Vol. 5 Num 710 Sun. May 28, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Over 3,000 killed as quake flattens Indonesian city More than 3,000 people were killed and thousands more injured when a strong earthquake rocked Indonesia's densely-populated island of Java on Saturday, the social affairs ministry said.   ADP's local share to rise as aid flow falls The government is preparing an annual development programme (ADP) for the coming fiscal year, which will have a larger share of local resources, since the inflow of foreign aid is likely to slow downin   Inept contractor fails to manage financiers Instead of signing the Land Lease Agreement (LLA) and start implementing the second Meghnaghat 450 megawatt power project, inexperienced company Orion and its partners are killing time for the last four   EC empowerment, voter awareness stressed Speakers at the regional dialogue at Barisal yesterday suggested empowerment of the Election Commission and creating awareness among the voters for nomination of honest, competent and courageous candidates   Owners ready to allow, but fear fallout Apparel manufacturers yesterday said they have no problem in allowing trade unionism in their factories but they fear political influence on trade unions and untoward incidents due to union activities.   Low pay, poor working condition led to unrest Low wage structure and imposition of inhuman conditions on the workers by the garment factory owners sparked the recent violence in the apparel sector of Bangladesh, said International Textile, Garment   Ctg port turns costly The export-import businessmen and the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) have contradictory takes on the high cost of goods handling at the port.   EC waits for certified copy of SC verdict The Election Commission (EC), which had prepared the fresh voter list ignoring the January 4 High Court directives, will decide this week its next course of actions on the electoral roll in line withthe   Indonesia's twin woes The Indonesian region devastated by a violent earthquake is also facing the threat of an imminent eruption by the Mount Merapi volcano, two incidents that are closely linked, according to experts.   Hasina, Morshed shocked Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan have expressed deep shock at the huge loss of life and property in a deadly earthquake in Indonesia.   Swamped with rainwater   President's condition improves Condition of President Iajuddin Ahmed, who is now undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, has improved, but he has developed fresh complications.   Jalil sees bid to 'blackmail president' Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil said the ruling BNP might remove the ailing incumbent president from his post like it had removed former president Badruddoza Chowdhury, since it already   Dr Kamal for violence-free campuses Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday urged the parents to unite for resisting violence at the educational institutions.   Trader, his driver shot dead in city Unidentified criminals at Paltan in the city shot dead a businessman and the driver of the vehicle he was travelling on last night.   3 murdered in Uttara linked with insurgents Mystery shrouding Thursday's triple murder at Uttara in the capital deepened further as the father of one of the victims yesterday identified only his son, saying he does not know the other two.   Tk 2.82 lakh robbed from Sonali Bank Robbers took away Tk 2.82 lakh from a Sonali Bank branch at Kajdia under Rupsha upazila of Khulna district at midnight on Friday.   Realisation dawns on energy adviser Energy Adviser Mahmudur Rahman held poor management and low-quality machinery responsible for his 45-minute hold-up in the Barapukuria Coal Mine underground on May 24, when the lift became inoperative   Rain disrupts Ctg life for second day Two people were injured in a mudslide as incessant rain disrupted normal life in the port city for the second consecutive day yesterday.   Nepal govt, Maoists take peace vow The Nepali government and Maoist rebels said they had agreed to end attacks on each other's bases and stop recruitment, and vowed to work for peace in the Himalayan nation, where a civil war has killed   BSF kills 2 Indian Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down two Bangladeshi nationals near Molani frontier in Haripur upazila yesterday.   Correction In our yesterday's story headlined "Uncertainty, fear still haunt them," it was inadvertently mentioned that a worker was "fearing further harassment by the Korean owners of the factory" -- Universe garment. Business Tata proposal threat to energy security The country's energy experts and economists yesterday warned the government not to accept the Indian industrial giant Tata's three billion dollar investment proposal, noting if allowed, it would severely   Textile sector faces skilled manpower shortage The country's growing textile industry is facing shortage of skilled manpower, compelling local entrepreneurs to recruit technical hands from abroad.   Tax holiday facility sought for electrical component makers Techno Venture Ltd, a local electrical component manufacturer, yesterday demanded tax holiday facilities for local manufacturers in the upcoming budget.   Developers, planners laud building construction regulations Developers and urban planners yesterday lauded the newly formulated building construction regulations, saying the rules will help speed up overall project clearance process.   Chinese footwear makers on the march to Indonesia Nine shoe producers from China have relocated factories to East Java at a total investment of up to US$80 million, a local industry executive says.   $17m India-EU trade programme launched India and the European Union (EU) have launched a Euro 13.350 million (US$17.   Opec unlikely to lower output ceiling: Iran Iran's Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh said Saturday that Opec would not lower its output ceiling at its meeting next month, a news agency affiliated to the oil ministry reported on Saturday.   Reliance Ins okays 25pc stock, 10pc cash dividends Reliance Insurance Ltd has declared a 25 per cent stock dividend and a 10 per cent cash dividend for its shareholders.   India to withdraw additional tax on Nepal goods The additional tax imposed on goods exported by Nepal to India will be withdrawn, the Indian ambassador to Nepal said here Saturday.   Uttara Bank okays 100pc stock, 20pc cash dividends Uttara Bank Ltd has declared a 100 per cent stock dividend and a 20 per cent cash dividend for its shareholders for the year 2005.   Tri-nation gas project may start in months Iran's Vice-President Parviz Davoudi has said that the gas pipeline project would likely start in one or two months and the negotiations regarding settling of the gas price issue between the experts from   China urges FTA with South Korea China has urged a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea in order to help boost burgeoning trade and investment between the two countries, officials said Saturday.   Etihad Airways expands services to Sudan Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE), will launch a guest and cargo services to Sudan from July 5, 2006.   Asian markets bounce back Markets across Asia rebounded Friday after plunging the last two weeks, helped by gains on Wall Street and investors hunting for bargains. India's market recovered 1.   Dollar rebounds as investors ponder US inflation data The dollar firmed against the euro in late-trading here Friday as investors pondered the impact of US inflation data and decided to close out positions ahead of a three-day week end in New York and London. Sports Football: Diego Maradona: The Greatest, part deux Diego Maradona carried Argentina on his shoulders to victory in the 1986 World Cup, the crowning glory in the career of a man who, with the possible exception of Brazil's Pele, is considered the game's   Football: Bits and Bobs Zidane set for ton Ap, Clairfontaine France captain Zinedine Zidane is set to make his 100th international appearance Saturday in an exhibition game against Mexico, likely hislast   Football: 'Don't support infidel nations' A Bangladeshi cleric has called on Muslims not to fly the flags of any 'infidel' nations playing in the World Cup as football fever gripped the sports-mad country.   Cricket: Rafique shines in Jeddah Pakistan beat the Rest of Asia XI by four wickets in the second exhibition match, to clinch the series 2-0 at the Al-Ahli Stadium in Jeddah on Friday.   Cricket: Weather plays foul Only one match out of four survived from the inclement weather in the final round of the Dhaka Bank Under-19 National Youth Cricket Championship at different venues in Dhaka yesterday.   Football: Salampur slam 7 Salampur Dakhil Madrasa trounced Poura Secondary School 7-0 in the banglalink tiger trophy National School Football Championship at Pabna Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: Cricketers to help maimed freedom fighters Bangladesh cricket team's historic Cardiff victory against the world champions Australia was recalled at a function arranged by Neer Limited, a real-estate firm, which officially handed over the papers   Football: Asamoah calls to curb racism German international Gerald Asamoah, the first black player to represent the country, has said it is vital that the host nation do not allow racist neo-Nazis to spoil the World Cup, which begins in two   Football: Ukraine players unfit: Blokhin Ukrainian national coach Oleg Blokhin told the press Saturday that only 16 players in his 23-man squad were in top form and ready to play at the forthcoming World Cup.   Football: Loves Ronaldinho A Brazilian woman ran onto the pitch and hugged striker Ronaldinho as the world champions finished a training session, watched by around 5,000 fans, on Friday.   Football: Mosquitoes out to bite They might have a Frenchman at the helm but Tunisia will look to Brazil to provide a dash of flair at the World Cup.   Football: Football keeps 'Kala' Ghafoor alive For Abdul Ghafoor, once known as the "Black Pele of Pakistan", life revolves around football and he has found a renewed vigour ahead of the World Cup finals.   Football: Some relief for USA Clint Dempsey and Brian Ching scored and the United States snapped a three-game winless skid by defeating Venezuela 2-0 in Cleveland, Ohio Friday in a warm-up friendly for next month's World Cup.   Football: Veterans carry Saudi hopes Saudi Arabia are banking on the experience of two golden oldies as they seek to stop the rot at the World Cup.   Football: Lippi assures Italy faithfuls Italy coach Marcello Lippi knew his son was likely to be drawn into the scandal that has engulfed Italian football and insists his team are managing to concentrate on their preparations for the WorldCup.   Football: Ferguson warning for Rooney Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has warned Wayne Rooney not to jeopardise his World Cup dream by pushing himself too hard and not taking care of himself.   Cricket: WI do it after a long time Half-centuries from hometown boys Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo piloted West Indies to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the fourth one-day international against India on Friday at Queen's Park Oval.   