Vol. 5 Num 929 Tue. January 09, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Cops show zero tolerance as blockaders fight on Supporters of the Awami League (AL)-led grand alliance fought pitched battles with law enforcers in the capital and elsewhere leaving more than 150 injured yesterday on the second day of the three-day   All doors shut on solution The caretaker government has seemingly run out of steam in its drive to break the current political deadlock as President and Chief Adviser (CA) Iajuddin Ahmed stands firm on holding the next parliamentary   Army given blanket power to arrest The Election Commission (EC) in an unprecedented move yesterday agreed to allow the armed forces to arrest anyone from any place without a warrant during their engagement in election duties.   Pressure on CA mounts to ensure all-party poll The United States of America (US), United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) informed the caretaker government that a one-sided election will not be acceptable to the international community.   Police admin remains politicised as before The caretaker government's (CG) way of reshuffling the police administration overtly shows that it has followed the footprints of the immediate past government, which massively politicised the department   EWG won't monitor polls sans all-party participation Election Working Group (EWG), an alliance of NGOs that monitors polls, will not undertake any national-level election monitoring initiative if all the major political parties do not participate in the   Grand alliance to form vote resistance committees The Awami League (AL)-led grand alliance yesterday directed its leaders to form 'vote resistance committees' for every polling centre in a bid to resist 'illegal' polls on January 22.   Second day of blockade...   300 get released on bail in capital Eight Dhaka metropolitan magistrates yesterday granted bail to over 300 people, held as part of the mass arrest drive, in connection with the cases filed against them with different police stations in   Polls must be held on schedule BNP-led four-party alliance yesterday reiterated that there is no alternative but to hold the upcoming polls on the scheduled date of January 22.   Cold claims 15 more lives At least 15 people died across the country yesterday as the prevailing cold wave worsened in some parts of the country. At least 133 people have died so far due to the cold wave.   Move on to recruit 782 in education project on political ground The process is on to hurriedly recruit 782 pro-BNP-Jamaat people under the Secondary Education Sector Development Project (SESDP) as beneficiaries in the education sector during the five years of theimmediate   6 secretaries transferred The interim government yesterday transferred six secretaries and the post of the cabinet secretary still remains vacant for more than a month.   15 injured in BCL-JCD clash A clash between Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) left 15 activists of both student bodies injured at Kishorehaat under Mohonpur upazila yesterday afternoon.   BSF kills 2 Two Bangladeshi cattle traders were gunned down by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Pach Bhulot border early yesterday.   Burned driver struggles for life A CNG autorickshaw driver is struggling for life at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) with severe burn injuries as his autorickshaw was set on fire yesterday by picketers during the blockade programme   Bombs explode near LDP office, Moudud's house Two handmade bombs exploded near a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) office at Baridhara and two such bombs went off five minutes later near the residence of former law minister Moudud Ahmed at Gulshan last   23 militants killed in Baghdad Iraqi security forces have killed 23 militants in Baghdad in a series of raids and firefights since Sunday, the defence ministry said.   China destroys Islamist camp; 18 killed China has destroyed an Islamist camp, killing 18 suspected terrorists and capturing 17 others in a region with large separatist ethnic and religious minorities, state media said yesterday.   India hopes for lasting treaty with Pakistan Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said yesterday he hoped India and Pakistan would eventually be able to sign a long-term peace treaty.   US and N Korea plan sanction talks: Seoul The United States and North Korea have tentatively agreed to meet later this month to discuss a crackdown on the North's finances that has stalled talks on curbing Pyongyang's nuclear plans, South Korea   Thai minister warns of 'more serious' attacks Thai Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas warned yesterday that the bombers behind the deadly New Year blasts in Bangkok are likely to organise even more daring attacks over the next two months.   Pakistan should not use terrorism as a foreign policy tool: Afghan FM Pakistan should be told not to use "terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy," Afghanistan's foreign minister said yesterday amid new tensions over the Taliban insurgency. Business Commercial banks post 26pc growth Country's commercial banks--both nationalised and private sectors-- posted a 26 percent growth in operating profits in 2006 compared to the growth the previous year.   Investors nervous as Thaibusiness rules revised Thailand's foreign business community waited nervously Monday as the government prepared to unveil new rules for investing in the kingdom, which could dramatically alter the way companies work here.   