15 June, 2016 by DhakaTribune

SECOND EDITION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Ashar 1, 1423, Ramadan 9, 1437

Regd No DA 6238, Vol 4, No 53

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

Who is tipping IS off ? Local youths believed to be relaying info on attacks to IS media handlers in Middle East n Mohammad Jamil Khan Despite frantic search and vigilance, the law enforcers have failed to arrest anyone behind the claims made on behalf of international militant group Islamic State soon after any killing or attack in Bangladesh. Usually the names of three foreign agencies – SITE Intelligence Group, and IS-led publications Amaq and Dawat al-Khalifah – appear in the claims that are circulated online, especially on Twitter. So far, the police have learned that a group of seven youths from Bangladesh – all described as local agents of the terrorist group – collects information of attacks and murders from the media. Then they send those to a yet unidentified person staying in the Middle East, who uploads the information on Twitter. His account is followed and carried by the IS publications and the SITE. The law enforcers, however, have not been able to trace and arrest those sources. Since September last year, IS has claimed 22 attacks in Bangladesh that killed 20 people. The targets include non-Muslim and non-Sunni preachers and followers, two foreigners, a police constable and a teacher of Rajshahi University. But the government has been refuting that IS has any organisational base in the country, and suggests that the attacks were conducted by members of local banned outfits like Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Ansarullah Bangla Team to create panic and destabilise the country. In April, IS named its Bangladesh leader and said that they had plans to attack India and Myanmar  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

Detective Branch of police produce two members of banned outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team in front of media yesterday at DMP Media Centre, left, after they were arrested in a drive in Dhaka's Kamrangirchar area. The two meat cleavers and a jihadi book recovered from the ABT members DHAKA TRIBUNE

Islamic State: Is it here or not? n Tribune Desk Since 2014, law enforcement agencies have arrested two dozen recruiters, trainers and followers of the Islamic State group – mainly students from well-to-do families planning to travel to Syria or Afghanistan to fight. The Detective Branch of police earlier said a four-member IS delegation from Syria had visited Chittagong in October 2014 and met with top leaders of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, Harkat ul-Jihad, Hizb ut-Tahrir and Ansarullah Bangla Team. Since September 2015, IS has claimed to have carried out 22 attacks in Bangladesh that have left 20 people dead. Despite the earlier arrests, the government denies IS was or is active in Bangladesh.

Arrests of IS operatives in Bangladesh since 2014 September 18, 2014 Seven JMB operatives – Abdullah Al Tasnim, Nayeem Ali, Sikandar Ali, Mahmud Ibn Bashar, Masum Billah, Fuad Hasan and Ali Ahmed – arrested for “establishing contacts” with IS.

September 24, 2014 Son of former High Court judge Asif Adnan Shuvo and son of senior bureaucrat Fazle Elahi Tanzil, arrested for membership in Ansarullah Bangla Team and recruitment to IS.

September 29, 2014 British citizen of Bangladeshi origin Saimun Rahman alias Ibne Hamdad arrested in Dhaka for recruiting Bangladeshi nationals to IS. Samiun travelled to Syria in September to take part in demonstrations against

Bashar al-Assad.

January 18, 2015 Detectives arrest chief IS coordinator Shakhawatul Kabir and recruits Nazrul Islam, Anwar Hossain alias Baten and Rabiul Islam in Dhaka. They were previously involved with JMB where Kabir was a regional commander.

May 31, 2015 New militant outfit Junud Al Towhid Wal Khalifah chief Abdullah Al Ghalib, son of a former army officer, is arrested. Police describe him as an IS member and recruiter, a former Hizb ut-Tahrir member and an assistant coordinator of Ansarullah.

May 26, 2015 Detectives arrest IS recruiter Aminul

Islam Begh and associate Sakib bin Kamal. Begh, IT chief of Coca-Cola Bangladesh, had recruited 20 activists including Kamal, a Dhaka-based English medium school teacher, to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq. Begh was previously a regional coordinator of JMB.

June 7, 2015 Detectives arrest IS recruiter Fida Muntasir Saker, son of retired Navy commander Mohammad Saker, in Dhaka.

June 12, 2015 Detectives arrest IS member Faiyaz Ishmam Khan, son of retired Lt Col Farid Haider Khan, in Dhaka. Source: Law enforcement agencies

 PAGE 2 COLUMN 5

Rana Plaza owner, 17 others indicted in first case n Md Sanaul Islam Tipu A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against Rana Plaza owner Sohel Rana and 17 others in a case filed for violating building code in constructing the eight-storey building that resulted in the death of over 1,140 people, mostly garment workers.

Dhaka's Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Md Mostafizur Rahman framed the charges under section 12 of the Building Construction Act 1952 and fixed August 23 to start recording deposition of prosecution witnesses. During the hearing, defences counsels including Faruk Ahamed and Aminul Gani Titto filed pe-

titions before the court seeking discharge of 13 accused from the charges in the case. But the court rejected the petitions. Five other accused are on the run. The 13 accused who were present before the court yesterday pleaded not guilty and demanded justice after the charges were read out to them.

According to the case filed with Savar police, the building authorities obtained permission for a six-storey building but later got it extended by three more floors violating the law. Moreover, they used substandard materials for construction. Another floor was under construction at the time of the collapse.  PAGE 2 COLUMN 1

SEHRI & IFTAR

Ramadan 09 10 11

June 15 16 17

Sehri – 3:39 3:39

Iftar 6:51 6:51 6:51

Source: Islamic Foundation

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Hasina: JSD criticism Ashraf’s own opinion n Pavel Haider Chowdhury Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the comments made by her party’s General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on the 14-party ally Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) was Ashraf’s own, not the Awami League’s. “Now is not the time for such mud slinging,” Hasina was quoted as telling her party’s central leaders and parliament members during parliament session. Two leaders present there told the Bangla Tribune that Hasina also said she did not endorse those comments made by Syed Ashraf. They said when a group of party leaders and MPs went to the PM

and the issue of Ashraf’s criticism of JSD arose, Hasina said: “Do I have to play the role of both the [party] president and the secretary? In that case there is no need for anyone else. “I have been running the government amid a lot of conspiracies. I have been trying hard to keep all united. I do not understand what was the necessity of saying these things now.” On Monday, Syed Ashraf described the JSD top brass as political hypocrites and ruling party flunkies. “A member of the party [JSD] has even been made a minister!” Ashraf said, hinting at Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu who is the president of JSD. l

Instead of using the footbridge that is just a few feet away, two women risk their lives by jumping over metal barriers on the central reservation near Gausia Shopping Market yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Over 11k held in 4 days of security raid n Arifur Rahman Rabbi

In four days since the police launched a countrywide crackdown on Friday, the law enforcers arrested 11,307 people of who 145 were picked up for suspected militant link. A total of 3,115 people were arrested from Monday till yesterday

morning based on specific charges, police said. Of them, 26 are militants. The arrests were made between Monday and yesterday morning, police headquarters Public Relations Officer AKM Kamrul Ahsan told the Dhaka Tribune. The Police Headquarters said

that 2,368 of the arrestees face warrants, 295 are accused in narcotics cases, 38 in firearms cases and 388 in other cases. Of the 26 suspected militants, 12 are members of banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, five of Hizb ut-Tahrir, one of HujiB, one of Allar Dal and seven

others of other militant organisations. The law enforcers launched a routine operation to arrest criminals, and arms and drug dealers on June 7. A separate crackdown on militants began on June 10 considering the wave of targeted killings across the country.

But the raids have drawn criticisms as many of the arrestees were found to have no case against them while some were charged after their arrest. It is also alleged that police in some areas were arresting innocent people and political activists to harass them and collect money ahead of Eid. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Rana Plaza owner, 17 others indicted in first case The accused are Sohel Rana; his parents Abdul Khalek and Morzina Begum; former Savar municipality mayor Md Refayetullah; former councillor Muhammad Ali Khan; former executive engineer of Savar municipality Rafiqul Islam; former deputy-assistant engineer Rakibul Hasan Russell; site engineer Md Sarwar Jamal; New Wave Bottoms and New Wave Styles Chairman Bazlus Samad Adnan and Managing Director

Mahmudur Rahman Tapos; Eithertex Chairman Anisur Rahman and Managing Director Md Mahbubul Alam; Phantom Apparels Chairman Aminul Islam; the municipality’s former chief executive officer Uttam Kumar Roy; former assistant engineer Mahbubur Rahman; town planner Farzana Islam; Nantu Contractor; and Rezaul Islam. Of the accused, Sohel Rana and Rafiqul Islam are in jail, 11 others in-

cluding Rana’s parents secured bail while five accused – Mahbubul Alam, Mahbubur Rahman, Farzana, Nantu and Rezaul – are on the run. On April 28, the court accepted the charges in the case. The CID pressed the charges on June 1 last year. The building which had housed five garment factories, a shopping mall and a bank branch collapsed on April 24, 2013, leaving over 1,140 people dead and over 2,500 others

injured. On that day, the workers were forced to join work even though cracks had developed in the building the previous night. On Monday, the indictment hearing in the murder case was deferred until July 18 in which 41 people including Rana are named as accused. According to an assessment report of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC, 2013), the column sizes of Rana Plaza were comparatively

smaller compared to a standard industrial building. Moreover, storage of heavy equipment in the upper floors, poor workmanship and use of low-strength materials all contributed to the collapse. Moreover, despite being designed for commercial use, the third to eighth floors of the building housed garment factories, each of which used heavy machinery not considered in the design. l

have carried out 13 attacks since January 2013 that killed 11 persons who include secular bloggers, publishers and university teachers. The AQIS claims are also circulated by US-based monitor SITE. Monirul Islam, chief of the CTTC unit, thinks that the IS has not established any organisational base in Bangladesh. “Some home-grown militant groups are trying to contact with them while some Bangladeshi nationals living abroad are joining them. There is nothing from inside Bangladesh.” He admitted that they were yet to solve the mystery behind IS claims, and alleged that it was part of a conspiracy against Bangladesh. Mashruqure Rahman Khaled,

deputy commissioner of DB police, said that they had found some of the claims as false. Security analyst Maj Gen (retd) Abdur Rashid said that the law enforcers must solve the mystery behind the claims no matter who claimed the responsibilities. “Or else, such failure will inspire the other militant groups to carry out more attacks and claim responsibilities, and gradually the country will become a hub for the militants,” he said. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal says that some people are making such false claims as a part of propaganda. “They are the enemies of Bangladesh. We must find them and bring to book,” he said.

Police chief AKM Shahidul Haque echoed the minister and said: “We can announce loudly that there is no presence of IS in Bangladesh. We have already started work to trace the people behind the claims.” l

Who is tipping IS off ? from their operational base in Bangladesh to avenge the persecution of Muslims in these countries. In the last two years, the detectives arrested at least two dozens of IS recruiters, trainers and supporters intended to go to Syria and Iraq to fight for the group. On the other hand, several IS fighters of Bangladesh origin have been killed in Syria. Meanwhile, the police while trying to trace the IS agents are also under pressure to disqualify the IS claims of having organisational presence as baseless, said sources at the Police Headquarters. DB police sources said that they had found the group of seven youths analysing social media ac-

tivities of suspected militants. “There is no presence of IS in Bangladesh. A group of miscreants having vast knowledge on technology is making the claims to foil country’s image,” said Didar Ahmed, chief of DB (DMP). “Our officials have kept an eye on the suspected persons sending the false claims. We hope to arrest them soon and unfold mystery behind the so-called IS claims,” he said, adding that those youths had strong connection with Jamaat-e-Islami and its radical student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir. Another regional group named al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), represented by Ansarullah or Ansar al-Islam, has claimed to

Islamic State: Is it here or not? A recent dragnet to arrest terrorists has resulted in the detention of 11,307 people over the last five days. A mere 145 of them are suspected of having ties to terrorism; none has so far been officially linked to IS. l

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

BIHARI CAMP ARSON ATTACK

Lone survivor loses hope of getting justice n Mohammad Jamil Khan

Farzana Akther

PHOTO: MOHAMMAD JAMIL KHAN

Sixteen-year-old Farzana Akther, the lone survivor of an arson attack in Bihari camp in the capital, is still bearing the brunt of the devastating fire that killed nine members of her family on June 14, 2014. “I still cannot sleep; I know no trial will be held and I have nothing to say about it,” Farzana said in a tone of anguish. She is living in a shelter given by her only uncle and aunt. She resumed her study in Presidency School in Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. Farzana’s only dream is now to establish herself in the society and stand by the side of those who are vulnerable like her. On June 14, 2014, a series of clashes between the Biharis of Old Kurmitola Camp in Kalshi of Mirpur, police and outsiders over explosion of firecrackers left 10 people dead. Farzana lost her mother Baby Akther, 40, brother Ashik, 27,

Ashik’s wife Shikha, 19, sisters Shahana, 26, Afsana, 19, and Roksana, 16, twin brothers Lalu and Bhulu, 14, nephew Maruf, 2. Apart from them a worker named Azad also died in the line of fire. Six cases were filed in connection with the incident with. Of them, four were filed by police and the remaining two by locals. A total of 3,714 people were accused in those six cases which are now being investigated by DB police. Two years have already elapsed since then but investigating agency is yet to arrest anyone. Even video clip of the ferocious incident was also provided to the Home Ministry but still there has been no headway. Asked, Sazzadur Rahman, deputy commissioner of the DB police, says investigation into the incident is underway but there has been no breakthrough. Name of then Jubo League Secretary of Pallabi unit Juwel Rana

came to the fore for his involvement in the incident. However, no action has been taken against him. Asked about the latest status of the case Aslam Khan, uncle of Farzana, says: “We don’t know anything about it. None of the investigators or anyone have contacted us.” “We have already given up our hope of getting justice,” he added. Farzana’s father Yeasin Miah tried to file another case. Yeasin even talked to a human rights organisation seeking legal support. But he too died in a road accident in Pallabi area just two and a half months after the incident. Farzana said his father was intentionally run over and killed to bring and end to the investigation. Abdul Jabbar Khan, president of Standard Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee, says a number of Bihari were killed in last two decades in the camp but no trial has so far been held to punish the perpetrators. l

JSD pins blame for Bangabandhu killing on Awami League n Tribune Desk Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) founding general secretary ASM Abdur Rob has held the Awami League itself responsible for the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The party also urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to rein in her party's General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam from making statements that jeopardised the unity of the Awami League-led political combine. In a statement issued by JSD yesterday, the party claimed that the four national leaders had been killed at the instructions of Awami League leaders of the time. On Monday, Syed Ashraf described the JSD top brass as political hypocrites and ruling party flunkies. “A member of the party [JSD] has even been made a minister!” Ashraf said, hinting at Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu who is the president of JSD. “The Awami League will have to atone for this mistake forever,” Ashraf added. The JSD statement, signed by Rob's political secretary Shahidullah Faraizi, yesterday protested Ashraf's speech and said his comments were unacceptable, unfair

and unwarranted. In the statement, Rob said: “Wrong politics by the Awami League confined Bangabandhu to the party only, distancing him from the people … gradually pushing him towards his death. “It was the Awami League that formed the government after the assassination of Bangabandhu. Awami League leaders were sworn in as ministers while Bangabandhu's dead body was still at Dhanmondi Road 32 [the residence of Sheikh Mujib]. “The four national leaders were killed at the instructions of the Awami League and it was that government that declared martial law.” Rob called for unity – instead of unnecessary and illogical statements – to build the country on the basis of the spirit of the Liberation War. Meanwhile, at a protest gathering in front of the National Press Club yesterday, JSD leaders urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to silence Syed Ashraf. Speaking at the demonstration, JSD General Secretary Shirin Akhter asked Syed Ashraf to “concentrate on his Public Administration Ministry.” She also said: “We and the people of the country know how you run the ministry.” l

People line up in front of a temporary booth set up by Trade Corporation Bangladesh who are selling cooking essentials at a subsidised price in the Farmgate area in Dhaka yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

‘Appellate Division has crossed jurisdiction in recent verdict’ n Mohammad Al-Masum Molla Deputy speaker, Fazle Rabbi Miah yesterday, presided over the parliamentary session where he said that the appellate division's recent verdict is out of their jurisdiction in regards to preventing lawmakers from chairing the boards of four non-governmental schools and colleges. ‘The case was filed centering a particular institution but I think the court to some extent has

crossed its jurisdiction in making its decision,’ the deputy speaker said referring to statement of a lawmaker Abdur Rahman. Rahman, a ruling Awami League lawmaker, standing in the House on point of order, said it was disappointing that the court disqualified lawmakers from becoming ex-officio chairmen of four non-government schools and colleges in his or her area. The Appellate Division on Sunday rejected civil aviation minis-

ter Rashed Khan Menon’s petition seeking stay on a High Court Division verdict that disqualified MPs from becoming ex-officio chairmen of four non-government schools and colleges in his or her area. The court also rejected a similar petition filed by Viqarunnissa Noon School and College. The HC verdict disqualified MPs elected from the capital from becoming ex-officio chairperson of four schools or colleges in their constituencies. l

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

China, India want to help Bangladesh in blue economy n Sheikh Shahariar Zaman

China and India have expressed their desires to help Bangladesh tap its marine resources. Both the countries said they would share their knowledge and provide assistance to Bangladesh to this end. The government already had meetings with officials of the two neighbouring countries to find out possible areas of cooperation in the field of blue economy.

Cooperation with India

Bangladesh and India signed a memorandum of understanding on blue economy during the visit of Indian premier Narendra Modi in Dhaka. An official of the Foreign Ministry said senior officials of both countries had their first meeting on blue economy to discuss possible cooperation under the MoU for further strengthening the bilateral relationship. Capacity building and training, sharing of information and joint research in several areas including marine biotechnology, green tourism and hospitality are the possible areas of cooperation.

