Vol. 5 Num 965 Fri. February 16, 2007       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Forum Environment World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page EC readies reform guideline The Election Commission (EC) is preparing a set of reform proposals including the ones for independence of its secretariat and stringent electoral laws to ensure the next parliamentary election is free   CA asks DCs, SPs to be free from any influence Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called upon the public servants not to compromise on their need to be completely free from the influence of any individuals, vested groups or politics toregain   Huge amount of currencies found A huge amount of local and foreign currencies, some revolver bullets and other items were seized from the Dhanmondi residence of former communications minister Nazmul Huda when the joint forces arrested   Ex-BNP MP Pintu sent to jail after he surrenders to court Former BNP lawmaker Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu was sent to jail yesterday after he turned himself in to a Dhaka court to seek bail in two cases for attempted murder and theft.   ACC secretary discloses his wealth statement Secretary to the Anti-Corruption Commission Mohammad Delwar Hossain yesterday publicly disclosed statement on his personal assets, income and expenditure.   Govt to go tough on corrupt professionals The government will act also against people in different professions accused of graft as part of its ongoing drive to curb the menace of corruption.   Wadood Bhuiyan's brother among 1,449 held The army-led joint forces arrested the elder brother of detained former BNP lawmaker Abdul Wadood Bhuiyan yesterday.   Stockpiles of sand...   $170m deals signed to revamp rly The government yesterday signed three credit agreements involving $ 170m with the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the plans to transform Bangladesh Railways into a well-managed   Consumer protection law on the cards The government is working on enacting consumer protection act to protect consumer rights and competition law to define hoarding and increase competition in the domestic market, Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul   Tata ponders step to restart negotiations A top official of India's industrial giant Tata yesterday said they are exploring the possibility of starting off its $3 billion package investment project in Bangladesh through a good conclusion of the   Detained ex-MP Salahuddin sued for extortion, land grabbing At least five cases were filed against detained former BNP lawmaker from Dhaka-4 constituency Mohammad Salahuddin and several of his "associates" with two police stations in the city.   Hasan Mahmud new Rab DG The government yesterday appointed Special Branch chief Hasan Mahmud Khondoker as the director general of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) just two days after a major reshuffle that also saw a change in the   Unhygienic fruits...   1 lakh sacks of fertiliser seized Joint forces and mobile courts in separate drives all over the country yesterday seized huge quantities of commodities including date expired medicines, more than 1.   Illegal market in Nayabazar demolished Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) authorities during their ongoing eviction drive yesterday demolished Yusuf Super Market, a tin-built unauthorised market, to recover grabbed land of the Siraj-Ud-Daulah Park   22 cop aspirants look for ex-minister's APS Twenty-two police job aspirants are looking for the assistant personal secretary (APS) to former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar to get back their money, which they claimed the APS took   Still in place...   Verdict deferred again to Mar 6 A Dhaka court yesterday once again rescheduled the date to March 6 for the verdict in the gold smuggling case against former president and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad.   Costly treatment leaves 50pc children untreated Five-year-old Shanto suddenly found himself bleeding from the nose and mouth and the doctors diagnosed it as leukemia, a form of blood cancer.   Khaleda urges children to be good citizens BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday called upon the children to build themselves up as good citizens for a prosperous future of the country.   People may lose patience if poll is delayed LDP leader Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed yesterday urged the caretaker government to take initiative for holding the elections as early as possible, saying that people may lose their patience if the pollsare   15 more phone numbers to send views Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has 15 new cellphones for receiving public reaction about his plan to join politics.   AK81 rifle, 600 bullets seized in CHT Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) seized one AK81 rifle, the latest version of AK47, and 600 bullets from Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar and Chittagong in the last 24 hours, ending at 3:00pm yesterday.   