Football: Pekerman thanks Argentines Argentina coach Jose Pekerman thanked the public after they were given a rousing World Cup send-off as they left from Buenos Aires on Thursday night.   Tennis: French Open starts today World number one Roger Federer is playing down talk of a great rivalry between him and French Open champion Rafael Nadal.   Cricket: All is not over yet Both West Indies captain Brian Lara and India skipper Rahul Dravid agree that the fifth and final one-day international between their two sides on Sunday at Queen's Park Oval is not a dead affair.   Cricket: Wickets don't tire Murali Sri Lanka star Muttiah Muralitharan insisted he hadn't tired of taking wickets after adding six more to his vast collection against England here at Edgbaston.   Football: Sheva leaves Milan for London Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko is leaving AC Milan who will start negotiations with English champions Chelsea over his transfer, according to a statement on AC Milan's website on Friday.   Olympics: Prince Philip vilifies Olympic gala Olympic opening and closing ceremonies are "absolute bloody nuisances" and should be banned, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II said Saturday.   Football: Mido returns to Roma Egypt striker Mido is returning to Roma after an 18-month loan period at Tottenham Hotspur, the English Premier League club said on Friday.   Football: Venables turns down Boro job Former England manager Terry Venables has turned down the chance to join Middlesbrough when press reports had claimed the UEFA Cup finalists were about to name him as the new boss.   Football: Kalou in talks with Chelsea Feyenoord striker Salomon Kalou is holding talks with English Premier League champions Chelsea, the Dutch news agency ANP reported on Saturday.   Football: Blazevic named Zagreb coach Miroslav Blazevic, who coached Croatia to third place in the 1998 World Cup, said Saturday he has been appointed the coach of first division side Zagreb.   Football: Rangers sign up Svensson Glasgow Rangers completed the signing of Sweden defender Karl Svensson from IFK Gothenburg on a three-year contract on Friday.   Football: UEFA fines Schalke European football's governing body UEFA have hit German club Schalke 04 with a 12,600 euro fine as punishment for the conduct of their away fans in a UEFA Cup match, the club said Friday.   Cricket: Odumbe ban on A Kenyan court on Friday rejected an appeal by former Kenyan cricket captain Maurice Odumbe to lift a five-year ban slapped on him two years ago after he was implicated in a bribery scandal.   Cricket: It's raining at Edgbaston Rain hampered England's bid to go 1-0 up in their three-match series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, with no play possible before tea on the third day of the second Test here at Edgbaston.   Cricket: Windies have a new attitude, says Lara West Indies captain and batting superstar Brian Lara has indicated a new attitude has gripped his side after they completed a six-wicket victory over India in the fourth one-day international on Friday   ANNOUNCEMENT The lucky winners of The Daily Star-Rangs Toshiba World Cup Quiz Round 1 are requested to contact Ms. Metropolitan Land for intellectually challenged children being given to developer Parents of intellectually challenged children yesterday alleged that the national executive committee (NEC) of the Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (SWID) has signed a contractwith   34 lakh live in 5,000 city slums The population of Dhaka city's slum dwellers has increased by 12 times from 1974 to 1995 while the number of slum clusters enhanced 4 times in last 15 years.   Govt urged not to amend Absorption Rule 2000 Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) General Education Association yesterday urged the government not to amend the existing Absorption Rule 2000 to avoid disarray in education cadre.   Trader found dead in city hotel The body of a youth was recovered from a residential hotel at Nawabpur in the capital, while another bullet-hit youth of Moghbazar died of his wounds at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) yesterday.   Resignation of CEC demanded Jatiya Oikya Mancha, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) and Bangladesh Tariqat Federation yesterday demanded resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other election commissioners to pave   Mystery over 14 children of ex-DIG deepens Mystery has continued to surround a former high police official's 14 children, seven of whom were born at the same time.   Two killed in road accidents Two people, including a schoolboy, were killed in separate road accidents in Chittagong and Khulna yesterday.   New Canadian envoy for talks on polls New Canadian High Commissioner Barbara Richardson has disapproved of military as an option but strongly pleaded for political dialogue on election to break the stalemate and make “possible improvement”   2 cops threaten to kill my father for bribe Two constables of detective branch (DB) of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) threatened to kill businessman Md Noor Islam in crossfire for not paying Tk 1.90 lakh as bribe.   219 Pabna JSD activists resign At least 219 leaders and activists of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Pabna resigned yesterday just before the JSD Council Meeting of Pabna to be held today.   Italy to pull 1,100 troops from Iraq in June Italy will pull 1,100 of its troops from Iraq in June, the new government said Friday, giving its first specific numbers about the planned withdrawal.   