26 Feb, 2016

SECOND EDITION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | Falgun 14, 1422, Jamadiul Awal 16, 1437 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 311 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages plus 24-page Weekend supplement | Price: Tk10

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | Falgun 14, 1422, Jamadiul Awal 16, 1437 | Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 311 | www.dhakatribune.com | 32 pages plus 24-page Weekend supplement | Price: Tk10

‘Expose BDR Mutiny masterminds’ n Arifur Rahman Rabbi Family members of the slain BDR officers have demanded that the plotters of the 2009 mutiny be identified and brought to trial immediately.

They also urged the government to execute the verdict in the murder case at the soonest.

They made the demands after placing wreaths at the graves of the deceased army officials at Banani graveyard yesterday morning, on the seventh anniversary of the carnage.

Samanta Sadiya Sharmin, nephew of slain Lt Col Lutfor Rahman, said: “You are coming here one day to show respect. But we are crying every day. We know what we have lost. We want to know who played the key role or masterminded the incident. They must be traced and brought to trial.”

An elderly Kohinur Begum was crying beside the grave of slain Maj Mizanur Rahman. “On that day  PAGE 4 COLUMN 3

Tigers hoping to rectify mistakes against UAE

Family members of a martyr in 2009 BDR Mutiny break down in tears while visiting their loved one’s grave at Banani graveyard in the capital on the seventh anniversary of the massacre yesterday MEHEDI HASAN

PMO requires closer evaluation for big ticket G2G projects Showkat Kallol and n Asif Shohel Mamun

n Mazhar Uddin Following a 45-run loss in their Asia Cup Twenty20 opener against India, Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his troop will be looking to rectify their mistakes and post their first points on the board when they lock horns with the UAE today at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The match begins at 7:30pm and Star Sports 1, Maasranga TV and GTV will transmit it live.

The Tigers made a good start to their tournament opener last Wednesday but a dropped catch of Rohit Sharma, added with some sloppy ground fielding, saw India  PAGE 4 COLUMN 5

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has asked for careful scrutiny of big ticket development projects that are to be implemented under government-to-government (G2G) schemes, official sources said.

Officials said the move towards careful coordination and cost evaluation was necessary to implement projects identified as national priorities, sustain the growth rate of Bangladesh economy and retain Bangladesh’s excellent credit rating.

Finance Minster AMA Muhith warned ministries and divisions to carefully appraise Chinese government and private sector proposals in particular, officials said.

Last month, at a briefing following his return from the inauguration ceremony of the Asian Infra-

structure Investment Bank (AIIB), Muhith said state-owned Chinese firms operate like private firms, aggressively trying to “sell” projects.

“They [Chinese firms] are interested in a number of projects. Even their state-owned companies are good salesmen. They bring their projects and get them passed,” he said.

China has offered to finance projects worth $10 billion in Bangladesh’s power, railways and infrastructure sectors.

Muhith asked officials to assess whether projects proposed by Chinese firms were relevant for Bangladesh.

“I should alert you. We will not accept many of the projects being pursued by [Chinese firms’] agents.

You must look at your debt servicing capacity,” he said.  PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

AVIJIT MURDER

Police claim three killers identified n Kamrul Hasan Investigators claim to have identified three assailants who took part in the killing of writer-blogger Avijit Roy on the Dhaka University campus a year ago.

So far, eight persons have been arrested over the murder. Among them, investigators said they had found no evidence against one while another had confessed to instigating killers.

After the recent arrest of two suspected members of banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team from Badda, investigators claimed they had gleaned important information from them about Avijit’s murder and hoped to crack the case soon.

Avijit, an engineer by profession and administrator of Mukto-mona blog, was an atheist who advocated secularism. He had received death threats for his writings. Two of his titles were published in last year’s book fair.

Machete-wielding assailants attacked Avijit and his wife Rafida Ahmed Bonya, both US citizens of  PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

Bangladesh urges quick release of climate fund n Tribune Report A high official yesterday complained that the release of global climate fund (GCF) meant for supporting the adaptation projects in vulnerable countries remains slow, hindering the implementation activities.

“It needs to be expedited.

The approach should not be like a banker,” said Dr Nurul Quadir, joint secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, giving a reference to the sorry state of financing approach to eight climate adaptation projects Bangladesh has so far adopted to fight the impact of climate change.

“Financing from the GCF is slow … it needs to be expedited,” he told a dialogue titled “COP21 Presidency: Roadmap Towards COP22” at the residence of the French Ambassador in Dhaka, as Bangladesh has already initiated implementation of the projects.

Ambassador of France, the COP21 Presidency, Sophie Aubert and Ambassador of Morocco Mohammed Houroro gave the welcome addresses at the dialogue, moderated by BCAS Executive Director Dr Atiq Rahman.

Professor Emeritus of BRAC University Dr Ainun Nishat and Dr AKM Saiful Islam of Buet made presentations on “Bangladesh at Stake: Scenarios on Climate Impact; Facing Climate Disruption” while ICCCAD Director Dr Saleemul Huq’s presentation was on “Towards COP22: Challenges and Expectations.”

Besides the challenge at home, speakers at the dialogue raised a challenge international community would have to face to make successful the Paris Agreement adopted in December last to fight the impact of climate change.

The challenge at this moment would be to ratify the agreement  PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

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Police claim three killers Bangladesh origin, on February 26 last year when they were returning from the book fair. Avijit died in the attack while Bonya sustained several head wounds and her left thumb was sliced off.

Additional Commissioner Monirul Islam yesterday said they had found evidence of six people’s involvement in the killing and that banned militant outfit Ansarullah was behind the attack.

“We have identified three assailants and have their permanent address. However, we could not arrest them as they are on the run,” he said.

Investigators sent DNA samples collected from the spot and the arrestees to the FBI who have completed analysing them and would soon send a report. Monirul said the case was at a stage where

they expected a positive result soon.

He claimed that they had kept in touch with Avijit’s wife Bonya through the FBI. In an interview with Reuters last May, Bonya lashed out at Bangladesh government for not responding more aggressively to Avijit’s slaying. “This was well planned, choreographed – a global act of terrorism,” she told Reuters adding that no one from the government had reached out to her until then.

Avijit’s father Ajoy Roy was less than impressed and expressed frustration at the slow progress of investigation. He said since his son’s murder, the investigators had been telling him that they were waiting for the FBI report and would solve the case soon.

“But the time never came in last one year,” Ajoy Roy said. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

‘Expose BDR Mutiny masterminds’ [February 25, 2009], Mizan called me and asked me to take care of his son Sami [now 10]. But he did not come back,” she said.

“Sami’s mother died eight months before the mutiny. I have been looking after Mizan’s two sons [another is Rami, 15] since then. I am at a loss now. I cannot take it anymore,” Kohinur told the Dhaka Tribune.

Slain Maj Mominul Islam Sarker’s father Mafijul Islam Sarker said: “It is not a matter who was arrested or tried by the court. I want to know who masterminded and ordered the murders. I want to know about them.”

Slain Col Gulzar Uddin Ahmed’s elder sister Dilruba Khatun said: “Now that the verdict has been pronounced in the BDR carnage case, we want the verdict to be executed soon.”

During the mutiny on Febru-

ary 25-26, 2009, at least 74 people including 57 army officials were killed at the force’s Pilkhana Headquarters in the capital.

In November 2013, the court sentenced 150 soldiers of Bangladesh Rifles, now Border Guard Bangladesh, and two civilians to death, and jailed 161 for life for their involvement. It also gave rigorous imprisonment, ranging from three to 10 years, to 256 people, mostly the soldiers. The 277 other accused were acquitted. The appeals case is now underway at the Supreme Court.

Earlier, representatives of the president, the prime minister, home minister, the chiefs of the three armed forces, and the BGB chief paid their homage to the deceased around 9am.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the BNP went to the graveyard to pay

Bangladesh urges quick release of climate fund in April at the UN headquarters in New York. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, countries having 55% of the total current emission will have to sign the agreement there.

“If any two of the most polluting countries do not sign, the agreement would not come into force,” said Dr Atiq. He mentioned the countries like China, USA, India and Japan as the most polluting countries.

Dr Nurul Quadir said the COP21 sets things and now its implementation which is a challenge for the COP21 and COP22 presidencies – they will have to go to the most

polluters to convince them to ratify the Paris Agreement while ensuring that the vulnerable countries get adequate fund for adaptation and mitigation programmes.

Dr Saleemul Huq said that the COP22 would be of loss and damage issue and it would be decided there what to do about the issue.

“It’s going to be a very important output for going forward,” he said.

Criticising the way of using the GCF, he said it is not for spending on the consultants, the fund should be spent on really building capacities of the countries vulnerable to the climate change impact.

Ambassador of Morocco, where

the COP22 would be held as a follow up of COP21, Mohammed Houroro said: “The COP 22 will be the right occasion for Morocco to put forward its strategy in the use of renewable energies which will reduce by 15% Greenhouse Gas.” The King of Morocco Mohaamed VI and the president of France Francois Holland have agreed to implement a joint roadmap to complete the project adopted in Paris Summit in November 2015, he added.

“We need to underline the cop 20 in Lima 2014 was for negotiations, Paris for decisions and Marrakech will be a conference for

actions,’’ said the Moroccan Ambassador Mohammad Houroro.

Ambassador of France Sophie Aubert welcomed the guests at the workshop held at her residence while Dr Atiq Rahman, executive director of BCAS, moderated the workshop. The workshop was addressed, among others, by Dr Nurul Quadir, joint secretary of Ministry of Environment and Forests and Saiful Islam of Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (BUET). European Union Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon, other diplomats, climate experts and civil society members attended the workshop. l

PMO requires closer evaluation for big ticket G2G projects “Bangladesh has a wonderful record as far as public debts are concerned. We cannot destroy the record,” he added.

“It may be the case that a project is ranked 10th on my priority list, but a Chinese party wants it taken to the number one position,” he said.

“We must look at projects on the basis of our priorities.

“A project may seem important … but it may not be a national priority. We have prepared a list of priority projects. There is no need to go for projects other than those,” he said.

Asked if his observations would affect Bangladesh’s ties with China, Muhith said: “No, there will be no impact. I will safeguard my interests just as they safeguard theirs.

“My instruction to my colleagues is this: Please follow the priority list. Discuss the issues.

Your discussions today will bring your projects onto the list of priorities three or five years down the road.”

Officials of the Finance Division said without careful valuation of

development projects taken under G2G contracts, the country would fail to sustain a 7-8% GDP growth rate over the next few years.

Bridges Division committee formed

Bridges Division Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “Ministries have been ordered by the Prime Minister’s Office to form an evaluation committee for G2G projects.

As per the directive, the Finance Division has formed a committee for the Bridges Division.

“The committee will evaluate the procurement activities of G2G projects and act as a gatekeeper to check against asymmetries in G2G projects.”

According to a circular issued by the Bridges Division and signed by its Senior Assistant Secretary Mahmood Ibne Kasem, a nine-member committee headed by the division’s secretary has been formed to evaluate the asset value of its large development projects under G2G contracts.

The committee will include representatives from the Finance Ministry, PMO, Law Ministry, Economic Relations Division, National Board of Revenue, and the chief engineer and additional secretary of the Bridges Division.

The committee will determine the government’s position on whether to sign G2G deals to procure goods or services.

The committee will set G2G project costs with the help of a technical committee before placing the proposals before the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase or the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Senior Assistant Secretary Mahmood told the Dhaka Tribune: “The Prime Minister’s Office has already directed the Bridges Division to form an evaluation committee to evaluate the proposed and actual costs of all purchasable raw materials and goods under G2G schemes.

“This is the first time that the country’s development work will be run under the G2G scheme.”

Mahmood said development

projects implemented under G2G contracts were more friendly than commercial deals.

According to the Bridges Division, the proposed Karnaphuli River tunnel will be implemented under the G2G scheme.

On November 24, 2015, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the much-anticipated two-lane tunnel under the Karnaphuli River connecting Chittagong with Cox’s Bazar.

The project worth over Tk8,446 crore, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is expected to improve the Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar road network.

The tunnel will reduce the road distance between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, apart from easing the heavy port city-bound traffic from Dhaka.

Of the total cost, the government will provide Tk3,647.20 crore.

The rest will come from China as project assistance. The Bangladesh Bridges Authority will implement the project by June 2020. l

their tribute to the slain army officials around 11am. The party also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to reveal the real mystery behind the carnage.

BGB Director General Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed said: “Many new laws have been formulated and I do not think those laws have any loopholes for such incidents [BDR carnage] to repeat.”

Replying to a query about the masterminds, he said: “All those who were involved with the mutiny have been brought to trial.

“We have tried to find out the mastermind behind the incident using different sources but we could not find any.”

The DG also refused to make any comment on the demand for formation of a judicial commission, terming it a “matter of the judiciary.” l

Tigers hoping recover from a potentially precarious 97/4 to a challenging total of 166/6.

The hosts therefore, must pick up the pieces and improve their fielding display if they are to get the better of a highly-spirited Emirati side, who defeated fellow Associates Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Oman in the qualifying round preceding the main round.

Along with the fielding display, the performance of pace bowling sensation Mustafizur Rahman was also a let-down as the “cutter master” conceded 40 runs from his four overs. The 20-year old will surely be desperate to put up a better show against the UAE. Bangladesh were restricted to 121/7 in pursuit of 167 so head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will be hoping for more application from his batsmen, some of whom departed while playing poor shots against the Indians.

The Tigers team management included four pacemen in the India tie but it was learnt that an extra spinner in Arafat Sunny might be named in the line-up today in place of Taskin Ahmed.

“We obviously lost [Wednesday’s] game but we cannot do anything about it. [Today’s] game is very important for us to stay in the tournament. Our preparation and everything else are very important.

Hopefully we can turn around [today],” Mashrafe informed the media on the eve of the UAE encounter.

“If you notice, UAE played their best cricket to come here. Being a professional team, we have to perform professionally and win this match,” he said.

UAE, on the other hand, will look towards Rohan Mustafa to play a vital role with both bat and ball while the likes of Mohammad Shahzad and Mohammad Kaleem, among others, will be expected to deliver if they are to harbour any hopes of defeating the Tigers. l

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Firms express interest in deep-sea hydrocarbon hunt n Aminur Rahman Rasel Two international oil companies (IOCs) yesterday submitted expressions of interest (EOIs) to explore and develop oil and gas resources in Bangladesh’s deep sea blocks DS 12, DS 16 and DS 21.

On February 4, state-owned Petrobangla invited expressions of interest to explore and develop three deep-sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2015.

Unlike usual bidding rounds, the government will purchase oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal at a competitive price, to be quoted by the IOCs in bids.

Kader Siddique files leave-toappeal

toil to conduct the exploration in three deep-sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal.

ConocoPhillips, however, later pulled out of the joint venture leaving Statoil to operate alone.

Statoil is seeking amendments to the PSC to increase the price of gas. The government has not yet announced its decision on the matter, but an EOI has been sought.

Dhaka University Geology Professor Badrul Imam told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday: “We are yet to award deep sea exploration work despite many years of efforts. It should be awarded soon.

“Daewoo has been working in Myanmar. Both Daewoo and Statoil are good choices.” l

short-listed. Request For Proposal (RFP) documents will be sent to the short-listed companies,” Petrobangla Director (PSC) Md Quamruzzaman told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

He said the contractor would bear all costs. Cost recovery will be subject to the discovery of petroleum.

In January 2014, US oil company ConocoPhillips and Norway’s Statoil jointly submitted bidding documents to explore oil and natural gas in three deep-sea blocks in the Bay of Bengal – blocks 12, 16 and 21 – under the amended model PSC of 2012.

On February 18 last year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs awarded a contract to a joint venture of ConocoPhillips and Sta-

In previous bidding rounds, Petrobangla fixed the prices for oil and gas in model production sharing contracts (PSC) before bid launching.

Singapore-based Kris Energy and South Korean Daewoo International Corporation submitted EOIs for the deep sea blocks. The submission deadline was February 25.

A Petrobangla official said Daewoo International had explored gas in Myanmar’s Shwe gas field which is adjacent to Bangladesh’s deep sea block 11.

Myanmar’s AD 6 gas block is near Bangladesh deep sea block 10.

“We have received EOIs from two IOCs. Companies deemed best suited to do the work will be

Bangladeshi Osama among Forbes 30 young social entrepreneurs in Asia

n UNB

n Tribune Report

Krishak Sramik Janata League President Kader Siddique yesterday filed a leave-to-appeal petition with Supreme Court against a High Court order rejecting his pleas for participating in the Tangail 4 by-election.

On February 4, the HC rejected a petition filed by Kader challenging legality of the Election Commission’s decision cancelling his candidature in the Tangail 4 by-election.

On September 16, 2015 the EC issued a notification for fixing November 10 for the by-polls to Tangail 4 that fell vacant after the resignation of AL lawmaker Abdul Latif Siddique, and asked aspirants to submit nomination papers within October 11. l

Osama Bin Noor is the only Bangladeshi to have made it on the list of Forbes Asia 30 under-30 social entrepreneurs.

The annual list by Forbes Magazine features the 30 youngsters from Asia who are leveraging business tools to solve the world’s problems.

Osama and Makshud Manik co-founded Youth Opportunities with the goal of tackling unemployment.

Youth Opportunities is a global platform to connect young people to valuable skill enhancing and career building opportunities such as scholarships, conferences, competition, exchange programs and

when he was only 22 years old, and wants to bridge the gap between the youths and the thousands of opportunities awaiting them.

In December last year, Osama was named the winner of 2016 Queen’s Young Leaders Award from Bangladesh.

