08 June, 2016

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

|

Jyoishtha 25, 1423, Ramadan 2, 1437

|

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 46

|

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

Second Hindu priest slain Islamic State claims seventh murder in six weeks n Nayan Khandoker, Jhenaidah A Hindu priest has been murdered in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, in the latest in a string of attacks using methods adopted by militants.

Ananda Gopal Ganguly, a sexagenarian priest in the local Noldanga temple, was hacked with a sharp weapon before having his throat slit by unidentified assailants near Mohishadanga Beel yesterday morning.

Hours after the murder, SITE intelligence group quoted the Islamic State group’s Amaq Agency of reporting that “ISIS fighters killed a Hindu priest in Jhenaidah district of western #Bangladesh.”

The attack has left the local Hindu community in shock and fear.

The killing comes just two days after a police superintendent’s wife was stabbed and shot to death in Chittagong and a Christian grocer

Page 32

Thanchi, a quicksand for relief

SEHRI & IFTAR

Ramadan 02 03 04

June 08 09 10

Sehri 3:38 3:38

Iftar 6:48 6:49 6:49

Source: Islamic Foundation

Ananda Gopal Ganguly was hacked to death in Natore.

If the IS claim is authentic, it would be the 21st attack by the violent extremist group on Bangladeshi soil since September last year and the seventh since April 23 this year when Rajshahi University teacher Prof AFM Rezaul Karim Siddique was hacked to death.

Earlier, Joggeshwar Roy, a Hindu priest at Sonto Gaurio Temple at Debiganj of Panchagarh, was killed allegedly by IS members on February 21.

Ananda Gopal was on his bicycle at the time of the attack yesterday, on his way to performing a puja in Kaliganj College Para, his family told the Dhaka Tribune.

The attack took place on the road that goes through Shonaikhali field in Mohishar Bhagar, just two kilometres away from Ananda Gopal’s home.

There was reportedly no eyewitnesses, but the Dhaka Tribune spoke with locals and found that three young men on a motorcycle were seen roaming in the area right before the attack took place.

Locals notified the police after they found the priest’s body lying in a field.

Sadar police station Officer-inCharge Hasan Hafizur Rahman said: “Unidentified miscreants slit Gopal’s throat around 9am. Only after proper investigation can it be said whether there is a militant link to the killing.”

But Jhenaidah Sadar circle’s assistant superintendent of police, Gopinath Kanjilal, told the Dhaka Tribune that the way the murder was committed suggests that militants might have been involved.

The deceased priest’s brother Gobinda Gopal Ganguly said Ananda made his living by performing pujas in the area, adding that he did not have a single enemy.

Montu Gopal, the organising secretary of Noldanga Shidhweshary Mayer Mondir said the other priests were deeply anxious about their own safety. Two of the temple’s  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

Hasina 36th most powerful woman n Tribune Desk Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been ranked the 36th most powerful woman this year on Forbes’ list of 100 most powerful women in the world.

Hasina has notched up 23 places from last year, that saw her ranked at 59.

German Chancellor Angela  PAGE 2 COLUMN 3

DT

2

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

3 JMB men killed in 'gunfights' n Arifur Rahman Rabbi Three members of banned militant outfit JMB who had allegedly been involved in the murder of a Rajshahi Universal teacher, and attacks on mosques and temples were killed in separate incidents of gunfights yesterday.

Two of them – Tarek Hossain Milu alias Osman from Joypurhat and Sultan Mahmud alias Rana alias Kamal from Dinajpur – were killed early yesterday in Mirpur's Kalshi area of Dhaka during a gunfight with the members of DB police.

Confirming the deaths at a press briefing yesterday, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit chief Monirul Islam said that a joint team of DB police and the CTTC unit conducted the drive at Kalshi on a tip-off that a group of JMB members had been trying to enter Dhaka to carry out subversive activities.

When the law enforcers traced the duo, they resisted and threw a grenade at the police. The detectives retaliated after the two militants had opened fire, he claimed. They received bullet wounds and were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where they died.

A pistol, bullets and hand grenades were found in their possessions, Monirul added.

Tarek was a senior member of the JMB in the northern region. He hacked to death RU teacher Prof AFM Rezaul Karim on April 23 and was also involved in the bomb attack on Dinajpur's Kantaji temple on December 4 last year, the official said.

On the other hand, Sultan was one of the armed assailants involved in the November 26 firing on devotees in a Shia mosque in Bogra that left the muezzin dead.

Replying to a question, Monirul said: “Recently, people of various communities are being murdered.

The motive of the JMB is clear; they

just want to show that the government has failed [to protect people's lives].”

On May 17, another arrestee in Prof Rezaul murder case named Hafizur Rahman died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment. He was a student of public administration department of the university and leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Though international militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the murder of Prof Rezaul, one of the detained JMB leaders confessed to a court that they had killed the English department teacher.

The other JMB member killed in a gunfight in Rajshahi yesterday was Jamal Uddin, 25. Police claimed that he had been part of the gang that carried out a suicide bomb attack on an Ahmadiyya mosque at Baghmara of Rajshahi that left 10 people injured.

Earlier, IS claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

Jamal was killed in a gunfight with the police in Foradpur area of Godagari upazila in the wee hours, reports UNB. Police arrested him from Babu Dyeing area in Sadar upazila of Chapainawabganj on Monday night, said SM Abu Forhad, OC of Godagari police.

Jamal was a student of Chapainawabganj Polytechnic Institute and son of Tabjul Haque of Laxmipur village under Shibganj of Chapainawabganj. He was a Shibir activist but later joined the JMB. Tipped off that some JMB members were staying in Foradpur, the police launched a drive there along with Jamal around 3am.

Sensing the presence of the police, Jamal’s associates opened fire on them, prompting the law enforcers to retaliate that triggered a gunfight.

Jamal was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot, police said. The body was sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. l

France grieves the recent murders in Bangladesh n Tribune Desk The embassy of France in Bangladesh has expressed shock and sadness at the recent murders that have taken place across Bangladesh.

Christian grocer Sunil Gomes of Natore, wife of Chittagong police Superintendent Mahfuza Khanam Mitu, and hindu priest Gupal Gan-

guli of Jhenaidah have been murdered in the last 2 days.

In a press release, the Embassy of France has conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims. It further said that these recent killings of innocent Bangladeshi citizens have nothing to do with the Bangladesh we know and love. l

Family members of slain Hindu priest Ananda Gopal Ganguly break out in tears after the gruesome murder yesterday at Kaliganj of Jhenaidah. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the murder DHAKA TRIBUNE

126 out of 139 CCTV cameras in Chittagong out of order n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong The significance of close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in tracking down criminals has been proven once again as police are struggling to pinpoint the identities of the killers of Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, wife of Superintendent of Police Babul Akter.

Unidentified assailants stabbed and shot at Mitu, who was taking her son to his school bus early Sunday morning, at GEC Intersection in Chittagong before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, killing the 32-yearold right in front of her child.

Police have yet to make any headway in the murder investigation because they do not have any clear CCTV footages.

All they are working with is a blurred footage collected from the CCTV camera of Premier University. The footage is so blurred that it is very difficult to identify the killers and figure out where they went.

Since there are CCTV cameras installed at strategic points around the city, it was expected that the killers’ identities and which direction they went when they fled would be found in the footages from those cameras.

However, the shocking reality is that most of the CCTV cameras are out of commission; only a handful are still functioning.

A total of 139 CCTV cameras were installed at exit points, intersections and all important places around to city around one and a half years ago in order to curb crimes.

Incidentally, it was Babul Akter who led the initiative by Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) when he was serving as an additional deputy commissioner at the Detective Branch of police.

Sources at the CMP said many of these cameras were disconnected when Chittagong City Corporation conducted drives to bring down illegal billboards.

At least 126 CCTV cameras have been found to be out of order.

Syamal Kumar Palit, director of Chittagong Communications Ltd, was involved with the CMP initiative of installing CCTV cameras.

“Four cameras were set up in the GEC intersection and four others were installed in Probortak crossing in the city. The killers escaped through Probortak after accomplishing their mission. They could have been identified if the eight cameras in those two intersections were working,” Syamal said.

CMP Commissioner Md Iqbal Bahar said police have started the process to reactivate all the disconnected CCTV cameras in the city.

“We installed a total of 139 CCTV cameras all over the city. But only 13 cameras are now operative,” he said.

“I have talked to the city mayor about it and the process to reconnect the cameras has already begun.” l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hasina 36th most powerful Merkel retained the top spot to lead the list for a sixth consecutive time, while former US Secretary of State and presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton secured the second position.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co-founder Melinda Gates dropped a place from last year to number 4, having been overtaken

by US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to take the third spot.

In Sheikh Hasina’s profile on Forbes, it said the 68-year-old com-

mands a country with the world’s eighth largest population, 162 million people, since 2009.

Hasina has been heading the ruling Awami League since 1981, and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the first president of the country before his assassination in 1975.

She is currently serving the country as the prime minister for the third term. Her previous two terms were from 1996 to 2001 and 2009 to 2014. l

Second Hindu priest slain priests were sent home under police escort after news of Ananda Gopal’s death reached the area.

The Dhaka Tribune repeatedly tried to contact police’s Noldanga camp ASI Golam Rahman to get his comments, but he did not receive any of the telephone calls.

In Jhenaidah, it is the third murder claimed by IS members since January. The two others killed earlier includes a Shia preacher. l

3

DT

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

No clue found in SP’s wife murder Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong

Three days have past, but the investigators could not make any visible progress in solving the grisly murder of police official’s wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu.

So far, the law enforcers have seized the motorcycle used in the attack and detained its owner; but they are yet to trace the black microbus that left the murder spot following the motorcycle, and Mitu’s mobile phone which remains missing since the attack on Tuesday morning.

Earlier, four suspects were taken into police custody for interrogation, but they all were freed as no proof of their involvement was found.

“Police detained a person who is the owner of the motorcycle found abandoned. We believe that it was used in the murder,” CMP Commissioner Iqbal Bahar told the Dhaka Tribune. He, however, refused to disclose identity of the detainees.

Asked about the possible involvement of any law enforcer in the murder, he said that no one would be spared if found involved after investigation.

Police suspect that Mitu was killed for her husband’s anti-militant activities in Chittagong region, especially against banned militant group Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh.

On Sunday, Mitu was stabbed and shot by three assailants in the port city’s GEC area around 6:30am when she was going to the nearest bus stop to drop his son for the school bus. The killers fled the scene on a motorcyle.

Drives after analysing footage Talking to journalists at the CMP Headquarters, Bahar said: “We have got some material evidence and information in the case. But it is the reality that we could not reach the core point of the case.”

He said that they were considering all possible aspects to unearth the mystery.

The CMP chief said that they were collecting CCTV footages from different areas in the city to trace the three killers. “We will launch drives after collecting the footage and being ensured about their whereabouts,” he said, adding that they were in the dark about the motive of the attack.

The black microbus Asked about the black microbus which was seen in CCTV footage following the killers after the murder, the CMP boss said that the law enforcement agencies were pretty sure that several other members of the same team had been staying inside the microbus as a backup force.

The additional force would have been used had the first team faced any obstacle in carrying out the killing mission.

Mitu’s mobile still missing The investigators are also trying to recover Mitu’s mobile missing since the murder. On the other hand, the Cantonment School authorities said that they had not sent any kind of massage to Mitu’s number.

After the murder, family members of the victim said that Mitu had received an SMS the previous night from the school which notified her about the change in schedule. l

On the first day of Ramadan, long tailbacks - such as the one pictured here in Tejgaon - caused immense sufferings to Dhaka dwellers as they rushed home for iftar RAJIB DHAR

Fear spreads within police families

Hajj flights to begin August 4

n Arifur Rahman Rabbi

n Shohel mamun

The killing of Chittagong Superintendent of Police Babul Akhter’s wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu on Sunday has spread fear and insecurity among the families of officials of other law enforcement agencies.

The recent spate of killings that began last year mainly targeted free-thinkers, academics, bloggers, religious minorities, and LGBT activists. But this is the first time assailants have killed a family member of a senior police official.

Mahmuda was shot dead by uni-

dentified assailants in front of Well Foods office at the GEC crossing in the port city.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Sunday said in a programme in Chittagong that the killing of Mahmuda was aimed at intimidating and scaring the police officials who have been working hard to prevent terrorism and militancy in Bangladesh.

Mahmuda had expressed concern about her family’s safety recently upon receiving threats on their life, a neighbour told the Dhaka Tribune on Sunday. Babul

Akhter, also a deputy commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, has been praised for his bravery and his crackdown on militants.

“He, too, was concerned about these threats,” said the neighbour.

After Mahmuda’s murder a number of police officials have told the Dhaka Tribune that they are concerned about the safety of their families, especially when they are posted in different districts and cities away from their families.

A number of them said many of their colleagues work to prevent militancy and investigate sensa-

tional crimes but have never received a threat yet.

At a press conference yesterday, the home minister assured police officials working on sensational and militancy related cases that their families would be given state protection if needed.

The Rapid Action Batallion and the police have found assailants having links to the banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in regards to the recent murders of free-thinkers and bloggers but most of the cases have remained unsolved to date. l

Flights for Hajj this year are expected to begin from August 4 and continue until September 5, while return flights are scheduled to run between September 17 and October 15.

The tentative dates were fixed at a meeting at the Civil Aviation Ministry yesterday.

A total 144 flights will carry about 101,758 Hajj pilgrims this year, said Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon, adding Biman and Saudi Arabian Airlines will each carry half the number of pilgrims. l

DT

News

4

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Bheramara to get HVDC sub-station n Aminur Rahman Rasel The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Ltd (PGCB) has signed another deal with Germany-based company Siemens AG to set up a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) substation in Bheramara, Kushtia to import electricity from India.

This is the same company that set up the existing HVDC substation in Bheramara, which tripped on November 1, 2014 and caused a massive black out in the country.

The deal was signed by PGCB

Company Secretary Md Ashraf Hossain and Siemens officials Wolfgang Richard Claire and Manuel Heiser at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday.

The ceremony was also attended by Power Division Secretary Monowar Islam and Additional Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus, PGCB Director Masum Al Biruni and Executive Directors Mohammad Shafiqullah and Paresh Chandra Roy, Siemens AG CEO Mirko Dusel, the project's chief engineer Farid Uddin Ahmed and project director QM Shafiqul Islam, among others.

UNDP dialogue discusses politics and governance

n Tribune Desk A policy dialogue on “Challenges of Political Development and Sustainable Growth” was hosted by the United Nations Development ProgrammeBangladesh on Tuesday at IDB Bhabhan.

The dialogue discussed the findings of a recently finalised empirical study by the social scientist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman of Power and Participation Research Centre titled “Politics, Governance and Middle Income Aspirations: Realities and Challenges”.

The PPRC Governance and Economy Survey of 2015 was conducted by consultations with stakeholders at district level, and an analysis of comparative economic trends.

It considered political climate, governance, economic performance as factors affecting citizens’ perceptions of governance issues such as security, bribe, trust, etc. and how these affect aspirations for economic growth.

Dr Hossain said: “Bangladesh cannot ignore the cost of economic under-performance.

The way ahead is to reference higher goals, such as the sustainable development goals.

Continuing with the status quo is fatal to Bangladesh’s middle

income aspirations.”

Robert Watkins, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative said: “UNDP commissioned this study in 2015 to examine the impact of governance on economic development. The goal is clear but the path remains a challenge.”

“Ensuring a balance between development and democracy is possible with solid evidence-based studies. The SDGs will be a key anchor in moving forward this discussion” said Pauline Tamesis, UNDP Country Director.

H T Imam, Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh said: “The study is comprehensive; many issues have been highlighted.

Economically we are progressing, and several successes have been achieved, such as in agriculture, social safety net programs and digitalisation of Bangladesh. But the quality of education remains a challenge.

Democracy and the rule of law are important in achieving our overall development goals.”

The event was attended by chief guest H T Imam, Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh along with academic experts, representatives of civil society and development partners. l

An HVDC substation is a specialised substation which forms a terminal for high-voltage direct current transmission lines. It converts direct current to alternating current and vice versa.

The PGCB signed the first deal with Siemens AG following the 8th Joint Steering Committee meeting between Bangladesh and India on power sector cooperation in New Delhi on October 10, 2014.

Siemens will construct the second HVDC substation and hand it over to the PGCB within June 2018, according to the new agreement.

CHRISTIAN MURDER

The project cost is estimated at Tk1,128 crore, Tk874 crore of which will be provided by the Asian Development Bank and the rest will be provided by the government.

Once finished, Bangladesh will import 500MW of electricity from India through the new substation.

