Vol. 5 Num 826 Fri. September 22, 2006       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Urban World Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives WWW thedailystar.net Today's Index Front Page 1,500 still missing in Bay At least 1,500 fishermen remained missing in the Bay for the third day yesterday while 21 more bodies of storm victims were recovered as the low turned into a land depression and moved towards the west   Reform onus may fall on caretaker govt The ruling BNP may sit for a dialogue under pressure from various quarters but there is little possibility that it will solve the reforms issue, leaving the task for the caretaker government, party insiders   PM asks RMG owners to be compliant Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday called for properly fulfilling the 'conditions of compliance' in the apparel sector to maintain growth of this sector in the competitive global market.   Sporadic clashes mark hartal: 80 hurt Police in riot gears resorted to indiscriminate clubbing to disperse the Awami League (AL)-led 14-party opposition demonstrators in the capital yesterday during the countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal that   Emptyspeak towards talks The following is a chronological account of what the government and the opposition leaders have said or done in the last two years to hold a dialogue on reforms in the caretaker government system andthe   PM, Hasina shocked at loss of lives Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and opposition leader Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed deep shock at the loss of lives and property in sudden storms over the Bay on Tuesday night.   Govt failed to alert people Opposition lawmakers yesterday in parliament strongly criticised the Met Office and the government for failing to alert people in the coastal belt before the storm lashed the area Tuesday evening.   Serious container congestion feared at Ctg Port Serious container congestion is feared to grip Chittagong Port as an additional 5,400 containers are now piled up at the port.   14-party to stage demonstration tomorrow The Awami League (AL)-led 14-party opposition combine will stage demonstrations across the country tomorrow to protest against the police excesses on Awami Swechchhasebak League leaders yesterday.   Thai coup leaders ban political action Thailand's coup leaders have formally assumed legislative powers in the absence of a parliament following the ouster of the prime minister this week, they said in a televised announcement yesterday.   World powers give Iran Oct deadline World powers handed Iran a new early October deadline to halt uranium enrichment, a senior European diplomat said Wednesday, as President George W Bush warned "time is of the essence" in settling thenuclear   JS debate on EC move to list polling centres before schedule The ruling BNP and the opposition Awami League (AL) lawmakers in parliament yesterday debated the Election Commission's (EC) move to list polling centres before announcing the schedule of the upcoming   Chinese co gets purchase body nod to operate power plant The government has appointed a Chinese company for next one year to operate and maintain Barapukuria coal-fired thermal power plant reportedly without floating international tender.   Robbery in house, shop Armed robbers made off with valuables worth Tk 17.17 lakh from a residence at Abdullahpur in Keraniganj injuring six members of the family and burglars looted Tk 3.   BSF kills 1 Indian Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down a Bangladeshi farmer near Khatiamari border under Roumari upazila of the district yesterday morning.   Bullet-hit protester dies at DMCH The textile mill worker bullet-hit during Tuesday's blockade of the Palli Bidyut office at Chaola in Narsingdi succumbed to his injuries yesterday morning at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).   We regret In our yesterday's report headlined "25 killed as storm lashes coastal belt" it was mistakenly mentioned that Lt Commander Feroz Kabir of Navy patrol vessel BN Shahid Farid was killed and his body was Business Appreciation of taka against dollar under close watch The country's central bank chief yesterday said the recent appreciation of taka against US dollar is now under close watch of the Bangladesh Bank to find if there is any manipulation from behind the scene.   Indian corporate sector not concerned The Indian corporate sector, which has a sizable presence in Thailand, is right now not unduly concerned over the possible effect of military coup on business prospects in Thailand and exuded confidence   Silk Road pass to increase China tourists to India India is expected to witness a boom in tourism when a proposal to open a Silk Road mountain pass to China for regular travellers comes into effect, a study said Thursday.   Doha revival seen vital for beating poverty Resurrecting the stalled Doha round of World Trade Organisation talks is crucial if developing nations are to find a sustainable path out of poverty, the influential global aid group Oxfam said.   Hearing on Jamuna Bank now Oct 4 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday re-fixed the date of hearing on Jamuna Bank Ltd following the bank's appeal to reschedule the date.   Banking hours during Ramadan The office time of Bangladesh Bank (BB) and all scheduled banks for the month of Ramadan has been rescheduled between 9am and 3pm with transition hours from 9am to 2pm.   