Osama has also been engaged in numerous volunteering activities for different national and international organisations for the last five years. He is also a co-host of Teen Tekka, the first radio show in Bangladesh dedicated to teenagers.

Studying to be a dentist, Osama’s dream is a world where all the young people have equal access to opportunities and unemployment will be a myth. l

many others.

In a span of four years, the platform spread across 192 countries serving over 100,000 youths. Osama co-founded this venture in 2012

BCL men attack Titumir College students again n Tribune Report

Chhatra League activists yesterday beat up agitating students of Government Titumir College again for their protests against the sudden hike in tuition fees.

Activists of the college unit of Chhatra League swooped on protesting students at Shaheed Akkasur Rahman Ankhi Hall, leaving at least 15 students injured, witnesses said.

Among the injured, seven were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hos-

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“A faction from outside chased the members of the college unit.

Police and the college authorities rescued the students and took them to safety,” he added.

Students of Titumir College have been protesting for a couple of days after the authorities hiked annual tuition fees to Tk4,217 while other colleges operating under National University charge Tk3,100.

In addition, admission fee was increased to Tk2,617 from Tk1,900, students said. l

But Kazi Mirazul denied the allegation and said some groups representing students from outside Dhaka were responsible for the incident.

“I was not present at the scene during the incident. As far as I know, it occurred between students from Narail and Brahmanbaria over their personal matters,” he said.

Banani police station Inspector (investigation) Wahiduzzaman said the incident was the result of a clash between two factions of Chhatra League.

pital and they are Idris, Shah Alam, Abdul Motaleb, Asif, Aynal, Didar and Maheshwar.

Students said some 30-35 Chhatra League members entered the dormitory soon after midday and searched for agitating students.

Led by Chhatra League’s Titumir College unit President Kazi Mirazul Islam Dollar, the Chhatra League men then attacked students.

It was also alleged that police and the college authorities took no action against the attackers.

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Chief Justice: Don’t drag judiciary into politics n Ashif Islam Shaon It would be better not to drag the judiciary into politics, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha said yesterday.

While hearing an explanation submitted by BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his own recent comment on the judiciary, the chief justice said: “You are politicians. It is better not to comment on the judiciary.

We become shocked hearing your comments.”

“Do politics.. We have no objection. But it is better not to drag judiciary into politics,” he added.

On February 7, Mirza Fakhrul told a meeting of the BNP’s Sylhet unit that the government was trying to control the judiciary, adding that the country neither had any democracy nor an independent judiciary.

On February 18, the Supreme Court asked the BNP leader to submit an explanation for his comments, while on February 22, the apex court refused to accept an affidavit containing the explanation from Fakhrul as it was not signed by the politician.

Yesterday, the explanation submitted by Fakhrul did not mention the reasons for making the comments.

The five-member Appellate Division bench, headed by the chief justice, once again refused to accept it and ordered him to submit a fresh explanation specifying the reasons by next Monday.

The court passed the order while dealing with three bail petitions filed by Fakhrul in three cases.

Yesterday, at the beginning of the hearing, Fakhrul’s lawyer Zainul Abedin submitted the affidavit signed by the BNP leader.

Zainul told the court that Fakhrul made the comment quoting a speech by Supreme Court’s retired justice MA Matin’s. The BNP leader has no intention of undermining the judiciary, Zainul added.

The lawyer also submitted a video clip of Fakhrul’s speech.

Additional Attorney General Murad Reja said, “He [Fakhrul] has submitted a record of electronic media.

But his [comment] has come in two newspapers differently. There is no explanation about that.”

The court then fixed the new date to submit fresh explanations. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 5:06am | Jumma: 12:12am Asr: 4:22pm | Magrib: 6:01pm Esha: 7:29pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

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Businessmen let ATM forgers use their point-of-sale terminals n Mohammad Jamil Khan Investigators have found the link of at least 20 top businessmen and several officials of private banks with the card forgery scam in exchange of shares of the illegal cash.

Several jewellery shops, fashion outlets, merchant houses and hotels have let the forgers use the point of sale (POS) machines at their establishments to use cloned cards.

According to information given by the three bank officials arrested in connection with the scam, the gang of frauds mainly used clones of international credit cards used in Bangladesh by foreigners or expatriates who are not in the country now, said an official of the police’s Detective Branch (DB), seeking anonymity.

For example, the fraud gang

would make a transaction at a jewellery shop using a cloned credit card that belongs to someone now living abroad. For the money to go to the shop owner’s account, an official from the shop owner’s bank has to approve the transaction.

So, when the money hits the shop owner’s account, he withdraws the money and gives it to the fraud gang. In return, the gang gives a certain percentage of the money to the shop owner and the bank official who approved the transaction.

In such transactions, at least two international banks are involved – one in which the shop owner has an account and the other is the bank in the foreign country that issued the credit card to the forgery victim. Several days are passed before the owner of the

actual card gets notified about the illegal transaction.

Piotr Szczepan Mazurek, who holds a Polish passport and was arrested recently along with the three bank officials, gave this information to DB during interrogation.

The DB official, who is closely involved with the interrogation, also said that Piotr got 50% share of each of these transactions, thus earning a lot of money, with which he led a lavish life in Dhaka. The rent of the Gulshan flat he lived in was said to be Tk2 lakh.

“We have so far been informed of nearly 100 bank officials and at least 20 businessmen who have worked with the gang,” the official said.

Investigators are now contacting the private banks, whose names came up during interrogation, for

details of the transactions through the suspected POS machines.

Police’s newly formed Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, who are assisting DB in the investigation, said they would seek help from the Interpol once they have got the details of the persons and organisations involved.

Deputy Inspector General of police and head of the new unit, Monirul Islam, said Piotr and his associates had been doing the crime using POS machines for a long time but the banks had not been able to trace the cash flow because of the dishonest officials linked with the gang.

He also said that every bank facilities account-to-account fund transfer but none of them have any definitive statistics or documents,” Monirul said. l

Ex-minister Enamul Haque dies n Tribune Report

Former social welfare minister Enamul Haque Mostafa Shahid died at Square Hospital in the capital yesterday while undergoing treatment. He was 82.

He will be buried at his family burial ground in Shayestaganj of Habiganj district today, said an Awami League press release.

Enamul Haque, a five-time lawmaker of Jatiya Sangsad and Ekushey Award laureate, was suffering from many old-age ailments including kidney related problems.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock at the death of the former minister.

In a condolence message Sheikh Hasina recalled Enamul’s contribution to politics as well as his role during the Liberation War. She said the death of the leader was a great loss for the party and the nation. l

The is no possibility that the Awami League’s 20th triennial national council scheduled for March 28 will be rescheduled, party sources told the Dhaka Tribune.

It was earlier reported that the council was likely to be rescheduled because of the union parishad elections beginning from March 22.

Denying such reports, an Awami League leader yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune on condition of

A Dhaka court yesterday asked the police to submit their probe report against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia by March 23 in a case filed for allegedly making false and instigative remarks on religious issues, involving the ruling Awami League.

Metropolitan Magistrate Md Zakir Hossain Tipu fixed the fresh date as the Shahbagh police did not submit the probe report before it on the day. The submission was deferred 14 times.

On October 21, 2014, AB Siddique, president of Bangladesh Jananetri Parishad, a pro-Awami league organisation, filed the case under section 153 (A), 295 (A) of Penal Code.

After recording his statements, the then metropolitan magistrate directed the Shahbagh police to investigate the case and submit a probe report.

The case says former premier Khaleda made “false, derogatory and instigative” remarks over religious issues, involving the Awami League while addressing a function marking Durga Puja at the capital’s Engineers Institute on October 14, 2014.

“Khaleda’s remarks that secularism is Awami League’s mask and it is a party of atheists has hurt the religious sentiment of the people of the country,” the complainant claimed. l

Government mulls changing fuel price n Tribune Report

A passenger climbs out of a rolled-over CNG-run autorickshaw after an accident, in which the driver lost control of the vehicle due to reckless driving. The photo was taken in Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

AL’s March 28 council deferral unlikely n Abu Hayat Mahmud

Court seeks report on Khaleda’s remark n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu

anonymity that the union parishad polls would not be an obstacle to March 28 council.

“The council will be held on schedule if no major untoward situation arises,” he said.

On January 9, the Awami League set the council schedule at a meeting of the party’s central working committee chaired by party chief Sheikh Hasina at Gonobhaban.

At the meeting, Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam was tasked with

forming sub-committees for the council.

After the meeting, Ashraful, also the party’s general secretary, said the council would be held at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

The sub-committee formed to design the stage for the council yesterday held a meeting at Hasina’s Dhanmondi office. Several central leaders of the party and Chhatra League leaders joined the meeting.

The committee will hold another meeting on February 28 at a community centre in Dhanmondi.

The 19th council of the Awami League was held on December 29, 2012. Hasina was re-elected the president and Syed Ashraful the general secretary.

According to party insiders, chances are high that the top two posts of the party will see no change in the upcoming council, and there will be no major change in the full committee either. l

The government is considering to re-fix fuel prices in the local market as international prices have decreased, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told the parliament yesterday.

He said changes in prices would mean changes for prices of kerosene, diesel, furnace oil and octane.

A few days ago, however, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told parliament that the government would not reduce fuel oil price until the debt of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation was paid.

Replying to a starred question, the junior minister yesterday said the BPC has started gaining some profit since November 2014.

The BPC still has loans of around Tk26,349.81 crore even after adjusting the loans paid from November 2014, the minister said.

He added that a process has already started to formulate a policy to fix fuel price in local market comparing with the international market. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Women UP candidates threatened in Khulna n Our Correspondent, Khulna A record number of female candidates have joined the fray for the Union Parishad elections at Khulna’s Dakopa Upazila. But many of them have been allegedly threatened to pull out of the race by rival male candidates.

As many as 37 women are vying for ward councillors while another has filed nomination for Tildanga Union chairman’s office, the elec-

tion office said, adding that the number of female candidates was a record for Dakopa.

Participation of so many women have added momentum to the campaign. “People are excited.

Many are campaigning for the women whose participation has become the talk of the town,” Dakopa resident Abbas Hossain said.

Kailashganj Union’s Ward 8 aspirant Jharna Sheel claimed her rival Bulu Mandal and his support-

ers had been pressing her to stand down. Banishanta Union’s Ward 5 candidate Monowara Begum alleged being threatened by opponent Halim Howlader over phone.

Suratkhli Union’s Ward 1 candidate Namita Mandal claimed supporters of her rivals had threatened Kankar Mandal, who proposed her name.

Kamarkhola Union’s Ward 6 candidate Bagum Sakhina Abu said her rival Abu Isa Sana had lodged complaints against her with the re-

turning officer, which turned out to be baseless.

Bulu Mandal and Halim Howlader rejected the allegations, claiming they were encouraging women participation.

Naribikash Kendra’s Dakopa Upazila coordination committee chief Dankumari said pressurising women candidates to end their bid was a sort of rights violation.

“Women empowerment will be incomplete by only electing them

from reserved seats. They have to get out of this circle. The movement for ensuring women’s rights will gradually wane if they lack participation at key policy-making posts,” she said.

Dankumari is contesting from Bajua Union’s Ward 4.

Upazila Returning Officer Khan Motahar Hossain said: “We will take legal actions if we find specific evidence against anyone obstructing campaign.” l

PM opens Tongi-Bhairab double-track railway

n Shohel Mamun, from Bhairab Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday inaugurated the 64km Tongi-Bhairab Bazar double-track railway on Dhaka-Chittagong route.

She opened it through a video conference from Gonobhaban, her official residence.

The rail track is expected to reduce the travel time between Dhaka and Chittagong by at least an hour and a half.

Trains will run at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour on the track. A train journey between Dhaka and Chittagong currently takes around six hours, but the new track will cut it to four and a half hours.

Railways Minister Mazibul Hoque joined the prime minister on the video conference from Bhairab.

While inaugurating the rail track, Hasina directed the railways minister to establish train communications with Payra port and the southern region, including Barisal.

Mazibul informed the premier that bus and train services would be introduced on the Padma bridge at the same time.

He said: “The railway has already taken two projects - one involves Dhaka and Mawa, and another Faridpur and Zajira - which will connect at the Padma bridge. This route will be extended in the future to connect Payra port and Barisal.”

At present, the Dhaka-Chittagong route is capable to operate 44 trains and the number will jump to 84 after the opening of the new track.

The Tongi-Bhairab Bazar double-track project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council in September 2006 at a cost of Tk2,113 crore.

Of the amount, Asian Development Bank gave Tk1,824 crore and the rest came from the national exchequer.

The tender of the project was floated in September 2010 while the deal for construction was signed with China Railway Group Ltd in July 2011. l

Human rights defenders and journalists of Dinajpur form a human chain yesterday in front of the press club in the town protesting countrywide filing of cases against The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam DHAKA TRIBUNE

Unicef: Children Act 2013 execution satisfactory n Shadma Malik

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has appreciated the role of government authorities in successfully implementing and executing the Children Act 2013.

However, the UN organisation also expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence on children and the proposal of lowering the minimum age for marriage for girls.

These observations were mentioned in the Fifth Periodic Report of Bangladesh, prepared by Unicef’s Committee on the Rights of the Child, which was unveiled at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital yesterday.

The programme was jointly organised by Unicef and the Ministry

of Women and Children’s Affairs.

“Bangladesh has made tremendous achievement during this quarter-century-long journey considering the changing global situation, all in the best interests of children,” said Edouard Beigbeder, Unicef representative in Bangladesh, at the event.

He placed some recommendations related to the laws, proper allocation, effective inter-ministerial body and awareness campaign to curb child marriage.

The report also said Bangladesh has enacted the 2013 Children Act recognising a citizen as a child until the age of 18, which is the global benchmark. Bangladesh is among the first few countries to sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990.

In the programme, Rose Anne Papavero, chief of child protection unit at Unicef, said: “Children’s help desk is being established in every police station; it is still in the pilot phase. At the help desk, a police officer will be appointed to help the children. Besides, in the police academy training, the subject of helping child victims is also being incorporated.”

Earlier, in an inter-ministerial meeting on February 24, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Secretary Nasima Begum stated that cases of child abuse will be immediately solved without unnecessary harassment to the victim and family, and legal action will be taken against the officer who handles the cases otherwise. l

Deal signed for specialised hospital at Uttara n Tribune Report Bangladesh Aichi Medical Group has inked a deal with Japan’s Ship Healthcare Holdings Inc to set up a 600-bed specialised hospital at Uttara.

The agreement was signed yesterday in Dhaka.

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim said the government encouraged hospitals to provide better services to the people. “Our government is committed to providing better health services to the people from grassroots level.”

Aichi Medical Group Chairman Dr Md Moazzem Hossain said 20 seats would be allocated for the poor where they would receive free treatment. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

HABIGANJ 4-CHILDREN MURDER

Accused Bachchu killed in gunfight n Tribune Report Bachchu Miah, one of the accused in the killing of four children in Habiganj district on February 12, was killed in an alleged gunfight with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Chunarughat upazila of the district early yesterday Rab 9 Srimangal camp commanding officer Kazi Maniruzzaman Monir said on a tip-off, a team of elite force conducted a drive at Deorgach village around 4:30 am when Bachchu was trying to flee into India through Deorgach border point.

Sensing the presence of the

team, Bachchu along with his accomplices opened fire to police, forcing them to fire back.

Bachchu was caught in the line of fire and dead on the spot.

They also arrested Bachchu’s accomplice Shahed from the spot.

A total of seven people have so far been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the four schoolboys.

Earlier, the Judicial Magistrate Court recoded depositions of three of the seven arrestees in the case.

Shahidul Islam, additional superintendent of police said Arju in his statement disclosed the name of another perpetrator of the killing. Arju also revealed that 8-9 peo-

80th birth anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Nur Mohammad today

n Our Correspondent, Narail Today is the 80th birth anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Nur Mohammad, one of the most valiant heroes of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Bir Shreshtha Nur Muhammad Sheikh Trust and Narail district administration will hold various programmes marking

his birth anniversary.

The programmes will begin with placing of floral wreaths at his grave in Kashipur under Sharsha upazila of Jessore district.

Qurankwhani, milad and dua mahfil, rally and discussion will be held at Nur Muhammad Nagar, earlier known as Mahiskhola.

A discussion meeting on his life will be arranged at Nur Muhammad Sheikh Library and Smrity (Memorial) Museum auditorium.

Nur Mohammad was born on February 26, 1936 at Mahiskhola Village under Sadar Upazila of Narail district.

He joined the then East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), now Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), on February 26, 1959.

Later, he joined the country`s Liberation War in 1971. Pakistan army killed him on September 5, 1971 at Goalhati, Jessore. l

BCIC workers begin indefinite strike Correspondent, n Our Lalmonirhat Day labourers of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation’s (BCIC) fertilizer godown at Mahendranagar in Sadar upazila went on an indefinite strike yesterday demanding arrear payment and increase in their wages.

Listed traders of the district could not lift urea fertiliser

from the godown since morning as the workers took position in front of the godown to stop loading of fertilizer.

Day labourers work for loading and unloading fertilisers in the godown alleged that they were not getting their wage for last seven months throwing them in severe financial crisis. They neither received accurate answer from the contractors nor the BCIC officials about the matter. l

ple had involvement in the murder, he added.

According to previous reports, police recovered the bodies of four children, aged between seven and ten, from a ditch at Shundratiki village under Bahubol upazila of the district on February 17, 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 were 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 OC Mosharraf Hossain confirmed the identity of the children. The children were strangled 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.

Superintendent of Police Joydeb Kumar 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 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. l

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Feature

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Echo-the smartest network He said that the basic difference between the echo system and the traditional GSM monitoring system is that echo takes action proactively instead of reactively after the fault occurs. He continued, “It visualises ‘real time’ and ‘real value of sites’ power system device related parameters.”

