03 Sep, 2016

SECOND EDITION

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 | Bhadra 19, 1423, Zilqad 30, 1437 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 129 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages plus 16-page Arts & Letters | Price: Tk10

Militant Tamim’s right hand man Murad killed in Mirpur den raid Hasan and n Kamrul Arifur Rahman Rabbi

A close aide of Gulshan attack mastermind Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury was killed in a raid with the police last night.

The dead – Murad alias Jahangir alias Julhas – was a military trainer of the New JMB outfit, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit chief Monirul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sanowar Hossain identified Murad as one of the trainers of Gulshan and Sholakia attackers.

Another officer seeking anonimity said that Murad, 45, was a retired major of Bangladesh Army.

The raid took place in House 34 on Road 33 of Rupnagar residential area at Mirpur around 8:45pm.

Rupnagar OC Syed Shahid Alam, OC (investigation) Shahin Fakir and Sub-Inspector Momenur Rahman were injured during the raid.

One of the officers was stabbed by the militant, police say. The

Members of the Criminal Investigation Department inspecting the crime scene where New JMB militant Murad was killed following a raid by the police at Rupnagar yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

John Kerry’s different Dhaka mission N E W S

ANALYSIS NEWS

ANALYSIS

while many believe that the US had hands in the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. Bangladesh fought the war under the leadership of Bangabandhu and the Awami League, and at that time, the Nixon administration supported their old and close ally Pakistan.

But, immediately after the war, the US changed its position and recognised Bangladesh in April 1972, though some influential countries did it after the Mujib murder on August 15, 1975.

Even during the war, many American people supported Bangladesh. Who cannot remember the famous “Concert for Bangladesh” event organised by two legendary figures – Pandit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison – at the Madison Square Garden in New York on August 1, 1971.

And now something has happened during US Secretary of State John Kerry's brief visit to Dhaka last week – only two months before the US elections – which had never happened in the last 45 years.

NEWS ANALYSIS NEWS ANALYSIS

n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman

It is not a secret that there is a sense of mistrust among a section of people in Bangladesh about the United States.

The root cause of it is their role during the 1971 Liberation War

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NEWS

ANALYSIS

Kerry visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and acknowledged that it was a tragedy that such a brilliant and courageous leader had been stolen from the people of Bangladesh.

He recognised that Bangladesh is “growing in the vision of Bangabandhu – and under the strong leadership of his daughter.”

He also wrote in the guest book that the US was proud to be a friend of Bangladesh and was a strong supporter of the fulfilment of his Bangabandhu's vision.

Several US presidents, secretaries of states or defence secretaries visited Bangladesh previously, but they neither went to the Bangabandhu Museum nor addressed the 1971 issue.

For the first time, Kerry not only recognised the leadership of Bangabandhu but also talked about 1971.

In his speech at the EMK Centre, Kerry said: “Now, I know that at times there have been some who have felt a little tension regarding this relationship, and that came from 1971.”

NEWS ANALYSIS NEWS

ANALYSIS

It is a major policy shift by the US that they have recognised the mistrust and are working to address it.

During his meetings with the government highups, Kerry wanted to know how the Bangladesh-US relationship could be improved and the cooperation strengthened, and how Washington could support Bangladesh in achieving its goals.

The US has always denied having hands in the assassination of Bangabandhu, and referred to the five convicted killers arrested and later hanged in 2010. Washington in its defence says that those five killers were arrested for long time and had not confessed to anybody that they had communication with any US official or that any US official had asked them to commit the crime.

After Kerry’s visit and in the changing scenario, Bangladesh put forward a proposal to deport Bangabandhu’s killer Rashed Chowdhury, who is now believed to be enjoying political asylum in the US. From the Bangladesh side, it  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

injured were first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later sent to Square Hospital after primary treatment.

ADC Sanowar said that they had information that Murad was staying in the flat with his family.

“Rupnagar police raided the flat [on the fifth floor of the six-storey building] a day after the Narayanganj operation [on August 27 when Tamim and two of his associates were killed] but found it locked. The landlord was asked to keep the station informed if the tenants return.

“Murad returned to his flat this [yesterday] evening. As the police arrived on information and were sealing the building off, Murad attacked them and injured three policemen. The police officers fired back and killed him,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.

Another source said that the landlord had locked the flat keeping Murad inside but he somehow managed to escape. He was later  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

INSIDE

At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack At least 10 people were injured as the worshippers of a Iskcon temple and Muslim devotees from a nearby mosque locked in a clash in Kajalshah area under Sylhet City Corporation yesterday afternoon.  PAGE 3

Syndicates capture Dhaka’s cattle markets again A number of syndicates, mostly Dhaka’s ward councillors and ruling party men have allegedly taken the control of Dhaka’s 23 cattle markets for Eid-ul-Azha.  PAGE 5

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Mir Quasem won’t seek mercy Islam Akand, n Raihanul Gazipur Death-row convict war criminal Mir Quasem Ali has told jail authorities that he will not seek presidential clemency that may save his life.

A top al-Badr leader in Chittagong during the 1971 Liberation War, Quasem’s petition to review his death penalty was rejected on Tuesday.

The full judgement was released the same day and sent to the jail via the International Crimes Tribunal

later in the day. It was read out to the convict on Wednesday morning and at that time a worried Quasem sought some time to decide whether to seek mercy.

Kashimpur Central Jail 2 Superintendent Prashanta Kumar Banik told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that Quasem had informed them of his decision in the afternoon.

“We asked him about his decision and he said he will not seek presidential clemency,” Prashanta said.

Asked if they were prepared to

carry out the death sentence, the official said that they would “follow orders from the government high-ups.”

The top Jamaat-e-Islami leader, who has spent a huge sum of money to make the trial controversial, sought lenient sentence on the charge he had been given death penalty at the appeals stage.

Quasem, now 64, was arrested from the Daily Naya Diganta newspaper office on June 17, 2013. He was sentenced to death on November 3, 2014 on two charges including killing of seven people after

abduction in Chittagong, and gave him a total of 72-year imprisonment on eight other proven charges of abduction, conspiracy and planning.

On March 8 this year, the Appellate Division upheld the death sentence on one count – for abducting, torturing and killing young freedom fighter Jasimuddin at Dalim Hotel.

The war criminal sought review of the verdict after the apex court published the full verdict and the tribunal issued death warrant on June 6. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

John Kerry has been conveyed to Kerry that deportation of the convicted killer would be a game-changer in the relationship since it is a very emotional issue for the top leadership of Bangladesh.

Kerry took note of it and assured the Bangladesh side that he would look into the matter after getting back to Washington. During the visit, Dhaka and Washington also agreed on having more security cooperation.

The Bangladesh-US fifth security dialogue will be very crucial as it might provide a solid foundation for the robust security cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) Mohammad Khurshed Alam will lead the Bangladesh side in the next security dialogue. It is also a major shift from the Bangladesh side to incorporate a person who has strong diplomatic and defence understanding.

About the presence of foreign links to the Bangladeshi terrorist groups, Dhaka is yet to come with a clear picture but there is an indication that they did not rule it out.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at a seminar on terrorism last month said Bangladesh was investigating whether there was any foreign links to local militant outfits.

To make a long story short, the Dhaka trip of John Kerry is different on many accounts, from his visit to Bangabandhu Museum to discussions about 1971. Its outcome will be determined in the future but the visit has showed that Washington is forthcoming in improving the bilateral relationship as it recognised the trust issue.

Now, Bangladesh has to play their cards right. l

Murad killed

intercepted by the law enforcers on the street near the house. They shot and killed Murad as he opened fire from his pistol and stabbed several policemen leaving three of them injured. Police recovered a pistol, several rounds of bullets and a knife from the spot. l

Members of Bangladesh Trade Union Federation hold a human chain in front of National Press Club yesterday to press home several demands for workers’ welfare, as well as to protest the recent gas and power price hike RAJIB DHAR

RAB: Don’t publish misleading news on militancy n Kamrul Hasan The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General has urged the media to be careful publishing reports about militancy and to avoid news that could “mislead people.”

RAB chief Benazir Ahmed made this suggestion to reporters at a briefing of law enforcement agencies at Kamalapur Railway Station.

“Militancy is now an issue of interest for all. Everyone wants to know about it. But all information related to militancy should not be published soon after receiving it.”

He said such information should be verified, otherwise the nation would be misled and left puzzled.

Benazir also urged not to publish news that could help militants.

“News that makes the law enforcement lose focus should also not be published,” he added.

Claiming that RAB had been successful against militancy, the

DG said his force had so far arrested 26 militants including four female members and their trainer this year.

The militants were under pressure and they were losing their strength, he said.

The DG said they were assessing how the militant groups – Jamaatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Hizb ut-Tahrir – would react under this pressure.

All of them were under surveillance, he said. “Our focus is on the activities of the three organisations. They will be brought under legal action in time. “ Security had been strengthened throughout Bangladesh for the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the official said.

“Security in cattle markets, bus terminals and rail stations have been increased and temporary camps will be established at the

ferry terminal,” Benazir said.

“The country will go under a security blanket so that people can safely enjoy the festival,” he added.

RAB would also keep an eye on cattle traders trying to occupy streets and causing traffic jam.

In press release yesterday, the elite force said it had taken surveillance measures so that leather from the sacrificed cattle could not be smuggled. It will monitor the entrances and exit points from Dhaka and mobile check posts would be established inside. Plainclothes RAB members will also be deployed in the Eidgah and CCTV cameras will be installed at these places.

The press release said mobile courts would conduct drives against contaminated food in the city. RAB’s bomb disposal unit and dog squad unit would continue swiping operations at the stations. l

Eid-ul-Azha to be celebrated on Sep 13 n Tribune Desk Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated in Bangladesh on September 13.

The decision was made yesterday by the National Moon Sighting Committee as the moon for Zilhaj month was not sighted anywhere in Bangladesh.

Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj of the Hizri calendar. Since there was no report of moon-sighting, Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated on September 13, an official of the Islamic Foundation confirmed the BSS. The national moon-sighting committee held a meeting yesterday at the Islamic Foundation with Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Bazlul Haque Harun in the chair.

The committee’s decision came after evaluating data and reports from all district administrations, offices of Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisaiton. l

One killed, two hurt in BSF firing Hossain, n Moazzem Lalmonirhat A Bangladeshi citizen was killed and two others injured as Indian Border Security Force (BSF) fired at them on Burirhat border under Kaliganj upazila of the district.

The incident took place around 3:45am Friday.

A herdsman Mohibur Rahman, 38, son of Nazu Pramanic from Malgara died from bullet wounds while being carried home by others.

Goral UP Chairman Mahamudul Islam said a BSF patrol team from Satvandari camp fired at the herdsmen when about 18 of them including Mohibul were smuggling cows into the country from India.

Three other herdsmen received bullet injuries but managed to flee the scene.

Kaliganj police OC Sajjad Hossain said that Mohibur’s body has been sent to the morgue at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital.

BGB 15 battalion Director Ahmad Bazrul Rahman Haiyati confirmed the incident to the Dhaka Tribune saying that they have sent a letter to the BSF camp protesting the incident. l

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Marjan’s info sealed Holey Artisan fate n Bangla Tribune Nurul Islam Marjan, who has been identified as one of the militants linked to the Gulshan restaurant attack, supplied Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury information on the restaurant’s location, said investigators.

According to the investigators, Tamim, the mastermind of the attack on Gulshan’s Holey Artisan Bakery, later finalised his plan based on the information supplied

by Marjan, a leader of New JMB. Marjan told Tamim that some 30-35 foreign nationals hang out at Holey Artisan in the evening, revealed two officials after a twomonth investigation.

Recently the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has released his photograph and urged

people to help the law enforcers capture the suspected militant.

The CTTC officials said that he joined the new offshoot of Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) some two years ago. Before that, Marjan had conducted militant activities for the old JMB. Earlier, CTTC unit chief Monirul Islam said another militant named Sohel Mahfuz, who is a senior leader of the old wing of JMB, supplied grenades used by terrorists in the Gulshan attack.

The additional commissioner of the DMP said: “The investigators have found Sohel’s involvement with the Gulshan attack and we have information that he supplied the grenades. We are trying to capture him.”

Terrorists attacked the upmarket Gulshan restaurant and killed 22 people, mostly foreigners, on

July 1. The terrorists were gunned down by commandos after a 12hour standoff.

Investigators named Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury as the mastermind of the deadliest terrorist attack in Bangladesh’s history and put a Tk20 lakh bounty on him.

Tamim had alleged links to the IS and was believed to be a high-ranking member of the New JMB. He was killed in a raid at a house in Narayanganj last month.

After quizzing a number of Tamim’s accomplices along with some arrested militants, the CTTC officials came to know that Tamim had a close connection with Sohel.

Sohel has played an important role in purchasing firearms and making grenades for the New JMB. According to the sources of the CTTC, Sohel, who is currently on the run, was a JMB Sura member.

He announced himself as the new ameer of the banned militant outfit after the former chief of the extremist group, Maulana Saidur Rahman, was arrested in 2010.

Later, he tried to form a new offshoot of the militant outfit after Saidur Rahman refused to quit his position. But, his exact position in the New JMB movement is yet to be confirmed.

He was a member of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. Later, he joined JMB, inspired by its founding ameer Shaykh Abdur Rahman.

The investigators also said that Sohel is Marjan’s relative.

Marjan’s role in Gulshan Attack According to the investigation officials of Gulshan attack cases, they have collected the detailed information over the attack, conducting a two-month probe.

The law enforcers have specific information about the identities and roles of suspected terrorists linked to the attack.

Sources said Marjan had worked as the right-hand man of Tamim.

The terrorists have targeted a number of restaurants along with a fivestar hotel in Gulshan area. Later, Tamim finalised his plan of attacking Holey Artisan Bakery after receiving information from Marjan.

CTTC chief Monirul Islam said: “Marjan is the most influential leader of the new JMB offshoot after the death of Tamim. The law enforcers will be able to unfold new information regarding the activities of the militant outfit once they capture Marjan.”

Marjan hails from Afuria village under Hemayetpur union of Pabna Sadar upazila. He was a student of Arabic at Chittagong University. l

‘Mahfuz supplied grenades for Gulshan attack’ n Arifur Rahman Rabbi

Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members stay on guard in front of the main entrance of Iskcon Temple in Sylhet following an attack by local Muslims after Jumma prayers yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack Serajul Islam, n Mohammed Sylhet At least 10 people were injured as the worshippers of a Iskcon temple and Muslim devotees from a nearby mosque locked in a clash in Kajalshah area under Sylhet City Corporation yesterday afternoon.

Former ward councillor Jebunnahar Shirin and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) temple employee Rajendra Keshob Das were injured in the clash.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner SM Rokan Uddin told Dhaka Tribune the clash took place after Jumma prayers when Muslim devotees went to the temple to confront the authorities there for not stopping the devotional songs that were being played on occasion of Kirtan at the temple.

“Muslim devotees went to the

temple before the Jumma prayers and had requested the temple authorities to stop the devotional songs while the prayers are held.

However, when the songs were not stopped, the devotees went there again and locked in an altercation,” Rokan Uddin claimed.

‘We were attacked and we want justice for this. Until justice is done, we will keep protesting’ At one point, both groups started hurling bricks at one another leaving ten people injured, he added.

At the news of this incident, police rushed to the spot and fired several blank shots to dis-

perse the crowds.

Due to the clash, vehicle movement on Rikanibazar and Medical roads came to a halt.

An eyewitness told the Dhaka Tribune banners at the entrance of the temple were torn up during the clash.

When contacted, Iskcon temple Principal Gaurango Brahmachari said: “Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Jamal Uddin Ahmad is visiting the spot and this is why I am unable to make any comment at this moment.”

As of 9pm, he was still in a meeting with the divisional commissioner and police commissioner.

But he told Dhaka Tribune the temple authorities were considering filing a case in this matter.

“We were attacked and we want justice for this. Until justice is done, we will keep protesting,” he said. l

Investigators have found that explosives expert Sohel Mahfuz alias Hat-kata Mahfuz, a senior leader of the main JMB who later became part of the New JMB, was linked to the July 1 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery at Gulshan.

“We have information that Sohel Mahfuz supplied the grenades used by militants in the Gulshan cafe attack,” Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit chief Monirul Islam said yesterday.

CT unit sources say Mahfuz was a founding member of the JMB, which was formed in 1998 by former Jamaat leader and Ahle Hadith member Shayakh Abdur Rahman and declared banned in 2005. Abdur Rahman and some of his associates were hanged in 2007.

Mahfuz has expertise in making bombs. His left hand was blown off in a bomb blast, but he can use a firearms with the other hand.

He is a relative of Gulshan attack’s operation commander Nurul Islam Marjan. In his student life, Mahfuz was a member of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the radical

student wing of Jamaat and later joined the JMB. Hailing from Kushtia, Mahfuz declared himself its chief after the arrest of its second ameer Saidur Rahman in 2010 but it triggered conflict within the group. Later Mahfuz went to Burdwan of India and from there tried to raise a new faction of the JMB with the help of Maulana Abul Kashem, who later became its acting chief.

CT unit sources say Mahfuz fled to India and returned home a couple of years ago and started working with the New JMB faction, coordinated by Bangladeshi-born Canadian citizen Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury.

He played a key role in supplying arms and bombs for its members.

