10 May, 2015

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

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Boishakh 27, 1422, Rajab 20, 1436

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 28

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

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

SECOND EDITION

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

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Boishakh 27, 1422, Rajab 20, 1436

|

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 28

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

MUBARAK SENTENCED FIELDING FIRST WAS A NBR FLOUTS TOBACCO TO 3 YEARS IN JAIL PAGE 8 MANAGEMENT DECISION PAGE 28 CONTROL TREATY PAGE 32

123 Bangladeshis rescued in Thai jungle The migrants are being questioned by Thai authorities to determine whether they were trafficked n Tribune Desk Thai security forces yesterday rescued 32 more Bangladeshis in the Khao Kaew mountain near Songkhla in Thailand. This takes the number of Bangladeshis rescued in the area in two days to 123 and the total of illegal migrants to 149.

Yesterday, local police spotted the 32 people, all males, walking along the edge of a forest in Tambon Tha Chamuang in Rattaphum, hours after 111 trafficked men, including 91 Bangladeshi, were rescued in the same area.

Later the last lot of rescued illegal migrants were taken to the Ban Khlong School before being sent to a temporary shelter at the local district office, where the previously rescued 117 were being kept, reports the Bangkok Post.

Of the 149 rescued so far, the 26 non-Bangladeshis are all Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, Reuters Quoted Ekarat Sisen, deputy governor of Songkhla Province, as saying.

Thai authorities yesterday quizzed the first lot of the 117 rescued migrants to determine whether they were victims of human trafficking.

Ekarat Sisen said: “We need to figure out if any of these people are trafficking victims or whether they entered country on their own. If they are victims of human trafficking we have to hand them over to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

“Those who voluntarily entered the country illegally will be sent to immigration police and eventually sent back to their countries of origin,” Sisen said.  PAGE 4 COLUMN 3

Rescued Bangladeshis and Rohingya Muslims, said to be illegal migrants, are being sheltered at the local district office in Rattaphum of Thailand

Former university teacher held for militant links

No trace of Salahuddin in two months

n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong

n Mohammad Jamil Khan

Police early yesterday arrested a former university teacher while holding a clandestine meeting allegedly with members of banned militant outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir from Chandgaon residential area of the port city.

Detained Md Sharful Awal, 27, is believed to have links with International terrorist group Islamic State, OC Sairul Islam of Chandgaon police station said. Sharful, however, says he supports ISIS activities as Muslims in

PAGE 5 Chittagong bank watchman killed

many countries have been oppressed.

Hailing from Rangunia, Sharful had been serving as a lecturer at Cox’s Bazar International University’s law department until March this year, police said.

The OC said police were looking for Sharful for a long time because of his ties with Hizb utTahrir, a radical Islamist group banned in 2009.

It aims at establishing Caliphate in Bangladesh.

“Acting on intelligence information, police raided his house in Chandgaon residential  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

PAGE 6 Comilla BNP-backed candidates boycott upazila polls

Two months into the disappearance of BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, the law enforcing agency is yet to make any headway in the case.

Family members of the BNP joint secretary general expressed their suspicion whether Salahuddin was still alive or it was another case like the disappearance of BNP leader M Ilias Ali. Salahuddin’s wife Hasina Ahmed said law enforcers used to contact them frequently after the incident happened but with each passing

PAGE 10 WHO declares Liberia Ebola-free

REUTERS

day they seemed to be becoming nonchalant.

When asked, SM Jahangir Alam Sarker, acting deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that they did not lack any sincerity to locate Salahuddin.

“High officials are aware about it and our efforts to trace him is continuing,” he added.

On April 20, following a writ petition by Hasina Ahmed, a High Court bench directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

PAGE 32 Social media blamed for high Saudi divorce rate

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4 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Khaleda thanks Modi for LBA ratification n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla Thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ratifying the Land Boundary Agreement in his country’s parliament, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday said this would help establish a friendly relationship between the two neighbouring states.

“The bill was passed in the Indian parliament after 40 years and I must thank the Modi government for this. Modi said he did it to establish friendly ties with Bangladesh.

He also said he wants to build a friendly relationship with the people of Bangladesh, and not with any party. This is something the BNP also wants,” she said while exchanging views with the newly elected tax lawyers at her Gulshan office.

The former prime minister alleged the AL did many things for the Congress-led government but could not take anything from it in return.

“We have to reorganise our party. Those who are dedicated and experienced will get position in the new committee.”

Khaleda claimed that BNP Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed is still being held by the RAB. “Please return Salahuddin to his family members soon. There will be bad consequences if anything happens to him,” she said, referring to RAB. The BNP chairperson hailed the UK general elections, saying: “What a beautiful election it was. It is simply unthinkable. Fair election was held also in India. Cannot we learn anything from those elections?”

She also condemned the move to name her in the Jatrabari arson attack case. l

Dr Wazed`s death anniversary observed n BSS Noted nuclear scientist and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s husband Dr MA Wazed Miah had dreamt of an economically and technologically advanced country to make the sense of independence meaningful to the citizens.

Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AKM Nurun Nabi made the statement after placing floral wreaths at the grave of Dr Wazed in Fatehpur village on his sixth death anniversary yesterday.

He offered prayers seeking peace for the eternal soul and well being of the PM, their only son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Sayma Wajed Putul and other family members. l

Two held with firearm n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong Police arrested two youths with a foreign pistol and six rounds of bullet from Avaymitra Ghat in the port city’s Sadarghat area yesterday.

The arrestees were Abdul Noman, 24, son of Hazi Kamal Ahmed, and Kazi Jashim Uddin, 38, said Kotwali police station OC Md Jasim Uddin confirming the recovery.

Local sources said the duo were Chhatra League activists though the OC denied it.

The OC said Noman and Jashim were caught by the locals while trying to beat up a businessman over financial dispute and they rescued them from a mob beating.l

In a display of timeless love and care, a mother feeds her son while he takes a break from running around in the park. She not only took him out but also made sure to bring along safe home-made food. The photo was taken at Shishu Park in the capital yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

No trace of Salahuddin 123 Bangladeshis rescued in Thai jungle continue the search effort for next six months and to submit a monthly report on the progress made.

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, State Minister of Home, said law enforcers were still looking for Salahuddin and they would continue to do so.

On March 10, Salahuddin went missing from a house of Uttara area. His family claimed that he was picked up by law enforcers.

However, the law enforcement agencies including police, CID and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have claimed ignorance of Salahuddin’s whereabouts.

Almost in the same way, On April 17, 2012, BNP Organising Secretary Ilias Ali, disappeared while he was on his way home. He remains missing to date. l

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered local authorities to eliminate all migrant detention camps within 10 days after the discovery of 30 migrant graves at abandoned jungle camps in Songkhla on Thursday.

On Wednesday, dozens of southern police officers were transferred for an investigation into human trafficking in the region.

On May 2, police exhumed 26 bodies from a mass grave in the Sadao district in Songkhla province. All are believed to be migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The UNHCR estimated that some 25,000 Rohingya and Bangladeshis boarded smugglers’ boats between January and March of 2015.

From the scene

Huddled in a meeting room in Rattaphum district office, the 117 migrants, including three children, brushed their teeth, slept, prayed and ate, waiting to be interviewed, according to a Reuters reporter.

Some Thai villagers came to donate water, rice and fruit to the migrants. Busri Salam, 13, from Bangladesh said that his group disembarked a boat in Thailand and trekked for two weeks in the Thai jungle to try and reach Malaysia.

“My brother is in Malaysia,” said Busri. “I wanted to go there.”

The migrants brave perilous journeys to escape religious and ethnic persecution and poverty. l

Former university teacher held for militant link area early yesterday and held him while holding a secret meeting with three other Hizb ut-Tahrir members, who managed to escape,” the OC said.

Police recovered several Jihadi books, a Hizb ut-Tahrir magazine and many anti-government leaflets and documents from the house.

Recently, elite force Rapid Action Battalion and police busted a number of militant dens in Chittagong and recovered a large amount of arms and ammunition.

Detectives say banned militant groups Hizb ut-Tahrir, JMB and Huji, and Ansarullah Bangla Team with assistance from ISIS, Al-Qaeda and Taliban have been trying to regroup with a view to establishing Islamic State in Chittagong, also incorporating Cox’s Bazar, the three hill districts, and some bordering areas of Myanmar and India.

In December last year, Hizb ut-Tahrir members campaigned across the country asking the army to take over power and establish Caliphate under the leadership of the militant group. After the killing of secular writer Avijit Roy on February 26, RAB arrested Hizb ut-Tahrir leader Shafiur Rahman Farabi for

threatening him with death repeatedly.

“Detectives and police have long been looking for this Hizb ut-Tahrir member, who, we think has been an active member of ISIS too,” the OC told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We have found evidences of his ties with the ISIS after searching his Facebook account, mobile phones, email accounts, documents and books,” he said adding that the detainee had admitted his connection with the groups.

“We will place Sharful before a court and seek remand to glean information about his cohorts,” the officer said.

A case was filed against him and other unnamed persons with Chandgaon police under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Police sources said Sharful had completed his graduation from Premier University in Chittagong in 2012 and completed his masters from Eastern University the following year.

Later he joined Cox’s Bazar International University as a lecturer and resigned on March 23 this year.

Talking to the Dhaka Tribune at the police station, Sharful denied his link with Hizb ut-Tahrir claiming that the police had found

only a magazine from his house. “One of my friends gave it to me in 2012,” he said.

Asked about his connection with the ISIS, the detainee said: “I just wrote down my personal views and evaluations on the oppression of Muslims Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Russia in my Facebook account after collecting and evaluating news reports published in international media.

“Through online I came in contact with a brother who resides in London and later posted about the ISIS activities on Facebook. I discussed with him why the Muslims have been tortured. That is all.”

He, however, refused to disclose more about the person’s identity.

Asked about his resignation, Sharful said: “I left the job because the university authorities pressurised me, prompting the rise of a conflict.” OC Sairul said: “During primary interrogation, Sharful gave us some names who are highly professional in the city.”

After the arrest, the police conducted drives at several places in the port city to arrest his associates. “But he is trying to misguide the police by giving false information,” the OC added. l

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NEWS 5

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Chittagong bank watchman killed

Thieves also attempted to break into the vault but failed case yesterday morning against three to four unn FM Mizanur Rahaman, chittagong named persons in connection with the murder.

A security guard of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited’s Muradpur branch in Chittagong was killed late on Thursday night.

But police on Friday night recovered the body of Md Ibrahim, whose throat had been slit.

Shariful Islam, additional deputy commissioner (north) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), said three robbers entered the bank by cutting security grilles around 2:30am and killed the 42-year-old guard who was asleep.

“Their faces were covered with masks and they tried to break into the vault but failed.

They left after around 20 minutes,” he said.

The bank is located on the first floor of the six-storey Hossain Tower in Muradpur intersection. SM Tanvir, additional deputy commissioner of CMP’s Detective Branch, said CCTV footage had showed that the three robbers killed Ibrahim.

Ibrahim went to work on Thursday night and his wife contacted the bank’s manager on Friday night as he did not return and was also unreachable over the phone.

Other employees of the bank later discovered Ibrahim’s body in a pool of blood and informed police.

Senior official of the bank, Ali Newaz, filed a

Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish police station, Mohiuddin Mahmud, said yesterday evening that police were yet to make any arrests.

Also on Thursday night, a member of a robbery gang was injured in a mob beating while the robbers were trying to break into Agrani Bank’s Kuaish branch in Chittagong.

Bank officials demand workplace safety

Around 100 bankers yesterday formed a human chain demanding immediate arrest of bank robbers and also security of their lives and workplaces.

Protesting the frequent robbery bids at banks in the recent past in different parts of the country, the bankers gathered outside Chittagong Press Club under the banner of Sammilito Bankers’ Oikya Parishad.

They called on the government to arrest and bring to book all those involved in the April 21 grisly robbery bid at Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited’s Kathgarha branch in Ashulia and also Thursday’s robbery attempt at Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited.

The association’s President, Md Masrur Hossain, and Secretary, Syed Amir Hossain, addressed the protesters. l

Twin sisters found dead n Our Correspondent, Barisal The bodies of three-year-old twin sisters were recovered from a bamboo bush in Babuganj upazila of Barisal yesterday afternoon.

The victims were identified as Mariam Akter and Ayesha Siddika, daughters of Selim Khan, of Vuterdia village under Kedarpur union.

Locals also rescued the mother of the twin sisters, Sharmin Begum, 26, from the Suganda River while she was reportedly attempting suicide.

SI Amanullah of Babuganj police station said: “Primarily we are suspecting that the mother first strangled the babies and later attempted to suicide.”

Shahe Alam, officer-in-charge of Babuganj police station said :“Police recovered the bodies and admitted the mother to Babuganj Upazila Health Complex.”

Selim’s neighbour Akkas Hossain said Sharmin had been suffering from mental illness and she might have killed the babies. l

Though the roads are marked with lane divider lines for a disciplined and accident-free flow of traffic, drivers are often seen changing lanes as and when they please. This adds to the already chaotic traffic, obstructing the flow and creating more congestion. The photo was taken at Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in the capital yesterday RAJIB DHAR

Police still in dark about Ctg double murder, case handed over to DB n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong Two days since the sensational motherdaughter murder at Chittagong’s Sadarghat area, police are still clueless about the killers.

Meanwhile, miscreants slaughtered a night guard of Al Arafah Islami Bank at the port city’s Muradpur branch on Thursday night raising serious doubts as to the ability of police.

It this situation investigation of the two murder cases were handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) yesterday.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of DB, SM Tanvir Arafat, told the Dhaka Tribune that CMP Commissioner Abdul Jalil Mandol in

Rakeen signs bond issuance deal with Royal Green n Tribune Report Rakeen Development Company Limited who developed the country’s largest Integrated township “Bijoy Rakeen City,” has signed an agreement with Royal Green Capital Market Limited for the Issuance of Partially Convertible Bond worth Tk120 crore.

In the presence of Khater Massaad, chairman of Rakeen Development Company (BD) Ltd and Star Industrial Holdings, SAK Ekramuzzaman, managing director of Rakeen, Md Ziaul Haque Khondker, advisor of Royal Green Capital Market Ltd, and Md Shah Alam, managing director, exchanged the documents after signing the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

The construction of the country’s largest integrated township in Mirpur, comprising 1,950 apartments, schools, shopping mall,

community club and mosque is progressing in full swing. The construction is being carried

an emergency meeting ordered the police to hand over the two cases to the DB. “Receiving the order from the CMP commissioner, DB has already formed two probe teams headed,” said ADC SM Tanvir adding that they would try their best to resolve the cases.

The emergency meeting held at the police headquarters was attended by the senior officials of the CMP, officers in-charge of 16 police stations, DB officials and CID officials.

On May 7 morning, 30-year-old Nasima Akthar and her 10-year-old daughter Riya Akhtar Piya were slaughtered by unidentified miscreants at their flat at Dakkhin Nalapara area.

And in the evening of the same day, night guard Md Ibrahim was murdered as well. l

20 students fall sick n Our Correspondent, Gazipur

A total of 25 female students fell sick yesterday at Izzatpur High School under Sreepur upazila of the district.

Kamal Hossen Mollah, headmaster of the school said the students of Class VI fell sick in the morning while they were attending the classes.

Of the victims, Laboni Akter, Bithi Akter, Tanzina, Smiti, Poli, Munni and Shilpi had been admitted to Sreepur Sadar Hospital while others were sent to their houses after given primary treatment.

Dr Afroza Sharmin of the hospital said the students might have fallen ill due to extreme heat.

They started vomiting with headache after one by one, she added.

UNO Saderkur said, a team of doctors had out by Esla Bangladesh, a subsidiary of Middle been sent to the school. The school also had been declared closed, he said. l East-based Esla Construction. l

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6 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Clients face extra charges for new electricity connection in Bagharpara n Our Correspondent, Jessore Officials of the rural electrification office of Jessore’s Bagharpara upazila have been accused of charging extra for new electricity connections.

Local residents claimed that they had been paying around Tk3,000 to Tk4,500 for each new connection though the government fee is only about Tk620 to Tk720.

Local Awami League leaders, with support of the local parliament member, are allegedly behind the corruption.

With nine unions and one municipality, the Bagharpara upazila has a population of 250,000. After the incumbent government came to power in 2008, initiatives have been taken to bring the upazila under electricity.

A resident, on the assurance of anonym-

ity, said after he applied for electricity connection, an electricians visited the house, got them to sign a form and then demanded Tk3,000.

When asked why they were taking so much money, the electrician said it was to meet the expense of wiring, metre and setting up of the connection. Moreover, they also needed money to organise an event where the local MP would inaugurate the new electricity connections.

Ayub Ali, one of the electricians, said: “There are eight of us who collect the money.

We are taking Tk2500 from clients to set up the connection and to organise the inauguration event.”

However local Awami League leaders denied taking money for the event.

Billal Hossain, organisational secretary of

upazila Awami League, said it was not true that they were collecting money to hold the event. “People are spreading falsehood to tarnish our image.”

He further said 152 houses of Raipara were getting new electricity connections and MP Ranajit Roy would inaugurate it on May 10.

“For a new connection, we have to run after the rural electrification board officials and it needs money. So we are taking Tk2,200 to Tk2,400 from client.”

“We have even set up a committee to check extra expense and buy equipment through this committee. We are providing free connections to three mosques and three houses.”

Director of the local electricity office Mohammad Fariduzzaman said he had heard about extra fees but they had nothing to do about it.

Sudeb Kumar Sarkar, deputy general manager of Bagharpara zonal office of Palli Biddut Samity-1, said he had no idea about extra fee collection.

“In the last 10 months, we have provided electricity connections to more than 3,000 houses. Every client had to pay Tk600 for the metre and Tk20 for their membership. If more than one kilometre wire is needed for the connection, they we charge Tk100 extra,” he said further adding that the MP would just click on a switch board to inaugurate the connections in a simple event.

MP Ranajit Roy did not pick up the call when this correspondent tried to contact him.

Palli Biddut Samity so far provided connection to 3,363 houses and have a target of bringing 500 houses under electricity facility each month. l

Comilla BNP-backed candidates boycott upazila polls n Our Correspondent, Comilla

A passenger bus lying turned-turtle after it skidded off the road yesterday at Kamar Pukur village under Saidpur upazila in Nilphamari

DHAKA TRIBUNE

BNP-backed candidates, including the chairman aspirant, in Comilla yesterday boycotted Daudkandi upazila elections alleging vote rigging.

