They are currently level on 44 wickets.

The addition and arrival of Afridi has given some much-needed boost to a depleted Pakistan side who lost all three ODIs against Bangladesh, not to forget the solitary practice match too. Captain of the T20 side, Afridi can create a lot of difference with his big-hitting and slow leg-armers.

The world’s number three all-rounder in the shortest format of the game, he possesses the ability to turn the game around single-handedly, either through his clever bowling or power hitting.

Afridi has scored 1142 runs in 77 T20Is at an astonishing strike rate of 145.29 while with the leather, he has scalped 81 wickets at an economy rate of just over six runs per over.

Last five matches, most recent first: LLLLL

Last five matches, most recent first: LWLLW

Bangladesh XI (probable):

Pakistan XI (probable):

Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah/Liton Das/Rony Talukdar, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Ahmed Shehzad, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Mukhtar Ahmed, Shahid Afridi (capt), Saad Nasim, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul

Mustafizur Rahman is yet to play a domestic T20 match.

The top three wicket-takers in T20Is Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi - are all in Pakistan’s current squad.

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Sport 27

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

QUICK BYTES

Siddikur begins in 55th

Siddikur Rahman continued his poor form this season as the premier Bangladeshi golfer carded two-over-par 74 to begin his CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters campaign in the first round in 55th place, tied with 18 other golfers yesterday. It was not a good start for the ace Bangladeshi golfer who teed off with two bogeys in his first two holes. The 30year old played out a total of four birdies but also had six bogeys to his name in the 18 holes of the opening round at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club in Indonesia.

Siddikur will be looking to bounce back and perform better in the second round today in order to avoid the cut.

–Shishir Hoque

Javi Martinez returns Spain midfielder Javi Martinez returned to training with Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the first time following eight months out with a torn cruciate knee ligament. Having been a key part of Bayern’s 2013 Champions League-winning side, the 26-year-old had been sidelined since suffering the injury in his left knee during last August’s 2-0 German Super Cup defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

–AFP

Henderson signs new deal with Liverpool

Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson has committed his future to the Reds by signing a new long-term contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

No details were given on the Liverpool website but media reports indicated the midfielders’ deal was for five years and worth at least 100,000 pounds ($150,000) a week.

–Reuters

Johnson charged with under-age sex offences

Sunderland and England midfielder Adam Johnson has been charged with four offences concerning sex with an under-age girl, a prosecutor said on Thursday. “Following an investigation by Durham Police, I have today authorised police to charge Adam Johnson, aged 27, with four offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003,” said Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North East, in a statement.

–Reuters

Thai businessman heads for Milan talks

Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol will travel to Italy this weekend for talks to buy a stake in Serie A side AC Milan, a source close to Bee said on Thursday.

Bee said in February he had held talks about buying a stake in the club after media reports that he had made an offer of 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) for a controlling stake. “I can’t say whether he will sign a deal,” the source said, adding that she expected some progress early next month.

–Reuters

Mushfiq, Soumya, Sunny reach career-best rankings, Pakistan drop to eighth n ICC Bangladesh’s dominance over Pakistan in the just-concluded ODI series is reflected in the latest Reliance ICC ODI Player Rankings as its players are on an upward movement.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, opener Soumya Sarkar and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny have achieved career-best rankings to date, while opener Tamim Iqbal, middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain, left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Rubel Hossain have also made impressive gains.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has slipped one place to eighth in the Reliance ICC ODI Team Rank-

ings. In a sharp contrast, Bangladesh has gained five ratings points and now sits on 81 ratings points. This means only 11 ratings points separate seventh-ranked West Indies from ninth-ranked Bangladesh.

Mushfiqur, who aggregated 220 runs in three matches with a century and a half-century, has jumped 12 places to break into the top 20 for the first time in his career in 18th position. Soumya, who scored 127 not out in the third ODI, has vaulted 60 places to a career-high 69th spot while Arafat’s series tally of six wickets has earned him 43 places and a 53rd spot in the latest rankings, which were released on Thursdayafternoon.

Tamim, who won the player of the series award for his 312 runs that included two centuries and a half-century, has moved up 18 places to 30th spot, Shakib has claimed two spots and is now in eighth position following his five wickets in the series while Rubel’s four wickets have helped him rise five places to 57thposition.

