May 25, 2015

SECOND EDITION

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

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Jyoistha 11, 1421, Sha’ban 6, 1436

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BTRC TO RELEASE 700MHZ SPECTRUM BAND FOR 4G PAGE 3

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 43

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MATLUB: NEW FBCCI BODY TO DEVELOP FRESH ENTREPRENEURS

More electricity than ever, but at a cost n Shafiqul Islam Each year, the power sector remains at the top of the list for subsidies. Experts point out that the main reason behind this is the country’s dependency on fuel oil to produce its electricity, adding that the sector will not see sustainable development unless such reliance is reduced.

Like previous budgets, the upcoming one is also reportedly seeing an increase for power sector subsidies. Sources said, subsidy allocation for the 2015-16 budget might reach Tk8,000 crore, compared to Tk7,200 crore

for the ongoing fiscal year, a 10% increase.

Looking at the numbers from the last six years, it can be seen that subsidies for the power sector have experienced a rise of over 100% during this time.

Power sector specialist M Tamim suggests subsidies would reach an unsustainable level in the long run, unless immediate measures are taken to lower power costs by reducing dependency on fuel oil for power production.

The Power Development Board (PDB) suffered a loss of Tk6,000 crore during the FY2013-14 as electricity was sold at prices lower than production costs.

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

PDB losses were Tk5,572 crore in FY2012-13 and Tk6,350 crore in FY2011-12.

At a recent hearing on increasing power prices, it was revealed that there is a Tk1.67 difference between the production and the selling price for each unit of electricity. At this rate, around Tk7,560 crore would be needed as subsidy to meet the losses.

However, the private power suppliers continue to enjoy profits as the price of fuel oil has dropped in the international market.

According to PDB, the national grid is currently getting a total 10,806 megawatt supply  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 15

PM: Action against those trying to go abroad illegally n Tribune Report Those who are trying to leave the country in illegal way will be brought to book, along with the middlemen involved in human trafficking, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday.

“They are tainting the image of the country along with putting their lives in danger,” she said at a meeting with senior officials of the Labour and Employment Ministry at the Secretariat, the BSS reported.

“I think such an unlawful trend may stop if the fortune-seekers who are moving from the  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

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2 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

DMP team to oversee microbus rape case n Tribune Report The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has formed a committee to monitor the case filed by an indigenous woman after she was gang raped in a running microbus in the capital on Thursday night.

Deputy Commissioner (north) Sheikh Nazmul Alam will lead the three-member team, Jahangir Alam Sarker, deputy commissioner of DMP (media), told the Dhaka Tribune.

Other members of the committee are Gulshan zone’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahbub Hassan and Assistant Commissioner (DB police) Obaidul Haque. The victim works at a shop in Jamuna Future Park as a sales person.

According to the case, the Garo woman was forced into a microbus by armed youths on Thursday night from Kuril Bishwa Road bus stand and raped by five people including the driver. They left her in Uttara after two hours.

The medical examination of the victim, held on Saturday, confirmed that she was raped by several persons.

Inspector Sazzad Hossain of Bhatara police, also investigator of the case, said they had got the primary medical report. l

Awami League to hold two meetings today n Tribune Report The Awami League will hold two meetings – one with party’s different levels of leaders and the other with two city mayors of Dhaka North and Dhaka South – to discuss the celebration meant to honour Sheikh Hasina on May 29.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the Awami League, will be given a warm reception for her successful diplomatic negotiation over 1974 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) ratified by the Indian parliament on May 7.

The reception will be held at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital around 2:30pm on May 29.

The first meeting of Awami League and the party leaders of adjoining districts of Dhaka will begin at 4:00pm today at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi office, said a press release yesterday.

Presidents, general secretaries and the party lawmakers of Mymenshingh, Tangail, Gazipur,

Manikganj, Munsiganj, Narayanganj and Dhaka City North and South units will attend the meeting with Awami League central leaders.

The Second meeting of Awami League and its all affiliated bodies, Dhaka City Unit president, general secretary and two mayors – Annisul Haque and Syeed Khokon – will begin at 5pm at the same venue.

In a statement, Awami league General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam urged all concerned to attend the meeting on time.

Earlier on May 15, a joint meetings of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance and the pro-Awami League professionals formed a 202-member committee at the Dhanmondi office to make the reception a success.

Meanwhile, the Awami League will also celebrate the 116th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam today, says a separate press release.

The programmes include placing wreaths at the grave of the poet on Dhaka University campus at 7am. l

Khaleda likely to appear in court today n Tribune Report BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may appear before a Dhaka court today to attend hearings in two graft cases – Charitable Trust and Zia Orphanage Trust cases.

Khaleda’s lawyer Md Sanaullah Miah confirmed this to the Dhaka Tribune.

On May 5, Dhaka’s Third Special Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar fixed May 25 for the hearing in the graft cases and asked Khaleda to be present during the hearing.

On that day, Khaleda’s counsel Masud Ahmed Talukder assured the court that the BNP chief would appear before the court on the fixed date.

The trial of the corruption cases against Khaleda and eight other accused began on September 22 last year.

The Anti-Corruption Commission filed one of the graft cases against Khaleda and five others for embezzling over Tk2.1 crore in the name of Zia Orphanage Trust that existed only on paper. The other case was also filed by the anti-graft body in 2011 for abusing power in setting up the Zia Charitable Trust. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

More electricity than ever, but at a cost each day, including the amount of electricity being imported from India.

The day the Awami League began its previous tenure in 2009, the country’s total daily power production stood at 3,268MW, while the then daily average production was 4,942MW. With a shortfall of almost 1,700MW, the daily average amount of load-shedding then was around three to four hours in aggregate.

The government claims that power production is currently meeting the entire demand, however, the country is still experiencing an average of one hour of load-shedding per day because of faults in the supply line as well as mechanical faults.

Since the 14-party alliance government took office, almost 5.4 million new electricity

connections have been provided. In two phases, 68 new power plants have been launched, taking the total number of plants in the country to 96. Several more power stations are also waiting to be launched.

During the past six years, the percentage of electricity users has climbed from 47% to reach 64%, and this number is expected to reach 90% by 2019. During the same time, the use of power consumption per person has reached 348 units from 220 units.

This success in generating the power needed to run the country, however, has come at a considerable cost. At least 25% of power production depends on imported fuel oil.

Ministry sources said that because of the falling global prices, the upcoming budget might allocate Tk800 crore for the fuel oil sector, com-

pared to the ongoing year’s Tk5,000 crore.

M Tamim said: “The government must reduce its dependency on oil if it wants to sustain long-term success in the power sector. Currently almost 3,000MW of electricity comes from fuel-oil-based stations. Even gas will not do. Power production should head in the direction of coal.

“Once completed, the government’s projects to set up two coal-based power plants in Rampal and Matarbari will take the power sector of Bangladesh towards a stable position.”

Ministry sources said efforts to import a further 100MW of power from Tripura are under way, while efforts are also on to set up and produce electricity from the Rooppur nuclear plant with help from Russia.

The government has plans to add a further

11,000MW of electricity to the national grid by 2019. 1State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid said: “Under the new master plan for the power and energy sector, plans have been made to invest $20bn. Of this, $10bn will come through foreign assistance, while the rest will come through partnerships, government funds, and with help from different companies.”

According to estimates, the electricity demand in Bangladesh would reach 63,600MW by the year 2040, with an annual increase of 8%. The master plan is part of an effort to meet this demand.

According to government figures, only 1% of electricity comes from alternative fuel sources.

The government has announced its target of producing 10% of its power from solar and other alternative sources by the year 2020. l

PM: Action against those trying to go abroad illegally country illegally are punished as well as the middlemen.”

The prime minister referred to the hundreds of Rohingyas and some Bangladeshis who have landed in overcrowded boats on the shores of various Southeast Asian countries on their sea voyage to Malaysia as human smugglers abandoned their boats because of crackdowns by authorities.

She said these people have no idea where they are actually heading towards. “Now their bodies are found in forests.”

The prime minister asked the Labour and Employment Ministry to carry out campaign to stop illegal migration and human trafficking.

“You will have to conduct publicity campaigns so that the migrant people learn that they do not need to give money to the middlemen for going abroad, and by doing so they fall into a trap.”

Briefly describing the various initiatives taken by her government for the welfare of migrants and expatriates, she said it was painful that some people are stepping towards an

uncertain journey.

“Why are they going? … It is not correct that all of them are doing this because of poverty … It seems as though they are running after the golden deer, they think a lot of money can be earned abroad … This is a sort of mental illness,” she said, as reported by the UNB. Hasina said these fortune-seekers can do something to earn their livelihood in the country with the money they are giving to the middlemen. “They could have led a comfortable life and engaged in better jobs here.”

She said the government has been able to regularise the status of 650,000 illegal Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia and over 800,000 in Saudi Arabia through fruitful discussions with the respective governments.

Terming the Awami League government as a labour-friendly one, the prime minister said her government was determined to ensure the welfare of the working class, and 29 labour welfare centres in the country’s industrial zones are providing services to this end.

She mentioned the steps taken by the Awa-

mi League-led governments on Labour Act and Labour Policy and said the Bangabandhu government had framed the Labour Policy in 1972 to establish an exploitation-free society and formed Labour Directorate in 1974.

In continuation of the steps, the government made the Labour Act 2006 more time-befitting by amending it in July 2013 to protect the interests of the working class, she said.

Hasina said the National Labour Policy 2012 and the National Professional Health and Safety Policy 2013 have been formulated by her government to industrialise the country, ensure compliance and sustain in competitive external trade and commerce.

She mentioned that the National Industrial Health and Security Council has been formed for the first time in Bangladesh with labour and employment affairs minister as its chairman.

The prime minister said the Child Labour Policy 2010 has been formulated fixing 38 types of works as risk-prone for children as these are harmful in consideration of child

health, security and morality.

Stressing the need for enhancing training programmes to develop skilled manpower, the prime minister said steps would have to be taken to impart training on language, works and law of the country where the workers want to go.

She said during the tenure of her government since 2009, nearly 850,000 youths have been trained and employment opportunities have been created for over 240,000 unemployed youths at home.

She also mentioned the creation of self-employment through distribution of collateral-free loans, national service guarantee scheme, information service activities in rural areas, one house one farm project and expansion of vocational education.

Coming down heavily on the foreign countries that are talking too much about wages and working conditions at various factories and industrial organisations in Bangladesh, the prime minister said they would have to first look at their own houses. l

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MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

BTRC to release 700MHz spectrum band for 4G n Ishtiaq Husain Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission gears up for releasing 700MHz spectrum band for 4G or long-term evolution auction as the government wants to introduce the latest technology to the mobile industry in 2016.

As part of its plan, the regulatory body cancelled 700MHz spectrum allocation to AlwaysOn Network Bangladesh Limited, an internet service provider (ISP).

The BTRC made the announcement through a press release yesterday.

At different programmes over the last few months, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the ICT adviser to the prime minister, hinted at the introduction of 4G by 2016.

“The International Telecommunications Union defines 700MHz as a mobile band. We

want to earn money as this band is precious for 4G or long-term evolution,” a BTRC official said, requesting anonymity.

The band will facilitate faster mobile internet, offering a better, less costly and more expanded mobile broadband services by mobile operators than now, he said.

AlwaysOn Network was partially utilising its allocated spectrum of 700MHz for a long time, he said, adding that the spectrum of the state is limited and valuable.

“We could not keep the spectrum idle years after years without making good use of it,” he added.

As the spectrum issue with the AlawaysOn Network is pending at the court, Sarwar Alam, spokesperson and secretary to the regulatory body, declined to comment on the matter.

The BTRC has served several notices to

AlwaysOn for replacing its allocated 700MHz with another band spectrum – 5.4MHz or 3.5MHz – and finally it issued a final notice on December 14 last year.

However, AlwaysOn continued its operation at 700MHz which annoyed the telecom watchdog.

The regulatory commission made the decision at a meeting to cancel AlwaysOn’s allocated 700MHz and last Thursday it made an announcement in four national dailies making the ISP subscribers aware of the issue.

It also asked AlwaysOn to refrain from providing internet service until it gets the spectrum allocation applicable for the ISP companies.

The BTRC also requested consumers not to receive wireless internet service from AlwaysOn. However, there is no bar to getting wired internet service from the ISP.

The America-based company received 6MHz spectrum (6 uplink and 6 downlink) free of cost in 700MHz band on July 17, 2006.

In 2008, it got permission to operate its activities nationwide.

According to the BTRC, the company established 46 base stations for serving 1,300 customers.

When contacted, Reaz Shaheed, managing director of AlwaysOn, declined to comment on the matter as a case is pending on the spectrum issue at the court.

TIM Nurul Kabir, secretary general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators in Bangladesh (Amtob), told the Dhaka Tribune that the decision was realistic as the 700MHz band is defined only for cellphone.

Now, the BTRC would be able to allocate the spectrum properly in future, added Nurul. l

HC orders exhumation of woman killed after alleged rape in India n Tribune Report The High Court yesterday ordered the government to exhume and run an autopsy on the body of a Bangladeshi woman who was killed after allegedly being raped in India two months ago.

The court asked the government to submit the autopsy report of the victim – Nargis Begum – by June 16. The authorities would also have to submit relevant documents regarding the victim’s body that had previously been handed over to Sonadanga police station in Khulna.

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul-Huq and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman came up with the order after being moved by a writ petition filed by the victim’s maternal aunt Rahela Begum and chief executive of Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Alena Khan.

The petitioners will ask the local administration of Khulna to exhume the victim’s body after getting the written order of the High Court in hand, Alena Khan told reporters.

After an autopsy, it will be revealed whether Nargis was raped or not, Alena said.

According to media reports, 32-year-old Nargis, who hailed from Khulna’s Sonadanga, was allegedly raped and killed by criminals in Firozabad of Uttar Pradesh in March. She went to India with her daughter Kakoli and mother Anwara Begum on March 7 for medical treatment.

They had started for New Delhi from Kolkata on a train on March 9 and the next day when they reached a station around 3:30am, some people misinformed them that they had arrived in New Delhi.

Nargis’s mother Anowara said after getting off the train they realised that they had left a bag behind in the train. Nargis went back inside when criminals kidnapped her and forced her into an autorickshaw.

Police in Uttar Pradesh later found her body near the railway line in Firozabad district in the second week of March. They claimed that Nargis was not raped but ran over by a train. l

Members of Bangladesh Garo Students Union chant out slogans during a demonstration staged in Shahbagh, Dhaka yesterday protesting the gang-rape of an indigenous girl in the capital on Friday and widespread sexual harassment of indigenous women and children across the country RAJIB DHAR

JU teachers warn against mockery of punishment n JU Correspondent Teachers and students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) yesterday called upon the university administration to effectively implement the lifetime expulsion of five Chhatra League men.

Those five were expelled for life time from the university after they harassed and mugged a female indigenous student on the night of Pohela Boishakh.

The teachers at a press conference warned of a dire consequence if the expulsion is withdrawn.

The press conference was held yesterday afternoon at the Teachers Lounge of Social Science Faculty under the banner of Shikkhok-Shikkharthi Oikya Moncho.

They said they do not want to see the eyewash punishment.

At the press conference, JU Government and

Politics Department teacher Prof Naseem Akhter Hossain, also an organiser of the anti-sexual harassment movement, said a writ from the court very often nullify the punishment.

“And it has become a regular practice,” said Prof Naseem urging the authorities to stop such practice. JU Philosophy Department Associate Professor Rayhan Rhyne read the written statement at the press conference.

Rayhan Rhyne demanded the probe report prepared by the anti-sexual harassment cell be published soon.

He urged the authorities to make sure that expelled students would not attend classes and sit for examinations.

Philosophy Department teacher Sayed Nizar Alam, History Department teacher Anisa Parvin, Anthropology Department teacher Rezwana Karim, JU unit Chhatra Union General Secretary Deepanjan Kajal were also present at

the press conference.

The JU syndicate on Saturday night expelled Nishat Imtiaz Bijoy of Journalism and Media Studies Department, Abdur Rahman Ifty and Nurul Kabir of Anthropology, Nafiz Imtiaz of Chemistry and Rakib Hasan of Geography and Environment Science for harassing and mugging a female indigenous student of Botany.

All are leaders and activists of Shahid Salam Barkat Hall unit Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League.

On April 16, the authorities expelled them on temporary basis while JU unit Chhatra League suspended them after the incident surfaced.

The victim was physically harassed and mugged by those five Chhatra League leaders and activists on the night of Pohela Boishakh (April 14) while she was returning to her dorm after attending a function at JU Botany Department. l

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MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

DU, CU teachers protest against new pay scale n Tribune Report Teachers at Dhaka University and Chittagong University have rejected the Eighth National Pay Scale and demanded its revision immediately.

Members of Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) formed an hour-long human chain at Aparajeyo Bangla yesterday in protest against the new pay scale, terming it disgraceful and discriminatory.

Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, general secretary of the DUTA, said: “The planned pay scale has downgraded salary structure of university teachers by two grades, which is disgraceful.”

DUTA President Professor Dr Farid Uddin Ahmed said: “The bureaucrats humiliated university teachers by giving biased recommendation for the pay scale. We have shown the highest form of decency. If our demand is not met immediately, teachers from all 37 public universities will launch a tougher programme.”

Professor Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, chairman of the television and film studies department at the DU, said: “Farash Uddin Ahmed [head of the Eighth National Pay and Service Commission] has launched a new conspiracy against the government by allowing discriminatory pay scale.”

Professor Mesbah Kamal of the history department said: “In India, teachers get higher salary than government secretaries, and here we are being discriminated.”

Among others, Prof Aktaruzzaman, dean of the Arts Faculty, Prof Muntassir Mamun of the history department, and Prof MM Akash of the economics department attended the protest.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong University Teachers’ Association (CUTA) yesterday demanded that the government reform the proposed salary scale rejecting the eighth pay scale, and uphold the selection grade for the public university professors.