Detectives could not confirm Mahfuz’s position in the outfit.

Monirul said Marjan was an important leader of the New JMB and a close aide of Tamim.

“More information can be found about the outfit if we can arrest Marjan.”

He earlier said that they learnt about eight to nine more people who had been behind the Gulshan terror attack. l

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Syndicates capture Dhaka's cattle markets again n Abu Hayat Mahmud A number of syndicates, mostly Dhaka's ward councillors and ruling party men have allegedly taken the control of Dhaka's 23 cattle markets for Eid-ul-Azha.

Apart from the city's permanent and biggest Gabtoli cattle market, there will be eight more temporary markets set up in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 14 temporary markets will be in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), officials said.

A number of DSCC and DNCC officials seeking anonymity told the Dhaka Tribune that several groups of the ruling Awami League's associate bodies including Jubo League, Chhatra League, Swechchhasebak League men and their families and friends are controlling all the cattle markets of DSCC just like the previous years.

When the DSCC authorities opened the tender box for 12 temporary cattle markets this year, it was found that ward 9 Councillor AKM Mominul Haque Sayed was the highest bidder for two temporary markets under the city corporation.

According to the city corporation act no public representative can submit a tender for any purposes of the city corporation.

Sacrificial cattle are being lined up at the cattle markets all around Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The photo was taken at Gabtoli cattle market yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE When contacted, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Khan Mohammad Bilal acknowledged the matter and said Mominul's tender had been canceled and the markets were given to another bidder.

A bidder seeking anonymity told the Dhaka Tribune that the syndicates in both Dhaka south and north city corporations bought

Three workers suffer burn injuries in a fire n DMCH Correspondent Three people of a plastic factory in the city’s Chakbazar area were admitted to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) under critical conditions yesterday afternoon.

The injured were workers are: Humayun, 17, Abdul Majid, 25, and Abdul Baten Sheikh, 30.

Partha Sankar Pual, residential surgeon of the DMCH burn unit told the Dhaka Tribune that Humayun had suffered 52% burn injuries while Majid had sustained 46% and Baten had suffered 92% burn injuries.

In addition to this, Humayun had broken his legs too.

Their condition is critical, he added.

The burn unit’s medical officer Umme Salma said Humayun’s two legs broke when he jumped from the factory window.

Abdul Majid, told the reporters that the fire originated on the first floor of the five-storey building and soon engulfed the whole third floor.

Fire Service Officer-inCharge (OC) Enayet Hos-

sain said the fire occurred at around 1:10pm yesterday and five units from the headquarters had the situation under control by 2pm.

OC, Enayet Hossain however, could not confirm the reason behind the fire and estimation of the damage caused.

Tuku Miah, who took the injured to the hospital said one of the injured, Humayun jumped from the third floor, terrified.

Doctors said both his legs were broken due to the impact.

Meanwhile, a sexagenarian woman succumbed to her injuries yesterday afternoon.

Deceased Parul Akhter, 65, and her grand-daughter Fahim Shikder, 14, were burnt during an AC explosion on August 27 at their residence at Tipu Sultan road of the city.

Fahim’s father Faisal Shikder said the accident took place when they were sleeping in their room at around 6:45am on August 27.

Dr Partha Sankar Pual said Fahim died that night as she suffered from 97% of burn injuries. Parul died at around 10:00am yesterday. She had suffered from 37% of burn injuries over her body. l

schedules and submitted them after their own internal bargaining.

“A large number of schedules have been sold but not everybody submitted them for the threat of the Awami League men,” the bidder added.

Sources said the city corporations' ward councillors and their associates have become the high-

est bidders for the 12 temporary cattle markets of Dhaka south.

Besides, a Awami League group and a Jatiya Party group have been battling it out to capture the Balurmath temporary market at Shyampur under the jurisdiction of DSCC.

Shyampur and Donia

Most cattle markets are going to set

up at the same locations as the previous years.

However, two new cattle markets at Shyampur and Donia have been added tp Dhaka south.

The locations of the DSCC temporary markets are going to be Jigatala-Hajaribagh, Dhupkhola, Rahmantganj playground, Meradia Bazar Khilgaon, Sadek Hossain Khoka playground, Shahjahanpur Moitri Shangha ground, Brothers Union Balurmath, Postogola-Shashanghat, Lalbagh Delwar Hossain playground, Kamrangirchar cattle market, Jatrabari kitchen market, free space adjoining Kamlapur Rail Station, Shyampur and Donia.

The locations of the DNCC temporary markets are the open areas near Khilkhet-Banorupa Residential Project area, Eastern Housing at Mirpur section 6, the bridges at Uttara 15 and 16, Mirpur section 6, open space adjoining Bhasantek Palli ground, Badda and the free space between Ashian City Housing and Bhatara.

When contacted, concerned officials of estate departments at Dhaka south and north city corporations said they had leased all the temporary markets after inviting tender and following all city corporation rules and regulations. l

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Toxins in Rubik’s Cube a severe threat to children’s health

World now protects 15% of its land, but crucial biodiversity zones left out n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla

BIGSTOCK

n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla The next time you think of buying a Rubik’s Cube for your little one, or any other child, think again – you might be handing them a toy that could do more harm than good.

A recent study has revealed that the popular combination puzzle, used worldwide as a stimulator for children’s brain development, is highly likely to contain harmful toxins residue from the recycled electronic waste used to make the toy.

These toxins are known to cause damage to the central nervous system and reduce intellectual capacity of children as well as adults.

The Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), a Bangladesh-based NGO working on environment conservation, revealed this information during their presentation of a global survey on toxic chemicals in children’s toys at a scientific conference on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Florence, Italy, which concluded yesterday.

The survey was conducted

by ESDO, International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN), and Arnika Association, an environmental NGO in the Czech Republic, in association with other partner organisations in different countries.

The survey examined samples of Rubik’s Cube and similar toys

mulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to the environment and human health.

According to World Health Organisation, POPs effects in humans after high-level exposure include skin rash, eyelid swelling, headaches and vomiting. Long-term exposure can result in reproductive damage, and if foetuses are exposed to these toxins, they might suffer from neural and developmental changes.

Md Enamul Haque, teacher at Dhaka University’s biochemistry and molecular biology department, said: “In every organic compound, there might be some dangerous POPs present. These toxins can affect each and every organ of a human body. It can affect the nervous system and cause allergies, respiratory problems and other problems.”

Shahriar Hossain, secretary general at ESDO and a toxic chemical expert, said recycled e-waste plastics toys is used widely to make children’s toys, which may pose threat to the healthy development of children.

“For the sake of our children’s as well as the workers’ health, we urge our policy makers to grant no recycling exemption for POP chemicals. This dirty recycling, which often takes place in low and middle income countries, is spreading poisons in recycling sites, in our homes and in our bodies.” l

collected from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, and found them carrying polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), called OctaBDE and/or DecaBDE, which are dangerous for human health.

Both OctaBDE and DecaBDE are flame retardant chemicals mainly used to fireproof electronic products. These chemicals are known to disrupt the hormone system in human body and hamper the development of children’s nervous system as well as intelligence.

In Dhaka, ESDO collected 12 samples – all imported from China – from different shops and sent them to the Czech Republic to be tested; eight of the samples were found to contain significant levels of the toxic chemicals.

“Puzzle toys such as Rubik’s Cubes are supposed to catalyse children’s intelligence, but the presence of toxins from recycled e-waste creates quite the opposite impact on children who play with them,” explained Jitka Strakova, survey coordinator from Arnika.

“Recycling e-waste can save resources and energy, but it must be done in a way that does not put banned toxic substances back into commerce, which can threaten human health and the environment.”

According to United Nations Environment Programme, POPs are chemical substances that remain in the environment, are transported over large distances, bioaccu-

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With 14.7% of the Earth’s land and 12% of its territorial waters under protection, the world is on track to meet a major global conservation target according to UN Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

But in their Protected Planet Report 2016, launched yesterday at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii, UN Environment and IUCN also showed that crucial biodiversity areas are being left out, key species and habitats are underrepresented and inadequate management is limiting the effectiveness of protected areas.

“The huge gains in the number and size of protected areas made in the last decade have to be matched by improvements in their quality,” said UN Environment Head Erik Solheim.

“The world needs to do more to effectively protect our most biologically diverse spaces. Protected areas need to be better connected, to allow populations of animals and plants to mix and spread. It is also important to ensure that local communities are involved in protection efforts. Their support is fundamental to long-term conservation.”

“Today, the world is facing critical environmental and societal challenges, such as climate change, food and water security,” said IUCN Director General Inger Andersen.

“Protected areas play a major role in conserving species and ecosystems that help us confront these challenges. Ensuring that they are carefully mapped and effectively managed is crucial if we want to continue to prosper on this planet.”

According to scientists at IUCN and UN Environment’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, there are 202,467 protected areas today, covering almost 20 million square kilometres or 14.7% of the world’s land, excluding Antarctica.

That falls just short of the 17% target set for 2020 by the Convention on Biological Diversity under the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Land coverage of protected areas has decreased by 0.7% since the Khulna

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YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:41AM

35.0ºC Rajshahi

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last Protected Planet Report.

Scientists attribute the decline to fluxes in data, such as changes in boundaries, removal of some large sites from the World Database on Protected Areas and improved data quality, rather than an actual decrease in coverage on the ground.

The last decade has seen remarkable progress in protecting the world’s oceans. The size of marine protected areas has increased from just over four million in 2006 to nearly 17 million square kilometres today, covering four percent of the Earth’s oceans, an area almost the size of Russia.

But for all the growth in coverage, much remains to be done to improve the quality of protected areas.

Close to 15% of the Earth’s land and 12% of its territorial waters are covered by national parks and other protected areas.

Coverage of marine protected areas more than quadrupled in the last decade.

Eight in 10 key biodiversity areas worldwide lack complete protection.

Currently less than 20% of the world’s key biodiversity areas are completely covered by protected areas.

Less than 20% of countries have met their commitments to assess the management of their protected areas, raising questions about the quality and effectiveness of existing conservation measures.

The report recommends investing in protected areas to strengthen sustainable management of fisheries, control invasive species, cope with climate change and reduce harmful incentives, such as subsidies, which threaten biodiversity.

Adoption of these recommendations would help to halt biodiversity loss, improve food and water security, enable vulnerable human communities to better cope with natural disasters and conserve traditional knowledge. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 5:05am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:00pm | Magrib: 6:26pm Esha: 8:15pm Source: Islamic Foundation

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Buyers preferring native cattle for Eid sacrifice n Arifur Rahman, Kurigram Home-reared animals are now dominating Kurigram cattle markets, as buyers preferring native cattle for sacrifice in the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest festival of Muslim community.

The price of sacrificial animals is higher than the previous years, although buyers, traders and others involved with the cattle markets are happy as the supply of native cattle is adequate in local market.

Cattle traders hint that they will be able to send animals to other district after fulfilling locals’ demand.

During a visit to Jatrapur cattle market in Sadar upazila of the district this correspondent found that a few number of Indian cattle, but buyers were not interested to buy the exported cattle instead of local variety.

Kofil Uddin, a trader of the mar-

ket, said: “Last year local cows were placed in the out side of the market but this year home-reared cattle are the main attraction of the market.”

Liakat Ali, a local cattle breeder of the district, said: “I brought three cows in the market and hoped that I would able to sell those at Tk3 lakh.”

“Though local animal’s price is higher than the Indian, the local cattle is safe for health where the Indian cattle has some serious health hazards,” said Parvez, a buyer of the market.

People involved with the market noted that in the last year around 500-1,000 Indian cattle were produced per day at the market and now the number is only 150-200.

A few traders of the market said it was blessing for all of us that there are fewer number of Indian cattle produced in the market than pre-

vious year which will encourage locals to rear more animals.

Claiming that this year the price of local cows is higher than previous year Abdul Gafur, ex-chairman and spoke person of Jatrapur cattle market lessee said to this correspondent that: “There are adequate number of local cattle in the market and there is no need to produced Indian cattle to meet the demand.”

According to District Animal Resource Department, a total 44,000 animals will be slaughtered on the occasion of Eid ul-Azha and nearly 38,000 cows will come from the local breeders. Another three thousands buffaloes and 19,500 goats will helps to fulfill the demand.

Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Md Habibur Rahman said: “Doctors will be present at the market to examine the health of the animal.” l

With most farmland and grazing land submerged in water, farmers in Godagari, Rajshahi reap paddy crops ahead of time to feed their cattle yesterday. The flood, a result of increased water flow in the rivers has caused much damage to the crops and left thousands of people marooned in North Bengal AZAHAR UDDIN

Over 25,000 poultry farms shut down in Bogra for lack of capital Nazmul Huda Nasim, n Md Bogra Over 2,500 poultry farms in Bogra were forced to shut down due to lack of capital and government subsidies.

Local sources said about 250,000 people became unemployed directly and indirectly due to the fallout.

Though the owners are swing between profiting and losing, the middlemen are making huge profits, said the sources.

The victimised farmers are demanding government supports like easy loans and opportunities to export eggs and fawls to revive the industry.

According to the Bogra Distrcit Poultry Owner’s Association, there were over 5,200 poultry farms and 60 hatcheries in the distrcit in 2014. Currently, over 550,000 people are invloved with poultry industry.

General Secretary of Bogra Poultry Owner’s Association and owner of Four Star Poultry and Hatchery in Shahjahanpur upazila, Nurul Ameen Pourtry said 40% of the poultry farms were destroyed in a disastrous storm on April 4, 2015. The owners have not been able to recover from that damage and thus many farmers were compelled to shut down their famrs.

Even though the govern-

ment has given strict instructions to banks to provide loans at easy terms, poultry-owners are being denied loans and sometimes offered at 12-17% interest rates which makes it difficult to repay, he said.

According to the Bogra Poultry Owner’s Association, about 70% of the expenses in the poultry industry is for feeding. As the feed is of inferior quality and not germ-free, rates of egg and meat production is decling gradually.

He said they had to sell chicks incuring loss due to lower market price.

A golden breed chick can weigh up to 800gm after 7580 days of nurturing. But the feed, healthcare and other expenses cause the chicken’s production cost per kilo to hike up to Tk180. But they are currently being sold at Tk160-170/ kg. The farmers are making losses around Tk10-20 per kilo.

A poultry farm breeds chicken for meat around 6-7 times per year, and half the time the owners suffer losses. But the middlemen make about Tk4050/kg when they deliver it to the consumers. The market is expected to take a dip for Eidul-Azha which will cause the farmers to suffer more losses.

Some farmers remaining anonymous have disclosed that a number of shady merchants have taken to using harmful

antibiotics and steroids to bulk up chickens in about a month.

Since this reduces the cost of feeds, these farmers are in line to make good windfall.

Sources at Livestock departement said they could not monitor poultry industry for lack of manpower.

Even though the department is supposed to provide vaccines against Newcastle Disease, they are unable to meet the high demands.

Though the farmers are making some profits for dayold chicks, meat-producing chickens are a losing effort.

Nurul Ameen added that the government has to get involved to sustain the dying industry in a role that at least maintains feed and medicine standards. The government has to subsidise the industry so that the farmers can profit and the industry survive, helping the government generate high revenues.

The district officer for animal resources Dr AFM Shafiuzzaman has said according to their records, there is one government-sponsored poultry farm and 3,476 privately-owned poultry farm as well as 52 hatcheries. These farms and hatcheries receive constant monitoring and medicine at government-set prices and expert advice among other facilities. l

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

PM for immediate solution of JnU accommodation crisis n Rafikul Islam Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked three ministers – Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Planning Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal – to take steps to solve accommodation crisis of Jagannath University (JnU) as soon as possible.

President of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, JnU unit, FM Shariful Islam told Dhaka Tribune that home minister had informed them about the directive of the prime minister during a meeting on Thursday night.

President Saifur Rahman Sohag and General Secretary SM Jakir Hossain of BCL central committee and General Secretary of BCL JnU

unit SM Sirajul Islam were present at the meeting.

“During the meeting, home minster told us that Jagannath University issue will be raised in the next meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC),” he said.

“The minister said the institution turned into a university in 2005 in an unplanned way. He also assured us that he would take all possible measures to solve the existing problems of the university.

He also urged students to do their movement in peaceful way,” he added.”

“On Saturday [today], we will hold a meeting with Teachers and officials of the university as the part of our movement,” he added.

Teachers’ Association of the

University is likely to meet with Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on September 4 over the issue.

Students of the university under the banner of left leaning parties have been staging demonstration since August 1 for construction of dormitories at the vacated site of old Dhaka jail that was shifted to Keraniganj on 29 July, 2016.

Later, the BCL, the students’ front of the ruling party Awami League started separate on August.

Recently, authorities of the university made the appeal to the government seeking allocation of the land.

A multi-storied dormitory, a cultural centre, a research centre and a museum would be constructed

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at the site of jail and these structures would be named after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders – Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman, if the land is allotted to the university, said the authorities in the letter sent to ministries concerned.

Being failed to get any response from the government’s side, students of university have decided to take different types of programmes to create awareness among mass people about their demand.

Earlier, students of the university staged demonstration boycotting classes and examination in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014 demanding measures to solve accommodation crisis. l

SUST issues show cause notice on 36 BCL men n Zahid Hasan, SUST

Authorities of Shahjalal University Science and Technology (SUST) issued a show cause notice against 35 leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League over series of clashes that took place between two factions of the ruling party Awami League’s students’ front.