Inflation down in Nov The point-to-point inflation rate reached 6.37 percent in November, down by .94 percentage points from October in the current fiscal year. Besides, the inflation rate of food items reduced 1.   DSE bounces back Share prices on Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) bounced back slightly yesterday as some advisers initiated a new move to resolve the persisting political crisis.   EU sees cut in Russian oil supplies no immediate threat An interruption of Russian crude oil deliveries to Germany and Poland presents no risk to European supplies in the short term, the European Commission said on Monday.   Asia Pharma Expo 2007 in Dhaka from Jan 11 The 3rd Asia Pharma Expo 2007 will begin in Dhaka from January 11 to exhibit pharmaceutical products, technologies and services.   Doha round talks 'on a knife-edge' Global trade talks are on the brink of failure and will only succeed with the support of US President George W. Bush, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told The Times in an interview published Monday.   General Pharma to enter Somalia market General Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GPL), a local drug manufacturing company, will export its products to Somalia, says a press release.   Oil rebounds in Asian trade Oil prices rebounded in Asian trade Monday in reaction to last week's plunge that sent the market to its lowest levels since mid-2005, dealers said.   Vietnam eyes bigger footwear export this year Vietnam has targeted to gain footwear export earnings of 3.9-4 billion US dollars this year, up from nearly 3.   Ford vows new page in historyat Detroit show Ford, which invented the modern auto industry, used the 100th annual Detroit motor show to promise Sunday a new page in its long but troubled history.   Taiwan exports up 9.1pc in Dec Taiwan's exports in December rose 9.1 percent year-on-year to 19.58 billion US dollars, compared with an 8.2 percent increase to 19.54 billion dollars posted in November, the finance ministry said Monday.   China inflation to rise slightly in 2007 China's consumer inflation is expected to rise two percent in 2007 while retail sales are forecast to jump 13 percent, state media reported Monday, citing an economist from a key government planning body.   Currency Sports Cricket: Tigers doing well After a break for the Eidul Azha and New Year, the national cricketers returned to business with an extensive fitness session at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.   Cricket: First ODI on Feb 4 Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday revealed the official tour itinerary of the Tigers' tour of Zimbabwe.   Football: Oldham coming in May After months of speculation, Oldham Athletic's tour of Bangladesh has been confirmed.   Football: Mohammedan stay in Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club finally decided to make their base in Dhaka in the inaugural Professional Football League.   Football: JFA Cup from February 1 The qualifying rounds of the third edition of JFA Cup under-15 football tournament will kick off on February 1 at eight venues across the country. The first stage will be played in knockout basis.   Cricket: 'Just a bit of fun' Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds says Tuesday's Twenty20 International against crushed Ashes rivals England will not have any bearing on the following one-day tri-series.   Cricket: Ganguly awaits ODI recall Having made a strong comeback into the Test side on the tour of South Africa, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly is expecting a recall to the one-day squad.   Cricket: Warne hints at academy Shane Warne has spoken of his desire to help England and hinted at the possibility of starting a Shane Warne Cricket Academy for British children.   Cricket: Chingoka stonewalls over major issues A week after being re-elected as chairman of the new board of Zimbabwe Cricket, Peter Chingoka gave an exclusive interview with Lawrence Moyo in the Herald newspaper.   Cricket: Monty dreams of Warney Monty Panesar has said it would be beyond his "wildest dreams" to work with Australia great Shane Warne.   Cricket: Flemo wary of Vaughan Skipper Michael Vaughan's return should make England a much tougher proposition in upcoming one-day matches despite their Ashes thrashing, New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming says.   Cricket: Waqar branded 'unprofessional' The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hit back at claims by Waqar Younis, recently removed as bowling coach, that he was treated unfairly by team management and the board and has accused the former Pakistan   Football: United leave it late Henrik Larsson scored on his Manchester United debut as Sir Alex Ferguson's side defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in a dramatic FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Sunday.   Football: Real relive Riazor nightmare Barcelona and Real Madrid returned to action in the Primera Liga after the Christmas break with disappointing performances on Sunday.   Football: Gunners seek Kop double Arsenal will look to complete a rare Anfield cup double on Tuesday when they face Liverpool in a League Cup quarter-final three days after winning there in the third round of the FA Cup.   Football: Benitez's Riise rage John Arne Riise has been war-ned his place is under threat ahead of Liverpool's re-arranged Carling Cup quarterfinal tie with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday.   Cricket: NZ consider top-order shuffle New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming feels his team can avenge their record one-day defeat in Tuesday's deciding match of the series against Sri Lanka.   