02 March, 2016

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

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Falgun 19, 1422, Jamadiul Awal 21, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 316

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

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Falgun 19, 1422, Jamadiul Awal 21, 1437

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Regd No DA 6238, Vol 3, No 316

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

'ATM theft just tip of iceberg' The scale of the ATM card forgery currently under investigation may be bigger than anyone expected, investigators said yesterday.

Investigation leads and statements made by arrested German national Piotr Szczepan Mazurek point to a massive forgery conspiracy that involves bank staff, fraudulent company employees, organised crime and possibly even policemen.

Mazurek, a German national who had travelled to Bangladesh on a fake Polish passport, told detectives that his gang had stolen more money from point of sales (POS) terminals than from automated teller machines (ATMs).

He told investigators that his gang had stolen several crores of taka. Only about Tk20 lakhs is believed to have been stolen from ATM booths.

BIGSTOCK

Jamil Khan n Mohammad and Kamrul Hasan

Police sources said forgers had compiled a database of sensitive identity information of as many as 4,000 debit and credit cards over the course of the last year.

Lost money that banks might otherwise have written off as a system loss is being re-examined as the ATM card forgery probe

progresses.

Following the filing of cases by City Bank, Eastern Bank and United Commercial Bank, other local banks including Premier Bank have formally expressed concern that their ATMs may also have been hit by forgers, a DB official said, asking not to be named.

Premier Bank ATM hit by int'l card scam

Hit by refund claims over suspicious transactions by partner banks abroad, local private banks are now approaching the police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CT) Unit and Detective Branch (DB), he confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune.

Deputy Inspector General of police Monirul Islam, who heads the CT Unit, said information was being collected from local private banks that might be connected to forgeries or false transactions affecting ATMs and POS terminals.

Monirul said investigators had not yet found evidence linking the fraudsters to law enforcement officials.

But a source close to the investigation informed the Dhaka Tribune that Gulshan police station inspector Firoz Kabir had been implicated in the forgeries.

n Jebun Nesa Alo Four ATM booths of Premier Bank were targeted by scammers – who used what bankers believe to be cloned international credit cards – for withdrawing around Tk34 lakh during the second half of February.

Bangladesh Bank sent a team to Premier Bank yesterday to investigate the incident after the private bank lodged a complaint in this regard on Monday.

According to the complaint, between February 14 and 28, at least 150 international cards were used to withdraw money from four of their ATM booths in Banani, Bashundhara, Kakrail and Uttara.

All these cards belong to foreign nationals, while the non-branded ATM cards were owned by Malaysia’s Al Rajhi Banking and

 PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

 PAGE 4 COLUMN 1

Police move to collect Final spot up for grabs for Tigers tenant data challenged The recent initiative by police to collect personal details of tenants in Dhaka city in prescribed forms has evoked mixed reaction among residents.

Although a section of Dhaka residents view the initiative as a positive step a good number of them are fearing its misuse.

'Police behaviour needs to be changed to make the attempt a success' A number of citizens and also security analysts, lawyers expressed their concern over the initiative.

A Supreme Court lawyer yesterday served a legal notice to the government and police, seeking explanation for the move.

He urged the government to halt the police initiative and said he would take legal action if it is not stopped as there is no data protection act in Bangladesh under which a victim can find remedy if his personal information is leaked or misused.

The information will be pre-

served at police stations and DMP’s central database, said police.

Talking to the residents of several areas it was found that they were scared their personal information might fall in wrong hands.

“How could I trust the force when we have recently seen their involvement in crimes? There are lots of allegations of public harassment and attempts of extracting money from them by law enforcers,” said a tenant.

Besides, it could destroy normal relation with house owners, he said.

Some police officials concerned too echoed the view, saying that they also fear that some people of a locality might develop a good relation with beat police officials.

Common people might be subjected to harassment by corrupt informants if the total process is not strongly monitored.

A number of police officials also fear that local political influence could spoil their effort.

Associate Professor of political science at Dhaka University Shantanu Majumder said there was possibility that the move could affect the relation between tenants and owners.

Supreme Court lawyer advocate Shariar Shakir told the Dhaka  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2

n Rashad Banna A confident Bangladesh side will have one eye on the grand finale of the Asia Cup Twenty20 when they take on Pakistan today in a crucial encounter at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Following a disappointing defeat against India in the tournament opener, the Tigers came back strong, beating the United Arab Emirates and Asia Cup and World T20 holders Sri Lanka in their next two matches.

If the hosts are to progress to the final of the regional competition and not to depend on results elsewhere, then a win against Pakistan is a must.

Pakistan, in contrast, have made a mixed start, losing to arch-rival India before posting their first win against the UAE. In their pursuit of a final berth,  PAGE 4 COLUMN 2 

Islam Shaon and n Ashif Kamrul Hasan

Returning Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal plays football during a practice session in Mirpur yesterday while Sabbir Rahman watches on intently MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

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Dandy Dyeing hearing deferred n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday deferred recording the depositions of witnesses in a case against 14 people including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her eldest son Tarique Rahman.

Judge Fatema Ferdous of Dhaka Artha Rin Adalat-1 (Money Loan Court) deferred the hearing to April 3 following a time petition by the defense.

Khaleda’s counsel Md Sanaullah Miah sought the additional time stating that the defense has filed a petition with the High court chal-

lenging the legality of naming her in the case.

On February 2, the court framed charge against 14 people including Khaleda, her son Tarique, and her late son Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife and two daughters.

The case was filed on October 2, 2012 by Sonali Bank against Dandy Dyeing Ltd directors for defaulting on a on a Tk45.49 crore loan.

According to the case, on February 24, 1993, the company applied to Sonali Bank for a loan. It was granted on May 9 the same year.

Following a plea by borrowers, the

bank’s governing body on October 16, 2001, relieved the loan’s interests. Later, the loan was rescheduled. The accused are yet to repay the loan despite a final notice on February 28, 2010.

Following the death of Koko, a director of Dandy Dyeing, on January 24, 2015, the bank filed a petition before the court on March 8, 2015 to include Khaleda Zia, Koko’s wife Sharmila Rahman Sithi, their daughters Zafia Rahman and Zahia Rahman as defendants.

On March 16, 2015, the court accepted this petition. l

Mahfuz Anam appears before Rangpur court, secures bail n UNB The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, who has been facing dozens of cases for publishing “confusing” and “defamatory” reports in his newspaper about Sheikh Hasina during the 2007-08 military-backed caretaker regime, secured bail in a defamation case in Rangpur yesterday.

Senior Judicial Magistrate Shafiul Alam granted him bail on a bond of Tk1,000 as he appeared before the court in person seeking

bail in the case.

The court also fixed May 26 for next hearing in the case.

Earlier on February 16, Rangpur Awami League leader Motahar Hossain Mondol Mowla filed the Tk1 crore defamation case with the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Shafiul Alam against Anam for publishing the reports.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the court summoned Mahfuz Anam to appear before it on March 1. l

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‘ATM theft just tip of iceberg’ The source went on to say that Firoz had been transferred to the police’s Rangpur Range after preliminary investigations discovered evidence of his involvement.

Investigations into the conduct of two other police officers allegedly connected to the forgery are currently under way.

Modus operandi Describing

the

forgers’

modus

Premier Bank ATM hit by int’l card scam Investment Corporation.

Bangladesh Bank officials believe that the cards might have been cloned in Bangladesh.

This was the first ATM fraud complaint received by the central bank since news first broke on February 12 about Tk20 lakh being skimmed from ATM booths of three local banks – United Commercial Bank Limited, Eastern Bank Limited and City Bank.

The latest incident was the first ever allegation of international card forgery received by Bangladesh Bank, said a senior executive of the central bank.

He said the latest case was different from the others as international cards were used. “We suspected that there are many cases of international card cloning, but no bank wants to disclose it in fear of hurting their own image,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank has prepared a comprehensive report on the recent ATM card scam in three banks.

The report, which will be presented to central bank top officials, has identified private banks’ lax monitoring of ATM booth video footage and recommended more caution in surveillance of the booths. l

operandi, Monirul said Mazurek told police detectives that big businesses that made large payments using ATM cards were first identified.

The card information was stolen and the cards were cloned.

Insiders in the business were then approached, as were bank staff authorised to clear POS payments, so that illicit transactions would clear, Monirul quoted Mazurek as

saying.

Suppliers of POS terminals are being investigated to determine whether they were involved in the forgery scam, police said.

Monirul, also DB chief, said Mazurek had given police investigators the names of at least 40 to 50 businesspeople, hotels and businesses allegedly involved in the scam.

“We are trying to verify whether

these individuals and enterprises were involved but we are sensitive to the possibility that they may be being framed,” Monirul added.

Mazurek and City Bank officials Moksed Alam Maksud, Rezaul Karim Shahin and Refaz Ahmed Roni are on a five-day remand for interrogation by police detectives.

They were arrested on February 22, while the DB was investigating two reports of ATM forgery at City

Bank and United Commercial Bank.

The cases were filed separately at Pallabi and Banani police stations in the capital.

Mazurek is wanted in “several European countries” for similar crimes, Monirul said. “We have been able to verify that Mazurek is a German national who used a fake Polish passport to enter the country.

He is married to a Bangladeshi national,” the DB chief added. l

Police move to collect tenant data challenged Tribune that the initiative can be effective if police come out of their culture of disrespecting people.

Faculty member of criminology department of Dhaka University, Syed Mahfujul Haque Marjan said police behaviour needed to be changed to make the attempt a success.

Legal notice served to refrain from collecting personal information Supreme Court lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua sent a legal notice requesting the government to refrain from demanding personal information about tenants from the landlords in Dhaka.

In the notice, the lawyer asked the recipients to inform him within 24 hours the legal basis of the action of providing personal information to landlord. Otherwise, he mentioned that he would seek legal protection in court.

Stating that he is personally affected by the government instruction, Jyotirmoy Barua said there is no specific law to ask for all this private information unless there is a valid order from a competent court.

He also wanted to know under what basis the government is ask-

ing his private information and also how the information will be stored and under which law.

The information asked by police is the total information a person is needed to complete any official transaction, including applying for a new national ID card, bank account or even a passport.

DMP sources said local tenant information would be collected and maintained by the city’s police stations concerned and shared through a central DMP database.

The efforts were revived recent-

ly after the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit of police raided two houses in Badda and Mohammadpur to recover explosives and arrested Ansarullah Bangla Team members earlier this month.

According to Section 42 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, every citizen must help the police for government or investigation work.

Under this section, police can seek information from anyone and citizens must cooperate. If necessary, the police can also take action under this section. l

Final spot up for grabs for Tigers the Tigers received a body-blow when pace sensation Mustafizur Rahman incurred a side-strain injury during the game against the Lankans. The Satkhira lad will miss the remainder of the Asia Cup and one hopes he will make a quick recovery with the World T20 knocking at the door.

There is some good news though in the shape of opening batsman Tamim Iqbal. The dashing southpaw was on paternity leave recently and his return will no doubt boost Bangladesh’s chances, bearing in mind that openers Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun have posted only 55 runs for the opening wicket in three matches so far.

Tamim will replace Mithun in the playing XI today while it was also learned that young paceman Abu Haider Rony has a bright chance of

featuring in place of Mustafiz.

Senior batsmen like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib al Hasan would need to come to the party after some disappointing displays in the ongoing 14th edition of the tournament. Shakib, however, showed some brief glimpses of his potential against the Lankans, anchoring Bangladesh’s innings with a responsible 34-ball 32.

The Tigers will once again look to Sabbir Rahman to provide the fireworks at the top of the order.

Sabbir was promoted to No 3 and the swashbuckling right-hander repaid the faith in some style, registering 130 runs in three innings, including a brilliant 54-ball 80 against the islanders.

The Tigers’ bowling has perhaps been the side’s strongest forte in the tournament. Alongside Mustafiz,

captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza, Taskin Ahmed and Al Amin Hossain have taken regular wickets while spinners Shakib and Mahmudullah have marshalled the spin department well.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have a lot of improving to do if they are to overcome the hosts at the home of cricket in Mirpur.

They were skittled out for just 83 against arch-rival India while the start against the UAE was anything but assuring. Were it not for Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik’s unbeaten knocks, the Pakistanis could well have been further under the cosh against the spirited Emiratis.

And like Bangladesh, Pakistan too will look to their bowlers to lead the charge. Mohammad Amir was brilliant with the leather in the first two matches and along with expe-

rienced campaigner Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz and lanky fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, Pakistan have a potent pace-bowling attack to say the least.

With that said, the Tigers will be quietly confident about their prospects today. Prior to the Asia Cup, they never beat the Lankans in the shortest format of the game in four attempts. The Tigers amended that unwanted stat last Sunday, recording a morale-boosting 23-run win.

With so many records tumbling since the start of 2015 when the Tigers slowly but surely started to emerge as a force to be reckoned with, very few would bet against them posting their maiden T20I victory over Pakistan today.

The match begins at 7:30pm and Maasranga TV, GTV and Star Sports 1 will telecast it live. l

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Banasree siblings might have been strangled n Kamrul Hasan The two deceased siblings who were initially thought to have died from food poisoning in the capital’s Banasree, might have actually been strangled to death, autopsy findings suggest.

Nusrat Jahan, 14, and Alvi Aman, 6, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday night, hours after they ate food bought from a Chinese restaurant.

DMC forensic department Lecturer Dr Prodeep Biswash, who conducted autopsies of the siblings, told journalists that both children had injury marks on their throats. Nusrat also had blood in her eyes and Alvi had injury marks on one of his legs.

However, the cause of death can only be confirmed after result from the viscera test comes in, the doctor added.

Prof Dr Habibuzzaman Chowdhury of the DMC forensic medicine department said a viscera report would show what chemical reactions had been taking place inside the children’s stomach before their death and confirm whether or not they had died from food poisoning.

Meanwhile, law enforcers de-

Family members carry the bodies of Nusrat Aman, 12, and Alvi Aman, 6, out of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and into an ambulance after the post-mortem examination to take them to the graveyard yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Warrant issued for arrest of 3 war criminals

Twenty million yaba pills seized in 2015

n Tribune Report

n Kamrul Hasan

The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday issued warrants for the arrest of three war criminals of Moulvibazar.

The two-member tribunal led

by Justice Md Shahinur Islam issued the warrant yesterday morning, Prosecutor Sabina Yeasmin Munni said.

The prosecutor said the names of the accused of Borolekha upazila were not disclosed for the sake of investigation.

She said they prayed for the arrest order as the accused are locally influential and they also may flee to India as they resided near bordering areas.

The prosecutors told the tribunal that the accused should be arrested soon for the sake of the investigation.

They also informed the tribunal that the victims were receiving threats from the alleged razakars. l

Law enforcement agencies have seized over 20 million yaba pills last year, which investigators say they believe to be one-third of the smuggled “crazy medicine”, as it often called.

Law enforcing agencies said they had recovered some 2,32,08,855 yaba pills in 2015.

Of them, police recovered some 1,34,26,228 yaba pills – among them 90,00,000 were seized by RAB. BGB recovered 50,56,410 yaba pills, Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) 33,79,880 pieces and Coastguard 13,46,337 pieces.

Altogether 58,854 persons including suspected smugglers and drug lords were also arrested.

Yaba was first manufactured by the Nazis to keep troops awake for days during WWII. Methamphetamine use has seen a sharp rise in South and East Asia in recent years. Regular use of the

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UTTARA GAS EXPLOSION

‘They shut their doors on our faces’

drug has been linked to lung and kidney disorders, hallucinations and paranoia.

DNC Deputy Director Mukul Jyoti Chakma (DMP region) told the Dhaka Tribune that yaba hauls increased last year. “But the number is still believed to be one third of the total.”

About 7.72 crore yaba pills were presumably smuggled into Bangladesh in 2015.

Mukul was speaking after a media briefing yesterday following last Sunday’s yaba haul at Chawkbazar and Kamrangirchar. Six person were arrested.

DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said yaba was smuggled in from Myanmar – the biggest producer of methamphetamine tablets and a hotbed of narcotics production.

Sources said around three million yaba pills enterd Bangladesh through the Myanmar border every day.

The Dhaka Tribune ran a detailed report – Inside the yaba trade – on January 30.l 22

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an Rony and his associate Ataur Rahman, said Inspector (investigation) Mostafizur Rahman of Ramna police station.

rested Masud Rahman, the manager of Kent Chinese Restaurant from where the food was bought, the restaurant’s head chef Asaduzzam-

tained seven suspects in connection with the deaths of the children.

