Vol. 5 Num 282 Sun. March 13, 2005       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Today's Index Front Page Reining in BNP MPs The government has imposed a restriction on the ruling BNP lawmakers asking them to take permission from the Leader of the House or the party's parliamentary wing before placing a private member's bill   HC asks chief to explain his appointment The High Court yesterday ordered Justice Sultan Hossain Khan to explain under what authority he is functioning as chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).   3 killed, 50 hurt in Narayanganj boiler blast At least three people including a woman and a child were killed and about 50 others were wounded in a dyeing factory boiler explosion at Uttar Kashipur, Fatullah in Narayanganj early yesterday.   Saifur's salvo at diplomats 'violating norms' Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday blasted the news media for publishing what he said were false news and thus destroying the country's image abroad.   5 years in school, still non-literate The standard of primary education is so poor that even after the five-year schooling one in every three children remains 'non-literate' or 'semi-literate', according to the findings of a survey.   Govt to track down manpower agents Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan yesterday said the government will track down the manpower businessmen or travel agents responsible for the tragic deaths of 11 Bangladeshis in the Mediterranean Sea and   9 Indians engaged to build PM's dais held Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's today's visit to Laksham in Comilla was postponed yesterday following arrests of nine Indian citizens who had been tasked by a local BNP leader with building dais for thePM's   Road accidents kill nine At least nine people died and 34 others were injured in road accidents at Tangail, Narayanganj and Keraniganj yesterday and on Friday night.   Criminal killed in 'shootout' An alleged criminal was killed in a 'shootout' with police in Maghbazar in the early hours yesterday.   BB to put Premier, Al-Arafa banks under close watch The central bank has decided to put Premier Bank and Al-Arafa Islami Bank under its 'Early Warning system' (EWS) of supervision to deal with some serious management problems including irregular interference   Dhaka protests Tipaimukh barrage Bangladesh sent to India a note verbal containing serious concern over their covert construction of Tipaimukh barrage and a proposal for removing the bilateral irritants, including border fencing, through   Cleanliness drive by Dhaka City Corporation   Dr Kamal to support hartal if barred from meeting PM Jatiya Oikya Mancha President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said his party will support hartal if they are prevented from meeting the prime minister (PM) to talk about protection of human rights and ensuring   Deuba vows street battle against king Freed from more than a month of detention, Nepal's sacked prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has vowed to take his supporters on to the streets in a bid to force King Gyanendra to reverse his power grab,   Hamas to take part in parliamentary polls Hamas announced yesterday it intends to run in Palestinian parliamentary elections in July, ending a long-standing boycott of mainstream political life by the militant Islamic movement.   Pakistan draw from the jaws of defeat Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal hit a glorious maiden century to lead a remarkable Pakistan fightback on the final day and ensure the first Test against India ended in a draw on Saturday.   ADB offers help for gas development Retreating from its previous stand on exporting gas to India through pipeline in a limited scale, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) offers financial assistance to Bangladesh in development of gas sector.   AL, allies form human walls today The main opposition Awami League (AL) and its left allies today form no-confidence human walls across the country as part of the combined opposition's simultaneous movement to unseat the ruling alliance.   HC issues rule on govt The High Court yesterday asked the government to explain why the president's dismissal of former inspector general of police Shahudul Haque after his conviction in a case should not be illegal as he should   2 bombs go off at Dakhil exam centre Two powerful bombs exploded at a Dakhil examination centre at a madrasa in Mohimaganj in Gobindaganj upazila yesterday.   CAG submits audit reports to PM Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday directed the authorities to link audit system with development, ensuring transparency and accountability in the job of the auditors.   Nizami blames 'free press' for image crisis Industries Minister Matiur Rahman Nizami yesterday said "over-exercise of democracy and press freedom" resulted in the image crisis of Bangladesh in the outside world.   PM visits ailing AL leader...   DU probes not holding of class of Bangla course The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have formed a five-member committee to enquire into the incident of not holding any class of Bangla foundation course of first year honours of the session 2003-04   Mosque burnt down by BNP men A mosque and a madrasa were burnt down in an arson attack allegedly by activists of ruling BNP in Borhan-uddin upazila of Bhola in the early hours yesterday.   BTTB signs deals with pvt phone firms Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB) yesterday signed an agreement with three private land phone companies to bring them under its intercon-nectivity. Business Forex reserves fall below $3b on import pressure After seven months the country's foreign exchange reserves yesterday fell below $3 billion mark in the face of import pressure. The foreign exchange reserves came down to $2.   