30 april, 2015

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

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Baishakh 17, 1422, Rajab 10, 1436

BNP DECIDES TO GO SLOW PAGE 3

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 19

BD-US PARTNERSHIP DIALOGUE PAGE 5

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

DHAKA ONE OF THE WORSTDESIGNED CITIES PAGE 32

EC’s intent and ability in serious doubt Critics brand the commission spineless and subservient to government n Mohammad Al Masum Molla All round rejection of the polls, scores of reports, television footage, video clips and witness accounts dispel even the slightest doubt that the city polls were unfair. Even winning candidates have acknowledged the allegations, even if partially, saying fouls are inevitable in a sport.

This, however, sharply contradicts the statements of the Election Commission claiming that the polls in two Dhaka city corporations and Chittagong were fair and consequently calls its integrity into question.

The ruling government, which saw all its mayoral candidates win, remains the only political camp vouching for the fairness of the polls.

Following the controversial national elections of January 5, 2014, and the recent city polls, the intent of the EC led by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad and its ability to cope with pressure are in serious doubt.

Critics have branded the election office spineless and subservient to the government, especially because there have been a number of city polls, since the national election, under the same commission that were considered fair by and large.

The main political opposition, BNP,  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

EGW: 90% polling centres were dangerous

All AL-backed candidates win city polls that saw 44% turnout

n Tribune Report

n Abu Bakar Siddique

Incidents of massive violation of electoral rules including ballot stuffing, intimidation, booth capture and clashes undermined the integrity of the city corporation polls, the Election Working Group said yesterday.

“The situation at 90% of the polling centres was dangerous,” Kamrul Hasan Manju, an EWG steering committee member, said at a press conference.

The organisation reported a number of such incidents after observing the election process in the capital and Chittagong on Tuesday and disclosed their findings before the media at the National Press Club.

Kamrul said 26 EWG observers were not

All three mayoral candidates backed by the ruling Awami League have won in the elections to Dhaka North and South and Chittagong city corporations that are marked by unbridled vote-rigging and only nearly 44% voters.

Annisul Huq has unofficially been declared mayor of Dhaka North. He bagged 460,617 votes while his closest contender, BNPbacked Tabith M Awal, got 325,080 votes.

Sayeed Khokon, the aspirant in Dhaka South blessed by the ruling party, won the election by defeating BNP’s Mirza Abbas. Son of Dhaka’s first mayor Mohammad Hanif, Khokon received 532,216 votes while Abbas got 294,291.

PAGE 3 Police fail to follow up on polls-day violence

allowed to enter the polling centres, some observers were ousted while 138 were barred from seeing the vote counting. Two of their observers

PAGE 4 Bangladesh-India sign coastal shipping deal

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 5 Mujahid’s appeal hearing begins

In Chittagong City Corporation election, Awami League-backed AJM Nasir has been elected the mayor by receiving 475,361 votes while immediate past mayor M Manjur Alam, backed by the BNP, stood second with 304,837 votes.

According to documents of the Election Commission, the voter turnout in Tuesday’s polls that came under severe criticisms for rigging was 43.92%.

The lowest voter presence – 37.29% – was seen in Dhaka North City Corporation while the highest – 48.4% – in Dhaka South.

Results of three centres under Dhaka South were withheld due to violence.

Voter turnout was 47.9% in the Chittagong City Corporation election.

PAGE 7 Patuakhali seismograph broken for 3 years

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 11 Nepal quake toll tops 5,000 as aid reaches

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

PM talks about city polls, terms elections fair n UNB Observing that Tuesday’s city elections were very much fair, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said this was the victory of democracy and mass people as militants and terrorists could not win the polls.

“This is the victory of democracy, this is the victory of the mass people…at least

this is not the victory of militants, terrorists and those involved in subversive activities,” she said.

She made the remarks when two mayors-elect of Dhaka North and South city corporations Annisul Huq and Sayeed Khokan along with their family members and some councillors-elect met her at her official residence Ganabhaban to greet her.

Hasina mentioned that there were some incidents in some polling centres, but the ratio is very insignificant. “If we consider the other elections that took place during Khaleda Zia’s and other regimes these elections were very much free and fair.”

About BNP’s election boycott, Hasina said it was BNP’s planned boycott. “This was very much unfortunate, the voting started at 8am,

without any reason they pulled out from the election stating irregularities and rigging in the election.”

She also said in just couple of hours Mirza Abbas of Dhaka South got 294,291 while Tabith Awal in Dhaka North got 325,080 votes. “If there was any irregularity or rigging how they got such huge votes in just couple of hours,” she asked.l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

All AL-backed candidates win city polls that saw 44% turnout In the last election to undivided DCC on April 25, 2002, voter turnout was 34.44% while 54.5% in the CCC election held in 2010.

The number of total voters in Dhaka North was 2,345,374 while 1,870,753 in Dhaka South and 1,813,449 in the CCC.

Massive cancelled votes

A total of 121,003 out of 2,648,728 cast votes (around 4.5%) were declared void in the three

city corporations. Of those, 40,130 in Dhaka South, 33,581 in Dhaka North and 47,292 in the CCC. In 2002, as many as 989,182 voters exercised their franchise in the DCC election when the number of cancelled votes was only 22,438.

42 candidates lose deposits

All but six mayoral aspirants, out of 48, in the

three city elections had to lose their deposits for failing to get 8% of the total cast votes, according to the Election Commission rules.

Considering the number of voters, the mayor candidates of Dhaka North had to deposit Tk1 lakh while Tk50,000 for Dhaka South and Chittagong.

A total of 1,180 mayoral and councillor candidates contested for 182 posts in the three city corporations.

In DSCC, 20 aspirants took part in the election for the mayoral post, 97 for 19 reserved councillor posts for women while 390 for 57 general councillor posts.

In Dhaka North, 16 candidates contested for the mayoral post, 89 for 12 reserved seats and 281 for 36 general councillor posts.

In Chittagong, 12 candidates ran for the mayoral post, 62 for 14 reserved seats and 213 for 41 general councillor posts.l

EGW: 90% polling centres were dangerous were beaten in Dhaka south area while performing their duties.

The EWG had deployed 619 observers in the two cities. Against their application for 1,414 ID cards, the Election Commission issued them 828.

It says the transparency of the process was damaged by significant hurdles the EWG had to face in receiving the accreditation and deploying observers.

Kamrul said forceful ballot stuffing, violent incidents, whimsical announcement of closing down polling centres, forcing agents out of the centres and threatening them with arrest, and weak law and order emerged during the polling hours.

“Only one or two polling stations were transparent and could complete the voting process,” he added.

TIB slams EC

The Bangladesh chapter of Berlin-based Transparency International has condemned the widespread vote rigging, violence and obstruction towards balloting at different polling stations during the city polls.

The corruption watchdog blamed the EC and the law enforcement agencies for their failure to hold credible and peaceful elections.

Moreover, it observes that the opposition parties have created a new risk in restoring a healthy atmosphere in the country’s political landscape by “controversially boycotting the city elections halfway through the polls.”

In a statement yesterday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said as massive irregularities occurred in the city polls under political shelter flexing muscle, acceptability of the elections has became questionable.

“We are concerned since the EC, as a constitutional body, has failed to play its neutral and independent role in holding the elections.

The EC itself has fallen in an embarrassing situation by not taking effective steps despite creditable information of vote rigging.

“The EC has not only failed to play its due role but also tainted its image by showing political bias,” he added.

Iftekhar also urged all the political parties to demonstrate tolerance and exercise democratic practices to maintain peace and discipline in public life.

AHRC for competent institutions

Terming the city elections fake, human rights defenders associated with the Asian Human Rights Commission yesterday said: “Rigging and ballot stuffing by ruling party cadres,

polling officers, and law-enforcement agents reigned all across the two cities.”

The Hong Kong-based group said widespread violence by rival groups of the ruling political camps prevented voters from approaching the booths and casting their votes.

“By mid-day, the police and polling officers had asked voters of several jurisdictions to leave the polling centres, informing that their votes had already been cast. Many candidates were themselves not allowed to vote.”

In a statement, the AHRC also questioned the role of the EC since it had failed to take any action upon complaints lodged by the contestants.

They also condemned the attacks on journalists. “Despite challenges, the media has succeeded in exposing electoral manipulations in the newspapers and private television channels,” the statement said. l

EC’s intent and ability in serious doubt had swept all those city polls of Rajshahi, Barisal, Khulna, Sylhet and Gazipur.

Many have gone as far as to say that this commission is the worst that Bangladesh has seen since its independence in 1971. Some have also alleged that the commission’s abject failure destroyed the image of this constitutional body and people’s faith in the electoral process.

The Election Commission is the supreme authority and solely responsible for holding free, fair and credible elections. Hence it is empowered by law with ample power to conduct fair and credible elections.

Although the chief election commissioner made the right of noise on the eve of the city polls saying that irregularities would be dealt with strictly, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was silent when reporters confronted him even as reports of ruling party’s widespread vote rigging were coming in.

Rakibuddin, instead, demanded on Tuesday that the journalists show him where these were going on. Later on Tuesday he went on to say that the elections had been fair, to be echoed only by ruling Awami League leaders.

Mohammad Ali, former election commissioner, said city polls plainly showed that people’s apprehension of vote rigging had come true and that the commission should have deployed the army without backtracking from its original directive which called for army patrols on city streets.

“Everything was shown in media. So everybody knows what happened,” he said adding none of the previous city polls had been so controversial under any other commission.

Ali, who was commissioner during 20012006, said, “We have conducted Chittagong city polls and the Awami League backed candidate won the polls during a BNP tenure. To maintain law and order, we had transferred the then Chittagong police commissioner as he was biased.”

Imtiaz Ahmed, a professor of International Affairs at Dhaka University and political commentator, said, “We can blame the Election commission but I think it is up to the government whether they want a fair election. Because the problem is those who are in power want to stay on through election. It makes the

job tough for the commission. Yes, the commission can resign but will it bring any change?”

Tofail Ahmed, a local government expert, said, “It does not seem that there was such a body as the election commission during the polls.”

He said the commission could have done a number of things but did not. “They have the army, police and magistrates. What did they do during the polls? The commission has completely failed. That is why voter turnout was poor.”

Salahuddin Aminuzzaman, a teacher of Dhaka University, said: “As a citizen, I am frustrated over the election. Election Commission’s role was not visible, and they could have been more active.”

A local government expert seeking anonymity said it was not an election at all.

Shakhwat Hossain, former election commissioner, said that the electoral system seemed to have been non-existent.

He said the Election Commission had no control from the very first day that was even more plainly seen on the day of the election.

“I also feel sorry for the election officials,

with whom I have worked, as they have nothing to say.”

Iftekharuzzaman, head of corruption watchdog Transparency International Bangladesh, said the Election Commission and law enforcers had failed to carry out their duties which raised questions about the entire election.

“We are deeply concerned about the failure of a constitutional body like the Election Commission. The commission has embarrassed itself denying the allegation of mass rigging even after sufficient proof and information. The Election Commission has not only failed to carry out its role but due to its biased behaviour, this constitutional body’s image and trust was also destroyed.”

Ataur Rahman, a political scientist, said the incumbent commission should be pressured to quit the office accepting their failure to hold a fair election and the whole election office should be recast.

“People have lost their trust in the electoral system and the culture of election has all but fallen flat on its face. This is very alarming. Even gentlemen will not be encouraged to contest polls anymore.”l

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NEWS 3

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

BNP decides to go slow n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

Instead of taking a tough stance against the widespread rigging in city polls, the BNP will first try to get its detained leaders and activists released and then reorganise for a strong movement.

Moreover, in the coming days, the party will continue holding issue-based programmes to keep the morale up among the ranks instead of enforcing hartals and blockades.

In fact, the party has been thinking about being more careful about using these action programmes for prolonged periods in future because the recent spates have considerably weakened them.

BNP leaders have always said that taking part in the city polls was part of their movement strategy.

Now they think that they have not lost anything, rather the widespread rigging in city elections has put the government in an awkward position and ended up strengthening their demand for fresh national polls under non-partisan government.

Leaders said the next few months are not very conducive for holding political programmes because of the rainy season, the Is-

lamic fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid festival.

So, they want to utilise this time to reorganise the party ranks and mobilise public opinion in favour of their prime demand – fresh national election.

Mahbubur Rahman, member of the BNP’s standing committee, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are yet to decide our strategy for the near future. We will certainly hold meetings and decide our next course of action.”

Seeking anonymity, a senior leader said the BNP will not enforce any major programmes like hartals and blockades right now fearing that public sentiment might go against them.

He also said: “We have got back the public ‘s favour. Refraining from enforcing action programmes will surely add value to our demand.”

The BNP believes that the farcical city corporation elections in Dhaka and Chittagong have backfired on the government and will put it under pressure from both in and outside the country.

Another leader said: “There was a perception within the party that the decision to boycott the January 5 [2014] national elections was wrong. Now, the city polls have proved

that decision right.”

Political scientist Ataur Rahman said: “Now the people’s perception [against the vote rigging] has to be mobilised. People must be made to understand that votes will not decide election results.”

Seeking anonymity, another senior leader of BNP told the Dhaka Tribune last night: “The USA, UK and the UN have already expressed their discomfort with the elections and called for investigation. This election has proved that BNP’s decision to boycott the farcical January 5 elections was right.”

Halfway through the day’s voting, the BNP had already said they were rejecting the polls. But unofficial results published by the Election Commission showed that the fight between the BNP and Awami League-backed candidates was tight.

“When the results were published, we saw that the BNP-backed candidates have got large number of votes. This was done to mislead the grassroots leaders and activists of BNP so that they get the idea that they could have won had they not rejected the polls.”

It was nothing but an evil strategy of the government, said the leader who was closely involved with the election process. l

Police fail to follow up on polls violence Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Kamrul Hasan

The DMP is yet to take any significant action in connection with the violence that broke out between rival groups of Awami League during Tuesday’s Dhaka city polls.

Even though clashes were reported by media from different polling centres across the city, only five cases have so far been filed accusing 1,500 unidentified people; the cases were filed in Kafrul, Rampura, Ramna and Kotowali police stations.

A source in the police told the Dhaka Tribune that a large number of unidentified people had been accused intentionally, so that it would be hard to make any progress in the cases.

Seeking anonymity, a senior DMP official told the Dhaka Tribune that they were unable to file cases in response to the violence, as most of the clashes were between ruling party men.

Top officials of the DMP, however, were now discussing what the next course of action should be and further instructions were expected to come from them soon, the official added.

When contacted yesterday, DMP acting deputy commissioner SM Jahangir Alam Sarker said the police were yet to receive any specific allegations regarding violence, but assured that action would be taken once valid complaints are filed. l

Adorsho Dhaka Andolon seeks polls cancellation

n Tribune Report

Awami League leaders congratulate Sayeed Khokon on his victory in the Dhaka South city election in the party office yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Annisul Huq thanks voters at a press briefing yesterday soon after being elected the mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation FOCUS BANGLA

Khokon: Dhaka Dialogue to be my first initiative

Annisul: This is the beginning of a new life

n Abu Hayat Mahmud

n Tribune Report

Newly elected Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon yesterday said he would embark on his work with the Dhaka Dialogue he promised in his election manifesto.

The dialogue will be held with the participation of city corporation authorities, civil society members, urban planners, architectures, engineers, relevant government authorities and professionals. It will be aimed at devising a long-term plan to turn Dhaka into a livable and modern city.

Khokon said these at a press conference in Awami League’s Dhaka City unit office in Bangabandhu Avenue after he was unofficially declared as the DSCC mayor.

Replying to a question, Khokon said he would organise the dialogue immediately after the oath-taking ceremony.

“I promise that I will involve not only my party men but also members of opponent parties in

the development activities of the city corporation. I am seeking help from everybody to build a modern city.”

Thanking city dwellers for electing him as a mayor , Khokon said he would work impartially.

After the press conference Khokon along with other Awami League leaders and activists went to Dhanmondi to place wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Awami League-backed mayoral candidate Sayeed Khokon was unofficially elected mayor for the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) yesterday.

According to the unofficial results announced by the Election Commission, Sayeed Khokon defeated his nearest BNP-backed candidate Mirza Abbas by a big margin.

Sayeed Khokon secured 5,35, 296 votes while BNP-backed mayoral candidate Mirza Abbas got 2,94,291 votes. l

Dhaka north’s mayor-elect Annisul Huq has said that he would not live in the government-provided accommodation and not take police security unless absolutely necessary.

Annisul, who enjoyed the ruling party’s backing in Tuesday’s Dhaka North City Corporation election, told this to reporters at his Banani residence yesterday.

That however, was not a formal press conference, it rather was a casual conversation with a group of reporters. He officially talked to media early yesterday morning at his central election office at Nikunja, soon after he came to know that he had emerged victorious in the election.

The business tycoon spent the most of the first half of yesterday in bed, after spending a sleepless night, waiting for the polls results. Many reporters tried but failed to reach him throughout the daytime.

He was wearing a t-shirt and trousers when he talked to this Dhaka Tribune correspondent and some reporters from other newspapers and private satellite TV channels in his living room.

He also separately talked to other such small groups of journalists in the evening.

“Like every other election, this too is also facing questions.

But I think there is no scope of raising questions about the mayoral candidates in the north of Dhaka. Some questions may be asked about the councillor candidates.”

Earlier in the day, he told reporters at the early morning press conference that it was the beginning of a new life for him and he would try to make use of his experiences.

“Those who have voted and those who did not or could not are equally valuable to me...

Please pray for and cooperate with me,” the mayor-elect said. l

Adorsho Dhaka Andolon, pro-BNP city election platform, demanded cancellation of the city polls result and resignation of the incumbent election commission yesterday.

The BNP-backed mayoral candidates participated in Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporation polls under this platform and boycotted the polls alleging massive vote rigging.

“Yesterday’s (Tuesday) election was a stigma on the nation’s history. The Election Commission, administration, law enforcers, and Jubo League-Chhatra League activists turned the whole election into a farce. We withdrew our candidacy from this mocking and farcical election. We are now demanding the cancellation of this election,” said Shawkat Mahmud, member secretary of the platform.

Addressing a press conference at National Press Club, convener of the platform Emajuddin Ahamed said: “I am an aged person. I have seen many elections since 1946. the election which was held on Tuesday can be compared with only the January 5 election.”

The former Dhaka University VC also said: “People did not accept this election. That is why we are demanding resignation of the Election Commission for the nation’s sake.”

Shawkat said what the Election Commission had done was simply a shameless farce.

“We think the Election Commission has made Awami League win, defeating democracy to meet the government’s desire.”

He said in 90% of the polling centres, agents of the BNP-backed mayoral candidates were not allowed to enter; those who did manage to enter were ousted after being beaten up.

Responding to the ruling party leaders’ claim that BNP’s election boycott was preplanned, Shawkat said: “If the election boycott was planned, then the BNP chairperson would not campaign risking her life.” l

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Bangladesh, India sign final draft on coastal shipping agreement n Shohel Mamun Bangladesh and India has signed the final draft of bilateral agreement on coastal shipping to allow river vessels to travel between the neighbouring countries during a secretary-level meeting held at New Delhi.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan confirmed it at a press conference in the Secretariat yesterday.

