Vol. 5 Num 718 Mon. June 05, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections World Environment Day Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page A governance failure, says DEPZ investors Investors yesterday termed the situation at Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) a governance failure and decided to keep their factories closed until law and order improves there while Commerce Minister   50 hurt in clashes as unrest enters day 14 Protests over low wages entered 14th day yesterday as garment workers continued to hold rallies and clash with enforcers, leaving 50 injured and forcing one worker jump to death in fear of violence.   Grassroots AL leaders warn of fallout of intra-party conflicts Grassroots level leaders of Awami League (AL) yesterday told their party chief Sheikh Hasina that the longstanding intra-party conflicts and lack of coordination among the top and local leaders may pave   PM unveils plaque of Tk 700cr project Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday laid the foundation stone for construction of a Tk 700 crore Jatrabari-Gulistan flyover, the first such project to be built through private investment without involving   EC to face Herculean task to make voter list The Election Commission (EC) that has no previous experience of preparing a voter list in just five months now has to finish the Herculean task within this short period of time.   Feeder vessels slap congestion charge The feeder vessel operators impose congestion charge on Chittagong port bound containers from today.   11 killed in Jessore bus accident Eleven people were killed on the spot and about 40 others were injured in a fatal road crash at Mandartala on Jessore-Jhenidah road, some 15 km off Jessore town, early yesterday.   JMB also killed writer of Tangail A Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) commander yesterday confessed to not only attacking noted writer Hymayun Azad, but also killing a writer of Tangail in 2000 at the directives of JMB chief Abdur   Trade, defence cooperation on agenda for FM's China trip Bilateral trade, investment, peaceful use of nuclear energy and defence cooperation will top the agenda during Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan's three-day official visit to China, beginning today.   Envious quarter with nexus home, abroad out to destroy RMG The government yesterday called upon the owners, workers and the people to come forward to help save the garment industry from an orchestrated "plot" to destroy the country's main foreign exchange earning   Deadline over, Saifur yet to announce decision Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman did not announce his "final decision" about resignation from the party although his three-day deadline ended yesterday.   Mazed's plight Like thousands others, Mazeda, a finishing section worker of Leni Fashion in Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), is in uncertainty as she has not got her last month's salary yet.   Grievances push workers into the street: Skop Failing to express their demand and grievances due to absence of trade unions, the garment workers at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) and other factories took to the street when the situationbecame   Change in wage commission A tripartite meeting between the government, garment workers and the garment owners yesterday decided to change representation in the wage commission formed earlier to help resolve the ongoing crisis.   Opposition protests creation of 219 new posts in JS A meeting of the Jatiya Sangsad Commission (JSC) yesterday witnessed a debate between the government and the opposition members over the creation of 219 new posts in parliament allegedly to recruit the   polygamists may face higher tax in Rajshahi city Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) proposed to impose higher taxes on polygamist men in the budget for 2006-07 fiscal.   CEC talks to one TV channel, ignores other media The chief election commissioner (CEC), who surprisingly emerged last Thursday as a press friend, talked only to a private satellite television channel and later refused to meet other journalists present   Intern docs end strike at SSMCH The intern doctors of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital yesterday called off their strike after the authorities gave assurance to pay off the arrears and arrange a temporary solution to their residential   Girl commits suicide in school The school-going daughter of former film actor Wasim committed suicide at her schoolyard in the city's Gulshan area yesterday.   HR body offers DNA test cost Bangladesh Society for Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR) offered to bear the cost of the DNA tests if former deputy inspector general (DIG) Anisur Rahman appeals to the organisation for the cost.   Violence flares in Iraq Violence raged across Iraq yesterday amid signs its leaders remained deadlocked on naming new interior and defence ministers critical to restoring stability in the strife-torn country.   Earthquake survivors at risk of bird flu The chicken coops in Indonesia's earthquake-flattened Pentong village are filled with salvaged TVs, cooking utensils, refrigerators -- and scores of people.   Maritime Council favours private sector operation A meeting of Maritime Council yesterday decided in principle that the management and operation of the under-construction New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) would be handed over to a private operator Business Bilateral transport deal suggested Business leaders of Bangladesh and India have agreed to persuade their governments for a bilateral transport agreement to facilitate movement of vehicles for carrying goods and passengers to boost trade.   