18 Feb, 2016

SECOND EDITION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

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Falgun 6, 1422, Jamadiul Awal 8, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 303

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www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages | Price: Tk10

Four children found dead after five days

PM rules out oil price cut n Tribune Report Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday ruled out the possibility of lowering the prices of fuel oil in domestic market till the loans of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) are paid back.

The government would consider reducing the prices after repayment of the loans, she told parliament in response to a question.

The announcement came just a day after top four oil exporters agreed to cap out  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway on the cards The government has decided to build a 225-km-long elevated expressway between Dhaka and Chittagong. The decision came from a coordination meeting held at the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry yesterday.  PAGE 4

Noor Uddin, n Mohammad Habiganj

Oil market analysts hope little from Opec oil production 2015 Doha proposal

Opec total*

31.65

In millions of barrels per day

Iran

Saudi Arabia

10.02

UAE

2.8

2.7

Kuwait

2.51

Exported mainly to Asia

Angola

Venezuela

1.78

2.4

Indonesia

0.69

Iraq

4.08 Source: EIA

Nigeria

1.92

*excluding condensates

1.1 Algeria

Ecuador

0.68

Police recovered the bodies of four children, aged between seven and ten, from a ditch at Shundratiki village under Bahubol upazila of the district yesterday morning, five days after they went missing.

Bahubol police detained Abdul Ali, 50, and his son Jewel Mia, 30, around 8:30pm from local Rashidpur Bazar for their suspected involvement in the murders.

The district police authorities earlier in the day declared a reward of Tk1 lakh for giving information to trace the criminals.

The deceased are Monir Miah, 7, son of Abdal Miah; Jakaria Ahmed Shuvo, 8, son of Md Wahid Miah; Tajel Miah, 10, son of Abdul Aziz; and Ismail Hossain, 10, son of Abdul Kader. Jakaria, Tajel and Monir’s fathers are cousins while Ismail was their neighbour.

Of the victims, Monir was a student of class I at Shundratiki Primary School, Jakaria of class II and Tajel of class IV. Ismail was a student of Shundratiki Madrasa.

Bahubol model police station

INSIDE

0.55 Libya

0.4

Qatar

Top oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar and Venezuela agreed on Tuesday to put a cap on output levels in what could be the first joint Opec and non-Opec deal in 15 years aimed at tackling a growing glut and helping prices recover.  PAGE 21

Bahubal police under Habiganj yesterday dig out bodies of four children who has been missing since Friday DHAKA TRIBUNE OC Mosharraf Hossain confirmed the identity of the children. The children were strangulated to death, the post-mortem examination reports say.

DIG Mizanur Rahman visited

the crime scene in the afternoon and assured the victims’ families of ensuring justice. Later, he made the declaration of Tk1 lakh reward.

On Monday, Habiganj Superintendent of Police Joydeb Ku-

mar Bhadra declared a bounty of Tk20,000 for any information regarding the missing children.

The families claimed that the OC had not taken the matter seriously  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

Security slack around boi mela With ample presence of police and RAB members inside the two Boi Mela venues, visitors are bound to feel secured. But things outside – where two high profile attacks were carried out in the last one decade – are not as secured.  PAGE 32

Editors condemn cases ATM CARD FORGERY against Mahfuz Anam Bankers must have been involved n Total number of cases n 66 Tribune Report

The Editors' Council has condemned the countrywide filing of cases against The Daily Star Editor and also the council's General Secretary, Mahfuz Anam.

The council hoped that good sense would prevail among all quarters and all cases against the editor of the English daily would be withdrawn.

In a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Editors’ Council yesterday with its President Golam Sarwar in the chair, the council noted with concern that 66 cases including defamation charges involving Tk 82,646.5 crore have

Mohammad Jamil Khan and Arifur Rahman Rabbi

Sedition

15

Defamation

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Defamation claim Tk crore

82,646.5

*Until February 17

been filed at various places of the country against Mahfuz Anam.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

The suspected cash card forging racket could not have stolen so much money from so many ATM booths without help from bank officials, a cyber security expert has said.

According to Bangladesh bank, more than Tk20 lakh have been withdrawn from ATM booths of several private commercial banks in recent weeks with at least 40 forged debit cards.

“We have seen that Tk2 lakh have been withdrawn at a time

with debit cards whose daily with drawal limits are Tk1 lakh,” Tanvir Hassan Zoha, focal person of the ICT Ministry’s Cyber Security Programme, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

“There is no way this can happen without the involvement of bank officials,” affirmed Zoha, who is assisting the investigation into ATM card forgery.

It is also hard to believe that no official of any of the banks has noticed the activities of the forgers, he said.

The central bank has found  PAGE 2 COLUMN 2

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Three Nigerians among five swindlers held

Twelve more cases filed against The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam

n Tribune Report

n Tribune Report

Rapid Action Battalion yesterday detained three Nigerians and two Bangladeshis from the capital’s Niketon and Bashundhara areas for their involvement in fraudulent activities.

The detainees Nigerian Izuchew Frankin, 30, Obi Hechey, 34, IK Fealsk, 35, and Bangladeshi Mohammad Ali, 30, and Manjur Mahmud, 31, have been cheating people through social media platform Facebook and have collected around Tk20 lakh by devising fraud schemes, RAB said.

Talking to reporters in a briefing on the issue, RAB Legal and Media Wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said they detained the five swindlers after a female doctor lodged a complaint with them.

He said the female doctor, who worked at a hospital in Brahmanbaria, became friends with a British citizen named Desmond B Samuel on Facebook – which was a fake profile used in the scam.

After few days of friendship, Desmond told the doctor that he has sent a gift for her and she needs to collect it from Min-Ro Trade International Courier Service. After a few days, she was contacted by the courier service on her phone and told that she must pay Tk56,566 as transport cost for the gift.

She paid the amount to a Sonali Bank account provided by the courier service, as she thought it was a legitimate cost since the gift came from abroad. The account was maintained by the bank’s Uttara branch in the capital.

A few days later, the courier service called her again and asked for Tk262,900 if she wanted the gift.

The service told her that they have scanned the gift and since it was a diamond with a market value of Tk2 crore, she needs to pay amount to a Mutual Trust bank account. She made the payment on the same day.

Describing the incident further, the RAB official said the courier service called her again on the same day and asked for Tk1,083,000 if she wanted to receive the gift.

Doubting this time, the female doctor asked them from where she will be collecting the gift. In reply, the courier service said they will inform her later and disconnected the call.

The doctor then informed the RAB, following which the elite force conducted a drive and detained the two Bangladeshis from Bashundhara. Based on their information, the three Nigerians were arrested from Niketon, the RAB official added.

He said the Bangladeshis involved in the scam received 5% as commission. l

Leaders and supporters of the ruling Awami League yesterday filed at least 12 cases with eight district courts against The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam on charges of defamation and sedition.

The courts took all the cases into cognisance and ordered the police stations concerned to investigate the allegations.

With these, at least 66 cases have been filed against the newspaper editor after he on February 3 admitted on a TV talk show that he had made a “big mistake” by run-

ning “corruption” stories based on information provided by the DGFI during the 2007-2008 caretaker regime. “I admit it. It was a big mistake as an editor, in my journalism career,” he said.

Yesterday, three cases were filed in Chittagong, three in Mymensingh, and one each in Chan-

dpur, Gazipur, Manikganj, Comilla, Rajbari and Gaibandha districts.

Three of the 12 cases were filed for sedition.

Meanwhile, the Editor’s Council yesterday condemned the filing of cases against Mahfuz Anam, who is also the general secretary of the platform of newspaper editors. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

PM rules out oil price cut and two days after Finance Minister AMA Muhith hinted a cut by Tk5-10 a liter within next couple of days.

Muhith announced the possible oil prices cut after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the prices of fuel oil drastically had come down in the international market over the last three months.

The finance minister the same day also held a meeting with a six-member World Bank team on Environment headed by Senior Director of World Bank Miss Paula Caballero at his secretariat office.

Muhith said the decision of the decrease in the prices of fuel oil came after the meeting with the prime minister as the head of Energy Ministry.

Meanwhile, top oil exporters Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela on February 16 agreed to limit their oil output to the level of January after a secret meeting, reported Reuters.

The same news said the first joint Opec and non-Opec deal in 15 years was aimed at tackling a growing oversupply of crude and help-

ing prices recover from their lowest in over a decade.

When diesel price soared up in international market, diesel in local market was sold at subsidised prices. That’s why BPC is burdened with loans of thousands of crores of taka, Sheikh Hasina told the Jatiya Sangsad.

“When we raised oil prices by Tk1 or Tk2 we had to face hartal (general strike). Now petroleum corporation is earning some money and paying the loan. Already Tk5000cr loan was paid off and it has to pay more apart from vat and tax,” she told parliament.

“First let us pay off the loans and if required we will reduce the oil prices,” she said replying to a query in parliament.

The average import price of crude oil was a little over $75 a barrel in fiscal 2014-15, down from nearly $110 a barrel in the previous year. The average price this year dropped to $52 a barrel, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.

In replying to another query, the premier said Bangladesh is the

Four children perfect place for investment and there is sufficient investment in Bangladesh and more investment is coming.

“We have formed special economic zone. Bangladesh is the perfect place for investment. Here we have industrious young Turks,” she said.

Hasina admitted that there are some crisis of gas in industrial sector.

“We have done seismic survey and taken imitative to explore the new gas fields and to extract gas from those fields. We are providing gas connections.”

Replying to another question of independent lawmaker Haji Selim that investment is not taking place in Bangladesh, Hasina said: “I do not know where the honourable lawmaker got this information from. Japan, China, India, Korea and European countries are investing in the country. Japan has invested six billion dollar here. Many big countries of the world are in the queue to investment here. To them Bangladesh is the most perfect place for investment.” l

Bankers must have been involved nearly 1,200 cards, which were used in those 18 ATM booths in question, are now at risk of facing fraud.

The newly-formed Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit of police, which is assisting Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)’s Detective Branch (DB) in the investigation, also believes that there is involvement of bank officials.

Yesterday, Monirul Islam, an additional inspector general (AIG) of police in charge of the new unit, said that by analysing CCTV camera footage from ATM booths, they have identified at least one foreign national, who is thought to be from an Eastern European country.

He did not disclose anything further about the suspect for the sake of investigation, but said that they have kept a total of five foreign nationals under watch.

Before making any arrests, investigators are now waiting for a clearer rendering of the CCTV cam-

era footage using technological support, said Monirul, the former chief of Dhaka police’s Detective Branch (DB) who has been recently promoted and given charge of the new unit.

Involvement of bank officials were found In similar card forgery cases in the past; this time also they are seeing the same pattern, the AIG said.

Two and a half years ago, several people, including a private commercial bank official, were arrested in Dhaka in connection with a credit card forgery case. Police are saying that those criminals used similar kind of skimming devices to copy the information from real credit cards of bank clients.

The matter came into light in the past one week after at least two private commercial banks – United Commercial Bank Limited and the City Bank – filed complaints with police regarding withdrawal of money from ATM booths beyond

the knowledge of the actual account-holders.

Another private commercial bank – Eastern Bank Limited – issued a statement earlier this week after media reports suggested that their clients too have faced similar fraud.

The CCTV footage supplied by City Bank from one of its booth located in the Kalshi area in Mirpur of Dhaka also showed that the person, who was apparently installing a skimming device in the automated teller machine (ATM), looked like a foreigner.

City Bank’s complaint filed with the Pallabi police station quoted the security guard of the booth as saying that there was a Bangladeshi man with the foreigner.

“There is no reason to think that you need someone highly educated in technology for installing skimming devices in ATM machines. Anybody can do it,” said Tanvir Zoha. l

when they wanted to file a general diary after the abduction.

They alleged that their neighbours Abdul Ali and Bachchu Mia could be behind the abduction and murder of the children over previous enmity. Monir’s mother claimed that the murders were premeditated.

In the morning, locals found the bodies buried under sand of the ditch and informed the police. The law enforcers recovered the bodies and collected some evidence from the spot.

The bodies were later sent to Habiganj Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police suspect that the criminals killed the children just after the abduction.

Jakaria’s father Wahid filed a case with Bahubol police on Tuesday night. Earlier, several police teams were assigned to find the children after Wahid filed a general diary on Saturday. Senior officials of Habiganj police visited Bahubol on Sunday and held a series of meetings with local officials. l

Editors The resolution reads: “The meeting feels that such incidents go against freedom of the press. We expect that all cases against Mahfuz Anam will be withdrawn. The Editors’ Council expects that good sense would prevail among all quarters in this regard.”

Among others, Golam Sarwar, president of Editors’ Council and also the editor of daily Samakal; Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Star editor, also the general secretary of the council; Reaz Uddin Ahmed, editor, News Today; Moazzem Hossain, editor, The Financial Express; Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor, Manabzamin; M Shamsur Rahman, editor, The Independent; Naim Nizam, editor, Bangladesh Pratidin; Matiur Rahman, editor, Prothom Alo; Nurul Kabir, editor, New Age; Imdadul Haque Milon, editor, Kaler Kantho; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor, Banik Barta; A M M Bahauddin, editor, Inquilab; Shyamol Dutta, editor, Bhorer Kagoj; and Zafar Sobhan, editor, Dhaka Tribune were present at the meeting. l

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Dhaka-Ctg elevated expressway on the cards n Shohel Mamun The government has decided to build a 225-km-long elevated expressway between Dhaka and Chittagong.

The decision came from a coordination meeting held at the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry yesterday.

“The elevated expressway will run over the Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane highway that are now in progress under Public Private Part-

nership (PPP) scheme at a cost of Tk70,000cr,” said the Road Transport and Bridges minister after the meeting.

The government has already missed several deadlines for upgrading the existing two-lane highway into four-lane one.

The minister said Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane road construction will be completed by May this year.

Earlier, a senior bureaucrat has given a Powerpoint presentation in

front of the prime minister at her office on the proposed Dhaka-Chittagong Expressway.

“The Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway is to be the highest costing project ever in the country,” said Obaidul Quader.

A 2013 Asian Development Bank (ADB) study shows that 90% of Bangladesh’s export-import goods are transported on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. Around 60% of the vehicles using the highway carry goods, while 27% transport

SI confesses to his involvement in gold snatching n Tribune Report

AL UP candidates’ list likely today

A sub-inspector of Dhaka’s Banani police station has confessed to his involvement in the gold snatching incident in Fulbaria last Monday.

An investigating officer yesterday said that SI Ashraf Hossain had made the confession. The officer also said policemen usually remain stationed within their areas of jurisdiction. He said he did not understand why the SI went to Bangshal.

Investigators were also trying to find out whether he followed instructions.

A source from the police station sources said it was also found that Ashraf did not inform any of the colleagues about going there.

It is a responsibility of a policeman to inform his police station prior to entering the area under another police station, the investigator said.

Sources also said they were yet to interrogate Ashraf.

Besides, police also investigated if the gold trader was real businessman or a smuggler.

Bangshal police station Inspector Sheikh Nasir Uddin said Ashraf provided important information over the snatching. But he declined to comment over the progress for the sake of fare investigaiton.

All of them were detained by police when Ashraful and Abdur Razzaq on Monday snatched away five gold bars from Rezaul Karim on the North South Road of Bangshal in Old Town.

Rezaul was going to Jessore with 900 kilogrammes of gold from the capital’s Tantibazar area.

SI Ashraful along with his informant Abdur Razzak stopped Rezaul in front of New Suveccha Hotel on the North South Road in Bangshal around 7pm on Monday and tried to snatch the gold.

Later Bangshal police patrol team took them to the police station and filed two case in connection with the incident. l

The ruling Awami League is likely to publish a list of its nominated chairman candidates for the first phase of the first ever partisan elections to the country’s lowest tier of local government system – the union councils.

The party has nominated 739 chairman candidates for the elections slated for March with party symbol, said Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif at a press conference yesterday.

The press conference was held after a meeting chaired by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader at party president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office.

“Our election nomination board has finalised nominations of 250 candidates on first day of the two-day meeting on February 16 and 17 and remaining chairman posts

n Abu Hayat Mahmud

will be finished today [yesterday evening],” he said.

Awami League also confirmed 10 municipality candidates for the re-elections of the 10 municipalities scheduled for March 20, he added.