The operation of echo centre

n Mahmood Sadi Maintaining and monitoring telecom network infrastructure has always been the primary headache for telecom operators across the world, as the towers carrying the base transceiver system (BTS) to propagate voice and data signals are usually located over large geographical areas.

To detect any sort of anomalies and network failure in those infrastructure sites, traditionally the alarm based monitoring systems have been used. When an alarm is triggered, it means a situation that needs immediate action has been raised. To address the situation, a designated person usually goes to the location and fixes the problem.

This has proven to be cumbersome in terms of time consumption, low rate of efficiency as well as expenses incurred as a result of traveling back and forth.

In order to tackle such obstacles, Edotco Bangladesh Co Ltd, a wholly owned telecommunication infrastructure services subsidiary of Axiata, has introduced the country’s first ever sophisticated remote monitoring system, the “echo centre,” which ensures the four functions Monitor-MeasureDetect-Control simultaneously.

What is an ‘echo’ centre?

Explaining the problem with network operation in traditional monitoring systems, Sumon Ahmed Sabir, a leading technology specialist said that lack of proper management, real time monitoring and network downtime is responsible for interrupted services.

The main hindrance in ensuring quality services by the operators is the inability to diagnose the problem in the shortest possible time as there is no real-time

monitoring and quick solution implementation.

Talking about the benefit of echo, Sabir, said that echo is a technologically sophisticated system that is value based, as opposed to the traditional alarm based systems.

He said that echo is basically a remote monitoring and management system, which reduces manpower hours in sites. It efficiently manages issues from the base at the head office in Dhaka.

The system reduces onsite manpower hours by effectively managing issues remotely from its operations centre. It also automates and optimises operational processes, performance and improves visibility 24x7.

“The core benefit is that fuel levels, temperature and other such varying factors can be monitored and addressed before any anomalies can trigger an alarm,” he added.

The echo centre was first introduced at the regional head office, Edotco Group in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it was launched nationwide in December 2014. In Bangladesh, it was officially launched in Dhaka in October 2015 for countrywide operation.

Manzoorul Islam, director of operations from Edotco Bangladesh said that they already have a large number of towers under the monitoring of the echo centre and they plan to increase the number by next year.

Islam said that in echo centres a variety of services are found under one umbrella. To highlight, it has 24x7 real-time infrastructure monitoring capabilities and enables monitoring and control over the distributed passive infrastructure site elements, across a regional footprint.

He said that one of the critical functions of the echo centre is energy management. Real-time energy parameters are analysed to ensure optimal consumption on site. Automated notification and alert mechanism is in place for quick turnaround on fault rectification, maximising overall operational efficiency.

“Our key focus areas are data analytics with which we look for patterns, trending and behavioural type analysis to pro-actively

forecast problems before they even happen.”

Monitoring in a smart way

Replying to the query about how Edotco is managing energy shortage in Bangladesh, Manzoorul Islam said, “We have real-time visibility of various power parameters such as voltage, load, power factor and frequency from our echo centre in Dhaka. We also have visibility to identify exact fuel levels on each site, which enables us to plan our fuel requirements in advance. The fuel sensors also give us immediate alert in the event that there are fluctuations to fuel levels, which usually leads to theft or pilferage.

On top of that, to ensure there is no tempering on fuel quality, we

running smoothly. With echo, preventive maintenance activities are scheduled automatically, considering the various parameters calculated. This automation again contributes to our overall operational efficiency.”

Islam said, “Suppose the temperature at a site has decreased, but the air cooler is running with a fixed temperature. Such a situation can be readily managed accordingly as we can adjust the temperature through the echo centre. On the other hand, if any site goes near the end of fuel consumption, a reminder will ring before the client. It will also give immediate real-time alerts to ensure timely responses reducing the risk of downtime and improving quality of service.”

The system reduces onsite manpower hours by effectively managing issues remotely from its operations centre. It also automates and optimises operational processes, performance and improves visibility 24x7 have contamination sensors which will trigger automatic alerts upon contamination detection.”

“Battery being a huge part of our operations, we are monitoring our battery conditions at a cell level.

Each individual cell are ensured to be working at the optimal level to safeguard that adequate power is generated from each cell, to ensure maximum uptime,” he added.

Islam said that preventative maintenance is an important aspect at keeping operations

He also said that the echo system allows monitoring individual cell voltage of battery banks at site, enabling them to single out faulty cells. Moreover, users can avoid any snowball effect in the battery bank and save the cost of 48 cells changing. This option enables the user to reduce sites’ operational cost.

“Overall, this is the smartest solution in the market to monitor the whole network infrastructure,” he concluded.l

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Feature

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

| book review |

Unconditional Love-

a story of 1971 war babies n Bonnie and Fred In this book, Mustafa Chowdhury presents the true story of the adoptive parents from the time they decided to adopt war babies from Bangladesh. He describes the babies’ odyssey to Canada, where on their arrival in their new homes, the adoptive parents and other family members embraced them to raise them as their own children. Chowdhury’s narrative impressively details the lives of the war babies through the years, with anecdotes of their rearing, nurturing, and becoming adults.

We know of no other book with the depth of purpose, scope and revelation of heretofore ignored historical facts. His work is an invaluable contribution to the story of adoption in Bangladesh and Canada.

It is a fascinating book for anyone interested in inter-racial adoption. Chowdhury investigated a wide range of topics including the importance of family and of tender loving care for each member of the family. We see both the adopters and adoptees talk about their different experiences of courage, perseverance and love, each from their own perspective.

He found that these adoptive

Mustafa Chowdhury is interviewing Amina Lynn Wolsey (one of the war-babies brought to Canada) in Toronto at Amina’s apartment in November 1998

The testimonies of the adoptive parents and the adoptees reveal a love that transcends all barriers, and that the most important thing is growing up as a family that loves and supports its children parents, as a group, distinguished themselves by a greater psychological stability not often found in most couples. Following several rounds of discussions with the adoptive couples on parenting over a span of many years, he outlines how they have been able to cope with problems that might have been impossibly stressful for some other couples.

In the same way, having interviewed the adoptees several times with follow-up questions and clarifications, he has made excellent use of personal anecdotes. Having spent numerous absorbing hours with both adoptive parents and their children, Chowdhury has intertwined the personal experiences of both sets of people with the legal, social and moral complexities which shaped the

social history of Canada and Bangladesh. Chowdhury has shown how the adoptive parents paid attention to ensuring that the children in question became independent and that the children learned how to relate to other people confidently and warmly.

The testimonies of the adoptive parents and the adoptees reveal a love that transcends all barriers, and that the most important thing is growing up as a family that loves and supports its children.

One message that comes out loud and clear is that adopting orphans from other races and cultures is identical to the motivation of families who adopt of the same race: the love for children and the adoptive parents’ commitment to having an eclectic family. Readers will find out for themselves how, through sharp analysis,

Chowdhury has illustrated with poignant vignettes an important fact of life - that humans desire and need close relationships.

The inspirational efforts of the adoptive parents and the final outcome of their efforts outlined in the book may be seen as a springboard for talking about inter-racial adoption, having learned how these war-babies came to Canada to be united with their families. As one leafs through the pages of this fascinating book, one will see how, following the war-babies’ odyssey and safe arrival in Canada, their traumatic life that began forty years ago became a life of dignity and accomplishment.

Chowdhury has spent years of research on this book, producing a truly amazing work and a remarkably enjoyable read. It was heart-warming to be able to “meet” these “babies” again. It was an emotionally rewarding read for us. We appreciate and commend Chowdhury’s efforts.

The book’s only fault is his overly generous depiction of the cappuccinos. l

DT

Editorial 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

INSIDE

One screening to rule them all The ineffectiveness of the security measures aside, the racial profiling of passengers with a certain concentration of melanin remains a reality. Thanks to the SPOT program, TSA officials at major airports have been reported to ‘indiscriminately target’ racial minorities PAGE 12

Don’t forget the boys There are additional problems encountered by the girl if the boy she marries is also underage. He is often not able to protect her, which makes the girl doubly vulnerable to violence, abuse, and indignity

BIGSTOCK

PAGE 13

Put up a wall against pollution

Take care of the best, be fair to the rest It won’t be an over-statement when I say most of our local companies are overstaffed, and that we have yet to foster a ‘performance culture’ here in Bangladesh 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.

T

he recent proposal from the Department of Environment to amend the Brick Making and Brickfield Establishment (Control) Act of 2013 is a step in the right direction.

The current law, which states that brick kilns should be built in specific areas and be 500 metres inside roads but not in agricultural areas, provides little option in terms of areas in which brick kilns can be moved.

Disregarding the law counts as a criminal offence, and perpetrators can face varying degrees of action, depending on the area and type of offence.

But that is beside the point at this juncture.

With more than 6,500 factories currently in the country, most have continued to break the law, putting up shop in ecologically sensitive areas and using low-quality fuel and illegal wood.

With the country one of the most susceptible to climate change and being one of the worst offenders when it comes to air pollution, this cannot stand. The government needs to act and act quickly to put a stop to the continued erosion of our natural resources.

Though the existence of brick kilns and their utilisation of coal to continue to provide the nation with much-needed services is understandable, we have to come up with more long-term solutions to industries which are detrimental to the nation’s environment.

Additionally, with other areas in the country being polluted, such as our depleting rivers, only serve to highlight the fact that we need a well-rounded solution to the increasing problems of pollution. The government and the people need to work together so that problems such as these do not continue to persist.

The government needs to act and act quickly to put a stop to the continued erosion of our natural resources

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Opinion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

One screening to rule them all Airport security has been amped up since 9/11, but does it provide only the illusion of security?

n Shehtaz Huq

T

he Transportation Security Administration official checks my boarding pass against my green Bangladeshi passport and gives me major side-eye.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“To college,” I tell him. “Want to see my ID?” I am told that “that attitude won’t be necessary,” and 40 minutes before my plane to Pennsylvania is set to take off, I am finally allowed to pass through the frosted glass doors of my secondary screening room into the terminal for my gate assignment.

Fast forward two years later, and I am patted down in plain view of perhaps 50 leering men because my hair contains a “suspicious bulge.” The culprit?

A hair donut, courtesy of Palmer Mall in Palmer, Pennsylvania.

Another year, another airport.

The TSA is relentless in its pursuit of oversized lotions, nail clippers, bottled water, and pickles that smell like vinegar. All of these items have been seized, dumped, and hauled off.

All of these items have caused requests for “secondary screenings,” “additional questioning,” and “cross-checking of names against the no-fly list.”

I am denied curb-side check-in

by American Airlines because the “system has an error.” Later, my friend Nancy’s parents show me how to use the CLEAR program to check for my name on the government’s no-fly list.

Perhaps if I had been a savvier traveler -- packing all my travelsized bottles in one clear Ziploc bag, putting my nail clippers in my checked luggage as opposed to my carry-on bags -- I could have avoided the three dozen times I have been stopped for primary, secondary, and tertiary screenings at airports throughout my adopted homeland.

The Atlantic’s November 2011 article, “The Things He Carried,” details extensively the many ways a passenger can get past the TSA with photoshopped boarding passes, saline bottles filled with non-saline solution, and controlling facial twitches to bypass the TSA’s “Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques,” the belief that “involuntary facial-muscle movements … can betray lying or criminality.”

Vanity Fair’s December 2012 “Smoke Screening” follows a similar vein -- how to dupe the TSA, courtesy of forging

Will these passengers be called aside for additional screening? boarding passes, inability to produce secondary forms of photo identification, and by-passing the three-ounce liquid limit by filling up twenty-four ounce contacts lens solution bottles that have been shrink-wrapped to prevent the TSA from double-checking.

All to say that the $1.2 trillion dollars the US government spends on airport security -- amped up since the 9/11 terrorist attacks -- is what Vanity Fair calls “security theater,” providing only an illusion of security when in reality true terrorists could gain access to public arenas with far less fanfare than the average passenger bound over the fly-over states over some holiday weekend, bedraggled, redeyed, yet gripping a Ziploc bag of three-ounce bottles to boot.

The ineffectiveness of the security measures aside, the racial profiling of passengers with a certain concentration of melanin remains a reality.

Thanks to the SPOT program, TSA officials at major airports have

BIGSTOCK

The ineffectiveness of the security measures aside, the racial profiling of passengers with a certain concentration of melanin remains a reality.

Thanks to the SPOT program, TSA officials at major airports have been reported to ‘indiscriminately target’ racial minorities

been reported to “indiscriminately target” racial minorities under suspicion of drug possession, arrest warrants, or having an uncanny resemblance to a bearded Aziz Ansari.

I have stood in line while a family of 10, hailing from South India, was randomly selected to proceed through “secondary screening” en masse.

Meanwhile, I clutched my (now) blue American passport and prayed that this time, for once, I

would be spared.

The TSA official looked up, beckoned me to the podium, double-checked my boarding pass against my New York State driver’s license, and said: “Ma’am, I’m going to need you to step aside for additional screening.”

Another crisis averted.

Transportation Security Association saves the day. l Shehtaz Huq is a teacher based in Rochester, NY.

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DT

Opinion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Don’t forget the boys When we’re fighting child marriage, we must consider children of both genders

Children should be playing, not raising families

n Md Sariful Islam

W

hen you hear “child marriage,” what appears in your mind? You visualise an underage girl wearing a red sari, right? Of course, it is normal to imagine the face of a little girl when you hear about child marriage, as it is the prevailing scenario in our society. But isn’t it interesting that a boy’s face generally does not appear in our minds in discussing this topic?

When you search “child marriage” online, you’ll get much information, statistics, discussion, research, and policies regarding child marriage as they pertain to girls and their problems, concerns, and impacts, but hardly ever through the perspective of boys.

This is largely reflected through different development initiatives throughout the world, while millions of boys below the legal age who are getting married every year are under-represented.

You may argue that focusing on girls reduces the number of boys getting married, but saying this is discriminatory and unequal, especially so because we are supposed to give emphasis on the child rather than the child’s gender.

According to UNICEF, child

marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18, is a reality for both boys and girls, although girls are disproportionately affected.

Thus, it is very normal that girls are talked about more, but it is abnormal when we ignore the boys only because the affected number is less than the girls.

Even though UNICEF has reported child marriage affects girls in far greater numbers than boys and with more intensity, data on the number of boys affected by child marriage is limited, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions on its status and progress.

Nevertheless, available data confirms that boys are far less likely than girls in the same region to marry before age 18. UNICEF also states that 730 million girls were married before the age of 18 while 156 million boys were married before reaching adulthood. But is 156 million really that small a number?

Several health surveys in different states of India have revealed that more boys than girls are getting married before the legal age of 21 years, and surveys in different parts of Pakistan and Nepal reveal child marriage amongst boys is greater than girls.

A study in 2004 found that in

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

There are additional problems encountered by the girl if the boy she marries is also underage. He is often not able to protect her, which makes the girl doubly vulnerable to violence, abuse, and indignity

44 countries, girls were, by law, allowed to marry earlier than boys. Especially in South Asian countries, it has been seen that society’s general practice is to keep the groom older than the bride.

Thus, generally, an underage boy marries a girl who is younger than him.

It is not about a few. It is about millions of boys worldwide, whose potential, aspirations, dreams, opportunities, and future are snatched away.

It has tremendous negative psychological, physical, and spiritual effects, which hinder the personal growth of a boy. Studies show that there are additional problems encountered by the girl if the boy she marries is also underage.

He is often not able to protect her, which makes the girl doubly vulnerable to violence, abuse, and

indignity.

In many cases, the boys who are forced into early marriage are also forced to take economic responsibilities after marriage. It causes both physical and mental suffering, and that has drastic consequences.

Robiul Islam, a 19-year-old boy, says: “I got married when I was only 15 years old. I had to work instead of study. If I didn’t have to marry early, I would study more, and might someday have become a doctor or engineer.”

While talking with Jaman, a 20-year-old, he said: “After getting married, I was asked to maintain my family and I left school. I had very little knowledge about family planning and I became a father of three children at an early age.

Now, I have to work much, but I can hardly maintain my family.”

There are thousands of stories

like these, and the significance of these stories needs to be represented.

It is important to conduct research to find out the impact of child marriage on both boys and girls. It seems the concept of child marriage has become a myth of sorts, one in which only girls are the victims. There is no denying that child marriage happens to girls in a greater number than boys, but it does not justify our poor efforts and attention towards ending child marriage for boys.

If we would like to create a world where child marriage is a thing of the past, we must not neglect boys, and we must create a more conducive atmosphere through collaborative efforts worldwide. l Md Sariful Islam is a Research Associate at RHSTEP.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Take care of the best, be fair to the rest We really need to foster a performance culture in Bangladesh

Creating incentives is a proven method of improving productivity

n Mamun Rashid

I

t was late 2000. I, along with a few regional and global seniors from Standard Chartered Bank, went to call on the then finance minister, Shah AMS Kibria, and share our decision to acquire ANZ Grindlays Bank in this part of the world.

I remember Mr Kibria, while consenting to our approach, reminded us: “Our job is very precious in Bangladesh. Please make sure people here don’t lose their jobs.”

I was sorry that we were not able to retain all officials from both banks, but only because we had to show some signs of synergy from the merger of the two major banks here. The rationalisation of doing a headcount was one of the major synergies identified.

However, we did do a core and non-core analysis, and offered redundancy to a few of our seniors and middle managers.

The redundancy packages also accompanied a hefty payout in recognition of their services to the company, and covering up for the years completed and years-to-go.

Our human resource division organised training and counseling sessions so that our colleagues

didn’t feel abandoned, and could find a suitable job in the market.

