Vol. 5 Num 882 Mon. November 20, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint 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 Uncertainty grips country as blockade restarts today The Awami League (AL) led 14-party combine resumes non-stop countrywide blockade today demanding reconstitution of Election Commission (EC) as the third deadline for President/Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed   Advisers irked at no progress to end crisis After 20 days of taking oath, the advisers to the caretaker government (CG) are now feeling frustrated with it, saying that so far the CG has failed to create an environment suitable for a free and fair   President sends team to meet CEC today A high-level delegation of President Iajuddin Ahmed will seek time to meet Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz today to discuss the crisis arising out of the demand for reconstitution of the Election   CA told of his failure in proving neutrality Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina yesterday told President Iajuddin Ahmed that he has failed to prove his neutrality as the chief adviser to the interim caretaker government but he still has time.   CA turns a deaf ear to majority voices The caretaker government's move to make the Election Commission (EC) credible has failed as its chief adviser (CA) continues to choose to ignore the majority opinion of the council of advisers and ofpolitical   None but 4-party against EC reconstitution Apart from the Awami League (AL)-led 14-party alliance, donor agencies, foreign diplomats and other political parties are speaking in the same tune about the reconstitution of the Election Commission(EC)   4-party warns of agitation again The BNP-led four-party alliance yesterday staged demonstration in the capital as a showdown of strength on the eve of the 14-party's indefinite blockade that resumes today.   Garment owners stage sit-in today Garment factory owners will stage a sit-in around Bangabhaban premises early today if the president and chief adviser (CA) to the caretaker government failed to break the current political deadlock by   Cops find nexus of govt staff, agencies Police unearthed important information about a strong network of women traffickers at Fakirapool in the capital and their links with the officials of Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).   Tarique files defamation suits against Hasina, Jalil, Quader BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman yesterday filed three separate defamation suits against Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, General Secretary Abdul Jalil and Joint General Secretary   Huji carried out major grenade attacks Harkatul Jihad (Huji) leader Mufti Abdul Hannan yesterday confessed to plotting and leading several gruesome grenade attacks, including those on the Udichi programme in Jessore, Ramna Batamul, and the   EC secretariat made off-limits to journalists In a sudden move, the Election Commission (EC) yesterday banned journalists from entering its secretariat that is preparing to conduct the next parliamentary elections.   City gridlocked in day, eerie in the evening Commuters experienced untold sufferings yesterday as most of the city dwellers rushed to finish their last moment business before today's blockade programme but they found fewer vehicles in the streets.   People lost trust in EC US Ambassador Patricia A Butenis yesterday said the people of Bangladesh have lost trust in the Election Commission (EC) while UK High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said political parties' confidence in   Shipping agents give 24 hrs time to resume operations The Shipping Agents Association of Bangladesh extended its ultimatum for resuming operations of Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) in Chittagong Port for another 24 hours.   Nagorik body places proposals to CA A five-member delegation of Nagorik Committee 2006 yesterday called on President and Chief Adviser to the caretaker government Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban and placed a set of recommendations for holding   Police administration put thru' transfer hoops The government yesterday transferred 49 deputy inspector general (DIG) and superintendent of police (SP)-level police officials and 618 inspectors and officers-in-charge (OCs) of different police stations.   JCD men attack Chhatra Sangram Parishad activists on DU campus The Chhatra Sangram Parishad (CSP), an alliance of seven 14-party backed student bodies, has called an indefinite strike at Dhaka University (DU) beginning today protesting an attack on its leaders and   SC judgment on contempt charges deferred The Supreme Court yesterday deferred for a week the pronouncement of judgment on the contempt charges against 13 government officials, including four secretaries, for non-compliance with its orders for   UK minister for trade arrives tomorrow British Minister of State for Trade Ian McCartney MP will arrive in Dhaka tomorrow night on an official visit to Bangladesh.   