28 March, 2016

SECOND EDITION

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

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Chaitra 15, 1422, Jamadius Sani 19, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 342

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

2 ministers fined for contempt n Ashif Islam Shaon The apex court of the country yesterday fined Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq Tk50,000 each for making contemptuous statements about the chief justice and the judiciary earlier this month.

They have been asked to pay the amount to Islamia Eye Hospital and Liver Foundation of Bangladesh within seven days, and in default they will have to carry out a seven-day jail term.

Later Mozammel said that he would file a review petition against the court order after getting a copy of the full verdict. Qamrul did not speak to the media after the order.

An eight-member bench of the Appellate Division of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha delivered  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Will they remain ministers? n Tribune Report The fate of the two ministers has become a much-debated issue after they were penalised yesterday by the apex court for making contemptuous statements about the chief justice and the judiciary.

Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq were fined Tk50,000 each. The verdict said the court led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha showed kindness while sentencing them as they had sought unconditional apology.

Asked if the two ministers could hold their posts following the verdict, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam yesterday said he does not

Qamrul Islam

AKM Mozammel Huq

Article 58 of the Constitution: A minister will lose his/her office if s/he submits his/her resignation letter to the prime minister for forwarding it to the president or if s/he is no more a lawmaker.

Article 66 (2) (D) of the Constitution: A person shall be disqualified

for election as a parliament member if the person is sentenced to imprisonment – upon conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude – for a term of at least two years. The person will be eligible for such election if at least five years have elapsed since his/her release from the prison.

Mashrafe: ICC ban to blame n Tribune Report Bangladesh s k i p p e r Mashrafe bin Mortaza yesterday blamed the ICC's suspension of two of his key bowlers for illegal actions for his side's exit from the World Twenty20.

Bangladesh were bundled out of the tournament after four straight losses in the Super 10 group stage – including a crushing 75-run defeat to New Zealand on Saturday.

But Mashrafe said they were hobbled by the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to bar key paceman Taskin Ahmed and

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 4

Masterful Kohli carries India to WT20 semis n Reuters, Mohali

Students of Dhaka University form a human chain in TSC area on the university campus yesterday to demand immediate arrest and punishment of the killers of Sohagi Jahan Tonu MEHEDI HASAN

Protest demanding justice for Tonu widens n Tribune Report

INSIDE

Students, socio-cultural organisations and different political parties continued protest, forming human chains and holding rallies, across the country yesterday, demanding punishment to the rapists and kill-

ers of Sohagi Jahan Tonu inside a Comilla cantonment.

They expressed concerns over women’s insecurity as sexual assaults and killings of girls and women kept happening throughout the country.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad

President Ayesha Khanam expressed concerns that in some cases the culprits were trying to influence investigation and trial into rape and murder cases.

“We have recently witnessed that the son of a joint secretary was  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

‘BNP indifferent to UP polls’

Suicide blast kills 65 in Lahore

Sheikh Hasina says BNP is showing indifference to UP polls as it has no visible activities except making statements.  PAGE 3

A suicide bomber killed at least 65 people, mostly women and children, at a public park in the Pakistani city of Lahore yesterday.  PAGE 32

Virat Kohli smashed a masterful 82 to guide India to a six-wicket win against Australia in their final World Twenty20 Super 10 game on Sunday and set up a semi-final against West Indies in Mumbai.

Kohli resurrected India with his unbeaten 51-ball knock from a seemingly tricky position as the hosts sprinted home in the end with five balls to spare.

India’s bowlers pulled Australia back from a blistering start to restrict them to 160 for six wickets after Australia won the toss and opted to bat. India needed 39 from the last three overs when Kohli decided to show his class which has earned him accolades as one of the world’s best current batsmen.

He smashed James Faulkner, who took Australia’s best T20 figures

during a five-wicket haul in the last match, for two fours and a six as the left-arm paceman leaked 19 runs.

Kohli then hit Nathan Coulter-Nile for four boundaries in the next over to bring down India’s target to just four runs off the final six balls with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni finishing it off with another four off Faulkner.

Earlier, Australia’s Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khawaja (26) smashed the bowlers to all corners of the ground after Smith decided to bat on a pitch that was used for the women’s game between India and West Indies earlier on Sunday.

But some smart bowling from left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and part-timers Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya, who picked up two wickets, in the middle overs halted Australia’s progress as they struggled to hit the boundaries.

New Zealand face England in the other semi-final. l

2nd Round

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BNP to move court to withdraw ban on airing Tarique's speech n Tribune Report The BNP yesterday announced that the party would start legal battle to withdraw the ban on airing party's Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman's statements.

Acting secretary general Mirza

Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed that the Interpol had withdrawn the international arrest warrant issued against Tarique Rahman, who has been staying in London since 2008 for treatment.

The High Court on January 7 last year banned publishing, broadcast-

ing or reproducing speeches and statements of Tarique in print, electronic and social media as long as he remains absconding in response to a petition. The order came in the wake of controversies triggered after Tarique had labelled Bangabandhu as a razakar and friend of Pakistan. l

2 ministers fined for contempt the judgement after rejecting the unconditional apology tendered by the two ministers.

The court passed the order so that nobody makes such contemptuous statements about the court in the future, it said.

Abdul Baset Majumder stood for the food minister while Barrister Rafiq-Ul Huq represented Mozammel in court. The ministers were present during the verdict.

After the court order, the two ministers’ holding their positions became the much-talked-about issue across the country. The BNP has demanded resignation of the ministers on ethical grounds.

On March 5, the two ministers at a discussion heavily criticised the chief justice after he had expressed dissatisfaction over the “poor performance” of the prosecutors and investigators of the International Crimes Tribunal in dealing with the war crimes case against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali. Qamrul demanded formation of a new bench to rehear the case, excluding the chief justice, alleging that he was talking like the defenders of the war criminals. The minister expressed doubt that the war criminal would be handed down death penalty. He also wanted the attorney general out of the hearing.

Echoing Qamrul, Mozammel said that the chief justice should not be delivering the verdict in Mir Quasem’s case. Other speakers at the discussion too criticised the chief justice.

On March 8, the Appellate Divi-

sion bench upheld the death penalty of the war criminal.

Before delivering the verdict in Quasem’s case that day, the top court issued a contempt of court ruling against the ministers and ordered them to appear before it on March 15 to explain their remarks.

At a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also slammed the two ministers in their presence and said that her government would not own such comments.

Mozammel appeared before the court and sought unconditional apology on March 15. The food minister sought more time to appear before the court through his lawyer as he was abroad on a government trip. That day the court fixed March 20 for hearing accepting the time petition.

On March 20, the two ministers appeared before the court but it did not accept the explanation of Qamrul and fixed March 24 for submission of a revised explanation.

Qamrul submitted it and sought unconditional apology. He said that he had made the comment as a freedom fighter, not a minister.

On March 20, the court criticised both the ministers, saying that they not only undermined the chief justice but also trampled the entire judiciary by their comments.

The court yesterday said that it was not convinced to accept the ministers’ petitions of unconditional apology.

“The petitioners are ministers holding constitutional posts. They are bound by oath to protect the con-

stitution. The comments they have made, the speech they have delivered undermining the highest court of the country seemed ill motivated.

“The ministers made arrogant comments and scandalised the chief justice and the judiciary,” the chief justice said, adding that he was doubtful whether they had made such comments to influence the judgement in Quasem’s appeals case.

“Interference in the judiciary is a criminal contempt and committing a contempt is a criminal offence like a robbery. And all these issues have been discussed in the verdict in the contempt case against the Daily Janakantha,” he said.

“If they [ministers] are spared, anybody can make such contemptuous statements about the court in the future. So, the court finds them guilty. But as they have sought unconditional apology, the court shows kindness while sentencing them,” the chief justice said.

The court said that the judges had discussed the case thoroughly.

“The court did not draw contempt charges against all the other participants, who also made comments at the discussion. The contempt proceedings have been drawn to pass a message to the nation,” the court said.

Asked what such verdict against two ministers means, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam yesterday told reporters that the Appellate Division wanted the people to know that the court’s dignity should not be hampered by anyone. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Will they remain ministers? think that the constitution has any directive over the matter. “But it is a matter of morality,” he said.

“The cabinet may decide whether they can hold their office as ministers. The penalty has been imposed considering the gravity of their offence,” he added.

On the other hand, former law minister Shafique Ahmed told reporters that there was no legal bar to holding the posts by the two ministers.

Under Article 58 of the Constitution, a minister will lose office if s/he submits his/her resignation to the prime minister for forwarding it to the president or s/he is no more a lawmaker.

According to Article 66 (2) (D) of the Constitution, a person shall be disqualified for election as a parliament member if the person is sentenced to imprisonment – upon

Mashrafe: ICC ban to blame left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny early in the group stages.

Bangladesh, whose side finished runner-up to India in the Asia Cup just before the World T20, made a failed frantic appeal to the ICC to have Taskin’s suspension overturned.

“In the last eight matches, Taskin’s economy rate was the best in the world. So, it was always difficult after losing him,” Mashrafe said at Dhaka airport after returning home.

“The way Taskin was bowling, we had our plan set around him.

We had to change the entire game plan before the Australia game ... we could not hold back our emotions.

“We accepted that Sunny’s action has problems. Sunny himself accepted it. But Taskin’s ban was a complete shock for us,” said the Bangladesh captain.

Bangladesh qualified for the group stages after commanding wins over the Netherlands and Oman, and Mashrafe said the tour-

Protest demanding justice for Tonu widens involved in the rape and murder of a housemaid and he is now trying to get help from the administration to influence the investigation to save himself,” she said.

She was addressing a human chain formed by the Mahila Parishad in front of the National Press Club yesterday afternoon.

“The tax the government collects from the people of the country is spent on law enforcers to ensure people’s security; but if people are murdered this way, then what is the justification of spending money on them?” said Ayesha Khanam.

Gonojagoron Moncho started a road

march from the capital towards Comilla where they joined a mass protest.

On March 20, Sohagi Jahan Tonu was raped and murdered by miscreants in Alipur area of the Mainamati Cantonment.

Tonu was a second-year student of history at Comilla Victoria College and was also a cultural activist.

In Comilla, hundreds of students of Comilla University staged a protest rally on the campus, reports our correspondent in the district.

The university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League expressed solidarity with the programme organised by general students.

Students of Tonu’s alma mater, Comil-

conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude – for a term of at least two years. The person will be eligible for such election if at least five years have elapsed since his/her release from the prison.

Shafique said that the two ministers had not been convicted for moral turpitude.

Eminent lawyer Shahdeen Malik said that the two ministers had lost their moral ground to hold the posts.

“The countrymen now know that they have been found guilty by a court. They should resign before the upcoming cabinet meeting,” he said.

Outgoing president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Khandaker Mahbub Hossain also said that the two ministers should resign.

“If they do not, the prime minister should sack them to set an example,” he told a press conference. l

la Victoria College, also formed a human chain blocking the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway in Kotbari area in the morning.

They also staged protest rallies several times on the campus. The college unit Chhatra League supported the protest raillies.

When a rally led by Imran H Sarker, the spokesperson of Shahbagh Movement, reached the area thousands of people joined the programme.

Mahbubur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Mainamati Highway police, said students from different institutions also blocked the Nandapur Road.

Protest rallies were also held in Savar, Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Gaibandha. l

nament had been a good learning experience.

“From now on, whoever we face, if we do not keep making small mistakes, it will not be easy to beat us. This is what I believe.

We could not do this in Twenty20 in the past.”

Having made it to the Super 10s stage, Bangladesh did not win any of their Group 2 games. It was a disappointing result after having reached the final of the preceding Asia Cup with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan for the first time in Twenty20 cricket.

“I do not think anyone would be interested to take positives but there were some in this tournament,” Mashrafe said. “I think we were able to create a base for the T20 team. It was important for the players to develop a mindset for this format. It will be hard to beat us in this format from now on. I think it is crucial to have the belief whether you can win or not. Previously in T20s, we did not believe we could beat any team.” l

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Sheikh Hasina: BNP indifferent to UP polls n BSS Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is showing indifference to the ongoing Union Parishad (UP) elections as it has no visible activities in the polls except making statements and lodging complaints.

“For the first time, the UP election is going on with party symbols. But we don’t see any visible activities of the BNP and they are not showing any interest in it, rather they are making statements and lodging complaints...Their allegations are: These did not happen, those did not occur,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League President, said this while addressing a discussion on the occasion of the 46th Independence and National Day. “With whom and where the BNP lodge complaints?” she said adding, the party has brought in Bangladesh a British MP who was expelled from parliament for three months.

“I would like to request journalists to enquire about the matter...ratan-e ratan chene (a jewel can identify a jewel) ... Who and what things to be brought are best known to BNP,” she added.

Bangladesh Awami League arranged the discussion at Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh Auditorium with senior presidium member of the party Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury in the chair.

AL Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud conducted the programme.

The Prime Minister called upon the people who believe in the ide-

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses a discussion organised by the Awami League on the occasion of Independence and National Day at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital’s Khamarbari area yesterday BSS ology of Bangabandhu and the spirit of the War of Liberation to work for further advancement of the country so the nation can move with self-dignity.

“Bangladesh was liberated after a long struggle under the leadership of Bangabandhu and in exchange for blood of three million martyrs. We are a victorious nation ... we always move raising our head high, not begging to others,” she said.

In this connection, she said our

intention is fully different and it is very precious for us if we eat “noonbhat” by earning it in an honest way and in exchange for labour and sweat ... we never believe in the policy of eating “byriani” through stealing and begging,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that the people of the country should be guided by self-respect not to bow to anybody.

In this regard, she pointed out the remarks of Bangabandhu that none could suppress the Bangalees.

New bill looks to empower civil aviation authority Showkat Kallol and n Asif Ishtiaq Husain The draft of the Civil Aviation Authority Bill 2015 is expected to be approved in a cabinet meeting scheduled for today.

The proposed bill empowers the Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) and gives more authority and functions to its top boss. The number of CAAB members would also be doubled to six if the bill is passed.

Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the government has taken the initiative to make a time-befitting civil aviation authority law.

“It was mandatory as few related laws of the aviation sector have changed in the world as per the

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Considering this necessity, our government has drafted the bill,” said Menon.

CAAB functions as the regulatory body for all aviation-related activities in Bangladesh and is the custodian of all airfields and allied facilities including air navigation facilities.

In 1985, the then Ershad government promulgated the Civil Aviation Authority Ordinance 1985.

Although the CAAB’s operation areas expanded over the years, it could not recruit people as per demand.

As a result, the CAAB has been facing serious difficulties in implementing the ICAO and US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) instructions to have its status upgraded.

In the draft bill, the CAAB board

of directors has been restructured to have the chairman preside over meetings. All six CAAB members, the chief engineer and five others selected by the government, would be the members of board of directors.

“Management of all civil airports and military airports of the country would be operated by CAAB. It has all authority to build any airport in the country, renovation or planning. All air management of the country would be under direct supervision of CAAB,” the draft reads.

As per the new drafted bill, the CAAB will fix the fees for all aeronautical, non-aeronautical charges, parking, security and landing charges of any airport. All revenue earned by the CAAB, would be deposited to any schedule bank to ensure accountability of fund. l

“None were able to suppress Bangalees and those who tried to do it for 21 years have failed and they would also fail in future,” she said.

Referring to the atrocities and rampage the BNP-Jamaat nexus harboured in 2013 and 2014 to foil the Januaray 5 polls as well as in the first three months of 2015, the Prime Minister said, “Burning people to death in the name of movement is surely killing and one can’t get public support by killing,” she said.

The Prime Minister in her ad-

dress also reiterated her government’s steadfast commitment to building a Sonar Bangla, as dreamt

by Bangabandhu, being imbued with the spirit of the War of Liberation.

“We earned independence in exchange of sacrifice as well as pain and sorrow of three million martyrs. This sacrifice would never go in vain... we will build a prosperous and developed country with the spirit of the war of independence, Insha Allah,” she said. l

BNP asks two ministers to resign n Tribune Report The BNP yesterday demanded that the two ministers penalised by the Supreme Court in a “historic verdict” resign from the cabinet.

Food Minister Quamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque were fined Tk50,000 each for making contemptuous remarks on the chief justice and the judiciary. An eight-member bench of the Appellate Division passed the order yesterday rejecting their unconditional apology.

“We think that the two ministers do not have any moral right to remain in the cabinet following the verdict. They should resign on ethical ground and for the sake of democracy,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam

Alamgir, acting secretary general of the BNP, told reporters at the party’s Nayapaltan office.

“This verdict will certainly play a historic role in protecting the independence of the judiciary,” he added.

Earlier in the day, outgoing president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Khandaker Mahbub Hossain also demanded resignation of the ministers.

“If they do not resign, the prime minister should sack them to set an example. A convict cannot be a member of the cabinet. There is no need of a law for this,” said Mahbub, also an adviser to the BNP chief.

He said that the ministers should have been given harsher punishment for what they had done. l

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Charges framed against Hall-Mark fraudsters n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against Hall-Mark Group Chairman Jasmine Islam and Managing Director Tanvir Mahmud in nine cases filed in connection with the Hall-Mark Sonali Bank loan scam.

Twenty-one others were also indicted in the cases filed by Anti-corruption commission (ACC) for the largest loan scam in the nation's history.

Rejecting the discharge peti-

tions submitted by the accused, Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Mollah of the Senior Special Judge's Court framed the charges and fixed April 21 for the beginning of the trials.

Jasmine, Tanvir and others accused pleaded not guilty and demanded justice after the charges were read to them.

On February 17, the same court framed charges against Jasmine and Tanvir in two other cases filed in connection with the scam.

The court also sent the case documents to the Dhaka Special judge

Speakers: Remove Bangladesh-India border fence n Kamrul Hasan The border fence between Bangladesh and India should be removed because it has failed to serve its intended purpose, speakers said in the capital yesterday.