“The final agreement will be signed when

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Bangladesh,” the minister said.

A 12-member delegation from Bangladesh led

by Shipping Secretary Shafique Alam Mehdi visited New Delhi on April 20-22 for this purpose.

“This agreement will boost the export-import trade between Bangladesh and India,” the secretary said.

Earlier, the countries also agreed on extending the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) with the provision of au-

tomatic renewal. The current deal expired on March 31, which was extended until June 30.

This is in line with the proposed amendment to the Bangladesh-India trade agreement, the secretary added.

The original PIWTT agreement was signed in 1972, and has since been renewed many times.

However, this will be the first time that signing a new agreement will allow Bangladesh the use of channels for trade with other

countries.

Until now, Bangladeshi cargo vessels have been travelling to and from India using the sea route via Colombo and Singapore ports, the minister said.

“The trade route between the countries is around 3,000 nautical miles now. But when the PIWTT agreement comes into effect, the direct route will be around 620 nautical miles, which will cut the trade cost by nearly 50%,” he said. l

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CITY CORPORATION ELECTION

Govt ready to face US inquiries in partnership dialogue n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman The government is ready to face any questions related to the city corporation election in the Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue.

“We will not raise the city corporation election issue but if the US side does it, we are prepared,” said a senior official of the foreign ministry.

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque will lead the Bangladesh side in the two-day fourth partnership dialogue while US State Department Under-Secretary Wendy Sherman her country.

“Our probable response will be that the election is over and the result was announced and if there is any irregularity or complaint, it would be looked into by the Election Commission,” he said.

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday after the election issued a statement saying it was disappointed by widespread, first-hand, and credible reports of vote-rigging, intimidation and violence that occurred at polling stations, and the BNP’s decision to boycott the city corporation polls.

After the January 5 national election held in 2014, the Foreign Ministry briefed the for-

eign diplomats about the rationality of holding the election.

Meanwhile, the foreign secretary told the Dhaka Tribune that Bangladesh would emphasis the trade and investment issue in the dialogue.

Development and governance, trade and investment, and security cooperation are the three broad areas where the discussion would be centred.

“Bangladesh would raise duty-free quota-free and GSP issues with the US side,” he said.

Increased US investment in Bangladesh and boosting of Bangladesh export to the US market would also be discussed, he added.

The US is the single biggest export destination of Bangladeshi products with an annual export of about $6 billion.

Another Foreign Ministry official said Bangladesh might seek US help to resolve Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.

“We are facing problems due to influx of Rohingyas into Bangladesh and it must be stopped. We need US help to resolve it,” he said.

About three to five lakh undocumented Rohingyas are living in Bangladesh creat-

Mujahid’s appeal hearing begins n UNB The Appellate Division yesterday started the appeal hearing of condemned prisoner Jamaat leader Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid against the ICT 2 verdict sentencing him to death for committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War. The hearing started at the four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha.

The other members of the SC bench are Justice Nazmun Ara Sultana, Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice Hasan Foyez Siddique.

During the hearing, Mujahid’s counsel SM Shahjahan told the bench that International Crimes Tribunal 2 awarded him death penalty after finding him guilty of five charges. Then

he gave statement on behalf of Mujahid. Later, the bench adjourned the hearing till Monday.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam represented the state.

The ICT 2 on July 17, 2013, awarded Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid death penalty for committing crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in collaboration with the Pakistan occupation forces, after finding the Al Badar boss guilty of five, out of seven charges.

The charges included murder of intellectuals, genocide, abduction and persecution.

On August 11, 2013, condemned prisoner Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid filed an appeal with the Appellate Division against his capital punishment in the case for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. l

Two suspected bomb makers injured in blast n Tribune Report A crude bomb blast in a flat in the capital’s Adabor injured at least two people yesterday.

The injured are Anowarul Islam and Nuru Miah.

Officer-in-Charge Azizul Haque of Mohammadpur police station said upon information, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Mahabub Hossain went to the third-floor flat of a multi-storied building at Road 4 of Dhaka Udyan area in Adabor around 11am and sent the injured to National Institute of Traumatology and

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR). The team also recovered 14 more crude bombs, he added.

When contacted, SI Mahabub said Anowarul is still admitted at Nitor; Nuru is now at the police station after given treatment. Police are interrogating the owner of the building to learn more about the incident.

The SI said the cause of the explosion could not be ascertained immediately nor the details of the injured.

Asked about any possibility of terrorist involvement, he said: “We cannot make any such comment before further investigation. l

ing serious security, environment and social problems. Wendy Sherman and State Department Assistant Secretary Nisha Desai Biswal will arrive in Dhaka today and scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. The dialogue is the premier forum for further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation on the full range of bilateral and regional activities.

The working session of the dialogue will be held today at the official level while the plenary session will be held tomorrow at the secretary level.

In the working session, investment climate, energy, labour and terrorism issues will dominate, said officials.

In the last partnership dialogue held in Washington in October last year, both the parties discussed about strengthening democratic institution, civil society, rule of law, climate change, migration and Rohingya, science and technology, labour, blue economy peacekeeping and law enforcement in the cluster discussion.

Education, diaspora, culture, regional integration, human rights and security were also discussed. A joint statement had been issued after the dialogue. l

HC: One can move SC against ICT contempt verdict n UNB The High Court yesterday observed that a person convicted on contempt charges by the International Crimes Tribunal can go to he Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking justice.

An HC bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo came up with the observation disposing of a writ petition filed by 12 noted citizens.

They filed the petition seeking suspension of the contempt proceedings by the International Crimes Tribunal 2 (ICT 2) in connection with a statement made by 49 noted citizens expressing their concern over the punishment of British citizen and journalist David Bergman.

Barrister Akhter Imama and Barrister Rashna Imam represented the defence during the hearing while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared for the state.

The ICT 2 on April 23 had set yesterday for submitting reply by 23 noted citizens as to why they shall not be punished for contempt of court.

On January 14, the ICT 2 issued a contempt notice against 49, who had expressed concern through a statement published on daily Prothom Alo over the tribunal’s judgment to punish British citizen and journalist David Bergman of contempt of court. l

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CITY CORPORATION ELECTIONS

Father, 2 daughters found dead at home

DHAKA NORTH CITY CORPORATION

n Kamrul Hasan

Candidates

Symbol

Received votes

Annisul Huq

Table Clock

460,117

Elephant

2475

Cricket Bat

1216

Hilsa Fish

2968

Abdullah Al Kafi AYM Kamrul Islam Kazi Md Shahidullah

Gourd

915

Bus

325,080

Nader Chowdhury

Peacock

1412

Bahauddin Ahmed

Wheel

2950

Mahi Badrudozza Chowdhury

Eagle

13407

Moazemmem Hossain Khan Mazlish

Flask

1095

Dish Antenna

900

Table

1140

Telescope

7370

Chowdhury Irad Ammad Siddiky Tabith Awal

Md Anisuzzaman Khokon Md Zaman Bhuiya Md Zunayed Abdur Rahim Saki Md Samsul Alam Chowdhury

Leopard

982

Sheikh Md Fazle Bari Masud

Orange

18050

Sheik Shohiduzzaman

Fire Box

923

Symbol

Received votes

Wheel

2197

Cricket Bat

682

Eagle

354

DHAKA SOUTH CITY CORPORATION Candidates Abu Naser Muhammad Musud Hossain ASM Akram Advocate Mohammad Ayub Hussain SM Asaduzzaman Ripon Dilip Chandra Bazlur Rashid Firoz Moshiur Rahman Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed

Orange

928

Elephant

669

Table

1029

Leopard

508

Mug

294,291

Mohammad Shafi Ullah Chowdhury

Peacock

512

Mohammad Sayeed Khokon

Hilsa Fish

535,296

Sofa

4519

Md Akhtaruzzaman alias Ayatullah

Gourd

362

Md Abdur Rahman

Flask

14784

Md Abdul Khaleq

Cake

550

Md Golam Mawla Roni

Ring

1887

Laptop

988

Shirt

312

Table Clock

2173

Mohammad Saifuddin

Md Zahidur Rahman Md Baharane Sultan Bahar Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury Md Shahidul Islam

Bus

1239

Shahin Khan

Ship

2074

Candidates

Symbol

Received votes

AZM Nasir Uddin

Elephant

475,361

CHITTAGONG CITY CORPORATION

Bus

1774

MA Matin

Wheel

11655

Mohammad Monzur Alam

Orange

304,837

Mohammad Shafiul Alam

Hilsa Fish

680

Arif Moinuddin

Fire Box

1385

Md Alauddin Chowdhury

Telescope

2159

Md Wazed Hossain Bhuiyan

Table Clock

9668

Md Solaiman Alam Sheth

Dish Antenna

6131

Saifuddin Ahmed (Robi)

Flask

2661

Md Abul Kalam Azad

Syed Sajjad Zoha Hossain Muhammad Mujibul Haq

Cricket Bat

845

Peacock

4215

A father and his two daughters were found dead at home in the capital’s Kamrangirchar yesterday.

Police recovered the bodies of Md Babul Hossain, 40, and his daughters Mim Akhter, 9, and Jannati, 12, from the house near Rony market on Aloron School Road.

Officer-in-Charge of Kamrangirchar police station, Sheikh Mohsin Alam, said the three had committed suicide but could not ascertain why they took such a step. He said the father and his daughters might have died from electrocution.

“Their bodies were found fastened with an electric wire and one end of the wire was connected to an electric switch,” he said, adding that they might have tak-

en their own lives on Tuesday night.

The policeman quoted one of Babul’s neighbours as saying that Babul was a tea seller and an occasional rickshaw puller.

“Babul’s wife walked out on the family two days ago and that might be the reason for the three to kill themselves.”

The bodies were sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College morgue for autopsy. l

Four hurt in Ansar-police clash over election remunerations

Fakhrul’s indictment hearing deferred

n Kamrul Hasan

A Dhaka court yesterday deferred again the indictment hearing of BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 63 others accused in a case filed for torching vehicles in the capital.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Alamgir Kabir Raj passed the order following a time petition filed by defence counsel Sanaullah Miah. Yesterday was the scheduled date for the hearing but police did not produce Fakhrul before the court. l

At least four Ansar members were injured yesterday when they clashed with the police during demonstrations demanding outstanding election duty remunerations.

Saifullah Rasel, Ansar commander of Dhaka city west zone, said Ansar members started protests at the capital’s Technical intersection yesterday evening urging authorities concerned

to pay the dues for election duty. But the police launched a sudden attack on the demonstrating men and injured four of them, Rasel claimed.

Meanwhile, Darus Salam police station Inspector Kawsar Jahan admitted that the police fired four rounds of bullet at the demonstrators, but only when protesters started throwing bricks at the police after refusing to move away from the blocked Mazar Road. No one was hurt, he added. l

n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

DT

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Patuakhali seismograph broken for 3 years n Our Correspondent, Barisal The seismograph at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) seismological centre is out of order and has been in the state for more than three years.

In the wake of the recent series of earthquakes in the Himalayan region, one of which had devastating effects in Nepal, not having a functional seismograph is a little risky since Bangladesh has long been under threat of major earthquake, sources at the PSTU told the Dhaka Tribune.

“You cannot exactly predict earthquake, of course, but sometimes, before a major earthquake, there may be some minor jolts that can give us a hint. We can only know that from the readings of a seismograph,” said Dr Munibur Rahman, assistant professor at the university’s electrical engineering department and in charge of the seismological centre.

A seismograph measures and records details of ground motion, including those of seismic waves generated by activities such as earthquakes.

Dr AKM Mustafa Zaman, dean of the fac-

ulty of computer science and engineering at the university and convener of the seismological centre, said the centre had been trying to contact the authorities concerned to repair the seismograph, but had yet to get a positive response.

This is not the first time the PSTU seismograph has gone out of order.

Shortly after it was inaugurated on May 27, 2008, it broke down due to configuration, power supply and other technical problems.

It two years to get the seismograph repaired, following a visit by Dr Syed Humayun

Akhter, chairman of DU’s geology department, to the PSTU in September 2010.

But the machine’s sensor and some other parts broke down again in February 2012, and it has been out of order since then.

The seismograph was installed at the PSTU under a joint Bangladesh-US research project at the cost of Tk75 lakh, Prof Munibur said.

The project, between the geology department of Dhaka University and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, US, saw the instalment of three other seismographs in Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna. l

‘BNP’s steps over city polls intentional’ 1n held with 94 passports n Our Correspondent, Sylhet

Terming the BNP’s activities centring the much-hyped city corporation elections staged drama, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has opined that the party deliberately adopted the way of controversial role to create an issue for its movement.

“Actually BNP has taken part in the

Dhaka and Chittagong city corporation elections to make an issue for its ongoing movement. Its participation and boycott are a staged drama. That party has no activists for movement and electoral agents its dream of successful movement will not see light,” said Obaidul Quader. The minister and also the ruling party Awami League’s Presidium Member made the remarks while visiting an

under-construction bridge at Kazirbazar in the city yesterday morning.

Obaidul also continued that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would inaugurate the bride and Surma bridge in Sunamganj in June, this year.

During the visit, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam and former MP Soid Jebunnesa Hoque were present among others. l

Kamrul Hasan

Customs department officials of Shahjalal International Airport early yesterday detained a man and recovered 94 Bangladeshi passports from his possession.

Saiful Islam, 36, is also suspected human trafficker and smuggler, says the officials.

His suspicious movement drew the attention of the officials and they started following him after he landed at the airport around 11pm by a flight of Malinda Airlines.

The department’s Assistant Commissioner Md Reyadul Islam said the officials found 94 blank Bangladeshi passports, both machine readable and manual, in his luggage. The passports might be used for human trafficking and smuggling.

During interrogation, Saiful claimed that he was playing a role of transporter and a man staying in Dhaka was supposed to receive the consignment upon his call, AC Reyadul continued.

He was later handed over to Airport thana police and a case was booked there in this connection. l

Students block highway over vandalism of RU bus n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi

Rajshahi University students yesterday blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway to protest the vandalism of a students’ bus of the university and assault on students by local transport workers.

The students said a truck, while overtaking, hit the Baneshwar-bound Rajshahi University (RU) student bus at Katakhali Bazar around 9am. The bus almost fell into the roadside ditch as a result. Being angered, the students in the bus broke the truck’s windshield.

Later, local transport workers stopped the bus and broke the windows of the university bus and also beat up several students who tried to stop them.

On information, Motihar police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Hearing the news, several hundred students blocked the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway near the university main gate around 9:15am and started their protest. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER THURSDAY, APRIL 30 DHAKA

TODAY SUN SETS 6:26PM

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:25AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

30 31 32 30 30 29 28 31

25 24 23 22 23 24 21 25

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

35.0ºC Jessore

20.3ºC Chuadanga

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

4:05am

Sunrise

5:25am

Zohr

11:56am

Asr

4:22pm

Magrib

6:27pm

Esha

7:47 pm

SourceL IslamicFinder.org

DT

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Brahmaputra erosion threatens five villages n Our Correspondent, Kurigram Even before the monsoon has set in, the Brahmaputra River is already wreaking havoc in Kurigram.

The heavy downpour and scattered nor’westers have caused the water level to rise and trigger the erosion.

At least five villages of Jatrapur union of Sadar upazila are the worst effected.

15 families of Garuhara and Balodipara villages have already lost their land, houses and livestock. Many families are spending sleepless nights fearing the river erosion.

Villagers have been trying to protect the river banks in a make-shift arrangement but the erosion is too intense to withstand the bamboo structures.

Local people urged the Water Development Board to act immediately.

Residents of Garuhara and Balodipara Umed Ali, Osman Ali and Mamtaz said the river erosion had become worse in the last

two years.

“The villages of Ghanoshyampur, Char Jatrapur, Garuhara, Balodipara and Farazipara are being gradually devoured by the mighty Brahmaputra.”

“At least 15 families have lost everything in the last 5 days. We are trying our to best to check the erosion but without the government’s help it is not possible,” they said.

Abdul Gaffar, chairman of Jatrapur union, said: “More than 800 families, 3-kilometre road and 2-kilometre flood control dam have been affected by the erosion in the last two years.”

A truck collides head-on with a pickup-van and plunges into a roadside ditch killing one person at Manda of Naogaon yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

Serial killer Rasu Khan appeals against death sentence Correspondent, n Our Chandpur Convicted rapist and serial killer Rasu Khan has appealed against the death sentence he was awarded last week.

The Chandpur jail authorities had filed the appeal on April 23, just a day after the verdict, in line with a request by the convict, the district prison officer said yesterday.

The self-confessed killer was sentenced to death on April 22 for killing garment worker Shahida Begum. He was given seven days to appeal to the High Court. He was also given seven years’ jail with a fine of Tk50,000. Shahida was killed after rape near Nanupur canal of Faridganj in Chandpur

on August 18, 2008.

Rasu was arrested on October 7 in 2009 from Nirashpur of Tongi over stealing a fan from a mosque. He later confessed to the killing of 11 women after rape.

He wished to kill a total of 101 women and then take refuge at the Shahjalal shrine in Sylhet.

Rasu’s first victim was the wife of his brother-in-law in 2007. He used to make relationship with women luring to marry them, but killed them after rape in Chandpur’s remote areas.

Earlier, Rasu was acquitted in a case filed over the rape and murder of teenager Popy in Faridpur. He is facing eight other cases. l

“But the Water Development Board has taken no initiative so far,” he alleged.

When contacted, Abdul Kader, an official of Kurigram Water Development Board’s sub-division 3, told the Dhaka Tribune that the budget they had sent for building the embankment had not been approved yet.

“We have sent a Tk8.50 crore budget to the

authorities to build a 1.25-kilometre embankment and a 1.50-kilometre flood control dam to check the erosion. But the budget has not yet been approved. And that is why we could not start the work.”

He, however, hoped the fund would be approved soon and the construction work could be started before the monsoon. l

DT

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

61 electricity applicants kept hanging over 2 years in Natore n Our Correspondent, Natore Sixty-one electricity connection applicants of 27 villages in Gurudaspur, Natore have not yet been given the meter connections even after two years of submitting the consumer’s deposit to the concerned offices.

The victims claimed that whenever the offices were approached, they were given excuses of corruption by the technicians and the hope that they would be given the electricity connections after completion of investigation. But the victims alleged that the authorities are not taking any effective steps to resolve the matter.

They had applied for the connections to the Palli Bidyut sub zonal office in Gurudaspur between 2013 and 2014.

After completion of internal procedures the authorities notified them in a letter that once the wiring was done by an allotted electrician, they would be given the meter connections upon payment of consumer’s deposit Tk620 each.

Victim Sattar Pk, son of late Patu pk of Jogendranagar village claimed they have completed the wiring with the trained and allotted electrician Ainal Haq. But, even after submission of his report and their deposit, they have not yet received the connection.

They contacted the office day after day without any result.

Applicant Habibur Rahman, son of Surot Ali, and Abdul Malek, son of Vadu Sarker, of Chanchkoir village claimed they have submitted the consumer’s deposit following

all the rules and direction of the concerned office. If any irregularities are found in their papers then the concerned office is responsible for that.