3 killed in 'shootouts' A top leader of Biplobi Communist Party (BCP) Lal Pataka faction and two members of outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) ML-Lal Pataka faction were killed in 'encounters' between their accomplices   6 killed in Rangunia road crash Six day-labourers were killed and nine others injured in a road accident on Chittagong-Rangamati Road at Rangunia in the district yesterday morning.   Why keeping 338 Myanmar citizens in jail not illegal A High Court (HC) division bench yesterday issued a rule on four government officials asking them to clarify why confinement of 338 Myanmar citizens in Cox's Bazar jail will not be declared illegal.   Hearing begins on condemned JMB men's appeal Hearing of appeals of six condemned militant leaders of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) including its chief Abdur Rahman and Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai in the Jhalakathi judges killing case   Girl's body found in abandoned suitcase The body of an unidentified ten-year-old girl was found inside a locked suitcase at Kamalapur Railway Station on Saturday night.   50 killed in Iraq attacks A suicide bomber in a minivan lured day labourers to his vehicle with promises of a job last morning then blew it up, killing 22 people and wounding 44 in the mainly Shia southern city of Hillah, police   Blair hints at change in 'war on terror' British Prime Minister Tony Blair indicated yesterday that the west's approach to the "war on terror" had changed, as he and Pakistan's leader pledged to bolster cooperation against extremism.   Libraries in sand reveal Africa's past Researchers in Timbuktu are fighting to preserve tens of thousands of ancient texts which they say prove Africa had a written history at least as old as the European Renaissance.   India tests N-capable missile India yesterday successfully tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a test range in the eastern state of Orissa, defence sources said.   Bush asks China for aid with N Korea President Bush sought Chinese President Hu Jintao's help on dual fronts yesterday, aiming to rein in North Korea's nuclear ambitions and encourage the Chinese people to buy more US goods.   DMP bans rallies, processions in, around Dhaka Cant on Nov 21 Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned all types of rallies, processions and meetings inside the Dhaka Cantonment and its adjacent areas on November 21, the Armed Forces Day.   Correction The Daily Star's yesterday's report headlined "Navy flouts rules in boat spares deal" contained some factual errors. It said that the six naval high-speed boats were delivered in Bangladesh uponpurchase. Business DSE fines 23 listed firms Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has slapped a daily fine of Tk 500 on 23 listed companies for failing to submit yearly audited reports to the premier bourse on time, DSE sources said.   Businesses should not make money at cost of social safety Businesses should make money, but that should not be done at the cost of social safety and sustainability, speakers observed at a roundtable in Dhaka yesterday.   BEI, Danish embassy ink deal on leadership development project Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) and Embassy of Denmark, Dhaka yesterday signed an agreement on a project 'Leadership Development Involving Trade Unions and Labour Leaders in Reform Agenda', says   Reviving Doha Round talks remains top priority The 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum issued a wide-ranging joint statement at the end of a two-day summit in Vietnam on Sunday.   Indian textile firms eye acquisitions in Central Asia Indian textile companies are eyeing acquisitions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to have easier access to Europe and take advantage of better quality of grown in Central Asia and certain sops offered bythe   G20 to continue pushing for IMF, WB reform The world's most powerful economic leaders vowed Sunday to maintain pressure on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to better reflect the global community.   Apec leaders urged to turn trade pledge into action After making a strong political commitment to revive stalled global trade talks, Asia-Pacific nations must now follow through with an action plan and a firm set of deadlines, analysts said Sunday.   Lanka begins work on 2nd int'l airport Sri Lanka's president Sunday marked his first year in office by launching work on a new international airport to handle the giant Airbus A380 airliner and pledging a major new port.   US, Russia sign WTO deal The United States and Russia Sunday signed a bilateral agreement that paves the way for Moscow to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) after 12 years of tough negotiations.   