Prices of oil, gas, power need adjustment: BB Terming the synchronisation of monetary policy with the fiscal policy as the biggest challenge Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has emphasised the need to adjust prices of oil, gas and   Direct Bangla-Pak shipping link key to boosting trade Expansion of bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan is facing a setback as there has been no direct shipping link between the two countries, said the visiting president of Karachi Chamber ofCommerce   Malaysians keen to invest in joint ventures A visiting 11-member Malaysian business delegation yesterday unveiled a list of potential sectors in Bangladesh for making investment under joint venture, as the entrepreneurs of the newly industrialised   Vietnam set to face WTO winds of change If and when Vietnam joins the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and opens its doors to the global economy, it will enter a new era of risk and opportunity, analysts say.   US firm to help find out American partners for joint ventures Gale International Commerce Group (GICG), a US-based business consulting firm, yesterday offered assistance to local business groups to find out American partners in forming joint ventures along withfund   DaimlerChrysler South East Asia CEO due today Ranier Thiel, the new chief executive officer of DaimlerChrysler, South East Asia, will arrive in Dhaka today on a two-day visit, says a press release.   Citigroup named 'Best Investment Bank in Asia' Global Finance magazine, one of the world's leading finance magazines, has chosen Citigroup, the owning company of Citibank NA, as Asia's best investment bank, says a press release.   HSBC to offer total cash management solutions to Etihad Airways The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited in Bangladesh will offer total cash management solutions to Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, says a press   Pak denim mill to open sales offices in Bangladesh Artistic Denim Mills Ltd, a leading denim producer of Pakistan, is going to open its marketing offices in Bangladesh.   Local ad firm expands operations in Laos Paper Rhyme, an advertising firm in the country, is going to expand its operations in Laos.   New chairman, vice chairpersons of Prime Bank Imam Anwar Hossain was recently elected chairman of Prime Bank Ltd while Shahnaz Quashem and Saheda Pervin Trisha were elected vice chairpersons.   Africa, US to devise private sector growth strategy Ministers from 37 African nations and the United States are to hold annual talks this week aimed at devising strategies for a vibrant private sector in Africa and stepping up trade.   'CityCell Hello 0123' programme Cellphone operator CityCell recently held a promotional campaign styled 'Hello 0123' at different shopping malls in Dhaka, says a press release. Sports Football: Zinedine Zidane: The French maestro Three-time winner of FIFA's World Player of the year Real Mad-rid's French playmaker Zinedine Zidane is per-haps the greatest footballing artist of his era, a man who has won every major title on offer.   Football: Bits and Bobs Argentine to referee opener Reuters, Berlin Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo will referee the opening World Cup match between hosts Germany and Costa Rica in Munich on Friday,   Football: England steamroll Reggae Boys Striker Peter Crouch scored a hat-trick as England ran riot in a 6-0 victory over Jamaica in their final World Cup warmup on Saturday.   Football: Latin flair in Bangladesh World Cup favourites Brazil and Argentina are engaged in an unlikely aerial battle in sports-mad Bangladesh as football fever reaches boiling point in the South Asian nation.   Football: Spanish inquisition continues Spain rediscovered their scoring touch with a 2-0 win over African champions Egypt on Saturday but question marks over style, tactics and the composition of the starting lineup remain.   Football: Basten striving for unity The first time Barry Opdam was called up to the Holland squad he walked up to the coach Marco van Basten and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Barry Opdam," he said and held out his hand.   Football: Czechs finish warm-up in style Jan Koller scored two goals and set up another Saturday to lead the Czech Republic over Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.   Cricket: Khulna lift youth title Khulna clinched the Dhaka Bank Under-19 Youth Cricket Championship title in a low-scoring affair when they won the two-day final against Rajshahi by 41 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur   Chess: Another mixed day for BD teams Bangladesh men's team returned to their winning ways in the 37th Chess Olympiad when they won the twelfth round game against Japan by 3.5-0.5 at Turin on Saturday.   Volleyball: Spikers finish in style The Bangladesh volleyball team completed a clean sweep on visiting Nepal when they won the fourth and final exhibition match by straight-sets at the Volleyball Stadium yesterday.   Football: WC book unveiled With only four days to go before the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup, the Bangladesh sports fraternity was gripped by the fever of the greatest show on earth.   Football: Salampur finish 3rd Salampur Dakhil Madrasa of Natore defeated Faridpur High School 3-1 to finish third in the banglalink tiger trophy National School Football Championship at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium   Badmintorn: Aminul Islam passes away Legendary badminton player Aminul Islam died yesterday morning due to old age complacency. He was 82.   