The ruling party joint general secretary also said that the candidates had been finally nominated in the meeting of party nomination board chaired by Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gonobhaban.

“We have directed the local units to select single chairman candidates for every union parishad by February 22 for first phase on March 22 and second phase on March 30 of the union parishad polls,” Hanif said.

In reply to a query, he said: “We hope no party man will join the UP polls violating party rules. If anyone joins the polls as rebel candidate, they will be expelled.” l

passengers.

The Dhaka-Chittagong expressway will begin from Kanchpur, a key entry point to the capital city, and end in Sitakunda on the outskirts of the port city, as per the plan.

“Vehicles will have to move at a speed of at least 100km per hour over the elevated expressway,” according to the design.

Cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam told the Dhaka Tribune: “The government has already initiated to

talk to the investors to construct Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway under the PPP scheme.”

The Road Transport and Highways Division sources said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has met Chinese government official in this regard.

Planning Minister AHM Mostafa Kamal visited Jica headquarters in Japan and approached Jica for funding the Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway. l

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Huji-B planned to attack cultural functions n Mohammad Jamil Khan

After reorganising, banned Islamist militant outfit Harkt-ul Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (Huji-B) has been planning to carry out attacks on cultural functions across the country, especially the capital city.

The newly-formed Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit of police made the disclosure yesterday after arresting six members of Huji-B, including the outfit’s Kushtia district commander.

The arrested militants are Sazzadul Alam alias Mukti, Mejbaur Rahman alias Prodip, Ashraful Alam, Babul Bashar, Azizur Rahman and Shafikul Islam.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Monirul Islam, also chief of new unit, said that in association with police’s Detective Branch (DB), they had arrested Mukti, Prodip, Alam

and Bashar in the Shiraj-ud-Doula Park early yesterday. The rest were arrested in Uttara based on information given by the first four.

According to documents provided by the counter terrorism unit, Mukti is a teacher of mathematics at the Kustia Lahini High School and a follower of Mufti Hannan, who is now in jail.

Mukti also gives private tuitions and spends most of his income for funding Huji-B’s activities.

He has also set up a madrasa in his area and made some supporters in Middle East. “These supporters used to send him money from time to time,” said Monirul Islam.

Last year, Mukti held a meeting of the outfit in Kushtia by assembling 40 of their members.

Monirul said they were now trying to find out more about those foreign financiers. l

Detectives arrest six members of Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami in Zindabahar area of Old Dhaka yesterday

Defence ends argument in Mir Quasem case n Ashif Islam Shaon

The counsels of condemned war criminal and influential Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali yesterday concluded arguments on his appeal filed with the Supreme Court seeking acquittal.

The five-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha will hear from the attorney general on behalf of the state on February 23.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam yesterday told reporters that the trial proceedings might end by February 24.

During yesterday’s hearing, defence counsel SM Shahjahan argued that the statements of the prosecution witnesses in the case were not credible as the statements do not corroborate each other.

Quasem, a commander of alBadr force in Chittagong during the 1971 Liberation War, was awarded capital punishment by the International Crimes Tribunal 2 on November 3, 2014. As many as 24 prosecution witnesses testified against Quasem.

The tribunal handed down the death penalty on two charges – for killing seven people, including teenage freedom fighter Jasimuddin, after abduction. He was also awarded a total of 72-year impris-

onment on the eight other proven charges of abduction, conspiracy and planning.

A top Jamaat financier, Quasem appealed against the judgement on November 30, 2014 seeking acquittal from the charges.

Quasem has also spent a large amount of money abroad to make the war crimes trials controversial The Appellate Division started hearing on his appeal on February 9. It is the seventh appeals case heard by the top court.

“The defence has concluded their primary submission. We will place our arguments on February 23. They will perhaps reply on the legal grounds. We hope that the hearing will end by 23th or 24th.

Then we will have to wait for the verdict,” the attorney general told reporters after the hearing.

Chief defence counsel Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, also BNP chairperson’s adviser, alleged that his client had not been directly involved in any of the incidents and that the wit-

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PM: No IS in Bangladesh n Tribune Report

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told the parliament that there is no existence of international militant organization IS in Bangladesh.

Though some home-grown organizations might be involved in

nesses produced unreal depositions.

He hoped that the court would acquit him from all the charges.

On the other hand, Mahbubey said that the convict did not claim himself innocent as he had been the secretary general of Islami Chhatra Sangha during the war.

The Jamaat leader, now 64, joined Islami Chhatra Sangha, then student wing of Jamaat, in 1967 while studying at Chittagong Collegiate School. He later became its Chittagong city unit general secretary. He played an important role in forming al-Badr Bahini.

He had set up makeshift torture camps at different places in the port city including Daleem Hotel in Andorkilla, where pro-liberation people were handed down punishment. Other allegations against him include involvement in mass killings in Asadnagar and Panchlaish areas.

Quasem in collaboration with the Pakistani occupation forces opened several torture cells in the city including Dost Mohammad Panjabi building and Salma Manjil where M Omar-ul-Islam and Lutfar Rahman Faruk among others were tortured following abduction.

According to the government, Quasem has also spent a large amount of money abroad to make the war crimes trials controversial. l 20

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terrorist activities in the name of Islam, there is no existence of the IS in the country, she said.

“The Awami League government believes in zero tolerance towards any sorts of militancy. We are firmly determined to counter the militancy,” she said responding to a query in the parliament. l

Hallmark chairman, MD indicted in 2 cases n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court has indicted 19 people, including Hallmark Chairman Jasmine Islam and Managing Director Tanvir Mahmud, in two out of 11 cases filed for swindling over Tk437 crore out of Sonali Bank.

Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Mollah yesterday framed the charges for the first time after rejecting discharge petitions filed by seven of the accused.

The court also indicted Jasmine, who is now on bail, in another case filed over the same issue. It fixed March 3 for recording the depositions of the witnesses.

The BB investigation had earlier found that Sonali Bank’s Ruposhi Bangla Hotel branch lent the Hallmark Group and five other companies Tk3,547 crore between 2010 and 2012, using fake documents.

Of the Tk3,547 crore, the Hall17

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mark Group alone swindled Tk2,686.14 crore.

On October 4, 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed 11 cases with Ramna police station against 27 top officials of Sonali Bank and Hallmark Group on charges of misappropriating over Tk1,568 crore.

On October 7, 2013, ACC submitted charge sheets against Jasmine, Tanvir and 23 others in 11 corruption cases.

Later, names of two Sonali Bank officials were dropped from the cases as they died after their arrest.

The bank fell into capital shortfall, while the large loans, taken through irregularities, went into default.

Then, the government injected around Tk2,000 crore in 2013, and Tk710 crore in 2014, for the survival of the bank.

However, despite large loans being written off, the bank showed high profits in 2014. In fact, the bank bagged an operating profit of Tk855 crore and net profit of Tk492 crore. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 5:15am | Zohr: 12:13am Asr: 4:17pm | Magrib: 5:55pm Esha: 7:11pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

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Russel eco-park a unique spot for biodiversity Mizanur Rahaman, n FM Chittagong Sheikh Russel Aviary and EcoPark located at Rangunia upazila, Chittagong has already drawn attraction of tourists for it’s unique feature with hill forests, artificial plantations, hillocks, foot hills and ropeway cable car.

The park has been set up on 30 acres of land to keep the memory of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s younger son Sheikh Russel.

The park inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2001 is crowed with a good numbers of visitors during different occasions and it is considered as an ideal picnic spot for nature and bird lovers.

Chittagong South Forest Division has been entrusted with the supervision of the eco-park.

Park sources said a total of five small and big aviaries packed with a number of native and foreign birds, including African Crowned Crane, Flamingo, Pelican, Macaw, Rainbow lory, Rosella, electra’s parrot, Grey Parrot, Turkey, Titir and Peacock are the big attraction of bird lovers.

Moreover, the round trip of the Ropeway is already installed for the observation of the whole the natural topographic view of the park is

A view of Russel Aviary and Eco-Park another attraction for fun lovers.

An artificial lake abundant with large number of colorful duck species and wetland migratory bird species another attractive thing in the park.

Mosiur Rahman, a resident of Dhaka, who went to visit the park yesterday said: “The eco-park is the haven of various flora and fau-

DHAKA TRIBUNE

na while it is also a sanctuary of birds and various species of wildlife which gives the eco-park a different characteristic.”

A bird lover, Babor Khan Riaj, told the Dhaka Tribune that the aviary park might met up bird lovers’ demand as the five cages are packed with full of different birds where it can be considered a source

JU English department’s results worsen n Mahadi Al Hasnat The year final results of three consecutive batches of English department in Jahangirnagar University (JU) have worsened after the introduction of weekend masters programme.

Expressing concern over students’ results, teachers and students said the results had deteriorated due to the teachers’ irresponsibility.

Although teachers claimed that students had failed due to their inattentiveness about education, it was found that almost all teachers conducted classes in weekend masters programme while the results of weekend programme were outstanding than the regular students’ results.

Recently, the third year students’ results had published after 10 months since the examination held. Some 81 regular students attended in the examination and some 23 students failed in viva and other courses while some 20 students failed only in the viva voce.

The result of second year stu-

dents have published after over eight months while 78 students out of 23 failed in more than one course and 15 students failed in the viva voce.

The students do not attend the classes and study properly.

They read Indian notes instead of reading original texts in the syllabus The results of first year honours students have published recently after eight months. Twenty seven students failed in that examination.

Meanwhile, results of weekend masters programme under winter-2015 have been published on February 2 while 100% students came out successful in examina-

tion and results published without any delay.

Students alleged that they had been discriminated inside the classroom as the teachers were more attentive towards the weekend students. Students said such deterioration of results was very unusual.

A third year student in the department asking anonymity told the Dhaka Tribune that most of the teachers are involved in weekend masters programme and, conduct class and examination on Friday and Saturday. Teachers remain busy in off days and frequently cancel our scheduled classes and examinations due to their personal affairs on working days.”

“We cannot protest of teachers’ tyrannies in the department as they have our tutorial and viva marks in their hands,” he laments.

Prof Ahmed Reza, chairman of third year examination committee in the department, said: “The students do not attend the classes and study properly. They read Indian notes instead of reading original texts in the syllabus.” l

of research”.

Rashed Parvej, a student of Chittagong University (CU), said the experience of the riding on cable car was awesome.

“Many of the city people are still unaware of such an amusement park.”

“If the authority conduct the proper publicity about the park, it

will become one of most popular reaction site of the country”, he added.

Bipul Krishna Deb, divisional forest officer (south) in Chittagong, told the Dhaka Tribune that the park authorities had taken additional security measures considering safety of tourists and the number of tourist including foreigners have also been increasing day by day”. l

BCL men assault journalist in Ctg n Tribune Report Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) men assaulted a photo journalist physically while he was taking photo of a person who was being beaten up by BCL men in city’s Probortak intersection.

The journalist was Juel Shil, the journalist at the Chittagong office of Daily Prothom Alo. The incident took place when Juel was covering up a human chain organized by Chittagong Medical College (CMC) BCL unit protesting attack on their three fellowmen by outsiders in city’s Nasirabad Residential area on early Tuesday.

CMC’s BCL organizing secretary Nahid, cultural affairs secretary Anik and activist Mehraj were injured during the incident while Nahid was admitted to CMCH’s Incentive Care Unit (ICU) as his condition deteriorated.

Witnesses said protesting the attack on the trio, the CMC’s BCL men brought out a procession from college campus around 1:30pm blocking the entry point of medical college hospital.

Later, the BCL men tried to put blockade on the road in Probartak intersection area halting the traffic movement.

During the blockade, the BCL men got locked into altercation with one motorbike rider as he tried to go through blockade with an ambulance.

At one stage, the BCL men led by Rashed got the man down from his bike and started to beat up.

Witnesses said the BCL men kicked the man and knocked on the ground while Juel took several snap shots in his camera of the incidents.

Seeing the matter, the BCL men later swooped on Juel and started to beat him up and snatched his camera.

Protesting the assault on Juel, Chittagong Union of Journalists (CUJ), Chittagong Photo Journalists Association, Chittagong Press Club, issued separate statements and demanded exemplary punishment of the attackers.

Mohiuddin Mahmud, officer-incharge of Panchlaish police station, said the journalist lodged a general dairy over the incident. l

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Saint Martin people deprived of basic rights n Abdul Aziz, Cox’s Bazar Residents of Saint Martin, a small Island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, have been suffering a lot due to manifold reasons.

Everyday thousands of people from home and abroad come to the tourist island to enjoy its natural beauty and return with fresh mind.

But nobody thinks the suffering of the people of the island, alleged locals.

Over 10,000 people in the island have to face crisis in many sectors, including transport and communication, health, education, electricity and banking system.

According to sources, the communication system in the island has been lying in sorry state for a long time.

One can go to the island from Teknaf in three hours by launch but now he has to spend more than four hours by wooden-boat due to shortage of launch. Though there are some speedboats, it cannot be operated in rainy season.

Beside the shortage of water vehicles, the travelers suffer the hassle of extortion. Tk5 to Tk45 is taken from a person as extortion when they carry goods. Sometimes the extortion is so high that it exceeds the value of the goods.

Locals demand extortion free transport system in the area. They also urged the government to establish modern transportation system immediately.

There is only one health complex in the island. Locals call it ‘cattle shed’ as there is no doctor and peo-

ple use it for their domestic work.

Though an MBBS doctor had been appointed once upon a time, the people did not find his footfall in the region, said an island man.

Due to lack of physicians, the people in the region have to suffer from many diseases and sometimes many of them die. As the communication system is not good at all, a serious patient cannot be taken to the hospital in town easily. The only power house in the tourist island has been lying in rundown situation for 17 years.

Sources said the power house was built up many years before. In 1999 it was damaged and became in operative after a violent storm hit it. Afterwords, no body came to repair it.

The residents are deprived of the benefit of freeze, television, computer and many other electronic ma-

Solaiman killed as his father refused to guarantee loan Correspondent, n Our Gazipur Four-year-old Solaiman has been killed allegedly by Nirmol as his father Mokaram Hossain Akmat refused to be a guarantee of Nirmol’s loan.

Mokaram Hossain Akmat said Nirmol had come to him a week ago in a bid to make him guarantee of loan which he supposed to withdraw from a multipurpose company.

“As I refused to do so, he got furious and killed my son Solaiman,” said Akmat.

CEO of RAB 1 Lieutenant

Colonel Tuhin Mohammad Masud told the Dhaka Tribune that they had come to know that the minor boy was killed as his father had a dispute with his neighbour Nirmol over becoming a guarantee of loan.

During interrogation, Nirmol confessed to killing of Solaiman. He told police that he had strangled the boy soon after abducting him and later dumped the boy into a bush beside a rice mill at Surabari.

Akmat said: “Solaiman left the house to come to my shop around 5pm Saturday

Three die as covered van hits them

n Our Correspondent, Comilla Three people, including a woman were killed and four others were injured as a covered van hit them at Gauripur Bazar in Daudkandi upazila, Comilla yesterday.

Of the deceased two were identified as Md Jalal Uddin, 35, a resident of Sonagazi upazila, and Jinnat Begum, 45, an inhabitant of Titas upazila.

Officer-in-charge of Daudkandi Highway police station Abdul Awal said the accident had taken place when a covered van crashed on several pedestrians as its driver lost control around 12:30pm, leaving three people dead and four others injured at the scene.

Three of the injured were taken to a local hospital while the other was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, the OC added. l

but never returned home.

Someone called me over the mobile phone asking for a ransom of Tk 1.5 lakh at night on the same day.”

Police recovered the body of the four-year-old boy from Kashimpur Surabari area on Tuesday two days after his abduction from Gazipur.

Solaiman, son of Mokaram Hossain Akmat of Bhenuarchar area, went missing on Saturday.

Then police said he might have been suffocated to death.

Several injury marks have been found on his body. l

‘Robber’ killed in gunfight with rivals in Cox’s Bazar n Tribune Report

An alleged robber was killed in a gunfight with his rivals at Matarbari Connecting Road in Maheshkhali upazila early yesterday.

Officer-in-charge of Maheshkhali Police Station Didarul Ferdous said two local gangs had long been at loggerheads over committing robbery in the area.

