Vol. 5 Num 757 Fri. July 14, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Israeli jets pound Lebanon: 39 die Israel's fighter jets bombarded Lebanon in a wave of retaliatory strikes over the capture and killing of soldiers by Hezbollah guerrillas, killing at least 39 civilians and igniting fears the conflict   Top officials seek extension of time limit for updating Top brass of the central and local administrations yesterday urged the Election Commission (EC) to extend the time limit for updating the voter list, saying it is difficult to accomplish this task bymaking   State minister for power at loggerheads with PMO, its high-powered committee Like his predecessor Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, State Minister for Power Anwarul Kabir Talukder is having conflicts with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its so-called high-powered committee headed by   BNP wants Ershad in 4-party, Jamaat opposing move The ruling BNP has taken steps to expand the existing four-party alliance by having onboard former president HM Ershad-led Jatiya Party (JP) in a bid to ensure victory in the upcoming general election.   Tough fight ahead for college admission Admission crisis is looming large as most of the brilliant students achieving the highest GPA-5 in this year's SSC examinations will be denied admission in their 'first choice' colleges due to shortage   CEC hopes to make flawless voter list Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz yesterday said the Election Commission (EC) would be able to present a flawless voter list to the nation before the next general elections.   Illegal turn...   UP chairman, another killed in 'crossfire' Two alleged criminals including a Union Parishad (UP) chairman were killed yesterday in two separate 'crossfire' incidents with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and their accomplices at Demra in the capital   Govt to remove anomalies in pay scale to raise teachers' salary The government has decided to remove the anomalies in the National Pay Scale to increase the salaries of the government primary school teachers.   US envoy terms Bangladesh a Muslim state with modern outlook US Ambassador to Bangladesh Patricia A Butenis has said Bangladesh is an exceptional moderate Muslim state in South Asia.   Businesses propose direct talks between AL, BNP Country's business leaders yesterday proposed direct talks between Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil and BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan to end the current political standoff.   Notice on water pollution   EC to provide 108m euro for health, population sector The European Commission (EC) will provide 108 million euro, equivalent to Tk 950 crore, for funding Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Programme (HNPSP) in Bangladesh.   Dr Kamal hopeful of forming grand alliance against 4-party Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain yesterday said the process of grand national consensus among Awami League (AL)-led 14-party coalition, Gono Forum, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) and Bangladesh Tarikat   Demand for rejecting Tata proposal The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Electricity and Ports yesterday demanded Tata's three billion dollar investment proposal be rejected outright in the greater interest ofthe   Police detain Mumbai blast suspects India pointed the finger at Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba yesterday as the prime suspect for coordinated bombings in the country's largest city, as police said they had detained about20   Prepare list of ruling party men who 'plundered' funds: Hasina Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the people to prepare lists of the ministers, MPs and local leaders of the alliance government who "plundered" public money.   Saarc Fund to be launched early next year The Saarc Development Fund (SDF) is expected to be launched early next year with an initial amount of $ 300 million as Saarc finance ministers decided at their meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday.   3 Bangladeshis shot dead by BSF Indian Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down three Bangladeshis in bordering areas of Jessore and Chuadanga Wednesday night and yesterday.   Top drug peddler held with 2kg heroin Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) yesterday arrested one of the most wanted drug dealers in the capital along with four others and recovered heroin worth about Tk 2 crore with packing machinery.   2 ship-breaking workers die of toxic gas Two workers died due to inhalation of poisonous gas trapped inside a scrap vessel at a ship-breaking yard at Shitalpur under Sitakunda Police Station on Wednesday night.   