14 Oct, 2015 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Ashwin 29, 1422, Zilhaj 29, 1436

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 178

NO CASE IN TEEN SUV MADRASAS TO COME DRIVER INJURING 4 PAGE 3 UNDER DMP SCANNER

PAGE 5

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RICH TO HELP POOR AGAINST DESERTIFICATION PAGE 32

Youth unemployment a big problem for Bangladesh n

MH17 shot down by BUK missile from war-torn Ukraine

n Kayes Sohel and Mohammad Jamil Khan Youth unemployment is expected to be a major problem for Bangladesh over the next decade, according to a report released by the World Bank yesterday. The report titled “Toward Solutions for Youth Employment” released in Washington said the country was simultaneously experiencing a fall in the employment growth rate and a slow uptake in job creation. The report said the problem of youth unemployment is global, with a third of the world’s 1.8 billion young people not currently involved in employment, education or training. The report said a further one billion youth will enter the job market in the next decade, but only 40% are expected to be able to get jobs that currently exist. The World Bank report compared the situation and indicators in four focus countries – Bangladesh, El Salvador, Tunisia and Uganda.

Bangladesh situation

In 2013, about 41% of Bangladeshi youth were considered NEET (not in employment, education or training) and the portion of young unemployed NEETs was 78%, according to the report. “The absence of quality education and a

ment is not in line with demand, he said the country currently must hire skilled workers from India, Sri Lanka and Thailand because of shortage of skilled labour. He said Bangladesh’s population under 30 years of age makes up 60% of the total labour force. An International Labour Organisation

Air crash investigators concluded yesterday that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a Russian-made BUK missile fired from war-torn eastern Ukraine last year killing all 298 people on board. Even though the Dutch-led inquiry did not say who pulled the trigger, Russian officials were already disputing the findings set to further degrade strained ties between Moscow and the West. “Flight MH17 crashed as a result of the detonation of a warhead outside the airplane against the left-hand side of the cockpit,” the Chairman of the Dutch Safety Board, Tjibbe Joustra, told a press conference. “This warhead fits the kind of missile that is installed in the BUK surface-to-air missile system.” The much-anticipated report also said it was possible that some on board the Boeing 777 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur may have been conscious during the 90 seconds it took to crash on July 17 last year. Malaysia vowed it would seek the prosecution of the “trigger happy criminals” who downed the flight, the second aviation tragedy for the country after the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 in March 2014. “The wreckage was spread over several sites” near the villages of Grabove, Rozsypne

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COUNTRY FOCUS LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION, % COUNTRY FOCUS NEETS, %

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

65.7

13.5

15–19

EL Salvador 20–24

Tunisia 25–29

Uganda

26.8 3.8

EL Salvador

30–65

13.5

Uganda Males

COUNTRY FOCUS MALE YOUTH, FEMALE YOUTH, AND ADULT UNEMPLOYMENT, %

12.7 Bangladesh

90%

40%

45%

20% Bangladesh Youth: Male

EL Salvador

Tunisia

Youth: Female

Uganda

Tunisia

Females

COUNTRY FOCUS SHARE OF YOUTH IN VULNERABLE EMPLOYMENT, %

60%

41.4

36.7

Bangladesh

68% 31% 35% EL Salvador

26%

83%

49%

Tunisia

Uganda

Males Females Source: Toward Solutions for Youth Employment Report

Adults

skilled labour force are the main causes of youth unemployment in Bangladesh,” World Bank Lead Economist Zahid Hussain told the Dhaka Tribune. The World Bank report found that more than 75% of business leaders claimed that a scarcity of skilled young workers was a challenge to hiring youth. Because investment to generate employ-

AFP, Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands

Amnesty urges PM to Govt looks to solar as A sunny day for renewables lift restrictions on coal faces trouble The government’s renewable energy plan n Aminur Rahman Rasel calls for 3,168 MW to be generated by 2021 of n Aminur Rahman Rasel foreigners in CHT Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Abul Kal- which solar power will contribute 1,740 MW. Leaders of the Bangladesh Solar and Re- The government is facing trouble over the am Azad has urged renewable energy entren Tribune Report preneurs to build a mega solar power plant to newable Energy Association (BSREA), who building of coal-based power plants, Prime Global rights campaigner Amnesty International has asked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to withdraw the restrictions imposed on foreigners wishing to visit or organise activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The London-based group in a statement issued on Monday urged the premier to ensure her government’s “compliance with its international obligations vis-à-vis the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and other communities in the CHT, by withdrawing the memorandum.” They said that the memorandum had  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

PAGE 3 Hoshi buried in Rangpur in the dark of night

promote green energy and meet the electricity demand. While speaking at a discussion attended by a veritable who’s who of the power sectors’ top echelon titled “Renewable Energy – Present Scenario and Achievements,” he called on investors to submit proposals as soon as possible. Azad, himself once a Power Division secretary, advised the Power Division to take an aggressive initiative to develop solar power in the country. The Power Division organised the programme at the Bidyut Bhaban yesterday.

PAGE 5 Top Rajon murder suspect Kamrul to be brought back today

represent private sector investors, urged the government to declare a fixed tariff and intensive and concrete policies to encourage investment in the sector. “The government is very serious about the development of solar power to deliver a large portion of the renewable energy electricity supply,” Azad said. “This is a win-win situation for the government and private sector to implement mega solar power plants in the private sector,” he added. BSREA Senior Vice-president and

Minister’s Principal Secretary Abul Kalam Azad has said. He said such plants require huge investments and take a long time to build and become operational. They also require deep technical expertise to run. “We are thinking of setting up large solar power plants to meet the power demand,” he said while speaking at a discussion yesterday. The government has taken up a number of projects for the construction of mega power plants but their outcomes have not been satisfactory.

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PAGE 6 Land survey in former exclaves to begin

PAGE 9 Turkey bans rally by activists mourning colleagues

PAGE 32 No more nudes in Playboy magazine

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Youth unemployment a big problem for Bangladesh study from 2013 estimates that the working-age population will grow annually to more than 2.2 million people over the next 10 years. In 2013, the youth unemployment rate in Bangladesh was 10.3%, higher than the regional South Asian average of 9.45%, but lower than the world average of 12.4%, the report said. The World Bank report added that Bangladeshi youth work informally, with more than 95% of youth reporting to work in the informal sector in 2013, of which many are self-employed (31.7%), or in unpaid family work (11.1%). “Global youth unemployment is a growing global challenge. When young workers are not able to connect to the labour market, it profoundly impacts their ability to participate fully in the economy, and threatens their social and economic future,” said John Irons, managing director of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Joblessness and crime

Mohammad Ashraful Alam, chairman of the

criminology and police sciences department of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, told the Dhaka Tribune that there is a big connection between crime and economics. “Youth suffering from poverty, unemployment and illiteracy are often driven by frustration towards drugs,” he said, adding that the step to crime is a small one. If unemployment rises, the crime rate will too, he said. Ashraf said the state needs to take responsibility for this by creating new jobs and upgrading the education system to include science and technology. Professor Shah Ehsan Habib of the sociology department at Dhaka University told the Dhaka Tribune that some studies on unemployment found depression to be a major negative impact of unemployment. He said young people will feel that they do not belong and society may treat them as a burden. Ehsan said crime will likely follow such a

the general population of Bangladesh) and the “tribal” peoples in the CHT region, and as such, are discriminatory, the statement issued by South Asia Research Director and Transition Lead David Griffiths said. They also threaten other human rights such as freedom of expression – including the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds – and non-interference with privacy and family, the statement reads. The memorandum requires that foreign nationals wishing to visit the region apply in advance to the government to gain permission to visit the region. Amnesty alleged that the memorandum openly violates a number of human rights safeguards including freedom of movement, right to privacy and family life and arbitrariness. l

A sunny day for renewables Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Limited Managing Director Munawar Misbah Moin said: “The government should properly assess the data on annual yields, project costs and the like and this information should be made public. “This way a clear picture will exist on the tariff rationale, and the bank-ability of the project will improve due to lower fund costs.” Munawar placed a number of recommendations on behalf of BSREA aimed at removing delays and incentivising investors. He said a fixed tariff should be declared for any power plant above 1 MW, adding that individual negotiations were not recommended. “It will be effective for us if the electricity cost per unit is 18 to 19 US cents,” he added. He said countries that have achieved success in fast track projects in solar and renewable energy declared fixed tariffs and a solid policy for the sector. “We think the government decision on renewable energy is very timely and that with this decision we will step into a new era in the renewable energy sector,” Munawar told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. The PM’s principal secretary said: “We will discuss with Bangladesh Bank and recommend that low rates of interest for investments in renewable energy projects are en-

Gender and unemployment

The report said the gender differential in Bangladesh was striking, with young women constituting the majority of unemployed young NEETs (not in employment, education or training) in Bangladesh. “More young women than young men are in vulnerable employment. The greatest proportion of women in vulnerable employment can be seen in Bangladesh (90%) while the lowest is observed in El Salvador (35%),” said the report. It said in Bangladesh, the adult participation rate is 88%, compared with 69% of the youth population. Eighty percent of young women are at home and not in the labour force. Two-thirds of young women are not in employment ed-

ucation or training (NEET), and two-thirds of school drop outs are women. Some 36% of urban youth and 42% of rural youth are NEET. Some 25% of young women who are working are employed in agriculture. The report showed that Bangladesh, Uganda, and El Salvador share the pattern, with agriculture employing the largest share of employed youth. In Bangladesh, about half (52%) of the youth population works in agriculture and forestry, while in El Salvador, nearly half (45%) of youth were employed in the sector, it said. The report found that parents may view early marriage as a logical choice for females when fewer income-earning opportunities are open to them. Births to adolescents are riskier than births to older females. In Bangladesh, for example, girls are the majority of school drop outs, which total 64.4%. The most common reason for their leaving school is marriage, the findings said. l

MH17 shot down

Amnesty urges PM failed to explain why the restrictions are necessary and proportionate, and pursue a legitimate aim. The memorandum, first issued in January this year, was greeted with national and international criticism; in response, the government withdrew some of the restrictions in April, Amnesty said. “However, the memorandum continues to impose serious restrictions on human rights.” The revised version of the memorandum, entitled “Implementation of decisions regarding the visit of foreign nationals to the CHT, having meetings with local tribal people,” places restrictions on the rights to freedom of movement, assembly and association, and freedom from discrimination. The restrictions focus on interactions between foreign nationals (and in some cases

state of affairs, if not among the rich, almost certainly among the middle and working classes. Ehsan said job creation and stipends may help deal with unemployment.

sured.” Azad said solar electricity purchase cost for the Power Development Board, which resells the power to consumers, should not exceed 12 US cents per unit. He said private investors should develop their own projects and transmission lines to reach the national grid. The transmission lines are to be built by investors. Power Division Joint Secretary and member of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Authority (SREDA) Siddique Zobair told the Dhaka Tribune that the Power Division convened a meeting to discuss problems and potentials in implementing the government plan using private sector partners. SREDA is working to promote renewable energy development in the country. The government earlier announced a renewable energy policy and plans to increase its share in power generation to 5% by the end of 2015 and to 10% by 2020. The country’s current renewable power generation capacity is 411 MW. Power Division Secretary Monowar Islam said the BSREA recommendations will be helpful for updating the renewable energy policy declared in 2008. The Power Division will take the initiative to update the policy, he added. l

and Ptropavlivka, most of which were in rebel territory, the Dutch report said. The inquiry has marked out a 320 square kilometre (120 square mile) area in eastern Ukraine from which the missile must have been fired to cause the amount of damage. But it did not specify whether it came from an area under the control of pro-Russian separatists battling Ukrainian forces. Standing in front of an eerie reconstruction of the plane’s cockpit made from the wreckage, Joustra said the inquiry had not pinned down the exact location of the missile launch site, saying that would take further investigation. But earlier the respected Volkskrant daily said sources close to the investigation had pointed to it being fired by pro-Russian rebels. “The BUK missile is developed and made in Russia,” one source told the daily. “It can be assumed that the rebels would not be able to operate such a device. I suspect the involvement of former Russian military officials.” Joustra also hit out at the Ukrainian authorities for allowing civil aircraft to continue to fly above the eastern part of the country despite the raging conflict between Kiev’s forces and pro-Russian separatist insurgents. On the day that MH17 was blown out of the skies, some 160 commercial flights overflew the area, the inquiry said. “There was sufficient reason for the Ukrainian authorities to close the air space above the eastern part of their country,” Joustra said. Relatives earlier emerged visibly shaken after being privately briefed by Joustra in a conference centre. One of them, Robby Oehlers said a wave of sadness had swept through the room. “They showed us the fragments that were inside the plane,” Oehlers said, adding in the room “it was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.” The downing of MH17 threw the global spotlight back on the uprising in eastern Ukraine and was followed by a toughening of Western sanctions against Russia. Tuesday’s findings were swiftly dismissed by the missile maker Almaz-Antey, after a test which “disputes the version of the Dutch,”

adding the damage to the MH17 pointed to the use of an older type of missile. “The results of the experiment completely dispute the conclusions of the Dutch commission about the type of the rocket and the launch site,” said Yan Novikov, director of Almaz-Antey. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk meanwhile blamed Russia’s security service. “I personally have no doubt that this was a planned operation of the Russian special services aimed at downing a civilian aircraft,” Yatsenyuk told a cabinet meeting. The Dutch report makes 11 recommendations, aiming to improve safety for civilian aircraft. They include that countries involved in a conflict should close their air space in a timely manner, and that stricter rules should be applied by international aviation bodies. But it has stressed its mandate was not to determine who pulled the trigger, amid a separate criminal probe by Dutch prosecutors. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on Russia to cooperate in the criminal investigation, adding “the priority now is to find and pursue those who are responsible.” Oehlers said relatives had been told “there was a zero percent chance that the people inside felt anything or had any notion of what was happening.” But the report states “it cannot be ruled out that some occupants remained conscious for some time during the one to one-and-ahalf minutes for which the crash lasted.” l

Govt looks to solar The government plans to set up a series of coal-fired power projects to generate 20,000 MW of electricity by 2030. It promised to set up a total of eight coalfired power plants under a public-private initiative. Of them, local private firm Orion group was supposed to build three 1,088 MW coal-based power plants, another two 1,450 MW power plants under the government initiative and three further 7,960 MW plants as joint-ventures. l

NEWS 3

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

No cases in underage SUV driver injuring four n Kamrul Hasan No case was filed until last night over Monday’s accident in Dhaka’s Gulshan which left four people injured as an underage driver rammed into two rickshaws with an SUV. The boy is said to be aged 16 and was doing a race with another car when he lost control and hit the rickshaws around 4pm on Road 74 of Gulshan. Seeking anonymity, a police high-up told the Dhaka Tribune last night that there were

three people in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) including the underage driver they were all drunk. Police have found alcohol in the vehicle. He also quoted one of the victims as saying that he would not sue anyone if all the expenses of his treatment were paid for. Law enforcers could not confirm the wheareabouts of the minor boy, whose name has been withheld considering his age. He is the son of HBM Jahidur Rahman, chairman of INNOTEL, and Shaila Shelly Khan, a director of Premier Bank.

Asked, Rafiqul Islam, assistant commissioner police’s Gulshan zone, said: “Police will file a case if none of the injured comes forward.”. The authorities at the United Hospital, where two of the injured are now undergoing treatment, also refused to make any comments. The condition of one of the injured, Mohammad Rafique, 27, a Grameen Bank official, was stated to be critical until last night. The other is Abdul Hakim, 32, a rickshaw pull-

er. Doctors said he is now out of danger and would be released today. The names of the two others, whose names could not be immediately known, were released after primary treatment. The police high-up said one of them is a 20-year-old girl whose lips were hurt in the accident. The matter came to light yesterday and created much hype as soon as photos of the SUV and the ravaged rickshaws hit social media, especially Facebook. l

Little Fahim testifies in Rakib murder case n Our Correspondent, Khulna Ten-year-old boy Fahim Hasan gave testimony as a crime scene witness in the Rakib murder case before a local court in Khulna yesterday. He is one of the six witnesses to testify yesterday – day three of the deposition recording by the court. With these, a total of 21 out of the 40 prosecution witnesses have so far given testimony. “[On the day of the incident] Rakib went to a paint shop beside Sharif Motors near the Tutpara graveyard intersection with a bicycle. While he was returning after buying paint, Mintu Mia stopped him on the way, left the bicycle on the road, picked him up and carried him to Sharif Motors. Then they partially pulled down the shutter as well. I was passing that place at that time. “I picked up Rakib’s bicycle and went in front of Sharif Motors and saw Mintu Mia forcibly taking out Rakib’s trousers and shoving a air-pipe through his back. And Sharif was operating the machine. Rakib was screaming. Then Rakib threw up. Then Rakib was taken to hospital. Later at night, it was heard that Rakib was dead,” said Fahim to the court. Rakib was killed on August 3, allegedly in the same way that little Fahim had described. l

A good number of trucks are parked grabbing a portion of Gulistan-Jatrabri road at Jatrabari in the capital leads to frequent traffic congestion. The photo was taken yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Hoshi buried in Rangpur in the dark of night n Kamrul Hasan

Japanese national Hoshi Kunio, killed 10 days ago by assailants still to be identified, was finally buried in Rangpur yesterday in the presence of embassy officials. Meanwhile, sources from the Dhaka Medical College morgue yesterday said that the body of Italian national Cesare Tavella, killed in Dhaka five days before Hoshi’s murder, will be taken by embassy officials today. Hoshi was laid to eternal rest at the Munshipara graveyard in the Rangpur city around 3am – a time highly unusual for a burial. Before that, his body was kept at the morgue of the Rangpur Medical College Hospital since the day of the murder. In the graveyard’s documents, he was registered as Golam Mohammad Kibria and his original name, Hoshi Kunio, was written beside within brackets. Rangpur district Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rahat Anowar told reporters around midday that high officials of the Japan embassy were present during the burial.

Rangpur City Corporation Mayor Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu said that the DC had sought his permission for burying Hoshi around 2:30am. Jhantu also confirmed that Hoshi had converted to Islam after he came to Bangladesh. “According to the documents that we have in our hands, he became a Muslim.”

Investigation

Investigators yesterday said that the killers of secular bloggers and the foreigners did not belong to the same group. A day before that, an information technology expert said that the group that claimed responsibility for the murder of the two expatriates also claimed responsibility for the slaying of bloggers. Tanvir Hasan Zoha, the IT expert who is assisting the investigators, also said that there was evidence the tweeters had received funds from the Middle East. However, Mahfuzul Islam, additional deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch, said that the killers of

bloggers and foreigners belonged to different groups. According to a reliable source, investigators yesterday took a blogger murder accused in Sylhet under fresh remand for interrogation. Shahjalal University student Mannan Yahya alias Mannan Rahi alias Hira alias Abdul Munim is the accused in the blogger Ananta murder case and was arrested in Sylhet after the murder. Asked about Zoha’s claim, Mahfuzul said: “Police can take help from anyone if needed. But it does not give that person the authority to be quoted, especially when a case is at such a crucial stage.”