Members of a gang opened fire to another gang, forcing its members to fire back, triggering a gunfight at about 1.00am, that left Murad,27, injured.

Informed, police rushed to the spot and took Murad to Maheshkhali Health Complex where he succumbed to

his injures later.

However, other members of both the robber gangs managed to flee the scene.

The law enforcers also recovered two country-made pistols and six rounds of bullet from the spot.

The body was sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy.

On Tuesday, a suspected criminal was killed in a “gunfight” with members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Tongi Nodi Bondor area in Gazipur.

The deceased was identified as Jewel, 25, an accused in several cases including murder. He was also an accused in a case filed for gouging out his wife’s eyes. l

chines due to lack of electricity. Even they cannot charge their mobile phones for want of electricity.

Though some generators are operated locally, it is for tourist cottage.

Commoners do not get its benefit.

People are far away from the ray of education as there is no educational institution except a govt school.

There are only two teachers for 560 students in the state run St Martin Govt Primary School.

St Martin people do not get banking facilities as there is no any branch of bank. They cannot do business for lack of bank.

They blamed local MP and upazila chairman and administration for this. Some locals built brick-made house in the region defying the law which is threat to the environment of the island.

St Martin Adarsha Sngsad President Helal Uddin Sagor said: “St Martin is an international standered tourist spot.”

St Martin Students’ Forum President Tayub Ali Khan said: “The government collects a lot revenue from the tourist spot but it does think to develop the structure of the land.”

Local Awami League president Mujibur Rahman said: “Though I am the govt party man, I am to admit that the government has not taken steps to develop the island.”

Deputy Commissioner Ali Hossain said: “Recently I have visited the area. I have found the poor condition of the island.”

He urged the journalists to write on the situation more and more that will help him to do the work for the tourist island, the DC added. l

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Feature

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Making ideas reality n

Baizid Haque Joarder

“There are tea garden workers in the Sylhet region who would work for wages as low as Tk69 per day and there is only one earning member in each family. And, during each ‘off-season,’ all the families go through tough times since the sole earning member is unemployed during this period.

My project aims to empower them by creating employment opportunities, simply by financing them initially to produce paper bags, which are economical to produce and also has a good market price,” said Saiful Islam.

A student of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Saiful was among 24 others who participated in a boot camp titled, “Innovate, Incubate and Grow (IIG): A Social Enterprise Support Programme.”

The social entrepreneurship boot camp was launched by British Council Bangladesh, in partnership with ChangeMaker, from February 11-15 at CCDB Hope centre Savar, Dhaka.

In response to the call to submit social enterprise ideas, 24 short-listed participants with nine innovative social enterprise ideas participated in the programme.

The boot camp lasted five days, in which the participants underwent intensive training

in social enterprise delivered by experts from the UK. This training contributed to enhancing their skills and developing their business plans before a final pitching session in front of a panel of judges. International facilitator,Roy Clunie of Social Enterprise Academy, UK facilitated the camp along with other Bangladeshi facilitators and social entrepreneurs.

Innovate, Incubate and Grow is a distinct social enterprise support programme designed to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in order to solve social and environmental problems with a sustainable business model. The competition aimed to develop the capacity of young and potential social entrepreneurs by raising awareness and understanding of social enterprise. The objective was to equip the participants with the knowledge of harnessing the immense possibilities of social enterprise that can substantially contribute towards opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic models, focusing on social impact as well as financial returns.

“Within the five days of the programme, we wanted to ensure that the participants understand what a social enterprise is, what the business model of one looks like, the differences between a

Photos: COURTESY

There is a danger that we think that the concept is new.

The terminology varies from country to country

social enterprise and a private/ public sector firm, NGOs, its key characteristics and so on. They need to recognise that a social enterprise starts from a need in the community, it is established for a specific social environment and the cultural and social impacts that it can make, as well as improvements to the community and the environment. As opposed to the model of a private firm, the objective of which is to generate profits,” said Roy Clunie, the chief facilitator. He added, “we have been teasing out of them the things they need in order to establish a social enterprise.

We provided a brief course on leadership skills where they learn about the characteristics they need to develop to become a leader and how to manage a team to assist.

The participants also received

training on how to run such an organisation with emphasis on how to finance and generate income, so that they are successful in making their social idea come to life and make it sustainable.”

Sharing his thoughts about the idea of social enterprise, Clunie said, “there is a danger that we think that the concept is new. The terminology varies from country to country, some call it ‘social entrepreneurship,’ some ‘social innovation.’ Each country has its own definition. For instance in Bangladesh, co-operatives, mutual associations, community based organisations and some NGOs are actually now moving into social enterprise. These organisations already do social welfare, some of them are already trading and generating income. Social enterprise is not a legal term, its

more of a movement, a new way of doing things and Bangladesh will come up with its own description.

However, it needs to come up with different legal structures. For example, in the UK, one has the option to become a community interest company, or a charitable organisation, one that is different from a private limited company.”

Clunie points out, “what’s really interesting is that in both Bangladesh and Pakistan, social enterprises are being introduced in the university level, and they are probably leading the way in that field – that has not happened in the UK or in other Western countries. The students have the passion in making changes and impacting the community. It is a privilege to be here and to be a part of that journey.” l

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An increasing slum-cycle, a widening education gap

Photo: BIGSTOCK

n Syeda Samira Sadeque Only 58% of slum inhabitants over the age of 12 are literate among the slum population of Bangladesh, a recent article by The World Bank has stated.

Education enrollment of the slum population is overall lower than non-slum dwellers, both in the rural and urban areas, the report states.

“Even within same municipal area, children in slums are less likely to enroll in school, and more likely to drop out than children just outside the slum,” the report reads.

The slum population in Bangladesh, especially Dhaka, is ever-increasing due to sky-high

dreams of a better lifestyle in the cities and urban areas. Annually, Dhaka receives a staggering 500,000 migrants from the villages who move for the economic opportunities in the cities as well as because of the poverty in rural and coastal areas. The report further states that it is estimated that by the year 2030, more than half the population of Bangladesh will migrate to urban areas.

With such statistics and predictions – especially when they come out to be true – it is only expected that most of these migrants will fall through the many loopholes of migration and fall into the trap of a slum livelihood. And slums can be “poverty traps,” as the report aptly states.

“While 55% of urban slum households are poor—a share larger than in rural areas – 23% of slum occupants live in extreme poverty,” the report reads. “There is compelling evidence that slumrelated factors make it particularly difficult for households to climb out of poverty.”

The slum cycle can be vicious.

As migration sky-rockets, and more and more people flock to the cities and urban areas to avoid poverty, lack of facilities, and to engage in a more intense workforce, the slum population in the urban areas grows even wider – and its problems spread in ripples.

The widening education gap only adds to the problem. While schools such as The Jaago Foundation are

Annually, Dhaka receives a staggering 500,000 migrants from the villages who move for the economic opportunities in the cities as well as because of the poverty in rural and coastal areas

addressing the need for education of slum children, it is imperative the policy makers take into account the growing challenges of the slum populations, and address them so as to prevent them from delving deeper into the poverty hole. l

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Editorial 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

INSIDE

Robots R Us As I sit witness to children shuffling and wobbling between textbooks, I begin to believe in the future when machines will take over. The inevitable reality that we are shaping now is a result of the long process of robotics engineering that has been in motion for years PAGE 12

When irresponsibility kills How can we even think about becoming a developed country with such violations of work practice and work ethics, bordering on serious ethical corruption?

PAGE 13

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Progress in Bangladesh health sector The sector-wide approach in Bangladesh started as a means to improve service delivery and health outcomes through better planning and coordination. It has helped the country to focus on critical development objectives such as service coverage and access, and has also led to efficiency gains

PAGE 14

Be heard Write to Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Send us your Op-Ed articles: opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ DhakaTribune.

The views expressed in Opinion articles are those of the authors alone. They do not purport to be the official view of Dhaka Tribune or its publisher.

BPC must clear its debts

T

he Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has written to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources seeking to convert Tk26,300 crore it has received in official loans from the tax-payer into a state subsidy.

Finance Ministry officials must firmly resist this request. There is no reasonable case for the government to accede to BPC’s move.

As a matter of principle, it is obviously wrong for the government to forgo such a large sum owed to the tax-payer, because it would set a bad precedent by undermining the prudent management of public money.

It is also an outrageous request to make in practice, because the BPC is currently earning unprecedented profits through trading of petroleum products.

BPC’s current profitability makes it more important, not less, for it to fully repay the debt owed to the government. This is particularly so because BPC recently announced it has fully settled some Tk7,100 crore in liabilities and VAT which it owed to banks and suppliers.

Falls in international oil prices over the last two years have brought BPC into profitability by allowing it to import oil at significantly lower prices than the sale prices regulated by the government.

This reverses the situation over the 15 years prior to June 2014, when it continually made losses because prices fixed by the government in the domestic market were lower than the rates at which it had to import petroleum products.

While turnarounds in BPC’s profitability are arguably a consequence of the flawed way in which governments have regulated prices, this is no reason for the tax-payer to suffer further losses, especially now BPC is in a position to make additional repayments.

The government must insist BPC clears its debts to avoid setting a bad precedent.

It would set a bad precedent for the government to forgo such a large sum owed to the tax-payer

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Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Robots R Us Our education system is treating children less like people and more like machines

To succeed in school, a child must first become a robot

n Nusmila Lohani

I

believed in the future. The 90s movie, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, was a big part of my childhood. I still remember how I believed in the movie, and was consumed

by Sarah Connor’s fear of the machines taking over the world.

It was not until at least a couple of years after watching the movie, in the mid-90s, that I came to realise that it was only a powerful, beautifully-crafted script and movie. The horror was different from anything that had scared me earlier in life, and so it was the obscurity of the fear itself that consumed me wholly.

Nevertheless, that particular fear abated, and reality sunk in my imagination.

It is almost two decades after that very time in my life when Robert Patrick haunted my daydreams -- and as I sit witness now to something quite intriguing yet depressing, that visceral fear from yesteryears resurfaces. In fact, the account of my witness did not take place over a moment or a night -- it has been a gradual realisation.

And in a few years of observations of connected and isolated incidents, it finally dawned on me: Even as a child I was right: The machines will take over the world sooner than later, just not as dramatically as in the apocalyptic Terminator 2. Nevertheless, it is a daunting

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reality that we stand witness to.

As I sit witness to the archaic and flawed education system that only inspires children to memorise study materials in order to excel in class, as I sit witness to school bags gaining tons in weight, and as I sit witness to children shuffling and wobbling between textbooks and margin lines, I begin to firmly believe in the future when machines will take over. It is quite obvious. The inevitable reality that we are shaping now is a result of the long process of robotics engineering that has been in motion for years, or maybe decades.

It has always been the rigidity of a school curriculum that triggered the age-old debate among educationists and experts: If what we are teaching children about the practical world benefits them more than the damage, it encroaches on the scope of their respective creativity. However, now the point where we stand in terms of the school system and examinations in Bangladesh proves such a debate to be fatuous.

We are, in fact, engineering robots.

Children are exhausted under the heavy weight of the school curriculum, which seems to require too much of them in every subject. School hours do not mean much, except time confined between ding-dings and space confined within designated rooms with particular numbers dictating the level of memorised texts a

student has accomplished.

There isn’t much room for anything else anyway, as teachers realise the meaninglessness of overcrowded classrooms and their underpaid profession, they often deduce the most sensible solution to such an impossible problem is to tell students to come after hours for help when the “after hours help” usually means only monetary benefit for the teacher, and an even more exhausted soul for the student.

Some teachers are only looking out for their own interest, and urge to indulge in lucrative means of income. Few mean well and give in their best effort to teach and inspire students, and even fewer do the impossible -- overcome all kinds of bureaucratic havoc, improvise the set academic curriculum, and pen something ingenious that not only enables them to teach but also inspire students.

These are the exceptional cases -- the diamonds in the rough.

As I sit witness to children shuffling and wobbling between textbooks, I begin to believe in the future when machines will take over. The inevitable reality that we are shaping now is a result of the long process of robotics engineering that has been in motion for years

And that is what these teachers, few in number but commendable characters, are trying to accomplish -- that extra polish to help students outshine the rest of the world. Wait, isn’t that the mere purpose of the education system?

I apologise. I digressed.

We are, in fact, engineering robots.

Exceptions cannot redeem the creativity pool that has been quenched by the existing education system. The hours that

have been taken out of a child’s life can never be redeemed -hours taken for the mere purpose of “educating,” which only transpires to be a process of either spoon-feeding innumerable facts and information to an already stuffed child, or asking the child to be more intelligent simply by understanding the jumble of words and numbers printed on the textbooks.

Yes, child. You must understand -- understand the languages, mathematics, history, geography, religion, science, computer studies, and some other important thing. Never question, only understand.

We are, in fact, engineering robots.

Sometimes, the child may hesitate, become confused, stressed even for having to unload school bags only to pack up “coaching” bags. And the child may question.

It is only then the ever-so-“educated” and concerned parents and teachers step in and resort to “educating” by asking the child to understand (since spoon-feeding did not work out). Only in a stricter tone and posture to insinuate an even stricter discipline that exhausts the child and finally consumes his or her will to question.

Then, the child is told again to simply understand. Read it again, it will come to you, they say. When, in fact, the authority only wants the child to manage somehow under any circumstance to bite the study materials and chew as fast as possible. Gobble up, swallow whole, chug it in by whatever means, the student must learn all the chapters and subsections of every subject handed to him or her.

Choking is a common side effect, but then there are means to clear the stomach and start again. When time is of the essence, the child is encouraged to avoid the chewing step all together and just swallow and retain the information till the final dingding of a bell marks the end of the exam.

We are, in fact, engineering robots.

Force-feeding children to learn too much under a short time, because it is the modern age where the Internet makes everything easier to “look up” and learn, is one of those arguments that can make even Sarah Palin pause (for a while).The argument that better standards of living and better facilities make it feasible for children to adapt to the competitive world at large,

and excel in such an education system, baffles many. There isn’t much that can be said to justify the uncontested academic pressure exerted on children with multiple examinations such as Primary School Certificate (after successful completion of five years of schooling) and Junior School Certificate (after successful completion of eight years of schooling). Let alone the widespread practice of sending children to “coaching centres” after school hours only to spend almost as much time there as they do in school and “learn.” What are they really learning?

We are, in fact, engineering robots.

Creativity is a thing of the past.

Comprehensive evaluation is an alien concept. Everyone wants to be on the fast-track, and everyone includes teachers, parents, relatives, education authorities, school administration: Basically everyone except the children.

When did education become just competition? Grades and scores were never the only objective. Can we seek redemption? Can we unscrew the metal that had been put in children to help them memorise periodic tables, and names of countries and presidents? Can we allow them to explore creativity?

Write stories or paint their imagination on a white canvas?

Can we reverse the education methods? Can we teach in class that a grade is not what defines our lives, but it is the knowledge, the stories, moral lessons that we sustain and can recall after 10 years of school life? Can we stop force-feeding? Can we at least allow them to chew slowly with time? Can we allow them to choose subjects and careers?

I apologise, I seem to have digressed again. All that may sound idealistic. So for now, to tackle the problem at hand, to tackle robotics engineering -- the making of machines that lack creativity, compassion, ethics, can we do the bare minimum to stop self-destruction? Teach to inspire children rather than exhaust them with deadlines, syllabuses, and exams. Teach to inspire children to do great things and not become great machines.

For the lack of better phrasing, can we hope that we are not too late, and that we did not in fact already engineer Robert Patricks and Arnold Schwarzeneggers? l Nusmila Lohani works for the Dhaka Tribune.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

When irresponsibility kills Is serving political interests more important than providing health-care?

n Ziaur Rahman

I

would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to a peculiar sort of political engagement being noticed in Bangladesh. While I have respect for our forefathers, freedom fighters, and martyrs, I believe the nation they had envisioned in creating and what we have now, has a sizable gap.

I had the opportunity of visiting BSMMU recently, and to my utter surprise, I noticed that a huge number of doctors, staff, technicians, nurses were leaving their stations to attend some form of political rally.

Apparently, the rally was organised by Bangladesh Awami League. I did not inquire about the purpose and neither was there any need for it. I began thinking about the rally from the perspective of “righteousness,” as to whether it is okay to abandon your work for a cause not related to your work.

