Vol. 5 Num 205 Mon. December 20, 2004       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Today's Index Front Page Armed Forces seek compliance waiver The Armed Forces have sought an exemption from having to comply with the Public Procurement Regulation 2003 (PPR) concerning all purchases that it considers directly or indirectly to be related to national   Ministry seeks ways to offset BPC losses The energy ministry has sought the finance ministry's assistance to find a solution to the financial losses incurred by the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) in importing oil at a very   Transparency in river-link plan demanded The three-day international conference on transboundary rivers concluded yesterday with a call for complete transparency to dispel mistrust and concerns arising out of the proposed Indian River Linking   Pathan spoils Ashraful's ton With a stroke of genius Mohammad Ashraful made history at the MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong yesterday but the ghost of Bangladesh's second innings disaster revisited the port city to spoil his party.   Car bombings kill 62 in Najaf, Karbala Suicide car bombers yesterday struck Iraq's two main Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, killing at least 62 people and wounding nearly 130, six weeks before a historic election.   Call for free trade deal with Malaysia Bangladesh and Malaysia should work towards the creation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, the first Bangladesh Malaysia Business Forum 2004 stated yesterday in its final declaration.   Indian eco-activist for popular resistance People must resist the implementation of India's river linking project, as it would destroy the ecological balance and affect millions both in Bangladesh and India, said Medha Patkar, a leading environmental   $50m development project for CHT ready to roll Satisfied with the 'improved' law and order situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the government has decided to launch a donor-funded $50 million project next month.   Mahathir flies back home, meets Hasina, Ershad Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad left Dhaka yesterday after wrapping up his three-day visit with private meetings with Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina and former president HM Ershad.   CPB won't join rallies before human wall The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) has decided not to join the combined rallies of the opposition parties to be held at Mongla and Sunamganj ahead of the December 30 human wall although it had joined   PM pledges 25 more technical centres Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said the government will set up 25 more Technical Training Centres (TTC) in the country that will provide training facilities to 24,000 people every year.   NBR behind in its target of income tax collection The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is falling short of its target of income tax collection from the large taxpayers although it is on track dealing with other taxpayers.   Investigators under pressure The investigators are under pressure in probing Thursday's gruesome double murder at Baridhara, although they stick to the suspicion that the teacher and her daughter were killed due to a dispute over   Joy may join politics if people want Leader of the Opposition and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina yesterday said that whether her son Sajib Wajed Joy joins politics depends on the wishes of the people.   Saddam to challenge war crimes trial in US Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is preparing a legal challenge in the US to his trial for war crimes, a newspaper reported yesterday, citing leaked papers prepared by his defence team.   Bangladeshi trespassers held in Iraq Iraqi police detained 45 men including three to four Bangladeshis while they were entering Iraq illegally from neighbouring Iran on Saturday.   Feathers in Fetters   SSC examinee kidnapped, 3 outlaws held Criminals in Meherpur abducted an SSC examinee and demanded a ransom of Tk 2 lakh on Friday night while in Kushtia police arrested three operatives of an outlawed political outfit with arms early yesterday.   AKTEL reaches 1m-subscriber mark Telecom Malaysia International Bangladesh (TMIB), owning company of AKTEL mobile phone, yesterday said it reached one million subscribers mark in the middle of this month and expect to raise the number   No headway in maid murder probe Police so far have made no headway in the investigation into the mysterious death of a maid at the residence of Shipping Minister Akbar Hossain.   Kuwait prince arrives to talk investment Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah arrived in Dhaka on a three-day personal visit yesterday.   65 hurt in clashes in Kurigram, Satkhira At least 50 people were injured in a fierce clash between two groups over fishing at the Indian enclave of Dasiar Chhara village in Fulbari upazila here on Saturday.   