Tavella’s dead body

According to a source, the Dhaka Medical College morgue yesterday received a letter from the Italian embassy in Dhaka which said Tavella’s dead body will be taken to his country using an air ambulance today. Earlier, ADC Mahfuzul said that the Italian embassy would receive the body after their preparations are fully complete. l

School girl stabbed to death by jilted admirer n Our Correspondent, Gazipur A 14-year-old girl was stabbed to death by a local delinquent for allegedly rejecting his relationship offer in Gazipur's Kaliakair yesterday. The victim, Kabita Das, was a student of class ten at Bijoy Sarani High School in the upazila’s Boardghar area. Police arrested the suspect, Savar's Gono University's BBA student Bikram Chandra Sarkar, with the help of the locals. Kaliakair OC Rafiqul Islam said Bikram attacked Kabita in front of her school, stabbing her repeatedly. She died later at the local health complex. l

CORRECTION In the article titled “Rolls Royce, StanChart big shots in town” published on October 12, it was mentioned that the delegation of Standard Chartered Bank that travelled to Bangladesh included Mr Mike Reese, deputy group chief executive of the bank, but he was not a part of the delegation. His name was erroneously published.

4 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Oishee pleads innocence in her parents’ murder case n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu Oishee Rahman, the girl accused of killing her parents SB inspector Mahfuzur Rahman and Swapna Rahman, has pleaded innocent in the murder case. In a written statement to a Dhaka tribunal, Oishee alleged that male police members had coerced her to falsely confess to the murder of her parents. Oishee, the prime accused in the case, submitted the statement to the Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal 3 yesterday, after its Judge Sayeed Ahmed read out charges against her and asked her whether she would plead guilty. Oishee also said she had no idea about who might have killed her parents as she had gone

out of the house before the murders. She further said she was a minor at the time of her parents’ death, mentioning that her birth date was August 17, 1996. The police produced Oishee and her friend Asaduzzaman Jony before the court while another accused Mizanur Rahman Rony, freed on bail, also appeared during yesterday’s proceedings. The tribunal fixed October 20 for hearing arguments in the case. On October 7, the tribunal concluded recording the depositions of prosecution witnesses in the sensational murder case. A total 39 out of 57 prosecution witnesses testified in the case. According to the case statement, the bodies of Mahfuzur and Swapna were found at their

Chamelibagh residence on August 16, 2013. Oishee, who had taken her O-level examination, surrendered at Paltan police station the following day. Later, police arrested their house help Khadiza Khatun Sumi, and Oishee’s friends Jony and Rony. Two charge sheets were submitted on March 9 last year – one pressed against Oishee and her two friends while the other against Sumi who is under 18. Sumi’s trial proceeding is under way at a juvenile court in Dhaka. According to the charge sheets, Oishee alone killed her parents while Jony instigated the murders and Rony gave her shelter after the incident. Sumi has been accused of assisting Oishee in concealing the bodies. l

PRIEST MURDER ATTEMPT

Four suspects remanded

n Our Correspondent, Pabna A Pabna court has placed four of the five alleged JMB members, arrested for attempting to murder a Christian priest in the district, under a five-day remand. Judge Rezaul Karim of Pabna Cognisance Court 2 gave the order yesterday after the police produced them seeking a ten-day remand. The remanded detainees are: Ziaur Rahman, 35; Shariful Islam, 22; Abdul Alim, 36; and Amzad Hossain, 30. Meanwhile, Rakibul Islam Rabbi, 22, another arrested suspect, provided his confessional statement to the court yesterday. The five suspects were arrested during separate drives in Pabna, Sirajganj and Dhaka, in connection with the murder attempt on church priest Luke Sarker in Pabna. l

Shahadat sent to jail after remand n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

A Dhaka court yesterday sent Kazi Shahadat Hossain, a suspended national cricketer, to jail after completion of his three-day police remand in a case filed for torturing his domestic help. Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Kamrul Hossain passed the order when Mirpur police Officer-in-Charge Md Shafiqur Rahman, also investigation officer of the case, produced him before the court. The IO told the court that the accused needed to be in custody for the sake of proper investigation. The court also rejected the bail petition submitted by Shahadat’s lawyer Kazi Md Nazibullah Hiru. Shahadat, who had been on run since the injured 10-year-old domestic help was rescued, surrendered before a Dhaka court on October 5, a day after the arrest of his wife Jasmine Jahan Nitto. On September 6, journalist Khandker Mozzamel Haque found the child lying injured on a road in Sangbadik Colony area of Pallabi. Later, he took her to the police station and filed the case under section 4 (2) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000. Shahadat was suspended by Bangladesh Cricket Board on September 13. l

The Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal start a road march from the National Press Club yesterday with a call to cancel all projects, including Rampal Power Plant, harmful for the ecology of the Sundarbans RAJIB DHAR

Medical admission seekers to Mushtuq Husain’s OSD stage fast-unto-death from today status cancelled n Arif Ahmed The protesting medical admission seekers have announced that they would stage a fastunto-death from today. Tanvira Biswash, a coordinator of the movement, confirmed the information to Dhaka Tribune, and said: “We are compelled to announce a tougher programme, as the government has yet to respond to our demands.” Earlier in the morning, the protesters

brought out a procession on Dhaka University campus and staged a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar, which was interrupted by rain. The number of protesters has seen a recent decrease. One of the protesters, Niyon, explained why this is the case: “Because the Buet and Dhaka University admission tests are taking place, the number of protesters has fallen.” The MBBS and BDS admission seekers have been demonstrating since the admission tests were held on September 19, alleging that the questions for the exams had been leaked. l

n Tribune Report The Health Ministry has cancelled IEDCR senior researcher Dr Mohammad Mushtuq Husain’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) status, only a day after the original order was issued. The ministry, in a statement on Monday, had attached Mushtuq to the health directorate as an OSD, moving him from his post as the chief scientific officer at the medical sociology department in the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR),

the government’s disease control wing. But the ministry cancelled Dr Mushtuq’s OSD status yesterday through another statement published on their website. In both cases, the ministry did not provide any explanation for their decisions. But there has been a rumour circulating that the ministry made him an OSD because on Friday he expressed his solidarity with the student protesters demanding retake of medical and dental admission tests because of alleged question leak before the tests. l

NEWS 5

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

DMP chief: Bring madrasas under scanner n Mohammad Jamil Khan The DMP authorities have asked its filed-level officials to gather information on the activities of madrasas in their localities and update the database continuously with a view to curb religious extremism. They were also instructed to build relationship with the people who live around the madrasas, and if possible, with the madrasa insiders, to thwart any unwanted situation beforehand. The issues were discussed in the crime conference held at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters yesterday. DMP Commission Asaduzzaman Miah chaired the meeting where the officers-in-charge of all the 49 police stations and top zonal bosses took part. The initiatives have been taken after a US

website “Site intelligence” reported that international militant outfit Islamic State has taken responsibility of the killing of two foreigners in Bangladesh. Though the government denies existence of IS as an organisation in Bangladesh, its law enforcement agencies arrested a number of local militants in the past one year for their alleged involvement with IS, al-Qaeda and Taliban. The Detective Branch of police on several occasions warned that the local militant outfits were regrouping and working together to unseat the government through an armed revolution to establish an Islamic State in Chittagong region incorporating parts of Myanmar and India. Earlier, the government’s taskforce to combat militancy had asked the Education Minis-

try and the Islamic Foundation to scrutinise the madrasa books to find whether there are any contents that may encourage extremism. Moreover, the intelligence agencies were directed to continue vigilance at the madrasas and religious institutions and bringing the suspects to book. Following the alleged IS claim and the security alerts issued by several embassies, the government also heightened security arrangements in the diplomatic zones of the capital. The law enforcers were also asked to set up check posts at different spots and increase patrolling. The DMP boss yesterday asked the officials to closely observe the situation so that no militant group could create any unwanted situation. The law enforcement agencies were also

Kibria murder: Explosives case shifted to another court n Our Correspondent, Habiganj A Habiganj court set November 12 for hearing in the explosives case filed for the grenade attack in 2005 that killed former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria and four others. Additional Judicial Magistrate SM Humayun accepted the charge sheet yesterday and sent the case to District and Sessions Judge’s Court for trial. Kibria, a technocrat minister during the Awami League-led government’s 1996-2001 tenure, and four others were killed in the grenade attack when he was returning to Dhaka after attending a rally in Habiganj on January 27, 2005. Two cases were lodged in connection with the attack. Thirty-two people including former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar, Sylhet City Corporation’s dismissed mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Harkat-ul-Jihad leader Mufti Hannan are accused in both the cases. Of the accused, 15 are in jail, eight on bail while nine others are on the run. The murder case is currently under trial at the Sylhet Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal. l

Unions, civil society for community fight against desertification n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla from Ankara, Turkey

An uncovered electric switch box lies on a footpath at Nimtali in the Old Dhaka posing risk to pedestrians. The photo was taken yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

Prime accused in the Rajon murder case Kamrul to be brought back today n Tribune Report Kamrul Islam, the prime accused in teenager Rajon murder case who was held in Saudi Arabia, will be brought back home tomorrow. A Foreign Ministry statement yesterday said that all necessary procedures had been completed to repatriate Kamrul in collaboration with Home Ministry, Police Headquarters and the Bangladesh mission in Saudi Arabia. Three police officials – Police Headquarters’ Additional Superintendent Mahabubul Karim, Sylhet Metropolitan Police’s Additional Commissioner Mohammad Rahmat Ullah and Assistant Commissioner AFF Nezam Ud-

directed to create a list of foreigners staying in Dhaka and increase security in the areas they usually gather. They were also asked to increase security in the capital’s Tejgaon industrial area and other places where the Hindus will observe Durga Puja, a senior DMP official said asking not to be named as he was not authorised to speak to media. Muntasirul Islam, deputy commissioner of DMP’s media and publication cell, said that the meeting discussed different law and order issues and the officers were given some special instructions. At the meeting, the DMP boss thanked the police officials for maintaining law and order properly, except for a couple of stray incidents. Some officers were given prizes for their performance, Muntasirul added. l

din – reached Riyadh yesterday to bring back Kamrul. Even though the two countries have no extradition treaty, the Saudi government is sending immigrant Kamrul at the request of the Bangladesh government. Kamrul fled the country on July 10, two days after brutally killing the 13-year-old boy at a workshop in Sylhet’s Kumargaon along with several others. But he was caught by some expatriate Bangladeshis and handed over to Saudi police on July 13. Thirteen people were made accused in the case. Of them, two are on the run. So far, 25 out of 38 prosecution witnesses testified in the case.

The Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court of Judge Md Akbar Hossain Mridha yesterday recorded the deposition of four more witnesses including the owner of a workshop where Rajon had been tortured to death. They are police constables Zakir Ahmed and Monir Ahmed, microbus driver Abdul Mannan and workshop owner Sudip Kopali. Vegetable vendor Sheikh Samiul Alam Rajon was tortured to death by the accused on July 8. A 28-minute video, recorded on a mobile phone camera by one of the accused and later uploaded to social media platforms, showed the victim tied to a pole in front of a workshop. l

Civil society organisations and trade unions have said community involvement is crucial to effectively combating land degradation, a condition that directly affects 1.5 million people around the world. Organisations and unions presented 13 propositions to the general assembly of COP12, the desertification summit in Ankara, Turkey that started on October 12. The document reads: “Desertification is a universal issue. Combating such an issue cannot be achieved through mere involvement of governments but also requires sustainable and effective community involvement.” Speakers said modern social structures had caused traditional values regarding the relationship between nature and humanity to deteriorate. “In the combat against the destruction of the nature, such traditional values must be reinforced and made functional through the support of culture and art,” the document reads. The document says governments must organise widespread education programmes to raise social awareness about combating desertification. Because of the close connection of land degradation to poverty, rural development is an indispensable and inevitable part of the process. Speakers said creating employment in the agricultural sector was part of the solution. “It is necessary to … improve the economic status of poor farmers, unemployed people and the workers in agricultural and forestation [jobs],” the document reads. The document calls for land transfer, ownership and inheritance laws to be reconsidered with an eye to preventing “fragmentation of agricultural land” and “the protection of optimum land size.” l

6 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Land survey in former exclaves to begin n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat

The government is all set to begin a monthlong land survey tomorrow to freshly demarcate the areas of the former exclaves in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Panchagarh and Nilphamari districts. At the end of this land survey process, the former exclaves will get new maps after 96 years the land owners will get permanent ownership. However, exclave dwellers have a fear that local political influentials might use their muscles to snatch their land. Instructions regarding this has already been sent to these districts’ administration, who, in turn, have formed an eight-member

committee, comprising the executive officers of those upazilas within which the former exclaves fall. At the field level, the land survey would be conducted by separate seven-member working groups for each upazilas. These groups will be led by the upazila revenue officers. In addition, high-powered nine-member committees, led by deputy commissioners, will look after the overall land survey activities in each of these districts. This land survey effort is part of the multiple-steps implementation of the exclave-exchange deal between India and Bangladesh. As part of the process, residents of the former exclaves, who chose to go to India, will start leaving on November 1.

The groups and committees mentioned above will primarily have three tasks. First, they will do a field level survey and make fresh hand-drawn maps of the former exclaves. Second, they will put in information of ownership in Record of Rights forms. Third, they will take signature of the land owners in the respective Record of Rights forms. There are two former exclaves in the Lalmonirhat sadar upazila, two in Hatibandha upazila and 55 in the Patgram upazila. Azizul Islam, acting general secretary of the Lalmonirhat unit of the Former India-Bangladesh Exclaves Exchange Coordination Committee, said: “The dwellers of the former exclaves have only one thing say to the government officials – please make sure that

nobody is allowed to play games with their land. Please also make sure that nobody can forcefully take away the land that belongs us.” Diptiman Sengupta, a leader of the coordination committee, said: “It is essential that the skilled officials of the land office form the Records of Rights forms. In addition, the local arbitration councils can also be consulted for surveying the disputed land.” Habibur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Lalmonirhat district, said: “A bunch of old documents were exchanged during the DC-DM conference. These documents will be consulted for running the land survey. We have formed three committees to look after the entire process. If anyone raises any objections, we will solve them quickly.” l

6,800,000 Indian rupees seized in Ctg airport n Tribune Report

Customs officials seized 6,800,000 lakh Indian rupees from a warehouse at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong yesterday. However, none was arrested in this connection. Assistant Commissioner of Chittagong Customs House at the airport Abul Kashem told the Dhaka Tribune that during regular inspection customs officials found a carton which had no label around 1pm. “Later customs official recovered a huge amount of Indian rupees that kept in four wooden plates inside the master box”, said AC Abul Kashem. The AC, however, could not confirm as it genuine or fake rupees. AC Abul Kashems said “as the box has no label or tag, the customs officials could not found the details information about the carton or its owner who brought the bag”. Earlier, the Custom Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) personnel had seized a huge amount of fake Indian Rupees on September 9. l

A procession is brought out in Gaibandha town yesterday, marking the International Day for Disaster Reduction

Road accidents take lives of seven n Tribune Report

At least five people were killed and six others injured when a bus rammed into a human hauler in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur district yesterday morning. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. Humayun Kabir, officer-in-charge of Mirzapur Gorai Highway police station, said the accident had taken place in the morning when a bus rammed into the human hauler, locally known as Leguna, in Signboard area on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway, leaving three dead, including leguna driver, on the spot. Later, among the injured, two others died on way to Kaliakoir Upazila Health Complex. Sub Inspector Selim Reza said the driver fled the scene after the accident. Meanwhile, two people were killed in two separate road accidents in Dinajpur. Police said a bicycle rider Mithun, 20, was injured when a speedy motorcycle knocked him in Ajaria village area under Biral upazila. After the accident Mithun was admitted to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries this morning. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

NEWS 7

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Two alleged robbers lynched in Brahmanbaria

n Our Correspondent, Brahmanbaria Two suspected robbers were beaten to death by a mob at Leshiyara village, Kasba upazila, Brahmanbaria in the early hours of yesterday. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. Officer-in-Charge of Kasba police station Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said: “Family members of late Dhon Mia member of the village informed the neighbours about robbery when a gang of robbers swooped to enter their house to commit robbery around 2:30am Tuesday.” As the news of the robbery spread, locals rushed to their house and managed to two of the robbers while other members of the gang managed to flee from the scene. Later, the local people gave them good beating, leaving them dead on the spot. The OC said the bodies have been taken to the police station. Later, the bodies were sent to Brahmanbari Sadar Hospital for autopsy. A case was filed in this connection. l

WEATHER THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 TODAY

TOMORROW

SUN SETS 5:34PM

SUN RISES 5:56AM

FORECAST FOR TODAY Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

22.3ºC

Bogra

Tangail Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES Fajr Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Chhitmahals start getting power connections n Our Correspondent, Lalmonirhat

DHAKA

34.0ºC

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority demolishes a number of illegal structures in a drive along the Buriganga River at Keraniganj in the capital yesterday

4:38am 5:54am 11:45am 3:56pm 5:34pm 7:04pm SourceL IslamicFinder.org

Bangladesh Power Development Board has unofficially started the process of providing new power connections to residents of the 59 former Indian exclaves – now ceded to Bangladesh – in Lalmonirhat. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to officially inaugurate the power distribution programme tomorrow through a video conferencing session from Kurigram’s Dasiar Chhara, ending years of suffering faced by the areas’ residents. The distribution of the new power connections, however, began yesterday by bringing the former Bashkata enclave in Lalmonirhat’s

Patgram upazila under the PDB’s services. Sheikh Mohammad Ala Uddin, chief engineer (distribution) for the PDB’s Rangpur region, launched the test operations of a power line capable of providing 250MW electricity. Ala Uddin said a total 2,000 electricity poles are needed to provide connection to all 59 former enclaves – also known as Chhitmahals – in Lalmonirhat’s Sadar, Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas. “Funding for 1,000 poles has already been approved, and work has begun. Gradually, by next January, all families living in these areas would get power connections,” he added. Syed Ali, 55, a resident of Bashkata whose house got its first power connection yester-

day, said: “We have been freed from a confined life after 68 years. For the first time we are enjoying electricity – the main component for a better life. “Our children will finally be able to study under a light bulb, watch TV and use the internet. They will know news from around the world. Irrigation will also become cheaper,” he added. Other locals also expressed their joy at finally getting the benefits of electricity. They said tasks as simple as charging a mobile phone, which used to be very difficult in the past, would now be easy. The need for kerosene lamps would also become obsolete, they added. l

Kader Siddiqui’s nomination cancelled

Transport strike on October 19

n Our Correspondent, Tangail

Transport owners yesterday called a day-long strike on October 19 at 19-routes in the district demanding immediate repair of the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Highway. Chittagong Ancholik Malik-Sramik Oikkya Parishad called the programme after a meeting with the transport owners and workers. Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Parishad and also the Secretary General of Sarak Paribahan Malik Group told the Dhaka Tribune that the condition of different roads including the highway in South Chittagong were very poor. The transport leader also claimed that the transport owners urged the concern authorities several times to repair the roads and highway. l