The government of Bangladesh speaks about customerfriendly service and turning the government into an institution that serves the people in the best way possible.

The tax structures and all forms of money received from the public are to be used in the delivery of a well-executed administration for its vital organs like security, health, and other public services.

With this notion in mind, a citizen believes that the state is out there serving the citizens’ interests.

When this dynamic falters or is exposed to being a pipe dream, then exactly what is there to shape

Health care is not a game of chess, where the queen holds absolute power

How can we even think about becoming a developed country with such violations of work practice and work ethics, bordering on serious ethical corruption?

the mind-set of a citizen deserving his/her due share of the service pledged by the state?

In connection to the rally coming out of BSMMU, I have a few questions, especially upon noticing that the vital departments of this esteemed medical university seemed to be in-operative during this period: Are these professionals of BSMMU not paid salaries during

their extended absence from BSMMU? Are they supposed to serve the nation or a political party? What happens to all the patients during this period of their absence?

Does such behaviour send a message that health ailments should be suspended until they, the doctors and others arrive back at campus? Who will pay for the miseries caused by their absolute

engagement elsewhere for a nonmedical matter?

What is the administration doing to make sure doctors and other staff (during their respective shifts) are working?

Why should the government allow an administration with such loose control to run such a vital institution? Has anyone thought ever that “Sonar Bangla” cannot be created by the complete void of

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dutifulness at work? What is the national loss, in terms of money wasted, from the exchequer because the government, and hence the public, paid for their trip for slogan-mongering?

How can we even think about becoming a developed country with such violations of work practice and work ethics, bordering on serious ethical corruption? Why do leaders in politics feel like they have to invite professionals during office hours?

Is there any tacit agreement that states, unless you are seen in these rallies, your jobs will be in danger?

These questions also hold true for BNP and other political parties which had been in power and had misused their privileges.

The questions are pertinent if we, as a country, are to move ahead. These questions are not to offend anyone but asked for the high and mighty to reflect on and take corrective measures.

While I place one dozen questions, the citizens of the country expect one dozen answers.

This practice is definitely counter-productive to the development of our nation and clearly sets the tone for all institutions of Bangladesh to not follow suit in what was seen at BSMMU, because such actions severely hinder the services supposed to be provided to the public.

Let us begin to think alternatively, take responsibility, and ensure that crucial institutions are not gripped by dysfunctional politics across Bangladesh.

A country’s soul is lost when systems of governance fails to take shape. Let us resonate coast to coast: “Ashun notun chinta -notun bhobishshot gori.” l Ziaur Rahman is CEO, IITM, a consulting, training, market research, and survey firm.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Progress in Bangladesh health sector What worked, and what didn’t?

Adaptive changes in approach are crucial to health care development

n MEASURE Evaluation

F

orty-four years ago, it would have been hard to imagine that today, Bangladesh would be a $130 billion economy, producing sufficient food to feed 160 million people, almost reaching replacement-level fertility rates, and poised to achieve many of the Millennium Development Goals.

Despite difficult odds, the country has made considerable progress -overcoming floods, cyclones, and drought, and achieving progress in the health sector.

Part of the success in the health sector is due to a change in approach. Moving away from many independent health projects based on a disease (HIV, malaria) or an issue (maternal health, nutrition), Bangladesh introduced a sector-wide approach in 1998.

This approach integrates an essential package of health services. It began with a health and population program led by the government and funded jointly by the government and development partners.

This was followed by an integrated health, nutrition, and population program and a similarly-focused follow-on program.

A retrospective evaluation of these three sector-wide approach programs reveals considerable progress as well as areas that have been less successful.

These successes are quickly recapped here:

• Successful improvements in financial management and funding available for health services, from $80 million to $1.8 billion from 1998 to 2011, enabling the ministry to plan and implement essential health, nutrition, and population services at scale • Improvements in program design and implementation

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successes, some aspects of the health sector and the sector-wide approach were less successful:

aren’t formally accounted for by the ministry.

Hybrid modality

The number of trained health care providers increased substantially and vacancy rates decreased.

However, retention of physicians in rural areas is still a major problem and there have been

The sector-wide approach in Bangladesh’s health sector can be considered a hybrid between a project approach and a sector-wide approach. Whilst the choice of the

Human resources and training

The sector-wide approach in Bangladesh started as a means to improve service delivery and health outcomes through better planning and coordination. It has helped the country to focus on critical development objectives such as service coverage and access, and has also led to efficiency gains

• Strengthened capacities for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) compared with previous singlesector programs • An improved procurement and supply chain management system • An increased leadership role for MOHFW in planning, administration, and monitoring and co-ordinating activities with and among various development partners.

However, despite these

sector-wide approach achieved desired results, there were (and still are) parallel projects (mostly construction of medical colleges and hospitals) running under MOHFW, diverting resources from the sector program.

Also, a number of development activities are being implemented by non-state actors and funded and supervised directly by development partners. These projects and activities have contributed to achieving progress in the sector-wide approach, but

challenges with supervision and governance.

In addition, training for managers to efficiently lead processes under a sector-wide approach needs to be strengthened to reflect appropriate skills training.

Decentralisation

The centralised planning processes inherent to the government’s systems made it difficult to achieve some reform initiatives related to decentralisation and

autonomy in the ministry. Several innovations of outsourcing private agencies to provide support to the ministry were unsuccessful at delivering expected results.

Performance-based financing

With a sector-wide approach, the ministry is able to use a greater share of its assistance credit from the World Bank each year to finance eligible expenses once agreed-upon targets are met.

However, different performancebased financing modalities were adopted, and none which were effective in leveraging planned changes/reforms.

Were anticipated benefits realised? In one word, yes. The sector-wide approach in Bangladesh started as a means to improve service delivery and health outcomes through better planning and co-ordination. It has helped the country to focus on critical development objectives such as service coverage and access, and has also led to efficiency gains.

It has also enabled the government to establish links between objectives, strategies, activities, resources, and outcomes and has reduced costs in terms of engaging development partners and designing programs. l This article is part of a series of articles on the health sector of Bangladesh produced by Measure Evaluation.

Measure Evaluation is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Business 15

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

INSIDE Community radio to be used in tax campaign

The National Board of Revenue has decided to air different awareness raising programmes on tax payment in the country’s community radio stations on regular basis. PAGE 18

Capital market snapshot: Wednesday DSE Broad Index

4,580.8

0.0% ▲

Index

1,120.9

0.2% ▲

30 Index

1,759.2

0.4% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

4,712.2

2.3% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

119.0

6.2% ▲

All Share Index 14,157.5

0.2% ▲

30 Index

12,755.4

0.1% ▲

CSE

Selected Index

8,603.8

0.2% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

304.0

9.1% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

9.2

5.5% ▲

Turkey’s business group urged to invest n Tribune Report The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) called upon the visiting Turkish businessmen to invest in the country’s RMG, furniture and infrastructure sectors holding out a huge opportunity of investment.

FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad made the call at a meeting with a Turkey business group in the capital yesterday.

“Bangladesh is experiencing a sustainable growth of 6% for the last few years and we want to get Turkey as our development partner with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” said Ahmed.

He also said the visit will strengthen business relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey.

A 23-member business delegation of Turkish Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics Association held meeting with the apex trade body.

The meeting aimed at boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.

There was also one-on-one business meeting between the sectoral representatives of both countries.

Turkish business leaders introduced the line of their business and expressed interest to import necessary products from Bangladesh.

The Turkey’s delegation also invited Bangladesh business community to visit their country to explore new business window there. l

Robi-Airtel merger favoured by most in public hearing n Tribune Report In a public hearing on merger agreement between mobile phone operators Robi and Airtel, most opinions came in favour of the deal.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) organised the hearing at its conference room in Dhaka yesterday under Telecommunication Act 2001.

A total of 98 professionals took part in the hearing presided over

by BTRC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood. Of them, 34 people gave their views and 28 of them spoke in favour of merger.

Shahjahan Mahmood assured the participants that because of merger there would be no job cut.

He said BTRC would make final

decision on the merger deal after getting report of a market impact survey.

“As there is no guideline on merger, the regulator will have to take decision based on public hearing, market study impact report, opinion of other four operators and recommendation of a high-level BTRC committee,” he said.

BTRC chief said they were also receiving opinions through email and had so far got around 100 opinions through email.

In his opinion, Barrister Anik R Haque said Robi shouldn’t hold “a huge spectrum as it’s a national resource.”

He said the operators would need make sure that no employees of both operators would lose job due to merger. “Though there

is an assurance in this regard, there should have a provision of voluntary retirement scheme (VRS),” Anik added.

BTRC on January 31 invited people from different professions to a public hearing scheduled on 17 February.

The invitaion came just after Robi and Airtel signed a merger agreement on January 29. As per the deal, the joint venture will operate under the name “Robi.”

The Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad and India-based Bharti Airtel Limited inked the deal at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Earlier, Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Advisor Sajeeb Wajed Joy directed the BTRC to take public opinion before finalising Robi-Airtel merger in December last year

while he sat with high-ups of the telecommunications division at the secretariat.

Joy also directed to form a committee to analyse the market at the same meeting. The commission already formed a two-member committee comprising two teachers.

The regulatory body also sought opinion from other mobile operators in Bangladesh. The operators have submitted their opinions.

After the last September merger talks, the two operators submitted a joint application to BTRC which is now carrying out the review of the merger’s impact on the existing telecom market.

Robi and Airtel expect that they would get necessary approval of their deal by June 2016. l

BB to set uniform limit for Government to disburse over $26m for Chinese AIIB per day ATM transaction n subscription fees Tribune Report

n Tribune Report The Ministry of Finance has decided to disburse the first two installments of the total subscription fee of US$132.10 million for becoming the member of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Bangladesh will deposit Tk105.18 crore, which is equivalent to over $13 million for the fiscal year 2015-2016 Official sources said Finance Minister AMA Muhith gave his consent to the allocation of $26.42 million in the last week of this fiscal year and next fiscal year, following the request made by the Economic Relations Division.

According to the approved summary, the government of Bangladesh will deposit Tk105.18 crore, which is equivalent to over $13 million for the fiscal year 2015-2016 while the next installment of Tk105.68 crore equivalent to more than $13 million will be deposited for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Bangladesh has failed to become a founding member of the bank that was

launched on January 15 in Beijing.

The failure was attributed to the lack of budgetary allocation and in absence of ratification of the membership plea in national parliament of Bangladesh.

Muhith, who had attended the AIIB launching ceremony as an observer, said: “The country would not miss the chance of becoming a founding member of the bank as ERD officials have become more active.”

He said steps had already been taken to complete the necessary formalities to join the bank soon.

On February 8, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Bill, 2016 was placed in the parliament to pay the amount of capital subscription.

Under the law, the country has to pay $132.10 million over the next 10 years as capital subscription on installment basis.

ERD officials said Bangladesh needed to pay overall $660.50 million as paidup capital for 0.67 % share of the bank, fixed for each founding members on the basis of their gross domestic product.

The authorised capital of AIIB is $100 billion and the paid-up capital is $20 billion, to be subscribed by member countries based on their number of shares.

Out of total 57 countries, 30 countries including China, Germany, Australia, Austria, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Israel, South Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan and Nepal already ratified the bank’s articles of association. l

Bangladesh Bank will set a uniform ceiling of everyday ATM transaction for all banks.

“We will sit with banks soon to make a guideline over ATM transaction limit,” said Subhankar Saha, executive director of Bangladesh Bank.

At this moment, there is no clear instruction on per day withdrawal ceiling from ATM Booths, he said while addressing a press conference after a meeting with the head of ATM Card Division of all scheduled banks held yesterday at its headquarters.

Referring to the recent ATM Card forgery, he said during that time some banks slashed the withdrawal limit from ATM Booths to avoid

forgery risk, but this was not the solution. Some banks reduced their ATM transactions to Tk20,000 from Tk50,000 on last Friday and Saturday learning about the card forgery in Eastern Bank.

Subhankar said the total ATM transaction dropped to 40% during February 13 to 16, but it came at normal level from last Tuesday after the central bank stepped in to solve the issue. He said some 1,200 cards were spotted to have lost their information and were duly deactivated.

“We did not find involvement of bank officials in the fraudulent means.”

The BB official said money was withdrawn from 36 client’s account through card forgery and the victim clients will get back their money. l

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Business

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Islam hopes to send 1.5m workers to Malaysia in next three years

n Tribune Report

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam yesterday told the parliament that the demand of manpower from Malaysia had not been at expected level.

For this reason, the manpower export to the country was not satisfactory under the government-to-government initiative, he said.

The minister, however, hoped that Bangladesh could send 1.5m workers to the Southeast Asian nation in next three years.

“In October last year, a consensus was reached on sending manpower through government-to-government iniative involving recruiting agencies.”

He said an MoU might be signed today to send 1.5m people to Malaysia in next three years.

On February 8, the draft of MoU was approved in the cabinet, Nurul Islam said.

Replying to another query, the minister said Bangladesh now exports manpower to 161 global destinations while the number was only 61 during the BNP-Jamaat regime. l

Community radio to be used in tax campaign n Syed Samiul Basher Anik The National Board of Revenue has decided to air different awareness raising programmes on tax payment in the country’s community radio stations on regular basis.

The programmes will intend to educate rural people about tax and encourage them to pay tax, said officials.

As per the plan, the community radios will air constructive activities of NBR on income tax, customs, and value added tax.

The programmes will contain different messages on revenue related laws and importance of paying tax.

The revenue authorities, on February 14, organised a meeting in its headquarters with representatives from different government-run mass media organisations. NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman presided over the meeting.

During the meeting, the stakeholders decided that the country’s community radios and the staterun Bangladesh Television will run different programmes and docu-

mentaries on revenue-related issues.

The NBR has made the plan as community radio has established itself as a popular tool in awareness raising campaign and bringing changes in the society.

The community radios will air constructive activities of NBR on income tax, customs, and value added tax The community radio stations played a significant role in alerting people during the cyclones like Mahasen and Komen, when all other modes of communication became ineffective.

Currently, there are 16 community radio stations located in 16 districts in addition to the state-run

radio station Bangladesh Betar.

These community radio stations are broadcasting a total of 125 hours of programmes every day on information, education, local entertainment and development motivation activities.

Once introduced, listeners of existing community radio stationswhich is over 5.6m – will get different messages on tax payment.

In addition, the Directorate of Mass Communication will also help NBR to make the plan a success by organising innovative campaigns like film screening, distribution of publication materials to mass level people in different districts, the meeting has decided.

Although the programmes will include messages on all three core wings of NBR, emphasis, however, will be given on the new VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, which will come into effect from July, 2016, officials said.

The NBR will soon hold a secretary-level meeting with the information ministry to finalise and implement the plan smoothly, they said. l

CORPORATE NEWS

Abmiente Fair to boost export n Tribune Report

Abmiente Fair, a global mega show of consumer goods in Germany, has become a showcase for Bangladeshi manufacturers.

The manufacturers exhibited their products covering interior decoration items, beauty instruments, kitchen accessories, handicraft, ceramics, jute, plastic and consumer products.

A total of 35 Bangladesh manufacturing companies took part in “Ambiente Fair 2016” in Germany, which ended on Monday.

They bagged a good number of export orders, and have been able to make liaison with the buyers and consumers, a statement of the expo organiser said.

“Ambiente Fair is a good platform for Bangladeshi manufacturers. It creates opportunity for promoting our different kinds of products,” said Syed Masum Ahmed Choudhury, commercial counselor of Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin after a visit to Bangladeshi exhibitors in the fair.

Bangladesh is actively participating in the fair to expand its market throughout the globe for its fascinating collections of both traditional and modern products, he said.

“Ambiente really became a buyer-seller meeting place and I should say it is a grand success of the organiser,” said Munshi Shafiul Haque, joint secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, who were present at the expo.

