20 April, 2016

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

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Boishakh 7, 1423, Rajab 12, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 364

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

Police: FBI docs found in Shafik Rehman's house n Arifur Rahman Rabbi DB police yesterday raided the residence of senior journalist Shafik Rehman in the city.

Police said they had seized some documents Shafik had received from an FBI special agent on the plot to abduct and kill prime minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Shafik Rehman, who is on a fiveday remand in the case, was taken to his house around 11am. The raid continued until 2pm, his Secretary Horipodo Das told the Dhaka Tribune.

MORE STORY ON PAGE 3  Taleya Rahman, wife of the noted journalist, said the DB members came to the house with her husband and searched the rooms. They seized some documents and his passports, she said, adding that the couple was given some time for talks.

Also executive director of Democracy Watch, Taleya said quoting Shafik that he had not been tortured or intimidated in remand, rather the police behaved with him cordially. But he was upset for not getting division in jail. He also feared that he would not be given bail and might have to stay in jail for a long time.

An official involved in the investigation said that during the raid they had collected some confidential documents that include the licence plate number of Joy's car, and his US home and office addresses.

During the interrogation, Shafik admitted that he had got some documents provided by former FBI special agent Robert Lustyik and kept those at his home. He also suggested that the police would not find those documents unless he accompanied them during the drive.

Meanwhile, Monirul Islam, additional commissioner of Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, said that sometime in 2012, Shafik had met twice with JaSaS vice-president's son Rizve Ahmed Caesar, Lustyik, and Lustyik's friend Johannes Thaler, and learnt about the plot to abduct and murder Joy. Rizve, Lustyik and Thaler are currently serving jail sentences in the US. Rizve had bribed Lustyik to acquire the confidential information about Joy. Rizve reportedly sent emails containing documents that described Joy’s day-to-day movement to Milton Bhuiyan, a business person living in New York’s  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

I do not know what kind of journalism and press freedom they [Shafik and Mahmudur’s sympathisers] believe in. They criticise the arrest, but say nothing on the big conspiracy of the journalists that was unearthed by the FBI

The US Department of Justice discovered Shafik Rehman’s direct involvement in the plot to kidnap and kill me. They provided this evidence to our government. He was arrested based on this evidence

He [Rehman] was arrested because he writes without any fear against the incumbent rulers’ failures and misrules...Shafik Rehman is a brave pen fighter. He was arrested as he could not be brought under control

Shafik saga: An explainer n Tribune Report On Saturday, noted journalist Shafik Rehman was arrested and put on a five-day remand over his alleged involvement in a plot to abduct and kill Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Authorities claim that the arrest was made on specific information

collected by both Bangladeshi and US officials. During a raid to his house yesterday, detectives also reportedly found confidential FBI documents that tie him to the plot.

However, opposition leaders say the former editor of the daily Jaijaidin was arrested because the government was interested in gagging freedom of press.

What is Shafik being blamed for?

Police say Shafik Rehman was physically present at a meeting on January 29, 2012, in the US where three others including an FBI official allegedly conspired to abduct and kill Joy. The entire conspiracy allegedly began in 2011 when JaSaS vice-president's son Rizve Ahmed Caesar  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

AMLC: Reserve fund to be returned in three months n Tribune Desk

INSIDE

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) of the Philippines hopes to return to Bangladesh in three months the $81 million money stolen from the Bangladesh Bank account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“I hope it will only take within three months, (but) I am not so sure if it will take three months,” AMLC Director General Julia Bacay-Abad

PM: No industry on farmland, forest PM Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would not allow anyone to set up industries indiscriminately destroying farmlands and forests.  PAGE 3

said in an interview with interaksyon.com, an online news portal of TV5.

She earlier confirmed that the Manila Regional Trial Court had issued a Provisional Assets Preservation Order, or PAPO, on the frozen funds as well as the $4.63m earlier turned over by casino junket operator Kim Wong.

“That [PAPO] covers the money that was turned over to AMLC for safekeeping [by Wong], includ-

ing the money frozen by the AMLC by virtue of the freeze order from the Court of Appeals on March 1,” Abad said.

“The PAPO is good for 20 days [and] during that 20-day effectivity, the court will set the date of the summary hearing and to determine [whether] an Asset Preservation Order should be issued,” she explained.

Abad said that after three months, all the money subjected to the forfeiture proceedings filed by the AMLC

can be returned immediately to the Bangladeshi government, provided no opposition is filed before the court.

“I hope it will take [only] that long [three months] because we don’t expect any opposition from any party.

So if there is no opposition, the court will allow AMLC to present evidence ex-parte that will make the proceeding expeditious,” she added.

The rules covering forfeiture proceedings, she said, allow any person

or party – in this case, the Bangladeshi government – with a claim over a forfeited amount to file a verified petition with the same court that ordered the forfeiture.

“So, in other words, the Bangladesh government, which has a claim on the forfeited money, should file a verified petition with the court,” Abad said. “Then the court will issue another order to return the money to the claimant.

HC to hear Khaleda’s plea today

‘20 Bangladeshis joined IS so far’

‘Tonu murder planned’

The HC today will hear BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s pleas challenging a lower court order that had rejected her two applications in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case on Sunday.  PAGE 4

Cheif of Counter Terrorism and Trans National Crime has rubbished claims by the militant group that calls itself the Islamic State about carrying out attacks in Bangladesh.  PAGE 5

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

Several people may have been involved in the planned murder of Comilla student Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a member of the investigation assistant committee said.  PAGE 32

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

AMLC: Reserve fund to be returned in three months “With the assistance of the Solicitor General, we filed the proceedings last Friday,” she added.

Wong’s company, Eastern Hawaii Leisure Co Ltd, through its lawyers, turned over P200m to the AMLC office “for safekeeping” on Monday to be returned to the people of Bangladesh.

Wong earlier told the committee that a total of P1 billion of the $81m funds remitted to the RCBC went to his company, P450m of which was debt payment to him by junket operator Shuhua Gao. He said the remaining P550m was converted into chips and played in the casino, and only more than P40m of the amount was left.

P48M from Pagcor

A four-storey residential building is seen leaning on the adjacent six-storey building at Meraj Nagar in Mohammadbagh, Dhaka. Locals said the smaller building titled on its side on Wednesday evening, when the earthquake originating in Myanmar hit the country. Fire Service and Civil Defence officials visited the building yesterday. In spite of the potential risk of accidents, residents of both the buildings are seen still living there. The photo was taken yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

No trace of extractable methane gas in Jamalganj n Aminur Rahman Rasel Petrobangla has found no trace of extractable methane gas in the Jamalganj coalfield, the largest coalfield in Bangladesh.

“After drilling two wells, we have come to realise that the coalfield might not have any extractable coalbed methane gas,” a Petrobangla general manager told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday, seeking anonymity.

At present, we are drilling again to be certain about its non-existence, he said.

Coalbed methane gas (CBM) can be found almost anywhere there is coal and it can used as clean energy.

Mining Associates Private Limited, an Indian consultant company, conducted a feasibility study for the state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) to facilitate CBM extraction at the Jamalganj coalfield.

Petrobangla has taken up the implementation of the project with its own funds at a cost of Tk23.37 crore.

“We had planned to drill three wells there. The drilling work of two wells have already been completed and another is going on. We have found some traces of CBM but the amount is not commercial-

ly extractable,” Mortuza Ahmad Faruque, the project monitoring consultant of the Jamalganj coalfield project told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

Prof Badrul Imam, Professor of Geology at Dhaka University said that it is very unfortunate there has been no trace of extractable gas in the two wells drilled so far.

He also said that it is very unlikely to extract coal from this field through open pit or underground mining as a result of its depth.

The Jamalganj coalfield was discovered by a UN-Pakistani mineral survey team between 1962 and 1965 during a geological and geophysical survey in the Jamalganj-Jaipurhat area.

Jamalganj coalfield, with an estimated reserve of about 1.053 billion tonnes of coal, is the deepest and largest coalfield in Bangladesh.

It has seven coal seams in depths between 600 and 1,100 metres below the ground surface. The coal layer is assumed to be 40 metres wide.

Compared to other coalfields in Bangladesh, with coal occurring at 150 to 500-metre depth, the Jamalganj coalfield is considered to be too deep to be exploited by conventional underground or open pit mining. l

Meanwhile, Senator Teofisto Guingona III said the Senate Blue Ribbon committee has identified another P48 million that is part of the stolen funds from the earnings of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

He said that the money could be returned to the Bangladeshi government after Congress enacts the budget law.

“The government is not allowed to disburse any money without appropriations since the money was part of the earning by PAGCOR. There should be a law, that is the budget law,” he explained.

CID tour a success

Officials of the Criminal Investigation Department yesterday said that they would not only bring the stolen money back but also work for arrest-

ing the criminals.

Investigators claimed that they had achieved their primary goals set for their tours in Sri Lanka and the Philippines. They claimed to have identified 20 foreigners who were involved in the heist.

Two CID teams went to Sri Lanka and the Philippines on April 7 and returned to the country on April 15. On that day, the AMLC filed a civil forfeiture case before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC).

‘The money ($20m) laundered to Sri Lanka and some $68,000 left with the RCBC bank had already been sent back to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’ The CID members toured the countries to map the crime scene perspectives and to establish better links with the investigating officers so that they could reach them any time and seek help to solve the case.

In the Philippines, the CID officials met with the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Commission, Senator Teofisto, high ups of the RCBC bank and the investigating officials.

According to inquirer.net, the AMLC is the only government office authorised to file civil forfeiture cases and it has to do it in the name of the Republic of the Philippines, with the Solicitor General acting as

Shafik saga: An explainer initiated communication with the then FBI Special Agent Robert Lustyik through their common acquaintance Johannes Thaler.

The three men met on several occasions in a bribery scheme to get information about joy; in one of those meetings, Shafik was allegedly present.

Rizve then reportedly sent emails describing Joy’s day-to-day movement to Milton Bhuiyan, a BNP leader living in New York’s Brooklyn.

Milton also maintained regular communication with Shafik, which led the police to suspect that Shafik might also have received those documents.

How is Mahmudur allegedly involved?

Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman’s involvement in the alleged plot was also found during the probe, said Monirul Islam, additional commissioner of DMP’s Counter-terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit.

Milton – who communicated with Rizve and Shafik – reported-

ly mailed the documents on Joy’s movement to Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman.

US investigators have also allegedly came up with leads that suggest Mahmudur’s involvement.

How was Shafik arrested?

Shafik’s wife Taleya Rehman said three people, introducing themselves as journalists of Boishakhi Television, came to their house to interview her husband.

Shafik was asleep at the time but as he went downstairs to meet the persons, they identified themselves as detectives.

“The plainclothes men were rude with the household staff and also scolded them. We later heard that Shafik was arrested in a case filed with Paltan police station.”

Taleya has met British High Commission officials, seeking their assistance for the release of Shafik – who holds British citizenship.

The UK officials told Taleya that they would look into the issue with due importance as Rehman is a senior citizen and physically ill. l

its lawyer.

Such cases have to be filed directly with the executive judge of the RTC where the subject property is located.

The case shall be recorded in a separate logbook under the custody of the executive judge, is aimed at avoiding the leakage of information to unauthorised parties that may jeopardise the objective of the proceedings.

The CID sources said that the money ($20m) laundered to Sri Lanka and some $68,000 left with the RCBC bank had already been sent back to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

It proves that Bangladesh’s claim has a base and all is needed is that Bangladesh Bank had to claim for their money.

Another source said that the investigators had already shorten the number of suspects in Bangladesh Bank and fixed the charges supposed to be imposed against them. Now they are waiting to be confirmed about the intentions of the suspected officials.

The source said that they would try their best to find out the hackers and this could delay the submission of the charge sheet in the case. Some of the officers might be involved with the heist directly or they created the environment to hack and steal the money.

Special Superintendent of CID (organised crime) Mirza Abdullahel Baqui told the Dhaka Tribune that they made significant advancement in the case and was hopeful to bring back the money soon. l

FBI docs found Brooklyn. Milton then mailed the documents to Mahmudur Rahman, detained acting chief of the Daily Amar Desh newspaper. Milton also maintained regular communication with Shafik, which led the police to suspect that the latter might got those documents too, Monirul said.

Asked if BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman was involved in the plot, Monirul said that they were conducting an in-depth investigation into the case, and anyone else involved in the incident would be brought to trial.

The case was filed by DB Inspector Fazlur Rahman with Paltan police in August last year. The plaintiff named BNP’s cultural wing JaSaS Vice-President Mohammad Ullah Mamun and a number of unidentified BNP leaders as accused in the case.

The DB police on Monday sought remand of Mahmudur Rahman in the case. Hearing on the appeal would be held on April 25.

Meanwhile, the process of sending three members of the DB police to the USA to look into the matter is also under way. l

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PM: No industry on farmland, forest n Tribune Desk Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would not allow anyone to set up industries indiscriminately destroying farmlands and forests.

“Indiscriminately setting up industries by destroying our cultivable lands and forests will not be allowed anymore. Industries can be set up in the 100 special economic zones (SEZs) that the government is setting up across the country,” she said at a discussion at Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh (KIB) marking the 44th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Krishak League.

Hasina said the country would certainly go for industrialisation, but not at the cost of agriculture, UNB reported.

“If the arable lands keep getting destroyed, where are the raw material for the industries going to come from? What will the industries produce?” she questioned.

She went on: “Some people buy lands indiscriminately and set up industries. This is how farmlands and forests are getting affected seriously. To prevent this, we have decided to set up these [100] SEZs. We will provide all sorts of facilities there, but we will not allow industries to be set up in random places and then start asking for power and gas supplies.”

Terming Bangladesh an agriculture-dependent country, Hasina said the government is always ready to provide all kinds of assistance to the farmers.

She directed the leaders of Bangladesh Krishak League to further strengthen the organisation and visit villages across the country to project the government’s stance of giving all-out support to the farmers.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina looks around at an exhibition of locally grown vegetables at Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh in the capital’s Farmgate area yesterday BSS Stressing the need for giving emphasis on agriculture, she said it was essential to duly evaluate the farmers and show them the due honour. “No one should feel shy in touching their muddy hands.”

Hasina said the Awami League government over the last seven years had taken various pragmatic steps to ensure the development of farmers and the agriculture sector by providing fertilisers, seeds and

machineries at subsidised rates.

Bangladesh is now in a remarkable position in terms of production of fish, vegetable and other agricultural products, ensuring food security of the country, Hasina said.

Despite worldwide economic turmoil, she said her government had been able to maintain over 6% GDP growth for the last seven years, with the growth of over 7%

Mother kills child in capital n Mohammad Jamil Khan A one-and-half-year-old child was reportedly killed by his mother over a family feud at Dhaka's Uttarkhan yesterday.

The deceased is Nehal Sadiq.

“He died after being stabbed in the stomach,” Uttarkhan police OC Sheikh Shirajul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We recovered the body from Mastarpara area around 1:30am and sent it to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital for autopsy. We found Nehal’s mother Fahmida Meer bearing injuries on her throat, and sent her to DMCH for treatment.

“In the primary investigation and interrogation of Nehal’s father Sazzad Hossain, we suspect that, based on some conflict, the vic-

tim’s mother might have killed her child, but we can only be sure of it after she is cured, said OC Shiraj.

According to police, this is the second marriage for both Sazzad and Fahmida. They would quarrel with each other over different issues, and matters grew worse after a question arose about the birth father of Nehal.

“Sazzad used to work at a garment factory. We suspect Fahmida killed her son first and tried to commit suicide later,” added OC Shiraj.

As for Fahmida’s condition, assistant registrar of DMCH Dr Arefin told the Dhaka Tribune: “She is out of danger now, but we have noticed some mental problems, as she is making disparate remarks such as who attacked her or killed her son,

she doesn’t know.”

“We will send her to the mental health department to test her condition,” added Dr Arefin.

Earlier on February 29, siblings Nusrat Aman, 14, and Alvi Aman, 6, were killed by their mother Mahfuza Malek Jesmin. She killed them due to her anxieties over her children’s future.

Jesmin is now in jail and gave a confessional statement in the court accepting the charge.

These two are not isolated incidents, as the database of Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), a children’s rights group, shows a total of 79 children were killed at their parents’ hands in 2015 while the number was 24 in 2014. The number is still rising alarmingly. l

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in the current fiscal year.

Hasina said this had been possible due to her government’s appropriate planning, taking steps as per the plans, patriotism and dutifulness towards the people and she differed with those who termed the achievements as miraculous.

The prime minister said people of this country would live with dignity and stand before the world with their heads held high. l

Mirza Fakhrul: False case against Shafik Rehman to repress dissent n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The Awami League has lodged a false case against journalist Shafik Rehman to repress a voice of dissent, in the same way it has been filing false cases against opposition leaders and activists, said BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

“An old political party like the Awami League has become politically bankrupt; they no longer practice politics. They are filing false cases one after another to repress dissent in the country," he told a rally yesterday in Dhaka.

"Those who are raising voices against government misdeeds are simply being thrown into jail.

“The government has basically taken a stand against all sorts of dissent. Their only aim is to stay in office at any cost.”

Fakhrul said Shafik’s arrest had shaken the nation and even those who were not in favour of his political ideals raised their voices against his arrest. “When 86 false cases were filed against the Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, the newsmen realised that the government stood against democracy and dissent.”

He said when Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman was arrested and stayed in jail for three years, most people remained silent, but when cases were filed against Mahfuz Anam, people started raising their voices. “However, now that option is closed as well.”

Fakhrul said today people from all sections of society are victims.