Registrar of the university Isfakul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune that 36 people include university unit president and vice-president.

The BCL men were asked to reply to the notice after Eid vacation.

On Thursday, authorities of the university asked students to vacate all residential halls following the clashes.

Following the direction, almost all the students have already left their respective dormitories. l

Two women died in Tangail n Afzal Hossain, Tangail

Two women died at Kalia and Baheratoil union parishads in Tangail district town yesterday over family feud.

Police said an altercation took place between Mojnu Mia and his wife Taslima at the parental house of latter located at Machiya village, Kalia union parishad over family feud.

During the quarrel, Sokhina Begum, 50, mother of Taslima tried to stop both of them. Then, Mojnu Mia got furious and allegedly hit on her head with a stick, leaving her severely injured.

She was taken to Tangail Sadar Upzila Health Complex where on duty doctor declared her dead.

Meanwhile, another woman committed suicide at Ghateshori village, Baheratoil union parishad over family feud.

Family members said Sajeda Khatun, wife of Saudi expatriate Chan Mia, was sent back to her parental house after an arbitration on Wednesday. Later, she committed suicide on Thursday night.

Abul Kashem, father of Sajeda, alleged that his daughter committed suicide after being tortured by her in-laws.

Sub-Inspector of Sokhipur police station Anisul Rahman said a murder and an unnatural death case were filed with the police station.

Officer-in-Charge of Sokhipur police station both the bodies were sent to the morgue of Tangail Medical College Hospital for autopsies.

No one was arrested in this connections. l

DB Police arrested eight members of counterfeit currency gang with fake notes worth Tk52 lakh from Palton and Katwali area of Dhaka

MAHMUD HOSSAIN APU

Three-member probe committee formed over Chandpur tanker blast n Md Ibrahim, Chandpur

A three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident of devastating fire which was originated from an oil tanker blast at Bangabandhu Road in Chandpur town early yesterday that left one people killed and 20 others injured.

Chandpur District Administration office sources said The Dhaka Tribune: “A three-member probe committee headed by Md Masud Alam, additional deputy commissioner of Chandpur, was formed to

investigate the incident.”

The committee was asked to submit its report within seven working days.

The other committee members are Ratan Kumar Nath, deputy director of Chandpur fire fighting unit and Assistant Police Superintendent Md Nazrul Islam.

Md Masud Alam, additional deputy commissioner also the head of the probe committee said: “Now I don’t want to comment about the tragedy, we will submit the report within seven working days.”

Earlier, police filed a case with

Sadar Model police station against five people in this connection.

On Thursday, a devastating fire broke at an oil godown while unloading petrol from a lorry at Bangabandhu Road in Chandpur town.

Raihan, 23, son of Mizanur Rahman, owner of the oil depot died at at Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 7.45 pm on Thursday.

Mizanur Rahman, 50, Badsha, 45, Masud, 28, and Nur Mohammad, 21, are under going treatment at the burn unit of DMCH. Ninety per cent of the bodies of Masud, Raihan and Nur have burnt

while 68% of Mizan and 40% of Badsha are suffering from burn injuries, According to DMCH. Police and Fire Service sources said the fire broke out at an oil godown while unloading petrol from a lorry in Mijibari area of the road around 12.30am. Soon the fire engulfed the godown on the ground floor of a three-storey residential building and spread to the upper floors.

The residents of the floors took shelter on the roof and were rescued by ladders with the help of fire fighters and locals. l

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SOUTH ASIA

UN chief urges Sri Lanka to redress wrongs of war UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday urged Sri Lanka to do more to redress wrongs committed during 26 years of war with Tamil rebels, including returning land and restoring the accountability of the judiciary and security services.

Ban, on a official visit, praised the efforts of Sirisena’s administration to address some rights abuses committed during the war. -REUTERS

INDIA

Indian workers strike for higher wages A nationwide strike by tens of millions of Indian public sector workers has been hailed by union officials. Last-minute concessions by the finance and labour ministries, including a 104-rupee rise in unskilled workers’ daily minimum wage, could not ward off the strike against what unions said were the ‘anti-worker and anti-people’ policies of Modi’s government.

-THE GUARDIAN

CHINA

China hoping to avoid sensitive topics in G-20 summit

China’s hosting of the Group of 20 summit highlights its role as the world’s second-largest economy and a growing force in global diplomacy, but also comes amid sharpening frictions over its territorial claims in the South China Sea. China hopes to avoid discussion of such issues while using the summit to burnish its image as a responsible major nation.

-AP

ASIA PACIFIC

Duterte declines meeting with UN’s Ban Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who has railed against the UN for criticising his government, has declined a request to meet UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that contacts were had to try to set up a time for a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN forum meeting in Laos next week, but that no time could be agreed upon. -AFP

MIDDLE EAST

300 Syrians leave rebel town under govt deal More than 300 Syrians living in a rebel held town near Damascus were evacuated on Friday under a deal with the government. The agreement between the regime and the rebels had already seen thousands of civilians and opposition fighters leave the town of Daraya, southwest of the capital, after a 4-year government siege.

-AFP

Bombs kill 14, wound dozens at Pakistan court n Reuters, Peshawar Two bombs killed at least 14 people and wounded 50 outside a court complex in northwest Pakistan on Friday, hours after militants killed two people in a Christian neighbourhood in the same region.

Both attacks were claimed by Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, a breakaway Pakistani Taliban faction believed to be behind some of the past year’s deadliest attacks, including last month’s bombing of lawyers in the city of Quetta that killed 74 people.

Haris Habib, chief rescue officer in the city of Mardan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, said that bodies of policemen, lawyers and other civilians were recovered.

The twin attacks in the northwest came one day after Pakistan’s army touted the successes of its fight against myriad armed jihadist groups, though a spokesman acknowledged there was still a long way to go.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sha-

Men gather under a ceiling with blood stain, after twin bomb attack occurred at a court, in Mardan on Friday REUTERS rif said “Friday’s latest bombing would not shatter our unflinching resolve in our war against terrorism. These receding elements are showing frustration by attacking our soft targets. They shall not get space to hide in Pakistan.”

Jamaat-ur-Ahrar’s spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan, vowed to stage

more attacks saying “We appeal to civilians to remain away from law enforcement installations and these un-Islamic courts. We will target them more.”

Attack on christian area

Earlier in the day, four gunmen wearing suicide-bomb vests at-

tacked a Christian neighbourhood in the Khyber tribal region, killing at least one security guard and a civilian resident. Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, claimed responsibility within hours of the attack. The Islamist group also staged the Easter Day attack on Christians in a park in Lahore that killed 72 people including at least 29 children.

Security improving- but slowly Just a day before Friday’s attacks, the chief army spokesman briefed the media on the progress of the military’s two-year-old offensive against jihadists in the rugged areas bordering Afghanistan. Lietenant General Asim Bajwa released figures showing that terrorist attacks had fallen from a total of 128 in 2013, with 46 of those suicide attacks, to 74 last year, including 17 suicide attacks.

He also said authorities had arrested more than 300 people attempting to set up an IS operation in Pakistan. However, he acknowledged Pakistan still faced a tough fight. l

Turkey pushes west in offensive against IS in Syria n Reuters, Ankara Turkey renewed air strikes on Islamic State sites in Syria on Friday, extending operations along a 90km- corridor near the Turkish border which Ankara says it is clearing of jihadists and protecting from Kurdish militia expansion.

Turkey’s 10-day-old offensive, its first major incursion into Syria since the war started five years ago, has alarmed the West.

The US has voiced concerns about Turkish strikes on Kurdish-aligned groups that Washington has backed in its battle against Islamic State. Germany said it did not want to see a lasting Turkish presence in an already tangled conflict.

Turkey has said it has no plans to stay in Syria and simply aims to protect its frontier from Islamic State and the Kurdish YPG militia, which it sees as an extension of the outlawed Kurdish PKK group fighting an insurgency on Turkish soil.

“Nobody can expect us to allow a terror corridor on our southern border,” President Tayyip Erdogan told a news conference.

Washington says Turkish action aimed at the YPG, part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition, risked un-

Turkish armoured personnel carriers are driven towards the border in Karkamis on the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern Gaziantep province REUTERS dermining the broader goal of ridding Syria of Islamic State, which has attacked Western and Turkish targets.

Turkish forces and their Syrian rebel allies began the Aug. 24 offensive by seizing Jarablus, a Syrian frontier town, from Islamic State, before turning their sights on what the army said were YPG positions. The YPG denied they were there.

Clearing territory

The Turkish military said its warplanes had bombed three sites

around the Syrian settlements of Arab Ezza and al-Ghundura, west of Jarablus, roughly in the centre of the 90-km stretch of territory that Turkey says it aims to clear.

The government has not said it wants to establish a “buffer zone” but its forces are likely to have to stay in the region for some time to support the Syrian rebels it is backing who number just 1,500.

Concerned at the arrival of a new military player in the already complex conflict in Syria, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier cautioned Turkey

against keeping its military there.

“We all must have an interest in avoiding long-term military confrontations on Syrian soil,” he told reporters in Bratislava.

Erdogan said the Turkish operation dubbed “Euphrates Shield” had been successful in clearing Islamic State and Kurdish YPG from a 400-sq-km (150-square mile) area.

He denied claims that the YPG, which Ankara calls a terrorist group, had withdrawn to a Kurdish-controlled canton to the east of the Euphrates river, a key Turkish demand.

The YPG says it has already removed its forces from the area of the Turkish-backed campaign.

U.S. officials have also said it has mostly withdrawn its forces to the east of the Euphrates, a natural boundary cutting through northern Syria.

“At the moment, they are saying the YPG has crossed (the Euphrates),” Erdogan said.

“We are saying no they didn’t.

The proof depends on our own observation.”

He said Turkey had lobbied for the establishment of a “safe zone” in Syria but that the plan had not received the backing of other world powers. l

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Nice judge deals further blow to burkini foes n Reuters, Paris Attempts to ban burkini-clad women from the beaches of France’s Riviera coast suffered a further setback when a judge in the city of Nice declared the prohibition of the body-hiding swimwear to be illegal there.

The verdict delivered on Thursday was the latest of several rulings against bans imposed by local authorities in dozens of southeastern beach resorts in the peak holiday month of August - bans that sparked intense controversy inside and outside France.

Nice, where 86 people died in an Islamic State militant attack in July, was one of some 30 towns in the largely right-wing part of the country to ban the burkini on the grounds that it presented a threat to public order.

The burkini, which is predominantly worn by Muslim women

A woman in a burkini walks in the water on a Marseille beach on August 27 REUTERS and covers all of the body bar face, hands and feet, has become a target at a time when identity politics is gaining traction following

a string of deadly Islamist attacks in France. The bans have exposed secular France’s difficulties grappling with religious tolerance in

the wake of the attacks.

Nice became a symbol of the burkini-ban controversy when local and foreign media relayed pictures of police ordering a woman lying on the beach to remove some of the clothing that covered most of her body.

The United Nations human rights office earlier this week called on French beach resorts to lift their bans on the burkini, calling them a “stupid reaction” that did not improve security but rather fuelled religious intolerance.

While the controversy may wane with the end of the summer vacation period, the burkini furore highlighted the tensions set to dominate ahead of elections next May. While traditionally Catholic but also home to large Jewish and Muslim communities, France has made the strict separation of church and state a cornerstone of political life for well over a century. l

US ELECTION

The role of government: Why it matters n Tribune International Desk It’s the Goldilocks conundrum of American politics: Is the federal government too big, too small or just right?

Few think it’s just right. Ever since the first Americans bucked their colonial overlords in Britain, America has been wrestling with the delicate balance between a government that creates opportunity and one that inhibits it.

Every four years, the presidential election offers a referendum on whether Washington should do more or less. Traditionally, Republicans have been viewed as the party of smaller government.

This year, it’s not so simple, reports The Associated Press.

Where they stand

It’s no secret Donald Trump likes things huge. Whether that applies to Uncle Sam remains to be seen.

Trump favours cutting government regulation that he says stifles businesses. He’s talked about doing away with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Education Department. Trump has also promised massive tax cuts, but fiscal conservatives flinch at the trillions of dollars his plan is expected to heap onto the national debt.

Unlike most conservatives,

In this 2013 file photo, copies of US President Barack Obama’s budget plan for fiscal year 2014 are prepared for delivery at the US Government Printing Office in Washington AP Trump supports eminent domain - the government’s right to seize property with compensation. He wants to replace “Obamacare,” but has said government-run health care “could have worked in a different age.” And don’t forget that gigantic Mexico border wall he wants to build, estimated to cost taxpayers billions. Trump says it’ll be Mexican taxpayers footing the bill, a claim his critics and Mexico laugh off.

Hillary Clinton hasn’t focused heavily on cutting government spending in her campaign either.

To the contrary, she’s vowed new spending on college education, infrastructure and other programs

that could grow the size of government. While Clinton has said taxes would go up for the wealthy to help pay for it, independent analyses have shown her plans would increase the debt in the long term.

On the other hand, Clinton’s vision for government is a far cry from that of Bernie Sanders, her defeated primary opponent whose plans for education and health care would have caused government to swell if implemented.

Why it matters

The tentacles of government reach into every aspect of our lives: The

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roads we drive on, the schools our kids attend, the dollar bills we spend. Government creates and protects national parks and provides health care for our veterans, the indigent and the elderly. And operates a military to protect the country.

Government also takes our money - lots of it. For the 2016 budget year that ends September 30, the federal government is expected to take in $3.3trn in revenues while spending $3.8tn, according to a recent White House report. That means the government will rack up roughly $600bn in debt, adding to the more than $19tn burden already saddling taxpayers of the future.

At its heart, the debate about government’s reach pits the innately human desire to know your basic needs will be cared for against the equally human desire to be left alone.

For the last few decades, polls have found Americans generally feel frustrated by the federal government and think it’s wasteful, with only small numbers saying they’re content. Late last year, 53% in a Pew Research Center poll said they’d prefer a smaller government that offers fewer services, compared with 38% who wanted more government doing more. A smaller government sounds good to a lot of people until they’re asked what specific services they are willing to do without. l

USA

Trump’s wife sues Daily Mail over defamatory stories Melania Trump, the wife of US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, sued the Maryland-based publisher of the Daily Mail Online and a blogger on Thursday over stories about her past she believes were tremendously damaging. A Daily Mail story last month reported that a modeling agency that Melania worked with served as an escort business, linking wealthy clients with women for sexual services.

-REUTERS

THE AMERICAS

Pena Nieto: Trump proposals a threat to Mexico’s future Mexico’s president said that Donald Trump’s proposals represent a threat to the future of his country. President Enrique Pena Nieto has been ridiculed in his country for inviting Trump, as well as for not confronting him more directly about comments calling migrants from Mexico criminals, drug-runners and rapists.

-AP

UK

Blair: UK could stay in EU if public opinion shifts Tony Blair has claimed Britain could remain in the EU, despite the referendum result in favour of Brexit, if public opinion shifts in the next few years. The former prime minister told a French radio station that people had the right to change their minds on the result of the June referendum, and said the debate would continue throughout the UK’s exit negotiations. -THE GUARDIAN

EUROPE

Rajoy faces second doomed confidence vote Spain’s acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will on Friday make his second attempt this week to win the confidence of parliament to form a government, though the conservative leader’s likely failure will start the countdown towards another election. After inconclusive national elections in December and then in June, a stand-off between rival parties is edging Spain closer to another ballot.

-REUTERS

AFRICA

Bongo stands firm as riots greet his re-election Ali Bongo of Gabon poured scorn Thursday on opposition supporters who rioted overnight after he was declared the winner of a weekend election his main rival said was rigged. Bongo said that democracy does not fit comfortably with self-declared victory, with small groups trained in destruction. He also said democracy does not sit well with an attack on parliament.

-AFP

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

COUNTERING ISLAMIC STATE

Should India be assertively involved in West Asia? n Ranjit Gupta In the context of conflicts raging across West Asia, a region of vital importance to India, many in India’s strategic community and media have criticised India’s utterly passive hands off attitude. Suggestions have been made that India should have joined the international coalition fighting in Syria against the Islamic State (IS) and even of sending troops. The past few weeks have witnessed a particularly animated debate about the IS posing a serious terror threat to India.

India has faced thousands of deadly terrorist attacks over the decades in Kashmir and the Northeast; Naxalite/Marxist type attacks in many parts of India; and, random politically motivated attacks. Such attacks continue on a regular basis even today. In strong contrast there has been no IS related terrorist attack in India.

India has not been mentioned in statements listing IS’ branches around the world. Episodic arrests, detentions, deportations, interrogations, etc, involving a maximum of 150 or so persons constitute the overall IS related footprint in India; this number includes Indians reportedly fighting in Syria. Compared to the devastating mayhem it has and continues to unleash in many countries, IS activity in India does not constitute even minor pinpricks. If IS is making an effort to foment terrorism in India it has very clearly failed miserably.

The US, Russia and many other countries are heavily involved in the war against the IS which is finally succeeding. The IS has lost a substantial part of the territory it controlled, casualties and desertions are mounting, it is facing an increasing financial resources crunch and though the ideology it represents will remain a long-term global challenge, as a political entity in a specific geographical location, it is well on its way to defeat. Its resultant anger and desperation will be directed against its tormentors, not countries like India. In any case, the ideological threat has to be combated domestically not abroad.

