Vol. 5 Num 939 Fri. January 19, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan Culture General Views Point-counterpoint Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page Elections unlikely before 6 months The next parliamentary elections may delay for at least six months as the interim government will take the time to prepare a correct voter list, advisers to the caretaker government said yesterday.   ACC looks to CG to become functional The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that has remained largely inactive since its inception in November 2004 now looks to the caretaker government for assistance in removing barriers to make itself functional.   Admin politicised: an eye-opener The case of controversial power secretary ANH Akhtar Hossain, who has been recently demoted back to his original post with the rank of deputy secretary, stands as the biggest example of how the immediate   JCD leaders rounded up in raids Army personnel arrested five leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in the capital yesterday as elsewhere in the country 57 people were rounded up in the ongoing anti-crime drive.   2 more advisers take oath Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and former chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Dr Chowdhury Sajjadul Karim were yesterday sworn in as advisers, completing reconstitution of the nonparty caretaker   Controversial power projects to be on hold The caretaker government has decided to stall the proceedings of the controversial projects under the Power Division for the time being.   Rajuk evicts lake grabbers Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) yesterday demolished a number of illegal structures on government land as part of its ongoing drive to evict land grabbers of Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake in the   600 dealers blamed for fertiliser crisis in North Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and administration in several districts identified at least 600 fertiliser dealers in 16 northern districts as responsible for allegedly creating artificial   Rab busts JMB den in Savar, seizes bomb-making materials Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) seized a huge cache of bomb-making materials from a suspected JMB den in Savar during a raid early yesterday.   No fertiliser crisis, says press note The attention of the government has been drawn to the reports carried by a section of the print and electronic media regarding production, stock and supply of fertiliser.   EC not thinking about its reconstitution The acting chief election commissioner and the election commissioners yesterday kept silent over their resignation although there has been a strong suggestion from among the advisers to the caretakergovernment   Fahim Munaim CA's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim, managing editor of The Daily Star, has been appointed press secretary to the chief adviser of the caretaker government.   Rejoinder, our reply Chairman of Orion Group Obaidul Karim has sent a rejoinder to three reports published in The Daily Star headlined "Oriental Bank scam probe: Orion Group pocketed Tk 596cr using unique method" (January   Iajuddin's portrait will remain in govt offices The council of advisers to the caretaker government has decided to keep the portrait of President Iajuddin Ahmed in government offices, which is contrary to the National Portrait Law, 2001.   Advisers' wealth statements could be made public if council decides Adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury yesterday said the council of advisers has the discretion to release statements of wealth of the advisers to the public. "I believe in democracy.   Babar sues Jugantor editor for defamation A Dhaka court yesterday asked editor, publisher, two news editors and two chief reporters of the Bangla daily Jugantor to appear before it on February 27 after former state minister for home Lutfozzaman   2 cops suspended for smuggling Phensidyl A sub-inspector (SI) and a constable of Detective Branch (DB) of police in Satkhira were suspended yesterday on charge of smuggling contraband Phensidyl.   City walkways freed from hawkers Pedestrians in the busiest areas of the capital are finally being able to walk freely on the sidewalks designated for them, thanks to an illegal street vendor eviction drive by police yesterday.   Jubo Dal man dies in police custody A Jubo Dal activist died in police custody at Paikgachha Upazila Health Complex in Khulna district on Wednesday night.   BSF kills 1 Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi farmer near Haripur border under Thakurgaon district yesterday morning.   Nepali Maoists dissolve their 'people's govt' Nepal's Maoists yesterday were set to dissolve their "People's Government" and "People's Courts" which ruled large swathes of the country during a decade-long insurgency.   Sanctions may escalate Iran standoff: ElBaradei The UN's nuclear chief Mohammed ElBaradei warned yesterday that international sanctions imposed last month over Iran's atomic programme could escalate the standoff between Tehran and the West.   Columnist Art Buchwald dies Columnist Art Buchwald, who chronicled the life and times of Washington with a wry wit for over four decades and endeared himself to many with his never-give-up battle with failing kidneys, is dead at Business DSE turnover hits Tk104cr Turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday reached Tk 104.70 crore, the highest after 1996's bubble and bust, thanks to a huge rush of investors--both general and institutional.   