Vol. 5 Num 932 Fri. January 12, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Special Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Emergency declared; Iajuddin quits as chief adviser President Iajuddin Ahmed last night resigned from the post of chief adviser to the caretaker government, declaring a state of emergency in the country--amid growing political crisis over election--after   Iajuddin's admission President Iajuddin Ahmed has admitted flaws in the process of updating voter list and said it is imperative to prepare a flawless voter list to hold a free and fair election.   Int'l community puts immense pressure on Iajuddin, his govt As the country was plunging into the abyss of a deep political crisis, the international community moved in a concerted way to put pressure on Iajuddin Ahmed and the caretaker government to back out from   Gagging the media is not the answer In a move reminiscent of the autocratic era of General Ershad, Bangabhaban yesterday issues a verbal instruction through an unidentified official of the Press Information Department (PID) to the TV news   Predicament for economy The economy had never been in such predicament with so much of political uncertainty looming ahead.   Delayed but necessary measure: AL Awami League (AL) leaders last night described President Iajuddin Ahmed's resignation from the post of chief adviser as a "delayed" but "necessary" step.   Restricted rights Under a state of emergency the state will not be restricted by the constitutional provisions for freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, freedom of thought, conscience and speech,   Curfew exemptions The emergency services, including ambulances, Fire Brigade, the press, utility services, vehicles carrying patients, doctors, hajj pilgrims and aviation passengers, will remain out of the purview of the   Orion Group pocketed Tk 596cr using unique method A Bangladesh Bank investigation categorically names Oriental Bank's majority shareholder and chief of Orion Group Obaedul Karim for misappropriating Tk 596.   NSI DG, PGR chief removed National Security Intelligence (NSI) Director General (DG) Major General Rezakul Haider Chowdhury and Chief of the President's Guard Regiment (PGR) Brigadier General Abu Mohammad Sohel have been removed   Retiring judge tells of political influence in highest court The senior-most judge of the High Court yesterday said he was held down at the highest judiciary on partisan political considerations, as three of his junior colleagues were elevated above his position.   UN threatens Bangladesh's peacekeeping role The United Nations yesterday threatened to strip the Bangladesh army of its prestigious and lucrative international 'blue helmet' peacekeeping duties if it mobilised to support disputed elections this   Censorship slapped on press Immediately after the president declared the state of emergency, the Press Information Department (PID) under the information ministry verbally imposed censorship on the media.   Container congestion reaches a new high The container congestion at Chittagong port surpassed all previous records yesterday and the port authorities fear it would take at least a couple of weeks to clear the jam even if the country's political   Cops harass newsmen despite exemption Police last night harassed the media and other emergency services by barring their vehicles' movement during the first hours of curfew in the capital although those were kept outside its purview.   BGMEA directors argue over making request to Iajuddin The directors of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) locked in a heated debate at a press conference yesterday on the question of making an appeal to the government forshifting   HR violation increases in Bangladesh War-torn Sri Lanka and politically unstable Bangladesh suffered worsening human rights violations in 2006 while other parts of the subcontinent saw scant progress, Human Rights Watch said yesterday.   Khaleda, Huda, Altaf yet to submit tax papers BNP Chairperson and immediate past prime minister Khaleda Zia and some other high profile BNP leaders did not submit the statement papers of their wealth, income and expenditure as well as income taxreturns   Hearing on arguments adjourned until Jan 18 A Dhaka court yesterday adjourned hearing on arguments of a gold smuggling case filed against former president and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad till January 18 following a time petition by the prosecution   Day after...   Ex-BNP MP Pintu granted bail in attempted murder case Former BNP lawmaker Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu and eight others yesterday obtained bail in an attempted murder case filed against them in December last year.   Criminal killed in 'shootout' with Rab A criminal was killed in an encounter with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenidah district early yesterday.   