On late Monday night, police ar-

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n Kamrul Hasan “I could clearly recall that when we knocked the doors of our neighbours residing on the second and third floor, they opened the door briefly and closed it on our face instead of helping us at least in the name of humanity.”

Sumaiya Akhter, who suffered 95% burns in Friday’s gas explosion and is now fighting for her life, said this while explaining the incident to her relatives yesterday evening in the capital’s City Hospital. She was shifted to the hospital from Dhaka Medical College Hospital yesterday.

Dhaka Tribune received an audio of her conversation with her relatives.

In the conversation, Sumaiya was heard saying: “My husband, with our 14-month-old boy Zayan, and I came to the ground floor after knocking on several doors. I begged for help and asked people 20

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Rapid Action Battalion also detained three more people: Obaidur, a relative of Nusrat and Alvi; Sheuly, the private tutor of the children; and Pintu Mondol and Ferdous, two security guards of the building the children lived in.

RAB sources said they were detained for interrogation yesterday afternoon.

No case was filed with the police station concerned as of yesterday evening.

The bodies of Nusrat and Alvi were taken to Jamalpur yesterday for burial.

Earlier, their mother Mahfuza Malek Jesmin said the family had brought home leftover food after having dinner on Saturday night at a Chinese restaurant near their Banasree home.

The mother served the leftover Chinese food to her two children for lunch on Monday while she and her husband had a home-cooked meal.

Both children were rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital after the mother noticed that they were not waking up from an afternoon nap.

DMCH doctors said the children had already died before they arrived at the hospital. l

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PRAYER TIMES

to give me a piece of cloth as mine were burned in fire. But not a single person came forward to help us.”

She cried saying that if any of the neighbours had helped them, their children might have not died.

She said even their security guard did not pay heed to her pleas to rescue the children from the fire.

A lot of people were there during the incident, but no one came forward to save them, she said. “I don’t know what sort of humanity they have inside them.”

Sumaiya’s brother-in-law Riaz Mollah told the Dhaka Tribune: “As the doctors are saying she will not live for long, we shifted her to this hospital. We wanted her to spend her last few days with her only living child in front of her.”

Nine-year-old Zarif, who received 6% burns in the explosion caused by a gas leak in the kitchen, is the only member of the family alive other than his mother Sumaiya. l Sylhet

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Fajr: 5:04am | Zohr: 12:11am Asr: 4:22pm | Magrib: 6:02pm Esha: 7:18pm Source: IslamicFinder.org

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Anisul: Ershad appointed me as acting chairman n Shohel Mamun

Jatiya Party presidium member and Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud said party chief HM Ershad himself appointed him as the acting chairman of Jatiya Party (JaPa) after the 1/11 political changeover.

The JaPa leader made the state-

ment following Ershad’s comment that Anisul was also a mastermind of the 1/11 changeover.

“Ershad himself appointed me as the party’s acting chairman at that time. The appointment was not to remove him from politics,” Anisul said in a press briefing at his ministry yesterday.

“The 1/11 changeover aimed at implementing the ‘minus-three’ formula. But Ershad was not ready for prison. Trusting me, he selected me to take the charge of the party then,” Anisul added.

Speaking at a programme in Sherpur on February 28, Ershad said: “The name of another person should be

North South University’s Board of Trustees Chairman MA Kashem, left, and Vice-Chancellor Atiqul Islam at a views exchange meeting yesterday DHAKA TRIBUNE

North South University to celebrate 24 years of glory n Tribune Report One of Bangladesh’s leading private universities, the North South University, is gearing up to celebrate its 24th founding anniversary with a plethora of programmes from March 3 to 11.

Established under the Trust Act, NSU started its journey on February 10, 1992 with 137 students and three departments. So far, over 15,000 students have graduated and over 20,000 students are currently studying here, Board of Trustees Chairman MA Kashem told a views exchange meeting yesterday.

Ministers, state ministers, MPs, and academics from home and abroad will join the nine-day celebration scheduled after the 19th convocation, he added.

Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin will enthral the audience on the opening day. The Candle Carmain Band will perform the following day.

A seminar on “Sustainable Business and Sustainable

Goals” will be held on March 5. The U-19 cricket team will be given a reception the next day, attended by Bangladesh Cricket Board Chairman Nazmul Hasan Papon. It will be followed by a blood donation programme.

March 7 celebrations will kick off with a competition on architectural design charrette.

A seminar will later discuss the impact of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic March 7 speech on Bangladesh’s independence movement.

A seminar on the engineering challenges of Padma Bridge, Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure project till date, will be held on March 9, addressed by project coordinator Maj Gen Abu Sayeed Md Masud.

MA Kashem said NSU was conceptualised at a time when the idea of higher studies in private sector was absent in South Asia. “Combining technology of the developed country (North) and merit of the under-de-

veloped country (South), the North South University emerged as the first venture of the private sector in higher education.”

He said 90 private universities had been established in Bangladesh after the NSU. “The number of students at private universities has exceeded the number of students in the public universities,” he said.

NSU started operations at a rented building in Banani and moved to its new campus at Bashundhara in 2009 where it is “well-equipped with 100 modern classrooms, digital library and rich labs.” Kashem said the NSU School of Business was the first in Bangladesh to achieve the ACBSP Accreditation.

“NSU is the initiator of private university education in Bangladesh … the pioneer of education in the private sector … [and] the place of centre of excellence in higher education, not only in Bangladesh but also in the region,” Kashem added. l

added with those of the Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam and others that surfaced for illegally bringing Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin to power, and he is my party presidium member and minister Anisul Islam Mahmud.”

Ershad also said Anisul had illegally become the party’s acting chairman removing him during the

1/11 changeover. In response to a query on the rumour that Jatiya Party would be divided and a faction would be formed and led by Anisul, the JaPa leader said: “There is no possibility of such partition in the party.”

He claimed that Ershad’s brother GM Quader was causing all the trouble within the party. l

Maternal mortality rate drops n Our Correspondent, Chittagong

The nation’s maternal mortality rate has dropped to 170 per 100,000 live childbirths, speakers said at a workshop yesterday.

The rate has dropped by 40% between 2001 and 2010, journalists were told at a daylong workshop on child and maternal deaths organised

by USAID at the Chittagong Club.

Most of these deaths occur during childbirth at home as 62% of the deliveries are still conducted at home, the health care experts said.

“Some 11.65% of adolescent girls get married off before 18 years of age and 170 mothers die during pregnancy against 100,000 live births,” Dr Halida Akhter, chief of party of USAID-NGO Health Service Delivery Project, said at the workshop.

The mother’s social status was

not a factor in the deaths, she said.

“What matters is whether they have knowledge about prenatal care and adopt family planning after marriage,” the doctor said.

Most of the maternal deaths are taking place in rural areas, where only 64% of pregnant women avail of health care services from qualified doctors, said Dr Rowsan Morshed, a professor of gynaecology and obstetrics at Chittagong Medical College.

“Around 31% of maternal deaths occur due to excessive bleeding during childbirth while 20% occur because of eclampsia [convulsions resulting from high blood pressure and posing threat to the health of the mother and the baby],” she said.

More than half of the childbirths in the country are still handled by untrained midwives.

“We have around 10,000 skilled birth attendants across the country but people are reluctant to call them, instead preferring a traditional midwife,” Dr Morshed said.

“Because of this a woman might have to face severe complications during her pregnancy putting her and her child’s life at risk.”

Dr Morshed also said only the three Es – employment, education and empowerment – can reduce the rate of maternal death significantly. She urged the media to play the key role in creating awareness in the society on these issues.

Dr Jagadish Chandra Das, an associate professor of neonatology at Chittagong Medical College, said the current child mortality rate in the country stands at 7.6%, and over 90% of these happen because of premature birth. l

National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports holds a procession in Khulna city yesterday protesting the plan to set up a coal-based thermal power plant at Rampal in Bagerhat DHAKA TRIBUNE

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Two found dead in two districts n Tribune Report At least two people were found dead in Rajshahi and Comilla districts yesterday.

Our Rajshahi Correspondent said the body of a businessman was recovered after four days of his missing from Baghmara upazila in the district.

The victim was Anwar Hossain, 38, of Dippur village.

Locals said Anwar left home on Friday afternoon with Tk1.20 lakh and went missing.

Police said the body was recovered from a brick-field in Kalapara upazila.

Motiar Rahman, officer-incharge of Baghmara police station, said locals found the decomposed body at the abandoned brick-field and informed police.

There were several injury marks on the body, the OC said.

In Comilla, a nine-year-old boy was found dead in Rajer Ghor area near Monohorganj Bazar in Monoharganj upazila headquarters of the district.

Quoting victim’s father, Bipul Chandra Bhakta, officer-in-charge of Monoharganj police station, said Riyad, son of a restaurant worker Mohammad Khokon, a resident of Dishabandha village, and Cass III student of Dishabandha Primary School, had gone to the market on Monday night and did not return home since then.

Local spotted his body stashed in a sack lying in area around

7:00am and informed police, reports our correspondent.

Later, police recovered the body.

The body bore injury marks on the forehead.

On the other hand, a local Jamaat-e-Islami leader was found dead on the Jessore- Jhenidah Road in Churamankathi Beltala area of Jessore on Monday night over a month after he had been picked up by plainclothes policemen, said our correspondent.

The deceased’s brother, Abdul Khalek Master, said some people in plainclothes identifying themselves as members of police, picked up Abu Huraira, 55, son of Asir Uddin Malitha, a resident of Ashwathali village of sadar upazila and also a rokon of the district unit of Jamaat, from his madrasah on January 24.

Later the family members failed to receive any information about the whereabouts of Huraira, also a teacher of Kuthidhurgapur Dakhil Madrasa, from police.

Police recovered the body of an unidentified man from the area and sent it to Jessore 25bed Hospital, said Ilias Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station.

Being informed about the body recovery, Huraira’s family members rushed to the hospital and identified it to be of Huraira.

There were injury marks on the head and throat, said Ilias Hossain.

The body was sent to the hospital morgue. l

Key accused in Comilla kid murders arrested n Our Correspondent, Comilla

Latest technologies for increasing jute production stressed

Police have arrested the main accused in a case filed over killing two brothers in Dhulipara area under the city three days ago.

Comilla Additional Superintendent of Police (north) Md Ali Ashraf Bhuiyan confirmed it to the Dhaka Tribune and said they arrested the two’s stepbrother Md Al-Shafiul Islam Chhotan from Malibagh area in the capital around 10pm Monday.

Police managed to arrest by tracking down the mobile phone of Chhotan who also pleaded his guilty in the murder during primary questioning, said Md Ali Ashraf Bhuiyan Chhotan, 22, a private university student, went into hiding since Saturday night after killing his two stepbrothers Mehedi Hasan Joy, 8, and Mejbaul Hoque Moni, 6.

The victims’ mother Rekha Begum filed a case accusing Chhotan for his alleged involvement in the killing. l

n Tribune Report Experts at a day-long training workshop on ‘Production of high yielding local variety Jute, jute seeds and improved retting technology’ project arranged yesterday at Badarganj upazila parishad auditorium in the district laid emphasis on adopting latest technologies to get maximum output.

The Directorate of Jute under the Ministry of Jute and Textiles and Upazila Jute Department with assistance of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) organised the workshop for 100 selected farmers for extension of the technologies.

With Senior Assistant Project Director (Coordination) of the Directorate of Jute for Rangpur Region Mossarraf Hossain in the chair, Badarganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer

Kazi Abeda Gulshan attended the workshop as the chief guest, reports BSS.

Adoption of ribbon retting technologies for rotting and separation of the fibre helps the farmers in getting maximum production Horticulture Specialist of the DAE Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam, Upazila Agriculture Officer Rezaul Karim, Upazila Jute Development Officer Dilip Kumar Malakar and Sub-assistant Jute Development

DT

News

Officer Anwarul Islam conducted the workshop as resource persons.

Upazila Jute Development Officer Dilip Kumar Malakar said adoption of ribbon retting technologies for rotting and separation of the fibre helps the farmers in getting maximum production of high yielding local variety jute with upgraded quality fibre.

He said expanded and multidimensional use of jute products has been increasing its demand faster following adverse effects of synthetic fibre on environment throughout the world ushering new hope for revival past glory of the ‘golden’ fibre.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Rezaul Karim discussed about the lowest-cost ribbon retting method of the fibre during droughts or water scarcity also to improve quality and grade of jute-kenaf-mesta fibre

to ensure higher market price.

Horticulture Specialist Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam said largescale adoption of the lowest-cost ribbon-retting technology might be crucial in future amid climate change that continues affecting agriculture sector and creating water scarcity.

Senior Assistant Project Director Mossarraf Hossain discussed various traditional and low-cost retting ways, including ribbon retting of the fibre during water scarcity in only nine days, to improve quality and grade of jute-kenaf-mesta fibre.

The chief guest called upon the concerned experts and farmers for achieving self-reliance on locally produced quality jute seeds to increase cultivation of the crop adopting the latest technologies to further enhance production of the quality fibre. l

DT

8

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Public health risks from motor vehicle emissions Islam Khan, n Zahirul Madaripur Black smoke emission from spurious fuels used in motor vehicles is posing a serious threat to public health in four upazilas of the district.

According to local sources, the open sale of the fuels including diesel, petrol and kerosene by a section of dishonest dealers and agents continues unabated despite official ban.

Hundreds of dwellers mainly the passengers, automobile workers and passers-by are exposed to different ailments from inhalation of the fuels’ smoke.

Dr Shashaka Ghosh, medical officer of Madaripur Sadar Hospital, said: “About 25 per cent people have been suffering from various kinds of respiratory tract infection (RTI) due to air pollution caused by black smoke.”

“Due to inhalation of black smoke, the number of patients suffering from bronchitis, upper RTI and cardiac diseases have increased at an alarming rate. The school children, however, are the worst sufferers,” he said.

Hafizur Rahman, assistant director of the Department of Environment, said: “Emission of black smoke from vehicles directly affects both transport workers and common people.

Since the underground oil tanks are not being cleaned for years, lead contamination is polluting the environment.”

“Use of spurious diesel has increased to a large extent due to high price. Black smoke of fuel-driven automobiles like buses, trucks, tempos and motorcycles are polluting the environment with carbon monoxide gas in the air,” he added.

About 25 per cent people have been suffering from various kinds of respiratory tract infection (RTI) due to air pollution caused by black smoke Deputy Commissioner Md Kamal Uddin Biswas said: “In order to check the air pollution, the government has taken a pragmatic step to discourage marketing of lead-mixed octane. Besides, ban has been imposed on the import of two stroke three-wheeler engines and lead-mixed fuel.”

“But, defying the ban, a section of unscrupulous traders is marketing spurious fuel which is causing the emission of black smoke,” the DC added.

Mizanur Rahman Hawlader, secretary of Transport Workers’ Union, said: “The old vehicles, plying on the roads and highway, should be banned immediately.” l

AL leader killed Correspondent, n Our Sirajganj A local Awami League leader was hacked to death by miscreants at Saratail village in Shahjadpur upazila of the district on Monday night following a dispute over nomination of chairman candidate in upcoming union parishad polls.

The deceased was Korban Ali, son of Abdul Aziz, general secretary of Kayempur union Awami League.

The incident took place near Shorappur Shayestabad School at Sadar upazila around 9:30pm while he was returning home.

Quoting locals, Rezaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Shahjadpur police station, said the AL came under attack by a group of miscreants in the village on his way home from Saratail Bazar.

The attackers hacked him indiscriminately with sharp weapons, leaving him dead on the spot.

Rezaul said police suspected Korban was murdered following dispute over candidate nomination in upcoming the union parishad polls.

A case was filed against 30 people including Kayempur union Awami League president Hasan Ali. l

9

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News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

‘Yellow presents Inspiring Women Award’ n Feature Desk An exclusive award ceremony to celebrate the contribution of women in leadership roles is going to take place for the second time on March 8, in Dhaka. Titled “Yellow presents Inspiring Women Award,” the program will honour professional women of the country across various sectors.

Around 500 invited guests from the local and multinational corporate sectors, development agencies, government bodies and dignitaries from the embassies will grace the ceremony at Le Meridien Dhaka Hotel.