Contacted, Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy General Manger of the sub zonal office of Gurudaspur confirmed the matter and said: “The concerned electricians may be causing the delay in this regard. After receiving the investigation report, the consumers might get the meter connections.”

Electrician Ainal Haq refused the allegations of corruption and said he submitted his report after completing the wiring. The office is responsible for the delay.

The victims urged the government to take steps in this regard so that they can get the electricity connection soon. l

Jubo League leader shot dead n Our Correspondent, Noakhali A local Jubo League leader was shot dead and another one injured by their rivals at Amishapara Bazar in Sonaimuri upazila yesterday night.

The deceased was identified as Mohammad Ibrahim, 28, son of late Korban Ali of Dhainyapur village of the upazila and president of Sonapur union Jubo League.

The injured was identified as Saiful Islam, president of Amishapara College unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Witnesses said miscreants swooped on Ibrahim and shot him in the area while he was taking tea at a tea stall around 7:45 pm, leaving Ibrahim dead on the spot and Saiful injured. They also vandalized 10-12 shops in the area.

On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Noakhali General Hospital morgue for autopsy. l

Five get life term for murder n Our Correspondent, Netrakona A court in the district yesterday sentenced five people, including a woman, to life term imprisonment and three women to one year for killing a man over land related dispute in 2005.

The lifers are Abdul Hamid, 40, son of Afzal Hossain, Uzzal Miah, 23, son of Rais Uddin, his brothers Helal Miah, 40 and Rabbani, 45, and their sister Rehena Begum alias Rina, 47.

The convicts were fined Tk 10,000 each, in default, they will have to suffer one year more rigorous imprisonment.

The convicts who were awarded one year jail are Roksana Begum, 28, wife of Abul Hamid, Rashida Begum, 30, wife of Helal Uddin, and Nadia Begum, 30. daughter of Abul Hossain.

They were fined Tk1,000 each, in default, they will have to suffer one month more imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, Abdul Aziz, a farmer of Pabai village of Purba Dhala upazila of the district, had an enmity with the convicts of the village over the ownership of a piece of land. l

Farmers are busy processing paddy in the field after harvest. The picture was taken yesterday from Goadagari Hatibanda village in Barind area of Rajshahi AZAHAR UDDIN

Dam collapses, Boro on 5,000 hectare land submerged n Our Correspondent, Kishoreganj

Farmers of two upazilas in Kisoreganj are apprehensive they will incur huge losses, as their standing crops, especially Boro paddy, have submerged due to a collapsed flood control embankment.

The flood control embankment at Koishur collapsed three days ago, flooding the Boro paddy on around 1,000 hectares.

Another embankment, Bijoy Bandh, at Joisiddi union in Itna upazila collapsed five days ago due to heavy rains and an onrush of water from the hills across the border, submerging all crops on 2,000 hectares of land.

Two other embankments, named Sankirchar and Hashimpur, in Mithamoin upazila collapsed three days ago, submerging around 2,000 hectares of boro cropland.

While visiting the haor areas in Mitamoin upazila, this correspondent found that farmers were cutting the green boro plants, as the water level of the different rivers surrounding the district rises day by day due to the onrush of water from upstream.

Habibur Rahman, a farmer, said crops on 7,000 acres of land in the Daki, Charigram, Fulpur, and Kanchanpur areas have been flooded as the water level in the Daira and Duvi rivers has risen remarkably.

Md Abdullah of Hashimpur village in Itna said he had cultivated Boro paddy on 12 acres of land. But, his crops are now totally damaged.

Md Rois Uddin, chairman of Katkal Union Parishad, is concerned that Boro production might be seriously hampered if the situation deteriorates and the farmers fall into hardship.

Another farmer, Arifur Rahman, said: “Everything has gone under water in the untimely floods.” Farmers of Pachkanhia village were also seen taking the initiative to repair the dam on their own.

Mahmudur Rahman, a social worker of Itna upazila, said: “Thousands of hectares of paddy in my upazila washed away in this untimely flood. Boro is the only harvest these low lands have.”

The local farmers will starve if their harvests wash away, they will have to live on borrowed money, he said. He added, with uneasiness, that none of the governments since liberation have taken any steps to help farmers from such floods in the haors.

The Water Development Board in Kishoreganj found that the water level in the rivers marked a sharp rise following a down-

pour upstream, and the dykes collapsed under the heavy pressure of water.

Md Abdullah, UNO of Itna upazila, and Md Aziz Haydar Bhuiyan of Mithamoin upazila, admitting the incident, said: “We visited the areas.

A lot of land has been damaged because of the early onrush of water, and we are taking necessary steps to remove the stagnant water and repair the embankments as soon as possible.”

Aumitab Das, deputy director of the Agriculture Extension Department in Kishoreganj, admitted that around 350 acres of Boro crops of the lowlands had indeed gone underwater.

“We urged the authorities concerned, especially the Water Development Board (WDB), to repair the damaged embankment as soon as possible,” he said.

“The situation is not so serious. It will not hamper production target,” he added. l

DT

10 WORLD

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Saudi king resets succession to cope with turbulent times

King’s powerful son: Saudi Arabia’s future crown prince

n AFP, Riyadh

n Reuters, Riyadh Saudi King Salman appointed a new heir and made his young son second in line to rule yesterday, a major shift in power toward two princes who have overseen a more assertive stance at a time of almost unprecedented regional turmoil.

By making Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, crown prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman, 30, deputy crown prince, King Salman has effectively decided the line of succession for decades to come in the world’s top oil exporter.

The appointments signal a tougher foreign policy, particularly toward regional foe Iran, but little change to a firm hand against dissent at home, where Riyadh this week said it had detained 93 suspected Islamic State militants.

Almost all powers under the king are now concentrated in the hands of the pair, who each chair committees determining all security and economic development issues in Saudi Arabia, and have led Riyadh’s monthold campaign of air strikes in Yemen.

In another big shift, Salman replaced veteran Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who had served in the role since October 1975, with the kingdom’s Washington ambassador Adel al-Jubeir, the first non-royal to hold the post.

Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who replaces Prince Muqrin, the successor chosen by the late King Abdullah before his death in January, enjoys closer personal ties with US

South Korea spy agency: N Korea’s Kim Jong-Un executed 15 top officials

n AFP, Seoul

North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un ordered the execution of 15 senior officials this year, including several who complained about the young leader’s policies, South Korea’s intelligence agency said yesterday.

Those executed included two vice minister-level officials, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing legislators who attended a briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Both were punished for opposing or complaining about Kim’s directives, the legislators said, adding a vice forestry minister was executed for complaining about Kim’s forestation plan.

As well as the 15 senior officials, the NIS said four members of North Korea’s Unhasu Orchestra, with which Kim’s wife, Ri SolJu, had once been a singer, were executed in March.

The NIS said they were executed by firing squad on charges of spying.

In 2013, Japanese and South Korean media reported that a number of members of the orchestra had been executed for violating pornography laws in a bid by Kim to protect his wife’s reputation.

The Kim dynasty has ruled reclusive and impoverished North Korea for more than six decades with an iron fist and a pervasive personality cult. l

Saudi Prince Mohamad Bin Salman has been appointed deputy crown prince officials than almost any other senior royal, diplomats have said.

The changes come as Saudi Arabia navigates the messy aftermath of the Arab spring and worries that its strategic partner Washington is disengaging from the region. It has broken with decades of backroom politics by bombing Yemen.

The Yemen move, closely associated with

AFP

both heirs, is seen by analysts as indicative of a more confrontational foreign policy under Salman and his ruling team, who have worked to build a coalition of Sunni allies against Iran.

Riyadh appears increasingly determined to counter Tehran’s allies, including in Syria, where Saudi-backed rebels against President Bashar al-Assad have recently made gains. l

China fires back at reclamation accusations n Reuters, Beijing After facing weeks of criticism about its reclamation work on disputed islands in the South China Sea, China yesterday turned the tables on Vietnam, the Philippines and others by accusing them of carrying out their own illegal building work.

China claims 90% of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Recent satellite images show China has

made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the Spratly Islands and may be planning another.

Those moves, along with other reclamations, have caused alarm around the region and in Washington too, with the issue dominating a summit of Southeast Asian leaders this week, to China’s displeasure.

At a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei listed reclamation work being done by other claimant nations in the Spratlys, which China calls the Nansha Islands. l

Hundreds of Arab Israelis protest over home demolitions n AFP, Tel Aviv Some 2,000 Arab Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv Tuesday against a wave of house demolitions, capping a day in which Arab shops, schools and businesses observed a general strike.

The protesters gathered at Rabin Square in the centre of Israel’s commercial capital, waving Palestinian flags and wearing headscarves as police officers stood by in case of disturbances.

Arab Israelis – the descendents of Palestinians who stayed in Israel after the Jewish state’s establishment – had been striking across the country since the morning in protest at demolitions of Arab homes, especially in Jerusalem.

“This is one of the most painful issues for the Arab public,” said prominent Arab Israeli lawmaker Ayman Odeh in a statement shortly before attending the rally. l

Saudi King Salman’s youthful son Prince Mohammed, appointed yesterday as second in line to the throne, wields enormous power and is leading a war against rebels in neighbouring Yemen.

Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in his 30s, was named deputy crown prince thanks to his “massive capabilities which became evident to everyone through all the missions he had been assigned with,” said a statement by his father, King Salman, 79.

Just weeks after taking charge of the kingdom’s armed forces Prince Mohammed assumed huge responsibility when a Saudi-led coalition on March 26 began an air war against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.

His nomination yesterday gained “support from the vast majority of members of the Council of Allegiance,” a committee of 35 descendants of the kingdom’s founder Abdul Aziz bin Saud.

The council was formed in 2006 to decide on succession.

Prince Mohammed also retains his position as head of the economic and development council, a coordinating body, and was named as second deputy prime minister.

But he will no longer hold the crucial position of head of the royal court, a type of gatekeeper to the king.

“He is the strong man in Saudi Arabia,” a Western diplomatic source said before the reshuffle. “He oversees everything important which is going on in this country.” l

Austria, backed by 159 nations, calls for ban on nuclear weapons

n Reuters, United Nations

Austria on Tuesday called for banning nuclear weapons because of their catastrophic humanitarian effects, an initiative it said now has the backing of 159 countries.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was speaking at the five-year review conference of the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “The only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons will never be used again is through their total elimination,” Kurz told the 191 parties to the treaty, the world’s benchmark arms control accord. l

US Senate rejects bid to consider Iran nuclear deal a treaty

n Reuters, Washington

The US Senate on Tuesday rejected an effort to require an international nuclear agreement with Iran to be considered a treaty, which would have forced any deal to be approved by two-thirds of the Senate’s 100 members before it could take effect.

The Senate voted 57-39 to reject the measure, offered as an amendment to a bill requiring an Iran nuclear deal to be reviewed by Congress. l

DT

WORLD 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Afghan president reassures India over relationship

n AFP

Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday sought to reassure his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that Kabul was committed to its close relationship with New Delhi despite warming ties with Pakistan.

Afghanistan’s president arrived in India late Monday on a three-day trip designed to patch up relations with its neighbour, which have frayed since Ghani assumed office in September.

“India and Afghanistan have (a) million ties,” Ghani told reporters at a joint media briefing in the Indian capital following talks with Modi.

“Afghanistan was a roundabout where ideas and goods flowed to Central and South Asia and our vision today is based on that potential,” he added.

Ghani reached out to India’s rivals Pakistan and China within months of his election as president, embarking on state visits to both countries before visiting India, causing concern in New Delhi.

Afghanistan’s recent military and strategic engagement with Pakistan in its fight against Taliban militants was also seen as a major policy shift from the previous Hamid Karzai government, which accused Islamabad of destabilising Kabul. Ghani’s maiden visit to India as Afghan leader is also aimed at shoring up Indian investment – he will meet business organisations yesterday in a bid to attract private sector investment in his war-ravaged country. l

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seize cargo ship in Gulf n Reuters, Dubai/Washington Iranian patrol boats intercepted a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday and forced it into Iranian territorial waters by firing shots across its bow, prompting the US Navy to send a destroyer and reconnaissance plane to monitor the situation.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats confronted the MV Maersk Tigris, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, as it was traversing one of the world’s most important oil shipping channels and forced it to divert toward Larak Island near Bandar Abbas, where it was boarded by Iranian forces, US officials said.

The Iranian action occurred amid heightened tensions over the conflict in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition supported by Washington has been bombing Iranian backed Houthi rebels, who have seized much of the country and sidelined the US-backed president.

Saudi jets bombed the airport in Yemen’s capital on Tuesday to prevent Iranian planes from landing. The ship seizure also came at a sensitive time as Tehran is inching toward a final deal with major powers on its nuclear programme.

The Maersk Tigris, which is managed and crewed by Rickmers Shipmanagement, is onhire to Maersk Line.

Alerted by a distress call from the Maersk Tigris, the US Navy dispatched the destroy-

Indonesian executions Nepal quake toll tops spark international anger 5,000 as aid reaches n AFP area near epicenter Indonesia faced a storm of international protest yesterday for putting seven foreign drug convicts before a firing squad, but Filipinos rejoiced after a compatriot was spared at the last minute.

Australia withdrew its ambassador in protest at what it called “cruel and unnecessary” executions, Brazil expressed strong regret and France vowed a diplomatic battle to save a citizen still on death row.

Indonesia staunchly defended the executions as a vital front of its “war” on drugs, as testimony emerged of how the condemned men went singing to their deaths.

The seven – two from Australia, one from Brazil and four from Africa – were shot along with one Indonesian, despite strident foreign appeals and pleas from family members.

Brazil expressed “deep regret” at the execution of its national, who is mentally ill according to his family, and said it was weighing its next move.

The condemned men reportedly all refused blindfolds and sang hymns, among them “Amazing Grace,” as they went to face the firing squad in a jungle clearing, according to a pastor who was with them.

As the clock ticked down to midnight, a group of tearful supporters also sang hymns, embraced and held candles aloft during a vigil at the port in Cilacap, the gateway to the prison island of Nusakambangan.

A Filipina originally set to be executed was given an 11th hour reprieve after a woman who allegedly duped her into ferrying drugs to Indonesia came forward to police in the Philippines. l

n AP, Gumda, Nepal

Hands pressed together in supplication, the Nepalese women pleaded for food, shelter and anything else the helicopter might have brought on an in-and-out run yesterday to this smashed mountain village near the epicenter of last weekend’s mammoth earthquake that killed more than 5,000 people.

Unlike in Nepal’s capital, where most buildings were spared complete collapse, the tiny hamlets clinging to the remote mountainsides of Gorkha District have been ravaged. Entire clusters of homes were reduced to piles of stone and splintered wood. Orange plastic tarps used for shelter now dot the cliff sides and terraced rice paddies carved into the land.

“We are hungry,” cried a woman who gave her name only as Deumaya, gesturing toward her stomach and opening her mouth to emphasize her desperation. Another woman, Ramayana, her eyes hollow and haunted, repeated the plea: “Hungry! We are hungry!”

But food is not the only necessity in short supply out here beyond the reaches of paved roads, electricity poles and other benefits of the modern world. These days, even water is scarce. Communication is a challenge. And modern medical care is a luxury many have never received.

Gumda is one of a handful of villages identified as the worst hit by Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake, from which it will almost certainly take years to recover. l

er USS Farragut toward the scene as well as a reconnaissance aircraft, the Pentagon said.

Army Colonel Steve Warren said firing shots across the bow of a cargo vessel was “inappropriate” and seemed “provocative.”

The incident came just four days after Iranian patrol boats surrounded a US-flagged vessel, the Maersk Kensington, and followed as it was in the same area, a US official said.

No warning shots were fired in that incident.

Iranian officials sought to play down the ship seizure, saying it was a civil matter with no military or political dimension.

US officials said they were concerned and monitoring the situation, but an initial review indicated the United States did not have a legal obligation in a maritime environment to defend a Marshall Islands-flagged ship with no American crew.

Reuters tracking data showed the Maersk Tigris, a 65,000-tonne container ship, anchored off the Iranian coast between the islands of Qeshm and Hormuz. It had been listed as sailing from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Jeddah, bound for the United Arab Emirates port of Jebel Ali in the Gulf.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, quoted a source in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as saying the guard had seized the vessel and 34 crew. Rickmers said there were 24 crew, mostly from eastern Europe and Asia. l

Schools reopen in Baltimore, streets quiet after curfew

n AP, Baltimore

Schools reopened and tensions seemed to ease yesterday after Baltimore made it through the first night of its curfew without the widespread violence many had feared.

With 3,000 police and National Guardsmen trying to keep the peace and prevent a repeat of the looting and arson that erupted on Monday, the citywide, 10 p.m.-to-5 a.m. curfew ended with no reports of disturbances in the early morning hours. Baltimore’s school system said all schools would be open and after-school sports and other activities would also take place. l

Russian spacecraft plunging to Earth

n AFP, Moscow

An unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft ferrying supplies to the International Space Station is plunging back to Earth and apparently out of control, an official said yesterday.

“It has started descending. It has nowhere else to go,” an official familiar with the situation told AFP on condition of anonymity, speaking ahead of an official Russian space agency statement expected later in the day. The official said the descent likely marked the end of the Progress spacecraft’s mission although the Russian authorities will contact it again to make sure everything has been done to rescue it. l

DT

12 EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

New mayors must deliver on promises

T

he public will be watching carefully to see how well the new mayors of Dhaka and Chittagong fulfill their campaign pledges.

All residents share a common interest in hoping that they can reverse the legacy of poor planning and mismanagement which have reduced quality of life and blighted the development of the country’s two leading cities.

Between them, the two leading candidates in the Chittagong, Dhaka North and Dhaka South mayoral elections received over 2.25 million votes.

There can be no doubt that turnout would have been far higher had not so many voters been deterred by ballot rigging attempts and the withdrawals of candidates.

As the mayoral debates showed, there is an enormous public appetite for new ideas and meaningful improvements to basic services such as public transport and waste collection.

While some of the long-term improvements to city planning and infrastructure which residents hope to see require significant amounts of funding and negotiation, many issues of concern to citizens do not require major new resources but are about improving day-to-day management.

The new mayors can make a good start in living up to their promises, by rooting out corruption and inertia from the city corporations and tackling the neglect and tolerance of encroachment which has harmed so many of the city’s public green spaces.

It is vital the mayors use their authority and influence to bring both the strategic vision the cities need to develop sustainably and the day-to-day improvements in services which citizens crave.

Be heard

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

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Start with your neighbours April 8

along that line. What was that? Were they two old school buddies who met up after three decades? For crying out loud! They are representing two countries on opposite sides of the globe! I hate it when world leaders don’t stay in character.

The public will be watching carefully

Account for aid irregularities

Dev Saha Things are seen through the prism of religion in the Indian subcontinent. It was bad in 1947 and even with the passage of 68 years, things have not changed that much.

Dilshad Banu India doesn’t think Bangladesh is important enough for Modi to visit, whereas he went wild in receiving Obama and made a caricature of himself. Obama also put his guard down and called Modi dosto or something

Dev Saha Dilshad Banu: Pot calling kettle black?

Grown-ups do not whine about their own shortcomings.