Chess: Rakib, Zia win on International Master (IM) Abdullah Al Rakib head the points table of the Bengal Peerless DIFE Rating Chess competition after his sixth round win against Nasir in Kolkata yesterday.   Cricket: Akhtar flies out to SA Paceman Shoaib Akhtar has been included in the Pakistan team against South Africa after fast bowler Umar Gul was injured ahead of the first test, officials said Monday.   Cricket: Haq, Gul troubled Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul bowled just three overs Sunday on the second day of the touring team's three-day match against the Rest of South Africa.   Cricket: Ponting hates Twenty20 Ricky Ponting doesn't like playing Twenty20 matches and believes Australia should contest only one game of the popular format each season.   Cricket: Yousuf may miss two Tests Pakistan's record-breaking batsman Mohammad Yousuf is likely to miss the first two Tests against South Africa this month due to surgery scheduled for his pregnant wife, an official said Monday.   Football: Everton blame new ball Blackburn boss Mark Hughes admitted Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard paid the price for the decision to introduce a new ball for this season's FA Cup after his mistakes helped Rovers seal a 4-1 third round   Football: Blatter issues Italy apology FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to Italy's World Cup-winning team for his absence at the trophy presentation after the Berlin final.   Football: Totti hints at int'l retirement Roma captain Francesco Totti said Monday he may retire from international football.   Football: Chelsea aiming high Chelsea are on track to achieve their goal of being the top club in the world by 2014 and China is key to their success, chief executive Peter Kenyon said on Monday.   Football: Lyon, PSG progress Fallen giants Paris St Germain kept their domestic season alive with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nimes in the French Cup here on Sunday.   Football: Ferguson hails Larsson Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Henrik Larsson after his superb goalscoring debut and compared the Swedish striker with Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona.   Football: Cardiff scare for Spurs Tottenham were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw by Championship side Cardiff in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.   Football: Extension fever surrounds Henrik Speculation in Sweden was rife on Monday over whether Sweden, Celtic and Barcelona veteran foward, Henrik Larsson, would convert a dream debut at Manchester United into an extended stay at the club.   Football: Scotland keen to keep Smith Scotland's football chief David Taylor has said he is not resigned to coach Walter Smith leaving to take up the managerial position at Rangers.   Football: PSG seek Noah's help Struggling Paris St Germain want former tennis star Yannick Noah to join them in the role of a motivator.   Football: Russia deny Hiddink report Russia's soccer chief on Sunday denied press reports that the country's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink may quit early to take over from Jose Mourinho as manager of English side Chelsea. Metropolitan 236 candidates from BNP, 37 from Jamaat in the fray A total of 236 candidates from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and 37 from Jamaat-e-Islami -- the two major components of four-party alliance -- are now in the fray for parliamentary election slated   WB keen to support Avian Flu Programme The World Bank (WB) is interested to take part in Bangladesh's Avian Influenza Programme worth US$ 38 million over a period of five years from 2007 to 2011.   Balanced use of fertilisers boosts crop yields Balanced use of fertilisers based on soil tests increases crop yields by 10 to 30 percent and brings greater profits to farmers, according to a study of Soil Research Development Institute (SRDI).   Mass arrest condemned Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned mass arrest and public harassment centring countrywide blockade programme enforced by Awami League-led grand alliance.   'Resolve current crisis politically' Leaders of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) at a meeting in the city yesterday said the current political crisis must be resolved politically.   Ex-BNP lawmaker Kaikobad, his brother get bail A Dhaka court yesterday granted bail to former BNP lawmaker Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and his brother Kazi Mojibul Haq in a cheating case filed by a proprietor of a construction firm in September   2 BNP leaders expelled Two local BNP leaders were expelled from the party on Sunday for violating party discipline.   Chinese team calls on Foreign Secy in-charge A six-member delegation of Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS) called on Ambassador Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary in-charge, at the foreign ministry conference hall yesterday.   Left parties call hartal on Jan 21, 22 Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) yesterday reiterated its demand for the resignation of Iajuddin Ahmed from the post of chief adviser to caretaker government and reformation of the electoral system   Help bring back Avantika Relatives, friends, well-wishers and students of dance artiste Ishrat Jahan Tabassum have appealed to the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to take an initiative at the diplomatic level to bring backher   Schoolgirl killed in police misfire in Chuadanga A stray bullet from a police gun killed a schoolgirl at Satgari in the municipal area of the district town yesterday.   