13 May, 2015 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 | Boishakh 30, 1421, Rajab 23, 1436 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 30 |

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Salahuddin reappears in Shillong The BNP leader says he was kidnapped by men he did not know and had no idea how he ended up in India n Tribune Report Salahuddin Disappearance Timeline BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed was discovered in India’s Shillong on Monday, two months after he had gone mysteriously missing from Dhaka. But the reappearance of the former underground crisis communicator of the BNP is also wrapped in equal – if not more – mystery. Around 2:30pm yesterday, Salahuddin’s wife Hasina Ahmed told reporters in a briefing that her husband had called her up around 10am and told her that he was at a mental hospital in Shillong in the Indian state of Meghalaya. By then though, journalists here had already learned from sources that Salahuddin was alive and called his wife. Hasina, however, did not disclose the matter before meeting BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia around noon. Several hours before that, the Shillong Times had carried a two-sentence news about the arrest of a 54-year-old Bangladeshi man named Salahuddin Ahmed in the city’s Golf Link area. At the afternoon press conference, Hasina Ahmed said: “InshaAllah my husband is alive. He is currently undergoing treatment at Mimhens [Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences] Hospital in Shillong.”  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

March 10

Salahuddin goes missing from Uttara

March 15

Law enforcers deny involvement

March 19

Wife Hasina places memorandum at PMO

March 20

Police’s fruitless drive in Gaibandha

April 12

HC orders investigators to file progress report

May 10

Khaleda Zia alleges he is in RAB’s custody

May 12

Salahuddin calls his wife from Meghalaya

n Tribune Report

Dramatic incidents started to unfold as soon as the stranger was taken to nearby Pasteur Beat Police Station. “I hardly found such a case in my long career in Meghalaya police service,” M Kharkrang, the superintendent of police in East Khasi Hills, told online portal Bangla Tribune yesterday.

When the law enforcers are yet to unearth mystery behind the killing of secular activists Avijit Roy and Oyasiqur Rahman Babu in less than three months, unidentified miscreants – believed to be members of radical Islamist groups – hacked to death another listed science writer in Sylhet yesterday. Four masked assailants on two motorcycles chased banker Ananta Bijoy Das around 8:30am after he came out of home in Subidbazar area for office. They hacked at him with machetes while Bijoy ran for his life. Bijoy could not run too far; the killers stopped him near Nuranee Dighee and hacked to death before fleeing the scene, police say. Local tea stall owner Sobhan Mia said the killers were hitting Bijoy with machetes so crazily that his brains came out of the shattered skull. “After confirming his death, they chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and escaped.” In response to another question, Sobhan said as he wanted to go closer, the killers stopped him by hurling abuse. Police are yet to confirm motive behind the killing or identify the killers, but officials suspect that it is another act of militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team or members of

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PHOTO COURTESY: thenortheasttoday.com

Meghalaya police discover Salahuddin n Tribune Report Locals informed the police about a person in pyjamas and panjabi wandering in front of the street near Shillong Golf Club early Monday. He had a blank look, as if he had been in a spell. When the local police were informed, a patrol car was passing by around the same time.

Third secular blogger killed in 3 months

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Dhaka, Delhi negotiating to finalise deals for Modi visit n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Bangladesh and India are negotiating to finalise a number of deals expected to be signed during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka. An inter-ministerial meeting will be held on the visit of Modi at the Foreign Ministry today. The visit of Modi was confirmed after the constitution amendment bill to ratify Land

Boundary Agreement in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha was passed recently. He is expected to arrive in Dhaka on a two-day visit on June 6. Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh came to Dhaka in September in 2011.

Agreements

Negotiation for Coastal Shipping Agreement, Trade Agreement and Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) is almost final-

ised. Shipping secretaries of both the countries finalised the draft of the Coastal Shipping Agreement in New Delhi last month, said an official of the Foreign Ministry. “In the meeting, it was also decided that PIWTT will also be renewed for five years,” he said. The commerce secretaries of the two countries also agreed to renew the Trade Agreement for five years but it is yet to be signed. The Teesta deal will be discussed in the

bilateral discussion and Bangladesh would push for it. “But it is less likely that it will be through this time,” said another official. Both the countries are negotiating for signing second line of credit during Modi’s visit. “A high level Indian delegation has recently visited Dhaka and discussed the issue with the Finance Ministry officials. In addition, the countries are expected to renew the cultural agreement. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Meghalaya police

Third secular blogger killed in 3 months

“Look! I am a VIP from Bangladesh. I had been a cabinet member of that country,” the stranger told police. But as he had no document with him and not a penny in his pocket, police thought the stranger was trying to bluff them. Agreeing with the claim to continue the conversation, a police member enquired how he had crossed the border. It turned the stranger speechless. Considering him as mentally incoherent, police admitted him to the Meghalaya Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (Mimhens) at Pasteur Hills. “Until then, we could not confirm whether he was a Bangladeshi or Salahuddin. He had no documents whereas none of his relatives came to identify him. Therefore, we filed a case against him for illegal entry,” Kharkrang said. Following treatment, the stranger started to gain normalcy in the night, and in the morning told doctors that he could recall his wife’s phone number. Then he called Hasina Ahmed in Dhaka and told her about his location. Police said they had not found marks of injuries on his body when he was found on Monday morning. Doctors, however, found that his heart was weak, and admitted him to Shillong Civil Hospital later in the day. Seeking anonymity, a doctor at the Mimhens said the person might be given electric shock recently. Shillong police are yet to solve the puzzle how Salahuddin crossed the border and reached the city. The closest border point from Shillong is Dawki – some 42km off the city. After preliminary investigation, police think Salahuddin crossed the border or was pushed inside India sometime on Sunday night. Later he might took a bus or auto-rickshaw and reached Shillong. l

other extremist Islamist groups. Asked who could be behind the murder, Sylhet Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahmat Ullah said: “You can imagine too. But we cannot make any comment right now.” Bijoy was the editor of science magazine “Jukti” and moderator of Mukto-Mona (freethinker) blog, a virtual platform founded by Avijit a decade ago mainly for Bengali and South Asian descent to practice secular thoughts. He has written four books – discussing Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, science and revolution. A critic of extremist Islamists operating in home and abroad, Bijoy was a key organiser of the Sylhet chapter of Gonojagoron Moncho, a platform formed at Shahbagh in 2013 demanding death penalty for all war criminals and ban on Jamaat-e-Islami. The Islamists in February 2013 also handed over a list of 84 bloggers and secular activists to the then home minister demanding exemplary action against them. Bijoy, Oyasiqur and Avijit were named in the list. Bijoy was given Mukto-Mona Award in 2005 for his significant role in advocating secularism, rationalism and scientific thoughts. In his last status on Facebook posted yesterday morning, Bijoy criticised a local Awami League lawmaker for making indecent comments about renowned teacher Muhammed Zafar Iqbal. Recently he criticised the role of police during the murders of Avijit and Oyasiqur and also during the sexual assault on women on April 14. He also censured police action on activists of Bangladesh Students Union demanding justice for the Pohela Boishakh sex assaults. Youngest among four siblings, Bijoy was an

assistant development officer of Pubali Bank’s Jaowa Bazar branch. He completed masters in social work from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in 2005. His sister Panchatopa Das said Bijoy went out for his office after having breakfast. “Hearing hue and cry they came out of the house and found the body in a pool of blood.” They took Bijoy to Osmani Medical Hospital on an auto-rickshaw only to be declared dead. Emergency Medical Officer Dr Habibullah said Bijoy had died due to excessive bleeding caused by sharp weapons. The body had marks of injuries on the hands and backbone. “He died on the spot. We are waiting for the post mortem report,” Deputy Director of the hospital Abdus Salam said. Police have set up a camp near the murder spot. Officials of the CID’s crime scene department visited the spot and collected evidence. The body was taken to his house in Subidbazar around 4pm and later to Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar. Academicians, cultural activists and Moncho workers have condemned the killing. Spokesperson of Sylhet chapter of the Moncho Debashish Debu declared half-day hartal in the city for today demanding arrest of the killers and their exemplary punishment. “The state remains reluctant while the free-thinkers are being killed one after another,” Debu said. Progressive Students’ Alliance and cultural activists in Sylhet expressed solidarity with the shutdown programme. Moncho activists also brought out a procession on the medical college campus. They

chanted slogans against Jamaat-Shibir labelling the Islamist party as patron of militancy and demanded proper investigation. In the evening, the activists held a rally at the Shaheed Minar followed by a torch procession in favour of the shutdown. Bangladesh Chhatra Union leader Nazmul Ahsan Russel said a group of youths led by Chhatra League leader Samad attacked on the rally injuring two hartal supporters.

Police on the other hand have been saying since the beginning that they had nothing to do with Salahuddin’s disappearance. They said they would have arrested him anyway in violence cases had he been available. They said the same thing to a court in connection with a petition filed by Hasina Ahmed. However, the BNP leader yesterday told the Indian news agency Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) that he had been kidnapped by a group of unidentified people from Uttara and did not know how he ended up in Shillong. In an interview with Bangla Tribune’s Delhi correspondent Ranjan Basu, Meghalaya police chief Mariahom Kharkrang yesterday said that when Shillong police found Salahuddin on Monday morning, he was loitering aimlessly near the Golf Link area. He did not have anything on him – no identity card, no money and not even his purse. He said he was a former minister of Bangladesh but could not produce any proof of citizenship or explain how he got there, Kharkrang said.

Because he was looking devastated and was talking incoherently, local police took him to the Mimhans Hospital. As he showed signs of improvement on Tuesday morning and recollected his wife’s cell phone number, he was allowed to make the phone call back home, the Meghalaya police boss told the Bangla Tribune. Local police have filed a case against him under the foreigners act, but have not been able to interrogate him further as he was still in hospital. “We have kept him under observation. The patient said he had some physical ailments, but we found him to be mentally fit. So, we transferred him to the Shillong Civil Hospital this afternoon [yesterday],” the IANS quoted a Mimhans Hospital official as saying. Ranjan Basu also reported that Meghalaya police had been consulting with the Indian foreign ministry regarding the next course of action in this regard. l

Who killed Bijoy?

Meanwhile, Al-Qaeda Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), in a post on justpaste.it yesterday claimed responsibility for the murder of Bijoy. Ansar Al-Islam Bangladesh tweeted a link to the post around 12:30pm while Ansar Bangla 8 tweeted at 11:27am claiming responsibility. AQIS leader Asim Umar, in another video message released on May 3, claimed responsibility for killing Avijit Roy, Oyasiqur, Ahmed Rajeeb Haider and Rajshahi University teacher Prof AKM Shafiul Islam. Sylhet police officials seeking anonymity said they suspect that Ansarullah Bangla Team members may have killed Bijoy. The Detective Branch of police is investigating Avijit and Oyasiqur murder cases, but has been unable to make any significant progress. In Avijit murder case, US investigating agency FBI is assisting the DB police. Detectives earlier said Ansarullah members were behind the killing of Avijit and Oyasiqur. In Rajeeb murder case, eight Ansarullah men including its chief Jasim Uddin Rahmani are now facing trial at a Speedy Trial Tribunal. Rahmani in his sermons inspired his followers to kill atheists. l

Salahuddin reappears in Meghalaya She said that they would try to go to Shillong today by getting their visa application processed, which could not be done yesterday. Hasina got the phone call from her husband when she was bringing home her daughter who is a student of the Scholastica school. She then dropped her daughter home and went straight to Gulshan to meet Khaleda Zia. Sources said Khaleda had also talked to Salahuddin. A high official of a state intelligence agency told the Dhaka Tribune last night that Salahuddin had sneaked into India in the last week of April. Since disappearing from Dhaka’s Uttara on March 10, the BNP leader had been continuously trying to cross over to a neighbouring country. His initial plan was to flee to Nepal, but because of the earthquake, he changed his plan. Then, with the help of a broker from Jokiganj of Sylhet, he sneaked into the Indian state, the official said. When contacted, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) spokesperson Monirul Islam, a

joint commissioner of the force and chief of its Detective Branch (DB), said that they had got confirmation that the BNP leader is in Meghalaya but refused to say anything more. The Dhaka Tribune then contacted AKM Shahidul Haque, inspector general of police, who said: “The fact that Salahuddin contacted his family from India proves that none of the law enforcement agencies are involved with his disappearance.” Police are now trying to find out how Salahuddin went to Meghalaya, the IGP said. Neither Bangladesh police nor the BNP had said anything officially after news broke that the Salahuddin was alive, although they had been blaming each other since the BNP leader disappeared two months ago. Even on Sunday, a day before Salahuddin was found, the BNP had renewed its allegation that the law enforcers had abducted Salahuddin. BNP chief Khaleda Zia spoke at an unscheduled press conference last night but did not say anything about Salahuddin’s reappearance.

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

116 Bangladeshis rescued from Malaysia-bound trawler n Tribune Desk A Malaysia-bound trawler, carrying 116 Bangladeshi passengers – some of whom fell sick from a lack of food, was detained yesterday near Saint Martin’s Island by navy and coast guard patrol boats. The trawler’s crew, thought to be Myanmar nationals, had abandoned the trawler yesterday morning after being spotted and chased by Bangladeshi border patrol boats, said coast guard Station Commander Dickson Chowdhury. Talking to the AFP over phone, he said: “There were 116 illegal migrants in the fishing

trawler. They are all Bangladeshis. “They have been on the boat from 15 days to three months. For the last seven days, some of them have not eaten anything other than water. Some were found in emaciated condition. “There are 16- and 17-year-old boys in the ship as well as a 60-year-old man,” Dickson added. Coast guard’s press department official Al Imran said the trawler was detained by navy and coast guard patrol boats at 5:30pm. “We learnt that it was heading to Malaysia with the illegal migrants.” Officials said the migrants had come from all over Bangladesh for the journey to Malay-

sia in search of a better life. The discovery comes after nearly 2,000 boat people from Myanmar and Bangladesh were rescued or had swum to shore in Malaysia and Indonesia in recent days. The spate of arrivals comes as Thailand, a key stop on a Southeast Asian people-smuggling route, cracks down following the discovery of mass graves that has laid bare the extent of the thriving trade. According to the police in Bangladesh, more than 3,000 people have been rescued over the past five years from Cox’s Bazaar and Chittagong city from the hands of traffickers. l

Relatives and well-wishers pay final respects to blogger Ananta Bijoy Das who was hacked to death yesterday in Sylhet

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Govt finalising action plan against trafficking n Shohel Mamun The government has prepared a new national action plan for 2015-17 to stop human trafficking. It is likely to be announced publicly within two weeks. The government is thinking of strengthening some laws as a part of their efforts to fight against traffickers. According to the plan, the government will finalise three regulations under the Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act, 2012, Home Ministry’s Senior Secretary Mozammel Haque Khan said.

An MoU will be signed with Delhi for rescuing trafficking victims in India and bringing them back The three regulations are National Human Trafficking Suppression Department, National Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression regulations and Regulation of National Human Trafficking Deterrence Fund. Drafting of these regulations have already been completed. The government will also sign an MoU with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh on the issue of rescuing the trafficking victims in India, bringing them back and rehabilitating them. The issue of finalising the action plan was discussed in a meeting at the Home Ministry yesterday. At the meeting, the stakeholders talked about the necessity of mass campaign in media against and decided to implement a media campaign programme. Senior Secretary Mozammel asked the officials concerned to ensure quick disposal of cases filed in connection with possessing fake passports used by human traffickers. l

‘BNP lies about Salahuddin’ One human trafficker killed n in Cox’s Bazar; 3 held in Ctg Tribune Report

After BNP Joint Secretary General Salahuddin Ahmed resurfaced the Awami League-led 14-party alliance yesterday said the BNP was a party that was used to telling lies. They said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had kept telling lies soon after the disappearance of Salahuddin. Emerging out of a 14-party meeting Health Minister Mohammad Nasim said according to media reports, a conversation between Salahuddin and his wife Hasina proved that BNP and also its chief Khaleda Zia told lies. Nasim made the statements replying to a question of journalists at a 14-party press conference. The press briefing was held after the alliance held the meeting at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political office at Dhanmondi in the capital yesterday. Earlier Khaleda Zia claimed Salahuddin was in RAB custody while Salahuddin’s wife said her husband was picked up by law enforcers from their home. But now all these claims of the BNP have been proved false, Nasim said. Denouncing police action on Bangladesh Chhatra Union activists, the 14-party spokes-

person said the alliance does not support such police excesses. The 14-party condemned the attacks on Chhatra Union activists. “We don’t support such attacks. A probe committee has been formed. We hope the culprits will be identified and punished after investigation.” Nasim, also presidium member of the Awami League, said the 14-party alliance would accord a reception to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the passage of Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) bill in Indian parliament. Nasim said the 14-party expressed satisfaction over the unanimous ratification of LBA by Indian Parliament and thanked the Indian Prime Minister, West Bengal chief minister and people of all strata in India. The meeting observed that the victory of Bangladesh-origin Tulip Siddique, Rushnara Ali and Rupa Haque in the UK parliamentary polls enhanced pride of the Bangalees. Presided over by Workers’ Party President and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, the meeting was attended by Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman and Minister for Environment and Forest Anowar Hossain Manju, JSD President and Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu and other leaders of the 14-party alliance.l

n Tribune Report A human trafficker was killed in a gunfight with police in Cox’s Bazar yesterday and three were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department in Chittagong on Monday. The deceased, Belal Ahmed, 30, was one of the listed human traffickers at the Home Ministry, sources at Cox’s Bazar police said. The gunfight took place in Cox’s Bazar’s Eidgaon area; police raided the area after receiving a tip-off about human trafficking, said Bakhtiar Uddin Chowdhury, OC at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model police station. When police arrived at the scene, the traffickers reportedly opened fire and police retaliated, forcing the traffickers to retreat and flee. Later, police found Belal’s bullet-hit body along with some ammunition. Two police members were injured in the gunfight, but they are currently out of danger, the OC said. With Belal, five traffickers have been killed in a gunfight with police in the past one week. In Chittagong, a CID team arresterd three

human traffickers in the NDC Tower in Halishahar. Materials recovered by the team included 33 passports, forged Libyan visas, fake stamps and documents of different countries. Following a tip-off, the team raided the building and found the traffickers – Ali Akbar, Bahar Uddin an Shah Baizid Ullah, all from Feni, said Mohammad Moslem, Chittagong divisional special superintendent of police at the CID, during a press briefing at his office. The three were handed over to Halishahar police station on Monday night, and CID Inspector Kajol Kanti Chowdhury filed a case against them with the police station under the Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act. During primary interrogation, the traffickers said they had been involved with human trafficking for a month and had trafficked 1,000 Bangladeshis to Libya. Their racket involved both local and expatriate members. They mainly targeted poor, illiterate and unemployed people, especially in the northern parts of the country, and charged each client with Tk2 lakh to Tk5 lakh of fees, Moslem said. l