With the vision to empower and equip women to reach leadership positions in the various fields of professionalism, the award was first introduced in 2015 as the second phase in the “Inspiring Women in Leadership” project. The first phase “Women

Leadership Summit” took place in June 2014 to discuss and identify the key areas of opportunities and inspiration for the rise of women to leadership positions. Recognising and creating inspiring role models were some of the key findings from the summit. Taking the findings from the summit, the award has been designed to identify and recognise the professional women who can be presented as inspirational role models for the society.

To identify the role models, the award is designed into 17 broad categories, namely: Yellow Inspiring Woman for Lifetime Achievement, Yellow Inspiring Female Entrepreneur, Inspiring Regional Leader, Inspiring Woman in Army, Inspiring Female Performer Dance, Inspiring Male, Inspiring Woman in Sports, Yellow Inspiring Female Diplomat, Inspiring Female Journalist,

Inspiring Woman Against the Odds, Inspiring Female in Cinema, Yellow Inspiring Woman of the Nation, Yellow Most Dynamic Women of the Year, Inspiring Female Startup, Leaders of Tomorrow, Most Female-Friendly Organisation, and Inspiring Female Professional.

The categories concerning the corporate sectors of the country are such that identifying the leading and potentially leading women from each category requires fair judgment from experts. After the categories were defined, nomination was invited from the female employees and employers from the corporate sector. The nominees were shortlisted and then presented to the jury boards for final evaluation and selection of the winners in each category and sub-category.

The jury board comprised of renowned HR experts,

academicians, entrepreneurs and leading figures from the corporate sector of the country.

Presented by Yellow, the award is organised this year in association with Le Meridien Dhaka. Parachute and RFL are

the event partners. The event is also supported by FICCI, MCCI, Dhaka Tribune as Media Partner, Masthead PR as PR Partner, Gtv as TV Partner, Webable as Social Media Partner, and Colors FM as Radio Partner. l

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10

Science

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

How to predict your child’s intelligence with a raisin n

Features Desk

Raisins: They’re not just for making cookies anymore.

Researchers claim they can predict how well an eight-year-old will do in school using nothing but a raisin and a cup when the child is a toddler, according to a press release from the University of Warwick. The Telegraph says the method “could be the simplest test of childhood aptitude ever invented.” Researchers tested hundreds of 20-month-old children by placing a raisin under a cup and telling them to wait until they were told to eat the raisin.

The Telegraph reports the test seems simple enough but can be “excruciating” for a young child and many will fail. In the end, researchers found that toddlers who successfully waited to eat the raisin had an IQ seven points higher when they were eight.

“The raisin game is an easy and effective tool that is good at assessing inhibitory control in young children, and can be used in clinical practice to identify children at risk of attention and learning problems,” researcher Dieter Wolke tells the Telegraph. Researchers published their findings in the Journal of Pediatrics. They were especially interested in looking at how toddlers who were premature babies did on the test. Not well, it turns out. “The lower a child’s gestational age, the lower the

inhibitory control and the more likely that the child had poor attention regulation and low academic achievement,” the study

9 quick facts about humans n

Features Desk

1. If stomachs did not have a lining of mucus, your stomach would digest itself.

2. There are approximately 550 hairs in a person’s eyebrow.

3. The average person will shed 40 pounds of skin in his/her lifetime.

4. The average person will drink about 16,000 gallons of water and produce 10,000 gallons of saliva in his/her lifetime.

5. On average, women say 7,000 words per day while men manage just over 2,000 words.

6. A sneeze can exceed the speed of 100mph.

7. A cough can reach the speed of 60mph.

8. Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

9. It takes 17 muscles to smile while taking 43 muscles to frown. l Source: www.science-facts.com

states. Researchers hope to use their findings to get children likely to underperform academically help earlier in life. l

* This article was originally published on www.newser.com on November 19, 2015. Link: www.newser.com/ story/216355/how-to-predict-your-

Your spit could tell you how long you’re going to live

Photo: BIGSTOCK

n

Photo: BIGSTOCK

Features Desk

A spit test could determine how long you’re going to make it on this Earth. Researchers have found that levels of a certain antibody fall when you’re closer to heading six feet under, which is equally cool and terrifying.

According to the Daily Mail, it all started in 1995 when scientists

took samples from 639 adults and tracked them down over 19 years later. They found that the levels of secretory immunoglobin A (IgA) fell the nearer the person got to death.

Antibodies are used by the body to fight infection and are secreted by white blood cells.

The researchers said the chemical appears to be a marker of

childs-future-intelligence-with-a-raisin. html?utm_source=huffingtonpost. com&utm_medium=referral&utm_ campaign=pubexchange

mortality risk, and is much less invasive than blood sampling.

Testing levels of IgA could be used as way of looking at overall health by professionals as part of a general check-up.

The research was published in the journal PLOS One, but Dr Anna Phillips, from the University of Birmingham, explains that there are a number of factors that can lead to the production of antibodies and how their levels are maintained..

“There are some that we have no control over, such as age, heritability or illness, but our general state of health can also affect their levels; stress, diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking can all influence those levels,” explains Phillips. l * This article was originally published on coed.com on December 27, 2015. Link: coed. com/2015/12/27/your-spit-couldtell-you-how-long-youre-going-tolive/?utm_source=huffingtonpost. com&utm_medium=referral&utm_ campaign=pubexchange

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Editorial 11

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

INSIDE

They don’t treat us right One look at the doctor-to-population ratio (reported to be 1:43,660) gives us an idea of how inadequate the system is. But the woeful state of the health infrastructure in Bangladesh is attributable not to the lack of available public health care services, but to their inferior quality PAGE 12

From the root up Every year, the passing rate has been increasing. Students are sitting for examinations only to pass or achieve a certain grade. Their actual learning is getting more and more limited.

This system is closing down space for creativity or innovation BIGSTOCK

PAGE 13

Peacekeepers set an example for equality

The forgotten genocide The genocide against the Circassians has a unique resemblance to the genocide of Bengalis in 1971. The difference is in the numbers. Bengalis were killed in much larger numbers, and finally they were victorious in their struggle 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.

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angladesh army has appinted a woman officer to lead a contingent for the first time in the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast.

Colonel Dr Nazma Begum leads the team as a commander of 21 field ambulance, a medical team assigned to provide medical support at the Ivory Coast Level-2 Hospital.

She is one of six female officers in the team.

It is encouraging to see women play a growing role in Bangladesh’s contributions to the UN. They are a shining example of the rapid and necessary strides which women are making in our armed forces.

Their example is important to all people in Bangladesh.

Even though Bangladesh has a proud tradition of women occupying leadership roles, including in the most senior political positions in the land, we have a long way to go to fulfill the national goal of gender equality.

Discriminatory social attitudes still need to change for the country to reach a position where it will no longer be newsworthy to celebrate female firsts, as equality will be the expected norm.

It is important then to celebrate the example which women leaders in prominent organisations can provide as role models.

Their achievements offer encouragement to young women and girls and can make a big difference to reforming the glass ceilings which hold back female empowerment.

Empowering women to take more leadership roles across workplaces and society, is essential to our country’s future progress.

As a nation, we should encourage and mentor more women to become leaders.

The economy needs to make the most of everyones skills and talents. Everyone will benefit if women’s skills and talents are not held back.

Empowering women to take more leadership roles is good for everyone

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DT

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

They don’t treat us right There is no excuse for Bangladesh’s health care to be as poor as it is

How can we stay healthy when our health care itself is ailing?

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

One look at the doctor-to-population ratio (reported to be 1:43,660) gives us an idea of how inadequate the system is. But the woeful state of the health infrastructure in Bangladesh is attributable not to the lack of available public health care services, but to their inferior quality

n Lamia Mohsin

A

ccording to an article recently published in Business Insider, which described the expenditure patterns of different nationalities, the US was identified as the biggest global investor on health care quite predictably, with the Health Care Bill considered to be a historic reform pushed forward by the Obama

administration.

World-wide concerns about health care are on the rise, especially in developing nations, which are traditionally seen to be lacking when it comes to proper sanitation, hygiene, and health care.

The standard of health care is also one of the reasons for lower life expectancies in Sub-Saharan African and South-East Asian nations.

Over the decades, however, international development agencies have played a pivotal role in facilitating tremendous development in the health sector, the forerunners being UN and its auxiliary bodies.

From an economic perspective, a healthy nation is a productive nation, a notion which strongly advocates the substantial allotment of resources to health care, something that Bangladesh’s

last two budgets have failed to uphold, evidenced by the lowest allocation recorded in 24 years.

One look at the doctor-topopulation ratio (reported to be 1:43,660) gives us an idea of how inadequate the system is.

But the woeful state of the health infrastructure in Bangladesh is attributable not to the lack of available public health care services, but to their inferior quality.

Health care is a pluralistic system with four key actors: Government, private sector, NGOs, and donor agencies.

The government is the first key actor which is held as the single most vital provider of health care, as per the constitution.

The quality of services and facilities, however, is quite low due to insufficient allocation of resources, institutional constraints, and absenteeism.

In order to fulfill the huge discrepancy created by the government’s limited capacity

to provide basic health services, the private sector and NGOs have thrived in Bangladesh.

In response to the low quality of public services and their lack of capacity to reach the entire population, international NGOs like Care Bangladesh, or Danida have emerged as the third force.

A parallel expansion in the demand for private health care has seen the radical proliferation in the number of nursing homes and private hospitals over the decade.

One of the underlying causes of the intervention of the private sector could be blamed on the immense pressure on statesubsidised facilities provided by public hospitals like Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Given their affordable fees, they understandably draw a huge proportion of the patients from low or middle income background.

Nevertheless, the pressing problems faced by those seeking public health care, however, is negligence and a lack of maintenance, which have maligned the reputation of public hospitals over the years.

For the affluent class and those belonging to the upper echelons of society, private hospitals are the number one option, with their state-of-the-art facilities and panels of highly qualified specialists.

The huge difference in the fees charged by public and private hospitals for the same service is indicative of the difference in services provided by the two.

A recent incident involving a grievously injured victim of a road accident who was refused medical help --- because, apparently, accidents are criminal cases and have to be dealt with by law enforcers -- and, as a result, succumbed to his injuries, forced quite a few of us to rethink our rights as citizens and human beings.

It is time law-makers addressed the inexcusable legal loopholes that compromise our basic right to health care.

In a country where road accidents are rampant, legislations that protect the lives of victims must be passed. The Hippocratic Oath tells doctors: “I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body, as well as the infirm.”

How much of this oath is remembered in Bangladesh? l Lamia Mohsin is a freelance contributor.

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DT

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

From the root up We need to change education where it matters most -- at the junior level

Textbooks need to change to reflect the times

n Naim Ebna Rahman

T

he quality of our education sector has always been a hotly debated issue in Bangladesh, ever since its independence in 1971. It is alarming that this situation is worsening day by day. Recently, this issue has drawn our attention for several reasons.

Basically, our education system is divided into three levels: Primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Junior level education is the pillar of the educational system of a country.

The success or failure of higher level education depends on junior level education. If we want to increase the enrolment rate in higher education, first of all, we will have to ensure quality education at the junior level.

We are all familiar with the proverb that education is the backbone of a nation.

That’s a perfectly agrreable sentiment. But it forgets to factor in one crucial element: The quality of education In the present world, quality is the first priority for all people.

But it is an unfortunate reality that, day by day, the quality of education in Bangladesh is decreasing rampantly.

It seems that our government is in a hurry to show off quantity rather than the quality of our education.

In recent years, the government has introduced a few public examinations for junior level students such as PSC and JSC. Though there are lots of controversies about these public examinations, policy-makers have paid little attention there.

Teachers and guardians often say that students are being burdened with more examinations and they are being pressured with even more textbooks.

So, many examinations, as a result, are becoming the main barriers to the flourishing of innovative and creative minds in the next generations.

However, it seems, from the present situation, that the government is only confined to taking examinations and publishing their results, and is not bothered about the quality of education or the well-being of the students at all.

Many scholars are saying that the government itself has set the “pass rate” as the yardstick of its success in the educational sector.

Thus, every year, the passing rate has been increasing. Students are sitting for examinations only to pass or achieve a certain grade.

Their actual learning is getting more and more limited. This system is closing down space for creativity or innovation.

It would be a matter of joy and pleasure if the students passing the public examinations and achieving good grades were

BIGSTOCK

Every year, the passing rate has been increasing. Students are sitting for examinations only to pass or achieve a certain grade. Their actual learning is getting more and more limited. This system is closing down space for creativity or innovation

exhibiting quality in some way.

But questions are raised when we see these very students failing in the admission tests for Dhaka University or other good universities.

It has been said that “the fate of a nation is decided in its classrooms.” And if we fail to ensure quality education in classes, we will obviously lag behind in the modern world.

In this present world, innovation, creativity, and quality are the basis for ensuring excellence in whatever we do.

We are dreaming of becoming a developed country by 2040, and we have already set Vision 2021 which would see us becoming a “digital country” within this period of time.

To achieve this goal, the foremost thing is to ensure good governance and sustainable economic growth. To ensure good governance and economic development, we need qualified

and energetic people who will lead this country from the front.

Lack of quality education at the junior level will have multiple effects in the future, both for nation-building and overall general development.

Unemployment is just another negative side-effect of a poor education system.

In some cases, students get involved in unethical practices such as question paper leaking and bribing to gain admission to universities or to get jobs however they can.

As a result, our social values and norms are being degraded.

This trend leads to a brainless nation. If we really want to keep up with the pace of the modern world by ensuring efficiency, innovation, and productivity, there is no alternative to having quality junior level education.

We have a huge population, and every year a good number of students are enroling in primary

schools.

We can, through proper planning, transform this huge population into human capital.

As we have a scarcity of physical capital, we can utilise this huge stock of human capital for our economic development.

Our government should realise the demand of the hour and address this problem properly.

The Education Ministry should come forward without any delay to ensure quality education by taking all possible measures.

Junior-level textbooks should be revised and modified -- they should also be redesigned to reflect the modern world we live in.

The number of textbooks school-going children are required to carry should also be reduced.

After all, don’t we want a capable generation for the future? l Naim Ebna Rahman is a freelance contributor.

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DT

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

The forgotten genocide The world doesn’t talk about the atrocities committed against the Circassians (Retd) Quazi Sajjad n LtAliCol Zahir Bir Protik

H

istory bears testimony that some powerful nations have a unique strategy to make the global community forget about genocides committed by them against weaker sections of societies. War kills men, women, children, love, and also history.

In the North Caucasus in 1864, a terrible genocide was conducted against a people who were called Circassian. They were erased from existence by deportation, ethnic cleansing, and mass murder.

After extermination and physical liquidation, the evidence of the genocide was destroyed. This happened when in the North Caucasus, Russians were trying to exert their influence to expand their empire. There is an estimate stating that out of 10 Circassians, only one lives in Russia today, and the remaining nine live in 17 countries around the world.

It is known that the early Circassians arrived in North Caucasus in 140BC from Central Anatolian Plateau, presently Turkey and Iran. They have been living in this land since that time.

“Circas” means foreigners, as their ancestors came from Central Anatolian Plateau. Many West European historians and travellers visited Circassians and wrote that they were a peaceful and cultured race. The Circassians later on became Muslims and followed the Sunni sect. Very limited information is available of North Caucasus during the time period of 18 centuries, as the Russian regime had tried to keep the flow of information controlled.

Sochi, a port city on the Black Sea, 150 years ago, witnessed a part of the genocide. The Russian Army and the Cossacks surrounded the Circassian villages, committed murder, and forced the living ones to march to Sochi, the deportation point where ships were lined up for carrying them to the Ottoman Empire.

During the forced march, many succumbed to hunger and disease. When they reached the sea beaches, dogs were roaming and attacking the Circassians. The surviving Circassians were packed into the ships; in some cases there would be about 2,000 people in one small ship which would also carry livestock. The crowded ships led to spread of diseases, and when the ships arrived at their destinations, they only contained remnants of their original human

cargo. These ships were referred to by contemporaries as “floating graveyards.”

The dead Circassians in the ships used to be thrown into the sea as food for the fish. Many Turks of Circassians still do not eat fish, in memory of their ancestors who met such a terrible fate during the passage of the Black Sea. It is known that the modern city of Amman was born after refugee Circassians settled there in 1887.

Only a small number of Circassians were allowed to live in Russia, but they were forcibly resettled away from their home in different parts of the country.

The Imperial Russian Army with the assistance of nomadic Cossacks were the main perpetrators of the genocide. They prepared a calculated and precise plan for complete annihilation of the Circassians.

The Circassians were living in the foot hills of North Caucasus.