The boycott was announced at a press briefing arranged at the house of Hazi Abul Hashem Sarker, the chairman candidate fielded by the BNP. Hashem’s Chief Election Agent, Masum Reza, said the returning officer had been informed of electoral fraud such as fake voting and capture of polling stations but no action was taken.

He demanded that the elections be cancelled before holding fresh polls.

BNP-backed vice-chairman candidate Shah Alam and woman vice-chairman aspirant Farida Yasmin also announced election boycott separately.

Some 40-45 ballots which had been stuffed were found at Hasanpur Government Primary School centre but the presiding officer, Abdul Matin, said that voters might have left those on the table.

The number of registered voters in the upazila is 239,754.

Six candidates contested for the post of chairman and another 6 for that of woman vice-chairman while 13 ran for vice-chairman. l

Husband arrested in Tonni murder case n Our Correspondent, Khulna Rapid Action Battalion has arrested Sohel Biswas, the prime accused in the muchtalked-about murder case of Sharah Fargushan Tonni, from Munshiganj.

Sohel, son of former member of the parliament Abdul Gaffar Biswas, was arrested on Friday night and sent to jail yesterday on allegation of murdering his wife Tonni, 23, on April 7

this year. Khalishpur police station Officer-inCharge SM Anwar Hossain said being tipped off, members of RAB 6 arrested Sohel from Sirajdikhan area in Munshiganj and handed him over to Khalishpur police in Khulna.

According to Sohel’s father Abdul Gaffar Biswas, on April 7, the couple had engaged in a scuffle over familial matter following which Tonni locked herself in a room and tried to commit suicide by hanging herself from the ceiling fan.

Her in-laws broke into the room, rescued her and took her to a local clinic where the doctors declared her dead. They informed Tonni’s parents about the matter, he told reporters.

The next day Tonni’s mother Shamima Akhter filed a murder case in this connection accusing Sohel Biswas and his sister Iti Biswas. According to the case statement, the two had tortured Tonni and strangulated her.

Police recovered Tonni’s dead body from her in-laws’ place the same day which bore marks of injury on head and chest. They sent the body for autopsy, said Investigative Officer of the case Sub-Inspector Komol Kanti Pal. He submitted chargesheet to the Metropolitan Magistrate Court on May 6 excluding Iti. The chargesheet showed Sohel as the instigator for Tonni’s death. l

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SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Transport strike in Rajshahi n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi The first day of transport strike, called protesting the decision of plying state-run BRTC buses on the Rajshahi city-Bagha route, in Rajshahi passed yesterday without any development.

On the other hand, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam inaugurated the BRTC bus services on Bagha upazila premises in the afternoon.

“Rajshahi District Paribahan Malk-Sramik Oikkya Parisad” called the strike demanding withdrawal of the decision and threatened to call indefinite strike in the whole Rajshahi division from today unless their demands are met.

“We will enforce indefinite strike from tomorrow (Sunday) if the decision is not withdrawn,” said Kamal Hossain, president of the organisation.

Private transport businessmen have been passing tough time in recent times and the suffering would be doubled if the government proceeds with the move, Kamal continued.

However, commuters faced a great trouble due to the sudden strike. No negotiation effort to resolve the crisis was noticed as of filing this report in the evening.

Construction work of Khulna airport to be completed by June 2018 n Our Correspondent, Khulna After more than a decade of suspension, the construction work of the much needed airport in Khulna is all set to resume from July.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on May 5 approved the construction of Khan Jahan Ali Airport at Foyla of Khulna’s Rampal at an estimated cost of Tk545 crore, aiming to expand trade and commerce as well as tourism in greater Khulna region.

The work will kick off in July and will be finished by June 2018.

Considering the importance of the greater Khulna region, the initiative to build an airport was taken in 1961 at Dakatia area. Later in 1968 the project was shifted to Teligati and again to Katakhali in the 1980s. However, there was no progress made in the project afterwards.

Some 97.55 acres of land were acquired for the airport at Foyla in Rampal upazila near Khulna-Mongla highway. Bagerhat District administration handed over the land to Civil Aviation Authority in 1996.

The then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia laid the foundation stone of the airport on January 27 in 1996. The land filling work began in 1997 costing about Tk40 crore.

In 2001, when the BNP-Jamaat government came to power land filling began again but was later stopped for lack of fund. Since then the construction work has been suspended.

During her visit on March 5, 2011, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to complete the work and make it into a full-fledged airport.

As a follow up, the then Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan visited the project area and asked the concerned ministry to conduct a pre-feasibility study.

Later, an expert team from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology submitted the report to the Civil Aviation Authority highlighting the importance of the airport and recommended to construct the airport in two phases.

Based on the report a project proposal worth Tk544 crore 75 lakh was sent to the Planning Commission. The government would provide Tk490 crore and the rest of the

money would be spent from the Civil Aviation’s own fund.

Mizanur Rahman Mizan, parliament member and general secretary of Khulna Awami League, assured that the work would resume from July. “If the airport is built, the overall economy in the region will get a huge boost.”

General Secretary of the Coordination Committee of Mongla Port Users, Saiful Islam said: “Khan Jahan Ali airport will play a pivotal role in bringing more tourists to Khulna, attracting more businessmen and trade. It should be completed within the stipulated time.”

Md Jahangir Alam, deputy commissioner of Bagerhat, believed the airport would open up a new door of opportunities. “Mongla port, EPZ, shrimp business, industries around Rampal power plant and the tourism will greatly benefit from the airport.”

Greater Khulna Development Movement Coordination Committee’s President Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman and General Secretary Sheikh Mosharraf Hossain urged for the Prime Minister’s supervision to complete the project in time. l

WEATHER

DRY WEATHER SUNDAY, MAY 10 DHAKA TODAY

TOMORROW

SUN SETS 6:31PM

SUN RISES 5:19AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

34

26

Chittagong

34

26

Rajshahi

35

25

Rangpur

33

24

Khulna

35

25

Barisal

33

26

Sylhet

33

23

Cox’s Bazar

34

26

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

35.4ºC

29.5ºC

Chittagong

Tangail Source: Accuweather/UNB

Activists of ‘Saarc Peoples Link Forum’ form human chain yesterday at Saheb Bazar Zero point thanking Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India for passing land accord bill under 1974 agreement. The Indian parliament on Thursday passed the key constitutional amendment bill to give effect to the swapping of border land enclaves between India and Bangladesh under the agreement AZAHAR UDDIN

Farmers demand fair proportion of agri-produces n Shadma Malik

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

3:54am

Sunrise

5:18am

Zohr

11:55am

Asr

4:33pm

Magrib

6:31pm

Esha

8:01pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

Farmers demanded fair portion of their production, launching of village rationing system and inclusion of farmers at committee of the government.

Although there is already an existing law regarding food policy, but it is not properly implemented as there are many loopholes in the sector, they said.

They made the demand at a dialogue titled “Food Security and Agriculture: Way Forward” organised by the ActionAid Bangladesh

in association with Kendrio Krishok Moitree and Asian Farmers’ Association at the National Press Club yesterday.

At the programme, farmers also stressed the need for forming agriculture court so that farmers could get immediate supports from district administration as well as ministry.

They also demanded steps to reduce influences of middlemen in the food selling chain for ensuring fair prices of agri-produces.

The speakers said farmers cannot directly sell wheat to mill factories for existence of middlemen who are controlling market of

food grains.

Farah Kabir, country director of the ActionAid Bangladesh, said women farm labourers were not getting proper payment in comparison to theie male colleagues.

She said: “Farmers are not availing their proper portion and the mostly the female farmers are not acknowledged as a farmer and also not getting their wages.”

About 70 farmers were present in the event. Farm labourer Nurtaj, who came from Manikganj, said: “As we do not have any ID card, we may loss our work anytime.” l

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8 WORLD

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Mubarak, sons sentenced to three years in jail n Reuters, Cairo

An Egyptian court sentenced former president Hosni Mubarak and his two sons to three years in jail without parole yesterday in the retrial of a corruption case.

Mubarak was sentenced to three years in prison last May for diverting public funds earmarked to renovate presidential palaces and using the money to upgrade family properties.

His two sons were given four-year jail terms in the same case. However, in January, Egypt’s high court overturned the convictions.

Mubarak, who ruled Egypt with an iron fist for 30 years, and his sons Gamal and Alaa may not have to serve any jail time for those corruption charges because they already spent that amount of time in prison in other cases.

“The ruling of the court is three years in prison without parole for Mohamed Hosni Mubarak and Gamal Mohamed Hosni Mubarak and Alaa Mohamed Hosni Mubarak,” announced judge Hassan Hassanein.

Mubarak was toppled during the Arab Spring uprisings which swept the region in 2011. But a court decision to drop charges against Mubarak of conspiring to kill protesters in the uprising focused in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and the release from jail of some of his associates has cast doubt over Egypt’s political transformation. l

Cameron won big by selling stability over fear

n Reuters, London Prime Minister David Cameron sealed a surprise election win by persuading Britons to choose the security of modestly rising living standards over an implausible pretender many feared could become the puppet of Scottish nationalists.

Blending the promise of “the good life” fueled by a strong economic recovery with fear of resurgent Scottish separatists calling the shots in a country they want to break up, Cameron steamrolled the opposition Labour Party and won his party’s first outright majority in 23 years.

“We’ve had a positive response to a positive campaign about safeguarding our economy,” said Cameron, as if he had always expected to win so emphatically.

The truth was different.

Before it became clear he had won, some in his center-right Conservative Party feared he had run a dull campaign that failed to shift apparently tied opinion polls.

Others in the party, famous for ruthlessly junking predecessors such as triple election-winner Margaret Thatcher, thought his days were numbered even if he won because he was unlikely to win big.

Cameron, guided by his Australian campaign adviser Lynton Crosby, spent six weeks hammering home just two messages: Vote Conservative to secure economic recovery, and stop Labour coming to power backed by Scottish nationalists.

Crosby’s strategy was “you can’t fatten a pig on market day.” That meant voters were bombarded with a message in the hope that relentless repetition would help it “take.” l

Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak waves from the defendant’s cage as he listens to the verdict in his hearing in a retrial for embezzlement yesterday in Cairo AFP

Australian police thwart imminent bomb attack, teen charged

n Reuters Australian police yesterday said they had thwarted an imminent terror attack after discovering explosives at a Melbourne home and arresting a 17-year-old boy, in the latest example of the threat posed by radicalised teenagers in the country.

Acting on a tip-off from the national security phone line, police and security agencies began investigating the youth and later raided his home in Greenvale, 20 kms (12 miles) north of Melbourne, on Friday when the threat was “imminent.”

The bomb squad moved three improvised explosive devices to a nearby park where they were “rendered safe” and said there was no longer a threat to the community, police told a news conference.

The teen, who cannot be identified due to his age, was charged with terrorism-related offences and remanded in custody to appear before the Children’s Court in a closed sitting on Monday, police said.

Australian media reported that the teen had become more active on Facebook in recent weeks, commenting on the war in Syria and that the attack was to take place during the Mother’s Day Classic fun run today, which attracts tens of thousands of participants in cities around Australia. l

British foreign policy drift threatens US special relationship n AFP From across the pond, President Barack Obama has warmly welcomed David Cameron’s election victory, but with Britain’s role in Europe and the world in doubt so too is its “special relationship” with the United States.

White House congratulations are rarely more effusive.

Lauding Cameron’s “impressive electoral victory,” Obama praised the “special and essential relationship” between the United States and Britain.

“I have enjoyed working closely with Prime Minister Cameron on a range of shared interests these last several years, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries.”

With a mere five years separating them and a language in common, officials say Obama and his “bro” Cameron get on very well — something of a rarity for a US president regarded by many foreign officials as businesslike if not bordering on frosty.

Britain’s role as a permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council, a NATO member that fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and a participant in nuclear talks with Iran make coordination vital.

The White House may more often than not make Germany’s Angela Merkel the first European on Obama’s call sheet, but the special relationship continues to have very practical advantages.

In Washington, British diplomats have frequent bilateral meetings with senior White

House National Security staff that are not afforded to other European allies.

But beyond talk of shared values, Winston Churchill and bonds forged in the fires of World War II, there is a sense in Washington that Britain is adrift.

“Washington is skeptical of Cameron,” said Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution. “He doesn’t seem very interested in foreign policy.”

Nowhere is that more evident than in Cameron’s policy towards Europe.

In the run up to the election he promised a referendum on European Union membership in 2017.

Cameron, his Conservative party and all major political parties will campaign for a “yes” to stay in the EU, but for many in Washington it is mind-boggling that the prime minister would even take such a referendum risk.

A Britain that is inside the world’s largest trading bloc, is much more useful than an isolated island in the north Atlantic.

“Americans are frustrated because they want a strong Britain and a strong Europe,” said Wright.

“If he continues as before, Britain’s influence in the US will decline further. But, if he changes course and tries to restore British influence internationally, he could breathe new life into the special relationship.”

But Cameron’s first moves after the election auger continuity rather than change.

The reappointment of Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has already raised eyebrows.

“It suggests that Cameron is pretty sat-

isfied with the way foreign policy is going, there is no sense that he feels that they need to up their game,” said Gary Schmitt of the American Enterprise Institute.

Cameron’s reelection also heralds a continuation of austerity policies, designed to rein in government spending.

The PM announced Friday that “Mr Austerity” George Osborne would remain finance minister in his new Conservative administration.

While the US Treasury and Federal Reserve might welcome that fiscal prudence, it means Britain is unlikely to heed American calls to increase defense spending.

As a NATO member, 10 Downing Street is committed to spending at least two percent of GDP on defense.

Osborne’s last budget meant the figure is now more like 1.8 percent, according to influential London think tank RUSI. Thursday’s election will also raise concerns at the Pentagon about Britain’s commitment to nuclear deterrence.

Nationalists in Scotland opposed to hosting nuclear-armed submarines on their turf ran the board, picking up 56 of 59 seats.

While they won’t be in government, they will be a powerful voice advocating a military draw down that would only increase British reliance on the United States.

“Common history and a shared tongue count for a lot,” said James Lindsay in a blog post for the Council on Foreign Relations, “but on an increasing number of issues, London and Washington will be happier talking about the past than the future.” l

DT

WORLD 9

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

S Korea: North Korea test-fires 3 missiles n AP, Seoul

South Korean military officials say North Korea has fired three anti-ship cruise missiles into its eastern sea.

The firings yesterday came just hours after Pyongyang’s state media touted the country’s advancing military capabilities by claiming the successful test-firing of a submarine-launched missile.

An official from South Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff said the missiles were fired within a span of an hour in the early evening from an area near the eastern port city of Wonsan.

He identified the missiles as KN-01 missiles, which the North also test-fired in February in an event personally attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. There had been expectations that Kim would attend the Victory Day celebration in Russia yesterday for his international debut, but North Korea sent the head of its parliament instead.

North Korea yesterday said it has successfully test-fired a newly developed ballistic missile from a submarine in what would be the latest display of the country’s advancing military capability.

Officials from rival South Korea previously had said that North Korea was developing technologies for launching ballistic missiles from underwater, although past tests were believed to have been conducted on platforms built on land or at water and not from submarines.

Security experts say that North Korea acquiring the ability to launch missiles from submarines would be an alarming development as missiles fired from submerged vessels are harder to detect before launch than land-based ones. North Korea already has a considerable arsenal of land-based ballistic missiles and is also believed to be advancing in efforts to miniaturize nuclear warheads to

This undated picture released yesterday from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un smiling while observing an underwater test-fire of a submarinelaunched ballistic missile at an undisclosed location at sea AFP / KCNA VIA KNS mount on such missiles, according to South Korean officials.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally directed the test launching and called the missile a “world-level strategic weapon” and an “eye-opening success,” the official Korean

Central News Agency said. The report did not reveal the timing or location of the launch.

Kim declared North Korea now has a weapon capable of “striking and wiping out in any waters the hostile forces infringing upon the sovereignty and dignity of (North Korea).”

Saudi-led coalition raids pound Yemen rebels after truce proposal n AFP, Sanaa The Saudi-led coalition bombed the Yemeni capital’s airport and the Shiite rebels’ northern stronghold yesterday just hours after proposing a humanitarian ceasefire to start next week.

Hundreds of families fled the rebels’ Saada province bastion before a coalition deadline to leave expired on Friday evening, after which warplanes pounded rebel bases and the homes of rebel leaders, witnesses said.

But aid agencies warned that many civilians would not have had time to leave the province by the deadline and urged the coalition to hold back from its threat to treat the whole province as a military target.

After six weeks of air strikes in support of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, the coalition zeroed in on Saada, the rugged heartland of the Huthi Shiite rebels on the Saudi border.

Riyadh has warned that the Iran-backed rebels crossed a “red line” by shelling populated border areas of the kingdom earlier this week.

Coalition warplanes and Saudi artillery pounded rebel chief Abdul Malik al-Huthi’s hometown of Marran, witnesses said.

The rebel’s Al-Masirah television said Marran and nearby Baqim were hit by more than 160 rockets. The channel said the coalition had launched more than 27 air raids across the province.

Strikes in Saada city brought down the telecommunication network, residents said.

The coalition also carried out new strikes against the airport in the rebel-held capital Sanaa, which already suffered damaged to its runaways in previous strikes.

The coalition has imposed a tight sea and air blockade in a bid to prevent supplies reaching the rebels and their allies in the security forces.

Ceasefire offer

The rebels have yet to respond to the proposal made by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Friday for a five-day ceasefire beginning on May 12.

“The ceasefire will end should Huthis or

their allies not live up to the agreement – this is a chance for the Huthis to show that they care about their people and they care about the Yemen people,” Jubeir said at a joint news conference in Paris with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Kerry said the ceasefire would take place “provided that the Huthis agree that there will be no bombing, no shooting, no movement of their troops or manoeuvring to reposition for military advantage (and) no movement of heavy weapons.”

He stressed that the pause in hostilities was a “renewable commitment” that, if it held, “opens the door to possibility of an extension.”

The United Nations has called repeatedly for a ceasefire after weeks of fighting that have killed more than 1,400 people, many of them civilians.