Diplomatic efforts fail to defuse Korean nuke crisis Diplomatic efforts to defuse the North Korean missile crisis collapsed yesterday, as a Chinese mission to Pyongyang failed to produce a breakthrough and talks between the two Koreas ended in acrimony.   Bangladeshi, 25 other migrant workers held in Malaysia Malaysian authorities have arrested 26 migrant workers including a Bangladeshi believed to be the leader of a syndicate providing illegal workers, an official said yesterday. Business BB forecasts 6.5-6.8pc GDP growth in FY07 Bangladesh Bank has projected a GDP range between 6.5 and 6.8 percent in the current fiscal year expecting a growth momentum in sustaining or strengthening further in industry and services.   Enhanced bilateral trade stressed Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can set up trade display centres in their capital cities for giving a boost to bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Hafizuddin Ahmad made this suggestion at a trade show in Dhaka   Safa int'l confce begins in Dhaka tomorrow Safa International Conference begins in Dhaka tomorrow with an aim to strengthen harmonisation of accounting profession on uniform standards and codes in the region.   India, Pakistan trade barbs over train bombs Indian police searched hotels Thursday for clues in the train bomb attacks that killed 200 people, amid a sharp exchange of words with neighbouring Pakistan over its handling of Islamic militants.   GP benefits 1.1m prepaid clients thru' 'Thankyou' programme More than 1.   New BB deputy governor Executive director of Bangladesh Bank (BB) Ziaul Hassan Siddiqui has been promoted to deputy governor of the bank.   New CEO of Rahimafrooz Samir Asaf has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of Rahimafrooz Group.   HSBC launches 'My Bank' brand campaign The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Ltd in Bangladesh on Wednesday launched a brand campaign styled 'My Bank'.   Corruption cost Cambodian businesses $330m last year Cambodian businesses lost some 330 million dollars to corruption last year while the government failed to collect 400 million dollars in taxes, an economic think tank said Thursday.   Citibank opens service counter in DEPZ In a bid to meet the increasing offshore banking demands of business enterprises, Citibank NA recently opened its service counter in Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in Savar.   Blair wants G8 expanded to G13 British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa to join the G8 to secure multilateral deals on trade, climate change and Iran, The Guardian newspaper said Thursday.   WB chief urges G8 leaders to reach agreement in Doha talks World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has sent a letter to the G8 leaders, urging them to reach an agreement in the Doha round table talks when they meet in Russia's St. Petersburg next week. Sports Cricket: Eng revival after early blows Pakistan were left to rue missed chances as Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood revived England's innings with an unbroken century stand on the first day of the first Test at Lord's here Thursday.   Cricket: ICC hits back at Crowe The International Cricket Council (ICC) insisted Thursday it had not gone soft on bowlers with suspect actions after former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe called on officials to make sure "chuckers"   Football: France forgives her talisman It had the makings of an address to the nation from the head of state. Across the country, families gathered round TV sets; in bars they ordered extra drinks.   Football: Zidane bares his soul Zinedine Zidane said on Wednesday he attacked defender Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final to defend the honour of his mother and sister.   Football: Materazzi to be investigated FIFA said Thursday they have opened a disciplinary inquiry into the behaviour of Italy World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi.   Football: Italy's press salutes Lippi Italy's press united on Thursday to salute departing World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi. "Goodbye and thank you," began an article on the front page of La Repubblica.   Cricket: Sachin vows to help Mumbai victims Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar promised Thursday to help the victims of Mumbai's train blasts and hoped his home city would soon return to normal.   Cricket: Bangladesh face SL in final Bangladesh will have a chance to take revenge when they take on defending champions Sri Lanka in a repeat of last year's final in the second edition of the Golden Hope International U-17 Cricket Challenge   Kabadi: Inter-district kabaddi on A two-day banglalink IGP Cup inter-district youth kabaddi tournament kicked off here at Dinajpur Gor-e-Shahid ground on Thursday.   