Court gives verdict without plainti `s deposition
Transcription
Court gives verdict without plainti `s deposition
Long Form 5 8 Acceptance of lesbian love: Too much to expect? Bhadra 12, 1420 Shawwal 19, 1434 Regd. No. DA 6238 Vol 1 No 155 International Hundreds homeless after Myanmar religious unrest TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2013 | www.dhakatribune.com JUBO LEAGUE LEADER IBRAHIM MURDER CASE Court gives verdict without plaintiff’s deposition n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court on May 16 gave its verdict in the Jubo League leader Mohammad Ibrahim murder case, apparently without taking the plaintiff ’s deposition. The court ordered unconditional release of five of the accused while only Kamal Hossain Kala, driver of Awami League MP from Bhola 3 constituency Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shaon, was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment. Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Session’s Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman passed the verdict, freeing Shaon’s APS Delwar Hossain, Mazaharul Islam Mithu, personal secretary Sohel Ahmed, Jubo League activist Golam Mostafa Shimul and Nur Hossain Munna from all charges. The name of the ruling party MP Shaon, who was accused by the victim’s brother with seven others, was INSIDE News 3 Yesterday the civil surgeon of Bhola made a phone call to Professor Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, the director of communicable diseases control at the health directorate, to seek advice about issuing an International Health Certificate (IHC) to an elderly man. Nation 6 Hilsa selling centres of Barisal district have become busy again with the start of the monsoon season. Fishermen started netting Hilsa after an interval of around three months. Metro 7 The lake located between sector 9 and 11 in Uttara Model Town of the capital is being desecrated by land grabbers. Encroachment is blamed on Rajuk’s negligence, with officials unconcerned about the innumerable structures mushrooming around the lake. International 9 Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators expected on Monday have been cancelled after Israeli security forces shot dead three Palestinians during clashes in the West Bank, a Palestinian official said. dropped from the case when police filed the charge sheet. And interestingly, the Additional Public Prosecutor of the court Md Ashaduzzaman Rochi did not consider it as a murder case. Ibrahim, 38, a Juba League leader of ward 56 of the Dhaka City Corporation, was shot and killed on August 13, 2010 inside the Parliament complex while reportedly handling a licensed gun belonging to Nurunnabi Chowdhury. Masum Ahmed, younger brother of Ibrahim, filed a case with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka on August 18, 2010, accusing Shaon and seven others of murder. The plaintiff claimed that the accused did not want Ibrahim to succeed politically. So, Shaon called Ibrahim over and asked him to give up his dream of becoming award councillor. Masum also claimed that the accused had killed Ibrahim and later filed an PAGE 2 COLUMN 4 Sport 15 England players celebrate Ashes win by urinating on Oval pitch 16 pages with 8-page business tabloid, plus 16-page T-Mag tabloid | Price: Tk10 SURFING BANGLADESH Nahida Akhtar rides a surfboard with her dog in Cox’s Bazar. She hopes to popularise the water sport in Bangladesh. Story on Back Page Militant outfit Ansarullah Diplomats likely to also operated abroad call for dialogue in n meeting with EC Kailash Sarkar At least two members of Ansarullah Bangla Team, the Bangladeshi militant group newly discovered, who are followers of international terrorist organisation al-Qaeda, have been detained abroad for militant ties and activities. One of those arrested by Detective Branch (DB) of police along with eight others during drives on Saturday and Sunday, Kazi Mohammad Rezwan Sharif, 30, had already served time in Yemen after he was arrested in 2009 while taking part in a militant training programme. In a different case, Rajeeb Sharif is serving a 20-year term in the UK after he was arrested in 2009. He was a member of an outfit led by Izaz Hossain who fled to Pakistan. The startling facts were discovered during interrogation of the nine detained, who include Izaz’s brother Naimul Hasan, Rezwanul Sharif and Junnun Sikder, DB officials said. The trio along with Rezowan’s brother Moyeenuddin Sharif, Tehzeeb Karim, his brother Rajeeb Karim, Shehjad alias Turaj, Rezaur and Razzaq had gone to Yemen under the leadership of Izaz using the banner of Jam’atul Muslemin in 2008. DB Joint Commissioner Md Monirul Islam said: “During Yemen visit, they closely communicated with Samir Khan, a close aide to Yemen based al-Qaeda leader Anwar Al-Awlaki, who was killed in 2011 in the US. “They also took part in militant training programmes there. But Rezowan Sharif was arrested in 2009 during training along with several others of Yemenis.” The other members of the outfit detained are Saiful Islam, Abu Hanif, Aminul Islam, Zahidul Islam, Ali Azad and Asad Ullah alias Piyas alias Abdullah. Earlier, police arrested their ring-leader Jasim Uddin Rahmania, chief of Markajul Ulum Al Islami from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur, along with 30 associates from Barguna district. DB’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said Jasim, who was also an influential leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, wanted to be a leader like Laden in Bangladesh. Another 10 members were arrested in connection with the killing of blogger Rajeeb Haider and attacks on two other bloggers. l n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Foreign diplomats in their meeting with the Election Commission today are likely to emphasise on holding a dialogue between the major parties in Bangladesh to hold free, fair and credible elections. The EC has called an emergency meeting with foreign diplomats of 14 countries and donor agencies on August 27 to discuss resolving the crisis regarding the next parliamentary elections. Japan embassy’s Counsellor Masayuki Taga on Monday told the Dhaka Tribune over phone that the next parliament election must be free, fair and credible. “It must also be an all-party election,” said the diplomat of Japan, the biggest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh. Subscribing to the same view, Press and Information Officer of the US Embassy in Dhaka, Kelly McCarthy told the Dhaka Tribune through an email DHAKA TRIBUNE Oishee case should go under 2013 law: NHRC chief n Our Correspondent, Rajshahi on Monday, “We have repeatedly urged leaders of the major parties in Bangladesh to come together and agree on a way forward that will ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the coming months.” “What the way forward looks like, is for the parties of Bangladesh to decide,” she said. The EC invited ambassadors and donor agencies from the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, United nations/UNDP and European Union. When contacted, the Australian High Commission denied providing any public statements prior to the meeting between diplomats and the EC. “Moreover we are still working on issues which can be discussed in the Election Commission’s meeting,” Research and Communications Officer of the Australian High Commission Fairooz Nigar Aditi told the Dhaka Tribune through an email. Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman has said the trial of Oishee Rahman, accused in killing her parents, should be conducted under the Children Act enacted in 2013 not through the law of 1974. Mizanur Rahman was speaking at a round table conference held at a local restaurant on Monday. NHRC and Relief International jointly organised the programme. Mizanur Rahman said trial of a child should be conducted through the rules enacted by the government for the trial of accused children, which is why he had protested the police remand of Oishee, that it was a procedural error. “But I am not against the trial of Oishee,” he said. The chairman said if Oishee had killed her parents she must be punished, but the trial should be conducted through the rules enacted by the government. As the law for punishment of child criminals has been signed and approved, it should be applied to Oishee’s case, he said. PAGE 2 COLUMN 4 PAGE 2 COLUMN 6 2 DHAKA TRIBUNE News Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Yunus illegally used GB’s name for business purpose: Muhith n Asif Showkat Kallol Finance minister AMA Muhith yesterday said Muhammad Yunus had illegally used Grameen Bank’s name for business purposes as 54 Grameen tagged firms operate under that name. “We will refrain from taking severe action against GB and other associations because our main responsibility is to protect the Grameen Bank and its poor shareholders,” Muhith told reporters after a meeting with an Indian business delegation. When asked whether the government would execute the recommendations of the commission, the finance minister said the government would decide within a month which recommendations will be executed and they would be implemented in the present government’s tenure. Grameen Bank Commission member Ajmalul Hossain QC submitted a partial report on Saturday which looks into the legal issue of the bank and its 54 associates. Ajamlul Hossain’s report also revealed that Professor Yunus illegally appointed directors, and that only 5.3m borrowers of the bank were now shareholders. The report suggested all 8.3m borrowers should be shareholders, the minister said. Muhith also said the Professor Yunus had created illegal pressure through foreign governments and international civil societies. “Several foreign ministers and US congressmen had sent letters, I have tried to reply to their queries and response,” he added. The minister also said allegedly Grameen Telecom had siphoned off Tk100bn aboard and Professor Yunus knew the matter. The finance minister said the report had also revealed that Grameenphone had illegally obtained its licence. “But I have assured the GP authority we will not cancel the license,” he said. Muhith said the government needed to look further into the GP licence issue to find the real truth. l The capital’s Nayapaltan area gets submerged in rainwater after the evening downpour yesterday Power to be decentralised, if AL returns to power: PM n Partha Pratim Bhattacharjee Ruling Awami League chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday vowed to decentralise power, if the party comes to power again, to continue the country's development activities. She said her party believed in equal distribution instead of political development. If decentralisation could be ensured, then district-wise development would be carried out smoothly, Hasina said while addressing a views exchange meeting with the district council administrators at her official residence Ganabhaban. She reiterated her firm resolve to conduct the next general elections in line with the constitution and asked party activists to start preparations. The government in December 2011 appointed administrators to 61 district councils (zilla parishads) with a view to hold elections for local government. "The central will do the planning, monitoring and disbursement of budget," she said adding that in that case, every work would be outlined. At the meeting, Panchagarh Administrator Abu Bakar Siddique requested the party president to drive out traitors from the party, but he did not mention any name. Siddique said some 10 honest and dedicated leaders would be enough to materialise the government's dreams instead of “a bunch of corrupt and traitorous leaders.” Many other administrators supported Siddique’s statement. One administrator said if anyone did not work for the party, then the organisation didn’t need them. Sources said they blamed ruling party lawmakers for not “willing to coordinate with party leaders and activists.” They requested their party chief to change the nomination of “isolated lawmakers.” However, Hasina did not say anything in response to their demands, instead she asked everyone to remain united and work for the party for the upcoming national elections. Rejecting the opposition's demand for restoration of caretaker government to oversee the polls, the premier said elections would be held following those in other democratic countries. Hasina ridiculed BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for her statement that if voted to power, the latter would run the country according to a “new formula”. She said the opposition leader would indulge in corruption again under different names by “opening a new bhaban." During the tenure of the BNP-Jamaat government in 2001-2006, Tarique Rahman’s office, Hawa Bhaban was considered to be the alternative powerhouse. Regarding the government's failure to get the World Bank loan to build the Padma Bridge, Hasina said the construction work had stopped due to an “international conspiracy.” "But finally, we have again started the construction work of the Padma Bridge with our own resources," she said. Hasina said more universities would be set up. “We are examining which districts have no universities.” Senior party leaders including Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Matia Chowdhury, Abdul Latif Siddique, Kazi Zafarullah and Joint General Secretary Dipu Moni were also present at the meeting. l Trawler capsizes in Khulna, 1 body recovered n Tribune Desk Police ‘harassment’ provokes traders’ protest The body of a victim has been recovered after a trawler sank at Khulna’s Batighata upazila. Two persons are still missing. The three persons had gone missing after the vessel sank in river Kazibacha at sadar’s Jolma Kheyaghat around 10am Monday, according to bdnews24.com. The dead victim has been identified as 48-year old Kefayet Sheikh of the upazila’s ‘Birat Gram’. Sobur Fakir, 55 and Nur Ali, 60 are still missing. Locals said almost a hundred villagers of ‘Birat Gram’ were travelling in the trawler to sadar upazila to watch a football match. It sank near Jolma Kheyaghat. Most of the people swam to shore while others were rescued with the help of boats. But the three could not be rescued. There were no divers and the rescue was conducted by locals. Batighata Station SI Shahadat Hossain said the body was found three to four kilometres away from the site of the accident. Two more are still missing. l Businessmen block a stretch of Dhaka-Aricha Highway at Aminbazar protesting police harassment. Members of Aminbazar Police Outpost have been accused of extortion and harassing local businessmen, according to bdnews24.com. A group of local businessmen demonstrated against the ‘extortion’ by blocking a stretch of the busy Dhaka-Aricha Highway at Aminbazar near Dhaka. The nearly one-and-a-half-hour long blockade starting 10am on Monday led to huge tailbacks on both ends of the road. Demonstrators called off their protest only after senior police officials assured them of a proper probe. Vendors allege the outpost’s Assistant Sub Inspector Lutfur Rahman and his staffs often visit the local market and take goods without paying. They claim the cops have feasts in their camp using vegetables and foodstuff taken away by force. The policemen never pay for the n Tribune Desk goods, the businessmen alleged. They were also forced to pay up the policemen. Four policemen went to the market on Monday for ‘shopping’ and the businessmen asked them to come later. These policemen came back minutes later with several of their colleagues. A fracas broke out between the law keepers and the traders. At one stage, the businessmen closed their shops and started protesting on the road blocking vehicular movement. One of the vendors, who preferred anonymity, said the policemen regularly took away goods without paying. “They behaved rudely when we asked them to come later. We were forced to protest as we are fed up of their bullying,” he said. Speaking to bdnews24.com, ASI Lutfur Rahman admitted that his men regularly ‘take goods’ from the market. “The businessmen turned away four of our men when they went to take vegetables and fish in the morning. I heard they had a brawl with the businessmen after they went back with Subedar Yunus Mia and several others,” he said. l Assign army to uproot drug peddlers: Ershad n Tribune Desk Voicing deep concern over the widespread use of illegal drugs, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday urged the government to assign the army to stamp out drug peddlers to save the young generation from the claw of drugs like Yaba and Phensydil. The former army chief cited the ex- ample of other countries where army was given the responsibility to deal with the menace. “Situation had gone out of control in Thailand. Thailand is now free from drug like Yaba following stern action by its army.” Ershad urged the government to give magistracy power to the army so that drug peddlers can be uprooted and the guardians could get rid of anxiety. “I think we don’t have time to waste to save our beloved country from the drug abuse,” he said adding that no one other than the army can make the country free from drugs. Ershad said people have the full trust on the army in tackling such social problem as they have been appreciated for their role in various natural disasters like cyclone, tornado and floods. l Govt worried about militants: Law minister n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman Law Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday said the government was worried about militant terrorists whose recent activities had affected the country’s development, growth and democratic journey. These fundamentalist terrorists, who receive training both at home and abroad, not only attacked innocent people but also the law enforcement agencies, he said. That is why the government had taken the matter seriously and passed a number of laws, the law minister said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a conference on money laundering and terrorist financing yesterday. Asked after the programme who those terrorists were, he said a few political parties were engaged in terrorist activities in the name of religion. He, however, declined to name any. In his speech at the programme, Shafique said the government could not fight against terrorism alone and needed support from other countries, especially the neighbours. Subscribing to the view, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena said the countries in the region and beyond must cooperate with each other and share information. Borders and questions of sovereignty historically constrained the ability of the nations to work together but criminals and terrorists do not have such constraints. “We cannot become victim of our own narrow, nationalistic thinking,” Mozena said. The three-day Regional Judicial Conference on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing is conducted by the US Department of Justice and some 55 judges from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan attended the conference. l Diplomats likely to call for dialogue in meeting with EC PAGE 1 COLUMN 6 The agenda of the EC meeting includes election methods, stance of diplomats regarding the next general elections, election preparations, solving the political crisis, discussion on holding election under the incumbent EC and reforms of electoral laws. Canadian High Commission declined to make any comment on the meeting. However, on June 16 at a meet the press programme, Canadian high Commissioner to Bangladesh Heather said that Canada would suggest Bangladesh follow the UN recommendations of forming a small negotiating team that comes up with political solutions through discussions in and out of parliament. If a solution was found, amendments to the constitution could be made, the ambassador suggested. On Friday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition chief Khaleda Zia and urged them to sit for dialogues to ensure that all parties participate in the next parliamentary elections. In May, the European Union urged all political parties to engage in constructive discussions, at the earliest opportunity, so that the country could find a way forward towards free, fair and credible elections. “They (EU members) called on the main parties to engage in constructive dialogues, inside and outside the parliament,” EU ambassador to Dhaka William Hanna said at a press briefing in May. The representatives of the EU missions expressed deep concern over the excessive level of confrontation in Bangladesh, Hanna said. l DHAKA TRIBUNE Policemen injured when an accused is snatched from custody n Our Correspondent, Barisal Two policemen were injured when a detained accused was snatched from their custody as they were on their way to a police station at Ranirhaat in Bakerganj yesterday. Nurul Islam, Bakerganj police station in charge, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Nazrul Islam Majumdar and Constable Enayet Hossain had gone to Ranirhaat to arrest Asif Talukdar, 29, accused in an assault case. When the policemen and the accused reached Ranirhaat Bazaar around 7pm, armed associates of Asif reportedly attacked them and fled with the hand-cuffed detainee. AKM Ehsan Ullah, Barisal district police superintendent, said police are trying to arrest the fugitive. l Oishee case should go under 2013 law: NHRC chief PAGE 1 COLUMN 1 “In many countries, trial is conducted even through draft laws,” Mizanur said. “Since we want to prove ourselves civilised, the trial of Oishee should be conducted through the revised law enacted in 2013,” he added. He said, in a country where there is no minimum rule of law, it is not possible for any single state, society or any institution to establish human rights. It is the responsibility of all people and that is why everyone should come forward in this respect. The round table conference was attended, among others, by Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Mesbauddin Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police of Rajshahi Alamgir Kabir. l Court gives verdict without plaintiff’s deposition PAGE 1 COLUMN 2 unnatural death case to divert the investigation process. In line with a court directive, Criminal Investigation Department Inspector Shah MdMoshiur Rahman filed a murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station on September 3, 2010. On January 11, 2012, CID’s Assistant Superintendent Khondaker M Abdul Halim, who was investigating the case, submitted the charge sheet against six, excluding Shaon. The investigator rather made Shaon a prosecution witness instead of charging him with the murder. Metropolitan Magistrate Kamrunnahar Rumi then cleared Shaon, the ruling party lawmaker and Juba League leader, of the charges following an appeal by the CID, saying the charges brought against him were not proved. Four other Jubo League activists – Mizan,Jibon, Riton and Alam – were also cleared as the court said evidence of their involvement in the killing was not found. The court, however, took into cognisance the charges against Shaon’s APSDelwar Hossain, driver Kamal Hossain Kala, Personal Secretary Sohel Ahmed, Jubo League activists GolamMostafaShimul, Mazharul Islam Mithu and Nur Hossain Munna. On February 26, 2012, the court framed charges against the six accused, including Kamal Hossain, saying he had shot and killed Ibrahim. On September 3, 2010,Kamal had confessed to shooting Ibrahim during a tussle.His statement was recorded by the magistrate under section 164. However, the plaintiff and first investigation officer of the case, CID Inspector Shah Md Moshiur Rahman, did not appear before the court as prosecution witness. The court even issued an order on February 21 to force him to appear before it, which was also ignored. When asked how the court gave its verdict without recording the plaintiff ’s deposition and cross examination, Additional Public Prosecutor Md Ashaduzzaman Rochi said: “The witnesses did not mention that the accused had committed the crime. This is not a murder case at all. The bullet went off accidentally. It was not a preplanned murder.” Ashaduzzaman also claimed that the plaintiff had made his deposition, but when the case docket was searched no deposition and/or cross examination of the plaintiff was found. It also appeared that on April 18, 2013, the court summoned plaintiff Shah Moshiur Rahman through Inspector General of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandaker for prosecution witness, who did not appear before the court. The court examined 29 out of 43 prosecution witnesses. Meanwhile, the gun, which belonged to MP Shaon and seized, was returned to him on July 8 through a court order. “This is illegal as any weapon used in a killing and seized as evidence is destroyed at the end of the case,” criminal legal practitioner advocate Sanjib Kumar Shaha told to the Dhaka tribune. l DHAKA TRIBUNE Former chef at a razakar camp describes Mobarak’s role n Muktasree Chakma Sathi A prosecution witness yesterday said war crimes accused Mobarak Hossain along with another person was in charge of a razakar camp named “Razakar Manjil” in Brahmanbaria during the 1971 Liberation War. Eighth prosecution witness Abdus Samad also told the International Crimes Tribunal 1 that Razakar Manjil was set on a Hindu temple which had been occupied by local Peace Committee members later vandalising the idols there. Seventy-three year old Samad said he had been with Mobarak and his team members since he was confined by them to do the chef’s duty for the razakar force. He also said they his wife, two cousins and one aunt were violated by the Pakistani occupation army during the war. “Pakistani’s took the decision to form razakar force in Bhadra [fifth month of Bangla year] in 1971, in our village. Mobarak along with one Kachu Miah was appointing youths as razakar members. Nazrul, Mannan, Azad, Alim, Abul, Tajul, Nuru and many others were recruited by Mobarak then. Mobarak told me ‘You know how to cook, come with us.’ Since he threatened me, I went with them,” Samad said. Then he along with Mobarak and his team went to Brahmanbaria by train. Later they walked to a Kali Temple. “Local Peace committee members came and unlocked the door. There were some idols inside. They vandalised those and threw in the nearby pond. Later, they settled the camp there. And I was their chef,” the witness said. He also narrated the fate of a wounded youth who was brought to the camp. “One day, a Hindu youth was brought to the camp. His wound was decomposing and he had no stamina to walk. The razakars asked him to say ‘Pakistan Zindabad,’ but he did not say it. I gave him some food. He refused it too. He had a strong will. After four or five days, I did not see him in the camp anymore. I heard that razakar commander Mobarak and Kachu killed him.” Witness Samad, who hails from Nayadil of Akhaura, said: “Our house used to be a place where the freedom fighter came and take rest. During Baishakh [Bangla first month], our house was burnt down to ashes by the Pakistani occupation army. The armies were angry at us when they found some ammunition at our place.” Following this, Samad said he along with his family members had fled to Akhaura border check post and came back few weeks later. “One day, some Peace Committee members including Mobarak came to my grandmother’s house. I was living there with my family then. He asked me to go and work for Mugra Bazar Pakistani camp. Since I did not have any other choice, I went with them. At the camp, I and several others dug holes and trench which were secured by sharp-edged bamboos,” Samad said. War crimes accused Mobarak, who is facing five charges of crimes against humanity, was in the dock. The tribunal set September 4 for further procedure of the case. l News Three witnesses give statements in Oishee case n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu TOILING TOWARDS DESTINATION A rickshaw-van puller struggles to move his vehicle loaded with goods as the DND Road used for travelling to Sadarghat from Gabtoli is almost in ruins. The photo was taken yesterday from the Lalbagh intersection NASHIRUL ISLAM Age bar fazes elderly pilgrims Doctors find it difficult to convince that people with kidney or heart diseases and those aged above 65 are discouraged to seek Saudi visas However, the elderly man dismissed The IHC is a prerequisite for all pilgrims Secretariat Clinic. n Moniruzzaman Uzzal Brigadier General Mustafizur Rahthe health risks. “It would be good for to get Hajj visa.” Yesterday the civil surgeon of Bhola made a phone call to Professor Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed, the director of communicable diseases control at the health directorate, to seek advice about issuing an International Health Certificate (IHC) to an elderly man. He said the man had been suffering from heart disease and had already been operated for a blockage. The Hajj medical board members at Bhola told him the Saudi government was not in favour of those above 65 years of age and those suffering from heart and kidney problems, diabetes and other complications, performing Hajj this year. The move has been prompted due to an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus (MERS-CoV) in the country, which has already killed 38 people out of the 68 who had been infected, between September 2012 and July 2013. The elderly and those already suffering from health risks are more vulnerable to the MERSCoV. me if I die while performing Hajj in the holy Makkah and Medina,” he told the medical board. He repeatedly requested all doctors of the medical board to issue him an IHC so that he could go to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. It would be good for me if I die while performing Hajj in the holy Makkah and Medina Director Ahmed told the civil surgeon to explain to him the health risks involved but also instructed that if he still insisted, he should not be disappointed. Speaking to this correspondent, Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed said: “I get phone calls almost every day not only from the civil surgeon of Bhola but also from different district medical boards who say they are facing an awkward situation while issuing IHC to the pilgrims. “It is the tradition in our country that most of the people go to perform Hajj at an old age. The number of pilgrims this year is about 90,000,” he said. The Directorate General of Health Services has opened medical centres throughout the country, including district hospitals and medical college hospitals from August 17 onwards to conduct health check-ups on prospective pilgrims. Civil surgeons are heading the medical boards in district hospitals and professors are leading the team in medical college hospitals. They are in charge of issuing IHCs to the pilgrims. Before issuing the IHC, each pilgrim is being administered two vaccines of influenza and meningitis free of cost. The vaccines are available in the capital’s Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Salimullah Medical College Hospital, Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Sarkari Kormochari Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital and the man, the director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that they have opened two booths for medical examination and for providing vaccination to pilgrims. “More than 1,500 IHCs have been issued so far. Most of the pilgrims are elderly, but we try to be strict about sick pilgrims before issuing IHC,” he added. A medical centre will be opened in the Ashkona Haji Camp today. A total of 42 doctors, nurses, ward boys and cleaners have been appointed to give medical services, administer vaccines and issue IHCs at the camp. Dr Be-Nazir Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune that a 162 -member medical team, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ward boys and cleaners has been formed to go to Saudi Arabia and provide services to Bangladeshi pilgrims over there. They will be divided into three teams and will stay at Makkah, Medina and Jeddah. l Prosecution witnesses yesterday gave statements under the section 164 of criminal code in front of three Dhaka metropolitan magistrates in connection with the killing of Special Branch police inspector Mahfuzur Rahman and his wife Swapna Rahman. Dhaka metropolitan magistrates Keshob Roy Chowdhury, Md Ashaduzzaman Nur and Md Rezaul Karim recorded the statements. Md Amjad Ali, caretaker of Chameli Manson, where the couple used to live, and the guards Md Shahinur Islam and Md and Abdul Motaleb gave their statement. The couple’s daughter, Oishee Rahman, on Saturday gave a “confessional” statement before a Dhaka court at the end of her five-day remand admitting to the murder. Investigating Officer Md Abu-AlKhaiar Matubbar produced the witnesses before court with a 164 statement recording prayer. In his forwarding report the officer said the three prosecution witness had mentioned that on the day of the incident, early in the morning Oishee, her younger brother Oihee and housemaid Sumi left the house with a travel bag and a side bag by auto rickshaw. He also said the witnesses may abscond during the period of trial so their statements need to be recorded. On Saturday, Metropolitan Magistrate Muhammad Anwar Sadat recorded the confessional statements of Oishee and domestic help Sumi under section 164. On August 25, the court rejected the bail petition including other three petitions of Oishee and Sumi. On August 16, Oishee’s father Mahfuzur Rahman, 48, and his wife Swapna Rahman, 40, were found dead in their Chamelibagh flat. Oishee, an O-level student of Oxford International School, along with Sumi, went into hiding after murder of her parents. The couple had lived in the rented flat with their two children Oishee and Oihee, 7, and Sumi. Twenty-two hours later, Oishee surrendered at Paltan police station. DB police arrested her friend Rony and Sumi the same day. On August 18, a Dhaka court granted five-day remand for Oishee, Rony and Sumi in connection with the killing case. On August 21, the prime suspect Oishee, underwent various tests at Dhaka Medical College Hospital to determine her age. Oishee and Sumi are now at the National Juvenile Development and Correction Centre at Konabari, Gazipur. l Housewife burnt by in-laws Tribunal rejects Yusuf’s review petition dies at DMCH n Muktasree Chakma Sathi n Tribune Report After a 24-day fight for life, a housewife of Feni succumbed to her burn injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) yesterday morning. Farzana Akhter Rumi, 24, was admitted to the burn unit of the hospital after her in-laws allegedly set her on fire on August 2. Rumi was the wife of expatriate Sobir Ahammed of Pathannagar village in Feni’s Chhagalnaiya Upazila. The couple has a two-year-old child. She was rushed to Feni Sadar Hospital from where she was shifted to DMCH’s burn unit with 80 percent burn injuries. OC of Chhagalnaiya Police Station Aminul Islam said, they have arrested Harisa Begum in this connection. l The war crimes tribunal yesterday immediately rejected a review petition on charge framing against Jamaat-e-Islami leader AKM Yusuf, the alleged founder of razakar force, which helped the Pakistani occupational army in committing atrocities during the 1971 Liberation War. “We are not inclined to entertain such application and the application is summarily rejected,” said the Interna- President, speaker also partisan people: Moudud UN chief hinted at polls under non-partisan government: Moudud and the last three elections had taken 18-party alliance’s stand that it would restore it.” n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla He said the government’s tough place under the system. The Awami not participate in the next parliaBNP Standing Committee member Moudud Ahmed yesterday claimed that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his recent telephone conversation with the two top leaders essentially talked about an election under a non-partisan interim government. “He [Ban] spoke about a participatory election. Basically, he talked about polls under a non-partisan government so that everyone can participate. “Public opinions both at home and abroad favour the demand for an election under a non-partisan interim government and the latest example of this was Ban Ki-moon’s telephone calls… The prime minister knows it,” Moudud said. “A few newspapers are writing about a national government headed by the president or the speaker, but they are also partisan people,” he said while addressing a discussion at the National Press Club to mark the founding anniversary of Noakhali Web. Moudud reiterated the BNP-led 3 Tuesday, August 27, 2013 mentary elections under the prime minister. The former law minister said there was no option apart from reaching an understanding to avoid confrontation. “The government wants confrontation, but we do not want to go for violence. We want a solution through understanding,” he said, adding that the BNP was ready to hold the dialogue inside or outside parliament. “But without any agenda, the dialogue could not be successful. The government has to take decision in principle on polls under a non-partisan government,” he said. Moudud said his party would not place any proposal on polls-time interim government in parliament. “The provision of holding elections under a non-partisan caretaker government was in the constitution, which this government has scrapped. So, the government has to stance on the polls-time interim government would start softening after October. “Non-stop programmes will be announced towards the end of October until the government steps down.” Meanwhile, Rafiqul Islam Miah, another member of the BNP Standing Committee, yesterday said if the UN secretary-general’s initiative failed, a constitutional crisis would arise in the country. “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged the two leaders to sit for a dialogue to hold a participatory polls…A constitutional crisis might arise in the country if the UN secretary-general’s initiative fails,” he told journalists. Rafiqul along with the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal placed wreaths at party founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave to mark the 24th founding anniversary of the organisation. Rafiqul said the system of caretaker government had been a settled issue League government cancelled the provision as it had absolute majority in parliament. “The Awami League has created the crisis, so it has to take the initiative to resolve it. We support the UN secretary-general’s proposal for a dialogue. We want a participatory and fair election and for this a non-partisan government is necessary,” he said. Regarding Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’ remarks on polls-time interim government, the BNP leader said the ruling party leaders and lawmakers could not tolerate criticism. “Every citizen has the right to talk about the country’s situation and crisis. There is nothing wrong with that! Muhammad Yunus also expressed his concern. We thank him.” Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal President Sohrabuddin, BNP chairperson’s Adviser Shahjahan Omar, Dhaka city unit BNP’s Member Secretary Abdus Salam and some 100 leaders and activists were present at the time. l tional Crimes Tribunal 2, comprising of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice M Shahinur Islam. The tribunal also observed that the application filed by Yusuf did not comply with the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 and the tribunal’s rules and procedures. The Act says an accused can file a review petition, if s/ he files the petition within a week after framing of the charges. However, Defence lawyer Saifur Rahman submitted in the tribunal that they were late to lodge the appeal since the certified copy of the indictment order reached the defence team on August 18. Prosecutor Rana Das Gupta opposed the application filed by the defence. Yusuf was indicted on August 1 on 13 counts of charges including genocide, looting, arson attacks on Hindu houses, abduction and torture in confinement during the war in Khulna. l 4 DHAKA TRIBUNE News Tuesday, August 27, 2013 BCL activists beat up CU Shibir leader n FM Mizanur Rahaman, Chittagong ‘Phulbari Day’ observed n Tribune Report An Islami Chhatra Shibir leader was beaten up yesterday, allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists at the Chittagong University (CU) campus, over a trivial matter. The injured was identified as Ariful Islam, a third year student of the economics department and a “Shibir Shathi” of Alaol dormitory. Following the incident, BCL leaders and activists blocked the citybound CU shuttle train for nearly half an hour from 1:30pm. Witnesses said Mohammed Mansur Alam, the education affairs secretary of BCL CU unit who also belongs to General Secretary MA Khaled’s group, was locked in an altercation with the Shibir man at the economics department over a trivial issue. Later the BCL leader, along with his cohorts, allegedly beat up Ariful near the social science faculty around 11:45am. Upon being informed, police rushed to the scene; so far, no one has been detained in connection to the incident. The injured Ariful was taken to the university medical center and later shifted to a private medical hospital in the city for better treatment, said Assistant proctor Anwar Hossain. l The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports yesterday accused the government of taking a stand against national interest and its failure to fully implement the Phulbari agreement. The government is working to protect the interests of multinational corporations and imperialist United States, leaders of the committee said at a rally at Central Shaheed Minar in the capital yesterday, marking the ‘Phulbari Day.’ On August 26, 2006, three people were killed and two hundred more were injured as the then Bangladesh Rifles members opened fire on a demonstration against Phubari coal mine project by Asia Energy. The committee placed wreaths at the altar of Shaheed Minar in memory of the victims of the tragedy. Staying away from implementing the Phulbari agreement, the incumbent government is treading the path of BNP government, speakers at the rally said. Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) acting president Haidar Akbar Khan Rono, Dhaka University Prof MM Akash, Columnist Abul Maksud, Rajekuzzaman Ratan, Nur Mohammad, Bimal Biswas, Saiful Haque and Advocate Abdus Salam among others, attended the rally. l A group of garment workers climb over a central reservation to cross the road and reach their workplace in Tongi, risking their lives yesterday Mistreated in Qatar, they return home empty-handed SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN ROAD REPAIRS IN CHT DISTRICTS Communications ministry now at the helm Recruiting agency staff beat the 2 women up before putting them aboard a Dhaka-bound flight n Mohosinul Karim n Rabiul Islam A Bangladeshi woman who went to Qatar to work as a maid has returned home with severe injuries all over her body after she was allegedly beaten up by employees of an employment agency in the Gulf Arab nation. Kulsum Aktar Sathi, 35, said she was kept confined in a house for about a week and beaten up mercilessly after she went to complain about her job situation to Al Haramain Manpower Agency in the Qatari capital, Doha. “I went to Qatar in the first week of July with the help of a middleman and a recruiting agency (in Dhaka) to work as a housemaid,” said Sathi, while talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday upon her release from the One Stop Crisis Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). “They told me that I would work for a small family and take care of only one child. But in reality, I had to look after five children,” said Sathi, who is from Chawkbazar in Old Dhaka. “But that was not the main issue. I quarrelled with my employer when he paid me Tk16,000, instead of Tk19,500 a month,” Sathi said. She also alleged that her employer’s brother-in law had tried to seduce her. “One day, he grasped me with an illmotive and I slapped him,” Sathi said. “I shared the matter with my husband, and he advised me to return home.” When she requested her employer to send her back home, he took her to the offices of Al Haramain Manpower Agency at Doha’s Al Ali market, Sathi said, showing this correspondent a visiting card with the agency’s name and address. However, there was no reply when the phone number on the card was called. “I was given a mobile phone to talk to the recruiting agency in Bangladesh. While I was talking on the phone, I was given a hard slap and the mobile set fell from my hand and broke into pieces,” Sathi continued, describing how she was mistreated by the agency, apparently run by other Asians from Sri Lanka and Indonesia. “They took away my own mobile phone and about Tk25,900 that I had on me,” she said. Sathi claimed that between August 11-18, she was kept locked up in an agency house, where some women employees assaulted her. “They kicked me and dragged me across the floor with my hair and threw me against walls. They also scratched me with sharp key rings,” she said, narrating her harrowing experience. Sathi said her husband kept calling her employer, who compelled the manpower agency to return her home. She, along with another badly beaten-up Bangladeshi woman, Asia Begum of Brahmanbaria, was finally put aboard a Dhaka-bound flight. “We were taken in wheelchairs to board a Qatar Airlines plane,” Sathi said. “We landed at Shahajalal Airport on August 19.” Sathi then contacted the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA), who took them to a safe home in the capital’s Agargaon area. Two days later, the two women were admitted to the DMCH, where Asia is still undergoing treatment. She could not be reached immediately for comment. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Obhibasi Mohila Sramik Association, which works for the welfare of migrant female workers, said it would give Tk3,000 a month to each of the victims for six months, its founding director, Sumaiya Begum, said over phone. Tahmina Nadira, a lawyer working with BNWLA, said they would provide legal assistance to lodge cases against the local agencies that recruited the women. Sathi claimed that the agency had promised to get her a job in a garments factory or as a cleaner in a hospital. “But just a day before the flight, I was told that I would have to work as a housemaid,” she said. “I was in a fix, as my husband had already paid them Tk35,000 as service fee. So, I was obliged to go.” Sathi’s husband, Zahurul Haque, said he was forced to send his wife overseas to earn money after falling into serious debt. “I had borrowed Tk250,000 to send my brother-in-law (Sathi’s brother) abroad,” said Zahurul, who comes from Faridpur and works in an office in the capital. l ‘Freedom fighters wouldn’t reveal Temperature likely identity during military rule’ to fall n UNB n Manik Miazee WEATHER Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Chittagong, Barisal, Khulna, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions until 6pm today. Day and night temperature may fall by 1-2 degree Celsius over the country, Met Office said. The sun sets in the capital at 6:22pm today and rises at 5:39am tomorrow. Country’s highest temperature 35.2 degree Celsius was recorded yesterday at Rajshahi and Sayedpur and lowest 26.0 degrees at Teknaf. Highest and lowest temperature recorded in some major cities yesterday were: City High Low Dhaka Chittagong Rajshahi Rangpur Khulna Barisal Sylhet Cox’s Bazar 34.2 30.4 35.2 34.4 32.8 33.3 32.4 30.7 28.8 26.2 27.5 27.0 28.0 27.8 26.2 26.5 PRAYER TIMES Fajar Sunrise Zohr Asr Magrib Esha 4:21am 5:37am 12:00pm 4:32pm 6:21pm 7:39pm Source: IslamicFinder.org Writer Kazi Shahid Ahmed yesterday said two former military rulers – Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad – had been responsible for the times, when freedom fighters did not want to reveal their Liberation War identities. He was speaking as the chief guest at the launching ceremony of two books, titled “Shaat Bulleter Chouddo Khoto” and “Confession of a terrorist” written by Prof Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, a professor of pathology at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine. The programme was held at the Liberation War Museum in the capital. “There were no books based on the Liberation War until 1988. Just after 1988, freedom fighters started writing on a small scale and becoming associ- From left, Habibul Alam, Bir Protik, writer Dr Abul Kalam M Shamsuddin, Kazi Shahid Ahmed and Dr Akhtar Ahmed, Bir Protik, take a group photo yesterday at the launching ceremony of Abul Kalam’s Liberation War-based books “Shaat Bulleter Chouddo Khoto” and “Confession of a Terrorist” RAJIB DHAR ated with history,” he said. On the book, Kazi Shahid said: “In his books, Shamsuddin has illustrated the facts and history of the Liberation War truthfully, which will ultimately benefit the nation.” Afsan Chowdhury was the key speaker at the programme, which was also attended by Major (retd) Akhtar Ahmed, Bir Pratik, and other noted freedom fighters. l Fake magistrate, journos remanded n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday placed a fake magistrate and four fake photo journalists on a three-day remand each for their alleged involvement with extortion. The remanded were Mohammad Wahiduzzaman, 30, who introduced himself as a magistrate, and M Saiful Islam, 30, Mahmudul Hasan, 31, Md Nazrul Islam, 38, and Md Bulbul Ahmed, 21, who claimed that they were photo journalists. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Emdadul Haque passed the order after In- spector Sheikh Goni Miah of Khilgaon police station produced the accused before the court with a 7-day remand prayer. The lawyer for the accused filed a bail petition as well as a remand rejection prayer before the court. The magistrate rejected both and placed the accused on a three-day remand. Earlier on Saturday, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested the fake magistrate and the photo journalists from the city’s Khilgaon area. According to a case statement, they conducted a Mobile court in the area and collected fines. However, their real identity was exposed after Md Mominul Haque, owner of Turag Water Pump, challenged their authority while being fined Tk50,000. A team of Rab-3, on information, raided house 338/7, block-C under Khilgaon police station and caught accused red-handed. The team recovered Tk7,000 in cash, a Cami jeep, a motorcycle and a video camera from them. The accused collected Tk7,000 as fine from a bakery owner in the same area. Later, Rab filed a case against them with the Khilgaon police station. l The communications ministry is going to undertake the maintenance tasks of 22 roads under the districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts which were once entrusted with CHT affairs ministry. According to the CHT Treaty of 1997, the road-maintenance task was with the Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs ministry. The decision came at an inter-ministerial meeting held yesterday among the communications ministry, three hill district councils and CHT affairs ministry. Following the meeting, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader told reporters his ministry had decided to take up the road-repair tasks in the CHT districts. The CHT affairs ministry has failed to continue its repair to those dilapi- dated roads since it has much want of manpower and required fund. The minister said most of the roads in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari districts were run-down. “We have taken up road-repair task considering public interest,” said Obaidul. The roads will be returned to the CHT ministry again after their repairs, he said. The minister also urged the leaders of the CHT regional council and three district councils in the hill area to cooperate with the ministry in this regard. The communications ministry will send letters to the finance ministry to provide fund for the repairs. State Minister for CHT affairs ministry Dipankar Talukdar and chairmen of three hill district councils were also present at the meeting. l DAB to stay away from BSMMU dean election n Moniruzzaman Uzzal Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) will not contest in the upcoming dean’s election at Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), scheduled to be held on September 5. DAB has withdrawn all of its eight candidates - who earlier submitted nomination papers to contest for the four dean’s post. DR Saiful Islam Selim, President of BSMMU unit of DAB, a BNP-backed doctor’s organization, told Dhaka Tribune that a four-point demand - for holding a free and fair election – was made on August 24 for the Vice-Chancellor’s consideration. “We were compelled to withdraw ourselves from the election, as we did not get any response from him,” Selim said, demanding that the election be postponed until DAB’s demands are met. The demands include a faultless voter list, the appointment of teachers at their previous posts as per a court order and to include their names in the voter list, appointment of new doctors as teachers and their inclusion as voters. On the other hand, Awami Leaguebacked Shadhinota Chikitshak Parisad (Shachip) has finalised its candidates list, which includes Prof M Iqbal Arslan of Basic Science, Prof Konok Kanti Barua of Surgery, Prof ABM Abdullah of Medicine and Prof Ali Asgar Moral of Dentistry faculties. Other than Prof Ali Asgar Moral, the other three have been working as deans of their respective faculties. Other Shachip members who had previously submitted candidacy, have withdrawn their nomination papers in favor of the four. The final list of the candidates will be published today. Shachip leaders told Dhaka Tribune that DAB leaders have assumed that participation in the election will only end in defeat. “The teachers have not yet forgotten the huge corruption committed during the BNP-Jamat regime,” they added. DR Akramullah Sikder, a Professor of Dermatology, who claimed himself as a DAB candidate, did not withdraw his nomination. However, DAB president of BSMMU said, “He is not even a member of DAB, so there should be no doubt that DAB is not participating in the dean’s election”. The withdrawal of DAB from dean’s election has doused the election excitement that prevailed at the BSMMU for the past few day. Seeking anonymity, a few teachers told Dhaka Tribune, “We are really disappointed. We thought both DAB and Shachip will compete against each other and it will be a tough election fight. But Shachip will now shoot at an empty goal post” Commenting on the effect DAB’s withdrawal might have on the poll, Prof Sayedur Rahman, the Election Commissioner and Registrar of the university, told Dhaka Tribune that the election will be held in accordance with the rules. Among the total of 427 voters from different faculties, Medicine has 179, Surgery 185, Basic Science 45 and Dental 18 respectively. The DAB candidates who withdrew candidacies include: DR Md Saiful Islam, professor of pediatric Surgery, DR Aftabuddin Ahmed, professor of Cardiac Surgery (Surgery Faculty), DR Nuruddin Ahmed, chairman and professor of Herpetology department, DR ABM Eunus, chairman and professor of Hematology, DR ASMA Raihan, professor of Gastroenterology, DR Shafiquddin Ahmed, associate professor of Cardiology (Medicine Faculty), DR Kuddusur Rahman, professor of clinical pathology (Basic Science faculty) and assistant professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman (Dental Faculty). l DHAKA TRIBUNE Long Form Tuesday, August 27, 2013 5 Acceptance of lesbian love: Too much to expect? REUTERS S n Syeda Samara Mortada eema is a twenty something year old girl who is not sexually attracted to the opposite sex. When she finally understood this “problem” latent in her, she decided to keep it to herself. Since then, Seema has found many like-minded people around her, but whatever happens between them remains behind shut doors. “Living in Bangladesh as a lesbian is like living in hell,” says Seema. The news of two girls being arrested in Dhaka for falling in love and getting married has become the talk of the town. The younger girl, Shibronty Roy Puja, is a Hindu of 16, and Sanjida Akter, is a Muslim aged 21. Puja’s father filed a complaint that confirmed she was missing, after which the police searched and finally found them in a house in Mohammadpur. While many sneer at this recent incident, it by far remains the only reported case of lesbian love being talked about, rather becoming news in mainstream media. The fact that Puja was underage seems to come up as a reason for their marriage to be unacceptable, and of Sanjida using her “vice” ways to lure the underage girl (added to the fact of it being an interreligious marriage). Had it been a heterosexual marriage, arranged by the parents, the age of the girl, even if she were a ten year old, would not have been cause for opposing their marriage. Bangladesh, being a dominant Muslim country with a very conservative attitude towards social digresses is possibly a pothole for members of LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) community. Lesbians (or gays) have become synonymous to transgenders, more commonly known as hijras. That these are separate entities (even that transgenders are not the same as hijras) remains an alien concept to most. While members of such groups rarely come out in the open, they become objects of ridicule and jest if somehow spotted. Societal norms Many seem to think of same-sex relationships to be an influence of western culture, much like live-in relationships. The fact that gay-ism has been in the root of our society since time immemorial does not register in the minds of such bigots. It is safe to say that while the government acknowledges the fact that LGBT rights need to be protected, nothing worthwhile is/will be done about it because of the country’s ‘conservative’ attitude on such matters Thus, while a lot of work is being done on gender equality, violence against women, and even transgenders, lesbians remain a neglected entity. There are no laws or legislations to protect such women who are termed as being a “minority.” According to AsiaNews.it: “In Bangladesh, people belonging to the LGBT community range between 1.6 and 4.8 million. They are not recognised and receive no form of social, religious or legal support and are often victims of persecution.” Often, lesbians live their life without acknowledging this part of their identity, sometimes overlooking it even when they do come to terms with reality. The law Rainer Ebert and Mahmudul Hoque Moni, in a blog titled “LGBT Community Calls for the Repeal of Section 377,” published in bdnews24.com, said: “The status of homosexuality as a social and religious taboo is also reflected in the Bangladeshi Criminal Code. “Its Section 377, a legacy of British rule, refers to consensual oral and anal sex as ‘carnal intercourse against the order of nature’ and subjects it to punishment up to imprisonment for life.’ Effectively, this section makes homosexual intercourse illegal in Bangladesh.” This does not go to say that there is a dearth of lesbians in the country. But social stigma and pressure make it extremely difficult, almost impossible for women to come out. Not that being gay is a walk through Ramna Park, but gay men have an advantage simply because male bonding is common in our country, as is male mobility. Thus, it helps same-sex male partners to spend more time together unlike lesbians, who are almost unheard of and the topic of lesbianism in dearth of discussion. Under such circumstances (where it is safe to say that no research has been conducted on lesbian groups), it is possibly best to put lesbians and gays under a broader category and look at some of the work that has been done so far. Works Starting out as an online group in 2002, an organisation called Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) has become a central forum for gay and bisexual men in Bangladesh. BoB currently has more than 2,000 registered members, including school students as well as PhD holders. Their ages range between 16 and more than 50 years. BoB is run by around twenty young men and has increasingly become public in recent years. In November 2010, it conducted the second edition of a festival titled “Under the Rainbow,” in cooperation with the Goethe Institut in Dhaka. Under the slogan “accept diversity and end discrimination,” the five-day festival included movie screenings, art exhibitions and musical performances and brought together leading human rights activists from within the country and abroad. Some movements in Islam, such as the US-based Al-Fatiha Foundation, accept and consider homosexuality as natural and work towards the acceptance of non-heterosexual love-relationships within the global Muslim community. Some argue that while the Quran speaks out against homosexual lust, it is silent on homosexual love. On April 29, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni in a United Nations meeting in Geneva said: “On LGBT rights … we recognise the need for protecting all vulnerable groups of our population, given their constitutional equal rights and freedoms. Moreover, we do not condone any discrimination or violence against any human being on any pretext.” After the media published articles based on her speech, a press release was issued from the government saying that Dipu Moni rejects calls from the international community to repeal Section 377 (which criminalises sexuality against “the order of nature”) as it clashes with Bangladeshi societal and cultural values. According to an opinion based article on bdnews24 by Shakhawat Hossain and Rainer Ebert, titled “Bangladesh’s LGBT community and the UPR 2013,” the government did agree to train law enforcers and judicial officers on human rights, also suggested by UN members during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR examines the human rights condition of all UN members), but as mentioned above, it neglected the UN’s suggestion to drop the penal code of Section 377. Thus, it is safe to say that while the government acknowledges the fact that LGBT rights need to be protected (as gathered from Dipu Moni’s speech), nothing worthwhile is/will be done about it because of the country’s “conservative” attitude on such matters. Now whether Moni’s speech in the meeting was simply delivered due to pressure from the other UN countries seems to be another debatable topic. But it is safe to say that in the midst of political turmoil, such issues become drawn to dust and lie at the bottom of the government’s to-do list. (Note: To know more on the different types of sexual orientation, and what each of them entails, read “Society and the Freedom of Choice in the Personal Sphere” by Rainer Ebert). Conclusion Yes, it is not enough; the work that has been done is inconclusive to say the least. It is de-motivating to think of the lack of concern amongst influential people – the government, court of law, and more importantly, society in general – to build a secure home for same-sex couples. Perhaps, educating the aforementioned groups on the existence of same-sex attraction can be a starting point. Many seem to think of same-sex relationships to be an influence of western culture, much like live-in relationships. The fact that gay-ism has been in the root of our society since time immemorial does not register in the minds of such bigots Or maybe those two young girls already gave us the much-needed start when they took on such a challenging venture. Which is why when the news of these two brave young girls was all over the media, I for one cheered for nothing more than their courage. The way they stood up for their love for one another, and more importantly for themselves, deserves praise. Not that it did them any good, and God only knows what happened to them after they were arrested (as the media did not think it was newsworthy to investigate what happened to them after that), but maybe it could open the mind gates of prejudiced people in our society who think of gay-dom to be an illness, an abnormality at best. Or maybe I am just being too much of an optimist. I am a married heterosexual, not a member of the lesbian community. But I am a big fan of rights of all sorts: for men, women and even animals. I dream of a tomorrow where any living being will be allowed to live the life he/she desires for his/herself without being judged for their actions and without being called names. Yes, of course there will be norms decided on by society, but those norms will not be inflicted on individuals; rather the option to choose which ones befit me best should be mine to decide. Again, maybe I am being too much of an optimist! l The article was first published on alalodulal.org. 6 DHAKA TRIBUNE Nation Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Hilsa selling centres of Barisal busy again Traders demand resumption of export weighted 700gm-950gm, at Tk16,000n Anisur Rahman Swapan 18,000 and less than 700gm was being Hilsa selling centres of Barisal district have become busy again with the start of the monsoon season. Fishermen started netting Hilsa after an interval of around three months. Traders demanded that export of Hilsa be resumed soon. Ajit Das Monu, president of Barisal Zila Motsya Arotdar Samiti, said the monsoon was delayed this year due to climatic change, making Hilsa netting in the region scarce. Generally, Hilsa season starts in late May, but last year it started in late July. This year the monsoon was further delayed and started in late August. Monsoon season is important for Hilsa netting as monsoon winds and rains raised the water level in the Bay and rivers, making it easy for Hilsa fish to move towards the coast and rivers, the traders explained. There are at least 11 big Hilsa wholesale centres in the Barisal region – Port Road, Hizla, Patar hut, Alipur, Mohipur, Golachipa, Patharghata, Monpura, Ilisha, Gupter Bazar and Machghat. After visiting the Barisal Hilsa trading centre it was learnt that Hilsa, as big as one kg, was being sold at downward prices of Tk20,000-22,000 per 40kg as export is restricted, while Hilsa, sold at Tk13,000-14,000. Acknowledging the vast netting of Hilsa this year, different traders of Ilisha and Monpura said if the government did not withdraw restrictions on Hilsa export, the price of Hilsa would fall in local markets. However, they also expressed concerns that investors would incur losses if the price of Hilsa fell in local markets, adding that investors would resort to smuggling in order to cover losses. Moreover, smuggling from trawler to trawler would also increase, they said. Golam Mustafa Chowdhury, president of Barguna district unit Matsya Trawler Sammittee said about 4,000 trawlers were fishing Hilsa round the clock in and near the Bay, including Sonar Char, Rupar Char, Gangamotir Char, Fearway Boyuya, Dubjahaj, Chitagonger Kharri, Char Montaj, Asar Char, Charfession, Patharghata, Dhal char, and Baushiya points. Masum Bepari, President of Mohipur Matsya Aratdar Samity of Kalapara coast of Patuakhali, said a single sea-fishing trawler was able to carry 200-500 maunds of Hilsa, preserved in ice, taking at least 7-10 days to reach the coast and inland Hilsa trading ports. l Labourers unloading hilsa from boat DHAKA TRIBUNE Sramik League leader held for extortion n Our Correspondent, Tangail A Sramik League leader of Silimpur ward 3 under Tangail sadar upazila was held on Saturday on allegation of extortion and other illegal activities in the area. The detained was Zahangir Alam, 38, president of Tangail Mistanno Sramik Union and member of secretary panel of Sramik League Tangail Unit. He was caught in a police raid from his Babystand Nimtoli Road residence around 12:30am. “We recovered an Italian 9 mm pistol with six round bullets from his residence,” police said in a press conference arranged on Sunday. They said Zahangir was involved in ultra-left activities in Tangail town and adjacent village areas for long. He and his associates used to collect extortion from the Kandapara brothel and West Shoal areas in the district by intimidation. Sub Inspector Salauddin filed a case with Tangail Model police station in this connection. Mamun Khan, president of Baruha Bazar Committee told that after hearing the news of the arrest, the locals of ward 3 were celebrating by distributing sweets among them, especially the traders and shopkeepers of the area. l 51 rounds of Mahadebpur-Porsha Road ammunition and cries for a fresh lease of life military uniforms tricts, adding that consignments of recovered n UNB rice cannot reach their destinations time due to the road’s decrepit The Mahadebpur-Porsha Road in n Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari Naogaon lies in a very dilapidated incondition. Four cops closed for dereliction of duty in Pirojpur n UNB, Pirojpur Bhola rental power plant yet to be fixed Four policemen of Mathbaria Court were closed to the Pirojpur Police Lines on Monday on charges of dereliction of duty. The punitive action was taken against Habildar Mohammad Bazlur Rahman, constables Mohammad Ali, Mofazzal and Johar Ali. Police said drug trader Saddam Hossain, who was arrested along with yaba tablets, fled from a police van at Golchattar in Bhandaria upazila when he along with several other accused was being taken to Pirojpur jail on August 23. The four cops were on duty during the incident. However, police arrested Saddam the following day. Assistant police super (Headquarters) Abbas Uddin was entrusted with the task of looking into the matter and he found the four policemen guilty of negligence of duty. l Power generation from 34.5-megawatt gas-fired rental power plant in Bhola has become uncertain because of technical glitch. Engineer Hamidur Rahman, director of the power plant, said a ten-member team of Alstom Company of France, which has set up the plant, have been trying to identify the technical snag at the power plant. They will bring all necessary equipment from France to start repair work. Besides, additional eight megawatts of power is being produced from Bhola-Barisal gridline under Kalabadar River since Sunday. Earlier on August 10, the entire district had reeled under a power cut due to technical glitch in the rental power plant. Later, the district started getting 8/9 megawatt electricity after 74-hour long blackout from a national grid as a submarine cable under Tetulia River was replaced and connected to the grid. Passengers face woes on dilapidated Sonapur-Subarnachar road Elderly woman slaughtered in Chittagong n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong Members of Bangladesh army recovered 51 rounds of fresh ammunition and two military uniforms from a jeep, locally known as Chander Gari at the Chengi Bridge area under Panchhari upazila in Khagrachari district yesterday afternoon. Officer-in-Charge of Panchhari police station Mohammad Alamgir Hossain said a military team, headed by Captain Anik Raj stopped a suspicious jeep, which came from Taindong under Matinga upazila of the district around 1pm. Both driver and helper of the vehicle ran away abandoning it on the road. Later army personnel recovered the ammunition and uniforms from a sack. Ammunition and uniforms were handed over to Panchhari police station and a case would be filed in this regard, the OC