“The government wants to cling to power through repression. Human rights does not exist here anymore; murder and abduction have become common phenomena.” l

12 coal plant protesters released on bail n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong 12 people accused in the Banshkhali clash were released from jail on bail yesterday.

A total of three cases, one by the police against the villagers and two by the victims’ families, were filed following the Banshkhali incident on April 4.

At least four people were killed and dozens injured when locals protested against the move to set up a coal-fired power plant in Chittagong’s Banshkhali upazila by local business conglomerate S Alam.

Upon release on bail, the 12 people were accorded a reception.

Save Gondamara Union Movement, a newly floated platform, organised the reception at the Chittagong Press Club.

Addressing the reception, Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, former lawmaker, former Chittagong city mayor and adviser to Save Gondamara Union Movement, said that the first three demands of a nine-point charter demand were fulfilled.

The demands were releasing the arrested people, compensating families of the deceased and injured people with Tk15 lakh and Tk1lakh respectively, and investigating the incident properly and punishing those responsible. l

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HC to hear Khaleda's plea today n Ashif Islam Shaon

The High Court today will hear BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's pleas challenging a lower court order that had rejected her two applications in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case on Sunday.

The HC bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Chowdhury and Justice Khijir Ahmed Chowdhury set the date after her lawyers prayed for hearing the petitions yesterday.

Of the two petitions, one was filed for re-cross examination of the investigation officer (IO) of the Zia Charitable Trust graft case

while another was for scrutinising the case diary of the IO. The BNP chief also prayed to stay the trial proceedings against her in the graft case.

In the two petitions filed with the HC, Khaleda said the statement of IO Harunur Rashid is unacceptable, as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) withdrew him for incompetence in 2005 and the HC and Supreme Court upheld the decision.

On Sunday her counsels submitted two applications before Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar of Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-3 in the presence of Khaleda, which were rejected. Then

they moved to the High Court on Monday against the rejection order.

On March 9, Khaleda challenged the legality of the appointment of the IO with the HC but that was rejected.

The corruption case was filed by the ACC on August 8, 2011 on the charge of abusing power in setting up the Zia Charitable Trust.

The other accused are Khaleda’s former political secretary Harris Chowdhury, his assistant private secretary Ziaul Islam Munna, and the assistant private secretary of former mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Monirul Islam Khan. l

Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan receives a bouquet from Ekram Kabir, vice-president of communications and corporate responsibilities at Robi Axiata Limited on the occasion of the newspaper’s third anniversary yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

4 frauds arrested with fake official seals n Kamrul Hasan Four people were arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for their involvement in forgery of legal documents and deeds.

A team of CID Dhaka Metro (North) led by SS Sheikh Md Rezaul Haider arrested the four from the Court House Street area in the capital between Monday evening and early yesterday.

The four arrested are Hanif Sik-

der, 37, and his brother Emon Sikder, 28 from Gazipur district, Mirza Md Mohsin, 45, from Comilla, and Shisir Barman, 26, from Keraniganj.

During the drive, CID seized 250 fake seals of senior public officials including judicial magistrates. They also found forged police clearance papers, arrest warrants, trade licenses, marriage certificates, death certificates, public exams certificates, writing pads of different wings of Awami League, tax documents and numerous counterfeit

deeds in their possession.

CID Additional Superintendent of Police Nigar Sultana said the CID team had been following the gang for long and in their investigation it was found that the counterfeiters forged documents and certificates, saying that they provide original copies of government documents.

The four arrested were members gang and a case was filed with Kotwali police station. They will be produced before the court today with remand plea, she added. l

Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan receives a crest from Mustafizur Rahman, assistant director (PR and media) at Walton Hi-Tech Industries Ltd on the third anniversary of the newspaper yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Cost rises for Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar dual-gauge railway project n Kayes Sohel The cost of Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar and Ramu to Gundum on Myanmar border dual gauge rail line project has gone up around 874% from the original cost and nearly 12% from the turning meter gauge to dual gauge.

The government has also decided to extend the project completion deadline to June 2022 from December 2013. The project works got delayed due to the uncertainty of fund from the development partner.

Now the much-delayed project cost stands at over Tk18,034 crore

from its original cost of around Tk1,800 crore estimated in 2010.

The conversion of a single line meter gauge to a dual-gauge railway track was estimated to be Tk16,182.13 crore in 2014.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) yesterday approved the additional project cost at its meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair at the NEC conference room.

The 129.582km railway project would go through Chandanaish, Satkania and Lohagara upazilas of Chittagong district, Chokoria, Cox's Bazar Sadar, Ramu and Ukhia upazilas under Cox's Bazar district

the railway project within three years as a 'fast track' one.

He said once the project is implemented, it would play an important role in raising the GDP growth, considering the economic hub of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar.

Of the total project cost, over Tk4,919 crore will come from the national exchequer and over Tk13,115.41 crore as project assistance from the Asian Development Bank.

On July 6, 2010, the ECNEC approved the project for constructing the single-line meter gauge railway track from Dohazari in Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and Ramu

and Gundum upazila of Bandarban district. The original length of the project was 127.66km.

A 100.83km track will be constructed from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and another 28.752km track from Ramu to Gundum.

The project will establish a link with Trans Asian Railway Corridor that aims to serve cultural exchanges and trade within Asia and between Asia and Europe. It is also expected to ensure development of the tourism facilities of the tourist city Cox’s Bazar.

After the meeting, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the premier directed to complete

to Gundum. At that time the project cost was Tk1,852.35 crore.

On September 9, 2014, the government had decided to turn the single line meter track project into dual gauge project. At that time, the project cost increased to Tk16,182.13 crore.

The project has to spend money on rehabilitation of those that will be affected due to the acquisition of some 1,742 acres of land.

The countrywide railway track coverage is now 2,877 kilometres and it would increase gradually since it is the easier and cheaper mode of transport, according to the Planning Ministry. l

The fate of 2D multiclient seismic survey hangs in the balance n Aminur Rahman Rasel The fate of 2D multiclient seismic survey again hangs in the balance as Prime Minister’s Office sent back the proposal to provide the oil and gas industry with its data of the offshore areas of Bangladesh.

Earlier in March, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division sent a summary to the PMO to go ahead with the signing of a deal with TGS-NOPEC and Schlumberger, a Norwegian-US joint venture, to conduct a 2D multiclient seismic survey of the country's offshore areas.

The objective of the survey is to provide the oil and gas industry with 2D seismic data of the offshore areas of the country to help with basin evaluation, prospect generation and robust bid-round participation.

On April 12, EMRD Deputy Secretary Khadiza Naznin in a letter the asked state-owned Petrobangla to hold a review meeting in this regard.

The meeting will be held today.

“If the government asked a fresh bidding process in this regard in the country’s offshore areas, canceling the previous tender without any apparent reason, it will deprive the nation’s development goals of energy security,” Prof Badrul Imam of the Geology department of Dhaka University told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

He said the misguidance of decision makers in appointing a selected contractor will slow down the momentum of the government initiative.

According to the Petrobangla plan, the successful contractor will get two years to complete the survey. Petrobangla will share the profits from the sale of the data.

The government had formed a tender evaluation committee headed by a Petrobangla director to evaluate the documents. The official evaluated and selected a firm to sign a 10-year deal with, a Petrobangla official said.

Petrobangla, on behalf of the government, had invited tenders to conduct the survey on December 10 last year and received proposals from five global geophysical companies on January 31 this year.

The companies are Norway-US joint venture TGS-NOPEC and Schlumberger, Chinese company BGP, Russian firm Dalmorneftegeophysica, Russian Marine Arctic Geological Expedition (MAGE), and UK-based Spec Partners Ltd. The survey will cover an area of around 118,000 square kilometres with water depth ranging from 20 to more than 2,500 metres.

The survey, the first of its kind in the country’s history, was deemed necessary after Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India were settled. l

TEMPERATURE FOREC AST FOR TODAY

DRY WEATHER LIKELY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

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Exhausted in the extremely hot weather, an elderly man stops by a street juice vendor to quench his thirst with a cool glass of lemonade. The photo was taken at Gulistan in Dhaka yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

‘20 Bangladeshis joined IS so far’ Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Arifur Rahman Rabbi

A senior police officer has rubbished claims by the militant group that calls itself the Islamic State about carrying out attacks in Bangladesh.

“We have identified those involved in recent bomb explosions, attacks on mosque and killings. So far 50 persons have been arrested,” Monirul Islam, chief of Counter Terrorism and Trans National Crime (CT) unit, told the media yesterday.

He said many had confessed before the court but none of them said 28

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they were involve with IS or al-Qaeda. Monirul, also a DMP additional commissioner, blamed JMB and local militant groups for the attacks.

“The suspects admitted to their involvement with JMB and said they carried out the killings and attacks as part of their militant establishment.”

Replying to a question, Monirul said they did not have any information on anyone leaving Bangladesh to join IS. “According to our information, around 20 persons, Bangladeshi or of Bangladesh origin, joined IS. According to Malaysia, Japan, Canada, US and Australia, four of them had died,”he said.

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YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:32AM

39.6ºC Rajshahi

21.5ºC Rangpur

Source: Accuweather/UNB

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PRAYER TIMES

IS magazine Dabiq spoke about creating an open field for its activities in Bangladesh and conducting operations in neighbouring countries. It claimed some low-level Jamaat-e-Islami leaders had joined IS. “Such reports aim at spreading false information,” Monirul said, adding that they had arrested a number of activists, who claimed to have been affiliated with the IS but failed to prove that they contacts with the IS. Monirul said they were screening people going abroad, specially to countries near Syria and monitoring those returning from that region. l Sylhet

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Cox’s Bazar

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Fajr: 4:15am | Zohr: 11:58pm Asr: 3:25pm | Magrib: 6:22pm Esha: 7:41pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

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News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Ensure policy now to accomplish SDG n Mohammad Jamil Khan

In order to eliminate child labour of all forms by 2025, a new policy was immediately formulated in accordance with sustainable development goals (SDG) adopted by nations, said speakers at a national consultation yesterday.

If the policy is not effectively implemented, it will fail like the National Plan of Action (NPA) which was scheduled to remove child labour from all hazardous sectors by 2016.

However, the latest study conducted jointly by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and International Labour Organisation shows the number of children involved in risky jobs have not been reduced.

In 2003, BBS reports showed the figures of hazardous child labour at 1.3 million, while the report published last year revealed around 1.228 million.

The speakers fear if appropriate steps are not taken, negative results are bound to develop.

The consultation organised

by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar

Forum (BSAF) was held at Brac Centre Auditorium where State Minister of Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque Chunnu was present as chief guest. Professor Mohammad Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan of the Department of Law, Dhaka University, presented the keynote paper.

Akram Hossain, project director of Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID) said they studied budgets from the last two years as well as field-level child labour to discover that a child labourer receives a Tk3,600 monthly wage. If Tk365 crore was allotted in the yearly national budget for children, then child labour would be reduced.

Dr Tofail Ahmed, director of governance at the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) said the government has already taken various steps to stop child labour including the distribution of free books.

“Implementing a law is not the right solution to overcome this issue. Public awareness needs to be created,” said Mujibul. l

Survey: 75% tobacco packets have no pictorial warning n UNB Although it has been made mandatory to insert pictorial heath warnings on 50 percent areas of tobacco products, about 75% packets of tobacco products have no pictorial warning, says a new survey.

The survey reveals 14 brands of bidi, covered under the study, is yet to introduce any pictorial warning on bidi packets, showing zero percent implementation of graphics health warning on bidis.

Seven anti-tobacco organisations, including Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Environmental Council Bangladesh, Ubinig and National Heart Foundation, conducted the survey in eight divisional towns – Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur and Mymensingh – from April 4 to April 7, with financial support from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

The study findings were revealed at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital yesterday.

The survey found that about

55% cigarettes available in the market have no pictorial health warning, which is a direct violation of anti-tobacco rules.

The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Rule 2015 that has made the use of pictorial health warning messages on packets of all tobacco products came into effect on March 19, 2016.

The study said there are no pictorial health warnings on about 92% packets of jarda and 90% of gul packets (non-smoking tobacco). Four cigarette companies, out of six, are still producing cigarettes without inserting pictorial health warnings on cigarettes packets.

President of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh and National Professor Brig (retd) Abdul Malik said any pictorial health warning is very effective in cutting tobacco use.

“When tobacco users see pictorial health warnings, they get scared.”

He said Bangladesh should take a long-term policy to make the country free from tobacco by 2040. l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

2ND UNIT OF EASTERN REFINERY LTD

Indian firm gets consultancy job n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), a subsidiary of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), is going to set up a new unit with a view to doubling its annual production.

A deal has already been signed in this regard between Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and the Indian firm, Engineers India Limited (EIL).

Upendra Maheshwari, executive director of the EIL, and Moslem Uddin, director (operation) of the BPC, signed the deal on behalf of their respective parties yesterday in Chittagong.

Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources and India’s state minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan were also present during the contract signing ceremony.

Under this agreement, the EIL will act as Project Management and Consultant for implementing the second unit of Eastern Refinery Limited.

Set to go into full-fledged production by three years, the project styled ‘Eastern Refinery Unit-2’ will be constructed at a cost of 1.7 billion US dollar.

Talking to the reporters following the signing ceremony, Nasrul Hamid said the mega project aimed at doubling the annual production capacity of Eastern Refinery Ltd. “With the construction of the new unit, the ERL will be able to produce 3 million tonnes annually and the dependence on the import of refined products will be reduced significantly,” said the junior minister.

“The EIL will get around Tk110

crores for consulting the project.

We have not yet decided on who will implement the project. However, we have already talked to the French company Technip which had set up the first unit of the ERL for setting up the second unit,” added the state minister.

India’s state minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for choosing the EIL as the consultant of the project.

“The EIL is one of the reputed consultant organisations of the world. So we hope that the firm will perform its assigned duty with all sincerity,” added the India’s state minister.

The total demand of petroleum products in the country is around 6.5 million tonne annually, of which 1.5 million tonne is pro-

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News

duced by the ERL. The remaining is imported as finished product. As a result, a huge amount of foreign currency is spent on importing refined petroleum products.

The technical committee authorised with appointing project consultant sought Expression of Interest (EOI) through publishing advertisements in the newspapers.

A total of 16 firms submitted the EOI, of which 5 were considered responsive.

Of the responsive firms, the EIL were chosen as the consultant as the highest bidder, said the sources with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

The contract signing ceremony was also attended by Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsha Bardhan Singla, local lawmaker Abdul Latif, high officials of the EIL, the BPC and the ERL. l

Girls returning home from school through a paddy field with the blazing sun overhead. The country has been suffering from sizzling heat for the last several days.

Yesterday, the highest temperature was recorded 42 degree celsius in Rajshahi. The photo was taken from Kalma union of Tanore upazila in Rajshahi AZAHAR UDDIN

Mystery shrouds over mother and daughter’s death n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong

A mysterious situation has created over the death of a woman and her daughter in Chittagong.

Police yesterday recovered the body of Sheli Shil, 35, wife of Asim Shil, and their five-year-old daughter Antora Shil from their residence located in Dakshin Kunjori area under Boalkhali upazila.

Officer-in-Charge of Boalkhali police station Md Salauddin Chowhdury said Asim Shil was an a lawyer at a Chittagong court. He is on the run after the incident.

Police could not be confirmed the motive behind the murder. He, however, suspected that the incident had taken place following any family dispute.

Police cordoned off the spot after the incident while a team of Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) was examining the scene, said police sources.

The OC said the neighbours found the hanging body of Sheli and Antora around 8am after the departure of Asim and informed police about the matter.

“On information, police rushed to the spot around 12:30pm and found hanging body of Sheli while her daughter’s body was lying on the bed”, added the OC. “After primary investigation, police suspected that the minor girl was strangled to death,” the OC added.

Police initially suspected that the mother first killed her daughter and later hanged herself from the ceiling, said OC Salauddin said, adding that the bodies were sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Quoting relatives, OC Salauddin said the couple had family dispute for a long time.

Police were trying to detain the husband to reveal the incident, he added. l

Menace of stray dogs turns precarious on CU campus Mizanur Rahaman, n FM CU Correspondent

Teachers, students and employees of Chittagong University have been passing time in anxiety as depredation of stay dogs on the campus has increased to a great extent over the last several days putting the lives hundreds of people at risk.

A total of 14 people, including students, employees and commuters, have been attacked as well as bitten by stray dogs on the campus in the last two days.

The authorities of the universi-

ty yesterday sought help from the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) to control roaming of stray dogs on the campus.

CU Proctor Ali Asgar Chowdhury told the Dhaka Tribune that they had requested the CCC authority to help the CU authorities to stop movement of stray dogs on the campus which have been biting people for the last several days.”

“Apart from that, security guards have been deployed at the key points of the campus to check the gathering of stray dogs”, added CU Proctor.

Campus sources said over 14 persons, including students and employees of CU, were bit by several stray dogs from Sunday night to Monday afternoon at different points of the campus.

CU Medical Centre’s Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Kazi Mohammed Saifullah told the Dhaka Tribune that 14 persons received primary treatment at the CU medical centre and they were referred to other hospitals as we did not have any anti-rabies vaccine. “Nobody come to the centre today with dogbite injuries”, he added.

CU security chief (acting) Bajol Haque said although there was a law regarding dog-culling, they were compelled to cull four stray dogs which were seen to bite people at the campus.

“Mobile security teams comprising CU security personnel have been deployed with sticks at the different points to control the stray dogs’ movement on the campus”, he added.

Chittagong Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammed Azizur Rahman Siddique told the Dhaka Tribune that there was an order from the High

Court not to cull any dog, however, sometime people culled dogs for self defence.

