Vol. 5 Num 860 Sun. October 29, 2006       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 WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page President offers to be chief adviser The hope that flickered with former chief justice KM Hasan's refusal to take office of the chief of the caretaker government seemed to have dimmed again as the BNP and the AL failed to reach a consensus   Downtown Dhaka turns into battlefield Downtown Dhaka turned into a fierce battlefield yesterday with thousands of AL workers clashing with Jamaat supporters at Paltan for seven hours and with police at Bangabandhu Avenue and Golapshah Mazar   12 killed, 2,000 hurt as violence hits country At least 12 people were killed and about 2,000 wounded, many by bullets, as activists of outgoing BNP-led four-party coalition government and Awami League-led 14-party opposition combine clashed in an   President, our last hope, keep yourself above controversy For a few hours yesterday we felt that the political crisis that dogged us for the past several months was perhaps at its end, with Justice KM Hasan declining to take over as the caretaker chief.   Country brought to a standstill Dhaka siege programme by the Awami League (AL) led 14-party combine virtually paralysed the city life yesterday.   Amin 'ready' for challenge In a new development in the ongoing macabre political drama in the country, former chief justice Mahmudul Amin Chowdhury reportedly told Bangabhaban yesterday that he has no objection to assuming thepost   President should follow constitution The Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged President Iajuddin Ahmed to take immediate steps for a non-partisan person to take oath as the chief adviser to the next caretaker government   Accept whatever president decides BNP Chairperson and outgoing Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday urged the opposition to accept whatever decision the president should take on caretaker chief and said her party will do the same.   KM Hasan steps aside for the sake of people Former Chief Justice KM Hasan yesterday said he decided to stay away from performing his constitutionally mandated responsibility as chief adviser to the caretaker government in the interest of the people.   Options not explored before president's offer The president's offer of assuming the post of the chief adviser to the caretaker government himself is the last option for solving the current raging political crisis in the country according to the constitution.   Hasina's SSF protection withdrawn The government withdrew the Special Security Force (SSF) from the Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi residence Sudha Sadan at around 3:00am yesterday just three hours into their deployment   It's all because of a caretaker chief 1. Workers of 14-party try to rush a wounded fellow worker to hospital after he was shot in the head near Paltan intersection yesterday during a clash with Jamaat-e-Islami. The man died later. 2.   Drama at ZIA as Jai Jai Din editor tries to leave country Shafik Rehman, editor of the Dainik Jai Jai Din, last night failed to leave the country, a day after the BNP-led four-party alliance government's tenure ended, despite having five tickets with different   Ctg port chokes with container congestion Life at the port city Chittagong came to a standstill due to Awami League (AL) led 14-party combine's blockade programme started yesterday.   Politically divided doctors, students clash At least five people were injured at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) yesterday after two doctors' organisations clashed with each other over holding rallies.   DMCH struggles to supply blood to injured Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) was packed yesterday afternoon with over a hundred patients hurt in the clashes at Paltan and Baitul Mokarram in the capital between the activists of Awami League   Top businesses concerned as politics goes downhill Top business leaders in a joint statement yesterday expressed deep concern over the prevailing political crisis and breaking out of violence across the country, urging all political leaders and activists   Ershad observing course of politics Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman HM Ershad said he is now observing the political situation and will take his decision to join any alliance after his party's meeting on November 5.   Take action against corrupt ministers, MPs Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leaders yesterday urged the president to take action against the corrupt ministers and MPs of the alliance government in the greater interest of the country.   Cops beat up 8 journos Police beatings injured several journalists yesterday during the protests by Awami League (AL) activists at Gulistan in the capital.   