August 11, 2016

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

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Shraban 27, 1423, Zilqad 7, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 106

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

JMB, ABT in terror merger n Kamrul Hasan Police’s elite force Rapid Action Battalion yesterday claimed to have received information of a possible merger between two banned militant groups – Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh and Ansarullah Bangla Team. The new wing is identified as Daulatul Islam.

RAB, however, could not confirm the number of militants working under the new platform and refused to disclose the identity of their chief.

The law enforcers got the information questioning six Daulatul Islam members from different parts of Dhaka from Tuesday night to early yesterday.

After the Gulshan attack, investigators told the media that they had recovered a handkerchief from the crime scene that reads Daulatul Islam of Bangladesh in Bangla.

Police have claimed that the Gulshan and Sholakia attackers, and the nine militants killed in a raid at Kallyanpur were from the same group – New JMB – which is a faction of the JMB and linked to Islamic State.

In April, DB police said that they had got proof that a new organisa-

n Mohammad Jamil Khan

A RAB press release yesterday said that two teams of Ansarullah and JMB had decided to work together under the banner of Daulatul Islam. A website named

Investigators are yet to make any headway into the deaths of two high-profile persons, both of whom went missing from Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area this year within three months of each other.

On April 2, Mohammad Irfanul Islam, an official of Drik Gallery, went missing from Dhanmondi Road 8 after he withdraw Tk3.8 lakh from Dutch Bangla Bank’s Dhanmondi branch. his dead body was found near Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road on the evening of the same day.

Irfan’s elder brother Imdadul Islam filed a murder case with Kalabagan police station a day after the killing. The case is now being investigated by Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

President of Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DBCCI), Md Hassan Khaled, went missing on July 23 and his dead body was found on July 26 near Kholamora ghat of Buriganga river under Keraniganj police station.

Victim’s younger brother Murad

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Members of RAB produce six militants in front of media at its headquarters yesterday after they were arrested from different parts of Dhaka in separate drives DHAKA TRIBUNE tion Daulatul Islam was providing financial support to the members of Ansarullah and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

According to RAB, the six militants detained are the members of a suicide squad and one of them,

Mustafizur Rahman alias Shifat, belongs to Ansarullah Bangla Team.

He used to claim terror attacks in Bangladesh on behalf of Islamic State alongside updating IS’ official website Amaq news agency.

Razakar Sakhawat to die n Ashif Islam Shaon

The gang of war criminals unleashed series of incidents of terror during the war under the leadership of Sakhawat

No progress in probe of 2 high profile deaths

Former Jamaat-e-Islami MP Sakhawat Hossain has been sentenced to death for the crimes against humanity he had committed in Jessore during the 1971 Liberation War. Sakhawat, now a leader of Jatiya Party, was given the punishment for the torture and murder of Chandtulla Gazi and his son Atiyar of Keshabpur upazila’s Chingra village; and the abduction, torture and murder of Abdul Malek Sardar of Keshabpur Upazila’s Hijaldanga village in Jessore.

“The sentence of death awarded be executed by hanging the convict accused Md Sakhawat Hossain by the neck or by shooting him till he is dead, as decided by the government,” the verdict says.

Delivering the judgement yesterday, the International Crimes Tribunal headed by Justice Anwarul Haque said that all the five charges – abduction, confinement, torture, rape and murder of Bangalis – brought against him had been proven against him.

Two other members of the tribunal are Justice Md Shahinur Islam and Justice Md Shohrowardi.

It is the 26th verdict in war crimes cases. The first judgement was pronounced against war criminal Abul Kalam Azad alias Bachchu Razakar on January 23, 2013.

The tribunal yesterday also sentenced seven others to imprisonment until death. They are Md Billal Hossain, Md Ibrahim Hossain, Sheikh Md Mujibur Rahman, Md Abdul Aziz Sarder, Qazi Ohidul Islam alias Wahidur Salam, Md Aziz Sarder and Abdul Khalek Morol.

Another accused, Lutfor Morol, died of cardiac arrest in police custody on May 6 this year. All but Sakhawat and Billal have been on the run.

The defence lawyers said that they would file an appeal with the Appellate Division against the judgement while the state counsels said they were satisfied.

A total of seventeen witnesses testified against the war criminals during the trial. The tribunal  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

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JMB, ABT merger detected At-Tamkin was working as their media to claim responsibility for the attacks. The website was accessible as of last night.

Shifat, 27, was an administrator of the website, RAB’s Legal and Media Wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan told reporters at its headquarters. “During primary interrogation, Shifat has admitted that he claimed 11 such attacks under the banner of Daulatul Islam,” he said.

The five others are members of JMB – Jahid Hasan alias Moin, 21, Noyon Hossain, 21, Jahid Anowar alias Porag 21, Tajul Islam alias Tajul, 29, Ziabul Haque, 24.

Since September last year, IS has claimed responsibility for 25 attacks in Bangladesh that killed 45 persons, mainly foreigners, and non-Sunni and non-Muslim preachers.

RAB sources said they detained Porag from Airport Railway Station area on Tuesday night and following his statement detained two others – Tajul and Moin – from Al

Arafat Hotel in Gabtoli area around 2am.

Later, a RAB 4 team detained Shifat, Ziabul and Noyon from a tinshed house in Uttar Bisil area under Shah Ali police station around 5am.

They rented the house three days ago. A large number of firearms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the house.

Asked if Shifat was the only administrator of At-Tamkin, Mufti said: “There can be more. We will have to investigate and find out more about this.”

Asked if the militants were planning to launch an attack, he said that they were still in dark about the matter. “But in a note book recovered it was found that they drew a map of Hazrat Shah Ali shrine.”

As the JMB is generally against shrines, they might have targeted the shrine on Mazar Road. “But it will be too early to comment about it,” another RAB official told the Dhaka Tribune.

Madaripur attackers had code names

The elite force also revealed that militant Golam Faizullah Fahim alias Abrar, who along with his associates, attacked a Hindu teacher of Madaripur Government Nazimuddin College on June 15, was also a member of JMB. Fahim was earlier involved with another outlawed militant group Hizb ut-Tahrir.

He was killed in an alleged gunfight between his cohorts and the police during a raid in Miarchar area at Bahadurpur on June 18, a day after he had been placed on a 10-day remand.

RAB yesterday said Ziabul, one of the militants caught yesterday, was supposed to take part in the attack under the code name of Abdur Rahman. But their ameer, who is yet to be identified, asked him not to participate in the attack few days prior to the attack.

In June, police also arrested JMB recruiter Khalid Saifullah Jamil ali-

as Afif Kayfi alias Pothbhola Pathik, son of a teacher of the same college, for masterminding the attack.

After analysing his phones, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit officials discovered that he had recruited at least 49 people to work as JMB sleeper cell members at different places across Bangladesh.

a view to evading arrest, RAB said quoting a Facebook conversation between the militants.

Digital recruitment

RAB’s Mufti said they had received information from Shifat that the militants had been involved in gold smuggling to finance their activities.

A well-placed source, closed to the investigation, said that from this, they would get two benefits – if they succeed they would receive huge amount of money, and if caught during smuggling, they would be labelled as smugglers not militants. In that case they would get bail easily and resume work after coming out of jail.

The members of Daulatul Islam used children to carry arms with

The new group was operating in three separate units – recruitment, training and operation groups. The recruitment work was mostly done through social media platforms including Facebook, Telegram and Threema.

The recruiters used to operate fake Facebook profiles to monitor the activities of potential members. Once selected, the freshers were contacted through Telegram and if found trustworthy, they were given new IDs on Threema.

The operational instructions came through the Threema app, RAB said. If a suicide attacker survived and could join them again, he is given a new name.

Throughout the process, the members are barred from asking any question about the operations and names of the team members and leaders. l

their houses on fire. But Sakhawat kicked her down along with her son. As a result, they were thrown down on a wooden cot and Atiar was seriously injured that resulted in his death after 17 days.

In the Bangla month Ashwin, the collaborators again raided the house but Chandtulla luckily escaped and hid himself inside a bush near his house. They found him out, took him to Chingra razakar camp, confined him for four days and killed by rifle shot on the bank of the Kopotakkho River and left his body there.

For these offences, Sakhawat was sentenced to death while the seven others to life in prison.

According to the third charge, in the month of Ashwin, the local razakars including Mujibur, Ibrahim and Khaleque instructed by Sakhawat picked up Nur Uddin Morol and brutally tortured him at the razakar camp. He was released later.

Sakhawat, Khaleque and Mujibur were sentenced to 10-year jail while Ibrahim acquitted.

Meanwhile, at the end of Ashwin, the razakars of Chingra camp having abducted A Malek Sardar, a source of the freedom fighters, confined him at the camp and tortured him mercilessly.

Sakhawat, Ibrahim, A Aziz Sardar, Abdul Aziz and Khaleque along with other 6/7 razakars brought Malek from the camp to Chingra Bazar ferry ghat and Sakhawat himself killed him by a gun shot.

The body was thrown down on the bank of the Kopotakkho River.

Sakhawat was awarded death sentence for the offence while four others to life in prison.

The last charge says that upon Sakhawat’s instructions, razakars detained freedom fighter Miron Sheikh.

As he tried to escape, razakars shot him and took him to the Chingra Bazar camp. Miron became crippled due to the torture and was later thrown into the river thinking him dead.

Sakhawat, Ibrahim, two Aziz and Khaleque were sentenced to 15-year imprisonment each for the offence. l

23 morning saying he was going to buy some medication, the family said. A general diary was filed with the Dhanmondi police station after he went missing.

Khaled’s wife Dilara Khaled said his business had not been going well for sometime.

“He took a huge loan from the bank and was under mental pressure and taking medication for that,” she added.

However, Dilara said she did not believe her husband would commit suicide for such mental suffering.

But she did not have any explanation for the tragedy.

Nure Azam Miah, officer-in-

charge of Dhanmondi police station, said police were not clear what Khaled was intending to do that day.

“His cell phone was switched off from 8.33am, soon after he got out of home. We did not find anything suspicious on his call list and nothing peculiar was found in his autopsy,” he said.

DB sources said they had interrogated all family members and business partners of Khaled but nothing suspicious had been found. Detectives were waiting for the viscera report to determine the actual cause of death and were hoping that the mystery would be unveiled from that point. l

Militants in gold smuggling

Razakar Sakhawat to die finished hearing in the case on July 14 and kept the case pending for verdict.

In 1971, Sakhawat was the a member of Islami Chhatra Sangha, the erstwhile student wing of Jamaat, and later become a leader of al-Badr in Jessore. The seven others were involved with the razakar force.

He went into hiding after the independence and resumed politics in 1986 as a leader of Jamaat in Jessore. He was elected lawmaker from Jessore 6 constituency with Jamaat ticket in 1991. He later joined the BNP and became an MP in the February 15 elections in 1996.

Also known as Maulana Shakhawat, the war criminal is now the religious affairs secretary of Jatiya Party. During the 2014 national elections, he contested from Jatiya Party from the same constituency but could not win.

He was arrested over war crimes charges on November 29, 2014. The tribunal’s probe body started investigation against him in 2012.

In this case, the prosecution pressed charges against 12 people on July 26 last year. The tribunal accepted the charges against nine on September 8. Finally, five charges were framed against them on December 23. The offences took place between mid-September and mid-October in 1971.

After the full verdict is published, the convicts will get 30-day time to file appeals but the absconders will have to surrender to avail the legal opportunity.

Their role in 1971

The gang of war criminals unleashed series of incidents of terror during the war under the leadership of Sakhawat.

In the Bengali month of Ashwin, Sakhawat asked his fellow men to pick up a woman of Boga area on charge of “spying” for the freedom fighters. The woman was picked up by a team of Ibrahim, the two Azizs and 10-12 razakaras. During her confinement at Chingra Bazar

camp for three days, she was tortured and raped by Sakhawat.

The tribunal awarded Sakhawat, Ibrahim, two Azizs 20-year imprisonment each for the offence.

Sakhawat also used to incite his men to to kill supporters and activists of the Awami League and pro-liberation people in the area terming them kafirs and munafeks.

In such a meeting held in Bengali month of Shraban, he asked his 2530 razakars to carry out a massacre.

Thereafter, in the mid of Bangla month Bhadra, Shakhawat, Ibrahim, Billal, Mujibur, Aziz Sardar, Abdul Aziz Sardar, Ohidul, Lutfor, Khaleque and other 8/9 razakars raided the house of freedom fighter Chandtulla Gazi but could not get him.

They having plundered set fire to two dwelling houses of Chandtulla.

At that moment, the wife of Chandtulla having taken her one and a half year old son Atiar, who was crying in her lap, touched the legs of Sakhawat requesting not to plunder and set

No progress in probe of 2 high profile deaths Hasan filed a murder case with Dhanmondi police station.

According to sources, CID has changed the investigation officer in Irfan murder twice now. The case is currently with Sub-Inspector Mohammad Yousuf.

Sources at the investigating agency said they had interrogated a suspect known to be involved in mugging using fake police detective ID, but no solid lead had been found in the case.

SI Mohammad Yousuf said investigation was underway to track down Irfan’s killers but there had been no breakthrough yet.

“We are primarily suspecting

that mugging was the primary motive of the killing, took place mugging but it cannot be said clearly before the full investigation report,” he said.

Irfan’s autopsy report shows he has been strangled to death. Investigators suspect muggers were waiting in front of the bank took away Irfan by force when he came out with the money.

Irfan’s wife Johora Khatun said she believed her husband may have known his killers.

“It is not possible to pick up someone forcefully from a busy area like Dhanmondi,” she told Dhaka Tribune.

Investigators had spoken to the family and relatives but had not given any updates yet, she said. Asked whether Irfan had any known enemies, Johora said couple of months before the murder, he had received some phone calls demanding extortion.

On the other hand, the investigation of the DBCCI president’s death was taken up by police’s detective branch (DB) just a day after Hassan Khaled’s body was found in Buriganga. Investigators are suspecting that it is a suicide, according to sources.

Khaled, who lived with his wife and daughter at house 45, Dhanmondi Road 4/A, went out on July

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IGP to militants: If you return, we will help you n Arifur Rahman Rabbi

In what becomes a common scene during a rainy day in Dhaka, a woman haggles with an autorickshaw driver on Dhaka University campus for a justified fare. Instead of going by the metre, autorickshaw drivers take advantage of the desperation of commuters and demand exorbitant fares whenever it rains MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

BNP to implement one leader, one post policy n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla BNP is set to reinstitute an old policy of restricting one person to just a single party position, in hopes of quelling the newly surfaced tension within the party.

This move would presumably free up enough positions to accommodate disgruntled and deprived leaders of the party and rejuvenate the new leadership as had been expected.

Several senior leaders had threatened to quit the party after being left out of the newly declared executive committee of over 500 people.

BNP sources said party Chairperson Khaleda Zia was irritated that many deprived leaders were expressing their grievances publicly and had asked some of the top leaders to accommodate those left out by implementing “one leader, one post policy.”

There are more than a hundred leaders who are enjoying more than one post in the party. If the policy was implemented, then 100 additional leaders will be able to get posts in the new committee.

The policy will be implemented especially among the district-level leaders who got position in the central committee; they will

now reportedly be given option to choose one post.

Earlier, a section of deprived leaders met Khaleda and expressed their grievances; to which the party chief assured them that they would be included in the committee in time.

Following the announcement of the new committee, three BNP leaders have already tendered their resignation and some are also threatening to leave politics.

Party sources said two vacant posts in the party's standing committee will be filled up soon while some new faces will be included in the party's executive committee.

Seeking anonymity, a senior BNP leader told the Dhaka Tribune that it would not be a problem if some dedicated leaders get positions in the new committee. “Apart from this, the number of standing committee members could be 23 or 21 instead of 19. If some leaders are accommodated in the standing committee, the problem will be resolved.”

Source said that among BNP leaders Abdullah Al Noman, Shah Moazzem Hossain and Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed — two or all three might be accommodated.

Gulshan office sources said BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman has also suggested including the

deprived leaders in the committee.

Asked for comment, party's standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy said: “Wait and see. There are all sorts of chances.

As per party charter, party chairperson can appoint any leader in any position.”

BNP Vice-Chairman Mohammad Shahjahan said: “If 'one leader, one post policy' is implemented, then some posts will be vacant and more leaders will be accommodated.

There will be grievances in the party but it could be addressed by accommodating as much as possible.”

Days after the announcement of the committee, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir admitted that many competent leaders did not get proper positions in the committee.

The BNP’s announcement of a new 502-member executive committee on Saturday triggered widespread outrage among many party leaders who felt they were deprived of their deserving positions while many controversial names were included in the committee.

Fakhrul urged the disappointed leaders to remain patient. “There will be no use in demonstrating.

Keep patience, because there is no last word in politics.” l

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque yesterday said police would extend help to the militants who are willing to return to normal life.

“If the militants do not have previous criminal records, we will help them return to normal life,” he said at a programme in Dhaka.

The function was organised to extend financial assistance to the families of four policemen killed in militant attacks in Gulshan and Sholakia.

IGP Shahidul also asked district police chiefs to maintain register and database detailing circumstances under which policemen died while performing their duties.

He instructed police to extend help to the families of their slain colleagues when necessary.

He also said when policemen are killed in militant attacks It does not weaken our morality rather strengthens it. Police is determined to eliminate militancy from Bangladesh.

“Our youths are misguided by wrong interpretation of Islam. No one can accept it.” l

BFIU seeks account info of 18 militants n Tribune Desk The central bank’s Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sought bank account information of 18 people whose names came in the media in connection with the three recent terror incidents.

Banks have been asked to freeze the accounts immediately after their identification.

The names include militants killed in Kallyanpur, Sholakia and Holey Artisan Bakery The account details have been asked to be submitted within 15 days to find out the financiers of militant activities. The regulator will also assess whether the militants conducted any financial transaction using the local banking channel, officials said.

Names of two masterminds behind the attacks and those killed in police operation are on the list sent by the law enforcers, said Debaprosad Debnath, general manager of the BFIU. Those people include Tamim Chowdhury and Maj (sacked) Syed Md Ziaul Haque, now on the run with Tk20 lakh bounty each on

their heads. They both were found linked to the Gulshan restaurant and Sholakia attacks.

The list also include the names of militants killed during a raid at Kallyanpur in Dhaka, at Sholakia and Holey Artisan Bakery, said sources at Bangladesh Bank.

Debaprosad said that the account information of the people who are found involved in any terrorist activities is collected according to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. “The law enforcement agencies regularly seek such information of accused persons. It is regular job of the BFIU,” he added.

The BFIU has asked for information on the Gulshan attackers – Rohan Imtiaz, Meer Samih Mubasshwer, Nibras Islam, Khairul Islam Payel, Shafikul Islam Uzzal and Tasin Rownak or Andaleeb Ahmed.

Saiful Islam Chowkidar, a chef killed during the attack, is also on the list.

The central bank’s intelligence unit has also wanted to know bank details of two Sholakia attackers – Shafiul Islam and Abir Rahman.

Seven of the nine militants killed during the “Operation Storm 26” at Kalyanpur on July 26 are on the list.

They are Abdullah, Abdul Hakim Naym, Taj-ul-Haque Rashiq, Akifuzzaman Khan, Shazad Rouf, Motier Rahman, and Jobayer Hossain. l

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Khaleda Zia granted bail n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday accepted the sedition and violence charges against Bangladesh BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In presence of the BNP chief, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Molla accepted the charge sheets against Khaleda in six cases amid opposition of her lawyers.

Of the six cases, on January 25, Supreme Court lawyer Momtaz Uddin Ahmed Mehedi filed the sedition case against Khaleda on charge of her alleged defamatory remarks about the number of the Liberation War martyrs.