Speaking at a discussion held at Bangla Academy, the speakers said the border fencing has not brought anything better for the two neighbouring countries and the two governments should enact a new and different strategy to secure border and stop transborder crimes.

The event, an international conference titled “Bangladesh-India Cooperation,” was jointly organised by Bangladesh Itihash Sammilani and Centre for East and Northeast Regional Studies – Kolkata (CENRS-K).

The speakers said the border fencing was the result of the mistrust between Bangladesh and India, which stemmed from extremism, as well as illegal cattle trade, arms and drugs smuggling and many other cross-border criminal activities.

However, since the relationship between the two countries have been improving lately, a fence-free border can be achieved with different security measures, such as joint patrolling by the two border security forces, in place.

Security expert Maj Gen Abdur Rashid said: “Shielding the border will not solve border problems. To solve these problems, the two governments should think about enhancing the economic condition of the people living in border areas.

A better life means that they will not try to cross the border illegally.”

He further said the two government should define together what is illegal. “It’s time to consider the option of free trade.”

Security analyst Air Commodore (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury said Bardhawan blast had proved that boundary is not a problem for militants.

He said to solve the problem, Bangladesh and India governments should enact a common strategy to counter terrorism. They could later include Myanmar and Nepal in their plan to so that the militant groups cannot find shelter in those countries.

The speakers said the border fencing was the result of the mistrust between Bangladesh and India Lt Gen JR Mukherjee, president of the CENRS-K, said what the two border security forces were doing was only border guide, not border management.

He said to make the border crime-free, uninterrupted flow of people is necessary at the border.

Beside, the governments should consider a single-window border so that an easy access can be ensured, he said.

Maj Gen Arun Roy, executive director of CENRS-K who also chaired the session, said to make the border secure and stop crimes, trust and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries is a must. l

Court-1 to start recording depositions of prosecution witnesses against the 23 accused in the 11 cases.

Jasmine and another accused are on bail while five others, including Tanvir, are now in jail. The rest are on the run.

Bangladesh Bank unearthed a loan scam involving Tk3,500 crore at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel branch of Sonali Bank in May 2012.

In connivance with some bank officials, the little known HallMark Group borrowed Tk 2,686

crore from the bank using forged documents.

The Hall-Mark bosses used forged inland bills, meaning the group opened letters of credit for purchase and sold them to the bank which paid Hall-Mark without verifying and documentation.

The central bank later handed the issue over to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The ACC found that the branch gave Hall-Mark Tk1,568.49 crore in loans between October 2011 and May 2012.

In October, 2012, the ACC filed 11 cases against 27 top officials of Sonali Bank and Hall-Mark Group in connection with misappropriating more than Tk 1,568 crore. Two of the accused have since passed away.

On August 4, 2013, Jasmine got bail after she pledged to pay back the amount in monthly installments of Tk100 crore. However, she did not pay any money and went to the High Court to appeal against the conditions of the bail.

The High Court canceled the conditions attached to her bail. l

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Left, Gonojagoron Moncho activists start their journey toward Comilla from TSC in Dhaka University yesterday to stage a rally to protest the rape and murder of Comilla Victoria College student Sohagi Jahan Tonu.

Right. the rally was held in Comilla's Kandirpar area MEHEDI HASAN

Baira: BD might lose Libyan manpower market n Adil Sakhawat The Bangladesh government's embargo on its nationals visiting wartorn Libya might end up costing Dhaka to lose its grip on Tripoli's manpower market, local recruitment agencies have cautioned.

The government says it is still not the appropriate time to withdraw the ban as a UN-backed government is yet to take control in Libya.

But Abul Basher, the president of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (Bai-

the future if we fail to send workers now,” Basher said.

With the big manpower markets in the Middle East already shrinking, lifting the travel embargo to Libya might allow around 100,000 aspirants to get jobs in the Libyan market, he said.

Basher added that the 40,000 Bangladeshi expatriates currently residing in Libya claim that they were now safe as the situation in Libya was stable.

However, the chargé d'affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy to Libya, Muhammad Mozammel Haque,

had already issued 4,000 visas for aspirant Bangladeshis. “But due to the embargo, those 4,000 visa holders cannot go to Libya and already those visas dates have expired,” Basher said.

The delay in lifting the embargo might have harsh consequences for Bangladesh as other countries including India, Pakistan, and Philippines have already resumed exporting manpower to Libya, the Baira chief said.

“Libyan employers have cautioned us that they would stop taking workers from Bangladesh in

ra), thinks the situation in Tripoli was stable enough for the embargo to be lifted.

“Although the political and social situation in Libya is now stable, the [Bangladesh] Foreign Ministry has still not withdrawn its embargo on Bangladeshi nationals visiting Libya,” he said at a press conference in Baira's office yesterday.

Bangladeshi recruiting agencies have received demands from 171 Libyan employment agencies for 52,000 Bangladeshi workers, he said.

After scrutinising those employers, the Libyan Embassy in Dhaka

told the Dhaka Tribune: “Libya is not safe now and any kind of premature decision by our government would lead to adverse affect on our labour market in future as there is no UN-backed or internationally recognised government right now.

We are waiting for the UN-backed national unity government to take over Tripoli and the reaction of the international community over that.”

On October 8 last year, the Foreign Ministry alerted Bangladeshi nationals not to travel to Libya because of the ongoing fighting and deteriorating security situation there. l

Regent Airways to launch flights to Oman on April 7 n Tribune Report Regent Airways, one of the leading private aviation companies in the country, is going to launch new flights to the Middle East.

The airlines will formally launch flights to Muscat, the capital of Oman, from Dhaka and Chittagong on April 7, according to a press release.

The airlines will use their newly acquired Boeing 737800 aircraft for the Dhaka-Chittagong-Muscat flight, the fifth international route of Regent.

The aircraft, leased from an American company, reached Dhaka on Thursday, the press statement said.

TEMPERATURE FOREC AST FOR TODAY

Dhaka

DRY WEATHER WITH PARTLY CLOUDY SKY LIKELY MONDAY, MARCH 28

38

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Chittagong

32

25

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:13PM

38

26

Rangpur

35

23

Khulna

35

24

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:55AM

36.0ºC Rajshahi

17.8ºC Srimangal

Source: Accuweather/UNB

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PRAYER TIMES

Sylhet

Initially, the flight will operate four days a week - on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – and will take off from Dhaka at 7:15 pm, making a stop-over at Chittagong, and will take off from there at 8:30pm to reach Muscat at 11:45pm local time. The returning flight will leave Muscat at midnight and make a stop-over at Chittagong at 7:30am, finally landing in Dhaka at 8:45am local time.

Including all taxes, the minimum fare of Dhaka-Muscat has been fixed at Tk20,565 for one-way trip and Tk39,478 for return trip. The one-way Chittagong-Muscat trip will cost Tk19,005 and the return trip Tk39,244. l 36

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Cox’s Bazar

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Fajr: 4:37am | Zohr: 12:04am Asr: 3:31pm | Magrib: 6:16pm Esha: 7:43pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

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RAB demands separate law to punish guilty officials n Arifur Rahman Rabbi

Rapid Action Battalion, as part of a major change in its operations, has demanded a separate law to discipline its officials found guilty of offence.

On the occasion of its 12th founding anniversary yesterday,

RAB raised the demand for a separate law during a meeting attended by its high-ups and the home minister, according to meeting sources.

A separate law was demanded as RAB said taking punitive measures against a guilty official involves the complex process of sending him back to the original department he

was recruited from for facing the punishment.

After the meeting, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said: “RAB has its own intelligence unit to prevent militancy. More officials will be recruited to the force and they will get more equipment. We discussed a range of issues at the

Expatriates’ Rights Forum holds a press conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity yesterday demanding repatriation of the dead bodies of Bangladeshi expats at government expense MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

‘Mistrust main barrier to water cooperation’ n Abu Bakar Siddique The mistrust between Bangladesh and India is the key factor preventing cooperation in water sharing, speakers said at a discussion yesterday.

Water sharing issues between the countries should be considered on the basis of need rather than politics, they said at the discussion titled Water Sharing and Ecology under the International Conference, held at the Bangla Academy auditorium.

“If the two nations really want to establish cooperation in the water sector, they will have to get rid of their traditional mistrust,” hydrologist Prof Ainun Nishat said.

If a joint management of the three river systems - Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna - can be established between the countries, many problems including flood management, river erosion and restoration of river navigability could be solved, he said.

The former member of the Joint River Commission Bangladesh also said that besides the water flow calculation, the countries need to consider the issue of sediment and ecology while talking about water sharing as those are integral parts of a river system.

Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers, the two largest ones being Ganges and Brahmaputra.

He also urged the need for implementing the protocol signed between Bangladesh and India in 2011, which contains a clear direction on establishing joint basin management to manage the region’s water systems.

The Conference was jointly organised by Bangladesh Itihash Sammilani and Center for East and North-East Regional Studies -Kolkata (CENERS-K).

Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said that both countries will suffer if they cannot overcome the situation by establishing cooperation on water.

Citing the example of Teesta Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, he also said that the issue was hanging on political decisions only.

However, he said that Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Nepal have had more conversations on water and energy sharing than before and that may ease the situation.

Regarding Teesta, the minister expressed hope that the treaty will be signed soon and that it will be a step forward to ensure regional cooperation on water. l

Gowher: Water crisis to worsen n Nure Alam Durjoy

Water crisis is going to be one of the biggest crises that the country is going to face in the future, said Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi yesterday.

Speaking at a discussion in the capital’s Brac Centre Inn, Rizvi said: “If we were to pinpoint the crises the country is likely to face in the days ahead, water would be the biggest.”

The discussion was on water Laws, directives from the High Court, good governance and way forward and was organised by legal service provider Brotee, where Rizvi was the chief guest.

Rizvi said: “Many civilisations have been destroyed due to lack of water. We are especially in danger because we do not yet have any concern about our environment.

“We have to prevent the misuse of water and conserve it. Lots of things should be worked out at many levels if we want to conserve water.”

He also suggested changing the cropping pattern in the country.

The speakers further said several laws related to surface and ground water, wetlands and environment have been undertaken but remain far from being implemented. l

meeting such as how to address the present shortcomings of the force and how its capacity can be increased.”

He said: “RAB has raised some barriers that they have been facing constantly. They have demanded solutions as well as a separate law to punish guilty officials. There

is shortage when it comes to the force’s battalion, vehicles and training equipment.

“We are trying to meet the crises and will take necessary and timely steps for the force’s modernisation.

The government will extend all possible assistance to modernise RAB.” l

7

DT

News

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Dhaka Central Jail to be shifted in April Existing jail to turn into recreation centre and museum n Mohammad Jamil Khan Turning the Dhaka Central Jail into a recreation centre and museum for city dwellers, the authorities are likely to open it to the public after shifting the inmates to the new facility in the second week of April.

A portion of the jail, which bears a rich history of ancient Dhaka, will also be used as a training centre and the Home Ministry has already taken up a project in this regard.

Under the project, some commercial buildings will be erected inside the jail.

The ministry will begin a digital survey of the jail shortly and work will begin soon after all the inmates

are shifted to the newly-built prison in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of the capital, according to sources.

Sources said work at the jail situated in Rajendrapur of Keraniganj had already been completed and it would hopefully be opened in the second week of April. April 10 is the tentative date for opening the facility and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present on the occasion.

Golam Haider, deputy inspector general of the jail headquarters, said they were ready to begin jail activities at the Keraniganj facility.

The new jail has been built on 194 acres of land in Keraniganj, with buildings built to keep inmates occupying 30 acres.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found that construction of two four-storey buildings for VIP and child inmates, four six-storey buildings for regular and notorious inmates, two hospitals for VIP and regular inmates, and a school for child inmates had been completed.

A workshop, a laundry, a barbershop and a barrack for around a thousand jail guards have also been constructed.

On the premises, different types of fruit and flower trees have been planted.

Jahangir Kabir, senior superintendent of Dhaka Central Jail, told the Dhaka Tribune the old jail would be renovated to a museum

before opening it to the public.

“Renovation will begin after all the inmates are shifted to the new facility.”

Dr Rakhalachandra Barman, additional secretary (administration) of the Home Ministry, said a project involving the jail’s renovation had already been taken up.

Sources said the jail authorities would preserve some establishments during renovation and the museum would include the cells of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the four national leaders and the historic Jamuna cell.

The Bangabandhu Memorial Museum has already been established encompassing the Dewani

Cell where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was detained during the Pakistani regime. The museum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on May 8, 2010.

Soon after the inauguration, the authorities installed separate sculptures of Bangabandhu and the slain four national leaders in front of their cells.

Sources said a park could be built on the premises.

Dhaka Central Jail is the biggest jail in the country. During the time of the East India Company in 1788, the jail was opened after setting up a criminal ward there. In 1929, jails in Dhaka and Rajshahi were declared as central jails. l

Metro rail project work to begin next month n Tribune Report

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said the construction work on Dhaka metro rail project will begin towards the end of April next.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the work, he said while speaking in an agreement signing ceremony at a city hotel.

Many students think the Dhaka metro rail project will cause sound pollution on the Dhaka University campus, Quader said adding that the metro rail route was finalised after long negotiations with the university authorities. He said ultramodern technologies will be set up on the university campus in addition to installing sound barriers on walls to prevent sound pollution.

Under the agreement, Tokyo Construction Limited will set up the metro rail depot in Uttara phase-3 area spending Tk567 crore.

As per the deal, it will complete the depot construction work within 25 months.

Member of parliamentary standing committee on Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Nazmul Haque Pradan, Road Transport and Bridges secretary MAN Siddique, Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Masato Watanabe and JICA chief representative Mikio Hataeda were, among others, present on the occasion.

The proposed Tk 22,000 crore ($2.5 billion) metro rail project is aimed at easing traffic congestion in the capital with an improved and faster pubic transportation service from Uttara to Motijheel. l

Three-wheelers and local human hauliers are still plying on the highways across the country despite a government ban. The photo taken yesterday from Aricha shows two rickshaws run on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway amid risk MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

KIBRIA MURDER

Suspended Sylhet mayor Ariful gets bail n Our Correspondent, Habiganj A Habiganj court yesterday granted bail to suspended mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Ariful Haque Chowdhury in the finance minister Shah AMS Kibria murder case.

District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Atabullah passed the order on Sunday morning, Ariful’s

counsel Advocate Monjur Uddin Ahmed Shahin told the Dhaka Tribune.

Now there is no bar to release the suspended city mayor from jail, the lawyer claimed.

Earlier in the day, Ariful filed bail petition with the court. After hearing the petition, the court granted him bail for 15 days.

He was suspended from his post of Sylhet City Corporation mayor in January last year.

Ariful surrendered before a district court in the murder case on December 30, 2014.

On November 13 of the same year, police submitted a supplementary charge sheet against 35 people including 11 new in Kibria

murder case. The freshly-indicted accused included Arif and Habiganj Mayor GK Gaus as well as Harris Chowdhury, a former political adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. On January 27, 2005, five people, including Kibria, were killed in a grenade attack carried out in a rally in Boidyer Bazar of Habiganj. l

DT

8

News

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

2nd phase of Union Parishad Teacher fractures female student’s finger polls tomorrow n Ershad to take part in election campaign for JaPa candidates

n Tribune Report The 2nd phase of the union parishad elections is going to be held tomorrow.

In the second phase, the Election Commission will hold polls to 684 union parishads across the country.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Jatiya Party (JaPa) Hossain Mohammad Ershad said he would participate in the election campaign in favour of his party’s candidates.

He said: “What is happening in the name of union parishad election is not democracy. If I take part in the election campaign all the Jatiya Party candidates will won in the UP polls.”

Chief of the JaPa made the remarks while addressing a rally at Darshana in Rangpur yesterday.

He said many Jatiya Party can-

didates could not submit nomination papers. “This time, 70 Awami League candidates were elected unopposed which is unprecedented.”

The Election Commision will hold the UP polls in six phases. The third phase of the polls will be held on April 23, fourth phase on May 7, fifth phase on May 28, and the final phase on June 4.

Polls will be held to 711 union parishads in third phase, 728 union parishads in fourth phase, 714 union parishads in fifth phase, and to 660 union parishad in the sixth phase.

The first phase of the election to 739 union parishad was held on March 22.

Awami League activist killed in Gazipur

An Awami League activist was

killed at Kolapotua village, Jamalpur upazila, Gazipur yesterday.

Deceased Chittaranjon Shil, 45, was a supporter of Awami League rebel candidate Khairul Alam.

Anjana Rani, wife of Chittaranjon, told the Dhaka Tribune that some people had come to their house on Saturday morning and assaulted her husband. They filed a general dairy in connection with the assault.

“He went out of the house on Saturday night and did not return home. Later, we found the body of him which was hanging in a tree adjacent to our house,” she said.

Officer-in-Charge of Jamalpur police station Mustafizur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune that he might have commit suicide over family feud. l

Our Correspondent, Pirojpur

A teacher beat up a tenth-grader female student indiscriminately that left the student’s one of fingers broken.

The incident took place at Mahmud Kathi Ichamuddin High School in Swarupkati upazila on March 20.

Babul Akter, father of the victim, told the Dhaka Tribune that mathematics teacher Baijid Hossain had assaulted his daughter in-

discriminately in which one of her fingers was damaged.

Md Taufiquzzaman, headmaster of the school, said he was aware of the matter. He also said: “The teacher beat up the girl as she was not attentive in the classroom.” He also said they had already issued a show cause notice to the teacher.

When contacted, Baijid said he had just beat the girl.

“I could not realize the finger of the girl will be broken,” he said. l

Fire kills one in Ctg n Tribune Report

A man was killed after being burnt in his house at Hathazari upazila in Chittagong yesterday morning while he was smoking. The dead, Manik Nath, 50, resident of Meghal Nath Para area of Hathazari, said police sources.

