September 21, 2016

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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Ashwin 6, 1423, Zil-Hajj 18, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 144

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www.dhakatribune.com

Roads turn deadly during Eid rush n Kamrul Hasan With the increased number of roads and highways, the number of accidents have also been rising for the last two and a half years. And a significant number of those people were killed during the Eid festivals.

Experts blame reckless driving, unskilled drivers, greed to earn more money, lack of implementation of measures and wrongful investigation into the incidents for the increase in road accidents during the Eid vacations.

Around 200 people were killed

during the Eid-ul-Fitr this year, but the death toll during the 10day period of Eid-ul-Azha is likely to reach double, according to Jatri Kallyan Samiti Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury.

At a meeting of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Sunday, officials said that 122 people were killed in 73 accidents from September 6 to 17.

However, Accident Research Institute (ARI) records show that t least 172 people were killed from 76 accidents between September 6 and September 18. It says 70% of

the victims are pedestrians or passengers of the vehicles.

Dhaka Tribune correspondents reported that at least 17 people lost their lives on Monday.

According to the BRTA statistics, the number of accidents and death were decreasing since 1997 till 2006, and had a sharp rise during 2007. It started decreasing later and continued till 2013. But the number has been on the rise in the last two and a half years.

BRTA Accident Data Analyst ABM Abu Bakar Siddique quoting statistics provided by the police

said that at least 1,422 people were killed from 1,489 accidents during January to July this year or seven people each day.

The number number of deaths was 2,376 last year from 2,394 accidents and 2,067 from 2,027 accidents in 2014. During this time, the number of injured was 4,782.

As per the information provided

by BRTA, 13 people were killed in every two days during 2015 and 11 in 2014.

ARI Assistant Prof Kazi Saifun Newaz said that reckless driving

 PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated call to the US government to give Bangladesh duty and quota-free access of its apparel to expand Bangladesh’s apparel industry and help establish a modern society.

The premier was speaking before the audience at the luncheon, hosted by the Business Council

Highway deaths expose govt negligence n Shohel Mamun

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PM reiterates call for duty, quota-free access of International Understanding (BCIU) at Hotel Waldorf Astoria on Monday, reports BSS. “As Bangladesh strives to achieve its aspired goals, I urge you to come forth and partner with us in this journey of mutual profits and prosperity… importantly, such a lucrative partnership would also strengthen our two countries’ friendship,” she said.

The prime minister said Bang-

Price: Tk10

ladesh has the most liberal investment policy in South Asia.

It includes protection of foreign investment by law; generous tax holiday; concessionary duty on import of machinery; remittances of royalty; 100 percent foreign equity; unrestricted exit policy; full repatriation of dividend and capital on exit; to name a few.

Moreover, she said, around 100

 PAGE 4 COLUMN 5

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy pose for a photo after Joy was conferred upon the ICT for Development Award, 2016 in New York on Monday at the Hotel Millennium during a gala function FOCUS BANGLA

n BSS

32 pages |

The government has failed to finalise the much-needed Road Transport Act, initiated six years ago, which could ensure safety of the passengers by controlling reckless driving and bringing discipline in the transport sector.

The need for enforcement of a strict law has resurfaced recently in the wake of some deadly road crashes occurred during the Eid-ulAzha vacation.

According to reports, road accidents robbed the lives of at least 171 people in just 10 days during Eid festivities, from September 9 to September 18.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader acknowledges that people are being killed on the roads like birds due to reckless driving as the government has failed to maintain discipline in the highways.

Asked why the government had failed failed to enforce the law, the minister refused to make any comment and suggested to talk to the secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD).

Secretary MAN Siddique told the Dhaka Tribune that they had almost finalised the draft law. “Hopefully it will be completed within a month and then submitted to the cabinet for final approval before its passage in parliament into a law.”

He said that it was a huge task.

“There are many stake holders. We have talked to them several times, arranged workshops, got feedback from common people ...”

Experts are however sceptical whether the law would be able to change the scenario of indisciplined transport system.

Prof Shamsul Haque of Buet’s civil engineering department alleged that the government was working on the Act avoiding the suggestions given by experts and civil society members.

He said: “Experts recommended rational punishment for those who break the rules, but punishments for road traffic offences will remain

Joy receives ICT Development Award in New York n Tribune Desk Sajeeb Wazed Joy, information and communication technology adviser to the prime minister, has been conferred upon “ICT for Development Award, 2016” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the people of Bangladesh through implementation of “Digital Bangladesh” initiative.

Joy was given the award for his unmatched leadership and commitment towards ICT and competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development and for his far-reaching initiatives in setting Bangladesh on the path to the digital world.

The World Organisation of Governance and Competitiveness, the Plan Trifinio, the Global Fashion for Development and the School of Business of the University of New Haven, Connecticut, the USA jointly organised the function titled “High-Level reception in support of the first anniversary of the adoption of the UN sustainable development goals, the importance of ICT competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development” at the Hotel Millennium on Monday night, reports UNB. Introduced this year on the

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INSIDE Where does RSTP stand now?

The Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) is the third attempt by the government to ease traffic congestion in the city which was approved by the government on 29 August.  PAGE 2

Doubt raised about RSTP implementation

Over the last two decades the government has taken three different initiatives to ease the traffic congestion in Dhaka but to no avail. The first initiative was Dhaka Urban Transport Project.  PAGE 3

Tonu murder: Investigation of the case remains stalled Six months passed since Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Comilla Victoria College, was killed after rape by unidentified assailants in cantonment area.  PAGE 7

170 students of IIUC still missing

Total 170 students of different departments of privately-run International Islamic University of Chittagong (IIUC) have been missing from their academic activists for periods.  PAGE 32

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

EASING TRAFFIC JAM IN DHAKA

Where does RSTP stand now? n Shohel Mamun The Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) is the third attempt by the government to ease traffic congestion in the city which was approved by the government on August 29.

The RSTP will include the construction of large-scale infrastructures including five metro rails also known as mass rapid transit (MRT), two bus rapid transits (BRT), three ring roads, eight radial roads, six expressways and 21 transportation hubs.

The 20-year-long master plan will be implemented in three phases with provisions of improving communication between Dhaka and its surrounding districts.

The first phase is scheduled to be completed by 2020, the second by

2025 and the third phase by 2035.

The first phase includes the MRT, BRT Line 3 and Dhaka Elevated Expressway to be completed by 2019-2020 as per the short term plan of RSTP. The second phase will include the construction of the MRT Line 1 and Line 5, a multimodal hub at the new airport, the construction and improvement of radial and ring roads and expressways. The middle term plan will start from 2020 and be completed by 2025.

The third phase will see the construction of the BRT Line 7 and MRT Line 2 and 4 along with more construction and improvement of radial and ring roads and expressways. This long term plan will begin in 2025 and end by 2035.

Dhaka is one of the most densely populated metropolis in the

world but the lack of urban traffic management and foresight has made the city grapple with traffic grinding to a halt for hours during rush hour.

The government is trying to execute the RSTP as fast as possible and of the proposed projects three are already under construction.

The construction of MRT Line 6 from Uttara to Motijheel and BRT Line 3 from Gazipur to Jhilmil has already begun.

The Dhaka Elevated Expressway from Airport to Kotubkhali (Dhaka-Chittagong highway) is also under construction which will be connected to Ashulia by another flyover.

The proposed Dhaka-Chittagong expressway will also be linked to the Dhaka elevated expressway according to the RSTP. The six expressways will be con-

structed to connect four adjacent districts and two divisional cities –Chittagong and Mymensingh.

The RSTP aims to improve circular waterways around Dhaka, the traffic management and traffic safety.

The bus sector will be radically reformed by forming a single bus company and the relocation of the bus terminal along with route rationalisation.

The plan also proposes three ring roads connecting the city with the existing road network along with eight radial roads.

A new highway will be constructed from Baorbhita of Munsiganj to Kaikertek of Narayanganj after the Padma Bridge is completed.

The bus rapid transit system also suggests a road connecting the eastern side of the Balu River to the middle of the Western side of the

Dhaka-bypass road before the construction of the MRT Line.

The RSTP also plans to have a single government run company for buses by consolidating all the existing ones in operation now.

Kaikobad Hossain, executive director of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) said: “We have already started working on forming a single bus company to reduce the disorder in the capital’s transport sector.”

“Although the company will be formed by the government, private bus owners will be allowed to invest in the company,” he added.

The implementation of RSTP will likely speed up Dhaka traffic to 13 kilometres per hour which was last seen back in 2010 along with efficiently minimising the travel time in and around the city. l

RSTP: Two bus rapid transit routes Five metro rails BUS RAPID TRANSIT - BRT

Dhakaa national International Airport

Kamalapur Railway Station

MRT Line 3 (42km) Gazipur – International Airport - Jhilmil MRT Line 7 (36km) Eastern Fringe Area

The Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) also proposed two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Projects.

This would have dedicated lanes for buses on existing road eliminating the current situation faced with buses in Dhaka.

Around 25,000 people are expected to commute on the BRT on both sides of the lane per hour with buses scheduled to arrive every three minutes.

The government has already began construction of the first BRT line called Line 3 to be built between Gazipur to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and eventually be extended to Keraniganj’s Jhilmil Residential Area.

Total distance of the route is 42 kilometre and is said to reduce the commute to 20 minutes from Gazipur to Dhaka airport.

RSTP suggests 25 stops, six flyovers, an eight lane bridge over the Turag River at Tongi and a 4.5 kilometre elevated road from Tongi to Uttara from Shibbari-Airport route.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Tk2,040 crore. The Asian Development Bank is said to donate Tk1,280 crore, the French Development Agency Tk360 crore and the Global Environmental Facility Tk36 crore and the rest will be funded by the government.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said: “The detailed design is almost complete and hopefully the World Bank will agreed to finance the BRT from Dhaka airport to Jhilmil.”

The BRT line 7 will be to completed by 2035. l

The Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) will include the construction of 5 Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or metro rail lines in Dhaka to be implemented in three phases.

Line 6: The construction of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (DMRTDP) which includes the first metro rail line the MRT Line 6 from Uttara to Motijheel is expected to completed by 2019-2020 at the cost of Tk21,000 crore.

The Line 6 is a north south line with a total length of 41 kilometre that will eventually connect Uttara to Ashulia and Motijheel to Kamalapur by 2025.

Line 1: The second line to be completed will be the MRT Line 1 also a north south line which will connect from Dhaka airport to Kamalapur at first and extended eventually connect Gazipur, Kamalapur to Keraniganj’s Jhilmil Residential Area and Khilkhet to Purbachal Residential Area.

Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) has completed a pre-feasibility study which was accepted by Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA).

The report says the MRT will reduce the travel time to a mere 23 minutes from Dhaka airport to Kamalapur while going from Purbachal to Kamalapur will take just 39 minutes.

Line 5: The third metro rail line is a east west route the MRT Line 5 which will connect from Bulta to Badda with stops at Mirpur, Gabtoli bus terminal, Dhanmondi,

Basundhara city mall and Hatirjheel link road at a total length of 35 kilometres.

Jica’s feasibility study of the second and third metro rail MRT Line 1 project will be completed by 2016 and construction work will hopefully begin in 2017 and completed by 2025,” said Road Transport Highway Division secretary MAN Siddique.

The MRT will reduce the travel time to a mere 23 minutes from Dhaka airport to Kamalapur while going from Purbachal to Kamalapur will take just 39 minutes Line 2: The fourth metro rail The MRT Line 2 will be constructed to connect Ashulia, Savar, Gabtoli, Dhaka University, DSCC Nagar Bhaban and Kamalapur at a length of 40 kilometres which will directly connect Dhaka EPZ to Kamalapur ICD. Line 4: The MRT Line 4 will connect Kamalapur to Narayanganj at a length of just 16 kilometre.

According to MAN Siddique the fourth and fifth metro rail will be completed by 2035. He also said that certain parts of MRT Line 2, 4 and 5 will be underground. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Doubt raised about RSTP implementation n Shohel Mamun Over the last two decades the government has taken three different initiatives to ease the traffic congestion in Dhaka but to no avail.

The first initiative was Dhaka Urban Transport Project (DUTP).

The initiative was taken in 1997 but the plan was formulated in 2002.

Then came the Strategic Transport Plan (STP) that was planned for a year from 2004 to 2005 and was approved by the government in 2008.

The plan suggested 21 major projects in order to develop the transport system including three metro rails and three bus rapid systems.

Lastly the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) was drawn up from 2014 to 2015 and was finally approved on August 29 this year.

The plan is a twenty-year-long project from 2015-2035.

The RSTP includes the construction of five metro rails, six flyovers at a cost of Tk3.86cr which has been finalised with Jica in coordi-

nation with Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) formerly known as Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB).

This lack of implementation for the past two decades has left the average speed of Dhaka traffic at a snail’s pace of six kilometres per

sation unable to supervise all of the government agencies concerned like Rajuk, city corporation or Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to successfully implement the project.”

For example, just six months ago a Rajuk project called Fakirapul

‘Dhaka is one of the worst cities in the world but the proper execution of the RSTP will ease the traffic congestion with the introduction of the metro rail and dedicated and disciplined bus services like the BRT’ hour according to a study by Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) conducted this year.

Experts are however sceptical about the implementation of the RSTP properly and said most likely this project too will meet the same fate as the other two.

They alleged that while implementing DUTP the government at the time did not pay heed to the plan properly but instead focused

MASS RAPID TRANSIT NETWORK

Dh a Dhaka In national International Airport Ai

Kamalapur Railway Station

MRT Line 1 (52km) MRT Line 2 (40km) MRT Line 4 (16km) MRT Line 5 (35km)

on aspects that would get them more votes.

“The DUTP was an integrated plan but government had only emphasised on the construction of flyovers in the mega project ignoring the integrated aspects for voter popularity,” said Shamsul Haque profes-

Gazipur - Airport - Kamalapur - Jhilmil, Purbachal - Khilkhet Ashulia - Savar - Gabtoli - Dhaka Unv. – DSCC – Kamalapur Kamalapur – Narayanganj Bulta - Badda – Mirpur Road – Mirpur 10 – Gabtoli Bus Terminal – Dhanmondi – Bashundhara City – Hatirjheel Link Road MRT Line 6 (41km) Ashulia - Uttara Phase 3 – Pallabi – Tejgaon –Motijheel - Kamalapur

sor at the Civil Department of Buet.

“If the government does not implement the RSTP with supporting infrastructure to go with the flyovers for instance then the traffic congestion will not be eased at all and the people will not benefited from this,” he added.

There are also concerns about DTCA’s ability to implement such a large scale project, Shamsul Haque said: “The DTCA is a weak organi-

to Keraniganj flyover was approved

by DTCA although it is not included in the RSTP. The agency gave in to the pressure by a senior minister and approved the flyover which will directly contradict the path of construction for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), he said.

Executive Director of DTCA Kaikobad Hossain denies the allegation saying: “The authority will strictly follow the 20-year master

plan (2015-2035) of the RSTP and the recently approved Rajuk’s flyover is not in conflict with the construction of the BRT and does not interfere with the RSTP plan.”

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader told the Dhaka Tribune: “Dhaka is one of the worst cities in the world but the proper execution of the RSTP will ease the traffic congestion with the introduction of the metro rail and dedicated and disciplined bus services like the BRT.” The minister warned: “No government agencies will be able to take transport related decisions in Dhaka and adjacent districts without considering the RSTP, if any government body is to construct any infrastructure under the RSTP it has to be approved by DTCA from now on which will also supervise and coordinate the projects,” he added.

Shamsul Haque added that the RSTP needs to be implemented properly to have any real effect on the traffic congestion in the city. l

RSTP: Six expressways by 2035 The Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) suggests the construction of six expressways between the Dhaka city and adjacent areas along with connecting three divisional cities through them.

Having initially missed the deadline to being construction the government has finally started work on the Dhaka elevated expressway.

The expressway starts at the Dhaka airport and will continue through Mohakhali, Tejgaon and Moghbazar to Kamalapur Railway station and connect to the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway through Jatrabari.

The construction will be completed by 2019-2020 as part of the first phase of RSTP. The other five expressways would be build under the second (20202025) and third phase (2025-2035) of RSTP. The government has completed the feasibility study of second expressway which would be built between Ashulia and Dhaka airport and connected to Dhaka elevated expressway at Dhaka airport.

The Dhaka-Mymensingh expressway proposed in the RSTP will connect to Dhaka elevated expressway while the Dhaka-Chittagong expressway would be connected at the Kutubkhali area of Dhaka elevated expressway.

The RSTP also suggests connecting the Dhaka elevated expressway with the proposed Dhaka Mawa flyover at Jatrabari along with the Dhaka-Sylhet flyover connecting at

EXPRESSWAYS

Dhaka Elevated expressway ( Aiport - Kutubkhali)

Dhaka – Ashulia Expressway

Dhaka – Chittagong Expressway

Dhaka - Sylhet Expressway

Dhaka - Maowa Expressway

Dhaka – Mymensingh Expressway

Kanchpur point.

The expected speed of traffic movement is 100 kilometres per hour once all six expressways are completed. Although this will likely take another 20 years to

be completed, the government hopes that by initiating such large scale traffic management schemes Dhaka will begin to experience the benefits of being a middle income country. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Hasina invites Suu Kyi to Dhaka n BSS

Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogues.

The consensus came as Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the two leaders discussed outstanding issues between the two neighbouring countries and agreed to resolve all bilateral issues through dialogues.

During the meeting, the premier welcomed the Kofi Annan Commission on issues of Rohingya.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her “zero tolerance” stance on ter-

rorism and said Bangladesh soil will never be allowed for carrying out terrorist activities against any countries.

She said Bangladesh has set an example of effective cooperation with its other neighbours in combating terrorism and violent extremism.

The prime minister invited the Myanmar leader to visit Bangladesh and Suu Kyi gladly accepted the invitation. l

PM Sheikh Hasina and Mianmar State Councillor Suu Kyi at UN headquarters PID

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Highway deaths expose govt negligence the same as they are in the existing Motor Vehicles Act, 1983.”

According to the BRTA, the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1983 is almost the same as now-obsolete Motor Act, 1939.

In 2010, the government took the initiative to upgrade the Act as the existing laws failed to bring dis-

cipline to the transport sector.

The draft was ready in 2011, but it was cancelled in the face of protests by the transport owners and workers. Four years later, it was revised decreasing the extent of punishments.

According to the draft law, drivers causing death or major injury by

reckless driving in a motor vehicle accident will be punished under the Penal Code 1986. As per penal code, a driver would be sentenced to three years in prison such an accident.

They will also be fined between Tk15,000 and Tk150,000.