Bangladesh is already importing 600MW of electricity from India; 500MW of that electricity is being imported through the existing HVDC substation in Bheramara from Bahrampur, India, and 100MW is being imported from Tripura via Comilla. l

One placed on 2-day remand n M Kamal Mridha, Natore A Natore court yesterday placed a man on two-day remand in connection with the killing of Christian shopkeeper Sunil Gomez.

On Monday, inspector of Detective Branch of police Abdul Hai and also investigation officer of the case for the murder, filed a petition seeking a five-day remand for Sabuj. A DB team arrested Sabuj on Sunday evening. l

5

DT

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

to remain open’ HC: Stop production of 20 pharmas ‘Mouchak n n Ashif Islam Shaon

The High Court has asked the authorities concerned to halt production at 20 pharmaceutical companies, accused of manufacturing substandard medicine, within seven days.

The apex court also directed the government to stop 14 other drug companies from producing antibiotics.

The health secretary, DG of the Directorate General of Health Services and director of Directorate General of Drug Administration have been asked to submit a report before the court within two weeks informing about their steps to comply with the order.

The bench of Justice Sayed Mohammad Dastagir Hossain and Justice AKM Shahidul Hoque gave the order yesterday in reply to a writ petition filed by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).

The 20 companies are Avert Pharma, Bikalpa Pharmaceutical, Dolphin Pharmaceuticals, Drugland,

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

The health secretary, DG of the DGHS, director of DGDA, IGP, RAB DG and secretary general of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.

The petitioner stated that a committee of medicine experts had advised a parliamentary watchdog in January this year to cancel the licences of the 20 companies, but no step was taken following the recommendation.

The committee also recommended that the licences of 14 other companies to manufacture antibiotics (penicillin, non-penicillin and cephalosporin groups) be revoked and the permission of 22 companies to produce drugs of penicillin and cephalosporin groups be suspended.

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim on April 21 ordered the DGDA to cancel the licences of the 20 companies accepting the recommendations, and to implement them on review. But the DGDA is yet to take any steps in this regard, the petitioner said. l

Exim Pharmaceutical, Globe Laboratories, Jalpa Laboratories and Kafina Pharmaceuticals, Medico Pharmaceutical, National Drug, North Bengal Pharmaceutical, Rimo Chemical, Rid Pharmaceutical, Skylab Pharmaceutical, Spark Pharmaceutical, Star Pharmaceutical, Sunipun Pharmaceutical, Today Pharmaceutical, Tropical Pharmaceutical and Universal Pharmaceutical.

The 14 companies ordered to stop manufacturing antibiotics are Addin Pharmaceuticals, Alkad Pharmaceuticals, Belsen Pharmaceuticals, Bengal Drugs and Chemicals, Bristol Pharma, Crystal Pharmaceuticals, Indo-Bangla Pharmaceuticals, Millat Pharmaceuticals, MST Pharma and Healthcare, Orbit Pharmaceuticals, Pharmic Laboratories, Phoenix Chemical Laboratory, Rasa Pharmaceuticals and Save Pharmaceuticals.

The same court yesterday issued a rule asking as to why the inaction of the government in scrapping the companies’ licenses would not be declared illegal and why their licenses would not be scraped.

Dhaka

34

26

Chittagong

33

26

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:45PM

37

27

Rangpur

33

26

Ashif Islam Shaon

The ‘risky’ Mouchak market in the capital’s Malibagh will remain opened during the month of Ramadan for Eid shopping as the Supreme Court yesterday stayed a High Court order to shut it down yesterday.

The Chamber Judge of Supreme Court Mirza Hossain Haider stayed HC decision for six weeks following a petition filed by Mouchak Market Shop Owners Association, said their lawyer Motahar Hossain.

The court however said the shop keepers will keep their shutters up at their own risk for six weeks.

Hearing a writ petition, the High Court on June 6 ordered shopkeepers to vacate the market until it was repaired as per Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) recommendation and the building authorities got clearance from Rajuk under the building code.

Seeking stay on the order the shop keepers moved the Supreme Court yesterday.

According to the writ petition,

Khulna

33

26

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:10AM

36.5ºC Rajshahi

23.2ºC Sylhet

Source: Accuweather/UNB

32

27

PRAYER TIMES

the Capital Development Authority of the Government--Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) sent a letter to the building’s owner saying that the building seemed old and risky.

It asked the owner to get the building examined by Buet and submit the report to Rajuk for clearance of using it.

The Buet then examined the building and submitted a report to Rajuk with some recommendations.

Rajuk then issued the final notice asking the owner to shut down the risky market immediately and renovate the building according to BUET recommended Retrofitting Desgin with help of expert engineers.

The Rajuk warned that if the structurally risky building is used and any accident takes place, the building owner will be liable. Punitive action will be taken under the Bangladesh National Building Code.

Challenging the notice, owner of the building Ashraf Kamal Pasha filed the writ petition with the High Court. l

Sylhet

31

24

Cox’s Bazar

31

Fajr: 3:50am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 6:58pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

26

DT

News

6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Sunamganj villagers deprived of electricity even after giving bribe Shekor Vodro, n Himadri Sunamganj At least 315 families at Alipur village in Sadar upazila are derived of electricity as they have not been given power connection yet.

Locals alleged that Nurul Islam, an influential man of the village and the teacher of Sonali Noor High School along with several other influential persons took money from the villagers in the name of Power Development Board (PDB) officials for giving connection of electricity.

The villagers said each family had given Tk6,000 to Nurul and his men. But they did get electricity in last six months.

Only 35 of 350 families were given power connection setting up bamboo and betel nut poles.

Villager Ali Hossain, 38, said he had given bribe to the PDB officials

to get electricity setting up concrete pole. But he has not got the power connection yet.

Kalim Uddin, another villager, said the influential persons of the

The villagers said each family had given Tk6,000 to Nurul and his men.

But they did get electricity in last six months village had taken money in the name of the PDB officials. But they did not return back the money or gave the connection.

Faizur Rahman, 22, said the villagers had given Tk20 lakh for the connection of electricity. But they

Though cauliflower a winter vegetable, farmers of northern region now cultivate it around the year. Farmers wrap the vegetable after harvesting at Paba upazila, Rajshahi yesterday AZAHAR UDDIN

Four held for double murder in Jessore n Tauhid Zaman, Jessore Police yesterday arrested four people in connection with the killing of two people at a CNG re-fuelling station at Baghapara, Jessore.

The arrested are Sirajul Islam, a worker of Abdul Bari filling station, Iqbal, a resident of Ramnagar, Nayan of Shrirampur and Nasir of Charhatar.

Billal Hossain, additional superintendent of police, Jessore said Siraj was detained on Monday night from his relative’s house located at Kolaroa, Satkhira.

Later, police arrested the three others from separate places acting Siraj’s statement.

“Siraj confessed to the killing. He told us that he had

killed Obaidur Rahman over distributing money which they stole from the filling station and college student Lijon Ahmed Apu, 25, was the victim of the circumstances,” said the ASP. Siraj in collaboration with Obaidur used to steal money from the filling station. But they had a dispute over the share of the money. Obaidur took 80% of stolen money while Sirajul got only 20%.

Moreover, Iqbal, Nayan and Nasir took part in the killing to take revenge on Obaidur as he sacked the trio from their jobs at the station a few days back, said the ASP. Police recovered the bodies of Obaidur and Apu from the filling station on Monday morning. l

were not given the line in last six months.

Amir Hossain,27, of the village said arbitration was held several times between the influential persons and villagers over the issue.

But no solution has come out.

Nannu Mian said one phase of three phases had been set up. The only transformer had been lying in sorry state for many days on the bank of the Khamia River.

Some bamboo and betel nut tree poles had been set up risking lives of the villagers, he said.

The villagers live on agriculture and their condition is not well. So it is a difficult situation for them as they have already given a lot of money.

On February 5, State Minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu ordered the PDB officials to remove the bamboo and betel nut pole while he

visited Tangratila gas-field.

But the poles were not removed even after his order, said sources.

Any kind of accident might happen as wire is open where the connection had already been given, added the sources.

Villager Zahir Mian said the influential people told them that they would give the money to the PDB officials for power connection.

But they did not give money to the officials and misappropriated it.

Executive engineer of Chhatak PDB office said the connection of the electricity had been to the villagers after the order of the minister.

The connection was not easy due to lack of good transport system.

Already, money, more than allocation, has been spent behind setting up the poles, he added. l

Another dies in UP poll violence

n Md Tazul Islam, Gaibandha The person who was injured in UP poll violence in Gobindaganj upazila under the district died yesterday at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital.

The deceased was Sydur Rahman, son of Sabed Ali of Bahadurpur village under Talukkanpur union council.

According to local sources, Sydur went to cast his vote under sixth phase UP election in Phoolbari 1 No Primary School on June 4.

Mozammel Haque, officer-incharge of Gobindaganj police station, said a clash had taken place among the supporters of Dudu Mian and Abdur Rahim, the chairman candidates in the UP poll. Three people were injured in the clash.

Of them, Sydur was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

He died here in the afternoon. A case was filed in this connection. l

7

DT

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Chawk Bazar sees crowd on first day of Ramadan n Kamrul Hasan The incessant monsoon rains could not keep people away from the city’s largest iftar market at Chawk Bazar of Old Dhaka yesterday.

Food sellers, however, said they might incur losses as prices of iftar items were higher than the last year.

This tradition iftar market is famous for specialty items that are native to Old Dhaka and people from all over the city come to buy them.

Mohammad Hiron, an owner of an ifter stall at Chawk Bazar, told the Dhaka Tribune that customers had gathered there as early as 2pm and came back again in droves when the rain stopped.

Amjad Hossain, another owner of an iftar stall at the bazar, said he feared making a loss this year because of the torrential downpours that will prevent people from visiting the market.

However, some customers had complained about the change in quality and price this year, Nazmus

Sakib, a Dhaka University student said he found meat items to slightly costlier.

Hazi Anwar Bhuiyan, a resident of Lalbag, said the cost of the traditional ‘Boro Baper Polay Khay’ and ‘Suti Kabab’ had increased while the quality has significantly decreased.

Rustom Miah, who sells Suti Kabab said the cost of ingredients had increased which was why the price of the iftar items were higher this year.

The prices at Chawk Bazar this year for boro baper polay khay is Tk400, suti kabab is Tk400, roast chicken has risen from Tk 220 to Tk300, roast quail is Tk 60-80, jali kababs is Tk 30 apiece, shahi jilapi is Tk 180, mutton kababs is Tk600, fried pigeon isTk220, fried duck is Tk450, shahi halim is Tk350 and dahi bara is from Tk 170-230.

There are at-least 200 stalls selling all kinds of iftar food items at Chawk Bazar including dessert stalls selling faludas and specialty drinks such as lassi. l

The photo taken around 4pm yesterday showed the Iftar market at Old Dhaka’s Chowk Bazar is abuzz with trading on the first day of Ramadan SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

DNA report handed over to medical board TONU MURDER CASE

n Mohiuddin Molla, Comilla The Criminal Investigation Department handed over the DNA report of Shohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Comilla Victoria College, to the medical board assigned to conduct her second autopsy.

Chief of the medical board and

also head of the Forensic Department of Comilla Medical College Hospital Dr Kamda Prosad Saha confirmed this yesterday afternoon.

He said Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mosarrof Hossain and Constable Shah Alam handed over the DNA report to him at about 12:15pm.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Joynab Begum ordered the CID to give the DNA report to the medical board, which was conducting the second autopsy of Tonu.

The medical board’s chief also said the second autopsy report of

Tonu would be disclosed on Sunday.

Dr Kamda said : “We got the DNA report. But one board member was out of Comilla. So, we will discuss the matter after he comes back. We are hopeful that the report can be disclosed on Sunday.”

Tonu, a history student and a theater activist, was found dead at Comilla Cantonment on March 20.

The first autopsy on Tonu’s body, performed shortly after her body was found, failed to find the cause of death and determined that she had not been raped.

The autopsy was headed by Dr Sharmin Sultana, lecturer at the forensics department of Comilla Medical College Hospital.

On March 28, a local court ordered the exhumation of Tonu’s body for fresh autopsy.

Meanwhile, the CID ran a DNA test on Tonu’s body, and on May 16 they disclosed that evidence of gang rape had been found in the test.

“The evidence of rape has been found on her clothes,” said Special Superintendent of Police in Comilla Nazmul Karim Khan. l

3 jailed for price manipulation n Tribune Desk

A mobile court in a drive yesterday jailed three kitchen market retailers and fined a wholesaler for price manipulation in Chittagong city’s Riajuddin Bazar and Kazir Dewri market.

Of the trio, two were jailed for 15 days while the rest of person was jailed for 20 days as they were selling per kilogram of green chilly at Tk90 while they bought the amount at Tk27, said mobile court sources. l

Barrister Shakila released on bail in Chittagong Hussain, n Anwar Chittagong

Barrister Shakila Farzana who was arrested on charge of terror financing was released on bail from Chittagong central jail yesterday afternoon.

Advocate Abdus Sattar, counsel of Barrister Shakila Farzana, confirmed the release to the Dhaka Tribune.

Earlier, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court order that had granted bail to lawyer Shakila Farzana in two cases over her alleged involvement in financing a militant outfit.

A three-member bench of

the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha passed the order rejecting leave to appeal filed by the state after hearing the petition.

Earlier on February 22, the High Court granted bail to Barrister Shakila in two cases clearing the way for her release from jail.

On August 18, 2015, members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three lawyers, including Barrister Shakila from Dhaka on charge of their alleged link in financing Shaeed Hamza Brigade, a Chittagong-based militant outfit.

Barrister Shakila was

shown arrested in two cases filed in Chittagong’s Hathazari and Banshkhali under Anti-Terrorism Act. Shakila Farzana, 39, is a practicing lawyer at the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

Daughter of Syed Wahidul Alam, a former BNP whip, Shakila is also a member of the Dhaka District Association and the Supreme Court Association.

Barrister Shakila Farzana is the incumbent joint general secretary of the Supreme Court wing of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a pro-BNP lawyers’ body. l

DT

8 World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Myanmar eyes closure of wildlife trade hub on Chinese border

Myanmar authorities plan to shut down a notorious border town where exotic animal parts are sold openly.

Mong La, a frontier town in Shan state, is a market for endangered species and products - such as elephant tusks and tiger wine - which are traded to Chinese tourists.

-AFP

INDIA

Delhi Police make fresh arrests in kidney sale racket

New Delhi police on Tuesday arrested three kidney donors over an illegal racket at the city’s Apollo Hospital. The donors were taken into custody after being questioned. Police say a criminal gang lured poor people to sell their kidneys for some Rs300,000 before selling on the organs for huge profits to those in need.

-AFP

CHINA

US presses China to reduce barriers for foreign business

Senior US officials pressed China again on Tuesday to reduce barriers for foreign businesses, saying concerns had grown as the regulatory environment became more complex, and they also bought up concerns over a new law on foreign non-governmental groups.

Foreign business confidence has been affected following China’s roll-out of a national security law limiting the use of overseas technology.

-REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

Manila advised against talks with China over disputed waters

A former Philippine foreign minister and a US security expert said on Tuesday Philippine President-elect Rodrigo Duterte should not hold unconditional bilateral talks with China to try to resolve their South China Sea dispute. China claims most of the waters, through which $5tn in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims. -REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

Bomb attack on police kills 11 in Istanbul Turkish police detained four people in a hunt for the perpetrators of a car bombing in central Istanbul Tuesday that killed seven policemen and four civilians. The third deadly attack in Turkey’s biggest city in six months targeted a bus transporting anti-riot police.

-AFP

ANALYSIS

Is Obama-Modi friendship real? n Tribune International Desk It’s a friendship between two powerful men that transcends politics, transcends diplomacy.

It certainly looked like genuine affection when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled President Barack Obama into a bear hug as he stepped off Air Force One last year. An intimacy seemed to envelope the two as they sat in the garden of an old royal palace, smiling and chatting.

There are the gushing comments: Modi “transcends the ancient and the modern,” Obama wrote in Time magazine. “Barack and I have formed a bond, a friendship,” Modi said.

It’s a friendship that will almost certainly be on display when Modi arrives Tuesday at the White House for his seventh meeting with the US president.

Except, well, maybe they aren’t actually friends.

“It’s politics. It’s pure politics,” said Mihir Sharma, a writer and editor with the Business Standard newspaper and a longtime follower of Modi’s career.

It’s a refrain heard repeatedly among India’s political analysts, who see calculation instead of genuine affection, with an Indian leader carefully shaping the country’s political narrative by putting himself at the centre of any diplomatic achievement.

Foreign leaders have willingly played along, appearing with the prime minister in choreographed private moments, whether it’s Modi taking a selfie in Shanghai with Chinese Premier Le Keqiang or pouring tea for Obama in New Delhi.

