21 Nov, 2015 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Agrahayan 7, 1422, Safar 8, 1437

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 215

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Agrahayan 7, 1422, Safar 8, 1437

PEOPLE TO RESIST SQ CHY, MUJAHID'S BURIALS IN HOME DISTRICTS PAGE 5

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 215

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LABOUR MINISTRY REJECTS POLICE APPEAL IN RANA PLAZA CASE PAGE 32

Mali hotel siege ends in bloodshed n Agencies Hostages held by an al-Qaeda affiliate group in a luxury hotel in Mali’s capital Bamako were freed yesterday after Malian special forces raided the hotel, bringing the eight-hour siege to an end, Malian authorities confirmed. “All remaining hostages of the Malian siege are now safe and out of the Radisson Blu where they had been held,” Ministerial Adviser Amadou Sangho told French television station BFMTV. “These people [the captives] have been taken under the wing of the civil authorities,” he said. Interior Security Minister Col Salif Traoré said three people had been killed and two wounded by the gunmen, who burst through security at the hotel entrance at 7am, spraying the area with gunfire and shouting “God is great” in Arabic. Reuters, however, quoted a UN official who said peacekeepers saw some 27 bodies on two separate floors of the hotel. The peacekeepers saw 12 corpses in the basement of the hotel and another 15 on the second floor, the official said on condition of anonymity. He added that the UN troops were still helping Malian authorities search the hotel. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the “horrific terrorist attack” and indicated the violence was aimed at destroying peace efforts in the country, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. “The secretary-general deplores any attempt to derail the implementation of the agreement” signed in June between rival factions, said UN spokesman. Earlier Malian commandos stormed the luxury hotel after jihadist gunmen took 170 people, including many foreigners, hostage in the capital of the former French colo-

BNP worried about Khaleda’s security n Tribune Report The BNP has expressed concerns about the security of its party chief and has urged the government to take proper steps to ensure her safety. “BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will return to Bangladesh from London tomorrow [Saturday] by an Emirates Airlines flight. Our party is concerned about the BNP chairperson’s security as the country’s law and order situation has deteriorated,” read a press release yesterday, signed by the party’s acting spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon. He urged the government to take proper steps to ensure Khaleda Zia’s safety as the  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

Security forces evacuate a man from an area near the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital Bamako yesterday after gunmen went on a shooting rampage and held hostages at the luxury hotel AFP ny, which has been battling rebels allied to al-Qaeda for several years. “Security forces are in the process of tracking them down,” Traoré told a news conference following a stand-off of several

hours at Bamako’s Radisson Blu. An African jihadist group affiliated with al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack, reports Reuters. Al-Mourabitoun, a group based in north-

ern Mali and made up mostly of Tuaregs and Arabs, posted a message on Twitter saying it was behind the attack. The claim could not immediately be  PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

Mujahid, SQ Chy adamant to meet lawyers

IS warns of fresh attack in Bangladesh

Rahman Rabbi and n Arifur Ashif Islam Shaon

n Tribune Report

Condemned war criminals Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and Salauddin Quader Chowdhury were adamant yesterday to consult with their lawyers before deciding on the mercy petition, but the jail authorities maintain that there is no such scope now. The government explains that now the convicts may consult only with their family members, not lawyers, as they had been informed about the review verdict. “There is no legal battle in it. The lawyers have no connection with the mercy petition

as the convicts need to take the decision on their own and write it down in own hand admitting the crimes, begging for life,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said last night. “They can consult with the family members only. In that case, the family members may contact the jail authorities for permission,” he added. Asked if the government had already fixed the tentative time of execution, he replied: “... There is no news … keep your eyes, ears open. Why are you [journalists] are in hurry?” Earlier in the day, the home minister sat  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

The Islamic State (IS) has warned that it is preparing for fresh attacks in Bangladesh. In the latest edition of its online propaganda magazine “Dabiq,” the extremist group discusses at length its strategic expansion to countries like Bangladesh. In the magazine, it boasts that its “brave knights” brought Paris “down on its knees.” The IS has dedicated an entire article to their activities in Bangladesh or “Bengal” as it refers to the country. “A security cell belonging to the soldiers of  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

CS Karim dies n Tribune Report

Nuclear physicist and former caretaker government adviser Dr Chowdhury Sajjadul Karim, popularly known as CS Karim, died last night. Dr Karim, 67, a former chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, died around 11:30pm at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital in Dhanmondi. He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday night as he had been suffering from pneumonia. Last evening, he was given ventilator at the ICU of the hospital as his condition deteriorated, said Dr Nafis Ahmed Chowdhury, deputy director of the hospital. He served as the agriculture and water resources adviser to the Fakhruddin-Moeen Uddin government during 2007-08. Expert on nuclear energy, Dr Karim was an international nuclear inspector for the Vienna-based global watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency. l

Armed Forces Day today

n Tribune Report

The Armed Forces Day, which marks the establishment of Bangladesh military during the country’s Liberation War, will be observed today with due solemnity and enthusiasm. This day is observed every year since Bangladesh Armed Forces, comprising army, navy and air force, came into being and launched an all-out attack on the occupation forces on this day during the war in 1971. President Abdul Hamid, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion, reported UNB. They will place wreaths at Shikha Anirban at Dhaka Cantonment this morning to pay homage to the members of the armed forces who embraced martyrdom during the war. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

IS warns of fresh attack in Bangladesh the Khilafah in Bengal assassinated an Italian crusader named Cesare Tavella on the streets of Gulshan in the city of Dhaka … only days later another security cell targeted a Japanese citizen in the northern region of Rangpur,” the article says, reiterating IS’ claim of carrying out the attacks. “These back-to-back attacks have caused havoc among the citizens of the crusader nations and their allies living in Bengal and forced their diplomats, tourists and expats to limit their movements and live in a constant state of fear.” The article titled “The Revival of Jihad in Bengal” claims that while IS was busy preparing for further attacks, the secular

Awami League government continued to “twist the facts” on the ground and play a blame game. The terrorist group referred to the BNPJamaat alliance as a “coalition of murtaddin” – Arabic for “apostates.” “The former government, which consisted mainly of a coalition of murtaddin from both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (essentially the Indian subcontinent version of the so-called Muslim Brotherhood), foolishly thought that the call of tawhid, jihad, and khilafah would be crushed by the martyrdom of a few righteous scholars,” reads a paragraph.

The IS piece calls banned Islamist militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) a “proper jihad organisation in Bangladesh based on the Quran and Sunnah.” The article claimed that Bangladesh had been drowned in polytheism and religious innovation for hundreds of years due to the “effects of both European colonisation and Hindu cultural invasion.” It concludes that its soldiers would continue to rise and expand in “Bengal” and continue to carry out acts of terrorism. The IS also puts out images of what it claims to be the bomb that downed a Russian jet last month, killing over 220 people. l

Mujahid, SQ Chy adamant to meet lawyers with the IG prisons and the additional secretary and discussed the executions of the two war criminals. Detail of the meeting was not available. After emerging from a programme in the capital, the minister earlier told reporters that the government would remain within the legal parameters to execute the convicts. “We will take every step in line with the law. We are yet to get any response about the mercy petition. They may seek presidential mercy,” he said. The minister also added that the government had taken every precaution to maintain law and order across the country in the aftermath of the executions. “The people have welcomed the rejection of their review petitions,” he claimed. A source in the Dhaka Central Jail claimed that Senior Jail Superintendent Jahangir Kabir, Jailer Nesar Alam and two deputy jailers met Salauddin and Mujahid from around 11am for an hour. Salauddin, 66, got excited when the authorities denied his demand of talking with the lawyers, but Mujahid, 69, remained calm, the source said. Both the convicts wanted to see lawyers before their last meeting with the family members.

On Thursday night, the prison officials read out the full verdicts to the convicts. The duo then sought time to think about the mercy petition. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Golam Haider yesterday morning confirmed that they would enquire the convicts about their decision again later in the day. “The death sentences will be carried out if they refuse to seek mercy or if the president rejects their prayers,” he said, adding that all preparations had already been made. But no jail officials were available for comments later in the day. Two sons of Salauddin went to the jail last night to file an appeal seeking permission for a meeting between their father and his lawyers. But they could not submit it since the senior jail officials were not present. One of the sons Hummam Quader Chowdhury said that he wanted to file the appeal as per his father’s request. He hoped that the lawyers would be given the scope to meet Salauddin. Sources said Salauddin and Mujahid were kept at the condemned cell – Rajanigandha – in two adjacent rooms. Nine prison guards have been on duty in three shifts. The convicts’ movements have been monitoring by

CCTV cameras. The source said that the deputy jailers visited the convicts several times since Thursday night while the jail doctors examined their physical condition two times a day. A draft list of seven hangmen has been prepared to execute the death sentences. Since Wednesday, different law enforcement agencies have imposed tight security measures in and around the jail. But additional men were withdrawn last night. Meanwhile, two of Salauddin’s lawyers went to the jail gate yesterday afternoon and tried to get permission to see him. They left the place after waiting for around four hours. A five-member team of Mujahid’s lawyers also prayed to meet him but did not get permission from the prison authorities. They had sought permission from the jail authorities around 5:30pm on Thursday. On Thursday, family members of both Salauddin and Mujahid met them in jail before the top appeals court published the full verdicts. In earlier instances, Jamaat assistant secretaries general Abdul Quader Molla and Mohammad Kamaruzzaman did not seek the president’s pardon and were eventually hanged. l

had also managed to flee. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua said three of 10 Chinese tourists caught inside had been rescued. Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita cut short a trip to a regional summit in Chad to return to Bamako, his office said. French President Francois Hollande said France would “use all the means available to us on the ground to free the hostages.”

“This is just the beginning. We also haven’t forgotten what happened in Mali,” said the non-Syrian fighter, who was contacted online by Reuters. “The bitterness from Mali, the arrogance of the French, will not be forgotten at all.” l

Sporadic attacks

security system provided to her was “insufficient.” Meanwhile, Ripon also issued a separate press release urging leaders and activists of all associate and front organisations of the BNP to welcome Khaleda at the airport. The announcement of Khaleda’s return came on Thursday, just a day after the country’s apex court cleared way for the execution of BNP Standing Committee Member Salauddin Quader Chowdhury for his war crimes in 1971. Khaleda went to London on September 15 for medical treatment. Several rescheduling of her return date in recent weeks led to speculations regarding when she would come back. l

Mali hotel siege ends in bloodshed verified. Al-Mourabitoun, formed around two years ago and based in the Sahara Desert, is headed by former al-Qaeda fighter Mokhtar Belmokhtar. Dozens of people were reported to have escaped or been freed earlier during the eight-hour siege. A security source said the gunmen had dug in on the seventh floor of the hotel as special forces advanced on them. State television showed footage of troops in camouflage fatigues wielding automatic weapons in the lobby of the Radisson Blu, one of Bamako’s posh hotels. In the background, a body lay under a brown blanket at the bottom of a flight of stairs. Occasional bursts of gunfire were heard as the assailants went through the seven-storey building, room-by-room and floor-by-floor. Some people were freed by the attackers after showing they could recite verses from the Qur’an, while others were brought out by security forces or managed to escape under their own steam. One of the rescued hostages, celebrated Guinean singer Sékouba ‘Bambino’ Diabate, said he had overheard two of the assailants

speaking in English as they searched the room next to his.

Hiding under bed

“We heard shots coming from the reception area. I didn’t dare go out of my room because it felt like this wasn’t just simple pistols – these were shots from military weapons,” Diabate said. “The attackers went into the room next to mine. I stayed still, hidden under the bed, not making a noise,” he said. “I heard them say in English ‘Did you load it?’, ‘Let’s go.’” French newspaper Le Monde quoted him as saying the attackers had spoken with a Nigerian accent. The raid on the hotel, which lies just west of the city centre near government ministries and diplomatic offices, came a week after Islamic State militants killed 129 people in Paris, raising fears that French nationals were being specifically targeted. Twelve Air France flight crew were in the building but all were extracted safely, the French national carrier said. A Turkish official said five of seven Turkish Airlines staff

Northern Mali was occupied by jihadist fighters, some with links to al-Qaeda, for most of 2012. They were driven out by a French-led military operation, but sporadic violence has continued in Mali’s central belt on the southern reaches of the Sahara, and in Bamako. One security source said as many as 10 gunmen had stormed the building, although the company that runs the hotel, Rezidor Group, said it understood that there were only two attackers. An Islamic State militant in Syria said the organisation viewed France’s military intervention in Mali as another reason to attack France and French interests.

BNP worried

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Curtain falls on winter tax fair today n Tribune Report The three-day winter tax fair will end today in seven divisions across the country, including Dhaka. The tax fair opened on Thursday in two locations in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal and Rangpur. Yesterday, the second day of the fair, attracted huge crowds on the Officers’ Club Dhaka premises in the capital’s Bailey Road, where the main programme has been arranged. The National Board of Revenue opened 28 tax return submission booths, two electronic taxpayer’s identification number booths, a central survey zone booth and a booth for big taxpayers at the Officers’ Club venue. The taxes authorities also opened information booths and help desks at the venue. But the taxpayers, mostly the new ones, on Thursday expressed discontent as they faced troubles filing returns themselves but there was no help available. l

Catherina, on left, speaks at a press event at Liberation War Museum yesterday. Visiting Bangladesh for the first time, Catherina is on a quest to find her roots here. Her mother, Shikha, was one of many War Children who were adopted by foreign families after the Liberation War ended. Canadian citizen Bonnie Cappuccino, on right, was the social worker who arranged the adoption of several war children in Canada, including Shikha DHAKA TRIBUNE

‘SQ Chy burial not in Raozan’ Faridpur freedom fighters n to resist Mujahid’s burial Anwar Hussain, Chittagong

The inhabitants of Raozan upazila in Chittagong have vowed to resist the burial of notorious war criminal Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, better known as Saka Chowdhury, in the locality. They are enraged sensing that family members of the former BNP lawmaker, hailing from Gohira of Raozan, might be taking preparation to bury him at the family graveyard after the jail authorities hang him for the crimes he had committed in 1971. “Baitul Bilal” in Gohira is Salauddin’s ancestral house. His father Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, the chief of Convention Muslim League who died in jail after the war, was also accused of torturing and killing pro-liberation people at their Goods Hill residence in Chittagong city. Salauddin, now 66, was sentenced to death for the murder of Kundeshwari Oushadhalay founder Nutan Chandra Singha on April 13, 1971, and 20 years in prison for genocide at Modhyo Gohira the same day. On April 29 this year, leaders and activists of the local Awami League and the BNP locked into a fierce clash over the burial of Salauddin’s younger brother Saifuddin Quader Chowdhury. The gunfight ensued as local Awami League-backed MP Fazle Karim Chowdhury, also a cousin of Salauddin, was barred from participating in the funeral by the BNP activists. Yesterday, several hundred locals led by the AL leaders and activists brought out processions and held rallies against the burial of Salauddin’s body at Gohira. Meanwhile, the Chittagong University chapter of Bangladesh Chhatra League also vowed to resist the move of carrying the body of the war criminal in front of the cam-

TEMPERATURE FOREC AST FOR TODAY

Dhaka

DRY WEATHER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

pus. They would not allow his body be buried at anywhere in Chittagong. On the other hand, Sharif Chowhan, Chittagong coordinator of Gonojagoron Moncho, yesterday said that they had no programme regarding the burial of the war criminal. Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, upazila Awami League President Shafiqul Chowdhury yesterday said that they would resist any attempt to bury the war criminal in Raozan. “We cannot allow a notorious war criminal like Saka Chowdhury to be buried in the sacred soil of Raozan where revolutionary Surya Sen, popularly known Master Da, was born,” said the former mayor of Raozan. During the trial process, the influential BNP leader wanted to prove that he had been in Pakistan during March 29, 1971 to April 20, 1974, which means the charges brought against him were baseless. But he failed. He also produced forged documents to prove his claim that he had been studying at Punjab University in Lahore at that time. Salauddin began his political career with the Muslim League and later joined Jatiya Party of military strongman HM Ershad. He served as the health minister at that time. In 1991, he was elected a lawmaker from the National Democratic Party, and twice from the BNP – in 1996 and 2001. Chittagong Superintendent of Police AKM Hafiz Akhter told the Dhaka Tribune that they were yet to receive any official message regarding the burial of Salauddin’s body at his family graveyard. “However, tight security measures have been taken in Chittagong to avert any untoward incident,” he added. Lt Col Emarat Hossain, the commanding officer of BGB 28 Battalion, said that six BGB platoons were deployed in the district while four others kept standby as precaution. l 30