Number of bankrupts in S Korea soars The number of South Koreans filing for bankruptcy soared in the nine months to September this year amid an economic slowdown, a news report said Sunday.   Walton industrial generators hit market RB Group of Companies Ltd, the importer of electronics products, motorcycles, generators and others, has brought in market Walton brand 18.75 KVA (kilo volt-ampere) to 1000 KVA automatic industrial generators.   Sristy Hometex to take part in int'l furniture fair in Tokyo Sristy Hometex Ltd (SHL), a local home textile and home interior products manufacturer, is going to participate in an international furniture fair to be held in Tokyo from November 22 to 25, says a press   Intraco CNG gets ISO certificate Intraco CNG Ltd, a CNG (compressed natural gas) conversion company, has recently achieved ISO 9001:2000 certificate, says a press release.   'China can't rule out interest rate hikes' China cannot rule out further interest rate hikes in the coming months, state press reported Sunday, citing a leading central bank advisor.   CSE president reelected MKM Mohiuddin has been reelected president of Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Ltd for the year 2007, says a press release.   Trust Bank MD reappointed Iqbal U Ahmed has been reappointed managing director of Trust Bank Ltd, says a press release.   BCI president reelected AK Azad has been reelected president of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) for the two-year term (2006-2008) while MA Shahid and Shamsur Rahman have been elected senior vice president and vice president Sports Cricket: Another lesson for Ashraful Ace batsman Mohammad Ashraful was dropped for the first three one-day internationals of the five-match home series against Zimbabwe as the national selectors stuck to their old policy of 'bringing back   Cricket: Rafique routs Barisal Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Rafique warmed up well for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe when he guided Dhaka to a massive 248-run win against Barisal with a four-wicket haul on the final day of their   Cricket: Aktel goes cricket Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally announced Aktel yesterday as sponsor of the two coming home series against Zimbabwe and Scotland. Both the series would be named the "Aktel Series 2006".   Football: Babloo picks his squad for Asiad Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday announced a 23-member squad including 19 players for the Asian Games to be held in Doha next month.   Cricket: WI seize Pak momentum Imran Farhat, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf all hit half-centuries before the West Indies halted Pakistan's spree late on the first day of the second Test at Multan Stadium on Sunday.   Cricket: Eng leave Adelaide happy England completed their final warm-up match ahead of Thursday's eagerly awaited Ashes Test opener against Australia by drawing with South Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.   Cricket: Can KP do it again? Kevin Pietersen helped England win one Ashes series: now the question facing him and the rest of Andrew Flintoff's side is can they do it again? Pietersen already had an important role to play in   Cricket: Rain delay at Wanderers The first one-day international between South Africa and India here on Sunday was unable to get underway on time.   Cricket: Rajshahi in final round Rajshahi reached the final round of the National Cricket Champion-ship when they defeated Sirajganj by 11 runs in the zonal final at the Natore Stadium yesterday.   Football: No int'l football this month Mohammedan Sporting Club officially announced yesterday that they have postponed this month's proposed international club football tournament due to the ongoing political unrest in the country.   Chess: Int'l Rating chess The Prime Bank 9th International Rating Chess tournament will begin at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room today.   Chess: C'wealth chess from today The Commonwealth Chess Championships 2006 begin today in Mumbai with two Bangladeshi Grandmasters, Ziaur Rahman and Niaz Murshed, taking part in the 10-round Swiss league competition.   Football: AKS take title Aga Khan School (AKS) triumphed over Scholastica by 1-0 to clinch the Virgin Soft Drinks School Champion's Trophy at the Banani Chairmanbari ground yesterday.   Tennis: Roger ends year in style World number one Roger Federer rounded off a near-perfect season by demolishing James Blake to take his third Masters Cup title in straight sets on Sunday.   Cricket: Gilly trusts own technique Adam Gilchrist lost his batting aura in last year's Ashes series as England probed at his suspect technique against the swinging ball.   Cricket: Chanderpaul to keep playing West Indian middle-order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul said he would be more focused and disciplined than ever as he played in his 100th Test on Sunday.   