2 outlaws killed in gunfight with Rab Two members of the outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-Janajuddho) were killed during a fierce gunfight between the outlaws and the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Mirpur upazila of the district   N Korea preparing for another N-test South Korean and US officials are monitoring the construction of a new building and other activities at a suspected North Korean nuclear site, trying to determine if the communist country is planninga Business IMF gives nod to sixth instalment International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved disbursement of the sixth instalment of PRGF loan amounting to US$49.7 million, according to an IMF press release.   $504.69m investment in EPZs in five years Country's investment volume in the export processing zones (EPZs) rose to $504.69 million during the last five years.   Workers from Bangladesh, 3 other countries to get KL calling visa Workers from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal flying into Malaysia can now apply for 'calling visas', a facility which is likely to reduce the waiting time for their employers here to receive them.   Tata's Corus acquisition reaffirms India's global presence The Tata Group's acquisition of Anglo-Dutch steel-maker Corus is a reaffirmation of the Indian corporate sector's aggressive bid to go global through inorganic growth to face up to competition, analysts   Hanoi sees economic status glimmer The World Trade Organisation said Friday that its 149 members would meet on November 7 to consider giving the green light for Vietnam's accession, a move that would signal the country's emergence as a   US Farm Bill 'decisive' for trade talks: Lamy A decision by the US Congress next spring on farm subsidies in the United States will be decisive for stalled global trade talks, World Trade Organisation chief Pascal Lamy said Saturday.   Canada won't offer amnesty to 0.2m illegal workers Canada will not offer amnesty to an estimated 200,000 undocumented workers slogging in construction and blue collar jobs, fearing it would encourage more illegal immigration, an official said Friday.   US Q3 growth slumps The US economy slumped to its worst growth rate since early 2003 in the third quarter, according to data that unleashed partisan point-scoring ahead of elections next month.   Iraq welcomes Chinese oil companies Chinese companies are welcome to bid for energy contracts in Iraq, but all deals reached under former dictator Saddam Hussein must be renegotiated, the Middle East nation's oil minister said Saturday.   Nike doubles investment in Barcelona Sportswear company Nike has signed a new sponsorship agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona which will see them invest a minimum of 150 million euros over a five year period ending in 2013.   Dollar wobbles as US growth slows The dollar fell to near one-month lows against the euro Friday on news that the US economy in the third quarter grew at its slowest pace in more than three years. The euro bought 1.   India plans to turn Mumbai into a global financial centre India has said it plans to turn Mumbai into a global financial centre to provide a host of services to clients across the world.   Canada asks India to remove trade barrier Canada has asked India to remove barriers on foreign direct investment in its financial sector, saying removal of trade impediments would foster closer economic ties between the two countries.   China, Asean to set up FTA On Nov 4, 2002, then Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and leaders of the 10 Asean nations signed at the sixth China-Asean summit the landmark Framework Agreement on Asean-China Comprehensive Economic Cooperation,   Malaysia eyes tourism market in China China is a very important source of tourist arrivals for Malaysia, next only to the Southeast Asian region, a senior Malaysian tourism official said here.   Toyota to build 2 plants in North America Toyota Motor Corp will build two assembly plants in North America, Japan's Mainichi newspaper reported Saturday.   Maruti Q2 profit soars 40pc India's largest carmaker Maruti Udyog, majority owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp, said Thursday that second quarter net profit jumped almost 40 percent year-on-year, beating analysts forecasts.   New CEO of Fidelity Assets & Securities Mohammed NS Kabir recently took over as the chief executive officer and managing director of Fidelity Assets & Securities Company Ltd. Sports Cricket: Gayle, Bravo power WI Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo cracked centuries to help the West Indies post a challenging 272-4 against England in the Champions Trophy here on Saturday.   Cricket: Aus v Ind: winner takes all Favourites Australia hope to revel in the pressure of sudden-death play when they clash with under-performing hosts India in a key Champions Trophy match here on Sunday.   