Domestic air cargo thrives on shrimp fry transportation Even though limited to only two cities, the country's domestic air cargo industry flourishes on increased aerial transportation of shrimp fry from Cox's Bazar to Jessore.   BCI project on cards to woo more Danish investment Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) in association with Confederation of Denmark Industries and Danish Inter-national Development Agency (Danida) is going to start a project to attract more Danishinvestment   Jute spinners decry frequent policy shift Jute spinners yesterday blasted inconsistent government policies saying frequent policy change has affected the 100 percent export-oriented spinning industry adversely.   India's Reliance signs pact for oil exploration in Oman Reliance Industries, India's largest private sector company, Saturday said it has signed a deepwater oil exploration and production agreement with the government of Oman.   Singapore, UAE aim to start free-trade talks this year The United Arab Emirates is aiming to start talks on a free-trade agreement with Singapore before the end of the year after the countries signed an economic pact, a report said Saturday.   Oil prices back over $54 as IEA hikes demand view Oil prices bounced back above $54 on Friday as traders pushed prices up ahead of the weekend after the International Energy Agency said robust growth in the United States and China will pump up consumption   Saifur assures poultry industry of assistance Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday assured the flood-damaged poultry farms of government assistance.   Gates richest man in world for 11th consecutive year It has been a good year for billionaires, with the super-wealthy increasing their collective net worth by 300 billion dollars, Forbes Magazine reported Thursday in its annual ranking of the world's richest   Junior Chamber vice-president arrives today Ted Tu, vice-president of Junior Chamber International, arrives today in Dhaka on a five-day visit.   Central America, EU set to start free-trade talks Central America and the European Union will begin free-trade talks this month despite a dispute over tariffs on Latin American banana exports to Europe, a Costa Rican trade official said on Friday.   US trade deficit surges to second-highest level ever Americans' insatiable demand for imported goods drove the US trade deficit up to 58.3 billion dollars in January, the second-highest level on record, the government reported Friday.   US textilers raise alarm over Chinese import surge US textile and apparel makers called Friday for action by Washington to stem Chinese imports, saying American industries are being devastated by the lifting of quotas earlier this year.   New email address Dear readers, We are using a new email address for business page. So, send your messages from now on to the business desk at: "business@thedailystar.net" instead of "dsbusins@gononet.com". Sports Cricket: Dramatic draw at Mohali Pakistan found an unlikely sa-viour in Kamran Akmal to snatch a creditable draw from the jaws of defeat in the opening Test against India here on Saturday.   Cricket: Draw delights the saviour Pakistan's unlikely hero Kamran Akmal said Saturday he had realised his dream of scoring a match-saving century in the opening Test against India here.   Cricket: Inzy hopes to win the series Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq said his team's rearguard action to save the first Test against India on Saturday could spur them on to win the three-match series.   Cricket: Ton-up Ashraful Mohammad Ashraful hit back to form with an unbeaten century as Dhaka got off to a flying start against hosts Chittagong in the fifth round of the Ispahani Sixth National Cricket League yesterday.   Athletics: Abdullah, Beauty shine Abu Abdullah of Bangladesh Army and Nazmun Nahar Beauty of Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) became the fastest man and woman when the PHP 30th National Athletics Championships ended at the MAAziz   Cricket: Simon, Adam bat Aus back The first cricket Test between New Zealand and Australia was delicately poised at the end of the third day here Saturday after a 212-run partnership by centurions Simon Katich and Adam Gilchrist hauled   Football: It's now Fabiano's mom The mother of FC Porto striker Luis Fabiano has been kidnapped, according to Brazilian television channel Globo here Friday.   Cricket: Zim keep SA in check South Africa were unable to achieve their expected dominance against a spirited Zimbabwe team on the second day of the second Test at Centurion Park Saturday.   Football: Frisk quits refereeing Swedish referee Anders Frisk announced his retirement on Saturday following death threats from Chelsea supporters after their Champions League match against Barcelona at the Nou Camp last month.   Football: Real stars remember Madrid bombings "We will not forget," Real Madrid's players said Friday in a statement on their website as Spain marked the first anniversary of the March 11, 2004 train bombings that killed 191 people.   Football: German booter arrested The match-fixing scandal that has engulfed German professional football of late has led to the detention of the first player involved on Friday.   Cricket: Zimbabwe A win one-day series? Bangladesh A lost the one-day series against Zimbabwe A when the visitors suffered a five-wicket defeat in the fifth and final match at Bulawayo yesterday, said an unconfirmed source.   Chess: Nat'l women chess on International Women Master Rani Hamid made a good start in the final round of the 26th National Women Chess Championship when she won her first round board against Saima Almas at the federation hall room   Cricket: Shoaib unlikely for ODIs also Shoaib Akhtar could miss Pakistan's entire tour of India as he continues to struggle with hamstring trouble.   