Vol. 5 Num 916 Sun. December 24, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page AL, allies may go to polls The Awami League-led alliance has decided in principle late last night to go to polls if the Election Commission (EC) extends the deadline for submission of nomination papers--which expires today-- by   Grand alliance not filing nominations today Awami League (AL)-led grand electoral alliance last night did not make it clear whether it is participating in the upcoming election under the current schedule, creating confusion among its grassroots   Time again for defaulters to clean up loans Despite the persisting stalemate on polls-related issues, a number of loan defaulters are preparing to contest the next general election either by getting High Court (HC) stay orders on classifying their   BSF kills 4 on Satkhira border Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead four Bangladeshi cattle traders at Keragachi border under Kalaroa upazila early yesterday.   SC Bar demands punishment of IO for serving 'vested quarter' The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) yesterday demanded punishment of the investigation officer (IO) of the November 30 vandalism at the Supreme Court (SC).   13 jail officers harassed for steps against controversial acts The prisons authorities are reportedly harassing 13 jail officials who took legal steps against some of the authorities' controversial steps.   Fair election possible in 90 days Awami League (AL) General Secretary Abdul Jalil yesterday said if the caretaker government (CG) and the Election Commission (EC) were sincere, a fair election could be held within the stipulated 90-day   Manju joins BNP alliance Jatiya Party (JP-Manju) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju has decided to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections along with the BNP-led four-party alliance, apparently signalling rift in his party.   Abbas yet to know about shooting truth Former housing and public works minister Mirza Abbas now attacks the press and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina for spreading 'lies' about the shooting at the house of Mirza family on December   White panel bags most posts in Duta polls BNP and Jamaat-backed "White Panel" won Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) election yesterday, bagging the major posts including president, vice president, treasurer and joint secretary.   4 killed in truck crash Four labourers died and 10 others were injured in a road accident on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Sarail upazila of the district yesterday.   McGrath to retire after World Cup Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath said on Saturday he would retire from all forms of cricket after next year's World Cup.   Sanctions slapped on defiant Iran The UN Security Council voted unanimously yesterday to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology, an effort to pressure Tehran to halt uranium enrichment work.   Going home   Laden's 'close aide' killed in airstrike US-led forces have killed a close associate of Osama bin Laden in an airstrike in southern Afghanistan in a major blow to the deadly Taliban-led insurgency, a military statement said yesterday.   US generals agree to troop surge in Iraq Top US military commanders in Iraq have decided to recommend a "surge" of fresh American combat forces, eliminating one of the last remaining hurdles to proposals being considered by President GeorgeW   UNGA approves massive renovation plan The UN General Assembly has approved a plan for a large-scale renovation of the United Nations' crumbling New York headquarters at a revised cost of 1.87 billion dollars (1.4 billion euros).   Police step up security for Sonia Indian police have stepped up security for the head of the ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, after reports of threats from al-Qaeda or its affiliates, police said on Saturday.   Pakistan, India agree to survey disputed estuary Pakistan and India agreed yesterday to conduct a joint survey of a disputed estuary on their border, the latest step in a tentative peace process between the nuclear-armed rivals.   N Korea warns of 'tough' action against the US North Korea warned the United States yesterday against stepping up sanctions against the regime in retaliation for the deadlock in this week's nuclear disarmament talks, South Korean media said. Business Amend anti-money laundering law to curb terrorist financing As the existing anti-money laundering law does not address terrorist financing, speakers at a seminar yesterday suggested changes to the law to stop such malpractice.   Experts criticise 'proselytising' World Bank research Much of the World Bank's voluminous research is of little worth, and relies on questionable evidence to advance its policy goals, according to a hard-hitting evaluation by outside experts.   BB chief urges CAs to up quality of financial reports Urging chartered accountants to uphold professionalism, Bangladesh Bank Governor Salehuddin Ahmed has said many audited financial reports do not reflect the true picture of companies.   