The nomination of Krishak Sramik Janata League (KSJL) President Abdul Kader Siddiqui Bir Uttam and his wife Nasrin Kader Siddiqui for Tangail 4 (Kalihati) by-poll has been cancelled over loan default. The Election Commission scrapped their nomination for the November 10 by-poll after the Credit Information Bureau of Bangladesh Bank informed it of the defaulted loan, sources told the Dhaka Tribune. “They [Kader and Nasrin] have a loan worth Tk10.88 crore in Agrani Bank Ltd in the name of their organisation Shonar Bangla Engineering Organisation,” said Md Alimuzzaman, returning officer in the by-

poll. “They defaulted the loan payment, that is why their nomination has been cancelled.” “Kader Siddiqui and Nasrin Siddiqui’s nomination papers have been cancelled to make the way smoother for the ruling party candidates,” said Rafiqul Islam, general secretary of the party’s Tangail unit. “We condemn this action of the Election Commission.” In protest of their leaders’ candidacy getting cancelled, the KSJL activists announced to observe dawn-to-dusk hartal in Tangail today, but later cancelled it following a request of Kader Siddiqui himself, UNB reported. The Election Commission cancelled the nomination of two other candidates for the by-poll, sources said. l

n CU Correspondent

8 WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

2014 Malaysia Airlines MH17 disaster MH17 disaster 2014 Malaysia Airlines Dutch Safety Board report due on Tuesday Route

Crash on July 17 2014

UKRAINE

Amsterdam

RUSSIA

Moscow

Key points l Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala

Start 10:15 GMT

Scheduled

Amsterdam

11:00 GMT

NETHERLANDS

Kiev

POLAND

GERMANY

12:00 GMT Malaysia Airlines MH17 Boeing 777-200

Disappeared from flight radar at 13:21 GMT, crashed into separatistheld territory

MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur

13:00 GMT

UKRAINE

Passengers: 283 Crew: 15

Donetsk l

300 km

l l

Source: Malaysia Airlines/Flightradar24/Airbus DS/ AllSource Analysis/DutchSafetyBoard

Lumpur, was travelling over the conflict-hit region on 17 July 2014 when it disappeared from radar. A total of 283 passengers, including 80 children, and 15 crewmembers were on board, of whom 196 were Dutch. In its preliminary report, the Dutch Safety Board said the plane lost contact with air traffic control at 13:20 GMT, when it was about 50km from the Russia-Ukraine border. Footage emerged of the crash site in the Donetsk area of Ukraine - territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists - and witnesses spoke of dozens of bodies on the ground. Dutch Safety Board issues final report into July 2014 crash of flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukraine. In September 2014, the preliminary report from the Dutch investigation team said MH17 broke up mid-air after being hit by “numerous objects” that “pierced the plane at high velocity” from outside the cabin and above the level of the cockpit floor. In August 2015, the Dutch investigation announced that fragments of a suspected Russian missile system had been found at the crash site. MH17 brought down by Russian-made 9M38 Buk missile, report says Forensic evidence showed missile exploded about a metre from the cockpit

Dutch PM seeks Russia’s cooperation

Russia: Dutch investigation into MH17 crash biased

Malaysia vows prosecution of trigger-happy criminals

White House: Dutch report on MH17 crash milestone

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte called on Russia to cooperate fully with the criminal investigation into who is responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 with 298 people onboard. The comments followed the publication earlier on Tuesday of a final report by the Dutch Safety Board into the crash. It concluded that MH17 was brought down by a Russian-made Buk missile, fired from rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine. The report did not assign blame for the crash on July 17, 2014.

The Dutch investigation into the downing of a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine last year is biased, Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Tuesday. “It’s a source of regret that, despite all Russia’s repeated and lengthy attempts to organise the investigation in such a way that it is comprehensive and unbiased, and for it to consider all the information we have ... there is an obvious attempt to draw a biased conclusion, and carry out political orders,” Ryabkov was quoted as saying.

Malaysia vowed on Tuesday to seek the prosecution of the “trigger-happy criminals” who downed flight MH17, after a Dutch-led investigation said it was shot down by a missile fired from war-torn eastern Ukraine. Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said in a statement: “Malaysia remains single-minded in our pursuit of decisive action that will lead to prosecution of the trigger-happy criminals.” PM Najib Razak also released a statement vowing that his government would continue to press for justice “until those behind this heinous act are made to pay for their crimes.”

The Dutch Safety Board’s report on the 2014 crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is “important milestone in the effort to hold accountable those responsible” for the disaster, the White House said on Tuesday. “The US will fully support all efforts to bring to justice those responsible. Our assessment is unchanged - MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired from separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine. The victims and their loved ones remain in our thoughts and prayers,” National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said.

Rockets hit Russian embassy in Damascus n AFP, Damascus Two rockets struck the Russian embassy compound in Damascus on Tuesday sparking panic as several hundred people gathered to express their support for Moscow’s air war in Syria, AFP journalists said. Some 300 people had begun to gather for a demonstration backing Russia’s recent intervention in Syria when the rockets crashed into the embassy compound in the Mazraa neighbourhood of the capital, the journalists at the scene said. There was widespread panic among the demonstrators, who moments earlier had been waving Russian flags and holding up large photographs of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Quoted by Russian news agency Interfax, senior embassy official Eldar Kurbanov said: “Two rockets hit embassy territory at 10:15 am. No one was killed or wounded.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the rockets were fired from the eastern edges of the capital, where Islamist rebels are entrenched. The Russian embassy has been the target of rocket attacks before. l

‘Kill Russians’ urges Syrian Qaeda as Putin slams US n AFP, Beirut, Lebanon

Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate called for jihadists to attack Russia over its air strikes in Syria, as rockets hit Moscow’s Damascus embassy Tuesday where demonstrators had gathered to back the intervention. Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed Washington for refusing to cooperate on Syria, saying “some of our partners simply have mush for brains.” “How is it possible to work together?” he asked in Moscow, adding that the United States declined to share intelligence on Syria. Washington and its allies say Moscow is also targeting Western-backed moderate rebels and seeking to prop up President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Abu Mohamed al-Jolani, head of Syria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, urged jihadists in the Caucasus to target Russians because of Moscow’s air campaign. “If the Russian army kills the people of Syria, then kill their people. And if they kill our soldiers, then kill their soldiers. An eye

for an eye,” Jolani said in an audio recording released late Monday. He pledged that Moscow’s air war, which began on September 30, would have dire consequences. “The war in Syria will make the Russians forget the horrors that they found in Afghanistan,” Jolani said, adding: “They will be shattered, with God’s permission, on Syria’s doorstep.” Russia has said its raids are targeting Al-Nusra’s jihadist rival the Islamic State group and other movements, and the defence ministry said it had hit 86 “terrorist” targets in Syria since Monday. “In the last 24 hours, Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM planes carried out 88 sorties against 86 terrorist infrastructure targets in the provinces of Raqa, Hama, Idlib, Latakia and Aleppo,” ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian news agencies. Tuesday’s developments came a day after US-led coalition forces air-dropped ammunition to the Syrian Arab Coalition (SAC) battling jihadists near the Islamic State group’s northern stronghold of Raqa. l

‘Russia to cooperate with Syrian nonterrorist groups’ n Agencies, Moscow

Russia is ready to cooperate with all opposition groups in Syria that do not embrace terrorism in order to speed up a political solution to the crisis in the war-torn country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday. “We are ready to cooperate with such patriotic groups of armed opposition, both in coordinating the fight against terrorism on the Syrian territory and in an effort to prepare the ground for a political process,” Lavrov told reporters. The process should begin as soon as possible and should lead to a reconciliation of the Syrian people, he added. Meanwhile, Lavrov also expressed Russia’s willingness to coordinate its actions in Syria with the US-led coalition, which the top Russian diplomat said currently appears not to be ready for it. “We are interested in establishing coordination with the coalition, which is led by the United States and includes countries of the Arab world and the Persian Gulf...to coordinate joint actions,” he said. l

WORLD 9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Turkey bans rally by activists mourning colleagues n AP, Ankara, Turkey Turkish authorities on Tuesday banned a protest rally and march by trade union and civic society activists who lost friends and colleagues in Turkey’s bloodiest terror attack, but hundreds of people defiantly gathered for the protest. The two suicide bombings on Saturday came amid political uncertainty in the country — just weeks before Turkey’s November 1 election which is in effect a re-run of an inconclusive June election. The bombings raised fears that the Nato country, a candidate for European Union membership, may be heading toward a period of instability. The blasts have further polarized Turkey, as it grapples with more than 2 million refugees and tries to avoid being drawn into the chaos in neighboring Syria and Iraq. Dogan news agency video footage on Tuesday showed police pushing back a group of demonstrators trying to reach the rally to commemorate the 97 victims of the two blasts. Plain-clothed police pushed at least two dem-

A demonstrator wears tape on her mouth as others hold portraits of people killed by suicide bombings as they attend a commemoration in Ankara Tuesday AFP onstrators to the ground and detained them. “Our brothers were killed! What are you doing?” a woman was heard shouting. Riot police formed a line in front the en-

trance of a university preventing hundreds of other demonstrators from leaving to attend the march. The Istanbul governor banned the protest

citing “sensitivities at this time” and because the routes demonstrators planned to march along were heavily used by the public. Several small protests — involving dozens to a few hundred people — have erupted across Turkey since Saturday with people expressing their grief and their grievances. Some protests have turned into anti-government demonstrations, with participants shouting slogans holding the government responsible and expressing dismay that no government official has taken responsibility and resigned. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said the Islamic State group was the main focus of the investigation. Authorities said Saturday’s attacks bore similarities with a suicide bombing that killed 33 activists at a town near the border with Syria in July. No one has claimed responsibility for Saturday’s explosions that also wounded hundreds. The bombers likely infiltrated Turkey from a neighboring country, according to Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus. He said several arrests were made in connection to the attacks but did not elaborate. l

Israeli police: Palestinian attacks kill three

Iran tests new precisionguided ballistic missile

n Reuters, Jerusalem

n Reuters, Dubai

Palestinian men armed with knives and a gun killed at least three people and wounded several others in a string of attacks in Jerusalem and near Tel Aviv on Tuesday, police said, on a “Day of Rage” declared by Palestinian groups. With the worst unrest in years in Israel and the Palestinian territories showing no signs of abating, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a security cabinet meeting to discuss what police said would be new operational plans. Officials said Israel’s public security minister was considering whether to seal off Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem, home of many of the assailants of the past two weeks, from the rest of the city. Unlike their brethren in the occupied West Bank, Palestinians in East Jerusalem can travel in Israel without restrictions. Israel annexed East Jerusalem after a 1967 war in a

move that is not recognised internationally. Adding to a growing sense of Israeli public insecurity, two Palestinians shot and stabbed passengers on a bus in Jerusalem, killing two and injuring four, police said. One of the assailants was killed, an ambulance service spokesman said, and the other captured. “We don’t know what to do, or where to walk,” Avi Shemesh, a witness to the attack, told reporters. “They are Israel-haters and they need to be eliminated.” Minutes later, another Palestinian rammed his car into a bus stop in the centre of Jerusalem, then got out and began stabbing pedestrians, killing one and wounding six, police said. They said the attacker had been “neutralised,” without saying what this meant. Seven Israelis and 27 Palestinians, including nine alleged attackers and eight children, have died in almost two weeks of street attacks and security crackdowns. l

Iran tested a new precision-guided ballistic missile on Sunday in defiance of a United Nations ban, signaling an apparent advance in Iranian attempts to improve the accuracy of its missile arsenal. The Islamic Republic has one of the largest missile programs in the Middle East, but its potential effectiveness has been limited by poor accuracy. State television showed what appeared to be a successful launch of the new missile, named Emad, which will be Iran’s first precision-guided weapon with the range to strike its regional arch-enemy Israel. “The Emad missile is able to strike targets with a high level of precision and completely destroy them ... This greatly increases Iran’s strategic deterrence capability,” Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan said at a

televised news conference. The UN Security Council prohibits foreign powers from assisting Iran in developing its ballistic missile program in any way, a ban that will remain in place under the terms of the July 14 nuclear deal that will see other sanctions lifted. The United Nations also prohibits Iran from undertaking any activity related to ballistic missiles that could deliver a nuclear warhead, which applies to the Emad, but Iranian officials have pledged to ignore the ban. “We don’t ask permission from anyone to strengthen our defense and missile capabilities,” Dehghan said. “Our leadership and armed forces are determined to increase our power and this is to promote peace and stability in the region. There is no intention of aggression or threats in this action,” he added. l

Nepal’s new Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli sworn in n AFP, Kathmandu, Nepal KP Sharma Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister on Monday, tasked with unifying the quake-hit country after a new constitution triggered deadly protests, a border blockade and a nationwide fuel shortage. Oli, a former deputy prime minister who heads one of Nepal’s main communist parties, is credited with having pushed through a deal on the constitution after years of disagreement. After his election on Sunday he urged political unity to try to resolve the stand-off with protesters from the country’s Madhesi minority, who say the charter’s terms will exclude them from power in the national assembly.

On Monday Oli appointed two deputy prime ministers from parties that opposed elements of the constitution passed in September, months after an earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 and left many more homeless. They are Kamal Thapa, head of the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPP-N), and Bijay Kumar Gachhadar who leads one of Nepal’s Madhesi parties. Nepal’s Maoists, who fought a 10-year civil war with the state that led to the fall of the monarchy, have also joined the ruling coalition government – meaning they will serve alongside Thapa’s royalist RPP-N. The country’s largest party the Nepali Con-

gress is expected to form the opposition after its candidate, former premier Sushil Koirala, lost out to Oli in Sunday’s election for prime minister. Oli has pledged to quell protests over the new constitution and end a blockade that has led to national fuel rationing, as well as accelerate reconstruction after the earthquake in April. Landlocked Nepal is completely reliant on India for its fuel supplies. The blockade by protesters at a vital border checkpoint, and tightened security on the Indian side, has sparked a nationwide shortage.

India to wait and watch as new Nepal PM takes charge India on Tuesday said it would “wait and watch”

whether Oli would act on the assurances to assuage concerns regarding the new Constitution to address the current crisis in the Himalayan nation. However, top official sources maintained that there was opening of more “political space” to discuss concerns of various sections of the Nepalese people. “In last 20 days, we are seeing greater willingness to address the issues which was not there earlier,” they said. Rejecting that there was any inconsistency in India’s approach towards Nepal, the sources said even in his congratulatory message the Indian PM has expressed the hope and expectation that Oli will carry all sections of the society along so that there is peace and stability in the country. l

10 WORLD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

30 people killed in Pakistan, Myanmar landslides n Agencies

At least 30 people, including seven children, were killed in landslide incidents in Pakistan and Myanmar. In Pakistan, thirteen people including seven children were crushed to death in Karachi Tuesday when a rare landslide struck their thatch huts as they slept, officials said.

The victims, who police said were from three families, were living on a plot of land carved out of a hill in the eastern neighbourhood of Gulistane Jauhar when the tragedy struck in the early hours. Rescue workers initially dug through the rubble with shovels and hoes in the hunt for survivors before switching to mechanical tools. In Myanmar, the landslide triggered by

torrential rains has killed at least 17 people and forced the evacuation of scores more, state media said Tuesday. The landslide hit a village in Hpa-saung township in the remote Kayah state on Monday afternoon, killing 10 men and seven women, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported. More than 360 people areas have been re-

located to temporary relief camps that have been opened at schools and a local hospital, with more heavy rain expected, it said. Scores of people died in July when the worst flooding in years hit the country, affecting 1.6 million people nationwide. Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual monsoon rains provide a lifeline to farmers but can also prove deadly, with landslides. l

EDITORIAL 11

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

INSIDE

Secularism and sacred cows While New Delhi played politics with the cow to placate the powerful RSS, it did not instruct the BSF to ensure that no cattle passed into Bangladesh. The reason why it did not do so is a crude mixture of politics and economics

PAGE 12

Eid-ul-Azha: A post script Does that animal ever become our most loved and most prized possession, the sacrifice of which should meet the spirit of Qurbani? Do we genuinely care about the fate of the teeming millions of the destitute that comprise the majority of our population and can’t even afford one square meal a day?

PAGE 13

And the Peace Prize goes to ... It was a time when Tunisia was grappling with striking a balance between the rise of political Islam in the country and the traditional secular politics it had been accustomed to for decades. The quartet brought opposing sides together but was ultimately created to calm the streets. Their critics say its impact lost momentum long ago

PAGE 14

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BIGSTOCK

Accountability matters more than local candidate affiliation

e agree it makes sense to change the law to allow political parties to directly nominate candidates in local elections. Parties habitually extend support to favoured candidates in local government elections, so changing this rule would merely remove an anomaly and not adversely affect the choice available to voters. Also, independent candidates may benefit from a rule change if it helps to clear confusion among voters and allows them to clearly demonstrate when they are standing free from the constraints of party machinery. However, the government should still hold wider public debate on its planned local government reforms, to make sure they fulfill their stated purpose of strengthening local administration and democracy. Empowering citizens to effectively hold local governments to account is what matters. It is beside the point whether candidates stand with the support of political parties or not. To ensure proper accountability, parliament should review the institutional factors which hinder the effectiveness of local government. Local democracy must become more responsive and transparent if it is truly to be effective. It is time to move away from a culture of over-centralisation that limits the authority of local government officials and only serves to institutionalise the layers of bureaucracy and patronage that can encourage corruption. The government’s reforms should focus on ensuring that local officials become more visible and representative so that the public is better empowered to make sure local administration is responsive to local needs. As part of examining ways to improve the accountability of local government, the government should also look at ways of boosting women’s participation in local government elections and leadership roles. Maximising the pool of talent that takes part in local government, is a vital component of making local democracy more representative of the people it serves.