Police said Manik had sustained critical burn injuries when a fire ignited at the mosquito net of his bed during his smoking in the early hours of the day. Later, he was whisked off at the CMCH where the on-duty physicians declared him dead, said Nayek Jahangir. l

9

DT

Education

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

International education in Australia: Top 10 preferred universities This is the first part of a double feature

PHOTO: BIGSTOCK

n SM Tahmid There was a time when it was customary for students to complete their post-graduate degrees from the same institution they completed their bachelors.

Job requirements were more lenient, an undergraduate degree being sufficient for entry-level jobs and sometimes for mid-level positions as well.

Needless to say, things have changed on both fronts. A master’s degree has become more commonplace and most organisations have upped the bar for minimum education requirements to include it. When it comes to the value and quality of the coursework of such degrees though, unfortunately, our country is still not up to the mark on many levels. Therefore for post-graduate courses, students often turn to universities in other countries.

Amongst these, Australia has always been one of the top picks.

It is easy to see the reasoning behind this – Australia has the best internationally accredited institutions after the US and the UK, while being less expensive and comparatively easier to get

admittance. Being from a country still considered to be developing, it is easy to see why the cost is the prime determinant for many students’ choice of educational institution.

Fortunately, the Australian government welcomes international students to study without any complications. Jobs and work permits are not hard to come by, and the government itself offers up to AUD $250 million a year in grants, scholarships and financial aid to international students based on merit and other criteria. This significantly reduces the strain on the student and their family to make ends meet while studying.

With such a great opportunity, questions naturally arise as to which are the best study options for completing your postgraduate degree in Australia. For prospective students, here are the GradConnect top 10 picks for postgraduate studies in Australia. The list is in no particular order, and shall be continued the following week as well.

Monash University, Australia Centred in Melbourne, Monash is ranked one of the top 50

universities in the world. It is one of the “Group of 8” best universities in Australia, and the only Australian university in the M8 Alliance of Academic Health Centers, Universities and National Academies. Established in 1958, it is also the second oldest university in the State of Victoria. Housing major research facilities such as Australian Synchroton and Australian Stem Cell Centre, it is one of the most lucrative study destinations in the world for both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. It has 11 campuses in total, with some located in different countries, although the Clayton Campus is still the main one.

Monash offers double degrees, and is renowned in sectors such as accounting, physics and even biological sciences for postgraduate studies, both coursework and research based. Estimated costs are around AUD $28,000$33,000 per year in tuition fees, with work permit for students as the standard. The location is also a big help for students as Melbourne is one of the biggest business hubs in Australia and jobs are easy to come by. They also have an extensive collection of scholarship

programs for international students.

The University of New South Wales University of New South Wales (UNSW) is another “Group of 8” member in Australia, among the top five of the country and is also ranked one of the top 50 universities in the world.

Specialising in public research, it is a very lucrative study destination for post-graduate research students. It is located in Kensington, only seven kilometres away from central Sydney.

Although it offers many programs, it has a good selection of degrees in the engineering sector and arts. Students pursuing masters in engineering and engineering sciences should make this university part of their list.

University of Melbourne Once named the best university in Australia in multiple listings, University of Melbourne is a public university which was founded in 1853 and is the oldest in Victoria. Listed among the top 50 universities of the world,

and scholarships are less available than others. Still, it is a lucrative place to study, especially for accounting and finance, medicine and IT students.

Australian National University One of the few universities founded as post-graduate research university, Australian National University (ANU) was founded in 1946 and is situated in Canberra, in the suburb of Acton in Australian Capital Territory. Ranked as one of the top 50 in most lists of the best universities in the world, it has six Nobel laureates in its faculty and alumni. It is also in the “Group of 8” of the best universities of Australia. It has student exchange programs with the likes of University of Oxford, Berkeley, and Yale University.

ANU has colleges in the fields of Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Law, Medicine and Physical and Mathematical sciences, all focused on research and coursework programmes, with the Science departments having one of the best faculty and research facilities in the

The Australian government welcomes international students to study without any complications.

Jobs and work permits are not hard to come by

Australia’s “Group of 8” and listed as second best in the world for degrees in education (eigth for accounting and finance, 10th for psychology, 12th for medicine and 15th for computer science and IT), it is in the top picks for any student from all over the world.

Located in Parkville, the central campus is in the suburbs of north Melbourne, close to the central business district. For students who have to earn to pay their tuitions, the location is very convenient.

Their courses are very intensive and thorough, but the fees are quite high – AUD $34000 a year –

world. With lots of scholarship opportunities and waiver of courses for selected students, it is a great place to earn both your master’s and PhD degrees.

Annual fees are in the order of AUD $34,000-$36000, but being situated in the capital, it also offers a job-rich environment for its students. l

Hold your visas! The second part of the feature shall be published on April 3, 2016. The content was reprinted from www.grad-insights. com

DT

10

Health

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Why you shouldn’t give up coffee

If you have resolved to give up coffee, you can give yourself a break, for experts say that there is no need for most people to avoid coffee.

Professor Clare Collins, of the Dietitians Association of Australia, said, “One of the first things that people give up when they go on a health kick is coffee, and that’s a crazy thing to do, because there’s evidence of health benefits.”

Her detailed review of research on the topic concluded that coffee drinkers have a lower odds of developing liver cancer and dying unexpectedly.

Coffee drinkers get a host of health benefits such as a reduced

risk of cancer and diabetes, experts claim.

They are also at lower risk of type 2 diabetes, which develops when the body does not make enough insulin – a hormone key in the conversion of sugar into energy – or the insulin they do make does not work properly.

“When you look at the biochemical role of coffee, it seems to have a task at a cellular level that I would explain is a bit like a contract cleaner: it’s able to come in and speed up some important biochemical processes related to fixing damage in cells or clearing away debris so that some of the molecules related to insulin and

glucose can work more efficiently,” said Professor Collins, in the Australian edition of Good Food magazine.

Research also suggests that caffeine helps protect the brain against Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Robyn Brown, an addiction specialist at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience in Victoria, said: “Put it this way, if I had Parkinson’s disease in my family, I’d probably be drinking coffee every day.”

Others said that despite caffeine’s stimulant qualities, it is unlikely to cause a problem for most people.

And while many pregnant women avoid coffee all together, there is no evidence that up to 200mg of caffeine – the equivalent of one strong, barista-made coffee, or one instant coffee and a cup of tea – poses any risk to pregnancy.

However, coffee is not recommended for people with conditions in which a short-term increase in heart rate and blood pressure might stress the heart.

Despite caffeine’s stimulant qualities, it is “unlikely to cause a problem for most people’s health.”

Children struggle to metabolise caffeine, meaning they should not start drinking coffee until their teens, say the experts.

The comments come after research published last month found coffee can help dieters stay slim.

A regular daily intake of two to four cups helps dieters keep flab at bay once they have shed the unwanted fat, said scientists at Hannover Medical School in Germany.

The high caffeine content seems to help the body resist the gradual weight gain that defeats

so many slimmers -- and other caffeinated drinks have the same effect.

Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed stimulant and reports show it can boost daily energy expenditure by around five per cent.

Researchers said combining two to four daily coffees with regular exercise would be even more effective at keeping the weight off.

In a report on their findings, they said: “Caffeine consumers have a lower body mass index than those who consume little or no caffeine.”

And high caffeine intake has also been linked with weight loss.

The research suggests it might also support maintenance of that weight loss. l Source: Dhaka Foodies

3 health benefits of caffeine n Features Desk

too. Here are some of them:

Coffee has become such a staple for most of us, especially those among us who are workaholics, that it has become ingrained into our conscience to have a sip right after we wake up, right after meals, and maybe, for those of us slightly crazier than the rest, right before we go to sleep.

It's hard to admit, but let's face it: we can't do without coffee. Given how addictive – and indispensible – coffee is for so many of us, we often assume easily that it has harmful effects on our health. But the news isn't all bad. Coffee not only saves the day – it can have health benefits

• Coffee has protective effects on the liver, the organ which is prone to various kinds of diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease and many more. These conditions, which are developed due to cirrhosis, the replacement of the liver by scar tissues, are prevented by coffee intake.

Those who drink four or more cups of coffee everyday, have a 80% lower chance of getting these disease, studies have shown.

• Coffee lowers risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a

huge health problem that affects 300 million people worldwide. Studies have shown that people who drink more coffee run a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, which is characterised by elevated blood sugar level.

• Coffee lowers the risk of stroke, despite popular belief that it increases blood pressure. While it does increase blood pressure to some extent, the effect is insignificant for most people.

Studies have shown that coffee drinkers run a 20% lower risk of stroke. l

PHOTOS: BIGSTOCK

DT

Editorial 11

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

INSIDE

An addiction made in India The ultimate impact of the addiction is not widely publicised or known because we are still in the ‘high’ phase with the ‘rock bottom’ a few years away PAGE 12

The many stories of Mofijul and Rafiza Half a billion Indians survive like Mofijul, in the twilight of uncertainty, worried about the next day’s meal for the family.

The plight of Muslims in rural Bengal is haunting PAGE 13

BIGSTOCK

Tonu’s murder shows need for police to improve public confidence

Myanmar at a crossroads It’s not only the continued role of the military that has been a problem for the National League for Democracy government, but expectations of the people, lack of efficiency in parliament members and ministers, ethnic groups, and poverty which also pose certain threats to Suu Kyi’s journey PAGE 14

Be heard Write to Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Send us your Op-Ed articles: opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ DhakaTribune.

The views expressed in Opinion articles are those of the authors alone. They do not purport to be the official view of Dhaka Tribune or its publisher.

T

he murder of Comilla Victoria College student Sohagi Jahan Tonu last Sunday, sent shockwaves around the nation.

Tonu, a history student and theatre activist, had been returning home from work when she was raped and killed very close to her house inside Comilla’s Maynamati Cantonment.

It is right that people are asking how this could have taken place within such a prominent public area.

Students and people from all walks of life have been demonstrating in Comilla and Dhaka for the perpetrators to be caught and punished. The reportedly slow response of local police in investigating her murder understandably raised huge public concern.

As a result, the Detective Branch took charge of the case to speed up investigations, and is receiving support from RAB. The home minister is right to promise all necessary support to solve the murder.

It is vital the police nationally respond by improving procedures and practices to build public confidence. They need to both do their job better and be seen to be taking more steps to improve public security.

Everybody has a right to walk around any public space without feeling unsafe.

The brutal truth is that this is still far from the case and that not every murder receives the same amount of public attention. Moreover, it is also clear that violence against women runs at very high levels in our society and that a large number of rapes are never officially reported.

The police need to do more to play their part in investigating and preventing violent crimes to ensure our streets are safe for all citizens.

It is the prime duty of government and law enforcers to protect the public.

The police need to be seen to be doing more to prevent violent crimes and ensure streets are safe for all citizens

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DT

Opinion

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

An addiction made in India The game is the same. The substance has merely changed

Yaba is just a replacement for older drug habits

n Towheed Feroze

T

he news that the Indian authorities would be clamping down on illegal codeine-based Phensidyl cough syrup near the Bangladesh border made considerable headlines in the Bangladesh media recently. After about two decades of ravaging Bangladesh, finally, the “Dyl” (pronounced “Dail”) will see its diabolical grip loosened.

While a lot of social analysts were possibly relieved by this news, I received it with skepticism.

Sorry, I have reported on the entry of addictive substances through the border for a long time and the realities have made me a little cynical.

Just as I feared, now, cheaper versions of Yaba, a methamphetamine-based mood and energy enhancer, is entering Bangladesh from the other side of the border. Yaba, the drug which began its journey in Bangladesh in the affluent areas as a drug purely for the wealthy and the jet-setter, is now available in every nook and cranny of the country.

When, in the mid-90s, this made the first appearance, initially in Chittagong, entering via the Burmese border, Yaba could hardly pose a challenge to the existing drug of the time, Phensidyl, coming through the porous borders with India.

No discussion on Yaba can be carried out unless we go back to the early 80s when the codeinebased cough syrup spread a

web of devastation all over Bangladesh. An entire generation of young people, especially those born during the war and just after it, had been ravaged by the cough syrup.

The most hit were the districts in North Bengal, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Kurigram, where the Dyl became the preferred drug of choice. The addiction became an epidemic.

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

and, while from time to time shipments were caught, the main masterminds always remained out-of-sight.

Regrettably, the government in Bangladesh never took an assertive position against the drug, and, for this, we have to go back to that social narrative which never saw a cough syrup as a major threat. About 25 years later, if a survey is now carried out in the

drug of the upper crust, is widely available in the villages of Bangladesh now, with two main types: The ones coming in from Myanmar and the ones from India. Reportedly, the Indian ones are cheaper and are creating a fast market, targeting mainly the rural areas.

Shockingly, this drug is sold on the seemingly unassailable reputation of being a sexual performance enhancer, something

The ultimate impact of the addiction is not widely publicised or known because we are still in the ‘high’ phase with the ‘rock bottom’ a few years away. However, already a few analyses have shown that violent tendencies leading to extreme acts, ultimate loss of libido, delusions, and complete loss of mental faculties are some of the results of long term abuse

The reason why Dyl spread fast was because of entrenched conservative beliefs in district societies which demonised alcohol consumption as anti-Islamic, but deemed a mere cough syrup as just another passing fad, a negligible youthful mischief.

Problem was, no one in the first decade of Dyl addiction tried to understand the chemical composition of the product and why those who took it were unable to give it up. The administration was lax, law enforcers on both sides of the border were complicit,

drug rehabilitation centres, the extent of the social damage will become clear.

Young men with potential have ended up destitute, families have gotten broken, marriages shattered with Dyl’s diabolical impact. Once, in the early 90s, the situation became so grave that newspapers were reporting of countless young women becoming hooked on the product.

Translate the same situation in the current scenario where Yaba is not only taken by women but also peddled by them. Yaba, once the

that has captivated human attraction for centuries.

Again, the ultimate impact of the addiction is not widelypublicised or known because we are still in the “high” phase with the “rock bottom” a few years away.

However, already, a few analyses have shown that violent tendencies leading to extreme acts, ultimate loss of libido, delusions, and complete loss of mental faculties are some of the results of long-term abuse. It’s widely accepted that Oishi, the

young girl who killed her parents a few years ago, was a Yaba addict, and resorted to the extreme deed of murder when her parents locked her up.

Another alarming aspect of Yaba is that this drug has gained popularity among sex workers, especially escorts who operate in the expensive late night parties of the city. Since these gatherings, mostly housed in the top hotels, are beyond the “suspicion list,” female drug-peddlers can easily spread the web.

Realistically speaking, fighting a drug which is the size of a mini pill and can easily be stuffed in a small case, is tough, unless the production source is uprooted. Naturally, we would want the authorities of two countries to show genuine concern, but looking back at the Phensidyl saga, I cannot be very hopeful.

Thousands of articles were written on Dyl and how it was decimating the young, yet it continued and I cannot recall any top drug baron ever getting caught. Phensidyl completed its mission, and since there is a new product reaching all sections with a new set of highs, its demand is on the slump.

The truth is, no one never managed to stop it or defeat it, the market has been overtaken by something else. So, think twice before sighing in relief. l Towheed Feroze is a journalist currently working in the development sector.

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DT

Opinion

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

The many stories of Mofijul and Rafiza Luck is all that the poor can count on sometimes

Where everyone else wanted something for the present, Rafiza sought a brighter future

Half a billion Indians survive like Mofijul, in the twilight of uncertainty, worried about the next day’s meal for the family. The plight of Muslims in rural Bengal is haunting: 80% of them, according to a recent survey, live on or below the poverty line. They have been betrayed by those they put into power

n MJ Akbar

A

ny good narrative has a sub-plot, this short story has many.

Mofijul Rahima Sheikh, 22, had started work in the family craft of weaving, in his village in Bengal. He earned about Rs200 a day. He was already married to 18-year-old Rafiza Bibi, and they had a baby daughter. He was not content with a subsistence income.

He dreamed of Kerala where he had heard one could earn Rs400 or more a day as construction

labour. It was not an innovative thought; Bengal has become a migrant economy and Kerala, with its booming NRI housing industry, had become the latest destination of choice for young Bengali men.

He had, however, to finance the trip. He needed at least Rs600, and that was not as easy as it might seem. Moneylenders charged punishing rates of interest. Mofijul got a loan from a childhood friend for which he was deeply grateful.

It is the poor who come to the help of the poor, if they can.

Mofijul found shelter at a rent of Rs1,000 for a bed in a room with

a dozen other men. He had only a hundred rupees left when he got work -- 12 hours of hard labour.

But at the end of the first day there was the satisfaction of earning twice the income of that in Bengal. On his way back from work, he saw a physically challenged person selling lottery tickets. Out of sympathy, he bought one ticket for Rs50. It was a gesture: Once again, proving that only those who have experienced poverty truly understand it and reach out.

Mofijul did not hope to win anything; he just wanted to help

BIGSTOCK

a ticket-seller whose condition was clearly even more miserable than his. He was stunned when he learned that he purchased the winning ticket of Rs1 crore.

An amazed, and perhaps bewildered, Mofijul called his family on his mobile. After disbelief had evaporated, he got some good advice. Mofijul was told to go to a police station and spend the night there so that he and his ticket could be safe until he had submitted his claim.

The Kerala police were extremely considerate. They gave the young man shelter and security, and then escorted him to a bank to deposit his ticket.

Mofijul returned to his Bengal village a celebrity. The press, inevitably, asked him what he would do with the windfall. His father, a dreamer of the ultimate Bengali dream, said he would build a house. Relatives suggested he could open a sari shop -- it was a trade they understood.

But it is his wife, Rafiza Bibi, who understood how this money could change their lives and shape India’s future. “No one in my family studied beyond Class I,” she said. “My daughter should go to an

English medium school.”