4 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Bangladesh to beat poverty by 2021 n Asif Showkat Kallol Bangladesh will achieve middle-income country status by 2021, according to the upcoming budget speech to be placed in parliament on June 4. Finance Ministry officials said the speech will contain a section on the country’s imminent graduation from low-income to middle-income status, explaining how this will be achieved by 2021. The proposed budget document will explain that to achieve middle-income country status as defined by the United Nations, Bangladesh must post a per capita income above $1,398 four years in a row. The country’s per capita income grew by 12.9% to $1,190 during the current fiscal year, bringing the country closer to the middle-income bracket. Several months ago, Finance Minister

AMA Muhith said Bangladesh could become a middle-income country in the next three to four years, as per capita income nears the middle-income threshold. The country’s status as a middle-income nation would be consolidated by 2021 when per capita income is expected to be around $2,000, he said. Former adviser to the caretaker government, AB Mirza Azizul Islam, told the Dhaka Tribune that just increasing per capita income was not sufficient to make Bangladesh a middle-income country. He stressed that social indicators must also improve. “It will take time for Bangladesh to reach middle-income country status.” But the longer it takes, the higher the bar may go. In FY2010-11, achieving upper middle-income status required a per capita income in excess of $3,975. Two years later, the goalpost

shifted – countries must now show a per capita income greater than $4,085 to reach upper middle-income status. In the post-war era, from the 1950s onwards, many economies managed to rapidly reach middle-income status but few went on to become high-income countries. A comprehensive study by the World Bank estimates that out of 101 middle-income countries in 1960, only 13 graduated to high-income status by 2008. The Bangladesh economy is growing at 5.4% per annum. According to the World Bank’s Atlas conversion, the per capita gross national income in Bangladesh is $1,021. Bangladesh’s per capita income in FY201415 was $1,190 compared to $1,044 in FY201314. Export earnings witnessed 11.69% growth in the same period. Revenue collection grew by 8.35% over the previous fiscal year. l

Minister: BR to get 270 new coaches soon n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Railway Minister Md Mujibul Haque has said some 270 new coaches are going to be added to the fleet of Bangladesh Railway within six months. The carriages would be imported from India and Indonesia. The ministry has been working intensively to reduce commuters’ sufferings during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, particularly to check the ticket scalping, the minister continued. The minister made the statement to journalists during his visit to the BR (East) workshop in the port city’s Pahartoli area yesterday. “As usual this year we are trying to ensure best service during Eid as like we did last year by attaching 80 additional coaches. The shortage of engine and coaches will be removed within six months,” the minister said. l

Fake DB men kidnap garment official, rob money and belongings n Our Correspondent, Gazipur

Bangladesh Chhatra Federation brings out a rally in the capital’s Shahbagh area yesterday demanding trial of the police officials who brutally attacked the Chhatra Union activists who marched towards the Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters on Sunday protesting the recent sexual assault on women at the Dhaka University RAJIB DHAR

Mongla-Ghashiakhali channel to reopen in June n Shohel Mamun Dredging of the Mongla-Ghashiakhali channel in Bagerhat district is nearly complete and the channel will be fully open for river traffic on June 1, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said yesterday. Speaking at a press conference in the Secretariat, the minister also said with the reopening of this channel, the water route through the Sela River will be closed down, which will be helpful for the biodiversity of the Sundarbans. The dredging started on July 1 last year to improve the channel’s navigability so that heavy vessels could travel

through it. Once the dredging is complete, the channel will be 330 feet wide, the minister said. The channel has already been open to lighter traffic since May 6 on an experimental basis, he added. Reopening of the channel will bring respite to the ecosystem of the Sundarbans, which has been severely damaged after an oil tanker capsized and spilled more than 350,000 litres of furnace oil in the Sela on December 9. Due to the oil spill, movement of vessels was suspended on the route, but was resumed on January 6 despite environmental concerns. l

A group of men acting as the members of the Detective Branch (DB) of police abducted a garments official in broad daylight yesterday in Gazipur. They also snatched about Tk150,000, mobile phones and other possessions before abandoning him in a jungle. The victim was identified as Manowar Hossain, 34, quality in-charge of Anwara Knitwear of Gazipur’s Maona area. According to Mukul Hossain, brother of the victim, Manowar Hossain was returning home after withdrawing Tk144,000 from Maona branch of Islami Bank at around 11am. When his bus reached Hotapara area of Joydebpur, a micro-bus blocked its way and

some armed plain-clothed men got on the bus. They handcuffed Manowar and dragged him into the micro-bus. Manowar was beaten up inside the vehicle before the men took all his money and belonging. He was left in a jungle near the Hitech Park area in Kaliakoir. Manowar was rescued by the locals who eventually informed his brother Mukul Hossain. Rafiqul Islam, officer in-charge of Kaliakoir police station said they could not process any case since the incident happened under the Joydebpur police jurisdiction. When Officer in-Charge of Joydebpur police station Khandkar Rezaul Hasan Reza was contacted, he said they were not aware of such incident. l

NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

HC seeks report on police action against student protesters n Ashif Islam Shaon The High Court has asked the inspector general of police to submit a report by June 14 regarding the actions taken against policemen who had beaten up demonstrators near the Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters on Sunday. The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman came up with another ruling yesterday, asking why the action by the police would not be

declared illegal. The court also asked why legal action would not be ordered against those policemen. The home secretary, DMP commissioner, deputy commissioner of police’s Ramna Division, officers-in-charge of Ramna and Shahbagh police stations were asked to respond to the ruling within four weeks. The court came up with the directives after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond on Monday, challenging the legality of police brutality on

demonstrators who were protesting the Pohela Boishakh sexual assaults. On Sunday, the police charged truncheons, rifle butts, water cannon and tear-gas canisters on student leaders who tried to lay siege to the DMP headquarters. Demonstrators including leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Union were injured by the police aggression, while women activists at the scene were assaulted with boots and truncheons. Videos of the brutal act drew widespread condemnation on social media. l

Law enforcers stand in front of the police box that agitated locals vandalised after a passenger bus seriously injured one pedestrian while crossing the road in the capital’s Elephant Road yesterday. The locals caught the bus driver and handed him over to the police MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

French organisations to host climate change events next week n Tribune Report The Agence Française de Développement, the Alliance Française de Dhaka and the Embassy of France in Bangladesh are going to organise a series of events on climate change next week. The opening event on Bridging Climate Change and Development will be inaugurated by French Ambassador to Bangladesh Sophie Aubert on Saturday.

At the COP 17 in South Africa in 2011, 194 countries agreed to establish a binding international climate action agreement This is part of the programme on United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 21, which is going to be held in France in December this year, according to a press release issued by the French embassy. At the COP 17 in South Africa in 2011, 194 countries agreed to establish a binding international climate action agreement and that negotiation is scheduled to be completed at COP 21. The conference is important because, whatever agreement is established, it will act as a blueprint and catalyst for future international climate action. Another point that COP 21 stands out for is that the impacts of climate change are occurring faster than many scientists had projected – be it in the form of sea-level rise, heat waves and other damaging extreme weather events. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently stated, once again, that climate change is human-driven, and that there is only a short window of time to respond as a global community. Verging on this crucial conference in the history of mankind, the Embassy of France in Bangladesh, the Agence Française de Développement, and the Alliance Française de Dhaka are stepping up to raise awareness on this global challenge. They will also organise two photo exhibitions that will be on display at La Galerie of the Alliance Française de Dhaka on May 16-23. l

Private sector urged to participate in developing framework for disaster management efforts n Tribune Report The private sector was urged to come forward for improvement of the country’s disaster management initiatives at a discussion titled National Consultation Meeting held yesterday. Citing an example of introducing crop insurance for disaster affected farmers, the private sectors including banks and financial institutions can play a vital role to reduce the impacts of natural disaster, said Dr Mahbuba Nasreen while presenting her keynote speech at the discussion. “Bangladesh is a disaster prone country; the nation is still struggling with the major after-affect of Cyclone Aila and Sidr, and the

recovering survivors of Rana Plaza,” added Dr Mahbuba, the director of Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies of University of Dhaka (DU). She also said that the private sector should have a structural framework where the victims can cope with the disaster management process. The discussion on disaster was jointly organised by DU and Oxfam Bangladesh at the university’s Senate Bhaban. Currently, the nation is fearing a major earthquake disaster with seven magnitude earthquakes rocking Nepal. “Focusing on the involvement in disaster management, the private sector stakeholders

need to get involved in humanitarian action. It is one of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the framework of disaster management should be based on long term impact of a disaster,” said country director of Oxfam Snehal V Soneji. Regarding the attitude of managing disaster, the participants opined that the country still bears donation-driven mentality which should be avoided. Dr Kamal Uddin, treasurer of the University of Dhaka said that disaster management efforts should be look upon as an investment in a company. He said that the framework should include insurance policy, reconstruction, rehabilitation and compensation of vic-

tims – specially for women and children in Bangladesh who are vulnerable. Around 40 representatives from the private sector participated in the workshop. They suggested adoption of long term comprehensive policy, training and drills involving all sectors with real life examples, continuous communication between stakeholders, proper monitoring etc. They also stressed on awareness programmes with individual and collective approach, and to provide benefits and incentives from the private sector. It was also suggested that business organisations can invest a certain percentage of profit in the area of humanitarian efforts. l

6 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Workshop on rehab programme in jail n Our Correspondent, Gazipur A workshop on Drug Rehab Programmes in Jail was held in the seminar room of Gazupur district commissioner yesterday. Ahsania Mission, a non-government development organization arranged the function where District Commissioner Nurul Islam, Magistrate Mohammad Hossen, Senoiner Jail Super Proshanta Kumar Banik, Social welfare officer Shahadat Hossain and Ahsania Mission’s district unit project manger Mashiur Rahman spoke on the occasion. They said drug use among the prison inmates in several cases was increasing alarmingly. l

Garment worker strangled in Gazipur n Our Correspondent, Gazipur A readymade garments worker was allegedly killed by her husband at Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur yesterday. Sub-inspector of Mouchak police station Saiful Alam said Poly Begum,30, a worker of Lease Fashion Ltd had been living with her husband Jahangir Alam in a rented house at Purbapara village. Locals said the couple went to the bed at night after eating food. In the morning, locals found the body of Poly tied up with rope lying on the floor. l

Charges against Gazipur mayor framed n Our Correspondent, Gazipur A Gazipur court yesterday framed charges against Mayor of Gazipur City Corporation and also Advisor of the BNP chairperson MA Mannan in connection with a car vandalism case. Judge of Senior Judicial Magistrate Farzana Khan has accepted the charges against the city mayor after a hearing. The court also fixed July 13 for next hearing. Officer-in-charge of Gazipur Court police station Rabiul Islam said BNP leader Mannan was accused in several cases, including vandalism and torching of vehicles, obstructing police from performing duties, financing acts of sabotages and a recent attempt to create anarchy in the readymade garment sector. l

Commuters panic as two inter-city trains escape accidents n Our Correspondent, Moulvibazar Two separate Sylhet-bound inter-city trains in two consecutive days narrowly escaped major accidents in Moulvibazar district. Several passengers received injuries on Monday night when they jumped off the inter-city train at Shamshernagar railway station as the train skipped its scheduled stop there. The injured passengers however could not be identified. The incident took place after 28 hours of another inter-city train Jayantika losing its four compartments on its way to Sylhet from Dhaka. These incidents caused panic among the commuters on this route. According to Abdul Aziz, station master of Shamshernagor railway station, said the incident took place around 11:50pm on Monday night. “The train was passing through the station at a speed of 20-30km. Since it made

AL leader hacked to death in Naogaon n Our Correspondent, Naogaon Some unidentified miscreants hacked a local leader of the ruling Awami League to death in Ishapur intersection area in Patnitala upazila early yesterday. Police recovered the body of Shahidul Islam, 40, joint general secretary of Sadar union unit AL, in the morning. The leader had been living with his family in Mahmud village of Patnitala upazila for about three years. Patnitala police station OC Abdur Rafique said someone around 1am called Shahidul out of his home over mobile phone in the name of an arbitration in his village Katabari Boram village. During on the way to the village by motorcycle, the unknown miscreants intercepted him in the area and hacked him indiscriminately, leaving him dead on the spot. Later, locals spotted the body and informed police. l

a stop at Kulaura station, it did not stop here. The Shamshernagar passengers were supposed to get down at Kulaura.” “But the passengers did not realise it and they tried to jump off the train when it was going through Shamshernagar station,” he said. Abdul Aziz further said there could have been a major accident as Dhaka-bound Upaban Express was at the station waiting for crossing at that time. “Upaban usually makes the crossing at Shamshernagar. There could have been a collision if it had gone for the crossing last night,” the station master added. Earlier on Sunday, four bogeys of the Sylhet-bound inter-city Jayantika Express got detached when it was going up through Lawachhara forest. The separated bogeys came down the track for 3km and stopped at Shaplabag area near at Sreemangal railway station. A four member investigating committee was formed. l

Chhatra Union strike stalls CU shuttle train n CU Correspondent The shuttle train service between the Chittagong University (CU) campus and the port city was suspended for four hours yesterday morning due to the countrywide student strike enforced by the left leaning Bangladesh Chhatra Union. The strike was enforced protesting Sunday’s police attack on their activists who were demonstrating against the Pohela Boishakh sexual assault and tried to lay siege to the police headquarters. Officer in-Charge (OC) Himangsu Das Rana of Chittagong Railway Station police outpost told the Dhaka Tribune that a group of 25 to 30 leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Union blocked two shuttle trains from leaving for the university at Battali Railway Station at around 7:30am. They lifted the barricade after four hours at 11:30am, added the OC. Chittagong city’s Sholoshahar Railway Station master Md Shahbuddin said the shuttle train service resumed at around noon. CU Proctor Siraj Ud Dowla claimed that few departments held classes though the presence of the students was very low. l

NEWS 7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Two to die for killing elderly couple n Tribune Report A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced two people to death and another to life-term imprisonment for killing an old couple in Faridpur in 2013. The convicts are Md Sujon Bepari and Md Nazrul Islam. Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal 4 Judge ABM Nizamul Haque passed the order on Tuesday afternoon. The court also fined Tk20,000 Mir Muhammad Tanvir Rahman alias Khosru, who was handed down life term imprisonment. Earlier, Khosru along with the other two criminals slaughtered Mir Shamsul Haque and his wife Nargis Nahar over family dispute in October 2013. Mir Kamrul Ahsan Masud, son of the deceased, filed a murder case with Kotwali police station on the next day of the murder. RAB 8 Senior ASP Md Kamal Uddin also the investigation officer of the case submitted charge sheet against the criminals on February 20, 2014. After cross-checking witnesses and examining documents the court gave the verdict against the convicts. l

Gold worth Tk16cr seized at Ctg airport, two held n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A total 325 gold bars weighing around 38kg and worth around Tk16.25 crore were seized by customs officials yesterday during separate drives at Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport. “Acting on a tip-off, officials recovered 260 gold bars around 7am in an abandoned condition from a toilet in the airport,” said Chittagong Customs House’s Assistant Commissioner Md Selim Reza. Later in the day, customs officials also seized 65 more bars from two passengers who arrived in Chittagong on a Biman flight from Dubai. The passengers – Rubel Khaki, 30, of Shariatpur, and Mohammad Hossain, 30, of Comilla – were detained; 37 bars were found from Hossain and 28 bars from Rubel. All the gold bars were handed over to Bangladesh Bank, while the two detainees were

handed over to Patenga police station, Selim Reza said. Two cases were lodged with the Patenga station, while a divisional case was also lodged in connection with the gold seizure from the airport toilet, the customs official added. The Chittagong airport is one of the most popular choice for gold smugglers in the country, with more than 3,000 gold bars worth about Tk250 crore being seized there in 2014 alone. So far this year, customs officials, intelligence and law enforcement agencies have seized around 1,000 gold bars from the port city. Syed Mukaddesh Hossain, assistant director for Chittagong’s Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, told the Dhaka Tribune that the trend and nature of the gold smuggling and seizure suggested that some unscrupulous airport employees and

airlines staff including Biman personnel were involved in the trade. On May 3, two Biman employees – Sheikh Kamal and Belal Hossain – were caught red-handed with 40 gold bars from the airport. In their confessions, they admitted that four other Biman staffs were also involved in gold smuggling. Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ manager for Chittagong, Md Alauddin, said they had already sacked the detained employees, but were not aware about the involvement of the others. Different investigations have found that at least 23 smuggling syndicates were operating to smuggle gold into Bangladesh; at least three of those syndicates were based in Chittagong. Chittagong Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operation) Banaz Kumar Mazumder said they were looking into the matter and trying their best to the arrest the people involved with gold smuggling. l

WEATHER THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 DHAKA TODAY

TOMORROW

SUN SETS 6:32PM

SUN RISES 5:17AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY 33

Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

36.5ºC

18.5ºC

Mongla

Tangail Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr

3:55am

Sunrise

5:18am

Zohr

11:55am

Asr

4:33pm

Magrib

6:32pm

Esha

7:55pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

Family members of Yasmin Begum, victim of an acid attack, demand punishment for the perpetrators by forming a human chain in front of the National Press Club yesterday. Yasmin’s husband Polash, accompanied by others, allegedly threw acid on her on March 23 this year. Later, Yasmin died on March 31. Since then, Polash has remained absconding RAJIB DHAR

Turmoil at SUST over derogatory comments against Zafar Iqbal n Our Correspondent, Gazipur An unstable situation is prevailing on the campus of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) over derogatory comments made by a local lawmaker against professor of computer science and engineering department of the university Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. yesterday afternoon, a good number of teachers and students formed a human chain in front of the central library where they declared Lawmaker of Sylhet Constituency 3 and Senate Member of the SUST Mahmud Samad Chowdhury Kayes unexpected on the campus. Later, they brought out a procession on

the campus that paraded main points of the campus. Meanwhile, university authorities in a statement said the comments made by the MP against Zafar Iqbal, author of science fiction and children’s literature, was not also lie, but indecent. Recently, MP Mahmud Samad in a meeting at Fenchuganj said that nobody could sustain at the SUST for conspiracy of Zafar Iqbal. He also said Zafar Iqbal was instigating the movement which was going on against Vice-Chancellor Professor Aminul Haque Bhuiyan. A tensed situation has been prevailing on the campus over the resignation of two departmental heads and 35 teachers from administrative posts, but the recent com-

ments over Zafar Iqbal has made the situation much difficult. On April 20, 35 teachers resigned amid a movement by a pro-Awami League teachers’ panel demanding removal of Vice-Chancellor Aminul Haque Bhuiyan. The tension was generated on the campus on April 13 when 19 teachers from the physics department and geography and environment department of the university went to hold a talk with the VC over space allocation between the departments. Prof Dr Syed Badiuzzaman Faruque, head of the physics department, and Prof Dr Sharif Md Sharafuddin, head of the geography and environment science department, resigned on the same day following the alleged misconduct of the VC. l