Bulldozing...   Outlaw killed in 'crossfire' An activist of outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP) Lal Pataka faction was killed in an encounter with Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday at Shonapur village of Ataikula thana.   Journos barred from entering JS secretariat Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar yesterday barred journalists from entering the parliament secretariat for 'security reasons'.   Murder accused Dicon remanded A Dhaka court yesterday placed Shoib Saif Dicon, shown arrested in the Dr Aftab Ahmed murder case, on a two-day remand.   Iraq shuts borders with Iran, Syria Iraq has closed its borders with Iran and Syria as part of a security crackdown aimed at stopping foreign fighters and weapons entering the country, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said yesterday.   Bush orders more troops to Kabul President George W Bush said yesterday 3,200 more US troops being deployed to Afghanistan will help NATO forces launch a spring offensive against the Taliban. Business Public sector accountability key to reaching targets: WB Steady economic growth alone cannot be the only means for Bangladesh to achieve the targets of millennium developments goals (MDGs) by 2015, rather improving accountability and transparency of service   Ctg int'l trade fair kicks off The month-long 15th Chittagong International Trade Fair (CITF 2007) kicked off yesterday at the city's Railway Polo Ground under the auspices of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).   Apec mining ministers agree to probe free trade plan Ambitious plans for an Asia-Pacific free trade area have edged forward with Apec mining ministers agreeing at a meeting this week to work on breaking down barriers.   Vodafone may invest over $2b in India Fresh from its acquisition of India's fourth largest mobile phone operator Hutchinson Essar, British telecoms major Vodafone has said it would invest more than two billion dollars in India in the next   Saarc business leaders' meet begins today Mir Nasir Hossain, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), left here for Mumbai yesterday to attend a three-day 38th Executive Committee meeting of Saarc Chamber   Gold hits 7-month high above $670 The price of gold struck 670.65 dollars an ounce in London trading on Wednesday, the highest level since mid-July 2006. James Moore, an analyst for specialist website TheBullionDesk.   India cuts fuel prices India's inflation rate has reached a two-year high of 6.73 percent, the government said yesterday, even as it ordered fuel prices cut in the latest of a series of moves to rein in inflation.   Red tape stifles Sri Lanka's business confidence High taxes and rigid labour laws are weighing on business confidence in troubled Sri Lanka, which is one of the worst places to do business in South Asia, a new World Bank study says.   Pubali Bank recommends 75pc bonus share Pubali Bank Ltd has recommended a 75 percent bonus share (3 bonus shares for every 4 ordinary shares) for its shareholders for the year that ended on December 31, 2006.   Danone profits drop 7.5pc in '06 French food giant Danone reported a 7.5-percent drop in profits for 2006 on Thursday but the price of its shares rose by 2.83 percent in early trading. Net profit fell by 7.   Desco recommends 20pc cash dividend Dhaka Electric Supply Company (Desco) Ltd has recommended a 20 percent cash dividend for its shareholders for fiscal year 2005-06.   Vietnam may grab bigger footwear market in US With US footwear importers looking to diversify their suppliers, Vietnamese firms can grab a bigger share of the lucrative market if they focus on improving quality, local newspaper Vietnam News reported   Currency Sports Cricket: Rajshahi well placed Anisur Rah-man Sanchay consolidated table toppers Rajshahi's position in the sixth round match of the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea 8th National Cricket League with a century against Chittagong yesterday.   Cricket: Your Say on Tigers Selection 1. I am really disappointed with the team selection especially Khaled Mashud's exclusion without any valid reason. The selection panel should rethink about it.   Football: Cruciani is here Former Bangladesh coach Diego Cruciani returned to Dhaka yesterday for his second stint in the country, to guide Abahani in the coming B. League.   Cricket: Lee scares Australia The depleted Australian cricket side suffered a further setback Thursday on the eve of the opening match of Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against New Zealand with the likely loss of an injured Brett Lee.   Cricket: Proteas win 3-1 Shaun Pollock ensured South Africa would go to the World Cup high on confidence after a masterly bowling performance routed Pakistan in the fifth and final one-day international at the Wanderers stadium   Cricket: England A in city The practice match between visiting England A side and BCB National Cricket Academy will take place at BKSP in Savar instead of Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on February 17.   