Cricket: Greats bat for Clarke Several Australian Test greats have urged selectors to play batsman Michael Clarke in Thursday's first Ashes Test even if all-rounder Shane Watson is declared fit to face England.   Cricket: PCB alters selection policy The Pakistan cricket authorities have rung in a major change in their selection policies in an apparent bid to reduce the powers of the captain and coach.   Football: Sevilla humble Valencia Sevilla topped the Primera Liga on Saturday with a 3-0 home win over Valencia, who had mid-fielder David Silva sent off after just 17 minutes.   Football: Bayern topple Stuttgart Bayern Munich knocked VfB Stuttgart off the top of the Bundesliga with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in the rain at home on Saturday.   Football: Rooney keeps Chelsea at bay Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United came from behind to beat Sheffield United 2-1 and stay three points clear of champions Chelsea at the top of the Premier League in Saturday.   Football: UEFA sides with Domenech Scottish football bosses have been left bemused but relieved after being warned about the time the ball boys at Hampden Park take to give the ball back into play.   Football: Robben on red alert Chelsea are reportedly lining up a move for Lyon midfielder Florent Malouda and that news has ruffled the feathers of Dutch winger Arjen Robben, according to a report here Sunday.   Football: Rivaldo keeps rolling Two goals from Rivaldo inspired a second-half fightback from Olympiakos Piraeus who beat Aris Salonika 3-2 on Saturday to stay top of the Super League.   Football: McClaren believes in England Steve McClaren insists England will still make the Euro 2008 finals despite them sinking into third place in their qualifying section this week.   Football: Ganguly tells toss delay story Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has finally revealed the story behind turning up late for the toss during the famous 2001 India-Australia series, saying it was a pre-meditated strategy aimed at provoking   Football: Pardew praises Tevez West Ham United manager Alan Pardew said Argentina forward Carlos Tevez was finally starting to adapt to the English game after a shaky start and had shown his class against champions Chelsea on Saturday.   Football: Juventus held as Buffon sees red Fallen Italian giants Juventus had keeper Gianluigi Buffon sent off in Saturday's 1-1 Serie B draw away to Albinoleffe.   Football: Pepe sinks Palermo A late goal by striker Simone Pepe gave Cagliari a 1-0 win over Serie A leaders Palermo who had to play the whole of the second half with 10 men on Saturday.   Football: Lyon's lucky break Runaway French league leaders and champions Lyon left it late before an own goal by Sedan earned them a 1-0 away victory on Saturday.   Football: More misery for Benitez Liverpool ma-nager Rafael Benitez was a frustrated man after a 0-0 draw at Middlesbr-ough, which left them without a goal in their last six Premiership games away from Anfield.   Football: Rooney fired up for big match Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney has set his sights on shooting down second-placed Chelsea when the English Premiership's top two go head to head.   Football: Becks in clear over Cruise weeding Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said Saturday that David Beckham was in the clear after making a speedy return from Italy where he had joined in the wedding celebrations of Hollywood star Tom Cruise.   Football: Edu suffers knee injury Valencia's Brazilian midfielder Edu faces a long stretch on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments during the 3-0 defeat away to Sevilla in the Primera Liga on Saturday.   Football: Deisler makes Bayern return Injury-prone German international Sebastian Deisler made his first appearance in eight months coming on as a late substitute in Bayern Munich's 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. Metropolitan 'CA to be responsible for pushing country towards civil war' President/chief adviser will be responsible for pushing the country into a civil war because he has yet to take an effective action to break the current political impasse, leaders and activists of Jubo   'Protect Cox's Bazar hills, forestland from grabbers' Lawyers and environmentalists at a press conference yesterday vowed to launch legal fight and mass campaign to protect forestland and hills being cut by some vested quarters in Cox's Bazar.   4 killed in road accidents At least four people were killed in separate road accidents in Sirajganj, Jhalakathi and Khagrachhari yesterday.   BJP Secretary General Saifur passes away Secretary General of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Naziur-Manju faction) and former lawmaker Saifur Rahman passed away due to a cardiac arrest immediately after addressing a rally of the four-party alliance   CA assures owners of security of vehicles during blockade President/Chief Adviser (CA) Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday called upon the transport owners to operate their transports with an assurance of security of the vehicles carrying commuters and commodities.   '50,000 seized rickshaws sold illegally' Around 50,000 rickshaws seized during the previous government in the city were sold by the corrupt elements illegally.   BFUJ, DUJ concerned Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) yesterday expressed concern as reporters were denied access to Bangabhaban and were not formally briefed of Bangabhaban   Firearms seized, 11 arrested Police seized 11 firearms, 11 rounds of bullets and other weapons during their countrywide raid in the last 24 hours, says a police press release.   Driver shot In city Unknown miscreants shot a man in city's Adabar area yesterday morning.   Death anniversary Today is the 35th death anniversary of Shaheed Lt Abu Moyeen Muhammad Ashfaqus Samad Bir Uttam, says a press release. On this day in 1971, Samad embraced martyrdom in a battle.   Memorial meet for Poet Sufia Kamal postponed Samajik Protirodh Committee has postponed the memorial meeting for Poet Sufia Kamal marking her seventh death anniversary scheduled to be held today due to the current political situation, says a press National PCJSS mulls fielding candidates in CHT The Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), a political forum of indigenous communities in CHT, may field party candidates in CHT in coming election.   350 BNP, Shibir men join AL in Satkhira About 350 leaders and activists of BNP and Islami Chhatra Shibir, student front of Jamaat-e-Islami, have joined Awami League in Kalaroa and Tala upazilas.   LDP showdown in Rangamati Nov 23 The Rangamati unit of newly floated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by dissident BNP leader Prof Badrudozza Chowdhury and Col.   Kishoreganj JCD declares BNP secretary 'unwanted' in district Kishoreganj district Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) general secretary at a press conference here yesterday declared local BNP secretary Waliullah Rabbani 'unwanted' in the district.   BNP rift widens over ticket from Khulna-2, 3 Khulna district and city units of four-party alliance have demanded nomination of Khulna City Mayor Shaikh Tayebur Rahman from Khulna-3 (Khalishpur-Daulatpur) constituency instead of former Whip Ashraf   Handover of 8 instts to CHT Council protested Parbatya Chattagram Somo Odhikar Andolan (SOA), a platform of Bengali settlers, yesterday brought out a procession in the town and held a rally in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office protestingthe   Sundarbans Textile GM assaulted by workers Agitated workers of Sundarbans Textile Mills here attacked and ransacked the general manager's (GM) office and assaulted him allegedly in presence of a magistrate Saturday night.   3 bombs go off on PSTU campus Three bombs were blasted on the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) campus at Dumki yesterday. Some unidentified youths blasted the bombs, Dumki police and university sources said.   Gaibandha BNP factions hold programmes Intra-party feud in Gaibandha BNP intensified as two separate processions were brought out in the town yesterday.   RU employees begin 5-day agitation Several hundred officials and employees under the banner of Rajshahi University (RU) Officers and Karmochari Oikyo Parishad yesterday staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the administrative building.   13 injured in AL-BNP clash in Khagrachhari At least 13 people were injured yesterday in BNP-Awami League (AL) clashes in two separate incidents occurred at Manikchhari Bazaar in Manikchhari upazila and Nenchi Bazaar in Sadar upazila. Point-Counterpoint Election 2007: The road to nowhere With so much chattering over the Election Commission's impartiality and the fake voters on the list, I think it is time now to look back and see step by step why people are questioning the impartiality   EC, voter list and electoral reform Here are some more thoughts on the political impasse that has engulfed our country and some suggestions that may help us out of the mess: EC: What is public confidence? We often hear or   And they lived happily ever after Most of us have been raised on tales. The tales of the land go on forever. Our history is therefore full of excitement and heroics.   Wear a black badge We all want free and fair elections. It is widely agreed that neutrality of the caretaker administration and Election Commission is a pre-requisite for free and fair elections. Culture Rivers and people through Abir's lens Rivers make for more than pretty pictures. Photographer Abir Abdullah has effectively captured the social, political, economic and religious aspects of rivers in his 25 black and white photographs.   Runa Laila, Alamgir join UNAIDS campaign Many celebrities the world over have taken the lead in social causes.   Iresh Zaker: On the heels of actor parents It can be immensely challenging to be the offspring of celebrities. Comparisons are inevitable in the public eye, while one has to be on one's toes to excel in a chosen field.   