Vol. 5 Num 289 Sun. March 20, 2005       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint 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 Dumped into desert Less than a month into the Mediterranean tragedy, yet another horrible story came to light yesterday as 24 Bangladeshi fortune-seekers returned home a year after travel agents had sent them to western   Rookie consortium set to get contract Under the influence of a political lobby, the Power Development Board (PDB) tomorrow seeks approval of the Cabinet Purchase Committee to award a contract to set up the 450 megawatt second phase Meghnaghat   Jatrabari flyover gets govt nod The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday approved in principle the seven-kilometre Jatrabari flyover project to be implemented by a joint venture of Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates and India   New foreign secretary not aware of move New Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin expressed his ignorance of the reported government move to request two European countries to withdraw their envoys from Dhaka for their interference in internal political   PM flies to Singapore today Prime Minister Khaleda Zia goes to Singapore today, the first by a Bangladeshi leader in decades, aimed at exploring new avenues of economic and commercial cooperation with the southeastern business bastion.   Rice finds Bangladesh becoming 'quite troubling' US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said Bangladesh is becoming "quite troubling" and there is more that the USA and India could do.   Dravid puts India in driver's seat India vice-captain Rahul Dravid struck hundreds in each innings for the second time in his career to help his team push for victory against Pakistan in the second Test on Saturday.   Fresh row at ACC over transfer order A new conflict surfaced between the chairman and a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over the recent 'controversial' transfer order of eight officials of now-defunct Bureau of Anti-Corruption   Father, son die in freak accident Two members of a family were killed and two others injured when a tree fell on the CNG-run three-wheeler they were in at Tejgaon yesterday evening.   Pakistan to upgrade nuke capability President Pervez Musharraf vowed yesterday to further upgrade Pakistan's nuclear capability but with a "strict adherence" to non-proliferation as he watched the test-firing of a long-range missile which   Boats of Bengal......   Petrol import may stop to check octane adulteration The government is likely to stop the import of petrol in a bid to check the adulteration of octane. Octane sells at Tk 35 per litre while the price of petrol is Tk 33 per litre.   Galib denied bail again A weary looking Asadullah Al Galib, chief of Ahle Halith Andolan, was denied bail yesterday by the Gaibandha magistrate court in two consecutive bomb blast cases.   CJ refused Thai visa Chief Justice Syed JR Mudassir Husain on Thursday was refused Thai visa for strict visa rules.   Encyclopaedia on Liberation War launched Muktijuddho Kosh, a five-volume encyclopaedia on the Liberation War, was launched yesterday at a simple ceremony in the capital.   38 Thais of Rupsha Bridge project found HIV-positive A health survey found 38 Thai workers engaged in Rupsha Bridge Project (RBP) HIV-positive.   70 Chinese miners die in coal mine explosion Seventeen miners were confirmed dead and more than 50 were trapped underground after a powerful gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China yesterday, state media reported.   Decision taken to set up textile zone outside Dhaka The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday in principle decided to set up a textile zone outside Dhaka which will be equipped with waste treatment plants.   'Dead woman' arrested after convict spends7 years in jail Police Friday night arrested Josna for whose alleged 'murder', one youth of Magura has already spent seven years in jail.   BNP to protest hartal Mar 30 BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan yesterday said his party will hold simultaneous rallies in six divisional headquarters on March 30 to protest hartal, anarchism and destructive designs of the   Opposition human chains today The mainstream opposition parties today form human chains in upazilas across the country to register their 'no confidence in the BNP-led coalition government'.   Woman found dead in hotel Police recovered the body of a woman in a hotel at Motijheel in the city last night. The dead was Sufia Begum, 22, wife of Azam Uddin of Baharchhara in Cox's Bazar.   Annan 'to propose UN reform plan' Secretary-General Kofi Annan will propose on Monday sweeping changes to the United Nations, including expansion of the Security Council and changes to a human rights panel, the Los Angeles Times has reported.   Afghan floods kill 88 Severe floods across much of Afghanistan have killed at least 88 people and left thousands homeless as houses were swept away by the raging waters, officials said yesterday.   High price holds back Indian project After United States' objection to Iran-India gas pipeline project apparently due to Tehran's nuclear programme, the ambitious export project faces further stalemate over price.   