When Russian Tsar Alexander II was following aggressive policies

The Circassian way of life has been lost forever

The genocide against the Circassians has a unique resemblance to the genocide of Bengalis in 1971. The difference is in the numbers. Bengalis were killed in much larger numbers, and finally they were victorious in their struggle

against the Circassians, they were trying hard to remain good neighbours to Russia via cooperation and dialogue. However, Russians the had a different plan.

Russia decided to kill the tribal people living along the Don River, who were different from white Russians. They spread propaganda, painting Circassians as savages.

Russian and Cossacks both believed in white supremacy, and considered the Circassians as an inferior race. The genocide started in 1864, and was completed by 1867. In three years, a peaceful, vibrant, and cultured community was destroyed. It is not known how many people were killed, and how many were forced to march to the Black Sea, but the number is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

It is estimated that the casualty figure was about four million. The Russian census of 1897 records only 150,000 Circassians, one-

tenth of the original number -- still remaining in their conquered regions.

Russian President Boris Yeltsin, in May 1994, said resistance to the Tsarist forces was legitimate.

However, he did not recognise the guilt of the Tsarist regime for the genocide.

The Russian Empire mobilised the Cossacks to join with the Russian army in the north of Kuban River to conduct the genocide. Cossacks were given the right by the Russian Tsar to loot the Circassians.

The Tsar allowed Cossacks to forcibly occupy Circassian villages.

The Cossacks used brutal force on Circassians, took away their lands, and killed them. As a display of gratitude, the Cossacks gifted a part of the occupied land to Russian Army officers.

The Russian Empire was actively seeking to expand to the south towards the neighbouring Ottoman Empire and Iran. As such,

it decided to incorporate Caucasus into their orbit. They also wanted to establish forts and garrisons in these areas. At that time, the Ottoman Empire and Iran were their enemies. Circassians being Muslims were thought to be a security hazard for Russia.

Initially, the Russian Army was faced with a combination of highly mobile raiders and evasive Circassians guerrillas with superior terrain knowledge.

As the news of attacks spread, the Circassian cause began to arouse sympathy in European countries, especially Britain, whom they assisted in the Crimean War. The Russian Army resorted to a unique strategy to destroy the Circassian resistance by modifying the terrain. They constructed a network of roads and cleared the forests, and destroyed native villages.

In 1857, the Russian minister of war, Dmitry Milyutin, propagated the concept of mass expulsions

BIGSTOCK

of Circassian natives through his writings. His vision was that Circassians could not be allowed to continue living in Russia and eliminating them was the only solution. Tsar Alexander II had endorsed his plans.

Mass murder, deportations, and ethnic cleansing were manifestations of the modernday concept of genocide. It is estimated that 90% of Circassians were victims of ethnic cleansing and genocide. The exact numbers will probably be never known.

The genocide against the Circassians has a unique resemblance to the genocide of Bengalis in 1971. There is a resemblance between Pakistan Army and their collaborators, and the Tsar’s army and its Cossack collaborators.

The mass killing, looting, and torching of villages, and deaths in the refugee trails that happened in Bangladesh echo the events of the Circassian genocide.

The difference is in the numbers. Bengalis were killed in much larger numbers, and finally they were victorious in their struggle. In the end, Bengalis won -- otherwise their fate would probably be similar to that of the Circassian people, whose new generations have no identity today. l Lt Col (Retd) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir Bir Protik is a Freedom Fighter, a recipient of Swadhinata Padak, and a researcher on the Liberation War.

DT

Business 15

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

INSIDE Biman to hold AGM this month

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has decided to hold annual general meeting of Biman Bangladesh Airlines this month as per the High Court directive. “We will hold AGM of the Biman this month (March) as per the High Court order and hope the present crisis will be resolved then,”Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday. PAGE 16

Stocks continue to hit dry spell

Stocks at the country’s twin bourses continued to decline for the fifth straight session, breaking the major support level below 4,500-mark as investors went on a massive sell-off. The prime index of Dhaka Stock Exchange, DSEX, shed 0.62% or 28 points to end at 4,484, hitting three and a half months low since November 18 last year. PAGE 17

Joint drives soon to prevent revenue evasion The latest NBR meeting puts special emphasis on anti-smuggling activities the taskforce activities.

Intelligence and Investigation disclosed the decision as the chair n Tribune Report It has also decided to take necDirectorate of NBR will conduct of the meeting. The meeting was The authorities concerned have decided to conduct joint drives consisting of officials from the National Board of Revenue and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to prevent revenue evasion in the country.

The joint teams will conduct the drive as the recently reconstituted central anti-smuggling taskforce has decided to take strict actions against dishonest traders evading revenues, laundering money and commit smuggling.

Currently, some 80% of the money laundering incidents are trade-based in Bangladesh.

This is one of the three core decisions taken in monthly revenue conference of NBR held at its headquarters on Monday.

NBR chairman Nojibur Rahman, also the head of the newly reconstituted anti-smuggling task force,

attended by NBR members and commissioners from its customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) wing.

NBR organised the meeting a day after it hosted first meeting of the newly reconstituted anti-smuggling task force committee at is office on Sunday.

The latest meeting put special emphasis on anti-smuggling activities, along with other initiatives required for enhancing revenue collection activities.

The meeting instructed all NBR commissioners from income tax, customs and Value Added Tax wing to conduct the combined drives that will be jointly done with them and the members of recently reconstituted central anti-smuggling taskforce.

Central Intelligence Cell, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, VAT Audit

the drives in a combined way with other government agencies.

The government agencies involved in the drive are Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Rapid Action Battalion, Narcotics Control Department, National Security Intelligence, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Bank and Railway Range of Bangladesh Police.

Prior to conduct the combined drives, the teams have to inform the central anti-smuggling taskforce and it can take support from all agencies involved in the initiative.

The meeting also decided to conduct anti-smuggling activities through teamwork, cooperation and regular communication with relevant stakeholders to expedite

essary initiatives for making the regional anti-smuggling taskforce led by the divisional commissioners more fruitful and results-oriented.

To make this happen, NBR Chief Nojibur Rahman has instructed the meeting organisers to ensure the presence of representatives from divisions, districts and upazila’s in the meeting.

In addition, all NBR commissioners have been asked to be in their office as full-time basis and they have to visit and monitor their subordinate offices properly.

Addressing the meeting, the NBR chairman said the security system of the state may face interruption due to smuggling and money laundering.

So everyone has to work together to combat these crimes, added Nojibur. l

NBR takes hardline approach against recruitment of unauthorised foreigners OPEC watching Iran, Russia, unlikely to cut output in June

OPEC is very unlikely to cut output at its next meeting in June, even if prices remain extremely low, according to OPEC sources and delegates, as it will be too early to say how fast Iranian output is rising. PAGE 18

Capital market snapshot: Tuesday DSE Broad Index

4,484.0

-0.6% ▼

Index

1,089.1

-1.0% ▼

30 Index

1,715.4

-0.4% ▼

Turnover in Mn Tk

4,406.4

-4.8% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

119.5

-8.4% ▼

All Share Index 13,842.8

-0.6% ▼

30 Index

12,554.3

-0.1% ▼

8,412.3

-0.5% ▼

CSE

Selected Index Turnover in Mn Tk

281.2 -44.9% ▼

Turnover in Mn Vol

9.0 -39.1% ▼

n Tribune Report The National Board of Revenue urged the employers not to recruit any unauthorised foreigners and threatened punitive actions if they do so.

It also sought their cooperation in collecting income tax from foreign workers in Bangladesh.

The call came at a meeting between NBR and five trade bodies at the NBR headquarters in Dhaka yesterday.

A long-term strategic plan was decided to be formulated to monitor tax collection from foreigners and taking punitive actions, the meeting sources said.

Under the plan, the NBR’s income tax wing would launch drive against recruitment of unauthorised foreigners while a taskforce would also be formed.

Officials said the taskforce would be aimed at collecting information, coordinating between agencies concerned and cooperation.

The agencies will share information between themselves so that a complete data bank can be made on working foreigners in the country.

The taskforce will include representatives from Board of Investment, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, NGO Affairs Bureau, National Security Intelligence, Special Branch of

Police, Department of Immigration and Passports, Bangladesh Bank and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

The employers, however, demanded a guideline on foreigners recruitment.

Leaders of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry attended the meeting with NBR Chairman Nojibur Rahman in the chair.

NBR organised the meeting as part of awareness raising initiative among the employers on the matter.

As per the Finance Bill 2015, the companies, if found guilty of employing unauthorised foreigners, will pay 50% additional tax of total payable tax or Tk5 lakh as fine, whichever is higher.

The companies will also lose tax holiday or exemption benefits.

Currently, around 450,000 foreign nationals, mostly from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, South Korea and some European and African countries are working legally or illegally in Bangladesh.

Although all the foreigners are to pay 30% tax on their income, only some 10,000 do so.

Many of them are living and working here without any work authorisation, and leave Bangladesh secretly without paying due tax.

Officials alleged employers also

helped the foreign workers dodge tax as they work on temporary basis renewing work permits every three months.

According to the Income Tax Ordinance 1984, a foreign national needs to open a tax file in Bangladesh if they stay for a period of 182 days or more in a year, or stay 90 days or more in a year after staying 365 days in previous four years.

They also need to present their tax clearance certificates from the NBR while crossing the immigration desk before leaving the country.

However, most of the foreigners now skip payment of their due tax because of lack of immigration check posts.

The meeting decided to take steps to make foreigners submit income tax certificate and clearance to the immigration desk during departure.

According to the BoI data, nearly 12,000 foreigners receives work permit from the authority every year.

“Once the process is complete, there will be no chance for foreigners to work in Bangladesh illegally,” NBR chairman said. l

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16

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Biman to hold AGM this month n Ishtiaq Husain

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has decided to hold annual general meeting of Biman Bangladesh Airlines this month as per the High Court directive.

“We will hold AGM of the Biman this month (March) as per the High Court order and hope the present crisis will be resolved then,”Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.

The ministry had lately dissolved the airlines’ the highest decision-making body as it “failed to hold” AGM within the stipulated time, which was December last year.

The absence of board hampered the national flag carrier’s smooth operation and stopped the process of taking all policy decisions.

Biman had to halt preparation of launching operation in

new routes, approval of a new organogram and a new pay scale, appointment of General Sales Agent (GSA) and renewal of GSA agreements for different stations due to the dissolving of board.

The scheduled resumption of operations in two old routes and launching of three new routes in April remained uncertain as the board’s final approvals were still pending.

However, there were controversies about the way the ministry had dissolved the board.

A Biman official said the Companies Act didn’t empower the ministry to dissolve board of directors before holding AGM. Another official said if Biman failed to hold AGM in time, the board would automatically be dissolved.

He said: “Biman needs a major overhauling in the structure of management to ensure accountability and transparency.” l

Palak: We soon to become IT products manufacturing nation n Tribune Report ICT Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said Bangladesh would become a world’s one of the digital device manufacturers in next 2-3 years in a shift of status of being a user country only.

“Smartphones and laptops will be assembled in the Hitech Park now under development,” he said while announcing a three-day ICT expo from tomorrow at a press conference yesterday.

Styled as “Bangladesh ICT Expo 2016”, the event will be held at the capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. This is the second after last year’s expo.

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal will inaugurate the event. The expo will showcase technology-based innovations and new tech products. It is intended to unlock economic potentials of the country’s IT sector, say organisers.

The expo will remain open from 10am to 8pm every day.

The government’s ICT Division, in collaboration with Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS), is organising the event, expecting nearly 400,000 vis-

itors this year. Some government organisations and trade bodies will also participate.

ICT Division Secretary Shyam Sunder Sikder said the government had laid emphasis on building a manufacturing ecosystem and setting up a research and development unit to boost Bangladesh’s ICT sector.

BCS President AHM Mahfuzul Arif and Microsoft Bangladesh’s Country Manager Sonia Bashir Kabir, among others, were also present.

Organisers said a robot developed by the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology students will welcome visitors at the inauguration.

A drone made by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology students will also fly over the audience attending the function.

The exposition, one of the biggest ever expositions in the ICT sector of the country, would be assemblage of local and international experts who will share and exchange knowledge on ICT advancement and challenges in the seminars to be organised during the event, said AHM Mahfuzul Arif, President of BCS. l

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17

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Stocks continue to hit dry spell SM Abu Tayyab new IBFB n Tribune Report Stocks at the country’s twin bourses continued to decline for the fifth straight session, breaking the major support level below 4,500-mark as investors went on a massive sell-off.

The prime index of Dhaka Stock Exchange, DSEX, shed 0.62% or 28 points to end at 4,484, hitting three and a half months low since November 18 last year.

DS30 comprising the blue chip stocks lost 0.43% or 7 points to end at 1,715 while the shariah index DSES declined by 0.97% or 11 points, finishing the session at 1,089.

“By the end of the session, DSEX settled at 4,484 points, with a 28-point loss as investors went for profit booking as well as dividend

adjustment,” IDLC Investments said in its regular market commentary.

It also said the market participation decreased slightly, which caused a low turnover.

DSEX continued its downward trajectory for the fifth consecutive day yesterday backed up by the heavy sell-off of Grameenphone having the largest market capitalisation, said LankBangla Securities.

Other large caps like BATBC, Square Pharma, BATA Shoe, Beximco Pharma also followed the downward spiral, the stock broker said.

The daily turnover at the premier bourse stood at T440 crore, which was 4.8% lower than the previous session’s value of Tk460 crore. Among the issues traded, 96 securities gained price and 178

declined while 50 remained unchanged.

All the large cap sectors showed negative performances. Telecommunication, down by 4.67%, was the worst performer of the day followed by Food and Allied 2.86%.

Pharmaceuticals and Banks declined by 0.65% and 0.60% respectively.

Engineering lost 0.53% and Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) 0.21%. Power closed flat in the red.

The banks’ overall capital increased by 3.62% in the last quarter of 2015 as asset quality of most banks improved. The banks’ capital stood at Tk75,352 crore on December 31, which was 10.84% of their total risk-weighted assets. l

chair for Ctg chapter n Tribune Report SM Abu Tayyab has been elected as the new chairperson to the Chittagong chapter of International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) for the year of 2016 and 2017.

The election took place on February 28 on the sidelines of the annual general meeting held in a port city restaurant, said a press release issued yesterday.

As a business tycoon, Tayyab holds a series of important positions in businesses both locally and beyond.

He is the managing director of Independent Apparels Ltd., Brothers Apparels Ltd. and Independent Fashion Wear Ltd. Besides, he is the chairman of Chittagong Club Limited and former first vice-president of BGMEA and former director of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Alongside Tayyab, Md Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, managing director of Eastern Group, and Wahid Malek, managing editor of The Daily Azadi, were also elected as the vice-chairpersons of IBFB for Chittagong chapter.

The annual general meetign was attended by IBFB members, eminent business leaders and other distinguished guests from Chittagong. l

DT

18

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

OPEC watching Iran, Russia, unlikely to cut output in June

Insurers find Google a potential rival

n Reuters, Dubai

n Reuters, London

OPEC is very unlikely to cut output at its next meeting in June, even if prices remain extremely low, according to OPEC sources and delegates, as it will be too early to say how fast Iranian output is rising.

The sources, which include officials from the Middle East, say OPEC countries such as Saudi Arabia also want to test Russia’s commitment to freezing output before taking any further steps to stablize prices.

More than 18 months after oil prices began a steep slide due to excess supply, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Venezuela and non-OPEC Russia agreed last month to freeze output at January levels in the first global oil pact in 15 years.

Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said last week a supply cut was not on the cards although adding that the production freeze was only the first step to balance the market after prices fell to their lowest since 2003.

“Maybe by the end of the year (a cut could be possible) when it is really clear that Iran is actually producing the volumes they are talking about. But not in June,” a source from one of OPEC’s Middle Eastern producers said.

January was peak or nearpeak production for Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world’s two top oil exporters, but Iran - OPEC’s No 3 producer - is the key supply uncertainty for 2016 as it is raising output after the lifting of Western sanctions in January, adding barrels to the already saturated market.

Over the past month, Iran has issued conflicting statements saying

More than 40% of insurers see Google as a potential threat because of its strong brand and ability to use customer data, a report released yesterday said.

And young, mobile phone-friendly consumers may bypass traditional insurers for “new, more nimble” competitors, consultancy Capgemini’s annual world insurance report said. Google beat other household names Amazon and Wal Mart as the biggest new entrant threat, based on interviews with more than 150 insurance executives.