The teachers will form a human chain and stage demonstration on the CU campus today and present an eight-point demand, CUTA General Secretary Prof Khusrul Alam Kuddushi said at a press conference at the CUTA office on the campus.

He said though the pay commission proposed 16 different grades, reducing them from 20, in the new pay scale, the secretary-level grades remain unchanged and offer illegal and illogical benefits to the secretaries, making the proposed pay scale questionable.

Among others, CUTA President Professor Dr Abul Mansur, Vice=President Professor Dr Syamol Ranjan Chakrobarty, Treasurer Professor Hanif Siddique and other members of the executive committee were present at the press conference. l

Latif Siddique denied bail n Tribune Desk Sacked minister Abdul Latif Siddique was denied bail yesterday in one of the seven cases for hurting religious sentiments of Muslims.

Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order after a hearing the bail petitions placed by his counsel.

The defense counsel argued that since maximum punishment in case Latif is proven guilty is two years in jail, and since he has been jailed for around six months, the bail can be allowed.

Latif was also denied bail earlier in the CMM court; the initial rejection was challenged in the current court on April 16.

Latif had surrendered before the Dhanmondi police station on November 25 last year, two days after he returned from the US. The ex-minister faces 33 cases filed with different courts across the country after he made controversial comments against hajj and Tabligh Jamaat at a programme in New York on September 28 last year.

Latif was sacked from the cabinet on October 12 last year. Later, he was expelled from the Awami League presidium committee, and his primary membership of the ruling party was rescinded.

Latif was not produced before the court yesterday as he is undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University due to his chest pain and high blood pressure. l

Samprodayikota O Jongibad Birodhi Moncho, a platform against fundamentalism and terrorism, forms a human chain in the capital’s Shahbagh yesterday protesting recent death threats to 10 intellectuals from militants of Ansarullah Bangla Team RAJIB DHAR

ADB to lend $12m to improve primary edu n Tribune Report Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $120m loan in additional funding for a six-year government-led programme to improve the quality and reach of primary education in Bangladesh, said a press release yesterday.

The loan will be complemented by co-financing from the European Union, the Global Partnership for Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Bank.

The government of Bangladesh will provide the remaining $1.7bn for the country’s $9.8bn Third Primary Education Development Programme, which was launched in 2011.

ADB’s original financing was a $320m loan, and it agreed in 2011 to

make more funds available if implementation was successful.

This was confirmed by a joint midterm review by the government and its development partners completed in September 2014, which called for a greater focus on results.

The additional funds are expected to raise key performance indicators relating to student achievement, access and efficiency in Bangladesh, which has one of the largest primary school systems with over 19.5 million children enrolled in about 106,000 primary schools.

The midterm review notes the project has increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates across the country, but this trend is lower among disadvantaged groups such as children from small ethnic communities, children living in slums,

and children living with disabilities.

“Although the programme has helped Bangladesh make considerable progress in meeting its education targets enshrined in Millennium Development Goals 2 and 3, much work remains to be done,” said ADB senior social sector specialist Rudi Van Dael.

“This additional funding will help deepen ongoing reforms, scale up successful project interventions, and complete already scaled-up activities.”

To deliver an efficient, inclusive, and equitable primary education system, the projects aim to continue building the capacity of both students and teachers, reduce disparities in access to education, decentralise oversight of the primary education system, and improve programme planning and management. l

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MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

BOMB ATTACK ON CU TEACHERS’ BUSES

No significant progress in investigation n CU Correspondent Eight months have passed since the crude bomb attack on the buses carrying Chittagong University teachers, but other than arresting seven people, police have not made any significant headway in the investigation of the incident.

Asked about the slow progress of the case, Inspector (investigation) Md Salauddin Chowdhury of Hathazari police station said: “The people, whose names the arrestees gave us during interrogation, went into hiding when police started conducting drives to arrest them. But we hope to finish the investigation soon.”

Sources said since the university authorities filed a case with Hathazari police station following the attack, its investigation officer has been changed twice.

Sub-Inspector Nurul Hakim of Hathazari police station was first appointed as the investigation officer of the case, but he handed the case over to Sub-Inspector Jashim Uddin as he went

abroad on a mission around two months ago. A month later, Sub-Inspector Mizanur Rahman replaced Jashim as the investigation officer as Jashim was transferred to Khagrachhari.

When contacted regarding the case’s progress, Mizan told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are nearly done with the investigation, and hope to submit a charge sheet at the court soon.”

The attack took place on September 10 last year, where crude bombs were hurled at the campus-bound teachers’ buses on Chittagong-Hathazari Road at Chararkul area in Hathazari. The attack injured 14 people, including 10 teachers, and sparked protest among the teachers and students of the CU. The CU unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, was alleged to have carried out the bomb attack as part of their indefinite student strike at the time on the CU campus demanding the reopening of two student dormitories.

Following the attack, the university’s transport department’s Deputy Director Md

Rabiul Islam filed a case with Hathazari police station in this regard, accusing 20-25 unidentified criminals.

Police arrested seven Shibir members in connection with the attack, who later confessed to being involved with it before a Chittagong court, police sources told the Dhaka Tribune.

Later, the CU authorities expelled five students on October 1 on the basis of their confession.

Following the bomb attack, police conducted several raids in three Shibir-dominated dormitories at the CU as well as several Shibir-run establishments on the campus and recovered firearms, petrol bombs, crude bombs, gun powder and sharp weapons.

Hathazari police filed a total of five cases over the recovery of the explosive materials and the weapons, accusing 136 Shibir members and 286 unidentified persons, sources said.

‘A black day for CU’

Teachers at the university termed September

Khokon: Clean Dhaka a top priority

SC to decide on Bar Council polls on Thursday n Tribune Report

n Shohel Mamun

Clean Dhaka is a top priority for the new Dhaka South Mayor Sayeed Khokon, who said he has already started working on it.

“I have made a list of top-priority tasks, and clean Dhaka is one of them,” the mayor said at a press meet in his office at the DSCC headquarters yesterday.

“We need 57 waste transfer stations, but we only have seven. We have already asked Rajuk, Bangladesh Railway and the Roads and Highways Department for land to establish the stations,” he said.

He also said more public toilets would be built at the fuelling stations to meet public demand, and street lights would be set up at the streets that do not have any before Shab-e-Barat.

Mentioning that the city corporation has a Tk250-crore debt, he said: “We are talking with the Ministry of Finance to get an allocation of fund to pay the debt.” l

The Supreme Court fixed Thursday as a possible day to declare verdicts in three appeals challenging the High Court stay on the Bangladesh Bar Council polls.

A four-member Appellate Division bench led by the Chief Justice set the date after hearing of the appeals concluded yesterday.

The High Court froze the elections of the Bangladesh Bar Council for three months last Thursday. The elections were scheduled on May 27.

On that day following the HC order, Bar Council Secretary Altaf Hossain and candidates AJ Mohammad Ali, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Bodruddoza Badal lodged two appeals at Supreme Court against the High Court order.

Yesterday an aspirant of the bar council, Rokanuddin Mahmud also filed an appeal seeking apex court’s intervention to hold the election after correcting the voter’s list.

The High Court stayed the polls on May 21 after two petitions mentioning flaws in voter list were filed by lawyer Eunus Ali Akond.

The court had also asked the government and Bar Council authorities to explain by four weeks why the polls schedule should not be declared illegal. l

Man shot, Tk33 lakh snatched in capital n Kamrul Hasan

Unidentified muggers shot a man in the capital’s Moghbazar and snatched Tk33 lakh yesterday.

Md Selim Akhter, an accountant of medicine distribution company Aqua Marine Distribution Limited, was shot around 1pm when he and a colleague were heading for Brac Bank’s Moghbazar branch to deposit the money.

Selim’s colleague Pintu Ranjan Das said: “Some five to six men swooped on us and tried to snatch the money when we were halfway between the bank and our office.

“They snatched Tk3,327,250 from us. Of the amount, Tk1,700,000 was in Selim’s bag.

As he denied to give the bag to the muggers, they shot him, snatched the bag and ran away,” he said. l

10 as “the black day of the CU” because of the attack.

Demanding a ban on Jamaat-Shibir on the CU campus, the teachers said they were not happy with the case’s progress.

“We [the teachers] have staged several demonstrations protesting the bomb attack and demanded exemplary punishment against the attackers. We have even submitted our demands to the inspector general of police, but we have not seen any satisfactory results yet,” former CU Teachers’ Association president Prof Benu Kumar Dey told the Dhaka Tribune.

Meanwhile, survivors of the attack, including those who were injured, have been suffering from post-traumatic stress.

“I get frightened when I hear any kind of explosion sound. I even fear walking on the streets whenever I hear of any clashes on the campus,” said Srabonti Saha, lecturer at the university.

The teachers also demanded a ban on Jamaat-Shibir at the CU. l

DU to open 3 new departments n DU Correspondent

Four men accused of committing crimes against humanity are put in a prison van after the International Crimes Tribunal ordered to send them to jail yesterday RAJIB DHAR

Dhaka University is going to introduce three new departments from the 2015-16 session.

A press release said the three new departments are Electronic Engineering and Mechatronics under Engineering and Technology Faculty; Printing and Publication Studies under Social Sciences Faculty; and Public Health under Biology Faculty. l

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MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Grabbers eat up govt land worth Tk300 crore n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj

About Tk300 crore worth government lands have been encroached, grabbed on the two banks of Kumar River at Tekerhaat port in Gopalganj. The river is losing its flow as local influentials are erecting new structures on encroached lands every day.

Tekerhaat port, located at the borders of Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj and Rajoir upazila of Madaripur and an important land-river port, has become a popular industrial area. New factories and businesses are being established one after another. The

value of the nearby lands have also increased many folds.

However, due to lack of administration’s oversight large tracts of the Kumar river banks are being encroached in Muksudpur upazila’s Tekerhaat Uttorpar, Bhushimalhata, Horirchar, Jolirpar, Baniyarchar areas; and Rajoir upazila’s Tekerhaat Dokhinpar and eastern areas.

The local influentials are filling up the riverbanks in broad daylight, and the administration is doing nothing about it. An eviction drive was carried out at the port area after 1/11 but the land grabbers re-possessed those lands afterwards.

After the government recently dredged the Kumar River for easier passage of river vessels, when river islands appeared near the banks of Kumar River and its branch Jolkha River a certain group of influentials grabbed those islands and filled them up to erect various business and home establishments. The government lost at least Tk300 crore worth of land this way.

Uttam Kumar Shaha, an experienced businessman at the port, said the Kumar River needs to be saved as the regions economic development depends on it. “If the port remains as active as now, Tekerhaat will develop a lot as the riverways are safer for transporting goods,

even during hartals and blockades,” he said.

The residents of the area said if such encroachment of the river bank continues then the river will turn into a narrow canal one day.

They demanded immediate eviction of the land grabbers to save the river.

Muksudpur upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md Khairuzzaman said: “Several government offices have lands in this port area. The encroachers have been identified and cases have been filed against some of them. We have told them to remove the illegal structures and an eveiction drive will be launched soon to recover the government lands.” l

Five killed as nor’wester hits Dinajpur, Joypurhat n Tribune Report At least five people were killed and 50 others injured as a nor’wester swept over Dinajpur and Joypurhat districts early yesterday.

In Dinajpur, four people, including two of a family, were killed and 50 others injured as the violent storm hit four upazilas of the district.

The deceased were identified as Mitu Roy, 22, wife of Mukul Chand Roy of Khayerpukur village in Phulbari upazila, Sirajul Islam, 60, his grandson Sabbir, 8, of Hatishal village in Nababganj uapzila and Aleya Begum, 65, wife of late Sabet Ali of Kamarpara village in Chirirbandar uapzila.

Besides, several hundred houses were damaged and thousand of trees uprooted during the storm in Phulbari, Nababganj, Chirirbandar and Sadar upazilas of the district.

Power supply to different villages under Sadar upazila got snapped as a number of electric poles were uprooted by the storm, reports UNB. Vehicular movement on Dinajpur-Dhaka highway remained suspended for several hours as trees fell on the highway during the storm.

Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Shamim Al Razi confirmed the death of four people.

In Joypurhat, Jahidul,37, son of Naser Uddin, a resident of Gaibandha district, was killed and 12 people were injured as a nor’weste lashed several upazilas of the district.

Witnesses said Jahidul died on the spot as a wall of his house fell on him during the storm at about 1:30 am.

Besides, the storm damaged a huge number of houses, paddy fields and uprooted trees and electric poles, snapping power supply in five upazilas of the district.

Meanwhile, 20 people were injured and three thousand houses were damaged during the storm that lashed in Nilphamari district on Saturday night, said Magura union parishad chairman Ataur Rahman of Kishoreganj upaizla of the district.

Besides, around 150 thatched houses were damaged and four hundred trees were uprooted when a nor’wester hit five unions of Sadar upazila in Lakshmipur district on Saturday night. l

Koroi-Kadipur Govt Primary School in Joypurhat is heavily damaged as a nor’weste lashed several upazilas of the district yesterday

DHAKA TRIBUNE

11 killed in road accidents in 4 districts n Tribune Report

At least 11 people were killed in road accidents in Sirajganj, Satkhira, Natore and Rangpur districts yesterday.

Our Sirajganj correspondent reports: Three people were killed and four others injured as a truck hit a mini truck on the Bangabandhu Bridge West Link road in Konabari area of Kamarkhanda upazila in the morning.

The deceased were identified as mini truck driver Shofi, 52, son of late Meher Kha, a resident of Ramchandrapur of Pabna district, his helper Dudu, 48 and his son Hridoy, 9, a resident at Madhabpur village in Dhunat upazila of Bogra district Police said the accident took place when the truck hit the gas cylinder-laden mini truck in the area around 5:30am, leaving three people dead on the spot and four others injured.

The injured were admitted to Sadar Hospital.

Helal Uddin, officer-in-charge of Banghabandhu Bridge West Police Station, confirmed the incident.

Police sources said as many as fifteen people had got killed in road accidents on the western side of Bangabandhu Bridge link road in Kamarkhanda upazila just in a span of three days.

On May 23, at least 10 people were killed and over 50 others injured in a triangular collusion between a truck and two buses at Shimantabazar on the road.

On May 22, two people were killed when a truck fell into a ditch at Mofij Mor on the link road.

In Satkhira, three people were killed and 20 others injured when a bus plunged into road side ditch in Tala upazila, reports our correspondent.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

The injured were admitted to Tala Hospital.

Witnesses said, the driver of a Satkhira-bound bus from Khulna lost control over the steering at Subhashini area around 11:30am and plunged into road side ditch, leaving three dead on the spot and 20 injured.

Tala police station Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim conformed the incident.

Rangpur correspondent said two people were killed when a microbus hit a truck standing on the road in Pirganj upazila.

The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.

In Natore, two men including a BRTC bus helper were killed in an accident in Sadar upazila in the evening, said our correspondent.

Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sadar police station said a Dinajpur bound BRTC bus lost its control over the steering in Nawpara area and hit a tree leaving its helper dead on the spot and 20 injured.

Of the injured, one died while he was being rushed to Natore Sadar hospital. l

DT

NEWS 7

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Doctors visit Tungipara Hospital as strike continues n Our Correspondent, Gopalganj A delegation of doctors yesterday visited Tungipara Upazila Health Complex, which was wrecked in a massive attack on Friday.

Dr Sheikh Abid Hossain, president of Bangladesh Medical Association’s Gopalganj unit who led the delegation, told reporters it would take four to five months to resume operations at the hospital in full swing.

He also said doctors at all the government and private hospitals in the district were on strike for the second day. “Patients suffered because of the strike but doctors will return to work soon.”

Meanwhile, doctors and nurses formed a human chain on the road in front of Gopalganj General Hospital in the morning, demanding that the attackers be brought to book.

The hospital authorities filed a case with Tungipara police station in connection with the attack, and police arrested 11 people, including Ali Akbar Khan, the prime accused.

On Friday, scores of people, mostly Gowhordanga Madrasa students and locals, engaged in savage acts of vandalism at the hospital after it was rumoured that a Hindu nurse had caused the death of Khadijatul Kobra, a Muslim patient, by giving her an injection used to kill dogs.

Akbar Ali’s son, Billal, spread the rumour by announcing it on the madrasa’s loudspeaker, said Ikram Hossain, sub-inspector of Tungipara police station.

At least 40 people, including the upazila health and family planning officer, Pabitra Kumar Kundu, and nurse Kakati Lata, sustained serious injuries in the attack. l

WEATHER THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN

MONDAY, MAY 25 TODAY SUN SETS 6:38PM

DHAKA

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:12AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY 36 35 40 33 38 38 32 33

Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar

29 28 28 24 28 28 24 28

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

39.0ºC

20.5ºC

Rajshahi

Sylhet Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

3:44am 5:11am 11:55am 4:35pm 6:39pm 8:09pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

The picture taken from capital’s Gausia market area yesterday shows pedestrians cross the road wrongly, putting their lives in danger though there are two foot over bridges near the market SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Police bust gang of thieves who posed as domestic help n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A notorious gang of robbers, who gained access into households disguised as domestic helps, have been arrested by the police in Chittagong.

During two days of drives, forces from the Chawkbazar police station managed to apprehend four members of the gang known as Bhola Group, which gained its name as its members all hailed from Bhola. Some more members of the group, however, remain on the run.

During primary interrogation, the detainees – ring leader Md Shahid, and his cohorts Md Mofiz, Parvin Akhter, and Rehana Begum – said they monitored their targeted house for

several days before going there and offering services of a domestic help. Several more days would then be spent to gain the trust of the family before finally robbing the house when no one was looking.

However, when they faced difficulty in tricking their targets, the domestic helps mixed different poisons with food and stole goods while their employers remained drugged.

The gang confessed of robbing around 2022 houses in Chittagong during the past six years, the police said, adding that they suspect the real number to be much higher.

More than 10 tolas of gold bars worth over Tk5 lakh was also recovered from the robbers’ possession.