8 WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

‘Greece tapped its emergency IMF reserves to pay IMF debt’ n Reuters Greece emptied an emergency IMF holding account to repay 750 million euros ($839 million) due to the international lender, a Greek central bank official said, avoiding default but underscoring the dire state of the country’s finances. With Athens close to running out of cash and a deal with its international creditors still elusive, there had been doubts about whether the leftist-led government would pay the IMF or opt to save cash to pay salaries and pensions later this month. Member countries of the International Monetary Fund are required to keep a holding account which may be used for emergencies but the money can only be used with the lend-

er’s approval, the central bank official said. A government official told Reuters that Athens used about 650 million euros from the holding account and 100 million euros from its cash reserves to make the payment on Monday. The Greek central bank official confirmed the account had been tapped after government officials met the central bank chief last week to figure out how to make the payment. “The negative is that the account was emptied but in order to avert a default it was necessary to weigh the options,” the Bank of Greece official said. Made a day early, the payment calmed immediate fears of a Greek default, but Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said on Monday the liquidity situation was “terribly urgent” and

a deal to release further funds was needed in the next couple of weeks. The IMF on Tuesday confirmed Athens had made its payment to the fund. But it declined to give details about how it was made. “Regarding aspects of the payment that some of you have asked confirmation about, we don’t publish information on the details of members’ transactions with the Fund,” an IMF spokeswoman said in response to questions about how Greece made the payment. Central bank chief Yannis Stournaras met Deputy Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis and Deputy Foreign Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, a top negotiator in talks with lenders, on two occasions last week on how to meet the May IMF repayment, the central bank official said. l

Report: Germany gives huge amount of phone, text data to US n Reuters Germany’s BND intelligence agency sends mammoth amounts of phone and text data to the US National Security Agency (NSA) each month, Die Zeit Online reported, highlighting the scale of their spying cooperation. Critics have accused Chancellor Angela Merkel’s staff of giving the nod to the BND to help the NSA spy on European firms and officials. They also say officials lied about the prospects of a US-German “no-spy deal” before the 2013 election. Polls show the scandal is starting to hurt popular Merkel whose office is responsible for the oversight of intelligence. Citing confidential documents, Die Zeit Online reported yesterday that of about 220 million pieces of meta data gathered per day some 1.3 billion pieces per month go to the NSA. l

Binding refugee quotas divide EU n AFP EU plans for binding refugee quotas across the 28-nation bloc could be sunk because Britain, Ireland and Denmark do not have to accept them, European sources said yesterday. The European Commission, the EU executive, is due today to present a new migration policy which will include quotas after the worst migrant shipwreck left 750 people dead in the Mediterranean last month. The final plan is supposed to be put before EU leaders at their June 25-26 summit but immigration is such a sensitive political issue for many member states that agreement could prove elusive, especially when it comes to sharing the burden. Commission spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud said yesterday that Britain and Ireland have “opt-in rights” on certain policy areas under EU treaties, meaning in this case that they had the right to decide whether or not to participate in a quota system. “Denmark has an opt-out right whereby they do not participate at all” on this issue, Bertaud added. The exemptions granted to the three countries are making it difficult for the commission to impose binding quotas on the 25 remaining EU member states, sources told AFP. The issue is so divisive that after further talks yesterday, officials still had not fashioned an agreement before the 28 EU Commissioners were due to meet today to formally sign off on the new migration policy, the sources said. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said he wants the quotas to be binding, commission sources told AFP, but Britain, among others, has insisted it will only accept quotas on a voluntary basis. “Some member states have already made a major contribution to global resettlement efforts,” said a draft copy of the proposals seen by AFP. “But others offer nothing - and in many cases they are not making an alternative contribution in terms of receiving and accepting asylum requests or helping to fund the efforts of others,” the draft added. l

Local residents gather near a campfire after a fresh 7.3 earthquake struck, in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The earthquake killed at least 37 people and spread panic in Nepal yesterday, bringing down buildings already weakened by a devastating tremor less than three weeks ago REUTERS

El Nino will be ‘substantial’ warn scientists n AFP

Australian scientists yesterday forecast a “substantial” El Nino weather phenomenon for 2015, potentially spelling deadly and costly climate extremes, after officially declaring its onset in the tropical Pacific. El Nino had been expected last year when record-breaking temperatures made 2014 the hottest in more than a century. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said while the thresholds were not met until now it was expected to be a significant event. The Japan Meteorological Agency also confirmed the phenomenon had begun and forecast it would continue into late 2015.

The El Nino phenomenon - which is associated with drought conditions in Australia - can cause havoc for farmers and global agricultural markets, hitting economies heavily dependent on the land. The last El Nino five years ago had a major impact with monsoons in Southeast Asia, droughts in southern Australia, the Philippines and Ecuador, blizzards in the United States, heatwaves in Brazil and killer floods in Mexico. It occurs when the trade winds that circulate over waters in the tropical Pacific start to weaken and sea surface temperatures rise. US officials announced earlier this year that the long-awaited El Nino had arrived, but the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration described it as of “weak strength”. Australian scientists said models were now showing it was likely to see an increased intensity from about September. This year’s pattern could create drier conditions in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Southeast Asia, they said.. In the past it has caused heavier-than-normal rainfall in the eastern Pacific and South America - raising the spectre of floods and landslides, while the southwest United States and southern Africa tend to be drier. El Nino is forecast to strengthen during the southern hemisphere winter but does not guarantee drought. l

WORLD 9

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Indonesia turns away boat of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants n BBC Indonesia has turned away a boat carrying hundreds of migrants believed to be from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Indonesia’s navy said it provided the vessel with food and water on Monday before sending it back out to sea. It said that it did so because the migrants wanted to reach Malaysia, but an international migration agency said the decision was “shocking”. As many as 8,000 migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar are believed by the agency to be stranded at sea. Correspondents say people smugglers who ferry the migrants are now reluctant to follow their usual route through Thailand because of a government campaign there against them. “The passengers were still alive and in good condition,” said Indonesian navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir. “They were seeking help and they didn’t want to go to Indonesia. They wanted to go to Malaysia, so we sent them on their way after providing them with food, water and medical supplies,” he said. But International Organisation for Migration (IOM) spokesman Joe Lowry told the BBC news website earlier that “if true it would be shocking - these people need to land”. He said people on board such ships needed urgent help as there were many reports of passengers suffering from beriberi - a disease caused by vitamin deficiency. “Beriberi leaves you like a walking skeleton - they will need immediate humanitarian assistance,” he said. The journey the migrants take - from Bangladesh or Myanmar through the Bay of Bengal to Thailand or beyond - takes several weeks. They have been slowed further by the refugees

A child, believed to be Rohingya, eats inside a shelter yesterday after he was rescued along with hundreds of others on Sunday from boats in Lhoksukon, in Indonesia’s Aceh Province. There has been a surge in refugees arriving from impoverished Bangladesh and Myanmar to Malaysia and Indonesia following a crackdown on trafficking by Thailand REUTERS effectively being held hostage by smugglers. “There are cases documented of people who have been at sea since early March waiting for boats to fill up and ransoms to be paid,” said Lowry. “They’ve obviously getting some food and water but no appropriate nutrition.” On Sunday and Monday more than 2,000 migrants arrived in Malaysia or Indonesia af-

ter being rescued or swimming ashore. Jeff Labovitz, another IOM spokesman, told the BBC on Monday that the discovery last week of dozens of human remains in abandoned camps in the south of Thailand had prompted a police crackdown and therefore people smugglers were avoiding their usual route and holding their boats at sea. The boats are carrying Bangladeshi mi-

grants, and ethnic Rohingyas who face persecution in Myanmar. A report by the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday that 25,000 migrants boarded people smugglers’ boats from Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2015’s first quarter - about double the number who left over the same period in 2014. It said about 300 people died at sea from January to March this year. l

Singapore teen found guilty Report: Hundreds of Russian over anti-Lee video and blog soldiers killed in Ukraine n AFP

A Singaporean teenager who attacked the city-state’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew in a video and blog was convicted on two criminal charges yesterday but was freed on bail and is unlikely to spend time in jail. In a case seen by critics as a move to muzzle criticism of the government, 16-year-old Amos Yee was found to have hurt religious feelings in a video likening Lee to Jesus and posting an obscene cartoon in a blog. He had pleaded not guilty to both charges, which related to a graphic image of Lee and former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher that the teenager posted on his blog, and a video rant which he uploaded after the death of Singapore’s patriarch on March 23. In the eight-minute monologue titled “Lee Kuan Yew is finally dead”, Yee described Lee as a “horrible person” and compared him with Jesus, saying “they are both power-hungry and malicious but deceive others into thinking they are compassionate and kind”. “I am satisfied that the ingredients of the

n AFP

charge have been proved beyond a reasonable doubt and the accused is accordingly found guilty and convicted,” district judge Jasvender Kaur said in her written verdict. Although both charges provide for jail terms and fines, state prosecutors told the judge that imprisonment or a fine would not be suitable, describing Yee as a “misguided young man” who needed counselling and “appropriate probation”. l

Allies of murdered Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov yesterday unveiled a report he worked on claiming that hundreds of Russian soldiers have been killed fighting in Ukraine. The report – based on media articles and information from families of Russian soldiers allegedly killed in Ukraine – repeats widespread allegations of Russian military involvement in Ukraine that Moscow has consistently denied. “We gathered what we think is comprehensive proof of the presence of Russian troops,” said Ilya Yashin, one of the authors of the report entitled “Putin. War” as he presented it to reporters in Moscow. Nemtsov – a former deputy prime minister who became a fierce Kremlin critic – had started work on the report before he was gunned down just yards from the Kremlin in late February. The 64-page report said the Russian army made two major incursions into Ukrainian territory in the summer of 2014 and in the winter of 2015. Both turned the tables in the

fighting and came ahead of negotiations on the conflict. “All key military successes of the separatists were ensured by regular Russian army contingents,” Yashin said of the conflict between Kiev’s forces and separatists in eastern Ukraine, which has resulted in over 6,200 deaths since April 2014.

‘More than 150 coffins’

The first major deployment of the regular Russian army to eastern Ukraine resulted in the deaths of soldiers around the strategic railway hub of Ilovaisk, with “more than 150 coffins” returning to Russia after fighting there. Some of the information came from sources representing relatives of the soldiers who approached Nemtsov in February after the government did not deliver on its promise to compensate for the deaths, the report says. The army forced the soldiers to officially end their contracts before deploying them across the frontier, the report says, and threatened relatives with criminal cases, forcing them to stay quiet. l

10 WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Iran stresses end-June deadline as nuclear talks press on n Reuters Tehran’s top nuclear negotiator yesterday said he hoped diplomacy resuming this week will yield results before a self-imposed deadline for a final deal to curtail Iran’s atomic programme expires at the end of June. “We hope we can pull together an agreement before July 1,” Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by Iran’s Mehr news agency as he met European officials in Vienna. Diplomats are trying to fill gaps in an April 2 framework pact that would curb Iran’s nuclear programme, allaying Western fears it may be geared to developing an atomic bomb capability, in return for relief from international sanctions. Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, has said sanctions must be rescinded as soon as any final deal is signed. The United States wants a gradual lifting of restrictions - a big sticking point left unresolved so far. The framework deal did not spell out all details about the future of Iran’s atomic research and development programme, the exact scope of the UN atomic watchdog’s

monitoring regime, and what kind of uranium stockpile Tehran will be allowed to keep. “We have to abide by the solutions and agreements that we reached in Lausanne, and we will only negotiate in that framework,” Araqchi said, referring to the interim deal between Iran and the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany. This week’s diplomatic flurry sees European Union Political Director Helga Schmid meet Araqchi and Iranian diplomat Madjid Takht Ravanchi in Vienna on Tuesday. Chief US negotiator Wendy Sherman is due to travel to Vienna on Wednesday to join the talks, while the other big powers send officials on Friday. US Secretary of State John Kerry was to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Tuesday and was expected to discuss the Iran nuclear talks with him. The White House scrambled on Monday to counter perceptions that the Saudi king’s absence from a summit later this week could undermine US efforts to assure Gulf states it remains committed to their security against Iran. l

EDITORIAL 11

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Government must protect free expression

ll possible efforts must be made to apprehend the assailants who viciously hacked blogger Ananta Bijoy Das to death in Sylhet on Tuesday morning. There are no new lessons to be learnt from this brutal killing. We know already that Das, like other writers before him, has faced death threats from groups merely for expressing his personal opinions. Like Avijit Roy who was brutally murdered by fanatics on February 27 and Md Oyasiqur Rahman Babu who was hacked to death on March 30, there is no doubt he was targeted for his views. It is completely unacceptable that groups and individuals are free to incite hatred against anyone with whom they disagree and to create hit lists by placing bounties on people’s heads. If nothing is done to end the impunity with which such feelings are stirred, it becomes inevitable that even more individuals will be targeted for killing by militant fanatics. The only way to resist the fear these attackers wish to create is for the government to live up to its duty to uphold rule of law and protect freedom of expression. Authorities must uphold the provisions in Bangladesh’s Penal Code which outlaw incitement to commit violence. There must be no equivocation in addressing the real problem here. People are entitled to disagree with the views of writers such as Das, but they acted lawfully by expressing their views peacefully. It is the murderers and those who incite violence who need to be held to account.

End impunity for incitement to violence against others for their views

Building safety must be a higher priority

e are saddened that Nepal should have to endure another major earthquake on Tuesday, while its people are still assessing damage from the devastation caused on April 25. The quake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, was also felt widely throughout Bangladesh. It is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to improve building safety and earthquake preparedness in our country. Bangladesh’s densely packed population makes it vital the government becomes far more vigilant in enforcing construction standards and raising safety awareness. Dhaka’s rapid growth and small size means it is rated as one of the 20 world cities whose citizens are most vulnerable during earthquakes. Public education is important to ensure everyone knows how to respond safely to tremors and crowd panic does not lead to injury and deaths as it did during last month’s earthquake. This needs to be matched by reinforcing building safety standards and ensuring greater earthquake-proofing for all buildings. No time should be lost in incorporating lessons from countries with greater earthquake activity such as Japan into our building codes. After last month’s earthquake, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety found cracks in at least three buildings following its post-earthquake safety assessment of 61 high risk factories. Authorities should follow the Accord’s lead by undertaking new surveys of buildings and major public highways and bridges to guard against hidden vulnerabilities. The scale of the risk posed from earthquakes makes it imperative that building safety be improved as a matter of urgency.

The huge risks posed by earhquakes makes it imperative

Be heard

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Khaleda’s motorcade attacked April 20

Molla A Latif So she needs army deployment for the election, she is not concerned at all. And that is overlooked by the authorities concerned. She has got to get some in return for what she had done in the last three months to people. She should feel it. Nahiyan Molla A. Latif: Justice does not exist to return revenge, it exists to keep order and peace. Ronnie Nahiyan: And it may sound trite to some ears, but it has always held true, ie there can be no true peace without true justice! Nahiyan Ronnie: Again, justice does not exist to serve revenge. The law enforcement has to carefully think about their actions before agitating the public. After all, this hartal victim might not have been killed had things gone differently. This is probably why Khaleda was not arrested for her failure to appear in court. Ronnie Nahiyan: Well, revenge isn’t about justice. Which is why after having spent years being very conflicted about capital punishment, I have long ago settled on being strongly opposed to the death penalty, in all circumstances. I’m a firm believer in a robust law enforcement. But there clearly has to be strong safeguards in place, as well. Our police simultaneously merit both sympathy and contempt. I won’t elaborate the reasons here, right now. Khaleda Zia’s decision to not attend the court hearing recently is fully vindicated by this act of hooliganism and assault on her motorcade. This is exactly the kind of thuggery that she was rightly wary of. Yesterday’s assault was clearly aimed at intimidating her into quitting her recent campaign forays in the city. And the PM thought nothing of declaring a flat-out falsehood of Begum Zia’s security staff allegedly opening fire, first. Nahiyan Ronnie: It’s good that you are against capital punishment as well, I didn’t think there were

many after seeing people campaigning for it out on the streets. The incident with Russia’s mayor going into hiding is a very good example of a robust law enforcement, which you might want to see about. I have worries that this sounds like mob justice. I don’t know the details of the attack but naturally each will blame the other and try to do it first. Ronnie Nahiyan: I have always had my handful of sound reasons for opposing capital punishment, despite otherwise being very tough-minded about crime and criminals. Russia is dangerous and dicey when it comes to public rights and due process of law. I’m no fan of Putin; but there’s one thing I unreservedly admire about him, ie his steadfast defence of national sovereignty. This is the major reason the West is constantly demonising him and stirring up unrest in Russia’s backyard to force it on the defensive. The Ukraine crisis is a patently US/ Europe/NATO-led initiative to punish Putin and Russia for holding the line in Syria and not yielding Russian national interests on other issues. But I have digressed. I certainly found the Gonojagoron Moncho-inspired Shahbagh circus not too long ago, and their daily shrill chorus demanding hanging of the wretched war criminals, regardless of judicial propriety, to be an example of a dangerous mob justice on display. And to think there are people who are actually craven and churlish enough to bicker about Khaleda Zia not attending a court hearing, or her requiring the level of security that is definitely due to a former PM like herself. It’s telling how the government clearly dreads & resents the BNP chairperson’s continuing considerable public following in the country. She has to be brazenly stripped of her rights, detained, harassed, threatened, and now openly attacked in public by criminal hoodlums unleashed by the government to disrupt Begum Zia’s outreach to the public in Dhaka. The police, predictably, was nowhere to be seen, let alone intervene to scuttle this despicable assault on the former PM today. I reckon no one doubts that the thugs who did this will not be caught or prosecuted. Many people, including many on this forum, will derive perverse pleasure from this assault on Begum Zia’s motorcade, and shamelessly gloat about and justify the incident. What’s worse, the current PM who just today in her characteristically spiteful manner mocked Begum Zia, will no doubt use this incident to try to score a few more cheap political points at the BNP chairperson’s expense.