Cricket: Inquiry summons Woolmer Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has been summoned to appear at the inquiry investigating doping charges against fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, an official said Saturday.   Cricket: Sreesanth in for Agarkar Shanthakumaran Sreesanth will replace Ajit Agarkar in the Indian squad for the remainder of the Champions Trophy after Agarkar sustained a hairline fracture on his left thumb during the match againstWest   Cricket: PCB to submit chargesheet against Hair Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to submit a detailed chargesheet against Australian umpire Darrell Hair to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and initiate an inquiry into his controversial conduct   Cricket: Javed for more power to coach Former Test captain Javed Miandad has called for the Pakistan team coach and selectors to be given more power after the side's humiliating 124-run defeat against South Africa in the Champions Trophy.   Cricket: Teenage stars for NSW Australian under-19 skipper Moises Henriques claimed 5-17 off 13 overs to bowl New South Wales to innings points over Queensland in their Sheffield Shield cricket match here Saturday.   Cricket: Yuvraj blow for India Indian middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh was ruled out of Sunday's crucial Champions Trophy Group A tie against Australia after suffering a knee injury.   Cricket: Smith hails his boys Captain Graeme Smith hailed South Africa's character after qualifying for the Champions Trophy semifinals with a 124-run hammering of Pakistan on Friday.   Cricket: 'Akhtar, Asif were missed' Pakistani greats Saturday lamented the team's early exit from the Champions Trophy and said they had missed their banned captain and dope-tainted bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.   Tennis: Sharapova reaches final Maria Sharapova defeated third-seeded Patty Schnyder of Switzerland 7-5, 7-5 on Saturday to reach the final of the Linz Open. The top-seeded Russian will be bidding for her fifth title of the year.   Cricket: Australia in Monty's good books only England's Ashes wildcard Monty Panesar, who some fear will become the subject of hostility from Australian crowds in next month's Test series, says he has only experienced kindness from Australia.   Football: Midfielders propel Chelsea Chelsea warmed up for next week's Cham-pions League showdown against Barcelona with a fifth straight win after defeating struggling Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane here on Saturday.   Football: Further leniency for match-fixers Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina had their match-fixing penalties cut on Friday by the Arbitration Court of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI).   Football: Klinsi admits US interest Juergen Klinsmann says he is open to coaching the U.S. national soccer team. "Absolutely I'm interested," Klinsmann told Saturday's New York Times.   Cricket: Younis joins Yorkshire Pakistan batsman Younis Khan is to join Yorkshire on a one-year contract for the 2007 English season, the English county announced Friday.   Tennis: Roger survives a scare Home hero Roger Federer had to work his way out of tiebreak trouble to stop David Ferrer 6-3, 7-6 for a place in the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors on Friday.   Football: Beira Mar hold Sporting Cameroon defender Yohanna Buba struck a hattrick to give promoted Beira Mar a 3-3 home draw with Sporting in the Portuguese Premier League on Friday.   Football: Nike doubles Barca investment Sportswear company Nike have signed a new sponsorship agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona which will see them invest a minimum of 150 million euros over a five year period ending in 2013.   Football: Kirkland to stay at Wigan England international goalkeeper Chris Kirkland turned his loan move from Liverpool to Premiership rivals Wigan into a permanent switch after signing a contract that will keep him at the JJB Stadium until Metropolitan 'Resist move to delay power transfer' Sammilita Ainjibi Samannya Parishad yesterday called on all lawyers to resist any move to delay power transfer to the caretaker government.   5 Rajshahi BNP MPs declared unwanted The 14-party opposition combine yesterday declared Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu and four other BNP lawmakers unwanted in Rajshahi saying a white paper on their corruption would be published today.   Scores cross border in fear of political wrath A record number of people, believed to be political activists, left for India through Bernapole land port during the last three days for fear of reprisals by the opponents, immigrant officials said.   3 killed in road accident in Cox's Bazar At least three people were killed on the spot and ten others injured in a road accident in Cox's Bazar district yesterday.   