Communication snapped for landslide in Khagrachhari Khagrachhari-Chittagong and Khagrachhari-Dhaka routes have been disconnected for landslide yesterday due to heavy downpour since Thursday morning.   Noakhali Jubo Dal man killed by rivals A Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal activist was shot and stabbed to death by his rivals following a feud over domination at Begumganj here last night.   DUDS executives Rashedul Islam Rasel and Kamrul Islam have been elected as president and general secretary respectively of Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) for the 2006-2007 working years, says a press release.   Pundra varsity appeals for reopening The authorities of Pundra University of Science and Technology, a private university in Bogra, yesterday appealed to the government for its clearance to reopen the university.   171 RU teachers want CEC to go One hundred and seventy-one teachers of Rajshahi University (RU) in a joint statement yesterday said the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two other election commissioners have lost their right to   Cirdap-C'wealth workshop on good governance in Asia begins A five-day Commonwealth Secretariat-Cirdap Workshop on 'Sharing Successful Experiences on Poverty Focussed Rural Good Governance in Asian Commonwealth Countries' began at the Cirdap Headquarters in the   SC vacation from tomorrow The Supreme Court goes into summer vacation for a fortnight beginning today, court sources said.   DUJ memorial meet on June 5 Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) will hold a memorial meeting at 11:00am on June 5 at Jatiya Press Club on three eminent journalists who died recently.   Musharraf for flexibility on all sides Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called on Friday for "flexibility" on all sides to settle the row over Iran's nuclear programme.   Lanka rebels mull talks on truce monitor Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers said yesterday they were considering a new offer by peace broker Norway for crunch talks in Oslo regarding the security of Nordic truce monitors, but stressed they would not be   Appeal for help A schoolteacher has sought financial assistance for the treatment of his daughter who has been suffering from impaired eyesight. National BDR-BSF stand-off in Dinajpur Tension mounted in Mohonpur border in Dinajpur as BDR and BSF are in a stand-off position after the Indian authorities started construction of an embankment on Atrai river 50 yards inside the zero line   Arrest 'real' killers of Satyaban Hajong Students of different schools yesterday brought out a procession in Durgapur town demanding arrest of the real killers of local indigenous leader Satayaban Hajong and an end to harassment of others by   Road link with Sylhet still snapped Road communication between Sylhet and the rest of the country remained snapped for the second day yesterday due to an indefinite transport strike.   Students confine Satkhira principal for water Over 300 students of Satkhira Government College yesterday today laid a siege to the office of the principal and confined him for about an hour for supply of drinking water at dormitories.   Milk powder seized at Benapole Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Friday evening seized 300 bags of milk powder worth about Tk one crore from Benapole check post allegedly imported on false declaration.   Mystery shrouds death of young domestic help Mystery shrouded the death of a domestic help at Bhanugachh in Kamalganj upazila.   30 hurt in bus accident At least 30 people were injured in a bus accident in Chandipur area in Kamalganj yesterday morning.   'Stop illegal dredging of Monu' Bangladesher Communist Party (CPB) held a protest rally to stop illegal dredging of the Monu, attack on garments industries, construction of Shayetaganj-Mirpur-Srimangal-Moulvibazar-Sherpur-Sylhetregional Point-Counterpoint Arson, anarchy, abdication of leadership in the garments industry The recent acts of violence and destruction in the garments industry of the country are deeply disturbing. As worrying are the response from the leaders of the industry and the nation.   All about the Election Commission The Election Commission (EC), as it seems, has been suffering from indecision and uncertainties as regards revision of the electoral roll following the court verdict.   Where power corrupts, generation snaps The State Minister for power has been caught off-foot for quite sometime. He has been in a desperate bid to convince the users of electricity of his earnest endeavours at ameliorating their grievances.   Oil diplomacy pays off! One is really amused to see that Bush administration has awaken all on a sudden to declare that the United States has restored diplomatic relations on May 15 with Muammer Gaddafi's Libyan Republic, the Culture Greater endeavour needed in preserving Nazrul's work To celebrate our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's 107th birth anniversary, Nazrul Institute is holding a book fair, discussions, cultural programmes and more at the Institute premises.   Changing tracks "Right from my childhood I wanted to be a director, I don't know what I understood of direction back then, but it was always my dream.   Krishi Budget Krishoker Budget on Channel i The 3rd episode of the pre-budget discussion titled Krishi Budget Krishoker Budget will be re-telecast today at 11:30am on Channel i. International Lush paddy fields filled with death & despair The old woman, already bent double with age, cried out for help from anyone who passed. She wanted to look for her sister, buried by the earthquake in the rubble of their house.   