China interested to help

China has expressed its desire to help Bangladesh in the field of blue economy in a bigger way. A Foreign Ministry official said Beijing gave its proposals when Chinese policymakers met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque in separate meetings recently. The possible future cooperation can be done under a MoU or a joint working group can be formed, the official said. The government is considering all options, he added. l

A public bus burns after angry locals in Dhaka’s Khilkhet bus stand area set it on fire yesterday. The incident occurred after the bus in the picture hit a motorcycle, injuring the biker critically DHAKA TRIBUNE

Leftist students reject Tonu’s second autopsy report n Arif Ahmed Progressive Students’ Alliance, a platform of seven leftist student organisations, yesterday rejected the second autopsy report of murdered Comilla Victoria Government College student Sohagi Jahan Tonu. Masud Rana, on behalf of the alliance, read the written statement at a press conference held at Madhu’s Canteen at Dhaka University. The second autopsy neither determined the cause of Tonu’s death nor confirmed if she was raped but found evidence of ‘intercourse’ before death. Comilla Medical College forensic department head Kamda Prasad Shaha said: ‘The second autopsy

report finds evidence of ‘sexual intercourse’ before death.’ However, Masud Rana said: ‘The comments in the autopsy report are not only false, but an attempt to tarnish people’s sympathies for Tonu.’ The entire issue has been focused on the argument – whether she was raped or not, but no headway was made in the trial, he said. The alliance will hold a protest rally at Raju Memorial Monument and bring out procession at the university campus in the afternoon June 20 demanding justice for Tonu. On Sunday, the forensic team handed over the second autopsy report to the Criminal Investigation Department in Comilla.

CID on May 16 said that DNA confirmed Tonu was raped before she was murdered, contradicting the first post-mortem report that claimed there was no indication of rape. Her first post-mortem examination, performed at Comilla Medical College morgue and disclosed on April 4, had triggered countrywide protests and raised questions over the investigation, because of its controversial findings that did not ascertain the cause of death or find any evidence of rape. Tonu, 19, was a second-year history student at Comilla Victoria Government College and a theatre activist who was allegedly raped and murdered inside Mainamati Cantonment in Comilla on March 20. l

US Embassy launches antifraud campaign n Tribune Desk

The US Embassy has launched an anti-fraud campaign to protect Bangladeshi visa applicants. Consul General Elizabeth Gourlay of the US Embassy introduced a video in this regard during a press conference held yesterday at the embassy to share tips on applying for US visas. The video was produced in an effort to educate Bangladeshis about visa fraud and scams. She said: “Each year, thousands of Bangladeshis successfully apply for a US visa. We want to ensure that all potential applicants can avoid the scams and fraud, so we have produced this video.” The message is simple and applies to all visa applicants: tell the truth, fill out your own application, and if you have questions, ask the embassy. l

‘Arrest militants, spare innocents’ n Tribune Desk

Upazila Project Co-ordinator Matiar Rahman speaks during the inauguration programme of Bachte Shekha PLJCLS Legal Aid Camp, which aims to provide legal advice to poor people of the locality. The Bachte Shekha PLJCLS project began its work in eight unions of Kaliakoir upazila through the legal aid camp on June 10. Lawyers of Gazipur conducted the programme. Upazila Project Coordinator Matiar Rahman inaugurated the programme launched at the Chapair Union Parishad. UP Chairman Saifuzzaman Setu, advocate Zahir Raihan and UP members, among others, were present at the programme. The project is.

Journalists, activists and leaders of different socio-cultural organisations yesterday demanded government protection for bloggers, publishers, free-thinkers and people of different faiths who are being hacked to death by Islamist militants one after another. A Unity and Solidarity Rally in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka was organised urging the government to identify and arrest the secret killers without harassing ordinary people, who are being arrested in thousands in the ongoing anti-militancy drive by law en-

forcement agencies. Media Activists for Secular Bangladesh (MASB), a journalists’ platform, organised the rally which was presided over by Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and MASB coordinator Pulack Ghatack. Secretary General of BFUJ Omar Faruque, former secretary general Abdul Jalil Bhuyian, former general secretary of Dhaka Union of Journalists Quddus Afrad, General Secretary of Dhaka Reporters Unity Razu Ahmed, Noted lyricist and Convenor Sangskriti Mancha Selim Reza, Joint Secretary of Sammilito Samajik Andalan Sanwar

Hossain, President of Jubo Oikya Khairul Alam, General Secretary of the Dhaka City Unit of Ganatantri Party Minhaj Uddin Selim, General Secretary of Swadhinata Sangbadik Parishad Hamid Mohammad Jasim, Welfare Secretary of DUJ Ummul Wara Sweety, former general secretary of Crime Reporters Association Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, Executive Member of Udich Shilpi Gosthi Shakil Oronno, Organiser of Samprodaikota O Jongibad Birodhi Sangbadik Manch Rajan Bhattachariya and representatives of different many other organisations addressed the rally expressing solidarity with the movement. l

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Deputy governors search committee dissolved n Asif Showkat Kallol

With Eid-ul-Fitr three weeks away, markets and shopping malls all around Dhaka are abuzz with shoppers who are trying to get the best deal for their purchase. The photo was taken at Chandni Chawk Market in Dhaka yesterday SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN

Iftar inside jail walls Jamil Khan and n Mohammad Raihanul Islam Akand

in the jail because of security reasons; but in some cases, exceptions can be made after a thorough security check. The jailer added that hygienic food is provided to the inmates in a proper way during the month of Ramadan. The Dhaka jail, which currently has around 9,000 inmates, also houses some important inmates such as Narayanganj seven-murder case accused former RAB commander Tarek Sayeed and Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna. A senior jail official, on condition of anonymity, said the iftar

each inmate’s iftar. For convicted inmates, however, the allotment is Tk24.11; the extra money allows them to have a couple of extra pieces of piajus on their plate. Although inmates can ask for a little more food, but jail authorities hardly get to fulfil their requests as they stay busy in distributing the iftar. Asked whether inmates are allowed to have home-cooked iftar brought in by their relatives, the jailer of Dhaka Central Jail, Nesar Alam, told the Dhaka Tribune that food from outside is usually not allowed

Inside the walls of Dhaka Central Jail, inmates break their Ramadan fast every day with Tk20 worth of food items. The fixed iftar menu consists 5g of date, 50g puffed rice, 7g piaju or onion fry, 100g chickpea, one banana, 7g molasses, 5g or one piece of jalebi, 3g of chira or flattened rice and plain water with freshly squeezed lemon. According to jail authority, the government allots only Tk20.64 for

items were the same for these special inmates as well; however, they enjoyed a bit more flexibility when it came to food from outside – albeit after proper security check. Meanwhile, at Kashimpur High Security Jail 2, inmates are also served food similar to that of Dhaka, said the jail’s Superintendent Prosanta Kumar Banik. The menu is the same in jails across the country, he said. At Kashimpur, Prosanta said the important inmates can also purchase food of their choice from the jail canteen where different fruits and sweetmeats are available. l

The government has decided to dissolve the search committee panel which was formed to find candidates for two vacant posts of Bangladesh Bank deputy governors after the $81m heist. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting at the Finance Division office yesterday, presided over by Finance Minister AMA Muhith. According to the official sources, the committee has recommended three candidates, but two of them face allegations of corruption and the Anti-Corruption Commission has already started investigation into the charges. But it is not clear why the government has decided to dissolve the committee. However, an official said the committee might have lost trust of the government as it recommended alleged corrupt people for the deputy governor posts. He said the government will now look for a new committee. Three executive directors of Bangladesh Bank - Muniruzzaman, Abdul Rahim and Ahmed Jamal – have been recommended for two deputy governor posts by the search committee. But the anti-graft body is now investigating allegations of corruption against Muniruzzaman and Abdul Rahim. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, head of the committee, said the committee knew that there were allegations of corruption against two people recommended, but it wanted they would be appointed only after clearance from intelligence agencies. He stressed that as question has been raised over integrity of the recommended officers, appointment of them in the deputy governor posts will not be appropriate. The government formed the search committee on March 17. l

Chevron launches tree planting drive n Tribune Report Chevron Bangladesh has marked World Environment Day by kicking off its 2016 tree planting drive at Rajuk Gulshan Central Park yesterday. Chevron Bangladesh President Kevin Lyon inaugurated the proceedings at an event that was also attended by selected senior management and staff from its Dhaka headquar-

Day presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that.” As part of Chevron Bangladesh’s efforts in environmental stewardship, the company has been involved in tree planting drives since 2005. Over the past eight years, over 130,000 timber-yielding, fruit-bearing and medicinal saplings have been planted in different areas near its three gas plants in Bangladesh. l

ters. The event was led from the front by the Bangladesh chapter of Chevron’s employee network XYZ group. Other officials present included Chevron’s Operations Director Gordon Murray and External Affairs Director Naser Ahmed. Chevron’s Kevin Lyon said: “Environmental stewardship has always been one of Chevron’s core values, and World Environment

TEMPERATURE FORECAST FOR TODAY

THUNDERSHOWER WITH RAIN WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

Dhaka

Chittagong

Rajshahi

DHAKA TODAY SUN SETS 6:47PM

Rangpur

Khulna

Barisal

YESTERDAY’S HIGH AND LOW

TOMORROW SUN RISES 5:11AM

34.2ºC Chittagong

22.0ºC Rangamati

Source: Accuweather/UNB

PRAYER TIMES

Sylhet

Cox’s Bazar

Fajr: 3:50am | Zohr: 1:15pm Asr: 5:15pm | Magrib: 7:00pm Esha: 8:45pm Source: Islamic Foundation

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

266 shabby bridges turn risky for locals n Md Tariqul Islam, Barguna At least 266 iron-made bridges in six upazilas under the district have been lying in vulnerable condition for many years causing risk to the lives of people. According to local sources, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built 46 bridges in Betagi, 36 in Bamna, 62 in Pathoghata, 87 in Amtoli and 35 in Sadar upazilas in 1997-98 fiscal year. Natural disasters like tidal surge, aila, sidr, mohsin swept across the district damaging a lot of houses, embankments and bridges and disrupted communications. Md Hasnur Rahman Jhantu, convenor of Barguna Public Policy Forum, said the bridges were now out-of-date as no steps were taken to repair those after damage. People of a place cannot communicate with another area of the district as many portions of the bridges have remained broken for a long time. If this situation is going on, business and trades, education and many other activities of the people will be hampered seriously, he added. Monir Hossin of Sadar upazila said a bridge in Daldanga area collapsed in 2007 in Cyclone Sidr. Since then, the bridge has been lying in poor state leaving locals in serious problem. Recently they built a bamboo-made bridge over the structure to communicate with another places including the district town. Monir said rickshaws and motor-vehicles crossed the bridge risking the lives of passengers. Especially female students have to suffer more while they are bound to cross the bridge everyday. Md Sentu who drives motorcycle on rent in the area, said he did

People on foot and motorcycle, seen crossing the wooden structure built on vulnerable iron bridge near Boikalin Bazar in Barguna Sadar not get passengers as they dared not to cross the river over the bamboo-made bridge after three passengers fell into river few days ago. Mir Babul, teacher of a local school, said many students from other side of the river could not attend the classes as the bridge due to

dilapidated situation of the bridge. People in Aila Patakata union made wooden bridge in the middle of an iron bridge near Boikalin Bazar as it remained broken. Teacher Jashim Uddin of PK High School in the bazar said deadly accident might take place anytime as many people had to cross

Trial of Narayanganj five-murder case begins Hossain, n Tanveer Narayanganj

A Narayanganj court has ordered a commencement of the trial of a person allegedly involved in the killing of five people who were killed on January 15, last year. District and Sessions’ Judge Syed Enayet Hossain ordered filing of the charge-sheet in the case yesterday. The court also ordered to record deposition of witnesses. The court, however, did not fix any date for the next hearing. Court sources said only accused of the murder case Mahfuz was in a good mood. He was also seen hum-

ming while standing on the dock. On April 7, police pressed a charge sheet against Mahfuj in connection with the killing. Abul Khayer, investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet before Narayanganj Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. Abul Khayer then said although three people were accused in the killing case, they indicted only Mafhuz as involvement of two other people in the killing were not found during investigation. On January 17, five people – Taslima, 35, her son Santo, 10, daughter Sumaiya, 5, brother Morsedul, 22, and daughter-in-law Lamia, 25, were found dead at their residence.

Shafiqul Islam, husband of Taslima, filed a case with Narayanganj Sadar police station against three people – Mahfuz, Nazma and Shahjahan – the following day. On the same day, the case was shifted to Criminal Investigation Department. On January 18, police arrested Nazma and Mahfuz for their alleged involvement in the killing. On January 21, Mahfuz, nephew of Shafiqul Islam, admitted that he had killed four of his extended family by hitting them on the head with a grinding stone and another by pushing his head hard against a wall as his aunt Taslima refused to make illicit relation with him. l

the structure for daily necessaries. If the government did not take rapid action to repair the bridges, lives of the people in coastal area would be at risk, he added. LGED Executive Engineer Md Anwarul said the bridges were constructed in 1997-99 fiscal year to increase network in the villages.

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Many years had passed after the construction and natural disasters had swept over the bridges many times. So the bridges reached at vulnerable condition. The government have alternative decision as the iron-made bridges do not stay for long time in the coastal area, he added. l

2 murder accused killed in Joypurhat ‘gunfight’ Correspondent, n Our Joypurhat Two suspected criminals, who were accused of murdering a newly-elected union parishad chairman, were killed in a “gunfight” with police on the Gopalpur-Konchkuri road under sadar upazila in Joypurhat yesterday. The deceased were identified as Munir Hossain, 32, son of Lutfor Rahman, a resident of Konchkuri village, and Mohammad Sohel Hossain, 35, son of Nurul Islam, a resident of Chawalpaa village of the union. Meanwhile, a foreign made pistol, two rounds of bullets, a magazine and some local weapons were

recovered from the spot. Joypurhat Assistant Police Super Ashok Kumar Pal said: “Acting on a tip-off, a team of police went to Konchkuchi village to arrest the criminals around 2:30am Tuesday.” Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the criminals opened fire targeting the police. In retaliation, police fired back that left two of them dead while the others fled the scene. He said they were preparing to launch an attack on the house of murdered Vadsha Union Parishad Chairman AK Azad at Konchkuchi village. Azad died of his bullet injuries at Popular Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday, after an eight-day struggle for life. l

News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

JU journalists threatened to be kidnapped n Mahadi Al Hasnat

Wife of Altaf Hossain Sona, president of the Hamirkutsa union unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, breaks down into tears hearing his death news

AZAHAR UDDIN

Youth hacked to death in Rajshahi n Abdullah Al Dulal, Rajshahi A young man was hacked to death by miscreants at Chandipur in Rajshahi city early yesterday. Officer-in-Charge of Rajpara police station said a gang of miscreants attacked Apel Mahmud Ridoy, 30, son of late Bakul, when he was returning home from his workplace early in the morning.

The attackers hacked him indiscriminately, leaving him dead on the spot. Police recovered the body and sent it to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Sukhi Begum, mother of the deceased, alleged that their neighbour Gias’s son Arif killed Apel over previous enmity. Gias and his son Arif went into hiding after the murder. Police said Apel was accused in

several cases filed with Rajpara police station.

Swechchhasebak Dal leader found dead in Bagmara

Police recovered the body of a leader of Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, volunteer front of BNP, from a pond at Hamirkutsa village in Bagmara upazila in the morning. Officer-in-Charge of Bagmara

police station Abul Kalam Azad said Altaf Hossain Sona, 32, president of the Hamirkutsa union unit of Swechchhasebak Dal and son of late Mujibul Shaha of the village, had gone missing on Monday afternoon. He said locals spotted the body of Altaf floating in the pond in the morning and informed police about the matter. The body of Altaf bore with several injury marks. l

JMB man Bulbul Contractors use mud and bamboo put on 5-day to build Rajshahi road remand the road as they were using mud as tion road has collapsed on two sepMizanur Rahaman, Abdullah Al Dulal, Rajshahi n FM n building material. arate occasions, forcing work to Chittagong A Chittagong court placed an activist of banned Islamic outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) on five-day remand in connection with a case filed over recovery of a body from Bakalia area, Chittagong. Chittagong Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner Nirmalendu Bikash Chawakrabarty said: “The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Harun Ur Rasid passed the remand order of JMB man Bulbul Ahmed Sarkar alias Fuad alias Apple in a case lodged with Bakalia police station after investigation officer produced him before the court with seven-day remand prayer.” A body of a man was recovered from Karnaphuli River’s Satsongho Ghat area on March 25, 2015. l

Unscrupulous contractors in Rajshahi are allegedly using mud and bamboo to construct an approach road leading to a bridge over Tanore’s Shib River. The Rajshahi office of LGED has ordered the builders to stop their work immediately, but that directive is being completely ignored. Locals claimed that in order to hide the poor quality of the construction materials, the contractors were carrying out their work in the dark of the night; the builders, however, said the after-hour works were being done to meet a deadline. People in the area said they have collectively tried several times to stop the use of mud and bamboo in building the approach road, but the contractors have resumed their work every single time. In the past, the under-construc-

stop, locals said. The contractors deny all allegations against them. Abdus Salam, the owner of one of the assigned firms called Ms Salam Construction Firm, said any soil being used by them was not stabilising the road as there was no soil layer – even up to 60 feet of depth – on both sides of the approach road. Saying the contractors were initially not interested in undertaking the work here, Salam said they changed their mind after the LGED requested to do the job. The plan is to finish the task within a couple of days, he said. However, Golam Mostafa, the executive engineer (exchange) of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office in Rajshahi, told the Dhaka Tribune that the contractors have been told to immediately stop construction of

Instead, they have been instructed to use quality and sturdy soil to ready the road, Mostafa said. Tanore LGED Engineer Abdullah Al Mamun also said there was no chance of any irregularity in the project as the contractors would be accountable for completing their work within schedule. In 2012, the bridge over Shib River was constructed for a cost of Tk3.95 crore. A year later, a tender was floated for the 1.45km approach road. Although Ms Farid Construction won the bid, a total six firms are currently doing the work on the road. The cost for the approach road was revised from Tk5.5 crore to Tk6.5 crore as work did not finish in time. The contractors are now allegedly rushing to meet a June 30 deadline, and in the process using subpar materials to wrap up the work. l

Two journalists, also the students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have been reportedly threatened to be kidnapped after they protested a fake report broadcast in a television channel on Friday. According to local sources, Mithun Sarker, Savar correspondent of private TV channel 71, threatened to abduct SM Russel Rabbi and Shariful Islam Shimanto on Friday, JU Correspondents of Daily Prothom Alo and Bangladesh Pratidin respectively and the students of journalism and media studies department as they protested a report sent by Mithun Sarker on social media ‘Facebook’. Protesting the threat, journalists of the university formed a human chain on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway yesterday. They also submitted written complaints to the JU proctor office on Sunday. Source said on Wednesday afternoon, journalism and media studies department student Shafiqul Islam, also the JU correspondent