12 OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

The damage done n SM Shahrukh

t was a little after six in the early evening, the sultry weather still unbearably hot so close to sunset. After the relative comfort of my room, the heat wrapped around me like a shawl as I hit the streets to go for a walk. The sky was still blue with traces of grey and the impending blackness of night, the sunlight was still dominant over streetlights that were coming on. People walked languorously on, to catch a bus or some other mode of transport. Some would just walk home. Many were sweating profusely; others not so much. I walked on and neared the grand mosque. The scene on the pavement took me by surprise. There were four of them. The first one was standing in his dirty clothes with a dirty cloth hanging from his shoulders like a shroud, he uses the shroud to cover himself when he falls asleep on the same pavement. A little farther on was another. He was smoking a cigarette with relish, he must have scored recently. He was talking at the speed of a freight train, no one listened to his babble, except maybe his real self, long in hibernation, listening to the grotesque alter ego firing away.

We see, with clockwork regularity, shipments of red yaba tablets being nabbed. It begs the question of how many more evade detection

Then there was this man who had his face turned away from the hustle and bustle of the streets and was looking instead at the little kids playing inside the mosque compound; a little fun and frolic before the evening prayer. He was sitting on the pavement with his bum resting on a multi-coloured mat made of rags; he was holding a staff with a knob at the top and colourful rags hanging along its length. Then I came across this woman, maybe in her mid-20s, she was disheveled with dirty clothes and eyes that looked lost. No one knew when was the last time she had had a bath or when her hair had the workings of a comb. She was getting ready to retire for the night, maybe as soon as all the blue vanished from the sky and the encroaching black took over. A few weeks ago, I went to the old part of town. I wanted to visit my old school at Laxmi Bazaar. I chose a weekend morning, a Friday to be exact. I entered Nawabpur going southward from Gulistan point and there stood the old sweetmeat stores of my childhood and other shops customary to that road; all closed in the early holiday morning. But I was not prepared for the next scene.

Near the court area, Johnson Road, and near Azad cinema hall, I saw a number of addicts, sitting, standing, walking off to nowhere in particular. My heart sank. I reached the Laxmi Bazaar area and I was not at all taken by the new building of my old school but by the scene opposite that structure on the pavement: Addicts in a line; some sleeping, some just getting up. Their disheveled looks and dirt-besmirched clothes left me in no doubt of what they lived for, day in and day out. I saw a similar scene, while walking along Karwan Bazaar Avenue, in the park opposite Sonargaon Hotel. A place strewn with addicts and not suitable for normal people to take respite from the bustling city life. When I was a little boy in the 70s, marijuana or ganja was the drug of choice. Later on came hashish from Pakistan. Their use was rampant among even university-goers, but it didn’t seem to be such a detriment to society. In most cases they proved harmless. But later on, in the 80s, heroin took hold among some well-to-do people but it was still a rarity. When Phensedyl, the cough linctus, hit the market big time, the drug problem started getting noticeable. Heroin use was also on the rise. Pethidine, the synthetic opioid, used mainly as an analgesic, was vastly abused too. There were also Qualuudes in circulation; known by the name Mandrax or more popularly as “Mandy.” The drug abuse scene was getting bad with the nation coming out of back-breaking poverty. The rage now is yaba, a methamphetamine of the vilest kind. The word “yaba” means horse drug, given to horses to make them climb steep hills and make them do hard labour. We see, with clockwork regularity, shipments of red yaba tablets being nabbed. It begs the question of how many more evade detection. The virulence of methamphetamine is well known. Methamphetamine is highly addictive, with many long-term users taking several pills a day. Post come-down effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hair loss can also be an indicator of a long-term user, either as a direct result of the drug’s intake, or indirectly, through the user becoming withdrawn and anxious and contracting behavioural habits, such as hair-pulling. Other reported symptoms also include lower back pain, possibly from damage to the liver or kidneys. I was utterly dismayed and sat down on a part of the pavement a little away from the four addicts that I had just met on Gulshan Avenue. Despondence took me over as I wondered about the life-changing effects of chemicals and the people who were thrown to the margins of society and then shoved off. The battle of life proves too much for some. As I sat there for several minutes, the call for the evening prayers rang out but it was Neil Young who was singing in my head: “I've seen the needle/ and the damage done/ A little part of it in everyone/ But every junkie's/ like a settin' sun.” l SM Shahrukh is a freelance contributor.

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

OPINION 13

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

BIGSTOCK

Disability and potential n Reaz Bin Mahmood

angladesh is a land of immense potential and it has been reflected in forecasts made by international firms -- Goldman Sachs included our country in its list of emerging 11 countries, JP Morgan mentioned us in Frontier 5, and McKinsey forecasted a tripling of our export earnings in the RMG industry. There is much to be optimistic about regarding Bangladesh’s future: An expanding economy with macroeconomic stability, 6% annual average GDP growth, robust performance of remittance and export, strong foreign currency reserve -- all strong arrows in the country’s quiver. Bangladesh is envisioned to be a middleincome country by 2021 with the expectation that our people will be adequately fed, clothed and housed, and have access to healthcare. The RMG industry has also set a vision of reaching $50bn of RMG exports by 2021 which will help achieve the middleincome status within the stipulated time. The demographic profile of Bangladesh’s population (around 76% of the people are below 40 years of age) can help Bangladesh achieve Vision 2021. According to the Labour Survey 2010, Bangladesh has 56.7 million economically active people (39.5 million male and 17.2 million female). Moreover, around 2 million people are entering the labour market every year. So it is crystal clear that if we can turn our

population into skilled human resource, we will be able to unlock our future potential. However, around 9% of the total population in our country are disabled to some extent; and without integrating this huge population into our development efforts, our growth may not be meaningful in the long run.

our economy and society. Despite numerous problems, the silver lining is that both public and private sectors are showing an increasing interest in persons with disabilities, and working hand-in-hand for their inclusion in mainstream economic development. Our RMG sector has been playing a crucial

People with disability are not useless, rather, they are differently able. With a little cooperation, they can be an asset to our economy and society

Research shows that 80-90% of people with disability lead unemployed lives in developing countries even though they have adequate abilities to be employed. According to World Bank, we incur a loss of 5% of total GDP by excluding this large part of population. It is unfortunate that in our society, many still consider people with disability a burden on them. But people with disability are not useless, rather, they are differently able. With a little cooperation, they can be an asset to

role in making persons with disability selfreliant by creating employment for them. To assist people with disability, a number of RMG factories have come forward -- Keya Knit Composite Ltd, Fakhruddin Textile Mills Ltd, and Interstoff Apparels Ltd to name a few. Among them, Keya Knit Composite alone has employed more than 1,000 workers with disability. BGMEA has also come forward in extending its cooperation to persons with disabilities. BGMEA, the Promotion

of Social and Environmental Standards (PSES), a joint project of the government of Bangladesh and Germany, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) joined hands to establish “Prosthetic and Orthotics School,” which is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. The school will provide support to people with disabilities. The construction work of the school has been completed and two academic courses are currently running. This institute will be equipped with training labs, library facilities and will be accessible to workers and people with disabilities. It will also provide job placements and consultations. As part of its long-term initiatives, BGMEA is collaborating with GIZ and CRP and providing financial support to this school. However, an all-out effort from all quarters is a must to make real progress in this field. The persons with disabilities themselves, the organisations working in this field and all the advocacy platforms should come forward to raise awareness about recognition of the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities. Apart from the garment industry, we should also explore opportunities available for them in other sectors. l Reaz Bin Mahmood is the Vice President (Finance) of BGMEA.

14 OPINION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Are you relieved? n Zeeshan Khan

he seemingly ingenious solution, by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to our nation’s problem of urinating in public, is enjoying a moderate degree of success and has managed to make our streets slightly less noxious, but the paradigms that have made it possible might just be a little more unpleasant than the overpowering odour of urine could ever be. The solution, which was to paint on public walls susceptible to being used as urinals, sentences like “please do not urinate here” or “there is a toilet up ahead” in Arabic instead of Bangla script had proven to be a powerful deterrent, as people seem hesitant to urinate on Arabic letters, regardless of what they say or whether they can read them, but will happily pee away on anything written in their mother tongue. Apart from the obvious insult of having our national language, so emotionally held aloft and made essential to our national narrative, wantonly desecrated by all and every urinator in need, the fact that a foreign script can elicit such respect, even when it can’t be deciphered, or rather, especially because it can’t be deciphered, and even if it had said “don’t urinate here you degenerate lowlife” speaks of associations that are problematic on a number of levels. Even though many people in Bangladesh

can read neither Bangla or Arabic, loads, if not all, of them will associate Arabic lettering with religious or scriptural writing before they will associate Bangla with the same. So, it’s reasonable to assume that if an illiterate person were to come across an actual Qur’anic verse written in Bangla on a wall he (they are almost always male) was about to use, he would urinate away to his bladder’s content on the holy verse, oblivious to the

words written in Arabic. If no one recognises that as a problem, we’re not paying enough attention. In another scenario, an educated person who can read Bangla but not Arabic might also hesitate to urinate on Arabic letters on a wall, since Arabic writing in Bangladesh is almost exclusively religious in nature, and he may want to avoid peeing on the Qur’an or the Hadith, in a roundabout sort of way.

Religious sentiment is being manipulated, albeit for a decent cause, but for something that is not essentially religious in nature

fact that he is committing the very offence he has tried to avoid by not taking a leak on a piece of Arabic writing that could say just about anything at all. Put another way, reverence combined with illiteracy, fear and ignorance causes him to pee on sacred words written in Bangla and respect, to the point of worshipping, profane

This too is problematic since the person’s religious sentiment is being manipulated, albeit for a decent cause, but for something that is not essentially religious in nature, giving credence to the numerous instances where overtly religious symbolism is used to further non-religious objectives. Only the person who can read Arabic can

make an educated choice not to urinate on the wall and follow the instructions encoded, but he may also, ironically, choose to ignore it if he doesn’t think, and rightly so, that Arabic is holy simply for being Arabic. The most worrying thing about this absurd, upside-down form of cognition is that it was dreamt up by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, presumably the main governmental body responsible for keeping religious matters free of forgery. One has to wonder why the ministry would sanction such obvious trickery out of religious iconography, even if its intentions were noble. It suggests that people at the ministry are well-aware of the fear Arabic and Arabic writing inspires among the ignorant, and are perfectly willing to use this phenomenon for whatever outcome it can effectively produce, not a very comforting thought if you consider how badly wrong that can go. Even more worrying is the fact that they took their cues from a similar effort in India, where images of gods and idols were posted on public walls, deterring people from urinating on or near them. So then, is our Ministry of Religious Affairs encouraging the idolising of Arabic as a language, effectively promoting the very thing Islam discourages -- the worshipping of lamps instead of the light? l Zeeshan Khan is a journalist.

Latin America’s investment future depends on corruption-busting

India’s mixed economic data to build case for faster reforms

Profit selling halts 5-day rally

Exports set to miss target n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Bangladesh is apprehended to miss the export target for the current fiscal year as it has to earn $7.9bn more in the final two months of FY2014-15. Trade analysts and exporters have feared that it would be quite impossible to fulfill the gap as the last 10-month trend suggests. The dismal export performance is attributed to the country’s political unrest, devaluation of Euro against US dollar, weak demands of global consumers and compliance issues – all putting bar to placing high volume work orders, they said. As per the latest data of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), during July-April of FY2014-15, Bangladesh fetched $25.30bn in export earning against $33.2bn target, registering a rise of 2.63% compared to the same period a year earlier. The export earning needs to be upped by 23.8% to reach the target. RMG sector, the lifeline of export earnings, failed to reach the target. In July-April Bangladesh earned $20.56bn by exporting clothes against its target of $26.89bn for the current fiscal year. As per the EPB data, the woven sector earned $10.55bn, which is 4.53% less than required to reach target while knitwear earned over $10bn, 6.3% less than required target amount. Among other major sectors, frozen food missed export target by 16.76% followed by tea 22.68%, leather and leather products 19%, shrimp 14.25%, raw jute 13.17% and computer services by 6.6%.

FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15 MONTHLY EXPORT TREND 3.0

2.98

July-April earnigs

255.33

2.55

2.5

2.16

2.0

FY15 target

33.2

2.84

2.89 2.51

2.42

(value in $bn)

2.59

2.40

1.96

1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

Jul 14

Aug 14

Sep 14

Oct 14

Nov 14

“A $33.2bn export target was very easy to achieve but the political unrest stood in the way,” Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) President Abdus Salam Murshedy told the Dhaka Tribune. “Bangladesh will be far away from meeting the target on the basis of current growth trend,” CPD additional Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem told the Dhaka Tribune. He cited four broad reasons – political unrest in the first part of the year, devaluation of Euro against US dollar, slow demands from the European buyers and compliance issues – as obstacles to meeting the export earnings target. Bangladesh might be able to earn $3bn in the remaining two months by achieving 5% growth, he said, adding that the total export earnings will touch $31bn if it achieves 10% growth, he added. “In January-February period of the current fiscal, exporters failed to net expected orders due to political unrest, which cast shadow on export earnings,” EPB Vice-Chairman Shub-

Dec 14

Jan 15

Feb 15

Mar 15

Apr 15

hashish Bose told the Dhaka Tribune. Bose added that 10% growth target was set, but due to devaluation of Euro and political stalemate it would not be possible to reach the target. Some sector people also raised question about the growth as they witnessed negative production growth and accounts. “From my perspective and production report, I am doubtful about the growth target as products and earnings from export show meager growth,” an exporter said, preferring not to be named. From the beginning of the year, a jolt had been felt in production because of turbulent political atmosphere in the country, which hit earnings badly, he added. The government dreams to become a middle-income country by 2021 and to earn $50bn from RMG export by the fifth anniversary of Bangladesh’s birth, but it will be unlikely if the export earnings do not reach a desired level, he added. l

Half of population to be brought under tax net n Tribune Report Finance Minister AMA Muhith said the government wants to bring 50% of the population under the tax net to increase revenue. For this, different tax mechanisms will be introduced, which is also a major goal of the government, he said at the National Board of Revenue’s 36th meeting of consultative committee at a local hotel yesterday. With these mechanisms, the revenue collection of the government will grow minimum 3% to 4% in the next four years of the government’s tenure, Muhith said while addressing the meeting as chief guest. The revenue board and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) jointly organised the meeting, attended by all the leading associations and business representatives. “The primary goal of the government was to increase the size of the national budget to provide people with services,” he said. Muhith said currently the revenue collec-

tion as percentage of GDP stands nearly at 11%, which is very low comparing to other countries. It took 27 years to take revenue to 8% of GDP from 5%, and then it took 6 years to reach to 11%. The percentage will increase by more 3% to 4% in next four years under this government’s tenure, he added. “In 2009, we expected to bring 50% people under tax net, which is now 22% to 24% in Nepal and 28% to 32% in India. We have to reach such level. We might reach that level if initiatives and efforts are on.” The minister has asked the businesses to be prepared as the income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) will be the major source of revenue collection in coming days. He said the government is planning to change “surcharge on wealth” to “property tax” from next fiscal year. The NBR withdrew the wealth tax in 1999. Later in FY2011-12, the government imposed a surcharge on wealth worth over Tk2 crore.

According to NBR data, the board has received Tk208 crore in surcharge on wealth in FY2013-14 from 10,152 individuals. Many countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Finland, and Iceland have abolished the wealth tax in recent times. In regards to tobacco tax, Muhith said there will be no multiple tax structure for tobacco products from next fiscal. “Earlier, we used to collect tax from tobacco sector by meeting the tobacco businesses and through negotiations with them. Finalisation of tax slab is not our work. The tax structure will be finalised in line with the global practices” he said. In Bangladesh, the NBR impose the tax on cigarette through different ad valorem taxes based on retail price slabs while the global practice is to introduce a uniform tax structure for all tobacco products. l

Business

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

FBCCI seeks single digit lending rates

Muhith: Unrest-hit farm loans may be rescheduled n Tribune Report

Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said the government could reschedule the bank loans of the farmers affected during the political unrest from January to March this year. He said this while replying to questions of the journalists at a pre-budget discussion on agriculture at the finance minister’s secretariat office in Dhaka. The discussion was styled as “Krishi Budget, Krishoker Budget 2015-16” (Agriculture budget, farmers’ budget 2015-16). Asked if the government would waive bank loans of the affected farmers, Muhith replied: “We have not yet decided that the bank loans will be waived. But they suffered losses due to the BNP-led alliance’s political programmes. However, we can reschedule their bank loans.” Director and chief of news of Channel I, Shykh Seraj placed a set of 57 recommendations to finance minister on agricultural development for incorporating in the upcoming national budget. Shykh Seraj said the farmers across the country have hugely suffered losses for mismanagement of the rural electrification board, which was found in a survey conducted in three districts- Panchagarh, Tangail and Khulna. He said the survey also showed the farmers had failed to get actual prices for their produces in the turmoil-hit three months due to political turmoil and so the farmers demand waiving or rescheduling their bank loans. Shykh Seraj said poultry and tea industries have already got destroyed because of various problems, including low prices of products of multinational companies, political turmoil and absence of smooth banking procedure to get loans. He said the government has yet failed to provide information about the state facilities, including good seeds, soil test centre, bank loans and ICT facilities to farmers. Finance Minister AMA Muhith, however, rejected outright Shykh Seraj’s claim of the government’s failure in handling agricultural problems. l

16 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Latin America’s investment future depends on corruption-busting n AFP, Playa del Carmen Corruption across Latin America must be overcome or foreign investors could turn their backs on the region as it seeks to attract capital inflows, experts warn. The scourge of corruption has rocked leaders across the region, with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet both embroiled by damaging graft scandals. Eduardo Leite, chairman of Baker & MacKenzie, the US-based legal giant, told a World Economic Forum on Latin America held here last week that state-owned institutions were becoming less alluring for investors. “Institutions are losing their shine, the quality that they should have,” Leite said, blaming the problem on a failure of governance. “This should be looked at from the angle of leadership,” he stressed. “Good policies depend on having the right leaders. It is about leadership and talent as opposed to the institutions. It is about ethics and the way we govern ourselves.” Both Bachelet and Rousseff have seen their approval ratings nosedive following scandals in their own countries. Chile has consistently been ranked as the least corrupt country in Latin America according to an annual index issued by the Transparency International graft watchdog.

Shady deals

However Bachelet’s government has taken a hit after revelations that her son and his wife used political influence and inside information to make $5 million on a shady real estate deal.

A cultural problem?

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff delivers a speech While is there no evidence tying Bachelet to the case, the scandal has been devastating for Chile’s first woman president, who last week sacked her entire cabinet as she attempts to manage fallout from the affair. Bachelet’s approval rating has slumped to 31 percent, the lowest level of her two presidential terms, and left her ambitious reform agenda in tatters. In Brazil, Rousseff ’s government is reeling from the country’s worst ever corruption scandal which has seen dozens of politicians, mainly close allies, accused of collusion in a kickbacks scheme involving contracts with state-owned oil firm Petrobras. The scandal involving the biggest corpora-

AFP

tion in Latin America’s biggest economy has left Rousseff ’s popularity in freefall. Rousseff wants to jumpstart the Brazilian economy - which eked out just 0.1% growth last year - by expanding trade and attracting foreign investment, especially in much-needed infrastructure spending. But “as long as the legislation is not modernized, regulated and starts to be applied, as is the case of Brazil, there is a certain instability in the progress,” Leite argued. For investors, the “legal framework, stability, predictability, and long-term planning is absolutely crucial,” stressed Jose Ignacio Sanchez Galan, CEO of Spain’s energy player Iberdrola.