Trisha Bhattacharya, founder of Chittagong-based non-profit organisation Rise for Paw, said: “We were trying to contact with the authorities of CU to vaccinate the stray dogs after hearing the news”.

“On Friday, we will go to the campus to vaccinate the stray dogs and conduct campaign to vaccinate dogs instead of culling them”, Trisha said, adding that most of the people still unaware about the high court ban over culling dogs.” l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

News

Marriage in the early age shatters dreams of girls in Khulna n Hedait Hossain, Khulna “My dream was to be a medical doctor and a somebody who would be useful to my country. But early marriage shattered all of my dreams, leaving me in unbearable, painful tragedy,” said Shrmin Akter, a 13-year-girl, who lives on the WAPDA embankment with her parents.

“I had never imagined getting married at an early age,” she said.

“I begged my mother to change her mind.

But she was telling me that the marriage would bring her honour in the midst of the community,” she added.

Sumaya Begum, mother of Sharmin, said her daughter was married off at the age of 13

due to insecurity.

She said: “I had also a dream to have a degree. But my dream was shattered as I was married off at 14. My poor father knew it well that I was underage, but he was worried about my security and decided to marry me off as early as possible.”

In many cases, parents marry off their daughters at an early age to prevent them from being stalked or sexually harassed, she said, adding: “Parents can give less dowry money if they marry off their daughter at an early age.”

Moina Begum, Rumu Khatun and many other women who have been married off in the early age have echoed the same voice of Sharmin and her mother living in the area.

Local sources said maximum female-chil-

dren of 300 families in the area were maaired in early age.

If a child is beautifull to look at, she is maarried earlier than others.

Alea Begum, a mother of three children said they had to struggle to earn bread. They could not think of sending their children to school. Moreover, youths of influential quarters disturbed their daughters.

Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights co-ordinator advocate Mominul Islam said child marriage had increased in the region due to poverty and social insecurity of the female child.

Md Samasuddoja, former Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Dumuria, said child marriage had been incresing in the region in alarming rate inspite of helding several programmes including courtyard and view exchaneg meeting.

The rate of child marriage in the disdrict is 68 percent now, he added.

Recently, the Department of Population Sciences at Dhaka University and the United Nations Population Fund ( UNFPA ) in a joint research said, 67 percent rate of child marriage in the country.

Farmer Rafiqul Islam said they had to struggle with natural disasters. They could not think of sending their male child to school, let alone female child.

According to health experts, despite various government and non-governmental initiatives to stem child marriage, parents are continuing to marry off their underage daughterts.

“Early marriage is a big problem in the region. We cannot reduce maternal mortality and morbidity if we do not stop early marriage,” said Samasuddoja.

Studies revealed that harmful traditional norms, starvation, homelessness, un-wanted pre-marriage pregnancies, fear of humiliation, dowry and bride price, gender discrimination, unpaid labour, lack of strong legislative framework and social pressures are the leading causes for marring off a child at an early age in the region.

Asmat Hossain, a resident of Dumuria, said: “Early marriage is a threat to the dream of a girl in all union councils in the upazila except Rudaghara.”

“Govt-law does not work here. Last week, police went to Shovon area to postpone a function of marriage of a 7-grade school girl.

But they could not stop the marriage. The guardians re-arranged the function after the police returned back,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Ahsan said there are several human rights organizations that work closely with victims of forced marriages to provide assistance.

Local police, lawyers, NGOs play a significant role in the prevention of forced marriages and providing assistance to those who are victims of forced marriages.

“We have also taken an initiative of providing red card among the female students in secondary level schools. Date of birth will be written in the card and the guardian will have to show the card to law-enforcers at the time of marriage,” he said.

“NGOs, human rights organizations and woman development organisations will be involved with the programme. The poor and underprivileged female children will be assisted by the red card programme.” he added.

Suraya Siddiqua, the upazila women affairs officer, said children particularly in Shovon, Sahos, Vandarpara, Khania areas were being married off for various social reasons, including poverty and security concern, although administration is alert in the areas against child marriage.

“Drive will be taken in those areas at once after the information of early marriage,” she said.

Tajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Dumuria police station, said consciousness among the people should be grown with implementing law.

Newly appointed UNO Sifat Mehnaz said: “I have been informed that the rate of early marriage in the area is very high. I will try to bring down the rate within a short time.” l

Construction workers go on strike over payment n Our Correspondent, Khulna A group of workers involved in the construction of a WASA reservoir at Samantasena in Khulna’s Rupsha upazila started an indefinite strike yesterday demanding outstanding wages of three months.

Stakeholders fear the strike will jeopardise the project deadline.

Construction worker Abdul Hakim said nearly 350 workers working there. “It is impossible to work with an empty stomach.

Today we waited until noon for payment and then stopped work,” he said.

The unpaid salary amounts to Tk40 lakh.

Khulna WASA tasked China Harbour Engineering Company to construct the reservoir

at a cost of Tk485.64 crore. The company employed Rafi Enterprise for piling work.

Rafi Enterprise started work on the site on January 15 with 45 officials and 350 employees. Its Manager Md Motiur Rahman said they had submitted a Tk40 lakh bill to China Harbour. “They are not paying the bill. We are unable to pay the workers’ wages.”

He said the contractor firm had called him to its project office yesterday morning. “They did not provide any solution after making me wait for two hours. As the news reached the construction site, the workers became agitated stopped work.” Tofazzal Hossain, project engineer of Rafi Enterprise, said they would go to the project area and try to chalk out a solution after speaking with the workers. l

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Feature

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Canon shoots for Bangladesh An interview with Naohiko Hayashi

n Features Desk Naohiko Hayashi is the senior director and general manager at the Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group at Canon Singapore. In his current role, he oversees the division’s sales and marketing operations across 14 countries in South and Southeast Asia region.

Tell us about the South East Asian market. How important is the region for Canon’s business?

Due to the low interest rate environment, uncertainties in the region and the situation in China, the economy in our region is weaker for the time being. This happens from time to time and is temporary.

We continue to see great opportunities in our region in the long term because Asia’s middle class is rising. That is why we continue to invest for the future.

For example, to meet the needs of our future customers here, we will be introducing the Image Square

by Canon, a retail concept where aided by knowledgeable staff, customers can directly touch and

try our products.

In South and South East Asia region, Canon has a leading market share at 41%. Canon’s global market share is at 38%, so we are actually performing better in our region.

How important is the Bangladeshi market to Canon Singapore Pte Ltd (CSPL)? What do you think about the local market here?

The South and Southeast Asia markets have immense growth potential, and Canon will expand its presence in the region, especially in Bangladesh which is an important market for us. With a population of 160 million, there is great potential here.

Canon is one of the most reputed brands around the world, not only because of the features that are available due to its intensive R&D towards innovation; also because of it build quality. In the case of Bangladesh we have noticed that almost all brands and products that been made in or originated from Japan are held in high standard in the mind of the consumers.

Bangladeshis are nice, friendly and hardworking people. Whenever we visited the market, we could feel the energy, and it always looks very dynamic, filled with many buzzing activities! It is a very interesting country!

What is your impression of Bangladesh and its people?

Bangladeshis are nice, friendly and hardworking people. Whenever we visited the market, we could feel the energy, and it always looks very dynamic, filled with many buzzing activities! It is a very interesting country!

Does Canon have any plans to establish manufacturing plants in Bangladesh?

As we are in-charge of product marketing, we are not in a position to comment on manufacturing – which CINC oversees. At the moment, we are not looking at expanding our production bases, but we are fully aware that Bangladesh is an important centre for production of clothings/textiles for the world market.

What are the obstacles for the growth of Canon in Bangladesh and what should be done to overcome them?

The import duties/charges are very high at 36%, and as a result, most goods go into the market unofficially. We hope the authorities will aim to bring down the duties so consumers can enjoy lower prices and spur demand further, and more people can enjoy the beautiful art of photography, or even make a living out of using our equipment!

How would you evaluate JAN Associates’ performance in the local market as a long-time Canon partner?

JAN Associates is our trusted

partner in the sales and marketing of Canon products for the past 21 years. They are a well-established, well-managed and professionally organised company. They also have a strong network of dealers in Bangladesh which will allow quick market penetration of our products. At the corporate front, they have very strong relationships with all companies that provide us with consistent business. We really appreciate their strengths in this area.

Moving forward, we are working with them to develop initiatives to create a more personal relationship with customers via photo contests, promotions and road shows. This will help to further strengthen our presence and position in the market.

Tell us something about Canon’s recent innovations.

Canon invests in its own original technologies in core products such as cameras.

As one of the top holders of patents in the world, Canon will continue to invest in R&D to enable the production of highquality cameras and other imaging products.

Canon has also been studying growth sectors that could complement the company’s technological strengths in order to continue to grow as a leader in imaging technology. For example, it has embraced the challenge of new growth by cultivating its health care and security camera business.

Are good quality cameras on smartphones affecting the sales of your digital camera products?

What is Canon’s plan to counter this problem?

The positive impact of the accessibility to smart phone cameras is that more people are developing an interest in photography, and the demand for high-end compact digital cameras and DSLRs are expected to pick up in tandem with growth in countries such as Bangladesh, as a result of increasing demands for high-quality photography.

Tell us about your long association with Canon.

After graduating with a degree in Physics at the Osaka University, I joined Canon Inc’s camera products group as R&D engineer in 1987. After working for four years in the R&D, I was transferred to the Product Planning Department.

Last year, I was appointed Senior Director & General Manager, Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, at Canon Singapore. Before that I spent 11 year working Canon USA. There I worked in different capabilities. I also headed the Imaging Communication Products Division of Canon Australia.

Looking back, what factors do you think helped you become so successful in your career?

My close relationship with my family helped me a lot. l

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Feature

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Proof how spectacularly hot March was Get used to these words because you’re going to have to read them over and over again: “hottest temperatures ever” and “shatters temperature records.”

After 2015 coming in as the warmest year on record, and February 2016 breaking global temperature records by a “stunning” margin, latest figures showed that March also stuck to the script and smashed records.

Different agencies are reporting slightly conflicting numbers, but none of them bring good news. America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration said March was 1.27 ºC higher than the average temperature in March from 1951 to 1980. The Japan Meteorological Agency meanwhile, said March 2016 was 1.07 ºC above the 20th century average. Satellite datasets are also recording the massive anomaly, and assessment from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is also expected this week.

All of them are likely to be in agreement about one thing: March was spectacularly hot.

These two graphs (Graph 1 and 2) illustrate that a little better.

That means we have had 11 record-breaking months in a row, putting us in truly uncharted territory.

The sheer margin of the temperature anomalies is shocking. The last hottest March ever, for example, was in 2010. Then, the temperature had come in at

GRAPH 1

GRAPH 2

GRAPH 3

GRAPH 4

0.36ºC warmer than the 20th century average, per NASA records. March 2016 is a full 1.28 ºC warmer than the average.

Again, this chart (Graph 3), from ClimateCentral.org, explains better.

Remember, the climate change negotiations that countries have been engaged with are focused on trying to ensure that temperatures don’t go up by more than 2 ºC over

the 21st century. As of 2016, we have already had six months in a row with temperatures that were more than 1ºC higher than the global average.

Climate scientists are already predicting that 2016 will be the hottest year on record since, well, 2015, but by an even bigger margin (Graph 4 and 5). l Reprinted from Scroll.in

GRAPH 5

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Editorial 11

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

INSIDE

Shame of Thrones The best hope for UK republicans now is that a bad nanny will persuade young Prince George to change his name to Joffrey PAGE 12

Bangladeshis for Bernie Fears about the rising wave of Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry remains an issue of paramount importance to Bangladeshi-Americans, and Bernie’s unique background lends significant credibility to the belief that he will be a powerful ally for marginalised communities across America PAGE 13

NASHIRUL ISLAM

Double decker debacle

T

What about the why?

To all the women who are apprehensive of attending these festivities: Don’t be. If need be, we will arm every woman with a pepper spray and a stick 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.

he sorry state of 48 double decker Volvo buses, pictured rotting in depots, in Dhaka is indicative of the mismanagement and neglect shown for public transport in the capital.

Only two out of the 50 air-conditioned, 120-seat capacity buses bought by BRTC for Tk58 crore in 2002 are still in operation.

The reason? BRTC did not budget for maintenance and repair when these buses were procured, meaning they quickly fell into such disrepair that tenders to invite private companies to revive them did not draw any interest.

It is yet more evidence of the pitiful record BRTC and private bus companies alike have in running services and maintaining standards.

Time is of the essence. Authorities have long known that over 85% of buses and minibuses running in the capital are unfit, and drivers are routinely allowed to compromise public safety by driving negligently.

The government needs to move more swiftly with plans to reform the capital’s chaotic public transport services.

Buses are the only means of transport available for most people. If Dhaka is ever going to cure its congestion crisis, the government should empower the mayors and city corporations to form a strong publicly accountable regional transport authority to take a joined-up approach to improving public transport in the capital.

This should set and regulate routes by both public and private operators and develop a more efficient unified ticketing system for fares.

To help attract commuters out of cars, this should include investing in better buses and introducing and enforcing public transport-only bus lanes on major thoroughfares.

All citizens can benefit from such a move. One properly functioning bus route can easily remove 30 cars off the road.

Improving buses is the most cost-effective means available to speed up traffic flow and reduce the costs caused by congestion and pollution.

Empower the mayors and city corporations to improve bus services and cut congestion

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Shame of Thrones Not all royals are alike, some will be missed more than others

Obama has happier times ahead when he stops off in the UK to wish Queen Elizabeth II a happy 90th birthday

n Asif Baul

A

pparently, HBO has decided Barack Obama will be the only person this year to be sent advance copies of the new series of Game of Thrones.

Quite interesting, because you’d think Donald Trump, with his boasts about being as rich as King Midas, plans to build great walls, and icky jokes about incest, would be a more appropriate candidate than Obama.

“He gets DVD copies before we do,” complained at least one actor, as the US president became the main beneficiary of increased secrecy following a large leak last year.

One suspects this is just another way for the producers to hype expectations ahead of the shows premiere on April 24.

Especially since Obama told GQ last year “the only one I remember is Jon Snow, because I can pronounce Jon Snow.” You and me both, POTUS. Still, while I’m happy to know nothing, Obama’s advance knowledge of the intrigue and politics of Westeros might help him this week as he attends the Gulf Co-operation Council meet in Saudi Arabia.

Even if he had somehow miraculously earned his Nobel Prize by bringing peace to Israel/ Palestine, the endurance of the West’s historic alliance with the repressive monarchies of the Gulf would still give him pause for thought as he considers his legacy.

What with the Saudis using Western weapons to engage in vicious sectarian bombing of Yemen, and the civil war in Syria spreading tragedy, and IS

everywhere, Obama’s got plenty on his plate before he retires to find somewhere where Michelle won’t catch him smoking the Cubans he has helped to legalise.

Trickier still, both Democratic candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are in open rebellion against his administration’s efforts to scuttle the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.

bluff ?

We know what they would say.

Be careful what you wish for.

If we go, we’ll be replaced by something worse. Rinse and repeat.

Just imagine. The Arabian Peninsula might be governed by puritanical fundamentalists who discriminate against women, persecute minorities, impose vicious punishments, and spread

cake she will deliver personally to Windsor Castle will be “very citrusy.”

From what little the public knows about the Queen’s viewing habits, (“she’s a pretty nice girl.

But she doesn’t have a lot to say,”) -- the BBC cookery competition is just the sort of middle England programming that is closer to her tastes than GoT. Her other favourites include

The best hope for UK republicans now is that a bad nanny will persuade young Prince George to change his name to Joffrey

This bill, agreed by a Senate committee, would allow families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia by removing immunity from foreign governments in cases “arising from a terrorist attack that kills an American on American soil.”

It paves the way for all manner of expensive court cases and embarrassment.

Naturally, the Saudi foreign minister has warned this might force his state to sell up to $750 billion in treasury securities and other assets in the United States before they could be in danger of being frozen by American courts.

You can bet good money this won’t happen of course, not least because Obama himself is against the bill.

But wouldn’t it be interesting if Obama called the Saud family’s

intolerance among Muslim communities around the world.

Oh wait. Get the PR agency back a minute, can we start again … ?

At least Obama knows he has happier times ahead when he stops off afterwards in the UK to wish Queen Elizabeth II a happy 90th birthday.

Whatever happens, he knows standing next to David Cameron is guaranteed to make him look good by comparison, before he returns to the world of grown-ups to meet Angela Merkel and visit Hanover Messe the world’s largest trade show for industrial technology.

Everyone seems happy that British-Bangladeshi Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain is getting a walk on part in the Queen’s birthday celebration on April 21.

Nadiya has promised the orange

The Good life, a classic 1970s sitcom which put on a special episode when she joined its studio audience. Plus anything with horses of course.

Prince Phillip, by the way, was once reported to be a fan of Kirsty’s Home Videos.

That’s a Candid Camera style show of video pitfalls and pranks presented by the eponymous K, and not I suspect what both the Duke and I actually tuned in for.

All things considered, it promises to be a happy and glorious birthday for the UK’s longest serving monarch.

If Queen Elizabeth is anything like her centenarian mother who made sure the last person to hold the title Empress of India made it into century 21, her innings still has some way to go.

You have to feel very sorry

for UK republicans then. It’s bad enough her longevity as the epitome of constitutional monarchy makes it difficult for many people alive to imagine a world without her.

Post-Eisenhower GOP candidates during her reign and the IRA can’t have helped.

Despite occasional rumblings in Australia, and latterly Jamaica, the House of Windsor has little need to recourse to dark mutterings like “cover us or its more space for Kardashians.”