Mithun threatened Russel and Shimanto over cell phone to kidnap them of bdnews24.com came under an attack of a section of JU unit Bangladesh Chhatra League. Teachers, students, journalists, and media studies department along with JU Press Club formed a human chain on Shahid Minar premises protesting the attack. On Friday morning, JU students found a news link of channel 71 on social media facebook which claimed that the teachers and students of the university had protested an attack on a journalist on June 4, the day of Union Parishad polls at Christian Community in Savar. Russel and Shimanto shared the link of channel 71’s report and criticized the news manipulation. Later, Mithun threatened Russel and Shimanto over cell phone to kidnap them. When contacted, JU proctor Prof Tapan Kumar Saha said: “Two journalists have submitted written complaints and the authorities will take proper steps in this regard.” JU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Abul Hossain on Monday declared Mithun ‘persona non grata’ on the campus and asked the security forces to take necessary steps. However, Mithun claimed: “There was a misunderstanding with my junior brothers but now we have come to an understanding.” JU Journalist Association (JUTA) also expressed condemnation and protested the incident of threatening. l

8 World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

SOUTH ASIA

Dalai Lama urges Suu Kyi to ease Rohingya tensions Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has a moral responsibility to try to ease tensions between majority Buddhists and minority Rohingya Muslims, her fellow Nobel laureate, the Dalai Lama, said on Monday. The Tibetan spiritual leader said he had stressed the issue in meetings with Suu Kyi. -REUTERS

INDIA

Indian Hindu Sena celebrates birthday of Trump

A Hindu fringe group celebrated the 70th birthday of Donald Trump in the Indian capital on Tuesday, calling the US presidential contender the saviour of humanity who could end the global threat posed by Islamist militants. About 20 members of the far-right Hindu Sena, or Hindu Army, held the festivities. -REUTERS

CHINA

China thanks countries for supporting it over South China Sea

China expressed thanks on Tuesday for the dozens of countries it says have offered support for its position on a case brought by the Philippines over Chinese claims in the South China Sea. The Chinese government says more than 40 countries have offered support for its position, the latest being the African nations of Sierra Leone and Kenya. -REUTERS

ASIA PACIFIC

Vietnamese fighter jet goes missing A Russian-made Vietnamese fighter jet was missing on Tuesday after disappearing off the radar during a training flight along the central part of the country’s South China Sea coastline. The Sukhoi SU-30 MK2 was flying 30-40 km off the coast of Nghe An province next to China’s Hainan island when it went missing. -REUTERS

MIDDLE EAST

Palestinians move into new city, part of statehood dream

After years of setbacks, Palestinians are proudly starting to move into their first planned city being built in the West Bank - a move that isn’t just about real estate but also a symbol of their quest for statehood after nearly 50 years of Israeli military occupation. Though Rawabi is still unfinished, its glistening high-rises and shopping centers bring a rare sense of pride and excitement to the territory. -AP

INSIGHT

Wolf dens, not lone wolves, the norm in US Islamic State plots n Reuters, New York If Omar S Mateen acted alone in plotting the massacre of 49 people at Orlando’s Pulse LGBT nightclub, he would be the exception rather than the rule in US cases involving suspected Islamic State supporters. Sunday’s worst mass shooting in modern US history prompted renewed warnings from officials of “lone wolf” attackers, a term that commonly invokes images of isolated individuals, radicalised online by violent propaganda and plotting alone. But a review of the approximately 90 Islamic State court cases brought by the Department of Justice since 2014 revealed that 3/4 of those charged were alleged to be part of a group of anywhere from two to more than 10 co-conspirators who met in person to discuss their plans. Even in those cases that did not involve in-person meetings, defendants were almost always in contact with other sympathisers, whether via text message, email or networking websites, according to court documents. Fewer than 10 cases involved someone accused of acting entirely alone. The “lone wolf” image obscures the extent to which individuals become radicalised through personal association with like-minded people, in what might be termed “wolf dens,” experts on radicalisation and counter-terrorism say. “We focus so much on the online stuff that we’re missing that there’s a very human connection going on here,” said Karen Greenberg, who runs the Centre on National Security at Fordham University in New York. US authorities on Monday were investigating whether Mateen -who pledged allegiance to Islamic State during the attack - had any help, but officials stressed they believed there were no other attackers.

Infiltrating groups

Law enforcement efforts to combat homegrown extremism have started to focus more on group dynamics. In February, the FBI launched a website to educate teenagers about the dangers of extremism and help parents and community leaders decide when to intervene and when to report troubling behaviour. The Justice Department has secured convictions in around half the 90 Islamic State-linked cas-

A man participates in a candlelight vigil to mourn victims of the mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, in Tokyo on Tuesday REUTERS

es. Other cases are ongoing, with some of the charges unproven in court and disputed by defendants. The relationships between accused co-conspirators range from casual acquaintances to lifelong friends, from married couples to cousins and from roommates to college buddies. In some cases, the group included several defendants from the same community, such as the sprawling investigation in Minnesota in which 10 Somali-Americans were charged with plotting to aid Islamic State. In others, such as the married couple responsible for killing 14 people in December in San Bernardino, California, the relationship was far more intimate. In an increasingly frequent occurrence, the defendant was unwittingly working with an FBI informant posing as a co-conspirator, as federal authorities rely more on human intelligence and less on the comparatively low-hanging fruit of social media to identify potential attackers. Face-to-face interactions can accelerate extremist viewpoints, turning the group to violence, experts said. And it can draw in others who might otherwise not have been susceptible to the lure of jihadism. Online propaganda is merely stoking the fire rather than igniting it, some experts said.

Preying on insecurities

One of the cases showing the crucial role of group dynamics involves a cluster of six defendants in the New York area. Nader Saadeh and his friend, a college student named Munther Omar Saleh, had become convinced in 2013 that the end of the world was near, according to prosecutors. The two 20-year-olds decided to create a “small army” of friends, prosecutors said, and eventually recruited four others, including 21-year-old student Samuel Topaz and a 16-year-old friend of Saleh’s named Imran Rabbani. The men spent months discussing plans to join Islamic State in Syria or to launch a bomb attack on US soil, according to investigators.

Authorities first became aware of the group when Topaz’s mother called the FBI in early 2015 after becoming increasingly concerned about his behaviour. In May this year, Alaa Saadeh, Nader’s elder brother, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in October to conspiring to provide material support to Islamic State. His brother, Topaz and Rabbani also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Saleh, who is accused of plotting to set off a homemade bomb in New York, was arrested in June 2015 when he and Rabbani attacked a law enforcement surveillance vehicle that had been following them. Saleh and the other defendant, Fareed Mumuni, have pleaded not guilty. l

Well wishers use crayons to leave messages for the deceased ahead of a candle light vigil in memory of victims one day after a mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando on Monday REUTERS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

INSIGHT

USA

Political differences hold up India’s biggest tax reform n Reuters, Kolkata For India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley a nationwide goods services tax (GST) is a transformative idea that cannot wait any longer. But he will have to do some more spadework to get states on board if he is to introduce it next April. While support has broadened among states for the sales tax, differences persist on key details, in particular pitching the tax at the right level to offset possible revenue losses. A government-appointed panel has suggested a standard GST rate of 17%-18%. But India’s states are reluctant to accept it. On Tuesday, Jaitley met his state counterparts in a renewed attempt to forge a compromise. The meeting, however, failed to achieve a breakthrough. “There is no consensus on the rate,” said Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Punjab finance minister. “We want a detailed study to ensure there are no revenue losses.” State finance ministers will

GOOD AND SERVICES TAX (GST) Ü The main function of the GST is to transform India into a uniform market by breaking the current fiscal barrier between states. Thus the GST will facilitate a uniform tax levied on goods and services across the country. Ü Currently, the indirect tax system in India is complicated with overlapping taxes levied by the Centre and the State separately. Ü Framework of the GST will replace indirect taxes Ü The GST will have a ‘dual’ structure, which means it will have two componentsthe Central GST and the State GST. They will both have separate powers to legislate and administer their respective taxes. Thus equally empowering both. Ü Taxes such as excise duty, service, central sales tax, VAT, entry tax or octroi will all be subsumed by the GST under a single umbrella. Thus, the GST will basically have only three kinds of taxes, Central, State and another called the integrated GST to tackle inter-state transactions. Ü The bill is now stuck in the Rajya Sabha, because the current government does not hold a majority here. Ü The Congress demands for reforms in key areas of the GST has been stalling the process of passing the bill– 1% additional tax as goods move across states The constitutional cap of 18% and an independent dispute redressal mechanism

Source: INDIA TODAY meet again in the second week of July to break the deadlock on the measure that, remains blocked in the upper house of parliament for

the last two years. Jaitley has threatened to take the GST to a vote in July’s monsoon session of parliament.

Silver bullet

Investors have billed the GST as a “silver bullet” for Asia’s third-largest economy that would supplant multiple federal and state levies - a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses. Jaitley calls it the biggest reform since 1947 that would for the first time create a single market for one-sixth of the world’s population and could boost the rate of growth by 2 percentage points. For the measure to become a reality, Jaitley needs not only the backing of states but also of the opposition Congress party to secure the required two-thirds majority needed to pass a key constitutional enabling amendment in parliament’s upper house. The principal opposition party is dead against the notion to clear the bill from the floor in it’s current form. “GST is not like magic,” said West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, who has been tasked with building a consensus among 29 states. “Step by step it progresses.” l

Trump’s post-Orlando message falls flat with GOP establishment Washington, DC/ n Reuters, New York The mass shooting in Orlando, Florida has allowed Donald Trump to seize upon a familiar issue he has used to great advantage -the threat of militants and his plan to limit Muslim immigration to the United States, offering him what could be a crucial moment to re-boot his sputtering presidential campaign. But while rank-and-file voters might respond positively to Trump’s renewed call for a ban on some Muslims entering the country, his reaction to the massacre showed few initial signs of winning over Republican foreign-policy figures who have spurned the New York mogul. Trump said in a speech Monday in New Hampshire he would suspend immigration from countries “where there is a proven history of terrorism” against the US. He said radical Muslim immigrants were “trying to take over our children and convince them how wonder-

World

ful Islamic State is.” After the worst mass murder in modern US history on Sunday left 50 dead, Trump’s speech was hastily refashioned from a broad critique of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton to a dire warning of the threat from Islamist militants. A week ago, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s bid was taking on water. He was being battered by fellow Republicans for his comments about the Hispanic heritage of a federal judge, and Clinton was pulling away in the polls. A renewed focus on national security could provide Trump with the chance to expand his appeal

both to undecided voters and to the GOP foreign-policy establishment. While Trump at times seems to relish being at odds with the establishment, the unhappiness among the party’s hawks isn’t just a matter of hand-wringing. It means if Trump does reach the White House, he could have a difficult time recruiting talented, experienced advisers.

Alarming the mainstream

Trump has alarmed some mainstream Republicans with vows to shred international trade deals, his demands that Mexico pay for a border wall and his questioning of US foreign policy pillars such as

its security commitments to Nato and Asian allies. But voters are another matter. Trump’s swift rise within the Republican Party was at least partly due to the strident tone he has taken toward immigrants and refugees. When Trump responded to last year’s terror attacks in Paris and California with a call for banning Muslims from entering the country, he surged in the Reuters/Ipsos poll in the weeks that followed, opening up a 30-point lead over his Republican primary rivals. Republicans continue to be strongly supportive of Trump’s approach to handling terrorism. This month, two-thirds of Republicans said they agreed with Trump’s proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the country. Overall, 42% of Americans said they agreed with a Muslim ban while 50% said they disagreed, with another 8% not sure, according to another Reuters/Ipsos poll from May 17 to June 6. The poll of more than 6,000 people has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of about 1.5-percentage points. l

Trump implies Obama connection in Orlando attack Donald Trump seemed to make a strange suggestion Monday that President Obama was somehow connected to the Orlando nightclub massacre that claimed the lives of 49 people early Sunday morning. The indirect accusation came in an interview with Fox News Channel Monday. “People cannot believe that President Obama is acting the way he acts and can’t even mention the words radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump told Fox News. -CBS

THE AMERICAS

Colombia government, FARC close to peace deal The Colombian government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are making progress in peace talks, and a deal to end Latin America’s longest-running conflict is in sight, Norway’s foreign minister said on Tuesday. Norway and Cuba mediate the talks. The five-decade conflict in Colombia has cost at least 220,000 lives. -REUTERS

EU court backs UK over child benefit residency rule The European Union’s top court ruled on Tuesday that UK could deny child benefit to foreigners who are not economically active in the country, one of the hot-button issues in Britain’s looming referendum on EU membership. The European Court of Justice said a rule that makes allowances conditional on the right to reside in Britain might amount to discrimination, but could be justified by a need to protect public finances. -REUTERS

EUROPE

EU envoy to Turkey resigns over migration deal The European Union’s top envoy to Turkey has resigned, EU officials said on Tuesday, in a further sign of strained relations as Brussels tries to keep a deal credited with curbing the flow of illegal migrants to Europe on track. Hansjoerg Haber’s resignation comes a month after he was summoned by Turkey’s foreign ministry over comments critical of Ankara’s handling of the migration accord. -REUTERS

AFRICA

Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of provoking recent border fight Ethiopia’s military was provoked into launching this week’s attack on Eritrean forces in a disputed border area, a government official said Tuesday. Eritrean forces fired into Ethiopian positions Sunday, leading to a counter-offensive by Ethiopian troops, government spokesman Getachew Reda said. -AP

World

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

ANALYSIS

Euroscepticism beyond Brexit 8 DAYS TO GO

n Tribune International Desk On June 23, people in the United Kingdom will vote on a referendum on whether to remain in the European Union or to leave the Brussels-based institution, a decision that has come to be called Brexit. The British go to the polls at a time when a new multi-nation survey from Pew Research Centre finds that Euroscepticism is on the rise across Europe and that about two-thirds of both the British and the Greeks, along with significant minorities in other key nations, want some powers returned from Brussels to national governments. Whether favourable or not toward Brussels, most Europeans agree that a British exit would harm the 28-member EU. A median of just 51% across 10 EU countries surveyed have a favourable view of the European Union. A median of 42% in these 10 nations want more power returned to their national capitals, while only 19% favour giving Brussels more power and 27% favour the status quo. Nevertheless, a median of 70% in the nine EU nations surveyed that don’t get a vote June 23 believe it would be bad for the EU if the UK decided to depart. Only 16% say it would be a good thing. Europeans are sharply divided along partisan lines on many of these issues. Supporters of Eurosceptic parties – especially in France, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK – are much less likely than adherents to other major parties to have a favourable view of the European Union. These are among the key findings from a new survey by Pew Research Centre, conducted in 10 EU nations among 10,491 respondents from April 4 to May 12, 2016. The survey includes countries that account for 80% of the EU-28 population and 82% of the EU’s GDP.

A double dip in EU favourability

The British are not the only ones with doubts about the European Union. The EU’s image and stature have been on a roller coaster ride in recent years throughout Europe. In a number of nations the portion of the public with a favourable view of the Brussels-based institution fell markedly from 2012 to 2013 as the European economy cratered. It subsequently rebounded in 2014 and 2015. But the EU is again experiencing a sharp dip in public support in a number of its largest member states. EU favourability varies widely in Europe. The institution’s strongest backers are the Poles (72%) and the

Hungarians (61%). In many other nations, support is tepid. Just 27% of the Greeks, 38% of the French and 47% of the Spanish have a favourable opinion of the EU. Notably, 44% of the British view the EU favourably, including 53% of the Scottish. Younger adults much more likely than older ones to favour the EU. Young people – those ages 18 to 34 – are more favourable toward the European Union than people 50 and older in six of the 10 nations surveyed. The generation gap is most pronounced in France – 25-percentage points – with 56% of young people but only 31% of older people having a positive opinion of the EU. There are similar generation gaps of 19 points in the UK, 16 points in the Netherlands, 14 points in Poland and Germany, and 13 points in Greece. Europeans are divided along ideological lines in their views of the EU, but this division is not a simple matter of left versus right in each society. In some nations Euroscepticism is a right-wing issue, in others it is a left-wing cause. In the UK, people who place themselves on the left of the ideological spectrum (69%) are 31- percentage points more likely than those on the right of the spectrum (38%) to have a favourable opinion of the EU. There is a similar 23-point ideological gap in Italy, a 16-point divide in the Netherlands and a 12-point difference in Germany. A party’s criticism of the European Union does not, however, necessarily translate into disfavour toward Brussels by the party’s adherents. In Italy, 58% of those who identify with the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement have a positive view of the EU. In Poland, where the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party is in a feud with the EU on a range of issues, two-thirds (67%) of PiS partisans still have a favourable opinion of the Brussels institution. The EU’s handling of economic issues is another huge source of disaffection with the institution. About nine-in-ten Greeks (92%) disapprove of how the EU has dealt with the ongoing economic crisis. Roughly two-thirds of the Italians (68%), French (66%) and Spanish (65%) similarly disapprove. (France and Spain are the two nations where the favourability of the EU has recently experienced the largest decline.) Majorities in Sweden (59%) and the UK (55%), including 84% of UKIP supporters, also disapprove of the EU’s job in dealing with economic challenges. The strongest approval of Brussels’ economic efforts is in Poland and Germany (both 47%).