Even before the latest exodus of civilians from Saada, the UN estimated that at least 300,000 had been displaced by the conflict.

More than 800 families took refuge in neighbouring Amran province on Friday, witnesses said. Scores more fled to the capital. l

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photos of a projectile rising from the surface and Kim smiling from a distance at what looked like a floating submarine.

The test might have taken place near the eastern coastal city of Sinpo, where satellite imagery in recent months, analyzed by a US research institute, appeared to have shown North Korea building missile-testing facilities and equipping a submarine with launch capabilities. The KCNA in a separate report yesterday said Kim visited a fisheries facility in Sinpo to offer “field guidance.”

South Korea’s defense ministry had no immediate comment on North Korea’s claim of a successful test.

Ministry officials have previously said that North Korea has about 70 submarines and appears to be mainly imitating Russian designs in its efforts to develop a system for submarine-launched missiles. North Korea is believed to have obtained several of the Soviet Navy’s retired Golf-class ballistic missile submarines in the mid-1990s.

Uk Yang, a Seoul-based security expert and an adviser to the South Korean military, said it was unlikely the North currently possess a submarine large enough to carry and fire multiple missiles. However, it’s hard to deny that North Korea is making progress on a dangerous weapons technology, he said.

The website 38 North, operated by the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, said in January that such capability posed a potential new threat to South Korea, Japan and US bases in East Asia, although North Korea’s submarines tend to be old and would be vulnerable to attack.

There had been expectations that Kim would attend the Victory Day celebration in Russia for his international debut, but North Korea has sent to Moscow the head of its rubber-stamp parliament instead. l

Indian Maoists take 250 villagers hostage

n AFP

Indian Maoist rebels took 250 villagers hostage in restive Chhattisgarh just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the central state yesterday, officials said.

Guerillas abducted the villagers late Friday in Sukma district, 80 kilometres away from where the right-wing Modi later addressed a public rally, said the state’s chief minister.

“250 villagers have been abducted by the Maoists. We are trying our best to secure their release,” Raman Singh said without giving further details.

Lawmaker Kawashi Lakma told AFP that the rebels grabbed locals from Morenga village and took them through deep forests to a nearby hill.

“The Maoists had been opposing the construction of a bridge on one of the rivers because they felt it would give the security forces easy access to their hideouts,” said Kawashi Lakma. “We have sent some people to negotiate with them.”

The abduction is the latest incident in a long-running conflict that pits the insurgents against security forces in remote areas of the so-called “Red Corridor” stretching through central and eastern India. l

DT

10 WORLD

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Savage mist Forty years after the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War, Reuters photographer Damir Sagolj travelled through Vietnam to meet the people affected, four decades on.

Selections from a picture story published by Reuters on April 23 capture the lingering effects of Agent Orange and the severe mental and physical disabilities that people in Vietnam still endure.

Respiratory cancer and birth defects amongst both Vietnamese and US veterans have been linked to exposure to the defoliant. The US military sprayed millions of gallons of Agent Orange onto Vietnam's jungles during the conflict to expose northern communist troops.

Diplomats: Inspectors find undeclared sarin and VX traces in Syria n Reuters International inspectors have found traces of sarin and VX nerve agent at a military research site in Syria that had not been declared to the global chemical weapons watchdog, diplomatic sources said on Friday.

Samples taken by experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition and Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in December and January tested positive for chemical precursors needed to make the toxic agents, the sources told Reuters on the condition of anonymity because the information is confidential.

“This is a pretty strong indication they have been lying about what they did with sarin,” one diplomatic source said. “They have so far been unable to give a satisfactory explanation about this finding.”

In 2013, the United States threatened military intervention against Syria’s government after sarin gas attacks in August of that year killed hundreds of residents in Ghouta, a rebel-controlled suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus.

But the Damascus government forestalled foreign intervention by agreeing to a US- and Russian-brokered deal under which it joined the OPCW, admitting to having a chemicals weapons program and promising to eliminate it.

The government of President Bashar al-Assad last year handed over 1,300 tonnes of chemical arms to a joint UN-OPCW mission for destruction. But Damascus has denied using sarin or any chemical weapons in battle

during Syria’s continuing civil war.

The diplomatic sources said the sarin and VX nerve samples were taken from the Scientific Studies and Research Centre, a government agency where Western intelligence agencies say Syria developed biological and chemical weapons.

Asked about the diplomats’ account, OPCW spokesman Peter Sawczak said: “Obviously we are working to clarify Syria’s declaration. I cannot discuss any details of that process, but in due course the assessment team will issue a report.”

Chlorine gas attacks

An OPCW fact-finding mission has been investigating allegations of dozens of recent chlorine gas attacks in Syrian villages but is being refused access to the sites by the Assad government, the diplomatic sources said.

The finding of VX and sarin supports assertions by Western governments that Assad withheld some of his stockpile, or did not disclose the full extent of Syria’s chemical capability or arsenal to the OPCW, according to diplomats and analysts.

OPCW inspectors have been to Syria eight times to verify the accuracy of the details of the chemical weapons program provided in an initial report, but keep returning with more questions than answers, the diplomats said.

Under the deal with Washington and Moscow, Syria agreed to permanently and completely destroy its chemical weapons program and cannot use poison gas in warfare.

But the OPCW, which is not mandated to assign blame, said chlorine has been used “systematically and repeatedly” as a weapon in Syria after Damascus handed over its declared toxic stockpile.

Syria has begun destroying a dozen chemical weapons production and storage sites, but also last year added several new facilities it had not initially disclosed to the OPCW. The United States wants a team of United Nations investigators to determine who is to blame for the more recent chlorine attacks in a bid to pave the way for UN Security Council action against those responsible.

“We believe - and it’s clear that many Council members agree - that we have got to have a means of establishing who is carrying out these chlorine attacks,” Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, told reporters on Friday.

“We hope that we can make progress on a resolution to ensure that there is a mechanism that will not only establish chlorine use, but establish who carried out that use,” she said.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a British expert on biological and chemical weapons, said Syrian government forces appeared to be the only party that could have carried out the Aug. 21, 2013 sarin attacks in Ghouta because they were mounted on a large scale and professionally executed.

“This unequivocally proves there was sarin in Syria. If the OPCW possesses this evidence, it is absolutely another nail in this coffin,” he said. l

WHO declares Liberia Ebola-free

n AP, Monrovia

Liberia is now free of Ebola after going 42 days — twice the maximum incubation period for the deadly disease — without any new cases, the World Health Organisation announced yesterday.

While celebrating the milestone, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf yesterday told The Associated Press the damage wrought by the worst Ebola outbreak in history was “a scar on the conscience of the world.”

For some survivors, she said: “The pain and grief will take a generation to heal.”

Meanwhile, new cases were reported this week in neighboring Sierra Leone and in Guinea, the other two countries hit hardest

by Ebola.

For this reason, officials said they are cautious about openly celebrating the end of Ebola in Liberia, as the continued presence of the disease in the region means just one sick patient slipping over the border into Liberia could spark a resurgence of cases.

Sirleaf said she was confident her country was now prepared “to deal quickly with any new cases should they emerge.”

Sirleaf, accompanied by US Ambassador Deborah Mala, yesterday toured health centers in Monrovia, embracing and taking group photos with doctors and nurses. Nearly 200 health workers died fighting Ebola in Liberia.

In a statement given to AP earlier yesterday morning at her Monrovia home, Sirleaf lamented the damage done to her country, which was only about a decade removed from a devastating civil conflict when the outbreak struck. l

DT

EDITORIAL 11

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

A diaspora milestone to celebrate

W

e congratulate the three British-Bangladeshi women who secured election to the UK parliament in Thursday’s general election.

Even though they are British citizens, it is right that Bangladeshis should take an interest in celebrating their success. The long-shared history and close ties of our nations places a natural spotlight on the achievements and progress of the British-Bangladeshi community.

The milestone of seeing Rupa Huq and Tulip Siddiq succeed in smashing stereotypes and join the well-established parliamentarian Rushanara Ali in the House of Commons is certainly noteworthy. Of the three, Rupa Huq stands out for winning a rare success on the night for the Labour Party by actually taking a seat from the victorious Conservative Party rather than holding an existing one.

While all three share a common national heritage, party affiliation and years of hard work in grassroots politics, the trio are as diverse in their family backgrounds as the three very different London constituencies which they now represent.

It must be hoped that parts of the British media which relish in nurturing stereotypes and creating panic about British Muslims travelling abroad to join jihadists, will sit up and take note of the success story for integration represented by these three women MPs. We wish all three more success in their careers ahead.

In a globalised world with more and more people of Bangladeshi heritage working abroad, it is only right that we should all welcome and hope to see more such success stories.

We hope to see others emulate the success of these three British Bangladeshi women

Enhance digital investment to drive growth

W

e are pleased to see Telenor Digital, the majority owner of the country’s largest mobile operator, sign an agreement with the government’s Access to Information program to increase connectivty and make Internet services more accessible in difficult to reach areas.

The new partnership provides welcome support for plans to make the goal of a Digital Bangladesh a living reality for more people.

It follows reports last week that average daily money transactions through mobile financial services reached a new record of over Tk400cr in March. The fast take up of mobile banking services is doing a huge amount to improve financial inclusion across the whole country.

Cheap IT technologies are bringing new benefits to people in more remote areas and by allowing small amounts to be transferred easily, proving invalubale to poorer people who would otherwise be excluded from accessing financial services.

Digital inclusion is vital not just to provide more societal and educational benefits by making Internet services more accessible and affordable, but to help grow the economy, There is huge potential for ICT to create and support many new higher value jobs by encouraging start-ups and new outsourcing opportunities.

The government should support the growing collaboration seen between entrepreneurs and the ICT sector at this week’s Bangladesh Digital Investment Summit by ensuring the regulatory and taxation environment maximises new investment to improve infrastructure and skills training.

Everyone stands to benefit from better IT services which improve services and help entrepreneurs.

Ensure the regulatory environment maximises investment in infrastructure and skills

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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The nation won’t stand for assaults on women April 18

put on the spot and prosecuted for such primitive behaviour. These are sexual predators and nobody needs them on Bangladesh’s streets.

Mafi Islam The miscreants also took advantage oft he grotty sound of vuvuzelas. Selling or using of vuvuzelas should be prohibited in Bangladesh. rose It certainly proves that people in our society really need to learn to respect women and the miscreants really need to be caught.

Rajeeb Before saving the nation, how about saving our families first? Our homes are the first place where violence against women begin, flourish, and sustain. We are outraged to see this unfold on the streets, but little do we care when our mothers, sisters, or wives suffer similarly at homes. We should talk about domestic violence, marital rape, and sexual harassment in our homes. Only then will our boys learn to respect women and not take their “manhood” for granted.

Dev Saha Whoever committed the crime needs to be

sundar Yes, their main objective was to discourage females to attend this sort of celebration.

It is mere tall talk that the “nation will not stand.” Those days have passed. Otherwise, how can a few demoralised goons dare to do it in the presence of thousands of youths (of the digital variety). Other than one boy, Liton Nandi, with a few of his friends none were found to protest or fight the hoodlums.

What the student league activists were doing there. Possibly finding no prospect of monetary benefits, they didn’t feel the interest to interfere. Only thing that this nation will not stand for is non-profit service.

Guest Umm ... why are fundamentalists being blamed for something which some members of Chhatra League are guilty of and this is proven by video evidence? forgetmenot!

Guest: Are you kidding me? You must be a member of the anti-liberation force! You fundamentalist! Shame on you! Chhatra League is a prestigious institution! A pillar of our nation! For shame!

Ahad Chowdhury Guest: This is not the mark of a civilised country. On every front we come out as shameless, greedy, and borderline barbaric. This is the result of the tolerance of unruly behaviour by the so-called student politicians, goons, and thugs of all kind. Religion and politics don’t give you right to take away people’s civil rights.

Women with their children were attacked.

DT Attacking Tulip is counterproductive

April 19 Somers Town Boy Not counterproductive, just plain wrong. It is nonsense to transfer dislike of someone’s aunt -- and one from a wholly different country and context to the London idyll of Hampstead -- onto the shoulders of a young woman. Dislike AL by all means, but it has no bearing on UK politics - whose establishment is so polluted by foreign oligarchs that one more wouldn’t make a difference, even if -- and all the evidence suggest it isn’t -- it was fair to apply that to a Camden councillor.

Bangladesh’s secularism under threat

April 17 Dev Saha It all depends on what the people want for this country. If people think religious ideals would solve the country’s monumental problems, they are basically chasing a mirage. rose Yes indeed, Bangladesh should remain a secular state instead of turning towards religious extremism, not to mention the miscreants who kill bloggers should be given harder punishments.

DT

12 OPINION

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

BIGSTOCK

An open letter to Maa n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

D

ear Maa, Whether or not your children remember you today, the corporations won’t forget you.

Expect to be bombarded with packaged spa deals, customised restaurant meals, discounts, and special offers wherever you go (conditions apply, naturally).

The media won’t forget you. There will be talk shows, concerts, interviews, and, of course, ads. Or maybe your kids will remember, and your smiling face will take pride of place on their Facebook profiles for 24 whole hours, while they shout out to the world how much they love you.

And why shouldn’t they? Yours is, without a shred of doubt or ounce of irony, one of the hardest jobs in the world. No downtime, no vacations, no benefits -- you have been on call, round the clock, since before your kids were born.

The sacrifices you make cannot be denied.

And after your invaluable contributions towards your family, and to society as a whole, the very least you deserve is a little celebration of you.

And so, today, the card companies will wish you, the RJ on the radio will wish you,

and the magazines will wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. And along with their wishes, I have a few of my own.

I wish you confidence in your self-image, and comfort in your own skin. After all, your daughters watch and learn from you. Even before they discover beauty magazines and Disney princesses, they take their cue from you.

But let your daughters learn that they are so much more than the shade of their skin and the breadth of their hips. May your sons also learn from this, and not treat the other women in their lives as pretty little trinkets, but as people.

I wish you the courage to speak out and demand more for yourself and to allow your children to do the same. Maybe you chose

May your daughters never have to choose between careers and marriage -- the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive

So, when you are fretting about your weight or complexion, they absorb your insecurities and develop their own. This is not to say that grooming and fitness aren’t important -- of course you want your children to be healthy and presentable where it counts.

to stay at home to take care of your family.

Maybe you chose to carve out your own career.

All parents have hopes and dreams for their children, but children have aspirations of their own that deserve to be

honoured. May your sons never be forced to give up subjects they have a passion for in favour of “safe” degrees that guarantee them a job.

May your daughters never have to choose between careers and marriage -- the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

I wish you keep an open mind that doesn’t judge the children of others. Maybe your neighbour’s unmarried daughter is coming home late because she really does have to stay at work late. Maybe that boy accompanying her to the door really is ensuring that she gets home safe.

Above all, Maa, I wish you strength, because whenever your sons get caught in the act of perpetrating such atrocities as they did during the Boi Mela or Pohela Boishakh, someone else’s son swears similar retribution on you and your daughters.

You’re the one who taught us our first words, held our hands as we took our first steps, and helped shaped our values. If things are to change, as they must, if you want your children to be safe and happy and upstanding human beings, the change must begin with you. Happy Mother’s Day. l Sabrina Fatma Ahmad is Features Editor, Dhaka Tribune.

DT

OPINION 13

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Tribute to an unconventional grandmother Paran Rahman broke the stereotypes of her time

n Zareen Mahmud Hosein

M

y grandmother was a woman who never aged in spirit.

Shamsun Nahar Rahman (Paran), passed away on February 18, 2015 at the age of 75. She was married at 13, and gave birth to five children soon thereafter.

She completed her bachelor’s while raising her children. In her mid-30s, Paran Rahman founded Ghashful, the first registered NGO in Chittagong to provide healthcare assistance in a war-torn and newly independent Bangladesh.

Over the greater part of the next four decades, Ghashful expanded its operations to six districts through 37 branches, to provide services in healthcare, education, and microcredit, reaching several hundred thousand beneficiaries.

Paran Rahman was unconventional in her interaction with her grandchildren as well.

She was furious when my cousin decided to enroll in culinary classes during the break after her SSC exam.

She did not want her grand-daughter to be trapped in the stereotypical virtues of young women. The first piece of advice I received as a teenager from my grandmother, a pioneer healthcare activist in the country, was regarding the use of “contraception” even before I had a complete grasp of its meaning.

Needless to say, I was mortified to receive such advice from her at that age.

She had breast cancer in the late 90s and received treatment while continuing her work at Ghashful. During those years, I would travel to Chittagong to see her and visit the slums where she worked.

Each of us passes on a little bit of our knowledge and aspirations to those we love unconditionally. Each of us becomes a role model

Everyone called her Paran Apa. She knew the single mothers, the wives, and the widows of the slums. She knew the husbands and their vices and, if necessary, kept them in check. She would always advise expecting and nursing mothers on receiving nutrition from economical sources. She would always

advise the occasional rickshaw-puller on his way to work to stay hydrated.

In the last 15 years, my grandmother became involved with a primary school in Chittagong where she acted as the honorary principal. She was shameless in seeking support for the school from her family and friends.

When she travelled abroad, she took brochures of her school to distribute to anyone who would take an interest. When she was happy, she hummed the tunes her pupils had learnt in school. During Ramadan, her demands on our zakat were endearingly endless: Uniforms for her school children, money to build new cabinets at the school, a new paint job.

Paran Rahman worked relentlessly for state recognitionof the war heroines (birangona) from Chittagong and her native Comilla. However, she was not fond of the term birangona and preferred to address them as freedom fighters.

This was her attempt to transform their image of being victims of the war to that of active seekers of independence. This year, as a result of her initiatives, the government of Bangladesh recognised Afiya Khatun Khanjani from Chouddagram to provide state support.

Paran Rahman became involved with elderly rights and rehabilitation in her later

years. As I was living abroad, she would invariably ask me to find elderly women who she could live with.

To me and to my family, this idea sounded outrageous. However, her wish does not seem as shocking anymore. She was a widow in her 70s, and it might have been great to have the company of new friends who were similar in age.

Once when I called her, she was writing a piece for a local newspaper about her own mother and role model who died of cancer in her 30s. That is when I understood how role models come into being.

Paran Rahman’s role model was a mother who was enlightened even though she lived in a village. She used vegetable dyes on clothes and created artwork with the teeth of fish.