Hamas rejects deadline on recognition of Israel Hamas yesterday rejected a deadline set by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to accept a plan that indirectly calls for recognition of Israel, which he has threatened to put to a referendum.   Indonesian quake prompts swift offers of aid, condolences The devastating earthquake which left thousands dead in Indonesia prompted swift offers of aid and condolences from around the world on Saturday.   Pacific 'Ring of Fire' unleashes another killer quake The earthquake that rocked Java yesterday was the latest disaster in a part of the world known as the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that has seen a burst of seismic and volcanic activity this year.   India, Pakistan agree on joint survey of marsh Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan ended two days of talks Friday and agreed to conduct a joint survey of a disputed marshland considered of little strategic value, a spokesman said.   Detention of Suu Kyi extended Ignoring international pressure, Myanmar's military government refused to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi Saturday, ordering the Nobel laureate's yearslong house arrest to continue, a government   India, Bodo rebels start talks for truce extension Indian officials and leaders of a powerful tribal separatist group from the restive northeastern state of Assam began talks on Saturday to push forward a peace process by extending a year-old truce.   Senior Taliban leaders among 5 killed in raid US-led troops in Afghanistan killed five Taliban insurgents, including some key leaders, in an attack on a training facility, the US military said yesterday.   15 killed in Iraq At least 15 people were killed in Iraq yesterday as the country's political leaders again failed to reach agreement on who should head the key defense and interior ministries.   Dozens of houses torched in East Timor Militias armed with machetes burned dozens of houses in East Timor's capital Saturday, sending women and children screaming and fleeing, as foreign troops struggled to stop violence that threatened to Editorial Editorial: Bureaucrats dabbling in politics The reported forays of the country's bureaucrats into politics is disconcerting and deserve to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.   Editorial: Sliding law and order The slide in law and order is quite manifest, as reports of criminal activities of all kinds are pouring in from all over the country.   Voters' list in the museum and .... The mighty mountain rumbles and grumbles and shakes violently for a long time. Something big is in the deep of its abdomen and struggling to come out soon. Then finally it comes out.   People's power in Nepal The Nepalese Foreign Minister described to the diplomatic corps the landmark proclamation by the newly reinstated Parliament sharply reducing the powers of the monarch as an expression of the "sovereignty   When zero credibility is preferred to risky victory Over quite some time past, the US, EU, other donor countries have repeatedly stressed upon the importance of the upcoming national polls of 2007. Star Health A common problem of the elderly male Prostate gland is a walnut sized gland in the male reproductive system just below the urinary bladder. The main function of the prostate is supply fluid for the sperm during ejaculation.   A ray of hope for poor cancer patients Mrs Banu Begum, a poor housewife of late Mizanur Rahaman has four daughters and one son of 12 years named Sajib. In the middle of last year, her beloved son sajib became pale and lost his appetite.   Television is more harmful than you thought All health information to keep you up to date Today television is the most powerful tool in each and every home.   Hypertension and heart disease may have no symptom Hypertension or high blood pressure is considered a silent killer, because many people with this disease have no symptoms.   Free medical care for the freedom fighters Inaugural programme on "Improvement of healthcare service for the freedom fighters" held in the capital on May 25 last, says a press release.   Carotenoids may lower diabetes risk in nonsmokers For people who don't smoke, the risk of developing diabetes is lower in those with higher levels of carotenoids in their blood, according to a new report. The effect is not seen in smokers, however.   Your Doctor Dear doctor, I am 30 years old and I have been suffering from an embarrassing problem since I was a teenager. My breasts are enlarged like a female. Star City Jewellers unhappy with no progress in looting cases With the latest robbery at a jewellery shop in Uttara on Wednesday night, a total of 21 such incidents took place in the city since 2001 but the police have failed to recover most of the looted gold and   Poison in the air! Deadly particles in the air of Dhaka have continued to exceed permissible limits despite many government initiatives, all of which turning out to be ineffective.   Traders dupe buyers with fake 'brand' Tvs The up-and-coming World Cup football championship, has given rise to plenty of fake 'brand' television sets flooding the city markets, deceiving many unsuspecting customers.   Facing battles for survival Unable to bear her stepmother's torture anymore, Lovely ran away from home in Comilla in 2003 at the age of 12.   Influential lobby blocks UGC recommendations Due to pressure from influential quarters the government has not been able to implement any of the University Grants Commission (UGC) recommendations for ensuring quality education both in private and   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.