It adds a provision for compensatory payment in the event of a

death resulting from a road accident and a debit from the proposed point system, as well as three years’ suspension of the licence.

The draft suggests one year jail or Tk20,000 fines or both for reckless driving or overtaking menacingly.

BRTA Chairman Md Nazrul Is-

Joy receives ICT Development Award in New York occasion of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, the award will be given regularly on an annual basis.

Hollywood actor Robert Davi handed over the award at a gala function.

Dr Sergio Bran, executive national director of Plan Trifinio El-Salvador, received another award from the actor.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well as ministers and high-level political leaders from Bangladesh and other countries, UN senior officials, heads of international organisations, ambassadors, private sector and civil society leaders and celebrities attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion,

Sheikh Hasina thanked the organisers for nominating someone from Bangladesh for the award being given this evening.

She said Sajeeb Wazed, who happens to be her aviser on ICT, has been instrumental in shaping her government’s vision for a “Digital Bangladesh.” “He (Joy) continues to inspire our youth to think big and act boldly,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said: “As a mother, I am indeed proud to see my son being recognised for his work. He is making his mark in realising ‘Sonar Bangla,’ the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,” She said, in Bangladesh, her government has made substantial

investment in expanding IT infrastructure and building an ITeducated workforce. “We’ve seen a sea-change in broadband access and IT-enabled public services,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said ICT has thus become a critical enabler for the country’s inclusive growth, sustainable development and good governance.

“It drives our aim to build a knowledge-based society for achieving our Vision 2021’ and Vision 2041,” she said.

“Indeed, ICT holds for us a key to unlocking the full potentials of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” she added.

After receiving the award, Joy

said: “I feel deeply honoured to receive this award.”

He dedicated this award to all the young people of the country, who are potential agents of transformation and builders of “Digital Bangladesh”.

This was the first ever award given by the organisers and henceforth, they would like to give it regularly on an annual basis.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has in the recent time recognised in various ways Bangladesh’s strides to digitalisation and this award, now coming from other entities as well, could be seen as a wider appreciation and recognition of Bangladesh’s efforts. l

PM reiterates call for duty, quota-free access Exclusive Economic Zones are being established with a dozen ready to receive foreign private labour intensive industries. Meantime, Bangladesh and the USA have signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is ready for US investment in power, energy, especially renewable and green energy; shipbuilding and recycling; automobile and light engineering; chemical fertilisers; agro-processing; pharmaceuticals; ceramic and plastic goods; ICT; marine resources extraction’ tourism; medical equipments; telecommunications and knowledge based high-tech industries.

She said many of these products would find duty free and quota free access to all the 52 countries giving Bangladesh these privileges.

The prime minister said that it would be vital for the USA to give

Bangladesh apparel duty and quota free access to its market in a bid to expand Bangladesh apparel industry, employ and empower more girls and help establish a modern society.

“USA would then be as fair as the 52 other countries, like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China, Japan, India and the European Union that gives Bangladesh duty and quota-free access to their markets,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the relationship between the USA and Bangladesh has been moving to higher planes since she became prime minister in 2009.

“Today, our two countries have the best of relations. This is evident from the outcome of Secretary John Kerry’s recent visit to Bangladesh. Indeed, our strategic Partnership is getting broader and deeper with time. This growing relationship is reflected in our two coun-

tries’ business relations,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the American companies are still the largest investors. Last year, they invested half a billion or 25 percent of the total FDI to Bangladesh.

In trade, the US is still the largest single country destination of Bangladeshi products. “Our two countries’ bilateral trade reached $7 billion last year. It could be more if the high tariffs and compliance issues on Bangladeshi apparel to US market were removed,” the prime minister said.

She said it should be as Bangladesh is an LDC adding that as many other LDCs do not have these protectionist measures imposed on them by USA. Instead, she said that the US in 2013 sadly suspended its GSP privileges to Bangladesh terming it as an unkind act. Even sadder was when US in 2015 restored its GSP privileges to all South Asian coun-

tries, except Bangladesh.

She said since Bangladesh’s main export to the USA is apparel, this industry employs four million workers, of which 90% are girls from poor families. Their earnings have empowered them. Their contributions now provide better nutritional food, allow siblings to go to schools, and give them a respected voice at home. Their empowerment is also helping reduce poverty, control population growth and increase literacy.

“Significantly, this trend is supporting our fight against extremism and terrorism by transforming our society into a progressive one.

For these efforts to succeed, it is vital for the US to give Bangladesh apparel duty and quota free access to its market. It would expand Bangladesh apparel industry, employ and empower more girls and help establish a modern society,” the prime minister said. l

lam said that the Highway Police had been given speed measuring guns to ensure that the government fixed 80km/hour for highways is followed.

“The drivers will be punished once the Road Transport Act is turned into a law,” he told the Dhaka Tribune. l

Roads turn deadly during Eid rush

by inefficient seasonal drivers, three-wheelers plying on the highways and untimely remedy of black spots were causing the accidents.

As a large number of transports ply on the highways during the Eid festival, the seasonal drivers, who might be very efficient on the city streets, find it hard to keep pace with the highway drivers, he observes.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader recently admitted that the government had failed to control reckless driving.

He claimed that 50% of the 144 black spots identified so far had been addressed.

Experts say whenever they worked with the government highups, the officials were found cordial to solve the menace. But the implementation process has been very poor.

Prof Newaz said that the authorities had asked the transport and labour leaders to ensure appointment of skilled drivers months ago. But the directives could not be implemented properly. Moreover, the drivers should be compelled to acquire licence from authorised schools.

ARI Director Prof Moazzem Hossain said that to bring the number of accidents down, investigation into the incidents should be done properly and the accused jailed or fined. “Once they face the trial, they will think twice before breaking the laws.”

He also suggested that speed measurement devices should be installed on the highways to track the speeding vehicles. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Government plans to add 12 more products under the Jute Packaging Act n Abu Bakar Siddique With an aim to ensure the utmost use of Bangladesh’s jute production, the government has planned to add twelve more necessary items as well as agricultural commodities under the mandatory jute packaging act.

The newly identified products which might come under the act are ginger, garlic, onion, potato, fish feed, poultry feed, flour, chil-

business sector have to be made by jute.

According to the act, paddy, rice, wheat, maze, fertiliser and sugar must be packaged in jute bags. Violators will be subjected to a maximum of one-year prison term or a fine of Tk50,000, and both for using non-degradable synthetics to package commodities.

Last year, Bangladesh produced around 7.5 million bale of raw jute of which 900,000 was surplus.

lies, pulse, coriander and rice bran.

Md Kefaet Ullah, director of Department of Jute, said: “The decision of adding the new products under the jute packaging act might come soon. It is likely to be taken at the executive meeting which will be held at the end of this month.”

To promote the jute sector, on January 2014, the government enacted the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 – under which all kinds of packaging in the country’s

According to the jute department, one bale of jute produces around 238 pieces of jute sacks, each of which can be filled with 50kg of any item.

The government is also planning to boost raw jute production from next season so that the country can export raw jute again after meeting domestic demand.

“Steps have already been taken to increase production of raw jute and resume export,” said Kefayet Ullah.

Mahfuz Anam honoured for courageous journalism n Tribune Desk The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, along with five other journalists from Asia, has been awarded for his courage and determination in journalism.

US-based education and research organisation East–West Center (EWC) honoured the journalists at a conference titled “South Asia Looking East” in New Delhi on September 9.

The five other awardees are Rowaida Rhima Folloso Macarambon (The Philippines), Stella Paul (India), Zaffar Iqbal Sheikh (India), Habib Khan Totakhil (Afghanistan), and Lasantha Wickrematunge (Sri Lanka), who was honoured posthumously. Wickrematunge was shot dead in Colombo in 2009.

Receiving his award, Mahfuz Anam said: “It has been my experience, in any clash between independent media and a powerful government, the government wins in the beginning. It wins because it has all the coercive machinery of state behind it. But the good news is free press wins at the end. It does so because it is energised by the inalienable right of people to freedom.”

More than 80 defamation and sedition cases were filed against Mahfuz Anam after he had regretted in a television talk show in February 2016 the decision of publishing reports based on leaks fed by the army’s intelligence wing in 2007 without independent verification.

Some 350 journalists from more than 40 countries attended the conference in New Delhi. l

The government has set a target to produce 8.5 million bales of raw jute from this year, he added.

Currently, the country uses 30 to 40 crore pieces of jute sacks, to meet the demand of all existing mandatory jute packaging products – paddy, rice, wheat, maze, fertiliser and sugar.

The jute department official said: “We will need another 10 crore pieces of jute sacks for the twelve new products.” l

Fakhrul and 73 others indicted for assaulting police

n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

Members of DMP’s Counter-terrorism unit patrol the compound of Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka’s Mirpur yesterday as part of ensuring security for the coming England Cricket Team DHAKA TRIBUNE

A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 73 others in connection with a case filed with Paltan police station for assaulting police on December 9, 2012.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ali Mashud Seikh gave the order and fixed December 4 to start deposition of witnesses. The court also rejected the discharge petitions filed by Fakhrul and three others.

Fakhrul among 38 accused, now on bail, appeared before the court and pleaded not guilty. The court also cancelled bails of 36 others and issued arrest warrants against them.

The charges were pressed on July 28, 2014. l

Muhith: $15.2m BB heist recovery in a day or two n Asif Showkat Kallol

dered the country’s central bank to return the recovered portion to the Bangladesh Bank.

The minister further told the reporters that the probe report on the cyber heist will be made public on Thursday.

“The report will be published on the websites of Bangladesh Bank and Financial Institutions Division on the same day,” added Muthith.

On February 4, unidentified hackers made attempt to transfer nearly $1bn from the Bangladesh Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. They succeeded in transferring $81 million to four accounts at Rizal Commer-

The Philippines central bank is set to return the $15.2m recovered portion of the $81m stolen from the Bangladesh Bank in a day or two, says Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith.

He said: “We will receive the $15.2m within one or two days and the remaining $67.8m will also be returned to the Bangladesh Government through legal procedure.”

The minister made the disclosure after a meeting with Housing and Public Works Minister Mosharraf Hossain on Tuesday, a day after Philippine regional trial court or-

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cial Banking Corp in Manila.

However, a transfer of $20m to Sri Lanka was halted. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported the theft at the end of February.

On May 30, the governmentformed investigation committee submitted the report on the Bangladesh Bank’s reserves heist to the finance minister.

The three-member panel, led by former Bangladesh Bank governor Mohammed Farashuddin, was formed almost one month after it was learnt that the money was stolen by the hackers.

It was later found that Bangladesh central bank officials Khulna

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were aware of the matter but had withheld the information for a month.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman stepped down in the face of widespread criticism and intense pressure to quit for allegedly trying to cover up the incident.

The committee was asked to check how the payment instructions were sent, and to whom, and what measures the central bank had taken to stop the theft, the reason behind concealing the incident, and whether there was any negligence on the part of central bank officials concerned. l Sylhet

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Jute mills workers protest fresh pay rule n Hedait Hossain Molla, Khulna

Farmers of Naogaon have seen a bumper yield of rice variety Jira. Though they are passing busy days in harvesting the crop, they are concerned about the selling price of the rice. Currently, the rice is being sold at market between Tk800 to Tk850 per maund (around 37 kilogram), but the farmers demand Tk1000 to 1100 per maund, otherwise they will not be able to make profit. The photo was taken from Delwarbari area AZAHAR UDDIN

Nine killed in lightening strike n Tribune Report

At least nine people were killed in lightening strikes at different parts of Bangladesh on Monday.

Three members of a family were killed as a lightning strike at their house in Madhupur upazila, Tangail.

The deceased are Nikhil Hajong, 38, and his sons Joj Ing San, 10, and Loton Ing San, 8.

Officer-in-Charge of Madhupur police station Md Shafikul Islam said: “They were sleeping when the lightning struck their house in the early hours of the day.”

In another incident, a thunderbolt struck Maijuddin Sheikh, 50, son of Nadhu Sheikh of Railla village under Saturia upazila in Manikganj when he was working at his cowshed. He died on the spot.

In Kishoreganj, a woman and her son was killed in a thunderbolt strike at Koronsi village under sadar upzila.

The deceased are Lolita, 40, and her son Rimon, 15. Locals said a thunderbolt struck their house in the morning and they died on the spot.

In Sunamganj, two fishermen were killed and five others injured in a lightening strike while they

BSF guns down Bangladeshi Hossain, n Moajjem Lalmonirhat Indian Border Security Force (BSF) killed a Bangladeshi man at Dahagram border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat and took away his body early Tuesday.

Deceased Hajrat Ali, 35, was a son of Amir Hossain of Bangerbari area in Dahagram union, according to sources of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

BSF shot him dead instantly,

when he went to the border for bringing Indian cow illegally, according to locals and BGB. On the other hand, father of the victim said his son was going to visit his maternal aunt’s home at Moynaguri of India.

A flag meeting between BGB and BSF was held at Tin-Bigha corridor from 1pm to 3pm.

Lalmonirhat 15-BGB Battalion Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Bazlur Rahman Hayati said BGB strongly protested the killing. l

JMB leader held Islam Rana, n Aminul Sirajganj Detective Branch of Police have arrested four people including a suspected JMB ameer at Erandah village under Ullahpara upazila of the district.

The arrest of the members of the banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) was made at Jamaitul Cadet Madrasa around 5am on Tuesday.

During the drive, the DB team discovered ten crude bombs, 1kg gun powder, 500 pieces of splinters, bomb-making materials and a large stock of books containing jihadi contents from their possession.

The arrested are Md Joynal Abedin, 55, president of Sirajganj unit JMB and Md Abu Bakkar Siddique, 50, while the rest two are Joynal’s sons Borhan Uddin, 28, and Imran Ali, 26. l

were netting fish in a beel. The deaceased are Md Shamim Mia, 28, son of Kanai Mia, a resident of Matiapur village and his covillager Md Tohur Ali, 25, son Md Abdul Hasim.

Of the injured, two people were admitted to MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital in critical state.

Meanwhile, a child was killed after hit by a thunderbolt at Tukdirai village of the same union parishad.

Officer-in-Charge of Sadar police station Md Abdul Jalil told the Dhaka Tribune that a thunderbolt hit Samran Hossain while he was playing at courtyard. l

Amid several threats and agitations of CBA and non-CBA leaders and workers of nine state-run jute mills of Khulna and Jessore to go for allout movement to press for their three-point charter of demands, laborers of state-run Crescent and Platinum jute mills yesterday observed work abstention protesting Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation's (BJMC) fresh pay rule.

Workers of the two mills started their movements yesterday morning protesting a decision of BJMC that workers will not get any salary for lazy times caused by power-shortage.Workers of the mills wishing anonymity told to the Dhaka Tribune that workers would suffer for the decision, though they were not responsible for lazy times caused by power shortage.

Besides this, workers of nine state-run jute mills of the area had joined their works from Sunday after Eid vacation with grievance, as the mills had not paid their workers festival bonus fully before the Eid. Ex-general secretary of CBA of Platinum Jute Mill Humayun Kabir Khan said: “Authorities of jute mills have paid full salaries before the Eid except 20 percent festi-

val bonus. In this case, before the Eid workers had declared to go for movement after Eid vacation for the due.”

“Now workers of the mill are thinking to go for movements to fulfill their demand. After meeting with CBA's leaders workers will call for movement to meet their demands.”

“Labor leader Hafizur Rahman Bhuiyan now is staying in India for treatment. After his return, workers will declare fully planned movement,” he said.

Earlier, on May 11 in this year, Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) had sacked Soharab Hossain, Convener of CBA and nonCBA coordination council and CBA secretary of Crescent Jute Mill.

After this, workers of all nine staterun jute mills had started demonstration against the decision.

On May 14, workers called off their movement after getting assures from MP Begum Monnujan Sufian of reinstating Soharab Hossain on service.

In the meantime, BJMC has alloted Tk14.55 corers for nine state run jute mills of Khulna and Jessore to buy raw jutes from the farmers. After getting the allotment jute mills have started buying raw jutes. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

SIX MONTHS INTO KILLING OF TONU

Investigation of the case remains stalled n Mohiuddin Molla, Comilla Six months passed since Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Comilla Victoria College, have been killed after rape by unidentified assailants in cantonment area of the district, but law enforcers yet to arrest any of killer.

Marking six months of Tanu’s death, a protest rally was held at Pubali intersection of the district town yesterday. Anwar Begum, mother of Tonu, and Anwar Hossain, brother, among others, took part in the agitation programme.

Breaking down in tears, Anwar said: “How much assurances will we get? Tanu’s father fell ill after his daughter’s death. Miscreants also tried to kill him. We are going through a hardship. We are being threatened everyday by unidentified callers. Our family has been shattered. I want death penalty of all the killers of my daughter.”

Anwar Hossain said they were frustrated as investigation over the killing of his sister had remained stalled.

Protesting Tonu’s death, a cultural programme was held participated by Ganajagaran Mancha and Baul Pathi Gosthi.

Khairul Anam Raihan, spokesman of Ganajagaran Mancha, Comilla chapter said: “We did not find any progress in the killing case over the last six months. Autopsy on Tonu’s body was conducted twice which could not define the reason behind the murder of Tonu.

Law enforcers yet to conduct DNA

Robber killed in ‘gunfight’

n Liakat Ali Badal, Rangpur An alleged member of an inter-district robbers’ gang was killed in a gunfight between law enforcers and his cohorts at Chandipur in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur yesterday.

Deceased Humayun Kabir, 32, was a resident of Dekulia village at Kotwali upazila in Barisal, confirmed Rejaul Karim, officer-in-charge of Pirganj police station.

On Monday afternoon after they hacked jute trader Hafijar Rahman and snatched Tk11 lakh from him.

They forcibly picked the injured trader inside a microbus and were fleeing away, said the police.

The gunfight took place at Chandigar, while the police were going to nab other accomplices of the detainees.

The aides of the alleged robbers opened fire at the police, triggering the gunfight. A case was lodged with the police station in this connection, the OC said. l

A protest rally was held at Pubali intersection of Comilla town yesterday, demanding arrest of Tonu’s killers test of three persons’ sperm which was found in Tanu’s dress.

On the night of March 20, Tonu’s body was recovered from a jungle near her house inside Comilla cantonment.

Father of Tonu filed a case with Kotwali Model police station on the same day.

Autopsy was performed on her body twice. The first report was released on April 4 drew widespread criticism, as it concluded that no sign of murder or rape was found.

The second report was released on June 12 and it also sparked controversy.

The second autopsy found evidence of sexual intercourse in Tonu’s corpse. It also found sperm of three persons on Tonu’s cloth.