The other five cases were filed with Darussalam Police Station on charge of violence in the area in January and February last year during blockade and hartal of the BNP-led alliance.

Meanwhile, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was granted bail in 10 cases including the aforesaid six after she surrendered before several Dhaka courts.

The BNP chief surrendered before the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Molla in eight violence cases filed with Darus Salam Police Station.

Khaleda also surrendered before the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Nurunnahar Yeasmin in another violence case filed with

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia being escorted by her personal security as she appeared before several courts in Old Dhaka yesterday MEHEDI HASAN Darus Salam Police Station. The court granted bail to Khaleda on her furnishing a personal bond of Tk10,000.

The nine cases of Darus Salam Police Station were filed on charge of violence in the area during the BNPled alliance blockade and hartal in January and February last year.

The former prime minister also appeared before the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Kamrul Hossain

Molla and sought fresh bail in a sedition case.

Accepting her bail petition the court accepted the sedition charges against Khaleda in the case and fixed October 10 for charge framing hearing against her in the case.

Khaleda also gave her appearance before the Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-2 of Judge Hosne Ara Begum in the Barapukuria Coalmine Graft Case. The court fixed Sep-

tember 8 for the next hearing.

On February 26, 2008, the ACC filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station accusing Khaleda and 15 others, including 10 ministers, for causing a loss of Tk159cr to the state exchequer by awarding a contract for the operation of Barapukuria coalmine to a Chinese company by abusing power.

The former prime minister also appeared before the Dhaka’s Ninth

Special Judge’s Court in the Niko Graft Case where judge Md Aminul Islam set August 16 for charge framing hearing in the case.

On December 9, 2007, the ACC filed a graft case against Khaleda Zia and four others in connection with a Tk137.77cr loss to the national exchequer caused by the signing of an oil-gas exploration agreement with Niko.

Earlier in the day, Khaleda Zia reached Dhaka Judge’s Court around 11:45am to give appearance and also for seeking bail in 12 cases amid tight security in and out of the court.

A large number of members of RAB, Police and plainclothes members were deployed at the court premises and its nearby areas since yesterday morning following the Khaleda’s appearance in the court.

The security forces searched everyone before letting them through and even lawyers and journalists had to produce their identities.

Meanwhile, several hundred leaders and activists of BNP and its wing organizations gathered on the court premises and its adjacent areas and they also blockaded the nearby Sadarghat-Gulistan road for several hours amid rain.

Khaleda’s counsels Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon, AJ Mohammad Ali took part in the hearing at the court. l

Stray elephant rescue attempt fails again

Santu: Only secularism can fight militancy

n Abu Bakar Siddique

n Shadma Malik

The rescue attempt of the Indian stray elephant which entered into Bangladesh with flood water failed again yesterday as the tranquillizer dart could not hit the elephant properly.

“We tried to tranquilize the elephant from a safe distance but the attempt failed again,” said Syed Hossain, veterinary surgeon of the forest department said.

The team took the attempt while the elephant was roaming in a shoal of Sharisabari upazilla in Jamalpur district yesterday morning.

The forest department rescue team has already collected different types of tranquilizer darts including plastic, metal and wooden ones.

“We have got the elephant at a dry place which was favorable for its transportaiton but unfortunately the attempt went in vain,” the surgeon said.

However, he said the team would try to administer the tranquilizer from a closer range today, he added.

It is now easier to do so as the flood wa-

ter is receding from the land quickly.

The three-member Indian expert team arrived in Bangladesh on August 03 to bring back the stray wild elephant and finally left the country on Monday leaving the poor animal behind.

Since then the forest department rescue team has been trying to rescue the elephant but failed due to lack of favorable condition.

A 17-member technical team, including a veterinary surgeon Syed Hossain has been stationed at the spot from the very beginning of the operation.

Once the elephant is tranquilised, she will be transported on a truck, the surgeon also said that the elephant might be taken to Bangabandhu Safari Park, Gazipur or Gozni forest in Sherpur depending on the situation before he is sent back to India.

On his journey from Rowmari to Kazipur, the elephant has been spotted on the shoals of five different districts, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Bogra and Sirajganj in the last one month and a half. l

Only a secular state can eliminate extremism in the society and provide a respectful and peaceful place for people of all faiths, indigenous leader Santu Larma yesterday said.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma addressed the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2016 seminar, themed ‘Land grabbing, communalism and preventing terrorism and protection of the rights of indigenous, marginalised communities’ at the Cirdap auditorium in Dhaka.

Minister Rashed Khan Menon, said: “Not only Hindus, Buddhists and Christians but Muslims are also being killed by extremists.”

Advocate Sulatana Kamal said: “We need to develop people-oriented systems in the country. The government should work with the people to eliminate extremism and communalism.” l

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'Government giving false info on Rampal plant' n Nure Alam Durjoy Convener of the National Committee to Save the Sundarbans Sultana Kamal has alleged that the government is continuously spreading untrue and unacceptable information to defend the construction of the 1,320MW coal-based power plant at Rampal.

“Instead of showing any interest to protect the Sundarbans, the government is using controversial and pollutant experts and institutions from different countries to justify a dangerous coal-fired power plant [near the Sundarbans],” she told a press conference yesterday at Dhaka Reporters Unity.

On July 12, the government signed an agreement with an Indian firm to set up the India-Bangladesh joint venture plant on the bank of the Pashur River, disregarding protests.

The $1.49 billion plant is likely to start producing electricity in 2019.

Seventy percent of the project cost would be provided by Indian Exim Bank as loan. The governments of Bangladesh and India will share 30% of the rest of the amount equally.

A former caretaker government adviser, Sultana Kamal said: “Both the countries are UN signatories of Sustainable Development Goals.

So they have to consider the Sundarbans, which have been created over thousands of years, because it is their duty to protect it. It is a demand of the time, it is the demand of the world.”

Moreover, she alleged that activists were subjected to torture and harassment for raising their voices against the project.

Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers' Association (BELA) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the government's politics on Rampal had reached an extreme position.

Terming the project a “devastating development project,” Rizwana urged the government to scrap the initiative. She said: “The government's unnecessary and unscientific excuses given in favour of the project will not affect the agitations ...”

Dhaka University economics teacher MM Akash said that the government would have to come away from the project because it will destroy the Unesco World Heritage site gradually.

The press conference was also addressed by TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, rights activist Khushi Kabir and National Committee member Sharif Jamil. l

Cultural activists under the banner of Sorbopran Sangskritik Shakti bring out a procession on the Dhaka University campus yesterday, calling for a stop to the Rampal power plant project in the Sundarbans MEHEDI HASAN

BERC body for raising PGCL gas distribution charge n Aminur Rahman Rasel

increase from the current distribution charge of Tk0.2521 to Tk0.7614 per cubic metre.

PGCL also submitted a proposal to increase gas price by 94.92% on weighted average. It asked the energy regulator to increase domestic gas prices from the existing Tk600 and Tk650 for single and double burner to Tk1,100 and Tk1,200 respectively.

The technical evaluation committee (TEC) of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) yesterday recommended a 6.73% increase in the distribution charge for the gas supplied by Pashchimanchal Gas Company Limited (PGCL).

During the third day of public hearing on gas prices at BERC's Karwan Bazar headquarters yesterday, the TEC, headed by AKM Monowar Hossain Akand, recommended this increase.

However, the full body of the BERC, headed by its chairman AR Khan, will make the final decision on the proposal once all hearings are completed.

At yesterday's hearing, where PGCL took part, the TEC recommended a Tk58.332 crore revenue requirement for PGCL for 2016-17 fiscal.

During the same time, the total current operating revenue of PGCL is expected to be Tk56.282 crore, which means there will be a revenue deficit of Tk2.05 crore.

Under the circumstances, the TEC recommended to increase the distribution charge from Tk0.2526 to Tk0.2696 per cubic metre.

Earlier, PGCL had asked for an

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The TEC recommended increasing the distribution charge from Tk0.2526 to Tk0.2696 per cubic metre It also asked to increase price for the power sector from Tk2.82 to Tk4.60 per cubic metre; from Tk6.74 to Tk10.95 for industries; from Tk11.36 to Tk19.50 for commercial connections; from Tk27 to Tk49.50 for CNG; from Tk8.36 to Tk19.26 for captive power; and from Tk2.58 to Tk4.60 for fertiliser.

Consumer groups, business leaders, representative from different associations and political parties harshly criticised PGCL for its proposal of increasing gas prices.

Opposing the PGCL's tariff hike proposal, Consumers Association 27

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:35PM

of Bangladesh (CAB) Adviser Prof Shamsul Alam raised a set of questions regarding its justification. He alleged that there was no transparency in the earnings and expenditures of the PGCL. He also observed the PGCL and Petrobangla deliberately ignored and violated the directives of the BERC regarding their project implementation.

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Meanwhile, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesher Samajtrantik Dal (BSD) will jointly hold a mass sit-in at Karwan Bazar today, protesting the move to raise gas prices.

The sit-in programme will be held from 11am in front of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

In a joint statement yesterday, CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim and BSD General Secretary Khalequzzaman urged all to join the demonstration programme to make it a success. l Khulna

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Rajuk eviction drive continues in Gulshan n Abu Hayat Mahmud As part of its ongoing eviction drive against allegedly unauthorised businesses in residential areas, Rajuk carried out demolitions in the city's Gulshan area yesterday.

A mobile court of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha shut down three restaurants, demolished three ramps on footpaths and roads, and evicted an illegal business that had been set up in the car parking area of a residential building in Gulshan.

Rajuk Executive Magistrate Khondokar Aliour Rahman led the mobile court, which also disconnected power and gas supply of those businesses, read a press release.

In the wake of the terror attack at Gulshan's Holey Artisan Bakery, Dhaka’s development authority Rajuk started the eviction drive on July 25 and plans to continue it until August 31 in the city's Uttara, Gulshan and Dhanmondi residential areas.

The eviction drive will resume today in Dhanmondi, sources said.

Earlier on Sunday, apex trade body FBCCI urged the government to stop the ongoing eviction drive in the upscale residential areas.

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor and former FBCCI president Annisul Huq had previously also suggested that the eviction drive should not be rushed. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 4:55am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 6:50pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

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Chandpur flood control embankment at risk n Ibrahim Roni, Chandpur The people around the Meghna-Dhonagoda River dam at Matlab upazila in Chandpur have been passing their days amid fear of erosion by the Jamuna River, since cracks have developed at several points of the dyke.

According to local sources, the dam was built on 64 square kilometre land in 1987 where 4,00000 people live on 18,000 hectres land by cutivating crops.

Due to incessant rainfall and rise of water level in the river erosion has taken serious turn causing immense sufferings to the people living beside the dam.

At least 50 cracks have developed from Beltoli to Galimkha Bridge area.

In the wake of rising and receding water level, the people in the area have become panicked in apprehension of losing their belongings.

Rampant plying of water vessels like trawlers and cargos through the river on a regular basis adds to onrush of upstream water resulting in strong current.

Locals fear that the dam may collapse anytime causing damage crops on thousands acres of land.

They alleged that some local influentials are increasing the danger by lifting sand from the river.

They urged the government to

take action against the illegal business.

Matlab Upazila Chairman Manjur Ahmed said he had informed the matter to the executive engineer of Water Development Board (WDB).

He also said : “I have informed the incident to the Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya.”

Rafique Sarker , 60, of Mohonpur village said in the wake of rising and receding water level, the dam was facing the risk of destruction.

Meghna-Dhonagoda River Dam Irrigation Federation General Secetary Sarker Mohammad Alauddin said : “ I have visited the area recently. The people should not be

panicked as sand bags have been placed around the dam.”

The upazila chairman, WDB executive engineer and Nasiruddin, assistant comissioner visited the area. They also echoed the words of Alauddin.

Locals alleged that Mahmudul Hasan, a lease holder of the WDB and his associates lifted sand from the river putting the dam at risk.

The upazila chairman also blamed the WDB for the vulnerable siuation of the dyke.

When contactd, Executive Engineer of WDB Ataur Rahman said the dam was not at risky position.

‘We are trying to repair the dam immediately,’ he said. l

Teacher gets life-term for violating girl n Afzal Hossen, Tangail

A home tutor was sentenced to lifeterm imprisonment by a court yesterday in the district for violating a fourth-grade female student in 2010.

According to the prosecution, Tofail Hossen Hira, 29, of Purbopara village in Bhuapur upazila, also the tutor of the girl was teaching her at her house. On March 2, 2010, he took the girl to his house in the name of teaching. At one stage, he violated the girl sexually.

Later, the girl returned home in critical condition and described the incident to her mother.

At first she was admitted to Tangail Hospital from where she was sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. The mother of the victim filed a case with Bhuapur police satation in this regard. l

Strike in three districts of CHT n Ziaul Haque, Rangamati Several Bangalee organisations yesterday observed a dawn to dusk strike in Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts, protesting against the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission (Amendment) Act, 2016.

Parbatya Nagarik Parishad, Parbatya Bangalee Chhatra Parishad, Parbatya Chattagram Samaodhikar Andolon, Parbatya Gana Parishad and Parbatya Bangalee Chhatra Oikya Parishad called the strike.

They claimed that the approv-

al of the Act would take away the rights to land the Bangalee settlers have in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region.

The activists of the organisations were seen picketing on the main points of Rangamati town.

The draft was recently approved in a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Assistant Police Superintendent of Rangamati Chitto Ranjan Paul said additional security measures had been taken in the town as well as in the whole district to avert any untoward situation. l

CBA men of Janata Bank Ltd in Rajshahi form a human chain in the city protesting the militancy and terrrorism across the country AZAHAR UDDIN

Chittagong court defers Himu murder verdict again

Apparel workers take to the street for arrears

Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong

n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong

A Chittagong court yesterday pushed back the date for delivering verdict in the case of Himadri Majumdar Himu, who was allegedly killed by his friends in 2012 for protesting against drug trading.

Additional public prosecutor Anupam Chawkrabarty yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that court activities would remained suspended today as a “full court reference” will be held in memory of several lawyers.

“The new date will be announced today,” he added.

A Chittagong court had rescheduled the verdict date last month.

The court wrapped up argument in the case on July 16.

A German Doberman was let loose on Himu, 18, an A-level student of Summerfield School and College in Chittagong, before he was pushed off from a four-storey building in Panchlaish area on April 27, 2012.

He succumbed to his injuries at a Dhaka hospital on May 23.

A day later, his maternal uncle Asit Das filed a murder case with Panchlaish police station accusing five persons.

The accused are Junaid Ahmed

Riad and his father Shah Selim Tipu, Zahedul Islam Shaon, Shahadat Hossain Shaju and Mahbub Ali Khan Danny.

Tipu, Danny and Saju are in police custody while Riad is on the run, police sources said.

After securing bail, Shaon, too, went into hiding.

Police submitted charges before the court against the accused on September 30, 2012.

The court indicted them on February 3, 2014.

Himu's family and police said he was murdered for his intimate involvement with an anti-drug organisation “Shikor.” l

Hundreds of workers of an apparel factory took to the street and staged demonstrations yesterday morning demanding arrears.

Vehicular movement remained suspended for around 20 minutes, as apparel workers of Kron Sweater Ltd put up barricade on Arakan road.

Abu Md Shahjahan Kabir, officer-in-charge of Chandgaon police station, said about 200 out of 300 workers of the factory have been appointed on the basis of “no work, no basis.” But authorities of the factory were not providing

their dues for the last couple of months.

Workers of factory yesterday came to their workplace, but found the factory under lock and key. Finding the factory closed, the workers started staging demonstration.

On receiving information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Tofayel Ahmed Mia, deputy director of Chittagong Industrial Police, told the Dhaka Tribune that the factory authorities had agreed to pay off the arrears of workers.

“Owner of the factory will sit a meeting with workers to solve the problem.” l

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Rain compounds woes of Dhaka dwellers n Rokshana Yesmin Residents of the capital city Dhaka yesterday suffered a lot due to heavy downpour and severe traffic congestion throughout the day.

Many low-lying areas of Dhaka, including Malibagh, Mouchak, Arambagh, Motijheel, Santinagar, Rokeya Sarani, Badda, Merul, Manda, and Rampura, were inundated following incessant rain caused by depression formed in the Bay of Bengal.

Commuters, mostly school- and office-goers, faced sufferings while going to their destinations in the morning due to severe traffic jam triggered by heavy rain.

The country has been experiencing heavy downpour since Tuesday night due to depression formed in the Bay. Under the influence of the depression, a deep convection is taking place over North Bay and its adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Severe traffic congestion was seen in Shahbagh, Shantinagar, Mohammadpur, Malibagh, Mirpur, Gulshan, Banani areas, as roads of those areas were submerged by rainwater.

Motorised vehicles were seen moving slowly on the streets, creating traffic congestion in the areas. Apart from this, a good number of vehicles went out of order in Malibagh and Shantinagar when water entered the engines.

Shahida Quader, a resident of Banasree, told the Dhaka Tribune that while returning home from her office in Dhanmondi 15, she remained stuck on the road for hours because of traffic gridlock as many roads had gone under knee-deep water.

She said: “Today [yesterday] I came to my home around 8pm, but usually I come to my home from workplace by 6pm.”

Presence of students was also very thin at educational institutions.

Ashru Rozario, a teacher of Saint Francis Xaviers Girls’ High School, told the Dhaka Tribune that most students of the school were absent

With no other option left, people walk by a submerged Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka as yesterday’s day-long rainfall caused water stagnation in the area. Many parts of Dhaka was affected with the continuous rainfall as authorities concerned have failed to address the lingering drainage system issues DHAKA TRIBUNE on the day.

Many city dwellers alleged that drivers of rickshaws and CNG-run autorickshaws demanded excessive fares from them, taking advantage of the rough weather.

Nurul Islam Tito, an employee of a private company in Gulshan, said: “The fare of CNG-run autorickshaw from Pallabi to Gulshan 2 is Tk120 to Tk150, but today I had to pay Tk250.”

In Dhaka district, 31mm rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours before 6pm yesterday, according to Dhaka met office. l

Low-lying areas submerged in Ctg n Anwar Hussain, Chittagong The low-lying areas of the premier port city were submerged following incessant rain induced by seasonal depression formed in the Bay of Bengal.

85.8mm rainfall was recorded in the last 24-hour till 6pm yesterday, said Md Mushfiqur Rahman, assistant meteorologist of the Chittagong Patenga Met Office.

Many low-lying areas of the city including No 2 Gate, Agrabad, Prabartak circle, Chawkbazar, Muradpur, Shulakbahar, Bahadderhat, Pahartali, Kalamia Bazar, Kalurghat, Chandgaon and Bakalia went under ankle to kneedeep water.

The office-goers, students, commuters and apparel workers faced immense suffering due to the incessant downpour.

The water entered some low-lying residential houses and business firms leaving the people marooned.

Motorised vehicles stopped moving in areas under water while many of those were seen stuck in waters with their engines downed in knee deep waters.

Low-lying areas of coastal districts are also likely to be inundated by tidal surge of 3-4 feet height above normal astronomical tide. l

Disruption of ferry services mounts people’s misery Shimulia-Kawrakandi suspended; Paturia-Daulatdia ferry services yet to be normal

n Motiur Rahman, Manikganj People yesterday suffered immensely due to suspension of ferry as launch services on the major routes of the country – Shimulia-Kawrakandi and Paturia-Daulatdia.

Ferry services on the route have remained suspended since Sunday after landing stations of four ferry terminals were devoured by the Padma River.