Since this market had a dearth of good people, our colleagues could easily have found similar or even better jobs with other banks.

My friend Erik Aas, who previously led the country’s largest cell phone company, Grameenphone, finds himself in deep soup after joining Banglalink as its new CEO. Banglalink, reportedly, has too many people, more so than it requires. Since it was a growth company, nobody bothered to do any sort of “walletsizing” or any analyses on “return on people.”

The company was rumoured to have become almost a white elephant. Under-performers and super-performers were rated and recognised in the same way.

Officers were being paid overtime, and not all the elevation, or upgradings, were well-justified.

In this situation, what could Erik Aas do to successfully transfer and drive the company forward in a fiercely competitive market?

Especially when it was clear that the second position is being challenged with the merger of Robi with Airtel?

Any management books would have told him to review

BIGSTOCK

bumpy ride, companies mostly focus on cost reduction.

It won’t be an over-statement when I say most of our local companies are over-staffed, and that we have yet to foster a “performance culture” here in Bangladesh.

A few years ago, I remember telling the CEO of a rather large television company that they were heavily over-staffed -- he wasn’t exactly pleased hearing me say that.

He was jubilant that he had created so many jobs. But nobody was paid a good salary there, and most of the staff didn’t have any clarity regarding their roles.

On the contrary, when I asked the owner of a consumer electronics and pharmaceuticals company why he was not paying very well the staff at a newspaper company he also owned, he said: “I see everything as a business. If they make profits, I reward them accordingly.”

This is performance culture.

You must “take care of the best and be fair to the rest.” Reward and punishment are doled out equally.

This is what is meant by “internal governance.”

As we move forward with our economic and corporate successes,

It won’t be an over-statement when I say most of our local companies are over-staffed, and that we have yet to foster a ‘performance culture’ here in Bangladesh. A few years ago, I remember telling the CEO of a rather large television company that they were heavily over-staffed -- he wasn’t exactly pleased hearing me say that

the business model and product offering, bring in efficiency, and ensure cost synergy. Their balance sheet is still in the red, their products are no longer talked about, and yet they are carrying a large pool of “passengers.”

Most of their lieutenants have lost the ability to drive anything forward. Erik has decided to do the same thing that companies all over the world are doing, the successful ones at least, in order to fly over the turbulent zone: Reduce cost and optimise operations. The difference is that other CEOs are usually rewarded for this, but Erik is being cursed.

While successful companies

all over the world believe in the principle of “taking care of the best and being fair to the rest,” there is no reason to not go for any wallet-sizing or optimum capacity modeling. Company CEOs should always know: Be it client or employee, who is offering what to me? Which product is my value creator, and which one is the value eroder?

Most of the time it is like a jaw -- the space between the upper and lower one is the net profit. In order to maintain the net spread, or even increase it, one has to take up the upper one or force the lower one down. Simple.

This is exactly why during a

the government and all relevant regulatory institutions must allow and encourage companies to be profitable through performance improvement and cost reduction.

All over the world, governments are increasingly acquiring more stakes in profitable companies than loss-making ones.

Yes, the job is precious, but more important is creating an environment where companies can do business, make money, and share their success with the common people either directly or indirectly. l Mamun Rashid is a business professor and financial sector entrepreneur.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

INSIDE Tofail: Tea sector to get cheap funds Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday said the government will provide an all-out cooperation, plus low-cost fund to promote the tea sector. PAGE 16

G20 nations face slowing global growth in China meeting G20 finance ministers gather in Shanghai from today with the global economy assailed on multiple fronts, from China’s slowing growth to weak commodity prices, amid simmering disagreements over how best to face the challenges. PAGE 17

Forex reserves reach $28bn n Tribune Report The reserves of foreign exchange reached a new height of $28 billion yesterday.

The new reserves record is attributed to lower import cost amid fall in oil and food prices in the global market, said Kazi Sayedur Rahman, general manager of Forex Reserves and Treasury Management Department of Bangladesh Bank.

The growth of export and remittance also payed a part in making the record, he added.

The reserves will remain up to $28 billon till ACU (Asian Clearing Union) payment of January-February period in first week of March, said Sayedur.

Earlier on October 29 last year, foreign exchange reserves crossed $27 billion for the first time.

The current reserves termed to be the second highest among SAARC countries just after India are good enough to meet the country’s import expenditures for the next seven months.

The import expenditure rose by 5.77% to $3.20 billion in No-

The current $28bn reserves, the second highest among SAARC countries after India, are good enough to meet Bangladesh’s import expenditures for the next seven months vember last year compared to $3 billon in the same period of the previous year.

Bangladesh Bank in its recent monetary policy expected 14% growth in imports and 7.5% in

exports.

The remittance dropped by 12.23% to $1.15 billion in January from $1.31 billion in December last year.

Earlier in October last year, re-

mittance experienced a 19.42% drop, and later it recovered slowly in last two months of the year.

But at the beginning of 2016, remittance fell back to downturn, eroding the recovery. l

‘Apply UNGPs to ensure workers rights’ Central Asia needs life support as Russia suffers Russia’s central Asian satellite states lack the immunity to fend off the economic ills which have beset their larger neighbor. Tajikistan has appealed to the International Monetary Fund for support. Other countries in Russia’s economic orbit may need similar treatment. PAGE 18

Capital market snapshot: Thursday DSE Broad Index

4,567.6

-0.3% ▼

Index

1,115.2

-0.4% ▼

30 Index

1,753.2

-0.3% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

4,597.9

-5.2% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

132.8 -10.7% ▼

CSE All Share Index 14,098.1

-0.5% ▼

30 Index

12,753.5

-0.4% ▼

8,566.3

-0.5% ▼

Selected Index Turnover in Mn Tk

346.4 -34.4% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

12.3 -14.5% ▼

n Tribune Report The United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) is a must to ensure workers rights in the country’s industries including the ready made garment sector, speakers said at a dialogue yesterday.

They also called for multinational companies and buyers to come up with initiatives for ensuring workers rights and integrating human rights in business as they profit from the workers production.

They made the call at a multi-stakeholders dialogue on “UN Guiding Principles: Due Diligence and Grievance Mechanism” jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) and Global Rights Compliance (GRC) in the capital yesterday.

Entrepreneurs from leather sector, SME, RMG and trade union leaders, representatives from ILO and several development partners were present at the meeting.

The export of the country would increase if the manufacturers continue their production, complying with the workers’ rights as per the demand of the global retailers, said the discussants.

A failure to ensure workers’ rights will lead the manufacturers to face trouble, they added.

The UN principles focus on identifying human risks, preventing and mitigating adverse human rights impacts and verifying whether adverse human rights impacts are being addressed.

“Without product branding, it would be very tough to survive the global market competition,

‘If business organisations comply with the guidelines, they will not face any trouble regarding compliance issues at home and abroad’

said Amanur Rahman, deputy director of AAB. That is why, the UNGPs give emphasis on ethical sourcing, inclusiveness, uniqueness, workers’ human rights and quality of products, he added.

“If the business organisations comply with the guidelines, they will not face any trouble regarding compliance issues within the country or outside the country and human rights violation could be prevented,” said Scott Martin of Global Rights Compliance (GRC).

The manufacturers would more be beneficiary if they become aware of the human rights violation from their own ends, he added.

“We want to see Bangladesh as a sustainable developed country and it is very necessary to ensure workers’ human rights for achieving the goal,” ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) Country Director Fa-

rah Kabir said.

The government has to be more active in ensuring workplace safety, proper wages and other demands of the workers as it can play role more efficiently than that by the private sectors, said Farah.

“From the moral standpoint, multinational companies should stand beside the workers to ensure rights as we want to see that rights of everyne are ensured in the country,” she added.

Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) treasurer MD Mizanur Rahman urged the government and the international buyers to help the leather sector ensure workers’ human rights.

“We are helping buyers and manufacturers earn more by our cheap labour. On the other hand, we are facing obstacles while talking about our rights,” said Shamima Nasrin, a trade union leader. l

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Tofail: Tea sector to get cheap funds n Tribune Report Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday said the government will provide an all-out cooperation, plus low-cost fund to promote the tea sector.

“We will give loan with a low interest rate and discourage the import of substandard tea only to be selfreliant in tea production and meet our local demand,” Tofail said.

The minister was addressing a view exchange meeting with Bangladesh Tea Association (BTA) at his office yesterday.

A delegation led by Ardashir Ka-

bir, BTA chairman, met the minister.

Bangladesh produces global standard tea and the government is very cordial to increase domestic production instead of import to meet local demand, said Tofail Ahmed.

“We will take all necessary steps so that tea garden owners are not affected by the Especial Economic Zone (EEZ) to be built at Chunarughat in Habiganj.”

According to the Commerce Ministry, there are about 1 lakh workers employed in the sector.

Some areas in the country are very suitable for tea cultivation and it is possible to earn a huge amount

of money, exporting higher standard tea, the minister added.

The association leaders urged the government to provide them loan with low interest to help increase tea production and stop establishment of EEZ at Chunarughat.

They also urged the government to impose ban on import of tea or impose higher tax on the import.

The minister, however, assured the sector people, saying that it is the duty of the government of save the tea sector and the government will not take any measures that will hurt the sector.

The decision of establishing EEZ

would be taken after the review of the impact, he added.

Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, BTA senior Vice-Chairman M Shah Alam, Vice-Chairman Kamran T Rahman, committee member M Wahidul Haque and Mohd Safwan Choudhury, former chairman AQI. Chowdhury, Sylhet planters Managing Director AK Azad, Shahbazpur Tea Company Director Tapan Choudghury, Chairman of Finlay Tea Azam J Chowdhury and Managing Director of Halda Velly Tea MD Nader khan were present at the meeting. l

Businessmen for full empowerment of BoI n Tribune Report The Board of Investment (BoI) must have full authority to take decision independently to boost foreign investment, businessmen said yesterday.

They said this at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between BoI and Canadian Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CanCham).

The MoU signing took place in Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) auditorium in the capital.

“BoI is fully empowered only on paper, but not in practice,” said Jahangir Alam, secretary and CEO of

India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He suggested awarding full authority to the Board of Investment and efficient manpower for it to make decision in the best interest of smooth foreign investment and to promote Bangladesh’s image to them.

Foreign investment policy in Bangladesh is excellent, but problem lies in its implementation, Jahangir said, adding that as a result foreign investors face difficulty in making investment in the country.

Many Indian companies have expressed interest of investment in power and energy sector in Bangladesh. Some of them already start-

ed making investment and a large number of them remain in the pipeline, he said.

Sayed A Samad, executive chairman of BoI, conceded that the authority is empowered only on papers.

“We have manpower from all parties concerned, but they cannot function properly. Their efforts remain uncared for,” he said.

Bangladesh will be able to invite foreign investors if BoI is given independence to do its task independently, said Shah Muhammad Sultan, senior vice-president of China and Bangladesh chamber.

Businessmen also focused infrastructure laxity and energy crisis

Stocks end flat amid volatility n Tribune Report

Stocks finished flat yesterday, extending losing streak for the second straight session of the week.

The benchmark index DSEX lost 12 points or 0.3% to close at 4,567, after losing 19 points in previous session.

The Shariah index DSES shed almost 5 points or 0.4% to 1,115. The blue chip comprising index DS30 moved down 4 points or 0.2% to 1,753.

‘Market ended in red territory thanks to profit taking in large cap stocks like Square Pharmaceuticals, BSRM Limited, Bximco Pharmaceuticals’ The Chittagong Stock Exchange Selective Category Index CSCX ended at 8,566, dropping 42 points.

Participation in trading remained almost at the same level as that of the previous day with a total turnover of Tk460 crore, down 5% from Tk485 crore.

Engineering and financial institutions con-

tinued to attract investors as those sectors accounted for over 30% of the trade value.

Cement sector led the top market cap gainers with 1.2% rise. Food and allied sector led the top market losers with 1.3% fall, led by BATBC that dropped by 1.5%.

Among other major sectors, non-banking financial institutions and banks continued to rally, increasing by 1.2% and 1% respectively.

IDLC Investments said the market continued to revolve on the flat realm as participants kept searching for opportunistic investment prospects.

Lanka Bangla Securities said the market ended in red territory thanks to profit taking in large cap stocks like Square Pharmaceuticals, BSRM Limited, Bximco Pharmaceuticals.

The market breadth was also negative as out of 327 issues traded, 118 closed positive, 150 negative and 59 remained unchanged.

Lanka Bangla Finance was the most traded stock with a turnover worth more than Tk45.6 crore.

It was followed by Quasem Drycells, United Power Generation and Distribution Company Limited, Singer Bangladesh, BSRM, Beximco Pharmaceuticals and Square Pharmaceuticals.

Singer Bangladesh was the day’s biggest gainer following its announcement of earnings result while Shyampur Sugar Mills was the day’s largest loser. l

as barriers to foreign investment at the function.

Private sector should engage in energy sector as the government alone cannot develop the sector, said Rashed Maksud Khan, president of Bangladesh-Philipine Chamber.

Hasan Khaled, presiedent of Dutch-Bangla Chamber, suggested that existing energy crisis can be sloved through renewable energy.

He said many foreign investors are interested to invest in this particular renewable energy sector.

Tawfiqu-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to prime minister, also atteneded the function as the chief guest. l

BEZA wants to pay tax as autonomous body n Tribune Report

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority has requested the National Board of Revenue to include its name on the list of autonomous bodies that enjoy reduced rate of income tax.

The government, in budget for the fiscal year 2014-15, set a 25% tax rate against income of the autonomous bodies.

‘The PMO asked the NBR to include the BEZA in the SRO that provides reduced tax for autonomous bodies’ But in December last year BEZA took its Taxpayer’s Identification Number as a company, and so, officials said, it would have to pay income tax as the companies do.

In this situation, BEZA wrote to the NBR asking for inclusion of its name in the Statutory Regulatory Order so it could pay tax at the reduced rate like other autonomous bodies.

Last month, the Prime Minister’s Office also sent a letter to the NBR requesting it to include the name of BEZA in the SRO that provides reduced tax treatment for 29 autonomous bodies. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

IMF warns G20 that world economy ‘highly vulnerable’ n AFP, Washington The International Monetary Fund warned Wednesday that the world economy is “highly vulnerable” and called for new mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable countries.

In a report on economic challenges ahead of the Shanghai meet-

ing of finance chiefs of the powerful Group of 20 economies, the global crisis lender said world growth had slowed and could be derailed by market turbulence, the oil price crash and geopolitical conflicts.

“The global recovery has weakened further amid increasing financial turbulence and falling as-

G20 nations face slowing global growth in China meeting n AFP, Shanghai G20 finance ministers gather in Shanghai from today with the global economy assailed on multiple fronts, from China’s slowing growth to weak commodity prices, amid simmering disagreements over how best to face the challenges.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday warned risks of a “derailed recovery” are growing, citing China’s faltering economy, falling oil and commodities prices and financial market turbulence.

That came after the 34-member OECD cut its 2016 global growth forecast from 3.3% to 3%.

‘We can’t be the consumer of first and last resort.

There needs to be more’ Ahead of the G20 meeting among the gleaming towers of Shanghai’s financial district, the IMF said: “Strong policy responses both at national and multi-lateral levels are needed to contain risks and propel the global economy to a more prosperous path.”

The G20 - which groups 19 countries and the European Union - was born in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and upgraded to a summit of leaders in 2008 to tackle the global financial crisis.

Now, global oil prices are at multi-year lows, the threat of Britain leaving the European Union in a possible “Brexit” is looming, and world bourses

have tumbled since the start of the year.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew denied the situation had reached crisis levels, but chided other countries for relying too heavily on the United States to be the main engine for global growth.

“We can’t be the consumer of first and last resort. There needs to be more,” he told Bloomberg Television in an interview.

“It means that in countries that are big economies, regions that have big economies, they need to use policy tools.”

China looms

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble urged G20 central bankers to communicate better, criticising conflicting US Federal Reserve announcements on interest rates in an interview with national news agency DPA. But he added: “We have to stop once and for all blaming each other ahead of these meetings to divert the attention from our own problems.”

China’s own travails will loom over the meeting after the world’s second-largest economy grew 6.9% in 2015 the worst in a quarter century and a far cry from the fat years of double-digit increases.

A shock currency devaluation in August, which saw the normally stable yuan guided down nearly five percent in a week followed by another drop in January, raised suspicions Beijing is pursuing a currency war to make its exports cheaper. Chinese officials have denied the accusations.

A stock market crash starting in mid-June, during which China’s benchmark index lost more than 40% from its peak, has also raised alarm. l

set prices,” the IMF said.

“Strong policy responses both at national and multilateral levels are needed to contain risks and propel the global economy to a more prosperous path.”

The report, to be presented to the finance ministers and central bank chiefs of the G20 leading

economies meeting in Shanghai on Friday and Saturday, said the Fund expects to lower its forecast for world growth in 2016, barely six weeks after making its most recent estimate of 3.4%.

“Global activity has slowed unexpectedly at the end of 2015, and it has weakened further in early

2016 amid falling asset prices,” the report said.

How countries should react to the threats to growth will be the main agenda in the Shanghai talks.

The IMF is urging countries to boost fiscal stimulus and to push through reforms in order to increase demand. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Central Asia needs life support as Russia suffers n Rachel Morarjee Russia’s central Asian satellite states lack the immunity to fend off the economic ills which have beset their larger neighbor. Tajikistan has appealed to the International Monetary Fund for support. Other countries in Russia’s economic orbit may need similar treatment.