Reforms should focus on empowering citizens to effectively hold local government to account

12 OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Secularism and sacred cows India’s secular identity may be under threat

n M Serajul Islam

ndia’s claim as a secular nation is being flushed down the drain by the raging controversy in the country, with the cow raising serious doubts to whether its tall claim for which it seeks and earns respect in the West is genuine anymore. A 50-year-old Muslim, Mohammad Akhlaq, was dragged out of his house in Dadri, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, by a mob of Hindu fundamentalists belonging to the Rashtriya Sayamsevak Sangha (RSS) on the suspicion he had eaten beef and had beef stored in his house, and lynched. Suffice to say, the murder has become a national and an international issue and has exposed the Hindu fundamentalist credentials of the BJP, raising serious questions about India’s faith in secularism. The lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq was not a bolt out of the blue. True, Narendra Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in elections last year on issues of business, investment, and economic development. That made him the hero of India’s powerful corporate world and a middle class that expected him to take India into the centre of the world as an economic power. That also made him welcome to the US and its allies that believed that accepting a business-friendly Indian prime minister would also open for them fabulous economic, trade, and investment prospects in the 1 billion plus Indian market. Narendra Modi’s past was forgotten, and from a pariah status for his alleged involvement in the Gujarat riots of 2002, in which, under his watch as chief minister, 2,000 Muslims were slaughtered, he became the favourite of the US and the West. What was conveniently forgotten was also the true nature of the BJP as a political party and the core base of its support. While India’s corporate world and the West were swept off their feet by Narendra Modi’s great achievements in turning Gujarat into a showcase of economic development, they had no real role in carrying the BJP over the winning line in the May 2014 elections by humiliating Congress for its worst performance ever. The BJP was installed in power with a huge mandate on the back of the RSS, the organisation that leads the very large Hindu fundamentalist base of India, and with which it is deeply linked. The US and the West were either unaware or had no clue of the power of the RSS and Hindu fundamentalism in India, and failed to focus on the BJP as a Hindu fundamentalist party. This very large Hindu fundamentalist base has been weakening India’s secular foundations slowly since the British left. Nevertheless, the British, while they ruled, established the institutions and traditions to sustain secularism and, with it, democracy. Thus, the British left India in the hands of statesmen like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who stood against the pressure of Hindu fundamentalism upon Indian secularism. Those leaders have long since become history, but the traditions and institutions they had set and established kept the fight

Mohammad Akhlaq's lynching was a severe blow to India’s secularist claims

While New Delhi played politics with the cow to placate the powerful RSS, it did not instruct the BSF to ensure that no cattle passed into Bangladesh. The reason why it did not do so is a crude mixture of politics and economics

for secularism against the rising tide of Hindu fundamentalism. That fight weakened as politics gradually embraced Hindu fundamentalism and only the civil society was left to defend secularism. Nevertheless, some are still keeping the fight going, like Arundhati Roy, winner of the prestigious Booker Prize. She had exposed Narendra Modi’s role in the Gujarat 2002 riots that everybody knew before the elections last year. She had also exposed the BJP’s links with the RSS and the organisation’s nakedly and blatant anti-Muslim and openly fascist roots and credentials. Arundhati Roy also wrote and spoke in public about the second RSS chief guru Sadashiv Golwalkar and his book We or Our Nationhood Defined, in which he openly idolised Hitler and Mussolini. In that book, the RSS chief claimed India as the land of the Hindus that was spoiled by Muslims, who he called “traitors” who should be allowed to live in India as “idiots” by total subservience to the Hindus. Unfortunately, the Indian civil society’s influence to continue the fight against Hindu fundamentalism has been fading for quite some time. This was palpably evident by their feeble opposition to the on-going

controversy over the cow slaughter and the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. Since the BJP assumed power, the RSS have left no one in doubt that political power has come to their hands. The BJP leaders have publicly placated their views and now openly taken up the RSS-led demand to ban cow slaughter that is now banned in 24 of the 29 states nationally. The Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh is playing the public role on RSS’s behalf for a national ban on cow slaughter. Bangladesh found itself caught in the RSS move that equated killing a cow to raping a girl, and demanded an end to the two million Indian cattle heads that are sold in Bangladesh annually in an illegal trade going on for the past four decades about which New Delhi is aware but to which it looks the other way. In recent times, with the barbed wire fence built by India on its side of the international boundary over the entirety of 4,142kmlong Bangladesh-India border, human or cattle can now enter Bangladesh illegally only if the Border Security Force (BSF) that controls the fence allowed it. While New Delhi played politics with the cow to placate the powerful RSS, it did not instruct the BSF to ensure that no cattle passed into Bangladesh. The reason

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why it did not do so is a crude mixture of politics and economics, because the illegal cattle trade is $600m-a-year business for India. Further, it saves India both huge amounts of money and a headache for disposing two million heads of cattle. The beef is relished everywhere. Would the BJP government influenced by RSS now declare the rest of the world as rapists? In debates in India, many Indian Hindus, and some very influential ones have openly admitted that they relish beef and so do hundreds of millions of non-Muslims in the country who do not see the cow as sacred. The sentiment of the majority of Indian Hindus for the sanctity of the cow is genuine. That being so, nevertheless, also brings India face-to-face with a new reality: The sentiments over the cow arise from deeprooted beliefs in Hinduism and thus religion. Therefore, it should be left to the individuals to deal with it if India would like to claim to be a secular nation, but that is not the case because ministers and political leaders have made it a national political issue. Therefore, Mohammad Akhlaq’s slaughter, the BJP’s support for Hindu fundamentalism in the cow slaughter row, and the feeble response of India’s once vibrant secular forces in India to the horrific and communal crime, have clearly undermined and weakened Indian secularism. Politics make strange bedfellows because Congress, whose claim as a secular political party have never hitherto been questioned, has also stated that it would support a national ban on cow slaughter! If the ban of cow slaughter becomes national, India’s claim as a secular country would be in serious doubt, if not altogether demolished. l M Serajul Islam is a retired career ambassador.

OPINION 13

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Eid-ul-Azha: A post script We need to sacrifice the beast within us

Which one is the real animal?

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Does that animal ever become our most loved and most prized possession, the sacrifice of which should meet the spirit of Qurbani? Do we genuinely care about the fate of the teeming millions of the destitute that comprise the majority of our population and can’t even afford one square meal a day?

n Aly Zaker

o the Eid-ul-Azha has come and gone. This time on, it was a little different from the previous years -- in that there were fewer animal haats, both within and beyond the city limits. Therefore, less dirt and deposits of the animals were seen. Additionally, the spots where the animals could be slaughtered were predetermined by the municipal corporations and, though this was not followed religiously, the city was suitably cleaned soon after Eid. Therefore, the city did not suffer the stench that follows this festival. But of course, there were altercations and occasional fights for the meat given to the poor from the prosperous households. All these were there, but there were things different from the run-of-the-mill that also happened. I understand that cows this year were limited in supply and, therefore, the prices were high. Indeed, very high for some of the middleclass Bangladeshis, enough to shy away from

the age-old custom. As a result, fewer cows were slaughtered. Also, strange though it may seem, people started questioning the intent with which animals are slaughtered. To some, at least in some cases, the whole exercise seemed ostentatious and unnecessary. But what made my day is a banner I came across in one area of Old Dhaka. Adapted from Bangla, it’d read: “Do not kill the animals of the wild. Kill the animal within you.” Witnessed by me several years ago, the slogan reappeared this year at least somewhere. Isn’t this fascinating? I think this is the most profound appeal I have come across in a long time. Kill the animal within you. I think this most extraordinary slogan alone, if adhered to, could make life so much more meaningful and blissful for all of us. What is more, it gives me a tremendous sense of hope about the future of Bangladesh. A Bangladesh where we have become used to talking about all the negative things in our daily conversation, where despondency is our everyday companion, where we do not find any reason to come back to our country if we can barely make a living abroad. Earlier in the morning and before I saw the banner, I had met an aunt who lives on the ground floor of a respectable residential apartment complex. This year, the occupants of the apartments had decided to slaughter the animals within the compound and in the car park of the complex. And by chance, the place they selected for this was next to my aunt’s bedroom window. She was very disturbed by the sight of animal after animal being slaughtered, skinned, cut, and chopped. What disturbed her most was that a band of very young boys were

sitting and watching all these from the adjacent wall. Felling of each animal resulted in a gleeful outburst. My old aunt commented: “I could literally see a band of young thugs being inducted into the trade of indulging in the violence that has become endemic to our society of late.” Her comment made me appreciate the banner even more. But the question remains, and it may well be asked by devout Muslims, should we abstain from practising gestures of sacrifice during the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha? I would hazard an answer to this question through a counter question. Let us put our hands on our hearts and ask how many of us sacrifice animals with the true spirit of the tradition. Don’t we indulge in a competition of buying the most expensive animal with an attitude of exhibitionism and obtrusiveness? Don’t our eyes light up at the prospect of savouring the taste of the choice cuts of the animals we have so eagerly brought home from the haat to sacrifice in the name of God? Does that animal ever become our most loved and most prized possession, the sacrifice of which should meet the spirit of Qurbani? Do we genuinely care about the fate of the teeming millions of the destitute that comprise the majority of our population and can’t even afford one square meal a day? In fact, in our present day Bangladesh, beasts are not nearly as beastly as the human beings. Isn’t it the beast within most of us that should be sacrificed first on such occasions? l Aly Zaker is an actor and director of stage and television.

14 OPINION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

And the Peace Prize goes to ... Who really deserved the Nobel Peace Prize?

There’s still a long way to go for Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet

It was a time when Tunisia was grappling with striking a balance between the rise of political Islam in the country and the traditional secular politics it had been accustomed to for decades. The quartet brought opposing sides together but was ultimately created to calm the streets. Their critics say its impact lost momentum long ago

n SM Shahrukh

he results are in, and it is the National Dialogue Quartet of Tunisia who wins the Nobel Peace Prize for 2015. Part of the official declaration reads: “The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 is to be awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.” In spite of being rocked by two major terror attacks this year alone -- on Tunis’ renowned Bardo Museum, in which 22 people were killed last March, and on the resort of Sousse in June in which 38 tourists were killed, Tunisia is one country that has gained some semblance of democracy in the contentious area of North Africa. The Arab Spring started there and Tunisia seems to be the only country to gain anything out of that momentous event that swept through much of the Arab world. This was a difficult year to predict the winner. There was the popular Pope Francis in

REUTERS

the list of likely winners and so was Edward Snowden, the former contractor for the US National Security Agency. The latter is a man who is a hero to some and a traitor to others. The chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, was on the list for her decisive moves in the migrant crisis. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Timoleón Jiménez, the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, agreed to a path for peace this year, setting the ground-work for a final accord. They were deserving candidates too; the Latin American country has seen a lot of bloodshed, abductions, murders, extortions, and mindless violence over the last few decades. Dmitry Muratov, who has been the driving force behind Russian opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was talked of as a likely winner: Speaking boldly in the land of “Tsar Putin.” The name of Catholic Priest Mussie Zerai who founded Habeshia, an agency to help immigrants integrate in Italy, was discussed in certain circles. Mussie Zerai acts as a phone contact for migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea for Europe, passing on the coordinates of their boats to rescuers and coast guards. The priest who grew up in Eritrea, came to Italy as a 17-year-old political refugee. Japanese writer Kenzaburō Ōe, part of the Article 9 Association, was vocal in a peace rally last year in Tokyo. The Article 9 Association is a pacifist group that has been fighting to preserve a Japanese constitutional clause that prohibits war as a means of settling international disputes. The clause was introduced after World War II and prohibited belligerency by the state. Article 9 Association was also under consideration for the award this year.

There were, of course, other persons and organisations whose names popped up in the media. But the award went to the Tunisian quartet as mentioned above. The quartet, made up of four organisations, the Tunisian General Labour Union; the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts; the Tunisian Human Rights League; and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers, has succeeded somewhat in striking a balance between Islamist forces and traditional secular ones. The success story is far from complete and there is a long road ahead, especially with cross-border threats from militants of Libya. Rana Jawad of BBC Tunisia sounds rather sceptical: “It has been a tough year for Tunisia. It needed this win, if only to restore some faith in where things went right not long ago. The National Dialogue quartet was created after the high-profile assassination of leftist politician Mohamed Al-Brahmi in 2013, which sparked protests across the country and came a few months after the first political assassination of Chokri Belaid. It was a time when Tunisia was grappling with striking a balance between the rise of political Islam in the country and the traditional secular politics it had been accustomed to for decades. The quartet brought opposing sides together but was ultimately created to calm the streets. Their critics say its impact lost momentum long ago. Many will be celebrating this win today. But others, taken by surprise, are asking what -- in reality -- has been achieved, given the rise of extremism and the long road ahead for social justice.” But the general consensus is that the award is well deserved. Maybe the Western countries want to encourage liberal forces to rise in the troubled northern tip of Africa. Some are already speculating that the award was made to the quartet to rejuvenate the faltering spirit of the Arab Spring that had started in Tunisia in December 2010. CNN reports: “In a broader sense, the prize appeared to be an effort by the Nobel Committee to bolster the Arab Spring -- which, indeed, began in Tunisia in December 2010. The Arab Spring dawned with hope and idealism, and spread across parts of the Middle East and North Africa. But it has seen those ideals mired in bitter reality in many countries -- most notably in Syria, where an uprising against the regime of Bashar al-Assad has morphed into a devastating civil war that has pushed waves of desperate people to attempt to migrate to Europe.” Only time will tell whether Tunisia will establish itself as a firm democratic state or slip-slide into chaos like so many others or become a totalitarian state like Egypt is under General Abdel Fattah el-SIsI. Or in the worst case scenario, become a quagmire of Islamists and moderates fighting pitched battles to gain control of the country, a fate the country can ill-afford. l SM Shahrukh is a freelance contributor.

ECB board member: Inflation key trigger for stimulus

ECNEC okays seven projects worth TK2,658cr

Stocks end flat amid volatility

Lankan LP gas giant LAUGFS ventures into Bangladesh n

Business

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

ADP implementation slumps to 8-year low in Q1

EU offers €3m to promote workplace safety

Aminur Rahman Rasel

LAUGFS Gas PLC, the most aggressively growing Sri Lankan energy company, made the historical announcement yesterday of becoming a multinational with its first overseas acquisition of one of the largest Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) downstream companies in Bangladesh. LAUGFS Gas acquired controlling interests of Petredec Elpiji Ltd. (PEL), at an investment of $18.75m and became the first Sri Lankan energy brand to become a multinational, a Sri Lankan newspaper reported. “LAUGFS Gas PLC wants to penetrate into our LPG market and build a LPG hub,” Petredec Elpiji Ltd General Manager of Bangladesh Mohammed Saidul Islam told the Dhaka tribune yesterday. In Bangladesh the supply of LP gas has remained scanty compared to the growing demand, which keeps the price still high in local market. The cylinders are available from several sources in Bangladesh including state-owned LP Gas Ltd and privately-owned TOTALGAZ Bangladesh, Bashundhara LP Gas Ltd, Jamuna Spacetech Joint Venture Ltd, Petredec Elpiji Ltd, BM Energy Ltd and Omera Petroleum Ltd. PEL was one of the first to enter the downstream LPG business in Bangladesh during 1997, and was later acquired by Australian energy giant Kleenheat Australia. PEL is a dominant player in the Bangladeshi LPG industry with over 21% market share and operates with a modern LPG import facility in Mongla Port area. LAUGFS, the first home-grown energy brand of Sri Lanka, has seized its vision to become a regional and global player, having already reached the far corners of the country and been affectionately embraced by the local consumer as a trusted Sri Lankan brand. With the acquisition of 69% stake of PEL, LAUGFS will commence its operations in Bangladesh strengthening its presence in the power and energy sector beyond national borders. With over 160m population, Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most lucrative emerging markets in South and South East Asia.

The steady depletion of natural gas and the double digit growth of LPG with CAGR 12% year on year average, the potential for domestic and industrial LPG is significantly large. With more government focus on alternate energy to compensate for the impending depletion of natural gas, the demand for LPG is expected to soar to much higher levels over the next few years. “We see tremendous potential for expanding LPG as a domestic and commercial energy source in Bangladesh,” said W.K.H. Wegapitiya, the Group Chairman of LAUGFS. He said the country’s economy is expected to show robust growth with a 7% GDP growth forecasted by the IMF, signalling rising disposable income in the domestic market. He said the gap between supply and demand in terms of commercial energy needs was also increasing with their natural gas re-

serves now depleting at a fast pace. “The acquisition of PEL will mark an important milestone in our global expansion plans. “We will soon disclose our next move to a few other Asian markets. We are aggressively working on it, however, it is too early to disclose in detail.” Commenting on the significance of the acquisition, Wegapitiya further noted: “LAUGFS Gas commenced LPG operations in 2001, at a time when the Sri Lankan LPG market was dominated by a multinational. We began our journey amidst many challenges that day. Thilak De Silva, the Group Managing Director of LAUGFS said the acquisition came at a time as “we celebrate 20 years in business, enabling us to take a leap from a mere home-grown business to a multi-national, and strengthen our energy presence across the region.” “Our strategic decisions and investments have always firmly focused on our vision to make LAUGFS a multi-national brand. “With this acquisition we have fulfilled this vision and delivered tremendous value to our stakeholders, strengthening our position in the power and energy sector, not just in Sri Lanka, but globally.” Petredec Elpiji Ltd is one of the largest LPG distributors in Bangladesh with its LPG downstream businesses in industrial and wholesale, commercial, domestic and autogas segments. It currently operates its plant at Port Mongla, distributing over 22,000 MT of LPG per annum through its extensive distribution network. LAUGFS Gas was established in 2001 with its entry into the local LPG downstream industry, and has since expanded rapidly to become a dominant player in the energy sector. In 2010, LAUGFS Gas PLC was listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange with an IPO drawing an unprecedented response. Its presence in the power and energy sector has been further strengthened over the years through its subsidiaries LAUGFS Maritime and LAUGFS Power. l

Ibrahim Hossain Ovi

The European Union (EU) announced support with contribution of €3m to the G7’s “Vision Zero Fund” to improve working conditions and labour standard and establish sustainable business practices in producing countries including Bangladesh. The EU made the announcement ahead of a meeting with the G7 employment and development ministers held in Berlin on Monday, said a EU statement posted on its website. The fund will support joint activities of governments, businesses, social partners and NGOs in low-income countries to reduce and prevent workplace-related deaths, improve labour inspections, ensure fair production and help workers exercise their rights, it added. The first pilot activities will start in 2016, focusing on the ready-made garment sectors of selected producing countries. Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, and Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, in charge of employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility, will today announce a EU contribution for the G7’s “Vision Zero Fund”. “Global supply chains are key generators of economic growth and decent work. However, all too often they include unregulated or unsafe work environments, poor industrial relations and compromised workers’ rights, said Mimica. “That’s why we’re proud to support the G7 initiative with a €3 million contribution. We want to do all we can to turn this situation around and ensure a fair, level playing field for our businesses and the people who work in them,” he said. “Every year, 2.3m people die from work-related accidents or diseases around the world.” Commissioner Thyssen underlined. “We are committed to preventing human suffering and economic costs linked to unsafe workplaces across Europe and abroad,” said Thyssen. The G7’s Vision Zero Fund will contribute to improving working conditions and reducing the health and safety risks, he added. l

16 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

ECB board member: Inflation key trigger for stimulus n AFP, Singapore Falling inflation will be a key trigger in any decision by the European Central Bank (ECB) to beef up its economic stimulus package, an executive board member said yesterday. Yves Mersch said in a speech in Singapore that it was still too early to determine whether factors like slowing growth in emerging markets and a strong euro will affect the inflation target for the eurozone. While the eurozone has shown signs of resilience, the macroeconomic environment has become “more challenging” and the ECB’s recent forecasts indicate a weaker economic recovery and a slower rise in inflation rates, he said. Inflation “will remain close to zero in the very near term before rising again towards the end of the year,” he told a financial forum in Singapore, according to a copy of his speech released to the media. “It will take somewhat longer than previously anticipated for inflation to return to a rate that we consider sufficiently close to 2% and stabilise at that rate,” he added. Mersch spelled out three reasons for the outlook: a slowdown in emerging market growth, a stronger euro and the sharp decline in oil prices. But he also said “it is too early to judge whether these factors will cause lasting changes to the trajectory that the ECB expected inflation to follow” and the bank will be closely monitoring how they affect price stability. “In the event that the downward risks I have mentioned weaken the inflation outlook over the medium term more fundamentally than we currently project, we would not hesi-

Oil rebounds in Asia n AFP, Singapore

Oil rebounded in Asia yesterday on bargain hunting following a sharp fall the day before as lingering concerns about the global crude supply glut continued to keep a lid on gains. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for November delivery rose 0.64 percent to $47.40 and Brent crude for November gained 0.48% to $50.1 in afternoon trade. Both contracts fell sharply on Monday after rising nine percent last week, with WTI tumbling around five percent. WTI and Brent have bounced back since hitting six-year lows in late August, with last week seeing healthy rallies in line with global equities on waning expectations the US Federal Reserve will hike borrowing costs this year, pushing the dollar lower. But analysts say any rally is unlikely to be sustained as the market remains oversupplied and the forecasts for slower global economic growth this year and next do not augur well for oil demand. “Given the array of structural negatives that commodity prices currently face, from a slowing China to a stronger dollar, as well as large overhangs of excess production and inventory... it is perhaps not unreasonable to expect that the price trough may last for some time yet,” British bank Barclays said. l

Mersch spelled out three reasons for the outlook - a slowdown in emerging market growth, a stronger euro and the sharp decline in oil prices AFP tate to act,” he said. “Should more monetary policy impulse become necessary, the ECB is determined to use all available instruments to achieve its mandate over the medium term.” Mersch was speaking ahead of an October 22 meeting of the ECB’s governing council amid speculation the bank would strengthen its bond-buying programme aimed at pushing eurozone inflation back up to levels that are more conducive to healthy economic growth, or extend it beyond its original duration ending in September 2016.