World economy witnesses strong boom in 2006 The world economy witnessed a strong boom in 2006 despite growing dangers posed by the economic downturn in the United States, soaring oil prices and rising inflationary pressure.   Google overtakes Yahoo in user visits Google overtook Yahoo as the second most popular Internet destination for Web surfers worldwide in November, while Microsoft held on to the top spot, industry tracker ComScore reported last week.   Political scenario and impact on the economy: A wake up call Bangladesh's current political turmoil has attracted considerable international attention.   Microcredit helps women in Indonesia rebuild lives after tsunami Two years after the tsunami killed 168,000 in the Indonesian province of Aceh, microcredit is helping thousands of people, mostly women, rebuild their lives.   India opens up bourses to foreign direct, portfolio investments India has opened up its stock exchanges to foreign direct and portfolio investments, a decision that had been hanging fire since long.   EU clears way for Tata Steel offer for Corus The European Commission cleared on Thursday the proposed acquisition by the Indian steel producer Tata Steel of Corus Group, a manufacturer of carbon steel and aluminium products based in Europe.   ADB lends $320m to help Pakistan's poor The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Saturday it was lending 320 million dollars to help the poor in Pakistan obtain access to wider financial services, including microfinance.   Desh Garments approves 5pc dividend Desh Garments Ltd has approved a 5 percent dividend for its shareholders, says a press release. The approval came at the 29th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company held on Thursday in Dhaka.   Vodafone eyes Hutchison of India Mobile phone giant Vodafone Group Plc is considering buying a controlling interest in India's Hutchison Essar, raising the prospect of a $13-billion-plus bid battle with Reliance Communications for the   Venezuela, Iran create oil joint venture Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA has formed a joint venture with Iranian-owned Sadra America Latina to support offshore oil exploration and development, PDVSA said Friday.   ADB to lend India $550m for road upgrades The As an Development Bank (ADB) said Saturday it will extend a finance facility worth 550 million dollars to India to upgrade roads in the state of Uttaranchal.   Toyota on course to overtake GM in 2007 Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. is on course to be the world's top automaker in 2007, overtaking ailing General Motors, according to figures released Friday.   Nepal woosmore foreign aid, investment The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (formerly known as guerilla) has reaffirmed before international donor communities that the party would not raise any objection over foreign aid and foreign investment   Aftab Auto approves 20pc cash dividend Aftab Automobiles Ltd has approved a 20 percent cash dividend for its shareholders for the year that ended on August 31, 2006. Sports Cricket: McGrath after Warne Veteran Australian paceman Glenn McGrath, history's most successful fast bowler, announced his retirement Saturday, in a fresh blow to his team two days after Shane Warne revealed he was bowing out.   Cricket: Clubs angry at Zim tour The decision of Bangladesh's tour to Zimbabwe next February sparked dissatisfaction among the Premier Division Cricket League clubs who believe that the absence of national players will make them suffer.   Cricket: Kalabagan 'bowl-out' Biman Kalabagan found an unusual way to win their first match of this year's Twenty20 tournament: a bowl-out! The struggling side triumphed over Bangladesh Biman 3-2 after both sides were tied at 115 runs   Cricket: Raihan spins BKSP to title Left-arm spinner Raihan Anas bowled BKSP to a massive 104-run victory against Dhaka to clinch the title of the National Cricket Championship at the BKSP ground yesterday.   Football: BFF trims nat'l side After a two-day trial, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) reduced their squad to 30 members yesterday for the home and away Olympic pre-qualifiers against Hong Kong.   Cricket: Mates have 'heartbreak' Australia cricket boss James Sutherland led the tributes to fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who announced on Saturday he would retire after next year's World Cup.   Cricket: NZ go for rotation New Zealand cricket has adopted the All Blacks' rotation policy for their World Cup build up, with Daniel Vettori named Saturday as captain for the early stages of the Sri Lanka one-day series.   Cricket: Warne facing legal action? Spin-wizard Shane Warne could be sued by Sri Lanka's Galle International Cricket Club for not honouring a pledge of 50,000 dollars for the reconstruction of a tsunami-hit ground where he took his 500th   Cricket: Flintoff to ignore pain England captain Andrew Flintoff will battle through painful ankle problems to play in the last two Ashes Tests.   Cricket: Three big hits away Australian players are currently breaking a lot of records and Adam Gilchrist is on the verge of adding to his impressive collection.   Cricket: Machine grinds to a halt Australia's Glenn McGrath made fast bowling look so simple it was easy to forget how hard he worked to get to the top.   