GDP may fall behind 6.7pc in event of fresh political unrest: ICC-B The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the current fiscal year may fall behind last year's 6.   Govt moves to recover Tk4000cr revenue from importers The newly formed caretaker government initiated a drive hurriedly to recover from a section of importers an amount of revenue of over Tk 4000 crore that remained stuck for a long legal fight, official   India defends its bilateral, regional trade talks India has defended its negotiations for bilateral trade and regional trade agreements with a number of countries in Asia and Europe saying they are compatible with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.   'Serious substantive gaps' remain in WTO talks: US Countries are still far apart on many key issues in world trade talks, but seem to share an urgent desire to reach a deal before that chance slips away, a top US negotiator said on Wednesday.   Banglalink offers Tk1.96 per minute call charge Banglalink, owned by Egyptian telecoms giant Orascom, has offered Tk 1.96 per minute call charge under its 'desh package' from Banglalink to any operators, anytime.   India to regulate micro-finance institutions A parliamentary bill to regulate the micro-finance institutions in India will be brought in the budget session beginning next month.   Citigroup rated best in transaction services Global Finance magazine has awarded Citigroup the title of Best Global Corporate/Institutional Internet Bank for 2006.   China to lift ban on Japanese rice China on Thursday agreed in principle to resume imports of Japanese rice which were banned three years ago, a report said.   Currency Sports Cricket: New manager, why? Even among the high-ups of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), there is disappointment over the appointment of the new national team operations manager for the coming Zimbabwe tour.   Football: Brothers, Arambagh look positive Brothers Union officials promised to provide entertainment in the B. League although they have been heavily damaged in the transfers.   Cricket: Easy task for title chasers Old DOHS and Abahani resume the title race when the fourth round of the Kai-Altech Premier Cricket League begins today after a regulation one-day break.   Football: New committee for Pro League The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) dissolved its Professional Football League committee according to the Pro League statutes.   Tennis: Seeds stamp their class Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis staged a race Thursday to see who could crush their hapless Australian Open opponent first, and top seed Maria Sharapova joined the fun with her own rapid demolition job.   Cricket: Smith wary of Pakistan Try as he might, Graeme Smith will find it difficult to convince record-keepers that he has just led his side to Test wins in Kolkata and Lahore.   Cricket: Loye's chance at hand England are considering handing a full international debut to 34-year-old opening batsman Mal Loye in Friday's triangular series one-day clash with Australia in Brisbane.   Cricket: Sourav leaves past behind Former skipper Sourav Ganguly, back in India's one-day squad after 16 months on the sidelines, says the team's poor performance in 2006 is irrelevant.   Tennis: Mirza bites the dust Chinese number one Li Na and Japan's Aiko Nakamura booked their places in the Australian Open third round Thursday but Indian starlet Sania Mirza bit the dust.   Cricket: It's different for Sachin Poor form has ended sporting careers or at least forced a relegation to the bench. In Sachin Tendulkar's case, it has led to a promotion.   Tennis: Blake, Hewitt through James Blake's winning streak stretched to seven matches as former finalist Lleyton Hewitt worked his way into the men's draw with another victory at the Australian Open Thursday.   Football: Capello eases on Beckham David Beckham may still play for Real Madrid after manager Fabio Capello softened his stance on the English galactico appearing for the Spanish giants before he leaves for California in June.   Football: Keane the Cardiff wrecker Robbie Keane returned from injury to lead Tottenham into the FA Cup fourth round with an influential display in his side's 4-0 win against Cardiff on Wednesday.   Cricket: Kenya crush Scotland Kenya began their ICC Tri Series in comprehensive style with a 190-run win over Scotland at Mombasa on Wednesday after recording their second-highest one-day total of 328 for 5.   Tennis: Tennis meet begins Saturday The qualifying round of the fifth BKSP International junior tennis tournament begins Saturday at the BKSP Tennis Complex in Savar.   Cricket: Bond can breathe now New Zealand cricket breathed a sigh of relief Thursday when injury-prone star fast bowler Shane Bond was cleared of a potentially career ending stress fracture of the spine.   Tennis: Steely Sharapova Maria Sharapova justified her top seeding at the Australian Open with a 6-0, 6-3 demolition of fellow Russian Anastasia Rodionova Thursday, erasing memories of her horror start to the tournament.   