27 June, 2016

SECOND EDITION

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

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Ashar 13, 1423, Ramadan 21, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 65

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

Two confess to Mitu murder Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong Two persons shown arrested in Mahmuda Khanam Mitu murder case yesterday gave confessional statements before a Chittagong court admitting their involvement in the June 5 attack, police said.

The duo – Wasim and Anwar – are part of a group of seven or eight criminals who conducted the attack. Of them, Wasim said that he had shot Mitu to confirm her death while Anwar was present on the spot as a back-up attacker.

The reason behind the planned attack remains unknown while the police are conducting drives to arrest the other criminals.

Their statement came only a day after investigators discussed the sensational case with the plaintiff and Mitu's husband Babul Akter, a superintendent of police, who became popular for his anti-militant activities in Chittagong region.

Police yesterday said that they had not found the involvement of

Two alleged criminals Anwar, left, and Wasim, right, being taken to jail after making confessional statements before a Chittagong court yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE two other persons shown arrested in the case – Abu Nosor Gunnu and Shah Jaman Robin. The duo are now in jail on completion of their seven-day remand.

The investigators also detained and interrogated the motorcycle

owner and the driver of a microbus who was a witness to the murder.

But their involvement could not be found.

The law enforcers, however, have remained mum over the arrest of SP Babul's two informants

– Abu Musa and Ehteshamul Haque Bhola. Sources say they were arrested on June 21.

Mitu was stabbed and shot dead by three men in broad daylight in front of her son near the GEC intersection of the port city on the morning of June 5, the day Babul was supposed to join as SP at Police Headquarters. The killers fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The following day, Babul filed a case accusing three unidentified persons and their cohorts with Panchlaish police.

No local or international group claimed responsibility for the militant-style murder that took place amid a string of attacks led by members of Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent. But the investigators suspect that members of banned outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) might have killed Mitu to avenge the crackdowns led by Babul as a DB officer.

The investigators were also  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

INSIDE ‘CMP quizzed Babul as per law’ Police officer Babul Akter’s interrogation by the investigators in the case filed over his wife’s murder was a part of a common procedure, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah claimed yesterday.  PAGE 3

Full telecom coverage by 2021 The government aims to achieve 100% telecom density by 2021 and connect 1,200, or about a quarter of the union parishads through optical fibre cable by 2018 under a new proposed telecom policy.  PAGE 5

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the inauguration ceremony of the construction of the metro rail and BRT projects at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka yesterday BSS

Scotland to do everything to stay in EU, may veto Brexit n Reuters, London Scotland will do whatever it takes to remain in the European Union, including potentially blocking legislation on a British exit from the bloc, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday.

Scotland, a nation of 5m people, voted to stay in the EU by 62% to 38% in Thursday's referendum, putting it at odds with the United Kingdom as a whole, which voted by 52% to 48% in favour of an exit from the bloc, or Brexit.

Sturgeon has said a new Scottish referendum on independence from the rest of the UK was "highly likely" if that were the best option to keep Scotland in the European bloc.

"There are going to be deeply damaging and painful consequences of the process of trying to extricate the UK from the EU. I want to try and protect Scotland from that," Sturgeon told BBC television.

Scots voted against independence by 55 to 45 percent in a 2014 referendum, after a campaign during which remaining in the EU was presented as a key reason to stick with the UK. Scottish newspaper the Sunday Post published a poll by research firm ScotPulse, taken on Friday, that suggested support for independence had surged to 59% after the Brexit vote.

Sturgeon said the Brexit vote was a game-changer that made it legitimate for Scotland to revisit the issue of independence.

"The context and the circumstances have changed dramatically. The UK that Scotland voted to remain within in 2014 doesn't exist anymore," she said.

A vote for independence would end the 300-year-old union between Scotland and England, its  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

Metro rail, BRT projects inaugurated From plunderers to preservers Subol Chakma used to be one of those responsible for fast depletion of hill forests. He would sneak into the forest to pillage and plunder, and make away with the booty to sell it off. Not for the last five years though.  PAGE 32

n Shohel Mamun Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the construction of the first-ever Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), commonly known as metro rail, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in Dhaka.

The inauguration ceremony took place yesterday morning at

Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.

“The metro rail is being constructed to ease the hassle suffered by daily commuters, as well as to modernise the transport system in the capital,” the premier said in her inauguration speech.

The project will be constructed in two phases: in the first phase,

the tracks between Uttara and Agargaon will be constructed and opened to public use in 2019. The second phase will see the construction of the tracks between Agargaon and Motijheel and is expected to be finished in 2020.

Once finished, around 60,000 people will be able to travel from  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

SEHRI & IFTAR

Ramadan 21 22 23

June 27 28 29

Sehri – 3:41 3:42

Iftar 6:53 6:53 6:52

Source: Islamic Foundation

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Brexit sends pound crashing to 6-year low against taka Hossain Ovi and n Ibrahim Tahmidur Rahman

In the wake of Brexit, the British pound sterling yesterday lost 7% of its value against Bangladeshi taka, upsetting the business community and Bangladeshi expats who are likely to count losses from the currency movement.

The currency value declined after Britain voted in a referendum to exit European Union on Thursday through holding a referendum.

Value of each pound dropped to Tk107.3 yesterday from Tk115.3 last Thursday, according to Bangladesh Bank.

According to records, the last time pound was exchanged below Tk107.3 was on September 13, 2010.

This makes the current pound exchange rate a six-year low against taka.

Meanwhile, in the curb market, the pound exchange rate stood at Tk111 yesterday, compared to last week’s Tk114.

Exports to UK more challenging now

The strengthening taka will hurt Bangladesh exports, mostly RMG products, to UK market amid a 7% decline in value of pound, exporters fear.

Out of a $3.4 billion export value, RMG sector contributed $3.18 billion to overall export in the first 11 month of the current fiscal year.

The third largest export destination for Bangladesh products, the UK enjoys duty-free market access

under Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) as an EU member.

British importers will now have to pay 7% more of its currency in order to buy the same amount of goods as before.

“As a result, the buyers will try to cut prices of clothing products and to some extent even cancel the orders,” BGMEA Senior Vice-President Faruque Hassan told the Dhaka Tribune.

In July-May period of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh exports to

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Metro rail, BRT works inaugurated Uttara to Motijheel on both sides by the metro rail on every trip, the prime minister said.

She also suggested revising the construction plan during the first phase and lay the tracks between Uttara and Farmgate instead of between Uttara and Agargaon, as it would benefit commuters more.

“A safe and modern public transportation is a prerequisite to all kinds of development,” she said. “The government has taken various measures to alleviate traffic jams in Dhaka, building flyovers and overpasses to ensure smooth vehicular movement.”

She further said initiatives had been undertaken to construct

circular roads, rail and water ways around Dhaka city to combat traffic problems. “Once these plans are executed successfully, the sufferings of Dhaka commuters will be reduced significantly.”

“The government is working not only to develop the internal connectivity, but also to connect Bangladesh to the global road network,” she said. “Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal – the BBIN countries – will be connected soon under a motor vehicle agreement.

The ceremony was attended

by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Road Transport Secretary MAN Siddique, other government officials and

advisers to the prime minister.

Lawmakers, diplomats, heads of donor agencies and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion as well.

Metro rail is the third biggest infrastructure project undertaken by the government, right after the Padma Bridge and Padma Rail Rrack projects. The elevated railway promises to relieve the capital city’s growing traffic problems.

The metro rail project will be constructed under the supervision of Dhaka Mass Transit Company and is being funded jointly by Bangladesh government and Japan International Cooperative Agency (Jica). Jica is contributing

Tk16,594.59 crore to the project, while the government is paying Tk5,390.48 crore .

When complete and in operation, metro rail stations – 16 between Uttara and Motijheel – will see a train come every 4 minutes, and it will take 38 minutes for a train to cover the distance between Motijheel and Uttara.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Tk2,040 crore, Tk1,650 crore of which will jointly provided by the Asian Development Bank, French Development Agency, and Global Environmental Facility Fund.

The rest will be provided by the government. l

a hypothesis. The motive will be revealed after the investigation.”

would start earlier on that day.

The school authorities, however, claimed that they had not sent any SMS to the guardians.

‘It was not interrogation’ The CMP commissioner yesterday said that they had not interrogated SP Babul but had discussions with him about the case since he is the plaintiff.

“It was not interrogation ... discussions over the murder can be held with him any time and it may last long,” Iqbal told reporters.

“Babul is not under house arrest.

Rather he has been given security as per the protocol.”

About the allegation raised by Mitu’s father Mosharraf Hossain of diverting the case’s investigation by spreading false information implicating SP Babul in the murder, the CMP boss said: “He [Mosharraf] can explain better why he made such a statement.”

Iqbal said that the police were working sincerely to keep the investigation on the right track.

Nearly 12 hours after SP Babul was picked up from his in-law’s house in Dhaka’s Banasree area, the home minister told reporters on Saturday that the investigators had questioned him regarding the suspected killers arrested in the sensational case. l

Two confess to Mitu murder considering SP Babul’s conflict with some top-ranking officials of the CMP as a reason behind the murder.

Assistant Commissioner Mohammed Kamruzzaman of CMP Detective Branch of police is investigating the case. He is assisted by five sub-committees with representatives from different agencies.

Apart from the DB police, members of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are working on the case.

Long confession

DB police took Wasim and Anwar to the court of Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Harun-Ur-Rashid around 2pm. The judge started recording the statement of Wasim around 3pm and at one point took a break due to his engagement in another case.

The court completed recording the confessional statements at 9:40pm and sent them to jail, the IO told the Dhaka Tribune.

“Police have arrested two killers – Wasim and Anwar – who took part in Mitu murder directly. They have started giving confessional

statement before a magistrate,” CMP Commissioner Iqbal Bahar told reporters at his office around 3pm.

“They hail from Rangunia of Chittagong. The duo actively took part in the killing mission.

“Wasim shot Mitu and left the spot riding on a motorcycle. Anwar scouted the killing spot and was present as a member of their rescue team near the spot,” the CMP boss claimed.

He, however, did not mention the time and place of their arrest.

Motive yet unclear

In response to a query, Iqbal said that seven to eight persons including the duo had taken part in the killing. “All of them are professional criminals. We have learnt about the identities of the killers and are now trying to arrest them.”

He said that the investigators had gleaned much information from the duo and were working on the basis of the information. “The murder was carried out by a wellorganised group,” he said.

Asked about motive behind the killing, the CMP boss said that they were yet to be confirmed as to why they had killed the woman. “I do not want to say anything based on

Other suspects

Police sources said that around five to six persons had been taken into custody in connection with the sensational murder.

Two criminals who used to work as informants of SP Babul are among the detainees.

When asked, Iqbal said that they had interrogated many people in the case, but “those cannot be termed detentions or arrests.”

About Gunnu and Robin, the CMP chief said: “The police did not find their involvement in the killing … we will think about them later.”

Police arrested Gunnu, a former member of Islami Chhatra Shibir and also caretaker of a local shrine at Hathazari, on June 8 while Robin, a suspected professional mugger, on June 11. They were later placed on a seven-day remand each.

The investigators are yet to recover the mobile phone of Mitu which remains missing since the attack. It is alleged that Mitu and her son went out to catch the school bus much before the usual time as she had got an SMS the previous day that said the school

the UK stood at US$3.4bn, which is responsible for making up 11.1% of total exports by Bangladesh during the period.

Since Brexit is expected to hurt export, businesspeople are also concerned that bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Britain would be slower in the years to come.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Britain was $3.54 billion in the fiscal year 2014-15. l

Scotland to do everything

far more populous southern neighbour, dealing a body blow to the UK at a time when it is likely to still be dealing with the fallout from Brexit.

That could lead to border controls being set up between the two countries.

“I certainly don’t want to see in any circumstances a border between Scotland and England,” Sturgeon said. “Whatever happens here England is our nearest neighbour and will always I hope be our best friend but these are circumstances in which Scotland hasn’t chosen to be.”

Scottish veto Sturgeon said she would seek a way of negotiating directly with the EU on the best way to achieve Scotland’s aim of staying in the bloc.

She said it would be “completely unacceptable” for whoever succeeds David Cameron as British prime minister to try and stop Scotland from holding a second independence referendum on the basis that the issue had been settled in 2014.

Under the UK’s complex arrangements to devolve some powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, legislation generated in London to give effect to the vote to leave the EU may have to gain consent from the three devolved parliaments.

Asked whether she would consider asking the Scottish parliament to block a motion of legislative consent, Sturgeon said: “Of course.”

“If the Scottish parliament was judging this on the basis of what’s right for Scotland then the option of saying that we’re not going to vote for something that is against Scotland’s interest, of course that’s going to be on the table.”

Sturgeon’s pro-independence Scottish National Party holds 56 of the 59 seats representing Scotland in the national parliament in London, while in the devolved parliament in Edinburgh it has 63 seats out of 129. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

‘CMP quizzed Babul as per law’ n Mohammad Jamil Khan Militancy specialist police officer Babul Akter’s interrogation by the investigators in the case filed over his wife’s murder was a part of a common procedure, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah claimed yesterday.

“There is no chance of explaining the matter in a different way as due procure was followed in this case.

The investigators are supposed to interrogate the plaintiff and verify the information they have got,” he told reporters after attending a programme in Dhaka’s Wari.

The investigation team of Chittagong Metropolitan Police interrogated SP Babul at the DMP’s DB office. “We had nothing to do with it,” the DMP boss said.

A team of Motijheel police led by its Deputy Commissioner Anowar Hossain met Babul at his in-law’s house in the wee hours of Saturday and asked him to go with them as the IGP wanted to talk to him.

Since Babul did not return home until that afternoon and was not answering his phone while no official sources clarified the matter, rumours spread quick that he had been arrested for masterminding the murder of his wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu that took place in Chittagong city on June 5.

The home minister made the first media statement Saturday saying that SP Babul had been quizzed over the suspects arrested in the case as some of them had been known to him. After returning home, Babul told the Dhaka Tribune that he had discussions with the investigators to help them identify the killers.

Babul is the plaintiff of the case and was often taken or called by the investigators for questioning in the previous times.

Two people arrested in the case made confessional statements before a court yesterday.

The DMP chief told reporters that the investigation team first

contacted SP Babul over the phone and asked whether he would be able to go the DB office for interrogation. Babul was positive and said he needed a vehicle.

“We later sent the vehicles and officials. The CMP probe team interrogate Babul on the issues that needed to verify for their investigation. We just allowed them to use our DB office and nothing else,” Asaduzzaman said.

The total process happened based on confirmation from both the sides, he added.

Meanwhile, Mitu’s father Mosharraf Hossain, a retired OC of police, thinks that the investigation could be diverted for some false media reports and the way Babul was picked him from home at midnight.

“I have no problem if he is interrogated for the sake of investigation. But I still doubt whether the investigation is going on in the right track,” he told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“I am still hopeful that the real

culprits will be arrested. But I would like to request the authorities concern to follow the proper investigation procedure and not putting someone in crossfire,” he said.

Regarding the rumours centring SP Babul’s involvement in his wife’s murder, Mosharraf said Babul is a very talented officer.

“May be he has some enemies within the force. Those enemies might have provided false information to the media to implicate him in the murder,” said Mitu’s father.

He said that they had never heard of any conflict between SP Babul and his wife. “We want justice no matter who are behind the murder,” he added.

Apart from militant link, the investigators are also considering Babul’s conflict with some top-ranking officials of the CMP as a reason behind the murder. One of those officials came to Dhaka last week and was trying to convince the police highups implicating Babul in the murder. l

Khaleda files plea in Barapukuria case n Ashif Islam Shaon BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday filed a petition with Supreme Court against the proceedings of Barapukuria coal mine graft case.

Her lawyer AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon filed the leave to appeal petition challenging the High Court verdict that cleared way for the case proceedings to continue in a lower court.

The High Court on September 16 last year dismissed the BNP chairperson’s plea to scrap the case and also lifted a stay order on the continuation of the case proceedings.

The leave to appeal petition will be placed before the chamber judge court of the Supreme Court for hearing soon, Khokon said.

The lower court set July 24 for Khaleda and eight others to appear before it in the case. l

Marking war crimes trial campaigner Jahanara Imam’s 22nd death anniversary, Samajtantrik Mohila Forum forms a human chain in front of National Press Club yesterday, calling for strengthening anti-fundamentalist movements MEHEDI HASAN

Tender deadline for oil-based plants now July 28 n Aminur Rahman Rasel The deadline for submission of the tender floated to build 10 oil-based power plants has been extended by a month in the wake of calls to do so by local private entrepreneurs.

On May 19, the Power Development Board (PDB) floated the tender to select contractors for the 10 furnace oil-fired power plants and set June 29 as the deadline for making bids. The plants are to

be set up in 10 different locations under the private sector power generation policy on the basis of build-own-operate (BOO) method.

“The deadline has been extended from June 29 to July 28. The new plants will have a combined electricity generation capacity of 1,000MW, 100MW each,” PDB Chairman Engineer Md Shamsul Hasan Miah told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

The PDB aims at getting the plants established within 18

months of inking the deals.

The private power plant entrepreneurs also requested to allow all bidders to participate in the bidding of all power plants in order to ensure wider participation and competitive tariff rates.

The power plants will be owned by the state but they will be maintained by the private sector, and the PDB will buy electricity from them.

The country generates 30.18% of

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its electricity from fuel-fired plants and the latest move to build the 10 plants will take the ratio to 32%.

“We have to build oil-based plants because of gas crisis in places where regional electricity generation capacity is poor against the demand,” said Shamsul.