The movement of Ro-Ro ferries

remained halted while small vehicles were being ferried using utility ferries after the authorities concerned managed to repair No 3 ghat of the landing stations.

However, no heavy vehicles, including buses and goods-laden trucks, could be ferried.

On Tuesday night, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority suspended launch services on the route due to tidal surge in the Padma River caused by inclement weather.

After failing to get ferry or launch to cross the river, many people yesterday were seen choosing alternatives such as trawlers and speed boats spending extra money.

BIWTA Assistant Director (traffic) Faridul Islam said three ferries were carrying light vehicles only from no 1 landing station, leaving more than 500 buses and trucks stuck on both sides of the route.

He also added that launch ser-

vices of the route would remain suspended till the weather became normal.

Traffic Inspector of the BIWTA told the Dhaka Tribune that signal 2 has been hoisted for the Paturia-Daulatdia route.

Shahjahan Sheikh, a truck driver, said: “I have got stuck here [Patuaria] since Sunday.”

He said about 300 hundreds good-laden trucks got stuck on the side of the route.

“I have all the money which I

brought with me. Now, I need more for my meals, moreover, I cannot leave the place for the truck,” he said.

Similarly, hundreds of buses and trucks stranded at Daulatdia ghat.

Deputy General Manager of the BIWTA, Aricha Sheikh Mohammad Nasim advised transport owners to avoid the route.

Besides, ferry service on Shimulia-Kawrakandi route was partially disrupted due to the inclement weather in the morning. l

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

300 IS fighters killed in Afghan operation Afghan forces, backed by the US, have killed an estimated 300 IS fighters in an operation mounted two weeks ago, the top US and Nato commander in Afghanistan said on Wednesday, calling it a severe blow to the group. General John Nicholson said the offensive in the eastern province of Nangarhar was part of US operations to degrade the capabilities of IS. -REUTERS

INDIA

Robbers cut hole in Indian train roof in $750,000 heist

A gang of robbers cut a hole in the roof of a train travelling through southern India and stole more than $750,000 in cash. The daring heist occurred somewhere along the more than 300km long journey, but the missing loot was only discovered hours after the express train arrived in the city of Chennai.

-AFP

CHINA

China city suspends SinoFrench nuclear project A Chinese city said Wednesday it would halt preparations for a possible Sino-French nuclear project after thousands of locals protested against it over the weekend. After days of protests by angry residents, the government of Lianyungang said on a verified microblog that it would temporarily suspend selection of a location for a nuclear fuel processing plant.

-AFP

ASIA PACIFIC

Vietnam sends rocket launchers to S China Sea Vietnam has discreetly fortified several of its islands in the disputed South China Sea with new mobile rocket launchers capable of striking China’s runways and military installations. Diplomats and military officers told Reuters that intelligence shows Hanoi has shipped the launchers from the Vietnamese mainland into position on 5 bases in the Spratly islands in recent months.

-REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

12 premature babies killed in Baghdad hospital fire 12 prematurely born babies were killed in a fire that broke out in the early hours of Wednesday on a maternity ward in a Baghdad hospital and was probably caused by an electrical fault, Iraqi authorities said.

Firefighters and hospital staff took about 3 hours to put out the blaze that engulfed the ward.

-REUTERS

ANALYSIS

Western nations wary of reset between Russia, Turkey n Tribune International Desk There are plenty of people who welcome the rapprochement between Russia and Turkey: Russian tourists looking for an affordable vacation along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, executives with big Turkish energy companies, and Russian farmers who want a slice of Turkey’s fruit and vegetable market.

Then there are those in Washington, Ottawa and European capitals who warily watched the handshakes yesterday between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The “reset” of relations between the two countries is a cause for concern for Western nations, as Turkey, a member of Nato, moves toward a closer alignment with Moscow.

The axis of friendship between Moscow and Ankara will be restored,” said President Erdogan on Tuesday at a joint news conference with his counterpart from Russia.

Relations hit rock bottom last November when Turkey’s air force shot down a Russian warplane that strayed briefly into Turkish air space while on a mission over Syria.

Russia imposed economic sanctions that hurt Turkey’s tourism and agricultural sectors. Russians normally fill the resorts on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, but Moscow grounded charter flights last fall, leading to a 90 per cent decline in Russian visits.

Under economic pressure, the normally stubborn Erdogan issued a surprise apology to Moscow in June, about two weeks before a faction of Turkey’s military tried to overthrow Erdogan’s government.

Erdogan thanks Putin

Erdogan’s trip to St Petersburg marks the first time the president has left Turkey since the July 15 failed coup attempt.

The Turkish president thanked his “dear friend” Putin. “Your call straight after the coup was very pleasing for me and our leadership and our people,” Erdogan said.

Turkish leaders have felt stung by the harsh response by Western nations in the aftermath of the botched putsch. Tens of thousands of soldiers, police officers, civil servants and academics have been arrested or suspended from their jobs, accused of links to the coup plot.

“We are … troubled by reports of tens of thousands of dismissals and detentions, including of

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a news conference following their meeting in St Petersburg, Russia on August 9 REUTERS members of the judiciary, public servants, teachers, academics, members of civil society and the media,” said Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion in a statement last month.

Russia is not feeling much love from the West these days either.

Sanctions have been imposed after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and for Moscow’s continued involvement in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Putin, who has never hidden his opposition to Nato, most likely feels vindicated that his decision to intervene military in Syria was a gamble that paid off. US President Barack Obama warned last fall that the Russian leader faced a “quagmire” in Syria. Instead, Moscow helped reverse the course of the Syrian war in the favour of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia’s stance on recent coup attempt in Turkey

Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on anti-constitutional actions referring to recent coup attempt in Turkey.

Russia categorically stands against any attempts of unconstitutional actions such as an attempted coup d’etat in Turkey, Putin said.

Putin noted he had been among the first to call the Turkish president and express his support for overcoming the internal political

crisis provoked by the attempted coup d’etat.

Restoring trade and economic cooperation

Vladimir Putin has offered Erdogan to discuss opportunities for restoring trade and economic cooperation.

We will have an opportunity today to talk both in the narrow and broad format on the whole range of our relations, including on restoring trade and economic ties, cooperation in the sphere of fighting against terrorism,” Putin said adding that he is “very glad about this opportunity.”.

The talks are attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Deputy Secretary General of the Turkish presidency in charge of foreign policy Ibrahim Kalin.

Pragmatic business

Foreign affairs analysts say Western hostility to both countries helped drive Putin and Erdogan to patch up their relationship.

“Foreign affairs is a pretty pragmatic business, and so in a sense we in the West should not be surprised by this,” Tony Brenton, a former British ambassador to Moscow, told the BBC. “It does raise questions about

if we are tough with these countries, tough with China, and we do therefore push them into the same corner, is that actually advantageous for us in security terms?”

While international relations experts say the West is nervously watching the warming of relations between Turkey and Russia, there has been little public criticism in Washington, Brussels or Ottawa.

“It’s not a zero sum gain. You know these are sovereign nations,” said State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau. “They have relationships around the world. Turkey and Russia have common goals.”

Turkey is an important American ally in the Middle East. But its relationship with Ankara has taken a beating recently, with many Turks — on the streets and in the seat of power — blaming the United States for last month’s failed coup.

Behind closed doors, unease is likely on the rise among American officials watching the handshakes between Putin and Erdogan, as the two presidents grow closer as relations with the West have soured.

“The fact that they can get together is a demonstration, both to each other but also deliberately to the West, that both of them have alternative sources of support,” said Brenton. l

Sources: CBC, TASS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

INSIGHT

USA

Europe’s migrant crisis still simmers n Reuters, Athens/Zagreb A year after hundreds of thousands of refugees snaked their way across southeastern Europe and onto global television screens, the roads through the Balkans are now clear, depriving an arguably worsening tragedy of poignant visibility.

Europe’s migrant crisis is at the very least numerically worse than it was last year. More people are arriving and more are dying. But the twist is that, compared with last year, a lot of it is out of sight.

Take the border between Greece and Macedonia. Summer crops have replaced the city of tents at the border outpost of Idomeni, even if some locals are convinced there is an unseen population hiding in the surrounding forests, waiting for smugglers to assist them on their onward journey.

The tiny Greek village was a focal point of the migrant flow north towards Germany and other wealthy countries, with thousands of refugees squatting for months waiting for sealed borders with Macedonia to open Elsewhere in the Balkans, a Reuters photographer, revisiting the people-packed locations where he and his colleagues captured last year’s diaspora, found empty roads, unencumbered railway

tracks and bucolic countryside.

More than one million people fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan made their way to Europe last year, with the majority of them crossing the precarious sea corridor separating Greece and Turkey, the temporary home for more than 2 million refugees displaced from Syria They came carrying their worldly belongings in plastic bags and hauling babies on weary shoulders, a visual exodus of the kind not seen in Europe since the end of World War Two.

Visibility down, arrivals up

According to data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), arrivals are up 17% on last year, stoked mainly by a spike at the start of the year through Greece.

Deaths among those trying to get to Europe, mainly due to drowning, are up more than 15%.

Some of the mantle of accepting huge migrant flows that was carried by Greece last year and the beginning of this one has been taken up by Italy.

This follows a resurgence of migrant flows from northern Africa. More than 140,000 asylum seekers are now housed in Italian shelters, a seven-fold increase on 2013, with the migrant crisis in its

Voting rights are in flux in the final months of Barack Obama’s two terms as the first black president. Citing a need to combat fraud, Republican-controlled legislatures are tightening voter laws by limiting early voting and same-day registration, by requiring IDs at polling places, and more. In 2013, declaring “our country has changed,” the Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which required mostly Southern states with a history of discrimination to get advance federal approval to change election laws.

The court decision made it easier for states to impose new restrictions, reports The Associated Press.

This year, 17 states were set to have restrictions involving voter ID or other requirements for the first time in a presidential election. Among them: the battlegrounds of North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona and Georgia.

The Obama Justice Department

Where they stand: Without offering specifics, Republican Donald Trump has emphasised the dangers of voter fraud, calling America’s electoral system “out of control” with people who are “voting many, many times.” He has said — without evidence — that dead voters helped elect Obama.

Trump opposes same-day voter registration, saying it could allow people to “sneak in through the cracks.”

Democrat Hillary Clinton is urging Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act. She seeks a national standard of at least 20 days of early in-person voting and urges automatic voter reg-

US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan handily won a primary election for his congressional seat on Tuesday, a contest overshadowed by presidential candidate Donald Trump’s brief refusal last week to endorse his fellow Republican. Ryan, who ran unsuccessfully for vice president in 2012, had roughly 84% of the vote compared with challenger Paul Nehlen’s 16%.

-REUTERS

THE AMERICAS

Migrants standing in a makeshift restaurant in the so-called ‘Jungle’ migrant camp in the French northern port city of Calais on March 3 AFP third year.

In Greece, where arrivals plunged in the wake of an accord between Turkey and the EU to stem the flow in March, an estimated 57,000 migrants were still stuck in the country by August 8.

Campaigners say the accord has lulled policy-makers into a false sense of accomplishment by allowing them to believe that Europe’s migration problem has been solved.

“By outsourcing the responsibility to Turkey and to Greece, European governments are basically saying ‘we have solved the crisis because we don’t see it, and

we can’t smell it and we can’t hear it,” said Gauri van Gulik, deputy Europe director at Amnesty International.

IOM data says that 258,186 people arrived in Europe by the end of July, compared with 219,854 over the same period in 2015. There were 3,176 fatalities by August 7, outpacing the 2,754 who died in the first eight months of last year, a slightly longer period.

“Its absolutely incredible because if you think about the panic this caused last year and the incentive there was to really get some policy changes in place, nothing has happened,” Van Gulik said. l

Why it matters: Voting rights has challenged voter ID and other laws, saying they could restrict access for minorities and young people. In recent weeks, lower courts temporarily staved off some of the toughest requirements in North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin after judges found no evidence of rampant voter fraud.

With the November election looming, litigation remains knotted up with Supreme Court appeals likely. Bills in the GOP-led Congress to restore the voting act are stalled.

House Speaker Ryan easily wins primary

Maduro gloats over his opposition’s faltering recall bid

US ELECTION

n Tribune International Desk

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istration for eligible 18-year-olds. Clinton backs voting rights for ex-felons.

Her campaign has joined lawsuits to stop policies that may burden minorities, including in Arizona, where voters had to wait hours in March after cuts in polling locations.

Why it matters: Who gets to vote, and how easily, matters because it can determine who wins elections.

The issue is particularly salient for black Americans, who for much of US history were disenfranchised and then effectively barred from voting until passage of the 1965 law. It’s also become more partisan with the rapid growth of minorities such as Latino and Asian immigrants, who tilt Democratic.

In 2008, Obama was elected with the help of a record black turnout rate that rose even higher in 2012, surpassing the white turnout rate.

That was noted by Chief Justice John Roberts, who led the 5-4 ruling that the Voting Rights Act was outdated. In dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg argued the law is needed to stop new forms of discrimination — redraw-

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro late Tuesday taunted his political opponents after they hit an apparent roadblock in efforts to oust him from office. Maduro vowed Tuesday that his political enemies-whom he has accused of fomenting public disorder and widespread unrest-would fail. On the other hand, opposition leaders must hold a recall referendum by January 10 if they are to succeed. -AFP

UK

Scotland’s Sturgeon makes surprise visit to Germany Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met the deputy foreign minister of Germany on Tuesday, seeking to strengthen her ties with Europe’s economic powerhouse in the wake of Britain’s vote to leave the EU. Sturgeon has said that Scotland, where 62% of voters backed staying in the EU, must not be dragged out against its will and that she would start preparing for independence.

-REUTERS

EUROPE

ing districts to reduce Hispanic voting, for instance, or restricting early voting near a historically black university.

It’s unclear how much voting restrictions may suppress turnout. The Government Accountability Office in 2014 found voter ID laws could reduce voting by 2 to 3%, particularly among young people, blacks and newly registered voters. That can tip a race in close contests. Still, voter enthusiasm for a candidate and mobilisation can offset that.

GOP legislatures cite voter fraud, including those who impersonate dead people on voter registration lists.

Studies found the number of actual cases was minuscule.

States and the lower courts largely shape who can vote. But the next president will set the tone on federal oversight — through legislation in Congress, the prosecutorial stance of the Justice Department and nominations to the Supreme Court, which is certain to revisit Voting Rights Act powers.

If minorities continue to back mostly Democrats, the issue could decide which party gets the upper hand in elections. l

Turkey accuses EU of encouraging coup plotters Turkey accused the EU on Wednesday of encouraging the plotters on the night of the July 15 coup in an escalating row that has raised questions over Ankara’s future relationship with the bloc. A day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a highly-symbolic visit to Russia, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Turkish people’s confidence in the EU had unfortunately fallen in the wake of the coup.

-AFP

AFRICA

South Sudan rejects UN proposal South Sudan on Wednesday rejected a US proposal for the UN Security Council to send 4,000 additional troops to the East African country to restore calm. The Security Council could vote Friday on the proposal, which comes after a former US special envoy suggested last month that the UN and African Union temporarily administer the country after fighting broke out once again.

-AP

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INSIGHT

Holy cows and Hindu crusaders cloud PM Modi’s reform drive n Reuters, Agra Two miles down the road from the white marble walls of the fabled Taj Mahal, a heavyset man crouches in the dirt of a cow shed and explains how the future of India belongs to him.

Digvijay Nath Tiwari is commander of a vigilante group that claims 5,000 members in the northern city of Agra, and which cultivates informants, swarms shop owners, ambushes trucks at night and metes out extra-judicial violence, all for one cause: protecting the holy cow, an animal held sacred

by Hindu beliefs.

Across the country, hardline Hindu groups have made headlines after being captured on video insulting and beating men they accuse of involvement in cow slaughter.

“Retaliation is important at times,” said Tiwari, as he sat with 17 men squeezed around a straw mat on the shed floor. His cell phone contained photographs of stick-wielding men rushing to the aid of fallen cattle.

Local police say they cannot stop Tiwari’s actions, laying the blame partly on lax laws.

The “gau rakshaks”, or cow protectors, are inflaming tensions among India’s religions and castes.

They risk undermining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to focus on economic advancement, even as the right-wing Hindu nationalist forces that got him elected promote their own agenda.

The implications reach far beyond the winding alleyways of Agra. Social and religious stability are key to future assumptions of prosperity in India, currently the world’s fastest expanding major economy.

“India will remain one of the strongest growth stories in the region,” a Goldman Sachs strategist said in April, echoing the sentiment of many foreign investors.

Yet such outlooks built on macro-analysis risk missing a ground truth: if the right-wing groups empowered by Modi’s rise do not stop antagonising minorities, then the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) plans for nurturing that growth will not easily come to pass.

Changing focus

Cow slaughter is illegal in most of India, an overwhelmingly Hindu nation. However, it had long been tolerated under the Congress party, which ruled the country for most of its independent history and prides itself on protecting Muslims and lower castes who ply the meat and leather trade.

Dalits feel under siege

UNDERSTANDING ECOWNOMICS How is a cow skin transformed into a leather product? HT looks at the stages involved form skinning dead cattle to finished leather. And the benefits that are shared by every community in this intricate journey...

People from the Chamar caste (a derogatory term used for the commu-

Gujarat after nity involved) skin dead cattle and are called to pick up the carcasses. a cow dies Such people have about 15 to 20 villages in their purview. For this, they actually have to bribe the panchayat head of each and every village.

Sometimes a few families get together to put up the bribe amount and take turns on a weekly or monthly basis to skin cow.

The pay-off depends on the size of the village, higher for villages with large Panjrapole (Shelters for sick, old and abandoned cattle).

The amount a panchayat head (often an upper caste if the seat is unreserved) charges to allow a person exclusive rights over dead cattle is between Rs5,000

Curing the skin

The deal

The local merchants pay a little less than the merchants who have direct links to leather tanneries and factories.

After skinning the cow, the skin is cured for a few weeks using salt and lime.

The cured hides are then sold to local resellers and taken to hide markets or directly to merchants from Kanpur or Kolkata.

Each cured hide sells for between

Hides of cows killed by lions are the cheapest because the hide is in tatters.

The fur on the hide should be intact. Those with scars and missing tufts are sold cheaper for around Rs400 or less.

Selling the hide

Rs400 or Rs700

The hides are normally transported to the two hide markets in Uttar Pradesh-Hapur and Kanpur.

The hides are transported to Kanpur by truck, something that is not limited to any one particular community.

Kanpur procurement of cow skin Horse and buffalo carts, largely owned by Muslims, are used to carry the hides from Penchbagh in Kanpur (where the warehouses are to the tanneries in Jajmau.

Transportation

Dalits and Muslims are usually involved in moving the hides from trucks to warehouse. They water the hides further and apply more salt.

The violence of cow vigilante groups this year, some of it caught in disturbing videos on the Internet, has unsettled minority groups.

One clip from the western state of Gujarat shows four men, shirtless, tied to a bumper being whipped with rods. The victims were Dalits, or Indians at the bottom of the caste hierarchy who traditionally take away cow carcasses which can then be used for leather.

In another, from the northern state of Haryana, two people are made to sit on the road and eat a concoction including cow dung.

They were reportedly Muslims, and the footage was taken during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

While the BJP does not bank on the support of many Muslims, it does want to secure the votes of the Dalits, a caste formerly known as untouchables.

Together, the two groups account for about 30% of India’s population, a major consideration with important state elections due next year and a national ballot set for 2019.

Chandra Bhan Prasad, a prominent Dalit writer and adviser to the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, compared the violence to that of Ku Klux Klan racism in the United States.