Square Pharma declares 75pc cash, 20pc stock dividends Square Pharmaceuticals Limited has declared a 75 percent cash dividend and a 20 percent stock dividend (bonus share) for its shareholders for the year ending March 31, 2006.   AKTEL launches 'Showcase Malaysia' Mobile phone operator AKTEL on Wednesday launched a promotion campaign titled 'Showcase Malaysia' under which customers will get an opportunity to visit Malaysia through an SMS-based quiz.   Nokia to put Microsoft search on cellphones The world's top handset maker Nokia said on Thursday it has agreed with Microsoft to integrate Live Search capabilities into Nokia's Mobile Search.   US willing to improve offer to cut farm subsidies Visiting US Secretary for Agriculture Mike Johanns has said the United States is willing to improve its existing offer to cut billion-dollar subsidies to its farmers in a move that could revive the stalled   Oil could slide to $40! World oil prices could drop to as low as 40 dollars a barrel by mid-2007 over receding geopolitical concerns but a collapse to pre-2003 prices is ruled out, Opec's former acting secretary general said   Emirates may cancel big Airbus order Emirates said Thursday that its order of 45 Airbus A380 jumbo jets was "up in the air," after the manufacturer announced deliveries of the plane would be delayed.   US jobless claims climb by 7,000 The number of newly laid-off workers filing for unemployment benefits rose last week by the largest amount since early August, providing further evidence that US economy has slowed. Sports Cricket: Nafees: veni, vidi, vici Shahriar Nafees's first year in international cricket turned into a glorious chapter as the new Bangladesh vice-captain seized the top two awards of the 2005-06 season in the second Bangladesh Cricket   Hockey: Abahani face BSC in Club Cup opener today The Shah Sports Club Cup Hockey tournament will begin today with defending champions Abahani taking on Bangladesh Sporting Club (BSC) in group in the opening match at 2pm at the Maulana Bhasani national   Football: Super League from Monday The second phase of the Pioneer Football League will begin at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Monday.   Cricket: A virtual semifinal Australia and India face-off in a crunch DLF Cup one-day match on Friday, conscious that whoever lose will take the failure into the Champions Trophy next month.   Cricket: Butcher Boucher Mark Boucher blasted a 44-ball century as South Africa went on a scoring spree to gain a 171-run win in the third and final one-day international against Zimbabwe at Sedgars Park Wednesday.   Cricket: Sachin return pleases Brian Sachin Tendulkar's return to cricket and prolific run scoring is a welcome boost for the game and the West Indies would do well to learn from him, captain Brian Lara says.   Cricket: T&T venue ruled out World Cup organisers have admitted a venue will not be ready in time and an alternative is being sought.   Football: Alonso stuns Magpies Xabi Alonso struck a stunning goal from inside his own half for the second time in eight months to seal Liverpool's 2-0 Premiership victory over Newcastle on Wednesday.   Football: Palermo atop as Inter pip Roma Palermo beat Sicilian rivals Catania 5-3 to become outright leaders of Italy's Serie A on Wednesday.   Football: Pauletta powers PSG A Pauleta brace seconds apart helped provide some rare cheer for ailing Paris Saint Germain in their 3-1 French League Cup win over Lorient on Wednesday.   Football: Head-butt a hit for Materazzi Marco Materazzi may have felt the pain when Zinedine Zidane planted his infamous head-butt on him in the World Cup final but the Italian hardman defender has seen it pay off financially for him in a commercial.   Football: Crespo a la Ronaldinho Hernan Crespo did his best Ronaldinho impression to score the goal which gave Inter Milan a precious 1-0 win at Roma, their likeliest rivals for the Serie A title.   Football: Palermo, Catania fans clash Fifty people were injured as rival fans clashed before and during Wednesday's Sicilian derby between Palermo and Catania, the first Serie A match between the two clubs since the 1962/63 season.   Football: Pancalli Italy's new football chief Luca Pancalli was named as the new emergency commissioner of the Italian football federation (FIGC) on Thursday.   Football: 'Newcastle goal my best' Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso admitted his wondergoal against Newcastle on Wednesday was the best of his career.   Cricket: Cricket changing trend Only a couple of years back, the ardent of followers of the game did not even dream of what is happening in cricket these days.   Tennis: Aussies up against it Argentina is home for the Davis Cup, and that could pose a lot of trouble for Australia. The last time the Argentines lost a Davis Cup series at home was in 1998 against Slovakia.   Tennis: Mauresmo off to solid start France's Amelie Mauresmo spoilt home country hopes at the China Open as the double 2006 Grand Slam champion eliminated Sun Tiantian 6-3, 6-2 on Thursday.   Cricket: FIDE rating chess starts today The 2nd University of Greenwich FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, sponsored by Overseas Study Counseling Limited, begins today at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall room.   Cricket: Vengsarkar set for hot job Former Test captain Dilip Vengsarkar is expected to take over as India's chief selector when the cricket board holds its annual meeting next week, an official said on Thursday.   Tennis: Hingis in quarters Top seed Martina Hingis scored a hard-fought 6-2, 7-5 win over Tzipora Obziler in the second round of the Kolkata Open tournament on Wednesday.   