Even the Indian government has chipped in after Will and Kate’s trip to the Taj Mahal, by getting its Solicitor General to tell the Supreme Court “the Kohinoor is not a stolen object.”

The best hope for UK republicans now is that a bad nanny will persuade young Prince George to change his name to Joffrey.

In the meantime, given David Bowie’s demise, there’s a fair chance Her Majesty will outlive even more of the cream of rock royalty.

For stand ups, a world without Mick, Keef, and Elton looking ridiculous is as hard to contemplate as a world without the royal family providing material.

No doubt, we, Ray, Roger and Pete, Macca and Ringo, Page and Percy, all know their records will keep their names forever young.

But I still hope they all have a few good years yet. Just like Her Majesty and Barack Hussein Obama, in years to come, people all round the world will miss them when they’re gone. l Asif Baul is an occasional compere and stand-up comedian.

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Long Form

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Bangladeshis for Bernie Here’s why it matters. This is the first part of a two-part long form

n Atif A Choudhury

I

n October of last year, in true Bengali fashion, I waxed poetic about Bernie’s stunning display of genuine empathy and solidarity with the Muslim American and immigrant American community and made the argument that both his personality and policies made him deserving of these communities’ support.

Back then, Bernie was very much relegated as a “fringe” candidate with little hope of seriously challenging the Clinton machine for the Democratic nomination. Now, the candidacy of Bernard Sanders is surging, dominating nine out of the last 10 primaries and caucuses, an avalanche which began with a sweeping win in Democrats Abroad’s Global Presidential Primary (in which I voted in).

back-breaking work of immigrants.

Immigrants like YOUR family, Ted Cruz … I am the son of immigrants and I am proud of it!”

On a policy level, Bernie’s decades-long commitment to a wide range of social justice issues has resonated with large sections of the Bangladeshi community.

Perhaps the most high-profile endorsement of Bernie from the Bangladeshi-American community comes from human rights attorney, unyielding activist, and pillar of New York City’s Bangladeshi community, Chaumtoli Huq -- the first Bangladeshi-American appointed as top counsel to the Public Advocate of the City of New York.

Esquire Huq has been outspoken in her support for Bernie as well as the general need for Bangladeshi-Americans to appreciate the intersectionality

Bernie Mama’s Bengali Brigades

Brooklyn-born Bernie mama (uncle Bernie)’s biggest challenge -- winning New York aka Hillary’s Third Battle of the Hometown States -- looms large. Yet, Bernie and the broader progressive movement’s commitment to fostering a genuine political revolution is real -- and as it has already been abundantly clear, Muslim-Americans have been mobilising right on the frontlines.

One community in particular has been doing much of the heavy-lifting: The 277,000 plus strong Bangladeshi-American community.

The Bangladeshi vote is, of course, a large and coveted demographic for the upcoming New York primary on Tuesday, a state where the majority of America’s Bangladeshi community calls home.

Yet, this community is also well-represented in neighbouring New Jersey, Maryland, DC, and, of course, California. It has a formidable presence in Michigan (especially in cities like Detroit and Hamtramck) and helped Bernie accomplish one of the biggest political upsets in American history.

So what makes BangladeshiAmericans flock to Bernie?

In many ways, it is a natural fit. Bernie is, after all, the son of immigrants, and in many ways epitomises both the fabled American Dream and the promise of America as embodied through New York values: “And you know what New York is? New York is a place built by the

Fears about the rising wave of Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry remains an issue of paramount importance to BangladeshiAmericans, and Bernie’s unique background lends significant credibility to the belief that he will be a powerful ally for marginalised communities across America

of various social issues and stand in support of the candidate who will best advance those shared issues: “Some points to consider for the Bangladeshi community is that despite ‘model minority’ myths, one in three Bangladeshis live below the poverty line and are working in low-wage and nonunion jobs. Bernie’s economic platform can lift up our families out of poverty.”

Bernie mama to the rescue?

She also points to the impact of Bernie’s plan to offer tuitionfree college education at public universities for admitted applicants: “Many immigrants come to US for an education, and public educational institutions like CUNY and SUNY are destinations for many immigrant families.

Bernie talks about tuition-free education, and that is important for us.”

Fears about the rising wave of Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry remains an issue of paramount importance to BangladeshiAmericans, and Bernie’s unique background lends significant credibility to the belief that he will be a powerful ally for marginalised communities across America: “But the issue that seals the deal for me is that being a son of Polish immigrants, he understands the pains and challenges of immigrants. He also knows the fear of anti-Semitism and discrimination against Jews, and will be the first to fight Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry and intolerance.”

Other community leaders have been outspoken in their support for Bernie as well.

Community organiser and activist Murtajur Rahman has been at the forefront of efforts to mobilise the Bangladeshi community for this campaign, and is in a unique position to assess Bernie’s economic policies: “As a Wall Street banker, I know the average American has not had an increase in pay in over 15 years. But the cost of living has gone up significantly.

Bernie Sanders’s proposal to

REUTERS

increase the minimum wage to a $15 living wage and his consistent fight for the working and middle class is a step in the right direction for America.”

Arif Ullah, who settled in New York from Bangladesh, expresses his faith in Bernie’s immigration policies: “I trust that Bernie Sanders will do right by immigrants if he becomes president, instead of doing what is politically expedient.

His stance on comprehensive immigration reform has been as principled and consistent as his voting record on a variety of other important issues. Secretary Clinton, on the other hand, voted for a blatantly flawed immigration reform bill in 2007 that included a guest-worker program regarded as semi-slavery by the nationallyrespected Southern Poverty Law Center. Yet, she criticises Sanders for opposing that bill.”

Queens resident and local community leader Hoshneara Begum has been instrumental in mobilising New York’s Bengali community to co-ordinate with other groups as well as organise community-specific initiatives to help Bernie’s campaign. Mrs Begun summed up her passion for supporting Bernie: “I’m standing with Bernie because he is the only candidate fighting for the last 40 years for social justice and human rights.”

The differences matter

Given all the reasons this community has largely opted for Bernie, why not Hillary? After all, Bill Clinton is still fondly remembered in Bangladesh as

“Bill Clean-Town” for his 2000 visit as President, as residents of Dhaka appreciated the fact that the city was scrubbed clean for the occasion for probably the first time in its history.

In May 2012, Hillary also visited as secretary of state during a time of intense political turmoil, giving the people of Bangladesh a temporary reprieve from the partisan carnage that was to come.

While serving in the Senate, both Bernie and Hillary voted the same way 92% of the time.

Indeed, if Bernie had not run, it is quite likely that Hillary could have counted on virtually all Bangladeshi-Americans for support.

Yet Bernie is running, and that remaining 8% matters -- as do current differences in both substance and style. With regards to his “weakness” in foreign policy, Bernie has long been an activist for a range of international human rights issues, correctly predicted the disastrous fall-outs from both illegal invasions and unfair trade deals, and continues to advocate for a less interventionist and more human rights-centric foreign policy.

In contrast, Hillary has supported wars in Iraq and Libya and continues to employ extremely hawkish language on Syria, Iran, and especially on Gaza and Palestine. l The final part of this long form will be published tomorrow.

Atif A Choudhury is a freelance contributor.

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

What about the why?

Bring the perpetrators to justice, don’t tell women to stay home. This article was previously published on April 30, 2015, but is still relevant today

n Naira Khan

I

began going to Pohela Boishakh festivities in the Dhaka University campus even before I enrolled as a student of DU. As a female non-resident DU student, I used to hang out on campus with my friends every day till 9pm, mostly in front of the Central Library, and did so for some five or six years.

I was also there when Ramna was bombed. I myself have never faced any sexual harassment at these festivities, but I have heard many stories of off-colour comments, pinching, poking, etc.

But such an “organised” effort to attack women at “such a large scale” has never taken place.

So my question is why did this happen? And why now?

The fact that the women attacked included a mother of two and a 10-year-old girl goes to show this was not about provocation or clothing. This was an organised effort to mar the festivities of Boishakh by people who knew they could get cover from the authorities.

So, here are some thoughts and questions: Why was an Islamist war criminal hanged right before Pohela Boishakh? Even as I was organising to go out this year, people warned me of anticipated violence given the hanging, the trend of vengeful petrol bombers and machete-wielders this year, and given that Ramna has been bombed before.

But by evening we were happy to see the day was celebrated without incidence. So, did the

parties, I am simply presenting you with some salient questions so that you can draw your own logical conclusions.

Obviously, since the authorities are failing to take action, and seem to even be in denial, logic dictates that the perpetrators are either connected to or have some influence on the authorities.

Such an attack also appears to be congruent with a growing trend where while one party is protesting and creating discord, the ruling party sends out lackeys to create chaos because the protesting party automatically gets blamed.

But the most heinous and horrendous part of all this is that the means to achieving their goals was to attack women. Not bombs, not machetes, but organised sexual violence against random women. I saw the CCTV footage, men were attacking any woman they could regardless of age, clothing, or who they were with.

To think that women are thought of as a tool for creating political discord is unbelievably atrocious. How disgusting a mentality can that be! People have pointed out that women have become “collateral damage” and have been used as tools in warfare. But we are talking about a sovereign nation and a so-called democracy in the year 2015!

What the perpetrators didn’t count on is the social media and candid journalism. I am really glad to see the CCTV footage floating around online which the authorities claim “doesn’t show anything.” Please circulate the

Everyone should be able to enjoy Pohela Boishakh without the fear of harassment or assault

To all the women who are apprehensive of attending these festivities: Don’t be. If need be, we will arm every woman with a pepper spray and a stick, but we will all go anywhere we want to at any hour of the day we want to. Instead of letting these incidents force us to stay home, we need to go and we need to go in droves

perpetrators decide to instigate this attack on women to create the chaos that was anticipated but didn’t take place?

Were women targeted because Islamists seem to make women an issue? I am by no means an Islamist sympathiser, nor do I subscribe to any of the political

footage and any other pictures available to identify these people.

Many are saying that the footage is old, it is from Boi Mela, etc. It doesn’t matter.

If a woman has been assaulted at any point in time, and there is visual evidence, then identify the perpetrators and bring them

to justice. As for people posting things like “women deserve it,” please do so even more, so that we can identify you too.

And kudos to the likes of Liton and Amit who tried to help these women at the risk of personal injury. This is exactly why by-standers fear to help -- because they beat

you to a pulp if not to death, or come after you with a machete.

The transgender woman who ran after Oyasiqur’s killers thought they were chintaikaris, and didn’t realise they were armed. I don’t support vigilantism because the same mob that beats up a chintaikari also attacks innocent people who try to help.

The mob never stops to find out what’s really going on. But the police are armed, so what excuse do they have? Sadly, the police are failing in every instance, and in this case they even let some of the assailants go.

There has to be accountability for the police and for any of the authorities that are responsible for security and safety.

Why are the authorities saying that the gate should have been closed at x or y hour? That is

SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

irrelevant, women should be able to go there at any time and feel safe to do so. I was at Robindro Shorobor till 3:30am, and it was really well-organised with proactive security guards all over the place.

To all the women who are apprehensive of attending these festivities: Don’t be. If need be, we will arm every woman with a pepper spray and a stick, but we will all go anywhere we want to at any hour of the day we want to.

Instead of letting these incidents force us to stay home, we need to go and we need to go in droves so that we outnumber the men and enjoy the festivities as we deserve to. l Naira Khan is Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, University of Dhaka.

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Business 15

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

INSIDE GP declares 60% cash dividend Mobile phone operator Grameenphone has announced 60% cash dividend for the year 2015. With this, the total cash dividend (cash) stood at 140% for the year. The company’s board of directors recommended the dividend for its shareholders at its 19th annual general meeting yesterday. PAGE 16

Major steel makers fail to reach deal China and other major steel-producing countries failed to agree measures to tackle a global steel crisis as the sides argued over the causes of overcapacity. PAGE 17

Jewels still sparkle as Saudi faces economic challenge Saudi Arabia may be facing its biggest economic challenge in years but there’s little talk of falling oil revenues or austerity at Riyadh’s glittering annual Jewellery Salon.

PAGE 18

Capital market snapshot: Tuesday DSE Broad Index

4,357.6

-0.8% ▼

Index

1,056.0

-0.7% ▼

30 Index

1,662.4

-0.6% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

3,399.6 -20.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

82.9 -29.9% ▼

CSE All Share Index 13,408.0

-0.8% ▼

30 Index

12,233.1

-1.0% ▼

8,145.4

-0.8% ▼

Selected Index Turnover in Mn Tk

212.9 -21.9% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

7.2 -33.2% ▼

RMG industry wants tax at source be cut to 0.3% n Syed Samiul Bashar Anik

Readymade garment sector has called upon the National Board of Revenue to reduce tax at source to 0.3% from existing 0.6% on export of apparel products.

It also requested the NBR to consider it to be the final settlement from the budget for fiscal year 201617.

Representatives from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), Bangladesh Jute Goods Exporters Association and other stakeholders made the call at a pre-budget meeting, chaired by NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman at the revenue authorities headquarters yesterday.

BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman urged the tax authority to provide the facility at least for next three years to help RMG sector turn around following the Rana Plaza disaster.

The BGMEA boss also recommended the revenue board to set income tax at a minimum rate of 10% from the existing 35% for the next five years starting from next fiscal year.

The apparel makers have enjoyed the reduced corporate tax rate at 10% from 2005 to 2014 under special consideration. The government, however, aligned the tax rate with the regular rate of 35% from 2014-2015 fiscal year.

Arguing about the demand, Siddiqur said RMG makers have faced a tough time after the Rana Plaza disaster and also due to conditions imposed by the Accord and the Alliance, but if the benefit is allowed, it will help non-compliant factories and factories in small buildings to shift to new buildings to survive.

Workers busy making clothes at a Bangladesh garment factory Supporting the demand, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Matlub Ahmad said reduction in corporate tax will also help RMG makers achieve the target of US$50 billion export.

The other demands from the apparel makers include duty- and taxfree import of fire fighting equipment for compliant industries and withdrawal of VAT from purchase made through local letter of credit.

The stakeholders also demanded the NBR provide an extension for audit document submission from existing three months to six months and end alleged harassment in the name of auditing by Bangladesh Bank and Local and Revenue Audit Directorate of the government.

The auditors file cases against exporters by misinterpreting circulars and laws while providing cash incentives, alleged BKMEA former vice-president Mohammad Hatem.

DSEX slips to 3-week low n Tribune Report Stocks extended losses for the third straight session yesterday with the benchmark index DSEX slipping to three weeks low.

The DSEX lost over 33 points or 0.8% to close at 4,357—its lowest since March 31 last. The key index added losses of around 17 points registered in previous two sessions.

The Shariah index DSES was marginally down about 7 points

to 1,055. The blue chip comprising index DS30 was down over 10 points to 1,662.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX settled at 8,145, falling 69 points.

Power sector suffered largest losses, declining 1.4%, led by newly listed Doreen Power Generations and Systems that shed 5% on profit booking.  PAGE 17 COLUMN 1

He also urged the NBR to free traders from filing up VAT returns as the export-oriented industries are enjoying exemption from paying VAT. Some VAT officials do not even want to receive the returns unless the ‘monthly settlements’ are made, Hatem said, arguing on the point.

NBR member Barrister Jahangir Hossain said the system was introduced to increase the number of files of regular VAT returns, as only around 35,000 of VAT registered entities file their VAT returns regularly.

The businessmen, however, need not worry about this further as only public limited companies will be assigned to deduct VAT with implementation of new VAT law, which will come into effect from July 2016.

NBR Chairman Md Nojibur Rahman said there will be adjustments of different issues while the author-

FILE PHOTO

ities will pass a transitional period to shift to new VAT law from the existing VAT Act of 1991.

The board of revenues will hold focused group discussion to bring required changes to the system if any of those create complexity for business, added Nojibur.

At the meeting, BGAPMEA former president Rafez Alam Chowdhury urged the NBR to authorise the association to give Utilisation Permission (UP) to its members and withdraw all kinds of tax, VAT and duty on import of construction materials to help build pre-fabricated buildings to ensure compliant industries.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association general secretary Feroz Ahmed demanded withdrawal of 1% duty on capital machinery import and 0.5% minimum tax on gross receipts, and withdrawal of source tax from purchase made through local letter of credit. l

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Business

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Robi introduces free WiFi services in commuter buses, taxicabs in Dhaka n Ishtiaq Husain Robi Axiata Limited has initially introduced a free WiFi internet services to 100 buses and 100 taxicabs in the capital.

The WiFi services have been launched under a massive project undertaken to facilitate internet access across the country, using WiFi hotspots.

State Minister for Posts and Telecommunication Division Tarana Halim formally inaugurated the Robi project at a city hotel yesterday.

Robi’s Managing Director & CEO, Supun Weerasinghe and Chief Corporate and People Officer (CCPO),

Matiul Islam Nowshad and other high officials of the company attended the inaugural ceremony.

chased a mobile internet pack of at least 1GB, would be eligible to receive the free WiFi quota.

Robi is committed to enable Government’s vision of digital Bangladesh and availability of internet is the prime enabler of this vision Over the next 6 months, the company is going to provide high-speed WiFi services to 500 top restaurants, cafes and retail outlets, 100 educational institutions, 10 public places (airports and railway stations) and also over 350 buses, taxis and trains.

Robi subscribers, who have pur-

Bus and taxicab passengers will be able to use the WiFi-enabled devices free of cost. Robi will offer various data bundles with WiFi quotas in the upcoming days.