added. l n Our Correspondent, Noakhali A 35km stretch of the Sonapur- Subarnachar highway, on the way to Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), remains in a pitiful condition, causing immense suffering to thousands of commuters from six upazilas. On a recent visit, this correspondent found big cracks on the highway, caused by poor construction standards. Reportedly, low quality equipment, along with small amounts of bitumen, cement and sand were used during construction, while lack of repair and maintenance has made the condition worse. As a result, local officials, villagers, traders, and NSTU students – from the state, hampering the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles. Lack of maintenance work is the main cause for the condition of the 45km road that leads from Mahadebpur to Porsha upazila, turning the road into a virtual death trap. Consequently, heavy vehicles like buses, tractors and trucks laden with goods often cause fatal accidents, resulting in a loss of lives. The road is particularly vulnerable at points – from Shibgighi intersection to Shibpur Bazar, form Mahadebpur to Kalna intersection, from Debipur to Nutunhat and from Shisha Hat to Saraigachi Road. Abdur Rashid Shah, owner of Shah Rice Mills of Porsha upazila, said there were 30 rice mills in the upazila, which supply rice to Naogaon, Dhaka, Chittagong and other dis- upazilas of Hatiya, Subarnachar, Sadar Kabirhat, Companiganj, Sandip and Maijdee town – face difficulties while traveling on the dilapidated road every day. The past year has seen a rise in the number of buses, trucks, vans, autorickshaws, and rickshaws plying the highway regularly. Villagers claimed that no inspection of the highway has been made following its construction. Immediate steps by the authority to repair the busy road would solve the woes of around 20,000 people who use it regularly, they added. Vehicles use the road to access NSTU, Subarnachar upazila parishad, Char Jabbar police station, several banks, 12 educational institutes Some businessmen of the upazila travelling on the road said it becomes extremely risky when and after the sun goes down. Residents of the upazila have demanded that the authorities reconstruct the road immediately to reduce accidents and help promote the economy of the region. MM Selim, executive engineer of Naogaon Roads and Highways Department, said work to repair the damaged patches on the road started several days ago and that the road would be fit for vehicular movement within a short time. When asked if the authorities had any plan to reconstruct the road immediately, the engineer said a project proposal for the reconstruction of five roads, including this one, had been sent to higher authorities. l along with four colleges and madrasas. Teachers and students at Noakhali Science and Technology University said they risk accidents every day. On the other hand, Maijdee residents and students of Noakhali Honours College are also regular users of the highway. People from all walks of life recently formed a human chain in the area, demanding the urgent repair and development of the road. When asked about the highway’s condition, Engineer ABM Najmol Karim, an LGED Executive at Noakhali, told this correspondent that necessary plans would be formulated under the second phase of the rural development project. l Unidentified miscreants slaughtered an elderly woman at her residence in Chittagong’s Chaktai area on Sunday night. According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Laila Begum, 67, wife of Anwar Chowdhury, a resident of Haji Abdus Sobhan Road. Quoting locals, Mohammad Mohsin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Bakalia Police Station, told the Dhaka Tribune that Anwar Chowdhury found his wife dead at their residence, when he returned from the mosque after Esha prayers around 9pm. Receiving information, police recovered the body and sent it to Chittagong Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy, added the OC. A case has been lodged in this regard, and the police are now trying to identify the killers, the OC also said. Initial findings suggest that people known to the victim committed the murder after failing to rob valuables from the house, said a senior official of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, seeking anonymity. l 3 held with 1,700 Yaba tablets in Chittagong n UNB A huge traffic congestion was created on Tarabo road at Rupganj in Narayanganj yesterday as a truck went out of order in the middle of the road FOCUS BANGLA Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Narcotics Control Department in separate drives arrested three alleged drug peddlers along with 1,700 pieces of Yaba pill from Khulsi and Reazuddin Bazar in Chittagong on Sunday. Rab-7 sources said being tipped off, a joint team of Rab and Narcotics Control Department conducted a drive in Khulsi area around 4:30pm and arrested two men— Ismail Hossain Azad and Al Azad Masum –along with 1000 pieces of Yaba. l n Tribune Report The demand of electricity in the district is around 27 megawatt. Tapash Kumar, deputy assistant engineer of West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited, said: “Local people are receiving additional eight megawatts of power through Bhola-Barisal gridline since Sunday.” Meanwhile, the High Court (HC) has stayed the suspension order of Executive Engineer of West Zone Power Distribution Company Muhammed Ali who was temporarily suspended by Power Grid Company due to negligence of duty. On Sunday, the vacation bench comprising Justice Md Habibul Gani and Muhammad Khurshid Alam gave the order. Moreover, the HC asked power secretary, chairman of power development board, managing director, executive director and caretaker engineer of WZPDCO to reply within four weeks whether the suspension of Muhammed Ali by Power Grid Company would not be declared illegal. l NEWS IN BRIEF BSF recovers electrocuted youth’s body in Satkhira Members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) recovered the body of a Bangladeshi young man, who died from electrocution on Boikari border at Sadar upazila in Satkhira on Sunday. The deceased was Babu Mia, 35. BSF sources said Babu came in contact with a live electric wire while entering India illegally through the border and died on the spot. Later, BSF troops of Koijuri camp of India recovered the body of Babu. Major Mazhar, operation officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion 38, confirmed the incident and said the body will be brought home through a flag meeting between BGB and BSF after a post-mortem examination. But the victim’s family alleged that BSF troops had beat Babu to death and kept the body hung with an electric pole while he was returning home after receiving treatment from an Indian physician. – UNB Youth commits suicide in beloved’s house in Gazipur A young man allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in his beloved’s room at Banmala at Tongi upazila in Gazipur on Saturday failing to marry her. The deceased was Rubel, 18, resident of the area. Mojibur Rahman, sub-inspector of Tongi Model police station, said Rubel hung himself with the ceiling fan of his beloved’s room around 9:30am as her mother, Farida, did not agree to accept their relationship. Farida and her daughter were not present in the house when Rubel committed suicide. Being informed, police went to the spot, and recovered the body while they sent it to Gazipur sadar hospital for post mortem. – UNB Minor boy drowns in river in Rajshahi A minor boy drowned in the Padma river at Chawk Rajapur village under Bagha upazila in Rajshahi on Saturday. The deceased was Swadhin, 6, son of Nazrul Islam of the village. Locals said Swadhin drowned while taking bath in the river near his house at noon. Later, local people recovered his floating body around 1pm. – UNB 2 held with pistol, bullets in Gopalganj Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested two young men along with a pistol and two rounds of bullet in bus stand area of Kashiani upazila in Gopalganj on Sunday evening. The arrestees were Abu Hanif, 35, and Zamilur Rahman, 28. Being tipped off, a team of DB police led by Sub-inspector Shahdat Hossain conducted a drive in the area around 6:30pm. They recovered a pistol and two rounds of bullet searching Jamilur’s body and arrested the duo. Both the arrestees were taken to DB office for interrogation. A case was filed against Jamilur under the Arms Act. – UNB Two held with heroin in Chittagong Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested two alleged drug dealers along with 660 grams of heroin worth Tk6.6m from Chittagong city’s AK Khan Gate area early Monday. The arrestees were Aminul Islam, 31, and Saddam Hossain, 23, both of them hail from Barura upazila of Comilla district. Major Sabbir, an officer of BGB Battalion-28 of Chittagong, said on secret information that some people along with a consignment of heroin were going to Chittagong from Comilla by a bus, a team of BGB conducted a drive in the area at about 3:15am and intercepted a Cox’s Bazar-bound bus. The BGB team recovered 660 grams of heroin after searching the bus and arrested two men— Aminul and Saddam. Later, the detainees along with the heroin were handed over to the Narcotics Control Department. – UNB DHAKA TRIBUNE Metro 7 Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Land grabbers desecrate lake in Uttara Illegal structures mushroom while Rajuk hibernates n Abu Hayat Mahmud The lake located between sector 9 and 11 in Uttara Model Town of the capital is being desecrated by land grabbers. Encroachment is blamed on Rajuk’s negligence, with officials unconcerned about the innumerable structures mushrooming around the lake. Furniture shops, a rickshaw repair garage, a makeshift mosque, automobile workshops and other illegal structures have taken up a large portion of the water body. Shops have been built on bamboo structures that extend on to the lake. A makeshift mosque occupies part of a pavement and open space situated along the lake. There are several workshops, including one belonging to Navana Group - the Navana Toyota 3s Centre, as well as three others called Hasan automobiles, Israfil automobiles and Molla automobiles. A rickshaw repair garage and scores of other establishments have taken over open space by the lake in sector 9. The Uttara Model Town’s Sector-9 Welfare Association has also established its head office and a community clinic by the lake. Residents said all the establishments were illegally built by filling up the lake. A resident of sector 11 Abdur Rashid said: “At first the grabbers filled up a small portion of the lake with waste and debris and later they raised the structures.” Initially, the furniture shops occupied the walkway along the lake, and began to encroach on the lake recently, he added. Another resident of the area said no one protested against the illegal activities out of fear. “The capital’s development authority – Rajuk, seems to be hibernating,” said the resident who preferred to remain unnamed. Rajuk admitted land grabbers have encroached on parts of the lake, but Illegal dwelling structures have already gobbled up a portion of Uttara lake thanks to the negligence of Rajuk officials authorities were yet to take any steps to prevent further encroachment. ASM Raihanul Ferdous, Rajuk’s superintending engineer, told the Dhaka Tribune all structures were illegally built on the lake. The encroachers however said the land was rented from local “owners.” The land along the water body in fact belongs to the lake. When contacted officials and owners of the automobile workshops said they were not willing to comment on the matter. According to the Rajuk official all Rajuk authorised officer (2A) Parvez Khadem, entrusted with Uttara Residential Model Town said: “We have already sent letters to the encroachers to remove the illegal structures from the lake area.” “But they did not pay heed to us.” The official said they sent letter to 21 Shibir activists sued for attacking RU BCL leader Korea to support Bangladesh with disaster resilience n RU Correspondent n Tribune Desk The Korean government will provide Bangladesh with $3m as food assistance to reduce food insecurity and nutrition shortfalls among the poorest sections of the population living in disaster prone areas. A press release yesterday said supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), assistance will be provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) for 2013-2015 under the Food for New Village (FFNV) project. Assurance of assistance came following a visit by the Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Yun-young today to communities in Patharghata upazila of Barguna district. The delegation included Resident Representative of KOIKA Kim Bokhee, WFP representative to Bangladesh Christa Rader and managing director of LG electronics in Bangladesh Song Changkeun. l the automobile workshops, the rickshaw repair garage and tin-shed structures were illegal. He said an eviction drive had been conducted once before, and action would be taken against the current encroachers immediately. NASHIRUL ISLAM School Cleaning Awareness Campaign was launched in Government Laboratory High School yesterday. Switch, a youth-led voluntary organisation, in association with Asian Association of Education and Exchange organised the campaign DHAKA TRIBUNE Procession at Dhaka University demanding punishment of Tuhin’s attackers n Arif Ahmed Activists of Chhatra Shangram Parishad yesterday brought out a procession and staged a protest rally at the Dhaka University premises demanding punishment of the Shibir activists who attacked Rajshahi University BCL general secretary including other leaders recently. The platform also demanded ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, as a political party for their violent activities. The activists brought out the procession from Madhur Canteen and marched different streets. Later, they held a rally at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla. While addressing the rally, BCL President HM Bodiuzzaman Sohag said: “Jamaat-Shibir men have increased their vandalism activities across the country with a motive to foil the judicial proceedings of the war criminals and to impede the development activities of the government.” “With an attempt to accomplish their motive, the ‘fanatic’ forces brutally attacked on a brilliant student and BCL general secretary SM Touhid Al Hossain Tuhin of Rajshahi University and SUST student Ruhul Amin,” he added. Later, the BCL president urged everyone to protest against the anti-liberation forces. BCL General Secretary Siddique Nazmul Alam said Jamaat-e-Islami had been stated as an illegal political party by the High Court and they could not continue their party activities. “The conscious mass will protest them,” he added. Siddique also demanded exemplary punishment of the miscreants who committed the brutal attack on Tuhin. Chhatra Moitri President Bappa Ditto Boshu, Jashad Chhatra League President Shamsul Islam Shumon, BCL Vice-President Joydeb Nondi, Joint Secretary Shamsul Kabir Rahat, Sharmin Sultana Lili and leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra Andolon and Bangladesh Chhatra Oikkyo, were present at the rally, among others. l Twenty one activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Rajshahi University unit, including the president and general secretary have been sued for their alleged involvement in the attack on Touhid Al Hossain Tuhin, general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League’s (BCL) RU unit. Shawan Sarkar, one of the victims of the brutal attack and BCL RU unit social affairs secretary, yesterday filed the case with Motihar police station around 10am. According to Motihar police, Shibir RU unit President Ashraful Alam Emon and Secretary Saifuddin Eyahia have been made the prime accused in the case. Among the accused, Abdullah al Masum, Rajshahi city unit sports affairs secretary of Chhatra Shibir who was arrested on Saturday night from the city area, admitted his connection in the attack on Tuhin at a press conference in the RMP office on Sunday. Masum also confessed that several BCL leaders and activists who were de- prived from posts in the new committee were also involved in the attack. However, in a statement, the university’s Shibir unit claimed that police forced Masum to read a draft statement against the Shibir. The statement also said Masum had been suspended from the organisation three years ago for violating rules. Earlier on Thursday night, Tuhin was hacked allegedly by unidentified Chhatra Shibir activists inside the RU campus. The assailants had cut the tendons of his right arm and legs. He is now undergoing treatment at the capitals’ orthopaedic hospital – NITOR. Shawan Sarker, who received a bullet-wound during the attack, was undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Following the attack on Tuhin, police arrested 15 Shibir activists, suspecting their involvement in the incident. Nine of them were sent to jail under section 54 of Criminal Procedure Code, Officer-in-Charge Abdus Sobhan of Motihar police said. l Navana asking the company to show the building design for the land it is built on and then a show cause notice as it did not respond to the first letter. “Finally, we sent a third letter to Navana authority on July 30, 2012, asking them to remove the structure. Later, they came up with a design which was not approved by Rajuk,” he said. Despite repeated attempts by the Dhaka Tribune, Navana authority refused to comment on the issue. Asked about any eviction drives by Rajuk, the officials said: “We took steps to demolish illegal structures, but the move was suspended because of general strikes called on that day.” Rajuk officials produced copies of the letters sent to Navana and other encroachers, which stated all establishments built in and around the lake were illegal, and violate the national building code. However, furniture shop owner Md Khalil told the Dhaka tribune it was normal to erect shops on roadsides and along lakes in Dhaka. “We have been running our business in this area for 12-14 years without paying any rent for the space. Rajuk visits the area at times, but don’t say anything to us,” he said. At the same time, waste discharged by drainage and sewerage lines from residents and industries include sediment from many under-construction buildings are continuously flowing into, and being deposited in the lake. While on the other hand the embankment around the lake in sector 11 has become susceptible to erosion, with soil and vegetation along the ridge eroding away. Locals alleged the lake water is polluted, the stench from it indicative of the loss of biodiversity. A plan to develop the lake is on the cards as shown on Rajuk’s website, but practical steps are yet to be taken. An official of Rajuk, Raihanul Ferdous said the lake development work would start from the next fiscal. l Youth killed in Chittagong road accident n Tarek Mahmud, Chittagong A youth was killed while three others were injured in a road accident on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway at Sitakunda upazila in Chittagong yesterday morning. The deceased is identified as Md Shamim, 27, son of Chan Mia, resident of Chowdhury Bari of the Banglabazar area of the upazila, said police. Sohel Imtiaz, officer-in-charge of Baro Awlia highway police outpost, said the driver of a speeding Chittagong-bound truck, lost control and ran over Shamim, along with three other pedestrians, who were standing on the side of the highway around 9am. The injured were rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where on duty doctors declared Shamin dead. Of the three injured two were receiving treatment at CMCH. Police seized the bus while its driver and assistant managed to flee the scene soon after accident. l 8 DHAKA TRIBUNE International Snipers shoot at UN chemical weapons team in Syria The attack forced them to suspend their inspection but no injuries were reported n AFP, Damascus Snipers shot at a UN team set to inspect the site of a suspected deadly chemical weapons attack on Monday, further ratcheting up tensions as the West warned of possible military action against Damascus. A defiant Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared that any strike by the US and its allies would be doomed to failure and key ally Moscow said it could have dangerous consequences for the entire region. A UN spokesman said unidentified snipers shot at the UN experts looking into allegations of a chemical attack near Damascus last week that the Syrian opposition claimed killed hundreds of civilians. The attack forced them to suspend their inspection but no injuries were reported, said spokesman Martin Nesirky. “The first vehicle of the chemical weapons investigation team was deliberately shot at multiple times by unidentified snipers,” he said. The attack came as the West appeared to be moving closer to launching a military response over last Wednesday’s attack near Damascus, which shocked the world after grisly pictures emerged of dead children with horrific injuries. Britain said the West could act even without full UN Security Council backing, with China and Moscow likely to boycott any resolution backing a military strike. Washington and its allies have pointed the finger of blame at Assad’s regime for the alleged attack, the latest atrocity in a conflict that has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people Young Palestinian women hold lit candles during a protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in front of the UN headquarters in Gaza City REUTERS since March 2011. Assad, in an interview with a Russian newspaper published Monday, angrily denied the accusations as an “insult to common sense” and said any military action was doomed to failure. “The United States faces failure just like in all the previous wars they waged,” he said. A senior Syrian security official told AFP the regime was ready to face “all scenarios”. “Western threats of strikes against Syria are part of the psychological and political pressure against Syria, but in any case we are ready to face all scenarios,” the official said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned his US counterpart John Kerry of the “extremely dangerous consequences of a possible new mili- Fukushima water handling ‘like whack-a-mole’ n AFP, Tokyo Tepco’s handling of radioactive water at Fukushima has been like “whacka-mole”, a minister said Monday after visiting the battered plant, pledging Japan’s government would step up its involvement at the site. The colourful comments come after 300 tonnes of toxic liquid was found to have leaked from one of the hundreds of tanks storing heavily polluted water used to cool broken reactors at the plant. “With regard to Tepco’s handling of contaminated water, it has been just like whack-a-mole,” said industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi, in reference to the anarchic fairground game in which players bash creatures that pop up from random holes. The trip by Motegi, who was apparently referring to Tepco’s hurried response to events rather than planning ahead, comes amid growing calls for the government to take charge of the clean-up at the plant. Critics accuse Tepco of being incapable of dealing with the vast – and growing – volumes of radioactive water at the site. Last week’s leak was dubbed the most serious single incident since the plant went into meltdown in March 2011 after being hit by a quake and tsunami. l WORLD WATCH Social media fuels massive Philippine anti-graft rally Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the Philippine capital on Monday to voice outrage at corrupt politicians, in a modern-day “People Power” rally fuelled by social media. The march, emulated on a smaller-scale in other cities around the country, was the largest anti-graft demonstration since President Benigno Aquino was elected in 2010 on a platform to fight corruption. The protesters ranged from members of the clergy and students to businessmen, middle-class families, lawyers and other professionals. While few called for the ouster of Aquino, whose personal ratings remain high, there was widespread fury with politicians. Japan wife kills cheating husband with coffee cup A Japanese housewife battered her septuagenarian husband to death with a coffee cup after discovering he was cheating on her. The 61-year-old woman allegedly attacked her partner after learning of his affair, battering him repeatedly on the face and head with the mug at their home southwest of Tokyo on Sunday afternoon, the Asahi Shimbun and other media reported. Yasuo Hirose, a 70-year-old honourary professor with Yokohama National University, was taken to the hospital but later confirmed dead. The wife has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Adultery website shines spotlight on Hong Kong marriages The founder of a dating service promoting adultery, the Canada-based AshleyMadison.com, is setting his sights on China’s cheating hearts after a controversial launch in Hong Kong. With its slogan “Life is short. Have an affair,” the website boasts more than 20 million users in more than 15 countries. It has been expanding aggressively, adding Japan and India last year. On Friday it launched in Hong Kong, where religious and family planning groups have come together to criticise its message. Hong Kong has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, which experts say is driven by financial pressures in a city of extremely high property prices. Mexico migrant train derailment kills 6 A cargo train carrying US-bound migrants derailed in a remote and swampy area of southeastern Mexico on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring several more. The train known as “The Beast,” which carries Central American migrants who pay smugglers to sit atop freight cars, careened off the track near a river in Tabasco state before dawn, with eight freight cars derailing, officials said. National civil protection coordinator Luis Felipe Puente said 18 people were taken to hospitals, including 17 from Honduras and one from Guatemala, all aged between 19 to 54. He had said earlier that 22 people were injured. US businessman held in Chinese blogging crackdown Police have detained a Chinese-American venture capitalist on suspicion of visiting a prostitute in Beijing, as authorities crack down on bloggers who post sensitive material on China’s already heavily restricted Internet. Charles Xue, who has over 12 million followers on the Twitter-like site Sina Weibo, was detained on Friday evening in a Beijing neighbourhood along with a woman. The naturalised American citizen would regularly repost reform-minded content, and had made comments on other issues including China’s air quality and food safety. tary intervention for the whole Middle East and North Africa region.” Syrian authorities had approved the UN inspection of the site in Ghouta east of Damascus on Sunday, but US officials said it was too little, too late, arguing that persistent shelling there in recent days had “corrupted” the site. Mortar shells also hit a mosque in the centre of Damascus on Monday, the Syrian news agency Sana said, blaming “terrorists,” its term for rebel fighters. The international community has long been divided over how to respond to the conflict, with Russia and China repeatedly blocking UN Security Council resolutions. The latest allegations have driven a new wedge between Russia and the West, with Moscow saying the suspected attack was a rebel ploy to discredit the Assad regime. China has backed a UN investigation into the charges, but urged a “cautious” response. US President Barack Obama has been loath to order US military action to protect civilians in Syria, fearing being drawn into a vicious civil war, soon after he extracted US troops from Iraq. But revulsion over video footage and gruesome photographs of dead children blanketing the world’s media has seen mounting pressure on the international community. “Is it possible to respond to chemical weapons without complete unity on the UN Security Council? I would argue yes,” British Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC, refusing to rule out a military strike this week. France said the West would decide in the coming days on a response. “The only option that I do not envisage is to do nothing,” Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on French radio. Turkey – a vehement opponent of the Assad regime – said it would join an international coalition against Syria even if the Security Council fails to reach consensus on the issue, while Germany said there would have to be “consequences” for the regime if the accusations against it are confirmed. US officials said that Obama, who had said a year ago that the use of chemical weapons by Assad’s forces was a “red line” that could trigger Western intervention, would make an “informed decision” about how to respond. Experts believe the most likely US action would see sea-launched cruise missiles target Syrian military installations and artillery batteries deemed complicit in the chemical weapons attack.l Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Assad warns US of ‘failure’ if it attacks Syria n AFP, Damascus President Bashar al-Assad warned the US of “failure” if it attacks Syria, as UN experts were Monday to begin probing allegations Syrian forces used chemical weapons on civilians. In an escalation of a showdown over the suspected attack near Damascus last week, the United States and its Western allies pointed the finger of blame at Assad’s regime. The Syrian president, in an interview with a Russian newspaper published Monday, angrily dismissed the allegations as an “insult to common sense.” Assad told pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia that the frontline in the area where the incident took place was not clear and the Syrian regime would have risked killing its own troops if it used chemical weapons. “The comments made by politicians in the West and other countries are an insult to common sense... It is nonsense,” he said. Assad warned the United States against attacking Syria and argued Washington’s recent military campaigns had all fallen short of their aims. “The United States faces failure just like in all the previous wars they waged, starting with Vietnam and up to our days,” he said. A US diplomatic offensive led by Secretary of State John Kerry, comments coming from the White House and signs the Pentagon is positioning ships closer to Syria fuelled an impression that President Barack Obama may be getting ready to jettison his antipathy to new Middle Eastern entanglements and to order limited military action. Kerry has spent days on the phone with Washington’s foreign partners. French President Francois Hollande told his US counterpart that “everything was consistent” with the conclusion that Damascus was behind the attack. “The two presidents agreed to stay in close contact to arrive at a joint response to this unprecedented aggression,” the French leader’s office said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Kerry of the “extremely dangerous consequences” of launching military action. Lavrov told Kerry in a telephone call Sunday that Moscow was “deeply alarmed” by statements coming out of Washington. Syria’s opposition says more than 1,300 people died when toxic gases were unleashed last Wednesday as regime forces bombarded rebel zones east and southwest of Damascus before dawn. Doctors Without Borders said 355 people had died of “neurotoxic” symptoms in the affected areas. If confirmed, the attack would mark the deadliest use of chemical agents since Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein gassed Iranian troops and Kurdish rebels in the 1980s. The Syrian authorities green-lighted the UN inspection on Sunday, but US officials said it was too little, too late, arguing that persistent shelling of the site in recent days had “corrupted” the site. British Foreign Secretary William Hague too warned any evidence of a chemical attack may have been destroyed by the artillery bombardment. UN chief Ban Ki-Moon said Monday there was no time to waste in probing the allegations. “Every hour counts. We cannot afford any more delays,” Ban told reporters in Seoul as UN experts prepared to travel to the site of the alleged attacks. l Hundreds homeless after Myanmar religious unrest n AFP, Yangon Hundreds of people made homeless by Myanmar’s latest eruption of religious violence were sheltering in a school Monday, a local MP said, after mobs torched the homes and shops of local Muslims. Around 1,000 anti-Muslim rioters rampaged through villages in Kanbalu, in the central region of Sagaing, on Saturday evening, setting fire to property and attacking rescue vehicles. Dozens of houses and shops were left in charred ruins. “The fires burned until last night, but they have now been extinguished after it rained heavily,” said Myint Naing a local MP for the opposition National League for Democracy party, adding that the situation was calm. He said 160 men and 158 women who had lost their homes had taken shelter in a school after unrest which shocked the local community. “They had been living peacefully for many years and this is the first time they saw violence,” he said. Attacks against Muslims – who make up at least four percent of the population – have exposed deep rifts in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, overshadowing widely praised political reforms since military rule ended in 2011. The latest violence is the first anti-Muslim incident reported in the Sagaing region amid signs that the unrest is continuing to widen. State newspaper the New Light of Myanmar said the situation was “normal” by Monday morning and authorities were making arrangements to open camps for those who lost their homes. No injuries have been reported. The report said 12 people had been arrested in relation to the unrest, which began after a Muslim man was A man walks on a road near a shop owned by Muslims that was destroyed at Htan Kone village, in Myanmar detained on suspicion of attempting to rape a Buddhist woman on Saturday evening. A crowd of about 150 people and three Buddhist monks gathered at the local police station on Saturday demanding that the accused be handed over to them, according to a message on the Ministry of Information website on Sunday. When the authorities refused, the mob attacked Muslim property in the area and the crowd grew in size and ferocity as the night went on. Religious violence has left about 250 people dead and more than 140,000 homeless in Myanmar – mostly Muslims – since clashes between Buddhists and the Rohingya Muslim minority broke out in the west of the country last year. This year the unrest has widened, with attacks on other Myanmar Muslims across the country. The country’s once-feared security forces have often proved ineffective in dealing with the unrest, with rights groups claiming officials have actively colluded with rioters -- a claim the government rejects. REUTERS Anti-Muslim rhetoric, spread by radical Buddhist monks, has been on the rise in Myanmar. Many of the clashes have featured retaliatory attacks against entire communities in response to accusations of seemingly isolated criminal acts. Last week watchdog Physicians for Human Rights said Myanmar risked “catastrophic” levels of conflict with “potential crimes against humanity and/or genocide” if authorities failed to stem anti-Muslim hate speech and a culture of impunity around the clashes. l Sri Lanka monks protest UN rights chief’s visit n AFP, Colombo Buddhist monks led protests in the Sri Lankan capital Monday against the UN’s top rights official, who began a fact-finding mission to