18 Chittagong

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 5:11PM

n Wali Newaz, Faridpur The freedom fighters and pro-liberation people of Faridpur yesterday said that they would not let Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid to be buried in the district considering the grave crimes he had committed during the 1971 Liberation War. Mujahid’s family members are yet to decide burial of the war criminal, who is set to be hanged as per the order of the International Crimes Tribunal. However, local Jamaat leaders said that they would bury Mujahid at the town’s Alipur graveyard. Another source close to Mujahid, the Jamaat secretary general, said that he might be buried on the premises of his ancestral house at west Khabashpur of the town to avoid resistance by the war crimes trial supporters. Mujahid will have to walk gallows if his last lifeline – seeking presidential clemency – is rejected. He was sentenced to death for masterminding the killing of intellectuals in December – at the fag end of the war. The International Crimes Tribunal in 2013 sentenced Mujahid to death for the murder and torture of Hindus at Bakchar of Faridpur on May 13, 1971. A woman was also raped and the Hindus of the entire village had been forced to leave the area for India. The apex court, however, commuted the sentence to life in prison. Faridpur district freedom fighters’ Commander Abul Foyez Shanewaz told the Dhaka Tribune that a cruel person like Mujahid could not be buried in the soil of the district. “We will 16

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

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resist any move to bury him here,” he said. Earlier, locals brought out a procession soon after the top court rejected Mujahid’s review petition. Chittoranjan Ghosh, a 70-year-old man, had lost three members of his family in the Eshangopalpur massacre on May 2, 1971. At least 29 people were killed by the Pakistani Army on that day with the assistance of local alBadr force. He welcomed the judgement and demanded that the government arrange any other place than Faridpur for Mujahid’s burial. Freedom fighter MB Shamsuddin said that Mujahid should not be allowed to be buried in Faridpur only for the massacre at Bakchar village under sadar upazila. Ali Afzal Mohammad Khales, younger brother of Mujahid, told the Dhaka Tribune that they were yet to decide where to bury him. As the top leader of al-Badr force, Mujahid had always instigated, actively suggested, intentionally aided and supported his force for the commission of brutal killings in the name of Islam and defence of United Pakistan. He addressed the freedom fighters as miscreants, agents of India, dogs and traitors. l

32.7ºC Sitakunda

14.5ºC Srimangal

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

Fajr: 4:58am | Zohr: 11:44am Asr: 3:51pm | Magrib: 5:12pm Esha: 6:31pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Four Africans held for illegal entrance n Tribune Report

Members of Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) arrested four African citizens, including a woman, from Bibibazar border area in Sadar upazila early yesterday for entering the country from India without valid documents. The arrestees were identified as Thomas Oko of Kongo, Abduo Nasar, a citizen of Lesotho, Hamido Samara of Guinea and Ammira Gousang of Cameroon. Abdur Rouf, officer-in-charge of Kotowali Model police station, said a team of BGB arrested them while they were trying to enter Bangladesh from India without valid documents through Golabari point of the border around 4am. Later, they were handed over to police. l

Huda floats new ‘BNP’ n Tribune Report Claiming that the BNP has failed under the leadership of Chairperson Khaleda Zia, former BNP leader and minister Nazmul Huda has announced to have formed a new political platform named “Trinomul BNP” or Grassroots BNP. “The party [BNP] has faltered many times under a non-political leadership, as well as dilemma in taking decisions and forming elected committees in different tiers. This party

has failed, and I blame the top leadership directly for this failure,” he said at a press conference in a city hotel yesterday. If the BNP’s leadership does not change, it has no option of making a comeback, he added. Nazmul has attracted media’s attention on several occasions recently. He was expelled from the party for making derogatory comments regarding the BNP’s top leadership. Then he formed Bangladesh Nationalist Front and later he formed Bangladesh Manaba-

Woman burns husband pouring hot water n Tribune Report

Plastic, rubber factory gutted in Chittagong n Tribune Report A fire gutted two small factories including plastic and rubber factory in Chittagong city’s East Madarbari area yesterday evening. None, however, was injured in this incident, said fire brigade sources. Chittagong Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters’ Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) Abdul Malek said the fire ignited from an electric short circuit at one factory at around 4:00pm and soon spared to the adjacent another factory burning valuables worth of Tk2 lakh into ashes. On information, fire fighters from three stations rushed to the spot and doused the blaze after one hour hectic effort, said the DAD. l

Winners of ‘Tomar Shopno Koro Shotti’ slogan at a reception organised by the Fair and Lovely Foundation at Bashundhara Convention Centre in the capital yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Over 300 BNP, Jatiya Party men join AL n Our Correspondent, Kurigram Over 300 leaders and activists of BNP and Jatiya Party (JP) joined the ruling party Awami League (AL) at a function held at Kurigram Shaheed Minar yesterday afternoon. The function was presided over by District Awami League president freedom fighter Aminul Islam Manju Mandol. District AL General Secretary and former MP Md Zafar Ali, Vice-President Chashi Karim and Poura AL General Secretary Kaziul Islam, among others, also addressed the event. Those who joined Awami League include Kurigram District Swechchasebak Dal joint convener Rasheduzzaman Koton, mem-

ber Abdul Motaleb Lizar, Kurigram Poura JP member and a councillor of Kurigram Pourasabha Anisur Rahman, former councillor Abdul Malek, councillor Zamshed Ali Tunku and District JP Sramik Party general secretary Abdur Rahim. Speakers at the programme said the BNP and JP leaders and activists joined the Awami League after being influenced by the ideologies of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. People who joined the ruling party vowed to work for the party with utmost sincerity and dedication. District Awami League president and general secretary greeted the newly joined members with flowers. l

‘Govt has no plan to arrest Khaleda’ n Our Correspondent, Narsingdi Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said the government had no plan to arrest BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia after she come back to the country. The minister said: “If Khaldeza is staying out of the country in fear of arrest then I have nothing to say.” The minister said it was natural that she

dhikar Party. About 10 months ago, he formed an alliance called Bangladesh Jatiya Jote with 30 unknown political organisations. He said he believes that it would not be possible to eradicate BNP as crores of people support the party. “The BNP needs to be re-launched with a new name. That is why I have started the Trinomul BNP.” He also said the Trinomul BNP was formed to establish secular Bangladesh based on the spirit of the Liberation War. l

would return to the country from London since she was a party chief. The minister made the remark while talking to journalists after visiting an accident-prone spot in the district. The BNP chairperson is likely to return to the country from London today. On September 16, Khaleda Zia went to London on a personal tour to do eye treatment and celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with her family members. l

A 25-year-old woman allegedly burnt her husband pouring hot water on his body while the man was in asleep at their residence in the city’s Kalyanpur in the early hours of yesterday. Victim Raja Molla, 33, an employee of a courier service, is now undergoing treatment at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Rajib Molla, brother of the victim, told the Dhaka Tribune that Raza had tied the knot with Selina Aktar 10 years back. He said the couple used to quarrel over family feud. “An altercation took place between them over family matter on Thursday night. After that they went to sleep. She might have poured hot water on my brother’s body around 4am. After that she went into hiding.” Being informed, family members took Raja to DMCH burn unit around 7am. “If she is not guilty she would never go into hiding,” he said, adding that he would file a case in this connection. l

World 7

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

INSIDE

EU ministers agree to tighten surveillance, gun control n Reuters, Brussels

US passes bill to slow Syrian refugees

The US House of Representatives, defying a veto threat by President Barack Obama, overwhelmingly passed Republican-backed legislation on Thursday to suspend Obama’s programme to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next year and then intensify the process of screening them. PAGE 9

EU interior and justice ministers in Brussels on Friday pledged solidarity with France in the wake of the Paris attacks a week ago and agreed a series of new measures on surveillance, border checks and gun control. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve asked for the crisis meeting after the attack in Paris last Friday in which Islamic State radicals with ties to Syria and a planning cell based in Belgium killed 129 people across the city. “We must be implacable in our determination, we must speed up our action, otherwise Europe will lose its way,” he said after the 28 governments agreed to speed new legislation to share air passengers’ data, curb firearms trafficking and ensure closer checks on EU citizens crossing Europe’s external borders. “We need to act firmly, we need to act swiftly and with force,” Cazeneuve said after the Luxembourg minister who chaired

the meeting confirmed the formal approval of an agreement reached among officials earlier in the week. Those draft conclusions, included agreement to “implement immediately the necessary systematic and coordinated checks at external borders, including on individuals enjoying the right of free movement”.

Intelligence

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said before the meeting: “We are here to show our French colleagues, and the French people, that we stand by them and that we are determined to make a tough, clear response.” He said it was vital that Europe’s national security services do more to share information, something echoed by numerous other ministers after the meeting. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the European commissioner for internal affairs and migration, said the EU executive would propose a common “European intelligence agency”.

But questioned after the meeting, he made clear it was a distant prospect. “It is an ideal idea,” he said, arguing that it would best serve the European Union and that the Commission had started examining the possibilities. “But it is not on the table right now,” he added, noting that it was more pressing to improve the level of intelligence sharing among member states. It is an idea that has been floated by some politicians but which others have said may be a step too far for many governments, whose sovereignty over national security issues is enshrined in EU treaties. Europol, the EU police cooperation agency, is increasing its work in distributing shared counter-terrorism intelligence and has urged governments to engage. Ministers also agreed to press for a deal by the end of the year on sharing airline travellers’ data, the so-called Passenger Name Record (PNR) programme, which has long been stalled in the European Parliament over concerns for privacy. l

Q&A

The newly released report by the US-based non-partisan fact tank Pew Research Centre shed some light into the matter. According to the data, 11 countries with significant Muslim populations, people from Nigeria to Jordan to Indonesia overwhelmingly expressed negative views of IS. PAGE 9

Embattled Angela Merkel marks 10 years in office On Sunday, Merkel, 61, will mark the anniversary of a decade in office, a feat achieved by only two other post-war German chancellors, Helmut Kohl and Konrad Adenauer. PAGE 10

Q1. What is the extent of the problem? There is little official data on the types of firearms circulating in the EU, weapons illegally used and trafficked, and criminal offences and activities involving civilian firearms. However, it has become clear that gaps in the current legislation on firearms and shortcomings in its implementation at national level make us vulnerable to criminal activity and have an impact on the overall level of security of EU citizens. The EU Firearms Directive defines the rules under which private persons can acquire and possess weapons, as well as the transfer of firearms to another EU country. The Commission’s report has identified obstacles to tracing firearms and law enforcement due to differences across member states regarding the marking of weapons, the categorisation and registration of firearms and deactivation standards, as well as lack of interconnection of national tracking and data-filing systems. Under the current legal framework, deactivated firearms are not considered firearms anymore. They can therefore freely move within the internal market. They are also erased from the official register making it impossible to trace them to their current or original owner. Recent terrorist attacks or attempted attacks included the use of firearms that had been incorrectly deactivated or firearms assembled with badly deactivated components.

Q2. What changes to the Firearms Directive the EC proposed? The Commission tabled proposals to amend the EU Firearms Directive, the main objectives of which are--

BIGSTOCK

Survey: People in Musilm majority nations disdain IS

European Commission proposes to strengthen gun control

Ü To make it more difficult to acquire firearms, including deactivated firearms Ü Stricter conditions for the online acquisition of firearms and ammunitions Ü Certain semi-automatic firearms will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to be held by private persons, even if they have been permanently deactivated Ü The inclusion of blank-firing weapons (e.g. alarm, signaling, life-saving weapons) in the firearms category because of their potential to be transformed into firearms Ü National registries should keep records of deactivated firearms and their owners.

Under no circumstances will civilians be authorised to own any of the most dangerous firearms (e.g. a Kalashnikov), which is currently possible if they have been deactivated. Ü The enforcement of the ban is a national responsibility, and member states have all necessary tools at their disposal including the destruction of illegally held deactivated arms Ü Stronger cooperation between member states Ü Better exchange of information between member states

Source: EUROPEAN COMMISION WEBSITE

World

Nepali maids, tortured by Saudi diplomat, want justice Two Nepali domestic helps who allege they were repeatedly raped and tortured by a Saudi diplomat in India are demanding justice, despite the fact he has diplomatic immunity and has returned home, Amnesty International India said on Thursday. The two women, aged 30 and 50, were rescued in September by police from an apartment in New Delhi. They said they were gang raped, assaulted, tortured and starved while held captive for over three months. The Saudi Embassy in New Delhi has denied the allegations. -THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION

INDIA

Pew: 83% of Indians bat for religious freedom India is among the countries that have highest support for religious freedom, with eight out of 10 Indians believing that it is very important to have the freedom to practice their faith compared to a global median of 74%, according to a survey by Pew Research Center. The fact tank found 83% Indians say it is very important to have the freedom to practice their religion compared with a global median of 74% across the nations polled. -TOI

CHINA

Chinese police shoot dead 28 Uighur ‘terrorists’ Chinese police have killed 28 members of a “terrorist group” in the mainly Muslim Xinjiang region, authorities announced Friday. The killings took place over the course of a 56day manhunt following an attack on a colliery in Aksu in September that left 16 people dead, said the Xinjiang regional government’s Tianshan web portal. One “thug” surrendered, it added. It was the first official confirmation of both the attack on the mine and its aftermath. Xinjiang is the homeland of the mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority. -AFP

The Paris attacks French national living in Brussels

Travelled to Syria

US President Barack Obama says he will “definitely” raise issues of human rights and corruption when he meets Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. “I will do it. I admit I was going to do it anyway but now that I heard it from you, I’m definitely going to do it,” he said in response to a question. -REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi court sentences Palestinian poet to death for apostasy A Saudi court has sentenced a Palestinian poet to death for apostasy, abandoning his Muslim faith, according to trial documents seen by Human Rights Watch, its Middle East researcher Adam Coogle said on Friday. Ashraf Fayadh was detained by the country’s religious police in 2013 and then rearrested and tried in early 2014. The verdict of that court sentenced him to four years in prison and 800 lashes but after appeal another judge passed a death sentence on Fayadh three days ago, said Coogle. -REUTERS

dead

wounded

Gunman killed

Nov 13 attacks

Bars and restaurants

100 m

Stade de France

SAINT-DENIS

500 m

Bilal Hadfi

(Paris suburb)

Salah Abdeslam Aged 26 On the run

Aged 20 Stade de France stadium

9.25 pm Corner of Rue Bichat and Rue Alibert

Brahim Abdeslam 31

9.30 pm

15 victims dead

Possible 3rd accomplice (Abdelhamid Abaaoud?)