Axiata’s Bangladeshi operator has formed strategic partnerships with AccessTel, Qubee and Aamra for deploying and maintaining the

Grameenphone declares 60% cash dividend n Ishtiaq Husain Mobile phone operator Grameenphone has announced 60% cash dividend for the year 2015.

With this, the total cash dividend (cash) stood at 140% for the year.

The company’s board of directors recommended the dividend for its shareholders at its 19th annual general meeting yesterday.

The shareholders approved the dividend for the year at the meeting, attended by the company’s top officials

including director M Shahjahan and CEO Rajeev Sethi.

M Shahjahan, who presided over the AGM, thanked the shareholders for reposing their trust in the company.

“Throughout 2015, we continued to invest to transform Grameenphone into a new generation telecommunication company, taking the services beyond voice and SMS only,” he said.

“The company aims to be a digital front-runner, taking a strong lead in developing and adapting new technol-

ogy and delivering new services to its customers.”

The director also talked about the growth potential of telecommunication sector in Bangladesh, the company’s ambition to provide Internet for all and regulatory uncertainties that currently prevail in the sector, among other issues.

The CEO highlighted operational and financial performance of the company and its successful roll-out of third generation mobile broadband service in the country. l

BASIS wants to help BB ensure cyber security n Ishtiaq Husain

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has showed interest in supporting Bangladesh Bank to ensure optimum cyber security in the central bank.

The support will be provided by BASIS member companies who specialise in this area and provide worldclass services.

A BASIS delegation team led by President Shameem Ahsan made the proposal during a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Fazle Kabir yesterday at his office. SM Moniruzzaman, Executive Director,

Bangladesh Bank; Uttam Kumar Paul, secretary general of BASIS, and Shah Imraul Kaeesh, treasurer of BASIS, were also present at the meeting.

Beside enhancing cyber security, some recommendations were made in the meeting regarding IT industry development.

Proposals were made to include suggestions given

by BASIS in the draft Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund (EEF) Policy; to include payment provision for any associate fees related to internet marketing, affiliate marketing & search engine optimisation (SEO) in the virtual card launched

for online payment by individuals and companies, to create a minimum Tk200 crore “ICT SME Fund” and keep the interest rates low, and to take the annual international transactions

by IT/Software companies from US$20,000 to US$ 50,000 were submitted to the governor.

Fazle Kabir assured that all concerns raised by BASIS will be considered. He immediately instructed the concerned departments take necessary steps. He also expressed his willingness to include BASIS in all future IT-related committees and projects of Bangladesh Bank. l

WiFi hotspots. For rolling out the WiFi services to the buses and taxis, Robi has partnered with Coalesce.

Inaugurating the WiFi internet services, State Minister Tarana Halim praised Robi’s initiative to take quality internet service to the masses using WiFi technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Matiul Islam Nowshad reiterated Robi’s commitment to partner with the government in realising Digital Bangladesh.

“I felt that WiFi technology provides the ultimate solution to address the growing demand for high speed internet service at affordable price,” he observed.

He also opined that Robi’s initiative to make the technology available for the masses will significantly improve the country’s position in the global index for digital connectivity.

Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Supun Weerasinghe said: “Robi is committed to enable Government’s vision of digital Bangladesh and availability of internet is the prime enabler of this vision.”

“In line with this aspiration, Robi Axiata has been consistent in its commitment to building digital bridges as opposed to being deterred by the notion of digital divides.” he added. l

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Business

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

German investor sentiment rises in April n AFP, Frankfurt

Workers check steel products at a factory in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China

Investor confidence in Germany rose for the second month in a row in April as favourable economic news from China helps stabilise sentiment in Europe’s biggest economy, a leading survey showed yesterday.

The investor confidence index calculated by the ZEW economic institute increased by 6.9 points to 11.2 points in April, the think tank said in a statement.

Analysts had projected a slightly smaller rise in the index to around 8 points this month. “Surprisingly positive economic news from China seem to have improved the sentiment amongst financial market experts,” REUTERS

Major steel producers fail to reach deal on overcapacity n Reuters, Beijing China and other major steel-producing countries failed to agree measures to tackle a global steel crisis as the sides argued over the causes of overcapacity, prompting US criticism of Beijing’s approach and an angry response from Chinese officials.

A meeting of ministers and trade officials from over 30 countries, hosted by Belgium and the OECD on Monday, sought to tackle excess capacity, but concluded only that it had to be dealt with in a swift and structural way.

Washington pointed the finger at China over the failure of the talks, saying Beijing needed to act on overcapacity or face possible trade action from other countries.

“Unless China starts to take timely and concrete

actions to reduce its excess production and capacity in industries including steel ... the fundamental structural problems in the industry will remain and affected governments – including the United States – will have no alternatives other than trade action to avoid harm to their domestic industries and workers,” US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement.

Asked what steps the Chinese government would take following the unsuccessful talks, China Commerce Ministry spokesman Shen Danyang told reporters on Tuesday: “China has already done more than enough. What more do you want us to do?”

“Steel is the food of industry, the food of economic development. At present, the

DSEX slips to 3-week low Textile sector came second as it fell 1%, followed by bank 0.9%, non-banking financial institution 0.8% and cement 0.7%.

Among the positive performers, telecommunication and pharmaceuticals, declined marginally.

Trading activities continued to dip, with DSE turnover standing at Tk340 crore, which is sharply down more than 20% over the previous session.

“Investors buying appetite became subdued as the market had shown no sign of recovery yet ahead of earning declaration season,” said Lanka Bangla Securities.

Of the total 321 issues traded, 72 advanced, 216

declined and 33 remained unchanged.

Investors concentration remained on power sector as it was in the first position in terms of the market turnover which accounted for over 22% of the total DSE turnover.

Pharmaceuticals sector also made up nearly 20% and engineering sector 12.5% of the total trading activities at DSE. ACI, the country’s one of the largest Bangladeshi conglomerates, was the most traded company with shares worth over Tk22 crore changing hand.

It was followed by Mobil Jamuna Limited Bangladesh, Doreen Power, The Ibn Sina, Lanka Bangla Finance and Keya Cosmetics. l

major problem is that countries that need food have a poor appetite so it looks like there’s too much food.”

The OECD said global steelmaking capacity was 2.37 billion tonnes in 2015, but declining production meant that only 67.5% of that was being used, down from 70.9% in 2014.

Britain in particular has felt the squeeze as its largest producer Tata Steel has announced plans to pull out of the country, threatening 15,000 jobs. Last week, more than 40,000 German steel workers took to the streets to protest against dumping from China.

China, the world’s top steel producer, has been ramping up exports of steel in recent years, as it battles to steer its economy into services-led growth and away from traditional manufacturing, while keeping employment levels high. l

said ZEW’s head of international finance and financial management, Sascha Steffen.

“On balance, however, the continued poor growth in China and other important emerging markets continues to be a burden for the German export industry. Furthermore, concern about Britain’s possible exit from the EU seems to be having a negative impact,” Steffen added.

For the survey, ZEW questions analysts and institutional investors about their current assessment of the economic situation in Germany, as well as their expectations for the coming months. The sub-index measuring financial market players’ view of the current economic situation in Germany fell by 3 points to 47.7 points in April, ZEW said. l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

The global oil deal that never came to be n Reuters, Doha

It was supposed to be the easiest deal ever reached among key oil market players, a mere formality.

Eighteen countries were gathering in the Qatari capital of Doha to rubber-stamp the first joint agreement between major OPEC and non-OPEC nations in 15 years, tackling a huge global glut after flooding the market for two years.

The text was agreed and the timeframe was clear. Oil prices were rising. Traders were calling the event boring.

Then, the first clouds began to appear.

Thousands of kilometres away from Doha, at a Friday summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave each other the cold shoulder in front of cameras after the 57-member group accused

Iran of supporting terrorism.

The frosty tone was noted and quickly became a talking point among some delegates and OPEC watchers in Doha.

None of the OPEC and oil industry sources who spoke to Reuters linked the subsequent collapse of the oil meeting in Doha to the events in Istanbul directly.

But they said it was indicative of the deep mistrust between the Sunni Muslim kingdom and the Shi’ite Islamic republic, which compete for influence in the Middle East and are currently fighting proxy wars in Syria and Yemen.

From Friday onwards, things went downhill.

Only a few days before the Sunday meeting, Saudi Arabia surprised Qatar by demanding that it cancel Iran’s invitation to the talks, arguing that only those countries which were ready to freeze output should attend, according to sourc-

CORPORATE NEWS

es familiar with the discussions.

Iran has long said it wanted to regain market share following the lifting of sanctions in January and assumed that Venezuela and Russia - the two proponents of the freeze deal - had managed to persuade the Saudis the plan was worth signing even without Tehran’s involvement.

The sources said the Saudis told Qatar that if Iran showed up at the meeting without agreeing to the output freeze, there could be no deal.

FLURRY OF SURPRISES

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, was a main proponent of the deal, and even made a January visit to Moscow specifically aimed at talking about the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin, oil industry sources said.

Qatar delivered the message to Tehran on Friday and after some delicate diplomatic maneuvering,

Iran said hours later it was happy not to attend, to the relief of the talks’ participants. But that was not enough to seal the deal.

Back in Saudi Arabia, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s top oil official and second in line to the throne, said in an interview published on Saturday that Riyadh would only restrain its output if all major producers, including Iran, agreed to freeze production. At the Doha meeting the next day, Saudi veteran oil minister Ali al-Naimi, delivered the same line,scuppering the agreement.

It remains unclear for the moment how Prince Mohammed and Naimi reached their decision, and whether they were in alignment on the reasons.

In addition to wanting to punish Iran, the Saudis might have been driven by a reluctance to help prices recover too soon because it could allow rival producers, in-

cluding in the United States, to resume production growth, delaying a rebalancing of the market beyond this year, according to sources.

But one thing is certain, sources say: although the Saudis’ Gulf allies quickly came into line behind Naimi, his decision came as a complete surprise, highlighting how the kingdom - which traditionally consults with Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar - appears to be changing under its new assertive and pragmatic leadership, of which Prince Mohammed is a main player.

Global oil prices first started plummeting in late 2014 after Saudi Arabia increased production volumes to drive higher-cost producers such as US shale firms out of the market.

Russia’s energy minister asked Naimi on Sunday if any kind of binding deal to freeze output would be possible, according to sources. l

Jewels still sparkle as Saudi faces economic challenge n AFP, Riyadh

NRB Commercial Bank has given a special award to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for its contribution to the liberation war of Bangladesh at the bank’s 3rd anniversary ceremony held recently, said a press release. On behalf of BGB, its director general, Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed received the award from chief guest, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith

ACI Motors Limited has recently introduced an agricultural machine named ACI Reaper that assists farmers at harvesting paddy, said a press release. The company is helping rural farmers of Moulvibazar and Habiganj areas to harvest paddy for free. Business director of ACI Motors, Subrata Ranjan Das was present on the occasion, among other employees of the company

Air Asia has recently signed an agreement with bKash Limited on accepting payments through bKash accounts from its customers while purchasing air ticket of Air Asia in Bangladesh, said a press release. Chief commercial officer of bKash Limited, Rezaul Hossain and CEO of Total Air Services Limited, GSA of Air Asia in Bangladesh, Morshedul Alam Chaklader have signed the agreement

Saudi Arabia may be facing its biggest economic challenge in years but there’s little talk of falling oil revenues or austerity at Riyadh’s glittering annual Jewellery Salon.

Women in traditional black abaya robes stroll through the showrooms at a luxury Riyadh hotel, as muscle-bound security men patrol.

Hanging unobtrusively in a small glass display case is a chunky 30-carat emerald cut set of diamond earrings offered by London’s Moussaieff, one of more than 20 vendors at this year’s show, which began on Monday. The price: $3.5mn.

“The rich are always rich,” says Leslie Kegg, a Moussaieff salesman. “If you have so much money you’re never affected. When someone else loses money, someone else makes money.” The biggest economy in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia has for decades enjoyed a windfall from its massive oil industry.

But the global collapse in crude prices over the last two years - from more than $100 a barrel in early 2014 to around $40 this month has put pressure on Riyadh to cut spending and to intensify its efforts to find economic alternatives.

Riyadh posted a record budget deficit in 2015. With another $87bn shortfall projected for this year, the government took the unprecedented step of raising retail fuel prices by up to 80% in December and cutting subsidies for electricity, water and other services.

It has also delayed some major projects and mooted privatisations

Jeweller displays gold jewels in a jewellery shop and the imposition of taxes.

On Monday the kingdom is to announce its “vision” for future social and economic development, including a “National Transformation Programme” aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil, which still accounts for more than 70% of state revenues.

None of that was of much concern to Nouf Albaiz as she and two other young women browsed the layered necklaces, chunky rings and diamond-encrusted watches on display.

Albaiz professed a relatively modest jewellery budget of 5,000 riyals ($1,300) for any purchase she might make, and said the total amount that she and her companions spend annually on jewellery “depends on the weddings” they have to attend.

‘The dancing diamond’

Marwan Meneimneh, Saudi marketing manager of Qatari group Ali bin Ali, said the impact of the eco-

REUTERS

nomic situation has been minimal.

“We’re still doing fine,” he said, among stands displaying international brands distributed by the group.

“For us it’s not about sales. It’s about being present and recruiting more clients,” said Meneimneh, whose firm is in its fourth year at the show. “There’s ups and downs,” and for this year he and his colleagues are “crossing our fingers”.

Kegg, of Moussaieff, said he is “hopeful” for this year, as Saudis holding weddings in London provide a regular clientele.

“We already have a very big customer base,” he said.

The event, which runs until Thursday, was preceded by a Jewellery Salon in Jeddah which Kegg said also went well.

“We can’t complain,” he said.

Neither could Nouf Alghebewi, helping her aunt at their small and friendly corner kiosk in the back of the hall. l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

| wellness |

VLCC plan ambitious expansion in Bangladesh beauty sector

After the visit of Vandana Luthra last month, the founder of the global wellness brand, VLCC revealed their agenda to expand

its scope in Bangladesh.

“I am happy to inform you that VLCC has lined up an ambitious expansion agenda for Bangladesh

in line with our mission of making preventive healthcare and wellness accessible to all sections of local society,” Luthra said

during her visit.

The plan includes doubling the number of VLCC slimming, beauty and fitness centres from two to four in Bangladesh. The expansion would see VLCC branching out beyond Dhaka where it will allow the company to reach out to more people in Bangladesh.

“We have already finalised a plan to establish a state-of-theart, hi-tech company-operated VLCC Slimming, Beauty & Fitness Center at Chittagong in the financial year 2016-17. We are also exploring an opportunity to set up a similar facility at Sylhet through a franchisee,” Luthra added.

VLCC is also “keenly exploring” the possibility of setting up the first VLCC Institute of Beauty & Nutrition in Bangladesh.

“Given that the beauty and wellness sector has traditionally employed more women than men, focusing on skill development in this arena will also contribute in a big way to the cause of women

empowerment,” Luthra said.

“Along with two Slimming, Beauty & Fitness Centers located at Gulshan and Dhanmondi in Dhaka, we decided to establish a small manufacturing base for personal care products in Bangladesh in 2013 to cater to the domestic market and in-house consumption,” Luthra added.

The VLCC factory, located in Jamalpur, is manufacturing skincare, hair-care and sun-protection products in Bangladesh.

Production started in late 2013.

Winner of a Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, Vandana Luthra says she does not think that awards should define who she is or what she does. The 58 years old business tycoon said that she loves visiting Bangladesh and hopes to help Bangladeshi clients with preventative healthcare and beauty solutions.

The beauty and wellness giant VLCC operates through 300 outlets in 134 cities across 11 countries.l

| launch |

| food |

Visa launches ‘Swipe & Save’ campaign with leading restaurants and fashion retailers in Bangladesh

Set meals at Brews & Bites

Visa, the global leader in payments technology, announced the launch of its exciting ‘Swipe & Save’ campaign for customers in Bangladesh. Visa cardholders, using their debit, credit or prepaid cards will be able to enjoy up to 20% discount dining at popular restaurants and across leading fashion retail brands in the country.

The discount offer is available to customers for six months from April to September 2016.

Customers can avail the offers of the ‘Swipe & Save’ campaign across dining outlets like Khana Khazana, Korai Gosht, Pizza Inn, Emmanuelle’s, Food Republic, Kiva Han and Veni Vidi Vici; and fashion brands like Artisti, Ahang, Amber Lifestyle, Smartex and Zaara Fashion Mall, to name a few.

T. R. Ramachandran, group country manager India and South Asia of Visa, said, “Visa is pleased to bring exciting new offers to customers in Bangladesh for a second consecutive year. This year we have an even bigger

bouquet of offers for customers who can now benefit from Visa’s expanding network of merchants.

This is a great partnership with 40 leading merchants who will offer Visa cardholders across 40 financial institutions with attractive rewards and benefits, while shopping and dining at their favourite outlets. Visa customers can now enjoy and celebrate the festival season with their families and loved ones, starting with the Bengali New

Year in April, followed by Eid-ulFitr in July and Eid-ul-Azha in September.”

The ‘Swipe & Save’ campaign aims to encourage customers to use digital payment methods for making everyday purchases, thereby reducing the dependence on cash and enable faster, convenient and secure financial transactions.

For more details, visit: www. bd.visa.com l

Brews & Bites has introduced five new set meals to their menu so one can enjoy a quick bite on weekdays with different tastes at affordable prices. The meals are designed in such a way so it gives maximum flavour and energy, keeping it perfectly balanced. You can pick from: Asian fusion- sweet and sour fish with fried rice, and salad Spicy pepper chicken with fried

rice and mixed salad Indonesian classic nasi goreng, Russian beef stroganoff for only Tk350 (vat inclusive) The meals also come with a 250ml drink. There is loads to try, so you can pick your favourite or keep things interesting by trying a different meal each time.