CG urged to hold polls on time Some 1101 pro-BNP doctors in a joint statement yesterday urged the caretaker government (CG) to hold the ninth general elections on time in a fair and peaceful manner to continue country's democraticand   Concern over use of children in political programmes Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association yesterday expressed concern over using children in political programmes and urged all political parties not to use them this way.   Nine launches fined in Chandpur Nine passenger launches were fined Tk 53 thousand on Saturday for violating the existing laws.   Army distributes warm clothes among cold-hit people The Armed Forces yesterday started distributing warm clothes among the distressed people suffering from the cold wave in different parts of the country.   Truck helper killed in Savar A truck helper was slaughtered by miscreants in Savar yesterday.   Schoolboy dies in rooftop fall in Chittagong A schoolboy boy met a tragic death after falling from the rooftop of a 14-storied building in the port city yesterday.   PSTU tests postponed The tests for selecting teachers under different faculties of the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) scheduled to be held on January 10 and 11 have been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.   Joyonti's death anniversary today Today is the 3rd death anniversary of Joyonti Reza, an architect and a teacher of Australian International School, says a press release. National Boro farming likely to behampered in 16 N dists Boro cultivation is likely to be hampered in 16 northern districts due to disruption of supply in fuel and fertiliser as water level marked abnormal fall in the 25-kilometre river route stretching from   A bad day for an ex-lawmaker Former lawmaker and BNP candidate from Rajshahi-4 (Puthia- Durgapur) constituency Nadim Mostafa had to return disappointed from a public meeting at Durgapur as the locals did not show up at the venueyesterday.   Murder of Satkhira ALman sparks protests The killing of Awami League (AL) activist Azibar Rahman allegedly by a group of BNP men sparked protests by local people and political parties. Azibar was beaten to death on Saturday.   BCL leader killed in Patuakhali A Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader was killed by unidentified assailants at Jhatibunia village in Mirzaganj upazila Sunday night, police and family sources said.   Abducted PCJSS leader released Armed cadres of anti-peace accord United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) on Sunday released a kidnapped leader of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS) after 15 days of his abduction, locals   Moulvibazar LDP body announced A 56-member district executive committee of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was announced with Syeda Hasna Begum as its convener at a meeting held at a local community centre on Saturday.   BSF abducts Bangladeshi national Indian Border Security Force (BSF) Sunday night abducted a Bangladeshi national from Telipara border of Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh, BDR sources and villagers said. Point-Counterpoint The dark age of development since 2001 Suppose in a village there are a hundred people, and only one rich man. At the end of the year the rich man earned one crore taka to double his net worth.   Should we withhold our votes? The president-cum-chief adviser is adamant to hold the general election on January 22 in spite of the withdrawal of major political parties, except the BNP-Jamaat coalition, which elected him president,   The poor like globalization A recent worldwide poll may have come as a shock to those who view the anti-globalization demonstrations as emblematic of a general souring mood about global economic integration. Culture Abul Barq Alvi: A master of subtle abstracts Abul Barq Alvi, a well-beloved professor of print making, is affable and vociferous when one gets to sit with him and discuss the state of fine arts in Bangladesh.   A medley of movies on Liberation War To mark its 29th anniversary, Rainbow Film Society, perhaps the largest and the oldest of its kind in the country, has arranged a four-day film screening session from December 7 at Begum Sufia KamalAuditorium,   'Ochena Adhar': Suspense and thrill in serial Channel i is currently airing the drama serial Ochena Adhar. Directed by Tarek Mintu, the play revolves around Borsha, a girl who met a tragic end when she was burnt alive in her house.   Jolie painting stirs controversy A North Carolina artist intrigued by the public obsession with celebrity has found herself feeding that obsession with a painting of actress Angelina Jolie as the Virgin Mary hovering over a Wal-Martcheck-out   Ethnic Diversity Theatre Festival postponed The scheduled five-day theatre festival titled 'Ethnic Diversity Council', slated to begin today at the two venues of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has been postponed. International Talks offer unlikely to stop rebel killing in Assam A fresh offer by the Indian government to hold talks with separatist rebels in northeast Assam state is unlikely to bring a halt to a wave of ethnic killings in the state, analysts said Monday.   11 die in West Bengal protests over land The death toll in clashes over the proposed purchase of farmland to build special economic zones in India's Marxist-ruled West Bengal state has risen to 11, police said yesterday.   