She knew about herbal medicines and read books on Ayurveda. She sang in the afternoons and gathered the village women to read to them. That’s when I realised each of us passes on a little bit of our knowledge and aspirations to those we love unconditionally.

Each of us becomes a role model to those we love unconditionally. l Zareen Mahmud Hosein is a partner at Snehasish Mahmud & Co. Chartered Accountants and a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh.

DT

14 OPINION

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

In number 10 again n Towheed Feroze

I

f anyone is looking for punchy titles to describe the twists of the just concluded UK elections, there won’t be any dearth of material. Okay, here’s a teaser: Nick’s road clogged, bagpipers bag it all, Ed’s mill is banned, furlough for Farage, and, ultimately, Cameron’s cadence continues.

The much-hyped election is over, leaving a lot of people in and outside of the UK and, here in Bangladesh, a bit stunned. A hung parliament had been the talking point all the week prior to the polls and even on election-day morning, at the informal gathering held at the British High Commission in Dhaka, the current high commissioner, Robert Gibson, gave detailed answers to questions posed by eager journalists on several dimensions of a possible hung parliament in the UK. But the high commissioner also elaborated on a procedure, based on which an almost accurate reading of how things would turn out in a few hours could be formed. And, according to that, it appeared a wave of blue of the Conservative Party would soon overwhelm the red of Labour.

Interestingly, early in the morning, the tallies shown on BBC still indicated a strong Labour run; of course that all changed when almost the whole of Scotland decided to unite under the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP).

The UK elections matters a lot for us, especially since we are one of the largest operations of her overseas development initiatives.

Not that much has changed with the shuffling of governments but since a large British-Bangladeshi community is a firm chunk of the multicultural format of the UK, what happens there does have resonance here.

REUTERS

For Bangladeshis, it is not about Labour or Conservative per se, but a chance to see Bangladeshis in the UK break out from a social glass-ceiling

Also, we now have Tulip Siddiq, related to the prime minister of Bangladesh, as an elected MP in the British Parliament. Despite being a Labour candidate, her victory creates an extra platform from which the issues facing the British-Bangladeshis can get wider recognition.

During the election hustings, Tulip gave several interviews and underlined in each one of them the need for better schools, more National Health Service spending, and an increase in the number of homes for people in her area.

Interestingly, the Conservative Party manifesto also promises upgrades in these three areas: 2 million jobs, £8bn in NHS spending, and better primary education.

Perhaps I am not wrong in stating that in a post-recession climate with most European

economies beleaguered, both the Labour and the Conservatives picked up the common areas of public grievances.

Going back to the pre-election debate, to be honest, not a single candidate looked fully convincing in their arguments. In fact, the general sense of disgruntlement among the masses became clear when both Cameron and Ed were asked straightforward no-nonsense questions; some also hinted at the disingenuous use of language by the politicians to dupe them.

An unveiled feeling of malaise could be noticed. The only diversion was the birth of the royal daughter which, for a period, took off the focus from the simmering sense of unease on the streets.

With such an overt show of dissatisfaction, it was a given that no one

would win it outright. But, it now seems, the Conservatives won’t have to go for coalition at all.

The message here is unequivocal: People are wary of a sudden turning in politics at this point when the UK economy is still on rather volatile waters. It’s certainly not imploding but voters possibly didn’t want to take a risk with so much fragility all around.

They do say that, in politics, to show a lasting charisma requires time. Five years is not enough!

This line possibly works in all cases -developed and developing. The only problem is, in developing nations, tight grip on power for too long provides a fertile ground for autocratic tendencies.

With the flag of euphoria in the Conservative quarter, a memory from a distant past -- mid-90s to be specific -- comes to mind.

As Tony Blair was painting the whole of UK red, one distinct observation made by a journalist comes back: Just look at him, whatever he does is lauded, he just can’t seem to do anything wrong.

Needless to say, that feeling of invincibility is overpowering (read: Deadly) if allowed to rise unchecked. Blair the bold would soon turn into Blair the buffoon within a few years.

For Bangladeshis, it is not about Labour or Conservative per se, but a chance to see Bangladeshis in the UK break out from a social glass-ceiling and reach the policy-

making level.

Maybe Rushnara Ali, Rupa Huq, or Tulip Siddiq won’t be able to directly influence Britain’s social plus foreign policy-related directives but they can, as a united force, create a formidable position for the minority of South Asian people.

To admit a dark fact, an insidious wind of Islamophobia is blowing over Europe which, left unaddressed, is bound to create a stark social polarisation everywhere, especially in Britain.

As the link between the UK and Bangladesh reaches up to a level where the two societies, leaving out politics, have common factors in the diaspora, the election of candidates of Bangladeshi background opens up a field to work on critical topics like radicalisation, non-integration, and the silent spread of parochial outlooks.

Time will say how things shape up so, for the time being, we here in Bangladesh can applaud the success of British-Bangladeshis in the UK polls.

To end, here’s a famous line from an 80s British TV comedy Yes Prime Minister where the lead actor, Paul Eddington, as PM James Hacker, asks a rhetorical question with trepidation: “Have I done alright?”

Well, Cameron now knows the answer … l Towheed Feroze is a journalist currently working in the development sector.

16

Obama to Democrats on Asia trade pact: like Nike, ‘just do it’

17

IMF: China FX policy should continue to allow more flexibility

19

BSEC step brings market back to gear past week

20

DT

Business

15

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

ILO extends RMG factory assessment timeline till July 31

Pay review committee mum about banks’ separate pay scale n Asif Showkat Kallol

Finance Minister AMA Muhith at a seminar on fiscal policy for the 2015-16 fiscal year in Dhaka yesterday

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Muhith suggests payroll income tax reform n Tribune Report

Finance minister AMA Muhith yesterday hinted that attention would be given on payroll income tax reform in the face of dismal revenue earnings from the area.

“Idea of payroll tax issue is very impressive. I must honestly admit that this is an area that I did not realise before. It is totally neglected,” he said.

Muhith said Bangladesh payroll tax scenario against other countries is very poor. “It needs to be looked at.”

The payroll tax issue, which caught the finance minister’s attention, was raised by a keynote paper on Public Resource Mobilisation Strategy.

Policy Research Institute executive director Ahsan H Mansur presented the paper at a seminar on “Fiscal Policy for 2015-16 Budget in the Context of the Seventh Plan.”

PRI organised the event at its office.

Payroll taxes are taxes imposed on employers or employees, and are usually calculated as a percentage of the salaries that employers pay their staff.

Payroll taxes generally fall into two categories: deductions from an employee’s wages, and taxes paid by the employer based on the employee’s wages.

Mansur’s keynote paper compared payroll tax scenario of Bangladesh with two countries –United Kingdom and Australia.

In the fiscal year 2012, income from payroll

tax of Bangladesh was only 2% but in the UK and Australia, it was 87.6% and 62.7% during the period.

Finance minister also hinted that income tax rate on the RMG and knit exporters would be higher in the next fiscal year. “I wanted it to go up 1% and accordingly it had edged up 0.8%.”

“It reduced to 0.3% due to political turmoil in FY2014. But this time I want to go back,” finance minister said.

PRI suggested this rate on the export proceeds should be at least the original level of 0.8%.

Out of 160m people of the country, only 1.1m pay income tax. “This is unbelievable! it’s a dam shame. There should be minimum tax for everybody,” he said.

About tobacco tax, the keynote paper said the market share of the low segment cheap cigarettes has increased to 63% in last six years from 36% in FY2008, leading to a huge loss of revenue and volume of such segment cigarettes expanded at more than 26% a year at the expense of medium segment.

Muhith said, “I have already given it to the NBR. In fact, tobacco has been identified as a special issue to look at.”

However, he said despite rigorous anti- tobacco campaign worldwide, use of tobacco has not been diminished.

About mobile taxation, he said existing mobile taxation policy is not very good.

On loss-making state-owned enterprises,

finance minister said it is politically difficult to get rid of them.

“There might be policy guideline about the use of land under the SoEs. Privatisation Commission carried out a survey on the unused land of SoEs, which is a good work at the end of its demise.”

Strongly criticising closing down the country’s first and the largest 52-year-old stateowned Adamjee Jute Mills to cut the staggering losses through golden hand shake in 2002 by the then BNP-led government, Muhith said that was not a good solution. Many golden handshake people was back to the same institution after change of the government, he said.

On merger and acquisition issue, he said no firms get bankruptcy in Bangladesh, so there was no use of making rules on this. “But there should be liquidation process guideline.”

A galaxy of experts and analysts also attended the seminar.

They came up with various suggestions for the government on different issues, including making diversification of export policy, fixing different VAT slabs for different sectors, controlling the use of hazardous chemical, the government expenditure, priority-wise infrastructural development and human resource development. l

The pay commission review committee has refrained from giving any advice regarding separate pay scales for banking and education sectors, official sources said.

The final meeting of the committee was held on Thursday last week at the Cabinet Division’s office with Cabinet Secretary M Musharaff Hossain Bhuiyan in the chair.

However, the committee advised reducing the highest salary for public servants to Tk80,000 from the proposed Tk1 lakh and the lowest salary Tk8,250 from the proposed Tk8,200.

The review committee report will be placed at the regular cabinet meeting tomorrow.

Officials concerned said the committee wanted to reduce an average of 7% from the salaries recommended.

However, the committee has given its consent to the recommended basic salaries and an annual 5% increment, effective from the first day of next financial year.

An amount of Tk15,000 crore would be earmarked in the fiscal year to implement the pay commission’s recommendations, Finance Division sources said.

The meeting also decided that the PRL (post-retirement leave) system would continue, not the LPR (leave prior to retirement) system.

Meanwhile, Finance Division sources said the government wanted to introduce a separate pay scale for Bangladesh Bank and stateowned banks, but to stop other facilities including the low-interest loan.

As the central bank did not agree with the government’s decision, the process of separate pay scale for Bangladesh Bank and state banks was stopped despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s approval, said officials.

The 8th National Pay and Service Commission expressed strong reservation about the long-standing demand of separate pay scale for state-owned commercial banks because of their dismal performance along with huge yearly loss linked with a series of loan scams. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Obama to Democrats on Asia trade pact: like Nike, ‘just do it’ n Reuters, Beaverton President Barack Obama, co-opting Nike Inc’s famous slogan, told Democrats on Friday to “just do it” and support a trade deal with Asian countries that the shoe company said would help it create up to 10,000 US jobs over 10 years.

The setting - Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon - was an unusual one for a presidential trade pitch.

Nike has long faced criticism for using Asian sweat shops to produce its pricey footwear. But the company has worked to improve conditions overseas and said on Friday it would also boost investment in US manufacturing if the 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact is approved.

Obama used that promise of new jobs to try to convince skeptical lawmakers from his own party to support TPP and join Republicans in granting him “fast-track” authority to finalize the deal.

Many Democrats are concerned the proposed pact would help companies move operations to cheaper offshore facilities.

“On trade, I actually think some of my dearest friends are wrong. They’re just wrong,” Obama said at Nike headquarters. “If we don’t write the rules for trade around the world, guess what: China will.”

He added, “Just do it, everybody.”

Shoes from vietnam

Before the trip, White House aides had been coy about why Obama chose such a controversial backdrop for his speech. An administration official said Nike had approached the White House about the trade deal and that led to Obama’s appearance there.

Labor and environmental groups protested Obama’s appearance at Nike and said the company’s job-creating claims were vague.

Nike has 26,000 US employees, but it counts on more than 1 million workers in contract factories worldwide to make its shoes, some of which sell for hundreds of dollars. A third of those factories are in Vietnam, a TPP participant.

Almost all footwear sold in the United States is made overseas and is subject to import tariffs that average 25 percent to 35%,

US President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to deliver remarks on trade at Nike’s corporate headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon REUTERS according to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, a shoe dealer’s group.

For shoes imported from TPP countries, notably Vietnam, US firms paid $400 million in tariffs in 2014, the group said.

Nike said relief from “antiquated” footwear tariffs in the TPP deal would allow it to invest more money at home. In addition to 10,000 U.S. manufacturing and engineering jobs, it promised as many as 40,000 additional jobs would pop up in its domestic supply chain if an agreement were reached.

“Free trade opens doors. It removes barriers. It creates jobs,” Nike Chief Executive Mark Parker told the crowd ahead of Obama’s speech in Beaverton, seven miles from Portland.

When asked, Nike offered few details on, for instance, whether it would build new plants, how soon new jobs could come on line, how much money workers might be paid, or what kind of shoes could be produced in the United States.

A Nike spokesman said in an email that it was “too early for us to say specifically where we will invest, but it will be a significant investment over the next decade.”

The White House declined to provide additional details, referring questions to Nike.

More lobbying expense

in the past two years, Nike has ramped up its lobbying efforts as debate over the trade treaty has intensified.

The company nearly tripled its lobbying spending to more than $1.1m in 2014 from $400,000 in 2012, according to data collected by the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington campaign finance and lobbying research group.

Nike multibillionaire co-founder Philip Knight is Oregon’s richest person and leans Republican, though he has donated money over the years to both parties, including more than $85,000 to Republican congressional committees in 2013 and 2014, according to federal records analyzed by the center.

Knight has also given money to Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, a key supporter along with Republicans of giving Obama “fasttrack” authority to negotiate the TPP deal.

Under the deal’s terms, Obama said Vietnam is one country that would be forced to improve its labor standards, set a minimum wage, and protect workers’ rights to unionize.

“It would be good for the workers in Vietnam even as it helps make sure that they’re not undercutting competition here in the United States,” he said. l

CORPORATE NEWS

BTCL starts providing 24/7 customer service

n Tribune Business Desk

Dhaka Export Processing Zone and Fire Service & Civil Defence have recently held a workshop on building awareness of earthquake and fire safety of workers in Dhaka EPZ. Md Ahsan Kabir, general manager of Dhaka EPZ inaugurated the workshop

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has been offering its customers the facility to contact System and Service Improvement (SSI) Cell for any kind of complains.

The service improvement cell has recently been made reachable for 24 hours a day throughout entire week, said a press release.

Customers can reach service providers at phone numbers, 9320000, 9320111 and 9320222. l

Google adds foodordering feature to mobile search n AFP, San Francisco Google on Friday added a feature that lets people in the US order food directly from mobile searches for local restaurants.

The move came as the Internet titan maneuvers to stay in tune with the trend of smartphones being used to seek out local venues and weave itself into online commerce.

“Whether you’re craving deep dish pizza or pad thai, starting today you can order food from some of your favorite restaurants directly from Google search results,” the California-based firm said in a post on its Google+ social network page.

Search queries for nearby restaurants will be served up with an option to “place an order.”

Tapping the option icon will let people place food orders with Seamless, Grubhub, Eat24, BeyondMenu, Delivery.com or MyPizza.com, according to Google, which is working to expand the number of delivery providers. l

Fitch, Moody’s say India ratings not hit by foreign outflows n Reuters, Mumbai India’s credit rating is likely to withstand a surge in the sales of shares and bonds by overseas investors triggered by a growing tax row, rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch told Reuters on Thursday.

“India’s external balances are strong relative to peers on some accounts, and can withstand the current outflows, for instance due to the high level of foreign-exchange reserves,” Thomas Rookmaaker, director at Fitch’s Asia-Pacific Sovereign Group, wrote in an email to Reuters.

Fitch affirmed its “BBB-minus” and “stable” outlook on India last month.

Overseas funds chalked up their biggest single-day sales of Indian shares and bonds in a year and a half on Wednesday, fuelling concern Asia’s third-largest economy will drive off foreign investors with its minimum alternate tax (MAT).

On Thursday, the government set up a panel to suggest ways to resolve the MAT dispute as well as some other tax issues.

Meanwhile, Moody’s, which revised India’s “Baa3” sovereign rating outlook to “positive” from “stable” last month, said its view reflects a 2-5 year horizon, rather than nearterm growth, where the impact of outflows might be felt.

“If reforms are implemented as planned, that would be quite positive,” Moody’s sovereign rating analyst Atsi Sheth told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Indian stocks are now the worst performers in Asia in the year to date, in terms of local currency, driven by concerns over tax policy, a delay on a key land bill and global risk aversion.

Moody’s said uncertainty about the tax policy was “negative” for investor sentiment, but markets were recognising that pace of reforms in India was “slow and uneven”.

“I think this particular issue has detracted from the reform efforts from a sentiment perspective. However, the reform effort is much broader than this issue alone,” Sheth said. l

DT

BUSINESS 17

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

China consumer inflation rises subdued 1.5% in April n AFP, Beijing

China’s Premier Li Keqiang meets with International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde during the China Development Forum inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing REUTERS

IMF: China FX policy should continue to allow more flexibility n Reuters, Singapore China should allow greater flexibility in its exchange rate policy by reducing intervention, as part of its efforts to secure a gradual moderation in growth while pursuing economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.

“To help deliver durable and balanced growth, China needs reforms that reorient the economy away from excessive reliance on real estate, heavy industry, and external demand,” the IMF said in its regional economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific.

Implementation of China’s third plenum reform blueprint of 2013, including steps to facilitate corporate deleveraging, strengthen local government financial discipline and reforms to state-owned enterprises, is vital for sustainable growth, the IMF said.

As such reforms are fully implemented, China’s growth is expected to moderate to 6% by 2017 and then stabilise around there, it said.

In order to achieve a gradual moderation in growth while pursuing reforms, “fiscal stimulus should be the first line of defence, with an emphasis on measures to support private

consumption,” the IMF said, adding that any further monetary easing in China should be data dependent.

As the economy cools, China’s central bank has delivered two interest rate cuts since November, on top of two reductions in the amount of money banks must keep in reserve, and repeated attempts to reduce financing costs.

“Exchange rate policy should continue to allow greater flexibility by reducing foreign exchange intervention,” the IMF added.

On Japan, the IMF said an aggressive policy response would be key to achieving “escape velocity” for the Japanese economy.

“Further enhancements to the Bank of Japan’s monetary stimulus may be warranted, particularly to the ‘qualitative’ part of monetary easing, if necessary to achieve the 2% price stability target,” it said.

The BOJ last week pushed back the timeframe for hitting its inflation target but refrained from expanding its already massive stimulus programme, clinging to its conviction that a steady economic recovery will gradually nudge up prices.