Abdul Hye Dilshad Banu: Dilshad, your rage is a little misplaced. Pallab’s whole piece is about how to bring the India-BD relationship to an even kilter, given the foot-dragging of India on the LBA and Teesta, two issues vital to Bangladesh. Pallab is doing a stellar job in highlighting the issues that need to be resolved, and resolved promptly, to take the India-BD relationship to new heights.

DT Let Biman look after itself

W

e are concerned by the World Bank’s complaints that several of its development projects have been marred by systematic corruption and irregularities.

As a consequence, the government has been asked to return funds because projects have ended up in the hands of unqualified companies which failed to execute them to the standards required by their funding agreements.

The allegations range from corruption in the procurement of office equiptment to wholesale non-compliance with formal bidding processes.

In one employment project under the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, it was found that a daughter of the project director was the only bidder in one of the packages of the project and in another under the Environment Ministry, there is evidence that fake bidders were created as the documents filed were all printed in the same format with identical spelling mistakes.

The government must transparently investigate the World Bank’s allegations and ensure all wrong-doers are held to account.

According to the finance minister, it is presently only possible to disburse a fifth of an estimated $24bn worth of funds promised by foreign partners, because of bottlenecks in capacity and procedural delays.

It will not be possible to speed these spending commitments up if funds are misappropriated and key lenders are unhappy with existing projects.

Although foreign aid is now less than a fifth of the 11% of GDP accounted for by remittances, it remains a key component of important development and social projects.

The government must act to ensure proper transparency and accountability for all spending, if the country is to benefit from these aid commitments.

Ensure proper transparency and accountability for all spending

April 10 YusufC Good idea. Better airports is more useful than subsidising Biman. If it can survive privately, good, but if not, well, there will still be good airlines wanting to use good airports.

Where can RMG go next?

April 9 Faridul Very far indeed. Further than we dared to dream. We have to develop our people more and keep our eyes on the road. Every developing country, from Cambodia to Cameroon, is chasing the same dollars.

Md Harunur Rashid Faridul: Thanks for your comments. Our main problem is negative thinking. It’s important that every person set up a goal for the future. It may be difficult, but it must be done. Only then can we achieve something truly worth achieving.

Faridul Md Harunur Rashid: On the question of negative thinking, there is little to be gained and a lot to be lost by talking of conspiracies. Competition is always going to be tough -- that’s life.Customers can be won by rational arguments and the bottom line. They’re not going to care about conspiracy talk and may even be insulted by it.

Obscenity continues under the cover of fair April 8 Dreampie Viva Las Barisal.

Kaiser Aitch Really? Lucky Barisal I say -- please can someone prove the shows were obscene by describing them rather than just spouting the complaints of people who don’t want others to have fun. I don’t condone gambling, but so long as its only consenting adults seeing and taking part in the obscene shows, can’t we be a little more grown up about our private misdeameanours?

Kmak Kaiser Aitch: The average Bangladeshi’s moral outlook isn’t based on the idea that anything that takes place between consenting adults is “Halal.” Can’t we be a little more accommodating of how the average Bangladeshi approaches morality instead of presuming that they are wrong for not going by the “consenting adult” outlook?

Salam, Kabari, Bobby quit Dhaka mayoral race April 9 iWantRealDemocracy Now we are left with all the useless candidates. Sad times ahead for us Bangladeshis. :(

DT

OPINION 13

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

What about the why?

Boishakh disrobed

n Rania Hussain

n Dwitiya Jawher Neethi

I

began going to Pohela Boishakh festivities on the Dhaka University campus even before I enrolled as a student of DU. As a non-resident DU student, I used to hang out on campus with my friends everyday till 9pm, mostly in front of the Central Library, and did so for some 5-6 years.

I was also there when Ramna was bombed. Now as a professional woman in my late 30s, I realise I myself have never faced any sexual harassment at these festivities, but I have heard many stories of off-colour comments, pinching, poking etc. But such an “organised” effort to attack women, at such a large scale has never taken place. So my question is: Why did this happen?

And why now? The fact that the women attacked included a mother of two and a 10-year-old girl goes to show this was not about provocation or clothing. This was an organised effort to mar the festivities of Boishakhi by people who knew they could get cover from the authorities.

So here are some thoughts and questions: Why was an Islamist war criminal hanged right before Pohela Boishakh? Even as I was organising to go out this year, people warned me of anticipated violence given the hanging, the trend of vengeful petrol bombers and machete-wielders this year, and given that Ramna has been bombed before.

But by evening we were happy to see the day was celebrated without incident. So did the perpetrators decide to instigate this attack on women to create the chaos that was anticipated but didn’t take place? Were women targeted because Islamists seem to make women an issue? I am by no means an Islamist sympathiser, nor do I subscribe to any of the political parties; I am simply presenting you with some salient questions so that you can draw your own logical conclusions.

Obviously, since the authorities are failing to take action, and seem to even be in denial, logic dictates that the perpetrators are either connected to or have some influence on the authorities. Such an attack also appears to be congruent with a growing trend where when one party is protesting and creating discord, the ruling party sends out lackeys to create chaos because the protesting party automatically gets blamed.

But the most heinous and horrendous part of all this is that the means to achieving their goals was to attack women. Not bombs, not machetes, or organised sexual violence against random women. I saw the CCTV footage: Men were attacking any woman they could regardless of age, clothing, or who they were with.

To think that women are thought of as a tool for creating political discord is unbelievably atrocious.

How disgusting a mentality can that be!

People have pointed out that women have become “collateral damage” and have been used as tools in warfare. But we are talking about a sovereign nation led by women leaders and a so-called democracy in the year 2015!

What the perpetrators didn’t count on is social media and candid journalism. I am really glad to see the CCTV footage floating around online which the authorities claim “doesn’t show anything.” Please circulate the footage and any other pictures available to identify these people.

Many are saying that the footage is old, it is from Boi Mela etc. It doesn’t matter. If a woman has been assaulted at any point in time and there is visual evidence, then identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. As for people posting things like “women deserve it,” please do so even more so that we can identify you too.

And kudos to the likes of Liton and Amit who tried to help these women at the risk of personal injury. This is exactly why bystanders fear to help -- because they beat you to a pulp, if not to death, or come after you with the machete. The transgender person who ran after Oyashiqur’s killers thought they were “chhintaikaris” and didn’t realise they were armed.

I don’t support vigilantism because the same mob that beats up a mugger also attacks innocent people who try to help. The mob never stops to find out what’s really going on.

But the police are armed, so what excuse do they have? Sadly the police are failing in every instance and in this case they even let some of the assailants go. There has to be accountability for the police and for any of the authorities who are responsible for security and safety. Why are the authorities saying that the gate should have been closed at x or y hour?

That is irrelevant. Women should be able to go there at any time and feel safe to do so.

I was at Robindro Shorobor till 3:30am and it was really well organised with pro-active security guards all over the place.

To all the women who are apprehensive of attending these festivities: Don’t be. If need be we will arm every woman with a pepper spray and a stick, but we will all go anywhere we want to at any hour of the day we want to.

Instead of letting these incidents force us to stay home, we need to go and we need to go in droves so that we outnumber the men and enjoy the festivities as we deserve to. l Rania Hussain is a DU alum.

A

man was convicted of rape in Jerusalem in 2010 by a woman who accused him of posing as a “Jewish bachelor” with a “serious romantic” interest in her.

The sex was not forced upon her but she would not have had sex with him had she not thought he was a Jewish bachelor with a serious romantic interest in her.

The law has an obligation to protect the common man from deceitful criminals and rape-by-deception is a throbbing topic of debate in criminal law circles in many countries. Among other elements, there are disagreements as to whether deception is enough for it to qualify as rape or is there need for force?

Henry Rayhons, 78, a former Republican state legislator in Iowa, was charged with sexually abusing his wife. She was an Alzheimer’s patient and the nursing home deemed she was cognitively unable to give consent. The staff later testified that they had a loving relationship and she was always happy to see him. Rayhons was found not guilty.

Such is the nature of cases that take place around the world concerning the right to self-possession, the right to bodily integrity.

The sexual assault that took took place during the Pohela Boishakh celebrations this year is yet another reminder of how far behind we are.

A group of men disrobe a woman in public and attack others who try to save her, and the authorities take no action because they are not sure if it is a big deal.

In a blatant disregard for accountability, the proctor asks: “Why should I resign?” The Vice Chancellor backs the Proctor and says that they are all teachers and that it is not possible for them to control such incidents.

Meanwhile, the vice chancellor’s web page says that “he relentlessly fights for democracy, rule of law, peoples’ right to information and education through his inspirational speeches and writings. He always upholds the spirit of equality, liberty, peace and fellow-feeling principles which are essential in a democratic polity.”

What is essential in a democratic polity is accountability. That which our authorities shamelessly turn a blind eye to.

If they are unable to do their job, then they should step down. Make way for more capable people to take office. If the proctor and vice chancellor are not to be held answerable for misconduct in DU premises, then who else should we turn to? Such incidents have been reported before, why did they not have the right foresight and plan accordingly?

Lapse in judgement is one thing, arrogantly defending your right to a powerful position,

instead of actively investigating the attack, is a whole different level of shameless entitlement that one can only see in Bangladesh. If only it could be preserved into a monument, it could attract hundreds of tourists.

If they truly were “upholders of equality, liberty and peace” they would have shown humility and resigned and the students would surely have pleaded to keep them in their rightful positions. Not the other way around.

And instead of leading the investigations, they are only trying to sweep it under the rug.

Some have made up their minds that “non-secular forces” are behind it. They think that this was an attempt by fundamentalists to prohibit women from participating in such celebrations. Others think you-knowwho (student branch) is responsible for it.

But without an independent in-depth investigation, we shall never know.

And this is not something we can afford to not know. If fundamentalist forces are trying to systematically target women, then we have to know. If politically-backed thugs have become so rowdy and out of control that they have decided to not refrain from blatant displays of power and intimidation, then we also need to know.

The concept of self-ownership is enough to understand that what happened was wrong. Everyone, men and women, have the right to bodily integrity. Discussions about morality and virtue are redundant and posters or banners saying “what if she was your sister?” is aiming at the wrong emotions.

You cannot pull at someone’s clothes unless you are a toddler asking for attention.

Also, since women in our culture are always taught to cover their bodies, especially their chest, the stigma and trauma of the assault can be higher for a woman.

These incidents always draw an array of emotions. And many discussions take place ranging from security to women’s rights to religious fundamentalism to political thugs -and rightly so. However, what we absolutely need to see right now are the men responsible behind bars and the VC and proctor’s resignation.

We are far, far behind when it comes to having discussions on ethics, and women’s bodies are still mythical creatures to many.

A mythical creature that many want to see.

But when they see it, it is deemed vulgar and they want to attack what they see. No writer ever has been able to come up with a creature that arouses so many conflicting emotions in the beholder.

The discussions must continue with full fervour, but right now -- arrest the men and down with the VC and proctor! l Dwitiya Jawher Neethi works at Dhaka Tribune.

DT

14 OPINION

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

RAJIB DHAR

Who won and who lost? n Mamun Rashid

T

o paraphrase Machiavelli from his book The Prince -- thought to be the first leadership advice to the Western world -- “Whether the prince believes in religion or not, he must pretend to be religious.” There is a certain truth to this. Today, for many of us, if we wish to be seen and treated as intelligent and respected people, we must pretend to be “democracy loving,” trying to champion “democratic values.” Even if we don’t believe in democracy.

The Dhaka City North mayoral candidate from the ruling party ... sorry, “ruling party-supported candidate” ... was Mr Annisul Huq. Annisul is known and loved by many in the business community, also known as the “civil society” folk.

Knowing him, Annisul really has worked very hard for this. His celebrity spouse was his “chief election agent.” His son and his daughter also accompanied him in his doorto-door campaigning, requesting votes for their father.

The media quoted Annisul: “My father and daughter also think that this mayoral position could be the best way to serve the people.” A few years ago, a weekly had reported that he apparently said he didn’t have many known vices other than evading taxes to the national exchequer. He may be like his Chittagong business community friends, who donate a lot as zakat. A good person indeed.

I am very happy Annisul has won the Dhaka City North mayoral election. Late at night, I have watched his wife Rubana Huq speaking to the media, with our former foreign minister Dipu Moni, speaking to journalists, almost showing the V sign. I wish we could also show the victory sign and join in the celebration of his success.

can’t submit to anarchy -- the opposition or civil society are not right all the time.

I am sorry, but I just cannot subscribe to this definition of democracy in which you “either vote for the ruling party-supported candidate or get lost.”

Again, I apologise, but this is not democracy. I guess Annisul did not truly earn his

It was not Tabith Awal, Zonayed Saki, or Abdullah Kafi, but ‘democracy’ that had lost

My friends are all asking the looming question: “Who lost in the Dhaka City North election?” Whether we blame the opposition for not being close to the people or championing “people causes,” it was not Tabith Awal, Zonayed Saki, or Abdullah Kafi, but “democracy” that had lost.

Just after the January 5, 2014 election, my senior friends and teachers were all abuzz asking the same question: “Why won’t the chief election commissioner resign?” I told them that our CEC was a good man, having sided with the liberation forces in 1971, and is known to be a very good civil bureaucrat who

victory in that regard. According to money laundering guidelines: “Any unearned money is laundered money.”

This “victory” was thus a laundered victory.

I know, almost for sure, that if BNP was in power they would have tried to do the same thing. In fact, they tried to do the same thing during the early 2007 national election -when we had an interim government backed by the armed forces for almost two years.

They were brought in to reform our politics, our political system, our political parties, and also free the judiciary, administration, and

the Anti Corruption Commission from the clutches of manipulation. When we look back now, I can’t tell if we have achieved much between now and then.

Democracy has not delivered much in Bangladesh. The people have made many sacrifices, while young, vibrant entrepreneurs have picked up a lot of the slack. We had our military forces almost emerge as an institution. Many of us once thought of them to be our “saviours.” But soon, we were told that it was not their job. Democracy must grow on its own in Bangladesh.

A senior military friend of mine recently gave me a book as a gift -- Managing Defence in a Democracy, by Laura Cleary and Teri McConville. I have yet to read it though. Our political parties have their own definition of democracy, our judiciary is yet to make a firm stance on “where to intervene and where not,” our civil society is divided on the “spirit of liberation,” our teachers have been divided by political gains, and our economists are trying to figure out the right choice between development and democracy.

And many of us are trying to sort out if we are supposed to be too bothered about democracy at all.

Look at Malaysia, Indonesia, or even the Philippines. Do they possess a better democratic model? Let us all oil our own machines.

Good luck to democracy. l Mamun Rashid is a business professor and financial sector entrepreneur.

16

Strong demand to rebalance oil market by early 2016

17

Art of the Japanese company apology: it’s all in the bow

19

Panic sell-off sends stocks into volatility

Forex reserves cross $24bn n Tribune Report The country’s foreign exchange reserves crossed US$24bn mark yesterday, setting a new record.

“The country’s foreign currency reserve has reached to a new height thanks to the stable inflow of remittance and export growth,” said Kazi Sayedur Rahman, general manager of Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department of Bangladesh Bank.

The reserves, which had earlier crossed the $23bn mark for the first time on February 26 this year, are currently strong enough to meet the country’s import bills for more than six months. The country’s foreign currency reserves had crossed $23bn again on March 31 for the second time in a month.

Currently, Bangladesh is ranked second in South Asia in forex reserve, right behind India, which has a reserve of $339.99bn.

Stable remittance inflow is considered, as the major contributor in the recent forex reserve hike. The inflow from middle-eastern countries increased significantly during the last two months from the middle-eastern countries due to the lifting of the bar on manpower export from Bangladesh.

The inflow of remittance rose by 7.6% in the first nine months of the current fiscal year while the country had experienced a fall of

The Children’s Place has pledged to contribute $2 million to the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund to compensate the victims of the factory disaster that killed over 1,135 people.

The Children’s Place, in a statement on Monday, said it would make a $2-million contribution to help the trust fund meet its goal of raising $30 million for the injured and victims’ families.

Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund is very close to reach its much-needed $30 million, which would be $29.5m after realisation of the Children’s Place fund. According to the coordination committee, the fund already received $27.5m as of April 24.

On April 23, Children’s Place – working with International Labour Organisation (ILO) – convened a conference call of major brands and retailers in an attempt to fill the funding gap by the second anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster, said Clean Clothes Campaign.

This call raised over $1 million in donations to the fund and in addition to the dona-

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

BGMEA for keeping 0.3% tax at source

Moody’s rates Bangladesh’s outlook stable for 6th straight year n Tribune Report

The reserves are currently strong enough to meet the country’s import bills for more than six months 13% in remittance earnings during the same period of the last fiscal year.

The country received remittance of $6.68bn in July to March of the fiscal year 2014-15 from the gulf countries compared to $6.21bn in the same period of 2013-14, according to the Bangladesh Bank data.

The expatriates sent remittances worth $7.12bn in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2012-13. After a long break, the Ministry of Labour of Saudi Arabia finally overturned

the ban on the recruitment of Bangladeshi manpower in February 2015.

The number of manpower export into the middle-eastern countries rose by 30% to 25,883 in February, just after lifting the restriction on Bangladeshi workers, compared to 19,928 in the same period of the last year.

The current reserves will help keep the Taka stable against the US dollar, the central bank said. l

Children’s Place to give $2m to Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

20

DT

Business

15

tions, Children’s Place contributed another $2 million to the fund, said the Campaign.

The Children’s Place is an American specialty retailer of children’s apparel and accessories.

“We have been calling on brands to work together to collectively resolve the funding crisis for months, and we welcome the initiative of The Children’s Place in doing so now,” said Sam Maher of the Clean Clothes Campaign.

There remains hope that brands and retailers will continue to step up and make additional contributions in order for entirely making up the fund of $30 million, the amount required to provide the survivors and victims’ families as compensation, said Maher.

Walmart has for months been delaying any further donation, claiming that the Alliance would instead be making a significant payment, Maher said, adding that with only $2.7 million left, the Alliance is presented with a unique opportunity to finally close the gap by making good on its promise by May Day and there is no excuse for any further delay.”

“We have received $27.5 million from donors and need another $2.5m to complete the

compensation, Ramesh Chandra Roy, secretary general of IndustriAll Bangladesh Council, and member of the coordination committee, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We are negotiating with Mango, a retailer, for $2m to make full-fledged compensation.”

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.

On April 24 in 2013, Rana Plaza, which housed five garment factories, a shopping complex at Savar, collapsed, killing 1,135 workers and injuring over 2,500 workers. l

The global rating agency Moody’s has rated Bangladesh’s outlook as stable for the sixth consecutive year.

Moody’s Investors Service has projected Bangladesh’s outlook as stable again for the current year saying that the country’s growth volatility is lower than for almost all other countries rated by the global credit rating agency.

“Bangladesh is rated Ba3 with a stable outlook,” the Moody’s said in its latest analysis, released yesterday.

The Moody’s said that Bangladesh’s Ba3 foreign currency government bond rating reflects its track record of macroeconomic stability, a modest debt burden, and limited external vulnerabilities with an ample foreign reserve buffer.