“The Americans have realised that one of the ways that you can get something out of Modi is to emphasise his personal charm,” said Sharma. “It’s in the interests of pretty much every country he visits to stress the warmth of the personal

In this January 25, 2015 file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and US President Barack Obama embrace, as first lady Michelle Obama speaks with a defence officer upon arrival at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi AP relationship between their leader and the Indian prime minister.”

There is always theater in politics, of course, and all politicians understand the need to sometimes say one thing while believing something else. But Modi has carefully woven his personality into India’s international standing, creating what former Indian national security adviser MK Narayanan has called a “personalised diplomacy.”

In many ways it’s about respect.

India has long felt slighted by the global powers, seeing itself as a powerful, highly educated country that is all-too-often dismissed for its poverty, dirty streets and the lingering power of its caste system.

Friendships with world leaders, particularly one as powerful as Obama, prove to India — and its voters — that Modi can change that.

“He comes back from his visits (abroad) to say: ‘I’ve been able to secure so much respect for India,’” said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a Modi biographer. When Modi publicly refers to Obama by his first name “he’s claiming the position that he’s equal to the president of the US.” “It’s kind of a reverse colonialism that India suffers from,” said

Mukhopadhyay. “We don’t feel we’re important until we’ve gotten some kind of endorsement, especially from Western countries.”

The respect is particularly sweet in Washington, where Modi wasn’t even welcome until becoming prime minister in a landslide election victory in 2014.

Modi, who rose to prominence as a leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, was denied a visa to visit the US in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the western state of Gujarat, where he was then the top official.

American officials largely avoided contact with him until the 2014 elections over suspicions that he was involved in the rioting or did not do enough to stop them.

Modi arrived in Washington on Monday during a five-nation tour that also takes him to Switzerland, Afghanistan, Mexico and Qatar. He meets with Obama on Tuesday, and addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday. He’ll also meet Congressional leaders and top business officials.

Obama has much to gain from good relations with Modi, from

increased US-India trade to closer ties to another country worried about the rise of China.

In many ways, the Washington-New Delhi relationship has not lived up to its potential since a landmark 2008 nuclear energy agreement, signed during the administration of President George W Bush. That agreement had seemed to signal the end of three decades of Cold War suspicions, when the US was more focused on ties with India’s archrival, Pakistan, and many in Washington believed India was far too friendly with the Soviet Union.

But things haven’t always gone as planned: There was the 2013 arrest in New York of an Indian diplomat, which infuriated India, and displeasure in Washington over a 2010 Indian liability law on accidents at nuclear power plants. US lawmakers say it’s still too hard for Americans to invest in India, even with some easing of restrictions under Modi.

Still, US-India trade has grown dramatically since the 2008 accord, expanding from $60bn in 2009 to $107bn in 2015. The US has also become a major supplier of military hardware to India.

A defence logistics agreement is likely to be finalised during Modi’s Washington visit. A solution is also expected to be reached on the nuclear liability law.

But the question remains: Are they really friends?

There’s no way to know. Both men regularly talk about their friendship, and officials from both countries highlight the relationship.

Obama’s quotes, though, seem carefully gauged to avoid anything too personal: “We have developed a friendship and close working relationship,” he told Press Trust of India in an interview earlier this year.

Modi, though, can be downright effusive, referring to their “personal chemistry” and hinting at a real intimacy. l

EU court rules illegal migrants can’t be jailed n AFP, Luxembourg EU countries cannot imprison illegal migrants just for crossing borders inside the passport-free Schengen area, the bloc’s top court ruled Tuesday, in a new blow to efforts to crack down on the migration crisis.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg said that European Union rules prevent the jailing of non-EU migrants who

have illegally crossed a frontier if they have not already been subject to deportation procedures.

The ruling came in the case of a Ghanaian woman, Selina Affum, who was caught by French police at the Channel Tunnel while on a bus from Belgium to Britain using someone else’s passport.

French police placed her in custody for illegal entry to France, and then asked Belgium to readmit her.

The EU court, ruling on Affum’s appeal against her detention, said that it was against the EU’s “return directive” or laws on deporting migrants.

“The return directive prevents a national of a non-EU country who has not yet been subject to the return procedure being imprisoned solely because he or she has entered the territory of a Member State illegally across an internal border of the

Schengen area,” it said.

The Schengen passport free area of 26 European countries has come under severe pressure from the continent’s biggest migration crisis since World War II as people flee war in Syria and elsewhere.

Faced with an an influx of more than one million migrants and refugees in the past year and a half, many Schengen countries have brought back border controls that were dismantled a decade ago. l

9

DT

World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

ANALYSIS

USA

Brexit would leave EU less liberal, less Atlanticist 15 DAYS TO GO

n Reuters, Brussels European Union without Britain would be financially poorer, less economically liberal and free-trading, less Atlanticist and less open to further enlargement.

A British vote to leave the 28-nation EU in a referendum on June 23 would not only deal a severe blow to the union’s self-confidence and international standing, amputating it of its second biggest economy and one of its two main military powers.

It would also blow a hole in the EU’s common budget and tilt the balance away from the open, competitive economy favoured by the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and central European states, towards protectionism and heavier regulation.

Even committed European federalists acknowledge that Britain has made major contributions in opening up the community’s internal market, promoting an outward-looking foreign policy and sharing a pragmatic, empirical administrative culture.

Supporters of a more deeply integrated political union centred on the 19-nation euro currency area would have no cause for rejoicing, since eurosceptics elsewhere would be emboldened to press for their own renegotiations and referendums.

“Brexit would make the narrative of the EU about disintegration, not integration,” researchers

at the London-based Centre for European Reform said in a report entitled: “Europe after Brexit: unleashed or undone?”

For one thing, much of the EU’s time and energy would be consumed for the next two years or longer by wrangling over the terms of withdrawal and the UK’s future relations with the bloc.

Aside from that, the EU’s historic Franco-German axis seems too weak to agree on any major strengthening of the euro zone, at least until after elections in both countries in 2017.

Unpopular French President Francois Hollande is in the last year of his term, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel is constrained by domestic resistance to an influx of refugees and to any more risk-sharing with southern euro zone countries.

Power dynamics

The power dynamics of European leadership would change if Britain quit. Germany would lose a counterweight to French economic dirigisme. France would lose its main partner in supporting EU military missions in Africa and elsewhere.

Europe might be less inclined to stand up to Russia, or to work as closely with the US. The EU would remain divided into a majority of countries which share the euro, and a minority that have not yet joined or have voted to stay out. But those non-euro countries - Sweden, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia

THE AMERICAS

A campaigner wears a T-shirt bearing the slogan “I’m Turning My Back On The EU” as he attends a UKIP pro-Brexit campaign event on May 31 AFP - would have less clout without Britain’s presence as the main financial centre outside the single currency area.

Among the headaches for the EU would be how to make up for Britain’s contribution to the common European budget, most of which goes on subsidies to poorer regions and to farmers.

The UK is the number three net contributor after Germany and France, paying in an average €9.23bn a year more than it received from EU coffers in 20102014, according to the European Commission. It would continue to pay contributions for at least two years until it finally left.

Britain’s EU friends would lose a powerful ally on issues such as upholding free and unfettered competition, curbing state aid to industry, resisting tax harmonisation, and opposing barriers to trade with China and other emerging economies. A hub of EU-fund-

US delegate counts released Monday showed Clinton has secured the party nomination

Collated opinion poll results

53.3%

Hillary Clinton June 2

43.8% 42.3% 33.7%

July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2015

Source: RealClearPolitics

More than 450 groups on Monday called on Congress to reject the Trans-Pacific Partnership if it comes up for a vote this fall, saying the trade deal would allow fossil fuel companies to contest US environmental rules in extrajudicial tribunals under provisions of the 12-nation TPP. Congress is expected to vote on the TPP after the November 8 election. -REUTERS

Brazil prosecutor seeks arrest of Senate president, ruling party leader

ed research and innovation would drift away.

London was the biggest supporter of the EU’s eastward enlargement to take in 12 mostly former Communist states in 2004 and 2007 - at least partly in the belief that a wider EU would slow centralisation.

No country has fought harder for ambitious free trade pacts with the US, Canada, Japan and other major economies.

Without energetic British backing, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) under negotiation between Brussels and Washington is less likely to come to fruition.

German and Austrian voters are reticent over data privacy and private arbitration courts, while the French are anxious over so-called “Frankenstein foods” - hormone-treated beef, chlorine-washed chicken and genetically modified crops. l

Donald Trump Jan Feb Mar April May June 2016

Brazil’s chief prosecutor asked the Supreme Court to authorise the arrest of the presidents of the Senate and of the ruling PMDB party for allegedly trying to obstruct police investigations. Chief prosecutor Rodrigo Janot also sought permission to arrest suspended House speaker Eduardo Cunha for seeking to block the probe into political kickbacks at state oil company Petrobras. -REUTERS

UK

UK PM slams Brexit untruths ahead of TV grilling UK Prime Minister David Cameron warned voters Tuesday against believing “total untruths” peddled by the Brexit campaign, seeking to regain momentum in the referendum race ahead of a crucial TV grilling on Tuesday with UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Opinion polls on Monday gave the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union a slender lead.

-AFP

EUROPE

UN: Migrant deaths in sea top 10,000 since 2014

Ü Gradual reform of Wall Street Ü Tighten gun laws Ü Immigration reform to simplify citizenship for illegal migrants

More than 10,000 people have died attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe since 2014, the UN confirmed Tuesday. UNHCR said the number of Mediterranean deaths had risen sharply in 2016, with 2,814 people dying since the start of the year, following a total of 3,771 in 2015 and 3,500 the year earlier. That amounts to 10,085 deaths in less than two and a half years.

-AFP

Ü Expand university scholarships

AFRICA

Hillary Clinton: Presumptive Democratic nominee Clinton v Trump

Groups urge US Congress to reject TPP over environmental concerns

PROMISES

REPUTATION Ü Torchbearer of American women Ü Has talked of the need to address racism and economic disparities Ü Pushes for tackling radicalism through military, economic, diplomatic and cultural means Ü Strong support from women Democrats and minorities

Nigeria to talk with militant group Delta Avengers Nigeria wants to talk with the Niger Delta Avengers militant group which has claimed a string of attacks that cut crude output to a 20-year low. Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari had appointed a team led by the national security adviser “to begin the process of a very intensive dialogue with those caught in the middle of this, the country’s oil minister confirmed.

-REUTERS

DT

10

World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

New Assam govt vows to oppose big dams In a region dotted with large dam projects and public protests against them, the state’s water resources minister says big dams ruin environment, promises to push small projects instead

n Amarjyoti Borah Environmental issues seem to have played an important role in the recently concluded assembly elections in the Indian state of Assam.

The alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) focussed a major part of its campaign on these issues, and these have worked in its favour, possibly signalling the first time in India when an election hinged on the environment.

The BJP’s election manifesto promised that it would focus on smaller dams that have minimum adverse impacts on the environment. On the large dams in and around the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh, it had promised that the suggestions of the expert committees will be taken into consideration – many of which have recommended caution against the construction of mega-projects. The party’s manifesto had also promised to look into the options of greener energy such as solar and wind, besides promising a permanent solution to flooding in the state.

Sarbananda Sonowal, now Assam’s chief minister, had stated repeatedly on the campaign trail, “If voted to power we will take steps to curb the problem of flooding in all the urban and rural areas in the state, and we will also take steps to dredge the Brahmaputra river so that the depth of the river increases and flooding decreases.”

The party’s promise on dams may have helped the BJP led alliance win a record 33 seats out of the 38 in the upper Assam districts of Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. All these districts are likely to bear the brunt of big dams being built or proposed in the region, and besides this are heavily flood affected districts.

In total the BJP led alliance won 86 of the 126 assembly seats in the state, the first time it has won a majority in Assam, the largest state in north-eastern India.

According to political analysts, the BJP had recognised the importance of environmental issues in the run-up to the 2014 general elections when it promised a relook into the big dam projects in the North East. At an election rally at Pasighat, in Arunachal Pradesh on February 22, 2014, Narendra Modi, then campaigning for the post of prime minister, said that honouring the sentiments of the region’s people against large dams, he would prefer smaller hydro power projects in the region.

Until then the BJP had never won in the area, but in the 2014 elections

they managed to win three out of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam and one in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. All these areas have a sizeable population against the construction of big dams. The BJP managed to capitalise on the sentiment and catch those votes.

“Since 2001 it was always an issue, but by 2013-14 the big dam issue became a major impact issue, and since the BJP showed sympathy towards the anti-dam groups and said that they favour smaller dams, a huge portion of the voters who were against the big dams voted in their favour,” said Nani Gopal Mahanta, professor of Political Science at Gauhati University.

As an icing on the cake for the BJP, its alliance partner, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) also made several promises on the same lines, and even said that it would push the central government to take up the issue regarding the reported hydro power projects by China on the Brahmaputra, on a priority basis.

Delivering on promises

The newly appointed Water Resources minister, Keshab Mahanta, said the government is committed to the promises it made during the recent campaign, and those mentioned in the election manifesto.

“We are opposed to big dams as those will damage the environment, and we will push for micro and mini hydro power projects, to make the state self-sufficient in power,” said Mahanta.

Mahanta further added that the issue will be discussed with the central government. Since the central government is led by the BJP this may have given the electoral promises added weight.

The minister also said that all the political parties speak about the massive water resources in the North East, but no one speaks about setting up an institute on the subject. “We will push for an Institute on hydrology in the state, so that the water potential in this region could be utilised to the maximum,” said Mahanta.

Picking on the Pulse

The Guwahati based Centre for Environment Social and Policy Research (CESPR) carried out research on environmental issues in the 2016 Assam assembly election among voters. They found that, unlike earlier elections when most people were focussed on issues of security and bread, clothes and housing, now voters also wanted politicians to speak about environmental issues as well.

“During our survey we came across people—both youth and

Construction site of 2,000MW-Lower Subansiri Hydro Power project, being built in Arunachal Pradesh aged, who said that they want politicians to make election promises on the issues of flood and erosion, urban flooding, big dams and renewable energy,” said Sabita Devi, deputy director of the CESPR. Devi also said that people want the political parties to mention these in the election manifesto so that they could be held accountable later on, if the promises are not delivered. The political parties seem to have understood the pulse of the voters on the environment issues.

According to Devi this was an important strategy by the political parties, as the informed and particularly the youth voters show concern towards environment, and making promises on such issues attracted them. “The expectations of the voters have evolved over the years, and they now want the political parties to ensure their aspirations from the outcome of the election are on board,” added Devi.

The Congress also promised to revisit the issue of impacts of hydro-power projects if voted to power, and also promised to oppose hydro power projects which could impact Assam’s ecology.

However by then it was too late.

Considering that the Congress had been in power for 15 years in Assam, when most of the projects were commissioned, its words may have not carried as much credibility.

“The BJP and its allies had sensed this right after the verdict of the 2014 general elections and had worked on this strategy accordingly, and had left the Congress far behind,” said Devi.

Another issue which the BJP had taken up actively was the issue of

AMARJYOTI BORAH

In this May 19 file photo, newly elected Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwal, centre, with his party officials greet supporters after winning the state assembly polls AFP rhino poaching in the state. The emotional issue also helped them, as the rhino is deeply tied to Assamese identity. The BJP’s repeated campaigning on the issue also allowed them to target the Congress.

“It impacted us much more than we had thought,” said Haren Das, spokesperson of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

Given the vulnerability of India’s north-eastern states, particularly Assam, to climate change related impacts, either these elections will be an anomaly particular to the region – or if climate change is un-

derstand to be a national issue – a forerunner of things to come. Also, the BJP-led government at the Centre went back on its promises, and with Modi as the prime minister – commissioned the country’s largest dam without any public consultation soon after being elected. So although these promises were made for winning the election, it remains to be seen what the reality of implementation will be. l

The article was originally published on thethirdpole.net and has been republished under Creative Commons license.

A sample of EU Blue Card

APPLY.EU

EU aims to bolster work permits for skilled migrants n Reuters, Strasbourg The European Union executive proposed easing access on Tuesday to the EU job market for qualified foreigners to offer legal paths to Europe rather than irregular immigration and to fill skills gaps in the labour force.

The European Commission wants to reinvigorate its Blue Card scheme - akin to the US Green Card which has failed to gain widespread use over the past four years. Fewer than 14,000 were granted last year, nearly all of them by Germany.

At the same time, Germany took in most of the 1.3m refugees and migrants who reached Europe, mostly via smuggling routes. The influx triggered bitter spats among EU states on how to handle the people and calls to promote legal ways to Europe.