For Pakistan, the good news is the rise of left-handed batsman Haris Sohail, who has gained 17 places and is now in 79th spot, and fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who is now in 68th position after climbing four places. Captain Azhar Ali has returned to the rankings in 85th position.l

Holders edge Team BJMC n Shishir Hoque Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club continued their winning run in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League as the title holders came from behind to earn a narrow 2-1 victory over Team BJMC at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Two in-form forwards - Haitian Wedson Anselme and Nigerian Emeka Darlington - were both on target yet again as the Dhanmondi outfit earned the full 15 points from their first five matches in the top-flight.

Emeka and Wedson netted one apiece to take their goal tally to five each for the season while Samson Illiasu earlier stunned the defending champions by scoring the opener from a screamer.

Sheikh Jamal must have considered themselves extremely lucky to get away with all three points. Even head coach Maruful Haque admitted that it was their worst performance this season. Team BJMC missed a host of chances.

Sheikh Jamal could have taken the lead with just three minutes into the clock when their Haitian international Wedson failed to find the back of the net despite having two attempts on an empty net following a cross from Mohammad Linkon.

Nigerian midfielder Illiasu stunned the premier league champions by putting Team

TODAY’S MATCHES Brothers Union v Muktijoddha Abahani v Sheikh Russel

RESULT Sheikh Jamal Wedson Anselme 33 Emeka Darlington 63

2–1

4:15PM 6:30PM

Team BJMC Samson Illiasu 23

BJMC ahead with a scorcher. The skipper unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that went past Sheikh Jamal goalkeeper Mazharul Islam Hemel.

Wedson though equalised 10 minutes later when the in-form Haitian dribbled past a de-

fender before unleashing a fierce strike from the top-right corner of the box into the back of the net.

Team BJMC forward Mehedi Hasan Tapu squandered a good chance nine minutes into the second half when his close-range shot was blocked by the custodian following a Jibon cutback. Jibon tried his luck from the edge of the box three minutes later but Hemel produced a decent save to punch the ball away for a corner. Jibon squandered another opportunity in the 71st minute. In a one-on-one situation with Hemel, the local striker chipped the ball over the netminder and missed the target by a whisker.

Emeka gave Sheikh Jamal the lead in the 73rd minute when the Nigerian striker headed home from a Mamunul Islam free-kick.

Toklis Ahmed Tonmoy missed a great chance to extend the lead four minutes before the end of stipulated time.

The national striker showed a lack of concentration, shooting straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.l

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28 Sport

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Ramos tactical shift key to victory: Casillas n Reuters, Madrid Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to deploy defender Sergio Ramos in central midfield was the key to Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, according to captain Iker Casillas.

Ramos, who normally plays as a centre-back, was in the thick of the action throughout the quarter-final, second leg at the Bernabeu before Javier Hernandez struck two minutes from time to send holders Real through to the semi-finals for a fifth straight season.

Spain international Ramos helped Real dominate the midfield, an area in which they had struggled against Atletico in recent encounters, and it was their first win over their city rivals in eight meetings since last season’s Champions League final.

Ancelotti’s ploy with Ramos was a surprise as he had used the same tactic in Real’s La Liga 2-1 defeat at Barcelona last month and was widely criticised after the reverse.

“That’s what the coach believed he should do and he (Ramos) played a fundamental role and we all benefited from his commitment,” Casillas told reporters.

“Sometimes you also have to take on board your opponents’ way of playing and today we were really firm and solid in the midfield,” added the 33-year-old Spain goalkeeper.

“We didn’t go backwards at any point, we defended really well and we had really clear chances in attack.”l

UCL RESULTS Real Madrid (ESP)

1-0

Atletico Madrid (ESP)

Hernandez 88 Real Madrid win 1-0 on aggregate

Monaco (FRA)

0-0

Juventus (ITA)

Juventus win 1-0 on aggregate

Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring the all important goal during their Uefa Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday AFP

Real Madrid, Juventus complete semi line-up n AFP, Paris Real Madrid and Juventus scraped into the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, joining already qualified Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Defending champions Real edged city rivals Atletico 1-0 thanks to an 88th-minute winner from on-loan striker Javier Hernandez after a goalless first leg.

Juventus also made it to the last-four after a 0-0 draw in Monaco allowed them to qualify courtesy of their 1-0 first leg win in Italy last week.