“The bidders will procure lands to set up the plants and mobilise funds on their own with a capacity to manage fuel oil for operating the plants,” he added. l

‘Gas explosion caused Uttara mall fire, not lift collapse’ n Kamrul Hasan The fire that killed six people and injured at least 50 at Tropical Alauddin Shopping Mall in Uttara on Friday was not caused by lift collapse, but by a gas explosion.

In fact, there is not evidence of any of the malls lifts collapsing, said Sub-Inspector Sohel Rana of Uttara West police station, who is investigating the accident.

“From what we have found during primary investigation, we suspect the accident was either caused by an electric short circuit, or a gas explosion,” he told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. “Nothing can be said for certain; we will know what really happened after we receive the report of the fire service probe committee.”

He further said he is running some chemical tests using evidence collected from the mall’s basement where the fire explosion took place.

This correspondent visited the accident site, where shop owners and workers in the mall expressed surprise at the news reports saying a lift collapsed and caused the fire.

“We have been noticing these reports claiming a lift fell down and caused the accident. But that is not what happened,” said Ali Haider, a shoe shop owner.

However, he said there has been a leak in the gas pipelines, which are in the basement, which could have caused the accident.

“I talked to Mahmudul Hasan, assistant general manager of Tropical Homes Ltd, about the leak and asked him to repair it. He assured me that the repair work would be done on Saturday morning, but the accident happened before then.”

Several other shop owners echoed Haider and said they had talked about the possible gas leak with Mahmudul as well.

Mahmudul was critically injured in the accident and is now undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Jasim Uddin, a security guard at the shopping mall’s basement, said if the fire explosion had taken place later in the evening, more people would have died.

Another shop owner, who requested anonymity, said the mall was still under lock down. “The OC [of Uttara West police station] told us to submit certificates from authorities concerned to reopen the market.”

The Dhaka Tribune attempted to contact the OC, Ali Hossain Khan, but could not reach him.

Investigation Officer Sohel said a case of unnatural death has been filed with the police station in this regard. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Bill soon to ban Jamaat n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

A bill would be placed in the ongoing session of the parliament to ban the politics of Jamaat-e-Islami, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq said yesterday.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is a war criminal party because they opposed the 1971 Liberation War as a party. They do not have any right to do politics in the country. There is no alternative to banning them.

“The law minister has informed me that the bill on banning Jamaat politics will be placed in this session. I hope the bill will be placed soon,” Mozammel told parliament in response to a query.

Previously, the law minister on several occasions said that they had finalised a fresh amendment to the

International Crimes (tribunals) Act to ban Jamaat and try it as a party for war crimes.

Jamaat’s registration with the Election Commission was scrapped by the High Court in 2013. The Appellate Division is yet to start hearing of an appeal filed against the High Court order.

The party has also been blamed for appointing lobbyists to make the ongoing war crimes trials controversial.

Four top leaders of the party including its chief Motiur Rahman Nizami have been executed since 2013.

Taking part in the budget session, Mozammel yesterday also suggested that the freedom fighters be given two special allowances – on March 26 for the Independence Day and December 16 for the Victory Day. It would cost the government only

Tk400 crore.

“The freedom fighters risked their lives in the war. As the Eid is ahead, everyone will get festival bonuses but the freedom fighters will not. The freedom fighters have demanded that the government introduce two special allowances on March 26 and December 16.

“I have requested the prime minister and the finance minister to allocate the money for them.”

The minister continued that his ministry would take initiatives to ensure free medical treatment for the freedom fighters inside the country.

About the new list of freedom fighters, the minister said: “We will publish the new list on the website soon. We will give them ID cards with eight types of security measurements so that it cannot be counterfeited.” l

Brishti and Riyad have to work in their father’s scrap shop after their school. So they are doing their homework there. The photo has recently been taken from Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar area MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Bangladesh-Russia credit deal in the pipeline n Asif Showkat Kallol

The government plans to sign a credit agreement with Russia in the third week of July for the construction of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, a source at Science and Technology Ministry has said.

The draft of the Russia-Bangladesh Intergovernmental State Credit Agreement (ISCA) will be placed on this regard at a scheduled cabinet meeting today, a ministry official said, requesting anonymity.

The draft for the deal would include details on credit agreement, interest rate, and duration of the $12.65bn Rooppur project, the official added.

The draft ISCA would mention last month’s decision by the National Board of Revenue to exempted six services of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant from paying VAT; the exemptions included freight forwarding, clearing and forwarding companies, and insurance companies.

Yeafesh Osman, minister for Science and Technology Ministry, said: “You can not find an international lender who provides 90% of the funds on credit at an interest rate of libor plus 1.75%, but Russian federation will provide that amount of funds for construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.”

Commenting on Finance Minister AMA Muhith’s recent remarks on the high cost for the Rooppur plant, Osman said the finance minister has not had the chance to go

over every expenditure components for the project.

Earlier, Muhith said the cost of a 2,400MW nuclear plant is usually $3.5 billion, but the proposed Rooppur plant will cost more than $11 billion.

But Osman pointed out that the cost to build a nuclear power plant would be high if the latest technology was to be used and all safety provisions were to be ensured.

Regarding ISCA, the science minister said the two governments would sign a final deal on the Rooppur plant after July 20, while the nuclear plant would have a lifetime of 80 years and a grace period of 30 years.

The $11 billion credit from the Russian federation will be put in local bank accounts and Russian government will provide the amount in yearly phases, Osman said.

On December 25 last year, Bangladesh and Russia signed a $12.65 billion deal to commission of the two NPPs, which will generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith said Rosatom, the state corporation of Russian Federation, wants one year extension of preparatory work for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to be completed by December 2017.

Rosatom has fixed the timeline for agreement, payment and preparatory work, Muhith told reporters earlier following a meeting with a visiting seven-member Rosatom delegation, headed by its Deputy General Director Spasskiy Nikolay Nikolayevich. l

Moudud: No extrajudicial killing if BNP voted to power

DNCC announces Tk2083cr budget

n Tribune Report

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has proposed a Tk2083.35 crore budget for fiscal year 2016-17.

The budget is double the size of the revised budget for the previous fiscal year, which was Tk1010.45cr, while the proposed budget for that fiscal year was Tk1601.95cr.

DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq announced the budget at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan yesterday.

Annisul said: “This year, the budget is two times the previous fiscal year’s revised budget, which means we will see more development in the city than the past.

“Of the total budget, Tk1559.31cr will be spent on infrastructural development, waste management, mosquito control, beautification

There would be no extrajudicial killings if the BNP was voted to power, the party’s Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed has said.

“People are falling victims to killing and abduction as there is no accountable government in the country. No one will be a victim of abduction when the BNP is voted to power, no one will be killed without any trial, and no one will be detained without any trial,” he said yesterday.

Addressing a party-organised discussion at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh, Moudud said: “If we believe in rule of law then these should be stopped, other-

wise people will give us hatred.”

Moudud pointed out that Awami League’s election manifesto had mentioned that it would stop extrajudicial killings if voted to power, but forgot the pledge after assuming the office.

The issue of extrajudicial killings also received huge criticism when the BNP-led four party alliance was previously in the office and had formed RAB. Moudud further claimed that militancy and extremism were on the rise as there was no true peoples’ representative government.

“Establishing a representative government through a free, fair and neutral election can end the situation.” l

n Abu Hayat Mahmud

and others,” he said.

“Besides, money will be spent on maintenance and development of roads, drains, footpaths, hospitals, markets, bus terminals, public toilets and libraries.

“Also, the budget includes allocations for the city corporation’s environmental development, construction of staff housing, community centres, and housing facilities for cleaners and other employees.”

The mayor hoped that the city corporation would be able to secure its income properly like the previous year.

He said he expects to earn taxes and revenues from sources including holding, trade licence, advertisement, rickshaw licence, markets and community centres.

“In the budget, Tk1037.84cr will

come from revenues, government assistance and other sources, and Tk811.51cr from the government fund and foreign assistance.

“We have begun our five-year mission and already one year is gone. Money will be spent for implementing my election manifesto, which includes making a green and clean Dhaka,” Annisul said.

Speaking about his success in freeing occupied footpaths and roads, the mayor said nobody would be able to create any obstacle to the execution of his mayoral duties.

“Force and threat will not resist the development of Dhaka city,” he said.

The government has increased budgetary allocations for the two Dhaka city corporations, a move aimed at providing better services for Dhaka residents. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Full telecom coverage by 2021 Showkat Kallol and n Asif Ishtiaq Husain The government aims to achieve 100% telecom density by 2021 and connect 1,200, or about a quarter of the union parishads through optical fibre cable by 2018 under a new proposed telecom policy.

The Telecommunications Division will place the draft of the new National Telecommunications Policy 2016 before the cabinet today, with a focus on ensuring quality services to consumers.

Around 60% of Bangladeshi population will be brought under broadband coverage by the year 2025 under the policy’s long-term goals.

According to the policy draft, the telecom regulator will auction a mobile number portability (MNP)

system to protect customer rights.

It stresses that the state-run mobile operator Teletalk and Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL) will increase their capacity to compete with other business entities in the market.

It also says the service providers must comply with performance standards and quality of service parameters.

The policy has been designed for a 10 year period, considering the business forecasts for the telecommunications industry and to ensure a telecom-friendly environment in Bangladesh.

The government for the first time has included short-term, midterm and long-term industry targets in the policy.

There will be in the policy scope for revisions from time to time to

Around 60% of Bangladeshi population will be brought under broadband coverage by the year 2025 keep abreast with the changing scenario in the emerging sector, officials said.

The National Telecommunications Policy was formulated in 1998 and it was updated twice in assistance with the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

To have more modifications of the draft policy, the Telecommunications Division held several meet-

ings with stakeholders, the regulatory body and industry insiders.

The revisions took place first in 2010 and then in 2012. In 2010, the policy was revised with the assistance of the World Bank at a cost of Tk39 lakh. Later, the ITU helped bring an amendment free of cost.

It was posted on the division’s website to take public views and feedback. But the division said it didn’t get “satisfactory feedback” from the public.

According to the latest statistics, in July 2014 the total data consumption by the country’s subscribers was 2,500TB (terabytes) and it almost doubled to 4,710TB in January 2015.

Considering the statistics, the division included per capita data use in the latest telecommunications policy, said an official. He

said the policy would be based on five principles including open and competitive market, universal access, effective governance and forward looking visions.

“We have reviewed telecommunication policies in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. Finally, taking our geographical position and culture into account, we have included different issues,” the official said.

The division’s Joint Secretary Husnul Mahmud said: “With the slogan ‘Telephone for All,’ our mission is to ensure an integrated telecommunications network and services for all individuals, households and businesses in Bangladesh.”

“Then we can develop an institutional framework to support research and development works,” he said. l

Dhaka most vulnerable to floods n Abu Bakar Siddique

Farzana Chowdhury, managing director and CEO of Green Delta Insurance, was announced as one of the ten 2016 Local SDG Pioneers Yesterday at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2016 in New York. She was recognized for her efforts that align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality

About 13% of households and 12.65% of the population in Bangladesh are under risk from disasters, which include floods, cyclones, drought, water-logging, landslides, and salinity, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) claims.

When comparing divisions, Dhaka and Sylhet are most vulnerable to floods, Rajshahi and Rangpur to drought, Chittagong and Khulna to waterlogging, Barisal and Chittagong to cyclones, Rangpur and Rajshahi to tornadoes and, Khulna and Chittagong to salinity.

The data collected from 64 districts, comes from a report titled “Bangladesh Disaster-related Statistics 2015: Climate Change and Natural Disaster Perspectives”,

launched by BBS at the NEC conference room of the Planning Commission.

Md Shah Kamal, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said, “The data could help the government take effective measures for managing disasters.”

The report claims that between 2009-14, Bangladesh lost Tk184.25 billion due to disasters. Out of total financial damages, Dhaka division led with 25% followed by Barisal’s 20.07%, Khulna’s 15.86%, Rajshahi’s 11.77%, Chittagong’s 10.33%, Sylhet’s 8.50% and Rangpur’s 8.47%.

Among others, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, director-general of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and Dhaka University Disaster Management Professor ASM Maksud Kamal also spoke at the launch. l

240km Dhaka-Ctg oil pipeline planned n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The government has taken the initiative to construct a 240 kilometer pipeline to transport fuel oil at low cost from port city Chittagong to capital Dhaka.

Replying to a query in the parliament yesterday, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid said the pipeline construction

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN MONDAY, JUNE 27

to Tk5.60. But the production cost of electricity is more than its price.

That’s why there is no plan to reduce the price,” he said.

Currently one million tonne coal is being extracted from the Barapukuria Coal plant every year, the minister said. Replying to another query, Nasrul Hamid said 60-65% of produced coal was used in the Barapukuria coal-based power plant. l

work was in the feasibility study stage and the project would be implemented in the next three years.

Replying to another query, Hamid said as the price of fuel has reduced the production coast of per unit electricity has reduced by Tk0.67.

“As fuel prices have gone down, the production cost of per unit electricity has reduced from Tk6.27 Dhaka

36

28

Chittagong

35

28

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:50PM

37

28

Rangpur

33

26

Khulna

33

27

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:14AM

37.0ºC Rajshahi

24.2ºC Rangamati

Source: Accuweather/UNB

34

28

PRAYER TIMES

Sylhet

34

26

Cox’s Bazar

32

Fajr: 3:52am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 7:03pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

27

DT

News

6

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

One dies in post-polls violence in Magura n Khan Mazharul Haque, Magura A youth was killed and 10 others were injured in a clash that took place among two factions of Awami League at Rajapur village in Magura Sadar upazila yesterday morning over union parishad election.

Twenty five houses were vandalised during the clash that lasted over an hour.

Of the inured, four people were admitted to Magura Sadar Hospital in critical state.

Quoting local sources, Sudorshon Kumar Roy, additional superintendent of police, Magura, told the Dhaka Tribune that two groups of Awami League had a longstanding dispute over establishing supremacy in the locality.

On a sequel to the rivalry, supporters of Habibur Rahman attacked the supporters of Chand Ali on Saturday afternoon.

Later, supporters of Chand Ali vandalised houses of Habib and his supporters yesterday morning, triggering a clash among them.

During the clash, Riadul Islam, 26, son of Jamal Sheikh, a supporter of Chand Ali was stabbed, leaving him dead on the spot.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. They also recovered the body and sent it to Sadar Hospital morgue.

Officer-in-Charge of Sripur police station Rezaul Islam said additional police had been deployed in the area to avoid further incident. l

Bangladeshi shot by BSF near Satkhira border n Tribune Desk A Bangladeshi national sustained bullet injuries as members of the Border Security Force of India opened fire on him at Koijhuri in India near Boikari border of Sadar upazila yesterday morning.

The injured identified as Alamgir Kabir, son of Golam Mostafa, a resident of Gorerkanda area of the district town, was a cattle trader.

Subedar Humayun Kabir of Boikari camp of Border Guard Bangladesh said Alamgir along with his four associates went to India through the border point on Saturday afternoon for bringing cattle.

While they were returning, BSF members opened fire on them, leaving Alamgir injured.

Later he was admitted to Satkhira Sadar Hospital. l

Narcotics department facing staffshortage in Chandpur n Md Ibrahim Roni, Chandpur Department of Narcotics Control in Chandpur cannot operate its activities properly due to manifold problems, including shortage of staff.

According to the office sources, only three officials in the place of 20 staff have to operate the activities.

When the officials is to conduct a drive anywhere against the drug-peddlers, they have to take arm-forces from Chandpur police station.

Md Monzurul Islam, deputy director of the department, said only three officials, including a sub-inspector, had to operate the

department.

They have no facilities of transport, firearms and walkie talkies, said Monzurul.

He demanded a different cell for the department in the court like Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. “There are around 56,000 drug cases with different courts in the country. If there was different cell, the work could be done smoothly,” he added.

Drug peddlers use the several ways of the district as transit route from Dhaka-Comilla border area to southern parts of Bangladesh.

Sources said the department had

seized 14kg hemp, 142 yaba tablets, 615 litre rectified spirit, 19 cane bear, 279 bottle-wine and a huge amount of lopage injection this year worth about Tk1.5 lakh. At least 87 criminals were arrested during the drives.

Alongside the narcotic department, the police department also performed a vital role to seize drugs and nab the criminals.

According to superintendent of police office sources, the police in the district seized 330 kg hemp, 770 bottle of phensidyle, 32,616 yaba tablets, 76 lopage injections and 183 cane hunter worth about Tk215 crore.

At least 524 drug-peddlers were arrested during the drives and 416 cases were filed, said police sources.

When contacted, Shamsunnahar, superintendent of police, said she had been in zero tolerance on the question of drug peddling.

She urged everybody to come with a view to saving the children and youths from the clutches of drugs.

“Cabins of launches, intersections of roads, bridges and tea-stalls became the haven of drug-peddlers in the district,” she said.

“We are alert about the drug-peddlers. Nobody can dodge us,” she added. l

MP Kazi Nabil hosts iftar party n Md Tauhid-Uz-Zaman, Jessore

MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Jessore 3 constituency, attends an Iftar party at the auditorium of Jessore municipality yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Awami League lawmaker from Jessore 3 constituency, has said Bangladesh is marching forward and going to be recognised as a middle-income country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with the blessing of people.

The lawmaker made the observation while addressing a discussion and Iftar party at the auditorium of Jessore municipality yesterday.

Among others, Deputy Commissioner Humayun Kabir, National Awami Party (NAP) Secretary (central) Enamul Haque attended the programme. l

7

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Long Eid vacation likely to boost tourism in Cox’s Bazar n Abdul Aziz, Cox’s Bazar Cox’s Bazar is wearing a festive look to welcome its visitors during the nine-day Eid-ul-Fitr vacation.