As well as lowering the minimum salary that jobs must offer before being open to Blue Card applicants, the proposals would extend eligibility to some of those who have arrived irregularly in Europe and are now seeking asylum.

The scheme is aimed at highly qualified workers who get a job offer in the EU, with the minimum duration of the contract halved to 6 months from 12. Britain, Ireland and Denmark do not take part in the system.

The Commission wants to lower the salary threshold for the scheme to make more jobs available. It could go as low as an EU member state’s national average wage, or to just 80% of that for recent graduates or professionals in sectors suffering from labour shortages. At present, Blue Cards are only issued to skilled professionals earning 50% more than the average.

EU states would still be allowed to decide how many people they want allow under the scheme, which would also be extended to refugees if they can prove professional qualifications.

The scheme offers fast-track access to permanent residence and Brussels also wants to make travelling easier for holders.

The Commission said the scheme would benefit the bloc’s economy, estimating a revamped Blue Card could add 0.2% to the bloc’s economic growth in 2017.l

11

DT

World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

DT

12 Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

WB lends more fund to support electronic public procurement The World Bank (WB) has approved $10 million in additional financing to help Bangladesh scale up its electronic government procurement system to meet higher demand for more effective and efficient use of public funds, the bank said in a statement yesterday.

PAGE 13

Weak export demand hits orders out of German factory gates

Weakness in China and Germany’s other export partners have prompted the biggest drop in industrial orders in Europe’s top economy in more than a decade, official data showed.

PAGE 14

US presses China to reduce barriers for foreign business Senior US officials pressed China again yesterday to reduce barriers for foreign businesses, saying concerns have grown due to a more complex regulatory environment.

PAGE 15

Capital market snapshot: Tuesday DSE Broad Index

4,410.9

Index

1,083.7

-0.4% ▼

30 Index

1,737.3

-0.6% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

2,826.3

-8.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

-0.3% ▼

82.1 -12.0% ▼

CSE All Share Index 13,576.5 30 Index Selected Index

-0.3% ▼

12,545.5

0.3% ▲

8,260.8

-0.3% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

187.0 -13.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

7.0 -21.4% ▼

China keen to fund Dhaka-Ctg elevated expressway n Kayes Sohel China is keen to finance a fourlane Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway, which will be the largest ever costly infrastructure project planned by Bangladesh just three months back, officials said yesterday.

The government is working to construct a 225-kilometre-long elevated Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway at a cost of Tk70,000 crore, sources said.

Currently, the largest infrastructure project is Padma bridge which is being constructed at a cost of over Tk28,000 crore.

The state-owned construction enterprise China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Ltd has recently proposed to construct the Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway on a government-to-government or build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.

On April 18, CRCC, one of the largest construction and engineering companies in the world, wrote Finance Minister AMA Muhith for funding the Dhaka–Chittagong elevated expressway construction.

However, it did not mention how much it had planned to invest in the mega project.

“We are pleased to offer full Chinese finance with low interest rates for execution of this

INTERNET

TOP STORIES

high-priority project under the BOT basis, whichever the Bangladesh government deems fit,” the letter said.

CRCC also said it is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard.

The Dhaka–Chittagong expressway might begin from Kanchpur, a key entry point to the capital, and end in Sitakunda on the outskirts of the port city.

According to the sources in the Economic Relations Division (ERD), ADB is helping Bangladesh design the elevated expressway to boost trade and ease congestion on the existing highway linking these cities.

A 2013 Asian Development Bank

(ADB) study shows that 90% of Bangladesh’s goods for export and import are transported through the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.

Around 60% of the vehicles use the highway to carry goods while 27% transport passengers.

The project will assist the government to update the feasibility study and prepare the detailed engineering documents for financing the expressway project under a private-public-partnership scheme.

In February last, after Ecnec meeting, AHM Mustafa Kamal said the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to build the elevated expressway over the four-lane highway once the current upgrading is complete.

He termed the project a ‘dream project’ like the construction of the Padma Bridge.

The minister hoped that the government would launch the project soon.

Besides Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway, the Chinese government, in recent years, agreed to finance some largest infrastructure projects including Payra deep seaport, a single line dual-gauge railway track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and Ramu to Gundum near Myanmar border project, Dhaka-Chittagong railway chord line project, Padma rail link from Dhaka to Jessore and multi-lane road tunnel under the river Karnaphuli. l

NBR to open forensic lab to detect tax evaders n Syed Samiul Basher Anik

The National Board of Revenue will use modern electronic equipment to find corporate firms who are reportedly indulging in irregularities in their electronic financial records to dodge taxes.

A computer forensic lab has been set up under the NBR’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) which will be capable of analysing electronic data from devices used by corporate firms and can detect financial irregularities, officials said.

Necessary equipment including forensic duplicator, forensic workstation, storage server, and high-end laptop have already been collected.

Software like data forensic software, password recovery software and text analytic software have also been installed at the hightech lab to facilitate the taxmen in

unearthing tax evasion.

The tax officials concerned have been given necessary training on how to operate the lab and find tax evaders.

NBR has completed necessary purchases and trained its officials under financial support from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). Once the lab opens, taxmen can find all data including hidden accounts and records from taxpayers’ computers to detect financial irregularities.

By using the lab, taxmen can access all electronic records kept by taxpayers in their computers or IT system and can extract relevant data from those devices used by the suspected corporate firms.

If any company hide or delete data stored in the devices, taxmen can also be able to recover those using the lab.

In January, 2015 NBR set up data forensic lab to detect tax eva-

sions and other financial crimes by suspected corporate houses.

Currently, Bangladesh’s tax-GDP ratio is very low compared to other countries while tax compliance is low and evasion is persistent.

As per existing mechanisms, the revenue authorities have to depend on manual system for conducting assessment mainly due to lack of modern equipment

to find out mismatch and irregularities in electronically maintained financial records.

Once the lab opens, officials will launch drive against suspected corporate firms to unearth tax evasion. In coming days, over 80% of the tax collections are expected to come from the paperless corporate taxpayers, according to the NBR estimation. l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

WB lends more fund to support electronic public procurement n Tribune Business Desk

The World Bank (WB) has approved $10 million in additional financing to help Bangladesh scale up its electronic government procurement system to meet higher demand for more effective and efficient use of public funds, the bank said in a statement yesterday.

This additional financing to the Public Procurement Reform Project II will help set up a new state-ofthe-art data centre with 200 Terra-byte storage capacity and a mirror site to replace an existing lower capacity data centre to keep pace with an exponential growth in demand for electronic procurement from public procurement entities.

With robust security features and 180 times more capacity, the new centre will offer storage for 8.6 million tenders and support about 325,000 registered bidders.

In 2011, the project rolled out electronic procurement and online performance monitoring systems in four public procuring entities, which cover transport, local government, water and power, and together spend about half the country’s annual development budget.

Known as e-Gp, electronic government procurement reduced tender processing time from 51 days in 2012 to 29 days in 2015, and the number of registered bidders grew 35-fold to 18,000 over the same period.

Since August 2015, Bangladesh has processed more than 32,000 government tenders online at a total value of about $3.7 billion.

“The World Bank believes in strengthening country systems.

Since 2002, we have been helping Bangladesh bring systemic changes in public procurement, as a well-functioning system can en-

sure value-for-money, support fair competition in the private sector and optimize execution of the national budget,” said Qimiao Fan, WB Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

“We are happy to see how quickly the bidder community, even at the local level, has embraced electronic procurement. We are also helping create procurement professionals in the country.”

The financing will also help the project continue professional certification and training on public procurement. It has helped 89 officials receive member status and professional diplomats at the UK-based Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, while 84 have completed master’s degrees in procurement.

The project has facilitated training on public procurement for about 2,700 participants, ensuring that over 85% of procuring entities have

at least one trained staff.

“Public procurement was a complex, lengthy process only a few years ago. The shift to digitisation and a focus on capacity development have allowed a new way of doing business. E-Gp has also reduced transaction costs for both the procuring entity and the bidding community,” said Zafrul Islam, WB Team Leader for the project.

“The new data centre will be able to support nationwide e-GP implementation for all public procuring entities.”

With this additional financing, the WB’s support to the project now stands at $68.10 million. The credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association, which provides grants or zero to low interest loans, has a 38-year term, including a six-year grace period, and a service charge of 0.75%. l

Walton sets 40% more sales target during Ramadan n Tribune Business Desk Walton, a local manufacturer of home appliance products, has set 40% more sales target during the holy month of Ramadan.

The manufacturers of electronics products has taken up a number of initiatives including the launch of new products, raising production, creating sufficient stock of products to maintain smooth supply chain to achieve the target.

Walton officials said: “Both the demands and the sales of local products like fridges, air conditioners, televisions and other home and kitchen appliances are increased across the country during the month of Ramadan ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Sometimes, it faced problems in supplying goods as per customers’ demands. l

DT

13

Business

Grameenphone and Telenor Health launches ‘Tonic,’ a new digital health service for consumers in Bangladesh on Sunday last at a hotel in Dhaka. Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood and partners from across the healthcare sector were present at the launching GP

Stocks edge higher with volatility n Tribune Business Desk Stocks edged higher amid volatile trade yesterday, clawing back losses of previous two sessions.

The market opened lower as investors rushed to buy ACME Laboratories that debuted at the bourses on the day but rally in banking stocks later saved the market from closing in red.

Shares of pharmaceutical company closed at Tk117.9, reflecting a sharp gain of more than 53% over the issue price of Tk77 a share.

On DSE, the stock of the company touched a high of Tk135 and a low of Tk116.

After going down below 4,400mark in first hour due to sell pressure, the benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSE was marginally up over 1 point to 4,412 at the end of the day.

The blue-chip comprising index DS30 saw a fractional gain of 0.7 points to 1,084. The DSE Shariah Index DSES rose only 2 points to 1,739.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX closed at 8,248, falling 12 points.

Trading activities increased significantly due to higher volume of trade of debutant Acme Laboratories, which accounted for more than 33% of the total trade of Tk417 crore at DSE. In previous session, the DSE turnover went below Tk200 crore after around three weeks.

The value of over 66% shares eroded as out of 315 issues traded, 65 scrips gained, 211 declined and 39 remained steady.

Lanka Bangla Securities said stocks closed in a flat green zone after passing a volatile session.

“The debut of new share named Acme Laboratories might have prompted some sell pressure,” it said.

Thanks to the banking stocks which made 1.5% gain in market capitalisation which supported the market to sustain at current level, it added.

All large cap sectors showed negative performances except banks, and food and allied. l

Envoy textile gets LEED Platinum certification n Tribune Business Desk

Envoy Textile Limited, a manufacturer of denim fabrics, has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification for its environment-friendly operation.

Envoy Textile is the first-ever denim textile company in the world, which has been awarded LEED certification.

Leadership in Energy and Envi-

ronmental Design (LEED) is a rating system devised by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of a building and encourage market transformation towards sustainable design.

The four types of rating for Eco-friendly establishments areGreen, Silver, Gold and Platinum of which Platinum is the highest recognition.

Envoy Textile Limited Chairman

Engineer Kutubuddin Ahmed and Managing Director Abdus Salam Murshedy came up with the announcement at a function to celebrate the achievement in the capital on Monday.

Envoy Textile has achieved international standards in terms of environmental issues and energy consumption.

The company will continue its efforts to maintain the standards, which would build Bangladesh im-

age of apparel and textile industry, said Kutubuddin.

He said: “Now, Envoy will focus on products innovation and diversification as a part of its invention.’’

Kutubuddin said the certification is the result of maximum devotion, professionalism, sincerity of every members of the envoy family.

“Definitely, it’s a prestigious achievement for us as we are in the Textile company, which has been rated LEED first-ever among the

global Denim Mills,” said Abdus Salam Murshedy.

To ensure less use of natural resources, we are recycling waste and water, he said.

Envoy Textile, located at Bhaluka, Mymensingh, was established in 2005 and started the commercial production in early 2008. Annual production capacity is 24 million meters fabrics. It produces a range of products from 6.5oz to 15oz. of denim fabrics. l

DT

14

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Weak export demand hits orders out of German factory gates n AFP, Berlin Weakness in China and Germany’s other export partners have prompted the biggest drop in industrial orders in Europe’s top economy in more than a decade, official data showed.

German industrial orders, a key

measure of demand for goods, dropped sharply in April as foreign demand slumped, according to data released by statistics office Destatis.

The drop of two percent in comparison with March was far worse than the 0.7% decline forecasted by analysts polled by financial ser-

vices provider Factset.

German industrial orders had not shown such a deep slump since July 2005, Destatis said.

“The weakness seen in the beginning of the second trimester stems mainly from strongly fluctuating orders from manufacturers of investment goods outside the

eurozone,” said the economy ministry in a separate statement.

Such orders fell 13.3% in April compared to March, when they had risen 11%, the ministry said.

Overall, domestic orders rose 1.3% in April while foreign demand fell 4.3%, dragged down by poor uptake from outside the eurozone. Within

the bloc, orders were up 2.5%.

Meanwhile, Destatis also revised its March industrial orders figures upwards to 2.6% from the previously announced 1.9%.

Carsten Brzeski, chief economist at ING Bank, said the decline illustrated “weakness in China and other global export partners”. l

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen seen speaking at a programme REUTERS

Fed’s Yellen sees rate hikes ahead, but few hints on when n Reuters Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen yesterday gave a largely upbeat assessment of the US economic outlook and said interest rate hikes are coming but, in an omission that stood out to some investors, gave little sense of when.

Overall, Yellen said, “I see good reasons to expect that the positive forces supporting employment growth and higher inflation will continue to outweigh the negative ones.”

While last month’s jobs report, released Friday, was “disappointing,” and bears watching, policymakers will respond “only to the extent that we determine or come to the view that the data is meaningful in terms of changing our view of the medium- and longer-term economic outlook.”

Though she stressed surprises could emerge that could change her expectations, and listed four main risks to the US economy - slower demand and productivity, and inflation and overseas risks - she concluded by downplaying them all and flagging her expectation that “further gradual increases in the federal funds rate are likely to be appropriate.”

Still, Yellen was careful not

to give any hints about the timing of a next rate increase, in contrast to a speech on May 27, when she said such a move would probably be appropriate “in coming months.”

To some investors, the absence of a timeframe in Monday’s remarks suggests the Fed will delay its next rate hike well beyond next week, when US central bankers next gather to make monetary policy.

Economists now see September or possibly July as the most likely time for a quarter-point policy tightening, while traders in futures markets are betting on later in the year.

But to others, Yellen’s repeated emphasis on the positive aspects of recent economic data continues to suggest a rate hike in the near future.

“The fact that she did remove that timeframe I think just suggests that June’s off the table, July is possible if the data cooperates,” said Omar Esiner, chief market analyst for Commonwealth Foreign Exchange in Washington.

“She’s a little bit more upbeat in that respect than the Street and I think that was a main takeaway for me.”

The US central bank raised rates from near zero in December in the first US policy tightening in nearly a decade. l

US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew shakes hands with China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang before the Economic Dialogue of the 8th round of US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogues in Beijing REUTERS

US presses China to reduce barriers for foreign business n Reuters, Beijing Senior US officials pressed China again yesterday to reduce barriers for foreign businesses, saying concerns have grown due to a more complex regulatory environment.

Foreign business confidence has been impacted by regulatory and protectionist worries, following a series of government investigations targeting foreign companies and the roll-out of a national security law limiting the use of overseas technology.

US business groups have also complained about new Chinese regulations they say favour local firms and make it more difficult to operate in China, as well as other laws related to national security.

“Concerns about the business climate have grown in recent years, with foreign businesses confronting a more complex regulatory environment and questioning whether they are welcome in China,” US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew told Chinese and American businesses and officials.

“Our two governments have a responsibility to foster conditions that facilitate continued and increased investment, trade, and commercial cooperation,” Lew said, on the second day of high level talks between the two countries in Beijing.

“This means enacting policies that encourage healthy competition, ensuring predictability and transparency in the policy-making and regulatory process, protecting intellectual property rights, and removing discriminatory investment barriers. These policies are vital as China seeks to

build on its economic progress in recent decades.”

Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking at the same event, said that as the two economies become more intertwined in shared prosperity, they have more “skin in the game” to keep their economic relationship on an even keel.

“So we have to work on intellectual property. We have to work on transparency and accountability, we have to work on certainty and the rules of the road,” Kerry said, adding that certainty was critical for business.

Kerry expressed concern about China’s new law on foreign non-governmental organisations, which he said may have a negative impact on non-profit health care groups that want to do business in China.

Barriers to investment in China should removed as quickly as possible, he added.

China says it is committed to welcoming foreign companies to the country, the world’s second largest economy.

State Councillor Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat who outranks the foreign minister, said China was working to open its markets, and pointed to talks over a bilateral investment treaty as an example of this.