EU asks WB candidate Wolfowitz to present his plans European Union development commissioner Louis Michel has invited US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz to present his future plans if confirmed as next president of the World Bank.   Injury marks found on elephant carcass The elephant found dead at Rajapara jungle in the district's frontier Langadu upazila on Thursday was possibly killed by poachers.   Four killed by thunder Four people were killed and at least four others seriously injured in thunderstorms in Thakurgaon and Nilphamari in the last two days. Business EC starts process to relax rules of origin criteria The European Commission has started a process to relax the rules of origin criteria as these are found cumbersome and difficult for countries to comply with to benefit from the new EU GSP beginning from   10-day SME fair in Dhaka from April 4 In a bid to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the country's apex trade body is going to organise a 10-day SME fair in Dhaka from April 4.   EU regrets US 'unilateral' action in Airbus-Boeing row The European Union on Saturday accused the United States of unilaterally breaking off transatlantic talks on subsidies to aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing.   Japan sets no time to end US beef ban Japan declined to give the United States a timetable for ending its costly ban on imports of US beef, saying Saturday that while it understood US concerns, more time was needed.   India's forex reserves up India's foreign exchange reserves rose to a record high of $140.429 billion on March 11 from $137.56 billion a week earlier, the Reserve Bank of India said in its weekly statistical supplement Saturday.   Pakistan's trade deficit widens Pakistan's trade deficit jumped to a provisional $593.34 million in February from $233.17 million a year earlier and from $465.46 million in January, the Federal Bureau of Statistics said Saturday.   G-21 urges US, EU to abolish export subsidies in 5 years The Group of 21 developing countries yesterday asked the United States and European countries to eliminate their export subsidies in five years and reduce domestic support to agriculture.   Delta Life Ins posts 17pc premium income growth Delta Life Insurance Company Ltd earned a total premium income of over Tk 210 crore in 2004, recording a growth of above 17 percent.   Hewlett-Packard holds road show with CityCell Worldwide computer hardware company Hewlett-Packard (HP) has arranged a corporate road show with CityCell mobile phone company in Dhaka recently to promote HP products to CityCell employees.   Book on doing business launched Publication ceremony of a book titled 'Doing Business in Bangladesh' was held in Dhaka recently.   Top donors Japan, US to coordinate foreign aid Japan and the United States, the world's two largest donors in dollar terms, pledged Saturday to coordinate their foreign aid to help focus the impact of assistance to the developing world.   Ex-WorldCom directors agree to pay millions in settlement Eleven former WorldCom directors have agreed to pay 20 million dollars (15 million euros) out of their own pockets to settle a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of investors against the failed telecom giant,   New executive director of AP Md Rafiqul Islam recently joined Ayurvedia Pharmacy Ltd (AP) as executive director. Islam started his career in the then Squibb (Pakistan) Ltd where he served 20 years in different capacities.   Wal-Mart settles labour suit for $11m Wal-Mart Stores Inc on Friday said it would pay a record $11 million to settle a civil probe by U.S. authorities into allegations it knowingly hired floor-cleaning contractors who employed illegal aliens. Sports Cricket: Dhaka stumble at home Rajshahi leapfrogged over Dhaka to the top of the one-day table of the Ispahani Sixth National Cricket League when the visitors handed the home side a 35-run defeat at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Classy Dravid sets up Eden for grand finale Pakistan made a bold attempt to chase a stiff 422-run target for vic-tory in the second Test against an India inspired by Rahul Dravid at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.   Football: Ronny double baffles BU Farashganj Sporting Club caused the first upset in the Independence Day Gold Cup when the old-town outfit came from two goals down to hold giants Brothers Union 2-2 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium   Cricket: Bucknor press-ed Umpire Steve Bucknor was severely critici-sed on Saturday by the Indian media for ruling Sachin Tendulkar out in a controversial manner in the second Test against Pakistan here.   Cricket: WICB invites Lara to play Brian Lara has been called up by West Indies for the first Test against South Africa starting next Thursday after initially being left out of the squad along with six other senior cricketers after a sponsorship   Volleyball: Navy defeat Afghanistan Bangladesh Navy registered a 3-1 victory over Afghanistan in an exhibition volleyball match at the Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Navy beat Afghanistan 25-12, 18-25, 25-16, 25-18.   Football: Twenty years on, Heysel memories still pain The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals, pitting Juventus against Liverpool for the first time since the Heysel disaster, has recalled bitter memories for those associated with the Turin club.   