the country following concerns about war crimes. Dozens of monks and pro-government activists staged the noisy demonstration outside UN offices, accusing the international community of drumming up false allegations of war crimes in 2009 during the final months of a separatist conflict. The activists vowed to stage more protests if UN rights official Navi Pillay criticised Sri Lanka during her weeklong mission, which they say would damage the country emerging from de- cades of ethnic war. “We will not hesitate to muster the protest of the entire citizenry against the UN if attempts are made to fabricate diabolical lies against Sri Lanka,” the activists said in a petition. Carrying banners that read “Let us condemn Pillay’s anti-Sri Lankan visit”, the activists handed the petition to a senior UN official before dispersing. Pillay, who has previously been accused by Colombo of overstepping her mandate, arrived Sunday for her first visit after the government dropped its public hostility to her and promised access to former war zones. On Monday she met Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem and is due to travel to the former war zone of Jaffna later in the day. Pillay, who has previously called for a war crimes investigation against Sri Lanka, told reporters on Sunday that she was only holding Colombo to human rights standards agreed by all nations. “I am not writing my own statute. I am looking at the (human rights) framework that was also developed by Sri Lanka,” she said. “If I raise criticism, it is on whether they (Sri Lanka) comply with those standards,” she added. “I have not come to criticise. I have come to raise human rights concerns.” The government’s U-turn in allowing her free access came as Canada leads calls for a boycott of a Commonwealth summit scheduled to take place in Colombo later this year. Sri Lanka has resisted international pressure for an investigation into what the UN says are “credible allegations” that up to 40,000 civilians were killed in the final months of the war. A no-holds-barred military offensive crushed Tamil Tiger rebels who at the height of their power controlled a third of Sri Lanka’s territory. President Mahinda Rajapakse has since been dogged by claims of indiscriminate killing of ethnic Tamils. Tamil groups are banking on Pillay’s visit to revive calls for a war crimes probe, but the government insists that its troops did not kill civilians. l DHAKA TRIBUNE International Peace meet cancelled over Israeli killing of three Palestinians US leaker Snowden stayed at Russia’s Hong Kong consulate Palestinian president’s spokesman says shooting show ‘real intentions’ of Israel n AFP, Moscow and others were wounded.” n AFP, Ramallah The peace talks formally resumed Edward Snowden, the US intelligence Peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators expected on Monday have been cancelled after Israeli security forces shot dead three Palestinians during clashes in the West Bank, a Palestinian official said. “The meeting that was to take place in Jericho... today was cancelled because of the Israeli crime committed in Qalandiya today,” the official told AFP, referring to the refugee camp where the clashes erupted before dawn. He did not set a new date. “What happened today in Qalandiya shows the real intentions of the Israeli government,” Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas’s spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina, told AFP as reports of the shooting started to emerge. He called on the US administration to “take serious and quick steps” to prevent the collapse of peace efforts. Medics reported three Palestinians shot dead and 19 wounded by Israeli security forces in Qalandiya camp, between Ramallah and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, very early Monday. They named the dead as Rubeen Abed Fares, 30, and Yunis Jahjouh, 22, both shot in the chest, and Jihad Aslan, 20, who died of brain damage. The hospital officials said all the casu- Palestinian mourners carry the body of one of three slain Palestinian during their funeral procession, at the Qalandia refugee camp AP alties had been hit by live ammunition. An Israeli police spokeswoman said that border police used “riot dispersal means” to disperse a stone-throwing crowd of 1,500 people. “In the early hours of the morning a border police team went into Qalandiya camp to arrest a hostile terrorist activist,” spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP. “After his arrest a mob of about 1,500 residents began a disturbance, throwing petrol bombs and stones, en- dangering the lives of force members, who responded with riot dispersal means,” she said. An army spokeswoman said that troops did not participate in the initial arrest raid but were sent in to extricate the border police. “An army force was called to help them,” she told AFP. “They were obliged to use live fire to protect themselves, and according to preliminary reports two (Palestinians) were killed Indian officials promise swift justice in gang-rape case n AFP, Mumbai Indian officials on Monday promised swift justice over the gang-rape of a young photographer in Mumbai, as the final suspect appeared in court over the attack that sparked angry protests. Five men have been arrested on suspicion of raping the 22-year-old woman in central Mumbai on Thursday when she was on assignment for a magazine with a male colleague. The attack reignited widespread anger at the treatment of women in India that first erupted in December after the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi. “We will submit a charge sheet in a court of law as soon as possible and the case will be done in a fast-track court,” Mumbai’s police commissioner Satyapal Singh told reporters. The chief minister of Maharashtra state, Prithviraj Chavan, has also promised a fast-track case “to ensure speedy justice to the victim”. The final suspect was arrested on Sunday in New Delhi by Mumbai police, over the brutal attack in which the woman’s male colleague was allegedly tied up with a belt and the woman raped repeatedly nearby. The four alleged accomplices were earlier arrested in Mumbai. Relatives of two of the accused told media they are juveniles but Singh insisted they were all unemployed adults and school drop-outs who were born and grew up in the city. A court remand sheet shows the ‘Dreamers’ to create Delhi park n AP, New Delhi In a tangle of forgotten, overgrown brush in the heart of India’s capital, a quiet plan has been hatched to change the landscape of one of the world’s most populous cities. An intricate Mughal garden is being created. Crumbling sandstone tombs nearly lost to history are being rebuilt. An artificial lake is being carved out. The renovation of Sunder Nursery is intended to serve as the catalyst for an even more ambitious project: the creation of a mammoth, iconic park that would rival New York’s Central Park as a refuge from urban chaos. “It would be the place where the city descends. It would be an oasis,” said Ratish Nanda, project director for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the driving force behind the dream of a mega-park. To create that park would require the merger of a string of adjoining gardens, heritage areas and a zoo administered by different government agencies, an incredibly complicated task in a land where bureaucratic turfs are fiercely protected. No formal proposal has been formulated. But sometimes in India, it takes tenacious dreamers like Nanda to achieve the seemingly impossible. Nanda and the Aga Khan Trust have taken on seemingly impossible tasks before. They helped wrest a 17acre compound in the area, along with a large monument, from India’s version of the Boy Scouts. They are currently fighting with railways officials to get them to remove a storeroom blocking access to another monument. The payoff would be considerable. Delhi, with a population of about 17 million, is a surprisingly green city, with small parks dotting many neighbourhoods and Lodhi Gardens — with a clutch of crumbling monuments of its own — attracting speed walkers and picnickers in upscale south Delhi. The mega-park would tower over them all. It would be 480-hectares, considerably larger than Central Park. It would have 100,000 trees of more than 300 species, Nanda said. It would encompass one of the most impressive collections of medieval Islamic monuments, anchored by the grandiose tomb of Emperor Humayun, a 16th Century prototype for the Taj Mahal. It would have an ancient fort, a Buddhist stupa, flocks of exotic birds and white tigers in the zoo. Nanda imagines families rolling out carpets on the grass in the winter and enjoying a book in the shade of a tree in the summer. He imagines people touring the tombs or just crossing the park on their daily commutes. The heart of the dream is the restoration of Sunder Nursery, a 40-hectare field adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb, both of which are being restored by the Aga Khan’s trust. The nursery was founded by British colonists to grow experimental plants. In recent years it was barely functioning, became a dumping ground for construction waste, and was visited by a few hundred people a month. The trust fought back a government plan to cut the nursery in half — and destroy a garden tomb — to make way for a major road planned for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Nanda said. It had to remove 1,000 truckloads of construction rubble scattered about the fields. The nursery project, Nanda said, is intended to turn what had been a dead zone “into a thriving ecological hub.” But this is just a small step he hopes will create a creeping momentum toward the larger park. He is already eyeing the crumbling Azimnganj Sarai, an early 16th Century pilgrim’s motel just outside the nursery on zoo land. The Mughal garden, in fact the entire design of the nursery, points directly at the sarai, and he is hoping to get permission to restore it and add it to the park. That would bring him a small step closer to the mega-park dream. That park, as envisioned by Nanda and his colleagues, would start with Humayun’s Tomb and its complex of gardens and monuments. Just to the north is the nursery, then the national zoo, then the Purana Qila, the oldest fort in the city. Running alongside all this is the narrow Millennium Park, which borders the Yamuna River. These areas are so cut off now that a trip from Humayun’s Tomb to Millennium Park, only about 100metres away, would take 5.5km. l men are aged 18 to 27. Singh said three suspects had criminal records for theft but police did not yet have evidence of any previous rape accusations against them. The fifth suspect, Mohammed Salim Ansari, 27, was produced before a magistrates’ court on Monday, barefoot and wearing a striped shirt. He was remanded in police custody until September 5. The family of the young woman said Sunday they were hopeful of the “severest of punishments” for those responsible after a tougher sex crimes law was introduced in India earlier this year. The attack shocked Mumbai, a city that is generally considered safer for women than the capital. But Singh insisted the attack “does not mean that Mumbai is not safe any more.” l this month after a hiatus of nearly three years, thanks to an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Palestinian sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, had at the weekend said they expected a new round of talks to be held Monday in the West Bank town of Jericho, but there had been no official confirmation from either side, in accordance with a US-imposed news blackout. The talks have been overshadowed by Israeli plans to build more than 2,000 new homes for Jewish settlers on occupied Palestinian territory. On Sunday, Jerusalem city council’s finance committee approved a budget of $17.3 million (13 million euros) for infrastructure work at the site of the planned new east Jerusalem settlement of Ramat Shlomo. The site hit the headlines in March 2010, when Israel sparked the ire of the US administration by announcing, during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden, that 1,600 new homes would be built there. “The daily killings and ongoing settlement activity are all Israeli messages that aim to destroy the peace process,” Abu Rudeina said. l 9 Tuesday, August 27, 2013 leaker who was granted asylum in Russia, contacted Russian officials before he flew to Moscow and spent several days at the country’s diplomatic mission in Hong Kong, a newspaper said on Monday. The Kommersant, citing a source close to Snowden, said the former US National Security Agency contractor had spent several days at the Russian general consulate in Hong Kong before boarding an Aeroflot flight to Moscow in late June. Snowden even celebrated his 30th birthday there, the source was quoted as saying. A Western source confirmed the information to the newspaper, adding that the West thought it was possible that Russian authorities had invited Snowden to come to Russia. It is likely that “Russians themselves invited Snowden, passing the invitation on to him via the Chinese who were happy to get rid of him,” the Western source was quoted as saying. A source in the Russian government confirmed to Kommersant that Snowden was at the Russian consulate in Hong Kong for two days until he left for Moscow. The source however said Snowden had turned up uninvited, adding that he had planned to fly to Latin America via Moscow and asked for help, citing international conventions on the rights of refugees. Snowden flew to Moscow on June 23 but did not board a flight to Cuba the next day despite having a reservation. He ended up spending more than a month in the transit zone of Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow until Russia gave him a temporary asylum. Snowden even celebrated his 30th birthday at the Russian general consulate in Hong Kong , the source was quoted as saying The move led to a new crisis in ties between Moscow and Washington. President Vladimir Putin has said Snowden arrived in Russia uninvited and would leave as soon as possible. Kommersant said Snowden did not board an Aeroflot plane to Cuba even though he had been checked in because Havana said it would not allow the plane to land. Citing several sources, the newspaper said Cuba had made the decision under pressure from the United States.l Pakistanis flee Indian fire in Kashmir n AFP, Muzaffarabad Several hundred villagers have fled their homes in Pakistani Kashmir after deadly cross-border shelling by the Indian army, Pakistani officials said Monday. Pakistani authorities on Sunday accused the Indian army of killing two women and wounding seven other civilians in shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) which marks the de facto border in the disputed Himalayan region. So far six Pakistanis are reported to have been killed in firing across the heavily militarised border since five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed on August 5 in Kashmir. Delhi blamed the August 5 killings on the Pakistani army, but Islamabad denied any responsibility and has called for restraint. “Since Sunday at least 40 families or 300 people have left their homes in 10 villages in Nakyal sector to escape shelling by Indian troops,” said Javed Budhanwi, a cabinet minister for the regional government in Pakistani Kashmir. Nakyal is around 200km south of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir. The summer holidays for schools along the LoC have also been extended until August 31 for safety reasons, officials said. Most of the displaced, from Datoot village, have been given shelter at camps set up in colleges in the town of Nakyal, Budhanwi said. About 10 families have moved in with relatives and more people are expected to flee in the next few days if the Indian firing continues, he added. “We are requesting villagers to remain inside their houses as Indian troops are targeting the civilian population with small arms and heavy weapons,” he said. Many villagers have dug trenches outside their houses for when the shelling starts, he said. Four civilians were wounded by Indian fire on Monday, local government official Masood-ur-Rehman told AFP. He also confirmed that families had started to flee. The clashes threaten to jeopardise a planned meeting between the two countries’ prime ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next month. A deadly flare-up along the LoC in January halted peace talks that had only just resumed following a threeyear hiatus sparked by the 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people. India blamed Pakistani militants for the attack. l China Bo trial ends, prosecutor demands severe punishment n Reuters, Jinan, China Chinese prosecutors demanded a heavy sentence for ousted top politician Bo Xilai as his divisive, dramatic trial ended on Monday, saying his “whimsical” challenge to charges of bribery, graft and abuse of power flew in the face of the evidence. Bo was a rising star in China’s leadership circles when his career was stopped short last year by a murder scandal in which his wife, Gu Kailai, was convicted of poisoning a British businessman, Neil Heywood, who had been a family friend. Bo, who was Communist Party chief of the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing, has mounted an unexpectedly feisty defense since the trial began on Thursday, denouncing testimony against him by his wife as the ravings of a mad woman. The court, announcing the end of the five-day trial, said the verdict would come at a later date. It did not provide details, but it could be announced within the next few weeks. Bo has repeatedly said he is not guilty of any of the charges, although he has admitted to making some bad decisions and to shaming his country by his handling of former Chongqing police chief, Wang Lijun, who first told Bo that Gu had probably murdered Heywood. Summing up the evidence, the state’s Labourers work to renovate the Neela Gumbad, or Blue Tomb, as part of a project for the creation of the park in New Delhi prosecutor said Bo should not be shown leniency as he had recanted admissions of guilt provided ahead of the trial. In his final address to the court, Bo admitted to personal failings. “I know I’m an imperfect man,” Bo said. “I’m very subjective and bad-tempered. I have committed serious errors and mistakes ... I did not manage my family and subordinates well, I have made big mistakes and am sorry to the party and the people.” l AP DHAKA TRIBUNE Op-Ed Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11 Take responsibility for what you say in talk shows S n Shafin Fattah ince the onset of recent Hefazat and Jamaat activities following the Shahbagh protests, I have noticed an increased tendency among people for them to become more conscious about their multiple identities. “Perceived” conflicts between religious and national identities are suddenly gaining more media attention. Guests in several talk shows are suddenly talking about what constitutes national and religious identities. They are raising questions about what isn’t Islamic and what isn’t a part of Bangali culture. It is very natural for this to happen after a movement started with nationalistic fervour was challenged by one charged with religious sentiment. However, some of the guests in these talk shows are making rather inappropriate comments without carefully thinking and articulating their opinions. I feel it is necessary to talk about two such personalities, Mita Haque and Shahriar Kabir, and their comments in two different talk shows that particularly caught my attention. Both of these guests commented about clothing in Bangladesh and in doing so criticised and ridiculed certain segments of the population. Video clips of their comments have gone viral on social media and have also drawn criticisms. To begin with, Mita Haque, the revered Rabindra Sangeet singer, stated on Ekkator TV that people in Bangladesh are going through an identity crisis as they struggle to dress up like proper Bangalis. She carelessly implied that those adorning themselves in burqas, hijabs, tupis and beard are not behaving like Bangalis. Furthermore, Shahriar Kabir, the famous journalist turned writer, human rights activist and head of Ghatak-Dalal Nirmul Committee, went a step further in Somoy News. He claimed that hijab is un-Islamic and is part of Wahhabi culture that came to Bangladesh, through the efforts of Saudi Arabia and some returning expatriates from the Middle East. According to Shahriar, many of the expatriates have been brainwashed to adopt the Wahhabi culture of hijab for their female relatives. In his defence, he did point out that back in the 1960s, hardly anyone wore hijab and films in Islamic countries like Egypt and Pakistan portrayed women freely wearing sleeveless dresses and other more revealing outfits more than today. I personally found both these comments rather silly and insensible. However, I would still engage with them before drawing a general conclusion about how such comments inevitably harm the social fabric of our country. Response to Mita Haque When she talked about how Bangladeshis who wear tupis and sport beards are not Bangalis, the first images that came to my mind were that of Tagore’s dense beard and Nazrul’s famous tupi-clad portrait. I will not go further into what a Bangali should or should not wear as that is a personal choice. A single naive or callous comment can suddenly jeopardise their credibility and harm the causes they promote However, what I found ridiculous was how she, as a cultural ambassador of Bangladesh, singled out men with “beard and tupi” and “women in burqas” to associate them with Jamaat supporters and anti-Bangalis. I find it surprising that those wearing Indian styled saris, kameez, jeans, pants, shirts, and western outfits have not caught her attention all these years. True Bangalis, according to her are those who wear traditional secular-themed clothes. But this is not true. We are Bangalis by virtue of the collective promotion of our language, literature, culture, traditions, food habits, etc. and not simply by the clothing we choose to wear. Response to Shahriar Kabir I always revered him for his efforts in promoting the war crime trials. However, I was stunned by his argument, where he chose to rule hijab as anti-Islamist by drawing examples from traditional outfits of Pakistanis, Turks and Egyptians and what actresses of those countries wore half a century ago. Seems it never occurred to him that he should validate his arguments on the basis of the Qur’an, hadith and those Islamic law books which are traditionally considered to be authoritative throughout the Muslim world. I leave it up to individuals to decide whether hijab is un-Islamic when dressing up modestly is reiterated in the Qur’an and hadith, and major Islamic schools of law instruct women to cover their hair. Impacts of such comments in Bangladesh Firstly, such comments are divisive because they hurt the sentiments of certain significant segments of the population. These particular segments already feel under attack from the more secular segments of our society due to the Hefazat-Jamaat conjured propaganda that the secular government is anti-Islamic. At a time of turmoil, such insensible comments only create discord among the population. Moreover, such comments only promote stereotyping to ridicule people, the last thing Bangladesh needs at a time of unrest. Secondly, many of these personalities are inclined towards the ruling party through overt endorsement. As such, their comments are often assumed to reflect the mind-set of the government. This gives more substance to those spreading propaganda to create unrest and divide among the population along secular versus religious lines. For example, their comments are already being circulated by pro-Jamaat activists over social media who argue those promoting war criminal trials are anti-Islamist and are working to undermine Islamist values. This, in turn, harms the causes people like Shahriar Kabir and Mita Haque pro- Monsoon tourism in Bangladesh A resort on the Padma uses monsoon as tourist attraction n Ziaul Haque Howlader I n Bangladesh the tropical monsoon climate can bring much hardship but it also blesses the landscape with heavy rainfall each year. During the rainy season, our minds can wander as we are spell-bound by the magic of rain gathered from many lands passing through cloudy skies. After a long day of heavy rainfall, a sudden rainbow can magically flash across the sky to stimulate the imagination. Many states of India, especially Rajasthan, arrange different festivals and fairs during the moonsoon Our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote many songs and poems inspired by the beauty of the rainy season in Bangladesh. Many people love to hear Nazrul’s songs during the rainy season. Nazrul portrayed the hidden beauty of the monsoon through songs like “Eshoo hey shojolo shyamo ghono deya, chanchalo shaymolo elo gogone” or “Rum jhum jhum badalo name.” Many flowers bloom and enhance the beauty of the land. Beautiful white kashful makes for an attractive scene beside the banks of rivers across the country. Nazrul’s writings reflect the majestic SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN natural beauty brought by the monsoon as the fragrances of Kadam, Hizal, and Juthika spread magic everywhere. During rainy season, the haors (wetlands) and rivers become like seas and natural beauty flourishes. As streets become muddy, the sound of frogs, insects and other creatures grow across the land. Truly, the monsoon brings much beauty and many unique blessings. This is the season of fishes, especially Hilsha, the national fish of Bangladesh. Its mouth-watering taste and the smell of different preparations of the fish are popular with all. It is not uncommon for tourists from many different countries to visit countries with a monsoon climate, but often the rainy season is avoided. Yet, the rainy season can also be of much interest for visitors and this potential should be recognised. In Bangladesh, we traditionally arrange many festivals, fairs and games in the rainy season. We may offer tourists the chance to experience these and introduce them to new tastes such as our native specialty of Hilsha. Boat races (nouka baich), Kabaddi and indoor games are common during the season and can provide a special form of entertainment. As Bangladesh is a riverine country, the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and private agencies could also do more to arrange and promote boat tours and luxury cruises offering tourists the chance to experience won- derful views of our haors, baors and rivers. Fishing during the rainy season can offer a mesmerising memory for many tourists. Attractive healthy fruits like pineapple, guava, pomegranates, sour berries, and nuncha can be locally sourced for tourists to enjoy. There are also many traditional foods like khichuri with Hilsha fish, chilis, dried fish and vegetables for all to appreciate during rainy season. In our country, the months from October to February are usually promoted as the season for tourists. However, every season of Bangladesh can offer different and distinctive features which may attract interested visitors. Other countries already use the rainy season as a feature to encourage tourists. In this season, many states of India, especially Rajasthan, arrange different festivals and fairs. “Monsoon holiday packages” bring in a growing amount of income from visitors who come to enjoy the beauty of the monsoon climate. Monsoon tourism can provide a magnificent experience and it should be promoted to create new opportunities for Bangladesh’s tourism and travel industries. Our history and traditions of enjoying life during the rainy season can inspire us to develop this, just as it has inspired our national festivals, folklore and poets. The rainy season does not only bring out blessings, great hazards may also come with the seasons great blessings. Heavy rainfall creates flood and many people in low lying countryside have to face indescribable sufferings. Above all, the majestic sound of rain and thunder creates vivid images and memories in the minds of the listeners, different to that of daily life. Bangladesh forms the world’s largest delta with our magnificent rivers like the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna. We already host visitors who come outside rainy season to travel across the country by boat and explore its beauty. Bangladesh offers many special experiences for tourists within a compact land area. Our traditions of hospitality and celebrating the monsoon can be used to interest more visitors to enjoy Bangladesh in the rainy season as well. l Ziaul Haque Howlader is the Deputy Manager of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. mote in society such as trials for war criminals and encouraging Bangali culture, etc. Such comments are divisive because they hurt the sentiments of certain significant segments of the population The time has come for TV channels and their talk show guests to become more responsible and better prepared so that they can save themselves from endorsing comments and stereotypes, which can be misused in such ways and may encourage division. It is important for commentators to understand how a single naive or callous comment can suddenly jeopardise their credibility and harm the causes they promote. l Shafin Fattah is an economics student at Princeton University. Brotherhood returns to underground past n Haitham el-Tabei F or Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, a fierce crackdown has led to a return to its underground existence of the past: avoiding phones and the Internet, changing homes and blending in. Ever since security forces forcibly dispersed two Cairo camps of protesters loyal to ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, members of his Muslim Brotherhood organisation have been on the run. Authorities have arrested the group’s top leaders, including its supreme guide, effectively decapitating the movement and disrupting its organisational structure. Morsi himself is detained at a secret location and authorities have charged him and other Brotherhood members with involvement in the deaths of protesters. The campaign of arrests has forced the Brotherhood back to ways it had largely abandoned as it inched its way into the spotlight. Long banned in Egypt, the group had become gradually more tolerated in the years before the 2011 revolution, winning parliamentary seats through candidates who ran as independents. It took centre-stage only after the uprising which toppled president Hosni Mubarak, winning a majority in parliament and then the presidency. But Morsi’s July 3 ouster has reset the clock. Members of the Muslim Brotherhood have been on the run since the ouster of Morsi “We’ve gone back to direct contact after having banned the use of telephones and the Internet, which could allow us to be found,” said Aisha, an activist in the Alexandria region of northern Egypt, giving a false name for security reasons. Her father, a Brotherhood member, has gone underground for fear of arrest after the August 14 break-up of the protest camps by security forces at a cost of hundreds of lives. “It’s worse than under Mubarak,” she told AFP. “Because in addition to the violence of the police, there’s the hostility of the people.” “Many people no longer want to have Muslim Brotherhood as neighbours, but luckily there are still some who sympathise with us.” The campaign of arrests has forced the Brotherhood back to ways it had largely abandoned Another activist based in Tanta, southwest of Cairo, who asked to be called Ahmed, said the group’s leaders were all on the run. “None of our leaders spend even two nights in a row in the same place,” he said. No rank of the Brotherhood has been left untouched, from grassroots members to supreme guide Mohamed Badie, who was arrested on August 20. Security sources say more than 2,000 Muslim Brotherhood members have been arrested in the past 12 days. But a lawyer close to the group, Ismail Wishahi, says “more than 8,000 activists have been locked up.” An anti-Brotherhood mood has been growing for weeks. The army ousted Morsi after massive demonstrations against his rule. Ordinary Egyptians have attacked dozens of the group’s offices and the local media have lined up behind Morsi’s ouster, dubbing the Brotherhood “terrorists” and terming the crisis a “war against terrorism.” In the past, the Brotherhood has been able to mobilise tens of thousands of demonstrators, drawing on a network of supporters throughout the country. But the violent dispersal of the protest camps and the campaign of arrests has thinned its ranks and made it increasingly difficult to mobilise en masse. l This article was first published by AFP. 12 DHAKA TRIBUNE Entertainment Nazrul institute pays tribute to the National Poet n Afrose Jahan Chaity On the occasion of the 37th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Nazrul Institute organised a three day long programme and award-giving ceremony at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium, National Museum, from August 25 till today. The programme features a discussion on the groundbreaking po- ems and writings of the legendary bard, by eminent researchers and personalities. Today, renowned Nazrul singers Khalid hossain, Shahin Samad, Khairul Anam Shakil, Ferdous Ara, Salauddin Ahmed and Yakub Ali Khan will perform on the celebration programme. Cultural Minister Abul Kalam Azad was the chief guest at the inaguration programme. Cultural Secretary Dr Ranajit Kumar Biswas presided over the discussion, while Commissioner of Dhaka District A N Shamsuddin Azad were special guests. Among others, Nazrul’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi gave the vote of thanks and Executive Director of Nazrul Institute Rashid Haider gave the welcome speech. Noted Nazrul exponent Professor Rafiqul Islam and Mohit Ul Alam was the speaker at the discussion. M A Mannan and Anupam Hayat received awards on the occasion. Later, a brief cultural programme was held at the venue. Prominent Nazrul signers performed solo and group songs. l TV channels observe Nazrul’s death anniversary To mark the 37th death anniversary of the national poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam, the TV channels have prepared special programmes, featuring the rebel poet’s music, songs, poem and novels. The various programmes include drama, telefilm, musical shows, recitation written by the revolutionary personality ‘Nature – Color and Vision’ Khurshid Alam Saleem Time: 12 pm- 8pm Shipangan, House 7, Road 13 New Dhanmondi ‘Automated Subjectivity’ By Mustafa Zaman and Shuvo Rafiqul Time: 12pm-8pm Bengal Art Lounge 60 Gulshan Ave. Road 131. Circle 1 “Dhriti Nartanalaya” have arranged for a dance workshop on Uday Shankar dance style. This 6 days long workshop is conducted by eminent dancer Jaydeep Palit assisted by Maitrali Chakraborti from Kolkata, India. The workshop has started on August 25 and will continue till August 30. At the end of the course, certificate will be provided to all the participants. Uday Shankar’s dancing style is not bound by any particular method, as he freely emerged from various Indian folk dances and other classical forms like Manipuri, Kathakali and so on, to come up with his own unique style. What he had really taken in from the west is presentation, duration and discipline. The mixing, however, is so MOVIES 3:35pm Fox Movies Premium The Proposal 4:22pm WB Blood Diamond 5:20pm HBO 6:00pm Star Movies Telefilm Kuhu airs on Maasranga Bean The telefilm “Kuhu” has been inspired by the novel Badhon Hara (Free from Bonds), an epistolary novel of Nazrul. “Kuhu” will air today at 3pm on