BRTA analyst: Overtaking, overload, overspeed cause most accidents n Our Correspondent, Sunamganj The accident data analyst at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has identified overtaking, overload and overspeed as the major causes of road accidents.

Speaking at a workshop at Shaheed Abul Hossain auditorium yesterday, ABM Abu Bakkar Siddique also said engineering, enforcement and education could prevent road casualties.

The two-day workshop was organised by the BRTA in association with the district administration to raise awareness of road crashes among motorists.

Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Rafiqul Islam told the attendees that a driver’s com-

petence was measured by whether he could reach the destination safely rather than how fast he reached there.

He stressed awareness among car owners, drivers and pedestrians, pointing out that this could markedly reduce road fatalities.

“A driver should not be behind the wheel for more than five hours a day, but there are some reckless drivers whose actions put blame on passengers, transport owners and workers, and the society as a whole.”

Superintendent of police in Sunamganj, Md Harun-ur-Rashid, advised motorists to be cautious while driving through several accident-prone areas identified by the BRTA in the district. l

Chawkbazar Officer-in-Charge Aziz Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune they made the arrests based on a tip-off; the detainees have been shown arrested in a theft case lodged with the station.

The Bhola Group members were active in Chawkbazar, Kotwali, Bakialia and Bayezid areas, the OC said.

Using the money gained through their exploits, Mofiz had constructed a building back in his own village in Bhola, the OC added.

The police were now trying to arrest another group of thieves known as the Barisal Group, which had a similar mode of operation and was active in the city’s Bakalia, Bayezid, Double Mooring and Halishahar areas, Aziz further said. l

Yaba trader killed in ‘gunfight’ n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar An alleged Yaba trader was killed during a ‘gunfight’ with another group in Teknaf upazila early yesterday. The deceased was identified as Sayed Nur Hossain Prakash Sona Miah, 30, son of late Sikder Ali. Teknaf poice station Officer-in-Charge Ataur Rahman Khandaker said, a gunfight started between two groups of drug traders at Bridge no 14 area around 4am.

On information, police went to the spot.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the criminals managed to flee the scene.

Later, police recovered the body of Sona Miah from the spot and sent it to Sadar Hospital morgue. l

DT

8 WORLD

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Church reels after Ireland’s huge ‘Yes’ to gay marriage

A supporter holds a sign as he celebrates outside Dublin Castle following the result of the same-sex marriage referendum in Dublin on May 23 as Ireland became the first country in the world to approve gay marriage by popular vote in a spectacular setback for the once all-powerful Catholic Church AFP

n AFP The once-dominant Catholic Church in Ireland was trying to come to terms yesterday with an overwhelming vote in favour of gay marriage, saying it needed a “new language” with which to speak to people.

As jubilant “Yes” supporters nursed their hangovers after partying late into the night following Saturday’s referendum result, the faithful attended mass to hear their priests reflect on the new social landscape in Ireland.

“The Church has to find a new language which will be understood and heard by people,” Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, one of

Arrests in Cleveland police acquittal protests

n AFP Dozens of people were arrested in Cleveland protests after an officer was acquitted in the killing of a black pair.

Small protests broke out Saturday in the midwestern US city after 31-year-old patrolman Michael Brelo was found not guilty on two counts of voluntary manslaughter in the 2012 killing.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said 71 people were arrested, as multiple demonstrators broke away from the peaceful protests and in some cases assaulted bystanders.

Several high-profile cases involving unarmed black men killed by police have sparked nationwide protests and ignited a debate about race relations and excessive police force. l

the Church’s most senior figures, told reporters after mass at the city’s St Mary’s Pro Cathedral.

“We have to see how is it that the Church’s teaching on marriage and family is not being received even within its own flock.”

He added: “There’s a growing gap between Irish young people and the Church and there’s a growing gap between the culture of Ireland that’s developing and the Church.”

The majority of Irish people still identify themselves as Catholic but the Church’s influence has waned in recent years amid growing secularisation and after a wave of clerical child sex abuse scandals.

During the campaign, bishops spoke

against changing the law, while older and rural voters were thought to have accounted for much of the “No” vote.

Final results showed 62 percent in favour and 38 percent against introducing gay marriage in a country where being homosexual was a crime until 1993.

As yesterday’s newspapers marked the result with colourful pictures of partying “Yes” supporters, they noted the heavy blow to Church authority.

Ireland will become the 19th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriages once the necessary legislation is approved as expected in the coming months. l

Russia’s new ‘undesirables’ law draws Western ire n AFP The United States led criticism of Russia’s new law targeting “undesirable” NGOs, which activists fear will stifle critical voices at international rights groups working in the country.

Under the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening, Russian prosecutors will be able to target foreign groups whose “undesirable activities” are deemed to threaten “state security” or the “basic values of the Russian state.”

Such groups and their publications risk

being banned in Russia, having their bank accounts blocked and violators face fines or prison terms of up to six years.

People cooperating with such entities would also be hit with fines and could be banned from entry to Russia.

Critics have said the vague wording of the law, and a process that bypasses the courts, means any group could be targeted.

The “undesirables” law builds upon existing legislation branding groups with foreign funding as “foreign agents,” passed shortly after Putin began his third historic term in the Kremlin in 2012, despite massive protests. l

Rouhani wants economy ‘free’ of sanctions

n AFP Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called yesterday for national unity to liberate the economy from international sanctions, which he compared to a form of occupation.

“We must join hands and free our economic territory which was unjustly occupied by the countries of the P5+1 (Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany) and the UN Security Council ... through use of diplomatic and political tools,” Rouhani said in a televised speech.

The P5+1 group is trying to negotiate a deal with Tehran aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, in exchange for an easing of punishing economic sanctions.

Iranian hardliners have opposed any deal curbing nuclear activities that Tehran says are for peaceful energy purposes.

The UN Security Council adopted six resolutions, four of which imposed sanctions, against Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes between 2006 and 2010.

Since 2012, the United States and the European Union have also applied a series of unilateral sanctions that specifically target the energy and banking sectors.

Iranian oil exports have fallen from more than 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2011 to about 1.3 million bpd, and Iran is banned from the SWIFT global banking network.

In early April Tehran and world powers concluded a framework agreement aiming to pave the way for a final nuclear agreement by June 30. l

Greek Finance Minister admits to taping Eurogroup meeting

n Reuters, Athens

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis yesterday admitted he had recorded a euro zone finance ministers meeting and criticised media for reporting “lies and innuendos” on what transpired at that April 24 Eurogroup gathering.

The outspoken minister told the New York Times Magazine last week he had taped the confidential meeting in Riga, drawing criticism that he was undermining Greece’s efforts to secure aid from lenders.

“In the absence of minutes, I often record my interventions and responses on my mobile phone, especially when I ad lib them,” Varoufakis said in his blog and to Britain’s BBC, adding that he used the recordings to help prepare briefings for the Greek cabinet.

“I did the same in the Riga Eurogroup meeting and, afterwards, back in Athens, used that recording to work on my brief to my colleagues,” he wrote.

Since assuming his post in January, Varoufakis has annoyed many euro zone colleagues due to his brash style and sharp-tongued barbs against creditors at a time when Greece needs their help to avert bankruptcy.

Eurogroup rules do not explicitly prohibit participants from recording talks as long as the contents are kept confidential.

But the disclosure prompted howls of disbelief from Greek media and the opposition who said that secretly recording his peers might undercut Greece’s efforts to build alliances. l

DT

WORLD 9

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

US defense chief: Iraqi forces lacked will to fight Islamic State n Reuters, Washington US Defense Secretary Ash Carter yesterday said Iraqi forces showed no will to fight against Islamic State militants during the fall of Ramadi a week ago, and US forces were trying to encourage them to engage more directly.

“The Iraqi forces just showed no will to fight,” Carter told CNN’s “State of the Union” program.

“They vastly outnumbered the opposing force and yet they withdrew from the site.”

Carter said the United States was continuing to provide air strikes and supply Iraqi forces with training and equipment. “If there comes a time when we need to change the kinds of support we’re giving to the Iraqi forces, we’ll make that recommendation.” l

Rescue workers carry a body bag with remains retrieved from a mass grave at a rubber plantation in Thailand’s southern Songkhla province on May 6. Similar mass graves believed to contain the remains of Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants have been found in Malaysia. Story on page 32 REUTERS

Iran denies agreement on military site inspections n AFP

An Iranian negotiator yesterday denied accepting military site inspections as part of a nuclear deal with world powers, a delicate issue in talks that must be concluded by the end of June.

Abbas Araghchi, who is also deputy foreign minister, made the remarks as he briefed a parliamentary committee on the progress of the talks with the P5+1 -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany.

“In his report, Mr. Araghchi said that inspections of military sites have been accepted but the inspections are regulated and will be seriously managed,” ultra-conservative lawmaker Javad Karimi-Ghodoussi was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.

The remarks appeared to contradict those of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said this week that inspections of mili-

tary sites and interviews of scientists by foreign experts were excluded from a framework nuclear agreement.

Araghchi denied the lawmaker’s comments on his Instagram page.

“What can we do except put the fate of Karimi-Ghodoussi and Fars in the hands of God?” he wrote alongside a picture of a Fars headline that read: “We accepted the inspection of military sites”.

Araghchi said later that during the briefing both he and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated their “objection to inspections or visits to any military centres or interviews with our nuclear scientists”.

“We presented necessary explanations... regarding security measures which countries implementing the protocol usually take in order to protect their military, nuclear and industrial information and prevent spying,” he

said in a statement from the ministry.

The United States says Iran has agreed in principle to enhanced inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), particularly under the Additional Protocol that allows snap inspections.

“The exact details of the inspection regime are still being worked out,” said US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf.

She expressed hopes for “a solution that will give us and the IAEA the assurances we need with regard to access (to the sites) and transparency” of the Iranian nuclear programme.

Tehran denies any foreign access to its military facilities, in order to protect national “military or economic secrets”.

The IRNA quoted parliamentary spokesman Behrouz Nemati as saying “it will not be like the Americans can inspect any place at any time” and “these inspections will be regulated”. l

Syria: IS executes hundreds in Palmyra n Reuters, Beirut

Islamic State fighters have executed at least 400 people in Palmyra since capturing the ancient Syrian city four days ago, Syrian state media said yesterday.

It was not immediately possible to verify the account, but it was consistent with reports by activists that the Islamist fighters had carried out executions since capturing the city from government troops.

The militants seized the city of 50,000 people, site of some of the world’s most extensive and best preserved ancient Roman ruins, on Wednesday, days after also capturing the city of Ramadi in neighbouring Iraq.

The two near simultaneous victories were Islamic State’s biggest successes since a US-

led coalition began an air war against the fighters last year, and have forced an examination of whether the strategy is working.

The Sunni Muslim militants have proclaimed a caliphate to rule over all Muslims from territory they hold in both Syria and Iraq. They have a history of carrying out mass killings in towns and cities they capture, and of destroying ancient monuments which they consider evidence of paganism.

“The terrorists have killed more than 400 people.. and mutilated their bodies, under the pretext that they cooperated with the government and did not follow orders,” Syria’s state news agency said, citing residents inside the city.

It added that dozens of those killed were state employees, including the head of nurs-

ing department at the hospital and all her family members.

Islamic State supporters have posted videos on the Internet they say show fighters going room to room in government buildings searching for government troops and pulling down pictures of President Bashar al-Assad and his father.

Activists have said on social media that hundreds of bodies, believed to be government loyalists, were in the streets.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors violence in the country with a network of sources on the ground, says that some people were beheaded in the town since it fell but has not given an estimate for the toll among civilians.

It says at least 300 soldiers were killed in the days of fighting before the city was captured. l

Saudi king vows to punish those behind suicide attack n Reuters, Dubai Saudi Arabia’s King Salman said yesterday he was “heartbroken” over a suicide bombing at a Shi’ite mosque in the kingdom that killed 21 people, state news agency SPA reported, a conciliatory statement as sectarian strife intensifies in the region.

Salman said anyone linked to the attack, claimed by the Islamist militant group Islamic State, or who sympathises with it, will be brought to justice.

“We were pained by the enormity of the crime of this terrorist aggression which contradicts Islamic and humanitarian values,” the king said in a message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who is also the interior minister.

“Any participant, planner, supporter or sympathiser with this heinous crime will be held accountable, tried and will receive the punishment he deserves,” he said. l

Iran general says funds needed to counter IS n AFP A senior Iranian military official told parliament yesterday the armed forces need a bigger budget to confront the Islamic State group whose influence is growing in neighbouring countries.

“We have to face a new threat in the region.

Terrorist groups are close to our borders,” General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan who commands Iran’s ground forces told parliament, media reported.

The Iranian general, who warned that “the battle is on the ground,” did not say by how much the defence budget should be increased.

For the fiscal year ending in March 2016, the defence budget was increased by more than 30% to reach some $10 billion dollars. In addition, the armed forces receive $1.2 billion from sovereign funds.

Shiite regional power Iran has military advisers in Iraq and Syria and provides financial and military support to the governments of both countries in their fight against the Sunni extremists. l

DT

10 WORLD

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Thousands flee Nepal landslide

This handout photograph released by the Nepal Army on May 24 shows an area in Nepal’s mountainous northwest Myagdi district affected by a landslide AFP

n AFP Thousands of panic-stricken villagers fled their homes fearing flash floods after an overnight landslide blocked a river in quakehit Nepal’s mountainous northwest, officials said yesterday.

The landslide at around midnight sent mud and rocks tumbling into the Kali Gandaki river in Myagdi district, causing water levels to rise by 150 metres (490 feet), said local official Yam Bahadur Chokhal.

“We have evacuated about 100 people from the affected area.

People in other villages don’t need immediate rescue but thousands have left on their own,” Chokhal told AFP. As fresh landslides dumped debris into the river during the day, the two-kilometre-long artificial lake created by the blockage began to overflow the newly created dam, home ministry spokesman Laxmi Prasad Dhakal told AFP. “The artificial lake has begun to overflow the dam... but there does not appear to be any risk of flooding,” Dhakal said.

An army helicopter carrying soldiers and geologists had reached the site earlier in the day and officials were monitoring the water flow closely, Dhakal said.

“Once the soft soil flows away with the water, security forces might blast holes into the hard rocks blocking the river but we have to be very careful to ensure that there is no sudden surge,” he said.

The region has witnessed several small landslides in recent days, said local official Trivikram Sharma, based in the district headquarters of Beni 185 kilometres (115 miles) west of Kathmandu.

“After the two quakes, villagers have reported several minor landslides and late last night they said the hill just came down,” Sharma said.

No one was hurt in the landslide, according to officials. l

DT

EDITORIAL 11

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

INSIDE

The dark layers of overseas work While the case of the illegal migrants deserves to be dealt with immediate priority, there is also a necessity to look into the other side -- where legal workers also live in a state of semi-slavery PAGE 12

Mission: Chemical X We’ve got to take matters into our own hands. Be it pepper spray, or an iron rod, or safety pins -- advise your daughters to carry them around everywhere they go PAGE 13

Distortion can become an addiction There is no leeway for corruption or waste; the law will not support the first and the state should not sustain the second PAGE 14

Be heard Write to Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Email letters.dt@ dhakatribune.com

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opinion.dt@dhakatribune. com www.dhakatribune.com Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook. com/DhakaTribune

The right way to fight criminals on campus

W

e applaud the Jahangirnagar University student who defied intimidation and threats to file a formal complaint against five Chhatra League members who physically assaulted and robbed her and another student last month.

The Jahangirnagar University Syndicate has rightly acted to expel all five accused for their actions. Three others have also been suspended because they made efforts to settle the matter informally.

It is concerning that, even though this incident of mugging and sexual assault on Pohela Boishakh attracted a lot of attention, some key persons earlier tried to label it as trivial.

Had this victim not posessed the courage and resolve to stand up to the attackers by filing a complaint, it is possible authorities may have ended up ignoring demonstrations on her behalf by fellow students.

We are pleased that the Vice Chancellor has now taken a firm stand by expelling the five responsible for life and promising to make sure the university will resist any legal attempts to allow them to stay in hall and sit for exams.

This is a good start in challenging lawless behaviour from student activists.

The disruption caused to universities by successive governments indulging criminal elements in the ranks of student unions has been a cancer in our education system for too long.

Jahangirnagar University deserves to be commended for challenging the impunity which prevents or deters police from acting against criminal acts by student activists.

The government should show support for its move to help law enforcers and university authorities root out all criminals from campuses.

Speak up to end impunity and support universities in rooting out criminals

DT

12 OPINION

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

The dark layers of overseas work n Towheed Feroze

O

f late, the topic has been the plight of migrants, mostly illegal, but, as the complex phenomenon of overseas work begins to unravel, the hitherto hidden inner layers of so-called “legitimate work” in foreign lands has also come under the spotlight.

With the current revelation that most of the ones stranded at sea near the coastlines of South East Asian nations, are Bangladeshis aspiring for a better life in another country, all types of foreign employment is now being deconstructed.

The end picture is hardly a hope inducing one.

While the case of the illegal migrants suffering in dire conditions deserves to be dealt with immediate priority, there is also a necessity to look into the other side of the picture -- where legal workers also live in a state of semi-slavery.

To bring the matter into context, recently, a BBC team investigating the living conditions of mostly South Asian workers in Qatar, was imprisoned because it moved away from the carefully choreographed stage show of blissful existence and delved into the real picture where workers, mostly employed by construction companies to build stadiums for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, were found in cramped and squalid conditions.

The BBC footage was short, possibly because the recorded items were either confiscated or given back to the released news team on condition that it would not be aired.

However, the footage shown was enough to indicate the claustrophobic living areas, dirty bathrooms, and a grime-filled common kitchen space -- hardly the picture which conforms to accepted accommodation standards approved by labour welfare bodies.

Yet, the workers carry on, accepting/ adapting to these “minor problems.” After all, the only consolation for the foreign worker is the regular salary. Unfortunately, that one positive aspect, the monthly or weekly wage, is often peppered with too many uncertainties.