Tennis: Sampras, Vicario into Hall of Fame Pete Sampras, winner of a record 14 Grand Slam singles titles, and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, a three-time French Open champion, have been elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.   Football: Ortega treated for alcoholism Former Argentina striker Ariel Ortega is taking a break from his club River Plate to receive treatment for alcoholism.   Football: Milan dream of Ronaldo AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said Wednesday Ronaldo was a player they've dreamed of having for a long time as the Serie A club tried to persuade Real Madrid to release the unsettled striker.   Football: Le Guen's PSG falter Paul Le Guen failed to inspire struggling Paris Saint Germain to victory as his first match in charge of the Parisian outfit ended in a goalless draw against Toulouse here on Wednesday night.   Football: A North American revolution in France North American businessman Jack Kachkar is on the verge of buying fallen European giants Marseille and potentially heralding a new era in the troubled club's history.   Football: Lucrative TV deal for Premiership Overseas television rights to English Premiership matches for the next three seasons have been sold for more than 1.   Football: Abidal fires Lyon A first-half goal from France international defender Eric Abidal fired Lyon into the French League Cup final on Wednesday as they overpowered Le Mans at their Gerland Stadium.   Football: Spurs chasing Rocha English Premiership club Tottenham have expressed interest in signing Benfica defender Ricardo Rocha before the end of the January transfer window, Portuguese media reported Wednesday.   Football: Roeder blasts wingless Magpies Glenn Roeder has told his Newcastle United players they face a watershed in their season after the 5-1 FA Cup humiliation by Birmingham City. Metropolitan City dwellers face acute gas crisis Gas crisis took a turn for the worse in many areas of the city over the last few days due to suspension of production in two wells of Titas gas field and low pressure of gas from Sangu gas field.   BDR-BSF meet fails A company level flag meeting between the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on the issue of renovation of an embankment ended without any positive outcome yesterday.   2 fatories gutted in city, Tongi Three fires occurred in and around the city yesterday damaging two factories and a private house.   Outlaw gunned down in Kushtia Members of the outlawed Gono Mukti Fouz (GMF) gunned down one of their rivals belonging to outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-ML)-Janajuddho faction in the district on Wednesday night.   Two killed in road accidents At least two people were killed and 25 others injured in separate road accidents in Gaibandha and Satkhira yesterday.   Trader killed in 'shootout' with Rab in city A trader was killed in a 'shootout' between his accomplices and members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in the city in the early hours of yesterday.   UNDP aid for strengthening reforms in police sought Inspector General of Police Khuda Baksh Chowdhury yesterday sought cooperation from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and development partners to strengthen the ongoing police reform initiative,   Businessman shot dead A businessman was shot dead in the city's Malibagh area on Wednesday night.   Ershad's lawyers complete arguments Defence lawyers of former president and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday completed the arguments in connection with the gold smuggling case implicated him 16 years ago.   Over 1000 chickens buried in Satkhira Over 1000 broiler chickens smuggled from India were buried here yesterday on suspicion that they were affected by bird flu.   Joy selected as Young Global Leader for 2007 Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, has been selected as a Young Global Leader for the year 2007 as an Information Technology (IT) specialist by the World Economic Forum,   Decentralisation of education administration a must Adviser Ayub Quadri yesterday emphasised the need for decentralisation of the education administration to bring dynamism is the country's education system.   ASK hails move to separate judiciary Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a legal aid and human rights organisation, yesterday hailed the caretaker government for taking the initiative to separate the judiciary from the executive.   Robbers loot goods worth Tk 3 lakh, kill 1 at Fatikchhari A villager was killed and another injured when a gang of robbers were decamping with the booties at Fatikchhari upazila in the district in the early hours of yesterday.   27 fugitive convicts among 1,968 arrested Police arrested some 1,968 people, including 27 fugitive convicts, from across the country on various charges in the last 12 hours ending at 6:00am yesterday.   Zia's 71st birth anniversary today BNP will celebrate the 71st birth anniversary of its founder late President Ziaur Rahman today. He was born on this day in 1936 at Bagbari in Bogra.   Australian envoy calls on Matin Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Douglas Foskett yesterday called on the Adviser for the Ministries of Communications, Civil Aviation and Tourism, Shipping and Liberation War Affairs Maj Gen   900 bottles of phensidyl seized, 1 held in Ctg Narcotics Control Department (NCD) seized 900 bottles of contraband phensidyl and held a person in the port city yesterday.   