Cricket: Tables turned on SA South Africa are under pressure ahead of the second Test against India starting at Kingsmead on Monday. >They suffered a shock 123-run defeat in the opening encounter of the three-match series inJohannesburg.   Football: Wenger calls on spirit of '98 Arsène Wenger is defiant in his belief that his side can win the Premiership and has drawn on Arsenal's dramatic comeback in the 1998 title race as evidence to suggest that people "will be surprised at   Football: Like winning the lottery Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said the signing of Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago was like winning the lottery.   Basketball: Sunnydale lift b'ball trophy Sunnydale lifted the Aga Khan School girls' basketball tournament when they beat Scholastica 14-6 in the final at the Aga Khan School premises yesterday.   Cricket: 'McGrath gap can be filled' Bowling coach Troy Cooley is confident Australia have the young bowlers to fill the gap left when Glenn McGrath retires after the World Cup in April.   Tennis: Federer makes cricket debut! Roger Federer swapped his tennis racket for a cricket bat on Saturday to the delight of scores of child survivors of the Asian tsunami in India.   Cricket: Razzaq doubtful for SA Tests All-rounder Abdul Razzaq said Friday he might miss Pakistan's three-Test series in South Africa next month because of a calf injury.   Cricket: Batty miss upsets Surrey Surrey coach Alan Butcher has hit out at England's decision to overlook Jon Batty for their one-day squad.   Football: Sevilla chase Ujfalusi Fiorentina's Czech international defender Tomas Ujfalusi is a transfer target for Spanish league leaders Sevilla, Czech newspaper Dnes said Saturday.   Football: El Gordo grows slimmer Ronaldo's famous waistline has come under scrutiny again but this time for diminishing. Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported Saturday that the former world player of the year is lookingslimmer.   Football: Arezzo amaze Juventus Promotion hopefuls Juventus blew the chance to claim the outright leadership of Serie B on Friday after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Arezzo.   Theo gets Arsene's vote Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says teenage winger Theo Walcott has matured and is ready to earn an England recall next year.   Football: Ferguson calls for end to card-waving Sir Alex Ferguson has urged referees to sanction players and managers who attempt to have opponents booked by brandishing imaginary cards, an issue which has re-emerged after Jose Mourinho's reactionto   Football: 'Saha filling Ruud role' Sir Alex Ferguson believes Louis Saha has succeeded in the daunting task of replacing the prolific former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.   Football: Geremi wants longer stay at Chelsea Chelsea defender Geremi said Friday he was keen to have fresh contract talks with the English Premiership champions in a bid to extend his stay with the Londoners.   Football: Appeal halts WC sponsor ruling A U.S. judge has ruled that soccer's governing body does not have to immediately comply with a court order requiring it to grant MasterCard Inc.   Football: Wycombe set for Chelsea tie Fourth division Wycombe Wanderers earned a semifinal tie against English champions and 2005 winners Chelsea in the League Cup draw made on Saturday.   Football: Fernandez tipped for Betis job Frenchman Luis Fernandez is the favourite to take over at relegation threatened Real Betis, Spanish radio station Cadena Ser said Saturday. Metropolitan Address root causes of terrorism Speakers at a seminar yesterday called for addressing the root causes of terrorism on a priority basis, saying that equipping the law enforcing and intelligence agencies properly is not enough to eliminate   Ensure transparency in dealing with water issue with India Officials of Joint River Commission (JRC) should hold public consultation before any meeting with their Indian counterparts and disclose its outcome through a press conference with a view to ensuringits   Take a vow to build secular, democratic, poverty-free Bangladesh Six sector commanders of the liberation war yesterday urged the new generation to take a vow to build a secular, democratic and poverty-free Bangladesh.   Constitutional provision ignored for years The absence of separation of the judiciary from the executive has led to corruption in lower courts, delay in disposal of cases and the rise in legal costs, said Justice Mohammad Golam Rabbani yesterday.   'Resist violence against women, children unitedly ' Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR) yesterday called for united efforts to resist violence against women and children.   Vow to build secular, democratic, poverty-free Bangladesh Six living sector commanders of the liberation war yesterday urged the new generation to take a vow to build a secular, democratic and poverty-free Bangladesh.   Resignation of 4 advisers criticised Speakers at a roundtable discussion yesterday strongly criticised the resignation of four advisers from the caretaker government and a section of media for playing partisan role.   Alems to have right to issue fatwas Awami League and Khelafat Majlish yesterday signed a five- point election compromise agreement .   