Yasin, a young man from Comilla went to Dubai to work on a legitimate work visa. The job offer was made by a Bangladeshi broker, employed by an Indian agent in Dubai. The agent was hired by the actual employer, an Arab, who had received the contract from an international hotel chain to provide cleaners, waiters, and guards.

Lured by promises of Tk30,000, one made by the local broker, Yasin paid Tk5 lakh as payment to obtain a work permit and went to Dubai. Living in a workers’ mess, he began his duty as a cleaner for the restaurant of a five star hotel.

For many, this is like a dream come true.

Only the facts later related by Yasin shed light on the actual scenario -- the workers living in a mess had to wake up at 5am to eat, get ready, and wait for the bus to take them to work.

After one and a half hour on the road, they arrived at the workplace and the shift went up to 8pm or 9pm -- a clear violation of

REUTERS

While the case of the illegal migrants deserves to be dealt with immediate priority, there is also a necessity to look into the other side -- where legal workers also live in a state of semi-slavery

the labour law. The passports of the workers were taken away by the agent -- a second violation.

After one month, Yasin and all the others were told by the Bangladeshi broker that their wages would be paid soon and that the delay was caused because a contract on wage rates was still not signed with the Arab employer and the Indian agent.

However, for sustenance, they were given a small amount to buy food and carry on.

Sometimes, workers receive tips at the hotels for which surviving was not difficult.

In this manner, seven months passed, and one day all the workers were stopped by the police, taken to prison since the agent they

were working for had not given them the final working papers bearing the name of the actual Arab contractor.

Consequently, each person had to manage a temporary pass to go back home, asking relatives back in Bangladesh to pay for the return ticket. Meanwhile, the broker vanished along with the agent. No one thought of contacting the actual Arab employer, since it was understood that he had no role in this operation.

Yasin and 50 others came back, Tk5 lakh lost for each, no salary paid for seven months, and with only some harsh lessons learned about foreign employment scams.

The trick in this case is being played regu-

larly -- it’s a shrewdly covered and unethical arrangement with the word “legal” written on top of it. Firstly, the initial work permit provided is a valid paper and the long hours at work are also a fact with the clever deception played at the end of the month when the wages are due.

With some excuses and pats on the back, workers are pacified, paid a little for food, and made to work on. This goes on for six months, and when discontent becomes vocal, with agitation imminent, the broker quietly informs the police to stop the workers at some point.

The rest is done automatically.

Beleaguered workers go back to their country; the broker, plus the unscrupulous agent, have managed to get work done for six months paying a pittance, pocketing the actual salary, possibly paid by the main employer on time. Or, maybe the Arab main contractor was also a cohort.

Disillusioned, people like Yasin begin to pick up the pieces of their lives to carry on while brokers come back in search of a new batch of dreamers.

Work in a Dubai hotel, get solid payment, a secured future … dream peddlers are never short of victims. l Towheed Feroze is a journalist currently working in the development sector.

DT

OPINION 13

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Mission: Chemical X This is part one of a two-part op-ed on women’s role in our society

n Rushiba Ahmad

I

've always wanted to be a mother. And being the boro meye of the house myself, I’ve always loved the idea of having a daughter as my eldest.

But with everything that’s happening around us, I now wonder whether anyone should even risk bringing a little girl into this messed up world. She’d never be safe. I’d die worrying about her. I couldn’t stop her from going out into the world, and I’d be scared every time she did.

That’s how haunting our society has become. Girls have always been -- and still are -- victims of so many cruelties. I understand now, Ma, why you’ve always been so protective and strict about where we go and who we’re with. I used to get exasperated at how much you worry, but today I understand your tension.

We’ve got to take matters into our own hands. Be it pepper spray, or an iron rod, or safety pins -- advise your daughters to carry them around everywhere they go

Being a girl is tough in our world. Every step of our journey is a struggle to avoid judgment. We have to continuously fill the criteria “they” set for us. Let’s take the simple occasion of marriage. A girl has to get married. If she doesn’t want to, there’s something wrong with her.

And trying to marry off a girl is sort of like bidding for paintings or antiques. The buyer first sees if the object fills the qualifications they are seeking -- then the fight for the highest bid begins.

Apparently, marriage and love aren’t always like Disney fairytales. Anyone who’s of age to marry knows that. Very few of us are lucky enough to find our partners before our parents take matters into their own hands.

For most of us, we have to go through a certain conundrum at a certain age, most commonly known to all Bengali parents and their daughters as biyer boyosh. Before we know it, we’re in the stressful drama of our families searching for our matches. We all dread it.

Then there are the patri chai columns in our daily newspapers reflecting what is wanted of a girl: Tall, with a degree, but willing to give up everything and go live abroad with the guy.

All these things are elements of how girls are perceived today. This perception is the

foundation of why girls are treated the way they are. In our society in general, being a girl means being sacrificing. It means taking the backseat to a husband’s career. It means giving up jobs by default to raise a family.

Being a girl means being weak. Being a girl means having fair skin and a size-zero body to be worthy of a patro.

Moreover, our society is shaped around the distorted idea of how a girl loses her dignity when her virginity is lost after being raped. If a girl is raped, it’s because of the choice of the men who did that to her. Our society does not have the logic to understand that this is not a matter of shame for the girl who is the victim.

Even the notions of complexion, body type, and hair determining whether a girl is marriage-worthy or not is upsetting. It’s one thing to encourage girls to take care of themselves, but “biye hobe na tor” or “kono chele toke pochondo korbe na” are not good enough reasons to get them to follow a beauty regimen.

These reasons often affect a girl’s selfesteem; sometimes to the extent that she loses belief in herself. True are the words from the movie The Help: “Lonely is the child whose mother thinks she’s ugly.” Having low self-esteem and shattered confidence influences not only a girl’s career and marriage but also the spirit with which she faces barriers in her way.

These are, after all, the building foundation of being able to stand up for oneself; the root of being able to face perpetrators without fear.

Girls have been abused and raped for as long as we can remember. Why? Well, because the world is producing more animals disguised as humans of course. But also because most of us girls are so vulnerable.

These animals take our vulnerability as an open invitation to attack us. We need to encourage all women to be stronger. It’s as important as nurturing our skin or hair, maybe even more so.

A fighting spirit might actually be the only thing protecting each of us right now.

Our safety is ours to ensure. Depending on anyone else for our security is too big a risk nowadays -- be it the state, authorities, or law enforcers. They’re not the dependable protectors they should have been.

It’s not about what we wear or how we go out into the world. Hijab or jeans, saree or burqah -- there will be men out there to taunt us, bully us. It’s a lost cause to hope that these men will ever change. We’ve got to take matters into our own hands. Be it pepper spray, or an iron rod, or safety pins -- advise your daughters, nieces, sisters, and friends to carry them around everywhere they go.

Teach them karate; they need it more than the boys.

More importantly, teach them to have the guts to kick, hit, and fight anyone who ever comes to harm them. Self-defence seems like a lesson worth investing in, considering the unsettling times we’re living in. l Rushiba Ahmad is a freelance contributor.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

DT

14 OPINION

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

REUTERS

Distortion can become an addiction n MJ Akbar

T

here is one articulate politician who knows more than he might be likely to admit about corporate influence on political power. Mani Shankar Aiyar brought a sudden energy, purpose and direction to the department of petroleum and gas when he was given this cabinet portfolio

by Dr Manmohan Singh.

Suddenly, quite out of the blue, Aiyar was shifted out. He was not dropped from the ministry; nothing quite so brutal, but he was, as it were, put in his place -- and that place was as far from petroleum as could be. Why? Aiyar was among the best ministers. He had one problem, however, as far as the Congress leadership was concerned: He would not take dictation from an extremely powerful industrialist with substantial interests in the gas sector. Aiyar was replaced by a man who happily advertised his proximity to this industrialist.

This is hardly the only instance of crony capitalism and corporate bullying during the Congress regime between 2004 and 2014.

We all know public memory is short, but this should not dwarf facts.

Remember the Radia tapes, which constitute documentary evidence of ministers being allotted portfolios on behalf of business lobbies in 2009, when Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were in supreme command?

The deluge of corruption cases, with the shocking transfer of coal assets to cronies at its epicentre, is profound evidence of national resources being handed over to a select group of who paid handsome amounts for their influence. This cash-and-carry system

ensured they had access to every level of power, whether in the privacy of drawing rooms or in government buildings.

As newspapers study the first year of Narendra Modi as prime minister, the pink press has noted, many times, that the climate has changed in Delhi. Industrialists are comparatively invisible in Delhi and lobbyists are struggling through a lean season after 10 years during which corruption was facilitated by the highest in the land and then protected by zero-loss theories.

perate for an image makeover.

The second reason is a bit more complex.

Rahul Gandhi has stepped back into caricature rhetoric from the 1960s and 1970s in which the private sector was ridiculed and vilified as an evil ogre drinking the blood of citizens for breakfast.

This chant is the product of an infantile mind that has absorbed pseudo-Marxist litany with all the intellectual curiosity of blotting paper. I thought that Congress had moved away from failed recipes when it

There is no leeway for corruption or waste; the law will not support the first and the state should not sustain the second

Narendra Modi has proved within twelve months that government can also function with zero-tolerance of corruption. There is proof. The auction of just 10% of coal mines, once handed out as virtual gifts, has brought Rs200,000cr to the public exchequer. The mind boggles at the extent of the looting that was going on.

Why has Rahul Gandhi invested so heavily in the blatant untruth that NDA is close to “corporates”? The first reason is also the most obvious. After having indulged in unprecedented corruption, Congress is des-

embarked upon reforms in the early 1990s in order to expand space for the private sector.

Clearly, there has been rhetoric reversal.

The irony is that Indians no longer buy a product past its sell-by date. Even the great bastion of communism, China, doesn’t.

India’s economic thinking has matured. Both sectors, private and public, must survive by the same values: Honesty in operations and accountability in balance sheets.

There is no leeway for corruption or waste in either; the law will not support the first and the state should not sustain the second.

If SAIL is a good example of public sector well-being, then Air India is an equally powerful instance of public sector ill-health.

Congress has mounted barrage warfare to deceive the poor. The poor, fortunately, have enormous resources of common sense. They know who stole what during the Congress decade.

They also know how to measure any government. They will support the Jana Dhana Yojana because funds for khadi production schemes in villages, to give one example, reach them through newly-opened bank accounts and they do not have to get the money through layers of institutional corruption that reduced a rupee of welfare to 15 Indian paisas on the ground.

The poor will support the social security system created by the Modi government that offers life insurance worth Rs2 lakh for a nominal premium and accident insurance at even lower rates. The jobless know the difference between empty rhetoric and smart city projects that create the wealth of jobs and regular wages.

Distortion can so easily become a counter-productive habit. After having denied One-Rank-One-Pension to the armed forces for a decade, Congress has begun to claim that it is the father of a child being delivered today. Soldiers are not blind.

Distortion has become such an addiction that there soon will come a time that the people will not believe Congress leaders even if they happen to tell the truth. l MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist. He is the founder of The Sunday Guardian. This article was first published in The Sunday Guardian.

16

US on track to hike rates as economic headwinds wane

17

Analysts: Gulf producers to resist cuts at OPEC meet

19

Stocks end flat due to technical glitch

20

DT

Business

15

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

First-ever job fair for returnee migrants held

Technical glitch hits DSE trading for hours The buy and sale of shares came to a halt even after introduction of latest technology in less than five months

n Tribune Report Trading on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) was shut for more than two hours yesterday as a technical glitch brought buying and selling to a halt in less than five months after introducing latest technology.

The country’s prime bourse failed to open the trade in the morning as no brokerage firms could log in with the main server.

The problem was fixed after lunch and trading resumed at 2:20 pm and ended at 4pm. Trading usually begins at 10:30am and ends at 2:30pm, shortening trading hours.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has asked the DSE to immediately submit a detail report on it.

The technical problem was the latest since the DSE witnessed such glitch on April 13, 2014 when trading disrupted for more than two and a half hours.

DSE Managing Director Swapan Kumar Bala said the root cause is being analysed and

steps are being taken to prevent such occurrences. The technical problem surfaced at around 9:30 am while they were taking preparation for resuming trading.

He said at least 70 brokerage houses have to log-in DSE trading server out of 232 active brokerage firms to start trading. But it failed to fulfill the quorum within the stipulated time-frame following a technical problem in the DSE server.

“So, trading remained suspend after consulting with the DSE’s global technology partners (Singapore, India and Paris),” said Bala.

The DSE in a statement explained that this delayed start resulted in a shorter trading period of 1 hour 40 minutes compared to 4 hours of normal trading. It said the technical issue which resulted in the disruption to trade related to its integrated trading system whereby trading information for selected brokers were delayed beyond acceptable limits.

This would have placed affected brokers at a disadvantaged position compared to its

peer group. In order to prevent this situation arising, DSE took the decision to delay trading till all market participants had equal opportunities to trade.

The technical problem surfaced at around 9:30 am while they were taking preparation for resuming trading It said DSE and its international technology partners worked in three jurisdictions to resolve this issue and to open trading facility as soon as possible.

The combined efforts of all those involved has resulted in market opening at 2:20 pm for all brokers, albeit for a truncated trading session of 1 hour 40 minutes, it said.

Analysts say when the investors are getting

back confidence, such kind of problems that erupted frequently are sending a negative massage to the potential investors.

The post of chief technology officer remained vacant in the DSE for around five months. DSE launched the new trading platform on December 11, last year to get rid of repeated technical glitches, particularly on occasions of some debut stocks with huge trade volume with a cost of Tk35 crore.

NASDAQ OMX, the world’s largest exchange company based in the US, provided the main part – matching engine – while FlexTrade Systems provided the order management system at the brokers’ end.

The trading engine TESA and trading terminal MSA Plus was replaced by FlexTrade Systems developed by the US-based world’s largest exchange company NASDAQ OMX. Amid the reduced trading hours, Dhaka stocks closed flat with DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, finished at 4,484, gaining more than 1 point. l

Matlub: New FBCCI body to develop fresh entrepreneurs n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Matlub Ahmed, the winning team leader of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry election, unveiled his plans including creation of new entrepreneurship and ensuring of single-digit loan, plus energy for boosting business development in the country.

Matlub is expected to be the president of the apex trade body as his panel bagged the highest number of directorship positions in the poll.

The FBCCI is comprised of 52 directors, of which 32 are elected and the remaining 20 nominated. Of the 32 posts, 16 will be filled by the chamber group and another 16 by the association group.

The would-be president of FBCCI shared his business sector development plans in an exclusive interview with the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

DT: What will be your first priority for business development as a leader of the apex trade body?

MA: As a leader of the trade body, the topmost priority is to create new entrepreneurship as it creates new jobs, boosts production and export volume, said Matlub. There are 64 chambers in the country and we will take initiatives to create at least three entrepreneurs from each chamber.

As a part of our initiatives, FBCCI will urge the government to allocate gas and electricity connection on priority basis to the newly established industry.

design new fashions to attract global buyers.

DT: How will you increase trade volume with our neighbouring country?

MA: As a developing country, Bangladesh needs more FDI to reach its goal. Since we have some economic zones and Export Processing Zones (EPZ), FBCCI will look for new investors especially in ICT sector, and with the help of the government, we will provide utility services for them.

MA: Regional trade plays an important role in enhancing trade volume as our Neighbouring country India and China are two big markets for Bangladesh. Through bilateral agreement and Business-to-Business negotiation we will try to enhance regional trade by establishing connectivity among the South Asian country, especially the SARC.

Matlub Ahmed

DT: How will you help business people to establish new business?

MA: At present, the high bank interest is a big problem to establish new industry and FBCCI will advocate for bringing down the interest rate to 9%. We have enough idle fund in the banks but due to higher interest rate, business people are not interested to take loans and to encourage new investment.

Since energy crises and shortage of land are bar to setting up new business, FBCCI will work for acquiring land and meeting energy demand.

DT: Products and market diversification are necessary to expand export and how would it be done?

MA: Through research and development, FBCCI will gather information about the recent trend of global fashion and demands. The findings will be shared with the sector people so they can take steps to produce diversified products and grab markets.

For market diversification, expositions will be arranged in the regions where the market still remains unexplored. More initiatives would be taken to

DT: Foreign Direct Investment is not at expected level. What will be your steps to enhance FDI?

DT: What is you message for business community?

MA: Please, forget about the election and come forward. Everyone has to work together to ensure a business congenial environment. l

DT

16 BUSINESS

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

US on track to hike rates as economic headwinds wane n Reuters Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen was clearer than ever on Friday that the central bank was poised to raise interest rates this year, as the US economy was set to bounce back from an early-year slump and as headwinds at home and abroad waned.

Yellen spoke amid growing concern at the Fed about volatility in financial markets once it begins to raise rates, and a desire to begin coaxing skeptical investors toward accepting the inevitable: that a 6-1/2-year stretch of near-zero interest rates would soon end.

In a speech to a business group in Providence, Rhode Island, Yellen said she expected the world’s largest economy to strengthen after a slowdown due to “transitory factors� in recent months, and noted that some of the weakness might be due to “statistical noise.�

The confident tone suggested the Fed wants to set the stage as early as possible for its first rate rise in nearly a decade, with Yellen stressing that monetary policy must get out ahead of an economy whose future looks bright.

While cautioning that such forecasting is always highly uncertain, and citing room for improvement in the labor market, the Fed chief said delaying a policy tightening until employment and inflation hit the central bank’s targets risked overheating the economy. “For this reason, if the economy continues to improve as I expect, I think it will be appropriate at some point this year to take the initial step to raise the federal funds rate target,� and begin normalizing monetary policy, Yellen told the Providence Chamber of Commerce.

In a speech in March, Yellen said only that a rate hike “may well be warranted later this

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks at a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) at the Treasury Department in Washington REUTERS year,� though the Fed was at the time giving “serious consideration� to making the move.