Cricket: Dreams shatterd, dreams realised Contrasting emotions. On one side you see elation, the other side of the coin demonstrates bitter disappointment. That's what the World Cup squad means to them.   Local Snippets Sher-e-Bangla House were crowned champions of the Engineering University High School at the BUET ground yesterday. The winners grabbed 123 points while Rokeya House gained 121 points to finish second.   Football: Germans dominate Bayer Lever-kusen earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over English Pre-miership outfit Blackburn Rovers on a night when both German clubs won their UEFA Cup last 32 first leg amtches while the British duolost.   Football: Bremen sound warning Werder Bremen struck three times in the second half to seal a 3-0 win over 10-man Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of their UEFA Cup first knockout round tie on Wednesday.   Football: Gunners win a humdinger Arsene Wenger hailed the "exceptional spirit" of his players after Arsenal overcame Bolton in an FA Cup epic to keep alive their triple trophy assault.   Football: Eto'o won't be punished FC Barcelona's sports director Txiki Begiristain won't punish Samuel Eto'o for criticizing coach Frank Rijkaard and teammate Ronaldinho.   Football: Barca chaos buoys Benitez Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his side can benefit from the row beteen three-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o and Barcelona manager Frank Rikjkaard when they face the Spanish   Football: Chittagong make up final 8 Chittagong became the last team to qualify for the 3rd JFA Cup final round when they edged Comilla by a solitary goal in an exciting zonal final at the Comilla Stadium.   Football: San Siro's orange light Milan's San Siro Stadium will host the two Champions League games involving the two Milan sides, Valencia of Spain and Celtic of Scotland, but in front of a limited number of fans.   Football: Matthaeus wants Bayern job Former Germany captain and World Cup winner Lothar Matthaeus has made clear his interest in coaching Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, his former club.   Football: Uefa Cup Results Results from the UEFA Cup round of 32 first leg matches played on Wednesday: At Lisbon Benfica (POR) 1 (Miccoli 89) Dinamo Bucharest (ROM) 0 At Athens AEK Athens (GRE) 0 Paris   Football: Cicinho on recovery road Real Madrid defender Cicinho, who injured his right knee in September during a Spanish league match against Real Betis, resumed training on Thursday, his club said.   Football: Arsenal's royal party Top English football club Arsenal will have tea with the Queen following her unavailability for the opening of their new Emirates stadium in October, the BBC reported on Thursday.   Football: Tough draw for Brazil Holders Brazil landed a tricky draw for the Copa America on Wednesday as they were thrown into Group B along with Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.   Football: Less friendlies for England Steve McLaren has told his England players they have to take responsibility for their performances, British media reported on Thursday, while giving individual player advice and attempting to cut friendly   Football: Carrick unworried by drought Michael Carrick has said his lack of goals for Manchester United is not a concern after netting just once for the Premiership leaders since his 18.6 million pounds pre-season move from Tottenham Hotspur.   Football: Kewell set for Kop exit Australian winger Harry Kewell looks more and more likely to be the first player to leave Liverpool since the takeover of the club by American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks, the Times reported   Football: Howard seals Everton deal United States goalkeeper Tim Howard signed Wednesday a five-year contract with Everton, for a fee reported to be in the region of 3 million pounds, having been on loan with the Goodison Park club from   Football: Zheng settling in The arrival of his parents and daughter have helped China captain Zheng Zhi settle into life at Premier League club Charlton Athletic, and he hopes his loan move will be made permanent.   Football: City set for Mpenza deal Manchester City are set to sign Belgium striker Emile Mpenza on a short term-deal until the end of the season with an option for a further three years, according to the player.   Football: Man cleared over Becks kidnap plot A British newspaper admitted Wednesday it wrongly identified a Romanian man as involved in an alleged plot to kidnap football star David Beckham's wife Victoria and their children.   Football: Marquinhos forced to quit Corinthians midfielder Marquinhos is set to leave the top Brazilian club after receiving anonymous death threats following his below-par performance in their 3-1 defeat at Sao Paulo at the weekend, Brazilian   Football: Diarra admits poor form Mahamadou Diarra says he's unhappy with his level of play since joining Real Madrid from French champions Lyon at the start of the season.   