The ECB launched the highly controversial programme, known as quantitative easing, or QE, in March under which the bank plans to buy as much as 1.1tn euros ($1.3tn) of bonds at a rate of 60bn euros per month until September next year. The scheme appeared to work initially but a renewed decline in oil prices and the economic slowdown in China and other emerging markets have pushed area-wide inflation expectations back down, reigniting fears of a potentially dangerous downward spiral of falling prices. l

Fed policymakers keep December rate hike in spotlight n Reuters, Chicago

Two Federal Reserve policymakers whose views are often at odds both suggested early yesterday they could well support an interest rate hike in December, as long as the economic data does not disappoint and that rate hikes once begun are gradual. While two does not make a crowd, their apparent agreement on the plausibility of a December rate increase came just a day after Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer said he too expects a 2015 hike. Indeed a large majority of Fed officials believe it will be appropriate to raise rates this year, but after the Fed opted to keep rates near zero at their meeting last month, investors have been increasingly doubtful. Weaker-than-expected data on job creation since the Fed’s most recent meeting has fueled their skepticism, along with few signs that the global economy is poised to pick up. Traders see about a 40 percent chance the Fed will hike in December, and give about even odds for the January meeting. For October they see a less than one in 10 chance, though both Dennis Lockhart, the centrist chief of the Atlanta Fed, and Chicago Fed president Charles Evans, whose views are more dovish, sought to keep even October in the market’s sights. “I think October is a live meeting, clearly there is the potential that the data coming in, in advance of the October meeting will be sufficient … we have a lot more in December,” Lockhart said in Orlando, Florida. Speaking separately in Chicago, Evans said that while for him waiting until mid-2016 to raise rates would be the “best choice,” doing so earlier would not necessarily adversely affect his forecast for the economy. l

CORPORATE NEWS Apollo Hospitals Dhaka inks deal to ensure food safety n Tribune Business Desk

Apollo Hospitals Dhaka has inked a landmark deal with Direct Fresh Limited in order to ensure food safety for its patients and employees yesterday. Apollo Hospitals Dhaka has engaged Direct Fresh to produce and supply chemical-free, safe and nutritious vegetables for the hospital, said a press release. Director (finance) of Apollo Hospitals Dhaka, Vinod Kalra, CEO & executive director of STS Holdings Ltd, R Basil and managing director of Direct Fresh Limited, Mishal Karim were present at the signing ceremony among others. Direct Fresh will be establishing dedicated farms for Apollo Hospitals Dhaka that will grow all the vegetables required by the institution going forward. Approximately 1,000,000 meals consumed annually by patients which are prepared by the hospital. l

Standard Chartered Bank has recently donated laptop computers to Kashipur Adorsho Girls High School for the Goal beneficiaries studying at the School. Head master of the school, Babul Krishna Saha received the laptops from Bitopi Das Chowdhury, head of corporate affairs and Monitur Rahman head of technology at Standard Chartered Bangladesh

BUSINESS 17

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

ECNEC okays seven projects worth TK2,658cr n BSS The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) yesterday approved seven development projects with an outlay of Tk2,658 crore. The projects include the establishment of a new composite brigade of Bangladesh Army to ensure the safety and security of the Padma Bridge. The project “Establishment of 99 Composite Brigade for Safety and Security of Padma Multipurpose Bridge” will be implemented on 115 acres of land on both the sides of the mega infrastructure involving Tk750 crore. Bangladesh Army is entrusted to implement the project by June, 2019. The approval was given at the 10th meeting of the ECNEC in the current fiscal held in the NEC Conference room in city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

However, the ECNEC sent back the relocation project of national secretariat in Sher-eBangla Nagar for further review in line with the original master plan of famous Architect Luis I Kahn who had designed the iconic Jatiyo Sangsad Bhahban. Planning Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal, after the meeting, briefed newsmen about the outcome. He said: “Of the total cost of Tk2,658 crore, the government will provide Tk2,153 crore from the national exchequer while the remaining Tk504 crore would come as project assistance.” Kamal informed all the approved projects are new. State Minister for Finance and Planning MA Mannan was also present at the press briefing. Commenting on the secretariat relocation project, the planning minister said: “The Prime Minister has directed the authorities concerned to collect the original master plan of Luis I Kahn fearing that the replica of the plan

what the country has at this moment may have deviation from the original or any other changes might have taken place over the years”. Actually, the Prime Minister wanted to make sure that “The master plan of the Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban is not disfigured anyhow.” Kamal said: “Until the original document is gotten, activities of the secretariat relocation project will remain held- up.” He informed they will finalise the project immediately after getting the original copy of the master plan. The ECNEC gave consent to another project “Construction of Ministers’ Apartment-III” in city’s Baily Road which would hold the residences of the ministers. Ministry of Housing and Public Works proposed to construct 15-storied apartment for the ministers involving Tk113 crore. But, the Prime Minister has directed to limit the construction of the apartment to six stories. Planning Minister said: “The Prime Minister has also ordered to formulate a mini-mas-

China to put growth before reform ambitions amid slowdown fear n Reuters, Beijiing Chinese leaders will signal that growth is their priority over reform for the world’s second-biggest economy by setting a growth target of around 7% in their next long-term plan even as the economy loses momentum, policy insiders say. The Communist Party’s central committee will meet from Oct 26-29 to set out their 13th Five-Year plan, a blueprint for economic and social development between 2016 and 2020. While the government has flagged a “new normal” of slower growth as it tries to shift the economy to sustainable, consumption-led growth, official data shows it has consistently at least met, and mostly exceeded, the growth targets it sets. “We will have to rely on policy stimulus to safeguard the 7% growth target,” said an

economist from a government think-tank. “We should not put financial liberalization at the forefront of economic reforms.” Beijing needs average growth of close to 7% over the next five years to hit a previously declared goal of doubling gross domestic product and per capita income by 2020 from 2010. But a plunging stock market and the unexpected fallout from a modest devaluation of the yuan CNY=CFXS have raised fears among policymakers that an abrupt slowdown in growth could spark systemic risks and destabilize the economy. “It appears that growth has outweighed the reform agenda, which could stabilize the market for the short term while adding destabilization factors in the medium term,” said Zhou Hao, senior economist at Commerzbank in Singapore.

Stimulus, environment

The government is likely to boost infrastructure spending in the new Five-Year plan, a favored means of stimulus in China, under Beijing’s push for regional integration and the “New Silk Road” scheme, to try to meet an earlier growth target set for the current decade. While the specifics remain vague beyond the intention to build out road, rail and building infrastructure projects across Central Asia, analysts also expect the plenum to contain a raft of environmental measures. Power generation from renewable fuels is expected to be a central pillar of any such initiatives, which would likely boost demand for copper and aluminum in particular as power grids are upgraded and connected to solar, wind and hydro power projects. l

ter plan for Hare Road and Minto Road so that the greenery and beauty of the areas are preserved in future.” “She also said construction of high-rise apartment in the areas might destroy the beauty and greenery, as there is no multi-storied building yet,” informed Kamal. Other projects approved by the ECNEC are: Clustered Village-2nd phase (Climate Victim Rehabilitation project) with Tk258 crore, Construction of 1064 residential flats for government employees in Dhaka’s Mirpir-6 with Tk852 crore, Construction of connecting road of Matarbari Coal fired power plant with Tk602 crore, Development of Khulna (Rupsa)-Shrifaltala-Terokhada road with Tk45 crore and development of Nazirhat-Maizvandar road with Tk35 crore. Ministers and state ministers attended the meeting while members of the planning commission and secretaries concerned were present. l

Dollar rises against emerging currencies after China data n AFP, Tokyo

The dollar rallied against emerging currencies in Asia yesterday as Chinese trade data showing an import slump fuelled anxiety about slower growth of the region’s largest economy. The risk-off mood, fanned by a decline on Monday in crude oil prices, weighed especially on the Indonesian rupiah and the Malaysian ringgit. The greenback advanced more than one percent against both units. Dealers also sold the dollar against the yen, which is seen as a safe-haven currency in times of turmoil, as they sought refuge from riskier assets. The move into safe assets follows a torrid July-September quarter that saw trillions wiped off stock valuations and the emerging currencies tumble. l

China trade data add to growth woes, Asia stocks rally ends n AFP, Hong Kong

A near 18% slump in Chinese imports added to worries about a slowdown in the world’s number two economy yesterday, sending Asian equities and emerging currencies lower as investors flocked to safe assets. A more than week-long rally across regional markets came to an end as profit-takers moved in and worries about China resurfaced with the weak trade figures. However, there were hopes that leaders in Beijing would use the latest report to unveil a fresh round of stimulus measures, having seen five interest rate cuts since November fail to provide any boost. Adding to downward pressure across Asia was a sell-off in energy firms that was fuelled by a plunge in oil prices late Monday and the weak data from China, the world’s top energy user. Comments from Federal Reserve officials suggesting the central bank will delay a US interest rate hike until next year were also un-

able to shore up confidence. Yesterday China said imports fell 17.7% year-on-year in September as the nation’s property sector stuttered, leading to a knockon effect for the crucial construction industry. Exports slipped 1.1% owing to weak overseas demand. The Asian giant is the world’s leading trader in goods but its slowing economic growth has seen prices plunge for the commodities it uses, fuelling turmoil through producer countries such as Australia. A slew of data out of Beijing has raised a red flag about the economy, which is growing at around seven percent, its slowest pace in a quarter of a century. “Import growth remained sluggish, suggesting weakening domestic demand, particularly investment demand,” said Yang Zhao, China economist at Nomura Holdings in Hong Kong. “We maintain our view that GDP growth will decline to 6.7% in the third quarter.” In morning trade, Shanghai was 0.13%

lower, Hong Kong lost 0.82 percent and Sydney - where several firms that rely on trade with China are listed - shed 0.82%. Tokyo was 0.93% off by lunch, while there were also losses in Seoul, Taipei and Jakarta.

Stimulus hopes

“The data are not good but still acceptable to investors,” said Wu Kan, a Shanghai-based fund manager at JK Life Insurance. “As long as the data remain sluggish, the market will be anticipating growth-boosting measures from the government.” World markets suffered their worst quarter for four years in July-September owing to fears about the effects of China’s growth slowdown as well as speculation the Fed would hike rates. A Chinese yuan devaluation in August sent shares into a sharp downward spiral. But they have enjoyed a bumper October so far after the Fed indicated it could hold off a rise in borrowing costs because of the weak global economy.

However, Tim Schroeders, a portfolio manager at Pengana Capital in Melbourne, warned: “China’s weakening economy slowdown will continue to weigh on the market. “We’ve had fairly significant lift in equities on speculation the Fed will delay raising rates. That’s now well priced into valuations.” The risk-off mood weighed on emerging currencies, which have benefited this month from speculation the Fed will not raise rates. In early exchanges, the Indonesian rupiah was 1.3% lower, while the Malaysian ringgit shed 0.9%. There were also big losses for the Australian dollar, which relies on resources exports to China. On oil markets, both main contracts edged up after plunging more than five percent Monday on profit-taking and continuing concerns about a supply glut. Prices had surged almost 10% this month, helped by comments from the OPEC cartel that demand was seen picking up this year and next. l

18 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

News, analysis and recent disclosures GP: As per Regulation 16(1) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Listing) Regulations, 2015, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 18, 2015 at 2:30 PM to consider, among others, un-audited financial statements of the Company for the Third Quarter (Q3) period ended on September 30, 2015. MARICO: As per Regulation 16 (1) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Listing) Regulations, 2015, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 17, 2015 at 12:00 PM to consider, among others, the audited financial statements of the Company for the Second Quarter (Q2) period ended on September 30, 2015. SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund: Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has given consent for raising of capital through Initial Public Offering (IPO) and issuance of prospectus by SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund. KDS Accessories Ltd.: All concerned are hereby informed that the IPO shares of KDS Accessories Ltd. have been credited through CDBL to the respective BO A/Cs on 12 October 2015 except 34 BO Accounts, which were found closed in the system. Trading of the shares of KDS Accessories Limited will commence from October 15, 2015 at DSE under ‘N’ category. DSE Trading Code for KDS Accessories Limited is “KDSALTD” and DSE Company

Code is 13240. ISLAMICFIN: Credit Rating Agency of Bangladesh Limited (CRAB) has rated the Company as “A3” in the long term and “ST3” in the short term along with a stable outlook based on audited financial statements of the Company up to 31 December 2014 and other relevant quantitative as well as qualitative information up to the date of rating declaration. STANCERAM: As per Regulation 19(1) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Listing) Regulations, 2015, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 21, 2015 at 3:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on June 30, 2015. RSRMSTEEL: As per Regulation 19(1) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Listing) Regulations, 2015, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 25, 2015 at 4:00 PM to consider, among others, audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended on June 30, 2015. LINDEBD: As per Regulation 16(1) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (Listing) Regulations, 2015, the Company has informed that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on October 15, 2015 at 3:30 PM to consider, among others, un-audited financial statements of the Company for the Third Quarter (Q3) period ended on September 30, 2015.

Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

Company Alltex Industries -Z Aziz PipesZ Anwar Galvanizing-B Zeal Bangla Sugar -Z Zahintex Ind.-A Delta Brac HFCL-A C & A Textile -A R. N. Spinning-Z Stylecraft -A GeminiSeaFood-B

Closing (% Change) 9.88 8.72 8.38 7.94 6.72 5.19 4.93 4.88 4.85 4.12

CSE GAINER Company Alltex Industries -Z ISN Ltd. -Z Aziz PipesZ Delta Brac HFCL-A Anwar Galvanizing-B Samata LeatheR -Z Zahintex Ind.-A Fine Foods A National Housing Fin.-B Central Insur -A

Closing (% Change) 9.83 8.57 7.34 6.30 6.04 6.01 5.58 5.38 5.38 5.29

DSE LOSER Company FAR Chemical-A Sonargaon Tex -Z Progressive Life-A EBL NRB M.F.-A Popular Life 1st M.F.-A AMCL 2nd MF-A Trust Bank 1st MF-A PragatiLife Insu. -Z Rahima Food -Z LR Global BD MF1-A

Closing (% Change) -5.81 -5.38 -4.43 -4.17 -4.08 -4.00 -3.92 -3.80 -3.27 -3.17

CSE LOSER Company NLI 1st M F-A Wata Chemicals -A Fareast Islami Life -A FAR Chemical-A Popular Life 1st M.F.-A Unique Hotel RL - A ICB AMCL3rd NRB MF-A EBL NRB M.F.-A Beach Hatchery -A IFIC 1st MF-A

Closing (% Change) -22.41 -8.17 -7.84 -6.53 -6.12 -5.22 -4.44 -4.08 -4.00 -4.00

SECTORAL TURNOVER SUMMARY

DSE key features October 13, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka)

DSE GAINER

Sector

4,495.00 131,465,036 90,224

Traded Issues

316

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

164

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

145

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,624.77

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

31.82

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 894.95 158.41 113.14 475.67 227.55 360.16 12.23 457.78 842.82 11.65 95.51 45.42 66.87 287.21 16.88 14.67 32.99 162.77 66.17 151.79 0.35

% change 19.91 3.52 2.52 10.58 5.06 8.01 0.27 10.18 18.75 0.26 2.12 1.01 1.49 6.39 0.38 0.33 0.73 3.62 1.47 3.38 0.01

Million Taka 39.14 13.65 3.41 46.76 7.50 21.30 52.58 71.06 0.37 7.92 2.10 1.75 18.31 2.32 0.34 1.40 15.61 7.33 27.56 0.01

Average (% Change) 6.96 4.64 4.18 4.60 4.45 5.48 3.13 3.01 3.23 2.42

Average (% Change) 8.83 8.57 7.32 6.35 3.54 6.01 5.29 4.37 6.19 5.29

Average (% Change) -4.01 -1.51 -4.03 -1.44 -1.63 0.00 -1.38 -3.55 -1.90 -1.12

Average (% Change) -22.07 -8.57 -7.76 -5.08 -4.09 -4.63 -0.89 -3.82 -3.38 -3.61

CSE

ClosingAvg.

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW

18.45 31.37 72.29 6.59 24.86 98.79 14.82 21.24 1,000.00 383.33

18.90 32.40 73.70 6.80 25.40 99.30 14.90 21.50 1,000.00 384.20

18.90 32.70 74.80 6.80 25.70 101.00 15.40 21.50 1,000.00 388.00

17.10 29.90 67.00 6.40 24.00 96.00 14.20 20.40 1,000.00 380.00

ClosingAvg.

Closing

DHIGH

DLOW

18.62 11.40 30.65 97.84 71.63 30.00 24.88 9.80 27.61 17.90

ClosingAvg. 38.28 9.16 60.48 4.80 4.82 4.95 4.99 117.48 51.05 6.17

ClosingAvg.