The IMF said the BOJ could take steps such as lengthening the maturity of Japa-

nese government bonds it buys, and could also strengthen its forward guidance by committing to maintaining the size of its balance sheet even after exiting its quantitative easing.

“The central bank could consider accelerating qualitative and quantitative easing if the drop in oil prices affects core inflation or longerterm inflation expectations,” the IMF added.

While Japan’s decision to postpone a second increase in the consumption tax to April 2017 was “appropriate” given the uncertain growth outlook, a credible strategy for medium-term fiscal consolidation is needed, the IMF said.

The IMF also noted that India’s economy has made a remarkable turnaround since mid-2013.

India’s central bank should “maintain its tight monetary policy stance” the IMF said, adding that elevated inflation expectations and the possibility of supply-side shocks will continue to challenge the achievement of India’s medium-term inflation target.

The Reserve Bank of India kept interest rates on hold at 7.50% at its policy review in early April, after having cut interest rates twice this year by a total 50 basis points to bolster the economy. But it is widely expected to cut rates again before the end of June. l

Consumer inflation in China rose to 1.5% in April, authorities said yesterday, but came in below market forecasts and analysts called for more action to avoid deflation in the world’s second-largest economy.

The rise in the consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) was the highest since December, and a slight increase on March’s 1.4%.

But it came in lower than the median prediction of 1.6% in a survey of 39 analysts by Bloomberg News.

“April CPI inflation remained subdued,” Japanese financial firm Nomura said in a research note, which added there was no inflationary pressure in the near term.

“CPI inflation at these levels means there is ample room for monetary policy easing.”

Moderate inflation can be a boon to consumption as it encourages consumers to buy before prices go up, while falling prices encourage shoppers to delay purchases and companies to put off investment, both of which can hurt growth.

Concerns about the risk of deflation in China have been on the rise especially after January’s slump in consumer inflation to 0.8%, the lowest since November 2009.

Separately, the producer price index (PPI) - a measure of costs for goods at the factory gate and a leading indicator of the trend for CPI - declined for the 38th consecutive month in April, the NBS said.

The 4.6 percent fall was the same as in March. PPI last rose more than three years ago.

It was also lower than market forecasts, with a Bloomberg News poll of 36 economists projecting a 4.5% drop.

Analysts called for Beijing to take stronger monetary stimulus measures to address a broad growth slowdown in the Chinese economy.

“As the deflation risk has not yet diminished, we believe that further monetary policy easing is highly needed,” ANZ economists Liu Li-Gang and Zhou Hao said in a reaction, describing the inflation figures as “soft”.

They predicted the central People’s Bank of China (PBoC) will cut interest rates by 25 basis points during the current quarter.

Weakening momentum

The PBoC has already cut interest rates twice since November and this year has twice reduced the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve, as well as using other measures to inject liquidity into the market. l

Dollar rises as US jobs data leaves rate hike at bay n AFP, New York

The dollar edged up against the euro Friday after a solid US jobs report that seemed to discount the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in June.

The US economy added 223,000 jobs in April, bouncing back from a mere 85,000 in March, the Labor Department reported, roughly in line with the consensus estimate.

While the unemployment rate ticked down to 5.4%, a seven-year low, the details in the report showed only slight signs of a tightening labor market.

The Federal Reserve is particularly focused on the labor market’s strength in deciding when to raise the benchmark federal funds rate, pegged at the zero bound since late 2008 to support the recovery from the Great Recession. The US central bank has indicated the

rate liftoff could come as early as June but the decision would be data-dependent.

“Even though forex traders were disappointed, the Federal Reserve has no reason to change their plans to raise rates in 2015 after today’s report. It wasn’t a great release but it wasn’t terrible either and we believe the data reinforces our view that liftoff will be September,” said Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management.

The pound, meanwhile, advanced after the stunning upset election victory in Britain of Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives.

“The Conservatives are seen as being more business friendly and more importantly, offer continuity in a country that last year experienced the fastest rate of growth in the G7,” said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at forex trader Oanda. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures BSRMLTD: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 15.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. Basic EPS of Tk. 0.74 and Diluted EPS of Tk. 0.73, NAV per share of Tk. 54.95.

ZAHEENSPIN: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 23.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.36, NAV per share of Tk. 12.98.

BAYLEASING: 15% cash dividend, AGM: 08.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.06, NAV per share of Tk. 21.71.

RENATA: 80% cash and 20% stock dividend, AGM: 20.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 38.24, NAV per share of Tk. 181.04.

PREMIERBAN: 10% stock dividend, EGM and AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.55, NAV per share of Tk. 15.87.

KAY&QUE: No dividend, AGM: 21.06.2015, Record Date: 24.05.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.66, NAV per share of Tk. 1.55.

SAFKOSPINN: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 18.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.16, NAV per share of Tk. 21.95.

INTECH: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 24.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. NAV per share of Tk. 235.81 million, EPS of Tk. 1.03.

ARAMIT: 50% cash dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. Basic EPS of Tk. 12.07, NAV per share of Tk. 140.32.

CONFIDCEM: 25% cash dividend, AGM: 16.06.2015, Record Date: 17.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 5.32, NAV per share of Tk. 64.42. SALVOCHEM: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 27.07.2015, Record date: 29.06.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.13, NAV per share of Tk. 11.74.

AGM/Dividend UNIQUEHRL: 20% cash dividend, GM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 24.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.27, NAV per share of Tk. 87.74.

WATACHEM: 5% cash and 25% stock dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 5.79 and NAV per share of Tk. 97.32.

CMCKAMAL: 12.50% stock dividend, AGM: 31.05.2015, Record Date: 17.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.34, NAV per share of Tk. 19.62.

ARAMITCEM: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.51, NAV per share of Tk. 17.48.

GOLDENSON: 12.50% cash dividend, AGM: 27.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 2.01, NAV per share of Tk. 27.09.

GQBALLPEN: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 2.41, NAV per share of Tk. 190.80.

SUMITPOWER: 10% cash and 5% stock dividend, AGM: 28.06.2014, Record Date: 17.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.26, NAV per share of Tk. 26.43.

SPPCL: 25% cash dividend, AGM: 28.06.2015. Record Date: 17.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 4.78, NAV per share of Tk. 29.48.

TAKAFULINS: 12% stock dividend, AGM: 25.07.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.40, NAV per share of Tk. 16.58.

PRAGATIINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 1.67, NAV per share of Tk. 50.34.

PLFSL: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 17.05.2015. EPS of Tk. 0.76, NAV per share of Tk. 17.52.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Closing (% change)

Company In Tech Online -A ACI Formulations-A Midas Financing-Z AramitCementA FAR Chemical-N National Tubes -A FAS Fin. & Inv. Ltd-B Trust Bank-A Continental Insur. -A Golden Harvest Agro-N

29.17 22.36 21.84 21.39 21.07 20.87 20.54 20.33 19.82 19.19

CSE GAINER Closing (% change)

Company Standard Insurance-A In Tech Online -A AramitCementA FAR Chemical-N ISN Ltd. -Z ACI Formulations-A Peoples Insur -A Trust Bank-A Bangladesh Welding -Z Golden Harvest Agro-N

70.21 25.51 23.76 22.74 22.11 21.55 21.37 20.97 19.70 18.50

DSE LOSER Company Pioneer Insur -A Pragati Gen. I -A Deshbandhu Polymer-A Eastern Lubricants -A Kay & Que (BD) -Z BSRM Ltd. -N Modern Dyeing -Z Northern Jute -Z Sonargaon Tex -Z AB Bank 1st Mutual Fund-A

Closing (% change) -18.84 -15.96 -10.94 -9.91 -9.32 -9.18 -8.71 -8.52 -8.14 -8.00

CSE LOSER Company LR Global BD MF1-A Deshbandhu Polymer-A SonarBangla Insu. -A Marico BD Ltd-A BSRM Ltd. -N Dhaka Ins. Ltd.-A H.R. Textile -A Aziz PipesZ Bengal Windsor-A Provati Insur.-A

Closing (% change) -19.05 -10.85 -9.87 -9.69 -9.67 -9.63 -9.20 -9.09 -8.70 -8.46

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features May 04-07, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

14,419.09 341,323,870 402,420

Traded Issues

318

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

240

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

77

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

1

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,373.36

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.77

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 935.61 494.88 82.64 1981.62 395.73 3522.50 4.59 1014.54 3158.31 32.00 496.73 66.80 277.01 423.53 221.12 91.59 178.24 562.98 162.52 305.02 11.12

% change 6.49 3.43 0.57 13.74 2.74 24.43 0.03 7.04 21.90 0.22 3.44 0.46 1.92 2.94 1.53 0.64 1.24 3.90 1.13 2.12 0.08

Million Taka 48.89 290.17 3.54 189.20 19.07 323.75 0.00 98.89 140.90 3.26 42.43 2.43 21.28 38.21 14.72 2.61 8.71 84.62 27.83 41.68 0.04

Average (% change) 29.73 23.44 21.01 20.59 21.05 21.18 15.57 21.68 17.42 19.07

Average (% change) 70.21 26.82 21.31 20.96 22.11 25.05 26.32 21.31 20.06 16.84

Average (% change) -21.42 -15.76 -14.84 -9.74 -15.59 -8.10 -7.50 -8.36 -9.76 -6.64

Average (% change) -16.59 -13.18 -9.87 -9.69 -8.32 -9.63 -9.20 -9.26 -5.74 -8.46

CSE

Closing average 12.48 202.35 10.54 24.72 34.05 91.82 13.21 15.04 13.01 20.29

Closing average 16.00 12.39 24.99 33.82 11.60 202.88 14.78 15.03 15.80 20.19

Closing average 27.59 23.73 11.59 316.81 9.80 55.57 67.99 192.26 7.86 4.64

Weekly closing 12.40 206.30 10.60 24.40 33.90 92.10 13.50 14.80 13.30 20.50

Weekly closing 16.00 12.30 25.00 34.00 11.60 205.30 14.20 15.00 15.80 20.50

Weekly closing 28.00 23.70 11.40 316.20 10.70 54.40 67.10 192.10 7.90 4.60

Closing average

Weekly closing

3.42 11.59 13.70 1,090.00 55.34 16.90 14.80 15.97 50.90 11.90

3.40 11.50 13.70 1,090.00 54.20 16.90 14.80 16.00 49.30 11.90

% change 3.49 20.69 0.25 13.49 1.36 23.09 0.00 7.05 10.05 0.23 3.03 0.17 1.52 2.72 1.05 0.19 0.62 6.03 1.98 2.97 0.00

Million Taka 984.49 785.05 86.18 2170.82 414.80 3846.25 4.59 1113.44 3299.22 35.25 539.17 69.24 298.29 461.74 235.84 94.20 186.96 647.59 190.35 346.70 11.16

Weekly high

Weekly low

13.40 207.80 10.80 25.60 35.00 94.80 13.60 15.60 13.30 20.50

Weekly high

10.80 169.10 9.00 20.80 26.50 76.00 10.60 12.60 10.20 15.60

Weekly low

16.00 13.00 25.50 34.90 11.60 207.00 15.00 15.40 16.40 20.50

Weekly high

16.00 10.70 21.00 26.50 9.40 172.00 12.20 12.50 12.60 16.10

Weekly low

28.20 25.10 12.10 340.00 12.00 62.00 73.50 210.00 8.30 5.00

Weekly high 3.60 12.20 13.70 1,135.00 57.50 16.90 14.80 16.00 54.70 11.90

Total

24.90 21.00 10.50 315.00 7.30 45.80 66.00 188.00 7.50 4.50

Weekly low 3.40 10.60 13.70 1,090.00 46.10 16.90 14.80 15.90 48.80 10.70

% change 6.22 4.96 0.54 13.72 2.62 24.31 0.03 7.04 20.85 0.22 3.41 0.44 1.89 2.92 1.49 0.60 1.18 4.09 1.20 2.19 0.07

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

Turnover in million

Latest EPS

20.659 1070.536 0.186 3.820 119.113 11.921 4.153 47.134 4.592 21.247

Turnover in million

1.03 6.80 -1.55 0.72 3.23 -1.36 1.22 4.24 1.66 1.32

Latest EPS

0.005 1.434 4.141 13.775 0.088 48.344 0.053 2.534 0.172 2.678

Turnover in million

12.1 29.8 -ve 34.3 10.5 -ve 10.8 3.5 7.8 15.4

Latest PE

2.66 1.03 0.72 3.23 0.13 6.80 2.09 4.24 0.44 1.32

Latest EPS

2.710 2.037 30.602 0.816 0.095 261.698 0.033 1.424 0.883 2.046

Turnover in million

Latest PE

6.0 12.0 34.7 10.5 89.2 29.8 7.1 3.5 35.9 15.3

Latest PE

5.44 1.67 0.13 2.48 -0.66 0.73 0.76 1.75 -2.17 0.76

Latest EPS

0.048 3.204 0.002 0.066 75.604 0.002 0.001 0.007 0.093 0.103

5.1 14.2 89.2 127.7 -ve 76.1 89.5 109.9 -ve 6.1

Latest PE

-0.70 0.13 1.65 42.69 0.73 1.84 0.86 -2.64 3.35 1.84

-ve 89.2 8.3 25.5 75.8 9.2 17.2 -ve 15.2 6.5

CSE key features May 04-07, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

1,402.24 51,411,569 59,364

Traded Issues

263

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

194

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

65

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

4

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,302.46

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

27.91

DT

BUSINESS 19

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

BSEC step brings market back to gear past week n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS

Volume shares 7,759,046 5,627,685 1,368,821 2,547,660 5,558,278 3,227,684 1,052,416 4,882,147 1,336,098 7,103,583

Company United Power-N ACI Formulations-A ACI Limited- A Shahjibazar Power-N Ifad Autos -N MJL BD Ltd.-A Grameenphone-A SAIF Powertec-N Square Pharma -A WesternMarine -N

Khulna Power-A RAK Ceramics-A BSRM Ltd. -N LafargeS Cement-Z Shasha Denims -N

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

Mozaffar H.Spinning-A LafargeS Cement-Z Shahjibazar Power-N ACI Limited- A RAK Ceramics-A

4,604,878 4,547,027 5,114,096 2,497,845 6,280,797 Volume shares 20,975,070 1,016,272 1,464,769 493,940 255,713 312,709 725,226 452,733 1,248,731 82,973

791,554 256,728 145,176 43,816 343,591

Value in million 1467.19 1070.54 746.71 444.54 442.52 409.72 344.29 337.94 323.55 320.33

275.84 269.20 261.70 261.64 235.78

Value in million 262.38 191.70 75.60 57.46 48.34 39.44 32.77 31.44 31.39 27.16

27.03 26.85 25.34 23.90 20.26

% of total turnover 10.18 7.42 5.18 3.08 3.07 2.84 2.39 2.34 2.24 2.22

1.91 1.87 1.81 1.81 1.64

% of total turnover 18.71 13.67 5.39 4.10 3.45 2.81 2.34 2.24 2.24 1.94

1.93 1.91 1.81 1.70 1.44

Weekly closing 198.70 206.30 532.60 174.40 78.80 126.70 325.40 69.00 243.00 45.20

59.80 60.90 54.40 108.20 37.40

Weekly closing 13.80 198.60 54.20 123.20 205.30 126.10 45.30 69.10 25.80 325.30

33.70 108.10 174.70 532.30 61.10

Price change 9.00 22.36 -0.26 2.53 0.51 3.34 0.53 0.58 -1.22 -0.88

Weekly opening 182.30 168.60 534.00 170.10 78.40 122.60 323.70 68.60 246.00 45.60

Weekly high 203.90 207.80 561.00 184.00 83.40 131.90 334.00 72.00 252.00 47.00

Price change 5.34 9.36 -9.67 8.83 21.55 3.96 -1.31 0.88 -1.90 0.96

Weekly opening 13.10 181.60 60.00 113.20 168.90 121.30 45.90 68.50 26.30 322.20

Weekly high 14.10 204.10 57.50 123.20 207.00 131.60 47.60 72.80 26.60 333.50

-2.45 8.17 -9.18 1.50 -0.53

-0.30 1.12 2.16 0.08 9.50

61.30 56.30 59.90 106.60 37.60

33.80 106.90 171.00 531.90 55.80

61.90 62.70 62.00 111.40 38.80

34.90 110.50 183.00 560.00 63.00

Weekly low 171.10 169.10 525.00 162.10 76.10 120.00 321.00 62.80 237.00 42.60

56.00 54.00 45.80 98.00 36.60

Weekly low 12.20 171.20 46.10 109.00 172.00 120.00 42.80 63.30 23.90 320.00

32.10 99.50 163.50 526.30 54.60

Weekly average 194.58 202.35 538.28 175.68 79.89 127.37 325.92 70.22 243.86 45.81

60.74 61.13 55.57 109.06 37.89

Weekly average 12.52 194.89 55.34 120.84 202.88 127.05 46.02 70.02 25.82 325.63

34.05 108.94 175.56 535.86 61.13

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

4122.32408

(+) 1.85%

1558.20129

(+) 0.84%

12712.4051

(+) 2.08%

10319.0055

(+) 1.58%

7728.9470

(+) 2.27%

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

Stock markets rebounded in the past week, breaking two weeks’ losing streak, as institutional investors poured fund to bring an end to the continuous fall, following meeting with the securities regulators.

During the week that ended Thursday, the benchmark index DSEX gained 75 points or almost 2% to close the week at 4,122.

The blue-chip index DS30 rose marginally 13 points or almost 1% to 1,558. The shariah index DSES ended marginally 18 points higher or 1.8% to 1,010.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Categories Index, CSCX gained over 168 points or 2% to 7,717.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Monday asked institutional investors to give support to the falling market. Since then the market was on a steady gaining streak and DSEX recovered about 162 points in the last three sessions of the past week.

“Institutional investors

put funds on stocks after securities regulator asked them (institutional investors) to give support to the dwindling market,” said a market dealer.

The week featured four trading sessions instead of five as the market was closed Sunday due to Buddha Purnima.

Institutional buying has helped turnover close higher as DSE daily average turnover was Tk360 crore, registering an increase of more than 5.85% over the previous week.

The investors’ activity was mostly focused on power, pharma and engineering – the sectors that accounted for 25%, 20% and 15% respectively of the week’s total turnover.

IDLC Investments said: “The securities regulator turned active in the face of rapid correction, which provided some comfort to the investors.”