On May 10, parents of the victim named Army Sargent Jahid, his wife and soldier Jahid for killing their daughter. They also alleged that law enforcers were trying to

54 candidates vying for one seat JnU ‘B’ unit admission test on Friday High School, 211,071 to 212,270 in n Rafikul Islam Dhaka Collegiate School (Sadar Around 54 applicants will vie in the intake test for one seat under “B” unit to get admission into first year honours courses for Arts, Law faculty and IER at Jagannath University (JnU), under the academic session of 2016-17.

The admission test will be held on Friday and 36,225 candidates will sit for admission test against 670 seats under the B unit, said a press release.

The examination will begin at 3:pm and continue till 4:00pm in 15 centers inside and out side of university campus simultaneously.

Seat plan of B unit

The admission seekers’ roll 200,001 to 208,870 in JnU Campus, 208,871 to 209,970 in Dhaka Govt Muslim High School, 209,971 to 211,070 in Bangla Bazaar Govt. Girls

ghat), 212,271 to 215,570 in Dhaka Mohanagar Mohila College (Laxmibazar), 215,571 to 217,370 in K L Jubeli School and College (39 North Bruck Hall road), 217,371 to 218,170 in Dhaka Central Girls High School (Laxmibazar), 218,171 to 219,226 and 250,001 to 250,928 in Dhaka Central Women’s College (Tikatuli), 250,929 to 253,528 in Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate College (Chankharpul), 253,529 to 256,928 in Willes Little Flower School and College (Kakrail), 256,929 to 258,502 and 280,001 to 281,825 in Begum Bodrunnesa Govt Women College (Bokshibazar), 281,826 to 283,525 in University Laboratory School and College( Dhaka university campus), 283,526 to 285,025 in Uddayan Higher Secondary School (Fuller road), 285,026 to 286,825 in Home

Economics College (Nilkhet) and 286,826 to 288,497 in Govt Laboratory High School (Dhanmondi) will be held in the halls respectively in definite time, the release mentioned.

Meanwhile, all kinds of electronics devices, including mobile phone, are totally prohibited in the examination halls. All candidates are to request to come to examination centres wearing half-sleve shirts and sandals. Mobile courts will also be set up in the examination centres. Candiates are also asked to bring two copies of admit card, the release added. Besides, examinations of “E” Unit (Music Department, Department of Fine Arts and the Theatre Department) on 24 September. The admission seekers are asked to visit the website: www.jnu.ac.bd or www.admission.jnu.ac.bd for more information. l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

save the killers.

The Criminal Investigation Department was entrusted with the investigation on April 1.

Sub-Inspector of CID Comilla Jalal Uddin Ahmed, investigation officer of the case, could not be reached by the correspondent despite several attempts. l

Two minor girls violated in Savar, Dhamrai n Tribune Report

In separate incidents, two schoolgirls fell victim to rape in Dhamrai and Savar upazilas on the outskirts of the capital yesterday.

In Dhamrai, a Class-III student was violated allegedly by a youth, Hasem, 25, inside her house at Kagazipara village.

Police arrested the alleged rapist from a school of the village on Tuesday after victim’s mother filed a case in this connection, said officer-in-charge (Investigation) of Dhamrai Police Station Dipak Chandra Saha.

On Monday night, a Class-VII girl was raped allegedly by the owner of their rented house at Boktarpur in Savar upazila.

Senior assistant police super of the police station Mahbubur Rahman said they detained three youths in this regard. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistani Christian charged with blasphemy A Pakistani Christian teen has been charged with blasphemy over a derogatory picture of Islam’s holiest place, police said Tuesday. Nabeel Chohan was arrested for liking and sharing on social media a disparaging photograph of the Kaaba, the building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that Muslims turn and pray to five times a day. AFP

INDIA

India troops kill 8 people at Kashmir border Indian soldiers killed eight people trying to cross the disputed border with Pakistan in Kashmir on Tuesday and security forces were also fighting suspected militants near the frontier, army officials said, two days after a major attack on an Indian base. A senior Indian army officer said that his men had spotted a group of intruders trying to cross into Indian territory around Uri on Tuesday. REUTERS

CHINA

Chinese firm suspected of aiding North Korea nuke project A Chinese company under investigation by local police may have aided North Korea’s nuclear programme. Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co Ltd. logged more than $530m in two-way trade with North Korea between 2011 and 2015, the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul and C4ADS in Washington said in a report released Monday. AFP

ASIA PACIFIC

Typhoon Malakas hits southern Japan A strong typhoon made landfall on southwestern Japan on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain that caused floods, forcing flight cancellations and prompting local authorities to issue evacuation advisories for more than 600,000 residents. Typhoon Malakas is expected to head northeast along Japan’s Pacific coast toward Tokyo before going out into the Pacific Ocean by early Wednesday morning. REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq forces launch push on IS-held town Iraqi forces launched an operation on Tuesday to retake a northern town from the IS in the latest move to prepare a broad offensive on jihadist bastion Mosul. Army and tribal forces pushed towards Sherqat, a town IS fighters took more than two years ago when they swept across Iraq’s Sunni Arab heartland. AFP

Syria ceasefire ends with calamity n Tribune International Desk The United Nations has suspended aid convoys in Syria after an airstrike hit a fleet of trucks carrying food to a rebel-held area near Aleppo.

The strike on a convoy of Syrian Red Crescent trucks carrying UN-supplied food was described by the International Committee of the Red Cross as a flagrant violation of international law. It took place as a week-old ceasefire brokered

by Russia and the US collapsed amid a surge of Syrian government bombing. The attack destroyed 18 trucks laden with food intended for tens of thousands of people cut off by the war in a rural area west of Aleppo city. Initial reports said 20 people had died.

The ICRC president, Peter Maurer, said, “Yesterday’s attack was a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and it is unacceptable. Failing to protect humanitarian workers and structures might have serious repercussions on humanitarian work in the country.”

A separate Red Crescent convoy to Talbiseh in Homs province made its first delivery since July on Monday, carrying supplies for more than 80,000 people, but it was forced to stay there overnight due to intensified fighting, Mardini said.

Aid officials said the convoy west of Aleppo was hit from the air while unloading food at a warehouse in opposition-controlled Urem alKubra. Stephen O’Brien, the UN’s emergency relief coordinator, said the convoy had been clearly marked and its route had been provided to all parties in the conflict.

Meanwhile, bombs and shells rained down on eastern Aleppo, home to 250,000 people cut off in an opposition-controlled area.

The ceasefire collapsed as global leaders convened at the UN in New York with the hope of consolidating the truce and working on longer-term peace efforts.

Foreign ministers in the International Syria Support Group were due to meet early on Tuesday morning before the start of the UN general assembly debate. US officials said the secretary of state, John Kerry, was trying to contact his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, to assess whether the ceasefire could be salvaged, but hopes of doing so were fading fast.

US blames Russia

A senior US official said, “At this point, the Russians have the burden of demonstrating very quickly their seriousness of purpose because otherwise, as you say, there’ll be nothing to extend and nothing to salvage.”

Hours before the convoy was

hit, Kerry had pointed to the resumption of humanitarian deliveries as a sign that the ceasefire could be starting to bring benefits. But later on Monday, with the ceasefire just short of a week old, the Syrian army issued a statement blaming “terrorist groups” for hundreds of alleged violations and saying it would no longer observe the truce. The ceasefire “was supposed to be a real chance to stop the bloodshed, but the armed terrorist groups flouted this agreement,” the statement said.

However, both Kerry and the French foreign minister, JeanMarc Ayrault, said Russia and its Syrian government allies had been responsible for the most serious violations.

Russia is flying a bombing campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad, and there are suspicions that either Moscow or the Syrian forces it supports were responsible for the strike.

Moscow denies Russian involvement

Moscow denies Russian planes bombed aid convoy. Its military was looking into "information" about an air strike on a UN aid convoy in Syria after the regime announced an end to a week-long ceasefire.

"I don't think it is possible or correct to make any unsubstantiated conclusions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Our military is currently verifying information about this strike and I hope they will receive concrete information from the ground and can then release a statement."

Peskov said that hope for a renewal of the ceasefire was "for now, very weak", stressing that a truce could only be resumed if "terrorists" halted their alleged bombardments of government forces. "The conditions are very simple. The shooting needs to stop and the terrorists need to stop attacking Syrian troops," he said.

Syria military denies bombing aid convoy

Syria's army on Tuesday denied bombing the convoy of aid trucks in the northern province of Aleppo the previous evening, an incident the UN said could amount to a war crime. "There is no truth to media reports that the Syrian army targeted a convoy of humanitarian aid in Aleppo province," state media said, citing a military source.

Syria's military declares end of cease-fire

Syria’s military on Monday declared an end to the week-long cease-fire brokered by US and

Damaged aid trucks are pictured after an airstrike on the rebel held Urm al-Kubra town, western Aleppo city on September 20 REUTERS

UN SUSPENDS ALL AID CONVOYS TO SYRIA The UN has suspended humanitarian aid convoys in Syria following a deadly airstrike on aid trucks.

The attack late on Monday came just hours after the Syrian military declared the week-long US-Russian brokered ceasefire over AREA CONTROL: As of September 20 Syrian army Rebel control

So-called Islamic State Kurdish control

Hours after declaration of truce’s end on Monday night, Syrian government resumed heavy bombing of rebel-held Aleppo

Uram al-Kubra: At least 12 Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers killed when convoy, being unloaded at warehouse, came under attack At least 18 of 31 trucks in convoy, due to deliver aid for 78,000 people in rebel-held town, destroyed US says airstrike was carried out by either Syrian or Russian aircraft Source: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

Russian officials, blaming opposition fighters for repeated violations and launching attacks on rebel-held areas.

Before the military’s announcement, opposition fighters and activists also had accused the government of violating the cease-fire, which began at sundown September 12.

Late Monday, a United Nations and Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid convoy of 31 trucks was struck while delivering relief for 78,000 people in the rural area of Urem alKubra, west of the city of Aleppo, according to Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the secretary-general of the United Nations.

UN suspends aid convoys

The United Nations suspended aid convoys across Syria on Tuesday a day after an air strike hit relief trucks near the city of Aleppo, killing at least one aid worker and around 20 civilians, and destroying a warehouse and hospital.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which said it was postponing an aid convoy that had been set to deliver supplies to four besieged Syrian towns, warned of the consequences for millions of civilians in need. l

Sources: REUTERS, AP, AFP

9

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Despite flaws, paperless voting machines remain widespread in US n Reuters, Washington, DC One in four registered voters in the United States live in areas that will use electronic voting machines that do not produce a paper backup in the November presidential election despite concerns that they are vulnerable to tampering and malfunctions, according to a Reuters analysis.

The lack of a paper trail makes it impossible to independently verify that the ageing touch-screen systems are accurate, security experts say, in a year when suspected Russian hackers have penetrated political groups and state voting systems and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said the election may be “rigged.”

Election officials insist the machines are reliable, but security experts say they are riddled with bugs and security holes that can result in votes being recorded incorrectly.

A Reuters analysis of data from the US Census Bureau, the Elec-

tion Assistance Commission and the Verified Voting Foundation watchdog group found that 44m registered voters, accounting for 25% of the total, live in jurisdictions that rely on paperless systems, including millions in contested states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The picture has improved gradually since the 2008 presidential election, when 31% of US voters lived in areas that used paperless touch-screen systems. In 2012, 27% lived in jurisdictions that used paperless systems.

“Clearly we still have a long way to go to ensure that all Americans have access to a form of voting technology they can trust,” said Alex Halderman, a University of Michigan computer-science professor who has helped to uncover security flaws on touchscreen systems.

Most of these machines are nearing the end of their expected life span, making them more vulnerable to problems. And Congress has not authorized money for upgrades since 2002, just after the disputed 2000 presidential recount battle in Florida highlighted

LIFT FOR STEPS TO VOTING

1. MAKE SELECTIONS 2. REVIEW 3. VOTE 4. CONFIRM

US voting machine

AFP

flaws in ageing punch-card and lever-voting systems.

In some states, a divide has emerged between poorer areas that continue to use paperless touch-screen systems and wealthier areas that have bought new optical scan systems that process paper ballots, which many experts say are a better way to ensure accurate elections.

Questionable results

US election officials have known about the shortcomings of touchscreen systems since shortly after they were widely adopted in the early 2000s, when researchers showed that vote results could be

manipulated with tools as simple as a magnet and a Palm Pilot-style handheld device.

The systems have produced questionable results in some elections. In Florida, more than 18,000 iVotronic machines did not record a vote in a 2006 congressional race in which the margin of victory was less than 400 votes. In Fairfax County, Virginia, electronic machines subtracted one vote for every hundred cast for one candidate in a 2003 school-board race.

More than 4,400 electronic ballots in Carteret County, North Carolina, were lost and never recovered in the 2004 presidential election.

Since 2008, states such as Maryland have traded in their touchscreen machines for optical-scan systems. Others like California and Ohio have added printers to their touch-screen machines which produce a backup paper trail, while Washington and Colorado moved to mail-in ballots.

Absentee balloting is also cutting into the use of paperless systems.

In 2012, for example, roughly 1 in 10 voters who lived in areas that used paperless systems cast absentee ballots. l

Election protests in Congo kill at least 25 n AFP, Kinshasa, DR Congo

More than 25 people have been killed in attacks on Congo opposition party headquarters and in street clashes between security forces and demonstrators against a delayed presidential election, an opposition leader said Tuesday.

Hundreds took to the streets of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, on Monday to oppose an election delay which they call an effort by President Joseph Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his mandate in late December.

A high court has determined Kabila can stay in office until a new leader is elected. The electoral commission has filed for a delay in elections that were scheduled for November, saying voter registration lists will not be ready.

At least two burnt bodies could be seen in the fire-ravaged UDPS offices. Two others were burned alive and another injured.

Fire was still raging at the building where a tearful woman in her 40s said that her husband had been there when unidentified assailants attacked the building.

“I’ve just put my husband’s body in the morgue. He was killed in the clashes,” she said.

By early morning, the flames

were dying down at the other two headquarters buildings - belonging to the Forces of Union and Solidarity (FONUS) and the Lumumbist Progressive Movement (MLP) in the north of the capital Kinshasa.

A FONUS member said that armed men in civilian clothes arrived at the office in a jeep, sprayed petrol and set the building on fire.

Jose Maria Arnaz, the director of the Joint Office of the United Nations for Human Rights in DR Congo, inspected the UDPS office to “investigate” the fire.

“We are seeing what we can do to reduce the political tensions and bring those responsible for deaths to justice,” he said.

‘Systematic repression’

Monday’s violence started just before an opposition rally by demonstrators who fear Kabila - who has ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001 - is planning to extend his rule unconstitutionally.

Former colonial ruler Belgium bled the mineral-rich central African nation dry and it has been wracked by unrest since independence in 1960. It has never known a peaceful transition of power.

DT

World

USA

Clinton, Trump trade charges on national security Democrat Hillary Clinton on Monday accused Republican Donald Trump of aiding Islamic State recruitment, while Trump said she had helped weaken national security as bomb blasts in New York and New Jersey resonated on the US presidential trail. Clinton said Trump’s rhetoric against what he calls radical Islamic terrorism was helping Islamic State recruit more fighters. AFP

THE AMERICAS

Venezuela declares food emergency at schools The opposition governor of Venezuela’s second-largest state, Henrique Capriles, declared an emergency over a lack of food for public schools, blaming the socialist government’s misguided policies. We are declaring a food emergency in our state, said Capriles, the governor of Miranda state, who is leading a campaign to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office. AFP

UK

UK PM hopes to get right trade deal with EU Britain will get the right deal in terms of trade with the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May told a group of US business and finance leaders on Monday. The June 23 vote took many investors and chief executives by surprise, triggering the deepest political and financial turmoil in Britain since World War Two. REUTERS

EUROPE

Greek migrant camp devastated by fire

Flares are launched by DRCongo Police forces during a demonstration in Goma on September 19 AFP The government had put the toll from Monday’s violence at 17 but warned it could rise further.

The opposition said that security forces fired live ammunition into protesters and urged supporters to pour onto the streets again to demand Kabila step down when his term expires.

It urged people “to keep up without hesitation the demands.”

Human Rights Watch researcher Ida Sawyer said the monitor “received credible reports that security forces shot dead at least 25 people (on Monday) during Kinshasa protests against elec-

tion delays”.

The clashes were the worst violence in the capital since January 2015 when a police crackdown on another opposition protest left several dozen people dead.

Kabila’s mandate ends on December 20 and although the constitution bans him from running again, he has made no effort to schedule elections, fuelling fears he will attempt to cling on to power.

In May, the Constitutional Court said Kabila could remain in office in a caretaker capacity until an election is held, triggering a wave of angry protests. l

Thousands of people fled a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos on Monday night after fire swept through tents and housing cabins. The fire was over by mid-day on Tuesday at the Moria camp which houses the 5,700 migrants on the island and many people had returned, though children had been transferred to other facilities. AFP

AFRICA

UN: Serious concern in Somalia as 5m go hungry The number of Somalis who do not have enough to eat has risen to 5 million, or more than four out of ten people, due to poor rains, theUN said on Tuesday, with children at the greatest risk of ill-health and death. The figure has increased by 300,000 since February, amid ongoing conflict between the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab and Somalia’s African Union-backed government. AFP

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How refugees changed Afghan-Pak dynamic n Tribune International Desk Afghanistan was once the land where global power giants, including the United States and Soviet Union, confronted each other for global dominance and to eliminate rival ideologies. The fortunate Afghans escaped the chaos of violence and destruction while millions took refuge in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

The concept of refuge itself implies a sense of security from turmoil; however, many Afghan refugees have been compelled and indoctrinated to become the strategic assets of the governments of different countries, especially Pakistan.

For Pakistan, they have been used as opportune tools in managing the relationship with Afghanistan.

The radicalisation of Afghan refugees

When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan and backed different communist regimes, Pakistan with the help of the United States and Saudi Arabia trained, sheltered, and equipped Afghans against the government. Pakistani influence also helped prepare textbooks that taught and radicalised Afghan children. Apocryphal accounts note mathematics books with questions like “If you kill two infidels out of five, how many infidels remain?”

These books also had images of bombs, AK-47s, bullets, and grenades. One of the biggest opportunities Pakistan seized early on was finding and training Afghan refugees through local religious clerics who maintained a relationship with the Pakistani government.

Afghan refugees and Pakistan’s economy

Upon arriving to Pakistan, Afghan refugees settled in areas where there was little to no development. They independently built their homes and villages, trying to continue living a normal life. Pakistan’s impoverished lands turned into small cities and thousands of acres of cultivated lands flourished through the efforts of hard-working Afghans. For instance, in the 1980s, Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resembled little more than a desert, but the arrival of Afghans turned it into the fourth largest city in Pakistan.

