Vol. 5 Num 468 Sun. September 18, 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 Militants clash with cops on capture mission Police yesterday seized a huge cache of explosives and bomb-making materials and books on Islamic jihad from the divisional den of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Mirpara in Natore.   Dhaka ranks 5th worst in attaining MDG Bangladesh has been ranked as the fifth worst among 125 countries in attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) set in 2000 to eradicate poverty, according to a report of a global civil societygroup.   Nasir's son a Jamaat man, admits party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh yesterday said Maulana Nasir Uddin of Tanore in Rajshahi is neither a leader nor an activist of the party but his son Obaidullah is vice president of local union unit of Jamaat.   Niko built illegal pipeline as gas field was in blaze While Tengratila gas field was burning during March to June, Canadian company Niko was busy constructing an illegal pipeline using Titas gas company's pipes to supply Tengratila gas to Doarabazar in Sunamganj,   Breakthrough in Teesta talks likely Bangladesh and India expect breakthrough in sharing waters of the river Teesta as the water resources ministers of the two South Asian neighbours begin the 36th Indo-Bangla Joint Rivers Commission (JRC)   PM calls for unity against terrorism, poverty Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has called for arming the United Nations (UN) with a renewed mandate to free the world from poverty, injustice and terrorism to ensure development, peace and security.   Suhrawardi College JCD leader killed Unidentified assailants gunned down the president of Government Shaheed Suhrawardi College unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and wounded the general secretary on the institution premises in Laxmibazar   Dhaka's envoy summoned in Delhi India on Friday summoned Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner Masud bin Momen and conveyed to him its "serious concern" over the accosting of the wife of Indian deputy high commissioner in Dhaka.   Annan calls for full implementation of UN reforms UN Secretary General Kofi Annan opened a General Assembly session yesterday with a stirring call to member states to fully implement wide-ranging reforms endorsed by world leaders here this week.   Hasina pledges free edn for all up to graduation level Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina yesterday pledged to make education free up to graduation level at all government institutions if her party comes to power in the next general elections.   Khaleda meets Kumaratunga, Shinawatra in New York Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had separate bilateral meetings with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Mozambique President Armando Emilo Guebuza at the   People suffer as transport strike begins in north The first day of the indefinite transport strike in 16 northern districts, enforced by the North Bengal Committee of Bangladesh Transport Workers Association, passed off peacefully causing immense sufferings   Fight to the finish in German election Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his conservative challenger Angela Merkel launched into the final day of the German election campaign Saturday championing rival visions for the future of Europe's biggest   41 Bangladeshi ex-workers get compensation from KL firm Forty-one Bangladeshi workers, who once worked for Chung Wah plastic company in Malaysia, received Malaysian ringgit 4,000 to 12,000 equivalent to Tk 64,000 to Tk 1,92,000 in compensation yesterday for   Motijheel OC not yet arrested Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Motijheel Police Station Rafiqul Islam, the main accused in the college student Kamrul Islam Momin murder case, has not been arrested even after three days of his closure following   Ayub Khan Rahman's inspiration State Minister for Youth and Sports Fazlur Rahman became a source of national disgrace when he uttered 'Pakistan Payendabad' at a dinner at the Bangladesh House, the residence of Bangladesh High Commissioner   Pickpocket now in danger Panic gripped the family members of Rawshan Ali, a pickpocket who played a vital role in the arrest of the first August 17 serial bomb blasts suspect, as the Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) cadres   Huge swath of land subsides About an acre of land at a village in Dimla upazila subsided about 10 feet into the ground yesterday due to illegal extraction of rocks using heavy dredging machines.   CPB enforces dawn-to-dusk hartal today The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) enforces a countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal today to protest the price hike of fuel and essentials.   Depression over Bay The well-marked low over the north Bay and adjoining areas intensified into a depression after slightly moving northwest wards, Met office said yesterday in a special bulletin. Business Brief respite for businesses as banks open on Saturday Bangladesh Bank's step to keep the branches of scheduled banks dealing in foreign currencies open for a limited period on Saturday gave businesspeople a brief respite.   