Musharraf seeks popular support for terror fight Pakistan's president has called for popular support in combating terrorism and stopping foreign militants from using the country to recruit Muslim suicide bombers for attacks across the globe, state-run   Court drops charges against Saddam Saddam Hussein's trial for the killing of 180,000 Kurds in the 1980s resumed Monday with the late dictator's seat empty, nine days after he went to the gallows.   UN voices fears for Lankan civilians as attacks escalate The United Nations yesterday condemned weekend bomb attacks on bus passengers in Sri Lanka and called on the combatants in the island's ethnic conflict to ensure civilian safety in battle zones.   Iran will pursue its nuclear rights Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday that Iran would not refrain from its right to use nuclear technology, shrugging off a UN resolution against its controversial atomic plans.   India to launch latest space rocket India will launch a rocket into outer space Wednesday carrying four payloads including a capsule recovery experiment meant for future manned missions, top officials said yesterday.   Afghans protest Pak mining plan Hundreds of protesters marched along the Pakistan border in Afghanistan at the weekend to condemn Islamabad's plan to mine and fence parts of the frontier, officials said yesterday.   Bird flu, climate change Asia's top security threat Bird flu and climate change are not just health and environmental dangers but also security threats which Asia must marshal all available resources to fight, analysts said Monday at a conference.   Palestinian tension rises with Hamas warning Palestinian tensions in Gaza surged Monday as the ruling Hamas movement issued a warning to a strongman of the rival Fatah faction a day after his vitriolic attack on the Islamists at a huge rally.   Nepali House to okay constitution on Jan 15 Nepal's parliament will approve an interim constitution on January 15, government and Maoists said yesterday, paving the way for the former rebels to join the political mainstream.   Bush, Blair worse than Saddam, says Mahathir President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are war criminals with more Iraqi blood on their hands than Saddam Hussein, former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday.   Naga rebels attack rival camp: 2 dead A Naga rebel faction attacked a camp housing the head of a powerful rival faction in the northeastern state of Nagaland yesterday and one militant was killed, police and rebels said.   17,000 Iraqis killed in second half of 2006 More than 17,000 Iraqi civilians and police officers died violently in the second half of 2006 in what constitutes a sharp increase from the beginning of the year, The Washington Post reported Monday.   Diana, Dodi death inquest resumes The next stage in the long-awaited inquest into the death of Britain's Princess Diana got under way Monday, with the presiding judge favouring a joint inquest for Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed.   Leopard in the bathroom A leopard loped into the bathroom of a home in western India, attracting thousands of curious onlookers for hours before it was captured by officials, a report said yesterday.   Abducted AFP photographer freed in Gaza AFP photographer Jaime Razuri was freed in the Gaza Strip on Sunday nearly a week after being abducted by masked gunmen in the latest foreigner kidnapping in the volatile territory. Editorial Editorial: Flawed voter list With only 12 days left before the election, already boycotted by the grand alliance and widely viewed as unacceptable on various grounds, the Election Commission has failed to fulfill even the basic legal   Editorial: Capture of more JMB terrorists Recent capture of another group of JMB terrorists with large quantities of explosives and other indigenous devices must come somewhat as a relief to us all.   Khaleda Zia's press conference: An overview The immediate past prime minister and BNP chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, in her recent (January 5) press conference speech in the Dhaka city blasted the AL-led combine for staying away from the scheduled   The root of all crises The Federation of the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) held an emergency meeting on January 6 to ventilate their views about the current political conundrum.   Europe and energy security Energy security" is a relatively new term, but it has been gaining currency with alacrity in the global political system, particularly in the European part of the world. Letters to Editor Voter list isn't the issue From different articles published in The Daily Star and other newspapers we see that there is a tendency to point out that the reason behind the election boycott is the voter list.   English cricket and Geoffrey Boycott English cricket legend Mr. Geoffrey Boycott taunted the Bangladesh national cricket team by saying that even his mother was capable of playing against a team like this.   Improve 'attitude' at ZIA There is stark contrast between Dhaka airport and Bangkok Subarnabhumi Airport. Bangkok airport is passenger friendly and convenient. Dhaka airport is rude and unfriendly.   Indian states Even as Prime minister Mr. Manmohan Singh called for removing social inequalities in India, Mr.   Politics of confrontation The political situation in the country has now come to a head. The grand alliance, therefore, has no other choice than to go heavily for a countrywide seize of the streets.   Same old story The same story will now usher once again with the same players coming into play in the political arena of the country after the ensuing election (if at all held).   © thedailystar.net, 2007. All Rights Reserved.