EUROPEANS OVERWHELMINGLY AGREE THAT UK DEPARTURE WOULD HURT THE EU If the UK were to leave the European Union, this would be a _for the EU Bad thing Sweden

89%

Good thing 8%

Netherlands

75%

17%

Germany

74%

16%

Hungary

70%

Spain

70%

Poland

10% 16%

66%

11%

Greece

65%

France

62%

Italy

57%

14% 32% 23%

Note: Question not asked in the UK. Source: Spring 2016 Global Attitudes Survey. Q50N. ‘Euroscepticism Beyond Brexit’ PEW RESEARCH CENTRE

IN UK, DEEP IDEOLOGICAL RIFTS ON EU DIVISION OF POWER Some powers should be returned to national governments LEFT UK Netherlands Italy Poland Hungary Germany France Sweden

MODERATE RIGHT

40%

70% 77%

36% 42% 53%

Right-Left Different

+37 +17 +17

31% 36% 48%

+13

34% 35% 48%

+13

33% 40% 46% 39% 43% 46%

+7 +4

37% 41% 41% 45% 46% 56%

Greece

-10 -11

64%66% 75% Spain

29% 32%

50%

-21

Question wording: ‘Which statement best describes your views about the future of the European Union, even if none is exactly right-national governments should transfer more powers to the European Union, the current division of powers between national governments and the EU should remain the same, OR some powers should be returned to national governments?’ Note: Statistically significant differences in bold. Source: Spring 2016 Global Attitudes Survey. Q49. ‘Euroscepticism Beyond Brexit’ PEW RESEARCH CENTRE

An ever closer Europe – or not

The 1957 Treaty of Rome, the founding document of what eventually became the European Union, pledges its signatories, and all the nations that later acceded to it, “… to lay the foundations of an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.” In early 2016, British Prime Minister David Cameron negotiated an agreement with other EU governments that the founding treaty’s “references to ever closer union do not apply to the United Kingdom.” Nevertheless, disagreement over whether governance in Europe should be more or less centralized is at the centre of the UK referendum debate on whether or not to exit the EU. The Pew Research Centre survey finds that in six of 10 countries more people want devolution of EU power than support the status quo or favour giving more power to the Brussels-based institution. Roughly two-thirds of Greeks (68%) and British (65%) want some EU power returned to Athens and London. This is particularly the view of British ages 50 and older (73%); only 51% of those ages 18-34 agree. Pluralities in Sweden (47%), the Netherlands (44%), Germany (43%) and Italy (39%) also want to curtail EU power.

Is Brexit bad for the EU?

There is overwhelming sentiment across Europe that Brexit would be a bad thing for the European institution: 89% in Sweden, 75% in the Netherlands and 74% in Germany say the British leaving would be not good for the EU. France is the only country where more than a quarter (32%) of the public says it would be positive for the EU if the UK departed. Notably, in all nine countries where the question was asked, large pluralities of people on the left, in the middle and on the right of the political spectrum say a UK exit from the EU would be a bad thing for the EU. But the breakdown in sentiment by political party is more complex. In France, nearly seven-in-ten (71%) supporters of the Socialist and Republican parties believe it would not be good for the EU if the UK left. However, National Front backers are nearly divided on the topic. And even though the German AfD shares many of the criticisms of the EU with the UK Independence Party, two-thirds of Germans who have a favourable opinion of the AfD think it would be a bad thing for the EU if the UK left. l

This is an analysis/excerpt of an extensive Pew Research Centre article, which can be found at http://pewrsr. ch/1ZvrKcY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

12 Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

IEA: Enormous inventories to keep lid on oil price A huge overhang in oil stocks lingering across the world will keep a cap on any further oil price rises, the IEA said yesterday, even as supply and demand move towards balance by the end of the year. PAGE 14

Capital market snapshot: Tuesday DSE Broad Index

4,409.1

0.1% ▲

Index

1,084.7

-0.0% ▼

30 Index

1,738.5

0.1% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

3,878.3

6.6% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

106.8

22.0% ▲

CSE All Share Index 13,552.8 30 Index Selected Index

12,474.9

0.0% ▲ -0.2% ▼

8,249.1

0.0% ▲

Turnover in Mn Tk

258.7

16.6% ▲

Turnover in Mn Vol

9.2

41.0% ▲

Though the country’s economic growth is expected to exceed 7% growth in this fiscal year as per the government estimate, the stock market is still on a bear run. The key index DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange slumped to one year low last month and it lost around 1% in the last one year till yesterday. Analysts say that the bearish trend in the stock market at a time when the economy is on higher growth path defies the notion that the stock market is considered as a mirror of the economy. Some opine that at present the market was affected by non-economic factors rather than economic factors. “Theoretically, falling rate of interest and inflation pushes up stock prices, but equation is different in the Bangladesh stock market, right now,” said capital market expert Wali-ul-Maruf Matin. Because, he said, non-economic factors like law and order situation makes investors uncomfortable, which defies the economic factors. “It is a temporary situation, however.” The stock market is acting in a way without caring about what is happening to the economy, giving a message that investors do not have belief in sustainability of the service sector-led economic growth, said Matin. However, service sector will remain as the largest growth element of the Bangladesh economy for many years to come. Another stock market analyst, said, “In theory, the stock market should reflect the economy of the country. However, the recent fall in index speaks something different. It shows that our stock market is relatively isolated from our macroeconomic fundamentals.” “The stock market is solely

32% 30% 28% 26% 24% 22% 20%

2011

2012

BTRC is going to hold the long-awaited mobile number portability (MNP) auction on September 21 to give mobile phone subscribers a portable advantage. Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commis-

2014

2015

5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000

driven up by investor sentiments which seem to be determined by political hopes, rumors, speculations and herd mentality.” The country’s economic growth is set to break the ‘6% trap’, as a 7.05% growth rate has been es-

sion Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood announced the date for the auction at a press conference held in his office in Dhaka yesterday. He said after completion of all procedures related to MNP, the regulator will be able to introduce  PAGE 14 COLUMN 3

y da ter

Ye s

01 n2 Ja

01 c2

timated for this fiscal year (FY), driven by industrial and service sectors, according to official data. On April 5 last, the national statistical agency BBS forecast that the country’s gross domestic product is expected to expand at 7.05% in the current fiscal year. It also claimed that in first nine months, the economic growth has already crossed 7% in first nine months up to April, breaking the country’s growth cycle 6% for the first time in 10 years. Of the 7.05% overall growth in FY2016, agriculture sector is to contribute 0.4% (0.53% in FY2015), industries sector’s contribution would be 2.95% (2.74% in FY2015),

5 Se

01 n2 Ju

01 n2 Ja

14 20

De c

01 p2

At present the market was affected by non-economic factors rather than economic factors

4 01 n2 Ja

2,000

Source: DSE

2,500

Much-awaited MNP goes to auction on Sep 21 n Ishtiaq Husain

2013

QUARTERLY MOVEMENT OF DSEX INDEX

China’s economic outlook is uncertain with corporate debt and an opaque financial sector contributing to looming vulnerabilities, an International Monetary Fund Official said yesterday. PAGE 14

DSE MARKET CAPITAL TO GDP RATIO (%) 34%

De c

‘China economic outlook ‘uncertain’ as vulnerabilities loom’

n Kayes Sohel

Stock market remains indifferent to higher economic growth

Law ministry’s opinion sought on suing BB officials

TOP STORIES

and that of the services sector to be 3.44% (3% in FY2015). According to a CPD analysis, service sector’s growth contribution is expected to be boosted by the growth in public administration and defense, education, and, health and social works – as a consequence of significant revision of government pay scale. “Indeed, if the growth rates of FY2015 and FY2016 are compared, of the extra growth of 0.5 percentage points, 0.4 percentage points is expected to be contributed by the national pay scale revision,” it said. “This then draws attention to issues of both quality and sustainability of the GDP growth.” l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

BANGLADESH BANK HEIST

Law ministry’s opinion sought on suing BB officials n Asif Showkat Kallol

hanced through reforms to prevent similar incidents in future. Altogether, the report presents seven key recommendations which also included enhancing cyber securities of Bangladesh Bank recruiting new cyber and IT experts and IT-educated staff. On February 4, hackers stole $81m from the central bank’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and wired it to the Philippines’ Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, from where the money was moved to local casinos. The hackers took advantage of the fact that the central bank was closed on February 4 and 5 and the Philippine banks were closed on February 7 and 8, a Sunday and the holiday of the Chinese New Year respectively. Meanwhile, the investigation into the cyber theft appears to have hit a wall in the Philippines since the country’s parliament closed its probe committee. The heist prompted then Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman to resign and the government reshuffled key posts at the central bank. Police investigators say they suspect the involvement of 20 foreigners in the heist. On May 30, Mohammad Farashuddin-led probe committee submitted its report to finance minister. While submitting, Farashudding refused to reveal contents of the report to the media. l

Finance ministry has sought opinion from law ministry over plan to file criminal lawsuits against Bangladesh Bank officials who have been accused of negligence which is believed to help the hackers steal $81m from the central bank’s US account. Bank and Financial Institutions Division yesterday sent a letter to the law ministry seeking the opinion, sources at Bank Division said. Earlier on Monday, a high-level meeting at the finance ministry office decided to seek the law ministry’s opinion on the matter, said an official who was present at the meeting presided over by Finance Minister AMA Muhith. An additional secretary of law ministry also attended. A probe committee headed by Mohammad Farashuddin, a former Bangladesh Bank governor, recently submitted report on one of the biggest bank heists to the government. In the report, the committee recommended administrative actions and criminal cases against three of the Bangladesh Bank employees for their “negligence and carelessness” during the incident. The officials who have been accused of negligence include: Joint Director of Accounts and Budgeting Department Jubair-bin Huda and deputy directors Mizanur Rahmand Bhuyian, GM Addullah Sa-

lahin, Sheikh Riazuddin and Rafiq Ahmed Majumdar. Hackers hacked into the central bank’s SWIFT account using the

Stocks stay flat for seven days n Tribune Business Desk

Ecnec approves seven projects worth Tk3,000 crore

Stocks continued to stay flat for the seven consecutive sessions with extreme volatility yesterday as investors were still cautious over the law and order situation in the country. The benchmark index of Dhaka Stock Exchange DSEX rose over 3 points to close at 4,409. Trading activities also continued to remain poor despite improvement as the DSE daily turnover average stood at Tk387 crore, up over 6% compared to the previous session. Brokers say the present law and order situation in the country has dampened investor sentiment. “The current spate of street killing and indiscriminate arrest has not only worried local investors but also foreign investors,” said a leading broker that maintains a close-relation with foreign investors. l

n Tribune Business Desk

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council yesterday approved seven development projects worth over Tk3,326 crore. Development of damaged road and other infrastructures of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is one of them. The cost of the project is estimated at Tk1,025.87 crore. The projects were approved at an Ecnec meeting held at the National Economic Council conference room in Dhaka with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. Of the approved project cost, Tk2,971.76 crore will come from the public coffer and Tk354.74 crore from the project-related public agencies’ own funds, Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told media after the meeting.

IDs and passwords of these officials, the report says. It suggests that the capacity of Bangladesh Bank should be en-

The DNCC project will be implemented by the end of 2018 in a bid to ease traffic congestion and develop an effective road communication network. Of the total project cost, the government will provide Tk718.11 crore while the reamining Tk307.76 crore will come from the project-related organisation’s own fund. About the project, Kamal said the project aims to ease traffic congestion, road development, removing water-logging problem and clearing the walkways across the DNCC area. Under the project, about 204.82 kilometers road will be developed, 267.27 kilometers dains will be set up, 119.27 kilometer footpaths will be constructed and utility lines will be relocated. According to development pro-

Business

ject proposal (DPP), no present road in the Dhaka Metropolis is of standard quality. It says most of the footpaths are not suitable for walking. Besides, due to lack of adequate drainage facility, the dwellers suffer water-logging problem even after a little shower. The Ecnec meeting approved the Recovering of Buriganga River (New Dhaleswari-Pungli-Bongshai-Turag-Buriganga System, 1st revised). The estimated cost is Tk1,125.59 crore. Replying to a question, the Planning Minister said the 13% of the Buriganga Recovering project work has so far been done as Prime Minister asked the authorities concerned to complete the project ahead of the extended time which is June, 2020. l

Rubber & plastic shoe makers want VAT exemption n Tribune Report Manufacturers of the plastic shoes and slippers have urged the government to continue Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption facilities for their survival. Bangladesh Paduka Prostutkarok Samity (BPPS), Bangladesh Footwear and Footwear Accessories Manufacturers Association and the Bangladesh Rubber Industries Association came up with the call at a joint press briefing held in the city yesterday. Finance minister AMA Muhith proposed to withdraw the VAT on shoes and slippers made of rubber and plastic valuing up to Tk120 a pair while unveiling the budget for the fiscal 2016-17 in the parliament on June 2. “The proposal for VAT withdrawal is illogical as it will hurt the rubber and plastic shoemakers along with cookeries and plastic-made household goods,” said BPPS President Shakhawat Hossain Belal. He demanded scrapping of the discriminatory proposal, so the sector could survive and poor people could afford buying rubber and plastic made shoes and slippers as per their desire. “There are 500 rubber and plastic shoe makers in Dhaka and its adjacent areas where three lakh people are directly or indirectly involved,” he added. Bangladesh Rubber Industries Association President Md Babul said: “If the government did not allow the VAT exemption, the shoes and slippers made of rubber and plastic would be costlier and the local industry will suffer a lot.” l

Lafarge ties up SEL Readymix n Tribune Business Desk Lafarge Surma Cement Ltd, a leading multinational cement manufacturer in Bangladesh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEL Readymix and Concrete Products Ltd. Under this agreement, SEL Readymix and Concrete Products will use Supercrete Cement for various construction projects, said a press statement released yesterday. It can be mentioned that Lafarge has the only integrated cement plant in Bangladesh which has enabled them to supply consistent quality cement over the years. Neeraj Akhoury, CEO of Lafarge Surma Cement and Engineer AKM Abdullah, managing director of SEL Readymix and Concrete Products Ltd signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations in the capital yesterday. l

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

‘China economic outlook ‘uncertain’ as vulnerabilities loom’ n AFP, Beijing

Walton invests more to produce Backlight LED Panel n Tribune Business Desk

China’s economic outlook is uncertain with corporate debt and an opaque financial sector contributing to looming vulnerabilities, an International Monetary Fund Official said yesterday. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director at the IMF, said the near-term growth outlook in the world’s second largest economy had become more buoyant because of recent policy support but warned of potential pitfalls ahead. “The medium-term outlook is more uncertain due to rapidly rising credit, structural excess capacity, and the increasingly large, opaque, and interconnected financial sector.” Speaking in Beijing, where he had been meeting senior banking and government officials among others, Lipton said China needed to accelerate the pace of economic reforms as it had fewer options for dealing with future crises. Corporate debt, state-owned company reform and lack of communication between financial regulators were all cited as vulnerabilities. He suggested China establish a special group to restructure its hulking state-owned enterprises, which have long suffered from inefficiencies. Beijing has long vowed to reform the companies, which control critical sectors of the economy ranging from coal production to telecommunications, but institutional resistance has stymied those

Walton – a local manufacturer of electronics products – has taken initiative to manufacture Backlight LED Panel, a key item for the display of LED products including television, desktop, laptop and screen monitor for mobile and tab. To this extent, the local company is making a huge investment in setting up an ultra-modern LED panel manufacturing unit with latest technologies and machinery at Walton Micro-Tech Corporation at Chandra in Gazipur, said a press release issued recently. The new factory will be able to manufacture about 20 lakh units of LED Panel annually, of which a major portion would be exported after meeting local demands. Walton is setting up a factory on an 8-lakh square feet area to manufacture LED Panel, as per the release. The construction process is in the final stage. The purchase procedure for cutting edge optical grade extrusion machine from Germany has already been completed, it added. “A group of skilled and intelligent engineers are working on the innovation of new generation display and Backlight technology,” said Touseed Al Mahmud, a senior assistant director of Walton Group. The new design will increase brightness of LED display, plus consume a very little electricity, he said. l

David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, speaks at a news conference in Beijing efforts. Lipton also singled out corporate borrowing as a major concern. “Corporate debt, though still manageable, is high and rising fast,” Lipton said. “Addressing the corporate debt problem is imperative to avoid serious problems down the road.” Lending obligations in the country have increased dramatically following several rounds of credit loosening intended to stimulate waning growth.

One state-owned company, the China Railway Corporation, owes more than $600bn in debt, it revealed in May. Aside from financial concerns, the IMF proposed China institute a carbon tax to clean up the country’s heavily polluted skies. If implemented, the IMF predicted the measure could prevent four to five million premature deaths by 2030. His comments come as China struggles with a tough transition away from dependence on debt-

REUTERS

fuelled investment and export industries in an attempt to find a “new normal” of economic growth powered by domestic consumption. In April, the IMF raised its 2016 growth forecast for China by 0.2 percentage points to 6.5%, citing announced stimulus plans. It also increased its estimate for 2017 by the same amount, to 6.2%. The figures still represent a significant drop from the 6.9% expansion seen in 2015 - the slowest in a quarter of a century. l

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

NBL brings new loan Much-awaited MNP goes to auction on Sep 21 product marginal people n Tribune Business Desk The country’s private commercial National Bank Limited (NBL) has introduced a new loan product namely ‘’Mukti’’ to improve personal and social well-being of marginal people across the country. NBL Chairman Zainul Haque Sikder came up with the announcement of the new loan at a launching ceremony held yesterday in the capital. The new loan product was introduced under agriculture credit for the welfare of marginal and underprivileged people, and those living in erstwhile enclave, said Zainul. The bank allocated a fund of Tk15 crore initially for the loan, which will be a revolving fund for 18 months validity. A client will be entitled to get a maximum loan of Tk1 lakh at a 5%

simple interest rate. The clients do not require any collateral to get the loan. ‘’We came forward with our bank to serve marginal people as part of our social responsibility.’’ He said the amount of fund will be extended gradually and the loan will be given on a first-come-firstserved basis. He advised the bank management not to look for disbursement of big loans only but to think also about the development of the grassroots people. Zainul said the bank should think about how to enhance the financial capacity of the very ordinary people. He added that the aim of the loan is to make people self-reliant and small entrepreneur, for instance, a rickshaw puller, who rents his three-wheeler on a daily basis, should be able to own a rickshaw with the help of this credit. l

the service by the end of this year. The regulator will invite applications from June 16, added Shahjahan. The company will have to roll out MNP service within six months after it gets the licence, or else face compensation or licence cancellation. The base price of the auction will be fixed at Tk1 crore while its bank guarantee Tk1 crore as well. The annual licence renewal fee will be Tk20 lakh while the company will have to share 5.5% revenue with the BTRC. The commission has fixed Tk1 lakh as the application fee and bid earnest money would be Tk10 lakh. After the bidding process, a licence will be given to an independent company for 15 years to run the MNP system. According to MNP guidelines, any Bangladeshi national can apply for MNP licence.

Foreign investors are also eligible to apply, but in that case, they can apply jointly with Bangladeshi nationals. Non-resident Bangladeshi or foreigners are not allowed to take loan from local financial institutions. Last month, the Prime Minister’s Office gave approval to the mobile number portability (MNP) service that allows subscribers to switch between operators without changing their phone numbers. Once MNP is introduced, cellphone subscribers can switch from one mobile phone operator to another, while keeping their number unchanged within the country’s territory and can switch further to other operators 40 days after a subscription fee of Tk30. Any registered Bangladeshi company can participate in the bidding, but no mobile operators are eligible for the bidding.