President urged to appoint CG chief immediately Expressing deep concern over the anarchy and killings in the country, 29 former officers of armed forces yesterday urged the President for immediate appointment of chief adviser to the caretaker government   'Appoint CG chief acceptable to all parties' Speakers at a rally yesterday demanded a person acceptable to all political parties to be appointed chief of caretaker government and urged all to press home the electoral reforms of 14-party alliance   GM Quader likely to float new party GM Quader today indicated his intention to desert Jatiya Party (JP) and float a new party if JP Chairman HM Ershad decides to join the BNP led 4-party alliance.   Tourists stranded in Cox's Bazar Thousands of tourists, who went to Cox's Bazar on Eid holidays, got stranded there due to political violence and strike.   One dies while making bomb in Chuadanga A man died and another got injured when a bomb, which they were allegedly making, exploded in a village about 10 miles from the town yesterday.   Closure of Jai Jai Din condemned Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) yesterday expressed deep concern at the sudden closure of the daily Jai Jai Din.   Poetry festival postponed The 2nd German-Bangla Poetry Festival jointly organised by Meghdut Abriti Sangsad and Goethe Institut, Dhaka has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.   FEMA, JANIPOP concerned FEMA and JANIPOP have expre-ssed serious concern at the current political impasse caused by the failure of major political parties and their coalition partners to resolve the differences over the formation National Uncertainty grips nation as political violence spreads across country Amid uncertainty in the political arena, activists of the two major parties-- BNP and Awami league--poured on streets in most of district towns in a show of strength.   BDR, BSF trade fire in Panchagarh Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) yesterday noon traded gunshots in Majhipara border of Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh district, BDR and local people said.   Jobs of 222 regularised during Eid vacation Rajshahi University Syndicate at an extraordinary emergency meeting has regularised jobs of 222 class III and class IV employees out of the 546 employees recruited controversially in 2004.   SUST reopens Nov 1 The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) will reopen on November 1 and classes will begin from November 5.   Khulna BNP factions hold separate rallies Two factions of Khulna BNP held two separate rallies in the city yesterday protesting what they called the countrywide anarchy let loose by 14-party alliance.   Vow to resist 'renegade' Moni Swapan in Rangamati Rangamati district BNP and it front organisations yesterday declared renegade party leader and former deputy minister for CHT affairs Moni Swapan Dewan "unwanted" in Rangamati and declared to resist his Point-Counterpoint A winning formula General elections are the ultimate barometer of public satisfaction of political performance.   Bangladesh in the Next Eleven Bangladesh, with the sheer power of its large population and sustained GDP growth, could become one of the largest economies in the world.   Ruling alliance report card It is certainly heartening to know that: (i) Bangladesh is no longer a bottomless basket, (ii) she is more successful than India in certain areas of social developments such as infant mortality, child   MM Rezaul Karim in London, 1971 It was the summer of 1971. A year of uncertainty for all of us. Culture In quest of the bohemian guru, SM Sultan Nasir Ali Mamun, a veteran photographer, has brought out seven books on photography, including Guru on one of the Bangladeshi masters SM Sultan. Mamun began his journey with Legendary faces.   Palakar readies Tagore's 'Dakghar' Palakar, a theatre troupe, which has been performing 'studio theatre', an intimate theatre performance staged for a limited audience at its lab for the last three years, is producing Tagore's classicDakghar.   'Kotha Chhilo Anyorokom' on BTV Telefilm Kotha Chhilo Anyorokom will be aired today at 3:30pm on BTV. The film features Mahfuz, Tarin, Apurbo and Tomalika in central roles. Kotha Chhilo... International Lankans asked to push peace or lose foreign aid Sri Lanka's warring parties resumed talks in Geneva yesterday and received a stern warning that they will lose international financial aid unless large-scale killings stop immediately.   Nepal govt, Maoists upbeat about upcoming talks Nepal's government and Maoist rebels said Friday they were hopeful of striking a deal to bring the insurgents into government and end a 10-year revolt in upcoming talks.   Rains, floods kill 11 in Lanka Torrential rains and flooding have killed 11 people in southern and western Sri Lanka and forced around 18,000 families from their homes, a top disaster relief official said yesterday.   