“We are comprehensively deepening reform, expanding, opening up, and our economy is expected to maintain long term medium-high growth rates.”

Speaking later to reporters, Yang also defended the NGO law.

“As China carries out reform and opening, the law must be followed. Foreign NGOs’ activities in China will not face any obstruction.” l

15

DT

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

DT

16

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Ramadan Special

Seeking and Seeing n Shireen Pasha Can you see it? The worst is over. The monsters in our head are scared of love.

Fallen people, listen up! It‘s never too late to change our luck.

- Diplo I was quarrelling with my husband at the Düsseldorf train station and my husband walked away.

A Ghanian man intervened. He said, “please stop. You don’t understand. There are things in space that drive us”. The way he spoke, softly and so certainly, made me pause. It made me wonder, “what things is he talking about? Our egos?”

Mind In the Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God), Krishna tells Arjun, “the tortoise can draw in its legs: the seer can draw in his senses. I call him illumined.”

How do we become seers illumined? How do we draw in our senses, face reality, and see these many influences in our decisionmaking processes?

In Sura AL-Fatihah (The Prelude), Mohammed (pbuh) recited, “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”

Is there more than one world?

Our lives are almost certainly being conducted within an artificial world powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and highly-powered computers like in The Matrix, as suggested by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX at a tech conference in California.

If we are living in the matrix, then it is probably being generated by a supermind or competing superminds, and surely not something so infantile as the AI we imagine at the moment?

So now, the question is – whose mind or minds? How do we come into contact with these different worlds? Is it necessary? To know Allah, it is a part of the process.

Body Ramadan is a wonderful time to contemplate our inner and outer connectedness, as bio-physicist Candace Pert woud say.

According to Dr. Pert, “the ancient wisdom of the chakra system which corresponds to modern scientific discoveries about the location of neuropeptide-enriched nodal points along our bodies’ longitudinal axis, can help us enter

a relaxed state of mind where natural recuperation and recovery can occur”.

Once one can enter into this total state of relaxation where

old wounds have been healed (blockages in the nervous system), these other worlds become more accessible. Truly then, before you enage in conflict or before you make any decision, can you consider the energies (worlds) at play.

Soul Around the year 610, when Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) returned home from his first revelation, his eyes shone as he spoke of the sheer beauty and bliss that is Allah to Khadijah, his wife.

She asked him, “are Angels real?”

Namaz is a wonderful method of relaxing the central nervous system

“Very real”, he replied. “In the middle of the night one came to me in all his radiance. I was wrapped in a blanket on the cold floor of the cave. I shivered when the angel called to me, and at first I didn’t know that my trembling was awe, not the cold.

I saw a figure arrayed in light standing before me. His voice was commanding, like a soldier who could not be disobeyed, but it was also so gentle that it all but broke my heart. `Recite!´ he ordered.”

Namaz is a wonderful method of relaxing the central nervous system – encouraged through sound (recitation of the Suras), visualisation (geometric pattern of the prayer mat and facing the direction of the Kabbah), discipline and concentration of movement (energy direction) specific to the spine and total submission of the ego to patience and faith in the most compassionate and forgiving supreme being - Allah. In addition to namaz, meditation can also help in clearing mental problems, calming the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system while activating the parasympathetic (bliss, relaxation) nervous sytem, regenerating the mind body soul complex.

There are many recipes available to encourage relaxation.

For example, the Global Healing Center suggests chlorella, iodine, oregano oil, apple cider vinegar and beets or beets juice as the top five foods for the pineal gland, which helps one to relax and medidate.

Sprouts also provide some of the highest concentration of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, trace elements, amino-acids and proteins, yet are easily digested.

They are definitely a nervous system‘s best friend.

Bread from sprouted wheat or rye but without yeast is a great meal for Sehri. To get recipes for this, visit the website of Sprout People For those without ovens, you might wrap the bread in banana leaves and slow bake them in charcoal.

Sprouted Moong Bean Salad is also a healthy and relaxing treat for Iftar. Try to also include pumpkin seeds in your diet, since they have a myriad of health benefits, such as zinc for immune support, anti-diabetic effects etc.

And most importantly, remember water, water and more water. Stay hydrated. Hydration is the key to relaxing your cells, preventing disease and clearing toxins. l

Photography: Afghanistan. 1985, Reza Caption by Reza: I was exhausted, physically worn out by the harshness of the weather, the lack of food and rest and the constant tension of worrying of possible ambush. Nevertheless, I kept moving forward, motivated by my desire to reach the Panjshir Valley and meet Massoud, the young commander of the Afghan resistance. I arrived in a village. The children rushed up to me and surrounded me and they began to imitate me, playing at being photographers. Their laughter, and their spontaneous friendliness erased all of the discouragement I’d felt.

17

DT

Feature

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Environment is the new cool Hopefools celebrate World Environment Day

The younger generation need to be interested in the environment since they are the future, and this interest has to be generated in new and interesting ways that appeal to this generation

n Features Desk This was a show conducted by a community named Hopefools at EMK center on 5th June, 2016, which is World Environment Day. Hopefools is a global platform that communicates the importance of sustainability using innovative tools and following the rules of thumb. The concept of sustainability can be used for three categories - social, economic, and environmental. Hopefools work with the environmental aspect.

Many well known individuals were present at the show, such as famous photographers Aninda kabir Avik and professors from various well-known institutions, such as Tanveer Ahmad and Parisa Shakur from NSU and Rezwanul Huque Masud from Dhaka University. Environmentalists, such as Mofizur Rahman from Planetary Health Researcher and Ahsan Rony, President of Green Savers, were present, as well as wildlife researcher Anu Treq and Sayam U Chowdhury. The guest panel at the event was multidisciplinary.

The show began with a video being shown, where members of Hopefools had gone to interview faculties on what they thought about the phrase “Environment is the new cool”. According to some, environment means your surroundings and everything

your surrounding is made up of, whereas others think it is how you respond and adapt to a situation.

The event included appreciation from various quarters of the initiative “environment is the new cool,” since its purpose would be to instill the word “environment” in the minds of the new generation, who are getting more and more distanced from nature and natural environments. It was made clear that to find a solution and make the environment better, we have to firstly think about it properly and understand what it is, since we cannot expect to find a solution without understanding what you are finding the solution for.

The younger generation need to be interested in the environment since they are the future, and this interest has to be generated in new and interesting ways that appeal to this generation. This was the main goal of this show - to present environment in a fun way to show that environment is something you can enjoy and have fun in.

The show too was conducted with jokes, funny videos, and laughter, and the guests present really enjoyed this new approach towards environment. Many of the renowned individuals present were asked to come on stage and say a few words, and many of them expressed their appreciation for this fun approach, preferring it

over more serious conferences on environment.

One of the guests said that if you tell someone to go plant a tree, most likely they would not listen, but if you say to that person, “come on let’s go plant a tree together”, then they might at least consider it. Environment is not a personal property, it is for all, so therefore we don’t have any right to pollute it as if it is our own.

Another guest argued that environment means co-existing, and since we take more from the environment than we give, by merely existing we are polluting the environment. The world was here long before humans were, so we shouldn’t act like we don’t need the environment, because the truth is the exact opposite - it is the environment that doesn’t need us humans. It was there before we were here, and it will be continue to exist after we are no longer here.

Others said that we do not think about the environment anymore but we should, since long ago the hobbies of children used to be boating, gardening, swimming and other things that are all related to nature. However, nowadays the hobbies of children are playing computer games, browsing the Internet etc. We, the people of the 21st century, are becoming distant from nature.

They also said that the environment is a huge matter, as

our behaviour and the emotions we experience in our day to day lives all, in a way, depend on the climate. So if the environment is clean, the weather would be better and it would affect our behaviour in a positive way. Therefore, to keep our minds clean we have to follow very simple steps - keep our beds clean, then keep our rooms clean, then our houses, then our roads, which in turn will keep our area clean, in turn our state, country and gradually the world.

These and many more philosophical thoughts were

shared by our honourable guests at the event. There were also refreshments and food coupons for our guests, along with a guest pass and flowers celebrating World Environment day. The show came to a conclusion with a small concert, followed by a short performance by one our honourable guests.

‘Hopefools’ hopes to come up with different approaches merging entertainment and environment in the same thread. They believe that this is the only way to spread the ‘environment’ in this digital era. l

DT

18

Biz Info

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

| seminar |

DEPZ to promote EPZs

n Nazma Binte Alamgir An investment promotional seminar was held on June 6th, in the conference room of Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), to attract more investment in Uttara, Ishwardi, and Mongla EPZs located in the northern and

southern part of the country. This seminar has been arranged aiming to create interest of the investors for setting up industries in those three EPZs. Zillur Rahman, ndc, member (finance) of BEPZA was present as chief guest at the seminar.

In his welcome speech, he

thanked the existing investors for choosing EPZ under BEPZA for their investment. Assuring the investors to provide all out support of BEPZA for operating their business, Member (Finance) urged to the investors attended in the seminar to avail the special opportunities

offered for EPZs situated in the three areas. He requested the investors of DEPZ to expand their investment in those three EPZs due to scarcity of Land in Dhaka EPZ. Md Abdus Sobhan, General Manager of DEPZ described the congenial investment friendly

atmosphere of Uttara, Ishwardi and Mongla EPZ, through video documentary and power point presentation. He highlighted on the seven years tax holiday of those three EPZs, reduced rate for land and standard factory building, logistic support, connectivity with sea, rail, road and air. He hoped that the investors would be facilitated through the Padma Bridge, Asian Highway and operation of Bagerhat Airport. Existing investors shared their experience in an open discussion and expressed their satisfaction over the facilities, co-operation and support provided by BEPZA. Trade Commissioner of the Canadian Embassy in Dhaka; the representative of Malaysian management of Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialised Hospital; including the investors of DEPZ took part in the seminar.

Among others Nazma Binte Alamgir, General Manager (Public Relations); Lt Col Md Lokman Ali, General Manager (Security); Major Sajjad Hossain Khan, Deputy General Manager (Security and Intelligence) of BEPZA; including high officials of DEPZ were present in the seminar. l

| budget |

| relief |

Seminar on A Retrospective on FY’17 Budget

Bangladesh hands over relief to Sri Lanka

BRAC University’s Business School organized a seminar titled “A Retrospective on FY’17 Budget”. The keynote speaker of the event was Dr A B Mirza Azizul Islam, former Advisor to the Caretaker Government, Ministries of Finance and Planning (2007-2008). Dr Islam is presently a Visiting Professor in

BRAC University.

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank and Professor at BRAC Business School was the special guest at the seminar. The welcome address was given by Mohammad Rezaur Razzak, Head of Operations, BRAC Business School.

Dr Islam addressed the faculty members and students on his keynote speech, and provided his insights on this year’s budget. He cited the experience following last fiscal budget and said the revised budget is substantially lower than the original one. Dr Salehuddin was critical about the development budget. He made retrospective analysis and emphasised that the quality of ADP (Annual Development Program) is not up to the mark.

Professor Rahim B Talukdar, Advisor, BRAC Business School shared contemplation on the upcoming budget and concluded the program by a vote of thanks.l

To distribute relief amongst the victims of disaster-affected areas of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Navy ship “BNS Bangabandhu” arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka with 105ton emergency relief. Sri Lankans have been affected by floods and landslides caused by cyclone Roanu.

Md. Tarik Ahsan, Bangladesh high commissioner, handed over the goods to S S Miyanawala, secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management of Sri Lanka. The

relief materials include fresh water, water purifier, life saving medicines, clothes, tents and generators. K.K.J. De Silva, Commander of the Western Naval Area Rear Admiral, S Aslam Parvez, Commodore, Defence Attaché of the High Commission of Bangladesh in Sri Lanka and high officials were present during the official transfer.

Sri Lanka is the biggest victim of cyclone Roanu, which hit the country before crossing India, Bangladesh and Myanmar on May 19. On May 31, Bangladesh Navy ship “Bangabandhu” started its journey towards Sri Lanka with relief materials to join the disasterrelief efforts. l

19

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

| campaign |

| meal |

Ramadan festivities from Coca-Cola

Iftar at TDR

Coca-Cola Bangladesh is all set to launch its month-long special Ramadan campaign with an intent to bring together friends and families through the joy of sharing a meal. Whether it is breaking a fast over a great, refreshing iftar or enjoying a sehri with near and dear ones, the campaign will celebrate the holy festival’s spirit of sharing and togetherness.

A press conference was held with Shamima Akhter, public relations and communications manager, and Shadab Ahmed Khan, managing director, Coca-Cola Bangladesh; Subir Chatterjee, commercial director, International Beverages Private Limited; Ashiqur Rahman, founder, Dhaka Foodies, and Md Rezaul Hoque, chief operating officer and director, Radio Foorti.

As part of the campaign, CocaCola will be engaging with their consumers through a series of activities throughout the month; allowing them to taste the feeling

of love by re-connecting and bonding with friends and family.

One such initiative includes the “Bashay Iftar” in partnership with Radio Foorti, which will run for the first 22 days of Ramadan, rewarding one winner each day. Participants will respond to a new question on Radio Foorti every day, starting June 6. Enthusiasts can participate by texting their name, location and the answer to the question.

Creative answers that engage people with its authenticity will win an iftar for their family and friends from a renowned restaurant along with a pack of Coca-Cola every day.

And if this wasn’t enough, the 22 winners throughout the campaign will be invited to the unique opportunity of sharing a meal with celebrated cricket sensation and Coca-Cola’s brand ambassador, Mustafizur Rahman.

Coca-Cola’s highly anticipated “Sehri Nights” initiative, in collaboration with Dhaka

Foodies, will make a comeback this year on June 23 and 24 at the International Convention Centre Bashundhara (ICCB).

The program will bring together several restaurants from Dhaka under one roof, allowing families and groups of friends to satiate their varied taste preferences while enjoying a fulfilling sehri at a single venue.

In addition, the “Sehri Nights” initiative will also collaborate with a number of top restaurants around the city where a different restaurant each night will have great offers and activities from Coca-Cola throughout Ramadan.

Speaking about the campaign, Shadab Khan, managing director, Coca-Cola Bangladesh, said: “Over the years, Coca-Cola has become deeply entrenched into the tradition of Bangladesh; specially the holy festival of Ramadan. Taking forward the tradition, this year as well, we aim to uphold the spirit of Ramadan by facilitating moments of sharing and togetherness through varied sets of initiatives, specially, ‘Bashay Iftar’ and ‘Sehri Nights.’ Our key goal is to allow consumers to create some precious memories with their loved ones; and cherish the joy of sharing, making it special and memorable. We wish everyone a great month ahead and hope to play a small role in adding to the festivities.”l

DT

Biz Info

The Dining Room (TDR) is offering a traditional Bengali iftar and buffet dinner. Magnificent local Ramadan delicacies and selection of TDR specials have been prepared for their customers.

Customers can also savor the iftar delicacies in the comfort of their own home, office or any off-site location in convenient take-away boxes. l

| offer |

Arabian’s new platters

| food |

Iftar platter at Cilantro Cilantro is offering iftar mezze platter for two at BDT 1195 only (all inclusive). To avail this offer, visit Cilantro at 49, Satmasjid Road, Dhaka.

Phone: +880 1766-449912

Arabian Grill and Platter is now offering special combination meals. Coupled with free home delivery, this is a deal to look out for.

For orders, call 01731886688.

The new platters include kabsa sada, laham meshwi, chicken Sistowk and a boiled egg at Tk990, for two people; kabsa sada,

chicken sistowk, mutton mandi and a boiled egg at Tk1,590, for three people; as well as kabsa sada, ruz bukhari sada, chicken alham, chicken sistowk, mutton mandi and a boiled egg at Tk1,990, for four people.

Address: 101 Gulshan Avenue, RM Center, Suit 410 (floor 4) l

DT

20 Editorial

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

TODAY

Let’s pitch in for a helicopter In Dhaka, important roads are blocked for a significant amount of time so that ministers can move freely and without hassle. And the ordinary city-dwellers have to wait for hours as a result PAGE 21

Three tests for a modern Pakistan How is it that a government headed by a politician who clearly desires civilian control of the military has missed this point?

PAGE 22

Looking at the data of Bangladeshis in the OECD countries, it is clear that there is room for improvement PAGE 23

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.

Enlightened clerics can help in the fight against extremism

I

Ruminations on remittance

Be heard

BIGSTOCK

t is heartening to see that 100,000 Muslim clerics have taken a stand against militancy by signing the fatwa initiated by the Khatib of Sholakia Eidgah last year.

This will send out an important message through mosques, madrasas, and social media -- that Islam does not endorse killing, and that those who engage in terror activities in the name of religion are misguided.