PARIS

Xth

Suicide bombs 1 victim dead

9.32 pm Rue de la Fontaine-au-roi

Place de la Republique

Held Syrian passport in the name of Ahmad Al Mohammad (Syrian soldier killed several months ago). Entered Greece posing as a migrant in October

9.20 pm

district

5 victims

Bataclan concert hall

Unidentified

9.53 pm

Omar Ismail Mostefai 29

9.36 pm Rue de Charonne 19 victims

Samy Amimour

XIth

district

Unidentified

Rue de la Cokerie

Pere Lachaise cemetery

9.40 pm Boulevard Voltaire

Place de la Bastille

The investigation

Black Renault Clio Rented by Salah Abdeslam Found on Nov 17 in northern Paris

1 gunman killed

The Bataclan Concert by rock group Eagles of Death Metal Shooting, hostage-taking, then police storm venue At least 89 dead

Flat rented by Brahim Abdeslam Saint-Denis

SEINESAINT-DENIS

Bobigny

5 km

Montreuil

HAUTSDE-SEINE

Aged 28 Belgian IS group jihadist

Town hall Basilica Legion d’Honneur park Flat in Saint Denis suburb

Hospital

4.20 am Special police forces launch assault, firing 5,000 rounds of ammunition There is an explosion, possibly due to an attacker blowing self up Outcome At least 3 suspects dead, including Abaaoud and his 26-year-old female cousin Hasna Aitboulahcen 8 people arrested but Salah Abdeslam is still at large 5 police officers wounded

VAL-DEMARNE

Black VW Polo Rented by Salah Abdeslam Found on Nov 13 near the Bataclan

BRUSSELS

Metro station

Alfortville

Abdelhamid Abaaoud

Rue du Corbillon

The raid

Marne

PARIS

Nov 18: Alleged mastermind is killed

ASIA PACIFIC

Obama to raise issue of rights, corruption with Malaysia leader

130 352

Victims

9 individuals arrested in Brussels on Nov 19, including 7 linked to Bilal Hadfi

PARIS FRANCE

SAINT-DENIS

Jette Laeken

Sources: French police

BRUSSELS

Molenbeek Stade de France stadium

Sat, Nov 14 3 days of national mourning announced. Islamic State group claims Nov 13 attacks

City centre

Uccle 100 m

Mohammed Amri Aged 27

1 km

Hamza Charged in Belgium. Allegedly Attou went to Paris by car to collect Salah Abdeslam 20

The attacks generated a wave of solidarity around the world

After the attacks Friday, Nov 13 Midnight: State of emergency declared

Black Seat Used for attacks on bars and restaurants Found on Nov 15 in Montreuil suburb with 3 Kalashnikovs and ammunition inside

2 rooms rented using Salah Abdeslam’s credit card

nn e

SOUTH ASIA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Sun, Nov 15 France and Russia bombard Raqa, IS stronghold in Syria

Mon, Nov 16 1 minute’s silence. President Francois Hollande says the country is “at war”

Thurs, Nov 19 Parliament votes to extend state of emergency to February 25

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

US passes bill to slow Syrian refugees n Reuters, Washington, DC The US House of Representatives, defying a veto threat by President Barack Obama, overwhelmingly passed Republican-backed legislation on Thursday to suspend Obama’s programme to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next year and then intensify the process of screening them. The measure, quickly drafted this week following the Islamic State attacks in Paris on Friday that killed 129 people, was approved on a vote of 289-137, with 47 of Obama’s 188 fellow Democrats breaking with the White House to support it. It would require that high-level officials - the FBI director, the director of national intelligence and homeland security secretary - verify that each Syrian refugee poses no security risk. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said the bill would pause the programme the White House announced in September to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next

year. He said it was important to act quickly “when our national security is at stake.” After the House vote, Obama’s attorney general, Loretta Lynch, called such screening both impractical and impossible. “To ask me to have my FBI director or other members of the administration make personal guarantees would effectively grind the program to a halt,” Lynch told reporters at a news briefing with FBI Director James Comey. The vote result came despite a last-ditch appeal for Democratic votes from Jeh Johnson, Obama’s secretary of homeland security, and Denis McDonough, his chief of staff. It followed a testy exchange at a House hearing between lawmakers and Anne Richard, the assistant secretary of state for population, refugees and migration. Republicans responded with incredulity to her assertion there was only a “very, very small” threat of any of the Syrian refugees being a “terrorist”. Some Republicans have said some refu-

gees could be militants bent on attacking the US, noting reports that at least one Paris attacker may have slipped into Europe among migrants registered in Greece. The bill, which would create the strictest-ever US screening of refugees from a war-torn nation, passed with the two-thirds majority the House would need to override a presidential veto. It now goes to the Senate, also controlled by Republicans, where its prospects remained uncertain. If it passes in the Senate, each chamber would have to muster a two-thirds majority to override any Obama veto. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said there was “no way” the House bill would pass in the Senate. While many Americans see the US historically as welcoming to immigrants, accepting refugees from Syria has raised concerns the newcomers may pose a national security threat in a country where about 3,000 people were killed by al Qaeda militants in the September 11, 2001, attacks. l

Survey: People in Musilm majority nations disdain IS n Adil Mahmood Recent attacks in Paris, Beirut, Turkey and the crash of a Russian plane linked to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) have once again brought terrorism and Islamic extremism to the forefront of international relations. Thousands of op-eds and columns had already been published speculating how these events would make the already-strained relationships between Muslims and other communities worse. But little attention was given so far how the Muslim world views the monstrous group, which had been involved in bloodbath in mass areas of Syria and Iraq, and now across the world. The newly released report by the USbased non-partisan fact tank Pew Research Centre shed some light into the matter. According to the data, 11 countries with significant Muslim populations, people from Nigeria to Jordan to Indonesia overwhelmingly expressed negative views of IS. One exception was Pakistan, where a majority offered no definite opinion of the extremist group. It has to be mentioned that the nationally representative surveys were conducted as part of the Pew Research Centre’s annual global poll in April and May this year, way before all recent attacks took place. In no country surveyed did more than 15% of the population show favorable attitudes toward the extremist group. And in those countries with mixed religious and ethnic populations, negative views of IS cut across these lines. In Lebanon, a victim of one of the most recent attacks, almost every person surveyed who gave an opinion had an unfavorable view of IS, including 99% with a very unfavorable opinion. Distaste toward IS was shared by Lebanese Sunni Muslims (98% unfavorable) and 100% of Shia Muslims and Lebanese Christians. Israelis (97%) and Jordanians (94%) were also strongly opposed to IS as of spring 2015, including 91% of Israeli Arabs. And 84% in the Palestinian territories had a negative view of IS, both in the Gaza Strip (92%) and the West Bank (79%).

VIEW OF ISIS OVERWHELMINGLY NEGATIVE

Favourable

Lebanon

Don’t know 1

100%

Israel

97%

Jordan

93%

Palestine

6 10

84%

Indonesia

79%

Turkey

73%

Nigeria

66%

Burkina Faso

64%

Malaysia

64%

Senegal Pakistan

60% 28%

18 19 20 28 25 29

Note: Due to rounding percentages may not total 100% Source: Pew Research Centre Spring 2015 Global Attitudes survey

Every 6 in 10 persons or more had unfavorable opinions of Islamic State in a diverse group of nations, including Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Malaysia and Senegal. In Nigeria, there was somewhat more support for IS (14% favorable) compared with other countries, but attitudes differed sharply by religious affiliation. An overwhelming number of Nigerian Christians (71%) had an unfavorable view of IS, as did

USA

Princeton to mull dropping W Wilson’s name in racism row Princeton University will look into removing the name of former US President Woodrow Wilson from buildings and school programmes under a deal signed with student demonstrators over what they call his racist legacy. Thursday’s agreement between students and several top administrators at the Ivy League university in New Jersey ended a 32-hour sit-in. Wilson, the 28th US president from 1913 to 1921, was a leader of the Progressive Movement but also supported racial segregation, which was legal and part of public policy at the time in the US, particularly in southern states. -REUTERS

THE AMERICAS

Campaigns wind up in tense Argentina polls Noisy rallies Thursday marked the end of weeks of campaigning in Argentina’s first ever presidential run-off, which could see a pro-business right-winger end 12 years of leftist government. Right-wing front-runner Mauricio Macri joined in an indigenous earth ceremony in the Andes before appearing in front of supporters. His rival Daniel Scioli rallied followers in his stronghold in Buenos Aires province. -AFP

2 arrested in UK after bomb scare prompts plane evacuation

Do you have any opinion of the Islamic militant group in Iraq and Syria known as IS? Unfavouratble

World

61% of Nigerian Muslims. However, 20% of Nigerian Muslims had a favorable view of IS when the poll was conducted. The group Boko Haram in Nigeria, which has been conducting a terrorist campaign in the country for years, is affiliated with IS, though the two are considered separate entities. Only 28% in Pakistan had an unfavorable view of IS, and a majority of Pakistanis (62%) had no opinion on the extremist group. l

British police arrested two men on suspicion of making a bomb hoax that caused a flight to be evacuated at Manchester Airport on Thursday, according to police. Officers were called to the easyJet flight bound for Morocco after reports that a passenger had claimed to have a bomb in his bag.The plane was evacuated and the passengers re-screened before the flight departed several hours later. However, no explosives were found after thorough search. -AFP

EUROPE

EU to propose major Schengen changes by year-end The EU will rush through proposals for major changes to the rules of the passport-free Schengen zone by the end of the year to boost security following the Paris attacks, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Friday. “The European Commission has agreed to present, by the end of the year, a plan to reform the Schengen border code to allow systematic and obligatory checks at all external borders for all travellers, including those who benefit from free movement,” he said after an emergency EU meeting. -AFP

AFRICA

African peace bloc pulls out of troubled Burundi An African regional bloc has pulled its headquarters out of crisis-hit Burundi after months of violence to ensure the “safety and security of its staff,” it said in a statement. The 12-nation International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), based in Burundi since 2007, works to boost “peace, security, stability and development” in Africa’s Great Lakes region. -AFP

World

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

PROFILE

Embattled Angela Merkel marks 10 years in office People who have witnessed Angela Merkel in private over the past weeks describe a changed woman. Known for tackling the major crises of her chancellorship, from Greece to Ukraine, with the detached sobriety of a scientist, the German leader is showing more emotion of late. She cracks dark jokes about her own fate. For the first time, people in her entourage detect hints of exasperation and even self pity. On Sunday, Merkel, 61, will mark the anniversary of a decade in office, a feat achieved by only two other post-war German chancellors, Helmut Kohl and Konrad Adenauer. For much of those ten years, the pastor’s daughter and former physicist has seemed like an indestructible political force. No matter what was thrown at her -- the global financial crisis, euro zone turmoil or Vladimir Putin -- she emerged stronger and more popular, at home and abroad. All that changed in a flash three months ago when the swelling stream of refugees fleeing war in the Middle East turned into a flood. Merkel’s reaction -- to suspend European Union asylum rules and welcome refugees into Germany with the message “Wir schaffen das” (we can do this) -- has been hailed as humane and politically courageous. But as thousands of migrants continue to flow into Germany every day, stretching local communities to the limit, the feel-good glow of early September, when refugees were greeted with cheers at the Munich train station, has faded, replaced by frustration and, following last week’s attacks in Paris, fear. Support for Merkel’s conservatives has slumped 5 points to 37% in just a few months, and a new party on the political right, the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), has surged. Merkel’s own popularity has also taken a big hit. In April, 75% of Germans thought she was doing a good job. In a survey by Infratest dimap last week, it was only 49%. As she has sunk in the polls, the sniping from within her conservative ranks has grown louder. Horst Seehofer, the head of her Bavarian sister party has turned into the chancellor’s most outspoken critic. Lately, senior figures in her own party, from Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble to Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, have joined in, pressing her for a tougher stance on refugees. The open defiance has undermined Merkel’s authority and left her looking more vulnerable than at any time since she took power in 2005.

No challengers

But calling the end of the Merkel era, as some in the German and international media have done, looks premature. She faces no legitimate challengers on the right or left. And the rise of the AfD may actually make it easier for her party to win power in future elections by reducing the chance of leftist majorities. More importantly, the German economy continues to purr along. Unemployment is hovering at its lowest level since reunification

REUTERS

n Reuters, Berlin

in 1990 and German finances are strong, with another balanced budget forecast this year despite rising costs linked to the refugees. In the Infratest poll, 82% of Germans described the economic situation as good or very good. Still, giving Merkel the all clear seems just as premature given the complexity of the refugee challenge. Roughly 7,000 migrants are entering Germany every day and about a million are expected this year. Merkel’s closest aides say she has until the spring to show Germans that she can get the flow of migrants under control. Three state elections in March -- in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Rhineland Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt -- could prove decisive in determining whether Merkel runs for a fourth term or hands the baton to someone else after a 12-year run as chancellor. The next federal election will be held in the fall of 2017.

‘Baffled’

Can Merkel get the numbers down by then? She has rebuffed calls from Seehofer and members of her own party to introduce a formal ceiling on the number of refugees Germany accepts, convinced that such a cap would be impossible to enforce. But her alternative strategy -- a fivepronged approach which foresees Turkey keeping more refugees; Greece and Italy erecting “hotspot” reception centres; EU partners accepting refugee quotas; Germany expelling migrants who are not granted asylum faster; and world powers working together to bring peace to Syria -- is fraught with problems. It leaves her uncomfortably dependent on leaders like Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan, Russia’s Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. The attacks in Paris, may make the task even more difficult by deepening scepticism towards refugees at home. In years past, critics accused Merkel of focusing obsessively on German interests and failing to see the bigger European picture. But her clinching of a deal last summer to keep Greece in the euro zone, her tireless efforts to forge peace in Ukraine and her actions in the refugee crisis paint a different picture. Looking across the bloc, they see a weakened French president, a British prime minister focused obsessively on his “Brexit” referendum and right-wing populist leaders in eastern Europe that are drifting away from Germany and the European mainstream. “Merkel remains determined,” the senior aide said. “The big worry is that Europe simply doesn’t have the strength anymore.” l

Editorial 11

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

INSIDE

Down the rabbit hole

PAGE 12

To be, or not to be, on Indian postage stamps PAGE 13 BIGSTOCK

Climate change

Investing in education is the key to Bangladesh’s future

PAGE 14

The amusing Saggar Makers Bottom Knockers PAGE 20-21

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

Send us your Op-Ed articles:

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

e welcome the call from BRAC founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed to the Bangladesh Development Forum 2015, for a comprehensive 10-year program to attract more talented graduates into the teaching profession to improve the quality of education. His suggestion to offer stipends to graduate students to attract more talented people into the teaching profession is a promising one. Other nations which have invested in improving the quality of new teachers have shown this is a constructive way to help transform classrooms. The forum which brought together ministers, officials, development partners, and civil society organisations highlighted education along with health as key areas where improvement is needed if Bangladesh is to progress further in establishing itself as a middle-income economy. Improving education is the best investment Bangladesh can make to develop the considerable human capital latent in our demographic dividend. Despite the good progress achieved in increasing primary school enrollment over the past decade, both dropout rates are high and concerns about the quality of teaching remain unacceptably high. We recognise that resources alone are not the only problem. Attitudes which encourage early marriage and cause many girl students to prematurely leave education must be changed as well. However, funding still matters, as can be seen from successful initiatives to increase enrollment and retention of poorer students through the provision of free breakfasts and lunches by communities and schools. Increasing investment in education is imperative if we are to train and retain the greater number of good quality teachers for our nation’s schools. Bangladesh’s budgetary allocation of 1.8% of GDP falls below the target of 4%, which experts advise we should reach, and is far behind the target set by Brazil to double education spending to 10% of GDP by 2020. The government must increase funding for education to help ensure every child receives a good education. Giving every child a chance is the best way to maximise the potential of our population and improve economic prospects.

Improving education is the best investment Bangladesh can make

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Opinion

Down the rabbit hole Medical negligence is the reason behind innumerable deaths, and navigating the health care system can be confusing and disorientating

All is not well in the intensive care unit

n Sarah Tasnim Shehabuddin

“D

idn’t you realise that your father had lost so much blood?” A nurse directed this question at me as I struggled to come to terms with the lifelessness of my father’s body at the ICU. For several weeks after my father’s funeral, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about this question and reliving our experience at the hospital. My father had been admitted to the hospital at 1pm on April 14 with dangerously low blood pressure and abdominal pain. For 20 hours, he received gentle and then aggressive medications to raise his blood pressure. At 9am the following day, several doctors came to see him and the underlying cause of this low blood pressure was finally diagnosed: Gastric bleeding. Doctors asked me to arrange for 10 bags of blood. Four hours later, he went into cardiac arrest, and doctors were unable to resuscitate him. The nurse’s question had taken me aback, but I only responded with a simple “no” as I tried to focus on my father. I was struggling to absorb what had happened. My father had laughed and chatted with me from that very same bed just a few hours earlier. Now, I somehow had to accept that that interaction had been our last. I wish I had asked the nurse why doctors and nurses hadn’t used the first 20 hours after my father was hospitalised to diagnose the underlying cause of his low blood pressure. I wish I had asked the nurse why the hospital considers Pohela Boishakh an off day. I wish I had asked the nurse why doctors had put my father on aggressive blood pressure raising medications without considering whether this might fatally worsen the underlying problem. I wish I had told the nurse that a cousin of mine had

BIGTOCK

suspected internal bleeding, and that I had sent a note to the ICU at 1am informing the duty doctor that my father had a history of internal bleeding. The doctor who called me 14 hours after my father was admitted told me my father’s case was not an emergency. I confess, I felt angry with the nurse, because the question seemed cruel and inappropriate at a time when I craved compassion. But of course, I am angrier with myself. I’m angry with myself for being so grateful that a doctor had called me at 3am with an update that I didn’t insist that my father’s case was an emergency. I should have insisted that a CT scan or at least an ultrasound of the abdomen be done then, in the middle of the night, and that a consultant be called in to interpret the report. I didn’t want to play the role of the interfering, entitled attendant, but now I can’t help but wonder whether that interference could have saved me incalculable guilt and regret. I’m angry with myself for trusting the doctor when she said my father’s case wasn’t an emergency. I’m angry with myself for wanting to believe that my father’s case wasn’t an emergency -- I craved reassurance, the doctor gave it to me, and I went to sleep while my father continued to hemorrhage, underinvestigated and undiagnosed, in the ICU. My father’s words alarmed me and I silenced him. I didn’t want the doctors to feel offended. We were in a vulnerable position. My father was in their care, and we had already learned that connections are not a sufficient condition for proper care. In a way, doctors had decided to be fairly egalitarian in their negligence of patients on Pohela Boishakh. I’m angry with myself for being terrified, and rushing out of the ICU when I caught a glimpse of aggressive CPR being administered to my father. I wish I had had

the strength to stay as close to my father as possible. In the ICU waiting room, I forced myself to stay calm and collected in the ICU waiting room to avoid alarming my mother as I silently begged God not to take my father away from us. “They’re taking care of him,” I kept telling her. The nurse’s question stung, because I wish more than anything that I had known for sure that my father had a hemorrhage, so that we could have gotten him a potentially life-saving blood transfusion earlier. I wish I had insisted that the doctors investigate my cousin’s suspicion that my father had abdominal bleeding. I wish I had been a better advocate for my father. In the end, doctors said Allah’r hukum. Everything is God’s command. But religion also has provisions for accountability (otherwise there would be no penalties for crimes) in this life as well as the next. In the fog of our grief, we didn’t ask doctors for a clear explanation of what had triggered the cardiac arrest and no one offered one to us.