Investors globally are attempting to predict when the Fed will modestly tighten policy. Most economists point to September, while traders in futures markets held firm on December.

Ahead of a three-day US holiday weekend, Treasury yields hit session highs after Yellen spoke on Friday, and short-term interest rate futures extended losses, hitting session lows.

US stocks were largely flat. “This is probably the most telegraphed Fed lift-off in some time,� said Bruce Zaro, chief technical strategist at Bolton Global Asset Management. “I think they’re concerned about the market’s reaction - they don’t want to have a period of volatility that causes the market to react in a crash-type form.�

Yellen, however, struck some familiar dovish chords, noting that the “generally disap-

pointing pace of wage growth ... suggests that the labor market has not fully healed.�

She said less progress had been made on lifting inflation, though she said the Fed believes it will rise to the central bank’s medium-term 2% goal as oil prices rebound and other temporary factors dissipate. “With the waning of the headwinds ... the US economy seems well-positioned for growth,� Yellen said, predicting “moderate� employment and output growth this year and beyond.

She also reinforced the notion that rate hikes will depend on incoming economic data and that the tightening process, once it begins, is likely to be gradual. “Yellen believes the economy is improving and that the Fed will raise rates this year,� said Wayne Kaufman, chief market analyst at Phoenix Financial Services. “It is just waiting for the right data to do that.� l

RBI’s Rajan: India has built up defences vs volatile capital flows

n Reuters, Chennai

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan said on Friday the country has built up layers of defences against volatile capital flows in financial markets by building up its foreign exchange reserves, improving its economy, and focusing on economic growth.

Rajan took the helm of the RBI in September 2013, when the country was in the midst of its worst currency turmoil in more than two decades as foreign investors were selling heavily because of concerns about India’s low currency reserves and a record high current account deficit.

But India is now widely seen as less vulnerable to outflows as the RBI has steadily built up its currency reserves, which hit a record high of $353.88bn as of May 15.

The economy is also starting to show signs of improvement, with some analysts expecting growth to surpass China’s this year. India is due to report gross domestic product growth data next week.

At the same time, government measures to curb gold imports and slumping oil prices have sharply narrowed the country’s current account deficit, with analysts expecting a surplus in the January-March quarter. “The first layer of defence against volatile capital is our good macro economic environment,� Rajan said, speaking at an academic institute in Chennai. “The second thing which gives us protection is our reserves,� he added. “The third layer of protection, I think, would be growth. We can show strong growth going forward. People want to come in, people want to invest.�

However, Rajan also said that building foreign exchange reserves “beyond a point� is equivalent to intervention. “Some exchange rate intervention for precautionary purposes is necessary. You need to build reserves if you are an emerging market, but beyond a certain point it probably is direct intervention.� l

Firmer underlying inflation keeps Fed on rate hike path n Reuters, Washington Rising shelter and medical care costs boosted underlying US inflation pressures in April, a welcome sign for the Federal Reserve as it contemplates raising interest rates this year.

The Labor Department said on Friday its Consumer Price Index, excluding food and energy, increased 0.3% last month. It was the

largest rise in the so-called core CPI since January 2013 and followed a 0.2% gain in March.

Economists who had expected core inflation to increase 0.2% last month said the increase, which also reflected gains in the prices of household furnishings and new and used motor vehicles, should keep the US central bank on track to hike rates before the end of 2015. “It will give the Fed greater confidence that

inflation will indeed make it to its target in the next couple of years, it increases the odds of faster Fed action,� said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank in New York.

In a speech in Providence, Rhode Island, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said she expected rates to rise this year, adding that the lift-off hinged on a firmer jobs market and signs that infla-

tion was moving toward the Fed’s target. “I will need to see continued improvement in labor market conditions, and I will need to be reasonably confident that inflation will move back to 2% over the medium-term,� Yellen said.

The dollar was trading higher against a basket of currencies on the inflation data and Yellen’s comments. Prices for US government bonds fell, while U.S. stocks were little changed. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Sheltech has recently held a discussion on code compliant building design for minimising risk of damage during earthquake. The company’s managing director, Dr Toufiq M Seraj was the key note speaker. The company management has also issued a press release of a fair named Sheltech Budgetary Fair 2015 starting May 22 to June 10

Marcel has recently opened its exclusive showroom named Runa Electronics at Nalitabari in Sherpur. The company’s brand ambassador, film actor Amin Khan inaugurated the showroom

Crown Cement and GPH Ispat have jointly organised a seminar on earthquake risk and construction practices in Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka recently. Prof Dr M Shamim Z Bosunia, president of Institution of Engineers attended the seminar as chief guest

DT

BUSINESS 17

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Pakistan cuts interest rates to historic low n AFP, Karachi

Gulf oil producers, led by Saudi Arabia, will continue resisting attempts to cut output

REUTERS

Analysts: Gulf producers to resist cuts at OPEC meet n AFP, Kuwait City Gulf oil producers, led by Saudi Arabia, will resist attempts to cut output at an OPEC meeting next month as preserving market share remains their top priority, industry analysts said.

A decision by the 12-member Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries not to cut production in November sent prices crashing 60% before a partial recovery in recent weeks.

Gulf and other OPEC members said they wanted to safeguard their share of a market that has faced a supply glut as a result of sharp increases in the production of shale and sand crudes.

“Preserving market share still remains a top priority for Gulf states,” Saudi economist Abdulwahab Abu-Dahesh said.

“This time they are even encouraged by signs their November strategy is working after a drop in US shale oil production and in the number of rigs,” Abu-Dahesh told AFP. In the face of the sharp drop in their earnings, some OPEC members, led by Iran and Venezuela, have publicly called for the cartel to cut production to support prices.

“I don’t thing that any change will happen at OPEC’s meeting,” a former member of Kuwait’s Supreme Petroleum Council, Musa Maarafi, said.

“Gulf states will continue to defend their market share and it is their right to do so,” Maarafi told AFP. “They will not accept to cut output at their own expense unless an agreement is reached with non-OPEC producers.”

The burden of any cut in OPEC output

would likely fall on the cartel’s Gulf members - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - whose production has risen by around 3.5 million barrels per day since 2011.

Currently, they pump 16.8 million bpd, or 55% of OPEC’s total, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 10.3 million bpd. They export around 12.5 million, almost two-thirds of the cartel’s total.

‘This time they are even encouraged by signs their November strategy is working after a drop in US shale oil production and in the number of rigs’ Mounting competition

Head of marketing at national oil conglomerate Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) Jamal al-Loughani told a symposium last week that a change in the global energy map has made market share a highly sensitive issue.

He said the sharp rise in US production to 9.4 million bpd had allowed Washington to stop light crude imports from Africa.

It also cut imports of heavy oil from Latin America, substituting it with Canadian sand oil.

“That led African and Latin American exporters to seek new markets in the east,” said Loughani, adding that more than 3.0 million

bpd of additional high good quality crudes are being pumped into these markets in competition with Gulf exports.

“That places additional pressure on OPEC members, especially Gulf exporters, to cooperate to maintain market share and even ensure new takers for additional quantities in the future,” he said.

A relative rebound in prices and a drop in US shale oil output is likely to convince OPEC to continue with its strategy.

Data from the US Department of Energy showed US crude production dropping 112,000 bpd to 9.26 million bpd in early May. “Prices are improving, growth in supplies from outside OPEC - especially shale oil - is lower than before and demand is recovering,” Kuwait’s governor at OPEC Nawal al-Fuzai told reporters last week.

Over the past few weeks, oil prices have climbed about 40% but remain well below their levels of more than $100 a barrel in June last year.

Fuzai said crude oversupply dropped from around 2 million bpd late last year to between 1 million and 1.2 million now.

But Commerzbank warned in early May that “the oil market will continue to be oversupplied until OPEC significantly cuts its output.”

And the International Energy Agency reported that the cartel’s output hit 31.21 million bpd in April, the highest level since September 2012.

“It would thus be premature to suggest that OPEC has won the battle for market share,” the IEA said. “The battle, rather, has just started.” l

Pakistan’s central bank Saturday slashed the benchmark interest rates to a 42-year low of seven percent, hoping to stimulate growth in the long dormant economy.

“The State Bank (of Pakistan) is cutting the monetary policy rates by 100 basis points, aiming at boosting investment in the country,” Ashraf Mahamood Wathra told a press conference in the capital Islamabad.

Pakistan is trying to reboot its economy as key indicators became favourable at home, with the added support from depressed petroleum prices in the global market.

Standard and Poor’s early this month revised Pakistan’s credit rating outlook from stable to positive and forecast higher GDP growth for 2015 to 2017, amid a stint of economic reforms.

In March, Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s dollar bonds rating by one notch from stable to positive.

Net foreign exchange reserves with the central bank reached $12.55bn dollars this month from just $3.2bn in January 2014.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has voiced satisfaction with Pakistan’s progress on reforms, which were required under a $6.6bn bailout agreed in 2013.

“The low interest and inflation rates would entail robust investment in the country in the next fiscal year,” said Mohammad Sohail who heads the Topline Securities, one of the leading brokerage and investment house in Karachi, the country’s financial hub.

“The government is likely to set an aggressive target for the GDP growth (in) the next year,” he said.

The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will announce its annual budget for the next fiscal early in June, its second budget since coming into power in 2013.

Pakistan’s GDP is estimated to have grown 4.2% in the current fiscal year ending June 30, slightly higher than four percent last year. l

Bankers get ammo but no ally in regulation tussle

n Reuters

Bankers who carp about regulation have received new ammunition from an unexpected source: the central banks’ own central bank.

But the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is no ally.

It may seem that the Basel-based organisation has been listening to the likes of JPMorgan boss Jamie Dimon. A new BIS report on how stricter bank rules might affect monetary policymaking says that tougher regulations could reduce the supply of credit to households and businesses, especially smaller ones. They might also accentuate asset price volatility in financial markets, while attenuating the impact of monetary policy changes on market interest rates and the real economy.

Central bankers are also aware that regulation could become more onerous once policy rates in major developed economies finally start rising. The BIS points out that bank deposits may then prove to be a less stable source of funding than the rules envision, because customers will lose out from parking money in relatively low-yielding bank accounts. l

DT

18 BUSINESS

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures DELTALIFE: 20% cash dividend, AGM: 21.06.2015, Record Date: 02.06.2015.

FAMILYTEX: 10% stock dividend,EGM & AGM: 07.08.2015, Record Date for EGM and AGM: 09.07.2015. EPS of Tk. 3.28, NAV per share of Tk. 14.14.

FAMILYTEX: The Board has also decided to increase Authorized Capital of the Company from Tk. 280.00 crore to Tk. 310.00 crore for discussion and approval for expansion of project subject to approval from the Regulatory Authorities and the shareholders in the EGM RUPALIINS: The Company has requested the concerned shareholders to collect their cash dividend and Fractional Dividend warrants for the year 2014 personally or by duly authorized persons from the Share Department of the company from May 24, 2015 to May 26, 2015.

IFIC: The Company has informed that the Board of Directors has decided to issue Non-Convertible Coupon Bearing IFIC Subordinated Debt (Bond) at total face value of Tk. 3,500.00 million to raise Tier-II capital of the Company, subject to the approval of the Shareholders of the Company in the 38th AGM and the concerned Regulatory Authorities. Features of the Bond: Face Value of each Debt (Bond): 1.00 million, Lot size: 10, Currency: BDT, Purpose: To meet future Capital Adequacy Requirement of IFIC Bank Limited as per Basel-III, Tenure: 7 years, Rate of Interest: 9.50% to 12.50% p.a Actual

rate will be based on cut-off rate of the latest auctioned 182-days Bangladesh Government T-Bill plus 4.00% margin, Interest Payments: Semi Annual, Mode of subscription: Private placement, Investors: Bank, NBFIs, Insurance Companies, Foreign Investors, Local Corporate Bodies etc., Form: Non-convertible Coupon Bearing.

FAREASTFIN: The Company has informed that the Board of Directors of the Company has decided to purchase 10,886 sft (9th floor-5,403 sft +10th floor-5,483 sft) commercial space at Block B, Road 21, Plot- 53, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani Model Town, Dhaka, Bangladesh which is now under construction at a total cost of Tk. 293,922,000.00 (approximate).

Handover of the premises is scheduled within approximately three and half years.

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 KPCL: 40% cash, AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 31.05.2015.

BDWELDING: 5% stock dividend AGM: 25.06.2015, Record Date: 09.06.2015.

NBL: 10% stock dividend, AGM: 14.09.2015, Record date: 30.08.2015.

ORIONPHARM: 15% cash dividend, AGM: 28.06.2015, Record Date: 21.05.2015.

ISNLTD: No dividend, AGM: 28.06.2015, Record date: 16.06.2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company Power Grid Co. -A SummitAlliancePort.-A Rupali Bank - A ICB Sonali Bank 1 MF-A SAIF Powertec-N Imam Button -Z Meghna Con. Milk -B DESCO Ltd. -A 4th ICB M F-A AFC AgroBiotech-A

Closing (% Change) 9.84 9.12 8.96 8.06 7.99 7.87 6.76 6.64 6.44 5.84

CSE GAINER Company Power Grid Co. -A SonarBangla Insu. -A Rupali Bank - A Ifad Autos -N Marico BD Ltd-A H.R. Textile -A Fu-Wang Food A Usmania Glass -A AB Bank 1st Mutual Fund-A Ratanpur Steel -N

Closing (% Change) 9.81 9.66 7.50 7.23 6.12 5.63 5.63 5.53 5.45 4.89

DSE LOSER Company Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Zaheen Spinning -N 7th ICB M F-A Republic Insu.-A Janata Insur -A Central Insur -A Rangpur Dairy-Z ICB AMCL 1st NRB -A Agrani Insurance -A

Closing (% Change) -15.17 -10.33 -9.55 -9.49 -8.65 -8.33 -8.33 -8.04 -7.77 -7.55

CSE LOSER Company Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Janata Insur -A Apex SpinningA Republic Insu.-A Prime Islami Life -A Provati Insur.-A Asia Insur. Ltd.-A Zaheen Spinning -N AsianTigerSandhani GF-A

Closing (% Change) -9.66 -9.39 -8.45 -8.15 -7.94 -7.27 -6.96 -6.40 -5.99 -5.63

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features May 24, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

3,431.77 85,877,593 74,357

Traded Issues

301

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

97

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

203

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

1

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,525.47

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

30.61

Bank NBFI Investment Engineering Food & Allied Fuel & Power Jute Textile Pharma & Chemical Paper & Packaging Service Leather Ceramic Cement Information Technology General Insurance Life Insurance Telecom Travel & Leisure Miscellaneous Debenture

DSE Million Taka 173.19 87.63 17.43 427.44 102.24 875.55 0.39 320.46 379.24 14.19 392.90 4.55 60.80 30.56 47.02 16.92 54.62 235.58 71.44 118.62 1.00

% change 5.05 2.55 0.51 12.46 2.98 25.51 0.01 9.34 11.05 0.41 11.45 0.13 1.77 0.89 1.37 0.49 1.59 6.86 2.08 3.46 0.03

Million Taka 31.97 27.09 5.35 90.62 24.48 237.89 78.74 92.86 1.75 61.30 0.50 8.76 9.20 22.38 0.84 9.02 47.84 29.85 32.84 0.00

Average (% Change) 10.61 4.78 10.16 8.47 3.29 7.74 9.89 4.41 6.44 6.87

Average (% Change) 9.73 9.66 7.58 13.82 6.12 3.77 3.88 5.76 7.41 2.08

Average (% Change) -16.75 -9.43 -6.97 -9.39 -8.99 -5.83 -8.21 -4.42 -7.67 -6.84

Average (% Change) -12.38 -8.13 -7.75 -8.19 -9.70 -6.59 -6.48 -4.95 -5.65 -4.24

CSE

ClosingAvg. 41.30 62.70 50.87 6.66 84.46 9.60 8.00 73.64 205.00 62.51

ClosingAvg. 41.29 15.90 43.00 120.13 1307.94 23.94 24.10 105.00 5.80 52.99

ClosingAvg. 15.41 29.78 20.02 82.00 16.81 13.24 18.66 10.38 19.01 14.70

ClosingAvg.

