Vol. 5 Num 679 Thu. April 27, 2006       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 WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Last two JMB Shura men captured The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) captured Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) Majlish-e-Shura members Salahuddin and Khaled Saifullah in separate operations at Pahartoli in Chittagong and Demra in Dhaka   MPs oppose oil price hike apprehending ballot backlash Forty lawmakers serving on parliamentary standing committees yesterday strongly opposed any price hike of petroleum products, especially diesel and kerosene, saying in that case they would not be able   Poll boycott will be dangerous Ambassador Stefan Frowein, head of EU delegation in Bangladesh, has disclosed that the European Union will send over 150 observers for monitoring polls in the country and suggested creating "right condition"   Ignorance is not always a bliss Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz has triggered fresh controversy due to his ignorance about the inherent powers of the Election Commission (EC) and preparation of voter list.   Fresh list has over 1cr new voters The Election Commission (EC) yesterday fixed May 3 for publication of the draft voter list which is likely to introduce over one crore new voters in addition to those in the existing electoral roll.   143m ton choice coal ready for mining A geological survey has identified a 143-million-ton reserve of high-quality bituminous coal in eight underground layers in a 2.52sqkm area at Khalashpir under Pirganj upazila that can be profitably mined.   No eviction drive before next polls The government has decided not to go for any massive drive against illegal structures on the roads and highways this year apparently in view of the reaction among the electorate before next general elections.   Hike in freight charges to cut export earning Bangladesh may lose Tk 500 crore annually in export earnings due to a decision of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to increase freight charges for fruit and vegetable items, exporters said.   How and when they were held With the arrests of Salahuddin and Khaled Saifullah in Chittagong and Dhaka Tuesday evening and yesterday, all the seven members of Majlish-e-Shura, top decision-making body of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh   Mushrooming TV Channels   Butenis praises anti-terror measures US Ambassador Patricia A Butenis appreciated Bangladesh government's remarkable success in various fields, particularly in curbing bomb terrorism, and said the two countries are working together in different   Tigers surrender meekly to lose ODI series Australia thrived on a timely unbeaten 103 by Andrew Symonds to ensure the one-day series victory with a match in hand when the world champions inflicted a 67-run defeat on Bangladesh in the second match   Arguments to begin May 2 The arguments in the Shazneen murder case before the High Court (HC) will begin on May 2.   JS session starts today The 21st session of the Jatiya Sangsad is likely to witness heated debates on issues like Kansat killings, police atrocities on journalists and opposition activists, militancy, price hike of essentials   Nepal Maoists lift blockade Nepal's powerful Maoists lifted a blockade of the capital yesterday following a plea by the country's premier-designate ahead of the first parliamentary session in four years.   Rajshahi to get gas The government has decided to supply gas through pipeline to the northern region of the country, including the divisional city Rajshahi.   Iran threatens global retaliation if attacked Iran's supreme leader boldly warned the United States yesterday that it would be "harmed" across the globe if it decided to attack the Islamic republic over its disputed nuclear programme.   BNP men remove club's signboard in Satkhira The signboard styled 'Tarique Zia Sangsad' hung up by local BNP cadres at their club built on land forcibly taken from a schoolteacher at village Jhapaghat in Kalaroa upazila on April 14, was removedyesterday   Scorching summer heat   Pakistan, India inch towards accord Pakistan and India agreed to work towards finalising a draft agreement reducing the risk of an accidental nuclear conflict between them at the end of two days of talks here yesterday.   Filling stations to go on indefinite strike Petrol Pump Owners Association (PPOA) yesterday announced going for an indefinite strike in the petrol pumps across the country from May 8 if its 7-point demand, including the execution of revised commission   Judicial probe body formed The government has formed a one-member judicial inquiry commission with Comilla District and Sessions Judge M Shawkat Hossain to probe the April 16 police action on journalists at Chittagong Divisional Business Rising interests on deposits worry BB As the central bank yesterday expressed its concern over the banks' recent tendency to raise interests on deposits, top bankers urged the Bangladesh Bank to reduce compulsory cash margin ratio for banks.   70pc knitwear units yet to ensure social compliance Seventy per cent knitwear factories are yet to ensure social compliance, according to a survey conducted by Nari Uddug Kendra (NUK), a non-governmental organisation.   Fuel price: If at all, the rich should subsidise the poor, not the govt Fuel price has increased eight times over the last 5 years, when the price of octane increased 87 per cent and petrol by 80 per cent per litre.   