Drama serial 'Akash Ki Chhowa Jay' on Rtv TV serial Akash Ki Chhowa Ja is currently being aired on Rtv every Tuesday at 9:20pm. General All out movement from today if CEC not withdrawn Speakers at a rally here yesterday urged all to be ready for an all out movement from today if the caretaker government doesn't withdraw the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) MA Aziz within the time set   2 oil refinery firms fined in Ctg A mobile court in separate anti-adulteration drives yesterday fined two oil refinery firms over Tk 1 lakh for loading and transporting edible oil in unhygienic drums without labels.   Deadline for CU admission forms extended Chittagong University (CU) authorities extended the time of sale and submission of admission forms for first year honours courses for the session 2006-2007 till November 26.   8 shops gutted in Ctg At least eight shops were gutted damaging property worth over Tk 7 lakh in a fire at Mirersarai upazila in the district early yesterday.   Dialogue ultimate solution to crisis Present political impasse persists in the country due to existing culture of confrontation, suppression and violence.   CPB agitation for CEC's removal today Along with the blockade programme by Awami League (AL) led 14-party, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) will observe different programmes across the country demanding removal of Chief Election Commission   12 get life in Ctg A Chittagong court sentenced 12 people to life in prison yesterday for killing one Abdus Sobhan 15 years ago. District and Sessions Judge ANM Bashirullah gave the verdict.   LDP showdown in Ctg today Leaders, activists and supporters of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Chittagong, especially the southern part of the district, are caught in a festive and enthusiastic mood centering the newly formed   Three more bodies recovered Three more bodies have been recovered bringing the total number of death to nine in a launch capsize in Barisal on Wednesday last.   'UN to endorse Halifax Declaration' Bangladesh will strive to ensure that the goals of the Microcredit Summit to reach out to 175 million of the world's poorest find a place in the UN General Assembly resolution on microcredit, said DrIftekhar   Stop anarchic demonstration Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Ainjibi Dal yesterday formed a human chain on High Court premises urging all political parties to stop their anarchic demonstration programmes and to set a different political   Sufia Kamal's anniversary of death today Today is the 7th death anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal, one of the pioneers in establishing the rights of Bengali women. Sufia Kamal was born in 1911 at Shaistabad in Barisal.   Docs demand cancellation of 'controversial' circular Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad (SCP) yesterday staged a sit-in and held a rally in front of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in the city demanding cancellation of 'controversial and illegal' circular   'Delay in solving current political crisis will add people's woes" Election Working Group (EWG), a network of 34 organisations committed to non-partisan election monitoring, voter education and anti-violence, has urged the president/ chief adviser (CA) to caretaker government   Create congenial Atmosphere for free, fair polls Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad has urged the caretaker government to take necessary steps immediately for holding the next parliamentary elections in a free, fair and neutral manner. International Nepal rebels collect arms ahead of peace deal After drilling his troops beneath the trees in the foothills of Nepal's Himalayas, vice-commander "M Star" congratulated them on a job well done.   Violence mars Lankan president's first year Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse came to power promising a new approach to peace.   China extends guarded support to India's N-energy quest China has expressed guarded support to India's quest for civil nuclear energy and rejected perceptions that the growing relations between New Delhi and the US were aimed at containing it.   Pact with Pakistan akin to al-Qaeda probing 9/11 Senior BJP leader LK Advani yesterday criticised the government for setting up a anti-terror mechanism with Pakistan, saying such an arrangement was akin to a joint probe into the September 11, 2001 strikes   Bad weather hampers aid delivery Dozens of people were still missing and rough weather had hampered aid deliveries three days after heavy floods killed nearly 60 people in western Afghanistan, officials said yesterday.   Low-caste Tamil Nadu woman sold to highest bidder A low-caste woman, the president of a village panchayat in Tamil Nadu, was auctioned off to a high-caste landlord for rupees 215,000 ($4,810), a report said on Sunday.   