The land-locked nation of 8.5 million people, which has been in talks with the international lender about a bailout package since early February, is most directly exposed to trouble further north. Falling oil prices and economic sanctions have hit remittances from workers in Russia that are the lifeblood of

Brexit uncertainty weighs on growth outlook

A worker checks a valve of an oil pipe at the Lukoil company owned Imilorskoye oil field outside the West Siberian city of Kogalym, Russia REUTERS its economy.

Payments from the migrant labourers who sweep streets and

work on building sites across Russia accounted for 45% of Tajikistan’s economy in 2014, according

to the IMF. But those vital contributions are contracting as a result of the pressure on Russia’s economy, which shrank by nearly 4% last year. Remittances fell 33% in dollar terms in 2015 and slid a further 14% year-on-year in January.

Many other former Soviet states face similar pain. Payments from workers in Russia make up 30% of GDP for Kyrgyzstan, 24% for Moldova, and 20% for Armenia.

Oil exporters like Azerbaijan are already feeling the pain of cheaper crude. But oil importers are also vulnerable as they have fewer foreign exchange reserves, and are locked into long-term dollar-denominated contracts with Russia.

If Tajkistan and its neighbours, which border restive Afghanistan, cannot export migrants to Russia as they have done for a decade, they will have to find a new sources of growth. Failure bodes ill for political stability in central Asia.

The prospect of millions of young men returning home to depressed economies could be politically explosive in countries that have a history of Islamic insurgency.

Tajikistan’s potential to destabilise the region is out of all proportion to its economic size. l Rachel Morarjee is a Reuters Breakingviews columnist. The article was initially published at Reuters.

CORPORATE NEWS

n AFP, London Uncertainty over Britain’s future in the European Union risks negatively affecting the country’s growth outlook, the IMF said recently.

Britain’s economy was set to grow by 2.2% this year and next, matching official gross domestic product for 2015, the International Monetary Fund said.

But it warned that “uncertainty associated with the outcome of the forthcoming referendum on EU membership could also weigh on the outlook” along with various other factors including “potential shocks to global growth and asset prices”.

As Britain prepares for a June 23 referendum on its EU future, British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that the country’s departure from the European Union would threaten its economic and national security.

But London Mayor and Conservative rival Boris Johnson has dealt a blow by backing a “Brexit” despite Cameron winning a deal on EU reforms.

“Quantifying how a decision to leave the EU would affect the economy is difficult, given that the terms of staying in the EU are still being negotiated and the nature of post-exit relations with the EU are unknown,” the IMF said in its latest outlook for Britain.

Almost 200 bosses of top British companies on Tuesday urged voters to keep Britain in the European Union, warning that an exit from the 28-nation bloc would threaten jobs.

Some 198 business leaders including Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, BP chief executive Bob Dudley and Ron Dennis, chief of F1 team McLaren, wrote a joint letter published in The Times newspaper, backing Cameron’s deal to reform the EU. l

First Security Islami Bank Ltd has recently donated Tk15 lakh to Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) for its CCTV surveillance project. The bank’s managing director, Syed Waseque Md Ali and its additional managing director, Quazi Osman Ali handed over a cheque to Annisul Huq, Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation

Mohiuddin Babar, chief executive of CSR consultancy firm BizCare, receives the Global CSR Excellence and Leadership Award in Mumbai, India recently

City Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) sign an investment agreement in Dhaka on Wednesday

Toshiba Tec and IOM have recently unveiled two multifunction peripherals that combine add-on features, said a press release. Senior manager at product marketing department of Toshiba, Ahmad Ikram and the company’s regional manager of sales department, Philip Wu were present on the occasion along with Rezaul Karim, director of International Office Machines (IOM) Limited

City Bank receives IFC investment n Tribune Report The City Bank has signed an agreement with International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Under the agreement, the IFC will invest in City Bank’s equity shares to hold 5% of the total outstanding number of the bank’s common equity.

The IFC’s investment proposition will be accommodated through issuance of fresh equity with 46,560,231 shares with an issue price of each share of Tk28.30

– Tk18.3 premium on top of a Tk10 face value.

The agreement was signed by City Bank Chairman Rubel Aziz and Managing Director & CEO Sohail RK Hussain and Wendy Jo Werner, country manager, IFC, on behalf of their respective sides on Wednesday.

City Bank’s board has also approved convertible loan facilities from IFC into common equity of the company after getting approval from the respective regulatory authorities. The amount of loan would be $20m. l

Dutch Bangla Bank has recently launched ABMT (account based money transfer) Service of Western Union for the first time in Bangladesh, said a press release.

Senior business development manager of Western Union (Middle East & Africa), Faisal Alhijawi and senior country manager of Western Union Bangladesh, Naved Ashraf were present at the ceremony along with Abul Kashem Md Shirin, deputy managing director of Dutch Bangla Bank

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

| food |

| csr |

| tech |

Grameenphonefoodpanda online food festival 2016

Customers reduce carbon footprint with DHL’s new green service

Huawei GR5 creates unprecedented demand

Foodpanda has revolutionised the way people use the internet in Bangladesh, bringing together a diverse collection of restaurants on a single platform. They have continually tried to bring the very best, from cuisines to deals, to their customers. This time, Foodpanda has partnered with Grameenphone to organise the biggest online food festival in Bangladesh since the Online Burger Festival held last October.

The “Grameenphone-foodpanda Online Food Festival” running from February 27- 29, will see three days of the craziest offers from around 100 restaurants in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Mark your calendars and save the dates! Log onto www. foodpanda.com.bd or the foodpanda mobile app and avail the best deals in town - from buy one get one free to upto 50% discount - the offers are endless.

Participating restaurants include Rice & Noodle (Banani), Wow Burger, Naga Inc, Chaap Shamlao (Banani), Bittersweet cafe, D Bistro, Steak House, Margarita Storm, Iram’s Cafe, Fajitas, Pizza Guy, Monster, Dekchi, Glazed, Peda Ting Ting, F-Cafe Flavors, Luams, Monster Meat, Khanas, Pizza Lover, Platter, Shawarma House (Gulshan), Time Out, La Chopsticks, Dawaat, Tawa, Asian Bistro, Italian Pizza Hut, Fujian Restaurant, Asian Taste Restaurant, Le Pizzaria, Meat Lovers, Copacabana, Safwan’s Kitchen, Smoke Music Cafe, Shumi’s Hot Cake (Banani), Shumi’s Hot Cake (Gulshan), Pac N Cheese, Sa Meh Wa Meh and many more! Stay connected to their Facebook page and Instagram for more information.

For Grameenphone customers the offer doesn’t end here. All GP customers will get additional 10% discount on top of the festival deals by using the voucher code “GPFPOFF10” while ordering through the Foodpanda platform, website or app. l

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL Group, is the first forwarder in the industry to launch a new green service that allows customers to opt for carbon efficient ocean freight, which best fits their transport needs.

Available immediately, the new Green Danmar service – offered through Danmar Lines, DHL’s own NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) – enables customers to select a carrier for full container shipping, which is over five percent more carbon efficient than the industry average. In addition, they have the choice to combine this service with DHL’s offsetting solution and turn their consignment into a CO2 free shipment. Environmentally conscious customers now have the option to further improve

ocean freight carbon efficiency, and thus come one step closer to achieving their CO2 reduction goals.

“With passing time, people are becoming more aware of the need to go green so that we may leave a habitable earth for our next generation. Having a keen understanding of this reality, we, along with Green Danmar, are the first freight forwarding company to offer tailor-made green service for customers’ ocean freight shipments according to their supply chain needs,” said Nooruddin Chowdhury, country manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh. l

| fashion |

‘Muslin Revival’a week more before we witness the magic of muslin

The month long Muslin Festival 2016, inaugurated on February 5 at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, is scheduled to end in a week, on March 3. The exhibition titled Muslin Revival was also opened on the same day at Nalinikanata Bhattashali Gallery of Bangladesh National Museum.

Curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, the exhibition has been well acclaimed by its visitors. The exhibition consists of artefacts, including antique muslin and the new muslin woven by the weavers of Drik.

Past, present and future of muslin in Bengal have been exhibited at the show through enthralling installations.

The book Muslin. Our Story

by Saiful Islam, launched during

the opening is available on pre-order basis at the exhibition venue. A few muslin products are also available for sale.

Muslin Festival 2016 is supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and is organised

by Drik and Bangladesh National Museum in partnership with Aarong. The festival was designed with a range of activities throughout the month till March 3, including a cultural event and seminar. The month long festival is the culmination of over two years of research by Drik into the history of muslin and our nation’s contribution to it.

Exhibition: Muslin Revival Venue: Nalinikanata Bhattashali Gallery, Bangladesh National Museum Date: February 5- March 3, 2016 Time: Sat-Wed: 9.30am -4.30pm Friday: 2.30pm - 7.30pm (closed on Thursday) l

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Biz Info

Within only seven days of launch, the Huawei GR5 has stocked out due to raging demand in the market. A statement from Huawei states that the initial stock of 2,000 handsets have been sold out within only a week of launch, and new stocks will arrive soon to accommodate the colossal demand.

“In view of the huge demand for the GR5, we are predicting that the GR5 will soon become the flagship smartphone for young adults, especially university-going students who look for elegant yet affordable, power-efficient phones with high performance capacities which offer features that they find integral to their lifestyle needs,” said Ingmar Wang, director of Device Business at Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd. The GR5 operates on Android 5.1 Lollipop OS, and packs a powerful 2 GB ROM along with a 16 GB ROM which is expandable up to 128 GB. The phone runs on octa-core

Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU delivers balanced performance with efficient task management and high speed processing power while keeping the energy consumption low. All these features and more come at a starting price of only Tk22,990, which is one of the major reasons for the surging demand for the phone.

Grameenphone Star customers will have the privilege of purchasing the Huawei GR5 with a 12-month EMI facility, along with a 4GB data package at Tk350 only. l

| business |

Faisal Aziz has recently been appointed as the head of sales and marketing for the Dhaka Regency Hotel and Resort. He has held significant hospitality positions throughout his career such as the corporate executive chef for the esteemed La Madeleine French Bistro and Bakery. He also served as the director of food and beverage for the Westin Dallas Galleria Hotel and Spa. Lastly, he served as the regional director of sales and marketing for Nestle Ice

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 20 quires (4) 3 Needy (4) 7 Land measure (3) 8 Hard outer covering (5) 11 Dry (4) 12 Disposable resources (5) 13 Watchful (5) 15 Fork spike (4) 18 Solitary (4) 19 Family members (5) 20 Direction (5) 21 Masculine (4) 23 Stop (5) 24 Greek letter (3) 25 Biblical quotation (4) 26 Festivity (4)

DOWN 1 Of race (6) 2 Mental acuteness (6) 4 Rowing implement (3) 5 East (6) 6 Colour (3) 9 Calm (6) 10 Make lace (3) 11 Shrewd (6) 14 Find the place of (6) 16 Breathe in (6) 17 Ancient Jewish ascetic (6) 19 Curve (3) 21 Encountered (3) 22 Lacking in strictness (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 19 represents P so fill P every time the figure 19 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

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World 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

INSIDE INSIGHT

Moderates test hardliners’ grip on power in Friday's Iran vote European Parliament calls for arms embargo on Saudi Arabia The European Parliament called on the European Union to impose an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, saying Britain, France and other EU governments should no longer sell weapons to a country accused of targeting civilians in Yemen.

PAGE 23

Obama considers Republican Nevada governor for Supreme Court seat President Barack Obama is considering appointing a moderate Republican to the US Supreme Court, a source close to the process said on Wednesday, but leaders in the Republican-led Senate held firm to their threat to block anyone he nominates.

PAGE 23

Divided EU seeks to avoid migrant humanitarian crisis European interior ministers tried Thursday to resolve deep divisions over the migrant crisis, with Greece lashing out at its partners for creating a humanitarian crisis and officials warning the EU’s unity was at stake.

PAGE 24

n Reuters, Tehran Friday’s vote for Iran’s parliament and the Assembly of Experts, the body that will pick the next supreme leader, have assumed an importance well beyond the perennial battles between hardliners entrenched in power and reformists seeking to unseat them.

These are the first elections since Tehran reached an accord with major powers to curb its nuclear programme, leading to the removal of most of the punitive international sanctions that have strangled the economy over the past decade.

The breakthrough took place under pragmatic President Hassan Rouhani, who sees it as a springboard for Iran to reintegrate into the international community and return to world markets. But hardline opponents are determined to prevent it leading to any liberalisation of the Islamic system through the ballot box.

These electoral contests are seen by some analysts as a makeor-break moment that could shape the future for the next generation, in a country where nearly 60% of the 80m population is under 30.

The outcome could be skewed by the disqualification of many pro-reform candidates by an unelected clerical Guardian Council that reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The stakes are high for all factions, since the outcome may well determine whether Rouhani has a mandate to push ahead with long-promised political, social and economic reforms, as well as influencing his chances of re-election in 2017.

In the final days of campaigning, the fight turned vicious.

Reflecting an abiding mistrust in Rouhani’s overtures to the West, Khamenei accused the West of plotting to influence the vote and said he was sure Iranians would vote in favour of keeping Iran’s anti-Western stance. Rouhani, whose allies have come under growing pressure in the election campaign from hardliners who accuse them of links to Western powers, has denied such accusations, calling them an insult to the intelligence of Iranians.

Under the thumb

The preliminaries to both contests underlined that elected politicians are ultimately under the thumb of

Women walk past posters for the elections in Tehran on Wednesday

REUTERS

Ali Khamenei

88 clerics

290 members

Assembly of Experts (Eight-year term)

Appoints

Has authorit to appoint or remove supreme leader

Supreme Leader (Appointed for life) Head of state Appoints half of council

Parliament (Four-year term) Proposes and passes laws.

Council of Guardians 6 clerics 6 lawyers

President (Four-year term)

Hassan Rouhani

Head of executive branch exept in matters controlled by the Supreme Leader

The Council of Guardians vets all candidates running for election

clerics, Islamic jurists and their opaque institutions, with the supreme leader at their apex.

Even if his hardline allies were to lose the parliamentary race to their moderate rivals, Khamenei will continue to hold ultimate authority, while presidents and lawmakers come and go.

Hardliners alarmed

For ordinary Iranians, the prospect of this kind of investment holds out the promise of a return to economic growth, better living standards and more jobs in the long run.

An opening to the world of this magnitude - and Rouhani’s popularity - have alarmed hardline allies of Khamenei, who fear losing control of the pace of change, as well as inroads into the lucrative economic interests they built up under sanctions.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, for example, is not just Iran’s praetorian guard but a corporate empire, with vast holdings in from banking to construction and manufacturing.

The Guards are still under sanctions for alleged support for terrorism. All this has exacerbated political infighting within Iran’s complex power structures.

The Guardian Council barred thousands of moderates from standing, including Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The younger Khomeini, a 43-year-old mid-ranking cleric, had sought to enter the Assembly of Experts as a standard-bearer for moderates with credibility among conservatives. He was told he lacked the necessary religious credentials.

Out of the estimated 801 Islamic clerics who put themselves forward for the 88-member Assembly of Experts, only 166 were approved as candidates. Women were not allowed to stand for the assembly, which will eventually choose a successor to Khamenei.

Significant contest

Until now, the contest for this seat of clerical power was an unre-

markable event, but not this time.

Because of Khamenei’s health and age of 76, the new assembly members who serve an 8-year term are likely to choose his successor. The next leader could well be among those elected this week.

The reformists’ top candidate is former president Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, although he is now 81. He is among the founders of the Islamic Republic and was its president from 19891997. Nearly always at the centre of Iran’s intricate webs of power, he is famous for his pragmatism and political acumen.

In backing such a centrist arch-fixer, the reformists hope that in alliance with moderate conservatives they will be able to block the three main ultra-conservative leaders - Ahmad Jannati, Mohammad Yazdi and Mohammad Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi - from emerging as Khamenei’s successor.

Rafsanjani is also head of the Expediency Council, a body which mediates between the elected parliament and the appointed Guardian Council. But his power has waned in recent years, highlighted by the jailing of two of his children. He fell out with Khamenei after backing the opposition Green Movement in the disputed 2009 presidential vote and is now allied with the reformists.

This is hardly surprising given that the supreme leader has substantial influence, or constitutional authority, over the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the military and media.

Under Iran’s constitution, a transitional “Leadership Council” is permitted until a supreme leader is selected by the assembly. But analysts said Rafsanjani advocated a permanent council, fiercely rejected by Khamenei’s hardline allies.

Despite the sweeping disqualifications, reformists are competing fiercely, and trying to maximise their results by forming a coalition with pragmatists and offering a joint list of their favourite candidates in the capital and other cities.

The conservatives are taking no chances either. They are organising buses to transport voters from remote villages and cities to Tehran, providing them with accommodation and food to cast their ballot for their candidates. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Student demo turns violent across S Africa, universities shut down n Reuters, Johannesburg South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday condemned a spate of disturbances at universities by students protesting over various grievances that have turned some campuses into battlegrounds.

The unrest appeared to reach a climax on Wednesday night when North West University students torched a car and buildings, forcing an indefinite shutdown of the campus.

At least four universities have been hit by sporadic protests this year following last year’s nation-

wide marches by students against university fee increases.

The protests have now morphed into complaints affecting individual campuses, unlike the #FeesMustFall demonstrations.

“The burning of university buildings at a time when we are prioritising the education of our youth is inexplicable and can never be condoned,” Zuma said in a statement.

Studies have been disrupted and some universities have been closed over new demands even after Zuma yielded in October to student demands not to increase university

fees in 2016.

He also promised then that the government would spend more to help poor students meet the cost of university education.

Students have argued that higher fees would disadvantage black learners in Africa’s most industrialised economy who had little access to universities during decades of white apartheid rule, which ended in 1994.