Maasranga Television. Produced by Nahid Ahmed Piyal, the telefilm features Sadia Islam Mou, Shams Shumon, Dipa Khondokaar, Majnun Mizan and others. The drama is a love story of Kuhu and Shamol. When lovelorn Kuhu suggests that they elope and get married, her object of affection, Shamol, backs off due to lack of courage. Heartbroken and in despair, she marries an affluent Zaminder. On the rebound of his broken affair, Shamol starts his life aimlessly and after some time, marries his friend. The story takes a turn when Kuhu’s husband dies and fate brings Shamol in her life again. At that time, Kuhu was actively involved in social endeavors with funds left to her by her late husband. As it is the norm of the society, people around her starts to talk about Kuhu in a negative manner. The story moves forward with Kuhu’s effort to avoid Shamol all over again. l 7:00pm Fox Movies Premium War Horse 7:10pm WB The Ring 7:12pm HBO Congo 8:30pm Zee Studio The Karate Kid Part 2 11:00pm Zee Studio The Karate Kid Part 3 11:30pmStar Movies Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull COMEDY 9:30am FX NTV’s tribute to Nazrul “Droher Kobi Premer Kobi” is a Nazrul special programme, where renowned artists such as Ferdous Ara, Yasmeen Mustari, Khairul Anam Shakil and Kolpona Anam will present songs paying tribute to the National Poet. Along with music, Munmun Ahmed and her troupe will present a dance recitation in the show and poetry recitation by Sagor Sen. The show will telecast in the morning at 10:05am on NTV. The programme is initiated by Mohammed Muzakker and produced by Alfred Khokon. The poetry session of Nazrul “Premik Othoba Bidrohi” will feature Shimul Mustafa, Mahidul Islam, Sharmeen Lucky, Munira Yusif Memi and Masud Shezan. The programme will air at 11am. Special single episode drama “Ragini” will telecast at 12:20pm. With direction and screenplay by Nahid Ahmed Piyal, the drama features Aporna, Jitu Ahsan, Shormi Mala and others. l ‘Here is There – There is Here’ Toyomi Hoshina Time: 12pm – 8pm Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts House 275, Road 27, Old Dhanmondi Shahabuddin The Painter, The Fighter Iftekhar Wahid Iftee Time: 10am- 10pm Zainul Gallery-2, Charukala Dhaka University The Simpsons 11:00am AXN Bloopers 1:30pm Comedy Central Guys With Kids 3:30pm Star World Glee 5:30pm Z Cafe Just For Laughs 7:30pm Colors Mrs Pammi Pyarelal 8:30pm Big CBS Prime It Only Hurts When I Laugh 10:00pm Sony SAB Jeanie Aur Juju DRAMA 2:35pm NTV Neer 6:15pm Baishakhi Tv Guptodhon 6:30pm Star World One Tree Hill Workshop on Uday Shankar dance style n Afrose Jahan Chaity ON TV Bloodsport TODAY IN DHAKA Exhibition Tuesday, August 27, 2013 refined, that it is often difficult to distinguish one style from another. “Dhriti” is a cultural organization founded by Warda Rihab, a Manipuri dancer of Bangladesh who, besides her own genre of classical dance, has also been working with a fusion of dance forms for the last couple of years. However, “Dhriti” aims to highlight, not just dance in Dhaka, but also the various forms of performing arts practiced in the vibrant cultural arena of the country. Through her organisation, Warda, aims to organize cultural festivals with a focus on Bangladesh, participate in festivals with the local dance of the country, arrange cultural events with both a classical and contemporary focus. This workshop is one of the initiatives towards her goal. l 7:00pm Colors Bani Ishq Da Kalma 7:30pm Star Plus Saath Nibhana Saathiyan 7:40pm Channel Nine Grontikgon Kohe 8:00pm Baishakhi Tv Boro Barir Chhoto Bou 10:00pm Zee Tv Qubool Hain 10:55pm ATN Bangla Nirbikar Manush Channel i will telecast Nazrul’s film Meher Nigar at 2:30pm today. Jointly produced by Moushumi and Gulzaar, the film features Moushumi, Ferdous, Irin Zaman and Probir Mitro 11:30pm Sony Bade Achhe Lagte Hain NEWS Priyo Nazrul musical session on Desh TV A unique musical show “Priyo Nazrul” will be showcased on DeshTV at 7:45pm. The show is produced by Farida Lima and anchored by Prottasha Kazi. It will feature several Nazrul songs and poems presented by noted singer Fatema Tuz Zohra, Tanvir Alam Sajib and will also include recitations by Shimul Mustafa. l 10:00am Diganta Diganta Shongbad 4:00pm Desh Tv Shongbad shomoi 5:30pm Independent TV Purba paschim 6:45pm RTV Shondhar Shongbad 7:30pm Banglavision Shongbad 11:30pm BTV News TALKSHOW 7:30am SATV Shokaleer Diary 9:10am Channel 24 Mukto Baak 9:30am Channel i Shongbaadpotrey Bangladesh 11:10am Channel 24 Proshongo Rajniti 12:20pm NTV Ei Shomoy 2:40pm ATN News Amder Kotha 3:05pm Channel i Bollywood beauties’ fascination with the role of a journalist n Entertainment Desk Gone are the days when journalism was considered as a boring profession and journalists as nerdy, khadi-clad, dull professionals. With a slew of Bollywood divas like Kareena Kapoor and Nargis Fakri playing journalists in their respective films, this profession is now considered to be as glamorous as it is powerful. Armed with the might of pen, these Bollywood beauties have brought the much-needed glamour in this profession. However, this is not the first time that Bollywood actresses are playing the role of journalists. Bollywood’s fascination with this profession dates back to 1950s when the gorgeous Madhubala played an iconic role of a journalist in 1958 hit film “Kaala Paani.” Her power-packed performance and her dialogue delivery not only won her many accolades but also became an inspiration for current lot of actresses. Another yesteryear actress who took on the challenge was Dimple Kapadia. She played a role of a feisty journalist who fights for justice. Her crusader act in “Krantiveer” has been considered as one of her best performances till date. While many other Bollywood actresses have donned the hats of media professionals from time to time, it was Konkona Sen Sharma who is considered as one of the most popular onscreen female journalist till date. This dusky diva won many hearts in Madhur Bhandarkar’s “Page 3,” where she plays the role of a Page 3 journalist who explores the lives of rich and famous. This movie, which was a satire on the lives of celebrities, helped Konkona to win several prestigious awards. If Konkona showed the journey of a Page 3 journalist realistically, Rani too portrayed the role of crime reporter with utmost conviction in “No One Killed Jessica.” She gave a fantastic performance as a courageous crime reporter who goes through extreme dangers and risks to fight against injustice of society and questions the judiciary. Her role was based on the actual Jessica Lal murder case where the media was instrumental in making people aware and in awakening them. With several legendary actresses having played the role of journalists with conviction, will Kareena and Nargis be able to make a mark? l BBC Bangladesh Shonglaap 5:30pm NTV Apnaar Jigasha 8:30pm ATN News Ekdin Protidin MISC 9:30am NDTV Good Times Yogasutra 11:30am National Geographic Amazing Moments 1:30pm MTV Hit It 3:30pm Fox Traveller David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 5:30 FTV F Men 7:30pm Vh1 Birthday Bumps 8:30pm AXN Top Chef 10:00pm TLC World’s Weirdest Restaurants Did you know? During the 1986-87 season, goalkeeper Eric Nixon played in all four divisions of the Football League. The Manchester City player had loan spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Bradford City and Carlisle United Sport Tuesday, August 27, 2013 14 Messi-less Barca too much for Malaga 14 Lavezzi grabs winner for PSG against Nantes DHAKA TRIBUNE 13 15 England players celebrate win by urinating on Oval Tamim blasts BCB n Minhaz Uddin Khan Cricket has a long history of financially swindling its players. As late as the 1950s, players were ‘encouraged’ to be ‘gentleman’ – another way of saying to not accept money for playing the game, but to do it only for ‘the love of the game’. Admirable as the idea was, it is a fact that those same ‘gentlemen players’ were filling stadiums with paying fans. Someone, somewhere must have been making money out of it all, but it was not the players. We didn’t agree to this to secure our futures, but that of the upcoming cricketers, to be honest. We are more than half way through our careers and the senior cricketers have maybe three or four more years left in them Sixty plus years later, it is accepted as self-evident that the players are entitled to make a living out of the game they serve. However, it is not a stretch to say the players are still getting the short end of the stick. The proposal of a ‘players’ draft’ recruitment system - or ‘Player by Choice’, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) called it - was strongly opposed by the cricketers and even now, after the draft has gone through, the players are still not happy with it. The main reason for the players’ outcry was that under the new system, their salaries would go down. For some players, earnings under the introduced system would fall to as much as half of what they would have earned under the old system. An additional objection was that the new system would mean that the players had no say in which team they would be playing for. With the members of the national team at the forefront of criticising the system and after much bickering, the BCB promised that the system would only be in place for this season alone. Tamim Iqbal, one of the leading stars of the national side, minced no words in his assessment of the new system. The left-handed batsman spoke to the Dhaka Tribune after returning from the West Indies, where he played for the Saint Lucia Zouks in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League. “Who is the Board for? Is it for the players or the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) franchises and the clubs? “The franchises in the BPL wanted to cut the players’ payment and they (the board) went along with it. The premier league clubs wanted them to slash the players’ payment and they listened to that too. So what are you (the Board) actually doing for the players that the players can be proud of? “You want to follow along the lines of IPL (Indian Premier League), which is very good thinking. But why don’t you note that it is the local cricketers there who are paid more and the upcoming cricketers are promoted? While in our BPL, you will get more if you are a foreign cricketer. Top class cricketers like Mushfiqur (Rahim) and Shakib (Al Hasan) are being paid in thousands while there are many average foreign cricketers who are taking away millions. How is that right?” said an indignant Tamim. Tamim went on to explain that the senior players’ objection to the system was primarily for good of future cricketers, not themselves. “We didn’t agree to this to secure our futures, but that of the upcoming cricketers, to be honest. We are more than half way through our careers and the senior cricketers have maybe three or four more years left in them. “But what about the next generation? Look what happened in Sri Lanka. It was senior cricketers like (Mahela) Jayawardene and Dilshan who fought for better payment. They didn’t need to that as they will be playing, say for another few years at most. They did that for the future cricketers and so are we.” l The women cricketers sweating it out in the ongoing national conditional camp at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. The national women’s team is scheduled to tour South Africa in September for three ODIs and as many Twenty20 internationals against the host MUMIT M Players not happy with recruitment: Mushfiq n Minhaz Uddin Khan Mushfiqur Rahim, the captain of the Bangladesh national team, is one of a long line of players who are not happy with the players draft system that was used to recruit players for the Dhaka Premier League this season. Yesterday, Mushfiq pointed out to the press that the method denied cricketer’s independence and gave them no say as to which team they would be playing for. It was the clubs who demanded the grading and rotation system for players’ recruitment. Most of the players – who faced the prospect of seeing their wages lowered and losing the freedom to choose their team - were against the move but after a long and often acrimonious series of events, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) eventually approved the system, with the promise that it would only be in place for the current season. “None of the player are happy with the system, to be honest. The board has promised the system will only be used this season only. I hope they (BCB) will keep their word,” Mushfiq told the media yesterday. Asked what he thought of the teams this year, the wicket-keeper/batsman said, “There are a few big teams who failed to come up with a strong lineups. At the same time though, there are a few teams who seem to be underdogs on paper but might have good results on the field. It should be interesting.” Shakib uneasy about DPL payment n Minhaz Uddin Khan Ace national all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is concerned about possible difficulties that might arise regarding remuneration from the upcoming Dhaka Premier League in light of the “players’ draft” system that was used for the first time for player recruitment this season. Under the old system, the players negotiated directly with clubs for their wages, but this year, a draft-lotterygrading system was used, which led to the players being unable to choose their team and saw most of the players’ salary being reduced. Most of the cricketers opposed the new system and after dubious experiences of delays in being paid in the last two editions of the Bangladesh Premier League, whether payments would be made in time is a major concern for many players and Shakib is one of them. Asked if he anticipated problems with payment, Shakib replied, “I don’t think so,” before adding, “but I’m sure there will be. I don’t have much to say on the issue. The board thought that they should run the system so they did. If you are looking for my personal opinion, I will say that I don’t support the system,” Shakib told the media yesterday at the Shahjalal International Airport. “I don’t think this (system) will continue for long as hardly any cricketers support it. There were other issues this year which might explain why they agreed to it for this year,” he added. The all-rounder was returning from the West Indies, where he played for the Barbados Tridents in the first edition of the Caribbean Premier League. While the Tridents reached the semifinals, Shakib was impressive with the ball (10 wickets in eight games) but failed with the bat (22 runs in the tournament). “I think my bowling was much better than the batting. I am not thinking much about my batting, hopefully it’ll get into rhythm soon. I couldn’t find the time to think of my batting there as I had to rush to West Indies once I was done playing in England and don’t want to think much about it to be honest. I want to keep myself away from cricket for few days now. I look forward to work on my batting once the premier league begins,” said Shakib about his performance in the tournament. He continued, “The experience was a good one. The quality of the matches and the organizing, everything looked to be on track and brilliantly organised. “The format wasn’t much different from BPL but the difference was in the organisation and their professionalism. This made the stay there easy for the cricketer. I had many West Indian national cricketers in the team with me, so getting use to the condition there wasn’t much of problem.” l Bangladesh train in Nepal n Raihan Mahmood Bangladesh national football team had their first training session in Nepal. The team practiced for an hour at the Army Sports Training Facility, Kathmandu yesterday. Skipper Mamunul Islam Mamun and attacking midfielder Sohel Rana, who are carrying injuries, had a light training session under the supervision of fitness coach Muhammet Yamali. The rest of the team underwent a full session under head coach Lodewijk de Kruif conducted the session with steep concentration. Bangladesh open their Saff Championship campaign against hosts Nepal on August 31, face India on September 3 and finish the group stage games against Pakistan on September 5. l Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif conducts a training session at the Army Sports Training Facility, Kathmandu on Monday COURTESY Mushfiq played for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi last season and the club was able to retain his services again for the upcoming tournament. In the 201112 DPL, Mushfiq scored 951 runs for his club, including four centuries and six fifties. “I played for Sheikh Jamal last year and performed well for them. I will try my best to maintain that standard this year too and at the same time, look to improve the team’s performance. I think we have much more experienced players this time,” said Mushfiq. The national skipper urged the powers-that-be to get the tournament under way as soon as possible since most of the players have not played competitive cricket recently and would benefit from match practice ahead of the home series against New Zealand in October. “As we have the teams ready now, I hope the concerned parties will pay importance to this and begin the tournament soon. We (the national cricketers) are looking forward to play at least a few matches before the series against New Zealand. “The tournament is important to us, as the quality of competition in the tournament is very good. One performing at this level will always have the confidence to perform at any level of cricket. We (national cricketers) have already been practicing intensely for the last few weeks and now all we need is to play a few matches.” l Bangladesh upset by Oman in Asia Cup Hockey n Raihan Mahmood Result Bangladesh hockey fell to a new low as the national team unexpectedly fell to a 2-4 defeat to Oman in their second match at the Asia Cup Hockey in Ipoh, Malaysia yesterday. It was a substandard showing by the players. Their body language displayed a lack of fighting spirit, their control of the ball was poor and overall, the team was disorganised. Whatever it was the team was doing during the preparatory two months of training under Pakistani head coach Naveed Alam was not to be seen. The players were slow and often clumsy as the 31st ranked Bangladesh played without vigour against the 36th ranked Oman. Bangladesh retained the title of 4th AHF (Asian Hockey Federation) Cup with a convincing 6-3 win over Oman in Bangkok in April 2012. The success story was continued in the 4-1 victory in the Men’s Hockey World League Round2 in New Delhi in February this year. The victory was attained after Bangladesh’s historical 3-2 triumph over China. While hockey lovers expecting a continuation of the good form, Bangladesh fumbled to the shameful defeat yesterday. In the group phase, the debuting Oman was expected to be the one team that Bangladesh could dominate, but in the event, exactly the opposite happened. In an evenly contested first half, both sides vied for control in midfield but were unable to find a clear break into the opposition’s circle. Six minutes Bangladesh Roman 53’, Chayan 69’(PC) 2-4 Oman Al Shatri 29’, Al Shar 42’, Rajab 45’, 48’ (PC) before half-time, however, Hashim Ghanim Ramadhan Al Shatri put Oman ahead. The midfielder was found unmarked at the top of the circle and he made no mistake in sending the ball into the net past onrushing Bangladeshi goalkeeper Zahid Hossain. Oman wasted little time in the second half and struck twice to take a 3-0 lead within 10 minutes of play resuming. Mohammad Hoobais Al Shar sent a powerful drag flick into the roof of the net from Oman’s first penalty corner of the game in the 42nd minute. Three minutes later, Rajab Basim Khatar extended added another goal. Bangladesh managed to pull a goal back in the 53rd minute courtesy of 16-year-old Mohammad Roman Sarkar, but Oman warded off any revival hopes their opponents might have had by restoring their three goal lead in the 58th minute through Rajab Basim. Bangladesh struck a consolation goal in the 69th minu te when skipper Mamunur Raham Chayan dragged a penalty corner into the roof of the net, but it was too little, too late by then. Bangladesh play India in their last group match on Wednesday. l 14 DHAKA TRIBUNE Sport Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Barca snatch nervy win at Malaga n AFP, Madrid Adriano scored the only goal as a Barcelona side without the injured Lionel Messi laboured to a 1-0 victory over Malaga. The Brazilian struck the decisive blow a minute before halftime with a left-footed effort that Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero will have been disappointed to see slip through his grasp. However, Malaga were left to rue two huge chances after the break as firstly Fabrice struck the post and then Sebastian Fernandez headed straight at Victor Valdes when completely unmarked inside the area in the closing stages. And Cesc Fabregas admitted that going forward the Catalans will need to improve on their performance in the second period. Despite Messi’s absence, Barca boss Gerardo Martino once again started with Neymar on the bench as Fabregas replaced the Argentine, whilst Alex Song and Adriano replaced Sergio Busquets and Dani Alves from the side that started Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Without either of their South American attacking stars, Barca’s build-up play was somewhat ponderous in the first period as they failed to break down a solid but limited Malaga side. Andres Iniesta then fired an effort from the edge of the area straight down Caballero’s throat, but the Argentine was forced into a stunning save nine minutes before the break as he blocked Alexis Sanchez’s header from point-blank range. However, Caballero was slightly at fault when Barca did eventually take the lead as Adriano cut inside onto his left foot and his curling effort flew over the Malaga keeper’s outstretched arm on its Arsenal out to finish job against Fenerbahce n AFP, London Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised to pick a strong team as his side look to rubber-stamp qualification for the Champions League group phase against Fenerbahce today. The London club swept to an impressive 3-0 victory in the first leg of their play-off tie in Istanbul last week, leaving them on the brink of taking a place in the group stage for the 16th successive season. way into the far corner. Gerard Pique nearly added a fortunate second after the break as Xavi’s free-kick rebounded off the defender’s back and looped off the crossbar before Martino finally introduced Neymar just after the hour mark. Malaga then passed up a huge opportunity to level with their first clear opening of the match as Roque Santa Cruz rounded Valdes and from a tight angle cut the ball back for Fabrice, but the young Cameroonian could only pull his effort off the base of the post. Fixtures Vienna (AUT) Basel (SUI) Warsaw (POL) PAOK (GRE) Arsenal (ENG) Match Results Atletico Madrid Garcia 16, 90, Costa 20, Arda 34, Tiago 52 5-0 Levante 0-0 0-1 Malaga Real Betis Castro 90 Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Sevilla Barcelona Adriano 44 Celta Vigo Charles 67, Nolito 74 Neymar nearly made it two goals in as many games with a well-struck free-kick that Caballero did well to parry to safety. And Malaga passed up another great chance in the final minute as Jesus Gamez’s cross found Fernandez completely unmarked, only for the Uruguayan to head straight at Valdes, while the Barca keeper comfortably held Fernando Tissone’s follow-up. Barca’s win took them to the top the table by a single goal ahead of Atletico Madrid after Diego Simeone’s men continued their 100 percent record in the league with a 5-0 mauling of Rayo Vallecano at the Vicente Calderon. Raul Garcia, Diego Costa and Arda Turan had the hosts 3-0 up after just 34 minutes and further goals from Tiago and Garcia after the break rounded off a perfect afternoon for Atletico l Barcelona's Adriano from Brazil celebrates with his team mates after scoring during a Spanish La Liga match against Malaga at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga, Spain, on Sunday AP Dream start for Benitez in Napoli n AFP Napoli thrashed Bologna 3-0 on Sunday in Rafael Benitez’s first league game in charge of the Partenopei to go top of Italy’s Serie A on goal difference. Champions Juventus had kickstarted the new season with a 1-0 away win at Sampdoria on Saturday while AC Milan, who finished third last season, were stunned 2-1 by a Luca Toni brace away at promoted Verona. However a first-half opener from Jose Callejon and a brace from Slovakian forward Marek Hamsik sealed the points for Napoli, who lead the fledgling championship ahead of Inter Milan and Roma. Napoli underwent major changes in the close season with las season’s top scorer, Uruguayan Edinson Cavani, moving to Paris Saint-Germain and coach Walter Mazzarri leaving for Inter. Former Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, brought in by Benitez as a direct replacement, made his league debut at the San Paolo but failed to hit the net as Hamsik stole the show with a scintillating performance. Earlier Sunday Inter, whose 2012/13 campaign ended in a catastrophic ninth place finish, got off to a winning start with second half goals from Japan’s Yuto Nagatomo and Rodrigo Palacio securing a deserved 2-0 win over Genoa to get Mazzarri’s reign as coach off to a positive start. Prior to this game, Inter had won only once in their last eight games, and Mazzarri said: “The boys hadn’t won at home for several months and suffered a lot of defeats, so this win has helped exorcise the demons.” Elsewhere, Cup holders Lazio, MacKay buoyed by Cardiff ’s City stunner n AFP, Cardiff Cardiff City celebrated their return to the top flight with a 3-2 victory over Manchester City that left manager Malky Mackay in understandably buoyant mood. Second half goals from Aron Gunnarsson and a Fraizer Campbell brace proved too much for a City side that led through Edin Dzeko, but looked anything other than title contenders. Their second, from Alvaro Negredo, arrived two minutes into stoppage time. Mackay, who spent £28 million (32.6 million euros, $43.6 million) over the summer in a bid to fight relegation, said: “I am absolutely delighted. For everyone at this football club, this day was a long time in coming. But what a day it was. “It meant a lot to a lot of people so at the end of the game, I have to admit that I felt very proud for those people. Of course I felt proud for the players, but the fans too and the members of staff who work here. They have been through some tough times.” Not such a joyous afternoon for opposite number Manuel Pellegrini, although he wasn’t blaming a surprisingly porous defence. “I don’t think our defence cost us today. There was no problem in central defence,” he said. “Cardiff didn’t cause us many problems, but the game was decided by two corners. “Defending set-pieces is a duty for the whole team, not just the goalkeeper or the defenders. It doesn’t matter who is guilty. “When we scored the first goal I thought it could be easy for us because we were playing a team that had 10 players in their box. But we didn’t play well. However, we didn’t play badly either. “It’s important for Edin to score. He played well. We also have Negredo who also scored. As an attacking team it’s very good to score two goals away from home. But we had another problem.” Dzeko gave the visitors the lead seven minutes into the second half with a 25 yard strike that left Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall clutching at thin air. l thrashed 4-0 by Juventus in the Italian Super Cup last week, made amends with a 2-1 home win over Udinese. l Match Results Inter Milan 2-0 Nagatomo 75, Palacio 90+3 Cagliari Nainggolan 28, Cabrera 63 Lazio Hernanes 13, Candreva 16-pen Livorno 2-1 Atalanta Standerdo 27 2-1 Udinese Muriel 60 0-2 Roma De Rossi 65, Florenzi 67 Napoli Callejon 32 Hamsik 45+2,63 3-0 Parma 0-0 2-0 Torino Brighi 40, Cerci 63 Genoa Bologna Chievo Sassuolo v v v v v Zagreb (CRO) Razgrad (BUL) Bucharest (ROM) Schalke (GER) Fenerbahce (TUR) Arsenal also have a high-profile derby against Tottenham Hotspur next weekend to think about, but Wenger does not want to take any chances when Ersun Yanal’s side visit the Emirates Stadium. “We have made a big step, but it’s not over the line. Now we want to finish the job, because that is a big part of our season,” he said. “The group stage of the Champions League is highly important. I will not rest players on Tuesday night, certainly not.” Wenger was speaking after his side’s 3-1 victory at Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday. The Frenchman came in for heavy criticism after a shock loss at home to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, but he has been encouraged by his side’s reaction in their two subsequent games. Wenger continues to be dogged by questions about his failure to act in the transfer market, but he has been at pains to underline the importance of the players who are already at the club. He was particularly eager to emphasise the contribution of Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was named man of the match in the games against Fenerbahce and Fulham. l AVB bracing for Bale exit Arsenal fans have been ‘brainwashed’: Wenger Andre Villas-Boas insists Gareth Bale’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid has yet to be concluded, but expects negotiations to move on within the next 48 hours. Bale was in Madrid when his Spurs team-mates beat Swansea City to secure a second successive Premier League win, and is expected to switch to the La Liga club in a world record £86 million (100 million euros, $134 million) transfer. But speaking after the Swansea win, Tottenham manager Villas-Boas said: “There is interest from Real Madrid. Whether the transfer will happen or not, hopefully you will have more news in the next couple of days, but at the moment there is nothing I can tell you. l n AFP, London n AFP, London Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal fans have been “brainwashed” by the constant negativity surrounding his team. Wenger came under fire from large sections of the Emirates Stadium crowd following Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season. That barrage of abuse followed several incidents of barracking from angry fans last season as Arsenal’s trophy drought stretched to eight years. But Gunners boss Wenger, whose side have calmed the critics with successive victories over Fenerbahce and Fulham since that Villa loss, is convinced the occasionally poisonous atmosphere in north London is due to fans letting their emotions get the better of them after reading so many negative stories about the club. “It’s always excessive reactions,” Wenger said. “We lost one game since the beginning of March. That’s why it (the Villa loss) was a shock. “The defeat was a shock, because it’s the first game of the season. “We won in the Champions League away at Bayern (Munich, in March), we won 3-0 at Fenerbahce. “It’s just like that at the moment. You (the media) have brainwashed a little bit the Emirates. “Maybe rightly so, because we haven’t won trophies for years; everything is always negative. “We have to live this out and just play football well.” l Bayern eye Lavezzi grabs winner for PSG Freiburg ahead of Chelsea clash n AFP, Paris n AFP European champions Bayern Munich travel to Freiburg today, determined to pick up their fourth straight Bundesliga win before heading to Prague to face Chelsea for the European Super Cup. Bayern were dealt a blow on Sunday with the news star-signing Thiago Alcantara is expected to miss the next seven weeks after tearing ligaments in his right ankle and is due to undergo surgery on Monday. The 22-year-old, who cost Bayern 25 million euros from Barcelona last month, was the only negative news from Saturday’s 2-0 league win over Nuremberg when Pep Guardiola’s side set a new Bundesliga record with 81 percent ball possession. A Franck Ribery header in the 69th-minute broke the deadlock before Dutch winger Arjen Robben cut in from the right to add the second as Bayern claimed a club record 28th game without defeat. Now Champions League winners Bayern head to Prague’s Eden Arena to face Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, the Europa League holders, on Friday and Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the Bavarians need another win at Freiburg to keep confidence high. l Paris Saint-Germain recorded their first win of the French Ligue 1 season on Sunday, beating promoted Nantes 2-1 at the Stade de la Beaujoire. When Edinson Cavani gave PSG a 24th-minute lead, it looked set to be a long night for their hosts, but they held on and equalised eight minutes into the second half when a Jordan Match Results Nantes Alex 53-og 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain Ajaccio 0-0 1-0 Lille Kalou 37-pen Cavani 24, Lavezzi 74 Nice Saint-Etienne Veretout free-kick was turned into his own net by Alex at the back post. However, Ezequiel Lavezzi got what proved to be the winner in the 74th minute, firing home the loose ball after a Lucas effort had been blocked on the line by Gabriel Cichero. With his choice of a 4-4-2 formation coming in for some criticism after the defending champions were held by Montpellier and then Ajaccio in their opening two games, PSG coach Lau- PSG forward Ezequiel Lavezzi celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match against Nantes at La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes on Sunday AFP rent Blanc opted for a three-man attack here, with Lavezzi brought back in alongside Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Even against a five-man Nantes defence, PSG threatened to run riot in the early stages, with home goalkeeper Remy Riou racing off his line to deny Ibrahimovic before Cavani’s first-time half-volley flashed just wide midway through the first half. Shortly after, Ibrahimovic and Cavani combined for the opening goal, with the latter racing on to the Swede’s pass before firing low past Riou. Yet the visitors could not build on that and only a fine Salvatore Sirigu save prevented Cichero from equalising for Nantes from an overhead kick just before the break. The hosts did draw level soon after the restart when the unfortunate Alex, under pressure from Papy Djilobodji, saw a Jordan Veretout free-kick rebound off him and into the net at the back post. l DHAKA TRIBUNE Sport England players celebrate Ashes win by urinating on Oval pitch Quick Bytes Shimmi wins Preliminary Phase Shamiha Sharmin Shimmi clinched the title of the Preliminary Phase of the 34th National Women Chess Championship at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall-room yesterday. WFM Nazrana Khan Eva finished 2nd while Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly came in 3rd. Shimmi, Eva and Moly all earned 5.5 points and a tie-breaking system was used to separate the top three. Behind them, six players earned 5 points. Their positions were: 4th- Dilaran Jahan Nupur, 5th- Jahanara HaqueRunu, 6th-WFM Zakia Sultana, 7th-Hamida Rahman, 7th-, 8th-Kiswara Shajrin Evana and 9th-Afrin Jahan Munia. The top 7 players qualified for the final phase of the tournament and Evana and Munia are on a waiting list. – RM n Agencies, London New Zealand inspectors happy The four-member inspection team from New Zealand Cricket visited the Sylhet Divisional Stadium yesterday after having a look at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong on Sunday. New Zealand are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a bilateral series in October-November and the inspection is to make sure that the hosts’ arrangements are on track. The inspection team was happy with the