Bayern and Barcelona had made sure of their places on Tuesday leaving Friday’s

PRIDE OF BANGLADESH The triumphant football team of Bando Design, Bangladesh pose for a photograph following their success in the corporate five-a-side football tournament, The Calcutta Parsee Cup 2015, in Kolkata. Besides Bando Design, twenty-four teams from Kolkata, including leading organisations like ITC, Ericsoon, Tata Consultancy, IBM and Cognizant, participated in the month-long tournament. Bando Design defeated Xpertech 3-1 in the final.

Bando Design is one of Bangladesh’s leading garment companies

semi-final draw to feature four teams with 21 European Cup triumphs between them.

The tie in Madrid was a repeat of last season’s final, won by Real 4-1 after extra-time, but Atletico had gone unbeaten in seven previous meetings against their city rivals this season.

However, the visitors had to play the final 14 minutes with 10 men as Arda Turan was shown a second yellow card for a high challenge on Sergio Ramos.

Hernandez then finally got the all-important goal after brilliant work from James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo left the Mexican (on loan from Manchester United) with the simplest of finishes from close range.

“Obviously it is my most important goal

because the present is what is important,” said Hernandez.

“It is a derby which hasn’t brought good memories since winning the 10th European Cup. I was the one who scored, but it belongs to everyone. The people who believed in me, my teammates and my family.”

Atletico boss Diego Simeone hailed his players efforts.

“I go away proud of my team. Once more we competed very well in a very difficult competition like the Champions League,” said the Argentine.

Juventus made the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 2003 after a goalless draw in their quarter-final, sec-

ond leg with Monaco saw them progress 1-0 on aggregate.

A controversial Arturo Vidal penalty in the first leg in Turin last week ultimately proved enough for the Serie A leaders, who relied on their defensive strength to see off opponents again let down by their lack of quality in the final third. A Monaco side full of youthful enthusiasm pushed forward for long spells, but Juventus -- who had let in just one goal in their previous nine matches -- always looked in control and veteran ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon was never seriously threatened.

The Italian giants came closest to scoring from a 90th-minute Andrea Pirlo free-kick that clipped the bar.l

Japan to host Fifa Club WC in 2015 and 2016 n Reuters Japan have been reappointed as hosts of the FIFA Club World Cup for the next two years, the sport’s world governing body announced on Thursday.

FIFA said the annual tournament would be held in Japan in 2015 and 2016 with this year’s edition scheduled for December 10-20.

The FIFA Club World Cup features the champions of all six FIFA confederations -Asia, Africa, CONCACAF, Europe, Oceania and South America.

As hosts, Japan will also have a team in the tournament, which was first held in Brazil in 2000 then annually since 2005.l

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Sport 29

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Nishikori, Ferrer ease into quarters n AFP, Barcelona

Kei Nishikori of Japan plays a return to Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, during the Barcelona open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain yesterday

Defending champion Kei Nishikori thrashed Colombian 15th seed Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-1 to move into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open on Thursday in a repeat of last year’s final.

The Japanese top seed is making his first appearance of the season on clay in the Catalan capital, but showed no signs of rustiness early on as he romped into a 4-0 lead.

Third seed David Ferrer had a slightly tougher afternoon against 19-year-old Swede Elias Ymer despite winning 6-3, 6-4. Fer was 4-0 down in the second before winning six straight game to claim his place in the quarters.l

AP

U-19s complete 6-1 series win n Cricinfo Bangladesh Under-19s edged South Africa Under-19s by one wicket in the seventh and final Youth ODI in Chittagong. The win completed a comprehensive 6-1 series win for Bangladesh.

The hosts needed 20 runs from the last 11 balls when last batsman Saleh Ahmed arrived at the crease to join Mohammad Saifuddin. The pair took six off the penultimate over before Saifuddin cracked three fours in the final over bowled by Conor McKerr to ensure the win.

Earlier captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Mehedi Hasan struck fifties to keep up with the 233-run chase. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder and Dayyaan Galiem took two wickets each.