After the first session, buy mode prevailed and strengthened in the market, while corporate and earnings disclosure flooded the market. l

ANALYST

The securities regulator turned active in the face of rapid correction, which provided some comfort to the investors

DT

20 BUSINESS

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

ILO extends RMG factory assessment timeline till July 31 n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has extended its timeline for RMG factory assessment – structural integrity, fire and electrical safety of the factories – by July 31, 2015.

On May 6, the ILO in a letter signed by its Country Director Srinivas B Reddy informed Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Md Atiqul Islam of its decision.

The inspection was earlier scheduled to end by the end of April.

Given the importance of preliminary assessment to close first and then to focus on the follow-up and remediation, the ILO in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and Employment set the new timeline for completion of assessment, said the letter.

The ILO requested the BGMEA to inform its members about the free of charge assessment till July 31, the letter said, adding that after the deadline the assessment would require charge that has to be borne by the building and factory owners.

Under the initiative, the ILO-led inspection has so far inspected 733 RMG factories in close collaboration with BGMEA and BKMEA. So far, some 1,700 factories are left to be assessed, with 800 pending verification in view of their status.

“We would also like to inform you that we will request the Ministry of Labour and Employment to initiate process towards ensuring that the completion of assessment process would be a requirement for eligibility of export licencing and that this compliance would need to be strictly monitored by the competent authorities concerned.

The ILO through its “Improving Working Conditions in the RMG Sector” funded by the Royal Netherlands Government, Canada and UK is providing financial and technical assistance for the government of Bangladesh

A readymade garment factory in Dhaka for implementation of the National Tripartite Plan (NAP) of Action Plan on Fire and Structural Integrity in the country’s RMG sector.

The NAP was signed in 25 July 2013.

These assessments were first organised through contract with the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and then lately through different private sector firms like TUV-SUID and VEC. The assessments have been implemented

DHAKA TRIBUNE

in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the mandate of the National Tripartite Committee set up to oversee the implementation of the aforementioned national action plan.

The safety issues came under spotlight after the Rana Plaza factory collapse that killed over 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 people on April 24, 2013.

After the factory disaster, the retailers’

platform, Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, and Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, made a commitment to provide financial and technical supports to improve fire and building safety standard of RMG factories from which they source products.

Accord has inspected about 1,300 factories while Alliance 587 from where the signatory brands source their products. l

Experts seek cap on SME lending rate n Tribune Report A workshop here yesterday underscored the need for introducing highest interest rate cap on SME lending to boost the country’s micro enterprises, as higher interest rate is hindering the development of SME sector development.

It urged the central bank to fix a maximum cap on SME lending like farm loans.

A daylong workshop titled “The Role of Media in Promoting SMEs in Bangladesh” held at Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA) in the capital yesterday.

The workshop was arranged by European Union funded project, Bangladesh INSPIRED Programme – Component 3, in partnership with Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA), and Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM).

Abul Quasem, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, attended the workshop as chief guest and distributed certificates to the jour-

nalists at the end of the workshop. Ashraful Alam, deputy general manager of Bangladesh bank, moderated the workshop.

“The interest rate spread is being calculated excluding consumer loans and SME loans, which is absolutely illogical,” said Sukamal Sinha Chowdhury, SME consultant of BIBM and also former general manager and head of SME division of Bangladesh Bank.

Bangladesh Bank discourages the consumer financing while it promotes the SME financing, but this attitude is contradictory if both the financings are excluded from the spread calculation, he added.

He explained that banks charged higher interest rate on SME loan, as this lending does not affect the banks’ spread, which is expected to be within 5%.

He, however, suggested the Bangladesh Bank to set a highest level of interest rate for SME lending as like as agriculture lending, so the banks are forced to charge a reasonable rate.

It is noted here that Bangladesh Bank has cut the highest interest rate on farm loan to 11% from 13% in December 2014, considering the downward trend in interest rate on loans and deposits in the banking sector.

Interest rate spread is being calculated excluding consumer loans and SME loans, which is absolutely illogical Earlier, the central bank set the highest interest rate cap on farm loan at 13% in 2011 to promote agriculture sector.

Criticising the activities of different SME lenders, Sukamal also observed: “There has been no coordination among the SME Foundation, BASIC, Bangladesh Bank and NGOs. As a result, some real entrepreneurs are being deprived of getting any loans from these organisations.”

As there is no clear data on number SMEs in Bangladesh due to lack of coordination, he also suggested that SME loan activities should be brought under a discipline and identified the authorities concern, who would disburse credit, monitor it and formulate policy in this regard.

Ali Sabet, team leader of Bangladesh INSPIRED, strongly criticised the SME Foundation as he observed that the employees of the organisation did not have any data on SMEs and even they did not have any idea about their job responsibilities.

He, however, appreciated the progress of SME sector in Bangladesh mentioning that the country is in a better position in comparison with the neighboring country India in terms of SME loan accounts in the commercial banks.

Nearly 200 trainers trained from numerous commercial banks, non-banks financial institutions and Bangladesh Bank under the Bangladesh INSPIRED project. l

DT

21

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Models: Shazia, Amani and Arshan Omar PHOTO: HOMAYRA ADIBA

INSIDE

Vintage vibes Just like we keep running to our moms with our booboos, when it comes to a fast fashion fix, Momma never goes out of style.

Whether it’s her classy botua for your fancy evening out, or even just those awesome printed silk saris that make you feel like a screen siren, your mom’s wardrobe is a gift that keeps giving. Flip to Page 23 for the details.

T-JUNCTION

A song for Mama Back to basics: dress shirts

22

Whether you’re angling for a promotion at work, or looking to impress that femme fatale, or even just hoping to make a good impression at a class presentation, the dress shirt you wear could make or break your outfit. Turn to Page 24 for a style session that finds method in the madness.

23

news

Summer Trimester begins at IUB

style session

Three ways to style Mom jeans

24

grooming

‘cause mum said so

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

News

Zeenat introduces Muslin collection Throughout the past decades, Muslin has been worn by Bangladeshi women of all ages. It has become a fashion statement solely by itself. This summer, Zeenat, a luxury fashion house, has a special Muslin collection for its customers.

Contact: 02-9863043, 01818 818515 website: Facebook.com/zeenatdoutique

Prof M Omar Rahman, Vice Chancellor, IUB, addressing at the orientation programme of the Summer 2015 Trimester at its campus in Bashundhara, Dhaka.

Summer Trimester begins at IUB Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) organised an orientation programme on Saturday, May 9, at its permanent campus at Bashundhara, Dhaka for the newly admitted students of the Summer 2015 Trimester.

Welcoming the new students Prof M Omar Rahman, Vice Chancellor, depicted the distinctive nature of IUB education, which places importance of professional education on the foundation of cross-disciplinary liberal arts curricula. He assured the students that IUB would do everything for ensuring that their dreams come true. He said, “Be enthusiastic about learning and be a life-long learner.” He also asked the students to dream

and dream big. Prof Milan Pagon, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Designate), Prof Sarwar Uddin Ahmed, Dean, School of Business, Dr Ali Shihab Sabbir, Dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Prof M Ali Hossain, Dean, School of Environmental Science and Management, Prof Zakir Hossain Raju, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Dr Rita Yusuf, Dean, School of Life Sciences, also spoke to the newly admitted students on the occasion. The programme was conducted by Ms Priyanka Dey, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions of IUB.

MPH Research Workshop and Career Seminar at AIUB On May 8, a career seminar on rising demands of expertise in Public Health, was held at American International University Bangladesh (AIUB). The core intention of the seminar was to disseminate a handful of guidelines and break the social stigma about public health among graduates who want to embellish their career in the respective field.

The auditorium was packed with earnest medical science students and thousands of queries. After the workshop, coordinated by Dr Aurangazeb, the floor was open for the participants. Dr A K M Musha, Country Director of Concern Worldwide, Dr A Neaz, Dr Aurangazeb and other faculty members answered all their questions and shared their experiences.

While discussing the present scenario of public health around the world, Dr A K M Musha emphasised on how national and international NGO’s, with the support of Public Health professionals, are working together to prevent diseases.

To make the point more clear, Dr A Neaz said, “it is a dream to create a

disease-free society.” According to him, a disease should be cured at its first stage, however, a long run benefit for the society can only be achieved through prevention.

Dr A K M Musha also shed some light on the dilemma faced by many medical students about choosing between being a regular physician or a Public Health professional. According to him, public health allows doctors to serve many people at once. While talking about social stereotype, stigma and lack of knowledge about the profession, he mentioned how his family tried to influence him to leave the profession. Therefore, he urged students to follow their hearts.

He also said, “this profession will help you move forward.” While Dr Aurangazeb termed it as fast-track way to serve more people and lead a peaceful society.

MPH Alumni of AIUB and professor in the department of Neonatology, Dr Abdul Mannan, presented his portfolio to the participants to give them a more rational perspective on the topic.

Shoilpic’s new collection Fashion house Shoilpic has launched a new collection of shalwar kameez, tops, panjabis, fatuas, T-shirts etc. It is available at all outlets of Shoilpic in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Contact: 01855963176, 0312519133 Website: www.shoilpikbd.com

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Trending

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Vintage vibes

old school

Inspired by the best

n Sabah Rahman Growing up, some of us were very lucky to have had mothers, aunts and even grandmothers who knew a thing or two about fashion. Watching them putting on the ritz before stepping out was always a treat and we couldn’t wait to grow up and emulate those fascinating styles. As luck would have it, vintage wear is always trending. Here are a few looks that used to catch our attention:

Photo: Miftah Rahman

Kaftan craze Don’t confuse what we’re talking about with the hideous “maxis” that some women like to wear at home and sometimes while speed-walking in the park, unfortunately.

Kaftans were all the rage in the late 70s and one might remember our very own Runa Laila rocking one like no one’s business in a music video from the early 80s. Some of the biggest designers abroad are still making them to wear as cover-ups at the beach and super cute, short versions to wear on a night out in town. Local women are no strangers to kaftans as there are kameezes cut in this style. Our advice to you would be to nip it in the waist with a belt so there’s absolutely no chance of looking shapeless.

In bloom Back in the days, ladies almost always pinned a fresh flower in their hair. If you’ve ever watched a classic Indian movie from the

style session

Three ways to style Mom jeans There’s hope for this comeback trend yet

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

For some unfathomable reason, most likely with the hipster fascination for the 80’s becoming mainstream, these jeans have suddenly found themselves back on the catwalk and in the stores. So here’s how to style this wardrobe staple so that it doesn’t drag you down.

For the athletic build If you possess a flat stomach and a small chest, you can pull off this casual look.

Roll up the jeans to a capri length, and pair with a crop top that shows just a hint of midsection, and a long kimono jacket or open summer cardi. Finish with a pair of loafers or espadrilles, and throw on a pretty long scarf, and it’s a look you can take to your study date, or spa run, or a casual adda.

If there’s ever a style we’re less happy to see come back, it’s got to be the Mom jean.

You’ve seen them: light-washed, highwaisted, baggy denim that makes you think of how your Mom had to put her life – and style – on the back-burner because she made you a priority.

For curvy builds If you’re a whole lotta goodness packed into one woman, you can make the Mom jean go to work for you. The high waist allows for you to tuck that belly inside without causing muffin tops. Just pick a size that is formfitting, but not too tight. Throw on a long kurti and a dupatta, and this is a look you can take to work.

For petites Again, the high waist may visually elongate your structure, and that’s a good thing.

Maximise on this by picking an updated Mom jean in a dark wash. Pair with one of those Chelsea boots from Bata, and a top with vertical stripes. And this is a look you can take to class with you, or throw in a pair of statement earrings, and you can take it out for the evening. l

60s, there were probably a handful of scenes where the leading lady (sometimes all the ladies in the cast) sported petals in her hair while frolicking in a lush green setting. There are tons of options at the florists these days.

Floral wreaths may be having a sort of moment, but there is something very appealing about a single blossom.

Fancy pants Ah bell bottoms! They still come and go with fashionistas. We’ve probably all got a few pairs stashed away. Sure, skinny jeans still seem to rule supreme but there is a great added bonus when it comes to wearing flares-they balance out large hips and result in a more svelte outcome. Our fashionable predecessors usually wore the high-waisted versions with peasant tops but it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to, does it? Experiment topping them off with a simple fitted tee or even a tucked in, tailored shirt. Bring the whole look together with a pair of wedges and turn a few heads.

Banging blouses Sure, our moms wore plain old sleeveless blouses with those brilliant saris that resembled Pucci prints. But there was so much more! Puff sleeves, three quarter sleeves and even classy, full ones with sheer sleeves.

They were ingenious when it came to giving their tailors ideas and we could take a tip or two from them. l

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

in style

Tailored

Back to basics: dress shirts Office or an event, stay within the guidelines 1.

2.

n Mahmood Hossain Plain and simple gentlemen. A suit isn’t a suit without a well-fitted dress shirt. In fact, all your shirts, apart from the casual, should be a snug fit. And you’ve heard it before, it’s always better to get it tailored. Apart from knowing when to tuck your shirt in, there are several points to get across when collecting dress shirts.

3.

The sizing is everything. Most men go into stores taking the small, medium or large right off the rack, completely disregarding all the details. After the purchase, you look like yourself in the 90s waiting for the bell to ring to let you out of class. Know your measurements, like your neck size and arm length. You don’t want to be stuck with a shirt where the neck is too loose or too tight. There’s something we like to call the one-finger rule. If you can fit one finger in between the collar and your neck, you’ve got yourself the perfect fit.

Trim down that extra fat. It doesn’t matter which body shape, we can do without this extra fabric look. We no longer live in the 80s or even the 90s. We see many men with the billowy look after they’ve tucked their dress shirts in. Blouses only flatter women, not grown men. Make sure your shirts fit closer to your torso, remember it’s not about squeezing but hugging. The shoulder seams should have the same hugging-effect and the sleeves shouldn’t be too long.

For the really tall gentlemen, slim fit and extra-slim fit is the way to go. You’ve had the dilemma of aiming for sleeves that will reach your wrists. And when you do go for that extra large shirt, you find that your collar hangs off your neck like Mr T’s chains. This is where slim-fit shirts come into play. The cut hugs your body and still leaves room for oxygen.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Keep things simple, don’t get confused by all the different collar styles. If you want to keep things safe, the semi-spread collar is the ideal style to choose at the end of the day. It’s neither fashionforward or too basic. And it works with pretty much any style of suit and tie.

Once you’ve gotten the safest collar out of the way, you can familiarize with the other common collars on shirts. The straight point is the simplest American style which has no room for that oversize big tie knot. The button-down is the old school classy American look. The spread collar are for those Wall Street power suits.

The ideal semi-spread is not too wide or too narrow.

Those button-down collars might look proper and Ivy League, but there’s no rule that says you have to keep the collars fastened down. Unbutton them if and when you want.

It’s good to be bold. While several white shirts are essential, it’s good to mix things up with gingham and plaid shirts in smaller scale. As the temperature rises, the colours in your wardrobe should too. It’s okay to live a little, just as long as the contrast can keep a balanced tone.

Pink, don’t be afraid of it. We’re not talking about shiny or tacky pink either.

grooming

‘cause mum said so When you want to retire the momma’s boy hairstyle

n Baizid Haque Joarder Remember the time when your mum would hold your chin and comb your hair like a momma’s boy? It was all cute and fuzzy but you’d blend in the sea of similar hairstyles during school assembly. It was still bearable through your middle school but all that changes when the gates of high school opens up. As we grow older, we tend to develop our own tastes and preferences; its only natural to.

The tricky part comes along during your teen years, when you want to get your favourite footballer’s hairstyle or a cut like your fashion idol and your parents don’t really “feel you” on that subject. Why do they do that? But how do I change it? Read on.

Because The obvious. Parents are protective of you and wouldn’t let you “follow your heart” or let your raging hormones dictate. It has been like this through time. But talk to them and take on more responsibilities to show them your maturity.

The right cut, at the right time If you want Miley’s hairdo but you have school

the following day, it’d be wise to state that the consequences may not be in your favour. Most schools have a strict policy about hairstyles, for which, it’s wiser to get a respectable haircut.

And the best part is, edgy trends are there for only some time and may not suit everyone. But if you really wish to get a haircut, maybe wait till the summer break starts?

Middle ground Even then, your parents might not be too comfortable with your choice. For instance, if you wish to get maroon highlights and you’re 13 years old. Most parents would say no to that.

Compromise with them and discuss about what length, colour (if you want) and so on. Finding a middle ground with your parents would make them register your maturity as well.

All that being said, the heart wants what it truly wants. Just remember to keep in mind whether the hairstyle compliments you and your features. It should make you look good, not the opposite.

YOLO! l

The softer shades of pink are a fantastic match-up with charcoal or dark grey suits. Let’s not forget the darker blues.

Pale shades of rose and light pink can look incredibly flattering with darker suits and ties.

9. Cufflinks or unbuttoned cuffs, either is perfectly fine. The way you wear your dress shirts are as important as how it fits. If the sleeves are at the correct length and the fit is spot on, the unbuttoned look, showing off a bit of your wrist-wear, is very much encouraged.

10. Whatever you have been told about wrinkles on a shirt is wrong. You lean towards ironing almost everything.

Don’t. Shirts of the casual kind, even in semi-formal occasions, can be wrinkled like linen clothing. It’s got that summer vibe of nonchalance and easy breezy reclining. l

France football legend Zinedine Zidane was granted his UEFA Pro Licence coaching badge on Friday, paving the way for the French great to move into a top-level job

26

ROLLERCOASTER TOUR ENDS HAPPILY FOR AZHAR

27

IT IS NOT A FACE-SAVING WIN, SAYS MISBAH

28

25

DT

Sport

PASSED!