The responsibility for medical negligence does not lie with individual doctors and nurses. There are structural problems that impede accountability

My sisters and I were left with countless questions about what had happened, and we didn’t know whether we would have the strength to go and press for an explanation. Amidst all the cases they handle, would the doctors even remember my father, who was our world but just another patient to them? Would they have the records necessary to piece together some explanation? I wrote up a set of recommendations based on our experience and shared them with the CEO, Director of Clinical Services, and owners of the hospital. I didn’t expect anything to change in the near future, but I wanted to channel my anger and grief into an effort to raise awareness about medical negligence. Attendants should be able to seek and receive explanations about treatment options and risks, rather than being rushed to sign whatever forms are presented to them. They have to give doctors and nurses the space to do their work, while serving as advocates for their loved ones. We need to work towards a health care system in which hospital staff serve as advocates for patients, so that attendants don’t feel the urge to interfere and oversee their loved ones’ treatment and thereby

expose themselves to accusations of interference. There are too many accounts of medical negligence to allow attendants to completely place their trust in hospitals in the absence of adequate and effective mechanisms of quality control. Three months after my father had passed away, I ran into the doctor under whose care my father had been admitted. I introduced myself and asked him for clarification about why my father had gone into cardiac arrest. “He had lost too much blood and gone into hypovolemic shock,” the doctor said after expressing his condolences. I asked him why my father’s complaint about abdominal pain at the time of admission hadn’t pushed doctors to consider the possibility of gastric bleeding or an aortic aneurysm much earlier. “He was a heart patient, so we focused on monitoring his heart and didn’t give importance to his complaint about abdominal pain,” the doctor responded. He encouraged me to come and speak to him if I wanted to discuss this further. “We’re not the type to hide whenever we see a patient’s relative,” he assured me. The responsibility for medical negligence does not lie with individual doctors and nurses. There are structural problems that impede the development of mutual respect, professionalism, and accountability in our health care system. The question my father asked a few hours before his death continues to haunt me: “What happens to patients with no connections?” Are such patients able to get timely treatment? Do they receive adequate information about their treatment options and associated risks? Are the bereaved able to get explanations and answers in the wake of their losses? I don’t know what it will take for hospital administrators and staff to systematically respect patients and their families, listen to patients carefully, provide holistic diagnoses, engage in professional behaviour, and be accountable to every single patient, irrespective of status. Skilled doctors are in high demand and given concerns about inter-hospital poaching and brain drain, it is challenging for hospital administrators to develop mechanisms that effectively promote accountability. Doctors committed to patient rights and accountability have a pivotal role to play in making health care in Bangladesh more patient-friendly in spite of challenges related to resource constraints and patient volume. The power imbalance between doctors and patients is one that brings some of the most powerful people in our country to their knees, regardless of the resources and connections at their disposal. We can only hope that as they rise up from their losses, they will raise others up with them by advocating for a health care system based on mutual respect, professionalism, and accountability. l Sarah Tasnim Shehabuddin is an academic.

Opinion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

To be, or not to be, on Indian postage stamps Indira and Rajiv Gandhi may soon no longer appear on the Indian postage stamps

n Kenneth Bo Nielsen

n an article on the symbolism of postage stamps from 1984, historian Donald Reid wrote that stamps are a brilliant primary source to the symbolic messages that various governments try to communicate to their citizens and to the world. If Reid is correct, the BJP government’s recent decision that Indira and Rajiv Gandhi will no longer appear on the regular Indian postage stamps is a clear message that the dynasty’s days are over. The first postage stamps released by independent India were filled with symbols that evoked the recently won national independence. The Pillar of Ashoka, the national flag, and a four-engine airplane were among the earliest motives, all accompanied by “Jai Hind” in Devanagari. Mahatma Gandhi, of course, was also a favoured motif from the outset. They were soon joined by the temples in Bodh Gaya and Bhubaneswar, and in 1952, a full series of “Saints and Poets” was realised, with Tagore, Tulsidas, and Kabir among others. In 1955, a comprehensive range of subjects related to the five-year plan was depicted, and in 1957, two stamps commemorating “the Indian mutiny” saw the light of day. All such motifs are, of course, loaded with a strong historical-political and nationbuilding sub-text, and in this regard the early Indian postage stamps were far from unique. Then newly created Pakistan, for example, used comparable motifs such as the Karachi airport and the national parliament, even if the turbulent creation of that country meant that the first postage stamps used in Pakistan were simply the well-known “King George the Sixth -- India postage” stamps used in colonial India before partition. The first Bangladeshi postage stamps similarly had “Bangladesh liberated” printed on them, accompanied by outlines of the new-born nation, the green and red of the national flag or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Over time, the motif became more diverse, and India created a tradition of publishing postage stamps with famous (deceased) Indians. International celebrities also appeared, including the likes of Max Muller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Lenin, Chaplin, and Gorky. In light of this, there is nothing particularly sinister about the BJP government’s decision to add several new names to the existing pantheon of celebrities appearing on Indian postage stamps. There is a plan afoot to launch a new series of “definitive stamps” -- regular stamps for everyday use -- titled “makers of India,” which, incidentally, in name, resonates nicely with the government’s much-touted “make in India” program. This new series ostensibly includes the likes of SP Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, Sardar Patel, Shivaji, and Vivekananda. It is, of course, noteworthy that these are people whom the BJP and its sister organisations admire, but they have, in fact, all appeared

Is the Gandhi family’s legacy about to be a thing of the past? on postage stamps in the past, including on so-called commemorative stamps. And in any event, the socialists and the revolutionaries will also get their quota of the new series of definitive stamps, which will also include Netaji, Bhagat Singh, Ram Manohar Lohia, and JP Narayan. The new series has been finalised following the advice of the Indian Philatelic Advisory Committee and replaces the old series called “builders of modern India,” which had existed since 2008, and which in name perhaps had too much of an outdated air of the Nehruvian ethos of “nationbuilding” and secular “modernity” to it. What is controversial, however, is the exclusion of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi -- who were both part of “builders of modern India” -- from the new series. It was the BJP’s Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who, some time back, explained that the time was now ripe to launch a more “inclusive” series of postage stamps because it was not fair that one family should corner all the attention and glory. The new series would, he said, depict all the great personalities who deserved to be honoured for their contributions to the nation -- including Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, by the way -- and independently of ideology. The underlying message is, of course, that, while Nehru, Patel, and Netaji were great nation-builders, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi were just perfectly ordinary prime ministers.

REUTERS

It is doubtful if Congress’s knee-jerk reaction to the omission of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi from the new series of postage stamps will be widely interpreted as a just defence of the dynasty’s honour and its legitimate place in Indian philatelic history

The Congress party has, as expected, reacted strongly to this. Party spokesman Anand Sharma has, for instance, called the decision “an insult to history” and demanded an apology. Although a political party running on dynastic principles -- both in South Asia and beyond -- would be mad not to jump to the defence of its great leaders of the past, Sharma’s response may look exaggerated, had it not been for the fact that the postage stamp incident is but the most recent manifestation of the BJP’s more general strategy to remove the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty from the nation’s symbolic map: Prestigious awards such as the Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Puraskar is now called the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar; the Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Gyan-Vigyan Maulik Pustak Lekhan Puraskar has become the Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar; welfare programs such as the Indira

Awaas Yojana may soon enough become the National Gramin Awas Mission; October 31, the day Indira Gandhi was shot, is now commemorated as a “national unity day” in honour of Sardar Patel (who was born on that date), and so on. Still, it is doubtful if Congress’s kneejerk reaction to the omission of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi from the new series of postage stamps will be widely interpreted as a just defence of the dynasty’s honour and its legitimate place in Indian philatelic history. A less munificent observer may well see this as the reaction of a somewhat rudderless and disoriented party that clings to the lost grandeur of the past, but which struggles to find its feet in the opposition and lacks a clear agenda for the future. l Kenneth Bo Nielsen is Associate Professor, University of Bergen.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Climate Change

Turning up the heat for a climate deal n Ancha Srinivasan This year has been the hottest in 4,000 years, scientists tell us. But what’s more important is what this says about the urgent need for a global climate deal in around one month’s time. Seven out of nine months this year have registered the highest global average temperatures ever recorded, and the first nine months were the hottest since 1880. The average surface temperature for September was at least 0.9C warmer than throughout the 20th century. These alarming numbers highlight how important it is that a deal be reached in December, when countries gather for the COP21 meeting in Paris to forge a global agreement to limit climate change. But whatever happens in Paris, Asia’s governments, businesses and local communities need to proactively address climate change if the newly-minted Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved at all, let alone by the 2030 deadline. At stake is the future sustainability of the region’s economies and environment, as well as the health of its citizens. It has been a relentlessly warm year across the Asia-Pacific. Heatwaves have claimed more than 3,000 lives in India, as well as livestock. This was coupled with a sharp drop in rainfall in areas covered by the Southwest Monsoon, which was 14% weaker than last year. Some parts of India received less than half the expected rainfall, with grave implications for food and water security. For example, a temperature rise of 10C can reduce rice yield by 10%. Likewise, a 5% deficit in rainfall can drag down India’s GDP by 1.75%. In Vietnam, water levels in reservoirs were down by 67%, causing alarm among farmers. Other Southeast Asian countries have suffered similarly. This year has also been among the worst for

haze from forest fires on the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra. High temperatures and dry weather intensified air pollution, affecting the health of more than 50 million people in the country as well as in Malaysia, Singapore, southern Thailand and the Philippines. The World Resources Institute has suggested that Indonesia’s forest fires this year released about 1.6 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere, which is nearly equal to Brazil’s annual emissions. There were also several extreme weather events such as Typhoon Koppu in the Philippines. What is causing this disruption? The culprit is perhaps an unusually strong El Niño current that is warming the Pacific Ocean, where the surface temperature has increased by up to 2.4°C above average. El Niño is not new, but it has been aggravated by climate change due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, which means extreme weather will become even more frequent. Models predict that climate change could double the number of extreme El Niños. Recent records suggest that the intensity of El Niño episodes climbed by 20% during the 20th century, and the trend is likely to continue. Scientists project that this year’s El Niño could be one of the four strongest since 1950, a sobering thought given that the latest El Niño in the late 1990s cost nearly $40bn. Climate negotiators have been working hard for the past three years to develop a legally binding, universal agreement to keep global warming below 2C. The last batch of formal meetings concluded with a 51-page draft for discussion in Paris. Boiling it down to a manageable size is a daunting task. Over 150 governments submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to address climate change. The INDCs target reductions in global average emissions per capita of up to 9% by 2030. However, preliminary analyses

Seven out of nine months this year have registered the highest global average temperatures ever recorded HABIB TORIKUL show that these will not take us anywhere near the efforts in the region. 2C goal, let alone the 1.5C target demanded by the Use of stress-tolerant crops and livestock, most vulnerable countries, including many Pacific community-based water conservation schemes, island nations. risk-sharing instruments like crop insurance, Current pledges, even if fully realised, will lead and climate-resilient infrastructure must be to a global temperature rise of at least 2.7-3.5C preferentially supported. above the pre-industrial average by 2100. This will Efforts to reduce growth in greenhouse gas surely compound the difficulties of meeting the emissions from the region must be accelerated post-2015 SDGs in the Asia-Pacific. by energy efficiency measures, increased use It will hurt our economies too. A recent study of renewable energy, sustainable land use, and published in Nature magazine stated that rising environmentally sustainable transport and waste temperatures due to unmitigated climate change management practices. would reduce global GDP per capita by 23% by Without redoubling our efforts on climate, the 2100. 21st century will not be Asia’s century and SDGs A multi-pronged approach to climate change may never be realised. l and disaster risk reduction measures at all levels of development planning and operations is required. Ancha Srinivasan is principal climate change Investments in climate services and information specialist at ADB’s Southeast Asia Department. This systems must be ramped up to steer adaptation article was originally published on www.adb.org.

Quality infrastructure: More than cash, concrete, and steel n Bindu N Lohani Finding the funds to truck in the construction materials to build the infrastructure that Asia sorely needs is crucial, but far from everything. To meet the long-term needs of a fast-changing region, funders and builders of Asia’s power plants, railways, utilities systems, and schools must also take into account economic, social, and environmental considerations. New thinking on financing is also a key. Asia and the Pacific accounts for nearly 40% of the global economy in purchasing power parity terms, up nearly 9.0 points since 2000. Much of the past growth was built on international trade and this will continue in the future. Clothing, rice, and electronic goods transported from factories and farms in Bangladesh, Thailand, or the People’s Republic of China rely on swift rural-to-city roads, and easy interconnections with railways and ports to deliver goods to customers overseas. The advent of trade agreements like the ASEAN Economic Community will certainly increase the demand for seamless infrastructure -- and efficient trade services and logistics along with it -- if Asia’s economies are to continue to grow. Planning for infrastructure needs to look beyond national borders to international connectivity and the efficient services to back it up. Asia’s social makeup is changing as fast as its economy, and infrastructure will need to reflect that

too. An anticipated urbanisation rate of 120,000 people per day until 2050 will require building 20,000 new homes, 250km of new roads and infrastructure for over six million litres of potable water every day. Since cities provide up to 80% of gross domestic product in most countries, energy, transport and communications systems must be high tech, financially viable, and flexible enough to meet rising demand. Good governance over all this is the key. Infrastructure in cities and elsewhere must consider environmental factors. Where possible, it should benefit the environment. Clean energy generation and public transport are good examples of infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Where infrastructure threatens to damage the environment -- or indeed the livelihoods of those who depend on it -- we must minimise and make good on any potential harm. Not doing so means short-term gains at the longer-term expense of the environment and those who depend on it. Climate change is another issue. Rising temperatures and higher sea levels mean infrastructure must be carefully designed -- as all ADB infrastructure now is -- to be resilient to changing, often extreme, weather patterns. The recent earthquakes in Nepal and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in late 2013 are harsh reminders of the need to make sure all infrastructure can withstand potentially devastating disasters if we are

to protect lives and economies. Between 2005 and 2014, disasters cost Asia and the Pacific $722bn, or a distressing $198m per day. New infrastructure must meet the needs of urban and rural, rich and poor alike. With over 600 million in the region lacking an electricity supply and over 360 million having no safe drinking water, vast and expensive power transmission or water networks are not always the answer. Home solar systems or mini hydropower may be a cheaper and better way of powering distant villages or poor communities unconnected to the grid. Energy could also come from a neighbouring country such as Bangladesh’s purchase of electricity from Eastern India. ADB’s experience in Laos, Nepal and other places has shown that involving communities in designing and maintaining local infrastructure such as irrigation or water systems makes for greater long-term efficiency and financial viability. In short, infrastructure must also be inclusive if all of Asia is to contribute to, and benefit from, the region’s growing prosperity. We need fresh ways, beyond public funding, to pay for all this and development banks like ADB must continue to promote that. Institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and infrastructure funds are all potential sources of direct finance as are liquid local bond markets. But attracting the private sector means more efforts to promote regulatory frameworks including enforceable

laws on contracts, privatisation, and concessions. Guarantees can entice pension funds and insurers to project bonds or project financing. Much more work must also be done to shape the region’s skills, laws, and political support for public-private partnerships (PPPs). Similarly, advisory support to create bankable projects and instill international bet practices for PPPs is crucial. As a development leader then, we must consider all the inter-related dimensions of infrastructure development -- technological, economic, social, environmental, governance, and innovative financing. It is beyond just bricks and mortar, concrete and steel. l Bindu N Lohani is former Vice-President, Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank. This article was originally published on www.adb.org. This page has been developed in collaboration with the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and its partners Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). This page represents the views and experiences of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of Dhaka Tribune or ICCCAD or its partners.