A total of 72 countries, including neighbouring India and Pakistan, have already adopted the popular system for their customers while Singapore is the pioneer in the field. On assuming the charge of the telecommunication sector as the state minister earlier last year, Tarana Halim promised to introduce the MNP by March 2016 so mobile phone users can choose networks of their choice, retaining the same number. Any Bangladeshi or expatriate Bangladeshi-owned company registered in the country will be eligible to bid for the auction. Likewise, foreign companies partnered with Bangladeshi ones can also take part in the auction. The foreign companies, however, can hold as high as a 51% share, and must invest in foreign currency with no chance to mobilise funds from the Bangladesh market. l

Business

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

IEA: Enormous inventories to keep lid on oil price n AFP, Paris

A huge overhang in oil stocks lingering across the world will keep a cap on any further oil price rises, the IEA said yesterday, even as supply and demand move towards balance by the end of the year. Global demand for oil is steadily rising thanks to solid economic growth, and supply has been curbed by unexpected production cuts due to wildfires in Canada and rebel attacks in Nigeria, as well as falling US shale production, the International Energy Agency said in

its monthly oil market report. These factors recently pushed the oil price above the key level of $50 as supply came closer to matching demand, a process known as rebalancing which the IEA expects to be fully in place in the second quarter of this year. But while market forces play out to help the oil price to continue climbing from its low point of close to $25 at the start of the year, there are still large oil inventories waiting to feed into the market, causing a supply glut that is likely to keep a lid on gains for some time.

“There is an enormous inventory overhang to clear,” the IEA said. “This is likely to dampen prospects of a significant in oil prices.” Worries about big stocks have caused the oil price to fall back from this year’s high of around $51 reached early last month, the agency said, echoing Monday’s report from the OPEC oil cartel which said that “speculators became somewhat less interested in long positions” because of the overhang in inventories.

Many moving parts

The benchmark Brent crude con-

tract stood at $49.88 in early European business Tuesday, and the US’s WTI contract at $48.37 The IEA said there is a “huge number of moving parts” in the current oil market environment, making accurate predictions hazardous. On the supply side, these involve a surprisingly strong return of Iran to the oil market after western countries lifted sanctions which had been imposed over Tehran’s nuclear programme, and questions over the timing of any full resumption of production in Nigeria once Niger Delta security

issues are resolved. Iran has emerged as “OPEC’s fastest source of supply growth this year”, pumping oil at its highest level in five years, the IEA said. OPEC, meanwhile, has done little to correct the market’s imbalance, failing earlier this month to agree on any production ceiling at a key meeting and deciding instead to keep oil gushing as the moderate recovery in the oil price eased pressure to limit output. Kingpin Saudi Arabia said at the time that the cartel was “very satisfied” with the market. l

Feature

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

The long road to justice 20 years since the disappearance of Kalpana Chakma n Shuprova Tasneem Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1992 On June 30 1992, Fadil Ičić was arrested next to his house by Bosnian Serb forces. He was taken to the Omarska camp and tortured, and he was never heard from again. His mother Mevlida spent the following 18 years contacting various government bureaus trying to find him. In 2008, the constitutional court gave a ruling on the matter, but to no avail. Yugoslavia, 1992 Hussein Hemlich and his family were fleeing the genocide in Yugoslavia in 1992 when he was captured by the army, and he disappeared. His sister Halima Hodzik and mother Nura have been desperately searching for him ever since. Algeria, 1995 Zafar Sahbi had taken his ill eight year old son to the hospital and was on his way home. He was an employee at the hospital himself. Suddenly, his car was approached by two members of the police force, and Zafar and his son were both forced to go with them. This

PHOTO: BIGSTOCK was July 3, 1995. At one point, the police dropped his son off in front of the hospital and left with Zafar. He was never seen again.

Bangladesh, 1996 Kalpana Chakma, organising secretary of the Hill Women’s Federation, as well as her two

PHOTO: MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU These are the examples of enforced disappearances that were presented by the Moulik Odhika Shurokkha Committee (Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights) this Saturday at a discussion meeting on “the Disappearance of Kalpana Chakma and the next 20

years,” held on Saturday, June 11 in the capital. The event was chaired by human rights activist Shireen Huq, and the speakers included Dr Shahdeen Malik, Barrister Sara Hossain and human rights activist Nur Khan Liton. In her opening statement,

Shireen Huq said, “it is very difficult to say anything today. It has been 20 years since Kalpana Chakma was abducted, and we still have not seen justice.” Barrister Sara Hossain spoke about the judicial processes that were taken after Kalpana’s abduction, and the possibility

brothers, were abducted in June 1996, allegedly by a military officer and two members of the Village Defense Party. Her brothers

of there being a court hearing in July 2016, after the case was reopened in 2012. “We are now seeing the war crimes trials in Bangladesh through a special tribunal. This is a positive step forward, and we demand special tribunals so that we can also seek justice for abductions, forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.” Nur Khan Liton mainly spoke of the international context of forced disappearances. Citing the above examples, he said, “we have seen that the family members of those who have been abducted and disappeared are relentlessly asking for justice, but this can become difficult for them and many of them face dire threats. So we need to not only make individual efforts, but come together as a society to stand against these injustices.” Dr Shadheen Malik of Moulik Odhikar Shurokkha Committee stressed on the importance of strengthening democracy within political parties, reforming the police and reforming court processes in order to ensure a just society, and asked everyone to join the movement to demand for it.

managed to escape, but Kalpana was never found again. She was only 23 years old.

“The killings that are currently happening in our country – whether by terrorists or other forces – have all created a sense of fear and great concern all around the world,” he said. The cases of enforced disappearances that were mentioned at the event had all been taken to the UN Human Rights Committee, with complaints lodged according to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In many of the cases, the Committee has agreed that human rights have been violated through these enforced disappearances, and have asked the relevant quarters to conduct proper investigations. The road to justice in most of these cases have been slow ones, with such a ruling coming around 20 years or more after the disappearances. 20 years after the disappearances of Kalpana Chakma, this road seems just as cumbersome, if not more. But the supporters and well-wishers of Kalpana are just as determined to continue the fight for justice, and continue to protest against the systemic oppression of adivasis in Bangladesh. l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Ramadan: Paint it Yellow n Shireen Pasha Mind My husband has the habit of buying raunchy chocolate cookies. On Sunday night I stared at them. Their incomprehensible lab-made ingredients called out to me. I went so far as to hold the package in my hands. Then I thought about opening it and having one. I said to myself - “don’t.” My ego said - “you are so weak.” Another voice said, “just have one first and then have the entire packet.” Will power. Ramadan is not just about remembering how much you have and how much others don’t (and then not doing anything about it). It is also about strengthening your will power. No freedom without will power. I put the packet back in the cupboard and made myself one litre of Spirulina juice (just water and three teaspoons of Spirulina - a blue green algae that cleanses blood). You can make something similar with coriander leaves. The recipe is included at the bottom. I drank the Spirulina, turned on “Rang de Basanti” and moved my body to Bhangra. (Don’t worry, this does not mean I believe in Allah any less). Body My second brain, solar plexus or medically known as the enteric nervous system (a mass of neural tissue) was grateful for the movement and for avoiding the nasty sugar. Ancient science, fakirs, yogis mystics and now bio-physicists say that the enteric nervous system vibrates a yellow colour. Mystics have said that it is the centre of the body, when fully mastered, can destroy or build the world. Modern scientists say that the enteric nervous system is “an often-overlooked network of neurons lining our guts that is so extensive some scientists have nicknamed it our second brain. A deeper understanding of this mass of neural tissue, filled with important neurotransmitters, is revealing that it does much more than merely handle digestion or inflict the occasional nervous pang. The little brain in our innards, in connection with the big one in our skulls, partly determines our mental state and plays key roles in certain diseases throughout the body.” You can read more about the enteric nervous system here: http:// www.scientificamerican.com/ article/gut-second-brain/ I am also including a diagram that explains the information coordination between the enteric

Communication between enteric nervous system and central nervous system.

nervous system and the central system from Nature magazine: http://www.nature.com/ nrgastro/journal/v9/n5/images/ nrgastro.2012.32-f1.jpg Soul Mind, body, soul all comes together when you move your body. (Any wonder that the Punjabis were one of the forerunners of the Independence Movement? Just an anecdotal thought.) Turn the AC off. That’s disgusting. You are one of the fortunate to live in a country that supports natural toxic removal through sweating. Yet, you suppress that, risk allergies, sinus infections for some mind numbing cold air? Or is it a status symbol? Whatever it is. Turn that AC off. Sweat. Namaz alone may be not enough to relax and remove the accumulation of toxins in your body. You may also need cardio activity. You wonder how you can fast, not sit under the AC, and avoid that afternoon nap while fasting? You have no idea just how powerful you are once you tell that mind of yours to shut up. As for cardio, you might choose any of the

800 regional dances (truly we South Asians are blessed with the wealth of possibilities). Bhangra is a great cardio dance. It is a harvest dance that expresses gratitude to “Rab” (Allah) and Bhumi (Earth). Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin. Furthermore, the dance awakens the 31 pairs of spinal nerves along the vertebral axis, which is connected to the twelve cranial nerves. Some of these nerves bring information from the sense organs to the brain; other cranial nerves control muscles; other cranial nerves are connected to glands or internal organs such as the heart and lungs.” You can study the nerves with your kids on this page: https://faculty.washington.edu/ chudler/cranial.html From your feet to your brain - each stomp awakens parts of your body that may have been sleeping. To know oneself is to know Allah. How can we know ourselves if we are sleeping? I continue to wish you a heartful Ramadan, namaz, meditation, togetherness and a deep awakening. l

Ramadan Special

Paint it Yellow Some dust from my mother land, A little bit of scent of the mad winds, A little bit of my dhadhak, dhadak, beating heart and breath, Those red drops of blood, which have passion in them, You mix all of them, and create a new colour And friend, you paint me yellow, Paint me yellow Colour my dreams, colour my beloved, Colour the happiness, and the sadness too, Colour all species, colour all crops, Colour the heart beats, colour the notes, And friend, you paint me yellow, On a mild flame, put some love (to cook) Add some waterfalls, mix Bring some oceans, bring some watering pots Sprinkle a little, and then shake it, And then create one colour, And friend, you paint me yellow Colour the slums, colour existence, Colour my joy, colour each nerve Colour my childhood, colour my youth Don’t delay it anymore, colour me in reality, O painter, colour everything, And friend, you paint me yellow -Rang de Basanti translation by Anurag Singh Rana

Biz Info

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

| meals |

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf special Iftar

Iftar and dinner buffet at Absolute Thai

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is offering an exclusive Iftar experience for the holy month of Ramadan. The popular food outlet is serving a scrumptious Iftar platter with chilled refreshing drinks for Tk580 (excluding VAT). For more info, please call: 09638995995 or visit: facebook.com/ coffeebeanbangladesh. l

| hospitality |

Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort hosts Iftar for orphans Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort hosted an iftar for more than 100 orphans of Madrasatun Nuria to provide them a memorable experience of this Holy Month of Ramadan at its Celebration Hall (14th Floor) on Saturday, June 11, 2016. This charity event has been a yearly project in conjunction with the month of Ramadan for nine years now. Renowned film maker and artist Ananta Jalil CIP along with his wife Actress Borsha was the chief guest of the event. Executive committee members, departmental head, management and all the associates of the hotel also

Absolute Thaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iftar plus dinner buffet will hit the spot without you having to hit the bed. Their buffet offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, sour or all of the above, they have you covered! Commence your Iftar with fried finger food and signature salads such as the beautiful Thai Glass Noodle salad or the spicy and sour Thai Papaya salad. Run the salad down with a light clear prawn soup or the iconic Tom Yam Kung

soup to prepare yourself for the mouthwatering main dishes. Light the iftar up with the beautiful hues of Thai food, freshly cut herbs and refreshing desserts. There is no better alternative to the usually heavy, greasy Iftar and you know it! Experience the flavours of Siam with them to enjoy the freshest herbs, vegetables, and meats simmered together, Thai style at the price of Tk899 (net). For reservations dial: 01610-500022. l

| meals | gathered on this occasion. A cheque for Tk25,000 was handed over to the Madrasha Principal by the Executive Director of the hotel, Shahid Hamid FIH.

Before the Iftar, a special munajat was offered seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the children and the hotel. l

Nawab Chatgaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chittagonian delicacies

| meals |

La Bamba special Iftar items

This Ramadan La Bamba is offering a plethora of delicious Iftar Items in all of their Uttara outlets. To avail this offer and enjoy culinary delights such as Halim, Bombay and Reshmi Jilapee contact: 01971640000. l

This Ramadan, Nawab Chatga brings you a variety of items, including a few Chittagonian classics for Iftar. In addition, there is the option for suhr too. Along with the much coveted regular menu, Nawab special mutton haleem, Mezbani gosht, parata, jilebi, Nawab tehari, Chittagonian bakorkhani, papaya and pumpkin shemai, beef jaali kebab, Nawab

special roll with jhura gosht and spring rolls, egg potato chop, chicken shashlik, doi bora as well as the Nawab firni and jarda will all be available. There is also the option of Iftar takeaways, Iftar parties alongside the option of home deliveries. Find out more on their facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/NawabChatga l

Biz Info

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

| event |

| Competition |

CSE, ULAB’s hosts summer 2016 fresher’s orientation

Aarong Mother’s day competition winner

Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organised Fresher’s orientation, Summer

2016 on June 2, 2016 at ULAB seminar room. The event has been organised to introduce the new students to the department, the faculties of the department

as well as to the different wings of the ULAB Computer Programming Club. Professor Dr H M Jahirul Haque, pro vice chancellor, ULAB delivered an inspiring speech to the newly enrolled students as the chief guest of the event. Professor Dr Sazzad Hossain, head of department, CSE advised new students about how they should prepare themselves within the campus and encouraged active learning to ensure they have successful futures. All the faculty members of the CSE departments along with the students were present at the event.l

| ecommerce |

ZuumZuum launches Experience Shop with Fortuna

Leading fashion e-commerce site, zuumzuum.com, partnering with prominent fashion footwear and accessories retailer shop Fortuna has launched an “Experience Shop” platform which fully integrates with its website and introduces many new prospects such as – trial then buy, return online orders to store and much more. In Bangladesh, e-commerce business is in the early stages and this new Experience Shop lays the groundwork for ZuumZuum’s future as an omni-channel e-commerce site, providing the customer with the opportunity to shop “anytime, anywhere and on any device.” The new partnership venture is now in Uttara and both companies are hoping to unveil many ventures such as this in the near future. Fortuna Group Chairman, Engr M Abu Taher reiterated his belief of online/offline approach to E-commerce, “This partnership is unique and we have large stores that can be easily be filled with more fashion products that

will also increase our footfall and sales at our own stores. A wider product range will improve our overall customer experience as well. We see this as the way forward to shopping in Bangladesh.” On the occasion of this inauguration, Mustafizur Khan, co-founder of ZuumZuum said, “We co-founded zuumzuum. com less than a year ago and learnt some amazing insights about our online consumers. While the online businesses have demonstrated tremendous potential, customers in many cases prefer to see the real thing

for ‘touch and feel.’ Considering the practical aspect of doing online business in Bangladesh, the ZuumZuum team has decided to partner with Fortuna Group to bring our online fashion products to our customers with the very first ZuumZuum fashion pop up store. Through this initiative we aim to reiterate ZuumZuum’s ambition to become the go-to fashion e-commerce site in Bangladesh.” ZuumZuum team expressed their thought and said, “We believe launching an experience shop will fulfill our goal of making customer’s shopping life easier. In order to stay relevant as an e-commerce site you need to be where the consumer is, and nowadays that is everywhere. That is why this omni-channel approach and a perfect integration of online shopping and go to fashion store will fulfill all the needs of fashion lovers. We are very proud of what we have achieved and we are persuaded that we now offer our customers a unique shopping experience.” l

Dhaka Aarong is pleased to announce the winner for the “Mother’s Day Shop and Win Campaign” - Saida Tahera, Manager, Human Resources, Heidelberg Cement Limited. Tahera, who wrote the winning message to her mother, Mohsina Akhter, was awarded a three day

two nights trip to Mermain Beach Resort in Cox’s Bazar with flights from Novoair. Present at the prize giving ceremony were Md Abdur Rouf, chief operating officer, BRAC- Aarong and AKM Mahfuzul Haque, manager, marketing and sales, Novoair. l

| launch |

AABRACU launches official website and holds alumni iftar

Alumni Association of BRAC University (BRACU) held its annual Iftaar Mahfil on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at BRACU campus where they launched their official website. Md Tajdin Hassan, president of AABRACU, shared a glimpse of activities the new committee has implemented over the last year and also shared his future plan to build a well-connected Alumni Committee. The association launched its new website which is believed to be one of the best alumni websites of the country. Prof Rahim B Talukdar, adviser of BRAC Business School; Ivan Shafaat Bari, director, OCSAR & Student Affairs; Shiblee Shakik Ahmed, head of marketing MMDS, South East Asia New Markets, Microsoft Corporation, and Md Tajdin

Hassan, AABRACU president inaugurated the website. Alumni association of BRACU currently serves around four thousand alumni and this website will be used to manage the web presence and online communications of its alumni members both in the country and abroad. The address of the new site is: www.aabracu. net. The keynote speaker of the event was Shiblee Shakik Ahmed, head of marketing MMDS, South East Asia New Markets, Microsoft Corporation. Shiblee is also an MBA graduate from BRACU. This initiative is a part of the agenda of this executive committee formed a year ago, which will bring a dynamic scenario in alumni networking and boost the enthusiasm of the community.l

20 Editorial

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

TODAY

Who represents Muslims? Muslims now are the hinges of history. The spotlight of global attention is firmly upon them PAGE 21

The health of a nation Statistics show that the 10-19 age group is currently the most vulnerable group. This young group can serve Bangladesh by contributing to the economy, provided they remain healthy and active PAGE 22

MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

Leave no child behind

The missing woman is far from being silent It is time to reveal and overcome the misogyny of the so-called civic nation that submits to, instead of protesting, the culture of impunity PAGE 23

Be heard Write to Dhaka Tribune FR Tower, 8/C Panthapath, Shukrabad, Dhaka-1207 Send us your Op-Ed articles: opinion.dt@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/ DhakaTribune. The views expressed in Opinion articles are those of the authors alone. They do not purport to be the official view of Dhaka Tribune or its publisher.

t is a matter of great shame that more than 3.45 million children between the ages of five and 15 are still in active labour in this country. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, this number has seen steady increase over the past few years, with the number of children in various sectors having increased by 250,000 over the last decade. Of these, 1.2 million children are engaged in hazardous and life-threatening work. This continues to persist despite initiatives taken by the government to end child labour by 2019, set under its National Child Labour Policy. These children should not be deprived from getting an education, which is their national right, one which they so desperately need and deserve. Some of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiatives, such as distributing breakfasts and mid-day meals, have had some success in keeping children in school. This clearly indicates that, given the option to afford to keep their children in school, parents will do so. It is up to the government to ensure that its citizens donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find themselves in such situations where child labour becomes a necessity for families to survive. Of another BSS survey, it was found that close to half of the children working in the capital were doing so in the RMG sector, in spite of the government having supposedly removed child labour from it entirely. The government should learn from its successes and failures, so that not one more child is forced to enter industries as a labourer. It should be a matter of national priority that children are protected from the harsh economic struggles that families are sometimes forced to endure. It should be remembered that keeping children out of forced labour not only increases their chances of success in the future, but also their education enables the nation as a whole to flourish.