Victim's lawyer gets death threat The counsel for the victim, who was gang-raped 17 years ago in Tanore allegedly by four BNP men, received a death threat yesterday.   Witness says he recognised killers A prosecution witness in the Awami League lawmaker Ahsanullah Master murder case yesterday told a court that he recognised 19 people, who carried out the assassination of the legislator.   Maoists abduct cops after attack on Nepali police station Maoist rebels abducted more than a dozen police officers yesterday after launching a gun and bomb attack on a police station south of the Nepalese capital, police said.   Correction The headline of the report run in The Daily Star yesterday inadvertently stated that Dhaka will send 1,542 troops to the trouble-torn region of Darfur. Business Malaysian entrepreneurs urged to invest more in Bangladesh Speakers at a business session of two-day Malaysia Bangladesh Business Forum yesterday urged the Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh's power, energy, communication and shipping sectors.   Joint venture key to expanding Islamic banking in Bangladesh Speakers at a business session yesterday stressed the need for setting up joint venture Bangladesh-Malaysia financial institutions to encourage and further expand Islamic banking system in Bangladesh.   Dhaka Declaration of Bangladesh Malaysia Business Forum The First Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Forum, 2004 held in Dhaka with representatives of the Private and Public Sectors of Bangladesh and Malaysia with support of the respective governments, hereby, adopts   Bangladesh can grab big pie in global halal food market The global market size of halal food is over $500 billion and Bangladesh has a good chance of capturing at least 10 percent within a decade provided the government sets a target and takes preparationfrom   Central bank asks banks to take services to the poor Bangladesh Bank Governor Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday asked the banks to take their services to people with low-income.   Three agribusiness planners of Dhaka get ATDP awards Three agriculture business planners in Dhaka region were awarded "Agripreneur 2004" for their new entrepreneurial ideas in the sector.   AKTEL call tariff unlikely to come down now Call tariff of AKTEL mobile phone is unlikely to come down now.   US judge upholds block on Yukos auction A US district court judge on Saturday upheld a bankruptcy court order temporarily blocking Russian gas monopoly Gazprom from bidding in the auction of Russian oil giant Yukos' main production subsidiary.   EU judge to rule on Microsoft curbs A European Union judge is due to decide this week if antitrust sanctions imposed on Microsoft should be suspended -- a move the software giant hopes would lead to new settlement talks. Sports Cricket: Ash's ray outshines everything For many months cricket fans in this country have wept while the rest of the world ridiculed our cricket, our players.   Cricket: Ashraful, Mashud in1000-club On a day of records Mohammad Ashraful and Khaled Mashud beca-me third and fourth Bangladesh batsmen to cross 1,000 runs in Test cricket during the second Test against India at the MA Aziz Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: McGrath's Pak massacre Paceman Glenn McGrath recorded the second-best bowling figures by an Australian in Test history to power the home team to a whopping 491-run win over Pakistan on the fourth morning of the first Test in   Cricket: From Aminul to a genius For the last four years Aminul Islam held the record for the highest individual Test innings for Bangladesh.   Hockey: Ajax abase Abahani Ajax Sporting Club pulled off the biggest upset of the Green Delta Premier Hockey League when the mid-table side handed a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Abahani at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium   Cricket: Squad for 1st ODI named The selectors yesterday named a 14-member squad for the first of the three-match one-day internationals against India at the MA Aziz Stadium on December 23.   Cricket: Woolmer without a clue The puzzle that is Pakistani cricket continued to perplex Bob Woolmer, their Indian-born, English-raised coach here Sunday as he tried to explain his team's 491-run first Test loss to Australia.   Cricket: Ntini leads SA fightback Makhaya Ntini took three wickets in four balls as South Africa fought their way back into contention in the first Test against England at St George's Park here on Sunday.   Football: MSC come alive Mohammedan Sporting Club officially signed their new recruits for the coming domestic season yesterday, the third day of the inter-club booters' transfers.   Cricket: Azad, Sonargaon post wins An unbeaten 73 off 119 balls by Reazul Islam steered Azad Sporting Club to an impressive six-wicket win over Rupali Bank in the First Division Cricket League yesterday at the City Club ground.   Cricket: Al Shahriar to lead HP Squad in one-dayer Out-of-favour national cricketer Al Shahriar will lead the BCB HP (High Performance) Squad in tomorrow's first limited-overs match against visiting Sri Lanka Cricket Academy.   