For more information contact: 01919-774559 l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Vigour (3) 3 Lofty (4) 6 Thunder god (4) 7 Fly trap (3) 9 Alone (4) 10 Employ (3) 11 Gaunt (4) 13 Peruvian animal (5) 16 Proficient (5) 18 Presage (4) 19 Self (3) 20 Table-shaped hill (4) 21 Mouse-coloured (3) 23 Golfer’s warning (4) 24 Ink spot (4) 25 And not (3)

DOWN 1 Speech sound (5) 2 Anger (3) 4 Violently deranged (4) 5 Zodiac sign (3) 6 Suspension of fighting (5) 8 Dashing fellow (5) 9 Break suddenly (4) 12 Correct (5) 14 Tibetan priest (4) 15 American elk (5) 17 Singer (5) 18 Norwegian capital (4) 20 Unruly crowd (3) 22 Flying Saucer (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 8 represents M so fill M every time the figure 8 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

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World 21

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

INSIDE #PANAMAPAPERS LEAK

Russian, American conspiracy theories over offshore documents revelations Dae’sh in bed with Italian mafia in illegal cannabis business Decriminalising cannabis sales would strike a blow against Dae’sh militants and Italian mobsters who, according to ongoing investigations, are smuggling hashish together, Italy’s top prosecutor recently said.

PAGE 22

The front page of German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, which first broke the Panama Papers story

Suu Kyi to include ethnic groups in federal union

n Tribune International Desk

Aung San Suu Kyi, whose post as Myanmar state counsellor makes her de facto head of state, vowed on Monday to build a democratic federal union including ethnic minorities, but did not mention any group by name.

PAGE 23

Just in case anyone had forgotten, the spar between to arch-rivals ensued after the 11.5m leaked socalled Panama Papers documents that implicated one of Vladimir Putin’s closest friends, Sergei Roldugin, in an intricate web of companies that were involved in some allegedly dodgy looking deals worth around $2bn.

The papers lead to conclusions by those who analysed them that Roldugin, a professional cellist, was earning about $9.2m a year and had around $27m in a Swiss bank.

Initially the Kremlin said the leaks were a CIA-backed plot aimed at undermining the Russia and the president in particular, in the lead up to next year’s elections.

Practically a saint

It’s up to you, New York: State takes centre stage in US presidential race US Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders threw a concert in a park with a dramatic view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. At the opposite end of New York state, Republican front-runner Donald Trump held a rally in Buffalo, a Rust Belt city recovering from economic decline.

PAGE 24

What Putin didn’t deny was his friend’s involvement. In the interests of openness and transparency, Putin said it was true, Roldugin is indeed a rich man - and he does have offshore accounts. But he is not a criminal - far from it - the world’s richest cellist is practically a saint. He had been given all his money by wealthy friends and had used it to buy musical instruments for Russia. And apparently he had spent all of it and was now in debt.

“Sergey Pavlovich (Roldugin) has nothing anymore because he spent more funds than he had to purchase these instruments

and was left indebted to entities through which he purchased them,” Putin said at his annual televised Q&A session where he answered questions from the public.

Putin added the musician was in the process of transferring ownership of these instruments to the state.

In an effort to raise everyone’s eyebrow, the Russian president even explained that one of the instruments was worth $12m - a rare and unique instrument indeed. But $12m out of $2bn would still mean he’d need an awful lot of shipping containers to bring the rest of the instruments to the motherland Russia, and it certainly doesn’t explain where they came from or exactly which lucky students will be playing them all.

Philanthropy aside, the president went on to describe who he now believed was ‘John Doe’ - the missing link or source of the leaks.

Goldman Sachs, the New Yorkbased investment bank. Why? Well that’s not important - or at least not given, but his evidence is that Goldman Sachs is a part owner of the media group that owns the Süddeutsche Zeitung - the German newspaper that was first given the leaks.

The Kremlin has since issued an apology to Süddeutsche over Putin’s erroneous remarks, however the incident once again highlights how conspiracy theories are making the rounds.

Noted Russian cellist Sergei Roldugin

Case closed?

Meanwhile, back in the US, the Brookings Institute has been cooking up its own theories. Clifford G Gaddy, Senior Fellow at its Centre on the United States and Europe, thinks the John Doe is none other than the Russian president himself. According to Gaddy, Putin collated the documents via “the Russian Financial Monitoring Service (RFM).” RFM is Putin’s personal financial intelligence unit - he created it and it answers only to him. “It is … widely recognised as the most powerful such agency in the world, with a monopoly on information about money laundering, offshore centers, and related issues involving Russia or Russian nationals,” Gaddy wrote.

And, while the leaks implicat-

TWITTER

COMMONS

ed leaders and businessmen from most parts of the world, they were suspiciously quiet when it came to American offshore interests.

Why? Because what’s not leaked is more important. It will be used to blackmail Americans and control the country, Gaddy exposes.

“You reveal secrets in order to destroy; conceal in order to control. Putin is not a destroyer. He’s a controller,” he wrote.

Ingenious indeed. After all it’s obviously so much easier to collate 11.5m documents than it is to use those old fashioned ploys like photo-shopping someone with a prostitute. l

[This is an excerpt of DW article, which can be found at http://bit. ly/1SiDzii]

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

INSIGHT

Dae’sh in bed with Italian mafia in illegal cannabis business

BIGSTOCK

n Reuters, Rome Decriminalising cannabis sales would strike a blow against Dae’sh militants and Italian mobsters who, according to ongoing investigations, are smuggling hashish together, Italy’s top prosecutor recently said.

The main smuggling route for North African hash - compressed cannabis resin - now runs from Casablanca, Morocco, through Algeria, Tunisia to Tobruk in eastern Libya, said national anti-mafia and anti-terrorism chief Franco Roberti.

Along that route is the seaside city of Sirte, which now serves as a Mediterranean base for the most powerful Dae’sh branch outside Syria and Iraq.

“Certainly IS (Islamic State; a popular acronym of Dae’sh) controls the Libya route; it controls the coast along the Gulf of Sirte,” said Roberti.

In investigations whose details have not yet been made public, police have found evidence that Italian organised crime, which has long controlled most of the country’s illegal drug supplies, and “suspected terrorists” in North Africa are trafficking hash together, Roberti said.

“Decriminalisation or even legalisation would definitely be a weapon against traffickers, among whom there could be terrorists who make money off of it,” he said.

Citing estimates by the UN Office on Narcotics and Crime, Roberti said that the illegal drugs trade, which includes cannabis and hash, earns more than €32bn annually for Italian organised crime.

Dae’sh controls just a part of the North African route, but the narcotics trade as a whole provides just under seven percent of the group’s funding, according to a report by analysis company IHS published on Monday.

In his new book “Il contrario della paura” or “The opposite of fear”, the 68-year-old Roberti writes at length about the similarities between jihadist militant groups and Italy’s mafias, and he reflects on ways to improve the fight against both.

Italy has not been attacked by jihadist militants, but the Dae’sh group’s propaganda films regularly mention Rome and the Vatican as possible targets.

One reason it makes sense for his office to coordinate anti-terror investigations is that Islamist militants and traditional mafias - like Sicily’s Cosa Nostra - commit similar crimes, Roberti said.

“International terrorism finances itself with criminal activities that are typical of the mafia, like drug trafficking, smuggling commercial goods, smuggling oil, smuggling archaeological relics and art, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion,” he said.

Facing the huge challenges of fighting people smuggling, cocaine trafficking, and international terrorism, investigators are spending too much time and energy to combat cannabis dealers, and to little effect, said Roberti.

In his book Roberti suggests that all of Europe, and not just Italy, should be considering a better use of investigative resources: “On decriminalisation (of cannabis), there should be an Italian domestic debate, but also a European one.” l

BIGSTOCK

Shakespeare sculpture in London

Shakespeare more popular abroad than in Britain

n Reuters, London On the 400th anniversary of his death, Shakespeare is more popular abroad than in Britain, according to a survey published on Tuesday which also found he makes a significant contribution to the UK’s prosperity and influence.

The British Council, which commissioned the YouGov survey of 18,000 people from 15 countries, said the results showed that internationally Shakespeare is widely known, liked and understood.

All the world’s a stage, in fact.

But he was more popular as a percentage of people – 65%- in non-English speaking countries such as China, Turkey and Mexico than in countries using the tongue he helped so much to develop, such as Britain, Australia and the US. The Bard was not dissed too much at home, however, being liked, understood and still regarded as relevant by 59%.

“Four hundred years after his death, Shakespeare’s work continues to play a vital role in educating and entertaining people around the world,” said the Council’s Rosemary Hilhorst in a statement.

The Council, which fosters cultural relations between Britain and other countries, said Shakespeare’s influence internationally helps generate a positive attitude towards the UK. Over a third of people questioned said Shakespeare made them feel more positive about Britain in general, with the greatest number of respondents holding this view in Brazil (57%) and India (62%).

The British Council said his popularity had a direct influence on Britain’s economy, not just in terms of attracting visitors to Shakespeare’s theatres but also contributing to the country’s standing in the world which had the knock-on effect of attracting tourists.

William Shakespeare’s work, which includes 38 plays and 154 sonnets has been translated into over 80 languages and is performed throughout the world.

As theatre fans prepare to mark the anniversary, auction house Christie’s on Tuesday presented to media the first four folios of Shakespeare’s collected works to be auctioned next month. l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Suu Kyi to include ethnic groups in federal union n Reuters, Yangon Aung San Suu Kyi, whose post as Myanmar state counsellor makes her de facto head of state, vowed on Monday to build a democratic federal union including ethnic minorities, but did not mention any group by name.

The address by the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, marking Myanmar’s New year, followed a US government agency call on Myanmar to end discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities and do away with abusive policies against the mostly stateless Rohingya.

The country has been plagued by insurgencies by ethnic minority groups since independence from Britain in 1948.

The Rohingya are widely ma-

ligned in Myanmar, where they are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh - including by some in Suu Kyi’s party. Myanmar has denied discrimination against the 1.1m Rohingya, most of whom live in apartheid-like conditions.

Suu Kyi has taken a cautious approach on the Rohingya issue, drawing criticism from some rights groups overseas, in spite of her status as a human rights icon.

“Being democratically elected by the people, our government is responsible for all citizens, treating everyone equally with love and compassion,” Suu Kyi said in her speech. “That’s why we give a high priority to national reconciliation.

We’ll continue to build a genuine federal democratic union, longed for by the entire people.”

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World

Suu Kyi, who led her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to a sweeping election victory last year, said her government valued a ceasefire initiative started by the previous, semi-civilian government.

The previous government signed a ceasefire in October with eight armed ethnic groups, the culmination of more than two years of negotiation.

“We’ll continue to make efforts to include all the organisations we deem appropriate in order to achieve a complete ceasefire,” Suu Kyi said.

Suu Kyi was barred from becoming president under the military-drafted constitution because her children are not Myanmar citizens. l

Trinamool adopts saris as mode of election propaganda

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistan: 140 rebels surrender in Baluchistan More than 140 rebels surrendered to Pakistani authorities in insurgency-hit Baluchistan province, the government said on Tuesday, touting the development as a victory in the battle to secure a province targeted for major Chinese investment. The rebels, from groups including the Baluchistan Liberation Front, the Baluchistan Liberation Army and the Lashkar-e-Baluchistan.

-REUTERS

INDIA

3 burnt to death over human sacrifice rumours 3 members of an Indian family burnt to death after a mob locked them in their house and set it on fire following rumours of their involvement in human sacrifices, police said Tuesday. 10 men have been arrested over the incident on Sunday in Jharkhand state when hundreds of villagers armed with sticks and other sharp weapons targeted the family.

-AFP

CHINA

China, India move closer to military hotline China and India are moving towards setting up a military hotline, Chinese state media reported, with a border dispute and tensions over terror sanctions still lingering over relations between the Asian giants.

China reacted positively to the idea of setting up a hotline, Xinhua news agency cited Defence Minister Chang Wanquan as saying Monday during talks with his Indian counterpart.

-AFP

ASIA PACIFIC

S Korea, Japan, US warn Pyongyang over possible nuclear test

Two female Trinamool Congress supporters wearing saris which contains party emblems in South Kolkata

n Tribune International Desk You know it’s election time when you see women march down a South Kolkata road wrapped in a party symbol.

Nothing says West Bengal like a crumpled, cotton sari. So much so that the state’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has adopted it as part of her personal branding, and pretty effectively too. For, unlike the hollow symbolism of khadi, a cotton sari is actual cheap, mass clothing.

In fact, so pleased is the ruling Trinamool Congress with this sari messaging that it is using it in its campaign for the Assembly elections

that are underway at the moment, and that will end on May 5.

On Tuesday, a political rally in south Kolkata had scores of woman turn out in nine yards of the Trinamool Congress election symbol, tastefully circumscribed with a green border. Green is the Trinamool colour, facing off against the red of the Communists.

One Rukhsana Begum looked quite pleased with her new clothes. “Trinamool party workers came and dropped these off last evening, so we wore them,” she said, beaming while resting on a hand-pulled rickshaw.

Will she vote for the Trinamool

SCROLL.IN

then? “That we will see,” she said, laughing. “Tomorrow you might find me at a lal (red) rally too.”

The Trinamool symbol, now printed on Begum’s sari, was designed on the spot by party chief Mamata Banerjee in the Election Commissioner’s office after she broke away from the Congress in 1998. It depicts two flowers and grass, tying up with the party’s name. Clearly, Banerjee wanted everyone to know that she stood for populist politics. l

[This is an excerpt of a Scroll.in article, which can be found at http://bit. ly/23WIywn]

South Korea, Japan and the US on Tuesday warned North Korea of harsher sanctions and deeper isolation if it went ahead with a 5th nuclear test or other provocations. The warning, which followed a trilateral meeting of top diplomatic officials, came amid growing speculation that Pyongyang is in the final stages of preparing an underground nuclear detonation. -AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Iran-Saudi hajj talks halted Talks between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia on this year’s hajj pilgrimage have stalled because of a disagreement on how visas can be processed when no formal diplomatic relations exist. An Iranian delegation last week travelled to Saudi Arabia for discussions. But the lack of a functioning Saudi embassy in Tehran and the kingdom’s mission in Iran’s second city Mashhad are closed - means there are currently no visas being issued to Iranians.

-AFP

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

USA

Obama heads to Saudi Arabia US President Barack Obama heads to Saudi Arabia Tuesday amid tensions over congressional legislation which would potentially allow Saudi to be sued in American courts over the September 11, 2001 attacks. The bipartisan bill has yet to make it to the Senate floor, but already it has triggered outrage in Riyadh and threatens to further poison the already strained ties between Washington and its longstanding Gulf ally.

-AFP

THE AMERICAS

Panama Canal takes reservations for transit The Panama Canal is taking reservations for ships to transit its new locks starting June 27, the day after the inauguration of a $5.25bn project to double the waterway’s capacity, authorities said Monday. Canal administrator Jorge Luis Quijano said officials were pleased with the initial response and hope more and more ships will pass through the canal. -AP

UK

Brexit risks already weighing on economy Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said on Tuesday that uncertainty about the outcome of Britain’s EU membership referendum already appeared to be weighing on Britain’s economy.

Carney told members of parliament that risks related to the referendum included pressures on Britain’s wide current account deficit, its property markets, liquidity in financial markets. -AFP

EUROPE

Pegida leader goes on trial in Germany for incitement One of the founders of the German anti-immigration group Pegida went on trial Tuesday, charged with incitement over Facebook posts in which he allegedly called foreigners cattle and trash. Lutz Bachmann’s trial at the district court in the eastern city of Dresden is scheduled to last until May 10. Incitement can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.

-AP

AFRICA

US ambassador’s convoy kills boy in Cameroon A vehicle in the motorcade of the US ambassador to the UN struck and killed a young boy in Cameroon on Monday during a visit to the Lake Chad region where countries have been targeted by the Boko Haram group. Samantha Power, who is visiting Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad, said the boy was hit by a vehicle in a motorcade carrying US, UN and Cameroonian officials.

-REUTERS

Hopes dim for Ecuador quake survivors as death toll hits 424 n Reuters, Pedernales/Canoa Rescuers in Ecuador were losing hope of finding more survivors on Tuesday from an earthquake which killed more than 400 people and dealt a shattering blow to the South American Opec nation’s already fragile economy.

Praying for miracles, distraught family members beseeched rescue teams to find missing loved ones as they used dogs, bare hands and excavators to hunt through debris of flattened homes, hotels, and stores in the hardest-hit Pacific coastal region. The death toll stood at 424 but was expected to rise. The 7.8 magnitude quake, which struck late Saturday, also injured at least 2,600 people.

Supervising rescue work in the disaster zone, Ecuador’s leftist President Rafael Correa said the quake inflicted between $2bn and $3bn of damage to the oil-dependent economy and could knock between two and three percentage points off growth.

Growth in Ecuador’s small economy had already been fore-

A collapsed bridge after an earthquake struck off Ecuador on Monday REUTERS cast near zero this year due to plunging oil revenues.

The quake destroyed or dam-

aged more than 1,500 buildings, triggered mudslides and left 18,000 people sleeping in shel-

ters, according to the government.

As of Tuesday, rescue efforts would become more of a search for corpses, Interior Minister Jose Serrano told reporters.

In many isolated villages or towns, quake survivors struggled without water, power or transport. Rescuers continued their search but the sickly stench of death told them what they were most likely to find.