15th anniversary of Nirmul Committee today Today is the 15th founding anniversary of Ekatturer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, also known as Forum for Secular Bangladesh, says a press release.   'Withdraw state of emergency' Leaders of Samajtantrik Sramik Front yesterday demanded withdrawal of the state of emergency and restoration of the basic rights of the workers including the right to have trade union, says a press release. Point-Counterpoint View from abroad The vicissitudes of Bangladesh politics since late October 2006 surprised the most political pundits. No one could have predicted the way things have turned out in just 75 days.   The African front New year's eve on 2007 coincided with the Muslim festival of thanksgiving, Eid-ul- Adha.   Full disclosure Grameen Bank and its founder, Professor Mohammad Yunus, have received the Nobel Peace Prize. The micro-finance (MF) focus of the world is again spotlighted on Bangladesh. Culture Heart to heart with Tahsan-Mithila He was a serious IBA student, from a family with PhDs and no media link whatsoever, she was a political science student from Dhaka University with a family background in the media.   Single episode drama 'Nolbaji' on ATN Bangla Entitled Nolbaji, a single episode drama, is scheduled to be aired tonight at 8:45 pm on ATN Bangla.   More acclaims for Nazir from Krakow Ahmed Nazir's mind-whirling prints have won accolades galore at the Krakow Triennale '07(Poland).   'American Idol': Biggest show on TV returns The biggest TV show in the world, American Idol returned with millions watching (over 37 million in US alone) with Randy, Simon and Paula rating the good, the bad and the unlistenable in Minneapolis   'Ferari' on Channel i tonight Drama serial Ferari will be aired tonight at 9:35pm on Channel i. General 300 shops removed from footpaths in Chittagong In a massive drive, the authorities dismantled around 300 illegal makeshift shops on footpaths in different areas of Chittagong city yesterday in a bid to facilitate easy movement of traffic and pedestrians.   Bangladesh a country of communal harmony A four-member delegation of Bangladesh Bouddha Krishti Prachar Sangha, led by its president Shuddhananda Mohathero, made a courtesy call on President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday.   Indian HC meets LDP president Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty yesterday paid a courtesy call on Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury in the city and discussed bilateralissues.   Couple commit suicide in Tangail A new couple allegedly committed suicide at Sakhipur upazila in the district yesterday.   Cold claims 3 more lives in Satkhira Cold wave has claimed three more lives in the last 24 hours as of Wednesday night, raising the death toll to 15 in the district. Editorial Editorial: The EC should resign The caretaker government has made it clear that its highest priority now is a reconstitution of the Election Commission.   Editorial: ACC's business as usual We note with a despondent heart that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has failed to do something worthwhile to justify the nomenclature.   Week one The events leading up to the presidential speech of the night of January 11, when the president relinquished the post of chief adviser and declared a state of emergency, have been the subject of intense   A parrot for president First thing first, a parable of history to set the context! When General George Armstrong Custer of the Union army lay dead after the Battle of the Little Bighorn, an American Indian woman was found sitting   Peace-time emergency President Iajuddin Ahmed declared state of emergency in the whole of Bangladesh on January 11, to the relief of the whole nation. Letters to Editor Parleys on general election We are extremely shocked and alarmed at the decision of the CG to invite the two large "political alliances" for dialogue in finding a solution to the current political problems.   A tribute to Saddam Hussein I mourn the death of Saddam Hussein, the only and only undisputed leader of Arab Muslim World. I find no language to express my hatred towards those who are responsible for his death.   New caretaker government Little hope that I had about the efficacy of the new caretaker government has been shattered after seeing the council of advisers. It seems family and friends have been taken on board by the chief adviser.   Late realisation At last the president realised the truth and resigned from the post of CA. but the decision came too late.   We and the changing world When we are fighting to grab political power, the world is changing at a fast pace and leaving us far behind.   Keep up the good work Two great letters and food for thought for all of us from Mr. Mahmood Elahi and Mr. Munim Chowdhury. Thanks are not enough. Please accept my gratitude.   Disgraceful Almost every day I receive numerous e-mails from many of my friends with queries and comments regarding the recent turmoil in Bangladesh.   A bonus to countrymen I do welcome the changing atmosphere of our country and also welcome the new chief adviser of the caretaker government. Though it could be done two months earlier but nothing good had happened.   