Emirates Group posts record $762m net profit in FY06 The Emirates Group has attained a record US$762 million net profit in 2005-06 financial year that ended on March 31, 2006, up by 5 percent from the previous year's profit of $726 million.   IDLC declares 37.5pc cash dividend IDLC of Bangladesh Ltd, a joint venture multiproduct financial institution, has declared a 37.5 percent cash dividend for its shareholders for the year 2005.   TBWA Asia Pacific EVP in Dhaka Ian Thubron, executive vice president of TBWA Asia Pacific -- a part of world's most creative advertising agency TBWA Worldwide -- is in the city on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.   Oil prices ease on Bush's plan Oil prices continued easier in Asian trade Wednesday as the market responded to US President George W. Bush's decision to halt deliveries to the US strategic reserves for the time being, dealers said.   EU should review farm policy only if Japan, US do same The European Union should review its agricultural policy to break the deadlocked WTO talks, but only if other countries do the same, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday.   SIA to raise fuel surcharge Singapore Airlines (SIA) said Wednesday it will increase its fuel surcharge by up to 10 US dollars from May 15 onwards to partially offset soaring fuel costs.   GSP Finance Co okays 36pc cash, 10pc stock dividends GSP Finance Company (Bangladesh) Ltd has declared 36 percent cash and 10 percent stock dividends for its shareholders for the year 2005.   Reuters posts 13pc jump in sales The British news and financial information group Reuters reported Wednesday a stronger-than-expected rise in first-quarter sales and maintained its growth target for 2006.   India's Maruti Udyog earnings up sharply India's largest car maker, Maruti Udyog, said net profit for the quarter ended March jumped 39 percent from a year earlier as sales posted solid growth. Net profit for the January-March period hit3. Sports Cricket: Contrasting captains Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar showed a rare quality of consistency with three half-centuries in a row but understandably he was not in a position to rest on his achievement after his side's 67-run   Cricket: Akram Inswinger Ricky Ponting, after winning the toss for the first time in the series must have been happy to bat first on a flat track as both the opening batsmen gave Australia a flying start.   Football: Brothers hit for a six Osama Haider slotted a hatt-rick as Al Ahed of Lebanon brushed aside Brothers Union 6-2 in the AFC Cup here late on Tuesday to keep their hopes alive for a quarterfinal berth from Group A.   Football: Bits and Bobs Tom Cruise to support Eng Ap, London Tom Cruise said he was backing England's bid to capture soccer's World Cup this summer.   Football: Matthaus' choice Argentina West Germany's 1990 World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus claims Argentina are in a better position to lift this summer's World Cup than their South American rivals Brazil.   Football: Schools scratched for fixing match Tarali High School of Satkhira and Badshah Faisal Institute of Jessore were scratched from the banglalink tiger trophy National School Football Championship for match fixing allegations yesterday.   Cricket: Shakil sparkles for Incidin Incidin Bangladesh dismantled Nahar Academy by 192 runs in the Standard Chartered National School Cricket Tournament at the Uttara Friends Club ground yesterday.   Cricket: Akram to open cricket camp Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram will open a youth cricket camp today at the Mohammedan Sporting Club tent.   Cricket: NZ hope to shine in adversity Wounded New Zealand will put their faith in familiarity with adversity and a fair pitch in the second Test against South Africa starting today.   Football: Gunners in dreamland Jens Lehmann wrote himself into the Arsenal history books with a last-minute penalty save to the put the Gunners in their first ever European Cup final.   Football: Lehmann on cloud nine Life just keeps getting better for Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, and it's all thanks to doing his homework.   Football: 'Goodbye, cruel football' The Spanish reaction to Villarreal's exit from the Champions League was tempered by two things; firstly that the news happened to coincide with Zinedine Zidane's retirement announcement, secondly that   Football: Zidane confirms retirement Real Madrid star and France legend Zinedine Zidane on Wednesday explained his decision to retire after the World Cup finals in Germany and not play on with his club for another year.   Cricket: Warne facing witness call-up Australian cricket star Shane Warne is likely to be called as a witness in the murder trial of a Melbourne taxi driver accused of killing a teenage passenger, defence lawyers said Wednesday.   Football: AFC President's Cup shifted to Kuala Lumpur The second edition of the AFC President's Cup has been shifted to Malaysia and will now be played in Kuching, Sarawak, instead of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, due to unavoidable circumstances.   Cricket: Sakib show Sakib Al Hassan displayed a brilliant all-round show, taking four wickets and then scoring a vital 56, as Light Blue defeated Navy Blue by three wickets in the first one-day match of the BCB BRAC Bank   Cricket: Freddie's duet with Elton England cricket hero Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff is to team up with rock legend Elton John in a one-off charity duet next month.   