Nearly 400 rescue workers flew in from Latin American neighbours, along with 83 specialists from Switzerland and Spain.

The US said it would dispatch a team of disaster experts, while Cuba was sending doctors.

To finance emergency efforts, some $600 million in credit from multilateral lenders was activated, the government said.

Ecuador also said Monday it had signed off on a $2bn credit line from the China Development Bank to finance public investment. Ecuador and China, the country’s main financier since 2009, had been negotiating the credit before the quake. l

It’s up to you, New York: State takes centre stage in US presidential race n Reuters, New York US Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders threw a concert in a park with a dramatic view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. At the opposite end of New York state, Republican front-runner Donald Trump held a rally in Buffalo, a Rust Belt city recovering from economic decline.

By the end of Monday - the last official day of campaigning before voting in the state’s Democratic and Republican primary elections begins - thousands of New Yorkers will have heard the candidates’ closing pitches.

New York’s primary is set to be the most decisive such election in the state in decades in terms of picking the nominees for November’s general election. The date for the contests was shifted back this year so they are no longer crowded out by the raft of other states that voted on so-called Super Tuesday last month.

Barring an upset on the Republican side, Trump, whose name in giant letters adorns condominiums and hotels across New York City, is expected to win handily in his native state.

“You’re going to look back and say, ‘That was the greatest vote I’ve ever cast, ever, ever, ever,’” the billionaire businessman promised a crowd of cheering supporters at a campaign event on Staten Island, one of New York City’s five boroughs and its most solidly Republican one.

The question is whether Trump will make a clean sweep of all 95 Republican delegates at stake by earning the majority of votes in all 27 congressional districts in the state.

Total victory in New York may help Trump avoid the prospect of seeing the nomination wrested from him at the party’s July 18-21 convention in Cleveland if he arrives without a clear majority of at least 1,237 delegates. In that scenario, another candid date could win on a second or subsequent convention ballot.

Trump’s Republican rivals, Ted Cruz, a US senator from Texas, and Ohio Governor John Kasich, have no strong ties to New York, though they have gamely showed up at campaign events to be seen relishing local delicacies: pizza, pickles, matzo.

Cruz, Trump’s closest rival, has been given a particularly hard

People vote in the New York primary at a polling station in Brooklyn time by some voters for speaking disdainfully of “New York values” earlier this year in an attempt to discredit Trump.

While Trump holds his rally in Buffalo, Cruz will be campaigning in New York City. Kasich will make appearances in Syracuse and Schenectady, two upstate New York cities.

On the Democratic side, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who represented New York for eight years in the US Senate and whose main home is just north of New York City, remains the favourite to win her party’s

REUTERS

nomination.

Still, recent polls have shown Sanders, a US senator from Vermont whose distinctive accent is that of a native Brooklynite, cutting her earlier 30-percentage-point lead by about twothirds after an unbroken string of victories in the last eight nominating contests.

Sanders drew 28,000 people to hear him speak at a Brooklyn park on Sunday, according to his campaign’s tally.

But Sanders needs to defy expectations with a strong victory if he is ever to overtake Clinton. l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

INSIDE

Sk Jamal’s foreign trio continue to shine The foreign attacking trio of Sheikh Jamal DC shone again as the premier league champions swept into the semi-finals of the KFC Independence Cup after outplaying Muktijoddha SKC 3-1 in a Group A tie at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. PAGE 26

Infantino praises Moscow for WC prep FIFA's Swiss president Gianni Infantino yesterday expressed his satisfaction with Moscow’s preparations for the 2018 World Cup during his first visit to Russia since being elected supremo of world football’s regulatory body recently. PAGE 27

Abahani Limited opening batsman Tamim Iqbal sweeps during his quickfire hundred against Prime Bank Cricket Club in a practice match at Fatullah's Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Pochettino proud of perfect Spurs Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his side delivered the “perfect” message to leaders Leicester after an emphatic 4-0 win at Stoke City saw them close the gap at the top. PAGE 28

Djokovic, Serena win top Laureus awards World number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams completed a clean sweep for tennis as they won the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on Monday. The glitzy ceremony in the German capital was hosted

by US actor Bill Murray. PAGE 29

Only title in Abahani’s mind, says Tamim n Minhaz Uddin Khan Abahani Limited opener Tamim Iqbal said his side will settle for nothing less than the Dhaka Premier League title this season. And they sounded their first warning to the other clubs with a 75-run win yesterday over Prime Bank Cricket Club in a practice match in Fatullah, thanks to Tamim’s 90ball 139.

“Abahani does not make a team to avoid relegation but to lift the tournament title, and it is the same with all the top teams, I believe. I will try to contribute in the team’s journey to the championship,” Tamim said to the media yesterday.

The national opener’s form has been irresistible in Bangladesh’s World T20 campaign, in which he

ended as the highest scorer with 295 runs. He had a three-week break following the high-profile tournament but the return, with the hundred in Fatullah, showed that he hasn’t lost any of his good form.

Abahani registered a 75-run win over Prime Bank in a practice match in Fatullah, thanks to Tamim’s 90-ball 139 “The innings (yesterday) will give me confidence. The team will be benefited if I keep scoring like this. I hope this form will be there throughout the tournament.

I hope I will be able to live up to the expectation for which Abahani took me,” said the Chittagong lad.

Abahani are yet to name a captain but it is likely that Tamim will be entrusted with the role, as they take on Kalabagan Krira Chakra in Fatullah on Friday’s opening day match.

He said his side have come up with one of the best teams from the Players by Choice this year and have all the needed combinations.

“We are a good side on pen and paper but that hardly matters. In the BPL, Chittagong Vikings were a very good team but we had finished last in the points table. So there is no use of judging a team on pen and paper. A side will need to play well in the middle to get good results,” said Tamim. l

Kader, Lokman out of BFF race? n Tribune Report Manjur Kader and Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan are highly likely to withdraw their nomination forms for the post of Bangladesh Football Federation’s senior vice-president, leaving Dewan Shafiul Arefin Tutul as the only candidate for the post from the “Football Bachao” (Save Football) panel.

Today is the deadline day of the withdrawal of the nomination forms and Sheikh Jamal DC president Kader and Mohammedan’s director-in-charge Lokman, both of whom are currently the directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, are mulling pulling out their names from the race in order to back Tutul and turn it into a two-horse race.

Former national booter Tutul, who is a former BCB director, will partake in the BFF election for the first time and will be up against Abdus Salam Murshedy, who has held the post for eight years.l

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DHAKA PREMIER LEAGUE 2015-16

Battle of the captains

n Mazhar Uddin Regarded as the most intense battleground in domestic cricket, this season’s Dhaka Premier League could be the best platform for the Bangladesh Cricket Board to look into the leadership skills and qualities of certain players.

There have been talks about who will be Bangladesh’s next limited-over captain after Mashrafe bin Mortaza’s retirement.

Tigers’ Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah are among

the frontrunners as Mashrafe’s successor. Mushfiq and Tamim will be leading two of the most biggest clubs Mohammedan Sporting Club and Abahani Limited respectively while Mahmudullah will skipper Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi, another big name in club cricket.

However, the board can also look beyond and monitor a few young leaders. Someone like Mehedi Hasan Miraz can be an interesting captain given his impressive leadership skills in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year.

According to former national

captains Minhajul Abedin Nannu and Khaled Mashud Pilot, there’s a great amount of pressure while captaining in the prestigious 50-over tournament. They said it’s a great opportunity for the board to look for the next future leader as well.

“There is a tremendous amount of pressure for a captain in the premier league. Even I felt a lot of pressure when I captained Mohammedan Sporting Club and the pressure is even higher when you face the big teams,” said Nannu, who is also a national selector.

“Obviously our eyes will be on all the national pool players as we want to see the leadership qualities, and I think most of them will be leading the clubs. We might even see the age-level players’ leadership skills,” he added.

On the other hand, Pilot said the league will be a great opportunity for the board to compare among the captains.

“I think there should be an indication from the board to have a look at the current national players’ leadership skills. For instance, after the lottery system almost all

the national players have been divided into various clubs and if they are given the opportunity to lead the side then the board can compare. So I think this Dhaka league can be a big platform to produce future captains,” explained the former wicket-keeper.

“There’s a lot of pressure captaining in the Dhaka league side as the club officials monitor each and every single move very closely and there is a great amount of accountability and if things don’t go your way, the pressure rises even more,” he added.l

Sk Jamal’s foreign trio continue to shine 12-team DPL season 2015-16 n Tribune Report The foreign attacking trio of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club shone again as the premier league champions swept into the semi-finals of the KFC Independence Cup after outplaying Muktijoddha SKC 3-1 in a Group A tie at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Wedson Anselme, Emeka Darlington and Landing Darboe netted one apiece in the opening half to ensure Sheikh Jamal’s fourth straight victory in the season-opening tournament. The topflight holders thus became the first team from the group to confirm their last four spot.

In contrast, Muktijoddha’s hopes of qualifying for the semis received a jolt through the Sheikh Jamal defeat as they now have nine points having played a game more.

Nigerian striker Emeka put Sheikh Jamal ahead in the 13th minute, tapping home an off-target shot from Haitian forward Wedson.

Landing doubled the lead a minute from the first half whistle while Wedson soon made it 3-0 in time added on.

Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan pulled one back from the penalty spot four minutes after resumption.

Meanwhile, Abahani Limited will face Rahmatganj in today’s match at the same venue.l

fixture announced n Tribune Report Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday announced the fixture of the forthcoming Dhaka Premier League season 2015-16, starting from this Friday.

Twelve teams will face each other once with the top six sides progressing through to the Super League.

On the opening day in Mirpur, reigning champions Prime Bank Cricket Club will take on newly promoted Gazi Group Cricketers. In the other matches of the opening day, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club will lock horns with Cricket Coaching School at BKSP 3 while powerhouse Abahani Limited will encounter Kalabagan Krira Chakra in Fatullah. l

Weightlifting team leaves for Uzbekistan today n Tribune Report

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club forward Enamul Haque (L) fails to shield the ball from a Muktijoddha player during their KFC Independence Cup clash at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

A six-member Bangladesh women’s team, including South Asian Games gold medal winner Mabia Akter Simanta, will leave here for Uzbekistan today morning to take part in the upcoming Asian Weightlifting Championship, scheduled to get underway in Tashkent tomorrow.

In recent times, the Bangladesh Weightlifting Federation has been

facing a financial crisis to bear the expenses of the weightlifters.

The federation received visas for 12 weightlifters but due to a lack of sponsorship, only four are flying to Uzbekistan. Bangladesh Olympic Association is providing the expenses for Mabia, SA Games silver winners Fulpoti Chakma and Rokeya Sultana Sathi while Bangladesh Ansar is doing the same for SA Games bronze winner Molla Sabira Sultana and coach Shirin Sultana. l

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QUICK BYTES

Lazio look to halt Juve title party

Baki fails to make cut in Rio de Janeiro

n AFP, Milan

Bangladesh shooter Abdullah Hel Baki’s career-best performance proved to be inadequate as he failed to qualify for the shoot-off round in the 10metre air-rifle event of the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Baki scored 622.8 points, his personal best, in the qualification round to finish 30th among 82 participants, and in the process, exit from the competition. The other Bangladesh shooter in the event, Shovon Chowdhury, who won the silver medal in the 12th South Asian Games, scored 620.7 points and ended up at 46th spot.

Both the Bangladesh shooters took part in the competition under the guidance of newly appointed Danish coach Klavs Christensen.

On-form Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi will join forces with German veteran Miroslav Klose today when a rejuvenated Lazio aim to put the brakes on Juventus planning for an early title party.

With Juventus nine points ahead of second-placed Napoli with five games

–TRIBUNE REPORT

Injured Aussie Hastings out of IPL Australian all-rounder John Hastings has been ruled out of the rest of the Indian Premier League with an ankle injury, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Hastings played two matches for his IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders before flying back home after picking up the injury during a practice session. “He bowled through a fair bit of pain during the game (last week against the Mumbai Indians),” Simon Katich, Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach, told reporters late Monday. Fellow Australian Katich said Hastings flew back to Australia after undergoing scans on his ankle.

–AFP

'Kompany strong enough to cope with injury' Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is too mentally tough to allow his injury problems to drag him down, manager Manuel Pellegrini said ahead of the defender’s likely return in yesterday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United. The Belgium international has not played since March 15 after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury he has been struggling with for most of the season, the latest in a long line of problems since he joined from Hamburg in 2008. “He is a very strong player mentally so seeing him working... I think he is without any problems and he is working 100 percent with normality,” Pellegrini told reporters on Monday.

–REUTERS

Marseille dismiss Michel for behaviour Olympique de Marseille sacked coach Michel yesterday with four games to play in Ligue 1, citing the Spanish coach’s behaviour. “Given the behaviour of Michel, notably during those last three weeks, Olympique de Marseille have suspended Michel with immediate effect and summoned him to a pre-redundancy interview,” OM said in a statement. The club added that assistant coach Franck Passi would take charge until the end of the season. Marseille are 15th in the Ligue 1 standings, six points above the relegation zone.

–REUTERS

Infantino praises Moscow over WC prep FIFA president Gianni Infantino yesterday expressed his satisfaction with Moscow’s preparations for the 2018 World Cup during his first visit to Russia since being elected chief of world football’s governing body. “It is truly impressive, so impressive that I’d like to commend and congratulate already now in advance the (Moscow) mayor,” Infantino told reporters at the Luzhniki Stadium, where construction work was in full swing. “Inside you really feel the atmosphere of football, it’s a football stadium,” he said, adding that the Luzhniki was the “right venue” to host the World Cup final. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko, who also serves as the head of the country’s football federation, added that the preparations for the competition were going according to plan.

–AFP

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (R) listens to Moscow's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin (L) during a visit to Luzhniki Stadium REUTERS

remaining, the black and white half of Turin is preparing to break out the champagne and celebrate a record-equalling fifth consecutive Serie A title.

Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi admits he’s not getting too excited ahead of his bid for a third consecutive win since taking over, but Onazi and Klose would disagree.l

SERIE A FIXTURES Sassuolo

v

Sampdoria

Chievo

v

Frosinone

Empoli

v

Verona Inter Milan

Genoa

v

Juventus

v

Lazio

Palermo

v

Atalanta

Roma

v

Torino

Udinese

v

Fiorentina

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Statistics add up for title-chasing Tottenham n Reuters, London If Premier League titles were decided by statistics alone then Tottenham Hotspur would already have one hand on the trophy rather than playing catch-up to Leicester City.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side lead the charts in pretty much every department apart from the all important points column where they trail Leicester by five with four games to play. Monday’s 4-0 demolition of Stoke City away from home saw striker Harry Kane move two goals clear of Leicester’s Jamie Vardy in the race to win the coveted Golden Boot with 24.

However, it is Tottenham’s teamwork which has given them a chance of reeling in Leicester. They have scored the most goals (64) in the EPL and conceded the fewest (25).

Spurs also lead the way in shots on target (234), chances created (449) and goals from set pieces (17) while they have restricted opposing attacks to 102 attempts on target all season, again the best in the league.

Their goal difference (+39) is 11 better than the next best, which is Manchester City’s.

Midfielder Dele Alli’s seven assists for Kane this season makes that route to goal the most lethal in the division, ahead of the six assists Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil has supplied for Olivier Giroud and the five Riyad Mahrez has set up for Vardy.l

THE TITLE RUN-IN LEICESTER Swansea (h) Man Utd (a) Everton (h) Chelsea (a)

Date

TOTTENHAM

24 April 25 April West Brom (h) 1 May 2 May

Chelsea (a)

7 May 8 May

Saints (h)

15 May

Newcastle (a)

FIXTURES Deportivo v Barcelona Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid Sporting Gijon v Sevilla Malaga v Rayo Vallecano Valencia v Eibar Real Madrid v Villarreal Cristiano Ronaldo (L) trains at Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid yesterday AFP

TOP FIVE Team

GP W D

1 Leicester

34 21 10

L GD PTS 3 26 73

2 Tottenham 34 19 11

4 39 68

3 Man City

33 18 6

9 28 60

4 Arsenal

33 17

9

7 22 60

5 Man United 33 16 8

9 10 56

Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane shoots to score their first goal during their English Premier League match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Monday

Pochettino proud of perfect Spurs n AFP, Stoke-on-Trent Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes his side delivered the “perfect” message to Premier League leaders Leicester City after an emphatic 4-0 win at Stoke City saw them close the gap at the top of the table to five points.

Leicester’s 2-2 draw at home to West Ham on Sunday gave Spurs the opportunity to reduce the deficit with four games remaining and they seized it in commanding style with a fourth win in five matches thanks

to two goals each from the England duo of Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

“This is our dream. We need to believe,” said Pochettino, who is attempting to lead the Londoners to their first English championship since 1961.

“It is good for the competition that we are in behind to try and put pressure on Leicester. I feel very proud.

“Our supporters were fantastic and they feel proud of us. I think it is an exciting moment for the club,” the Argentinian added.

“In football all can happen and

we need to be there. If Leicester fail we need to be there. That’s what we are trying to do, put the pressure on Leicester.

“The most important thing is the performance we showed was perfect. It is a big signal we are there waiting and fighting,” the former Southampton manager explained.

RESULT Stoke

0-4

Tottenham Kane 9, 71, Alli 67, 82

Barca on brink of implosion on crucial La Liga date n AFP, Madrid Barcelona must reverse an amazing loss of form to win all five of their remaining La Liga games to be assured of retaining their title, starting with a trip to Deportivo la Coruna today.