A few notes: • Half a billion Indians survive like Mofijul, in the twilight of uncertainty, worried about the next day’s meal for the family. The plight of Muslims in rural Bengal is haunting: 80% of them, according to a recent survey, live on or below the poverty line. They have been betrayed by those they put into power.

• Those on the poverty line have no surplus or savings. They must borrow even when they want Rs600. This is the literal definition of a hand-to-mouth existence.

• Weaving has been the pride of Bengal for generations, an art that brought the world’s merchants from the era of Julius Caesar (as recorded by Pliny, the Roman historian) through the Portugal of the Middle Ages and Elizabethan Britain to India’s shores.

• Bengal produced at least 150 kinds of textiles. Bandana, calico, chintz, dungaree, gingham, and taffeta are words of Bengali origin.

Today a taanti, or weaver, earns just Rs200 a day. He can get twice or thrice that sum by carrying bricks on his head. Something is wrong somewhere.

• One of the truly great inventions of history is the mobile phone. It cuts across class, empowers the poor, and enhances their quality of life.

No one leaves home voluntarily, only hunger forces you to do so.

Not too long ago, distance meant silence. The only hope was an occasional postcard. Today, a daily conversation keeps relationships warm, and families informed. It is a miracle for young men and women who saw their fathers once a year, perhaps for a couple of weeks, but today know instantly if their child is suffering from a cold.

Technology is in harmony with democracy.

• Tribute is due to the Kerala police station. I can name more than one state where an anonymous holder of a lottery ticket might consider a police station the last place to seek protection.

• The Roman goddess Fortuna is generally portrayed as blind. When she showered her blessings on Rafiza Bibi, Fortuna had her eyes wide open.

Everyone else wanted something for the present, Rafiza sought the future. l MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist. He is the founder of The Sunday Guardian.

This article was previously published in The Sunday Guardian.

14

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Opinion

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Myanmar at a crossroads The battle is anything but over for Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi

n Swadesh Roy

M

yanmar is about to be governed by a party, the National League for Democracy, which campaigned for change. But how much change are we likely to see, and what kind of change will they be? This is not only a concern shared by Myanmar’s civil society but one shared by the world, mostly Myanmar’s neighbours.

Myanmar is now being governed by an elected party after 58 years, but the elected heads and the party were not able to acquire complete stake of the government.

In Myanmar’s parliament, 25% of the seats are for the military.

In fact, the security council’s major stakes are in the hands of the military. 70-year-old Daw Aung San Suu Kyi began her democratic journey after crossing a long uphill battle, manoeuvering the tight knots of the military in the process; but Suu Kyi has been rather cautious about every step she’s taken.

She has an absolute majority in the parliament, and, according to the Constitution of Myanmar, she could easily suspend clause 59(F) under the special power of the constitution, section 98. By suspending 59(F), Suu Kyi could make herself president, but she hasn’t.

Instead, she has opted for making compromises with the military establishment. Suu Kyi has no previous experience in running a democratic government.

But she is a Western-educated lady, and knows well the histories of her neighbouring states, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Though Bangladesh is a close neighbour to Myanmar, and Pakistan belongs to the same continent, Thailand and Indonesia are the closest, ethnically, to Myanmar. Suu Kyi is well aware of the game of cat and mouse being played in Thailand -- in terms of democracy and a military rule, that is.

After 32 years of military rule in Indonesia, the country entered a democratic phase, with most of the stakes belonging to the military in 1998.

In Pakistan, democracy is sort of like the sun on a cloudy day: It’s fleeting. As if that wasn’t bad enough, a military establishment has created a sort of parallel government in Pakistan. While Bangladesh had overthrown a military rule 26 years ago, the military has not

Aung San Suu Kyi is about to learn what it means to be a prime minister been able to gather any stakes in the government, but the politics of the country is still drenched in military culture.

So, these are the many examples presented in front of Suu Kyi. When Sheikh Hasina met Suu Kyi, she told her: “You have to go slow, you will not get all the democratic stake overnight.”

However, it’s not only the continued role of the military that has been a problem for the National League for Democracy government, but the expectations of the people, lack of efficiency in parliament members and ministers, ethnic groups, and poverty which also pose certain threats to Suu Kyi’s journey.

Nobody can now tell when Myanmar’s generals will give up their share of the stake in parliament, but it’s likely to happen shortly.

Indonesian generals took six years, Myanmar’s generals can take 10, so it may happen within Suu Kyi’s lifetime. But the pertinent question is: Can Myanmar produce good politicians within 10 years?

REUTERS

It’s not only the continued role of the military that has been a problem for the National League for Democracy government, but expectations of the people, lack of efficiency in parliament members and ministers, ethnic groups, and poverty which also pose certain threats to Suu Kyi’s journey

Ethnic groups are no small problem for Myanmar.

There are 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar, seven are big, and the rest are small -- 2 million people are not even recognised as citizens in Myanmar! Suu Kyi is closely following her father’s steps who, 69 years ago, reached an agreement with the leaders of all ethnic groups.

But he did not have time to run the country and was assassinated by the military only six months later. It is still rather uncertain how she plans to undo this Gordian knot. The biggest challenge for her now is the expectations of the

people.

The reality is that the people of Myanmar do not know what a party government is and they most definitely don’t know what a democratic government means for their country and their living standards.

Managing expectations and reality is the key hurdle for Suu Kyi at this juncture.

With these crossroads, the uncrowned queen of Myanmar’s people has written a new chapter in the history of her country. l Swadesh Roy is the Executive Editor of The Daily Janakantha, Dhaka.

DT

Business 15

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

INSIDE Economists for proconsumer budget Economists have recommended considering the hardship of the consumers while formulating the national budget as they see it protects only the interest of the producers. PAGE 16

Japan looks to kickstart ‘fintech’ revolution A laggard in embracing the ‘fintech’, or financial technology revolution, Japan is set to ease investment restrictions that could free up the flow of capital in an economy sitting on an estimated $9tn in individuals’ cash deposits. PAGE 17

Capital market snapshot: Sunday DSE Broad Index

4,446.3

-0.9% ▼

Index

1,080.4

-0.5% ▼

30 Index

1,693.3

-1.6% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

15,103.9

-6.5% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

439.0

-5.1% ▼

All Share Index 13,700.9

-0.7% ▼

30 Index

12,332.7

-1.3% ▼

Selected Index

8,323.1

-0.7% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

1,088.6 -12.8% ▼

CSE

Turnover in Mn Vol

39.2

-7.2% ▼

Governor: No BB high-ups will be harassed n Tribune Report The newly appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Fazle Kabir, assured the central bank high officials that they will not be harassed in connection with the recent reserves heist.

He made the remark at a meeting with the top officials – general managers and above – of the bank held yesterday at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters.

The governor sat with almost all top officers of the bank for the first time after his joining on March 20.

Earlier, he held several meetings separately with the deputy governors and executive directors.

The meeting started with an introductory session and all highups got a chance to introduce

themselves as well as express their opinion over the recent incident.

At the concluding session, Fazle Kabir delivered his speech over 30 minutes.

He delivered a motivational speech to create a fear-free environment in the central bank, said a top officer who was present at the meeting.

There is nothing to worry about the investigation as nobody will be harassed, he said, quoting the governor.

Fazle Kabir asked the BB officials to create an environment of healthy competition by outperforming each other.

He also advised the officers to work with confidence by getting out of anxiety created from the digital heist.

During his long speech, he

shared his experience and wisdom with the officers that he gathered from field work during his job as public servant.

Fazle Kabir brought the reference of immediate past governor Atiur Rahman, saying, “If I would take the office after completion of Rahman’s full tenure, repercussion would not have been so much.”

The governor also praised the role of country’s media during the crisis period. ‘’The media in our country are very much alert and they are world-class standard,’’ he said.

Earlier on March 15, Atiur resigned from the post of governor in the wake of recent digital heist of $101 million from the central bank’s reserves account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. l

BB seeks help from four organisations n Tribune Report Bangladesh Bank has sought cooperation from four organisations for recovering the stolen reserve of US$81 million.

Newly appointed Governor Fazle Kabir has sent four separate letters to resident representative of the United Nations, Chairman of board of governance of Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Governor of the central bank of Philippine and chief of Anti-Money Laundering Council.

“The governor sent the letters to them as part of the procedure for recovering the stolen money,” said Subhankar Saha, executive director of Bangladesh Bank.

He said central bank continued its effort for recovering the laundered money and the governor is in constant contact with the respective organisations. l

Plan for company to improve railway container service n Shohel Mamun Bangladesh Railway has decided to form a container service company aiming to increase revenue by carrying more goods.

A draft proposal is likely to be placed at cabinet meeting today.

Bangladesh Railway has already sent the draft to the cabinet division, which says the container company is to be a public limited company and will be run under

the railway ministry.

“The company will be operated by an executive body headed by managing director,” the draft proposal says.

It says: “The head of the company will be a resource person skilled in containers management, but not a government service holder.”

“The goal of the company is to provide better services in transporting goods by cargo train.”

Railway Secretary Firoz Sa-

lauddin said the railway carried containers from Chittagong port to Kamalapur Inland Container Deport (ICD) in Dhaka, that is 5% of total containers.

“We plan to increase carrying of containers by up to 30% in next couple of years through formation of the company,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.

Firoz Salauddin said: “ICD is currently operated by railway. We have decided to form a company

to give better services by an expert management in container service.”

He said if the railway carried more containers, pressure would reduce on the highway. Besides, it would also earn more revenue for the railway, he said.

Railway is the chief mode of transporting goods from Chittagong port to Kamalpur ICD. Then covered vans are rented to carry the goods to different destinations from ICD. l

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16

Business

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Economists for pro-consumer budget n Tribune Report Economists have recommended considering the hardship of the consumers while formulating the national budget as they see it protects only the interest of the producers.

They put forward the suggestion at a pre-budget meeting of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) that began yesterday with the leading economists and economic associations of the country.

“The core task of the government is to protect the interest of both producers and consumers.

The NBR sits with different associations before formulation of the budget. But consumers do not have any association so they can speak up their thoughts,” Policy Research Institute (PRI) Chairman Zaidi Sattar said.

“So, the NBR should rationalise the tariff measures in association with both parties by taking a balanced position between consumers and producers.”

Noted economist Professor Wahiduddin Mahmood took part in the discussion as chief guest while the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Matlub Ahmad as special guest, with NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman presiding.

Dr Sattar suggested the tax officials to understand the linkage between the trade tax system and

trade policy while taking the economic decisions.

Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Senior Research Fellow Dr Nazneen Ahmed said the revenue authorities have to play pro-active role in popularising the tax payment system by informing people why they should pay tax and what are its benefits.

‘The NBR should analyze whether the sudden VAT shift can be a possible move or be logical or not’ Representing Economic Research Group (ERG), East West University Professor A.K. Enamul Haque recommended taking a time-bound plan to bring at least six million taxpayers into the tax net from the existing 1.1 million taxpayers as the economy have that potential.

He also asked the taxmen to look at providing protection to saving tools of taxpayers, bringing young entrepreneurs who work online under tax net, protect taxpayers identity and info as confidential and providing incentives to new sectors who comes into the tax net to encourage them.

BIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr Mohammad Yunus suggested the NBR to do its work based on info and research which needs to be done on fundamental tax issues.

Blaming lack of punishment for tax evasion and high compliance cost for tax payment for tax evasion situation in the country, he suggested the revenue authorities to do research on why the tax collection remains low from the major sectors before going to next step of tax issues.

Quoting a research, managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bangladesh Mamun Rashid said around 12.5 million people in Bangladesh earn more than US$6,000 annually. According to a BIDS survey, around 30 million people earns US$3,500 annually.

“But, why only 1.1 million people are paying tax despite having huge income,” he questioned, adding that the NBR should do more deep analysis to identify the untapped sectors and potential taxpayers.

Seeking suggestions from economists to implement the new Value Added Tax act, NBR Member Barrister Jahangir Hossain said new VAT law will bring every economic activity into net which will help expand the tax base.

FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad recommended the NBR to consider how the small business and taxpayers could be brought into the tax net.

Due to the widespread tax evasion in the country, tax officials have to start with suspicions that taxpayers are dishonest, said Professor Wahiduddin Mahmood. He suggested the NBR to be very careful about the honest taxpayers.

“If NBR cannot find any anomaly by a taxpayer for continuous five years, they should be given with tax certificates as honest taxpayers,” he said.

In regards to implementation of new VAT law and complete automated system, he said the NBR should be very careful by keeping balance between reality and the ideal practices.

The NBR is going to implement new Value-Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act-2012 which will have no provisions for package VAT or truncated value-based VAT system and thus, all level of business have to pay a unique and a single VAT rate at 15%.

“The NBR should analyze whether the sudden shift can be a possible move or be logical or not,” he said, fearing that if the NBR wants to go into ideal VAT system, it may lose the package VAT and can get nothing.

The economist suggested NBR to take support from a think tank or Bangladesh Tariff Commission for doing year long research on tax related issues so that it can take a good decision while responding to demands from business community. l

Finance division restricts visitors entry before budget n Tribune Report Finance Division has restricted entry of visitors to its offices for security reasons during next fiscal year’s budget preparation though in previous years such restrictions were usually imposed in the beginning of May. According to a circular, the decision will remain effective from March 28 to June 30. Budget will be placed in parliament in June.

Officials said the early security decision was taken considering the situation after the biggest heist of Bangladesh Bank reserves.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police has been requested to send police force to Finance Division offices.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith started pre-budget meetings from March 4 with different stakeholders and meetings between three ministries were also underway from March 19. Pre-budget meets are supposed to be closed in the second week of April.

Officials said Finance Division discussed about the total of figure of the FY2016-17 budget which could be nearly Tk2,40,000 crore and the size of Annual Development Programme was likely to be Tk1,10,000 crore.

They said a new capital account budget would be introduced in the year. l

Seminar: Infrastructure development Stocks fall for 3rd straight a must for boosting trade with India day amid dipping turnover n Tribune Report Improvement in infrastructure in the bordering areas is crucial for further boosting trade with India, opined trade analysts.

Speaking at a seminar, they also underscored the need for resuming historical connectivity between Bangladesh and India to bring dynamism in trade and commerce between Bangladesh and India.

They were addressing a seminar on Bangladesh India Cooperation organised jointly by Bangladesh Itihas Sammilani and Center for East and North East Regional Studies in the city yesterday.

The aim of the seminar is to share and discuss the ways and means of jointly establishing the safe and security to accelerate mutual development and prosperity to attain peace and stability in the region.

“Bangladesh-India economic relationship should be seen as a key strategic driver of the country’s development. Indeed, in terms of trade volume, this is the most sig-

nificant bilateral relationship in the South Asian region,” said Mustafizur Rahman, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).

In this backdrop, it is reckoned that the two countries will be required to strengthen and deepen connectivity in five concrete areas-trade, transport, investment, energy and people to people connectivity, said Rahman.

He said: “Improvement of trade-related infrastructure at boarder and customs points are critical not only for increasing Bangladesh’s export opportunities but also for bringing down the cost of import from India and the region.”

He said a deeper cooperation with India, a rising power in the twenty-first century, through the closer cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, connectivity and infrastructure, would contribute significantly to service and serve Bangladesh’s development ambitions and aspirations.

Speaking as chief gust, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said: “Indian government should show

liberal attitude towards Bangladesh on trade related issues.”

“In 23 categories, India has allowed duty free access of 190 Bangladeshi products but the question comes about the capacity. On the other hand, the Indian government has given duty-free market access but impose 12% counter-veiling duty,” he said.

“It is natural that two neighboring countries will have some problems. But the scope of resolving these problems by cooperation is much greater than the usual trend of mutual criticism and misunderstanding,” said Jayanta Kumar Roy, national research professor of India.

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravaty said, “We have destroyed historical connectivity which should be reconnected.”

Talking on the regional trade, Pinak said: “It is very unfortunate that our regional trade is less than 5%, while EU regional trade is 67%, ASEAN 26%, Latin America’s regional trade is about 22%.” l

n Tribune Report Stocks fell for the third consecutive session yesterday with turnover slipping below Tk300 crore after three and a half months.

The market also experienced see-saw trading in the negative zones throughout the entire session, confidence ran low over the market’s prolong downturn.

The DSEX lost 14 points or 0.4% to close at 4,355—its lowest since May 17 last year when it was 4,315.

The Shariah index DSES inched 2 points down to 1,057. The blue chip comprising index DS30 was down over 4 points to 1,651.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX settled at 8,138, shedding 43 points.

Trading activities dipped further as the DSE total turnover stood at Tk278 crore, down more than 15% over the previous session’s value.

Pharmaceuticals was back on its position of turnover leader, accounting for 20% of the total turnover.

The market’s bellwether bank-

ing sector continued to lose its ground declining further nearly 1%, driven by Southeast Bank that slumped over 9%.

Ceramics was the worst loser declining 1.2%, led by RAK Ceramics that was down 1.1%.

Most other sectors, including telecommunication, cement and power suffered losses.

However, food and allied was the top gainer rising 1%, turning around from its declining trend over the last several session.

Hype on Dragon Sweater and Spinning Limited subdued in its third trading day as it rose over 9% to Tk19.4 after dropping in previous session.

LankaBangla Securities said Dhaka stocks showed another lackluster trading session which suggests that investors were still mustering up courage to expand holdings in stocks after recent jittery in the market.

“Market turnover value saw a sharp cut amid lack of resilience.

Stocks extended their losses on the back of mixed economic data.” l

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Business

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Japan looks to kickstart ‘fintech’ revolution n Reuters, Tokyo A laggard in embracing the ‘fintech’, or financial technology revolution, Japan is set to ease investment restrictions that could free up the flow of capital in an economy sitting on an estimated $9tn in individuals’ cash deposits.