Cricket: Ponting wants Hair to return Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed controversial umpire Darrell Hair to return to international cricket, saying he was one of the best in the business.   Football: Premiership giants flop in League Cup Premiership clubs Manchester City, Fulham and Middlesbrough were all sent crashing out of the English League Cup by lower league opposition in a dramatic second round on Wednesday.   Football: Taylor calls to tighten up transfer rules Gordon Taylor has called on English football bosses to implement stricter transfer rules to ensure there is no repeat of the bribes allegations that have rocked the sport.   Football: Bellamy in tunnel brawl Craig Bellamy was at the centre of an ugly spat with his former teammates and Newcastle United staff as tempers boiled over in the tunnel in the wake of Liverpool's 2-0 Premiership success on Wednesday.   Football: Allardyce hurt by son's role Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has revealed he feels hurt by his son Craig after he was exposed in the BBC investigation into corruption in English football.   Football: Morientes blasts the English game Spanish striker Fernando Morientes says he is happy to have escaped the rough and tumble of the English Premier League after returning to Spain and joining Valencia.   Football: Lucio ban reduced Bayern Munich's Brazilian international defender Lucio had his three-match cup ban reduced to just one game by The German Football Federation (DFB) disciplinary panel on Wednesday.   Football: Becks set for new deal Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said the club will reach agreement with David Beckham on a new deal within the next three weeks.   Football: Deisler, Gorlitz back for Bayern Bayern Munich's German international duo Sebastian Deisler and Andreas Gorlitz both made a successful return to training this week after lengthy spells on the sidelines, the club said Thursday.   Football: Keeper clashes with fans Santos goalkeeper Fabio Costa clashed with a group of his team's fans as he left the stadium after making a blunder in the 1-1 draw with Fluminense, Brazilian media said. Metropolitan Saifur questions functions of their local offices Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday raised questions about functions of local offices of different donor agencies in the country when they frequently send missions before releasing any development   S Asian countries pledge to achieve basic sanitation The Second South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN-2) ended here yesterday with the participating countries reaffirming their commitment and political will to achieve the targets of basic sanitation   Duja announces 4-day agitation programme Dhaka University Journalists' Association (Duja) yesterday announced a four-day agitation programme demanding security of the journalists on DU campus and punishment to the culprits responsible for the   DW radio to launch evening Bengali programme Deutsche Welle (DW), a leading German radio, will broadcast an additional Bengali programme every evening from October 29.   Polls won't be free and fair under present CEC Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) leaders yesterday told the visiting European Union (EU) Observation Exploratory Mission that the next general election would not be free and fair under Chief Election   Hasina protests police attack during hartal Awami League President Sheikh Hasina yesterday condemned police atrocities on hartal activists and warned that repression cannot desist them from their movement.   2 Ctg factory owners sent to jail A mobile court here in its first night-drive against food adulteration on Wednesday unearthed two unauthorised bakery and ghee factories at city's Jalalabad-Kulgaon area under Bayezid Bostami Police Station,   PM's visit to Jamalpur postponed Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's visit to Jamalpur district yesterday was postponed for inclement weather in the country for last two days. She was scheduled to start for Dewanganj of Jamalpur at 3:30pm.   Student bodies to protest price hike Different student bodies are preparing for agitation against the decision of Chittagong University (CU) authorities to increase the price of admission form.   Reforms a must for free, fair elections Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) President Dr Badruddoza Chowdhury yesterday said reforms in the caretaker government system and the Election Commission are a must for holding the upcoming election in a   Hasina's visit to Noakhali postponed Leader of the Opposition and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's visit to Noakhali district scheduled for today has been postponed for inclement weather caused by depression over the Bay in the country   Muggers stab autorickshaw passenger to death Muggers stabbed a sales manager of a cement company to death in Maghbazar level crossing area in the city last night. The victim was identified as Khan Mohammad Sohrab Rajib, 45.   CU students robbed at shuttle train Muggers looted cash and cellular phone sets worth Tk 40,000 from the students of Chittagong University (CU), injuring two people yesterday afternoon.   $ 250m Brac commitment to Africa announced Former US president Bill Clinton announced Brac's US$250 million commitment to Africa at the opening plenary session of the annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York City on Wednesday, says   SKS invites application for stipends Sena Kalyan Sangstha (SKS) yesterday invited applications from the wives and children of ex-servicemen, released or retired personnel from armed forces, studying in degree and higher classes, engineering,   Reunion of JU English dept today Department of English of Jahangirnagar University (JU) will hold its reunion on the campus today.   