The Catalan giants have taken just one point from their last four La Liga games and lost four of their last five in all competitions having previously enjoyed a 39-game unbeaten run stretching back six months.

Only Barca’s superior head-tohead record separates them from their Champions League conquerors Atletico Madrid at the top of the

table with Real Madrid lurking just a point further back after a run of seven straight league wins.

All three face tough tests today that will go a long way to settling the title with the fixture list for all three favourable in the final four games.

Barca are up first as they travel to Galicia in a desperate search to snap their worst run of league defeats in 13 years.

Coach Luis Enrique and defender Gerard Pique insisted Barca can win the league if they play like they did against Valencia, despite slipping to a 2-1 loss due to a mixture of bad luck, poor finishing and a brilliant keeping display by Diego Alves.l

Tottenham have scored 13 goals and conceded just one in racking up 13 points out of the last possible 15.

Kane, who took his season’s tally to 27 goals, posted a social media image of a pack of lions closing in on their prey after Leicester had dropped two points against West Ham. “It is a good thing because it shows how this group is, how our squad is,” said Pochettino.

“We can win or not, but the desire and passion we show and how we enjoy the game is fantastic.”l

FA Cup looms over United, Palace clash n AFP, Manchester Manchester United and Crystal Palace face a possible dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final when they meet in the Premier League at Old Trafford today.

The two sides have avoided each other in the semi-final draw with United facing Everton and Palace playing Watford in the last-four ties at Wembley this coming weekend.

Victory in the Premier League fixture may therefore come as a psychological bonus ahead of a potential Cup final reunion on May 21.l

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Djokovic, Serena win top Laureus awards n Reuters, Berlin World number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams completed a clean sweep for tennis as they won the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on Monday.

In a glitzy ceremony in the German capital, hosted by U.S. actor Bill Murray, Serbia’s Djokovic beat Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi, sprinter Usain Bolt and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton among others for the top men’s award at the annual ceremony.

Djokovic and American Williams, who fought off competition from footballer Carli Lloyd and Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce among others, were rewarded for dominating their sport last year, with each winning three of the four grand slams.l

OTHER AWARDS TEAM OF THE YEAR New Zealand, who won the Rugby World Cup

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR Rugby player Dan Carter, who helped the All Blacks become champions after missing the 2011 final because of injury

BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR US golfer Jordan Spieth, who won the Masters and US Open

ACTION SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR German triathlete Jan Frodeno, who became World Ironman champion

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Argentina and Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda

SPIRIT OF SPORT AWARD Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff

Novak Djokovic of Serbia arrives for the Laureus World Sports Awards 2016 in Berlin, Germany on Monday REUTERS

CRICKET SONY SIX

8:30PM Indian Premier League Mumbai v Bangalore

FOOTBALL SONY SIX

12:40AM

DAY’S WATCH Italian Serie A Juventus v Lazio

STAR SPORTS 2 5:30PM AFC Champions League Shandong v Hiroshima 12:50AM English Premier League Liverpool v Everton

STAR SPORTS 1 12:50AM English Premier League Man Utd v Crystal Palace

STAR SPORTS 4 12:35AM English Premier League West Ham United v Watford

SONY ESPN 2:00AM Spanish La Liga Real Madrid v Villarreal

TEN 2 12:30AM German Cup SF: Berlin v Dortmund

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Padukone and Shakib Al Hasan make headlines

New episode of ‘Projonmo Agami’ n Showtime Desk

n Nazia Lopa Recently Deepika Padukone has been making headlines, not for her films, but rather, for a comment Shakib Al Hasan made to Indian news media. The Bangladeshi all-rounder was recently in India for the IPL. During an interview, he was asked about his favourite Bollywood actors. Besides Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan he mentioned that Deepika is one of favorites, especially after he watched the film Piku. Indian national dailies published a few news pieces on this interesting admission, especially since many Indian cricket lovers are Shakib’s fan.

Deepika, on the other hand, has been steadily riding highs of success for the past two years.

The actress has had a good balance of box office hits and critical successes under her belt.

Padukone has consistently doled out hits after hits for sometime now. Moreover, ever since she signed a Salman Khan movie, it seems there’s no turning back for her. After signing her first film opposite Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone struck off his name from her wishlist. The actress also agreed to do Kabir Khan’s untitled film only on certain conditions that she put forth ahead of giving the project a green signal. The news of Kabir

Khan casting Deepika opposite to Salman in his upcoming film, with the tentative title of Tubelight, has been in the air for quite a while now. The film is a period film set in the 1960s, according to sources.

Currently, Deepika only has the Hollywood film xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage opposite Vin Diesel. A source close to the movie revealed, “Deepika signed this film with Salman on a condition that Kabir Khan promised her a meaty role.

She did not want a small part, which is typical for any Salman movie. She has clearly asked Kabir to be careful of her part in the film.” l

The popular television show, Projonmo Agami, centers around the next generation who take responsibilities to lead tomorrow’s Bangladesh.

Projonmo Agami airs every Wednesday at 9:35pm on Channel i. The show has turned into one of the most popular youth-based shows of Bangladesh.

Different topics are addressed in different episodes of the program every week.

The third episode of season three will address issues like - identifying the problem, problem solving skills and team building. Speakers who will be discussing the issues at hand are Bangladesh National Under-19 Cricket Team’s captain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and prominent designer of Doorjee Boutique, Sasha Mansoor Chowdhury.

Remembering the Tramp n Rayan Quddus He is considered as the first international star in Hollywood.

A universal icon of the silent film era, his popularity was so immense that even Hitler emulated his mustache to appear likable. Even after 127 years since his birth, Charlie Chaplin remains one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

April 16 was his 127th birthday.

He was so ahead of the curve that on the first Oscars, the Academy gave him an honourary award, instead of the ones in the usual categories since he won in all the possible ones.

Chaplin’s life was as interesting as his films. One of Hollywood’s

biggest stars today, Robert Downey Jr got an Oscar nod for Chaplin self-titled biopic. His flimsy life had one of the greatest rags to riches story, yet being one of Hollywood’s wealthiest stars, he condemned capitalism and its cult of money.

Despite being a popular performer and director, he led a reclusive lifestyle. Some of his life stories are close to surreal. It is said that he once came in third in a Charlie Chaplin look-a-like contest.

Chaplin had humble beginnings, his father left him and consequently, his mother became brainsick. Education was distant second for his survival; rather, he had to use his wits and

performing skills. With an early start in the entertainment business, somewhere along the path, he created his most iconic character, the Tramp.

He tried to represent an average man with the character he created.

And very much so it cemented his legacy. The acclaimed documentary series, Unknown Chaplin, gives us some insight into his shooting styles. It shows how hard he worked to create dramatic and comic scenes. It is also said that he never had scripts for his films, which indicates the spontaneous nature of his art.

His contemporaries included the legendary Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.

The importance of team building is portrayed through an interesting social experiment on a women’s football team in a remote area of Shariatpur, which is established under close support of Girl Power Project.

The documentary shows how the women’s football team has brought about positive changes in the villagers’ mind-frame.

The episode also features musical performances from the aspiring duo Prithwi Raj and Ritu Raj. Another attraction of the show is “Chandrabot” - nation’s proud story of how team effort can help win a global competition no matter how hard it may seem. It shows the future plans and programs of a group of robotic-engineers of BRAC University, who participated and won the NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition. The episode is presented by anchors Anisha and Zunayed. l

Chaplin hardly used words to paint funny and sad emotions on his viewers’ minds; he used slapstick humour and facial expressions to do so. And interestingly, despite being a silent era icon, his most memorable movie scene was from the film, The Great Dictator. It was a political satire and his first true non-silent film. The ending scene has a message which is still significant to our present world.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone – if possible – Jew, Gentile – black man – white.”

His legacy refuses to be forgotten and his works are still recognised in the history of cinema till date. l

Maqsood’s reaction to the protest n Promiti Prova Chowdhury Melai jai re, the upbeat track by Feedback remained inseparable from the celebrations of Pohela Boishakh ever since it was written in 1988. After 27 years since its inception, the song triggered controversy and protest among a some, during the celebration of Pohela Boishakh this year on April 14.

While everyone was busy celebrating the first day of Bengali year 1423, four youths were seen standing in front of the National Museum in the capital’s Shahbagh area with placards to protest against “bokhate chheler bhire lolonader rehai nai” - a line from the popular song.

They called upon the band Feedback to change the line, which means “pretty girls have no respite from unruly boys” if translated into English.

They termed the lyric “objectionable.”

According to the protesters this verse of the song has been disseminating wrong message for years now. They demanded that the line be changed or removed from a song which is broadcast on the eve of Pohela Boishakh.

In response to the thoughts, Maqsoodul Haque, the lyricist of the song shared a post on his Facebook account on April 18.

Maqsood, a veteran rock musician and vocalist of popular band Maqsood O Dhaka, wrote: “With utmost modesty, I would like to ask if you have ever heard the word ‘bokhate’ [delinquents] in any Bangla song? I was bound to use this word because I could not find a better swearword to identify these beasts. Those who are not being able to grasp the expression and the so-called ‘modern feminists’ are pulling this cheap campaign just to irritate me.”

Maqsood told the correspondent: “As per the constitution, I have the right to freedom of expression and under no circumstance am I bound to change the lyrics. There is no evidence that someone has committed crimes like sexual assault or rape inspired by this line.”

“Instead of taking the word ‘bokhate’ positively, which has been used as a strong negative attribution towards the unruly men who harass women in crowd, these people are conspiring against me and trying to compel

IPL vs Bollywood n Showtime Desk Delhi High Court has granted an injunction against seven teams in the Indian Premier League 2016, namely Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune SuperGiants, Gujarat Lions and BCCI, and restrained them from using songs during cricket matches without obtaining clearance from ISRA (Indian Singers Rights Association).

Their argument was that as per the amended Copyright Act, anyone who uses a singer’s performance commercially is liable to pay royalties.

ISRA got in touch with the BCCI and the eight IPL franchises since October 2015, but till now, only Delhi Daredevils adhered to the law.

Popular Bollywood songs have been played during matches in order to cheer the

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH Scary Movie HBO 9:30pm A year after disposing the body of a man they accidently killed, a group of dumb teenagers are stalked by a bumbling serial killer.

Cast: Anna Faris, Jon Abrahams, Marlon Wayans

Fast Five Star Movies 6:51pm Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers plan a massive heist to buy their freedom while in the sights of a powerful Brazilian drug lord and a dangerous federal agent.

Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson me to change my lyric! I wonder where these people were throughout the last 25 years!” said Maqsood.

However, Maqsood suggests that a counter campaign can be conducted by using a slogan like: “Lolonara douran dile,

bokhateder rehai nai” (if the girls start chasing, there’s no escape for the delinquents) The seasoned musician claims his intellectual property right over the newlyconstructed sentence. l

Depp and Amber apology video explained n Rayan Quddus

audiences. However, ISRA, whose members include Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Alka Yagnik among others, had taken an objection to it last year. ISRA has resorted to legal means before the IPL matches kick off.

Sanjay Tandon, managing director of ISRA, says, “Despite our requests, seven IPL teams paid no heed to the Copyright Act and used popular songs during their matches without paying the concerned singers their royalties. This year, they left us with no option but to go to the court for justice.” l

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Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard recently made an apology video to the Australian government. The video has gone viral and generated hilarity for their uncanny delivery. It may look as if it were made under an Orwellian government.

The couple apologised to the Australian government because Depp was accused of smuggling his dogs, on May 2015, while he was shooting for the latest installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.

Barnaby Joyce, Australia’s agriculture minister was angry about the incident because Australia has a strict law quarantine law against the spread of diseases. But Depp unwittingly got his two dogs into the country.

Joyce gave Depp 50 hours to send the dogs back to America by threatening to

euthanise them.

This story was an international sensation; The Guardian had a clock countdown on their website.

On the other hand Joyce was both mocked and criticised for his actions, most notably by controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands.

Depp sent his dogs back on time and Joyce felt relieved, but he was mocked again for what he tweeted from his official account, “Dogs gone.”

Almost after a year, the incident has been bought back to light because of the A-list couple’s apology video. l

The Karate Kid Movies Now 6:45pm Work causes a single mother to move to China with her young son; in his new home, the boy embraces kung fu, taught to him by a master.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P Henson Batman Returns WB 7:13pm When a corrupt businessman and the grotesque Penguin plot to take control of Gotham City, only Batman can stop them, while the Catwoman has her own agenda.

Cast: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer Grown Ups Zee Studio 9:30pm After their high school basketball coach passes away, five good friends and former teammates reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Cast: Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, Kevin James l

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

RMG INDUSTRY WANTS TAX AT SOURCE BE CUT TO 0.3% PAGE 15

TAMIM: ONLY TITLE IN ABAHANI’S MIND PAGE 25

REMEMBERING THE TRAMP PAGE 30

Subsidy outlay to increase by 21.16% n Asif Showkat Kallol Compared to the revised budget outlay, the government is planning to raise its total subsidies outlay by 21.16% for the next fiscal year, despite dropping the option of fuel subsidy amid falling global oil prices, sources have said.

Food subsidy is set to be increased with the Food Ministry planning to introduce rural food rationing from next fiscal year, but consumers might soon have to pay more to get electricity as the government will be cutting down on power sector subsidies.

Finance Division placed a proposal on this regard at a budget management committee meeting, presided over by Finance Minister AMA Muhith.

According to the proposal, the next fiscal year’s subsidies outlay will be Tk22,900 crore with a 21.16% growth compared to the revised budget subsidies outlay of Tk18,900 crore.

The revised outlay has been slashed by Tk6,603 crore from the existing Tk25,503 crore outlay, according to the budget proposal.

“There will be no subsidy allocation for import of fuel oil from

the next fiscal year as Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has earned huge profits in the last couple of years by selling fuel oil at high prices compared to global prices,” Senior Finance Secretary Mahbub Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune.

He said the government would not increase the outlay of power subsidy for the next fiscal year, while the Power Division has been asked to reduce its system loss and curb the inefficiencies in the sector.

Agriculture subsidy will not be decreased as that amount is being considered as a future investment for the agriculture sector, Mahbub said.

According to the proposal, food subsidies for the next fiscal year will be increased to Tk2,000 crore from existing Tk1,864 crore, while agriculture subsidies would be Tk9,000 crore – the same as the current fiscal year.

Next fiscal’s year subsidies for Bangladesh Power Development Board would be Tk6,000 crore, down from the existing Tk8,000 crore.

The export sector will get cash incentives worth Tk3,500 crore, while this year it was Tk3,000 crore. The rest of the Tk2,400 crore of allocations would be distributed

among jute, gas and other sectors.

Last August, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission increased the average price of electricity by 2.93% and natural gas by 26.29% at consumer level.

Meanwhile, a week ago, State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid told media that a notice about fuel price cut would be floated within seven to 10 days.

Octane price will come down by Tk10-15 per litre while diesel cost will be reduced by Tk4-5.

The prices of fuel oil will be adjusted further in the future, the state minister said. l

‘Tonu murder planned’ n Our Correspondent, Comilla

Pedestrians hurry across the road through the rush of traffic on Mayor Hanif flyover in the capital’s Jatrabari area yesterday, putting themselves at unnecessary risk of getting hit or run over MEHEDI HASAN

Several people may have been involved in the planned murder of Comilla student Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a member of the investigation assistant committee said.

“Tonu’s killing was planned. More than one persons may have been involved in it although the doctors’ report did not term the death a murder,” Special Superintendent of Police of Comilla and Noakhali region Dr Najmul Karim said yesterday.

He was speaking to reporters at Comilla CID office. Najmul said they had so far interrogated more than 50 persons.

A team from Comilla and Dhaka visited the Comilla Cantonment yesterday. It also interrogated Dr Sharmin Sultana, who performed the first post-mortem examination on Tonu. l

Taliban suicide bomb attack in Kabul claims 28 lives n Reuters

A Taliban suicide bomb and gun assault on a government security building during yesterday morning rush hour in central Kabul killed at least 28 people and wounded more than 320, in the most deadly single attack in the Afghan capital since 2011.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the assault “in the strongest possible terms” in a statement from the presidential palace, located only a few hundred metres away from the scene of the blast.

Police chief Abdul Rahman Ra-

himi said civilians and members of the Afghan security forces were among those killed and wounded when a suicide car-bomber detonated his explosives outside the wall of a National Directorate of Security (NDS) office.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes after the blast.

It was the worst single militant strike in Kabul since 2011, when about 60 people died in a suicide blast outside a mosque, and will reinforce concerns in Afghanistan and the West that the country is being dragged into a worsening spiral

of violence.

Rahimi said one attacker had tried to slip into the NDS building through a destroyed wall after the blast, but he was discovered and killed.

Smoke, sirens

The Taliban said on their Pashto-language website that they had carried out the suicide bombing on “Department 10”, an NDS unit responsible for protecting government ministers and VIPs. They said a suicide car bomber blew up the main gate at the front of the office, allowing other fight-

ers, including more suicide bombers, to enter the heavily guarded compound.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a separate statement that the attackers engaged in a gunbattle with Afghan security forces inside the building.

A thick plume of black smoke was seen rising from the area near the sprawling US embassy complex nearby immediately after the blast.

Warning sirens blared out for some minutes from the embassy compound, which is also close to the headquarters of the Nato-led

Resolute Support mission.

The US embassy and the NATO mission both said they were not affected by the blast.

The Taliban announced the beginning of their spring offensive on April 12, and fighting has raged around the symbolically important northern city of Kunduz since then, although the capital had been relatively quiet.

Yesterday’s blast came days after a UN report said urban warfare had caused a spike in the number of deaths and injuries among women and children in Afghanistan. l

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