One-third of FBCCI standing bodies ineffective Around one-third of the standing committees of the country's apex trade body, FBCCI, remained ineffective since their formation.   Govt urged not to lift ban on Indian poultry import Speakers at a press conference in Dhaka yesterday urged the government not to withdraw the existing ban on poultry import from India, where the existence of bird flu has been reported.   IDB ignores Dhaka's request to raise aid to $1.2b Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has ignored a request by Bangladesh to raise its loan assistance to $ 1.   India says inflation under control, growth on track India says inflation remains under control and the economy is on track for strong growth despite the second hike in domestic fuel prices in a year.   Countries repaying more than borrowing from IMF: Report Emerging market countries are repaying more than they are borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after years of large bailouts, according to the lender's 2005 annual report Friday.   3-day SME banking show concludes A three-day 'SME Banking Road Show-2005' ended in Dhaka yesterday.   New Orleans businesses begin cleanup Some business owners were being allowed back into the city Saturday to get a head start on opening the rollicking bars, stores and restaurants that keep the good times rolling in New Orleans.   Pakistan looks for ways to hedge Islamic bond Pakistan is working on a plan to hedge its $600 million Sukuk bond, which was issued in January with a spread of 220 basis points over six-month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), a senior official   Bush hopes for Russia WTO deal by yearend US President George W Bush told visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday that he hoped for a deal on Moscow's bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of the year.   Palm oil can help ease edible oil prices As local production of edible oil is almost static in Bangladesh, palm oil can play a significant role to fulfill the country's demand for edible oil, speakers told a press meeting in Dhaka yesterday.   US trade chief hopeful on farm trade talks The United States and the European Union still have major differences on agriculture, but talks this week raised hope the two sides can work together to help reach a new world trade deal, US Trade Representative   Opec set to pump more oil after Vienna meet Opec ministers look set to raise oil supplies when they meet in Vienna next week with prices near record highs and consumer nations calling for more crude.   Thailand, China aim to triple trade by 2010 Thailand and China will hold talks in Chiang Mai next week aimed at cranking up bilateral trade 200 per cent by 2010.   WB approves $100m loan for Vietnam The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved US$100 million in no-interest loans for Vietnam to support the country's efforts to reduce poverty.   China's forex reserves exceed $740b Chinese foreign exchange reserves exceeded $740 billion at the end of July, a senior central bank researcher said on Friday, suggesting speculation on the yuan may have persisted even after China's revaluation Sports Cricket: Taking tips from Mr Cool Sri Lanka always has a special place in his heart. It was here he had announced his arrival to the cricket world with century on debut as a youngest batsman.   Queen's Baton comes here Bangladesh becomes the 52nd of the 71-member Commonwealth nations that the Queen's Baton Relay will pass through after a ceremonial hand-over at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad this morning.   Cricket: Tigers back to practice While the Bangladesh cricket team resumed training on Saturday for the second and final Test, their Sri Lankan hosts were more concerned about an off-the-field event that has rocked the country's cricket.   Cricket: Younis wary of Eng duo Pakistan must concentrate on controlling England's Ashes heroes Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen in the forthcoming cricket series, vice-captain Younis Khan said on Saturday.   Football: Army reach zonal semis Bangladesh Army came from one goal down to score comfortable 3-1 victory against Diganta Prashari of Rajshahi to move into the zonal semifinals of the Nitol-Tata National Football League at the Natore   Football: Dolaipar lose opener Defending champions Dolaipar High made a faulty start in the final round of the Pran-Cola School Football Tournament when they lost 3-2 to Rayer Bazar High in the opening match at the Bangabandhu National   Football: Six foreign teams confirm participation Teams from six countries have so far confirmed their participation in the Prime Minister's Gold Cup football tournament to be held from January 21-February 5 next year at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.   Cricket: Rubbing salt into wounds England's 'Barmy Army' of supporters staged an open-top bus parade through Australia's largest city Saturday to celebrate victory in cricket's Ashes in the heart of enemy territory.   Football: World player awards on Monday The inaugural FIFPRO World XI Player awards, which are decided by the players themselves, will be announced on Monday, with Barcelona striker Ronaldinho among the favourites for the individual prize.   