Strict regulation, easy access to credit due to rock-bottom interest rates, and weak demand for innovative financial services from a riskaverse population that still prefers cash to credit cards, have strangled fintech’s advance in Japan.

Fintech ventures - usually startups leveraging technology from cloud data storage to smartphones to provide loans, insurance and payment services - raised $2.7bn in China last year, and over $1.5bn in India, according to CB Insights data. Ventures in the United States attracted investment of around $7.4bn.

In comparison, investment in Japanese ventures reached only around $44mn in the first nine months of 2015.

Now, Japan’s financial industry regulator hopes relaxed rules on investing in financial ventures, and a new system for regulating virtual currency exchanges will pass through parliament by May - a first step in kickstarting the fintech revolution in the world’s third-biggest economy.

“The law changes aren’t a goal, but a first step,” Norio Sato, a senior official at the Financial Servic-

es Authority (FSA), told Reuters.

“Fintech will have a big impact on financial services.”

The changes, which will allow banks to buy stakes of up to 100% in non-finance-related firms, will free up Japan’s three megabanks to enter into tie-ups with fintech ventures developing services including robotic investment advisory and blockchain, the decentralised ledger technology behind the bitcoin digital currency.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group have said they are eyeing such investments, having previously been restricted to holding stakes of only 5-15% in start-ups.

Under pressure from weak loan demand, the megabanks see an opportunity to earn money through fintech, but are also aware of its potential to disrupt traditional business models.

Game changer

The unpromising fintech environment in Japan - which was blindsided by the high-profile collapse of the Mt. Gox bitcoin exchange in 2014 when hackers stole an estimated $650mn worth of the digital currency - has seen some entrepreneurs go overseas for funding.

Junichi Horiguchi, co-founder and CEO of bitcoin service provider Zerobillbank Ltd, established his start-up in Tel Aviv last year to

take advantage of Israel’s advanced technology industry.

Investment in fintech start-ups by global banks and tech giants including Barclays, Google and Facebook is far more common in Israel than in Japan, he said.

“It’s completely different over there,” Horiguchi told Reuters.

“Every month there are open innovation contests and (start-up) accelerator programmes.”

Sales at Japan’s fintech start-ups could jump to over half a billion dollars by 2020 as the use of technology such as blockchain increases, Yano Research Institute said in a report.

The new rules the FSA is promoting on virtual currency exchanges could make Japan one of the first countries to regulate bitcoin at a national level.

“Japan hasn’t previously been enthusiastic about fintech,” said Sato. “But creating these rules this fast could gain the world’s attention.”

Bitcoin entrepreneurs, often reliant on investment for growth, have called for clearer regulation and will welcome the latest changes, said Yuzo Kano, founder and CEO of bitcoin exchange bitFlyer Inc, and head of the Japan Authority for Digital Assets, a lobbying group.

“The establishment of the law is extremely surprising,” Kano said, referring to how quickly the FSA had drafted the law. “It’s set to be very successful.” l

Wearable tech takes aim at health care costs n AFP, Washington

Stroll around the office or neighborhood six times a day, and earn $1.50 toward your health insurance. Step up activity a bit more and bring the total to $1,400 annually.

The catch: you need to wear a special activity tracker that monitors steps taken, “intensity” levels and other physical indicators.

That’s the offer in a new insurance product marketed by UnitedHealthcare, the second-largest US health insurer, one of many programs aimed at boosting physical fitness and reducing health insurance costs for employers and employees.

“One of the greatest challenges we have is how to incentivize and motivate individuals to be accountable for their own heath and well- being,” said Steve Beecy of UnitedHealthcare.

He called the Trio Tracker device, introduced with technology partner Qualcomm, “a game-changer.”

Across the US, employers are stepping up the use of technology in “wellness” programs that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Wellness programs aren’t new, but technology like activity trackers has transformed them with more precise measurements and automated uploads to verify activity.

A survey of more than 200 large employers by the National Business Group on Health found 37% used activity trackers in 2015 and another 37% planned to adopt the technology in coming years.

“There is a strong interest (in the use of technology) because of the impact on an employer’s longterm health care costs,” said Scott Marcotte of Xerox Human Resources, which participated in the study.

Makers of activity trackers such as Fitbit and Jawbone have been expanding their efforts to be part of corporate wellness programs.

One of the biggest tie-ups was announced last year when US retail giant Target said it would offer free or discounted Fitbit trackers to its more than 300,000 employees.

‘Gamification’

As a further incentive, Target said it would allow teams of employees which log the most average daily steps to collect more than $1mn for

local non-profit organizations.

This strategy of providing financial incentives for healthy activity is known in the industry as “gamification.”

Jimmy Fleming of the consulting group Healthy Wage said financial incentives can make a difference in spurring healthier behaviors.

“We have a lot of clients who want to subsidize the program and make it free, but it’s less effective,” Fleming said. “There has to be both a carrot and a stick.”

One program being offered through health services firm Vitality Group provides an Apple Watch for $25, a fraction of the retail cost.

But employees must “pay” for the device by completing workouts and gym visits each month.

Growth in such programs over the past few years coincides with incentives to meet Obamacare goals on preventive care, and with new research suggesting that more activity can ward off many medical ailments.

Data mining

But the new programs raise ques-

tions about private data collected and stored by insurers.

While employers and insurers must comply with US privacy regulations so that health data cannot be seen or used by employers, critics still worry.

“Technology is outpacing the legal protections in place,” said Bradley Shear, a Washington lawyer specializing in privacy.

“While some employee wellness programs and the data collected may be protected under (federal privacy law), others may not be.”

A report this year by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab warned of potential problems. For example, there have been situations where fitness tracker-related information was introduced in sexual assault cases or personal injury claims.

“Such data, if it can be manipulated, brings such evidence into question as well as the broader trustworthiness of fitness tracker data ... there are also concerns that the radios in fitness trackers could be used to monitor their wearers’ movements,” the report said.

Barbara Duck, a technology con-

sultant who writes a blog on health privacy, said the financial incentives are not worth it.

Duck said that although insurers cannot sell or disclose personal health data, “they can put a score on your head and sell that.”

“It’s not about making you healthier in the long run, it’s about collecting more data to sell and to score you with,” she said.

Also, some employees will feel compelled to participate because they cannot afford the financial penalties if they don’t, Duck said.

Sales of wearable tech devices surged nearly 200 percent in the third quarter of last year to 21 million units, according to the latest IDC survey.

Some surveys show as many as 20 percent of Americans use a fitness tracker.

IDC analyst Lynne Dunbrack said it will take time to see if fitness trackers take hold in the workplace and achieve their goals.

“Part of the challenge with these programs is that the ones who tend to use it the most and stay with it are not the target population for the chronic problems,” she said. l

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18

Business

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

The social costs of financial returns n Rob Cox Two business plans are on the table for the $491mn leveraged buyout of Landmark Luggage by KMM Capital. One promises to make about 3.2 times its money, the other 3.5 times. Neither plan is a sure thing.

So which should the principals at this fictional private-equity firm choose?

That’s the tension at the center of an entertaining off-Broadway play, “Dry Powder,” which opened this week at New York’s Public Theater. Like most post-crisis dramatizations of high finance, playwright Sarah Burgess engages in caricature. So don’t expect to find Wall Street denizens like Blackstone boss Steve Schwarzman chortling in the aisles.

Yet the production asks a question that increasingly occupies corporate boardrooms: To what degree can or should investment returns be adjusted for social impact? The whole concept, which a few years ago might only have been mentioned at an Occupy Wall Street rally, has moved squarely onto financiers’ radar screens.

Amid rising inequality in America, social upheaval has become a tangible risk factor.

With tabloid stories about lavish

More frequent attacks on Western countries lifts demand for specialist insurance

parties and their names chiseled into the facades of public institutions, buyout barons are easy targets in this wider debate, which has propelled the presidential ambitions of Donald Trump on the right and Bernie Sanders on the left.

“Dry Powder” makes opportunistic but generally good-natured use of the LBO cabal’s many foibles to make broader points about how a widening disconnect between the haves and have-nots could ultimately hurt the former group.

Hank Azaria plays Rick, KMM’s president, under press siege for announcing big layoffs at a supermarket chain in the firm’s portfolio on the same day he has thrown an engagement bash that featured an elephant (only one, Rick is forced to remind on multiple occasions).

The negative coverage proves life-threatening for KMM when investors withdraw their money from the firm, forcing Rick and his two feuding partners – Jenny, played by “Homeland” star Claire Danes, and Seth, by John Krasinski of “The Office” – to kowtow to a Chinese gangster to keep the lights on and the deals alive.

That investors would pull their money out solely on the basis of an article in the New York Times – and, to Rick’s later shock, one

in the Wall Street Journal – is a stretch. Not only did Blackstone survive Schwarzman’s elaborate 60th birthday back in 2007 (the guest list included Trump and his wife Melania), the firm went public and today manages around $300bn of assets.

‘On average, 30% of the value of a company is at risk when they break the bond with society’

But reputational risk has arguably increased since the 2008 crisis, and boycotts like the fictional one in “Dry Powder” do happen. Look no further than the pressure brought to bear on Cerberus Capital Management, the private-equity shop run by Stephen Feinberg. Cerberus sold Remington Outdoor, the maker of the AR-15 used in the Sandy Hook School mass shooting of 2012, after public pension funds threatened to take their money away.

On the stage, Rick’s dilemma

is a choice between two different business models for Landmark Luggage. The one proposed by Seth will make more than three times KMM’s investment. It involves keeping, and possibly adding to, the luggage firm’s 600-odd US staff – a plan that would put an end to the media barrage. Jenny’s model would make about 10% more for KMM, but it requires a colder heart.

All but a handful of American employees would be fired, and production moved to Bangladesh.

Are the extra few million dollars promised by Jenny’s plan worth further damage to KMM’s reputation? KMM’s job is to maximize returns for its investors, a refrain that Jenny embraces with religious zeal.

But Seth’s alternative would avoid doubling down on the risk of bad publicity and further exodus of investors. There is little doubt about the playwright’s view: Socially reprehensible, or at least tin-eared, behavior carries its own cost.

Burgess has many corporate allies on this front. John Browne, former BP boss and co-author of a new book on corporate social responsibility, said in a recent interview that “on average, 30% of the value of a company is at risk when they break the bond with society.”

He cites Volkswagen, whose stock

plunged by 30% as a result of its emissions scandal, as a case in point. Emptying the corporation’s “reservoir of goodwill” with the public turned out to be bad business, Browne says.

One flaw in “Dry Powder,” though, is Jenny’s abrasive embodiment of almost all the finance industry’s worst clichés. She has no life, she doesn’t take vacations, and she doesn’t even know the name of an overworked subordinate who has been hospitalized for exhaustion. The more subtle argument isn’t about whether maximizing returns is callous or not per se, it’s about the balance between the health of one person’s pot of retirement savings and the security and quality of life provided by another individual’s job.

Browne and others in his camp would probably cringe at such oversimplifications while sympathizing with the thrust of “Dry Powder”’s drama. Audiences may just enjoy it – but like, say, Academy Award-winning movie “The Big Short,” it should also make them think about how the profit motive stacks up against purer ones. l Rob Cox helped establish Breakingviews in 2000 in London. The article was initially published at Reuters.

CORPORATE NEWS

n Reuters, London

Rising risks in developed countries after a string of deadly attacks are driving up demand for specialist insurance to cover losses stemming from such events, putting upward pressure on premiums, underwriters and brokers say.

Insurers have generally excluded the risks of such attacks from standard property, event cancellation or travel insurance policies since the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001, though customers can ask for the addition of specialist cover known in the industry as “terrorism insurance”.

Attacks in Paris, Istanbul and San Bernardino in California in the past year had made company boards increasingly concerned about safety even before this week’s attacks in Brussels, said Tarique Nageer, of broker Marsh.

“We have seen a change in demand as more of these events have occurred in more developed countries,” said Nageer, who heads Marsh’s New York department specialising in cover against such events. l

First Security Islami Bank Limited has recently exchanged remittance-drawing agreement with Uttara Bank Limited, through First Security Islami Exchange Italy.

Managing director of FSIBL, Syed Waseque Md Ali and managing director & CEO of Uttara Bank Limited, Shaikh Abdul Aziz were present on the occasion, said a press release

Social Islami Bank Limited has recently opened its 112th branch at Jamalpur Sadar in Jamalpur. State Minister for Ministry of Textile & Jute, Mirza Azam inaugurated the branch as chief guest at the presence of the bank’s chairperson, Major Dr Md Rezaul Haque (retired)

AFM Shariful Islam has recently been appointed as managing director of National Bank Limited for three years, which effected from March 24. Prior to his appointment, he was the bank’s additional managing director, said a press release. Islam started his career as probationary officer in AB Bank Limited in the year 1986 Sonali Bank has recently congratulated Finance Minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhith for receiving Independence Award 2016

19

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

| seminar |

| technology |

| food |

‘Find Your Bearing’ at NSU

WE X1 sets out with a surprise

Tawa offers specials

North South University (NSU) Finance Club hosted a seminar on career opportunities in the financial sector, titled “Find Your Bearing,” on March 16.

Executives from various fields in the financial sector came to speak at the seminar regarding their occupations and how to integrate oneself and excel in that particular field. Four sessions were conducted with the speakers being Rehan Muhammad, head of business, LankaBangla Securities Ltd, Khan M Saqiful Alam, lecturer, NSU School of Business and Economics, Redwanul A Hoque, associate, Standard Chartered Bank and Sarker MD Rezoan Hoque, manager, Financial

Control, Robi Axiata Limited.

The event commenced with opening statements from chief guest Professor Atiqul Islam, vice chancellor of NSU, and session chair, Dr M Mujibul Haque, professor and chair, Department of Accounting and Finance of NSU. Each session ended with a question and answer session where members from the audience asked the respected speakers an assortment of questions.

The event ended at 4:30pm with closing statements from Professor Dr Emdadul Haq, director of the Department of Student Affairs, NSU. l

| conference |

Language talk at BRAC University

Department of English and Humanities (ENH) of BRAC University hosted a program titled “International Conference on Language Acquisition, Impairment, and Intervention” on March 24 in a festive fashion.

The conference was enlightened by nine papers presented by speakers arriving from both home and abroad.

Inaugurated with the welcome address by Dr Asifa

Sultana, assistant professor, ENH, the event began with a full swing. Professor Firdous Azim, chairperson of ENH, expressed her satisfaction as she wished for more similar workshops and seminars.

It was her firm belief that an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach can explore several issues in the field of linguistics, which the conference applied. l

The new X1 smartphone, a part of the “We Smart Solutions” package by Aamra, packs some impressive features along with offering customers a 100GB of cloud storage, which significantly increases the file storage capacity of the device.

The package also includes access to free Internet at more than 500 WE Wi-Fi hotspots all over Bangladesh. The total number of free Internet sites will increase to 1500 by end of 2016. l

| specials |

TDR’s new express lunch

The Dining Room (TDR) has brought forward corporate express lunch boxes which pack three exclusive platters catered for corporates and students alike, priced at Tk350 each.

The platters include a khichuri with achari chicken (or beef), egg bhuna and salad combo; a pulao with achari chicken (or beef), mixed vegetables, vegetable pakora and salad combo; or a vegetable fried butter rice, mixed vegetable curry, Bengali Chinese fusion chicken (or beef) curry and fried chicken combo.

All platters include a glass of water. Students are able to avail a 10% discount with their ID cards. l

DT

Biz-info

Tawa, the kebab place, has come up with a few specials for masala lovers this time around.

The list includes Hyderabadi chicken biryani, boasting the fragrant taste of basmati rice and heavy portions of juicy succulent chicken; chicken

malai kebab, with its cubes of boneless chicken flavoured with herbs, spices, saffron and cream; and chicken tikka, a delight prepared with chicken infused with freshly-ground spices and grilled according to authentic traditions. l

| opening |

A restaurant with a view

Six Seasons, a boutique hotel in Gulshan, introduced an exclusive eatery named the “Sky Pool Restaurant,” with a customary flair on March 24.

Mahmoud Ezzat, dean of Diplomatic Corp and ambassador of Egypt, was present as the chief guest at the event. Better Bangladesh Foundation founder Masud Khan was the special guest at the opening ceremony as well.

Aaquib Shams, director of Six Seasons, commented: “Sky

Pool will be a destination where ordinary days are made special with a fantastic view, delicious food, and personalised service.”

Food lovers can enjoy a variety of Middle Eastern kebabs, Continental specials such as steaks and seafood, as well as Italian and Spanish delicacies.

To top it off further, they are also offering a 20% opening discount at the Sky Pool Restaurant. l

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20

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Aids to detection (5) 4 Remaining (4) 7 Given with a vow (6) 8 Musical sounds (5) 10 Outlet (4) 11 Wear away (5) 12 Do wrong (3) 14 Stagger (4) 17 Camera part (4) 19 Everyone (3) 20 Cripples (5) 23 Festivity (4) 25 Tribal symbol (5) 26 Stopped (6) 27 Heavenly body (4) 28 Repairs (5)

DOWN 1 Cross out (6) 2 At all times (4) 3 Tolerable (4) 4 Vital organ (5) 5 Girl’s name (3) 6 Plant used in medicine (6) 9 Gull (4) 13 Cast out (6) 15 Direction (4) 16 Peruvian animals (6) 18 Rub with oil (5) 21 Article (4) 22 Fashion (4) 24 Beverage (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 3 represents K so fill K every time the figure 3 appears.

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

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

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

A B C 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

DT

World 21

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

INSIDE INSIGHT

Afghans feel forgotten in Europe’s migrant crisis Nations gather to rescue ocean life It took a decade to get to the negotiating table, and it could easily take another to finish the job, but UN talks in New York to safeguard life in the high seas finally begin in earnest Monday.