“It’s like India’s version of KKK – the past was great so long as these blacks were under our thumb, society was beautiful. So, how to control these Dalits?”

Cow not just an animal

Tanning process

Extracted hairs and fat are sold to brush makers and glue factories, respectively.

The leather industry has about 40,000 Dalit workers. Their primary work is to soak the hides in large pits filled with limewater.

Hides are then sent for peeling-done manually - so that the fat and other wastes can be removed. This work is also done by Dalits.

Finishing

A cattle hide passes through several stages before it is cleared as processed leather. It is then sold to buyers to be turned into leather products. Hindus, Muslims and Dalits are all part of these stages.

Source: Hindustan Times

Now the Hindu nationalist BJP is in power, and that is changing as vigilante groups gain prominence.

And Modi, while saying he’s concerned, has been either unwilling or unable to halt their more extreme actions.

The prime minister was trained and nurtured by hardline Hindu organisations that were instrumental in his rise from the son of a train station tea seller to leader of the world’s biggest democracy.

Once at the helm, however, he

Infograph: Mohammad Razon/ Dhaka Tribune

has focussed on more pragmatic and inclusive economic issues: spurring growth and creating enough jobs for a rapidly expanding workforce.

These initiatives could be derailed by a narrower, Hindu nationalist agenda aimed at protecting symbols made sacrosanct by religious texts and countering a perceived threat of foreign influences.

In a speech on Saturday night in New Delhi, Modi lashed out at the cow protectors.

“I feel so angry at times. Some people who are engaged in anti-social activities for the whole night wear the mask of ‘gau rakshaks’ in the day,” he said.

A senior aide to Modi, who is approaching the halfway mark of his five-year tenure, said at the end of July that while the leader is aware of the social and economic implications, “we cannot do much to stop cow protection forces ... cow protection is integral to our core support base.”

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the nation’s umbrella rightwing Hindu organisation which helped create the BJP, does not appear willing to tackle cow protection forces, blaming outlaws for causing the trouble.

“The cow is not just an animal.

We have an emotional and religious attachment to it and we want to make it the centre of our economic activity,” said a senior RSS leader in New Delhi, who asked not to be named so he could speak more frankly.

Champat Rai, a leader of the Hindu activist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), or World Hindu Council, a group formed by RSS leadership which oversees cow groups, was more direct.

“I am a cow patriot and want to free cows from the slavery of Muslim butchers,” he said. “It’s better we shed our blood to save the blood of cows.” l

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World

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

FACTBOX

Brexit and Europe: The question of contagion Ü Ü

Ü

Montagne, Philippe n Fabrice Gudin de Vallerin The likely withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union following its referendum has far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications for both its domestic market and the European Union.

Below is a summary of the impacts that Barclays Research analysts anticipate in the UK and Europe, the debates that may be triggered in other EU states, and a timeline of key events.

IMPACT ON THE UK Very short term Ü Sterling index depreciates by more than 10% since the referendum, to reach a multi-decade low against the US dollar. Ü Safe-haven assets including gold and gilts rally as investors turn risk off. Ü Bank of England increases liquidity-providing operations; expected to announce a 25-50bps rate cut and an extension of QE in August.

Short to medium term Ü Inflation set to rise faster as sterling depreciates – headline CPI to average 2.0% in 2017.

Ü Investment to contract sharply as business face unusual levels of uncertainty. Ü Unemployment rate expected to move back to 6% by end of 2017. Ü UK fiscal targets likely to be relaxed significantly – announcement likely to be made in the government’s Autumn Statement in October.

Longer term Ü Annual GDP growth to drop from 2.3% in 2015 to 1.1% in 2016, and to contract by 0.4% in 2017. Ü UK economy to pursue its adjustment as UK and EU discussions relating to future relationship progress.

IMPACT ON EUROPE Very short term Ü High uncertainty regarding the future of Europe and the political situation in some member states causes a decline in business confidence. Ü Bond yields in core countries remain low, reflecting their safe haven status and the ECB’s ongoing quantitative easing (QE) programme.

Short to medium term Ü Euro weakens against the US dollar

Ü

Ü

as the economy slows and the uncertainty about the future of the currency union rises.

Populist parties campaign for debate on EU membership.

ECB extends its QE programme beyond March 2017 – announcement likely in September 2016.

Projected GDP growth in the euro area likely to slow from 1.7% to 1.4% in 2016 and 0.6% in 2017 Bond yield spreads likely to widen in peripheral countries such as Italy and Portugal Lower business confidence leads to a downturn in business investment, a slowdown in job creation and consumer demand by end-2016, especially in peripheral countries

Longer term Ü Output losses across all euro area countries – both core and peripheral Ü Investment in southern euro area countries likely to decline – with gross fixed capital formation likely to fall 0.6% in 2017 Ü Impact on Europe will depend on reaction by Europe’s leaders:

¤ Scenario I

Swift action to reform a functioning EU and strengthen the single currency union could result in a reduced impact and faster resumption of growth.

¤ Scenario II

Should European leaders focus on their disagreements and struggle to make progress – and if the political situation deteriorates in some countries (e.g. Italy in the wake of its constitu-

tional referendum in Oct) – the downturn could turn into a renewed euro area crisis and a deeper recession.

A NEW DEBATE IN EUROPE Ü The UK vote to leave the EU has highlighted that voters are more willing to reject the status quo in the EU, and on economic policies implemented in member states (notably austerity, structural reforms, immigration policies) than markets have so far anticipated. Ü We anticipate the ‘Leave’ vote has triggered a greater likelihood of debate on the EU in other member states, including debate on the reforms necessary to improve the functioning of the union and membership of the single currency. Trends likely to arise in the coming months are:

Pressure for EU referendums Ü The greatest pressure for debate on membership of the EU is likely to arise in those countries with a strong populist Far Right political presence (France, the Netherlands); and those outside the single currency that viewed the UK as a strong ally (Finland and Denmark). Ü However, this populist drive may be offset by a swing to support for the EU, if currency, market and economic turmoil in a post-Brexit UK is seen to worsen.

Increased debate on euro membership Ü While many EU states may stop short of questioning their support for the union, increased debate over mem-

bership of the single currency may well arise in peripheral countries struggling economically. Ü Italy faces political and economic crisis if Prime Minister Renzi’s referendum on constitutional reform in September fails to achieve support and this could easily transform into support for a referendum on euro membership as 5 Star Movement leaders suggest. Ü In Portugal, which is under pressure to enact further public-sector austerity reforms following its EUR78 billion bail-out by the EU and International Monetary Fund five years ago, debt sustainability and euro membership could be questioned by investors.

Election debate on immigration and terms of EU membership Ü General and presidential elections take place in 2017 in the Netherlands, France, Germany and possibly Italy. Ü To counter support for the far left and right, centrist party platforms are likely to focus much more on the issue of immigration and security. l

[Fabrice Montagne is Chief UK Economist at Barclays. Previously, he was a Senior European economist responsible for French, Greek and euro area macroeconomics. On the other hand, Philippe Gudin de Vallerin is a Managing Director and Chief Economist for Europe, Middle East and North Africa at Barclays. He is based in Paris and London and runs the Economic Research team for EMEA].

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12 Business

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Alliance: Four more RMG units complete CAPs n Tribune Business Desk

The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety – a platform of north American buyers – has declared that another four readymade garment factories, which supply products for its signatory brands, have completed Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).

However, the retailers platform also suspended operations with eight additional factories for failure to show evidence of remediation progress.

According to the latest information of Alliance, to date the Alliance has cut ties with a total of 91 non-compliant factories.

While 32 RMG factories have completed critical repairs outlined in their CAPs, 57% of all safety issues in Alliance factories have been corrected.

As part of its on-going mission to improve safety in its affiliated garment factories in Bangladesh, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety announces that within the last month, four additional factories have completed all material components outlined in their Corrective Action Plans, said a statement of the organisation.

“We commend Park (Bangladesh) Company, Olio Apparels, Fountain Garments Manufacturing and Unitex International for their commitment to making their factories models of worker safety,” said Alliance Country Director Jim Moriarty.

“Conversely, our suspension of eight new factories demonstrates that those unwilling or unable to address critical safety issues will no longer be welcome as partners in our supply chain,” said Moriarty, also former US ambassador to Bangladesh. l

Capital market snapshot: Wednesday DSE Broad Index

4,569.3

0.0% ▲

Index

1,123.0

0.4% ▲

30 Index

1,783.9

0.0% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

4,818.6

6.1% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

124.7

22.1% ▲

All Share Index 14,059.3

-0.0% ▼

30 Index

12,902.3

-0.2% ▼

8,558.6

-0.0% ▼

CSE

Selected Index Turnover in Mn Tk Turnover in Mn Vol

228.2 -12.6% ▼ 6.6

-1.0% ▼

Tribal people lag behind in skills n Ibrahim Hossain Ovi Only 2.63% of the country’s indigenous and tribal people (ITP) are skilled workers, according to a survey.

It said informal employment among the ITPs stands at 89.84% compared to national rural average of 87.5% while skills level of the employed indigenous population is extremely poor.

The survey titled “Skill and Employment Baseline Assessment of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Bangladesh” was carried out by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) with the support of the International Labour Organization.

The finding of the survey, which was conducted over 10,000 indigenous people, of which 2,000 were drawn from the hills and the rest from the plains.

It said only 2.63% of the indigenous population can be considered skilled workers while over 80% have either no or very limited levels of skills training.

However, unemployment is higher among tertiary graduates (2.04%) compared to those with no education (0.11%) indicating an inverse relationship between unemployment with education, the report finds.

ITP working age population accounts for 71.15% of total population compared to the national rural figure of 61% with almost equal distribution in hilly and plain areas as well as by gender, it added.

Indigenous people in CHT harvest paddy as part of jhum cultivation. Informal employment among the indigenous and tribal people stands at 89.84% compared to national rural average of 87.5%, says BIDS survey report DHAKA TRIBUNE Very broad range of cognitive and practical skills is very negligible. This pattern is more pronounced for the ITP female workforce, the survey states.

“It is an important survey that provides a wealth of detailed, accurate and up-to-date data on the lives and employment of indigenous and tribal people,” said Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Secretary Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura at the survey report launching in Dhaka yesterday.

“It (the survey) will provide a foundation for the government’s future development actions in these areas,” Tripura said.

Gagan Rajbhandari, deputy director of ILO Bangladesh said: “The skills and employability of

indigenous men and women in Bangladesh urgently needs to be enhanced.”

“Providing skills that link to decent work is an important step which will help lift many out of poverty.”

Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh Siroco Messerli said: “Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s (SDC) interest in ITPs is from a poverty perspective.”

SDC’s interest was to understand how the ITPs fared, compared to the national average, in terms of socio-economic indicators such as education, consumption, water, etc as well to explore whether skills development is an appropriate tool for intervention

with this group, said Messerli.

The survey recommended undertaking active labour market policies and programs for ITPs to enhance skill and to engage them in productive jobs.

It also suggested that such programs should include job creation, supporting the unemployed and the underemployed through micro-enterprise development, linking training with the labour market, and helping match jobs with job seekers.

The overall objective of the proposed study is to assess the socio-economic conditions, skills and employment situations of indigenous and tribal peoples in Bangladesh and develop recommendations for related interventions and programmes. l

BTRC reschedules MNP auction procedures n Ishtiaq Husain Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) yesterday announced a new schedule for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) auction procedures, keeping the auction date unchanged on September 21.

According to the new schedule, submission date for the bid application has now been fixed on August 22, the name of the qualified bidders to be disclosed on September 5, date for submission of bid earnest money is now on September 6, letter of acceptance or rejection is on September 8 while consultation of auction procedure will be held on September 19.

MNP allows the subscribers to switch their services among operators without changing their phone numbers.

An official of BTRC told the Dhaka Tribune that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) auction procedures have been rescheduled just to attract more applicants in participating the auction.

“Though the regulator announced a new schedule, it will not hinder to accomplish all the procedures in time,” said the official.

Earlier on June 14, BTRC had set June 16 for the invitation of application while last date of submission of any query was on June 30.

Base price of the auction will be fixed at Tk1 crore while bank guarantee would be Tk1 crore.

The annual license renewal fee will be Tk20 lakh while the company will have to share 5.5% revenue with the BTRC. The commission has fixed Tk1 lakh as the application fee and bid earnest money would be Tk10 lakh.

After the bidding process, a license will be given to an independent company for 15 years to run the MNP system.

The company will have to roll out the MNP service within six months after given the license.

Once the MNP is introduced, customers can switch from one

mobile phone operator to another, while keeping their number unchanged within the country’s territory and they can avail the facility again after 40 days with a subscription fee of Tk30.

Registered Bangladeshi firms but no mobile phone operators are eligible for the bidding. l

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Govt to import 60K tonnes MOP n Tribune Business Desk The government will import 60,000 tonnes of Muriate of Potash (MOP) from Canada and Russia at Tk108 crore to meet Bangladesh’s demand of the potash fertiliser this year.

The Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase yesterday approved a proposal placed by the Ministry of Industries to import the fertiliser under the government-to-government contracts, said Mostafizur Rahman, additional secretary of the Cabinet Division.

MOP is the most common potassium source used in agriculture worldwide.

“The Russian authorities will supply 30,000 tonnes of MOP for Tk54.59 crore under a G-2-G deal signed between Russia and Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC),” Mostafizur Rahman told reporters after the meeting.

He said the cost to import MOP from Canada will be Tk54.60 crore.

According to the Ministery of Agriculture, Bangladesh has an annual demand of around 5m tonnes of fertiliser, and of the amount, 2.7m tonnes are urea and the rest are non-urea fertilisers.

Industries Ministry sources said 68% of the country’s fertiliser had been imported in the FY2014-15.

As of November 3, 2015, the demand of urea fertiliser in last fiscal year was 2.8m tonnes while

MTB Unit Fund declares 10% dividend n Tribune Business Desk

The Trustee Committee of MTB Unit Fund has declared 10% cash dividend for its unit holders for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016, said the fund manager in a statement.

The declaration came at the trustee committee meeting held yesterday. Alliance Capital Asset Management Ltd (ACAML) is the Asset Manager of the MTB Unit Fund.

Bangladesh General Insurance Company is the Trustee while Mutual Trust Bank is the sponsor and BRAC Bank is the custodian of the Fund.

The unit holders, whose names appeared in the registers of MTB Unit Fund on June 30, 2016 will be entitled to receive the aforesaid dividend.

Kh. Asadul Islam, managing director and CEO of ACAML, said: “Our mission is to provide investors with good returns on their investments while maintaining our high standard of ethics and professionalism.

“We are grateful for the support and confidence placed in us by investors.” l

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13

Business

Shimanto Bank listed as scheduled bank n Tribune Business Desk

The import of urea fertiliser reached a record-high of 1.8m tonnes in the fiscal year 2014-15 Bangladesh had produced 213,000 tonnes.

The demand was 2.7m tonnes in 2014-15 fiscal year while domestic production was 878,000 tonnes, the minister added.

The import of urea fertiliser, one of the key agricultural inputs, reached a record-high of 1.8m tonnes in the past fiscal year 2014-15, on the back of local production debacle.

By the year-end, the actual consumption was 2.64 million tonnes.

To fulfil the demand, the local

factories could produce 900,000 tonnes of urea.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) jointly imported 1.8m tonnes.

BADC entered into urea procurement for the first time in the fiscal, importing 100,000 tonnes.

Urea was mostly imported from Qatar under government-to-government arrangement and through international tendering.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL) in Chittagong, Ashuganj Fertiliser in Brahmanbaria, Palash and Urea Fertiliser Factory in Narsingdi, and Fenchuganj Fertiliser in Sylhet remained closed due to unavailability of gas. Only Jamuna urea factory in Jamalpur was in full operation, according to reports.

The government has to hand over a significant amount of subsidy on this farming input, as its import cost is much higher than that of local production. l

Limited tender system okayed n Asif Showkat Kallol

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal to introduce limited tender processing system for Chinese firms to implement development projects in Bangladesh with Chinese credit.

At a meeting yesterday, the committee gave go-ahead to the proposal placed by the Economic

Relations Division.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith presided over the meeting.

Cabinet Division’s Additional Secretary M Mostafizur Rahman breifed the media after the meeting.

He said as per the ERD proposal the limited tender system would be applicable to the Chinese-funded projects taken after August 12, 2015 and for the projects taken before

the date direct procurement system would be applied.

Ministries and divisions would follow directives given by the cabinet division in relation to the China-funded projects.

In the proposal, the ERD said China has abstained from investing in new Bangladeshi projects as limited tender processing system for the Chinese firms has not been finalised yet. l

Stocks end flat in volatile trade n Tribune Business Desk Stocks closed marginally up yesterday as weak oil offset the gains in financial and cements, dealers said.

The benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX inched over 1 point up to finish at 4,569.

The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, witnessed a fractional rise of 0.8 points to 1,783. The DSE Shariah Index gained only 4 points to 1,123.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX declined only about 3 points to 8,558.

Trading activities still remained subdued despite increase as the

DSE turnover stood at Tk4,80 crore, which is over 6% higher than the previous session’s value.

The turnover increased mainly due to block trade of Tk47.4 crore led

by Social Islami Bank that accounted for about 90% of the block trade.

Of a total of 325 companies traded, 138 ended up, 131 closed down while 56 remained unchanged.

The market closed marginally positive after the benchmark index traded volatile in the range of 100 points and lost all the morning gains on profit-booking, said a dealer.

Mutual funds made a notable move ahead of dividend declaration.

Early gains were primarily led by cement, non-banking financial institutions, telecommunication, engineering and pharmaceuticals, which rose 1.3%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.

Food and allied sector posted the highest loss of more than 1%, followed by banks 0.2%. Power sector remained almost unchanged.

Lanka Bangla Securities said the market finished near the unchanged mark in a session that saw a marked swing in and out of red zone, owing to lack of catalyst and following some profit bookings after the gains that occurred last week. l

Bangladesh Bank has listed newly established Shimanto Bank as a scheduled bank.

A circular of Bangladesh Bank yesterday said Shimanto Bank has been listed as the scheduled bank from July 21.

The new commercial bank came into being for the welfare of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members.

Earlier in January this year, the bank got the nod from the central bank to operate formally.

The bank will not operate as fully commercial, but as welfare bank to a large extent.

All the profits of the bank will be provided for BGB members and retired persons as loans on simple conditions.

The bank will play a vital role in improving overall living standard of BGB members, the proposal described.

Shimanto Bank would provide various services and schemes for the Border Guard Bangladesh members like soft loans, pension scheme, house loan, local and foreign aid for health, marriage loan, agricultural loan and One House, One Farm loan.

Currently, 56 scheduled banks are operating in the market, of which 39 are private commercial banks.

The ruling Awami League government gave licence to nine private commercial banks in 2013. l

Agrani Bank DMD suspended n Tribune Business Desk Agrani Bank Deputy Managing Director Mizanur Rahman, who is now on bail in a corruption case, has been suspended.

An official circular was issued by the finance ministry on Tuesday in this connection.

According to the circular, Mizanur has been removed due to a case filed against him with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), that is now pending.

Earlier on June 30, Sayed Abdul Hamid was removed from the post of Agrani Bank managing director due to his alleged involvement with Tk792 crore corruption, which was given to Moon Group by Bangladesh Bank.

Mizanur Rahman, who was also accused in same irregularities, was earlier given the charge of acting Managing Director of Agrani Bank soon after the removal of Syed Abdul Hamid from the bank by the Finance Ministry.