Cricket: Murderous Martyn Damien Martyn scored his 12th Test century as he went on a batting rampage with Adam Gilchrist to put Australia at a strong 337 for five at stumps on the second day of the second Test against New Zealand   Football: Rio eyes Eng captaincy Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand revealed his dream to succeed David Beckham as England captain.   Football: It's Gerrard's biggest Merseyside derby Steven Gerrard has billed Sunday's showdown with Everton at Anfield as the biggest Merseyside derby of his career to date and warned his teammates that millions of pounds, not just pride, will be riding   Cricket: Steve Rahul's inspiration Indian batsman Rahul Dravid, who Saturday completed the feat of scoring a century in both innings of a Test match, said he was inspired by the example of former Australian captain Steve Waugh.   Football: Euro glory tempts Shearer U-turn Newcastle United's continuing run in the UEFA Cup could help persuade striker Alan Shearer to extend his career, club officials hope.   Football: Romario scores again! Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning footballer Romario has become a father for the sixth time though he could have further children after freezing sperm before a vasectomy.   Football: Maldini staying at AC Milan till 2007 AC Milan's 36-year-old captain Paolo Maldini has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2007.   Tennis: Clijsters faces Davenport in final Lindsay Davenport routed the reigning Wimbledon champion while Kim Clijsters took no prisoners as the two former champions advanced to the final of the Indian Wells WTA/ATP Masters Series event. Metropolitan Tifa is contrary to national interest Bangladesh will lose its right to speak for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) if it signs the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) with the United States, economists at a discussion said   Businessmen against foreign interference The business community also does not want any interference by foreigners in the internal affairs of the country, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Awal Mintoosaid   Take stand against HR violation in Nepal The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has urged the international community to take strong stand against human rights violation in Nepal following the grab of all powers by King Gyanendra by overthrowing   'Help implement anti-tobacco law' National Professor Dr Nurul Islam yesterday called upon all, including home ministry, law enforcement agencies, students, teachers, guardians, journalists, cultural activists, to come forward to helpimplement   600 posts of seed experts to be created The government will create some 600 new posts of seed experts in the Seed Certification Agency aiming at effectively certifying all seeds, including the private sector supplied seeds.   72 more highway police posts to be set up Seventy two more highway police posts will be set up across the country to contain robberies and ensure better road safety and security.   Govt has turned Bangladesh into a fundamentalist state Leaders of the main opposition Awami League yesterday criticised the BNP-led alliance government, saying that it has turned secular Bangladesh into a fundamentalist country.   Caretaker shot in city Miscreants yesterday shot and injured a caretaker of an under-construction building in the city.   378 more expelled A total of 378 students were expelled yesterday for cheating in the Mathematics examination of the SSC and its equivalent examinations across the country.   BCL vows to resist Shibir workers Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of the main opposition Awami League, yesterday demanded immediate withdrawal of 'false' case filed against its seven leaders and activists, including Dhaka   'Obaidullah was a true patron of litterateurs' Speakers at a memorial meeting yesterday said poet Abu Zafar Obaidullah was not only a poet but also a true patron of writers in the country.   Khulna customs commissioner closed to NBR office Khulna Customs Commissioner Shahabuddin Nagari has been closed to the office of National Board of Revenue (NBR) for issuing an official order on March 8 suspending import and export activities at theMongla   'Upgrade textile technology college' Students of the College of Textile Technology yesterday demanded that the college be upgraded to a fully fledged university.   Shafiq personal assistant to Bhuiyan BNP Secretary General and Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan has appointed former member of parliament Mohammad Shafiqul Islam as his personal assistant.   Ershad leaves for London Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad left for London on a weeklong tour yesterday. Party sources said Ershad went on private tour. Wife Bidisha Ershad and son Erik Earshad accompanied the formerPresident.   UITS ceremony today The University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) will hold a Matriculation & Recognition Ceremony 2005 at the Spectra Convention Centre at House # 19, Road # 7, Gulshan # 1, at 4.   1,769 more held Police arrested 1,769 people on various charges from different parts of the country in the last 24 hours, as of 6.00am yesterday.   