Cricket: Imran blasts team policy Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain, on Wednesday blamed the team management's "atrocious" strategies for the side's recent slump in one-dayers.   Cricket: Mani says it's upto court International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani has said in clear terms that banned Pakistan batsman Salim Malik would not be allowed to play international cricket unless he is cleared by the   Volleyball: BDR retain v'ball title Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) became unbeaten champions in the United Commercial Bank Premier Division Volleyball League beating Titas Club by straight sets at the volleyball stadium yesterday. Metropolitan Saarc centre for disease surveillance to be set up Third Conference of Saarc Health Ministers ended in the city yesterday with a decision to finalise setting up of a Saarc centre for disease surveillance and a rapid deployment health response system by   'Use Internet to become global village member' President Iajuddin Ahmed has called upon the young generation to use Internet to become a member of global village.   REB's reluctant attitude makes it vulnerable Chairmen of Palli Bidyut Samities (PBSs) have blamed reluctant attitude of Rural Electrification Board (REB), political influence and corruption for making the rural electrification system vulnerable.   Contractor shot dead in city Criminals shot a contractor dead apparently due to intra conflict in Pallabi area in the city yesterday.   'The poor not getting benefits from utility subsidies' Who benefits from utility subsidies -- this big query figured most prominently in a cross-continent videoconference organised by the World Bank yesterday.   Titu flown to Bangkok for treatment Critically injured photojournalist Anurup Das Titu was flown to Bangkok for advanced treatment yesterday. He left Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport by a Thai flight at 11:35am.   Tongi Pourasava polls today Election to Tongi municipality will be held today amid tight security since all the 65 polling centres have been identified as "vulnerable.   General Stackpole arrives Former US Marine Task Force commander Lt Gen Henry C Stackpole arrived in the city yesterday on a five-day goodwill visit to attend the 15th anniversary of 'Operation Sea Angel'.   Hasina protests attacks on AL activists Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday strongly protested the attacks on her workers and members of minority community allegedly by BNP cadres at Galachipa in Patuakhali.   Moinul Islam takes oath as MP Speaker Jamir Uddin Sircar administered oath to newly elected MP Moinul Islam Khan at Sangsad Bhaban yesterday.   44th death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla today The 44th death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Hoque will be observed today in a befitting manner across the country.   Death anniversary of Samad Azad today The first death anniversary of former foreign minister and Awami League presidium member Abdus Samad Azad will be observed today.   BSU reunion tomorrow Bangladesh Students' Union (BSU) will hold a reunion tomorrow on the occasion of its 54th founding anniversary, says a press release.   Nasreen Huq's janaza tomorrow Namaz-e- janaza of Nasreen Huq, country director of Action Aid Bangladesh, will be held on the premises of Dhanmondi Eidghah mosque tomorrow after Juma prayers, says a press release. National Acute blood crisis in Dinajpur hospitals An acute blood crisis is prevailing in hospitals in Dinajpur, affecting treatment of patients.   Country to see upsurge if reform proposals not accepted: Nasim Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim yesterday said the government will have to face a situation like the King of Nepal if it does not accept the opposition's reform proposals for holding the next parliamentary   Ruling coalition partner sheltering militants Awami League Presidium member Abdur Razzak yesterday alleged that a partner in the ruling alliance is sheltering Islamist militants in the country.   Kaliganj Genocide Day today Today is Kaliganj Genocide Day. On this day in 1971, Pakistan occupation army killed 300 young people at Kaliganj village in Jaldhaka upazila. They also looted the villagers and raped women.   Hartal for power A half-day hartal (strike) for electricity will be observed in Chatmohar upazila today.   'Scrap CHT peace accord for lasting peace' The Somo Adhikar Andolon (SAA), an organisation of Bangalees in Khahgrachhari, yesterday demanded scrapping of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord signed by Awami League government with Parbattya   Trader abducted for ransom A rice trader was abducted for ransom from near Ghurka Beltola market in Salonga upazila in Sirajganj district Tuesday night. Culture Upholding a legacy in music Despite his formidable talent as a sarod player, Ustad Shahadat Hossain Khan prefers to keep a low profile. As he says, "To be in the public eye is sometimes important but not my priority.   Twenty greatest Bangla songs of all times BBC is doing a survey of 20 greatest Bangla songs of all times and the listeners have selected Ek nodi rokto periye, Banglar akashey roktim shurjo anley jara... as the 9th best.   Strum TV to hit the international waves The newest entrant in the Bangladeshi electronic media, Strum TV, is all set to go on air. This was announced at a press meet at a city hotel on April 24.   Classical music soiree at Brahmanbaria A classical musical soiree was recently held at the mazar (shrine) of Fakir Aftabuddin Khan, the elder brother of the maestro Ustad Alauddin Khan, at Shibpur, Brahmanbaria, says a press release.   