Dhaka Lit Fest

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Don’t miss out on 9:30AM – 10:15AM POP FICTION | Bhasha Stage What is so compelling both about writing within rules, and its inevitable breaches? How far can genre break rules while still staying within the genre? Three authors discuss the call of genre fiction and its wide appeal. Featuring Srabonti Narmeen Ali, Nesar Nadim, and Khondokar Ashif Uz Zaman. Marking the launch of Zaman’s novel Faded by Bengal Publications and Nadim’s Demons by Daily Star Books. In conversation with best-selling novelist Nirupama Subramanian. 10:30AM – 11:30AM SHOOTING HISTORY | Main Stage In a conversation with writer and DLF director Ahsan Akbar, notable international journalist Jon Snow discusses his wideranging experiences in reporting from conflict zones, covering political change through the past three decades, and facilitating numerous public debates and news campaigns. KALKATTA | Bhasha Stage Novelist and short story writer Kunal Basu in conversation with writers Wasi Ahmed and Tilottama Majumdar. Moderated by Poulomi Sengupta. Marking the Bangladesh launch of Basu’s new novel Kalkatta. FRACTALS | Lawn The Bangladesh launch of poet Sudeep Sen’s latest poetry collection Fractals, with Nirupama Subramanian. HIBIJIBI KOTHA | Bottola Children’s play based on Shukumar Ray’s poems and rhymes. Presented by PathyoNat Kendro. For children ages: 8-14 years. 11:45AM – 12:45PM NAYANTARA SAHGAL | Main Stage Nayantara Sahgal, leading light of Indian

Featured workshops

liberalism, talks to her biographer Ritu Menon about her life of wide-ranging literary and political commentary, from the heady days of early Indian independence, to her recent works and strong stance to uphold secularism and the right to dissent. Moderated by MK Aaref. BEHIND THE LENS | Bhasha Stage Voted as the second Most Impactful Woman of 2015 by The New York Times, Leslee Udwin has also won the Anna Lindh Human Rights Prize and London Critics’ Circle Producer of the Year Award. The celebrated documentarian discusses the pleasures and perils of truth telling in a complex format with local film critic Juditha Ohlmacher and filmmaker Dina Hossain. THE CHILD WITHIN | Lawn Master storytellers Muthoni Garland and Paro Anand, and Children’s Literature Festival founder Ameena Saiyid, discuss the challenges of writing, publishing and marketing children’s and young adult literature, with publisher Mahrukh Mohiuddin. STRANGE BODIES | Cosmic Tent Marcel Theroux discusses his latest novel and the relationship between body and soul with Kelly Falconer. 1:00PM – 2:00PM LONDON FIELDS | Main Stage Amit Chaudhuri with a new work on London, one of the most written-about cities, discusses its enduring appeal and shaping influence. Farrukh Dhondy, a great Londoner himself, joins the discussion with Khademul Islam. A LIFE IN ARTS AND SCIENCE | Bhasha Stage Harold Varmus, a Nobel Prize-winning cancer

TOP BITES

Savoury

Day 3 1:00PM – 1:45PM – PAPER-BASED ART WORKSHOP A look at the art of origami with Saudia. 2:00PM – 2:45PM – ART WORKSHOP The Art Workshop led by Wedrawstuff will provide an opportunity to explore basic and intermediate drawing and sketching techniques.

Lasagna Tk200 Pizza Roma Pepperoni slice Tk200 Pizza Roma Meatball sausage Tk25 (per stick) Kazi Farms Spicy chicken Tk25 (per piece) Kazi Farms Beef samosa Tk15 Nawabs Beef roll Tk200 Roll Xpress Phuchka Tk90 Roll Xpress

researcher, talks to writer Sadaf Saaz about his lifetime of passion for literature and science. PUBLISHING—THE WAY FORWARD | KK Tea Stage Ritu Menon of Women Unlimited, Ameena Saiyid (Oxford University Press, Pakistan) and Maina Bhagat (Oxford University Press, India) discuss the future of the written word with Somak Ghoshal of HarperCollins India. 2:15PM – 3:30PM INDIA’S DAUGHTER | Bhasha Stage The controversial documentary India’s Daughter was banned in India and sparked worldwide debate. The film’s director Leslee Udwin, Bangladeshi women’s rights activist Shireen Huq, and actor Sara Zaker, discuss violence against women in today’s world. GANDHI BEFORE INDIA | KK Tea Stage The controvertial documentary India’s Daughter was banned in India and sparked worldwide debate. The film’s director Leslee Udwin, Bnagladeshi women’s activist Shireen Huq. And actor Sara Zaker, discuss violence against women in today’s world. ATTACHMENT AND ALIENATION | Cosmic Tent Syed Waliullah, widely regarded as the first truly modern Bangladeshi novelist, lived in Paris and was heavily influenced by French existentialism. The publisher Niaz Zaman responds to a new translation of Walilullah’s Kado Nodi Kado (Cry, River, Cry) by Writers. ink. In conversation with MK Aaref. 3:45PM – 4:45PM CRICKET: THE UNQUIET ONES | Main Stage Notable historian Ramachandra Guha and sports writer Osman Samiuddin discuss the history and future of cricket with Kazi Inam

Ahmed, delving into why the beloved game captures hearts and minds across the board. FEMINISM: THE NEXT F WORD | Lawn Fearless social commentator Shobhaa De, Southbank artistic director Jude Kelly, activist Tasaffy Hossain and publisher Urvashi Butalia debate on the issues of modern feminism. An embodiment of empowerment, a straightforward “us” versus “them” debate, or an outdated concept—what is the new equation for equality? AMPERSAND: SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE | Cosmic Stage An emerging group of spoken word artists perform a collection of original works. 3:00PM – 5:00PM BEHULA LACHARI | Bardhaman House A folk dance-drama retelling of the ageold myth of Manasa, the Serpent Goddess, and celebrating the power of female forces through Behula’s epic and victorious struggle to bring her husband back to life. Presented by cultural activist and Sanskrit scholar Lubna Marium. 5:00PM – 7:00PM CLOSING PLENARY: IS THERE ANY FUTURE FOR LIBERALISM IN SOUTH ASIA? | Main Stage All countries in South Asia are experiencing severe pressures on the liberal ideal at the root of their founding. Figures from the region who cut across generations and professions discuss how, if at all, Nehruvian liberalism can hope to survive. Featuring Nayantara Sahgal, Kiran Nagarkar, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Fasih Ahmed and Bikash Sangraula. Moderated by Victor Mallet. * Program is subject to changes

We’ve scrounged through all the stalls to find you a comprehensive list of the best meals and the best deals.

Double Beef Roll Tk250 Roll Xpress Chicken cheese roll Tk60 Nawabs

Thanda Garam Malta juice Tk120 Thanda Garam

Drinks

Chocolate brownie Tk 90 North End Coffee Roasters Cheesy marble brownie Tk150 Kiva Han Red velvet cupcake Tk120 Kiva Han Red velvet cupcake Tk120 Kiva Han Raspberry lolly Tk20 Bloop Stall

Hazelnut Latte Tk220 North End Coffee Roasters Capuccino Tk180 North End Coffee Roasters Strawberry smoothie Tk200 Just Juice Kotbel juice (sweet) Tk75 Thanda Garam Jam juice Tk120

Sweet

Dhaka Lit Fest

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

QUOTES OF THE DAY “I was actually asked earlier on - why can’t you write books about other writers and other women, like the ones about suppression, depression, oppression? Repression? A kind of a jaunty happy read from a woman of this region was not considered good enough.” “Even if they said prime time has to be reserved for Belgian cinema, I would have responded the same way. The government has no business in deciding which movies are to be shown in prime time,” her thoughts on the Indian government’s rule on prime time viewing of Marathi films in Indian cineplexes. “Tell me who isn’t obsessed with sex? Why the Indian media? The whole world is obsessed with sex. It’s just that, at the time, it was before ‘50 shades of grey’ and ‘160 shades of black and white and blue’ and everything else,” Shobhaa De, when asked if the Indian media is obsessed with sex. “The disparities within men and women, the roles and disparities were so defined and so cast in stone. I think they’re breaking and I think that’s a very positive sign of all that is possible. It hasn’t happened yet, but it is happening,” elaborating on her views on changing gender roles. “God help India. I don’t know. I’m not qualified for that job. I wouldn’t ever dream of it, I love India too much” her response to what she would do if she was Prime Minister of India.

Ciku Kimeria : I would’ve never thought about pulling out (from the festival) because in our country we’re used to a culture of threats as well - so I’m glad no one thought about leaving us behind. Because, really, anything could happen in any place. Marcel Theroux: We each inhabit a number of worlds defined by family, economic class, race, religion etc. Science fiction shows us how contingent these realities actually are. Ranbir Sidhu: We all experience a level of teenage excitement at seeing the world destroyed – I guess that’s why we have so many dystopian novels. Yoss: I read my novel to my mother and she was in tears, and she asked me, how can I write this and not cry? I said, my tears are within the pages.

- Shobhaa De

Lit Fest in photos

Day 2

Shobhaa De at her session flaunts her ‘gamcha’ before the crowd in respect of our culture. Photo: Rajib Dhar

In an overwhelming session regarding sex workers and prostituted women, global feminist campaigner Ruchira Gupta joins stage with the member og Bnagladeshi women’s activist group Naripokkho, Firdouz Azim Photo: Rajib Dhar

Shadhona performing “Beyond the City.”

Rehman Sobhan marking the launch of his memoir ‘Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfilment’ by Sage Publications. Photo: Rajib Dhar

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu

Dhaka Lit Fest

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

‘The march to independence’ n Khan N Moushumi Professor Rehman Sobhan’s memoir Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfilment by Sage Publications was launched at the DLF Friday through a panel discussion, titled “The march to independence.” The discussion was moderated by editor and publisher of The Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam, and the discussants included Professor Rehman Sobhan and Dr Kamal Hossain, eminent lawyer and former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. Untranquil Recollections: The Years of Fulfilment is a memoir of the professor of economics who narrates stories about the historical events of Bangladesh from personal experience. It details the transitions of politics, economy and the country itself during the crucial years of the 60s and 70s and talks about the birth of the nationalist movement which later translated into an

independent Bangladesh. At the session, Professor Sobhan talked about his transition from being an economist engaged in political economy to a politician economist. Clarifying that political economy for the economics students is a discipline in the economics profession that discusses the interface of political roles in influencing economic decisions, the author admits that he was never a pure economist. But as he became increasingly engaged in the nationalist movement and was interacting with his Pakistani colleagues, attending conferences and meetings with the panel of economists, he had by then become much more overtly involved in the political process. It was during a meeting with the panel of economists in 1970 when he was discovered as a political economist. “I was very aggressive in my argument and everyone in that conference room felt that I was there, and one of the Pakistani

Photo: RAJIB DHAR economists from the panel got very agitated and said, ‘You are no more an economist engaged in political economy, you’ve become a politician economist,’ and I thought to myself that that was the greatest compliment anyone has ever paid to me,” recalls Sobhan, admitting that he had feared no one would

ever discover his political engagements. At yesterday’s session, the discussants talked about how, as an adviser and confidante to Bangabandhu, Rehman Sobhan committed to creating a political consciousness in the country prior to the Liberation War. l

‘Never a dull De’ Highlights from Shobhaa De’s session with Antara Ganguli

n N Anita Amreen With the second day of Dhaka Lit Fest coming to full swing, one of the more anticipated discussions was “Never a dull De” - a talk between Shobhaa De, one of India’s most sensational and prolific writer, blogger and columnist and Antara Ganguli, novelist and contributor to The Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, Times of India, and a Sangam House writing residency Fellow, as engaged in a lively discussion about De’s lifetime as India’s most outspoken independent voices. Set in the Main Stage of Bangla Academy, De’s talk was welcomed with a full house and warm applause. As an author of 18 novels, each of which have hit top best seller lists in India, De is also known as one of India’s most trusted people according to Readers Digest, a list that includes Ratan Tata. She has made it to the list of 50 most powerful people of India and is also one of the most searched Indian women, alongside being called one of India’s five great writers by India Today. When asked how she defines her identity, the usually more bolder De responded saying she feels her truest role is that of “a middle class, hard working Maharashtran mother.” As someone who hates the idea of “slowing down” and taking a breather, she truly loves being a 67 year old, one that is as alive and kicking as ever before. Antara brushed on topics that ranged from how De finds time to write, to how she dealt with the backlash faced after her controversial tweets, whether India is obsessed with sex and what she would do if she was allowed to be the Prime Minister for

a year. When asked how she found time to write amid her intense schedule: “Between Lit Fests,” she said. Following a round of applause, she explained, on a more serious note, how there are no shortcuts for writers or anyone in the creative industry. As someone that spends most of her “waking and sleeping hours” to continuously think, visualise and constantly remain inspired by everything around her, hard work is what pays off. A staunch feminist, she had her own definition of feminism:”A woman has a right, I’ll say, a woman has a right - full stop. I don’t feel women need to constantly justify those rights and explain those rights, and defend those rights and constantly have to make apologies for the rights that are naturally there. So, to me, feminism is something really very simple. Feminism is equality. As equal human beings, as equal partners, there ought to be mutual respect.” When Antara talked about how Shobhaa broke barriers and wrote books on a woman that talked freely about their intimate lives, De talked about how women rarely get to know how a woman feels and believes women have a right to articulate the pleasurable part of intimacy and the not-sopleasurable part of it. She urges people to be able to treat it in an upfront way, in the way men always have, without any questions asked. In recent time some of her tweets and articles that have made the rounds of local and international media, making it a particularly interesting topic of conversation at her session at DLF. Recently, after a

Photo: RAJIB DHAR Muslim man was lynched for allegedly eating beef in India, she tweeted “I just ate beef, come and murder me.” After Narendra modi went to London for a trip, she wrote a tongue-in-cheek, article titled “Pussy cat pussy cat where have you been?” She also wrote a piece on how the Indian government had been having some trouble with figuring out what citizens are allowed to read, watch, see and experience. Shobhaa wrote a piece in response, titled “Dear government, hands off my porn.” After her tweet about beef, she was hounded by the media and also had to deal with a supreme court order, expected to defend, explain and apologise for it. “I did none of that,” she proudly stated. Despite these threats against her, she continues to believe in always voicing her opinion, especially when she feels justice has not been served. After tweeting against the government imposing a prime time viewing of Marathi films in multiplexes, she had to deal with a mob of four hundred media, supporters, volunteers and political activists

who came outside her home to protest and humiliate her, all of this “over a silly tweet over prime time viewing.” A fearless writer, De now has two gunmen who travel with her at all times. Although it isn’t the most ideal way to live, she knows it’s part and parcel of the package and is ready to take it in her stride. Bringing the session to a close, Shobhaa De brushed upon her belief in the institution of marriage, in the Indian government and talked about the shrinking space for dissent. Shobhaa brought the session to a sensational close with the statement: “If you’re going to be preaching to the convert or talking to the convert, what thrill is there? Dissent IS the thrill. If 10 people out here got out and said ‘Oh God! Get off that stage we don’t believe a word of what you’ve just said, I’ll wake up and try to better myself. The passive kind of response to any act in the public domain does nothing. Passive is death.” l

Dhaka Lit Fest

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

‘A Multiverse of Ideas’ As a child I dreamed of exploring and discovering the world, but then I realised this world has already been discovered! So I decided to discover adventure in the planet of imagination.