% change 11.50 4.01 1.00 13.74 2.20 6.26 0.00 15.45 20.88 0.11 2.33 0.62 0.52 5.38 0.68 0.10 0.41 4.58 2.15 8.10 0.00

9.04 154.43 63.55 39.60 4.69 47.38 4.45 4.78 14.56 4.81

19.00 11.40 30.70 97.80 72.00 30.00 24.60 9.80 27.40 17.90

Closing

19.00 11.40 31.40 98.70 74.50 30.00 25.60 9.80 27.70 17.90

DHIGH

37.30 8.80 60.40 4.60 4.70 4.80 4.90 116.30 50.30 6.10

Closing

DLOW

40.00 9.50 63.00 4.90 5.00 5.10 5.10 123.80 52.30 6.50

DHIGH

9.00 155.10 63.50 37.20 4.60 47.20 4.30 4.70 14.40 4.80

Million Taka 934.09 172.06 116.54 522.43 235.05 381.46 12.23 510.36 913.88 12.02 103.43 47.52 68.62 305.52 19.20 15.01 34.39 178.38 73.50 179.34 0.36

17.20 11.40 29.80 100.00 68.20 30.00 23.70 9.80 27.40 17.90

36.90 8.40 60.00 4.60 4.70 4.80 4.90 114.00 49.90 6.00

DLOW

9.00 155.10 63.70 39.80 5.00 48.00 4.50 4.90 15.00 4.90

Total

10.00 152.50 63.50 37.00 4.60 47.20 4.30 4.70 14.30 4.80

% change 19.32 3.56 2.41 10.80 4.86 7.89 0.25 10.55 18.90 0.25 2.14 0.98 1.42 6.32 0.40 0.31 0.71 3.69 1.52 3.71 0.01

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

Turnover in Million

Latest EPS

17.839 2.658 22.926 0.012 20.293 12.138 75.619 2.190 0.022 0.023

Turnover in Million

1.89 -2.12 0.68 -45.17 1.03 5.90 2.47 0.48 56.04 11.77

Latest EPS

2.534 0.000 0.190 0.529 1.884 0.006 2.198 0.031 0.019 0.005

Turnover in Million

9.8 -ve 106.3 -ve 24.1 16.7 6.0 44.3 17.8 32.6

Latest PE

1.89 -0.20 -2.12 5.90 0.68 -0.05 1.03 -0.27 2.24 2.10

Latest EPS

85.585 0.489 0.135 3.343 2.891 1.516 12.222 0.666 0.997 13.477

Turnover in Million

Latest PE

9.9 -ve -ve 16.6 105.3 -ve 24.2 -ve 12.3 8.5

Latest PE

2.73 -2.26 2.30 0.41 0.78 0.71 0.70 2.38 -0.47 0.40

Latest EPS

0.127 0.031 0.043 27.790 0.081 0.234 0.235 0.057 1.721 0.086

14.0 -ve 26.3 11.7 6.2 7.0 7.1 49.4 -ve 15.4

Latest PE

1.50 4.30 4.60 2.73 0.78 2.92 0.48 0.41 -1.00 0.91

6.0 35.9 13.8 14.5 6.0 16.2 9.3 11.7 -ve 5.3

CSE key features October 13, 2015 Turnover (Million Taka) Turnover (Volume) Number of Contract

340.41 10,916,715 13,329

Traded Issues

239

Issue Gain (Avg. Price Basis)

124

Issue Loss (Avg. Price Basis)

109

Unchanged Issue (Avg. Price Basis)

Market Capital Equity (Billion. Tk.)

2,524.70

Market Capital Equity (Billion US$)

30.60

BUSINESS 19

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Stocks end flat amid volatility n Tribune Report

DSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Beximco Pharma -A Brac Bank -A Mozaffar H.Spinning-A LafargeS Cement-A Square Pharma -A BSRM Steels-A UCBL - A Grameenphone-A Premier Cement-A Emerald Oil Ind. -A

City Bank - A FAR Chemical-A Olympic Ind. -A BSRM Ltd. -A C & A Textile -A IDLC Finance -A

VolumeShares 5,749,088 4,906,621 3,866,968 1,566,651 602,382 1,232,372 4,885,790 425,690 1,052,889 1,760,038

Value in Million 436.05 250.59 158.91 155.20 145.50 115.93 112.10 111.81 105.25 90.65

% of TotalTurnover 9.70 5.57 3.54 3.45 3.24 2.58 2.49 2.49 2.34 2.02

VolumeShares

Value in Million

% of TotalTurnover

4,262,477 2,235,803 274,398 599,292 5,103,298 1,210,952

CSE TURNOVER LEADERS Company Beximco Pharma -A FAR Chemical-A Mozaffar H.Spinning-A BSRM Ltd. -A C & A Textile -A LafargeS Cement-A Aman Feed-N BSRM Steels-A BEXIMCO Ltd. -A Grameenphone-A

BD Submarine Cable-A UNITED AIR-A UCBL - A IDLC Finance -A United Power-A SAIF Powertec-A One Bank -A Brac Bank -A

411,484 701,739 411,440 121,003 1,031,641 135,025 229,191 108,656 316,663 32,751

61,952 675,307 281,734 95,575 42,368 59,062 317,942 83,005

89.54 85.59 85.17 76.42 75.62 74.59

31.24 27.79 16.86 15.43 15.03 13.42 12.90 10.22 9.54 8.59

7.01 6.71 6.51 5.91 5.84 5.23 4.48 4.26

1.99 1.90 1.89 1.70 1.68 1.66

9.18 8.16 4.95 4.53 4.41 3.94 3.79 3.00 2.80 2.52

2.06 1.97 1.91 1.74 1.72 1.54 1.31 1.25

ClosingP 76.50 50.40 41.50 98.30 241.00 93.00 22.80 259.60 101.20 51.70

21.10 37.30 312.50 124.70 14.90 61.90

ClosingP

Change % 3.66 0.20 -2.35 -1.70 -0.99 0.00 0.44 -2.33 2.74 2.58

1.44 -5.81 0.42 -2.96 4.93 0.98

Change %

76.40 37.20 41.30 124.30 14.90 98.20 55.60 92.80 30.00 260.20

111.30 9.90 22.90 62.20 136.90 88.30 14.00 50.40

3.38 -6.53 -3.95 -3.42 5.67 -1.90 -2.80 0.11 1.01 -2.44

1.18 -1.00 0.44 0.65 -0.07 -0.45 2.19 0.20

ClosingY 73.80 50.30 42.50 100.00 243.40 93.00 22.70 265.80 98.50 50.40

20.80 39.60 311.20 128.50 14.20 61.30

ClosingY

73.90 39.80 43.00 128.70 14.10 100.10 57.20 92.70 29.70 266.70

110.00 10.00 22.80 61.80 137.00 88.70 13.70 50.30

DHIGH 76.80 52.40 42.40 101.80 244.50 95.60 23.20 267.00 102.10 52.30

21.20 40.00 315.00 132.00 15.40 62.20

DLOW 73.70 49.60 39.90 98.00 240.70 92.20 22.70 258.30 96.30 50.60

20.70 36.90 310.00 123.30 14.20 61.00

DHIGH

DLOW

76.70 39.80 41.50 131.40 15.30 99.90 57.70 96.00 30.50 266.00

74.40 37.00 40.00 123.20 14.00 100.00 55.20 92.00 29.80 260.00

115.60 10.10 23.40 62.30 139.00 89.20 14.30 52.10

110.90 9.80 22.70 61.10 136.00 88.00 13.80 50.10

AvgPrice 75.85 51.07 41.09 99.07 241.54 94.07 22.94 262.66 99.96 51.51

21.01 38.28 310.38 127.52 14.82 61.59

AvgPrice

75.91 39.60 40.98 127.55 14.57 99.41 56.28 94.10 30.12 262.39

113.21 9.94 23.09 61.79 137.91 88.56 14.08 51.36

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

12924.85310

(+) 0.07%

1812.87795

(-) 0.04%

14633.76890

(-) 0.06%

12924.85310

(+) 0.29%

8905.07590

(-) 0.09%

Stocks ended flat with volatility yesterday as late quick profit booking cut early gains. The market opened higher with benchmark index crossing 4800-mark at one stage, but investors began to book profits mainly on cement and telecommunications that had robust rally in previous session, pushing the market to close flat. At the end of the day, the Dhaka Stock Exchange benchmark index DSEX inched over 3 points higher to 4,779. The Shariah index DSES, however, fell marginally 2 points or 0.3% to 1,141. The blue chip comprising index DS30 witnessed a fractional drop of 0.8 points to 1,812. The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX shed nearly 8 points to settle at 8,905. Low cap sector food and allied was the best performer, rising 1.6%. Other sectors, including power, banks, non-banking financial institutions and textile gained marginally. Telecommunication lost a significant more than 2%, followed by cement 1.2%, pharmaceuticals 0.4%. Trading activities continued to improve as DSE turnover stood at Tk450 crore, which is 7.9% higher over the previous session’s value. Trading was mostly concentrated on bank and pharmaceuticals sectors, which accounted for almost 40% of the total turnover. Lanka Bangla Securities said following the strong upward move seen in the last trading day, stocks ended flat. It said strong move in the large cap stocks in early trading hit the day’s high to 4,800 level, however profit booking on cement, telco and mutual fund closed the benchmark index on flat green zone. “Investors are eyeing on sector specific stocks to take position as the earnings season is coming up to pick up steam in the market.” IDLC Investments said continuing previous upstream movement, the market had a robust opening and gained over 25 points within the first hour of trading. However, the uptrend did not sustain any longer after it got a resistance at 4,800 points level, as fidgety investors doubted index’s sustenance at that level, it said. l

▲ ▼ ▼ ▲ ▼

ANALYST

Investors are eyeing on sector specific stocks to take position as the earnings season is coming up to pick up steam in the market

20 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

ADP implementation slumps to 8-year low in Q1 n Kayes Sohel

Local bridge loan to be allowed for 163MW Fenchuganj plant n Asif Showkat Kallol The government has decided to relax foreign investment condition for the proposed 163-megawatt gas-fired combined cycle power plant in Fenchuganj, Sylhet. As per the decision, Kushiara Power Company, the project implementing firm, can seek bridge loan from local banks as foreign lenders are unable to provide funds in two years of project launch, official sources said. Bangladesh Power Development Board made the proposal to ease the foreign investment condition, which is likely to be placed at the meeting of cabinet committee on public purchase today for its approval.

The proposal is likely to be placed at the meeting of cabinet committee on public purchase today for its approval The Kushiara Power Company has to meet a condition of taking out 70% foreign funding to construct the plant. Meanwhile, Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Ltd, the supplier of gas to the plant, and Kushiara Power Company are still in disagreement on the matter of liquidated damage. For this, the gas supply agreement cannot be signed yet. On March 2, 2013, PDB signed a 22-year deal with Kushiara Power Company Ltd to purchase electricity from a 163MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant. Besides, the PDB placed another proposal of 20MW solar power park in Taknaf, Cox’s Bazar. According to the proposal, the PDB will sign a 25-year contract with Joules Power Ltd for buying electricity from the solar park at a rate of $0.14 or Tk10.92 per unit. In 25 years, the PDB will spend Tk Tk884.85 crore to buy solar electricity from Joules Power Ltd under “no electricity, no payment” basis. l

FIGURES IN %

12 9 6 3 0

Source: IMED

The government expenditure on improving the living condition of people slipped to an eight-year low in the first quarter of current fiscal year despite new strategy taken by the government for bringing pace to ADP implementation. From July through September in FY201516, only 7% of allocation for Annual Development Programme (ADP) was used, according to the data of Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED). The figure is the lowest since FY2007-08. Some Tk100,997 crore has been set aside for ADP in the budget for FY16. Of the amount, Tk6,806 crore was spent in the first quarter. Usually, the rate of ADP implementation hovered around 10% in the first quarter of each fiscal year, and then it goes at a fastest pace in the last quarter – from March through June. Among the 53 ministries and divisions, 38 implemented from 0 to 10%, 13 from 11 to 20%

ADP IMPLEMENTATION IN Q1 (JULY-SEPT)

2015-16

2014-15

2013-14

2012-13

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

and two above 20% of their entire development allocations. Of the amount used in the first three months of the current fiscal, Tk4,901 crore came from the government fund, Tk1,601 crore from foreign aid and Tk304 crore from

public entities’ own fund. The Public Administration Ministry with two projects failed to spend any fund, the lowest performer in development spending, while the cabinet division with two projects has spent 37% of its allocation in the first

ILO: 88 BGMEA-listed factories unwilling to safety inspection n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi International Labour Organisation alleged that a total of 88 BGMEA member factories are unwilling to have their manufacturing plants inspected by the ILO in connection with safety issues. Meanwhile, ILO wants to conduct inspection on 70-80 RMG factories more to meet its initial commitment. On October 11, in a letter to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the UN agency stated that 88 BGMEA member apparel factories are not interested to participate in the NI (National Initiative) Safety Inspection. However, the factory owners say they want to have their factories inspected by the ILO, but it will take time. They add that some factories are in the process of being relocated in compliant buildings, and some RMG owners are raising new buildings for their factory relocation. The deadline of RMG safety inspection by the ILO supporting the National Initiative by is October 31, 2015. In its letter, ILO said: “Please be informed that we still need another 70-80 factories to fulfill the initially committed number. We already exhausted the factory list. We have to make a new schedule for safety inspection.” The International Labour Organisation also asked BGMEA to inform it within October 25 of scheduled inspections of RMG units. “BGMEA will directly ask every factory owner to take the opportunity of free inspection and it is a must for them to ensure safety,” BGMEA senior Vice- President Faruque Hassan told the Dhaka Tribune. He warned that the owners association will stop all kinds of services and sub-contracts to the non-inspected factories. If necessary, BGMEA will seek time from

ILO to implement Corrective Action Plan (CAP), Hassan said, urging all factory owners to take part in inspection by the UN organisation. “RMG sector or other compliant factories cannot suffer for non-compliant issues. We are zero tolerant on safety issues,” he vowed. “As regards ILO inspection, I did not say that we are not interested to participate in inspection,” Parvez Alam Khan, owners of Ishita Garments, told the Dhaka Tribune.

‘RMG sector or other compliant factories cannot suffer for non-compliant issues. We are zero tolerant on safety issues’ “We are establishing standard factories for relocation and want to have inspection after that,” said Parvez. If factory owners welcome ILO to inspect their factories at a shared building and later relocate them, they have to get the work done again, he said. “That is why I would like to take the opportunity after the relocation.” The ILO through its “Improving Working Conditions in the RMG Sector” funded by the Royal Netherlands Government, Canada and UK is providing financial and technical assistance for the government of Bangladesh for implementation of the National Tripartite Plan (NAP) of Action Plan on Fire and Structural Integrity in the country’s RMG sector. The NAP was signed in 25 July 2013. The safety issues came under spotlight after the Rana Plaza factory collapse that killed over 1,135 workers and injured over 2,500 people on April 24, 2013. l

three months, the highest among the 53 ministries and divisions, according to statistics from IMED. The power division, which got the highest allocation in the ADP, spent only 3% of its allotment. The local government, which got the second highest allocation, used 11% in the first three months of its allocation. The bridges division having third most allocation in ADP due to Padma Bridge Project, implemented only 4% of its share. World Bank Lead Economist Zahid Hussain said despite efforts, efficiency in spending is disappointing so far. Though new strategy has been taken, we did not see any pragmatic step yet to translate those mechanisms into reality, he said. Under the new strategy enforced for the current fiscal year, the government will appoint project directors to the development projects through interview in an effort to improve annual expenditure. l

Rolls-Royce keen to sell engines to Biman n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Rolls-Royce wants to sell its engines to Bangladesh while Standard Chartered Bank will provide funding. A high-level business delegation comprised of sales director of Rolls Royce and Standard Chartered Bank Executive Director met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon Monday and discussed the prospect of doing business. “We had a meeting yesterday [Monday]. Rolls Royce wants to sell its engines for the aircraft that we are planning to buy in future,” Rashed Khan Menon told the Dhaka Tribune Tuesday evening. Standard Chartered Bank would finance it if there is any agreement, he said. The minister said it was the affair of Biman and it would be decided by the board of the airlines. The Biman technical team would negotiate with the engine manufacturing company and put forward its recommendation to the board, he added. l

Walton offers 3-month replacement warranty on TVs n Tribune Report Walton, an electronic manufacturer, has recently announced a three-month replacement warranty on its CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LED televisions starting from October 15, said a press release. The replacement warranty facility has been given to enhance the customers’ satisfaction, said Md Abdul Bari, assistant director (marketing) of Walton. “We have already gained the customers’ trust. Now, we are offering three months replacement facility on condition to increase their satisfaction on Walton televisions,” he said. In addition, the customers will also enjoy two years warranty for panel, spare parts and services of LED (Light Emitting Diode) television, added the press release. l

news

Photo: Courtesy

T-JUNCTION

True and Blue

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

INSIDE

‘Lobster Madness’ at Hotel Sarina Hotel Sarina, a five star business boutique hotel in Banani, is going to launch a special promotion on lobster called “Lobster Madness.” The promotion will commence from October 20 to 31 at The Elite restaurant (17th Floor). People can try different lobster items during this special promotion and thus take the food madness to the next level. Some of the delicious items are grilled sea food bella luna, grilled lobster diavolo, lobster thermidor, lobster rolls, lobster cocktail, lobster with spaghetti, lobster alla aurua etc. For more details, please call: 01982 700 700.l

Trial room

7 questions with Shaibal Saha

24 News

ULAB, ADD sign MoU to eradicate disability and poverty and to promote sustainable development

22 T-JUNCTION

Trial Room

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

7 questions with Shaibal Saha Passion, hard work and nostalgia make for a creative visionary

n Khan N Moushumi Shaibal Saha, the crafts and fashion designer of Indigo, has been experimenting with different shades of blue for the last four years. He’s also the general secretary of the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh and today, he talks about what style means to him. What inspired you to start off as a designer? I was first inspired by nature. It’s so beautiful that I wanted to capture the essence of it in my work. Secondly, my family really inspired me to become a designer. I grew up watching my mother work on beautiful patterns of embroidery. During puja, she would draw stunning alponas. Then it was the rest of my family – my father, dada, boudi and my wife. They still motivate me to do better every day. But the funny thing is, I never thought I’d become a designer. When I was young, I wanted to study International Relations (IR) and get into journalism. But, I ended up joining Charukola and pursued fashion designing. Among so many other colours, what made you choose indigo?

PHOTOS: COURTESY

I love travelling. I have been to a lot of fairs and events, both home and abroad. And I remember in 1995, there was this one fair that I attended in Germany where I saw a beautiful shop of indigo. And that is when I fell in love with the colour. There are obviously a lot of other colours, types of products and crafts a designer can choose from but I believe we should pursue something we identify ourselves with the most. Indigo is that for me. It’s an array of really sophisticated, rich colours. Over the years, I have studied about indigo, learnt how to produce it and make the best use of it.