'Iajuddin solely responsible' I truly appreciate the prudent analyses of Mr. Zahid Hossain in the article 'Iajuddin solely responsible' published in your daily on January 08. I think Mr.   Voter list The Honourable President mentioned in his speech on Jan. 11, 2007 that there are lots of anomalies in the voter list.   Bangladesh politics The people of Bangladesh should express their deep appreciation to the diplomats in Dhaka for bringing our country back from the brink of disaster.   US strategy By now there is hardly any doubt that the US expects a formidable challenge from any power that emerges strong in any region.   DU shutdown Dhaka University has opened after a long 'shutdown' enforced by the AL-led Progressive Students Alliance (PSA).   The Japanese way As a citizen with the background as one of the very elderly businessmen in international business and that mostly with the Japanese, I came across the most polite Japanese people who are very tolerant   Set things right Now that the new caretaker government has taken control, the civil society and all concerned seem to be eager to see an election staged immediately to hand over power to the elected government. Environment Desertification: Slow onset of an irreversible disaster Desertification is one of the world's most alarming processes of environmental degradation. World Ulfa rebels warn migrants to leave A separatist group in India's insurgency-hit northeast, blamed for killing scores of Hindi-speaking people, warned migrant workers yesterday to quit the region and threatened to step up violence.   Bipartisan US senators oppose troop boost Trying to get President George W. Bush to reverse plans for boosting US troop strength in Iraq, senators from both political parties unveiled on Wednesday a nonbinding resolution opposing the increase.   Lanka truce monitors resume work Ten of Sri Lanka's nearly three dozen truce monitors will be back at their posts next week in the embattled north and east after an absence of more than two weeks, a spokesman said.   Series of blasts kill 19 in Baghdad A series of explosions and shootings rocked Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens, police said.   More protests after Bollywood star blames racism in TV row More complaints poured yesterday over alleged bullying of Bollywood film star Shilpa Shetty, after she blamed racism for her abuse on a TV show which has sparked diplomatic and street protests in India.   Pressure mounts on Olmert to resign Defence Minister Amir Peretz defied calls to resign and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ignored similar demands after the Israeli army chief of staff stepped down over the military's failure to stop Hezbollah   Manmohan for addressing woes of home-based S Asian workers The Saarc countries should give high priority to women empowerment and concerns of home-based workers, majority of whom are women, to ensure the benefit of regional and international trade, Indian Prime   Residents chase, kill two rare leopards in India Panic-stricken people chased and battered to death two rare leopards in different parts of India, highlighting increasing numbers of endangered wildlife that are killed as rapid economic development destroys   Indian papers say racism thrives in India While condemning "racist jibes" thrown at a Bollywood star on "Celebrity Big Brother", several major Indian newspapers yesterday said the country should examine its own prejudices before expressing national   Pakistan denies Taliban leader hiding in Quetta Pakistan Thursday dismissed claims that its intelligence service was sheltering Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in the city of Quetta as an "absurd" lie.   Nepali Maoists hand over more arms Maoists handed over more weapons to United Nations monitors yesterday, the second day of a process that is a key element of a peace deal in Nepal, former rebel leaders said.   Runaway Scottish girl can stay in Pakistan A Scottish girl at the centre of an international custody battle can stay with her father in Pakistan, the country's top court ruled yesterday.   ‘Abbas to meet Hamas supremo in Damascus’ A Palestinian lawmaker said yesterday that president Mahmud Abbas would meet with Hamas political supremo Khaled Meshaal this weekend in Damascus, but the encounter could not be confirmed.   Iran offers to help train, equip Iraqi forces Tehran's ambassador to Baghdad said yesterday that Iran stood ready to help train and equip Iraqi security forces to combat what he called terrorism.   Court extends Sanjay Dutt's bail to Feb 6 A special court Thursday extended Bollywood action hero Sanjay Dutt's bail to February 6, some two months after he was convicted of illegal arms possession.   Suu Kyi faces tax evasion charge State media yesterday accused pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi of evading taxes by spending her money from the 1991 Nobel Peace prize and other awards overseas.   Leading woman militant held in Kashmir A leading hardline woman separatist in revolt-hit Indian Kashmir was detained as she raided a cybercafe, police said yesterday, as part of her morality crusade in the main city of Srinagar.   Pilot killed in Indian Air Force jet crash A pilot was killed in an Indian Air Force Jaguar bomber jet crash yesterday in the northern desert state of Rajasthan, officials and witnesses said.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. 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