“We are happy with the hope that the fair widen our trade relation and scope, which will help enlarge the export basket.” l

Bangladesh earns around $8m from crab export

n Tribune Report City Bank Limited has recently opened a new branch at Banani in Dhaka. The bank’s chairperson, Rubel Aziz and president of Gulshan Club, Abu Sakhawat jointly inaugurated the branch

Mutual Trust Bank Limited has recently donated Tk10 lakh to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) for CCTV surveillance project. The bank’s chairperson, Rashed A Chowdhury along with its director, Md Wakiluddin and CEO, Anis A Khan handed over a cheque to DNCC Mayor, Annisul Huq in this regard

SS Power I Ltd and SS Power II Ltd, two companies of S Alam Group has recently signed agreement with Power Division of Bangladesh Power Development Board and Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited on coal based power projects at Banshkhali. Md Saiful Alam, chairperson of S Alam Group and SS Power Ltd exchanged agreement with Lokman Hossain Miah, acting chairperson of PDB, said a press release

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Bangladesh has recently opened its 2nd service centre in Chittagong. The company’s managing director, Seungwon Youn inaugurated the centre, said a press release

Bangladesh has earned around US$8 million exporting crabs in 2014-15 fiscal year.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday told the parliament that Bangladesh exported $7.66 million in FY2014-15.

Replying to a query, the minister said the government has taken various steps to increase the export of crab.

He said: “Forest and Environment Ministry was requested to scrutinise the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 for an amendment. This is to remove all barriers against the country’s crab export.”

Fisheries Research Institute was requested to find out scientific way to reduce deaths of crabs while the exporters and transporters were requested to export crab alive, said the minister. l

| movement |

WE CAN and Daffodil University on women’s rights

19

DT

Biz Info

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

| banking |

‘Multi-Channel Utility Bill Payment Service’ for Mercantile Bank Ltd | celebration |

‘LipIce celebrates the Valentine’s Day

The first grooming session for WE CAN-Daffodil Apps Fellowship 2016 took place on February 15 at the Banquet Hall of Daffodil International University. This is an apps competition regarding women’s rights issues, organised by WE CAN Bangladesh and hosted by Daffodil International University.

The session was divided into two periods. In the first period, Jinat Ara Haque, national coordinator of WE CAN, Bangladesh discussed about women’s rights issues and violence against women in Bangladesh. In the second session, Dr Touhid Bhuiyan, head of Software Engineering Department and Professor Dr Syed Akhter Hossain, head of Computer Science and Engineering Department from DIU discussed on the technical part like programming, user interface design, developing apps, etc.

The next grooming session will be held on February 25 and 26 with five selected teams. The winner of the competition will win a prize money of Tk500,000.l

| gadget |

Huawei launches GR5 and Mate 8

Mercantile Bank Limited with technical collaboration of Software Shop Limited (SSL Wireless), a leading mobile solution provider of the country, has launched the “Multi– Channel Utility Bill Payment Service” for its account holders and also for walking customers. A signing ceremony was recently organised on the occasion at Mercantile Bank Limited’s head office.

The account holders and general public will be able to pay the monthly bills of DPDC and DESCO in a very convenient process. This Multi-Channel Utility Bill Collection System will enhance the corporate image of Mercantile Bank Limited and will give them a competitive edge in the market.

By launching the Multi–Channel Utility Bill Payment Service, Mercantile Bank Limited’s account holders along with the walking customers will get an intelligent system that will provide several benefits. Making timely bill payments and avoiding late fines, and making payment any time, from anywhere, even from outside the country are some of the perks of this service Kazi Masihur Rahman, managing director and CEO, Monindra Kumar Nath, additional managing director and AKM Atiqur Rahman, executive vice president and head of Information Technology of the bank were present at the occasion. Sayeeful Islam, managing director of SSL Wireless, Ashish Chakraborty, general manager of SSL Wireless along with other high officials of both organisations were also present in the ceremony. l

| anniversary |

Mercantile Bank Limited with technical collaboration of Software Shop Limited (SSL Wireless), a leading mobile solution provider of the country, has launched the “Multi–Channel Utility Bill Payment Service” for its account holders and also for walking customers. A signing ceremony was recently organised on the occasion at Mercantile Bank Limited’s head office.

The account holders and general public will be able to pay the monthly bills of DPDC and DESCO in a very convenient process. This MultiChannel Utility Bill Collection System will enhance the corporate image of Mercantile Bank Limited and will give them a competitive edge in the market.

By launching the Multi–Channel Utility Bill Payment Service, Mercantile Bank Limited’s account holders along with the walking customers will get an intelligent system that will provide several benefits.

Making timely bill payments and avoiding late fines, and making payment any time, from anywhere, even from outside the country are some of the perks of this service Kazi Masihur Rahman, managing director and CEO, Monindra Kumar Nath, additional managing director and AKM Atiqur Rahman, executive vice president and head of Information Technology of the bank were present at the occasion. Sayeeful Islam, managing director of SSL Wireless, Ashish Chakraborty, general manager of SSL Wireless along with other high officials of both organisations were also present in the ceremony. l

The Peninsula Chittagong awards ninth grader with a scholarship

Dr Golam Arshad Charitable Foundation was established three years ago by the founder chairman Dr Golam Arshad of the Peninsula Chittagong. On the occasion of the 11th year celebration of the Peninsula Chittagong, general manager of the Hotel, Mushtak Luhar handed over a one-year full scholarship to Shirin, a ninth grader at Nurul Islam Municipal Girls High School. The scholarship was given at the hotel’s Monthly Staff Meeting along with school headmistress, Farida Begum.l

Rohto’s popular lip care brand LipIce organised a Valentine’s Day Gala Ceremony for its “Smile On” tour that aimed at bringing together all LipIce fans! The Smile On tour commenced on January 17. The theme of the tour was “Wish Your Loved One and Make Them Smile.” The monthlong event successfully ended on February 14, celebrating the gala ceremony on the Valentine’s Day. The event was hosted by none other than the stunning model and brand ambassador of LipIce, Maria Noor. Singer Kona graced the evening with her mesmerising voice, and Sampriti’s dance performance left the audience enthralled.

At the gala ceremony, general manager of LipIce Shin Kikuchi mentioned, “LipIce always tries to stay close to the hearts of the LipIce lovers. To keep up with that streak, we arranged this campaign for the Valentine’s Day. We hope that we will continue to arrange many such events in the future.” l

DT

20

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Exclusive story (5) 4 Tear (4) 7 Fullness of sound (6) 8 Drive (5) 10 Tender and juicy (4) 11 Wear away (5) 12 Beverage (3) 14 Preservative (4) 17 Satisfy fully (4) 19 Gull (3) 20 Male honey-bee (5) 23 Male deer (4) 25 Bodies of water (5) 26 Cricket team (6) 27 Spheres (4) 28 Cosy retreats (5)

DOWN 1 Tall supports (6) 2 Above (4) 3 Sport (4) 4 Governs (5) 5 Flightless bird (3) 6 Snuggle (6) 9 Fuel cut from bogs (4) 13 Christian festival (6) 15 So be it (4) 16 Intertwines (6) 18 Borders (5) 21 Frank (4) 22 Not any (4) 24 Vestment (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 18 represents V so fill V every time the figure 18 appears.

You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters go in the missing squares.

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

As you get the letters, fill in the other squares with the same number in the main grid, and the control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

A B C DE FG H I J K L MN O P Q RST UVWXYZ

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU How to solve: Fill in the blank spaces with the numbers 1 – 9. Every row, column and 3 x 3 box must contain all nine digits with no number repeating.

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

World 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

INSIDE ANALYSIS

Oil market analysts hope little from Doha proposal US President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced a package of measures designed to boost Southeast Asian economies, betting that the fast-growing region can be an ever more important trade partner.

PAGE 22

Top oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar and Venezuela agreed on Tuesday to put a cap on output levels in what could be the first joint Opec and non-Opec deal in 15 years aimed at tackling a growing glut and helping prices recover.

A major sticking point in sealing a deal may be Iran, which already on Wednesday snubbed the proposal and expressed determination to raise production.

Below are reactions from banks and market analysts on the impact of the deal on the crude market–

Opec oil production 2015

The race for next UN Secretary-General International media has been buzzing about the ongoing US presidency race and will remain fixated on it till November 2016.

But little attention have been paid so far on another very crucial succession process to take place this year; the next UN Secretary-General (SG).

PAGE 23

EU refines Brexit deal European union governments haggled over reform proposals on Wednesday, with pressure mounting on leaders to close remaining gaps and produce a summit deal on Friday that can help keep Britain in the EU. PAGE 24

Citi Futures: A freeze is not a cut

“This is far more of a political statement than a support for oil prices in our view, an offer that Iran has little choice but to refuse. We expect Iran to reject limits on its exports, which lets other producers with a technical out for ignoring the freeze, while Saudi Arabia gets to claim that low prices are Iran’s fault for refusing the unacceptable offer. The freeze is a gesture, not a reason to reduce our forecast for Opec total production to rise to 33m barrels per day as Iran continues to ramp up production and others either maintain output as planned or go ahead with planned increases.”

Deutsche Bank: Negotiations yield little

“Not only has talk moved from cuts to a freeze, but such a freeze comes from producers who weren’t expected to raise production materially in any case. A credible agreement to hold production flat by all Opec members at the January level would be quite meaningful in tightening forward expectations of market balance as it would

31.65

In millions of barrels per day

Iran

Saudi Arabia

10.02

UAE

2.8

2.7

Kuwait

2.51

Exported mainly to Asia

Angola

Venezuela

Goldman Sachs: Deal to have little impact on oil markets

“The details of this agreement suggest that such a freeze will have little impact on the oil market as proposed, while there remains high uncertainty that it even materialises. While an agreement could create the perception that more could be achieved, such as production cuts, we believe this would not be sufficient to set a floor on prices as they will only stabilise once inventories stop building, which at current proposed output levels only occurs in the second half of 2016.”

Opec total*

1.78

2.4

Indonesia

0.69

Iraq

4.08 Source: EIA

1.92

*excluding condensates

remove the threat of incremental Iranian volumes into 2017.”

Macquarie: Not a game-changer but step in right direction

“Arguably, a positive outcome is Iraq giving up the right to further growth; eliminating the tail risk of Iraqi production ramping up significantly in 2016. The meaningfulness of this agreement lies in the fact that it may mark one of the first coordinated steps by Opec in a process to assess whether the members of the organization have sustained enough pain emanating from the low price and will re-install its previously foregone policy of market stability. Our analysis suggests that rebalancing is occurring and that we are on track for a rebalance to seasonal norms by the third-quarter of 2016. A positive outcome on these talks could accelerate the re-balance.”

Barclays: Market still between a rock and a hard place

1.1

Nigeria

“Even if the agreement is successful, the upside for oil prices that would result looks limited, and OPEC still faces the dilemma of aiming for either higher prices or market share, but is unable to achieve both. Any positive oil price impact from this move, be-

Algeria

yond a knee-jerk covering of short positions, is highly contingent on other key oil producers joining in, and although the announced plan is the first concrete attempt at limiting output that Saudi Arabia has publicly supported, a lot of hard negotiations lie ahead if it is to prove successful. Even then the key beneficiaries could turn out to be US (shale) oil producers.”

Capital Economics: Important deal, but plenty of room for disappointment

“We are wary ..., as it was unlikely that either country would have increased production further anyway. For the deal to have any teeth, Saudi Arabia in particular needs to be willing to cut output, not least to offset the increased supply still to come from Iran.”

“Our research note listed three reasons for caution: (I) Iran has indicated it is unwilling to freeze output, (II) the success of the deal will depend on Russia to play its full part, and (III) total Opec output would still be exceptionally high and maintain the excess supply already in place even if the deal does go through.

This might be better than a further increase, but it is not the output cuts that some in the markets

Ecuador

0.68

Obama announces measures to deepen ties with SE Asia

n Reuters

0.55 Libya

0.4

Qatar

have been hoping for.”

Commerzbank: Agreement is on a knife edge

“It remains to be seen whether this will result in the oversupply being reduced, as this would require Iran and Iraq to cooperate on the agreement. Now that sanctions have been lifted, Iran is hardly likely to be willing to leave its oil production at the low sanction-era level of 2.9m barrels per day given that Teheran’s uppermost priority is to recoup the market share it has lost.”

Energy Management Institute analyst Dominick Chirichella: Market digesting deal’s contingencies

“It is too early to decide if this will be a deal that does not collapse very quickly. For now, the announcement of this deal could increase the likelihood of further short-covering in the short term. Whether this is a good opportunity to reset shorts at higher levels remains a question mark. I think the deal is suggesting a weakness in Saudi Arabia with an opportunity for them to enter into a face-saving arrangement to move away from their failed market share strategy as this deal is not a cut (yet) but could eventually lead to a cut in production down the road.” l

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22

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

World

Obama announces measures to deepen ties with SE Asia n AFP, California US President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced a package of measures designed to boost Southeast Asian economies, betting that the fast-growing region can be an ever more important trade partner.

The plan will establish three economic offices – in Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore – “to better coordinate our economic engagement and connect more of our entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with each other.”

The White House sees the 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) – representatives of which have been meeting with Obama since Monday in California – as an emerging regional counterweight to China’s regional dominance.

Collectively, the countries are the fourth-largest trading partner for the US. According to White House figures, “twoway trade in goods and services has tripled since the 1990s, topping $254bn in 2014,” supporting around half a million US jobs.

“We have an increasingly deep and broad economic relationship with Asean,” said US

ambassador to Asean Nina Hachigian.

While Southeast Asian economies are youthful and fast-growing, many sectors remain the under the control of government or special interests.

But countries like Indonesia are beginning to open up. Its president Joko Widodo recently announced steps to open the economy to foreign investment that were welcomed in Washington.

The new “US-Asean Connect” package will include technical advice on how countries like Indonesia and the Philippines can prepare to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a vast Pacific-wide trade deal that is in the process of being ratified.

“We’ve launched a new effort to help all Asean countries understand the key elements of TPP as well as the reforms that could eventually lead to them joining,” Obama said.

Other measures will focus on improving trade ties in the communications and infrastructure sectors among others, streamlining current government programmes.

It will also address the power sector, an area where China has been especially active, building dams along the upper Mekong. l

23

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

SPECULATION

SOUTH ASIA

The race for next UN Secretary-General n Adil Mahmood International media has been buzzing about the ongoing US presidency race and will remain fixated on it till November 2016.

But little attention have been paid so far on another very crucial succession process to take place this year; the next UN Secretary-General (SG). According to the timeline provided by the UN, The new Secretary-General will be chosen by the end of this year and will take office in January – coincidentally, the same month that a new US president will be sworn in. Inevitably, the politicking has already begun.

The United Nations formally kicked off the race for the next secretary-general in December and the world body’s 193 members were encouraged to put forward women candidates. The post has been held by men for the past 70 years.

By tradition, the UN operates an informal system of regional “rotation”, when it comes to choosing its next SG. This time around, it is deemed to be the turn of Eastern Europe. There has also never been a female SG – and most countries seem to agree that it is high time that this should change.

One more notable thing; though the formal decision of picking a new SG is taken by the UN General Assembly – but it always based on a recommendation by the smaller and more powerful, UN Security Council.

Lets take a closer look who are the top contenders for one of the most crucial post in the world–

The Bulgarian top favourite

as their candidate to fill out the top post at the league of nations.

Before taking the post at Unesco in 2009, Bokova, 63, served as extraordinary ambassador to France in 2005 and as acting foreign minister in a Socialist government in 1990s.

However, the attitude of Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, will be considered critical here. The Russians have seemed well-disposed to Bokova in the past, which put her at a position to generate opposition in Washington – particularly since the US Congress traditionally holds a hostile attitude towards Unesco, as an “anti-western” institution.

Suu Kyi, army chief talk as presidency issue looms Aung San Suu Kyi met Myanmar’s army chief for the 3rd time since her party swept elections, officials said Wednesday, heightening speculation that the military may hold sway over the selection of the next president. Suu Kyi, barred from top office by the junta-era constitution, has exactly one month before her party needs to put forward candidates for a president who will take power in April. -AFP

INDIA

Vesna Pusic

Helen Clark

tainty over the incoming government’s position on her candidacy.

licly stated it would support Clark if she ran.

The wild cards

Other Eastern European options

UK defence contractor ties up with Mahindra for gun assembly plant British defence giant BAE Systems has chosen Mahindra group to build a plant to assemble howitzer artillery guns it hopes to sell to the Indian military, the two companies said Wednesday. The Indian government is in discussions to buy 145 of BAE’s M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer guns through the US government.