Insurers are looking to use technology to gain more information about their customers and potentially offer them lower-cost insurance. This has already happened in car insurance with telematics - the use of a black box in cars to see how safely customers are driving.

One of the next areas for insurers is the connected home - with technology that enables you to turn off your oven from a distance if it has been left on, for example, potentially avoiding a fire. Google owns connected home products maker Nest, which could act as a springboard to providing insurance.

“To withstand the coming competition, insurers must build up their brands, learn to take advantage of real-time customer data, and develop agile operating models,” Capgemini said.

However, some insurance industry specialists doubt that technology companies will enter the heavily-regulated insurance sector directly, seeing them as more likely to form partnerships with insurers, potentially giving those firms an advantage. l

The logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is pictured on the wall of the OPEC headquarters in Vienna REUTERS it could add up to 1.5 million barrels per day over the next year which would confound market skepticism that its fields were damaged by years of sanctions.

Meanwhile, its February exports have disappointed as European buyers were cautious to immediately boost trade amid remaining dollar clearance and ship insurance problems.

“No-one at OPEC knows what’s going on with Iranian fields. So the Saudis want to see what happens in reality,” a source in one of the OPEC delegations who is familiar with production freeze negotiations, said.

No special terms

Non-OPEC Oman and some OPEC sources have floated an idea of Iran

being exempt from output freezes - as was Iraq in the past when the country was subject of international sanctions - but so far Tehran has not been offered any special terms, according to OPEC sources.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said last week the production freeze was “laughable” while Iranian sources say the country would be prepared to discuss a production pact once its output reached the pre-sanctions level.

Analysts believe output and exports could rise by a maximum of 0.7 million bpd to around 3.5 million bpd in the next months but it will take time to understand where real figures stand.

Iran, for instance, has already told OPEC it was pumping as much as 3.4 million bpd in January - a

much higher number than estimated by OPEC watchers.

By June, when OPEC holds it next meeting, the picture of Iranian exports will still not be clear, several OPEC sources said, adding that they might only have reliable numbers for April. The sources also said it will be too early to say in June if the world’s record oil stocks have finally become to shrink.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have not said the output freeze would be void if Iran refuses to join in, leaving room for a potential compromise.

Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak plans to travel to Iran, Moscow’s close ally, in March for more talks on the production freeze, which he said could last for as long as a year. l

China manufacturing activity CORPORATE NEWS shrinks at fastest in 4 years n AFP, Beijing Manufacturing activity in China shrank at its fastest rate in four years in February, government data showed yesterday, a fresh sign of sustained weakness in the world’s second-largest economy.

The official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which tracks activity in factories and workshops, fell to 49 last month, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed.

It was the lowest figure since 49.0 in November 2011, and was below the median forecast of 49.4 in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

A reading above 50 signals expanding activity in the vital sector,

while anything below indicates contraction. Investors watch the index closely as the first available official indicator of the country’s economic health each month.

It was the seventh consecutive month that the official index showed contraction, which Bloomberg News said was the longest such series on record.

The figures came only hours after the central People’s Bank of China cut the amount banks must hold in reserve in the latest attempt to tackle slowing growth.

It trimmed the so-called reserve requirement ratio for financial institutions by 0.50 percentage points, freeing up more funds for them to lend. l

National Bank Limited has recently shifted its branch in Hathazari to new premises at Foyez Shopping Center in Ramgor Road.

The bank’s deputy managing director and head of Chittagong region, Wasif Ali Khan inaugurated the shifted branch

19

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

| hospitality |

| offers |

Women’s Day special deals at Amari

Style Lounge’s packages

On March 8, Amari Dhaka will celebrate the achievements of women in all spheres of life on International Women’s Day 2016. On this special occasion, Amari has organised a three-day activity specifically designed for lovely women to share their aspirations and pay respect to the women from March 7-9. Also, Amari aims to attract passionate individuals to explore a range of

employment opportunities on March 8.

To pamper women, all the outlets will implement their own different activities. For instance, Cascade Lounge, the Asian buffet restaurant Amaya and Deck 41 will offer a 30% discount on food only for lunch and dinner and 50% discount on spa treatments.

All women will get a discount card with three months validity

where female guests will be able to avail 10% off on food in all food and beverage outlets in Amari and 20% off on Cats Eye outlets by using this card.

They will also employ Women’s Day recruitment options, where ONYX’s brands will offer female talents the unique opportunity to explore a career with ONYX, which is broadly based in terms of portfolios and one which offers highly sought-after regional and global exposure. Amari Dhaka is giving the chance to discover career growth opportunities, and meet with human resources representatives to discuss career options.

There will be recruitment for different departments from 9:30am to 3pm at Amari Dhaka. Candidates can apply for their preferred positions, and shortlisted candidates will be called for further interview. Upon visiting the property, candidates are requested to bring their résumé and a recent passport size photo. l

DT

Biz Info

Style Lounge Makeover Beauty Salon, located at Dhanmondi-27, House-45/A, (opposite Meena Bazar), has a number of lucrative packages ranging from haircuts to full bridal packages, which includes waxing, make-up and hairstyling from L’Oreal professional hair expert Sk Sahil Khan.

Recently they have also launched Hair Schemes which are include L’Oreal Professional Shine Bond Rebonding and Hair Cut, Hair SPA at Tk6,999, and Balayage Ombre Hair Color, Get 1 Hair Cut Free at Tk4,999. Discounts on bridal packages are also currently on offer at the moment. l

| seminar |

| activation |

Seminar on “Interaction between University & Industries” at BUFT

Launching the first floating hospitals in Bangladesh

BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) organised a seminar on “Interaction between University & Industries – RMG and Textile Sector” followed by a signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BUFT, Aamra Resources Ltd, and Lectra were held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka.

Prof Engr Mashud Ahmed, vice chancellor of Bangladesh University of Textile (BUTex), David Hasanat, chairman of Viyellatex Group and Engr Md Shamsuzzaman, MD, Micro Fibre Group and president, ITET were present as the special guests of the event. The program was chaired by Prof Dr Syed Masud Husain, vice chancellor of BUFT.

Muzaffar U Siddique, founder chairman, Board of Trustees of BUFT, distinguished guests from different garments and textiles industries, high officials

from Netherlands Embassy and NUFFIC attended the seminar and the MoU signing ceremony.

Heads of the departments, faculty members and high officials of BUFT and Aamra Resources Ltd, and journalists from electronic and print media were also present.

The keynote speaker was Prof Dr Engr Ayub Nabi Khan, pro vice chancellor of BUFT. In his speech Prof Nabi highlighted the importance of the Interaction and partnership between universities and industries. l

Friendship, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), jointly with SES, a world-leading satellite operator based in Luxembourg, announced the launching of the first state-of-the-art Maritime VSATs on river barges. The Maritime VSATs will be deployed on three floating hospital ships; Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital, Emirates Friendship Hospital and Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital, under technical assistance of Square Informatix (Bangladesh) Ltd. In May 2014, Friendship collaborated with SES for the development of SATMED project, an e-health platform conceived

by SES and supported by the Luxembourg Government and the Ministry of Cooperation and Humanitarian Action.

SATMED is a satellite based communication solution aimed to improve public health in emerging and developing countries, most significantly in isolated areas with poor connectivity.

As part of the project scope Friendship will install three maritime VSATs to enable constant Internet connectivity and data communication in its three floating hospitals: Emirates Friendship Hospital, Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital and Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital.

Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship, announced while the installation will take place between March 1-5, 2016, the formal launching will be held on March 2 at Emirates Friendship Hospital. l

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20

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Blushing (3) 3 Move about restlessly (6) 8 Augury (4) 9 Land measure (3) 10 Time of holding (6) 11 The holding of anything (6) 14 Long lock (5) 17 Engraving in relief (5) 20 Cover for loose papers (6) 24 Appraises (6) 26 Self (3) 27 Weak glue (4) 28 One’s right wits (6) 29 Female deer (3)

DOWN 1 Floating structure (4) 2 Soft feathers (4) 3 Festivity (4) 4 Inactive (5) 5 Open material (5) 6 Do wrong (3) 7 Swarms (5) 12 Period of time (3) 13 Stain (3) 15 Cricket score (3) 16 Prosecute (3) 17 Grottoes (5) 18 Gourd (5) 19 Abnormally fat (5) 21 Egyptian goddess (4) 23 Acting part (4) 25 Mature (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 9 represents H so fill H every time the figure 9 appears.

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

Some letters of the alphabet may not be used.

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

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

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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

PEANUTS

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS CODE-CRACKER

CROSSWORD

DILBERT

SUDOKU

DT

World 21

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

INSIDE

The best 2016 candidates can hope for on Super Tuesday n Tribune Desk

New Delhi links Islamabad to deadly air base attack India on Tuesday linked the Pakistan government to a militant attack on an air base in Punjab that killed seven soldiers in January.

PAGE 23

It’s called Super Tuesday for a reason.

Voters in the four states to hold 2016 presidential primaries and caucuses thus far have handed out just a fraction of the delegates it takes to win the Democratic and Republican nominations.

But when a dozen states vote on Tuesday, nearly half the delegates needed to win the Republican nod and more than one-third required to win the Democratic one are at stake.

Each of the remaining major candidates has a “best-case scenario” for a day that’s likely to provide some decisive moments in the 2016 race for president.

Here’s a look at what they might be--

REPUBLICANS

Overhaul of UK surveillance laws sparks privacy row Britain’s security services and police would have their right to trawl in bulk for online data boosted under a proposed new law to recast surveillance powers published Tuesday.

PAGE 23

Donald Trump After winning the past three Republican contests, the best-case scenario isn’t just to keep that streak alive — it’s to run up the score and finish off one or more of his rivals. Delegates will be awarded proportionally on Super Tuesday; there are no winner-take-all states. Trump is looking for commanding victories, especially in Southern states where Texas Senator Ted Cruz has long claimed an advantage. In a sign of confidence, Trump plans to spend Tuesday campaigning in three states that won’t even be voting March 1: Ohio, Kentucky and Florida.

Marco Rubio

UK’s EU deal: Hollow or substantial?

As Britons prepare to vote in a June referendum on whether to stay in the European Union, some of the argument turns on the significance of a package of EU reforms secured by Prime Minister David Cameron.

PAGE 24

Rubio has campaigned since Friday as if the Republican campaign has already settled into a two-man contest between him and Trump.

But that scenario will likely require finishing ahead of Trump in at least one state and ahead of Cruz in just about every state but Texas.

If he wins more than one state, it may pressure Cruz, Ohio’s John Kasich and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson to consider quitting the race. Preference polls show Rubio in a solid second or within reach of second in almost all the Super Tuesday states, with Trump ahead in every state but Cruz’s Texas — where the most delegates are available on Tuesday.

Ted Cruz

Cruz built his campaign on the idea of sweeping Super Tuesday,

Super Tuesday DEMOCRATS

March

Delegates elected on March 1

1,017

1 661 REPUBLICANS

4,763 Total delegates 2,472 2,382 Required to win nomination 1,237

Voting Already voted

P Primaries C Caucus

Wyoming C 29

C Convention xx Delegates to be elected

Oklahoma 42 P 43

Minnesota 93 C 38

Vermont 26 P 16 Massachusetts 116 P 42

Tennessee 76 P 58

Alaska C 28

Virginia 109 P 49

American Samoa 10 C

Georgia 117 P 76

Colorado 79 C 37 Texas 252 P 155

Arkansas 37 P 40

Alabama 60 P 50

Source: realclearpolitics, The Green Papers

THE DELEGATE COUNT SO FAR IOWA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

SOUTH CAROLINA

NEVADA

TOTAL

Donald Trump

7

10

50

14

81

Ted Cruz

8

3

0

6

17

Marco Rubio

7

3

0

7

17

John Kasich

4

0

1

1

6

Ben Carson

3

0

0

1

4

Hillary Clinton

23

9

39

19

91

Bernie Sanders

21

15

14

15

65

REPUBLICANS

DEMOCRATS

but Trump’s momentum and appeal with social conservatives and evangelicals threatens to smash his Southern firewall. The best case for Cruz on Tuesday is a solid win in his home state, perhaps with a victory in neighboring Oklahoma or Arkansas, and a string of second-place finishes ahead of Rubio. The Republican establishment’s moves to unite behind Rubio have hurt Cruz’s ability to appear viable on a national level. Beating Rubio would keep the race a three-candidate contest for a few more weeks.

John Kasich

Ohio Governor John Kasich hopes to survive Super Tuesday.

His best-case scenario is to get a handful of delegates in states such as Massachusetts and Virgin-

ia, enough to justify staying in the race until his home state votes on March 15. Of the 11 states voting on Tuesday, Kasich has recently campaigned in only five: Virginia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Tennessee and Georgia. Kasich’s true focus is on trying to win Michigan’s March 8 primary before going on to capture Ohio’s 66 delegates a week later.

DEMOCRATS

Hillary Clinton For Clinton, the best case Super Tuesday is simple: turning her decisive win in South Carolina on Saturday into a sweep across the South and beyond that will cement the perception that she’s marching to her party’s nomination. Clinton’s huge margin among African-American voters

was encouraging to her aides. If Clinton has similarly strong wins in the Southern states that vote on Tuesday, the gains may be enough to grow her delegate lead to the point where Sanders can’t catch up.

Bernie Sanders

Sanders hopes to shift momentum back in his favor with strong showings in Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma and his home state of Vermont. The Vermont senator needs to avoid blowout losses in Southern states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee — and also in Texas, which awards more than 200 delegates. The calendar will get better for Sanders in later March, as states such as Nebraska, Kansas and Maine take their turns. l

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22

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Advertisement

23

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

New Delhi links Islamabad to deadly Pathankot air base attack

SOUTH ASIA

Myanmar brings forward date for presidential nominations Myanmar will announce presidential nominations on 10 March, a week earlier than was previously announced, the speaker of its upper house of parliament has said, shortening the time Aung San Suu Kyi has to negotiate her way to the country’s highest office. Suu Kyi has vowed that if she cannot be president she will form a government in which she is above the president. -THE GUARDIAN

n Tribune Desk India on Tuesday linked the Pakistan government to a militant attack on an air base in Punjab that killed seven soldiers in January.

India had previously blamed militants from the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for the assault on Pathankot air base, which triggered two days of gunbattles.

But on Tuesday New Delhi said the militants could not have carried out the brazen attack on the air base near the Pakistan border without Islamabad’s support.

“Pakistan’s non-state actors were definitely behind the attack. Also, no non-state actor from there (Pakistan) can function smoothly without the state’s support,” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told parliament.

“The entire details of the attack will only come out in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation,” he said.

The NIA, a federal police unit that investigates terror offences, is carrying out a probe into the case.

The rare targeting of an Indian military installation outside the disputed region of Kashmir came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise visit to Pakistan in December.

It led to the postponement of

INDIA

Indian forces kill 8 Maoist rebels

Indian army soldiers take up position on the perimeter of the airforce base in Pathankot on January 3 peace talks planned between the nuclear-armed arch-rivals, with Modi urging his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to take “firm and immediate action”.

The foreign secretaries of the two countries had been scheduled to meet in January. No fresh date has been announced.

Pakistan banned JeM in 2002, a year after it was blamed for an attack on the Indian parliament that took the two neighbours to the brink of war.

It also arrested the group’s leader in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks but he was later released. l

AFP

Facts about Pathankot attack Ü United Jihad Council, a conglomerate of 13 Kashmiri militant groups based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility of the attack. Indian intelligence agencies had, however, accused Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists for the attack. Ü All the militants were heavily armed and well-trained. Each of them carried around 6kg of RDX (explosive material). Ü It is being suspected that the explosives and ammunitions were smuggled into India beforehand, as it is difficult for six people to carry so much ammunition. Ü Preliminary evidence shows that the terrorists entered India through a canal route of the Ravi river in Punjab, where there may have been a serious technical security lapse as the thermal imager located between two Indian BSF posts was not working, reports Times Of India. Reportedly, the same route was used by another group of militants in Punjab’s Gurdaspur attack last year.

Source: FIRSTPOST.IN

n

Britain’s security services and police would have their right to trawl in bulk for online data boosted under a proposed new law to recast surveillance powers published Tuesday.

The new Investigatory Powers Bill would require websites to keep Internet connection records for up to a year and allow law enforcement agencies to access them to help with investigations.

The proposals have already drawn a hostile response from technology companies and privacy campaigners, who say the case for such wide-reaching powers has not been made.