work-in-progress at the Sylhet stadium and commented that the venue would be a beautiful one once it was completed. four member team is made up of manager of the New Zealand cricket team Mike Sandal, security expert Sam Dickson, CEO of the player’s association Hith Mills and representative of the players’ association Henri Moor. upcoming series will be the first full tour that New Zealand has made to Bangladesh since 2008. During their month long stay, the visitors will play two Tests, three ODIs and one Twenty20 match against the Tigers. – Desk BJMC continue winning streak BJMC, Bangladesh’s representative in the Walton International Invitational Women’s Kabaddi continued their winning by beating Nepal 15-8 at the Kabaddi Stadium yesterday. The BJMC players put in a disciplined performance and were the deserved winners at the end. In the other match of the day, Andhra Pradesh team outplayed Assam 25-17. –RM Thiago out until November after ligament surgery Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara will be out of action until early November after having surgery on Monday for damaged ligaments, the club said. The hugely talented 22-year-old Spain international, who joined in the close season from Barcelona, damaged ligaments in his right ankle in the second half of their 2-0 win over Nuremberg on Saturday. “We will miss him as he will be out for a long time,” coach Pep Guardiola told reporters on Monday. “He is a special player and very important for the team.” Initially ruled out for seven weeks, Bayern said the player, who was brought in to add versatility and pace to their midfield, could be back in early November. – Reuters England's Stuart Broad (L) and Graeme Swann (2nd R) celebrate with teammates on the ground after the fifth Ashes Test match against Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London on Sunday. The match ended in a draw meaning England won the series 3-0 AFP Clarke’s warning to umpire ends bitter Ashes n AFP, Sydney Skipper Michael Clarke told umpire Aleem Dar not to touch him as the fifth and final Ashes Test ended in an acrimonious draw, Australian media revealed Monday. Clarke’s exchange with the umpires hit the headlines after bad light ended England’s dramatic late bid to run down the target set by the tourists’ bold second innings declaration which injected life into the encounter at The Oval in London. England, set 227 to win in 44 overs, needed just 21 off 24 balls with five wickets left when the umpires decided the light, even with the floodlights on, was too dark and ended the match with England taking the series 3-0. “Michael Clarke asked umpire Al- eem Dar to take his hands off him as the final Test ended amid controversy and confusion after one of the most extraordinary days in the history of Ashes cricket,” The Australian’s Wayne Smith said. The daily quoted Clarke as saying: “I can’t remember what I said. I remember Aleem touching me and I asked him politely to not touch me because if I touched him I’d be suspended for three matches.” Dar had reached out with his left hand to push the Australian captain away. Clarke later revealed at the postmatch presentations that the lux (light) reading was 5.7, “no comparison”, as he put it, to the brighter 8.1 level that had prompted the umpires to call play off in Manchester when Australia had n Reazur Rahman Rohan Airtel and Bando Design confirmed their progression to the cup phase of the 8th Ascent 5-A-Side Soccer Cup after winning their respective group matches at the STM Hall, Scholastica yesterday. Airtel edged past Incepta 2-1 to pick their second win of the tournament. Amirul and Mashuk scored one goal apiece for the telecom organisation. Incepta’s consolation goal came late in the game which eventually left them with no time to find an equaliser. Bando once again rode on their inform captain Imran as the prolific striker added another hat-trick in as many games to help his side thrash Aarong Napoli’s Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain had ten stitches on facial injuries after a fall on the holiday island of Capri, according to the ANSA news agency. Higuain, 25, who joined Napoli from Real Madrid for 40 million euros ($53.5m) in the summer, apparently slipped on rocks as he stepped off a boat and cut his jaw and forehead. He was treated at the island’s Capilupi hospital where he had eight stitches in his cut jaw and two in another cut over his eyebrow. Higuain, who made his debut for Napoli in Sunday’s 3-0 opening day win over Bologna, was on a day out with his wife on the picturesque island in the bay of Naples, home to many milionaires. England coach Flower wants changes to light rules n Reuters England coach Andy Flower has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to change the regulations regarding bad light after his side narrowly missed out on a dramatic victory in the final Ashes test on Sunday. Chasing 227 after a bold declaration from Australia captain Michael Clarke, England were 21 runs short of their target with four overs remaining when bad light forced the players off the field at the Oval. “Where I think the ICC could improve the regulations, and we’ve spoken with ICC officials about this for years, I think the description that they use when judging bad light and when they consider whether it’s dangerous or not - often it is not dangerous and it’s a poor description of that particular regulation,” Flower told a press conference on Monday. “In my opinion it should be whether the contest between bat and ball is reasonable and fair. “If there are spinners bowling, under their regulations at the moment it almost means you could play until it is dark because it’s obviously not dangerous.” Clarke had declared his side’s second innings on 111 for six in a bid to force a result, but having been criticised for their slow batting in the first innings, England quickly set about reaching their target, helped by Kevin Pietersen’s quick-fire 62 and 59 from Jonathan Trott. They were in sight of sealing their first 4-0 win in a home Ashes series when the umpires took the players from the field, much to the displeasure of those at the ground. “I do think they need to change those regulations and cricket will be better for it,” Flower added. l Dairy 6-0. The golden boot contender, Imran, has netted nine goals in just the two matches he played. The fourth day of the event saw two more hat-tricks, the second coming from HSBC’s Parvez. The bankers registered their first win of the meet after they comfortably handed Metlife Alico a 5-2 defeat. Apart from Parvez, Kabir netted a goal for the winners while the other was an own goal by Metlife. Sadi and Jahangir scored one apiece for the eventual losers. HSBC in their first game came from behind to draw 3-3 with Bangla Cat and this win keeps them in the race of progressing to the cup phase. Meanwhile, a thunderous strike from Majed powered Philip Morris International (PMI) registered a hard fought 2-1 win over Radio Foorti. Ali Match Results HSBC AIRTEL BANDO DESIGN PHILIP MORRIS SANTOS 5-2 2-1 6-0 2-1 5-0 METLIFE ALICO INCEPTA AARONG DAIRY RADIO FOORTI GREEN DELTA took PMI in front before Sumon equalised for the FM group. The PMI goalie kept his side in the game with a series of brilliant saves before Majed paid the dividend by snatching the winner. In the last game of the day, SantosSangu, in the presence of their CEO Andrew Degaris, blew away Green Delta Securities 5-0. Anthony Spencer struck a superb hat-trick while Salahuddin and Rumi netted the others. l Gulshan Youth Club sports carnival opens n Raihan Mahmood – AFP Day’s Watch Star Sports 2013 Asia Cup Men’s Hockey LIVE 4:00pm Pakistan v Chinese Taipei 6.00pm Japan v Malaysia ESPN 9:00pm US Open 2013 LIVE 1st Round: Men’s & Women’s been in control of the Third Test. “Once they took the reading, I knew it was going to be darker than what it was in Manchester. I was batting at the In a distasteful postscript to their Ashes triumph, three top England players were on Monday at the centre of a huge controversy following reports that they allegedly urinated on the pitch at the Oval hours after the fifth and final Test ended last night. The allegations, which originated from Australian journalists who were at the press box as darkness enveloped the ground, involved Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy Anderson who had all made significant contributions to England’s 3-0 triumph in the series. The players are alleged to have taken turns to urinate on the pitch after they sat on the ground with their post-match drinks, according to an Australian journalist. The three players relieved themselves on the pitch to the cheers of teammates as the England players celebrated the victory. England wicketkeeper Matt Prior tweeted a picture of the players drinking beer on the Oval pitch in darkness, calling it the “best moment of the Ashes”. Britain’s Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said that the allegations will be examined but England coach Andy Flower refused to comment. Robertson said, “If it happened it is not good behaviour”. According to media reports, about five hours after the last Test was stopped due to bad light with England close to victory, the players gathered near the pitch to continue their celebrations. l Airtel, Bando secure cup spots Higuain has stitches after fall in Capri 8:20pm 2013 Indian Badminton League LIVE Ten Sports 15 Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Ltemulai Daniel Mamai of the Maasai Warrior cricket team hits a shot during a friendly match against the Charity VIII team during opening ceremony activities of the "Last Man Stands" World Championships at Lords Nursery ground in London on Sunday. The Maasai Warriors, a team from Kenya who use cricket to promote social change, went on to lose the match. Running between August 25 and September 4, the championship sees twelve international cricket teams compete in 8-aside T20 cricket AFP Gulshan Youth Club is all set to hold a nine day sports carnival with the motto “Sports and Beyond” beginning at the club playground today. The sports carnival will feature football, cricket, basketball, roller skating, tennis, swimming, karate and music & art. In a press conference held at the National Tennis Complex yesterday, club officials expressed the hope that their endeavor will help promote sports across society. They also expressed their desire to make it a regular event. The sports carnival will be sponsored by Tamishna Group. Rafez Alam Chowdhury, the president of the club, Shawket Hossain Jibon, the vice president, Humayun Kabir another vice president and member Khaled Salahuddin were present at the briefing. l President of the Gulshan Youth Club Rafez Alam Chowdhury, speaks at a press conference at the National Tennis Complex yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE 16 DHAKA TRIBUNE Dry spell may threaten food security n Kamran Reza Chowdhury Perturbed by this year’s unusual rainy season pattern, farmer Atiqur Rahman now plans to talk to the people of his village, Kulihar, in the “rice-basket” district Naogaon, for offering special prayers for rain as the Aman season passes dry. According to the local practice, the farmers plant Aman rice saplings, which meets at least 38% of the country’s total annual rice production, from July 15 (Bengali Srabon 1 to Bhadra 7) to August 22 every year while there is usually plenty of rainwater. “Most of the farmers here, like other areas in Naogaon, are yet to plant Aman. At this time, the paddy fields turn green with Aman saplings in at least three-inch water,” Atiqur, who cultivates Aman on four acres of land, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. “But this year, dust is flying over the paddy fields and cracks have developed. Only Allah can save us. Many of the farmers would starve if the dry spell continues,” he said. Not only the growers of Kulihar, the farmers in Mohadevpur, Patnitala, Porsha and other parts have been crying for rain, which is essential for Aman cultivation. Agriculturists and farmers said a continued dry spell in Naogaon, which produced around 541,000 tonnes of Aman rice in 2012-13 fiscal year, and other northern districts, may hamper the country’s food security. Naogaon is the second-largest Aman producer after Dinajpur, which grew over 600,000 tonnes of Aman in 2012-13. “We don’t know what will happen to us if the dry weather continues in the coming months,” Rafiqul Islam, a contract farmer of Gongachara Upzilla in Rangpur, told Dhaka Tribune yesterday. SM Quamrul Hassan, a meteorologist of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told the Dhaka Tribune that the greater Rajshahi region should have had an average of 354 millimetres of rain in July, the rainiest month in Bangladesh. “But it had 56% less rain in July. In August, the trend of dry spell has continued,” said Hassan, adding that his department was not certain whether September would bless with adequate rain. He said the greater Rangpur region should have experienced 416 mm rain in July, but it had 53% less rain. The dry spell there was yet to be over. The meteorological data for the months of June, July and August (up to 17th) show prevalence of dry spell in 16 northwestern and 10 southwestern food-basket districts which produce more than 50% of the country’s Aman production. In 2012-13 fiscal, 11.423m tonnes of Aman rice was produced across the country. The 26 Northwestern (greater Rajshahi division) and Southwestern districts (Khulna division) produced around 6.4m tonnes of rice. Rain is a must for Aman at its different stages, from planting to flowering and maturing. Poor rain would drastically reduce yield. “The government should provide us electricity free of cost for irrigating the Aman field. Still we have time to plant Aman,” Md Alamin, a farmer of Damurhuda upzilla of Chuadanga district that had 179mm rain in July, told the Dhaka Tribune. Rafiqul Hassan, a deputy director (monitoring) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), told the Dhaka Tribune that farmers in some northern region were suffering from the lack of rain. “But they still have chance to plant Aman. If there is adequate rain in September, it will help Aman cultivation,” said Hassan. Anil Chandra Sarker, a DAE director (food crop), told the Dhaka Tribune that Aman season starts in July 15 and continues up to September 30. “Farmers of different places plant Aman in different times. So, rain in September could compensate,” said the director. l Back Page Tuesday, August 27, 2013 Nahida conquers waves to popularise surfing in Bangladesh n Our Correspondent, Cox’s Bazar MISHANDLING OUR HERITAGE Manik Babu's House, top, at 41 Nil Ambar Shah Road in Hazaribagh of old Dhaka was around a hundred years old and enriched with British architectural styles. The photo was taken on August 2005. The building was taken down by the owners in 2007 and a new building, bottom, was erected at the site. The government does not have any schemes that incentivise owners to conserve private property with heritage value SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN Cabinet extends retirement age of scientists Army officer sent to jail in dowry case National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy, 2013 and Bangladesh Handloom n Tribune Report A Dhaka Court yesterday sent Major Board Act, 2013 have been approved Suman Ahamed to jail in a dowry case The law would also improve comwere enacted during the tenure of a scientists, they too may submit their profiled against him by his wife Keshowar n Mohosinul Karim munication in both rural and urban posals to the government, he added. military government. Sulatana Salma, organizing secretary of Mohila Jubo League Dhaka Central Unit. Suman’s Lawyer Nazrul Islam Sultan filed a bail petition before the court. After hearing his plea, the court rejected his bail and ordered to send him Jail. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ashaduzzaman Nur passed the order. According to the case detail, Keshowar Sulatana Salma filed a dowry case under the Dowry Prohibition Act section-4 against her husband Major Suman Ahamed, former CEO of Rab-1. The plaintiff alleged that her husband Suman used to torture her as she failed to meet his demand for Tk10,00,000 as dowry. On July 22 the court issued arrest warrant against the accused, after she filed the case. l The cabinet approved the draft of “Bangladesh Council of Science and Industry Research (BCSIR) Act, 2013” yesterday, extending the retirement age of the institute’s scientists by eight years. The approval came at a regular cabinet meeting held at the secretariat, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. Two other draft acts, “Bangladesh Handloom Board Act, 2013” and “National Integrated Multi-modal Transport Policy, 2013,” were also approved. At a press briefing post-meeting, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said the drafts of BCSIR and Handloom Board acts were tabled as per an earlier instruction of the cabinet, since those All acts and ordinances passed by the two past military regimes became invalidated as a consequence of a High Court order, which declared nondemocratic governments illegal. Mosharraf said the cabinet had earlier decided to revise the most important of those acts and ordinances and turn them into laws, and ordered involved ministries to prepare and table new drafts. Regarding the BCSIR act, he said it was part of the government’s decision to “get the most” out of experienced scientists. The retirement age of scientists employed by the institute was extended to 67 years of age, from 59. If the authorities of other institutes want to extend the service period of their According to the amended law, BCSIR will have the authority to “assist” scientists who are not involved with the institute and also to set up scientific research centers anywhere in the country. The cabinet also approved the draft law on multimodal transport policy giving importance to airways, railways and waterways in order to reduce dependency on roads. In this regard, the cabinet secretary said the law would, among other things, reduce transport costs and accidents, ensure passenger safety and make the transport sector environment-friendly. “It was prepared considering the future of the country.” areas and increase participation of private investors in the sector, he added. According to the draft, women, senior citizens and physically disabled individuals will get “special advantages” while travelling. There will be a cabinet committee to monitor the improvement of the sector, as well as a national coordination committee to implement the decisions taken, he said, adding the latter would report to the former about its activities. Mosharraf then told the reporters that no major changes were brought in the draft of Bangladesh Handloom Board Act. Most of the provisions of the existing act were kept unchanged in the amended one. l Principal cuts students’ hair to maintain school rules n Our Correspondent, Barisal Different organisations pay tribute yesterday at Central Shaheed Minar marking ‘Phulbari Day’ which is observed in remembrance of those killed while opposing the establishment of Phulbari coal mine NASHIRUL ISLAM The principal of Barisal Model School and College, in an attempt to maintain dress code and discipline, has allegedly cut off the hair of several male students. The incident took place at an examination hall of the institute yesterday. This correspondent talked to students, parents and authorities concerned, who all said the disciplinary action will not be protested, but added that a warning should have been given before such action. Students and parents, seeking anonymity, informed that the principal entered the hall room with scissors, while students were sitting for the Bangla second paper pre-test exam for higher secondary level. The principal allegedly went on to haphazardly cut off portion of many students’ hair, in an attempt to force them to follow the dress code of the institution. “We felt humiliated and were forced to cover our hair with handkerchiefs, before rushing to the hairdresser”, the victimised students said. Major Md Masud Rana, the principal of the institution, acknowledged the facts and said he had previously taken similar actions to maintain dress code and discipline, after issuing several warnings. “Many of the male students fashion their hair like punks or film stars, and many female student maintain long nails – which damages the image and environment of the educational institution, as well as breaking the discipline. So, after giving several warnings to the students and guardians, we have to take such steps,” the principal said. Md Nurul Amin, the divisional commissioner and the chairman of the managing committee of the institution, said none of the students or guardians complained against the action of the principal. “The head of the institution could take steps for maintaining image and discipline of the institution. But it should not violate the rule against corporal punishment and should be executed after giving proper warning to the guardians,” he added. l When most Bangladeshi girls her age are looking to start a career, or families of their own, Nahida, 18, looks out for waves breaking on the beaches of Cox’s Bazar every day, to conquer. Surfing has been around for hundreds of years and brings joy to millions of enthusiasts around the world, but for most Bangladeshis the popular water sport hardly sparks any interest. In recent years, some adventure-loving young people have taken up the sport of riding the waves on surf boards in Cox’s Bazar, which has the world’s longest unbroken beach. Nahida Akhtar Joy, president of the Bangladesh Women’s Surfing Club, is one such enthusiast. She shares her love of surfing with others as an instructor at the club, which has about 20 women as members currently. “I have been chasing waves for the last six years with immense enthusiasm. And I have won prizes in surfing competitions as well,” she said. Nahida started to learn how to surf at the age of 12 from her uncle, Jafar Alam, the first Bangladeshi to start a surfing club in Bangladesh. Jafar, regarded by his fans as the “father of surfing in Bangladesh,” trains about 50 surfers at least three days a week at the Bangladesh Surf Club, which he opened in 2005. Nahida, who runs the women’s section of the country’s lone surf club, credits Jafar’s guidance for her success as a surfer. Nahida’s young life had been one of desperate struggles till she began surfing. She lost her father when she was five, and so had to stop going to school with only her mother to support them. Her mother Rehana Begum said: “Ours is a two-member family - my daughter and me. Life is not easy for us, but we have learned to live with the anguish. I would be very happy if Nahida achieves her goal of becoming an admired surfer.” Nahida, too, wishes to overcome all of life’s ordeals and become a famous and successful surfer. Her life’s ambition is to popularise surfing in Bangladesh. Over the past two years, she has been working relentlessly to turn the seaside resort town into a popular global surfing destination. Talking to Dhaka Tribune Jafar welcomed Nahida’s enthusiasm and said that he hopes she would become a surfing icon from Bangladesh. He said they sought government support to promote the sport across the country. l False bomb alert creates panic in Jhalakathi court n Our Correspondent, Barisal Law enforcers cleared and searched a district judge court in Jhalakathi yesterday after what turned out to be a false bomb alert created panic inside the compound. Maheb Hossain, secretary of Jhalakathi district bar association, said Additional District and Session Judge Kiron Sangkar Haldar raised the alarm upon hearing what sounded like a timer soon after entering his court room. The judge then left the room and the police were called, he added. Police and members of relevant law enforcement agencies rushed to the spot and searched the court room, but failed to found any suspicious object, Maheb said. Md Majid Ali, Jhalakathi district police superintendent, said he knew of the incident, but was not informed officially. However, he said the police were called to the court and took necessary steps. On November 14, 2005, two judges of the Jhalakathi district judge court were killed in a suicide bomb attack by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Six activists of the outlawed radical Islamic outfit, including its leaders Sheikh Abdur Rahman and Siddiqul Islam “Bangla Bhai”, were executed on March 29, 2007 for their involvement in the murder of the two judges. Furthermore, Haidar Hussein, Jhalakati district public prosecutor, who conducted the trial of the case, was also shot dead by JMB activists on April 11, 2007 in front of a mosque near his residence in the district town. The trial of his killers is still going on, court sources said. l Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed at Romask Limited, 184, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1215. Editorial, News & Commercial Office: FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka 1207. Phone: 9132093-94, Advertising: 9132155, Circulation: 9132282, Fax: News-9132192, e-mail: news@dhakatribune.com, info@dhakatribune.com, Website: www.dhakatribune.com Continue to the Business section... Business B2 Tax education, E-TIN services to get priority in Tax Fair 2013 B3 Tk1bn sought to develop 12 land ports tuesday, August 27, 2013 Business www.dhakatribune.com/business Stolen assets recovery tough task Only one case settled so far nSyed Samiul Basher Anik Bangladesh has so far settled only one case of recovering stolen assets out of many cases, going through a very complex procedure. “The money siphoned off the country in the case was being repatriated,” Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told a meeting in Dhaka yesterday, informing about the progress of the country’s efforts in recovering the stolen assets. To speak about the success story, he referred to the repatriation of money laundered by former prime minister’s son Arafat Rahman. He said some of influential political persons were involved with money laundering. “There are many cases still pending but a case has been finished so far,” he said, terming corruption as a social disease and money laundering as one of the tools of the illegal means. “We’ll gradually conclude all other cases too.” The attorney general, who led the asset recovery drive from Singapore, was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day training programme on asset recovery, organised by Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh. The training programme is to strengthen the capacity of multi-agency government officials to recover the siphoned off public money from abroad. The attorney general assured his office would provide all necessary support to the ACC in all its attempts to recover the money laundered so far. Speaking as the chief guest, Finance Minister AMA Muhith stressed on strengthening the ACC by using the money they recovered Finance Minister AMA Muhith speaking at a training on asset recovery in Dhaka yesterday. AntiCorruption Commission organised the event through their efforts. “The ACC already recovered some money which is now being used in looking into the anti-graft activities,” he said. About the government’s pre-election commitment to uproot corruption, he said: “Corruption could not be eliminated totally yet, but it has been reduced in our tenure.” If all the recovered money could be used in checking graft, it will help the ACC to strengthen its teeth, added the minister. Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said the ACC act has given full financial and administrative independence to the commission. He emphasised on comprehensive legal framework and institutional capacity in recovering assets. “We have laws, but enforcement is limited. We need to work more into it.” He said the ACC alone cannot recover the siphoned off money and it needed support from Bangladesh Bank and National Board of Revenue. Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman said successful operation of recovering assets requires intelligence cooperation and helps from sources and other countries. “Asset recovery is a complex procedure. It needs legal framework to recover laundered money,” he said, speaking about the relatively new area even in the global scene. “However, we have already recovered laundered money from a person which is a success.” ACC Chairman M Badiuzzaman and Secretary M Faizur Rahman Chowdhury also spoke among others. l BB releases Tk3bn from stock refinance fund nKayes Sohel The Bangladesh Bank (BB) yesterday released Tk3bn as first installment of the Tk9bn refinance scheme to prop up the country’s stock markets, official sources said. The first installment was made after receiving a requisition of money from the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) in line with a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the central bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and ICB. Sources said the remaining part of the scheme will be disbursed in next three months in two more installments as per the deal. The installments will be deposited to the ICB account opened in Bangladesh Development Bank Ltd. A BSEC official said works are going on to form a three-member supervision committee for operation of the refinance fund. As per tripartite memorandum, the committee will be formed. BSEC has identified 954,000 stock investors to be brought under the facility of refinance scheme. Earlier, the government approved guideline for the scheme, setting interest rate at 9% on loans to the affected investors who had lost money during a market debacle in 2011. The affected retail investors, who had investment up to Tk1m from January 2009 to November 2011, will be eligible to receive loan from the specialised fund. After getting the fund at 5% interest rate from the central bank, the ICB will lend it to merchant banks and stockbrokers at 7%, according to the scheme guideline. The merchant banks and stockbrokers will then disburse the fund to the retail investors at 9% interest rate. The borrowers will have to repay the loans in three-month installments and should give corporate guarantee to the loans to ICB. ICB will subsequently deposit the received amount to the refinance fund. As per guideline, the regulator will have the authority to cancel licence of the merchant banks and stockbrokers if they fail to repay the loans on time. An inspection committee led by the BSEC and with representatives from the central bank and the regulator will monitor the operation of the scheme and submit a report to the finance ministry in every quarter of calendar year. l Dhaka, Manama to sign investment promotion deals nSheikh Shahariar Zaman Bangladesh is going to sign four instruments, including avoidance of double taxation, with Bahrain to bolster economic and diplomatic relations with the Gulf country. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni is scheduled to visit Bahrain on September 10 and sign the instruments. The instruments are avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investment, establishing a joint commission and bilateral consultations between the two foreign ministries. The absence of agreements on several issues such as avoidance of double taxation, promotion and protection of investment are reasons behind the slow progress to tap in investment from such an important financial hub of the Gulf region. “It is unfortunate that the agreement signing issue still remains pending for long, as visit of the Bangladeshi foreign minister to the country has been postponed on repeated occasions,” said a foreign ministry official. The visit of Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to Bahrain was postponed in April and September 2012 and later in May 2013. “Our main interest is to lure investment from Bahrain as it has huge liquidity with potentials for investment,” the official said. Manama, the capital of Bahrain, hosts over 410 financial institutions including offshore ones representing assets worth $195bn. The official, however, said signing of the agreements would not alone guarantee flow of investment but Bangladesh should pursue and try to get hold of low-cost investment from the Gulf country. A Bahraini company, EMP Energy Fund Holding, has agreed to set up a 225 megawatt power plant in Gazipur and a joint venture has already been formed in this regard, he said. “Bahraini entrepreneurs don’t have much confidence in our infrastructure and capacity, but we need to convince them it is a lucrative destination for investment,” he added. The potential areas of Bahraini investment are pharmaceuticals, readymade garments, ICT, ceramics, leather, power generation, tourism, banking and other financial concerns. l 2 DHAKA TRIBUNE Business tuesday, August 27, 2013 Tax education, E-TIN services to get priority in Tax Fair 2013 nSyed Samiul Basher Anik Tax education will get priority at this year’s income tax fair to be held in mid-September in Dhaka. The objective of revenue earnings comes later, said an official as the National Board of Revenue is preparing for the annual event. “Revenue earnings will not be the core concern, but importance will be given on tax education and awareness,” he said. “So, there’ll be no target for revenue collection from the fair.” The revenue authorities decided to dedicate 10 booths to be set up for the income tax fair 2013 for tax education and awareness building. “This year our main target is to aware and educate people about the need of Taxpayers Identification Number. The dedicated booths will support the existing taxpayers and interested ones to pay taxes through E-TIN,” the official said. On previous occasions, NBR set up around 10 booths at the tax circle offices, but this year, no booths will be there. Instead, all the 10 booths will be set up at the fair venue at the Officers Club premises. There will also be 6-7 booths of Sonali Bank and Janata Bank to facilitate tax-related transactions, the official said. This year, the revenue body will award five top taxpayers from each district and five top taxpayers from each city corporation for NBL trains credit officers nTribune Business Desk National Bank Training Institute (NBTI) conducted a short training course on “Security analysis and preparation of credit proposals” recently for credit officers of the bank. A number of 35 credit officers of the bank attended the two-day training, said a press release. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank Ltd Neaz Ahmed inaugurated the training while Additional Managing Director AKM Shafiqur Rahman distributed certificates amongst the participants. l their contribution to the national exchequer. To award tax card, it already made a list of 40 entrepreneurs considering their contribution to the national exchequer in the financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12. The NBR will award 40 taxpayers, including 10 individuals and 10 corporate taxpayers, but the list has not been finalised yet. “We have initially prepared the list of people to be awarded with the tax cards, but we will send the list to the finance ministry for approval. The list will be finalised after ap- proval by the cabinet division,” the official said. The fair will remain open for visitors from 10am to 6pm. The visitors would be offered to get the electronic TIN registration instantly and other income tax related services. Last year, the revenue body collected Tk8.39bn in income tax from the fair. A total of 347,523 people received services from the fair and the board had received tax returns from around 100,000 taxpayers. Fresh TIN was issued to 16,402 people. l GE to supply gas turbines to Bhola plant Oil price climbs to near $107 nTribune Business Desk nAP, Bangkok A French subsidiary of GE will supply two 6F gas-turbines to the China Chengda Engineering Co Ltd for Bangladesh’s Bhola Power Plant. The turbines to be given under a contract signed will generate 200 megawatts of electricity, said GE in a statement Sunday. The project of gas-based combined cycle power plant in the southern district of Bhola is expected to commence generation by 2015. Chengda Engineering is an international contractor engaged in the EPC activities. The new installation will help compensate and reduce the energy mismatch currently being experienced in the country by delivering power with high efficiency, availability, reliability and low emissions, said a press release. Vishal Wanchoo, Vice President Growth and Strategy, GE South Asia, said: “GE is committed to provide efficient and reliable power generation technology that supports Bangladesh’s economic growth and ensures sustainable supply of electricity for its growing needs. In the first half of 2013, GE received orders to supply 9F 3-series gas turbines for two power plants in Siddirganj and Bibiyana. Together these projects are expected to produce 675 MW of power to help expand Bangladesh’s power generation capacity significantly. l The price of oil rose Monday after disappointing US housing figures led to speculation that the US Federal Reserve might take a very gradual approach toward winding down its economic stimulus. Benchmark oil for October delivery was up 9 cents to $106.51 a barrel at late afternoon Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract gained $1.39, or 1.4%, to close at $106.42 on Friday. Oil rose after the U.S. government said that Americans cut back sharply in July on purchases of new homes, a sign that higher mortgage rates may weigh on the housing recovery. Traders apparently saw the weak data as an indication that the Fed may need to wait before slowing down its bond-buying program. A slower phase-out of the Federal Re- serve’s monetary stimulus could also keep the dollar weaker, making commodities that are traded in dollars more appealing to investors with other currencies. “There are indications that higher rates in the recent two or three months may already be dampening the housing market,” said Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. The Fed’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee had earlier signalled it would begin to taper its $85 billion a month bond-buying programme, starting as early as September if the economy continued to improve broadly. “In the light of the home sales data, there might be concern from the Fed to wait a little while,” said Spooner. Instability in the Middle East also continued to support oil prices amid the political crisis in Egypt and allegations that Syrian forces used chemical weapons on civilians. l Jamuna Bank Foundation holds anti-drug seminar nTribune Business Desk Jamuna Bank Foundation organised a seminar on “Severity of narcotics and our responsibilities for combating it” at the bank’s Feni branch recently. The bank’s chairman Kanutosh Majumder and the foundation’s chairman Nur Mohammed attended the event, said a press release. l NUB holds seminar on untapped energy mine nTribune Business Desk The Business Faculty of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB) organised a day-long seminar on “The untapped energy mine” recently on the campus in the city’s Dhanmondi. Prof Sajed Kamal, a solar energy expert and teaching at Brandeis University, USA, presented keynote speech, said a press release. The NUB vice chancellor Prof Dr M Shamsul Haque and Business Faculty dean Prof Saeed Alamgir Jafar were present. Dr Sajed focused on the revolutionary scope of renewable energy to fight climate change, revitalise economy and gain energy independence for Bangladesh. l DHAKA TRIBUNE Business tuesday, August 27, 2013 Tk1bn sought to develop 12 land ports BLPA wants the amount as interest-free loan to acquire lands nAsif Showkat Kallol Bangladesh Land Port Authority has sought Tk1bn from the Finance Division as interest-free loan to acquire lands for development of the country’s 12 land ports. “To facilitate export and import business, the country’s 12 land ports need to be developed, which would require Tk1bn,” Tapan Kumar Chakravorty, additional secretary and member of the Land Port Authority (Development), told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. He added: “The Land Port Authority is now operating with its own fund. We will be able to repay the loan within a stipulated time.” As per requirement proposal, the Bhomra Land Port needs 20 acres of land at an estimated cost of Tk206m, Hilli Land Port needs 12.8 acres at a cost of Tk103m, Khaquir Land Port 22.4 acres at Tk80m, Banapole Land Port 10.3 acres at Tk100m, Kilomiagh Land Port 7.4 acres at Tk30m, Sonachhari Land Port 14.2 acres at TK70m, Nakugao Land Port 18 acres at Tk70m, Ramghor Land Port 10.2 acres at Tk50m, the proposed Tapamouha Land Port 10 acres at Tk50m, the proposed Jibonnagar Land Port 15 acres at Tk50m and the proposed Mujibnagar Land Port 10 acres at Tk80m. Tapan Kumar said the Land Port Authority earlier received Tk50m from finance ministry. “Of the total revenue earnings from the ports, 20% comes from the land ports while 80% is generated in the seaports. Through infrastructural development, the earnings in the land ports can be increased.” The Land Port Authority officials alleged that the government has a lack of interest in the development of the country’s land ports. The stakeholders said the country’s land- ports have a shortage of necessary infrastructures, which should be removed to bolster up cross-border trading. Bangladesh’s bilateral trade with its immediate neighbour India is largely dependent on the land-ports. Nearly 60% of Bangladesh-India trade takes place through such ports, showed the statistics of Bangladesh Land Port Authority. Bangladesh currently possesses 18 land ports, of which, only nine are in full operation. The other nine ports are not fully functional for lack of necessary infrastructures. Bangladesh Land Port Authority earlier handed over six land ports to private operators in line with the government’s policy decision. Meanwhile, India’s central government, two months ago, took a project of nearly Rs4.5bn to develop their land ports located at the border lines with Bangladesh, said sources concerned. l EU supports Bangladeshi bank training institutions to enhance efficiency nTribune Report The European Union will support Bangladeshi bank training institutions to ensure more efficient and improved training to the financial sector with particular emphasis on SME banking, said a statement yesterday. In this respect, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA) and Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) under the EU project INSPIRED, component 3. Integrated Support to Poverty and Inequality Reduction through Enterprise Development (INSPIRED) is a project of €19m provided by the EU and managed by the Ministry of Industries of Bangladesh. INSPIRED is aimed at improving the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on local and international markets. Md Ataur Rahman, Executive Director of BBTA and Dr Toufic Ahmad Choudhury, Director General of BIBM, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides. The both party expressed the importance of the MoU which essentially would support the capacity building of the financial sector. “The INSPIRED project’s objective was to reduce poverty in Bangladesh by supporting the development of SMEs in the country and enhance the competitiveness and sustainable propoor growth of SMEs in selected sub-sectors of the economy of Bangladesh,” said Philippe Jacques, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh. The numerous training and seminar activities which are being delivered to the two institu- 3 Stocks fall on profit booking nTribune Report Stocks ended marginally lower yesterday as investors went for quick profit booking after a two-day rally. The market moved between positive and negative territories several times throughout the whole trading session, as investors played both sides of the fence. The benchmark DSEX index closed at 4,134 with a marginal drop of 29 points or 0.7%. The blue chip index DS30 was up 23 points or 1.5% to 1,545. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) Selective Categories Index, CSCX, lost 150 points to 7,981. “The day’s price correction and profit taking tendency seemed to be taking the index down,” said Lanka Bangla Securities in its daily market analysis. However, as DSEX was hovering around psychological support level of 4,100 points, this attracted some “natural buy” in the end-session while DSEX showed some positive movement in its window, it said. Turnover stood at Tk6bn, down 26.56% over the previous session. Losers took a modest lead over the gainers as out of 278 issues traded, 104 gained, 149 declined and 25 remained unchanged. “Investors were active to realise quick return on overvalued scrips, which helped the market to close in the red zone,” said IDLC Investment. Downhill in large cap scrips mostly fueled to push down the index at the end. Multinational companies stocks fell on profit taking after rally over the several previous sessions. Except life insurance sector that rose 4.33%, most of the sectors closed lower. Food and allied sector was the worst loser with a fall of 2.35%, followed by telecommunications 1.93%, non life insurance 1.59% and fuel & power 1.53%. Pharmaceuticals and banks ended flat. Grameenphone was the most traded stock with shares worth Tk342.6m changing hands. It was followed by Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Ltd, Padma Oil, Meghna Petroleum, Olympic Industries, Tallu Spinning and United Airways. l BB issues guideline for banks’ training institutes nTribune Report Bangladesh Bank Training Academy and Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management sign MoU to enhance efficiency of banks’ training institutes tions by the INSPIRED project aiming at further dissemination of SME banking would become more efficient through the MoU, he added. Philippe Jacques said the project will support also coordination mechanisms between the two training institutions. BBTA, the training wing of Bangladesh Bank and, BIBM, a non-for profit organisation, owned by Bangladesh Bank and the financial institutions have cooperated for several years, and the two institutions have decided to enhance their cooperation through formalising a written memorandum. Areas of important cooperation will cover curricula design and organisation and delivery of training courses including exchange of expertise. It also emphasised to update and operationalise the national strategy for SME development, streamline SME regulations, improve SME access to affordable finance and enhance support services provided by Business Intermediary Organizations (BIOs). l Bangladesh Bank yesterday set guideline to improve the banks’ training institutes for qualitative development of the manpower. There is no alternative to the development of human resources to face various challenges in the banking industry, said a central bank circular. It added to develop infrastructures and improve quality of training institutes, all banks need to follow the guideline. Under the guideline, the head of a training institute will be a senior full-time official appointed on regular or contractual basis. The number of faculty members of a training institute must be consistent with the total workforce of the respective bank. Besides, a training institute would be required to have facilities including at least two class rooms, one computer lab, one dining hall, internet connection and projector. l Business China economy showing clear signs of stabilisation 4 DHAKA TRIBUNE tuesday, August 27, 2013 Anadarko says to sell Mozambique gas stake to India corp nAFP, New York n Reuters, Beijing China's economy is showing clear signs of stabilization, helped by policy support and some improvement in global demand, and is on track to meet the government's 2013 growth target of 7.5%, the state statistics bureau said on Monday. The issue of local government debt also remained under control, the National Bureau of Statistics said at a briefing organized by the foreign ministry that may have been aimed at allaying global concern about China's slowdown. "We are confident that the economy is sustaining the positive momentum in the second half and confident of meeting the economic growth target," said Sheng Laiyun, the NBS's spokesman. "The economy is showing some positive changes. Signs of growth stabilization are becoming more obvious," he said. A private factory survey last week reinforced signs of stabilizing in the economy in the third quarter after the government took supportive measures, including scrapping taxes for small firms and accelerating investment in urban infrastructure and railways. That followed a raft of July data which saw factory output grew at its fastest pace since the start of the year, and surprisingly strong trade data. China's annual economic growth slowed to 7.5% in the second quarter, down from 7.7% in the three months ending March 31 - the ninth such deceleration in the past 10 quarters. Beijing has said it is willing tolerate slow- A man sleeps outside a boutique at Taikoo Li Sanlitun North, in Beijing er growth as it pushes reforms designed to reduce pollution, social inequity and an economic growth model which has an over-reliance on debt-financed construction and exports. Sheng said it was very difficult for China to maintain a fast growth rate due to structural adjustments and declining surplus labour, but rising consumption, increasing urbanization and catch-up growth in less developed regions will be long-term economic drivers. The government has launched a series of targeted measures recently to support the economy, including scrapping taxes for small firms, offering more help for ailing exporters and accelerating investment in urban infrastructure and railways. REUTERS But rapidly slowing growth has also been putting pressure on China's heavily indebted companies and provincial governments, raising concerns that the country's explosion in credit since 2008 may be on the verge of a meltdown. Credit in China's economy almost doubled between 2008 and last year, pushing investment to 46% of GDP, much of that into infrastructure and property. The China Banking Regulatory Commission has recently begun working with China's securities regulator to encourage the securitization of loans to help lenders sell problematic loans and is developing a platform to help banks sell such loans to investors. l Texas-based Anadarko Petroleum said it had agreed to sell a 10-percent stake in a natural gas field off the coast of Mozambique for $2.64 billion cash to an Indian corporation. Anadarko said in a statement late Sunday that it had entered an agreement with ONGC Videsh, a subsidiary of Indian multinational Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, to sell part of its stake in Mozambique's Offshore Area 1. Anadarko, one of the world's largest oil and gas exploration and production companies, will remain the Area 1 operator, with a working interest of 26.5% down from 36.5%. The transaction is expected to close in late 2013, and is subject to existing preferential rights and governmental approvals. Area 1, located in Mozambique's deepwater Rovuma Basin, off the far northern coast of the southeast African nation, "holds an estimated 35 to 65-plus trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable natural gas resources." Anadarko's Area 1 partners include Japan's Mitsui (20%), India's BPRL (10%), Indian multinational Videocon(10%) and PTT Exploration & Production from Thailand (8.5%), and Mozambique's Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos with 15% interest. Anadarko said it planned to use money from the sale to "further accelerate the shortand intermediate-term oil and liquids opportunities" in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. "This transaction demonstrates our continuing ability to create substantial value through exploration and to again accelerate the value of our longer-dated projects through attractive monetizations and third-party capital," said Anadarko Chairman, President and CEO Al Walker. l Global Economy: On a firmer footing awaiting the Fed nReuters, London More bricks in the global recovery wall are likely to slot into place in a week that could also yield more clues as to when the Federal Reserve will start unwinding its exceptional monetary stimulus. Updated gross domestic product figures are usually brushed aside as backward-looking. But with the timetable for Fed ‘tapering' dependent on the flow of data, any upward revision to US second-quarter GDP growth can only strengthen the hand of those who expect the central bank to move as early as its September 17/18 policy meeting. Economists polled by Reuters reckon GDP expanded at a 2.2% clip between April and June, up from an initial estimate of 1.7% thanks to a bigger contribution from net exports. The US economy is far from firing on all cylinders. But last week home sales for July jumped to a three-year high and the fourweek moving average for new jobless claims fell to the lowest level in nearly six years. Sam Bullard, an economist with Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina, said he still thought, after the minutes of July's pol- icy-making Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke would start to ease off next month. "At least on the economic data front, the numbers are gradually improving and the plan that Bernanke laid out at the June FOMC meeting for potential tapering in the second half of this year still looks as though it's on pace. We're still in that September camp," Bullard said. To be sure, the Fed has to take account of plenty of headwinds. Bullard cited the risk of a US government shutdown due to wrangling over next year's budget. Congress also needs to raise the federal debt ceiling by November, raising the specter of a repeat of the brinkmanship that rocked markets two years ago. "If the Fed goes for September, they have to have some faith that there'll be some resolution to these federal fiscal issues and that they won't throw their economic growth projections off course," Bullard said. "It's not a slam dunk." Figures this week are also likely to show US inflation according to the Fed's preferred measure, the core deflator for personal con- sumption expenditure, remained stuck last month near June's uncomfortably low annual rate of 1.2%. And financial conditions have tightened since the Fed met in July, with mortgage rates yanked higher by rising bond yields. But Jerry Webman, chief economist with OppenheimerFunds, said the Fed had talked itself into a position where it would arouse suspicions if it did not start buying fewer bonds in September, say $75bn a month instead of $85bn. "At the moment, expect tapering to begin in the middle of September; don't expect it to be terribly disruptive to financial markets," New York-based Webman said. Statistics this week from developed economies should partly allay another concern voiced in the Fed minutes - that America's export markets were sluggish. Japan, responding to aggressive monetary stimulus and a weaker yen, is forecast to report a rebound in industrial output and household spending alongside an acceleration in consumer price inflation - just as the Bank of Japan wishes. In Germany, economists are penciling in a rise in the IFO business climate index for Au- gust to 107 from 106.2 as well as a solid rise in retail sales and a dip in the number of jobless. After data on Friday showed Germany's 0.7% rise in second-quarter GDP was driven by domestic demand, including a rebound in business spending, Thomas Harjes with Barclays in Frankfurt said he expected Europe's largest economy to maintain its underlying 2 percent annualized growth rate through 2014. "Corporate capital investment should continue a moderate recovery unless the euro area crisis intensifies again, or global demand, especially from China, is significantly weaker than expected," Harjes said in a note. The data flow from China has in fact improved lately, and economists expect a modest rise in the official manufacturing purchasing managers' index, due on September 1, to 50.5 from 50.3. That would be welcome news to China's emerging-market trading partners. The currencies of India, Brazil and Indonesia among others have tumbled due to growth worries and a looming end to ever more cheap dollars printed by the Fed - opening up a negative feedback loop for Bernanke to bear in mind. l DHAKA TRIBUNE Business tuesday, August 27, 2013 Eyes online, milk powder firms count cost of China probes 5 nReuters, Shanghai Japan may dip into budget reserves to fight Fukushima toxic water nReuters, Tokyo Global milk powder firms are scrutinizing Chinese social media reports up to four times a day to gauge consumer reaction to a high-profile pricing probe and food safety scare that threaten their squeaky-clean image in the $14.5bn China market. The stepped-up monitoring of microblogging site Weibo and local online forums reflects the outsized role social media plays in China, where access to information is restricted. Chatter about food safety scares spreads lightning-fast on Twitter-like Weibo, so companies are learning to keep constant tabs on their online brand reputation. "We work with a number of clients in this sector and we've been busy, very busy, over the last couple of weeks," said a China-based senior executive at a social media analytics firm. He asked not to be identified because the firm is currently working with industry brands including those owned by Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd, Danone SA and Nestle SA. Earlier this month, five international milk powder firms and one Chinese company were fined a record $110m after a probe into price fixing in the sector, while a botulism scare at New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra tarnished the wider reputation of imported milk powder. Reuters analyzed the frequency of Weibo posts mentioning the major infant formula brands and found that the number of posts began to increase as early as May, and then peaked at the start of August, around the time of the Fonterra botulism scare. The earlier spikes could be explained by the spread of rumors around the milk powder price probe, which was publicly disclosed in July but had been in the works for four months. The viral nature of social media can also amplify the chatter without necessarily reflecting wider consumer thinking because a single message can be re-posted thousands of times. Nestle, which was named in the pricing probe but escaped a fine, saw the smallest spike in online chatter about its Wyeth infant formula unit, which flattened in July and August. Mentions of Mead Johnson Nutrition Co spiked the most, peaking in June, but then returned close to normal this month. The frequency of posts about Dumex and Abbott Laboratories, which makes brands such as Similac, remained elevated into August, suggesting the firms may have work to do to reassure consumers. Chatter about Fonterra, which doesn't have its own-label brand in China, was little affected by the earlier price probes, but saw a sudden steep spike in August at the time of the botulism scare. In August alone, posts that mention Fonterra were five times those in January to July. Nestle and Danone declined to comment. Mead Johnson, Wyeth and Fonterra did not respond to emailed queries. Late last year, a Fonterra source told Reuters that social media in China was going to be a priority. Abbott said it is stepping up so- Japan may use emergency reserve funds from this year's budget to help Tokyo Electric Power Co, the operator of the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, deal with escalating radioactive water problems at the site. Tokyo Electric, or Tepco, acknowledged last week that hundreds of tonnes (1.1023 ton) of highly radioactive water had leaked from a tank, one of around 350 assembled quickly after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered nuclear meltdowns at the site. The tanks are used to store water pumped through the reactors to keep fuel in the melted cores from overheating. The latest revelation is the most serious problem in a series of recent mishaps, including power outages, contaminated workers and other leaks. Tepco also said last month - after repeated denials - that the Fukushima plant was leaking contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean from trenches between the reactor buildings and the shoreline. "It's deplorable," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference on Monday. "It is necessary for the country to step forward and offer support to solve the problem as well as prevent a recurrence." Suga said trade and industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi had been instructed to come up with measures, including the possible use of reserve funds from the state budget for the year ending March 2014. Japan put aside a total of 350bn yen ($3.55bn) in reserves for natural disasters and other emergencies in the budget. Motegi and Tepco President Naomi Hirose will visit the Fukushima site later on Monday. Japan is under increasing pressure to contain the toxic water problem at the plant. The new crisis comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pitching the country's nuclear technology abroad to countries like Turkey, promising that its nuclear reactor makers have learned vital safety lessons from the disaster. Tepco shares fell as much as 10% on Monday to their lowest in 12 weeks. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday visited Chernobyl in Ukraine, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, and said he hoped to apply lessons learned there to Fukushima. "I directly saw that the battle to contain the accident still continues 27 years after the disaster. Ukraine's experience and knowledge serve as a useful reference for workers coping with the Fukushima nuclear crisis," the Kyodo news agency quoted Kishida as telling reporters. China on Sunday said it was paying close attention to developments at Fukushima, noting it has the right to request entry into waters near the facility to conduct checks and assess the impact of the nuclear accident on the Western Pacific. The country's State Oceanic Administration said it hadn't found any evidence of a "direct impact" from radiation on Chinese waters, but will closely monitor developments. l The logo of Sina Corp’s Chinese microblog website ‘Weibo’ is seen on a screen in this file photo illustration taken in Beijing REUTERS ‘Many firms are looking at Taobao, which is a good indicator because it tells you where demand is, but where the physical infrastructure hasn’t yet reached’ cial media engagement worldwide. "Our use of social media is increasing globally as we look to better understand, respond to and connect with our customers around the world," Abbott spokeswoman Kelly Morrison said. Chinese consumers are highly sensitive to dairy safety after a scandal in 2008 involving melamine-contaminated baby milk powder. At least six babies died and thousands more fell ill. For the international infant formula brands, the recent scandals hit a particularly sensitive spot: their reputation for safety, which was their primary edge over local rivals. "The picture that is being painted in China is that their quality isn't that much better that local firms," said Torsten Stocker, Hong Kong-based partner at consulting firm AT Kearney. The social data company executive said that infant formula companies had made use of online media to gauge consumer sentiment, track the spread of conversations related to their brands, and work out how to respond to the crisis. "There was one brand which was holding out and didn't admit involvement until the very end. That made Chinese netizens angry. Other brands did better, responding quickly and getting opinion leaders to support the brand online," he said. Consultants will now create detailed reports using the data to identify weak-spots of brands through the crisis, helping milk powder makers create tailored recovery drives, he said, adding that some firms asked for updates four times a day. Milk powder makers are also using analysis of online Chinese retailer Taobao, owned by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, to map out demand hotspots in China's multitude of lower-tier cities where analysts predict 80% of sector growth. China has more than 150 cities with a population above 1 million, and the major Western brands have yet to establish coastto-coast distribution channels. "Many firms are looking at Taobao, which is a good indicator because it tells you where demand is, but where the physical infrastructure hasn't yet reached," said Jeff Walters, managing director at Boston Consulting Group, which advises a number of milk powder firms in China. Global infant formula firms in China have traditionally benefited from high prices and a domestic sector dogged by safety fears, but analysts said the recent turmoil could mark the start of a more challenging period for firms in China. Chinese authorities are also looking to consolidate the sector and create stronger local champions, which means they will be taking on fewer but more formidable competitors. "Now companies are going to have to get a lot smarter. They're going have to come up with the right pricing, the right brand image and focus on far better distribution," said Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group. l 6 Share DHAKA TRIBUNE tuesday, August 27, 2013 DSEBroadIndex:4134.12⇓0.70%Turnover:6024.72M.Tk⇓26.56%,PE:13.28 Turnover 6,445.06 MTk.⇓26.83% August26,2013 MarketCap.2,043.23 BTk.⇓1.02% CSEAllShareIndex:12601⇓1.79%,Turnover:420.34MTk.⇓30.49%,PE:13.03 Combined Turnover Leader Grameenphone-A BD Submarine Cable-A BANK ABBANK | 2.95 | 32.60 | Vol. 244289 D: 24.00 ⇓ 0.41% | 23.99 | 24.50 / 21.70 C: 24.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 23.85 | 25.00 / 23.00 CITYBANK | 1.15 | 25.97 | Vol. 363723 D: 17.00 ⇓ 1.16% | 17.07 | 18.10 / 15.60 C: 17.10 ⇓ 1.16% | 17.10 | 17.60 / 17.00 IFIC | 1.10 | 18.34 | Vol. 410416 D: 20.70 ⇓ 0.48% | 20.67 | 21.00 / 18.80 C: 20.90 ⇓ 0.48% | 20.94 | 21.00 / 20.80 ISLAMIBANK | 3.78 | 27.16 | Vol. 344679 D: 37.30 ⇑ 0.27% | 37.25 | 38.00 / 36.00 C: 37.10 ⇑ 0.54% | 36.76 | 37.20 / 36.00 NBL | 1.05 | 15.76 | Vol. 1271508 D: 11.50 ⇓ 0.86% | 11.63 | 12.00 / 10.50 C: 11.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.69 | 12.50 / 11.60 PUBALIBANK | 1.92 | 21.18 | Vol. 297512 D: 29.20 ⇑ 1.39% | 28.86 | 29.40 / 26.00 C: 28.80 ⇑ 1.05% | 28.72 | 29.00 / 28.30 RUPALIBANK | 6.70 | 64.27 | Vol. 11582 D: 60.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 60.95 | 61.50 / 60.00 C: 60.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 60.00 | 60.00 / 60.00 UCBL | 1.90 | 21.72 | Vol. 1482981 D: 18.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 18.30 | 19.00 / 16.50 C: 18.20 ⇓ 1.09% | 18.23 | 18.50 / 17.90 UTTARABANK | 3.42 | 26.97 | Vol. 252689 D: 25.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 25.04 | 26.00 / 22.60 C: 24.80 ⇓ 0.80% | 24.90 | 25.10 / 24.60 ICBIBANK | -1.60 | -13.03 | Vol. 56000 D: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.95 | 6.00 / 5.90 EBL | 3.91 | 28.22 | Vol. 1858120 D: 26.00 ⇑ 1.17% | 28.02 | 28.10 / 24.00 C: 25.50 ⇑ 0.79% | 25.43 | 25.60 / 25.00 ALARABANK | 2.03 | 14.91 | Vol. 257508 D: 14.80 ⇓ 0.67% | 14.85 | 16.00 / 13.50 C: 14.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.83 | 15.00 / 14.50 PRIMEBANK | 2.89 | 22.40 | Vol. 40280 D: 21.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 21.84 | 22.70 / 19.70 C: 21.30 ⇓ 0.47% | 21.38 | 21.50 / 21.30 SOUTHEASTB | 1.89 | 22.66 | Vol. 472463 D: 16.00 ⇓ 0.62% | 16.06 | 16.30 / 14.90 C: 15.90 ⇓ 0.63% | 15.94 | 16.00 / 15.00 DHAKABANK | 1.46 | 18.08 | Vol. 105972 D: 20.00 ⇓ 0.99% | 20.33 | 20.70 / 18.30 C: 20.00 ⇓ 0.99% | 20.04 | 20.20 / 19.50 NCCBANK | 1.90 | 15.88 | Vol. 291833 D: 12.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.95 | 13.00 / 10.80 C: 12.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.98 | 12.10 / 11.90 SIBL | 2.05 | 14.47 | Vol. 213364 D: 12.00 ⇓ 0.83% | 12.07 | 13.00 / 10.90 C: 12.00 ⇓ 0.83% | 12.04 | 12.20 / 11.00 DUTCHBANGL | 11.57 | 54.27 | Vol. 23000 D: 98.00 ⇓ 0.71% | 98.26 | 99.80 / 97.50 MTBL | 1.17 | 17.27 | Vol. 85350 D: 14.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.53 | 14.80 / 13.20 C: 14.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.47 | 14.50 / 14.40 STANDBANKL | 2.33 | 14.41 | Vol. 353344 D: 13.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.45 | 14.00 / 12.20 C: 13.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.34 | 13.40 / 13.20 ONEBANKLTD | 2.35 | 15.34 | Vol. 628590 D: 14.80 ⇓ 0.67% | 14.93 | 15.10 / 13.50 C: 14.80 ⇓ 1.33% | 14.91 | 15.00 / 14.80 BANKASIA | 1.35 | 20.80 | Vol. 298612 D: 19.30 ⇑ 2.12% | 19.38 | 19.50 / 17.30 C: 18.90 ⇑ 1.61% | 18.93 | 19.00 / 18.90 MERCANBANK | 2.07 | 16.59 | Vol. 193076 D: 11.80 ⇑ 0.85% | 11.75 | 12.30 / 10.80 C: 11.80 ⇑ 0.85% | 11.69 | 11.90 / 11.50 EXIMBANK | 1.80 | 14.31 | Vol. 761673 D: 11.60 ⇓ 0.85% | 11.70 | 12.00 / 10.90 C: 11.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.82 | 12.20 / 11.00 JAMUNABANK | 2.47 | 18.56 | Vol. 113207 D: 13.90 ⇓ 1.42% | 14.01 | 14.10 / 12.80 C: 13.80 ⇓ 1.43% | 13.72 | 14.00 / 13.30 BRACBANK | 1.51 | 24.87 | Vol. 217451 D: 28.50 ⇓ 0.35% | 28.53 | 30.00 / 26.00 C: 28.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.79 | 28.50 / 28.50 SHAHJABANK | 2.61 | 14.47 | Vol. 305171 D: 14.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.34 | 14.60 / 12.90 C: 14.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 14.43 | 14.50 / 14.40 TO M. Tk. % of TTL Avg. P 1738543 371.54 5.76 213.71 1055990 300.40 4.66 284.48 Padma Oil Co. -A 728890 278.06 4.31 381.48 Meghna Petroleum -A 812643 228.71 3.55 281.44 Olympic Ind. -A CompanyCode | EPS | BV | Volume Traded (Share) DSE/CSE: ClosePrice ⇓/⇑ Chn % | Avg.Price | Hi / Lo Vol. 822656 184.95 2.87 PREMIERBAN | 1.18 | 13.95 | Vol. 427398 D: 10.10 ⇓ 1.94% | 10.11 | 11.00 / 9.30 C: 10.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 10.14 | 10.30 / 9.10 TRUSTBANK | 0.50 | 18.00 | Vol. 82920 D: 17.30 ⇓ 0.57% | 17.36 | 17.50 / 15.70 C: 17.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 16.96 | 17.20 / 17.20 FIRSTSBANK | 1.85 | 13.89 | Vol. 172414 D: 11.90 ⇓ 0.83% | 11.96 | 12.20 / 11.00 C: 12.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 11.99 | 12.00 / 11.30 NON BANKING F I IDLC | 4.43 | 29.18 | Vol. 270520 D: 64.80 ⇓ 0.46% | 65.69 | 67.00 / 64.00 C: 65.20 ⇑ 0.31% | 65.63 | 67.00 / 64.00 ULC | 1.80 | 14.90 | Vol. 178156 D: 28.30 ⇑ 0.71% | 28.90 | 29.30 / 27.00 UTTARAFIN | 7.16 | 41.54 | Vol. 257648 D: 79.70 ⇓ 1.85% | 81.04 | 82.70 / 73.10 C: 79.80 ⇓ 1.85% | 80.97 | 83.00 / 79.10 MIDASFIN | 0.16 | 10.21 | Vol. 5363 D: 34.70 ⇓ 1.14% | 34.52 | 35.00 / 32.00 C: 32.50 ⇓ 9.72% | 32.50 | 32.50 / 32.50 FLEASEINT | 2.34 | 13.93 | Vol. 507555 D: 26.10 ⇓ 0.38% | 26.46 | 27.00 / 23.70 C: 26.