Tennis: Safina shocks Sharapova Dinara Safina finally stepped out of big brother Marat Safin's shadow on Sunday when she sent Russian compatriot Maria Sharapova spinning out of the French Open winning 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 in the fourth round.   Football: Heinze assured of fitness Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze says he has won his battle to be fit for the World Cup.   Football: Kofi Annan praises football UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has sung the praises of football in a contribution to a German newspaper, saying the World Cup 2006 would bring nations together in a way no other event could.   Football: Parreira vows gung-ho approach Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira confirmed Saturday that he will adopt an all-out attack approach at the World Cup in Germany.   Football: Touch and go for Zambrotta Italy coach Marcello Lippi is sweating on the results of a scan that will decide whether injured defender Gianluca Zambrotta should go to the World Cup.   Football: Shivering Samurai Japan's "Blue Samurai" are complaining of blue fingers and numb toes at their World Cup base as they struggle to get to grips with the German weather.   Football: Reyna fit for Czechs U.S. captain Claudio Reyna will be fit to face the Czech Republic in the World Cup on June 12, coach Bruce Arena said on Saturday. Arena told reporters at the U.S.   Cricket: SL put pressure on Eng Sri Lanka's batsmen put off-spin great Muttiah Muralidaran in a position to bowl to them a 1-1 series-levelling victory by building a lead of 221 on the third day of the third and final Test against England   Cricket: WI make steady progress Half-centuries from Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan helped West Indies gain a healthy first innings lead over India in the opening Test on Saturday at the Antigua Recreation Ground.   Cricket: Greg justifies Bhaji decision India coach Greg Chappell defended the decision to leave Harbhajan Singh out of their team after a tough day in the field against West Indies in Antigua after four of the wickets fell to spin with Anil   Football: No freebies for children or soldiers School children and soldiers, you're out of luck. No free tickets to the World Cup.   Football: Personality clash in Japan squad A clash of personalities between Shunsuke Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata has emerged in the otherwise solid midfield of Japan's World Cup squad.   Football: CSKA Sofia to sign Petrov CSKA Sofia will sign Macedonian defender Robert Petrov, the Lokomotiv Plovdiv player said in an interview in 7 dni sport newspaper on Sunday.   Swimming: Army aquatics The swimming and water polo competition of Bangladesh Army began at the Army Swimming Complex yesterday. Metropolitan Infrastructure dev key to poverty alleviation Improvement of infrastructure is the key to alleviate poverty in the country, said the experts at a workshop yesterday.   TIB concerned over govt design to control ACC Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is deeply concerned and disappointed over the apparent government design to establish executive control over the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said a press   Punishment to Shahidul, cadres demanded Journalists demanded exemplary punishment to BNP lawmaker Shahidul Islam MP and his cadres for the recent attack on a journalists' rally in Kushtia.   Anarchy prevails as ministries under PM fail : Hasina Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina yesterday said a complete anarchy has gripped the country as the ministries under prime minister have failed.   Hasina to receive Mother Teresa Award on June 24 Awami League President Sheikh Hasina will receive the prestigious Mother Teresa International Award on June 24 at a function at the Centenary Hall of the Kolkata University in Kolkata.   Veena Sikri assures DU of all help Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri assured Dhaka University (DU) authorities of providing all possible assistance and cooperation for development of the Centre of Excellence for Science.   BD Foods chairman sent to jail After a 17-day remand in three phases in two cases, BD Foods Chairman Badruddoza Chowdhury Momen, arrested on charge of smuggling heroin to the United Kingdom (UK), was sent to the Dhaka Central Jailyesterday.   JCD calls for resisting AL's negative politics Leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of ruling BNP, yesterday urged all to resist negative politics and conspiracies of Awami League (AL) for the greater interest of the country.   'Tackle situation thru' discussions' Expressing concern over the increased discontent of garment workers and huge loss of properties, Karmojibi Nari urged the government, owners and workers to tackle the situation through discussions.   '25 killed in crossfire in May' Law and order situation across the country deteriorated further during the month of May, said a report of Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) yesterday.   Students urge govt to appoint interim administrator Students concerned over their academic future due to stalemate centring claim by two persons as the vice-chancellor of Darul Ihsan University urged the president and the prime minister to appoint an interim   Give top priority to education Jatiya Chhatra Dhara, student wing of Gono Forum, urged the government to give top priority to the education sector in the upcoming budget for 2006-2007 fiscal years.   