Mokhles now pushes books for schools The Narayanganj district administration recommended different school authorities to include books published by a Niloy Prokashoni in their booklists as Mokhlesur Rahman, adviser to President and Chief   Seven more die of cold The sunny weather in most parts of the country yesterday could not fade away the cold wave that claimed seven more lives in Satkhira, raising the death toll to 159 people across the country.   Bush vows action on Iran, Syria US President George W Bush vowed Wednesday to crack down on Iranian and Syrian meddling in Iraq and boost defence measures in the Middle East to promote stability throughout the region.   Inadequate number of flights   Afghan, Nato forces kill up to 150 militants Nato-led and Afghan forces unleashed air and ground strikes on a group of insurgents spotted infiltrating into Afghanistan from Pakistan, killing up to 150 of them, officials said yesterday.   Rejoinder, our reply The Power Development Board (PDB) in a rejoinder on Tuesday to The Daily Star report headlined "PDB Rental Plan for 15 years, 6 out of 7 Power deals set to go to pro-BNP men" published on January 6 contradicted   Pakistan an important ally in war on terror: US Pakistan is an important ally in the "war on terrorism" and committed to the fight, a top US official said Thursday amid disquiet in Afghanistan about its neighbours' efforts against militants.   Indian serial killer suspect admits sex with dead bodies A suspect in the gruesome murders of 17 people, mostly children, near the Indian capital has told investigators he had sex with the dead bodies and ate their organs, a report said yesterday.   ‘Chemical Ali' takes Saddam's hot seat in Iraq trial Saddam Hussein's cousin "Chemical Ali" moved centre stage in Iraq's genocide trial Thursday, occupying the executed dictator's chair in court and confessing that he ordered thousands of Kurds to be forced Business Tap TRIPS to export patented drugs to LDCs Speakers at a function in Dhaka yesterday urged the local medicine exporters to utilise the opportunity of TRIPS agreement, under which Bangladesh is allowed to export patented drugs to other LDC member   Remittance grows record 29pc in '06 The country saw a record 29.08 percent growth in remittance reaching more than $5 billion last year against $4 billion in 2005.   Thailand backtracks on investment law Investors in Thailand were left in confusion Thursday over new rules on foreign investment, as the government appeared to back track on its second major policy change in less than a month.   Iran, China to finalise $16b gas deal despite sanctions threat Iran will hold talks with China next month to finalise a 16-billion-dollar gas agreement despite a US warning that the Chinese partner could become subject to sanctions, an official said Thursday.   Vietnam joins global trade system as WTO's 150th member Vietnam on Thursday becomes the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a milestone expected to launch an era of radical change as the communist nation enters the global economic mainstream.   Brac receives Safa's best Presented account award The South Asian Federation of Accountants (Safa) has awarded Brac the Best Presented Account Award for the year 2005 in the non-government organisation category.   Banks in China may go public Chinese banks have sounded the drum of going public in 2007. The Communication Bank of China (CBC) has recently convened a meeting of the shareholders, determining to issue less than 4.   HSBC named 'best trade finance bank' HSBC has been named 'best trade finance bank' in Finance Asia's annual achievement awards, scooping the title for the tenth consecutive year.   Violence hits Lanka tourism hopes Sri Lanka's hopes of attracting 600,000 tourists last year were dashed as fighting between troops and Tiger rebels discouraged foreign holiday makers from visiting the island, officials said Thursday.   Dollar firmer on US trade deficit decline The dollar strengthened against the yen in Asian trade Thursday as sentiment toward the US unit remained positive after an unexpected fall in the US trade deficit, dealers said.   SKorea leaves interest rate unchanged South Korea on Thursday left its key interest rate unchanged at 4.5 percent for a fifth consecutive month in a continued bid to help boost a slowing economy and as inflation remained under control.   Pakistan sees surge in edible oil exports to India Pakistan is expecting a surge in its edible oil exports after India announced slashing of customs duty on edible oil imports from that country and Sri Lanka by more than 23 percent under the South Asian   Bangas declares 13pc dividend Bangas Limited has declared a 13 percent dividend for shareholders for the year ending on Jude 30, 2006.   Schwab to hold talks with Lamy amid hope of Doha deal US Trade Representative Susan Schwab will meet the director general of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal Lamy, on Friday amid speculation that a deal is close over the stalled Doha round of trade negotiations.   