-AFP

CHINA

China to hold first-ever exercise with Cambodia Igor Luksic

Srgjan Kerim Other nominees include former UN General Assembly president Srgjan Kerim of Macedonia, former Slovenian President Danilo Turk, incumbent Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic and current Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Luksic.

The Macedonian government has already announced it’s endorsement for Kerim, who also held the position of the country’s foreign minister.

Luksic, who is also the former Yugoslav state’s prime minister, has maintained a low profile so far. At age 39, he is likely to be the youngest candidate in the field and would be the youngest-ever SG if selected.

The president of the UN General Assembly has confirmed official candidacy for the aforementioned five including Bokova.

Kevin Rudd Speculation continues to swirl about former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd’s possible candidacy as well. But his close ties with Washington would become an obstacle for the necessary UN Security Council’s support.

Irina Bokova

Potential candidates outside Eastern Europe

Antonio Guterres

Danilo Turk Turk, who has also served as UN Assistant SG for Political Affairs, secured the support of his current government, almost two years after the previous one endorsed his candidacy.

Pusic received an official nomination from the outgoing Croatian prime minister despite uncer-

The Portuguese government released a statement In January endorsing Antonio Guterres, a well-respected former prime minister who just wrapped up a decade as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Incumbent UNDP chief and former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark continues to remain discreet about her interest, although her government has pub-

China will hold its first-ever exercise with Cambodia’s navy next week, the latest sign of China’s growing presence in a region where maritime tension is rising. Three warships carrying 737 Chinese sailors will dock on Monday at a port in Preah Sihanouk province, just over a day after the scheduled departure of three vessels of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

-REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

Japan launches satellite to study black holes

Angela Merkel

Since the primary criteria to become the next UNSG has been narrowed down for a woman from Eastern Europe, it appears that the favourite candidate is from Bulgaria. Her name is Irina Bokova, who is currently the head of Unesco. By tradition, candidates for SG need to first enlist the support of their national governments. And last week, Sofia endorsed Bokova

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The most intriguing suggestion of all is that Angela Merkel might be a candidate. The German chancellor is clearly in uphill political trouble at home, as the refugee crisis mounts. A move to the UN might provide a prestigious and face-saving way out of the chancellor’s office. But there is no overt indication that She is interested in leaving office in Berlin at this tricky time. And for the German chancellor to show an overt interest in the UN job and then to be blocked would be a disaster – undermining her at home and abroad. l

Japan successfully launched a jointly developed space observation satellite on Wednesday tasked with studying mysterious black holes, the country’s space agency said. The ASTRO-H satellite, developed in collaboration between the agency, Nasa and other groups, is set to orbit at an altitude of about 580km and observe X-rays emanating mainly from black holes and galaxy clusters.

-AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Russia, US military to meet on Syria ceasefire this week The Russian foreign ministry said Russian and US military officials will take part in the first meeting on Friday of a working group to discuss implementation of a ceasefire in Syria, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday. Russian Deputy Foreign Ministry Gennady Gatilov added that decisions on a no-fly zone over Syria are not possible without agreement of the Syrian government and UN. -REUTERS

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USA

GOP campaign fight getting ugly in S Carolina The simmering feud between Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz intensified in dramatic fashion on Tuesday, as accusations were hurled between the two senators’ campaigns over underhanded tactics and an alleged smear campaign ahead of the critical South Carolina primary on February 20. Rubio and Cruz, respectively, are locked in a heated battle to overtake the Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

THE GUARDIAN

THE AMERICAS

Venezuela parliament pardons political prisoners Lawmakers in Venezuela’s opposition-controlled legislature on Tuesday approved an amnesty for jailed foes of President Nicolas Maduro, who has pledged to veto the bill. The elected socialist president maintains that there are no political prisoners in Venezuela. However, the opposition disagrees.

-AFP

UK

UK scrambles jets to intercept Russian bombers British Typhoon fighter jets were sent to intercept two Russian bombers heading towards British airspace on Wednesday, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Defence said.

Intercepts of Russian aircraft by Nato have increased over the last year amid heightened tensions between the West and Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.

-REUTERS

EUROPE

Merkel backs Cameron EU reform demands German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday threw her weight behind Prime Minister David Cameron’s reform demands as EU leaders readied a make-or-break summit on Britain’s future in the bloc. These are not just about Britain’s individual interests on some issues or questions, rather it is about several points that are justified and understandable, Merkel told Bundestag in Berlin.

-AFP

AFRICA

UN: Humanitarian needs create Boko Haram recruiting ground Intensified cross-border attacks

by Nigeria’s Islamic extremists have created insecurity in the Lake Chad area of West Africa that, if help is not provided, could create a more fertile recruiting ground for Boko Haram, UN humanitarian coordinators said Tuesday. Some 20 million people have been affected

by Boko Haram attacks that have spread from northeastern Nigeria to the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, according to UN. -AP

EU refines Brexit deal n Reuters, Brussels European union governments haggled over reform proposals on Wednesday, with pressure mounting on leaders to close remaining gaps and produce a summit deal on Friday that can help keep Britain in the EU. Prime Minister David Cameron is set to discuss a final draft, expected from summit chairman Donald Tusk late on Wednesday, when he meets the other 27 EU leaders on Thursday evening.

With a prospect of late-night talks, Tusk has scheduled what aides call an “English breakfast” on Friday in hope of a final compromise that will let Cameron return to London and declare he will campaign to maintain British membership of the bloc at a referendum his EU partners expect him to call for June.

Senior diplomats offered varying assessments of the chance of a deal by the weekend. One spoke of “increasing nervousness” and a possible further emergency summit. “There is blackmail and threats from all sides as everyone is tired of it,” he said.

Another, however, stressed assessments that, with opinion polls showing a narrowing lead for the Remain camp, Cameron wants a referendum by the summer, which implies sealing the deal and calling the vote within a couple of weeks. “I don’t think

more time will help. The issues are very clear,” he said.

“And Cameron needs a resolution. So it’s likely we’ll get to something,” he added, though the chances of agreement being delayed “from English breakfast to late lunchtime” were high.

Key issues unresolved include: concerns in Eastern Europe that a deal to help Cameron cut immigration by barring low-paid EU migrant workers from British benefits will hurt their citizens; French insistence the City of London match euro zone regulation; efforts to ensure British exemptions from closer EU integration do not become more widespread; and reluctance in some capitals to commit to future amendments of EU treaties.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that many of Cameron’s demands for EU reform were justified and reasonable, though any deal should not hinder closer integration of members of the euro zone.

Cameron must win over own party

Cameron has said he is in no hurry to make an agreement, preferring substance over speed, but faces difficulties in persuading some, including his own Conservative party members, that he has achieved any depth of reform.

He has stressed that the decision to be taken by the leaders

will be legally binding and irreversible – a view EU diplomats and officials endorse.

However, diplomats say some governments are concerned that they cannot bind their successors to guaranteeing treaty change.

Eastern Europeans, whose citizens make up much of the lowpaid British immigrant workforce targeted by Cameron’s plan for an “emergency brake” on welfare payments to new arrivals, are pushing to limit how long Britain can apply that measure. Some diplomats see a possible compromise to end it after seven years.

The easterners also want tighter wording on a measure to let states index levels of family allowance to EU migrant workers to the cost of living in the countries where their children live. They are concerned other countries will follow Britain’s lead.

A senior EU official said on Wednesday the aim was to make the final deal as “UK-specific” as possible, stressing: “The emergency brake ... will in practice be used only by the UK.” Prime Minister Juha Sipila of Finland, one of many deeply worried about losing free-trading great power Britain from the EU, told reporters in Helsinki: “I believe unanimity will be found.

If Britain leaves EU it would be a catastrophe in economic terms and in many other senses for the European Union.” l

Taiwan: China sends missiles to disputed S China Sea island

n Reuters, Taipei/Washington, DC China has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system to one of the disputed islands it controls in the South China Sea, Taiwan and US officials said, ratcheting up tensions even as US President Barack Obama urged restraint in the region.

Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Maj Gen David Lo on Wednesday said the missile batteries had been set up on Woody Island. The island is part of the Paracels chain, under Chinese control for more than 40 years but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

China’s foreign minister said reports by “certain Western media” should focus more on China’s building of lighthouses to improve shipping safety in the region.

The Chinese defence ministry said in a statement that defence facilities on “relevant islands and reefs” had been in place for many years.”

Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of the US Pacific Command, said the deployment of missiles to the Paracels would not be a surprise but would be a concern, and be contrary to China’s pledge not to militarize the region.

“We will conduct more, and more complex, freedom of navigation operations as time goes on in the South China Sea,” Harris told a briefing in Tokyo. “We have no intention of stopping.” l

Fighting at Delhi court hearing divisive sedition case n Reuters, New Delhi Fighting broke out on Wednesday at New Delhi’s Patiala House court, hearing a case against a left-wing student leader accused of sedition, a charge that has sparked protests across university campuses and criticism the government is curtailing free speech.

Kanhaiya Kumar, head of the student union at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was rushed from a car through a gate into the court by police officers protecting him with a riot shield.

He was later remanded in custody by the court until March 2.

Lawyers chanting nationalist slogans earlier barged into the compound and threw stones at reporters, defying a Supreme Court order banning protests after a punch-up at a hearing on Monday.

Wednesday’s remand hearing was briefly adjourned as the Supreme Court rushed a team of commissioners to investigate, after lawyers for Kumar said he had been attacked inside the court premises.

“A person has come dressed as

National anger

Kanhaiya Kumar (bottom, 2nd right) is escorted by police outside the Patiala House court in New Delhi on Wednesday REUTERS a lawyer and beaten him up inside the court premises today,” said defence lawyer Vrinda Grover. “The police couldn’t do anything, it’s a complete violation of the Supreme Court order.”

Kumar told the court he was manhandled on the way in and lost his shoes in the process. “I was rebuked, I was attacked,” he said.

Kumar, 28, was arrested at a

student rally last week held to commemorate the anniversary of the execution of a Kashmiri separatist for his role in an attack on the Indian parliament in 2001.

Supporters of Kumar, a member of the leftist All India Students’ Federation (AISF) that has a Soviet hammer and sickle as its logo, deny he made incendiary remarks.

The case has triggered the biggest nationwide protests by students in a quarter of a century and a tough response from supporters of the nationalist government who say the actions against Kumar are justified.

The opposition Congress party and communist leaders have rallied behind Kumar and his AISF in its standoff with the pro-BJP student union, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

As protests have escalated, the chief of Delhi police faces accusations of taking political orders and failing to investigate alleged violence by nationalists loyal to Modi.

In one case, BJP lawmaker OP Sharma attacked a communist politician on the street outside the courthouse on Monday in an incident caught on television.

Some commentators and legal experts fault the government for exploiting the colonial-era sedition law to silence its opponents, when it should instead have left college rectors to manage what they say is no more than exuberant student debate. l

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INSIDE

Associate quartet in capital for qualifiers The four teams who will contest the Asia Cup T20 qualifying round set foot in Dhaka. Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman and UAE are the four sides that will face each other once for a berth in the final round where Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka lie in wait. PAGE 26

Del Potro makes winning return Juan Martin del Potro made a winning return to tennis after a 11-month injury layoff, romping past America’s Denis Kudla in the first round of the Delray Beach Open. He faced an uncertain future after missing most of the last year with injury. PAGE 27

Lavezzi switches to Chinese League PSG forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has signed for Hebei China Fortune from the French champions, the Chinese Super League club said.

Lavezzi has scored 22 goals in 107 Ligue 1 games since joining PSG in 2012, but has mainly been used as a substitute this season. PAGE 28

McIlroy aiming for No 1 return Rory McIlroy has set his sights on regaining the world number one ranking from Jordan Spieth as he prepares to make his debut at the Northern Trust Open this week.

The Northern Irishmanhopes his appearance in California can kickstart his season. PAGE 29

Paris St Germain's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani (C) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Chelsea during their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match at Parc des Princes, Paris on Tuesday REUTERS

Blanc praises match-winner Cavani but Chelsea retain hope n AFP, Paris Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc heaped praise on Edinson Cavani after the Uruguayan played the role of super-sub to give his side a 2-1 win against Chelsea in their Champions League last 16, first leg.

Cavani replaced Lucas in the 74th minute of Tuesday’s game at the Parc des Princes and four minutes later beat Thibaut Courtois with a first-time finish from an Angel Di Maria assist to ensure the French champions will take a lead to London for the second leg next month.

It was just his second goal of 2016 after a difficult spell which has seen the player signed for a French record transfer fee of 64 million euros ($71 million; £50 million) from Napoli lose his place as a regular starter.

“Whoever got the second goal I would have been happy and I am happy for Edi. He’s a boy who scores goals - we doubt his goal-scoring talents often and then he pops up and shows he can put the ball in the net at any time,” said Blanc.

“He has gone through a very difficult time but I hope the fact he got the goal will be good for him and the team.”

It looked like Chelsea would head back across the Channel the

happier after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s free-kick opener was cancelled out by the rarest of goals - a poacher’s finish by John Obi Mikel right on the stroke of half-time.

However, away goals have decided the meetings of these clubs in the last two seasons, with Chelsea advancing in the 2014 quarter-finals and Paris going through in the last 16 a year ago despite being held 1-1 at home in the first leg.

“The big regret for me is that we lost the goal just before half-time,” said Blanc.

“Maybe we need to ask UEFA if it’s fair that away goals count double, but tonight we can be happy because we played the way we

UCL RESULTS Last 16, first leg Paris SG Ibrahimovic 39, Cavani 78

2-1

Chelsea Mikel 45+1

Benfica Jonas 90+1

1-0

Zenit

MATCH STATS PSG

62 9 9 9 15 2

Chelsea Possession % Shots on target Shots off target Corners Fouls committed Offsides

38 5 3 3 13 2

want to play.

“It is not a very big advantage but in terms of the football we played it’s very satisfying.”

PSG kept up their impressive record this season, which now reads just one defeat in 40 matches in all competitions, with that loss coming away to Real Madrid.

In contrast, this was a first defeat for Chelsea in 13 matches since the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December, but their interim coach Guus Hiddink remains upbeat about their chances in the return.

“Of course a defeat is never a good or nice feeling but you have to consider it’s a two-leg game and scoring away is always important,” said Hiddink, who came to Paris with a reorganised defence in the absence of injured captain John Terry.

“We emphasised the importance of defensive organisation but we were dangerous too. Losing 2-1, of course we’re still in the race.

“We could have been a little bit more lethal in the four or five counters we made but it is difficult to play them. I am never happy with a loss but it’s not a dramatic loss.

“I think it’s 50-50 still. Our opponents are a very strong team and that’s why I think our performance was very good.

“Everyone could see this PSG likes to play football.

They are very smart and you must be very alert." l

TALKING POINTS HAZARD WARNINGS The build-up to the game had been dominated by talk of Eden Hazard and his ongoing flirtations with the French champions. Guus Hiddink had urged the Chelsea winger to concentrate on his current employers, but opinion will be divided after this effort.

MIXED NIGHT FOR MIKEL Charged with protecting the Chelsea defence, Jon Obi Mikel fell some way short when committing the foul for the free-kick from which Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring. He even deflected the shot wide of Thibaut Courtois and into the net. At least there was an element of redemption for the midfielder when he blasted the ball home from a corner.

LIFE WITHOUT TERRY The physical presence and leadership skills of John Terry were missing following his hamstring injury at the weekend and with Kurt Zouma also unavailable, confidence in Chelsea’s defence was not high going into the game. However, despite conceding twice, the makeshift back-line came out with credit.