Cargo sinks in Karnaphuli A small cargo vessel sank in the Karnaphuli channel on Thursday night after being hit by a Singapore bound container ship.   'Save Vobodaho from waterlogging' Some university students yesterday formed a human chain in the city demanding proper steps to resolve the perennial waterlogging problem in Vobodaho area in the southwestern part of the country.   'Southasian' launched Broadcast Worldwide Limited in collaboration with participants from all over South Asia recently announced the formation of a new body styled 'Southasian', says a press release.   Bhagirathi Woman,Child Care Centre opens office Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Centre (BNWCCC) opened its Representative Office in Bangladesh yesterday, says a press release.   Firoz Noon passes away Former information and research secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) AKA Firoz Noon passed away at a hospital in Singapore yesterday morning at the age of 65.   JU teacher suspended The Syndicate of Jahangirnagar University (JU) at an emergency meeting yesterday suspended Golam Mustafa, assistant professor of Bangla department, temporarily for alleged sexual harassment of a first   Indian clothes worth Tk 1cr seized in Comilla BDR members seized huge Indian clothes worth about Tk 1 crore from a rickshaw van at Jammura in Chouddagram upazila of the district early yesterday.   One killed in Gaibandha road accident One person was killed and six others sustained injuries when a speeding bus hit a rickshaw van at Fasitola on Bogra-Rangpur highway on Friday night.   'Increase seats for women in JS for political empowerment' Speakers at a workshop yesterday called for increasing the number of reserved seats for women in parliament from 45 to 100 to ensure their political empowerment.   Four women commit suicide Four women and one man committed suicide in the city by hanging from the ceiling fan yesterday.   British Council closed from Dec 24 to Jan 2 British Council offices, libraries and teaching centres will remain closed from December 24 to January 2 for Christmas, New Year and Eid-ul-Azha. National JP's joining 'grand alliance' deepens rivalry for ticket Two renegades, who joined Jatiya Party (JP) leaving BNP and Awami League earlier, are now engaged in mudslinging over nomination from Nilphamari-2 constituency.   Charge sheet not given in 2 years The second anniversary of murder of Rajshahi University teacher Prof. Muhammad Yunus will be observed today but the charge sheet of the case is yet to be submitted.   En-masse resignation threatened if Manju given BNP nomination Leaders of a faction of Khulna BNP yesterday threatened to 'paralyse' the city if their leader Ali Asgar Lobi is not given nomination from Khulna-2 (Sadar and Sonadanga) in the coming election.   Hartal enforced in Kishoreganj for BNP ticket A BRTC bus was damaged and three pickets were arrested during a half-day hartal called in Kishoreganj -3 (Sadar) constituency yesterday by followers of a disgruntled BNP nomination seeker.   2 BNP, BJP leaders declared 'unwanted' BNP organising secretary Principal Abdur Rashid Khan and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) leader Naziur Rahman Manjur, also a partner of Four-party Alliance, were declared 'unwanted' on Friday.   Zainul's birth anniversary today The 92nd birth anniversary of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin will be observed here today. Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala (Art gallery) has chalked out a two-day programme on the occasion. Point-Counterpoint Vote for...? The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed for three months a High Court order that had made it mandatory for people aspiring to contest parliamentary polls to declare their educational status, criminal records,   Our foreign friends THE piece by defence and strategic affairs editor of this daily published on December 21 entitled: "We are under threat of sorts" has stirred the old debate on the role of our foreign friends in helping   The children of politics THE British Raj left behind a legacy of parliamentary democracy in the region. Dynastic succession was however not to die. Rather it became a dominant feature of politics.   Remembering Kazi Golam Mahboob FOR some time since the beginning of this year, members of the Bhasha Andolon Museum have been advocating the need to accord official recognition to the role played by Bhasha Sainik Kazi Culture A melange of arts and crafts Banglascot Foundation, a collaboration between Scottish and Bangladeshi artistes, was formally launched at the British Council Auditorium on December 22.   Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi celebrates 30th anniversary On December 22, a reception for eminent personalities and a cultural programme was arranged at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi   Single episode drama 'Surjo Uthar Agey' on Channel i A special TV play based on our Liberation War was telecast on Channel i recently. Eminent writer Rabeya Khatun has penned the story of the play. Gazi Rakayet has directed the play and he is also the scriptwriter.   