PAGE 22

What a President Sanders would do Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders has made income inequality and Wall Street main themes of his campaign for the Democratic nomination to run for president in November.

PAGE 23

Palmyra, the historic Syrian town retaken from Dae’sh A desert oasis surrounded by palm trees in central Syria, Palmyra is also a strategic crossroads linking the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the country’s east and neighbouring Iraq. Home to 65,000 people before the latest fighting, the town is located 215km east of Damascus.

PAGE 23

n Reuters, Cesme, Turkey

Afghanistan’s unaccompanied child migrants

As the European Union and Turkey struck a deal on stemming the flow of Syrian refugees attempting perilous journeys across the Aegean sea to Greece, another migrant community whose numbers are also swelling says it is being overlooked.

Largely denied the chance for legal resettlement in Europe and struggling to find work or support in Turkey, Afghans account for around a quarter of the migrants risking their lives in the small boats leaving Turkey’s shore.

Ahead of an emergency European Union summit with this month, the EU executive has announced the first payouts from a €3bn fund meant to help Turkey cope with an influx of more than 2.7m Syrian refugees and encourage them to stay put.

But while Afghans are unlikely to be prevented from using services such as medical centres and education facilities set up with European funds in Turkey, the fact they speak Pashto and Dari, rather than Arabic, risks excluding them from projects designed for Syrian refugees, aid workers warn.

“The EU is not even discussing these issues and is exclusively focused on Syria,” Kati Piri, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Turkey, said last month.

“Even if the Syrian crisis would be solved tomorrow, there would still be a serious refugee crisis, with a large number of refugees in Turkey who don’t have access to their rights.”

Afghan migrants in Turkey said over the past few years they had been denied interviews with UNHCR that would formally determine their refugee status, a key step in the journey to being resettled.

Polat Kizildag, programme coordinator at Asam, an organisation which registers asylum seekers in Turkey, said they were generally told they were ineligible because Turkey was the third country on their journey and the expectation was that they apply for refugee status in their second, in many cases Iran.

Human rights groups have said Iranian forces deport thousands of Afghans without giving them a chance to prove their asylum status and that they are pressured to leave the country.

Selin Unal, UNHCR spokeswoman in Turkey, said the most

While Syrians make up the largest group of adult asylum seekers in Europe, Afghanistan tops the list for unaccompanied minors

Snapshot on the road

UNHCR survey in Greece Average duration of travel from Afghanistan to Greece: 65 days Nearly half were children 48% were under 18, of these 87.5% were male Women

5-9 2-4

Travel information sources used:

Men

15-18 3 10-14

Heavy reliance on criminal networks

16 0

1

Danger and abuse Percent who witnessed or experienced incidents of

Smugglers

2 1

0-1 0 1 Age groups

In 2015, Sweden received some 24,000 Afghan child migrants, more than what all of Europe received in the previous year

Emotional abuse 77%

22%

2

Interview with 191 Afghans on Greek Islands, Jan 15 - 31, 2016

Travel companions 28 Friends and family 8 Social media 6 Others 7

Germany hosts around 60,000 unaccompanied children, primarily from Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq (As of Feb 2016)

Robbery, theft

30% 29

(Economic) exploitation 19 Physical assault 11 Involuntary confinement 4 Shooting/threat of shooting 2 Shipwreck 2 Detention 1 Death of family members 1

Source : UNHCR/UNICEF

vulnerable, including Afghans, still received interviews, adding that close to 500 Afghans had been interviewed last year. She said the sheer numbers meant those most at risk were prioritised among UNHCR’s active case load of some 254,000 non-Syrians.

Resettlement woes

More than 63,000 Afghans came to Turkey last year, a sharp rise from 15,652 in 2014, according to Asam, counting only those who registered. Some came directly from Afghanistan, others from Iran, where they had tried unsuccessfully to settle.

The exodus from Afghanistan has been prompted by an increasingly precarious security situation, with 11,000 civilians killed or injured in 2015, as well as widespread corruption undermining faith in the future and a war-ruined economy that cannot provide enough work for its population. Kabul and other Afghan cities have seen a spate of suicide bombings and other attacks as the Taliban has stepped up its insurgency following the withdrawal of international troops from most

An Afghan migrant holds his son at the Greek island of Lesbos, following a rescue operation by the Greek Coast Guard at open sea last week REUTERS combat operations in 2014.

False perceptions

According to the European Commission, 64,109 asylum requests were registered in Turkey in 2015, more than 11,000 of them from Afghan citizens, but only 459 were concluded, either by granting or rejecting refugee status. Some are still waiting in Turkey, but others are among the thousands to have crossed illegally to Europe.

Under a law passed two years ago, Afghans and other refugees

have access to healthcare in Turkey and Unal said the most vulnerable could also benefit from social security schemes. In January, Turkey also passed a new law to give refugees access to legal employment, a move praised by the European Union, although the programme has not yet been rolled out.

But many of the Afghan refugees, hampered in part by language difficulties, are unaware of their rights and rely on illegal labour such as fruit picking to survive. l

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World

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Myanmar army chief asserts leading role in democratic transition

Myanmar’s powerful army chief on Sunday vowed to keep the nation on the path to democracy, days before a civilian government takes office.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day said that the army needs to play leading role in politics and democratic transition.

-REUTERS

INDIA

Modi urges voters to oust scam-hit Mamata Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored his government’s corruption-free image to take on the scam-stung Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal on Sunday, urging voters to give the BJP a chance. In his first election rally in the state as premier, he promised to build a new West Bengal and peppered his 47-minute speech with uncomfortable topics for the ruling Trinamool, such as the Narada bribery sting, Saradha deposit scam and illegal arms factories.

-HT

CHINA

Chinese flags defaced in Prague ahead of president’s visit

Dozens of the flags hung in the capital Prague were spattered with a black substance overnight, a police spokesman said. The Chinese leader is due to arrive on Monday for a two-day visit before going to the US for talks on nuclear issues. Czech demonstrators who oppose China’s policies in Tibet are expected to stage protests during the trip. -AFP

ASIA PACIFIC

New party launched in Japan ahead of election Two Japanese opposition parties merged on Sunday to form a new grouping intended to put pressure on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conservative ruling party before the upper house election this summer. The Democratic Party of Japan, the main opposition party, and the smaller Japan Innovation Party merged to create the “Minshinto” party. The new party’s name in English will be the Democratic Party.

-AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi executes Pakistani convicted of Bangladeshi murder

Saudi authorities executed a Pakistani convicted of killing a Bangladeshi woman on Sunday, raising to 79 the number of death sentences they have carried out this year.

Elias Ismail was found guilty of fatally stabbing Hajar Hussein during a robbery and was executed in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. -AFP

INSIGHT

Nations gather to rescue ocean life n AFP, Paris It took a decade to get to the negotiating table, and it could easily take another to finish the job, but UN talks in New York to safeguard life in the high seas finally begin in earnest Monday.

The stakes could hardly be higher, experts and diplomats agree.

Oceans produce half the oxygen human breathe, regulate the weather, and provide humanity’s single largest source of protein.

Without them, Earth would be just another barren rock in the Universe.

And yet humanity has harvested marine species upon which we depend to the edge of extinction, and used the seas as a collective garbage dump.

Climate change, meanwhile, has altered the ocean’s basic chemistry in ways that raise the spectre of a mass extinction that scientists say is already underway.

Today, a patchwork of agreements and regulatory bodies govern shipping, fishing, and mineral extraction, while the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, negotiated in the 1970s, lays out rules for how far a nation’s zone of influence extends beyond its shores.

But in what may be the biggest legal loophole in history, geographically speaking, there is no international treaty protecting marine areas beyond national jurisdiction -- that’s two-thirds of the surface of the oceans, and half the planet’s.

The result has been a kind of aquatic “Far West”, a case study for

what has sometimes been called the tragedy of the commons.

“Very early we decided that the high seas were for everybody and nobody, because everyone owns them and nobody takes responsibility for them,” said Callum Roberts, a marine biologist at the University of York in England.

Anything goes

For most of human history, the vast expanse of open ocean was seen as a distance to travel across rather than a resource to exploit.

But a global population closing in on 10bn, along with lethally efficient advances in technology, have created the will and the way to pillage marine flora and fauna as never before.

Currently, about 12% of the 90m tonnes of fish harvested every year come from the high seas, but that percentage could climb quickly.

“On the high seas, anything goes,” said a European diplomat who will take part in the talks.

“The aim of this future agreement is precisely to set up a system of governance to constrain the impact of human activity,” he said, requesting anonymity.

The meeting Monday of the “preparatory committee” is the first of four two-week sessions scheduled through the end of 2017.

That is when members of the UN will decide if they have a foundation for negotiating a legally binding treaty which could -- if the history of UN climate talks is any guide -- take a long time.

As with the two-decade wrangle

Collective of ocean life over how to tackle global warming, which finally yielded a universal deal in December, a half-dozen key issues divide nations grouped in familiar blocs on how best to manage the high seas.

One is the scope of zones in which industrial fishing and mineral extraction would be curtailed or banned. Currently, just over three percent of oceans -- all within national boundaries -- are off limits to commercial exploitation. The UN Convention on Biodiversity has called for a target of 10% by 2020.

Genetic resources

But many experts cite the World Parks Congress 2014 recommendation that fully 30% of oceans should be set aside as de facto international parks.

Even then, according to a study published last week in the jour-

BIGSTOCK

nal Conservation Letters, it may not be enough. The loss of marine life is already so advanced that it would take larger areas to protect biodiversity and prevent some fish stocks from collapsing.

Nations also disagree on what rules to set for exploiting marine genetic resources. Only three countries -- the US, Germany and Japan -- hold 70% of patents stemming from marine life.

Opposed to a “freedom on the high seas” approach on this issue is the principle -- upheld by China and the G77 bloc of developing nations -- that such genetic wealth belongs to the “common heritage of mankind,” and should thus be shared out.

How to set up environmental impact assessments, enforcement, and technology transfer will also be on the table in New York. l

Opponents of Malaysia PM step up drive to oust him n AFP, Kuala Lumpur Leaders from across Malaysia’s political spectrum said Sunday they plan to present a petition to the country’s Islamic royalty seeking the removal of scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak over a corruption crisis.

The highly unusual grouping of heavyweights from the ruling party, the opposition and civil society groups was formed in early March, when it issued a call to “save” Malaysia from disaster by removing Najib.

A succession of speakers pressed that demand during a rally attended by several hundred supporters Sunday, accusing Najib of using his office to thwart scrutiny of the graft allegations and avoid justice. “(Najib’s) leadership undermines the very existence of our institutions,” said former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, around whom the movement has coalesced.

“We want the rule of law and the actions of Najib has destroyed

Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad looks on during a rally outside Kuala Lumpur on Sunday AFP it. He no longer deserves to be the prime minister,” he said at the gathering near the capital.

The 90-year-old Mahathir, who dominated Malaysia as premier for 22 years before retiring in 2003, has for months spearheaded calls for Najib’s removal.

Najib, 62, is under pressure over allegations that billions of dollars were stolen from a state firm he

founded, and over his own acceptance of a mysterious $681m payment from overseas.

He denies accusations that the huge payment was siphoned off from the now-struggling state firm, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

But Najib has fuelled anger and suspicion by curbing investigations, purging critics from the

government and cracking down on media reporting on the subject.

The outrage has been strong enough to unite formerly bitter political foes such as Mahathir and leaders of opposition parties in the push to remove Najib.

Swiss authorities said recently up to $4bn may have been stolen from Malaysian state firms, mainly 1MDB, and that they were investigating possible fraud and money-laundering.

American, British, Singaporean and Hong Kong authorities are also scrutinising 1MDB-related money flows.

Najib at first denied receiving the $681m payment in 2013. But his government now says it was a gift from the Saudi royal family and most was given back.

The Saudis have not confirmed that claim, however, and a Wall Street Journal investigative report in early March said the payment likely originated from 1MDB. l

23

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

POINTS TAKEN

USA

What a President Sanders would do Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders easily won nominating contests in Alaska, Washington and Hawaii on Saturday, chipping away at front-runner Hillary Clinton’s commanding lead in the race to pick the party’s candidate for the White House. The veteran senator from Vermont has made income inequality and Wall Street main themes of his campaign for the Democratic nomination to run for president in November.

Here is a look at some of his policy proposals, taken from his website, news stories and interviews--

Immigration

Sanders would expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme and the Deferred Action for Parents of America programme to extend legal protections given to certain immigrants who entered the country illegally.

He would establish a whistleblower visa programme for workers re-

porting labour violations. Sanders would end both for-profit and family detention of illegal immigrants.

He would reform immigration laws, and would include a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants currently in the country.

The candidate would protect the border with technology such as high-grade cameras, thermal imaging and movement sensors instead erecting of a border wall.

Trade

Sanders would reverse trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (Cafta). He opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade agreement. He would make it easier for people to join labour unions. Sanders says that permanent normal trade relations with China have been disastrous. He has called for US companies to invest more in the country.

Economy and taxation

Sanders would seek the breakup

Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders cheer during a rally in Seattle on Saturday REUTERS of the largest financial institutions and reinstatement of GlassSteagall, the Depression-era banking law that forced a separation of commercial and investment banking businesses. He would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020. Sanders would tax Wall Street speculation to help fund free public college and university tuition, and would establish a progressive estate tax for those who inherit more than $3.5m. He would set up a $1tn infrastructure

investment programme. The candidate would lift the cap on taxable income above $250,000 to expand Social Security benefits.

Foreign policy

Sanders supports the Iran nuclear deal, and opposes the use of ground troops in Iraq and Syria. He would close the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, and would move toward normalising relations with Cuba. l

Source: REUTERS

Destruction of heritage sites

Location A desert oasis surrounded by palm trees in central Syria, Palmyra is also a strategic crossroads linking the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the country’s east and neighbouring Iraq. Home to 65,000 people before the latest fighting, the town is located 215km east of Damascus.

Queen Zenobia Palmyra became a prosperous region during the Hellenistic period and later became part of the Roman Empire. But its rebellious Queen Zenobia challenged Rome’s authority.

In the third century, Palmyrenes beat back the Romans in the west and

This 2014 file photo shows a partial view of the ancient oasis city of Palmyra, 215km northeast of Damascus AFP

A general view shows part of a palace complex, which has been recaptured

by Syrian regime forces, on the western edge of Palmyra REUTERS Persian forces in the east in a revolt led by Zenobia, who became queen after her husband died in mysterious circumstances. By AD270, Zenobia had conquered all of Syria and parts of Egypt. Her forces advanced into what is now Turkey before being defeated by the Roman emperor Aurelian near Antakya. The city was plundered in AD272 after she was captured during a long siege.

More than 22,000 people have signed a petition calling for Americans to be allowed to carry firearms at the Republican National Convention. The petition on the change.org website calls on the convention organisers to permit the carrying of licensed weapons at the rally in Cleveland.

-AFP

Bolivia to take Chile to court over water dispute

Palmyra, the historic Syrian town retaken from Dae’sh

A Unesco world heritage site, Palmyra boasts 2,000-year-old towering Roman-era colonnades and priceless artifacts. Syrians affectionately refer to it as the “Bride of the Desert.” Palmyra was the capital of an Arab client state of the Roman Empire that briefly rebelled and carved out its own kingdom in the 3rd Century, led by Queen Zenobia.

Before the war, it was Syria’s top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Palmyra was first mentioned in the archives of Mari in the 2nd millennium BC, according to Unicef’s website. The town was the hub of a network of caravan trails that carried silks and spices from eastern Asia to the Mediterranean.

Thousands call for guns at US Republican convention

THE AMERICAS

FACTBOX

Historic significance

DT

World

Last year, Dae’sh destroyed the Temple of Bel, which dated back to AD32, and the Temple of Baalshamin, a structure of stone blocks several stories high fronted by six towering columns. The militants also blew up the Arch of Triumph, which had been built under the Roman emperor Septimius Severus between AD193 and AD211. The extremists have destroyed ancient sites across their selfstyled Islamic caliphate in Syria and Iraq, viewing them as monuments to idolatry. In August, Dae’sh militants beheaded Khaled al-Asaad, an 81-year-old antiquities scholar who had devoted his life to studying Palmyra. His body was later hung from a Roman column. It’s not yet clear whether the ruins were damaged when Syrian forces retook the town.

The Antiquities Ministry said ahead of the town’s fall that the remaining ruins are in good condition. It has vowed to restore the site.

Infamous regime jail

Strategic importance

In more recent times, Palmyra has had darker associations for Syrians. It was home to the Tadmur prison, where hundreds of prisoners were massacred in the 1980s by the regime of Hafez al-Assad, father of current President Bashir al-Assad, who also followed his father’s path by reportedly torturing thousands of opponents. It was blown up by Dae’sh last year after capturing the town.

The loss of Palmyra marks a major setback for Dae’sh, which has been losing ground for months in both Iraq and Syria. The capture of the town brings Syrian forces closer to Raqqa, the Dae’sh group’s de facto capital, and the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, which is almost entirely held by the extremists. l

Source: AP

Bolivian President Evo Morales said Saturday that his country has decided to file suit against Chile at the International Court of Justice over a water dispute. Bolivia argues it owns the Silala spring waters originating in its southwest department of Potosi and that it is not being compensated for Chile’s use of the water, which flow across their shared border. -AFP

UK

The Sun censured over story of Muslims’ Dae’sh support Britain’s press regulator on Saturday censured Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun tabloid for a significantly misleading story claiming one in five British Muslims sympathise with jihadist fighters. The ruling on the frontpage story from November comes amid heightened community tensions following the Brussels attacks.

The mass-selling daily claimed an exclusive poll revealed 1 in 5 Brit Muslims’ sympathy for jihadis. -AFP

EUROPE

Most Germans express little fear of terrorism A majority of Germans expressed no fear of terrorism despite the latest attacks in neighbouring Belgium, although more than half said they expected some sort of attack would take place in the country this year. According to the tabloid Bild newspaper’s Sunday edition, 56% of a representative sample of more than 500 people said they personally had no fear of terrorism, as opposed to 42% who expressed the opposite.