Still, vulnerability for refugees continued and extreme poverty began to stab its sharp edge on Afghan livelihoods in Pakistan. Afghan refugees provided cheap labour and started playing an instrumental role in the development of Pakistan.

However, in return, no legal rights of labour were given to them from the Pakistan’s government. Since the refugees were not eligible to work as white-collar workers, most of them ended up with blue-collar jobs, earning an insignificant daily wage.

REFUGEES IN THE WORLD 2015: 16.1M

27%

Sw Sweden

Norway y

Finland F Russia Germany G e y Denmark United Belgium m 316,115 Belarus P Poland Lux Lu Luxembo ou ourg Kingdom Tajikistan Czech Rep. C Azerbaijan Uk Ukraine Switzerl Sw Swit witzerla land a d Ireland Romania Hungary n y France Armenia Austria Georgia Bosnia Bulgaria Spain a Montenegro S Serbia

Canada

USA 237,202

Greecce

Italy y

Malta

Mexico

2.5 million

Panama

Algeria ria Morocco Mauritaniaa

Mali

Senegal

Venezuela Ecuador Peru Chile

Libya

Niger

Dem. Rep. of Congo

Congo Angolaa

Argentina

Source: Classification according to UNHCR

Moreover, as frustration emerged with the low quality public services available for refugees, they looked for a better life in other parts of the world. However, many Afghan refugees continued to significantly contribute to the expansion of the Pakistani economy through remittances to their families back in Pakistan.

Furthermore, there are thousands of Afghans who are working in Afghanistan while their families live in Pakistan. During the holidays, they go to Pakistan and contribute their earnings to Pakistani GDP. Pakistani service providers greatly benefit from Afghans moving across the border. According to Ummat, a newspaper in Pakistan, on an annual basis, Afghan refugees pour PKR34bn ($325m) into Pakistan’s economy. Keeping in view the huge amount of money and resources coming through refugees, it’s a win-win situation for Pakistan in financial terms.

Moreover, businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are largely run by Afghan refugees. Afghan businessmen import clothes and other items from South Korea and China. A cluster of shopping markets named Karkhano in Peshawar are run by Afghans. These entrepreneurial Afghans have kept their wealth in Pakistani banks, which as a result benefits Pakistan’s economy.

Additionally, the money that is poured into Pakistan for the sake of Afghan refugees’ welfare has provided thousands of job opportunities to local Pakistanis. For instance, the Afghan refugee commissioner’s office employs 700 people, whose job is to process Afghan refugees in Pakistan. These 700 employees’

Pakistan

Iran

1.6 million

Djibouti

Uganda

Burund ndi

salaries are paid by UNHCR. Additionally, many other international aid agencies employ thousands of local Pakistanis. Corruption is in full swing as well; Afghan refugees on a near daily basis are paying huge amounts in bribes to Pakistani police in order to escape frequent harassment, which has become a common source of revenue for the country’s security officials.

Finally, the UNHCR and other international donor organizations, including the Norwegian Refugees Council and Swedish International Development Agency give almost $150m annually to the Pakistani government for the sake of providing services to Afghan refugees.

Almost nothing from these sums has been spent on Afghan refugees; rather it mostly goes directly or indirectly into the hands of Pakistan’s government.

Consequences for Afghanistan

Afghanistan will receive most of the aforementioned benefits by way of Afghans who return home. Afghan refugees have always been used as instruments of war. Pakistan-based insurgents, who are significantly trained in Punjab and transported to Peshawar, fight in Afghanistan in the spring, while crossing the Durand line and returning back for further training. The return of Afghan refugees will have a salutary impact over the decrease of violence in Afghanistan. Additionally, the Afghans who see Afghanistan through the lens of Pakistan and hold a negative view about Afghans, Afghanistan, and their national identities will have this bias slowly fade away once they mingle in this society.

The remittances that Afghans

Yemen

Ethiopia

T Thailand

Malaysia

Sri Lanka

Indonesia

736,086

Kenya

Japan Rep. of Korea

B Bangladesh

India

Egypt

C Chad

China Nep Ne pal pa

Jordan

Rwand da

Botswana

Middle East and N.Africa

979,437

Burkinaa Sudan Eritreaa Gambia Faso o Guinea-Bissau Togo o Cameroon South Guineaa Sudan Gh hana h C. A. A Rep. p Liberiaa

Brazil

17%

Sy Syria

Israe Israel

Costa Rica

Asia-Pacific

Afghanista Afghanistan

1.1 million

20,000 5,000

24%

Iraq

Lebanon

100,000

Africa

5% Americas

Turkey

Cyprus us

27%

Europe

Netherland ds

Somalia

Australia Tan nzania

Zambia Z bia bi Malawi

South Africa So

M Mozambique

New Zealand Does not include asylum seekers

used to send back to their families in Pakistan will finally come into Afghanistan and that will boost the aid-dependent and fragile economy in the country. Upon their return to Afghanistan, UNCHR has decided to pay $400 to every single refugee, amounting to a total potentially as high as $800m. Refugees are likely to spend their money for the construction of their homes, which will eventually generate economic value.

Bringing Afghan refugees back

The Afghan ambassador and presidential special envoy to Pakistan, Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, initiated a campaign titled “Khapal Watan, Gul Watan” for Afghan refugees to return Afghanistan. At the same time, Pakistan has been marginalised and isolated on international stage due to an active Afghan government foreign policy. The Pakistani government cracks down on Afghan refugees, violating all international regulations in revenge. Pakistani police conduct night raids and imprison refugees who hold valid legal documents. According to some reports, thousands of Afghans have been jailed.

When great numbers of Afghans migrated to Pakistan, Islamabad used the opportunity to prove that they are the most generous nation

on planet and depicted themselves as champions of humanity. To the Islamic world, they tried to convey a message through different channels, attempting to convey that Pakistan is the second Medina for Muslims. Yet, the fact concretely remains that Pakistan did nothing for Afghan refugees; rather, it simply stole aid and the resources sent in the name of Afghans. Further, these refugees were channelled into lives of violence against the Afghan state in several instances.

The return of Afghan refugees will give the Afghan government a tough time since some might continue to bear sympathy with Pakistani religious extremists and end up as recruiters for the anti-Afghan cause.

The Afghan government must put all resources into use by providing enough services to ease the troubles of refugees upon their arrival to their home country. Vulnerability has made their own kind fragile and now, with the flourishing of Afghanistan, it is necessary to have Afghan refugees return in order to plant and grow the seeds of prosperity once again, for the soils of Afghanistan yearn for their return. l

[This is an excerpt of a The Diplomat article, which can be found at http://bit. ly/2cCvZnh]

IS claiming attacks reflects influence obsession n Tribune International Desk Islamic State militants rarely miss a chance, however tenuous the link, to claim at least partial credit for apparent terrorist attacks on US soil, from June’s deadly mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, to the stabbing of 10 people in a Minnesota shopping mall Saturday, reports The Associated Press.

They’re eager to precisely because they apparently haven’t carried out carefully planned attacks here and because, in terrorism circles, your influence is often ranked by numbers of attacks, terrorism experts say.

“If they can’t claim attacks, they can’t get recruits and can’t raise money,” according to Dan Byman, a senior fellow in the Centre for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Some militant groups, including al-Qaeda, are more reluctant about associating themselves with attackers unless it is clear they adhere to their core beliefs, Byman said.

But Islamic State appears to be less discriminating, requiring little information about attackers, said Karen Greenberg, the director of the Fordham Law School’s Centre on National Security in New York.

“If they find out the person is Muslim — that alone might be enough for them to claim credit,” she said.

Other groups may also pause to gauge whether an attack crossed certain lines of brutality, something that Byman said isn’t an issue for IS, whose calling card has been extreme violence.

An Islamic State-run news agency claimed on Sunday that the attack at the Crossroads Centre mall in St Cloud, Minnesota, was a “soldier of the Islamic State: who had heeded calls for attacks in nations in the US-led anti-IS coalition.

But authorities say there’s no sign yet that the attacker, identified by his father as Somali immigrant Dahir Adan, was radicalised or communicated with any terrorist group.

The speed with which IS weighed in may also say something about a competition for recruits between the Middle East-based IS and the east Africa-based militant

A fighter of the IS of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) holds a flag REUTERS group al-Shabab, which has recruited Somali-Americans from Minnesota with some success in recent years, but has seen allegiances switching increasingly from al-Shabab to Islamic State, Greenberg said.

No militant group has claimed credit for the weekend bombings in New York and New Jersey. A naturalised US citizen from Afghanistan who lived with his Muslim family was captured Monday after being wounded in a gun battle with police.

Islamic State has claimed at least partial credit for at least four attacks in the United States over the past two years, including the Minnesota one, according to the Centre on National Security. Aside from Minnesota, the others are: Ü June 12 attack on the Orlando gay nightclub Pulse by an American-born Muslim Omar Mateen. IS claimed partial credit via one of its news services the day after he fatally shot 49 people, according to the center.

During the attack, Mateen offered allegiance to Islamic State during a 911 call. Ü December 2, 2015, attack in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 people dead. The centre said IS claimed credit days after news reports said alleged attackers Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik had pledged allegiance to Islamic States. Ü May 3, 2015, attack by two gunmen in Garland, Texas, during an exhibit of images of the Prophet Muhammad.

IS claimed responsibility on Twitter and through its news services. l

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Study: RMG workers empowered, but face new forms of vulnerablity n Tribune Business Desk

Junaid country director of World Bank in India n Tribune Business Desk Junaid, a Bangladeshi national, was formerly the Chief of Staff to World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, said the bank in a statement.

He joined the World Bank in 1991 as a Young Professional and worked on infrastructure development in Africa and Eastern Europe.

He has since held several management positions, leading the Bank’s program in diverse regions including Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in India and South Asia.

Prior to joining the President’s office in January 2016, Junaid was the Senior Director for the Water Global Practice, a position he held since the creation of the Global Practices in July 2014.

In this role, Junaid has built a strong and collaborative Global Practice and has brought a strong track record of management and leadership in the area of service delivery and international partnerships, combining intellectual and analytical rigor with strategic operational focus. Junaid has championed the Practice’s focus on water and the economy, and emphasized institutions and resilience in water management.

Junaid spent 10 years in the field, first as the Deputy Resident Representative and Principal Economist in Johannesburg, and then as Regional Team Leader of the Water and Sanitation Program in New Delhi.

In 2004, he was a team member of the World Development Report (WDR): Making Services Work for Poor People. From 2004-2008, he was the Sector Manager for Social Development in South Asia Region and subsequently for Urban Water & Sanitation before taking on the latter responsibility for the Africa Region in 2010. He was also the Director for Sustainable Development in the Middle East and North Africa Region, a position he held from 2012-2014.

He holds a PhD in Applied Economics from Stanford University, an MPA from Harvard University, and a BA in Economics from Brown University. l

Garment industry has socially empowered women workers in Bangladesh to have better control over their own lives, while it has brought newer forms of vulnerability to them, especially in their work and living environment, according to study.

The study tilted “Vulnerable Empowerment: Capacities and Vulnerabilities of Female Garments Workers in Bangladesh” was released at a function in Dhaka yesterday, organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Ayesha Khanam, president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, presided over the function.

Zahid ul Arefin Choudhury, associate professor of Peace and Conflict at the University of Dhaka, Samina Luthfa, assistant professor of Sociology at the University of Dhaka, and Kaberi Gayen, professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka, jointly conducted the research.

According to the findings, 60%70% workers think their lives have improved due to employments in the garment industry. The women workers who are 26 years old or more, widow and illiterate are the most vulnerable, the study said.

The workers are satisfied with those factories that are structurally safe and most of the workers said the workplace safety is better now than earlier.

“Garment sector has brought significant changes, both economically and socially, to the lives of rural women, However, this is normal that workers in all industries

Study says 60%-70% workers think their lives have improved due to employments in the garment industry DHAKA TRIBUNE may have vulnerabilities. But we have to consider how much the coping-up capacity has increased,” said Mustafa K Mujeri, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, speaking on the research paper.

He added: “It is not possible to end women deprivation only through economic empowerment.

We have to change our male chauvinistic attitude.”

Economist and ex-adviser to a caretaker government, Wahiduddin Mahmud said garment industry is an alternative mean of women empowerment. “Through this industry, rural women get an identity and opportunity to lead an independent life. Living standard

of workers has improved, but due to some vulnerabilities, it cannot be described as a big one.”

He said the workers still have to work for additional hours to meet family expenses and remain in pressure. Wahiduddin Mahmud laid emphasis on workers’ training to increase their productivity and efficiency, which in turn can help owners raise wages.

Nazneen Ahmed, senior research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, said there should have a clarification on vulnerabilities as the competitors of Bangladesh will take it as an opportunity to downgrade Bangladesh.

In her feedback to the book, she

said: “There are vulnerabilities in other industries too. So, we can better understand if there are comparisons with other sectors in this respect.”

The research was conducted on the basis of two questions: Are the women garment workers vulnerable? and Have the women garment workers gained capability? The research has broadly focused on theses issues based on the interview of 1,014 garment workers.

The garment industry in Bangladesh is perceived both as an empowering sector as well as a sector cursed with accidents and deaths.

The literature shows immense vulnerabilities in the lives of women who work in the sector. l

BMBA seeks Tk6,000cr soft loan from govt n Asif Showkat Kallol Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA) has sought Tk6,000 crore loan at lower interest rate from the government to recover from the 2010 stock market crash.

“The merchant banks are facing severe problem due to rising default loan since the market crash,” said Md Sayadur Rahman, president of BMBA, during a meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith at the ministry yesterday.

Equity of most clients of the merchant banks particularity dealing with share lending went negative due to weak market situation, leading to pile of margin loans that remained as unrealised losses for long.

In 2010, the government directed

the brokerage houses and merchant banks not to adjust margin loans of the stock market traders for the sake of market, resulting in a huge amount of funds remaining stuck-up.

“To overcome the situation, we have requested the finance minister to provide Tk6,000 crore loan at a lower interest rate,” BMBA president Md Sayadur Rahman told reporters after the meeting.

“Such funds would help boost the stock market as negative accounts will have purchase power once our proposal is implemented,” he said.

The BMBA president claimed that the finance minister took their proposal positively and assured them of holding talks with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Com-

mission.

The BMBA came up with the proposal at a time when a Tk900 crore refinancing scheme got tepid response from the affected stock investors.

According to the latest data,

state-owned Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, entrusted with the fund management through merchant banks and brokerage firms, has so far disbursed over 70% of the total fund since mid-2013. l

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Chinese firms may get two highway projects n Asif Showkat Kallol The government is likely to award two Chinese firms two highway projects worth over $4 billion, officials said yesterday.

The decision might be taken today at a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs. The two projects are the priority ones of the

present government.

The first project involves upgrading the 226-kilometre-long Dhaka-Sylhet road into a four-lane highway at an estimated cost of $1.58 billion and other project construction of the Marine Drive Expressway and Sitakunda-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Coastal Protection Works at the proposed cost of $2.8 billion.

Two highway projects will be constructed by China Harbor Engineering limited.

Road Transport and Highways Division, in its proposal, said Chinese companies will implement the projects through the government-to-government deal.

On August 22, Finance Minister wrote the Chinese ambassa-

Tofail for easing rules of origin to boost BD-Turkey trade

dor in Bangladesh, Ma Mingqiang, for funding of Dhaka-Sylhet highway into four-lane project construction.

In recent years, the government has been trying to get Chinese financial assistance to implement 18 projects worth over $14 billion.

Earlier, projects like Info-Sarker Phase III worth $150 million and

Stocks end higher amid increased participation

n BSS

n Tribune Business Desk

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday laid emphasis on easing the rules of origin to boost Bangladesh-Turkey bilateral trade.

“Bangladesh-Turkey Joint Economic Commission Meeting to be held soon and Turkey has approached positively to this end,” he said.

The minister passed the remarks after having a view exchange meeting with Turkey Ambassador to Bangladesh Devrim Ozturk at his ministry office. Terming Turkey as an important trading partner, Tofail said Turkey is keen to do free trade agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and discussion is on in this regard.

Bangladesh has an export volume of US$720 million with Turkey in fiscal 2015 against the import of $158.90 million.

“Bilateral trade would exceed $2 billion within shot time if cooperation is intensified,” opined the com-

Stocks closed higher yesterday led mainly by pharmaceuticals and power issues.

The benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX gained about 13 points or 0.3% to 4,639, extending its gaining streak for the 10th straight session.

The DS30 index, comprising blue chips, rose 6 points or 0.4% to 1,770. The DSE Shariah Index was marginally up 6 points to 1,116.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX moved up 31 points to 8,688.

Trading activities continued to increase as the DSE turnover stood at Tk530 crore, a slight rise from the previous session’s Tk515 crore.

Pharmaceuticals sector dominated the day’s turnover chart, contributing 21.5% to the total turnover.

Lanka Bangla Securities said the

merce minister.

Referring to the long-standing relation between both the countries, Turkish Ambassador said: “Still the relation is sound and will be intact.”

Lauding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Devrim Ozturk said Bangladesh is moving ahead

Europe may end up behind the curve on 5G internet n Liam Proud Europe is at risk of falling behind the curve on 5G, the much-hyped next generation of mobile internet.

New European Union guidelines on so-called net neutrality, which restrict service providers’ ability to offer special treatment for some kinds of traffic, make a convenient scapegoat. The real problem is an excessively fragmented European telecoms market.

With revenue declining in old-fashioned telephony, telcos want freedom to carve out slices of the mobile network to sell premium “specialised services”. The new guidelines say that every departure from strict net neutrality has to be signed off by the relevant national regulator in advance. That deprives telecoms companies of extra revenue they say could be used to invest in 5G. In fact, the rules aren’t as strict as some claim. While it’s irksome for telcos to justify all specialised

services to regulators in advance, the rules are not too dissimilar to US regulations, where the watchdog is supposed to “vigilantly watch” for cases where specialised services are being used to “evade open internet rules.” Moreover, the EU guidelines provide specific examples of services that are likely to count as legitimate carve-outs: high-quality voice calling, live internet television and remote surgery.

Besides, a fragmented market structure – with dozens of former state monopolies – is more likely to exert a drag on 5G progress relative to international peers. Huge capital expenditure is easier to justify for companies with domestic markets as large as China or the United States, while successful technological deployments can achieve scale quicker and cheaper.

The sheer number of competitors in Europe helps depress margins and, as a result, the room for investment. l

with her dynamic leadership and Turkey would be beside Bangladesh to this journey.

Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon and Additional Secretaries Manuj Kumar Roy and Munsi Safiul Huq were present at the meeting. l

PRAN honours Libya importer n Tribune Business Desk PRAN recently awarded an importer of Libya for his outstanding contributions to popularise PRAN products in the African nation.

Md Mizanur Rahman, chief of export at PRAN, handed over the award to Ragab Ibrahim Al-Fitory, managing director of Alawa Company.

Md Ehsanul Siddique and major (retd) J Kabir Sakib, senior managers (Export-Africa Region), were present during the award-giving ceremony held at PRAN-RFL Centre in Dhaka.

Mizanur Rahman said PRAN Export Ltd gave away the prize considering his performance for the fiscal year 2015-2016. Misurata-based Alawa Company has been importing PRAN’s puffed rice, chanachur, mustard oil, fruit drinks, beverage and confectionery items since 2013, said a press release of the company.

Mizanur Rahman said: “There is a huge demand for PRAN products overseas. PRAN is exporting its products to 130 countries including 44 in Africa.” l

tunnel construction under the Karnaphuli river worth over $1 billion were awarded to the Chinese companies without any tender.

On July 20, the cabinet committee on purchase decided to purchase service worth over $4.3 billion from the China Railway Engineering Corporation to lay Dhaka-Jessore rail line through Padma Bridge. l

market upheld the rally in benchmark index, while stocks showed mixed performance.

“Investors’ participation was vibrant and went for churning their position in portfolio.”

Bank stock saw profit booking throughout the trading session while selective stocks of power, engineering and telecommunications led the market to move upward.

Among other major sectors, cement, power, pharmaceuticals and textile increased by 0.15%, 0.81%, 0.93% and 0.18% respectively, while bank and food&allied sectors decreased by 0.60% and 0.97%.

Square Pharmaceuticals was the most-traded stock, with shares trading worth Tk37 crore, making up 7% of total turnover.

It was followed by ACME Laboratories, Singer Bangladesh, Shahjibazar Power Company Ltd, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and Lafarge Surma Cement. l

BTRC for legal action against WiMAX operators n Ishtiaq Husain Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided to file cases against WiMAX operators – Banglalion and QUBEE – under Public Demand Recovery Act soon.

The decision came at a regular meeting of the commission recently.

Until the end of June BTRC owed Banglalion Tk63 crore and QUBEE Tk17 crore.

Meanwhile, third WiMAX operator Ollo will also face penalty as it failed to fulfil its roll-out obligation.

In 2008, Banglalion and QUBEE got licence through an open auction to provide services.

Both the operators had to pay Tk215 crore to avail the licence. Two years later, Ollo started to provide WiMAX services.

According to BTRC latest statistics, the total number of WiMAX subscribers is 1,08,000.

The operators said though retail

level customers have declined, big corporate companies are receiving services.

Considering the statistics, the importance of WiMAX services did not come down.

Until the end of June BTRC owed Banglalion Tk63 crore and QUBEE Tk17 crore At the time of awarding licence for internet providing services, all mobile operators opposed the move.

They said the licence for 2600 band was awarded at a low price while they had to take frequency allocation for 3G auction at $20 million per megahertz. l

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Criticism of its foreign investment environment is biased n Reuters

Criticism of China’s foreign investment environment is biased, the commerce ministry said on Tuesday, as commentary mounts that it is more difficult for overseas firms to invest in China than it is for Chinese firms to invest overseas.

“Why are there complaints? Because foreign companies in China that rely on low costs and preferential treatment are now struggling,” Shen Danyang, a ministry spokesman, told reporters.

“Companies that rely on preferential policies to make easy money feel the environment has worsened. But for companies with real foresight, real competitiveness, they will feel that the investment environment has improved.”

China’s foreign investment environment is not deteriorating, Shen said.

The outlook for China trade remains tough and the government is not “blindly optimistic”, he added.

China, while asking in public for more openness and steps to counter protectionism, is still giving Western investors only very limited access to their market, a European official said after the country hosted a G20 leaders’ summit earlier this month. l

Fed unlikely to lift rates this week n AFP, Washington The Federal Reserve opens its sixth monetary policy meeting this year yesterday again facing the quandary that the US economy is not clearly ready for an interest rate hike.

While some economists say the Fed, long anxious to pull away from its crisis-era ultralow rate policy, could surprise with an increase in the federal funds rate on Wednesday, most say it will stand pat.

With that benchmark, crucial to borrowing and deposit rates around the world, stuck at 0.25-0.5%, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which sets monetary policy, has repeatedly signaled intentions to increase it this year.

But some weak economic data in recent weeks raises a question mark over the strength of the US economy. And persistent weakness in other major economies also continues to challenge the rationale for a rate increase. Jim O’Sullivan, chief US economist at High Frequency Economics, said he thinks December is the month for an increase.

“We expect Fed officials to couple an on-hold announcement this week with more pronounced ‘tightening is imminent’ guidance,” he said in a client note.

Just three weeks ago, comments made at the Fed’s annual central

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen attends a news conference after chairing the second day of a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee to set interest rates in Washington REUTERS banking symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, signaled that the FOMC could finally pull the rate trigger at the end of its September 20-21 meeting.

Most notably, Fed Chair and FOMC head Janet Yellen said clearly that she thought the time had come.

“In light of the continued solid performance of the labor market and our outlook for economic activity and inflation, I believe the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months,” she said. l

Google smartphone expected on October 4 event n AFP, San Francisco Google yesterday sent out invitations to an October 4 event, hinting that the Internet titan will show off a new smartphone powered by its Android mobile software.

Emailed invitations revealed only the time and place for the gathering in San Francisco, the message topped by blue, red, yellow, and green dots of color.

Google fired off a Twitter message with hashtag #madebygoogle and a video of what appeared to be a long rectangular search term box morphing into a silhouette of a smartphone.

Industry trackers have been expecting Google in October to show off its own smartphone, showcasing the prowess of its new Nougat version of Android software.

Google may stamp its latest smartphones with a “Pixel” brand instead of the “Nexus” name it has used in the past for Android smartphones it has made in collaborations with partners.

A Google smartphone would be fielded as a standard to which other’s making Android devices should aspire, and would come just weeks after Apple’s began selling new iPhone 7 models.

An enticing Google smartphone could also prove a contender for the attention of buyers during the prime year-end holiday shopping season. l

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Equity traders tread carefully ahead of bank decisions n AFP, London

Global stock markets drifted yesterday with dealers on tenterhooks on the first day of key monetary policy meetings for the US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan.

Around 1030 GMT, London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index was up

0.5% compared with the close on Monday.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt’s DAX 30 won 0.6% and the Paris CAC edged 0.3% higher.

The Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan were kicking off two-day policy meetings on Tuesday.

The Fed heads into one of its

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City REUTERS

Trading really is about survival of the fittest n Dominic Elliott Traders who are fitter get pay cheques that glitter. New research published on Sept 19 implies trading prowess is linked to the accurate detection of one’s own heartbeat, a trait common in people with lower body mass indexes.

Seven scientists, including former investment bank trader John Coates, tracked this ability in 18 individuals working in high-frequency trading.

They found that traders tend to have a better appreciation of their own heart rates – a proxy for gut feeling – than the general population. The better their sense of “interoception”, the higher their profits and the longer their careers.

The trader sample is small, partly because firms are reluctant to divulge profit and compensation information. There were also no female traders assessed, though Coates has argued previously that female traders perform better than men. Nor does the paper fully rule out the influence of other things, like luck, in performance. Overall, it’s a little like saying that tall people tend to be better basketball players – a generalisation, but a reasonably helpful one.

Employers looking to hire the best traders won’t find easy answers. Job interviews hike stress levels, so a heart detection test in that setting could be sending the wrong signals.

For their part, traders should be wary about becoming muscle-bulging gym bunnies.

While the better traders tended to have low body fat, being fitter alone didn’t lead to better results. Skinny nerds could still outdo sporty or narcissistic types with fewer brain cells.

Experience matters, too.

The study found that those with higher capacity for interoception last longer in the job – but conversely trading experience might improve one’s ability to tune into physiological signals. It may pay to listen to old hands rather than dismiss them as dinosaurs.

This paper also builds on other research showing that biology is a powerful driver of financial markets. Together, the evidence amounts to a rebuttal of the Efficient Markets Hypothesis – the notion that financial market prices instantaneously reflect all publicly-known information. In other words, despite the rise of algorithms and artificial intelligence, fit humans may still have an edge on machines. l

most keenly awaited gatherings after weeks of speculation that has fanned volatility across global trading floors, with investors split on whether the US central bank will lift interest rates.

At the same time opinion is divided on what the Bank of Japan’s intentions are, with expectations

for fresh stimulus tempered by a lack of concrete promises from Tokyo, despite weak Japanese growth and almost non-existent inflation.

“Stocks markets are not seeing much movement yesterday,” noted analyst Jasper Lawler at trading firm CMC Markets.

“Investing decisions are being

restrained by this week’s central bank policy meetings which have the potential to upend current thinking on the low interest rate environment.”

Asian markets also drifted and the dollar was virtually unmoved with investors also biding their time. l

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16

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Feature

There is a long way to go yet The struggle for labour rights in Bangladesh

n Shuprova Tasneem Kalpona Akter had been a part of the garments industry ever since she got her first job at the age of 12, and has been fighting for her rights, and the rights of Bangladeshi workers in general, since the 90s. Last month, she was given the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism in 2016 by Human Rights Watch, along with four other prominent activists from across the world. We speak to Kalpona Akter about her life, the right to unionise and the future of workers in Bangladesh.

When did you first become a garments factory worker?

I started working when I was 12.

My father was the only earning member in a family of seven, and once he got ill, there was no one to feed the family. My mother was still breastfeeding my twomonth old sister at the time and she worked for six months, but became very ill as well. I had no other option, so my 10-year-old brother and I started working at a garments factory in 1989-90.

My wages were next to nothing – I started off with around Tk240 per month. I worked 14-15 hours per day, so that was barely one taka per hour. We would even work overnight, and catch a few hours of sleep on the factory floor before going back to work again. I remember I once spent 23 straight days at the factory, without going home even once. It was also common to be sworn at and slapped around there. There were a lot of us child labourers, and we had no idea about our rights. I still remember there was once a fire on the fifth floor, but they told us to keep working on the third and not evacuate. That is how little they valued our lives.

How did you go from an exploited child worker to a champion for worker’s rights?

Around 1992, there were strikes at our factory to demand overtime.

At the time, I had no idea what a

strike was or what it could lead to, but I was one of the young female workers who participated. 23 of my colleagues were dismissed for organising like this and through them, I was introduced to an organisation (it is now called Solidarity Centre Bangladesh).

I still remember one of the first times I went to a four-hour class on my legal rights – my mind was blown! I had no idea about trade unions or any of it. It completely changed my life.

I went back to the factory determined to form a trade union, but the owners used their influence to block the registration, and I was fired after that. I still sued the factory which effectively put me on a blacklist – it was impossible for me to find another job. I really struggled during that time, but it was also the best thing for me. Because they fired me, I left the industry and went on my journey to fight for workers’ rights. I worked for the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation till 1999.

Although our work was centred on garments factory workers, other workers would come to us too for training and support. So then, with colleagues Sheikh Najma and Babul Akhter, we founded the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity to focus on the rights of all workers. We engage in training, support and advocacy and raise our voices for all workers, starting

I remember I once spent 23 straight days at the factory, without going home even once. It was also common to be sworn at and slapped around there

17

DT

Feature

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

from domestic workers to people in communications. We are also very involved in talking about women’s and children’s rights.

How do you feel about receiving the Alison Des Forges Award?

I feel like I haven’t done enough to get it, but yes, this is definitely a milestone for every one of us involved in the fight for worker’s rights.

This is recognition of the legitimacy of our fight, and that people across the world are hearing our voices. But there is a long way to go yet, and we still need to fight for the right to organise in unions, to have safe working conditions, to receive adequate compensation and an overall improvement in workers’ lives.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced?

When we started off, the government revoked our federation’s registration. I, along with my colleagues, were charged and arrested, and I spent a month in jail before being released on bail after a huge number of people raised their voices against the injustice. The cases were only resolved in 2014. In 2012, my co-worker Aminul Islam was abducted and murdered, and we are yet to receive justice.

The biggest obstacle is that my legislator is my factory owner – the owners are part of a ruling elite who have close ties with government, no matter who is in power. On an international level, the supply chain is not transparent, and is constantly trying to shift responsibility onto each other. Everyone wants a bigger piece of the pie, but no one wants to pay for it.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety is a huge achievement for us, and it has actually been implemented. After the Rana Plaza disaster, there has been real initiative to make these changes. But the sad thing is that although the campaign started in 2011, almost 1,500 people had to give their lives, at Tazreen and Rana Plaza, for us to achieve this. These disasters also led to the biggest compensation from foreign buyers, which was also an achievement. However, on a national level there is still no change in our laws regarding compensation. The suspension of Bangladesh in 2015 from the US’ generalised system of preference also gave us a window to ask for our rights. After Rana Plaza, over 300 unions have been registered,

but this is more a rush to appease international pressure than anything else. We have not yet been able to create a healthy environment for unions, where workers have proper bargaining rights.

What do you say to the argument that higher wages would reduce the industry’s competitive edge?

Our advantage is not cheap labour, it’s that people do not know their rights and it is easy to exploit them. I still remember how shocked one of the worker’s was when we had the opportunity to go abroad for a seminar, and she walked into a Gap store and picked up a pair of jeans that cost $75.

She had no idea the profit margin could be this wide. The factories in Bangladesh will get around $6-10 from this price, and of that, only a few cents will trickle down to the workers. The disparity is incredible. Everyone is here for the business, not charity, and it is ridiculous to suggest that we will lose business in exchange for our rights. In 2015, my colleagues and I were arrested in New Jersey for demanding compensation from Children’s Place for the Rana Plaza disaster. Mahinur Begum, a survivor from Rana Plaza, was with us. We were there demanding the company pay $8 million in compensation. This seems like a large amount, until you realise the CEO alone receives around $12 million a year!

Do you think the garments industry has empowered women?

This is a $4 billion industry we are talking. We are always talking about empowerment, but what do we mean by that? Do the women have wage ownership? How safe

are women in these factories, in their neighbourhoods and on the roads they take to work? Does gender based violence not exist in factories? These are all difficult questions we ignore for the sake of a positive story of development.

As of now, I would say around 50% of factories fully/partially enforce maternity leave, but not more than 10% provide day-care facilities.

What is your vision for the future?

Right now, we are fighting for the rights of workers across many sectors, including the communications and logistics sector, where many of the large companies are blocking workers from forming proper unions.

Agricultural and domestic workers still have no rights. There is a huge divide between the working class and the business elite, but I dream of a time this will change. Historically, the path to establishing rights of workers has never been smooth. But I dream of established labour unions in Bangladesh, with vocal members and political legitimacy. And women will lead these unions, because women dominate certain workforces, but do not have an equal level of representation.

What would you say to future leaders like yourself?

To other women I would say, you can’t stop. Begum Rokeya has shown us the way, and women like Sultana Kamal continue to show us how we can lead the fight for change. We have to keep fighting, even if we don’t see concrete change within our lifetimes, we have to do it for future generations. The show must go on.l

DT

18

Feature

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

All by myself 5 things you need when living alone (Part 1 of 2)

that something happens to you, they’d be quick to inform the authorities, and the response time is just faster.

4

An acquaintance with your neighbours

n Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Although there’s still some resistance to the idea, particularly in these times of heightened security, the number of young people living on their own, whether in hostels, or on a room share basis, is still pretty significant. And it goes without saying that living by yourself as opposed to living with parents or in-laws is a completely different ballgame. If you’re new to this lifestyle, here are a few habits worth developing, which will make this “adulting” easier.

of ensuring that your doors are locked will make you a little safer in this dangerous city of ours.

2

A backup key

Even the most careful person will have that one day when s/he forgets or loses the key, and forget nightmare of calling the chabiwallah, breaking open the door, and replacing the locks – that panic and feeling of being stranded is the absolute worst. To prevent such a scenario, have a spare key which you leave with a trusted person, from whom you can collect it in the event that you lose or forget your own.

3

A check-up buddy

Another safety-related tip is to designate a friend or relative with whom you check-in regularly, so that they have an idea of your whereabouts and comings and goings. Not only will this feel more reassuring, but in the (hopefully unlikely) event

1

Lock up

This nugget of common sense applies to just about anyone whether or not they live alone, but is of paramount importance if you’re flying solo.

The last thing you want to do is be home alone and discover you’re not quite...alone. Lock the front door as soon as you get in, and every day before you leave the house. Developing the habit

While those days when we were friends with our neighbours are long gone, it really pays to at least have a “hi-hello” relationship with the people who live in your building. For one thing, let’s say there’s a fire on an earthquake (both alarmingly likely scenarios), you’ll need to band together. For another, a little familiarity with the people living closest to you will give you a sense of whom to trust and whom to avoid.

5

An emergency stash

Imagine stepping into the bathroom at midnight and finding a flood, or waking up in the morning with an upset stomach, and no Mom there to soothe you. Emergencies can crop up any time, so it’s best to be well-stocked so you can deal with the situation.

A fully kitted toolbox, a well-supplied first aid kit, a few bottles of mineral water, canned food, and toilet paper are just some emergency supplies you should always have at home. l

19

DT

Biz Info

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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DT

20 Editorial

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

TODAY

Make some noise We are called out to be selfish, because, by coming out of our preimposed cocoon of silence, we become disrespectful to our elders PAGE 21

Developing a defense Administrative efforts are important to ensure security, but it is development that is the strongest and most effective security blanket

MEHEDI HASAN

PAGE 22

Keeping our linguistic diversity alive

How to stop digital terrorism Increased internet use for terror purposes can provide a corresponding increase in the availability of electronic data which can be analysed for counterterrorism, provided that sophisticated tools are available PAGE 23

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

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

F

or long, indigenous communities have been calling for the option of primary education for their children in their own mother tongues.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, then, deserves praise for finally taking a step towards making this possible. Children from five different communities will now be able to complete their pre-primary educations in their own languages, with textbooks being distributed in Chakma, Marma, Garo, Kokborok, and Sadri.

Bangladesh is a nation enormously proud of its linguistic heritage. The history of our struggle to speak our mother tongue Bengali, and the blood that was shed on February 21, 1952, is central to our character and our aspirations as a nation, and has resonated throughout the world.

But our protection of language cannot be limited to Bengali.

There are an estimated 45 minority ethnic groups in Bangladesh, who speak 26 different languages.