The government should learn from its successes and failures, so that not one more child is forced to enter industries as a labourer

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Who represents Muslims? The Muslim community’s present image on the world stage needs change

How does the Western world perceive Muslims in the 21st century?

n Shafiqur Rahman

here is a story that goes like this: After a long period of secrecy, Cassius Clay announced to the world in 1964 that he has converted to Islam. Upon hearing that Clay has become a Muslim, Ali’s lifelong coach and legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee exclaimed with astonishment: “Muslin! How can a man become muslin?” In America, muslin was known as a light fabric primarily used to strain cheese curds or yogurt. I remembered the anecdote and retold it many times because I thought it was very insightful; although there is a probability that the story is not true. First of all, there is the sheer absurdist humour in somebody’s befuddlement upon hearing a man has transformed into a cloth. Secondly and most importantly, the anecdote tells us that barely five decades ago, it was very possible for an adult, educated man in the Western world to not know what Islam is or what a Muslim is. We live in a very different world now. Even a made-up story like that will not make any sense or will not amuse us today. Social scientists say that mass consciousness like nationalism, large-group identity etc are largely products of modernity. Collective identity became a central part of the life of common people only after the advent of mass communication and mass education. While the West entered the era of mass awareness in the 19th century, much of the rest of the world only entered modernity in the 20th century. And for much of the 20th century, Muslims of the

world found themselves relegated to the background of history. The central drama of the first half of the 20th century was the terrible global struggle to contain intoxicated ambitions of the Germans. For most of the second half, two superpowers fought a hot and cold clash of ideology, economy, and imperialism that spanned the globe and even space.

NASHIRUL ISLAM

US presidential elections have been decided, and will probably be decided, by how Americans respond to terrorism and radicalism among Muslims. The Brexit referendum in June also largely depends on issues of immigration. The EU may well break down in the coming years from reaction to Muslim immigration. Muslims are

When I say Muslims, I mean Arabs, because it is also clear that the visceral Muslim reaction to modernity originated almost exclusively from the Arabian heartlands; the rest of the Muslim world were managing their entrance into modern era far better. I wouldn’t say that the millennial fever has gripped

Muslims now are the hinges of history. The spotlight of global attention is firmly upon them. US presidential elections have been decided, and will probably be decided by how Americans respond to terrorism and radicalism among Muslims Despite what your all-knowing uncle may tell you, these titanic confrontations had almost nothing to do with Islam and Muslims. The wheels of history did not revolve around Islam and Muslims. In Game of Thrones parlance, for much of modernity, Muslims were like the Smallfolks of Westeros; trying to survive while the lords played their bloody games of conquest over their lands. They were acutely aware that in the chessboard of the world, they were like pawns. That’s why, when he converted to Islam, Muhammad Ali at once became the most famous and most beloved person in the Muslim world. The supremely confident Ali was the living embodiment of Muslim pride in the highest circles of the world. The world of the 21st century could not be more different. Muslims now are the hinges of history. The spotlight of global attention is firmly upon them.

backdrops no more. There is ebb and flow among groups in history. Nations come to the forefront of history sometime by the dint of their hard work, innate potential, or sometime just by sheer circumstances. When nations take the central place in world stage, they face acute psychological challenges. Particularly strong is the heady millennial feeling. Groups under the spotlight often feel that surely this is the time when their destiny finally materialises? Surely these intoxicating days portend the final era when their supremacy will be permanently stamped on the world? The millennial fever is very hard to manage. The Germans most famously lost their heads completely. The English managed their entry and exit from the central stage far better. Arguably, today there are no large groups more psychologically ill-prepared to be on the centre stage than Muslims.

the whole Muslim world. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are leading their lives as before. They are trying to provide for their families, raise children as good persons and citizens, becoming friends with all kinds of people. Religion is a personal and spiritual guide for them for navigating a very complex earthly existence. They get happy when Muslims attain greatness individually or collectively, but they do not want to forcefully shape the world around them to their own image. But for many others, the Muslim identity has become a vessel for all their aspirations and fantasies. There are the Salafists who think that the only way to successfully overcome the challenge of modernity is to take the whole world into a time machine and go back to an imagined past. There are the romantic revolutionaries who think that blindly striking back at the global

establishment without pondering about consequences is the only heroic path. There are the psychological misfits who think that all their confusions and insecurities will go away if they can embrace an ideal of pure action. And also there are the psychopaths who just want to see the world burn. What unites all these people is a millennial vision of the final era and a purist division of us versus them. We saw a wonderful vision of the world in the funeral of the most famous Muslim of the 20th century. Muhammad Ali was close friends with Jews, Christians, all. He personally campaigned for a republican Mormon senator in lily-white Utah because he liked the man. He was close friend with Billy Crystal, a product of the New York Jewish entertainment establishment. He worked with Billy Crystal to raise funds for Hebrew University in Jerusalem, I repeat a university in Israel. He interacted closely with Christian pastors and priests. The LGBT athletic community expressed gratitude to Ali for supporting them. And all this while Ali triumphantly carried his Muslim identity. He stridently worked for all kinds of Muslim causes throughout the world, including Palestine. So far, the most famous Muslim of the 21st century has been Osama Bin Laden. Like it or not, the Muslim community’s inadvertent occupation of the world stage has been a most infamous one, and getting bad to worse. Only the Muslims can erase that infamy and enable millions of Muhammad Ali’s successors to represent their community.l Shafiqur Rahman is a political scientist.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

The health of a nation What strategies can lead to better health for Bangladeshi citizens? This is the first part of a two part long form Lubna, Md A Salam, n Jerin and Faysal Kabir Shuvo

he Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and its stand on health could be considered a new era of public health revolution, conceptualising health as a “resource for everyday life, not the object of living.” The charter underpinned a philosophy: “Health for all,” which facilitated a shift in focus from factors that cause the disease to those who support human health and well-being and subsequently became the driving force of the New Public Health movement. It proposed a revolutionary shift in perspective from input to outcomes, and governments at different levels were to be held accountable for ensuring health care of their populations, not just for the health services they provided. Although mythically accepted, the famous proverb “prevention is better than cure” is hardly practised in most of the situations. In fact, preventive health care aims to control disease through restricting exposure to causal factors. Famous epidemiologist Geoffrey Rose coined the term “prevention paradox” to describe a paradoxical situation whereby the burden of disease in populations of low or moderate health risk is actually higher than that of high risk populations. This discovery asks to move away from the traditional preventative approach, which usually used to target just those people considered “high risk” to reduce the burden of disease within a population by targeting the main source of diseases with low or moderate risk. Rose proposed two distinct but complementary approaches to prevention, ie individual cases of disease as well as those amongst a population, termed as high-risk and population-level strategy. The high-risk approach aims to take preventive interventions to individuals at greatest risk and the population approach attempts to lower the level of risk within a population group by reducing the exposure levels.

Why is a population strategy necessary for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has been very successful in preventing diseases which were once believed to be

We need more investment in our health sector highly epidemic in nature, eg polio, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea through effective implementation of high-risk strategies by identifying the vulnerable group of the population and reaching out. These types of diseases are known as communicable or infectious diseases. On the other hand, globally, an epidemiological transition from communicable/infectious diseases is profoundly noticeable, as in Bangladesh. Comparing the disease burden data of WHO for 2000 and 2012 measured by disability-adjusted life year (DALY), it can be seen that Bangladesh is experiencing the epidemiological transition to more non-communicable diseases. A non-communicable disease (NCD) is by definition noninfectious and non-transmissible among people. Although NCDs have been variously defined, from a health science perspective, they are limited to four major disease categories and are linked by common risk factors: Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, stress and psychological depression are the very common types of NCDs

among the urban population. Currently, NCDs are the leading cause of death in low and middleincome countries. Research shows that over 80% of cardiovascular and diabetes deaths, and almost 90% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occur in low and middle-income countries. Compared with highincome countries, NCDs also kill at a younger age in low and middleincome countries.

Vulnerable demography

Statistics show that the 10-19 age group is currently the most vulnerable group. This young group potentially can serve Bangladesh by contributing to the economy, provided they remain healthy and active. Therefore, a population-level strategy is urgently required to reduce the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases. Most of the NCDs are influenced by behavioural, socio-economic, and environmental risk factors. Behavioural risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. Socio-economic risk factors include poverty, lack of resources and access to health services, education; and environmental risk factors include ambient air quality, etc. To ensure productive and

BIGSTOCK

Statistics show that the 10-19 age group is currently the most vulnerable group. This young group can serve Bangladesh by contributing to the economy, provided they remain healthy and active

sustainable usage of this manpower, Bangladesh will need to create a healthy living environment for them, which is possible by adopting the population-level strategy.

High personal cost in health care

A newspaper published a report last year on the basis of Bangladesh National health Accounts (1997-2012) report. It showed that house-holds of Bangladesh have to pay about 63.3% as health care cost whereas the government’s expenditure is only 23.09%. According to a WHO estimate, Bangladesh government spends only 2% in the public health sector of the total cost involved in the health sector. Ironically, the highest household out-ofpocket expenditure (43%) goes to purchasing of medicine and

equipment, which is even higher compared to other lower and middle-income countries (27.6%). This is a frustrating situation from both a government and population perspective. High dependency of “high-risk” or clinical solution of health care pushes the median income households towards socioeconomic risk factors. On the other hand, the government is not in a situation to formulate a citizen-friendly health policy. To overcome this, a concerted effort is required to change the medicine dependency mindset of Bangladeshi population. l This concluding part of this long form will be published tomorrow. Jerin Lubna, Md A Salam, and Faysal Kabir Shuvo are urban planners.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

The missing woman is far from being silent Kalpana Chakma won’t come back, but the power of a missing woman remains

Where is Kalpana?

n Rumana Hashem

une 12 has a historical significance to many Bangladeshis, especially to those who supported and voted for Awami League to form government in 1996. On June 12 in 1996, the AL won the Seventh National Parliamentary Elections and regained power to lead the nation after more than two decades. The day is remarkable to the generation of 1975, including myself, who heard many stories about the party’s leading role in the war of independence in 1971 but never saw the AL in power before June 12, 1996. Nevertheless, when many Bangladeshis note the day as a victory day of their favourite political party since 1996, it has become a commemoration day to the lives of a significant segment of population of the country -the people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. On June 12, 1996, an uncompromising Chakma feminist and an inspirational activist at Hill Women’s Federation, Kalpana Chakma, was abducted by unabashed state-security forces at the dark of the night when the nation was focused on the general election that would bring in democracy to the nation.

BIGSTOCK

Kalpana was vocal against militarised violence and military occupation in the land of adivasi. There is little doubt that her captors would belong to the same military that she regarded as enemy to her people and homeland. Protests in the aftermath of her abduction, of course, took place and outbursts across the CHT continued. But the end result of the protests against military is so that rather than bringing back Kalpana, four more protesters including a young boy, Rupan Chakma, were shot dead. Rupan, Monotosh, Shukesh and Somorbijoy Chakma died in militarised violence against an outburst on June 28 in 1996, two weeks after Kalpana Chakma had been abducted. The incident brought in a clear message to the community and the nationals, who opposed militarised violence, that violence against indigenous people and women would continue while protesters against militarised violence are to be silenced. Two decades have passed since. Many stories have gone around the gendered phenomenon over the past years, yet the demand for an independent investigation was cruelly ruled out as irrelevant. Instead of conducting an investigation on Kalpana’s

be any information available on Kalpana or the outrageous incident in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The lines about an uncompromising aboriginal feminist do not “virtually” exist. The crucial lines have been erased from the whole profile of Bangladesh. The questions about who was behind a stretched dark event on the night of a general election and how was this disgraceful incident of kidnapping normalised in the national life seemed immaterial and obsessive to many within Bangladeshi civil society. Instead of undertaking investigation into the gendered phenomenon, the continuum of gendered violence in the region, under peace-forces, has been aggravated through gang rapes and sexual abuse of women at daylight which were committed by both the military and civil Bengali men. During my fieldwork of a completed doctoral research on “gender and armed conflict” in the CHT, I was told by the Additional District Commissioner in Khagrachari that there have

comments of the ADC in Khagrachari. At the end of the meeting, he ruled out the chances for Kalpana’s return. Nevertheless, the missing woman is far from being silent. The woman from the other side of the wall stands as more powerful than her skippers. Kalpana’s disappearance alone has discovered many more voices that are vocal against violence against indigenous people. At a personal level, the incident of Kalpana’s outrageous abduction and disappearance, on the night of a historical general election, has turned me into an academic from activist. I was an undergraduate student at that time, was committed to help the Election Commission in counting votes, delivering a prompt service and neutral result of the election to which the whole nation awaited. On the night of Kalpana’s abduction, I had been serving the nation of Bangladesh as a loyal volunteer of Dhaka University Scouts. After a sleepless and hardworking long evening when I

It is time to reveal and overcome the misogyny of the so-called civic nation that submits to, instead of protesting, the culture of impunity

disappearance, more lives were taken away. One may think that the trouble is the military. But the truth is more complex than we see. It is not merely military, rather that of the misogynist civic nation that embraces culture of impunity as a way to uphold chauvinism. A close look to the events that followed Kalpana’s abduction after the General Election in 1996 would explain that the idea of democracy and justice has been disabled in the CHT, especially after 1996. The incident of the notorious abduction of an uncompromising female activist with her two living brothers from her mother’s home was, as it appeared, less important to the majority of the nation. Only a small segment of progressive activists expressed willingness to discuss the matter. Others remained silent and did not want to know more -- let alone speak. If you search the profile of Bangladesh or the incidents on June 12 in 1996, there would hardly

been some “isolated incidents on militarised violence against women.” But he would not comment on these or Kalpana Chakma’s disappearance because, in his words, “these are matters to be dealt by peace-force”. What he implied is that he was out of power as he was made up to chair an administrative body who would sit and listen to how brutal the sounds of militarised violence are. There is no doubt that military plays an important role in controlling the incidents in the CHT. Subsequently, I was prohibited to speak to Kalpana’s family and was forced to return from Khagrachhari with incomplete data. Nevertheless, the point that should not be missed is that the nationals are equally submissive and misogynistic. The nationals submit to militarism and chose the culture of impunity as a way of controlling indigenous population. This was evident in the

returned home at nine o’clock in the morning, the national dailies have already reached out to the people, across the nation, that were eager to read news of election. Kalpana’s abduction was only partly covered. Even so, it had its power which motivated me to pursue a scientific research on gender and armed conflict in the end. We may not be able to bring back Kalpana, but the power of a missing woman is proven. It is time to reveal and overcome the misogyny of the so-called civic nation that submits to, instead of protesting, the culture of impunity. The nation ought to revisit the failing and chauvinism that stood as a national shame. l Rumana Hashem is a Bangladeshi-born feminist-sociologist, currently engaged in post-doctoral research on refugee and migrants at the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging in the UK.