BSTQM executives Rehab President Dr Engr Taufiq M Seraj took over the office of the president of Bangladesh Society for Total Quality Management (BSTQM), says a press release. National Cotton growers face setback KUSHTIA: Cotton cultivators in six southwestern districts are in peril as the price of their cash crop has fallen drastically this year.   Rab putting criminals' profiles on computer Rapid Action battalion (Rab) has taken a new move to record profiles of "most wanted criminals". The profiles will be brought under computer network through special programming.   Unite to press for reform in caretaker system Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Hoque Inu yesterday called upon pro-liberation political parties to intensify the agitation to compel the government to reform caretaker governmentlaws   Prof Yunus murder probe stalled after ‘Shibir link' found The Rajshahi Professionals' Coordinating Council will stage demonstrations in the in the city and submit memorandum to officials today demanding speedy trial of the murder of Professor Muhammad Yunusof   One drowns as trawler capsizes in Meghna One person drowned and 11 others were injured, three of them seriously, as a fishing trawler capsizes in the Meghna in the early hours of yesterday.   86 Bangladeshis jailed in India return home Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday handed over 86 Bangladeshis to Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). They include 30 women, 36 minor boys and girls and eight children.   BDR on alert in Dinajpur after push-in bid foiled BDR is on alert along the north-western borders after foiling two push-in bids by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Chirirbandar border in Dinajpur Thursday night.   Flag meet held A Sector Commander label flag meeting between BDR and BSF was held at Atwari in Panchagarh on Thursday. Point-Counterpoint China-Taiwan problem The passage of time is not making the situation between China and Taiwan any simpler. The truth is that Taiwan is an internal matter for China and even Taiwan does not dare challenge this position.   English language in Bangladesh In the age of globalisation, the English language has also been globalised in terms of trade and commerce, education, culture, mobility of labour, the exchange of views, and so on. Culture Shabnam: Sheer magic of the silver screen It was just the other day while at lunch, my thought suddenly went back to a west end London coffee shop where I was having a bite with a friend. It was a 1984 summer afternoon.   Yet another family play from Kolkata The theatre scene is warming up. In the ongoing drama festival arranged by Dhaka Padatik, Protikrity, a troupe from Kolkata has come to stage two plays--Dampoti and Darpone Swaroswati.   A search for answers Where have I come from? Where am I going? What is my purpose? These questions have chased human beings at some point of their lives.   A 30-year long journey The fusion of earth and sky, the divine unity of natural elements and the heavenly relationship between human beings and earththese are the few facets of Ikebana, the Japanese ancient art of flower arrangement.   Kapur to direct Bruce Willis Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has signed on to direct the forthcoming Bruce Willis starring film Solace. General Muggers stab one to death Muggers stabbed one person to death at Patenga sea beach in the city on Friday night. He was identified as Kazi Shafiqul Islam alias Mithu, 30, a chemist of Bay-Fishing Corporation.   Teachers urged to increase efficiency Education Minister Dr M Osman Farruk yesterday called upon the teachers to rather take their tasks as a 'noble effort' than just a profession for the welfare of the nation.   Mala Khan gets chancellor's gold medal Mala Khan has received the chancellor's gold medal for obtaining the highest CGPA-3.9 out of 4 among the students of all departments of the University of Asia Pacific (UPA) in the spring 2000 session.   Union leaders attack top officials of jute mills in Ctg Union leaders and activists of a jute mills in Sitakunda attacked its officials yesterday morning over the termination of a worker aligned to the ruling party. International Killing goes on in Iraq as Bush defends war At least seven Iraqis died yesterday, including three policeman blown up as they buried a murdered colleague, as protestors gathered in London to demand an end to the occupation of Iraq two years after   N Korea must stop its nuke plan: Rice Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said an international coalition remains committed to negotiating an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, but warned yesterday that North Korea cannot stall   US keeps pre-emptive strike strategy intact The Pentagon said on Friday it will now include allies in top-secret US defence strategy sessions, but stressed that Washington could still launch unilateral, preemptive strikes to protect itself.   Lebanon president to skip Arab summit after bomb blast Lebanese President Emile Lahoud issued a plea for national dialogue yesterday and cancelled plans to attend an Arab summit hours after a bomb blast in a Beirut suburb sparked fears of a return to sectarian   Woman leads Muslim prayer service in New York A woman professor led an Islamic prayer service attended by both men and women Friday in New York, braving condemnation by Muslim religious leaders and even death threats.   