Photo: SAZZAD HOSSAIN

A panel for all sci-fi geeks and

n Shuprova Tasneem “As a child I dreamed of exploring and discovering the world, but then I realised this world has already been discovered! So I decided to discover adventure in the planet of imagination.” These words were spoken by celebrated Cuban science fiction writer and rock star Yoss during the panel titled “A Multiverse of Ideas” at the KK Tea Stage on the second day of the Dhaka Literary Festival. This engaging panel was moderated by Bangladeshi novelist Saad Z Hossain, and included broadcaster and novelist Marcel Theroux and novelist Ranbir Sidhu in an animated conversation about alternate worlds and thoughts. The discussion started with Hossain asking the panellists about why they decided to venture into the world of science fiction. For Ranbir Sidhu, science fiction was a way for him to escape a reality that he felt he didn’t really belong in, and he added that he found the ability to disconnect from the

notion of “writing what we know” really empowering. Yoss also gave insight into his childhood dream of discovering new worlds, one which he is able to fulfill through fiction. Marcel Theroux added that all novelists are in a way creating their own worlds, whether they are science fiction writers or not. The conversation then moved on to the idea of dystopian worlds, and their inclusion in the novels of the writers present at the panel. Theroux’s novel features a dystopian world where climate change has caused temperatures to drop drastically, and it is a world where all the greatest scientific achievements are stories of the past. According to the novelist: “I thought of how the English once looked at the ruins of Ancient Rome and wondered at the great civilisations that came before them – and this story is something in that vein.” According to Sidhu, writing about dystopian worlds is also a way to shake out the possibilities that may happen to us in the future and discuss them. Yoss also spoke of his novel Planet for

Rent, which is a dystopian world where the planet is controlled by a tourism board that markets all the people on earth for tourism purposes, and no humans are allowed to leave. According to Yoss, science fiction is the literature of “if,” and he draws from his experiences in Cuba and it’s complex political situation to create realistic characters engaging with science fiction ones, such as a prostitute who has to sell herself to aliens to survive. The panellists went on to discuss the possibility of real dystopian worlds existing, agreeing that the poorest people in the world are living in a real dystopia. Theroux referred to the slavery in US plantations and how the families of plantation owners lived in their own versions of Jane Austen novels, completely oblivious to the unbelievably unjust system they lived in, and that speculative fiction can often be a tool that forcibly reminds you of the strangeness and injustice in the real world. The panellists also discussed how writing science fiction can often be a good way to

tackle difficult topics while at the same time avoiding censorship. At this point, Yoss mentioned that Orwell’s famous dystopian novel, 1984, will have an uncensored translation published for the first time in Cuba next year. There was also a discussion on how a lot of adults nowadays seem to have a quiet sort of prejudice against science fiction, which is strange when you consider that the basics of all fiction is that “it’s all made up,” and that some of the most famous novels are in essence science fiction, such as Gulliver’s Travels, Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, etc. This animated discussion ended with a lively exchange with the audience that included speculation on how the world will end, whether technology is a bane or boon and if aliens really do exist. Nearing the end of the session, Yoss proclaimed “A lot of my friends tell me - you have a band, you write all this made-up stuff, you’re such a nerd. Yeah well, I’m proud to be a nerd” – a comment which was received with tumultuous applause. l

‘Wow Bites’ n Khan N Moushumi One of the most anticipated discussions held yesterday at the Dhaka Lit Fest 2015 was “Wow Bites,” which was moderated by the creator of the Women of the World (WOW) festival, journalist Jude Kelly. The discussion panel included the first Bangladeshi woman to climb Mount Everest, Nishat Majumdar, journalist Munni Saha and entrepreneur and photographer Sabrina Islam. The fascinating discussion evolved around the struggles and stigmas these talented women faced while advancing in their career. Munni Saha recalled a time when she had her peers and acquaintances tell her that women are not “cut out for journalism.” Nishat Majumdar explained that when someone is told the same thing over and

Photo: RAJIB DHAR over again, they start believing in it even if it’s not true. She lost count of the times when people told her not to do certain things because it was “a man’s job.” But it was her mother who taught her to believe in herself and kept encouraging her to pursue her dreams. During the Q&A session, someone from the audience narrated a story from her childhood. When she was 13, her

neighbour who was about the same age would come play with her every day. She would climb five stairs up, from fifth floor to the ninth, in the same apartment complex every day with her six year old brother. Her mother used to make the younger brother accompany her just so that he could look after his elder sister if something went wrong. The speakers in the discussion panel

stressed on how our society is engraving the idea of men being superior to women in boys from a very young age, which was clear from the story such as this one. They all agreed on the fact that only education will not suffice to empower women in today’s world, and that it is mutual education that needs to be taught to both women and men to help minimise these stagnant stigmas of the society. l

INSIDE

Writers of all lands, unite!

‘I am not a baby, you know’

Arts & Letters

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Chinese calligraphy

Dhaka Lit Fest 2015 is taking place at the Bangla Academy right now. Today is the last day. Register now for for a free ticket at dhakalitfest.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Arts & Letters

Writers of all lands, unite! The Dhaka Lit Fest reminds us of the importance of writing at a time when it is crucial to keep doing do so

Writers have never needed the freedoms of speech and expression, for they have always had them. Writing is not an act of defiance. It is an act of existence and honesty

BIGSTOCK

n Ikhtisad Ahmed

he world has gone mad, or so it would appear. It is in a perilous state, nearing the end of days. Trouble is, Israfil has been crying three times a day, his lips poised over the trumpet, since the beginning of time, throughout the history of the human species. Planet earth has been defined by this supposedly intelligent life, seen through its eyes, spoken about in its tongues. The world stands on the threshold of complete destruction, brought forth by hatred, bigotry, inequality, injustice, and oppression. A writer sits in a lotus position, quill poised over parchment -- technology did not survive until near-apocalypse -- ready to document the last few moments of existence whilst simultaneously trying to avert the demise with words. Writers are strange creatures. They are loved and hated, respected and reviled, validated and mocked. Through the adulation and the abuse, they persevere, succumbing to their disease of words. Their possession is immune to the most perfect exorcism. The act of writing itself only worsens their ailment. The first utterance is followed, in-

evitably, by several more. Agreement and disagreement force even more, until there is an endless traffic of analysis, debate, and discussion. That is the meaning of life, its essence and purpose. The last breath of any writer is followed by obituaries, tributes, and renewed interest in what he or she said while still alive. For as long as the human race survives and evolves, defying all expectations, words spoken and written, will be infinite. The fate of dead writers suggests the written word will survive beyond the species, a fitting and lasting legacy. Change being the only constant is a tired adage that rings false. The existence of writers is one of two constants, the other being forces of oppression who seek to silence them. Revisionism has seen man romanticise its history. There is nothing more violent, more barbaric, more tragic than the evolution of man to the present day. Yet, writers have found moments of beauty, magic, and humour in the never-ending sad tale. They have not abandoned their sensitivity either, witnessing that sad tale unravel and immortalising it. These self-loathing, masochistic, self-flagellating men and women

have for millennia remained dedicated to the quests for truth and intellectual curiosity in the face of tyranny and insurmountable adversity. They have been terrorised and annihilated in every conceivable way, but they have persisted with words until the last seconds before extinction. They have never been asked nor have they been expected to do so. They have the most thankless and most fulfilling of tasks. Present day Bangladesh is a microcosm of the world. Deeply polarised, it is suffering at the hands of global and local politics. Oppression is the overriding principle governing 160 million lives. A country that came into being because of words, that was conceived with and birthed by words, now sees words erased and extinguished, their speakers and scribes silenced. This is the setting for the Dhaka Literary Festival. It started five years ago with noble intentions, but has been held back by the self-serving weaknesses that human beings are prone to. Introspection saw a drive to improve and evolve. The product is an inclusive global festival by and for Bangladesh, in the storied heartland of Bengal. It invites every Bangladeshi to be a part of a countrywide conversa-

tion, people from all four corners of the globe to be a part of a worldwide discussion. These exchanges are becoming more important with each passing day that a desensitised world slides closer to the abyss of political, religious, and social extremism. The more the threat of this forever darkness materialises, the more victims it claims and people it consumes, the more human beings need reason. A species, for which it has always been a question of survival, turned to words to survive. It must preserve them now if it is to continue to confound Israfil and keep seeing tomorrows. Writers have never needed the freedoms of speech and expression, for they have always had them. Writing is not an act of defiance. It is an act of existence and honesty, the very spirit of the human race that will never relent. The Dhaka Literary Festival reminds the world of this at a time when, and in a place where such a reminder is most important. It celebrates the written word, ideas, thoughts; it celebrates freedom and human beings. It is essential. l Ikhtisad Ahmed is a writer and an erstwhile lawyer. He can be contacted on Twitter via @Ikhtisad.

Arts & Letters

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

‘I am not a baby, you know’ This is an excerpt from Sandip Roy’s latest novel, Don’t Let Him Know

n Sandip Roy

heir roof was a good place to play hide-and-seek. It had little rooms with the water cistern and concrete posts that were good places to hide in. But today there was no one except Mohan and her. The sky was still blue and cloudless but it was no longer as hot as it had been all day. “What shall we play?” she said, kicking a pebble. “I don’t know,” Mohan curled his lip. Then he said, “I’ll just sit here and watch you.” “You can’t do that,” said Romola. “Dipti-mashi told you to play with me. You must play.” Mohan did not answer her. Undeterred, Romola said, “Let’s play school-school.” Then she added quickly, “I’ll be teacher. You can be the student.” “What rubbish,’ said Mohan. “You’re just a baby. How can you be the teacher?” “I can too,” said Romola. “And you are only a few years older than me. I am not a baby.” “You are too, silly,” he said. “That’s not true,” Romola’s voice was sharp with agitation. “Now I am going to give you a spelling test. No, no, an arithmetic test. Can you do short division in your head?” Mohan rolled his eyes and said, “This is a stupid game. You don’t know anything.” “I do too,” said Romola. “Now if you don’t play with me I’ll tell Dipti-mashi.” “Big baby,” he scoffed. “I am not,” she protested. “Yes, you are.” “No, I’m not.” By now she was close to tears. “Yes you are, a hundred times. Anyway, the only reason I am playing with you is because you are a baby and your Dipti-mashi doesn’t want to tell you your father is dead because you’ll just start to cry and -- ” he clapped his hand over his mouth and stopped. “What did you say?” said Romola, squinting at Mohan. “Nothing.” But Mohan would not meet her eyes. “I heard you,” she said but she couldn’t feel anything. His words kept ringing as if her mother’s old gramophone needle had got stuck in her brain. Mohan had become quiet, looking around nervously as if to see who might have been listening to them. Romola looked away from him across the roofs of houses. In the late afternoon sun, rooftop after empty rooftop stretched before her. She could see the washing hung out to dry. Emerald green sari, white petticoat, small boy’s checked shirt, dark blue shorts, another sari, this one yellow with little red flowers, another petticoat. She counted them in her head. After a minute, Mohan sat down hesitantly near her and touched her shoulder. “Romola,” he said. “I’ll play school-school, if that’s what you want.” She did not say anything. She felt she was supposed to cry now but all she could do was

count the clothes hung out to dry. She wondered if she would have to go to school tomorrow. Then she worried it was wrong to have thoughts like that. “You can even give me an arithmetic test,” Mohan said with a touch of desperation. She looked at him thoughtfully and said, “I can?” He nodded. She said, “Okay, and then I’ll give you a spelling test too. And if you get more than

His hair was slick with oil and plastered to his scalp as if with thick black paint. She could see the furrows his comb made in his hair. She was so close she could smell the coconut oil he massaged into it. She stared at the back of his neck and sat down next to him

two wrong you don’t get any tiffin. Mohan, is Dipti-mashi going to make my tiffin tomorrow too?” “I don’t know,” he said. “Tell her to put the sandwiches in a separate bag or something. They got all mixed up and yucky with my sandesh.” He nodded. “Here,” said Romola. “Let’s pretend this comic book is my text book.” She scribbled some figures on the ground with a piece of chalk and said, “Okay, do some sums.” As he crouched on the ground, she walked over and stood near him. She could see the traces of talcum powder around his neck, chalky smudges on his skin as dark as her grandfather’s old teak furniture. His hair was slick with oil and plastered to his scalp as if with thick black paint. She could see the furrows his comb made in his hair. She was so close she could smell the coconut oil he massaged into it. She stared at the back of his neck and sat down next to him. Then she said, “I am not a baby, you know.” “I know.” But he did not look at her. “I know things,” she said, twirling a piece of string around in her fingers. “Like what?” “Like how babies are made.” Mohan burst into giggles, finally meeting her gaze. “No, you don’t.” “Yes, I do,” she said indignantly. “I can

COURTESY

show you.” He looked at her eyes wide with disbelief. “But first you have to show me yours,” said Romola. “What?” he said. “You must be crazy.” “Show me,” said Romola. “I won’t tell anyone.” “Don’t be silly.” “No one can see us here.” “I don’t want to show you anything.” “You have to,” said Romola. “I have to?” “If you don’t show it to me, I’ll tell Dipti-mashi you told me.” “You little -- ” he said reaching out to grab her. Romola jumped out of his way and sang, “Show me, show me.” Mohan looked at her baffled. “Or I’ll tell,” she said. “And then Dip-

ti-mashi will give you two tight slaps. Maybe fire you too.” “You are just a silly girl,” said Mohan but his tone lacked conviction. “Try me,” Romola pretended to head towards the door. But she knew she had won for the fight had drained out of Mohan’s face. His head was drooping slightly, his eyes darting nervously to the door. “Look here, near the water tank,” said Romola. “No one can see you except the kites.” He stood near the tank and said grudgingly, “Only for a minute then. And if you tell anyone I will tell everyone you made me do it.” “Yes, yes,” said Romola. Mohan unbuttoned his shorts, glanced around and then pulled them down. l Sandip Roy is the Senior Editor for FirstPost.com and a novelist. He lives in Kolkata.

Arts & Letters

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Chinese calligraphy Sudeep Sen Wolf and sheep hair gather arcs, jet-black ink, looped character ideograms â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a lifetime of words, wisdom, history. Elegant brush-tips, sharpened to a point by waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healing touch, sable-hair stroked to an elliptical gathering of fine-graded hair end in a finite point, a pliable nib controlling serif-strokes, depending upon the handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle human-weight. Some brushes have carved heads containing the sound of pigeons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ancient postmen, now a cosmetic gaggle of bird-talk. Yet others, mere bamboo-stalks sharpened, carved, bearing the name of a poet, or a phrase from a poem, or even the place it was made. Charactersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; incipient moon-birth, their lunar image a slow-transforming complex matrix, a grid of lines and strokes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cursive, traditional,

clerical, modern. Inkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history

the broadening and narrowing

from chalk and water to ready-made

of brush-strokes are human emotions â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

solution does not always rely

mood-swings that make up

on the round and oval stones â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

the story as a whole. Lyrics, latent,

mixing plates â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where

embedded beautifully â&#x20AC;&#x201D; describe a score,

circles and crescents collide,

understated, yet bold

dots, streaks and lines meet,

in its intention. Brush-tips sing

appearing and disappearing

as moisture evaporates.

depending on the inkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fluid strength.

Then they are washed clean, wrapped

Root of a tree holds brushes at rest,

in knitted bamboo-mats, hung out to dry

and part of the trunk, now carved,

for the next inspiration to catch flight.

flattens hand-made cream felt

Black chalk and water rubbed on stone

and white rice-paper into translucent tablets,

will now have to wait, until the next

perfect empty sheets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tabula rasa.

peony blossoms bloom. The final touch â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

The slow glide of a wet brush,

an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature, an autograph,

delicately swathed in deep-black ink,

a stamp carved on stone â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

our fingers calibrating

pressed on oily-ink, blood-red â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

the charactersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gentle touch

incarnadine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; leaving secret clues

tell a story that is both

in the corner of a page,

apparent and hidden to an everyday eye.

a story thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll unravel and sing, next spring.

Music of its sweep, length, breadth â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Shanghai 2011 Sudeep Sen is an award winning poet and Editor. His latest book, Fractals, is launching today at the Dhaka Lit Fest.