Infosys Q3 profit rises Infosys Technologies Ltd, India's second-largest software exporter, posted a 51.   China becomes No 2 vehicle market China surged past Japan to become the world's No. Sports Cricket: Mohameddan, Abahani post identical wins Toss played vital roles as Twenty20 champions Mohammedan and title contenders Abahani made most of the conditions in identical winning starts to the Kai-Altech Premier Cricket League yesterday.   Cricket: Strauss fit to play England batsman Andrew Strauss has been passed fit for Friday's one-day game against Australia in Melbourne.   Cricket: Ys steady Pakistan Vice-captain Younis Khan shared an unbeaten century partnership with Yasir Hameed as Pakistan made a solid recovery after the loss of their openers in quick succession on the first day of the first Test   Cricket: Mashud injured National wicketkeeper and Abahani captain Khaled Mashud will be out of action for at least ten days following an injury during yesterday's Premier Cricket League match at BKSP.   Cricket: Boucher takes record catch South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher claimed a world record for Test catches on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion Park Thursday.   Cricket: Sehwag's anxious hours With selectors' patience running out, Virender Sehwag will have to wait till Friday to know whether he would get another chance to translate his potential into runs.   Cricket: 1st Div unsure of future Cricket Committee for Dhaka Metropoliton (CCDM) has yet again delayed the players' transfer date for this year's First Division Cricket League.   Chess: Rakib runner-up in Peerless chess International Master Abdullah Al Rakib finished runner-up in the Bengal Peerless FIDE Rating chess tournament which concluded in Kolkata, India yesterday.   Tennis: Clijsters to face Jankovic Jelena Jankovic, on a hot winning streak, will play Kim Clijsters in the women's final of the Sydney International after a gruelling three-set victory over Nicole Vaidisova here Thursday.   Cricket: Full circle for Sourav? Sourav Ganguly is set to return to India's one-day squad after 15 months out as selectors move to infuse life into a battered team ahead of the World Cup.   Cricket: Century at Centurion Mark Boucher has no 'Off' button. He is always on, always competitive, always staring a hole in his next challenge, always expecting to win, or to die trying.   Cricket: Sidhu in jail Former Indian cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu was jailed on Thursday after he surrendered before a court following his conviction for a 1988 road-rage killing, his lawyer said.   Cricket: Azhar upset at WC snub All-rounder Azhar Mahmood has expressed frustration and confusion after being left out of Pakistan's World Cup plans.   Football: Mourinho fuels exit rumours Jose Mourinho has fuelled speculation that he could be on his way out of Chelsea by refusing to kill off rumours that he could leave the Premiership champions at the end of this season.   Football: Capello tightens reigns Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello insisted Wednesday he would not resign and moved to impose his authority on the team by dropping several star names including Ronaldo and David Beckham for Thursday's Spanish   Football: Wycombe wound Chelsea Jermaine Easter extended his remarkable run of scoring to keep Wycombe's dream of a place in the League Cup final alive after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final here on Wednesday.   Football: Mourinho denied cash Jose Mourinho has claimed that his plans to strengthen his injury-hit squad have been blocked by the club's refusal to fund the purchase of new players, adding to the uncertainty over his future at Stamford   Football: The Beckham conundrum When David Beckham, the most hyped soccer player on the planet, was reported to be available for transfer Wednesday, there was no Klondike rush to sign him.   Football: Real lose Marcelo Real Madrid will be without Brazilian new signing Marcelo for six weeks after he suffered an ankle injury in training, the club said Wednesday.   Football: Fans outraged at Smith exit Shell-shocked Scotland bosses on Wednesday launched a search for a new manager as the nation's 'Tartan Army' of fans rounded on Walter Smith for turning his back on the national side to rejoin Rangers.   Football: Liverpool sign Leto Liverpool have swooped to sign Argentine midfielder Sebastian Leto from Buenos Aires team Lanus, the Argentine club's vice-president Nicholas Russo confirmed Wednesday.   Football: Minister rejects soccer panel Kenyan Sports Minister Maina Kamanda on Wednesday rejected the country's football governing body ahead of next week's planned meeting with FIFA to resolve the problems facing the sport.   