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

MOMINUL PASSES SACHIN, ONLY AB UP AHEAD

2ND TEST, DAY 4 PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS 557-8 declared (Azhar 226, Younis 148, Shafiq 107; Taijul 3-179, Shahid 2-72, Shuvagata 2-76)

BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS 203 (Shakib Al Hasan 89 not out, Wahab Riaz 3-73, Yasir Shah 3-58, Junaid Khan 2-26)

PAKISTAN 2ND INNINGS 195-6 declared (Misbah-ul Haq 82, Mohammad Shahid 2-23)

BANGLADESH 2ND INNINGS

R

B

(overnight 63-1) Tamim Iqbal c Sarfraz b Imran Imrul Kayes b Yasir Mominul Haque c Shafiq b Yasir Mahmudullah c Younis b Imran Shakib Al Hasan c Wahab b Hafeez Mushfiqur Rahim b Yasir Soumya Sarkar c Sarfraz b Wahab Shuvagata Hom b Junaid Taijul Islam c Aslam b Yasir Mohammad Shahid not out Shahadat Hossain absent hurt Extras: (b4, lb4, nb8)

42 16 68 2 13 0 1 39 10 14 16

67 29 102 12 20 9 9 55 28 14

Total (all out, 56.5 overs)

221

FoW: 1-48, 2-86 3-95, 4-121, 5-126, 6-139, 7-143, 8-177, 9-221 Bowling Junaid 10.5-1-45-1 (5nb), Imran Khan 11-1-56-2 (1nb), Yasir 21-3-73-4, Wahab 11-1-36-1 (2nb), Hafeez 3-0-3-1 Pakistan won by 328 runs, clinch series 1-0 MoM & MoS: Azhar Ali

Pakistan pacer Imran Khan (R) celebrates the dismissal of Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal during the fourth day of their second Test at SBNS in MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK Mirpur yesterday

Limp batting display as Tigers concede series n Minhaz Uddin Khan Bangladesh were already one step away from defeat following the conclusion of the third day’s play of the second and final Test against Pakistan. The visitors had set the home side a mammoth target of 550 runs. Chasing it successfully would have been something unique in the history of Test cricket as no other side have been able to achieve such a huge target. Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan had made it clear – all they needed were two big partnerships.

Shakib’s hopes and expectations, however, evaporated as soon as the fourth and penultimate day’s proceedings began yesterday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Resuming on their overnight score of 63/1, the Tigers

lost their remaining eight wickets for the addition of 158 runs to give Pakistan a convincing 328-run win. The series victory in Tests meant Pakistan salvaged something from a disappointing tour where they remained winless and luckless in the limited-over leg.

There is no doubt Bangladesh experienced a fantastic run in the series, having won all the limited-over matches comprising three oneday internationals and a solitary Twenty20 international. The home side even managed to lift themselves from the depths of despair in the first Test in Khulna where Pakistan ruled the roost right until Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes’ record-breaking opening wicket partnership. The manner of yesterday’s defeat, however, raised many questions among which the most prominent one was: Where did all the momentum go? Granted, the Tigers were always chasing the Dhaka Test after Pa-

kistan managed a 354-run first-innings lead but the hosts will actually be disappointed over their limp reply in the second essay.

Right from the very beginning of the deciding Test, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was under a bit of pressure because of his eyebrow-elevating decision of fielding first. The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman though was backed by his teammates and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. On the field, however, the Tigers, especially the batsmen, were unable to vindicate the skipper’s decision.

Yesterday, the debacle began with the dismissal of opener Tamim. He had started cautiously but only added 10 runs to his overnight score of 32. An out-of-sorts Mahmudullah then continued his disappointing run in the series, edging Imran Khan to the slip cordon. Following Mahmudullah’s departure, Shakib made his way to the middle with great

responsibility on his shoulders. But, one mistake that he committed was that he had brought his Twenty20 game. He paid heavily for attempting one shot too many as he was caught

by Wahab Riaz off the bowling of Mohammad Hafeez. Mushfiq and Soumya Sarkar soon followed suit, the former dragging a delivery on to his stumps while the latter nicking a Wahab delivery to wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

The only glimmer of brightness was provided by the ever-dependable Mominul Haque.

The little lad from the coastal town of Cox’s Bazar registered yet another fifty, his 11th consecutive 50+ score in as many Tests. In the process, he equalled West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards and Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. Once Mominul departed, the rest of Bangladesh’s second innings was a mere formality as one batsman after another failed to put a price on their wickets.l

DT

26 Sport

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Defensive mindset costs Tigers: Waqar n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Pakistan players pose with the Test series trophy at SBNS in Mirpur yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Rollercoaster tour ends happily for Azhar n Raihan Mahmood The cool-headed Azhar Ali just completed the tour of his life. Promoted as the ODI captain prior to the bilateral series against Bangladesh, Azhar exuded sheer confidence at the middle. Despite Pakistan’s terrible fortunes in the shorter formats, the 30-year old never stopped raging a lone battle and his 209 runs, including a century, in the three ODIs will attest to that. While in the two Tests, the right-hander totalled 334 runs, including his maiden double hundred.

An elated Azhar was kind enough to take some time out from yesterday’s celebrations to talk with Dhaka Tribune. Here are the excerpts:

How do you evaluate this tour?

Pakistan’s Azhar Ali poses with his Man of the Series trophy at SBNS in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

As a batsman, the whole series went pretty good for me but in the ODIs, Pakistan did not do well and it was disappointing to lose the series. Although I batted well, I think the team’s success is more important so I was not happy. Then we took the field to play the Test series and I continued my form in the longer-version and we also won the series. So,

MOST RUNS Player

that makes me happy. Team’s success is more important for every individual.

Were you surprised to see Bangladesh dominating the shorter formats?

To be frank, I was ready to face a tough Bangladesh as I know Bangladesh are a tough nut to crack in their own yard. They provided a hard time to us in the 2012 series (Asia Cup) and they also pushed us in the [2014] Asia Cup. Moreover, they were in good form in the World Cup. I never expected an easy time here. We never take Bangladesh lightly. After the World Cup, Pakistan team went through some changes and Bangladesh grabbed the opportunity.

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis believes Bangladesh’s defensive approach cost them dearly following the visitors’ convincing 328run win in the second and deciding Test in Dhaka. The former Pakistan captain said the Tigers paid heavily for trying to draw the Test rather than winning it.

“Look, I don’t know if I should say things or criticise Bangladesh because they have done well. I just got this feeling in the start of the Test match that they started on the backfoot. They don’t really come hard on the opponents and they don’t really look to win the Test match. They were probably thinking to draw the game. That’s why I guess they were left behind,” Waqar told the media yesterday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Bangladesh might have thumped Pakistan in the limited-over leg of the bilateral series but Waqar said their superior experience in the longer-version stood them in good stead.

“I think it was a good win. You have seen the last Test match that Bangladesh team have definitely improved a lot and they look like a good unit at the moment. They have proved it in the one-day matches and also in the only Twenty20 game. They beat us there convincingly. We are a young side but this is not an excuse. You know they fought really hard and you need to give them credit but, yes, of course we were more experienced and exposed our sources better,” said the 43-year old.

Regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Waqar was at the centre of a storm of criticism following the lethargic displays of his charges in the shorter formats. Many had even demanded his removal but Waqar said he barely pays any attention to his critics.

“This is nothing new. Critics are going to criticise. I think when you are losing, you should be able to take the criticism and you should be able to be strong enough to come out of it and try to produce the results and try to produce some good youngsters. I think the boys did a wonderful job. It was not easy losing the one-day series but, yes, coming back in the Test match, I thought the guys played really well,” said Waqar.l

How did you motivate yourself prior to the start of the Bangladesh series?

I wanted to grab the opportunity as I was making a comeback to the ODI team after two years. I told myself I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Thanks to the Almighty that I did well and I can look forward now. I attained my first double Test century and that was the peak point of my career, I think. I came here to prove myself to me and I am happy to do that.l

MOST WICKETS Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

100

50

4s

6s

Wkts

BBI

BBM

Ave

Azhar Ali (Pak)

3

0

334

226

111.33

643

1

1

28

3

Yasir Shah (Pak)

Player

Inns Overs Mdns Runs 4

94.3

13

340

10

4/73

7/131

34.00

Econ 3.59

Tamim Iqbal (Ban)

4

0

277

206

69.25

423

1

0

28

7

Taijul Islam (Ban)

3

107.4

7

398

10

6/163

6/163

39.80

3.69

Imrul Kayes (Ban)

4

0

249

150

62.25

445

1

1

31

3

Wahab Riaz (Pak)

4

72.0

13

239

7

3/55

4/109

34.14

3.31

Mohammad Hafeez (Pak)

3

0

232

224

77.33

352

1

0

24

3

Mohammad Hafeez (Pak)

4

45.0

6

145

6

2/47

4/129

24.16

3.22

Younis Khan (Pak)

3

0

220

148

73.33

318

1

0

19

3

Mohammad Shahid (Ban)

3

60.0

18

154

5

2/23

4/95

30.80

2.56

Asad Shafiq (Pak)

3

0

205

107

68.33

350

1

1

16

1

Junaid Khan (Pak)

4

53.5

10

199

5

2/26

3/71

39.80

3.69

Shakib Al Hasan (Ban)

4

2

203

89*

101.50

276

0

2

25

3

Shuvagata Hom (Ban)

3

52.0

1

214

5

2/76

3/94

42.80

4.11

Mominul Haque (Ban)

4

0

182

80

45.50

349

0

2

21

1

Zulfiqar Babar (Pak)

2

64.0

4

224

3

2/99

3/224

74.66

3.50

Misbah-ul-Haq (Pak)

3

0

150

82

50.00

216

0

2

13

6

Imran Khan (Pak)

2

18.0

1

87

2

2/56

2/87

43.50

4.83

Sarfraz Ahmed (Pak)

3

2

121

82

121.00

123

0

1

10

2

Shakib Al Hasan (Ban)

3

75.0

7

325

2

1/136

1/146

162.50

4.33

DT

Sport 27

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

QUICK BYTES Rameen, Ridwan win in World School Chess Rameen Ahmed and Syed Ridwan registered victories in their respective fourthround matches of the World School Chess Championship in Pattaya, Thailand.

Rameen earned two points after four rounds in the Open Under-11 Group while Ridwan collected his first points in the Open U-7 Group. In the fourth-round games yesterday, Rameen beat Chooing Han-Sen of England and Ridwan beat Pongpananuruk Panapong of Thailand.

Meanwhile in the Open Blitz Fide Rating Chess Tournament, Fide Master Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Titas Club emerged as the champion yesterday.

Fahad earned eight points out of nine games to clinch the title. Mohammad Aminul Islam of Sultana Kamal Pathagar became the runners-up and Zainul Abedin came third with 7.5 points.

–Shishir Hoque

Inter, Roma agree fines, squad cap under FFP

Inter Milan, Monaco and AS Roma have all agreed to pay fines and reduce the size of their squads in European competition after breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, UEFA said on Friday. The trio also agreed to limit the number of new players they could register in European competition, European soccer’s governing body said in a statement following a decision by its financial control watchdog.

–Reuters

Carrick out for season: LVG Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will miss the final three games of the Premier League season with a calf problem, manager Louis van Gaal said on Friday. The 33-year-old Carrick was injured during United’s 4-2 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford last month and will not feature in the remaining matches against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Hull City.

–Reuters

Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez (C) celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan (unseen) during the fourth day of their second Test match at SBNS in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

It is not a face-saving win, says Misbah n Mazhar Uddin

Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul Haq yesterday said the 1-0 series victory over Bangladesh was not a face-saving win for the visitors.

Ever since Pakistan landed in Bangladesh, the tourists suffered one defeat after another as the Tigers romped to convincing victories in the lone practice match followed by the three one-day internationals and solitary Twenty20 international.

Going into the second and final Test in Dhaka, the visitors were under tremendous pressure to salvage some consolation and pride from the bilateral series but Misbah informed that he was always confident with the ability of his charges in the longer-version.

“I don’t think that it’s a face-saving win.

I think we should be aware of the fact that there has been a lot of changes. Bangladesh team were more experienced in T20 and oneday cricket. They have been playing with the same team for the last four-five years. So, they were having that edge and I think they deserve that victory. But in the Test match, everything was the other way round. We were the more experienced team, we were doing really well so I think we proved that again,” Misbah told the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium following their huge 328-run win in the deciding Test.

“Of course after the draw in the first Test, that was a big disappointment for us but the consistency in the performance

Junaid, Shahriar, Mosaddek, Gazi star in BCL n Minhaz Uddin Khan

West Ham on course for fair play Europa spot

West Ham United are on course for a place in next season’s Europa League after UEFA said on Friday that the Premier League would be granted an additional fair play place. England finished second in UEFA’s fair play table, behind the Netherlands, and will earn an extra spot in the Europa League’s first qualifying round.

–Reuters

Moores leaves role as England coach: ECB

Peter Moores has left his role as England cricket coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Twitter on Saturday. Former England captain Andrew Strauss was appointed as the ECB’s new director of cricket earlier on Saturday.

–Reuters

was the key for us so I think we just kept on playing like that and that’s really a good thing for us.

“It was really important for our team and our players to have their confidence back and also to regain the confidence of our supporters. The disappointment that came after losing one or two series would be wiped away and the confidence of the players would be regained,” he said.

Misbah, the world’s oldest Test cricketer at the moment, sported a wry smile when asked about his retirement plans. The 40-year old said he is still undecided over the decision and added that an announcement will be made when he feels the time is right to call it a day.l

BCB North Zone v Islami Bank East Zone, Chittagong

St Joseph sweep senior and junior titles Saint Joseph clinched both the titles of the senior and junior categories in the Noushir Hasan Inter-College Basketball, beating Notre Dame College and Sunnydale respectively at the school’s basketball court last Friday. In the senior category, St. Joseph won 61-37 while in the juniors’ final, the hosts prevailed 55-41.

Brother Robi Purification CSC (school principal), Brother Bikash Victor D’Rozario CSC (school vice-principal), Rashed Maqsood (president, St. Joseph Old Boys’ Foundation; managing director and Bangladesh country officer, Citibank, N.A), Amer Salim (vice-president, St. Joseph Old Boys’ Foundation; director, Knit Asia Ltd.), Mohammed Khalid Hussain (assistant manager of products, Ispahani Group), Quazi Touhiduzzaman (general manager, sales and marketing, Olympic Industries Ltd.) and Mohammed Wasef Ali (coach, Bangladesh national team) were present among others in the prize distribution ceremony.

North opener Junaid Siddique struck a brilliant 193 off 285 balls but East still managed a 89-run first innings lead following the third and penultimate day’s play yesterday in the Bangladesh Cricket League longer-version.

National discard Junaid smashed 17 boundaries and two sixes as North were bundled out for 384, in reply to East’s first-innings tally of 473-allout.

Prime Bank South Zone v Walton Central Zone, Fatullah

In pursuit of Central’s first-innings total of 413-allout, South posted a huge 538/8 riding on the centuries from opener Shahriar Nafees, middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain and Sohag Gazi. Mosharraf Hossain scalped as many as seven wickets for Central.

As a result, South lead by 125 runs with two first-innings wickets remaining. l

DT

28 Sport

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

Tigers yet to perfect first-innings flaws n Mazhar Uddin Following a huge transformation in the 50-over format in the last eight months or so, expectations of the cricket-mad supporters surrounding their beloved Tigers reached a crescendo.

Expectations grew even more when the newlook Bangladesh side trounced Pakistan in the three-match ODI series. Heading into the twoTest series, the Bangladesh cricketers could not have been more confident.

The recent change can be attributed to the fact that the cricketers perfectly know their role and responsibility in the shorter formats of the game. However, when it comes to Test cricket, Bangladesh are still lagging behind in terms of application and game-plan.

Besides these two aspects, the inability of the Tigers to post a big first-innings total was also the root of all their problems. Although the home side did manage to script a brilliant comeback in the first Test in Khulna, their first-innings tally of 332-allout meant Bangladesh were always behind in the running for the eight-ball. Instead of imposing their authority over the opposition, the Tigers were mostly busy saving the five-dayer, rather than harbouring any expectations of a win.

And, if the second Test in Dhaka is anything to go by, the Tigers think-tank has been unable to rectify their past mistakes. Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 203-allout proved to be highly inadequate as they suffered their 71st defeat in 90 Test matches. If one were to look into the past, one would observe that first-innings failures have been a recurrent theme for the Tigers.

In their 90 Tests, Bangladesh registered only four 500+ totals in their first innings.

And more often than not, a good first-innings display served the Tigers well as they won one and drew twice among those four Tests.

The most disappointing aspect, however, is that the Tigers were bowled out under 300 in their first innings 31 times. And on 34 occasions, they were restricted inside 200 runs.

The Tigers also suffered the ignominy of being skittled out for less than 100 four times, including their lowest first-innings score of 62-allout against Sri Lanka in Colombo eight years ago.

It seems the series sweep over Pakistan barely had any bearing on the outcome of the two-Test series as the Tigers yet again fell for a comparatively low score in their first innings in the drawn first Test in Khulna. They continued to commit the same mistakes in the Dhaka Test, paving the way for Pakistan to take a strangle-hold of the game. The Tigers’ travails refused to go away in the second innings as they crumbled to 221-allout, thus enabling the visitors to win the deciding Test by a huge margin of 328 runs.

Whatever the team combination is in the near or distant future, the Tigers will continue to be on the back-foot from the very start of a Test match unless they sort out their first-innings troubles. l

Fans hold a banner wishing Bangladesh Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim on his birthday during the fourth day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at SBNS in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

‘Fielding first was management’s decision’ n Mazhar Uddin Despite their brilliant performance in the three one-day internationals, Bangladesh were totally outplayed by Pakistan in the two Test matches as the visitors coasted to a huge 328-run victory in the Dhaka five-dayer to clinch the series 1-0.

Right after the conclusion of the second and deciding Test, questions started to arise as to whether Mushfiqur Rahim’s decision to field first in Dhaka was a right one. Mushfiq, however, said it was the team management’s decision as the pitch had some assistance for the bowlers, especially in the first couple of hours on the opening day.

“Many of you have said we should have batted first after winning the toss. But, it was the team management’s decision; the wicket had a lot of help for the bowlers in the first two hours. We could have taken three-four

wickets if [Shahadat Hossain] Rajib did not get injured. If we could have bowled them out for a low score and taken a lead, this Test would have been different. But, it did not happen. The blame is on us,” Mushfiq told the media yesterday in what turned out to be the final day of the bilateral series.

Birthday boy Mushfiq, who turned 28 yesterday, also expressed disappointment with regards to his own personal form. The Tigers’ Test skipper said his injury, incurred on his right ring finger during the drawn first Test in Khulna, had some sort of impact on his batting display. The wicketkeeper-batsman posted scores of 12 and nought in the Dhaka Test.