On the same day on June 30, ACC arrested Mizanur in the same case of the Moon Group. l

Business

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14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

RBA governor: Central banks can’t just dial up growth

Indian Railways opens GSA office in Dhaka n Tribune Business Desk

n AFP, Sydney Central bankers can’t just “dial up growth” to stimulate economies, outgoing Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens said yesterday, expressing serious reservations about the world’s reliance on monetary policy.

Central banks, particularly in developed nations, enacted unprecedented monetary easing policies after the global economic crisis to kickstart growth - including pumping huge amounts of liquidity into markets, cutting interest rates to ultra-low levels and buying up assets.

But the path towards recovery has been uneven. Amid fears that zero or negative interest rates and quantitative easing are becoming ineffective, central banks have started to consider other measures including so-called “helicopter money” where they funnel cash directly into economies.

“We can’t just assume that monetary policy can simply dial up the growth we need. We need some realism here,” Stevens said in Sydney in his last speech before he steps down as Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor next month.

“I have serious reservations about the extent of reliance on monetary policy around the world.”

Stevens said although low interest rates were meant to encourage households and other private entities to take on more debt and spend more, some were already struggling with indebtedness.

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens Instead, governments should increase their borrowing and invest in “long-lived assets that yield an economic return” to generate demand.

“It isn’t that the central banks were wrong to do what they could, it is that what they could do was not enough, and never could be enough, fully to restore demand after a period of recession associated with a very substantial debt buildup,” Stevens added.

The Organisation for Econom-

ic Cooperation and Development in June cut its forecast for global growth to 3% from the previous 3.6%, and called on governments to boost spending or risk being caught in a low-growth trap.

Stevens said a return to previous interest rate levels around the world was likely to take some time.

“Through a combination of extraordinary circumstances, the central banking community globally has found itself doing unprecedent-

Rocket-backed Foodpanda turns profit in two of its three regions n Reuters, Frankfurt Foodpanda has become profitable in two of its three operating regions, Central and East Europe and the Middle East, with profits in Asia a function of how quickly it can grab market share, its chief executive said.

The emerging markets food delivery specialist said it had become profitable in the Middle East after agreeing to a deal to merge its Hellofood business in Saudi Arabia with Saudi delivery firm Hungerstation.

The combined operation will serve 1 million active customers and 2,000 restaurants across 30 cities in the largest Gulf state. It also runs food delivery services in Egypt as Otlob and in the

United Arab Emirates as 24h.

Foodpanda, 49% owned

by Berlin-based ecommerce investor Rocket Internet, turned profitable in its nine-country Central and Eastern Europe region earlier this year, the company said.

The global food delivery market is consolidating quickly through acquisitions and asset swaps and as investment in new start-ups has fallen sharply in the past year. Companies such as Foodpanda are under pressure to produce profits instead of chasing growth at any cost as consumers are increasingly shifting to on-demand food delivery ordered via mobile phones.

“We are profitable in two of our three broad regions,” said Ralf Wenzel, co-founder

and chief executive of fouryear-old Foodpanda group.

“In Asia, we are focused on improving market share”.

Company-wide, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation, including stock-based compensation, improved to a loss of 13m euros ($14.4m) from a loss of 18.7m euros a year earlier, Rocket reported in late May. Foodpanda is market leader in 23 of the 24 markets in which it operates and is working to win more customers to its mobile phone-based delivery service in each market, Wenzel said.

“Over the next couple of months we will turn breakeven and then profitable in the first Southeast Asian countries,” Wenzel said. l

AFP

ed things,” the 58-year-old said.

“The ‘return to normal’ at the global level looks like being a very, very slow process. And normal is a different place now.”

Stevens, who is handing over to deputy governor Philip Lowe next month after a decade in the hot seat, has been praised for his steady hand as he guided the country through an unprecedented mining investment boom as well as the global financial crisis. l

Indian Railways has appointed its General Sales Agent in Bangladesh to facilitate buying rail tickets to travel across any destinations within India.

Galaxy Travel International got the appointment as local GSA for Indian Railways recently.

The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Ambrish Kumar Gupta, additional member, Traffic-Indian Railway Board, jointly declared the official opening at Gulshan, Dhaka yesterday.

Indian Railways (IR) is an Indian state-owned enterprise, owned and operated by the Government of India through the Ministry of Railways.

It is one of the world’s largest railway networks stretching across 115,000 kilometres of track and 7,112 stations.

In 2014-15, IR carried more than 23 million passengers a day, half of them was roughly suburban passengers and 1058.81 million tonnes were freight.

In the year, Indian Railways had revenues of 1,634.50 billion (US$24 billion) which consists of 1,069.27 billion (US$16 billion) from freight and 402.80 billion (US$6.0 billion) from passengers tickets.

Indian Railways is the world’s seventh largest commercial or utility employer by number of employees, with over 1.376 million employees as of last published figures in 2013. l

DT

15

Business

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Fears ease over China’s weaker yuan n AFP, Shanghai

A year ago on Thursday Chinese authorities stunned global markets by devaluing their yuan currency, raising fears the world’s second-largest economy was worse off than thought - but investors are now more sanguine about a weaker “redback”.

The normally stable unit was guided down by nearly five percent over a week last August, and has declined steadily since then.

It closed at 6.6430 to the US dollar yesterday, not far from its weakest level for almost six years and approaching the rate where authorities held it rock steady between 2008 and 2010, in a bid to escape the turmoil of the global financial crisis.

But unlike the deliberate government policy of the past, finan-

cial markets see economic fundamentals as driving the recent decline in the yuan, also known as the renminbi (RMB).

A rise in US interest rates, Britain’s vote to exit the European Union and the failed coup in Turkey have all sparked flight to the dollar.

Even so traders and China’s business partners still want Beijing to pursue deeper reforms and greater transparency of its currency regime.

“A year on, investors appear slightly more relaxed about movements in the renminbi but we suspect that they remain as wary as ever about trusting Chinese policymakers to keep their word,” Capital Economics said in a research report.

Beijing keeps a tight grip on its currency as part of Communist authorities’ control mechanisms, as well as worries that sudden inflows

or outflows of capital could damage the economy.

The government only allows the yuan to rise or fall two percent on either side of a daily fix on the national foreign exchange market.

Chinese officials have pledged to keep the unit stable, but at the same time gradually move towards making it freely convertible as they seek to secure a greater role in the world financial system.

After years of lobbying, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) late last year finally agreed to include the yuan in its “special drawing rights” reserve currency basket.

“Concerns over the renminbi have eased in recent months and outflows have returned to a more manageable level,” Capital Economics said.

Billions of dollars have flooded

Rangs Limited, the sole distributor of Mitsubishi Motors has recently launched a new SUV named Pajero Sport in Bangladesh, said a press release. COO of Rangs Limited, Shoeb Ahmed launched the new SUV model in Dhaka

out of China in the last year, although the torrent has slowed dramatically, with Chinese banks selling $49bn more in foreign exchange than they received in the April-June period, sharply down on the $124.8bn of the previous three months.

China’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $3.2tn in July, according to the latest figures, but remain by far the world’s largest.

‘Competitive devaluations’

The yuan is expected to go lower this year, given the continuing impact of Brexit.

“Global uncertainties are gradually taking a toll,” Citic Bank International chief economist Liao Qun told AFP. “And how much longer yuan is going to fall depends on when the euro and pound will bounce back again.” l

IDLC has recently appointed Jane Alam Romel as the group’s chief marketing officer, said a press release. Prior to his joining, Romel was the head of marketing at Rangs Industries

DT

16

Interview

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

‘Huawei phones have the best network quality in the world’ n Mahmood Sadi Within one and half years of operation, Huawei smartphones have been able to grab 7% market share of Bangladesh’s smartphone market. Ingmar Wang, director of Device Business of Huawei however doesn’t feel too complicit about the Chinese company’s achievement in such a short span of time.

He believes that Huawei still has miles to go in Bangladesh, at least on the front of its device market here. Huawei has already taken a lion share of the country’s telecommunication market with its network related services.

Ingmar Wang recently sat down with the Dhaka Tribune to Huawei’s performance in the Bangladesh market.

How do you rate the performance of Huawei phones in Bangladesh?

H

uawei started its Smartphone business in Bangladesh from January 2015. Before our smartphone business, we used to have a small scale feature phone business here. Those feature phones were provided with Citycell. Now we have stopped the feature phone section and completely gotten into smartphone business.

Our smartphones have been able to grab 7% of Bangladesh’s market. It is the fourth largest selling smartphone in Bangladesh.

In 2016 H1 (January to June period), Huawei smartphone sales in Bangladesh increased 133 % compare to 2015 H1 (January to June).

Are you happy about the outcome?

I

can’t say that I am too satisfied.

Grabbing 7% of the market within one and half year is obviously a success. And most importantly, we have been able to take the brand name to the remotest corner of the country.

I can tell you that almost all the mobile users of Bangladesh now know the name of Huawei.

Still, we believe there is ample scope to make the sector grow further, especially in semi-urban and rural area. Around 5 lakh unit smartphones are now being sold each month in this country with a possibility to reach 8 lakh each month in next two to three years.

How do you evaluate the Bangladeshi smartphone market?

S

martphone’s now account for around 30 percent of the total market share in Bangladesh and each year, this is growing.

Especially after the launch of 3G technology, we have seen robust growth in smartphone sales in this country. All segments of customers from young to middle aged people are using smartphone’s due to its reasonable pricing.

For the last couple of months, we have observed that Huawei is expanding its smartphone business opening more outlets and launching new flagship handsets in the country.

What’s your future plan for the Bangladeshi market?

F

or the last one year, we have opened more than 200 Huawei brand shops across the country.

Our Huawei smartphone sales point reaches around 3,000 with a plan to set up more sales points.

We will continuously bring new models to the Bangladeshi market so that users will be benefited with new phones. Huawei is dedicated to invest in R&D, bring innovative features, international standard quality control to make sure customers have good quality products.

Similarly, we will continue to expand the sales and service channels in Bangladesh as we believe in the near future, we will become the top three smartphone brands in the Bangladeshi market since more and more customers start to use Huawei smartphones.

Which Huawei phones are selling well in Bangladesh? Which is your best phone?

H

uawei currently sells 18 different models of smartphones under four series’ - P, M, G and Y. Out of these four, phones of P and M series are premium phones with higher price tags. In Bangladesh the best selling ones are from the Y series. Because of their lower price tags, they have been able to grab the attention of the younger generation who find these to be trendy, fashionable and with higher specs.

Our best phone is of course our P9 phone. We have launched this flagship model of Huawei in June this year and it was a great success in both the global market and the Bangladeshi market.

The problem with Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiomi and Vivo is that people don’t consider them to

be premium brands such as Apple, Samsung or Blackberry. Also, many high end customers feel that the Chinese phones aren’t durable like premium brands because they have lower price tags. What are your thoughts?

We believe there is ample scope to make the sector grow further, especially in semi-urban and rural area

U

ntil now, Huawei has always been a bit of a budget brand.

Its devices provided decent bang for buck, but nothing that could compare to high-end phones from Apple or Samsung. Our flagship phone P9 is trying to change that – it’s the first phone from Huawei that feels genuinely premium and is built without cost-cutting in mind.

It’s a premium phone in every sense of the phrase. The addition of a dual lens rear-facing camera made in collaboration with world renowned camera brand Leica sets the P9 apart. I can tell you that this is the best available camera phone in the world now.

With phones like P9, we want to grab the high end smartphone market across the world. The truth is if you consider the hardware, Samsung or Apple phones are no better than Huawei because most of their phones are manufactured in China. If we can manufacture their phones, we can manufacture our own brands.

Apple and Samsung have branding advantage. I believe, with phones like P9, we will be able to brand ourselves in the high end phone market as well.

What do you think will give

Huawei phones edge over other premium brands like Apple or Samsung?

I

t’s superior network quality.

Huawei phones have the best network capturing capacity among all other smartphones.

This is because Huawei is one of the world’s most trusted network service provider which has been providing network and other telecommunication services in over 170 countries across the world. Huawei phones are integrated with better network capturing capacity too.

Let me tell you a story. In Myanmar, one general from their army was lost inside a forest and he had three phones with him - a Samsung, a Nokia and a Huawei phone. He tried with Nokia and Samsung but he couldn’t connect from the forest but when he tried to connect with a Huawei, he could. Later he visited our Huawei office in Myanmar and thanked us for our phone’s quality which practically saved his life.

From network service business, Huawei has expanded to smartphone business. Does it plan to develop software for its smartphones in the near future?

W

e have very good working relation with Google and we are using their operating system - android. We build our own user interface software on top of Android. We have tried using the Windows phone’s OS but it has been difficult to persuade consumers to buy a Windows phone. It wasn’t profitable for us.

We were losing money for two years on those phones. So for now we’ve decided to put any releases of new Windows phones on hold.

Globally, our software team has roughly 2,000 people, and we are increasing our investment about 20% to 30% every year. To provide better services, we have partnered with some software and Internet companies. The industry is changing and you cannot do everything by yourself. l

17

DT

Youth

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Young YouTube stars to lookout for Amanda Steele Founder of the YouTube channel MakeupbyMandy24, Amanda started making YouTube videos at only 10 years old. The American YouTube Star is known for her beauty and fashion expertise, and has accumulated more than 2.9 million subscribers. She was only in the 5th grade when she launched her YouTube channel.

The crazy success has helped her launch her own make-up line.

n Features Desk This week we revisit some of our favourite YouTube stars from home and abroad. From skits to parodies to social experiments, these young ones know how to get us howling with laughter with their fun take on life, love and everything in between. Read on to find out our picks of our favourite teen YouTube stars.

Brent Rivera Having over 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube, and over 8 million followers on Vine, Brent Rivera is known for his sketch comedy video under the moniker MrBrent98. He created his YouTube channel in 2009 and his Vine channel in 2013. He started his acting career at the age of 11, and it has always been his dream to entertain. Brent is also popular on Twitter and Instagram, where he has huge fan following.

Salmon TheBrownfish Salman Mohammad Muqtadir, the man behind the raging YouTube channel Salmon TheBrownfish, is a self proclaimed “22 year old second year drop out,” who’s also an entrepreneur who loves to travel. Owner of YouTube channels Salmon TheBrownfish and Salmon ThePutimaas, the first has 249,653 subscribers with over 24 million views. Joining the YouTube family back in 2012, Salman has posted a whole range of skits, talks, and music videos. Some of his best videos include the music video of Jaan o Baby which has reached around 2 million views. However, the one video that garnered the most views and comments was one where he pranks his mother, pretending to bring home a new, pregnant bride to gouge his mothers reaction. The over 383 thousand views.

BhaiBrothers LTD Starting off around 2014, a young trio consisting of Asif Bin Azad, Rudro Tahsin and Rakin Absar began a journey through YouTube,

bringing viewers everything from hilarious skits, pranks, music, webisodes, talk shows, shows and event live films. With over 16 million views on their YouTube

channels, the trio is now down to a duo with Abser no longer part of the group, but still making appearances here and there.

They’ve also had their fair share of social experiment videos as well as interviews of musician Xefer and DJ Sonica. Their latest video is a funny skit on things people do during Holud rehearsals. Other interesting videos include Bengalis at restaurants, Bengali’s reactions when Facebook is down, Night before exam and Bangladeshis react to porn ban. Currently, their Facebook page has over 90 thousand likes with their latest video being an awareness post on the stigma attached to those who work in the media line.

Nash Grier Comedic vlogger Nash Grier initially rose to fame as a Vine star, however, soon enough he ventured into YouTube, currently having 4,818,097 subscribers and 202,607,051 views. Some of his more popular videos include “Reading mean tweets” (reaching over 2 million views),#Ask Nash and Skylynn. l

Photo: courtesy

DT

18

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Biz Info

| what's on | Aug 11 Dining | South East Asian Flavors When August 11 Where Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Dhaka,Main Gulshan Avenue, Plot-01, Road 45, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Experience the delicacies of Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia masterfully prepared by Chef Jegatheeswaran Kuppusamy in the South East Asian Flavors.

Dinner is priced at Tk4,500 (net). For reservations call +8801730374871. Card offers available too.

Aug 13 Open mic | Comedy Adda comedy open mic show with music session When 5-9pm Where Studio 6/6, Block F, Aziz Moholla, Mohammadpur, Dhaka What Comeday Adda is an open mic session hosted by Max Mystel.

Along with Max they will also have four surprise performers.

This platform welcomes everyone who wants to perform comedy and music. It is an open call for everyone who is looking for a space to showcase their talent. Interested applicants are encouraged to call 01683453850 or sign up at (https://goo.gl/ WUE9Zu). l

| commencement |

14th Graduation ceremony of Sunnydale The 14th graduation ceremony of Sunnydale school was held at Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh (KIB). The chief guest Professor Dr Anupam Sen, internationally known eminent social scientist and vice chancellor, Premier University, Chittagong, special guest Professor Niaz Zaman, advisor, department of English, school of liberal arts and social sciences, Independent University, Bangladesh along with chairman of the school Dr Tanvir Ahmed Khan, Principal Tazeen Ahmed are seen with a student. l

| navy |

On Tuesday, August 9, 2016, Navy Chief Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed inaugurated an opening ceremony in Yichang shipyard, China to build two warships for Bangladesh Navy.

Image courtesy: ISPRl

DT

19

Biz Info

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

| tech |

| meals |

Huawei successfully conducted LTE/4G technology trail at Banglalink Head office

Crazy crisp chicken at Kenny Rogers Roasters

To take Bangladesh’s government’s “Digital Bangladesh” vision one step forward and make the latest technology available to everyone’s reach, Huawei, a leading global ICT solutions provider, successfully conducted LTE/4G technology trial in one of the leading digital communications service providers premises Banglalink recently in presence of Banglalink and Huawei officials at Tiger’s Den, Banglalink’s Headquarters. According to BTRC permission provided to Huawei for a given period of time, this trial was conducted

as part of the survey before commercial launch of 4G technology in the country by the Bangladesh government.

4G is the short name for fourth-generation wireless, the stage of broadband mobile communications that will supersede the third generation (3G). 4G uses a new technology which called orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) instead of the traditional technology includes time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA).

People can experience the highest level of internet speed in 4G network.

The result of the trail was quite satisfactory. Download speed was experienced more than 60 Mbps during the trial in 4G technology.

On the occasion of this successful trailing, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Limited, Zhao Haofu, said, “We are happy to trail the 4G experience at the Banglalink head office. We have seen how people are excited about the technology which is the future of digital world. We are happy to be a part to it.”

Sanjay Vaghasia, chief technology officer, Banglalink said, “We are really happy and thank Huawei for choosing our premises for the trailing of this technology which will bring huge change to society.

We believe that offering digital services is the path to the future and 4G technology is the key to enable us to offer these services.

Banglalink also welcomes 4G to be introduced for its customers in the near future.”

Besides Zhao Haofu, CEO, Huawei Bangladesh and Sanjay Vaghasia, CTO, Banglalink, Erik Aas, CEO, Banglalink was also present during 4G/ LTE trail. l

Kenny Rogers Roasters is an internationally renowned franchise restaurant located at Molly Capita Center, 76 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh. It provides a unique, delicious and healthy dining experience using fresh products which are prepared completely oil-free.

Following the successful launch of its “Greatest Grill” steaks, Kenny Rogers Roasters is now proud to introduce its Crazy Crisp Chicken on Thursday, August 11, 2016. The chairman of

Capita Group, Meraj Husain Khan was present at the launching event.

Perfectly seasoned with Kenny’s original marinade, the mouthwatering and savoury Crazy Crisp Chicken is served with refreshing coleslaw, perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese and Kenny’s delectable, warm homemade muffins.