A high turnout is expected from tourism business this year due to the long vacation, said Sakhawat Hossain, president of Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel and Guesthouse Owners Association.

“We are taking special preparation this year, as we are expecting

more tourists due to nine-day long vacation,” he added.

Usually, tourists throng Cox’s Bazar during Eid vacation every year, but this year the number of visitors is far exceeding the numbers of previous years, said Nur A Alam, Front Desk Manager of Hotel Seagull.

“Most of the hotels and motels have been booked already,” he added.

Abu Taleb Shaha, an official of Hotel The Cox, echoed the same.

During a visit to Cox’s Bazar

beach area yesterday this correspondent found that all the hotels, motels, guest houses and commercial outlets were busy in renovation to wear an attractive look.

Similar scenarios are seen in Maheshkhali, Himchhari, Darianagar, Bangabandhu Safari Park and other tourist spots.

Assistant Superintendent of Police of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police Raihan Kajemi said: “This year police and lifeguards will work to-

gether to ensure tourists’ security.

We will keep strong vigilance this year, as it is rainy season.”

Besides, new police camps have been set up in Teknaf and Inani with a view to ensure security for tourists, he added.

The District Administrator and also President of the beach management committee Md Ali Hossain said necessary steps had been taken to ensure maximum security for all the tourists. l

Wife of SI commits suicide

Anti-drug activists hold a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka yesterday on the occasion of the International Day against Drug MEHEDI HASAN

People suffer from artificial ticket crisis Serajul Islam, n Mohammed Sylhet

People return in empty hands from the ticket counters at Sylhet Railway Station after waiting a long time.

Rafiqul Islam Dulal had to collect an advance ticket from a scalper for going to Chittagong by paying Tk150 more than the actual price, as he was told from the counter that there was no ticket.

Similarly, Rafiqul’s brother collected three advance tickets from another scalper, as he failed to get any tickets from the counter after waiting in a queue a long time.

Public Works Minister testifies in Laldighi massacre case n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong

Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain gave testimony before a Chittagong Court yesterday in a case filed over Laldighi massacre that left 24 people killed and scores of injured on January 24, 1988.

The minister gave the testimony as the 37th witness at the court of Chittagong Divisional Special Judge Ruhul Amin.

Shots were fired targeting Sheikh Hasina to kill her.

However, she luckily escaped unhurt

Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong

Wife of a Sub-Inspector (SI) of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) has allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in their residence in Chittagong city’s Love Lane area.

The deceased was identified as Aniya Rahman Shathi, 24, wife of Md Aftab, a sub-inspector of CMP detective branch, said Officer-inCharge of Kotwali police station Md Jasim Uddin.

“Shathi killed herself by hanging with ceiling at their residence,” said the OC adding that “The body was handed over to the victim’s family after conducting postmortem.”

SI Raju Ahmed said Shathi, who had been suffering from Asthmatic problem for long, hanged herself at their house at Love Lone area on early Sunday.

Later, family members rushed her to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) where she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment, said SI Raju.

An unnatural death case was lodged in this connection. l

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News

“Tickets are available to scalpers though counters are running short of them,” he added.

Abdus Shahid, a resident of Rauzan in Chittagong, is uncertain of going home, as he failed to collect advance ticket. He went to the station to buy a ticket after watching news on television of selling advance tickets.

Sources in the station said advance tickets would be sold from today. One can purchase highest four tickets.

Raihan Ahmed, a student of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, said, “I tried to get a ticket in advance through online,

but failed as the server was down.”

He had requested a rail staff known to him for collecting a ticket for him even at higher price, Raihan added.

Besides, passengers are in anxiety, as no special train has been added to the existing ones in Sylhet-Dhaka and SylhetChittagong routes to make the journey of Eid holiday makers hassle-free.

The rail sources said five additional compartments had been added to Udayan Express and Paharika Express for Chittagongbound passengers.

This year, 65 per cent tickets will

be sold from counters and 25 per cent through online and mobile phones. Five per cent is reserved for VIP passengers and five per cent for the staff and officials of the rail station, according to the rail sources.

Manager of the station Abdur Razzak said there were enough tickets in stock for passengers.

When asked about the black marketing of tickets, he informed strict measures had been taken to check ticket scalping with the help of different law enforcing agencies. Besides, mobile court would be conducted in the station, he added. l

Mosharraf in his testimony said: “Shots were fired targeting Sheikh Hasina to kill her. However, she luckily escaped unhurt.”

“The premeditated massacre was committed without any provocation on that day,” said Mosharraf.

Public Prosecutor Mesbah Uddin said the case was transferred to the court of divisional special judge three months ago.

After that the court issued summons for six people, including Housing and Public Works Minister Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Awami League city unit president ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and Premier University Vice-Chancellor Dr Anupam Sen. Dr Anupam Sen gave his testimony in the case on May 26 of this year.

Police opened fire on the motorcade of the then Awami League President Sheikh Hasina when she was heading towards Laldighi playground on a truck to address a rally during HM Ershad regime on January 24, 1988.

Following the fall of HM Ershad, lawyer Md Shahidul Huda filed a case on March 5, 1992 with a Chittagong court. Police submitted the charge sheet against 47 people on May 14, 1998.

Later, the court directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation into the case.

On October 14, 1999, Abdul Kader Khan, assistant superintendent of police (CID), submitted the supplementary charge sheet accusing seven persons, including the then CMP commissioner Mirza Raqibul Huda, police inspector Gobinda Chandra Mondal, constables – Abdus Salam, Mushfiqur Rahman, Pradip Barua, Bashir Uddin, Shah Md Abdullah and Momtaj Uddin. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Myanmar torches drugs worth nearly $60m Myanmar police Sunday torched drugs with a street value of nearly $60m as authorities struggle to tackle the scourge of poppy cultivation and shut down pill laboratories in lawless border zones. Over half a ton of opium and 80kg of heroin was torched along with 768kg of methamphetamines and 10 million other stimulant pills -AFP

INDIA

India irked by China stalling its NSG membership India has expressed disappointment with China for raising procedural hurdles to the South Asian country becoming a member of the 48-nation group controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup says India is disappointed its membership application was not approved at the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group last week in Seoul.

-AP

CHINA

China bus fire kills 35 At least 35 people, including two children, died after a tour bus crashed and caught fire in central China, state media reported on Sunday. Police detained the driver of the bus, which was carrying 55 people in Hunan province. 11 people were hospitalised after the crash, with 4 people seriously injured. The bus crashed into a guardrail on a highway and the fire started after an oil leak.

-REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

South Korea mulls ban on bosses messaging employees at home Hyper-wired South Korea is considering legislation that would ban bosses from bothering their staff at home, after growing complaints about the country’s already onerous work-life imbalance. A bill prohibiting managers from badgering staff at home was submitted to parliament last week, sponsored by 12 lawmakers from the main opposition Minjoo party.

-THE GUARDIAN

MIDDLE EAST

‘Falluja fully liberated from Islamic State’ A senior Iraqi commander has declared that Falluja is fully liberated from Islamic State militants after the capture of the last district held by the militants following a monthlong military operation. Iraqi troops entered the north-western Golan neighbourhood, the head of the counter-terrorism forces in the operation, Lt Gen Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, said on Sunday.

-THE GUARDIAN

ANALYSIS

British EU vote hardly a harbinger of 2016 US election n Tribune International Desk The politics behind the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union sound awfully familiar to the politics that have propelled Donald Trump to the Republican presidential nomination.

But before saying the victory by the “leave” side is a harbinger of a Trump victory on Election Day in the US, it’s wise to consider the many differences between the two allied nations with historic ties like few others.

The greatest difference: The United States is a significantly more racially diverse nation.

A look at that and some of the other essential differences, and important similarities, in this turbulent political season.

Immigration

The “leave” vote was widely seen as a backlash against a recent influx of legal immigrants to the UK. In the US race, Trump dominated the Republican presidential field after he pledged to build a wall on America’s southern border as a way to reduce illegal immigration.

The percentage of the UK population born in another country recently reached an all-time high of 13%, the same as the foreign-born share of the US population.

The United States has for generations styled itself as a nation of immigrants. While current US immigration numbers are high, they were even greater between 1860 and 1930. Much of the angst in the US election has been about illegal immigration, as opposed to the overall numbers of those coming into the county legally.

Diversity

The much greater racial and ethnic diversity in the US is a reflection of its immigration history, along with the legacy of slavery that saw millions of blacks brought forcibly from Africa. Non-white minorities make up 38% of the US population, compared with just 14% in the UK. The percentage of whites eligible to vote in US elections has dropped from 78% in 2000 to an estimated 69% this fall. Minority voters historically lean overwhelmingly Democratic in presidential elections, a trend that strongly favours Trump’s White House rival, presumptive Demo-

THE ROOTS OF US IMMIGRANTS 29% Mexico

4% Middle East 9% Caribbean

8% Central America 7% South America

25% South, East Asia

19% All others Pew Research Hispanic Centre tabulations of 2011 American Community Survey (1% IPUMS) cratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

There were no independent exit polls conducted Thursday in the UK, so the racial breakdown of the electorate isn’t known. But returns in the referendum suggest whites in England voted solidly in favour of leaving, while whites in Scotland supported remaining. The overall 52%-48% outcome suggests whites as a whole were fairly evenly divided in the UK.

Geography

The UK vote featured a geographic split that parallels the familiar urban-rural divide in US politics.

London provided the greatest base of support for remaining in the EU, while more rural areas of the UK voted to leave. Trump’s support has been especially strong in more rural and less educated parts of the US. Republicans in US general elections also tend to fare better in rural areas and smaller cities and towns, while Democrats find many of their voters in America’s urban centres.

The World Bank says about 17% of the population in each country lives in rural areas. But the numbers can be deceiving because the United States electorate is spread across many large cities.

London and its suburbs comprise about one-fifth of Britain’s population, while almost onethird of Americans live in the areas around the 10 biggest cities.

“There is this big divide between London and the rest of the country,” said Tom Wright of the Brookings Institute, who tracks British and American politics. “It tends to be more of an urban-rural thing in the US, while in England it’s one city that tends to operate

IMMIGRATION AT ISSUE IN BREXIT DECISION Pro-Brexit voters were persuaded by the argument that leaving the EU meant taking back control of immigration — by abandoning the bloc’s principle of free movement among member states. Estimates of migrants by country in 2015: EU-born residents in Britain

Britons living in the EU

Poland

703

Spain

309

Ireland

503

Ireland

255

Germany

322

France

185

Italy

152

Germany

103

France

150

Italy

65

Lithuania

117

Netherlands

50

Portugal

99

Switzerland

48

91

Poland

35

89

Belgium

27

85

Sweden

25

Spain Romania

in thousands

Cyprus

SOURCE: United Nations Population Division

in a different economic world.”

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, who has worked in both countries, said the UK lacks the large suburbs that are critical contested areas in US presidential races. “They just don’t have the same kind of suburban thing as we do,” he said. That gives extra clout to small-town and rural Britain.

Referendum v election

The choice on whether to leave the EU was decided in a national referendum, while the US selects the president in state-by-state votes.

It’s possible for the loser of the national popular vote to end up winning the White House, as Republican George W Bush did over Democrat Al Gore in 2000. That difference alone makes a comparison a risky proposition.

Furthermore, referendum votes

AP

such as the UK’s on Thursday involve mostly faceless policy ideas. Presidential elections revolve around individuals.

“The Brexit vote did not have a candidate,” said Republican pollster Whit Ayres, even if it was driven by “the same forces that drove Donald Trump to the hostile takeover of the Republican Party.”

Trump can try to capitalise on economic frustrations, wariness about immigrants and a resentment of the political establishment, as the “leave” campaigners did successfully.

But Ayres’ said Americans’ decision this fall is “an evaluation of the two nominees,” specifically “assessments of a candidate’s character, leadership, trustworthiness.”

That, he said, renders any “apples-to-apples” comparison between the two votes “impossible.” l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

EU vote triggers conflict in UK politics n Reuters, London

BRITAIN AND THE EU: NEGOTIATING THE NEW RELATIONSHIP

Britain’s two main parties were in open conflict on Sunday after a vote to leave the EU triggered an attempted “coup” in the main opposition Labour Party and a bitter leadership contest in the ruling Conservatives.

Both parties are reeling from the referendum result, when British voters rejected the arguments of their leaders and decided to leave the European Union in a vote which underscored the deep divisions in the country.

Prime Minister David Cameron has said he will resign -- prompting a fierce battle to replace him -- and several Labour lawmakers quit the party’s top policy team to try to force their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, from office.

It fell to Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to describe events as “a vacuum of leadership”.

“I look on at what’s happening in Westminster just now with a sense of utter despair on behalf of people across England and other parts of the UK as that vacuum of leadership both in the Tories and Labour develops,” Sturgeon told the BBC. She also suggested the Brexit vote could see the departure of Scotland, which voted to remain in the EU, in a second independence referendum which could lead to the collapse of United Kingdom.

Cameron has said he will stay on in his post until October to try to help reassure the public and markets, but his decision to announce his resignation immedi-

Britain needs to negotiate a new relationship with the EU after its referendum vote to quit the bloc Possible scenarios Benefits and drawbacks for Britain

Join the European Economic Area (EEA)

A free trade agreement

Iceland Norway Liechtenstein

Like the EU-Canada agreement Most customs tarifs would be waived Financial services, which are crucial for the City of London, not included

Access to internal market Relatively simple to achieve

This might prove to be less than Britain needs

Have to respect the rules of the single market Britain would have no control over migration Britain would have to make a large financial contribtion

Negotiate bilateral agreements Individal deals on specific sectors (e.g. fishing)

The Swiss model

Agreeing dozens of deals as Swiss has done likely to take many years

ately after the vote has unsettled those who campaigned to leave the European Union.

They say they will wait until a new eurosceptic leader is in place before triggering the process to leave the bloc as leading Conservatives jockey to take the mantle.

Former London mayor Boris Johnson, whose support for the leave camp galvanised the “Out” campaign, is favourite to replace Cameron but media have reported that there is a group of pro-Cameron lawmakers looking for “anyone but Boris”.

Foreign Minister Philip Hammond ruled himself out of the contest, but said: “It’s got to be somebody who can unite the Con-

Financial institutions would not be able to export their services to the EU

servative Party ... but it’s also got to be somebody with a credible strategy for dealing ... with the challenge of negotiating an exit from the European Union without destroying our prosperity in the process.”

Labour disarray

The deep divisions in Labour were also blown into the open when Corbyn sacked his foreign affairs policy chief, Hilary Benn, overnight because, as his spokesman said on Sunday, “he has lost confidence in him”.

A growing number of Labour lawmakers have called on Corbyn to resign in the aftermath of the vote to leave the EU. Some party members say he failed to assuage

concern among the party’s traditional supporters; others that he should have campaigned more in favour of EU membership.

Two Labour politicians have submitted a motion of no confidence in Corbyn, which will be debated later this week.

Several members of Corbyn’s ‘shadow cabinet’ - top policy chiefs who hold portfolios mirroring those of the government - resigned in protest at his leadership and others were set to follow.

But Corbyn, who was elected last year on a wave of enthusiasm for change among thousands of new, young Labour members, was “not going anywhere”, said his finance spokesman, John McDonnell. l

British EU exit turmoil alarms Asia n Reuters, London/Beijing

Turmoil unleashed by Britain’s vote to leave the European Union heightened anxiety in Asia on Sunday, with China, Japan and South Korea fretting over the risk to global financial stability a few hours before markets reopen.

Sterling fell as much as 10% against the dollar on Friday to levels last seen in 1985, while world stocks saw more than $2tn wiped off their value. The weekend gave some respite from the turmoil, but apprehension grew as Monday’s reopening approached.

Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said the vote “will cast a shadow over the global economy”.

“It’s difficult to predict now,” he said at the first annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing. “The knee-jerk reaction from the market is probably a bit excessive and needs to calm down and take an objective view.”

Central banks promised through their global forum to do

as much as they could to limit volatility on the markets.

“With good cooperation at the global level, I am confident that uncertainty can be contained and that adjustments will proceed as smoothly as possible,” Jaime Caruana, head of the Bank for International Settlements said.

Nevertheless, Japan fretted over the effect on the global currency market and contemplated official action.

“Speculative, violent moves have extremely negative effects,” said Tomomi Inada, policy chief of the ruling LDP party, according to Nikkei daily. “If necessary, the government should not hesitate to respond, including currency intervention.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has tried to engineer a weaker yen to encourage exports to help revive the Japanese economy. But after initial success, investors have sought safety in the yen this year due to stock market turmoil and now the Brexit vote, pushing the

At close, June 24 SHANGHAI Shanghai Composite 2,854.29 1.30% (-37.67)

TOKYO Nikkei 225

SHENZHEN Hang Seng 1,900.60 0.76% (-14.61)

SEOUL KOSPI

14,952.02

7.92% (-1,286.33)

1,925.24

3.09% (-61.47)

8,476.99

currency back up.

South Korea’s finance minister also said he feared markets will remain volatile throughout negotiations on the British exit, while Hong

TransCanada files $15bn suit against US TransCanada has formally filed a $15bn suit against the US government for blocking its controversial project for an oil pipeline linking Canada with the Gulf of Mexico. The suit is based on Chapter 11 of Nafta, the 1994 trade pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico, which aims to protect foreign investors from potential losses.

-AFP

THE AMERICAS

Panama opens canal extension Panama opened the long-delayed expansion of its shipping canal on Sunday with just a dozen of the 70 heads of state invited to see the debut of the third set of locks attending the ceremony. Nearly two years late due to construction delays and labour strife, the $5.25bn project formally launched with the transit of the 158-foot-wide, 984-foot-long, Chinese-owned container ship.