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Heritage

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

The amusing Saggar Makers Bottom Knockers The humble artistry of pottery-making still thrives in Bangladesh

n Tim Steel

he humblest of occupations are often almost universal. There is no reason to believe, for example, that today, from bathroom cleaners and floor sweepers, to warehousemen and line workers, the work described varies substantially anywhere in the world. Some such humble occupations, foundations to successful commerce, culture, and society, however, can at least glory in exotic-sounding job titles. The saggar is a ceramic, box-like container traditionally used in the kiln in the firing process of pottery and ceramics. Widely used, still, in the production of ceramics and pottery in Japan, Korea, China, and UK.

the pottery industry. The name, saggar, is a linguistic contraction of the word “safeguard,” identifying the making of the box-like containers, protecting pieces being kiln-fired from smoke, flame, gasses, and fragments, as a vital part of the process. A great deal of pottery making in Bangladesh today, bears, probably, at least in part, a remarkable resemblance to what any visitor might have found centuries, even millennia, ago. The work of most of the potters today is the production of basic kitchen and household ware -- and such pottery “works” are often an inheritance from the zamindar era. They are also, probably, descendants of

The job title, Saggar Maker, describes a skilled, essential occupation in the indispensable process of firing clay pots. The job title, Saggar Makers Bottom Knocker, however, describes a far more humble, even essentially unskilled, but nonetheless vital contribution to the process

It is hard to believe it is not, also, used in the burgeoning, commercially successful, ceramics and pottery businesses of Bangladesh -- but somehow, it seems a little difficult to ask! The job title, Saggar Maker, describes a skilled, essential occupation in the indispensable process of firing clay pots. The job title, Saggar Makers Bottom Knocker, however, describes a far more humble, even essentially unskilled, but nonetheless vital contribution to the process. It is a job description that was considered sufficiently amusing to feature in the popular 1950s television panel game in UK, “What’s My Line,” to baffle the panel, including such largely forgotten, distinguished, denizens as Isobel, Lady Barnett, and Gilbert Harding attempting, through questions and answers, to guess the occupation of contestants. It is not an especially skilled job, consisting of beating clay into a metal ring, to form the all-important base to a saggar. Unskilled it may be, but like so many relatively unskilled jobs, nonetheless economically, culturally and socially vital in

a line of workers in skilled communities that could reach back millennia, whether making pedestrian, unpolished earthenware kitchen pots, and pans. Unglazed, or painted and glazed, the output of most is, often, startlingly superb. There are still many potter communities around Bangladesh and more than one bemoans the loss of the zamindars, of whom some, at least, kept the craftsmen going in the wet and humid summers when working in clay was difficult, with social and economic support. Today, most of the pottery production of the country is either such basic earthenware, most often unglazed, but sometimes enhanced by glazing stoneware or ceramics, a mixture of stoneware and decomposed mineral based compounds. Whilst press pots, the millennia old, earliest type of pot, are staging some craftsmen comeback around the world, most potters in Bangladesh still work at a wheel. Pottery production around the lands of Bangladesh, very evidently reaches back at least two and a half millennia.

At least in those lands sufficiently above the ancient seas which, archaeologists believe, as recently as two millennia or so, reached far into today’s lands. However, firm evidence of earlier period production is limited. Certainly, China, with whom we know these lands had connections, like most of the Ganges basin, from at least three millennia ago, and possibly even 10 or 12 millennia, have revealed evidence of pottery work up to 20,000 years ago. And it seems unlikely that earlier inhabitants of Bangladesh, given the plentiful supply of clay, were not producing at a similarly earlier time. The earliest known pottery output in the Indian sub-continent has, until now, been identified in the Indus Valley, with up to around 10,000 years of antiquity. However, the Indus valley, with its ancient

Harappan civilisation, was the region of the first real work undertaken in the Indian subcontinent by the resources of archaeologists. It may well prove, eventually, that there are similarly ancient traditions closer to, or within,vv the lands of Bangladesh. Both hand-making and wheel-forming have been recognised in the red painted, black burnt pottery of Harappa. So far, mostly grey painted pottery has been located in the Ganges basin, with origins from perhaps about three millennia ago, and decoration associating such works with the Shunga and Gupta periods. These are dynasties that succeeded the Mauryan Empire of the 4th century BCE, in which we also know from archaeology that wheel use by potters became universal. The relatively prolific pottery form known to archaeologists as Northern Black Polished Ware, originating from the pre-Mauryan

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Heritage

The undoubted importance of, if somewhat lower skilled, work of the saggar makers bottom knocker surely has a somewhat more cultural and verbal, as well as economic, appeal today

period in the middle of the last millennium BCE, has certainly emerged at sites in Bangladesh, such as Mahasthangarh and Wari Bateshwar, and other sites in, or close to, Bangladesh. In fact, its use appears to have been across the areas of Bangladesh, Northern India and Pakistan, but the location(s) of its production remain largely unclear. The problem with archaeology in most of Bangladesh, like the entire reach of the Ganges basin, of which Bangladesh was a significant part, and was gateway to the world, is, of course, the sparse archaeological resources, and above all, the immense depth of the alluvial soils aggregated through subsequent millennia. Since we have, in Wari Bateshwar, a large site, clearly an early trading centre, with evidence of occupation from, probably, at least the 5th millennium BCE Neolithic period, and habitation from, perhaps the 3rd millennium BCE, we may reasonably assume an early period of pottery production in or around that site. Clearly, suitable clay is scarcely in very short supply in the alluvial plains of the country. Whilst Comilla is recognised as being one of the earliest centres of pottery production within the period of recorded history, perhaps explained by the array of some 40 Buddhist vihara around Mainamati, and plentiful evidence also of Hindu tradition, the many locations around the country, still in production, may well, on investigation, eventually turn out to rival it.

Predating by over 1,000 years, the period and patronage of zamindar landholders, this evidence appears to bear testimony, naturally, to the importance of a local market for typically low value of somewhat heavy weight production. Inevitably, perhaps, the 12th century arrival of Islamic overlords saw potters amongst the skilled craftsmen they brought to work and, perhaps, to improve the skills of indigenous craftsmen. And there seems little doubt that the glazing and decorative skills that they brought with them derives from the art that characterises Middle Eastern pottery of the period. Today, the pottery village most easily can be accessed from Dhaka, perhaps whilst visiting Dhamrai. Both the local brass works, with a tradition that runs back five millennia, and the early 19th century palace, although Pakistan Army damaged, still occupied by descendants of the original builder, is the village of Kakran. A short boat ride carries the visitor to a village -- like most such communities, dedicated to the craft, usually with centuries of tradition in their work. The largest such pottery village in the country, however, is said to be the complex of Maheshpur, in the vicinity of Barisal. But it can safely be said, indeed, that there is scarcely a zamindar palace in Bangladesh, of which there are well over 100 sites, without some pottery close by. Potteries such as that can be very readily found at historic Teota Palace at Manikganj, at the confluence of Jamuna and Padma

rivers. Whilst, today, most such pottery work is very traditional, unglazed kitchen ware that harks back to some of the earliest of pottery work, there continues to be a considerable collectors, market of the work of skilled pottery artists. Such special pieces symbolise a continuation of one of the most ancient, if not, indeed, the most ancient, craft skills practised in these lands for many millennia; perhaps, even, amongst the most ancient in

the world. The undoubted importance of, if somewhat lower skilled, work of the saggar makers bottom knocker, with its origins, presumably more from the time of the industrial revolution, may well be of less antiquity than that of other pottery craft skills, but surely has a somewhat more cultural and verbal, as well as economic, appeal today! l Tim Steel is a tourism consultant.

Sport 25

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

INSIDE

Security doubts overshadow Messi return An unprecedented level of security will be put in place for Real Madrid’s huge clash with Barcelona today in response to the deadly attacks on Paris a week ago. The security threat to what is widely regarded as the biggest game in world football has even overshadowed the return of Lionel Messi for Barcelona. PAGE 26

Shocking defeat for Mamunul and Co An undercooked Bangladesh side suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of Myanmar outfit Hantharwady United FC in their opening match of the Yunnan-Asean International Football Open Tournament in Mangshi, China yesterday. Bangladesh twice took the lead only to be denied in the dying stages. PAGE 27

Buffon to meet ‘successor’ when Juve host Milan Champions Juventus host AC Milan in a potentially high-risk fixture today that could pit Gianluigi Buffon against the teenage sensation widely expected to succeed him as goalkeeper of Italy. Juve appear to have put their disastrous start to the campaign behind them. PAGE 28

The third edition of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 got underway officially yesterday through the grand opening ceremony at Mirpur’s Sher-eBangla National Stadium. Popular local band LRB (top) and Indian singer KK (below, right) entertained the holiday crowd with their performances. Tigers stars (from left) Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Nasir Hossain, Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar were also present on the occasion MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

BPL 3 begins through grand concert Injury concerns for Chittagong, Comilla franchises n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Djoker sets up Nadal clash, Fed-Ex ousts Nishikori Novak Djokovic set up an ATP Tour Finals showdown against Rafael Nadal as the holder booked his semi berth with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Tomas Berdych, while Roger Federer defeated Kei Nishikori to eliminate the Japanese star on Thursday. Djokovic knew he would advance to the last four if he could secure one set. PAGE 29

The Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 re-emerged yesterday with a grand opening concert held at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The money-spinning T20 tournament was off the field for around two years following fixing scandals and other irregularities. With a fresh look however, the high-profile domestic T20 tournament is back with lots of promise and fervour. The opening concert had a good response, given that Bollywood superstars Hrithik Roshan and Jacqueline Fernandez rocked the stage along with the stars from

the Bangladesh media industry. The ceremony however, had a very low presence as far as the participating cricketers of the six franchises are concerned. Most of the players stayed back in their team hotel during the programme as they were not availed with any passes to the venue. Tickets of the ceremony were as rare as a golden deer but what surprised many was that the players were not allocated even one pass by the organisers. The entire country is now suffering from T20 fever but two franchises - Chittagong Vikings and Comilla Victorians - are slightly worried with their injury list. Comilla captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza is

reported to have hurt his right leg heel. The veteran pacer however, informed that the injury is not serious and he is very much in track for their first game, against Dhaka Dynamites, tomorrow. Another Comilla paceman, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, who recently got picked in the Bangladesh squad for the recently-concluded Zimbabwe series, will not be available for selection for a week. The right-arm pacer hurt his right thumb while batting in the nets yesterday. Chittagong left-arm spinner Elias Sunny on the other hand was ruled out for 14 days. A direct hit of the ball on the left hand saw Sunny end up with six stitches. l

Sport

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

FIVE KEY CLASICO DUELS

Marcelo v Lionel Messi Four-time World Player of the Year Messi looks set to return from a two-month injury layoff on the biggest stage where he has so often made the difference. Messi is the top scorer in the history of the fixture and Marcelo will have the unenviable task of marshalling the Argentine defensively, whilst also playing a major role in Madrid’s attacks down the left-hand side.

Sergio Ramos v Luis Suarez

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (C) is surrounded by five opposition team players during a training session in Madrid, Spain yesterday

Security concerns overshadow Messi’s Clasico return n AFP, Madrid An unprecedented level of security will be put in place for Real Madrid’s huge clash with Barcelona today in response to the deadly attacks on Paris a week ago. The security threat to what is widely regarded as the biggest game in world football, with an estimated global television audience of 500 million, has even overshadowed the return of Lionel Messi for Barcelona after a two-month injury layoff. Spanish government officials have promised a security presence of 2,400 police, stewards and emergency services at the Santiago Bernabeu to form a triple ring of security around the stadium. The Stade de France, where France were hosting Germany, was one of a number of tar-

IN NUMBERS

LA LIGA Real Sociedad Real Madrid Espanyol Valencia Deportivo

v v v v v

Sevilla Barcelona Malaga Las Palmas Celta Vigo

gets struck during the attacks on Friday that left 129 dead and over 350 injured. Meanwhile, Spain’s friendly against Belgium in Brussels was postponed due to the elevated terror threat and Germany’s meeting with the Netherlands called off by a bomb threat on Tuesday. However, the Spanish authorities insist that there is no reason to believe another late postponement will be required. “It is a shame that people aren’t talking

about sport, football or the spectacle, but it is the reality we live in and we can’t ignore it,” said Barca captain Andres Iniesta on Thursday. “We have to try to return to normality.” On the field, Barca lead Madrid by three points at the top of the table despite being without Messi for the last two months.

Suarez recently described Ramos as the toughest defender he has faced, but it was the Uruguayan who got the upper hand when the sides last met with the winner in a 2-1 Barca win. Ramos will play with a painkilling injection to numb the discomfort from a dislocated left shoulder.

Cristiano Ronaldo v Daniel Alves Ronaldo also has a formidable record in this fixture with 15 Clasico goals to his name. Yet, his form has come under the microscope in recent weeks as he has failed to score in seven of Madrid’s 11 league games this season. Alves has also had a dip in form since his exceptional displays at the end of last season.

Benzema back

Madrid will be hoping their own muchhyped front three can perform likewise after a slow start to the season provoked by poor form, injuries and off-field problems. Saturday will be just the third time this season that all of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema start together. Meanwhile, Bale needs a big performance to alleviate the mounting critics of the Welshman’s inability to perform for Madrid in the biggest games.l

Luka Modric v Sergio Busquets Often overshadowed by the star strikers on show, Modric and Busquets are the brains of both sides in midfield. Busquets has been lauded by Barca coach Luis Enrique as the “best midfielder in the world” in recent weeks and has taken on the mantle from Xavi Hernandez in setting the rhythm for Barca’s passing game.

The number of cards the fixture’s most booked player, former Real and Spain defender Fernando Hierro (18 yellow and one red).

The number of goals scored by Messi in his 30 ‘Clasicos’, a record for the fixture. Ronaldo has netted 15 in 23 ‘Clasicos’ for Real.

The number of ‘Clasico’ appearances made by Barca playmaker Andres Iniesta, the most among active players from either side and one more than Ramos and Messi.

500 719

million - The number of fans around the world who will watch the ‘Clasico’.

million - The market value in euros of Real squad. Barca’s is worth 658m euros.

Rafael Benitez v Luis Enrique Of the two coaches it is Benitez who has most to prove. Just one defeat, his first in 15 games as Madrid boss, against Sevilla last time out was enough to intensify doubts in the Madrid dressing room and media about the former Liverpool manager’s meticulous methods. Enrique is a more emotional character, but allows his side more freedom to express themselves as was demonstrated by the stunning success of a treble in his debut season in charge.

Sport

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

QUICK BYTES Siddikur misses cut in Manila Masters Bangladesh golfer Siddikur Rahman missed the cut in the Resorts World Manila Masters in the Philippines yesterday. Siddikur carded one-over-par 73 in the second round at Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club but it was not enough. The 31-year old golfer, who finished the World Classic Championship at 30th place despite being at the top of the leaderboard following the third round, ended his campaign at 87th position to miss the cut. Siddikur struck two-over-par 74 in the opening round last Thursday and he followed it up with two birdies and three bogeys yesterday. He will now turn his attention to the $1.5m Ho Tram Open in Vietnam, which begins December 3. –TRIBUNE DESK

Captain Brown desperate for Celtic return Celtic captain Scott Brown says he is raring to go again after a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury. The Scotland international has missed his side’s previous four matches after injuring his knee during the warm-up of Celtic’s League Cup quarter-final against Hearts on October 28. –AFP

Ex-Chile chief Jadue ‘admits bribery guilt’ Former Chile football chief Sergio Jadue has admitted his involvement in the global football scandal and will cooperate with American authorities investigating the FIFA corruption affair, local media reported Thursday. Jadue, a vice-president of South American regional body Conmebol, flew to the United States on Tuesday night with his family, reportedly to go into witness protection. –AFP

Host cities set for Copa America Centenario The Rose Bowl, site of the 1994 World Cup final, was among 10 United States venues named Thursday to host matches in next year’s Copa America Centenario tournament. In addition to the stadium that seats 92,542 in suburban Los Angeles, venues in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Orlando, Phoenix and Seattle were chosen to host matches in the June 3-26 event by the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). –AFP

S Africa bank on Pirates to end 14-year drought South Africans are banking on Orlando Pirates to win the CAF Confederation Cup final against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia and end a 14-year African club trophy drought for the republic. Orlando Stadium in Soweto hosts the first leg of the second-tier competition decider today with the return match next Sunday at Stade Olympique in Mediterranean resort Sousse. –AFP

Bangladesh midfield enforcer Jamal Bhuiyan (L) assesses his options during their opening match of the Yunnan-Asean International Football Open Tournament against Myanmar outfit Hantharwady United FC in Mangshi, China yesterday COURTESY

Shocking defeat for Mamunul and Co n Tribune Report An undercooked Bangladesh side suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat at the hands of Myanmar outfit Hantharwady United FC in their opening match of the Yunnan-Asean International Football Open Tournament in Mangshi, China yesterday. Bangladesh did take the lead twice through goals from young starlet Nabib Newaj Jibon and captain Mamunul Islam but two late goals in the last 20 minutes of the

match undid all their good work. Mamunul and Co only to came to know about the final fixture on the eve of their opening match and the Bangladesh players barely had any time for training sessions, informed team manager Amirul Islam Babu through a press release yesterday. Team BJMC striker Jibon put the men in red and green ahead in the 35th minute following a long Rayhan Hasan throw-in. Aung Mge Tgea however, soon brought parity just before the first-half whistle.