Prime Minister Modi has paid extremely successful visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar in the past eleven months. These countries are deeply involved in the wars that are going on; while the conflicts in the region were discussed none of the leaders of these countries asked for India’s involvement, being fully aware of and respecting India’s wise traditional policy of non-involvement in wars abroad. Why therefore should India get involved at its own initiative?

It is because of this reticent non-partisan attitude that India is the only major country in the

world that has excellent relationships simultaneously with Israel, Iran, Palestine, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE apart from China. China has turned down all suggestions to join the international coalition against IS. India was not remotely involved with the actions and policies of the countries that led to the creation of the IS – in fact India opposed these policies. The Frankenstein monster that they created is now fighting them. Why should India voluntarily invite a blowback from global jihad by getting involved?

Merely declaring that India is joining the international coalition will not make the slightest difference to the IS’ fortunes on the ground but cause India to be put on the IS hit list. It is worth noting that even Pakistan, a client state of the US and Saudi Arabia for decades and having extremely close military relations with them, has refused entreaties by them to join the ground or aerial war against the IS – one of the very rare wise deci-

sions it has made.

Given India’s unique demography, the historical baggage associated with it, the rampaging spread of extremism and militancy within Islam, and Pakistan’s seven-decade old ceaseless efforts to foment communal discord in India, India’s deploying troops in Muslim countries against a Muslim entity in a region torn apart by vicious sectarian warfare is an enterprise fraught with potentially hugely dangerous consequences both domestically and for its excellent relations with all countries in the Gulf region.

For all these reasons there is no case whatsoever for India waging war or joining the international coalition against the IS or in any way getting intrusively involved in conflicts in West Asia. India’s hands off, low profile, and pragmatic approach based on mutual benefit has yielded very satisfying results and there is absolutely no need to change this policy.

A truly impressive fact is that no Muslim community of the world

has kept itself further away from extremism and militancy than India’s Muslims. It is the world’s third largest Muslim community. There was not a single Indian who went to fight in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Hardly any Indians joined al Qaeda.

The IS has served as an ideological beacon to radicalise hundreds of thousands of misguided Muslims around the world. Only a tiny number of Indian Muslims have gone to Syria and Iraq to join Islamist fighters. In the context of 180 million Muslims in India, all this is very impressive. This author knows from personal interactions that these realities are greatly admired, even envied, in West Asia. All Indians should be proud of these facts.

Every single Indian Muslim entity of repute, theological institution and prominent Muslim leader in different parts of the country, including separatist leaders in Kashmir, has strongly denounced the IS and also the so-called Caliphate. In September 2015, over 1,000 clerics ratified a 1,100-page religious rul-

ing that declared the IS as un-Islamic and that its actions were against the basic tenets of Islam.

Signatories included the Imam of Jama Masjid and the heads of Ajmer Sharif and Nizamuddin Auliya. On 24 February 2016, about 300 top Indian ulema passed a similar resolution in Hyderabad and also declared IS a terrorist organisation.

Last week, the IS was condemned in a massive public gathering of Muslims in Kerala. A prominent scholar, Muhammad Qasim Zaman, the author of South Asian Islam and the Idea of the Caliphate has written, “The Muslims of India have, for the most part, seen the promises of a secular state as the best hope for the preservation of their culture and identity.” As they have so successfully done so far, leaders of and family elders within the Muslim community will ensure that India’s Muslim youth are not led astray.

However, it is necessary to maintain the utmost vigilance.

India’s intelligence, investigative and security agencies are doing whatever is necessary quite well.

However, it is a cardinal principle of counter-terrorism that the fight against terrorism is always more effective away from publicity. Therefore, newspaper reports detailing results of investigations of people being arrested for ostensible IS links are not helpful; counter intuitively, they help radicalisation, provide useful information to potential recruits, serve to exaggerate the so far distinctly manageable dimensions of the problem and contribute to spreading panic.

India’s greatest contribution to the world has been its tolerant pluralistic civilisational ethos that has, over the centuries, nurtured inclusiveness consciously treating equally and with respect people of different customs, ethnicities, languages, religions, traditions, etc. At the November 2015 West Asia conference organised by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), participants from Iran (repeatedly), Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen made specific reference to this, suggesting that West Asia has a lot to learn from India. It is imperative that India maintain this globally admired, iconic and sacrosanct civilisational heritage. This is by far the best guarantee against radicalisation and potential threats posed by the likes of IS or even Pakistan’s ISI, which, in fact, poses far more danger for India than the IS. l

Gupta is a distinguished fellow and columnist, IPCS; former Indian ambassador to Yemen and Oman; and former member, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), India. The original article can be found at http:// bit.ly/2bI0pAR

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World

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Swiss House avoids clash with EU over immigration n Reuters, Bern/Brussels Switzerland skirted a direct clash with the European Union over immigration curbs on Friday when a parliamentary panel rejected the government’s threat to impose unilateral quotas on foreigners next year in favour of a compromise.

The lower house committee drafting legislation on the politically sensitive topic instead proposed giving local people hiring preference as a way to ease pressure on domestic job markets without infringing too much on EU free movement rules.

Negotiations that neutral Swit-

PORTRAYAL

Deceased Uzbek president hushed dissent n Reuters Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who the government said on Friday had died aged 78 after suffering a stroke, saw himself as the protector of his Central Asian nation against the threat of militant Islam. To his critics, he was a brutal dictator who used torture to stay in power.

Karimov, who steered his former Soviet republic to independence from Moscow in 1991, tellingly chose Tamerlane, the 14th century Central Asian ruler and conqueror with a penchant for mass m u rd e r, as Uzbekistan’s national Islam Karimov hero.

Karimov brooked no dissent during his 27 years at the helm, stubbornly resisted pressure to reform the moribund Uzbek economy and jealously guarded his country’s independence against Russia and the West.

In a typically feisty rebuff to Western calls to respect human rights, Karimov said in 2006: “Do not interfere in our affairs under the pretext of furthering freedom and democracy, Do not ... tell us what to do, whom to befriend and how to orient ourselves.”

Under his rule, Uzbekistan, a country of 32m people straddling the ancient Silk Road that links Asia and Europe, became one of the world’s most isolated and authoritarian nations.

Karimov regularly warned of the threat posed by militant Islamists to the stability of the vast, resource-rich Central Asian region, but his critics accused him of exaggerating the dangers to justify his crackdowns on political dissent.

“Such people must be shot in the head,” he said of the Islamists in a speech to parlia-

ment in 1996. “If necessary, if you lack the resolve, I’ll shoot them myself.”

Diplomatic dance

Uzbekistan’s relations with the US and the European Union were frozen after his troops brutally suppressed a popular uprising in the eastern town of Andizhan in May 2005. Hundreds of civilians were killed, according to reports by witnesses and human rights groups.

Karimov shut down a US military air base in Uzbekistan, established after the 9/11 attacks by al-Qaeda on the US. The West imposed a set of sanctions on Uzbekistan and slapped a visa ban on senior Uzbek officials, prompting Karimov to seek improved ties with Soviet-era overlord Russia.

But as the West slowly softened its stance on Uzbekistan, a producer of cotton, gold and natural gas, Karimov provided a vital transit route for cargo supplies for the US-led war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

As ties with Russia again grew strained, Uzbekistan in 2012 suspended its membership of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation, which groups several ex-Soviet nations and is seen by some analysts as a regional counterbalance to Nato.

Karimov has two daughters.

One of them, Gulnara, tried to position herself as a pop star at home and an international socialite, becoming one of the most powerful people in Uzbekistan and reportedly controlling a vast business empire.

But several media, including the BBC, reported in 2014 that she had been placed under house arrest, and Gulnara has not appeared in public since then.

Her younger sister Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has risen to public prominence, serving as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the Paris-based Unesco. She told the BBC in 2013 she had not spoken to Gulnara for 12 years. l

zerland conducts with the EU to resolve the matter will be scrutinised for potential hints of what kind of deal Britain might expect following its June vote to leave the bloc.

The compromise bill, criticised by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) as too vague and a betrayal of voters’ demand for quotas in a 2014

referendum that must be implemented by February, now moves to the full lower house for debate.

Free movement of people is a cornerstone of EU policy. Britain voted in June to leave the EU, in large part to stop unlimited immigration of EU citizens that critics say has pressured job markets, so-

cial services and schools.

The European Commission, which faces years of similar negotiations on migration rules with Britain, has shown little inclination to accommodate Switzerland or budge from insistence the Swiss respect free movement rules or lose trade benefits. l

12

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Heritage

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Five empires and a corporation It is in these lands that the world’s first multinational was born extensively mentioned in early writings, including those of Jain and Buddhist tradition) are mostly artefacts of the period, sculptural and personal.

Traces, however, of its architectural heritage remain in the foundations of such masterpieces as the, later period, Paharpur Vihara in north Bengal.

Few early sites in Bangladesh, it seems, do not include detectable origins of the last centuries before the Common Era, in which the great Ashoka, the third Mauryan Emperor, reigned.

Perhaps the most enduring trace of that great Empire, however, which reaches across the entirety of northern Indian subcontinent even today, is the Grand Trunk Road, reaching from the Indus to the Ganges delta.

The Gupta Empire may well have had its roots around today’s Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabganj, in Bangladesh. It survived for a little over two centuries, but left behind an astonishing record of cultural and economic achievement

n Tim Steel

F

ew, if any, other parts of the world can lay claim to what have been an essential part, if not the root, of the development of five great empires over less than two and a half millennia, and the world’s earliest true private sector multinational corporation.

But the very rich history -- in every sense of the phrase -- of the lands that are now those of the

nation and people of Bangladesh hold such a distinction, for better, or worse. Or even, better and worse!

Of that, there can be no doubt.

Archaeological, documentary, empirical, and circumstantial evidence all point in that direction.

And, not least, the cultural and documentary history of other nations around the world, from Japan through China, the Middle East to Mediterranean, and even east African lands.

And that -- within these lands of Bangladesh and those close by also developed three of the world’s greatest faith groups, together with clear evidence of two other such groups enjoying significance in their evolution within and through the lands -- is absolutely unique.

The fact that, in these lands and around, also developed one of the earliest forms of written language, and although rooted here, nonetheless contributed

considerable vocabulary to many other, including great European languages, ancient and modern, is probably related to these extraordinary facts.

Traces of the earliest of these Empires, the Mauryan Empire based upon Patna in modern India, the successor to what was known as the Magadha Kingdom (which, although it is believed to have lasted for up to a thousand years, never appears to have had great scale, despite being

It may be open to question how much earlier, even, than the 3rd century BCE that link existed.

Kingdoms, we know, from classical writers, including 4th century BCE Megasthenes and 3rd century BCE Apollonius of Rhodes, flourished hereabouts, in the lands that are now Bangladesh.

Archaeology in both India and Bangladesh also point to a proliferation of evidently wealthy, well-armed but peaceful enclaves around the delta.

Although financed perhaps by the trade, subsequent minor empires rose and fell in the region, it was not until the early years of the 4th century of the Common Era that the next of the great empires reached out across most of northern India.

Described by historians as the “Golden Age of India,” with its remarkable age of invention, innovation, and evolution, we may well wonder how connections with China facilitated such development.

The Gupta Empire may well have had its roots around today’s Rajshahi and Chapai Nawabganj, in Bangladesh.

It survived for a little over two centuries, but left behind an astonishing record of cultural and economic achievement.

A century later, the great Buddhist Pala Empire arose, again, sprawling across much of the north of the sub-continent.

This dynasty of rulers, that lasted about three and a half centuries, also had its roots in the lands that are now Bangladesh, in north Bengal, around Dinajpur.

It really cannot be any coincidence that such developments originated in these lands with its extraordinarily rich economic and cultural experiences of earlier ages.

Traces of these empires remain in Bangladesh, both in the highly visible Buddhist Vihara...

University monasteries, and a considerable collection of artefacts.

Many, sadly, now in museums and antique collections around the world.

However, if the Gupta Empire left its bequests to the entire sub-continent, the Pala Empire certainly left its legacy across today’s Buddhist world, especially Tibet, whence, in the early 11th century, travelled Bangladesh born Atish Dipanker, known widely in the Buddhist world as “the second Buddha,” for rescuing the Buddhist traditions of Tibet from decline, and establishing the order that survives there even today.

Even the Chinese government have paid their tribute to his work by building a commemorative pagoda close to his birthplace in Munshiganj, near Dhaka.

centuries as the Mongol hordes flooded across Asia.

It is probably fair to say that they left nothing that has really lasted, except laying the foundations for the first, truly cohesive, Muslim ruled Empire, although there are certainly both documentary records of, for example, the rulers at Sonargoan, east of Dhaka, where their palatial state in the early 15th century is recorded by Zheng He, the great Chinese admiral, and of a relatively sophisticated bureaucracy.

However, their turbulent reign petered out with the arrival of the Mughal dynasty. Of Mongol

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

culturally, architecturally, and artistically, and in an administration their successors were happy to emulate.

And plenty of those traces remain in Bangladesh, from where the main wealth generating states of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were ruled during arguably one of the most effective of the Mughal reigns, that of the sixth emperor, Aurangzeb.

Known as one of the three great gunpowder empires, the Mughals, sadly, were finally consumed by that same gunpowder.

It was the cargoes required by what was to become without doubt

There is no arguing with the traces the Mughals left behind, culturally, architecturally, and artistically, and in an administration their successors were happy to emulate. And plenty of those traces remain in Bangladesh

Between these great empires of the Common Era, a degree of turbulence prevailed; not least during the lengthy period that followed the Pala Empire, first with a short lived Hindu regime, and then, more enduring, what has become called “the Sultanate,” or the “Slave Rulers.”

Originating from the Muslim communities of today’s Afghanistan and Persia, they migrated southwards into familiar ground they had raided for

origin, with considerable Persian influence, they created an empire that only really lasted about two centuries, although their nominal reign lasted three, as “puppet” rulers for the era of “privatised” rule; the British, East India Company, which in true, modern corporate style, gave itself a tagline, “honourable”; an early example of the claim not fulfilled by the delivery?

There is no arguing with the traces the Mughals left behind,

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13

Heritage

the greatest “gunpowder empire,” of them all; the British Empire, from which Mughal administrators exacted vast sums to reach shipping in time for the monsoon winds, that finally moved the great East India Company to take the opportunity to seize control of the lands of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

For, perhaps, the first time in history, the world witnessed rule by business; if those over whom it ruled still complain of commercial exploitation, there may well be

lessons, even for today’s world, in which privatisation of public services appears to be the fashion...

With the same outcome?

Whilst it may be argued that the lands in and around Bangladesh financed the eventual British conquest and maintenance of the entire sub-continent and vast tracts around the world, the legacy of the century of their “management” remains highly debateable.

Their tangible and visible legacy, however, whilst slowly diminishing, remains considerable.

The fifth of the empires, of which the entire sub-continent has come to be regarded as the “jewel” was of course the British Empire, decaying in the later decades of the 19th century, and the early ones of the 20th.

Above all, the enduring legacy of that empire was, of course, the very domain of Bangladesh itself, although it was left to the people of Bangladesh themselves to extricate themselves from the undesirable marriage they, apparently, entered into lightly, with distant Pakistan in 1947.

This is a history, probably unique in the world; it is a story of lands, and peoples, who have survived such an extraordinary journey through well over two thousand years, and probably much longer, to emerge with the makings of yet another era of international trade and cultural influence; influence that many other countries in the world, especially Britain, have already experienced. l Tim Steel is a communications, marketing and tourism consultant.

DT

Climate Change

14

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Transforming Dhaka into a more equitable city We need to adapt to climate change. This is the second part of a two-part series on urban adaptation to climate change

Looking into the future: What will Dhaka look like?

n Zachary Lamb

L

ast week, I made the case that climate change adaptation projects often reinforce existing inequalities in cities. I used the examples of Dhaka and New Orleans, two very different delta cities, where projects to reduce flood vulnerability have often displaced and excluded the poor.

But I also argued that another way is possible.

“Transformative adaptation” is still a fairly unfamiliar concept.

Simply put, it is the idea that when we adapt to climate change, we should do so in ways that make cities better and more equitable. Instead of adding to the inequalities of the city, adaptation projects should strive to reduce or eliminate them.

Below, I set out a few principles for advancing transformative adaptation in Dhaka:

Transformative adaptation is not limited to formal planning processes

If climate adaptation in Dhaka is to address the deeper causes of uneven vulnerability, it must include a broad range of voices beyond those typically involved in city planning or climate change policy.

Surely professional city planners at RAJUK and other government agencies have important roles to play, but transformative adaptation must

include a wider range of actors, from local activists, community leaders, and journalists to designers, scientists, and academic experts.

Similarly, opportunities for transformative adaptation are not limited to planning processes that are explicitly adaptation-focused.

From the expansion of Dhaka’s flood protection embankments to the east, to government sponsored new town developments like Purbachal, there are countless ongoing projects in Dhaka that could advance equity while addressing climate vulnerabilities.

Adaptation planning should embrace public debate about alternatives before disasters strike.

Dhaka’s western embankments were built in a fast-tracked top-down process following the floods of the late 1980’s. Future adaptation measures can be more sensitive, more efficient, and more effective by embracing pro-active participation, technical analysis, and debate.