For a delicious, healthy meal shared with your loved ones, reserve your table now at +8801937-990-988. l

| hospitality |

Le Meridien Dhaka wins Today’s Traveller award With just over a year of operation in its history, Le Méridien Dhaka this week won the 2016 Today’s Traveller Award for “Best International Business Hotel in Bangladesh”. The award was presented by Shri Vinod Kumar Duggal, former Governor Manipur, Union Home Secretary, Member National Disaster Management Authority to Le Méridien Dhaka during the 10th Annual Today’s Traveller Awards held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi on August 1, 2016. The event was also presided over by chief guest Vijay Goel, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. This long anticipated event also marked the cover launch ceremony of the Coffee Table Book 2016 Game Changers, denoting the theme on which winners were selected by the award jury.

Over 300 top-level management professionals from the travel and hospitality industry, as well

as, heads of the corporate world attended the grand event. Chief guest Vijay Goel, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India

joined the celebrations as he took to the stage to personally recognise the felicitated leaders for their achievements. Vijay Goel while congratulating the winners

said,“Every award brings both joy and responsibility. The joy of being recognised and the responsibility of setting and maintaining new benchmarks.”

Today’s Traveller Awards, one of the most respected awards in the travel industry, has always identified and recognised the achievements and accomplishments of progressive companies and leaders from the industry. The 10th Today’s Traveller Awards recognised game changers who have changed the rules of the hospitality and tourism industries in their respective nations.

The Today’s Traveller Award is the third global award received by the Le Méridien Dhaka in the past one year since the hotel soft launched in June 2015. Upon its grand opening in November, the hotel has been nominated by three other international award program and is currently also in the running for three categories in the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards, for which the hotel’s team has also expressed high hopes. l

DT

20 Editorial

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

TODAY

The elephant in the room and our denial We may dismantle all the unauthorised business and educational establishments in the city, we may continue to round up the usual suspects for terrorism all over the country, but we will continue to have the elephant in the room unless we are prepared to face it PAGE 21

Thank you, Mr Trump While 7/10 young women (35 and younger) are likely to vote for Clinton in November, over half of them are doing so as a vote against you -- not necessarily because they support her PAGE 22

Standing against the GST The GST bill is aimed at corporate control of one of the most important democratic mechanisms of people’s control over revenue and resources 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.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

A smart approach to security and public transport

T

he need for heightened security in key areas -- as well as greater discipline in Dhaka’s public transportation system -- has been palpable ever since the horrific attack in Gulshan last month.

The government’s decision to introduce 30 air-conditioned buses and 500 rickshaws in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, then, is most laudable.

New buses and yellow-hooded rickshaws that will serve Niketon, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani exclusively will bring some much needed order to the traffic flow of those areas.

Restricting other rickshaws from entering the diplomatic zone will make it easier to monitor those areas for suspicious activities.

Dhaka has been in need of a better organised public transport system for a long time, and we hope this is only the beginning of better things to come. Setting fixed fares for both rickshaws and buses, and providing airconditioned interiors for the latter, will go a long way in providing citizens with a hassle-free and comfortable commute.

However, the government must make sure that others who use the diplomatic zone to travel to other areas of the city are provided with alternatives which cater to their needs as well.

Problems of transportation in Dhaka are complex, and this initiative is merely a step in the right direction. Other challenges include the design of the rickshaw itself. Though rickshaws have retained the same design for decades, they need to be updated. The present design is unsafe and inhumane, and a more efficiently engineered vehicle would go a long way towards making Dhaka more liveable for all.

The job does not end with special zones. The authorities must also look into making the rest of the capital safe, secure, and orderly.

Restricting other rickshaws from entering the diplomatic zone will make it easier to monitor those areas for suspicious activities

DT

21

Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

The elephant in the room and our denial There is plenty of evidence that globally inspired terrorism has come to Bangladesh

Extremist ideology spreads across borders

COURTESY OF DMP

We may dismantle all the unauthorised business and educational establishments in the city, we may continue to round up the usual suspects for terrorism all over the country, but we will continue to have the elephant in the room unless we are prepared to face it

n Ziauddin Choudhury

T

he home minister has denied again the presence of foreign hands in the militancy that has been raging in the country over the last two years or so. He and his colleagues have been consistent in this regard.

They think all militancyrelated activities in the country, that include over 20 killings in Gulshan and many others before and after this incident, have been perpetrated by domestic terrorists with a local agenda.

Their assertions fly in the face of overwhelming evidence of presence of globally-inspired terrorism in the country, that includes videos of call to Jihad by people of Bangladeshi origin purported to have been made in IS-controlled territory in Syria.

This is beside claims of ownership of acts of terrorism in the country by followers of that militant outfit.

The repeated denials by some

of our people in authority of any foreign linkage of recent acts of terror and terrorists are an inyour-face rebuttal of the legion of reports from foreign press and intelligence agencies (including that of US) of the overarching reach of Islamic militants.

This is an outreach that transgresses international borders, and are making new associates wherever possible, Bangladesh included. Most recently, while talking about the global reach of IS, President Obama referred to Bangladesh as one of the countries that IS has attacked.

He said this in the context of US efforts to defeat the militant organisation -- remarking that the organisation will continue to inspire, if not directly conduct, its terror attacks in other countries, even as though it may lose its stronghold in Syria.

We wish our government leaders were right, and the acts of terrorism shaking the country today were all the handiwork

of local hoodlums recruited by political parties out to harass the government and destabilise the country.

We wish the mastermind of the tragic and horrific happenings in Gulshan, Sholakia, and murders of Hindu priests and foreigners were truly a local thug, and he and his group of criminals would be apprehended soon. We wish this could bring an end to this violence.

Unfortunately, this is not so.

The reality is far from this simple assumption or declaration. The genesis of the violence in Gulshan or Sholakia did not begin with these two places, nor did it begin with the perpetrators of the incidents in two places.

The genesis has to do with the blindfold that we have been wearing for years denying existence or possibility of spread of radicalism in the country by people who have been indoctrinated by an ideology that has attracted hundreds of thousands before them in different

parts of the world.

This blindfold which our leaders have been wearing, either unwittingly or on purpose, distracted our government from combating radicalism and extremists, and instead directed its attention toward suppressing political opponents by blaming them for the acts of terror.

Only two months before the terrible incident in Gulshan, the government launched a countrywide strike against terrorism, leading to arrests of thousands of so-called suspects all over the country -- very few of whom had any known ties with any militant group.

Ironically, the tragic event happened and nearly two dozen innocent people perished in an apparently high-security residential neighbourhood after thousands of “suspected terrorists� were put away in jail.

It may take years and months for our government to find out the why and how of these terror acts, but the simple fact remains that all of these were possible because we have been denying the possibility of a global hand in indoctrinating our youths in such radical ideologies and acts.

As in the past, where the previous government adamantly refused to accept the presence and growth of foreign-inspired terrorism in Bangladesh and blamed the opposition for causing instability through hired hands, we are witnessing a repeat of the

same story with fresh attacks despite evidence of foreign hands and foreign inspiration.

The perpetrators of terrorism and violence in Bangladesh may be all Bangladeshis, and some of them may perhaps belong to home grown militant organisations. But their ideology and inspiration are not necessarily rooted in domestic political goals.

The ideology that IS spreads attracts youths all across the globe, youths of all descriptions, from marginalised societies in foreign countries, disgruntled and economically deprived parts, and as we are seeing in Bangladesh, youths from economically well-off and well-to-do societies.

Like radicals in the Middle East, and other parts of Europe or US, the people embracing the extremist ideology in Bangladesh have shown the same level of attraction or loyalty to this overarching militant entity -- be it a romantic idea of establishing an Islamic State or carrying out a distorted vision of Jihad.

The point is that the surfeit that is affecting Bangladesh is not endemic, it is an epidemic that has spread globally and we need to address it accordingly.

Our leaders should come out of their fear to make the call they need to combat this crisis properly.

It is said that crisis always presents opportunities for change.

But these changes should be for the better not worse. The crisis that Bangladesh faces today is not only a threat to internal security and safety of our people; it is also a serious threat to our economic growth, business, and future investment.

The more we deny the real threat and refuse to see the sources of the threat, the more danger we expose our people to the threat. We may dismantle all the unauthorised business and educational establishments in the city, we may continue to round up the usual suspects for terrorism all over the country, but we will continue to have the elephant in the room unless we are prepared to face it.

We have to find out and terminate foreign connections to terrorism in the country, and stop our youths from getting ensnared by the foreign groups. And for this Bangladesh should seek help from all. l Ziauddin Choudhury has worked in the higher civil service of Bangladesh early in his career, and later for the World Bank in the USA.

DT

22

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Long Form

Thank you, Mr Trump Donald Trump has repeatedly shot himself in the foot. This is the first part of a two-part long form

n Samier Mansur

D

ear Mr Trump, I never thought I’d say this, but thank you. Since you announced your run for the presidency, you have held up a giant mirror, and shown us just who we are as a nation.

Some of what we see reflected back is not so pretty; but by and large, our country’s response to your candidacy has shown us that the character of America remains strong.

By the latest estimates, the majority of the voting public -including many within the rank and file of your own party’s most respected individuals -- will not accept into the highest office of the US a Trump presidency.

As we review the past year since you’ve announced your candidacy, let’s take a look at some defining moments from your campaign which were revelatory not only of your character, but that of this nation.

When you went after Mexicans (June 2015)

It was the kind of ill-conceived, stereotypical, and irresponsible statement that would characterise your run for office: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best ... they’re sending people that have lots of problems ... they’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime.

They’re rapists.”

What was the nation’s response?

There was the natural public shock and outrage; and highranking GOP officials disavowed your views from those of the Republican Party. This was soon followed by leading brands like NBC, Macy’s, ESPN, NASCAR, PGA (among a long list of others) that severed ties, costing you from estimates of $50-80 million in lost business deals.

On the very heels of your announcement for candidacy, many of us thought your statement would be the end of the very beginning. But not so; it was simply the beginning of a long and drawn out affair that would not only see a long list of business defections, but of political defections as well.

When you went after Sen John McCain (July 2015)

If there’s a Holy of Holies of American politics, it’s a decorated war hero who happens to be a well-respected leader in your own party. Your political disagreements

with him escalated last year when you directly challenged his military reputation: In reference to Sen McCain’s five years as a tortured POW in Vietnam, you had this to say: “He’s not a war hero ... I like people who weren’t captured.”

If there ever was a moment to collectively face-palm, this was it. Not only did it demonstrate a complete lack of sensitivity for what was undoubtedly a traumatic experience, not just for Sen Mccain, but for tens of thousands of current and former US military personnel; it also revealed a complete disregard for the norms of political discourse or civility.

It’s okay to disagree with an individual over their views, but to malign them so personally, and so publicly, falls well below the temperament required of a leader interviewing for the most powerful office in the world.

What was the nation’s response?

We questioned your judgment as a statesman and leader. We wondered how you could serve as a legitimate representative of the Republican Party when a whole cohort of its leaders repudiated your statements in the strongest terms. Among them was this blunt

The Republican nominee for president isn’t exactly hitting the right note

While 7/10 young women (35 and younger) are likely to vote for Clinton in November, over half of them are doing so as a vote against you -- not necessarily because they support her

message from South Carolina Sen Lindsay Graham on Twitter: “If there was ever any doubt that @realDonaldTrump should not be our commander-in-chief, this stupid statement should end all doubt.”

When you went after Megyn Kelly (August 2015-April 2015)

Conservative Fox News commentator Megyn Kelly directly challenged various statements you made about women: Everything from labeling them “fat pigs,” “dogs,” “slobs,” and “disgusting animals” to making derogatory sexual references to them in professional contexts. Rather than take accountability, you defended your virtue of vulgarity, countering with this deflective statement: “I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct.”

In the following days you

made a controversial reference to Megyn Kelly’s blood flows; and over the course of nine months continued to disparage and undermine her qualifications as a journalist for calling you out on an important issue.

Now, compare your comments with the sitting president’s recently published essay on feminism, and you’ll see just how high the bar has been raised on the issue in the Oval Office.

What was the nation’s response?

I think it’s fair to say that you’ve lost the female vote this election.

Poll after poll shows widening female voter support for Clinton as the election nears. In fact, NPR projects that the gender gap this year will likely be the largest in 60 years -- which is as far as such poll data goes back.

And here’s the stinger: While

7/10 young women (35 and younger) are likely to vote for Clinton in November, over half of them are doing so as a vote against you -- not necessarily because they support her.

When you went after US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel (May 2016)

With allegations of fraud culminating in a civil litigation against your now defunct Trump University, you publicly called for Federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel’s removal from the case on the grounds of unfair treatment. Why? Because he is (a born and raised American citizen) of Mexican heritage, who must therefore -according to your logic -- harbour bias against you and your great wall agenda.

When CNN host Jack Tipper pressed you on the issue, clarifying, “if you are saying he

REUTERS

cannot do his job because of his race, is that not the definition of racism?” your response, unsurprisingly, was: “No, I don’t think so at all.”

What was the nation’s response?

Your party’s top ranking official and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan contradicted you directly when he called your statement, “the textbook definition of a racist comment.”

The chorus of repudiation once again came from the rank and file of an increasingly frustrated GOP; and the pulse of the nation, just two weeks after your statements, revealed an unfavourability rating of 70%.

For reference, you had polled at an unfavourability rating of 57% one month prior. By comparison, Clinton dropped from a 57% to 55% unfavourability rating within the same period. l The concluding part of this long form will be published tomorrow.

Samier Mansur is a writer, thinker, and entrepreneur driven by ideas and technologies that make this world a happier, and more peaceful place. This article was previously published in the Huffington Post.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Standing against the GST AIADMK has some good reasons

n Garga Chatterjee

I

ndia’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced recently that almost all states except Tamil Nadu are on board on the draft goods and services tax bill that aims, among other things, to take away most autonomous taxation powers from the state governments.

GST will replace almost all taxes that the state governments and the Union government now exact on goods and services. From being opposed by then-chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, to now being furiously pursued by the Union government of India, led by its prime minister Narendra Modi, the GST bill has come a long way indeed.

And although it has come a long way, and it has picked up converts to its cause along the way like the incumbent prime minister, the GST idea has not changed fundamentally. It still represents, as originally conceived, the greatest assault of the Union government on state rights and autonomy in general, and revenue collection rights of states in particular.

While most other parties, including some erstwhile opposers of the GST, are now on board due to reasons best known to them, none have been able to explain why they have come around to support such a grave attack on state rights and hence on the federal structure of the Indian Union.

One party that does not need to do such explaining happens to be the third largest party in the present Lok Sabha, the AIADMK. The ruling party of Tamil Nadu has remained steadfast in its opposition to the GST at a time when “negotiations” have pretty much ensured the passage of the GST and its implementation, sooner or not too later.

The unfortunate procentre nature of constitutional amendments is that even on matters that directly affect rights of the state, laws can be imposed on Tamil Nadu. Thus, their taxation rights can be taken away even when Tamil Nadu might oppose such infringement.

The opposition by the AIADMK has more symbolic value than an actual threat to GST. But, in terms of optics, it looks bad if the consent of one of the most advanced large-scale industrial manufacturing states is not gained as part of the GST bill passage rites -- in the form of a constitutional amendment.

Jaitley and Modi need to answer a few tough quesitons In the select committte report on the 122nd constitutional amendment bill that will snatch most taxation rights of the state, the AIADMK presented a dissent note. What does that say?

Firstly, it points out that an unelected GST council “impinges on the legislative sovereignty of both Parliament and the State Legislatures.” AIADMK opposes such an unelected GST council’s sweeping powers on such a fundamental matter such as taxation. Secondly, it calls out the conspiracy against federalism embedded in the GST council by stating clearly that the council “completely jeopardises the autonomy of the states in fiscal matters.”

In terms of decision-making rule and voting weightage in proposed council, “they give the government of India an effective veto in the GST council, and no distinction is sought to be made amongst the states in weightage.”

It exposes the Union government’s design of controlling GST council by giving it one-third of total votes in the council. Basically, then the Union government and a small minority of ruling party-led state governments can force any decision on the majority of states.

Thus, AIADMK demands that “if at all a Council is formed, the weightage of the vote of the central government should be reduced to one-fourth of the total votes cast and that of the states

should be increased to threefourths of the total votes cast.

Further, the weightage of each state’s votes should be in proportion to the representation of each state in the council of the states. This is important as the changeover to GST has different implications for different states based on their size and reliance on own tax revenues. The existing arrangement for deciding on VAT-related issues is for the Empowered Committee of State Ministers.

Why does the centre need to hog so much power if it actually cares for federalism and not bulldoze the voices of the states, is a question that Arun Jaitley has never answered, or has chosen to ignore. That should be a good indicator of the sharpness of AIADAMK’s intervention and its readings into the real intent of the centre. Most importantly, the AIADAMK dissent note marks out the most important aspects of the GST bill, which might explain why big corporations and corporatefunded Delhi think-tanks and media are clamouring in its support.

AIADMK states: “Some provisions of the constitution bill ie Goods and Services Tax Bill are likely to adversely impact the federal structure of the country.

There is a need for decentralisation of powers and devolution of the taxes in favour of the states and further to the local bodies. Fiscal federalism and protection of the

REUTERS

The GST bill is aimed at corporate control of one of the most important democratic mechanisms of people’s control over revenue and resources powers of the states is important.”

And finally nails it by saying: “The clauses are designed in a way that the centre will have absolute powers in deciding tax proposals.

This is likely to harm the concept of Union and states. It will be turning into a structure of Union alone. GST should not be in the interest of big corporate houses, who want a free flow of goods and services with the technology promoted and owned by them.

With the centre having an absolute say over the decisionmaking process on the GST, the states will lose its financial independence in the long run and corporates will dictate the policies of even the local governments.”

The GST bill is aimed at corporate control of one of the most important democratic mechanisms of people’s control over revenue and resources.

Select committee dissent notes are typically along partisan lines.

This one is an exception that sees the Congress and BJP together.

AIADMK traditionally has had good parliamentary coordination with the BJP.

Hence, AIADAMK’s dissent matters -- since it has broken with the government and the opposition, its steadfast and principled opposition to GST. The dissent

by Tamil Nadu is important to take stock of the other narrative -- about why many people, in and outside Tamil Nadu, not belonging to big businesses, business media, and think-tank businesses, oppose the GST. Thus, the AIADAMK viewpoint is not a Tamil viewpoint but the viewpoint of a federalist party that other parties, often opportunistically shouting for federalism, have ignored, probably due to illiteracy of its MPs as well as rank-and-file on the implications of GST. It’s important that we listen to what the AIADMK is trying to say. It is probably one of the most important decisions that will be taken in the lifetime of the Indian Union. And at present, there is no consensus. l Garga Chatterjee is a political and cultural commentator. He can be followed on twitter @gargac.

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24 Sport

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

TOP STORIES

Siddikur’s dream bid begins today Bangladesh’s first-ever Olympics qualifier Siddikur Rahman and swimmer Mahfizur Rahman Sagor will begin their Rio campaign today on day six. Siddikur will tee-off in the opening round at the Olympic Golf Course at 4.30pm. PAGE 25

Serena’s five-gold dream ends in Rio Serena Williams’ hopes of a fifth Olympic gold medal were crushed

by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.