% change 3.93 3.33 0.66 11.14 3.01 29.25 0.00 9.68 11.42 0.22 7.54 0.06 1.08 1.13 2.75 0.10 1.11 5.88 3.67 4.04 0.00

15.99 30.17 13.09 66.47 17.22 42.38 14.73 18.99 20.36 6.78

Closing 41.30 63.40 51.10 6.70 86.50 9.60 7.90 73.90 205.00 63.40

Closing 41.40 15.90 43.00 121.60 1307.90 24.40 24.40 105.00 5.80 53.60

Closing

DHIGH 41.30 63.90 51.50 6.80 87.20 9.60 8.00 75.00 205.00 64.00

DHIGH

DHIGH

DLOW 39.00 15.90 43.00 115.10 1307.90 21.10 23.20 105.00 5.80 51.10

DLOW

16.30 31.10 20.70 82.00 17.20 13.70 20.00 10.80 20.80 14.70

DHIGH

15.90 29.90 13.00 66.50 17.40 42.10 14.70 19.00 20.40 6.70

Million Taka 205.16 114.71 22.78 518.06 126.72 1113.44 0.39 399.20 472.10 15.95 454.19 5.05 69.56 39.76 69.40 17.76 63.64 283.42 101.29 151.46 1.00

41.30 60.00 48.00 6.20 80.50 9.60 7.90 72.60 205.00 60.20

41.40 15.90 43.00 124.00 1308.00 24.90 24.50 105.00 5.80 53.90

15.10 29.50 19.90 82.00 16.90 13.20 18.70 10.30 19.00 14.70

Closing

DLOW

14.70 29.30 19.70 82.00 16.50 13.00 18.40 10.10 18.60 14.70

DLOW

17.60 31.00 13.90 72.00 17.40 47.90 14.80 19.50 20.70 6.90

Total

15.70 29.40 12.70 66.40 17.10 42.00 14.70 18.60 20.00 6.70

% change 4.83 2.70 0.54 12.20 2.99 26.23 0.01 9.40 11.12 0.38 10.70 0.12 1.64 0.94 1.63 0.42 1.50 6.68 2.39 3.57 0.02

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

2.344 192.505 0.864 0.172 195.880 0.002 0.040 120.410 0.082 94.274

Turnover in Million

-0.15 1.00 5.84 0.97 2.69 -1.21 -4.49 4.05 24.11 3.20

Latest EPS

4.832 0.015 0.017 7.273 0.007 0.012 13.569 0.001 0.006 7.157

Turnover in Million

-ve 62.7 8.7 6.9 31.4 -ve -ve 18.2 8.5 19.5

Latest PE

-0.15 1.52 5.84 2.60 42.69 0.86 1.76 -1.39 0.76 4.17

Latest EPS

68.039 85.008 23.627 0.041 0.319 0.364 0.164 1.024 0.619 0.004

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

-ve 10.5 7.4 46.2 30.6 27.8 13.7 -ve 7.6 12.7

Latest PE

3.28 1.04 1.18 9.73 1.55 0.96 2.32 0.80 2.61 1.80

Latest EPS

29.484 25.378 0.310 0.015 0.040 0.252 0.003 0.050 6.359 0.060

4.7 28.6 17.0 8.4 10.8 13.8 8.0 13.0 7.3 8.2

Latest PE

3.28 1.04 0.96 2.28 1.55 4.95 1.84 2.17 1.18 0.60

4.9 29.0 13.6 29.2 11.1 8.6 8.0 8.8 17.3 11.3

CSE key features May 24, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

813.27 23,573,641 24,881

Traded Issues

235

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

79

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

151

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

5

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,453.66

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

29.74

DT

BUSINESS 19

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Stocks end flat due to technical glitch n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Khulna Power-A SAIF Powertec-N SummitAlliancePort.-A BD Submarine Cable-A United Power-N Ifad Autos -N DESCO Ltd. -A AFC AgroBiotech-A Baraka Power-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A

Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A UNITED AIR-A S Purbanchol Power-N Fu-Wang Food A ACI Formulations-A

VolumeShares 3,508,422 2,319,137 3,070,148 1,110,153 829,755 1,010,472 1,635,034 1,508,063 2,540,547 2,854,266

Value in Million 252.41 195.88 192.51 181.38 158.73 122.97 120.41 94.27 93.55 85.01

% of TotalTurnover 7.35 5.71 5.61 5.29 4.63 3.58 3.51 2.75 2.73 2.48

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

4,415,313 7,262,564 1,154,675 2,641,077 294,861

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Khulna Power-A BD Submarine Cable-A United Power-N DESCO Ltd. -A SummitAlliancePort.-A Familytex (BD) Ltd.-A UNITED AIR-A ACI Formulations-A SAIF Powertec-N BEXIMCO Ltd. -A

MJL BD Ltd.-A AFC AgroBiotech-A S Purbanchol Power-N Baraka Power-A BSRM Ltd. -N

987,994 278,331 209,002 538,407 561,992 1,843,476 3,098,372 130,008 312,005 841,197

166,279 292,977 310,290 411,256 243,238

68.04 65.54 64.83 64.44 59.84

70.86 44.48 41.37 39.40 34.26 29.48 28.57 26.89 25.45 25.38

19.03 18.28 17.28 14.93 14.08

1.98 1.91 1.89 1.88 1.74

8.71 5.47 5.09 4.84 4.21 3.63 3.51 3.31 3.13 3.12

2.34 2.25 2.13 1.84 1.73

ClosingP 72.30 86.50 63.40 163.50 188.80 119.30 73.90 63.40 37.10 29.50

15.10 8.90 56.00 24.50 199.00

ClosingP

Change % 2.26 7.99 9.12 4.61 -4.36 5.48 6.64 5.84 2.77 -10.33

-15.17 -7.29 0.72 5.60 -3.26

Change %

71.30 159.10 193.80 73.90 60.50 15.90 9.10 206.10 81.30 29.90

112.60 62.10 54.70 36.10 57.90

1.28 1.73 -1.12 6.18 3.95 -9.66 -5.21 0.78 1.75 -9.39

-0.97 3.16 -0.18 0.84 0.87

ClosingY 70.70 80.10 58.10 156.30 197.40 113.10 69.30 59.90 36.10 32.90

17.80 9.60 55.60 23.20 205.70

ClosingY

70.40 156.40 196.00 69.60 58.20 17.60 9.60 204.50 79.90 33.00

113.70 60.20 54.80 35.80 57.40

DHIGH 72.90 87.20 63.90 166.00 198.80 124.20 75.00 64.00 37.40 31.10

16.30 9.30 57.00 24.90 208.10

DHIGH

72.80 162.70 202.00 75.60 62.60 17.60 9.60 209.80 82.20 31.00

116.50 63.80 56.90 37.00 59.00

DLOW 70.70 80.50 60.00 160.00 185.00 117.60 72.60 60.20 36.10 29.30

14.70 8.80 55.30 24.00 198.00

DLOW

70.50 158.00 192.50 70.00 58.20 15.70 9.00 203.10 80.90 29.40

112.10 61.10 54.10 35.90 57.00

AvgPrice 71.94 84.46 62.70 163.38 191.30 121.70 73.64 62.51 36.82 29.78

15.41 9.02 56.14 24.40 202.96

AvgPrice

71.73 159.79 197.93 73.17 60.96 15.99 9.22 206.83 81.56 30.17

114.47 62.38 55.70 36.30 57.88

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

4484.62218

(+) 0.03%

1682.44776

(-) 0.06%

13838.44350

(+) 0.08%

11064.00820

(+) 0.16%

8462.00600

(+) 0.04%

▲ ▼ ▲ ▲ ▲

Stocks finished flat yesterday at both the bourses.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange was forced to cut trading hours for more than two hours due to technical glitch while the country’s second bourse Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) finished trading as usual.

Within 100 minutes trade, the DSE benchmark index rose marginally by over 1 point to 4,484. The Shariah index DSES fell 1.6 points or 0.2% to settle at 1,081. The blue chip comprising index DS30 was down nearly 1 point.

CSE prime index, CSCX, witnessed fractional rise of 0.5 points to end at 8,458.

IDLC Investments said reduced trade hours impacted the overall market participation and turnover settled at Tk340 crore, down 56% over the previous session.

Lanka Bangla Securities said technical glitch caused an unprecedented halt of trading on the Motijheel Street. Within this short time span market recorded small volume of trade as investors hastened to execute trading.

Large-cap sectors showed mixed performance. NBFIs experienced the highest

correction by losing 1.14%.

Telecommunication and pharmaceuticals also saw correction. Food and allied ended lower as well. Banks gained almost 1% followed by power which went up by 0.9%. Cement went up marginally by 0.02%.

Reduced trade hours impacted the overall market participation and turnover settled at Tk340 crore Losers took a marginal lead over the gainers as out of 133 gained, 136 declined and 31 remained unchanged on DSE. Fuel and power, and engineering sectors dominated the trading.

Khulna Power Company Limited was the most traded stock with shares worth Tk25 crore changing hands, followed by Saif Powertech, Summit Alliance Port Limited, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company limited, United Power Generation Company Limited and IFAD Autos. l

ANALYST

Technical glitch caused an unprecedented halt of trading on the Motijheel Street. Within this short time span market recorded small volume of trade as investors hastened to execute trading

DT

20 BUSINESS

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Unnayan Parishad panel wins FBCCI poll n Tribune Report

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation arranges a job fair for the returnee migrants in the city’s Institution of Diploma Engineers yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

First-ever job fair for returnee migrants held n Tribune Report The country’s first-ever job fair for returnee migrants was held at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in the city yesterday.

At least 300 migrant workers attended the fair, organised by Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF). BEF Vice President Sabrina Islam formally inaugurated the daylong fair.

BEF Secretary General Farooq Ahmed said, “Many of the migrant workers, both skilled and semi-skilled, returns home each year and looks for jobs here in Bangladesh.”

“That is why, we’ve organised the fair with

the help of International Labor Organization (ILO) for the returnee migrant workers who are trying to find a suitable job here,” said Farooq Ahmed.

Ahmed also said, “With an aim to help both the returnees and employers to come on a same platform, BEF has come up with the idea of organizing the job fair where the two parties can interact with each others directly.”

“We’re preparing a database of the returnees and in case of any vacancy, they would be called by the respective companies.”

BEF’s plans include replication of the job fair at the divisional headquarters throughout

2015-16 period.

At least 20 companies took part in the job fair where around 300 returnee migrants dropped their CVs, seeking jobs in various sector. Among others, Square group, Beximco group, Rangs group, Mir group, Envoy group, Babylon group, Gallery Apex, ACI and Mirpur Ceramics took part in the fair.

Attending the fair, Al Amin, a returnee migrant worker who spent 2 years in Malaysia, said, “ I won’t go to any foreign country any further as I want to do something better in my own country. There are lots of scopes to explore here in Bangladesh.” l

Four trade bodies seek cash incentives, whitening black money in next budget n Tribune Report The country’s four leading business associations have sought cash incentives and allowing black money whitening in the next budget.

The leaders of the four associations came up with the demands at separate meetings with the Finance Minister AMA Muhith held at his secretariat office in the city yesterday.

The four associations are–Bangladesh Carmine Wears Manufacturing Association, Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association, Real Estate and Housing Association of Bang-

ladesh and Bangladesh Garment Accessory and Packaging Manufacturing and Exporters’ Association.

After the meeting with the four associations, the minister said, “I have not given any promises to the leaders of Associations as per their demands”.

Leader of the Real state and housing association has demanded to create a fund of Tk 20,000 cr along with given black money whitening facilities to the country real state sector .

President of REHAB AlamgirShamsulAlamin, said“We want to sell small flat of 1,500 square feet but the potential flat owners will

get 7 to 8 % interest loan from country banking sector” Chairman of the Ceramic Wear’s Manufacturing Association and law maker Sirjul Islam Molla said We have wanted 10% cash incentive for that sector and reduce the import tax on imported raw-material of tiles, sanitary wear,, ceramic gases.

Finance minister said “How long ceramic sector are gaining their capacity to protect from foreign import” .

Matter of cash incentive will not be decided in the budget but after budget we will review the matter , he said. l

Unnayan Parishad panel led by Nitol Niloy Group Chairman Abdul Matlub Ahmad won the biennial election of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The panel bagged 25 director posts out of 32. The panel got 13 posts in association group and 12 posts in chamber group.

Professor Ali Ashraf, chairman of the election board, has declared the results yesterday.

A total of 1,950 out of 2,204 votes were cast in the apex trade body’s election.

The Chamber Group cast 418 votes out of 436 votes while the Association Group cast 1,532 votes out of 1,768 votes, he said.

The FBCCI Board is comprised of 52 directors, of which 32 will be elected through direct votes and the remaining 20 nominated from different chambers and associations.

Of the 32 posts, 16 have been elected from the Chamber Group and another 16 from the Association Group. Today, the elected and nominated directors will select the president, first vice-president and vice-presidents from among themselves.

Meanwhile, Swadhinata Byabshayee Parishad panel led by Monowara Hakim Ali, the incumbent first vice-president of the FBCCI, won four director posts in the poll.

Byabshayee Oikya Parishad led by Kazi Ertaza Hassan won three director posts. However, Kazi Ertaza Hassan could not win in the poll.

The winners of Unnayan Parishad from Chamber Group are Hasina Newaz of Bangladesh Women Chamber and Commerce Industry, Nagibul Islam Dipu of Meherpur Chamber, Sheikh Fazle Fahim of Gopalganj Chamber, Gazi Golam Asria of Kishoreganj Chamber, Dilip Kumar Agarwala of Chuadangha Chamber, M Nizam Uddin of Barisal Chamber, M Nurul Huda Mukut of Sunamganj Chamber, M Bazlur Rahman of Narayanganj Chamber, Aminul Huq Shameem of Mymensing Chamber, Prabir Kumar Saha of Narsingdi Chamber, Rezaul Karim Reznu of Jamalpur Chamber and M Anwar Sadat Sarker of Gazipur Chamber.

The winners of Unnayan Parishad from the Association Group are FBCCI incumbent vice-president M Helal Uddin, Abu Motaleb of Bangladesh Plastic Packaging Association, KM Akhtaruzzaman of Furniture Exporters Association, Harun-Or-Rashid of Grey and Finished Fabrics Mills Exporters Association, M Habib Ullah Don of Reconditioned Vehicle Import and Dealers Association, Shoyeb Chowdhury of National Small and Cottage Industry Association, M Abu Naser of Outsources and Logistic Service Association, M Muntakim Ashraf of Bangladesh Cold Storage Association, M Nizam Uddin Rajesh, BASIS President Shameem Ahsan, SM Jahangir Hossain and M Amin Helali.

The winners of Swadhinata Byabshayee Parishad panel from chambers are Monowara Hakim Ali of Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohammad Kohinur Islam of Munshiganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tabarakul Tosaddek Hossain Khan of Manikganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Masud Parvez Khan of Comilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The winners of Byabshayee Oikya Parishad from Association Group are Md Shafquat Haider from Bangladesh Association of Call Centre and Outsourcing, Khandakar Ruhul Amin from CNG Association of Bangladesh and Abul Ayes Khan from Bangladesh Auto Spare Parts Merchant Association. l

DT

21

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Model: Tazkira Sattar Photo: Saudia Afrin

NEWS

INSIDE

A seminar on “Breast Cancer, Heart and Kidney Diseases” Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, the epitome of quality healthcare, has emerged as a landmark of world-class physicians and extraordinary patient care service. With its clinical specialties in heart and vascular disease, musculoskeletal, neuroscience, oncology, surgery, transplant and cellular therapy, and women

T-JUNCTION

Starry eyed and children, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals has made its mark in the Singapore healthcare sector.

On May 23, Rotary Int’l District 3281, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and Parkway Cancer Center, Dhaka organised a seminar on “Heart Diseases, Kidney Failure and Prevention of Breast Cancer.”

DG Safina Rahman, district

governor, Rotary Int’l Dist 3281 delivered the welcome speech in the seminar.

Dr Tan Yah Yuen, senior consultant breast surgeon, Dr Paul Chiam, senior consultant cardiologist and Dr Ho Chee Khun, senior consultant nephrologist from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore also delivered speeches on the occasion.

22

school survival

Boundaries, teacher!

23

make-up

Colour it up

24 pets

Shot of love

DT

22 T-JUNCTION

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Schoologistics

school survival

Boundaries, teacher!

When some teachers don’t know where to stop

How many of you have been in this position? With the increasing rise in reported rape and molestation cases, this city is becoming more and more a victim of sexual abuse. Not a month ago, a six-year-old was abused by a teenager and left to die in a water tank. If an innocent child that can be preyed on like that, most of us can’t exactly feel safe around here – not even in schools.

There is usually a teacher we all know who’s a little too friendly. You always thought he had boundary issues, but somehow it usually happened with you more than anybody else in class. He always made sure the distance between you and him was minimal and he wore this smirk on his face you were downright terrified to even look at. Many a time he’d make you stay back after the class was over to ask you all sorts of unnecessary questions or even give you a secret applaud on your performance in class.

Whatever the case is, we doubt you need to understand the symptoms. If you feel like you might be in such a situation, try to follow the next few steps to ensure maximum protection:

1 n Adila Hoque “I always tried sitting in a place that was far away from his reach. Unfortunately, no seat in the entire room was far enough. He would come around and try to talk to me about my studies and my family, breezily touching my

hand and making small circles around it, like a hawk circling its prey. I always ended up feeling filthy and degraded afterwards.

Sometimes he’d ask me to stay a few minutes after class and when everyone was gone, he’d give my shoulders a little squeeze. I didn’t like it. It was invasive and personal.”

Always trust your gut. If you tell someone and he/she tells you that you’re being delusional, don’t listen to them. Your intuition has a clearer idea of what’s really going on beneath the surface. Don’t for a second, think they know better.

2

Tell someone. It could be your mom, friend, sister – basically anyone you know and trust to stand up for you. If it’s possible,

make your friend stay back after class with you if the teacher insists.

3

Tell someone in charge. If things get more intense and you feel like it might be time for you to dive in and let it all out, go ahead. Talk to your supervisor, but make sure it’s someone you know will help you and isn’t very chummy with the teacher in question – in which case, your complaint might backfire. Plenty of girls let these things go unreported, and this is what keeps these sick-minded people going. They start thinking they can get away with being who they are and that is what makes them even worse. The next time you think you’ll drop the gun, because it wasn’t a “big deal,” think again - it will be another girl like you next time.

4

Safety first. Always plan a safe way out of your class. Tell your dad or driver – whoever comes to pick you up – that your class ends at so and so time and if you’re not down within a few minutes from then, that they should call you and find out what’s going on. If circumstances allow it, carry a can of pepper spray, just in case.

Don’t think that just because it’s someone you know you’re safe from them.

Keep in mind that 80% of abuses are done by people the victims are already familiar with. If it’s someone you know who might be in these circumstances, alert them as soon as you can.

Stay safe! l

news

Orientation programmes at EU The orientation ceremony for the students of graduate and undergraduate programmes of Eastern University (EU) was held on May 23 in the University Plaza. Barrister Rafique Ul Huq, senior lawyer, Supreme Court of Bangladesh graced the occasion as the chief guest in the first part of the programme and national poet Asad Chowdhury was also present as chief guest in the second part of the ceremony.

Mohammad Enayet Ullah, chairman of the Board of Trustees of EU and Prof Dr Saiful Majid, former VC of EU and member of BoT was present as the special guest while Prof Dr Abdur Rab, vice chancellor of EU presided over the programme. Maj Gen Kazi Ashfaq

Ahmed (retd), registrar of EU welcomed the newly enrolled students, parents, guardians and other guests present in the ceremony and gave a brief introduction of EU in his inaugural speech.