RESPECT FOR RAHMAN Rahman had a role to play too, with the 21-year-old full-back thrust into action in the biggest club game of his career so far. The young Ghanaian had his difficult moments but could be encouraged by his performance.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Associate quartet in capital for Asia Cup qualifiers Tamim ends Pakistan Super League Twenty20 on a high note ASIA CUP FIXTURE QUALIFYING ROUND FEB 19:

Afghanistan v UAE Hong Kong v Oman

FEB 20:

Afghanistan v Oman

FEB 21:

Hong Kong v UAE

FEB 22:

Afghanistan v Hong Kong UAE v Oman MAIN ROUND

FEB 24:

India v Bangladesh

FEB 25:

Sri Lanka v Qualifier

FEB 26:

Bangladesh v Qualifier

FEB 27:

India v Pakistan

FEB 28:

Bangladesh v Sri Lanka

FEB 29:

Pakistan v Qualifier

MARCH 1: India v Sri Lanka MARCH 2: Bangladesh v Pakistan MARCH 3: India v Qualifier MARCH 4: Pakistan v Sri Lanka MARCH 6: Final

n Minhaz Uddin Khan The four teams who will contest the Asia Cup Twenty20 qualifying round set foot in Dhaka yesterday.

Associates Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Oman and the UAE are the four sides that will face each other once for a berth in the final round where hosts Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka lie in wait. The qualifying round gets underway at Fatullah’s Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium tomorrow.

The final round begins this Wednesday at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium with the blockbuster tie between Bangladesh and India. The final is scheduled for Mirpur on March 6.

This will be the 14th edition of the regional competition, the fifth to be held in Bangladesh and the first to be played in accordance with the T20 format. This year’s edition will serve as preparation for the upcoming World Twenty20 which starts next month in India.

The Tigers will be looking to make the best possible use of the tournament as the Bangladesh Cricket Board recently declared a squad which is almost identical to the one announced

for the World T20. The only Bangladesh cricketer who will be missing the Asia Cup is opening batsman Tamim Iqbal.

Tamim, who is currently in Dubai playing the Pakistan Super League T20 for Peshawar Zalmi, will be on parental leave during the Asia Cup. The hard-hitting opener will be in Bangkok at that time to attend to his wife who is expecting their first child later this month.

The southpaw has been in sensational touch in the ongoing PSL, registering some match-winning performances for his franchise.

Until yesterday, he was the second highest run-scorer behind English cricketer Ravi Bopara. In six matches, Tamim scored 267 runs at an average of 66.75, including three half-centuries.

The Chittagonian did not appear in the last two matches as he was rested, owing to Zalmi’s progression to the next round. He will miss the remainder of the tournament and is expected to reach Dhaka today.

Imrul Kayes replaced Tamim in the Asia Cup squad. Imrul’s last international appearance came in the home T20 series against Zimbabwe but he was unable to shine, scoring only one and 18 in the third and fourth match respectively. l

Afghanistan coach and former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq arrives to the team hotel yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN ASIA CUP QUALIFIERS HONG KONG

Nadeem Ahmed: The left-arm spinner has picked up 13 wickets in 14 Twenty20 internationals, including best bowling figures of 4/21 against Bangladesh which guided Hong Kong to a historic two-wicket win in the 2014 World T20.

Nizakat Khan: The 23-year old is a genuine all-rounder, bagging 3/19 against Bangladesh in the same T20I with his leg-spinners. He is also a more than useful middle-order batsman with a blistering strike rate of 105.29.

Bangladesh pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman poses for a photo after becoming the brand ambassador of Coca Cola at a city hotel yesterday COURTESY

AFGHANISTAN

Mohammad Nabi: The most experienced Afghan T20 cricketer, Nabi will have to play a crucial role in the qualifiers if his side are to make it to the main round. He has taken 31 wickets in 35 T20Is and is also a big-hitter of the cricket ball as his impressive strike rate of 133.61 would attest.

Shapoor Zadran: The tall leftarm fast bowler will spearhead Afghanistan’s pace bowling department in the regional competition.

Zadran can be venomous on his day and his swing and bounce have earned him 24 wickets in 23 T20Is.

OMAN

Sultan Ahmed: The 38-year old wicketkeeper-batsman, who is also the captain of his side, is expected to play a vital part in the qualifiers.

The right-handed middle-order batsman will be looking to score some quick runs, given that his strike rate currently stands at 135.48.

Adnan Ilyas: One of the most dependable middle-order batsman in lower-tier cricket, right-hander Adnan has the ability to rotate the strike and score quick runs simultaneously.

UAE

Swapnil Patil: The stumperbatsman is a vital cog in the UAE batting department. The righthander played an important knock of 31 against Ireland which levelled the recent two-T20I series between the two sides.

Mohammad Naveed: The rightarm seamer will be heading to the Asia Cup in prime form, having notched 2/16 from his four overs against Ireland to go with his regular wicket-taking exploits in recent times. l -MAZHAR UDDIN

ASIA CUP TICKET PRICES Qualifying round (Fatullah) Grand Stand Int’l Gallery (West) Club House (East/West) North/South Stand Eastern Stand

Tk100 Tk20 Tk20 Tk20 Tk20

Qualifying round (Mirpur) VIP Gallery

Tk100 Tk20 Main round

Grand Stand VIP Shaheed Mushtaque/ Jewel Stand North/South Stand Eastern Stand

Tk3,000 Tk1,000 Tk500 Tk250 Tk150

Tickets of the main round and the last two qualifying round matches will be available before each match-day in the following United Commercial Bank branches – Sonargaon Jonopod, Bijoynagar, Pragati Sarani, Bashundhara and Noyabazar (through Ucash) Tickets of the first four qualifying round matches will be available in the following UCB branches – Narayanganj, Kachpur, Chasara and Mirpur (cash payment)

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QUICK BYTES Dumped Cahill will stay in China: agent Australia midfielder Tim Cahill will join another Chinese Super League club after being dumped

by Shanghai Shenhua, his agent said yesterday. The 36-year-old former Everton stalwart agreed to terminate his newly-signed contract this week after being told he was not part of Spanish coach Gregorio Manzano’s plans for the 2016 campaign.

Bangladesh limited-over captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza paid a visit to the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National stadium yesterday ahead of the forthcoming Asia Cup Twenty20

–REUTERS

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

United fans plan ticket price protest Manchester United fans are planning to protest against being asked to pay 71 pounds ($102) per ticket for their Europa League away match against Danish champions Midtjylland today, British media reported. Southampton fans paid 22 pounds for tickets when their team travelled to Midtjylland in the playoff round in August.

–REUTERS

Player kills ref for red card An amateur footballer enraged by getting a red card in Argentina fetched a gun and fatally shot the referee on the pitch, police said Tuesday. Cesar Flores, 48, was refereeing a match between local youth teams in the central city of Cordoba when he sent off the player for a foul.

–AFP

Serena withdraws from Qatar Open Serena Williams will miss next week’s Qatar Open because of the flu, she said on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive tournament the world number one misses due to illness. Williams, a finalist at the 2013 tournament where she lost in three sets to Victoria Azarenka, was the top seed at the Feb. 21-27 tournament in Doha.

Coach Langer thrills in Voges’ late flourish n Reuters, Melbourne The amazing high of confidence and the sober knowledge of cricket mortality have combined to inspire Australia batsman Adam Voges to the astonishing feats of his golden summer, according to his coach Justin Langer.

Voges was named man-of-thematch in the first Test against New Zealand, firing the tourists to an emphatic innings win in Wellington on Monday with a brilliant 239, his second double-century of his short test career.

Having compiled an unbeaten 269 against West Indies and 106 not out against the same team in his previous two trips to the crease, Voges amassed 614 runs since

his last dismissal - way back in November during the maiden daynight Test against New Zealand in Adelaide.

That smashed a 12-year record held by Sachin Tendulkar who collected 497 runs between wickets in 2004. It also left Voges with a Don Bradman-esque average of 97.46 from 14 matches.

Not bad work for a man who played his first Test at the age of 35 in June - and promptly became the oldest debutant to score a century with an unbeaten 130 against West Indies at Roseau.

Langer, Voges’ coach and mentor at Sheffield Shield side Western Australia, has been thrilled to see a player he once helped through a time of crushing doubt become the

Cooper reported for bowling action

–AFP

ing character. Like great players and great people do, he’s grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

“He’s confident and confidence is an amazing thing. And he knows that at his age he’s got to run with the opportunity for as long as he can, so he’s really hungry to do that.” l

Del Potro makes winning return in Florida

–REUTERS

West Indian allrounder Kevon Cooper was yesterday reported for a suspect bowling action in the ongoing Pakistan Super League in Dubai, the first instance of this kind in the Twenty20 league. The 27-year-old, who has yet to play international cricket for the West Indies but had featured in first class cricket for his native Trinidad and Tobago, was reported during Tuesday’s game between Lahore and Quetta in Dubai.

game’s hottest player.

“It’s been magnificent. He could probably never have written a script of how well he’s playing,” Langer told Reuters in an interview on Monday.

“That said there’s no more deserving person. He’s an outstand-

n AFP, Delray Beach

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro returns a shot against the United States' Denis Kudla during their men's singles match at the ATP Delray Beach Open tennis tournament in Delray Beach, Florida on Tuesday REUTERS

Juan Martin del Potro made a winning return to tennis on Tuesday after a 11-month injury layoff, romping past America’s Denis Kudla in straight sets in the first round of the Delray Beach Open.

The injury-plagued 27-year-old Argentine faced an uncertain future after missing most of the last year with a wrist problem which required two separate bouts of surgery.

But del Potro, aiming to resurrect a burgeoning career which included a 2009 US Open championship victory, showed no signs of ring rust as he overwhelmed Kudla

in just over an hour.

Tuesday’s win carried an echo of a previous comeback for del Potro, who won the Delray Beach crown in 2011 also after returning from a wrist injury. Del Potro, who climbed to number four in the world rankings in 2010, is currently at 1,042nd in the world.

In other matches on Tuesday, top seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa tumbled out to Austin Krajicek of the United States.

Second seed Bernard Tomic of Australia also bit the dust, beaten in straight sets 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 by unheralded American Rajeev Ram to the delight of the home fans. l

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Last-gasp Jonas goal gives Benfica edge n AFP, Lisbon In-form striker Jonas headed a dramatic injury-time winner for Benfica as the Portuguese champions beat 10-man Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

Zenit coach Andre Villas-Boas selected three former Benfica players - Witsel, Ezequiel Garay and Javi Garcia - as the Russian champions played their first competitive match since December 9.

Zenit were forced to see out the final few minutes a man down and they paid dearly when Gaitan’s freekick was headed home by Jonas in the first minute of stoppage time. l

MATCH STATS Benfica

50 7 6 5 14 3

Zenit Possession % Shots on target Shots off target Corners Fouls committed Offsides

50 3 2 3 10 7

Lavezzi switches to Chinese Super League n Reuters Paris St Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has signed for Hebei China Fortune from the French champions, the Chinese Super League club said yesterday.

Lavezzi has scored 22 goals in 107 Ligue 1 games since joining PSG in 2012, but has mainly been used as a substitute this season, with three goals in 24 matches in all competitions.

The 30-year-old Argentina international, whose PSG contract ran to the end of the season, is the latest high-profile player to make the switch from Europe to China.

Lavezzi, who moved to PSG from Napoli for 30 million euros ($33.38 million), will join up with former AS Roma forward Gervinho, who signed for the Chinese team last month.l

Benfica's Nico Gaitan shoots during their Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Zenit St. Petersburg at Luz stadium, Lisbon on Tuesday

REUTERS

Bayern’s Guardiola short at the back as Juve loom n AFP, Berlin Pep Guardiola acknowledges Bayern Munich has a height problem ahead of their key Champions League clash at Juventus as an injury crisis has left them short at the back - literally.

While striker Robert Lewandowski is head and shoulders above his rivals, scoring twice in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Augsburg, injuries meant Bayern fielded a back four with an average height of under five foot nine inches (1.75m).

“Every team in the world is stronger in the header than we are.

It’s not an ideal situation,” complained Guardiola ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Turin.

Guardiola has been stripped of centre-backs after Holger Badstuber fractured an ankle in training last Saturday, while Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng are sidelined longterm by knee and groin injuries.

Medhi Benatia is returning from injury, while loan signing Serdar Tasci is lacking conditioning after joining from Spartak Moscow and was concussed in his first training session.

Without a single fit centre-back,

Guardiola used Juan Bernat (1.72m) and Philipp Lahm (1.70m) as wingbacks against Augsburg with leftback David Alaba (1.80m) and defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich (1.74m) paired up at centre-back.

But Bayern’s bosses are concerned about the height of Juve’s key forwards Mario Mandzukic (1.87m), Alvaro Morata (1.90m) and Paulo Dybala (1.77m), especially from corners and set piece situations.

“Then we’ll just have to stop them jumping higher,” joked Bayern’s director of sport Matthias Sammer.

“They’ll have to make their

Klopp relishing return to Germany n AFP, Berlin Jurgen Klopp returns to Germany for the first time as Liverpool coach today hunting a Europa League win at Augsburg in his quest to quench the Reds’ thirst for silverware.

Klopp returns to the sidelines at a Bundesliga ground for the first time since the 48-year-old quit Borussia Dortmund last season, then replaced Brendan Rogers as Liverpool coach in October.

Fans have clamoured for tickets for the round of 32, first-leg clash at the WWK Arena in deepest Bavaria to see Liverpool, who are unbeaten in their six European games under Klopp and buoyed by Sunday’s thrashing of Aston Villa.

While he is looking forward to returning home, Klopp is focused on the job in hand.

“During the draw, I wasn’t thinking ‘please let it be a German club’.

At that point, I’d only been away for four months,” he admitted.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Germany, but it’s work and it’s not as though I’ve been waiting for it. “(For Augsburg) Liverpool would have been an exciting enough draw, without a German coach (being involved).

“The stadium would have already been full.” Liverpool arrive in Bavaria buoyed by their 6-0 drubbing of Villa which left them eighth in the Premier League.l

FIXTURES Anderlecht Midtjylland Fiorentina Dortmund Villarreal Saint-Etienne Sevilla Sporting Valencia Augsburg Sparta Prague Galatasaray Sion Donetsk Marseille

v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

Olympiakos Man United Tottenham Porto Napoli Basel Molde Leverkusen Rapid Vienna Liverpool Krasnodar Lazio Braga Schalke Athletic Bilbao

presence felt for crosses, but Philipp, Joshua or Juan are all incredibly savvy.”

Bayern are desperate to farewell Guardiola’s departure for Manchester City with silverware at the end of the season after exiting the Champions League at the semi-finals stage for the last two seasons under the Spaniard’s steerage.

But their injury situation could be a blessing in disguise as Guardiola’s current back four are all fleet-footed and have their teammates’ trust. Bayern host mid-table Darmstadt on Saturday, then Juventus on Tuesday. l

Rooney left out of Europa squad n Reuters Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been left out of the 18-man squad travelling to face Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa League today, the Premier League club said on their website.

Combative midfielder Marouane Fellaini was another notable absentee and full back Matteo Darmian will not be involved after dislocating his shoulder during Saturday’s 2-1 league defeat by Sunderland.

Louis van Gaal picked a young squad, including Regan Poole, Joe Riley and James Weir who could make their first-team debuts. l

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Brazil court blocks Neymar from using assets n Reuters, Sao Paulo A federal court in Sao Paulo has blocked Barcelona striker Neymar from using almost $50 million worth of assets - including a yacht, a jet and properties, officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

The move was taken as the 24-year-old Brazilian is accused of tax evasion between 2011 and 2013.

The court froze 188.8 million reais ($46.7 million) in assets last September but Neymar had been free to use those assets until now. Officials also corrected the amount to 192 million reais ($47.5 million).

“Official documents were sent to several entities such as port authorities, offices that register properties, and civil aviation authorities (so that Neymar no longer has use of these assets),” the judge said

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL TEN SPORTS UEFA Europa League 12:00 AM Fiorentina v Tottenham 2:00 AM Valencia v Rapid Wien

TEN HD UEFA Europa League 12:00 AM Dortmund v Porto 2:00 AM Sporting CP v Leverkusen

TEN CRICKET UEFA Europa League 12:00 AM Villarreal v Napoli 2:00 AM Marseille v Athletic

TEN ACTION UEFA Europa League 12:00 AM Midtjylland v Man United 2:00 AM Augsburg v Liverpool

KABADDI STAR SPORTS 2 8:20 PM Pro Kabaddi League 2016 Bengaluru v Delhi

TENNIS TEN SPORTS 4:00 PM WTA Tour 2016 Dubai Duty Free Tennis : QF1

SONY ESPN 1:00 AM ATP World Tour 500 Rio Open Day 4

in a statement sent to Reuters.