Bank of England holds interest rate at record low n AFP, London The Bank of England froze interest rates at a record low 0.50% on Monday in the first monetary policy decision since the Conservatives triumphed in the general election. The meeting was held Thursday and Friday but the outcome by the independent BoE was delayed due to last week’s vote - which was unexpectedly won by Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party. Borrowing costs are now likely to stay on hold for the rest of the year, economists said, due to slowing economic growth and the prospect of more harsh austerity measures from Cameron in the wake of the May 7 election. “The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) ... voted to maintain Bank Rate at 0.50%,” it said in a statement. The nine-member panel also agreed to maintain its quantitative easing economic stimulus at £375bn ($580bn, 520bn euros). Economists said the MPC had chosen to continue its wait-and-see policy, particularly in light of an economic slowdown in the first quarter of 2015. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.3% between January and March. That dashed expectations of 0.5% growth, after 0.6% in the final quarter of 2014.

More austerity looming

The election was also an endorsement of Cameron’s austerity policies and will likely see a continuation of cuts to public spending as he seeks to reduce a budget deficit of nearly £90bn. “Since the first estimate of Q1 GDP has cast some doubt over the recovery’s health, the MPC is likely to have voted unanimously again at this month’s meeting to keep interest rates on hold,” said Samuel Tombs, analyst at Capital Economics research group. “And while we think that the recovery is secure, the tough fiscal squeeze that is now all but certain to hit the economy and the subdued outlook for inflation should ensure that monetary policy is tightened only gradually from next year.” Britain is meanwhile battling the risk of deflation, due partly to the recent sharp slump in world oil prices. The 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate languished at zero in February and March - rather than turning negative as some expected - meaning that Britain has avoided deflation for now. “The BoE will ... likely retain the view that while deflation remains possible in the near term, consumer price inflation will start trending up from the third quarter,” noted IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer.

The bank - whose main task is to keep inflation close to a target of 2% - has already warned that sliding oil costs and supermarket price wars will spark negative inflation at some point in the coming months.

Investors back stability

Cameron swept back to power last week after an unexpected election victory handed his Conservative party a narrow majority in parliament for the first time in almost two decades. The Conservatives capitalised on their stewardship of the economy, which has staged a solid recovery since 2010 despite the first-quarter slowdown. However, the Liberal Democrats were ravaged at the ballot box, hurt by the compromises they had to make in five years as junior coalition partners in Cameron’s administration. The result has been well received by the markets, as investors welcomed the stability and pro-business policies of the Conservatives. Minutes from last week’s MPC gathering will be published on May 20. “The votes won’t be known for a couple of weeks but chances are that it was another 9-0 in favour of keeping rates on hold until CPI and wage growth show sustained gains,” said CMC Markets analyst Jasper Lawler. l

Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto warned that corruption was deeply embedded in the region. “Corruption sometimes has a cultural side to it,” Pena Nieto said. “It is the scourge of our societies, and especially across Latin America.” His own government has faced corruption scandals and allegations of collusion, yet Pena Nieto said he still was criticized for making that comment. At the forum, there were plenty of strong opinions on the problem. “Stealing is culturally unacceptable (...) go ask your grandmother about what you’re about to do and put it in the newspapers, and then, you’ll see if it’s culturally acceptable or not,” stressed Gemma Aiolfi, head of Compliance, Corporate Governance, and Collective Action at the Basel Institute on Governance. Just last month Mexico’s Congress approved legislation to combat corruption amid a recent series of scandals. Pena Nieto has been mired in a scandal over his wife’s purchase of a Mexico City mansion from a government contractor. His finance minister, Luis Videgaray, has also admitted to buying a house from the same company. But the presidential couple and the minister have rejected accusations of a conflict of interest, saying they were not directly involved in the awarding of multimillion-dollar contracts to the company. And late last year, the government called off the concession of a contract over a highspeed train to a Chinese consortium amid controversy over how it was carried out. l

Private banker KV Kamath named first BRICS bank head n Reuters, New Delhi India has named private banker KV Kamath as the first head of a new development bank being set up by the BRICS group of emerging market economies, Finance Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters on Monday. The BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - agreed to set up the $100bn development bank last July, in a step toward reshaping the Western-dominated international financial system. It was agreed that the New Development Bank, which will fund infrastructure projects in developing nations, would be based in Shanghai. It would be headed by an Indian for a first five-year term, followed by a Brazilian and then a Russian. “Kamath has been appointed as the head of the BRICS bank, the appointment will become effective when he becomes free from his current assignments,” Mehrishi told reporters in New Delhi. Kamath, 67, is a veteran banker who was credited with developing ICICI Bank into India’s second-largest lender. He headed the bank for 13 years until 2009 and is now its non-executive chairman. l

BUSINESS 17

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

India’s mixed economic data to build case for faster reforms n Reuters, New Delhi

India’s economic data yesterday is expected to be mixed, highlighting the need for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate reforms to bolster growth as he prepares to start his second year in office. The nationalist leader came to power in May last year, winning the first outright parliamentary majority in 30 years with a promise to reboot economic growth and tamp down inflation. As he approaches his first anniversary, inflation has cooled, in large measure due to the dramatic fall in global oil prices, but recovery in Asia’s third-largest economy remains sluggish. Consumer price inflation probably eased to a four-month low of 4.9% in April from 5.2% a month ago, according to a Reuters poll of economists. But annual growth in industrial production is expected to have slowed to 2.8% in March from three-month high of 5% a month before, another poll showed. The statistics ministry is due to release both industrial production and consumer inflation data at 5:30 pm. While India’s economic outlook has improved under Modi, corporate investments are showing little signs of revival due to over-indebtedness as well as growing bad

A worker speaks on a mobile phone as he sits inside a shop selling cereal and pet food, in Kolkata REUTERS debt at Indian banks. Over the past year, Modi has taken a slew of measures to attract investment, but he has yet to initiate steps that could help repair corporate balance sheets and recapitalise ailing banks. “There is no evidence on the ground to

suggest a strong growth pick-up,” said Radhika Rao, economist at DBS Bank. “It would be a gradual recovery as there is no marked improvement in investment.” With bad loans pressuring profit margins, banks have shied away from passing on to

China’s stock index futures unseat S&P to become world’s most traded n Reuters, Hong Kong

Chinese stock index futures have surpassed S&P 500 futures in turnover to become the world’s most traded equity futures as global investors expanded their exposure to one of Asia’s top-performing markets. Turnover in the CSI300 futures contract expiring on May 15 has soared in recent weeks, in step with surging shares in China. Daily volumes rose to 1.5 million contracts on Friday, according to Thomson Reuters data, exceeding the 1.4 million “e-mini” S&P 500 contracts traded on that day. Analysts predict the CSI 300 looks set to overtake futures contracts in other asset classes such as US Treasuries, the most heavily traded futures contract in the world for any asset type. Turnover in CSI300 stock index futures, launched in April 2010 on the China Financial Futures Exchange, have rocketed in recent weeks on a rally in mainland share indexes. The equity benchmarks are star performers in the Asia-Pacific, with year-to-date returns of more than 30% in dollar terms. The rush into Chinese equities has led to requests for higher onshore investment quotas. Exchange traded futures such as the CSI300 provide exposure to an underlying index without the need to invest in the underlying constituents. They are popular with institutional investors looking to access emerging markets or equitise their investment portfolios. The recent launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme allowing

China’s index futures contracts Turnover on the CSI300 futures contract on the China Financial Futures Exchange has soared in recent weeks with daily volume of 1.5 million contracts traded last friday.

VOLUME

In million contracts 2.5 2.0

U.S. Treasuries

1.5

CSI300 S&P e-mini

1.0 0.5 00

March ’15

April

two-way buying and selling has also spurred the cash equities market, giving stock index futures a boost. “The success of the stock connect program and the increased market volatility means investors are looking for more products to

May

access China markets performance than exchange traded funds, and futures are feeding that rising demand,” said Andrew Sullivan, managing director of sales trading at Haitong International Securities Group in Hong Kong. l

consumers the 50-basis-point interest rate cuts delivered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) so far this year. The RBI left rates unchanged last month, saying it would watch for transmission of previous rate cuts and price rises. While most analysts expect the central bank to cut rates by another 25 basis points ahead of its June meeting, some say a rebound in crude prices, along with a sliding rupee and expected poor summer rains, could force a delay. Tumbling oil prices were one of the principal reasons for a dramatic cooling in inflation since last year. But for a country that imports around 80% of the crude it needs, a 40 percent spike in oil prices since January doesn’t bode well. The rupee’s slide against the dollar is not helping, either. The currency hit a 20-month low last week and is widely expected to remain weak against the dollar in the coming year, pushing up the cost of commodity imports. There are also concerns about summer monsoon rains, which are forecast to be below average. The shortfall could hurt farm output and drive up food prices. “The base case still remains for a rate cut next month,” said Rao of DBS Bank. “But prospects are not as bright as they were a month back.” l

China’s smartphone market contracts in Q1 n Reuters, Beijing China’s smartphone market has reached saturation, according to a new study by industry analyst IDC that carries potentially significant implications for the global handset industry led by giants like Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. During the first quarter of 2015, smartphone shipments in the world’s most populous country shrank for the first time in six years to 98.8 million, down 4.3% from a year earlier, IDC said in report on a Monday, attributing the slump to “market saturation”. The rise of Chinese consumers has fueled booming demand for smartphones in recent years, lifting firms including Apple - which made a record $16.8bn in revenue in China last quarter thanks to its iPhone 6 series launch - and Beijing-based Xiaomi, which grew into a $46bn company in just four years. China overtook the United States in 2011 to become the world’s largest smartphone market. But IDC’s data suggesting that a slowdown has already begun could pose questions for the industry. Thanks to its large-screen iPhone 6, Apple consolidated its position in the shrinking Chinese market, claiming 14.7% market share, ahead of Xiaomi and Huawei at 13.7% and 11.4%, respectively, according to IDC. Global leader Samsung came in fourth in China with a 9.7% share. The slowdown in China will increase pressure on manufacturers to seek growth in India and Southeast Asia, where striking partnerships with distributors will prove critical, said IDC analyst Xiaohan Tay. l

18 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures

Number of Contract

Rahima Food -Z Trust Bank 1st MF-A NCCBL Mutual Fund-1-A PrimeFin. 1st MF-A AMCL 2nd MF-A National Bank - A Standard Insurance-A Aftab Auto.-A ICB Emp. PMF-A BSC-A

Closing (% Change) 10.00 10.00 10.00 9.60 9.30 9.26 9.09 9.00 8.89 8.73

CSE GAINER Company Rahima Food -Z Trust Bank 1st MF-A H.R. Textile -A ICB AMCL3rd NRB MF-A Eastern InsurA Asia Insur. Ltd.-A Standard Insurance-A PrimeFin. 1st MF-A IFIL Islamic M.F.1-A National Bank - A

Closing (% Change) 10.00 10.00 9.88 9.76 9.70 9.70 9.66 9.65 9.43 9.26

DSE LOSER Company ISN Ltd. -Z Generation Next Fashions-A Purabi G Insu.A Prime Islami Life -A Fine Foods A I P D C -A BD Finance-A Popular Life Insu. -A Miracle Industries -B Premier Cement-A

Closing (% Change) -26.12 -8.94 -8.29 -8.28 -7.87 -7.78 -7.69 -7.57 -7.38 -7.04

CSE LOSER Company ISN Ltd. -Z Hakkani P& Paper -B Generation Next Fashions-A Prime Bank-A Islami Ins.BD-A Premier Cement-A GPH Ispat Ltd-A Miracle Industries -B Sinobangla Indu.-A Dutch Ban. Bnk- A

Closing (% Change) -28.79 -9.13 -8.94 -8.84 -8.04 -7.83 -7.29 -7.28 -7.08 -7.05

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features May 12, 2015

Turnover (Volume)

Company

14.05.2015. RUPALIBANK: 15% stock , AGM: 31.05.2015, Record date: 14.05.2015. UNIQUEHRL: 20% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 24.05.2015. WATACHEM: 5% cash and 25% stock dividend, AGM: 11.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. CMCKAMAL: 12.50% stock dividend, AGM: 31.05.2015, Record Date: 17.05.2015. ARAMITCEM: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. GOLDENSON: 12.50% cash dividend, AGM: 27.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. GQBALLPEN: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 14.05.2015. SUMITPOWER: 10% cash and 5% stock dividend, AGM: 28.06.2014, Record Date: 17.05.2015. SPPCL: 25% cash dividend, AGM: 28.06.2015. Record Date: 17.05.2015. TAKAFULINS: 12% stock dividend, AGM: 25.07.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. PRAGATIINS: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 20.05.2015. PLFSL: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 17.05.2015. BSRMLTD: 10% cash dividend, AGM: 15.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. ZAHEENSPIN: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 23.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. BAYLEASING: 15% cash dividend, AGM: 08.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015. RENATA: 80% cash and 20% stock dividend, AGM: 20.06.2015, Record Date: 13.05.2015.

ISNLTD: No dividend, AGM: 28.06.2015, Record date: 16.06.2015. EPS of Tk. -0.70, NAV per share of Tk. 15.58. UnAudited Financials: [Company: (Quarter): Current EPS/Previous EPS in taka] SQUARETEXT (Q1): 1.37 (restated 1.25)/1.65 (1.50). LANKABAFIN: (Q1): -1.32/0.28. EXIMBANK: (Q1): 0.23 (restated 0.21) /-0.64(-0.59). RANFOUNDRY: (Q1): 0.78/0.77. STANDARINS: (Q1): 0.81 (restated 0.72)/0.72(0.65). MEGHNAPET: (Q3): -0.40/-1.001. MEGCONMILK: (Q3): -3.37/-3.64. JAMUNABANK: The Company has informed that it has credited the bonus shares for the year ended on December 31, 2014 to the respective shareholders BO Accounts on May 11, 2015. IPO Subscription: Aman Feed Limited Subscription 25.05.2015 TO 04.06.2015. Offer Price per share Tk. 36.00, Market Lot (Shares) 200. Dividend/AGM PURABIGEN: 15% stock dividend, AGM: 30.07.2015, Record date: 07.06.2015. JANATAINS: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 25.07.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015. AMBEEPHA: 28% cash dividend, AGM: 14.06.2015, Record Date: 25.05.2015. ISLAMIINS: 5% cash and 10% stock, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date: 19.05.2015. NCCBANK: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 24.06.2015, Record Date: 18.05.2015. PEOPLESINS: 13% cash dividend, AGM: 09.06.2015, Record Date: 18.05.2015. LEGACYFOOT: 5% stock, AGM: 13.06.2015, Record Date:

Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

5,544.00 176,601,292 135,800

Traded Issues

308

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

123

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

182

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,453.90

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.74

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 644.94 288.36 135.63 751.41 82.31 1291.31 1.83 388.48 675.01 11.51 229.05 74.70 187.61 56.70 129.43 61.36 48.91 193.42 62.43 229.20 0.41

% change 11.63 5.20 2.45 13.55 1.48 23.29 0.03 7.01 12.18 0.21 4.13 1.35 3.38 1.02 2.33 1.11 0.88 3.49 1.13 4.13 0.01

Million Taka 42.05 27.34 7.15 54.20 3.32 102.14 34.12 34.33 1.38 17.77 0.78 14.37 4.18 9.04 2.67 3.78 32.00 13.30 34.85 0.01

Average (% Change) 9.95 10.95 11.22 9.57 5.91 10.11 6.83 4.02 8.93 5.88

Average (% Change) 9.86 12.76 9.88 7.42 9.70 9.33 9.66 9.65 11.32 10.65

Average (% Change) -26.40 -6.74 -7.75 -4.76 -7.54 -6.55 -5.00 -5.22 -6.53 -5.24

Average (% Change) -28.98 -8.47 -7.51 -2.53 -5.08 -8.79 -6.83 -8.34 -4.30 -6.42

CSE

ClosingAvg. 26.40 5.47 4.36 13.62 4.66 11.76 21.13 52.28 4.88 362.70

ClosingAvg. 26.40 5.48 17.80 4.49 26.00 18.04 19.30 12.50 5.80 11.74

ClosingAvg. 10.01 11.21 17.01 43.43 8.22 15.56 9.70 91.51 14.03 55.14

ClosingAvg.