Football: Garcia out for the season Liverpool's hopes of emulating their 2005 Champions League triumph were dealt a major blow Wednesday when influential midfielder Luis Garcia was ruled out for the rest of the season.   Football: Casablanca sign Latinos Wydad Casablanca of Morocco have signed two Argentinians ahead of their 2007 African Champions League debut this month.   Cricket: Tendulkar peps up U-19 boys Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday made an appearance at the Wankhede Stadium to interact with the India under-19 squad members who are set to embark on a tour of New Zealand on Friday.   Football: Confusion surrounds Beckham Confusion surrounded the state of David Beckham's contract talks with Real Madrid on Wednesday.   Football: Everton draft in 'Rocky' Everton are hoping "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone can help them get back up off the canvas to fight Reading after they were dealt a straight knock-out by Blackburn. Metropolitan Grim economic situation if 'one-sided' polls held Economists, legal experts and civil society members have predicted a grim picture of political and economic situation of the country in near future if the January 22 election is held without the participation   'Shalish can also protect women's rights in urban areas' Shalish (village court) could be an effective way of protecting women's rights not only in rural areas but also in urban areas, said the speakers at a roundtable yesterday.   947 workers killed at workplace At least 947 working people were killed and 3,650 others injured in various accidents and violent occurrences at their workplaces in the country in 2006.   Locals besiege Titas office for gas in N'ganj Locals of Gog Nagar, Al Amin Nagar and Char Syedpur areas in Narayanganj yesterday laid a siege to the local office of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company for one hour as the supply of gas   19 injured in AL-BNP clashes At least 19 leaders and activists of AL and BNP were injured and about 25 shops damaged in sporadic clashes between the activists of the grand alliance and four-party at Purbadhala, Kalmakanda and Kendua   Poush Mela today A daylong Poush Mela (winter fair) will be held at Ramna Batamul in the city today, says a press release. Dr Nowazesh Ahmed will inaugurate the fair at 7:30am while Dr Anisuzzaman will preside.   Foreign, local currencies worth Tk 97 lakh seized at ZIA Customs officials seized foreign and local currencies worth about Tk 96.7 lakh from a Singapore-bound passenger at Zia International Airport (ZIA) in the city on Wednesday night.   103 shanties gutted in city slum A devastating fire gutted 103 shanties at a slum in the city yesterday. The fire broke out at a shanty in Gandaria at about 4:20am and soon engulfed other shanties reducing them to ashes.   Arrestee on 7-day remand A Dhaka court yesterday placed a youth, arrested in connection with the killing of Sub-Inspector (SI) Mizanur Rahman in December last year, on a seven-day remand for interrogation.   1,153 more held Police arrested some 1,153 people, including 15 convicts, on various charges from across the country in the last 24 hours ending at 6:00am yesterday. Point-Counterpoint Iconoclast who became our own icon When the jetliner bringing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman home gleamed in the afternoon sky over Dhaka, a deafening roar of Joi Bangla went up from the crowd milling outside the old Tejgaon airport.   Wounded nation, still the dreamer "You and I are of that clan The one that sings in the middle of pain That painful scream is the only song Of this dead century.   Surya Sen -- the fiery freedom fighter The history of the Indian sub-continent's struggle for freedom will remain incomplete if it leaves unexamined an episode like the Chittagong uprising of 1930. Culture Moushumi: An eventful innings in film industry When the Dhaliwood film industry faced a terrible shortfall of talented actresses in the early 1990s, Moushumi appeared as a breath of fresh air.   Prema: A dancer to watch for In this day and age many upcoming dancers pursue their art not through love of it but as a stepping stone to stardom in the media, small screen or filmdom.   Udichi Shilpi Gosthi UK: Fortifying the Bengali identity overseas Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, better known as Udichi, was formed in 1968. Since then Udichi has been one of the frontrunners among the cultural organisations in the country.   'Last Exit': Brutal road rage in focus Road rage is not an unfamiliar term to urban commuters. On the way to work, school, wherever...   