“But a fractious political environment, narrow tax revenue base, and a very low level of per capita income constrain the rating.”

The agency forecast that growth expanded by 6.1% in the fiscal year ended 30 June 2014, and is expected to rise at a similar pace this year.

At these levels, gross domestic product (GDP) growth is significantly above the 3.5% median for peers in the Ba-rating category, it said.

And – despite natural disasters, political tensions, and a global slowdown – growth volatility is lower than for almost all other countries rated by Moody’s.

However, it found that potential growth is constrained by infrastructure deficiencies.

“Although fiscal deficits are manageable, public finances are constrained by weak revenue collections. Authorities have recently embarked on wide-ranging revenue reforms based on automated systems.”

“Such reforms, if successful, would result in a considerable widening of the tax base,” the Moody’s noted. Tensions between Bangladesh’s ruling party and the main opposition escalated early this year, on the anniversary of national elections held in January 2014. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Strong demand to rebalance oil market by early 2016 n John Kemp Global oil demand is set to rise by 1 million or even 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2015, according to a range of forecasters.

Coupled with a fall in shale output in the second half of the year, as the decline in the US rig count takes effect, that should be enough to bring the oil market near to balance by early 2016.

Worldwide consumption will increase by a little over 1 million bpd in 2015, according to forecasts published this month by both the International Energy Agency and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Ian Taylor, chief executive of Vitol, the world’s largest oil trader, has also predicted demand will grow by around 1 million bpd, at a conference hosted by the Financial Times.

Paul Reed, who heads oil trading for BP, put growth at up to 1.5 million bpd, according to the Financial Times (“BP, Vitol: oil demand will be stronger than forecast” Apr 22).

Consumption has increased by more than 1 million bpd in 11 of the last 20 years, according to the EIA, so growth of 1 million to 1.5 million bpd would not be exceptional.

Moreover, a 1 million bpd increment in demand would represent a much smaller percentage increase than it did 10 or 20 years ago.

Extra consumption of 1 million bpd would represent an increase of just 1.1 percent, a growth rate exceeded in 12 of the last 20 years.

In the last two decades, oil demand growth has only failed to reach this rate when the advanced economies were in recession and in the immediate aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.

In a normal economic expansion, oil consumption has almost invariably grown by at least 1 percent or 1 million bpd, sometimes much more.

Forecasts by IEA, EIA, Vitol and BP therefore appear realistic, provided the global economy does not fall into recession, something which appears unlikely at this point.

Transport

Oil consumption is inextricably linked to the demand for transportation. The transportation sector accounts for 60% of oil consumption worldwide, OPEC estimated in its 2014 World Oil Outlook.

In the United States, three-quarters of the oil consumed was used as fuel for cars, trucks, railroads, ships and aircraft in 2012.

The global aviation and shipping industries each consume more 5 million bpd of fuel moving people and goods around the world.

Private motorists and trucking firms in the United States consume more than 11 million bpd and the global figure for road transport is around 36 million bpd.

Relatively small shifts in the demand for freight and passenger transport can therefore have a large impact on oil demand.

In recent years, global transportation demand has been restrained, first by the sharp rise in fuel prices between 2004 and 2008 and then by the lingering effects of

A man cleans the windshield of his car whilst waiting to fill up with fuel at a Shell gas station in Vina del Mar city, northwest of Santigo the recession in the advanced economies between 2008 and 2012.

Many individuals and businesses travelled less and focused on travelling using less fuel to reduce costs.

But the price of oil has halved since June 2004, thanks to the shale revolution, and the outlook for the global economy is of steady if not spectacular growth.

With these sources of restraint removed, global transport demand is set to grow strongly in 2015 and 2016, and with it the demand for fuel.

Travel boom

There are plenty of reasons to think that demand for both passenger and freight transport will grow strongly this year and next, provided oil prices remain low and the global economy avoids another slowdown.

World trade volumes will rise by 3.3% in 2015 and 4% in 2016, the World Trade Organization has predicted (“Modest trade recovery in 2015 and 2016 following three years of weak expansion” Apr 14).

This is below the long-term trend of 5% in growth in trade volumes per year since 1990, but it is still faster than the 2.8% achieved in 2014, when oil demand nonetheless increased by around 850,000 bpd.

In aviation, the number of passengers is set to increase by more than 6.5% from 2014 to 3.53 billion in 2015, according to

the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines will also carry an extra 2.2 million tonnes of freight, an increase of more than 4% compared with 2014.

As a result, IATA has predicted airlines’ fuel consumption will rise by the equivalent of 260,000 bpd compared with 2014.

At sea, fuel consumption could rise by the same amount, or even more, as freight volumes rise. Cheaper fuel prices are also encouraging an end to slow-steaming, which was introduced as an economy measure during the years of high prices, which will boost fuel demand even more.

On US roads, traffic volumes are up by 3-5% compared with 12 months ago, according to statistics from the Federal Highway Administration and state tax collectors. If the increase in private motoring and freight activity is sustained, it could translate into an increase of 250,000 or even 500,000 bpd in gasoline and diesel consumption.

Rebalancing

just these three sources - shipping, airlines and US roads - could easily account for between 750,000 bpd and 1 million bpd of extra oil demand in 2015.

If cheaper fuel stimulates private driving and road freight in other advanced economies, and transport demand continues to grow in emerging markets across Asia and Latin America, it is easy to see how total oil

REUTERS

consumption could rise by 1 million bpd or even 1.5 million bpd this year.

In the first three months of 2015, US crude oil stocks by an average of 1 million bpd and most analysts put the global supply-demand imbalance at around 1.5-2.0 million bpd.

With global demand set to rise by 1.0-1.5 million bpd this year and US shale output set to fall by perhaps 150,000-300,000 bpd in the second half, it is possible to see a pathway for the oil market to return near to balance by early 2016.

Nonetheless, there are several potential obstacles to rebalancing. First and foremost is the potential rise in Iranian exports if sanctions are lifted. Iran could add an extra 500,000 to 1 million bpd of extra crude to global supplies within a fairly short space of time if and when sanctions are lifted.

A second source of risk to the rebalancing scenario would come if the expected drop in US shale output fails to materialise. Domestic oil prices have already risen by more than 20% from their recent lows and may be nearing the level at which much of the industry could breakeven.

But subject to these risks, the oil market should return to balance by the end of 2015 or within the first half of 2016, provided oil prices remain relatively low and the global economy avoids another recession. l John Kemp is an oil analyst at Reuters. The article was initially published at Reuters.

DT

BUSINESS 17

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Art of the Japanese company apology: it’s all in the bow n AFP, Tokyo

Imagine you’re the head of a US fast-food chain in Japan that has been scandalised by a toothin-french-fries disaster. How do you repair the damage? Bow deeply - and be convincing.

So it was for Sarah Casanova, the Canadian president of McDonald’s Japan, whose less-than-textbook corporate mea culpa this month was an attempt at the tightly choreographed script routinely used by crisis-hit organisations.

With cameras rolling and reporters at the ready, apology press conferences are a mustdo piece of theatre for Japanese firms that wandered from the straight-and-narrow in a country that has a dozen expressions for saying sorry.

Act 1

Wear dark colours, look grim and apologise profusely. Add a liberal sprinkling of words like “unfortunate” and “deeply regrettable”.

Act 2

Take a deep bow - better keep limber since you have got to make like a right angle or you will look like an amateur.

Act 3

Forget about buying a Porsche this year.

You’ve got to cut your pay temporarily or forgo a bonus. Senior managers too.

Acts 4 and 5

Optional add-ons (depending on circumstances) - quit outright, or more likely step aside and put someone else in as CEO. Promise sweeping changes to avoid further scandals.

“This is part of a broader cultural phe-

McDonald’s Japan president Sarah Casanova bowing her head as she announces the company’s restructuring plan AFP nomenon where the leader takes a hit for the team, then hopefully... society at large moves on,” says Jun Okumura, an independent analyst and visiting researcher at the Meiji Institute for Global Affairs.

But what’s most important?

“I don’t know. All of it? After all, it’s a script.

I don’t think Shakespeare said, ‘So-and-so got killed in a fight? Okay, we’ll just drop all the scenes with Mercutio’,” he adds.

“The bow should be as close to 90 degrees as anatomically possible.”

A group of pharmaceutical bosses once took bowing to a legendary level when they

dropped to their knees and touched their noses to the floor after supplying HIV-tainted blood products.

‘No bow low enough’ Television and social media have made it all the more important to convince a Japanese public sensitive to visual cues, says Mitsuru Fukuda, a professor of crisis management and risk communications at Nihon University in Tokyo.

“A big difference is that in the West, facts matter,” he says.

“Japanese journalists... focus on top leaders’ apologies.”

Business communication specialist Yas-

uyuki Mogi adds: “Unless words of apology are at the forefront, many Japanese feel (it) lacks sincerity.”

The boss of disgraced auto parts maker Takata chopped his own pay in half for several months after an exploding airbag crisis was linked to at least five deaths, while the top brass at Sony went without bonuses to atone for awful financial results.

“Well, you need something other than ‘Off with their heads’, don’t you?” says Okumura.

“It’s a financial hit, but as long as they are restored before retirement, the hit to their severance pay and pensions will be small.”

But it will certainly sting in the short run.

Japanese CEOs tend to be rank-and-file company veterans who worked their way up the ladder and are paid much less than overseas counterparts with their boatload of stock options - and egos to match.

“US CEOs are typically hired guns... who market their expertise to the highest bidders - that is not an environment conducive to taking a hit for the company,” Okumura says.

Casanova’s performance got mixed reviews from apology watchers. Some say her foreigner status doomed her chances of being convincing, but others thought her gender could mean reporters would have been easier on her.

But even a picture-perfect effort on Casanova’s part might not have helped much to make up for mounting losses and allay public concerns after a string of food scares, including the human tooth found in a box of french fries, says Jeff Kingston, a professor of Asian Studies at Temple University’s Tokyo campus.

“When you are in the business of selling food and your food is found wanting and considered unhealthy there is no bow low enough to right what is wrong.” l

Study: News industry turning mobile n AFP, Washington The news industry is struggling with a shift to mobile, getting scant revenues as more readers turn to smartphones and tablets for information, a research report showed yesterday.

Those are among the findings of the latest Pew Research Center’s “State of the News Media” report released yesterday, highlighting an ongoing shift in the US media industry landscape.

The report found 39 of the top 50 digital news websites had more traffic from mobile devices than from desktop computers in early 2015, although researchers said people generally spend more time reading news on PCs. Overall, the news media is seeing much of the same trend as it has over the past few years - declines in print circulation and advertising, and a rise in digital news, albeit with limited revenues, Pew found.

Among the bright spots for the industry was television news, where some segments managed to gain viewers.

Pew said broadcast network newscasts boosted viewership by five percent last year, but cable news channels had another difficult year - with prime-time viewership down

eight percent across the three major news channels.

Bad news for print

For newspapers, it was more bad news: daily and Sunday circulation fell another three percent in 2014.

Advertising revenue dropped four percent to $19.9bn - less than half of what it was a decade ago.

That was only partly offset by a one percent rise in circulation revenue, which suggests rising prices for print editions and subscriptions.

Pew said that for “legacy” media like newspapers, data is not available to separate the digital-only segments at each organization.

But the report said digital revenues “remain largely on the wish list” for news organizations, and offered no breakdown on mobile ad revenues for news properties.

The news media, however, is unlikely to get much from mobile ads since five firms - Apple, Facebook, Google, Pandora and Twitter - took in two thirds of mobile ad revenue, the report said.

Digital ad revenue across all media grew to $50.7bn in 2014, according to eMarketer figures cited by Pew.

Mobile ad spending now accounts for 37% of all digital ad spending, with Facebook getting 24% of all display ad revenue and 37% of mobile display.

Digital ‘bumps’

The Pew researchers found the digital side of the news industry is continuing to grow, but unevenly.

Large capital injections were reported by Vice News - which raised a reported $500m last year - and Vox Media, which publishes Vox.com and The Verge and is valued at some $380m after its $46.5m funding round.

Meanwhile BuzzFeed, which has been expanding with its own new capital, had to deal with “ethical questions surrounding the removal of posts that spoke negatively of key advertisers,” the Pew report said.

And longtime tech journalism outlet Gigaom shut down in March when it was unable to pay its creditors.

Pew said the number of entries in digital news are now “so numerous and varied that they are difficult to keep track of” and that “the pace of technological evolution and the multiplicity of choices... show no sign of slowing down.”

The researchers said the top “digital news entity” was Yahoo-ABC News, with more than 127 million users, including 93 million who access from a mobile device.

The others in the top 10, in order, were CNN, NBC News, Huffington Post, CBS News, USA Today, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, Fox News and Mail Online. Each of the top 10 had more users on mobile than desktop.

For large newspapers, digital audience numbers far outpace circulation: The New York Times, for example, had an average weekday print circulation of less than 650,000, while its website and apps attracted nearly 54 million visitors in January 2015.

But Pew said online visits averaged just 4.6 minutes for the Times, indicative of the “flyby” nature of online news.

Newspapers have done little to alleviate their financial woes.

Overall advertising revenues fell to $20bn last year, down from a peak of $47bn in 2005.

But digital has failed to make up more than $3.5bn of the total.

Newsroom employment was down another three percent in 2013, the latest year for which data was available, Pew said, after a six percent drop in 2012. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

News, Analysis and Recent Disclosers RANFOUNDRY: 22% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.20, NAV per share of Tk. 20.00.

PREMIERLEA: No dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.07, NAV per share of Tk. 11.35.

BDFINANCE: 5% cash dividend, AGM: 29.06.2015, Record Date: 10.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.94, NAV per share of Tk. 14.49.

NFML: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 04.06.2015, Record Date: 12.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.77, NAV per share of Tk. 14.41.

PHENIXINS: 20% cash dividend, AGM: 10.06.2015, Record date: 11.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.42, NAV per share of Tk. 32.63.

BXSYNTH: No dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.31, NAV per share of Tk. 24.72.

SONARBAINS: 6% cash and 6% stock dividend, AGM: 25.07.2015, Record Date: 19.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.65, NAV per share of Tk. 15.34.

PARAMOUNT: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 11.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.47, NAV per share of Tk. 14.13.

SPCERAMICS: No dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.02, NAV per share of Tk. 29.02.

BEXIMCO: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.06, NAV per share of Tk. 83.93.

GENNEXT: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 11.05.2015. Weighted EPS of Tk. 1.76, Fully Diluted EPS of Tk. 1.54, NAV per share of Tk. 14.04.

BXPHARMA: 10% cash and 5% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 4.15, NAV per share of Tk. 56.87.

DHAKAINS: 8% cash and 7% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.84, NAV per share of Tk. 17.89.

ASIAPACINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 16.08.2015, Record Date: 30.06.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.50, NAV per share of Tk. 16.74.

FASFIN: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 30.05.2015, Record Date: 12.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.22, NAV per share of Tk. 14.54.

STANDARINS: 12% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 2.66, NAV per share of Tk. 17.15.

ACIFORMULA: 30% cash dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. Basic EPS of Tk. 4.14, NAV per share of Tk. 40.08.

REPUBLIC: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.71, NAV per share of Tk. 13.98.

BATASHOE: 105% final cash dividend in addition to the 175% interim cash dividend declared and paid in December 2014 thus making a total 280% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 10.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 51.22, NAV per share of Tk. 187.94.

FEDERALINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 29.06.2015, Record Date: 18.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.09, NAV per share of Tk. 12.06.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company ACI Formulations-A United Power-N Standard Ceramic -A Bangladesh Lamps -A ACI Limited- A Libra Infusions-A FAS Fin. & Inv. Ltd-B ICB AMCL 1st NRB -A Monno Stafllers -A Rahim Textile -A

Closing (% Change) 10.09 9.75 8.72 8.27 7.41 7.25 7.21 7.14 6.17 5.50

CSE GAINER Company Paramount Insur-A ACI Formulations-A United Power-N Ambee Pharma -A Uttara Finance -A ACI Limited- A Generation Next Fashions-A JMI Syringes MDL-A IFIL Islamic M.F.1-A BD Building Systems -A

Closing (% Change) 17.27 9.91 9.84 8.26 7.63 7.49 5.41 4.53 4.17 3.74

DSE LOSER Company Beximco Syn.-Z Shinepukur Cera-Z BSRM Ltd. -N Premier Leasing-Z Atlas BD-A R. N. Spinning-Z aamra technologies-A Samata LeatheR -Z Alltex Industries -Z Dulamia CottonZ

Closing (% Change) -18.09 -18.02 -14.62 -12.00 -9.76 -9.76 -9.57 -8.93 -8.53 -8.00

CSE LOSER Company Standard Insurance-A Beximco Syn.-Z Nitol Insurance -A Shinepukur Cera-Z BSRM Ltd. -N Premier Leasing-Z aamra technologies-A Popular Life Insu. -A R. N. Spinning-Z Rangpur Dairy-N

Closing (% Change) -50.00 -22.68 -20.70 -20.54 -13.18 -12.16 -9.97 -9.91 -9.88 -9.15

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features April 29, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

3,161.76 78,624,243 91,391

Traded Issues

311

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

132

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

174

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,360.20

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.61

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 347.43 66.46 15.65 448.10 106.87 712.87 0.42 284.50 642.12 7.04 116.69 33.50 22.10 42.43 58.81 12.57 29.61 90.05 39.90 80.06 4.58

% change 10.99 2.10 0.50 14.17 3.38 22.55 0.01 9.00 20.31 0.22 3.69 1.06 0.70 1.34 1.86 0.40 0.94 2.85 1.26 2.53 0.14

Million Taka 8.72 123.23 0.89 52.76 3.91 85.85 22.32 29.40 1.18 12.01 0.12 1.06 4.52 5.91 0.45 1.16 16.60 5.17 14.73 0.00

Average (% Change) 8.61 3.25 8.35 5.68 7.99 6.45 5.68 7.08 4.27 4.69

Average (% Change) 15.80 8.25 3.28 8.27 9.86 8.07 7.34 3.27 4.17 4.50

Average (% Change) -19.25 -16.53 -7.63 -15.75 -8.16 -9.02 -7.52 -9.90 -2.42 -7.20

Average (% Change) -49.77 -21.79 -17.58 -20.20 -7.97 -12.03 -7.61 -9.93 -8.26 -4.92

CSE

ClosingAvg. 151.30 186.61 34.90 101.47 545.60 330.00 11.73 18.00 285.06 203.40

ClosingAvg. 12.90 150.89 186.03 286.91 53.60 544.23 11.85 172.05 5.00 39.49

ClosingAvg. 7.80 9.44 70.67 6.42 98.27 22.20 30.00 15.02 24.58 6.96

ClosingAvg.