For quite some time, public sentiment has been that Islamic leaders have a responsibility to speak up and condemn these atrocities whenever they are committed in the name of religion. This fatwa, then, represents a bold step forward and makes it clear that the true pious Muslims of this country do not condone violence.

Enlightened religious leaders, by taking a strong stance against militancy, can help make the distinction between religion and extremism, a line which has gotten blurred in the perceptions of many in recent times.

As a Muslim-majority country, there is no denying that the opinions of high-ranking Islamic clerics matter, and can influence the ideologies of many.

Many religious leaders across the country are opposed to the ideologies of influential and vocally Islamist political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and other even more extreme organisations that purport to speak in the name of Islam, but are often lumped along with them in public perception.

Now that Imams and clerics have risen up and publicly denounced extremism and killing, hopefully more and more people will be encouraged and emboldened to stand up to these crimes which are tearing our society apart.

The battle against extremism will need allies from all sectors. With this fatwa, Bangladesh has gained a major ally in this fight.

The battle against extremism will need allies from all sectors. With this fatwa, Bangladesh has gained a major ally in this fight

DT

21

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Let’s pitch in for a helicopter It helps politicians, and it helps the common folk

Wouldn’t we be better off if our ministers flew to their destinations?

BIGSTOCK

In Dhaka, important roads are blocked for a significant amount of time so that ministers can move freely and without hassle. And the ordinary citydwellers have to wait for hours as a result

n Mushfique Wadud

I

waited almost two hours in front of the prime minister’s office the other day. Our bus was stranded on a portion of the road for two whole hours and did not move a single inch.

It was especially inconvenient for all the passengers in the bus, as it was rush hour. Most importantly, before even getting on the bus, we waited almost half an hour in a queue in the summer heat.

So, when we finally got on a bus, it was a big relief. We were expecting a smooth journey, having forgotten, at that moment, that we were the unlucky dwellers of a traffic-ridden city.

When our bus reached the portion of the Agargona-Tejgoan link road adjacent to Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, the bus stopped moving. Cell phones were ringing one after

another. “I have yet to reach work.

I am stuck in a terrible traffic jam,” was how most answered their calls.

It was understood that they were answering to their bosses.

Some of them explained with the answer: “I started at 8am. I’m still stuck in traffic.”

From the conversation, it was also understood that some of them were going to hospitals with foods to feed their relatives.

“What can I do now? I started on time, but how could I know that the roads would be at a standstill?

Please buy something from the hospital canteen and feed father,” was the answer of a young man in his mid-20s. A two or threeyear-old child was crying on her mother’s lap.

The mother was intermittently standing up and sitting down to relieve her tension, confused about what to do. It is such an uncomfortable situation when you

can barely tolerate sitting in the bus, but you can’t even get out of it and start walking because of the extreme summer heat.

This is nothing new. We often have to wait in front of the prime minister’s office for hours.

When there are any foreign delegates visiting Dhaka, we already know that we will not be reaching work on time.

People who have offices in Gulshan, Banani, or Banasree know well how painful the traffic system is in front of the prime minister’s office.

In Dhaka, important roads are blocked for a significant amount of time so that ministers can move freely and without hassle. And the ordinary city-dwellers have to wait for hours as a result.

In public buses, waiting in traffic, I experience informal talkshows.

While some people only show their anger over our politicians, some of them come up with constructive criticism -- some can even be considered good ideas to overcome the crippling traffic jam.

On that day, as I waited for two hours in front of the PMO, I was lucky enough to listen to an excellent idea from a passenger of the bus.

He said the city-dwellers could create a fund, purchase some

helicopters, and gift them to our ministers.

The idea is to make sure our ministers don’t use the roads.

On top of important government buildings, there will be helipads so that our ministers can fly there directly.

The idea was unanimously liked. This is the only solution to the terrible Dhaka traffic.

I have no idea about the cost of a helicopter, but if 15 million Dhaka-dwellers give Tk5,000 each, we could buy a good number of helicopters I’m sure.

I believe every Dhaka-dweller will agree to give the money.

Even low-income denizens like rickshaw-pullers and hawkers would freely give the money if it helped get rid of the traffic jams in Dhaka.

If our politicians don’t have any objections, why not start working on it? The government can also come forward by imposing a “helicopter tax” only for Dhakadwellers.

We would love to pay if our ministers give us the assurance that they would move around the city by helicopters and not on the roads. l Mushfique Wadud is a journalist currently working in an international NGO.

22

DT

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Three tests for a modern Pakistan If reform strengthens the state, it increases the government’s legitimacy

Where does the army stand on the topic of civil society reform?

REUTERS

How is it that a government headed by a politician who clearly desires civilian control of the military has missed this point?

n William Milam

T

wo weeks ago, I wrote of the three major tests for those who hope to transform Pakistan from its “muddle through” path toward mediocrity and eventual failure, toward a virtuous circle leading to a modern society, economy, and political structure. The tests are: 1) Will the elected politicians choose to, and be able to, break their chain of dependency on the religious parties?

2) Will these same politicians -- who seem to have recognised the counterproductive nature of zero-sum politics -- change the patrimonial character of their parties to make them more democratic and issue oriented, to reflect the urban society that Pakistan is becoming?

3) As a natural result of that, can the political parties grasp the nettle of structural economic reform, widening the tax net to bring in the entire society into a formal economy that raises adequate revenue to live within its means while providing the services, especially in health and education, to make Pakistan competitive in a globalised economy?

These questions concern civil society politicians and their

parties, and would cause anxiety about the future in any society.

Politicians in most countries are not known for their perspicacity, their analytic depth, or their willingness to take risks. In Pakistan, however, as all readers will already be mumbling to themselves, there is an elephant in the room which cannot be ignored.

The army will determine whether the civil society reform efforts of the kind listed above have even a prayer of being answered positively. And the answer to the question of where the army stands on the topic of such root and branch reform is, as far as I can tell, a logical contradiction.

Let’s start by analysing the three tests I have outlined above. There was good news on the first test -- breaking civil society politicians’ dependency on religious parties -- when the Supreme Court upheld the verdict on Mumtaz Qadri and the PML-N government went forward with his execution. The ensuing demonstrations by some of the religious parties were tolerated by the government, even though it brought much inconvenience to the capital’s citizens.

But the fact that the PML-N government, which has often played footsie with the religious

parties, went ahead without hesitation, surprised a great many observers (and I think the religious parties themselves).

The other drama this year -- the Protection of Women Act of 2015 -- has also played out successfully, with the help of some clever wording. It was passed by the Punjab Assembly and was signed by the governor. The Punjab government has said that it is now law, and that it will implement it.

The religious parties protested, and tried to play hard-ball by using the Panama Papers scandal. The Council of Islamic Ideology labeled it “un-Islamic,” but it seems to have gotten through. Thus, two small lights at the end of a long tunnel can be seen on this test.

On the second test -- shifting from patrimonial to modern, issue-oriented democratic parties -- is obviously a longterm evolutionary process. This will be forced, to some extent, by the increasingly urban nature of the Pakistani society (though it is said that some of the rural social networks, the biraderis etc, follow rural migrants to the urban areas). It will also be a function of the slow but increasing pressure by civil society reformers to democratise the parties.

Ian Talbot, in his recent book Pakistan: A New History, notes

one step forward on this test. The “zero-sum” nature of Pakistani politics has diminished over the years since the “democratic interlude” of 1988-2001. In that era, the parties that were out of power schemed to get back in, often by conniving with the army to replace the party in power.

Since the return of elected governments in 2008, the two main parties, when out of power, remained aloof from involving the military in their political squabbles (this may not be true of the other opposition parties). Thus, one small step forward is taken in this test, but it is early days yet.

The third test has so far been flunked by every government, civilian, and military, as far as I can make out, since Ayub Khan’s time. Like Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, Pakistan has depended on the “kindness of strangers” for about 45 years.

Sometimes, these strangers were the international financial organisations, usually pushed a bit by the Western powers’ views that Pakistan was “strategic.”

Sometimes, it was the Western powers themselves, allied with Pakistan against either the Soviet Union or al-Qaeda. Sometimes, it was Pakistanis themselves, not those in the government or the National Assembly, but those working abroad sending money to their families.

This test is repeated almost every year as the government in power presents its budget -- and plans for structural reform (or better yet, the beginning of a multi-year, perhaps multi-decade, structural reform), including privatisation and especially tax

reform. Widening the tax net significantly and equitably would help recapture the revenue streams that have gone missing over 45 years.

In the view of some of my friends who watch carefully, since this is the last full-year budget of this government, it is its last chance, at least this time around, to leave a mark for its successors to follow. To begin the process of economic reform would be a historical legacy, which might even lead to its being able to continue to follow that path.

But in the fog of political crisis, there is little evidence that anything as revolutionary as an economic reform is being thought about. As usual in Pakistani politics, the aim seems to be limited to staying in office until voted out, which is, of course, quite likely if the record of accomplishment is little beyond having stayed in power for the full term. That would have the two main parties on an equal basis as far as accomplishment goes. What then?

I want to come back to the elephant in the room. I am sure the army would say it supported the political and economic reforms outlined in the discussion above.

And yet, these reforms also imply “normalisation” of two kinds that involve the army -- normalisation of relations with India rapidly emerging onto the world stage, and normalisation of civil-military relations in Pakistan. One cannot happen without the other.

Clearly, at some level, the army understands this connection and clings tenaciously to its view that India remains the existential enemy, so as to block any progress in the civil-military balance (which appears to be tipping toward the military because of the Panama Paper crisis).

As Talbot says toward the end of his excellent book, reforms in one area “are likely to improve reform prospects in another.”

There would be a domino effect.

And if reform strengthens the state, it increases the legitimacy of civilian governments and decreases the leverage of the army. How is it that a government headed by a politician who clearly desires civilian control of the military has missed this point? l William Milam is a Senior Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington, DC, and former US Ambassador to Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Chief of mission in Liberia. This article was previously printed in The Friday Times.

DT

23

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Ruminations on remittance When it comes to remittance, we can do better

n Habibul Haque Khondker

A

ccording to Advanced Migration and Remittances Fact Book of the World Bank, the top 10 remittance recipients in 2015 are: India ($72.2 billion), China ($63.9bn), the Philippines ($29.7bn), Mexico ($25.7bn), France ($24.6bn), Nigeria ($20.8bn), Egypt ($20.4bn), Pakistan ($20.1bn), Germany ($17.5bn), and Bangladesh ($15.8bn).

India was ranked ahead of China in receiving remittance.

Pakistan was ranked 8th, and Bangladesh was ranked 10th.

For India, the biggest source was the UAE, from which it received $12.5bn.

The US was the second-highest source for India, with close to $11bn. Saudi Arabia was third with $10.5bn. India also received $4.6bn from Pakistan (this surprised me) and $4.5bn from Kuwait.

Pakistan received $5bn from Saudi Arabia and $4.7bn from the UAE. The third highest source for Pakistan was India with US$2.3bn.

Bangladesh received $4.4bn from India (another surprise), $3.7bn from Saudi Arabia, and $2.7bn from the UAE. According to the World Bank, the total number of migrants from South Asia was 37.1 million. About 43% of South Asians were working in the Gulf countries, and 20.6% were living in OECD countries.

The largest source countries of migrants were India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal.

The region hosted 12.4 million

Let’s make it easier for migrants to send their money home

Looking at the data of Bangladeshis in the OECD countries, it is clear that there is room for improvement migrants, the majority of whom were from within the region.

Remittances to South Asian countries amounted to $123bn in 2015, while outward remittances were $16bn in 2014 (Source: World Bank).

There are some points that stand out from the official statistics which require some explanation.

India not only gets a high level of remittance from the hardworking labouring class from across the Gulf, but also from advanced OECD countries or

economically advanced countries of Europe and North America, Japan, etc.

Many of the highly skilled Indian professionals work in those countries.

Even in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, there is a large Indian professional class (bankers, doctors, engineers, teachers, and so on) as well as a thriving business community.

When it comes to Greece -- not the most advanced economy in the European Union -- Pakistan beats

India, and Bangladesh is not too far behind.

This raises some questions that the authorities in Greece would be better able to explain.

In Norway too, Pakistan beats India partly because, under a refugee transfer program, a large number of Pakistanis were given asylum status.

Of Norway’s 5.2 million people, immigrants constitute nearly 700,000 of which about 20,000 are immigrants from Pakistan.

Like all statistics, these numbers too need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Despite the hard work of Dilip Ratha and his remittance data team at the World Bank who try to gather data as comprehensively as possible, certain nagging doubts remain.

One of these is the remittance from Pakistan to India, which stood at $4.6bn in 2015.

BIGSTOCK

In fact, based on World Bank remittance data, Times of India reported that India received $14.36bn from Pakistan over the past three years.

When asked by Times of India, Dilip Ratha responded: “It is an analytical estimate derived from a global estimate.”

The lessons for Bangladesh are that more attention needs to be given, enabling migration of the professionals alongside low and semi-skilled human resources.

Looking at the data of Bangladeshis in the OECD countries, it is clear that there is room for improvement.

High quality education with emphasis on skill development will help realise the full potential of human resources, as well as increasing remittances. l Habibul Haque Khondker is a professor at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

DT

24 Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

TOP STORIES

WHAT THEY SAID LODEWIJK DE KRUIF Bangladesh head coach

Giasuddin’s memories of the greatest He is a legend of the sporting world. He is none other than boxer Muhammad Ali. Just imagine the excitement that one might experience if someone gets to share the same ring with the legend. PAGE 25

Prosecutors seek Neymar trial Neymar could follow FC Barcelona fellow star Lionel Messi to court after Spanish prosecutors asked for the Brazilian striker to be tried over his murky multi-million-euro transfer to the Catalan giants. PAGE 26

Bangladesh debutant Syed Rashed Turzo (C) tries to take possession of the ball during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers play-off against Tajikistan at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Valiant Bangladesh lose 1-0 n Tribune Report

Atletico expect Simeone to stay put Atletico Madrid are confident that coach Diego Simeone will remain at the club next season despite speculation about his future. He said after his side’s Champions League final defeat that he needed time to consider his options. PAGE 27

Baz calls for more professional ICC Brendon McCullum said Monday he stood by the evidence he gave against New Zealand great Chris Cairns as he urged the International Cricket Council to be more “professional” in dealing with players alleging matchfixing. PAGE 28

Despite putting up a dominating display, Bangladesh slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Tajikistan in the second leg of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers play-off at the rainsoaked Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. In the process Tajikistan made it to the Asian Cup qualifiers with a 6-0 aggregate.

After conceding an early goal through Tajikistan forward Nazarov Akhtam, the home side dominated the rest of the match, creating a series of opportunities, but failed to find the back of the net due to a lack of finishing touch upfront.

The Bengal Tigers will now have another opportunity to qualify for the Asian Cup Qualifiers when they face Bhutan in the other play-off at home on September 6 and away on October 2.

Whether it was for rain or the BNS pitch itself, it was a different Bangladesh side that lost 5-0 against the same opponents last week in Dushanbe. Lodewijk de Kruif’s side allowed the visitors just one attack in their terrain and it turned out to be the only goal of the game.

De Kruif made five changes to

the squad that lost to the same opposition last week, bringing in Ashraful Islam Rana, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Sohel Rana, Mamun Miah and Emon Mahmud in place of Shahidul Alam Sohel, Ariful Islam, Nasirul Islam, Shahedul Alam Shahed and Faisal Mahmud.

SQUADS BANGLADESH Rana; Rayhan, Nasir, Topu, Mamun; Jamal, Emon, Mamunul, Sohel, Jewel; Jibon

TAJIKISTAN Mahkamov; Tabrezi, Rajaboev, Asrorov, Nazarov; Juraboev, Sharipov, Davronov, Umarboev; Ergashev, Khamrakulov The visitors made four changes with Khamrakulov Akhtam, Asrorov Siyovush, Tabrezi Davlatmir and Mahkamov Abdulaziz coming in for Dodov Alisher, Ergashev Davronjon, Fathulloev Fathullo and Dzhalilov Manuchehr.

The Persian Lions went ahead from their first set-piece with just eight minutes into the clock after Rayhan Hasan’s foul gave away a free-kick. Nazarov Akhtam took a precise free-kick from 20 yards that sneaked into the bot-

tom right corner of the post. The Bangladesh custodian could have done better but did not appear well prepared.

Receiving a pass from Jamal Bhuiyan in the 19th minute, Nabib Newaj Jibon tried his luck from 30 yards that Tajik keeper Abdulaziz failed to grip but a defender in front of him cleared the ball away to safety.

Bangladesh’s best chance of the first half came in the 33rd minute when Abahani striker Jibon collected a cross from Emon Mahmud but his shot from eight yards deflected off a defender and went inches wide the post.