Williams was clearly struggling with a right shoulder injury as she was stunned 6-4, 6-3 by Svitolina, 13 years her junior. PAGE 26

Combination picture shows Michael Phelps with the 21 gold medals he won at the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016

Two more golds for Phelps Biles powers USA to team gold Simone Biles got her bid for a record five gold medals at the Rio Olympics as the United States defended their women’s gymnastics team title. The US team took the title ahead by over eight points on Russia. PAGE 27

Five EPL signings worth your time Eric Bailly’s signing might have been slightly overshadowed by the eye-catching purchases of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan but nonetheless, the tall Ivory Coast centreback will play no lesser part for the Red Devils. PAGE 28

n Reuters, Rio De Janeiro Michael Phelps won two gold medals on Tuesday, avenging his 200 metres butterfly defeat from the London Olympics and then anchoring the U.S. 4x200 freestyle team to victory on a night of high drama and emotion in the pool.

Katie Ledecky of the United States won her second gold medal of the meeting and Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu her third, extending their dominance of women’s swimming in feats that on any other day would have grabbed top billing.

Instead it was Phelps, the most successful Olympian of all time, who stole the limelight, extending his career medal tally to 25 by adding golds number 20 and 21.

In the 200 butterfly, he touched the wall in one minute, 53.36 seconds to beat Japan’s Masato Sakai by 0.04 seconds, with Hungary’s Tamas Kenderesi taking the bronze.

Chad Le Clos of South Africa, Phelps’ conqueror four years ago, finished fourth.

Phelps, who had announced

his retirement after London but launched a comeback in 2014, then celebrated by climbing into the stands to embrace his fiancee Nicole and kiss his baby son Boomer.

Seventy-five minutes after racing, he was back in the water to swim the final leg of the 4x200 freestyle after Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas and Ryan Lochte had built a lead of 1.76 seconds. The Americans touched in 7:00.66, with Britain second in 7:03.13 and Japan in third after James Guy overhauled Takeshi

Michael Phelps’s Son Boomer at the Summer Olympics 2016

Matsuda on the final leg.

For Phelps, the butterfly victory was especially sweet after the sting of the London defeat, where he misjudged his final lunge for the wall to let Le Clos steal the gold medal.

“I’m just thankful, that’s for sure, I wanted that one back,” he said.

“That event was kind of like my bread and butter, and that was the last time I’ll ever swim it... There wasn’t a shot in hell I was losing it.

And if I did, every ounce that I had was left in the pool.

“Just being able to see the number one next to my name again one more time in the 200 fly - I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”

In the women’s races, Ledecky, 19, pipped Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom and Australia’s Emma McKeon to win the 200 freestyle, on top of her victory in the 400 on Sunday.

She is overwhelming favourite to add the 800 title later this week, an event in which she is totally dominant, and achieve a treble at those three distances that no woman has managed since American Debbie Meyer in Mexico City in 1968.l

AFP

PHELPS GOLD MEDAL LIST ATHENS 2004 100m butterfly 200m butterfly 200m individual medley 400m individual medley 4x200m freestyle relay 4x100m medley relay BEIJING 2008 200m freestyle 100m butterfly 200m butterfly 200m individual medley 400m individual medley 4x100m freestyle relay 4x200m freestyle relay 4x100m medley relay LONDON 2012 100m butterfly 200m individual medley 4x200m freestyle relay 4x100m individual medley RIO 2016 200m butterfly 4x100m freestyle relay 4x200m freestyle relay

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Sport

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Shakib’s climb unstoppable n Mazhar Uddin Exactly ten years ago a confident teenager started his journey in international cricket for a country which had also just started to improve as an emerging force. After much adventure which saw many ups and some bad days, Shakib Al Hasan has established himself as a global brand by playing all over the world.

Shakib has become the first genuine superstar of Bangladesh cricket by his ability and quality to deliver both with bat and ball across the globe. His fighting approach has encouraged many of his teammates as well as millions who look up to him and want to become a cricketing superstar in future.

One of his biggest strength is that he doesn’t bother about his opponent or the condition. With great authority, he has landed

plenty of accolades in ten years. He has become the leading all-rounder in limited overs cricket.

The latest feather in Shakib’s cap came on tenth anniversary of his international debut, which was in August 2006 in Zimbabwe. After the Jamaica Tallawahs clinched this season’s Caribbean Premier League, Shakib now has domestic T20 titles in three countries now.

In the final against the Guyana Amazon, his two wickets helped in the big nine-wicket win as well as taking him up to the top of the spinners’ order as the highest wicket-taker in T20s.

The left-arm spinner now has 242 wickets in 209 matches and surpassed the West Indian Sunil Narine who has 241 scalps in 191 games. Shakib is seventh in the all-time T20 wicket-takers’ list which Dwayne Bravo leads with 341 wickets.

Shakib had an average

RIO OLYMPIC 2016

Siddikur’s dream bid begins today n Tribune Report Bangladesh’s first-ever Olympics qualifier Siddikur Rahman and swimmer Mahfizur Rahman Sagor will begin their Rio campaign today on day six.

Siddikur Rahman will tee-off in the opening round at the Olympic Golf Course at 4.30pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) while Sagor will participate in the heats of men’s 50m freestyle event at 10pm BST. Since Bangladesh made their Olympics debut 32 years ago, they have remain the most populous country in the world never to win a medal in the mega event. If there is the slightest hope for Bangladesh in Rio to end the drought, Siddikur is their only realistic chance.

The 31-year-old golfer will battle among 60 participants. Although the men’s individual golf event is getting underway today but Siddi-

kur’s fate, if he can make the cut, will be decided on August 14 after the end of the fourth round.

Before leaving for Rio, the two-time Asian Tour winner termed his Olympic debut as his best achievement of his life and expressed his desire to make it more memorable by utilising most of the opportunity.

Sagor meanwhile is the only member in Bangladesh contingent for Rio who has experience at this level having participated in the 2012 Olympics in London. The country’s fastest swimmer clocked 24.68s to place 39th among 58 swimmers four years ago.

He spent a one-year scholarship provided by FINA in Thailand and returned home last month. Sagor admitted that the course improved his performance and he also made his best timing there in 2016 Thai Open clocking 23.93s. l

Mohammad Mithun

Mohammad Mithun said that the Bangladesh players are not focused on the uncertainty surrounding England’s tour. They are more focused on their preparation, he said.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) and the England limited overs captain have spoken about their concern regarding security in Dhaka since the July 1 attack. A decision on the scheduled tour, in which the English side is to play two Test

Rahmatganj keep winning in BPL n Tribune Report Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society continued their brilliant form in the Bangladesh Premier League after they beat Uttar Baridhara Club 2-0 at the water-logged Rafiquddin Bhuiyan Stadium in Mymensingh yesterday.

The Old Dhaka outfits climbed jointly at the top of table. It might seem like a fairytale run for the traditionally mediocre club but for their coach Kamal Babu, who announced to fight for their debut championship title, it is just the beginning.

RESULT Uttar Baridhara

0-2

Rahmatganj

Zunapiyo 45+3, Dawda 90

TODAY’S FIXTURE Sheikh Jamal v Feni Soccer 4.00pm

This picture was posted on Siddikur Rahman’s Facebook page yesterday where the Bangladesh golfer poses with retired South African professional golfer Gary Player, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of golf

Bangladesh eying preparation n Minhaz Uddin Khan

performance compared to his caliber for Jamaica this season.

He scored 160 runs with the bat with a single fifty and bagged twelve wickets, having played in 13 games. But still his presence and experience was vital behind Jamaica’s second title.

And with this title win, Shakib now has the glory for playing in three dometic T20 championship winning sides after having won it for Kolkata Knight Riders in the cash-rich Indian Premier League and Dhaka Gladiators in the Bangladesh Premier League. Just for the record, Shakib is not too far behind among journeyman T20 performers, having played in 15 teams worldwide so far.

With still a long way to go in his career even Shakib might not know where to finish as nothing looked impossible for him so far. But there is little doubt that he will finish as the best Bangaldeshi cricketer. l

and three one-day internationals against hosts Bangladesh, is likely to come from the ECB after they inspect the security arrangements for the tour later this month.

“It is not our job to think if they (England) will come or not. Our main job is to prepare well and see how good we are being able to do that.

We have nothing to do if they do not come,” said Mithun yesterday.

Mithun, who made his international debut in 2014, has played only two ODIs and 12 Twenty20 in-

ternationals. The 26-year-old was a regular member in the Asia Cup Twenty20 and World Twenty20 this year.

“We are currently focusing on our fitness then we take on our skill development (from August 20). I plan to start working on my basics.

It becomes difficult to work on basics during a season as you then have to concentrate more on scoring runs. Now I have some time in hand which I want to use after developing my skill,” he said.l

This victory put them at par with Muktijoddha, Chittagong Abahani and Abahani Limited, earning eight points from four matches while Uttar Baridhara remained at second from bottom with only three points.

Congolese striker Siyo Zunapiyo gave Rahmatganj the breakthrough from a penalty in the first half’s added time. Gambian forward Dawda Sisse was brought down by Baridhara defender Alauddin Babu in the middle of the box. Zunapiyo sent Baridhara keeper Razib the wrong way from the spot.

Sisse doubled the lead to seal the victory in the 90th minute after the Gambian forward fired home into the far post with an old-fashioned drive from 20 yards that gave Razib no chance to stop the ball.l

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Sport

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Serena’s five-gold dream ends in Rio

MEDAL TALLY

n AFP, Rio de Janeiro

COUNTRY 10

8

9

27

CHINA

8

3

6

17

HUNGARY

4

1

1

6

AUSTRALIA

4

0

5

9

RUSSIAN FED

3

7

3

13

ITALY

3

4

2

9

REP KOREA

3

2

1

6

JAPAN

3

1

10

14

FRANCE

2

3

1

6

THAILAND

2

1

1

4

GREAT BRITAIN

1

3

2

6

GERMANY

1

2

0

3

SWEDEN

1

2

0

3

BRAZIL

1

1

0

2

NETHERLANDS

1

0

2

3

UNITED STATES

Updated yesterday (9pm)

DAY SIX EVENTS TO WATCH BANGLADESHI ATHLETES Siddikur Rahman (Golf) Men’s

individualRound

14:30 PM

Mahfizur Rahman Sagor (Swimming) Men’s

50m freestyle Heats 10:02 PM

GOLD MEDAL EVENTS ROWING Men

coxless pair

6:52 PM

Women

double sculls

7:04 PM

Men

double sculls

7:24 PM

Men

coxless lightweight four 7:44 PM SHOOTING

Women

50m rifle

9:00 PM

CANOE SLALOM Men Women

canoe double

11:15 PM

kayak single

12:00 AM

GYMNASTICS Women

individual all-around 1:00 AM JUDO

Women

78 kg

1:40 AM

ARCHERY Women

individual

1:43 AM

JUDO Men

100 kg

2:01 AM

CYCLING - TRACK Men

team sprint

3:25 AM

FENCING Women’s

team épée

3:30 AM

RUGBY SEVENS Men

tournament

4:00 AM

TABLE TENNIS Men

singles

6:30 AM

SWIMMING Women Men Men Women

200m breaststroke

7:17 AM

200m backstroke

7:26 AM

200m individual medley 8:01 AM 100m freestyle

8:18 AM

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina returns the ball to USA’s Serena Williams during their women’s third round singles tennis match at the Olympic Tennis Centre of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday AFP

Serena Williams’ hopes of a fifth Olympic gold medal were crushed

by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina on Tuesday as the battle for the women’s title in Rio was blown wide open.

Top seed and defending champion Williams was clearly struggling with a right shoulder injury as she was stunned 6-4, 6-3 by Svitolina, 13 years her junior.

“The better player won,” said Williams, who served up eight double faults, including five in one game in the second set.

She also hit 37 unforced errors.

“It was a great opportunity. It didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but at least I was able to make it to Rio. That was one of my goals.”

Defeat for the 34-year-old means that the Rio tournament has lost both its number one players before the quarter-finals after Novak Djokovic went out in the first round.

Only three of the top 10 seeds have made it to the last-eight of the women’s draw.

The Rio Games -- and possibly her Olympic career -- are now over for Serena after she and sister

Venus were deposed as doubles champions in the first round.

Williams was joined at the exit on Tuesday by third seed and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza who lost to Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig.

However, there were no such problems for defending men’s champion Andy Murray and 2008 winner Rafael Nadal who coasted into the third round in straight sets.

Svitolina, 21, will face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova for a place in the semi-finals.

Wimbledon champion Williams was clearly hampered by the shoulder injury which forced her to skip the Montreal event.

At one point, she screamed in pain, “shoulder, shoulder”.

She even served up five double faults in the seventh game of the second set as she suffered her earliest ever loss at an Olympic singles event. Muguruza’s post-French Open slump continued when she slipped to a worrying 6-1, 6-1 loss to Puig, the world number 34.

Puig, 22, closed in on what would be only Puerto Rico’s ninth Olympic medal and will face Germany’s Laura Siegemund for a semi-final spot.l

Mystery as Chen ties diving record n AFP, Rio de Janeiro China’s Chen Ruolin shrugged off an inexplicably green Rio diving pool to tie team-mate Wu Minxia’s two-day-old record of five career diving gold medals on Tuesday.

China’s magnificent divers stayed unbeaten in the Olympics as Chen and Liu Huixia won the women’s 10m synchronised competition, taking China to three-for-

three in its bid for an unprecedented eight-event sweep.

But much of the attention at the event was directed at the diving well’s bizarre transformation from light-blue the day before to a murky green, the latest embarrassing hiccup for the Rio Games.

Venue spokesman Simon Langford said water tests found “no risk whatsoever to athletes’ health.”

“We are investigating to deter-

mine what the cause of the situation was, but we are happy to report that the competition was successfully concluded,” he said.

It ended happily for the often under-appreciated Chen, 23, who is now firmly among the sport’s greats. On Sunday, the 30-year-old veteran Wu became the first to the five-gold milestone by taking the women’s 3m synchronised springboard with Shi Tingmao, passing

legends like American Greg Louganis and former Chinese springboard diva Guo Jingjing. Chen paid tribute to the senior Wu as her “idol.”

“I know she won five gold medals and that is very, very incredible. But to be honest I haven’t personally thought much about that,” Chen said. “All of us have tried very hard in our training and we have won our medals because of our dedication.” l

Armstrong wins third straight time trial gold n Reuters, Rio De Janeiro Veteran American Kristin Armstrong completed a remarkable return to cycling by winning a third consecutive gold medal in the time trial on a rainy morning at the Rio Games on Wednesday.

A day before her 43rd birthday Armstrong, the last to tackle the 29.7km course, sped over the finish line 5.55 seconds faster than Russian Olga Zabelinskaya. Road race champion Anna van der Breggen of

the Netherlands was in third place.

Armstrong, who retired in 2009 to start a family but returned to win gold in London four years ago before retiring again, barely had the energy to celebrate after crossing the line -- collapsing on to the soaking tarmac.

Eventually she climbed to her feet and hugged her son, holding a banner that said “USA STRONG”.

She is the first person to win the same road cycling event at three Olympics. l

USA’s Kristin Armstrong starts the Women’s Individual Time Trial event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro yesterday AFP

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Brazil and US held, Canada win n Reuters, Rio De Janeiro

QUICK BYTES Ashwin shines again for India in third test An unbeaten century stand for the sixth wicket by Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha put India in a respectable position after the first day of the third test against West Indies in St Lucia on Tuesday. The visitors were 234 for five at the close of play with all-rounder Ashwin on 75 and wicketkeeper Saha on 46, the pair having added 108 to leave honours even at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet.

–REUTERS

Indian cricketer fined $300 for lion selfies Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has been fined $300 for clicking selfies with endangered Asiatic lions in the country’s west despite a ban on such photos, a senior forest official said on Wednesday. Officials had ordered an investigation in June after photos of Jadeja posing in front of a pride of lions during a safari in Gir forest went viral on social media.

–AFP

Raquel of Brazil in action with Janine van Wyk of South Africa during their Rio Olympics group E match on Tuesday

Ranieri signs new Leicester contract Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2020, the Premier League champions said on Wednesday.

Appointed in July, 2015, the 64-yearold Italian helped the club defy pre-season odds of 5000/1 to win the league, the first top-flight title in Leicester’s 132-year history.

–REUTERS

Vaas to identify SL fast bowling talent Sri Lanka appointed its most successful pace bowler Chaminda Vaas as a coaching consultant Wednesday, tasking him with identifying youngsters who can ease the team’s reliance on spin.

Aravinda de Silva said Sri Lanka may enjoy a fine record on their own spinfriendly pitches but must develop teams to get results on a variety of surfaces.

–AFP

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL TEN 1 12:45AM Sky Bet EFL 2016/17 Bristol Rovers v Cardiff City

CRICKET TEN 2 7:00PM India Tour of West Indies 3rd Test, Day 3

REUTERS

The United States and Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals of the Olympic women’s soccer tournament as group winners despite being held to disappointing draws in their final pool matches on Tuesday.

Canada remain the only team left with a 100 percent winning record after two goals from captain Melissa Tancredi secured a 2-1 upset win over Germany 2-1 and top spot in Group F. Hosts Brazil rested seven starters, including their influential captain Marta, but despite dominating possession were held to a goalless draw by South Africa in Manaus.

The point for Brazil was enough to ensure top spot in Group E and set up a last eight clash on Friday with Australia. Germany went through in second place in Group F, despite their defeat by Canada in Brasilia, and will now play China in the last eight after the Asians drew 0-0 with Sweden in Group E. The United States will face the Swedes, who finished third in Group E, in knockout action on Friday. l

Brazil boss rallies round ‘world’s best’ Neymar n AFP, Rio de Janeiro

Brazil coach Rogerio Micale rallied round under-fire captain Neymar on Tuesday after two goalless draws left the Olympic hosts perilously close to another humiliating exit on home soil. Micale’s men need to beat Group A leaders Denmark in Salvador on Wednesday to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals, after being booed off in consecutive stalemates against

South Africa and Iraq.

Amazingly, Brazil’s fate could even come down to the drawing of lots with Iraq, who play South Africa, if both final group matches end in a draw by the same scoreline.

Barcelona’s Neymar has attracted fierce criticism, with his lacklustre and petulant displays being compared with Marta, the Brazilian women’s five-time World Player of the Year, who has dazzled in leading the hosts into the quarter-finals

with a game to spare. Twitter was awash with the hashtage “Neymar out, Marta in”, and a picture of a boy wearing a Brazil shirt with Neymar’s name scrubbed out and Marta written in pen underneath went viral.

However, Micale highlighted the seven-year age gap between the two for Marta’s greater maturity, and insisted Neymar will eventually depose Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the world’s best player.

Biles powers USA to team gold n AFP, Rio de Janeiro

Simone Biles got her bid for a record five gold medals at the Rio Olympics off to a flying start on Tuesday as the United States defended their women’s gymnastics team title.

The five-woman US team -Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez -- took the title ahead by over eight points on Russia with China winning bronze in the Rio Olympic Arena.

The US women become the first team to win back-to-back Olympic golds since Romania in 2000 and 2004. It was their third gold after winning a first in Atlanta 1996.

A team gold would also put Biles on the road to the record haul of five gold medals the 19-year-old covets in Rio. The ten-time world

champion also topped the allaround, floor, beam and vault in preliminaries.

The United States scored 184.897 after the four apparatus -vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor -- with Russia scoring

176.688 and 2008 champions China, 176.003.

Japan (174.371) finished off the podium in fourth ahead of Great Britain (174.362), Germany (173.672), the Netherlands (172.447) and hosts Brazil (172.087). l

Simone Biles (L), Gabrielle Douglas (top L), Laurie Hernandez (C), Madison Kocian (top R), Alexandra Raisman of USA (Aly Raisman) (R) pose with their gold medals on the podium after winning the women’s team final REUTERS

Neymar’s refusal to address the media after the Iraq debacle provoked renewed doubts over his suitability to captain the national team. The 24-year-old missed Brazil’s final two Games at last year’s Copa America after being sent off in just his second competitive match as captain against Colombia.