Aparna Sen's upcoming project: 'Japanese Wife' Parallel filmmaker Aparna Sen has announced a new film called Japanese Wife. She has signed Raima Sen, Rahul Bose and a Japanese actress for the project. General Normalcy returns to Tejgaon RMG units, workers join work Normalcy returned to Tejgaon Industrial Area in the city and workers joined their works yesterday, a day after the area witnessed a violent demonstration by garment workers in protest against sudden shutdown   '6054 women tortured, killed in 2006' A total of 6,054 women were reportedly tortured and killed in the last twelve months from January to December 2006 across the country, according to a report of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad revealed yesterday.   Edn Worldwide Expo begins A three-day 'Education Worldwide Expo 2007' began at Bashundhara Expo Centre in the city yesterday with a view to providing education and career-oriented services for students and prospective candidates.   Huda concerned over decision not to monitor polls Senior BNP leader Nazmul Huda yesterday urged the foreign election monitoring groups to reconsider their decisions to refrain from observing the January 22 election in the interest of continuing the democratic   2 JMB men on fresh remand A Tangail court yesterday placed two militants of banned outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) on seven-day fresh remand.   Fish trader killed in road accident A fish trader was killed in a road accident yesterday when a Satkhira bound-minibus hit him from behind on Satkhira-Kaliganj road at Gazirhat in Debhata upazila.   Illegal lifting of water by washing plant unearthed A mobile court here yesterday unearthed illegal lifting of underground water by a washing plant evading tax.   Boat with fertiliser seized in Ctg Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a boat with 235 sacks of fertiliser in the port city while being smuggled out on Wednesday.   NU exams postponed The National University has postponed several examinations due to unavoidable circumstances.   Phensidyl seized Police seized 3,130 bottles of phensidyl from a truck at Ulashi Bazar in Sharsha upazila early yesterday. Acting on a tip-off, Sharsha police chased the truck on Balunda-Jamtola road.   US Mission closed on Sunday US Embassy offices in Dhaka, including the American Centre, Archer K Blood American Centre Library, the student counseling service and the consular section will remain closed on Sunday the Jan 14 on the Editorial Editorial: Right to boycott but not to forcibly resist SHEIKH Hasina-led grand alliance's declaration of a tough action program with non-stop siege of Bangabhaban, four-day country-wide blockade and two-day hartal is accompanied by single-line exhortation:   Editorial: Eviction of Adivasis AT least 250 landless people belonging to the indigenous community, the Adivasis, were reportedly living under the open sky in this bitter cold following a recent incident that took place at a place called   All bets are off THINGS are now slowly, inexorably working their way to a head. The elections are scheduled for January 22 and one way or the other we will have an answer by then.   Why a revolution is not possible TAKE a scene from the mayhems when the police swoop down on the demonstrators, and it's mostly the ordinary men and women who get booted and beaten before being dragged to the prison van.   Advisory opinion the way out IS the present impasse politicafl or constitutional? Has Professor Iajuddin destroyed the very spirit of caretaker government? Should we seek the opinion of the highest court to determine whether the90 Letters to Editor Where are we going? The prevalent political situation is outrageous, to say the least.   Khaleda's Press Conference I just read Abdul Latif Mondal's post-editorial article on Khaleda Zia's press conference. I appreciate his writing, but it sounded to me like BNP bashing.   Killing of Saddam The death of Saddam Hussein has made me deeply sad and outraged. It is quite clear that the deposed Iraqi President was hanged due to the instructions given by the Bush administration.   Israel and Iran Reports indicating possible Israeli attack on the nuclear installations in Iran by using "mini nukes" look mischievous and threatening to Iran.   Desertification The World Environment Day theme for 2006 was "Deserts and Desertification" and the slogan was "Don't Desert Dry lands"! The slogan emphasized the importance of protecting dry lands.   Spare the examinees We, the peace loving people of Bangladesh, are facing a deep crisis due to the present political impasse. We are wholeheartedly expecting to end this crisis peacefully, compassionately and democratically.   Civil administration reshuffle Today (08/01/2007) I was reading the article "Civil admin reshuffle makes little sense". It's a good article with lots of detail about the reshuffle done by the caretaker government.   The biggest problem I completely agree with you. The biggest problem our country is facing right now is greed. All over Bangladesh people are only looking to make money.   Mass arrests When the country is reeling under the spell of a cold wave, the valiant law enforcers, as their wont, have managed to terrorise the poorer section of the urban populace.   