Football: Cesc not leaving Gunners Cesc Fabregas will sign an improved Arsenal contract later this month confirming his commitment to the Champions League finalists until 2011 and ending Real Madrid's immediate hopes of recruiting theSpain   Athletics: Liu Xiang the Beckham of China Chinese officials have expressed concern that the media furore surrounding world record hurdler Liu Xiang could harm his career, state media reported Thursday.   Cycling: Gerrans close to yellow jersey Australian Simon Gerrans took a step closer to the Tour de France's yellow jersey here on Wednesday.   Football: Allardyce slams Hamann Bolton manager Sam Allardyce on Thursday revealed his anger with Dietmar Hamann after the German midfielder's bizarre transfer to Manchester City.   Football: Pekerman urged to stay on The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) is hoping to convince recently departed World Cup coach Jose Pekerman to reconsider his resignation, president Julio Grondona said Wednesday.   Football: Ten Sports bags UCL rights Ten Sports has bagged exclusive rights to telecast the UEFA Champions League in the Indian sub-continent for the next three seasons.   Football: FIFA lifts ban on Greece FIFA has lifted its suspension of the Greek football federation after the Greek parliament approved an amendment to its legislation relating to sport.   Cricket: Aus worried over Mumbai blasts The recent bombings in Mumbai have raised concerns about the possibility of teams pulling out of the Champions Trophy, which will take place in India during October and November.   Cricket: Pak to split ODI, Test teams The recent spate of injuries has prompted Pakistan Cricket Board to consider fielding separate Test and one-day cricket squads.   Football: Final's death toll in Burundi rises The death toll from a weekend grenade explosion in Burundi that instantly killed two people in a crowd cheering Italy's World Cup victory has climbed to seven, officials said Wednesday.   Football: Mixed transfer dealings for L'Pool Liverpool have deflected interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona to secure the free-transfer signing of the Brazil full-back Fabio Aurelio from Valencia, although their attempts to add his compatriotDaniel   Football: Italy's victory under legal challenge A French lawyer plans to mount a legal challenge to the World Cup final result to establish whether the expulsion of Zinedine Zidane was within the rules. Metropolitan Control aedes mosquito to prevent dengue Speakers at a view exchange meeting yesterday urged the people to work together to help control aedes mosquito in order to prevent the spread of dengue.   'Form global network to fight fanatics' Acting President of Forum for Secular Bangladesh Shahriar Kabir has called for forming a global network of anti-fundamentalist humanists to fight the increasing terrorist activities of the fanatics in   Free treatment for 10 cancer patients a yr Bangladesh Cancer Foundation (BCF) hospital will provide free treatment to ten cancer patients every year, the foundation announced yesterday.   Japan to help improve storm water drainage system in city A minutes of discussion was signed between Bangladesh and Japan on Explanation of Basic Design Study for funding a project titled "Improvement of storm water drainage system" in Dhaka city.   17 Bangladeshi students receive US State Dept certificates US Department of State yesterday gave away certificates to 17 Bangladeshi students of secondary and higher secondary levels for their successful completion of Partnership for Learning Youth Exchange and   Meeting of CPD Board of Trustees held The 26th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) was held at its Dialogue Room in the city on Wednesday, says a press release.   Drive in garments units from July 16 The fire service department is going to conduct a massive drive in all garments factories in the country as part of its fire safety measures from July 16, says a press release.   India pledges $ 2 million to Peacebuilding Fund India has decided to make an initial commitment of US$ 2 million to the Peacebuilding Fund proposed to be set up under the newly established Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) at the United Nations, saysa   Justice seeks help for treatment Justice M Bazlur Rahman Talukdar, 70, who has fought against all kinds of injustice throughout his life, is now broke and seeking financial assistance from affluent people for his treatment.   Death threat to woman journo condemned Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) expressed concern over the death threat to Journalist Jahanara Ferdous, Porshuram upazila correspondent of the weekly Jahur published from Feni.   