Having opted to bat, the visitors made 2326 in 50 overs. Galiem struck 53 off 49 balls in-

DAY’S WATCH Gazi TV, Star Sports 1 6:30PM Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh Lone T20

Sony Six 08:30PM Indian Premier League 2015 Rajasthan v Bangalore

Ten Action 3:40PM A-League 2014/15 Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets 12:30AM French Ligue 1 2014/15 Olympic Marseille v FC 56 Lorient

Ten Sports 8:00PM WTA: Porsche Tennis GP Quarterfinal

Ten Cricket 7:45PM England Tour of West Indies 2nd Test Day 4

Star Sports 2 12:45AM Spanish La Liga Cordoba CF v Athletic Bilbao

cluding seven fours while Dean Foxcroft made 49 off 92 balls. Mohammad Safiuddin took two wickets while there was one each for Nahid Hasan, Kazi Anik, Sanjit Saha and Nazmul.l

Bangladesh U19 v South Africa U19, Chittagong, 7th Youth ODI

South Africa U19 232/6 in 50 overs Galiem 53, Foxcroft 49; Saifuddin 2/44

Bangladesh U19 236/9 in 49.4 overs Mehedi 61, Nazmul 55, Pinak 41; Mulder 2/33, Galiem 2/38 Player-of-the-match: Saifuddin Bangladesh U19 won by one wicket, win series 6-1

South in driving seat ahead of final day n Mazhar Uddin Prime Bank South Zone took an important first-innings lead of 117 runs after BCB North Zone were bundled out for 235 in the opening match of the third Bangladesh Cricket League longer-version in Fatullah yesterday.

South extended their lead to 330 runs after ending the third day’s play on 213/2 with Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque unbeaten on 96. Former national cricketer Tushar Imran was undefeated at the other end on 48.

Anamul smashed 10 fours and two sixes in his 154-ball knock while top-order batsman Saykat Ali chipped in with a fifty.

Earlier, resuming the third and penultimate day’s play on 161/5, North lost their remaining five wickets for 74 runs.

Paceman Al Amin Hossain and veteran left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak bagged four wickets each for South. l

South Zone 352-all out & 213/2 in 51 overs (Anamul 96*, Saykat 54, Tushar 48*)

North Zone 235-all out in 97 overs (Naeem 44, Ariful 42; Razzak 4/67, Al Amin 4/67) South lead by 330 runs after third day

DT

30 DOWNTIME

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Blow a horn (4) 4 Identical (4) 8 By way of (3) 9 Over again (4) 10 Encourage in crime (4) 11 Venomous ill-will (5) 12 Deeply engrossing (4) 14 And not (3) 15 Finish (3) 17 Drink slowly (3) 19 Humour (3) 21 Poem of heroism (4) 23 Grinding tooth (5) 26 Stopper (4) 27 Kiln for drying hops (4) 28 Fly trap (3) 29 Woody plant (4) 30 Bring up (4)

DOWN 1 Interruption (6) 2 Above (4) 3 Saturn’s greatest satellite (5) 4 Undermine (3) 5 Like a weak old woman (5) 6 Encountered (3) 7 Female sheep (3) 11 Undress (5) 13 Strength (5) 16 Weapon (6) 18 Measured beat (5) 20 Rome’s river (5) 22 Solid square (4) 23 Pithy saying (3) 24 Rowing implement (3) 25 Consumed (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 17 represents N so fill N every time the figure 17 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

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU How to solve: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

SHOWTIME 31

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Parambrata, Bhabna

on board for Animesh Aich’s latest

CELEBS ON SOCIAL Anna Kendrick @ AnnaKendrick47 For someone with such an intense need to be liked you’d think I would have figured out how to be less of an asshole.

Emily Blunt Web @ emilyblunt Emily Blunt’s No Diggity vs. Anne Hathaway’s Love http://goo.gl/QmtBXZ

Emma Watson @ EmWatson Thank you for the Birthday Love xxxx

WHAT TO WATCH Photo: Sazzad Hossain

n Showtime Desk Animesh Aich’s latest endeavour brings Kolkata’s versatile actor Parambrata Chatterjee and Ashna Habib Bhabna on board. Initially titled Bhayankor Shundor, which went on the floors yesterday and will run for the next month, promises a range of cinematic treats which is adapted from a Moti Nandi short story.

In a press conference at a restaurant in the capital’s Banglamotor area on April

22, the director who recently received mixed responses for his debut flick Zero Degree, announced the details of his second venture.

Talking about working with Bangladeshi actors Parambrata said, “I have experience of working with Bangladeshi artists in previous ventures and those were merely pleasing I would say. Hope this venture would be more exciting and pleasing simultaneously.”