Football: BFF names Players Status Committee The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday named a five-member Players Status Committee headed by Aktar Hossain Khan, Secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry.   Handball: Madaripur zonal champions Madaripur emerged zonal champions in the Pepsi 17th Women's National Handball Championship defeating Narail 8-3 in the final at the Bagerhat Stadium yesterday.   Football: Real leave it very late Ten man Barcelona maintained a healthy lead over their main rivals at the top of the Spanish league after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Valencia in which they had their goalkeeper sent off.   Football: Chelsea fireworks continue Chelsea moved six points clear at the top of the English Premiership table after cruising to a 4-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday.   Football: Robinho talks restart Speculation over the future of 20-year-old Brazilian forward Robinho was quickly revived on Friday with new reports appearing just hours after the end of his mother's 40-day kidnapping ordeal.   Football: Tavez's fitting farewell Carlos Tevez scored in his last game for Boca Juniors as they beat Bolivar 2-0 in the second leg of the final on Friday to win the Copa Sudamericana, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Cup.   Football: Juve deny Milan Leaders Juventus were lucky to escape with a 0-0 draw at home to their closest rivals AC Milan on Saturday which kept them four points clear of the defending Serie A champions.   Football: Rome not so romantic anymore Francesco Totti has threatened to leave Roma if plans are not put in place to ensure the ailing Serie A club are challenging for honours every season.   Football: Gaibandha soccer The match between Nabarun Krira Chakra and Reuter Sporting Club ended in a 1-1 draw in the First Division Football League at the Gaibandha Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: RU cricket Zoology and Arabic won their respective matches in the inter-department cricket tournament of Rajshahi University at varsity ground yesterday.   Football: Magura soccer Government HSS College Ekadosh moved into the final of the Shaheed Mukul Smriti Football League defeating Muslim Sporting Club 2-0 at the Magura Government College playground yesterday.   Open squash results Swapan Parvez came from a set down to defeat Masud Rana 3-9, 9-2, 9-0 in the Premier Division of the Sharp Blade Open Squash Tournament at the Dhaka Club squash court yesterday. Metropolitan 'Create awareness to end violence against children' Speakers at a seminar yesterday called for creating social awareness to eliminate all forms of violence against children.   'E-governance a must to ensure transparency in govt' Speakers at a workshop yesterday said e-governance has no alternative in ensuring transparency and accountability of the government.   Allow NGOs to publish report on HIV/AIDS NGOs and other private sectors working on HIV/AIDS should conduct yearly surveys to make the reports on HIV contracted people public with a view to focusing the picture of HIV/AIDS in our country, speakers   Injured outlaw dies at KMCH prison cell One of the three outlaws severely injured in an attack by angry mob on Saturday night at a brick field at Rupsha upazila died at the Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) prison cell yesterday morning.   DU convocation ends without enthusiasm The 42nd convocation of Dhaka University ended yesterday without much enthusiasm among the graduates due to absence of Chancellor and President Iajuddin Ahmed at the ceremony where a total of 8,069 graduates   Newton murder case stayed for 3 months A Dhaka court yesterday stayed the proceeding of the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) Ward Commissioner Newton murder case for three months.   British Council holiday The office and library of the British Council will remain closed from December 24 to January 1 for Christmas and New Year.   Cobra nabs 6 Police arrested six robbers with bombs, arms and ammunitions while preparing for a robbery at Uttara in the capital.   1,024 more held, 13 arms seized Police arrested 1,024 people, including a listed criminal, on various charges during their countrywide drive in the last 72 hours till 6.00am yesterday. National Good work needs only will A noble initiative by some college going friends three years back has brought about a tremendous success in spreading education, promoting culture and moral values and creating social awareness in the   Tk 85 cr projects to save crops in haors Projects involving Tk 85 crore have been taken up for development of haor areas in the country.   12 killed in Jhenidah 'crossfire' in 43 days Twelve alleged criminals were killed in Jhenidah in 'crossfire' with in Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police in 43 days from November 1 to December 13 this year.   5 of a family electrocuted by PBS wire in Kushtia A big procession was brought out on Saturday by the people of Jugia in Sadar upazila demanding immediate punishment to Kushtia Palli Biduyt Samity (PBS) officials.   