-DPA

AFRICA

Nigeria sends parents to see if suicide bomber is missing schoolgirl The Nigerian government is sending parents from the Chibok community of northeast Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon to verify whether a suspected female suicide bomber is one of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram nearly two years ago. Military and local government sources reported that one of two girls arrested in northern Cameroon carrying explosives claimed to be one of the missing Chibok schoolgirls -REUTERS

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

INSIDE

Bando, Comfit secure final Bando Design Ltd and Comfit Composite Knit Ltd sealed their places in the final of the BGMEA Cup. Bando registered identical wins of 1-0 over Envoy Group to reach final while Comfit edged past Apparel Industry Ltd on an overall aggregate of 1-0. PAGE 26

Current SA stars can still win a global title South Africa batsman Hashim Amla insisted his team’s World Cup dream lives on, saying the top Proteas stars are still hoping for glory in the near future. Apart from their Champions Trophy triumph in 1998, South Africa have never won a major International Cricket Council event. PAGE 27

West Indies' batsman Chris Gayle (L) takes a selfie with Afghanistan players after their ICC World Twenty20 2016 match in Nagpur, India yesterday

Afghanistan clinch historic win over WI n AFP, Nagpur

FIFA chief shocked by pitch bombing FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed shock and sadness Saturday at a suicide attack in a local football tournament in Iraq, killing 32 people. “I’m shocked and saddened to have learnt about the awful tragedy. PAGE 28

England stun Germany in friendly Eric Dier scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as England rallied from two goals down to stun Germany 3-2 in Saturday’s international friendly in Berlin.

Russia and Poland also stepped up their preparations for Euro 2016 with victories. PAGE 29

Afghanistan downed the powerful West Indies by six runs in a historic World Twenty20 match in Nagpur on Sunday, handing the never-say-die underdogs their first ever Super 10 victory.

Afghanstan had failed to qualify for the semi-finals heading into Sunday’s match, but were determined to take home a consolation victory against the West Indies, who had already made the final four.

After being sent into bat, Asghar Stanikzai’s side posted a respectable 123/7, with Najibullah Zadran smashing an unbeaten 48 against the 2012 World T20 champions.

The West Indies, who had a perfect record heading into the match with three straight wins, warned that they were not going to let up against Afghanistan.

But their run chase got off to a shaky start, with opener Evin Lewis dismissed for a duck, and some excellent Afghanistan spin bowling led by 17-year-old Rashid Khan (2-26) meant the wickets kept falling.

With the West Indies needing

10 runs from the final over, Najibullah sprinted several metres along the boundary to take a spectacular, tumbling catch and claim Carlos Braithwaite for 13, just when he looked like bringing the West Indies home, as he had done against South Africa on Friday.

Samuel Badree and an injured Andre Fletcher could only manage to push the total to 117 in the three remaining deliveries.

Despite the loss, the West In-

TODAY'S MATCH Group 1 8:00PM, Delhi

South Africa v Sri Lanka Maasranga TV, Gazi TV, Star Sports 1

GROUP 1 Teams

P W

L Pts

West Indies

4

3

1

6 +0.359

NRR

England

4

3

1

6

South Africa

3

1

2

2 +0.485

+0.145

Sri Lanka

3

1

2

2

-0.287

Afghanistan

4

1

3

2

-0.715

dies still finish top of Group One, and will play either Australia or India, who clash later Sunday in Group Two, in the semi-finals.

After being sent in to bat, Najibullah top scored for Afghanistan, striking four fours and one six in his 40-ball knock to bring cheers from the small but vocal crowd.

Afghanistan had lost all of their previous Super 10 matches, but they have won new admirers in India with their aggressive and carefree brand of cricket that has caused some anxious moments for their opponents.

Opener Mohammad Shahzad made a confident 24, but was caught off leg-spinner Badree, trying to heave over the infield, just as he was looking exciting.

Asghar Stanikzai also made a handy 16. The skipper shuffled down the wicket to smash a six over long on, but was caught the next ball by Dwayne Bravo off Badree attempting the same shot.

As the wickets started to tumble thanks to some strong fielding, 23-year-old Najibullah held his nerve, guiding Afghanistan past the 120 mark and to what proved a winning total. l

INTERNET

AFG v WI AFGHANISTAN Shahzad c Benn b Badree Usman b Badree Stanikzai c Bravo b Badree Gulbadin c Bravo b Sammy Shenwari c Sammy b Benn Najibullah not out Nabi c Samuels b Russell Shafiqullah c Fletcher b Russell Rashid not out Extras (lb 2, w1)

R 24 4 16 8 1 48 9 4 6 3

Total (7 wickets, 20 overs)

123

B 22 6 22 14 3 40 8 4 1

Fall of wickets 1-8 (Ghani), 2-33(Shahzad), 3-50 (Stanikzai), 4-52 (Shenwari), 5-56 (Naib), 6-90 (Nabi), 7-103 (Shafiq) Bowling Russell 4-0-23-2, Badree 4-0-14-3, Brathwaite 2-0-21-0, Benn 4-0-18-1, Bravo 4-0-28-0, Sammy 2-0-17-1 WEST INDIES Charles b Hassan Lewis c Khan b Hamza Fletcher not out Samuels b Khan Ramdin st Shahzad b Khan Bravo lbw b Nabi Russell run out Sammy c Shenwari b Naib Braithwaite c Zadran b Nabi Badree not out Extras (lb 1, w 2, nb 2)

R B 22 15 0 7 11 13 5 5 18 24 28 29 7 9 6 10 13 8 2 2 5

Total (8 wickets; 20 overs)

117

Fall of wickets 1-17 (Lewis), 2-33 (Charles), 2-34 (Fletcher rtd not out), 3-38 (Samuels), 4-79 (Bravo), 5-89 (Ramdin), 6-98 (Russell), 7-107 (Sammy), 8-114 (Braithwaite) Bowling Hamza 4-0-9-1, Nabi 4-0-26-2, Hassan 2.4-0-19-1, Khan 4-0-26-2, Shenwari 4-022-0, Naib 1.2-0-14-1 Result: Afghanistan won by six runs

DT

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Sport

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

GROUP 2 Teams

P W

L Pts

New Zealand

4

0

8

4

NRR +1.900

India

4

3

1

6

-0.305

Australia

4

2

2

4

+0.233

Pakistan

4

1

3

2

-0.093

Bangladesh

4

0

4

0

-1.805

IND v AUS AUSTRALIA Khawaja c Dhoni b Nehra Finch c Dhawan b Pandya Warner st Dhoni b Ashwin Smith c Dhoni b Singh Maxwell b Bumrah Watson not out Faulkner c Kohli b Pandya Nevill not out Extras (lb2, w11, nb1)

R 26 43 6 2 31 18 10 10 14

Total (6 wickets, 20 overs)

160

B 16 34 9 6 28 16 10 2

Fall of wickets 1-54, 2-72, 3-74, 4-100, 5-130, 6-145 Bowling Nehra 4-0-20-1, Bumrah 4-0-32-1, Ashwin, 2-0-31-1, Jadeja 3-0-20-0, Singh 3-0-19-1, Pandya 4-0-36-2 INDIA Sharma b Watson Dhawan c Khawaja b Coulter-Nile Kohli not out Raina c Nevill b Watson Singh c Watson b Faulkner Dhoni not out Extras: (lb3, w2)

R B 12 17 13 12 82 51 10 7 21 18 18 10 5

Total (4 wickets; 19.1 overs)

161

Fall of wickets 1-23, 2-37, 3-49, 4-94 Bowling Hazlewood 4-0-38-0, Coulter-Nile 4-0-331, Watson 4-0-23-2, Faulkner 3.1-0-35-1, Maxwell 2-0-18-0, Zampa 2-0-11-0

India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during their World T20 match against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday

AFP

Bando, Comfit secure final as Sterling wins Plate Bando Design Ltd and Comfit Composite Knit Ltd sealed their places in the final of the inaugural BGMEA Cup football tournament on Saturday.

In the double legged semifinal, Bando registered identical wins of 1-0 over Envoy Group to reach the final while Comfit edged past Apparel Industry Ltd on an overall aggregate of 1-0.

Comfit and Apparel played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg before Shohag scored the all important goal of the tie in the return match to seal their first ever final of a tournament.

Meanwhile, all attention were on the match between the two hot favorites Bando and Envoy. Shakil handed Bando the advantage with his goal in the first leg as Envoy came out heavily in the second leg to change their fortune.

But they were unable to turn the tables as Mridul’s goal and Rajib’s heroics under the bar ensured Bando reached the final in style.

In the other matches, Sterling Group came back from a goal down to beat Versatile Group 2-1 in the final of the Plate category. After an

own goal from Rumi, Jewel scored twice in the last 10 minutes as Sterling’s dream run ended perfectly.

Earlier, Sterling beat Torque 2-0 while Versatile handed Epyllion a 1-0 defeat in the Plate semifinals.

Rony from Sterling was named the Most Valuable Player in Plate

category while Jewel was named the Man of the Final.

BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman, senior vice-president Faruk Hasan, vice-president Ferdous Parvez Bivon, vice-president finance Mohammad Nasir and director Monsurul Haq Monju were

present among other dignitaries and handed over prizes to the teams.

The final match of the BGMEA Cup between Bando and Comfit will be played at the Army Stadium on Friday, April 1. The match will be telecast live on GTV. l

Result: India win by six wickets MoM: V Kohli (India)

WHAT THEY SAID India captain MS Dhoni “It was a tough score, they got 60 runs in the first six overs ... the middle overs were tough, it was difficult to hit the ball from back of a length, especially against the spinners ... we felt if we run well in the middle overs we had a chance ... It’s not the first time I’ve enjoyed it, he’s been playing brilliantly or the last few years, he has kept improving his game, he is very hungry to score runs for the team. the others have to step up now, can’t keep relying on him, the others are contributing but we need to step up ... Running is a key aspect in modern cricket, if you can take singles against the best fielders, or make a single into the double, the lesser fielders get under pressure ... more than endurance you need explosive power, because there is ample time for rest.”

Australia captain Steven Smith

BGMEA Cup Plate Champions Sterling Group and Runners-up Versatile Group players and officials pose for an official photograph with BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman and special guests on Saturday AMIR AL FAHIM

“That was a pretty serious innings there, under pressure. He hit it right out of the middle and he’s done it for a long time.

Virat played an unbelievable knock ... I think 160 was around par, it just took an unbelievable innings to get India over the line.” l

27

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Amla insists current SA stars can still win a global title n AFP, New Delhi

QUICK BYTES Police to face BGB in Independence Cup Handball The Bangladesh Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) swept into the final of the men’s section of Independence Cup Handball Tournament while while BJMC and Bangladesh Ansar reached the final in the women’s section yesterday.

BGB are the favourites for today’s final (Men) scheduled to be held at M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium as they defeated their final opponents by 42-35 in the last match of the first round yesterday.

They also beat Bangladesh Ansar 38-26 in the day’s first match.

While in the women’s category, BJMC are favourites for the final clash as they also beat BJMC 19-12 yesterday.

–TRIBUNE REPORT

England’s Roy, Willey fined for misconduct England opener Jason Roy and fast bowler David Willey have been fined for misconduct during their 10-run win against Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20, the International Cricket Council said on Sunday. England beat the defending champions in the Super 10 match at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday to set up a probable semi-final clash against New Zealand at the same venue in Delhi on Wednesday. Roy, though, showed dissent at the umpire’s decision after being given out leg before wicket, while Willey used obscene language and gave Sri Lanka batsman Milinda Siriwardana a send-off by pointing towards the pavilion.

–REUTERS

Benzema affair ‘can pollute spirit’: Giroud France and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admitted that the Karim Benzema sex tape scandal is something “that can pollute the spirit” of the Euro 2016 hosts.

Real Madrid star Benzema was indefinitely suspended from the France team in December after he was placed under investigation over an attempt to blackmail France teammate Mathieu Valbuena for a sex-tape. Benzema has been accused of complicity in the attempt and remains excluded from national team duty until a decision over his place in the national team is made on April 15.

“It is something that can pollute our spirit. I try not to think about it as it prevents us from concentrating on matters on the pitch. It is the pitch which is the most important,” said Giroud.

–AFP

South Africa's Hashim Amla bats in the nets during a training session yesterday on the eve of their World T20 match against Sri Lanka at The Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground in New Delhi AFP

South Africa play for pride against Sri Lanka n AFP, New Delhi Skipper Faf du Plessis said his South African side will try to salvage some national pride against demoralised Sri Lanka in their final World Twenty20 match in New Delhi today.

Both teams have failed to qualify for the semi-finals after disappointing performances in the group stages, and will be looking to head home with a win under their belts at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

The Proteas’ hopes of clinching a first international trophy were dented in their opening game, when England chased down a record 230 runs to win.

They comfortably beat minnows Afghanistan by 37 runs as expected, but lost a thriller when the West Indies successfully chased 123 with just two balls to spare and Sri Lanka’s defeat to England on Saturday sealed their fate.

“The difference in getting across the line in big games is when big

players step up,” du Plessis said of his side which boasts Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn.

“I am a fighter and I know we’ve got a lot of fighters in our team. We are playing for South Africa, we are wearing the Protea badge.”

Title holders Sri Lanka also suffered two out of three losses, further evidence of the team’s decline over the last two years, a process accelerated by the retirements of batting stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka were in crisis from the eve of the tournament when their selectors were sacked and veteran injured bowler Lasith Malinga was dropped as skipper for Angelo Mathews.

Sri Lanka opened with a less than convincing win against Afghanistan followed by two straight defeats.

Mathews, who struck a valiant 73 not out in his team’s 10-run loss against England on Saturday, ad-

mitted the defending champions had failed to live up to expectations.

“It’s been a disappointing few months for all of us. We have let down our fans, we let down the whole country. And we haven’t played good cricket at all,” he said.

TEAMS:

South Africa (from): Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese, Farhaan Behardien, Kyle Abbott, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardena, Dasun Shanaka, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dushmantha Chameera, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Jeffrey Vandersay.l

South Africa batsman Hashim Amla insisted his team’s World Cup dream lives on, saying the top Proteas stars are still hoping for glory in the near future.

Apart from their Champions Trophy triumph in 1998, South Africa have never won a major International Cricket Council event since their post-apartheid return in 1991. Faf du Plessis’ side have already exited the World Twenty20, even before their final group game against Sri Lanka on Monday, their World Cup jinx striking again.

“Well listen, this team will win a World Cup or ICC tournament at some stage, I think we have won one in 1998,” Amla told reporters.

“It’s an unfortunate situation that we have found ourselves in.

Certainly as a team we haven’t played our best cricket,” admitted Amla.

“Lot of us feel we have a few more years left in us, so the Champions Trophy is next year and it would be great if we could make to the next World Cup, that will be ideal. We take it as it comes. As long as you are fit and healthy, scoring runs and the form is good and you want to perform for the team then you can make it,” he added.l

Mathews urges patience after Sri Lanka T20 exit n AFP, New Delhi Skipper Angelo Mathews pleaded for patience from Sri Lankan cricket fans and administrators after the reigning champions crashed out of the World Twenty20 at the group stages.

Sri Lanka’s surrender of the trophy they won in 2014 is further evidence of their decline in the last two years, a process accelerated by the retirements of batting legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

“It’s been a disappointing few months for all of us. We have let down our fans, we let down the whole country. And we haven’t played good cricket at all. We are really disappointed,” he said.

“All we can do is stick to the combination, not try and change the team too much. Try to pick about 20 players and, you know, revalue then after six months, give them the opportunity to settle down and then try and see what they have come up with in term of performances.” l

DT

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

FIFA chief shocked by Iraq football pitch bombing n AFP, Geneva

Broken cups lie on the ground as people inspect the aftermath of a suicide bombing at a football field in Iskandariya, 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq on Saturday. A suicide bomber killed and wounded dozens in an attack on a crowd gathered at the football stadium on Friday AP

FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed shock and sadness Saturday at a suicide attack that ripped through a trophy ceremony after a local football tournament in Iraq, killing 32 people.

“I’m shocked and terribly saddened to have learnt about the awful tragedy which occurred yesterday at a football game,” Infantino said in a statement.

The bomber detonated his suicide vest late Friday afternoon as local officials were handing trophies to the players after a tourna-

On behalf of FIFA and the global football community, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families ment in the Iraqi village of Al-Asriya, which lies near Iskandariyah, a town about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Baghdad.

The attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, killed 32 people

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The lucky winners among all the participants who have answered correctly will be selected in an official lottery and will have their picture published in the newspaper. v Answers must be sent in only the coupon (photocopy will not be accepted). v Quiz coupon should be submitted in the Dhaka Tribune newspaper address. v No one affiliated with Dhaka Tribune and Walton will be able to participate. v Coupon submission deadline April 4, 2016. v A person can send as many coupons as he/she wants. v Walton-Dhaka Tribune T20 World Cup should be written on top of the envelope.

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01: Who scored the first T20I century for Bangladesh?

Ans: Tamim Mashrafe Taskin 02:Who won the first World T20 in 2007?

Ans: India Zimbabwe Afghanistan 03:In which year did Bangladesh host the World T20?

Ans: 2014 2004 2015

-- nearly half of them boys aged 10 to 16 -- and injured 84 others.

Infantino, who took over as FIFA leader in February, stressed that “around the world, football unites people.”

“It is a very sad day when people going to a match together become the victims of such violence,” he said.

“On behalf of FIFA and the global football community, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families,” Infantino said.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and all our football friends in Iraq,” he added.l

Name...................................................................................................

Father's Name.....................................................................................