Bhabna refrained from working in any

TV plays since she signed the film, is going to play the Nayontara role in the film. “The director instructed me to create an appetite for acting as it is truly supportive for quality acting. I have stayed out from any kind of TV productions, even modelling shoots, to concentrate solely on the project,” stated Bhabna.

Produced by A Square, the romantic feature also cast Syed Hasan Imam, Farhana Mithu, Dihan, Allen Shuvro, Faruk Ahmed and Lutfor Rahman George in lead roles. l

This week’s Bwood wrap up n Mahmood Hossain It’s a girl!

Vivek Oberoi can now call himself a father, as his wife Priyanka gave birth to their second child. Vivek went on Twitter to express his feelings and in sharing his joy.

He posted, “We are happy to announce the birth of our baby girl. Our family is now complete. Daughters are very special and Priyanka and I are so incredibly happy to welcome our baby girl into the world today.

Both mother and the baby are fine and I’d like to thank everyone for their wishes.”

Vivek married his wife back in 2010, and three years later Priyanka Alva had given birth to their son in 2013. We have nothing but the best wishes for the loving couple.

Get your dancing shoes The trailer to the successful dance film

of course. There’s plenty of electrifying performances to be seen and watched over and over again, with the addition of the stunning Lauren Gottleib and the rest of Remo’s dancing army. The film is to be released on June 19, 2015. Time to get dust off those old dancing shoes.

sequel ABCD 2 has just hit the media waves. And it must be said we’re excited and entertained watching the film’s starring pair, Shraddha Kapoor and Varud Dawan. Remo D’Souza returns at the helm of directing, as he did in the first film, providing all the necessary elements for a perfect masala film. With plenty of dance

First title track The first song and title track of Dil Dhadakne Do has gotten us up and jumping, and wanting more. Plenty of bass and blaring instruments makes this one heck of a Broadway-esque number.

We see the entire leading cast dancing and singing along to a host of back-up dancers.

Classy and colourful wardrobe, stars shine as they’re supposed to, and a very catchy tune to top things off. We’ve got ourselves a fresh hit. This film is set to release June 5, 2015. l

TELEVISION

The Hunger Games AHBO 6:36pm Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Dexter AXN 11:30am A Miami police forensics expert moonlights as a serial killer of criminals whom he believes have escaped justice.

Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas

B

Behind Enemy Lines C Star Movies HD 9:30pm A Navy navigator is shot down over enemy territory and is ruthlessly pursued by a secret police enforcer and the opposing troops. Meanwhile his commanding officer goes against orders in an attempt to rescue him.

Cast: Gene Hackman, Owen Wilson, Gabriel Macht

DT

32 BACK PAGE

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

US: TWO KILLED IN AL-QAEDA RAID PAGE 10

13 MISSING RANA PLAZA WORKERS YET TO GET DAMAGES PAGE 15

MASHRAFE CONFIDENT OF T20 VICTORY PAGE 25

Rehana does not want to go back n Abid Azad and Shadma Malik The long lasting psychological impacts of a deadly disaster like the Rana Plaza collapse are no less severe and damaging than the tangible economic impacts.

Take for example the case of Rehana Akter, who worked in one of the factories in Rana Plaza. She will never be able to work in a garment factory again because she thinks that the fear and anxiety are going to come back the moment she steps into one.

“I do want to work in a garment factory again. My left leg was amputated because of the injury that I suffered in the collapse. My life had turned into a painful experience. But I started feeling strong and alive again after I got huge support from the CRP,” she said.

She was speaking at a programme titled “Rehabilitation of Rana Plaza Survivors: From despair to hope,” organised jointly by the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) at the CRP conference room in Dhaka yesterday. Rehana is one of the 509 patients who got specialised treatment under the CRP. Yanur Akhter, 17, now studying in grade

six in a local school in Savar, came out alive on that day from under the Rana Plaza rubbles but lost her mother in the collapse. “My father has got married again, leaving me with my five brothers and sisters. That has taught me that life goes on.

“I got Tk10,70,000 [as compensation] and deposited it into bank. Although I am one of the youngest in my family, I am having to run my family with the interest from that money.”

One of her legs is not as strong as it used to be before the disaster. She got back some strength after getting treatment at CRP. No matter what, she is determined to carry on with her studies. “Let me see how far I can get with my broken leg. I have not lost hope and will try my best,” she said yesterday.