Adaptation context matters: Onesize fits all solutions and ‘global city’ ambitions harm the poor

Many cities around the world aspire to visions of glitzy, steel and glass, skyscraper urbanisation that is equally at home in Singapore, Dubai, or New York City. To make these visions possible, cities bury rivers and build embankments to allow for a uniform spread of speculative urban development.

Yet environmental conditions

SAGAR RAZIB UNDER CC 4.0

those with ties to government entities, are not well-equipped or motivated to support equitable adaptation, long-term livability, and safety. While the shortterm profit motives of private development may be expected, they must not be unchecked.

Adaptation planning can advance long-term interests by bringing together a range of actors from social movements, media organisations, and international development agencies to municipal and national government institutions to establish priorities to guide private investments and to hold participants accountable.

Though more and more cities are waking up to the urgent need to plan for climate change, examples of successful transformative adaptation are rare.

It would be easy to see Dhaka’s extreme population growth, its restless politics, and its relative lack of economic resources as barriers to transformative adaptation. Yet, the city’s long history of living with and adapting

Instead of adding to the inequalities of the city, adaptation projects should strive to reduce or eliminate them and the social and economic characteristics of residents vary dramatically from place to place and within a given city. By including a broad range of voices in the city’s adaptation planning, Dhaka can move beyond simplistic one-size-fits-all development models. Dhaka can create a diversity of urban environments shaped by different relationships to water that support different lifestyles and livelihoods.

The ongoing Dutch-funded “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100” process holds promise in laying the groundwork for a long-term, proactive, ecologically-informed vision for how Dhaka fits into its watery landscape. But, the success of such a vision will be determined at least as much by how it addresses the contentious politics of urbanisation and adaptation as by its design elegance or its technical sophistication.

Adaptation politics will be messy and contentious, but open debate is essential Many previous efforts at flood protection and adaptation in Dhaka have reinforced existing inequalities. To overcome

this tendency, transformative adaptation must place justice and equity front and center and must include the diverse interests and voices of the poor.

By definition, transformative adaptation will reshape many aspects of urban life. Planners and advocates must not shy away from sensitive political discussions about how adaptation will impact the distribution of rights, duties, and privileges of urban life. Adaptation to climate change in Dhaka is an urgent and growing concern, and the city’s urban governance is complex. Yet, it is crucial to ensure that neither the urgency of the cause nor the messiness of the politics become an excuse for narrow top-down action.

Adaptation planners should manage private sector investment in adaptation

Adaptation is nearly always tied to the politics of land development.

Private development interests are a critical part of adaptation planning. However, recent development activity at Dhaka’s periphery shows that private sector interests, including

to a dynamic physical and political landscape also provides a deep well of cultural, institutional, and intellectual resources that could help Dhaka to be a pioneer in advancing equitable transformative adaptation. l Zachary Lamb is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT. During his research in Dhaka he has been a visiting researcher at ICCCAD and a lecturer at the Bengal Institute. This column is based on his preliminary dissertation research in Dhaka and New Orleans and on an article that he co-authored for the May 2016 issue of the Journal of Planning Education and Research.

This page has been developed in collaboration with the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and its partners, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). This page represents the views and experiences of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of Dhaka Tribune or ICCCAD or its partners.

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15

Learn English

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Speaking English with your child For the most part, it is parents who teach their young children (age three to nine) to speak their home language. A technique often used by parents is ‘parentese’, which involves speaking to the child in a high-pitched, affectionate voice. This approach is sometimes unconscious and the parent tends to use greater facial expression, shorter phrases (e.g. ‘Yes. That’s a dog.’) and stresses the most important word.

nOpal Dunn Parents, even with a basic knowledge of English, can successfully support their young child learning English by reusing and adjusting many of these parentese techniques. Young children need to feel that they can speak English, that it can be fun and doesn’t have to feel like an academic exercise and parents play an important role in supporting their child’s English language development.

Help from parents is so important because

parents can: • focus on their child, spending some one-to-one time with them • fit English sessions into any part of their day to suit their child and themselves • regulate the length of sessions and select activities to fit their child’s interests and ability to concentrate • use their knowledge of their child to interpret their mood and how best to respond to them • introduce more fun because

they are working with an individual rather than a class introduce English culture into family life, so broadening their child’s outlook and understanding of their own culture as well.

•

By using simple English with plenty of repetition, parents can help their child to begin thinking in English during activities where they feel secure and can predict what is going to happen, like games or ‘rhyme times’. Young children like the chance to talk

Activities to use with children Sit down with your child and get them to talk about themselves. Ask them some simple questions about themselves so you can complete the information below together, e.g. ‘What is your name?’

‘My name is…’

If your child is not confident writing in English, you can write the words for them.

My name is ________________________________ and I am _______________ years old.

My favourite colour is _______________________________________________________.

I love eating ___________________________ but not ____________________________.

And we like playing _________________________________________________________.

My face Help your child to identify different parts of his/her face by asking him/her to point to their:

ears chin

eyes

After reading the article on ‘Speaking English with your child’ decide whether the following statements are true or false: 1 ‘Parentese’ is a coded language used by children to talk to each other.

2 Parents can help their child’s learning because they know their child and can respond to their individual needs and moods.

3 Reading together or making books is a great way to develop English language skills.

4 Children rarely respond to praise from their parents.

5 Learning and using English in the home can broaden a child’s cultural awareness.

Answers 1 False 2 True 3 True 4 False 5 True

My best friend is called ______________________________________________________.

nose

making progress. Continuous positive praise, support and encouragement helps to build selfconfidence and motivation.

Once children are able to speak, recite rhymes and memorise stories, parents’ support need no longer be so intensive. By this stage, many phrases, rhymes and stories are likely to be part of family life.

This can be the start of positive attitudes to English and other cultures. It is generally accepted that lifelong attitudes are laid down in early childhood before the age of eight or nine.l

Exercise

All about me

mouth

in English about themselves and what they like, what they have done and how they and others feel. Parents can help by sharing picture books or making their own books using drawings or photographs.

Young children learning their home language become skilled in transferring a little language to many situations such as ‘all gone’. If adults transfer English phrases in the same way, young children soon copy them.

Children often look for their parents’ praise. They need to feel good and know that they are

hair

Rapido and Zen Learn English 1. Listening

chee

What did that boring teacher say?

I didn’t really hear!

ks

Oh! just something about the importance of listening skills

Ask your child to draw a picture of themselves and label it using the words above.

Your child can use this drawing and the text on the left to start creating a book ‘about me’ and include photographs, stories and poems.

For more about the British Council www.britishcouncil.org

© British Council 2016

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16

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

art tutorial

Kids meet the artist

Bugs Bunny “What’s up doc?” Where have we heard that before? You guessed it! It is the favorite saying of our Loony rabbit friend - Bugs Bunny. No bunny is smarter or cooler than this one.

But this week, let’s take a look at the man who made him first, all out of his head.

His name is Chuck Jones, and he was also the artist behind Roadrunner, Wile E Coyote and Daffy Duck. He loved to draw when he was very young. He loved it so much, and was so good at it, that he joined art schools when he was just 15 years old!

He thought of himself as “an actor with a pencil,” and what a talented actor Chuck was! l

ical creature myth

Winged Magic Fairies are magical creatures that are a form of nature. They look just like you and me, a little bit smaller, but what is special about them is that they have beautiful wings to help them fly. They can also use magic to see the future.

Fairies are very pretty young women. They live on islands, inside trees, under colourful mushrooms, and where one river breaks into two. They love to spend their time playing soft melodies on different types of musical instruments. Some fairies have jobs to do in the world, like the tooth fairy, Tinker Bell and the Fairy Godmother. l

Framing memories

You will need • Photograph • Ruler • Cardboard • Scissors • Paint, brush and other decor • Glue • Markers Instructions • Add 2-3 inches to each side of your picture and cut out two pieces of cardboard that equal the dimensions you calculated.

• Mark out the sketch of your frame in the centre of one of the pieces of cardboard and

•

•

•

• •

cut the shape out.

Decorate one side of the piece of cardboard with the cut-out window with colours, and other décor like glitters , crayons etc Place the decorated piece of cardboard face-down and mark three lines around the cut-out window, on the sides and the bottom, about ¼ inch from the window.

Place thin lines of glue along the lines you drew and place the remaining cardboard piece on top of the first, lining up the edges accurately.

Allow the glue to dry out.

Insert the photo into the frame through the top and place it on a stand wherever you want to. l

animal facts

fun science

The Magic Ketchup Experiment Things you need: • A 1 litre plastic bottle • Ketchup pack • Salt (using kosher salt helps keep the water from becoming foggy) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Happiest animal on earth • • • • •

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

pet tips

diy

So many memories to capture, so many moments to remember forever. Why fret over buying picture frames on time? Make some of your own!

17

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Kids

The Quokka is the happiest animal on earth.

It is found in south-western Australia It is not a dangerous animal at all But we are dangerous to the Quokka It is a small marsupial about the size of a domestic cat.l

Remove all the labels and fill it up with water Add a ketchup pack to the bottle.

If the ketchup floats, you’re all set. If the ketchup pack sinks, add about 3 table spoons of salt and shake it well.

Continue until the packet floats.

Once it is constantly floating, make sure the bottle is filled to the top with water, and then cap it tightly.

Now squeeze the bottle. The magic ketchup should sink when you squeeze the bottle and float up when you release it. With some practice you can get it to stop in the middle of the bottle.

How does it work?

This experiment is all about buoyancy and density. Buoyancy describes whether objects float or sink.

This usually describes how things float in liquids, but from this experiment we can see how these things float in various glasses.l

You CAT to know!

Before you bring home a kitten you need to consider a few things, so that he/she can grow up to be a healthy happy cat. Here’s what you “CAT to know” to do right by your new pet: Introduce: While you are at it, be very gentle. Kittens get spooked very easily. Approach him/her very slowly. Be patient if they are hiding under the bed or furniture.

Fuzzy will lose her shyness and start sniffing you to check if you can be trusted.

Supplies: These are essential: • Litter box • Food bowl and a drinking saucer • Brush (for combing fur) • Flea soap Kitty proofing the house: Kittens are much tinier than you are; they need extra protection so that they don’t get hurt. If you’ve got yourself a tiny ball of fur, make sure he/she doesn’t go out of sight.

Also, don’t open closets when your kitty is around, cats are curious creatures and tend to explore spaces like cupboards, closets, and cabinets. You wouldn’t want your precious to get stuck inside drawers.

Your heart will break if you hear your kitty mewing for help.

Vet: Tell your parents to call a vet at home, or help you take your kitty to the doctor. After your cat reaches a certain age, it will have to take vaccines.

This is a must; when cats get too playful, they scratch and bite, and without proper vaccination a cat bite can make you very sick.

Sleeping space: Cats like warm spaces. Fuzzy will need a box, stuffed with old clothes so that it’s cosy enough for her. Your fur baby will sleep in peace. l

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18

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Kids

movie

video game

Itzabitza Judy Hopps always wanted to be a police rabbit. But everyone knows bunnies can’t be cops. What everyone doesn’t know is that Judy Hopps doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. She believes in herself, and what do you know? She becomes Zootopia’s first bunny cop.

That’s just the beginning of the many adventures of this plucky bunny. As the smallest member of Zootopia’s police force, she starts out as a meter maid, and meets the sneaky but charming fox Nick. Everyone says you can’t trust foxes, but everyone was wrong about Judy, so why can’t they be wrong about Nick? The two friends work on a case together. Will they save the day? Watch the movie to find out.

With lots of funny moments, a few scares, some sweet and sad moments and a big surprise, this is definitely a movie to watch with all your friends.l

ItzaBitza is a fun educational game for kids. It encourages young children to read and create their own world.

When you start the game, you are introduced to the Sketchies. You select a Sketchy to help during the game.

The Sketchy will ask you to draw things. The cool part is that the things you draw will stay in the game. The Sketchy will use everything you draw- a house, a tree, a sun, a raincloud, a letter, a glass of water… it can be anything!

This is a perfect game to keep you busy, help you to learn how to read, and also practise your drawing. Use your finger to draw if you’re playing it on your tablet, or a mouse if you’re playing on your computer!l

book review

toy review

Best of both worlds

You love playing Angry Birds on your phone and iPad. Your parents get excited whenever they hear Star Wars.

Well, right now there’s a toy that’s perfect for both of you to play with. Toy company Hasbro has launched a new line of toys called Super Angry Birds Star Wars. Now your favourite angry birds come dressed up as Mom and Dad’s favourite Star Wars people.

With light and sound effects, these batterypowered toys offer hours of exciting fighting and playing. The best part? You can get them in Dhaka!

That’s right, you can ask your parents to get you one from Kaymu for only Tk388 l

The Name Jar Do you remember your first day at school? It was a little scary and a little exciting. You wanted to make new friends.

You wanted people to like you. It is a little easier when your classmates are from the same country as you. But what if everyone else was from a different country, and spoke a different language?

The Name Jar by Choi Yangsook talks about just that. Unhei has just moved to America from Korea. She is afraid that her new class friends won’t know how to say her name right. So on the first day of school, she tells everyone that she will pick a new name for her new friends to call her. She puts out a jar to collect names. All the other kids get excited, and put in names inside the jar for her to try out. But will a new name be the right one for Unhei? You will have to read to find out.

The Name Jar is a fun way to talk about what it is like to be different from kids your age, and also how nice it is when everyone works together to try something out.l

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Kids

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Speedy’s Trip to India

S

peedy woke up one morning and wanted to eat chicken tikka masala really bad so he went to the airport and got himself a ticket to India! He first went to Goa where he was welcomed warmly by the people of Yabyum resorts. He walked on the beach for hours and watched the blue ocean touch the mighty blue sky as if they were shaking hands. He did some Yoga, read two of his favourite books in two days and continued his journey towards Jaipur on a plane.

Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India and was the home to many royals including Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber who lived in Jal Mahal (Water Palace), along with Maharaja Pratap Singh who built Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds) as well as the City palace owned by the same family. Speedy was excited and amazed to run around and look through all the palaces and all the ancient things the kings used. Speedy also visited the Jaipur zoo and was scared to see the Indian python, he loved the peacocks though and heard the mighty Bengal tiger roar.

After Jaipur Speedy travelled on to Amritsar on a train, after he arrived he first went for a little stroll around Ram Bagh Garden, also known as Maharaja Ranjith Singh Garden. Maharaja Ranjith Singh renamed this place as Ram Bagh to honour Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city of Amritsar.

Speedy enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful weather of Amritsar

during his walk around the garden as the lovely smell of flowers surrounded him. He then went to the Golden Temple to say a little prayer for everyone he knew and for everyone’s happiness and stood silently watching the holy water’s reflection against the sun.

For a slight change in weather and for a road trip Speedy decided to travel to Darjeeling from Amritsar. After nearly 30 hours in a car and lots of snacks and a whole lot of good music, Speedy reached the hilly mountain tops

of Darjeeling. The houses were terrace houses and the weather was nice, breezy and quite chilly.

The tea, oh my god, the tea! The tea was the best he had ever had in the world and every one was so nice; such wonderful people, such wonderful sights, that if this were a painting surrounding the mountains and the clouds and houses and people in the distance it would be just that...not real. It was hard for him to believe that he was somewhere that was so beautiful. l

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20 Editorial

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

INSIDE

The safe places are gone As the monument that partly defined my childhood becomes tainted with blood, I can’t help but feel emptiness at the loss of a childhood safe house, where things going wrong meant my mom’s wrath or my dad’s irritation.

Now, they mean mass protests and injustice PAGE 21

Renewed ties Russia and India have been age-old tested friends of the ruling Awami League, but what about China, which recognised Bangladesh after Bangabandhu’s death?

NASHIRUL ISLAM

PAGE 22

Put a stop to unethical cowfattening practices

A patriot and an intellectual Abul Mansur Ahmed, throughout his life and through all his writings, had tried to convince his readers to think freely and creatively, so that they could build moral development and selfrespect

PAGE 23

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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.

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nscrupulous business practices like artificial cow-fattening truly taint the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha.

With Eid less than two weeks away, cattle traders have been found using steroids, antibiotics, and other chemicals to artificially fatten up their livestock in an abnormally short amount of time.

The changes to the cow caused by these injections are not merely cosmetic – severe health damage is done to humans by the consumption of this meat.

While most traders would still claim that the fattening supplements were not harmful, there is reason to believe these chemicals may cause cancer, kidney disease, and infertility in women.

Knowingly causing such damage to public health in order to hike up the price of cows is a crime, and must be dealt with swiftly. The use of antibiotics, growth hormones, harmful chemicals, and steroids is prohibited by the Animal Feed Act 2010. Violators may be faced with a year in prison, a Tk50,000 fine, or both.

For a safe and happy Eid-ul-Azha for all, it is important to ensure that the public is not swindled at the cattle market. It is indeed highly regrettable that such a harmful and dishonest business would thrive during one of the holiest festivals of the Islamic calendar.

A very large volume of cattle is traded during Eid-ul-Azha in Bangladesh every year. It is imperative that we make sure law and order is upheld in the cattle market, and offenders are brought to book.

Let us not undermine the spirit of this religious holiday.