These 26 languages face a very real struggle against extinction, as they have, so far, not been taught in schools. Communities have not had the resources to publish books in these languages, and most of them do not use the Bengali script.

If we truly value the spirit of our mother tongue, we must extend these rights to all those who call themselves Bangladeshi. This means, we must help indigenous communities make their voices heard, so they may uphold their rich cultural heritage.

Better recognition of indigenous languages would also go a long way towards enabling better dialogue and a more harmonious relationship between Bengalis and minority communities.

Enabling early education for indigenous children in their mother tongues will go a long way towards fostering inclusivity, and upholding the linguistic heritage of the country which we hold so dear. Â

Better recognition of indigenous languages would also go a long way towards enabling better dialogue and a more harmonious relationship between Bengalis and minority communities

DT

21

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Make some noise We talk a lot about young people being the future, but seldom listen to what they have to say

n Nusmila Lohani

“I

sat there and I witnessed this injustice. And I just let it happen, I didn’t get involved in the process. I forgot to use my voice” echoes, sometimes, in the background of the callous chaos of my thoughts. Especially when I hear others engage in conflict, with words spluttered and debates fading into the oblivion of complicated and often delusional narratives.

It can be, more often than not, difficult to raise your voice and make your point in social platforms, but when matters are more close to home, and the “others” are your family members, things get even more solemn.

In such cases, Ella Woods’s impassioned speech about speaking up at the end of Legally Blonde 2 holds a lot of resonance, and, recently, on television, when I, by chance, stumbled across a student activist in Hong Kong, I noticed how his feat echoed familiar resonance.

“This is absolutely unexpected -- nobody imagined this would happen,” said Nathan Law. It was one of those usual Monday nights after dinner, shuffling through all the 150 and more channels in hopes to find something worthwhile to watch, while Baba kept telling me to pick out a DVD from “the classics” collection. Yes, we still watch

throughout the end of 2014.

The movement was triggered by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’s (NPCSC) decision regarding proposed reforms to the Hong Kong electoral system.

Powered by the youth who wanted political change, the Umbrella Movement, like so many other noble causes, was taken to the streets to demand income equality. And many of those much-needed, but never-available things in life.

Fast forward to September 5, 2016 -- Nathan Law achieved a remarkable political feat, which was far from an overnight success story.

I closely watched the news, as the young and enthused student leader was cheered on. And Baba and I both forgot about his classics.

But by next morning, Baba forgot about the news, I would have been as forgetful too, if it hadn’t struck a chord.

The chord is the age-old tradition, especially in subcontinent families, for the young members of a family to not interfere or intervene in family conflicts, even when the younger ones have that yellow light bulb to solve the issues at hand. Age becomes a factor, a factor to undermine views in the most blatant of ways.

“During the Umbrella Movement, young people were

Let’s give the youth a chance to speak up

Selfish is what we are said to be, when we speak up against prejudice or downright unjust perceptions. We are called out to be selfish, because, by coming out of our pre-imposed cocoon of silence, we become disrespectful to our elders

movies on DVD -- a seldom but pleasant affair nonetheless. It’s usually my tired muscles, and even more tired mind, that refuse to listen to him.

On September 5, I listened, and just when I was about to finally get up, Nathan Law took the stage on all major news channels. And rightfully so, because the 23-yearold won a seat in the Hong Kong parliament.

For the uninitiated, he is one of the front-liners of the Umbrella Movement that ravaged social media and consumed Hong Kong

constantly criticised, mainly by their elders, for being idealistic and selfish. Idealistic, because their demands for universal suffrage are unlikely to ever materialise, and are certainly doubtful within the parameters stipulated by Beijing. Selfish, because their actions (eg roadblocks) inconvenienced many others, and, in all likelihood, caused their parents to worry,” said Hok-yee Siu, a protester at the Umbrella Movement.

Selfish is what we are said to be, when we speak up against

prejudice or downright unjust perceptions. We are called out to be selfish, because, by coming out of our pre-imposed cocoon of silence, we become disrespectful to our elders. Selfish because we inconvenience them into hearing us out, our small protest or even an outburst.

We are taught to somehow keep our thoughts to ourselves when some conflict surfaces, and sometimes explodes in the faces of everyone involved.

We are taught that it is respect that should hold us back from

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interjecting age-old ways and perceptions of older family members. We are told to see them like the can-never-be-wrong clad of people, with only wisdom and righteous values to impart on us.

And, if only, that was the case, unicorns and leprechauns would have been our dinner guests.

“Disrespectful” is the stamp we often get for speaking up during turbulent times at home, regardless of how subtle or violent our expression of concern is over a respective matter. Sadly, it isn’t just about having a say in matters that matter in a household, rather it also means standing by immoral and outright medieval notions.

More often than not, silence is what is asked of and from us; that we silently listen to illogical reasoning and quietly gulp down “but this is how things work in this family” syndrome.

I say syndrome, because it is just not one older family member who declares war if a younger member attempts to chime in with a practical and new idea. It’s most,

if not all, older family members who take sides and unanimously reject a new thought.

Evidently, this restriction to speak up varies in terms of degree across families and households, but at the end of the day, many succumb to “how things work in this family.”

In such cases, the issue cannot be really taken out to the streets to demand that we are heard. But, rather, we need to contest them, even when sometimes it blurs out that strong family tie. We do it because if we are to be held back in the luxury of our abode, then what can really propel us to speak up elsewhere?

We do it because snippets of fictional characters’ dialogue to student leaders’ political feats make the case for us, the ones who still struggle to shred that silence: Speak up and be heard to change the world, one household at a time. l Nusmila Lohani is a Sub-Editor working at the Dhaka Tribune.

22

DT

Long Form

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Developing a defense Security and development are closely related. This is the first part of a two-part long form Impact of terrorism on development

The global economic impact of violence was $13.6 trillion PPP in 2015. This figure is equivalent to 13.3% of world GDP or $1,876 PPP for every person in the world, approximately 11 times the size of global FDI, which was $1.23 trillion in 2014. The direct cost of violence in 2015 is 30 times the amount spent on official development assistance (ODA) in 2014. A 10% decrease in the economic impact of violence would produce a peace dividend of $1.36 trillion PPP.

Administrative efforts are important to ensure security, but it is the development that is the strongest and most effective security blanket There’s no security without progress

n Mamun Rashid

W

hen we talk about security, we are focusing on three aspects: People, investments, and assets.

The security of people includes people working in a particular territory or district, working at a particular location for a particular employer, and also people travelling from other locations to live and work in a certain locality for a certain reason.

The security of investments ensures the laws of the land while maintaining the environment of conducting business and determining the ease or difficulty of doing business in a particular area.

The security of assets protects both physical, informationbased assets and knowledgebased assets, where asset value is determined by material and emotional utility -- while helping to retain and improve the confidence of the communities, government, and entrepreneurs.

The dimensions of governance include the governing of people, business, and social activities.

Governing people means educating people on law and

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order, implementing the same law and order upon them -- partially, diligently, and consistently while allocating resources to perform this governance effectively.

The governance of business activities ensures consistency, which impacts security of investment and assets, and as a result fosters competition, encourages entrepreneurship, and rewards investors in legitimate ways.

Development broadly covers the area of human development such as education, heath, and access to opportunities.

Development of skills for jobs, readiness for conducting economic transactions, and use of automation in everyday life also falls within the boundary of development. It also oversees the progress in economic parameters and decides whether progress is sustainable.

Development and security: How are they linked?

Security and development are closely linked. Administrative efforts are important to ensure security, but it is the development that is the strongest and most effective security blanket that makes the population a part of

the system, a strong stake-holder in ensuring that effort to change the system is gradual and not disruptive.

The UN admits there can be no development without security and no security without development, and both depend on respect for human rights and rules of law.

In this regard, the vicious cycle is a lack of development leading to conflict leading to a lack of development.

Researchers in Nigeria identified food sufficiency, water supply, power supply, good roads, good schools, good hospitals, functional infrastructure, decent housing, effective public transportation system, etc as genuine indicators for national security. It can be seen that countries that record high levels of terrorism tend to be underdeveloped though development indicators do not significantly correlate with levels of terrorism globally.

The above puts a lot of weight on “development.” The age old debate about growth vs distribution becomes almost invalid, as without inclusive growth the aspiration or effectiveness of development is almost nil.

State fragility, radicalism, and militancy in the region

During the last decade and so, the world has observed a steady rise in terrorism and radicalism. Many fragile states have lost law and order and have fallen into chaos.

Terrorist organisations such as IS and al-Qaeda have used the Islamic faith to persuade and bring more people to their cause and to execute their ruthless acts.

The primary cause of terrorism is the religious conflict instigated by these organisations. But their beliefs are founded on a ridiculous misunderstanding of Islamic teachings. Statistics show a lot of people in countries such as Malaysia, Pakistan, and Nigeria have shown support for IS while the majority was hesitant to pick sides.

IS has so far been successful in its attempt to recruit more people by spreading its radical beliefs. Several attacks have been carried out by militants during the past year, resulting in massive casualties. There have been shootings all over Europe, bombing and shooting in many Asian countries, and the most recent of such events is the targeted killing in the diplomatic zone of Dhaka.

How to fight terrorism

Contrary to popular belief, leaders of IS and other terrorist organisations are often highly educated. The recent Dhaka attack shows people from educated backgrounds being radicalised.

So, taking this prospect into consideration, meaningful education against violence might be the answer. Spreading the idea of meaningful change will strengthen the fight against radicalism.

Technology proves to be a double-edged sword in the fight against terrorism. Communication and propaganda spread via the internet.

A brilliant example of this is IS’s Dabiq magazine. Although through better understanding of technology by law enforcement agencies, tracking criminals can become possible and much easier.

Through better surveillance, security can be assured. l The second part of this long form will be published tomorrow.

Mamun Rashid is a banker, economic analyst, and educationist. The article is the excerpt of a keynote paper presented at a seminar by Centre for Governance Studies.

DT

23

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

How to stop digital terrorism As terrorism goes online, counter-terrorism measures must also evolve

n Azfar Adib

R

ecent events of terrorism in the country, which strongly pointed towards the use of certain online platforms as a major communication tool for the extremists, have stimulated the need for relevant policy and action to prevent such iniquitous uses of internet. The question is: How much of a feasible and effective scheme can be formulated to counter this?

Internet censorship (government-imposed or through legal channels) is quite a common trend all over the globe. Its purpose can be multi-faceted: National security, tackling social and cultural issues, piracy prevention, blocking of generally objectionable content, etc. Let us consider a few examples.

In October 2015, the Indian government instructed local ISPs to block at least 240 websites which were said to be offering pirated contents. Two months ago, the Singapore government announced that, to strengthen national security, public servants in Singapore will be blocked from accessing the internet on work computers from May 2017.

used mechanism in Bangladesh.

However, its accuracy and effectiveness is questionable. Due to technological limitations, there is hardly any fool-proof content blocking policy that a network operator can deploy.

Another side-effect is that attempts to block one particular piece of content through a generalised scheme may cause service disruption of other contents. For example, during the YouTube block in Bangladesh, users faced frequent problems in accessing other Google services, as a generic blocking policy was deployed by most ISPs. Network operators have been continuously working to enhance such techniques. In the South Asia Network Operators Group conference that took place in Mumbai last month, this issue came up as a major topic of discussion.

The third domain in blocking content is the source where it actually resides (like Facebook, YouTube). This is the most effective option, as blocking from the source ensures maximum accuracy. Dominant entities (Google, Microsoft, Facebook) have an established framework in this regard, consisting of relevant

Who holds the keys to the digital world?

Increased internet use for terror purposes can provide a corresponding increase in the availability of electronic data which can be analysed for counter-terrorism, provided that sophisticated tools are available

In November 2015, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Viber were temporarily blocked in Bangladesh on security grounds.

From September 2012 to May 2013, YouTube was blocked in Bangladesh following the release of a controversial and religiously offensive movie.

From a technical perspective, the blocking scheme for online content can be deployed in three different domains. The first one is at the user end, which means internet users themselves will enable some content blocking rules in their devices. This is obviously not a considerable option for mass level blocking, as it solely depends on the user’s own choices.

The second domain for online content blocks is the ISP, which so far has been the most commonly

policy, process, and regular publication of reports.

Facebook removes content, disables accounts, and co-operates with law enforcement authorities of any country only when they believe that their standards have been violated.

Such violation includes certain risk elements such as direct threats, self-injury, dangerous organisations, bullying and harassment, attacks on public figures, criminal activity, sexual violence and exploitation, and regulated goods.

For example, following the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, Facebook received a request from French law enforcement to remove several photos depicting the remains of several victims.

The photos were alleged to violate French laws related

to protecting human dignity.

However, Facebook determined that the photos did not violate its community standards, as it was shared to denounce the attack or to show compassion for victims.

So, it restricted access to such photos in France only, but not in other countries.

In December 2015, after a meeting in Dhaka between Facebook officials and three Bangladesh government officials, the home minister said that Facebook had agreed to assist the government on security issues.

In its Government Request Report for the period July 2015-December 2015, Facebook confirmed that it had provided information to the Bangladesh government on requests for the first time.

However, censorship is only

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one factor, as there are several other aspects in tackling terrorism on the internet. Increased internet use for terror purposes can provide a corresponding increase in the availability of electronic data, which can be analysed for counter-terrorism, provided that sufficiently sophisticated tools are available with the law enforcement, intelligence, and other relevant authorities.

The Bangladesh government is currently formulating a Digital Security Act (a draft version of which got approved in the cabinet on August 23). So, it is high time to devise some concrete policies and framework regarding internet censorship, which should include at least the following points.

Defined communication channels (like hotline, e-mail, direct reporting) through which any citizen can inform about potentially dangerous content.

Following the terrorist attacks on July, Dhaka Metropolitan Police appealed to city-dwellers to report any suspicious terror activity found over the internet.

A solid nation-wide communication channel is preferable in this regard (a common practice in many other countries), which will maintain

confidentiality of information, anonymity of the informer, and, rather than addressing any sort of complaint made against anything, it should deal with only those which can pose a threat to national security.

Continuous collaboration (preferably through some mutual agreement) with the most influential online entities (global and local) to avail relevant support on a regular basis.

Also, combined internal efforts (through regulatory bodies, law enforcement authorities, ISPs, and other related organisations) to strengthen technical capabilities regarding monitoring, analysing, and blocking of online content.

The underlying principle gets reflected by a comment made

by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in a UN whitepaper titled “The use of the internet for terrorist purposes”: “The Internet is a prime example of how terrorists can behave in a truly transnational way; in response, states need to think and function in an equally transnational manner.” l Azfar Adib is Lead Engineer, Grameenphone Ltd, and a reviewer of internet-related trends and their impact.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Bangladesh ready for Boys’ U18 Asia Cup Hockey

TOP STORIES

n Shishir Hoque

DBBL becomes title sponsor Dutch Bangla Bank Limited has been awarded the title sponsorship rights of the Bangladesh-Afghanistan three-match one-day international series. The series has been named as ‘Rocket Dutch-Bangla Bank Mobile Banking Series’. PAGE 25

Ronaldo, Bale to make Real return Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will return to action for Real Madrid’s La Liga game with Villarreal on Wednesday, coach Zinedine Zidane said. Ronaldo missed Sunday’s 2-0 win at Espanyol with a sore throat. PAGE 26

Mushfiqur Rahim bats during a training session in Mirpur yesterday

Kulasekara out on bail after fatal crash Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara has been released on bail after he was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old motorcyclist, the country’s cricket board said. PAGE 27

Rooney conundrum is biggest headache Of all the managerial dilemmas facing Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho after three successive defeats, the future of his captain Wayne Rooney is by far the most pressing. The England captain has been a peripheral figure in a team struggling to gel. PAGE 28

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Afghans to arrive today Mosharraf, Mosaddek likely to make Tigers squad

n Mazhar Uddin Bangladesh national cricket team will brace themselves for their first ODI series of the year when the Tigers take on Afghanistan in the three match series starting from September 25.

The Afghanistan troop are scheduled to arrive Dhaka today after conducting a training camp in India. They will wtart the tour with a practice match against the BCB XI on September 23 at Fatullah.

The selection panel comprising coach Chandika Hathurusingha along with the three selectors have already chalked out the squad from the twenty-member pool which was announced earlier for the Afghanistan and England series.

However, the Tigers will be missing their most successful fast bowler in the recent times

Mustafizur Rahman after the paceman had undergone a shoulder surgery last month and the selectors are likely to pick pacer Shafiul Islam - who played his last ODI two years back in 2014 against Zimbabwe.

Left arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain is another one who is likely to make a comeback in international arena after eight years as the 34-year-old had a terrific domestic season and caught the eyes of the coach in the recent practice matches.

Youngster Mosaddek Hossain is almost confirmed to make his ODI debut in the upcoming series against Afghanistan after performing heavily in the Dhaka Premier League for champions Abahani Limited this season and became an obvious choice for the selectors.

Meanwhile, the selectors will be waiting for the result of the

bowling action test of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed which the BCB is expected to receive by tomorrow.

Rubel Hossain is likely to get a call in the side after he played his last international game against South Africa in 2015.

Apart from that, there will be no major changes in the Tigers squad where skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his troop will look to continue their brilliant run in the fifty over format nearly after a year.

Bangladesh (probable) squad for Afghanistan series:

Tamim Iqbal Khan, Soumya Sarkar, Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Imrul Kayes, Taskin Ahmed, Mossadek Hossain Saikot, Rubel Hossain, Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Mosharraf Hossain Rubel, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sabbir Rahman, Al-Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam. l

Bangladesh will take part in the Boys’ Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey after 15 years as they host the fourth edition of the tournament which is all set to get underway at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium in the capital on September 24.

A total of seven countries split into two groups will be taking part in the meet. Bangladesh placed in Pool A along with favourites India and Oman while Pool B comprises of China, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.

India and Chinese Taipei are the first teams to arrive in Dhaka as they were scheduled to land on Tuesday while the rest of the teams will arrive on Thursday. A press conference was held on Tuesday where the details were revealed where tournament sponsor Beximco was also introduced.

The home side, who has been training in BKSP in the last two months and the boys return to the city on Tuesday, will begin their campaign with a tough test against neighbours India on the opening day on Saturday at 3pm.

Last time Bangladesh U18 team took part in this tournament was back in 2001 in Ipoh, Malaysia where they finished third among ten teams. They didn’t take part in the next two editions held in Myanmar in 2009 and in Singapore in 2011.

Bangladesh have four players in the squad who have experience to play for the senior side while most of the players were selected from BKSP. National players, winger Romman Sarkar, midfielder Fazle Hossain Rabby, Arshad and defender Ashraful Islam will lead the U18 boys. They played practice matches against Bangladesh Army and Navy as part of preparation.