Bankrupt politicians The country has once again fallen into the grip of 3-day blockade imposed by bankrupt politicians, who pretend to be unaware of the immense suffering of the common people caused by such blockade.   A growing economy 10 October 2006, I felt proud to be a Bangladeshi once again. Yes, I am talking about the day Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the son of our soil, was declared a Noble Prize winner. Feature We can grow more Being an agriculture-dependent economy with a growing population, and having one of the world's lowest land-man ratios with further aggravation due to loss of and non-agricultural use of land, the most   An on-line opportunity to serve the farmers The Bangladesh Rice Knowledge Bank (BRKB) is an electronic hub of rice production technology knowledge. It is an on-line digital library to deliver up-dated information on modern rice cultivation. Environment Reversing the effects of climate change The problem of global warming is perhaps the most serious threat this country -- and the world at large -- has ever faced.   We alter ecosystems more to our peril than profit ENVIRONMENTAL disaster is grouped into two categories -- natural and man made. Earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis and volcanoes etc. are the causes of natural disasters.   Protecting the ozone layer HUMANKIND in the twenty-first century continues to face global challenges that transcend geographical borders and the limits of time. World South Asia: Troops take Tiger base Elite police commandos captured a key Tamil Tiger base yesterday after killing four guerrillas in a confrontation in eastern Sri Lanka while 16 other Tigers were killed in separate clashes, the defence   South Asia: SE Asian countries close ranks on Myanmar Southeast Asian countries urged Myanmar yesterday to restore democracy but shrank from supporting a US-move to escalate pressure on their neighbour at the United Nations.   South Asia: UN organises mission to help Nepali peace pact UN officials seek Security Council authorisation yesterday for a new mission in Nepal that includes 186 military monitors to help enforce a peace pact between the government and Maoist rebels.   South Asia: India may dump US nuclear deal: Envoy India will walk away from a civilian nuclear deal with the United States if New Delhi's concerns are not allayed, its envoy said on Wednesday.   South Asia: Pak-Afghan border crossing closed after protest A main border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed yesterday after protests by thousands of Afghans against controls on cross-frontier movement, officials said.   South Asia: Indian SC asserts power as watchdog of parliament India's Supreme Court reasserted its powers as a watchdog of the country's parliament yesterday, ruling it had the right to overturn laws which the legislature had tried to put beyond judicial review.   South Asia: Myanmar junta frees 5 prominent dissidents Myanmar's military junta released yesterday five high-profile dissidents it arrested in September at a time of intensifying international pressure on the ruling generals to take concrete steps towarddemocracy.   '100 civilians killed in US airstrikes in Somalia' Clan elders and residents in southern Somalia said yesterday that about 100 civilians were killed this week in US and Ethiopian airstrikes on suspected al-Qaeda targets in the region.   Bush fails to sway Iraq doubters Allies of President George W Bush rallied to his new strategy for Iraq but Britain still plans to reduce its troop presence and widespread doubts remain about Iraq's future.   Indian troops launch Ulfa crackdown Thousands of combat troops fanned out yesterday in the mountains and jungles of India's restive northeast to hunt down separatist rebels, blamed for killing dozens of migrant workers in the past week.   US raid Iran consulate in Iraq: 5 detained US troops raided Iran's consulate in Arbil in northern Iraq and arrested five staff members, an official at the Iranian foreign ministry was quoted as saying yesterday.   Abbas vows to prevent clashes with Hamas Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas assured tens of thousands of supporters yesterday that he was determined to prevent further factional clashes with rival Hamas after weeks of internecine bloodshed.   US Cold War foe Ortega back in power in Nicaragua Former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War veteran Daniel Ortega returned to power in Nicaragua on Wednesday and celebrated another leftist election triumph in Latin America with US foe Venezuelan President   Rice, Gates head to Cong for grilling US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defence Secretary Robert Gates are expected on Capitol Hill Thursday to face tough questions on President George W. Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. All Rights Reserved.