The changes to the cow caused by these injections are not merely cosmetic – severe health damage is done to humans by the consumption of this meat

DT

21

Opinion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

The safe places are gone A hauntingly beautiful over-bridge will never be the same again

Now a monument of mass protests and injustice

DHAKA TRIBUNE

As the monument that partly defined my childhood becomes tainted with blood, I can’t help but feel emptiness at the loss of a childhood safe house, where things going wrong meant my mom’s wrath or my dad’s irritation. Now, they mean mass protests and injustice

n Fardin Hasin

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eath is not horrible when it happens in a faraway place to people whose existence has never bothered ours. It is not sad or horrifying, rather regrettable and untimely.

It is a small headline on top of a smaller story, which, during a particular season of news drought, might make its place in an uncomfortable corner of the front page.

The portion of the story that’s hidden inside is never going to be explored, unless for academic reasons or out of sheer boredom.

The person who has been murdered will forever remain a name and maybe even a picture.

And the murderer will always be just that too. Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Unless if the murder takes place on top of a foot over-bridge you used to cross regularly in order to get to your school. Where you and your peeps smoked for the first

time, where your dad embarrassed you by holding your hand in front of your friends, where your mother scolded you for getting poor marks on the last CT, and where the genjam boys used to hang out, smoking cigarettes and flirting with underaged girls (to be fair, the genjam boys, like the rest of us, were underaged themselves, at least in most cases) who liked the thrill of it (just to clarify, the majority of the students had better things to do than be genjam boys and thrill-seeking teenage girls).

My memory even goes as far back as when there was no overbridge. A short, dark-skinned, middle-aged school-er-mama (I wish I could remember more politically correct details) with a traffic police-like baton and commando-like endurance used to lead parents holding their kids from one side of the road to another in a seemingly neverending routine, through the sun and the rain (in which case, the baton got replaced by an umbrella, or maybe I’m over-imagining).

It took a nameless workingclass citizen to be run down by a bus at the earliest hour to get the authority startled.

The result was a foot overbridge.

Not that it stopped people crossing across the traffic. The road claimed the life of Hamim Sheikh in early 2010.

A lot of things went wrong on top of the Kakrail over-bridge.

In its hayday, the structure saw its fair share of genjam between various factions of the willing and able genjam boys. Some involved just the smallest pint of blood.

The bridge was also witness to fights between a particular variant of the thrill-seeking teenage girl and the genjam boy, both of whom had consensually proceeded beyond flirting.

Now they were finally beginning to realise the depth of each other’s insecurities and peculiarities.

These fights remained verbal, but they were decidedly bloody (again, just to clarify, not all boys like genjam and not all girls are into bad boys.

It’s just that this particular group of people were highly visible on the over-bridge).

Sometimes moms, pushed to the brink of their critical point, would snap at the kids failing academically, or getting their shirts dusted and torn by childhood hooliganism.

Stressed out dads would

scream at the sight of their pubescent kids skipping out on school and hanging out at the over-bridges, planning the next genjam out in vivid (and rather obnoxious) details or discussing (in dehumanising terms) the physique of a female classmate.

And somehow the dads always found out, so did the moms.

I almost forgot about the homeless. Like any other overbridge in Dhaka, Kakrail had them too.

And like the stereotypical homeless people, they were smelly, sweaty, sleepy, and in some cases, drug abusers. Society had failed them and they were returning the favour. Not that they ever could, fully.

But now, looking back through the eyes of a third year undergraduate student, the over-bridge was but a hauntingly beautiful monument that transcended through time and space and became a token of my school years. Every time I passed through Kakrail, the steel structure would catch my attention, and I’d wonder whether the same stories were playing out in them as they did only a few years ago.

It took her murder to change all that. The safe place of my childhood was now a crime scene.

The long list of people whose security we couldn’t ensure was no longer.

What really went down in the seconds before the stabbing?

What was the extent of the killer’s obsession with the victim? Will crimes like this ever going to see an end?

I don’t know. With further investigation, some answers will come out. Some never will. At the end of the day, I am not affected by the murder itself, because I didn’t get killed.

My friends and family didn’t get killed. Instead of being sad for her, I am glad that I wasn’t her. That’s what has become of me. That’s what has become of this country.

Yet, as the monument that partly defined my childhood becomes tainted with blood, I can’t help but feel emptiness at the loss of a childhood safe house, where things going wrong meant my mom’s wrath or my dad’s irritation. Now, they mean mass protests and injustice.

Then again, maybe, there were no safe houses to begin with. They all got destroyed a while back, and the dead bodies are merely a reminder. l Fardin Hasin is a freelance contributor.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Renewed ties John Kerry’s visit signals a change of tone for the US

n Nadeem Qadir

A

s a student of international relations and a journalist covering international affairs for decades, I had no choice but to wonder if US Secretary of State John Kerry was re-writing Washington-Dhaka ties.

What has been described as a whirlwind nine-hour visit to Dhaka brought out more surprises than expected. A real paradigm shift on major issues between the countries.

Is it a tactic of balance of power in the face of growing Dhaka-New Delhi, Dhaka-Beijing, and DhakaMoscow ties, with the United States increasingly in the bad book of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina?

This is another question that needs to be probed.

Let us begin with his note at Bangabandhu Bhaban after becoming the first US cabinet member to lay a wreath for the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He wrote: “What a tragedy to have such brilliant and courageous leadership stolen from the people of Bangladesh in such a moment of violence and cowardice.

But today, Bangladesh is growing in the vision of Bangabandhu -- and under the strong leadership of his daughter.

The United States is proud to be a friend and strong supporter of the fulfillment of his vision. We look

Is the US turning over a new leaf?

PID

Russia and India have been age-old tested friends of the ruling Awami League, but what about China, which recognised Bangladesh after Bangabandhu’s death?

forward to growing and working together for peace and prosperity.”

The killing of Bangabandhu in 1975 a tragedy? Brilliant and courageous leadership? Bangabandhu’s vision? Strong leadership of his daughter?

These are striking words in a very articulate comment in the guest book.

The United States had not only opposed the Bangladesh war in the name of ping-pong diplomacy, but hadturned a blind eye to the genocide in the then East Pakistan, and supplied weapons to kill Bangalis.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was a “traitor” trying to break Pakistan,

and thus there was no question of having a vision. The killing in 1975 was in some ways welcomed by the United States as it did not condemn the assassination of Bangabandhu, among other things, and have since harboured those behind the coup.

Thus, describing Bangabandhu as a “courageous leader” who was “stolen” from the Bangalis is a paradigm shift with its final recognition of Bangabandhu as the Father of the Nation by Washington.

When did Washington realise that there was a “strong leadership” of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, after going soft on

opposition BNP-Jamaat violence, when it boycotted the 2014 general elections? Washington has pushed for “inclusive polls” at the cost of maintaining constitutional process and keeping 1971 war criminals in national politics.

Indeed, it appeared that one of the coup-plotters in the US may not be as lucky any more as he has been so far, because that is a pressing issue for Dhaka, and many issues are linked to that, including human rights or rule of law in Bangladesh or in the US. You cannot have death sentences in the US and give excuses for letting a killer roam around free in the name of human

rights in Bangladesh.

Let us now move to the international front. To me, it has been a big puzzle of how our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has managed to make good friends with Russia, China, and India. These countries have their own bilateral problems.

Bangladesh has been moving toward new heights despite America’s negativism on many issues relating to Bangladesh. But now, for Mr Kerry, it is a country with which US looks “forward to growing and working together for peace and prosperity.”

Russia and India have been age-old tested friends of the ruling Awami League, but what about China, which recognised Bangladesh after Bangabandhu’s death?

It has been the shrewd statesmanship of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has turned Beijing into a major development partner for Dhaka.

Around 1994-95, Sheikh Hasina travelled to China as an opposition leader, and I wrote a report saying

“Ice-breaking trip to China by Bangladesh opposition leader” because of the relations at that point between the Awami League and the Chinese Communist Party.

Since then it has been growing with Chinese participation in the construction of the major Padma Bridge.

Back then, the US was looking on helplessly as it stood on the sidelines watching a new Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. It now wants to bring about a balance of power in this situation, and has started to rethink its stand on Dhaka.

It will all be meaningful, provided Kerry delivers his promises, especially about Bangabandhu’s killer in his country, and the GSP facilities even at the fag end of his administration. l Nadeem Qadir, a senior journalist, is a UNCA Dag Hammarskjold Scholar in journalism. He is the Press Minister of Bangladesh High Commission in London.

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23

Opinion

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

A patriot and an intellectual On his birthday, we remember the achievements of Abul Mansur Ahmed

n Harunur Rashid

T

he basic responsibility of a writer is to make the nation dream and to be sentient politically.

Hence, Pablo Neruda urged to developing nations that, “no literature is possible without politics.”

Abul Mansur Ahmed had a similar understanding of it. Being influenced by Netaji Shuvash Chandra on the issue of a divided Bengal and standing firmly against the division of Bengal, he finally supported Pakistan only for the existence of the Muslim Bengali.

If we scrutinise the life of Abul Mansur Ahmed, innumerable adjectives would easily come up.

Having exceptional intellectual abilities, he became a successful writer, journalist, and politician, and proved that literature is not isolated from politics.

Before the severance of the subcontinent, he became a minister and proved his excellence as a politician.

He felt the necessity of establishing an autonomous Bengali state with the influence of Netaji Shuvash Chandra Basu.

This level of awareness, especially political awareness, was not present in most writers in this era.

Even in the autobiography of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it has been urged that the 6-Points Program was made from the extraction of the 21-Points Program written by Abul Monsur Ahmed.

In spite of having these contributions from Abul Mansur Ahmed, we have not seen any work on him, and no predecessor has been interested to write down accounts of him in decades.

After this long interval, finally a young writer became

interested in publishing a book on him called Abul Mansur Ahmed Sharakgrontho.

With satire, Abul Mansur Ahmed always tried to attack the traditional hypocrisy of society which we know as formal etiquette. In the book’s literary part, the satire writing of Abul Mansur has been highlighted.

A writer represents national spirit, and Abul Mansur Ahmed’s contribution in journalism, politics, and writing always fulfilled it, as said by critic Dibbotduti Sarker.

Abul Mansur was always concerned about the Bengali Muslim and Bengali nation.

From this affection, he differentiated between the Muslims of East Pakistan and West Pakistan. We can say that arguments against him as being pro-Pakistan are broken down.

We know that the creation of debate is the nature of intellectual argument, but breaking it down is the level of excellence that few can attain.

In the remembrance part of the book, writings by Mahbub Anam, Mahfuz Anam, and Ashraf Uddin Farzi draw out attention on Abul Mansur Ahmed’s responsibility as a father, as a writer, and lastly as a true patriot.

Here, Mahfuz Anam cites that Abul Mansur Ahmed, throughout his life and through all his writings, had tried to convince his readers to think freely and creatively, so that they could build moral development and self-respect.

In this volume, renowned intellectuals including Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Rafiqul Islam, Abul Kalam Manzur Morshed, Jatin Sarkar, Syed Abul Maksud, Sajjad Kadir, Nurul Amin and so on, have contributed.

All the writings will draw the attention of any interested

Abul Mansur Ahmed, throughout his life and through all his writings, had tried to convince his readers to think freely and creatively, so that they could build moral development and self-respect

A thinking politician reader, and focus on specific and extensive contributions of Abul Mansur Ahmed, though a few of them were written decades ago.

Most of the writings which are selected discuss the satire directly.

Along with this, the inclusion of the 21 articles that Abul Mansur Ahmed added in the election

manifesto of Jukto Front in 1953 is a must-read.

It is argued that the 6 articles of Bangabandhu is the extraction of these 21 articles, and it would provide clear understanding for the reader about the intellectual capability of this great thinker.

Last but not least, special

thanks go to the editorial board members, especially professor Rafiqul Islam, Sayed Shamsul Haque, Professor Anisuzzaman, Shamsuzzaman Khan, and Sayed Abul Maksud. l Harunur Rashid is a researcher and former academic.

DT

24 Sport

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

TOP STORIES

Gemcon Group Khulna in semis Gemcon Group Khulna, Jaj Bhuiyan Dhaka Division, Lanka-Bangla All Stars Masters and Confidence Group Dhaka Metro clinched semi-final spots in the Masters Cricket Carnival after their groupstage matches at SKIS. PAGE 26

Gemcon face Bando in Ascent Cup final Gemcon Group 1-0 Comfit Reigning champion Gemcon found the going tough against a rejuvenated Comfit who played their hearts out in an engaging encounter in the cup semifinals. PAGE 26

Bangladesh Under-16 women’s football team goalkeeper Mahmuda Akter dives during practice session in the capital yesterday

Untested Mahmuda eager to come to the rescue n Tribune Report

Saintfiet’s worst day as Bangladesh lose National football coach Tom Saintfiet marked Bangladesh’s 5-0 loss to Maldives as the “worst day” in his 25-year coaching career.

Bangladesh’s preparation for their upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers PlayOffs went horribly wrong. PAGE 27

Injured Messi could miss Venezuela q’fier Lionel Messi’s triumphant Argentina comeback has been tempered by a hint he may not be fit to play in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Venezuela. Messi, who had gone back on his decision to quit the team following their Copa America final defeat in June. PAGE 28

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

It has been a strange tournament for Bangladesh Under-16 women’s football team goalkeeper Mahmuda Akter, who didn’t have to face any shots on target against any opponent in the first three matches of the ongoing AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 Qualifiers.

Be it the men’s national football team or the women’s, it is a usual scene on the pitch for the goalkeeper to be busy in protecting the areas between the posts when Bangladesh face an international opponent. For instance, the men’s senior team conceded 11 goals without scoring any in their last three matches. However, Bangladesh U-16 girls have netted 18 times without shipping any.

The young girls have been proving their sheer ability in the last couple of years and their dominance over the opponents becomes evident when one looks at the statistics of Bangladesh custodian Mahmuda, who got the opportunity to touch the ball for only seven times in more than 270 minutes of action.

Iran are considered one of the favourites from Group C and even against them, Mahmuda had to

wait till the 39th minute to get her first touch on the ball. But today’s vital tie against Chinese Taipei will definitely be a different day for the young netminder from Mymensingh. The Eastern Asian country scored 21 goals in three matches so Mahmuda is likely to be active on this day.

“I didn’t have to face any test

yet so far but have already proven myself before. The match against them [Chinese Taipei] will not be the first time. There is nothing to fear [today],” said the 13-year-old.

She continued, “As I didn’t have to touch the ball much in three matches, I had to work extra in the practice sessions. The coaches gave me extra attention

As I didn’t have to touch the ball much in three matches, I had to work extra in the practice sessions. The coaches gave me extra attention during [yesterday’s] training. I will try not to disappoint when I get the chance GOLAM RABBANI CHOTON Bangladesh U16 women’s head coach Before the tournament, we were not considered the best team of the group but we have been improving match by match. As I told before, they [Chinese Taipei] are a strong team. I’m expecting a good match. This game will decide who will qualify for the final round. So, both the teams will definitely try to win the game and play all-out football. It will be an unannounced final.

I always tell my girls, “You are changing the scenario of women’s football in the country and this game is a turning point in football for the girls. If we can win this game, women’s football in the country will reach a new height. So, play this game for the nation and your parents, without whom you are staying in this camp for a long time.

during [yesterday’s] training. I will try not to disappoint when I get the chance.”

The defenders also had to do very little in the matches against Singapore and Kyrgyzstan but Shamsunnahar, considered by head coach Golam Rabbani Choton as one of the best leftbacks of the country, proved her ability in long-range shooting against Kyrgyzstan, where she scored a spectacular goal from 35 yards out.

“I always like to take longrange shots so sir [Choton] told me to take shots whenever I get the chance. I didn’t try it before but got results when I took shots in the last game. It boosted my confidence,” said Shamsunnahar yesterday.

She added, “Sir did a lot of works with the defenders ahead of this match because we didn’t have to face much in the last three matches. We will try not to make any mistake in [today’s] game.” l

TODAY’S MATCHES Bangladesh U16 v Chinese Taipei U16, 6pm Singapore U16 v Iran U16, 11am UAE U16 v Kyrgyzstan U16, 3pm

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Sport

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

MASTERS CRICKET CARNIVAL

Khulna, Dhaka, Metro, All Stars in semis Shahriyar Bappa from n Ali Cox’s Bazar Gemcon Group Khulna, Jaj Bhuiyan Dhaka Division, Lanka-Bangla All Stars Masters and Confidence Group Dhaka Metro clinched semi-final spots in the Masters Cricket Carnival after their groupstage matches at Sheikh Kamal International Stadium in Cox’s Bazar yesterday.

Khulna will face Dhaka while All Stars Masters will face Dhaka Metro today. The remaining two teams, Ispahani Chittagong and Renaissance Rajshahi, crashed out of the tournament after losing both of their matches.

Khulna v Dhaka Division

In their first match of the tournament, Khulna lost the match in a last-ball thriller. Khulna registered 68 runs on the board in eight overs.

Captain Habibul Bashar was the top-scorer with 20 runs while Liton played a vital innings of 19. Shubro of Dhaka Division took three wickets for nine runs.

In reply, Dhaka Division made a strong start with opener Shahriar Hossain Biddut scoring a quick 25. Three runs were needed in the last two balls and Mehrab Hossain

Opee steered them home in the last ball. Biddut was adjudged man of the match.

All Stars Masters. Mukul was adjudged man of the match.