“Powers for bulk interception and bulk equipment interference -- hacking by any other name -leaves the right to privacy dangerously undermined and the security of our infrastructure at risk,” said Gus Hosein, executive director of Privacy International.

The bill is being published

amid a global debate on how far countries should go in snooping on citizens’ private data following leaks by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

In the US, Apple is locked in a legal battle with the FBI over a warrant which seeks to make it unlock an iPhone used by one of the attackers who shot dead 14

Security forces killed 8 suspected Maoist militants, including 5 women, in a raid on a rebel training camp in central India on Tuesday, police said. Police raided the camp in the forests of Sukna, 250 miles from Raipur, the state capital of Chhattisgarh. A rebel leader with a $7,300 bounty on his head was among those killed.

-REUTERS

CHINA

Major powers warn China over new security laws China has been warned of serious international concerns over new laws covering counter-terrorism, cyber security and foreign charities, with the signatories to a letter from world powers urging Beijing to rethink the legislation. The US, Canadian, German and Japanese ambassadors signed a letter addressed to minister of public security Guo Shengkun, voicing unease about the new and draft laws.

-THE GUARDIAN

ASIA PACIFIC

Overhaul of UK surveillance laws sparks privacy row AFP, London

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people in San Bernardino, California, in December.

Home Secretary Theresa May insisted that the British government was “not seeking sweeping new powers” in what would be the first overhaul of surveillance laws for 15 years.

“Terrorists and criminals are operating online and we need to

BIGSTOCK

ensure the police and security services can keep pace with the modern world and continue to protect the British public from the many serious threats we face,” she added.

Safeguards in the bill include a new “double-lock” authorisation process meaning that both the home secretary and a judicial commissioner will have to review applications for interception warrants.

The bill also reinforces existing encryption powers, allowing officials to ask technology companies to provide content where it is deemed “practicable”.

The House of Commons is expected to hold its first debate on the bill in two weeks.

Ministers hope to pass the legislation by the end of the year, when existing powers expire.

Over 100 politicians, campaigners and academics signed a letter to the Daily Telegraph Tuesday warning the government against rushing the bill through parliament. l

Vietnam hit by worst drought in 90 years Vietnam is suffering its worst drought in nearly a century with salinisation hitting farmers especially hard in the crucial southern Mekong delta, experts said Monday. The water level of the Mekong River has gone down to its lowest level since 1926, leading to the worst drought and salinisation there, Nguyen Van Tinh, deputy head of the hydraulics department under the Ministry of Agriculture, told.

-AFP

MIDDLE EAST

Dae’sh suicide bombs penetrate Iraq army HQ, kill general

4 Dae’sh suicide bombers infiltrated an army headquarters west of Baghdad, killing an Iraqi general and five other soldiers, army and police officers said on Tuesday. The bombers attacked a regimental headquarters in the Haditha area of Anbar province late on Monday, killing Staff Brigadier General Ali Aboud, Lt Colonel Farhan Ibrahim and four others, the sources said.

-AFP

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USA

Donald Trump misquotes Mahatma Gandhi Donald Trump on Monday posted a quote on Instagram attributing it to Mahatma Gandhi, but the American media said there is no evidence that the Indian leader had ever used these words. “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win - Mahatma Gandhi,” Trump wrote on social networking site Instagram. Christian Science Monitor has put this among the top 10 political misquotes.

-TOI

THE AMERICAS

Mexico to fire over 3,000 teachers who skipped test Mexico’s government will fire more than 3,000 teachers who skipped evaluations under a controversial education reform that has sparked protest in the country’s poorest states, authorities said Monday. Education Minister Aurelio Nuno said 2.2% of the 153,000 teachers who had to take the test never showed up and will be sacked on Tuesday.

-AFP

UK

UK to send troops to Tunisia to stop Dae’sh Britain is to send troops to Tunisia to help prevent Dae’sh fighters from moving into the country from Libya, the British defence minister has said. The 4th Infantry Brigade is now moving to Tunisia to help to counter illegal cross-border movement from Libya in support of the Tunisian authorities, Michael Fallon told Parliament on Monday.

-REUTERS

EUROPE

UN: Over 131,000 migrants reached Europe by sea in 2016 More than 131,000 migrants and refugees have reached Europe via the Mediterranean this year, more than the total number in the first five months of 2015, the United Nations said Tuesday. Out of a total of 131,724 people who have arrived on Europe’s shores this year, 122,637 landed in Greece and most were fleeing the conflict in Syria, the UN’s refugee agency said.

-AFP

AFRICA

South Africa court to hear case against President A court in South Africa is hearing a case brought by the opposition to reinstate 738 corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma. His office said he would oppose the bid, as prosecutors acted rationally when dropping the charges in 2009. However, The opposition believes the decision was political, and opened the way for Zuma to become president.

-BBC

INSIGHT

UK’s EU deal: Hollow or substantial? n Reuters, Brussels As Britons prepare to vote in a June referendum on whether to stay in the European Union, some of the argument turns on the significance of a package of EU reforms secured by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Cameron insists he has negotiated a radical reshaping of Britain’s place in the EU, a “special status”. Critics at home, including members of his own Conservative government, say the deal was insubstantial- a view echoed by some EU leaders.

As with much Brussels diplomacy, the negotiation involved not only narrowing differences so that all could agree on a compromise text but governments presenting the deal in often diametrically contradictory ways to their home audiences.

A senior diplomat from one of Britain’s major EU partners poured scorn on the agreement, expressing the frustration many in Brussels feel at the effort spent solving what they view as an internal Conservative Party feud that has endangered the Union and which the deal may ultimately do little to resolve.

A Union Jack and a European Union flag hang from a building in London “This whole thing is just a repetitive series of selective tautologies,” the senior diplomat said. “It’s all in the treaties already ... Though we are not repeating the whole treaties, just those parts which are pleasing to British ears.”

Examples of that in the agreement struck on February 19 include the repetition of Britain’s right not to adopt the euro currency or the assurance that a commitment to “ever closer union” in the EU treaties does not oblige Britain

REUTERS

to give up more sovereignty.

But EU officials who worked to produce the compromise -- under the fearful pressure that failure could see the Union undermined by the departure of such an important member state -- reject the view that it is a mere political charade.

Real legal heft is to be found, they argue, in that very selectivity of the “repetitions and tautologies” noted by its detractors.

“Some have an interest in presenting it in that way,” said a sen-

ior EU official involved in crafting the deal. “But (the description) is not adequate ... The jurisprudence covers a wide area ... This is a very selective repetition.”

Essentially, by emphasising some parts of existing treaties and secondary EU legislation, as well as legal precedents set by past decisions of the European Court of Justice, EU leaders -- “the fathers and mothers of the treaty”, in the official’s words -- are giving future guidance for the constitutional judges.

“And so we change the course of the supertanker,” the senior official told Reuters.

London-based think-tank Open Europe criticised the deal and EU leaders for failing to adopt more ambitious, EU-wide reforms.

However, directors Raoul Ruparel and Stephen Booth wrote: “It is not transformative, but neither is it trivial. It is the largest single shift in a member state’s position within the EU.” The EU official said: “It is constructed by taking things from existing law. But the totality does change the course of the Union, and in that way it is helpful to the Brits.

“It does ... contribute substantially to changing the course of the Union in certain areas.” l

FACTBOX

Legal hurdles to Britain’s EU agreement Britain’s deal with the European Union is legally binding and irreversibly enshrined in treaty, Prime Minister David Cameron says; opponents, including his own justice minister, a personal friend, say it is not.

In a sense both are right.

The measures Cameron agreed with the other 27 EU national leaders was in the form of a Decision of the heads of state and government in the European Council. That has legal force and Britain has lodged the agreement as an international treaty at the United Nations.

But full implementation faces hurdles:

European Commission drafts laws A politically important part of the package, letting Cameron keep an election pledge to cut tax credits and family support for EU immigrants, is to be implemented by legislation drafted by the European Commission and passed by the European Parliament in negotiation with the national governments in the Council. The Commission has outlined its plan and leaders of the

main parliamentary party groups have endorsed it. But the Commission will only present its full legislative proposals after Britain votes to stay. The whole package vanishes if it votes to leave.

European Parliament passes laws The speaker and representatives of three major parties in the European Parliament were involved in negotiating the package and undertook to support the necessary legislation.

However, the legislature insists it cannot guarantee a majority to approve Commission drafts it will not see until after the referendum. Leaders of the centre-right, centre-left and liberal blocs represent nearly two thirds of Parliament’s 751 seats. But party discipline in the single-chamber legislature is weak and often fractures on national lines. There is strong support in Parliament for keeping Britain in the EU, but it will not review the necessary legislation until after the referendum.

East European MEPs (members of European Parliament) are already saying they dislike compatriots being seen as

second-class citizens.

European Court of Justice hears complaints The EU’s highest court, hearing complaints that national law or judges have abused citizens’ treaty rights, has made several rulings lately in support of rich states’ efforts to curb “benefit tourism” by EU citizens migrating from poorer states. Those have tightened rules to restrict free movement in the EU to workers -- limitations underlined by the Council decision.

Much of Cameron’s package is to clarify and interpret the EU treaties for the benefit of the judges in Luxembourg.

While the package cannot formally be “pre-approved” by the apex court, senior officials say lawyers from the Court and other EU bodies are in regular contact and argue it is unusual for judges to overrule explicit council interpretations. But EU officials also say they cannot guarantee how judges will rule.

European electors ratify treaty changes Two elements of the package, on

financial relations between non-euro states like Britain and the euro zone and on a special exemption for Britain from further EU political integration, are to be written into EU treaties when these are next revised.

However, No one knows when the next treaty revision might be. All 28 states would need to ratify amendments. Many can do so in national parliaments. But others, among them France, need a referendum. And voters across Europe seem liable to vote down any measure perceived as promoted by the elites in Brussels. So while future treaty drafters are legally bound to do what the Council decision on Britain says, it is not clear how or when treaties will be amended or if the changes can be ratified.

European Council frames laws The European Council, comprising the 28 national leaders, can always change its mind and reverse itself -though as most such decisions must be unanimous, Britain can veto such a move. l

Source: REUTERS

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INSIDE

Ronaldo rant forgiven: Zidane Real Madrid boss Zidane insists he has put Cristiano Ronaldo’s outburst at his own teammates behind him as he attempts to turnaround a terrible season for the Spanish giants. Madrid sit third in La Liga, 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona. PAGE 26

South Africa spinner Phangiso suspended South Africa left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso will miss the first two T20Is against Australia this week after his action was found to be illegal by the ICC’s testing laboratory. Phangiso will get the chance to win back his place when he is re-tested by the ICC. PAGE 27

Cech sets Arsenal title target Petr Cech admits Arsenal must record back to back victories against Swansea and Tottenham this week to relaunch their spluttering Premier League title challenge. Arsene Wenger’s side are aiming to bounce back from Sunday’s 3-2 defeat. PAGE 28

(L-R) Bangladesh pace bowling coach Heath Streak, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, fielding coach Richard Halsall and assistant and spin coach Ruwan Kalpage discuss team strategy during training yesterday in Mirpur MI MANIK

Hathurusingha, Mashrafe point to recent improvements n Mazhar Uddin Twenty20 format has been one of Bangladesh’s weakest links but things are starting to change in recent times. The trend of improvement was clearly evident in their last Asia Cup Twenty20 clash against holders and World T20 champions Sri Lanka. The Tigers, who lost their four previous T20Is against the Lankans, exhibited a clinical performance to register their maiden win over the islanders.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha echoed the common sentiment yesterday ahead of their tie against Pakistan today. Hathurusingha informed that the Tigers have indeed improved in the shortest format and said preparation has been good heading into the Pakistan match.

“I mean we have done lately many things we have never done before. We have never beaten Sri Lanka before in T20 so we have done that. We are going to achieve what we have never achieved. So there’s always hope. Preparation is very good. I am very happy with the prep and the boys have done a lot of hard work leading up to the tournament so preparation is spot on,” Hathurusingha told the media in the sidelines of the Tigers’ training session at the academy ground of Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

The 47-year old stated that the inclusion of opening batsman Tamim Iqbal will certainly boost the strength of the team but said Mustafizur Rahman’s absence will surely be felt by the side.

The former Sri Lanka cricketer added that Shakib al Hasan re-

turning to form is a good sign for the side as they bid to battle it out for a place in the final.

“I think Shakib is doing really well, like the last game if you notice his partnership with Sabbir was key. And he took Shehan Jayasuriya’s wicket when they had a partnership going. He bowled cleverly and then took a brilliant catch to get [Angelo] Mathews out. So those are key match-turning moments for me. I think he is doing really well now,” he said.

Tigers captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza on the other hand said if they play their natural game against Pakistan then anything is possible.

“If I talk about the chances, I think we have a great opportunity. We are practising hard and moving forward and if we can do our things right, we have a bright chance,” said Mashrafe.l

PLAYERS TO WATCH Inzi backs tainted duo Asif, Butt Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has backed tainted compatriots Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, saying they should be given a second chance after serving stints in jail for spot fixing.

The pair were jailed in Britain after being found guilty. PAGE 29

Today's Match 7:30PM at SBNS

Bangladesh v Pakistan Maasranga TV, Gazi TV, Star Sports 1

AZHAR MAHMOOD Pakistan Bowling Coach

On Pakistan’s win over UAE and Mohammad Amir Amir is a world-class bowler. The way he bowled before and even from the time he has come back, he is a world-class bowler. We don’t have much time in between practice. We are working on their skill during optional practice. We just work on their field placings and things like that. The morale is really good after the victory [Monday]. The way Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal finished the game for Pakistan is a great thing.

On Mustafizur Rahman First of all, I am really sad about his injury. He is not in the team. He was a great prospect for Bangladesh cricket. He is not there. Unfortunately, this is part and parcel of professional cricket. But our bowling is our strength and I’ll back my bowling all the way.

On bowling-friendly wicket

TAMIM IQBAL (BANGLADESH)

MOHAMMAD AMIR (PAKISTAN)

The dashing left-hander, who joined the side after completing his parental leave, will be gearing to make his presence felt in the crucial encounter against Pakistan today. Tamim is in blistering form, having scored 267 runs in six Pakistan Super League Twenty20 matches recently.

The Chittagong cricketer will surely add strength to the side’s top-order following some disappointing displays by opening batsmen Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun in the tournament so far.

The left-arm paceman has been Pakistan’s most impressive player, let alone bowler, in the Asia Cup T20. The 23-year old made life difficult for the Indian batsmen in their tournament opener with his express pace and accuracy. He was a treat to watch against the UAE too, as he conceded only six runs from his four overs. Amir has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in a jiffy so the Tigers batsmen will need to be on their guard when they face him today.

–MAZHAR UDDIN

Normally you can see lots of scores above 150-160 (in Twenty20 internationals) but pitches like these we have seen in India.

Sometimes it’s good to check their (batsmen) skill and technique as well. It’s alright, we can’t argue about the pitches. We have to play on whatever they produce as professionals. We have to learn and play on all kinds of pitches. l

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India seal Asia Cup T20 final berth n Mazhar Uddin India registered a comfortable five-wicket win over defending champions Sri Lanka and in the process, qualified for the grand finale of the Asia Cup Twenty20.

In front of a weekday crowd in Mirpur yesterday, Virat Kohli once again led from the front, remaining unbeaten on 56 off 47 balls as India chased down their target of 139 with four balls to spare.

In pursuit of the target, India were in a spot of bother early on, losing both their opening batsmen Shikhar Dhawan (one) and Rohit Sharma (15) upfront.

An in-form Kohli however, stood up to the challenge and alongside Suresh Raina (25), added 54 crucial runs for the third wicket.

Following Raina’s departure, Yuvraj Singh joined Kohli at the crease and played some delightful strokes en route to a quickfire 18ball 35, featuring three boundaries and as many sixes. Yuvraj was dismissed with India still stranded 18 runs from victory but Kohli held firm, smashing seven boundaries in his 85-minute vigil. Alongside Kohli, captain MS Dhoni remained undefeated on seven.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 138/9 after being asked to bat first. The Lankans struggled right from the onset, losing wickets at regular

Beaten Asian chief pledges support to Infantino n AFP, Kuala Lumpur The Asian football chief who lost to Gianni Infantino in the race for the FIFA presidency pledged support yesterday for the new leader but said scandal-tainted world football must focus on restoring trust.

Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa urged unity and support for the world body’s reform process in a letter to Infantino, FIFA’s executive committee and his fellow regional leaders.

“We need FIFA to change if we are going to regain the trust, respect and confidence of those who hold our great game to heart,” he wrote.

“I am confident that by working closely and consulting together, we will do the best for FIFA and restore much needed unity,” added the Bahraini royal.

“I have already assured the FIFA president that I will support him in achieving that goal and I am confident you will join me in this task.”l

SCORECARD SRI LANKA INNINGS R B Chandimal c Dhoni b Nehra 4 11 Dilshan c Ashwin b Pandya 18 16 Jayasuriya c Dhoni b Bumrah 3 5 Kapugedera c Pandya b Bumrah 30 32 Mathews b Pandya 18 19 Siriwardana c Raina b Ashwin 22 17 Shanaka run out (Sharma/Ashwin) 1 4 Perera st Dhoni b Ashwin 17 6 Kulasekara run out (Kohli/Dhoni) 13 9 Chameera not out 2 2 Extras (lb 5, w 4, nb 1) 10

intervals. Dinesh Chandimal departed after making just four while his opening partner Tillakaratne Dilshan (18) fared little better. Shehan Jayasuriya (three) followed the Lankan openers soon after, making things worse for the batting side.

Hard-hitting batsman Chamara Kapugedera tried to counter attack but took up 32 balls to score his 30

Total (9 wickets; 20 overs)

Fall of wickets 1-6 (Chandimal, 2.2 ov), 2-15 (Jayasuriya, 3.4 ov), 3-31 (Dilshan, 6.1 ov), 4-57 (Mathews, 10.6 ov), 5-100 (Siriwardana, 16.1 ov), 6-104 (Shanaka, 16.6 ov), 7-105 (Kapugedera, 17.2 ov), 8-125 (Perera, 18.4 ov), 9-138 (Kulasekara, 19.6 ov)

POINTS TABLE Teams

M W

L

Pts

India

3

3

0

6

Bangladesh

3

2

1

4

Sri Lanka

3

1

2

2

Pakistan

2

1

1

2

UAE

3

0

3

0

runs while Milinda Siriwardana posted a 17-ball 22.

Skipper Angelo Mathews appeared in fine touch but was dismissed after making a 19-ball 18 as the Lankan batsmen were found wanting at times.

However, some lusty blows at the end by Thisara Perera and Nuwan Kulasekara guided their side to a fighting total of 138.

The Indian bowlers bowled superbly and kept the opposition batsmen quiet till the end with Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin bagging two wickets each.l

138

Bowling Nehra 4-0-23-1, Bumrah 4-0-27-2, Pandya 4-0-26-2, Yuvraj 1-0-3-0, Jadeja 2-0-19-0, Ashwin 4-0-26-2 , Raina 1-0-9-0 INDIA INNINGS R Dhawan c Chandimal b Kulasekara 1 Sharma c Kapugedera b Kulasekara 15 Kohli not out 56 Raina c Kulasekara b Shanaka 25 Yuvraj c Kulasekara b Perera 35 Pandya b Herath 2 Dhoni not out 7 Extras (w 1) 1 Total (5 wickets; 19.2 overs)

B 3 14 47 26 18 4 4

142

Fall of wickets 1-11 (Dhawan, 1.6 ov), 2-16 (Sharma, 3.2 ov), 3-70 (Raina, 11.1 ov), 4-121 (Yuvraj Singh, 16.5 ov), 5-125 (Pandya, 17.5 ov)

India batsman Yuvraj Singh flays one through the cover region during their Asia Cup Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

WHAT THEY SAID MS DHONI India captain

“I think consistent performance is very important. In the last 9-10 T20s we have played, we have done well. It was good to see a few of the others contributing as well. Yuvraj Singh’s innings was crucial, not just for this match but for the team as well, good to see him get into some good form. Today’s wicket was harder than some of the other wickets, but it was still a little soft, which allows the ball to grip and move around. It was good today, because you at least know it will be there for four overs or five overs. Overall, it was a track that was testing initially for the batsmen, but later on it was quite easy.”

ANGELO MATHEWS Sri Lanka captain

“With the dew coming in, it felt like we were 20-25 runs short, but the Indians batted well, as always, and Virat was outstanding. If the wicket was like the previous one, it would have been a fighting total, but the dew came in and the ball started sliding through. We are depending heavily on our seniors, with the side we have. The seniors need to fire, otherwise we’re in trouble.”

VIRAT KOHLI Man of the Match

“Touchwood, it’s coming out nicely now. Another crunch situation, 16 for 2. It’s nice to challenge yourself. Kulasekara and Angie were bowling well. I knew I’m striking the ball well, so I have to take the pressure off the other batsman by hitting the odd boundary, but it has to be a cricketing shot. [Stepping out of the crease] was the plan, because all their seam bowlers bowl that good length.

Except Chameera, the rest are all seam bowlers, so it was important not to let them bowl that length. If you’re set on 25-30, the ball full of dew is a wonder, but when the ball changes you need to adjust with your bat flow and check your shot sometimes.”

Bowling Mathews 3-0-16-0, Kulasekara 3-0-21-2, Perera 4-0-32-1, Chameera 4-0-27-0, Herath 3.2-0-26-1, Shanaka 1-0-7-1, Siriwardana 1-0-13-0 Result: India won by 5 wickets Player of the match - V Kohli (India)

Ronaldo rant forgiven and forgotten: Zidane n AFP, Madrid Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists he has put Cristiano Ronaldo’s outburst at his own teammates behind him as he attempts to turnaround a terrible season for the Spanish giants.

Madrid sit third in La Liga, 12 points adrift of runaway leaders Barcelona, after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

However, after the game Ronaldo said Real would be top if his teammates matched his standards.

The three-time World Player of the Year later rectified his comments by claiming he was only referring to his colleagues level of fitness as Madrid have been ravaged by injuries this season.

“Cristiano has spoken with everyone. This subject is behind us,” Zidane said yesterday.

“We all know the importance Cristiano has and we are all with him.

“The issue has been fixed. The most important thing is what we have ahead and we will face that by all sticking together.” l

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QUICK BYTES Raqibul, Marshal shine on Day 1 Central Zone batsmen Raqibul Hasan and Marshal Ayub starred with the willow against East Zone as the opening day’s play of the Bangladesh Cricket League longer-version’s fourth round got underway in Cox’s Bazar yesterday. Batting first, Central ended the day on 321/4, riding on Raqibul’s unbeaten 216-ball 119 and Marshal’s 140-ball 81. In the other match of the day at the same venue, North Zone, taking first guard, posted 266/8 against South Zone. Naeem Islam (48), Muktar Ali (43*) and Ariful Haque (43) all posted starts but were unable to prolong their knocks into significant ones.

–TRIBUNE REPORT

Women’s football begins today The nine-day long final round of the KFC National Women’s Football Championship gets underway at the Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Sipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal stadium in Kamalapur today. A total of eight women’s football teams, who became champions across eight different regions, will partake in the tournament. The participating teams have been split into two groups. Mymensingh, BJMC, Rangpur and Rajbari were placed in Group A while Ansar VDP, Tangail, Satkhira and Khulna were drawn in Group B. Mymensingh take on Rajbari in the tournament opener while BJMC face Rangpur in the day’s other encounter. The champions will pocket Tk50,000 while the runners-up side will receive Tk25,000.

–TRIBUNE REPORT

The Runner Group 31st Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship tees off in the capital’s Kurmitola Golf Club today. A total of 190 amateur golfers, including 160 male and 30 female participants from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and hosts Bangladesh will take part in the event. Hafizur Rahman Khan, chairman of title sponsor Runner Group, inaugurated the tournament as the chief guest. Akbar Hossain, Mohammad Russel, Mohammad Farhad, Mohammad Ripon, Sonia Akter, Liza Akter, Nasima Akter, Zakia Sultana, Lima Akter and Rinky Akter will represent Bangladesh in the competition.

Indian state threatens Pakistan tie over attack n AFP, New Delhi India’s cricket board yesterday criticised authorities in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh after they refused to provide security for an upcoming India-Pakistan World T20 tie, citing a January attack on an Indian army base.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said Sunday that the match should be moved to another venue out of respect for the “martyrs” killed in the assault by Pakistani militants

on an Indian air force base in neighbouring Punjab. He has threatened not to provide security for Pakistan’s players at the Himachal Pradesh cricket ground in the Himalayan town of Dharamsala where the clash is due to take place on March 19.

“We are not willing to provide security for the match,” a senior state government official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“It’s just one match that we are bothered about because it involves Pakistan and our decision reflects

Benzema out with thigh injury Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who was substituted in the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, is suffering from a muscular injury to the right thigh, the club announced on Monday.

Real made a short statement saying that they were still waiting to see for how long the Frenchman would be unavailable.

–AFP

McDermott to step down as coach Australia’s bowling coach Craig McDermott will leave after the upcoming World Twenty20 tournament in India, joining batting coach Michael Di Venuto in departing the top-ranked Test nation.

–REUTERS

South Africa spinner Phangiso suspended over illegal action

n Reuters, Cape Town South Africa left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso will miss the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia this week after his action was found to be illegal by the ICC’s testing laboratory.

Phangiso will get the chance to win back his place in the squad for the final game of the series next Wednesday and South Africa’s World Twenty20 campaign in India, when he is re-tested by the ICC’s Panel of Human Movement Specialists on Monday.

The first assessment revealed that all variations of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under ICC regulations after he was reported in a domestic 50-over semi-final last week.

Cricket South Africa confirmed that he will not be considered for the first two Twenty20 matches against Australia on Friday and Sunday.l

the sentiments of the people of Himachal.”

Indian cricket board secretary Anurag Thakur accused the state of playing politics and said the country regularly provided security for Pakistani sportsmen and women.

“The venues of the World Cup matches were decided one year ago, the allotment of matches was decided six months ago,” said Thakur.

“By claiming that you cannot provide security, you are only giving credence to Pakistani claims

that there is a security threat to their team in India. It’s about the country’s image.”

Pakistan have already voiced concerns about security in India, saying there were specific threats from Hindu activists who forced the cancellation of a meeting between cricket officials from the two countries in Mumbai last October.

The South Asian arch-rivals have not played a bilateral series for more than three years amid diplomatic tensions. l

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Cech sets Arsenal title target n AFP, Milan Petr Cech admits Arsenal must record back to back victories against Swansea and Tottenham this week to relaunch their spluttering Premier League title challenge.

The Gunners’ showdown with Swansea at the Emirates Stadium today marks the first of those games, with Arsene Wenger’s side aiming to bounce back from Sunday’s damaging 3-2 defeat at Manchester United.

Coach Wenger is in no doubt about the reaction he is expecting from his players against a Swansea side who lie two places and three points above the relegation zone and are without a win in four league games.

And the manager’s view was supported by Arsenal goalkeeper Cech, a veteran of four Premier League title successes with Chelsea.

“This (the defeat at United) was a big disappointment for us and is a step back after last week where we managed to overcome a deficit against Leicester at home,” Cech said.

“This is a step back but we need to keep working. We have two important games coming up this week and if we manage to win both the table might look better again.”

On paper, the second of those two games looks the most testing with Tottenham currently in second place, three points clear of their north London rivals. l

EPL FIXTURES Arsenal Stoke City West Ham Liverpool Man United

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Swansea City Newcastle Tottenham Man City Watford

New Fifa president Gianni Infantino (C) poses with the teams after a friendly football match at Fifa headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday. Infantino celebrated his first day in office by organising a football match for employees and guests REUTERS

Infantino starts work with friendly kickabout n Reuters, Zurich Gianni Infantino began his new job as the boss of soccer’s governing body FIFA with a friendly football match on Monday, leaving matters such as his own salary for another day.

“I know you can’t believe it, but it’s not (for the) money that I was candidate to become FIFA president,” he told reporters after a match with employees and guests.

The Swiss said he expected the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, delayed by the wide-reaching

corruption scandal that engulfed the organisation last year, to begin before FIFA holds its next congress in Mexico City in May. The 2018 and 2022 tournaments to be staged in Russia and Qatar must be the “best in history”, he said.

Monday’s kickabout, played in freezing mist at FIFA headquarters, featured two seven-a-side matches involving employees and former professionals.

“Team Infantino” included former Portugal forward Luis Figo and

former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro.

Infantino, 45, wearing a No. 9 shirt, ran around enthusiastically, but barely touched the ball.

“The hard work starts now, but I wanted to organise a football match with those who make the game what it is,” Infantino said.

He said he had not discussed his salary following his election on Friday. The pay of his predecessor Sepp Blatter, suspended from soccer for six years, has never been made public.

Higuain hits 25th goal to maintain title push in Viola draw n AFP, Milan Gonzalo Higuain claimed his 25th Serie A goal of the season as Napoli maintained their title push with a thrilling 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on Monday.

Napoli were under the cosh after champions Juventus stretched their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 2-0 win over hapless Inter Milan on Sunday.

But despite pushing La Viola hard in a thrilling encounter at the Artemio Franchi, a share of the spoils against a Fiorentina side that looks worthy of a top three finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League left Napoli with no complaints. Napoli remained in

second place, three points behind Juventus, with Roma and Fiorentina both five points further adrift in third and fourth places respectively.

Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri said it had been a “great game” but admitted to Mediaset Premium: “They had the chance to win the game in the final minutes of the first half, as we did in the final minutes of the second.

“It was a fair result, neither side deserved to lose. I’m really happy with my lads, and tip my hat to Fiorentina.”

Fiorentina coach Paolo Sousa did not agree, but was buoyed by another performance that underlined Fiorentina’s Champions League credentials.l

RESULTS Lazio

0-2

Sassuolo Berardi 41-P, Defrel 67

Fiorentina

1-1

Alonso 6

Napoli Higuain 7

SERIE A TOP SCORERS 25 goals

Higuain (Napoli)

13 goals Bacca (AC Milan), Dybala (Juventus)

12 goals Eder (Sampdoria)

11 goals Icardi (Inter Milan), Insigne (Napoli), Kalinic (Fiorentina), Maccarone (Empoli)

The reforms voted in by FIFA last week to help it put the corruption scandal behind it included one on salaries being open to scrutiny.

Infantino appeared keen to get the ball rolling to pick a host for the 2026 World Cup. The process was supposed to have begun last year with a decision due in Kuala Lumpur next year.

“Definitely I think we need to launch the bidding process in the next couple of months, probably before the next Congress in May,” Infantino said.l

Don’t rush Man Utd gem Rashford: LVG n AFP, Manchester Marcus Rashford’s astonishing start in senior football has given Manchester United a significant lift at a key stage of a trying season, ahead of Watford’s visit today.

Manager Louis van Gaal is wary of asking the Manchester-born forward to take on too much responsibility too soon, but leaving him out against Watford may well prove impossible. Even so, Van Gaal is urging caution.

“We have to wait and see with Marcus,” he said. “He has only played two matches. It is about consistency. He has to show it in the third and the fourth and the fifth game.l

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

DAY’S WATCH CRICKET STAR SPORTS 1 7:30 PM Asia Cup 2016 Bangladesh v Pakistan

FOOTBALL

STAR SPORTS 1 1:50 AM Barclays Premier League Liverpool v Manchester City

STAR SPORTS 2 1:50 AM Barclays Premier League Manchester United v Watford

STAR SPORTS 4 1:35 AM Barclays Premier League Arsenal v Swansea City

STAR SPORTS HD 2 12:45 AM Bundesliga Bayern Munich v FSV Mainz 05

STAR SPORTS HD 4 12:45 AM Bundesliga Darmstadt v Borussia Dortmund

SONY SIX 1:00 AM Liga Bbva Celta Vigo v Villarreal

SONY SIX HD 1:00 AM Liga Bbva Sevilla v Eibar

SONY ESPN Liga Bbva Levante v Real Madrid

SONY ESPN HD 1:00 AM Liga Bbva Athletic Bilbao v Deportivo La Coruna

NEO SPORTS 12:00 AM French Cup: Quarter Final Lorient v Gazelec 2:00 AM Saint Etienne v PSG

NEO PRIME 1:30 AM Coppa Italia: Semi Final Inter Milan v Juventus

KABADDI

STAR SPORTS 2 8:20 PM Pro Kabaddi League Pune v Kolkata 9:30 PM Mumbai v Delhi

Inzamam backs tainted duo Asif, Butt n AFP, New Delhi Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has backed tainted compatriots Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, saying they should be given a second chance after serving stints in jail for spot fixing.