Prof Dr Sharif Nurul Ahkam, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Prof Kashinath Roy, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof Dr Mortuza Ali, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof Dr Borhan Uddin Khan, adviser of the Faculty of Law, Prof Iffat Ara Nasreen Majid, adviser to the ELT programme mentioned some of the special features of their respective faculty and programmes.

The pro vice chancellor Prof Dr Abdul

Hannan Chowdhury inspired the students to make the best use of their time at EU through availing different facilities and opportunities available for the students. He also advised them to gain knowledge and gather experience through participating in extra/co-curricular activities.

The chief guests of the programme congratulated the newly admitted students and shared their success story in the corporate sector. They requested the students to enhance their skills in addition to their academic knowledge to become future leaders. l

T-JUNCTION 23

DT

Tempt

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Colour it up make-up

Some haute ways to incorporate colour into your beauty routine

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Dark temptation

With the harsh heat forcing everyone into cool whites, it’s hard to go for high-wattage make-up that will only end up melting all over the face. There are a few quick ways to add a pop of colour to your face, though, and we’ve got them broken up to suit your skin shade.

Eyes: For dusky skinned damsels, this summer allows you to turn up the heat with some bold neon cat eyes. Skip the black and brown and reach for that fluorescent yellow or green and draw a high-definition wing.

This look won’t work if it’s smudgy, so go for liquid formulations, or a cream shadow and liner brush. Add some mascara, or a pair of falsies for some drama, and you won’t need to add anything else to your face to make those heads turn.

Lips: Lilac pouts are so very in right now.

The way to really make the lips pop is to start with a base of concealer on your lips, and follow with at least two layers of your desired colour.

Photo: Bigstock

Mocha loca

My fair lady Eyes: If you’re very fair, skip the dark mascara, and go for multiple coats of electric blue or fuschia mascara on both upper and lower lashes. It’s a look that rocked the international fashion shows, and, when you keep the rest of the face neutral, it’s a quick, easy, and perfectly acceptable look to wear, pretty much anywhere except for the most conservative workplaces.

Lips: A look that works for fair skin tones is sheer baby pink gloss applied over a nude shade that perfectly matches your skin town. Again, keep the rest of the face bare, maybe opting for some mascara. In this heat, less is more.

Eyes: For medium shades, skip the black and experiment with jewel tones of green, purple, and, if you’re daring enough, deep orange as substitutes for liner. One way to ease into this style is to use a very thin black liner that hugs your upper lash line, and then applying a stronger line of colour above the black line.

Lips: A bright shade of watermelon is the colour du jour for medium complexions, particularly if you have warm undertones. Pair it with strong brows and a coat of mascara, and you’re ready to go. If your skin has cooler undertones, choose a coral red with bluepink undertones.

Quite the spectacle If you wear eyeglasses and lament your lack of choices for eye makeup, fear not. Skip the liner and reach for the shadow to create a faux smoky eye

using a dreamy shade of chartreuse, with highlights of matte gold to create a wash of colour over and around your lids. Finish off with some hi-wattage mascara to open up those peepers. Pair with a berry lip to complete the look.

Photos: Saudia Afrin

DT

24 T-JUNCTION

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Take Care

health

Chasing away the germs Post cold and flu disinfection

n Adila Hoque If anyone caught a cold in the house, it is quite possible that multiple members of the family have also caught it, and while it is great for family members to spend all day together in bed, being sick actually takes its toll on most of you. Therefore, when the storm’s over, it is time to start cleaning up the house so you can avoid catching it soon all over again. The sneezing fits and the blocked nose on those long nights may otherwise come back again.

Points of contact (eg switch boards, remote gears, door knobs, etc.)

It goes without saying that these points are used at least 10 times a day, with our hands that are then laden with creepy-looking cold virus and bacteria. Clean them with soap and hot water once you’ve recovered so you don’t catch the same flu from those places again.

No matter what the weather is like, try to air out the house as much as you can. Some fresh air would do you good if you’re just recovering.

Bedding Ironically, when you have the flu, you normally tend to spend a lot of time sweating in bed. So, if it’s possible, place an extra layer of sheet between the person and the mattress so the mattress is well-protected from those germs. When the flu is over, clean the bed sheets in hot water and replace them with new ones.

Bathrooms Now this might just be one of the most important items on this list. First, wash all the clothes that you might keep in the bathroom like towels and bath robes. Then, it is time for you to disinfect the countertops, garbage cans and toilet seats and if you want to go around a bender, soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide to kill any remaining bacteria in it.

Kitchen This may not be your hotspot when you’re ill, but this sacred room definitely gets used a lot and hence needs to be cleaned with just the same amount of dedication. Wipe out the points of contact like the fridge handles, stove tops, countertops and other doorknobs in the room.

Sick clothing After you’ve recovered, soak your sick clothes in really hot water and clean them thoroughly.

Tissue papers Keep all those paper towels away in the garbage can; they’re your biggest enemies.

Get well soon! l

Photos: Bigstock

pets

Shot of love Tough love is just what your pets may need sometimes

n Farhana Shahnaz Haven’t we all had days when we just wanted to escape the glare of the harsh world and retract to the cosy comfort of our own rooms waiting for things to get better? We all eventually fight the blues and make it. The only difference is how people deal with it.

Some have to go through it alone, and some lucky ones have their friends to help them get through the atrocities life has inflicted on them. Some rely on alcohol, some on a pint of chocolate chip ice-cream. And then there are those who have the best stress busters anyone can ask for - their furry friends aka pets. Recall the days after your breakup when the only thing that made you feel better was snuggling with Mr Fluffy? Looking into those immaculate puppy eyes made you feel like it was all going to be better, didn’t it? In their own little ways our furry friends have always been there for us. We can only return the favour by taking good care of them, which may even call for some tough love sometimes.

V for vaccine Vaccinating your pet is rule number one when it comes to pet care. Not vaccinating

can pose threat to humans and some of the diseases can be transferred to them as well. Most of us buy our pets from the local pet stores which unfortunately have awfully insanitary facilities and that is an understatement. The pets are thus highly susceptible to diseases and need to be vaccinated right away. However don’t rush to the vet and get your pet injected with every vaccine there is, they won’t need all of them.

Consult your vet and establish a vaccination protocol that’s right for your pet. Factors such as age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle are taken into account to decide precisely what vaccines your pet will need.

When is the right time?

The pets in our local pet stores are synonymous to a princess in a tower, waiting for someone to rescue them from a life of misery. There is not much to be done about the conditions of the stores but you can take measures to protect your precious pet afterwards. Take your pet for a routine check-up right after buying it and get it vaccinated immediately. Puppies are ideally vaccinated at eight and 10 weeks, kittens at nine and 12 weeks, and rabbits

from five weeks, with an initial course of two injections. Your undeveloped pet must then be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination. Your pet may also need additional vaccinations in the later years when their immunity starts dwindling.

There it is!

You would be very surprised to know that the best place to get your pet vaccinated is the Central Veterinary hospital, because when has the service of something public been decent? Feline-lover and owner of six cats Kashfia Ibrahim suggests it is best to get your pet vaccinated from there as it is more reliable. There have been cases of fraudulence so it is best to choose a renowned pet clinic. Even though your expenses may shoot up but nothing should matter more than the well-being of your companion.

You will find good vets in Gulshan, Lalmatia and Khilkhet. For the sake of your convenience you can even have the vet or other trained professionals come to your place to check-up on your pet. House calls only cost Tk200-300 extra as conveyance.

You can also look at www.pet.com.bd for contact details of good vets in Dhaka.

Neutering and spaying This is where the tough love bit comes in.

Spaying and neutering in a nutshell means removing the reproductive organs of pets for curbing bad behaviour and keeping

overpopulation in check. This may sound harsh but will only ensure long-term benefits for your pet. Pets are spayed and neutered typically when they have come of age. It is highly advisable to get your pet neutered/ spayed from an experienced vet because this procedure gone wrong can have dire consequences. Rabbits can also be neutered/ spayed as they reproduce faster than cats and dogs. Bunny-owners whose collection started from a pair and grew to a dozen know what we are talking about. l

Martin Odegaard became Real Madrid’s youngest La Liga debutant at the age of 16 when he came on as a substitute in Saturday’s final game of the season against Getafe

Sport 26

TRIUMPHANT BJMC CLOSE FIRST PHASE

27

INCREASE IN ATTENDEES IN FOOTBALL CAMP

28

25

DT

YOUNGEST DEBUTANT

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

A NIGHT OF A DIFFERENT HEIGHT

Mahmudullah ton rescues Central Zone Honours even in South-East tie n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Mahmudullah shone brightly on the opening day of the third and final round of the Bangladesh Cricket League as Walton Central Zone recovered from the fall of early wickets to put up 278/8 against BCB North Zone in Mirpur yesterday.

Meanwhile in the title-decider between Prime Bank South Zone and Islami Bank East Zone at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, the former ended the opening day’s proceedings in the driving seat as they posted 272/2.

Central v North Batting first, Central were in early trouble at 62/4 but Mahmudullah’s responsible 210ball 113 ensured they would finish the day in a respectable position.

During his 269-minute vigil at the crease, Mahmudullah was involved in three crucial partnerships among which the 148-run association with Marshal Ayub for the fifth wicket was the highest.

Mahmudullah struck 11 fours and two sixes while Marshal smashed eight boundaries. Taijul Islam was the most successful bowler for North with four wickets.

South v East Riding on three half-centuries, South ended the day in a comfortable position after being asked to bat first.

Imrul Kayes and Anamul Haque added 80 runs for the opening wicket before Shahriar Nafees and Mohammad Mithun drove home the advantage. Shahriar was unbeaten on 79 while Mithun was undefeated on 88 as the third-wicket pair put on an unbroken 161-run stand.

Imrul hammered 10 boundaries during his 56-run knock while Shahriar and Mithun bludgeoned 11 and 13 fours respectively.l

BRIEF SCORES Central Zone batsman Mahmudullah cuts one on his way to a century on the opening day of the third round of the BCL in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Prime Bank South Zone v Islami Bank East Zone, Chittagong South 272/2 in 70 overs Mithun 88*, Shahriar 79*, Imrul 56 Walton Central Zone v BCB North Zone, Mirpur Central 278/8 in 90 overs Mahmudullah 113, Marshal 87; Taijul 4/106

DT

26 Sport

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

One more trophy in DT cabinet n Tribune Desk

A dominant Dhaka Tribune clinched the maiden title of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community Media Cup Cricket 2015 following a convincing 24-run win over Channel I in the final at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Batting first, Tribune registered 85 on the board from their allotted six overs with opener Atikur Rahman leading the way with 25 runs. Tribune’s guest cricketer, Bangladesh opener Shamsur Rahman chipped in with 24.

In reply, Channel I were only able to manage 61 from their stipulated six overs. Atikur, who had a stellar tournament, was adjudged the man of the final while Bangladesh Protidin’s guest cricketer, former national captain Mohammad Ashraful was rewarded with the man of the series award. Earlier on the day, Tribune defeated online-based news portal The Report 24 by 10 runs in the semi-final. Asked to bat first, Tribune posted 86, riding on the back of openers Atikur and Shamsur, who crafted good starts in almost all of the matches. The Report 24 fell 10 runs short as they ended their innings on 76.

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club president Manjur Kader and BSJC president Asif Iqbal were present among others on the occasion.l

The Dhaka Tribune players and officials pose with the BSJC Media Cup Cricket 2015 trophy at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Tribune defeated Channel I by 24 runs in the grand finale yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Triumphant BJMC close first phase n Shishir Hoque Team BJMC lowered the curtains on the first phase of the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League with a narrow 1-0 win over Feni Soccer Club at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Juvenile striker Nabib Newaj Jibon netted the all-important goal in the second half to propel BJMC to eighth in the 11-team standings with eight points from 10 matches. Soccer Club on the other hand occupy ninth position with the same number of points.

Jibon, who first attracted the headlines for

Pakistani cricket fans celebrate at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan yesterday. The Twenty20 matches on Friday and Sunday mark a return of international cricket to Pakistan for the first time since gunmen attacked buses carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team and match officials in this eastern city six years ago.

Security has been beefed up for the matches AP

his brilliant displays in the Bangladesh Championship League, sparkled from the very beginning and saw his first effort on target cleared off the line by Feni defender Kebba Ceesay at the quarter-hour mark.

Soccer Club’s Gambian forward Momdou Jatta had the glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the 39th minute when his angular shot from the corner of the box was saved

by BJMC custodian Arifuzzaman Hemel following a Zahirul Islam through-pass.

Jibon finally sealed victory 11 minutes from time with Mehedi Hasan Tapu acting as the provider.

The second phase will get underway on June 20 at Bangabandhu National Stadium.l

The second phase will get underway on June 20 at Bangabandhu National Stadium Players Goals Team Augustine Walson 11 Brothers Union Enamul Haque 9 Muktijoddha SKS Ismail Bangoura 8 Mohammedan SC Wedson Anselme 6 Sheikh Jamal DC Emeka Darlington 6 Sheikh Jamal DC

POINTS TABLE Team Name

P

W

D

L

GD

1 Sheikh Jamal

10

7

2

1

11

Pts 23

2 Mohammedan

10

6

2

2

13

20

3 Brothers Union

10

6

2

2

9

20

4 Sheikh Russel

10

6

2

2

6

20

5 Muktijoddha

10

6

1

3

4

19

6 Abahani Ltd

10

5

2

3

7

17

7 Rahmatganj

10

2

3

5

-6

9

8 Team BJMC

10

2

2

6

-4

8

9 Soccer Club

10

2

2

6

-9

8

10 Ctg Abahani

10

1

2

7

-16

5

11 Farashganj

10

0

4

6

-15

4

Afghans open volleyball campaign with victory n Tribune Report Afghanistan registered their first victory in the Asian Senior Men’s Central Zone Volleyball Championship 2015 as they earned a hard-fought 3-2 sets win over Uzbekistan at Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

In a thrilling encounter, the Afghans had to toil hard to win the first set by 25-22 points.

The victors then conceded the next two sets by 18-25 and 13-25 points. The Afghans however, scripted a stylish comeback to win the last two sets by 25-21 and 15-13 points.

Bangladesh will play their second game today against Kyrgyzstan at 4pm. A victory would be enough for the hosts to stroll into the semi-finals.l

DT

Sport 27

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Increase in attendees in football camp n Tribune Report

HP camp similar to previous one: Mahbub n Minhaz Uddin Khan

The national players of Sheikh Russel KC yesterday have finally joined the residential training camp of Bangladesh national football team ahead of the two warm-up matches and Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

The camp began on May 18 at the astro-turf adjacent to the BFF House in Mothijheel in which all the players joined following the end of their respective Bangladesh Premier League matches except Sheikh Russel, who played their last match of the first phase against Rahmatganj on May 20.

Sheikh Russel players were supposed to join the camp the following day but the club held them from leaving the club till yesterday evening. It was learnt that the club officials was not satisfied with club’s performance and sat in a meeting yesterday after what the players was expected to join the camp.

National team’s assistant coach Saiful Bari Titu also returned from Malaysia and joined their training session at the Dhanmondi Club ground yesterday. Jahid Hasan Ameli, Hemanta Vincent Biswas, Zahid Hossain, Tapu Barman, Rezaul Karim and Rasel Mahmud Liton are the Sheikh Russel players called up in the 32-man preliminary squad. Winger Zahid is, however, yet to attend a day due to his illness.

The Bangladesh team is likely to be shifted to Sylhet for training at the BFF Football Academy after playing the two friendlies against Singapore on May 30 and Saff champions Afghanistan on June 2. Both the matches will be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4pm. Singapore team is expected to arrive on May 28. l

Bangladesh Cricket Board’s high-performance committee chairman Mahbub Anam yesterday said the formation of the latest High-Performance Unit has the same mission as it did eight years ago. The last time the BCB had organised such a camp was back in 2004.

“We had operated a similar programme before. We will talk about the details of the program tomorrow (today) in a press conference.

Of course, there will be some differences due to the demands of the time. We had run a similar camp which ended eight years ago. Bangladesh’s performances have improved drastically the last time this kind of camp was organised.

So, we have planned the program in order to cope up with time,” Mahbub told the media.

Nearly all the Test-playing nations have their respective HP programmes. Mahbub informed that the BCB did not copy a programme from its counterparts and said, “Rather, we have set it in such a way which will meet Bangladesh’s current necessities.

Mahbub stated that the longevity of the HP programme will depend on the local resources. The BCB vice-president emphasised that the local coaches will be responsible for making the programme successful and running.

“The last HP programme was operated by a foreign coach (Richard McInnes) and it is the same this time too (Paul Terry). But, the local coaches will have to ensure that the programme is running successfully. We will have to find a local coach who can lead the programme,” said Mahbub. The names of the players and coaches and other details of the HP program will be revealed by the BCB through a press conference today. l

Manchester City’s Frank Lampard celebrates scoring against Southampton during their English Premier League match against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England yesterday AP

Hull relegated as Newcastle survive

Chelsea ends title-winning season with win as Drogba leaves on final day of drama Steven Fletcher’s Sunderland opener.

There was no final goal for Drogba, with Drogba was carried to the touchline by his n Reuters, London Loic Remy then scored twice for the chamhis replacement, Diego Costa, instead quickteammates before waving goodbye to each

Hull City were relegated and Newcastle United survived the drop on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season on Sunday.

Newcastle’s 2-0 win over West Ham United at a raucous St James’ Park where Moussa Sissoko scored after 54 minutes and Jonas Gutierrez added a second late on meant they finished with 39 points while Hull ended on 35 after drawing 0-0 at home with Manchester United.

United finished with 10 men after Marouane Fellaini was sent off late in the game for stamping on Hull’s Paul McShane.

Hull had two goals disallowed in a two-minute spell during the first half, and their failure to beat United for the first time in eight Premier League matches means they go down along with already-relegated Burnley and Queens Park Rangers.