Khulna v Chittagong

Dhaka Division won by 21 runs against Chittagong. Chittagong captain Akram Khan elected to field first after winning the toss. Dhaka Division posted a challenging total of 92 runs in 12 overs losing seven wickets.

Rashedul Haque was the top-scorer with 33 runs. Chittagong failed to reach the target in the face of some controlled bowling from Dhaka Division. Chittagong managed to score 71 runs in 12 overs. Minhajul Abedin Nannu was the highest scorer for Chittagong with 18 runs.

In the last match of the day, Khulna won convincingly against Chittagong. Batting first, Khulna posted 48 runs in four overs. The match then stopped due to rain.

Hasanuzzaman was unbeaten on 24 while Bashar was 10 not out at that moment. The target for Chittagong was set at 52 in five overs according to the Duckworth Lewis method. Chittagong were restricted to just 26 runs losing three wickets. Hasanuzzaman of Khulna was adjudged man of the match.

Rajshahi v All Stars Masters

Khaled Mashud Pilot’s Rajshahi lost against All Stars Masters by 13 runs and crashed out of the tournament. Batting first, All Stars Masters posted 72 runs in their stipulated 10 overs losing four wickets. Javed Omar Belim was the top-scorer with 25 runs for the All Stars while Biplob took two wickets for Rajshahi. In reply, Rajshahi batsmen failed to score big and eventually managed 59 runs losing seven wickets. NM Nahid and MR Mukul took three wickets each for

Dhaka Division v Chittagong

Dhaka Metro v All Stars Masters

Dhaka Metro posted a huge total of 111 runs losing three wickets against All Stars Masters in 10 overs. Opener M Tinku was the top-scorer with unbeaten 63. Tinku hit five big sixes during his 35-ball knock. In reply, All Stars Masters lost both the openers early with just eight runs on the board. Then middle-order batsmen Selim Shahed and Azam Iqbal steadied the ship but were unable to chase down the target. Eventually, All Stars Masters posted 72 runs in their 10 overs. Selim and Iqbal scored 32 and 31 respectively.l

Gemcon Group Khulna captain Habibul Bashar in action with his trademark pull shot during their Masters Cricket Carnival game yesterday COURTESY

Sujon, Biddut go down memory lane Shahriyar Bappa from n Ali Cox’s Bazar

Shahriar Hossain Biddut

Khaled Mahmud Sujon

BRIEF SCORES GEMCON GROUP KHULNA 68/6 in eight overs (Bashar 20, Liton 19) lost to JAJ BHUIYAN DHAKA DIVISION 69/2 in eight overs (Biddut 25, Sumon 21) by eight wickets CONFIDENCE GROUP DHAKA METRO 111/3 in 10 overs (Tinku 64, Rafique 23) beat LANKA-BANGLA ALL STARS MASTERS 75/2 in 10 overs (Shahed 32, Iqbal 31) by 36 runs JAJ BHUIYAN DHAKA DIVISION 92/7 in 12 overs (Rashedul 33, Ahsanullah 3/24) beat ISPAHANI

CHITTAGONG 71/5 in 12 overs (Nannu 18, Wasel 16) by 21 runs LANKA-BANGLA ALL STARS MASTERS 72/4 in 10 overs (Belim 25, Biplob 2/4) beat RENAISSANCE RAJSHAHI 59/7 in 10 overs (Biplob 12, Nahid 3/6) by 13 runs GEMCON GROUP KHULNA 48/0 in four overs (Hasanuzzaman 24, Bashar 10) beat ISPAHANI CHITTAGONG 26/3 in five overs (Akram 20, Jamal 1/3) by 25 runs (D/L method)

Bangladesh cricket fans still remember the famous 62-run win against Pakistan in Northampton during the 1999 World Cup. Two of the standout performers of the match, Khaled Mahmud Sujon and Shahriar Hossain Biddut, remembered the famous victory and shared their memories during the Masters Cricket Carnival in Cox’s Bazar.

Sujon bowled brilliantly in that match and was later adjudged man of the match. He took the wickets of Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saleem Malik. His bowling figure read three for 31, including two maidens, from 10 overs.

Sujon however, gave the credit to the whole team. He said it was the total team effort which enabled Bangladesh to win the match, rather than his own bowling.

“Yes, I was man of the match but it was a total team effort. We set a moderate total of 223 against against a world class bowling attack of Pakistan. Biddut batted superbly in the opening slot. No one scored a half century but all the batsmen put in some important contributions, including myself, Akram [Khan] bhai, [Khaled Mashud] Pilot, [Nai-

mur Rahman] Durjoy, etc, as we crossed the 200-mark,” said Sujon.

“After our batting, we decided to fight till the end as the condition was swing-bowling friendly and Pakistan were one of the tournament favourites. We did not think of winning at first. But when they lost five wickets then we started thinking of a win. We had an excellent team effort in both bowling and fielding. I was adjudged man of the match but according to me, each and every member of the team was the man of the match,” he added.

Sujon also praised the then coach Gordon Greenidge for the historic win against the mighty Pakistan. Sujon informed that before the match, Greenidge declared that this would be his last match as Bangladesh coach.

“We still remember about Gordon’s impact on the team. Just before the match, Gordon informed us that he will not continue with us any more. We tried to stop him but he denied to continue as Bangladesh coach. When our batting ended, he wished us luck and said he will leave the ground. We told him to stay at least till the end of the match. But he went away. After we won the match, Gordon’s name

was the first thing that came to our mind,” said Sujon.

“When we returned to the dressing room, Gordon was not there and we felt sorry for him. We believe that the Pakistan win was an output of four-five years’ hard work. So we missed him after the win. We called him later and he congratulated us for the win. He was in tears while talking but never came back. It was a sad part of that day. It was a historical day for our cricket but we, the players, felt sorry for Gordon Greenidge,” he added.

Meanwhile, opening batsman Biddut played brilliantly that day. Pakistan had one of the finest bowling attacks at that time, comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhter and Saqlain Mustaq.

But Biddut played an elegant 39run innings, which was a treat to the eye for the Bangladesh cricket fans.

“I just played my normal game that day. As a batsman, I always tried to play according to the merit of the bowl, not according to bowlers’ names. Yes, Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib were huge names but I played my normal game. And I am pleased that I helped my team to get a good start,” reminisced Biddut. l

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Gemcon face Bando in Ascent Cup final today Quddus and n Arsalan Syed Shabab Gemcon Group 1-0 Comfit

Reigning champion Gemcon found the going tough against a rejuvenated Comfit who played their hearts out in an engaging encounter in the cup semifinals. The match was decided by an exceptional strike from Monu but there was very little to separate either team in terms of sheer skill, passion, and grit.

Bando Design 7-1 Green Delta

Meanwhile Captain and CEO Imran scored a whopping 5 goals against their cup semifinal opponent Green Delta, which means Bando will face Gemcon in Cup final for the 3rd consecutive year. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Bando design will have what it takes to finally take the coveted prize home this year. All we could do is wait and see.

Augmedix 2-5 Beximco Textiles

The first bowl quarterfinal saw Beximco Textiles give Augmedix a stern footballing lesson following a 5-2 rout. Bex Tex have played this tournament for a number of years and it showed when they dominated the IT company from start to finish.

Wasim put in a great performance by scoring a hattrick. It is the end of the road for Augmedix as many lessons have been learnt for them and we are sure that they will come back stronger next time around.

Aarong Dairy 4-6 Dhaka Tribune

We also bid farewell to Aarong Dairy as they succumbed to a 4-6 defeat to Dhaka Tribune. Moon and his boys will now face Beximco Textiles in semifinals of the Bowl.

We wish them well.

NRB Global 4-5 Brac Bank

Brac Bank held NRB to a nail biting

Action from yesterday’s game between IIDFC and Qubee in the 11th Ascent Cup finish in the third Bowl quarterfinal which ended in a 4-5 win for them.

It must have been a matter of pride for both teams to win this game since bragging rights is a big thing in the financial world. Shamsuddin of Brac converted 4 goals to see his team through to the semis.

Galaxy Group 1-2 MTB

MTB edged out Galaxy Group completely out of the tournament in 2-1 dogfight. Galaxy can be proud of the performance they put in their maiden year but they day belong to Arif and his teammates of MTB.

IIDFC 5-0 Qubee

Qubee looked deflated after their thrilling match last night against Green Delta, which IIDFC took full advantage of. They are not the kind of team to concede 5 goals in the first quarter final of the plate. Their talismanic captain Yasir looked out of sorts as he and his teammates chased shadows and open spaces without being able to convert. IIDFC on the other hand were compact in the middle and used their wings well to put 5 past the Qubee goal keeper. Rashedul of IIDFC scored an impressive hattrick.

REZWAN HUQ

RESULTS

Securex 3-3 Sterling Group

Sterling Group won 3-2 on penalties Surely the match of the evening belonged to the clash between Securex and Sterling Group. These two teams were matched pound for pound in every part of the pitch and it reflected on the scoreline which ended in a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time.

The penalty shootout went into play and this time it was Securex who had to bite the bullet as goal keeper Mizan scored the winning shot for the garment giant. l

Augmedix

2-5

Beximco Textiles

Aarong Dairy

4-6

Dhaka Tribune

NRB Global

4-5

Brac Bank

Galaxy Group

1-2

MTB

IIDFC

5-0

Qubee

Gemcon Group

1-0

Comfit

Bando Design

7-1

Green Delta

Securex

3-3

Sterling Group

Sterling Group won 3-2 on penalties

New-look Tigers coaching staff after 2014 n Mazhar Uddin There was a revamp in the Bangladesh national cricket team coaching staff in 2014 when Chandika Hathurusingha took charge as the head coach after Shane Jurgensen resigned. Two years into the Sri Lankan’s tenure, there have been a few major changes in the Tigers camp.

The support staff, including bowling coach Heath Streak, assistant and spin bowling coach Ruwan Kalpage, fielding coach Richard Halsall and trainer Mario Villavarayan were all included in mid-2014 as part of a major change after a dismal performance by the Bangladesh team under former

head coach Jurgensen.

The Australian finally resigned from his post in April 2014, despite his contract running till the 2015 World Cup, and was followed by trainer David Dwyer and fielding and batting coach Corey Richards; all resigning in the space of two weeks.

And the new-look coaching staff under Hathurusingha saw the Tigers reach the quarterfinal of the 2015 World Cup for the very first time. The Tigers later won ODI series’ against powerhouses India, Pakistan and South Africa at home.

As a result, Hathurusingha was rewarded as the Bangladesh Cricket Board extended his contract as

the head coach till the 2019 World Cup, including all the other coaching staff. However, bowling coach Streak did not continue with the Tigers after completing his twoyear tenure quite successfully in May this year. During this period, the Bangladesh fast bowling department improved significantly.

And since then, the BCB was looking for a bowling coach, most preferably a high-profile cricketer, and eventually appointed former West Indies fast bowling great Courtney Walsh till the 2019 World Cup. Meanwhile, Hathurusingha was willing to increase his support staff as the newest inclusion included former Sri Lankan batsman Thilan

Samaraweera as the batting consultant, which will be his second stint in international cricket after working as the batting consultant of Australia.

BCB president Nazmul Hasan announced the new batting consultant for the upcoming England series. However, the contract could be extended, he said yesterday.

Nazmul also said the board is looking to appoint a spin bowling coach before the New Zealand series later this year after assistant coach Kalpage was sacked for ignoring instructions to report to duty last month. Fielding coach Halsall instead has been promoted as the Tigers assistant coach.

And once again, the BCB boss

hinted of roping in another high profile cricketer. There are a few names doing the rounds, including the likes of Australian legend Shane Warne and Pakistan’s Mushtaq Ahmed.

Meanwhile, this is Walsh’s first major international coaching role since his retirement in 2001. The fast bowler was the Windies selector while he was also the manager of the West Indies Under-19 team previously.

No doubt the inclusion of high-profile players like Walsh and others in the current Bangladesh dressing room will undoubtedly help the cricketers immensely, despite their lack of experience in coaching. l

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Saintfiet’s worst day as Bangladesh lose 5-0 n Tribune Report National football coach Tom Saintfiet marked Bangladesh’s 5-0 loss to Maldives as the “worst day” in his 25-year coaching career. Bangladesh’s preparation for their upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers PlayOffs went horribly wrong after the side faced a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Maldives in an international friendly on Thursday at National Football Stadium in Male.

For Belgian coach Saintfiet, the game was his debut as Bangladesh coach. The friendly was played to understand his team combination and strategy before Bangladesh take on Bhutan in the crucial Playoffs.

But the plan turned horrific for

Saintfiet and his team as they tasted their biggest defeat to Maldives.

The loss is the third at a stretch for Bangladesh against the Islanders.

“I have never lost a game 5-0 in the 25-year-long coaching career. It was very bad in my career.

Things were fine in the first half of the game but my wingers lost concentration after the first goal in the 55th minute. This called for the disaster,” Saintfiet told the media yesterday.

Bangladesh team are scheduled to reach Dhaka today.

Meanwhile, Bhutan reached Dhaka yesterday with four days in hand to prepare before they face the hosts in the Play-Offs on Tuesday at Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Samaraweera named Tigers batting consultant n Fazley Rabbi Moon Bangladesh Cricket Board has appointed Thilan Samaraweera as a batting consultant for the upcoming England series. BCB president Nazmul Hasan said yesterday that he will be available only for one series but the contract could be extended.

He also said they are looking for a spin bowling coach, who could be appointed before Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand later this year.

This will be his second stint in this role with an international team, having already worked with Australia earlier this year.

“Thilan Samaraweera, the

batting specialist, has been hired for the England series as a consultant,” Hasan said.

“We will see if we want to extend his deal. We are still looking for a spin-bowling coach and get the best among those available. We hope to appoint him before the New Zealand series.”

Meanwhile, the fielding coach Richard Halsall has been promoted to the position of assistant coach after Ruwan Kalpage was sacked last month for not turning up to duty on time. Halsall was part of the major shake-up in the coaching staff that came about in mid-2014, when head coach Chandika Hathurusingha was also appointed.l

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL BTV 6:00PM Bangladesh v Chinese Taipei AFC U-16 Women’s C’ship Q’fiers

TENNIS TEN 1 9:00PM US Open 2016 4th Round, Session 1

According to the visitors, they arrived early in order to cope with the hot and humid conditions in Dhaka.

“We are here to do something.

It will be good if it’s a 1-0 win or a draw here. We don’t want to return home empty-handed,” said Bhutan coach Pema Dorji.

Dorji, who played for Bhutan for 14 years, informed that they have kept track of their opponents.

“They lost to Maldives by a big margin. This will give us advantage and boost us during the game.

Then we had Sheikh Russel [Krira Chakra], who lost against us back home. So I do not think we will perform bad. I hope we will be able to play as a unit,” said the former Bhutan defender. l

Bhutan national football team reached Dhaka yesterday for their Asian Cup Qualifiers Play-Offs against hosts Bangladesh COURTESY

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Messi battling groin injury, could miss Venezuela qualifier n Reuters Lionel Messi’s triumphant Argentina comeback has been tempered by a hint he may not be fit to play in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Venezuela.

Messi, who had gone back on his decision to quit the team following their Copa America final defeat in June, scored the only goal in a 1-0 home win over Uruguay on Thursday that sent Argentina to the top of the South American group.

However, the Argentina captain said he had a groin pain and had to think about his fitness at the start of a busy season for his national side and his club Barcelona.

“My groin is hurting a lot, from before this match,” Messi told reporters. “We’ll see, I always want to be (in the team) but there are also a lot of important matches coming up.”

Messi explained why he had said he was retiring from international

football after Argentina’s loss to Chile in New Jersey in which he missed his team’s first penalty in the decisive shootout.

“I didn’t deceive anyone in that moment,” he said. “I was very disappointed because it was a hard blow and I said that because that’s what I felt.

“But afterwards, seeing what this group (of players) is like, and with the affection of the fans, I reconsidered.”

It was Messi’s third defeat in a major final with Argentina in two years including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany in Brazil, and fourth altogether.

Messi is now back gunning for a fourth World Cup appearance in Russia in 2018 with Argentina heading the 10-nation group with 14 points from seven matches.

The top four qualify for the tournament in Russia while the fifth-placed team will go into an inter-continental playoff for another place in the finals. l

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (C) takes a shot to score a goal against Uruguay in Mendoza, Argentina on Thursday

Serena downs King, blasting 13 aces indoors n Reuters After 17 trips to Flushing Meadows and six U.S. Open titles Serena Williams did something on Thursday she had never done before -- win a match indoors.

With the new high-tech retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium slammed shut because of persistent rain, Williams swept past American compatriot Vania King 6-3 6-3 in a tidy 65 minutes to ease into the third round.

“It was a little different playing with Ashe closed but it still feels great,” said Williams. “It’s very, very loud out there.

“It’s definitely different because everywhere you play is really quiet. Here it’s super loud.”

Indoors or outdoors, night or day, rain or shine, it has made little difference to Williams at the U.S. Open, the 34-year-old having now racked up 86 victories at Flushing Meadows.

Williams’s victory against an

over-matched King may have been one of her easiest, the world number one in complete control from the outset, looking like a champion who never had to shift out of first gear.

Despite the one-sided match, Williams was extremely critical of her performance, convinced it should have been better.