In the 66th minute, Topu Barman changed the direction of a Jamal shot with a header from inside the box. The ball was going towards the top right corner of the post but substitute defender Tukhtasunov cleared off the line with another header.

Bangladesh piled more pressure on the opposition while Tajikistan shifted to a defensive strategy. In the 82nd minute, Mamunul Islam unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from 30 yards but Abdulaziz produced a brilliant save to deny the Bangladesh skipper.l

It was a very exciting match.

It was very unfortunate to concede a goal from a set-piece so early. At that moment, it was a pain in the head because it was a deflected ball or else the goalkeeper could have easily taken the ball to initiate an attack from there. There was no luck at that moment. It was a [hammer-blow]. But I have to give credit to my boys. Our intention of playing was very good. In 90 minutes we created a lot of chances.

We deserved a goal; maybe we deserved a win because I cannot count any chance of Tajikistan [yesterday].

I think the only team that deserved a win [yesterday] was Bangladesh. We had a big chance with [Nabib Newaj] Jibon in the first half. Few chances in the second half where we needed a little bit more of luck. But with all mutations we’ve had in the team – four or five or six key players are not there – I think this Bangladesh is what I like to see. A team with a big heart and a lot of tempo and passion inside. For that I’m very satisfied but not satisfied with the result.

KHAKIM FUZAYLOV Tajikistan head coach

[Yesterday] was a tough game for us. It was difficult with rain and humidity, but our players did well and they did as per all the instructions that I gave before the match.

Especially in the first half we played really good. In the second half, we had some difficulties but struggle of our guys was really good and patience was also high. So we are really very satisfied with the result.

As you know our training camp in Dushanbe (was) held on an artificial pitch, so when you are always playing on an artificial pitch and have to shift on natural pitch, it’s difficult. But the main thing is the result and we can say we have achieved all our goals. The main point is we have qualified and it doesn’t matter its 1-0 or 2-0. We made some mistakes [yesterday] but we have enough time before the next Fifa dates. l

25

DT

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Giasuddin’s memories of the greatest n Raihan Mahmood

He is a legend of the sporting world. He is none other than boxer Muhammad Ali. Just imagine the excitement that one might experience if someone gets to share the same ring with the legend.

The same happened with Giasuddin, who still feels exhilarated recollecting that fight with Ali. The fight in question took place in 1978 at Muhammad Ali Boxing Stadium in Dhaka between the legend and the then 12-year old Giasuddin.

While going down memory lane at his Basabo residence, Giasuddin told this correspondent, “Actually now I’m being able to comprehend how big a witness I am to this particular incident. I still get excited while remembering the memory of my fight with the legend. His punches still produce a different feeling in me.”

When queried what he liked

Broad has no problems facing Pakistan’s Amir n AFP, London Stuart Broad has insisted he won’t have any issues playing against Mohammad Amir should the convicted spot-fixer make his Test return at Lord’s next month.

Lord’s was the venue six years ago when left-arm quick bowler Amir and two Pakistan team-mates were involved in the deliberate bowling of no-balls as part of a newspaper "sting" operation to demonstrate the trio’s willingness to take part in spot-fixing.

A teenager at the time and one of world cricket’s undoubted rising stars, Amir was sent to jail by an English court and banned from all cricket worldwide for five years.

He has now served that ban and, unlike 2010 Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif, Amir has now been included in the squad for a four-Test series starting at Lord’s on July 14.

Team officials are optimistic the 24-year-old will receive his British visa in the next couple of days following a special request for leniency from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

That the 2010 match, which England won by an innings, is now best remembered for the spot-fixing controversy rather than Broad’s impressive 169 - his lone Test hundred - could rankle with the England fast-medium bowler.

But Broad, speaking at an event organised by England sponsor Hardy’s wine said: “I don’t think any feelings will be dragged into this Test match from that one."l

about Ali upon first casting his eyes on “The Greatest”, Giasuddin said, “I was shocked. I was looking at him with eager eyes and thought to myself that I would be fighting the world’s greatest boxer. How is it even possible! But he assured me by saying, ‘It is only fun boxing’. His funny expressions also enlightened me. But his liveliness impressed me the most. Those butterfly-like movements – no one will ever forget it!”

Millions thronged the Paltan ground to catch a glimpse of the greatest one of them all. Regarding all the excitement at that time, Giasuddin said, “Social media rules the roost today. But back in 1978, all the animation surrounding Muhammad Ali’s arrival was a great wonder.

It goes without saying that Muhammad Ali is a giant of a personality. He can only be compared with himself. There will never be another one like him.” l

This file photo (L) shows legendary boxer Muhammad Ali trading blows with 12-year old Giasuddin in Dhaka 38 years ago

Kalabagan’s slim hopes alive n Minhaz Uddin Khan Kalabagan Krira Chakra beat Kalabagan Cricket Academy by 29 runs (D/L method) in Mirpur yesterday to give themselves a slim chance of qualifying for the Dhaka Premier League’s Super League stage.

After the game was called off on Monday due to heavy rain, it went to reserve day with Cricket Academy batting on a precarious 35 for 4 in 14.2 overs. They were bowled out for 128 runs in 39.2 overs.

Veteran spinner Abdur Razzak bagged three wickets to lead the

board while captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza and Shahbaz Chouhan picked two wickets each.

BRIEF SCORE KCA 128 in 39.2 overs (Nuruzzaman 42, Razzak 3/28, Mashrafe 2/13) lost to KALABAGAN 91/4 in 23 overs (Hasanuzzaman 47, Jayed 2/14, Noor 1/14) by 29 runs (D/L method) Chasing the target, Kalabagan, aided by opener Hasanuzzaman’s 47, reached 91/4 in 23 overs when rain interrupted the game once

again. At 3pm the umpires called off the game with Kalabagan being 29 runs ahead of their D/L par score.

Kalabagan’s win means that now there are three teams on 12 points each though one of them, Mohammedan Sporting Club have a match left in hand as they take on Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club in Mirpur today. Dhanmondi winning would see them joining these three on 12 points each, and the leader will be decided by head-to-head between the four teams and if that is equal, it will go down to the net run-rate.

Legends of Rupganj, already through to the Super League, will face Brothers Union at the BKSP-3 ground. If Brothers Union win, it would deem the relegation play-off reduntant with KCA and CCS automatically demoted to next season’s Dhaka First Division Cricket League.

Gazi Group Cricketers meanwhile will have the advantage of knowing exactly what they have to do, after their match against Victoria Sporting Club was shifted to June 9 due to a wet outfield in Fatullah.l

POINTS TABLE Teams

M

W

L

O

Pts

Doleshwar

11

7

4

0

14

Abahani

11

7

4

0

14

Victoria

10

6

3

1

13

Rupganj

10

6

3

1

13

Mohammedan 10

6

4

0

12

Prime Bank

11

6

5

0

12

Kalabagan

11

6

5

0

12

Gazi

10

5

5

0

10

Sheikh Jamal

10

5

5

0

10

Brothers

10

4

6

0

8

CCS

11

2

9

0

4

KCA

11

2

9

0

4

Kalabagan Krira Chakra’s Hasanuzzaman goes big during their Dhaka Premier League match against Kalabagan Cricket Academy at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday COURTESY

DT

26

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Martino: Messi could return for second game n AFP, Santa Clara Argentina coach Gerardo Martino expects Lionel Messi to be fit for his team’s second Copa America Centenario fixture this week - even if he is satisfied that the two-time world champions are adjusting to life without their injured superstar.

Martino revealed the 28-yearold FIFA World Player of the Year could be fit to return for Argentina’s second group game against Panama at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Friday.

“He has continued working here, he’s kicking the ball better now,” Martino said.

“We expect in four days he’ll be in a condition to play. So we’re thinking we will be in a better position by then.”

“We’re always a better team when Messi is in the team,” Martino said.

“Our chances of winning the Copa are always going to be higher when he’s playing.”

Argentina struggled in their first three 2018 World Cup qualifying matches last year when Messi was absent with a knee injury, posting a loss and two draws.

Martino however believes his team is learning how to adapt in their captain’s absence.l

Argentina's Ever Banega takes a free-kick against Chile during their Copa America Centenario match in Santa Clara, California, United States on Monday

Di Maria scores as Argentina beat Chile n Reuters

Argentina shrugged off the absence of Lionel Messi to beat Chile 2-1 in the Copa America on Monday, with an emotional Angel Di Maria scoring the opening goal and dedicating it to his grandmother, who passed away before the game.

With Messi watching from the sidelines due to a back injury, Di Maria put the 14-times champions ahead early in the second half

before Ever Banega doubled their lead shortly after. Jose Pedro Fuenzalida pulled a goal back for Chile in injury time.

In the other Group D game, played earlier on Monday, Panama beat Bolivia 2-1.

Argentina posed a constant threat with fast sweeps forward and Di Maria capitalised on one such attack after 50 minutes, running on to a pass from Banega to slot home from eight yards.

“We’ve been doing things properly for years now and maybe this year it will come right,” said Di Maria, who broke down in tears after dedicating his goal to his grandmother.

Argentina doubled their lead eight minutes later in similar fashion, this time Di Maria feeding Banega in the same position on the left and his deflected drive beat Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo at his near post.

Second-half substitute Erik Lamela twice came close to adding to Argentina’s lead but it was Chile who got the third goal of the game thanks to a mistake from Sergio Romero.

The result gives Argentina, who are seeking their first major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993, a measure of revenge for their defeat to Chile in last year’s Copa America final.

Also in Group D, veteran striker

AFP

RESULTS GROUP D Panama

2-1

Perez 11, 87

Argentina Di Maria 51, Banega 59

Bolivia Arce 54

2-1

Chile Fuenzalida 90

Blas Perez scored twice as Panama beat Bolivia.

Perez scored his first after 10 minutes when he slid in to push home a cross from 10 yards out before Juan Carlos Arce tied the score eight minutes into the second half.l

Prosecutors seek Neymar corruption trial n AFP, Madrid

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed poses for photographs after signing a deal to become the new brand ambassador of local fashion house Raw Nation COURTESY

Neymar could follow FC Barcelona fellow star Lionel Messi to court after Spanish prosecutors asked for the Brazilian striker to be tried over his murky multi-million-euro transfer to the Catalan giants.

Prosecutors from Spain’s top criminal court accuse the 24-year-old, his father, Barca’s ex-president Sandro Rosell and the club itself of concealing the true cost of his 2013 transfer deal from Brazil’s Santos to FC Barcelona, a judicial source said yesterday.

If the case comes to trial, Neymar will be the second Barcelona star to take the stand after Lionel Messi appeared in court earlier this month on charges of tax fraud related to income earned from his image rights.

Brazilian investment fund DIS, which held 40 percent of Neymar’s sporting rights when he played at Santos, claims it was cheated of its real share of the transfer due to parallel contracts that Barcelona and Santos allegedly used to hide the total cost.l

27

DT

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

QUICK BYTES

Atletico expect Simeone to stay put

Cannavaro to coach Tianjin Quanjian

n Reuters, Madrid

Fabio Cannavaro will return to China to coach Tianjin Quanjian FC, the official Xinhua news agency said yesterday on its Twitter account. The former Italy defender, who captained his country to World Cup victory in 2006, has already got Chinese experience under his belt following a one-year stint as coach of Guangzhou Evergrande that ended last summer. He went on to manage Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in Riyadh, but was sacked from his role in February for “bad results” just four months after taking charge.

Cannavaro, who won the Ballon d’Or 10 years ago, had signed a deal to keep him in the Saudi capital until the end of the season, but he left the side 18 points off the top spot and with their title defence in tatters. Xinhua did not specify when the Italian would begin his new Tianjin post.

–AFP

Dortmund sign Turkey teenager Mor Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund have signed 18-year-old Turkey player Emre Mor on a five-year contract to 2021 as they look to boost their squad for next season. Dortmund, who also lost to champions Bayern Munich in the German Cup final, signed midfielder Sebastian Rode from champions Bayern Munich last week and are close to agreement with Marc Bartra from Barcelona. Mor, born and raised in Denmark, joins from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. He has also been included in Turkey’s Euro 2016 squad.

–REUTERS

Frenchman Evra extends Juventus contract Juventus defender Patrice Evra has extended his contract until June 2017 with an option for an additional year, the Italian champions said on their website (www.juventus.com) on Monday. France left back Evra joined Juventus in 2014 on a free transfer from Manchester United where he played for over eight years. Evra, named in the France squad for this month’s European Championship, made 26 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring two goals. The 35-yearold won five Premier League titles with Manchester United and helped Juve top the Italian Serie A standings in the last two seasons.

–REUTERS

Mascherano will not force Barcelona exit Barcelona have told Javier Mascherano they do not want him to leave amid reports in Spain and Italy that Juventus are attempting to lure him to Turin. The defensive midfielder, who is 32 today, is under contract until June 2018 and has a 100 million euros ($113 million) release clause. Mascherino said to Ole newspaper: “Barca have let me know that they have no intention of me leaving. They are very happy with me. When the club, and even more so this club, tells you this, it is very difficult to leave. I am not going to force anything. Nobody involved deserves that. There is always the possibility of leaving, but also of staying. I have a contract with Barcelona. They have treated me very well, I have no complaints,” said the Argentine.

–REUTERS

Ventura to coach Italy after Euro 201 Giampiero Ventura will take over as Italy coach after Euro 2016, Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio announced yesterday, Italian media reported. Former Torino coach Ventura replaces Antonio Conte, who heads for English Premier League giants Chelsea next season, after the European Championships in France from June 10July 10. While Conte was a three-time Serie A winner with Juventus, the 68-year-old Ventura has a less impressive coaching CV in his three decades as a manager. A modest player during his footballing career in the third division, Ventura’s coaching portfolio is equally modest and having only competed in the Europa League in 2013-2014 with Torino.

–AFP

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY ESPN Copa America Centenario 2016 6:00AM USA v Costa Rica

Brazil v Haiti 8:00AM (Thursday) Ecuador v Peru

CRICKET STAR SPORTS 1

8:30AM

11:30PM

Colombia v Paraguay

Natwest T20 Blast 2016

5:00AM (Thursday)

Kent v Hampshire

Atletico Madrid are confident that coach Diego Simeone will remain at the club next season despite speculation about his future.

The Argentine said after his side’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid last month that he needed time to consider his options and Spanish media reports have linked the 46-year-old with the vacant coaching position at Paris St Germain.

“Atletico fans can sleep in peace because el Cholo (Simeone) has four years left on his contract,” Atletico

president told Marca yesterday.

“Our sporting directors are looking for a striker but besides that, the group is going to be more or less the same as last season as it’s a great team that finished third in La Liga and reached the Champions League final.”

Simeone, a former Atletico player and Argentina international, has won the Europa League, King’s Cup and La Liga in his four-and-a-half seasons as coach of the Spanish club.

“We all want him to stay,” Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez said.

“When he spoke - after the Champions League final - we were all hurt

and he said he needed to think. But I believe he will continue with us.”

Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann, who is with the France squad preparing for Euro 2016, also called for Simeone to stay.

“He has a lot of enthusiasm and determination,” he said.

“If I stay at Atletico, it is because I want to work with him and with his team. I still have a lot to learn from him and I love to work with him.”

Griezmann, who scored 32 goals in 54 matches last season for Atletico, is convinced Simeone will stay put. He’s not going to leave,” he said.l

DT

28

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Casillas hails healthy competition with de Gea n Reuters, Madrid Spain captain Iker Casillas believes David de Gea is “no longer a future prospect but a strong contender” to play in goal for the national team at Euro 2016.

Porto goalkeeper Casillas has been the country’s firstchoice keeper since 2002 but De Gea is considered favourite to start after a solid season for Manchester United.

“De Gea is no longer the future but a strong contend-

er,” Casillas told “It’s clear that all of us that are here, we think that we can play. We are 23 players that play as starters for important clubs and we all believe that we can help the national team but deciding who starts is the coach’s job.”

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will not make a decision of who will play between the posts until June 13, when his team begins its European Championship campaign against the Czech Republic in

Ibra takes swipe at French president n AFP, Paris

Toulouse.

Del Bosque did confirm that de Gea will start against Georgia in yesterday’s friendly in Getafe. Casillas started against South Korea in last week’s 6-1 triumph.

Asked if he thinks he will start at Euro 2016, Casillas said, “That is a question for Del Bosque.”

De Gea, 25, made his senior debut in June 2014 in an international friendly and was included in Spain’s World Cup squad but did not feature.l

Spain goalkeepers David de Gea and Iker Casillas (R) train in Las Rozas on Monday

REUTERS

McCullum calls for more professional ICC n AFP, London Brendon McCullum said Monday he stood by the evidence he gave against New Zealand great Chris Cairns as he urged the International Cricket Council to be more “professional” in dealing with players alleging match-fixing.