Football: Anfield braces for Rooney fury Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Wayne Rooney can put the furore over his Champions League red card behind him with another match-winning display against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.   Cricket: Vaughan warns mates Victorious England skipper Michael Vaughan has told his Ashes winning side not to rest on their laurels if they want to keep their places in the side.   Cricket: Silence is golden for India captain Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly refused to be dragged into the controversy over the power struggle at the heart of the Indian team.   Football: England eye 2018 WC England are poised to bid for the 2018 World Cup, the Football Association said on Friday.   Hockey: National hockey starts Tuesday The ABS National hockey competition will start on Tuesday at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium. BKSP will take on Chittagong and Bangladesh Air Force meet with Comilla in the opening day's fixture.   Cricket: C'wealth Games supremo wants cricket in Delhi Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell said on Friday he wanted cricket back in the 2010 New Delhi Games.   Cricket: Star take on Janakantha today The Daily Star meet Janakantha in the semifinals of the Pepsi-DRU inter-house six-a-side cricket tournament at the Maulana Bhasani National Stadium today.   Cricket: WI host India, Zim next year The West Indies have announced that they will host Zimbabwe and India during their 2006 home series.   Cricket: Kallis Eleven fall short A fine 102 by Salman Butt wasn't enough to win the game for Jacques Kallis Invitational XI, as they went down by three runs against a South Africa XI at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday.   Cricket: Tendulkar coming back next week The wait is finally over. Sachin Tendulkar will return to competitive cricket next week after being sidelined for months following an elbow surgery in May.   Football: UEFA punish Van Persie Arsenal forward Robin van Persie will miss their next Champions League game against Ajax Amsterdam after receiving a one-match ban from UEFA.   Prince William to become FA chief Prince William will become the new president of the Football Association, the FA announced on Friday.   Aga Khan School celebrates 100-yr Aga Khan School celebrated their centenary year of the establishment with different sports events where RAJUK Model College became champions in the under-18 boy's basketball on Friday. Metropolitan Teachers' link to politics blamed for political appointment at DU Teachers of Dhaka University (DU) have blamed direct involvement of teachers in national politics as one of the major reasons for political appointment.   Python came from shop of Kantabon market Teachers, students and staff of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall of Dhaka University (DU) suspect that the Python caught on Friday night came from a shop of the university market at Kantabon.   Vow to protect interest of 'neglected war heroes' A group of freedom fighters yesterday floated a new organisation, Bangladesh Muktijoddha Parishad, with a vow to protect the interest of the 'neglected war heroes'.   Achieve traits of honesty, patriotism The passing out parade of the 33rd batch of recruits of the Bangladesh Air Force was held at the Recruits' Training School at BAF Base Zahurul Haque in Chittagong yesterday, says an ISPR release.   Life term for unscrupulous traders demanded Environmentalists yesterday demanded a harsher maximum punishment for those responsible for food adulteration and compensation for the victims.   Heat-insulator to hit market soon Japan-Bangladesh (JB) Group, a joint venture company in the country, is going to market a new Japanese product heat-insulator, an alternative of air-cooler, in Bangladesh, India and Nepal by October this   Country has Tk 100cr market for medicinal plants Bangladesh has a huge potential for producing medicinal, aromatic and dye plants which can help alleviate rural poverty, save bio-diversity and earn foreign exchange.   Looted gold ornaments recovered in Ctg: 4 held The police arrested four robbers on Friday night and yesterday and recovered the gold ornaments and money totalling Tk seven lakh they looted from a house at Sholoshahar in the port city on Thursday morning.   Concern over harassment of Indian diplomat's wife Some 100 teachers of universities, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Jahangirnagar in a joint statement yesterday expressed concern over the harassment of Rupa Chakraborti, wife of Indian diplomat   11 criminals held in Ctg Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Police arrested 11criminals in separate drives in the port city in the last two days.   JP parliamentary board formed to choose candidates Jatiya Party yesterday announced a seven-member parliamentary board, headed by its chairman HM Ershad, to select candidates for the next general elections scheduled for early 2007.   