Football: Bangladesh open against Guam Bangladesh have been placed in Group B along with Japan, Hong Kong and Guam in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Women Football Cham-pionship to be held in South Korean city of Namhae over   Volleyball: Pepsi v'ball Chittagong and Comilla moved into the final of the Pepsi inter-district volleyball championship beating their respective rivals in the semifinals at the Mirpur Indoor Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Brazil squad for WC qualifiers Brazil coach Carlos Parreira released on Friday the roster for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.   Cricket: Grenadian PM calls for calm Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell has called for the reinstatement of Brian Lara and six other top West Indians barred from Test cricket.   Football: Big victory for Little Flower Willes Little Flower earned a facile nine-wicket victory over Matuail High in the Mohammedan inter-school cricket tournament at the East End Club ground yesterday.   Football: Romario to play in England! Brazilian football legend Romario has signed a contract with English non-league side Garforth Town to play next season.   Football: No AFC decision on Australia yet The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) says it is too early to make a decision on Australia's request to join the AFC.   Hockey: BSC promoted to premiership Bangladesh Sporting Club (BSC) confirmed their Premier League berth with one match in hand when they blanked Farashganj Sporting Club 2-0 in the Green Delta First Division Hockey League at the Maulana   Football: Anglo-American friendly in May England will play two international friendlies in the United States in May. Metropolitan 'Regulatory body a must for English medium schools' There must be a regulatory body to bring transparency and accountability in English medium schools by ensuring uniformity of curriculum, said Education Minister Dr M Osman Farruk at a workshop yesterday.   Ten receive Anannya Award Anannya Top Ten Award 2004 was awarded at a colourful function in the city yesterday. Ten women from across the country were given the award for their outstanding contributions in different fields.   Nirmul body seminar today Ekatorrer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee will hold a seminar on 'religious extremists, threatened human rights and the constitution of Bangladesh' at the WVA auditorium in Dhanmondi at 4.00pm today.   Akhtar Jahan passes away Akhtar Jahan Begum, wife of late Professor Nafis Ahmad, founding chairman of the Department of Geography, Dhaka University, passed away due to old-age complications at a South Carolina hospital in the National Farmers say good bye to tobacco Several thousand farmers at a 'field day' in a remote shoal area in Sunderganj upazila have vowed to replace tobacco with vegetables and wheat on their fields, thanks to the motivation by the government's   A Reserve Forest free for thieves! It looks like a house abandoned long ago. But actually it is the Charaljani Forest Research Centre at Charaljani in Modhupur forest. Thirteen employees at the centre get salary without any work.   Dacoity at Nilphamari ASA office NGO officials and employees in the district have been panicked following an armed robbery at ASA office and a failed bids at BRAC office and Civil Surgeon's (CS) office here in the last two days.   Satkhira villagers raise voice against early marriage, dowry It was a unique day for the people of Machhkhola, a remote village in the Sadar upazila, as people from all walks of life at a motivational meeting yesterday raised their voices against early marriage   Reception for dowry-free marriage in Gaibandha A reception was accorded to 50 newly married couples here on Tuesday whose marriage ceremonies were solemnised without dowry.   SSC exam under candlelight Unbelievable though, SSC examinees at many centres in Madaripur district town had to appear at examinations under candlelight. They had to face the rare experience due to power outage and a cloudyday.   Rescue JS from 'dishonest' people Workers' Party (WP) President Rashed Khan Menon on Friday told his party men to prepare for the next general election. He told this while addressing the congress reunion at Jessore Zila School auditorium.   Technology exhibition ends A two-day exhibition on application and extension of appropriate technology concluded here on Wednesday. The exhibition was organised by the Ministry of Science and Information Technology. Point-Counterpoint Dilemmas of democracy in Bangladesh Plato called democracy a "charming form of government full of variety, disorder and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike. Culture Ampfest rocks Dhaka Music, art and fashion not only delight our sight and senses, they stimulate our aesthetic side as well. Art has moved human beings intellectually and emotionally throughout the ages.   Biswaroner Nodi The Commonwealth film festival will run from April 28 to May 09 in Manchester, England, in which 71 countries will participate.   Jahangirnagar Theatre's drama festival The nine-day long drama festival, titled Silver Jubilee Natya Parban-2005, organised by Jahangirnagar Theatre (JT, TSC) began recently on the campus and will continue up to March 17.   Last Star Wars 'not for children' The sixth and final Star Wars movie may not be suitable for young children, film-maker George Lucas has said.   Madhuri Dixit becomes mom again Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit-Nene has given birth to a baby boy, at a hospital in Denver, Colorado, sources said. Her first son, Arin is now two years old. International UN gets timetable for full Syrian pullout President Bashar Assad reiterated his commitment to withdrawing all Syrian troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon, a UN envoy said yesterday, indicating that he had received a timetable for the pullout.   