% change 9.58 6.23 1.63 12.35 0.76 23.28 0.00 7.78 7.82 0.31 4.05 0.18 3.28 0.95 2.06 0.61 0.86 7.29 3.03 7.94 0.00

9.41 20.00 11.20 16.97 18.89 55.33 37.08 14.18 21.37 72.99

Closing

DHIGH

26.40 5.50 4.40 13.70 4.70 11.80 21.60 54.50 4.90 371.20

Closing

26.40 5.50 4.40 13.70 4.70 11.80 21.70 55.00 4.90 371.20

DHIGH

26.40 5.50 17.80 4.50 26.00 18.10 19.30 12.50 5.80 11.80

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW 26.40 5.10 17.80 4.30 26.00 17.50 19.30 12.50 5.80 11.00

DLOW

13.50 11.50 18.50 45.00 9.00 17.30 10.00 96.00 14.70 56.70

DHIGH

9.40 19.90 11.20 16.50 18.30 55.30 36.90 14.00 21.00 72.50

Million Taka 686.99 315.69 142.78 805.61 85.62 1393.45 1.83 422.60 709.34 12.89 246.82 75.49 201.98 60.89 138.47 64.03 52.69 225.42 75.73 264.04 0.42

26.40 5.10 4.00 12.50 4.50 11.00 20.60 49.50 4.60 330.00

26.40 5.50 17.80 4.50 26.00 18.10 19.30 12.50 5.80 11.80

9.90 11.20 16.60 41.00 8.20 15.40 9.60 90.30 13.80 54.10

Closing

DLOW

9.50 11.00 16.30 40.30 8.10 15.20 9.40 88.10 13.70 53.50

DLOW

11.00 20.70 11.50 17.10 20.00 59.00 37.50 14.50 21.50 73.50

Total

9.10 19.80 11.00 16.50 18.20 55.20 36.90 13.80 21.00 72.50

% change 11.48 5.28 2.39 13.47 1.43 23.29 0.03 7.06 11.86 0.22 4.13 1.26 3.38 1.02 2.31 1.07 0.88 3.77 1.27 4.41 0.01

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

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

0.161 13.268 12.406 16.442 1.316 164.527 1.282 30.758 2.956 21.137

Turnover in Million

-0.47 0.69 -2.12 0.40 0.71 1.13 2.88 2.42 0.61 2.63

Latest EPS

0.003 1.290 0.000 0.236 0.005 0.094 0.024 0.013 0.019 12.816

Turnover in Million

-ve 7.9 -ve 34.1 6.6 10.4 7.3 21.6 8.0 137.9

Latest PE

-0.47 0.69 0.86 0.48 2.52 2.17 2.88 0.40 0.95 1.13

Latest EPS

1.093 42.313 2.107 1.234 0.090 4.214 15.471 5.396 3.188 0.840

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

-ve 7.9 20.7 9.4 10.3 8.3 6.7 31.3 6.1 10.4

Latest PE

-0.70 1.34 1.65 4.95 -0.27 1.36 -4.64 2.89 0.36 1.55

Latest EPS

0.039 0.044 7.362 0.155 0.062 0.130 0.126 0.312 0.049 0.182

-ve 8.4 10.3 8.8 -ve 11.4 -ve 31.7 39.0 35.6

Latest PE

-0.70 0.29 1.34 2.18 2.04 1.55 2.52 0.36 0.92 8.40

-ve 69.0 8.4 7.8 9.3 35.7 14.7 39.4 23.2 8.7

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

438.79 15,089,616 21,317

Traded Issues

244

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

107

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

136

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,385.53

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

28.92

BUSINESS 19

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

MAY 12

MAY11

MAY10

MAY 07 THU

TUE

MON

SUN

MAY 06 WED

MAY 05

n Tribune Report

TUE

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N Khulna Power-A RAK Ceramics-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Ifad Autos -N ACI Formulations-A National Bank - A MJL BD Ltd.-A ACI Limited- A Shahjibazar Power-N

BD Submarine Cable-A Social Islami. B-A WesternMarine -N SummitAlliancePort.-A BD. Thai Alum -B

Profit selling halts 5-day rally

VolumeShares 1,851,550 3,285,904 2,819,457 5,948,428 1,966,379 856,521 13,989,749 1,272,868 281,372 786,228

Value in Million 380.23 212.84 184.03 182.00 178.27 172.01 164.53 158.25 153.29 152.45

% of TotalTurnover 6.86 3.84 3.32 3.28 3.22 3.10 2.97 2.85 2.77 2.75

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company United Power-N BD Submarine Cable-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A MJL BD Ltd.-A RAK Ceramics-A National Bank - A Shahjibazar Power-N LankaBangla Fin. -A FAR Chemical-N UNITED AIR-A

WesternMarine -N Khulna Power-A SummitAlliancePort.-A ACI Formulations-A BSC-A

979,771 7,928,733 2,411,964 1,859,151 2,349,451

219,979 213,209 823,253 119,679 208,501 1,091,422 59,402 423,031 282,097 1,482,441

227,258 158,736 164,467 43,669 22,645

129.08 126.15 116.04 100.98 100.25

45.02 27.97 25.07 14.92 13.55 12.82 11.43 11.24 11.10 11.09

10.94 10.30 8.98 8.69 8.25

2.33 2.28 2.09 1.82 1.81

10.26 6.37 5.71 3.40 3.09 2.92 2.60 2.56 2.53 2.53

2.49 2.35 2.05 1.98 1.88

ClosingP 203.00 65.60 67.20 31.20 93.80 197.50 11.80 124.40 546.60 191.60

134.20 14.60 48.60 55.60 43.90

ClosingP

Change % -0.25 4.63 6.16 4.00 8.06 -2.23 9.26 -1.50 0.90 -0.62

8.14 0.00 2.53 4.12 7.86

Change %

202.20 134.00 31.10 124.40 67.10 11.80 190.50 26.00 40.10 7.40

48.70 65.60 54.70 197.30 370.90

-0.44 7.89 2.98 -1.43 6.51 9.26 -1.24 -6.47 4.43 -1.33

2.74 4.46 2.24 -3.19 8.74

ClosingY 203.50 62.70 63.30 30.00 86.80 202.00 10.80 126.30 541.70 192.80

124.10 14.60 47.40 53.40 40.70

ClosingY

203.10 124.20 30.20 126.20 63.00 10.80 192.90 27.80 38.40 7.50

47.40 62.80 53.50 203.80 341.10

DHIGH 210.90 66.70 67.50 31.50 94.50 207.50 11.80 128.00 550.00 202.00

134.90 16.00 48.80 56.50 44.00

DHIGH

210.00 135.00 31.40 127.00 67.40 11.80 199.00 28.70 40.90 7.70

49.20 66.50 56.50 205.00 370.90

DLOW 200.20 62.40 62.20 28.90 87.00 194.00 11.00 122.10 538.10 187.10

124.50 14.20 47.10 51.50 40.90

DLOW

200.00 125.00 29.00 123.00 61.00 11.00 185.00 25.50 37.90 7.30

47.10 62.30 52.10 195.00 332.00

AvgPrice 205.36 64.77 65.27 30.60 90.66 200.82 11.76 124.33 544.80 193.90

131.75 15.91 48.11 54.32 42.67

AvgPrice

204.64 131.16 30.46 124.69 64.97 11.74 192.37 26.57 39.33 7.48

48.15 64.91 54.60 199.01 364.49

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

4326.61252

(-) 0.52%

1622.49236

(-) 0.14%

13364.83880

(-) 0.43%

10712.72400

(-) 1.22%

8152.20720

(-) 0.35%

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

The bull-run witnessed in the previous five sessions came to a halt yesterday, as investors went for booking profit. The market saw roller coaster ride during the entire trading session with around 70 points intra-day volatility. The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, DSEX, settled at 4,326, falling over 22 points or 0.6%. The Shariah Index DSES edged nearly 4 points down to 1,039. The comprising blue chips DS30 was marginally down over 2 points or 0.2% to 1,622. Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, ended at 8,137, slipping 43 points. Higher profit booking took place in life insurance, non-banking financial institutions and textile sectors, which went down 3.5%, 2% and 1.3% respectively, ending their steep rise over the several previous session. Banks, cement, power, food and allied, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication also saw correction. Bangladesh Bank’s recent circular on relaxing the provisioning requirement for

non-banking financial institutions encouraged some institutional investors to pour funds in mutual funds. It leads most of the mutual funds ending in positive zone with six emerging in top ten gainers’ list. Among the well performing sectors, ceramics and textiles continued to gain surging 5.3% and 2% respectively. Strong selling and modest buying pressure has helped turnover increase as the DSE turnover stood at Tk550 crore, up 7% over the previous session. Analyst of a top brokerage firm said the sentiments still remained dull on dismal macroeconomic performance hit by the political unrest. “Some positive news like rate cut of savings certificates and securities regulator’s pushed-buying spree by the institutional investors and played a catalyst role in bearish activity.” Gainers outpaced losers as out of 306 issues traded, 103 advanced, 189 declined and 14 remained unchanged. United Power Generation and Distribution Company Limited was the most traded stocks with a turnover of Tk38 crore changing hands. l

ANALYST

Some positive news like rate cut of savings certificates and securities regulator’s pushedbuying spree by the institutional investors and played a catalyst role in bearish activity

20 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

FBCCI seeks single digit lending rates n Tribune Report The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has urged the government to reduce the bank interest rates to single digit. Identifying the high bank interest rate as a major challenge in enhancing investment, it also demanded that the bank interest spread should be reduced at 3% and the bank interest rate at single digit. “The government’s decision to reduce the interest rates in savings certificates by around 2% will be helpful reducing the bank interest rate,” said FBCCI President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed while placing a 587-point recommendations to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the 36th meeting of the consultative committee held at a city hotel yesterday. The NBR and FBCCI jointly organised the meeting with NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman in the chair. Finance Minister AMA Muhith attended the meeting as chief guest while state minister for finance M A Mannan as special guest. Echoing with the same demand, lawmaker Golam Dastgir Gazi said: “Single digit bank interest rate is a must for increasing investments.” In response, State Minister for Finance M A Mannan noted that the government alone could not reduce the bank interest rate as the banks and financial sectors were involved in this process. With its budget recommendations, the FBCCI advised the NBR to fix the tax-free income limit for the individual taxpayers at Tk2.75lakh from existing Tk2.20lakh. It said the tax free-threshold needed an upward revision because of inflation rate, hike in essential commodity prices, rise in public expenses, and reduction in people’s ability for

OTHER

PROPOSALS

FBCCI

l Raise tax-free income ceiling to Tk2.75 lakh

l Continue tax holiday for software sector till 2021

l Increase tax-free wealth surcharge to Tk2.5 crore

l Continue 0.3% source tax on garment makers for next 5 years

l Slash corporate tax of publicly traded companies to 30%; bank,

l Exempt paying advance income tax on import of pre-fabricated

insurance and financial institutions to 40% and merchant banks to 35%

l Withdraw 5% advance income tax on import of raw materials l Withdraw 0.3% minimum tax on gross profit l Bring all allowance and benefits enjoyed by ministers,

lawmakers, judges, and all government officials under tax net

l Reduce source tax on export of jute products, knit and oven

garments, terry towel, accessories for garment sector, and frozen foods to 0.30%

different expenditures. It also recommended the board to fix taxfree limit for women and elderly persons from Tk2.75 lakh to Tk3.25 lakh, for physically disabled persons from Tk3.5 lakh to Tk4 lakh, and for war wounded freedom fighters from Tk4 lakh to Tk4.5 lakh. The FBCCI President also advised the NBR to finalise duty on import of capital machinery and raw materials to 1%, intermediary raw materials to 3%, locally produced raw materials to 10% and finished goods to 25%. He expected that the government would provide tax benefits to businesses to help them restart their production in full swing, which were hit hard due to the previous political turmoil. He also suggested for reduction of corporate tax, particularly for banks and financial institutions for the sake of reducing bank loan interests.

building materials

l Reduce land registration taxes l CSR expenses should be fully tax deductable l Withdraw VAT and tax on all education related sectors l Withdraw duty on import of fire-proof colour-coating for

construction of pre-fabricated buildings

l Withdraw of 15% supplementary duty on local tiles making l Duty rebate for import of reconditioned vehicles up to 2,500cc

FBCCI demands also include annual tax free turnover ceiling for SME’s from Tk30 lakh to Tk42 lakh, withdrawal of 3% advance income tax on opening of local LC, withdrawal of minimum tax at 0.3% on company’s gross profit or finalizing the rate at 0.1%, continuation of income tax rebate till 2019, and uniform source tax at 0.3% for all exports. Addressing the meeting, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Atiqul Islam demanded continuation of tax at a reduced rate of 10%. Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Abdus Salam Murshedy demanded continuation of incentive for next three years and withdrawal of VAT on building and fire safety doors. Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Rafez Alam Chowdhury proposed for authorising the association to issue utilisation permission certificate to its

members. FBCCI member Ferdousi Begum urged the NBR to allocate funds for establishment of warehouse in all the upazilas for preservation of agricultural products, ensuring compensation and crop insurance for farmers to combat climate change affects. Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association President Dipal Chandra Barua demanded for zero tax on solar irrigation pump manufacturing. Mahbub Chowdhury from Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry demanded for allocation of Tk5000 crore for the development of infrastructural facilities in the port city. Bangladesh Software and Information Services President Shameem Ahsan requested the NBR to withdraw VAT on e-commerce, and impose 15% tax on import of accounting software as these kinds of software were already manufacturing in Bangladesh. Industries Ministry Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan has urged the tax authority to find a way out as to how it can impose duty on sugar import. He also suggested the board to focus more attention to the automobile assembling than the import. The state minister, however, asked the NBR to provide incentive to the solar manufacturing firms and provide due attention to the demands of bicycle manufacturers, furniture exporters, and software producers. “Why we cannot assemble mobile handsets in our country? Think about it. The government has interest towards local manufacturing of mobile handsets,” he asked the businesses. NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman, however, assured all the businesses of expanding the tax net, instead of putting more tax on existing taxpayers in the upcoming budget. l

ADP implementation in dismal state

Tk10 account holders to get financial literacy n Tribune Report from MasterCard The development spending remains slow although 10 months of the current fiscal year n Tribune Report have already passed. Tk10 account holders will get financial literacy training and business skills from MasterCard through its new financial literacy programme. MasterCard yesterday announced the second phase of its business literacy programme with BURO Bangladesh and NRB Global Bank to provide financial and business literacy to 10,000 account holders. The announcement was made at a press conference held in a city hotel while Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman attended as the chief guest. Vikas Varma, executive director, South Asia MasterCard, Zakir Hossain, executive director, BURO Bangladesh, Abdul Quddus, managing director, NRB Global Bank, and Syed Mohammad Kamal, country manager, MasterCard Bangladesh, were present at the event. MasterCard launched the first phase of the business literacy programme in 2013 to mark the opening of its first office in Bangladesh. In association with BURO Bangladesh, over 1,00,000 women entrepreneurs have received financial literacy training and business skills. l

During the July-April period, the government spent only 56% or Tk43,333 crore out of total annual development programme (ADP) budget, which lags far behind the target. The latest data released yesterday by the Planning Ministry showed in the remaining two months, the government will have to implement 44% of total original outlay Tk80,315 crore. In the same period of last fiscal year, the implementation rate was 54% or Tk34,557 crore of the total allocation.

It has become a tradition that ministries and public agencies spend less in the first half or so of the fiscal year and speed up spending in the last two months, analysts observed. As a result, the probability of wastage of resources is high and quality of works is questionable, they said. “Failure in ADP implementation has become a common trend now,” said Mirza Azizul Islam, former finance adviser to caretaker government. He said in the wee hour different ministries and agencies hastily tried to execute their respective projects, leading to the wastage of money and making works substandard. He said in view of past experience, ADP

implementation rate might be between 8090% in this fiscal. For the upcoming fiscal year 2015-16, the planning ministry has already proposed to allocate Tk92,500 crore for ADP, which is 24% higher than that of the current revised annual spending. Of the amount, the highest allocation of Tk20,235 crore is expected to go to the transport sector, of which, the bridges division alone will get Tk9,000 crore. The sector was followed by power that might receive Tk15,485 crore, physical infrastructure Tk10,458 crore, education Tk10,039 crore, rural infrastructure Tk8,433 crore, health Tk6,081 crore and agriculture Tk4,690 crore. l

National Insurance Company gets IPO nod n Tribune Report Bangladesh National Insurance Company Limited yesterday got green signal from the securities regulator to go public. The company will raise Tk17.7 crore through initial public offering (IPO) by issuing 1.77

crore ordinary shares with offer value of Tk10 each share, said Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission in a statement yesterday. The raised fund will be used in FDR investment, treasury bond and IPO meeting expenses, it said. The insurer’s earnings per share is Tk1.07

and net asset value Tk15.65, according to the company’s audited financial statement that ended on July, 2014. It will be the 46th insurance after listing with the Dhaka Stock Exchange where insurance companies accounted for 3.4% of the total market capitalisation. l

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

T-JUNCTION

Mix tape Photo: Bigstock

NEWS

Millennium group in Sylhet A new showroom of Millennium group was inaugurated in Shahjalal Uposohor in Sylhet on May 8. Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner (SMP) Kamrul Ahasn formally inaugurated the centre as chief guest. Former president of Sylhet Press Club Ahmed Noor and managing editor Of the Daily Sylheter Dak Dewan Toufique Mazid Layek were also present at the opening ceremony while Shareq Fahim Haque, group managing director represented the group. Millennium Group is an authorised distributor of Nissan, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover and SsangYongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide range of passengers vehicles in Bangladesh. Local businessmen, dignitaries and journalists, among others, were present at the event. l

INSIDE

trial Room

On the record

teen room

Tumblr transformation

22 T-JUNCTION

Trial Room

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

On the record

Through mixes and spins, a DJ sounds off

Now part of Kaotic Sound DJs, in a tete-a-tete with T Junction, DJ Salim recalls how it all started. What made you get into DJing? My passion and love for music. How is DJing different that MCing? MCing has variations. MCing at a wedding is different from MCing at a radio show or a night club. Different crowds, but similar skill sets required. You have to make sure you’re confident, load and clear but not screaming. DJing also depends on where and who you’re DJing for; When DJing at a wedding, you’re playing generally what the bride and groom have requested. On the flip side, when DJing at a night club/ private event, we are usually playing a set, or we try and feel the crowd and take it from there. How is DJing different than producing music? A DJ plays and mixes music together, we use sound effects, loops, and other techniques to change the sound to a track. A producer is creating music, making their own personal tracks. Does DJing go hand in hand with technology? If yes, how? Yes, when I started in the 90s I was using vinyl records, and a few tapes. Soon we started using cds, and now I play tracks off of my laptop, and buy music online. What kind of audio production technique/ equipment do you use? We use pioneer CDJ-2000NSX players, a

n Nadia Khan Hailing from Bangladesh, DJ Salim grew up in Astoria, New York. His love of music started at a young age, thanks to his sisters. Soon he was playing music at family parties. At the age of 17, he started DJing at the club scene, which led to the release of to remixe CDs in the market “KSP 2000” and “Club xtc.” Soon after he was asked to DJ at private events for friends and family weddings in the South Asian community. He started to host bigger events and in 2008 he was able to work with the team of singers for a concert in Devils Arena, New Jersey. In 2011 he got the opportunity to host the IIFA after party in Toronto, Canada. This helped him become an International DJ and he now travels to internationally to host private weddings/events. He has also had the privilege to work with many fashion designers such as Ghazala Asam, HSY and Maria B on different occasions.

pioneer DJM-900NXS mixer, and a pioneer DDJ-SZ controller (the best model yet). What are your biggest achievements? Getting the opportunity to work with and for many great artists and fashion designers. In 2008 we had the chance to work with artists like Atif Aslam, Kailash Kher, and Richa Sharma for the Summer Beats 2008 concert. Working with Amir Jamal and hosting the pre-party for the 2011 IIFA in Toronto, Canada were overwhelming as well. We have had the chance to host some of the most incredible we ddings. Most of all receiving the Best DJ award from Dhallywood was absolutely unbelievable.

T-JUNCTION 23

Trial Room

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

What was your biggest gig? Hosting the IIFA 2011 pre-party. What are your thoughts on DJing with Bengali music? Bengali music has changed a lot over the years, and whenever I do get the chance to play Bengali tracks I do. What do you like playing most? I enjoy playing house and Bollywood. How do you choose your songs? We like to start with the top 40s, the song selections would depend on where I would be playing and for whom. Once we know what the crowd is feeling we start playing and blending in tracks. What is it like to be up there mixing tunes and watching the crowd sway to the beats? It’s the most amazing feeling, knowing that the crowd is feeling the music just as much as we are. The enjoyment on people’s faces when they’re dancing is electrifying and for those few minutes the music is all that matters. It keeps us motivated to continue and do an even better job for the next event/ wedding. What kind of challenges do DJs face in the industry? Keeping up with technology, making sure our mixing skills are up to date with the times. Where do you see yourself heading? I believe an empire can be built with a wonderful team and I have exactly that, so we want to be at the top. When anyone thinks of a DJ, I want them to think of Kaotic Soundz DJs. Hopefully, we can start producing music with other brilliant artists soon.