Tk 1.55 lakh fake notes seized, four arrested The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) seized fake currency notes worth about Tk 1.55 lakh and two firearms and arrested eight people in separate incidents in the city and Siddhirganj in the last two days.   Three bodies identified Locals have identified the bodies of three of the four people killed at Baluhar village under Kotchadpur upazila in Jhenidah on early Thursday.   500 houses damaged as storm hits Laxmipur A severe storm lashed five unions of char areas in Raipur upazila Friday night, leaving a man dead and injuring at least 12.   NU exams deferred All examinations under the National University scheduled for today and Wednesday have been deferred due to "unavoidable circumstances".   'Stop abuse of children in schools' Hundreds of children came out on the street yesterday demanding an end to abuse of children in schools.   Swiss envoy visits Liberation War Museum Dora Rapold, Switzerland's ambassador to Bangladesh, yesterday visited the Liberation War Museum in the city, says a press release.   JSD demands security of Momen's family Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) in a statement yesterday demanded security for the family members of student leader Kamrul Islam Momen who was killed by criminals at Ibrahimpur in the city, says a press   DU exams postponed Dhaka University authorities yesterday postponed all course system examinations, scheduled for today and September 21 for unavoidable reasons. National Some other Islamist groups involved, say JMB arrestees Some other Islamist organisations were involved with the Jumaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in the August 17 serial bomb blasts across the country.   Traffic jam eases at Paturia Traffic jams at Paturia and Daulatdia ferry terminals somewhat improved yesterday (Saturday) but navigability of the main Paturia--Daulatdia channel in the Padma remained poor as authorities struggled   No full-fledged committee yet Dogged by internal feud, Magura district Awami League could not form a full-fledged committee even after about six months of its council, held on April 4. The council was held after about 12 year.   Dredging of Gabkhan channel finally comes to a halt Dredging of Gabkhan channel in Jhalakati has come to a halt. The project now seems uncertain as the companies doing the job have no dredgers.   Hartal now only for today The Parbottya Bangalee Somo Adhikar Andolon (PBSAA) has reduced its two-day hartal call in Bandarban to one day. It has revised its hartal call in the district only for today.   Gur Pukur Mela begins in Satkhira The traditional Gur Pukur Mela (fair) began on the Satkhira-Jessore road at Palashpole in the town yesterday morning. However, the rush of businessmen is thin this year.   2 outlaws killed in Pabna Two outlaws were killed in factional clashes and one person was injured in an attack by the outlawed party activists here in last three days. Point-Counterpoint Good makes evil All evil things in the world are done in the name of good, more so now than ever before. This is where the modern is a departure from the ancient.   Who should be on the Security Council and why? Reform is a subject of deliberation at the coming UN General Assembly session.   Will the Prime Minister rise to the occasion? The news is indeed very disconcerting for Bangladesh.   Food adulteration: Uproot the problem-tree The drive against food adulteration is unanimously welcomed by the consumers across the country. It has now become an important component of our news on television and in the newspapers. Culture Classical music On September 16, the 33rd death anniversary of Ustad Alauddin Khan and the 38th death anniversary of Ustad Ayet Ali Khan was observed by Ustad Ayet Ali Khan Sangeet Niketan at Goethe Institut.   Music in the air Ignoring the scorching heat, around 10,000 people and the rock music community of the city got together on September 16 at the Sultana Kamal Women's Complex.   Mohammed Younus: Art works depict war and peace Mohammed Younus' works on display at the Art & Soul Gallery (until September 18) reflect both the turbulence of our times as well as the serenity of nature. Take his work titled Unstable time.   Director of The Sound of Music passes away Robert Wise, who won four Oscars as producer and director of the classic 1960's musicals West Side Story and The Sound of Music, has died. He was 91. International Sharon vows to disrupt vote if Hamas runs Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has vowed to withhold Israeli cooperation over Palestinian legislative elections in January, if candidates from the militant group Hamas take part, The New York Times   UN urges Afghans to defy rebels & vote From remote mountain villages to war-scarred cities, millions of Afghans vote today in key parliamentary elections that will usher in the next phase of the country's slow recovery from decades of conflict.   Nephew of Bush arrested for intoxication The youngest son of Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the nephew of President George W.   