Could you give us some details about the tradition of indigo harvesting? Indigo is the organic name of the colour blue. It is natural. We all know denim jeans were dyed in shades of indigo and they were some of the first commodities that focused on the use of the colour. But now, indigo is part of almost everything we see and touch these days. Although the natural component of indigo is better for dyeing but I use a mixture of both natural and chemical colours for my products. What are some challenges of working with monochromes? There are quite a few, if I’m honest. Since it involves just one colour, it’s important to introduce and maintain certain distinctions in the line to survive in the industry. If you think about it – for how long would someone save a particular blue sari or panjabi in their wardrobe? It becomes monotonous after a while. Which is why, as a designer, it’s important to decide whether to work on 10 different shades of blue for the same kind of products, or 10 different products in the same shade of blue for the customers to contrast them with other wearables. The key here is to find the balance. What does “style” mean to you? Style and fashion are two completely different aspects to me. Style is something that only adorns the outer beauty of a person. It adds value and flair to the outer layer, that’s it. Some of your favourite fabrics to work with? I love working with cotton and we do have an amazing range of homegrown cotton fabrics in the country. To be honest, I’m more comfortable working with our own products.

news

Washout “Washout – Lucky Coupon Draw 2015” was held at Bhuyan Group office, Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka on Wednesday October 7. Washout announced the event in August at 7:30pm, which was followed by a dinner party. Tanha and Tahan, two little children, drew the lucky winners among 15,654 coupons. Prize distribution ceremony started at 5:30pm on October 8. Bhuyan Group director, Rehnuma Rahman, chaired the ceremony. First prize, which is an iPhone 6, was given to Hoque (Runi) from East Rajabazar; the second prize, a 32” Samsung LED TV, went to Advocate Abdul Majid from

Narsingdi; and the third prize was taken home by Abdur Rahman from Nagar Builders in Banani. Bhuyan Group director, Rehnuma Rahman, has declared that in the near future such promotional activities will continue. The winners have expressed their feelings through short speeches and have said that they are very pleased with Washout’s quality and service. Washout expansion program and Bhuyan Group director, Rehnuma Rahman, confirmed that they will increase the number of outlets in different areas of Dhaka city. The event ended with a speech from the director and a tea party. l

T-JUNCTION 23

Trial Room

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

I love experimenting on khaadi as well. The FDCB is arranging an event to showcase our homegrown khaadi fabrics in December this year, where 18 Bangladeshi and six Indian designers will participate and we are really excited and looking forward to that. Which brings us to the next and last question. We know you are the general secretary of the FDCB, please tell us a little about your collaborative experience with the council. My experience with the council has been terrific so far. As you know, we are trying to revive and uplift our culture and traditions so that our future generation can know about their existence, beauty and the importance of preserving them. Otherwise, these traditions will die down even before we know it. The events that the FDCB has organised so far have made all these possible to some extent. The feedback, support and acceptance that we have received from our audience have truly been overwhelming. We have a good feeling about it, hopefully weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be moving forward with our upcoming projects successfully. l

24 T-JUNCTION

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

News

ULAB, ADD sign MoU to eradicate disability and poverty and to promote sustainable development

A Memorandum of Understanding between University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International Bangladesh was signed on October 12, 2015 at ULAB, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Professor Imran Rahman, vice chancellor of ULAB and Shafiqul Islam, country director of ADD International Bangladesh signed the MoU on behalf of the respective parties. ULAB is devoted to liberal arts education, interdisciplinary research, producing and disseminating knowledge, engaging in collaborative research with universities and research centres, and organising action to promote the greening of Bangladesh. “Sustainable development” is a core value of ULAB. With this in mind, ULAB established the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), a research centre pertaining to sustainability.

Action on Disability and Development (ADD) Bangladesh, established in 1985 registered with UK Charity and NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh, has been working in Bangladesh since 1986 to “achieve positive and lasting change in the lives of disabled people especially those living in poverty.” The purpose of this partnership is to establish cooperation and agreement between ULAB and ADD International Bangladesh for collaboration and mutual support between the two organisations working on issues of disability and sustainable development. The parties agreed to work together in promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities in Bangladesh and promote sustainable development practices among people with disabilities. Both organisations will find a way to address issues that plague people with disability, sustainable use of resources, and building capacity for diversified livelihoods. Both parties also agreed to exchange technical expertise on the issue of disability and sustainable development with each other. Among others Juditha Ohlmacher, Professor Hamidul Huq, Lt Col Foyzul Islam, Nasima Khandker of ULAB and Abdus Salam Miah of ADD were present during the MoU signing ceremony. l

Outstanding performance of Eastern University Mooting team “Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition” is one of the biggest and prestigious international moot court competitions across the world. It is pertinent to state that the 11th Henry Dunant National Memorial Moot Court Competition was jointly organised by International Committee of the Red Cross and the Bangladesh Chapter of the Asian Society Of International Law this year. As many as 19 public and private universities participated in the competition. Out of these 19 universities, only two have qualified for the Regional Round, which

will be held in Lahore, Pakistan. Eastern University is one the two teams that progressed onto the Regional Round. In addition, out of 38 mooters, Masuma Dil Afroz from Eastern University has been awarded “the best mooter.” The other members of the team are Wardi Zaman and Subarna Das. The team was mentored by ABM Imdadul Haque Khan and Nahid Rabbi, assistant professor of Law Department, Eastern University. Eastern University congratulates the team for the grand success and wishes the team good luck for the next round.l

Younis Khan became Pakistan’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, surpassing the great Javed Miandad’s tally of 8832 runs on the opening day of the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi yesterday

Sport 26

I WILL NOT CHANGE MY STYLE, SAYS LITON DAS

TON-UP MALIK LEADS PAKISTAN CHARGE IN 1ST TEST

AT THE SUMMIT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

I FIXED GAMES FOR CAIRNS, SAYS LOU VINCENT

Kyrgyz overcome Bangladesh challenge n Tribune Report The visiting Bangladesh side conceded a 2-0 defeat against Kyrgyzstan in their fifth 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifier at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek yesterday. Kyrgyz forward Vitalij Lux put the home side ahead in the 27th minute before Amirov Ildar came off the bench to double the lead just a minute before the end of stipulated time. It was newly-appointed head coach Fabio Lopez’s debut match as the Bangladesh trainer and the Italian brought a few changes in the playing positions with a new and experimental starting eleven. With long-term injuries ruling out attacking duo Jahid Hasan Ameli and Zahid Hossain, Lopez was forced to replace the Sheikh Russel pair with Abahani’s Shakhawat Hossain Rony and Team BJMC striker Nabib Newaz Jibon. There were also strategical and positional changes in the squad with captain Mamunul Islam, Abdul Baten Komol Majumder playing at new positions. The Italian also started with only three specialist defenders – Rayhan Hasan, Topu Barman and Nasir Uddin. Toklis Ahmed Tonmoy, Jewel Rana and Reza were substituted in the second half and were replaced by Rony, Hemanta Vincent Biswas and Nasir but the trio were unable to change the fate of the game. Meanwhile in the first leg on June 11 this year, Bangladesh lost to Kyrgyzstan 3-1 at home. Bangladesh are now bottom of the points table with only a solitary point.l

BRIEF SCORES (ROUND 3, DAY 4)

Khulna v Rangpur, SANS Khulna 211 & 208 Rangpur 220 & 186-allout Khulna won by 13 runs

Dhaka v Dhaka Metropolis, KSOAS Dhaka 327 & 115-allout Metro 352 & 93/7 Metro won by three wickets

Chittagong v Barisal, ZACS Chittagong 467/7 & 52/0 Barisal 346 all-out Match drawn

Sylhet v Rajshahi, SCS Sylhet 328 & 267/7 Rajshahi 380 Match drawn

Afghans pull out of Sk Kamal Int'l Club Cup n Tribune Report

Mahmudullah punches the air after helping Dhaka Metropolis beat Dhaka Division in their nail-biting National Cricket League encounter at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Afghanistan club De Spin Ghar Bazan have withdrawn their name from the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup yesterday, just a day after the grouping and fixtures were revealed. The Afghan champions, a team that were formed three years ago through the inauguration of the Afghan Premier League, shocked the organisers with their sudden decision of not participating in the eight-club competition yesterday morning. “They did not tell us anything about their chances of pulling out till yesterday (Monday) rather they wanted confirmation for the tickets. They did not even hint anything after we let them know about the draw and fixtures,” said Tarafder Ruhul Amin, chairman of the football committee of Chittagong Abahani. “But today (Tuesday) morning, all of a sudden, they told us they will not participate in the tournament.” l

n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Khulna, Metro clinch thrillers Table-toppers Khulna eke out win

Khulna are the early leaders of tier one in the Walton 17th National Cricket League after managing a close 13-run win over defending champions Rangpur during the fourth and final day’s play of the third round yesterday. Rangpur, in pursuit of a challenging 200run target, resumed yesterday’s proceedings on 58/6 and it initially appeared that the holders would make a right good fist of the chase when Naeem Islam (38) and Dhiman Ghosh (56) added 62 crucial runs for the seventh wicket. However, once the duo departed, it was as good as over as Khulna’s Mehedi Hasan Miraz and veteran campaigner Abdur Razzak shared eight wickets between themselves to mop up the tail.

Metro seal thrilling derby

Dhaka, who began the day on 65/4, were looking to set Metro a competitive target but only managed to post 115 before losing all of their wickets. Metro’s Sharifullah was the tormentor in chief, taking four wickets. In reply, Metro did chase down their target of 91 but it was anything but an assured ride as they lost seven wickets. The Dhaka bowlers scalped wickets at regular intervals and were it not for Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 45, Metro would have plunged into deeper trouble. Metro’s left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain took four wickets but 91 proved to be too little a target in the end.

Tame draw in the port-city

Barisal added just one run to their overnight

first-innings tally of 345/9, thus giving Chittagong a healthy lead of 121 runs. In their second essay, Chittagong registered 52 without loss and in the process extended their lead to 173 runs but it mattered little as the match eventually petered out in a draw.

Sylhet and Rajshahi follow ChittagongBarisal script

Just like the Chittagong-Barisal tie, the Sylhet-Rajshahi encounter too ended in a tame draw as the fourth innings did not even begin. Resuming yesterday on 14/0, Sylhet eventually managed 267/7 in their second innings with captain Alok Kapali top-scoring with 93. Sylhet were leading by 215 runs with three second-innings wickets remaining. l

26 SPORT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Sahadat demolishes CAB U17s n Tribune Desk Sahadat Ridoy’s five-wicket haul guided Bangladesh Under-17 to an impressive innings and 65-run win over their Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) counterpart in their second three-day match at BKSP Ground 4 yesterday. With the home boys resuming the final day on 204 for four in their first innings, the match was expected to end in a draw but fast bowler Sahadat had other ideas. A superb 71 from Akbar Ali in the morning enabled Bangladesh to post 342 and take a 140-run lead as CAB, who scored 202 in their first innings, in their second attempt had no answer to Sahadat’s 13-over spell as the quickie took five for 19 runs to end the visitors’ endeavour for just 75 runs. The emphatic win gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. l

CAB U17 (1st innings): 202-allout BD U17 (1st innings): 342-allout in 92.3 overs (Akbar 71, Mahmudul 56, Tribrit 4/106) CAB U17 (2nd innings): 75-allout in 40.1 overs (Sahadat 5/19) Bangladesh U-17 won by an innings and 65 runs

‘I will not change my style’ n Minhaz Uddin Khan Wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Kumar Das is worried at not being able to convert most of his knocks. The right-hander has so far featured in three Tests and six ODIs for Bangladesh but has not been able to cross 50 in any of those matches. Liton, a member of the Bangladesh A team that will tour South Africa and Zimbabwe later this month, spoke to the media yesterday at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium and said he is desperate to translate his starts into big knocks.

Are you worried over the alien conditions in South Africa and Zimbabwe?

It’s true playing out there will be a challenge but I think the team are well-prepared. I will try to give my best effort.

You are currently a fixture in the Tigers’ Test and ODI teams. With that said, do you think consistent displays in Africa would help you to cement your spot?

It is not only this tour but every match is im-

portant to me. So there is no room to take things easy in this tour.

Bearing in mind the bouncy wickets in South Africa, have you undertaken extra preparation?

No, not really. I am following the regular routine.

You have failed to convert the starts in the Test arena. Any strategy set to overcome the problem in the upcoming tour?

Yes, I am thinking about it. It has been a long time since I last played a big innings. I am losing my wicket in the 50s or 60s. I am worried about it and working on it. I will try to come out of it in the upcoming tour.

You have the habit of going for your shots. Do you think this particular approach is restricting you from playing a big knock?

I have been playing this way from the age-level and that is how (by playing shots) I scored five centuries. So you see, I score while playing my shots and sometimes, I get dismissed for the same reason. It is not happening at the moment but I hope it will happen. I do not intend to change my style of play. l

‘A’ team tour crucial for players and selectors, says Bashar n Mazhar Uddin Former national captain Habibul Bashar yesterday informed the media that the Bangladesh A team’s upcoming tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe will be important for both the cricketers and the selectors. “I think any A team’s tour is important for both the players and the selectors. And, it’s a great platform for the cricketers to prove themselves. We can also assess the players quite well. It’s a great opportunity for every member of the team and at the same time we

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo poses with his mother Dolores Aveiro (R), his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr (C) and his brother Hugo (L) in front of his four Golden Boot trophies during a ceremony in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. The Portuguese picked up his fourth trophy for his 48 goals from 35 appearances for Real, just edging out Barcelona’s Lionel Messi who netted 43 goals in 38 outings REUTERS

also want to see how they perform in the difficult conditions of South Africa and Zimbabwe,” said national selector Bashar. The 16-member Bangladesh A team, led by Shuvagata Hom with Soumya Sarkar as his deputy, will leave here for Africa tomorrow where they will play a three-dayer and two one-dayers against South Africa and two four-dayers and three one-dayers against Zimbabwe. And according to the former middle-order batsman, the A team’s main focus should be on the longer-version matches.

“We are going to play quite a few longer-version games in this tour and obviously, the main focus would be reserved for the longer-version matches. But at the same time, we would like to continue our good work in the shorter formats. As we are a Test-playing nation, we need to give more longer-version opportunities to our cricketers. And, I think longer-version cricket is like a habit where the more you play the format, the better you adapt,” he said. The 43-year old added that some of the members of the A team will be returning

midway through the tour to join the national side for the home series against Zimbabwe next month. “Yes, a few of the cricketers will return for the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe as we were not sure earlier if the Zimbabwe series would take place or not. But, we thought that if we kept some of the players for the Zimbabwe series and the tour did not take place, then it would be a big disappointment for us as we want to see the players at the middle. It’s very important for the cricketers to gain experience,” he added.l

Insatiable Ronaldo collects fourth Golden Shoe award n Reuters, Madrid Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo collected a record fourth Golden Shoe award as Europe’s top scorer yesterday for his 48-goal haul in La Liga last season and said he is hungry for more. The Portugal captain and FIFA Ballon d’Or holder netted 61 times in all competitions in 2014-15, although Real missed out on the three main titles as arch rivals Barcelona swept to a treble of Champions League, La Liga and King’s Cup triumphs. Ronaldo, 30, is poised to become Real’s alltime top scorer ahead of former Spain striker Raul, with whom he is level on 323 goals, and has another chance to break the record in Saturday’s La Liga game at home to Levante. “I never planned on winning four times,” Ronaldo said at a presentation ceremony in Madrid attended by his mother and son. “Maybe one or two yes but never four. I always want more. I know I am the only one to have four but I want more.” l

SPORT 27

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

QUICK BYTES Fiji Friendship school rugby begins tomorrow The Fiji Friendship Cup School Rugby Tournament 2015 will get underway at Paltan field tomorrow. St. Gregory High School will take on Sunshine Pre Cadet High School in the inaugural match. A total of 16 school teams split into four groups will partake in the event. All the school teams hail from the capital city. –TRIBUNE DESK

Djibril Cisse probed over Valbuena ‘sex tape’ case Former Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse and three other people were arrested Tuesday in a blackmail investigation that allegedly involves a sex tape featuring international midfielder Mathieu Valbuena. A source in the case said Cisse “should soon be removed from the investigation”. –AFP

I never sprayed Putin, says Hamilton Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has dismissed as wide of the mark reports that he sprayed Russian President Vladimir Putin with the winner’s champagne after Sunday’s grand prix in Sochi. “I actually didn’t. I didn’t actually spray him. I think there’s a weird picture but I didn’t spray him. I definitely don’t want anything (to happen),” the Mercedes driver told Sky Sports television on Monday with a smile. –REUTERS

Milan deny wrongdoing in Paletta deal AC Milan have refuted claims that club CEO Adriano Galliani skirted regulations when signing former Parma player Gabriel Paletta. Paletta, who has made three appearances for Italy, joined Milan for the bargain price of 2.5m euros (2.84m $US) last season just as Parma were on the brink of financial ruin that has since sent them plummeting to Serie D. –AFP

Nadal says getting to grips with ‘mental injury’ Rafael Nadal on Tuesday said he had shaken off his foot problem from the China Open final - and added that he was also recovering from the “mental injury” he blames for his struggles on court this year. Nadal, speaking ahead of the Shanghai Masters, said the foot injury which gave him a “scary moment” during Sunday’s 6-2, 6-2 loss to Novak Djokovic had disappeared by Monday morning. –AFP

Warner on slow road to recovery after injury Injured Australian opener David Warner said Tuesday he was confident of being ready for the first Test against New Zealand next month as he slowly recovers from a broken thumb. The Test vice-captain suffered the injury when he got in a tangle trying to play a Steven Finn bouncer against England in a one-dayer five weeks ago. –AFP

Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik plays a shot during the first day’s play of the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi yesterday

AFP

Ton-up Malik leads Pakistan charge in first Test n AFP, Abu Dhabi Shoaib Malik hit a fighting hundred to cap an impressive return to Test cricket after five years as he led Pakistan’s charge in the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Malik was unbeaten on 124 for his third Test hundred - his first against England - to guide Pakistan to 286-4 at close on the opening day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Malik added an invaluable 168 for the second wicket with opener Mohammad Hafeez who missed his century by two runs after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch which is expected to take turn on the last two days. Malik, who has been averaging 100 in one-day cricket this year - form which earned him a recall in the longer format - has so far hit 14 boundaries in his 230-ball patient knock.