Rape defendant kills judge, two others in Atlanta courtroom A man being escorted into court for his rape trial Friday stole a deputy's gun, killed the judge and two other people and carjacked a reporter's vehicle to escape, setting off a massive manhunt and creating   Iran defiant in face of united US, EU stance Iran defiantly insisted yesterday it would never give up its nuclear fuel program despite a new united policy of incentives and threats from Washington and the European Union.   BJP-led coalition forms govt in Jharkhand Hindu nationalists took office in the Indian state of Jharkhand yesterday, ending a bitter power struggle after provincial elections last month left a hung parliament.   Manmohan to flag off 1st trans-Kashmir bus India's prime minister will personally flag off the first bus to travel between the Indian and Pakistan zones of divided Kashmir in almost six decades when the service resumes next month, an officialsaid   Rape, abuse rampant by Afghan warlords A human rights group yesterday urged Afghanistan to tackle the rampant abuse of power by warlords and militias who are allegedly involved in the widespread rape of women and children.   Maoist raid on Indian police post: 7 killed At least seven people were killed in an overnight raid by suspected Maoists on a police station in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, a senior official said yesterday.   Gandhi's salt march reenacted Thousands of people began the long march across a vast expanse of arid western India Saturday to honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, India's independence hero and apostle of non-violence. Editorial Editorial: Anti-hartal pact Whether the UNDP methodology for calculating the economic impact of hartals and the attendant cost to GDP is correct and accurate is a peripheral issue.   Editorial: Deaths in sea The tragic deaths of 11 Bangladeshis, while they were trying to cross the Mediterranean in their bid to reach Spain, are an eye-opener to the desperate state some of our young people are in to be trying   The challenge of religion-based politics Global discomfort is evident these days over overt preeminence of religion in politics in some countries.   Nepal: Change for the better Nepal has now felt a sigh of relief. After living for eight years through the constant fear for life from terrorism and political instability, people now feel safe and secure. Letters to Editor New pay scale Considering inflation and other economic issues, the government constituted a National Pay Commission for its employees. The commission submitted its report in January 2005.   March and BTV If you are a Bengalee (though now Bangladeshi) and if you have lived through the tempestuous March of 1971, you can barely fail to reminisce about those days of whirls of movements that the Bengalees   A nation in despair A man always wants to see a ray of light in the way of his progress. But when a lot of bad things accompany his life, he might just get derailed.   An old institution Jagannath University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country related either as university or college. We cannot mean it specifically, as it is known as both.   Power cuts The government decision to ban power consumption in markets in the evening might be based on some pressing needs. But the damage that it will cause to trade and business will be enormous. Star Health Screening for syphilis in pregnancy is more needed In Bangladesh, the prevalence of syphilis in groups vulnerable to HIV infection is high, but insufficient information exists on the prevalence of syphilis infections in pregnant women in the general population.   Crunch! Carrots may cut cancer risk There is more good news from the garden. A compound in carrots may be a potent cancer fighter, reducing malignancies in rats by a third, a European study claims.   Genetic Counselling Is The Only Way Thalassaemia is an inherited disorder of the haemoglobin, (the substance in the blood that carries oxygen to the tissues) that causes early destruction of red blood corpuscles that lead so many complications.   The power of green leafy vegetables Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that actually comes in eight different forms. Alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E in people, is a powerful antioxidant.   Human stem cells show potential for eye repair Researchers said they had engineered human stem cells that they believe could be used to repair eyes.   Religious affiliation may lower suicide risk Depressed men and women who consider themselves affiliated with a religion are less likely to attempt suicide than their non-religious counterparts, according to new study findings. Star City Power-ban gets negative response Traders in most shopping malls and supermarkets of the city have given thumbs down to the government's decision of banning power use in the evening.   Furry, cheeky, glum and happy make them all man's best friends “Who let the dogs out?" One would wonder at the sight of a number of dogs together in a small park in Bashundhara Friday morning.   Event ends with satisfaction and success The three-day UK Education Fair 2005, the seventh in its series, organised by the British Council ended yesterday.   No respite in sight Residents of Azimpur and Lalbagh have been suffering from a terrible water crisis over the last few months. Even the limited supply of water in those areas has often found to be dirty and smelly.   Canadian immigration process relaxed With the Canadian authorities relaxing their immigration process by reducing the minimum points requirement for applying by eight points from the previous 75, the number of interested applicants in Bangladesh   © thedailystar.net, 2005. All Rights Reserved.