“I just think it should have been a different scoreline for me,” said Williams. “I feel like I made a lot of errors but there’s nothing I can do

Serena Williams of the USA hits to Vania King of USA (not pictured) on day four of the 2016 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York on Thursday REUTERS

about that now.

“What really matters is I got the win.”

Williams arrived at the year’s final grand slam with concerns swirling around a sore shoulder that hampered her at the Rio Olympics and forced her to pull out of a tournament in Cincinnati.

But she put any doubts about her fitness to rest, blasting 13 aces past King while hitting 38 winners to just four by her opponent.

“It’s stable, I just got to keep it like that,” Williams said of her right shoulder. “It’s two matches in and usually you want to be able to play seven matches “I definitely want to keep it as good as it can be.”

It seems every year history beckons Williams at Flushing Meadows and on Thursday she reached yet another milestone by tying Martina Navratilova for most career grand slam wins with 306.

There are other marks well within the American’s grasp during the fortnight. A seventh U.S. Open title would move her past Chris Evert for the most in the Open Era. It would also be her 23rd grand slam win, moving her past Steffi Graf, again for the most in the Open Era, one shy of the great Margaret Court who tops the all-time list with 24.l

REUTERS

Messi lifts 10-man Argentina against Uruguay n Reuters Lionel Messi marked his retirement about face with the only goal to give 10-man Argentina a 1-0 win over arch-rivals Uruguay on Thursday that lifted them to the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Messi scored a record 56th Argentina goal in a solo move with a shot from outside the box that took a deflection on Jose Maria Gimenez and wrongfooted goalkeeper Fernando Muslera shortly before halftime.

Argentina then had young forward Paulo Dybala, who had almost put his side ahead in the 31st minute with a shot that hit the post, sent off on the stroke of halftime for a second booking.

Uruguay, who had spent virtually the entire first half defending in their own half, surged forward after Messi’s goal and Javier Mascherano blocked a Luis Suarez effort.

With an extra man and looking for at least an equaliser, Uruguay were the team that did most of the attacking in the second half but hardly troubled goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Mascherano was superb in defence and, playing like two men, also found the energy to launch counter-attacks. l

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Intertwine (5) 5 Biblical quotation (4) 8 Human being (6) 9 Fully sufficient (5) 10 Fish (4) 11 Charge with a debt (5) 12 Farm animal (3) 15 Look after (4) 18 Breaks suddenly (5) 21 Female deer (3) 22 Weaving machine (4) 24 Worshipped image (4) 25 Bird of prey (5) 28 Ruinous damage (6) 29 Water pitcher (4) 30 Famous (5)

DOWN 1 Vagrants (6) 2 Little devil (3) 3 Vended (4) 4 Woody plant (4) 5 Unspoken (5) 6 Jubilant (6) 7 Summit (3) 13 At home (2) 14 In abundance (6) 16 Denial (2) 17 Guard against attack (6) 19 Opposite in character (5) 20 As stated (2) 23 Niggardly (4) 24 Frozen formation (3) 26 Past (3) 27 Obtain (3)

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Downtime

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

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

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

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

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

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

OSCARS 2016:

THE 15 SHORTLISTED DOCUMENTARIES n Mosabber Rahman All the 15 documentaries shortlisted for the Academy Awards this year are finally available in mome video and digital media. Unlike fiction-films, documentaries do not get worldwide distribution so it takes a while for them to be accessible to the viewers. It’s quite a big deal to be in the final 15, given the fact that 124 were initially submitted. Out of these the 15 nominees, and eventually the winner, were chosen.

The criteria for a great documentary are: importance (is this worth our attention?), articulation (how good is the storytelling?), originality (is this showing us something new?), and courage (what are the risk-factors?). In spite of that, it is quite impossible not to be biased by personal interest and taste.

The following are snippets of all the 15 films, along with my ratings.

Each rating is relative to the standard of the other films in the shortlist. Interestingly, the shortlisted documentaries can be grouped into three distinct categories: Biography, Current Events and Human Spirit. Instead of ranking the films straight through, I have decided to rank them in their individual categories.

The rating system used: 5-stars is Excellent, 4-stars is Very Good, 3-stars is Good, 2-stars is Okay, 1-star is Bad.

Biography Listen to Me Marlon 5-Stars Marlon Brando is possibly the most influential actor in the history of Hollywood. But is it possible to know what was inside his head?

It turns out Brando had been secretly recording his deepest thoughts in countless audiotapes which no one has heard before, until now. Kevin Brownlow, the great film historian, would be proud of this one.

Amy 5-Stars (Oscar Winner for Best Documentary) Director Asif Kapadia has added a new dimension in documentary filmmaking. His use of archival footage and audio clips to bring back people to life is phenomenal. First we saw the Brazilian Formula 1 racing champion Ayrton

Senna resurrected in Senna (2010) and now, the British singer Amy Winehouse. Whom will he bring back next?

Best of Enemies 4-Stars In 1968, during the national political conventions, William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal fought it out in a series of televised debates, which became the mother of all talk show battles in the history of US television.

What Happened Miss? 4-Stars (Oscar Nominated for Best Documentary) The journey of legendary jazz singer Nina Simone, who has become an icon in the music industry.

He Named Me Malala 3-Stars The story of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, whose fight for woman’s education made her the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Current Events Cartel Land 5-Stars (Oscar Nominated for Best Documentary) This is the bravest film of the year.

Matthew Heineman’s daring documentary gives us a rare insight into the Mexican drug wars. Another important film on the same topic is Sicario (2015).

Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom 4.5-Stars (Oscar Nominated for Best Documentary) This controversial documentary shows us how a protest by Ukrainian students turned into a full-fledged revolution. Also recommended: Square (2013), which depicted the Egyptian uprising of 2011 at Tahir Square.

Look of Silence 4.5-Stars (Oscar Nominated for Best Documentary) Joshua Oppenheimer’s worthy follow-up to his masterpiece Act of Killing (2013), which is among the most important documentaries ever made about the nature of freedom.

We Come As Friends 3.5-Stars Filmmaker Hubert Sauper explores the new face of colonisation as corporations come to exploit South Sudan. Remarkably, the plane we

see in the film was constructed by Sauper himself, who himself flew it there from France.

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief 3.5-Stars We finally get to see what L Ron Hubbard and Scientology are all about. The film does not go after Tom Cruise or portray him as a crazy person, it simply appeals to him to reconsider the church. We still love Tom Cruise. Also recommended: Master (2012), which is loosely based on Ron Hubbard’s escapades.

Human Spirit Where to Invade Next 5-Stars No one but Michael Moore, the

most influential documentary filmmaker of all-time, could have made a film like this one. No one but Michael Moore, the most important activist since Noam Chomsky, can fix America. This one might not have the rage of his previous films, but that does not make it any less powerful.

3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets 4-Stars This film deals with two hot topics in America – racism and gun control. An unarmed black teenager was shot to death by a 45-year-old white man for no apparent reason.

Meru 3.5-Stars No Hollywood movie has been able to reveal the spirit of the

mountain climbers like this one.

Hunting Ground 3-Stars In Invisible War, filmmaker Kirby Dick warned us about the epidemic of rape cases in the US military.

We learned that a woman is more likely to be raped if she’s in the US Army than in any other profession.

Now he reveals another shocking epidemic – rape on campus. It featured the song by Lady Gaga “Til It Happens to You” which was nominated for an Oscar.

Heart of a Dog 3-Stars Musician Laurie Anderson’s experimental film about love and loss is the only doc in the shortlist closest to poetry. l

Narcos season 2

n Mahmood Hossain As it mentions in the show’s disclaimer, the series is based on true events but have taken the liberty into adding plenty of fictional elements for drama’s sake. This means, we all know the ultimate fate of the drug lord Pablo Escobar of Medellin, Colombia. He dies; get over it, that’s not a spoiler. A Netflix Original, Narcos season two picks up where we left off from the premiere season. It was an explosive ending to last season, and an equally exciting premiere of the new season, which was released by Netflix on September 2 for your streaming pleasure.

Without getting into too many details, Mr Escobar seems more flustered than ever in the beginning of the end of his story.

Law enforcement, headed by the firm and assertive direction of the president of Colombia, Pablo needs to regroup as negotiates fall apart between the cartel

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

Kanye’s four million

Binge of the week:

and the government. While the entire law and the DEA agents are hunting him, he tries to rearrange his operations hidden throughout the city. Meanwhile, he tries salvaging his connections with his allies and tries to eradicate his rivals who seek revenge by taking him out.

As expected, the pace is up to par, leaving a smooth transition from where we left off in the first season. Wagner Moura (Pablo Escobar), hasn’t lost a single step, as he remains the menacing and unforgiving, multi-billionaire emperor of blow. Our protagonists Pedro Pascal (Javier Pena) and Boyd Holbrook (Steve Murphy) seem to be much more engaging this time around. Naturally so, since the DEA agents have plenty of close-encounters with Escobar’s sicarios; they come close on numerous occasions as before,

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but no cigar. However, this is Escobar’s demise so eventually the heroes of the day will come out victorious.

Season two really shows the impact in which Escobar had with folks under the poverty line. We get a good amount of this in the first season, but after his escape, the die-hard loyalty of the citizens is second to none.

It goes to show, even in war, there are heroes on both sides, no matter what the outcome or cause of the fight is. Just as many emperors of history have learned, the world is too large for one man to conquer. Along the way, you’ll step on a lot of people’s feet. And once you’re on top of the hill, you’ve got the largest target on your back. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Pablo, in his immoral, unethical and illegal ways, learned things in the most difficult fashion of all. l

n Showtime Desk Whether you like him or not Kanye West is undoubtedly an interesting character. Over the past seven years he made headlines for his eccentric sense of fashion, rants on television, unpredictable activities on social media, and most importantly his music.

Recently he made a video for his song called “Famous” This probably the most talked about track from his last album, Life of Pablo. And even before the video was the released, its lyrics created a lot of controversy. Especially for the lines regarding Taylor Swift.

But when the video was out- it was blitzkrieg on the internet. The video featured lifelike sculptures of Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Bill Cosby, George W Bush, and Taylor Swift along with others on a bed all naked. This was not the first time that Kanye has polarised his audience, he has been experimenting through out his career without losing relevance in pop culture. Speaking of those

sculptures, according to, E! News, people from the renowned Blum & Poe gallery, offered a whopping 4 million dollars for the sculptures.

This might seem absurd at first, Blum (of Blum & Poe) told The New York Times it’s reasonable once you calculate the materials needed, labour and the simple attachment to Kanye’s name. “I would project a figure about that,” Blum said.

Kanye’s representatives on the other hand said- “We are incredibly flattered that a number is being reported but at no point have we ever disclosed a sale price for the piece. The writer whose story was published in the NY Times unfortunately based his reporting on hearsay, conjecture, uninvolved third parties and the lack of fact checking. Once again we are flattered by such interest, but as far as Mr. West is concerned—it’s all about the art. We are looking forward to announcing when Famous will be available again for viewing.” l

WHAT TO WATCH Transformers HBO 5:37pm An ancient struggle between two Cybertronian races, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, comes to Earth, with a clue to the ultimate power held by a teenager.

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel

The Maze Runner Star Movies 9:30pm Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape.

Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter

Rise of the Guardians Zee Studio 7:35pm When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.

Cast: Hugh Jackson, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher

Annabelle WB 9:01pm A couple begins to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.

Cast: Ward Horton, Annabelle Wallis, Alfre Woodard

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters Movies Now 7:45pm Hansel & Gretel are bounty hunters who track and kill witches all over the world.

As the fabled Blood Moon approaches, the siblings encounter a new form of evil that might hold a secret to their past.

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Peter Stormare

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Back Page

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2016

FIVE EMPIRES AND A CORPORATION PAGE 12

THE SAFE PLACES ARE GONE PAGE 21

UNTESTED MAHMUDA EAGER TO COME TO THE RESCUE PAGE 24

Farakka propaganda irks Bangladesh n Ranjan Basu, Delhi

Media reports about India opening all flood gates of Farakka Barrage and fears of consequent flooding in Bangladesh have apparently irked Dhaka’s High Commission in Delhi, which dubbed such reports “propaganda.”

Bangladesh High Commission officials say they are in touch with the Indian government to find out how these misleading news made it to the media.

The confusion arose on August 23, when reports by several Indian news outlets claimed that Delhi had ordered opening of all flood gates of Farakka to tackle flood in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Indian Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar was quoted as saying that they hoped the move would improve Bihar’s flooding.

The news was picked up by Bangladeshi news outlets. Several international news media reports claimed

that opening all Farakka gates may cause floods in Bangladesh.

A highly-placed source at the Bangladesh High Commission told the Bangla Tribune that the reports raised suspicion. “The reason is simple – all of Farakka’s gates are normally kept open in the rainy season. We were surprised to read reports that Delhi has ordered to open all the gates.”

There are discrepancies in reports about the number of flood gates kept open in the monsoon.

The BBC, quoting India Water Resource Ministry PRO Sameer Sinha, reported that out of Farakka’s 104 gates, 70-80 are kept open in the rainy season. According to the report, India decided to open about 100 gates to tackle Bihar flood after consulting Bangladesh and giving it an advance notice.

A High Commission official contradicted. “We can say this with responsibility that all 104 gates of Farakka are kept open during the

peak rainy season,” the official said, adding that it was a “routine matter that did not require talks or serving notices.”

“Still, we contacted Dhaka after these reports emerged. Our officials in Dhaka said they did not have talks with Delhi regarding this matter.”

But the damage had been done by then. Bangladesh media was quick to pick the news and reported that India had opened Farakka Barrage to save Bihar, inundating Bangladesh.

Another High Commission official shot back: “For the sake of argument, let’s assume that all gates of Farakka were laid bare on August 23 or 24. Have we received any reports of flooding in Rajshahi or any other parts with the rise of Padma River water level?”

A Bangla Tribune investigation also revealed that all of Farakka’s gates are normally kept open in the rainy season and so, there is no point for Delhi to order opening them.

But Delhi had to assure Bihar that

it was doing everything to mitigate the flood situation in the state. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar berated Farakka Barrage during a visit to the flood-hit area on August 21.

A day later, Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh called Water Resources Secretary Shashi who told the former not to worry. Shashi reportedly said that Delhi had ordered opening of all Farakka gates which would help water recede from Bihar.

Such talks at bureaucratic-level may be quite common but the officials may have forgotten that this would convey different messages in Bangladesh. The comments were published in media and has resulted in backlash from the people in Bangladesh.

The Farakka-gate affair has rather peeved the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi. High Commission officials are requesting Indian officials to think before making comments on issues related to Bangladesh’s interest and be responsible. l

BANGLADESHI IMAM, ASSOCIATE KILLINGS

NY man pleads not guilty n Reuters, New York

A New York man pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges that he shot dead a Muslim cleric and his associate last month on the street after they left a mosque in Queens, prosecutors said.

Oscar Morel, 36, is facing murder and weapons charges.

Imam Maulana Akonjee, 55, and his brother-in-law Thara Uddin, 64, were gunned down in the Ozone Park neighbourhood of New York’s Queens borough on August 13 in an attack that shook the area’s predominantly Bangladeshi community.

According to media reports, the duo were dressed in Muslim garb when the killer “approached from behind and shot in the head” from point-blank range after afternoon prayers.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified a possible motive for the attack. NY police initially said the shooting was not a hate crime. They said there was no evidence the men were targeted because of their faith. l

Bangladesh girls up for unofficial final n Shishir Hoque

The unstoppable Bangladesh girls are very close to making history as they take on Chinese Taipei today in the most crucial Group C tie in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 Qualifiers at Bangabandhu National Stadium. The match begins at 6pm.

The girls in red and green are not only unbeaten in the event but have scored 18 goals in three matches without conceding any.

Both the sides have nine points from three matches and if the home side can manage to beat their today’s opponents, there will not be any tougher obstacle on their way to the final round of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Thailand next year.

Ahead of the vital game, Bangladesh’s main concern could be their back-five as they have rarely been tested in the first three matches where the hosts dominated thoroughly. The situation is however, almost the same for Chinese Taipei, who also went on to win comfortably.

That is why, may be, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Under-16 women’s football team practise during a training session yesterday on the eve of their clash against Chinese Taipei today MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK head coach Golam Rabbani Choton has been giving his goalkeeper and defenders extra concentration in the practice sessions after

Wednesday’s game against Kyrgyzstan. Choton believes facing one of the favourites Iran in the first game had already tested his

defenders a little bit compared to Chinese Taipei, who are yet to face Iran.

Choton is likely to make two

changes to the squad from the previous game. With already a yellow card to her name, defender Masura Parvin was rested against Kyrgyzstan but is set to start against Chinese Taipei along with Shamsunnahar, Sheuli Azim and Nargis Khatun.

Experienced striker Sirat Jahan Shopna, who started the first two matches but was on the bench against Kyrgyzstan, may also return to the starting XI as Choton hinted, but then again it will be interesting to see how in-form Anuching Mogini, who netted four goals, is accommodated in the squad.

Maria Manda and Moushumi Jahan will take care of the midfield but the performance of star winger Sanjida Akhter and captain Krishna Rani Sarkar may decide the fate of the game. Krishna has been in tremendous form, scoring five so far, including a hattrick in the last match. Choton admitted that he had to take off Sanjida earlier against Kyrgyzstan as the Chinese Taipei coach was watching the game. It means Sanjida has a key role to play today. l

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