% change 2.24 31.60 0.23 13.53 1.00 22.01 0.00 5.72 7.54 0.30 3.08 0.03 0.27 1.16 1.51 0.12 0.30 4.26 1.33 3.78 0.00

8.64 7.68 18.00 8.93 70.69 6.51 29.73 90.00 22.87 13.54

Closing 153.80 190.30 34.90 103.40 553.60 330.00 11.90 18.00 289.30 205.40

Closing 12.90 154.10 189.70 286.90 53.60 547.10 11.70 172.90 5.00 38.80

Closing 7.70 9.10 66.60 6.60 97.10 22.20 29.30 15.30 23.60 6.90

Closing

DHIGH 157.00 190.70 34.90 104.90 554.00 330.00 12.20 18.30 291.00 207.50

DHIGH

136.00 176.00 34.90 95.40 517.00 330.00 11.50 17.80 271.00 199.00

DLOW

12.90 156.90 189.90 287.00 53.60 547.10 12.10 174.00 5.00 40.20

DHIGH

12.90 144.00 177.20 286.90 53.60 516.20 11.40 170.10 5.00 38.50

DLOW

8.40 10.00 80.00 7.00 102.00 22.20 32.00 15.40 25.90 7.00

DHIGH

8.60 7.50 18.00 8.90 67.20 6.50 28.90 90.00 22.80 12.90

Million Taka 356.15 189.68 16.54 500.86 110.78 798.72 0.42 306.83 671.52 8.22 128.70 33.62 23.15 46.95 64.72 13.02 30.77 106.65 45.07 94.79 4.58

DLOW

7.30 8.90 65.30 6.20 96.90 22.20 29.20 15.30 23.30 6.80

DLOW

5.00 8.20 18.00 9.00 79.80 6.60 30.60 90.00 23.50 14.20

Total

13.00 7.40 18.00 8.70 66.20 6.40 28.90 90.00 22.80 12.80

% change 10.03 5.34 0.47 14.10 3.12 22.49 0.01 8.64 18.91 0.23 3.62 0.95 0.65 1.32 1.82 0.37 0.87 3.00 1.27 2.67 0.13

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

246.797 307.659 0.001 3.577 205.882 0.002 0.488 0.180 1.927 0.922

Turnover in Million

6.80 7.11 0.52 3.20 9.57 3.38 1.27 2.86 1.17 9.98

Latest EPS

0.000 15.557 42.802 0.010 0.000 5.661 2.929 0.548 0.023 0.607

Turnover in Million

22.3 26.2 67.1 31.7 57.0 97.6 9.2 6.3 243.6 20.4

Latest PE

1.13 6.80 7.11 4.68 9.43 9.57 1.84 4.48 1.04 2.72

Latest EPS

1.599 4.659 97.785 2.211 1.532 5.318 17.500 0.015 22.067 0.008

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

11.4 22.2 26.2 61.3 5.7 56.9 6.4 38.4 4.8 14.5

Latest PE

0.08 0.39 1.59 0.08 -1.24 2.19 2.04 -0.46 2.02 -4.02

Latest EPS

0.001 0.387 0.002 0.068 25.461 0.158 2.586 0.036 1.525 1.231

97.5 24.2 44.4 80.3 -ve 10.1 14.7 -ve 12.2 -ve

Latest PE

3.07 0.08 3.14 0.39 1.59 0.08 2.04 2.89 2.19 1.11

2.8 96.0 5.7 22.9 44.5 81.4 14.6 31.1 10.4 12.2

CSE key features April 29, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

389.98 16,492,612 14,744

Traded Issues

218

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

82

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

132

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,300.65

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

27.89

DT

BUSINESS 19

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Panic sell-off sends stocks into volatility n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N ACI Formulations-A ACI Limited- A Social Islami. B-A WesternMarine -N BSRM Ltd. -N Shasha Denims -N Ifad Autos -N MJL BD Ltd.-A Khulna Power-A

Shahjibazar Power-N SAIF Powertec-N Brac Bank -A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Square Pharma -A

VolumeShares 1,648,706 1,631,201 377,352 8,200,093 2,117,259 1,383,626 2,438,759 1,155,586 720,625 1,407,464

Value in Million 307.66 246.80 205.88 102.40 99.73 97.79 94.92 92.00 90.99 89.06

% of TotalTurnover 9.73 7.81 6.51 3.24 3.15 3.09 3.00 2.91 2.88 2.82

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

480,996 1,082,089 1,864,402 2,253,110 228,675

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Intl. Leasing-B United Power-N BSRM Ltd. -N MJL BD Ltd.-A ACI Formulations-A BD Submarine Cable-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A WesternMarine -N Khulna Power-A SAIF Powertec-N

Shahjibazar Power-N ACI Limited- A SummitAlliancePort.-A Grameenphone-A UNITED AIR-A

10,021,500 230,085 360,170 157,326 103,097 109,057 455,306 257,039 141,310 101,462

37,175 10,401 92,830 12,035 545,481

83.85 75.13 61.55 60.71 56.81

120.27 42.80 25.46 20.04 15.56 12.65 12.21 12.11 8.93 7.12

6.47 5.66 4.81 3.94 3.82

2.65 2.38 1.95 1.92 1.80

30.84 10.98 6.53 5.14 3.99 3.24 3.13 3.10 2.29 1.83

1.66 1.45 1.23 1.01 0.98

ClosingP 190.30 153.80 553.60 13.90 46.00 66.60 38.50 79.00 125.90 62.30

174.50 70.00 32.90 27.00 247.80

ClosingP

Change % 9.75 10.09 7.41 1.46 -5.93 -14.62 -1.79 0.51 -0.16 -1.89

0.75 2.34 -0.90 3.45 -0.60

Change %

12.90 189.70 67.20 125.70 154.10 115.80 27.00 45.90 62.30 70.00

174.70 547.10 50.40 326.80 7.00

0.78 9.84 -13.18 -0.16 9.91 1.31 3.05 -5.94 -1.89 3.24

2.16 7.49 -3.45 -1.33 -1.41

ClosingY 173.40 139.70 515.40 13.70 48.90 78.00 39.20 78.60 126.10 63.50

173.20 68.40 33.20 26.10 249.30

ClosingY

12.80 172.70 77.40 125.90 140.20 114.30 26.20 48.80 63.50 67.80

171.00 509.00 52.20 331.20 7.10

DHIGH 190.70 157.00 554.00 13.90 49.40 80.00 39.90 82.10 127.80 64.50

176.90 71.40 33.50 28.20 251.00

DHIGH

12.90 189.90 79.80 130.00 156.90 118.80 28.10 49.40 64.70 72.00

176.70 547.10 53.80 330.00 7.10

DLOW 176.00 136.00 517.00 12.40 45.60 65.30 38.10 77.10 122.60 61.70

168.00 67.00 32.50 25.60 247.00

DLOW

12.10 177.20 66.20 122.00 144.00 112.60 25.70 45.00 62.00 67.00

168.00 516.20 50.00 326.00 6.90

AvgPrice 186.61 151.30 545.60 12.49 47.10 70.67 38.92 79.61 126.26 63.28

174.32 69.43 33.01 26.94 248.42

AvgPrice

12.00 186.03 70.69 127.39 150.89 116.03 26.81 47.10 63.17 70.22

174.15 544.23 51.87 327.54 7.01

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

4099.20548

(-) 0.47%

1562.93464

(-) 0.31%

12644.31690

(-) 0.33%

10365.46890

(+) 0.66%

7681.77850

(-) 0.24%

Stocks ended marginally lower with panic-driven sell-off and high volatility yesterday just a day after three city corporation polls marred by allegations of massive rigging.

The trading resumed after a general holiday due to elections in the country’s two major cities – Dhaka and Chittagong.

The market moved between positive and negative heavily with more than 70 points intraday volatility, as investors released their holdings while state-owned organistions, including ICB, bought shares to prevent free-fall, market sources said.

The benchmark index DSEX lost 19 points or 0.5% to close at 4,099. The Shariah Index DSES was down over 8 points or 0.9% to 1,005. The comprising blue chips DS30 inched nearly 5 points down or 0.4% to 1,562.

Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, closed at 7,681, falling 12 points.

Selling pressure dominated the morning trade. However, the sellers got exhausted after five days of selling frenzy and late buying interest helped the market close marginally higher, dealers said.

Trading activities continued to decline as investors’ worries intensified over the course of political situation after the controversial corporation polls, according to them.

Dhaka Stock Exchange turnover stood at Tk316 crore, slightly down over the previous session.

LankaBangla Securities said the market continued to struggle below the 4150 mark amid panic sell throughout the day.

It said stocks opened negative in the first hour after BNP’s pulling out of Tuesday’s city polls.

“Market has currently reached to an oversold position on continual selling pressure after breaking 4200 psychological level in the last week.”

IDLC Investments said as investors remained pessimistic about a stable political calm in coming days, they continued liquidating their holdings in adverse prices.

Multiple corporate declarations entered the market and played vital role in price movements. Notably, ACI Formulations appreciated 10% following positive declarations, while Beximco Synthetic and Shinepukur Ceramics plunged 18% respectively with disappointing earnings coupled with no dividend declaration. l

▼ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▼

ANALYST Market has currently reached to an oversold position on continual selling pressure after breaking 4200 psychological level in the last week

DT

20 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

No fund to build new roads in FY16 budget n Tribune Report

Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the upcoming national budget would not include any allocation for construction of new roads and highways in the country.

“Both in terms of demography and distance, we’ve the highest road availability. So, no new road will be constructed. Only the old ones will be repaired,” he said at a pre-budget views exchange meeting with the members of Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at his secretariat office yesterday.

Besides, Muhith said the budget for next two years will be prepared on the basis of the economists’ forecast that the global economy will come out of recession during the time.

“The global economy has been in recession for last couple of years, but the economists say that the economy will improve in next two years. Finance division will prepare the budget on the basis of the forecast.”

Muhith said they had laid emphasis on the country’s infrastructure and transportation sector in last six years and would continue to focus on human development, health and sanitation in the next budget.

He said the government gave facilities regarding corporate tax in the current fiscal year, which is, however, not rational.

Muhith said it is also not good for companies who are going to be listed with the country’s capital markets. “We will review the corporate tax position of them.”

Besides, the surcharge will also be reviewed before announcement of next fiscal year’s budget.

“Wealth tax is yet to be implemented. It will be introduced as property tax from next fiscal year,” Muhith said.

The meeting also discussed political situation, lack of infrastructure, increased foreign investment, lack of land, investment in the project of Public-Private Partnership initiatives, banking sector’s reform, simplifying the process of tax return submission and clarifying the government’s position on whitening of black money.

Finance minister said they had decided to put emphasis on collection of local resources in the next fiscal year’s budget.

During last 26 years, the country’s local resources have increased by 3% of GDP, he said.

Bank Division secretary M Aslam Alam, Finance Division’s senior secretary Mahbub Ahmed, National Board of Revenue chairman Najibur Rahman, ERF president Sultan Mahmud and secretary Sajjadur Rahman, among others, were present. l

BGMEA for keeping 0.3% tax at source n Tribune Report Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to continue and settle down the existing 0.30% tax at source on export for the next five years.

The leaders of the apex body have also requested the NBR to exempt the apparel makers from all kind of tax including import-duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Advance Income Tax (AIT) on the import of construction materials for the factories to be constructed in Garment Economic Zone.

BGMEA President Atiqul Islam came out with a set of recommendations to the NBR for considering in the budget for the fiscal year 2015-16 at a meeting with revenue body held at its headquarters in the capital. NBR Senior Member Farid Uddin chaired the meeting.

He also demanded same sort of tax benefits for importing Fire Proof Colour Coating to be used as pre-fabricated building materials.

Attending the meeting, Atiqul said: “We’ve introduced a website called ‘fair factory clearing house’ to meet the demand from the buyers following devastating Rana Plaza collapse.”

“Buyers representing 220 brands from across the world can now have updated information on 1700 factories under the platform of BGMEA. They can also be informed about any crack or any error in the factories from our website, so no factories excepting the compliant ones can run business in Bangladesh,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming budget, the BGMEA President opined that the budget was set

to be a challenging one.

Demanding special benefits for RMG sector from NBR in this coming budget, he also recommended the NBR to continue income tax at a minimised rate of 10% for the next five years.

The other demands from the apparel makers include duty free import of fire preventing and energy saving machinery for a compliant and green industry, withdrawal of authority from ‘Custom Valuation and Internal Audit Commissionerate’ in regard to the inspection of bonded warehouse benefits enjoyed by export oriented apparel factories, finalisation of 3% interest rate on loans against Effluent Treatment Plant construction, etc.

In case of VAT, the association proposed total exemption of VAT on the use of gas, water and electricity.

Atiqul Islam requested the NBR to exempt the due VAT piled up on the purchase of local products from 2005 to 2012.

“We are enjoying VAT exemption on purchase of products from local market since 2013, but now, the NBR is claiming VAT from us for the previous years that we are unable to pay now,” he said.

Atiqul asked the NBR to exempt them from VAT on different services including laboratory test charge, consultancy charge, compliance audit charge, legal consultancy charge, CSR-related charges, building construction charge, courier service charge etc.

The NBR should allow the apparel exporters to get 2% special cash incentive, instead of current 0.25% on free on board (FOB) prices, opined the BGMEA. In response, NBR member Farid Uddin

praised the apparel manufacturers for three reasons-contribution to the country’s foreign currency income, employment generation and women empowerment, and also for branding Bangladesh abroad.

He also stressed on a partnership among NBR, Bangladesh Bank, Banking Institutions and businesses to go forward with integrated approach.

At the same meeting, the NBR also discussed with the representatives from Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA), Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) and Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA).

BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowdhury urged the NBR to authorise the association to give Utilisation Permission (UP) to its members.

He also noted that NBR should allow the organisations to avail continuous or extension of the bond facilities for the members of BGAPMEA to boost export.

BGAPMEA’s other demands include duty-free import of materials for pre-fabricated building construction, incentive package for exporters, allowing each export-oriented factory with duty free import of a delivery van for product distribution, and consideration of whole factory premises as bonded area.

Meanwhile, the BKMEA requested NBR to introduce tax at source on cost of making, instead of free on board prices, increase of cash incentive at 8% from existing 5%, duty and VAT free import of fire safety equipments, and duty free import of all retail machinery. l

ICT taxation in Bangladesh highest among 125 n Tribune Report Bangladesh has the highest rate of ICT taxation among 125 countries, holding back its ICT development, said a study.

A study by Miller and Atkinson under the auspices of International Technology Information Foundation (ITIF) showed that China imposes the lowest taxation of 3% while Bangladesh slaps 58%, which is the highest taxation on primary basket of ICT goods and services used in the study.

The second highest taxation is in Turky imposing 26%, followed by Congo, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nigeria and Kenya.

The survey consists of taxes and customs duties on basic mobile phones, smart phones, computers and other digital cameras and au-

dio services.

ICT taxation in 40 of the countries are low ranging between 3%-5% while the rest impose 5%-20% tax.

Policy Research Institute (PRI) Vice-Chairman Sadiq Ahmed highlighted the study report in his presentation paper at a seminar on Strengthening the ICT Revolution in Bangladesh in a city hotel yesterday.

Analyzing the study report, he said the Miller and Atkinson study looked at price elasticities of ICT demand and concluded that this elasticity is quite high for Bangladesh.

These taxes are a major reason for the low use of ICT services in Bangladesh compared to other countries, according to the study report.

Using alternative price elasticity assumptions of demand, the study concluded that the

negative effects of high ICT taxation is reducing the demand for ICT services.

“This is a very worrisome finding and raises serious concerns about the government priority given to the spread of the ICT revolution,” Sadiq Ahmed said.

He added that the high taxation issue has now come to the fore and foreign investors are reluctant to further investing into new mobile network or acquiring additional radio spectrum in Bangladesh in view of low profitability.

The presentation paper suggested that a special challenge will be to further increase the mobile tele-density and to expand internet and bandwidth connectivity through investments in network infrastructure as well as to lower access cost through reductions in ICT taxes. l

Muhith: Economic impact of political unrest not significant n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said there was no significant economic losses during three months of political unrest in the country and the GDP growth would be around 7% this fiscal year.

“The damage was not serious and equivalent to just one month’s loss,” he told a prebudget discussion with the leaders of the Economic Reporters’ Forum at his secretariat office in Dhaka.

Muhith said the growth of gross domestic product in the fiscal year 2014-15 would be close to 7% while the government’s previous growth forecast was 7.3%.

However, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank cut their GDP growth forecasts to 6% as the economy was hit hard by the nationwide non-stop transport blockade and frequent shutdowns called by BNP-led alliance during the January-March period demanding a credible general election. l

Novo Nordisk has recently launched new generation insulin named Ryzodeg® for people with type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Maziar Mike Doustdar, senior vice president for international operation of Novo Nordisk was present at the press conference among others, said a press release DHAKA TRIBUNE

NEWS

10% discount at Laser Medical Center Laser Medical Center is offering a 10% discount on all kinds of medical services such as skin laser, hair removal, body shaping, anti-ageing, fillers, hair re-growth, etc. This discount offer will be run till May 13, 2015. For more details contact - 121/c Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan-2 and Shimanto Square, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Contact 01727001199, www.lasermedicalbd.com, facebook/lasermedicalcenter.

DT

Photo: Bigstock

T-JUNCTION

Hats off

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

INSIDE

22

Hot Topic

The need for an international degree

23

adornment

When roses aren’t red news

Crimson Cup Coffee and Tea now in Banani

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Hot Topic

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

The need for an international degree How a foreign degree can help you achieve greater heights

“That’s how during our first of many intimate conversations, my academic advisor at the University of Manchester summarised my upcoming experience as an international student. In this historic university, I was slotted to be one of the members of the Class of 2014, which was said to be the most diverse pool of recruited students in the entire history of the university.”

“Internationalisation is a source of differentiation and competitive advantage”

nSumaiya Afreen Although there are a number of reputed local universities in Bangladesh, no one can negate the importance of international experience for the modern leaders of Bangladesh. Today’s doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers and all other professionals have the need for a comprehensive international education experience.

After all, it is no longer just about the education. Leaders today need to find solutions to social problems in growing up, which are only possible through attaining knowledge and perspective about how different cultures have succeeded.

International education enables students to widen their perspectives and experience an array of different cultures by studying with people from various socio-cultural backgrounds, which eventually results in better leadership qualities.

An internationally recognised degree also opens doors to a lot more future career opportunities by allowing students to build strong personal connections and providing diverse life experiences. Most international universities are accredited and have their alumni in prominent positions both in Bangladesh and abroad.

Hence, employers place higher trust upon international degrees than local ones.

In this era of globalisation where knowing one language is not sufficient at all, international education accelerates and complements fluency in reading, writing and learning new foreign languages. Studying at a local university, regardless of how reputed it is, cannot relatively provide someone with as many personal growth opportunities and life experiences as going to a university abroad can. Bridging the cultural and linguistic differences is possible only with the experience international education can give you.

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Hot Topic

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

How do you get into universities abroad?

For one option, you may choose to consult with international education and career intelligence firms like GradConnect. At GradConnect, they make it possible for the youth of Bangladesh to pursue education at accredited universities worldwide. Their reach is global, and they pride themselves on their abilities to assist students to find and apply to the perfect university according to their profile. They do not act as an agent to any particular university, but are rather professional guidance counsellors who act on behalf of the students unlike agents of universities. For reference, go to www.grad-insights.com.