“It was disappointing for me because the challenge in Test cricket is different than in ODIs and Twenty20s. I do not remember the last time I batted so poorly. The injury had some impact on my batting but I knew that I would not be 100 percent fit in this game. I

MOMINUL’S LAST 11 TESTs 1st innings

2nd innings

Opposition

Ground

13

68

v Pakistan

Dhaka

Match Date 6 May 2015

80

21

v Pakistan

Khulna

28 Apr 2015

48

131*

v Zimbabwe

Chittagong

12 Nov 2014

35

54

v Zimbabwe

Khulna

3 Nov 2014

53

0

v Zimbabwe

Dhaka

25 Oct 2014

3

56

v West Indies

Gros Islet

13 Sep 2014

51

12

v West Indies

Kingstown

5 Sep 2014

13

100*

v Sri Lanka

Chittagong

4 Feb 2014

8

50

v Sri Lanka

Dhaka

27 Jan 2014

47

126*

v New Zealand

Dhaka

21 Oct 2013

181

22*

v New Zealand

Chittagong

9 Oct 2013

MOST CONSECUTIVE 50s IN TEST

12- AB de Villiers, 11 - IVA Richards, G Gambhir, V Sehwag, Mominul Haque, 10 - JH Edrich, SR Tendulkar, 9- ED Weekes, AJ Stewart, ML Hayden, JH Kallis, SM Katich, KC Sangakkara

tried my best for the team, but unfortunately I could not do it,” he said.

Mushfiq urged everyone not to read too much into the series defeat against Pakistan as they have been extremely consistent over the last few months.

“Bangladesh have been playing well since the Zimbabwe series. I think, Bangladesh have rarely played with such consistency over a period of seven months. This tour too has been one of the best because of our consistency. So, from that regard we had a bad match. I am not giving an excuse but if we had extreme determination, we could have played this Test better,” he said before adding, “We had one bad game but I hope we can continue the consistency of the last seven months in the next couple of series. I think everyone has trained better during this time. Everyone understood their roles. The coaches and management have helped us a lot too.”l

Mominul passes Sachin, only AB up ahead Despite the Tigers’ below-par performance in the second and deciding Test against Pakistan, youngster Mominul Haque continued his brilliant run with the bat in the longer version of the game. The left-hander reached yet another milestone yesterday as he smashed his 11th consecutive 50+ score in as many Tests. Consequently, the diminutive lad from Cox’s Bazar left little master Sachin Tendulkar and English cricketer John Edrich in his wake. Sachin and Edrich blasted 10 successive 50+ scores.

The 23-year old joined West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards and Indian openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, who have all posted 50+ scores in 11 consecutive Tests. Only South African captain Abraham Benjamin de Villiers lie ahead with 12 consecutive 50+ scores in as many Tests.l

DT

Sport 29

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

PSG close in on Ligue 1 title with Cavani treble n Reuters, Paris

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six Indian Premier League

Paris St Germain took a big step towards the Ligue 1 title when Edinson Cavani’s hat-trick inspired them to a 6-0 home win against mid-table En Avant Guingamp on Friday.

Fellow PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbed a double, including a last-gasp penalty, and set up two others as PSG steamrollered past Guingamp.

With two games left, PSG have 77 points and lead second-placed Olympique Lyonnais, who have a game in hand, by six points with a better goal difference (+45 to +41).

Uruguay striker Cavani put the hosts ahead after three minutes when he latched on to Serge Aurier’s cross from the right after the full back was played in by Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore. Sweden forward Ibrahimovic made it 2-0 in the 18th minute with a low shot after a fine one-two between Marco Verratti and Cavani had unsettled the Guingamp defence.

In the 27th minute, Pastore unleashed a fierce shot that was deflected on to the post by keeper Jonas Loessl.

Cavani made it 3-0 seven minutes into the second half from close range after being set up by Ibrahimovic’s deflection.

Ibrahimovic then set up Maxwell for the fourth with a cross for the Brazilian to score with a header in the 57th.

Cavani then scored his 16th league goal of the season, and his eighth in the last six games, when he volleyed home from Verratti’s free kick 20 minutes from time.l

4:30PM Mumbai v Bangalore 8:30PM Chennai v Rajasthan

Star Sports 1 English Premier League 6:30PM Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers 9:00PM Chelsea v Liverpool 12:45AM Italian Serie A Lazio v Internazionale

Star Sports 2 Badminton: Sudirman Cup 2015 11:00AM China v Germany 5:00PM Korea v Malaysia

Star Sports 4 6:00PM F1: Barcelona Grand Prix Main Race Spanish La Liga 9:00PM Villarreal CF v Elche CF 11:00PM UD Almeria v Malaga CF

RESULT

1:00AM

Paris Saint-Germain

Celta de Vigo v Sevilla FC

Ten Action French Ligue 1 2014/15 6:00PM Racing Club De Lens v Montpellier Herault 9:00PM Saint-Etienne v Nice 11:00AM Olympic Marseille v A.S. Monaco

Ten Cricket 6:00PM French Ligue 1 Racing club de Lens v Montpellier 11:30PM Sky Bet Championship SF: Stevenage v Southend United

Ten Sports 5:15PM Sky Bet Championship League 1 Playoff Semi Final, 2nd Leg 11:00PM ATP 1000 Masters 2015 Mutua Madrid Open Final

Neo Sports 06:30PM Dutch League 2015 PSV Eindhoven v Heracles Almelo

Neo Prime German Bundesliga 7:30PM Paderborn 07 v Wolfsburg 9:30PM FC Koln v FC Schalke 04

Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani reacts after scoring during their French L1 match between against Guingamp at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Friday AFP

6-0

Guingamp

Cavani 2, 51, 70, Ibrahimovic 18, 90-P, Maxwell 56

Mourinho praise for ‘favourite enemy’ Gerrard n Reuters, London Jose Mourinho gets a final chance to outwit a player he calls his “favourite enemy” on Sunday when Steven Gerrard leads Liverpool out at Stamford Bridge for the last time before he heads off to join LA Galaxy.

With Liverpool’s players expected to form a pre-match guard of honour for the newly-crowned Premier League champions, Mourinho paid his own tribute on Friday to the inspirational Liverpool skipper he says helped forge him into one of best managers in the business.

“It’s opponents like Steven Gerrard that have made me the manager I am,” a relaxed Mourinho told reporters on Friday.

“I learn with my own players and I learn with my best opponents by the problems they give me, the way they make me think and analyse them and to study the best way to play against them. Steven Gerrard is one of my favourite enemies.

“For sure he is my dear enemy and for sure the one that made me a better manager. To try to stop him has been very, very difficult.

I lost against him, I won against him, I drew, was happy, was sad, I played against him as a

Ronaldo donates £5m to Nepal n Agencies Real Madrid man Ronaldo was often thought of as brash and arrogant, but he’s changed that reputation, by doing stuff like standing up for this boy being mocked.

He also paid for a young fan to have emergency brain surgery last year, following pleas from his family. And now Ronnie had continued his good deeds by apparently handing over £5million to charity to help victims of the Nepal earthquake.

French publication So Foot says Ronaldo gave the cash to Save the Children, which is working with vulnerable kids in Nepal – many of whom are now homeless and at risk.

Ronaldo had urged all of his 10million Facebook followers to donate to the cause recently, and now he’s put his own money where his mouth is. Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo has a history of being charitable, despite his on-field misdemeanour. Last year he reportedly stumped up â‚ 60,000 to pay for a 10-month-old boy’s brain surgery.l

holding midfielder, as a number 10, coming in from the wing.

“I’m very sad that’s it’s the last time I play against him because I need people like him to make me better. I tried to bring him to Chelsea, to Inter, to Real Madrid but he was always a dear enemy,” he said.

“I want to honour him and I hope that Stamford Bridge has the same feeling that I have. He’s had an amazing career and has amazing feeling with his people. He refused to play for other big clubs and big leagues.

“Maybe I’ll play against him as Liverpool manager one day.”l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

CROSSWORD Across 1 Fly upwards (4) 4 Periods of time (5) 8 Natural gift (6) 9 Golf club (4) 11 Beer mug (5) 12 Insects (4) 14 Neckwear (3) 15 Apprehend (6) 19 Interior (6) 21 Contend in rivalry (3) 22 Rind (4) 24 Play unskilfully (5) 27 Easy pace (4) 29 East (6) 30 Cried, as cattle (5) 31 Continent (4)

Down 1 Snow runner (3) 2 Makes up for (6) 3 Talk wildly (4) 4 Acceptance (3) 5 Go in (5) 6 Consumed (3) 7 Governing body (6) 10 Precipitation (4) 13 Sorrowful (3) 14 Christmas decoration (6) 16 Corded fabric (3) 17 Turns outwards (6) 18 Airtight grain store (4) 20 Accustom (5) 23 Sicilian volcano (4) 25 Argument (3) 26 Central (3) 28 Beverage (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 3 represents S so fill S every time the figure 3 appears.

You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter it in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

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

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

King Khan of Dhallywood makes it as the president

n Showtime Desk Bangladesh Film Actors’ Association has announced superstar Shakib Khan as the new president. Shakib Khan beat everyone’s favourite villain, Ahmed Sharif, while on

the other hand, Amit Hasan defeated Misha Sawdagar in the election held on Friday, becoming the new secretary general of Bangladesh Film Actors’ Association.

While these two heroes took the election by storm, Omar Sunny became the vice-

president and actress Moushumi and Bobby made it as the executive members of the association.

The panel led by Shakib and Misha won 16 out of 21 posts in the election. However, Amit Hasan, being an independent participant in the election, was supported by the Ahmed Sharif led panel, of which only two members of the panel won in the election. Along with actress Moushumi and Bobby, Kamol, who competed as an individual candidate, also became a member of the executive committee.

This is the second time in a row that Shakib Khan has earned the position of the president in the association. The Dhallywood superstar quoted, “I am really happy to be reelected as the position has given me the opportunity to serve film artistes again.” Shakib Khan has made a promise to help the artistes and come in terms with the government for their welfare, along with other members of the association.

Co-winner, Amit Hasan expressed great happiness on Shakib’s win in the election.

He spoke more about the superstar and how charismatic Shakib was as a leader in the last term and that it is a great opportunity for him to be able to work with such a dedicated member of the association. l

CELEBS ON SOCIAL

Jeremy Renner @Renner4Real Time square huddle @gma with @ RobertDowneyJr @ChrisEvans @ MarkRuffalo. Staying warm really. #timesquare #avengers Farah Khan @TheFarahKhan Important day today 4 me... My son learnt to finally tie his shoe laces!! hallelujah!!

Mark Wahlberg @mark_wahlberg Shabbat shalom! tedmovie2 #LegalizeTed

WHAT TO WATCH

Hottest Hollywood mothers n Showtime desk On the occasion of Mother's Day, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite hot mamas setting Hollywood on fire. How do they do it? Well, remember, looking good happens to be their business.

Chak De! India Sony Entertainment TV 3:30pm A disgraced hockey player coaches the women’s national team to win back his honor and dignity.

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Tanya Abrol

Baby boom Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton welcomes her little princess.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake confirms about Baby Timberlake.

It’s a girl for Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross.

Zooey Deschanel’s big news reveals her engagement with Jacob Pechenik and their soon to be born baby.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter had a Valentine’s Day wedding and are expecting a little member to join their family this year. l

Columbian born Sofia Vergara's 21 year old son Manolo usually gets mistaken for her younger brother. We would probably make the same error.

Ageless beauty Demi Moore, pictured here with one of her three full grown daughters who are also actresses.

Heidi Klum, one of our favourite Victoria’s Secret super models, happens to be the parent of four youngsters. Who would have thought?

No list would be complete without mentioning the goddess, better known as Halle Berry. The Bond Girl stunner is mother to seven year old Nahla.

B

Son of the Mask B HBO 5:34pm Tim Avery, an aspiring cartoonist, finds himself in a predicament when his dog stumbles upon the mask of Loki. Then after conceiving an infant son “born of the mask”, he discovers just how looney child raising can be.

Cast: Jamie Kennedy, Traylor Howard, Alan Cumming Motorsport Mundial C Ten Sports 9:30pm 24 minutes of the best and most breathtaking race action from around the world delivered every week of the year, with insights and behind-thescenes footage from everything up to and including Formula One.

DT

32 BACK PAGE

SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2015

MUHITH SUGGESTS PAYROLL INCOME TAX REFORM PAGE 15

AN OPEN LETTER TO MAA PAGE 12

ROLLER COASTER TOUR ENDS HAPPILY FOR AZHAR PAGE 26

NBR-Big Tobacco meeting violates FCTC n Tribune Report The National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday held a meeting with local cigarette manufacturers, violating the provision of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The FCTC, a global public health treaty from World Health Organisation (WHO) that Bangladesh ratified in 2004, recommends the signatories not to hold any covert meeting with the tobacco manufacturers.

With the secret meeting at its mini-conference room, the NBR had violated section 5.3 of the convention as it has invited the cigarette manufacturers for meeting and discussed issues related to the tax structure of the sector.

The representatives from Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers Association (BCMA) came to the NBR headquarters at around 12:15pm to press home their demands for the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2015-16.

A five-member delegation comprised of British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) Chairman Golam Mainuddin, Managing Director Shehzad Munim and Dhaka Tobacco Industries Managing Director Sheikh Bashir Uddin entered the mini-conference room of

NBR chairman at around 12.20pm. They had a meeting of about 45 minutes in there. Journalists were not allowed to enter the room.

The NBR usually holds meeting with the stakeholders at the conference room where journalists are invited to cover news from the meeting.

Later at around 1pm, they came to the NBR conference room and had a pre-budget discussion publicly with NBR member Enayet Hossain in chair.

Just after the meeting, the manufacturers again entered the office of NBR chairman and stayed there for another 30 minutes.

With the covert meeting at the mini-conference room, NBR has violated article 5.3 of FCTC that reads: “In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect

these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.”

The FCTC provides an internationally coordinated response to combat tobacco epidemic and sets out specific steps for government to address tobacco-related issues.

It is alleged that representatives from tobacco-related industries put pressure on tax authorities to keep the tax on cigarettes low.

They also reportedly manipulate statistics and the number of workers employed in the tobacco factories to get different benefits from the government.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prices of cigarette, bidi and other tobacco products in Bangladesh are considered the lowest in the world.

As many as 57,000 people die while 3.82 lakh become disabled because of tobacco consumption in Bangladesh. According to the World Bank, Tk11,000 crore is spent every year in Bangladesh on treating people that suffer from tobacco-related diseases.

Addressing the meeting, Dhaka Tobacco Industries Managing Director Sheikh Bashir Uddin asked the NBR to ensure an atmos-

phere for cigarette manufacturers and the government to enjoy a win-win situation.

The NBR meeting with tobacco manufacturers raised concerns from different quarters.

Former NBR member Muhammad Abdul Majid told the Dhaka Tribune that the NBR is committed not to take any such stand that is against any treaty that Bangladesh ratified or against the public health issues.

“We are entitled to maintain the provisions of the convention, but there may be some problems, for which, the commitment cannot be maintained. We cannot allow them to do anything, even for the sake of revenues as it will ultimately create negative impact on overall health issues of the public,” he said.

“NBR cannot negotiate or discuss anything with them. What it can do is only imposition of taxes,” he added.

Anti-tobacco campaigner PROGGA expressed dissatisfaction over the NBR move.

“There is a bar to close-door meeting between government officials and tobacco producers as per FCTC. Tobacco manufacturers can only have the meeting in a transparent and accountable manner,” a campaigner from PROGGA said. l

Energy regulator fails 90-day limit to announce price hikes n Aminur Rahman Rasel The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has failed to give a decision on electricity and gas price hikes within 90 days of public hearings held earlier, as required by the commission act.

A BERC official, asking not to be named, told the Dhaka Tribune that the commission was postponing the announcement of electricity price increases because the government wanted to avert a public backlash during the sweltering summer when fans and air-conditioners are widely used.

“The government is against hiking electricity prices in the summer amid frequent power outages for fear of an adverse public reaction.

The commission is waiting for the opportune moment to announce increased prices of electricity for different categories of consumers,” the BERC official told the Dhaka Tribune.

On delays in announcing gas price hikes, the BERC official said the commission was undecided on a proposed markup on the upstream price of natural gas.

Professor Samsul Alam, adviser to the Consumers’ Association of Bangladesh (CAB), yesterday said: “According to the BERC Act, the commission is legally obliged to announce its decision. BERC has no authority to withhold it from the public.”

He said the commission was creating controversy by delaying the announcement.

BERC Chairman AR Khan told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “We are working on the proposals and on the arguments we received during the hearings and in post-hearing interactions.

“We will try to make a decision as quickly as possible.”

After separately receiving proposals from the six electricity and seven gas companies to increase prices, BERC organised public hearings on power tariff hike proposals from January 22 to 25 and gas tariff hike proposals from February 2 to 5.

A Tk25 markup per 1,000 cubic feet on the upstream price of natural gas was earlier approved by the government. Adding this amount to the existing price of gas, using a cost-plus pricing strategy, is a novel undertaking.

The commission agrees with the government on the need to fix the price of gas, the BERC official said. But the commission is in a fix on giving a final decision on the price of gas for different categories of consumers, he added.

State-owned Petrobangla had earlier pressured gas distribution companies to send price hike proposals to the BERC. During the hearings, the CAB strongly opposed the Tk25 markup.

BERC earlier violated the law by holding public hearings on electricity and gas tariff increase proposals without first holding an open meeting.

According to the BERC Act, the commission is bound to hold an open meeting first. l

A child sleeps on the central reservation of a busy road in Paribagh in the capital while her father sells tea at a nearby stall. With vehicles whizzing past, a tragic accident could take place at any time if she rolls over in her sleep. The photo was taken yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

Social media blamed for high Saudi divorce rate n Tribune Desk Social media networks including Facebook and WhatsApp play a big role in Saudi Arabia’s increasing divorce rate, experts in the conservative kingdom have said.

More than 30,000 divorces take place in the kingdom every year or 82 every day, Arab News, a Saudi Arabian English daily reported.

Other reasons include a lack of under-

standing between spouses, cultural and educational differences, extramarital affairs and financial and family problems.

According to a survey covering marriage officials, 20 percent of divorces take place as a result of extramarital affairs unveiled through the exchange of messages and photos on the social media.

Analyst Badr Almotawa said the problem stems from a deterioration of moral values. l

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