CD launched Pubali Bank Limited launched a CD titled Desh and Manuser Gan where 18 popular singers performed 31 songs aiming to promote Bangladeshi culture.   One killed in landslide in Kasba A day labourer was killed and two others were injured in a landslide when the earth of a trench collapsed on them at Jethagram village under Kasba upazila of the district yesterday morning.   Month-long handloom fair begins A month-long Handloom Textiles and Industrial Goods Fair 2006 began on Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises yesterday.   One dies during boat race in Padma A man died during a boat race in the river Padma at Bagha upazila in Rajshahi yesterday. Mohsin Ali, 45, was fatally injured as a rowing boat hit his boat during the race.   Cattle trader mugged of Tk 3.30 lakh A cattle trader was mugged of Tk 3.30 lakh at gunpoint in Godagari Rail Bazar on Wednesday night. Point-Counterpoint Political chess game Sheikh Hasina, leader of the opposition, in a mammoth public meeting at Paltan Maidan on September 18, 2006 called upon the people to throng the capital from all over the country on the day Justice K.M.   Stabilising prices : Some suggestions The government changed commerce ministers several times during the last few years, but things worsened instead of improving.   Water : A fundamental human right When "Jal Adhikar Yatra" (March for Right to Water, Varanasi to Delhi, September 10 - October 5, 2006) began, I was overwhelmed with information on Right to Water, a right, I had taken granted for, by Culture Shilaidaha Kuthibari: Out of focus The renovation of Shilai-daha Kuthibari has been completed under the Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.   Nirontor selected to compete in 79th Academy Awards Nirontor, a film based on noted writer Humayun Ahmed's work and directed by Abu Sayeed, has been selected to represent Bangladesh in the 'Foreign Language Film' category in 79th Academy Awards,   Premier of Bokul Phooler Mala on Channel i today Delwar Jahan Jhantu's romantic film Bokul Phooler Mala will be premiered today on Channel i at 2:40 pm and will be released simultaneously at Balaka movie theatre.   Deutsche Welle (DW)-Point opens in Dhaka On September 20, Deutsche Welle (DW), the German international broadcaster, opened a DW-Point; a station combining TV, radio and Internet access, at the Goethe-Institut, Dhaka. General Developing states aim to lift millions out of poverty Eleven developing economies clubbed together Wednesday to unveil a new forum aimed at easing their debt burden, narrowing the income gap with rich countries and lifting millions of people out of poverty.   Thai king's silence proves military leaders have strong royal backing Thailand's much-loved king has yet to say anything in public about the coup, but many Thais see the silence as proof that the military leaders have strong royal backing.   Oxfam asks India to help curb illegal arms trade A flourishing illegal trade in firearms is fuelling a myriad of conflicts in India and the South Asian region, and the government in New Delhi needs to take a leading role in stamping it out, Oxfam said   10-yr needed to recover from Pak quake: UN Pakistan will need at least 10 years to fully recover from the damage caused by last year's devastating earthquake, a top United Nations official warned yesterday.   'Asia-Pacific nations face dementia epidemic' Asia-Pacific countries are facing a dementia epidemic with the number of sufferers expected to increase fivefold to nearly 65 million within half a century, a regional report said yesterday.   US Congress debates immigration bills Congress took up legislation to require voters to show proof of citizenship and to build a 700 mile fence along the Mexican border as Republicans sharpened their attacks on illegal immigration seven weeks   Britain softens airport security restrictions Britain said yesterday that it would relax hand luggage restrictions, in place at airports since August 10 following an alleged terror plot, but would maintain a ban on liquids onboard aircraft.   US Senate Democrats plan probes into Iraq war Accusing Republicans of failing to adequately monitor the conduct of the war in Iraq, Senate Democrats on Wednesday announced their own series of hearings into what they called a failed policy. Editorial Editorial: Severe blow to democracy Those who thought that perhaps Thailand had seen the last of a military coup in 1991 was awakened with a rude shock in the military takeover of that country on Tuesday, fifteen years after the last.   Editorial: Money laundering cases The Anti Money Laundering Act was made effective from 2002. Bangladesh Bank and other related agencies are yet to make any progress with as many as 45 cases lodged thereunder.   The final countdown Bring it on. That was the message expressed loud and clear by the head of the AL and leader of the opposition, Sheikh Hasina, at the 14-party alliance's grand rally at Paltan Maidan on Monday.   Qualitative change in Indian politics Indian political scene is now agog with the speculations that "Trinamul Congress" leader Mamta Banerjee may be now veering towards the main Congress, marking a qualitative change in country's political   Profile of an honest man behind the painted veil Col. Oli Ahmed appears to have been plunged into a whirlpool of lamentations over his own apparently inadvertent mistakes. Letters to Editor Opposition's grand rally and mass arrests A great controversy has arisen among the political parties as to the reform of the caretaker government and the Election Commission.   