Football: Ref abuse has dire consequences Adelaide United coach John Kosmina will be forced to watch this weekend's A-League grand final from the stands after being handed a five-match touchline ban on Thursday for abusing a referee. Metropolitan Road crashes kill 7, injure 75 At least seven people were killed and 75 others, including eight women, injured in separate road accidents in different districts yesterday.   Change mentality to serve people with disability Speakers at a workshop yesterday called for implementing Persons with Disability Welfare Act 2001 to involve physically and mentally challenged people in the main steam of life.   Govt plans further fuel price hike The government is actively considering raising the petroleum prices to make an adjustment with the international market.   TI welcomes CG's decision Transparency International (TI) has welcomed and commended the decision by the caretaker government (CG) to accede to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.   'Raise awareness about women's rights issues' Speakers at a discussion yesterday said both men and women should raise their voice and practise the rights of women at home.   Implement Phulbari accord Citizens' Commission on Gas, Oil and Coal yesterday demanded immediate implementation of the accord between the people of Phulbari and the immediate past alliance government.   Machine Tools Factory keen to produce transparent ballot box A commercial enterprise under the management of Bangladesh Army has expressed its interest to produce transparent ballot boxes for use in the next general election.   Body to probe allegations of corruption The agriculture ministry has formed an investigation committee to inquire into the allegations of irregularities and corruption in the recruitment of scientific officers at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute   Schoolboy killed in city A schoolboy was allegedly killed in the city yesterday.   Former Ctg DC Hasan sent to jail Former deputy commissioner of Chittagong Mohammad Hasan was sent to jail yesterday, a day after he was arrested on charges of corruption and making indecent proposal to a woman teacher.   "Smritir Sat Kahon" published The publication ceremony of a book of memoirs titled "Smritir Sat Kahon" written by former civil servant Sultanuz Zaman Khan was held at National Museum auditorium in the city yesterday.   DMCH snaps 140 illegal electricity connections Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) authorities yesterday snapped at least 140 illegal electricity connections, which were being used by commercial establishments adjacent to the hospital.   Home ministry seeks list of ex-lawmakers The home ministry has requested the parliament secretariat to provide a list of all former lawmakers who were elected in parliamentary elections held in the country since independence.   ICT awareness programme begins in Khulna A two-day ICT (Information and Communication Technology) awareness programme began at Hotel Royal International in Khulna yesterday.   ECDO website launched A new website of the Sylhet NGO 'Ethnic Community Development Organisation (ECDO) was launched yesterday, says a press release.   US Mission closed on Feb 18, 21 The American Embassy offices, including the American Centre, Archer K Blood American Centre Library, the student counselling service and the Consular Section will remain closed on February 18 and 21.   DU 'Ga' unit admission test today The admission test of Dhaka University (DU) under 'Ga' unit will be held today.   Death anniversary of Gen Osmani today Today is the 23rd death anniversary of General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces during the War of Liberation, says a press release. Culture Heart to Heart with Tania and Tutul Great friends turned great couple--this is the story of Tania and Tutul. Tutul was with LRB and Tania was not only a successful actress but also a top choreographer and model.   Bangladesh Documentary Festival '07 begins Bangladesh documentary film festival titled 'Documenting Bangladesh-2' was inaugurated yesterday at the Shawkat Osman Memorial Auditorium of Central Public Library.   A musical tribute to Waheedul Haq Waheedul Haq, founder of the cultural organisation Chhayanat passed away on January 27.   Audition for 'American Idol': First-hand experience I've been singing since I was 4 and performing in bands since 15. Nothing, however, could prepare me for auditioning for TV's hit competition American Idol. It was a chilly morning in August.   Feature film 'Bangla' on February 21 With Ekushey February (International Mother Language Day) round the corner, ATN Bangla will telecast a Bangla feature film titled Bangla on February 21 at 2.30pm.   