24 Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

TOP STORIES

Pogba, Griezmann expected to rise Albania are unlikely to pose much of a threat to France but Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann will be expected to produce sharper performances in today’s Group A match when victory should assure the hosts a last 16 spot. PAGE 26

Romania dilemma for Swiss game Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu must decide whether veteran left back Razvan Rat can repel the danger of Xherdan Shaqiri in what could be the defining confrontation of his team’s clash with Switzerland today. PAGE 27

James and Irving keep Cavs alive LeBron James powered the sharpshooting Cleveland Cavaliers to a season-saving 112-97 win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Monday to climb within 3-2 in the best-of-seven NBA Finals. PAGE 28

Samuels sparks West Indies over Australia Marlon Samuels produced his best batting effort in One-Day International cricket against Australia to lead the West Indies to a six-wicket victory in the fifth match of the Tri-Nation series at Warner Park in St Kitts on Monday. PAGE 29

Abahani Limited captain Tamim Iqbal makes a point during a training session yesterday while his team mates listen intently in Mirpur

Victoria promise players’ payment n Minhaz Uddin Khan Victoria Sporting Club officials requested their players yesterday not to complain to the Bangladesh Cricket Board about their irregular payment in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League. According to the BCB regulations, the DPL sides are supposed to clear 60 percent of the players’ payment by the end of the first phase. But Victoria, currently leading the points table, failed to meet the payment deadline. Dhaka Tribune has learned that the coaching staff have also been unpaid of their due amount. The Victoria cricketers gathered at the National Cricket Academy’s gym yesterday to prepare for their visit to the BCB’s chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury. But a club official called a senior player and

asked them not to go ahead with their protest and promised payments by today. “By now we should have received 60 percent of the payment but what we got is only 20 percent. We made several requests to the club but those went unattended. We had no option but to take the issue to the board,” a senior Victoria player, requesting anonymity, told Dhaka Tribune. “We had gathered to make the move (yesterday) when the club president called us and promised that payment will be made by (yesterday) evening. We will wait and see,” he added. Victoria president Nisar Uddin Ahmed Kazal admitted of the delay and said the issue will be taken care of soon. “I have told the players that the payment will be made (yesterday night) and

(today). We will make sure they are given their due amount. If for some reason the club fail to make payment, the BCB is supposed to clear that payment,” said Kazal. Apart from Victoria, there are other DPL sides who have similar payment issues despite strong measures promised by the BCB. During the players draft, the BCB assured smooth payment and had taken guarantee of the payment of the players. The worst possible scenario is with Kalabagan Cricket Academy and Cricket Coaching School, the two side to get relegated this season. It is understood the players from both sides have received around 15 to 30 percent of the payment. They are failing to take a stance against the issue due to lack of leadership from within the players.l

DHAKA TRIBUNE

Tamim to lead Abahani today n Minhaz Uddin Khan Abahani Limited captain Tamim Iqbal will be available to play against arch-rival Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Super League phase of the Dhaka Premier League today. The left-handed opening batsman found himself in a spot of bother after he showed dissent towards the on-field umpires in their last Super League game against Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club at the BKSP 3 ground last Sunday. It was widely believed that Tamim will be slammed with a fine along with at least a onegame suspension for breaching the code of conduct. However, the match referee of the game in question, Montu Datta informed that the report could not be submitted as the tie went uncompleted after the umpires walked out. “The issue has been forwarded to the [Bangladesh Cricket] board by CCDM (Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis). I could not submit the report as the game never ended. However, I have kept the papers ready just in case the board needs them as they are supposed to probe the issue,” Montu explained to Dhaka Tribune yesterday. It is understood that a decision on the issue is likely to come following the next BCB meeting and chances are high that the Abahani-Doleshwar tie will be played from the beginning. l

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Wilmots: De Bruyne was perhaps tired n Reuters, Lyon Belgium coach Marc Wilmots blamed a “breakdown in communication” for one goal and said playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was “perhaps tired” in their 2-0 defeat by Italy in Euro 2016 Group E on Monday. While praising the contributions of midfielder Marouane Fellaini and defender Thomas Vermaelen, he said striker Romelu Lukaku “didn’t have a particularly happy night and ... De Bruyne could do better too”. Pressed about the form of the Manchester City midfielder, Wilmots added: “If I had an explanation I’d give you one. Is the kid tired after a busy season? Yes, perhaps. He’s been training not quite at full pelt. (But) I think Kevin has given so much over the last four years for the national team, you shouldn’t expect me to slate him.”l

Italy striker Graziano Pelle shoots to score their second goal against Belgium during their Euro 2016 Group E match at Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France on Monday REUTERS

Streetwise Italy too cunning for Belgium n Reuters, Lyon Italy coach Antonio Conte said before Euro 2016 that his side would have to make up for their lack of talent with tactical cunning and they did exactly that to sink Belgium 2-0 on Monday. In terms of pure footballing ability, Italy’s team is regarded as one of the weakest in years yet they were still too streetwise for a Belgium team that once again failed to live up to their own high expectations. The Azzurri’s shortage of talent is such that 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is seen as their standout performer while Daniele De Rossi, once a purely destructive

presence, has been recalled to dictate the passing in midfield. Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, who might have added some class, are injured while maverick forward Mario Balotelli’s career has gone so far off the rails that his exclusion from the squad went almost unnoticed. Monday’s opening Group E performance was typical of Conte who won three successive Serie A titles in as many years at Juventus. Italy appeared to line up with a 3-5-2 formation but this quickly reverted to a back line of five when the opposition had the ball and changed to an attacking four when they went forward.

It required extraordinary workrate from the players and Italy were wilting by the end. The defence, featuring Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, was outstanding but this was by no means the sort of negative or cynical performance that has marred Italy’s reputation in the past. Conte’s men looked to attack in numbers when they had the chance and, for all of Belgium’s possession, Thibaut Courtois was the busier goalkeeper. There was some gamesmanship and, having cleverly avoided any yellow cards in the first hour, Italy picked up four in the last third of the match as they stopped coun-

Wales ponder using Bale as a striker n Reuters Wales boss Chris Coleman is considering deploy Gareth Bale as a striker against England tomorrow after he played a similar role in their European Championship opener against Slovakia. Bale, who usually plays on the wing for club Real Madrid and country, scored the opening goal as Wales kicked off their campaign in Group B with a 2-1 win over Slovakia in Bordeaux on Saturday. “There’s an option there or put him back in the normal role he plays for us,” Coleman told reporters in France. “But I think that we have got between today and Thursday to work on one or two pieces. “I was happy with him at the weekend, more than happy with him. He scored a great free-kick and had a couple of good chances playing in the number nine role.

“At the weekend he got his chances and he was effective. So there will be a chat with him and we will look to see if we will keep him there or move him.” Bale last week made a comment suggesting that Wales had more passion and pride than their neighbours who “big themselves up before they’ve done anything”, a remark that prompted a defensive response from England boss Roy Hodgson. Coleman said Bale had meant no disrespect. “If you know Gareth, he is the most down-to-earth boy you could wish to meet,” he said. “He is not a disrespectful kid. I can understand where Roy was coming from but I think Gareth meant it in a way of ‘little old Wales’.” Wales end their group stage campaign against Russia in Toulouse on June 20. l

ter-attacks at all cost. Two excellent goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle capped Italy’s display. Giaccherini’s goal was his first in internationals since the Confederations Cup three years ago. In the meantime he has gone from a fringe player at Juventus to struggling for a place at Sunderland and finally to unglamorous Bologna, an example of how workmenlike players have replaced Italian artists such as Andrea Pirlo. l

RESULT Belgium

0-2

Italy Giaccherini 32, Pelle 90+2

Podolski defends Loew over ‘Trousers-gate’ n AFP, Evian Germany forward Lukas Podolski has defended head coach Joachim Loew’s indiscreet scratch of his genitals, caught live by television cameras and seized on by social media, during the world champions’ opening Euro 2016 match. The 54-year-old Loew has been widely ridiculed on social media by Germany fans for absent-mindedly slipping his hands into the front of his trousers on the sidelines during Germany’s 2-0 win over Ukraine on Sunday. The German media has

subtly dubbed the unfortunate incident in Lille "Trousers-gate". But Podolski left reporters roaring with laughter at yesterday’s press conference by saying the German boss had just been doing what comes naturally. “I believe 80 percent of you (journalists) and me as well, sometimes scratch your nuts from time to time,” said the Galatasaray forward in Evian with a grin. The Lille incident is just the latest sideline indiscretion from Loew, who has in the past been caught by cameras picking his nose during Germany games.l

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

GROUP A

V FRANCE

ALBANIA

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille 8pm local time (1am BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD FRANCE

17 6 4 1 1 12 3

ALBANIA FIFA ranking Matches played Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

42 6 1 4 1 3 12

France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) vies with defender Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Yohan Cabaye (R) during a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on Monday AFP

Pogba, Griezmann expected to rise to the occasion n Reuters, Paris Albania are unlikely to pose much of a threat to France but Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann will be expected to produce sharper performances in today’s Group A match when victory should assure the hosts a last 16 spot in Euro 2016. Midfielder Pogba and striker Griezmann were both lacklustre in France’s opening 2-1 win over Romania, a result that was salvaged thanks to Dimitri Payet’s stunning 89th minute strike.

Hungary earn shock 2-0 win over Austria

AFP, Bordeaux

Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber scored second-half goals as Hungary stunned highly-fancied neighbours Austria 2-0 in their Group F opener in Bordeaux yesterday. Austria, tipped as tournament dark horses, dominated the opening period but Szalai fired Hungary ahead on 62 minutes with Stieber wrapping up a shock victory over their old rivals late on in the 138th meeting between the sides. Aleksandar Dragovic was sent off for Austria shortly after Szalai ended an 18-month goal drought as Hungary made a triumphant return to a major tournament having last featured at the 1986 World Cup.l

Victory against Albania in Marseille would put France on six points from two games with their place in the knockout phase all but guaranteed. “We all realise how important Antoine and Paul are for us and I’m sure you will see a great France team with both Antoine and Paul at their very best,” said midfielder Moussa Sissoko. A long season with Atletico Madrid appears to have taken a toll on Griezmann. The 25-year-old played more than 50 official matches and

was on club duty till May 28, when Atletico were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Pogba has struggled to recreate the impact he has with Juventus and coach Didier Deschamps said after the Romania game that he expected “much more” from the gifted midfielder. “Paul can do better obviously but I’m not disappointed in his performance,” he said. “The media are expecting too much from him. He has outstanding technical abilities but he’s also

a player who does a lot of hard work, who wants to do well, maybe too well.” Pogba, as well as fellow midfielder Blaise Matuidi and defender Laurent Koscielny skipped Sunday’s training session despite not reporting any injuries. Matuidi believes France will fare better against Albania, who beat them 1-0 a year ago in a friendly game. “We must be better than against Romania. We did not play the game we wanted to play but it was due to the context, it was the opening

match (of the tournament). There is no particular problem,” he said. “We must be able to take risks, to show personality. It will be better against Albania, I’m not worried at all.” While Romania were strong in the midfield, Albania may struggle in that area since captain Lorik Cana will be suspended from the match. He was sent off in the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. “There will be no easy matches but we’re more relaxed now and determined to go all the way,” said Matuidi. l

Blatter says European draws fixed n AFP, Buenos Aires

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he had witnessed rigged draws for European football competitions using “hot and cold balls,” in an interview with an Argentine newspaper published Monday. Blatter said no draw for a FIFA event had been fixed during his 18 years at the helm of world football’s governing body, but said he had seen it done for European competitions. “I never touched the balls,” said Blatter, referring to the plastic balls containing the teams’ names that are used in supposedly random draws for events like the World Cup or Champions League. “Of course, you can mark them

(by) heating them or cooling them,” he told La Nacion. “I witnessed draws at the European level where that happened. But never at FIFA. Of course it can be done.” Pressed for details by the interviewer, Blatter elaborated. “You put the balls in the refrigerator beforehand. Just by comparing one and the other when you touch them you can tell the cold balls from the hot. When you touch them, you know what they are.” Blatter, 80, defended himself and FIFA against the corruption accusations that have thrown the organization into turmoil and led to the arrest of a laundry list of top football officials. “Blatter isn’t corrupt. They tried

to find something on me, but they won’t find any (evidence) I violated any Swiss law,” said the ex-FIFA boss, who has been suspended from football for six years over a payment of two million Swiss

francs ($2 million) to Michel Platini, the former head of European football governing body UEFA. “FIFA isn’t corrupt. An organization can’t be corrupt. Only men are,” he said. l

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

GROUP A

QUICK BYTES Usha KC back to the summit Usha Krira Chakra climbed back to the top of the Green Delta Premier Division Hockey League points table after beating Sonali Bank 5-2 at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Pakistan defender Aleem Belal scored three goals from the penalty corner for the joint holders while local stars Hasan Jubair Niloy and Pushkor Khisa Mimo added one apiece. Ishan Ullah Khan and Rabbi Salehin Rocky netted one apiece for Sonali Bank. Courtesy the victory, Usha remained unbeaten with nine wins and a draw. Second placed Abahani Limited are two points behind the table-toppers. Meanwhile in the day’s other match, Bangladesh Sporting Club were held to a 2-2 draw by Wanderers Club at the same venue. Siraj Ali and Belal bagged one apiece for Bangladesh SC while Sarwar Morshed and Sajib Hossain notched one each for Wanderers. –TRIBUNE REPORT

Barcelona to pay 5.5 mln euros fine over Neymar transfer case Barcelona have agreed to pay a fine of 5.5 million euros ($6.21 million) to the Spanish authorities to settle a tax fraud case over the transfer of Brazil international Neymar in 2013. Barcelona had been accused of concealing part of Neymar’s transfer fee when he moved to Spain from Brazilian club Santos, with several investigations carried out in Spain and Brazil. –REUTERS

Koeman named as Everton’s manager Dutchman Ronald Koeman was named as Everton’s new manager yesterday after Premier League rivals Southampton reluctantly accepted his resignation. Everton had targeted former Ajax Amsterdam coach Koeman since parting company with Roberto Martinez last month. –REUTERS

Juventus sign Roma midfielder Pjanic for 32 million euros Italian champions Juventus have signed creative midfielder Miralem Pjanic for 32 million euros ($36.14 million) from Serie A rivals Roma on a five-year contract, the Turin-based club said yesterday. The Bosnia international joined Roma from Lyon in 2011 and scored 10 goals and set up 12 more in 33 league appearances to help his team finish third in Serie A this past season. –REUTERS

V ROMANIA

SWITZERLAND

Parc des Princes, Paris 5pm local time (10pm BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD ROMANIA

Switzerland's players attend a training session at their training ground at the Mosson stadium in Montpellier on Sunday AFP

22 12 5 4 3 15 19

SWITZERLAND FIFA ranking Matches played Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

15 12 4 5 3 19 15

Romania’s selection dilemma for Swiss game n Reuters, Paris

Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu must decide whether veteran left back Razvan Rat can repel the danger of Xherdan Shaqiri in what could be the defining confrontation of his team’s Euro 2016 clash with Switzerland today. The Romanians were crestfallen to lose 2-1 to hosts and favourites France in the dying moments of the tournament opener on Friday, Dimitri Payet’s long-range stunner ending their stout resistance. Iordanescu’s team, which con-

ceded just two goals in qualifying - the best defensive record in the preliminaries - were surprisingly enterprising going forward versus France and should pose even more problems to the Swiss, who beat Albania in their opening match, in their next group A encounter. But Rat’s form will surely be a concern. The 35-year-old recently returned from a shoulder injury and struggled to cope with the exuberance and trickery of France’s Antoine Griezmann in the first half, while substitute Kingsley Coman’s pace was equally troubling to the

Rayo Vallecano defender late on. Shaqiri, with 17 international goals in 54 appearances, boasts similar qualities to both those French attackers, and will fancy testing Rat’s possible shortcomings. Should Iordanescu, in his third stint in charge of the national team, opt to drop Rat, he could select 22-year-old Steliano Filip. A downbeat Iordanescu had warned after the France defeat that his players were exhausted and it would be difficult to rouse them psychologically to face Switzer-

land, which suggests he will freshen up his line-up for the Parc des Princes encounter. Other selection dilemmas include whether to persist with young striker Florin Andone, second-top scorer in Spain’s second division this season, or instead start with Denis Alibec, a substitute at Stade de France. Likewise, speedy winger Adrian Popa may give way to the more experienced Gabriel Torje, but Nicolae Stanciu’s place seems assured after his sparkling creative display.l

Russia, Slovakia bid to put pressure on England GROUP B

n AFP, Lille

V RUSSIA

SLOVAKIA

Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille 2pm local time (7pm BST) * Bangladesh standard time

HEAD-TO-HEAD RUSSIA

29 8 3 2 3 7 6

SLOVAKIA FIFA ranking Matches played Wins Losses Draws Goals scored Goals against

24 8 2 3 3 6 7

Fresh from holding England in Marseille in their Euro 2016 Group B opener, Russia face Slovakia in Lille today knowing a win would all but secure progression to the last 16. Russia’s opening game on Saturday was overshadowed by the trouble that flared in the city of Marseille and in the stands at the Stade Velodrome at full time. UEFA has since opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia for the crowd disturbances, as well as racist behaviour and the letting off of fireworks, and has threatened them with expulsion from the competition if violence flares again. And with England and Wales playing each other in nearby Lens tomorrow, the threat of more incidents between rival supporters in Lille will be of serious concern to

local authorities. But on the pitch in Marseille there was a happy ending for Leonid Slutsky’s side as captain Vasili Berezutski’s stoppage-time equaliser saw them earn a 1-1 draw against the Group B favourites. That also means a victory at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, a day before England face Wales just along the road, would pile pressure on Roy Hodgson’s men in particular. “I am not a saviour and one point does not really mean that much,” Berezutski told UEFA.com, playing down the significance of his goal before Slutsky’s side travelled to the northern city of Lille to face the Slovakians. Russia saw key midfield duo Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev withdraw from their squad due to injury before the tournament, while back-up goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin missed training yesterday.l

Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev takes part in a training session in Villeneuve-d'Ascq yesterday AFP

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

James, Irving explode to keep Cavs alive in NBA Finals n Reuters, Oakland

NBA FINALS

two guys to give us confidence early, and they both GAME 5, GS LEADS 3-2 did that,” Cavaliers coach LeBron James powered the Tyronn Lue said about sharpshooting Cleveland Cavaliers to a season-sav- 57-25, 24-17 Away 73-9, 39-2 Home James and Irving. “But I’m just very exciting 112-97 win over the deed and proud of the way fending champion Golden 1 2 3 4 T we scrapped and continState Warriors on Monday CLE 29 32 32 19 112 ued to play hard. That’s to climb within 3-2 in the GS 32 29 23 13 97 how we’ve got to play. best-of-seven NBA Finals. That’s us.” Cleveland, facing elimThe game got off to a ination at the hands of MIN FG 3PT FT REB AST PTS wild start and produced the top-seeded Warriors, STARTERS 33 1-5 0-3 0-0 3 1 2 the best 24 minutes yet got 41 points each from K. Love 43 16-30 4-8 5-8 16 7 41 of the Finals as the WarJames and Kyrie Irving L. James riors and Cavaliers each and displayed a tenacious T. Thompson 42 1-3 0-0 4-10 15 0 6 displayed some incredible defense to set up anoth- K. Irving 40 17-24 5-7 2-2 3 6 41 shot-making that left the er do-or-die game for the J.R. Smith 31 3-9 1-2 3-3 2 1 10 teams tied 61-61 at halfCavaliers on Thursday in time. Cleveland. It marked the high“We are just happy we STARTERS MIN FG 3PT FT REB AST PTS est-scoring first half in an got another day, that’s A. Iguodala 41 6-13 1-4 2-2 11 6 15 NBA Finals game since all we can ask for. We got H. Barnes 38 2-14 1-6 0-2 5 1 5 the 1987 championship another day to survive,” S. Curry 40 8-21 5-14 4-4 7 4 25 between the Los Angeles James, who also had 16 reK. Thompson 41 11-20 6-11 9-9 3 1 37 Lakers and Boston Celtics. bounds and seven assists, S. Livingston 21 3-7 0-1 1-1 4 3 7 But after a tight first said after the game. half it was Cleveland who “We understand this is finally pulled ahead by 10 points much for a Warriors team playing a great team no matter who is out late in the third quarter as Irving without suspended defensive stalon the floor for those guys. They carried over the shooting clinic he wart Draymond Green. are the champions so we’ve got to put on during the first 24 minutes The Cavaliers duo became the be ready.” to keep the home crowd in check. first teammates to score at least 40 With their season on the line, With a chance to clinch the title points in an NBA Finals game. the Cavaliers exploded with their on their home court the Warriors “They had two great games, two best game yet of the NBA Finals as were unable to find a way back. l breakout games. We need those James and Kyrie Irving proved too

CAVALIERS 112-97 WARRIORS

CAVALIERS

WARRIORS

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes during the third quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena AP

Infantino holds talks with Diego n Reuters, Zurich Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona, a long-time critic of FIFA, has held talks in Paris with its president Gianni Infantino, the global soccer body said yesterday. FIFA said that the meeting was part of Infantino’s plans to involve top former players in making decisions on the future of the game, and added that the pair also discussed the crisis in the administration of Argentine football. Maradona was a frequent critic of Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter and claimed that there was “a mafia” inside FIFA. He had previously criticised Infantino himself, saying it was “very wrong to go from drawing the lots to run for FIFA president.” The remark was a reference to Infantino’s previous role as general secretary of European soccer body UEFA, where his duties included supervising the draws for European competitions. FIFA has been in turmoil after a wave of indictments of soccer officials in the United States last year, including former members of its executive committee, on corruption-related charges.l

Abahani into quarters, Mohammedan bow out n Tribune Report Abahani Limited swept into the quarterfinals of the Federation Cup after pipping Feni Soccer Club 1-0 at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Abahani’s English midfielder Lee Andrew Tuck netted the all-important goal moments following the kickoff and the win was enough to ensure their place in the knockout stage. The Sky Blues finished their Group A campaign as the runners-up side while Arambagh ended as the group champions. Soccer Club, meanwhile, exited the competition in the group stages. Tuck was the chief architect for Abahani throughout the entire game and almost all of their attacks were orchestrated by the Englishman. Earlier yesterday at the same venue, Mohammedan crashed out after they conceded a dramatic 2-1 loss against Team BJMC.