'Unite to topple govt' Proshika President and ADAB Chairperson Dr Qazi Faruque Ahmed has called for unity of the pro-liberation forces to fight back the alliance government and to establish an exploitation free prosperous Bangladesh   World Environment Day today The World Environment Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere in the world, today spearheading a campaign against degrading lands to wastelands through environmental pollution.   Indian artistes to perform dance Indian renowned artistes Padmasree Madhavi Mudgal and Padmasree Alarmel Valli will perform dance at the Shilpakala Academy on June 8, 9 and 10, says a press release.   Buet students to observe Terrorism -Free Day June 8 Anti-Terrorism Buet Student Unity, a platform of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) students, will observe Terrorism-Free Day on June 8 on the campus.   Militants rocket Pak military convoy Assailants fired rockets yesterday at a military convoy in a tribal region in northwestern Pakistan, killing two soldiers and wounding two, an official said. National No sign of early end to IU deadlock There is no sign of an immediate end to the deadlock in Islamic University as JCD and Shibir, backed by local leaders of ruling BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, are unrelenting in their demand for recruitment   Journos protest attack, repression Journalists staged protests across the country yesterday against attack and harassment by ruling party men, repression and killings.   Board member resigns as protests go unheeded Former army chief Lt. Gen (Rt.   A simple skill can be of great help Dying river Fatki has offered its last blessing for landless families in Kechhuadubi village in Magura Sadar upazila.   Juicy pineapple will be pricey this year Pineapples have started arriving in Rangamati markets but their prices are high. A pair of big size good quality pineapple is being sold at Tk 16 to 20.   Eviction of indigenous people protested Several hundred indigenous people under the banner of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad formed a human chain and held a rally at Shaheeb Bazer zero point yesterday protesting a move for eviction of indigenous people   Woman shot dead, 10 hurt in Kishoreganj clash An elderly woman was shot dead and 10 people were injured in a clash at Bahar Bali village in Bajitpur upazila in the district yesterday.   Sit-in tomorrow in Khulna for landing station The greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee ( GKDACC) will submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner today and stage a sit-in at Picture Palace intersection in the city tomorrowto   Politics should be for people's welfare Speakers at a discussion meeting in Narsingdi said politicians should do politics for welfare of people, not for their own interests. Culture A fiesta of brilliance The Nalini Kanta Bhattasali Gallery at National Museum has taken on a festive look -- a fête of hues, shapes, forms and most importantly, expressions.   Homage to Ustad Abed Hossain Khan With a sound that evokes the mystery and depth of the oceans, the sitar is easily one of most exotic musical instruments.   Carnatic classical music soiree held In this region where Hindustani ragas dominate, one hardly expects popular ragas or familiar compositions during a South Indian Carnatic vocal recital.   Candle in the Wind In her 16 years as an actress, Marilyn Monroe made 29 films. Twenty four of these were made in the first eight years of her career. International Foreign pressure pushes Lankan parties to talks Stepped up international pressure encouraged Sri Lanka's warring parties to resume talks this week amid hopes of a new power-sharing deal, officials and diplomats said.   Wrong US move would affect oil flows: Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of the world's fourth largest oil exporter, said yesterday that if the United States makes a "wrong move" toward Iran, energy flows in the region would be endangered.   AIDS toll may reach 100m in Africa It began quietly, when a statistical anomaly pointed to a mysterious syndrome that attacked the immune systems of gay men in California.   British press questions shooting of suspect Questions were raised in the British press yesterday over the circumstances of a huge anti-terror raid here two days ago, in which one suspect was shot, as police continued to question a second man.   UN worried about shelter in quake zone The United Nations warned yesterday that tens of thousands of Indonesia quake survivors still desperately needed shelter as new aftershocks frightened jittery residents.   Afghan bomber misses governor, Canadians A Taliban suicide car bomber killed at least four Afghans in the southern city of Kandahar yesterday in an attack on the provincial governor as he travelled with a convoy of Canadian troops, officials   17 arrested in alleged Canada terror plot Canada foiled a homegrown terrorist plot and arrested 17 Canadians who were allegedly planning major attacks inspired by al-Qaeda in the province of Ontario, officials said Saturday.   Court orders release of ex-Nepali ministers Nepal's Supreme Court yesterday freed three ministers in the royalist government of King Gyanendra arrested after the monarch gave in to mass protests and handed power back to political parties in April.   EU to ban renegade LTTE faction too The European Union is poised to blacklist a group of breakaway rebels locked in a bitter feud with the island's Tamil Tigers, a senior diplomat said yesterday, similar to a new terror ban against themainstream   Asia wants action on security, disasters Asia-Pacific defence officials called Sunday for more action after years of talks on security, including joint efforts to guard vital sea lanes and cope with frequent natural disasters in the region.   