RU student beaten by JCD cadres Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) cadres of Rajshahi University (RU) beat up a student over a trifling matter on the campus.   President assents to three bills President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday assented to three bills passed in the 22nd session of the 8th Parliament.   New CU Proctor takes office Professor Didarul Alam Chowdhury took office as the new Proctor of Chittagong University (CU) on Wednesday.   Dilruba elected Zonta Int'l director Zonta International District 25 Governor Dilruba Ahmed has been elected Zonta International director for 2007-2009 recently, says a press release.   Seminar on healthcare on July 16 A seminar on 'Healthcare, Global Economy & Generics -- How to Partner', organised by The Millennium University, will be held in the city on July 16, says a press release.   Death anniversary Today is the second death anniversary of Prof Razia Begum, the only female founding leader of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, a Tagore singer and former leader of Chhatra Union, says a press release. Point-Counterpoint Quid pro quo for joining the ruling cartel Politicians, without a core set of values, tend to serve the people guided by capricious "do as you please" whims which they cover-up by "practical" and "pragmatic" rationales.   Is Mahathir's reputation fading away? There is high political temperature in Kuala Lumpur (KL) these days.   Contradictions in economic policies Economic policies of the government in the recent past are a good example of the contradictions and dilemmas faced by a government in policy-making. Culture Bangladeshi theatre goes overseas Two productions of Bangla Theatre, one of the very few professional theatre troupes in Bangladesh, winged their way to Australia recently.   ATN Bangla turns 10 On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ATN Bangla, the channel is set to telecast special programmes on July 14 and15. Here is a roundup of the upcoming programmes.   Monsoon medley From memories of Barsaat mein to the contemporary On the roof in the rain, rain songs have been an integral feature of Indian film music.   TV play Cross Road on Channel i today Written by Aniket and directed by Ashraful Alam Ripon, the play Crossroad will be aired at 7:50pm today on Channel i. The play stars Toni Dayes, Deepa Khondaker, Sumaiya Shimu and others.   Young Bangladeshi filmmakers win accolades at int'l festival Short films by two of the youngest filmmakers in Bangladesh, Arjo Sreshtha and Shiropa Poorna have won the 'Certificate of Merit' at the Ree Teens Film festival 2006, held in New York, US, accordingto General Navy launches massive tree plantation campaign Bangladesh Navy has launched a massive tree plantation campaign at all naval bases and other shore establishments in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, Kaptai and Cox's Bazar as part of the Tree Plantation   DU Statistics dept reunion STEM and LEAF, an association of the students at the Department of Statistics of Dhaka University (DU) is going to observe its first anniversary on August 5 at Teacher Student Centre (TSC), says a press Editorial Editorial: What a pointless row! We have the replies of Prof Muzaffar Ahmad, chairman, board of trustees of the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) to the dramatic reactions of LGRD Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan and Environment   Editorial: 'No' to hartal and boycott of parliament A survey conducted by a recognised research organisation, at the initiative of Prothom Alo, amongst four thousand people drawn from a cross section of the society reveals that 75 percent of the respondents   Zinedine Agonistes The World Cup always breaks your heart. But this year's competition was one that will live on in the annals of misfortune and catastrophe.   The Ershad Curve Politics is looking like a card game since the whiff of rumour started last week that former president Ershad might join the BNP-led coalition.   Bomb blast syndrome reaches alarming proportion The Mumbai carnage, the latest of the deadly bomb blast incidents in South Asia, only underlines the increasing trend of such syndrome in the most densely populated region of the world. Letters to Editor Crime against humanity The serial bomb blasts in Mumbai were a crime against humanity. The railway tracks in Mumbai were flooded with blood. The ruthless terrorists killed nearly 200 innocent people.   Pope's campaign I commend Pope Benedict XVI's tireless campaign aimed at defending the traditional family against gay marriage and other challenges to church doctrine such as divorce, contraception, abortion, and embryonic   Zidane, tearful adieu! I failed to recognise the point of your article titled, "Zidane has been punished, why not Materazzi?" If it was your contention that Materazzi should have been punished for tugging at Zidane's shirtor   Promotion of football The present world's competitiveness is just inexpressible in words, be it in the fields of marketing, academics, politics or sports, there is competition everywhere.   