North West University spokesman Koos Degenaar told Talk Radio 702 that the violence there began after protesters disrupted a student

council meeting, prompting security guards to fire tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

At the University of the Free State, a group of mostly black protesters brawled with mainly white spectators at a rugby match on Monday night, as seen on a clip that aired on social media.

“The residences were evacuated from the morning and the campus has completely shut down (as) there was too much damage,” a student who declined to be named said.

At the University of Pretoria,

some students are demanding to be taught in languages other than Afrikaans, a language they identify with apartheid.

And at the University of Cape Town (UCT), students are protesting at a lack of adequate campus accommodation.

“UCT has come in for its share of vandalism and violence,” UCT vice chancellor Max Price said, adding that on Thursday students threw excrement across the floors of many lecture venues and open spaces in several buildings on Upper Campus. l

23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

European Parliament calls for arms embargo on Saudi Arabia n Reuters, Brussels The European Parliament called on the European Union to impose an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, saying Britain, France and other EU governments should no longer sell weapons to a country accused of targeting civilians in Yemen.

EU lawmakers, who voted overwhelmingly in favour of an embargo, said Britain had licensed more than $3bn of arms sales to Saudi Arabia since Saudi-led forces began military operations in Yemen in March last year.

Nearly 6,000 people have been killed since the coalition entered the conflict, almost half of them civilians, according to the UN, and the European Parliament said it was acting on humanitarian grounds.

“This is about Yemen. The human rights violations have reached a level that means Europe is obliged to act and to end arms sales to Saudi Arabia,” said Richard Howitt, a British centre-left lawmaker who led efforts to hold the vote.

The parliament’s vote is not legally binding but lawmakers hope it will pressure EU governments to agree to an embargo, following a

House Republicans ready to fight Gitmo closure plan legally

n Reuters, Washington, DC

Republicans in the House of Representatives are preparing legal action in case President Barack Obama tries to transfer detainees at the military prison at Guantanamo Bay to the United States, House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Wednesday.

“We are making legal preparations if the president tries to break the law,” Ryan said. “And what boggles my mind is that the president is contemplating directing the military to knowingly break the law.”

The Pentagon-authored plan proposes 13 potential sites on US soil to hold some 30 to 60 detainees in maximum-security prisons.

Obama is also considering taking executive action to close Guantanamo, situated at a US naval station in southeast Cuba, if Congress does not drop its opposition.

The speaker said that Obama is trying to extend the president’s executive authority beyond its limits of the US Constitution.

Democrats accused House Republicans of wasting taxpayer dollars on litigation. In recent years the House Republican majority has spent nearly $3m in this way. l

Armoured vehicles are pictured as troops arrive to participate in joint military exercises near Saudi Arabia’s border with Iraq on February 16 REUTERS petition of 750,000 European citizens calling for the suspension of weapon sales.

Fellow British lawmaker Alyn Smith, a Scottish Nationalist who grew up in Saudi Arabia, has also written to EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini calling for the embargo.

However, any EU embargo would go against US President Barack Obama’s policy of bolstering US military support for Saudi Arabia

after Washington brokered a deal with regional rival Iran last year to curtail Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Britain and France are the main European suppliers of arms to Saudi Arabia, while Germany also licensed arms exports of almost $200m to the Sunni kingdom in the first six months of 2015, the latest economy ministry data available.

EU lawmakers warned the vote may prompt retaliation from Saudi Arabia, whose envoy to the Eu-

ropean Union held several meetings with EU lawmakers and tried to dissuade the parliament.

“The Saudis said to me they may cut off relations. I hope those are just words,” Howitt said, adding that the quickest way to avoid an arms embargo was to end the conflict in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador, Abdulrahman Al Ahmed, defended the kingdom’s actions in a letter to EU lawmakers on Sunday, saying that “the larger ramifications of our not taking action in Yemen would have had devastating geopolitical consequences for the kingdom, Europe and the broader West as well.”

Saudi Arabia leads a coalition of nine Arab countries that began a military campaign in March 2015 to prevent Houthi rebels, whom it sees as a proxy for Iran, from taking complete control of Yemen. The Houthis and their allies, forces loyal to former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh, accuse the coalition of launching a war of aggression.

Yemen has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The UN says famine looms as over half the population, or 14.4m people, face hunger. Clinics and hospitals have been repeatedly hit. l

Obama considers Republican Nevada governor for Supreme Court seat n Reuters, Washington, DC President Barack Obama is considering appointing a moderate Republican to the US Supreme Court, a source close to the process said on Wednesday, but leaders in the Republican-led Senate held firm to their threat to block anyone he nominates.

The source said Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, a Republican and former federal judge, was among the possible candidates.

As governor, Sandoval has taken a traditional Republican stance in support of gun rights, but his more moderate views on social issues, such as abortion rights, could make him an attractive choice for the Democratic president.

A 52-year-old Mexican-American, Sandoval was appointed a judge by Republican George W Bush, Obama’s predecessor, before being elected governor in 2010.

The February 13 death of long-serving conservative Justice Antonin Scalia created a vacancy on the nine-seat court and ignited a political fight. Republicans are maneuvering to foil Obama’s abil-

Brian Sandoval NEVADA GOVERNOR’S WEBSITE

ity to choose a replacement who could tilt the court to the left for the first time in decades. Scalia’s death left the court with four liberals and four conservatives.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Tuesday the Senate will not hold hearings or vote on any Supreme Court nominee until the next president takes office in January 2017, following the November 8 presidential election. Republicans hope to win back the White House then.

The Senate must confirm any apex court nominee, but McConnell remained unswayed even with word that Obama was considering the Republican Sandoval for the job.

White House officials are seeking a candidate they think lawmakers from both parties could

DT

World

support, but Obama may be unlikely to choose any Republican, even a centrist.

Sandoval opposed Obama’s healthcare law, but opted to expand his state’s Medicaid health insurance programme for the poor under the measure, breaking from a number of Republican governors who refused to do so.

He expressed support for bipartisan immigration legislation that passed the Senate in 2013 before dying in the House of Representatives amid Republican opposition.

In 2013, Sandoval vetoed legislation to require background checks on all Nevada gun sales. Last year, he signed a law backed by the National Rifle Association that expanded the defences for justifiable homicide and repealed a local ordinance that required handgun registration. Liberals vowed to pressure Senate Republicans into considering Obama’s nominee, with several groups delivering to the Senate boxes of what they said contained 1.3m signatures from citizens demanding that a confirmation process go forward after the president announces his pick. l

SOUTH ASIA

PPP wants army chief to stay when term ends Pakistan’s largest opposition party, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government to extend the term of the powerful army chief when he retires in November, party officials said on Thursday. Last month, widely popular army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, broke a precedent of generals seeking to extend their terms and said he would step down when his three-year one ends. PPP leader Khurram Jahangir Wattoo submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly asking for an extension.

-REUTERS

INDIA

Railways drop a colonial legacy: Not coolie, but sahayak India Railways minister Suresh Prabhu’s announcement during the railway budget on Thursday about consigning the word ‘coolie’ to the dustbins of history. Coolie’ is a pejorative that has its roots in the empire built by the British. The porters will now be known as ‘sahayaks’ (helpers).

-HINDUSTAN TIMES

CHINA

China Starts Construction of first overseas military base China has begun construction of a logistics base in Djibouti, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, what the Horn of African country’s government calls a military facility that will be China’s first overseas. Djibouti, strategically located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea on the route to the Suez Canal, is already home to US and French bases.

-REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

UN: US, China agree on new North Korea sanctions The United States and China have reached agreement on a UN resolution that would impose tougher sanctions on North Korea as punishment for its latest nuclear test and rocket launch, UN diplomats told. The draft had been circulated on Wednesday to the three other permanent council members — Russia, Britain and France.

-AP

MIDDLE EAST

Israel decries Iran aid for dead Palestinians’ families Israel on Thursday denounced an Iranian decision to give thousands of dollars to relatives of Palestinians killed during Israeli-Palestinian violence in recent months. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has written to UN Secretary General urging condemnation of the Iranian initiative, after Tehran announced to offer $7,000 to the families of each Palestinian killed, Israel public radio reported.

AFP

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World

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

USA

US jobless claims rise More Americans filed applications for unemployment insurance benefits but the trend continued to point to an improving labor market, official data released Thursday showed. Initial jobless claims, a sign of the pace of layoffs, rose by 10,000 to 272,000 in the week ending February 20, the Labor Department said. In the prior week, claims had fallen to a four-month low. The four-week moving average slipped by 1,250 to 272,000 last week. It was 294,750 a year ago.

-AFP

THE AMERICAS

3 cops killed outside Mexico’s Guadalajara Three police officers for a wealthy suburb of the Mexican city of Guadalajara have been killed in a daytime attack. Maria Elena Limon, mayor of Tlaquepaque, says in a statement on her Twitter account that the officers were killed by attackers on a major avenue Wednesday afternoon.

-AP

UK

Britain registers EU membership deal at UN Britain on Wednesday registered with the United Nations a deal on new terms for its membership in the European Union ahead of a June 23 national referendum on whether Britain should stay or quit the 28-nation bloc. Britain’s UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he registered the text of the deal as an official treaty at the UN. He added it has officially entered into force, but will only take effect if Britain votes in June to remain in the EU. -REUTERS

EUROPE

Greece recalls Vienna envoy in migrant row Greece said on Thursday it was recalling its ambassador in Vienna for consultations, in an ongoing spat with Austria over the handling of Europe’s migration crisis.

A foreign ministry statement said initiatives rooted in the 19th century were being used to address the crisis, referring to Austria’s decision to call a western Balkans meeting this week without inviting Greek representatives.

-AFP

AFRICA

Somalia’s al-Shabab killed 180 Kenyan troops At least 180 Kenyan troops were killed when al-Shabab attacked their base last month, Somalia’s president has said. Kenya’s army said the number was untrue, but again refused to give its own casualty figures for the assault in the southern Somali base of el-Ade. However, The Islamist militant group claimed it had killed about 100 Kenyan troops.

-CNN

Divided EU seeks to avoid migrant humanitarian crisis n Agencies European interior ministers tried Thursday to resolve deep divisions over the migrant crisis, with Greece lashing out at its partners for creating a humanitarian crisis and officials warning the EU’s unity was at stake.

Athens is seething over a series of border restrictions by Austria, Macedonia and Serbia along the migrant trail to northern Europe that has caused a bottleneck in Greece, the main entry point to Europe.

The fear of crumbling unity has spread like wildfire throughout the EU in the last few days.

Some see the lack of a common response to the continent’s immigration crisis as a Litmus test for the bloc. This unraveling of unity is what EU President Donald Tusk has been warning about for weeks but which now the EU seems to be unable to stop.

There are even fears that the migration crisis could even fuel the “out” campaign for Britain’s EU membership referendum on June 23.

The impact of increasing go-italone new border restrictions and refugee quotas was evident on the ground Thursday on Greece’s border with Macedonia. Some 2,800 people massed to get into Macedonia but only 100 were allowed to cross.

Migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos urged ministers to find a solution, warning that the 28-nation bloc’s survival was at stake as states were increasingly acting without consulting their neighbours.

“Lonely initiatives do not lead anywhere. Now, the unity of the union and human lives are at stake,” he told reporters as he arrived for the talks in Brussels.

Thursday’s Brussels meetings started with a working breakfast between ministers from non-EU Serbia and Macedonia, and the EU countries on the Balkans route, while a Turkish official was to join the full meeting of all 28 EU states.

The crisis caused by refugees and migrants from Syria, the Middle East and Africa shows no signs of abating with. 100,000 people arriving in Europe so far this year on top of one million in 2015.

‘Europe’s Lebanon’

Ahead of the talks, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras threatened not to cooperate with future EU agreements on the migrant crisis if the burden was not fairly shared among member states.

“Greece will not accept becoming Europe’s Lebanon, a warehouse of souls, even if this were to

EU’s slow response to the migrant crisis

XX.X Country population (millions)

Over 1.09 million migrants have arrived in Greece and Italy since Jan 2015.

The other EU states agreed in 2015 to relocate 98,000 of them.

By mid-February 2016, only 583 had been taken in.

Germany 80.2

France

Spain

19,714

9,323

64.9

27,536

40 51

50

135 Czech Rep.

Migrants relocated from Greece or Italy, as of Feb 15, 2016

Poland

Netherlands

Romania

Belgium

38

16.7

20.1

11

9.5

6,182

5,947

3,812

3,766

100

100 18

Finland

4,180

98

300

Hungary

Slovakia

Croatia

1,294

902

968

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 Bulgaria 7.4

8.4

Sweden

30 14

315

0 Austria

5.4

10.4

10.6

Migrant places made available, as of Feb 15, 2016

46.8

1,100

Portugal

xxx National migrant quotas, out of a total of 98,256

9.9

5.4

39

4.3

1,302 2,951

2,691

2,078

1,953

1,302

130 30

30

220 0

140

2

0 0

Lithuania

Ireland

Slovenia

Luxembourg

Latvia

Estonia

Cyprus

Malta

671

600

567

557

481

329

320

131

100 4

20 10

30

131

3

Sources: EU, UNHCR

4.6

2

0 0

be done with major (EU) funding,” Greek migration minister Yannis Mouzalas told reporters in Brussels.

Lebanon hosts around a quarter of the four million Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Greece is getting increasingly angry about such policies. The government recalled its ambassador from Vienna following a meeting there Wednesday where Austria and many regional European neighbours agreed to tighter border controls — but did not invite Greece.

The border closures are squeezing Greece between the Balkan nations to the north and Turkey, where most of the refugees are coming from. If northern nations did fully close their borders, Greece’s refugee reception capacity could become overwhelmed within days.

But the rest of the EU is putting pressure on Greece to stop “waving through” migrants, warning that if there is no progress by the time of an EU-Turkey summit on March 7 then they will have to take sterner action.

The Brussels talks come a day after Austria warned the EU’s future was at stake at a meeting of Balkan states in Vienna from which an angry Greece was excluded, and after Hungary announced a referendum on refugee quotas.

0.5

90

30

2

481

1.3

6

16

0

The crisis ratcheted up at the weekend after Macedonia closed its Greek border to Afghans because countries further up the route were turning back groups from that country.

On Thursday Austrian interior minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner raised the possibility of Greece’s exclusion from Europe’s Schengen passport-free travel zone, which is cracking as more and more countries reintroduce border controls.

Plan B

The EU’s hopes are largely resting on a €3bn-deal signed with Turkey in November to cut the flow of migrants to Greece, with progress to be examined at next month’s Brussels-Ankara summit.

German interior minister Thomas De Maziere warned that it was the last chance before Europe had to take more drastic steps, especially given the large numbers still coming via Greece.

A further row broke out between Paris and Brussels after Belgium decided to impose checks at the border with France to stop people coming from the “Jungle” migrant camp in Calais.

On Thursday, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve criticised its northern neighbour for

0.8

6

The UK and Denmark have opted out of EU asylum policy

0.4

0

tightening border controls over concerns about a flood of migrants from a camp in France. Belgium has sent up to 290 extra police officers to their common border after French authorities moved to close a migrant camp in Calais.

Nato is beginning a surveillance mission in the waters between Greece and Turkey and its decision to return any rescued migrants to Turkey could help relieve some pressure on Greek reception centers.

Meanwhile in Germany — the destination for many of the migrants — lawmakers on Thursday approved a package of measures meant to speed up migrant processing and cut the number of newcomers. The package foresees special centres being set up to quickly process migrants who have little realistic chance of winning asylum and means that some asylum-seekers — likely including some Syrians — will have to wait longer to bring relatives to Germany.

Germany registered nearly 1.1m people as asylum seekers last year and officials are keen to ensure that the number is lower this year. Lawmakers also approved plans to amend laws to increase the deportation of foreigners convicted of crimes. l

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Sport

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

SHAKIB’S IMPACT FOR BANGLADESH 42 TESTS

2823

40

RUNS

AVERAGE

3

3

2

147

4

100s

WICKETS

IN

4398

2

2

RUNS

35

1

AVERAGE

2

100s

5+ WKTS/IN

2

WICKETS

7

24

1

RUNS

A

2

AVERAGE

5 50s

1

51

1

WICKETS

Shakib’s figures for Bangladesh Shakib’s position among Bangladeshis

B

5

5

CATCHES

* Minimum 15 matches played * Wicket-keeping catches not included

2

4+ WKTS/IN

IN

900

19

1

1

MoM

157 ODIS

206

6

14

1

39

1

CATCHES

14 MoM

43 T20IS

2

1

4+ WKTS/IN

11

4

CATCHES

2

1

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

IN

MoM

The first and only cricketer in history to attain the number 1 all-rounder position in all formats of cricket (Test, T20I and ODI)

Fickle Tigers fans at it again n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Shakib al Hasan dilemma following the Asia Cup Twenty20 opener against India last Wednesday puts one thing straight. It only takes a single mistake by a Bangladesh cricketer to make the “cricket-crazy fans” go under his skin; irrespective of whatever the player has done for the country in the past.

It also does not matter if the cricketer in question is ranked the world’s number one all-rounder and is undoubtedly one of the best players to have ever donned the red and green jersey.

Shakib found himself in hot water after he dropped Indian open-

ing batsman Rohit Sharma on 21 in the 11th over of the innings. The missed opportunity proved to be the turning point of the match as the right-hander went on to blast a further 62 runs, eventually finishing with a creditable 55-ball 83.

Later, with the willow, a silly run-out saw Shakib incur a lot of criticism as he departed for an eight-ball three. The sad part of the story however, is that the criticisms seem to be constant rather than constructive. Thanks to his calibre and good name in the game, Shakib has featured in almost all the major T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League where he has been a regular in

the last few seasons. But it hardly makes sense when the supporters comment that the cricketer has “let go the catch so that he can remain a part of the future IPLs”!