-REUTERS

UK

Petition for 2nd EU referendum may have been manipulated A petition calling for a second EU referendum which has gained more than 3 million signatures is under investigation by parliamentary authorities. The House of Commons petitions committee has confirmed that 77,000 signatures, which were added fraudulently, have been removed. A tweet by the committee said that it would continue to monitor the petition for suspicious activity.

-THE GUARDIAN

Academic wins Iceland presidency History professor Gudni Johannesson won Iceland’s presidential election with 39.1% of the ballots, according to final results announced on public television. The political newcomer only decided to run for the presidency after the so-called Panama Papers leak in April, which detailed offshore accounts and implicated several senior Icelandic politicians.

-AFP

AFRICA

14 killed in Mali land dispute

HONG KONG Hang Seng 20,259.13 2.92% (-609.21)

2.30% (-199.69)

USA

EUROPE

ASIAN MARKETS HIT BY BREXIT VOTE

TAIPEI Weighted

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World

SYDNEY S&P/ASX 200 5,113.20 3.17% (-167.50) Kong’s finance chief promised his government was keeping a close eye on developments after what he described as “a big surprise” from the referendum result. l

At least 14 people were killed and more than 40 injured in clashes over land between residents of two central Malian villages.

The clash pitted villagers from Koussouma and Mougna near the ancient town of Djenne on Saturday, with both sides claiming ownership over arable land nearby. It is the beginning of the planting season in the area, a period when land conflict is common.

-AFP

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World

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

INSIGHT

Spain's far left surge to shake up politics n Reuters, Cordoba The parched olive groves and tranquil towns of Spain’s southern Cordoba province are an unlikely backdrop for a political upset that could reverberate across Europe.

Yet some locals like 57-year-old Lorenzo Molina, an unemployed librarian, hope they can help deliver just that in a fresh nationwide election on June 26 following an inconclusive December ballot.

Gains for an anti-austerity alliance led by the young Podemos party in tightly-contested provinces like this could tip the balance in its bid to lead the next government, and this could turn Spain into the European Union’s next headache after Britain’s June 23 referendum on EU membership.

A surge into second place for Unidos Podemos (“Together We Can”) ahead of Spain’s Socialists would make the far-left front a serious contender to form a coalition government, cementing the decline of Spain’s once-mighty centre-left in the process.

After radical leftist Syriza’s success in crushing the social democratic Pasok in Greece, a Podemos breakthrough could also buoy eurosceptic anti-establishment movements in the likes of Italy or France as worsening inequality fuels discontent.

For Molina, a dyed-in-the-wool backer of the ex-communists now part of the leftist alliance, it’s a momentous prospect after decades on the fringes of Spanish politics, hankering after this so-called “sorpasso” (eclipse) of the Socialists.

“It’s time to air things out,” Molina said on a balmy evening in the city of Cordoba, as an eclectic mix of families and people waving hammer and sickle flags arrived at a rally in a local park. “The Socialists have been in charge of our institutions for many years,” he added, as cries of “Yes we can” rang out among the crowd of several hundred.

Born in 2014 out of the fervent protests against spending cuts that swept Spain during a recent recession, Podemos placed third in December’s election as a standalone party, taking 69 seats in Spain’s 350-strong lower house.

Its subsequent tie-up with anti-capitalist Izquierda Unida, a revamped communist party formed in the 1980s, could see it clinch between 84 and 95 seats, the latest polls show.

Meanwhile, the Socialists, who came second last time on 90 seats, are seen sinking to between 78 and 85. That would be their worst result in over 40 years and put them in an excruciating position in another highly fragmented parliament

where no single party is expected to carry a majority.

To avoid a third election, the Socialists may have to either back a left-wing coalition fronted by a party that imperils their existence, or enable a minority government led by a foe, the centre-right People’s Party (PP) which is seen coming first.

SPANISH LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS Projected seats in the new parliament

176

Absolute majority

Now or never

In Cordoba, one of only a dozen constituencies out of a total 52 where some seats are hanging in the balance, Unidos Podemos is going all in. Based on December’s results, the alliance is barely 3,000 votes away from getting a second lawmaker elected out of a possible six in Cordoba.

Because of the oddities of Spain’s electoral system and the way seats are dealt out, its success here would come at the expense of liberal Ciudadanos (“Citizens”), another newcomer party which should place fourth nationwide, as in the last election, and also secured one lawmaker in Cordoba.

But Unidos Podemos is rather eyeing a moral victory in what not so long ago was the Socialists’ backyard.

To make sure it happens, Pablo Iglesias, the charismatic pony-tailed leader of Podemos, has parachuted his political mentor, Manuel Monereo, to head the party list in the province.

The alliance is also making a strong push in the rural areas where the Socialists are strongest, campaigning village by village to try and lure people.

And most of Podemos and Izquierda Unida’s leading figures visited Cordoba over the last month, putting in on par with much bigger constituencies like Madrid or Barcelona.

It was here for instance that the alliance was unveiled nationally on May 13 by Iglesias and ex-Cordoba mayor Julio Anguita, Izquierda Unida’s leader in its heyday in the 1990s.

“It’s now or never,” Anguita, a pivotal figure of the left and who started 20 years ago to design the strategy to break the Socialists’ hegemony, urged around 2,000 activists and followers, drawing euphoric applause.

As a result of the leftist offensive, the Socialists have spent much of the campaign trying to explain their disenchanted voters why they should not cast their ballot for Unidos Podemos rather than discussing their policies.

At one twilight rally in the town of La Carlota, a farming community 30 km away from Cordoba’s capital, a small gathering of Socialist faithful were told to spread the word and encourage friends to back the party.

% of votes

21 39

82 88

2

29.7%

oing parliame g t nt Ou 26

90

69

40

350

25 21

120

14.4

123

seats

Unidos Podemos Radical left coalition (Podemos-IU)

Podemos and allies Radical left

PSOE Socialists

Popular Party Conservatives

United Left (IU) Ecologists-communists

Ciudadanos Centre-right

Others (regional parties)

Source: electomania.es

A boy deposits the vote of his father at a polling station while voting in Spain's general election in northern Spain on Sunday REUTERS “With Unidos Podemos it’s all about the image. Their speech works well on television but that’s it,” Juan Pablo Duran, a senior Socialist leader for the Andalusia region told the crowd.

On and on

If Unidos Podemos’ communist roots work well in Cordoba, at a national level it is cultivating a less radical image.

Its programme, including plans to raise corporate taxes or reverse labour reforms that made it cheaper for companies to fire workers, is not dissimilar to the Socialists’, and it

has tried to project itself as a cuddly party, including by changing its logo to a rainbow-coloured heart.

It is also saying it will seek to form a coalition with the Socialists to unseat acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

But political insiders say Podemos is actually less interested in taking over the government than in destroying the 137-year-old Socialist Party.

For that to happen, a “grand coalition” between the conservatives and the socialists or a PP minority government enabled by the socialists would come in handy for Podemos.

“The Socialists have a clear choice: they can back us, or they can choose to commit suicide by getting involved in a grand coalition,” said a senior Unidos Podemos member on condition of anonymity.

But with Socialist leaders describing in private a potential deal with Podemos as a kiss of death and the threat of a third election deepening fears for Spain’s economic recovery, that may be the only way forward for the centre-left party.

Such a scenario would help break the stalemate now, but it might be bad news for Spain’s political stability down the road. l

'No need to write, David,' impatient EU tells Cameron

David Cameron

REUTERS

n Reuters, Brussels Britain need not send a formal letter to the European Union to trigger a two-year countdown to its exit from the bloc, EU officials said, implying British Prime Minister David Cameron could start the process when he speaks at a summit on Tuesday. "'Triggering' ... could either be a letter to the president of the European Council or an official statement at a meeting of the European Council duly noted in the official records of the meeting," a spokesman for the council of EU leaders said.

A second EU official said: "It doesn't have to be written. He can just say it."

Cameron will brief the other 27 national leaders over dinner at a European Council summit in Brussels on Tuesday on the outcome of Thursday's referendum at which Britons voted to leave the EU, prompting him to announce he will resign.

On Friday, he said he would leave it to his successor as Conservative party leader and premier to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out a two-year process to quit the bloc. That appeared to be a reversal of a pledge to launch the process immediately after the vote. It has angered EU leaders who want a quick settlement to limit uncertainty.

Some European leaders still expect Cameron himself to start the process in the coming days or weeks, officials said on Saturday. British officials were not immediately available.

Some Brexit campaigners have long said that Britain should aim to negotiate a comprehensive new relationship with the EU, seeking access to markets without submitting to EU rules or open migration, before binding itself into the two-year timetable that would be fixed for talks if Article 50 is triggered.

Such talk worries EU officials and leaders who fear that a prolonged haggling with London will further increase the risk of a domino effect of nationalist-led demands for exit from other states.

They do not see a legal way to force Britain to start the process but have piled political pressure on Cameron to honour his pledge to launch Article 50 negotiations and respect the popular vote.

Must be explicit

The Council spokesman made clear that leaders cannot simply choose to interpret something Cameron says as the trigger without the prime minister saying clearly he means it to be.

"The notification of Article 50 is a formal act and has to be done by the British government to the European Council," the spokesman said. "It has to be done in an unequivocal manner with the explicit intent to trigger Article 50.

"Negotiations of leaving and the future relationship can only begin after such a formal notification. If it is indeed the intention of the British government to leave the EU, it is therefore in its interest to notify as soon as possible."

The second EU official, asked whether Britain could launch the process and then ask to stay, said that was not foreseen by the treaty: "Once you trigger it, you cannot take it back."

If a state fails to agree a departure treaty with the others, EU law simply stops applying to it after two years. l

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World

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

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12 Business

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

TOP STORIES Local fashion brands gain momentum in Eid shoppers’ choice With the foreign clothing products dominating the market, local fashion brands have also been able to carve out an interest for people of different social strata.

PAGE 13

China touts new bank’s greater understanding of developing world The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be different from institutions like the World Bank because it has a greater understanding of the developing world’s needs, officials said yesterday at its first annual meeting.

PAGE 14

Capital market snapshot: Sunday DSE Broad Index

4,380.2

-0.0% ▼

Index

1,080.2

0.1% ▲

30 Index

1,714.8

0.0% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

2,657.5 -14.7% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

86.3 -19.1% ▼

CSE All Share Index 13,422.2

-0.3% ▼

30 Index

12,377.5

-0.1% ▼

8,169.8

-0.3% ▼

Selected Index Turnover in Mn Tk Turnover in Mn Vol

792.5 239.2% ▲ 11.0

53.8% ▲

Proposed tax at source on export likely to be reduced n Syed Samiul Basher Anik The government is likely to reduce the tax at source on export from the proposed 1.50% for the next fiscal year 2016-17 in the wake of hectic lobbying from different stakeholders.

While placing the budget for FY’16-17, Finance Minister AMA Muhith had proposed to hike the tax at source on exports, including readymade garment sector by 1.50%.

The minister proposed to set the tax rate at 1.5% from existing 0.60% for the upcoming fiscal year.

Since then, leading business chambers and trade bodies have been pressing the government to reduce the tax rate or keep it unchanged at 0.60% for the next fiscal year considering the interest of

exporters.

The government is now actively considering the proposal from the trade bodies, particularly for hectic lobbying by readymade garment sector, to reduce the rate although the rate is yet to be finalised, said the finance ministry officials.

According to officials, the proposed tax rate may come down due to huge resistance by different quarters but the rate will not be set below 1% considering the revenue prospects.

Earlier in FY’16, the government proposed to increase the tax at source on export proceeds to 1%, but later it was reduced to 0.60% following protests, mainly from the clothing product exporters.

According to the market insid-

ers, local producers will lose competitive edge while the competitors will become stronger as they are getting policy support from their respective governments.

The proposed hike on tax at source will not only cast shadow on new investment but also lead the sector to face tough competitions as the prices of product would go up further, they argued.

If the proposed tax at source is implemented, it will increase production cost and reduce competitiveness in the global market, they said demanding to set source tax rate at 0.60%.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), with a revised budget proposal, requested the National Board of Revenue

(NBR) to reduce the proposed tax at source on export proceeds to 0.60% from the proposed 1.5%.

As the rate is not yet finalised, Finance Minister AMA Muhith may revise down the tax rate just before passage of the finance bill by the parliament on June 29, ministry officials said.

From July to April of FY16, the revenue authorities had collected over Tk1,300 crore as tax at source from the export-oriented industries.

The government was supposed to get Tk4000 crore from the sector due to the hike in tax at source on the export, said an official quoting NBR projection.

“If reduced, it will have major impact on revenue collection,” he added. l

BGMEA: 70% RMG makers pay Eid bonus n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday claimed that 70% RMG manufacturers have paid their workers Eid bonus in accordance with the government’s deadline.

The trade union leaders, however, claimed that only 20% factory owners have paid bonus within the time frame.

Earlier, State Minister for La-

bour and Employment Md Mujibul Haque Chunnu asked the garment factory owners to make the payments to their workers by June 26.

“We have conducted a survey over 445 RMG units to learn about the status of bonus payment within the government stipulated deadline, BGMEA vice-president Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu told the Dhaka Tribune.

Of the surveyed factories, about 70% have paid their workers festival bonus by yesterday,

said Hasan.

While only six factories have been identified as incapable to pay within the deadline, but negotiation with financial institutions is on to resolve the issue to avert untoward incidents centring the payment of wages and bonus.

“We have conducted a survey over 100 RMG factories located in Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia and Mirpur to know about the payment of bonus,” Sirajul Islam Rony, president of Bangladesh Garment

Workers’ Employee League, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Only 20% of the surveyed factories paid bonus, but the number will increase as a good number of factories paid bonus today (Sunday), said Rony.

If there is any untoward incident centring the delay payment of bonus and wages before Eid, the factory owners will be responsible for that, as they failed to pay within the government-set time frame, he warned. l

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Local fashion brands gain momentum in Eid shoppers’ choice n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi With the foreign clothing products dominating the market, local fashion brands have also been able to carve out an interest for people of different social strata.

Local brands like Deshi Dosh, Nagordola, Sada Kalo etc, so to say, have created a buzz among Eid shoppers.

According to the manufacturers of local brands, consumers are turning to them.

“The quality of local clothing brands is far better than that of the imports from India, China or Pakistan,” Sabiha Nure Zannat, a university student, who shopped at Deshi Dosh, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Local brands have speciality in design and uniqueness, which is very important in choosing the brands, said Zannat.

Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of clothing and producing products for renowned global brands, but a lion’s share of local consumption is met by imports ahead of Eid. Over the last couple of years some RMG exporters went on manufacturing clothing products for local consumers under their own brands.

“Imported items are fancy in design, but not wearable in social

Cothing products are on display at a local brand shop in the city gathering, nor even worthy of putting on to attend a public event,” Zahidul Islam, a private banker, told the Dhaka Tribune.

He said it gives soothing comfort and is somewhat official looking when wearing a Punjabi designed with Bangladesh’s tradition.

“Twenty years ago, Bangladeshi consumers were keen on choosing foreign dress. Our big achievement is we have been able to bring change to their choice,” Fashion Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (FEAB) president Azharul Haque Azad told the Dhaka Tribune.

“To keep pace with local tradition and culture, we are producing clothes for people, who like Bangladeshi cul-

RAJIB DHAR

ture, and who expect a sober look from their dresses,” said Azad.

Every one has target customers and local brands are focusing on middle-income people, he added.

“The elites go abroad to shop on the occasion of Eid while the middle-income people opt to buy local brands,” BGMEA senior vice-president Faruque Hassan told the Dhaka Tribune.

Though the local brands have been able to attract men and boys, but are yet to capture the attention of female customers, he added.

“We design our products considering Bangladesh’s tradition and culture. Our target customers are middle-class people,” said Nusrat Jahan, manager of Nogordola at

Bashundhara City.

Sometimes, Nagordola products have features of Indian subcontinent, she added.

There was a time when only foreign fashion products drew customers’ attention ahead of Eid, but now local brands have been able to drive shoppers to domestic products, Shafiqul Islam Sajib, senior incharge of Sada Kalo of Bashundhara outlet, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“Socially and culturally enriched people and students are the major customers of our products.”

Talking on the challenges to local brands, entrepreneurs claimed that the neighbouring country’s television channels pose cultural aggression while dependency on import for fabric is another barrier.

The cultural aggression is a major barrier to changing fashion behaviour of women as they choose products motivated by television serials, said FEAB Azad.

According to a study of the Department of Population Sciences, Dhaka University, 60% of women in Bangladesh watch Indian television channel Star Jalsha.

India and Pakistan have strong base of woven and knit fabric, which is an advantage for them to create fancy fashion dresses for women, said the BGMEA leader, Hasan. l

Institutional reforms must to implement proposed budget n Tribune Business Desk Speakers at a programme have recently underscored the need for bringing institutional reforms and involving parliamentary committees as well as the local government bodies in the budget implementation process for making it an effective one.

“The lack of capacity to implement proposed revenue, failure in revenue collection and implementation of Annual Development Programme (ADP), lack of good governance, etc will make it hard to implement the proposed fiscal plans,” they opined.

They made the observation at a post-budget press conference held at the Old Senate Room at Dhaka University on Friday. The Centre on Budget and Policy of Dhaka University organised the programme, according to a press release.

Presenting a keynote paper, Centre on Budget and Policy Director M Abu Eusuf said: “The proposed

budget for the fiscal year 2016-17 does not put focuses on investments, rather it focuses vastly on tax issues to boost the revenue collection.”

Individual taxpayers did not get any special benefits as the tax-free ceiling proposed to be remain same while tax rebate facilities was reduced down in the proposed FY17 budget, said Eusuf who is also the Chairman of Department of Development Studies of Dhaka University.