Israel lashes out at UN for Gaza killing probe Israel lashed out yesterday against a UN resolution calling for a probe into a botched Gaza shelling as ministers convened to discuss the ongoing battle against Palestinian rocket attacks.   World leaders press for fresh N Korea N-talks Major Asia Pacific powers issued a compromise statement Sunday that called for swift talks to curb North Korea's nuclear weapons drive but glossed over divisions on how far to push Pyongyang.   Hu seeks to balance ties with India and Pakistan Chinese President Hu Jintao will seek to balance his nation's relations with nuclear powered neighbours India and Pakistan when he begins back-to-back visits to the South Asian rivals today.   Military build-up needed for 'territorial integrity' China yesterday said its rapid military build-up was needed to ensure the Asian giant's "territorial integrity", in a veiled reference to Taiwan.   Kissenger calls for conference on Iraq Former US secretary of state Henry Kissenger called yesterday for an international conference to thrash out the future for strife-torn Iraq.   Indonesian anti-Bush rallies pick up steam Thousands of protesters ranging from militant youths to mothers carrying babies demonstrated across Indonesia against US President George W Bush yesterday, a day before he visits the world's most populous   'CIA analysis finds no Iranian nuclear weapons drive' A classified draft CIA assessment has found no firm evidence of a secret drive by Iran to develop nuclear weapons, as alleged by the White House, a top US investigative reporter said Saturday.   Chaos out of the gate for Democratic majority in US Congress Infighting among US Democrats after their victory in the November 7 elections has led some to wonder if the party is up to the task of controlling Congress.   World may have averted bird flu pandemic: Expert The world may have already averted a bird flu pandemic by widespread chicken culls and the isolation of infected humans, Australia's chief medical officer said in a report released Sunday.   Cruise, Holmes tie the knot Officially, they got married in Los Angeles, but the spectacle of the wedding between Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes was here, in a 15th-century castle that evoked fairy tales and lit up with red, whiteand Editorial Editorial: CA's new proposal President and chief adviser of the caretaker government Iajuddin Ahmed's latest proposal to appoint two more election commissioners came as a surprise to the nation on Saturday, and not quite as a solution   Editorial: Illegal trafficking Illegal trafficking abroad of men and women is nothing new. The media had reported such incidents on many other occasions in the past.   BNP: Defending the indefensible The BNP once held all the aces of Bangladesh polities.   Who will pay the bill? Never underestimate the ability of a lame duck Senate to cripple any idea that appears in its path.   Cautious optimism In my article titled "BNP's 10-point demands: An overview" published in The Daily Star on November 11, I opined that there was nothing wrong with the advisers to the caretaker government (CTG) meeting Letters to Editor Floating between hope and despair We the common people are in critical situation in every aspect of our social & personal life.   Dr. Yunus can mediate The current political crisis in Bangladesh is truly disheartening. It also gives rise to a number of important questions about the future of our democracy.   What is pulling the president back? Is the BNP-Jamaat alliance pushing the president to a point of no return ? In last June, when the President was sick and the Speaker was performing the duties of President, there was a huge speculation Star City Mudslinging with horrendous posters City walls are flooded with posters of photographs depicting horrendous crimes that took place during the tenures of major political parties as well as in the past few days of the interim government's   Hurriedly launching project amid anomalies Demolishing a 150-year-old building, the Jagannath University (JNU) authorities are going to construct a 20-storey high-rise building at the site without obtaining approval from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha   Transport costs hit commoners' pockets The latest four-day capital blockade and the on-going agitation have left the common working class of Dhaka with a severe financial crisis as they have had to dig deep into their pockets to pay more to   'Stop demolition,' demand professionals A group of urban experts, architects and environmentalists at a press conference yesterday appealed to the Jagannath University (JU) authorities to stop demolition of the 150-year old building immediately.   TV channels prepare for the polls Despite an uncertainty in political arena over the upcoming general election, private television channels are taking massive preparations to cover the polls.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. 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