“Our target is to reach the final round. The result and performance of U18 national hockey team is always satisfactory. Hopefully they will continue this spree this time again. India are the strongest opponents. We never lost to Oman in U18. Pakistan are also strong team but if our boys give their best on the pitch, we can beat them.” said Bangladesh Hockey Federation vice-president Khwaja Rahmatullah on Tuesday.

After facing India on the inaugural day, Bangladesh play against Oman on September 27. The tournament will conclude on September 30. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

BANGLADESH-AFGHANISTAN SERIES

DBBL becomes title sponsor n Tribune Report Dutch Bangla Bank Limited (DBBL) has been awarded the title sponsorship rights of the Bangladesh-Afghanistan three-match one-day international series beginning on September 25. The series has been named as ‘Rocket Dutch-Bangla Bank Mobile Banking Series’.

The sponsorship rights of the maiden bilateral series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan was declared at a press conference by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

BCB media committee chairman Jalal Younus, BCB marketing and commercial committee chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed, Impress Telefilm Limited director Faridur Reza Sagar and DBBL managing director Kazi Shamshi Tabrez were present in the ceremony.

Impress Matra Consortium (IMC) was awarded the title sponsorship and in-stadia sponsorship rights for a period of two years starting from 01 September 2016 to 31 August 2018. IMC has sold the rights to all the Bangladesh home series to DBBL for the next two years. DBBL will also be the title sponsor of Bangladesh home series against England which starts with the three-match ODI series on October 5 at Mirpur.l

(L-R) DBBL managing director Kazi Shamshi Tabrez, BCB marketing and commercial committee chairman Kazi Inam Ahmed, BCB media committee chairman Jalal Younus and Impress Telefilm Limited director Faridur Reza Sagar hold the placards showing the title sponsor of the Bangladesh-Afghanistan series at Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sk Russel’s poor run continues Season’s first Dhaka n Shishir Hoque Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra’s fate didn’t improve despite the change of head coach as they continued their poor run in the Bangladesh Premier League conceding a 3-1 defeat against Brothers Union at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

Meanwhile in the day’s other match, a spirited Arambagh Krira Sangha surprised rising powerhouse Chittagong Abahani with a goalless draw in the first match.

It was Sheikh Russel’s first match after veteran coach Shafiqul Islam Manik replaced Maruful Haque as the head coach of the club but the new boss couldn’t bring any change as they conceded their sixth defeat in the league this season out of seven matches. They remained at the bottom of the table with only a point.

Russel could have went ahead in the 13th minute but Cameroonian forward Jean Ikanga squandered a penalty shooting over the bar from the spot after Mithun Chowdhury was fouled by Krishna Pada inside the danger zone.

RESULTS Arambagh KS

0-0

Ctg Abahani

Sheikh Russel

1-3

Brothers Union

Rony 55

Nkowcha 17, Walson 32, 90+

Nigerian forward Nkowcha Kingsley put the Gopibagh outfits ahead four minutes later placing the ball home after connecting a long ball inside the box. Haitian striker Augustin Walson doubled the lead in the 32nd minute sneaking into bottom left corner from a free-kick.

Shakhawat Hossain Rony pulled

one back ten minutes into the second half but Walson netted again in the injury time to seal the first victory for Brothers in the league.

Earlier on the day, Chittagong Abahani went close to scoring in the 41st minute against Arambagh but Haitian striker Leonel Saint Preux’s header on a cross of Md Ibrahim flew inches over the crossbar.

The port city outfit had another great chance at the stroke of the first half when Arambagh’s Nigerian defender Issah Youssif made a precise back-volleyed clearance on goalline to deny Zahid Hossain’s header from a cross of Sohel Rana.

Arambagh had their first chance in the 57th minute. Kester Akon broke into the penalty area, drifted past a defender and took a shot at far post but Chittagong keeper Ashraful Islam Rana made a brilliant save to deny the Nigerian striker for a corner. l

Newly recruited Bangladesh bowling coach Courtney Walsh (R) shares a moment with the pace bowlers during a training session at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Derby today n Shishir Hoque Two fiercest archrivals of the country Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club will lock horns with each other for the first time this season to begin their seventh round of Bangladesh Premier League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

The rivalry between the two traditional clubs is not like before and has been failing to pull crowds like they used to do in Dhaka Derby in early days. Mohammedan never won a professional league title in last one decade while Abahani clinched the title four times with the last one being five years ago.

The current circumstances put the Sky Blues far ahead of their archrivals. They are seven points ahead of Mohammedan with only six rounds played so far to sit jointly at second place in the premier league table with 12 points. The Sky Blues also reached the final of Independence Cup and won the Federation Cup this season.

The Black and Whites, on the other hand, are yet to win a single game in the league this season but they have managed five draws, more than any other side so far.

They placed at bottom half in the table at 9th position with only five points. They failed to reach lastfour in any professional tournament this season.

The quality and strenghth of the squad also put Abahani ahead.

Guided by veteran coach George Kottan, the Sky Blues have one of the best playmakers in the league with English Lee Andrew Tuck who has been immense so far in his debut season. Experienced Sunday Chizoba is also finding his form back while Hemanta Vincent Biswas is also close to make his full return.

The two sides face each other 17 times in 10 years of professional league history with Abahani winning five times and Mohammedan won four while eight encounters ended in draw. Last time they face in the league previous season Mohammedan, however, won it narrowly by 1-0.

Abahani head coach George Kottan said, “It will be a game of three points and we want to move ahead winning the match. We are prepared to play against Mohammedan. If we can win the rest of the matches in this phase it will give us advantage in the second phase.”

Mohammedan head coach Jashimuddin Joshi is not very optimistic ahead of the Dhaka Derby.

“We don’t have same strong team like we had previous season. Tomorrow’s [Wednesday] game has special importance as the match is between Mohammedan and Abahani. We will take on the field with proper preparation. They [Abahani] are stronger than us this season.

They are balanced team with three quality foreign players.”

Baishakhi TV will telecast the match live. l

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Atletico seek first win at Barca in a decade n Reuters, Madrid Atletico Madrid will try to secure their first win at the Nou Camp since 2006 when they face Barcelona on Wednesday in a heavyweight clash between La Liga title contenders.

Real Madrid, who are chasing history in their home game against Villarreal the same day, head the standings by three points from Barca after four rounds of matches.

Atletico have enjoyed success against Barcelona at home and especially in the Champions League, knocking them out in the 2013-14 quarter-finals and again last season. Diego Simeone’s Atletico beat Celta Vigo 4-0 before Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Sporting Gijon.

“This is the path to follow,” Atletico defender Diego Godin told his club’s website. “Now we face a great rival. They are an extremely difficult team to play against especially when they play at home.

“We know the quality that Barca has and they’ve proved it for many years.”

Ronaldo, Bale to make Real return n Reuters, Barcelona

Atletico have lost five and drawn three of their last eight games at the Nou Camp in all competitions.

They have conceded a league low one goal but face a Barca attack that has hit the back of the net 13 times, the best in the competition.

The Catalans recovered from a shock 2-1 home league loss to Alaves with a 7-0 rout of Celtic in the Champions League and a 5-1 victory at promoted Leganes on Saturday.

Sevilla host city rivals Real Betis on Tuesday without injured defender Adil Rami and midfielder Daniel Carrico.

Valencia face promoted Alaves at the Mestalla stadium on Thursday following a run of four straight defeats. l

LA LIGA Real Madrid Celta Vigo Barcelona Granada Real Sociedad

v v v v v

Villarreal Sporting Gijon Atletico Madrid Athletic Bilbao Las Palmas

Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar (R) heads the ball during a training session at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi yesterday AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will return to action for Real Madrid’s La Liga game with Villarreal on Wednesday, coach Zinedine Zidane said.

Ronaldo, Real’s all-time top scorer, missed Sunday’s 2-0 win at Espanyol with a sore throat while record signing Bale was out with a hip injury sustained in the Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon.

“They are both well, they trained normally and are both 100 percent,” Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday ahead of game with Villarreal, who are unbeaten this season having won two and drawn two of their four games.

The return of Bale and Ronaldo means Zidane will be able to start with his first choice front three Bale, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - for the first time in a league game this season.

Veteran defender Pepe, however, will miss out after finishing the Espanyol game injured and goalkeeper Keylor Navas has still not recovered from surgery on his Achilles.l

Wenger surprised Buffon sounds alarm as Juve stutter Ancelotti wants

by Bendtner’s long Bayern stay the 49-year-old coach says he exHiguain hit a record 36 goals in SeAFP, Milan n pects a reaction. rie A last season but, despite hitting move to Forest n AFP, Berlin “The defeat will help us in the a brace in a 3-1 league win over SasThe Juventus defence is leaking, end,” Allegri said. suolo last week, the Argentinian goals have dried up and captain GiAhead of Wednesday’s top-of-then Reuters “Thankfully, on Wednesday we has fired blanks in his last two Juve anluigi Buffon has rung the alarm table Bundesliga clash at home Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was surprised by his former striker Nicklas Bendtner’s move to second-tier side Nottingham Forest, but hoped it would revive the Dane’s stalled career.

Bendtner, who joined Forest on a free transfer earlier this month, struggled to establish himself under Wenger in nine years at Arsenal and is set to face his old club in the third round of the League Cup later on Tuesday.

Bendtner made just 83 starts under Wenger but the Frenchman felt the Danish international has all the qualities to succeed at former European champions Forest.

“It was a surprise to me that Nicklas signed for Nottingham Forest, but at some stage he needs to restart his career,” Wenger told.

“Sometimes when you are a player of his quality, you just need an opportunity. We know he is a top-quality player, but he needs to play. Of course he has a point to prove.”

“He’s playing at a level he is not used to. But he did start his career at this level at Birmingham City with Steve Bruce, where he did very well. Nicklas is humble enough and focused enough to show he can fight again.”l

after the Serie A champions were exposed during a 2-1 ‘Derby d’Italia’ defeat to Inter Milan.

Juventus host Cagliari on Wednesday, and goalkeeper Buffon wants tightening up at the back.

“That’s the third time this season we’ve conceded a goal from a corner kick, it’s not like us,” Buffon hit out. He spoke out after Mauro Icardi, from a corner, and Ivan Perisic rose above the Juve defence to head goals and secure Inter’s first San Siro win over the Turin giants since 2010 and the reign of Jose Mourinho.

Juve’s first defeat of the season has left Napoli top with a one-point cushion, and the southerners can even afford a wry smile at Juve’s expense.

Former Napoli striker Gonzalo

appearances.

Indeed Juventus, tipped for glory, perhaps prematurely, in this season’s Champions League following midfielder Miralem Pjanic’s signing from Roma and wingback Dani Alves’ move north from Barcelona, are suffering in attack.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men were held to a frustrating goalless draw

by Europa League champions Sevilla last Wednesday and their 66th minute opener on Sunday came courtesy of Swiss wingback Stephan Lichsteiner.

Although Higuain has three league goals to his name, Paulo Dybala -- Juve’s top scorer last season -- has yet to get off the mark.

Allegri is also facing criticism after a mediocre display by Pjanic in front of the Juventus defence, but

have a chance to make amends, although Cagliari are a lively, strong side so we’ll have to be very focused.

We should be raising our concentration levels, not lowering them.”

Defeat to the Sardinians is unthinkable, but would be warmly welcomed by a number of sides looking to end Juve’s five-year grip on the championship.

Even Allegri admitted: “Inter are one of the contenders for the scudetto.”

Elsewhere, Roma host league new boys Crotone, who claimed their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw with Empoli on Sunday, to the Stadio Olimpico. It left Luciano Spalletti’s men in third at three points adrift and he said: “The table is really tight but this defeat is a missed opportunity for us.l

SERIE A Bologna Atalanta Chievo Empoli Genoa Juventus Pescara Roma Udinese

v v v v v v v v v

Sampdoria Palermo Sassuolo Inter Milan Napoli Cagliari Torino Crotone Fiorentina

to Hertha Berlin, Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti says he has found a true ‘family’ at the Bavarian giants.

“There are clubs which feel like a business and clubs which feel like a family. Here, it’s a family,” the Italian, who has coached at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid, said the launch of his autobiography in Munich.

“I want to remain here more than two years,” he added, although he has a three-year contract which expires in June 2019.

Ancelotti replaced Pep Guardiola as Bayern’s head coach this season. He has steered the Munich giants to the club’s best start this season with a perfect record of six wins from six, scoring 23 goals and conceding just one.

He has already lifted his first silverware, when Bayern won the German Super Cup. His main task will be achieving what Guardiola failed to do in his three-year tenure - winning the Champions League, a feat Ancelotti achieved with both AC Milan and Real. Second-placed Hertha and league leaders Bayern are the only teams in top flight with 100 percent records after the first three matches ahead of the Allianz Arena clash. l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

QUICK BYTES Ashraful’s father passes away Cricketer Mohammad Ashraful’s father Abdul Matin passed away at 1am Tuesday while undergoing heart treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Dhaka. He was admitted at the hospital on September 11. He had cardiac surgery in 2006. Ashraful said his father will be laid to rest at his ancestral village in Brahmanbaria.

–TRIBUNE REPORT

Venezuelan football team robbed at gunpoint Robbers hijacked the bus of a Venezuelan first-division football team and held the squad for more than two terrifying hours at gunpoint, even taking their clothes and footwear, the club said Monday. Trujillanos suffered a 2-1 defeat at Monagas on Sunday and afterwards six gunmen with high-caliber weapons forced their bus to stop around dawn on a stretch of highway in the northeastern state of Anzoategui.

–AFP

Pep demands apology before Toure returns Yaya Toure will not play for Manchester City again until he apologises to the Premier League club for comments made by his agent, manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday.

–REUTERS

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY SIX Spanish La Liga 12:00AM Real Madrid v Villarreal 2:00AM FC Barcelona v Atletico Madrid

SONY ESPN Italian Serie A 10:30PM Bologna v Sampdoria 1:00AM Juventus v Cagliari

STAR SPORTS 1 11:46PM German Bundesliga Leipzig v Monchengladbach

STAR SPORTS 2 11:46PM German Bundesliga FC Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin

STAR SPORTS 4 11:46PM German Bundesliga Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Augsburg

TEN 3 3:30PM FFA Cup 2016 : QF1 Blacktown City (NSW) v Sydney FC 12:45AM EFL Cup 2016/17 Swansea City v Manchester City

AFC UNDER-16 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2017, THAILAND

BFF focuses on final round n Tribune Report The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) wants to concentrate fully on the preparation of the U16 girls with year-long training camp and practice matches against strong opponents ahead of the final round of AFC Under-16 Women’s Championship 2017 in Thailand.

None of the players in the squad will have to take part in the national women’s football league or any other regional or national tournament before the final round in September next year, informed BFF women’s wing committee chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron on Tuesday.

Bangladesh U16 national women’s football team have been felicitated again for their recent success as another corporate house Walton Group gave a reception to the young girls at the BFF House on Tuesday noon where Kiron gave a hint for their future plan with the girls.

“We want to give hundred percent concentrations on the final round of the tournament [AFC U-16 Women’s Championship] in Thailand next year. They players will not play any league matches during this time,” said Kiron. She continued, “There will be non-stop training in the next three months and during that time we will not

Kulasekara out on bail after fatal crash n Reuters, Colombo Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara has been released on bail after he was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old motorcyclist, the country’s cricket board said.

Kulasekara, 34, was returning to Colombo from Kandy on Monday when the motorcyclist, travelling in the opposite direction, lost control of his bike while trying to overtake a bus and got flung into the cricketer’s path.

“Kulasekara is currently enlarged on bail by the Kadawatha Chief Magistrate pending completion

of the investigation,” Sri Lanka cricket said in a statement.

The right-arm medium pace bowler played 21 tests but retired from the longest format in June to focus on limited overs cricket. l

BCB XI announced for Afghans practice match n Tribune Report Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the 13-member BCB XI team for the lone practice match against Afghanistan yesterday. The visitors will play a fifty over game against the BCB XI on Friday at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali stadium in Fatullah ahead of their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh starting from September 25.

Afghanistan are scheduled to arrive Dhaka on Wednesday to take part on their first ever bilateral series against the Tigers.

Some of the regular players

of the Bangladesh side were named in the BCB XI. The likes of Imrul Kayes, Shabbir Rahman along with few young cricketers Mosaddek Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Miraz were also included for the practice match.

BCB XI:

Imrul Kayes, Anamul Hoque Bijoy, Mosadek Hossain Saikot, Shabbir Rahman, Litton Kumer Das, Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, Abu Hider Rony, Sanjamul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Md Al-Amin (Jr), Shuvashish Roy Chowdhury, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Alauddin Babu. l

play any friendly matches. We have been talking to other countries to arrange practice matches. Countries like Japan, Thailand, China and Korea are in the pipeline in our plan.”

Meanwhile, as promised before, Walton handed over an amount of Tk520000 to share among the members of the winning team including 23 players, head coach Golam Rabbani Choton and assistant coaches - Mahbubur Rahman Litu and Mahmuda Akter Ananya.

Every player received Tk20000 each as reward for their outstanding display in the recently concluded AFC U-16 Women’s Champion-

ship 2017 Qualifiers from where they qualified for the final round winning all their five Group C matches.

“Such kinds of reception inspire us and encourage to do better in future. We will continue our job and make ourselves fully prepared for the final round.” said head coach Choton.

Meanwhile on Monday, Gemcon Group, Saif Global Sports Limited and Caldwell Development Limited jointly provided an amount of Tk3.9m to the 26 members of the team. Each corporate group splashed Tk50,000 to each member of the U-16 including the coaches.l

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

Rooney conundrum is Mourinho’s biggest headache at United n Reuters, London Of all the managerial dilemmas facing Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho after three successive defeats, the future of his captain Wayne Rooney is by far the most pressing.

The England captain, deployed in a central midfield role this season, has been a peripheral figure in a team struggling to gel and his lacklustre performance in the 3-1 defeat at Watford on Sunday led to widespread calls for him to be dropped. Rooney mustered one shot, did not play a single through ball and created only two chances for team mates with the nine corners and free kicks he took.

His defensive contribution was also negligible, failing to make a single tackle and registering one block and one interception in a tetchy 90 minutes during which his main priority appeared to be engaging in a constant dialogue with referee Michael Oliver.

“Alex Ferguson knew it more than three years ago...Wayne Rooney is no longer worth a place in the Manches-

ter United team,” veteran Jim White wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

Mourinho has never been afraid to make tough decisions during his trophy-laden managerial ca-

reer and he faces a huge one on the 30-year-old Rooney.