The programme began with a special stage performance by some of the survivors that reminded viewers about the deadly incident.

Valerie Taylor, founder of CRP, stressed the need for learning from the past to make the most of the present, and to plan ahead for the future while ensuring as far as is humanly possible that such a disaster is never repeated.

After a panel discussion with survivors, Valerie inaugurated an exhibition of trained entrepreneurs who were affected by the collapse. l

After a long treatment at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Rana Plaza tragedy victims, from left, Yanur, Azharul and Rehana can finally stand up on their own feet. Though they still have to rely on a crutch, they are hopeful of working again and starting life anew MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Rana Plaza rescue workers left uncared for

Still many challenges ahead for RMG sector

n Our Correspondent, Savar

n Abid Azad

The commoners who sprang into action to rescue readymade garment workers after the 2013 deadly collapse of Rana Plaza in Savar have unfortunately faced sheer negligence.

Without any formal training in how to carry out rescue operations in the wake of such a massive industrial disaster, these people risked their own lives and went under the rubble to save as many lives as they could, but none from the state administration has cared to even enquire after these intrepid individuals in the last two years.

Rafiq Mia, a mason by profession, used to pull a rickshaw to earn money on days he was unable to find work. On April 24, 2013, he was working in a building in Savar’s Chapain when Rana Plaza collapsed.

The 35-year-old could not concentrate on work after hearing the news and rushed to the scene at noon. Without thinking twice, the rather skinny man joined the rescue operation.

He returned home when the rescue operation was finally called off on May 14 but began to experience sleeping disorders. His family members said the gruesome scenes at the site continued to haunt him at night when he would go to bed.

He would suddenly wake up at night and say: “There are dead bodies here, please bring bags and clothes.”

After some days, he fell very ill and received a prolonged treatment at National Institute of Mental Health and Research in Shere-Bangla Nagar.

Forty-year-old Fuaz Ali, a brick and sand trader at the time of Rana Plaza collapse, could not resist himself from being a member of the rescue team when he arrived on the scene.

From day one, he relentlessly worked and recovered more than a hundred dead bodies as well as injured victims. But a ghoulish feeling engulfed his mind after he returned home and he was finding it very difficult to lead a normal life.

Fuaz still bears many blisters all over the body. He took medicines and received treatment but could not get rid of those.

The extensive treatment cost him a lot and he lost his business one day.

He now earns a precarious livelihood by doing menial jobs.

Rafiq and Fuaz are among many general people who joined the Rana Plaza rescue operation to save lives but life has now become a terrible ordeal for them as they continue to suffer negligence. l

Speakers at a programme yesterday lauded the progress in the country’s ready-made garments sector as significant but warned that there were more challenges to be addressed.

They stressed the need for further improvements in working conditions and workers’ rights. Completing the factory inspection task should be given the highest priority while the government needs to take action against those who would refuse to cooperate, they said.

The views were expressed at at a commemoration discussion jointly organised by the Labour and Employment Ministry and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with the support from Canada, Kingdom of Netherlands and the United Kingdom in the capital’s Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

They strongly recommended that more trade unions are allowed in the industry.

The Rana Plaza compensation process has highlighted the need for Employment Injury Insurance scheme that may benefit the workers and the industry alike, they said.

One-minute silence was observed at the event in remembrance of the 1,136 people who lost their lives in the Rana Plaza collapse on April 24, 2013 at Savar. Most of the victims were from the five factories housed in the building.

State Minister of Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque in his concluding speech said: “Almost three-quarters of the garment factories have so far been assessed with regard to structural and fire safety issues with only a very small number being deemed too unsafe to operate.

“The capacity of the Labour Inspectorate and Fire Service is much stronger while legislative amendments have led to the establishment of many more unions. These changes will play a crucial role in charting the future course of the industry, turning it into a sustainable sector.”

On the other hand, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam said: “So far more than 300 trade unions have been formed out of more than 3,000 factories. So there may be some problems but it will not be wise to blame the entire industry.”

He also refuted the claim that workers were threatened to not form trade unions.

Ambassador of the delegation of the EU to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon, US Ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, High Commissioner of Canada Benoit Pierre Laramee, British High Commissioner Robert Winnington Gibson, secretaries and labour leaders also spoke at the function. l

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