Apart from Malik and Hafeez, the day was also memorable for senior batsman Younis Khan (38) who became Pakistan’s leading run scorer in Test cricket when he overhauled Javed Miandad’s tally of 8832 runs made in 124 Tests. Younis, playing his 102nd Test, jumped out of his crease to hit spinner Moeen Ali for a big six at deep mid-wicket to reach 21, two more than his illustrious countryman Javed Miandad. England’s pace-cum-spin attack struggled for wickets under hot conditions, bowling some loose deliveries coupled with two dropped catches by Ian Bell both off James Anderson. It was Anderson who gave England an early breakthrough when he dismissed Shan Masood (two) in a bizzare manner, with the left-handed opener taking his eyes off a bouncer. The ball hit the grill of his helmet before crashing onto the stumps. l

FIFA ban Thai football chief, Hayatou delays arrival n

AFP, Lausanne

FIFA’s ethics watchdog on Monday banned Thai football chief Worawi Makudi for 90 days as acting president Issa Hayatou delayed his arrival at football’s corruption-hit ruling body by 24 hours. The ethics committee said it had moved to sideline Worawi “on the grounds that a breach of the Code of Ethics appears to have been committed and a decision on the main issue may not be taken early enough.” Worawi was a FIFA executive committee member for 18 years until May - including for its 2010 vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups - and has faced multiple allegations of wrongdoing. The 63-year-old was found guilty in July

by a Thai court of forgery in his reelection as head of the Football Association of Thailand. Worawi told AFP he would fight to save his name and intended to stay in the Thai election even though he is banned immediately “from all football activities at national and international level for 90 days.” “I am confused by this, I just heard the news,” he said. “I am not guilty of anything. Under Thai law I still have the right to appeal (the July court decision). I did not falsify anything, what I did was absolutely legal.” His ban follows matching suspensions handed out to embattled outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter and European football boss Michel Platini last Thursday. l

SCORECARD, DAY 1 PAKISTAN IST INNINGS Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Stokes Shan Masood b Anderson Shoaib Malik not out Younis Khan c Cook b Broad Misbah-ul-Haq c Butler b Anderson Asad Shafiq not out Extras: (b4, lb5, nb1) Total: (four wkts; 87 overs)

R B 98 170 2 6 124 230 38 57 3 17 11 43 10

286

Fall of wicket 1-5 (Masood), 2-173 (Hafeez), 3-247 (Younis), 4-251 (Misbah)

Bowling Anderson 14-3-29-2, Broad 14-5-30-1 (1nb), Stokes 10-1-35-1, Wood 13-3-34-0, Rashid 17-076-0, Ali 19-2-73-0

Bangladesh confirmed as U-19 WC hosts n Tribune Desk Bangladesh will host the ICC Under-19 World Cup next year from January 22 to February14, the International Cricket Council confirmed in their board meeting that concluded yesterday in Dubai. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board will have to work in conjunction with the government and provide a full-proof security plan to the ICC’s security advisor, who will be liable to address the situation to the security advisors of other member nations. The honour of hosting the mega event came under threat after Cricket Australia canceled their tour of Bangladesh for a twomatch Test series on security grounds earlier this month, while the situation worsened after Cricket South Africa suspended their women team’s tour due to the same reason. l

28 SPORT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

GROUP C P

Pts

Spain (Q)

Slovakia (Q)

Ukraine (Play-offs) 10

Belarus

Luxembourg

Macedonia

GROUP E P

Pts

England (Q)

Switzerland (Q)

Slovenia (Play-offs) 10

Estonia

Lithuania

San Marino

GROUP G P

Pts

Austria (Q)

Russia (Q)

Sweden (Play-offs) 10

Montenegro

Liechtenstein

Moldova

Ukraine’s goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov makes a save after a penalty kick by Spain’s Cesc Fabregas (C) during their Euro 2016 group C qualifying match at the Olympic stadium in Kiev, Ukraine on Monday REUTERS

Russia, Slovakia clinch places in Euro finals n Reuters, London

Russia, who host the World Cup in 2018, made sure they will be guests at France’s party next year when they beat Montenegro to make sure of their place in the Euro 2016 finals on Monday. On the penultimate night of qualifiers, they were joined by Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg, while Ukraine, Slovenia and Sweden must take their chances in the playoffs. England become only the sixth side to go through an entire qualifying campaign with a 100 percent record after chalking up their 10th successive win by beating Lithuania 3-0 in Vilnius. Russia beat Montenegro 2-0 in Moscow while Slovakia won 4-2 in Luxembourg and with the final three groups to be completed on Tuesday, 18 teams, including France, are now assured of a place in next year’s expanded 24-team tournament.

Either Norway or Croatia will seal their automatic place alongside Italy when Group H concludes on Tuesday while Hungary could qualify as the best third-placed team from the nine groups. The team ranked in that position joins the other automatic qualifiers with the other eight third-placed teams heading into November’s two-legged playoffs. The draw for the playoffs takes place on Sunday. But both Russia and Slovakia avoided that ordeal by winning on Monday. Russia booked their place with victory over Montenegro at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow with Oleg Kuzmin scoring his first goal for his country after 33 minutes and Alexander Kokorin adding a second with a penalty shortly afterwards. Russia qualified in second place in Group G behind unbeaten Austria, with Sweden finishing third.

Russia’s qualification had looked in the balance when Fabio Capello was still head coach but his replacement Leonid Slutskiy guided Russia to four wins, beginning with a vital defeat of Sweden. Slovakia collected their ticket with their win in Luxembourg while Ukraine’s faint hopes of pipping them for second spot behind defending champions Spain in Group C ended when Spain beat them 1-0 in Kiev on the pitch where Spain won the 2012 final against Italy. Full back Mario Gaspar scored with a header on his debut while Cesc Fabregas, making his 100th appearance for his country, had a penalty saved. Slovakia are now set to make their first trip to the Euros as an independent nation but had a few nervous moments after racing into a 3-0 lead. Luxembourg hit back twice before Marek Hamsik scored his second of the night in stoppage time to clinch a 4-2 win. l

RESULTS GROUP C Luxembourg Mutsch 61, Gerson 65-P

Belarus Ukraine

2-4 0-0 0-1

Slovakia Hamsik 24, 90+1, Nemec 29, Mak 30

Macedonia Spain Mario Gaspar 22

GROUP E San Marino Estonia Lithuania

0-2 0-1 0-3

Slovenia Cesar 54, Pecnik 75

Switzerland Klavan 90+4-og

England

Barkley 29, Arlauskis 35-og, Oxlade-Chamberlain 62

GROUP G Russia Kuzmin 33, Kokorin 37-P

Sweden

2-0

Montenegro

2-0

Moldova

Ibrahimović 24, Zengin 48

Austria

3-0

Liechtenstein

Arnautovic 12, Janko 54, 57

Allardyce mocks ‘arrogant’ Wenger, Benitez n AFP, London

A fan offers a piece of cake to legendary Brazilian footballer Pele as they celebrated his upcoming birth anniversary at a promotional event in Kolkata, India yesterday REUTERS

New Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has accused his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger of “arrogance” and says he takes special pleasure in inflicting defeat upon the Frenchman. Allardyce, 60, repeatedly gave Wenger problems during his time as Bolton Wanderers manager between 1999 and 2007 and they will cross swords again this season following Allardyce’s appointment at the Stadium of Light.

“I enjoyed beating Arsenal more than anyone when I was in charge at Bolton. We’d really got to them and Arsene Wenger hated us,” Allardyce writes in his autobiography, ‘Big Sam’, which is being serialised in The Sun. “Of course, Arsenal beat us sometimes, but we drew with them or beat them more often than expected and Wenger couldn’t handle it. “There was one time he wouldn’t shake hands with me at Highbury because we got a draw. I saw him ripping his tie off and throwing it on the floor in anger. “He takes it all very personally.” l

SPORT 29

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Federer knocked out in Shanghai opener n Reuters World number three and defending champion Roger Federer suffered a surprise defeat in the second round of the Shangahi Masters on Tuesday, losing 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3 to Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The Swiss, returning to action after a month off, looked rusty against the 70thranked qualifier and despite looking back on track when he cruised through the second set, he succumbed in the decider to a single break of serve. U.S. Open runner-up Federer, 34, banged down 15 aces and won more points than his opponent but a lack of sharpness at crucial moments sent him spinning to defeat. Ramos-Vinolas will face either Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Victor Estrella Burgos in the third round. In other second round action, ninth seed Milos Raonic, came through against Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci in two tiebreaks. South Africa’s Kevin Anderson beat German veteran Tommy Haas in straight sets.l

Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men’s singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai, China yesterday REUTERS

I fixed games for Cairns, says Lou Vincent n AFP, London Former New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent told a London courtroom on Monday that he had helped to fix matches under “direct orders” from his captain, Chris Cairns. Speaking at Cairns’ perjury trial, Vincent, 36, said that Cairns persuaded him to take part in match-fixing while they were playing for the Chandigarh Lions in the Indian Cricket League in 2008. “I was under direct orders from Chris Cairns to get involved in fixing,” said Vincent, who claimed Cairns promised him $50,000

per game to under-perform. Former New Zealand captain Cairns, who is also accused of perverting the course of justice, denies the charges facing him. The charges relate to a libel case that Cairns, 45, brought against Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), in March 2012. Cairns successfully sued Modi for £1.4 million ($2.14 million) after being accused of match-fixing on Twitter in January 2010, but now faces allegations that he lied during the case. Vincent, now retired, said he had rejected

a request from Cairns to support his civil case against Modi because to do so “would have been a complete lie”. Vincent said that after arriving in India he had turned down an approach to get involved in match-fixing from an Indian man who had offered him cash and the use of a prostitute. But he claimed that when he told Cairns, captain of the Chandigarh Lions, about the approach, he was told: “You’re working for me now.” “Immediately I went to Chris Cairns and told him what had happened,” Vincent said. “The deal, the room, the woman and being

offered the money and how I went to report what had just happened. “Chris was obviously interested, then there was a pause for a short period of time. “And then he turned to me, looked at me and said ‘You did the right thing’ and ‘That’s good cover. Right, you’re working for me now.’” Vincent told the jury at Southwark Crown Court that he deliberately under-performed in four games in 2008. He said that he had been suffering from mental health problems and depression at the time and “felt good to be part of a gang”.l

DAY’S WATCH Ten Sports 11:30AM ATP: Shanghai Rolex Masters Round 2, Day 3

Ten Cricket 12:00PM England Tour of Pakistan (UAE) 1st Test, Day 2

Ten Action 10:15AM West Indies Tour of Sri Lanka 1st Test. Day 1

Star Sports 1, 3 2:00PM South Africa Tour of India 2nd ODI

Star Sports 2 7:20PM Indian Super League 2015 Pune v Delhi

Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar (L) and Sri Lanka’s legendary bowler Muttiah Muralidaran wash hands during a UNICEF promotional event in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Monday. Tendulkar and Muralidaran participated in a United Nations children’s fund programme to promote sanitation and hygiene. According to a press release by the United Nations, globally 1,600 children die every day due to diarrheal diseases which are treatable and preventable just by washing hands with soap AP

30 DOWNTIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Spirit (3) 3 Very small (6) 8 Golf club (4) 9 Present (3) 10 Longing (6) 11 Dry inflammable matter (6) 14 Looks after (5) 17 Rate of progress (5) 20 Followed orders (6) 24 Esculent (6) 26 Fastener (3) 27 Final (4) 28 Leave off (6) 29 Tavern (3)

DOWN 1 Corrosion (4) 2 Bearing (4) 3 Fashion (4) 4 Still (5) 5 Conjunction (5) 6 Hill (3) 7 Water pitches (5) 12 Little devil (3) 13 Stain (3) 15 First woman (3) 16 Female deer (3) 17 Use money (5) 18 Sends out (5) 19 Play things (5) 21 Defeat (4) 22 Abominable snowman (4) 23 Daybreak (4) 25 Owing (4)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 15 represents N so fill I every time the figure 15 appears. You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares. Some letters of the alphabet may not be used. As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them. A B C D E FG H I J K L M N O P Q RST UVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

SHOWTIME 31

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya:

Ancient and alive n Gopa Biswas Caesar

Director: Isao Takahata Production Company: Studio Ghibli

“… be born, grow up, and die. Still the wind blows, the rain falls, the waterwheel goes round. Lifetimes come and go in turn.” The swan song of a seventy-nine-yearold, Helmer Isao Takahata, draws the final curtain on both his career and his journey with Studio Ghibli. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya ends with a simple folk melody that vibrates inside, hours after the curtain closes. The tale is one of a Japanese princess from a tenth-century legend who keeps trying to get back to the forests and hillsides of her salt-of-the-earth upbringing. This rich depiction of a Japanese folk-piece, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (popularly dated to the Tokugawa period) begins when a gruff bamboo-cutter yields a palm-length princess from a glowing bamboo shoot, who turns into a human baby growing at an accelerated rate. She soon becomes a part of a pack of local kids who call her “L’il Bamboo.” The name annoys the bamboo-cutter who thinks of her as a gift from heaven and calls her princess. She shares great chemistry with the leader of the boys, Sutemaru, and often starts singing a song she can’t remember having learnt. According to the legend she belonged to the moon and her venture to the world was destined to be for a very short time. The bamboo-cutter, who is now her adoptive father also received a lot of gold and shining

clothes as stipends to bring her up. This, he thought, was a sign to “reward” his princess a regal life, which eventually snatched away all the things that made her happy. A series of ridiculous high-born suitors made a toy out of her, the way royalty does to “femininity.” She tried to overthrow the norms and anomalies several times and finally gave in to wait for the moon to take her back. Suddenly, she learns that she loved her foster parents way too much to leave them and be happy. Her father set up hundreds of men to prevent her from going back but destiny always wins. Viewers who are used to Hollywood’s cartoons stuffed with neat-catchy set pieces and crowd-appealing gags might not be impressed by the film’s graceful rhythms and bashful narration, but that must not keep them from being amazed at the sheer prowess of its artwork. It was drawn over almost nine painstaking years in an unfinished manner so it looks like the artists were rushing after the princess in person. They were desperately trying to capture the essence of each moment as it flew past. In many instances, the characters fill in or fall apart into flurries of watercolour and charcoal as if ancient scrollpaintings are coming back to life. “Kaguya” means “shining” in Japanese, and fittingly, rich contrasts of light and darkness in each scene does sweet justice to the name of the princess in every scene. l

Chantal Akerman essentials n Showtime Desk

Les rendez-vous d’Anna (1978) A successful but rootless filmmaker travels

Man of Steel Movies Now, 9:30pm Superman faces a mysterious ship that threatens the very existence of earth. Upon confrontation he finds out the dwellers of the ship are back from the past to recreate their own planet on earth, and are in fact his ancestors. Watch the extremely thrilling movie to find out what happens as he goes head to head with the extraterrestrials. Cast: Diana Lane, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Riddick HBO, 3:33pm Bounty Hunters visit the planet in search of Riddick. To their surprise Riddick was awaiting their arrival. Using the advantage of the clashes between two groups of bounty hunters who were on the same mission, Riddick had a plan, a way out for himself right under their noses. Cast: Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Karl Urban Warm Bodies HBO Defined, 10:30pm The daughter of the biggest known hater of zombies falls in love with a zombie itself as she finds out that with time even the dead can feel, and give more time to it, and they can become humans again. Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Dave Franco, Terese Palmer Pitch Black Star Movies, 5:00pm A space ship crashes into a deserted planet. With forty people on board, they scavenge for food and, to their amazement finds, plenty of food and water for the lot of them. But the pitch black darkness at times and the arrival of aliens that rip the flesh right off their bones, throw them off their feet as they battle to survive the attacks and find a way out. Cast: Vin Diesel, Cole Hauser, Radha Mitchell,

Few directors can truly be described as both artist and film-maker, but Chantal Akerman, who died at the age of 65 last week, is someone whose creative vision really does straddle both worlds. Perhaps Jean-Luc Godard, who first inspired Akerman, is a rare example of a versatile artist; his work effectively and possibly unwillingly now occupies the middle ground between cinema and video art. One of the boldest cinematic visionaries of the past quarter century, who is surprisingly a film-school drop out, takes a profoundly personal and aesthetically idiosyncratic approach to the form, using it to investigate geography and identity, space and time, sexuality and religion. Here we picked some eminent work, directed by the Belgian-born. Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai Du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) Middle-aged widow Jeanne Dielman’s daily routine includes making beds, cooking dinner for her son, and turning the occasional trick. In its enormous spareness, Akerman’s film seems simple, but it encompasses an entire world.

WHAT TO WATCH

through Germany, Belgium, and France to promote her latest movie, meeting many people along the way, from a one-night stand and ex-lovers, to family.

News From Home (1976) Letters from the filmmaker’s mother are read over elegantly composed shots of New York, where the (unseen) protagonist has relocated.

Je tu il elle (1975) A frank, fragmentary portrait of a young woman drifting through life and sexual relationships.

Almayer’s Folly (2011) A tale of an occidental merchant, Kaspar Almayer, whose dreams of riches for his beloved daughter, Nina, collapse under the weight of his own greed and prejudice. l

Transporter 3 Warner Bros, 7:22pm Frank, a driver who carries passengers and goods from one place to another under special contracts faces a challenge that practically comes with the job. A deal gone wrong leads him into a trap where his client puts a bracelet on his wrist that doesn’t allow him to go 75 feet from his car. Desperate to get it off, he goes through one occurrence to another and finally meets the man himself. Watch the movie to find out how and what happens at the end. Cast: Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, Natalya Rudokova

32 BACK PAGE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

Rich must help poor to combat land degradation Al-Masum Molla n Mohammad from Ankara, Turkey The draft outcome of the UN summit on desertification has called upon rich nations to assist poor countries with not just money but also scientific research and technology. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 12th Conference of Parties (COP12) called on developed countries to increase financial resources made available to and by the Global Environment Facility to help countries achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). The draft outcome called on developed countries to establish equitable partnerships that encourage responsible investments and practices by the private sector to help contribute to LDN and create enduring institutions that support the health and productivity of the land and its people. The main forms of land degradation that affect Bangladesh are water erosion, soil fertility depletion, salinisation and water-logging. However, the problems of water erosion and fertility depletion are the most acute concerns for the

low-lying, intensively farmed riverine country. Flooding, droughts and salinity caused in part by climate change are common in Bangladesh, resulting in land degradation. The country is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rapid population growth is the main driver of land degradation. But this is exacerbated by the extensive use of natural resources, the existence of land ownership systems that do not protect longterm land use rights and policies that deform the prices of non-renewable resources and contribute to land degradation. Affected countries are called upon to formulate voluntary plans to achieve LDN according to their specific national circ umstances and development priorities, and taking into

account the list of options for operationalising LDN at the national level. The UNCCD’s Global Mechanism has been tasked with increasing incentives and financial support for this effort, including from market and non-market options (such as the creation of an LDN fund). The document called on GM executive secretary and subsidiary bodies to develop options for full realization of national LDN targets. UNCCD Executive Secretary Monique Bar-

but called the convention an “organisation in motion.” She highlighted the inclusion of LDN in the Sustainable Development Goals and the acknowledgement of the importance of land in climate change negotiations. Barbut noted the UNCCD’s increasing engagement with civil society organisations, with over 80 organisations accredited for COP12. She also spoke about reforms at UNCCD promising zero nominal growth of the core budget for the next biennium. l

No more nudes in Playboy magazine

n Reuters Now readers of Playboy, the glossy men’s magazine known for its nude fold-outs, can honestly say they are buying the magazine for its articles. Playboy will no longer publish nude photographs of women, the New York Times reported on Monday quoting Scott Flanders, the company’s chief executive. Founder and editor-in-chief Hugh Hefner, 89, who in his trademark silk pajamas has embodied the Playboy lifestyle, agreed last month with a suggestion by top editor Cory Jones to stop publishing images of naked women, the Times said. At a time when every teenage boy has an Internet connected phone and the web is rife with pornography, the magazine has opted to continue featuring women in provocative poses, just not completely nude, the Times said. “You’re now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free,” Flanders was quoted as saying in the Times. “And so it’s just passe at this juncture.” The magazine that featured Marilyn Monroe on its debut cover in 1953 is making the changes after circulation dropped from 5.6 million in 1975 to about 800,000 now, the Times said.l Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com