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Phone/Cell...........................................................Age.........................

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29

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

INT’L FRIENDLIES 0-1

Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan Bayzhanov 8)

3-0

Russia

Lithuania

Smolov 41, Golovin 61, Glushakov 72

2-1

Austria

Albania

Janko 6, Harnik 13

Lenjani 47

5-0

Poland

Finland

Grosicki 18, 85, Wszolek 20, 66, Starzynski 33

1-1

Hungary

Croatia

Dzsudzsak 79

Mandzukic 29)

2-3

Germany Kroos 43, Gomez 57

England Kane 61, Vardy 74, Dier 90+1

Jamie Vardy (L) scores the second goal for England against Germany during their International friendly at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday REUTERS

England stun Germany, Russia and Poland cruise n AFP, Paris Eric Dier scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as England rallied from two goals down to stun world champions Germany 3-2 in Saturday’s international friendly in Berlin.

Russia and Poland stepped up their preparations for Euro 2016 with thumping victories over Lithuania and Finland, while Austria overcame tournament newcomers Albania 2-1.

In Berlin, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Brussels terror attacks, with both sets of players wearing black

DAY’S WATCH CRICKET

STAR SPORTS 1 8:00PM ICC World T20 2016 South Africa v Sri Lanka

FOOTBALL TEN SPORTS 5:45PM Sky Bet Championship AFC Wimbledon v Portsmouth

TEN ACTION 12:45AM Sky Bet Championship Millwall v Burton Albion

TEN CRICKET 6:30PM Sky Bet Championship Wigan Athletic v Rochdale

TENNIS SONY SIX HD 9:00PM ATP 1000 Masters 2016 Miami Open Day 6

armbands in honour of Dutch great Johan Cruyff who passed away on Thursday at the age of 68.

Toni Kroos gave Joachim Loew’s men a 43rd-minute lead at the Olympic Stadium with a crisp left-footed drive that beat Jack Butland, who was then immediately stretchered off with a leg injury, at his near post.

After seeing a first-half effort incorrectly ruled out for offside, Mario Gomez doubled Germany’s advantage on 57 minutes by heading home a Sami Khedira cross for his first international goal in almost four years.

But Harry Kane halved the defi-

cit four minutes later as the Tottenham striker produced a piece of skill befitting the late Cruyff to fire beyond a helpless Manuel Neuer.

Substitute Jamie Vardy made an immediate impact after replacing Danny Welbeck, with the Leicester City forward superbly flicking home Nathaniel Clyne’s right-wing cross on 74 minutes.

England should have gone ahead after Vardy pounced on a loose pass inside the Germany area, only for Dele Alli to blaze over with the goal gaping.

But Dier ensured Roy Hodgson’s side weren’t left to rue that miss as the Tottenham midfielder powered

home a header from Jordan Henderson’s corner in the 91st minute to complete a remarkable turnaround.

“We played brilliant today. I thought we fully deserved the win,” Kane told ITV. Asked about the result raising expectation levels in France, Kane replied: “Everyone needs to stay calm, it’s a friendly. It’s a great night for England, it’s a great night for our nation. 2-0 down away from home to the world champions and coming back shows what kind of team we are.

Earlier Russia, who will face England in their opening match

of the European Championship, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Lithuania in Moscow with goals from Fedor Smolov, Aleksandr Golovin and Denis Glushakov.

Poland have again been drawn alongside title frontrunners Germany at this summer’s finals, having already faced them in qualifying, and strolled to a morale-boosting 5-0 demolition of Finland in Wroclaw.

Rennes midfielder Kamil Grosicki and Verona winger Pawel Wszolek both netted twice apiece with Filip Starzynski also on target as star striker Robert Lewandowski came on for the final 27 minutes.l

Murray wins but Nadal out in Miami health scare n AFP, Miami Britain’s Andy Murray moved into the third round of the ATP and WTA Miami Open on Saturday but Rafael Nadal, dizzy as he struggled to cope with heat and humidity, retired from his match.

World number two Murray, twice a Grand Slam champion, downed Uzbekistan’s 76th-ranked Denis Istomin 6-3, 7-5 to reach the third round in a night match.

“That second set was tight but I managed to get through it,” said Murray, who next faces Bulgarian 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov in his quest for a third Miami crown.

Spanish fifth seed Nadal, a 14time Grand Slam champion playing in the heat of the afternoon, feared for his safety and handed 94thranked Bosnian Damir Dzumhur a 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 triumph, stopping during a match for the first time in six years.

“Everything was fine until the end of the first set and I started to feel

not very good,” Nadal said. “It was getting worse and worse and worse.

“I get a little bit scared to be too dizzy and to lose fluids. I called the doctor a couple of times. I decided I was not safe. I wanted to finish the

match but I decided I would not.”

Two-time Slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Petra Kvitova crashed out of the hardcourt event, although Nadal’s exit proved most stunning of all.

Rafael Nadal leaves the court after retiring from his match against Damir Dzumhur (not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open on Saturday AFP

“Hopefully it’s nothing,” Nadal said. “Hopefully it’s just the extreme conditions out there, the beginning of a virus combined with the conditions.”

Nadal, a four-time Miami finalist but never a champion, was also a first-match loser at the Australian Open, only the second Grand Slam opener defeat of his career.

Dzumhur, 23, won 22 of the last 29 points as Nadal, 29, repeatedly spoke with a trainer, asking for his blood pressure to be taken after two games of the third set.

World number one Serena Williams ousted Kazak Zarina Diyas 7-5, 6-3, in the match after Nadal and was also tested by the conditions.

Swiss fourth seed Wawrinka, who has won titles this year at Chennai and Dubai, was ousted by Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-3 while Czech eighth seed Kvitova, the 2011 and 2014 Wimbledon winner, fell to Russian 30th seed Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 6-4.l

DT

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

Showtime

The sound of the screen siren The silver screen legend also had a musical legacy

n Showtiime Desk

Wolverine saves children caught in a rip n Showtime Desk

The recently demised diva of Dhallywood was never confined to her acting skills. Diti’s gifted voice also contributed to her illustrious career.

From an early childhood, she dreamt of becoming a singer and practised singing more intently than anything else. Her renditions of popular songs in various cultural programs in her home town, Sonargaon of Narayanganj, still echo in their melodious tone.

After she started acting on big screen, the star diverted her focus from singing to acting. However, she would often lend her voice to few of the songs in her films and TV dramas. It was her close ones who requested for the release of an album consisting of her songs.

Diti’s first solo album was Tomar O Chokhe, a collection of modern Bangla songs, which came out nearly two decades ago under the label of Anupam Recording Media.

Lately in 2011, her second solo album Firey Jeno Asi got released under the label of Laser Vision, which garnered much appreciation. In the album, Shahidullah Farayazi and Milon Khan penned lyrics while Pallab Sanyal and Azd Mintu composed the songs. Some of the hit tracks from the album are “Maago tumi bine dekha holo na,” “Bhalobasay mon pore,” “Rangila mon,” “Jhilmil kore lokkho tara” and “Jodi naiba holo dekha.” Ironically, the title of her last album, Firey Jeno Asi, means “I wish to come back.”l

linking hands with Jackman to pull her to safety.

“He wasn’t rescuing me, I was assisting him to get his daughter up to the sandbar. He then grabbed my hand to get us up,” Peter Adam told the Nine Network.

“He then went to get his son,” he said.

Hugh Jackman has thanked lifeguards who helped rescue his children from a rip at Bondi Beach yesterday.

Conn said Jackman was “definitely a bit of a superdad, superhero, and he’s a super bloke too.”

Jackman, who is a regular at Bondi Beach with his family when he is in Australia, had reportedly returned home after promoting his most recent film “Eddie the Eagle.” Bondi Beach was closed for the rest of the afternoon. l

Hugh Jackman, famous for playing Wolverine in the “X-Men” blockbusters, has indeed proven his credentials by helping save children from dangerous surf at the Bondi Beach in Sydney yesterday.

The Australian movie star saved his son Oscar and other people caught in a rip at Bondi, the famed beach in Sydney.

Footage aired by Nine Network showed Jackman was in the surf with his son Oscar and daughter Ava, chatting to former NRL player and reality TV star Dan Conn and My Kitchen Rules star Lynzey Murphy, when the kids got caught in the current and began to be dragged out to sea.

The actor launched into action himself when his 10-yearold daughter Ava and 15-year-old son Oscar were caught in the rip.

Swimmer Peter Adam lent a hand, grabbing Ava and then

Source: AFP

GP’s ‘Alor Jatra’ marks triumph of light over darkness

n Showtime Desk To transform the grief of March 25, 1971 into the strength of moving forward, thousands of people, including government officials and cultural figures, on Friday lit

candles in the capital’s Manik Mia Avenue to mark the historic day.

Grameenphone, a leading telecommunications service provider in Bangladesh, organised the event titled “Alor Jatra” that began at 10:30pm.

Renowned individuals, along with many who had witnessed the cruelty of the-then Pakistani military on unsuspecting Bangladeshis that dark night four decades ago, shared stories of how the brave Bangladeshis ultimately survived, and how they went beyond despair and fear to earn their freedom after a nine-month long war.

Speaker of Jatiyo Sangshad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, State Minister of Post and Telecommunication Division Tarana Halim, Bangladeshi poet and writer Syed Shamsul Haq, renowned drama actor Syed Nasir Uddin Yusuf, poet Asad Chowdhury, media personality Faridur Reza Sagar, journalist, media personality and agriculture development activist Shykh Seraj, media personality Aly Zaker, and writer and journalist Imdadul Haq Milan were present at the event.

Actress Shomi Kaiser hosted the program.

Grameenphone CEO Rajeev Sethi said: “Over the last 44 years, Bangladesh has defied all odds and flourished as a potential,

developing country in the world.

We have to keep these possibilities alive. Initiative like Alor Jatra is our inspiration to go beyond.

This is the key message of our initiative.” l

Sunny in action

31

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH

n Showtime Desk Social media is buzzing with the news of Sunny Leone slapping a journalist publicly. The negative publicity, however, was soon laidoff by the actress’s husband Daniel Weber.

“Sunny has given an apt reply to the reporter so we are not filing any police complaint. The organisers were also college kids so we do not want their careers to be damaged. Henceforth, Sunny will think a thousand times before coming to Gujarat,” Weber told the tabloids.

Sunny went to Gujarat for a Holi special event. As rumour goes, prior to the show, a journalist asked her how much she charges per night. On Thursday morning, Sunny and her husband Daniel Weber arrived at the five-star hotel in Surat. A drunk intruder followed them to their room and began demanding weird favours from the actress. Once the man was ousted from the room, the journalist in question began talking to Sunny in the corridor. It was during the course of the interview that the awkward question was thrown at her, which led to the actor slapping the person. l Source: MissMalin

Clash of the Titans HBO 9:30pm Perseus is the mortal son of the Olympian god Zeus and the leader of a band of heroes who embark on a new adventure destined to be told for ages as the unforgettable mythology of the ancients.

Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes

Bappa brings new album on Pohela Boishakh n Showtime Desk Popular musician Bappa Mazumder will release his latest solo album on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh.

The album, Boka Ghuri, is composed of six modern Bangla songs.

On Friday, while performing at “Alor Jatra,” a cultural show organised by Grameenphone and Channel I jointly at the capital’s Manik Mia Avenue, Bappa said the album was under processing.

Russell Oneil, Rana, Shahan Kabondho, Ibrahim Fatemi and Robiul Islam Jibon have written the songs.

Bappa Mazumder’s first solo album, Tokhon Bhorbela, was released in 1996.

Kothao Keu Nei (1998), Raater Train (1999), Dhulo Pora Chithhi (2001), Kodin Porei Chhuti (2003), Raat Prohori (2004), Din Bari Jai (2006), Shurjosnane Chol (2008), Beche Thak Shobuj (2012) and Jani na Kon Montore (2015) are wellknown among his other albums. l

Iron Man 2 Star Movies 9:29pm The world is finally aware that billionaire inventor, Tony Stark is the armored Super Hero Iron Man. Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson Hannibal AXN 11:30pm He’s just getting started. A one-hour drama exploring the early relationship of psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and his patient, gifted FBI criminal profiler, Will Graham.

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Killing for a Living Animal Planet 7:30pm Killing for a living is a documentary. The show is about animals that work in well-organised gangs. The show captures the killers that prey using camouflage and the element of surprise.

Genre: Documentary l

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MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2016

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THE SOUND OF THE SCREEN SIREN PAGE 30

Suicide blast kills 65 in Lahore n Reuters, Lahore A suicide bomber killed at least 65 people, mostly women and children, at a public park in the Pakistani city of Lahore yesterday, government officials and police said, striking at the heart of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s political base of Punjab.

The blast occurred in the parking area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, a few metres away from children’s swings.

More than 280 people were injured in the explosion, officials said.

The Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the target of the attack was Muslim Pakistan’s small Christian minority.

“The target were Christians,” said a spokesman for the faction, Ehsanullah Ehsan. “We want to send this message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that we have entered Lahore. He can do what he wants but he won’t be able to stop us. Our suicide bombers will continue these attacks.”

Eyewitnesses said they saw body parts strewn across the car park once the dust had settled after the blast. The park had been particularly busy on Sunday evening due to the Easter holiday weekend.

Salman Rafique, a health adviser for the Punjab provincial government, put the death toll at at least 60 people.

“Most of the dead and injured are women and children,” said Mustansar Feroz, police superintendent for the area in which the park is located.

Captain (Retd) Muhammad Usman, a rescue official, said the head

Security officials gather at the site of a blast outside a public park in Lahore, Pakistan yesterday of the suicide bomber has been recovered. Ball bearings have also been found at the site.

Media footage showed children and women crying and screaming and rescue officials, police and bystanders carrying injured people to ambulances and private cars.

The Punjab provincial govern-

ment has announced three days of mourning.

In 2014, Pakistan launched an offensive against Taliban and affiliated jihadist fighters in North Waziristan, seeking to deprive them of safe havens from which to launch attacks in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Punjab has traditionally been

REUTERS

more peaceful than other parts of Pakistan. Sharif’s opponents have accused him of tolerating militancy in return for peace in his province, a charge he strongly denies.

Last year, a bomb killed a popular Pakistani provincial minister and at least eight others when it destroyed the minister’s home in Punjab. l

Govt relaunches Aush, Nerica packages n Abu Bakar Siddique The government plans to distribute incentive packages that include seed, fertiliser and cash to promote the cultivation of high yielding Aush and drought tolerant Nerica paddy varieties for this season.

“The government has been trying to make low water-need Aush and Nerica varieties popular among farmers. If the Aush varieties get popular, the Boro cultivation can be reduced which is responsible for depleting the ground water level due to its high water-need,” Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury told journalists at her office yesterday.

The incentive package totals around Tk33 crore and will be distributed to 231,363 farmers in 49 districts across the country.

Of them, 201,363 farmers will get an Aush cultivation package and the remaining 30,000 will get a Nerica package.

In the Aush package, each farmer will receive 5kg seed, 20kg Urea fertiliser, 10kg DAP fertiliser, 10kg MOP fertiliser and Tk400 cash for irrigation for each bigha of land.

The Nerica package on the other hand contains 10kg seed, 20kg Urea, 10kg DAP, 1kg MOP and Tk400 for irrigation for each bigha.

She also said that the incentives like seeds and fertilisers have already been mobilised at the local level, while the cash will go out through the bKash service to recipients’ accounts directly. l

Four Bangladeshis killed by militia in Libya’s Benghazi Two others allegedly taken hostage by Dae’sh in Tripoli Benghazi. Benghazi has been disThree of the deceased were idenn Adil Sakhawat connected with Libya since the tified as Hasan of Jessore, Abdur Four Bangladeshi nationals have been killed by a militia group in Benghazi, Libya.

Counsellor (political) Muhammad Mozammel Haque of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya told the Dhaka Tribune that an armed militia group opened fire on a group of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Gaursha area of Benghazi on Saturday night, leaving four dead.

“They asked them to stop while they were crossing the area. Some of them ran in fear, militia group then opened fire on them,” he said.

Rahim of Rajbari, Humayun Kabir of Jhenaidah or Mymensingh. The other man’s identity is yet unknown.

Their bodies were being kept at Benghazi Medical College Hospital, the official said.

Bangladeshi staff working at the hospital also confirmed the deaths, he added.

“We are in touch with the friends of the deceased to send back the bodies to home,” Mozammel said.

Some 20,000-25,000 Bangladeshis are living in Libya. A good number of them are working in

second spate of civil war which started in July 2014. Fierce fighting is still going on there.

Yesterday afternoon State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam confirmed the deaths in a post on his official Facebook page.

“With a heavy heart, I am informing you all that four Bangladeshis were killed in a gunfight between two groups in Libya. Our embassy in Tripoli is doing necessary formalities,” Shahriar Alam wrote.

The Foreign Ministry said a hot line (+218944642154) has been

opened to monitor the situation and begin the process of bringing back the dead.

Meanwhile, families of two Libya expatriates have claimed that Dae’sh militants detained them from a market in Tripoli On Friday.

The men are Asaduzzaman Russell, 24, of Thakurgaon’s Pirganj Upazila and Ripon, 22, of Munshiganj.

However, the embassy could not confirm the kidnapping, saying the men may have been taken by any group or even the law enforcement.

“Abduction has become a regular phenomenon in Libya. Some Bangladeshi expatriates are also behind

such crimes with the assistance of some Libyans. They are actually exploiting the power vacuum,” Counsellor Mozammel Haque said.

“Many Bangladeshis were abducted in the recent past who were later released on ransom,” he added.

He said the embassy had contacted all law enforcement agencies in that area including Tripoli based agencies but nobody had claimed the kidnapping.

Sometimes law enforcement detains expatriates because of the lack of proper documents and they are later released with the embassy’s intervention, the counsellor said. l

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