The pair, along with former teammate Mohammad Amir, were jailed in Britain after being found guilty of spot fixing at the 2010 Lord’s Test against England.

Although Amir has returned to the national team in impressive style, Asif and Butt remain sidelined and have not been included in Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup starting this month in India.

“Once a person completes his sentence, he has the right to live and play and the right to do everything else,” Inzamam told AFP in an interview in New Delhi.

“So I believe the other players should also get a chance to make a return,” said Inzamam, who played with the pair in the later stages of his career.

The swashbuckling batsman, who took over as coach of Afghanistan last year, was briefly in Delhi as part of his minnow’s preparations for the World Cup. Inzamam, who played 120 Tests and 388 one-day internationals during his illustrious career, praised Amir for his sensational spell of bowling against India in the ongoing T20 Asia Cup in Dhaka.

“The sheer fact that a person can have so much talent, that even

after a long hiatus he can bowl with the same vigour and precision” is amazing, he said.

“The way he bowled against India it didn’t look as if he was making a comeback after five long years. It was a treat to watch.”

The 23-year-old took three quick wickets for Pakistan in last week’s match before India eventually pummelled their bitter rivals by five wickets. Amir’s five-year ban from the sport was lifted last April by the International Cricket Council, while Asif and Butt became el-

Allegri wants more Inter goals, and Cup final spot n AFP, Milan Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is set to rest key players when the defending champions travel to Inter Milan looking to “score goals” and secure their second successive Italian Cup final today.

A 2-0 league victory over a hapless Inter side in Turin on Sunday gave Juventus a three-point lead at the top of Serie A after Napoli held an enterprising Fiorentina to a 1-1 draw on Monday.

Inter are out for revenge, but a chastening 3-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final - as well as their comparative lack of threat against the champions on Sunday has left Roberto Mancini’s men needing a miracle if they are to overturn the tie.

Juventus have not reached successive Cup finals since the 1960s, and Allegri warned: “We’ll be going out [today] completely focused on reaching the final, and we want to do it by winning. Losing never does you any good.

Juve’s cushion from the first leg means Allegri, who has one eye on a decisive Champions League last 16 second leg away to Bayern Munich in a little over two weeks’ time, can afford to rest key players.

Argentine striker Paulo Dybala and Croatian Mario Mandzukic, who started in Sunday’s win, could both start on the bench in place of Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata. Part of that decision is because Dybala, as well as defender Leonardo Bonucci, are one booking away from being suspended for the final. l

igible last September for national and international matches.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board has said the pair will have to work harder to impress before returning to international cricket.

They returned to domestic cricket in style in January, with Butt smashing a century and left-armer Asif picking up two wickets in their first outing in the one-day league.

All three were found guilty by a British court of arranging deliberate no-balls in return for money in a complex betting scam. They were

jailed in 2011 and were released at different times the following year.

Amir returned to the national side for the limited-overs tour of New Zealand in January and got down to business right away with his wicket-taking ability intact. Inzamam said he believes Pakistan still stands a chance in the World T20 starting March 8 despite disappointing batting in the Asia Cup. “T20 is an unpredictable format, so you cannot rule out any team’s chances,” said Inzamam, who has 8,830 Test runs to his credit.l

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Showtime

Ice-cream set to premiere n Showtime Desk Ice-cream, a coming-ofage romantic flick is all set to hit theaters on April 29. The film is the second directorial venture of National Award winning filmmaker Redoan Rony who made his big screen breakthrough with Chorabali in 2012.

Fresh faces Uday, Raj and Tushi are set to mark their big-screen debut through the film.

“We were looking for a suitable date for the film’s premiere. I hope the film will be released in more than fifty cinema halls,” Rony told the Bangla Tribune.

Rony has penned the story, script and dialogue for Ice-cream and is hopeful that the film will be released in more than fifty cinema halls across the country. Abhi Kathachitra is the distributor of the film.

Various roles in the film have been played by leading artists including Omar Sunny, Diti and ATM Shamsuzzaman. Filming of Ice-cream partly took place in a few scenic localities at Saint Martin island. l

n Showtime Desk Sutopar Thikana (Her Own Address) is all set to be released in multiple countries across the globe.

The film that depicts the dependency of a South Asian woman at various stages of life will be released in Malaysia on March 3 on the occasion of the International Women’s Day to be observed on March 8.

Before the countrywide release, the movie will be screened twice on March 2 at a theatre in Golden Screen Cinemas located in Kuala Lumpur’s Mid Valley.

Sutopar Thikana, the first feature film to have received government grant in Bangladesh, was submitted to the censor board after the producer and the Malaysian distributor officially signed the contract on February 19.

Upon receiving official censorship from the censor board of Malaysia, the feature film will be released in four multiplex halls of

Zinta-Gene tie the knot n Showtime Desk Preity Zinta, the Soldier girl and Barbie doll of Bollywood has finally tied the knot. Interestingly, this “desi” actress has found her soulmate in “pardes.” The groom is Gene Goodenough, Zinta’s

Sutopar Thikana to premiere in Malaysia

the famous Golden Screen Cinemas in Malaysia: the Mid Valley, Pavilion, 1 Utama in Petaling Jaya and Gurney Plaza in Penang.

After the commercial release, Sutopar Thikana will be shown in two television channels of Malaysia and Brunei.

Sutopar Thikana, directed by independent film-maker Proshoon Rahman, who assisted late Tareque Masud on a few projects, is a screen adaptation of the book titled, Ishhorer Ichhe Nei Boley, written by the director himself.

The government-grant winning project was released in a few theatres in Dhaka on May 8, last year, on the occasion of Mother’s Day. After the premiere, the film was shown in 12 districts and seven universities.

Sutopar Thikana was also screened simultaneously in 64 districts in the country during the Bangladesh Film Festival organised by Shilpakala Academy in December last year. l

Masculinity projected in frames

long time friend. Tying the knot on February 29, marking the leap year, she held a private ceremony in Los Angeles. Although the actress denied all rumours, Sussanne Khan and Surily Goel, Zinta’s best friends were spotted together in LA, leaving most media houses abuzz with even more speculation. Apparently it was a small Indian wedding comprising of close friends, with word around town that Preity will have her own grand Indian wedding this April, closer to the IPL. l

n Showtime Desk An exhibition titled “The Masculinity Project: Photo/ narrative Exhibition and Dialogue” has been inaugurated at the EMK Centre in the capital’s Dhanmondi area.

Designed and conducted by researcher Saad Adnan Khan and photojournalist Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo, the project is a compilation of photographs that

showcase “masculinity” of men belonging to the different spheres of society.

Khan and Apurbo interviewed men from different walks of life and asked them, “What does it mean to be a man?”

The men were also asked how they would visually represent their masculinity in photographs.

They were asked where they would take the picture, with whom, with what and how,

and the pictures were taken accordingly.

Khan and Apurbo collected narratives and took pictures for a year from different parts of Bangladesh, to relocate different kinds of masculinities that exist across Bangladesh.

Some of the most compelling narratives are on exhibit at EMK center, from February 27- March 10, 2016 from 10am – 8pm everyday except Fridays.

An open dialogue took place at the venue on Monday that stressed on the importance of talking about masculinity in Bangladesh, engaging men in the discussions around gender and sexuality, varying masculinities on the basis of different locations and intersections such as class, caste, disability, ethnicity, religion, nationality, etc.

The photos and narratives from the project will be used for a flagship course on Men, Masculinities and SRHR at James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University. l

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

‘No Bed of Roses’ for Irrfan Khan and Tisha n Showtime Desk Indian star Irrfan Khan will play the lead role in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s upcoming bilingual international film Doob (“No Bed of Roses” in English).

The renowned director announced the “big news” through a Facebook post on February 29, Monday.

Sharing a link of the news published on American entertainment trade magazine Variety, Farooki wrote: “Irrfan Khan is working in my next film Doob (English title: No Bed of Roses). Not only he is acting but also he is co-producing the film out of affection.”

“Irrfan Khan is one of my favourite actors. I am grateful to him for loving me,” the post read.

According to the post and Variety, the cast also includes Nusrat Imroz Tisha, star of Farooki’s Third Person Singular Number that was Bangladesh’s entry to the 2011 Oscars and of Television that was Bangladesh’s entry to the 2014 Oscars.

Farooki describes the film as a “family story of loss and regain,” reports Variety.

“Life can be unkind at times, but death is a great equaliser which restores love, honour and compassion. In this story, the members of two families discover the finer fabric of love when the headman of a family dies. Death doesn’t always take things away, sometimes it gives back,” Farooki

told Variety. Irrfan Khan, who is revered in Bollywood and Hollywood for films like Lunch box and Jurassic Park, said: “When I saw Mostofa’s film Ant Story, it immediately got me interested. I was impressed with his approach, style and the way he unravels the story. [Farooki’s] works carry a strong humane angle, which

Runa Laila’s Dadagiri

is why his characters are multi layered.”

West Bengal Tourism Minister Bratya Basu, who is an accomplished actor and a playwright, will also act out an important role in the film.

Parno Mittra, the actress famous for her film Ranjana Ami R Ashbo Na by Anjan Dutt,

Runa Laila, one of Bangladesh’s greatest singers flew to India on February 29 this year. This time Sourav Ganguli has invited Runa Laila to participate in Dadagiri’s

special episode. Dadagiri is a popular show of Zee Bangla both in Kolkata and Bangladesh.

Runa appear as a special guest in this popular TV program from Kolkata. l

Jaaz will distribute in Bangladesh.

Farooki is one of the proponents of an avant-garde filmmakers’ movement in Bangladesh called Chabial. His 2012 feature Television closed the Busan Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. l Source: Variety, Times of India

Top Hungarian films in recent years n Showtime Desk

n Showtime Desk

and distinguished actors of Bangladesh, Rokeya Prachy and Nader Chowdhury, will also be seen in the film.

Principal photography will start in late March in Bangladesh. The film will be produced by Kolkata’s Eskay Movies and Bangladesh’s Jazz Multimedia. Irrfan is on board as a co-producer of the film while

On Monday, the 38-year-old Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes bagged the Academy Award in the category of Best Foreign Language Film for his debut feature Son of Saul. For the second time Hungarian film won the prestigious accolade István Szabó’s Mephisto won it in 1954.

Hungary has had rich cinema culture and industry from the beginning of the 20th century.

With directors like Istvan Szabo, Bela Tarr and Miklos Jancso, an affluent industry has grown in the country while figures like William Fox, founder of Fox Studios and Adolph Zukor, founder of Paramount Pictures, Hungarians lend a hand to good cinema outside the border too. We’ve picked a few gems of Hungarian cinema in the recent years which earn plaudits alongside the Son of Saul.

Liza the Fox-Fairy, 2015 This dark fairytale follows Liza, a young woman looking for love who may or may not be a fox-fairy, an evil demon who sucks the souls out of the men she meets. Made under artistic inspiration of Jean Pierre Janet’s French masterpiece Amelie and blended with Japanese folklore, the film delivers touches of whimsy and a large helping of Hungarian intensity and humour.

White God, 2014 Director Kornel Mundruczo’s audacious drama is about how a young girl’s separation from her dog leads to a full-blown canine uprising. Filmed with a cast of

100 dogs and featuring staged scenes of animal cruelty, it won the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival as well as the Palme Dog for best fourlegged performance.

Heavenly Shift, 2013 This one’s a black comedy about pumping up the funeral business.

It revolves around Milan, a 20 year old half Serbian, half Hungarian, who realises that the ambulance driver and one of the doctors sometimes allow people to die. This illegal euthanasia has a financial side linked to the funeral business.

The Turin Horse, 2011 Béla Tarr’s masterpiece bears all the hallmarks of his inimitable style including long takes, blackand-white photography and almost no dialogue. The film is a meticulous description of the life of the driver of the hansom cab, his daughter and the horse. l

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Back Page

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

THEY DON’T TREAT US RIGHT PAGE 12

HATHURUSINGHA, MASHRAFE POINT TO RECENT IMPROVEMENTS PAGE 25

ICE-CREAM SET TO PREMIERE PAGE 30 IS conflict: Iraqi general killed in suicide attack on base n BBC

INHALING DEATH

A woman is seen working at a plastic factory in the capital’s Kamrangir Char in a confined and unhealthy environment without any proper ventilation. Such a work environment is hazardous for health and can be said to be a slow killer. The photo was taken yesterday MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

JIHAD MURDER CASE

Govt petition reserved for 2 weeks n Ashif Islam Shaon The Chamber Judge of the Supreme Court yesterday for two weeks reserved the government petition seeking stay order on a High Court verdict that ordered to compensate Jihad’s family members.

Chamber Judge Hasan Foyez Siddique also asked the state to file a regular appeal.

Additional Attorney General Md Momtaz Uddin Fakir said the petition will be heard after two weeks.

A leave-to-appeal petition will be filed after the High Court’s verdict is released.

Lawyer of the writ petitioner Abdul Halim said the chamber judge adjourned the hearing instead of putting a stay. As a result the High Court verdict will remain in place until the hearing.

On February 25, the state moved

the chamber judge seeking the stay on the High Court verdict that said the family of Jihad, who died after falling into an abandoned pipe at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony, is entitled to compensation.

Chamber Judge of the Supreme Court Justice Hasan Foyez Siddiqui on February 28 set March 1 for hearing on the petition after the writ petitioner’s counsels sought two days for preparation.

On February 18, the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo gave the decision of compensation disposing of a previous rule issued on the matter.

The court said it would publish details about the amount of compensation and the names of persons who have to pay the money in its full verdict which is yet to be released.

The same bench in its rule on February 15 last year sought explanation from the government as to why the latter should not be directed to give the family of Jihad Tk30 lakh in compensation.

The ruling came in response to a petition filed by Children’s Charity Bangladesh Foundation on December 28.

The order on compensation came at a time when a ruling party-backed ward councillor and a key accused of the case, filed by Jihad’s father, is threatening the family to withdraw the case in exchange for money.

Four-year-old Jihad died on December 26, 2014 after falling into an unprotected deep tube-well pipe dug by the railway authorities at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony.

Jihad’s father Nasir Uddin Fakir filed a case with Shahjahanpur

police against seven to eight men naming Jahangir Alam, a senior sub-assistant engineer of Bangladesh Railway, and contractor Abdus Salam, owner of JSR House that installed the tube-well.

On April 17 last year, Inspector Abu Zafar of Shahjahanpur police submitted charge sheet against the duo accusing them of negligence in performing their duties properly.

In legal terms it is culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

But the court ordered further investigation as Nasir filed a no-confidence petition with the court on April 21 alleging that the IO had deliberately dropped the names of several accused – Abu Zafar, Saiful Islam, Dipak Babu and Nasir Uddin – to divert the course of the lawsuit.

Police have recently said that they would file the supplementary charge sheet in the case soon. l

An Iraqi army general and nine other soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack by Islamic State militants in western Iraq, security sources say.

Four militants wearing army uniforms blew themselves up after gaining entry to a base near Haditha late on Monday.

Of the explosions killed BrigGen Ali Abboud, chief-of-staff of the Jazeera and Badiya Operations Command.

Another eight soldiers were wounded in the attack, which comes after a wave of suicide bombings claimed by IS. On Monday, at least 40 people were killed by an explosion at a funeral attended by Shia militia commanders in the eastern town of Muqdadiya, while a blast at a security checkpoint in Baghdad left eight security personnel dead.

Another 70 people died in the capital on Sunday, when two militants targeted a busy market in the predominantly Shia district of Sadr City.

Samarra offensive

Haditha and its nearby dam, about 190km (120 miles) north-west of Baghdad, are in one of the few parts of the mainly Sunni province of Anbar not controlled by IS. Iraqi government forces and allied Sunni tribesmen based there have held off IS for more than 18 months with the help of air strikes by a US-led coalition.

On Monday night, the four militants attacked an entrance to the headquarters of the Jazeera and Badiya Operations Command and clashed with soldiers inside.

One of the bombers later blew himself up inside Gen Abboud’s office, while the other three detonated their explosive belts elsewhere, Maj-Gen Ali Daboun, head of the Jazeera and Badiya Operations Command, told the AFP news agency.

Elsewhere in Iraq on Tuesday, Iraqi troops backed by Shia militiamen and the Iraqi air force launched a new offensive to retake a key agricultural area north-east of the central city of Samarra.

Commanders believe that controlling Jazerat Samarra would allow them to cut IS supply lines to the northern IS-held city of Mosul. l

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