Meanwhile, Before raising the Premier League trophy, Chelsea’s players first lifted striker Didier Drogba — during S season-ending 3-1 victory over Sunderland.

The 37-year-old Drogba was allowed to make the unusual, lengthy mid-game farewell to Chelsea fans after being theatrically substituted around 30 minutes into the game.

ly scoring from the penalty spot to cancel out

corner of Stamford Bridge.

RESULTS Arsenal

4-1

Walcott 4, 14, 37, Wilshere 17

Aston Villa

pions in the second half.l

West Brom McAuley 57

0-1

Burnley Ings 6

Chelsea

3-1

Costa 37-P, Remy 70, 88

Crystal Palace

Sunderland Fletcher 26

1-0

Swansea

0-1

Tottenham

Chamakh 57

Everton

Kane 24

Hull Leicester

0-0 5-1

Vardy 16, Albrighton 43, Ulloa 51, Cambiasso 52, Kramaric 86

Manchester City

Manchester United QPR Austin 57

2-0

Southampton

2-0

West Ham

Lampard 31, Aguero 88

Newcastle Sissoko 54, Gutierrez 85

Stoke Diouf 22, 26, Walters 30, Adam 41, N’Zonzi 45, Crouch 86

6-1

Liverpool Gerrard 70

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba yesterday was carried off the pitch by his team-mates after announcing he will leave the club for a second time

DT

28 Sport

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

A NIGHT OF A DIFFERENT HEIGHT

Barcelona’s players pose as they celebrate with the Spanish La Liga 2014-15 trophy after their match against RC Deportivo La Coruna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday AFP

Dortmund’s fans celebrate with head coach Juergen Klopp prior to their match against Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Saturday AFP

Xavi Hernandez cries during his tribute at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday REUTERS

Bayern Munich’s players celebrate winning their 25th Bundesliga title after their German first division Bundesliga football match against 1 FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, southern Germany on Saturday AFP

Benfica’s players celebrate with the trophy after beating Maritimo to seal the Portuguese Premier League title at Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday REUTERS

Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the French L1 title at the end of the match against Reims at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday AFP

DT

Sport 29

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Atletico, Valencia secure UCL spots n Reuters, Madrid Atletico Madrid secured a berth in the Champions League group stage for next season and Deportivo La Coruna narrowly escaped relegation when they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at champions Barcelona on the final day in La Liga on Saturday.

Atletico made sure of third place thanks to a 0-0 draw at Granada, while Valencia twice had to come from behind to beat Almeria, who were relegated, 3-2 and clinch fourth and a spot in qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition.

Sevilla, Europa League holders and finalists again this season, won 3-2 at Malaga to finish fifth, sending them into the continent’s second-tier competition again next term along with sixth-placed Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in seventh.

Real thrashed Getafe 7-3 in Saturday’s later kickoff, bringing a disappointing season to an end when they failed to win a major trophy.La Liga top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hattrick, taking his tally to 48 goals, five more than second-ranked Barca forward Lionel Messi.l

Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns the ball to Colombia’s Alejandro Falla during their men’s first round of the French Open at the Roland Garros in Paris yesterday AFP

Federer wins, dodges fan scare

Monaco edge Lorient to clinch Champions League qualifying spot n AFP, Paris Roger Federer cruised into the French Open second round Sunday before having to quickn Reuters, Paris ly sidestep a spectator who breached tight seMonaco will play in the Champions League third qualifying round next season after securing third place in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win at Lorient in the final round of matches on Saturday.

Monaco, who reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition this season, finished with 71 points.

Paris St Germain, who were crowned champions last weekend, celebrated in front of their home crowd with a 3-2 win over Stade de Reims.

Edinson Cavani struck twice and Adrien Rabiot grabbed the other goal for the Parisians as they ended the season with 83 points.

Olympique Lyonnais (75), who secured second place last Saturday, rounded off a spectacular season with a 1-0 win at Stade Rennais thanks to Clinton Njie’s late winner.

Monaco stayed ahead of Olympique de Marseille, fourth on 69 points after their 3-0 home win against Bastia thanks to goals by Dimitri Payet, Lucas Ocampos and Alexander Djiku’s own goal.

They will play in the Europa League next season although they will need to go through the playoffs should Ligue 2 side AJ Auxerre beat Paris St Germain in the French Cup final next Saturday.l

DAY’S WATCH Ten Sports 8:00PM Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough v Norwich City

Star Sports 2 4:00PM New Zealand Tour of England 1st Test, Day 5

curity to race towards the Swiss legend on the showpiece Philippe Chatrier Court.

Federer, the 2009 champion and seeded two this year, began his 62nd consective Grand Slam with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Colombian ‘lucky loser’ Alejandro Falla.

He fired 43 winners in his 1hr 50min stroll and looked more concerned when a fan sprinted from the stands and past muscular

security guards in an effort to grab a ‘selfie’ with the 17-time major winner.

Although the male fan was quickly manhandled off the court, 33-year-old Federer was furious with the lapse in security, claiming he had also been targetted in practice on Saturday.

“I am not happy about it. It happened yesterday in the practice, too. It’s just a kid, but then three more kids came. And today on centre court where you would think this is a place where nobody can come on, just wanders on and nothing happens,” said Federer.

“Something needs to happen quickly. Nor-

Hamburg face playoff, Paderborn, Freiburg go down n Reuters, Berlin

BUNDESLIGA

Former European champions Hamburg SV beat Schalke 04 2-0 on Saturday to avoid direct relegation from the Bundesliga and snatch a playoff spot for the second consecutive year as Paderborn and Freiburg went down.

Surprise package Augsburg secured fifth place and will play in the Europa League after coming from a goal down to crush 10-man Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1.

Last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund also secured a Europa League spot after a 3-2 home win over rivals Werder Bremen in coach Juergen Klopp’s last home match.

Hamburg, who are the only club to have featured in every Bundesliga season since the league’s creation in 1963, will play their relegation playoff matches on May 28 and June 1.

Paderborn, who were promoted last season, lost 2-1 to VfB Stuttgart, who moved up to 36 points and safety in a dramatic Bundesliga finale. Stuttgart coach Huub Stevens has now saved the club twice from relegation after last season’s late rescue.l

Bayern Munich

2-0

Mainz

3-2

Werder Bremen

Lewandowski 25-P, Schweinsteiger 48

Borussia Dortmund

Kagawa 15, Aubameyang 17, Mkhitaryan 42

M’gladbach

1-2

Raffael 36

Hoffenheim

2-1 2-1

Freiburg Petersen 90+2

2-1

Seferovic 4, Madlung 39

Hamburg

Hertha Berlin Beerens 72

Kiyotake 3, Krmas 84-og

Eintracht Frankfurt

Augsburg Hojbjerg 72, Matavz 77

Modeste 8, Roberto Firmino 80

Hanover 96

Oztunali 26, Gebre Selassie 85

Bayer Leverkusen Bellarabi 6

2-0

Schalke 04

Olic 49, Rajkovic 58

Cologne

2-2

Osako 3, Peszko 61

Paderborn Vucinovic 4

VfL Wolfsburg Luiz Gustavo 8, Perisic 15

1-2

VfB Stuttgart Didavi 36, Ginczek 72

mally I only speak on behalf of myself, but in this situation I think I can speak on behalf of all the players, that that’s where you do your job, that’s where you want to feel safe.

Federer’s Davis Cup teammate Stan Wawrinka, the eighth seed, took just 96 minutes to make the second round, seeing off Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

Romania’s Simona Halep, the 2014 runnerup and third seed, saw off Russian world number 91 Evgeniya Rodina 7-5, 6-4 and next faces Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, the Croatian player who knocked her out of the US Open last year.l

Britos sent off as Napoli hopes fade n Reuters, Milan Defender Miguel Britos was sent off for head-butting an opponent as Napoli lost 3-1 at champions Juventus on Saturday, all but ending their hopes of Champions League football next season.

Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan will finish outside the Europa League places after they lost a thriller 3-2 at Genoa.

Napoli can now only qualify for the Champions League if Lazio lose to AS Roma in their derby on Monday and Napoli beat Lazio in their final game.

Their defeat also meant that second-placed Roma qualify at least for the Champions League preliminary rounds.

With Napoli trailing 2-1 in stoppage time, Britos lost his temper and head-butted Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.

The Uruguayan was shown a straight red card and conceded a penalty, which was converted by substitute Simone Pepe.

Champions League finalists Juventus rested several regular players, but still went ahead in the 13th minute when Kingsley Coman dinked the ball over the defence and Roberto Pereyra fired past Mariano Andujar.l

DT

30 DOWNTIME

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Thespian (5) 4 Unruly crowds (4) 7 Breed of sheep (6) 8 Prolonged pains (5) 10 Look after (4) 11 Bury (5) 12 Conclude (3) 14 At all times (4) 17 Exploit (4) 19 Consumed (3) 20 House divisions (5) 23 Circle of light (4) 25 Portion (5) 26 Spruce (6) 27 Jokes (4) 28 Very poor (5)

DOWN 1 Astounded (6) 2 Augury (4) 3 Repose (4) 4 Bishop’s headdress (5) 5 United (3) 6 Headwear (6) 9 Conceal (4) 13 American state (6) 15 Receptacle for flowers (4) 16 Cure (6) 18 Lets fall (5) 21 Frank (4) 22 Deep mud (4) 24 Convict (3)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 12 represents V so fill V every time the figure 12 appears.

You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

SHOWTIME 31

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Elita’s debut solo album hits market

n Showtime Desk Although Elita’s distinctive presence has been felt for more than a decade in the country’s music scene but what the fan most missed is an entire record with her name carved on it. Her musical career started off in 2002 with a song title “Mithya,” for which she collaborated with Black on their first album Amar Prithibi.

And after being in the industry for 13 years, Elita’s self-titled, debut album finally came out yesterday.

A production of Girona Bangladesh and Multi Sources Limited, the album was launched on May 24 at the Daily Star Centre. The cover was unveiled by Bappa Majumder in the presence of Mahfuz Anam, editor of the Daily Star.

Talking about the album, Elita said, “Finally my album is releasing and I am excited. Though I started working on the album back in 2009, I could not complete it since I was busy with other projects.”

“I want the audience to be honest about my album. If they like it let me know or if they have constructive feedback I would appreciate it so that I can improve,” she added.

A total of eight tracks are on the album, with a few acoustic versions.

Sondhi, Fuad, Anik Khan, Rabiul Islam Jibon and Abdar Rehman have penned lyrics for the album while Aidt, Palash, Sondhi, Shaker and Fuad composed music for the tracks.

CELEBS ON SOCIAL Shah Rukh Khan @iamsrk Do they do Fequent Fliers Miles in Hospitals? If yes, I would own some of the hospitals! Thx all for standing by me as I pray on my knees…

New York Daily News @NYDailyNews No one in the world has taken more selfies in 3 minutes than @ TheRock. http:// nydn.us/1IRBzwR Officially.

Dwayne Johnson @TheRock And no selfie stick required.

Officially.

WHAT TO WATCH

Sweden’s Mans Zelmerlow wins Eurovision 2015 n Showtime Desk Swedish singer Mans Zelmerlow beats Russia’s Polina Gagarina by 62 points to win this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Through a combination of well-timed animation and visual display, Zelmerlow took the title with his pop track “Heroes.” It was Sweden’s sixth Eurovision win, being just one victory behind the contest’s record holders Ireland, who have won seven times.

Italy came in third, followed by Belgium and a solid performance from Australia, being fifth on their first attempt in the competition. On the bottom of the table, hosts Austria and Germany were on a null each, the first time after 2003 that any country had no points. The UK’s highly anticipated 1920’s themed swing act by Electro Velvet ended as 24th with only five points.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the event, a record of 27 countries participated in total. Here are the top five of the playlist with their allocated points.

1. Sweden Mans Zelmerlow - Heroes (365 points) 2. Russia Polina Gagarina - A Million Voices (303 points) 3. Italy Il Volo - Grande Amore (292 points) 4. Belgium Loic Nottet - Rhythm Inside (217 points) 5. Australia Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again (196 points) l

No Strings Attached HBO 6:11 pm In the 15 years since summer camp, Adam and Emma cross paths occasionally. When he discovers that an ex-girlfriend is living with his dad, he gets drunk, calls every woman in his cell phone’s contact list, and ends up passed out naked in her living room. By this time, she’s a medical resident in L A and he’s a gopher on a TV series, hoping to be a writer. Things take a different, serious turn for them when both aim for the same route.

Cast: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Cary Elwes, Kevin Kline, Greta Gerwig Iron Man 3 Z Studio 10:50 pm Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds.

When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. On this path, a time of rediscovery meets him. Stark finds the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him - does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak

DT

32 BACK PAGE

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

TECHNICAL GLITCH HITS MAHMUDULLAH TON RESCUES DSE TRADING PAGE 15 CENTRAL ZONE PAGE 25

ELITA’S DEBUT SOLO ALBUM HITS MARKET

PAGE 31

Quick thinking saves kidnapped child n Kamrul Hasan The presence of mind shown by a Bagerhat man on Saturday delivered an 8-year-old boy from a nightmarish fate.

Tazrian Zaman Tazveer, son of Moniruzzaman of Chand Mia Road in Dhaka’s Kajla neighbourhood, was 250 kilometres away from home and in the clutches of his kidnapper when the man’s quick thinking averted a tragedy.

The hero of the piece has not been named by the police on security grounds. But were it not for his actions, Tazrian’s tale might have produced a grimmer headline.

Around 4pm on Friday afternoon, Sohel Rana, 21, the caretaker of the two-storey building where Tazrian lives, said he was taking the boy to his coaching centre in the Buddhist Temple area of Basabo.

Instead of taking a rickshaw, Sohel decided to take the bus. When Tazrian asked why, Sohel told the boy it would allow them to quickly cut through the heavy traffic.

Before long, they had reached Mawa where they took a ferry to cross the river.

Sohel told Tazrian they were going on a visit to his house and that his parents would join them later.

On the other bank, Sohel and Tazrian got into a district bus and travelled to Morolganj bus stand.

Tazrian, 8, rescued from Gulishakhali village under Morolganj upazila of Bagerhat district, is returned to his parents yesterday. The minor boy was abducted from his house Dhaka on Saturday by Sohel, a caretaker of the house MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU Arriving around 4:30am on Saturday, Sohel hired a motorcycle-taxi to go to his village, Gulshakhali.

Morolganj residents had previously been informed by the kidnapped boy’s father that

Malaysia mass graves believed to contain migrants’ remains n AFP Malaysia said yesterday it had found mass graves feared to contain the bodies of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants at the centre of a regional human-trafficking crisis.

Home Minister Zahid Hamidi was quoted

by The Star newspaper’s website as saying the graves were found near detention camps run by people-traffickers.

“But we don’t know how many there are.

We are probably going to find more bodies,” Zahid was quoted as saying.

The Star said the camps were abandoned when police found them last week.

Police in neighbouring Thailand in early May found secret human-trafficking jungle camps on their side of the border and dozens of shallow graves.

The report quoting Zahid gave few details but the Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia, citing an unnamed source, earlier reported that about 30 mass graves had been

found containing “hundreds of skeletons.”

The Star, also quoting sources, had said the graves were “believed to contain nearly 100 Rohingya migrants.”

Thailand began a crackdown on human trafficking and smuggling following the discovery of its mass graves, which appears to have thrown regional trafficking routes into chaos.

Many migrants had previously tried to enter Malaysia, their preferred destination, via its land border with Thailand.

With traffickers apparently now abandoning their human cargo at sea, boats filled with hundreds of starving migrants from the two countries have sought desperately to land in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, which turned them away.

Facing growing international pressure, Malaysia and Indonesia last week said they would admit boat people, who are to be repatriated or resettled with the help of international agencies. l

a 21-year-old man could show up with a boy.

He had told them his child had been abducted in Dhaka.

The motorcyclist-for-hire felt something about the pair of travellers was not quite right.

He lured them to his house saying he had to refill his motorbike, and told Sohel the journey to the village would be unsafe at that hour.

Sohel agreed to the detour.

Once home, the motorcyclist managed to lock Sohel inside a room and quizzed Tazrian about his identity. The boy told the motorcyclist his father’s number.

The Good Samaritan informed the local bus stand staff who brought Tazrian to Bagerhat Sadar Bus Stand and confined Sohel in a public toilet. Then they called the police.

Tazrian and Sohel were brought to the Sadar police station.

Yesterday, a team from Jatrabari police station returned to Dhaka with the abducted boy and his kidnapper.

A general diary filed with Jatrabari police station on Friday evening was turned into a case yesterday.

Moniruzzaman could not be reached despite several attempts to contact him. A neighbour, a local journalist, said he was being treated for high blood pressure brought on by the stress of the ordeal.

Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Jamal Hossain said a court yesterday granted a twoday remand for Sohel Rana.

Sohel, unrepentant of his crime, said in front of police: “You cannot hold me. I know people. They will soon get me out of here.” l

‘Beautiful Mind’ mathematician John Nash killed in crash n BBC US mathematician John Nash, who inspired the Oscar-winning film A Beautiful Mind, died in a car crash, local media has reported.

Nash, 86, and his wife Alicia were both killed when their taxi crashed in New Jersey, the reports said.

The mathematician is renowned for his work in game theory, winning the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994.

His breakthroughs in maths – and his struggles with schizophrenia – were the focus of the film.

Russell Crowe, who played him in the film, tweeted: “Stunned...My heart goes out to John & Alicia & family. An amazing partnership. Beautiful minds, beautiful hearts.”

Alicia Nash helped care for her husband, and the two later became prominent mental health advocates.

Media reports said the couple may not have been wearing seatbelts when they crashed.

Nash married Alicia Larde in 1957, when he was a rising star in the maths world. But he developed severe schizophrenia soon after, and Alicia had him committed several times, with the pair divorcing in 1962.

They stayed close, and his condition had begun to improve by the 1980s. The two remarried in 2001.

Earlier this week, Nash received the Abel Prize, another top honour in the field of mathematics. l

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