US fires new salvo at Syria The United States has stepped up its war of words against Syria, blaming Damascus for a new string of suicide bombings in Iraq and threatening "serious consequences" and unspecified international action   Clinton wins pledges of water for Africa Former president Bill Clinton wheeled and dealed on Friday at his folksy and chaotic Clinton Global Initiative summit, winning pledges of water for Africa and seeking business investments in the Middle   Indo-Pak talks setback seen as temporary The apparent failure of talks between the leaders of India and Pakistan in New York has dealt a blow to the peace process between the South Asian nuclear rivals but the setback is likely to be temporary,   High & low diplomacy The three-day summit of world leaders that ended Friday at the UN's New York headquarters was a marathon talk-fest that proved a stern test of protocol, patience and presidential bladder control.   Tigers call for immediate truce talks The political leader of the Tamil Tiger rebels has called for immediate talks with Sri Lanka's government to save a shaky ceasefire. Tamil Tiger political chief S.P. Editorial Editorial: UN reform still a far cry What we have now by way of an agreed UN reform package falls far short of what the original Outcome Document, presented by the Secretary General, had hoped to achieve.   Editorial: Holidays and hartals Circumstances, overwhelmingly man-made, have contrived to create the rather absurd situation that from September 16 to 24 there will have been only two full working days.   The crisis in Nepal The Maoist rebels in Nepal have reportedly announced a temporary ceasefire against the monarchists and have also appealed to the UN for mediation in the crisis in Nepal.   The familiar script There are many reasons why the joint statement between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President General Pervez Musharraf is so insipid and so disappointing. Letters to Editor Khaleda Zia I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her determination to fight against terrorists.   Spirit of liberation war The declaration of independence by Bangabandhu Skeikh Mujibar Rahman that reverberated far beyond racecourse ground on 7 March in 1971.   Bangladesh and international cricket? Should Bangladesh continue to play international cricket? The answer is no! Why would the cricket lovers want to watch any games involving the Bangladesh team when most of their 5-day test matches are   Militancy in Islam Though Islam does not approve militancy as far as my knowledge goes, it has been very acute all over the world including Bangladesh in recent years.   Theory and practice In response to Barrister Abdur Razzak's passionately argued column in the September 15 issue, may I remind the learned lawyer that actions speak far louder than words and practice is more illustrative   Corruption among doctors I appreciate Daily Star's selfless endeavour towards focussing on the corrupt practices of some mean middlemen and doctors in luring the helpless patient's from the orthopaedic hospitals to nearby fake Star Health Hearing loss is preventable The gradual hearing loss that occurs as people age (presbycusis) is a common condition.   Mumps, a common disease may often behave uncommonly Sumya (8), daughter of a school teacher came to me with history of fever, malaise, headache, earache and bilateral painful swelling of the parotid glands.   Teenage pregnancy should be discouraged to reduce maternal mortality Teenage, i.e. the age between 13 to 19 years are very critical years in our lives, because we learn many things about adulthood and leave behind our childhood days.   Meditate away your headache 1. Find a comfortable position -- lying down or sitting either on the floor or in a straight-backed chair. If sitting, keep your back straight without being rigid and let your hands rest in your lap.   Dietary calcium saves bone in women on pill Taking oral contraceptive pills (OCP) may reduce bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life, but this can be prevented by adopting a diet containing dairy products rich in calcium,researchers   Babies show signs of crying in the womb An infant's first cry may occur not in the delivery room, but in the womb, researchers have found.   Big tonsils always don’t indicate tonsillitis Big tonsils don’t always indicate the pathological condition of tonsils. Parents usually try to observe tonsils of their children if they have sore throat. Many people go to the doctor seeing big tonsils. Star City Disguised militants setting up dens in city houses Due to lack of safety guidelines for house owners about renting out their houses, Islamist militants are easily renting houses in the capital and setting up dens for carrying out subversive activities.   Move to maintain food quality in DU canteens The Dhaka University authorities have taken measures to ensure strict monitoring of the food served in the canteens of different halls after a mobile court found stale and adulterated food in the canteens.   Second-hand motorbikes within your reach Bikers and motorcycle lovers, who cannot afford to buy new ones, are flocking the open-air market for used bikes that sits twice a week in Lalmatia.   Wasa goes soft on defaulting govt offices The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is unable to take action against bill defaulting government offices under its ongoing drive.   © thedailystar.net, 2005. All Rights Reserved.