3 killed in Assam bomb blast At least three people were killed and 20 injured in a powerful explosion at a crowded marketplace in India's northeastern state of Assam, officials said Saturday.   Iran confirms stepping up uranium enrichment Iran yesterday confirmed it had successfully enriched uranium from a new cascade at a nuclear plant despite the threat of sanctions, hailing the move as a step towards industrial-scale enrichment.   Abbas may dissolve Hamas government Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he will replace the Hamas-led government with a panel of professionals if the militant group doesn't agree to govern with his party, suggesting a new, tough line   'I'm not America's man in Iraq', says Maliki Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told the US ambassador to his country "I consider myself a friend of the United States, but I'm not America's man in Iraq," a close aide told AFP yesterday.   Ahmadinejad sacks second minister Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday sacked the minister for cooperatives, his second change to the cabinet since coming to power last year, the ISNA agency reported.   Violence surges as Thai PM visits Muslim south Militants in Thailand's restive southern provinces have killed five more people, police said yesterday, despite a visit by the new prime minister who has pushed new efforts for peace.   Cell phone takes security to new heights A new mobile phone in Japan takes security pretty seriously: It can recognise its owner, automatically locks when the person gets too far away from it and can be found via satellite navigation if it goes   Pressure grows on Berlin after new Afghan skull photos A German newspaper yesterday published more photographs showing soldiers posing with human skulls and bones in Afghanistan as pressure mounted on the government to find the culprits.   Canada says 'no' to amnesty for 200,000 illegal workers Canada will not offer amnesty to an estimated 200,000 undocumented workers slogging in construction and blue collar jobs, fearing it would encourage more illegal immigration, an official said Friday.   UN considers peace mission in Chad The United Nations is considering a monitoring mission or peacekeeping force in Chad where the spillover from violence in Sudan's Darfur region has resulted in more than 200,000 refugees.   Rice steps up pressure for Hezbollah disarmament Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stepped up international pressure on Hezbollah to disarm, saying the guerrilla group must surrender its weapons if it wants to remain part of Lebanon's political process.   Militant infiltration up in Afghanistan since Pak deal, says Nato The movement of militants from Pakistan into Afghanistan has increased since Islamabad signed a deal with tribal elders along the border last month, Nato's top military commander said Saturday.   Audit faults Halliburton unit for shielding Iraq contract data A Halliburton subsidiary has sought to prevent public disclosure of even routine reports about a contract to supply the US embassy in Iraq by inappropriately labelling them proprietary information, agovernment   Palestinians differ over end to hostage crisis One of the three Palestinian factions holding an Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip said yesterday it expected a solution to the crisis within days, but Hamas and a Palestinian Authority official wereless   Control of US Senate hinges on 4 races With designs on the White House, Republican Sen George Allen hoped all along his 2006 Virginia re-election campaign would draw national attention.   Mexico sends federal troops to Oaxaca Mexico's President Vicente Fox ordered federal troops into the southern city of Oaxaca yesterday after a US cameraman for independent media website Indymedia and two Mexicans were shot dead.   Chad accuses Sudan of bombing villages Chad yesterday accused neighbouring Sudan of bombing four villages close to its border with the Sudanese region of Darfur, although humanitarian groups expressed doubt about the claim.   98 US soldiers killed in Iraq this month The US military said Saturday that a Marine had been killed in restive Anbar province, raising to 98 the number of American forces killed in Iraq during October, the fourth deadliest month since   UN urges Solana to pressure Israel on Lebanon overflights Unifil commander General Alain Pellegrini Saturday urged EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana to pressure Israel to end its controversial overflights of Lebanon, a UN official said.   Pak nuclear scientist Khan in new health scare Disgraced Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan is suffering from deep vein thrombosis, and his condition has deteriorated in the past few days, his wife told Reuters on Saturday.   