Reduction of tax rebate facilities on investment and imposition of tax at source profit of provident funds will reduce the comfort from the taxpayers and thus it will discourage people to make small investments and savings, he added.

“71% of the money required for budget implementation will come from ordinary people. Direct and indirect tax proposals will increase tax burden on limited income people, small savers, investors and on those people who enjoy pension,” said the DU teacher. l

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Business

Stocks caught up in reaction to Brexit n BSS

Stocks were caught up in the negative reaction to the Brexit referendum result, coupled with securities tumbling across the board on preEid sell pressure at the country’s twin bourses.

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), however, managed to finish the day mixed when the Chittagong Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a considerable fall in the major index.

Stock market finished the week on Thursday in upward trend, with all major indices of Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges closing marginally higher.

The trend could not sustain yesterday when pre-Eid sell pressure mounted and the investors took more cautious stand, fearing longterm negative impact of Brexit on stock market.

DSEX closed the first session after Brexit result flat in red at 4380.22 when the two selective indices eased up marginally. The blue-chip DS30 and Shariah DSES finished the day flat in green at 1714.75 and 1080.16, respectively.

The general CASPI of Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the day over 38 points lower at 13422.18.

The daily trade value at DSE fell by nearly 15% to Tk265.75 crore when the trade volume declined by 19.11% to 86.3 million shares. l

Banks closed on July 4 n Tribune Business Desk

State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim inaugurates GP’s 10,000 3G Base Transceiver Station at a function yesterday COURTESY

GP touches 10,000 3G BTS landmark n Ishtiaq Husain Grameenphone Ltd has crossed the magic number of 10,000 3G sites at 10,000 locations across Bangladesh, bringing in around 90% of the population under GP’s 3G coverage.

State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim formally inaugurated the 10,000 3G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) at a ceremony held at a city hotel yesterday.

BTRC Chairman Dr Shahjahan

Mahmood was also present on the occasion as special guest along with Grameenphone CEO Rajeev Sethi.

Greeting Grameenphone for its achievement, the junior minister said: “The endeavour of the operator would help the government in realising its dream for “Digital Bangladesh”.

She said: “The government has been working relentlessly to expand and improve services and provide them to people at an affordable cost.” l

All scheduled banks will remain closed on July 4 to make a record of a nine-day public holiday on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, but will be open on July 16 although the day falls on Saturday.

“The decision was made following the government-declared holiday on July 4,” Bangladesh Bank said in its statement issued yesterday.

The circular said: “Banks will remain open on Saturday, next week of Eid vacation till July 9.”

In an another circular issued on the same day, banks have been asked to keep their branches located in industrial zone open on July 2 and 3.

The decision was made to help the garment workers get their salaries and allowances, said the circular.

The officers, who will attend office on July 2-3, will get reasonable allowances, said the circular.

The only bank branches related with garment transactions located in Dhaka city, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Comilla, Mymensingh and Tangail will remain open on July 2 and 3, according to the circular. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

China touts new bank’s greater understanding of developing world n Reuters, Beijing The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be different from institutions like the World Bank because it has a greater understanding of the developing world’s needs, officials said yesterday at its first annual meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the bank two years ago and it began operations in January, with 57 founding member countries and $100bn in committed capital, which it plans to invest in projects across the region.

The AIIB, which intends to invest $1.2bn this year, has said it is aiming to meet international standards of governance, though

French, German business groups urge EU to ‘reunite’ after Brexit

n AFP, Paris Business groups in France and Germany yesterday said EU nations should respond to Britain’s decision to quit the bloc by working even more closely together to limit the “turbulence” caused by the Brexit shock.

In a joint appeal published in the French Journal du Dimanche, the heads of Germany’s powerful BDI and BDA industry groups and the president of France’s MEDEF employers’ federation made the case for stronger political and economic cooperation.

“Europe must reunite, recover its confidence and go on the offensive,” wrote the presidents of the three groups, Ulrich Grillo, Ingo Krame and Pierre Gattaz.

Noting that the outcome of Thursday’s referendum in Britain had plunged the bloc into “an area of turbulence”, the industry group leaders said the Franco-German motor of the European project was “more than ever indispensable ... to regain its strength”.

They urged the leaders of France and Germany to “solemnly remember their commitment to European values” and boost European cooperation on foreign policy and security, especially in the fight against terrorism.

They also called for “immediate, credible and visible measures to strengthen the governance” of the euro area and said their countries should pursue “national reforms to make our economies stronger and more competitive to assure the sustainability of our social model”. l

Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei speaks during a G20 press conference REUTERS

some members say there is still work to be done.

Speaking on the final day of the bank’s inaugural annual meeting, Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said the AIIB needed to establish its niche.

“The AIIB needs to establish its comparative advantage relative to existing multilateral development banks like the World Bank,” Lou said. “...Compared with the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and other multilateral development banks, the AIIB’s advantage lies in its keener understanding of the successful experience and lessons of developing countries’ years of development.”

The AIIB’s board approved its first four deals worth $509m on

Lesson from Brexit: Unthinkable isn’t unpriceable n Peter Thal Larsen Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is an unwelcome blow to an already-fragile world economy. The real impact, however, is psychological. Companies and investors now have to reconsider other once-unthinkable risks.

Brexit will embolden populist parties across Europe, raising other ignored fears Most of the economic costs of untangling four decades of integration will fall on Britain. Still, this is a shock the rest of the world did not need. Morgan Stanley economists estimate Brexit could knock 0.3 percentage points off global growth in 2017. A soaring dollar puts renewed strain on emerging-market borrowers whose debts are denominated in the US currency – and may prompt the Federal Reserve to delay its next hike in interest rates.

The Japanese yen also rose, undermining Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic revival plans.

Despite the gyrations, though, it would be surprising if Brexit led to financial calamity. Following the truly global crisis of 2008, central banks have swap lines and other tools to minimise market disrup-

tions. Should action be necessary, policymakers convening in the Swiss town of Basel this weekend are well-placed to coordinate it.

The lasting damage may be to old ways of thinking. Until a few weeks ago, it seemed hard to believe that the majority of voters in Britain would overrule the country’s political and financial establishment. The repercussions of that decision will affect trade and capital flows as companies and investors rethink the United Kingdom’s long-term stability.

The reverberations will be felt elsewhere too. Brexit will embolden populist parties across Europe, raising other ignored fears. Marine Le Pen’s chance of winning the French presidency next year, for example, suddenly seems less remote. A victory for the far right in France would in turn have profound consequences for the future of the EU, and the single currency.

Then there’s Donald Trump.

According to online gambling site Betfair, the Republican nominee has a less than 25% chance of winning the US presidential election in November. But those are about the odds that the same site attached to a “Leave” vote in the UK referendum a few days ago. Britain’s upheaval is a reminder that other shocks are also possible. l Peter Thal Larsen is Asia Editor of Reuters Breakingviews, based in Hong Kong. The article was initially published at Reuters.

Friday, with three projects co-financed with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The co-financed projects are a slum renovation in Indonesia and highway construction in Pakistan and Tajikistan. A power grid upgrade project in Bangladesh will be solely AIIB financed.

AIIB President Jin Liqun said it was the focus on infrastructure that specifically marked out the bank as different and that they were committed to the concept of international best practice.

“The question is, how do you

define international best practice?

I will not agree to anything which could be considered international best practice unless this kind best practice incorporates the development experience of China and many countries in Asia and elsewhere over the last three or four decades,” Jin said.

“So our bank would like to have the development experience, the so-called international best practice, reflecting the experience of China, India (and) so many countries in Asia. So we should have a different model of development.”

The AIIB is also looking to expand its numbers this year and will take applications for new members through the end of September. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Walton has recently opened an exclusive showroom named Walton Plaza (St) at Namajgor Moor Bogra, said a press release. The company’s brand ambassador, film actor Ilias Kanchan inaugurated the showroom

Social Islami Bank Limited has recently inaugurated its 121st branch at Joydebpur in Gazipur, said a press release. The bank’s chairperson, Major Dr Md Rezaul Haque (retired) inaugurated the branch as chief guest

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited has recently held a board meeting, said a press release. The bank’s chairperson, Engr Mustafa Anwar presided over the meeting

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Business

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Forex market remains calm after Brexit referendum n BSS Foreign exchange markets were largely calm yesterday amid speculation about probable volatility in currency exchange rate following Brexit referendum result that allowed the United Kingdom’s (UK) departure from the European Union (EU).

Ahead of the Brexit, the global currency market experienced moderate turbulence in the last week’s close on Thursday, with currencies from the yen to the euro showing volatility. The pound sterling, however, soared against dollar on spec-

ulative buying.

The financial-services companies in Britain were suggested stopping foreign-exchange transactions during Thursday’s EU referendum, and yet to get back to business due to weekends.

Analysts here, however, were not apprehending similar volatility in the local forex market in the coming weeks when the foreign exchange dealers will start exchange rate adjustment with the global market.

“The market will not face any big volatility as it was feared initially,” said Bangladesh Bank’s chief

‘The market will not face any big volatility as it was feared initially’ economist Biru Paksha Paul, explaining that the country’s foreign trade involves a small amount of sterling as major portion of such transactions is done in US dollars.

He said the central bank would, however, remain vigilance about

any imminent negative impact of the Brexit referendum result and would take necessary steps to maintain normalcy in the foreign market.

The economist also noted that the measures would rather be indirect ones as the central bank does not regulate the exchange market, which is operated independently where exchange rates are determined by demand and supply.

Meanwhile, there was no sign of any volatility yesterday when the foreign exchange market started operation.

“We could not see any changes

to the foreign exchange rate, particularly the rate of pound sterling against US dollar or Taka,” said an official of foreign exchange division in Uttara Bank.

The official said the demand of sterling was also not high at this time of year, leaving the exchange rate of this currency at a stable situation.

According to Bangladesh Bank, the sterling was traded for Tk107.23 and the Euro for Tk87.14 on Thursday. The exchange rate remained unchanged yesterday, with the sterling being traded at Tk107.3 and the Euro at Tk87.3. l

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Education

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Why Thailand is a great student destination

IELTS

dates and locations

Venue: Banani Test date: July 9, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 2, 2016 Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 9, 2016 Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS General Training Registration deadline: July 9, 2016 Venue: Dhanmondi Test date: July 9, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 2, 2016 Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 9, 2016

n Nakib Ul Hoq We have said this several times before, but can’t help repeating it again – the future of international education lies in South East Asia.

The ASEAN countries not only watch sunrise and sunset before everyone else in the world, but also possess excellent education curricula which undergraduate students from Bangladesh should be looking to take advantage of.

Thailand for instance, possesses around 80 universities spread throughout the country that are able to cater to international students on a massive scale. These universities provide a unique undergraduate experience and do so at a mere two and a half hour flight from Dhaka or a two hour flight from Chittagong. The advantage to the relative proximity to your home is that you can easily fly back on weekends if you are missing your family and friends, or alternatively your dearest ones can also come and see you on a short notice if required. On campus, you can befriend all sorts of students from diverse backgrounds and eclectic nationalities. These people will not only be your classmates, but also the best of friends you will cherish for a lifetime.

Added to that is the insane amount of diversity that pulsates throughout Thailand. A 15-minute walk through any busy area in

Bangkok will reveal restaurants serving Bangladeshi, African, Indian, Middle-Eastern and Indonesian cuisine. It is likely that you will be ordering your Big Mac at any one of the multitudes of McDonald’s from a smiling Filipino waitress. As you take your frappe or latte from Starbucks and make your way into GAP for an extra set of new clothes, you are sure to bump into Bangladeshi and Australian tourists. On the streets, you will find Nepalese hawkers selling all sorts of street food. Simply put, there is always something interesting lurking around the corner.

The one hour time difference between Bangladesh and

Thailand isn’t the only good thing about studying there.

Bangkok, the Thai capital, is a regional hub and has medical facilities, international hedge fund companies, multibillion dollar MNCs, technological giants, and many research institutions and think tanks.

A degree from one of the international universities in Thailand will not just equip you for exposure into these companies, but also give you recognition on your resume which can be used effectively for securing jobs in any country.

Lastly, the greatest advantage about Thai universities for Bangladeshi students is the cost,

which is much more affordable compared to other destinations around the world. While tuition fees vary from one university to another, and from one degree option to another, living expenses are much lower when compared to those in other similar economic states.

When considering your international study options, Thailand should be right at the top of your list. Its quality of education, diversity, distance from the homeland, and costs make it a worthwhile place for Bangladeshi students.

The following list consists of some of the most popular international universities in Thailand: • Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai • Assumption University, Bangkok • Burapha Univesity, Chonburi • Kasetsart University, Bangkok • Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom • Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok • Naresuan University, Phitsanulok • Thammasat University, Bangkok l Article was reprinted under special arrangement with www.grad-insights.com

Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS General Training Registration deadline: July 9, 2016 Venue: Bashundhara, Baridhara Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS General Training Registration deadline: July 9, 2016 Test date: July 16, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 9, 2016 Test date: July 30, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: July 23, 2016 Venue: Uttara Test date: August 13, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: August 6, 2016 Test date: August 20, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: August 13, 2016 Test date: August 20, 2016 Module type: IELTS General Training Registration deadline: August 13, 2016 Test date: August 24, 2016 Module type: IELTS Academic Registration deadline: August 17, 2016 l

17

DT

Health

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Think before you act Having the right sort of mindset is key to healthy living

n Reaz Fiem Every time we make a purchase of any material things to decorate our lives with and enhance our lifestyle, we tend to be very sceptical. We make decisions on the basis of price, looks, and of course, the quality of the product.

I am sure all of us can relate to this by now.

Some may be thinking whether the things they have purchased recently fit this description. Now, the question is, do we follow the same steps when it comes to buying food? I guess the answer is pretty much a big no. When it comes to food, we think about price and taste, but we generally disregard the impact of that very food on our health.

Why don’t we care about the adverse effects of food that is unhealthy in every sense of the word? In case of food, most of us seem to be least bothered because we are making a purchase for our body. Many of us sort of tend to think of food only as something for our bodies to consume to keep going, and not as a means of nourishment, which is what it truly is.

Therefore we tend to neglect it the most and take it for granted. Added to that, there is also a thought process that has developed within us where we assume that we are bound to fall ill after a certain age. I agree to that partially, but not totally. It might sound okay to fall ill after you hit age 60, but not 40! So what should we do?

One of the things that we must always do is to think about the long term benefits of eating a balanced meal. Eating a balanced

meal is very important, which can be easily understood from innumerable health researches that have been done over the years.

A typical Bangladeshi urban diet is high in grains, animal protein with some dairy included as well. Research states, that such a diet is acidic in nature. Regular consumption of this type of foods leads to a net-acid load that results in a low-grade chronic metabolic acidosis. Now, this is not good news, why? Because of the sub clinical rise of acidity, our doctors might not notice the problem, but our cells will.

Thus, to maintain the blood pH at a neutral level, calcium from bones are released. Hence, over time with age, bone-related health issues arise.

While most of this is a consequence of ageing, however, our unhealthy life choices may end up accelerating the process further. Therefore, eating a good amount of vegetables is the key to balance a meal. Most green veggies are alkaline in nature and will help the body to maintain the right pH balance.

Most green veggies are alkaline in nature and will help the body to maintain the right pH balance.

Avoiding sugar is another thing that we should take under serious consideration. Sugar is half glucose and half fructose. Unlike glucose, all the cells of the body cannot metabolise fructose. It is only the liver that can metabolise fructose, that too in a limited scale, and store it as glycogen.

When excess fructose enters the already glycogen packed liver, it has nowhere to go. Well it has one place to go sadly, in the fat cells as fat droplets and thus, the consequences of excess body fat is no longer unknown to us.

Our own bodies belong to us only. We have been blessed with it and we need to think intelligently and efficiently about what goes into it. Love yourself, be careful about what you eat, and give enough time to planning a balanced meal. Remember, a fit body can actually enjoy moments of happiness better. l Reaz Fiem is a fitness enthusiast, who wishes to help people stay healthy

DT

18

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Ramadan Special

Ramadan: of spiders and rhythms n Shireen Pasha Why do Muslims pray five times a day? Why did Mohammed advise Muslims to take this on as one of the five pillars, knowing that life can be demanding? Are we Muslims just fanatics, lunatics, worthy of being robbed, mobbed, gagged, hunted, haunted, labelled, stoned and Gitmoed?

No. We honour the source of every sentient being on this planet, a force that is mindblowingly beautiful, loving, forgiving, compassionate, infinite: Allah. It is the same force that inspired Sant Tukaram in medieval Maharashtra: “vrikshavalli amha soyaree vanachare pakshi susware alive” The flowers and trees are my dear companions.

The birds sing mellifluously…

The song continues and essentially says: “The trees, creepers and animals of the forest are my dear friends, the birds sing so sweetly; in this solitude I find solace. Sitting in Nature in solitude, singing the names of the Lord, I feel spiritual ecstasy.” (Jahnavi Harrison) It is the same force that inspired Lalon in Bengal: “O, how long will I Wait to get the union of my beloved? Like a swallow, I long for you every moment O, my darling.” (Md. Hafijur Rahman, Md. Iqbal Hosain) It is the same force that inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson in America: “Substances at base divided, In their summits are united.

There the holy essence rolls, One through the separated souls.”

It is the same force that connected Mohammed to the spider in Ghar Al-Thawr (Cave of the Bull). Mohammed and his companion Abu Bakr took refuge in the cave of the bull upon being pursued by the Quarishis, who wanted to assassinate Mohammed.

Abu Bakr fretted. “Mohammed, we are only two.” Beloved Mohammed rose in Namaz and said “Don’t worry, Allah is the third,” while a spider wove its intricate web across the entrance of the cave misleading the Quarishis to look elsewhere. What was the symbiosis between the spider, Mohammed and the force of energy we call God or Allah?