There is no doubt that the situation of the game could have been different if Shakib, considered one of Bangladesh’s safest fielders, had held on to the catch but there is always a limit to every criticism.

The good thing is that he is being backed by his team mates, among whom limited-over skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza has been the most vocal with his support.

Following the end of the game, Mashrafe said, “You need to keep your best fielders at important po-

sitions during the last 10 overs. So I had my best fielders at the boundary. A pacer (Taskin Ahmed) was bowling at that moment so I made Shakib field at point. Shakib is not only a good batsman or bowler, he is also a good fielder.

“He has always been a sharp fielder. He has taken many a spectacular catch before but there might be some misses too.”

The situation brings back memories of the World Cup last year when Tamim Iqbal dropped English all-rounder Chris Woakes when the Tigers needed to defend 20 runs off 15 balls with their opposition having two wickets in hand.

Although paceman Rubel Hos-

sain later atoned for the dropped catch of his team mate a few deliveries later, the damage was done as Tamim received more than his share of baseless criticism.

Since then however, Tamim has come a long way, exhibiting some match-winning performances.

One can only hope for the critical Bangladesh supporters, many of whom have a goldfish memory, to go down memory lane and think about all the things Shakib has done for the nation.

Because like many times in the past, Shakib seems to be only a performance away from making a grand comeback and make the critics eat their words. l

Lacklustre SL open with facile win n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga celebrates one of his four wickets during their Asia Cup Twenty20 clash against the United Arab Emirates at Mirpur’s Sher-eBangla National Stadium yesterday MI MANIK

Holders Sri Lanka started their Asia Cup Twenty20 campaign on a winning note at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday. The defending champions took a walk in the park, defeating a novice United Arab Emirates side by 14 runs in a game that was dominated by the bowlers.

Chasing 130 runs, the UAE batsmen never got the chance to settle against the deadly Sri Lanka attack and they were restricted to 115/9 in 20 overs.

Earlier, a fiery start by the two Sri Lankan openers promised a big score for the holders when

they were sent in to bat first.

But a late comeback into the innings, led by the UAE pacers, saw the Lankans held back to a modest total of 129/8 in 20 overs.

BRIEF SCORE Sri Lanka 129 for 8 (Chandimal 50, Dilshan 27; Amjad 3-25) United Arab Emirates 115 for 9 (Patil 37, Shaiman 13; Malinga 4-26) Sri Lanka won by 14 runs MoM: Lasith Malinga The Sri Lanka think tank made the gamble of sending in Dinesh Chandimal to open the innings for the first in a T20I

and it worked wonders as the right-handed batsman, along with Tillakaratne Dilshan, posted 68 runs in 9.1 overs. Medium-pacer Amjad Javed removed Dilshan for 27 to break the pair and halt the Lankans’ charge.

Following the addition of another 11 runs to the board, Sri Lanka lost their second wicket, that of Milinda Siriwardana, who added just six runs to the tally.

Javed had struck this time too.

Javed went on to dismiss opener Chandimal for 50 as Sri Lanka were reeling on 89 for three in 13.2 overs. From there, the Lankan lower-order failed disastrously as they could add only 40 runs to the total. l

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Sport

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

SHAKIB’S IMPACT FOR BANGLADESH 42 TESTS

2823

40

RUNS

AVERAGE

3

3

2

147

4

100s

WICKETS

IN

4398

2

RUNS

2

35

1

AVERAGE

2

100s

5+ WKTS/IN

2

RUNS

A

1

24

2

AVERAGE

5

WICKETS

50s

1

51

1

WICKETS

Shakib’s figures for Bangladesh Shakib’s position among Bangladeshis

B

5

5

CATCHES

7

* Minimum 15 matches played * Wicket-keeping catches not included

2

4+ WKTS/IN

IN

900

19

1

1

MoM

157 ODIS

206

6

14

1

39

1

CATCHES

14 MoM

43 T20IS

2

11

1

4+ WKTS/IN

4

CATCHES

2

1

MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

IN

MoM

The first and only cricketer in history to attain the number 1 all-rounder position in all formats of cricket (Test, T20I and ODI)

Fickle Tigers fans at it again n Minhaz Uddin Khan The Shakib al Hasan dilemma following the Asia Cup Twenty20 opener against India last Wednesday puts one thing straight. It only takes a single mistake by a Bangladesh cricketer to make the “cricket-crazy fans” go under his skin; irrespective of whatever the player has done for the country in the past.

It also does not matter if the cricketer in question is ranked the world’s number one all-rounder and is undoubtedly one of the best players to have ever donned the red and green jersey.

Shakib found himself in hot water after he dropped Indian open-

ing batsman Rohit Sharma on 21 in the 11th over of the innings. The missed opportunity proved to be the turning point of the match as the right-hander went on to blast a further 62 runs, eventually finishing with a creditable 55-ball 83.

Later, with the willow, a silly run-out saw Shakib incur a lot of criticism as he departed for an eight-ball three. The sad part of the story however, is that the criticisms seem to be constant rather than constructive. Thanks to his calibre and good name in the game, Shakib has featured in almost all the major T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League where he has been a regular in

the last few seasons. But it hardly makes sense when the supporters comment that the cricketer has “let go the catch so that he can remain a part of the future IPLs”!

There is no doubt that the situation of the game could have been different if Shakib, considered one of Bangladesh’s safest fielders, had held on to the catch but there is always a limit to every criticism.

The good thing is that he is being backed by his team mates, among whom limited-over skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza has been the most vocal with his support.

Following the end of the game, Mashrafe said, “You need to keep your best fielders at important po-

sitions during the last 10 overs. So I had my best fielders at the boundary. A pacer (Taskin Ahmed) was bowling at that moment so I made Shakib field at point. Shakib is not only a good batsman or bowler, he is also a good fielder.

“He has always been a sharp fielder. He has taken many a spectacular catch before but there might be some misses too.”

The situation brings back memories of the World Cup last year when Tamim Iqbal dropped English all-rounder Chris Woakes when the Tigers needed to defend 20 runs off 15 balls with their opposition having two wickets in hand.

Although paceman Rubel Hos-

sain later atoned for the dropped catch of his team mate a few deliveries later, the damage was done as Tamim received more than his share of baseless criticism.

Since then however, Tamim has come a long way, exhibiting some match-winning performances.

One can only hope for the critical Bangladesh supporters, many of whom have a goldfish memory, to go down memory lane and think about all the things Shakib has done for the nation.

Because like many times in the past, Shakib seems to be only a performance away from making a grand comeback and make the critics eat their words. l

Defending champions SL stumble after promising start n Minhaz Uddin Khan

UAE captain Amjad Javed (R) celebrates one of his three wickets with team mate Shaiman Anwar during their Asia Cup Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

A fiery start by the two Sri Lankan openers promised a big score for the holders when they were sent in to bat first by the United Arab Emirates in the second game of the Asia Cup Twenty20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

But a late comeback into the innings, led by the UAE pacers, saw the Lankans held back to a modest total of 129/8 in 20 overs.

The Sri Lanka think tank made the gamble of sending in Dinesh

Chandimal to open the innings for the first in a Twenty20 international and it worked wonders as the right-handed batsman, along with Tillakaratne Dilshan, posted 68 runs in 9.1 overs. Medium-pacer Amjad Javed removed Dilshan for 27 to break the pair and halt the Lankans’ charge.

Following the addition of another 11 runs to the board, Sri Lanka lost their second wicket, that of Milinda Siriwardana, who added just six runs to the tally.

Javed had struck this time too.

Javed went on to dismiss open-

er Chandimal for 50 as Sri Lanka were reeling on 89 for three in 13.2 overs. Chandimal looked in good touch, hammering seven boundaries and a six, but Javed shined better for his team, removing the batsman before any more damage was caused.

From there, the Lankan lower-order failed disastrously as they could add only 40 runs to the total. UAE pacer Mohammad Naveed and all-rounder Mohammad Shahzad bagged two scalps each to complement Javed (3/25) perfectly. l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Pakistan favourites over India, says Malik

QUICK BYTES Appeal rejection is ‘insulting’: Platini

n Minhaz Uddin Khan

Banned UEFA President Michel Platini launched a vitriolic attack on the FIFA Appeals Committee on Wednesday after it upheld his suspension from the game for ethics violations. Frenchman Platini’s ban, along with that of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, was reduced from eight to six years by the appeals committee, based on the mitigating factor of the pair’s services to the game.

That gesture, however, did little to appease the former Juventus and France international midfielder.

–REUTERS

Phangiso reported for suspect action South Africa’s Aaron Phangiso has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action just weeks before the left-arm spinner will represent the national side at the World Twenty20 in India. The 32-year-old was reported after helping his domestic Lions side into the final of South Africa’s provincial 50-over competition on Wednesday when he took 2-38 in eight overs. “Phangiso’s action will now be scrutinised further in accordance with the CSA regulations,” governing body Cricket South Africa said.

–REUTERS

Williamson named Player of the Year Kane Williamson was named New Zealand’s Cricketer of the Year and awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at NZC’s awards function, following a judging period in which he scored five centuries, set a New Zealand record for most runs in a calendar year and became the No. 1 ranked Test batsman. He was also named the Test Player of the Year and won the Redpath Cup for his first-class batting exploits.

CRICINFO

World T20 gets first women umpires The ICC has for the first time included two women in its list of umpires for the World T20 which begins in India next month. New Zealander Kathleen Cross will make history when she officiates at the Pakistan-Bangladesh women’s tie in the southern city of Chennai along with India’s Anil Chaudhary on March 16, the ICC said yesterday.

Two days later, Claire Polosak from Australia will stand in the New Zealand-Ireland women’s match in the northern city of Mohali along with India’s Vineet Kulkarni.

–AFP

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik smiles at a local hotel yesterday

MI MANIK

Pakistan batsman-allrounder Shoaib Malik believes his side will start as favourites when they face arch-rival India in the Asia Cup Twenty20 tomorrow.

India have already opened their campaign with a crushing 45-run win over hosts Bangladesh in the tournament opener last Wednesday and the fans are now bracing themselves for the blockbuster India-Pakistan tie which will be held at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

The Pakistan cricketers will not be short of match practice as they played in the just-concluded Pakistan Super League Twenty20 and Malik is of the opinion that the recent experience will give them the edge over their eternal rival.

“As a Pakistani, I will call my team

favourite in the match even though India have been playing good cricket lately. If you see their performance, they are really playing well,” Malik told the media yesterday.

“We have been in action and just came off the PSL where we played competitive cricket. I think the match between the two sides will be exciting. Everyone knows it’s a big match. People from both countries want and pray for their team to win. The cricketers also get excited about the match and everybody wants to perform.”

Malik added that he is not yet aware over what the team combination might be for the all-important clash against India.

“It’s up to the captain (Shahid Afridi). I don’t know what the combination will be. Perhaps after watching the pitch, the decision will be taken.” l

BSL logo-unveiling ceremony Sunday n Tribune Report The Bangladesh Super League (BSL) logo will be unveiled amid a glittering programme this Sunday. The head of Saif Powertec, Ruhul Amin Tarafder, confirmed this in a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) House yesterday. Saif Powertec is one of the organisers of the franchise-based professional football league.

Tarafder informed that Bangla-

desh football will enter a new era with the BSL logo-launching programme.

“Advertisement is one of the main things of modern football.

BSL is a new concept in the football scenario of Bangladesh. We are considering this tournament as a beginning of a new era. We have analysed the models of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Indian Super League (ISL) and then finalised the model of BSL. Every process

in BSL will be transparent,” said Tarafder.

BFF vice president Badal Roy thanked Saif Powertec for coming forward to organise the BSL. “Saif Powertec has been opening a new dimension in our football. Although all the proposed venue are not ready yet but still, we will discuss with the government to prepare the venue on time. The tournament will start on November/December,” said Badal.

Commerce Minister Tofayel Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr. Biren Sikder and Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy will be present in the ceremony along with other guests. The theme song of the franchise-based league will be launched on the same day as well.

The gallery will be open for the spectators. Sponsors announced that the budget of the programme has been fixed at Tk 1 crore. l

East, Central zones dominate day two East v South, Cox’s Bazar

East elevated themselves to a position of authority against bottom side South Zone by the end of the second day’s play in the third round of the Bangladesh Cricket League longer-version yesterday.

At the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium, East, resuming the day on nought without loss, rode on Mominul Haque’s 118ball 112 to post 345/5, a first innings lead of 83 runs going into the third and penultimate day’s play today.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Zakir Hasan, who recently starred for the Bangladesh Under-19 team, scored a fine 129-ball 92 while Tasamul Haque made a painstaking 209-ball 87.

Central v North, Cox’s Bazar

At the academy ground of the same venue in the coastal town, Central ended the day’s proceedings with

4TH BCL, RD 3, DAY 2 Central Zone 260 (Sharif 48, Sharifullah 46, Ariful 4/48) & 23/1 v North Zone 168 (Naeem 61, Sharif 4/59, Mosharraf 3/55) Central Zone lead by 115 runs South Zone 262 v East Zone 345/5 in 96 overs (Mominul 112, Zakir 92*, Tasamul 87) East Zone lead by 83 runs an 115-run lead against table-toppers North.

In reply to Central’s first innings tally of 260, North were skittled out for just 168, thus giving the former a 92-run lead.

Central extended the lead to 115 as they concluded yesterday on 23/1. l –MAZHAR UDDIN

Messi sends autographed jerseys to little fan Argentine football star Lionel Messi has sent not one, but two jerseys to the five-year-old Afghan boy who became an Internet sensation last month when he was pictured wearing a plastic bag with “Messi” scrawled on it in marker pen.

“Murtaza couldn’t stop smiling.

He kept repeating: I love Messi,” UNICEF Afghanistan spokesman

Denise Shepherd-Johnson told AFP. Messi autographed the jerseys, writing “With much love” in Spanish on them, and added a football to the treasure trove, UNICEF said.

Purchasing a Messi jersey was beyond the means of Murtaza’s poor family, members of the persecuted ethnic Hazara minority living in volatile Ghazni, near Kabul. AFP

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Fifa presidential election today Federations on the defensive

11 KEY DATES 2015

May 27: Seven FIFA officials,

An AFP poll of world football’s members highlighted complex political manoeuvring and uncertainty surrounding today’s vote.

AFP contacted the 209 national associations in football’s troubled world body to ask which of the five candidates they would back to replace Sepp Blatter.

Sixty-eight federations declared allegiance to Infantino, who only joined the race after his suspended UEFA boss Michel Platini was forced to pull out, and 28 sided with Sheikh Salman, president of the Asian Football Confederation.l

including two vice presidents, are arrested in a police raid on a Zurich hotel on the eve of a FIFA congress.

May 29: Blatter is re-elected for a fifth term as president of world football’s governing body.

June 2: Blatter sensationally announces his resignation just days after the election.

Sept 17: FIFA suspends secretary

general Jerome Valcke over claims he sold WC tickets at inflated prices.

Everything you need to know about the 2016 Fifa presidential election WHEN IS THE FIFA ELECTION?

The Fifa presidential election will take place today, 26 February at the Hallenstadion in Zürich, Switzerland.

WHAT WILL BE DECIDED?

A vote will take place to elect the man to succeed Sepp Blatter at the head of world football’s governing body. Blatter was banned from taking part in any Fifa activity for eight years last December after criminal proceedings were announced against him.

HOW DOES THE VOTE WORK?

The 209 member nations

of Fifa have one vote each (divided as shown below), cast in a secret ballot.

A candidate will win the election on the first round of voting if they receive two-thirds of the votes.

If no one gains the 139 necessary votes, a second round will take place, in which a majority is needed for victory.

WHO WILL WIN THE ELECTION?

As the odds in the above boxes show, Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman are huge favourites. It would be a major shock if anyone but one of them won.

HOW WILL EVERYONE VOTE?

The map at the top of this page indicates, Gianni Infantino can count on the votes of the majority of Uefa member associations, while he is likely to win the South American vote as well.

Asian countries have got behind their own president, Sheikh Salman, while he is also counting on the backing of the CAF. Many African countries have formally endorsed him but Infantino has claimed that half will rebel - and that could be crucial.

North America could also have a big say in who wins.l

Sept 25: Switzerland starts criminal proceedings against Blatter on suspicion he misappropriated funds and violated his duties.

Oct 8: Blatter, Platini are both suspended for 90 days by FIFA’s ethics committee over the payment.

Dec 3: Two FIFA officials are detained at the same Zurich hotel.

Dec 11: Platini loses his appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Dec 21: Blatter and Platini are both suspended from “all football-related activity” for eight years.

2016

Jan 13: Blatter’s former right-hand

man Valcke is sacked from his role as FIFA secretary general after the ‘ticket touting’ allegations.

Feb 24: Presidential candidate Prince Ali, unhappy with proposed voting arrangements, has a bid to have the election delayed rejected.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?

GIANNI INFANTINO

TOKYO SEXWALE

JEROME CHAMPAGNE

PRINCE ALI

Age: 45, Country: Switzerland

Age: 62, Country: South Africa

Age: 57, Country: France

Age: 40, Country: Jordan

Experience: Uefa general secretary, joined in 2000 as a lawyer

Experience: Organising committee for 2010 WC, Fifa anti-discrimination force

Policy: Expanding the WC to upwards of 40 nations, ensuring less reputable football countries are represented.