Taliban say no to peace talks Fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Omar has rejected the latest conditional offer of peace talks by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a rebel spokesman said yesterday.   Saudi Arabia sets stage for younger rulers Saudi Arabia's move this month to formalise the royal succession paves the way for the eventual emergence of younger rulers and aims to prevent infighting among the next generation of princes, analysts Editorial Editorial: Light at the end of the tunnel In a development of far-reaching significance, the last retired chief justice KM Hasan has made clear to the president his unwillingness to be the chief adviser of the upcoming caretaker government.   Editorial: Khaleda's speech Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's speech delivered on the last day of her government's five-year tenure has been a disappointment to the nation groaning under violence triggered by seemingly unending hostilities   Crisis in governance The conclusion of the tenure of the BNP-Alliance administration has been marked by chaos, breakdown in law and order, and uncertainty.   How to deal with rogue states In total defiance of the wishes of the international community, on October 9 North Korea conducted a nuclear test.   Eight annas in a rupee The Manmohan Singh government has run through half of its term. Achievement-wise, it is eight annas in a rupee. Letters to Editor Political crisis... The political news from Bangladesh is very alarming.   Saudi Arabia and Iran Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, a political consulting firm and author of " A New Way to Understand Why Nations Rise and Fall", recently wrote: "Washington can also press the Saudis, who control   Odd incidents Sometimes we the Bangladeshi people think that to have been born in this country was a sin (forgive me). Lots of odd things are happening here.   Chittagong Chemical Complex The Chittagong Chemical Complex located at Barab Kundu, Chittagong was closed on 15 December 2002. The technology was ultramodern, environmental friendly and energy efficient.   Sense & insensibility I would like to send my heartiest thanks to Mr. Shahnoor Wahid for his article "Should we call poor women fakirni, sir?" He really said what we wanted to say. He has made our voice reach the audience.   What is Bangladesh? I reached Canada two weeks ago for MSc. Still now I cannot concentrate on my studies as I cannot overcome homesickness though my classes have started. Star Health Preventive measures against hepatitis C There are at least six viruses known to cause liver disease: hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G, which vary in their severity and characteristics.   Sleep tips for the insomniac Feeling crabby lately? It could be you are not getting enough sleep. Work, household responsibilities and child care can make sleep hard to come by.   Aortic Dissection: A life threatening medical condition An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. The aorta is the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.   Bronchial thermoplasty reduces asthma attacks The removal of muscle tissue in the hyperactive airways of asthma patients by exposing the tissue to heat reduces disease exacerbations and significantly improves the patients' quality of life, Canadian   Mom's vitamin E may affect child's asthma risk Women who get enough vitamin E during pregnancy may help lower their child's future risk of asthma, a study suggests. The findings add to evidence that vitamin E may aid in lung and immune system development.   The advantage of laparoscopic surgery for women What is laparoscopic surgery? It is an minimally invasive surgical technique developed by modern medical science.   Your Doctor Send health related queries to Your Doctor, Star Health, The Daily Star, 19, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka 1215 or e-mail your problem to starhealth@thedailystar. Star City Festivity followed by anxiety From the very onset of one of the longest-ever eid holidays, the city looked deserted.   Communication ministry's eyewash Authority's negligence to implement existing regulations to solve prevailing problems contributed to nothing but increased harassment to owners, drivers and passengers of CNG auto-rickshaws and taxicabs.   Mega city sans detailed map Travellers in the city are left handicapped, as Dhaka --one of the mega cities in the world -- does not have a proper map indicating landmarks, places and direction for smooth commuting.   Eid and political chaos jam the ether Over the last six days the cell phones were abuzz with short message service (sms) in the absence of newspaper for the four-day Eid holiday and due to tense political situation.   Lack of maintenance The DCC installed these expensive and designer park benches on Minto Road recently under its beautification programme.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.