In an effort to connect to the rhythm of this force that regulates the Sun, Moon, stars and all the critters in between,

we pray five times a day. We pray five times a day to connect to the rhythm of nature, to connect to one another, to Allah. When we connect to the rhythm of nature, when we connect to one another through breath, beat (heart beat) and movement – there is greater symbiosis and cooperation in the world. Beloved Mohammed was fully aware of the finitude quality of our bodies and the symbiosis required for its development, survival, and realization of the infinite divine in the finite.

As I mentioned in previous writings, Islam is not for textbooks, it is for daily life. Allah revealed Allah through songs to a mortal made of songs (we are all tuning forks vibrating the cosmos).

The Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. In Vedic culture, the moon was believed to control the soma, or the elixir of life for all sentient beings. Could the soma for human beings have something to do with the hormones generated by the endocrine system?

According to the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, “The moon has long been thought to have major effects on the behaviour and physiology of humans as well as animals. It has been suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids may mediate cyclic alterations seen in synchronicity with the lunar cycle.

Melatonin is a peptide hormone secreted by the pineal gland. This gland is part of a photo-neuroendocrine system which follows both a circadian and a seasonal

We pray five times a day to connect to the rhythm of nature, to connect to one another, to Allah

cycle and exhibits multiple effects.” (Sanjay Kalra, Tushar Bandgar, and Manisha Sahay) The pineal gland is also known as the third eye by mystics, located between two brows, the opening of which leads one to achieve greater clarity, balance, and joy.

Mohammed was clearly thinking about bliss for the masses. Taking a look at the circadian rhythm diagram (biological cock), you will notice that Muslims usually pray around the time of good physical coordination or high blood circulation. The prayer cycle begins about one hour before sunrise and the last prayer is about 1.5 to two hours after sunset.

Subhan-Allah. It is a treat for the mind to search for connections, to wonder, to travel between the humanities and sciences to make sense of our experiences but faith is made of

something else. Faith is without logic. It is of the heart. You have it or you don’t. No science, no poetry, no revelation from a third party can force this upon you.

Faith is of your own composing...

“When I open my eyes to the outer world, I feel myself as a drop in the sea; But when I close my eyes and look within, I see the whole universe as a bubble Raised in the ocean of my heart.”

-Hazrat Inayat Khan

19

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

| campaign |

| food |

Knorr and Pureit presents #Shareameal campaign

All you can eat at A&W

This Ramadan, Knorr and Pureit have launched a campaign titled #Shareameal. The campaign is for facilitating donation of food to underprivileged people.

Knorr and Pureit released a promo video on youtube inviting the audience to join in the spirit of Ramadan and share iftar meals with underprivileged people simply by filling in a form at www. bdspiritoframadan.com. Knorr and Pureit teams then contact the donors and distribute the food among the needy.

This year, the plan is to share more than 25,000 meals

through this campaign with underprivileged people.

“Bidyanondo,” a voluntary organisation which actively works for the benefit of the needy, has partnered with Knorr and Pureit in this campaign.

The campaign is using the #Shareameal hashtag to promote the event. l

DT

Biz Info

A&W is offering an all you can eat Iftar deal.

The offer Includes one burger and unlimited Spicy Aroma Chicken at Tk695. The offer is valid only for dine ins everyday

for one hour after Azan during the month of Ramadan.

For further details call 01844000102 (Dhanmondi) and 01844000103 (Gulshan) l

| food |

Iftar at Guhaa, The Cave Kitchen

| event |

Innovation Grant from Prime Minister’s Office for AIMS Lab to develop autism screening software Advanced Intelligent Multidisciplinary Systems Lab (AIMS) of United International University received an innovation grant of Tk23.5 lacs from Access to Information (A2I) program, Prime Minister’s office to develop an autism screening application.

The project, Autism Barta: A mobile interactive tool for automatic screening of autism will be developed in collaboration with Jatiya Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation (JPUF), Ministry of Social Welfare, IPNA, NDD Trust and other related organisations to make it effective for implementation in the future.

This automated screening tool will streamline referrals for autism assessment and intervention. Community health workers (or parents) will use Autism Barta to screen children for probable autism doubts. Once a child screens positive, Autism Barta will connect the family with autism resources (nearby assessment and intervention

centers) for diagnosis and intervention. Autism Barta will create awareness and new marketable skills around autism in communities to enhance sustainability. Autism Barta also uses telecommunication networks to transfer data for referral, assessment and monitoring.

Dr Khondakar Abdullah Al Mamun, Director, AIMS Lab and Associate Professor, Department of CSE, United International

University received the award from Kabir Bin Anwar, Director General (admin), PMO and project director, A2I program, on June 7, 2016. Nasreen Ara Surat Amin, Managing Director (Additional Secretary), Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurul Huda, Professor, Department of CSE, United International University, and other distinguished personalities were present in this award giving ceremony. l

Bored of having the same Iftar everyday? Worry no more!

Guhaa, The Cave Kitchen brings you something different.

Guhaa brings their new Iftar platters serving crispy chicken wings, delightful chicken lollipops, an amazing chicken or beef burger, freshly made coleslaw, a serving of mixed

fruits, and tantalising mango juice for Iftar at only Tk399.

Also there are three more exciting Iftar platters to choose from with prices between Tk339 to Tk499.

Guhaa is located at Rangs KB Square, Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.l

DT

20 Editorial

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

TODAY

Atlantic currents There was said to be a large proportion of undecided people angry with establishment politicians who were eddying this way and that, many of whom had not bothered to vote in earlier elections PAGE 21

A question of when, not whether For anyone to raise non-proliferation as an issue against India in order to protect Pakistan must be the ultimate irony, if not an outright joke. evidence that India’s credibility is not in question

BSS

PAGE 22

Public transport puts people first

T

The US labour market matters Bangladeshi exporters are likely to benefit directly from US income growth and higher consumer demand, especially RMG exporters

PAGE 23

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

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

he government’s decision to build a Bus Rapid Transit route to make journeys between Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal Airport and Gazipur smoother is worthy of applause, as the new route promises to cut down the journey time to only 20 minutes.

This has been a long time coming, needless to say.

The Bus Rapid Transit will have a lane on the highway dedicated solely for the purpose of this journey, easing pressure on the already congested Airport Road.

Dhaka has, for a while now, desperately needed decisive action on the part of the government to make commute within and outside the city easier and hassle-free, and this new initiative will no doubt aid citizens to that end.

Thousands of people make the arduous trip from Gazipur to Dhaka every day to work.

This new transit adds to other recent initiatives taken by the government to make Dhaka -- and Bangladesh -- a better place to live, work, and travel in and out of.

The metro rail, work for which started around February and which the prime minister inaugurated yesterday along with the BRT, will offer various routes throughout Dhaka to the daily commuter, with a targeted completion date in 2019.

Also worth noticing is Sonar Bangla Express, a high-speed luxury train offering services from Dhaka to Chittagong, which will be made available to the public. The train is expected to boast non-stop service to its destination in Chittagong, with an estimated journey time of around five hours.

Transport services such as these are an integral part of the country’s journey into creating better and safer routes for the public. Such initiatives by the government are crucial for creating economically and environmentally sustainable journeys.

It is hoped that this is only the beginning, and more such projects will be implemented in the years to come.

Transport services are an integral part of the country’s journey into creating better and safer routes for the public

21

DT

Long Form

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

Atlantic currents Notes on a trip to New York. This is the first part of a two-part long form

The stress of economic pressure is a major reason behind the popularity of presidential candidates such as Bernie Sanders

n Sal Imam

I

had no sooner arrived in the city that New York magazine blasted me between the eyes with a major piece by Andrew Sullivan titled “Our democracy has never been so ripe for tyranny.”

For me, and for many political observers, its grim analysis subsequently reverberated through every second of the wall-to-wall election campaign coverage.

Sullivan opens by showing in uncanny detail how Plato’s otherwise curious reservations about democracy in The Republic could have been written with the Donald Trump phenomenon in mind.

Plato postulated that a democratic system would tend to achieve levels of such total equality and freedom that it would end up eroding systems of authority -- which inherently depend on an unfairness gradient.

This paradoxical result would generate societal anxieties and a backlash which, he predicted, could then be exploited by an unscrupulous leader.

The ploy is for the proto-tyrant to offer “the addled, distracted,

and self-indulgent citizens a kind of relief from democracy’s endless choices and insecurities.”

He blamed the dysfunctional politics practiced by today’s US elites for providing the demagogue an opportunity to strike.

would find it difficult to come up with $1,000, if needed, to tide them over an emergency.

This was true even of the wealthiest 20% of the population (defined as households making over $100,000 a year), of whom,

REUTERS

level of funding represented in this example.

It seems, however, that Americans have no financial cushion whatsoever in their daily lives and this must be a major source of worry for them.

In national poll after poll Bernie Sanders handily beat Trump while Hilary Clinton usually lost. There was said to be a large proportion of undecided people angry with establishment politicians who were eddying this way and that, many of whom had not bothered to vote in earlier elections

From then, on one could not watch Trump’s endless TV appearances, blonde hair flailing and face busy posturing, without the sinking feeling that the wave he was riding was not only larger than we had all first thought but also rooted in real social pathologies.

At the same time, there are also real economic pathologies at work in the US today.

Nothing could have illustrated this better than a report in The New York Times (published May 20) that two-thirds of Americans

no less than 38% said that they would face “at least some difficulty coming up with $1,000.”

For purposes of comparison, $1,000 is equivalent to only Tk80,000, which even my chauffeur could manage to raise if really needed -- if for no other reason than because I would give it to him.

The point here is that large numbers of low-income people in Bangladesh have access to informal systems of support, especially at the relatively low

As a result, they are forced to rely on credit to stay solvent, which exposes them to even more exploitation.

The interest rate on bank deposits having been set at zero for the last five years or so, US banks have no cost of funds and yet charge lending rates of over 24% on credit card transactions, generating huge operating profits.

This double whammy of psychological and economic stress goes a long way to explain the appeal to Americans today of

outsider candidates like Donald Trump and, even more powerfully, Bernie Sanders.

There is no other way to understand the large-scale popularity of the senator from Vermont, who, by all past indications, should have been a political non-entity.

Instead, all the time I was in the US, a delicate game of numbers was going on. In national poll after poll Bernie Sanders handily beat Trump while Hilary Clinton usually lost.

There was said to be a large proportion of undecided people angry with establishment politicians who were eddying this way and that, many of whom had not bothered to vote in earlier elections.

Sanders seemed to be having greater success among these so-called non-traditional voters, getting support even from otherwise Trump-leaning independents. l The concluding part of this long form will be published tomorrow.

Sal Imam is a concerned citizen. He is currently writing his memoirs of the late 60s in America.

22

DT

Opinion

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

A question of when, not whether Will India become a part of the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group any time soon?

n MJ Akbar

A

significant change has taken place in India’s quest to become a participant in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG): It is now a question of “when” rather than “whether.”

The US, which has over the last year become an influential advocate for India’s case, believes that this will happen by the end of this year.

The White House said as much after the Seoul plenary this week, where India’s membership was discussed. A final decision is awaited.

On the eve of this NSG meeting, nations like Canada, which were once either wary of, or hostile to, India’s nuclear program, publicly argued for India’s admission on a priority basis.

The word used was “soonest.”

This has been the refrain from Washington, London, Paris, and Moscow. All the major nuclear powers, barring China, want India in.

This has not happened by accident. It is a dividend of a new development in India’s diplomacy: The pursuit of clear objectives with relentless vigour and self-assurance, determined by a calendar conforming to India’s

Is India willing to do what it takes to get support for its nuclear commerce?

For anyone to raise non-proliferation as an issue against India in order to protect Pakistan must be the ultimate irony, if not an outright joke.

And the fact that even China’s objection was about process rather than eligibility is evidence that India’s credibility is not in question

interests rather than the sluggish movement of international norm.

Mult-ilateral bodies which require consensus on such issues have traditionally pushed problems into the open space of undefined time.

It goes without saying that little suits the diplomatic calm better than the status quo. India faced institutional inertia in Missile Technology Control Regime, and, earlier this month, overcame it with support from friends.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged the NSG status quo with a careful argument that included India’s commitment on climate change, given at Paris last year, where India promised 40% non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030.

This argument turned powerful friends into allies.

They understand the logic: India is ready to do more than its bit on climate change, but the world must then support India’s participation in nuclear commerce.

The second reason is India’s record on non-proliferation. We know that China’s resistance, described as “procedural hurdles,” is its desire to protect its strategic friendship with Pakistan.

Beijing’s formal contention, however, was that India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty before it can become a member.

Why have the other nuclear powers, America, Russia, France, and Britain, refused to buy this line? Because India’s track record on non-proliferation has been

exemplary.

There has never ever been a single whisper against India, which began building nuclear capability in the mid-1950s.

Pakistan, in contrast, has a history of proliferation.

In 2002, President George Bush named Pakistan as a nuclear hotspot in his State of the Union address.

The definitive book on the subject is Deception: Pakistan, the United States and the Global Nuclear Weapons Conspiracy by Adrian Levy and Catherine ScottClark.

The blurb notes that “Pakistan in fact betrayed the West, building a vast nuclear arsenal with US aid money and selling the technology to other countries while giving

BIGSTOCK

shelter to the resurgent Taliban and al-Qaeda.”

Its most famous nuclear scientist, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, nicknamed “Typhoid Murphy,” sold knowhow for cash -- sometimes disguising greed in ideology.

In an extraordinary dénouement, Khan was forced to acknowledge his crimes on public television on February 4, 2004.

He was running a black market in nuclear technology for clients as diverse as Libya and North Korea.

It was obvious that he could not have done this alone, but he was made the fall guy by the military.

President Bush said: “Khan has confessed his crimes and his top associates are out of business.”

This confirmed that he did have associates.

Bush added: “President Musharraf has promised to share all the information he learns about the Khan network, and has assured us that his country will never again be a source of proliferation.”

Even Pakistan’s president had to admit his nation’s culpability.

Khan’s pay-off was both literal and physical: He was allowed to

keep the cash he had made on the side, and shunted off to quiet retirement instead of prison.

Contrast this with a statement made by NSG in 2008, where the institution accepts that India has contributed to “widest possible implementation of the provisions and objectives of the Treat on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”

Nothing more needs to be said, particularly within NSG. For anyone to raise nonproliferation as an issue against India in order to protect Pakistan must be the ultimate irony, if not an outright joke.

And the fact that even China’s objection was about process rather than eligibility is evidence that India’s credibility is not in question.

Diplomacy is a long game. India has delivered results quickly in matters like missile technology.

Membership of NSG is only a matter of time, and not too much time either. l MJ Akbar is an Indian journalist. He is the founder of The Sunday Guardian.

This article was previously published in The Sunday Guardian.

DT

23

Opinion

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

The US labour market matters How does employment in America affect us in Bangladesh?

Notwithstanding the longterm decline, US labour force participation rate has increased for six consecutive months since September 2015. It is the first time since 2005 that such a trend has been evident in the American labour market.

It suggests that the US economy is finally experiencing broad-based economic growth that is raising the confidence of US workers to return to the labour market and start looking for jobs again.

More than GDP growth numbers, increases in the labour force participation rate is a truer reflection of sustained economic growth, and, it would appear, that the US economy has finally reached that turning point.

Why should Bangladeshis care?

n Nofel Wahid

T

he US economy has been recovering steadily since the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008. One major indicator of economic recovery is the unemployment rate.

The US unemployment rate peaked at 10% in October 2009 during the height of the recession that followed the GFC. The latest figures show that the unemployment rate has halved to 5% in March 2016. This significant fall in the US unemployment rate to pre-GFC levels bodes well for the US economy. Chart 1 shows a 10-year history of the US unemployment rate.

That said, the unemployment rate is a combination of two things, and movements in the overall unemployment rate do not fully reveal the true picture of an economy’s labour market.

The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a share of the total labour force. In the US, the number of unemployed has fallen from over 15 million in October 2009 to less than 8 million in March 2016.

In other words, the American economy has created about 7 million jobs since 2009. That is great news not just for American families, but the global economy in general.

Rebound in labour force participation

Recent improvements in American

labour force participation is very encouraging and perhaps marks

become frustrated from not being able to find work and choose to

which shows the US labour force participation rate falling more

Bangladeshi exporters are likely to benefit directly from US income growth and higher consumer demand, especially RMG exporters.

It should come as a welcome relief after the recent years of underperformance of RMG exports to the US

the beginning of an important inflexion point for the American economy.

The labour force participation rate measures the number of people actively looking for jobs as a share of the total population.

In America’s case, the labour force participation rate has seen long-term decline since the early 2000s.

Economists have attributed this trend to America’s ageing population.

As Americans get older, more and more workers are retiring and leaving the workforce, thereby lowering the labour force participation rate.

The GFC also had a major impact on lowering the labour force participation rate.

Many economic studies have shown that, during major recessions, unemployed workers

leave the workforce entirely.

This is evident from the chart 2,

steeply since 2008, when the GFC occurred.

Strong US growth undoubtedly provides a boost to the global economy. A strong, sustained recovery in the US labour market has even greater implications.

It is likely to lead to higher wages and income in the US, boosting household consumption and demand. This, in turn, is likely to be a strong driver of international trade and investment, as American multinationals invest at home and abroad to meet strong domestic consumer demand.

Bangladeshi exporters are likely to benefit directly from US income growth and higher consumer demand, especially RMG exporters.

It should come as a welcome relief after the recent years of the under-performance of RMG exports to the US. l Nofel Wahid is an economist. This article previously appeared in orthonomi.com.