Policy: Lift ban on national team shirt sponsorship, growing and developing football worldwide

Profile: Platini’s right-hand man at Uefa for more than a decade who, like Sheikh Salman, was thrust into the Fifa presidency race after the Frenchman was ruled out of it. Infantino forged a reputation as a highly-capable administrator but has been criticised over match-fixing scandals. Odds 7/4

Profile: Went on to become a billionaire oil and diamond-mining magnate and help organise the 2010 WC, the bidding process for which is under criminal investigation. Has strenuously denied accusations he received kickbacks worth hundreds of millions of dollars in relation to a mining deal. Odds 40/1

Experience: Consultant in international football, a former diplomat and advisor to Sepp Blatter for 11 years

Experience: President of Jordan FA and founder and president of the West Asian FF, former Fifa vice-president

Policy: Strengthening the role of national associations, involving leagues, clubs and players in the decision-making process.

Policy: Quadrupling the amount of money member associations receive to increase sustainability.

Profile: Attempted to stand at last year’s election but failed to obtain enough nominations. Being ousted in 2010 and has been trying to get back in ever since.

He is known to enjoy the backing of his former boss, but that has not translated into promises of votes. Odds 66/1

Profile: Younger brother of the King of Jordan who lost May’s presidential election to Blatter after agreeing to lead Uefa’s opposition to the Swiss’s bid to retain power. One of the leading voices for Fifa reform, which has made him powerful enemies within the game. Odds 8/1

SHEIKH SALMAN Age: 50, Country: Bahrain

Experience: AFC president and Fifa vice-president Policy: Splitting Fifa into two entities, one for commercial practises and another for footballing operations.

Profile: The most senior of all the candidates, who has been favourite to succeed Blatter. Dogged by allegations of complicity in human rights abuses in his native Bahrain and claims lobbyists offered grants to national associations to vote for him in previous elections, which have both been strenuously denied. Odds 8/15

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Manchester City midfielder David Silva scores against Dynamo Kiev during their Uefa Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev on Wednesday REUTERS

City have quarter-finals in sight, Atletico held STATS DYNAMO KIEV

1-3

Buyalskiy 59

53 13 4 6 3 6 2 0/0 14 521 450 PSV

49 5 1 2 2 1 0 2/1 8 378 318

n AFP, Kiev MAN CITY

Aguero 15, Silva 40, Toure 90

completed

47 12 6 5 1 3 1 0/0 10 526 462

0-0

ATLÉTICO

Possession (%) Total attempts on target off target blocked Corners Offsides Yellow/Red Fouls committed Passes

Possession (%) Total attempts on target off target blocked Corners Offsides Yellow/Red Fouls committed Passes Pass completed

51 12 4 3 5 10 1 1/0 8 545 473

Manchester City may be toiling domestically at the moment but they produced a superb European away performance to beat Dynamo Kiev 3-1 in Ukraine in their Champions League last 16, first leg on Wednesday.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side did enough to win the game in the first half with Sergio Aguero and David Silva both scoring to underline their importance to City.

Dynamo pulled a goal back in the second half through midfielder Vitaliy Buyalskiy, but Yaya Toure’s late beauty ensured that City are very much on course to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

“It was an exceptional result away from home. We couldn’t have hoped for better,” City captain Vincent Kompany told BT Sport.

“The performance was good and 3-1 is a good result.

We’re happy with it, we just don’t want to get carried away with it. We could have scored many more goals. It was a Man City performance that we’d like to see more often.”

Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven held out with 10 men to leave their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid finely balanced at 0-0 after the first leg on Wednesday.

Atletico had chances to kill the game before half-time as Luciano Vietto and Antoine Griezmann missed oneon-ones with Jeroen Zoet.

The hosts had to resist for the final 20 minutes a man light when Gaston Pereiro saw red for a second bookable offence.

However, Atletico failed to take advantage meaning all is to play for when the sides meet again on March 15 at the Vicente Calderon for a place in the last eight. l

DAY’S WATCH CRICKET STAR SPORTS 1 7:30PM Asia Cup T20 2016 Bangladesh v UAE

STAR SPORTS 2 10:00AM Ranji Trophy 2015/16 Final, Day 3 Mumbai v Saurashtra

FOOTBALL STAR SPORTS 2 1:15AM German Bundesliga FC Koln v Hertha Berlin

TEN SPORTS 1:45AM Sky Bet Championship Hull City v S Wednesday

TEN ACTION 12:30PM A-League 2015/16 Wellington v Melbourne FC 7:35PM I-League 2016 Shillong v DSK Shivajians 12:50AM French Ligue 1 2015/16 Nice v Bastiais

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Showtime

Bangladeshi Sharbari writes Paoli’s Sotta in action again 13th episode of Quantico

n Showtime Desk Clear, the 13th episode of the first season of Quantico, starring Priyanka Chopra, has been written by Sharbari Z Ahmed.

According to a report previously published in the Dhaka Tribune, Sharbari Zohra Ahmed, an American citizen, is currently working at ABC Television. This talented writer is directly linked with the writers’ panel of Quantico.

In a report published on spoilertv.com, Sharbari is mentioned as the writer of

the episode titled Clear where NATS learns how to source information from confidential informants, but when they test their skills in the real world, they soon realise being an agent is not as easy as it seems.

Meanwhile in the future, Alex and a fellow agent find themselves in a life or death situation when they are forced to provide classified information that could result in deadly consequences on Quantico.

The episode has been directed by Jamie Barber.

Before this, ABC could

not make Sharbari’s name to the series’ credit list, but her significance to the series was mentioned by the creator in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Sharbari’s family are still residents of Dhaka, while Sharbari is currently staying in Connecticut, USA. Sharbari’s literary profile spreads over performance, film direction, scriptwriting, writing short fiction and teaching creative writing.

The 13th episode is scheduled to air on March 13, 2016. l

Radio Shadhin’s tribute on Mother Language Day

n Showtime Desk History is testament to how important language is to the human phenomenon. Our nation’s movement for our language on 21st February 1952 has become the torchbearer for the love of language everywhere, culminating in the date becoming the official day for celebrating one’s mother tongue across the world. Yet, our concept of

language is still stuck in the oral, verbal communication of everyday, whereas the act of language has more dimensions than that. For this year’s International Mother Language Day, Radio Shadhin 92.4 FM celebrated one of these other dimensions: the art of sign language.

Radio Shadhin has released a video shot in the premises of the Dhaka Bodhir High School in the capital’s Bijoynagar area.

The emotional video shows the visit of the Shadhin family to the school, where they learn the words of Altaf Mahmud’s immortal song, “Amar bhaier rokte rangano ekushe February,” entirely in sign language from the students.

Beyond Sound is Radio Shadhin’s theme for 21st February this year. On the International Mother Language Day, Radio Shadhin celebrated the art of sign language with the idea, “Mayer bhasha shobder cheyeo beshi,” mother language is more than just words.

Beyond Sound promotes the idea that the act of language is beyond oral and verbal communication of everyday.

Planned by Abdun Nafee and directed by Anam Biswas, the video is a production of AsiaticJWT. Music composed

by Bart Nandit Areng, the video already garnered in more than 702,000 views on Facebook. l

n Showtime Desk Indian actress Paoli Dam is now in Dhaka. She is shooting for a film with Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan in Bangladesh titled Sotta. She has come here for the third schedule of the film. Shooting of this film has been on going for one and half years. Last Wednesday, she was caught at the Shahid Minar, Dhaka shooting for the film.

The film has been directed

by Hasibur Reza Kallol, is an adaptation of Sohani Hossain’s novel Maa. Sotta has a romantic story line, where a bohemian, to be played by Shakib Khan, encounters

a prostitute, enacted

by Paoli Dam. Besides the romance of the two outcasts, the film will also focus on struggles of underprivileged people.

Paoli Dam received acclamation for her acting in Bangladesh-India joint venture films Padma Nadir Majhi and Moner Manush, and popular Bollywood film Hate Story.

Ahmed Rubel, Bonna Mirza, Kabila and Nasreen will also work in Sotta. She has posted about her arriving in Dhaka on her social media page. But for security reasons, her shooting details are not disclosed by the authority, claims the source.l

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Oscars 2016

How to choose the best performances?

n Mosabber Rahman The 88th Academy Awards has recognised 20 performances through nominations in the four acting categories – Leading and Supporting Role for both male and female actors. Nominations and awards are quite complicated. No matter how talented the actors are, it really comes down to the scope of the role itself. For example, if an actor is allowed to depict a disability or voice a difficult accent, then his or her performance is more likely to be visible to us. Moreover, good makeup, appropriate costumes, and intelligent film editing can also enhance a performance. More than mere imitation, acting is deep empathy. For example, Michael

Fassbender does not look like Steve Jobs and neither does he imitate him, but somehow he embodies and understands him, and we are compelled to suspend all disbelieve.

This year’s acting palette had a wide range of performances. The most daring performance of the year came from Eddie Redmayne (last year’s Best Actor winner) who played a transgender in The Danish Girl. The surprise of the year was Sylvester Stallone in Creed.

Charlotte Rampling’s performance in 45 Years was the most honest.

Rachel McAdams’ performance in Spotlight was the most naturalistic.

Anyone seriously interested in acting should study Mark Rylance’s performance in Bridge of Spies. But the performance of the year came from Leonardo DiCaprio

Pitt-Padukone?

in The Revenant – no one can touch him this year.

The perceptive viewer will discern that 10 out of the 20 nominees are acting-duos from the same film: Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams (Spotlight); Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara (Carol); Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl); Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs); and Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy (The Revenant).

For two years in a row, performances by African Americans have not been nominated. One reason might be the Academy does not automatically recognise great work, and the film studios have to do rigorous campaigns for the nominations. But here’s the problem, out of the 6000 Academy members, 94% are white, 77% are men and 86% are over 50-year-old.

This lack of diversity gave rise to this year’s ‘Boycott the Oscars’ movement by prominent black artists. Star Wars creator George Lucas remarked, “It’s a political campaign, and has nothing to do with artistic endeavor at all, that’s why it hurts everybody.”

Here’s my ranking of all the 20 performances (relative to the other nominees of that particular category).

A jazz musical night performed

by Imran Ahmed Quitent will be held at the Red Shift Coffee Lounge, Gulshan Ave

Deepika Padukone is making waves in Hollywood. According to an exclusive report on Pinkvilla, she has been roped in for yet another Hollywood film. And guess who would be starring opposite her?

Sources have stated that none other than superstar Brad Pitt will be sharing screen space with her in the movie. Her co-star, Vin Diesel from the movie XXX, and the Diaries actress Nina Dobrev showered her with compliments. This super exciting piece of news about Deepika’s career in the West is making her position stronger in Hollywood as well. l

Actor in a Supporting Role 5. Sylvester Stallone (Creed) 4. Christian Bale (The Big Short) 3. Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight) 2. Tom Hardy (The Revenant) 1. Mark Rylance (Bridge Of Spies) Actress in a Leading Role 5. Jennifer Lawrence (Joy) 4. Cate Blanchett (Carol) 3. Charlotte Rampling (45 Years) 2. Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) 1. Brie Larson (Room)

Actress in a Supporting Role 5. Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) 4. Rooney Mara (Carol) 3. Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight) 2. Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl) 1. Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) In one of the best documentaries of the year, Listen to Me Marlon, the most influential actor of all-time Marlon Brando define acting by stating – “Acting is just faking.” We respectfully disagree. Acting at its best can give voice to the mute, shine light in the dark, and breathe life into the dead. Great actors tell stories that would otherwise remain untold, they reveal souls that would otherwise remain hidden forever.

Acting is courage. l

Jazz Night with the Imran Ahmed Quintet n Showtime Desk

n Showtime Desk

Actor in a Leading Role 5. Matt Damon (The Martian) 4. Bryan Cranston (Trumbo) 3. Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs) 2. Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl) 1. Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

on February 27th, at 7:00pm.

Featuring tunes from the general jazz repertoire as well as original composed music, the event will be a treat for the fusion jazz aficionados.

Having opened for legendary John McLaughlin and Shai Maestro at last year’s premiere of Jazz and Blues Festival, Imran Ahmed has been mainly performing as part of the selftitled Imran Ahmed Quintet in Dhaka as well as collaborating with other artists. Trained at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, India’s premier institute for contemporary jazz music, Imran has been playing the guitar from a very young age.

The concert will have Imran on guitar, Robert Russell on piano, Towfiq Arfin on drums, Rahin Haider on saxophone, and Mohaimin Karim with bass.

Tickets will be available at the venue or interested individual can book tickets early at www. imdhaka.com or at www. jetechao.com. l

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Back Page

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FOREX RESERVES REACH $28BN PAGE 12

AMBASSADOR MASHRAFE ON CLOUD NINE PAGE 25

AMAR EKUSHEY

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PERFORMANCES? PAGE 31

BOOK FAIR 2016

E-books popular among the tech-savvy n Nure Alam Durjoy With the rapid rise in the popularity of smartphones and tablets around the country, e-books are gaining popularity among the tech-savvy readers, especially the young ones.

The popularity of e-books, short of electronic books, is reflected in Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2015, where owners of e-book stalls say this year’s sale of e-books have been better than ever.

There are some stalls on the Bangla Academy premises which are selling e-books this year, including Sheiboi, Chorui, Boighar and Bengal eBoi. “We are getting better response from the readers than last year,” said Prasenjit Deb, communication officer of Sheiboi. “Our customers have been mostly young readers, especially students, who came here and downloaded our app.”

At least 250 e-books are available on Sheiboi app, half of which are free. To have access to the entire library, a reader can pay Tk20Tk100 through a scratch card or online banking, Prasenjit told the Dhaka Tribune.

Book fair recovers from Wednesday storm

Stall owners leave their books that were drenched in the Wednesday storm out in the sun to dry at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2016 yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE “So far, we have had around 70,000 downloads of our apps.

This area of book selling has been successful.”

Ashiquzzaman of Chorui.com and Jahid Milton of Bengal eBoi claimed similar success in e-book

Thrown-away infant dies after 25 days n Kamrul Hasan

The 25-day-old infant who miraculously survived a four-storey fall died yesterday.

He died around 12:30pm at the neonatal unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

“We tried our best to save him, but he could not be saved,” said Khaja Abdul Gafur, assistant director (administration) of the DMCH. The infant, who was referred to as Beauty’s Baby in the hospital, had a broken leg and complications with his facial bones, said Dr Manisha Banerjee, head of the eight-member medical board which treated the child.

He also had blood clots in his brain and had needed several blood transfusions.

His mother, 17-year-old Beauty Akhter, threw him out of a window

of the flat where she was a domestic help, on the fourth floor of a residential building in the capital’s Bailey Road area on February 1, shortly after giving birth.

Beauty claimed to police that she had been raped and impregnated by her brother-in-law and threw her son away fearing the social stigma for giving birth out of wedlock.

She later filed a rape case with Ramna Model police station and is now with her family in Sirajganj.

Ramna police OC Moshiur Rahman said a number of people had applied to adopt the baby when news about him broke out. “Alas, now those applications are useless.”

Beauty and her family had been informed of the child’s death, but they refused to claim the body.

Later, police contacted Anjuman Mofidul Islam to take care of the baby’s burial, the OC said. l

sales. “We have had 2,500 downloads of our apps. This is beyond our expectation,” Jahid said.

The prices of the access to the libraries at these e-book shops varies from Tk10 to Tk250, depending on the type of membership.

The popularity of e-books is mainly due to the fact that they can be read anywhere, anytime through mobile device and without the hassle of having to carry the heavy tomes around, said the sellers and some readers.

Ekushey book fair recovered from the sudden bouts of rain and hailstorm that caused havoc at the fairgrounds on Wednesday.

Due to lack of preparation, books in a number of stalls were drenched in the storm. Owners of those stalls were seen laying the wet books outside in the sun yesterday to dry them.

However, despite the previous day’s gloomy weather, the fair saw a huge turnout of visitors yesterday, resulting in satisfactory book sales, said stall attendants.

Yesterday 74 new books were published at the fair, raising the number of new arrivals at 2,837.

To cover the losses caused by storm, the book fair authorities have changed the fair schedule slightly, said Jalal Ahmed, secretary of the book fair committee.

According to the new schedule, the fair will open half an hour earlier today and tomorrow, and on the last two days the fair will open an hour earlier. It will close on 8pm, as usual. l

Blatter and Platini bans upheld, reduced to six years n Reuters

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, once the two most powerful men in world football, had their bans for ethics violations upheld on Wednesday, although they were reduced from eight years to six.

Blatter, 79, who served for 17 years as FIFA president, and Platini, 60, one of the greatest players of all time and UEFA president since 2007, had appealed against the bans imposed last October.

The ruling came two days before FIFA holds a special elective Congress to appoint a successor to Blatter, who was president of the ruling body from 1998 before standing down four days after winning his final term of office last May. Neither will be at today’s Congress following the decision. Platini could hardly contain his wrath.

“The decision is insulting, shameful and is a violation of rights,” he said in a statement. “The charges against me are baseless, built from the ground up and surreal in view of the facts and the explanations I gave during the hearing.

“I will go to the end of my fight to show that I’m innocent, to restore my rights and identify who is responsible for this plot.”

There was no immediate response from Blatter. The pair will now turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the last

chance to restore their reputations and roles in the game.

The final verdict from FIFA’s headquarters, though, came on a rainy evening in Zurich.

The statement issued by the Appeal Panel, while upholding the ban, determined that “some strong mitigating factors for Mr Platini and Mr Blatter were not taken into account when establishing the sanction.”

One of the factors for reducing the ban was the pair’s lifetime service to football.

Blatter and Platini were banned over a payment of 2mn Swiss francs ($2.03mn) made to the Frenchman in 2011 by FIFA with Blatter’s approval for work done a decade earlier.

They said the payment honoured a verbal or gentleman’s agreement made in 1998 for work carried out by the Frenchman when he was a technical adviser to Blatter. l

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