Rapid-fire session: What’s the most embarrassing thing you ever had to do? I once had to play on a mixer that was really bad. It produced horrible sounds but I still had to finish my set. Where did you spend your childhood? Astoria, New York. What’s one thing you miss about Dhaka? I love phuchka, Dhaka has the best phuchkas. What would you be if you weren’t a DJ? An aeronautical engineer, I have a love for planes. How would you describe your personal style? Unique, one of a kind; I have my own style. l

Photos: Courtesy

24 T-JUNCTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Tucked In

teen room

Tumblr transformation

Because life is too short to live in lacklustre space

n Farhana Shahnaz If you are an avid Tumblr junkie you know what we are talking about. For those who are still scratching their heads thinking what a tumblr room is, it is characterised by the typical theme on tumblr that mainly consists of grunge, bohemia and indie feel. Search for tumblr rooms, spend a little time scrolling down a tumblr dashboard and you will see a pattern emerging. You will find that tumblr rooms have a signature style - pale coloured walls with lots of posters, pictures and quotes and twinkling fairy

lights all over. If you are bored of your drab crib and want to pimp it up a bit, you might want to go for the tumblr room style. With a little time and effort you can easily give your rooms a tumblr vibe on fleek without breaking the bank. String lights String lights are a tumblr staple. You can place them over your bed, mirror or even sporadically around your room to heighten the ambience. If you are an instagram addict, print out some of your favourite photos and hang them from string lights with wooden

clothespins to make a string collage. You can easily find string lights at any home decor store or buy them from your local electrical store on the cheap. Collage wall Dedicate one entire wall of your room to creating your very own masterpiece. Put up whatever you want, be it your personal photos, pictures cut from magazines, posters of your favourite band or even original pieces of artwork you’ve created. You can cut out letters from magazines to spell out lyrics of your favourite song or a quote you like. The

room of the week

Rock on!

A library of “out of this world” films, and all of the genres of rock in one room. This is truly a rocker’s heaven. Room: Xarif Rashid Area: Gulshan Photo: Courtesy

sky is the limit, well actually the edges of your wall, so go nuts! Knick-knacks Just like a women is incomplete without her accessories, a room is incomplete without a few knick-knacks. Deck up your room with souvenirs you collected on your trips and little trinkets. You can also make a beautiful dream-catcher and hang it above your bed, because aren’t we all afraid of nightmares? Steal some mason jars from the kitchen and use them as flower vases or to store pens or nail polishes. l

news

Brothers Furniture’s Boishakhi offer and new outlet The company has launched a month long Boishakhi offer. Customers will get prizes by purchasing any product with a Brothers Furniture welcome card. There is also a discount of 5%-15% on all products. For details, call 01926680802 or visit brothersfurniture.com.bd. Brothers Furniture have recently opened a large showroom in Brahmanbaria. Sofa sets, wardrobes, bed sets, dining tables and other decorative products are ready to beautify your lovely homes. The inauguration of the new outlet, located at 96 Malek Khayir Plaza, included the company’s chairman, Alhaj Habibur Rahman Sarker and the senior assistant manager Md Monirul Islam Bakshi. For more details, call 01926680852 or visit the website. l

Former world middleweight champion Sergio ‘Marvellous’ Martinez plans to retire from boxing within the next few weeks because his ‘knee is shattered’

Sport 26

BFF NAMES ENAMUL, REASAT, THREE NEWCOMERS

BPL 3 SET TO ROLL IN DEC THIS YEAR

SHATTERED KNEE!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

‘PIETERSEN NOT IN PLANS DUE TO TRUST ISSUE’

Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes all but ended on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo saw a penalty saved in a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia. The European champions now trail Barcelona by four points with just two league games remaining. A point also extended Madrid’s poor run against the other sides in La Liga’s top four as they took just four points from a possible 18 against Barca, Atletico Madrid and Valencia this year. Moreover, it was the fourth time in their last five games in which Carlo Ancelotti’s men have conceded twice

Juventus had already clinched their 31st Italian title before beating Real 2-1 in last week’s first leg. A 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Cagliari at the weekend was most notable for the return of French star Paul Pogba after two months out through injury as he scored his 10th goal of the season

Hot-and-cold Real up against on-song Juve n AFP, Madrid Real Madrid must overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit to keep their season alive when a Juventus side boosted by the return of Paul Pogba visit the Santiago Bernabeu in the return of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Los Blancos’ La Liga title hopes are all but over despite coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Valencia on Saturday as Barcelona moved four points clear at the top with just two games remaining. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men recovered from exactly the same result against Valencia that proved an almost fatal blow to their title hopes at the same stage last season to go on and win the club’s 10th European Cup in Lisbon a few weeks later.

Defensive lapses have cost Madrid in recent weeks as they have conceded twice in four of their last five matches and right-back Dani Carvajal insists they can’t go for a clinical Juventus side from the off and risk being caught on the counter-attack. “We need to win, that is fundamental. However, above all, we need to have a cool head, be patient and not go crazy,” he told the club’s website. “The game is 90 minutes long and we need to make that seem like a long time for Juventus and make them suffer without the ball.” Carvajal gave away the penalty, converted by Carlos Tevez, at the end of a counter-attack which gave the Italian champions the advantage in last week’s first leg. And he believes Madrid will not be so generous in front of a packed house at the Bernabeu.

“They created danger from us giving the ball away or our errors. I think if we stay calm, have patience, move them around, then we will win the game. “After the first leg the feelings of the coach and the players were clear. We cannot commit so many errors in easy passes because that breathed life into them.” Madrid could be back close to full strength as Toni Kroos is expected to shrug off a hip injury picked up against Valencia, while Karim Benzema is set to feature up front after a month out with a knee problem. Benzema’s French international teammate Pogba is certain to play a part after making a goalscoring return from a near two-month injury layoff in a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Saturday. Juventus have waited 12 years to get back

to the biggest game in European football, when they also beat Real in the semi-finals in 2003, and defender Giorgio Chiellini described the game as the biggest in his 10 years with the club. “We can’t wait for Wednesday evening to come. This is the most prestigious and important game I’ll be playing in since I joined the club,” he said. “I’ve been here for 10 years and 12 have gone past since we last reached a semi-final. “We’ve got better and matured as the competition has worn on and getting past the last 16 and then the quarter-finals gave us added awareness in our own abilities. “We’ve never been as close as we are now, but we’ve still got 95 really tough minutes to get through. The final is still a long way away and we’ll need a super performance to get there.”l

26 Sport

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Walson propels BU, BJMC-Ctg Abahani share spoils n Shishir Hoque A lone strike from the in-form Augustine Walson was enough to help Brothers Union return to winning ways in the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League as the Oranges edged past Rahmatganj MFS 1-0 at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. It was Haitian striker Walson’s seventh goal in the league this season and he now tops the highest goalscorers’ list. Brothers are sixth with 14 points from eight matches while Rahmatganj remained at seventh with eight points from the same number of outings. Following a goalless first half where no side managed to create any clear-cut goalscoring chances, Walson gave Brothers the breakthrough in the 76th minute. Kawser Ali Rabby ran down the right flank and fed the ball to Kester Akon in the centre of the box. Akon’s back-heel found Walson who made no mistake placing home calmly to seal the three points. Meanwhile in the day’s other match at the same venue, Team BJMC registered only their second point in the league when the struggling side played out a 1-1 draw against Chittagong Abahani. Abdul Hannan Raju put Chittagong Abahani ahead in the 24th minute when the skipper saw his strike entering into the far post via a deflection off a BJMC defender. Mohammad Tara, however, brought parity for BJMC in the 57th minute as he headed home from a Samson Illiasu free-kick. Chittagong Abahani remained at ninth with five points from eight matches while bottom-side BJMC have only two points from the same number of games. l

RESULTS Brothers Union

1–0

Rahmatganj

Augustine Walson 76

Chittagong Abahani Abdul Hannan Raju 24

1–1

Team BJMC Mohammad Tara 57

BJMC’s Mohammad Tara (unseen) nets the equaliser during their BPL match against Chittagong Abahani at BNS yesterday

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

BFF names Enamul, Reasat, three newcomers n Shishir Hoque Veteran striker Enamul Haque and expatriate footballer Reasat Islam were included in the 32-man preliminary Bangladesh squad for the two forthcoming Fifa international friendlies against Singapore and Afghanistan. Bangladesh Football Federation also named three newcomers - goalkeepers Mohammed Nayem, Ashraful Islam Rana and winger Jewel Rana - in the squad for the friendlies. Top-flight champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club have the most number of representatives in the squad with 15 members while Sheikh Russel (six), Abahani (six) and Mohammedan (three) also feature in the list of the clubs with the highest number of national players. Ahead of the two friendlies, the national training camp will begin this Sunday at BFF House. Bangladesh’s Dutch head coach Lodewijk de Kruif, who left for the Nether-

lands yesterday morning to enjoy a weeklong vacation, will take charge of the camp from this Tuesday. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s German goal-

BANGLADESH SQUAD Goalkeepers: Russel Mahmud, Sahidul Alam, Mazharul Islam, Mohammad Nayeem, Ashraful Islam Rana; Defence: Rayhan Hasan, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Yeasin Khan, Yeamin Munna, Linkon, Kasto Kumar, Topu Barman, Rezaul Karim, Nasirul Islam; Midfield: Hemanta, Jamal Bhuiyan, Mamunul Islam, Sohel Rana, Monaem Khan Raju, Shahedul Alam Shahed, Emon Mahmud, Reasat Islam; Forward: Toklis Ahmed, Rubel Mia, Wahed Ahmed, Abdul Baten Komal, Aminur Rahman Sojib, Towhidul Alam, Zahid Hossain, Jahid Hasan Ameli, Jewel Rana, Enamul Hoque.

keeping coach Christian Schweichler yesterday said he has already started training the local custodians. “Regarding goalkeeping, I went through three parts. First one was to see the matches and to see the goalkeepers in the league and how the goalkeepers behave during the match. Second part was I want to train them to see them closely and seriously on the pitch. Sometimes, the goalkeepers performed well and sometimes they did not. So, I asked them to come to training. I trained 15-16 players in two groups. I wanted a small competition among the goalkeepers and that’s why I picked up to six goalkeepers,” he said. Bangladesh, placed 169th according to the latest Fifa world rankings, will take on Singapore (162nd) on May 30 before facing Saff champions Afghanistan (135th) on June 2. Both the friendlies will be held at Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4pm.l

BPL 3 set to roll in December this year n Mazhar Uddin

The third edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 is likely to begin in the first week of December this year, informed BPL governing council chairman Afzalur Rahman Sinha during a press conference at Sher-eBangla National Stadium yesterday. Sinha, however, also informed that the seven franchises of the previous edition will only take part in the upcoming edition if they clear their outstanding dues. In the event of the franchises not clearing their dues, the governing council will explore the option of introducing new franchises. “There will be some huge changes in the financial structure so that we can continue this tournament every year,” said Sinha. BPL governing council member secretary Ismail Haider Mallick on the contrary said they have already started discussions with a few interested franchises. “We are not waiting for the franchises as we have already started our work. We have talked with a few interested franchises. The franchises

of the previous edition are still yet to clear their dues. We have asked them to solve the problems and clear their dues but they have not responded to our letters,” said Mallick yesterday. Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam-

uddin Chowdhury, meanwhile, stated that Dhaka Gladiators, champions of the first two editions, will not participate following the termination of their existing contract by the International Cricket Council and the BCB

(L-R) Nizamuddin Chowdhury, Jalal Younus, Afzalur Rahman Sinha and Ismail Haider Mallick pose for a photo during a press conference yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

due to match-fixing issues. Nizamuddin echoed Sinha’s tune saying the remaining six franchises – Chittagong Kings, Khulna Royal Bengals, Rangpur Riders, Barisal Burners, Duronto Rajshahi and Sylhet Royals – will only be eligible for the tournament if they clear their dues. Several foreign cricketers have complained that they are yet to receive parts of their salary but BCB media committee chairman Jalal Younus informed that they have already cleared their dues. “We have already cleared all the payments of the foreign cricketers and if anyone has valid proof with regards to any payment that is outstanding, we will also clear that. In the meantime, board director Naimur Rahman has been given the responsibility to look after the payments of the local players,” said Jalal. In another development, the BCB is set to pocket Tk6 crore from event management firm Game On. Cricket’s regulatory body in the country had signed a six-year deal with Game On, worth Tk400 crore, before BPL 1 but is yet to receive the full payment.l

Sport 27

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

QUICK BYTES Mexico without ‘Chicharito’ for Copa Real Madrid striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has not been named by Mexico coach Miguel Herrera in his 23man squad for the Copa America in Chile next month. Hernandez is expected to instead feature in the Gold Cup in July, as Mexico prepare for two tournaments this summer. –AFP

Benitez hit with ban over offensive remark

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has been handed a one-game touchline ban for making an offensive remark about the nature of Italian football. Benitez’s contract at the Serie A giants expires at the end of the season and the sanction which will see him sit out next Monday’s home game with Cesena - will only fuel speculation that he will not renew his deal. –AFP

Japan striker Muto opts for Mainz over Chelsea

Japan striker Yoshinori Muto will sign for German club Mainz after opting against joining Premier League champions Chelsea because of concerns over a lack of playing opportunities, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday. The 22-year-old was also wary about qualifying for a work permit to play in England, Kyodo quoted an unnamed official at Muto’s current club FC Tokyo as saying. –Reuters

Lavillenie out of Doha Diamond League meet

France’s pole vault world record holder Renaud Lavillenie will not compete in the opening Diamond League meet of the season in Doha this week because of a bruised shoulder, his agent Rene Auguin said Tuesday. The Olympic champion picked up the injury while running the 4x100m relay for his French club in Lyon, and needs to rest for at least ten days. –AFP

Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright (L), former Stoke striker Mamady Sidebe (C) and former Everton midfielder Graham Stuart pose for the media during a press briefing for the launch of the Barclays Asia Trophy 2015 football tournament at the Marina Bay floating platform in Singapore yesterday AFP

Wright urges Walcott to weather ‘rough’ patch n AFP, Singapore Arsenal legend Ian Wright urged England international Theo Walcott not to quit the club on Tuesday despite a “rough” patch and speculation over his future. Wright, speaking ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore, said Walcott, 26, needed to work hard and regain his place after a season plagued by injury. The former teenage star, whose contract expires next year, is feeling his way back to form and manager Arsene Wenger says he hopes he will blossom into a centre-forward. However, he was ineffective from the

bench as Arsenal lost 1-0 to Swansea on Tuesday, a defeat which undermined their push for next year’s Champions League. “As a professional he’s just got to wait his time... and push himself to make sure he starts in the first team for the start of next season,” Wright told reporters. “That is what you’re meant to do as a professional, you’re not meant to, as soon as the going gets rough, you go to the exit, and that’s not what Theo wants to do,” he added. Wenger has backed Walcott to make the switch from wing to striker, following in the footsteps of Arsenal’s record scorer Thierry Henry. Talks for Walcott’s new contract are under

BCB wants to improve HPU n Mazhar Uddin

QPR start legal proceedings Queens Park Rangers have begun legal proceedings against the Football League. “QPR challenges the legality of the Football League’s Championship Financial Fair Play Rules and any charge against QPR (if any) for breach of FFP Rules shall not be commenced pending the outcome of that challenge,” a club statement said. –Reuters

Toure hails anti-racism monitoring system

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure on Tuesday welcomed the creation of a new anti-discrimination monitoring system for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers by world governing body FIFA. –AFP

way at the end of a Premier League season in which he has made just three starts after returning from a serious knee injury. But Wright, who scored 185 goals for the Gunners, said: “We need people like Theo in the team, we need him in the squad, and so hopefully he’ll finish the season well. “Fingers crossed we’ll win the FA cup and finish as high as we can. Theo will have a great pre-season, start the season well and this will all be forgotten.” Wright added that he was “tired” about the debate over Wenger’s position at the club as Arsenal head for an 11th season without winning the Premier League.l

Falcao, Rodriguez get Copa call n AFP, Bogota Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez and Manchester United’s Radamel Falcao have been named in Colombia coach Jose Pekerman’s preliminary 30-man squad for the Copa America in Chile. Pekerman has also called up two newcomers - Santa Fe defender Francisco Meza and

Equidad goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla - with Carlos Valdes, Luis Fernando Muriel and Edwin Valencia returning to the group. The coach of the 2001 champions will cut the squad to 23 on June 1 ahead of the tournament from June 11 to July 4. Colombia, fourth in the FIFA rankings behind Germany, Argentina and Belgium, are in Group C with Venezuela, Brazil and Peru.l

Bangladesh Cricket Board is planning to form the High-Performance Unit with young and talented cricketers in addition to the national discards and has employed Paul Terry as the coaching director of the HPU. Following a meeting at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday, BCB vice president Mahbubul Anam informed that the training camp is likely to begin from the first week of next month. “The training camp will start from next month where Paul Terry will work as the coaching director. The players who are now out of the national side, along with some promising young cricketers, will be included in the camp,” said Anam. He also informed that the board will develop a player management software where all the data and records of every cricketer and their injury details will be available.l

28 Sport

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Wenger irked by Swansea ‘accident’ n AFP, London Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brushed off his side’s 1-0 loss to Swansea City as “an accident” and challenged his players to atone when they visit Manchester United on Sunday. Arsenal dominated Monday’s game at the Emirates Stadium, but having been kept at bay by their former goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, they capitulated in the 85th minute when David Ospina was unable to keep out a header from Swansea substitute Bafetimbi Gomis. United can dislodge third-place Arsenal from the automatic Champions League qualifying positions if they beat them at the weekend and Wenger’s annoyance was plain during a post-match press conference in which he said Swansea had “refused to play completely and just defended”. “We have still a game in hand,” said the Frenchman, whose team play host to Sunderland on May 20 before tackling West Bromwich Albion on the season’s final day. “What is crucial is to respond on Sunday and show it is an accident today (Monday). That is the most important (thing).” Arsenal had won nine of their previous 10 games, only dropping points in a goalless draw with Chelsea, and fielded an unchanged team for the fifth game in succession for the first time since January 1994. It took until the 59th minute for them to register a shot on target and although they mustered eight more, there was no way past Fabianski, who saved from Olivier Giroud,