Workers clash at Satkhira Textile Mills: 10 hurt At least 10 persons were injured in a clash between the two rival groups of workers of state-owned Sundarbans Textile Mills Ltd on Saturday.   Newsmen on the run The Editor, the Executive Editor and a correspondent of a local daily are on the run to avoid arrest after filing of an extortion case by the authorities of an unregistered clinic in the town.   13 hurt as cocktail explodes at drama in Gaibandha At least 13 persons were injured, two of them seriously, in a cocktail explosion at the venue of a drama festival at Mohimaganj in Gobindaganj upazila on Friday.   UP member arrested by Rab A Union Parishad (UP) member was arrested and two rounds of cartridges were recovered from him by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on Friday night.   Security alert at Benapole check post Benapole checkpost has been brought under extra security alert ahead of the Dhaka SAARC summit to ensue security.   Security beefed up at Mongla port A 12-member security committee has been formed to check rampant theft of fuel, scraps and valuable materials made of iron from Mongla port.   Child burnt alive A two-year-old child burnt alive on Friday night. The victim is Tuhin, son of Humaun Kabir of Ichhakati area in the city.   Memorial built for 25 freedom fighters A Shaheed Minar, memorial built in memory of 25 martyred freedom fighters, was formally opened here by Moulvibazar Pourasava chairman Fayzul Karim Mayun on Tuesday.   Meeting decides to list drug peddlers An anti-drug meeting organised by Brahmanbaria Dhumpan O Madk Birudi Sangathan (a body against smoking and drug use) was held at Sarkerpara in the town on Saturday. Culture Raghu Rai's exposure of a corporate crime Drik Gallery has Raghu Rai's photographs of the 1984 Bhopal disaster as a part of Chobi Mela III. There is photograph of a dead child, with open eyes and open mouth, buried in dirt and debris.   Theatre Art Unit's weeklong drama festival begins with fanfare To observe the successful completion of 12 years, Theatre Art Unit, a popular theatrical group of the country, has arranged a weeklong drama festival titled Theatre Art Unit Jugopurti Natya Utshob-2004,   Golapjan Golapjan hinges on the tragic biography of a Dhakaiya woman Golapjan.   Theatre activists pay homage to Najma Anwar An award in one hand, with her most precious smile she seemed to look into eternity; the white sari and a big red teep on the forehead gave her a more sophisticated and elegant look.   Brand: Existentialist questions The opening scene of Henrik Ibsen's play, Brand, depicts a pilgrimage of monks on the hill tracts. General 'Talash', 'Golap Sangraha' best books of the year Prothom Alo Best Book Award 1410 was distributed at a colourful function in the city yesterday.   Passage of bill goes against spirit of constitution Speakers at a discussion yesterday said the recent passage of the bill relating to reserved seats for women in parliament goes against the spirit of the constitution.   Japan to provide Tk 13.38 crore Bangladesh will receive Tk 13.   8 shrimp enclosures of slain outlaw sold at auction Eight shrimp enclosures of slain outlaw were sold at auction by the upazila law and order committee at Shovna union under Dumuria upazila on Saturday.   A hope for CHT children "We want to continue our education," says an eight-year old boy Maoyen Thanchagha who came from a remote village to attend a seminar on "CHT Children's Opportunity for Basic Education".   'Pre-primary schooling makes students competent' Researchers at a discussion on Saturday underscored the need for pre-primary schooling to raise competency of students in primary schools. International Mubarak eyes Palestinian state in 2008 Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was quoted on Saturday as saying he was convinced there would be an independent Palestinian state within the next four years.   al-Qaeda calls for attack on Saudi oil facilities An Internet statement purportedly from the Saudi wing of al-Qaeda has urged guerrillas to attack oil facilities in the world's biggest crude exporter.   Donors warn Lanka of running war risks International donors are warning the Sri Lankan government that it risks returning to war if it does not overcome opposition from coalition allies and resume peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels, analysts   'Pakistan sees positive signals from India over Kashmir' Pakistan's foreign minister said on Saturday that he has noticed an improvement in signals coming out of India that New Delhi may be ready to settle their decades-old dispute over Kashmir.   Rumsfeld blamed for mistakes in Iraq Democrats on Saturday said US soldiers in Iraq lacked adequate body armor and plated vehicles because of Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's flawed leadership.   'Nepali HR activists face death threat' Human rights activists in insurgency-racked Nepal face ever-growing threats ranging from abduction to death from security forces and Maoist rebels, three major international human rights groups said yesterday.   