An appeal to block the footballer’s future earnings was, however, rejected, officials said.

Among the assets frozen are three companies of which he and his father are the principal owners.

Prosecutors accuse Neymar of setting up companies as fronts in order to pay a lower rate of tax.

Neymar is accused of not paying 63.3 million reais ($15.7 million) in taxes between 2011 and 2013.

The judge froze three times that amount for security reasons and to cover potential interest and fines, according to a judicial order explaining the seizure.

Neymar’s total assets were given as 244.2 million reais ($60.4 million).

Neymar has denied any wrongdoing. l

Fenerbahce's Nani (L) in action against Lokomotiv Moscow's Vitali Denisov (R) and Alan Kasaev during their Europa League round of 32, first leg match at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul on Tuesday. Fenerbahce won 2-0 REUTERS

Spieth admires Federer, Djokovic drive n AFP, Pacific Palisades World number one Jordan Spieth says he wants to emulate the relentless drive of tennis icons Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as he aims to cement his place at the pinnacle of world golf this year.

After a dominant 2015 which saw him seal back-to-back Major victories at the Masters and US Open, before a fourth placed finish at the British Open and a second at the PGA Championship, Spieth has already won his first tournament this year.

The 22-year-old Texan will be chasing a second victory of 2016 when he tees off today in the North-

ern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club in the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Pacific Palisades.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Spieth said the enduring hunger and consistency of Federer, Djokovic and other leading lights of men’s tennis was an inspiration as he plots his own career path.

“It’s really amazing how anywhere from two to five tennis players at a time can just completely carry the sport,” Spieth said.

“It’s bizarre. It seems like you’ve got three of the top four ranked, always, in the semi-final matches.

“You can certainly take a lot from watching those guys and un-

derstanding that even when they were number one, it seemed like that almost fuelled them to want to work even harder, which you don’t necessarily see everywhere across the board in life,” Spieth added.

“I mean, a lot of times you get to the top of where you want to be and it’s just kind of like a deep breath out.

“These guys were just starting their breath. It’s pretty cool.

“Federer just handles himself with complete class. He always has. Everyone I’ve come in contact with is a fan of watching him,” Spieth said of Federer, the winner of 17 Grand Slam titles in a career span-

McIlroy aiming for No 1 return n AFP, Los Angeles Rory McIlroy has set his sights on regaining the world number one ranking from Jordan Spieth in time for the Masters as he prepares to make his debut at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles this week.

The Northern Irishman, who has slipped to third in the latest world rankings behind Spieth and Australia’s Jason Day, hopes his appearance in California can kickstart his season.

“I can get off to a good start (to the) year, there’s no reason why I can’t be the No. 1 player in the world going into Augusta,” said McIlroy, who is chasing a career Grand Slam at the Masters.

“That’s a goal of mine, to get off to a fast start ... and try to reclaim that position as quickly as I can.”

This week’s Northern Trust at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades should suit McIlroy’s strong ball-striking game.

“I’ve heard Riviera is a great course, and I want to go play there in LA, and I think it’ll be a good

course for me,” said McIlroy.

Spieth meanwhile has already experienced the Riviera’s challenging layout. He was part of the Texas college team that won the NCCA championship at the course in 2012. l

ning nearly two decades.

“Djokovic with his fire and just absolute crazy athletic display he’s been showing over the last decade, really,” he added.

“It’s one of my favorites in the entire world. I was out yesterday and it’s just in spectacular shape,” he said.

Last year Spieth narrowly missed out on forcing his way into a playoff on the final Sunday, eventually having to settle for a share of fourth. Since then Spieth has registered six victories and firmly established himself at the head of an exciting new generation of golfers at the top of the game. l

Butt looking to produce more one-club players n Reuters Manchester United are looking to produce more one-club players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, Nicky Butt said after taking over as head of the club’s academy.

Giggs, Scholes and Neville were part of the famous class of ‘92.

“You don’t just come here to play 10 games and move on to another club. We want them (academy players) to be here for many years,” Butt, who was also part of the class of 92, told the club’s website.

“We want another Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville or Paul Scholes, these one-club guys who play here for many years and contribute to the club. That’s what our aim is.” l

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Showtime

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Kanye West making waves nShowtime Desk As Kanye West gears up for the release of his eighth studio album, Waves, the rapper found himself surrounded by controversies.

One of them, is the fight on social media site Twitter, between him and Wiz Khalifa.

It all began with Wiz challenging Kanye’s decision to change his album’s name from Swish to Waves, and tweeted that rapper Max B created the “the wave” and “there is no way wave without him.” Kanye replied, “All respect to Andre Harrel (producer) and Max B” which was followed by a “Yeah right” from Wiz. Hours after that, Wiz posted, “Hit this kk and become yourself.” Kanye truly lost it and bombarded tweets with less than pleasant words since he thought Wiz was talking about his wife, Kim Kardashian when he actually meant KK, strain of marijuana.

When Kanye realised he was wrong, he promised to delete his “unfriendly” statements

Airin’s American Dream nShowtime Desk

towards Wiz. He twitted, “I’m happy that I now know that KK means weed… please excuse the confusion … now back to #WAVES.” With that being “solved,” there are new rumours about Kanye begging Mark Zuckerberg to invest one billion dollars in “Kanye West ideas.” He even urged his followers to pray that he overcomes his “personal debt of US$53 millions” and called on them to pressure Zuckerberg.

The CEO of Facebook who does not have a Twitter account, is yet to respond to the absurd request.

Kanye really knows how to make news! l

While the Dhallywood beauty seems utterly engaged promoting her recent film .Ek Prithibi Prem, which received the green signal from the censor board recently and is set to premier in April, Airin has successfully signed up for another big screen venture. The film titled American Dream, to be helmed by Jasimuddin, will be shot from March 25. Airin will be seen donning the role of a rural girl named Swarnali. Parts of the film’s shooting is scheduled to be shot in USA. In American Dream, Airin will be pairing up with actor Saimon for the second time. The duo’s first venture together, Mayabini, is yet to be released.

The film depicts the intertwined story of a few people from Bikrampur, a historic region in Bangladesh and Bangladeshi expats living in New York.

Talking about her role, Airin expressed her ambitions to portray the character of a rural girl perfectly. Even though she has previously donned similar roles, she reckons that this one will be distinctive from her previous.

Airin started her career in media after winning the Best Smile Award in the “Pantene You Got The Look” in 2008 and later walked on the ramp both locally and abroad. She began her film career with the film Bhalobasha Zindabad in 2013, directed by Debashish Biswas. In 2015 she appeared in the movie U-Turn which did commendably well in the box office l

Priyanka to spice things up in Baywatch nShowtime Desk Priyanka Chopra has been cast as the antagonist for the upcoming Baywatch movie. Her role was originally written for a male cast but later molded to be played by a female. Priyanka will begin filming on February 29 and will go back and forth between filming Baywatch and her ABC series Quantico until mid-April.

The news was confirmed by her Baywatch co-star, Dwayne Johnson on Instagram where he called the actress, “the biggest start out of India, one of the biggest stars in the world!” The action star also

joked that he’ll have his “hands full,” to which Chopra teasingly replied, “Oh, you have no idea!”

“She’s mean!” Johnson joked.

“I’m really mean,” Chopra purred.

In the Instagram video caption, Johnson wrote, “She’s one of the biggest stars in the world. Insanely talented, relentlessly smokin’ and extremely dangerous - perfect for #BAYWATCH. Welcome @ PriyankaChopra to our badass and slightly dysfunctional family. Cue RATED R slo-mo running on the beach. We start shooting next week. World.. #WelcomeToBaywatch.”l

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

In conversation with Tropa Majumdar It also drives audience to ponder over many topics. It is not like once the show is over, the viewer forgets about it.

Tropa Majumdar in the latest production of Theatre Maaya Nodi

n Promiti Prova Chowdhury Showtime recently caught up with Tropa Majumdar, a popular face from theatre group “Theatre.” The talented artist shared her views on the theatre scene of the country and also the choices she has made along the way How does the theatre as a medium serve mankind?

Theatre can be beneficial for

two types of people. The ones who practice it, and the people who watch it regularly. Those who honestly work in theatre groups are positively impacted in many ways. This allows their consciousness to grow. It helps them realise their duties towards other human beings, society and the nation. Theatre is all about team work. Therefore, it develops important virtues like discipline.

It serves as a platform for sharing,

Swapnadal to tour India with two plays n Showtime Desk Theatre troupe Swapnadal has been invited to stage Tringsho Swatabdi and Chitragada, two of their acclaimed productions, at the international theatre and folkfestival titled Rang Rajasthan 2016 to be held in Rajasthan, India.

The troupe will perform Tringsha Shatbdi and Chitragada at the renowned Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, on February 28 and February 29 respectively.

Tringsho Shatabdi, a play against the madness of war, depicted the after-effects of the atomic explosion of Hiroshima-

Nagasaki, one of the darkest chapters of humanity, and intertwined with the genocide during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and other global turmoils as well. Zahid Repon directed the play, adapted from the original script by Badal Sarkar.

The second play, Tagore’s poetic drama version of Chitrangada, highlights the inner beauty of soul over the physical beauty through the affair of the legend Arjun and Manipuri princess named Chitrangada as mentioned in the epic Mahabharat.

The troupe will fly to Rajasthan on February 24. l

and motivates one to think outside the box. The artists feel a deep sense of satisfaction after delivering a performance. Also, as the performance is live, a direct communication and connection is established between the performers and the audience.

It also serves the audience in many ways. You can get a lot of things in recorded or electronic media. But nothing beats the joy of getting “live entertainment.”

How important is it to practice acting in theatre before starting a career on screen?

I won’t say it is mandatory.

However, schooling is always helpful. Theatre is an excellent medium to learn. Those who practice theatre before going on screen can derive the extra advantage. On the other hand, those who directly show up on screen might take a little longer to be groomed. Moreover, those who have already gone through the drilling in the theatre will feel a lot more comfortable in adapting the new means. Because the kind of practice is done in theatre are quite intense.

What do you like better - acting on stage or directing plays?

Acting is my passion and I am basically an actor. I feel utmost comfortable when I work under someone else’s direction. I started directing for the sake of my group.

Basically I was inspired by our founder, late Abdullah Al Mamun, to direct plays. But still today I find the job to be extremely challenging.

Who are your favourite theatre personalities?

It is hard to name anyone individually. I have enjoyed watching different artists at different times. I cannot say that I have disliked the overall work of any theatre group. Sometimes I liked the direction of a play, sometimes I liked the sets; in some cases I liked the costumes, the acting, or even the music, it depends.

You are an actor, an executive at an ad agency and a faculty member of a university. Can you maintain a healthy balance among all these jobs?

I am the head of Creative and Social Communications at Expressions Ltd and I work as a part-time faculty of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the Dhaka University. My main profession is working at the ad agency. After my work, I usually attend the rehearsals in the evening. I do not have to spend a lot of time in teaching.

People ask me why I do not work in the TV plays. It is because of my priorities. But my daughter is above everything else. She is 10-year-old and I try to spend as much time as I can with her. l

WHAT TO WATCH 2010: Moby Dick 7:45pm Z Studio A modern adaptation of the classic novel of the captain of a high tech submarine and his obsessive quest to destroy the enormousprehistoric whale that maimed him.

Cast: Barry Bostwick, Renee O’Connor, Matt Lagan, Adam Grimes, Dean Kreyling Rush Hour 4:58pm HBO When a Chinese diplomat’s daughter is kidnapped in Los Angeles, he calls in Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee to assist the FBI with the case. But the FBI doesn’t want anything to do with Lee, and they dump him off on the LAPD, who assign wisecracking Detective James Carter to watch over him.

Although Lee and Carter can’t stand each other, they choose to work together to solve the case on their own when they figure out they’ve been ditched by both the FBI and police.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Ken Leung, Tom Wilkinson, Chris Penn

Home Alone 9:30pm Star Movies An 8-year old troublemaker must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom The Descent: Part 2 6:25pm Warner Bros Refusing to believe her story about cave-dwelling monsters, the sole survivor of a spelunking exploration gone horribly wrong is forced to follow the authorities back into the caves where something awaits.

Cast: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Douglas Hodge, Axelle Carolyn, Gavan O’Herlihy Godzilla 4:50pm Movies Now In 1999, the Janjira nuclear plant was mysteriously destroyed with most hands lost including supervisor Joe Brody’s colleague and wife, Sandra. Years later, Joe’s son, Ford, a US Navy

ordnance disposal officer, must go to Japan to help his estranged father who obsessively searches for the truth of the incident. In doing so, father and son discover the disaster’s secret cause on the wreck’s very grounds. This enables them to witness the reawakening of a terrible threat to all of Humanity, which is made all the worse with a second secret revival elsewhere. Against this cataclysm, the only hope for the world may be Godzilla, but the challenge for the King of the Monsters will be great even as Humanity struggles to understand the destructive ally they have.

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, Bryan Cranston

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

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PLAYERS TO WATCH IN ASIA CUP QUALIFIERS PAGE 26

IN CONVERSATION WITH TROPA PAGE 31

Security slack around boi mela n Kamrul Hasan

With ample presence of police and RAB members inside the two Boi Mela venues, visitors are bound to feel secured.

But things outside – where two high profile attacks were carried out in the last one decade – are not as secured.

A Dhaka Tribune investigation has found that areas adjacent to the fair venues do not have enough security surveillance, no backup power, and are less marked.

Not only is the number of cameras less than promised, most are of low resolution and hence will not come into much use for identifying a criminal.

Recently, the area from Shahbagh to the fair entrances remained out of CCTV coverage during a 15-minute power cut, and it came to the fore that there is no backup power.

The Suhrawardy Udyan, which authorities are using as a second venue for the fair for several years, has a number of entrances. But apart from the main entrance opposite the Bangla Academy, there is no security arrangements at the other entry points. For example, the gates near the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh and Shishu Park has no security.

The feeds of the CCTV installed in and outside the fair grounds are monitored from a control room in the Shahbagh police station. Although there is backup power for the fair, the control room does not have that. So, during the power cut, the control room went blind as the cameras stopped working.

A few days ago, the motorbike of a photojournalist got stolen from a place near the venue which is just 50 meters away from the spot where Bangladeshi-American writer-blogger couple Abhijit Roy and Rafida Ahmed Bonna were attacked last year.

Abhijit was killed and Bonna got seriously injured in that militant attack on February 26 last year. On February 27 eleven years ago, legendary secular writer and Dhaka University Professor Humayun Azad came under a similar militant attack near the book fair venue. He was

seriously injured in that attack.

Police promised after the attack on Abhijit and Bonna that the areas surrounding that crime scene would be brought under CCTV surveillance.

It has been a year now but that promise is still to be fulfilled. It was said after the bike was stolen that the theft could have been prevented if there were security cameras.

Law enforcement authorities promised to install at least 250 security cameras in and outside the fair venues. But until Monday, only 143 were installed. Of those too, 17 cameras were out of order.

The Dhaka Tribune talked to a police official involved with the probe into the harassment of women at TSC intersection during last year’s Bangla new year celebrations.

Seeking anonymity, the police official said that despite having CCTV coverage at the TSC area, it was difficult for them to identify any of the culprits because because of the unclear picture captured by the low-resolution cameras.

He also suggested that instead of installing more cameras with low resolution, the authorities should install less high resolution cameras.

Another official working at the Shahbagh monitoring cell said that the CCTV cameras installed in the area are of just 600 pixel resolution.

When contacted, Shahbagh police station OC Abu Bakar Siddique said they had informed higher authorities about all these and are now awaiting a response.

Asked about the matter, Abdul Baten, deputy commissioner of police’s Ramna Zone, refused to make any comment.

While talking to the Dhaka Tribune on Monday, Jalal Ahmed, member secretary of the fair organising committee, said he knew that there are some problems with the security arrangement. But he does not know that the the police station monitoring room goes blind if there is load-shedding.

Police said around 1,500 personnel from the force are working on three shifts every day to maintain security to the fair. l

Dhaka Tribune

Editor: Zafar Sobhan, Published and Printed by Kazi Anis Ahmed on behalf of 2A Media Limited at Dainik Shakaler Khabar Publications Limited, 153/7, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka-1208. 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