Sumaiya Afreen is the lead manager, International Education at GradConnect. She can be reached at sumaiya@grad-connect.com

Photos: Bigstock

“I, as the GradCoach, am a mentor to these students who have so many potentials in life. I assist them in realising their dreams and establishing a perfect pathway through which these young and talented people can achieve great things in life. When I see how highly ambitious yet practical today’s young people are, and how much they have already achieved in their short life, I feel inspired to work tirelessly with them to help them capitalise on their capabilities. I am now filled with a great deal of hope, even in all this chaos, for the future of Bangladesh, which I believe will go into the hands of these talented youth who will definitely give their best for our beloved motherland.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30 2015

Ticket

adornment

When roses aren’t red Can you paint with all the colours of the wind?

So it’s not Valentine’s Day or even your boo’s birthday. You don’t need a special occasion to surprise your loved ones with a beautiful bouquet. There is nothing better than getting the gift of flowers on a regular old day. How about a new twist on those old blooms? Blue roses anyone? Zonayed’s Luxury Designer Flowers just don’t stop at the calming hues of the sea. Check out the myriad of shades and adorable packaging they’ve got going on. You can pick them up at their outlet in Banani or even have them delivered to your desired destination. What are you waiting for? Make the call now!

Contact them at: Telephone: 01757-573706 zonayeds.com/

Photos: Courtesy

news

Crimson Cup Coffee and Tea now in Banani Crimson Cup Coffee – the popular coffee brand based in Columbus, Ohio in the United States of America is now available in Bangladesh.

People who love coffee know that the best coffee beans in the world are extracted from the South American lands. The taste of Latin American coffee is a little bit different and better than coffee that is brought from other countries.

For people who have not yet tasted this special brand of coffee would shortly have the opportunity to taste this at Columbus Coffee, which is going to present the famous Crimson Cup Coffee right here in Dhaka.

Columbus Coffee, situated at Banani-11 in Dhaka will offer different varieties of specialty espresso based coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, mocha and other special Crimson Cup’s iced and frozen drinks.

Besides, they will also be offering delicious bakery items such as brownies, donuts, cheese cakes and red velvet cakes.

Rehanur Rahman, director of Columbus Coffee Shop said, the coffee shop will start operation in full swing from May 15, 2015.

Radisson Blu Chittagong

On the inaugural ceremony on that day, an attractive discount will be offered for the customers. For more details, visit House 25, (2nd floor), Road 11, Block H, Banani, Dhaka.

Hotline - 01936 000208. Facebook page: facebook.com/columbuscoffeebd. l

Radisson Blu Chittagong Bay View is located at the heart of Chittagong, 40 minutes’ drive from the Chittagong International Airport and in close proximity of the business hub of the city. With 241 spacious rooms, the hotel is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers, and an attractive venue for banquets, weddings, conventions, seminars and small meetings.

For more information call +88 031 619800, radissonblu.com/hotelchittagong.

Sunil Narine has been banned from bowling his offbreaks in any match organised by the BCCI, including in the IPL. He may, however, continue to bowl his other deliveries

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I SHOULD NOT HAVE PLAYED THAT SHOT: SOUMYA

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MUSHFIQ INJURES RIGHT RING FINGER

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BEST SINCE BRADMAN MAKES HISTORY

SCORECARD, DAY 2 BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS Tamim Iqbal c Azhar b Yasir Imrul Kayes c & b Hafeez Mominul Haque lbw b Babar Mahmudullah c Sarfraz b Wahab Shakib Al Hasan c Shafiq b Babar Mushfiqur Rahim c Misbah b Yasir Soumya Sarkar c Shafiq b Hafeez Shuvagata Hom not out Taijul Islam b Yasir Shah Mohammad Shahid c Misbah b Wahab Rubel Hossain c Sarfraz b Wahab Raz Extras (lb 5, nb 7)

R 25 51 80 49 25 32 33 12 1 10 2 12

Total (all out; 120 overs)

332

B 74 130 162 123 61 71 55 11 11 15 10

Fall of wickets 1-52 (Tamim), 2-92 (Kayes), 3-187 (Mahmudullah), 4-236 (Mominul), 5-243 (Shakib), 6-305 (Soumya), 7-310 (Mushfiq), 8-312 (Taijul), 9-329 (Shahid), 10-332 (Rubel) Bowling Junaid 16-2-40-0, Wahab 26-7-55-3, Hafeez 185-47-2, Babar 32-3-99-2, Yasir 28-4-86-3

PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS Mohammad Hafeez not out Sami Aslam c Mushfiq b Taijul Azhar Ali not out Extras (lb 2, nb 3)

R 137 20 65 5

Total (1 wicket; 58 overs)

227

B 179 36 136

Fall of wickets 1-50 (Sami)

Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim leaves the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in disappointment following his dismissal on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Bowling Rubel 11-0-50-0, Shahid 7-0-29-0, Taijul 162-43-1, Shuvagata 8-0-34-0, Shakib 12-0-570, Mahmudullah 2-0-9-0, Soumya 1-0-2-0, Mominul 1-0-1-0 Pakistan trail by 105 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

Batting collapse hands Pakistan initiative n Minhaz Uddin Khan from Khulna A high-flying Bangladesh were brought right back down to earth following the conclusion of the second day of the first Test at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium as Pakistan posted 227/1 in their first innings, replying to the Tigers’ 332-allout.

The visitors dominated the proceedings yesterday, starting right from the morning session when the home side lost four wickets resuming on their overnight score of 236/4.

The hosts lost their remaining two wickets in the afternoon session to end their first innings on a disappointing note, conceding six wickets on the second day for the addition of 96 runs.

Later, Pakistan rode their luck whilst progressing at a brisk scoring rate as veteran

campaigner Mohammad Hafeez smashed his eighth Test hundred, and his third in as many matches. Trailing by 105 runs with nine wickets remaining, Pakistan would look to drive home the advantage when they come out to bat today.

Earlier, it all started with Shakib al Hasan’s dismissal as the all-rounder danced down the pitch to left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar only to present an easy catch to Asad Shafiq stationed at leg-slip.

Shakib added only six runs to his overnight score of 19 but the SANS crowd were still hopeful as debutant Soumya Sarkar arrived to the crease to join skipper Mushfiqur Rahim.

The sixth-wicket duo provided some respite, putting on 62 runs to take the home side past the 300-run mark for only the third time against Pakistan in nine Tests.

Even though Soumya made 33, he initially appeared apprehensive. The majestic

left-hander tried to blast his way out of hesitance and was somewhat successful, striking five crisp boundaries. However, like Shakib, Soumya too had to pay dearly for going for one shot too many.

And when Soumya departed, it was only a matter of time before Bangladesh crumbled their way to 332-allout.

Eight balls after Soumya’s departure, it was Mushfiq’s turn to make his way to the dressing room. Mushfiq, who scored 32 from 71 balls, was an extremely dejected man as the hosts were depending on him to rescue them at a crucial juncture of the game.

The rest of Bangladesh’s first innings was a mere formality as the Pakistan bowlers mopped up the tail.

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz was awarded for his persistence as he scalped three wickets while right-arm leg-spinner Yasir Shah also bagged three.

In pursuit of a below-par 332, Pakistan

made an energetic start as their batsmen complemented the efforts of their bowlers perfectly.

Hafeez, alongside debutant Sami Aslam, posted 50 runs for the opening wicket before left-arm spinner Taijul Islam removed the latter for 20. This proved to be the only success for the Bangladesh bowlers on a hot and humid day under clear blue skies.

The Bangladesh bowlers lacked bite and enthusiasm as Hafeez took charge.

Azhar Ali, coming in at No 3, provided valuable support to his senior teammate as they added an unbroken 117-run stand for the second wicket.

Hafeez, who had a terrible run in the limited-over leg of the bilateral series, rediscovered his mojo and led Pakistan’s strong reply, making an unbeaten 137 off 179 deliveries.

The right-hander struck a dozen fours and two sixes while Azhar, on the other end, remained undefeated on 65 from 136 balls.l

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I should not have played that shot: Soumya n Minhaz Uddin Khan from Khulna With Bangladesh resuming the second day of the first Test against Pakistan on 236/4, many thought the hosts would kick on and post an imposing total in their first innings.

The Tigers’ two mainstays – Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim – were there at the crease when the day’s proceedings began and the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium crowd were hopeful that the middle- and the lowerorder would be able to chip in with their contributions.

Shakib, however, departed early, adding only six runs to his overnight score of 19.

Mushfiq was then joined at the crease by debutant Soumya Sarkar and the sixth-wicket pair put on 62 runs to provide a glimmer of hope to the fans. From a relatively good position of 305/5 though, it went horribly wrong for Bangladesh and many thought Soumya’s departure triggered the collapse.

The Tigers were guilty of throwing away their wickets as they crumbled to 332-allout, their last five wickets falling for just 27 runs.

In reply, the Pakistan batsmen made merry of the opposition bowling attack which lacked bite and verve. The feather-bed that is the SANS offered plenty of runs and had barely any purchase for the bowlers as the visitors racked up 227/1 by the end of the day’s play, trailing the home side by 105 runs.

Seeing the way the Pakistan batsmen applied themselves at the middle, Soumya must have been ruing his dismissal as he crafted a start but failed to capitalise, departing for 33 after attempting one shot too many.

And, in the post-day press conference, the

elegant left-hander said exactly that, informing that he should not have gone for the expansive shot that had led to his departure.

“I should not have played that shot at that time. I thought it was a bad shot after I had played it. I do not want to repeat the same mistakes from before,” Soumya told the media after the conclusion of the day’s play.

“I was very excited before I went out to bat today (yesterday). But, there was a change when I went to the middle. I wanted to play how I usually play. I was not focusing on who I was playing against or the circumstances of my debut.

The budding cricketer from Satkhira, however, expressed his belief with regards to a possible comeback from the Tigers.

“We are waiting for one good session to come back to the game. If we can do that tomorrow (today) morning, the momentum will swing back in favour of us,” said Soumya.

Pakistan spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, on the other hand, informed that the visitors were surprised at the way the Bangladesh batsmen conceded their momentum in the Test match.

“We didn’t believe that Bangladesh would collapse this way as the pitch was slow. But, I should credit my bowlers who did very well and the fielders today (yesterday) supported them to make it their day,” said Mushtaq.

“The idea today (yesterday) was to avoid losing wickets and get the flow of runs as much as we can. This wicket requires some caution. [Mohammad] Hafeez did very well with his approach and I will give him full credit for his outstanding performance,” said Mushtaq. l

Bangladesh Test debutant Soumya Sarkar (R) congratulates Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez on his eighth hundred during the second day of the first Test in Khulna yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

TOUR TIDBITS

BANGLADESH v PAKISTAN, 1st Test, Day 2, Khulna Rubel Hossain brings crowd on their feet

The Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium crowd experienced a disappointing second day as Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for the addition of only 27 runs to end their first innings on 332-allout. Resuming on 236/4, the majority believed that the Tigers’ lower half would bat out most of the second day only to be dejected as they conceded four wickets in the first session alone.

The stands and galleries, all peace and quiet, however, soon erupted in joy when fast

bowler Rubel came out to bat. The noise increased when Rubel was marking his stance.

It continued when Rubel bowled his first delivery when Pakistan came out to bat in their first innings. Whatever happens in the rest of the Test match, local lad Rubel can rest assured knowing that he will receive a standing ovation every time he bowls or bats.

Wicket-keeper Imrul Kayes

The second day was a dreadful one to say the least for wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.

Despite being in tremendous form of late, the Test skipper managed only 32 when his team

needed him to go on and make a big score.

His misfortune continued as he dropped top-order batsman Azhar Ali twice, first in the 23rd over bowled by Shakib al Hasan and then in the 35th over bowled by debutant Mohammad Shahid.

The second drop turned out to be disastrous as he also hurt his right ring finger in the process.

Mushfiq left the field immediately and remained in the dressing room for the rest of the day as Imrul padded up as the proxy keeper.

Mohammad Hafeez’s relief

Hafeez came into the Test series with immense pressure on his shoulders. The veteran Pakistan cricketer only scored 34 runs in the three-match ODI series and the lone Twenty20 international. Among those matches, he

only bowled twice, and had gone wicket-less. The second day of the first Test, however, changed all that.

He was the centre of all the attraction as he not only came back to form but also revived Pakistan’s cause. First, the right-arm off-spinner accounted for the scalp of debutant Soumya Sarkar to go with his first-day dismissal of Imrul. Then, he struck an unbeaten 179-ball 137 to take his side to a strong position following the second day’s play. Hafeez added an unbroken 177-run stand alongside Azhar on his way to his eighth Test hundred and third in as many matches.l

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Mushfiq injures right ring finger

QUICK BYTES Gasquet, Kyrgios open with Estoril wins

n Hedait Hossain, Khulna

Fifth seed Richard Gasquet and Australian number seven Nick Kyrgios made winning starts on Tuesday at the Estoril Open, as both players began gathering confidence for the clay-court run to Roland Garros. Gasquet marked a victorious return after nearly six weeks out with a back injury as the Frenchman beat Marinko Matosevic of Australia 7-6 (9/7), 6-1.

–AFP

Bangladesh Test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim grimaces in pain after injuring his right ring finger during the second day of the first Test against Pakistan in Khulna yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Bangladesh experienced a below-par day yesterday at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, losing their last five wickets for just 27 runs to end their first innings on 332-allout. The Pakistan top-order then concluded the day’s play on a commanding 227/1, trailing the Tigers by 105 runs heading into the third day’s play today.

The home side’s miseries compounded when skipper Mushfiqur Rahim injured his right ring finger while attempting a catch of Azhar Ali off the bowling of debutant Mohammad Shahid.

The 26-year old left the ground during the final drinks break and was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital where he underwent x-rays. The results, however, were not serious as previously thought.

According to Bangladesh Cricket Board media manager Rabeed Imam, Mushfiq is still feeling some pain although he is expected to return to the field today as the home side bid to come back in the first Test.

Opener Imrul Kayes donned the gloves in Mushfiq’s absence while vice-captain Tamim Iqbal captained the side in the final hour of the day’s play.

Yesterday was a bad day in the office for Mushfiq who dropped Azhar twice, on 11 and 28. All-rounder Shakib al Hasan was the unlucky bowler on the first occasion while Shahid was deprived of his maiden Test wicket the second time. l

Mohammedan edge Muktijoddha in thriller

Blatter re-election set for Asian boost n AFP, Manama

Iran defender banned for nine months

Iran international Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh has been handed a ninemonth ban by the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) after being found guilty of attacking a fan in Qatar last week. Video footage showed the 23-year-old reaching out to strike a fan with his left hand following Persepolis’ 3-0 AFC Champions League defeat to Lekhwiya.

–Reuters

Rory still the best: Spieth Masters champion Jordan Spieth says he would welcome a long-term rivalry with Rory McIlroy but insists that he has still got some way to go to match the world number one. The 21-year-old American, who captured his first major title at Augusta National earlier this month, is seeded second behind McIlroy at this week’s WGC-Matchplay Championship in San Francisco.

–AFP

Taylor to skipper England in ODI against Ireland

England batsman James Taylor concedes it was “massively disappointing” to be left out of the squad for the ongoing tour of West Indies but the blow has been softened by news he will captain the side in a one-day match against Ireland next week.

–Reuters

Carpi promoted to Serie A Tiny Carpi, playing fifth division football only five seasons ago, completed a remarkable rise on Tuesday when they were promoted to Serie A for the first time after a 0-0 draw with Bari. Carpi, whose Sandro Cabassi stadium holds only 4,144 people, made sure of their place with four matches to spare as they moved 12 points clear of third-placed Bologna, with a better head-to-head record.

–Reuters

Wigan relegated to 3rd tier Wigan Athletic, whose meteoric rise saw them reach the Premier League and lift the FA Cup, will play in the third tier of English football next season after a second relegation in three years was confirmed on Tuesday.

–Reuters

n Shishir Hoque Guinean striker Ismail Bangoura netted a brace as Mohammedan staged a brilliant comeback to defeat Muktijoddha 3-2 in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

A goal each from midfielder Mohammad Biplob and in-form striker Enamul Haque put the All Reds in a comfortable position in the first half before the traditional Black and Whites came from behind to seal victory in the second half following a brace from Bangoura and a lone strike from Mohammad Ibrahim.

It was Mohammedan’s second consecutive victory while the Muktis fell to their second defeat in a row after winning their first four matches. The vital three points lifted Mohammedan to third in the 11-team standings with 12 points from six matches while Muktijoddha are fourth with the same number of points and matches as their yesterday’s opponent.

The first half was all about the All Reds who had to wait till the 40th minute to break the deadlock. Veteran striker Enamul set up the goal with a lovely through pass that found Biplob, who slotted home past Nehal to open the scoring. Enamul continued his fine goalscoring form as he doubled the lead three minutes later. Senegalese forward Camara Sarba received a through pass from Faisal before providing a low cross for Enamul inside the box. Enamul made no mistake placing home his sixth league goal of the season.

Mohammedan appeared a different side after resumption and Bangoura gave them the breakthrough from a penalty ten minutes into the second half.

Ibrahim equalised the margin in the 80th minute when the substitute midfielder smashed home past Titu from a low Towhidul Alam Sabuj cross from the right flank.

RESULTS Mohammedan

3-2

Ismail Bangoura 55 – P, 83 - P Mohammad Ibrahim 80

Chittagong Abahani

Muktijoddha Mohammad Biplob 40 Enamul Haque 43

1-0

Rahmatganj

Sumon Ali 18

TODAY’S MATCHES Farashganj v Soccer Club, Feni, 5PM

It took the Black and Whites only three minutes to stun the Muktis and seal victory as well. Bangoura was felled inside the box

by Muktis defender Ashraful Karim and was duly awarded a late penalty. Bangoura sent the ball crashing into the net to grab his fifth league goal this season.

Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Chittagong Abahani registered their first points of the campaign as they edged past Rahmatganj MFS 1-0. Forward Sumon Ali slammed a sensational goal in the 18th minute to make all the difference. Sumon unleashed a powerful strike from 30 yards, leaving Rahmatganj goalkeeper Masum stranded.l

FIFA chief Sepp Blatter will take a big step towards a fifth term in office when he watches Asia’s football boss, a key ally, seal re-election unopposed on Thursday.

Just four weeks before FIFA’s presidential vote, Blatter can shore up crucial Asian support when he addresses the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) congress in Bahrain.

It is likely to be a triumphant trip for the 79-year-old, with AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, a vocal supporter, set to be handed a fresh, four-year term.

Kuwaiti powerbroker Sheikh Ahmad al Fahad Al Sabah, another Blatter ally, also looks likely to win one of three seats on FIFA’s executive committee which are up for grabs.

Meanwhile Blatter’s presidential rival Prince Ali bin al Hussein will lose his post as a FIFA vice president, which is being absorbed into the Asian leader’s job title. Blatter has already been assured of African support for the May 29 FIFA poll, and with Asia’s 46 votes he would be all but at the finish line.

His rivals - Jordan’s Prince Ali, Dutchman Michael van Praag and former galactico Luis Figo - face a last-minute scramble for support ahead of the ballot in Zurich.