Thailand marks king's 60 years on throne Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, will mark his 60th anniversary on the throne Friday with days of rituals and feasts -- and royalty from around the world.   Hundreds of 'child slaves' brought to UK every year Gangs of traffickers are bringing hundreds of children from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe into Britain every year to be used as slave labour, a newspaper reported yesterday. Editorial Editorial: Another over-ambitious ADP It is the same old story with the Annual Development programme (ADP) 2006-7.   Editorial: A good hospital in comatose The internee doctors in one of our oldest hospitals, namely, Dhaka Mitford Hospital have staged violent protests over having to go without pay for five months and having to suffer through inadequate residential   The inferno within It wasn't just another incident that routinely occurs. Instead it was something of historical proportion.   The myth of press freedom Press freedom in Bangladesh received another fatal blow in Kushtia on May 29 when BNP cadres swooped on a journalists' convention and injured 25 journalists including the former president of Bangladesh   Waging war against the people: Dangerous anti-Naxal strategy The Chhattisgarh government is about to launch a massive military operation against Naxalites with a dozen paramilitary battalions under the "Supercop" and former Punjab police chief KPS Gill. Letters to Editor Public transport The boom in public transport in the capital city is a good sign for relieving the ever-increasing traffic congestion. The city dwellers are welcoming such changes.   Khilgoan flyover Every day thousands of people take a stroll on Khilgoan flyover. They treat the place like a recreation centre. Pedestrians and vendors jaywalk, causing serious risk to moving vehicles.   Football craze "Bangladesh University suspends exams for World Cup.... Bangladesh failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, which will be hosted by Germany".   Naushad With the death of legendary Naushad Ali, the Bombay film industry became poorer. Naushad moved to Bombay from Lucknow in the thirties to become a musician. He could play many musical instruments.   Summer vacation at DU Dhaka University (DU) is going to be closed soon due to its scheduled academic summer vacation, which usually starts from the very first day of June.   Crossfire killings It has been a pleasant thing to see the long awaited editorial by The Daily Star condemning the extra-judicial killings under the pretext "killed in crossfire".   What about others? I was not happy to hear that the president was undergoing a bypass surgery at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. I have no ill fillings towards him and wish him the swiftest and fullest recovery.   Tata investment proposal There seem to be a rush of different opinions rendered by different individuals regarding Tata investment proposal.   India develops port in Myanmar A significant news item of great strategic and economic importance for Bangladesh under the subject heading appeared in the newspapers last week.   Execute the verdict I welcome the judgment in judge's murder case but we're not yet safe. All involved in the judiciary will feel safe only after the verdict is executed.   Crossfire killings In three districts alone twenty-two people were murdered in the last six months.   Honourable leaders I, on behalf of the citizens, would like to make an earnest request to our honourable political leaders of the country to kindly consider some innovative measures as to the holding of their election campaigns   Attack on journalists We are observing very brutal and inhuman activities of the police these days.   Mine matters Your Dinajpur correspondent's report (DS: May 28) on the misadventure of the Energy Adviser trapped inside the Barapukuria coal mine is the example of colossal mess in a vital energy resource sector.   Garment workers' sad tale Everyday in our community based Hospital I manage more than ten garment workers as a consultant. Mostly female, they are malnourished, short-statured, overworked and harbour various skin diseases.   Who is to be blamed? Today we are blaming the government for the corruption in our country. When we get the chance we shout against the two main parties of our country for being no: 1 in corruption. World Environment Day Environment: Hope for the best Environment forms a very common part of our life. We speak of natural environment, investment environment, social environment - even political environment.   Desertification: A quiet crisis We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.   Combating desertification World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations flagship environmental event, celebrated every year on 5 June in more than 100 countries around the world. Star City Project upgrading underway "The embankment and bypass multi-purpose project, when implemented, will cause havoc, adding to the perennial water logging across the city, in the absence of effective drainage systems and water retention   Woes of public transport travel Eden College student Rima lives in Uttara. Every day she has to go to the college by public bus.   Move to curb population boom in Zoo The Dhaka Zoo authorities will implement a population management plan for zoo inmates without the use of contraceptives, by separating males from the females, having failed to reduce the number of excess   Water crisis: A result of uneven rainfall As annual average rainfall has become uneven over the years, the city is experiencing water crisis and untimely floods, experts and weathermen said.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. All Rights Reserved.