Dense fog wreaks havoc in India Dense fog wrought havoc among travellers across parts of northern India with accidents claiming 17 lives and putting air and rail travel schedules in disarray, officials said yesterday.   Catholic church torched in Sri Lanka Police are investigating an apparent arson at a Roman Catholic church in Sri Lanka by an unidentified group of people that ransacked and set fire to furniture and broke relics last morning.   Pinochet hospitalised after stroke Gen. Editorial Editorial: Mahathir's visit was eventful When Mahathir speaks the world listens including his detractors. We in Bangladesh had the benefit of his wise words during his two-day visit to our country.   Editorial: Double murder at Baridhara It was one of the most horrific and gruesome murders in recent time.   Kashmir: A step forward, but not yet a tectonic move This time the sweet expecta-tions with regard to the resolution of Kashmir imbroglio commenced with Vejpayee-Musharraf concord last February.   The romantics The technology has chan-ged. The problem remains. Flashbulbs were once as dreaded as mobile cameras are today. Those who live by the camera must occasionally expect to die by it.   Caretaker government system needs no reform The Leader of the Opposition former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on her return from USA and UK declared her party's caretaker government proposal. Letters to Editor What is 'genocide'? For the last few months a recurring question has been haunting me--what is the definition of genocide or massacre? The question popped up in my mind in the backdrop of the US attack on Iraq, which I   Caretaker government debate Your footnote to Justice Latifur Rahman's rejoinder (A rejoinder to Mr. Kibria, The Daily Star, December 2, 2004) gives me an opportunity to write a few lines about 'this vital national issue'.   Wasted hours Every morning I have to come to office after crossing few roads of Dhanmondi residential area.   Palestine situation A pall of gloom looms large all over the world due to the sad demise of the great Palestinian leader and the great freedom fighter Yasser Arafat.   Standard of education Thanks to Neeman Sobhan for the article the hijacking of 'V." She cleverly detected some articulation and spelling problems of English language practised by fairly a large number of people in our country.   Woes of telephone subscribers Around the world you can get a telephone installed in your house by simply making a phone call to the telephone company.   BTTB mobile service I strongly oppose BTTB's mobile project as their land phone maintenance is not good .   RAB- a lethal weapon After a horrible spell of severe social disorder and crime, the country's law and order has been restored when the government was compelled to form an elite force that is known as RAB-- Rapid ActionBattalion   WB's role The World Bank speaks in a way as if it is the lone custodian of decency, honesty, transparency....etc. It has admonished different governments for flouting law, introducing corrupt practices etc.   A superb film A few days back I watched the movie "Shayamol Chaya" directed by Humayun Ahmed. The film is a fantastic one. The theme, motif, plot construction and characterisation of the film are really sublime.   "Ohio has failed the world" This is in reply to Bashir Siddiqui's letter on Fri. December 10, 2004.   Save the young generation Obscenity leads the nation towards destruction. No doubt it is very dangerous. Film producers are engaged in displaying the female anatomy. They are demolishing our young generation.   Crossfire "Crossfire" has become a much talked about subject. Let's follow a simple logic. Human- being is neither immortal nor indispensable.   Film Festival Mr. Star City Joint-line flyover suggested for Moghbazar-Mouchak A feasibility study on the proposed Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover suggested constructing a 'joint-line' overpass covering both the intersections instead of two separate flyovers.   BRTC's luxury offer? Despite huge loses the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is providing free bus service from Russel Square to Azimpur for ten days beginning Saturday.   Plan to open coaching centres in govt schools, colleges The education ministry has decided to introduce in-house coaching centres in every public schools and colleges from the next year to help the students overcome their weaknesses and improve quality ofeducation.   Rehab getting rod-price wary The real estate and housing business is facing huge losses due to the abnormal price hike of construction rods which has almost doubled from the previous year's rate.   Cable operators, ISPs agree to co-operate with Desa The cable operators and internet service providers (ISP) have agreed to co-operate with the Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (Desa) in organising the untidy cables on electric poles in the city to beautify   Need for daycare centres in offices As more and more women are taking up jobs, childcare centres in offices have become a necessity, speakers at workshop said last Wednesday.