Single episode play 'Esho Hath Dhoro' Rtv will telecast a single episode play, titled Esho Hath Dhoro tonight at 8:50pm. Based on a story by noted writer Imdadul Haque Milon, the play is directed by Chayonika Chowdhury .   Valentine's Day Concert The finalist teams of the Project D Youth -- Lobdhi and Sobyashachi-- in association with djuice (Grameen Phone's brand targeted towards the youth) organised an open-air concert titled Valentine's Day General Judge's court guard found dead in Satkhira A night guard of the Satkhira Judges' Court was killed on Wednesday night inside the guardroom of the Judges' Court Building at Satkhira Collectorate.   Cops swoop on CU students: 15 hurt Police swooped on a rally of the students of communication and journalism department on the Chittagong University (CU) campus yesterday, leaving at least 15 students injured.   Portion of Rajshahi Art College bldg demolished The academic career of around 200 students of class XI and XII of Rajshahi Art College has become uncertain, as the joint forces in association with the district administration demolished the extended   Shrimp trader murdered in Khulna Police recovered body of a shrimp trader from a shrimp enclosure at Kaminibashia village under Dakop upazila of Khulna district yesterday morning.   Dhanmondi road renamed after Gaziul Haque Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has renamed Dhanmondi Road No. 8 after language movement veteran Gaziul Haque in recognition of his contribution.   94 chargesheeted in Mymensingh Police submitted charge sheet against 94 people, including a chairman of Rangamatia UP in Fulbaria upazila on Wednesday for attacking local journalists on November 16 last year.   Valuables worth Tk 4 lakh looted from 2 city flats Burglars took away 12 tolas of gold ornaments, around Tk 2.3 lakh in cash and other valuables from two flats at Dhalpur in Jatrabari in the city yesterday evening.   43rd Orientation Programme of IUBAT held International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) held its 43rd Orientation Programme for Spring Semester 2007 at the IUBAT auditorium at Uttara in the city on Monday, says a press Editorial Editorial: Police and politics There is hardly anything new that a UNDP survey on the police administration reveals. And yet there are all the intriguing bits that come across to us.   Editorial: Fake CBA leader in custody Muzzafar Ali Musa, according to media reports, lost his job in Sonali Bank in 1991 having been found guilty of forging testimonials and document he had submitted at the time of his appointment in 1979.   No room for error Make no mistake about it. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it is perfectly easy to prosecute someone for corruption.   Life for sale Don't worry if you are not happy with your life. Organize your stuff, emotions, relations and earthly possessions, item by item, category by category, and put price tags on each of them.   Global Warming: Get Used to It The most inconvenient truth about global warming is that we cannot stop it. Please don't mistake me for a skeptic. I'm fully persuaded by the evidence that climate change is real and serious. Letters to Editor Team without Pilot! Bangladesh Cricket Board has recently announced the 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup cricket to be held in the West Indies.   Time for soul searching It's time for deep soul searching. Recently, we became very critical against crime and corruption in our country.   Attack on Iran? Reports indicating possible Israeli attack on the nuclear installations in Iran by using "mini nukes" look threatening to Iran.   Valuable minerals I refer to a news item captioned 'Ex-energy adviser's hasty deals' published in the front page of The Daily Star on January 25, 2007.   Dr. Yunus Bangladesh has been reborn with some good people steering the political vehicles for the last one month.   Truth of the matter Just as one swallow does not make a summer, one honest politician out of twenty-five or fifty does not sanctify the practice of politics in Bangladesh.   Politicians fail The caretaker government should take as much time to reform and establish new policies for the betterment of the people and the future of our country.   Sajib Wajed Sajib Wajed Joy has been chosen one of the top 250 young global leaders - it is inspiring news for the people of Bangladesh.   Excesses in the name of religion What kind of Muslims are we? What kind of Islam are we observing? A Christian business women, Jennifer Chim Yee, who is a British national went to Pakistan where a Pakistani businessman swindled   Cutting short weekend ? Cutting short weekend? Or cutting short employees' overtime payments? It is very disappointing to see how much self centered and commercial minded our country's top businessmen are.   Save PSC Corruption has been injected in all sectors of the government including education, health, and power.   Catch the patrons The government should halt the execution of the pseudo-Islamic fundamentalists and instead invite the FBI to interrogate them to find out who are their backers.   