Former New Zealand captain McCullum, delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s, also questioned whether handing out life bans to players such as former team-mate Lou Vincent, who acknowledged their wrongdoing, would encourage others to come forward.

McCullum, then still an

active international cricketer, gave evidence against Cairns in a perjury trial in London which ended with the acquittal of the former all-rounder in November last year.

McCullum, as he had done in court, said “former hero” Cairns had approached him to fix matches - allegations Cairns denies.

Players are told that failure to report an approach is almost as serious as any offence itself.

McCullum added he did not report Cairns’s approach until 2011 because he felt “scared”, and was later taken back by the “very casual” manner in which his allegations were noted, but not re-

corded, by a member of the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit.

Vincent, who also gave evidence against Cairns, was banned from cricket for life in 2014 after he admitted his involvement in spot-fixing.

McCullum led New Zealand to the final of last year’s World Cup and bowed out of international cricket by scoring the fastest-ever Test hundred, off just 54 balls, against Australia at Christchurch in February.

He was also praised for the sporting way in which he captained New Zealand, with the team abandoning “sledging” - verbal abuse of opponents under his leadership.l

Former Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic said yesterday he did more for France than President Francois Hollande simply by paying the top rate of tax on his earnings.

“Ibra came and took power in France,” the Swede, told Le Monde newspaper.

The former Ajax, Juventus, Milan and

Barcelona striker said he earned more than 20 million euros in the first half of 2015, and claimed he paid 75 percent of it in tax.

“I help this country more than he (Hollande) does because I continue to pay it (the top rate). I can tell you as I do my own tax returns. I pay my taxes and help this country. I could even make him popular (Hollande) - it’s just I’m not sure I want to,” Ibrahimovic said.l

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Facial features (4) 3 Prophetic sign (4) 7 Numeral (3) 8 Wall painting (5) 11 Speed contest (4) 12 Sheeplike (5) 13 Lazed (5) 15 Armed place (4) 18 Horned ruminant (4) 19 Waterway (5) 20 Strong thread (5) 21 Osculate (4) 23 Worth (5) 24 Anger (3) 25 Exploit (4) 26 Mild explosions (4)

DOWN 1 Transparent (6) 2 Conditional release (6) 4 Extinct bird (3) 5 Call for repeat (6) 6 Born (3) 9 Wards off (6) 10 Cover (3) 11 Purify (6) 14 Longing (6) 16 Carry too far 17 Facts (6) 19 Edge (3) 21 Young goat (3) 22 Bishop’s territory (3)

29

DT

Downtime

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 11 represents P so fill P every time the figure 11 appears.

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

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

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

A B C DE FG H I J K L MN O P Q RST UVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

30

Showtime

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Chirkutt bags first international award

n Showtime Desk Popular Bangladeshi band, Chirkutt has won the “Best Original Score” Award at the SAARC film festival held in Sri Lanka for their film Jalaler Golpo, by the director Abu Shahed Emon. It was announced on June 6, 2016.

Director Emon posted the news recently on his social media account about the achievement.

Sharmin Sultana Sumi, member of Chirkutt said, “We would like to thank to the Almighty for everything, as well as Abu Shahed Emon and the film’s cast and crew. Thank you for all your love, support and blessing.

Lastly, we would like to dedicate this very special award to our family and fans everywhere!”

Jalaler Golpo is a fictional movie where the story of Jalal has been shown at different stages of his life. The Impress Telefilm production gained several international prizes as well as positive reviews from critics. l

Goon’s daughter ties the knot n Farzana Zaman Mrittika Goon, daughter of national award winner poet Nirmalendu Goon, just got married. After dating for a year, Mrittika and director Ashutosh Shujon have started their new life together. Recently, they hosted a small reception with friends and family in Dhaka.

Mrittika’s colleagues and

friends from Channel i were present to bless the new couple.

Ashutosh Shujon is a director and a regular at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro from a young age. He is also a singer and song writer.

“I think we match with well each other. We both write and enjoy productive days, which complements our lives in a long run.” l

Emilia Clarke’s advice for surviving fame n Showtime Desk Emilia Clarke is a fiery TV heroine, red-carpet rock star, and an exemplary candidate for the next 007. But success hasn’t always come easy for the gracious and funny diva, who catapulted to fame as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones and stars in this summer’s swoon-worthy Me Before You. As is the unfortunate case with many female celebrities on Instagram and Twitter, she’s often the victim of Internet trolling.

“I have a rule, I just don’t Google myself,” Clarke tells the USA TODAY. “I’m on social media, but I don’t look at the stuff that other people tag me in because it just (messes) me up. Like, ‘Oh, I’m hideous and fat,’ but then if I don’t read it, you save yourself from finding any haters out there. If you hate me, I don’t need to know.”

Fortunately, other aspects of stardom have been easier to

navigate. For one, she says she doesn’t often get recognised in public, which makes GoT’s evergrowing popularity much less overwhelming.

“I’m really lucky because I don’t look like Daenerys, so I’ve been able to observe the success of the show from afar, which has been really lovely,” Clarke says.

“It’s allowed my family and friends to kind of be like, ‘Oh, OK,’ but not have to deal with me walking down the street and somebody going, ‘Ahhh!’ all the time. That doesn’t happen a bunch. So the adjustments have been really gradual and slow.

Obviously, my life has completely transformed, it’s kind of immeasurable, but (it’s nice) being able to do what I love all the time, and have that to help my family and my friends.”

Enjoy anonymity while it lasts, Clarke. We have a hunch that plenty more people will know you after this weekend. l

The Lustrous Runway

Celebrity showstopper Lisa Ray with organisers Karishma Khan and Ali Faiyaz Shoumo

n Baizid Haque Joarder Once again, fashion mavens and enthusiasts in Dhaka were treated to an exemplary fashion show which showcased a host of marvellous designs from some of the most talented designers from the country, as well as famous designers from the region and a gorgeous celebrity showstopper.

Yes, “TRESemmé presents 5 Years Celebration of The Lustrous Runway” was all that and much more.

The platform was primarily conceived and created with a vision to redefine the future of fashion and integrate Bangladesh into the global fashion world, allowing fashion designers to turn into artists and portray their creativity on the runway. This year, the show has done exactly that with the likes of Sarah Karim, Salita Nanda, Zurhem, Agnimitra Paul, Anokhi and finally, Neeta Lulla.

The glittering night kicked off with homegrown designer Sarah Karim, who transported the audience to the Mughal era with her line of traditional couture and

Lisa Ray wearing dress by designer Sarah Karim embroidered feminine dresses with modern cuts in black, white and gold.

Karim was followed by Salita Nanda’s bold and vivid designs inspired by surrealism. The entire line saw creatively used,

Fashion designer Agnimitra Paul with models donning her designs

PHOTOS: COURTESY

juxtaposing elements which made all the sense in the world and looked absolutely brilliant.

Next up was Mehruz Munir’s Zurhem. The relatively new brand has already made news for its cutting edge style and impeccable fit and it wasn’t any different on the night of the event. Aptly titled as “The Rebels of China,” the collection saw brilliant use of Chinese prints, silk and velvet.

Zurhem’s line left the men from the audience gasping for more.

Agnimitra Paul’s line of colourful dresses were inspired

by Madhubani paintings from the Madhoban district of Bihar. The collection spoke of confident, elegant women and was heavily applauded by the audience.

Anokhi by Humayra Khan’s comprised of beautiful embroidery inspired by nature on muslin, silk and jamdani, which would surely bring out the young fashionista in you.

Last but not the least, celebrity designer Neeta Lulla made all jaws drop with her collection of ethnic Indian wear. With colours like pink, gold and red, Neeta made sure that the models looked drop

dead gorgeous to finish the night.

Finally, the audience was awed as the beautiful Lisa Ray set fire to the runway, donning a gorgeous embroidered outfit designed by Sarah Karim with jewellery from Gitanjali. The actor, model and philanthropist said, “I am honoured to be a part of the fifth year celebration of The Lustrous Runway. I am from Kolkata originally so I love it when I hear Bangla everywhere I go in Dhaka.

There’s a lot of style here in Dhaka. It’s my first time and I hope it is not my last.”

“Fashion has really grown exponentially in Asia in recent years. In India alone, the fashion industry has become huge, but what appeals to me the most, is style. It is an expression of who you are, your confidence, your inner strength. Elegance too, is key and I see there’s a lot of elegance around. Dhaka, you are rocking it!” she added.

When asked about his feelings about the latest event being the seventh one in five years, organiser Ali Faiyaz Shoumo smiled broadly and said, “it is a great feeling to see that something that started so small and with almost no sponsor, is now being celebrated in such a grand manner. We wanted to portray the same quality as international fashion shows and today, The Lustrous Runway is considered as a brand and as the organisers, Karishma and I couldn’t be any happier.”

The fifth year celebrations of The Lustrous Runway was presented by TRESemmé, driven by BMW, in association with City Bank American Express and Kohler. The event was co-sponsored by Gitanjali, Innstar and the Oriental group, and partnered by Prive Spa & Salon and Elite Force.

It was organised by Infinity Management. l

One of the many trendy outfits of the night

31

DT

Showtime

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH

I, Frankenstein HBO 3:11pm Frankenstein’s creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Socratis Otto Jai Courtney, Kevin Grevioux Zombieland Zee Studio 3:30pm A shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, a gun-toting tough guy trying to find the last Twinkie, and a pair of sisters trying to get to an amusement park join forces to travel across a zombie-filled America.

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard

The Uninvited HBO 7:42pm Anna Ivers returns home to her sister Alex after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother. Her dismay quickly turns to horror when she is visited by ghastly visions of her dead mother.

Cast: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, David Strathairn, Maya Massar

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Star Movies 11:55pm A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led

by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier.

Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee

DT

32

Back Page

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2016

Thanchi, a quicksand for relief CRISIS CHTFOOD Alam Durjoy, back from n Nure Thanchi, Bandarban Surely by now, government relief should have reached the remote villages of Bandarban’s Thanchi.

But as thousands of starving highlanders continue their never-ending wait for food, little do they know that a large share of the hundred tonnes of rice – sent by the government as relief for Thanchi upazila – is now being sold in the market for a profit.

Even the lucky ones who managed to collect the relief before it was whisked away by profiteers, only got their hands on just a small part of what they should have actually received.

Also taking advantage of the indigenous communities’ desperation, many unscrupulous traders are duping the poor by loaning them the same rice that were marked for free distribution.

During a recent visit to the district, the Dhaka Tribune further found that many of the hard-toreach areas in the remote hills of Remakree union were being ignored completely.

Thanchi Bazar: 3pm, May 31

At the start of the journey, this reporter was at Thanchi Bazar – the gateway to the remote areas in the hills that are accessible only by boat through Sangu River.

As he was ready to step into a boat, he noticed that labourers were carrying sacks of rice – with the government seal on them – to a boat nearby.

Asked where the rice was coming from, a labourer said: “It was bought from a vendor in the bazar.”

The shop was eventually tracked down, and the Dhaka Tribune found that 20 or more similar rice sacks were waiting to be sold there.

“The demand of rice is so high now that we have sold 200 sacks of rice in three days because crops of jhum cultivation had dropped significantly this year,” said Nurul Kabir, proprietor of the shop.

However, Kabir, also the president of Thanchi Bazar Samiti, claimed he had no idea whether the rice was actually part of the government relief. “We do not know whether it [the rice] is not for sale. We have bought these sacks from Satkania, Chittagong.”

Kabir, also a former union parishad member, said other shops in the bazar also had similar rice sacks with government seals on them.

Instead of distributing relief among the starving people of Bandarban, many unscrupulous traders are selling the governmentallotted sacks of rice to those desperate for food. In this recent photo, a labourer is seen carrying a rice sack with a government seal to a boat in Thanchi Bazar, eventually to be sold elsewhere NURE ALAM DURJOY

Sakkupara, Chhoto Madak: 10am, June 1

For some time now, nearly 300 households in Chhoto Madak area have been struggling with hunger.

Majority of the starved people are yet to see any sign of relief.

As the Dhaka Tribune arrives in the area, several Karbaris – or village heads – eagerly approach in hopes that the boat might also carry some rice sacks. “[Upazila] Chairman told us that we will be given rice soon and they collected our names in mid-May. But they gave us nothing so far; even though some people from our neighbouring [four] villages have been given relief,” said Banajan of Kesapru para.

Limpra Khumi from Hoikkupara said there were 26 households in their village; not a single one has received any rice so far.

Hla Tripura of Hanachandra Para, Hla Thang Khumi of Chayam Para said their villages also shared the same fate.

Chabache Tripura of Jhiniarang Para said 27 households in their village were suffering from extreme hunger and still waiting for the government rice to arrive.

Boro Madak Bazar: 3:45pm, June 1

Arriving in Boro Madak, the Dhaka Tribune found that greed was driving unscrupulous traders to pick up new ways to exploit the poor.

Here, government-allotted sacks of rice were being loaned as Dadan

– a local term for loan – to those desperately searching for food.

Ko Rang and Keo Mong of Andharmanik area said they have taken four sacks of rice as Dadan. In one year’s time, they will have to pay back the loan with eight sacks of rice which they must cultivate in their own jhum fields.

Both of them admitted they had no idea about the government relief, and had no other choice but to agree to the Dadan as it was the only way to stay alive.

The Andharmanik divide

It takes around two days to get to Andharmanik from Thanchi. The extreme remoteness of villages beyond this point makes it near impossible for local administration or NGOs to reach those areas.

According to locals, there are about 35 to 40 villages including the easternmost village of Bangladesh located beyond Andharmanik.

Unfortunately, none of the villages has received any relief so far.

Remakree Bazar: 4pm, June 5

On the way back from the east, Remakree Bazar was one of the places where relief has reached those who are in need of it.

However, instead of the 20kg rice that each household was supposed to get, they have only received 10kg.

While visiting the local bazar, the Dhaka Tribune learned that the newly elected UP member, Mem-

prue Marma, had already threatened locals to not speak to any journalist about the distribution of 10kg rice.

Also in this bazar, the Dhaka Tribune found that one of the stores had ten government-sealed rice sacks for sale.

What officials say

According to the Remakree union parishad, every household in a village has been given 20kg of rice.

Remakree UP Secretary Uchaw Pru said 900 sacks of rice have been distributed among the indigenous peoples in nine wards since May 30.

Claiming that 300 households have received rice, he claimed: “We had no irregularity in distributing rice. Many people got 10kg, while some got 4kg because they shared their rice with others.”

When the Dhaka Tribune pointed out that official documents showed that each family got 20kg of rice, Pru refused to comment.

He quickly changed the subject and said: “I have counted the cost of transporting rice from Thanchi to Boro Madak which cost me Tk9,000.”

Alamgir Hossain, tag officer at Remakree union parishad, said: “We selected the households from random sampling. It is hard to collect all the data on where people live because this area is too remote.

“We will investigate whether people have got 6kg of rice or 10kg of rice or less,” he added. l

‘BB heist perpetrators may never be identified’ n Reuters, Singapore A former top US intelligence official on cybersecurity has warned that investigators involved may never be able to ascertain who carried out a cyber heist that led to the theft of $81m from Bangladesh’s central bank in February.

Sean Kanuck, who was the most senior official in-charge of cybersecurity at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for five years until mid-May, said there had been no official determination on who committed the cyber heist, one of the biggest ever.

“They may never be able to make one,” Kanuck said on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security forum, held at the weekend in Singapore.

He said he had some knowledge of the case but was not directly involved in the probe.

Investigations into the heist are being coordinated in the US by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The authorities in Bangladesh, the Philippines and some other countries are also carrying out inquiries.

Kanuck said that he believed either an extremely sophisticated criminal group or a rogue nation carried out the theft.

BAE Systems has said malware used to erase the tracks of hackers in the Bangladesh Bank heist was similar to code used to attack Sony Corp in 2014, a strike blamed by the FBI on North Korea.

“An analyst or an investigator would need to consider that nation states may try to make their activity look like it’s the work of criminals,” he said. l

Correction The writer of the story ‘Country’s southerner fishermen to turn dolphin saviours’ published on May 05 sent some corrections. In his correction he said: “Akkas Ali is a fisherman from Kachua, Vasha Bazar in the Bagerhat district.

Elisabeth Fahrni Mansur is the Director of Education and Livelihood for the WCS Bangladesh Program. Dr. Zahangir Alom, WCS Bangladesh Program Senior Researcher and Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project Manager reported that at least 130 dolphins were killed in the riverine, coastal and marine waters of Bangladesh from January 2007 to April 2016 either because they were trapped in fishing nets or injured by the propellers of ships.” l

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com