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 26.52 | 27.00 / 26.40 PLFSL | 1.37 | 17.48 | Vol. 1066174 D: 24.00 ⇑ 0.42% | 24.27 | 25.00 / 22.00 C: 24.00 ⇑ 0.42% | 24.31 | 24.70 / 23.90 PRIMEFIN | 0.87 | 17.88 | Vol. 342713 D: 26.30 ⇓ 0.75% | 26.61 | 27.60 / 25.00 C: 26.60 ⇓ 1.12% | 26.77 | 27.00 / 25.70 PREMIERLEA | 0.10 | 11.37 | Vol. 431900 D: 10.20 ⇓ 0.97% | 10.22 | 10.40 / 9.60 C: 10.20 ⇓ 0.97% | 10.32 | 10.40 / 10.20 ISLAMICFIN | 1.03 | 15.48 | Vol. 926856 D: 16.40 ⇑ 1.86% | 16.37 | 16.70 / 14.50 C: 16.50 ⇑ 3.13% | 16.38 | 16.60 / 16.10 LANKABAFIN | 1.61 | 31.07 | Vol. 1097182 D: 58.90 ⇓ 3.92% | 61.21 | 63.60 / 56.00 C: 59.30 ⇓ 2.47% | 61.08 | 63.40 / 58.50 BIFC | 0.15 | 18.58 | Vol. 90490 D: 14.10 ⇑ 2.92% | 14.06 | 14.50 / 12.50 C: 14.00 ⇑ 1.45% | 14.00 | 14.00 / 14.00 IPDC | 1.23 | 19.43 | Vol. 267300 D: 17.00 ⇑ 1.19% | 17.12 | 17.70 / 16.90 C: 16.90 ⇑ 3.68% | 16.84 | 17.20 / 16.50 UNIONCAP | 0.54 | 17.85 | Vol. 33175 D: 28.00 ⇓ 1.06% | 27.98 | 28.50 / 26.00 C: 29.50 ⇑ 7.27% | 29.38 | 29.50 / 29.00 BDFINANCE | 0.57 | 14.77 | Vol. 226563 D: 19.10 ⇑ 2.69% | 19.02 | 19.50 / 17.30 C: 19.10 ⇑ 2.69% | 18.96 | 19.40 / 18.50 ILFSL | 0.35 | 12.19 | Vol. 688888 D: 12.80 ⇑ 4.92% | 12.74 | 13.10 / 11.20 C: 12.90 ⇑ 4.03% | 12.82 | 13.10 / 12.00 PHOENIXFIN | 2.46 | 19.39 | Vol. 432447 D: 33.50 ⇓ 1.18% | 34.11 | 35.20 / 32.00 C: 33.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 34.17 | 34.60 / 31.00 FASFIN | 0.19 | 13.56 | Vol. 769314 D: 13.90 ⇑ 2.96% | 13.99 | 14.40 / 12.80 C: 14.00 ⇑ 2.94% | 13.99 | 14.30 / 13.50 DBH | 3.40 | 16.80 | Vol. 107300 D: 66.00 ⇓ 0.30% | 66.05 | 66.90 / 60.00 C: 66.00 ⇓ 3.51% | 66.00 | 66.00 / 66.00 NHFIL | 0.57 | 12.70 | Vol. 347989 D: 31.00 ⇑ 0.32% | 31.37 | 32.30 / 28.80 C: 30.60 ⇓ 1.29% | 30.80 | 31.20 / 30.30 BAYLEASING | 0.72 | 25.55 | Vol. 173674 D: 30.40 ⇓ 2.25% | 30.88 | 31.60 / 28.00 C: 30.20 ⇓ 3.51% | 30.37 | 31.00 / 30.00 ICB | 109.65 | 595.98 | Vol. 21057 D: 2162 ⇓ 1.51% | 2188 | 2215 / 2100 C: 2165 ⇓ 3.10% | 2178 | 2190 / 2165 GSPFINANCE | 1.63 | 22.23 | Vol. 416184 D: 28.00 ⇑ 1.45% | 28.13 | 28.80 / 25.00 C: 27.70 ⇑ 2.97% | 27.99 | 28.50 / 27.10 INVESTMENT 1STICB | 64.70 | 137.05 | Vol. 350 D: 873.9 ⇑ 2.81% | 874.29 | 874.0 / 873.6 2NDICB | 33.02 | 76.34 | Vol. 900 D: 285.9 ⇓ 1.24% | 285.56 | 286.5 / 285.3 224.82 DSE Loser DSE Gainer C% A% CP PragatiLife Insu.-A 9.93 13.57 112.90 Sun Life Insurance-N 9.92 12.99 56.50 Rupali Life Insur.-A 9.91 9.64 99.80 Sandhani Life-A 9.86 11.78 Meghna Life Ins.-A 9.85 11.01 3RDICB | 24.83 | 58.91 | Vol. 100 D: 200.0 ⇓ 1.19% | 200.00 | 200.0 / 200.0 4THICB | 23.40 | 58.63 | Vol. 1000 D: 190.5 ⇓ 6.62% | 191.00 | 195.0 / 188.0 5THICB | 18.93 | 41.95 | Vol. 7500 D: 186.3 ⇑ 5.14% | 181.73 | 190.0 / 170.0 6THICB | 10.58 | 26.73 | Vol. 62400 D: 51.40 ⇓ 4.10% | 51.49 | 53.50 / 50.60 8THICB | 12.33 | 29.54 | Vol. 45500 D: 54.70 ⇓ 3.36% | 55.05 | 56.40 / 54.20 1STBSRS | 14.43 | 161.88 | Vol. 40500 D: 104.1 ⇓ 2.25% | 107.65 | 109.7 / 102.2 AIMS1STMF | 3.02 | 15.70 | Vol. 558250 D: 45.70 ⇓ 1.72% | 45.90 | 46.90 / 45.10 C: 46.60 ⇑ 0.22% | 46.31 | 47.20 / 45.30 ICBISLAMIC | 2.21 | 26.81 | Vol. 74500 D: 18.50 ⇓ 9.76% | 18.68 | 19.40 / 18.50 GRAMEEN1 | 6.26 | 33.23 | Vol. 243000 D: 46.60 ⇓ 3.72% | 46.76 | 47.30 / 46.50 C: 46.10 ⇓ 4.16% | 46.10 | 46.40 / 46.00 ICB1STNRB | 4.06 | 35.31 | Vol. 51500 D: 23.60 ⇓ 9.92% | 23.65 | 23.90 / 23.60 ICB2NDNRB | 2.49 | 16.24 | Vol. 301000 D: 10.60 ⇓ 9.40% | 10.63 | 11.00 / 10.60 C: 10.60 ⇓ 9.40% | 10.60 | 10.60 / 10.60 GRAMEENS2 | 2.17 | 16.41 | Vol. 1062500 D: 17.40 ⇓ 2.79% | 17.51 | 17.90 / 17.30 C: 17.50 ⇓ 2.78% | 17.49 | 18.00 / 17.30 1STPRIMFMF | 0.64 | 11.63 | Vol. 217500 D: 16.30 ⇓ 1.81% | 16.56 | 17.00 / 16.20 C: 16.20 ⇓ 0.61% | 16.25 | 16.50 / 16.10 ICBAMCL2ND | 0.60 | 12.12 | Vol. 51000 D: 5.50 ⇑ 3.77% | 5.57 | 5.80 / 5.30 C: 5.50 ⇓ 3.51% | 5.50 | 5.50 / 5.50 ICBEPMF1S1 | 0.52 | 11.32 | Vol. 139500 D: 5.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.48 | 5.60 / 5.40 C: 5.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.34 | 5.50 / 5.30 PRIME1ICBA | 0.42 | 11.18 | Vol. 100500 D: 5.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.03 | 5.20 / 5.00 C: 5.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.10 | 5.10 / 5.10 DBH1STMF | -1.12 | 10.15 | Vol. 487500 D: 5.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.82 | 5.90 / 5.70 C: 5.80 ⇑ 1.75% | 5.74 | 5.80 / 5.70 PF1STMF | 0.51 | 11.11 | Vol. 87500 D: 5.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.18 | 5.30 / 5.10 C: 5.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.20 | 5.20 / 5.20 ICB3RDNRB | 0.00 | 10.60 | Vol. 369000 D: 5.00 ⇓ 1.96% | 5.10 | 5.20 / 5.00 C: 5.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.10 | 5.10 / 5.10 1JANATAMF | 0.78 | 10.68 | Vol. 311500 D: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.90 | 6.00 / 5.80 C: 5.90 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.89 | 6.00 / 5.80 GREENDELMF | -0.82 | 9.72 | Vol. 516500 D: 5.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.51 | 5.60 / 5.40 C: 5.50 ⇑ 1.85% | 5.49 | 5.60 / 5.30 IFILISLMF1 | 0.00 | 10.45 | Vol. 574000 D: 5.10 ⇑ 2.00% | 5.10 | 5.20 / 5.00 C: 5.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.05 | 5.10 / 5.00 PHPMF1 | 0.63 | 10.92 | Vol. 719000 D: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.79 | 5.90 / 5.70 C: 5.70 ⇑ 0.00% | 5.71 | 5.80 / 5.60 AIBL1STIMF | -0.07 | 9.25 | Vol. 75500 D: 6.30 ⇓ 1.56% | 6.38 | 6.50 / 6.20 C: 6.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 6.40 | 6.40 / 6.40 MBL1STMF | -0.16 | 9.08 | Vol. 126000 D: 6.10 ⇓ 1.61% | 6.18 | 6.30 / 6.10 RELIANCE1 | 1.05 | 11.36 | Vol. 788000 D: 10.10 ⇑ 1.00% | 10.10 | 10.40 / 9.90 C: 9.70 ⇓ 3.00% | 9.61 | 9.70 / 9.60 LRGLOBMF1 | 0.50 | 10.82 | Vol. 23500 D: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.04 | 7.10 / 7.00 C: 8.00 ⇑ 5.26% | 8.00 | 8.00 / 8.00 NCCBLMF1 | 1.16 | 10.48 | Vol. 500 D: 9.00 ⇑ 1.12% | 9.00 | 9.00 / 9.00 ICBSONALI1 | 0.00 | 10.39 | Vol. 314500 D: 6.90 ⇓ 1.43% | 6.95 | 7.10 / 6.90 C: 6.90 ⇓ 1.43% | 6.91 | 7.00 / 6.90 EXIM1STMF | 0.00 | 10.91 | Vol. 9000 D: 7.50 ⇓ 1.32% | 7.56 | 7.60 / 7.40 ICBAMCL1ST | 7.14 | 48.54 | Vol. 106000 C: 59.40 ⇓ 1.66% | 59.40 | 60.00 / 54.40 C% A% CP -9.92 -9.94 23.60 ICB AMCL 1st NRB-A ICB AMCL IslamicMF-A ICB AMCL 2nd NRB-A -9.76 -9.63 18.50 -9.40 -9.07 10.60 83.60 4th ICB M F-A -6.62 -6.37 190.50 113.80 Usmania Glass-A -6.47 -5.47 151.70 ENGINEERING AFTABAUTO | 4.29 | 52.65 | Vol. 1057788 D: 123.8 ⇓ 2.60% | 125.81 | 129.7 / 115.0 C: 123.8 ⇓ 2.83% | 126.13 | 128.5 / 123.0 AZIZPIPES | 0.39 | -42.04 | Vol. 3000 D: 15.50 ⇓ 2.52% | 15.67 | 15.70 / 15.10 OLYMPIC | 5.94 | 14.91 | Vol. 822656 D: 224.5 ⇑ 1.86% | 224.81 | 229.9 / 209.0 C: 222.7 ⇑ 1.78% | 225.54 | 235.0 / 220.0 BDLAMPS | -5.31 | 37.07 | Vol. 32870 D: 149.4 ⇓ 6.10% | 152.21 | 160.1 / 148.5 C: 152.8 ⇓ 8.45% | 155.47 | 172.0 / 151.0 ECABLES | 2.04 | 18.87 | Vol. 15180 D: 62.20 ⇑ 3.84% | 62.22 | 65.80 / 60.00 C: 60.20 ⇑ 0.33% | 64.13 | 66.00 / 60.00 MONNOSTAF | 5.31 | 44.78 | Vol. 2250 D: 231.9 ⇑ 8.01% | 231.56 | 233.4 / 229.9 SINGERBD | 9.99 | 45.74 | Vol. 530897 D: 227.3 ⇓ 0.70% | 231.74 | 237.0 / 218.0 C: 227.4 ⇓ 0.09% | 232.78 | 238.9 / 225.3 ATLASBANG | 11.98 | 207.70 | Vol. 119218 D: 200.3 ⇓ 1.18% | 211.02 | 220.0 / 185.0 BDAUTOCA | 0.25 | 6.23 | Vol. 19150 D: 24.90 ⇓ 0.80% | 25.12 | 25.70 / 24.70 QSMDRYCELL | 1.65 | 58.49 | Vol. 823700 D: 40.90 ⇑ 7.07% | 40.73 | 42.00 / 36.00 C: 41.50 ⇑ 9.21% | 40.89 | 41.80 / 38.40 RENWICKJA | 5.62 | -90.00 | Vol. 22250 D: 179.0 ⇓ 4.23% | 181.17 | 187.0 / 173.2 NTLTUBES | -2.52 | 312.10 | Vol. 67736 D: 75.30 ⇓ 3.21% | 75.81 | 77.90 / 75.00 BDTHAI | 0.43 | 39.35 | Vol. 244510 D: 23.30 ⇓ 0.85% | 23.53 | 24.00 / 22.50 C: 23.00 ⇓ 2.13% | 23.27 | 24.30 / 23.00 ANWARGALV | 0.51 | 8.08 | Vol. 59000 D: 16.30 ⇓ 2.98% | 16.39 | 17.00 / 16.00 C: 17.50 ⇑ 2.94% | 17.54 | 18.00 / 16.90 KAY&QUE | -3.89 | 6.03 | Vol. 25000 D: 13.30 ⇑ 0.76% | 13.32 | 13.50 / 13.10 RANFOUNDRY | 2.84 | 18.62 | Vol. 218500 D: 92.80 ⇓ 1.38% | 96.90 | 103.5 / 89.60 C: 98.50 ⇑ 6.95% | 98.48 | 99.00 / 100.0 SALAMCRST | 3.31 | 20.00 | Vol. 313800 D: 42.30 ⇓ 1.86% | 42.87 | 43.90 / 38.80 C: 42.40 ⇓ 2.08% | 42.86 | 43.00 / 42.20 GOLDENSON | 3.70 | 28.70 | Vol. 586311 D: 42.80 ⇑ 0.23% | 43.50 | 46.00 / 38.50 C: 43.10 ⇑ 0.47% | 43.28 | 44.20 / 42.50 BSRMSTEEL | 3.06 | 19.53 | Vol. 503035 D: 76.20 ⇓ 4.15% | 77.19 | 80.00 / 72.00 C: 76.50 ⇓ 3.16% | 77.13 | 79.00 / 76.00 NAVANACNG | 4.09 | 27.04 | Vol. 287787 D: 64.40 ⇓ 2.28% | 65.32 | 66.30 / 63.00 C: 65.00 ⇓ 0.91% | 65.44 | 66.50 / 64.50 DESHBANDHU | 1.16 | 12.02 | Vol. 681204 D: 22.10 ⇑ 0.91% | 22.36 | 22.70 / 20.00 C: 22.30 ⇑ 1.36% | 22.33 | 22.60 / 21.00 GPHISPAT | 2.32 | 16.80 | Vol. 159800 D: 50.80 ⇓ 1.93% | 51.37 | 52.50 / 46.70 C: 50.80 ⇓ 2.12% | 51.16 | 51.50 / 50.20 NPOLYMAR | 2.01 | 324.37 | Vol. 438264 D: 60.40 ⇑ 5.41% | 60.24 | 62.90 / 57.30 C: 60.80 ⇑ 9.95% | 60.38 | 60.80 / 58.00 FOOD & ALLIED APEXFOODS | 2.54 | 90.81 | Vol. 81250 D: 89.00 ⇑ 7.62% | 87.97 | 90.00 / 84.00 C: 85.10 ⇑ 1.31% | 89.17 | 90.00 / 85.10 BANGAS | 7.20 | 50.27 | Vol. 75220 D: 468.0 ⇓ 3.23% | 470.39 | 483.0 / 463.0 C: 464.2 ⇓ 3.13% | 470.37 | 510.0 / 457.0 BATBC | 65.69 | 117.22 | Vol. 11500 D: 1590 ⇓ 2.91% | 1600 | 1631 / 1565 C: 1599 ⇑ 0.55% | 1572 | 1599 / 1545 GEMINISEA | 10.88 | 9.69 | Vol. 2700 D: 181.1 ⇓ 2.74% | 181.85 | 187.8 / 176.7 NTC | 29.88 | 110.05 | Vol. 600 D: 849.7 ⇓ 0.46% | 850.00 | 855.0 / 842.0 ZEALBANGLA | -23.01 | -193.09 | Vol. 2600 D: 8.00 ⇓ 4.76% | 8.08 | 8.10 / 8.00 CVOPRL | 2.66 | 13.28 | Vol. 102990 D: 592.6 ⇑ 2.30% | 592.46 | 600.0 / 570.0 C: 591.5 ⇑ 2.57% | 587.84 | 598.0 / 577.0 AMCL(PRAN) | 6.53 | 53.37 | Vol. 262200 D: 274.1 ⇓ 3.35% | 277.60 | 298.8 / 266.0 C: 276.8 ⇓ 3.12% | 277.32 | 295.0 / 265.0 SHYAMPSUG | -36.87 | -355.85 | Vol. 300 D: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.00 | 7.00 / 7.00 RAHIMAFOOD | 0.62 | 4.46 | Vol. 221500 D: 17.10 ⇑ 3.01% | 17.04 | 17.80 / 16.20 C: 16.90 ⇑ 2.42% | 16.78 | 17.40 / 16.50 FUWANGFOOD | 1.26 | 12.37 | Vol. 640184 D: 26.10 ⇑ 1.95% | 26.33 | 27.00 / 24.00 C: 26.30 ⇑ 2.33% | 26.45 | 27.00 / 25.50 MEGHNAPET | -0.58 | -1.02 | Vol. 5000 D: 5.30 ⇓ 5.36% | 5.40 | 5.60 / 5.30 MEGCONMILK | -6.68 | -16.22 | Vol. 6500 D: 7.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 7.08 | 7.20 / 7.00 BEACHHATCH | 1.01 | 12.48 | Vol. 417803 D: 19.20 ⇑ 0.00% | 19.37 | 21.00 / 17.70 C: 19.10 ⇓ 1.04% | 19.21 | 19.60 / 19.00 FINEFOODS | -0.11 | 10.58 | Vol. 190970 D: 18.60 ⇑ 0.54% | 18.98 | 19.40 / 17.90 C: 18.40 ⇑ 1.66% | 18.97 | 19.30 / 18.20 RDFOOD | 0.91 | 16.84 | Vol. 1662766 D: 22.80 ⇑ 4.11% | 22.70 | 23.50 / 19.80 C: 22.90 ⇑ 3.62% | 22.89 | 23.60 / 22.10 GHAIL | 1.01 | 22.08 | Vol. 1527420 D: 48.70 ⇓ 0.41% | 49.10 | 50.20 / 44.10 C: 48.80 ⇑ 0.00% | 48.47 | 49.90 / 48.10 FUEL & POWER LINDEBD | 31.71 | 144.00 | Vol. 39355 D: 720.4 ⇑ 1.02% | 719.40 | 732.0 / 695.0 PADMAOIL | 16.38 | 43.67 | Vol. 728890 D: 376.2 ⇓ 3.81% | 381.47 | 392.9 / 371.0 C: 376.5 ⇓ 3.91% | 381.65 | 395.0 / 375.3 BDWELDING | 0.33 | 16.82 | Vol. 1225354 D: 21.40 ⇑ 5.42% | 21.70 | 22.30 / 18.50 C: 21.40 ⇑ 3.88% | 21.81 | 22.30 / 19.50 SUMITPOWER | 3.17 | 19.26 | Vol. 389861 D: 36.70 ⇓ 0.27% | 36.89 | 37.50 / 33.20 C: 36.90 ⇑ 0.82% | 36.94 | 37.20 / 36.40 DESCO | 2.80 | 35.25 | Vol. 247255 D: 81.30 ⇓ 0.37% | 81.77 | 84.60 / 76.00 C: 80.70 ⇓ 1.59% | 80.90 | 82.00 / 80.30 POWERGRID | 2.56 | 48.08 | Vol. 51165 D: 56.50 ⇓ 0.35% | 56.74 | 57.50 / 55.00 C: 56.30 ⇓ 0.35% | 56.20 | 56.30 / 56.10 JAMUNAOIL | 22.78 | 50.24 | Vol. 464195 D: 234.0 ⇓ 2.66% | 236.81 | 242.9 / 225.0 C: 234.0 ⇓ 2.54% | 236.54 | 242.7 / 233.0 MPETROLEUM | 16.98 | 40.41 | Vol. 812643 D: 275.2 ⇓ 4.11% | 281.45 | 291.7 / 262.0 C: 275.5 ⇓ 3.91% | 281.21 | 291.0 / 274.2 TITASGAS | 9.01 | 36.56 | Vol. 1167926 D: 85.60 ⇓ 1.38% | 85.91 | 89.00 / 78.20 C: 85.30 ⇓ 1.61% | 85.61 | 87.00 / 85.00 KPCL | 4.73 | 15.86 | Vol. 241058 D: 51.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 51.14 | 52.00 / 47.00 C: 51.00 ⇓ 0.39% | 50.92 | 51.80 / 50.00 BEDL | 1.57 | 17.89 | Vol. 926617 D: 36.70 ⇓ 0.81% | 37.26 | 38.20 / 33.30 C: 37.10 ⇑ 0.27% | 37.34 | 38.00 / 36.90 MJLBD | 2.73 | 30.24 | Vol. 115887 D: 75.30 ⇓ 1.44% | 75.80 | 77.00 / 70.00 C: 75.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 75.13 | 78.60 / 68.00 GBBPOWER | 1.86 | 22.63 | Vol. 535556 D: 26.70 ⇓ 1.11% | 26.88 | 27.30 / 24.30 C: 26.60 ⇓ 0.75% | 26.93 | 28.00 / 26.00 SPPCL | 3.81 | 23.34 | Vol. 943785 D: 62.00 ⇓ 1.43% | 62.82 | 64.40 / 56.70 C: 62.00 ⇓ 1.74% | 62.61 | 63.90 / 61.50 JUTE JUTESPINN | 2.06 | 17.42 | Vol. 4900 D: 84.30 ⇓ 0.82% | 84.08 | 85.00 / 82.00 SONALIANSH | 5.54 | 218.80 | Vol. 44550 D: 156.2 ⇓ 1.39% | 156.25 | 165.0 / 152.0 TEXTILE AL-HAJTEX | 1.35 | 15.64 | Vol. 157322 D: 71.20 ⇓ 0.56% | 69.70 | 73.00 / 65.00 DHAKA TRIBUNE Share tuesday, August 27, 2013 7 August 26, 2013 Sectotal Index: BANK: 33,128.53 ⇓ 0.02% NBFI: 21,221.26 ⇓ 0.82% INVS: 4,847.19 ⇓ 3.31% ENGG: 6,360.13 ⇓ 0.70% FOOD: 8,706.19 ⇑ 0.78% F&P: 11,081.89 ⇓ 1.85% TEXT: 3,068.81 ⇓ 0.96% PHAR: 15,309.31 ⇓ 11.43% PAPR: 804.22 ⇑ 1.08% SERV: 3,203.27 ⇓ 1.06% LEAT: 5,469.64 ⇑ 0.18% CERA: 507.84 ⇓ 0.76% CMNT: 4,536.43 ⇓ 1.21% INFO: 7,439.79 ⇓ 0.61% GINS: 9,626.32 ⇑ 0.29% LINS: 114,019.40 ⇑ 4.09% TELC: 1,519.89 ⇓ 1.62% MISC: 6,557.67 ⇓ 0.46% RAHIMTEXT | 0.51 | 73.88 | Vol. 1799 D: 237.4 ⇑ 1.32% | 236.12 | 241.0 / 220.0 SAIHAMTEX | 2.75 | 29.50 | Vol. 542700 D: 30.60 ⇑ 1.32% | 30.57 | 31.00 / 30.20 C: 30.70 ⇑ 1.32% | 30.50 | 31.00 / 30.10 MODERNDYE | 0.91 | 10.37 | Vol. 1550 D: 64.90 ⇓ 1.96% | 65.16 | 69.00 / 64.00 DSHGARME | 0.72 | 12.00 | Vol. 13400 D: 31.10 ⇓ 0.96% | 30.90 | 32.30 / 30.20 DULAMIACOT | -8.46 | -27.78 | Vol. 2500 D: 8.50 ⇓ 3.41% | 8.40 | 9.00 / 8.10 TALLUSPIN | 2.56 | 12.06 | Vol. 3883800 D: 43.10 ⇑ 5.38% | 42.31 | 44.40 / 38.00 C: 43.60 ⇑ 6.34% | 42.51 | 44.50 / 40.10 APEXSPINN | 2.01 | 49.32 | Vol. 10600 D: 67.60 ⇑ 1.35% | 67.75 | 69.00 / 65.60 C: 70.00 ⇓ 3.58% | 69.95 | 70.00 / 69.90 MITHUNKNIT | 4.54 | 30.39 | Vol. 569688 D: 127.3 ⇑ 6.97% | 123.30 | 130.9 / 108.0 C: 130.0 ⇑ 7.08% | 125.65 | 133.5 / 119.0 DELTASPINN | 3.06 | 18.12 | Vol. 475900 D: 34.90 ⇓ 2.24% | 35.18 | 36.00 / 32.20 C: 35.10 ⇓ 1.96% | 35.33 | 36.50 / 34.70 SONARGAON | 0.27 | 34.50 | Vol. 72380 D: 14.70 ⇓ 3.92% | 14.81 | 15.30 / 14.00 C: 14.40 ⇓ 5.26% | 14.45 | 15.30 / 14.20 PRIMETEX | 1.01 | 63.54 | Vol. 207000 D: 25.50 ⇓ 1.16% | 25.62 | 26.50 / 24.90 C: 25.70 ⇓ 0.39% | 25.84 | 27.50 / 25.00 ALLTEX | -0.11 | 23.81 | Vol. 368000 D: 9.50 ⇓ 2.06% | 9.87 | 10.20 / 9.40 C: 9.40 ⇓ 5.05% | 9.55 | 9.90 / 10.00 ANLIMAYARN | 1.19 | 11.01 | Vol. 184000 D: 30.00 ⇓ 1.32% | 30.11 | 31.00 / 29.00 C: 29.20 ⇓ 4.89% | 29.20 | 29.20 / 29.20 HRTEX | 2.08 | 14.92 | Vol. 806300 D: 35.00 ⇑ 3.24% | 34.46 | 35.80 / 33.00 C: 34.90 ⇑ 8.72% | 34.53 | 35.00 / 33.00 SQUARETEXT | 4.32 | 31.82 | Vol. 104437 D: 88.50 ⇓ 0.45% | 89.28 | 90.50 / 85.00 C: 88.30 ⇓ 1.56% | 88.81 | 90.40 / 88.00 METROSPIN | -1.00 | 19.59 | Vol. 147168 D: 15.50 ⇓ 2.52% | 15.56 | 16.00 / 14.80 C: 15.40 ⇓ 2.53% | 15.46 | 15.60 / 15.30 MAKSONSPIN | 0.16 | 20.55 | Vol. 2059490 D: 14.90 ⇓ 1.97% | 15.03 | 15.50 / 14.00 C: 14.90 ⇓ 2.61% | 15.01 | 15.30 / 14.80 DACCADYE | 1.21 | 31.13 | Vol. 496975 D: 28.10 ⇓ 2.77% | 28.37 | 29.10 / 26.80 C: 28.20 ⇓ 2.08% | 28.32 | 28.80 / 26.00 RNSPIN | 2.80 | 16.58 | Vol. 3697266 D: 28.80 ⇓ 4.32% | 29.19 | 30.50 / 27.20 C: 28.90 ⇓ 3.67% | 29.33 | 30.30 / 28.70 BXSYNTH | 0.93 | 25.42 | Vol. 228876 D: 14.70 ⇓ 1.34% | 14.91 | 15.20 / 14.00 C: 15.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 15.02 | 15.20 / 14.90 MALEKSPIN | -1.44 | 46.87 | Vol. 1105900 D: 27.70 ⇓ 3.15% | 28.09 | 29.00 / 26.00 C: 27.80 ⇓ 2.80% | 28.09 | 28.80 / 26.00 ZAHINTEX | 1.91 | 35.25 | Vol. 496200 D: 31.50 ⇓ 2.78% | 31.81 | 32.70 / 30.00 C: 31.80 ⇓ 3.05% | 31.91 | 32.10 / 31.60 SAIHAMCOT | 2.48 | 22.87 | Vol. 937750 D: 27.90 ⇑ 1.82% | 27.93 | 28.60 / 27.30 C: 28.00 ⇑ 1.82% | 28.07 | 28.70 / 27.40 GENNEXT | 1.68 | 15.15 | Vol. 2534400 D: 22.50 ⇓ 2.17% | 22.61 | 23.50 / 21.00 C: 22.50 ⇓ 2.17% | 22.61 | 23.00 / 21.00 ENVOYTEX | 3.26 | 39.26 | Vol. 581580 D: 53.60 ⇑ 0.00% | 53.98 | 55.00 / 49.00 C: 53.10 ⇓ 0.19% | 53.53 | 54.10 / 52.60 ARGONDENIM | 1.89 | 38.86 | Vol. 1905060 D: 41.10 ⇓ 0.24% | 41.31 | 43.00 / 37.10 C: 41.30 ⇑ 0.49% | 41.10 | 41.80 / 40.40 FAMILYTEX | 3.72 | 14.68 | Vol. 650000 D: 30.20 ⇓ 2.58% | 30.18 | 30.50 / 30.00 C: 29.80 ⇓ 3.87% | 30.13 | 30.90 / 29.70 Pharmaceutical & Chemical AMBEEPHA | 3.94 | 26.15 | Vol. 11056 D: 265.0 ⇓ 2.32% | 273.02 | 284.9 / 260.0 C: 278.0 ⇑ 3.58% | 278.58 | 285.0 / 270.0 BXPHARMA | 3.77 | 52.55 | Vol. 180935 D: 49.00 ⇓ 2.20% | 49.63 | 51.00 / 45.10 C: 49.20 ⇓ 1.40% | 49.36 | 51.00 / 48.70 AAMRATECH | 1.17 | 20.44 | Vol. 1450450 D: 42.00 ⇓ 2.33% | 43.37 | 44.60 / 38.70 C: 42.00 ⇓ 1.64% | 43.41 | 44.50 / 41.60 GLAXOSMITH | 20.25 | 123.32 | Vol. 15350 D: 994.1 ⇓ 0.34% | 1009 | 1059 / 990.0 ACI | -5.82 | 126.42 | Vol. 36312 D: 170.3 ⇑ 1.92% | 169.59 | 172.8 / 151.0 C: 169.4 ⇑ 1.19% | 167.97 | 170.0 / 160.0 RENATA | 33.57 | 138.83 | Vol. 44024 D: 746.7 ⇓ 1.35% | 757.65 | 780.0 / 720.0 RECKITTBEN | 27.16 | 78.89 | Vol. 2150 D: 903.4 ⇑ 7.08% | 903.72 | 905.5 / 883.6 PHARMAID | 5.06 | 26.30 | Vol. 81400 D: 211.9 ⇓ 2.93% | 214.10 | 225.0 / 209.0 KOHINOOR | 9.52 | 10.49 | Vol. 130 D: 366.3 ⇑ 0.00% | 340.00 | 340.0 / 340.0 IBNSINA | 3.44 | 34.02 | Vol. 487328 D: 106.0 ⇑ 9.84% | 105.86 | 106.1 / 90.10 C: 98.00 ⇑ 9.99% | 98.00 | 98.00 / 98.00 LIBRAINFU | 4.64 | 1565.37 | Vol. 7800 D: 347.6 ⇑ 8.69% | 347.69 | 347.7 / 346.9 ORIONINFU | 8.72 | 1.73 | Vol. 812400 D: 47.60 ⇑ 7.21% | 47.56 | 48.50 / 44.20 C: 48.40 ⇑ 7.56% | 47.93 | 48.50 / 45.50 IMAMBUTTON | -1.68 | 5.67 | Vol. 11500 D: 7.80 ⇓ 1.27% | 7.83 | 8.00 / 7.50 KEYACOSMET | 1.55 | 21.54 | Vol. 1162371 D: 27.10 ⇓ 2.87% | 27.45 | 28.00 / 25.20 C: 27.20 ⇓ 2.86% | 27.29 | 28.00 / 27.00 BERGERPBL | 32.46 | 100.20 | Vol. 5850 D: 873.9 ⇓ 3.89% | 901.21 | 930.0 / 873.0 C: 900.0 ⇓ 0.23% | 900.00 | 900.0 / 900.0 ACIFORMULA | 3.33 | 38.08 | Vol. 47000 D: 78.90 ⇑ 1.68% | 78.94 | 81.00 / 77.80 C: 78.50 ⇑ 1.68% | 79.21 | 81.00 / 78.00 MARICO | 27.53 | 62.47 | Vol. 87750 D: 727.7 ⇑ 1.68% | 736.44 | 760.0 / 702.0 C: 730.0 ⇑ 3.01% | 726.24 | 747.0 / 720.0 BEACONPHAR | 0.33 | 11.97 | Vol. 416275 D: 15.30 ⇓ 3.77% | 15.72 | 16.40 / 14.50 C: 15.20 ⇓ 5.59% | 15.62 | 16.50 / 15.00 ACTIVEFINE | 3.23 | 13.89 | Vol. 1054948 D: 94.30 ⇓ 0.95% | 93.97 | 96.10 / 85.70 C: 93.90 ⇓ 0.74% | 93.62 | 95.00 / 92.90 SALVOCHEM | 0.68 | 10.57 | Vol. 1672180 D: 22.20 ⇓ 4.31% | 22.62 | 24.90 / 20.90 C: 22.30 ⇓ 3.46% | 22.69 | 23.50 / 21.00 GHCL | 2.14 | 57.31 | Vol. 442000 D: 51.10 ⇓ 2.85% | 52.47 | 54.00 / 50.90 C: 50.70 ⇓ 2.87% | 52.26 | 53.00 / 50.30 ORIONPHARM | 5.02 | 68.68 | Vol. 741020 D: 66.20 ⇓ 1.19% | 67.13 | 68.50 / 60.30 C: 66.10 ⇓ 0.60% | 66.93 | 68.10 / 65.80 JMISMDL | 1.12 | 12.83 | Vol. 432000 D: 137.4 ⇑ 9.74% | 127.09 | 137.7 / 118.1 C: 135.3 ⇑ 9.82% | 126.22 | 135.5 / 117.0 CENTRALPHL | 0.61 | 10.99 | Vol. 608500 D: 33.10 ⇓ 2.36% | 33.44 | 34.40 / 33.00 C: 33.30 ⇓ 2.06% | 33.60 | 34.40 / 33.10 PAPER & PACKAGING HAKKANIPUL | 0.64 | 11.02 | Vol. 9000 D: 17.40 ⇓ 1.14% | 17.44 | 17.70 / 17.40 SERVICE SAMORITA | 2.31 | 17.25 | Vol. 36694 D: 93.90 ⇑ 7.81% | 93.18 | 95.80 / 80.00 SAPORTL | 1.23 | 38.39 | Vol. 138870 D: 26.30 ⇓ 0.75% | 26.60 | 27.20 / 24.00 C: 26.40 ⇑ 0.00% | 26.49 | 26.90 / 26.20 EHL | 2.87 | 18.48 | Vol. 874958 D: 57.70 ⇑ 2.49% | 57.03 | 58.50 / 50.70 C: 57.30 ⇑ 2.50% | 56.99 | 58.80 / 55.10 LEATHER APEXTANRY | 6.57 | 69.38 | Vol. 774350 D: 130.2 ⇓ 1.66% | 130.29 | 134.9 / 125.0 C: 129.3 ⇓ 2.19% | 129.87 | 134.0 / 127.4 BATASHOE | 49.12 | 135.53 | Vol. 38858 D: 775.2 ⇓ 2.27% | 771.81 | 800.0 / 735.0 C: 767.9 ⇓ 3.07% | 754.32 | 768.0 / 740.0 APEXADELFT | 23.01 | 203.26 | Vol. 265300 D: 409.7 ⇑ 2.55% | 413.22 | 424.4 / 392.0 C: 409.8 ⇑ 5.08% | 409.78 | 424.1 / 385.0 LEGACYFOOT | 0.63 | 17.19 | Vol. 67650 D: 15.50 ⇓ 0.64% | 15.71 | 16.90 / 15.00 C: 16.00 ⇑ 1.27% | 15.67 | 16.00 / 15.50 CERAMIC MONNOCERA | 0.71 | 96.33 | Vol. 17800 D: 28.70 ⇓ 1.37% | 28.73 | 29.50 / 27.30 C: 29.00 ⇑ 0.69% | 29.00 | 29.00 / 29.00 STANCERAM | 1.07 | 15.97 | Vol. 103500 D: 35.50 ⇑ 7.25% | 35.11 | 36.40 / 33.20 C: 31.90 ⇑ 10.00% | 31.90 | 31.90 / 31.90 FUWANGCER | 1.43 | 13.25 | Vol. 720855 D: 19.60 ⇑ 4.26% | 19.83 | 20.40 / 17.00 C: 19.70 ⇑ 1.55% | 20.07 | 20.70 / 19.40 SPCERAMICS | 0.62 | 30.92 | Vol. 224606 D: 16.10 ⇓ 1.23% | 16.29 | 16.60 / 14.90 C: 16.20 ⇓ 0.61% | 16.24 | 16.50 / 16.00 RAKCERAMIC | 1.98 | 16.76 | Vol. 558855 D: 53.50 ⇓ 0.74% | 54.47 | 55.50 / 48.60 C: 53.60 ⇓ 1.65% | 53.88 | 54.90 / 53.40 CEMENT HEIDELBCEM | 22.85 | 111.50 | Vol. 106700 D: 369.3 ⇓ 3.10% | 374.45 | 385.0 / 365.0 C: 366.7 ⇓ 4.53% | 373.19 | 375.0 / 365.1 CONFIDCEM | 6.23 | 90.76 | Vol. 510158 D: 137.3 ⇓ 0.79% | 139.57 | 143.4 / 130.0 C: 137.7 ⇓ 0.58% | 139.18 | 143.7 / 136.9 MEGHNACEM | 6.28 | 33.81 | Vol. 354600 D: 150.7 ⇑ 3.36% | 152.36 | 159.9 / 143.6 C: 151.5 ⇑ 2.85% | 151.53 | 156.0 / 141.0 ARAMITCEM | 3.03 | 14.65 | Vol. 60500 D: 75.80 ⇓ 1.43% | 76.97 | 79.80 / 74.80 C: 76.00 ⇓ 5.00% | 76.00 | 76.00 / 76.00 LAFSURCEML | 1.60 | 7.22 | Vol. 926000 D: 33.50 ⇑ 1.52% | 33.47 | 33.90 / 33.00 C: 33.50 ⇑ 1.52% | 33.31 | 33.60 / 33.00 MICEMENT | 4.14 | 40.00 | Vol. 352579 D: 96.30 ⇓ 3.89% | 97.67 | 100.7 / 90.30 C: 96.60 ⇓ 3.98% | 98.11 | 99.60 / 100.0 PREMIERCEM | 3.59 | 22.92 | Vol. 289800 D: 125.4 ⇓ 3.83% | 127.55 | 132.9 / 124.7 C: 127.0 ⇓ 2.53% | 127.60 | 132.0 / 126.1 IT IINDUSTRIES ISNLTD | 0.28 | 17.31 | Vol. 28500 D: 13.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 13.13 | 13.30 / 12.90 C: 13.00 ⇓ 0.76% | 13.00 | 13.00 / 13.00 BDCOM | 1.00 | 14.91 | Vol. 550133 D: 22.80 ⇑ 6.54% | 22.63 | 23.20 / 19.30 C: 22.40 ⇑ 3.70% | 22.59 | 23.00 / 22.30 INTECH | 0.94 | 10.08 | Vol. 76436 D: 13.30 ⇑ 0.76% | 13.32 | 13.50 / 12.00 C: 13.10 ⇓ 2.24% | 13.07 | 13.50 / 12.90 AGNISYSL | 1.07 | 25.52 | Vol. 370800 D: 23.50 ⇓ 0.42% | 23.92 | 25.00 / 23.20 C: 24.10 ⇓ 1.23% | 24.70 | 25.00 / 24.00 DAFODILCOM | 1.12 | 11.14 | Vol. 305595 D: 17.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 17.70 | 18.00 / 16.90 C: 17.60 ⇓ 0.56% | 17.52 | 17.90 / 17.10 GENERAL INSURANCE BGIC | 1.65 | 20.33 | Vol. 116107 D: 30.30 ⇑ 0.33% | 30.63 | 31.30 / 28.00 C: 30.50 ⇑ 1.67% | 30.43 | 31.00 / 30.00 GREENDELT | 4.05 | 64.44 | Vol. 206267 D: 112.6 ⇓ 5.46% | 117.17 | 125.0 / 108.0 C: 119.1 ⇑ 0.08% | 118.31 | 120.0 / 115.0 UNITEDINS | 2.47 | 21.04 | Vol. 22199 D: 49.60 ⇑ 0.81% | 49.82 | 50.40 / 47.50 PEOPLESINS | 2.05 | 20.72 | Vol. 81350 D: 27.10 ⇑ 0.00% | 27.48 | 28.00 / 24.40 C: 27.50 ⇑ 1.85% | 27.50 | 27.50 / 27.50 EASTERNINS | 2.22 | 35.88 | Vol. 38276 D: 39.60 ⇓ 0.25% | 40.13 | 41.00 / 39.30 C: 37.40 ⇑ 10.00% | 37.02 | 37.40 / 35.00 JANATAINS | 7.84 | 170.69 | Vol. 7629 D: 245.0 ⇓ 2.10% | 247.14 | 270.0 / 240.0 C: 247.0 ⇓ 1.32% | 247.36 | 248.0 / 245.5 PHENIXINS | 2.70 | 20.96 | Vol. 48575 D: 42.00 ⇓ 1.87% | 43.05 | 43.80 / 40.00 C: 41.10 ⇓ 3.97% | 41.97 | 43.00 / 41.10 EASTLAND | 4.06 | 23.29 | Vol. 365280 D: 50.40 ⇓ 3.45% | 52.00 | 54.30 / 47.00 C: 49.40 ⇓ 3.14% | 49.41 | 50.40 / 49.30 CENTRALINS | 1.54 | 19.04 | Vol. 42654 D: 29.00 ⇓ 1.36% | 29.56 | 32.00 / 28.00 C: 27.70 ⇓ 8.88% | 27.73 | 27.80 / 27.60 KARNAPHULI | 1.56 | 19.42 | Vol. 68784 D: 23.50 ⇑ 3.07% | 23.54 | 23.90 / 21.00 C: 0.00 ⇑ 0.00% | 0.00 | 0.00 / 0.00 RUPALIINS | 2.76 | 23.38 | Vol. 247772 D: 33.60 ⇓ 1.75% | 34.39 | 35.40 / 32.00 C: 34.00 ⇓ 0.87% | 35.42 | 36.40 / 34.00 RELIANCINS | 3.93 | 61.52 | Vol. 11500 D: 76.60 ⇓ 0.26% | 76.70 | 76.90 / 75.10 PURABIGEN | 1.05 | 18.71 | Vol. 347719 D: 22.50 ⇓ 3.02% | 23.09 | 23.70 / 22.00 PRAGATIINS | 2.01 | 50.30 | Vol. 23900 D: 60.60 ⇓ 0.16% | 60.63 | 61.80 / 60.20 PRIMEINSUR | 2.14 | 14.14 | Vol. 99402 D: 30.60 ⇑ 2.68% | 31.01 | 32.00 / 27.00 C: 25.80 ⇓ 19.38% | 28.00 | 25.80 / 25.80 PIONEERINS | 3.11 | 23.84 | Vol. 424822 D: 77.00 ⇓ 4.11% | 78.79 | 84.00 / 73.00 C: 82.00 ⇑ 6.49% | 82.00 | 82.00 / 82.00 MERCINS | 1.53 | 14.50 | Vol. 414197 D: 28.40 ⇓ 1.05% | 29.18 | 30.40 / 25.90 C: 28.70 ⇑ 5.13% | 29.21 | 30.00 / 28.50 AGRANINS | 1.73 | 14.39 | Vol. 45509 D: 24.90 ⇓ 0.40% | 25.12 | 25.50 / 24.80 GLOBALINS | 1.09 | 11.78 | Vol. 64500 D: 30.60 ⇓ 3.16% | 31.60 | 32.80 / 30.50 NITOLINS | 2.59 | 15.41 | Vol. 18578 D: 35.90 ⇓ 0.83% | 35.90 | 38.10 / 33.00 ASIAPACINS | 1.84 | 13.76 | Vol. 33500 D: 29.00 ⇓ 0.68% | 29.43 | 30.00 / 28.30 SONARBAINS | 1.68 | 13.38 | Vol. 96732 D: 23.40 ⇓ 1.27% | 23.63 | 24.10 / 22.00 C: 23.50 ⇓ 2.08% | 23.01 | 23.50 / 21.60 PARAMOUNT | 1.26 | 13.19 | Vol. 68805 D: 22.60 ⇑ 0.89% | 22.73 | 23.60 / 21.50 CITYGENINS | 1.65 | 14.26 | Vol. 166319 D: 26.50 ⇑ 1.15% | 26.90 | 27.10 / 26.00 C: 27.00 ⇑ 0.37% | 27.11 | 27.40 / 26.70 CONTININS | 1.41 | 15.68 | Vol. 124277 D: 30.50 ⇓ 1.93% | 31.01 | 32.00 / 30.20 C: 31.20 ⇑ 0.97% | 30.27 | 31.20 / 28.50 TAKAFULINS | 2.19 | 15.17 | Vol. 51497 D: 31.10 ⇓ 2.81% | 31.83 | 33.80 / 30.00 STANDARINS | 2.58 | 13.99 | Vol. 11000 D: 38.30 ⇑ 0.00% | 38.29 | 38.50 / 38.30 C: 37.30 ⇑ 3.61% | 36.88 | 37.40 / 36.40 NORTHRNINS | 1.77 | 11.15 | Vol. 146622 D: 46.90 ⇓ 1.68% | 48.19 | 49.00 / 43.00 C: 47.00 ⇓ 0.42% | 47.62 | 47.70 / 47.00 REPUBLIC | 2.14 | 12.42 | Vol. 461198 D: 57.50 ⇓ 1.03% | 59.40 | 60.80 / 53.00 C: 58.20 ⇑ 1.22% | 58.50 | 58.60 / 58.20 ASIAINS | 1.56 | 17.34 | Vol. 41800 D: 26.90 ⇓ 1.47% | 26.93 | 27.80 / 26.40 C: 26.00 ⇓ 2.99% | 26.04 | 26.20 / 25.80 ISLAMIINS | 1.29 | 11.96 | Vol. 14692 D: 28.00 ⇑ 1.08% | 27.97 | 28.10 / 25.30 PROVATIINS | 1.90 | 14.30 | Vol. 49245 D: 27.40 ⇓ 0.36% | 27.78 | 28.20 / 25.00 C: 27.50 ⇓ 0.36% | 27.50 | 27.50 / 27.50 DHAKAINS | 2.84 | 18.02 | Vol. 93500 D: 40.80 ⇑ 0.25% | 41.24 | 42.20 / 40.40 C: 40.00 ⇓ 0.25% | 40.33 | 40.80 / 40.00 LIFE INSURANCE NATLIFEINS | 12.34 | 80.99 | Vol. 117737 D: 269.9 ⇑ 3.61% | 277.34 | 283.2 / 260.0 C: 280.0 ⇑ 6.46% | 281.80 | 284.0 / 240.0 DELTALIFE | 38.53 | 189.40 | Vol. 18150 D: 5546 ⇑ 3.10% | 5509 | 5570 / 5178 SANDHANINS | 2.39 | 28.22 | Vol. 341367 D: 83.60 ⇑ 9.86% | 83.33 | 83.70 / 70.00 C: 82.60 ⇑ 9.99% | 82.37 | 82.60 / 75.00 POPULARLIF | 3.70 | 715.41 | Vol. 185200 D: 170.7 ⇑ 8.59% | 172.11 | 172.9 / 160.0 C: 170.7 ⇑ 9.42% | 170.67 | 171.0 / 170.0 FAREASTLIF | 9.21 | 60.79 | Vol. 245558 D: 123.5 ⇓ 1.12% | 126.36 | 130.0 / 115.0 C: 122.8 ⇑ 0.00% | 125.20 | 130.0 / 122.0 MEGHNALIFE | 10.82 | 48.87 | Vol. 687148 D: 113.8 ⇑ 9.85% | 112.74 | 113.9 / 100.0 C: 111.3 ⇑ 9.87% | 111.16 | 111.4 / 110.0 PROGRESLIF | 2.30 | 31.45 | Vol. 36220 D: 109.2 ⇑ 9.42% | 108.45 | 109.7 / 102.0 PRAGATILIF | 0.60 | 30.15 | Vol. 59940 D: 112.9 ⇑ 9.93% | 112.04 | 112.9 / 108.9 C: 115.2 ⇑ 4.73% | 115.20 | 115.2 / 115.2 PRIMELIFE | 5.51 | 27.10 | Vol. 121979 D: 109.3 ⇑ 9.74% | 108.81 | 109.5 / 94.00 C: 109.4 ⇑ 9.62% | 107.01 | 109.7 / 102.4 RUPALILIFE | 3.75 | 31.25 | Vol. 53568 D: 99.80 ⇑ 9.91% | 98.24 | 99.80 / 90.00 C: 86.50 ⇑ 0.00% | 82.13 | 86.50 / 86.50 SUNLIFEINS | 0.00 | 0.00 | Vol. 416000 D: 56.50 ⇑ 9.92% | 56.02 | 56.50 / 53.00 C: 57.20 ⇑ 10.00% | 56.86 | 57.20 / 54.00 TELECOM GP | 12.96 | 26.26 | Vol. 1738543 D: 210.5 ⇓ 1.96% | 213.69 | 218.7 / 200.0 C: 211.6 ⇓ 1.58% | 213.93 | 219.8 / 209.7 BSCCL | 7.14 | 23.70 | Vol. 1055990 D: 283.8 ⇓ 1.60% | 284.42 | 291.0 / 265.0 C: 284.1 ⇓ 1.73% | 285.28 | 291.0 / 281.2 Travel & Leisure UNITEDAIR | 1.60 | 15.12 | Vol. 7297439 D: 20.40 ⇓ 1.92% | 20.60 | 21.00 / 18.80 C: 20.50 ⇓ 1.91% | 20.61 | 21.00 / 20.00 UNIQUEHRL | 4.02 | 86.29 | Vol. 1780725 D: 92.50 ⇓ 0.64% | 98.37 | 102.3 / 84.00 C: 92.00 ⇓ 1.08% | 92.73 | 94.40 / 91.70 MISCELLANEOUS ARAMIT | 16.07 | 99.93 | Vol. 29550 D: 264.9 ⇑ 0.34% | 267.13 | 275.0 / 264.0 C: 268.0 ⇑ 7.59% | 268.00 | 270.0 / 264.0 GQBALLPEN | 6.55 | 250.45 | Vol. 160036 D: 157.7 ⇓ 4.13% | 160.92 | 165.0 / 150.0 C: 157.5 ⇓ 3.14% | 159.24 | 164.5 / 155.6 USMANIAGL | 0.50 | 26.03 | Vol. 147254 D: 151.7 ⇓ 6.47% | 155.04 | 165.9 / 147.0 C: 153.2 ⇓ 7.15% | 155.59 | 163.0 / 152.0 SAVAREFR | 0.23 | 12.32 | Vol. 350 D: 62.10 ⇑ 6.52% | 62.86 | 62.20 / 61.90 BEXIMCO | 3.24 | 86.74 | Vol. 862192 D: 33.10 ⇓ 1.19% | 33.34 | 35.00 / 30.20 C: 33.20 ⇓ 1.19% | 33.35 | 35.00 / 31.00 SINOBANGLA | 1.75 | 21.01 | Vol. 140000 D: 19.70 ⇑ 1.03% | 19.91 | 20.20 / 19.70 C: 19.50 ⇑ 1.56% | 19.97 | 20.10 / 19.50 MIRACLEIND | 0.14 | 14.90 | Vol. 106940 D: 12.60 ⇑ 5.00% | 12.50 | 12.90 / 11.00 C: 12.40 ⇑ 0.81% | 12.40 | 12.50 / 12.30 BOND IBBLPBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 735 D: 954.0 ⇑ 0.21% | 953.10 | 955.0 / 947.0 C: 950.0 ⇑ 1.55% | 950.00 | 950.0 / 950.0 ACIZCBOND | 0.00 | 1000.00 | Vol. 38 D: 848.5 ⇓ 0.24% | 842.11 | 850.0 / 840.0 8 DHAKA TRIBUNE Business tuesday, August 27, 2013 New Microsoft CEO faces big choices post-Ballmer nReuters, Seattle The next CEO of Microsoft Corp has one big decision to make: press on with retiring chief executive Steve Ballmer's ambitious plan to transform the software giant into a broadbased devices and services company, or jettison that idea and rally resources around its proven strength in business software. Ballmer's grand design - unveiled just six weeks before Friday's surprise announcement that he would retire within a year calls for 'One Microsoft' to pull together and forge a future based on hardware and cloudbased services. But poor sales of the new Surface tablet, on top of Microsoft's years-long failure to make money out of online search or smartphones, have cast doubt on that approach. For years, investors have called on Microsoft to redirect cash spent on money-losing or peripheral projects to shareholders, while limiting its focus to the vastly profitable Windows, Office and server franchises. Activist investor ValueAct Capital Management LP, whose recent lobbying of the company may have played a role in Ballmer's decision to retire earlier than he planned, is thought to favor such an approach. In the last two years alone, Microsoft has lost almost $3bn on its Bing search engine and other Internet projects, not counting a $6bn write-off for its failed purchase of online advertising agency aQuantive. It took a $900m charge for its poor-selling Surface tablet last quarter. For now at least, Microsoft seems intent on pursuing Ballmer's vision. John Thompson, Microsoft's lead independent director who is also heading the committee to appoint a new CEO, said on Friday the board is "committed" to Ballmer's transformation plan. The eventual choice of that committee which has given itself a year to do its work - should provide a clue to how committed the board really is, and how open to outside advice. "Taking an internal candidate like Satya Nadella - the guy nurturing servers - or some of the other people on the Windows team, that makes sense to keep a steady hand through this reorganization and strate- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer speaks during his keynote address at the Microsoft ''Build'' conference in San Francisco, California REUTERS gic shift," said Norman Young, an analyst at Morningstar. "But a strong case could be made that the company needs a breath of fresh air, someone who can execute on the strategy but also bring an outsider perspective," he added. That could mean selling the Xbox and abandoning Bing, or cutting short efforts to make tablets or other computers. Throughout the last decade, as Microsoft's share price has remained flat, shareholders have called for bigger dividends and share buybacks to beef up their returns. Microsoft obliged with a one-time $3 a share special dividend in 2004 and has trebled its quarterly dividend to 23 cents since then. But shareholders still want a bigger slice of Microsoft's $77bn cash hoard, $70bn of which is held overseas. Rick Sherlund, an analyst at Nomura, believes that if the retirement of Ballmer means the company is listening to ValueAct and its supporters, then action on the dividend and share buyback could perhaps happen as early as September 19, when Microsoft hosts its annual get-together with analysts and is expected announce its latest dividend. "The momentum of shareholder activism is well underway and likely to benefit shareholders even though the process of how this unfolds is not certain," said Sherlund. The lackluster performance of Microsoft's stock has long been the stick that shareholders beat Ballmer with, and it has looked all the worse compared with the staggering gains made by Apple Inc under Steve Jobs. Yet Ballmer - who owns just under 4% of the company - never showed any doubts about his intention to stay in the job. His old friend and ally Bill Gates, who still owns 4.8% of the company, never wavered in his public support. The first public signs of dissent on Microsoft's board came in 2010, when Ballmer's bonus was trimmed explicitly for the flop of the infamous Kin 'social' phone and a failure to match Apple's iPad, according to regulatory filings. It was around that time, though not necessarily connected, that the board started considering how it would manage a succession, according to a source familiar with the matter. Ballmer and the board began talking to both internal and external candidates. About 18 months to two years ago, Ballmer started thinking seriously about a succession plan, the internal source said. The time since was not marked with glory for Ballmer, with a tepid launch of Windows 8, the disappointment of the Surface tablet, and a $731m fine by European regulators for forgetting to offer a choice of browsers to Windows users. Two to three months ago, Ballmer started thinking seriously about his retirement and concluded it was the "right time to start the process," the source said. That was shortly after ValueAct took a $2bn stake in Microsoft. July's gloomy earnings, which offered no immediate hope of quick improvement, may have sealed the decision. Ballmer said Friday he made the choice in the few days prior, and informed the board on Wednesday. Whether the board urged Ballmer to leave is not known. The impending exit of Ballmer leaves a difficult and perhaps impossible choice to his successor - pushing a large and insular behemoth through a highly risky transformation to the mobile world, or clinging to an island of profitable but PC-centric businesses. "I'm not sure there is someone who can do Steve's (Ballmer's) job 'better'. It's an incredibly difficult job, perhaps intractable," said Brad Silverberg, a former senior Windows executive and co-founder of Seattle venture capital firm Ignition Partners. "Perhaps the way the job is defined needs to change, and this is the harbinger of bigger changes to come." l Asian stocks rise as Fed taper fears wane nAFP, Hong Kong Asian markets made modest gains Monday as speculation eased over whether the US Federal Reserve will begin an early tapering of its massive stimulus programme. Emerging-market currencies suffered a torrid few days of trading last week as dealers bet on an end to the Fed's $85bn-a-month monetary easing. But figures showing a slump in US housing market sales on Friday allayed fears of an early stimulus rollback and led to rallies in Europe and the United States. The feel-good factor carried on into the start of the new week's trade in Asia, with Sydney closing up 0.23%, or 12 points, at 5,135.4 and Seoul gaining 0.95 percent, or 17.70 points, to 1,887.86. In Shanghai, Chinese shares jumped 1.9%, or 39.01 points, to 2,096.47 boosted by gains in financial stocks and enthusiasm for plans approved last week to create a free-trade zone in the city. Hong Kong closed 0.65%, or 141.81 points, higher at 22,005.32. Tokyo stocks opened 0.43% higher but ended down 0.18%, or 24.27 points, at 13,636.28. Dealers said the early gains were eroded by profit-taking. In emerging markets, where currencies tumbled last week over concerns that the stimulus-inspired investment splurges in their regions would end, trade was less positive. Jakarta ended down 1.18%, or 49.16 points, at 4,120.67 while Kuala Lumpur also lost 0.08%, or 1.42 points to close at 1,722.49. Mumbai closed up 0.21%or 38.69 points to 18,558.13, its third straight day of gains. There was some much-needed respite for emerging-market currencies. The Indian rupee, which tumbled to a record low of 65.56 to the dollar last week, fetched 64.14 to the dollar in Tokyo afternoon trade against 64.45 Friday afternoon. The Indonesian rupiah edged up to 10,770 from 10,963. In India, however, analysts said tough times were still ahead for the ailing national currency. "The rupee is still in a bearish phase and the demand for dollars is not down," said Param Sarma, chief executive with NSP Forex. Expectations of an end to the US stimulus programme have seen foreigners in recent months repatriate some of the vast sums that have poured into emerging economies. The pullout has hit currencies and equities. l