Forward Mehedi Hasan Tapu netted a brace in the either side of each half to send the Black and Whites out of the tournament with only one point. BJMC moved to the last-eight as group champions with four points while Rahmatganj finished second with two.

RESULTS Abahani

1-0

Soccer Club

Tuck 1

Mohammedan Milon 66

1-2

BJMC Tapu 33, 83

A spirited BJMC side went ahead in the 33rd minute through an upward placing shot of Tapu following a low Khan Mohammad Tara free-kick. Defender Ahsanul Hoq Milon gave the Black and Whites hope in the 66th minute with a spectacular equaliser. Tapu though silenced the Mohammedan fans with a late winner in the 83rd minute.l

Abahani Limited’s English footballer Lee Andrew Tuck is on the verge of slaloming past a Feni Soccer Club defender during their Federation Cup match at Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday MAINOOR ISLAM MANIK

Sport

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

SCORECARD AUSTRALIA INNINGS

U. Khawaja run out A. Finch c Benn b Holder S. Smith c and b Brathwaite G. Bailey c wkpr Ramdin b Pollard M. Marsh c Holder b Brathwaite T. Head c wkpr Ramdin b Pollard M. Wade b Holder J. Faulkner not out N. Coulter-Nile not out Extras (lb-2, w-9)

98 0 74 55 16 1 5 4 1 11

123 1 95 56 16 2 3 3 1

Total (50 overs, 7 wickets)

265

Samuels sparks West Indies over Australia n AFP, Basseterre

West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels hits a boundary off Australian bowler Mitchell Marsh (not in picture) during their One Day International of the Tri-nation Series at the Warner Park stadium in Basseterre on Monday AFP

eight fours and four sixes - the last three of which came off consecutive balls from leg-spinner Adam Zampa over long-off. In keeping with his mercurial nature, he was run out off the very next delivery to have the West Indies at 240 for four in the 41st over. Two more wickets fell to Nathan Coulter-Nile with the score at 254 before Kieron Pollard and Carlos Brathwaite formalised victory in the 46th over. Denesh Ramdin also played a key role in the run-chase. He supported Samuels in a 73-run fourth-wicket stand and continued to play sensibly following the demise of his senior partner before being bowled by Coulter-Nile for 29. Victory pulled the West Indies within a point of leaders Australia in the three-team standings. West Indies next play South Africa today at the same venue. Samuels had joined Darren Bravo at the crease following a rollicking opening stand of 74 in ten overs from Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher. Both benefited from dropped chances by Khawaja before all-rounder James Faulker removed Fletcher for 27 while Zampa trapped Charles in front for 48. Bravo and Samuels then steadied the West Indies chase, keeping them well on course in an 82-run third-wicket partnership that was broken when Zampa was summoned back into the attack. l

Corona stunner earns Mexico draw, top spot in Copa group

Kumble applies for India job n AFP, New Delhi

Marlon Samuels produced his best batting effort in One-Day International cricket against Australia to lead the West Indies to a six-wicket victory in the fifth match of the Tri-Nation series at Warner Park in St Kitts on Monday. Set a challenging target after Us-

man Khawaja’s 98 and supporting half-centuries from skipper Steve Smith (74) and George Bailey (55) lifted the visitors to 265 for seven batting first, the enigmatic Samuels stroked 92 to ensure that the target was reached with 20 deliveries to spare. “It’s all about delivering for the team and keeping us in contention

in the competition,” Man of the Match Samuels said. With a previous best of 63 from 27 ODIs against the most dominant team in this form of the game, the Jamaican right-hander made an important deposit on a significant overdraft against the World Cup-holders, his innings spanning 87 deliveries and decorated with

Fall of wickets 1-1 (Finch), 2-171 (Smith), 3-196 (Khawaja), 4-245 (Marsh), 5-249 (Head), 6-257 (Wade), 7-259 (Bailey). Bowling J. Holder 10-0-44-2 (1w), J. Taylor 5-0-310, S. Narine 10-0-44-0, C. Brathwaite 100-60-2, S. Benn 9-0-52-0 (2w), K. Pollard 6-0-32-2 (2w). WEST INDIES INNINGS

J. Charles lbw Zampa A. Fletcher c Bailey b Faulkner D. Bravo c wkpr Wade by Zampa M. Samuels run out D. Ramdin b Coulter-Nile K. Pollard not out J. Holder c Wade b Coulter-Nile C. Brathwaite not out Extras (lb-3, w-9)

48 27 39 92 29 16 0 3 12

38 27 63 87 38 12 2 7

Total (45.4 overs, 6 wickets)

266

Fall of wickets 1-74 (Fletcher), 2-85 (Charles), 3-167 (Bravo), 4-240 (Samuels), 5-254 (Ramdin), 6-254 (Holder). Bowling J. Hazlewood 9-0-46-0, N. Coulter-Nile 9.4-0-67-2 (4w), J. Faulkner 6-0-31-1, T. Head 6-0-29-0 (1w), M. Marsh 8-0-30-0, A. Zampa 7-0-60-2. West Indies won by four wickets

DAY’S WATCH FOOTBALL SONY ESPN Copa America Centenario 2016 6:00AM Chile v Panama 8:00AM Argentina v Bolivia Euro Cup 2016 7:00PM Russia v Slovakia 10:00PM Romania v Switzerland 1:00AM France v Albania

n Reuters Mexico’s Jesus Manuel Corona weaved his way past five players before firing home in the 80th minute to give his side a 1-1 draw with Venezuela that secured top spot in Group C of the Copa America on Monday. By topping the group Mexico are likely to avoid Argentina in the quarter-finals. Argentina require

just a point in their final game against Bolivia to be sure of top spot in Group D. Mexico and Venezuela each finished with seven points from their three matches but “El Tri” had a superior goal difference. Venezuela had seized the advantage in the 10th minute when Jose Manuel Velazquez silenced the pro-Mexico crown in Houston with a sensational overhead kick.

Venezuela’s Josef Martinez came close to scoring with a bicycle kick but Mexico goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona saved well. Venezuela keeper Daniel Hernandez also produced a string of saves before conceding his first goal of the tournament. In the group’s other match, Uruguay finished the tournament on a high with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica in Santa Clara, California.l

GROUP C

CRICKET TEN 3 1:00PM India Tour of Zimbabwe 2016 3rd ODI 10:00PM

Teams

Mexico

Venezuela

Uruguay

Jamaica

-6

Tri-Nation (WI, AUS, SA) 2016 Mexico

STAR SPORTS 1

1-1

Manuel Corona 80

10:30PM Somerset v Glamorgan

L GD Pts

RESULTS

6th ODI West Indies v South Africa

Natwest T20 Blast 2016

Uruguay Mexico forward Jesus Manuel Corona (10) shoots the ball during the second half against Venezuela at NRG Stadium on Monday AP

Venezuela Velazquez 10

3-0

Hernandez 21, Watson 66-og, Corujo 88

Jamaica

Spin bowling great Anil Kumble is among the biggest names to have applied for the high-profile job as India head coach, according to media reports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India said Sunday that it had received 57 applications for the post but did not reveal any names. Former team director Ravi Shastri, current chief selector Sandeep Patil and ex-pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad were among a few top former players who made their coaching intentions public. But on Monday Kumble, who has mentored Indian Premier League sides such as Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, was reported to have also thrown his hat in the ring. “Yes, I have applied,” the former India skipper was quoted as saying by The Indian Express newspaper. The 45-year-old bagged 619 Test wickets in 132 matches and is only the second bowler in cricket history after England’s Jim Laker to have taken all 10 in a Test innings.l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Was sorry for (4) 4 Encourage in crime (4) 8 Spirit (3) 9 Facts given (4) 10 Outer covering (4) 11 Echo sounder (5) 12 Nidus (4) 14 Term of respect (3) 15 Undermine (3) 17 Faucet (3) 19 Edge (3) 21 Poem of heroism (4) 23 Foreign (5) 26 Intellect (4) 27 Flank (4) 28 Vast age (3) 29 Part of a shoe (4) 30 Tear (4)

DOWN 1 Reddish brown (6) 2 Poet’s Ireland (4) 3 Low sand hills (5) 4 Fuss (3) 5 Financial institutions (5) 6 Greek letter (3) 7 Sailor (coll) (3) 11 Undress (5) 13 Sea nymph (5) 16 Stopped temporarily (6) 18 Company of lions (5) 20 Person under age (5) 22 Ice cream holder (4) 23 Tree (3) 24 Prevaricate (3) 25 Slippery catch (3)

Downtime CODE-CRACKER How to solve: Each number in our CODECRACKER grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 14 represents V so fill V every time the figure 14 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

These days, the National Award winning diva spends hectic days producing new roles and taking part in filming for a few upcoming ventures. Recently, Jaya Ahsan wrapped up a short film made in Kolkata. Titled Bhalobashar Shahor (alternatively City of Love), the film is directed by Indranil Roy Chowdhury, under whose direction Jaya apprered in a TV movie named Ekti Bengali Bhuter Golpo last year. It was aired on Zee Bangla Cinema. City of Love, the 32-minutes short also casts Ritwik Chakrabarty, Arun Mukherjee and Sohinee Sarkar in the leads. A unique, compelling motion poster of the film has unveiled on social

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

WHAT TO WATCH

Jaya on a roll n Showtime desk

Showtime

Sherlock Holmes 9:30pm HBO Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan

media in which a Bengali folksong has been used delicately. City of Love will be released in the forthcoming Eid. Jaya wrapped up another film in Kolkata, Ami Joy Chatterjee in which she will appear alongside the talented actor Abir Chatterjee. Bangladeshi film-maker Saiful Islam Mannu’s Putro has been wrapped as well, and is queued for release. Meanwhile, a new feather was added to her cap when the actress received the Best Supporting Actor award at the 15th Telecine Award 2016 last week. This is her second triumph at the awards show focusing on Bengali cinema and television serials organised by The Tele Cine Society, Kolkata. l

Diesel’s emotional tribute to Paul Walker

n Showtime Desk There’s little doubt that the late Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker’s spirit lives on amidst those whose lives he touched — and Vin Diesel is a firm believer of that. Diesel posted a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, Paul Walker, in the form of a sweet photo posted online. Diesel has been extremely open about the impact that Paul, who died in a car crash back in 2013, had on him. He even named his third and youngest child, daughter Pauline, “it is a way to keep his memory a part of my family and a part of my world,” the actor revealed earlier. Diesel recently posted a photo of himself laughing with his daughter on Instagram. And while that’s certainly adorable on its own, what really caught the attention of fans was his

Evan Almighty 6:43pm Star Movies God contacts Congressman Evan Baxter and tells him to build an ark in preparation for a great flood. Cast: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes Snakes on a Plane 1:36pm WB An FBI agent takes on a plane full of deadly and venomous snakes, deliberately released to kill a witness being flown from Honolulu to Los Angeles to testify against a mob boss. Cast: Samuel L Jackson, Julianna Margulies, Nathan Phillips

late friend and co-star’s, face, which was superimposed on the sky above Diesel and his baby daughter. But the doctored image was only half of it, it was Diesel’s emotional caption that said it all. “Always….” the actor captioned the picture, symbolically implying that Paul is, and will always be looking over him and his family. l Source: Hollywood Times

The One 7:50pm Z Studio A sheriff ’s deputy fights an alternate universe version of himself who grows stronger with each alternate self he kills. Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham, James Morrison

Sara Zaker on Colors FM

A Kapoor carnival n Showtime Desk Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor are collaborating on Veere Di Wedding, which will also star Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania. And, in another bit of unrelated news, rumours have been confirmed; superstars Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor are doing a movie together. As per a report

in Times Of India, the film will explore the spirit of the modern Indian woman and it will be directed by Shashanka Ghosh who has also directed Khoobsurat. Shooting begins in Delhi and the crew will then go to Thailand. Sonam’s Instagram also has the hashtags #feminism and #breakingboundaries so we know the movie is in safe hands. l

n Showtime Desk Tv veteran and theatre activist, Sara Zaker is set to join Alok Basu on his celebrity show, “Bhat Ghum” on Colors FM 101.6 on June 17, between 2pm to 3pm. The show is a Friday noon special of Colors FM where celebrities from different sectors share their views, opinions and connect with listeners. Social media friendly, Sara Zaker recently posted a photo with Alok Basu to let her fans know about the show. l

The Conjuring 9:30pm Movies Now Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorised by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

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Massive plans to tackle Eid traffic rush n Shohel Mamun

The government has prepared a detailed 32-point plan to control highway traffic, avoid untoward situations and ensure comfortable commutes during the Eid-ul-Fitr rush. For the first time, 1,000 volunteers will be deployed at 14 intersections between Dhaka and nearby five districts to handle additional pressure of vehicles during the Eid season. Members of the BNCC, Rover Scout and social organisations

will assist traffic police to reduce traffic jams. Goods-laden trucks and covered vans will not be allowed on the highways for three days before and after Eid, unless they were carrying emergency products like medicine. As an added measure to reduce passenger pressure, Eid holidays will start and end on different dates at RMG factories. CNG filling stations will remain open around the clock from July 1 to July 10 to ensure smooth fuel supply for passenger-carrying vehicles. The decisions were made at a

recent inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat. “The Road Transport and Highways Division has sent letters to the ministries concerned to strictly follow the decision,” said MAN Siddique, the division’s secretary. He told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are preparing to ensure a hassle-free journey during Eid.” Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said: “The volunteers from BNCC and other organisations will work in the intersections for five days before Eid.” Talking to reporters at Dhaka’s

Manik Mia Avenue yesterday, he said: “Busy highways will turn into a one-way traffic system. If any driver breaks the rules, he will be punished. Law enforcers will not allow any illegal parking on the roadside.” According to the new plans, construction of Dhaka’s development projects including the work on Moghbazar-Mouchak Flyover would be stopped for a 10-day period before and after Eid. Authorities would have wrecker vehicles and cranes ready to remove any vehicle that breaks down on the road or crashes in an

accident. Vigilance teams have also been formed to monitor the situation on the city’s road as well as highways. All booths at Bangabandhu Bridge over the Jamuna river would be opened, while teams would monitor to ensure that the correct amount of fare was being collected. Traffic police would also work to keep the entrance and exit points of Dhaka city jam-free. Authorities also requested small vehicles to use alternative roads instead of crowding the capital’s exit points. l

EURO 2016

Russia given suspended disqualification n Reuters

Bangladesh Trade Union Centre stages a demonstration in front of National Press Club yesterday calling for Eid bonus and wages to be paid within the 20th of Ramadan and demanding the realisation of workers’ rationing system under the new budget MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU

First mammal casualty of humancaused climate change n Tribune Desk Scientists believe the disappearance of a small rodent from the Great Barrier Reef marks the world’s first recorded extinction of a mammal primarily due to human-caused climate change. The Bramble Cay melomys, a small rodent that lived on an island in the eastern Torres Strait, was considered the only mammal species endemic to the

Great Barrier Reef, reports The Guardian. A new report, published this month, featured the findings of a fruitless search for the animal conducted in 2014. The melomys were last seen in 2009. The report recommends that the status of the species now be changed from “endangered” to “extinct.” Scientists attributed the extinction to rising sea levels that killed the animals and destroyed their habitat.

Russia could be thrown out of Euro 2016 if their fans cause further trouble inside a stadium after UEFA imposed a suspended disqualification and a 150,000 euro ($168,300.00) fine on the Russian Football Union (RFU) yesterday. Masked Russia supporters charged at England fans, punching and kicking them, after the final whistle of the 1-1 Group B draw at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday. Russia’s fans were also involved in violent clashes with England supporters in the port city before and after the match. “Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFU,” Uefa said in a

statement, adding its ethics committee had imposed a suspended disqualification and fine. “Such suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament,” it added. Sports minister Vitaly Mutko told the R-Sport news agency that Russia, who have been chosen to stage the 2018 World Cup, would not appeal against the sanction. “The punishment is excessive, but we cannot influence it,” said Mutko. The violence in the stadium followed three days of clashes between English, Russian and French fans in the Mediterranean port city that drew a strong response from riot police. l

THE BRAMBLE CAY MELOMYS

“For low-lying islands like Bramble Cay, the destructive effects of extreme water levels resulting from severe meteorological events are compounded by the impacts from anthropogenic climate change-driven sea-level rise,” the report said. “Significantly, this probably represents the first recorded mammalian extinction due to anthropogenic climate change.” l

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