0-1

Bafetimbi Gomis of Swansea City scores the first goal as goal line technology rules the ball to cross the line depsite David Ospina of Arsenal making a save during their Barclays Premier League match at Emirates Stadium on Monday Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, twice, Nacho Monreal, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez. “We scored plenty of goals until recently,” added Wenger, who felt that his forwards had been guilty of “rushing” their finishing. “In the last two home games we didn’t score and that’s of course frustrating when you have so much of the ball, as we did to-

night, and you play with such accuracy around the box. “But they defended well. They came just to defend, with four defenders and six midfielders. They defended, that’s it. If you win, you’re fantastic. If you lose people say to you, ‘Why did you not play?’” Having beaten Arsenal 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium in November, Swansea

ENGLAND’S FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS SINCE 1948 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981

Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Johnny Carey (Manchester United) Joe Mercer (Arsenal) Harry Johnston (Blackpool) Billy Wright (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Nat Lofthouse (Bolton Wanderers) Tom Finney (Preston North End) Don Revie (Manchester City) Bert Trautmann (Manchester City) Tom Finney (Preston North End) Danny Blanchflower (Tottenham) Syd Owen (Luton Town) Bill Slater (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Danny Blanchflower (Tottenham) Jimmy Adamson (Burnley) Stanley Matthews (Stoke City) Bobby Moore (West Ham United) Bobby Collins (Leeds United) Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Jack Charlton (Leeds United) George Best (Manchester United) Joint Tony Book (Manchester City) Joint Dave Mackay (Tottenham Hotspur) Billy Bremner (Leeds United) Frank McLintock (Arsenal) Gordon Banks (Stoke City) Pat Jennings (Tottenham Hotspur) Ian Callaghan (Liverpool) Alan Mullery (Fulham) Kevin Keegan (Liverpool) Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool) Kenny Burns (Nottingham Forest) Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool) Terry McDermott (Liverpool) Frans Thijssen (Ipswich Town)

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Steve Perryman (Tottenham Hotspur) Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool) Ian Rush (Liverpool) Neville Southall (Everton) Gary Lineker (Everton) Clive Allen (Tottenham Hotspur) John Barnes (Liverpool) Steve Nicol (Liverpool) John Barnes (Liverpool) Gordon Strachan (Leeds United) Gary Lineker (Tottenham Hotspur) Chris Waddle (Sheffield Wednesday) Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers) Juergen Klinsmann (Tottenham Hotspur) Eric Cantona (Manchester United) Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea) Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal) David Ginola (Tottenham Hotspur) Roy Keane (Manchester United) Teddy Sheringham (Manchester United) Robert Pires (Arsenal) Thierry Henry (Arsenal) Thierry Henry (Arsenal) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) Thierry Henry (Arsenal) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Scott Parker (West Ham United) Robin van Persie (Arsenal) Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur) Luis Suarez (Liverpool) Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

became only the second team to do the double over the London club and Manchester United in the Premier League era after West Ham United (2006-07) and Chelsea (2009-10). Swansea manager Garry Monk took exception to Wenger’s criticism of his side’s approach and said their victory proved that they have become a more multi-faceted team.l

Hazard doubles up with Footballer of Year honour n Reuters, London Eden Hazard was named England’s Footballer of the Year on Tuesday after his consistently outstanding performances throughout the season helped Chelsea win the Premier League title. Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane was second in the voting by members of the English Football Writers Association with Hazard’s Chelsea club mate and captain John Terry third. The 24-year-old Belgian international midfielder adds the award to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) honour he collected last month and becomes the first player from his country to claim the accolade since it was launched in 1948. Only two other Chelsea players have won England’s most prestigious and soccer’s oldest individual honour - Gianfranco Zola in 1997 and Frank Lampard in 2005. Kane, who has scored 30 goals in his first full season for Spurs and was awarded his first England cap, was named the PFA’s Young Player of the Year last month, while defensive rock Terry has played every minute of every Premier League game to date. FWA chairman Andy Dunn told Reuters: “The list of truly world class players on the Football Writers’ Association roll of honour is a long one and Eden Hazard is a worthy addition. “A creator, a goalscorer and the hardest of workers, he has been a constant source of threat for the champions.l

Sport 29

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Pietersen not in plans due to trust issue: Strauss n Reuters, London Kevin Pietersen has not been banned from playing for England but an erosion of trust means he has no place in their plans this summer, new director of cricket Andrew Strauss said on Tuesday. “Now is the time for some really open and honest conversation,” Strauss told Sky Sports television. “He’s been a phenomenal player for a long period of time (but) it’s not about his ability as a player. It’s about trust. You can’t build that over a few days. “I went to see him last night to let him know he is not part of our plans for this summer. I can’t give him any guarantees about the future but he is not banned from the side because no-one knows what is going to happen in the future.” Pietersen, who has scored 8,181 Test runs, was sacked by England after their 5-0 Ashes whitewash defeat early in 2014 and it seems he has little chance of returning for the fiveTest series against Australia that starts in July. The South African-born Pietersen and former England skipper Strauss were team mates for a long time but also have something

of a chequered history. The swashbuckling middle-order batsman was dropped for a Test against South Africa in 2012 after sending provocative texts about

ECB cricket director Andrew Strauss poses before a press conference yesterday REUTERS

Strauss to the opposition. Former Middlesex opener Strauss was then forced to issue an apology in July 2014 after being caught on microphone making offensive remarks about Pietersen while on a commentary stint with Sky. “The trust isn’t there at the moment. I wish it wasn’t the case but it is the case,” Strauss said on Tuesday. “If there’s a way to build trust let’s look at it... this isn’t about Kevin Pietersen, it is about the future of English cricket.” “No-one has ever doubted Kevin Pietersen’s ability as a player, he has been a phenomenal player for England over a long period of time and his record stacks up to anyone in England cricket and he should be very proud of that record. “But over months and years the trust between himself and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) has eroded and we are in a situation now where there is a massive trust issue between Kevin and I,” Strauss added. “If there is a way to build trust let’s look at it but at the moment we are quite estranged. I know from my time playing cricket for England that trust is absolutely imperative in any team environment.”l

Surrey’s Kevin Pietersen walks off after making an unbeaten 355 against Leicestershire yesterday

Murray set to decide on Rome participation n AFP, Rome Andy Murray was reportedly ready to make a decision on whether to take part in the Italian Open after completing the best week of his career on clay with his first two titles on the surface. Murray’s comprehensive 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Spanish ace Rafael Nadal in the final in Madrid on Sunday knocked the king of clay down to seventh on the ATP list, his lowest position in a decade. Murray and his team were seriously discussing the pros and cons of playing in Rome, after their man won trophies in Munich and Madrid in the space of seven days.

DAY’S WATCH Sony Six 8:30PM Indian Premier League Punjab v Bangalore

Star Sports 2 Badminton: Sudirman Cup 2015 11:00AM Korea v India 5:00PM Singapore v Netherlands

Ten Action 12:45PM UEFA Champions League SF, Leg 2: Real Madrid v Juventus

Should he decide to play, Murray will open in the second round against Jeremy Chardy of France. The third-ranked Scot could not have asked for a better French Open preparation and might not want to risk either injury or fatigue with Roland Garros starting in 13 days. It’s a different story completely for Nadal, who desperately needs matches and confidence after going down in front of his home public to Murray in a Madrid final which did not even extend to 90 minutes. Nadal insisted he feels his tennis is on the right path despite not having won a spring clay title. The 14-time Grand Slam champion is set

to play in an 11th straight edition at the Foro Italico and has played the final nine times in 10 visits. The seven-time champion failed to reach a final only in 2008 when he lost in the second round. On court at the ATP and WTA event, 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov began his week with a defeat of Pole Jerzy Janowicz 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) while French 12th seed Gilles Simon put out American Jack Sock 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3. American 16th seed John Isner downed Joao Sousa 7-5, 6-3. German Philipp Kohlschreiber, Munich runner-up to Murray a week ago, reached the second round over American Donald Young 6-4, 6-1.

Tevez, Pastore get Copa call n AFP, Buenos Aires Carlos Tevez and Javier Pastore, overlooked for the 2014 World Cup, have been named alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Ezequiel Lavezzi in Argentina’s preliminary 30-man squad for the Copa America. Coach Gerardo Martino will cut the list to 23 on June 1 with the tournament taking place in Chile from June 11 to July 4. However Mauro Icardi, the third highest scorer in Serie A with 18 goals for Inter Milan, has been overlooked again, with Martino spoilt for choice among the strikers. Argentina, champions in 1991 and 1993, have been drawn in Group B with Paraguay, Uruguay and Jamaica. Jamaica and Mexico have been handed invitations to the South American tournament.l

SQUAD Goalkeepers: Romero, Guzmán, Andújar, Marchesín;

Defenders: Demichelis, Otamendi, Rojo, Zabaleta, Garay, Roncaglia, Fernandez, Casco, Orban;

Midfielders: Mascherano, Biglia, Banega, Gago, Pereyra, Di María, Mancuello, Rodríguez, Pérez, Pastore, Lamela, Gaitán;

Strikers: Messi, Tevez, Higuaín, Agüero, Lavezzi

In women’s play, German ninth seed Angelique Kerber defeated France’s Alize Cornet 6-2, 6-3 while Swiss Timea Bacsinszky produced an upset with her defeat of 10th seed Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-0. US 15th seed Madison Keys beat namesake Madison Brengle 6-2, 6-4, while Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat two-time Roland Garros semi-finalist Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-5. Meanwhile, Briton Heather Watson knocked out nervous Italian Roberta Vinci 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) with the local admitting that her emotions get the better of her every time she plays Rome. “I’ve had some very close matches in the past few weeks,” said Watson. l

30 DOWNTIME

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 To let stand! (4) 6 Cunning animal (3) 7 Lose colour (4) 9 Upper level (4) 10 Burdened (5) 11 Short stabbing sword (5) 12 Curve (3) 14 Singer (5) 17 Musical sounds (5) 20 Vote in favour (3) 21 Turf cut by golfer (5) 23 Grinding tooth (5) 25 Purplish brown (4) 26 Article (4) 27 Spoil (3) 28 Fasting period (4)

DOWN 1 Eastern ruler (6) 2 Consequence (6) 3 Small drinks (4) 4 Passing craze (3) 5 Japanese monetary unit (3) 7 Visage (4) 8 Lure (5) 10 Fate (3) 13 Mechanical man (5) 15 Inherent character (6) 16 Regret (6) 18 Dutch cheese (4) 19 Title of respect (3) 22 Gem (4) 23 Mingle (3) 24 Zodiac sign (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 17 represents I so fill I every time the figure 17 appears. You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares. Some letters of the alphabet may not be used. As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them. A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

SHOWTIME 31

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Bangladeshi film selected at Cannes

CELEBS ON SOCIAL Ed Sheeran @edsheeran Had a vivid dream I was in the England cricket team, then I woke up and now I’m sad I’m not the worlds best spin bowler

n Showtime Desk Bangladeshi filmmaker Khijir Hayat Khan’s short film has been selected at the 68th Cannes Film Festival, and will debut today. The 18-minute fictional short titled Eye for an Eye will be screened at the festival’s Short Film Corner section, while the film is entered to the festival as the submission from Canada. Director Khijir said, “9/11 happened when I was in Canada in 2001, and we observed that this event turned perceptions about Muslims upside down. People started to give uncomfortable looks to Muslims everywhere. Even an Iranian scientist was killed during that time. These incidents influenced me greatly. Then we decided to do something on the people’s psychological pressure in situations like these.” Written by Karin Maxey, the characterdriven action short casts Shaan Rahman and Momona Komagata in leads. l

The screening of Udhao

Five years later

Conan O’Brien @ConanOBrien Is the link to the new Magic Mike trailer a good Mother’s Day gift?

William Shatner @WilliamShatner I’m out! Until tomorrow!

WHAT TO WATCH

n Showtime desk Celebrated Indian playblack singer, Shreya Ghoshal is all set to perform in Dhaka again, five years after her last performance. The event, titled Shreya Ghoshal Night, organised by Bay Entertainment, will take place on June 5th at Naboratri Hall, International Convention City, Bashundhara. Singer, Hrisikesh Pramod Ranade will also be joining in the performance. A large audience is expected as well as the 1000 who were invited which includes ministers, secretaries and the media. There will be absolutely no standing room or ticket sales at the venue. The concert will not be aired on any television channel either and truly will be an experience you won't want to miss. Get your tickets as soon as you can at all Swapno outlets in Dhaka as well as Abacus Convention Centres in Gulshan, Uttara and Dhanmondi. l The Great Gatsby BHBO 6:40pm A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan

n Showtime Desk

Talented young filmmaker Amit Ashraf’s debut feature Udhao will be screened at the Red Shift Coffee Lounge on May 23 in the capital's Gulshan area. The 96-minute digital film, which earned a number of prestigious accolades and honours in different international film festivals, is going to hold a screening for the domestic audience after international success. A Q&A session with the director and actors will follow the screening. Theatrically released in September 2013, the film is a drama-thriller about men who run from family responsibilities, and a school-van pedalling bounty hunter named Babu who promises to bring them to justice. His life’s mission comes to an ultimate crossroad when he meets his biggest prey: a corrupt politician named Akbar. Tickets for show are available at Red Shift, Just Juice, Jatra (Banani) and ImDhaka.com. l

Due Date C+ WB 7:40pm High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child’s birth on time. Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Zach Galifianakis, Michelle, Monaghan Mission: Impossible II C+ Zee Studio 9:30pm A secret agent is sent to Sydney, to find and destroy a genetically modified disease called “Chimera” Cast: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton

32 BACK PAGE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EXPORTS SET TO MISS TARGET PAGE 15

HOT-AND-COLD REAL UP AGAINST ON-SONG JUVE

PAGE 25

BANGLADESHI FILM PICKED AT CANNES PAGE 31

One dies as another quake jolts country n Abu Bakar Siddique At least a woman died yesterday as a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on Richter scale struck the country. The epicentre of the earthquake was in neighbouring state Nepal. The deceased was identified as Nurun Nahar, 62, from northern district of Panchagarh. She suffered a heart attack from fear as the tremors shook the country. Two earthquakes with the magnitudes of 7.3 and 6.4 hit Nepal yesterday. The earthquake was strongly felt in Dhaka too. It sent people scurrying out of their flats and offices on to the streets. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the epicentre of the first one was 611km northwest of BMD Seismic Centre, Agargaon, Dhaka. The first wave struck Bangladesh about 1:30pm while the later one, whose epicentre was 33km north-northeast of Nepal’s Ramenchhap, was felt 35 minutes later. “It is an aftershock of the April 25 earthquake and such a series of aftershocks can last up to 50 years,” said Prof Mahbuba Nasreen of Dhaka University. The April 25 earthquake killed over 8,000 people in Nepal and injured at least 17,800. The human casualties could have been avoided if people had been made aware about the earthquake, she also said. People do not know that during the earthquake they have to keep calm and take position under beams and they should get out of

buildings or home after the shocks are over. When people try to scamper out of buildings together it causes more human casualties, she added. Replying to a question on the country’s preparedness during a major earthquake, she said, Bangladesh is not ready to face any major earthquake. “We do not know what we really have to do to face an earthquake of massive scale. “Even the country does not have any preparation at all to reduce the damage of such kind of natural disaster,” she added. Citing the example of Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, she said the government had taken several days to complete the rescue operation as well as remove the debris of the collapsed site. According to statistics of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the last major earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5 on the Richter scale hit the region in 1950. The epicentre of that earthquake was in Assam, Himalayas. In 1918, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake had struck the region. The epicentre of which was Srimangal of Bangladesh. To avoid huge casualties at the time of such major earthquakes, Prof Nasreen thinks, the large scale campaign to make people aware is very essential. She said the government included the awareness building lessons on earthquake in the primary level education in 2013 which will definitely help them stay calm and save themselves from the disaster. l

This is what a mountain in the Everest region looked like just as the earthquake struck again yesterday. It was taken from a helicopter with MSF personnel on board COURTESY

Ecnec okays second submarine cable project n Tribune Report Bangladesh is on its way to be connected to a second submarine communication cable by June next year, following a government approval for a Tk660 crore project to ensure uninterrupted voice and data transmissions with the rest of the world. The new connection with the 20,000kmlong SEA-ME-WE-5 submarine cable, which stretches from Singapore to the Middle East to Western Europe and connects 17 countries, will provide high speed uninterrupted internet services at a cheaper cost than the first cable. The project titled “Regional Submarine Telecommunication Project, Bangladesh” was approved yesterday at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the capital’s NEC conference room. Out of the total project cost, the government would provide Tk166 crore, the Islamic

Development Bank Tk352 crore as project assistance, and Tk142.64 crore from the funds of the public agencies concerned, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told reporters after the meeting. Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) will implement the project by June 2016. In 2006, the country got connected to its first submarine cable SEA-ME-WE-4 (South East Asia- Middle East-West Asia). Planning Commission Member Arastoo Khan said that once the new link is established, the country would receive an additional 1,300Gbps (billions of bits per second) bandwidth, which is many times greater than the first submarine cable connection. The data transmission capacity of the new cable will gradually be increased up to 24 terabits per second (Tbps), he said. At present, the BSCCL has 200Gbps bandwidth and the government has allowed it to export half of the bandwidth.

“With the arrival of the new connection, it will provide us standard and uninterrupted international voice and internet services at a low cost. It will also help increase the bandwidth to keep pace with the increasing demand for bandwidth,” Arastoo added. The site for the landing station of the second undersea cable has been selected at Kuakata under Patuakhali’s Kolapara upazila. The Cox’s Bazar landing station for the first submarine cable – upon which the country’s internet mainly depends – suffers frequent outages, each time requiring over a week to restore the system. Once the new project is implemented, it would help introduce internet services to the doorsteps of the people in rural areas and increase data storage through the additional landing station connection, said the planning minister. The submarine cable project was one of the 10 projects worth Tk2,365.34 crore that received approval from the Ecnec yesterday. l

Fresh quake brings more death to Nepal n Reuters A 7.3 magnitude earthquake killed at least 41 people, left 1,066 injured and spread panic in Nepal yesterday. Five people were killed in Indian states bordering Nepal, according to officials, and Chinese media reported one person died in Tibet after rocks fell on a car. Most of the reported fatalities were in villages and towns east of Kathmandu, only just beginning to pick up the pieces after the April 25 quake that left more than 8,000 dead. The new earthquake was centred 76 km (47 miles) east of the capital in a hilly area close to the border with Tibet, according to coordinates provided by the US Geological Survey. The United Nations has only raised 13 percent of the $423 million it said was needed to help Nepal recover from the April tragedy, and relief workers warned that even more funding would now be needed. l

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