Zakiganj border Having studied in my village school up to class-vi and then at the Karimganj Govt High School up to matriculation in 1949, and then in Chittagong/Dhaka, I am aware of how the present border in the eastern   Nitun Kundu How do we evaluate a multifaceted man who just has gone to the other world? The fallback position possibly is what he left behind.   Iran and Bush The Iranian president has given a nuclear plan that has made Mr. Bush angry.   Mobile Phone Change is the order of the day. Everything changes in course of time. What is new today will grow old tomorrow. In the same way we notice changes in the field of telecommunication.   Mining nightmare... The vast stretch of area in North Bengal extending from Peerganj, Jamalganj and Phulbari have hidden fortunes below the surface and if that could be exploited applying state-of-the-art modern technology,   Police brutality The whole nation and rest of the world watched how merciless and brutal the police force could be in a democratic country like Bangladesh.   Experience at embassy A few weeks ago I went to the Bangladesh embassy at Stockholm to attest some papers and my photos for opening a foreign account at Janata Bank in Bangladesh.   Overseas employment and attracting investors I was very happy to learn from the media that Malaysia has again opened their doors for workers from Bangladesh.   Hidden Diamond It's with honour that I refer to your country Bangladesh - as the hidden 'Diamond of Asia' . I have many reasons for making this strong statement. I am an Australian mother of two married to a Bangladeshi.   Indian managers I would like to thank Mr. Munim Chowdhury for his article on the invasion of the low quality Indian managers into our job market, published on Sept. 14. Urban Bad signs of the time It needs no survey to establish that almost everyone who is a somebody in this country is hell bent to proclaim himself, his profession, his business, his institution, his product, his service, his building,   Outdoor advertising sign and its impact on society Advertising is a powerful communication force and a vital marketing tool, helping to sell goods, services, images, and ideas (or ideals) through channels of information and persuasion. World South Asia: Musharraf signals difficulty in shedding uniform Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf indicated Wednesday that he might not hang up his military uniform any time soon, saying army authority was needed to bring about reforms in his nation.   South Asia: Lanka urges Tigers to join peace process Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on the separatist Tamil Tigers on Wednesday to give up violence and embrace democracy and the peace process, including international negotiations brokered   South Asia: Violent protests in Delhi over shop closures Violent protests broke out in parts of New Delhi on Wednesday against government moves to seal up shops illegally operating in residential areas, with local media reporting that a young boy had been killed.   South Asia: UN raps Nepali troops over anti-king crackdown Nepal's army and police used excessive force to crack down on April's protests against King Gyanendra, causing deaths and injuries to demonstrators and civilians, the United Nations said yesterday.   Quartet backs Abbas for Palestinian unity govt Major powers involved in Middle East peace efforts voiced their strong support Wednesday for a bid by moderate Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas to form a government with Hamas, even though the radicalIslamic   'Thai coup undermines Asean democracy march' Thailand's return to military rule is a setback for democracy in Southeast Asia after two decades of progress that brought an end to army-backed regimes in Indonesia and the Philippines, observers say.   Ex-Thai govt high-ups flee after many held Thai Rak Thai executives and close aides of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have scattered abroad while others still in the country have been taken into custody or have gone into hiding upcountry,   UN terms Iraq deadlier Italian forces ended their mission in Iraq yesterday, handing over the southern province they patrol to Iraqis, while the United Nations said the country has become deadlier than ever.   Ahmadinejad spars with US policy heavyweights After railing against US global dominance at the United Nations this week, hard-line Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appeared with some of his most prominent American critics to debate issues including   Kazakh, Ukraine mine blasts kill 54 An accidental blast and lethal gas leaks at coal mines in Kazakhstan and Ukraine have killed at least 54 people in the latest tragedies to hit the mining sector across the ex-Soviet Union.   Atlantis lands safely Space shuttle Atlantis made a pre-dawn landing here yesterday after a successful 12-day construction mission to the orbiting International Space Station.   'I am a jobless man,'says Thaksin Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra lay low in London as the junta that overthrew him purged his followers yesterday and took steps to possibly go after the vast assets of the tycoon turned politician.   © thedailystar.net, 2006. 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