DT

24 Sport

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

England to arrive on Sept 30 n Minhaz Uddin Khan

TOP STORIES

England risk ultimate slip against Iceland For England it should be a routine assignment against a rank outsider ahead of bigger tests while for Iceland it is the pinnacle of the country’s sporting history, which makes today’s Euro 2016 clash a mouth-watering prospect. PAGE 26

Colombia down US, grab Copa third spot AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Colombia defeated the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in the Copa America Centenario here Saturday.

Bacca, 29, bundled home the winner on 31 minutes. PAGE 27

Abahani’s Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba heads a ball during training at Abahani field yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

England are likely to reach Dhaka on September 30 to play two Tests and three ODIs against Bangladesh.

This will be their third full tour to the country, and their first since 2010.

Dhaka Tribune has learned that the tour will start with a warm-up one-day match in Fatullah on October 4. The first two ODIs will be held on October 7 and 9 respectively at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur before the tour party moves to Chittagong where they will play the third ODI. Before the first Test in Chittagong which is scheduled for October 20, the tourists will play two back-to-back two-day matches at the MA Aziz Stadium. The second Test will be held in Dhaka from October 28 before England leave for India on November 2.

The three warm-up games for England is a break from tradition for touring sides in Bangladesh who often don’t opt for more than one practice match. But the matches will be handy for the tourists who would play at home till September 7 in vastly different conditions.

After Bangladesh, England will play five Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20I in India. l

Abahani eye eluding trophy, Arambagh history Griezmann fires hosts into quarters Antoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as Euro 2016 hosts France came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over ten-man Republic of Ireland yesterday. Victory in the last 16 clash in Lyon means France face either England or Iceland. PAGE 28

n Tribune Report Abahani Limited will be desperate to end their five-year trophy drought while unfancied Arambagh Krira Sangha will eye history when the two premier league sides face each other today in the grand finale of the Federation Cup. The match kicks off at 3:30pm at Bangabandhu National Stadium and BTV World will telecast it live.

Four-time professional league champions Abahani have not won any silverware since the 2010-11

WHAT THEY SAID

Machine Djokovic eyes fourth title Having finally rid himself of his French Open curse, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is chasing a third successive Wimbledon title to move one step closer to the first calendar Grand Slam in 47 years.

The 29-year old has become the unstoppable machine. PAGE 29

GEORGE KOTTAN

season. They went agonisingly close to lifting the season opening Independence Cup this year but fell short against Chittagong Abahani.

Besides targeting their ninth Federation Cup title, the Sky Blues will also eye revenge against Arambagh, who defeated the powerhouse 1-0 in the group stages.

On the other hand, Arambagh have never tasted glory in the history of domestic football. They went closest in 2001 when they reached the final and lost to Muktijoddha SKC. The last time the two sides met start the Federation Cup. It was our preparation time.

SAIFUL BARI TITU

Abahani coach

Arambagh coach

The preparation began four weeks ago when I came to Bangladesh. I had to start with the rest of the team as the other players were involved in the national team. We were working very hard for three weeks and then the national team group came back. So one week before the first game against Arambagh, we hadn’t been ready to

The players have the tendency to play well and it is a good motivation.

Everyone wants to win the trophy and when they are in the final, winning is the only option. We hope to see this effort in our team in [today’s] final.

What was important for us in the Federation Cup so far was the fight

each other in a final was in the 1997 Federation Cup when the Sky Blues had the last laugh.

Abahani’s trophy drought has surprised many but this season, they seem determined to end their long wait.

“We created more than five-six chances in every game until now and it was almost 10 against Arambagh in the first game but unfortunately we didn’t score. Now match by match, we are coming up and I have been waiting for the game where we can score at least six-seven goals,” said Abahani’s that we had shown until the end of the game. We have good motivation ahead of the final. I think Abahani are the best team this season in terms of the quality of the players and coach as well. So we have to keep this in our heads while playing. My strategy will be devised according to the ability and quality of my players.

ARIFUL ISLAM

Abahani captain They (Arambagh) reached the final by proving themselves throughout

Austro-Hungarian coach George Kottan yesterday on the eve of the grand finale.

The Sky Blues received a good news ahead of the big day as their English playmaker Lee Andrew Tuck and defender Tapu Barman have recovered from their injuries.

Arambagh coach Saiful Bari Titu, in contrast, has a slight concern with two of his full-backs – Mansur and Liton.

“Two of our important players have not returned to training yet.

This is our only concern,” said Titu. l the tournament. We have to be more aware about them and make sure we don’t make mistakes and concede a goal. We are 100 percent confident.

MITUL HASAN

Arambagh captain We worked very hard under Titu in the last four months and what we have got as output is our big achievement.

Titu inspired us by saying if we are mentally strong we can move forward and he helped us to be stronger. We tried and we will continue trying. l

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5 CLASSIC CLASHES ITALY 2 SPAIN 1

World Cup quarter-final, July 9, 1994 Italians will forever remember the 1994 World Cup for Roberto Baggio’s stunning penalty miss in the final over Brazil. Yet it was an 88th minute winner from the "Divine Ponytail" that helped the Azzurri overcome a stubborn Spanish side in a lively quarter-final in Boston. Dino Baggio’s 25-yard piledriver gave Arrigo Sacchi’s men a 25th minute lead, only for Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Luis Caminero to level just before the hour.

Spain were livid when Mauro Tassotti’s vicious elbow that left now Barcelona coach Luis Enrique bloodied and prone in the penalty area went unpunished before Baggio ran on to a cross to round Zubizaretta and beat the Spanish legend with a crisp finish from a tight angle.

ROUND OF 16

V ITALY

SPAIN 0 ITALY 0

(Spain won 4-2 on penalties) Euro 2008 quarter-final, June 22, 2008 On a humid night in Vienna, Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was the hero for Luis Aragones’s men as Italy maintained their tradition of coming up short from the penalty spot. Spain had shaded a mouthwatering quarter-final clash in regulation time against the then World Cup champions as Marcos Senna hit the post in the final stages. In the shootout, Casillas saved from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale. Cesc Fabregas then made no mistake against Gianluigi Buffon to send Spain in the semis and on their way to ending a 44-wait to be crowned kings of Europe.

SPAIN

Stade de France, Saint Denis 5pm local time (10pm BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD ITALY

12 34 10 10 14 40 36

SPAIN Fifa ranking Matches Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stops the ball as he attends a training session at the Bernard Gasset centre in Montpellier, France on Friday AP

6 34 10 10 14 36 40

SPAIN 1 ITALY 1

Spain's Andres Iniesta controls the ball during a training session at the Sports Complex Marcel Gaillard in Saint Martin de Re in France yesterday AP

Spain aim to maintain reversal of fortunes with Italy n AFP, Paris Seeking to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship, Vicente del Bosque’s Spain will once again have to see off old foes Italy to retain their crown.

Before winning back-to-back Euros and a maiden World Cup in 2010, Spain suffered an inferiority complex with Italy having never beaten them in five tries at major finals.

A quarter-final clash between the two in Vienna in 2008 changed that.

Spain - who had previously suffered a terrible record on penalties - went through in a shootout before going on to win the tournament.

After winning the World Cup, Spain had to face Italy twice more in retaining the Euros four years ago.

A 1-1 draw in the opening match was long forgotten as del Bosque’s

men thrashed Italy 4-0 in the final.

La Roja then also won another shootout between the two in the Confederations Cup semi-finals in 2013. Indeed, the European champions have lost just one of their last 11 meetings with Italy - a 2-1 friendly defeat in 2011.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been a constant menace to the Azzurri. He scored the winning penalty in 2008, Spain’s equaliser in the 2012 opening game and set up David Silva’s opener in the final.

Fabregas will also be coming up against his future manager as Italian boss Antonio Conte will take over at Stamford Bridge next season.

Spain started the tournament in great form, sweeping aside the Czech Republic and Turkey.

However, a shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Bordeaux on Tuesday

cost del Bosque’s men top spot in Group D and a much easier route to the final.

Even if they see off Italy, Spain face having to beat world champions Germany and hosts France for the right to defend their title in Paris on July 10.

Italy have been dealt a huge blow with influential midfielder Antonio Candreva ruled out due to a groin injury.

Conte’s men have been unfortunate to find themselves on the tougher side of the draw despite beating the highly-fancied Belgium to top Group E. The former Juventus boss made eight changes for the 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday with qualification to the last 16 already assured.

Juventus stalwart Giorgio Chiel-

lini will return to partner club teammates Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. And Chiellini is hopeful Italy can reverse their recent run against Spain.

“In a way, they’re our bogey team,” he said.

“But let’s keep things in perspective. The Ireland match, with all respect to them, didn’t really count for us.

“And if we play to our potential, give it everything and limit them where they are strong, I think we can create something special.”

Chiellini will also come head-tohead with another former Juventus teammate Alvaro Morata, who Real Madrid exercised a buyback clause on last week.

“I wish him well for the rest of his career but I hope he has a bad match [today],” joked Chiellini.l

Euro 2012 group stages, June 10, 2012 Although still at the group stages, this was an eagerly-awaited fixture between a desperate Italy side and the defending champions. Italy were given a 61st minute lead in Gdansk by Di Natale. But a slick Spain rescued a share of the spoils shortly after when Fabregas finished off a move of lightning-quick passes.

SPAIN 4 ITALY 0

Euro 2012 final, July 1, 2012 Italy had upset pre-tournament predictions to book a place in the final with Spain after a pair of Mario Balotelli goals in a 2-1 semi-final win over Germany. But the fairytale campaign enjoyed by Cesare Prandelli’s men went awry before half-time. Making amends for their 1-1 draw with Italy in the group stages, Silva, with a rare header, and Jordi Alba, scoring his first Spain goal, gave Vicente del Bosque’s men a twogoal lead at the break. Italy struggled to respond and Torres and Juan Mata added two more Spain goals.

SPAIN 0 ITALY 0

(Spain win 7-6 on penalties) Confederations Cup semi-final, June 27, 2013 In the searing heat of Fortaleza neither side could find the breakthrough as Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini hit the post, while at the other end Buffon tipped Xavi Hernandez’s long-range effort onto the woodwork. l

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Best team lost, laments Cacic n AFP, Lens

Portugal megastar Cristiano Ronaldo shoots against Croatia during their Euro 2016 Round of 16 clash in Lens on Saturday

REUTERS

Quaresma heads Portugal into quarters n AFP, Lens Ricardo Quaresma headed Portugal into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals three minutes before the end of extra-time to break Croatian hearts after dominating the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo was denied matching Michel Platini’s record of nine goals in European championship finals by a fine save from Danijel Subasic, but the ball fell to Quaresma to head into an empty net.

“We knew the difficulties we were going to encounter, the stress, the anxiety that comes with the game, but I think we should congratulate ourselves because we believed until the end,” said Quaresma.

Portugal will face Poland in

the quarter-finals in Marseille on Thursday after the Poles beat Switzerland 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

Ronaldo was kept extremely quiet for most of a dull encounter which became the first match in European Championship history where neither team managed a shot on target during the regulation 90 minutes.

Croatian boss Ante Cacic was left to bemoan his side’s inability to turn possession into goals.

Portugal were the only side to progress to the last 16 despite not winning any of their three group games and coach Fernando Santos took an extremely cautious approach.

Ronaldo did not touch the ball in the Croatia box during the first-half, but Portugal were doing enough to limit a Croatia side that had thrilled in beating defending champions Spain 2-1 in midweek to precious few chances.

Star midfielder Luka Modric returned from injury for a matchup with his Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, but both he and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic struggled to sparkle as they had earlier in the tournament.

It was another Real Madrid player who had the best chance of the first-half when Pepe nodded Raphael Guerreiro’s dangerous free-kick over.

Ivan Perisic was Croatia’s hero with the winning goal against Spain,

England risk ultimate slip against upstarts Iceland

ROUND OF 16

V ENGLAND

n Reuters, Nice ICELAND

Allianz Riviera, Nice 8pm local time (1am BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD ENGLAND

11 4 2 0 2 10 3

ICELAND Fifa ranking Matches Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

but he pulled their best chance of the opening 45 minutes into the side-netting from a narrow angle.

Croatia upped the pace in the second period having enjoyed a day’s more rest than Portugal.

Marcelo Brozovic should have done better when he blazed over from a quickly taken corner.

Santos looked to inject some life into the Portugal midfield by introducing wonderkid Renato Sanches and the 18-year-old, who Bayern Munich paid Benfica 35 million euros ($39 million) for last month, nearly made an instant impact.

After a lovely series of one-twos with Nani, Sanches took aim from the edge of the area only to drag his weak shot wide. l

34 4 0 2 2 3 10

Croatia coach Ante Cacic claimed football was “unfair” after his side lost their Euro 2016 last 16 clash with Portugal 1-0 due to Ricardo Quaresma’s winner three minutes from the end of extra-time.

Cacic’s side dominated for long periods in Lens with Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo subdued until Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic palmed his shot into Quaresma’s path to head home.

However, Cacic refuted suggestions his side had crumbled under the pressure of being classed as favourites after beating defending champions Spain on Tuesday to top Group D. Portugal now face Poland in the quarter-finals in Marseille and Cacic admitted he knew Croatia had missed out on a wonderful chance to go far in the competition after landing on the opposite half of the draw to traditional giants Germany, France, Spain, Italy and England.

“Of course I am really sad, we had a great chance,” said Cacic.l

England goalkeeper Joe Hart makes a save during a training session in Chantilly, France yesterday AP

For England it should be a routine assignment against a rank outsider ahead of bigger tests while for Iceland it is the pinnacle of the country’s sporting history, which makes today’s Euro 2016 clash a mouth-watering prospect.

England’s players cheered, along with most neutrals, when Arnor Ingvi Traustason snatched a stoppage-time breakaway goal to beat Austria in Iceland’s final group game as it meant England would not, after all, be facing Portugal in the last 16.

Yet, once the dust settled on that extraordinary finale, the England coaching team had to get to

work quickly to refocus their players away from thinking they had been offered an easy route into the quarter-finals.

Iceland have already exceeded expectations by qualifying second in their group behind Hungary and will go into the game with nothing to lose and the whole world, beyond England, willing them on.

In Iceland, where English football and the Premier League is almost worshipped, they are loving every minute of their amazing first taste of a major tournament, but for the players and experienced coach Lars Lagerback it is not party time yet.

In Swede Lagerback they have a coach who certainly has no fear. l

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QUICK BYTES Argentina chief slams Fifa dismissal The president of the Argentina Football Association angrily lashed out at Fifa on Saturday after the sport’s world governing body removed him from office and appointed a committee to take charge of the organization’s affairs.

Fifa on Friday said it had appointed a normalization committee that would see AFA President Luis Segura removed from his job in the latest twist to the organization’s troubled recent history.

–AFP

Controversial Lampard goal lifts New York City A controversial goal by Frank Lampard and a key mistake by Seattle lifted New York City FC to a 2-0 Major League Soccer victory over the Sounders on Saturday in Seattle. Former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard scored in the 38th minute. A corner kick by New York’s Andrea Pirlo was cleared away from the goalmouth but not from the area and RJ Allen sent it back.

–AFP

‘Gunnar’ on England’s Euro 2016 radar England coach Roy Hodgson is keeping a wary eye on the powerful throw-ins of Iceland’s bearded captain Aron Gunnarsson ahead of their Euro 2016 clash. “You’d have to be a bit blind not to realise that Gunnarsson is a weapon for them,” said Hodgson ahead of the David v Goliath match in Nice today.

–AFP

India’s Chand qualifies for Rio 100m Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has qualified for the women’s 100 metres at the Rio Olympics less than a year after she was cleared to race following a landmark ruling on socalled gender tests. The 20-year-old said she was now determined to work hard to bring home an elusive medal for India in August after what she described as a “tough year”.

–AFP

Ticket anger clouds France-Ireland match Don’t call it revenge, but a Thierry Henry handball in 2009 means there will be more than a Euro 2016 quarter-final place at stake when France took on the Republic of Ireland yesterday. Germany also have a point to prove when they face little Slovakia in their last 16 game.

Hungary take on Belgium for the right to play Gareth Bale’s Wales in the last eight.

–AFP

Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez controls the ball against United States midfielder Jermaine Jones during the third place playoff of the Copa America Centenario at University of Phoenix Stadium on Saturday AP

Colombia down US to grab Copa third spot n AFP, Glendale AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca scored the only goal as Colombia defeated the United States 1-0 to clinch third place in the Copa America Centenario here Saturday.

Bacca, 29, bundled home the winner on 31 minutes, nudging in from close range to settle a hardfought contest.

The US, beaten 4-0 by Argenti-

na in the semi-finals on Tuesday, rallied desperately to get back into the game but ultimately were frustrated by some superb goalkeeping from David Ospina.

It was the second time the US had been beaten by Colombia in this tournament. The Colombians also defeated them 2-0 in the tournament’s opening match.

US coach Jurgen Klinsmann had blamed his side for being “too nice” against Argentina in the semi-fi-

nals, when they failed to register a single shot either on or off target.

However they were unlucky not to score during an entertaining game in Arizona.

Colombia had gone closest to scoring first, Real Madrid star James Rodriguez being denied by a fine Tim Howard save on 12 minutes.

Rodriguez was the architect for Colombia’s goal just after the half hour mark, chipping a wonderful

Serena battles rivals, self-doubt n AFP, London Serena Williams finds herself under siege from revitalised rivals and an army of doubters as the defending champion starts her bid for a seventh Wimbledon title and a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown.

Since she walked off Wimbledon’s Centre Court cradling the Venus Rosewater Dish awarded to the women’s champion nearly 12 months ago, Williams has found herself engaged in a losing battle with the history books.