Rooney has been a key part of United’s attack since scoring a brilliant hat-trick against Fenerbahce

on his debut for the Old Trafford club 12 years ago after arriving from Everton. In recent years, with his pace diminished, he has operated in an ever-deeper role.

Former manager Louis van Gaal played him in midfield towards the end of last season and he filled that position with negligible impact for England in this year’s dismal Euro 2016 campaign. Mourinho has opted to do the same, banking on Rooney’s range of passing and experience to create chances for strikers Ibrahimovic and Rashford.

But his lack of mobility makes United predictable and easy to defend against and Mourinho must be tempted to play the sharper Ander Herrera or a natural holding midfielder such as Morgan Schneiderlin to allow Paul Pogba more freedom to get forward.

Although Rooney was unlikely to be in the squad to face third-tier Northampton Town in the League Cup on Wednesday, his selection for the Premier League game against champions Leicester City on Saturday has become the manager’s burning issue.l

Klopp advised Guendogan to move to EPL n Reuters, Berlin Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp advised Ilkay Guendogan to move to the Premier League this season, saying the playing style in England’s top division suited the creative midfielder, the Manchester City player said on Tuesday.

Guendogan, who had worked with Klopp at Borussia Dortmund for four seasons and won the double in 2011-12 as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2013, joined City in the close season.

“To be honest I asked his advice, if the Premier League was the right thing for me,” he told Sport Bild magazine. “He said ‘yes’ and believed I would feel very well here and that the playing style would be perfect for me. It was good to have my impressions confirmed.”

The 25-year-old was City’s first signing after Spanish coach Pep Guardiola became the new boss at the Etihad.

“He (Guardiola) has this amazing charisma,” Guendogan added.

“Anyone with a bit of knowledge of football can see that football under Pep is always extremely dominant and extremely successful.” l

Guardiola on guard as City begin cup defence n AFP, London

Manchester City launch their League Cup defence at Swansea City this week with manager Pep

LEAGUE CUP Fulham Northampton Queens Park Southampton Stoke City Swansea City Tottenham West Ham

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Bristol City Man United Sunderland Crystal Palace Hull City Man City Gillingham Accrington

Guardiola desperate to keep a lid on expectations after their supreme start to the season.

City have won their eight games in all competitions -- a club record -- and preserved their two-point advantage at the Premier League summit with a razor-sharp 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

It was the fifth time this season they have scored three or more goals in a game, but Guardiola has vowed that he will not allow complacency to take hold at the Etihad Stadium.

“That is not going to happen when I am there,” he told report-

ers after the win against Bournemouth. And don’t say it is too easy.

I heard from years ago the Premier League is the toughest league and I am going to accept that.

“We have a lot of work (to do) and we are just in September. We have played absolutely nothing. Always for the next game we have to try to do it better than the game before.”

The next game is against a Swansea side who were left a point above the relegation zone following a 1-0 loss at Southampton on Sunday.

The result increased the scrutiny on coach Francesco Guidolin

and with a league game against City to follow, and then a visit from in-form Liverpool, he faces a testing run of fixtures.

“I am worried because my job is my job and it is my attitude to be always ready if it’s possible,” said Guidolin, whose club won the League Cup in 2013.

“Now we have Man City on Wednesday, Man City again on Saturday, and then Liverpool. We have to improve. The opponent is not important, but our attitude is.”

Another team in the doldrums are Manchester United, who crashed to a third consecutive loss

at Watford in the league on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho’s side visit thirdtier Northampton Town, where defeat would rank alongside their humiliating 4-0 loss to Milton Keynes Dons in this competition under Louis van Gaal in 2014.

Tottenham Hotspur are sweating on the fitness of striker Harry Kane ahead of their home game with Gillingham, after he was stretchered off with an ankle injury in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Sunderland. Arsenal, who won 4-1 at Hull City on Saturday, get their League Cup campaign under way at Nottingham Forest. l

Ben Arfa stranded on PSG sidelines n AFP, Paris

Hatem Ben Arfa’s future at Paris Saint-Germain looks increasingly bleak after the France international winger was again left out of the squad by coach Unai Emery for Ligue 1 action on Tuesday.

Champions PSG take on newly promoted Dijon at the Parc des Princes lying three points shy of early Ligue 1 pacesetters Monaco, who host second-placed Nice on Wednesday.

This is the third consecutive game that Emery has not picked

Ben Arfa, who arrived at PSG in the summer from Nice, the Spanish coach justifying his squad selection by saying it was a “purely

LIGUE 1 Angers Bastia Guingamp Lyon Metz Nantes Nice Rennes

v v v v v v v v

Caen Nancy Lorient Montpellier Bordeaux Saint-Etienne Monaco Marseille

sporting decision”.

“I’m preparing the team that I think to be the best to play the match,” Emery said.

“He’s a player like the others, I think that the players in the squad today are those who have best prepared for tomorrow’s game,” said Emery, who explained earlier this month that Ben Arfa needed to “work more”.

Victory for PSG would lift them back onto the summit -- at least for 24 hours -- ahead of the top-of-thetable clash between Monaco and Nice. l

David Beckham (C), former captain of England’s football team, poses as he attends a promotion event in Beijing, China yesterday REUTERS

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Stop (4) 4 Short gaiters (5) 9 Frozen treat (3) 11 Destroy utterly (4) 12 Commence (5) 13 Sea eagle (4) 14 Destiny (4) 15 Best part (5) 19 Fruit of the oak (5) 21 Encourage in crime (4) 25 Blockhead (4) 26 Pale yellow (5) 28 Comfort (4) 29 Convict (3) 30 Tendency (5) 31 Festive occasion (4)

DOWN 1 Sibilate (4) 2 Perform (3) 3 Letting contract (5) 5 Like better (6) 6 Subtle emanation (4) 7 Tinge (4) 8 Show contempt (5) 10 Unmoved by joy or grief (5) 16 Brass-like alloy (6) 17 Gem (5) 18 Younger son (5) 20 Illustrious (5) 22 Wold male pig (4) 23 Otherwise (4) 24 Advise strongly (4) 27 Consume (3)

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODE-CRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 2 represents R so fill R every time the figure 2 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

MONDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

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Showtime

Habib’s new sensational hit n Showtime Desk Habib Wahid, one of the prominent singers and composers of this generation, has gained immense popularity because of the way his songs touch the audience’s hearts. Recently, Habib has come up with a new sensational track called “Dhire Dhire Jao Na Shomoy” for the long-anticipated film Aynabaji.

Habib composed the song alongside giving voice in it, while Anam Biswas penned the lyrics.

The song is one of longing and hope, and it reflects how we long for just a moment of happiness, and how we want to hold on to those happy moments despite all

Jimmy Fallon greets Clinton wearing a surgical mask

Eva Green joins Polanski’s ‘Based On A True Story’ n Showtime Desk

n Showtime Desk Being sick is no laughing matter, but Jimmy Fallon managed to make light of Hillary Clinton’s recent bout of pneumonia when he greeted her on The Tonight Show on Monday. The host wore a surgical mask and used sanitizer after shaking the presidential candidate’s hand.

However Clinton played along with the joke and laughed before insisting: “I’m not contagious…

Nothing like a little rest when your doctor tells you to and you don’t do it.”

The Tonight Show host asked the Democratic presidential nominee simple questions about her reasons for wanting to be President — but mainly poked fun at his previous guest, Donald Trump. Shortly after, Fallon pulled out a crumpled paper bag that he joked was left behind in Trump’s dressing room and he and Clinton proceeded to rummage through it.

The two discovered a heartshaped framed photo of Vladamir Putin, Pink Floyd’s The Wall and a bag of softballs — hinting at the backlash the host received after being chummy with Trump on the show.

“Softballs? That was my gift to him,” Fallon joked. “I’ll give them to you later in the interview.”

Clinton also poked fun at the copy of Pink Floyd’s album.

“That’s as close as he’s going to get to the wall,” she quipped, mocking the Republican nominee’s plan to build a barrier between the United States and Mexico.

The pair also chatted about her recovery from the illness and Fallon asked if her husband, Bill Clinton, was a good nurse. She described the former American President as “very solicitous” and “very sweet,” but quickly added; “My dogs were great, too.”

This was Clinton’s third appearance on the late night show. l

Penny Dreadful, Showtime’s gothic drama series, may have abruptly ended earlier this year, but the series’ lead star Eva Green isn’t losing any time getting exciting projects lined up.

Recently, Green has joined the cast of psychological thriller Based On A True Story opposite French star Emmanuelle Seigner, which is a highly anticipated collaboration between director Roman Polanski and Olivier Assayas.

Currently, Assayas is tackling screenwriting duties.

The script is an adaptation of Delphine de Vigan’s novel of the same name, which tells the story of a writer (Seigner) who goes through a rough time after the release of her latest book attracts the eye of an obsessive woman (Green).

Green has shown unprecedented skill when playing such unique characters, and this role sounds like it should play directly to her strengths.

Based On A True Story marks Polanski’s first feature since 2013’s Venus in Fur adaptation. Assayas, meanwhile, has seen his name skyrocket on the international stage with Kristen Stewart collaborations like Clouds of Sils Maria and this year’s festival title Personal Shopper.

Apart form Based On A True Story, Green will also be seen in Lisa Langseth’s sister drama Euphoria, in which she’ll star opposite Alicia Vikander. l

the struggles that we go through.

Interestingly, the song is also an expression of happiness and sadness at the same time, which is also something we experience in our lives.

Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, the director of Aynabaji, said, “It is quite impossible that I will be making a film where there won’t be a song of Habib. From the beginning, Habib has been supporting me. This song started as a result of our friendship and brotherhood. We are already beginning to see some positive response. We hope that the song will be very well received by the audience.” l

Nargis has to pin up her dress for a reality show

n Showtime Desk Rockstar star Nargis Fakhri, one of the hottest heroines of Bollywood nowadays, got a rude shock when producers of a TV show she appeared in to promote one of her projects objected to her dress.

They thought her dress was way

too revealing for their audience to be comfortable with.

Nargis wore a neon green dress with stylish cuts, but the producers didn’t clear it. The assistant directors on the sets were told to instruct Nargis to change it. That didn’t help as the actor didn’t see anything wrong with her outfit.

Later, the show director had to intervene, and made it clear that Nargis can shoot for the show only after pinning up her dress.

Nargis made her Rockstar debut in 2011, which earned her a Best Female Debut nomination.

But a few months ago, amidst speculations about her personal life, actress Nargis Fakhri took a break from Bollywood.

Nargis will soon be seen in Banjo, opposite actor Riteish Deshmukh. Describing the movie, she says, “Banjo is a quirky movie in which I play a DJ who goes to

Sonam takes only Rs 11 for a movie

Mumbai in search of a band.”

Nargis confesses that she has no friends in the industry, except for Imtiaz Ali’s assistant director.

“She is my best buddy and always ready to help me even during the wee hours. I am happy to have her by my side.”

The actress has her plans laid out. “After Banjo releases, I will be flying to New York to shoot a Hollywood film opposite Raj Kumar Rao. I have also been deputed to write a story for a magazine,” she says.

About the recent incident, the channel has said that the small screen has always been considered for family viewing and makers of few TV shows still hesitate from airing anything bold on their shows. Something similar happened when Nargis Fakhri appeared on a dance reality show, Dance Plus to promote her upcoming film, Banjo. l

Urmila happy with Eid screentime n Showtime desk

n Showtime Desk Sonam Kapoor, the fashion queen of Bollywood, known for her glamorous roles in movies like Aiesha, reportedly charged Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra just Rs 11 for her role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is apparently very fond of Sonam Kapoor and wanted her to be part of all his projects. So when he started working on Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he insisted that she work with him on the film. He has stated before that he finds Sonam to be one of the most talented actors of

our time.

Sonam Kapoor plays the role of Nirmal Kaur in the movie, the captain of the Indian women’s volleyball team, who inspires and turns the tide in Milkha Singh’s life. She encourages him to leave petty stealing and join the army, from where he becomes one of the greatest athletes.

Those who have seen the film say Sonam Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar have incredible chemistry in it. Their romance is so innocent and pure that it touches the audiences’ hearts with its simplicity. l

This Eid was very important for young Bangladeshi actress Urmila Srabanti Kar. She has been seen in 12 dramas on the occasion of Eid. Urmila says, “it was a great opportunity to be present in front of the audience when we know people will watch TV for sure.”

Urmila seems very happy with her work, especially the Eid specials, and she was praised the quality of the productions. “Foring Jibon, Mehman, Brishtir Rong, Cholo Diet kori, Harun Mia-r Khoab – all of them turned out to be quite popular,” added Urmila.

Sadly, she couldn’t watch all her on-screen appearances because of time constraints, but she did get on social media regularly to know about public reaction to the dramas.

Now, Urmila is working for the occasion of Puja, and she is hoping for the best reaction from the audience to date.l

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Back Page

JUNAID COUNTRY DIRECTOR OF WORLD BANK IN INDIA PAGE 12

AFGHANS TO ARRIVE TODAY PAGE 24

URMILA HAPPY WITH EID SCREENTIME PAGE 31

170 students of IIUC still missing Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong Total 170 students of different departments of privately-run International Islamic University of Chittagong (IIUC) have been missing from their academic activists for periods.

The administration of the allegedly Jamaat-e-Islami funded university made the missing list of the student who have remained absent at the university for two semesters as per direction of Minsitry of Edu-

International Islamic University became talk of the country as one of its students Sabbirul Haque alias Konik was suspected to have been killed in a militant hideout during a raid in Kallyanpur area in the capital on July 26 cation and handed it over to the Sitakund police station in the beginning of September, said university and police sources.

Talking to Dhaka Tribune IIUC’s registrar Squadron Leader (Rtd) Nurul Islam said “We had made the missing list of the 170 students as per the direction of Ministry of Education and we had included the students who have remained absent from the academic activities for past two semesters without permission.”

“The list of the absent students was handed over to the Sitakund Police Station”, the registrar added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education had directed all the educational institutes across the country to prepare a list of students with their details who were absent from their study for more than ten-days.

The decision was taken in the wake of recent militant attacks in capital’s upper scale Holy Artisan Bakery on July 1 and Solakia Eidgah in Kishorganj on July 7, as the

killed militants, who carried out the attacks, were found missing for months.

Nurul Huda said “There is an official system that any student of the university can drop two semesters after taking permission from the higher authorities filling up a designated form.”

“We have included the names of the students who have remained absent from the academic activities for last two semesters without university’s prior permission.”

He also added that the names of the students, who are out of reach despite repeated attempts, have been included in the absentee list.

The university official said: “After handing over the list to the police, some eight to 10 students made contact with the university administration and informed about their problems.”

“According to the university law, the admission of the absentees have already been canceled as they were dropped without any permission”, Nurul Huda continued.

When contacted, Sitakunda Officer-in-Charge (OC) Iftekhar Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune: “After getting the list, police have already sent the names and other details to the all concerned police stations.

Missing while police found them all and the students told us that they could not continue their study due to financial crisis or other family problems”, the OC added.

The police official said: “Police were working on the list.”

Earlier, the name of the university became talk of the country as one of its students Sabbirul Haque alias Konik was suspected to have been killed in a militant hideout during a raid in Kallyanpur area in the capital on July 26 where nine militant were killed in a deadly gunfight with police. The youth Sabbirul went missing since February 21 this year.

Later, Sabbirul’s father Azizul Hoque Chowdhury alias Rashed, a revenue officer of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), confirmed police that the killed militant was not Sabbirul.

A general dairy was filed in this connection with city’s Bakalia police station. The youth is still unreachable while police were investigating the matter. l

Though these food carts that were given to hawkers in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area by DSCC to sell street foods in a healthy way, they are seen parked on the side of a road in abandoned condition following orders from law enforcement agencies. The photo was taken yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

UN suspends aid convoys in Syria after attack n Reuters, Geneva The United Nations suspended aid convoys across Syria yesterday a day after an air strike hit relief trucks near the city of Aleppo, killing at least one aid worker and around 20 civilians, and destroying a warehouse and hospital.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which said it was postponing an aid convoy that had been set to deliver supplies to four besieged Syrian towns, warned of the consequences for millions of civilians in need.

“As an immediate security measure, other convoy movements in Syria have been suspended for the time being pending further assessment of the security situation,” Jens Laerke, UN humanitarian aid spokesman, told a news briefing in Geneva.

“However we remain committed to stay and deliver to everybody in need in Syria,” he added.

Syrian or Russian aircraft struck an aid convoy near Aleppo on Monday, a war monitor reported, as the Syrian military declared a oneweek truce over.

The confirmed death toll yesteday stood at one Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) staff member and “around 20 civilians”, the SARC and Red Cross said in a joint statement.

“If this callous attack is found to be a deliberate targeting of humanitarians, it would amount to a war crime,” UN aid chief Stephen O’Brien said in a statement calling for an immediate and independent investigation.

The United Nations had just received permission from the Syrian government to deliver aid to all besieged areas in the country, Laerke said. All parties, including Russia and the United States, had been notified about the cleared convoy heading to rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Convoys stalled

Aid convoys for four Syrian towns will be postponed as staff reassess security after the deadly attack on relief trucks and intensified violence, a senior ICRC official said earlier.

“This is very worrying. We see a resumption of violence, an intensification of fighting in many locations,” Robert Mardini, ICRC director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in Geneva.

“We had something planned in the four towns, but for now it is put on hold to reassess the security conditions,” he said, referring to rebel-besieged Foua and Kefraya in Idlib and government-blockaded Madaya and Zabadani near the Lebanese border. l

Gazipur councillor ‘kills’ wife Islam Akand, n Raihanul Gazipur

Gazipur City Corporation Councillor Solaiman Miah was allegedly killed his wife Nusrat Jahan Tumpa yesterday.

Tumpa, 30, is the daughter of local BNP leader Nazrul Islam. The AL-backed councillor is now on the run after the incident. The couple have an eight-year-old son.

Tumpa’s father Nazrul Islam said: “They had fights regularly over Solaiman’s addiction to drugs and extra-marital affair.”

Nazrul said Tumpa locked into a quarrel with Solaiman when she discovered a woman’s photo in his mobile phone during a family outing on Sunday. Tumpa’s brother Sayeed and his wife were with them during the trip. He also said: “Solaiman killed my daughter Sunday night after Sayeed had dropped them home.”

On Monday, their domestic help informed Tumpa’s mother over the phone that no one was answering despite repeated knocks on the door.

Later, they broke into the flat and found Tumpa senseless, taking her to Crescent Hospital in Uttara where the doctors declared her dead.

Uttara West SI Shahed Parvez said: “Dark spots have been found on her body. We can only confirm if it was a murder after we get the autopsy report.” l

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