A lesson for Bangladesh The United States is considered by many as the greatest democracy on earth. At first glance, it seems so. Yet, President George W.   A great relief I would like to say that the country was on the verge of ruination and was heading towards darkness. In a hazardous situation it was being dominated by tyrant politicians (blood suckers).   Criminalisation of politics All criminals are not politicians but most of the politicians are criminals or corrupt. They are doing politics for money and power only, ignoring the nation's interest.   Reconstitute university syndicates The image of the public universities has sunk unspeakably low due to appointment of Tom, Dick and Harry as members of the prestigious syndicates.   Motorcyclists in trouble The countrywide drive by the law enforcers under the coverage of 'Emergency' has put the booming motorcycle business in disarray. The thana premises have turned into a junk area for keeping motorcycles. Forum Who will provide the political base for reform? If the major parties could reconstruct themselves into organizations which are fully responsive to the concerns of their constituents it would be the best option not just for the CTG but for all those   The Fakhruddin government: No easy option The initial steps of the Fakhruddin government -- separation of the judiciary from the executive, reconstitution of the EC with ACC in the offing, arrest of high profile political leaders who are alleged   Our window on the world Ports are the lifeline of a country. Most of the foreign trade of a country depends on its sea ports. There are many countries in the world which do not have any sea port.   The women in his life In Sunil Gangopadhay's historical fiction Prothom Alo, poet Rabindranath Tagore's remorse after marrying Renuka off at a young age with dowry money is depicted by a sudden spell of drought in his poetic   Has regime change boomeranged? There were two components to the neo-con plan.   Late Said In the long, and characteristically eloquent, interview Edward W. Environment Go green or out The social perception and purchase behaviour of the western society has a direct impact on less developed and developing countries like Bangladesh.   Beware of rising temperature Rising temperature is not an irrelevant abstraction. World No attack on Iran without Congress approval US Senator Hillary Clinton warned President George W. Bush Wednesday against going to war against Iran without the approval of Congress.   Armed Maoists blocked from Nepali parliament Police stopped two armed Maoist bodyguards from entering Nepal's parliament yesterday, a home ministry spokesman said.   Lanka to deal terrors with iron fist Sri Lanka will deal with Tamil Tiger "terrorism" firmly, a government minister said on Thursday, arguing the island nation was faced with more suicide bombers than the entire Middle East.   Confrontation should be avoided to promote multi-polar world Foreign ministers of India, Russia and China have said cooperation among them would promote a multi-polar world and reiterated it was not directed against any other country.   Terror funded through Indian stock market India has seen terrorist groups manipulating its stock markets, including the benchmark Mumbai bourse, to raise funds, National Security Adviser MK Narayanan has said.   Myanmar, India hold talks over crackdown on rebels Military-run Myanmar and neighbouring India have held security talks following the junta's major crackdown on Indian separatist rebels last month, state media said yesterday.   Rice misled Congress on Iran, says ex-aide Controversy over a possible missed US opportunity for rapprochement with Iran grew on Wednesday as former aide accused Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of misleading Congress on the issue.   Train bomb trial begins in Madrid A Spanish trial began on Thursday of 29 people charged with involvement in the Madrid train bombings, which killed 191 people three years ago in the deadliest al-Qaeda-related attack in Europe.   Koreas agree to meet, paving way for aid North and South Korea agreed yesterday to restart high-level talks, paving the way for food aid to resume after this week's breakthrough energy-for-disarmament deal with Pyongyang.   OIC mulls Muslim peace force The 57-member Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) said yesterday there was growing support within its ranks to form a Muslim peacekeeping force as part of plans to bolster its image.   Britain worst place for children Britain is the worst country in the industrialised world in which to be a child, closely followed by the United States, the United Nations Children's Fund said on Wednesday.   Ex-FM sees Lanka facing int'l isolation Sri Lanka faces international isolation for failing to pay close heed to human rights issues, former foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera warned yesterday.   © thedailystar.net, 2007. 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