BANGLADESH PREMIER LEAGUE 2015

Tamim counting on local stars, Arthur surprised n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 is all set to put on an electrifying third season. The grand opening concert of the tournament was held yesterday and all eyes will now shift to the first two matches on the opening day tomorrow. While Tamim Iqbal-led Chittagong Vikings will take on Shakib al Hasan’s Rangpur Riders in the afternoon game, Nasir Hossain’s Dhaka Dynamites will lock horns with Comilla Victorians, captained by Mashrafe bin Mortaza. And ahead of their opening clash tomorrow, Chittagong skipper Tamim informed that their local players will very much be the key to the success of the team with the foreigners providing support, rather than the other way round. “I think we are a decent side but at the end of the day all the teams will need to perform in the field for success. More than half of our foreign cricketers will reach Dhaka [yesterday]. We will have team meeting and sort out the responsibilities. So far everything has been in place. What I think is that the local players will be the key while the foreigners are there to support. Our team’s success

will depend on the performance of our local cricketers,” Tamim told the media at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. Tamim, who averages only 20.68 in T20Is and 26.39 in domestic T20s, added that the BPL will serve as good preparation for the Bangladesh cricketers ahead of marquee events like the 2016 ICC World T20 and Asia Cup T20, also slated for next year. “I think this will be an important tournament for me and also for our team (Bangladesh). You will have to work out how you want to play T20 cricket. Bangladesh very much deserve to play this format but what we need to have is the right mindset. We have the Asia Cup T20 and World T20, so BPL will be a very good platform to learn the game,” added Tamim. Former South Africa cricketer Mickey Arthur on the other hand said he has found massive changes in Bangladesh since his last visit to the country in 2008. Arthur, who was named the head coach of the Dynamites, stated his surprise with the local talent on show. “There’s just more and more young players. The net bowlers have been outstanding. Bangladesh expect to win at home, and that’s a good starting point,” said Mickey. l

Bangladesh continued their pressing football in the second half and they were rewarded for their persistence in the 56th minute when Mamunul made it 2-1. A minute after midfield enforcer Jamal Bhuiyan was replaced by Masuk Miah Joni, Aung Aung do equalised for the Myanmar club. Thiha Aung then sealed victory 10 minutes before the end of stipulated time. Bangladesh will face Chinese club Lijiang in their second game tomorrow. l

Under-19s begin campaign with loss n Tribune Desk Bangladesh Under-19 made a disappointing start to the tri-nation series as they suffered a 82-run defeat against India at Jadavpur University Complex in Kolkata yesterday. Batting first, the home side were skittled out for just 158 in 45.3 overs with opener Washington Sundar and lower-order batsman Zeeshan Ansari jointly top-scoring with 34 runs each. Visiting captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz was the most successful bowler with figures of 3/31 while Abdul Halim and Saleh Ahmed Shawon bagged two wickets each. In pursuit of a below-par 159, the junior Tigers were bundled out for just 76 in 22 overs with only Shafiul Hayet (26) and Saeed Sarkar reaching double digits. Seamer Avesh Khan recorded miserly bowling figures of 4/4 and he received valuable support from Ansari (2/1) and Kanishk Seth (2/45). Bangladesh U-19 will take on their Afghanistan counterparts tomorrow at the same venue. l

India U19 158-allout in 45.3 overs (Mehedi Hasan 3/31, Abdul Halim 2/24, Saleh Ahmed 2/26)

BD U19 76-allout in 22 overs (Avesh Khan 4/4, Zeeshan Ansari 2/1, Kanishk Seth 2/45) India U19 won by 82 runs

Sport

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Attackers planned multiple explosions in German stadium: Bild n Reuters, Berlin A group of several attackers planned to set off multiple explosives in Hanover soccer stadium at Tuesday night’s friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands, which was called off, daily Bild reported on Thursday. Bild said it had obtained a copy of a document that Germany’s domestic intelligence service provided to Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Tuesday, the contents of which were so shocking the authorities had no choice but to call off the match. Based on intelligence from a foreign intelligence service, the document detailed how a group of several attackers planned to set off several explosives in the stadium in Hanover, as well as a bomb in the city centre. The attackers planned to smuggle the explosives into the stadium in an ambulance, Bild cited the document as saying. The group’s leader was to film the attack in the stadium. After midnight, another attack was planned at Hanover railway station.l

Corinthians players toss their head coach Tite (top) as they celebrate winning the Brazil Serie A championship title, following their match with Vasco, in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. Corinthians were the league’s top scorers and had the stingiest defence. They also won more games and suffered fewer defeats than anyone else on the way to winning their sixth league title and second in four years under coach Tite. Thursday’s results put Corinthians on 77 points, while Atletico have 65 REUTERS

Premier League adopts Marseillaise in Paris tribute n AFP, London “La Marseillaise” will drift out across Premier League stadiums this weekend as English football continues its show of solidarity with France over last week’s devastating terror attacks in Paris. Fans of France and England united for a moving rendition of the French national anthem prior to Tuesday’s Wembley friendly and the rousing battle hymn is to be played again before each of this weekend’s 10 games. With the English top flight’s French contingent - 72 players and two managers - still reeling from the shock of the attacks, which left 129 people dead and over 350 injured, it is a move that has been widely welcomed. “I think it’s a nice gesture of solidarity,” said Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger, whose side, co-leaders with

Manchester City, visit West Bromwich Albion today. “It’s not an obvious one for the fans, just like it would not be an obvious one for fans in France to sing ‘God Save the Queen’, because they don’t know the words. Symbolically it’s a very nice gesture.” Everton manager Roberto Martinez, whose team host Frenchman Remi Garde’s

French national anthem will be played before all English top-flight games this weekend as a mark of solidarity over the Paris attacks

Aston Villa, said: “I think we all experienced the feelings surrounding the game between England and France on Tuesday. “It was a fantastic vehicle for showing solidarity and what the game of football can do, and I think this weekend would be exactly the same.” With the Paris attacks having started outside the Stade de France during France’s friendly with Germany, where three suicide bombers blew themselves up, security concerns are at the top of the agenda. The Premier League gave safety briefings to all 20 clubs on Thursday and supporters have been advised to arrive at grounds earlier than usual due to the extra security checks that are scheduled to be carried out. But there has been no change to the United Kingdom’s terror threat level of “severe” and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore reassured fans that the football authorities remained on “high alert”. On the pitch, the weekend’s stand-out fixture is Liverpool’s meeting with joint-leaders City at the Etihad Stadium today. City remained top of the table after a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, but their lead over Arsenal has been whittled down to goal difference. l

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea Everton Manchester City Newcastle United Southampton Swansea City West Brom Watford

v v v v v v v v

Norwich City Aston Villa Liverpool Leicester City Stoke City Bournemouth Arsenal Man United

SERIE A Bologna v Roma Juventus v AC Milan

Buffon to meet ‘successor’ when Juve host Milan n AFP, Milan Champions Juventus host AC Milan in a potentially high-risk fixture today that could pit Gianluigi Buffon against the teenage sensation widely expected to succeed him as goalkeeper of Italy. Juventus appear to have put their disastrous start to the campaign behind them but a stubborn nine-point deficit to leaders Fiorentina means they have plenty of ground to make up in the race for the “scudetto”. Yet in a match that will see security tightened significantly in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, all eyes could be on the goalkeepers who, between them, represent the past, present and future of the game in Italy. Buffon, 37, was feted by his peers on Thursday when he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his Serie A debut with Parma. It came on November 19, 1995 and on that occasion the 17-year-old produced a performance worthy of ‘keepers twice his age to defy Roberto Baggio, Marco Simone and George Weah as Parma held AC Milan to a scoreless draw. l

Sport

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

I’ll win battle with cancer, says Cruyff n AFP, Barcelona

Djokovic sets up Nadal clash, Federer eliminates Nishikori n AFP, London

Johan Cruyff is “convinced” he will come through his fight against lung cancer, the 68-year-old Dutch great said on Thursday. “For me it is a battle, but it is a battle that I am convinced I will win,” former Ajax and Barcelona star Cruyff said during his first public appearance after news of his illness was revealed last month. Looking well and smiling, Cruyff revealed he had already undergone a first bout of chemotherapy. “I feel good after the first time. I had no problems. My mentality is that chemotherapy is my friend because it is there to kill the cancer,” said Cruyff, who earlier this week quit his role as an advisor for Ajax. “I am fully confident everything will turn out fine. With so many people sending me their positive force, my body is twice as strong as it was before,” he said.l

DAY’S WATCH Star Sports 1 English Premier League 6:45PM Watford v Manchester United 9:00PM Chelsea v Norwich City 11:30PM Manchester City v Liverpool

Star Sports 2 7:30PM Indian Super League Chennai v Kerala 11:15PM German Bundesliga FC Schalke 04 v FC Bayern Munich

Star Sports 4 4:30PM BWF World Super Series Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Open 8:00PM ATP: Men’s World Tour Finals

Ten Action 2:30PM A-League 2015/16 Perth Glory v Sydney FC 4:30PM French Ligue 1 2015/16 Nice Cote D Azur v Olympique Lyonnais 6:30PM Sky Bet Championship Bristol City v Hull City French Ligue 1 2015/16 10:00PM Lorient Bretagne Sud v PSG 1:00AM Monaco v Nantes

Sony Six 11:15PM Spanish La Liga Real Madrid v Barcelona 7:00AM NBA season 2015/16 Around The Hoop Pre Show

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych (unseen) during their men’s singles group stage match on day five of the ATP World Tour Finals in London on Thursday AFP

Novak Djokovic set up an ATP Tour Finals showdown against Rafael Nadal as the defending champion booked his semi-final berth with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Tomas Berdych, while Roger Federer defeated Kei Nishikori to eliminate the Japanese star on Thursday. After Federer’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 win earlier in the day, world number one Djokovic knew he would advance to the last four if he could secure one set against Berdych in his concluding group match at London’s O2 Arena. The Serb, a winner of three Grand Slam titles this year, wasted little time achieving that goal as he took the first set to ensure he would finish second in the group behind Federer and eventually eased to victory in 89 minutes. Djokovic’s bid to win the Tour Finals for a record fourth successive year is likely to face a sterner test today from his old rival Nadal, who looked in fine form while romping to victories over Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray to secure top spot in the other group. “We have played so many times and even a couple of times on this very court,” said Djokovic, who has won seven of his last eight matches with Nadal. “He has played great in his first couple of matches and hopefully I will be able to play my best. That is what is needed to beat him.” Federer, who has won the Tour Finals a record six times, will face either Murray or Wawrinka, who clashed yesterday, in the semi-finals.l

Ribery closing in on comeback: Guardiola n Reuters, Berlin

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, sidelined with an injury since March, could return to team training in the coming few weeks, coach Pep Guardiola said yesterday. The French winger has been out of action after picking up an ankle injury in their Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk last season and an initial recovery estimate of a few days has become a frustrating absence of eight months. “Franck has made great strides in the past week,” Guardiola told reporters ahead

of today’s Bundesliga game at fifth-placed Schalke 04. “Maybe he can in a week or two participate in parts of the team training.” It was not yet clear, however, if he will make a competitive comeback before the winter break next month. Bayern have not missed the speed and skills of Ribery so far, with new signings Brazilian Douglas Costa and 19-year-old French winger Kingsley Coman, who is on loan from Juventus, in scintillating form this season. “I am very happy and satisfied with him (Costa),” Guardiola said when asked about

the Brazilian’s recent form for club and country. Costa scored and set up another goal as Brazil crushed Peru 3-0 in a World Cup 2018 qualifier on Tuesday. The German champions, eyeing a record fourth consecutive championship, are undefeated in the league having made their best start with 11 wins and a draw. “Schalke’s recent results have not been good but that makes them dangerous,” Guardiola said. Bayern are on 34, five points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund who traveled to Hamburg SV later yesterday. l

Francisco Vargas (2R) from Mexico and Takashi Miura (2L) of Japan pose for a photo during a press conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday. Miura will defend his WBC Super Featherweight title for the fifth time against Vargas at the Mandalay Bay Events Center today AFP

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Precise (5) 5 Cavity (4) 8 First reader (6) 9 Bury (5) 10 Timber-dressing tool (4) 11 Work into a fabric (5) 12 Couple (3) 15 Therefore (4) 18 Part of a flower’s calyx (5) 21 Former French coin (3) 22 Love god (4) 24 Tree (4) 25 Dogma (5) 28 Hire (6) 29 Opera by Verdi (4) 30 Curved downwards (5)

DOWN 1 Expels by legal process (6) 2 Liable (3) 3 Ship’s company (4) 4 Weary (4) 5 Lift with effort (5) 6 Commands (6) 7 Optic (3) 13 Pronoun (2) 14 Laid bare (6) 16 Depart (2) 17 Ejected (6) 19 Sports enclosure (5) 20 Behold! (2) 23 Wound with a knife (4) 24 Vegetable (3) 26 Self (3) 27 Fresh (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 14 represents K so fill K every time the figure 14 appears. You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter it in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares. Some letters of the alphabet may not be used. As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them. A B C DE FG H I J K L MN 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

Joya Ahsan to appear in another partition film n Showtime Desk Joya Ahsan, the Guerrilla star recently began shooting for a Bangladeshi film titled Khancha (The Cage). Ahsan spent the last few months in Kolkata for the filming and promotional activities of Srijit Mukherjee’s latest venture Rajkahini, which was released last month. Coincidentally, Khancha concentrates on the partition of India in 1947, which is also portrayed in Rajkahini. Khancha is based on a novella written by noted littérateur Hasan Azizul Huq. Akram Khan is set to direct the film. Azad Abul Kalam plays lead along with Ahsan while Mamunur Rashid, Ataur Rahman and Kayes Chowdhury have taken supporting roles in the film. The film-project, which received the National Film Grant of 2011-12, depicts a story of a Hindu family who plan to migrate to India during the partition in 1947. The family considered selling all their properties out and dreamt of a convenient immigration to the neighbouring state where they believed they would fit better. The film went to the floor last Tuesday at a few shooting spots in Narail, and is scheduled to take 20 consecutive days in the south-western district of the country for completion. l

Showtime

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

WHAT TO WATCH Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Zee Studio 4:20 pm The Governor’s beautiful daughter Elizabeth is kidnapped by the evil Captain Barbossa. At that point, Will Turner, her would-be suitor, seeks the help of Captain Jack Sparrow, a notorious conman. Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom Blood Diamond HBO 5:41 pm Solomon Vandy works in the South African diamond fields when he discovers an extraordinary rough stone of immeasurable value. He hides the diamond in the most unlikely place, ensuring that no one would come across it. Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly, Djimon Hounsou X-Men: Days of Future Past Star Movies 9:30 pm The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants. Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2015

RANA PLAZA CASE

Labour Ministry rejects police appeal n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu The Labour and Employment Ministry has rejected a police request for allowing its three officials to be named in the charge sheet in a murder case filed over the deadly Rana Plaza collapse. Though the charge sheet was pressed four months back, trial proceedings in the case could not be started due to delay in securing approval of the Labour Ministry. The Criminal Investigation Department submitted two charge sheets on June 1 – against 42 people, including building owner Sohel Rana and 13 government officials, in the case filed under the Penal Code and against 17, including seven public servants, in the other case filed under the Building Construction Act. Before pressing the charges, CID Assistant Superintendent Bijoy Krishna Kar, also investigator of the cases, sent letters to the relevant ministries seeking clearance about the 20 government officials to include them in the charge sheets and got clearance about 16 accused. Despite this, he named the four officials in the charge sheet in the case filed under the Penal Code. Recently, the Public Works Ministry approved the inclusion of one of its officials in the charge sheet. But the Labour Ministry has denied police permission to press charges against factory inspectors Md Yusuf Ali and Md Shahidul Islam, and Deputy Inspector Md Jamshadur Rahman. In a letter sent to the Dha-

ka’s Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on November 2, the ministry said that the three officials were clean. They had not violated any of the provisions of the Labour Law and the Factories Act while issuing licences for the factories housed in Rana Plaza and the renewal process. However, the IO told the Dhaka Tribune recently that they had got evidence of their involvement in the incident during the investigation. Signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shahin Akhtar, the letter also said: “It is not fair to include the three officials in the criminal case filed over the Rana Plaza tragedy. So the ministry did not give clearance report for submitting the charge sheet against the officials.” Prosecution produced the report before the court of Dhaka’s Senior Judicial Magistrate Al-Amin on November 8. The court fixed November 30 for passing an order on the matter. On the other hand, the court recently got clearance report of accused Md Awlad Hossain, who is serving as a building inspector under the Housing and Public Works Ministry. According to the charge sheets, murder charges have been brought against 41, including Sohel Rana, factory owners and elected representatives, as they deliberately threw the workers into a death trap. The eight-storey plaza that housed five garment factories and a shopping complex at Savar collapsed on April 24, 2013 killing over 1,135 people and injuring several thousand others. l

Hrithik Roshan performs at the Bangladesh Premier League 2015 opening ceremony in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

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