Why this plan? Please refer to the news item published in your daily on 11 July 2006 titled, "By-polls in vacant parliamentary seat; draft bill okayed to extend time limit to 180 days.   Oil tanker disaster This refers to the letter under the heading "420-Oil tanker disaster" by Mr. ME Haque from Chittagong which appeared in your daily on 10 July, 2006.   Communalism in undivided Bengal It was disappointing to read the article written by Taj Hashmi because it parroted the Muslim League's same old version of history of Pakistan as the struggle of Bengali Muslims against the oppressive   Sharia laws This refers to the article titled " Fundamentalism, Extremism and Islam" by Mr. Md. Anwarul Kabir, published in The Daily Star of the 7th instant. Mr.   Selling gas Thanks to Eram Mahboob for his letter of July 11 entitled "Selling gas". Mr.   Sheikh Hasina's India trip: Indian view I am an Indian by nationality. In the past few days Bangladesh opposition leader Sheikh Hasina's trip has created a debate. Many readers in turn expressed their views about India.   Rajuk and new rules Newspapers have rightly criticised some of Rajuk's influential officials for playing a negative role in implementing the new building rules.   A good article I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Anwarul Kabir, Assistant Professor of AIUB, for his brilliant article entitled "Fundamentalism, extremism and Islam" published in your newspaper of 7 July.   An appeal We the entry level officers of B.C.S (Agriculture) cadre are not getting any promotion/selection grade for the last 8 years. Environment Depletion of forest cover portends climatic disaster Trees are the most essential bounties of Nature contributing to the sustenance of life on earth.   To turn a curse into a blessing Providing absolutely pure drinking water from the tap has been the ambition of international water professionals for more than a century. Time has proven that in most places, it does not work.   Unnecessary death of a tanker The recent demise of a ten million dollar oil tanker, Banglar Shourav, along with three of its crew, including Chief Officer Mr. World South Asia: India, Pakistan trade barbs over bombing Indian police searched hotels yesterday for clues in the train bomb attacks that killed 200 people, amid a sharp exchange of words with neighbouring Pakistan over its handling of Islamic militants.   South Asia: UK, Afghan troops fight Taliban holdouts British and Afghan forces battled Taliban holdouts yesterday after repelling a brazen insurgent attack on a police headquarters a day earlier in a southern Afghan town, killing at least 19 militants,a   South Asia: Edgy Mumbai looks under train seats "Brothers look under your seats for bombs or anything," shouted Vinay Diwakar, a commuter on a Mumbai suburban train on Thursday, two days after bombs on the rail network of Mumbai killed 200 people.   South Asia: Nepal cuts king's funds by 70pc Nepal's interim, multi-party government cut King Gyanendra's allowance by 70 percent on Wednesday in the first budget presented to parliament in four years.   South Asia: Myanmar warns people against unrest Military-run Myanmar has warned people against causing unrest on an upcoming independence anniversary, state media reported yesterday, and accused pro-democracy activists of associating with "terrorists".   World leaders call for restraint in ME World powers pleaded for restraint yesterday to stop the fiercest Israeli-Lebanese clashes in a decade slipping into all-out war.   Iran defiant after nuke case goes back to UN The Iranian president said yesterday Iran would not abandon its right to nuclear technology in a defiant statement after Tehran's case was referred back to the UN Security Council in its atomic dispute   Iraqis take up security in southern province Iraq yesterday took charge of security in the southern province of Muthanna, replacing British and Australian forces in the first such transfer of responsibility in the country.   Saddam refusing meals again Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and three of his co-defendants on trial for crimes against humanity have launched a new hunger strike, the US military said yesterday.   Fresh $30m Japanese aid for Palestinians Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi unveiled nearly 30 million dollars in fresh aid to the Palestinians on Thursday, urging calm in the full glare of an escalating Middle East crisis.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. 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