Poignant paintings & prints In the superb Japan-Bangladesh venture of eight contemporary artists, GS Kabir has organised a marvellous display at Zainul Gallery 1 and 2. General 'Agri issues neglected in JS' Issues relating to agriculture, land and farmers' rights are largely neglected in the discussions in parliament although 80 percent of the country's population is engaged in agriculture, speakers at a International Israeli, Palestinian leaders 'to meet within days' Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is soon to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, Israeli public radio reported yesterday, citing an unnamed senior official.   India, Pakistan swap prisoners India and Pakistan started Friday a two-day swap of detained illegal fishermen and immigrants including children as part of attempts to improve ties between the nuclear rivals, officials said.   Uranium stolen in India A container packed with radioactive material has been stolen from a fortified research facility in eastern India, prompting a major hunt and fears of contamination, officials said yesterday.   al-Qaeda offers US troops safe passage out of Iraq The head of an al-Qaeda-dominated group in Iraq offered to give US troops a month to pull out free of attack in an audiotape posted on the Internet Friday and demanded an answer within two weeks.   Indonesian floods leave 12 dead Twelve people were dead and dozens remained missing Saturday while more than 70,000 fled their homes as floods swept the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Editorial Editorial: Discriminatory land policy The disorder and discrimination prevailing in the land policy are contributing to the process of marginalisation of the poor in the country.   Editorial: Housing project irregularity The controversial construction of residences of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the parliament has been tainted by another brush which is that certain irregularities have been detected in the implementation   Now more thieves and thugs can become MPs In Bangladesh, merry bands of thieves and thugs are now jumping up and down in happiness since the major obstacles for them in contesting the election has been removed.   Diplomatic candour Strangely, a debate has been started about the limit of concern and anxiety diplomats can express about the increasingly volatile political situation in Bangladesh on grounds of diplomatic behaviour prescribed   The 90-day constitutional confine The grand electoral alliance led by AL has announced from the grand rally held in the capital on December 18 that they will boycott and resist any election under the current poll schedule, as the pre-requisites Star Health Ways to restore harmony and reduce stress It is an ongoing challenge to reduce stress and maintain harmony in our life. Finding work-life balance in today's frenetically-paced world is no simple task.   Bloodless hi-tech surgery Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. It is relatively a common disease. Bacteria like Streptococci, Pneumococcus and Haemophilus usually cause it.   Rheumatic fever in children Mala, a 7- year-old girl came with fever, painful swelling of the right knee and left elbow with palpitation. She was suffering from throat sore and fever for 3 weeks.   FAQ on Triglycerides Now-a-days people are becoming more and more concerned about their food habit especially regarding cholesterol. This is indeed a good sign.   Arteries heal after quitting smoking Early signs of heart disease in young adult smokers may quickly dissipate soon after they kick the habit, a new study shows.   Scan detects child heart killer A medical scan can spot which young people risk sudden death because of a weak heart.   Your Doctor Dear doctor, My 8-month-old son is getting his first teeth but the teeth have a black tint as they are coming through.   Your Doctor Dear doctor, I am currently a college student and unhappy for my behaviour. Star City Grabber takes over Panthakunja A grabber has taken over a chunk of the Panthakunja, one of the last surviving parks of the city on the Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue to construct a multi-storey building claiming that he had bought the piece   Child labourers bound in despair Ten-year old Tara Mia arrived in Dhaka from Nagarpur in Tangail 15 days ago to work as a trainee in one of the bookbinding shops in Banglabazar. He starts work at 7 in the morning and continues until10:00pm.   Record earning from city cattle markets Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) is set to earn a record amount of revenue this year from the lowest number of Eid cattle markets. This year the DCC will earn Tk 3.   Mismanagement creates disorder Gross mismanagement gripped the invitation card distribution for the 43rd Convocation of Dhaka University, forcing the students to seek for their cards desperately on Thursday morning when the last date   Shortsighted plans, negligence and consequences A group of people has embarked on constructing shops on the newly built footpath in West Kafrul and is blaming Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) for grabbing private land illegally.   Mahakhali flyover lights burning for 57 days, non-stop!   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.