Shaikh Salman will tighten what is becoming an iron grip on Asian football when his first full term is rubber-stamped by the congress in his home country of Bahrain. He swept to power in 2013 promising a clean slate after his predecessor Mohamed bin Hammam was banned from football mid-term over alleged bribery and financial wrongdoing.l

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28 Sport

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Best since Bradman makes history n Martin Smith His average is second only to Sir Donald Bradman’s in the history of Test cricket, but there’s a good chance many of you have not heard of Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque.

The 23-year-old scored 80 on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan on Tuesday, his 12th score of 50 or more from just 13 Tests.

He now boasts an average of 63.90 from 24 innings, the second-highest in the history of Test cricket for players with a minimum of 20 innings.

He has also scored a half-century in 10 consecutive Tests, two short of the record held by South African star AB de Villiers.

Mominul’s streak of scoring at least a half-century in 10 Tests in a row has him in elite company; Sachin Tendulkar and John Edrich also achieved the feat, while Sir Vivian Richards, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir did it in 11 consecutive matches.

And Mominul is just the third batsman in history to have 12 scores of 50 or more from their first 13 Tests; Mark Taylor and Sunil Gavaskar both scored 13 in their first 13 matches.

But the left-hander is unfazed by his place amongst some of the game’s greats.

“I didn’t know about this feat, and I don’t even want to know,” Mominul said.

“I am playing a Test match after four months. I try to remember the routines of the previous game and follow it. If it goes haywire, it becomes difficult.

“I try to stay mentally positive. I don’t listen to what is being said. I will do what I have to do, and not worry about the consequences.”

Mominul debuted against Sri Lanka in Galle just over two years ago, scoring 55 in a drawn match, before posting 64 and 37 in the second Test.

His maiden Test century came later that year against New Zealand in Chittagong, a magnificent 181, before he scored an unbeaten 126 against the Black Caps in the second Test in Dhaka.

He followed it up with two centuries in 2014; an unbeaten 100 against Sri Lanka in Chittagong and 131 not out on the same ground against Zimbabwe later that year.

While Mominul has dominated Test cricket, he hasn’t had the same effect in the shorter forms of the game.

He has three half-centuries from 26 oneday internationals, and tellingly a career strike rate under 75, and played just two matches at the recent World Cup before he was dropped for the ODI series against Pakistan earlier this month.

But Bangladesh needed Mominul’s patient approach on Tuesday as they (minimum 20 innings) finished with 4-236 99.94 Sir Donald Bradman (Aus) at stumps on a slow wicket in their first 63.90 Mominul Haque (Ban) Test since November.

60.97 Graeme Pollock (SA) “The ODI place is not in my control.

60.83 George Headley (WI) Maybe I will get an 60.73 Herbert Sutcliffe (Eng) opportunity if I make

HIGHEST AVERAGES IN TEST HISTORY

regular runs in Test cricket,” he said.

“We didn’t set to bat slowly. It is quite hard to score in this 12 AB de Villiers (South Africa) wicket. It keeps low, comes to the bat late.

11 Virender Sehwag (India) You can survive in 11 Gautam Gambhir (India) this wicket but scor11 Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies) ing runs is difficult.

10 Mominul Haque (Bangladesh) “Shakib (Al Hasan) and Tamim 10 Sachin Tendulkar (India) (Iqbal) were attack10 John Edrich (England) ing in ODIs but even 9 Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) they couldn’t force 9 Simon Katich (Australia) the pace.

“We would have 9 Jacques Kallis (South Africa) lost more wickets 9 Matthew Hayden (Australia) had we forced the 9 Alec Stewart (England) issue. It is better to 9 Everton Weekes (West Indies) stay at the wicket, which will be good for the team.

“One has to work hard to score runs here.

I thought I would need 100 years to score 80 on this wicket.”

Australia will play two Tests in Bangladesh in October this year, their first against the subcontinental nation since 2006.l

SCORES OF 50 OR MORE IN CONSECUTIVE TESTS

Martin Smith is a writer for cricket.com.au. He previously wrote for Yahoo!7 Sport and Fox Sports.

Liverpool paying price for squandering cash n Reuters, London Liverpool’s half-baked pre-season transfer dealings have come back to bite them with Brendan Rodgers admitting his side have lacked the quality to finish in the Premier League’s top four.

Monday’s tepid 1-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Hull City left Liverpool in fifth place and all but ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

That represents a sharp decline from last season when the goals of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge propelled the club to within a whisker of a first English league title since 1991.

Rodgers was powerless to stop Uruguay-

an Suarez joining Barcelona for 75 million pounds and has been unlucky to be deprived of Sturridge through injury, but the manager must take some of the blame for failing to invest his sizeable war chest on players capable of taking the club forward.

Supporters are asking why those marquee signings did not arrive last summer when Liverpool could have built on the momentum they established last season.

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez was on Liverpool’s radar but moved to Arsenal. Instead Rodgers splashed out 50 million pounds on Southampton trio Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren.

Mario Balotelli joined from Milan for 16 mil-

lion pounds but the Italy striker has shown only fleeting glimpses of his best form, registering more yellow cards (seven) than goals (four).

Left back Alberto Moreno, signed from Sevilla, has probably been Rodgers’s best business but the jury is still out on Emre Can and Lazar Markovic.

The most damning statistic this season has been Liverpool’s lack of firepower. Suarez and Sturridge scored 53 league goals between them last season as Liverpool notched up 101.

With four games left they have managed a paltry 47. No wonder Rodgers is on the lookout for strikers with PSV Eindhoven’s Memphis Depay top of the list of players being linked with a move to Anfield.l

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Sport 29

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Real Madrid, Atletico facing transfer bans n AFP, Madrid

Inter win to bolster European hopes n AFP, Rome

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could be banned from registering new players for a year for irregularities in the signing of minors, Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported on Wednesday.

Barcelona are currently banned from registering players after they were handed the same ban for similar reasons a year ago.

The Catalan giants unsuccessfully appealed that ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), however, the appeal did delay the application of the ban until January which allowed them to sign seven players, including Luis Suarez last summer.

The same route of appeal would be open to both last season’s Champions League finalists.l

Inter Milan beat nine-man Udinese 2-1 in Serie A on Tuesday to close in on a European place next season.

A penalty by Mauro Icardi and Lukas Podolski’s first league goal since moving on loan from Arsenal put Robert Mancini’s Inter back on track after their seven-game winless streak.

They are now up to seventh, overtaking Torino and Genoa having played one game more, and temporarily sit just one point behind sixth-placed Fiorentina, who occupy the final European spot.

Antonio Di Natale scored for Udinese for his 205th goal in the Italian elite to join Juventus and Italy legend Roberto Baggio as the sixth top goalscorer in Serie A history.l

PSG go top thanks to Pastore artistry n AFP, Paris A standout performance by Argentinian Javier Pastore inspired Paris Saint Germain to a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Metz on Tuesday and saw the winners open a three point lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Pastore, one of three players pin-pointed as not going anywhere in the close season by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in an interview in Tuesday’s Le Parisien, was in devastating form, setting up all three PSG goals for Marco Verratti, Edinson Cavani and Gregory van der Wiel.

The win gives the two-time defending champions a three point cushion over Lyon, who have a slightly better goal difference with four matches remaining.

Metz by contrast saw a four match unbeaten run come to an end and are still without an away win since September -- they lie second bottom, eight points from safety and just 12 still in play.

“One forgets often that Paris has been on the go non stop for the past two months,” said Blanc, whose side could seal a domestic treble this season having won the League Cup and a date with second tier Auxerre in the French Cup final.l

DAY’S WATCH BTV, Gazi Tv, Star Sports 1 10:00AM Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 1st Test Day 3

Sony Six 8:30PM Indian Premier League Kolkata v Chennai

Star Sports 2 12:45AM Italian Serie A 2014/15 Empoli v Napoli

Star Sports 4 Spanish La Liga 11:30PM Rayo Vallecano v Valencia 2:00AM Granada v Espanyol

Barcelona’s attacking trio of Luis Suarez (L), Neymar and Lionel Messi (R) celebrate a goal against Getafe during their Spanish first division match at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday REUTERS

Record-setting ‘MSN’ firing Barca’s treble charge n Reuters, Barcelona Barcelona’s formidable attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar seem to be scoring at will just as the club’s bid for a treble of titles reaches a crucial stage.

Known collectively in Spain as ‘MSN’, the South American trio reached 102 goals for the season in all competitions in the La Liga leaders’ 6-0 drubbing of Getafe on Tuesday, two more than the club record set by Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry when Barca won the treble in 2009.

Messi struck twice, including a dinked

RESULTS Barcelona

6-0

Getafe

Messi 9-P, 47, Suarez 25, 40, Neymar 28, Xavi 30

Athletic Bilbao

1-1

Aduriz 52-P

Levante

Real Sociedad De la Bella 60

1-0

Cordoba

Barral 41

‘Panenka’ penalty, Suarez also hit a double and Neymar scored once as Barca pulled five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top with four games remaining.

Argentina captain Messi is on 49 goals, Uruguay striker Suarez, whose ban for biting an opponent at the World Cup expired at the end of October, has 21, and Brazil forward Neymar 32.

With that kind of return, it is little wonder that the three have a market value of 260 million euros ($286 million), according to website Transfermarkt.com.

All six of Barca’s goals, including a superb curling effort into the top corner from captain Xavi, delighted the Nou Camp faithful and Barca’s dazzling performance suggested they could be peaking at just the right time.

The play their Champions League semi-final, first leg at Bayern Munich next Wednesday and will seek a record-extending 27th King’s Cup crown when they play Athletic Bilbao in the final at the Nou Camp at the end of May.l

Dortmund stun Bayern in shootout n Reuters, Munich Holders Bayern Munich slumped out of the German Cup semi-finals 2-0 on penalties to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday after failing to score any of their spot kicks as their hopes of repeating their 2013 treble were dashed.

Bayern, who won the Bundesliga title on Sunday, had captain Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso slip as they sent their penalties into the stands as the Munich side missed all four of their efforts after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

Dortmund were reduced to 10 men in extra time following the dismissal of Kevin Kampl but kept their cool and keeper Mitch Langerak made the save of the game by stopping Bastian Schweinsteiger’s point-blank header.

They then converted two penalties, as Bayern’s hopes were dashed when their first two takers missed after slipping before Mario Goetze’s spot kick was saved and Neuer rattled the bar. l

RESULT Bayern Munich

1-1

Borussia Dortmund

Lewandowski 29 Aubameyang 75 Dortmund win 2-0 on penalties

Lewandowski fractures cheek, Robben’s season over n AFP, Berlin Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski is doubtful for next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final at Barcelona with a fractured cheek-bone from their cup defeat to Dortmund while Arjen Robben’s season is over.

Lewandowski, who has scored 23 goals this season, spent the night in hospital with concussion and also a broken nose after a goalmouth collision with Borussia Dortmund’s Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak.

Having missed the last five weeks with torn abdominal muscles, Dutch winger Robben, who has scored 19 goals, is now out for the rest of the season having lasted just 16 minutes in the second-half after coming off the bench. l

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (R) walks past celebrating Borussia Dortmund players after they won their German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final match in Munich on Tuesday REUTERS

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30 DOWNTIME

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Narrow beam (3) 3 Probability (4) 6 Self-satisfied (4) 7 Corded fabric (3) 9 Gratis (4) 10 Extinct bird (3) 11 Bird (4) 13 Letting contract (5) 16 As before (5) 18 Weathercock (4) 19 Groove (3) 20 Cripple (4) 21 Slender stick (3) 23 Turn away (4) 24 Supplicate (4) 25 Spoil (3)

DOWN 1 Bucolic (5) 2 Mature (3) 4 Highland dagger (4) 5 Prosecute (3) 6 Dance (5) 8 Evident (5) 9 Worry (4) 12 Plant (5) 14 Dutch cheese (4) 15 Sacrificial table (5) 17 Command (5) 18 Passport endorsement (4) 20 Cleaning implement (3) 22 Eggs (3)

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Natyakendra to stage Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor today

CELEBS ON SOCIAL Jacob Taio Cruz @ TaioCruz

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Joseph GordonLevitt @ hitRECordJoe

Been doing so many biopics lately, figured I’d do another one. It’s gonna be called: “TOM WAITS FOR NO MAN”.

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Talking Cinema:Conversations with actors & filmmakers now on stands. Catch@ bhawanasomaaya 92.7 Big FM 09:15 every morning and 19.00 evening

n Showtime Desk Theatre troupe Natyakendra brings the two days of staging of its acclaimed production Dui Je Chhilo Ek Chakor. The show will be held today and tomorrow at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 7pm.

The play is an adaptation of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s Comedia dell’arte genre play The Slave of Two Masters. The comedy is about a desperate man who takes two jobs at a time to meet his needs. The story proceeds with twists and turns as he tries to keep both jobs.

Tarique Anam Khan has adapted and

directed the play. Bringing up the cast are Sharif Hossain Imon, Lucy Tripti Gomes, Ariq Anam Khan and Yusuf Hasan Arko.

Starting its journey back in 1990, the troupe has already staged the play more than 30 times at home and abroad and which makes the play one of the most popular offerings of the troupe. l

WHAT TO WATCH TELEVISION

Big screen adaptations n Tausif Sanzum Theatre and movies are two completely different media and the actors working in these films have different methods of approaching them. The experience of sitting in a theatre and observing actors performing live might not be equally entertaining when replicated on the big screen. However over the years, there have been some wonderful big screen adaptations of some classic plays.

adapting Tennessee Williams’ plays. Aging high school teacher, Blanche DuBois moves to live with her sister, Stella Kowalski who is expecting. Blanche is surprised by the condition in which her sister who once belonged to an aristocratic family is living in, and she also develops a disliking towards Stella’s husband, Stanley Kowalski whom she considers sub-human. The story takes an interesting turn when Blanche has to live alone with her brother-in-law when her sister goes to the hospital for child birth.

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959) This big screen adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ one-act play got both its actresses, Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, Oscar nods in the leading actress category.

The story involves a wealthy widow, Violet Venable who hires the service of a talented surgeon, Dr. John Cukrowicz to perform the controversial procedure of lobotomy on her niece, Catherine Holly. The catch being her niece seems to know something about the controversial manner in which Violet’s son died.

A Man for All Seasons (1966) One of the most famous plays of modern times by Robert Bolt got it big screen adaption in 1966 and is listed as one of the greatest movies of all time. Sir Thomas More to Hampton Court seems to be the only man in England to oppose King Henry VIII of England’s decision to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn. But standing against royalty comes with its own share of problems. What is the fate of this man considered by many as the ultimate man of conscience?

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) Hollywood seems to have a soft spot for

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) This movie based on the play by Oscar

Stealth C HBO 5:02pm Deeply ensconced in a top-secret military program, three pilots struggle to bring an artificial intelligence program under control before it initiates the next world war.

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, Josh Lucas, Sam Shepard

Wilde is the most fun one in this list. Just imagine two men pretending to be someone else they are not and to spice things up we have two love stricken women who feel that there is nothing more important than being earnest. The movie based on the famous play of errors is definitely a fun watch.

Honourable mentions - Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? (1966), Doubt (2008), Romeo and Juliet (1968), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) l

300 B+ WB 7:35pm King Leonidas and a force of 300 men fight the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Cast: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham Terminator 2 A Star Movies 5:31pm A cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her young son, John Connor, from a more advanced cyborg, made out of liquid metal.

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong

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32 BACK PAGE

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

WHO WON AND WHO LOST? PAGE 14

FOREX RESERVES CROSS $24BN PAGE 15

BATTING COLLAPSE HANDS PAKISTAN INITIATIVE PAGE 25

Only 30% progress made in ADP energy projects in seven months During the same July-January period of the FY2014-15, self-financed projects have achieved only 30.49% ADP implementation target n Aminur Rahman Rasel Only 30.53% progress have been made in implementing the energy sector ADP projects during the first seven months of the ongoing fiscal year, compared to 42.38% progress made during the same period last fiscal year.

Meanwhile, between July 2014 and January this year, the self-financed projects have been able to achieve only 30.49% of its Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation target.

The numbers were disclosed in a working paper released at a recent meeting of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, where its Secretary Md Abu Bakar Siddique expressed deep dissatisfaction and asked all the heads of the companies and agencies to finish their work as soon as possible.

According to the working paper, the ADP expenditure (government and foreign loans

and aids) during the seven-month period – except for the self-financed projects – was Tk18.3804 billion compared to Tk21.129bn

Energy Division Secretary Md Abu Bakar Siddique expressed dissatisfaction and asked all the heads of the companies and agencies to finish their work as soon as possible during the corresponding period of 2013-14 fiscal year. The ADP size for the self-financed projects in the current fiscal is Tk18.5888bn.

According to the paper, during the first

seven months of the ongoing 2014-15 fiscal year, the Energy Division spent Tk5.6124bn or 30.53% of the ADP expenditure to implement 24 ADP projects under the energy sector.

Of the total figure, Tk4.4835bn had been allocated by the government, while Tk1.1288bn was spent from foreign loans and aids.

Besides, during the same period of the ongoing fiscal, the Energy Division spent Tk5.6616bn or 30.49% of the total allotment to implement 32 self-financed projects in the energy sector.

Of the total ADP projects, the Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) is implementing 16, Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) two, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation five and Bangladesh Petroleum Institute is implementing one.

Besides, of the self-financed projects, Petrobangla is implementing 26 and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation is implementing six. l

A man smirkily stares at a transgendered person unloading sand along with other men and women workers from a vessel at Amin Bazar ghat in Savar. It is not common to see transgendered people engaging in mainstream work since they are not given such opportunities. But Bikash Sarkar proves that they too can toil away and contribute no less. The photo was taken yesterday RAJIB DHAR

Dhaka one of the world’s worstdesigned cities n Rajib Bhowmick Let’s say someone was told that good old Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has made it to a list alongside Boston, Atlanta and Dubai. It is bound to trigger a wonder what in the world could Dhaka have in common with these picturesque cities.

US-based lifestyle web portal Thrillist has recently talked to several renowned urban planners and come up with a list titled “The 9 Worst Designed Cities in the World,” and Dhaka has made it to that list as the worst of the lot.

The Thrillist article, published on April 17, shows that alongside other things, Dhaka shares a transportation system that is messy to say the least, with Boston, Atlanta and Missoula in the USA, Dubai in the UAE, Jakarta in Indonesia, Naypidaw in Myanmar, and Sao Paulo and Brasilia in Brazil.

It describes Dhaka as: “If there’s one city that symbolises what total planning and design failure look like, it’s Dhaka.”

Writer Gianni Jaccoma, a New York City native and a tech junkie, says that the transportation system in Dhaka is “virtually non-existent” with only 60 out of the city’s 650 major intersections having traffic lights.

He wondered how the millions of rickshaws, cars, motorcycles, buses and bycles share the same roads everyday and how “anyone gets anywhere in less than a lifetime.”

The article says the oozing population in Dhaka owes a lot to the poor commute, forcing many to “endure slum conditions within city limits just to be able to get to work.”

Jaccoma was similarly brutal on other entries on the list. Dubai appears to him as a “kind of a disjointed nightmare of skyscrapers,” the traffic in Atlanta “is legendarily awful,” and Brasilia is a “Frankenstein’s monster of a city." l

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