Preparations for Israel's Gaza pullout gather pace Preparations quickened yesterday for Israel's pullout from the Gaza Strip as a Palestinian militant splinter group ended its informal truce, the first small chink in the fragile demilitarisation of the   Europe's support for US on Iraq falls US President George W. Bush's previously faithful and proud New European allies are gradually withdrawing their support for his cause in Iraq.   India to bar rebels from availing Kashmir bus The Indian army, battling Islamic insurgents in disputed Kashmir, said Friday it would keep rebels from using a historic bus between the two zones of the divided Himalayan territory.   Paris summit calls for 'complete pullout' of Syria from Lebanon Russia joined the leaders of France, Germany and Spain on Friday in an appeal for a rapid and "complete pullout" of all Syrian troops and intelligence forces from Lebanon, a joint declaration said.   UN reminds members to sign anti-torture protocol The UN called on all countries Friday to sign an anti-torture protocol that would allow surprise visits at detention centres after only six nations signed up to it in the two years since it was firstadopted. Editorial Editorial: Auditing Rajuk 10 years too late What's going on in Rajuk? Internal auditing has resumed after a lapse of 10 years, and the very surprising news is that over 200 highly important files have disappeared from it in the interregnum, indicating   Editorial: Applauding the business leaders The importance of recognising leaders of business for their innovative and creative ascent from virtual scratches can not be over-emphasised.   Religious extremism and freedom of choice If truth be told then western obsession with security and war on terror, horrific though the al-Qaedist acts are, have caused sharp divides in the world.   Does the solution rest in the words of desperation? Over the last few days the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister are delivering strong words of castigations for the opposition, the media, the foreign donors and the diplomats alike. Letters to Editor Whither secular politics? Today there are pockets of global confrontation at the political levels due to the infiltration of religion in politics (new political cosmetics vs. traditional) and time-tested religious beliefs andpractices.   A school in the garden I would like to introduce a school that is situated in the heart of Dhaka city near the reputed Holy Cross School. It has a huge area of land; it's around more than an acre.   Political Greenhouse effect As an undeveloped citizen of an underdeveloped country (although I am overage now, but am still interested in writing letters to the editors, feigned to be in public interest), I am not at all surprised Star Health Weight loss is the key to control diabetes Diabetes is growing as an epidemic throughout the world, and the epidemic are seldom controlled unless their causes are addressed. Obesity is strongly and causally linked to diabetes mellitus.   Expected role of Bangladesh Parliament Members in fighting against HIV & AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have now become the most dangerous silent killer in the world.   Scientists uncover how bee venom eases arthritis Bee stings have long been known to relieve some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but only now has the reason for this been clarified.   Timely Emergency Surgical Care Can Minimise Disability Each year one million people are losing their lives because of road traffic accidents and more than half a million women are dying from pregnancy related complications.   Community clinics play significant role in family planning A major change in rural health service delivery was introduced in Bangladesh under the government’s five year sector programme (1998-2003).   Thyroid disorders common with Hepatitis C People chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a significantly increased rate of thyroid abnormalities, according to a new report.   Air pollution tied to lower birth weight Pregnant women who live in areas with high levels of air pollution may give birth to slightly smaller babies, according to U.S. government researchers. Star City Pvt varsity students face severe accommodation problem As private universities in the city do not have dormitories, their students especially who come from outside Dhaka, are compelled to reside in expensive private hostels or rented houses in an environment   Child labour common in tanneries Tenyear-old Mohammed Faroque looked surprised when asked why he works in a tannery factory.   Filling souls with dance and song Pushan, an 8-year old was beaming as her eyes scanned the words of the song she had just taken down. "I really enjoy the singing lesson," she said after a while.   Cabbies reluctant about ID cards Most taxicab drivers in the city have given thumbs down to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)'s order to display identification cards on the dashboard of their vehicles.   Pantha Kunja remains closed for seven months Pantha Kunja, a park near Sonargaon Hotel in the city, remained closed for more than seven months for renovation and beautification work.   BTTB yet to initiate further caller ID project Despite the nagging demand from subscribers, Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) failed to bring all fixed phone users in the capital under the caller identification (ID) system.   © thedailystar.net, 2005. All Rights Reserved.