Asad hospitalised Leading stage, TV and cinema actor, Raisul Islam Asad is suffering from lung and liver infection. Currently he is hospitalised at Birdem Hospital. General Uninterrupted power supply demanded Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) held protest rallies and brought out processions across the country yesterday demanding uninterrupted electricity supply round the clock.   Vocational teachers threaten agitation Bangladesh Beshorkari Karigori Shikkhok Samity (BBKSS) yesterday threatened tougher agitation if the government does not release immediately the withheld salary of 20 thousand teachers.   Model habitat of wildlife at Safari Park to boost eco-tourism The Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), an artificial natural habitat with replica plants and stuffing, set up at the country's lone Safari Park at Dulahazara in Cox's Bazar, was opened on Tuesday.   Truck helper killed in road accident A truck helper was killed when a speeding truck hit him near Alipur check-post in Sadar Upazila on Satkhira-Kaligonj road on Tuesday night. International Lanka hits back by air, land and sea Escalating violence between Sri Lankan forces and Tamil rebels left at least 15 civilians dead and 15,000 Tamil villagers fleeing for their lives, reports from both sides said yesterday.   Nepal steps back from abyss, long trek ahead The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal stepped back from the abyss this week, when its stubborn and autocratic king finally bowed to weeks of street protests and handed power back to political parties.   Rahul now willing to take 'key party role' Young lawmaker of India's ruling Congress party Rahul Gandhi, son of party chief Sonia Gandhi, has his willingness to take more bigger responsibilities to help revive the party's declining electoral fortunes   600 Americans abused detainees: HR group US rights groups said yesterday that more than 600 military and civilian personnel have been implicated in abuse of "war-on-terror" detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the US Guantanamo detention camp.   Is it worth abiding by atomic rules? Iran has asked the UN nuclear watchdog to explain why Tehran should abide by international atomic protocols when it gets so little in return, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday.   Abbas ready for talks with Israel Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said yesterday that an international conference should be called immediately to jumpstart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and that the new Hamas government would not   Rice, Rumsfeld in joint push for Iraq unity govt US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld urged Iraqi leaders yesterday to swiftly form a national unity government after the two flew in unannounced to Baghdad.   Businessmen back communists in West Bengal election Pradip Chopra, a real estate developer in Kolkata, seems to be on a perpetual high these days.   Aga Khan's son to wed American sweetheart The second son of the Aga Khan, the billionaire spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Shia Ismaili Muslims, is to marry his American sweetheart this year, the family said Tuesday.   6 protesters killed by army in east Nepal Soldiers shot dead six people yesterday and wounded three others after firing on a crowd of protesters outside an army camp in eastern Nepal, an army official said. Editorial Editorial: Turn for the better in Nepal The decision taken by King Gyanendra in the face of weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations to reinstate parliament is most definitely a step in the right direction.   Editorial: Ear-drum ripping noises Sound pollution, which has long been identified as a major environmental hazard in the city, is assuming a more and more intractable character in the absence of any effective steps to regulate what has   Is Nepal on the road to a republic? It is perhaps not the end, but by the signs and symptoms it appears that the monarchy may well be on its way out from the political firmament of Nepal, this time for good.   How patriotic are we? I do not know of any other country of the region where so much talk (sheer rhetoric) goes on about patriotism, perhaps with the exception of Pakistan.   Why must we pay taxes? The Hon'ble Finance Minister seems to have been rampaging for realising taxes of various names and natures from the 'public'. He has made all out efforts to net even the small fries and squeese them dry. Letters to Editor Learning English There is no denying that the overwhelming number of students of our country are weak in English.   School or business centre? Recently, I had the experience of getting my child admitted to one of the prestigious schools of the city.   Car theft Stealing cars and hijacking by using car are a very common phenomenon in the city these days. We watch on TV channels and go through such reports in the daily newspapers.   Why not in Bangladesh? Akbar Khan has released his movie "Tajmahal" in Pakistan. About 40 years after, an Indian movie is being shown in Pakistan. The movie "Mughal-e-Azam" will be released in Pakistan next June.   Ban pornographic websites A few days back, I was watching a Hindi movie entitled 'Kaliyug', a movie by the well known Bhatt production based on pornographic websites on Internet.   Ashraful The boy has finally been dropped. But I'm sure he will soon stage a brilliant comeback. He is too good a player to remain sidelined for a long time.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.