That Wimbledon final victory over Garbine Muguruza meant Williams had won all three of the

year’s major titles, putting her within touching distance of becoming the first woman to secure a calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988.

But her historic bid came to stunning end in the US Open semi-finals when she was beaten by 300-1 outsider Roberta Vinci.

In the aftermath of that chastening September day in New York, Williams has appeared a more vulnerable figure.

For so long, Williams’ power game and competitive instincts intimidated opponents into submission, but this year she has won only one of her five tournaments, in Rome in May, while enduring a pair of shock defeats in the Australian and French Open finals.

There is a growing sense the

emotional scars from the US Open haven’t fully healed for Williams and Germany’s Angelique Kerber took advantage to shock her in Melbourne in January, while Spain’s Muguruza avenged her Wimbledon loss by beating Serena in Paris earlier this month.

Falling at the final hurdle twice this year has left Williams still stuck on 21 Grand Slam titles - one short of Graf’s Open era record of 22 and three behind the all-time record of 24 set by Margaret Court - ahead of the start of her Wimbledon campaign against Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic.

Given Williams compiled a remarkable 53–3 match record in 2015, even she had to admit 2016 has been a disappointment by her sky-high standards. l

pass into the path of Santiago Arias, who headed across the six yard box for Bacca to score.

The US responded gamely to the setback however, with Jermaine Jones almost equalising when his low shot deflected off Arias and just missed the target.l

3RD PLACE PLAY-OFF United States Bacca 31

0-1

Colombia

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France's Antoine Griezmann (2L) scores one of his two goals against the Republic of Ireland during their Euro 2016 Round of 16 clash in Lyon yesterday

Griezmann fires hosts France into Euro quarters n AFP, Lyon Antoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as Euro 2016 hosts France came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over ten-man Republic of Ireland yesterday.

Victory in the last 16 clash in Lyon means France face either England or Iceland in the Stade de France quarter-final next Sunday.

Paul Pogba brought Shane Long down within seconds of kickoff and Robbie Brady, who netted the Republic’s winner against Italy, converted a penalty with just two minutes gone to give the Irish a shock lead.

But Griezmann underlined a superb performance as the main strike threat with two knockout goals in the second-half as the hosts floored the Irish.

“At this stage of the tournament you don’t have the right not to qualify,” French coach Didier Deschamps said, expressing relief at the fightback as French fans celebrated.

Ireland’s problems were compounded by playing the last 25 minutes with ten men.

Centre-back Shane Duffy was sent off on 66 minutes for bringing down Griezmann, who was

through on goal.

France’s win came at a cost as both midfielder N’Golo Kante and defender Adil Rami are suspended for the quarter-final after picking up bookings.

Defeat means more heartache for the Irish in their first meeting with France since a controversial World Cup play-off in November 2009.

Thierry Henry’s infamous handball, dubbed “Le Hand of God”,

RESULT France Griezmann 57, 61

2–1

Ireland Brady 2-P

helped seal a 2-1 aggregate victory to send France to South Africa 2010 at Ireland’s expense.

The Irish came flying out of the traps in Lyon. A long ball caused the French all manner of problems and when Southampton striker Long tried to turn and shoot, Pogba made contact.

Celebrations erupted amongst the small band lucky enough to get one of the paltry 4,500 tickets allocated to Irish fans at the 59,000-capacity stadium.

The hosts responded by laying seige to the Irish goal. l

REUTERS

Slick Germany ease into Euro quarter-finals

Mosaddek on track for national side

n AFP, Lille

n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Jerome Boateng scored his first international goal to set Germany on their way to a 3-0 win against Slovakia at Euro 2016 on Sunday as the world champions cruised into the quarter-finals.

Boateng opened his account eight minutes into his 63rd international appearance and Joachim Loew’s side never looked back against outclassed opponents.

Mesut Ozil had a penalty saved soon after but Julian Draxler set up Mario Gomez to double the lead two minutes before half-time and the impressive Draxler then completed the scoring just after the hour mark.

There was never any threat of a repeat of Slovakia’s 3-1 win when the teams met in a friendly just four weeks ago and Germany move on to a last-eight tie against either reigning champions Spain or old rivals Italy next weekend. l

Middle-order batsman Mosaddek Hossain is well on track to be the fresh face in the Bangladesh dressing room.

Bangladesh Cricket Board following the Eid vacation will draw up a 30-member preliminary squad for the home series against England.

And citing the names of Mosaddek and pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi, national chief selector Minhajul Abedin said they will not keep them in the High Performance squad as they are on the verge of being named in the provisional squad of the national team.

“We will soon declare the 30-man preliminary squad of the Bangladesh team for the next home series against England.

And so, we didn’t keep the best performers of the domestic league,” said Minhajul to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

Mosaddek had a brilliant season for Abahani Limited as the side lifted the title of the recently concluded Dhaka Premier League.

The 20-year old from Mymensingh was outstanding with both with bat

RESULT Germany

3-0

8’ Boateng, 43 Gomez, 63’ Draxler

Slovakia

and ball. The right-hander played a major role in many of Abahani’s wins this season as he scored 622 runs at an average of 77.75 with five fifties. He also made valuable contributions with his off-spin and took 15 wickets.

The BCB last Saturday declared a 24-member HP squad for the 2016-17 season comprising the best performers in the domestic league alongside the Bangladesh Under-19 players from the World Cup. The training camp of the HP squad will start on July 17, before the national team’s practice camp.

Minhajul expects the HP programme to produce at least twothree players to meet the national team’s demand in the future.

“Actually we have formed the HP unit keeping the future in mind. If we can continue with the HP squad, we will get feedback,” said the former Bangladesh captain.

“We will get to see the involvement of the 50 best possible players in unison. It is a good sign.

Players will always be alert to improve their individual performance so that they can make the cut in the HP unit as well as the national team,” he added.l

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Unstoppable Slam machine Djokovic eyes fourth title n AFP, London Having finally rid himself of his French Open curse, Novak Djokovic is chasing a third successive Wimbledon title to move one step closer to the first calendar Grand Slam in 47 years.

The 29-year-old world number one, champion at Wimbledon in 2011, 2014 and 2015, has become the unstoppable Slam machine.

His victory over Andy Murray in Paris gave him a 12th major, taking him to within two of Rafael Nadal’s mark and five behind the record 17 of Roger Federer.

But Nadal is missing from this year’s Wimbledon, nursing a wrist injury, while seven-time All England Club champion Federer is without a major in four years and a shadow of the player he once was.

World number two Murray, the Wimbledon champion in 2013, remains Djokovic’s only serious rival but the British star has a 10-24 career record against the Serb.

Djokovic has won 13 of their last 15 meetings and hasn’t been defeated by Murray at a Slam since the Wimbledon final three years ago.

Djokovic currently holds all four

majors and is targeting becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar Grand Slam, a feat only achieved three times in the sport’s history.

“I don’t want to sound arro-

Two-division Tests, One-Day League on ICC agenda n AFP, London One of the biggest shake-ups in cricket history could take place when the sport’s global governing body convenes in Edinburgh today.

Radical plans for the creation of two divisions in Test cricket and a one-day international league will be on the agenda of the International Cricket Council’s week-long annual meeting in the Scottish capital.

Since Australia and England played the first Test in 1877, international matches have largely been matters for the two countries concerned and the same has generally been true of ODIs outside of tournaments such

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY ESPN 10:00PM Euro 2016: Round of 16 Italy v Spain 1:00AM England v Iceland

TENNIS STAR SPORTS 1 6:00PM Wimbledon Championships 2016

as the World Cup. The ICC has introduced weighted Test rankings but the complicated formula has failed to capture the imagination of cricket fans and the wider sporting public.

With many top players increasingly tempted by offers to play in domestic Twenty20 events such as the Indian Premier League, where they can earn more money in less time than by playing Tests, officials are keen to give the long-format game greater “context”.

This, they believe, would make it more attractive to broadcasters and so help generate greater revenues.

“We are looking at competition structures across all three formats (Tests, ODIs and Twenty20),” ICC chief executive David Richardson told AFP at the launch of the 2017 Champions Trophy earlier this month.

“We want to find ways of playing slightly less cricket but more meaningful cricket.”

Richardson is behind a scheme that would see the creation of seven teams in Division One and five, including two new Test nations, in Division Two. They would play in a league system where

there was promotion and relegation.

Each team in the top tier would play every other side home or away in a two-year cycle.

Matches and series would each be given a set number of points - the exact figures are still to be decided - to determine the standings.

At the end of the cycle, the bottom team would be relegated, with the team on top the new world Test champions.

Series such as the Ashes could still take place even if England and Australia were in different divisions, as countries would be allowed to schedule extra matches.

Similar considerations are behind plans to introduce a 13-team ODI league which, as with the new Test structure would begin in 2019.

The set-up could also see countries such as Ireland, long the leading Associate ICC nation, finally get a crack at Test cricket.

Under the revised arrangements the 50-over Champions Trophy would be scrapped as the new league, which could act as a qualifier for the World Cup, would give ODIs all the “context” they needed. l

gant, but I really think everything is achievable in life,” said Djokovic, who appears to be under little pressure heading into Wimbledon where he starts today against Britain’s world number 177, James Ward.

In between practice and this week’s rain, he posed for ‘selfies’ on the London underground, happily opting for public transport despite becoming the first man to pass the $100 million prize money mark at Roland Garros.

“I’m trying to cherish these moments. Whether or not I can reach a calendar slam, that’s still a possibility.”

Djokovic has reached at least the quarter-finals of every Slam since a fourth round exit at the 2009 French Open.

He is the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the Australian and French Opens back-to-back.

Even Federer and Nadal failed to achieve that sequence just as the two greats were also unsuccessful in attempts at a calendar sweep.

Federer was undone by the French Open in 2004, 2006 and 2007 while Nadal’s failure to win the 2010 Australian Open was a blip in a year when he romped to victory in Paris, London and New York. l

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Quotes (5) 4 Success (3) 6 Therefore (4) 8 Foreign (5) 9 Flower (4) 11 Article (4) 12 Healing ointment (5) 15 Amounts owing (5) 18 Hindu garment (4) 20 Country (4) 21 Musical drama (5) 22 Egyptian goddess (4) 23 Young goat (3) 24 Locations (5)

DOWN 1 Crustaceans (5) 2 Court examination (5) 3 Sanity (5) 4 Owl’s call (4) 5 Swarm (4) 7 Ingrained dirt (5) 10 Cult (4) 13 Partly open (4) 14 Blood vessels (5) 15 Smelting waste (5) 16 Sheep’s cry (5) 17 Heavenly bodies (5) 18 Go down (4) 19 Attack (4)

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 12 represents W so fill W every time the figure 12 appears.

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

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

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

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

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

Fawad tries to woo Deepika

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

A musical journey

n Showtime Desk

n Showtime Desk Fawad Khan recently hosted the award show IIFA 2016 along with director Karan Johar. While his voice and smile was enough to bedazzle the show, he was still intent on catching everyone’s eyes.

During the show, Fawad shared a moment with Deepika Padukone, and was bent on wooing Deepika, who was wearing a gorgeous black gown. Fawad took full advantage of the moment, stole a few lines from Roop Tera Mastana, and looked right into Deepika’s eyes. Fawad then got down to his

knees, and there it was – a magical moment which would fool anyone on the planet. The pair looked like they were in love already. Bollywood has gone into a frenzy, and has started calculating who might cast these two as an on screen couple for their next movie. l

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Showtime

Ad Box Bangladesh limited has been working for a long time in Bangladesh as a mobile content provider. This time, they are producing albums and on that note, the popular app of Ad Box, Gaan Box is ready for initiation.

Recently, with twenty albums including solo and mixed, Gaan Box has announced its plans to reach audiences all over the country.

These albums were released simultaneously in an official party hosted by Gaan Box. Shafikul Islam, the CEO of Ad Box was present along with the managing director, Aminul

Islam Samir, the director, Gazi Showkat Hayat, the manager, Mahbub Muktadir, and consulting artist, Tousif.

There were more than fifty artists present at the program including Shafik Tuhin, Joy Shahriar, and Ibrar Tipu. Mr Samir said that, “We are living in an online world and therefore it’s time to go online. That’s why we have planned to launch our app so that our audiences can listen to Bangla songs easily.”

Singer and consultant Tousif informed that anyone can listen to the songs through Gaan Box by downloading the app from the Google Play store. l

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

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FAWAD TRIES TO WOO DEEPIKA PAGE 31

From plunderers to preservers n Abu Bakar Siddique Subol Chakma used to be one of those responsible for fast depletion of hill forests. He would sneak into the forest to pillage and plunder, and make away with the booty to sell it off. Not for the last five years though.

Subol took three loans from a revolving fund to rear cattle. Now he does not need to plunder the resources that sustain the hill communities anymore. He can make his living by other means. “I have not entered the forest a single time in the last five years.”

Junu Chakma had all but ruined his two acres with the traditional slash and burn technique locally called jhum. The 2.25 acres that he got, along with 35 other families, in 1998 after being repatriated from India under the hill tracts peace treaty was becoming barren as Junu did not allow any fallow period for his land to get back its fertility.

Junu began to resort to what other plunderers do to earn some money. He began exploiting the forest like others and began selling honey and fuel wood in the markets. However, in 2009 Junu’s life turned around after he began a multi tier fruit garden. “Sometimes I feel like a fool. Now we are making money and turning it more green on top of that.”

The man sold mangoes, lemons and pineapples worth Tk15,000 this season alone.

These two are not isolated events, however. They are a direct result of conservationist efforts by the local communities and Arannayk Foundation, promoting and strengthening local practices since 2009 when both Junu and Subal saw their fates change for the better.

Inspired by Junu’s success in Bhoirofa village of Dighinala, 200 more families from the same area have been brought under the multi-tier orchard programme.

Protecting the commons

Chanchalmoy Chakma, who has been living on Kamalchhari Hill for the last seven years is perhaps on the opposite side of the spectrum from Junu and Subal. His is among the 11 families designated to safeguard 316 hectares of hill forest.

Thirty-five-year old Chanchalmoy was given 2.00 acres within the forest land for his own use while he kept his stretch of the

fee. The fund stood at Tk 12,04,549 at the end of 2015.

Anupom Chakma, the secretary of the Komolchori Community Cooperation said, “Introducing the fund mechanism and alternative livelihood, the state of the village common forest has changed, magically as the dependency on forest reduced drastically.”

We are protecting the village common forest to ensure the source of water by keeping the springs and brooks alive, said Anupom. This programme helps conserve livelihood resources like fuel wood, wild vegetables and medicinal herbs.

Jhum and hunting are strictly prohibited. Bamboo harvest is allowed every couple of years.

There is no reliable statistics regarding the number of village common forests but it is assumed to be around 700-800, many of which might have been lost due to encroachment, excess exploitation and land conversion.

The new programme has helped bring back water to the forests too. Chanchalmoy remembers a time when the brooks and streams would dry up during the winter months. “That was because of low forest coverage.”

But now the situation has changed dramatically, he said smiling.

Above: Alternative ways of livelihood, such as vegetable gardening, has reduced the hill people’s dependency on forests in Kamalchhari, Khagrachhari by a great extent, which in turn is helping the plundered forests to recuperate Right: This natural well, created by water dripping down the slope of a hill forest, is a major source of fresh water to the hill people of Kamalchhari

Bringing change

ABU BAKAR SIDDIQUE

forest free from poachers and plunderers.

The community under the Village Common Forest Conservation Programme designated those 11 families to protect and conserve the forests so that the community people may use the resources for their regular needs like timber, bamboo, fuel-wood and housing material for a long time.

This small 316-hectare patch like other village common forests of the three hill districts – Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari – is not a part of the 13,77,000 hectares of hill forest that are managed by the Forest Department.

Alarmed at the fallouts of rising population, which resulted in random exploitation of the rich forests, locals put together this programme to conserve the very natural resources that sustain them.

It was part of that initiative to deploy eleven families on top of

the hill to guard 316 hectares of Kamalchhari village common forest.

“The community has sent us here to prevent interference of outsiders as well as unscrupulous people who want to poach the resources,” said Chanchalmoy.

The village common forests are natural forests maintained by indigenous communities around their villages to ensure tree coverage and biodiversity to protect the environment in the face of deforestation, to sustain wood and bamboo supply.

The concept of village common forests was recognised by the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation 1900 and the rules regulating the management of the village common forest came into operation through an amendment of the CHT Regulation 1900 in 1939 and subsequent directives by the deputy commissioner of CHT in 1965.

Under the common forest pro-

gramme, the community sets up a management plan under which they plant native trees in barren stretches that have lost out to the forces of nature including bamboos at the foothills.

Funding alternatives

They also strengthen monitoring and protection measures, besides setting up a revolving loan fund.

The community people take out loans according to their needs and plan alternative livelihood options including establishment of fruit orchard, cattle rearing and small-businesses with the fund.

Subol benefited from just such a fund which was initially set up from modest monthly contributions of the community.

Later the Arannayk Foundation donated Tk637,000 in 2009. The fund is available to whoever needs finances which is of course to be repaid along with a minimal service

Usually, the indigenous communities set up villages near creeks.

But in recent times, many of them have started becoming dry due to the rapid deforestation. That is what forest expert Farid Uddin Ahmed said.

He said rapid deforestation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts as the only cause of water scarcity in the hills.

Arannayk Foundation took on three projects in 2009 when things began to change. It began with seven degraded or threatened forests, including Kamalchhari. Currently there are 12 common forest programmes across the hill tracts.

The conservationist organisation also initiated the alternative livelihoods programme promoting multi-tier orchards.

The revolving loan fund has also proved to be effective getting community people to set up alternative livelihoods and come away from the traditional methods of exploiting forests. l

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