But Micale said Brazil need to reflect on the state of the national game rather debating whether to strip Neymar of the captaincy.l

Gunfire feared in Olympic bus attack n AFP, Rio de Janeiro ADDS detail from organisers, background, new controlled explosion A bus carrying Rio Olympics journalists came under attack Tuesday and police were investigating whether bullets were fired from the notorious City of God favela.

Rio 2016 organisers said two journalists suffered slight injuries in the attack, which set off a new Olympic jitters four days after a bullet hit a Games media centre.

Journalists in the bus hurled themselves to the floor after two windows were blown out. The driver put his foot down and got the passengers to the Games’ main press centre.l

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Sodhi stars as Kiwis secure Zimbabwe series n AFP, Bulawayo

Real Madrid players and officials pose with the UEFA Super Cup trophy in Trondheim on Tuesday

REUTERS

Last-gasp Real break Sevilla hearts n AFP, Trondheim Real Madrid beat Sevilla 3-2 in the European Supercup final in rainy Trondheim on Tuesday thanks to a brilliant individual last minute of extra-time clincher from Dani Carvajal.

Sevilla had been on the verge of victory leading 2-1 deep into added time, before Sergio Ramos equalised in the 93rd minute with the last kick of normal time, leaving the losers to taste a double dose of pain when Carvajal grabbed the late, late winner.

Marco Asensio had given Madrid the lead with a brilliant strike

before Franco Vazquez equalised shortly before half-time.

Ramos had loked set to be the villain of the piece when he conceded a penalty that Yevhen Konoplyanka’s slickly converted in the 72nd-minute, which looked set to win it for Europa League champions Sevilla.

The Andalucians could have little to complain about over Carvajal’s winner, as he flew into the box and clipped the ball past two defenders and the ‘keeper with a lovely flick from the outside of his right boot.

“The goal came from trying and trying again. Dani Carvajal’s strike

was spectacular, he deserves it more than anyone,” Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez said told UEFA after the game.

“Sergio Ramos is the first to never give up and he is always there in

RESULT Real Madrid Asensio 21, Ramos 90+3, Carvajal 119

3-2

Sevilla Vazquez 41, Konoplyanka 72-P

important moments. It is brilliant to have him. We have got a lot of depth and a side to take on all comers.”

Zinedine Zidane’s Madrid were not at full strength, with neither

Cristiano Ronaldo nor Gareth Bale, nor Toni Kroos, involved and both Luka Modric and Karim Benzema coming off the bench in the second half at the Lerkendal Stadion.

“We were trailing for all of the second half, but Madrid never give up and a goal in 90 minutes allowed us to become champions,” Carvajal told UEFA after the game.

“Today we had a lot of players missing but we have a great squad of homegrown players.”

Having just sold Jese Rodriguez to Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid started with Alvaro Morata in attack, back at the club from Juventus. l

Ish Sodhi finished with seven wickets in the match as New Zealand wrapped up a 254-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test on Wednesday to sweep the series 2-0.

Although Zimbabwe showed some fight early on day five when nightwatchman Donald Tiripano and first-innings centurion Craig Ervine stood firm for the better part of 90 minutes, once they had fallen to some contentious umpiring decisions the hosts folded quickly.

Sodhi’s leg-spin claimed three of the last four wickets to go down, while part-timer Martin Guptill finished with figures of 3 for 11 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 132 in their second innings at the Queen’s Sports Club.

“We knew it was going to be especially tough to take 20 wickets on this surface, so I think a lot of credit needs to go to the bowlers for managing to do that,” reflected New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, a centurion in the tourists’ huge first-innings 582 for four declared.

Zimbabwe were all out for 362 in reply before New Zealand declared their second innings on 166 for two.l

BRIEF SCORES NEW ZEALAND 582/4d & 166/2d ZIMBABWE 362 & 132 (68.4 ov) Mawoyo 35, Guptill 3/11, Sodhi 3/19 New Zealand won by 254 runs

Five Premier League signings worth your time

n Rashad Banna We take a look at five English Premier League 2016-17 signings that are going to be talked about during the next nine months.

Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

His signing might have been slightly overshadowed by the eye-catching purchases of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan but nonetheless, the tall Ivory Coast centreback will play no lesser part for the Red Devils in the

forthcoming season.

Purchased from Spanish side Villarreal for £30m two months ago, Bailly has wasted very little time in making a mark, having been adjudged player of the match in the recent Community Shield victory over league champions Leicester City.

A stingy defence is one of the hallmarks of Jose Mourinho’s teams and the 22-year old’s acquisition fits the bill perfectly, bearing in mind that he enjoyed a brilliant season with the Yellow Submarine last time around.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

In his first full season at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp will have a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders.

And Senegalese international Sadio Mane will be expected to fea-

ture heavily in the German’s plans.

A combative midfielder in his own right, the 24-year old’s habit of chipping in with the odd goal persuaded the Anfield hierarchy to shelve £34m for his services. Alongside fellow new signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United, Mane is a key addition to the squad that is expected to fight on a number of fronts this season.

Arsenal’s third most expensive transfer, Xhaka will add some much needed spark and creativity in midfield, besides acting as the shield of the four-man defence.

The 23-year old experienced a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Poland at Euro 2016 so he will be desperate to erase the bitter memories of his spotkick miss and hit the ground running.

Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)

In the absence of Harry Kane, the Premiership top-scorer last season, Tottenham often lacked ideas in front of goal. The £17m recruit of the talented striker from AZ Alkmaar looks set to put pay to all the worries.

Janssen was the highest goalscorer in the Eredivisie last season and is regarded in many

Ever since the departure of French midfielder Patrick Vieira, Arsenal’s lack of bite in the centre of the park has been well noted.

Keeping that in mind, Swiss midfielder Xhaka’s signing is a crucial piece of business by the Gunners.

Signed from Borussia Monchengladbach for £30m,

Vincent Janssen (Tottenham)

quarters as the next big thing in Dutch football. The 22-year old’s hard work without the ball will endear him to Mauricio Pochettino but first and foremost, he must face stiff competition from Kane for a starting berth.

John Stones (Manchester City)

City have already signed the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and Leroy Sane but the £47.5m purchase of Stones, regarded by many as the future England captain, was the icing on the cake.

Vincent Kompany is the undisputed leader of the pack but the Belgian captain often lacked an able deputy at the centre of defence. Step forward Stones, whose ball-playing skills and calming presence have significantly impressed Pep Guardiola. l

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Coarse file (4) 3 Planet (4) 7 Corded fabric (3) 8 Question closely (5) 11 Greek letter (4) 12 Weapon (5) 13 Unsuitable (5) 15 Stringed instrument (4) 18 Flower (4) 19 Flutter (5) 20 Impel (5) 21 Sibilate (4) 23 Teaching periods (5) 24 Top card (3) 25 Swarm (4) 26 Decorative plant (4)

DOWN 1 Mend (6) 2 Tallies (5) 4 Land measure (3) 5 Withdraw (6) 6 Mineral spring (3) 9 Two-footed animals (6) 10 Newt (3) 11 Conduct oneself (6) 14 Beginner (6) 16 Reluctant (6) 17 Jail (6) 19 Humour (3) 21 Headwear (3) 22 Bishop's territory (3)

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CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 1 represents S so fill S every time the figure 1 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.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

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Showtime

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

A loving gesture n Showtime Desk Leonard Cohen, the genius behind classic hits like “Hallelujah,” “I’m Your Man,” “Suzanne” and many more, wrote a heartbreaking final letter to his muse and one-time lover, Marianne Ihlen shortly before her death from leukemia on July 29.

The songwriter met Marianne on the Greek island of Hydra, and the pair became closely intertwined since then. Friends and lovers, Marianne Ilhen helped prompt some of Cohen’s finest early work – notably “So Long, Marianne” and “Bird On A Wire.”

Ihlen’s friend Jan Christian Mollestad reportedly contacted Cohen after learning about Marianne’s deteriorating condition. Cohen responded with a letter only hours later, which was delivered to Marianne in Norway the very next day, during her last few days of consciousness. The letter read:

“Well Marianne, it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine. And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and for your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey.

Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.”

Mollestad told Canada’s CBC radio that Ihlen had reached out her hand at the line, “Stretch

out your hand.” “Only two days later, she lost consciousness and slipped into death,” he continued. “And when she died, I wrote a letter back to him saying in her final moments I hummed ‘A Bird on the Wire’ because that was the song she felt closest to.”

Mollestad went on to detail the pair’s relationship and how Cohen changed Marianne’s life.

A post on Cohen’s Facebook page reads, “The death last week of Marianne Ihlen, the woman immortalised in ‘So Long, Marianne’ has evoked an overwhelming response from those who knew Marianne well, those who knew her only as Leonard Cohen’s muse, and even those who previously didn’t know there was a ‘real Marianne.’l

Dui je chilo ek chakor celebrates silver jubilee

n Showtime Desk After two successful comedies Bichhu (1990) and Projapati (2004), Natyakendra is all set to give life to a new comedy on stage. Dui je chilo ek chakor is an adaptation of Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s famous play, A Servant of Two Masters.

Filled with all the elements of laughter, love, confusions and comedy, the play tells us how a man keeps two jobs, and everything that goes in between.

It is a romantic comedy with hilarious, contemporary, and brilliant comic punches which is sure to make you laugh,

hysterically. With energetic performances, several dances and songs, the production offers full value for one’s money.

For over 25 years, this production has been staged in several countries. This year will the production’s celebration of its silver jubilee year.

Theatre troupe Natyakendra’s 12th production, Dui je chilo ek chakor will be staged at the National Theatre Hall of Shilpakala Academy today and tomorrow at 7pm. The play has been adapted and directed by Tarique Anam Khan, with a list of talented cast members including the likes of Sharif Hossain Imon, Lucy Tripti Gomes, Ariq Anam Khan and Yusuf Hasan. l

Megan Fox welcomes her third baby n

Showtime Desk

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have welcomed their third baby into the world.

American outlets such as E! News and People have reported that the actress gave birth to a son. The baby boy has been named, Journey River Green.

The couple now have three little boys together, with the newborn joining his brothers

Noah, 3 and Bodhi, 2.

Before the pregnancy was revealed, Megan and Brian had already begun divorce proceedings in August 2015 after five years of marriage.

However, rumours suggest that the couple have fixed their relationship. Megan previously poked fun at stories suggesting the child may not be Brian’s, sharing an Instagram of other famous actors using the hashtag “#notthefather,” l

Simon wins Locarno Open Doors grants

n Showtime Desk The Locarno Film Festival’s Open Doors co-production lab, which is dedicated for promising work from South Asian countries, has picked winners out of eight selected projects among which, Bangladeshi film-maker Kamar Ahmed Simon’s new project won a production grant and the ARTE International Open Doors Prize, the announcement came on the festival’s official website on

August 9.

Simon’s Day After Tomorrow, won a production grant worth 30000 Swiss Francs and the ARTE International Open Doors Prize which is worth 6000 Euros. The film is the second instalment of a “water-trilogy” which started with non-conventional documentary, Are you listening!, which won the Grand Prix at the Cinema du Réel festival in Paris.

The director travelled more than 200 kilometres by waterways in

order to shoot it, while making a metaphorical journey through the mainly Muslim population of Bangladesh, on the eve of an election.

Other winners include Bhutanese film-maker Tashi Gyeltshen’sm, The Red Phallus and Nepali film-maker Abinash Bikram Shah’s Season of Dragonflies.

The Red Phallus, Gyeltshen’s debut feature is described to be about the paradox that sees

Diana faces name shame

n Showtime Desk Diana Penty, one of the hottest actresses of Bollywood is aware of her unusual name from the very beginning. She is currently promoting her new flick, Happy Bhaag Jayegi. While at it, the actress seems to have made news for yet another incident that involves her name.

The actress has earlier said that she knows that “Penty” is an unusual surname and has heard every possible joke around it. But it was hard to tolerate when the joke came from an almost 40-year-old, who was trying to draw

humour from it. The guy was none other than popular and controversial singer Mika.

The Cocktail actress angrily left the stage at a song launching event of her up-coming film.

The Punjabi singer poked Diana at the event commenting, “Diana ‘panty,’ Gabru Kaccha,” which translates to “giant under garment.”

This did not go down well with the actress, who left the stage right after. The audience was also stunned by the incident but a few of the members were seen to be giggling.

Diana kept a smiling face at the event since she did not want to spoil the evening but sources close to her said she was absolutely furious with Mika. Later on, she told other sources, “I don’t find these jokes funny. I don’t even understand how people laugh at such comments.”

After that incident, Mika tried to reach out to Diana in order to apologise to her but she is in no mood to forgive him. “She feels what Mika said was absolutely below the belt. It will take some time for her calm down,” sources added. l

people killing other people while talking about attaining enlightenment in the same breath, won a production grant worth 20000 Swiss Francs. It is also part of a trilogy, the second instalment, The Red Door was screened in 2014 in Rotterdam.

Season of Dragonflies, also Shah’s debut feature film based on the film-maker’s personal history aims to provide a glimpse into the restlessness of Nepal, especially the struggle of women, caught between age-old traditions and modern day aspirations while also having to contend with poverty and disasters, won the CNC Prize which is worth 8000 Euros. The directors’ previous works include the short film, I Am Happy, which was played at Busan.

Open Doors is an initiative supported by the Swiss Foreign Ministry’s Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), organised in close collaboration with the Locarno Festival’s Industry Office.

Earlier this year, Locarno announced that as a part of their “research remit” to explore cinematographies that are relatively or totally unknown, but have great potential – they would focus eight countries in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, for the next three years. l

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WHAT TO WATCH

Bruce Lee: The Legend Star Movies Action, 1:10pm The Official Golden Harvest tribute to the Master of the Martial Arts Film, Bruce Lee. Cast: Bruce Lee, James B. Nicholson, Linda Lee Cadwell, Jackie Chan, Raymond Chow The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug HBO, 8:30pm The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a mysterious and magical ring.

Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Star Movies, 4:27pm A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led

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

Cast: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell Batman Forever WB, 3:31pm Batman must battle Two-Face and The Riddler with help from an amorous psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin.

Cast: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell Romeo Must Die HBO Hits, 4:58pm An avenging cop seeks out his brother’s killer and falls for the daughter of a businessman who is involved in a money-deal with his father.

Cast: Jet Li, Aaliyah, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, DMX

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

TRIBAL PEOPLE LAG BEHIND IN SKILLS PAGE 12

TWO MORE GOLDS FOR PHELPS PAGE 24

A LOVING GESTURE PAGE 30

Dhaka Chaka for diplomatic zone n Shohel Mamun Twenty air-conditioned buses and 500 rickshaws has been introduced yesterday in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, a move taken to increase security measures in the area that witnessed Bangladesh’s worst terror attack on July 1.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Haque said: “20 buses have been initially launched to operate in the diplomatic zone and another 20 will join the fleet within a short time.”

Earlier, it was announced that the fleet will consist 30 buses.

The mayor made the statement at the inauguration programme of the special transport service named “Dhaka Chaka” in front of Gulshan Police Plaza yesterday.

Annisul said: “Surveillance system in the diplomatic zone has been changed and the special transport service is a part of it. The rickshaw-pullers have been trained in security, hospitality and emergency measures.”

“Among the two routes of Dhaka Chaka, one will commute from Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road to Banani via Shooting Club, Gulshan-1, Gulshan-2 and the other route is from Banani to US Embassy.”

DNCC Mayor Annisul Haque and LGRD Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain release pigeons in front of Gulshan Shooting Club yesterday to inaugurate a special transportation system for Dhaka’s diplomatic zone MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU “The bus fare has been fixed at Tk15 for travelling to any destination within the assigned routes,” the mayor added.

Earlier, it was announced that both the routes will started from

in front of Shooting Club near Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain inaugurated the special transport service which also

includes 500 rickshaws to ply in the streets of the diplomatic zone.

He said: “We had a plan to gradually reduce the number of rickshaws from Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara, but now we have mod-

Signal three at maritime ports

SHYAMAL KANTI’S HUMILIATION

High Court orders judicial probe n Ashif Islam Shaon The High Court yesterday rejected a police investigation report into the harassment of Narayanganj school teacher Shyamal Kanti Bhakta.

The court said law enforcers had failed to identify those involved in the incident.

Justices Md Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Ashish Ranjan Das also ordered a judicial investigation into the matter.

The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate will look into the incident and submit the findings

by November 3. The court said it would hold a hearing on the report on November 6.

The order came after lawyers informed the court that police did not contact with Shyamal while investigating a General Diary filed in this connection.

Piar Sattar Latif High School teacher Shyamal was assaulted by a mob on the school premises on May 13 on allegation that he had committed blasphemy against Islam.

Local Jatiya Party MP AKM Salim Osman apparently made Shyamal do squats holding his ears. A video footage of the incident went viral on the social media, triggering massive outcry across Bangladesh.

Salim claimed what he did was to save Shyamal from the mob.

However, in a report filed on

Thursday, police gave a clean chit to Salim saying he was not involved in the incident.

The High Court in its order said the police report is incomplete.

The investigation officer has failed to do his job. Besides, the Narayanganj court that recorded the report before forwarding it to the High Court did not apply judicial mind.

In the report police gave clean chit to Salim Osman despite the fact that there is a video available online where the MP is seen ordering the teacher to go through a humiliating physical punishment.

The report says both Salim and Shyamal were victims of the incident that “happened suddenly.”

Legal steps could not be taken in the absence of allegations or witness accounts, it said, adding that Shyamal gave a statement to police saying he would not file complaints.

ified our policy and introduced a systematic rickshaw service.”

Regarding the rickshaw service, IGP AKM Shahidul Haque further said: “The rickshaw service is one kind of a trial, if it creates traffic congestion, we will change our plan in the future.”

President of Gulshan Society ATM Shamsul Huda, also a former chief election commissioner, stated that a clinic would be established for medical services for the rickshaw-pullers. They will also be provided pure drinking water in future.

FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad said: “Passengers in the new buses will enjoy several facilities including WiFi and television. Moreover, even if the engine of the bus is turned off while sitting in traffic jam, the air-conditioner will stay on.”

“In future, if the city corporation wants four-wheeled human hauliers for short distances it will also be introduced,” he added.

As per the new transport system for the diplomatic zone, no bus from the outside will be allowed to ply in Baridhara, Gulshan 2, Banani and Kamal Ataturk Avenue.

Apart from the security concerns, the government took the initiative to bring discipline in the transport system of the diplomatic zone. l

n Abu Bakar Siddique Shyamal said his coworkers spread lies against him while Salim defended his actions saying he was saving the teacher from the mob.

On May 17, the school’s managing committee sacked Shyamal for allegedly physically assaulting students and making disparaging statements against Islam.

The Education Ministry dissolved the committee and reinstated Shyamal based on findings from its probe.

On May 18, a High Court bench issued a suo-moto ruling asking why legal proceedings should not be initiated against those involved in the incident.

It also ordered Narayanganj district administration and police to submit reports on legal measures taken after the incident. The district administration submitted its report on June 9. l

The Met Office yesterday issued warnings to the country’s four maritime ports – Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Mongla and Payra – as a monsoon depression has formed in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department asked authorities to hoist cautionary signal three at maritime ports due to the formation of a deep convection over the North Bay. The monsoon depression over the Khulna region and adjoining areas moved slightly northwards and lies over Jessore and adjoining areas, as of yesterday evening.

Low-lying areas of the coastal districts are likely to be inundated by tidal surge of 3-4 feet higher than the normal astronomical tide.

The Met Office also advised all fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay to anchor close to the coast until further notice. l

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